bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiments versus theory for the initiation and propagation of radial hydraulic fractures in low‐permeability materials
Authors: Lecampion B. , Desroches J. , Jeffrey R. G. , Bunger A. P.
Published: December 2016

We compare numerical predictions of the initiation and propagation of radial fluid‐driven fractures with laboratory experiments performed in different low‐permeability materials (PMMA, cement). In particular, we choose experiments where the time evolution of several quantities (fracture width, radius, and wellbore pressure) was accurately measured and for which the material and injection parameters were known precisely. Via a dimensional analysis, we discuss in detail the different physical phenomena governing the initiation and early stage of growth of radial hydraulic fractures from a notched wellbore. The scaling analysis notably clarifies the occurrence of different regimes of propagation depending on the injection rate, system compliance, material parameters, wellbore, and initial notch sizes. In particular, the comparisons presented here provide a clear evidence of the difference between the wellbore pressure at which a fracture initiates and the maximum pressure recorded during a test (also known as the breakdown pressure). The scaling analysis identifies the dimensionless numbers governing the strong fluid‐solid effects at the early stage of growth, which are responsible for the continuous increase of the wellbore pressure after the initiation of the fracture. Our analysis provides a simple way to quantify these early time effects for any given laboratory or field configuration. The good agreement between theoretical predictions and experiments also validates the current state of the art hydraulic fracture mechanics models, at least for the simple fracture geometry investigated here.
Estimation of atmospheric aerosol composition from ground‐based remote sensing measurements of Sun‐sky radiometer
Authors: Xie Y. S. , Li Z. Q. , Zhang Y. X. , Zhang Y. , Li D. H. , Li K. T. , Xu H. , Zhang Y. , Wang Y. Q. , Chen X. F. , Schauer J. J. , Bergin M.
Published: December 2016

Remote sensing provides aerosol loading information, but to address climate and air quality model validation, there are additional needs to acquire aerosol composition information. In this study, a comprehensive aerosol composition model is established to quantify black carbon (BC), brown carbon (BrC), mineral dust (DU), particulate organic matters, ammonium sulfate like (AS), sea salt, and aerosol water uptake. We develop forward modeling of aerosol components, including microphysical parameters (real and imaginary refractive indices, volume fraction ratio of fine to coarse mode, and sphericity) and hygroscopic growth models, and propose an optimization scheme to estimate the components. The uncertainties caused by input parameters are also assessed. Sun‐sky radiometer measurements and meteorological data obtained during a campaign in Huairou, Beijing, are processed to estimate aerosol components, which are further compared with synchronous in situ chemical measurements. The results show generally good consistencies between remotely estimated and measured components (e.g., correlation coefficients for BC, BrC, AS, and PM2.5 lie in about 0.8–0.9). The comparisons between modeled and observed microphysical parameters also show good agreements, with the exception of sphericity, which is likely caused by high uncertainties of this parameter. Sensitivity studies show that BC and BrC are highly sensitive to imaginary refractive index, while DU is strongly correlated to both volume size and sphericity. The performance of composition retrieval is expected to be improved when the sphericity uncertainty is significantly reduced.
Dual Interfacial Modifications Enable High Performance Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cells with Large Open Circuit Voltage and Fill Factor
Authors: Xue Qifan , Bai Yang , Liu Meiyue , Xia Ruoxi , Hu Zhicheng , Chen Ziming , Jiang Xiao‐Fang , Huang Fei , Yang Shihe , Matsuo Yutaka , Yip Hin‐Lap , Cao Yong
Published: December 2016

In this work, both anode and cathode interfaces of p‐i‐n CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) are simultaneously modified to achieve large open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and fill factor (FF) for high performance semitransparent PVSCs (ST‐PVSCs). At the anode, modified NiO serves as an efficient hole transport layer with appropriate surface property to promote the formation of smooth perovskite film with high coverage. At the cathode, a fullerene bisadduct, C60(CH2)(Ind), with a shallow lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level, is introduced to replace the commonly used phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as an alternative electron transport layer in PVSCs for better energy level matching with the conduction band of the perovskite layer. Therefore, the Voc, FF and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the PVSCs increase from 1.05 V, 0.74 and 16.2% to 1.13 V, 0.80 and 18.1% when the PCBM is replaced by C60(CH2)(Ind). With the advantages of high Voc and FF, ST‐PVSCs are also fabricated using an ultrathin transparent Ag as cathode, showing an encouraging PCEs of 12.6% with corresponding average visible transmittance (AVT) over 20%. These are the highest PCEs reported for ST‐PVSCs with similar AVTs paving the way for using ST‐PVSCs as power generating windows.
The melanoma‐linked “redhead” MC1R influences dopaminergic neuron survival
Authors: Chen Xiqun , Chen Hongxiang , Cai Waijiao , Maguire Michael , Ya Bailiu , Zuo Fuxing , Logan Robert , Li Hui , Robinson Katey , Vanderburg Charles R. , Yu Yang , Wang Yinsheng , Fisher David E. , Schwarzschild Michael A.
Published: December 2016

Objective

Individuals with Parkinson disease are more likely to develop melanoma, and melanoma patients are reciprocally at higher risk of developing Parkinson disease. Melanoma is strongly tied to red hair/fair skin, a phenotype of loss‐of‐function polymorphisms in the MC1R (melanocortin 1 receptor) gene. Loss‐of‐function variants of MC1R have also been linked to increased risk of Parkinson disease. The present study is to investigate the role of MC1R in dopaminergic neurons in vivo.

