bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of combined iron supplementation and simulated hypoxia on the haematological module of the athlete biological passport
Authors: Garvican‐Lewis Laura A. , Vuong Victor L. , Govus Andrew D. , Schumacher Yorck Olaf , Hughes David , Lovell Greg , Eichner Daniel , Gore Christopher J.
Published: September 2017

The integrity of the athlete biological passport (ABP) is underpinned by understanding normal fluctuations of its biomarkers to environmental or medical conditions, for example, altitude training or iron deficiency. The combined impact of altitude and iron supplementation on the ABP was evaluated in endurance‐trained athletes (n = 34) undertaking 3 weeks of simulated live‐high: train‐low (14 h.d‐1, 3000 m). Athletes received either oral, intravenous (IV) or placebo iron supplementation, commencing 2 weeks prior and continuing throughout hypoxic exposure. Venous blood was sampled twice prior, weekly during, and up to 6 weeks after altitude. Individual ABP thresholds for haemoglobin concentration ([Hb]), reticulocyte percentage (%retic), and OFF score were calculated using the adaptive model and assessed at 99% and 99.9% specificity. Eleven athletes returned values outside of the calculated reference ranges at 99%, with 8 at 99.9%. The percentage of athletes exceeding the thresholds in each group was similar, but IV returned the most individual occurrences. A similar frequency of abnormalities occurred across the 3 biomarkers, with abnormal [Hb] and OFF score values arising mainly during‐, and %retic values mainly post‐ altitude. Removing samples collected during altitude from the model resulted in 10 athletes returning abnormal values at 99% specificity, 2 of whom had not triggered the model previously. In summary, the abnormalities observed in response to iron supplementation and hypoxia were not systematic and mostly in line with expected physiological adaptations. They do not represent a uniform weakness in the ABP. Nevertheless, altitude training and iron supplementation should be carefully considered by experts evaluating abnormal ABP profiles.
Refuting the hypothesis that semaphorin‐3f/neuropilin‐2 exclude blood vessels from the cap mesenchyme in the developing kidney
Authors: Munro David A.D. , Hohenstein Peter , Coate Thomas M. , Davies Jamie A.
Published: September 2017

Background: During murine kidney development, new cortical blood vessels form and pattern in cycles that coincide with cycles of collecting duct branching and the accompanying splitting of the cap mesenchyme (nephron progenitor cell populations that “cap” collecting duct ends). At no point in the patterning cycle do blood vessels enter the cap mesenchyme. We hypothesized that the exclusion of blood vessels from the cap mesenchyme may be controlled, at least in part, by an anti‐angiogenic signal expressed by the cap mesenchyme cells. Results: We show that semaphorin‐3f (Sema3f), a known anti‐angiogenic factor, is expressed in cap mesenchymal cells and its receptor, neuropilin‐2 (Nrp2), is expressed by newly forming blood vessels in the cortex of the developing kidney. We hypothesized that Sema3f/Nrp2 signaling excludes vessels from the cap mesenchyme. Genetic ablation of Sema3f and of Nrp2, however, failed to result in vessels invading the cap mesenchyme. Conclusions: Despite complementary expression patterns, our data suggest that Sema3f and Nrp2 are dispensable for the exclusion of vessels from the cap mesenchyme during kidney development. These results should provoke additional experiments to ascertain the biological significance of Sema3f/Nrp2 expression in the developing kidney. Developmental Dynamics 246:1047–1056, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Merging Triptycene, BODIPY and Porphyrin Chemistry: Synthesis and Properties of Mono‐ and Trisubstituted Triptycene Dye Arrays
Authors: Emandi Ganapathi , Shaker Yasser M. , Flanagan Keith J. , O'Brien Jessica M. , Senge Mathias O.
Published: September 2017

A series of functionalized triptycene scaffolds has been synthesized using 2‐formyltriptycene and 5‐(2‐triptycenyl)dipyrromethane. Using these two key precursors, mixed condensations with different aromatic aldehydes and aryl‐dipyrromethanes gave access to all members of triptycenyl meso‐substituted porphyrins (AB3‐, A2B2‐, A3B‐, and A4) and allowed their photophysical and electrochemical characterization. Additionally, the first crystal structure of tetratriptycenylporphyrin is reported. 2‐Formyltriptycene was also used for the preparation of two different mono‐BODIPY‐triptycene compounds, while 2,6,14‐triiodotriptycene was used in Suzuki and Sonogashira cross‐coupling reactions to obtain threefold BODIPY‐substituted triptycene–dye conjugates. The mono‐ and tri‐BODIPY‐substituted triptycene scaffolds exhibit good absorption in the visible to NIR region indicating the potential use of the triptycene scaffold as the core of multi‐dye light‐harvesting systems.
Prediction of persistent post‐operative pain: Pain‐specific psychological variables compared with acute post‐operative pain and general psychological variables
Authors: Horn‐Hofmann C. , Scheel J. , Dimova V. , Parthum A. , Carbon R. , Griessinger N. , Sittl R. , Lautenbacher S.
Published: September 2017

Background

Psychological variables and acute post‐operative pain are of proven relevance for the prediction of persistent post‐operative pain. We aimed at investigating whether pain‐specific psychological variables like pain catastrophizing add to the predictive power of acute pain and more general psychological variables like depression.

