bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children's Uncertain Responses when Testifying about Alleged Sexual Abuse in Scottish Courts
Authors: Andrews Samantha J. , Ahern Elizabeth C. , Lamb Michael E.
Published: April 2017

This study examined the uncertain responses of 56 alleged sexual abuse victims, aged 5–17 years, testifying in Scottish criminal court trials. Don't know/remember ground rules were explained to 38% of the children and each child reported uncertainty in response to 15% of the questions on average. Uncertain responding was associated with expressions of resistance and confusion, questioning context (proportionally more regarding substantive than non‐substantive issues), question content (least to disclosure‐focused questions), utterance type (more to directives, particularly those posed by defense lawyers; more to recall‐based than recognition prompts), and age (children in mid‐adolescence were less likely to respond uncertainly than those who were either older or younger). There were no associations between expressions of uncertainty and ground rule administration, or with whether or not the question focused on central rather than peripheral details about the alleged crimes. Findings highlight concerns surrounding preparatory procedures to help witnesses, especially adolescents, indicate uncertainty when testifying. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tolcapone induces oxidative stress leading to apoptosis and inhibition of tumor growth in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Maser Tyler , Rich Maria , Hayes David , Zhao Ping , Nagulapally Abhinav B. , Bond Jeffrey , Saulnier Sholler Giselle
Published: April 2017

Catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) is an enzyme that inactivates dopamine and other catecholamines by O‐methylation. Tolcapone, a drug commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, is a potent inhibitor of COMT and previous studies indicate that Tolcapone increases the bioavailability of dopamine in cells. In this study, we demonstrate that Tolcapone kills neuroblastoma (NB) cells in preclinical models by inhibition of COMT. Treating four established NB cells lines (SMS‐KCNR, SH‐SY5Y, BE(2)‐C, CHLA‐90) and two primary NB cell lines with Tolcapone for 48 h decreased cell viability in a dose‐dependent manner, with IncuCyte imaging and Western blotting indicating that cell death was due to caspase‐3‐mediated apoptosis. Tolcapone also increased ROS while simultaneously decreasing ATP‐per‐cell in NB cells. Additionally, COMT was inhibited by siRNA in NB cells and showed similar increases in apoptotic markers compared to Tolcapone. In vivo xenograft models displayed inhibition of tumor growth and a significant decrease in time‐to‐event in mice treated with Tolcapone compared to untreated mice. These results indicate that Tolcapone is cytotoxic to neuroblastoma cells and invite further studies into Tolcapone as a promising novel therapy for the treatment of neuroblastoma.
Keep your eye on…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2017

The link between irritability and depression in ADHD with DMDD

The effects of parent communication intervention with infants on preventing autism
‘Difficult temperament’ linked to preschooler mental health problems: BELLA study
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2017

The single most important risk factor for preschool mental health problems is a difficult temperament, researchers have found. If parents perceive themselves as competent, their preschool‐aged children are less likely than others to have mental health problems. After controlling for other factors, parental mental health problems and low socioeconomic status did not increase the child's likelihood of mental health problems.
Quantum circuit‐based modeling of continuous‐variable quantum key distribution system
Authors: Mráz Albert , Kis Zsolt , Imre Sándor , Gyongyosi Laszlo , Bacsardi Laszlo
Published: April 2017

The second generation Continuous‐Variable Quantum Key Distribution is one of the most promising application of quantum mechanics in communications. This paper investigates a state‐of‐the‐art Continuous‐Variable Quantum Key Distribution solution from circuit modeling point of view in order to build an appropriate simulation framework. This framework allows detailed evaluation of the system's performance and adjusting the system parameters. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coastal protection and conservation on sandy beaches and dunes: context‐dependent tradeoffs in ecosystem service supply
Authors: Biel Reuben G. , Hacker Sally D. , Ruggiero Peter , Cohn Nicholas , Seabloom Eric W.
Published: April 2017

Managing multiple ecosystem services (ESs) across landscapes presents a central challenge for ecosystem‐based management, because services often exhibit spatiotemporal variation and weak associations with co‐occurring ESs. Further focus on the mechanistic relationships among ESs and their underlying biophysical processes provides greater insight into the causes of variation and covariation among ESs, thus serving as a guide to enhance their supply while preventing adverse outcomes. Here, we used the U.S. Pacific Northwest coastal dune ecosystem to examine how invasive beachgrass management affects three ESs: coastal protection, western snowy plover conservation, and endemic foredune plant conservation. At seven coastal dune habitat restoration areas, we observed spatial variation in the supply of each ES and further identified a tradeoff between western snowy plover conservation and coastal protection. While the ESs were collectively influenced by the invasive beachgrasses and the foredunes they create, the magnitude of the synergies and tradeoffs were influenced by numerous non‐shared drivers, including nearshore geomorphology, changes in foredune shape as a result of restoration, and other management actions irrespective of restoration. Incorporation of these shared and non‐shared drivers into future coastal management planning may reduce tradeoffs among Pacific Northwest dune ESs. With better understanding of ES relationships, it becomes possible to identify management actions that may enhance synergies and mitigate tradeoffs, leading to better decisions for nature and people.
Comparative accuracy of NT‐proBNP and MR‐proANP for the diagnosis of acute heart failure in dyspnoeic patients
Authors: Darche Fabrice F. , Baumgärtner Christian , Biener Moritz , Müller‐Hennessen Matthias , Vafaie Mehrshad , Koch Vitali , Stoyanov Kiril , Rivinius Rasmus , Katus Hugo A. , Giannitsis Evangelos
Published: April 2017

Aims

To compare the performance of the natriuretic peptides (NPs) NT‐proBNP and MR‐proANP for the diagnosis of acute heart failure (AHF) in subsets of conditions potentially confounding the interpretation of NPs.