Methods

Genetic and pharmacological approaches were employed to manipulate MC1R, and nigrostriatal dopaminergic integrity was determined by comprehensive behavioral, neurochemical, and neuropathological measures.

Results

MC1Re/e mice, which carry an inactivating mutation of MC1R and mimic the human redhead phenotype, have compromised nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuronal integrity, and they are more susceptible to dopaminergic neuron toxins 6‐hydroxydopamine and 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Furthermore, a selective MC1R agonist protects against MPTP‐induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity.

Interpretation

Our findings reveal a protective role of MC1R in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system, and they provide a rationale for MC1R as a potential therapeutic target for Parkinson disease. Together with its established role in melanoma, MC1R may represent a common pathogenic pathway for melanoma and Parkinson disease. Ann Neurol 2017;81:395–406
Application of organic solvent nanofiltration for microalgae extract concentration
Authors: Lopresto Catia Giovanna , Darvishmanesh Siavash , Ehsanzadeh Arash , Amelio Antonio , Mazinani Saeed , Ramazani Roozbeh , Calabrò Vincenza , Van der Bruggen Bart
Published: December 2016

Microalgae lipids hold significant potential as a biofuel feedstock. The high‐lipid content found in some species of microalgae is a major superiority over other sources. Furthermore, they have a high production rate record per area and survive in areas not already used for food production. This study considered the use of an integrated membrane process for oil extraction from microalgae. Different technologies were explored for laboratory‐scale microalgae oil extraction, including the use of organic solvents, but they would require a further purification. Organic solvent nanofiltration (ONF) was employed for separation of solvent from oil: the solvent passed through the dense polymeric membrane while oil molecules were rejected by the membrane. Since different organic solvents were used in literature for oil extraction from microalgae, this study examined different oil‐solvent mixtures and their separation by commercial hydrophobic and hydrophilic membranes. Experimental results showed that the new generation of ONF membranes has a superior performance compared to the previously used membranes. Based on rejection tests of oil in ethanol, isopropanol, and acetone, the applicability of the new commercial membranes for solvent recovery was demonstrated. Hydrophobic membranes had superior performances when oil was extracted using n‐hexane as the solvent, whereas methanol miscella had the highest flux and rejection in hydrophilic membranes. Finally, the conventional and hybrid approach were simulated in Aspen. The approach including nanofiltration saves around 97% of the energy requirements for the separation. In terms of economic costs, the conventional alternative is slightly more convenient in a short‐term situation. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Partial hospitalization: Are treatment effects maintained post‐discharge?
Authors: Durbin Kristen M. , Preddy Teresa M. , Stewart Angela , Walters Anne
Published: December 2016

Child partial hospitalization programs (CPHPs) provide specialized, intensive, interdisciplinary day treatment for children with significant social, emotional, and behavioral needs that warrant a higher level of care than outpatient therapy, but a less intensive care setting than admission to an inpatient unit. In many cases, partial hospitalization programs function as a step down from inpatient care to provide a gradual transition back into the home and school environments, where children's mental health challenges may have initially manifested, or as a means of averting a more restrictive form of care.
Chirality‐specific lift forces of helix under shear flows: Helix perpendicular to shear plane
Authors: Zhang Qi‐Yi
Published: December 2016

Chiral objects in shear flow experience a chirality‐specific lift force. Shear flows past helices in a low Reynolds number regime were studied using slender‐body theory. The chirality‐specific lift forces in the vorticity direction experienced by helices are dominated by a set of helix geometry parameters: helix radius, pitch length, number of turns, and helix phase angle. Its analytical formula is given. The chirality‐specific forces are the physical reasons for the chiral separation of helices in shear flow. Our results are well supported by the latest experimental observations.
Fine coal desulphurization and microwave energy absorption behaviour by microwave magnetic separation
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhou Chenyang , Zhao Yuemin , Cai Luhui , Fan Xuchen
Published: December 2016