Methods

In all, 104 young male patients undergoing thoracic surgery for pectus excavatum correction were studied on the pre‐operative day (T0) and 1 week (T1) and 3 months (T2) after surgery. They provided self‐report ratings (pain‐related: Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale = PASS, Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire = PVAQ; general psychological: Screening for Somatoform Symptoms, State‐Anxiety Inventory‐X1, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale = CES‐D). Additional predictors (T1) as well as criterion variables (T2) were pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale) and pain disability (Pain Disability Index).

Results

Three months after surgery, 25% of the patients still reported clinically relevant pain (pain intensity ≥3) and over 50% still reported pain‐related disability. Acute post‐operative pain as well as general psychological variables did not allow for a significant prediction of persistent post‐operative pain; in contrast, pain‐related psychological variables did. The best single predictors were PASS for pain intensity and PVAQ for pain disability.

Conclusions

Pain‐related psychological variables derived from the fear‐avoidance model contributed significantly to the prediction of persistent post‐operative pain. The best possible compilation of these measures requires further research. More general psychological variables may become relevant predictors later in the medical history.

Significance

Our results suggest that pain‐specific psychological variables such as pain anxiety and pain hypervigilance add significantly to the prediction of persistent post‐operative pain and might even outperform established predictors such as acute pain and general psychological variables. Clinicians might benefit from the development of time‐economic screening tools based on these variables.
Critical Impact of Chloride Containing Reference Electrodes on Electrochemical Measurements
Authors: Lämmel C. , Heubner C. , Liebmann T. , Schneider M.
Published: September 2017

Chloride containing reference electrodes, such as various silver‐silver chloride electrodes, are well established in electrochemical analyses. Usually less attention is paid to the influence of potential chloride contamination of electrochemical measurements. Herein, the impact of the chloride leakage rate is studied by means of experiments concerning the anodic oxidation of aluminum. Based on the results, the authors determine critical leakage rates, depending on typical electrolyte volumes and experimental conditions. The results demonstrate that chloride leakage can significantly influence electrochemical measurements, even at ultra‐low leakage rates. A guideline for the usage of chloride containing reference electrodes is deduced from the experimental results and theoretical considerations.
Robust 3D Boron Nitride Nanoscaffolds for Remarkable Hydrogen Storage Capacity from Ammonia Borane
Authors: Salameh Chrystelle , Moussa Georges , Bruma Alina , Fantozzi Gilbert , Malo Sylvie , Miele Philippe , Demirci Umit B. , Bernard Samuel
Published: September 2017

Mesoporous monolithic (3D) boron nitride (BN) structures are synthesized using a template‐assisted polymer‐derived ceramic route. Polyborazylene is selected to impregnate monolithic activated carbon, which is used as template. After pyrolysis and template removal, this method supplies BN compounds with controlled crystallinity and tunable textural properties controlled by the temperature at which they have been annealed (from 1000 to 1450 °C). Monoliths with an interconnected mesoporous network, high specific surface areas from 584 to 728 m2 g−1, significant pore volumes from 0.75 to 0.93 cm3 g−1, and a relatively high compressive strength are generated. These highly porous compounds are used as nanoscaffolds to confine ammonia borane (AB). The composites provide an effective gravimetric hydrogen capacity of up to 8.1 wt %, based on AB measured at 100 °C; this value demonstrates the high potential of this system as a safe potential hydrogen storage material.
Recycling of spent nickel–cadmium battery using a thermal separation process
Authors: Hung Yun‐Ying , Yin Li‐Te , Wang Jian‐Wen , Wang Chih‐Ta , Tsai Cheng‐Hsien , Kuo Yi‐Ming
Published: September 2017

Spent batteries, which contain many hazardous metals, may lead to secondary pollution if not properly treated. Nickel‐cadmium (Ni‐Cd) batteries contain a large amount of valuable metals that are worth recovery. They are mainly composed of a positive electrode (33.3%), a negative electrode (28.8%), and a metal can (14.5%). The main composition of the positive electrode and negative electrode are Ni (304,000 mg/kg) and Cd (531,000 mg/kg), respectively. The other components are mainly composed of Fe. In this study, a thermal separation process (TSP) was used to recover valuable metals from spent Ni‐Cd batteries with limestone and cullet additives. After the TSP, the output‐materials were divided into slag, ingot, and flue gas. The slag was mainly composed of Ca and Si, and the major crystalline phase was CaSiO3. The slag was verified to be a nonhazardous material using a toxicity characteristics leaching procedure and could thus be recycled. The ingot had a high level of Fe (514,000 mg/kg) and Ni (245,000 mg/kg), so it could be refined to recover the Ni or directly serve as an additive in the making of steel. The particulate phase of the flue gas contained high levels of Cd (686,000 mg/kg) and Zn (36,000 mg/kg) and could be refined to recover Cd. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 645–654, 2018
Effects of indole‐3‐butytric acid (IBA) on growth and cadmium accumulation in the accumulator plant Stellaria media
Authors: Lin Lijin , Ma Qianqian , Wang Jin , Lv Xiulan , Liao Ming'an , Xia Hui , Chen Shengxiang , Lai Yunsong , Chen Cheng , Wang Xun , Tang Yi , Liang Dong
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of exogenous indole‐3‐butyric acid (IBA) on the growth and cadmium (Cd) accumulation in the Cd‐accumulator plant Stellaria media. Exogenous IBA was applied as a foliar spray to S. media sddelings growing in Cd‐contaminated soil. Statistical analyses of data were conducted using SPSS 13.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL). Treatment with IBA (50, 75, and 100 mg L−1) increased the root, shoot, and whole plant biomasses of S. media, and also increased the photosynthetic pigment content, antioxidant enzyme activity, soluble protein content, and soluble sugar content of S. media, compared with their respective levels in controls. The maximum values for these parameters were at the 75 mg L−1 IBA treatment. Treatment with 50 mg L−1 IBA increased the Cd content in the roots and shoots of S. media compared with the control. Treatment with 75 mg L−1 IBA increased the amount of Cd extracted by roots and shoots compared with controls. The maximum Cd extraction by roots and shoots was in the 75 mg L−1 IBA treatment. These findings indicated that IBA could promote the growth of S. media, and treatment with 75 mg L−1 IBA effectively could enhance Cd extraction from soil by S. media. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 733–737, 2018
Outage analysis in two‐way communication with RF energy harvesting relay and co‐channel interference
Authors: Ghosh Sutanu , Acharya Tamaghna , Maity Santi P.
Published: September 2017

