bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congruity of observed social support behaviors and couple relationship quality
Authors: Chow Chong Man , Ruhl Holly
Published: May 2017

This study examined the role of congruity in couples' social support behaviors on relational outcomes. Participants (N = 123 couples, Mage = 26.91, SD = 8.46) completed surveys on relationship satisfaction and discord. Positive and negative behaviors were then observed during supportive interactions. Results revealed that the detrimental effect of negative behaviors on satisfaction was buffered by a partner's engagement in fewer negative behaviors or intensified by more negative behaviors. Further, the beneficial effect of positive behaviors on reducing discord was amplified by a partner's engagement in more positive behaviors or offset by fewer positive behaviors. Last, the detrimental effect of negative behaviors on discord was buffered by a partner's engagement in more positive behaviors. These findings highlight the complex nature of dyadic relationships and provide insights for developing interventions focused on improving romantic relationship quality.
Is regulatory focus related to minimal and maximal standards? Depends on how you ask!
Authors: Lalot Fanny , Quiamzade Alain , Falomir‐Pichastor Juan Manuel
Published: May 2017

Regulatory focus theory suggests that hopes and aspirations (promotion focus) function like maximal goals, whereas duties and responsibilities (prevention focus) function like minimal goals. However, past research has not always reliably found such a link between regulatory focus and maximal–minimal goals or standards. In the present research, we hypothesised that this inconsistency can be explained, at least in part, by conceptual differences resulting in the use of different, specific wording. In four studies, we compared wording in terms of the relative magnitude of the goals to wording in terms of their absolute versus gradual perception. Results showed that regulatory focus (manipulated or measured) consistently relates to maximal versus minimal standards framed as goals of different magnitudes, but not to the goals framed according to an absolute–gradual perception. Implication of the results for regulatory focus research is discussed.
Superheroes for change: Physical safety promotes socially (but not economically) progressive attitudes among conservatives
Authors: Napier Jaime L. , Huang Julie , Vonasch Andrew J. , Bargh John A.
Published: May 2017

Across two studies, we find evidence for our prediction that experimentally increasing feelings of physical safety increases conservatives' socially progressive attitudes. Specifically, Republican and conservative participants who imagined being endowed with a superpower that made them invulnerable to physical harm (vs. the ability to fly) were more socially (but not economically) liberal (Study 1) and less resistant to social change (Study 2). Results suggest that socially (but not economically) conservative attitudes are driven, at least in part, by needs for safety and security.
I feel you feel what I feel: Perceived perspective‐taking promotes victims' conciliatory attitudes because of inferred emotions in the offender
Authors: Berndsen Mariëtte , Wenzel Michael , Thomas Emma F. , Noske Breeanna
Published: May 2017

In the context of bullying in a nursing workplace, we test the argument that an offender's perspective‐taking promotes victim conciliation, mediated by perceived perspective‐taking, that is, the extent to which the victim perceives the offender as taking their perspective. Perceived perspective‐taking facilitates the attribution of moral emotions (remorse, etc.) to the offender, thereby promoting conciliatory victim responses. However, perceived perspective‐taking would be qualified by the extent to which the severity of consequences expressed in the offender's perspective‐taking matches or surpasses the severity for the victim. In Studies 1 and 2 (Ns = 141 and 122, respectively), victims indicated greater trust and/or forgiveness when the offender had taken the victim's perspective. This was sequentially mediated by perceived perspective‐taking and victim's inference that the offender had felt moral emotions. As predicted, in Study 2 (but not Study 1), severity of consequences qualified victims' perceived perspective‐taking. Study 3 (N = 138) examined three potential mechanisms for the moderation by severity. Victims attributed greater perspective‐taking to the offender when the consequences were less severe than voiced by the offender, suggesting victims' appreciation of the offender's generous appraisal. Attributions of perspective‐taking and of moral emotions to the offender may play an important role in reconciliation processes.

Key outcome: To the extent that victims perceive the offender as taking their perspective (perceived perspective‐taking), they infer that the offender feels more moral emotions, prompting victims to be more conciliatory. Perceived perspective‐taking benefits from the offender over‐stating the consequences to the victim.
Molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction coupled with LC–APCI–MS–MS for the selective determination of serum cholesterol
Authors: Matos Cordeiro Borges Marcella , Leijoto de Oliveira Hanna , Bastos Borges Keyller
Published: May 2017