Microwave energy has been used to improve the coal‐pyrite magnetism, while magnetic medium has been added to enhance the microwave energy. Hence, there will be a secondary gradient magnetic chain, which can improve the desulphurization process through magnetic separation. Microwave energy and medium synergistic effects are able to readily improve the magnetic desulphurization process for fine coal. The present paper has studied the impact of microwave energy on the magnetic desulphurization process for fine coal. Intrinsic electromagnetic parameters of different materials were used to analyze and predict the equivalent dielectric parameters of the fine coal layer. The electromagnetic parameter according to the effective medium theory equation for fine coal was established. Coal specific susceptibility is related to pyrite content and pyrrhotite content in pyrite. The specific susceptibility values for the three types of coals were found to be in the following order: Lu'an (LA) coal > Weinan (WN) coal > Yiluo (YL) coal. The most suitable value for LA high‐sulphur coal's sulphur content after being separated by dry type rare earth roll strong magnetic separator appeared to be 60 s delayed in nitrogen atmosphere compared to the corresponding value in an air atmosphere. LA fine coal sulphur content reduced to 2.05 % from 3.66 %, and the microwave magnetic separation desulphurization rate was 44 %.
Long Persistent Phosphorescence of Crystalline Phenylboronic Acid Derivatives: Photophysics and a Mechanistic Study
Authors: Kuno Shinichi , Kanamori Takashi , Yijing Zhao , Ohtani Hiroyuki , Yuasa Hideya
Published: December 2016

Room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) of crystalline isophthalic acid (IPA) through hyperfine‐coupling‐driven (HFC‐driven) intersystem crossing in charge‐transfer (CT) complexes has been discovered recently, giving rise to a new design method for phosphorescence materials and photosensitizers. In this study, we found that crystalline phenylboronic acid (PB) derivatives also demonstrated RTP, as recorded for IPA. Magnetic‐field and spin‐isotope effects on the emission strength intensities of PBs were typical of HFC‐driven phosphorescence. p‐Halogenated PB esters exhibited a heavy‐atom effect with a shortened emission lifetime as expected from the study of IPA. Unlike IPA, the esters of PBs also showed RTP, which facilitates a study of the structure/photophysical property relationships by exchanging ester head groups. We then addressed a question: do PB esters with a bulky head group prohibit CT formation and thus phosphorescence? As a result, a bulky PB ester with large intermolecular distances in its crystalline form showed neither CT absorptions nor phosphorescence, confirming the significance of CT formation in the HFC mechanism.
Comprehension and Generation of Metaphoric Language in Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Dyslexia
Authors: Kasirer Anat , Mashal Nira
Published: December 2016

Difficulties with figurative language comprehension were documented in adult dyslexia (DYS). In the present research, we investigated the comprehension and generation of metaphors in 37 children, 35 adolescents, and 34 adults with and without DYS. We also tested the contribution of executive function to metaphor processing. A multiple‐choice questionnaire with conventional and novel metaphors was used to assess comprehension; a concept‐explanation task was used to test conventional and novel metaphor generation (verbal creativity). The findings indicated differences between the dyslexic children and the control group in conventional metaphor comprehension. However, both groups performed similarly in the novel metaphor comprehension test. Furthermore, although children and adolescents with DYS showed similar performance in metaphor generation as their typically developing peers, adults with DYS generated more metaphors than controls. While scores on tests of verbal knowledge and mental flexibility contributed to the prediction of conventional metaphor comprehension, scores on non‐verbal tests and mental flexibility contributed to the prediction of novel metaphor generation. Our findings suggest that individuals with DYS are not impaired in novel metaphor comprehension and metaphor generation and that metaphor comprehension and generation utilize different cognitive resources. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production Sites of Early Iron Age Greek Bronze Tripod Cauldrons: First Evidence from Neutron Activation Analysis of Casting Ceramics
Authors: Kiderlen Moritz , Hein Anno , Mommsen Hans , Müller Noémi S.
Published: December 2016

Bronze tripod cauldrons were one of the most prestigious types of objects in Greece during the Early Iron Age (EIA). Because of its character as an exchange object with a value easy to assess, the tripod became an attribute used in the communication of personal status. Consequently, the distribution of archaeologically recovered tripods can be used to identify hotspots of elitist interaction. Fortunately, quite a lot of the extant tripod fragments have a clay core and/or show preserved residues of the casting molds on their surface. In our pilot study with 61 samples from Olympia and five samples from Kalapodi, it is shown that neutron activation analysis (NAA) allows a coherent internal chemical grouping of the clay pastes used in the ancient casting workshops. Furthermore, comparative material from workshop debris and also geological samples allow a geographical localization of many of the chemical groups. In general terms, NAA therefore seems to be an effective method to define production sites of artifacts cast in the lost wax technique. In the case of EIA tripods, sites and travel routes of workshops can be traced as well as travel routes of clients. This provides new hard data for modeling both the political and the economic structures of EIA Greece.
Recent development of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale with occluders
Authors: Tang Baiyu , Su Feng , Sun Xiangke , Wu Qin , Xing Quansheng , Li Suming
Published: December 2016

Atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) are common clinical congenital heart defects. As an effective method for the treatment of ASD and PFO, transcatheter closure with occluders presents many advantages, including safety, ease of operation, minimal invasiveness, and reduced complications. This contribution reviews the various types of occluders currently used in clinical applications and under development, including non degradable occluders, partially degradable occluders, and totally degradable occluders. A number of case studies are described in detail. Comparison is made on the treatment outcomes using different occulders. Future development of transcatheter closure is discussed, in particular the use of totally degradable occluders. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 433–443, 2018.
Dietary Inflammatory Index, Bone Mineral Density, and Risk of Fracture in Postmenopausal Women: Results From the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Orchard Tonya , Yildiz Vedat , Steck Susan E , Hébert James R , Ma Yunsheng , Cauley Jane A , Li Wenjun , Mossavar-Rahmani Yasmin , Johnson Karen C , Sattari Maryam , LeBoff Meryl , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Jackson Rebecca D
Published: December 2016

Previous studies suggest that bone loss and fracture risk are associated with higher inflammatory milieu, potentially modifiable by diet. The primary objective of this analysis was to evaluate the association of the dietary inflammatory index (DII), a measure of the inflammatory potential of diet, with risk of hip, lower-arm, and total fracture using longitudinal data from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study and Clinical Trials. Secondarily, we evaluated changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and DII scores. DII scores were calculated from baseline food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) completed by 160,191 participants (mean age 63 years) without history of hip fracture at enrollment. Year 3 FFQs were used to calculate a DII change score. Fractures were reported at least annually; hip fractures were confirmed by medical records. Hazard ratios for fractures were computed using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models, further stratified by age and race/ethnicity. Pairwise comparisons of changes in hip BMD, measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry from baseline, year 3, and year 6 were analyzed by quartile (Q1 = least inflammatory diet) of baseline DII scores in a subgroup of women (n = 10,290). Mean DII score improved significantly over 3 years (p < 0.01), but change was not associated with fracture risk. Baseline DII score was only associated with hip fracture risk in younger white women (HR Q4,1.48; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.01; p = 0.01). There were no significant associations among white women older than 63 years or other races/ethnicities. Women with the least inflammatory DII scores had less loss of hip BMD (p = 0.01) by year 6, despite lower baseline hip BMD, versus women with the most inflammatory DII scores. In conclusion, a less inflammatory dietary pattern was associated with less BMD loss in postmenopausal women. A more inflammatory diet was associated with increased hip fracture risk only in white women younger than 63 years. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Diaphyseal Femur Fractures in Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Characteristics and Relationship With Bisphosphonate Treatment
Authors: Trejo Pamela , Fassier François , Glorieux Francis H , Rauch Frank
Published: December 2016

Several recent case reports have suggested that bisphosphonate treatment in individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is causally related to atypical femur fractures. However, it is not known whether atypical femur fractures are actually more frequent in patients who have received bisphosphonates. In the present study, we retrospectively analyzed 166 femur fractures in 119 children with a diagnosis of OI that had not undergone intramedullary rodding procedures. A total of 130 fractures in 90 patients occurred in femurs with preexisting deformities (age at fracture between 1 month and 19.9 years; 43 girls). Because deformities are a typical cause of fracture in OI, deformed femurs were excluded from the analysis of atypical fractures. However, it was noted that in deformed femurs a transverse fracture pattern (one of the criteria of atypical fractures) was associated with a moderate to severe OI phenotype and not related to bisphosphonate treatment. Of the 36 fractures that occurred in nondeformed femurs (30 individuals; age at fracture between 1 month and 17.4 years; 13 girls), 11 (in nine children) occurred during bisphosphonate treatment. Three of these fractures (27%) resembled atypical femur fractures. Among the 25 femur fractures (23 patients) that occurred in the absence of prior bisphosphonate treatment, 8 (22%) resembled atypical femur fractures. Logistic regression analysis showed that bisphosphonate treatment history was not associated with the occurrence of atypical fractures. In contrast, the presence of moderate to severe OI (defined as any OI type other than OI type I) was strongly associated with atypical femur fractures. Thus, we observed an atypical appearance in about a quarter of nondeformed femur fractures that occurred in children with OI. Such atypical femur fractures seemed to be related to the severity of OI rather than to bisphosphonate treatment history. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Prestructural cartilage assessment using MRI
Authors: Link Thomas M. , Neumann Jan , Li Xiaojuan
Published: December 2016

Cartilage loss is irreversible, and to date, no effective pharmacotherapies are available to protect or regenerate cartilage. Quantitative prestructural/compositional MR imaging techniques have been developed to characterize the cartilage matrix quality at a stage where abnormal findings are early and potentially reversible, allowing intervention to halt disease progression. The goal of this article is to critically review currently available technologies, present the basic concept behind these techniques, but also to investigate their suitability as imaging biomarkers including their validity, reproducibility, risk prediction and monitoring of therapy. Moreover, we highlighted important clinical applications. This review article focuses on the currently most relevant and clinically applicable technologies, such as T2 mapping, T2*, T1ρ, delayed gadolinium enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC), sodium imaging and glycosaminoglycan chemical exchange saturation transfer (gagCEST). To date, most information is available for T2 and T1ρ mapping. dGEMRIC has also been used in multiple clinical studies, although it requires Gd contrast administration. Sodium imaging and gagCEST are promising technologies but are dependent on high field strength and sophisticated software and hardware.

Level of Evidence: 5

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:949–965
Clinically relevant hydrogel‐based on hyaluronic acid and platelet rich plasma as a carrier for mesenchymal stem cells: Rheological and biological characterization
Authors: Vadalà Gianluca , Russo Fabrizio , Musumeci Maria , D'Este Matteo , Cattani Caterina , Catanzaro Giuseppina , Tirindelli Maria Cristina , Lazzari Lorenza , Alini Mauro , Giordano Rosaria , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: December 2016

Intervertebral disc regeneration is quickly moving towards clinical applications. However, it is still missing an ideal injectable hydrogel to support mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) delivery. Herein, a new injectable hydrogel composed of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) blended with batroxobin (BTX) as gelling agent, was designed to generate a clinically relevant cell carrier for disc regeneration. PRP/HA/BTX blend was tested for rheological properties. Amplitude sweep, frequency sweep, and rotational measurements were performed and viscoelastic properties were evaluated. Human MSC encapsulated in PRP/HA/BTX hydrogel were cultured in both growing medium and medium with or without TGF‐β1 up to day 21. The amount of glycosaminoglycan was evaluated. Quantitative gene expression evaluation for collagen type II, aggrecan, and Sox 9 was also performed. Rheological tests showed that the hydrogel jellifies in 15 min 20°C and in 3 min at 37°C. Biological test showed that MSCs cultured in the hydrogel maintain high cell viability and proliferation. Human MSC within the hydrogel cultured with or without TGF‐β1 showed significantly higher GAG production compared to control medium. Moreover, MSCs in the hydrogel underwent differentiation to chondrocyte‐like cells with TGF‐β1, as shown by histology and gene expression analysis. This novel hydrogel improves viability and proliferation of MSCs supporting the differentiation process toward chondrocyte‐like cells. Rheology tests showed optimal gelation kinetics at room temperature for manipulation and faster gelation after transplantation (37°C). The clinical availability of all components of the hydrogel will allow a rapid translation of this regenerative approach into the clinical scenario. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2109–2116, 2017.
Porous UHMWPE Membranes and Composites Filled with Carbon Nanotubes: Permeability, Mechanical, and Electrical Properties
Authors: Otto Christian , Handge Ulrich A. , Georgopanos Prokopios , Aschenbrenner Ortrud , Kerwitz Juliane , Abetz Clarissa , Metze Anke‐Lisa , Abetz Volker
Published: December 2016

Application of electric fields as a mechanism against membrane fouling is an emerging cleaning process for membranes. Sintering of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene powder particles decorated with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) is performed to produce electrically conductive porous filtration membranes. The contact of the molten particle surfaces leads to their fusion through neck formation during sintering. As the MWCNT only cover the surface of the powder particles, they form a conductive network with a high number of inter‐MWCNT contacts in pathways through the polymer matrix. Membranes with an electrical conductivity of 0.9 S m−1 at a MWCNT concentration of 5.0 wt% are prepared. Additionally, a comparison of sintered and compression molded samples shows that after the heating interval, crystallization during cooling strongly influences the formation of the MWCNT network. The study reveals that electrically conductive, porous polymer membranes for microfiltration applications can be prepared using a solvent‐free process.

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Zinc‐rich oysters as well as zinc‐yeast‐ and astaxanthin‐enriched food improved sleep efficiency and sleep onset in a randomized controlled trial of healthy individuals
Authors: Saito Hitomi , Cherasse Yoan , Suzuki Rina , Mitarai Makoto , Ueda Fumitaka , Urade Yoshihiro
Published: December 2016

Scope

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays an important role in the body. We previously reported that orally feeding zinc‐enriched yeast to mice induces nonrapid‐eye‐movement sleep. In addition, astaxanthin, an antioxidant abundant in seafood such as salmon and krill, is able to chelate minerals and may promote zinc absorption, which in return may also improve sleep. The purpose of our study was to examine the effect of zinc‐rich and astaxanthin‐containing food on sleep in humans.

Methods and results

We conducted a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled parallel group trial of 120 healthy subjects and recorded their night activity by actigraphy for 12 weeks. These subjects were divided into four groups: placebo, zinc‐rich food, zinc‐, and astaxanthin‐rich food, and placebo supplemented with zinc‐enriched yeast and astaxanthin oil. Compared with the placebo group, the zinc‐rich food group efficiently decreased the time necessary to fall asleep and improved sleep efficiency, whereas the group that ingested zinc‐enriched yeast and astaxanthin oil significantly improved the sleep onset latency.

Conclusion

Actigraphic sleep monitoring demonstrated that eating zinc‐rich food improved sleep onset latency as well as improved the sleep efficiency in healthy individuals.
qNMR for profiling the production of fungal secondary metabolites
Authors: Brooks Wilson C. , Paguigan Noemi D. , Raja Huzefa A. , Moy Franklin J. , Cech Nadja B. , Pearce Cedric J. , Oberlies Nicholas H.
Published: December 2016

Analysis of complex mixtures is a common challenge in natural products research. Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy offers analysis of complex mixtures at early stages and with benefits that are orthogonal to more common methods of quantitation, including ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Several experiments were conducted to construct a methodology for use in analysis of extracts of fungal cultures. A broadly applicable method was sought for analysis of both pure and complex samples through use of an externally calibrated method. This method has the benefit of not contaminating valuable samples with the calibrant, and it passed scrutiny for line fitting and reproducibility. The method was implemented to measure the yield of griseofulvin and dechlorogriseofulvin from three fungal isolates. An isolate ofXylaria cubensis(coded MSX48662) was found to biosynthesize griseofulvin in the greatest yield, 149 ± 8 mg per fermentation, and was selected for further supply experiments. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating and eliminating the excitation errors in bipolar gradient composite excitations caused by radiofrequency‐gradient delay: Example of bipolar spokes pulses in parallel transmission
Authors: Tse Desmond H.Y. , Wiggins Christopher J. , Poser Benedikt A.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

To eliminate a slice‐position–dependent excitation error commonly observed in bipolar‐gradient composite excitations such as spokes pulses in parallel transmission.

Theory and Methods

An undesired timing delay between subpulses in the composite pulse and their bipolar slice‐selective gradient is hypothesized to cause the error. A mathematical model is presented here to relate this mismatch to an induced slice‐position–dependent phase difference between the subpulses. A new navigator method is proposed to measure the timing mismatch and eliminate the error. This is demonstrated at 7 Tesla with flip‐angle maps measured by a presaturation turbo‐flash sequence and in vivo images acquired by a simultaneous multislice/echo‐planar imaging (SMS‐EPI) sequence.

Results

Error‐free flip‐angle maps were obtained in two ways: 1) by correcting the time delay directly and 2) by applying the corresponding slice‐position–dependent phase differences to the subpulses. This confirms the validity of the mathematical description. The radiofrequency (RF)‐gradient delay measured by the navigator method was of 6.3 μs, which agreed well with the estimate from flip‐angle maps at different delay times. By applying the timing correction, accurately excited EPI images were acquired with bipolar dual‐spokes SMS‐2 excitations.

Conclusion

An effective correction is proposed to mitigate slice‐position–dependent errors in bipolar composite excitations caused by undesired RF‐gradient timing delays. Magn Reson Med 78:1883–1890, 2017. © 2016 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial‐NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non‐commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.
A culturally adapted survivorship programme for Asian early stage breast cancer patients in Singapore: A randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Chan Alexandre , Gan Yan Xiang , Oh Suan Kai , Ng Terence , Shwe Maung , Chan Raymond , Ng Raymond , Goh Brandon , Tan Yee Pin , Fan Gilbert
Published: December 2016

Background

As cancer mortality rates improve in Singapore, there is an increasing need to improve the transition to posttreatment survivorship care. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducation group (PEG) intervention program compared with usual care to reduce distress for physical symptom and psychological aspects in Asian breast cancer survivors who have completed adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

This was a randomized, controlled trial comprising 72 Asian early stage breast cancer survivors who were randomized into the PEG (n = 34) or the control (n = 38) arm. The participants in the PEG arm underwent a weekly multidisciplinary PEG program delivered in a group format over 3 weeks coupled with cultural adaptation. Both arms were assessed at baseline and 2 months after intervention using the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and EORTC QLQ‐C30. A satisfaction questionnaire was also conducted among those survivors who have participated in the PEG program. Effective sizes were calculated using Cohen d.

Results

The mean age ± SD of all participants was 53.0 ± 8.9 years, with the majority being Chinese (84.7%) and Malay (6.9%), and clinical characteristics were well balanced in both arms. Compared to the control arm, the PEG arm showed a significantly greater reduction in physical symptom distress (d = 0.76, P = .01) and fatigue (d = 0.49, P = .04). The 82.4% of the participants in the intervention group responded to the satisfaction questionnaire, and the majority (92.9%) agreed that the overall duration of the PEG intervention program was appropriate.

Conclusions

A culturally adapted PEG program was effective in reducing physical symptom distress in Asian breast cancer survivors. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02600299)
Conformational stability of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor as influenced by glycosylation, dimerization and EGF hormone binding
Authors: Taylor Eric S. , Pol‐Fachin Laercio , Lins Roberto D. , Lower Steven K.
Published: December 2016

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an important transmembrane glycoprotein kinase involved the initiation or perpetuation of signal transduction cascades within cells. These processes occur after EGFR binds to a ligand [epidermal growth factor (EGF)], thus inducing its dimerization and tyrosine autophosphorylation. Previous publications have highlighted the importance of glycosylation and dimerization for promoting proper function of the receptor and conformation in membranes; however, the effects of these associations on the protein conformational stability have not yet been described. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to characterize the conformational preferences of the monomeric and dimeric forms of the EGFR extracellular domain upon binding to EGF in the presence and absence of N‐glycan moieties. Structural stability analyses revealed that EGF provides the most conformational stability to EGFR, followed by glycosylation and dimerization, respectively. The findings also support that EGF–EGFR binding takes place through a large‐scale induced‐fitting mechanism. Proteins 2017; 85:561–570. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification and detection of indoxacarb resistance mutations in the para sodium channel of the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta
Authors: Roditakis Emmanouil , Mavridis Konstantinos , Riga Maria , Vasakis Emmanouil , Morou Evangelia , Rison Jean Luc , Vontas John
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Indoxacarb is an important active ingredient extensively used for the control of Tuta absoluta, a major tomato pest, playing a particular role in insecticide resistance management schemes.