Methods and results

We studied 312 patients, presenting to the emergency department with new onset of dyspnoea or worsening of chronic dyspnoea within the last 2 weeks. Performance of NPs for the diagnosis of AHF was tested and compared using C‐statistics in the entire cohort and in conditions previously described to confound interpretation of NPs such as older age, renal failure, obesity, atrial fibrillation or paced rhythm, and in the NT‐proBNP grey zone. AHF was diagnosed in 139 patients. In the entire cohort, the diagnostic performance of NT‐proBNP was comparable with that of MR‐proANP. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that optimal diagnostic cut‐offs were higher in the presence of older age, kidney failure or rhythm disorder. However, there were no statistically relevant differences between the receiver operating characteristic curves analysed in the total population and those studied in the pre‐specified subsets severe kidney failure, advanced age, obesity, atrial fibrillation and paced rhythm, and grey zone NT‐proBNP values. Moreover, the diagnostic performance of NT‐proBNP was comparable with that of MR‐proANP in the subsets.

Conclusions

The performance of NT‐proBNP and MR‐proANP for AHF is comparable in the total population as well as in the subsets with potentially confounding characteristics such as older age, renal dysfunction, obesity, atrial fibrillation and paced rhythm, or those with NT‐proBNP values in the grey zone.
The Bent Bonds of Cubane
Authors: Doedens Robert J. , Eaton Philip E. , Fleischer Everly B.
Published: April 2017

The carbon–carbon bonding in cubane is shown not to be along the C–C vectors between carbon atoms at the corners of a cube. Instead, the bonding is “bent” as seen in a new single‐crystal X‐ray structure of cubane at 93 K. The bent bond angles and lengths are compared with the geometric angles and with predictions. The distortions from the tetrahedral angle of the sp3‐hybridized carbon atoms are shown to be relatively small in cubane, unlike those in cyclopropane, which are large. Despite this and other differences, cubane and cyclopropane have similar reactivity, a fact that has not been widely recognized. It is suggested that cubane might mimic the chemistry of the cyclopropane ring in the pharmacology of some cyclopropane‐containing drugs.
Empirical seismic fragility for the precast RC industrial buildings damaged by the 2012 Emilia (Italy) earthquakes
Authors: Buratti Nicola , Minghini Fabio , Ongaretto Elena , Savoia Marco , Tullini Nerio
Published: April 2017

The paper analyses the seismic fragility of precast reinforced concrete buildings using observational damage data gathered after the 2012 Emilia earthquakes that struck Northern Italy. The damage level in 1890 buildings was collected, classified and examined. Damage matrices were then evaluated, and finally, empirical fragility curves were fitted using Bayesian regression. Building damage was classified using a six‐level scale derived from EMS‐98. The completeness of the database and the spatial distribution of the buildings investigated were analysed using cadastral data as a reference. The intensity of the ground motion was quantified by the maximum horizontal peak ground acceleration, which was obtained from ShakeMaps. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Field evidence for the influence of weathering on rock erodibility and channel form in bedrock rivers
Authors: Shobe Charles M. , Hancock Gregory S. , Eppes Martha C. , Small Eric E.
Published: April 2017

Erosion processes in bedrock‐floored rivers shape channel cross‐sectional geometry and the broader landscape. However, the influence of weathering on channel slope and geometry is not well understood. Weathering can produce variation in rock erodibility within channel cross‐sections. Recent numerical modeling results suggest that weathering may preferentially weaken rock on channel banks relative to the thalweg, strongly influencing channel form. Here, we present the first quantitative field study of differential weathering across channel cross‐sections. We hypothesize that average cross‐section erosion rate controls the magnitude of this contrast in weathering between the banks and the thalweg. Erosion rate, in turn, is moderated by the extent to which weathering processes increase bedrock erodibility. We test these hypotheses on tributaries to the Potomac River, Virginia, with inferred erosion rates from ~0.1 m/kyr to >0.8 m/kyr, with higher rates in knickpoints spawned by the migratory Great Falls knickzone. We selected nine channel cross‐sections on three tributaries spanning the full range of erosion rates, and at multiple flow heights we measured (1) rock compressive strength using a Schmidt hammer, (2) rock surface roughness using a contour gage combined with automated photograph analysis, and (3) crack density (crack length/area) at three cross‐sections on one channel. All cross‐sections showed significant (p < 0.01 for strength, p < 0.05 for roughness) increases in weathering by at least one metric with height above the thalweg. These results, assuming that the weathered state of rock is a proxy for erodibility, indicate that rock erodibility varies inversely with bedrock inundation frequency. Differences in weathering between the thalweg and the channel margins tend to decrease as inferred erosion rates increase, leading to variations in channel form related to the interplay of weathering and erosion rate. This observation is consistent with numerical modeling that predicts a strong influence of weathering‐related erodibility on channel morphology. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chronic toxicity of binary-metal mixtures of cadmium and zinc to Daphnia magna
Authors: Pérez Edgar , Hoang Tham C.
Published: April 2017

