bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of water deficit on breadmaking quality and storage protein compositions in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Zhou Jiaxing , Liu Dongmiao , Deng Xiong , Zhen Shoumin , Wang Zhimin , Yan Yueming
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Water deficiency affects grain proteome dynamics and storage protein compositions, resulting in changes in gluten viscoelasticity. In this study, the effects of field water deficit on wheat breadmaking quality and grain storage proteins were investigated.

RESULTS

Water deficiency produced a shorter grain‐filling period, a decrease in grain number, grain weight and grain yield, a reduced starch granule size and increased protein content and glutenin macropolymer contents, resulting in superior dough properties and breadmaking quality. Reverse phase ultra‐performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that the total gliadin and glutenin content and the accumulation of individual components were significantly increased by water deficiency. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis detected 144 individual storage protein spots with significant accumulation changes in developing grains under water deficit. Comparative proteomic analysis revealed that water deficiency resulted in significant upregulation of 12 gliadins, 12 high‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits and 46 low‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the expression of storage protein biosynthesis‐related transcription factors Dof and Spa was upregulated by water deficiency.

CONCLUSION

The present results illustrated that water deficiency leads to increased accumulation of storage protein components and upregulated expression of Dof and Spa, resulting in an improvement in glutenin strength and breadmaking quality. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Exogenous trehalose enhanced the biocontrol efficacy of Hanseniaspora uvarum against grape berry rots caused by Aspergillus tubingensis and Penicillium commune
Authors: Apaliya Maurice Tibiru , Zhang Hongyin , Zheng Xiangfeng , Yang Qiya , Mahunu Gustav K , Kwaw Emmanuel
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Primarily, chemical pesticides are commonly used to control preharvest and postharvest diseases of fruits and vegetables. However, there is strong public concern regarding the human and environmental health problems that might emanate from the residues of these chemical pesticides. As a result, biocontrol is often preferred due to its safety for humans and animals. The microbial antagonists employed often encounter variable climatic conditions, which affect their efficacy. In this study, the biocontrol efficacy of Hanseniaspora uvarum enhanced with trehalose against Aspergillus tubingensis and Penicillium commune in grapes was investigated.

RESULTS

H. uvarum Y3 pretreated with 2.0% w/v trehalose in nutrient yeast dextrose broth (NYDB) before used significantly inhibited the incidence of decay and lesion diameter without affecting the sensory qualities of the grapes stored at either 4 °C or 20 °C. There was also a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the population dynamics of H. uvarum that was pretreated with 2% trehalose compared to that of H. uvarum alone. The in vitro assay on spore germination revealed an inhibition of A. tubingensis and P. commune by 85.6% and 87.0% respectively. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that both untreated H. uvarum and H. uvarum pre‐treated with the 2% w/v trehalose before use inhibited fungal mycelium and development of grape rot.

CONCLUSION

The biocontrol efficacy of H. uvarum was enhanced against grape rot caused by A. tubingensis and P. commune. The findings indicate the potential applicability of trehalose in the enhancement of H. uvarum. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of hydrogen sulfide on the surface whitening and physiological responses of fresh‐cut carrots
Authors: Chen Chen , Hu Wenzhong , Zhang Ruidong , Jiang Aili , Liu Chenghui
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

The effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on the inhibition of the surface whitening of fresh‐cut carrots was investigated. Whitening index; H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents; activities of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD); and antioxidant capacities were evaluated.

RESULTS

H2S treatment significantly inhibited the surface whitening of fresh‐cut carrots (P < 0.05), reduced the accumulation of H2O2 and MDA, and enhanced antioxidant enzymes (CAT, APX and GR) activities and antioxidant capacities (P < 0.05). The PAL, PPO and POD activities of fresh‐cut carrots were inhibited by treatment with H2S (P < 0.05). Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed that whitening index was significantly positively correlated with H2O2 content, lipid peroxidation, PPO and POD activities.

CONCLUSION

H2S inhibited the surface whitening of fresh‐cut carrots by reducing H2O2 accumulation and lipid peroxidation, and also inhibited PPO and POD activities. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Simultaneous determination of diethylacetal and acetaldehyde during beer fermentation and storage process
Authors: Liu Chunfeng , Li Qi , Niu Chengtuo , Zheng Feiyun , Zhao Yun
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Acetaldehyde is an important flavor component in beer which is possibly carcinogenic to humans. Owing to the limitations of present detection methods, only free‐state acetaldehyde in beers has been focused on, while acetal in beers has hardly been reported so far.

RESULTS

A sensitive headspace gas chromatography method was developed for the determination of diethylacetal and acetaldehyde in beer. The column DB‐23 was chosen with a total run time of 22.5 min. The optimal addition amount of NaCl, equilibrium temperature and equilibrium time were 2.0 g, 70 °C and 30 min respectively. For both diethylacetal and acetaldehyde analyses, the limit of detection was 0.005 mg L−1 with relative standard deviation < 5.5%. The recoveries of acetaldehyde and diethylacetal were 95–110 and 95–115% respectively. The diethylacetal and acetaldehyde average contents in 24 beer products were 11.83 and 4.36 mg L−1 respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient between diethylacetal and acetaldehyde was the highest (0.963). Both diethylacetal and acetaldehyde contents increased to a peak value after fermentation for 3 days and then decreased to a lower value. During both normal and forced aging storage, the diethylacetal content decreased and the acetaldehyde content increased gradually over time. When beers were forced aged for 4 days, the increased ratio of acetaldehyde could be above 40.00%.

CONCLUSION

The newly established method can be used to assess acetaldehyde level and flavor quality in beer more scientifically. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterizing bread wheat genotypes of Pakistani origin for grain zinc biofortification potential
Authors: Rehman Abdul , Farooq Muhammad , Nawaz Ahmad , Al‐Sadi Abdullah M , Al-Hashmi Khalid S , Nadeem Faisal , Ullah Aman
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Zinc (Zn) is essential for all life forms and its deficiency is a major issue of malnutrition in humans. This study was carried out to characterize 28 wheat genotypes of Pakistani origin for grain zinc biofortification potential, genetic diversity and relatedness.

RESULTS

There was low genetic differentiation among the tested genotypes. However, they differed greatly in yield‐related traits, grain mineral (Zn, calcium (Ca) and protein) concentrations and Zn bioavailability. Zinc application increased the concentration of Zn in wheat grain (32.1%), embryo (19.8%), aleurone (47%) and endosperm (23.7%), with an increase in bioavailable Zn (22.2%) and a reduction in phytate concentration (6.8%). Application of Zn also enhanced grain protein and Ca concentrations. Among wheat genotypes, Blue Silver had the highest concentration of Zn in grain, embryo, aleurone and endosperm, with high bioavailable Zn, while Kohinoor‐83 had low phytate concentration.

CONCLUSION

Wheat genotypes of Pakistan are genetically less diverse owing to continuous focus on the development of high‐yielding varieties only. Therefore genetically diverse wheat genotypes with high endospermic Zn concentration and better grain yield should be used in breeding programs approaches, aiming at improving Zn bioavailability. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Benchmarking laboratory‐scale pomegranate vinegar against commercial wine vinegars: antioxidant activity and chemical composition
Authors: Kharchoufi Samira , Gomez Juan , Lasanta Cristina , Castro Remedios , Sainz Florencia , Hamdi Moktar
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

There is growing interest in the beneficial health effects of certain fruits, such as pomegranate, and their by‐products, like vinegar. Vinegars contain antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols, which can scavenge free radicals in the body. In this study, the antioxidant properties (2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl scavenging capacities) and global polyphenolic composition of a new functional product, namely a pomegranate vinegar produced in the laboratory from the Gabsi variety, were evaluated and compared with those of commercial wine vinegars (Sherry and Rioja red wine Spanish vinegars). The evolution of the polyphenolic and volatile compositions during production of the pomegranate vinegar was also studied.

RESULTS

The results indicate that pomegranate contained a relatively stable total phenolic content that is suitable for the elaboration of vinegar and that this product had an antioxidant capacity comparable to, or even better than, that observed for aged wine vinegars. Regarding the volatiles profile, a high proportion of esters (close to 50%), in relation to alcohols and fatty acids, was observed for pomegranate vinegar, and this is consistent with the high red fruits character identified by sensory analysis.

CONCLUSION

Pomegranate vinegar produced in the laboratory has an antioxidant activity and a global phenolic content similar to those of red wine vinegars and higher than most of the white wine vinegars studied. The pomegranate vinegar retained the red fruit sensory character of pomegranate fruit. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Clinicopathological and prognostic features of Epstein‐Barr virus infection, microsatellite instability, and PD‐L1 expression in gastric cancer
Authors: Pereira Marina A. , Ramos Marcus F.K.P. , Faraj Sheila F. , Dias Andre R. , Yagi Osmar K. , Zilberstein Bruno , Cecconello Ivan , Alves Venancio A.F. , de Mello Evandro S. , Ribeiro Jr Ulysses
Published: March 2018

Background and Objectives

Gastric cancer (GC) has recently been categorized in molecular subtypes, which include Epstein‐Barr (EBV)‐positive and microsatellite instability (MSI) tumors. This distinction may provide prognostic information and identifies therapeutic targets. The aim of this study was to evaluate EBV, MSI, and PD‐L1 immunoexpression in GC and its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics and patient's prognosis.

Methods

We evaluated 287 GC patients who underwent D2‐gastrectomy through immunohistochemistry for DNA mismatch repair proteins and PD‐L1, and in situ hybridization for EBV detection utilizing tissue microarray.

Results

EBV‐positive and MSI were identified in 10.5% and 27% of the GCs, respectively. EBV positivity was associated to male gender (P = 0.032), proximal location (P < 0.001), undetermined Lauren type (P < 0.001), poorly differentiated histology (P = 0.043) and severe inflammatory infiltrate (P < 0.001). MSI‐tumors were associated to older age (P = 0.002), subtotal gastrectomy (P = 0.004), pN0 (P = 0.024) and earlier TNM stage (P = 0.020). PD‐L1‐positive was seen in 8.8% of cases, with predominant expression in EBV‐positive GC (P < 0.001). MSI was associated to better survival outcomes.

Conclusion

EBV‐positive GCs had increased PD‐L1 expression, while MSI GC had better survival outcome. EBV and MSI subgroups are distinct GC entities, their recognition is feasible by conventional techniques, and it may help individualize follow‐up and guide adjuvant therapy.
The grasshopper sparrow as an indicator species in tallgrass prairies
Authors: Elliott Lisa H. , Johnson Douglas H.
Published: March 2018

Funding constraints highlight the need for efficient approaches to manage wildlife habitat. One such approach is to monitor a single species that serves as an indicator of management effectiveness. The grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) is an obligate species of dry, upland prairie that has been proposed as a surrogate species for the Eastern Tallgrass Prairie, USA. To evaluate whether this species (or another) would make a suitable indicator for grassland birds, we examined the strength of associations in the density and occurrence of grasshopper sparrows and densities of other grassland species: sedge wren (Cistothorus platensis), Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), Henslow's sparrow (A. henslowii), dickcissel (Spiza americana), bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), and western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta). No single species was a good predictor for all other species, but grasshopper sparrow density was the best predictor of the densities of other obligate upland prairie species. We also compared avian community composition between grassland sites with and without grasshopper sparrows; densities of all species except sedge wren were significantly higher at sites with grasshopper sparrows. Therefore, the grasshopper sparrow is the best choice as a single indicator species for tallgrass prairies within our study area. However, a better approach would be to select multiple, complementary indicator species to ensure that species not well‐indicated by grasshopper sparrows are adequately represented. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Prognostic factors for human papillomavirus–positive and negative oropharyngeal carcinomas
Authors: Yin Linda X. , D'Souza Gypsyamber , Westra William H. , Wang Steven J. , van Zante Annemieke , Zhang Yuehan , Rettig Eleni M. , Ryan William R. , Ha Patrick K. , Wentz Alicia , Koch Wayne , Eisele David W. , Fakhry Carole
Published: March 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive and HPV‐negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) are distinct disease entities. Prognostic factors specific to each entity have not been adequately explored. Goals for this study were: 1) to determine whether HPV‐positive and HPV‐negative OPSCCs have distinct prognostic factors, and 2) to explore the prognostic significance of sex and race in OPSCC after HPV stratification

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

A retrospective review of 239 incident OPSCC patients from 1995 to 2012, treated at Johns Hopkins and University of California–San Francisco was conducted. Women and nonwhite races were oversampled. All analyses were stratified by tumor HPV in situ hybridization status. The effects of sex and race on survival were considered in Kaplan‐Meier and unadjusted and adjusted Cox regression models.

Results

One hundred thirty‐four (56.1%) OPSCC patients were HPV positive. On univariate analysis, women had better overall survival than men among HPV‐positive (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20‐1.07; P = .06) but not HPV‐negative (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.43‐1.24; P = .24) OPSCCs. On multivariate analysis, women with HPV‐positive OPSCCs remained at lower risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.12‐0.96; P = .04). Survival did not vary significantly by race among HPV‐positive patients. Among HPV‐negative patients, Hispanic patients had significantly better survival in unadjusted (HR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.08‐0.91; P = .04) but not adjusted (aHR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.11‐7.36; P = .94) analysis.

Conclusions

Women with HPV‐positive OPSCC may have improved overall survival compared to men. Sex does not play a prognostic role in HPV‐negative OPSCC. There are no differences in prognosis by race among HPV‐positive or HPV‐negative patients.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, E288–E296, 2018
Clinical relevance of endoscopic three‐dimensional imaging for quantitative assessment of phonation
Authors: Semmler Marion , Döllinger Michael , Patel Rita R. , Ziethe Anke , Schützenberger Anne
Published: March 2018

Objective/Hypothesis

Laser‐based three‐dimensional (3D) imaging allows realistic visualization and absolute measurement of the vocal folds for comprehensive characterization of the oscillation pattern.

Study Design

Exploratory study with descriptive data analysis in healthy cohort.

Methods

The custom‐developed miniaturized measuring device is an endoscopic camera‐laser setup for stereo triangulation and suitable for in vivo application. The laser projection unit generates a regular laser grid that is projected on the vocal folds and recorded at 4000 fps using a high‐speed camera. Recordings are performed during sustained phonation on 10 healthy subjects.

Results

We present absolute values for the lateral and vertical displacement amplitudes and maximum velocities during opening and closing phase. On average over all study participants, the vertical parameters are at least 50% higher than their lateral counterparts. The mean male/female amplitudes are 0.93 mm/0.80 mm in the lateral and 1.28 mm/1.45 mm in the vertical direction. Only 20% of the healthy subjects displayed slight asymmetries in the lateral direction, but 70% showed significant asymmetries in the vertical component. In only 30% of all subjects, the asymmetry trends matched in the lateral and vertical direction.

Conclusions

The study illustrates the additional benefit of 3D imaging: consideration of the vertical component and computation of metric units. New, relevant, and even unexpected information was obtained by the incorporation of the additional vertical dimension. Metric units allow for an absolute evaluation of anatomy and dynamics and therefore enables cross‐study comparability. The noninvasive acquisition of quantitative measures for evidence‐based medicine has the potential to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as well as basic medical research.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:2367–2374, 2018
Structural Determination and Occurrence in Ahiflower Oil of Stearidonic Acid Trans Fatty Acids
Authors: Delmonte Pierluigi , Milani Andrea , Bhangley Shivani
Published: March 2018

Several marine oils and seed oils on the market contain relevant quantities of stearidonic acid (18:4n‐3, SDA). The formation of 18:4n‐3 trans fatty acids (tFA) during the refining of these oils necessitates the development of a method for their quantification. In this study, 18:4n‐3 was isolated from Ahiflower and isomerized to obtain its 16 geometric isomers. The geometric isomers of 18:4n‐3 were isolated by silver ion HPLC (Ag+‐HPLC) and characterized by partial reduction with hydrazine followed by gas chromatography analysis. The elution order of all 16 isomers was established using a 100 m × 0.25 mm 100% poly(biscyanopropyl siloxane) capillary column and at the elution temperature of 180 °C. The 4 mono‐trans‐18:4n‐3 isomers produced during the refining of oils rich in 18:4n‐3 were chromatographically resolved from each other, but c6,t9,c12,c15‐18:4 coeluted with the tetra‐cis isomer. These 2 fatty acids (FA) were resolved by reducing the separation temperature to 150 °C, but this change caused tetra‐cis‐18:4n‐3 to coelute with t6,c9,c12,c15–18:4. Combining the results from 2 isothermal separations (180 and 150 °C) was necessary to quantify the 4 mono‐trans 18:4n‐3 FA in Ahiflower oil.
Evidence for regional aeolian transport of freshwater micrometazoans in arid regions
Authors: Rivas J. A. , Mohl J. E. , Van Pelt R. S. , Leung M.‐Y. , Wallace R. L. , Gill T. E. , Walsh E. J.
Published: March 2018

While separated by large expanses of dry terrain unsuitable for aquatic biota, aridland waters possess high biodiversity. How aquatic micrometazoans disperse to, and colonize, these isolated ephemeral habitats are not well understood. We used a multi‐faceted approach including wind tunnel and rehydration experiments, and next‐generation sequencing to assess potential movement of diapausing propagules of aquatic invertebrates by anemochory across regional scales (102–105 km). Wind tunnel experiments using dry playa sediments with added micrometazoan propagules demonstrated that after entrainment by saltation and downwind transport, propagules could be subsequently rehydrated and were viable. Further, rehydration of fallen natural dust yielded micrometazoans, including rotifers, gastrotrichs, microcrustaceans, and nematodes. Using conserved DNA primers, we identified > 3300 eukaryotic Operational Taxonomic Units (excluding fungi) in the dust including some taxa found in rehydration experiments. Thus, we provide strong evidence that anemochory can disperse micrometazoans among isolated, ephemeral ecosystems in North American deserts and likely elsewhere.
Fluorescent organic exudates of corals and algae in tropical reefs are compositionally distinct and increase with nutrient enrichment
Authors: Quinlan Zachary A. , Remple Kristina , Fox Michael D. , Silbiger Nyssa J. , Oliver Thomas A. , Putnam Hollie M. , Wegley Kelly Linda , Carlson Craig A. , Donahue Megan J. , Nelson Craig E.
Published: March 2018

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition influences microbial community metabolism and benthic primary producers are a source of DOM in coral reefs. As reef benthic communities change, in part due to nutrient pollution, understanding impacts on reef microbial processes requires knowledge of DOM sources and composition. We conducted a multi‐week mesocosm experiment dosing four coral reef benthic constituents with three levels of nitrate and phosphate to contrast exudate composition and quantify the effects of nutrient enrichment on exudate release. Moderate nutrient enrichment enhanced bulk dissolved organic carbon exudation by all producers. Corals exuded rapidly accumulating DOM with a markedly high concentration of aromatic amino acid‐like fluorescent DOM components that clearly distinguishes them from algal exudates, which were dominated by humic‐like fluorescent components and did not accumulate significantly. Our results indicate that corals and algae release DOM of different quality and the quantity of DOM release increases with inorganic nutrient availability.
A Two‐Stage Kinetics Model for Polydopamine Layer Growth
Authors: Habibi Rad Mojtaba , Zamanian Ali , Hadavi Seyed Mohamad Mahdi , Khanlarkhani Ali
Published: March 2018

Since its introduction, polydopamine coating has played a significant role in the surface modification of various materials, yet a persistent gap exists in understanding its polymerization process. Applying Gompertz' equation, this paper proposes a kinetics model based on the data reported in the literature and obtained at different temperatures and on various substrates. Along with a statistically good regression, the selection of Gompertz' equation is supported by the observed trend in the reported data: regardless of the substrate and the system temperature, the point where 37–40% of the final film thickness is reached precisely coincides with the inflection point of the Gompertz' curve. The proposed kinetics model suggests a two‐stage polymerization process, with the maximum growth rate occurring at 37–40% of the final film thickness. The maximum growth rate increases with temperature. However, at higher temperatures, the system needs more time to reach the maximum growth rate.
Shear‐Induced Fabrication of Multiple Parallel Alginate Gel Filaments Using Alginate–Polyethylene Glycol Blend
Authors: Takayama Yuriko , Kato Norihiro
Published: March 2018

A rigid assembly of alginates is formed in aqueous media primarily via hydrogen bonding between guluronic units. A flow of aqueous alginate solution in a co‐flow capillary can form alginate gel fibers by contact with Ca2+ ions in sheath flow. Mixing with polyols [e.g., polyethylene glycol (PEG)] facilitates the shaping of the alginate assembly because PEG disrupts the assembly of the extended alginate chains to instead form alginate–PEG complexes that exhibit shear‐thinning behavior. The shear‐induced fibrous domains of the globular alginate–PEG complexes can be partitioned by a PEG‐rich phase, resulting in multiple parallel alginate gel filaments when the strong ionic‐field‐induced PEG‐rich phase is adjusted and an alginate–PEG complex phase is used as the aqueous two‐phase separation system.
Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic Cooperative Janus Branched Polymer Fibers with Controllable Length and Density of Nanobranches
Authors: Zhou Guangliang , Yang Guang , Li Xilin , He Yang , Zhou Shaobing
Published: March 2018

The fabrication of a fiber with multilevel micro‐/nanostructures is still a great challenge. Here, a newly structured polymer fiber, which possesses both a hydrophobic/hydrophilic cooperative Janus stem and nanosized branches with controllable length and density, is developed via a microfluidic‐electrospinning technology for the first time. Both the length and density of the branches on the fiber can be controlled by changing the electrical conductivity of the inner phase of poly(vinyl alcohol) solution or the applied voltage. The mechanical analytic model reveals that when the coulomb force between surface charge of continuous phase and volume charge of dispersed phase, which is raised with the electrical conductivity of the inner phase or the applied voltage increasing, is greater than surface tension of continuous phase, the branches are formed; simultaneously, the Janus structure is generated through both the electrostatic repulsion and phase separation.
Testicular development in male lambs prenatally exposed to a high‐starch diet
Authors: Mossa Francesca , Bebbere Daniela , Ledda Antonello , Burrai Giovanni P. , Chebli Imane , Antuofermo Elisabetta , Ledda Sergio , Cannas Antonello , Fancello Francesco , Atzori Alberto S.
Published: March 2018

Maternal nutrition during critical gestation periods impacts on offspring in later life; effects of high‐starch maternal diet on testicular development in lambs were addressed. Dairy ewes were fed diets providing either 27% (Starch, S) or 11% (Fiber, F) of starch from mating to lambing (∼147 days; S147, F147) or for the last 75 days of gestation (S75, F75). Testes of single male lambs were measured and then sampled for histological and gene expression analyses at selected ages. Testicular dimensions and weight were similar among groups, but the total area of seminiferous tubules increased with age and tended to be higher (p = 0.057) in lambs from starch‐ than fiber‐fed ewes. Sertoli and germ cells number increased with age, but was not influenced by maternal diet. Transcript abundances of androgen receptor (AR), insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and hydroxysteroid (17‐beta) dehydrogenase 3 (HSD17B3) was similar between S147 and F147 lambs (p > 0.1). Abundance of luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) was higher in young vs older lambs, whereas insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGF2) levels increased with age. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), Anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH), IGF1, follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), and insulin‐like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) was not influenced by maternal diet or lamb age (p > 0.1). In conclusion, a high‐starch maternal diet did not influence gene expression, but may have affected testicular structure in infant offspring, as seen by an increase in the total area of seminiferous tubules.
Decoupling Study of Melt Polycondensation of Polycarbonate: Experimental and Modeling of Reaction Kinetics and Mass Transfer in Thin Films Polycondensation Process
Authors: Bi Fenglei , Qiu Xiaoyi , Xi Zhenhao , Zhao Ling , Feng Lianfang
Published: March 2018

During the melt polycondensation process of polycarbonate, reaction and mass transfer are deeply coupled owing to relatively high melt viscosity. In this work, the polycondensation reaction kinetics and mass transfer behavior of volatile phenol are decoupling studied in detail by using thin‐film experiments with 250–280 °C, 10–1000 Pa and 0.085–0.68 mm film thickness. A realistic apparent rate model coupled the reaction kinetics with thermodynamic equilibrium and diffusion behavior is developed to describe the polycondensation process, while the diffusion characteristic of small molecule (phenol) is further obtained based on penetration theory. The obtained polycondensation equilibrium constant ranges from 0.3 to 0.55, while the activation energy and pre‐exponential factor of temperature‐dependent diffusion coefficients of phenol are 87.9 kJ mol−1 and 5.08 × 102 m2 s−1, respectively. It is also observed that the overall apparent rate of polycarbonate (PC) polycondensation process increases with higher temperature, lower pressure, and thinner film thickness. Coupling the reaction kinetics with mass transfer, the predictions of the realistic apparent rate model are in quite satisfactory agreement with experimental data.
Lightweight, compact, and high‐performance 3T MR system for imaging the brain and extremities
Authors: Foo Thomas K. F. , Laskaris Evangelos , Vermilyea Mark , Xu Minfeng , Thompson Paul , Conte Gene , Van Epps Christopher , Immer Christopher , Lee Seung‐Kyun , Tan Ek T. , Graziani Dominic , Mathieu Jean‐Baptise , Hardy Christopher J. , Schenck John F. , Fiveland Eric , Stautner Wolfgang , Ricci Justin , Piel Joseph , Park Keith , Hua Yihe , Bai Ye , Kagan Alex , Stanley David , Weavers Paul T. , Gray Erin , Shu Yunhong , Frick Matthew A. , Campeau Norbert G. , Trzasko Joshua , Huston John , Bernstein Matt A.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To build and evaluate a small‐footprint, lightweight, high‐performance 3T MRI scanner for advanced brain imaging with image quality that is equal to or better than conventional whole‐body clinical 3T MRI scanners, while achieving substantial reductions in installation costs.

Methods

A conduction‐cooled magnet was developed that uses less than 12 liters of liquid helium in a gas‐charged sealed system, and standard NbTi wire, and weighs approximately 2000 kg. A 42‐cm inner‐diameter gradient coil with asymmetric transverse axes was developed to provide patient access for head and extremity exams, while minimizing magnet‐gradient interactions that adversely affect image quality. The gradient coil was designed to achieve simultaneous operation of 80‐mT/m peak gradient amplitude at a slew rate of 700 T/m/s on each gradient axis using readily available 1‐MVA gradient drivers.

Results

In a comparison of anatomical imaging in 16 patients using T2‐weighted 3D fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) between the compact 3T and whole‐body 3T, image quality was assessed as equivalent to or better across several metrics. The ability to fully use a high slew rate of 700 T/m/s simultaneously with 80‐mT/m maximum gradient amplitude resulted in improvements in image quality across EPI, DWI, and anatomical imaging of the brain.

Conclusions

The compact 3T MRI system has been in continuous operation at the Mayo Clinic since March 2016. To date, over 200 patient studies have been completed, including 96 comparison studies with a clinical 3T whole‐body MRI. The increased gradient performance has reliably resulted in consistently improved image quality.
Somatotopic heat pain thresholds and intraepidermal nerve fibers in health
Authors: Davies Jenny L. , Engelstad Janean K. , E. Gove Linde , Linbo Linda K. , Carter Rickey E. , Lynch Christopher , Staff Nathan P. , Klein Christopher J. , Dyck P. James B. , Herrmann David N. , Dyck Peter J.
Published: March 2018

Introduction: For sequential and somatotopic assessment of small fiber neuropathy, heat pain (HP) tests of hypoalgesia might be used instead of decreased counts of epidermal nerve fibers (ENFs), but then healthy subject reference values of HP thresholds are needed. Methods: Using the Computer Assisted Sensation Evaluator IVc system, HP thresholds of hypoalgesia were estimated for 10 unilateral sites and counts of ENFs for 4 of them in healthy subjects. Results: In healthy subjects, small but statistically significant differences of both HP thresholds of hypoalgesia and counts of ENFs were observed among tested sites. Significant correlations between HP thresholds and counts of ENFs were not found. Discussion: For the studied somatotopic sites, we provide ≥95th and ≥99th percentile reference limits for HP 0.5 and 5 of 1–10 HP thresholds of hypoalgesia and decreased counts of ENFs at ≤5th and ≤1st percentile levels. Muscle Nerve 58: 509–516, 2018
Health profile of a cohort of adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Pandya Shree , James Katherine A. , Westfield Christina , Thomas Shiny , Fox Deborah J. , Ciafaloni Emma , Moxley Richard T.
Published: March 2018

Introduction: As the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) population ages, it is essential that we understand the late‐stage health profile and provide the appropriate care for this emerging population. Methods: We undertook a descriptive study to document the health profile of a cohort of adults with DMD using data from the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance Tracking and Research network (MD STARnet). Data included information collected from Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Georgia, and 12 counties in western New York on individuals born since January 1982 and followed through December 2012. Results: In 208 adults with DMD, the number of individuals (N) and median ages (years) at which certain critical milestones were crossed and interventions initiated were as follows: development of cardiomyopathy, N = 145 (16.7); initiation of non‐invasive ventilation, N = 99 (18.0); gastrostomy, N = 47 (19.0); and death, N = 59 (21.8). Discussion: These population‐based data provide critical information about late‐stage health profiles among adults with DMD for developing appropriate models of care. Muscle Nerve 58: 219–223, 2018
Improved Safety and Efficacy of Small‐Bore Feeding Tube Confirmation Using an Electromagnetic Placement Device
Authors: Powers Jan , Luebbehusen Michael , Aguirre Lillian , Cluff Julia , David Mary Ann , Holly Vince , Linford Lorraine , Park Nancy , Brunelle Rocco
Published: March 2018

Background

Early enteral nutrition has been shown to decrease complications and improve patient outcomes. Post pyloric feeding is recommended for patients with gastric intolerance or at high risk for aspiration. Feeding tube placement can be challenging and pose risk of pulmonary complications. Reliance on radiographic confirmation for feeding tube placement exposes the patient to radiation. Electromagnetic placement device (EMPD) may offer a method to minimize pulmonary complications, increase successful placement, and decrease radiation exposure to the patient.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using EMPD verification, instead of routine abdominal radiographic confirmation, for small‐bore feeding tube placement.

Results

Variables evaluated were adverse events, utilization of radiographs for confirmation, and success rate of feeding tube placement in the ordered location. Two time frames were reviewed. In a 1‐year period, 3754 small‐bore feeding tubes were placed using EMPD, with zero adverse events noted. Radiographic confirmation was utilized in 0%–29.2% of the EMPD placed tubes. Successful placement of feeding tubes using EMPD ranged from 94%–99.6%. During a 5‐year period, 7081 EMPD feeding tubes were evaluated. One adverse event, pneumothorax, occurred during the placement of these 7081 tubes, for a rate of 0.014%.

Conclusion

Feeding tube placement confirmation is safe and efficacious via EMPD providing an effective method of feeding tube placement with a success rate >94% into the desired location. EMPD is an accurate verification method of distal tip location, eliminating the need for routine abdominal radiographic confirmation.
Convergence analysis of projected fixed‐point iteration on a low‐rank matrix manifold
Authors: Kolesnikov D. A. , Oseledets I. V.
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we analyze the convergence of a projected fixed‐point iteration on a Riemannian manifold of matrices with fixed rank. As a retraction method, we use the projector splitting scheme. We prove that the convergence rate of the projector splitting scheme is bounded by the convergence rate of standard fixed‐point iteration without rank constraints multiplied by the function of initial approximation. We also provide counterexample to the case when conditions of the theorem do not hold. Finally, we support our theoretical results with numerical experiments.
An efficient variant of HSS preconditioner for generalized saddle point problems
Authors: Zhang Ju‐Li
Published: March 2018

We present an efficient variant of the Hermitian and skew‐Hermitian splitting (HSS) preconditioner for generalized saddle point problems. By switching the positions of the two splitting matrices in the HSS preconditioner, together with some modifications combined with the relaxation preconditioning technique, we show that the new preconditioner is much closer to the coefficient matrix and easier to be implemented. Theoretical analyses show that the corresponding iteration method converges to the unique solution of the generalized saddle point problem under certain conditions. The spectral properties, including bounds on the eigenvalues and condition numbers of the eigenvectors, for the preconditioned matrix, are also discussed. Finally, numerical experiments are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the new preconditioner.
Coupling of material point method and discrete element method for granular flows impacting simulations
Authors: Liu Chuanqi , Sun Qicheng , Zhou Gordon G.D.
Published: March 2018

Granular debris flows are composed of coarse solid particles, which may be from disaggregated landslides or well‐weathered rocks on a hill surface. The estimation of agitation and the flow process of granular debris flows are of great importance in the prevention of disasters. In this work, we conduct physical experiments of sandpile collapse, impacting 3 packed wooden blocks. The flow profile, run‐out distance, and rotation of blocks are measured. To simulate the process, we adopt a material point method (MPM) to model granular flows and a deformable discrete element method (DEM) to model blocks. Each block is treated as comprising 9 material points to couple the MPM and DEM, and the acceleration of grid nodes arising from the contacts between granular material and blocks is projected to the discrete element nodes working as body forces. The contacts between blocks are detected using the shrunken point method. The simulation results agree well with the experimental results. Thus, the coupling method of MPM and DEM developed in this work would be helpful in the damage analysis of buildings under impact from the debris flows.
The effect of “socially moral” purchases on future financial donations
Authors: Jones Jennifer A. , Koenig Anne M.
Published: March 2018

Many for‐profit companies are adopting third sector missions, and conversely, nonprofit agencies are developing profit‐generating business ventures. Consequently, there are an increasing number of market‐based transactions connected to social good activity. We wondered what the impact of prosocial market‐based transactions were on future in charitable giving. On the one hand, moral reinforcement argues that purchasing products with a social good would increase future charitable giving. On the other hand, moral licensing suggests that once people feel or provide evidence that they are a morally good person, their future actions are more selfish, immoral, and/or unethical. Thus, it is possible that purchasing a product with a social good would decrease future charitable giving. Following a protocol for psychological research, we conducted a series of 3 experiments to test the effect of socially moral purchases. We found evidence for moral reinforcement and no evidence for moral licensing. For men in Study 1 and all participants in Studies 2 and 3, participants were likely to donate more after imagining or remembering socially moral purchases. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Determinants of Readiness for Adopting Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Among Indigenous Adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes in Manitoba, Canada: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: McGavock Jonathan , Durksen Anita , Wicklow Brandy , Malik Sayma , Sellers Elizabeth AC , Blydt‐Hansen Tom , Chateau Dan , Dart Allison
Published: March 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether the readiness for adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors was associated with mental health and comorbid conditions in youth with T2D.

Methods

A cross‐sectional comparison of various measures of mental health (distress, stress, resilience) and comorbid conditions (glycated hemoglobin, adiposity, hypertension) was conducted within a cohort of indigenous youth with T2D living in Canada, stratified according to their readiness to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors based on Prochaska's transtheoretical model.

Results

Within the entire cohort (n = 162), only 14% were considered ready to adopt all healthy lifestyle behaviors. The readiness to adopt all lifestyle behaviors was associated with higher positive mental health (47 vs. 39 units; P < 0.05) and sense of mastery (40 vs. 37 units; P < 0.05), lower perceived stress (27 vs. 29 units; P < 0.05) and distress (8 vs. 10 units; P < 0.05), and better glycemic control (HbA1c: 8.4 ± 2.6% vs. 9.7 ± 2.8%; P < 0.05) compared with youth who were not ready to adopt all lifestyle behaviors.

Conclusions

The readiness for adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors is low among adolescents with T2D. Being ready to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors is associated with better mental health and glycemic control.
Weight Change over the Course of Binge Eating Disorder Treatment: Relationship to Binge Episodes and Psychological Factors
Authors: Pacanowski Carly R. , Mason Tyler B. , Crosby Ross D. , Mitchell James E. , Crow Scott J. , Wonderlich Stephen A. , Peterson Carol B.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Treatment for binge eating disorder (BED), a condition associated with both excess adiposity and psychological distress, has not typically produced significant weight loss despite reducing binge eating. Characterizing factors that promote or inhibit weight loss in individuals with co‐occurring BED and obesity may help explain overall nonsignificant weight changes during treatment.

Methods

In this study, 189 adults with BED participated in a randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of 5 months of cognitive behavioral therapy. Assessments included measured height and weight at baseline, midtreatment, end of treatment (EOT), and 6‐month follow‐up, the Eating Disorder Examination interview, and questionnaires.

Results

During treatment, there was a mean weight gain of 1.3 ± 12.0 lb. Twenty‐two percent of the sample lost ≥ 5 lb, and 25% of the sample gained ≥ 8 lb. Results showed that baseline objective binge eating episodes predicted weight over treatment. Changes in weight were significantly positively related to concurrent changes in shape concern, weight concern, and disinhibition, but not binge eating episodes. Changes in objective binge eating episodes from baseline to EOT were associated with changes in weight from EOT to follow‐up.

Conclusions

Further investigation of eating behavior during BED treatment to understand the energy balance contributions to weight change or stability is warranted.
Optimal control for the spread of infectious disease: The role of awareness programs by media and antiviral treatment
Authors: Gani S.R. , Halawar S.V.
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a detailed mathematical analysis of the role of awareness programs by media and antiviral treatment on the control of infectious diseases. A nonlinear model is proposed in order to control the infectious diseases, and the model is examined under various scenarios of control measures using variety of mathematical techniques including stability, sensitivity, optimal control, and cost‐effectiveness analysis. Considering the constant control parameters, the basic reproduction number is derived and investigated by the existence and stability of equilibria, then the relative impact of each of the constant control parameters are assessed by calculating the sensitivity index of the basic reproduction number. Under the time‐dependent controls, the necessary conditions for the optimal control of the disease are derived using the Pontryagin's maximum principle in order to determine optimal strategies for controlling the spread of the disease. In order to investigate the most cost‐effective control strategy among all the possible strategies, cost‐effectiveness analysis is carried out using numerical simulations and the result reveals that the strategy combination of 3 control measures (the successful campaign of awareness programs by media, controlling effort that alters infectious cases receiving treatment, and strengthening effort made on awareness campaign programs) is the most cost‐effective control strategy and this indicates that implementation of all the 3 control measures is necessary in order to control the disease outbreak.
Network structure and collaborative innovation processes—A comparative analysis of two elderly service networks in Shanghai
Authors: Lam Wai Fung , Li Wei
Published: March 2018

How does the structure of government‐funded service networks affect the process of service innovation? We have conducted a comparative analysis of the structure and processes of collaborative innovation of 2 government‐funded community‐based elderly service networks in Shanghai. We have found that in consistent with the literature, a network that has a network administrative organization structure is better able to manage the process of service innovation in a way that balances the need to achieve government policy goals on the one hand and the imperative to facilitate bottom‐up citizen participation on the other. Surprisingly, contrary to what prior studies have suggested, we have found that a network in which a lead organization plays a dominant role, despite its more centralized process of service innovation, is often able to deliver a variety of high‐quality and low‐cost services addressing citizens' needs. With the leadership provided by the network lead organization and its close affiliation with the street‐office government, the network has been able to solicit government support. Such a hierarchical yet responsive state‐society relation has emerged as a result of the coalescence of a corporatist state legacy and an increasing pressure for local governments to seek citizens' support in service delivery.
Experimental‐Numerical Substructuring: a Comparison of Assemblies in Primal and Dual Forms
Authors: Karamooz Mahdiabadi Morteza , Qi Yongle , Rixen Daniel Jean
Published: March 2018

A hybrid dynamic substructuring method which combines experimentally measured and finite element (FE) modeled substructures in primal and dual form is presented. On the one hand, the model of the FE substructure is reduced to decrease the computational costs in the analysis of the hybrid model. On the other hand, the experimental substructure is measured while an instrumented fixture (known as Transmission Simulator) is assembled to its interface, providing the required interface dynamics for a high quality experimental model. The model of the transmission simulator is decoupled after measurement from the experimental substructure. Both the coupling and decoupling procedures are performed once with interface displacement (primal form) and once with interface forces (dual form). The hybrid substructuring methods are applied on an example and a comparison between both methods are presented. (© 2017 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)