bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and Performance of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with La0.2Sr0.7TiO3–δ as Anode Support and La2NiO4+δ as Cathode
Authors: Li S. , Tu H. , Yu L. , Anwar M. T.
Published: November 2016

A novel fabrication process for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with La0.2Sr0.7TiO3–δ (LSTA–) as anode support and La2NiO4+δ (LNO) as cathode material, which avoids complicated impregnation process, is designed and investigated. The LSTA– anode‐supported half cells are reduced at 1,200 °C in hydrogen atmosphere. Subsequently, the LNO cathode is sintered on the YSZ electrolyte at 1,200 °C in nitrogen atmosphere and then annealed in situ at 850 °C in air. The results of XRD analysis and electrical conductivity measurement indicate that the structure and electrochemical characteristics of LNO appear similar before and after the sintering processes of the cathode. By using La0.6Sr0.4CoO3–δ (LSC) as current collector, the cell with LNO cathode sintered in nitrogen atmosphere exhibits the power density at 0.7 V of 235 mW cm−2 at 800 °C. The ohmic resistance (RS) and polarization resistance (RP) are 0.373 and 0.452 Ω cm2, respectively. Compared to that of the cell with the LNO cathode sintered in air, the sintering processes of the cell with the LNO cathode sintered in nitrogen atmosphere can result in better electrochemical performance of the cell mainly due to the decrease in RS. The microstructures of the cells reveal a good adhesion between each layer.
Site Formation Processes and Depositional Environment of a Fine‐Grained Alluvial Floodplain at La Playa Archaeology Site, Sonora, Mexico
Authors: Schott Amy M.
Published: November 2016

Located on a floodplain of the Rio Boquillas, the site of La Playa contains a principal occupation during the Early Agricultural period, 1200 B.C.–A.D. 50 (3150–1900 cal. yr B.P.). Local complexity in geomorphic features and extensive historic dissection of the floodplain have resulted in limited understanding of the site's alluvial history, which hampers understanding of archaeological features and an extensive canal system. This study reconstructs the site formation processes of the floodplain before, during, and after occupation by comparing soils and sediments from the Los Montículos area near the channel with those of more distant areas of the site. Sediments on the floodplain were deposited by low‐energy overbank deposition from ca. 4300 to 1600 cal. yr B.P., resulting in stratified deposits with weak soil development nearer to the channel, and more strongly developed soils farther from the channel. Low‐energy deposition of fine‐grained sediments was possible due to the stable location of the river channel during the Holocene, creating an attractive place for canal agriculture. Sometime after the Early Agricultural period, higher‐energy flows resulted in deposition of sandier sediments and multiple episodes of erosion and deposition in Los Montículos, where nearly all cultural material is now in a reworked context.
Equilibrium solubility measurement and Kent‐Eisenberg modeling of CO2 absorption in aqueous mixture of N‐methyldiethanolamine and hexamethylenediamine
Authors: Mondal Bikash K. , Bandyopadhyay Syamalendu S. , Samanta Amar N.
Published: November 2016

Vapor‐liquid equilibrium of CO2 in aqueous mixture of hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) and N‐methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) has been investigated using a stirred equilibrium cell set‐up in the temperature and pressure range of 303–333K and 1–100kPa, respectively. Composition of the mixed amine solvents used are (5mass% HMDA+25mass% MDEA), (10 mass% HMDA+20 mass% MDEA), (15mass% HMDA+15mass% MDEA), and (20 mass% HMDA+10 mass% MDEA). Equilibrium solubility data is fitted using the Kent‐Eisenberg thermodynamic model. To fit experimental solubility data with model predicted data, bicarbamate formation and zwitterion deprotonation reaction equilibrium constants of HMDA are regressed as a function of CO2 loading and temperature. Average absolute deviation between experimental and model predicted data is found to be 7.16%. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymorphisms in cytokine genes influence cognitive and functional performance in a population aged 75 years and above
Authors: Fraga Vanessa G. , Guimarães Henrique C. , Teixeira Antônio L. , Barbosa Maira T. , Carvalho Maria G. , Caramelli Paulo , Gomes Karina B.
Published: November 2016

Objective

To investigate the frequency of the cytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α−308G > A, tumor growth factor (TGF)‐β1 codon +10C > T, TGF‐β1 codon +25G > C, interleukin (IL)‐10 −1082A > G, IL‐10 −819C > T, IL‐10 −592C > A, IL‐6 −174G > C, and IFN‐γ+874T > A in a sample of healthy and cognitively impaired elderlies and to verify the probable association between these SNPs and cognitive and functional performance of subjects aged 75 years and above.

Methods

259 Brazilian subjects were included, comprising 81 with cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND) and 54 demented seniors (together made up the cognitively impaired group, CI) and 124 age‐matched and gender‐matched cognitively healthy controls (CHS). The genotyping was performed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. The cognitive performance was evaluated by Mini‐Mental State Examination Brief Cognitive Screening Battery. The functional performance was accessed by Functional Activities Questionnaire.