The present study characterized the chronic effect of binary-metal mixtures of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) on Daphnia magna. The titration design was chosen to characterize the 21-d chronic effects of the binary-metal mixtures on survival, growth, reproduction, and metal accumulation in D. magna. Using this design, increasing concentrations of Zn (10, 20, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 μg/L) were titrated against a constant concentration of 1.5 μg/L Cd. The results demonstrated that Cd was highly toxic to D. magna. In a mixture with Cd and Zn, sublethal concentrations of 10 and 20 μg/L Zn were insufficient to protect D. magna from chronic Cd toxicity, whereas mixtures containing 40, 80, and 120 μg/L Zn provided strong protective effects to D. magna at all endpoints and resulted in less-than-additive effects. At higher Zn concentrations, such as 160 and 200 μg/L, Zn appeared to contribute to the toxicity. The less-than-additive effects observed in the Cd–Zn mixture can be explained by the decrease in body Cd concentration when the Zn concentration was increased in the exposure media. Embryos analyzed for morphological alterations in the Cd–Zn mixtures demonstrated severe developmental defects. The effect of Cd on undeveloped embryos while both Zn and Cd are present in the organisms raises a question of whether the competitive binding mechanism of Zn and Cd is still happening at the cellular level in the organisms. The results of the present study are useful for development of the biotic ligand model and environmental quality guidelines for metal mixtures. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2739–2749. © 2017 SETAC
The evolutionary radiation of plesiadapiforms
Authors: Silcox Mary T. , Bloch Jonathan I. , Boyer Doug M. , Chester Stephen G. B. , López‐Torres Sergi
Published: April 2017

Very shortly after the disappearance of the non‐avian dinosaurs, the first mammals that had features similar to those of primates started appearing. These first primitive forms went on to spawn a rich diversity of plesiadapiforms, often referred to as archaic primates. Like many living primates, plesiadapiforms were small arboreal animals that generally ate fruit, insects, and, occasionally, leaves. However, this group lacked several diagnostic features of euprimates. They also had extraordinarily diverse specializations, represented in eleven families and more than 140 species, which, in some cases, were like nothing seen since in the primate order. Plesiadapiforms are known from all three Northern continents, with representatives that persisted until at least 37 million years ago. In this article we provide a summary of the incredible diversity of plesiadapiform morphology and adaptations, reviewing our knowledge of all eleven families. We also discuss the challenges that remain in our understanding of their ecology and evolution.
Spinal cord injury induces widespread chronic changes in cerebral white matter
Authors: Ilvesmäki Tero , Koskinen Eerika , Brander Antti , Luoto Teemu , Öhman Juha , Eskola Hannu
Published: April 2017

Traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs) lead to axonal damage at the trauma site, as well as disconnections within the central nervous system. While the exact mechanisms of the long‐term pathophysiological consequences of SCIs are not fully understood, it is known that neuronal damage and degeneration are not limited to the direct proximity of the trauma. Instead, the effects can be detected even in the cerebrum. We examined SCI‐induced chronic brain changes with a case‐control design using 32 patients and 70 control subjects. Whole‐brain white matter (WM) tracts were assessed with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). In addition, we analysed associations between DTI metrics and several clinical SCI variables. Whole‐brain analyses were executed by tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS), with an additional complementary atlas‐based analysis (ABA). We observed widespread, statistically significant (P ≤ 0.01) changes similar to neural degeneration in SCI patients, both in the corticospinal tract (CST) and beyond. In addition, associations between DTI metrics and time since injury were found with TBSS and ABA, implying possible long‐term post‐injury neural regeneration. Using the ABA approach, we observed a correlation between SCI severity and DTI metrics, indicating a decrease in WM integrity along with patient sensory or motor scores. Our results suggest a widespread neurodegenerative effect of SCI within the cerebrum that is not limited to the motor pathways. Furthermore, DTI‐measured WM integrity of chronic SCI patients seemed to improve as time elapsed since injury. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3637–3647, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
T cell receptor β‐chain repertoire analysis reveals the association between neoantigens and tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes in multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Lu Zheming , Zhang Chaoting , Sheng Jindong , Shen Jing , Liu Baoguo
Published: April 2017