RESULTS

Reduced susceptibility to indoxacarb was identified (1794‐fold resistance) through toxicological bioassays in a field population from Greece and evolved rapidly to resistance after short laboratory selection. Combined bioassays with synergists and biochemical analysis suggested only a partial involvement of detoxification enzymes in the resistant phenotype. To investigate the role of target‐site resistance, segment 6 of domain IV of the sodium channel in T. absoluta was cloned and the sequences compared between susceptible and indoxacarb‐resistant T. absoluta insects. The presence of the F1845Y and the V1848I indoxacarb resistance mutations was detected and was strongly associated with the phenotype. These amino acid substitutions correspond to recently characterised indoxacarb resistance mutations in diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). Robust and accurate PCR‐RFLP assays were subsequently developed and successfully validated for detecting both indoxacarb resistance mutations in field T. absoluta populations.

CONCLUSION

The identification of indoxacarb resistance mutations and the development of diagnostic tools will allow early detection of indoxacarb resistance, facilitating implementation of appropriate resistance management strategies, thus delaying the spread of resistance. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Meta-Analysis of Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction in Mainland China: Evidence Based on Epidemiological Surveys
Authors: Wang Wenying , Fan Jingyuan , Huang Guifeng , Zhu Xi , Tian Ye , Tan Hua , Su Li
Published: December 2016

Introduction

The epidemiologic characteristics of erectile dysfunction (ED) in mainland China remain incompletely understood.

Aim

To evaluate the overall prevalence and determine the severity of ED in mainland China.

Methods

An extensive database search was performed of PubMed, Embase, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, the WanFang database, the Chinese Biological Medical Literature (CBM) database, and the Chongqing VIP using the following terms: erectile dysfunction, prevalence, epidemiology, epidemiological, and China. Study quality was assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Data were pooled for the random-effects model. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess potential bias.

Main Outcome Measures

All survey studies reporting on the prevalence of ED in mainland China were included. Data extraction was performed independently by two of the authors, and conflicts were resolved by another author.

Results

Of 2,155 retrieved articles, 25 were included in this meta-analysis with a total of 48,254 participants. The pooled prevalence of ED in men was 49.69% (95% CI = 39.29–60.10). The occurrence rates of ED in age groups younger than 30, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and at least 70 years were 20.86%, 25.30%, 40.48%, 60.12%, 79.10%, and 93.72%, respectively. The severity-specific prevalences of mild, moderate, and severe ED were 32.54%, 9.86%, and 13.97%, respectively. Moreover, the prevalences reported by different diagnostic methods were 14.19% for self-reports, 44.60% for the Chinese Index of Erectile Function, and 49.91% for the International Index of Erectile Function–5. The prevalence map based on a geographic information system showed an unequal geographic distribution.

Conclusion

ED is highly prevalent in mainland China, and its prevalence increases with age. More high-quality surveys on ED with larger samples throughout mainland China are needed to confirm these findings.
Risk of incident clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease–type dementia attributable to pathology‐confirmed vascular disease
Authors: Dodge Hiroko H. , Zhu Jian , Woltjer Randy , Nelson Peter T. , Bennett David A. , Cairns Nigel J. , Fardo David W. , Kaye Jeffrey A. , Lyons Deniz‐Erten , Mattek Nora , Schneider Julie A. , Silbert Lisa C. , Xiong Chengjie , Yu Lei , Schmitt Frederick A. , Kryscio Richard J. , Abner Erin L. ,   SMART data consortium
Published: December 2016

Introduction

The presence of cerebrovascular pathology may increase the risk of clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

We examined excess risk of incident clinical diagnosis of AD (probable and possible AD) posed by the presence of lacunes and large infarcts beyond AD pathology using data from the Statistical Modeling of Aging and Risk of Transition study, a consortium of longitudinal cohort studies with more than 2000 autopsies. We created six mutually exclusive pathology patterns combining three levels of AD pathology (low, moderate, or high AD pathology) and two levels of vascular pathology (without lacunes and large infarcts or with lacunes and/or large infarcts).

Results

The coexistence of lacunes and large infarcts results in higher likelihood of clinical diagnosis of AD only when AD pathology burden is low.