The study of relays with the scope of energy harvesting (EH) looks interesting as a means of enabling sustainable, wireless communication without the need to recharge or replace the battery driving the relays. However, the reliability of such communication systems becomes an important design challenge when such relays scavenge energy from the information bearing radio‐frequency signals received from the source, using the technique of simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT). To this aim, this work studies bidirectional communication in a decode‐and‐forward (DF) relay–assisted cooperative wireless network in the presence of co‐channel interference (CCI). In order to quantify the reliability of the bidirectional communication systems, a closed‐form expression for the outage probability of the system is derived for both power splitting (PS) and time switching (TS) modes of operation of the relay. Simulation results are used to validate the accuracy of our analytical results and illustrate the dependence of the outage probability on various system parameters, like PS factor, TS factor and distance of the relay from both of the users. The results of performance comparison between PS relaying (PSR) and TS relaying (TSR) schemes are also presented. Besides, simulation results are also used to illustrate the spectral efficiency and the energy efficiency of the proposed system. The results show that, in terms of both spectral efficiency and energy efficiency, the two‐way communication system in the presence of moderate CCI power, performs better than the similar system without CCI. Additionally, it is also found that PSR is superior to TSR protocol in terms of peak energy efficiency.
Mitochondrial Replacement Techniques, Scientific Tourism, and the Global Politics of Science
Authors: Chan Sarah , Palacios‐González César , De Jesús Medina Arellano María
Published: September 2017

The United Kingdom is the first and so far only country to pass explicit legislation allowing for the licensed use of the new reproductive technology known as mitochondrial replacement therapy. The techniques used in this technology may prevent the transmission of mitochondrial DNA diseases, but they are controversial because they involve the manipulation of oocytes or embryos and the transfer of genetic material. Some commentators have even suggested that MRT constitutes germline genome modification. All eyes were on the United Kingdom as the most likely location for the first MRT birth, so it was a shock when, on September 27, 2016, an announcement went out that the first baby to result from use of the intervention had already been born. In New York City, United States‐based scientist John Zhang used maternal spindle transfer (one of the recognized MRT methods) to generate five embryos for a woman carrying oocytes with deleterious mutations of the mitochondrial DNA. Zhang then shipped the only euploid embryo to Mexico, where it was transferred to the mother's uterus. Zhang's team's travel across international borders to carry out experimental procedures represents a form of scientific tourism that has not been properly ethically explored; it can, however, have seriously detrimental effects for developing countries.
Liquidity and realized volatility in short‐term interest rate futures in 2008 crisis
Authors: Goss Barry A. , Avsar S. Gulay
Published: September 2017

The literature on derivative securities evidently does not contain any empirical studies of liquidity and volatility with high‐frequency data for leading Australian financial futures contracts, during the general financial crisis. Moreover, while the extant literature has studied the liquidity interdependence between spot markets for bonds and equities, the liquidity interdependence between the futures markets for these securities has been neglected. This article, in addressing these deficiencies, estimates the relationship between liquidity and realized volatility, for Australian 90 Day Bank Accepted Bills (BAB) futures (first interest rate futures contract outside USA), with high‐frequency data from the crisis year 2008, and studies the effect of changes in liquidity of S&P200 Index futures on the liquidity of BAB futures. The main results are first, the key variables are positively skewed and leptokurtic. Second, the ask–bid spread for BAB futures varies directly with volatility, which is consistent with a private information interpretation of volatility, which increases asymmetric information costs. Third, the ask–bid spreads for BAB futures and S&P200 futures exhibit positive covariation, which is consistent with the view of commonality in liquidity. The results of this research will be relevant to policymakers, regulators, market participants, educators, and graduate students.
Do women leaders promote positive change? Analyzing the effect of gender on business practices and diversity initiatives
Authors: Glass Christy , Cook Alison
Published: September 2017