To explore whether a few nonsynonymous somatic mutations could induce activation and proliferation of neoantigen‐specific tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in tumours with low mutation rates, we analysed a patient with multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma (seven noncontiguous cancer foci) to investigate the relationship between neoantigens and TILs. These seven foci had a few or no nonsynonymous somatic mutations; moreover, multiple loci had similar or different spectra of mutations. We used high‐throughput sequencing of the rearranged genes in T cell receptor β‐chain (TCRβ) to reveal the basic characteristics of T cells in seven tumour foci and matched adjacent normal tissue. We found that in multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma the number of nonsynonymous somatic mutations was positively associated with oligoclonal TCRβ repertoire, and tumour foci with similar spectra of mutations had higher overlap of TCRβ repertoire. In conclusion, the number of nonsynonymous somatic mutations is small in tumours with low mutation rates but these mutations still play an important role in activating neoantigen‐specific TILs.
Managing IT Change—Return on Investment (ROI) as a Motivational Tool
Authors: Worster Art , Weirich Thomas R. , Andera Frank
Published: April 2017

Previous articles in this series have provided examples for management accountants to understand integrated business processes and the role that they play. In a world where enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications define the operation of integrated business functions, understanding and interpreting the financial results becomes a more operational role. In this article, the authors extend this view to the implementation program itself, whether initial implementation or continuing additions. While ROI calculations are widely understood for evaluating and managing capital investments, the role they play in change management is often undervalued. While identifying and accurately measuring these can be challenging, not developing them handicaps program teams' ability to engage employees to provide critical support. This article discusses revenue and cost functions that are normally affected by the conversion to integrated business processes. Along with this analysis, how these areas are defined, estimated, and tracked becomes more important to project success. Most of the changes discussed in previous articles are implemented to improve efficiency and effectiveness of business processes. Taking the time to establish not only the metric itself, but also the measurement approach can be a key role that management accountants play both for executive leadership and for change management within the implementation program. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
FASB Revises Definition of a Business
Authors: Munter Paul
Published: April 2017

When the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FAS 141R in 2007, it redefined what constitutes a business for financial reporting purposes. In doing so, the FASB decided that the previous definition of a business was too narrow. Accordingly, “the FASB decided to expand the definition of a business combination to include all transactions or other events in which an entity obtains control of a business.”
Proteomic Data in Morphine Addiction Versus Real Protein Activity: Metabolic Enzymes
Authors: Antolak Anna , Bodzoń‐Kułakowska Anna , Cetnarska Ewa , Pietruszka Monika , Marszałek‐Grabska Marta , Kotlińska Jolanta , Suder Piotr
Published: April 2017

Drug dependence is an escalating problem worldwide and many efforts are being made to understand the molecular basis of addiction. The morphine model is widely used in these investigations. To date, at least 29 studies exploring the influence of morphine on mammals’ proteomes have been published. Among various proteins indicated as up‐ or down‐regulated, the expression changes of enzymes engaged in energy metabolism pathways have often been confirmed. To verify whether proteomics‐indicated alterations in enzyme levels reflect changes in their activity, four enzymes: PK, MDH, Complex I, and Complex V were investigated in morphine addiction and abstinence models. After analyses of the rat brain mitochondria fraction in the model of morphine dependence, we found that one of the investigated enzymes (pyruvate kinase) showed statistically significant differences observed between morphine, control, and abstinence groups. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4323–4330, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combination of Carmustine and Selenite Inhibits EGFR Mediated Growth Signaling in Androgen‐Independent Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Thamilselvan Vijayalakshmi , Menon Mani , Stein Gary S. , Valeriote Fred , Thamilselvan Sivagnanam
Published: April 2017

Although aberrant androgen receptor (AR) signaling is a central mechanism for castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progression, AR‐independent growth signaling is also present in CRPC. The current therapeutic options for patients with CRPC are limited and new drugs are desperately needed to eliminate these crucial growth signaling pathways. We have previously shown that combination of carmustine and selenite effectively induces apoptosis and growth inhibition by targeting AR and AR‐variants in CRPC cells. High levels of EGFR expression present in the CRPC cells mediates the cell proliferation via AR‐independent growth signaling mechanisms. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether the combination of carmustine and selenite could inhibit EGFR mediated growth signaling and induce apoptosis in androgen independent‐AR negative prostate cancer cells. EGF exposure dose and time dependently increased phospho‐EGFR (Tyr845, Tyr1068, and Tyr1045), pAkt (Ser473), and pERK1/2 (Thr204/Tyr202) protein expression levels in AIPC cells. Combination of carmustine and selenite treatment markedly suppressed EGF‐stimulated proliferation and survival of AIPC cells and effectively induced apoptosis. The ROS generated by the combination of carmustine and selenite exhibited a strong inhibition on EGF stimulated EGFR and its downstream signaling molecules such as Akt, NF‐kB, ERK1/2, and Cyclin D1. Individual agent treatment showed only partial effect. Overall, our findings demonstrated that the combination of carmustine and selenite treatment dramatically inhibits EGFR signaling, proliferation, and induces apoptosis in AIPC cells, suggesting a potential candidate for the treatment of CRPC. The results of the study further suggest that the combination of carmustine and selenite treatment can overcome EGFR mediated AR‐independent growth response in CRPC during anti‐androgen therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4331–4340, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Peptidome Analysis of Human Serum From Normal and Preeclamptic Pregnancies
Authors: Dai Xiaonan , Song Xuejing , Rui Can , Meng Li , Xue Xuan , Ding Hongjuan , Shen Rong , Li Jun , Li Jingyun , Lu Yuanqing , Long Wei
Published: April 2017

