bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis GCL2505 on the physiological function of intestine in a rat model
Authors: Aoki Ryo , Tsuchida Sayaka , Arai Yuri , Ohno Konatsu , Nishijima Tomohiko , Mawatari Takashi , Mikami Yumiko , Ushida Kazunari
Published: February 2016

Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis GCL2505 has been shown to proliferate in the human intestine. The intestinal dynamics and physiological effects of GCL2505 as well as the mechanism underlying proliferation in the gut were investigated. GCL2505 showed markedly higher resistance to free bile acids (cholic and deoxycholic acids) than other bifidobacterial species. The intestinal dynamics of GCL2505 and B. longum ssp. longum JCM1217T was compared. The level of B. animalis ssp. lactis in the GCL2505‐administered group was remarkably higher than that of B. longum in the JCM1217T‐administered group. The distribution of B. animalis ssp. lactis through the intestine of the GCL2505‐administered group revealed that GCL2505 proliferated in the cecum. The physiological effects of GCL2505 and JCM 1217T were investigated. The cecal IgA level in the GCL2505‐administered group was significantly higher than that in the nontreated control group. In contrast, the JCM 1217T‐administered group did not manifest any change in the cecal IgA level. Mucin excretion in the GCL2505‐administered group was significantly higher than that in the JCM 1217T‐administered group. The thickness of the sulfomucin layer of the colon in the GCL2505‐administered group tended to be higher than that in the JCM 1217T‐administered group. In a loperamide‐induced constipation model, fecal excretion in the GCL2505‐administered group was significantly increased compared with that in the loperamide‐treated control group. Short‐chain fatty acid concentration in the GCL2505‐administered group was significantly higher than that in the loperamide‐treated control group. These results indicate that the level of proliferation of probiotics in the intestine correlates with the magnitude of host physiological responses, such as IgA production and mucin secretion, which possibly affect gastrointestinal functions such as bowel movement to counteract constipation. GCL2505 exhibits high tolerance to secondary bile acids, which partially explains its higher rate of proliferation in the large intestine.
Is the Information on the Higher Moments of Underlying Returns Correctly Reflected in Option Prices?
Authors: Kang Jangkoo , Lee Soonhee
Published: February 2016

This study examines the information implied in options with short and long maturities. In the analysis using the forward moments, we find that long‐term option investors, on average, seem to underestimate the third moment relative to short‐term option investors, and this becomes severe when the market variance is large. We find that the third moment underestimation of long‐term option investors is economically meaningful using Corrado and Su's model and a trading strategy exploiting the relative underestimated skewness in long‐term options. The abnormal return of the strategy is around 7% per year after controlling systematic risks. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 36:722–744, 2016
Into rather unexplored terrain—transcellular transport across the blood–brain barrier
Authors: De Bock Marijke , Van Haver Valérie , Vandenbroucke Roosmarijn E. , Decrock Elke , Wang Nan , Leybaert Luc
Published: February 2016

Efficient neuronal signaling in the central nervous system strictly depends on a well‐balanced microenvironment around glial cells, synapses, and axons. Unique features of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) endothelium largely determine the composition of this micro‐milieu and are dependent on the tight interplay with surrounding astrocytes and pericytes. BBB endothelial cells are endowed with a highly restrictive junctional complex that occludes the intercellular cleft, thereby preventing paracellular diffusion. The paracellular pathway is subject to extensive research as integrity loss of the junctional complex is associated with many neuropathologies, inflammation, and edema. Another important feature of the BBB endothelium is the low prevalence of nonspecific, transcytotic events, including (macro)pinocytosis, clathrin‐dependent and caveolin‐dependent endocytosis and the subsequent trafficking of vesicles to the opposite membrane. Although less studied, evidence is accruing that this pathway importantly contributes to increased BBB permeability, often when the junctional complex remains intact. Here, we review current knowledge on the contribution of the transcellular pathway to the BBB leak observed in different pathologic conditions. In addition, we hypothesize that nonselective, large pore connexin and pannexin channels may contribute to transcellular transport, either by providing a direct diffusion pathway across the endothelial monolayer, or indirectly, by exerting control over intracellular levels of the signaling ion Ca2+ that is involved in many steps of the vesicular pathway. We conclude that transcytotic events at the BBB, despite being less acknowledged, cannot be simply dismissed as done in the past, but actively contribute to BBB leakage in many different pathologies. GLIA 2016;64:1097–1123
Human papillomavirus–associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and anogenital cancers in men: Epidemiologic evaluation of association
Authors: Marzouki Hani Z. , Biron Vincent L. , Harris Jeffrey , O'Connell Daniel , Seikaly Hadi
Published: February 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible epidemiological association between oropharyngeal carcinoma and anogenital tumors.

Methods

Population‐based demographic and pathologic data on all male patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and anogenital cancer between 1980 and 2011 in the province of Alberta was collected. The risk of association between anogenital cancers and OPSCCs was estimated.

Results

Between 1980 and 2011, a total of 2105 male patients were diagnosed with OPSCC and 914 with anogenital cancers. Only 5 patients were diagnosed with both.