While most scholarship on gender leadership diversity and organizational outcomes considers the impact of board composition on firm performance, we consider the impact of women CEOs and board members together on a range of organizational outcomes. We test three competing theoretical perspectives related to gender in organizations: gender difference, homophily, and diversity. We rely on a unique data set of CEO characteristics, board composition and firm outcomes of all Fortune 500 companies from 2001 to 2010. We find that firms with women CEOs or gender diverse boards are associated with stronger business and equity practices. We also find that gender diverse leadership teams demonstrate stronger business and equity outcomes than teams characterized by gender homophily.
Research on melting and solidification processes for enhanced double tubes with constant wall temperature/wall heat flux
Authors: Ye Wei‐Biao , Guo Hong‐Ju , Huang Si‐Min , Hong Yu‐Xiang
Published: September 2017

Latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) improves the energy utilization efficiency between energy supply and energy demand of heating storage in buildings and liquid desiccant air conditioning systems. The present work is focused on validated numerical investigation of the thermal performances of LHTES inside enhanced double tubes. The effects of the number of fins ranging from 2 to 10 and boundary conditions of the inner tube wall on the melting and solidification processes are examined. The results indicate that number of fins and wall boundary conditions play an important role in the thermal performances of LHTES. It is noted that recirculation flow in the liquid phase change material region is formed remarkably. The enhancement ratio for constant wall temperature is more significant than that of constant wall heat flux during the melting process. However, the discrepancy of the enhancement ratio for different inner wall temperatures is limited during the solidification process.
CRHR2/Ucn2 signaling is a novel regulator of miR‐7/YY1/Fas circuitry contributing to reversal of colorectal cancer cell resistance to Fas‐mediated apoptosis
Authors: Pothoulakis Charalabos , Torre‐Rojas Monica , Duran‐Padilla Marco A. , Gevorkian Jonathan , Zoras Odysseas , Chrysos Emmanuel , Chalkiadakis George , Baritaki Stavroula
Published: September 2017

Colorectal cancer (CRC) responds poorly to immuno‐mediated cytotoxicity. Underexpression of corticotropin‐releasing‐hormone‐receptor‐2 (CRHR2) in CRC, promotes tumor survival, growth and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), in vitro and in vivo. We explored the role of CRHR2 downregulation in CRC cell resistance to Fas/FasL‐mediated apoptosis and the underlying molecular mechanism. CRC cell sensitivity to CH11‐induced apoptosis was compared between Urocortin‐2 (Ucn2)‐stimulated parental and CRHR2‐overexpressing CRC cell lines and targets of CRHR2/Ucn2 signaling were identified through in vitro and ex vivo analyses. Induced CRHR2/Ucn2 signaling in SW620 and DLD1 cells increased specifically their sensitivity to CH11‐mediated apoptosis, via Fas mRNA and protein upregulation. CRC compared to control tissues had reduced Fas expression that was associated with lost CRHR2 mRNA, poor tumor differentiation and high risk for distant metastasis. YY1 silencing increased Fas promoter activity in SW620 and re‐sensitized them to CH11‐apoptosis, thus suggesting YY1 as a putative transcriptional repressor of Fas in CRC. An inverse correlation between Fas and YY1 expression was confirmed in CRC tissue arrays, while elevated YY1 mRNA was clinically relevant with advanced CRC grade and higher risk for distant metastasis. CRHR2/Ucn2 signaling downregulated specifically YY1 expression through miR‐7 elevation, while miR‐7 modulation in miR‐7high SW620‐CRHR2+ and miR‐7low HCT116 cells, had opposite effects on YY1 and Fas expressions and cell sensitivity to CH11‐killing. CRHR2/Ucn2 signaling is a negative regulator of CRC cell resistance to Fas/FasL‐apoptosis via targeting the miR‐7/YY1/Fas circuitry. CRHR2 restoration might prove effective in managing CRC response to immune‐mediated apoptotic stimuli.
Neural differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with human brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gene‐modified in functionalized self‐assembling peptide hydrogel in vitro
Authors: Luo Hongbin , Xu Changsheng , Liu Zhiwei , Yang Lin , Hong Yunda , Liu Guisheng , Zhong Huifen , Cai Xinyi , Lin Xuping , Chen Xiaokun , Wang Changsheng , Nanwen Zhang , Xu Weihong
Published: September 2017

Objective

To investigate the biocompatibility and differentiation of human brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (hBDNF) gene‐modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBDNF‐rMSCs) in a functionalized self‐assembling peptide hydrogel.

Methods

hBDNF was engineered in rMSCs using adenovirus vector and the enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP) was used as a reporter gene. Mesenchymal stem cell‐specific surface markers (CD90, CD29, and CD45) were used for identifying rat‐derived MSCs. Fluorescence microscope was used to detect the transfection of rMSCs. hBDNF‐rMSCs and control cells (eGFP‐rMSCs) were seeded in a functional self‐assembling peptide hydrogel (RADA16‐PRG hydrogel) and a control hydrogel (RADA16 hydrogel). Cells were divided into three groups (hBDNF‐rMSCs + RADA16 hydrogel, hBDNF‐rMSCs + RADA16‐PRG hydrogel, and eGFP‐rMSCs + RADA16‐PRG hydrogel) and a control group (eGFP‐rMSCs + RADA16 hydrogel). Cell growth, cell proliferation, expression of hBDNF‐mRNA, the level of hBDNF, neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) protein were analyzed for each group.