Preeclampsia is a kind of disease that severely harms the health of pregnant women and infants. To better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in preeclampsia, we used liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) to construct a comparative peptidomic profiling of human serum between normal and preeclamptic pregnancies. A total of 201 peptides were confidently identified, with 21 up‐regulated and three down‐regulated. Further analysis indicated that these differentially expressed peptides correlate with enzyme regulator activity, biological regulation, and coagulation cascades occurring during pathological changes of preeclampsia. The identification of key peptides in serum may serve not only as a basis for better understanding and further exploring the etiology and pathogenesis of PE, but also as potential biomarkers and in providing targets for future therapy in PE, especially in early onset severe PE (sPE). J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4341–4348, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the formation of smaller p‐block endohedral fullerenes: Bonding analysis in the E@C20 (E = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) series from relativistic DFT calculations
Authors: Muñoz‐Castro Alvaro , King R. Bruce
Published: April 2017

Experimentally characterized endohedral metallofullerenes are of current interest in expanding the range of viable fullerenic structures and their applications. Smaller metallofullerenes, such as M@C28, show that several d‐ and f‐block elements can be efficiently confined in relatively small carbon cages. This article explores the potential capabilities of the smallest fullerene cage, that is, C20, to encapsulate p‐block elements from group 14, that is, E = Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb. Our interest relates to the bonding features and optical properties related to E@C20. The results indicate both s‐ and p‐type concentric bonds, in contrast to the well explored endohedral structures encapsulating f‐block elements. Our results suggest the E@C20 series to be a new family of viable endohedral fullerenes. In addition spectroscopic properties related to electron affinity, optical, and vibrational were modeled to gain further information useful for characterization. Characteristic optical patterns were studied predicting a distinctive first peak located between 400 and 250 nm, which is red‐shifted going to the heavier encapsulated Group 14 atoms. Electron affinity properties expose different patterns useful to differentiate the hollow C20 fullerene to the proposed p‐block endohedral counterparts. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CRISPR/Cas9: An RNA‐guided highly precise synthetic tool for plant genome editing
Authors: Demirci Yeliz , Zhang Baohong , Unver Turgay
Published: April 2017

CRISPR/Cas9 is a newly developed and naturally occurred genome editing tool, which is originally used by bacteria for immune defence. In the past years, it has been quickly employed and modified to precisely edit genome sequences in both plants and animals. Compared with the well‐developed zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs), CRISPR/Cas9 has lots of advantages, including easier to design and implement, higher targeting efficiency, and less expensive. Thus, it is becoming one of the most powerful tools for knockout of an individual gene as well as insertion of one gene and/or control of gene transcription. Studies have shown that CRISPR/Cas9 is a great tool to edit many genes in a variety of plant species, including the model plant species as well as agriculturally important crops, such as cotton, maize, wheat, and rice. CRISPR/Cas9‐based genome editing can be used for plant functional studies and plant improvement to yield, quality, and tolerance to environmental stress.
Age‐related reduction in the expression of FOXO transcription factors and correlations with intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Alvarez‐Garcia Oscar , Matsuzaki Tokio , Olmer Merissa , Masuda Koichi , Lotz Martin K.
Published: April 2017

Aging is a main risk factor for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, the main cause of low back pain. FOXO transcription factors are important regulators of tissue homeostasis and longevity. Here, we determined the expression pattern of FOXO in healthy and degenerated human IVD and the associations with IVD degeneration during mouse aging. FOXO expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in normal and degenerated human IVD samples and in cervical and lumbar IVD from 6‐, 12‐, 24‐, and 36‐month‐old C57BL/6J mice. Mouse spines were graded for key histological features of disc degeneration in all the time points and expression of two key FOXO downstream targets, sestrin 3 (SESN3) and superoxide dismutase (SOD2), was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Histological analysis revealed that FOXO proteins are expressed in all compartments of human and mouse IVD. Expression of FOXO1 and FOXO3, but not FOXO4, was significantly deceased in human degenerated discs. In mice, degenerative changes in the lumbar spine were seen at 24 and 36 months of age whereas cervical IVD showed increased histopathological scores at 36 months. FOXO expression was significantly reduced in lumbar IVD at 12‐, 24‐, and 36‐month‐old mice and in cervical IVD at 36‐month‐old mice when compared with the 6‐month‐old group. The reduction of FOXO expression in lumbar IVD was concomitant with a decrease in the expression of SESN3 and SOD2. These findings suggest that reduced FOXO expression occurs in lumbar IVD during aging and precedes the major histopathological changes associated with lumbar IVD degeneration. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2682–2691, 2017.
Formation of macromolecules in wheat gluten/starch mixtures during twin‐screw extrusion: effect of different additives
Authors: Wang Kaiqiang , Li Cheng , Wang Bingzhi , Yang Wen , Luo Shuizhong , Zhao Yanyan , Jiang Shaotong , Mu Dongdong , Zheng Zhi
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Wheat gluten comprises a good quality and inexpensive vegetable protein with an ideal amino acid composition. To expand the potential application of wheat gluten in the food industry, the effect of different additives on the physicochemical and structural properties of wheat gluten/starch mixtures during twin‐screw extrusion was investigated.