The assessment of selective molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction (MISPE) for clean‐up and extraction of cholesterol (CHO) from bovine and human serum samples was evaluated. Two molecular imprinted polymers (MIP) based on organic and inorganic/organic (hybrid) materials were obtained and compared regarding recovery and selectivity toward CHO. Optimum chromatographic separation between the CHO and its isobaric compound lathosterol (LATHO) has been achieved within 15 min using an Agilent Poroshell 120 EC‐C18 column (120 mm × 3.0 mm, 2.7 μM) and mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile:methanol (8:2, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.6 mL min−1. Mass spectrometry detection was operated in atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) (+) mode and the SIM transitions [M – H2O + H]+ for CHO and LATHO were 364.1 → 161.2 → 95.2 and 364.1 → 95.1 → 81.1 m/z, respectively. The sample preparation could be accomplished within 1 h, and the matrix effect on the MS signal after sample pretreatment did not interfere in the analyses. The method provided a good linear range (0.013–312 μM.) with coefficients of determination of R2 > 0.99, substantial sensitivity (limits of detection of 6.5 nM), good recovery (∼90%), high reproducibility (intraday and interday relative standard deviations less than 15%) and satisfactory accuracy (relative error ranged from –13.46% to 11.54%). The organic MIP showed superior performance compared with the hybrid. Finally, the MISPE procedure followed by LC–APCI–MS–MS analysis showed their suitable applicability to examine CHO and LATHO in serum samples.
Statistical analysis and modeling of a novel parameter for resource allocation in multicarrier PLC systems
Authors: Colen Guilherme R. , de Oliveira Lucas G. , Zeller Camila B. , Han Vinck A. J. , Ribeiro Moises V.
Published: May 2017

This work outlines a novel parameter that is capable of characterizing the flatness of the normalized signal‐to‐noise ratio for resource allocation purposes in power line communication (PLC) systems, which are based on multicarrier modulation schemes. This parameter, named normalized signal‐to‐noise ratio coherence bandwidth, can be used for grouping adjacent subchannels therefore reducing the computational complexity of resource allocation techniques. Additionally, we discuss a comparative analysis between the proposed parameter and the coherence bandwidth for resource allocation purposes, which leads us to conclude that the former is more appropriate than the latter for PLC systems. Moreover, we show a statistical analysis of the proposed parameter and model it with different distributions based on noise measurements and channel estimates of broadband in‐home, outdoor, and hybrid PLC‐wireless environments. On the basis of data sets obtained from measurement campaigns covering the frequency bands of 1.7 to 30, 1.7 to 50, and 1.7 to 100 MHz, we show that the best distributions for modeling the proposed parameter are inverse Gaussian, Nakagami, gamma, and Gaussian mixture, depending on the type of the channel (in home, outdoor, and hybrid PLC wireless) and the frequency band.
Cryptanalysis and improvement of a biometric‐based remote user authentication protocol usable in a multiserver environment
Authors: Chandrakar Preeti , Om Hari
Published: May 2017

Recently, Amin and Biswas have discussed a bilinear pairing–based three‐factor remote user authentication protocol, claiming it to be secured against various attacks. We scrutinize this protocol and find that it is vulnerable to identity guessing attack, password guessing attack, user untraceability attack, user‐server impersonation attack, new smart card issue attack, and privileged insider attack. In this paper, we propose an elliptic curve cryptography and biometric‐based remote user authentication protocol for a multiserver environment by overcoming these drawbacks. We conduct its informal and formal security analysis to show that it resists all known security attacks. The Burrows‐Abadi‐Needham (BAN) logic verifies that our protocol facilitates mutual authentication and session key agreement securely. We simulate it using the Automated Validation of Internet Security Protocols and Applications (AVISPA) tool to certify that it can be protected from passive and active threats, including replay and man‐in‐the‐middle attacks. Furthermore, the proposed protocol provides more security attributes and better complexity in terms of smart card storage cost, computation cost, estimated time, and communication cost, as compared with the related existing protocols.
Revealing the inner secrets of intumescence: Advanced standard time temperature oven (STT Mufu+)—μ‐computed tomography approach
Authors: Morys Michael , Illerhaus Bernhard , Sturm Heinz , Schartel Bernhard
Published: May 2017

Intumescent coatings have been used for fire protection of steel for decades, but there is still a need for improvement and adaptation. The key parameters of such coatings in a fire scenario are thermal insulation, foaming dynamics, and cohesion. The fire resistance tests, large furnaces applying the standard time temperature (STT) curve, demand coated full‐scale components or intermediate‐scale specimen. The STT Mufu+ (standard time temperature muffle furnace+) approach is presented. It is a recently developed bench‐scale testing method to analyze the performance of intumescent coatings. The STT Mufu+ provides vertical testing of specimens with reduced specimen size according to the STT curve. During the experiment, the foaming process is observed with a high‐temperature endoscope. Characteristics of this technique like reproducibility and resolution are presented and discussed. The STT Mufu+ test is highly efficient in comparison to common tests because of the reduced sample size. Its potential is extended to a superior research tool by combining it with advanced residue analysis (μ‐computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy) and mechanical testing. The benefits of this combination are demonstrated by a case study on 4 intumescent coatings. The evaluation of all collected data is used to create performance‐based rankings of the tested coatings.
Highly recurrent H3F3A mutations with additional epigenetic regulator alterations in giant cell tumor of bone
Authors: Ogura Koichi , Hosoda Fumie , Nakamura Hiromi , Hama Natsuko , Totoki Yasushi , Yoshida Akihiko , Ohashi Shoko , Rokutan Hirofumi , Takai Erina , Yachida Shinichi , Kawai Akira , Tanaka Sakae , Shibata Tatsuhiro
Published: May 2017