Results

rMSCs were positive for CD90 and CD29 and negative for CD45, green fluorescence was strongly visible at 72 hours after transfection. Compared with control group, the expression of hBDNF‐mRNA and levels of hBDNF protein in both hBDNF group were significantly increased (P < 0.01), the cell growth, cell proliferation, and levels of NSE and GFAP protein were significantly increased in three groups (
P < 0.01). Cell growth, cell proliferation, expression of hBDNF‐mRNA, and levels of hBDNF, NSE, and GFAP protein in hBDNF‐rMSCs + RADA16‐PRG hydrogel group were significantly higher than that of hBDNF‐rMSCs + RADA16 hydrogel group (
P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Bone marrow MSCs can be induced into neural cells by the human brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gene in a RADA16‐PRG functionalized self‐assembling peptide hydrogel.
Drug therapy targeting pyrophosphate slows the ossification of spinal ligaments in twy mice
Authors: Hiratsuka Shigeto , Takahata Masahiko , Shimizu Tomohiro , Hamano Hiroki , Ota Masahiro , Sato Dai , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: September 2017

The lack of an effective drug therapy against ossification of spinal ligament (OSL) warrants investigation into the therapeutic target of this disease. An endogenous inhibitor of biomineralization, pyrophosphate (PPi) is a potential therapy for ectopic ossification; however, exogenous PPi is rapidly hydrolyzed by tissue non‐specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) present in body fluids. In this study, we examined whether a drug therapy targeting PPi is efficacious for the treatment of OSL using the Enpp1ttw/ttw (twy) mouse model. Twenty male twy mice were randomized into four groups: (i) vehicle (Control); (ii) alkaline phosphatase inhibitor levamisole (5 mg/kg/day sc continuously); (iii) levamisole + exogenous PPi (160 µmol/kg/day sc continuously); and (iv) nuclear retinoic acid receptor‐γ (RARγ) agonist (6 µg/kg sc daily). The RARγ agonist, which is a proven inhibitor of ectopic endochondral ossification, was used as a positive control. Treatments commenced when the mice were 5 weeks of age and continued for 4 weeks. Longitudinal micro‐computed tomography and postmortem histological analysis were performed. Administration of levamisole alone and in combination with PPi increased serum PPi concentration by 17% and 52%, respectively, compared to that in vehicle‐treated mice. The development of OSL in twy mice was suppressed by levamisole + PPi and RARγ agonist treatments, but not by levamisole alone. The levamisole + PPi therapy did not cause osteoporosis, whereas RARγ agonist‐treated mice developed osteoporosis. Treatment of twy mice with levamisole in combination with exogenous PPi increased serum PPi level, which slowed the progression of OSL without producing adverse effect on bone. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1256–1261, 2018.
Impact of sulfur applications on the agronomic performance of rapeseed–clover mixtures
Authors: Génard Thaïs , Laîné Philippe , Diquélou Sylvain , Nési Nathalie , Yvin Jean-Claude , Etienne Philippe
Published: September 2017

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is a crop requiring high levels of nitrogen (N) fertilizer for growth and to optimize yield and seed quality. To limit the environmental pollution associated with intensive N fertilizer use, rapeseed–clover (Trititcum incarnatum L.) mixtures were grown in lysimeters under low N conditions (100 kg N ha−1). Considering the high sulfur (S) requirements of both rapeseed and clover, two inputs of S fertilizer (30 and 60 kg S ha−1) were applied. The effects S input on the agronomic performance of rapeseed in mixture and monocrops considered as reference, the N2‐fixing capacity of clover, and the leaching of nitrate and sulfate were monitored. This study showed that the N2‐fixing capacity (%Ndfa) of clover was improved (1.3‐fold) when it was grown in mixture with rapeseed at S60. However, irrespective of the type of cropping (monocrops or mixtures) and S application level (30 or 60 kg S ha−1), the biomasses and total N and S contents of both plants were not significantly different, nor was the rapeseed seed quality. Moreover, the yield of rapeseed grown in mixture at S60 was significantly lower than the yield of rapeseed grown as a monocrop (331.5 ± 9.8 versus 380.8 ± 3.5 g DW m−2, respectively). The results demonstrate that, in our field conditions, rapeseed mixed with clover required only 30 kg S ha−1 to maintain yield and seed quality, despite the high S needs of both plants. More surprisingly, compared to the rapeseed monocrop, the rapeseed–clover mixture led to an increase in N (‐N) and S (‐S) leaching during the early winter period of cultivation.
Time‐multiplexed color image generation by viewing‐zone scanning holographic display employing MEMS‐SLM
Authors: Matsumoto Yuji , Takaki Yasuhiro
Published: September 2017

The viewing‐zone scanning holographic display, which can enlarge both screen size and viewing zone, is modified to enable color image generation by using the time‐multiplexing technique; R, G, and B lasers sequentially illuminate a single microelectromechanical systems spatial light modulator with a high frame rate. The viewing‐zone scanning system enlarges screen size by using a magnifying imaging system and generates a large number of reduced viewing zones that are aligned in the horizontal direction by a horizontal scanner to enlarge the viewing zone. The interval of the reduced viewing zones is set to be one‐third of the width of the reduced viewing zones or less so that three sets of reduced viewing zones are generated corresponding to the three colors. Color image generation was demonstrated for a screen size of 2.0 in. and a viewing zone angle of 40.0°.
Incidence and predictors of postoperative delirium after cytoreduction surgery‐hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: Plas Matthijs , Hemmer Patrick H.J. , Been Lukas B. , van Ginkel Robert J. , de Bock Geertruida H. , van Leeuwen Barbara L.
Published: September 2017

Background

Incidence of, and baseline characteristics associated with delirium in patients after cytoreduction surgery‐hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS‐HIPEC), were subject of investigation.