RESULTS

Macromolecules were observed to form in wheat gluten/starch mixtures during twin‐screw extrusion, which may be attributed to the formation of new disulfide bonds and non‐covalent interactions, as well as Maillard reaction products. Additionally, the water retention capacity and in vitro protein digestibility of all extruded wheat gluten/starch products significantly increased, whereas the nitrogen solubility index and free sulfhydryl group (SH) content decreased, during twin‐screw extrusion. Secondary structural analysis showed that α‐helices disappeared with the concomitant increase of antiparallel β‐sheets, demonstrating the occurrence of protein aggregation. Microstructures suggested that the irregular wheat gluten granular structure was disrupted, with additive addition favoring transformation into a more layered or fibrous structure during twin‐screw extrusion.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study demonstrate that extrusion might affect the texture and quality of extruded wheat gluten‐based foods and suggest that this process might serve as a basis for the high‐value application of wheat gluten products. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Trauma‐Related Disgust in Veterans With Interpersonal Trauma
Authors: Bomyea Jessica , Allard Carolyn B.
Published: April 2017

Although traditionally conceptualized as an anxiety disorder, variability in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be explained by individual differences in peri‐ or posttraumatic disgust. We examined relationships between disgust reactions and other trauma‐related symptoms in 100 veterans with a history of interpersonal trauma and gender differences in these variables. We also evaluated the mediating role of posttraumatic disgust and guilt in the relationship between peritraumatic disgust and PTSD symptoms. Participants completed cross‐sectional self‐report questionnaires of trauma‐related emotions, PTSD, and other psychological symptoms as part of clinical intake procedures. Women and men did not differ on trauma‐related emotions or symptoms. However, the relationship between peri‐ and posttraumatic disgust depended on gender, with men reporting a stronger association between peri‐ and posttraumatic disgust than women (p = .013, ΔR2 = .04). Posttraumatic disgust and guilt mediated the relationship between peritraumatic disgust and PTSD symptoms, controlling for gender (a1a2 b1 = 0.18, SE = 0.09, PM = .19). Our results converge with those found in other studies suggesting that disgust is a common trauma‐related emotion and that men and women may experience differential relationships between peri‐ and posttraumatic emotional experiences. Further study of the role of trauma‐related emotional responses in PTSD etiology and treatment is warranted.
Iron and vitamin interactions in marine diatom isolates and natural assemblages of the Northeast Pacific Ocean
Authors: Cohen Natalie R. , A. Ellis Kelsey , Burns Wilton G. , Lampe Robert H. , Schuback Nina , Johnson Zackary , Sañudo‐Wilhelmy Sergio , Marchetti Adrian
Published: April 2017

Trace metals and B‐vitamins play critical roles in regulating marine phytoplankton growth and composition. While some microorganisms are capable of producing certain B‐vitamins, others cannot synthesize them and depend on an exogenous supply. Therefore, external factors influencing vitamin synthesis, such as micronutrient concentrations, alter the extent to which B‐vitamins are available to auxotrophs in surface waters. We examined iron, B7 (biotin) and B12 (cobalamin) dynamics in diatoms through laboratory culture experiments and within natural diatom assemblages present along an iron gradient in the Northeast Pacific Ocean. In laboratory cultures of the diatom Pseudo‐nitzschia granii, biotin synthase (BIOB) expression decreased 2‐fold under iron limitation, suggesting iron status may affect B7 production in diatoms. Additionally in laboratory cultures of the diatom Grammonema cf. islandica, which contains a B12‐independent methionine synthase (METE), a 15‐fold increase in the expression of METE was observed when grown in the absence of B12 with no significant influence of iron status, suggesting METE expression can be driven by B12 status alone. Iron and B‐vitamin amendment experiments with natural diatom assemblages in iron‐limited waters of the Northeast Pacific Ocean provide evidence for vitamin‐associated molecular responses that suggest elevated B7 biosynthesis and the emergence of B12 limitation following iron addition. Furthermore B‐vitamin gene modules comprised of partial and/or complete B‐vitamin biosynthetic pathways in diatoms increased in response to iron addition, including genes potentially involved in the processing of B12 intermediates. Our results indicate that vitamins may play an important role in regulating phytoplankton growth and composition in this region, particularly following natural iron addition events.
Donor safety in living donor liver transplantation: The Korean organ transplantation registry study
Authors: Lee Jae Geun , Lee Kwang‐Woong , Kwon Choon Hyuck David , Chu Chong Woo , Kim Bong‐Wan , Choi Dong Lak , You Young Kyoung , Kim Dong‐Sik , Nah Yang Won , Kang Koo Jeong , Choi In Soek , Yu Hee Chul , Hong Geun , Han Ho‐Seong , Hwang Shin , Kim Myoung Soo ,   on behalf of the Korean Organ Transplantation Registry Study Group
Published: April 2017