Recurrent H3F3A and IDH2 mutations have been reported in giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB). However, the reported incidences have varied, and other molecular genetic alterations have not been identified due to the small number of cases analyzed with comprehensive methods. Moreover, the relative sensitivities of Sanger sequencing and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) for the detection of H3F3A mutations in DNA extracted from archival formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) samples for clinical diagnosis have not been assessed. To address these issues, we conducted whole‐exome sequencing of 7 GCTBs and integrated the previously published genomic sequencing data of 6 GCTBs. We subsequently performed targeted sequencing of an additional 39 GCTBs, including 2 atypical cases and an extremely rare case of primary malignant transformation of GCTB. We also evaluated the sensitivity of Sanger sequencing for detecting H3F3A mutations in FFPE samples that are usually used for clinical diagnosis. H3F3A glycine hotspot mutations were the most frequently detected mutations (96%) in the 52 GCTBs by NGS. Of the 50 hotspot mutations, p.G34W was observed in 48 cases and p.G34L/G34R was detected in one. One of two atypical GCTB cases with wild‐type H3F3A had a H3F3B mutation (p.G34V). Other mutated genes were not recurrent. Sanger sequencing did not detect H3F3A mutations in 10 of 15 H3F3A NGS mutation‐positive FFPE samples. In conclusion, we confirmed that H3F3A is the most frequently mutated GCTB driver gene, and that H3F3A mutations are not present in atypical GCTBs. Sanger sequencing was much less sensitive than targeted NGS for detecting H3F3A mutations in FFPE samples.
Development and evaluation of the coaxial cable casing imager: a cost‐effective solution to real‐time downhole monitoring for CO2 sequestration wellbore integrity
Authors: Li Yurong , Cheng Baokai , Zhu Wenge , Xiao Hai , Nygaard Runar
Published: May 2017

CO2 leakage is a major concern in a geological carbon sequestration projects due to adverse environmental consequences, where the main leakage risk is identified to be along existing wells through a thick, low‐permeable cap rock. To pursue robust and cost effective real‐time downhole monitoring technology for CO2 sequestration wellbore integrity, a permanently deployed coaxial cable casing imager is developed and evaluated in laboratory in this paper. The prototype of the casing imager consists of evenly distributed coaxial cable strain sensors helically wrapped around the pipe. The system is deployed on both PVC pipe and steel pipe to test its performance in casing deformation monitoring, including axial compression, radial expansion, bending, and ovalization. The strain sensors are pre‐stressed and then helically wrapped onto the pipe with high strength epoxy. Multiple linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs) or strain gauges are used as an independent measurement of the actual pipe deformation in comparison to the casing imager measured pipe deformation. The test results demonstrated the ability of the lab‐scale casing imager prototype in real‐time casing deformation monitoring, including axial compression, radial expansion, bending, and ovalization, which would prove of great value in evaluating wellbore integrity state and providing early warnings of leakage risk that will contaminate the groundwater during CO2 injection. The low cost and high robustness of the distributed coaxial cable sensors will greatly lower the downhole monitoring cost and increase the system longevity. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ordinal response generalized difference in differences with varying categories: The health effect of a disability program in Korea
Authors: Kim Young‐sook , Lee Myoung‐jae
Published: May 2017

We consider the use of difference in differences (DD) to evaluate the effect of an activity assistance program on the health of severely disabled Koreans. There are, however, 2 problems in the data: the number of response categories for self‐assessed health changed over the waves of the repeated cross‐section survey and the “parallel untreated response path” assumption for DD is suspect. We show how to overcome these problems by renormalizing parameters and applying “generalized difference in differences (GDD).” We find a significantly positive effect of the program with DD, but not with GDD. Our solutions should prove useful in applications in which one or other of these problems arise.
Changing trends in the use of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) in Southeast Asia
Authors: Singh Darshan , Narayanan Suresh , Vicknasingam Balasingam , Corazza Ornella , Santacroce Rita , Roman‐Urrestarazu Andres
Published: May 2017

Objective

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa. Korth) is an indigenous medicinal plant of Southeast Asia. This review paper aims to describe the trends of kratom use in Southeast Asia.

Design

A literature review search was conducted through ScienceDirect, Scopus, ProMed and Google Scholar. Twenty‐five articles illustrating kratom use in humans in Southeast Asia were reviewed.

Results

Kratom has long been used by rural populations in Southeast Asia as a remedy for common ailments, to fight fatigue from hard manual work, as a drink during social interaction among men, and in village religious functions. Studies based on self‐reports suggest that prolonged kratom use does not result in serious health risks or impair social functioning. Two recent trends have also emerged: (a) Kratom is reportedly being used to ease withdrawal from opioid dependence in rural settings; whereas (b) in urban areas, adulterated kratom cocktails are being consumed by younger people to induce euphoria.

Conclusions

Legal sanctions appear to have preceded serious scientific investigations into the claimed benefits of ketum. More objective‐controlled trials and experiments on humans need to be conducted to validate self‐report claims by kratom users in the community.
An empirical investigation of analytical procedures using mixture distributions
Authors: Christopher Westland J.
Published: May 2017

Analytical procedures are evaluations of account and transaction flow information made by a study of plausible relationships between both accounting and non‐accounting data. This study investigates the performance of Tweedie distributions (which have Gaussian distributions as members) in improving fit of zero‐inflated, non‐negative, kurtotic and multimodal analytical review data. The study found that account valuations are more informative than marginal data in analytical review, that mixture Poisson–Gamma distributions offer better fit than Gaussian distributions, even under assumptions of central limit theorem convergence, and that mixture Poisson–Gamma distributions provide better predictions of future account and transaction volumes and values. Model performance improvement with price versus returns data in this empirical study was substantial: from less than one‐quarter of variance, to almost two‐thirds. Tweedie generalized linear model risk assessments were found to be a magnitude smaller than traditional risk assessments, lending support to market inefficiency and increased risk from idiosyncratic factors. An example with several differing distributions shows that use of mixture distributions instead of point estimation can reduce sample size while retaining the power of the audit tests. The results of this study are increasingly important as accounting datasets are growing exponentially larger over time, requiring well‐defined roles for models, algorithms, data and narrative which can only be achieved with statistical protocols and algorithmic languages.
Fs‐laser ablation of teeth is temperature limited and provides information about the ablated components
Authors: de Menezes Rebeca Ferraz , Harvey Catherine Malinda , de Martínez Gerbi Marleny Elizabeth Márquez , Smith Zachary J. , Smith Dan , Ivaldi Juan C. , Phillips Alton , Chan James W. , Wachsmann‐Hogiu Sebastian
Published: May 2017

The goal of this work is to investigate the thermal effects of femtosecond laser (fs‐laser) ablation for the removal of carious dental tissue. Additional studies identify different tooth tissues through femtosecond laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (fsLIBS) for the development of a feedback loop that could be utilized during ablation in a clinical setting. Scanning Election Microscope (SEM) images reveal that minimal morphological damages are incurred at repetition rates below the carbonization threshold of each tooth tissue. Thermal studies measure the temperature distribution and temperature decay during laser ablation and after laser cessation, and demonstrate that repetition rates at or below 10kHz with a laser fluence of 40 J/cm2 would inflict minimal thermal damage on the surrounding nerve tissues and provide acceptable clinical removal rates. Spectral analysis of the different tooth tissues is also conducted and differences between the visible wavelength fsLIBS spectra are evident, though more robust classification studies are needed for clinical translation. These results have initiated a set of precautionary recommendations that would enable the clinician to utilize femtosecond laser ablation for the removal of carious lesions while ensuring that the solidity and utility of the tooth remain intact.
Reflectance spectroscopy: to shed new light on the capillary refill test
Authors: John Rani Toll , Henricson Joakim , Nilsson Gert E , Wilhelms Daniel , Anderson Chris D.
Published: May 2017

To use Bioengineering methodology is used to achieve, at five anatomical sites, a detailed, quantitative assessment of the return of blood content to the blanched area, during the Capillary Refill (CR) test. An observational, non‐randomized, experimental study on 23 healthy subjects (14 females) was performed in our climate controlled skin physiology laboratory. Our main outcome measures were based on the chronological assessment and quantification of red blood cell concentration (RBC) after the release of blanching pressure in the CR test, using Tissue Viability Imaging (TiVi), a digital photographic technique based on polarisation spectroscopy. TiVi enabled collection of detailed data on skin RBC concentration during the CR test. The results were shown as curves with skin blood concentration (TiVi‐value) on the y‐axis and the time on the x‐axis. Quantitative CR responses showed site and temperature variability. We also suggest possible objective endpoint values from the capillary refill curve. Detailed data on skin RBC concentration during the CR test is easily obtained and allows objective determination of end points not possible to achieve by naked eye assessment. These findings have the potential to place the utility of the CR test in a clinical setting in a new light. Picture: Regular photograph and TiVi Image showing CR test and corresponding graph for the CR response.

magnified image
Growth process and anticancer properties of gold nanorods
Authors: Zhang Junyan , Wang Mian , Webster Thomas J.
Published: May 2017

Gold nanoparticles have been of great interest because of their unique optical properties, facile synthesis and conjugation. Among various shapes of gold nanoparticles, gold nanorods have been widely studied. They can be conjugated with different molecules for biomedical applications, such as tumor imaging and therapy. However, few researchers have studied the antitumor properties of bare gold nanorods. In this study, unfunctionalized gold nanorods were synthesized and tested on breast tumor cells. Results showed that the aspect ratio of gold nanorods could be easily influenced by both reaction time and the amount of silver nitrate in the growth solution. A new growth process is proposed here based on the UV‐Vis spectra and TEM images of gold nanorods at different reaction times. More importantly, cell studies showed that within a certain concentration range, the gold nanorods can selectively kill tumor cells while having limited or little influence on healthy mammalian (dermal fibroblast) cells. Thus, this study shows promise for the use of bare gold nanorods for further study alone or in combination with photothermal treatment. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2616–2621, 2017.
Influence of highly porous electrospun PLGA/PCL/nHA fibrous scaffolds on the differentiation of tooth bud cellsin vitro
Authors: Cai Xinjie , ten Hoopen Sofie , Zhang Weibo , Yi Charles , Yang Wanxun , Yang Fang , Jansen John A. , Walboomers X. Frank , Yelick Pamela C.
Published: May 2017

In this study, we investigated the use of three‐dimensional electrospun poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PLGA/PCL) scaffolds seeded and cultured with postnatal dental cells, for improved dental tissue regeneration. Wet‐electrospinning combined with ultrasonic treatment was studied as a method to enhance scaffold porosity and to promote cell–cell interactions. We also investigated whether nano‐hydroxyapatite (nHA) incorporation could enhance dental cell differentiation. All scaffolds were seeded with human tooth pulp‐derived dental mesenchymal (hDM) cells, or a combination of hDM and pig dental epithelial (pDE) cells, cultured for up to 28 days. Developmentally staged samples were assessed using scanning electron microscopy, histological, immunohistochemical, DNA and alkaline phosphatase activity assays, and quantitative‐PCR for ameloblastic, odontoblastic, and osteogenic related gene expression. Results showed that electrospun scaffolds exhibited sufficient porosity to support robust cell ingrowth. Additional ultrasonic treatment led to a less homogeneous scaffold porosity, resulting in evident cell clustering and enhanced hDM‐pDE cell–cell interactions. Finally, nHA incorporation was found to enhance dental cell differentiation. However, it also resulted in smaller fiber diameter and reduced scaffold porosity, and inhibited cell ingrowth and proliferation. In conclusion, ultrasonically treated wet‐electrospun PLGA/PCL scaffolds are a suitable material for dental tissue engineering, and support futurein vivoevaluations of this model. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2597–2607, 2017.
Bone Formation Is Coupled to Resorption Via Suppression of Sclerostin Expression by Osteoclasts
Authors: Koide Masanori , Kobayashi Yasuhiro , Yamashita Teruhito , Uehara Shunsuke , Nakamura Midori , Hiraoka B. Yukihiro , Ozaki Yuki , Iimura Tadahiro , Yasuda Hisataka , Takahashi Naoyuki , Udagawa Nobuyuki
Published: May 2017

Bone formation is coupled to bone resorption throughout life. However, the coupling mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Using Tnfrsf11b-deficient (OPG–/–) mice, in which bone formation is clearly coupled to bone resorption, we found here that osteoclasts suppress the expression of sclerostin, a Wnt antagonist, thereby promoting bone formation. Wnt/β-catenin signals were higher in OPG–/– and RANKL-transgenic mice with a low level of sclerostin. Conditioned medium from osteoclast cultures (Ocl-CM) suppressed sclerostin expression in UMR106 cells and osteocyte cultures. In vitro experiments revealed that osteoclasts secreted leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and inhibited sclerostin expression. Anti-RANKL antibodies, antiresorptive agents, suppressed LIF expression and increased sclerostin expression, thereby reducing bone formation in OPG–/– mice. Taken together, osteoclast-derived LIF regulates bone turnover through sclerostin expression. Thus, LIF represents a target for improving the prolonged suppression of bone turnover by antiresorptive agents. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Hypermineralization and High Osteocyte Lacunar Density in Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type V Bone Indicate Exuberant Primary Bone Formation
Authors: Blouin Stéphane , Fratzl-Zelman Nadja , Glorieux Francis H , Roschger Paul , Klaushofer Klaus , Marini Joan C , Rauch Frank
Published: May 2017

In contrast to “classical” forms of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) types I to IV, caused by a mutation in COL1A1/A2, OI type V is due to a gain-of-function mutation in the IFITM5 gene, encoding the interferon-induced transmembrane protein 5, or bone-restricted interferon-inducible transmembrane (IFITM)-like protein (BRIL). Its phenotype distinctly differs from OI types I to IV by absence of blue sclerae and dentinogenesis imperfecta, by the occurrence of ossification disorders such as hyperplastic callus and forearm interosseous membrane ossification. Little is known about the impact of the mutation on bone tissue/material level in untreated and bisphosphonate-treated patients. Therefore, investigations of transiliac bone biopsy samples from a cohort of OI type V children (n = 15, 8.7 ± 4 years old) untreated at baseline and a subset (n = 8) after pamidronate treatment (2.6 years in average) were performed. Quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI) was used to determine bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD) as well as osteocyte lacunar density. The BMDD of type V OI bone was distinctly shifted toward a higher degree of mineralization. The most frequently occurring calcium concentration (CaPeak) in cortical (Ct) and cancellous (Cn) bone was markedly increased (+11.5%, +10.4%, respectively, p < 0.0001) compared to healthy reference values. Treatment with pamidronate resulted in only a slight enhancement of mineralization. The osteocyte lacunar density derived from sectioned bone area was elevated in OI type V Ct and Cn bone (+171%, p < 0.0001; +183.3%, p < 0.01; respectively) versus controls. The high osteocyte density was associated with an overall immature primary bone structure (“mesh-like”) as visualized by polarized light microscopy. In summary, the bone material from OI type V patients is hypermineralized, similar to other forms of OI. The elevated osteocyte lacunar density in connection with lack of regular bone lamellation points to an exuberant primary bone formation and an alteration of the bone remodeling process in OI type V. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The nucleus is irreversibly shaped by motion of cell boundaries in cancer and non‐cancer cells
Authors: Tocco Vincent J. , Li Yuan , Christopher Keith G. , Matthews James H. , Aggarwal Varun , Paschall Lauren , Luesch Hendrik , Licht Jonathan D. , Dickinson Richard B. , Lele Tanmay P.
Published: May 2017

Actomyosin stress fibers impinge on the nucleus and can exert compressive forces on it. These compressive forces have been proposed to elongate nuclei in fibroblasts, and lead to abnormally shaped nuclei in cancer cells. In these models, the elongated or flattened nuclear shape is proposed to store elastic energy. However, we found that deformed shapes of nuclei are unchanged even after removal of the cell with micro‐dissection, both for smooth, elongated nuclei in fibroblasts and abnormally shaped nuclei in breast cancer cells. The lack of shape relaxation implies that the nuclear shape in spread cells does not store any elastic energy, and the cellular stresses that deform the nucleus are dissipative, not static. During cell spreading, the deviation of the nucleus from a convex shape increased in MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cells, but decreased in MCF‐10A cells. Tracking changes of nuclear and cellular shape on micropatterned substrata revealed that fibroblast nuclei deform only during deformations in cell shape and only in the direction of nearby moving cell boundaries. We propose that motion of cell boundaries exert a stress on the nucleus, which allows the nucleus to mimic cell shape. The lack of elastic energy in the nuclear shape suggests that nuclear shape changes in cells occur at constant surface area and volume.
Spotted Gar and the Evolution of Innate Immune Receptors
Authors: Wcisel Dustin J. , Ota Tatsuya , Litman Gary W. , Yoder Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2017

The resolution of the gar genome affords an opportunity to examine the diversification and functional specialization of immune effector molecules at a distant and potentially informative point in phylogenetic development. Although innate immunity is effected by a particularly large number of different families of molecules, the focus here is to provide detailed characterization of several families of innate receptors that are encoded in large multigene families, for which orthologous forms can be identified in other species of bony fish but not in other vertebrate groups as well as those for which orthologs are present in other vertebrate species. The results indicate that although teleost fish and the gar, as a holostean reference species, share gene families thought previously to be restricted to the teleost fish, the manner in which the members of the multigene families of innate immune receptors have undergone diversification is different in these two major phylogenetic radiations. It appears that both the total genome duplication and different patterns of genetic selection have influenced the derivation and stabilization of innate immune genes in a substantial manner during the course of vertebrate evolution.
Survival rates after liver transplantation using hypertensive donor grafts: an analysis of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database
Authors: Hu Zhenhua , Mei Shengmin , Xiang Jie , Zhou Jie , Li Zhiwei , Zhou Lin , Yan Sheng , Wang Weilin , Zheng Shusen
Published: May 2017

Background

The use of grafts from donors with hypertension (HTN) in liver transplantation has grown rapidly recently, but whether HTN donors affect post‐liver transplantation survival is unclear.

Methods

We used data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database (2004–2008), and evaluated differences in baseline characteristics and outcomes between recipients of grafts from HTN and non‐HTN donors. Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Cox regression models were used in assessing patient survival.

Results

We identified 8,411 recipients of HTN donor grafts (33.2%) and 16,891 (66.8%) recipients of non‐HTN donor grafts. Graft and patient survival rates were significantly lower in recipients of HTN donor grafts versus non‐HTN donor grafts (1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year graft survival rates of 75%, 64%, 50% vs. 80%, 72%, 62% [P < 0.001], respectively, and patient survival rates of 79%, 69%, 56% vs. 83%, 75%, 65% [P < 0.001], respectively). A history of HTN >5 years was also associated with lower rates of graft and patient survival (P < 0.001). A HTN donor was independently associated with a higher risk of graft loss (hazard ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.18).

Conclusion

The present study shows that graft and patient survivals were lower in recipients of hypertensive donor grafts, and highlights the importance of appropriately screening donors for HTN.
Technological and Economic Factors Determining ICT Level: Evidence from Rural Micro‐Businesses in Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Perez‐Estebanez Raquel , Urquía‐Grande Elena , Rautiainen Antti
Published: May 2017

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the 11th largest country in the world although wars have devastated the economics of the country. In this vast but poor area, there are a lot of small businesses, particularly in agriculture. Therefore, focusing on small enterprises and their use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can be a key issue in enhancing the nation's infrastructure, communications, social relations and economy. This research aims at increasing our understanding of these issues together by analysing the effects of ICT in micro‐level businesses in a developing country. The research focused on the rural neighbourhood of Ngandanjike in the area of Mbujimayi in south DRC. Two hundred agricultural micro‐entrepreneurs were randomly surveyed by a Non‐Profit Organisation (NPO) about their current situation regarding their ICT use, ICT access, mobile phone use, ICT education level and accounting information systems. Multivariate statistics models were used in the data analysis. After analysing the regression of the six ICT factors and additional financial data as total revenues and total assets, we found that micro‐entrepreneurial total assets are connected with management accounting with ICT, ICT education level and ICT adoption. We contribute to existing research by adding empirical evidence, at a microeconomic level of agricultural micro‐enterprises, on the effects of ICT access and use as an engine of local economic growth. Additionally, this research can impact policy decisions regarding micro‐entrepreneurs, seeking to reduce poverty by understanding what ICT factors are most valued and most needed by these micro‐entrepreneurs to help them with sustainable economic activity and to alleviate the poverty. Policy makers need to emphasise training and motivation for micro‐entrepreneurs in order to deepen their ICT knowledge and to help their business. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cross‐sectional correlation between hepatic R2* and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) in children with hepatic steatosis
Authors: Mamidipalli Adrija , Hamilton Gavin , Manning Paul , Hong Cheng William , Park Charlie C. , Wolfson Tanya , Hooker Jonathan , Heba Elhamy , Schlein Alexandra , Gamst Anthony , Durelle Janis , Paiz Melissa , Middleton Michael S. , Schwimmer Jeffrey B. , Sirlin Claude B.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To determine the relationship between hepatic proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and R2* in vivo.