Discussion

Our results reinforce the diagnostic importance of AD pathology in clinical AD. Further harmonization of assessment approaches for vascular pathologies is required.
IMPACT OF CROP CONDITION REPORTS ON NATIONAL AND LOCAL WHEAT MARKETS
Authors: BAIN RYAN , FORTENBERY T. RANDALL
Published: December 2016

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) releases crop condition reports detailing crop progress and growing conditions for various crops including corn, soybeans, and winter wheat. Previous research has investigated market impacts from various USDA reports, but crop condition reports have received little attention. This article investigates the impact of crop condition reports on winter wheat prices at the national level and for a local market. We employ both parametric and nonparametric tests. Results suggest that crop condition reports for winter wheat do not generally affect market prices. This contrasts with results found in corn and soybean markets.
SERRE WEIGHTS AND WILD RAMIFICATION IN TWO-DIMENSIONAL GALOIS REPRESENTATIONS
Authors: DEMBÉLÉ LASSINA , DIAMOND FRED , ROBERTS DAVID P.
Published: December 2016

A generalization of Serre’s Conjecture asserts that if $F$ is a totally real field, then certain characteristic $p$ representations of Galois groups over $F$ arise from Hilbert modular forms. Moreover, it predicts the set of weights of such forms in terms of the local behaviour of the Galois representation at primes over $p$. This characterization of the weights, which is formulated using $p$-adic Hodge theory, is known under mild technical hypotheses if $p>2$. In this paper we give, under the assumption that $p$ is unramified in $F$, a conjectural alternative description for the set of weights. Our approach is to use the Artin–Hasse exponential and local class field theory to construct bases for local Galois cohomology spaces in terms of which we identify subspaces that should correspond to ones defined using $p$-adic Hodge theory. The resulting conjecture amounts to an explicit description of wild ramification in reductions of certain crystalline Galois representations. It enables the direct computation of the set of Serre weights of a Galois representation, which we illustrate with numerical examples. A proof of this conjecture has been announced by Calegari, Emerton, Gee and Mavrides.
NONSURJECTIVE SATELLITE OPERATORS AND PIECEWISE-LINEAR CONCORDANCE
Authors: LEVINE ADAM SIMON
Published: December 2016

We exhibit a knot$P$in the solid torus, representing a generator of first homology, such that for any knot$K$in the 3-sphere, the satellite knot with pattern$P$and companion$K$is not smoothly slice in any homology 4-ball. As a consequence, we obtain a knot in a homology 3-sphere that does not bound a piecewise-linear disk in any homology 4-ball.
The Cold War on the Ground: Reflections from Jinmen
Authors: Szonyi Michael
Published: December 2016

The purpose of thisJASroundtable is to reflect on the Cold War in Asia. Even to frame the issue in such terms is to confront the “formidable semantic contradiction that is inherent in the idea” of the Cold War (Kwon 2010, 7). For the very notion of the Cold War—as a “long peace” in which bipolar tensions did not lead to hot war—sits uneasily with the reality that in Asia bipolar tensions were imbricated in horrific conflicts that left millions of human casualties. On the other hand, to use the term “Cold War” simply as a label for a historical period, or “epoch” in Alfred McCoy's terms, is to invite imprecision. Moreover, even as a label for a historical period, the term still effaces the experience of much of the world, since the end date of the period is defined by the experience of Europe and the superpowers.
A Rupture in Philippine-U.S. Relations: Geopolitical Implications
Authors: McCoy Alfred W.
Published: December 2016

“Your honors, in this venue, I announce my separation from the United States … both in military, but economics also,” said Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte to a burst of applause from an audience of officials in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, the symbolic seat of China's ruling Communist Party. At the Philippine-Chinese trade forum that same day, October 20, 2016, Duterte opened his speech by asking, “What is really wrong with an American character?” Americans are, he continued, “loud, sometimes rowdy, and they have this volume of their voice … not adjusted to civility…. They are the more forward commanding voice befitting obedience.” Evoking some deep Filipino racialist tropes, Duterte then mocked the flat, nasal American accent and rued the time he was questioned at the Los Angeles airport by a “Black” officer with a “black” uniform, “black shoes,” and a “black” gun. Moving from rhetoric to substance, Duterte quietly capitulated to Beijing's relentless pressure for bilateral talks to settle the dispute over the South China Sea, virtually abrogating Manila's recent slam-dunk win on that issue before an international court (Demick and Wilson 2016; DU30 News 2016).
Alterations of antioxidant status markers in dairy cows during lactation and in the dry period
Authors: Omidi Arash , Fathi Mohammad Hasan , Parker Matthew O
Published: December 2016

The purpose of the study reported in this Research Communication was to evaluate alterations in concentration of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of plasma, plasma total thiols as markers of oxidative protein damage and malondialdehyde (as a final product of lipid peroxidation) in samples obtained at different stages of the lactation cycle and dry period of dairy cows. We found that TAC was significantly lower in the primiparous cows compared to multiparous cows. This study clearly demonstrates a need for monitoring primiparous cows during the production cycle, especially when they are faced with severe metabolic conditions. Furthermore, TAC may be a sensitive, reliable and useful indicator for measurement of cumulative effects of antioxidants as an addition to metabolic profile tests, which are currently used to analyse dairy cattle health.