Conclusion

In our male population, there was no significant association between anogenital and OPSCCs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2100–E2102, 2016
Multiportal combined transnasal transoral transpharyngeal endoscopic approach for selected skull base cancers
Authors: Turri–Zanoni Mario , Battaglia Paolo , Dallan Iacopo , Locatelli Davide , Castelnuovo Paolo
Published: February 2016

Background

Minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal approaches to the ventral skull base have evolved considerably over the past several years. However, where there is a lateral extension of tumors as far as the parapharyngeal spaces with inferior extension below the level of the soft palate, limitations remain for an exclusive transnasal approach.

Methods

A combined endoscopic‐assisted transnasal‐transoral‐transpharyngeal multiportal approach was performed to resect selected skull base malignancies that could not be adequately managed using a single approach.

Results

Three cases of skull base cancer (squamous cell carcinoma, polymorphous low‐grade adenocarcinoma, and high‐grade osteosarcoma) were suitable for such an approach. In all cases, a radical resection was obtained without major complications and with minimal morbidity for the patient.

Conclusion

The transnasal, transoral, and transpharyngeal surgical windows are complementary approaches that, when combined, provide excellent exposure for selected skull base malignancies that have extended too laterally and inferiorly to allow an exclusively transnasal approach. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Head Neck 38: E2440–E2445, 2016
P2X1‐regulated IL‐22 secretion by innate lymphoid cells is required for efficient liver regeneration
Authors: Kudira Ramesh , Malinka Thomas , Kohler Andreas , Dosch Michel , de Agüero Mercedes Gomez , Melin Nicolas , Haegele Stefanie , Starlinger Patrick , Maharjan Niran , Saxena Smita , Keogh Adrian , Stroka Deborah , Candinas Daniel , Beldi Guido
Published: February 2016

Paracrine signalling mediated by cytokine secretion is essential for liver regeneration after hepatic resection, yet the mechanisms of cellular crosstalk between immune and parenchymal cells are still elusive. Interleukin‐22 (IL‐22) is released by immune cells and mediates strong hepatoprotective functions. However, it remains unclear whether IL‐22 is critical for the crosstalk between liver lymphocytes and parenchymal cells during liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH). Here, we found that plasma levels of IL‐22 and its upstream cytokine, IL‐23, are highly elevated in patients after major liver resection. In a mouse model of PH, deletion of IL‐22 was associated with significantly delayed hepatocellular proliferation and an increase of hepatocellular injury and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Using Rag1
−/− and Rag2−/−γc−/

− mice, we show that the main producers of IL‐22 post‐PH are conventional natural killer cells and innate lymphoid cells type 1. Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a potent danger molecule, is elevated in patients immediately after major liver resection. Antagonism of the P2‐type nucleotide receptors, P2X1 and P2Y6, significantly decreased IL‐22 secretion ex vivo. In vivo, specific inhibition of P2X1 was associated with decreased IL‐22 secretion, elevated liver injury, and impaired liver regeneration. Conclusion: This study shows that innate immune cell‐derived IL‐22 is required for efficient liver regeneration and that secretion of IL‐22 in the regenerating liver is modulated by the ATP receptor, P2X1. (Hepatology 2016;63:2004‐2017)
Maternal Responsive–didactic Caregiving in Play Interactions with 10‐month‐olds and Cognitive Development at 18 months
Authors: Mermelshtine Roni , Barnes Jacqueline
Published: February 2016

Maternal responsive–didactic caregiving (RDC) and infant advanced object play were investigated in a sample of 400 mothers and their 10‐month‐old infants during video‐recorded semi‐structured play interactions. Three maternal behaviours: contingent response, cognitively stimulating language and autonomy‐promoting speech were coded and infant object play. Factor analysis confirmed the three maternal behaviours loaded onto one underlying factor, labelled RDC. Based on ecological and transactional theories of development, associations between RDC and infant (advanced object play), maternal (age, education, ethnicity and first language) and family (size and home adversity) factors were investigated. Multiple regressions (1) explored the predictors of maternal RDC and (2) tested the possible role of maternal RDC in predicting infant intellectual development at 18 months. At 10 months, infants showing higher levels of play maturity experienced more maternal responsive and didactic feedback. All mother and family characteristics predicted variations in maternal RDC. Predicting 18‐month cognitive development, RDC had significant effect over and above maternal education, home adversity and infant play. Mother's first language remained significant, reflecting that RDC, in this investigation, relies heavily on language input. The findings highlight the importance of both contingent response and didactic contributions in interactions to subsequent cognitive development as early as the first year. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Allelopathic activity of the picocyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. under varied light, temperature, and salinity conditions
Authors: Śliwińska‐Wilczewska Sylwia , Pniewski Filip , Latała Adam
Published: February 2016

The impact of environmental factors and mode of action of allelopathic compounds produced by picocyanobacteria on microalgae remains unknown. Therefore, it is essential to characterize allelopathic interactions under different experimental conditions. In this study, the influence of allelopathic activity on the diatom Navicula perminuta was investigated by the addition of cell‐free filtrate of picocyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. cultures grown under different light, temperature, and salinity conditions. Temperature affected the most the donor cyanobacterium by increasing its allelopathic activity. The highest decline in growth, fluorescence parameter Fv/Fm and maximal photosynthesis Pm were observed after the addition of cell‐free filtrate obtained from Synechococcus sp. grown at 190 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1, 25°C and 8 PSU. These studies indicate for the first time that the picocyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. affect coexisting diatom N. perminuta negatively. It was examined that the Synechococcus sp. reveals allelopathic activity on the photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence, which results in the inhibition of growth of analyzed microalgae. These findings indicate that the production of allelopathic substances by picocyanobacterium is regulated by the availability of environmental factors such as light, temperature, and salinity. Moreover, these results demonstrated that variation in light intensity, water temperature, and salinity should be considered when estimating the potential effects of cyanobacterial allelopathy in aquatic environments.
Anaerobic biodegradation of MTBE in a field site above the Israeli Coastal Aquifer: evidence from δ13C compound‐specific isotope analysis
Authors: Gafni Almog , Rosenzweig Ravid , Gelman Faina , Ronen Zeev
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

The fuel additive, methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE), is one of the most frequently occurring groundwater pollutants worldwide. The present study focused on assessing microbial degradation of MTBE in groundwater below a gasoline station situated above the Israeli Coastal Aquifer. Groundwater was monitored in six monitoring wells over a time period of 2.5 years.

RESULTS

The site water geochemistry indicated that anaerobic conditions prevailed in two of the most contaminated wells. During a year MTBE concentrations declined from 81 to 4.2 mg L−1, concurrently, with a significant change in δ13C from −31.4 to −11.8 ‰ in a source area monitoring well. MTBE biodegradation during microcosm experiments under sulfate reducing and methanogenic conditions resulted in carbon isotopic enrichment factors (ε) of −17.2 ± 1.1 ‰.

CONCLUSION

Significant decrease in MTBE concentrations, along with pronounced changes in carbon isotope composition, indicates in situ degradation of MTBE occurring at the site. This evidence was supported by a microcosm experiment with indigenous microbial cultures. The estimated rate of biodegradation is 0.7 year−1, which is about 70% of the total natural attenuation (NA) processes. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
A one‐step automated synthesis of the dopamine transporter ligand [18F]FECNT from the chlorinated precursor
Authors: Pijarowska‐Kruszyna Justyna , Jaron Antoni , Kachniarz Artur , Malkowski Bogdan , Garnuszek Piotr , Mikolajczak Renata
Published: February 2016

The use of [18F]labelled nortropane derivative 2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐8‐(2‐fluoroethyl)‐nortropane (FECNT) as a dopamine transporter ligand for PET imaging is dependent on efficient radiosynthesis method. Herein, the automated synthesis of [18F]FECNT from its chlorinated precursor in commercially available SynChrom [18F] R&D module has been developed. The synthesis unit was readily configured for the one‐step synthesis from corresponding chlorinated precursor. The radiolabeling process involved a classical [18F]fluoride nucleophilic substitution performed at 110 °C for 12 min and finally HPLC and SPE purification. Crude [18F]FECNT was obtained with a radiolabeling yield of 59 ± 12% (n = 5). The average uncorrected amount of [18F]FECNT in the final formulated dose was 2.0 ± 0.5 GBq (32 ± 7% overall decay‐corrected yields) obtained with radiochemical purity over 99% and specific activity of 55 GBq/µmol. The total duration of the procedure was 80–90 min. An automated radiosynthesis of [18F]FECNT with high radiochemical purity may provide a simple and robust method of radiopharmaceutical preparation for routine clinical applications.
Developmental Trajectories and Predictors of Prosocial Behavior Among Adolescents Exposed to the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: Qin Yanyun , Zhou Ya , Fan Fang , Chen Shijian , Huang Rong , Cai Rouna , Peng Ting
Published: February 2016

This longitudinal study examined the developmental trajectories of prosocial behavior and related predictors among adolescents exposed to the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. At 6‐, 18‐, and 30‐months postearthquake, we followed a sample of 1,573 adolescents. Self‐report measures were used to assess earthquake exposure, postearthquake negative life events, prosocial behavior, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, social support, and coping style. Data were analyzed using growth mixture modeling and multinomial logistic regressions. Four trajectories of postearthquake prosocial behavior were identified in the sample: (a) high/enhancing (35.0%), (b) high/stable (29.4%), (c) low/declining (33.6%), and (d) low/steeply declining (2.0%). Female gender, more social support, and greater positive coping were significant factors related to a higher probability of developing the high/enhancing trajectory. These findings may be helpful for us to identify adolescents with poor prosocial behavior after exposure to earthquakes so as to provide them with appropriate intervention.
Block‐Structured 1,4‐d‐Glucans by Transglycosidation of Cellulose Ethers
Authors: Rother Marko , Radke Wolfgang , Mischnick Petra
Published: February 2016

Multiblock structured glucan ethers are prepared for the first time by BF3·OEt2 promoted transglycosidation of two cellulose ether homopolymers. First, model studies are performed with equimolar mixtures of methyl cellulose (MC) and deuteromethyl cellulose (MC‐d3), varying the amount of Lewis acid and temperature. Reaction is monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry after partial hydrolysis of products. Cross reaction is proved and the decrease of average block length with time is monitored and found to approximate random distribution. The method is successfully applied to a mixture of ethyl cellulose and MC. Decreases of molecular weight, of dispersity, and of glass transition temperature Tg with reaction time are followed.

image
Tuning the Surface Properties of Polypyrrole Films for Modulating Bacterial Adhesion
Authors: Golabi Mohsen , Turner Anthony P. F. , Jager Edwin W. H.
Published: February 2016

Tuning the physical–chemical properties of polypyrrole (PPy) opens up potentially exciting new applications, especially in the area of bacterial adhesion. Polypyrrole is electrochemically synthesized under various conditions and the physical properties of the films and their effects on bacterial adhesion are characterized. Five types of dopants—chloride (Cl), perchlorate (ClO4), p‐toluene‐sulfonate (ToS), dodecylbenzene sulfonate (DBS), and poly sodium styrene sulfonate (PSS)—are used to fabricate PPy films at two different constant potentials (0.500 and 0.850 V) with and without Fe3+. Their thickness, roughness, and wettability are measured. The adhesion tendency of Escherichia coli, as a model bacterium, to the four polymers is studied. E. coli shows greater adhesion tendency to the hydrophobic, rough surface of PPy‐DBS, and less adhesion tendency to the smooth and hydrophilic surface of PPy‐PSS. The results facilitate the choice of appropriate electropolymerization conditions to modulate bacterial adhesion.

image
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2: Measures of saccade changes improve power for clinical trials
Authors: Rodríguez‐Labrada Roberto , Velázquez‐Pérez Luis , Auburger Georg , Ziemann Ulf , Canales‐Ochoa Nalia , Medrano‐Montero Jacqueline , Vázquez‐Mojena Yaimeé , González‐Zaldivar Yanetza
Published: February 2016

Background

Saccadic eye movement abnormalities are common in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2, but it is unclear how these alterations progress over time. The aim of this study was to assess the progression of saccade involvement in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 patients, identify its main determinants, and evaluate its usefulness as outcome measures in clinical trials.

Methods

A prospective 5‐year follow‐up study was performed with 30 spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 patients and their matched healthy controls, who were evaluated a total of four times by clinical and electrooculographical assessments of horizontal saccades and by the scoring of ataxia.

Results

Patients showed significant decreases in saccade peak velocity and saccade accuracy as well as increases of saccadic latency during the follow‐up period. Annual progression rates were significantly higher in patients compared to controls. Faster progression rates of saccade slowing were associated with higher trinucleotide cytosine‐adenine‐guanine repeat expansions. Sample‐size estimates for two‐arm trials would require 19 patients per group to detect a 50% reduction in disease progression using saccade peak velocity as outcome variable, but 44 and 124 patients using saccade latency and accuracy, respectively (power, 80%; alpha = 0.05).

Conclusions

Electrooculographical measures of saccade changes are useful for the objective quantification of disease course in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. The progression rate of saccade slowing is influenced by the expansion size, providing novel insight into the cumulative polyglutamine neurotoxicity, and supporting the usefulness of saccade peak velocity as a sensitive biomarker during the natural history of the disease, and as suitable outcome measure for therapeutic trials. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Periodic solutions of abstract functional differential equations with state‐dependent delay
Authors: Andrade Filipe , Cuevas Claudio , Henríquez Hernán R.
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we are concerned with the existence of solutions of systems determined by abstract functional differential equations with infinite and state‐dependent delay. We establish the existence of mild solutions and the existence of periodic solutions. Our results are based on local Lipschitz conditions of the involved functions. We apply our results to study the existence of periodic solutions of a partial differential equation with infinite and state‐dependent delay. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of a hybrid polygonal finite element formulation for confined and unconfined seepage
Authors: Karchewski Brandon , Pekinasova Anna , Stolle Dieter , Guo Peijun
Published: February 2016

This study presents a formulation for field problems using hybrid polygonal finite elements, taking steady state seepage through a porous material as the focus. We make comparisons with a conventional finite element formulation based on a single primary variable, focussing on the advantages of the hybrid formulation in terms of flux field accuracy and extension to convex polygonal shaped elements. For the unconfined case, we adopt a head dependent hydraulic conductivity that does not require remeshing. The performance of the hybrid polygonal element formulation is demonstrated through a series of numerical examples. The results show a sensitivity of the location of the free surface in unconfined seepage to mesh configuration for hybrid quadrilateral meshes with various aspect ratios, but not for hybrid polygonal meshes with various orientations and irregularity. Examination of the free surface location results for several conforming shape function options shows an insensitivity to choice of interpolation function, provided that it conforms with the assumptions in the formulation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can response to dietary restriction predict weight loss after Roux‐en‐Y gastroplasty?
Authors: Azar Mirna , Nikpay Majid , Harper Mary‐Ellen , McPherson Ruth , Dent Robert
Published: February 2016

Objective

To determine whether weight loss (WL) with 6 weeks of a low‐calorie liquid diet as part of a behavioral program (LCDBP) predicts subsequent weight change in response to a laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Methods

Of 4698 LCDBP patients, 403 went on to RYGB and 222 were evaluable. We determined correlations between percent WL (% WL) in 6 weeks of LCDBP with % WL at 4, 12, 24, 36, and 52 weeks after RYGB.

Results

There was a positive correlation between the slope of WL in the first 6 weeks of LCDBP and over 4 and 12 weeks after RYGB: r = 0.15 (CI = 0.003‐0.285, P = 0.045) and r = 0.22 (CI = 0.08‐0.35, P = 0.0017), respectively. The association was also apparent at 24 weeks in females but not in males. There was a statistically significant correlation between % WL at 26 weeks of LCDBP and 52 weeks postsurgery (r = 0.20, CI = 0.05‐0.34, P = 0.01). Finally, % WL at 6 weeks also predicted % WL at 26 weeks of dietary intervention (r = 0.52, CI = 0.40‐0.62, P = 2.40 × 10−14).

Conclusions

WL in response to 6 weeks of LCDBP is predictive of weight for at least 12 weeks following RYGB.
Maternal BMI, gestational diabetes, and weight gain in relation to childhood obesity: The mediation effect of placental weight
Authors: Ouyang Fengxiu , Parker Margaret G. , Luo Zhong‐Cheng , Wang Xia , Zhang Hui‐Juan , Jiang Fan , Wang Xiaobin , Gillman Matthew W. , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2016

Objective

High prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), excessive gestational weight gain (GWG), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are associated with the risk of childhood obesity. This study aims to examine the extent to which these effects may be mediated through the placenta.

Methods

Data included 33,893 mothers and their singleton infants from birth to 7 years old (total 154,590 visits) in the Collaborative Perinatal Project, a U.S. multicenter prospective cohort study from 1959 to 1976. The placentas were weighed after removing cord and membranes. We performed sequential generalized estimating equation‐linear models excluding and including placental weight to evaluate its mediation effect.

Results

In this population, 21.7% of mothers had overweight or obesity, 17.3% had excessive GWG, and 350 (1%) had diagnosed GDM; in addition, 7.2% children had obesity. After adjustment for prepregnancy BMI and other covariates, childhood BMI was 0.23 (95% CI: 0.05, 0.40) kg/m2 higher for children born to mothers with GDM versus those without GDM. Inclusion of placental weight in the model attenuated the association by 52% to 0.11 (95% CI: −0.06, 0.28) and similarly attenuated the associations with childhood BMI for GWG by 25% and maternal prepregnancy BMI by 17%.

Conclusions

Placental weight partly mediates the effects of prepregnancy BMI, excessive GWG, and GDM on childhood BMI.
CCR4 frameshift mutation identifies a distinct group of adult T cell leukaemia/lymphoma with poor prognosis
Authors: Yoshida Noriaki , Miyoshi Hiroaki , Kato Takeharu , Sakata‐Yanagimoto Mamiko , Niino Daisuke , Taniguchi Hiroaki , Moriuchi Yukiyoshi , Miyahara Masaharu , Kurita Daisuke , Sasaki Yuya , Shimono Joji , Kawamoto Keisuke , Utsunomiya Atae , Imaizumi Yoshitaka , Seto Masao , Ohshima Koichi
Published: February 2016

Adult T cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is an intractable T cell neoplasm caused by human T cell leukaemia virus type 1. Next‐generation sequencing‐based comprehensive mutation studies have revealed recurrent somatic CCR4 mutations in ATLL, although clinicopathological findings associated with CCR4 mutations remain to be delineated. In the current study, 184 cases of peripheral T cell lymphoma, including 113 cases of ATLL, were subjected to CCR4 mutation analysis. This sequence analysis identified mutations in 27% (30/113) of cases of ATLL and 9% (4/44) of cases of peripheral T cell lymphoma not otherwise specified. Identified mutations included nonsense (NS) and frameshift (FS) mutations. No significant differences in clinicopathological findings were observed between ATLL cases stratified by presence of CCR4 mutation. All ATLL cases with CCR4 mutations exhibited cell‐surface CCR4 positivity. Semi‐quantitative CCR4 protein analysis of immunohistochemical sections revealed higher CCR4 expression in cases with NS mutations of CCR4 than in cases with wild‐type (WT) CCR4. Furthermore, among ATLL cases, FS mutation was significantly associated with a poor prognosis, compared with NS mutation and WT CCR4. These results suggest that CCR4 mutation is an important determinant of the clinical course in ATLL cases, and that NS and FS mutations of CCR4 behave differently with respect to ATLL pathophysiology. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review of the applications of biocomposites in the automotive industry
Authors: Akampumuza Obed , Wambua Paul. M. , Ahmed Azzam , Li Wei , Qin Xiao‐Hong
Published: February 2016

The article provides an overview of biocomposite application in the automotives via a documentation of their history, chronology and progressive steps taken to break into the production lines of a number of key auto makers. It offers a detailed analysis of the key factors that have motivated the research and subsequent adoption of biocomposites; taking a peek at the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges experienced in the process. Auto makers and parts suppliers that have been a force behind this campaign, have also been accorded a fair share in the article. Future projection of role of these materials in the industry; with the ideas well dressed in form of bio concept cars caps up the paper. Automotive refers to; passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, trucks, buses, and recreational vehicles. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2553–2569, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Composite based on poly(acrylic acid‐co‐itaconic acid) hydrogel with antibacterial performance
Authors: Carrillo‐Rodríguez Juan Carlos , Meléndez‐Ortiz Héctor Iván , Puente‐Urbina Bertha , Padrón Gabriela , Ledezma Antonio , Betancourt‐Galindo Rebeca
Published: February 2016

Novel composites have been prepared via the incorporation of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO) into poly(acrylic acid‐co‐itaconic acid) (poly(AA‐co‐IA)) hydrogel. The prepared composites were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), swelling studies, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The amount of nZnO incorporated into hydrogel was determined by using atomic absorbance spectrometry. In addition, the antibacterial performance of composites was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). SEM characterization of the composite hydrogels revealed a homogeneous distribution of the nZnO throughout the hydrogel with formation of some agglomerates. A progressive rise in thermal stability of poly(AA‐co‐IA) is found with increasing nZnO concentration. nZnO/poly(AA‐co‐IA) composites showed antibacterial activity against both bacteria. The approach used in this work is an efficient method to develop new hydrogel‐based wound dressing composites for use in biomedical applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:171–180, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Does Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitor and β‐Blocker Use Reduce the Risk of Primary Liver Cancer? A Case–Control Study Using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Hagberg Katrina Wilcox , Sahasrabuddhe Vikrant V. , McGlynn Katherine A. , Jick Susan S.
Published: February 2016

Study Objective

It has been suggested that use of the antihypertensive drugs angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and β‐blockers may decrease the risk of primary liver cancer; thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether use of ACE inhibitors and/or β‐blockers is associated with a lower risk of liver cancer.

Design

Nested case–control study.

Data Source

United Kingdom Clinical Practice Research Datalink.

Patients

We identified 490 cases with hypertension and a first‐time (incident) diagnosis of primary liver cancer between 1988 and 2011. To account for an induction period, the index date was defined as the date of the first recorded liver cancer diagnosis minus 1 year. Controls were selected from patients with hypertension in the CPRD during the study period with a recorded diagnosis of hypertension who had no diagnosis of liver cancer and were free of any other cancer (except nonmelanoma skin cancer) before the index date; they were matched up to a 4:1 ratio to cases based on index date (same index date as that of their matched case), age (same year of birth), sex, general practice, and number of years of recorded history in the CPRD before the index date (1909 controls). Both cases and controls were required to have at least 2 years of recorded activity in the database before the index date.

Measurements and Main Results

Exposure was defined as receipt of two or more prescriptions for ACE inhibitors and/or β‐blockers before the index date; the reference group was nonuse (0–1 prescription) of ACE or β‐blocker prescriptions before the index date. We also examined the effect of duration of use and, separately, the effect of individual drugs within each medication class on risk of liver cancer, and conducted analyses restricted to patients without liver disease or diabetes mellitus. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). No association was found between use of ACE inhibitors and/or β‐blockers and the risk of liver cancer compared with nonuse (adjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.85–1.55). No significant differences were noted in risk by duration of use or by individual drugs, or after restricting the analyses to patients without diabetes or liver disease.

Conclusion

Use of ACE inhibitors and/or β‐blockers was not associated with reduced risk of primary liver cancer compared with nonuse of these drugs in persons with hypertension.
Combustion of Boron Particles in Premixed Methane/Air Flames
Authors: Veith Jan , Pfitzner Michael
Published: February 2016

Because of its high energy density, boron particles have been a subject of interest for the use as propellant in propulsion systems for many years. A cheap and fast opportunity to investigate multiphase reacting flows in such systems is offered by numerical simulations. Therefore, a detailed knowledge of the chemistry and kinetics of boron combustion in different gaseous surroundings is required. The main topic of this contribution is the experimental investigation of the influence of the equivalence ratio of reacting methane‐air mixtures on the combustion time of boron particles. Additionally, numerical calculations were performed using a combustion model proposed by Yeh et al. [1] and modified by Hussmann et al. [2, 3]. The experimental results show that for small particles there exists an optimal stoichiometry, at which the combustion time of boron particles is minimized. High equivalence ratios yield larger burning times because of a low concentration of oxygen. Low equivalence ratios are accompanied by low flame temperatures also leading to large burning times, because of a slow reactive evaporation of the boron‐oxide layer. With increasing particle size the burning process is dominated by the evaporation process. Numerical results are in a good agreement with the experiments for small particles. For larger particles, the predicted burning time is too high due to the fact that boron particles cannot be treated as a sphere as assumed in the original model. By implementing a sphericity factor good agreement with the experiments can be achieved.
A career in process safety: 50 years of LPS
Authors: Dowell Arthur M. (Art)
Published: February 2016

Drawing from a career from 1963 through 2016 in the chemical and process industries, this article will describe some informal practices of process safety elements observed during the Master‐Apprentice era of the 1960s. The article will trace the development of incident investigation, Process Hazard Analysis, and Fault Tree Analysis tools used by the author. It will touch on safety instrumented systems and the development of Layer of Protection Analysis to determine how strong the safety instrumented functions should be. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 35: 8–12, 2016
Emerging pests and diseases of South‐east Asian cassava: a comprehensive evaluation of geographic priorities, management options and research needs
Authors: Graziosi Ignazio , Minato Nami , Alvarez Elizabeth , Ngo Dung Tien , Hoat Trinh Xuan , Aye Tin Maung , Pardo Juan Manuel , Wongtiem Prapit , Wyckhuys Kris AG
Published: February 2016

Cassava is a major staple, bio‐energy and industrial crop in many parts of the developing world. In Southeast Asia, cassava is grown on >4 million ha by nearly 8 million (small‐scale) farming households, under (climatic, biophysical) conditions that often prove unsuitable for many other crops. WhileSEAsian cassava has been virtually free of phytosanitary constraints for most of its history, a complex of invasive arthropod pests and plant diseases has recently come to affect local crops. We describe results from a region‐wide monitoring effort in the 2014 dry season, covering 429 fields across five countries. We present geographic distribution and field‐level incidence of the most prominent pest and disease invaders, introduce readily‐available management options and research needs. Monitoring work reveals that several exotic mealybug and (red) mite species have effectively colonisedSEAsia's main cassava‐growing areas, occurring in respectively 70% and 54% of fields, at average field‐level incidence of 27 ± 2% and 16 ± 2%. Cassava witches broom (CWB), a systemic phytoplasma disease, was reported from 64% of plots, at incidence levels of 32 ± 2%. Although all main pests and diseases are non‐natives, we hypothesise that accelerating intensification of cropping systems, increased climate change and variability, and deficient crop husbandry are aggravating both organism activity and crop susceptibility. Future efforts need to consolidate local capacity to tackle current (and future) pest invaders, boost detection capacity, devise locally‐appropriate integrated pest management (IPM) tactics, and transfer key concepts and technologies toSEAsia's cassava growers. Urgent action is needed to mobilise regional as well as international scientific support, to effectively tackle this phytosanitary emergency and thus safeguard the sustainability and profitability of one of Asia's key agricultural commodities. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Transnational Mobilities as a Way of Life Among Older Migrants from Southern Europe
Authors: Bolzman Claudio , Kaeser Laure , Christe Etienne
Published: February 2016

This paper focuses on older Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese migrants who spent their working lives in Switzerland and explores their different forms of geographical mobility between Switzerland and their home countries. Although drawing inspiration from the transnationalism literature and the new mobilities paradigm, we do not neglect a more structural perspective that stresses the constraints endured by older migrants when they try to build mobile lives. We approach the issue of transnational mobility using mainly quantitative data from the survey Vivre–Leben–Vivere, which focuses on the living conditions and health of individuals aged 65 years and above currently living in Switzerland. Within this survey, an oversample of approximately 300 older immigrants of Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese origin aged between 65 and 79 years was conducted in Geneva and Basel. The quantitative data are complemented by material from interviews with three Spanish families living in Geneva. Our data show that to ‘settle in Switzerland’ or to return home does not imply that older immigrants' transnational mobility ceases. To some extent, it could be argued that they never really ‘settled’ and transnational mobility is a way of life that is more adapted to the duality of resources and references that they have built up during their adult life. Their geographical mobility can take different forms and is adapted to legal constraints, to family configurations, and to individual situations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical crosstalk analysis of micro‐pixelated GaN‐based light‐emitting diodes on sapphire and Si substrates
Authors: Li K. H. , Cheung Y. F. , Tang C. W. , Zhao C. , Lau K. M. , Choi H. W.
Published: February 2016

With the aid of depth‐resolved confocal microscopy, the optical crosstalk phenomenon in GaN‐based micro‐pixel light‐emitting diodes (μ‐LEDs) on Si substrates are thoroughly investigated and compared with its counterpart on sapphire substrate. Noticeable optical crosstalk is invariably present in GaN‐on‐sapphire devices as the thick transparent sapphires beneath the μ‐LEDs serve as optical waveguides to favor lateral propagation of the emitted light, eventually causing unwanted noise signals. μ‐LEDs adopting the GaN‐on‐Si platform can effectively suppress unwanted optical crosstalk and sustain superior performance at different injection currents, which are well‐suited for a wide range of μ‐LED applications.

Light intensity maps illustrating crosstalk performances of GaN‐on‐sapphire μ‐LEDs with backsides coated with (left) Al mirror and (middle) black paint, and (right) GaN‐on‐Si μ‐LED, captured by confocal microscopy.
Application of electrodeposited piezo‐resistive polypyrrole for a pressure‐sensitive bruxism sensor
Authors: Akkermans Onno , Spronck Mitch , Kluskens Theo , Offerein Fred , Saralidze Ketie , Aarts Jos , Keshaniyan Pegah , Steen Redeker Erik , Diliën Hanne , van Grinsven Bart , Cleij Thomas J.
Published: February 2016

This paper presents the application of the conducting polymer polypyrrole in a pressure sensitive sensor. Polypyrrole was electrodeposited on copper plates using phytic acid as a dopant and cross‐linker. A combination of different polymerization durations and potentials were tested to find the polymerization conditions for thin polymer layers and homogenous surface coverage. The morphology of the surface of the polypyrrole films was examined with scanning electron microscopy to study the formation of hollow sphere beads. The polymer layers were sandwiched between two copper sheets to create pressure sensitive sensors and the piezo‐resistive effect was tested. For this, increasing forces were applied to the sensors and the resistance was measured. It was found that the polypyrrole layers were pressure sensitive to pressures relevant for bruxism events and had a thickness that is suitable for application in a splint for the detection of awake bruxism.

An SEM image of polypyrrole hollow sphere beads at 20 kV and 1000× magnification.
Reduced porosity in metal‐assisted chemical etching of vertical Si nanowire arrays by an induced magnetic field
Authors: Yun Seokhun , Choi Chan Ho , Patil Dipali S. , Kim Doo Gun , Lee Taikjin , Song Gwang Yeom , Heo Jaeyeong , Shin Jae Cheol
Published: February 2016

High aspect ratio silicon nanowires (Si NWs) are produced by metal‐assisted chemical etching (MacEtch) combined with a magnetic field. The vertically applied magnetic field enhances the adhesion between a catalytic metal film and a semiconductor surface. As a result, very uniform Si NWs are formed with increased etch rate due to an easy transfer of holes from metal to Si. Importantly, the porosity of the Si NWs is dramatically reduced by an applied magnetic field because the metal film quickly sinks into the Si, thereby decreasing the excess hole diffusion from the NW sidewall. The combined process of MacEtch and a magnetic field is a promising approach to form high aspect ratio Si NWs with minimized etching damage.
Structural, magnetic, and electrical features of the Nd2SrMn2TiO9 perovskite‐like compound
Authors: Cuervo Farfán J. A. , Castellanos Acuña H. E. , Landínez Téllez D. A. , Parra Vargas C. A. , Roa‐Rojas J.
Published: February 2016

The synthesis process of the polycrystalline ceramic compound Nd2SrMn2TiO9 by means of the solid‐state reaction procedure is reported. The crystalline structure was analyzed through X‐ray diffraction experiments in the Bragg–Brentano recipe. The Rietveld refinement of the diffraction pattern by using the GSAS code shows that this material crystallizes in an orthorhombic structure, space group Pnma (#62), with lattice parameters a = 5.4764(6) Ǻ, b = 7.7468(6) Ǻ, and 5.4810(6) Ǻ. The surface morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy images, which evidence the formation and compacting of grain with mean size 352.63 nm. Semiquantitative compositional analysis performed by means of Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy shows the stoichiometric composition of the samples. Measurements of magnetization as a function of temperature reveal that this compound has a ferromagnetic behavior. The analysis with the Curie equation permitted to establish an effective magnetic moment μeff = 4.33 μB, which is 95.7% in agreement with the theoretical value expected from the Hund's rules. Measurements of DC resistivity as a function of temperature show a conductor behavior below the Curie temperature and insulator above. Evidences of a nonlinear response as a function of frequency with high values of relative dielectric constant reveal the occurrence of giant dielectric constant with ϵr = 6480 for ν = 100 Hz.
Stratocumulus radiative effect, multiple equilibria of the well‐mixed boundary layer and transition to shallow convection
Authors: Bellon Gilles , Geoffroy Olivier
Published: February 2016

The present work investigates the equilibrium of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) over the ocean using a large‐eddy simulation model, with different lower‐boundary sea‐surface temperatures (SSTs) and different initial conditions. For low SSTs, one of two equilibria is reached depending on the initial conditions. One equilibrium is characterized by a deep, stratocumulus‐capped ABL, while the other is a thin, cloud‐free ABL. Cloud radiative cooling at the top of the stratocumulus is crucial to the existence of the stratocumulus equilibrium. If the SST is increased, the stratocumulus equilibrium becomes deeper and the cloud radiative effect reaches a maximum before decreasing due to buoyancy reversal and decoupling. This decrease of cloud radiative effect with SST eventually suppresses the stratocumulus equilibrium at higher SSTs–all initial conditions then lead to the cloud‐free equilibrium. If the SST is increased further, the cloud‐free equilibrium becomes a deeper, shallow convective equilibrium with cumuli in the upper part of the ABL. This shallow convective ABL is deepened by the cloud radiative effect. Our results suggest that the transition from stratocumulus decks in the eastern subtropical oceans to the trade‐wind shallow convective regions is essentially a transition from one basin of attraction, which disappears, to another.
Maintaining atmospheric mass and water balance in reanalyses
Authors: Takacs Lawrence L. , Suárez Max J. , Todling Ricardo
Published: February 2016

This study describes the modifications made to the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) Atmospheric Data Assimilation System (ADAS) to conserve atmospheric dry‐air mass and to guarantee that the net source of water from precipitation and surface evaporation equals the change in total atmospheric water. The modifications involve changes to both the atmospheric model and the analysis procedure. In the model, sources and sinks of water are included in the continuity equation; in the analysis, constraints are imposed to penalize (and thus minimize) analysis increments of dry‐air mass. Finally, changes are also required to the Incremental Analysis Update (IAU) procedure. The effects of these modifications are evaluated separately in free‐running and assimilation experiments. Results are also presented from a multiyear reanalysis (Version 2 of the Modern Era Retrospective‐Analysis for Research and Applications: MERRA‐2) that uses the modified system.