Materials and Methods

In this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)‐compliant, Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved, cross‐sectional study, we conducted a secondary analysis of 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams performed as part of prospective research studies in children in whom conditions associated with iron overload were excluded clinically. Each exam included low‐flip‐angle, multiecho magnitude (‐M) and complex (‐C) based chemical‐shift‐encoded MRI techniques with spectral modeling of fat to generate hepatic PDFF and R2* parametric maps. For each technique and each patient, regions of interest were placed on the maps in each of the nine Couinaud segments, and composite whole‐liver PDFF and R2* values were calculated. Pearson's correlation coefficients between PDFF and R2* were computed for each MRI technique. Correlations were compared using Steiger's test.

Results

In all, 184 children (123 boys, 61 girls) were included in this analysis. PDFF estimated by MRI‐M and MRI‐C ranged from 1.1–35.4% (9.44 ± 8.76) and 2.1–38.1% (10.1 ± 8.7), respectively. R2* estimated by MRI‐M and MRI‐C ranged from 32.6–78.7 s−1 (48.4 ± 9.8) and 27.2–71.5 s−1 (42.2 ± 8.6), respectively. There were strong and significant correlations between hepatic PDFF and R2* values estimated by MRI‐M (r = 0.874; P < 0.0001) and MRI‐C (r = 0.853; P < 0.0001). The correlation coefficients (0.874 vs. 0.853) were not significantly different (P = 0.15).

Conclusion

Hepatic PDFF and R2* are strongly correlated with each other in vivo. This relationship was observed using two different MRI techniques.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:418–424.
Mass spectrometric evidence for the modification of small molecules in a cobalt‐60‐irradiated rodent diet
Authors: Prasain J. K. , Wilson L. S. , Arabshahi A. , Grubbs C. , Barnes S.
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of radiation on the content of animal diet constituents using global metabolomics. Aqueous methanolic extracts of control and cobalt‐60‐irradiated Teklad 7001 diets were comprehensively analyzed using nano‐liquid chromatography–MS/MS. Among the over 2000 ions revealed by XCMS followed by data preprocessing, 94 positive and 143 negative metabolite ions had greater than 1.5‐fold changes and p‐values <0.01. Use of MetaboAnalyst statistical software demonstrated complete separation of the irradiated and non‐radiated diets in unsupervised principal components analysis and supervised partial least squares discriminant analysis. Irradiation led to an increase in the content of phytochemicals such as glucosinolates and oxidized lipids in the diet. Twenty‐eight metabolites that were significantly changed in the irradiated samples were putatively identified at the level of molecular formulae by MS/MS. MS/MSALL analysis of chloroform–methanol extracts of the irradiated diet showed increased levels of a number of unique linoleic acid‐derived branched fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids. These data imply that gamma irradiation of animal diets causes chemical changes to dietary components, which in turn may influence the risk of mammary cancer. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neck Sonography and Suppressed Thyroglobulin Have High Sensitivity for Identifying Recurrent/Persistent Disease in Patients With Low‐risk Thyroid Cancer Treated With Total Thyroidectomy and Radioactive Iodine Ablation, Making Stimulated Thyroglobulin Unnecessary
Authors: Domínguez José M. , Nilo Flavia , Contreras Tania , Carmona Rocío , Droppelmann Nicolás , González Hernán , Iturrieta Virginia , Tuttle R. Michael
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Follow‐up of patients with low‐risk differentiated thyroid cancer treated with total thyroidectomy and radioiodine requires neck sonography and thyroglobulin (Tg). The need to stimulate Tg is controversial. The goal of this study was to compare the diagnostic performances of sonography plus suppressed or stimulated Tg in low‐risk thyroid cancer.

Methods

After total thyroidectomy and radioiodine, patients with low‐risk thyroid cancer were retrospectively identified as having structural or biochemical persistence/recurrence. We compared the diagnostic performance of suppressed and stimulated Tg to detect persistence/recurrence.

Results

We included 148 patients with low‐risk thyroid cancer who were followed for a median of 3.7 years. Persistence/recurrence was found in 8 patients (5.4%; 5 structural disease and 3 biochemical disease). Thyroglobulin was not stimulated in 72 patients (group 1) and stimulated in 76 (group 2). In group 1, 5 patients (6.9%) had structural neck persistence/recurrence (3 with suppressed Tg ≥ 1 ng/mL and 2 with suppressed Tg < 1 ng/mL). Four patients underwent surgery, and 1 was surveilled. All 5 patients had suppressed Tg lower than 1 ng/mL at the end of follow‐up. In group 2, stimulated Tg did not identify additional cases of structural persistence/recurrence but classified 3 patients (3.9%) as having biochemical persistence/recurrence. One patient received a second dose of radioiodine, and the other 2 were surveilled; all were without disease at the end of follow‐up. Suppressed and stimulated Tg had negative predictive values for persistence/recurrence of 97% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions

In low‐risk thyroid cancer treated with total thyroidectomy and radioiodine, sonography and suppressed or stimulated Tg have similar negative predictive values for persistence/recurrence. Importantly, the coexistence of negative sonographic findings and suppressed Tg lower than 1 ng/mL makes the addition of stimulated Tg unlikely to identify clinically important disease.
Composite Membrane Formation by Combination of Reaction‐Induced and Nonsolvent‐Induced Phase Separation
Authors: Aburabie Jamaliah , Villalobos Luis Francisco , Peinemann Klaus‐Viktor
Published: May 2017

A novel method of preparing skinned asymmetric membranes with two distinctive layers is described: a top layer composed of chemically cross‐linked polymer chains (dense layer) and a bottom layer of non‐cross‐linked polymer chains (porous substructure). The method consists of two simple steps that are compatible with industrial membrane fabrication facilities. Unlike conventional processes to prepare asymmetric membranes, with this approach it is possible to finely control the structure and functionalities of the final membrane. The thickness of the dense layer can be easily controlled over several orders of magnitude and targeted functional groups can be readily incorporated in it.

image
An experimental study of the fracture behavior of particulate reinforced composites using digital image correlation
Authors: Na S.H. , Lee J. W. , Kim J.H. , Park J.B. , Jung G.D.
Published: May 2017

This study aims to investigate the fracture behavior of particulate reinforced composites to determine resistance properties. It is important to evaluate the crack propagation characteristics of the materials under various temperatures and strain rates. The tests using a wedge splitting specimen are conducted under temperatures ranging from 60 °C to −60 °C and strain rates of 5 and 50 mm/min. KI is calculated using an equation suggested by ASTM (American society for testing and materials) E399. The splitting loads and crack resistance for crack extension at various temperatures are estimated. Also, the crack tip opening angle is calculated from the crack tip opening displacement and crack extension measured via the optical method. The crack tip opening angle consists of an unstable and stable region by which the critical crack tip opening angle can be determined. In addition, digital image correlation is used to calculate the strain fields around the crack tip as well as the whole specimen.
Stirrups effect on the behavior of concrete columns during an earthquake
Authors: Grgić N. , Radnić J. , Matešan D. , Banović I.
Published: May 2017

The paper presents the testing results of a small scale model of cantilever concrete columns on a shake table, with varying stirrup spacing. During the test, earthquake accelerations were gradually increased. Displacements and accelerations at the top of the earthquake‐like columns, as well as the strains in the concrete, vertical bars and stirrups in characteristic points, were measured during each shake table excitation. It was concluded that the distance between stirrups in the concrete column has a significant effect on the size of the cracking zone in the concrete, as well as on the number, location, spacing and width of cracks. By reducing the distance between the stirrups, columns becomes stiffer. That leads to smaller displacements and slightly larger inertial forces under excitation with low accelerations. Maximum displacements at the top of the column with denser stirrups are slightly smaller and the crack zone and crack width in concrete is therefore significantly reduced.
Ecology, adaptation, and function of methane‐sulfidic spring water biofilm microorganisms, including a strain of anaerobic fungus Mucor hiemalis
Authors: Hoque Enamul , Fritscher Johannes
Published: May 2017

Ecological aspects, adaptation, and some functions of a special biofilm and its unique key anaerobic fungus Mucor hiemalis strain EH11 isolated from a pristine spring (Künzing, Bavaria, Germany) are described. The spring's pure nature is characterized by, for example, bubbling methane, marine‐salinity, mild hydrothermal (~19.1°C), sulfidic, and reductive‐anoxic (Eh: −241 to −253 mV, O2: ≤ 0.1 mg/L) conditions. It is geoecologically located at the border zone between Bavarian Forest (crystalline rocky mountains) and the moor‐like Danube River valley, where geological displacements bring the spring's water from the deeper layers of former marine sources up to the surface. In the spring's outflow, a special biofilm with selective microorganisms consisting of archaea, bacteria, protozoa (ciliate), and fungus was found. Typical sulfidic‐spring bryophyta and macrozoobenthos were missing, but many halo‐ and anaerotolerant diatoms and ciliate Vorticella microstoma beside EH11 were identified. Phase contrast and scanning electron microscopy revealed the existence of a stabilizing matrix in the biofilm formed by the sessile fungal hyphae and the exopolysaccharide substance (EPS) structures, which harbors other microorganisms. In response to ecological adaptation pressure caused by methane bubbles, EH11 developed an atypical spring‐like hyphal morphology, similar to the spiral stalk of ciliate V. microstoma, to rise up with methane bubbles. For the first time, it was also demonstrated that under strict anaerobic conditions EH11 changes its asexual reproduction process by forming pseudosporangia via hyphal cell divisions as well as switching its metabolism to chemoautotrophic bacteria‐like anaerobic life using acetate as an e‐donor and ferrihydrite as an e‐acceptor, all without fermentation. EH11 can be suggested to be useful for the microbial community in the Künzing biofilm not only due to its physical stabilization of the biofilm's matrix but also due to its ecological functions in element recycling as well as a remover of toxic metals.