Methods

The study was conducted among a consecutive series of prospectively included patients who underwent CRS‐HIPEC at the University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands, between February 2006 and January 2015. A chart‐based instrument for delirium during hospitalization was used to identify patients with symptoms of delirium who were not diagnosed by a psychiatrist during admission. Uni‐ and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Data of 136 patients were included in the analysis. Median age was 60 years (range: 18‐76) and 50 (37%) patients were male. During hospitalization, 38 (28%) patients were diagnosed with delirium. Factors that differed significantly between the patients with and without delirium by univariate analysis were included in multivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that after adjustment for age and complications other than delirium, having three or more organs resected and the CRP serum levels were independent predictors for delirium (OR: 3.97; 95% 1.24‐12.76; OR: 1.01; 95% 1‐1.01, respectively).

Conclusions

This report shows an incidence of 28% of delirium, occurring after CRS‐HIPEC and suggests a role for systemic inflammation in the development of postoperative delirium.
Great lakes double‐crested cormorant management affects co‐nester colony growth
Authors: Wyman Katherine E. , Wires Linda R. , Cuthbert Francesca J.
Published: September 2017

The population of double‐crested cormorants (Phalacorocorax auritus; cormorants) in the North American Great Lakes has increased substantially since the 1970s, sparking economic, social, and biological concerns that have led to widespread management of the species within United States waters. Previous studies have quantified behavioral impacts of cormorants on other waterbird species that share breeding colony sites with cormorants. However, no study has yet examined how these impacts might scale to entire colonies, nor have potential effects of cormorant management on co‐nesters been examined. Our objective was to estimate effects of cormorant abundance and management on colony growth indices of 4 species that commonly co‐nest with cormorants in the North American Great Lakes; 3 of these species are conservation or stewardship priorities for the region. We estimated colony growth using the Great Lakes Colonial Waterbird Survey and comparable Canadian surveys, conducted between 1976 and 2010. We then applied linear mixed models to determine association of co‐nester colony growth indices with cormorant abundance and management presence and intensity while controlling for other factors that likely influenced growth rates. According to the fitted models, black‐crowned night‐heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) colony growth was negatively related to cormorant abundance and management, whereas great blue herons (Ardea herodias) had little response to cormorant abundance, and herring gulls (Larus argentatus) and ring‐billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) responded positively to cormorant abundance and management. These results suggest that cormorant management may not be as neutral to co‐nesters as is often assumed. Responsible management plans for cormorants should take into account the likely effects on co‐nesters present so that conservation and management goals for co‐nesters can also be met. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Ruffed grouse population declines after introduction of West Nile virus
Authors: Stauffer Glenn E. , Miller David A.W. , Williams Lisa M. , Brown Justin
Published: September 2017

The abundance of ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) has declined over a broad region in the Appalachian Mountains in the last 3 decades. We determined empirical support for different hypothesized causes of declines: habitat loss, forest maturation, and the introduction of West Nile virus (WNV) in the early 2000s. We examined how these factors relate to declines observed in 2 data sets: changes between 2 Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA) surveys in Pennsylvania conducted in the 1980s and 2000s and a 48‐year time series of flush rate data. Initial occupancy of BBA blocks was positively related to the amount of available forested habitat, and persistence and colonization probabilities were negatively related to WNV intensity and positively related to available forest and to increasing trends in early successional habitat. Flush rates dropped in most regions after the arrival of WNV, but trend estimates were imprecisely estimated, and there was considerable uncertainty about whether or how the slope of annual trends in flush rates changed. Our results provide support for the importance of forest and early successional forest, but taken together with other supporting evidence for the presence of WNV in wild ruffed grouse populations and mortality in ruffed grouse chicks caused by WNV infection, our results also suggest that ruffed grouse populations might have been affected by mortality from WNV. In the face of WNV, managing habitat may be insufficient to sustain ruffed grouse populations. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Urban and rural differences in outcomes of head and neck cancer
Authors: Kim Jason D. , Firouzbakht Aryan , Ruan Jenny Y. , Kornelsen Emily , Moghaddamjou Ali , Javaheri Khodadad R. , Olson Robert A. , Cheung Winson Y.
Published: September 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To assess for potential urban and rural disparities in head and neck cancer (HNC) outcomes within a single‐payer healthcare system.

Study Design

A large retrospective population‐based cohort analysis of consecutive HNC patients treated in British Columbia, Canada between 2001 and 2010 was conducted.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with HNC from 2001 to 2010 and referred to any one of five British Columbia Cancer Agency centers for management were reviewed. Based on census data, patients were classified into: 1) rural, 2) small urban, 3) moderate urban, and 4) large urban areas. Kaplan‐Meier methods and Cox regression models were used to correlate site of residence with overall survival (OS), controlling for prognostic factors that included sociodemographic and other tumor and treatment‐related characteristics.

Results

We identified 3,036 patients; the median age was 64 years, 26% were women, and 32% had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 0 or 1. The majority resided in large urban areas (55%) followed by rural (22%), moderate urban (13%), and small urban (10%). In regression analyses, smoking (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28‐3.45, P < .001), ECOG 2 + (HR: 3.44, 95% CI: 2.26‐5.22, P < .001), oral cavity (HR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.03‐2.32, P = .04) and hypopharyngeal tumors (HR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.42‐3.77, P = .00), and large tumor size (HR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.08‐2.64, P = .02) were correlated with inferior OS, but site of residence was not. When stratified by type of treatment, OS remained similar irrespective of urban or rural residence.

Conclusions

Urban–rural differences in HNC survival outcomes were not observed.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 128:852–858, 2018
Depot‐Specific Response of Adipose Tissue to Diet‐Induced Inflammation: The Retinoid‐Related Orphan Receptor α (RORα) Involved?
Authors: Kadiri Sarah , Auclair Martine , Capeau Jacqueline , Antoine Bénédicte
Published: September 2017

Objective

Epididymal adipose tissue (EAT), a visceral fat depot, is more closely associated with metabolic dysfunction than inguinal adipose tissue (IAT), a subcutaneous depot. This study evaluated whether the nuclear receptor RORα, which controls inflammatory processes, could be implicated.

Methods

EAT and IAT were compared in a RORα loss‐of‐function mouse (sg/sg) and in wild‐type (WT) littermates, fed a standard diet (SD) or a Western diet (WD), to evaluate the impact of RORα expression on inflammatory status and on insulin sensitivity (IS) of each fat depot according to the diet.

Results

Sg/sg mice fed the SD exhibited a decreased inflammatory status and a higher IS in their fat depots than WT mice. WD‐induced obesity had distinct effects on the two fat depots. In WT mice, EAT exhibited increased inflammation and insulin resistance while IAT showed reduced inflammation and improved IS, together with a depot‐specific increase of RORα, and its target gene IκBα, in the stroma vascular fraction (SVF). Conversely, in sg/sg mice, WD increased inflammation and lowered IS of IAT but not of EAT.

Conclusions

These findings suggest an anti‐inflammatory role for RORα in response to WD, which occurs at the level of SVF of IAT, thus possibly contributing to the “healthy” expansion of IAT.
Tubulin or Not Tubulin: Heading Toward Total Protein Staining as Loading Control in Western Blots
Authors: Moritz Christian P.
Published: September 2017

Western blotting is an analytical method widely used for detecting and (semi‐)quantifying specific proteins in given samples. Western blots are continuously applied and developed by the protein community. This review article focuses on a significant, but not yet well‐established, improvement concerning the internal loading control as a prerequisite to accurately quantifying Western blots. Currently, housekeeping proteins (HKPs) like actin, tubulin, or GAPDH are often used to check for equal loading or to compensate potential loading differences. However, this loading control has multiple drawbacks. Staining of the total protein on the blotting membrane has emerged as a better loading control. Total protein staining (TPS) represents the actual loading amount more accurately than HKPs due to minor technical and biological variation. Further, the broad dynamic range of TPS solves the issue of HKPs that commonly fail to show loading differences above small loading amounts of 0.5–10 μg. Although these and further significant advantages have been demonstrated over the past 10 years, only a small percentage of laboratories take advantage of it. The objective of this review article is to collect and compare information about TPS options and to invite users to reconsider their applied loading control. Nine benefits of TPS are discussed and seven different variants are critically evaluated by comparing technical details. Consequently, this review article offers an orientation in selecting the appropriate staining type. I conclude that TPS should be the preferred loading control in future Western blot approaches.
Enhancing Proteomic Throughput in Capillary Electrophoresis–Mass Spectrometry by Sequential Sample Injection
Authors: Faserl Klaus , Sarg Bettina , Sola Laura , Lindner Herbert H.
Published: September 2017

In this study we demonstrate the potential of sequential injection of samples in capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry for rapid and sensitive proteome characterization of human lymphoblastic T‐cells (line CCRF–CEM). Proteins were extracted, enzymatically digested, and the resulting peptides fractionated by RP–HPLC. Twenty fractions were thereafter analyzed by CE–MS within a single MS analysis. The CE–MS method was designed so that every 10 min a new fraction was injected into the CE system. Without any rinsing or equilibration steps we were able to generate a continuous stream of peptides feeding the mass analyzer. In 250 min, the total analysis time of a single sequential injection experiment, we were able to identify roughly 28 000 peptide sequences counting for 4800 proteins. These numbers could be increased to 62 000 peptides and more than 6100 proteins identified, when performing three experiments analyzing a total of 60 fractions, all within 12.5 h. We found that the electrophoretic mobility of peptides can be used to trace back peptides and assign them to the fraction they originate from.
Is lower symptom recognition associated with socioeconomic inequalities in help‐seeking for potential breast cancer symptoms?
Authors: Davies Hilary , Marcu Afrodita , Vedsted Peter , Whitaker Katriina L.
Published: September 2017

Objective

Socioeconomic inequalities in recognising signs and symptoms of cancer may result in inequalities in timely help‐seeking and subsequent prognosis of breast cancer. We explored the mediating role of symptom attribution and concern on the relationship between level of education and help‐seeking for potential breast cancer symptoms.

Methods

Women aged ≥47 years (n = 961) were purposively recruited (by education) to complete an online vignette‐based survey that included nipple rash and axillary lump (in separate vignettes) as potential symptoms of breast cancer. Women completed questions relating to medical help‐seeking (yes/no), cancer attribution, symptom concern, cancer avoidance, family history, and demographics.

Results

Women with low education and mid education attributed nipple rash less often to cancer (26% and 27% mentioned cancer) than women with a degree or higher (40%). However, women with a degree or higher (63%) or mid education (64%) were less likely to anticipate seeking help for the nipple rash than women with no formal qualifications (73%). This association was statistically significant in the 60‐ to 69‐year‐old age group. There was no significant association between education and help‐seeking for axillary lump. Mediation analysis adjusting for potential confounders confirmed that the association between education and help‐seeking for nipple rash was fully mediated by symptom concern.

Conclusions

Socioeconomic inequalities in stage at diagnosis and survival of breast cancer may not always be explained by lower likelihood of suspecting cancer and subsequent impact on help‐seeking. Reducing inequalities in stage at diagnosis will involve understanding a broader range of bio‐psycho‐social factors (eg, comorbidities and healthcare system factors).
On Bayesian EWMA control charts under different loss functions
Authors: Riaz Salma , Riaz Muhammad , Nazeer Amna , Hussain Zawar
Published: September 2017

The motivation for this study is to analyze Bayesian exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart under 3 loss functions namely, SELF, LLF, and PLF. Informative priors (normal and mixture of normal) and non‐informative priors (Uniform and Jefferys) are considered for the analysis. The performance of Bayesian EWMA control chart using posterior and posterior predictive distribution scheme has been evaluated using average run length (ARL) and standard deviation run length (SDRL) as performance measures. Monte Carlo simulations are used to compute the performance measures for different values of smoothing constant. An illustrative example is also presented for practical considerations of Bayesian EWMA control chart.
Invasiveness screening of non‐native fishes for the middle reach of the Yarlung Zangbo River, Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Li S. , Chen J. , Wang X. , Copp G. H.
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study was to identify potentially invasive non‐native freshwater fishes in the middle reach of the Yarlung Zangbo River, Tibetan Plateau (China), using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS‐ISK), as decision‐support tool. Based on independent evaluations of 24 non‐native freshwater fishes, receiver operating curve analysis identified a threshold score of ≥29 for distinguishing species likely to pose a high risk of becoming invasive from species likely to pose low‐to‐medium risk (<29) in the risk assessment area. Nine species were categorized as “high risk”: goldfish Carassius auratus, topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva, brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, Oriental weatherfish (a.k.a. dojo gudgeon) Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, Siberian taimen Hucho taimen, common carp Cyprinus carpio, peled Coregonus peled, western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis, and Chinese rice fish Oryzias sinensis. The three lowest scoring species were Arctic cisco Coregonus autumnalis, Wuchang bream Megalobrama amblycephala, and Chinese ice fish Neosalanx taihuensis, which are unlikely to be invasive because they are unable to complete their life cycle in the risk assessment area. Climate change assessments scores increased or remained the same for warm‐water species and decreased for coldwater species. This study was the first application of AS‐ISK in western China, and the results suggest that AS‐ISK is a useful and valid tool for identifying potentially invasive risk aquatic species in China.
Functionalization of Silicon Nanostructures for Energy‐Related Applications
Authors: Fukata Naoki , Subramani Thiyagu , Jevasuwan Wipakorn , Dutta Mrinal , Bando Yoshio
Published: September 2017

Silicon (Si) is used in various application fields such as solar cells and electric devices. Functionalization of Si nanostructures is one way to further improve the properties of these devices such as these. This Review summarizes recent results of solar cell and Li‐ion battery applications using Si‐related nanostructures. In solar cell applications, the light trapping effect is increased and the carrier recombination rate is decreased due to the short carrier collection path achieved by radially constructed p–n junction in Si nanowires, resulting in higher power conversion efficiency. The nonradiative energy transfer effect created by nanocrystalline Si is a novel way of improving solar cell properties. Si‐related nanostructures are also anticipated as new anode materials with higher capacity in Li‐ion batteries. Si‐related nanocomposite materials which show densely packed microparticle structures agglomerated with small nanoparticles are described here as a promising challenge. These unique structures show higher capacity and longer cycle properties.
The Effects of Physicochemical Properties of Nanomaterials on Their Cellular Uptake In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Liu Ye , Workalemahu Bereket , Jiang Xingyu
Published: September 2017

Understanding the cellular uptake of nanomaterials (NMs) is a fundamental and critical issue for uncovering biomedical effects of NMs and facilitating their practical applications in the clinic. In this Review, by highlighting the differences of NMs cellular uptake between in vitro and in vivo, a focus on reviewing recent works about the effects of four physicochemical parameters of NMs (size, rigidity, shape, surface modification) on regulating NMs cellular uptake in vitro and in vivo is undertaken. This review can provide readers some useful clues and new thinking for understanding NMs cellular uptake in depth.