Major concerns about donor safety cause controversy and limit the use of living donor liver transplantation to overcome organ shortages. The Korean Organ Transplantation Registry established a nationwide organ transplantation registration system in 2014. We reviewed the prospectively collected data of all 832 living liver donors who underwent procedures between April 2014 and December 2015. We allocated the donors to a left lobe group (n = 59) and a right lobe group (n = 773) and analyzed the relations between graft types and remaining liver volumes and complications (graded using the Clavien 5‐tier grading system). The median follow‐up was 19 months (range, 10‐31 months). During the study period, 553 men and 279 women donated livers, and there were no deaths after living liver donation. The overall, biliary, and major complication (grade ≥ III) rates were 9.3%, 1.7%, and 1.9%, respectively. The graft types and remaining liver volume were associated with significantly different overall, biliary, and major complication rates. Of the 16 patients with major complications, 9 (56.3%) involved biliary complications (2 biliary strictures [12.5%] and 7 bile leakages [43.8%]). Among the 832 donors, the mean aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin levels were 23.9 ± 8.1 IU/L, 20.9 ± 11.3 IU/L, and 0.8 ± 0.4 mg/dL, respectively, 6 months after liver donation. In conclusion, biliary complications were the most common types of major morbidity in living liver donors. Donor hepatectomy can be performed successfully with minimal and easily controlled complications. Our study shows that prospective, nationwide cohort data provide an important means of investigating the safety in living liver donation. Liver Transplantation 23 999–1006 2017 AASLD.
An approximation to the minimum traveling wave for the delayed diffusive Nicholson's blowflies equation
Authors: Gómez Adrián , Morales Nolbert
Published: April 2017

In this work, we study the approximation of traveling wave solutions propagated at minumum speeds c0(h) of the delayed Nicholson's blowflies equation:

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4401:mma4401-math-0001
In order to do that, we construct a subsolution and a super solution to (∗). Also, through that construction, an alternative proof of the existence of traveling waves moving at minimum speed is given. Our basic hypothesis is that p/δ∈(1,e] and then, the monostability of the reaction term. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyers–Ulam stability of nonlinear differential equations with fractional integrable impulses
Authors: Zada Akbar , Ali Wajid , Farina Syed
Published: April 2017

This paper is devoted to establish Bielecki–Ulam–Hyers–Rassias stability, generalized Bielecki–Ulam–Hyers–Rassias stability, and Bielecki–Ulam–Hyers stability on a compact interval [0,T], for a class of higher‐order nonlinear differential equations with fractional integrable impulses. The phrase ‘fractional integrable’ brings one to fractional calculus. Hence, applying usual methods for analysis offers many difficulties in proving the results of existence and uniqueness of solution and stability theorems. Picard operator is applied in showing existence and uniqueness of solution. Stability results are obtained by using the tools of fractional calculus and Hölder's inequality of integration. Along with tools of fractional calculus, Bielecki's normed Banach spaces are considered, which made the results more interesting. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Switch to Abobotulinum toxin A may be useful in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity when intradetrusor injections of Onabotulinum toxin A failed
Authors: Bottet Florie , Peyronnet Benoit , Boissier Romain , Reiss Bénédicte , Previnaire Jean G. , Manunta Andrea , Kerdraon Jacques , Ruffion Alain , Lenormand Loïc , Perrouin Verbe Brigitte , Gaillet Sarah , Gamé Xavier , Karsenty Gilles ,   Groupe d'Etude de Neuro‐Urologie de Langue Française (GENULF) and the committee of NeuroUrology of the French Association of Urology (AFU)
Published: April 2017

Aims

To assess the outcomes of switching to a different brand of botulinum toxin A (BTA, from Botox® to Dysport®) in case of failure of intradetrusor injections (IDI) of Botox® in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO).

Methods

The charts of all patients who underwent a switch to IDI of Dysport® after failure of an IDI of Botox® at six departments of neurourology were retrospectively reviewed. The main outcomes of interest were the bladder diary data and four urodynamic parameters: maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), maximum detrusor pressure (PDET max), and volume at first uninhibited detrusor contraction (UDC).

Results

Fifty‐seven patients were included. After the first injection of Dysport®, no adverse events were reported. A significant decrease in number of urinary incontinence episodes per day was observed in 52.63% of patients (P < 0.001) and all patients experienced a reduction in PDET Max (−8.1 cmH20 on average; P = 0.003). MCC significantly increased by a mean of 41.2 (P = 0.02). The proportion of patients with no UDC increased significantly at week 6 after ATA injections (from 15.79% to 43.9%; P = 0.0002). Hence, 32 patients draw clinical and/or urodynamic benefits from the botulinum toxin switch from (56.14%). After a median follow up of 21 months, 87% of responders to BTA switch were still treated successfully with BTA.