Results

The CClowergenotype of TGF‐β1 codon +25G > C was frequent in both patient groups. The TThighergenotype of INF‐γ+874T > A was less frequent in the dementia group. IL‐10 haplotypes of lower expression were more frequent among CIND and demented patients. In CI, individuals with genetic variants that produce higher expression of TGF‐β1, INF‐γ, and IL‐10 showed better normalized cognitive performance. Additionally, the Alowerallele of INF‐γ+874T > A was related to worse functional performance in CI, while the Alowerallele of TNF‐α−308G > A was associated with better cognitive and functional scores in the CIND group.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a potential role for certain cytokine SNPs in the development of CIND and dementia, which may influence the functional and cognitive performance of these patients. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sex‐dependent independent prediction of incident diabetes by depressive symptoms
Authors: Akbaş‐Şimşek Tuğba , Onat Altan , Kaya Adnan , Tusun Eyyup , Yüksel Hüsniye , Can Günay
Published: November 2016

Objective

To study the predictive value of depressive symptoms (DeprSs) in a general population of Turkey for type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Responses to three questions served to assess the sense of depression. Cox regression analyses were used regarding risk estimates for incident diabetes, after exclusion of prevalent cases of diabetes. Mean follow‐up consisted of 5.15 (±1.4) years.

Results

Depressive symptoms were present at baseline in 16.2% of the whole study sample, threefold in women than men. Reduced physical activity grade was the only significant covariate at baseline in men, while younger age and lower blood pressure were significantly different in women compared with those without DeprS. In men, presence of DeprS predicted incident diabetes at a significant 2.58‐fold relative risk (95% confidence interval 1.03; 6.44), after adjustment for age, systolic blood pressure, and antidepressant drug usage. When further covariates were added, waist circumference remained the only significant predictor, while DepS was attenuated to a relative risk of 2.12 (95% confidence interval 0.83; 5.40). DeprS was not associated with diabetes in women, whereas antidepressant drug usage only tended to be positively associated.

Conclusion

Gender difference existed in the relationship between DeprS and incident diabetes. DeprS predicted subsequent development of diabetes in men alone, not in women. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Whole genome prediction and heritability of childhood asthma phenotypes
Authors: McGeachie Michael J. , Clemmer George L. , Croteau‐Chonka Damien C. , Castaldi Peter J. , Cho Michael H. , Sordillo Joanne E. , Lasky‐Su Jessica A. , Raby Benjamin A. , Tantisira Kelan G. , Weiss Scott T.
Published: November 2016

Introduction

While whole genome prediction (WGP) methods have recently demonstrated successes in the prediction of complex genetic diseases, they have not yet been applied to asthma and related phenotypes. Longitudinal patterns of lung function differ between asthmatics, but these phenotypes have not been assessed for heritability or predictive ability. Herein, we assess the heritability and genetic predictability of asthma‐related phenotypes.

Methods

We applied several WGP methods to a well‐phenotyped cohort of 832 children with mild‐to‐moderate asthma from CAMP. We assessed narrow‐sense heritability and predictability for airway hyperresponsiveness, serum immunoglobulin E, blood eosinophil count, pre‐ and post‐bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), bronchodilator response, steroid responsiveness, and longitudinal patterns of lung function (normal growth, reduced growth, early decline, and their combinations). Prediction accuracy was evaluated using a training/testing set split of the cohort.

Results

We found that longitudinal lung function phenotypes demonstrated significant narrow‐sense heritability (reduced growth, 95%; normal growth with early decline, 55%). These same phenotypes also showed significant polygenic prediction (areas under the curve [AUCs] 56% to 62%). Including additional demographic covariates in the models increased prediction 4–8%, with reduced growth increasing from 62% to 66% AUC. We found that prediction with a genomic relatedness matrix was improved by filtering available SNPs based on chromatin evidence, and this result extended across cohorts.

Conclusions

Longitudinal reduced lung function growth displayed extremely high heritability. All phenotypes with significant heritability showed significant polygenic prediction. Using SNP‐prioritization increased prediction across cohorts. WGP methods show promise in predicting asthma‐related heritable traits.
Client Accounts of Corrective Experiences in Psychotherapy: Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Angus Lynne , Constantino Michael J.
Published: November 2016

The Patient Perceptions of Corrective Experiences in Individual Therapy (PPCEIT; Constantino, Angus, Friedlander, Messer, & Moertl, 2011) posttreatment interview guide was developed to provide clinical researchers with an effective mode of inquiry to identify and further explore clients’ firsthand accounts of corrective and transformative therapy experiences and their determinants. Not only do findings from the analysis of client corrective experience (CE) accounts help identify what and how CEs happen in or as a result of psychotherapy, but the measure itself may also provide therapists with an effective tool to further enhance clients’ awareness, understanding, and integration of transformative change experiences. Accordingly, we discuss in this afterword to the series the implications for clinical practice arising from (a) the thematic analysis of client CE accounts, drawn from a range of clinical samples and international research programs and (b) the clinical effect of completing the PPCEIT posttreatment interview inquiry. We also identify directions for future clinical training and research.
Celastrol Attenuates Cadmium‐Induced Neuronal Apoptosis via Inhibiting Ca2+‐CaMKII‐Dependent Akt/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Zhang Ruijie , Zhu Yu , Dong Xiaoqing , Liu Beibei , Zhang Nana , Wang Xiaoxue , Liu Lei , Xu Chong , Huang Shile , Chen Long
Published: November 2016

Cadmium (Cd), an environmental and industrial pollutant, affects the nervous system and consequential neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, we have shown that celastrol prevents Cd‐induced neuronal cell death partially by suppressing Akt/mTOR pathway. However, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Here, we show that celastrol attenuated Cd‐elevated intracellular‐free calcium ([Ca2+]i) level and apoptosis in neuronal cells. Celastrol prevented Cd‐induced neuronal apoptosis by inhibiting Akt‐mediated mTOR pathway, as inhibition of Akt with Akt inhibitor X or ectopic expression of dominant negative Akt reinforced celastrol's prevention of Cd‐induced phosphorylation of S6K1/4E‐BP1 and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, chelating intracellular Ca2+ with BAPTA/AM or preventing [Ca2+]i elevation using EGTA potentiated celastrol's repression of Cd‐induced [Ca2+]i elevation and consequential activation of Akt/mTOR pathway and cell apoptosis. Moreover, celastrol blocked Cd‐elicited phosphorylation of CaMKII, and pretreatment with BAPTA/AM or EGTA enhanced celastrol's suppression of Cd‐increased phosphorylation of CaMKII in neuronal cells, implying that celastrol hinders [Ca2+]i‐mediated CaMKII phosphorylation. Inhibiting CaMKII with KN93 or silencing CaMKII attenuated Cd activation of Akt/mTOR pathway and cell apoptosis, and this was strengthened by celastrol. Taken together, these data demonstrate that celastrol attenuates Cd‐induced neuronal apoptosis via inhibiting Ca2+‐CaMKII‐dependent Akt/mTOR pathway. Our findings underscore that celastrol may act as a neuroprotective agent for the prevention of Cd‐induced neurodegenerative disorders. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2145–2157, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of resistance physical exercise in preventing testicular damage caused by chronic ethanol consumption in UChB rats
Authors: Dutra Gonçalves Gessica , Antunes Vieira Nichelle , Rodrigues Vieira Henrique , Dias Valério Aline , Elóisa Munhoz de Lion Siervo Gláucia , Fernanda Felipe Pinheiro Patricia , Eduardo Martinez Francisco , Alessandra Guarnier Flávia , Rampazzo Teixeira Giovana , Scantamburlo Alves Fernandes Glaura
Published: November 2016

Ethanol consumption is associated with spermatogenesis damage and testosterone level alterations. Alcohol remains the most commonly used substance among athletes and sports enthusiasts. This study evaluated whether resistance physical exercise can reduce the testicular damage caused by ethanol exposure. A total of 36 ethanol drinking (UChB) rats were divided into four groups: C (control rats), ETOH (ethanol consumption), ETOH + T (ethanol consumption + physical training), and T (group physical training). The physical training component of the T and ETOH + T groups was based on a resistance training model consisting of four sets of 10 jumps, with an increasing overload of 50–70% of the body weight attached to the chest three times per week. Rats in the ETOH and ETOH +T groups received 10% ethanol. At postnatal day 90, the rats were sacrificed. Blood sample was collected for hormonal analysis, and the testicles were weighed and processed for histopathological, morphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses. The ETOH group showed an increase in testosterone levels. The immunohistochemical of androgen receptor and the absolute weight of the testes were higher in the ETOH and ETOH + T groups, while the ETOH animals showed a decreased weight gain index. The number of abnormal seminiferous tubules increased in the ETOH and T groups compared to those in the control group (C); however, the association with treatment (ETOH + T group) prevented this effect and decreased caspase‐3 production. In conclusion, these findings show that the combination of ethanol consumption and resistance physical exercise can prevent testicular damage in adult UChB rats.
Synthesis of New 1‐Hydroxyindole‐2‐Carboxylates and Mechanistic Studies on Reaction Pathways
Authors: Park Yeon Kyeong , Lee Sang Hyup
Published: November 2016

Synthesis of new 1‐hydroxyindole‐2‐carboxylates 1 and mechanistic studies on the reaction pathways were described. The substrates 2, prepared through two‐step synthetic sequences, were treated with nucleophiles in the presence of SnCl2 · 2H2O to obtain compounds 1. In particular, the mechanistic studies led to a significant finding that reactions with thiol nucleophiles occur through a newly proposed pathway (path B: 1,4‐addition followed by reduction/condensation) rather than through a previously assumed pathway (path A: reduction/condensation followed by 1,5‐addition). Further mechanistic investigations revealed steric effects of o‐substituents in 2 governing the ratio of products (1i/7).
Staurosporine scaffold–based rational discovery of the wild‐type sparing reversible inhibitors of EGFR T790M gatekeeper mutant in lung cancer with analog‐sensitive kinase technology
Authors: Song Xiaoyun , Liu Xingcai , Ding Xi
Published: November 2016

The human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been established as an attractive target for lung cancer therapy. However, an acquired EGFR T790M gatekeeper mutation is frequently observed in patients treated with first‐line anticancer agents such as gefitinib and erlotinib to cause drug resistance, largely limiting the application of small‐molecule kinase inhibitors in EGFR‐targeted chemotherapy. Previously, the reversible pan‐kinase inhibitor staurosporine and its several analogs such as Gö6976 and K252a have been reported to selectively inhibit the EGFR T790M mutant (EGFRT790M) over wild‐type kinase (EGFRWT), suggesting that the staurosporine scaffold is potentially to develop the wild‐type sparing reversible inhibitors of EGFRT790M. Here, we systematically evaluated the inhibitor response of 28 staurosporine scaffold–based compounds to EGFR T790M mutation at structural, energetic, and molecular levels by using an integrated in silico–in vitro analog‐sensitive (AS) kinase technology. With the strategy, we were able to identify 4 novel wild‐type sparing inhibitors UCN‐01, UCN‐02, AFN941, and SB‐218078 with high or moderate selectivity of 30‐, 45‐, 5‐, and 8‐fold for EGFRT790M over EGFRWT, respectively, which are comparable with or even better than that of the parent compound staurosporine (24‐fold). Molecular modeling and structural analysis revealed that van der Waals contacts and hydrophobic forces can form between the side chain of mutated residue Met790 and the pyrrolidinone moiety of inhibitor ligand UCN‐02, which may simultaneously improve the favorable interaction energy between the kinase and inhibitor, and reduce the unfavorable desolvation penalty upon the kinase‐inhibitor binding. A hydroxyl group of UCN‐02 additional to staurosporine locates at the pyrrolidinone moiety, which can largely alter the electronic distribution of pyrrolidinone moiety and thus promote the intermolecular interaction with Met790 residue. This can well explain the measured higher selectivity of UCN‐02 than staurosporine for mutant over wild‐type kinase.
The DNA aptamer binds stemness‐enriched cancer cells in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Kim Yoon‐Jin , Lee Hee Seung , Jung Dawoon E. , Kim Jeong Mi , Song Si Young
Published: November 2016

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most common and lethal cancers. Most patients (80%) present with inoperable advanced pancreatic cancer at initial diagnosis, and their early diagnosis is a significant unmet challenge. Recent studies indicate that cancer, including pancreatic cancer, is initiated and propagated by cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are responsible not only for the pathogenesis of cancer but also for the heterogeneity, malignant degree, anticancer therapy resistance, and recurrence of tumors. Therefore, the identification of CSCs may be a crucial stepping stone for overcoming this disastrous pancreatic cancer. Here, we investigated pancreatic CSC‐associated aptamers as a novel tool for diagnosis and therapeutic agents. Aptamers that bind to stemness‐enriched cancer cells in pancreatic cancer were developed by modified Cell‐SELEX method. Positive selection was performed by the sphere cells generated by pancreatic cancer cell line, HPAC, and then the aptamer pool was negatively selected by pancreatic normal cell line, HPDE. Aptamers 1 and 146 showing high specificity upon the KD values with 22.18 and 22.62 nM were selected. These 2 aptamers were validated by binding to HPAC sphere cells and to HPDE cells, and both aptamers showed specificity to HPAC sphere cells only. Aptamer‐positive cells showed high expression levels of CSC‐associated genes compared with the aptamer‐negative cells by FACS analysis. The colocalization of CD44, CD24, ESA, and CD133 was also observed in the aptamer‐positive cells by confocal microscopy. In the present study, these 2 pancreatic CSC‐associated aptamers may be potential candidates for novel diagnostic markers, CSC‐targeting drug delivery, or circulating tumor cell detection.
Fumarate Copolymer–Chitosan Cross‐Linked Scaffold Directed to Osteochondrogenic Tissue Engineering
Authors: Lastra María Laura , Molinuevo María Silvina , Cortizo Ana María , Cortizo María Susana
Published: November 2016

Natural and synthetic cross‐linked polymers allow the improvement of cytocompatibility and mechanical properties of the individual polymers. In osteochondral lesions of big size it will be required the use of scaffolds to repair the lesion. In this work a borax cross‐linked scaffold based on fumarate‐vinyl acetate copolymer and chitosan directed to osteochondrondral tissue engineering is developed. The cross‐linked scaffolds and physical blends of the polymers are analyzed in based on their morphology, glass transition temperature, and mechanical properties. In addition, the stability, degradation behavior, and the swelling kinetics are studied. The results demonstrate that the borax cross‐linked scaffold exhibits hydrogel behavior with appropriated mechanical properties for bone and cartilage tissue regeneration. Bone marrow progenitor cells and primary chondrocytes are used to demonstrate its osteo‐ and chondrogenic properties, respectively, assessing the osteo‐ and chondroblastic growth and maturation, without evident signs of cytotoxicity as it is evaluated in an in vitro system.

image
Aliphatic Polyethers with Sulfate, Carboxylate, and Hydroxyl Side Groups—Do They Show Anticoagulant Properties?
Authors: Malineni Jagadeesh , Singh Smriti , Tillmann Sabine , Keul Helmut , Möller Martin
Published: November 2016

There is increasing interest in the synthesis of low molecular weight heparin and heparan sulfate mimetic polymers because of their various potential biomedical applications. The functional activity of heparin and heparan sulfate is believed to arise from the presence of a number of functional groups, such as hydroxyl, carboxylate and sulfate groups. The design and synthesis of novel heparin‐mimetic polymers with a particular functionality poses a formidable challenge and requires carefully control of the selective conversion of functional groups on the polymer chain. Here, this study describes a simple and efficient synthetic protocol for the preparation of heparin‐mimetic linear polyglycidol copolymers based on the selective conversion of primary hydroxyl groups to carboxylic acids under ruthenium‐catalyzed selective dehydrogenation in basic aqueous solution. To achieve the anticoagulant activity of these polymers, primary hydroxyl groups are selectively converted to sulfate groups. The anticoagulant activity of the heparin mimics is studied by rotational thromboelastometry using EXTEM and INTEM assays. The environmentally benign process described herein provides an attractive route for the synthesis of heparin‐mimetic polymers with tailored functions such as anticoagulant activity.

image
Synthesis and Gas‐Transport Properties of Novel Copolymers Based on Tricyclononenes Containing One and Three Me3Si‐Groups
Authors: Chapala Pavel , Bermeshev Maxim , Starannikova Ludmila , Shantarovich Victor , Gavrilova Natalia , Lakhtin Valentin , Yampolskii Yuri , Finkelshtein Eugene
Published: November 2016

In this work the authors report the preparation of new addition copolymers based on 3‐trimethylsilyltricyclononene‐7 (TCNSi1) and 3,3,4‐tris(trimethylsilyl)tricyclononene‐7 (TCNSi3). A number of high molecular weight copolymers are synthesized with the content of TCNSi3 units from 5 up to 20 mol% in the presence of catalyst Pd(OAc)2/[Ph3C]+[B(C6F5)4]− with the yields of 50%–80%. The obtained copolymers are amorphous. They possess large free volume elements (R
3/R
4) based on positron annihilating lifetime spectroscopy analysis and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area up to 640 m2 g−1. Permeability coefficients of the obtained copolymers are determined for a wide range of gases He, H2, O2, N2, CO2, CH4, C2H6, C3H8, n‐C4H10. The correlation between the content of TCNSi3 units and gas permeation parameters of the resulting copolymers is explored. It is found that the introduction of TCNSi3 moieties results in the rise in gas permeability of the corresponding copolymers. Moreover, increase in TCNSi3 content in the copolymer leads to an increase of gas permeability.

image
Isocyanate‐ and Solvent‐Free Route to Thermoplastic Poly(amide‐urea) Derived from Renewable Resources
Authors: Ritter Benjamin S. , Mülhaupt Rolf
Published: November 2016

This study reports on tailoring biobased aliphatic poly(amide‐urea) (PAU) thermoplastics by means of reactive extrusion requiring neither the use of diisocyanate monomers nor time‐consuming PAU polycondensation in a separate step prior to melt processing. Key intermediate is N,N′‐carbonyl‐biscaprolactam (CBC), which enables rapid and temperature‐programmable polycondensation of biobased diamines and difunctional aminoamides (AA) derived from diamines and dicarboxylic acids. Within a few minutes during melt processing using a twin‐screw extruder, CBC‐mediated advancement of biobased diaminoamides affords high molecular weight PAU. Whereas PAUs derived from short‐chain AAs are stiff and brittle materials with high melting temperatures close to thermal decomposition; the incorporation of AAs derived from sebacic acid and dimer fatty acid renders urea‐functional thermoplastics flexible and processable. Hence, the variation of oligomethylene segment lengths by incorporating short‐ and long‐chain AA building blocks in CBC‐mediated melt‐phase polycondensation governs PAU melting temperature (124–249 °C), Young's modulus (100–1900 MPa), tensile strength (6–51 MPa), and elongation at break (0.3–230%).

image
Reducing calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium in restaurant menu items: Effects on consumer acceptance
Authors: Patel Anjali A. , Lopez Nanette V. , Lawless Harry T. , Njike Valentine , Beleche Mariana , Katz David L.
Published: November 2016

Objective

To assess consumer acceptance of reductions of calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium to current restaurant recipes.

Methods

Twenty‐four menu items, from six restaurant chains, were slightly modified and moderately modified by reducing targeted ingredients. Restaurant customers (n = 1,838) were recruited for a taste test and were blinded to the recipe version as well as the purpose of the study. Overall consumer acceptance was measured using a 9‐point hedonic (like/dislike) scale, likelihood to purchase scale, Just‐About‐Right (JAR) 5‐point scale, penalty analysis, and alienation analysis.

Results

Overall, modified recipes of 19 menu items were scored similar to (or better than) their respective current versions. Eleven menu items were found to be acceptable in the slightly modified recipe version, and eight menu items were found to be acceptable in the moderately modified recipe version. Acceptable ingredient modifications resulted in a reduction of up to 26% in calories and a reduction of up to 31% in sodium per serving.

Conclusions

The majority of restaurant menu items with small reductions of calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium were acceptable. Given the frequency of eating foods away from home, these reductions could be effective in creating dietary improvements for restaurant diners.
Lipidomic profiling of high‐fat diet‐induced obesity in mice: Importance of cytochrome P450‐derived fatty acid epoxides
Authors: Wang Weicang , Yang Jun , Qi Weipeng , Yang Haixia , Wang Chang , Tan Bowen , Hammock Bruce D. , Park Yeonhwa , Kim Daeyoung , Zhang Guodong
Published: November 2016

Objective

Enzymatic metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids leads to formation of bioactive lipid metabolites (LMs). Previous studies have shown that obesity leads to deregulation of LMs in adipose tissues. However, most previous studies have focused on a single or limited number of LMs, and few systematical analyses have been carried out.

Methods

A LC‐MS/MS‐based lipidomics approach was used, which can analyze >100 LMs produced by cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, to analyze the profile of LMs in high‐fat diet‐induced obesity in mice.

Results

LC‐MS/MS showed that high‐fat feeding significantly modulated profiles of LMs in adipose tissues. Among the three major polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolizing pathways (cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and CYP), CYP‐derived fatty acid epoxides were the most dramatically altered LMs. Almost all types of fatty acid epoxides were reduced by 70% to 90% in adipose tissues of high‐fat diet‐fed mice. Consistent with the reduced levels of fatty acid epoxides, the gene expression of several CYP epoxygenases, including Cyp2j5, Cyp2j6, and Cyp2c44, was significantly reduced in adipose tissues of high‐fat diet‐fed mice.

Conclusions

Results show that CYP‐derived fatty acid epoxides are the most responsive LMs in high‐fat diet‐induced obesity, suggesting that these LMs could play critical roles in obesity.
Remarkable improvement in interfacial shear strength of carbon fiber/epoxy composite by large‐scare sizing with epoxy sizing agent containing amine‐treated MWCNTs
Authors: Li Lizhi , Wang Jie , Liu Wenbo , Wang Rongguo , Yang Fan , Hao Lifeng , Zheng Tianlu , Jiao Weicheng , Jiang Long
Published: November 2016

This paper discloses a facile approach to introducing multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to the surface of carbon fibers (CFs) for the aim of improving the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of CF/epoxy composite, namely, preparing CNT/CF hybrid fibers through sizing CFs with epoxy sizing agent containing amine‐treated MWCNTs (MWCNT‐PEI). The results of UV–vis spectrophotometer confirmed MWCNTs had best dispersion in that sizing agent compared to MWCNT‐PEI/NMP suspension and acid‐treated MWCNT (MWCNT‐COOH)/NMP suspension. Functionalization and CNTs sizing give rise to obvious change in contact angle (gradually decreasing from 38.86° to 27.12°). Scanning electron microscope test showed the density of MWCNTs on the surface of CF was gradually increased via CF dipping and sizing agent containing MWCNT‐PEI. Remarkably, though MWCNT‐PEI absorbed on the surface of sized CF with very high density, MWCNT‐PEI distributed uniformly still. The remarkable enhancements were achieved in IFSS of reinforced composites by dipping CF in MWCNT‐COOH suspension (21.67%), dipping CF in MWCNT‐PEI suspension (45.37%), and CF sizing containing MWCNT‐PEI (77.01%). POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2734–2742, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Vaccination and unexplained sudden death risk in Taiwanese infants
Authors: Huang Wan‐Ting , Chen Robert T. , Hsu Yu‐Chen , Glasser John W. , Rhodes Philip H.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

In March 1992, eight infants who had died within 36 hours of receiving whole‐cell pertussis vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, and whole‐cell pertussis [DTwP]) prompted the Taiwan health authorities to suspend its use. We conducted an investigation of vaccination and sudden unexplained infant death (SUID) and repeated it more recently after Taiwan switched to acellular pertussis vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis [DTaP]) in 2010.

Methods

All SUIDs aged 31–364 days during 1990–1992 and 1996–2013 were selected from the death registration databases. The case–control investigation matched each case to two controls on clinic, sex, and birth date, whereas the follow‐up self‐controlled case series study compared risk of death during the 30‐day post‐vaccination risk periods with those in the control periods within the same case.

Results

Sudden unexplained infant death was associated with never receiving DTwP (odds ratio 2.28, 95% confidence interval 1.25–4.15) in the case–control investigation. The odds ratios within 0–1, 2–7, 8–14, and 15–30 days of DTwP administration were 1.18, 0.26, 0.50, and 0.77. In the 1996–2013 self‐controlled case series studies, this temporal shift between DTwP and SUID was consistently observed for female (incidence rate ratio 1.70, 0.75, 1.01, and 0.84) but not male or DTaP recipients. A pooled analysis showed significant risk within 2 days of receiving DTwP in female infants (incidence rate ratio 1.66, 95% confidence interval 1.05–2.60).

Conclusions

Being unvaccinated and recent receipt of DTwP in female infants was significantly associated with SUID; the latter was consistent with a temporal shift pattern without overall increase in risk. The currently used pertussis vaccine, DTaP, did not increase risk of SUID. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GaInP/AlGaAs metal‐wrap‐through tandem concentrator solar cells
Authors: Oliva Eduard , Salvetat Thierry , Jany Christophe , Thibon Romain , Helmers Henning , Steiner Marc , Schachtner Michael , Beutel Paul , Klinger Vera , Moulet Jean‐Sebastien , Dimroth Frank
Published: November 2016

III–V multi‐junction solar cells are promising devices for photovoltaic applications under very high concentration levels of sunlight. Shadowing losses of the front side metallisation and ohmic resistance losses in the metal grid limit the practical cell size typically to around 1 cm2 at 1000 suns. The use of a full back‐contact architecture, similar to the metal‐wrap‐through (MWT) technology known in silicon photovoltaics, can help to overcome this limitation. Furthermore, positioning both the positive and negative contact pads on the rear side of concentrator solar cells opens the possibility for efficient packaging solutions and the realisation of dense array receivers with low metal shadowing. The MWT technology addresses conventional concentrating photovoltaics as well as combined conventional concentrating photovoltaic‐thermal applications and offers specific advantages for large‐area devices at high intensities. This work presents the first experimental results for MWT architectures applied to III–V tandem solar cells and discusses specific challenges. An efficiency of 28.3% at 176 suns and 27.2% at 800 suns has been measured for the best MWT Ga0.51In0.49P/Al0.03Ga0.97As tandem solar cells. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depression treatment and healthcare expenditures among elderly Medicare beneficiaries with newly diagnosed depression and incident breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer
Authors: Alwhaibi Monira , Sambamoorthi Usha , Madhavan Suresh , Walkup James T.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

Depression is associated with high healthcare expenditures, and depression treatment may reduce healthcare expenditures. However, to date, there have not been any studies on the effect of depression treatment on healthcare expenditures among cancer survivors. Therefore, this study examined the association between depression treatment and healthcare expenditures among elderly with depression and incident cancer.

Methods

The current study used a retrospective longitudinal study design, the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare database. Elderly (≥66 years) fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries with newly diagnosed depression and incident breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer (N = 1502) were followed for a period of 12 months after depression diagnosis. Healthcare expenditures were measured every month for a period of 12‐month follow‐up period. Depression treatment was identified during the 6‐month follow‐up period. The adjusted associations between depression treatment and healthcare expenditures were analyzed with generalized linear mixed model regressions with gamma distribution and log link after controlling for other factors.

Results

The average 1‐year total healthcare expenditures after depression diagnosis were $38 219 for those who did not receive depression treatment; $42 090 for those treated with antidepressants only; $46 913 for those treated with psychotherapy only; and $51 008 for those treated with a combination of antidepressants and psychotherapy. As compared to no depression treatment, those who received antidepressants only, psychotherapy only, or a combination of antidepressants and psychotherapy had higher healthcare expenditures. However, second‐year expenditures did not significantly differ among depression treatment categories.

Conclusions

Among cancer survivors with newly diagnosed depression, depression treatment did not have a significant effect on expenditures in the long term.
Facing spousal cancer during child‐rearing years: The short‐term effects of the Cancer‐PEPSONE programme—a single‐center randomized controlled trial
Authors: Senneseth Mette , Dyregrov Atle , Laberg Jon , Matthiesen Stig B. , Pereira Mariana , Hauken May A.
Published: November 2016

Objective

To measure the short‐term effects of the Cancer‐PEPSONE programme (CPP) on the partners' received and perceived social support, psychological distress, and quality of life (QOL), as well as explore the role of received social support as a mediator of the intervention effects.

Methods

Open single‐center randomized controlled trial, trial number 15982171(ISRCTN). Eligible participants were the partners of cancer patients who were concomitantly caring for minors (the well parents). The sample consisted of 35 participants randomly allocated to receive either intervention (n = 17) or support as usual (n = 18). At the 3‐month follow‐up (approximately 1 month after intervention), 24 continued to participate (intervention n = 13, control n = 11). The intervention group selected supporters to participate in CPP (N = 130). Data were obtained using validated questionnaire.

Results

The multivariate analysis of covariance revealed significant intervention effects (P = .03, η2p = 0.42), with main effects on received and perceived social support. A mediational analysis suggested that CPP may have indirect effects on QOL through received social support.

Conclusions

Even though the long‐term effects are yet to be studied, CPP seems to increase social support for the well parents' short term, which in turn may improve their QOL. Given the study's low sample size, further replications in larger samples are required.
Importance to question sinonasal symptoms and to perform rhinoscopy and rhinomanometry in cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Bock J.M. , Schien M. , Fischer C. , Naehrlich L. , Kaeding M. , Guntinas‐Lichius O. , Gerber A. , Arnold C. , Mainz J.G.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients almost regularly reveal sinonasal pathology. The purpose of this study was to assess association between objective and subjective measurements of sinonasal involvement comparing nasal airflow obtained by active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR), nasal endoscopic findings, and symptoms assessed with the Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test‐20 (SNOT‐20).

Methods

Nasal cavities were explored by anterior rigid rhinoscopy and findings were compared to inspiratory nasal airflow measured by AAR to quantify nasal patency and subjective health‐related quality of life in sinonasal disease obtained with the SNOT‐20 questionnaire. Relations to upper and lower airway colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, medical treatment, and sinonasal surgery were analysed.

Results

A total of 124 CF patients were enrolled (mean age 19.9 ± 10.4 years, range 4–65 years). A significant association of detection of nasal polyposis (NP) in rhinoscopy was found with increased primary nasal symptoms (PNS) which include “nasal obstruction,” “sneezing,” “runny nose,” “thick nasal discharge,” and “reduced sense of smell.” At the same time patients with pathologically decreased airflow neither showed elevated SNOT‐20 scores nor abnormal rhinoscopic findings. Altogether, rhinomanometric and rhinoscopic findings are not significantly related.

Conclusions

Among SNOT‐20 scores the PNS subscore is related to rhinoscopically detected polyposis and sinonasal secretion. Therefore, we recommend including short questions regarding PNS into CF‐routine care. At the same time our results show that a high inspiratory airflow is not associated with a good sensation of nasal patency. Altogether, rhinomanometry is not required within routine CF‐care, but it can be interesting as an outcome parameter within clinical trials. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:167–174. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electronic structure and ultrafast dynamics of FeAs‐based superconductors by angle‐ and time‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Avigo I. , Thirupathaiah S. , Rienks E. D. L. , Rettig L. , Charnukha A. , Ligges M. , Cortes R. , Nayak J. , Jeevan H. S. , Wolf T. , Huang Y. , Wurmehl S. , Sturza M. I. , Gegenwart P. , Golden M. S. , Yang L. X. , Rossnagel K. , Bauer M. , Büchner B. , Vojta M. , Wolf M. , Felser C. , Fink J. , Bovensiepen U.
Published: November 2016

In this article, we review our angle‐ and time‐resolved photoemission studies (ARPES and trARPES) on various ferropnictides. In the ARPES studies, we focus first on the band structure as a function of control parameters. We find near optimally “doped” compounds a Lifshitz transition of hole/electron pocket vanishing type. Second, we investigated the inelastic scattering rates as a function of the control parameter. In contrast to the heavily discussed quantum critical scenario, we find no enhancement of the scattering rate near optimally “doping.” Correlation effects which show up by the non‐Fermi‐liquid behavior of the scattering rates, together with the Lifshitz transition offer a new explanation for the strange normal state properties and suggests an interpolating superconducting state between BCS and BE condensation. Adding femtosecond time resolution to ARPES provides complementary information on electron and lattice dynamics. We report on the response of the chemical potential by a collective periodic variation coupled to coherent optical phonons in combination with incoherent electron and phonon dynamics described by a three temperature heat bath model. We quantify electron phonon coupling in terms of and show that the analysis of the electron excess energy relaxation is a robust approach. The spin density wave ordering leads to a pronounced momentum dependent relaxation dynamics. In the vicinity of , hot electrons dissipate their energy by electron–phonon coupling with a characteristic time constant of 200 fs. Electrons at the center of the hole pocket exhibit a four time slower relaxation which is explained by spin‐dependent dynamics with its smaller relaxation phase space. This finding has implications beyond the material class of Fe‐pnictides because it establishes experimental access to spin‐dependent dynamics in materials with spin density waves.
A closed testing procedure to select an appropriate method for updating prediction models
Authors: Vergouwe Yvonne , Nieboer Daan , Oostenbrink Rianne , Debray Thomas P. A. , Murray Gordon D. , Kattan Michael W. , Koffijberg Hendrik , Moons Karel G. M. , Steyerberg Ewout W.
Published: November 2016

Prediction models fitted with logistic regression often show poor performance when applied in populations other than the development population. Model updating may improve predictions. Previously suggested methods vary in their extensiveness of updating the model. We aim to define a strategy in selecting an appropriate update method that considers the balance between the amount of evidence for updating in the new patient sample and the danger of overfitting. We consider recalibration in the large (re‐estimation of model intercept); recalibration (re‐estimation of intercept and slope) and model revision (re‐estimation of all coefficients) as update methods. We propose a closed testing procedure that allows the extensiveness of the updating to increase progressively from a minimum (the original model) to a maximum (a completely revised model). The procedure involves multiple testing with maintaining approximately the chosen type I error rate. We illustrate this approach with three clinical examples: patients with prostate cancer, traumatic brain injury and children presenting with fever. The need for updating the prostate cancer model was completely driven by a different model intercept in the update sample (adjustment: 2.58). Separate testing of model revision against the original model showed statistically significant results, but led to overfitting (calibration slope at internal validation = 0.86). The closed testing procedure selected recalibration in the large as update method, without overfitting. The advantage of the closed testing procedure was confirmed by the other two examples. We conclude that the proposed closed testing procedure may be useful in selecting appropriate update methods for previously developed prediction models. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating time‐dependent ROC curves using data under prevalent sampling
Authors: Li Shanshan
Published: November 2016

Prevalent sampling is frequently a convenient and economical sampling technique for the collection of time‐to‐event data and thus is commonly used in studies of the natural history of a disease. However, it is biased by design because it tends to recruit individuals with longer survival times. This paper considers estimation of time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curves when data are collected under prevalent sampling. To correct the sampling bias, we develop both nonparametric and semiparametric estimators using extended risk sets and the inverse probability weighting techniques. The proposed estimators are consistent and converge to Gaussian processes, while substantial bias may arise if standard estimators for right‐censored data are used. To illustrate our method, we analyze data from an ovarian cancer study and estimate receiver operating characteristic curves that assess the accuracy of the composite markers in distinguishing subjects who died within 3–5 years from subjects who remained alive. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanostructured 2D Materials: Prospective Catalysts for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Liu Jinlong , Guo Chunxian , Vasileff Anthony , Qiao Shizhang
Published: November 2016

Electrochemical CO2 reduction to useful fuels and chemicals, driven by renewable energy from intermittent sources such as solar and wind, has been keenly pursued in recent years as a means to resolving energy security and environmental issues associated with conventional fossil fuels. Nanostructured two‐dimensional (2D) materials, possessing abundant active sites in the form of surface atoms and edge sites, and providing better electrical conductivity along 2D conducting channels, represent promising candidates for high‐performance CO2‐reduction electrocatalysts. Here, newly developed nanostructured 2D materials, including atomically thin transition‐metal/metal oxides, transition‐metal dichalcogenides, and metal‐free 2D materials, are highlighted as state‐of‐the‐art catalysts toward electrochemical CO2 reduction. Through further exploration of new nanostructured 2D materials and their nanocomposites, more and more breakthroughs in this field of research are to be expected.