Conclusion

Most patients refractory to Botox® (56.14%) draw benefits from the switch to Dysport®.
Allocation with demand competition: Uniform, proportional, and lexicographic mechanisms
Authors: Li Jianbin , Yu Niu , Liu Zhixin , Cai Xueyuan
Published: April 2017

We examine capacity allocation mechanisms in a supply chain comprising a monopolistic supplier and two competing retailers with asymmetric market powers. The supplier allocates limited capacity to retailers according to uniform, proportional, or lexicographic mechanism. We study the impact of these allocation mechanisms on supplier pricing decisions and retailer ordering behavior. With individual order size no greater than supplier capacity, we show that all three mechanisms guarantee equilibrium ordering. We provide precise structures of retailer ordering decisions in Nash and dominant equilibria. Further, we compare the mechanisms from the perspective of the supplier, the retailers, and the supply chain. We show that regardless of whether retailer market powers are symmetric, lexicographic allocation with any priority sequence of retailers is better than the other two mechanisms for the supplier. Further, under lexicographic allocation, the supplier gains more profit by granting higher priority to the retailer with greater market power. We also extend our study to the case with multiple retailers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 64: 85–107, 2017
A modified method of approximate particular solutions for solving linear and nonlinear PDEs
Authors: Yao Guangming , Chen Ching‐Shyang , Zheng Hui
Published: April 2017

The method of approximate particular solutions (MAPS) was first proposed by Chen et al. in Chen, Fan, and Wen, Numer Methods Partial Differential Equations, 28 (2012), 506–522. using multiquadric (MQ) and inverse multiquadric radial basis functions (RBFs). Since then, the closed form particular solutions for many commonly used RBFs and differential operators have been derived. As a result, MAPS was extended to Matérn and Gaussian RBFs. Polyharmonic splines (PS) has rarely been used in MAPS due to its conditional positive definiteness and low accuracy. One advantage of PS is that there is no shape parameter to be taken care of. In this article, MAPS is modified so PS can be used more effectively. In the original MAPS, integrated RBFs, so called particular solutions, are used. An additional integrated polynomial basis is added when PS is used. In the modified MAPS, an additional polynomial basis is directly added to the integrated RBFs without integration. The results from the modified MAPS with PS can be improved by increasing the order of PS to a certain degree or by increasing the number of collocation points. A polynomial of degree 15 or less appeared to be working well in most of our examples. Other RBFs such as MQ can be utilized in the modified MAPS as well. The performance of the proposed method is tested on a number of examples including linear and nonlinear problems in 2D and 3D. We demonstrate that the modified MAPS with PS is, in general, more accurate than other RBFs for solving general elliptic equations.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 1839–1858, 2017
Normal‐weight obesity and cardiometabolic risk: A 7‐year longitudinal study in girls from prepuberty to early adulthood
Authors: Wiklund Petri , Törmäkangas Timo , Shi Yi , Wu Na , Vainionpää Aki , Alen Markku , Cheng Sulin
Published: April 2017

Objective

To study whether normal‐weight obesity in childhood is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk in early adulthood.

Methods

This study assessed data for 236 girls followed from prepuberty to early adulthood. Growth chart data were obtained from birth to 18 years. Body composition was assessed by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry and cardiometabolic risk by calculating continuous clustered risk score (at ages 11, 14, and 18). The association of body weight status with cardiometabolic risk from childhood to early adulthood was examined.

Results

Subjects with normal‐weight obesity were virtually indistinguishable from their normal‐weight lean peers in terms of relative body weight and BMI but had significantly higher fat mass (7.1‐7.3 kg) and cardiometabolic risk already in childhood, and this difference persisted into early adulthood (P <  0.001 for all).

Conclusions

Children and adolescents with normal body weight and high body fat percentage may be at increased risk for cardiometabolic morbidity in adulthood. Body fatness may be of utility in clinical practice to effectively identify children and adolescents at risk and to permit recommendation of lifestyle changes that could translate to lower risks of cardiovascular diseases in the future.
Preparation and characterization of eucalyptus wood flour/polypropylene composites by subcritical ethanol and 3‐Aminopropyltriethoxysilane as cosolvent
Authors: Cao Jin‐Xing , Liu Wei , Zhang Tao , Zhang Ling
Published: April 2017

Subcritical fluids assisted reactive extrusion is a novel and promising alternative technique for preparation of wood plastic composites. Because subcritical fluids have moderate process condition, well swollen performance, and excellent dissolvability. Therefore, subcritical fluids are led into the extruder system to alleviate the thermal degradation of wood flour, to reduce the melt viscosity of matrix, and to strengthen the mass transport. The wood flour is expanded in the presence of subcritical ethanol, which favors the permeability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms that maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MA) is grafted onto cellulosic chain, and subcritical ethanol promotes the grafting and swollen reaction. A possible mechanism is proposed to explain the effect of subcritical ethanol on the interfacial reactions. In addition, the thermal stability of wood flour, PP, and wood flour/PP composites are studied. Fracture morphology is observed to confirm the interfacial adhesion of wood flour/PP composites. The results suggest that subcritical ethanol leads to a change of crystalline structure of cellulose via X‐ray diffraction. Moreover, the mechanical properties of wood flour/PP composites increase dramatically, while 3‐Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550) is used as co‐solvent dissolving in ethanol. Experimental results reveal that wood flour/PP composites in the presence of subcritical ethanol with 2% KH550 (190°C, 2.4 MPa, and 120 r/min), whose tensile strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and non‐notched impact strength increase by 45, 56, 29, and 36%, respectively, possess the best physical properties comparing to those during extrusion without fluids. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3594–3604, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers