bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of temperature on chronic toxicity of copper, zinc, and nickel to Daphnia magna
Authors: Pereira Cecília M.S. , Deruytter David , Blust Ronny , De Schamphelaere Karel A.C.
Published: December 2016

Few studies have considered the effect of temperature on the chronic sensitivity of Daphnia magna to other stressors. The present study investigated the effect of temperature on chronic metal toxicity and whether this effect differed among 4 different D. magna clones. Life table experiments were performed with copper, zinc, and nickel at 15 °C, 20 °C, and 25 °C. General linear modeling indicated that chronic Cu, Zn, and Ni toxicity to D. magna were all significantly affected by temperature. When averaged across clones, our results suggest that chronic metal toxicity to D. magna was higher at 15 °C than at 20 °C, which is the temperature used in standard toxicity tests. At 15 °C, the 21-d median effect concentrations (EC50s) of Cu, Zn, and Ni were 1.4 times, 1.1 times, and 1.3 times lower than at 20 °C, respectively. At 25 °C, chronic Cu and Zn toxicity did not change in comparison with 20 °C, but chronic Ni toxicity was lower (21-d EC50 of nickel at 25 °C was 1.6 times higher than at 20 °C). The same trends were observed for Cu and Ni when the 21-d 10% and 20% effect concentrations were considered as the effect estimator, but not for Zn, which warns against extrapolating temperature effects on chemical toxicity across effect sizes. Overall, however, chronic metal toxicity was generally highest at the lowest temperature investigated (15 °C), which is in contrast with the usually observed higher acute metal toxicity at higher temperatures. Furthermore, the effect of temperature on chronic Ni toxicity depended significantly on the clone. This warns against extrapolating results about effect of temperature on chemical toxicity from single clone studies to the population level. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1909–1916. © 2016 SETAC
Legitimacy Spillovers and Political Risk: The Case of FDI in the East African Community
Authors: Stevens Charles E. , Newenham‐Kahindi Aloysius
Published: December 2016

Research Summary

In order to successfully invest abroad, firms must consider how their actions will affect their acceptance by host country stakeholders such as the government and host society. When perceived as more legitimate, firms will likely experience less political risk; greater illegitimacy will likely result in more political risk. Importantly, such stakeholders often form similar opinions about firms from the same home country—resulting in legitimacy spillovers within a given host environment across similar firms. Moreover, stakeholders in one country form opinions of firms based on their actions in other countries, resulting in across‐country legitimacy spillovers. This article examines legitimacy and illegitimacy spillovers encountered by Chinese, American, Indian, and European firms in East Africa, which resulted in differences in their acceptance and their political risk.

Managerial summary

Although the literature has begun to consider how firms’ legitimacy affects their political risk, the role of legitimacy spillovers has not been addressed. Using the legitimacy‐based view of political risk and the literature on cognition and social judgments, we develop theory about how within‐country and across‐country spillovers of legitimacy (or illegitimacy) based on firms’ home country origins can affect their political risk. We examine the case of FDI in six East African countries that have experienced a rapid increase in foreign investment despite the presence of political risk. This case shows evidence of legitimacy spillovers resulting in systematic variation in firms’ political risk. Moreover, we find an important role for moderating factors such as the media, historical ties, and distance between countries. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radiotherapy‐associated dental extractions and osteoradionecrosis
Authors: Beech Nicholas M. , Porceddu Sandro , Batstone Martin D.
Published: December 2016

Background

Preradiotherapy dental extractions often form a part of the management plan for patients treated with radiotherapy for head and neck cancers in order to prevent complications, such as osteoradionecrosis. There is contention about whether these extractions should be performed and the timing of such extractions. The purpose of this study was to determine if pre‐RT extractions were associated with the development of osteoradionecrosis of the jaws.

Methods

Retrospective data on patients treated with RT for oropharyngeal cancer were pooled with a cross‐sectional survey.

Results

Pre‐radiotherapy dental extractions were associated with a statistically significant increase in the risk of developing ORN.

Conclusion

Pre‐radiotherapy dental extractions do not protect against the development of osteoradionecrosis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 128–132, 2017
The ascending pathophysiology of cholestatic liver disease
Authors: Jansen Peter L.M. , Ghallab Ahmed , Vartak Nachiket , Reif Raymond , Schaap Frank G. , Hampe Jochen , Hengstler Jan G.
Published: December 2016

In this review we develop the argument that cholestatic liver diseases, particularly primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), evolve over time with anatomically an ascending course of the disease process. The first and early lesions are in “downstream” bile ducts. This eventually leads to cholestasis, and this causes bile salt (BS)–mediated toxic injury of the “upstream” liver parenchyma. BS are toxic in high concentration. These concentrations are present in the canalicular network, bile ducts, and gallbladder. Leakage of bile from this network and ducts could be an important driver of toxicity. The liver has a great capacity to adapt to cholestasis, and this may contribute to a variable symptom‐poor interval that is often observed. Current trials with drugs that target BS toxicity are effective in only about 50%‐60% of primary biliary cholangitis patients, with no effective therapy in PSC. This motivated us to develop and propose a new view on the pathophysiology of primary biliary cholangitis and PSC in the hope that these new drugs can be used more effectively. These views may lead to better stratification of these diseases and to recommendations on a more “tailored” use of the new therapeutic agents that are currently tested in clinical trials. Apical sodium‐dependent BS transporter inhibitors that reduce intestinal BS absorption lower the BS load and are best used in cholestatic patients. The effectiveness of BS synthesis–suppressing drugs, such as farnesoid X receptor agonists, is greatest when optimal adaptation is not yet established. By the time cytochrome P450 7A1 expression is reduced these drugs may be less effective. Anti‐inflammatory agents are probably most effective in early disease, while drugs that antagonize BS toxicity, such as ursodeoxycholic acid and nor‐ursodeoxycholic acid, may be effective at all disease stages. Endoscopic stenting in PSC should be reserved for situations of intercurrent cholestasis and cholangitis, not for cholestasis in end‐stage disease. These are arguments to consider a step‐wise pathophysiology for these diseases, with therapy adjusted to disease stage. An obstacle in such an approach is that disease stage–defining biomarkers are still lacking. This review is meant to serve as a call to prioritize the development of biomarkers that help to obtain a better stratification of these diseases. (Hepatology 2017;65:722‐738).
The E3 ligase tripartite motif 8 targets TAK1 to promote insulin resistance and steatohepatitis
Authors: Yan Feng‐Juan , Zhang Xiao‐Jing , Wang Wen‐Xin , Ji Yan‐Xiao , Wang Pi‐Xiao , Yang Yang , Gong Jun , Shen Li‐Jun , Zhu Xue‐Yong , Huang Zan , Li Hongliang
Published: December 2016

Tripartite motif 8 (TRIM8), an E3 ligase ubiquitously expressed in various cells, is closely involved in innate immunity. However, its role in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is largely unknown. Here, we report evidence that TRIM8 is a robust enhancer of steatohepatitis and its complications induced by a high‐fat diet or a genetic deficiency (ob/ob). Using gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function approaches, we observed dramatic exacerbation of insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis by hepatocyte‐specific TRIM8 overexpression, whereas deletion or down‐regulation of TRIM8 in hepatocytes led to a completely opposite phenotype. Furthermore, investigations of the underlying mechanisms revealed that TRIM8 directly binds to and ubiquitinates transforming growth factor‐beta–activated kinase 1, thus promoting its phosphorylation and the activation of downstream c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase/p38 and nuclear factor κB signaling. Importantly, the participation of TRIM8 in human nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was verified on the basis of its dramatically increased expression in the livers of these patients, suggesting a promising development of TRIM8 disturbance for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis–related metabolic disorders. Conclusion: The E3 ligase TRIM8 is a potent regulator that exacerbates steatohepatitis and metabolic disorders dependent on its binding and ubiquitinating capacity on transforming growth factor‐beta–activated kinase 1. (Hepatology 2017;65:1492‐1511)
Growth factor receptor binding protein 14 inhibition triggers insulin‐induced mouse hepatocyte proliferation and is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Morzyglod Lucille , Caüzac Michèle , Popineau Lucie , Denechaud Pierre‐Damien , Fajas Lluis , Ragazzon Bruno , Fauveau Véronique , Planchais Julien , Vasseur‐Cognet Mireille , Fartoux Laetitia , Scatton Olivier , Rosmorduc Olivier , Guilmeau Sandra , Postic Catherine , Desdouets Chantal , Desbois‐Mouthon Christèle , Burnol Anne‐Françoise
Published: December 2016

Metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes are recognized as independent risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hyperinsulinemia, a hallmark of these pathologies, is suspected to be involved in HCC development. The molecular adapter growth factor receptor binding protein 14 (Grb14) is an inhibitor of insulin receptor catalytic activity, highly expressed in the liver. To study its involvement in hepatocyte proliferation, we specifically inhibited its liver expression using a short hairpin RNA strategy in mice. Enhanced insulin signaling upon Grb14 inhibition was accompanied by a transient induction of S‐phase entrance by quiescent hepatocytes, indicating that Grb14 is a potent repressor of cell division. The proliferation of Grb14‐deficient hepatocytes was cell‐autonomous as it was also observed in primary cell cultures. Combined Grb14 down‐regulation and insulin signaling blockade using pharmacological approaches as well as genetic mouse models demonstrated that Grb14 inhibition–mediated hepatocyte division involved insulin receptor activation and was mediated by the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1–S6K pathway and the transcription factor E2F1. In order to determine a potential dysregulation in GRB14 gene expression in human pathophysiology, a collection of 85 human HCCs was investigated. This revealed a highly significant and frequent decrease in GRB14 expression in hepatic tumors when compared to adjacent nontumoral parenchyma, with 60% of the tumors exhibiting a reduced Grb14 mRNA level. Conclusion: Our study establishes Grb14 as a physiological repressor of insulin mitogenic action in the liver and further supports that dysregulation of insulin signaling is associated with HCC. (Hepatology 2017;65:1352‐1368).
Fluorescing fatty acids in rat fatty liver models
Authors: Croce Anna C. , Ferrigno Andrea , Di Pasqua Laura G. , Berardo Clarissa , Mannucci Barbara , Bottiroli Giovanni , Vairetti Mariapia
Published: December 2016

The autofluorescence (AF) of NAD(P)H and flavins has been at the basis of many in‐situ studies of liver energy metabolism and functionality. Conversely, few data have been so far reported on fluorescing lipids. In this work we investigated the AF of liver lipid extracts from two fatty liver models, Wistar rats fed with MCD diet for 12 days (Wi‐MCD), and obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats. Among the most abundant fatty acids in the lipid extracts, indicated by mass spectrometry, arachidonic acid (AA) exhibited higher quantum yield than the other fluorescing fatty acids (FLFA), and red shifted AF spectrum. This allowed to estimate the AA contribution to the overall emission of lipid extracts by curve fitting analysis. AA prevailed in obese Zucker livers, accounting for the different AF spectral profiles between the two models. AF and mass spectrometry indicated also a different balance between the fluorescing fraction and the overall amount of AA in the two models. The ability of AF to detect directly AA and FLFA was demonstrated, suggesting its supportive role as tool in wide‐ranging applications, from the control of animal origin food, to experimental investigations on liver fat accumulation, lipotoxicity and disease progression, with potential translation to the clinics.

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IRS1/β‐Catenin Axis Is Activated and Induces MYC Expression in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells
Authors: Fernandes Jaqueline Cristina , Rodrigues Alves Ana Paula Nunes , Machado‐Neto João Agostinho , Scopim‐Ribeiro Renata , Fenerich Bruna Alves , da Silva Fernanda Borges , Simões Belinda Pinto , Rego Eduardo Magalhães , Traina Fabiola
Published: December 2016

Insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and its receptor IGF1R regulate normal cell growth and contribute to cell transformation through activation of downstream signaling pathways. In fibroblast cells, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), through IGF1 signaling, was found to be the key protein for nuclear translocation of β‐catenin and MYC transcription activation. We herein investigated the IRS1/β‐catenin axis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells. Samples were obtained from 45 patients with ALL and 13 healthy donors. ALL cell lines were used. Gene expression was measured by quantitative PCR. Protein expression, associations, and cellular localization were evaluated by immunoprecipitation, subcellular fractionation, and confocal microscopy. Cells were submitted to IGF1 stimulation and/or IGF1R pharmacological inhibition (OSI‐906). IRS1, β‐catenin, and MYC mRNA expression were significantly elevated in ALL patients, compared to normal controls. MYC mRNA expression positively correlated with β‐catenin and IRS1. Increased age and MYC expression negatively affected overall survival by univariate analysis. Total and phospho‐IGF1R and IRS1, MYC and β‐catenin protein expression were higher in ALL cells, compared to normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). IRS1 and β‐catenin were found to be colocalized in the nuclei and the cytoplasm of ALL cell lines, whereas both proteins were only slightly detected in the cytoplasm of normal PBMC. In Jurkat cells, a constitutive IRS1 and β‐catenin protein interaction were observed; OSI‐906 treatment decreased IGF1R tyrosine phosphorylation, IRS1 expression and phosphorylation, nuclear translocation of β‐catenin, IRS1 and β‐catenin association, and MYC protein expression. In conclusion, the IRS1/β‐catenin axis is activated in ALL cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1774–1781, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MicroRNA‐125a‐5p Is a Downstream Effector of Sorafenib in Its Antiproliferative Activity Toward Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Potenza Nicoletta , Mosca Nicola , Zappavigna Silvia , Castiello Filomena , Panella Marta , Ferri Carmela , Vanacore Daniela , Giordano Antonio , Stiuso Paola , Caraglia Michele , Russo Aniello
Published: December 2016

Sorafenib is an antitumor drug for treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It acts as a multikinase inhibitor suppressing cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Human microRNA‐125a‐5p (miR‐125a) is endowed with similar activities and is frequently downregulated in HCC. Looking for a potential microRNA‐based mechanism of action of the drug, we found that sorafenib increases cellular expression of miR‐125a in cultured HuH‐7 and HepG2 HCC cells. Upregulation of the microRNA inhibited cell proliferation by suppression of sirtuin‐7, a NAD(+)‐dependent deacetylase, and p21/p27‐dependent cell cycle arrest in G1. Later, recruitment of miR‐125a in the antiproliferative activity of sorafenib was inquired by modulating its expression in combination with the drug treatment. This analysis showed that intracellular delivery of miR‐125a had no additive effect on the antiproliferative activity of sorafenib, whereas a miR‐125a inhibitor could counteract it. Finally, evaluation of other oncogenic targets of miR‐125a revealed its ability to interfere with the expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐11, Zbtb7a proto‐oncogene, and c‐Raf, possibly contributing to the antiproliferative activity of the drug. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1907–1913, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effects of HRM Practices on Teamwork and Career Growth in Offshore Outsourcing Firms
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Dolamulla Saumya
Published: December 2016

Balancing the short‐term goals of the organization with employees’ long‐term development is of particular interest to the leaders of offshore outsourcing firms. To better understand this challenge, researchers surveyed 170 virtual team members in 14 IT outsourcing firms in Sri Lanka about the impact of their employers’ human resource management practices on their performance and career growth. The findings reveal the importance of performance management, capability development, and the integration of various human resource management practices in fostering both the teamwork that is crucial to attain business objectives, as well as the professional development essential to meeting employees’ expectations regarding their career growth. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ethical Climate and Employee Turnover Intention in the Ready‐Made Garment Industry of Bangladesh
Authors: Rubel Mohammad Rabiul Basher , Kee Daisy Mui Hung , Quah Chun Hoo , Rimi Nadia Newaz
Published: December 2016

A study based on an extensive literature review and a survey of operators in the labor‐intensive ready‐made garment industry in Bangladesh examined the impact of an organization's ethical climate on employees’ intention to leave. It showed that as the ethical climate of an organization improves, the intention to leave declines and the more likely employees are to develop a sense of commitment to the organization. It also found an increase in the likelihood that the ethical climate of the workplace would reduce turnover when employees had a higher level of support from their line managers or supervisors.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Response of chironomid assemblages to East Asian summer monsoon precipitation variability in northern China since the last deglaciation
Authors: Wang Haipeng , Brooks Stephen J. , Chen Jianhui , Hu Yu , Wang Zongli , Liu Jianbao , Xu Qinghai , Chen Fahu
Published: December 2016

We investigate chironomid assemblages in a sediment core from Gonghai Lake, which is located on the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) boundary in northern China, to quantify EASM variability during the past 13.5 ka BP. Six significantly different chironomid assemblage zones indicate that maximum precipitation and water depth occurred in the mid‐Holocene (8270–2700 cal a BP) and the minimum period was the past 1250 years. A modern dataset of 44 lakes near Gonghai Lake was sampled to calibrate the response of chironomid assemblages to precipitation. Our results demonstrate that mean annual precipitation is the most significant environmental variable influencing modern chironomid assemblages in this monsoonal region. Maximum EASM precipitation in the mid‐Holocene, indicated by chironomid assemblages in the monsoon fringe, contrasts with the early Holocene EASM maximum suggested by stalagmite δ18O data from southern China, but is consistent with other evidence. Our findings are compatible with the proposal that the stalagmite δ18O variations in southern China may not reliably reflect the evolution of EASM since the last deglaciation.
Synthesis of linear regression coefficients by recovering the within‐study covariance matrix from summary statistics
Authors: Yoneoka Daisuke , Henmi Masayuki
Published: December 2016

Recently, the number of regression models has dramatically increased in several academic fields. However, within the context of meta‐analysis, synthesis methods for such models have not been developed in a commensurate trend. One of the difficulties hindering the development is the disparity in sets of covariates among literature models. If the sets of covariates differ across models, interpretation of coefficients will differ, thereby making it difficult to synthesize them. Moreover, previous synthesis methods for regression models, such as multivariate meta‐analysis, often have problems because covariance matrix of coefficients (i.e. within‐study correlations) or individual patient data are not necessarily available. This study, therefore, proposes a brief explanation regarding a method to synthesize linear regression models under different covariate sets by using a generalized least squares method involving bias correction terms. Especially, we also propose an approach to recover (at most) threecorrelations of covariates, which is required for the calculation of the bias term without individual patient data. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of pretreatment on rehydration, colour and nanoindentation properties of potato cylinders dried using a mixed‐mode solar dryer
Authors: Dhalsamant Kshanaprava , Tripathy Punyadarshini P , Shrivastava Shanker L
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Desirable quality estimation is an important consumer driver for wider acceptability of mixed‐mode solar drying of potatoes in food industries. The aim of this study is to characterise rehydration, colour, texture, nanoindentaion and microstructure of dried potato samples and to establish the influence of pre‐drying treatment on the above qualities.

RESULTS

The water absorption capacity and rehydration ability of solar dried potato were significantly influenced by pretreatment followed by rehydration temperature and sample diameter. The redness index (a*) of pretreated dried samples was lower with simultaneous higher value of yellowness index (b*), chroma (C*) and hue angle (h*). Also, the average nanohardness (H) of pretreated samples increased significantly by 22.64% compared to that of untreated samples. The average reduced modulus (Er) and Young's modulus (Es) of dried potato samples were 1.865 GPa and 1.403 GPa, respectively. Moreover, creep displacement of 43.27 nm was traced in the untreated potato samples during a 20 s dwell time under a constant load of 200 µN in the nanoindentation test. Micrographs revealed more uniform pore spaces in pretreated samples.

CONCLUSION

Pretreated, thinner potato samples achieved better quality dried products in terms of rehydration, colour, texture and nanohardness indices with significantly improved microstructure and creep resistance properties. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterisation of electrospun gelatine nanofibres encapsulated with Moringa oleifera bioactive extract
Authors: Hani Norziah M , Torkamani Amir E , Azarian Mohammad H , Mahmood Kamil WA , Ngalim Siti Hawa
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Drumstick (Moringa oleifera) leaves have been used as a folk herbal medicine across many cultures since ancient times. This is most probably due to presence of phytochemicals possessing antioxidant properties, which could retard oxidative stress, and their degenerative effect. The current study deals with nanoencapsulation of Moringa oleifera (MO) leaf ethanolic extract within fish sourced gelatine matrix using electrospinning technique.

RESULTS

The total phenolic and flavonoid content, radical scavenging (IC50) and metal reducing properties were 67.0 ± 2.5 mg GAE g−1 sample 32.0 ± 0.5 mg QE g−1 extract, 0.08 ± 0.01 mg mL−1 and 510 ± 10 µmol eq Fe(II) g−1 extract, respectively. Morphological and spectroscopic analysis of the fibre mats confirmed successful nanoencapsulation of MO extract within defect free nanofibres via electrospinning process. The percentage encapsulation efficiency (EE) was between 80% and 85%. Furthermore, thermal stability of encapsulated fibres, especially at 3% and 5% of core loading content, was significantly improved. Toxicological analysis revealed that the extract in its original and encapsulated form was safe for oral consumption.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the present study showed the potential of ambient temperature electrospinning process as a safe nanoencapsulation method, where MO extract retained its antioxidative capacities. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Self‐assembled magnetic nanoparticle supported zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8: An efficient adsorbent for the enrichment of triazine herbicides from fruit, vegetables, and water
Authors: Zhou Lian , Su Ping , Deng Yulan , Yang Yi
Published: December 2016

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks have positive surface charges and high adsorption capabilities. In this work, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks‐8 and negatively charged magnetic nanoparticles were self‐assembled by electrostatic attraction under sonication. The extraction performance of the synthesized hybrid material was evaluated by using it as a magnetic adsorbent for the enrichment of triazine herbicides in various sample matrices prior to analysis using ultrafast liquid chromatography. The main parameters, that is, extraction time, adsorbent dosage, salt concentration, and desorption conditions, were evaluated. Under the optimum conditions, good linear responses from 2.5 to 200 ng/mL for atrazine (simazine) and 1 to 200 ng/mL for prometryn (ametryn), with correlation coefficients (R2) higher than 0.9992 were obtained. The detection limits of the method (S/N = 3) were 0.18–0.72 ng/mL. The proposed method was successfully used to determine triazine herbicides in six samples, namely, apple, pear, strawberry, pakchoi, lettuce, and water. The amounts of simazine in all the fruit and vegetable samples were 10.8–25.2 ng/mL. The recoveries of all the analytes were 88.0–101.9%, with relative standard deviations of less than 8.8%.
Binary response Se/ZnO p‐n heterojunction UV photodetector with high on/off ratio and fast speed
Authors: Hu Kai , Teng Feng , Zheng Lingxia , Yu Pingping , Zhang Zhiming , Chen Hongyu , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: December 2016

A high‐performance UV photodetector (PD) based on a p‐Se/n‐ZnO hybrid structure with large area (more than 1×1 cm) is presented in this study. The device is theoretically equivalent to a parallel‐connection circuit for its special structure and shows multifunction at different voltage bias, which means the output signal can be tailored by an applied voltage. The Se/ZnO PD shows binary response (positive and negative current output under on/off periodical light illumination) under small reverse bias (–0.05 V and –0.1 V) which efficiently reduces the negative effect of noise signal in weak‐signal detection applications. At zero bias, with the aid of a p‐n heterojunction, a high on/off ratio of nearly 104 is achieved by this device at zero set bias under 370 nm (∼0.85 mW cm−2) illumination and this on/off ratio can be achieved in 0.5 s. The device also shows a fast speed with rise time of 0.69 ms and decay time of 13.5 ms measured by a pulse laser, much faster than that of a pure ZnO film. The Se/ZnO PD in this research provides a new pathway to fabricate multifunctional high‐speed, high signal‐to‐noise ratio, high detectivity and high selectivity UV photodetectors.

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Creating a purpose‐driven learning and improving health system: The Johns Hopkins Medicine quality and safety experience
Authors: Pronovost Peter J. , Mathews Simon C. , Chute Christopher G. , Rosen Antony
Published: December 2016

Health care has often relied on independent silos of medical research to drive progress and innovation. However, this approach does not adequately address the complexities and opportunities within the modern health care environment. We posit that creating a learning and improving health system that is purpose‐driven will ultimately lead the next transformation in health care. We share the experience within Johns Hopkins Medicine that established a learning and improving health system in quality and safety. The system is built around a clear and compelling patient‐centered purpose and leverages a fractal framework that provides horizontal links for peer learning and vertical links for accountability. It dismantles traditional research and clinical silos and combines basic and applied research with health system operations. As a result, the system aligns the goals and strengths of a diverse set of stakeholders including clinicians, patients, researchers, and administrators toward a common goal.
An analytical model for the prediction of hot roll temperatures in a hot rolling process
Authors: Velay V. , Michrafy A.
Published: December 2016

Temperature variations in the hot roll during a hot rolling process were analysed by solving heat conduction equations for boundary conditions using an analytical method. The analysis was conducted in a steady‐state regime, taking into account the effects of process parameters such as the contact surface, roll velocity and various cooling boundary conditions. Assuming the periodicity of the process, the development of a solution in the Fourier series was employed to solve the governing equations. The temperature and its gradient distributions in the roll depth were analytically expressed according to the process parameters. The accuracy of the predicted results was examined through comparison with predictions presented in the literature (finite element solutions and measurements). Results showed that an increase in the rolling speed leads to a shorter contact time, which decreases the temperature field in the work‐roll.
The common dietary flavonoid myricetin attenuates liver fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride treated mice
Authors: Geng Yan , Sun Qing , Li Wang , Lu Zhen‐Ming , Xu Hong‐Yu , Shi Jin‐Song , Xu Zheng‐Hong
Published: December 2016

Scope

Myricetin is found in most berries, vegetables, and various medicinal herbs, which has been reported to possess various bio‐activities. However, the role of myricetin on liver fibrosis remains to be elucidated.

Methods and results

Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line CFSC‐8B was stimulated by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) or platelet‐derived growth factor BB (PDGF‐BB) to induce liver fibrosis in vitro. The results showed that myricetin significantly ameliorated TGF‐β1‐ or PDGF‐BB‐induced HSCs activation, cell migration, and extracellular matrix production; blocked TGF‐β1‐induced phosphorylation of Smad2, P38, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), and protein kinase B (Akt); and downregulated PDGF‐BB stimulated phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and Akt in HSCs in a dose‐dependent manner. Meanwhile, the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced mouse model has been used to study antifibrosis role of myricetin in vivo. Our data demonstrated that myricetin suppressed α‐smooth muscle actin and collagen type I deposition and blocked phosphorylation of Smad2, mitogen‐activated protein kinases, and Akt in CCl4‐treated mice.

Conclusion

Myricetin inhibits the activation of HSCs and ameliorates CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis in mice and may serve as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy and risk of childhood asthma: A meta‐analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Song Huihui , Yang Lei , Jia Chongqi
Published: December 2016

Scope

Mounting evidence suggests that maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy may be associated with development of childhood asthma, but the results are still inconsistent. A dose–response meta‐analysis was performed to quantitatively summarize evidence on the association of maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy with the risk of childhood asthma.

Methods and results

A systematic search was conducted to identify all studies assessing the association of maternal 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) during pregnancy with risk of childhood asthma. The fixed or random‐effect model was selected based on the heterogeneity test among studies. Nonlinear dose–response relationship was assessed by restricted cubic spline model. Fifteen prospective studies with 12 758 participants and 1795 cases were included in the meta‐analysis. The pooled relative risk of childhood asthma comparing the highest versus lowest category of maternal 25(OH)D levels was 0.87 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.75–1.02). For dose–response analysis, evidence of a U‐shaped relationship was found between maternal 25(OH)D levels and risk of childhood asthma (Pnonlinearity = 0.02), with the lowest risk at approximately 70 nmol/L of 25(OH)D.

Conclusion

This dose–response meta‐analysis suggested a U‐shaped relationship between maternal blood 25(OH)D levels and risk of childhood asthma. Further studies are needed to confirm the association.
Targeting the epigenome: Screening bioactive compounds that regulate histone deacetylase activity
Authors: Godoy Luis D. , Lucas Julianna E. , Bender Abigail J. , Romanick Samantha S. , Ferguson Bradley S.
Published: December 2016

Scope

Nutrigenomics is a rapidly expanding field that elucidates the link between diet–genome interactions. Recent evidence demonstrates that regulation of the epigenome, and in particular inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs), impact pathogenetic mechanisms involved in chronic disease. Few studies, to date, have screened libraries of bioactive compounds that act as epigenetic modifiers. This study screened a library of 131 natural compounds to determine bioactive compounds that inhibit Zn‐dependent HDAC activity.

Methods and results

Using class‐specific HDAC substrates, we screened 131 natural compounds for HDAC activity in bovine cardiac tissue. From this screen, we identified 18 bioactive compound HDAC inhibitors. Using our class‐specific HDAC substrates, we next screened these 18 bioactive compounds against recombinant HDAC proteins. Consistent with inhibition of HDAC activity, these compounds were capable of inhibiting activity of individual HDAC isoforms. Lastly, we report that treatment of H9c2 cardiac myoblasts with bioactive HDAC inhibitors was sufficient to increase lysine acetylation as assessed via immunoblot.

Conclusion

This study provided the first step in identifying multiple bioactive compound HDAC inhibitors. Taken together, this report sets the stage for future exploration of these bioactive compounds as epigenetic regulators to potentially ameliorate chronic disease.
Whey protein isolate improves vitamin B12 and folate status in elderly Australians with subclinical deficiency of vitamin B12
Authors: Dhillon Varinderpal S. , Zabaras Dimitrios , Almond Theodora , Cavuoto Paul , James‐Martin Genevieve , Fenech Michael
Published: December 2016

Scope

Whey protein isolate (WPI) contains vitamin B12 and folate. However, the efficacy of WPI as a bioavailable source of these vitamins in the elderly with low vitamin B12 was not previously tested. We investigated the effects of WPI supplementation on vitamin B12 and folate status in blood and measured changes in homocysteine (HCY), methylmalonic acid (MMA), and genome integrity biomarkers in elderly individuals with low vitamin B12 status. The effect of WPI was compared to soy protein isolate (SPI).

Methods and results

In this randomized controlled cross‐over intervention trial, 56 subclinically vitamin B12‐deficient participants received 50 g WPI or 50 g SPI as a control for 8 wk followed by 16‐wk washout phase and then cross‐over to alternative supplement for next 8 wk. Consumption of WPI resulted in significant increase in serum active B12 (p < 0.0001) and serum folate (p = 0.0094). MMA, HCY, and nucleoplasmic bridges increased significantly after SPI intake but not after WPI (p = 0.052; p = 0.028; p = 0.0009, respectively).

Conclusion

Results indicate that WPI consumption improves active B12 and folate status. Unlike SPI, WPI consumption may prevent increase in MMA, HCY, and genome instability in older Australians with low vitamin B12 status.
RDC‐enhanced structure calculation of a β‐heptapeptide in methanol
Authors: Rigling Carla , Ebert Marc‐Olivier
Published: December 2016

Residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) are a rich source of structural information that goes beyond the range covered by the nuclear Overhauser effect or scalar coupling constants. They can only be measured in partially oriented samples. RDC studies of peptides in organic solvents have so far been focused on samples in chloroform or DMSO. Here, we show that stretched poly(vinyl acetate) can be used for the partial alignment of a linear β‐peptide with proteinogenic side chains in methanol. 1DCH, 1DNH, and 2DHH RDCs were collected with this sample and included as restraints in a simulated annealing calculation. Incorporation of RDCs in the structure calculation process improves the long‐range definition in the backbone of the resulting 314‐helix and uncovers side‐chain mobility. Experimental side‐chain RDCs of the central leucine and valine residues are in good agreement with predicted values from a local three‐state model. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regucalcin is widely distributed in the male reproductive tract and exerts a suppressive effect on in vitro sperm capacitation in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Pillai Harikrishna , Shende Ashish Mukunda , Parmar Mehtab Sing , A Anjaneya , L Sreela , Kumaresan Arumugam , G Taru Sharma , Bhure Sanjeev Kumar
Published: December 2016

Regucalcin is a multi‐functional, calcium‐binding protein with roles in calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, cell proliferation, and free radical neutralization. Regucalcin is broadly expressed in the male reproductive organs of rat and bovine; here, we report its expression in the reproductive tract of male buffalo—especially in testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, prostate, and bulbourethral gland of buffalo—as analyzed by real‐time PCR, Western blot, and immunolocalization. Regucalcin degradation in seminal plasma, despite its high abundance in vesicular fluid, was demonstrated using recombinant regucalcin co‐incubated with buffalo seminal plasma. This depletion of regucalcin appears to be related to its suppressive effect on in vitro sperm capacitation, observed using the chlortetracycline assay after treating buffalo spermatozoa with recombinant protein. Indeed, addition of recombinant regucalcin to capacitating media significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the percentage of capacitated spermatozoa to 6.1 ± 0.6 from 36.4 ± 1.8 in the untreated group. Taken together, the wide distribution of regucalcin in male buffaloes, versus its degradation in the seminal plasma and suppressive effects on in vitro capacitation of spermatozoa, indicate its possible anti‐capacitation role in the reproductive tract. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 84: 212–221, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Magnetic resonance fingerprinting using echo‐planar imaging: Joint quantification of T1 and relaxation times
Authors: Rieger Benedikt , Zimmer Fabian , Zapp Jascha , Weingärtner Sebastian , Schad Lothar R.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

To develop an implementation of the magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) paradigm for quantitative imaging using echo‐planar imaging (EPI) for simultaneous assessment of T1 and
.

Methods

The proposed MRF method (MRF‐EPI) is based on the acquisition of 160 gradient‐spoiled EPI images with rapid, parallel‐imaging accelerated, Cartesian readout and a measurement time of 10 s per slice. Contrast variation is induced using an initial inversion pulse, and varying the flip angles, echo times, and repetition times throughout the sequence. Joint quantification of T1 and
is performed using dictionary matching with integrated
correction. The quantification accuracy of the method was validated in phantom scans and in vivo in 6 healthy subjects.

Results

Joint T1 and
parameter maps acquired with MRF‐EPI in phantoms are in good agreement with reference measurements, showing deviations under 5% and 4% for T1 and
, respectively. In vivo baseline images were visually free of artifacts. In vivo relaxation times are in good agreement with gold‐standard techniques (deviation T1: 4 ± 2%,
: 4 ± 5%). The visual quality was comparable to the in vivo gold standard, despite substantially shortened scan times.

Conclusion

The proposed MRF‐EPI method provides fast and accurate T1 and
quantification. This approach offers a rapid supplement to the non‐Cartesian MRF portfolio, with potentially increased usability and robustness. Magn Reson Med 78:1724–1733, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Normative data for cutaneous threshold and spatial discrimination in the feet
Authors: Rinkel Willem D. , Aziz M. Hosein , Van Deelen Meike J.M. , Willemsen Sten P. , Castro Cabezas Manuel , Van Neck Johan W. , Coert J. Henk
Published: December 2016

Introduction

No data are available for normative values of cutaneous threshold and spatial discrimination in the feet. We developed clinically applicable reference values in relation to the nerve distributions of the feet.

Methods

We determined foot sensation in 196 healthy individuals. Cutaneous threshold (1‐point static discrimination, S1PD) was tested with monofilaments (0.008 to 300 gram) and spatial discrimination (2‐point static [S2PD] and moving [M2PD] discrimination) on five locations per foot.

Results

There was a significant age‐dependent increase in S1PD, S2PD, and M2PD values (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between both feet. S1PD values differed up to 0.8 g between genders. There were no significant differences between genders for S2PD and M2PD measurements. M2PD values were generally lower than S2PD values.

Conclusions

This study provides age‐related normative values for foot sensation to help clinicians assess sensory deficits in relation to aging and identify patients with underlying nerve problems. Muscle Nerve 56: 399–407, 2017
Magnetization transfer SWIFT MRI consistently detects histologically verified myelin loss in the thalamocortical pathway after a traumatic brain injury in rat
Authors: Lehto Lauri Juhani , Sierra Alejandra , Gröhn Olli
Published: December 2016

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with various neurocognitive deficits, and rapid assessment of the damage is potentially important for the prevention and treatment of these deficits. Imaging assessment of mild or moderate damage outside the primary lesion area after TBI, however, remains challenging. Magnetization transfer (MT) has clearly been underutilized in imaging the damage caused by TBI. Here, we applied the MT ratio (MTR) using sweep imaging with Fourier transformation (SWIFT) to study microstructural tissue damage in the thalamocortical pathway outside the primary lesion in a lateral fluid percussion injury rat model of TBI, 5 months after injury. MTR was decreased in layers VIb‐IV of the barrel cortex and related subcortical areas, mainly indicating demyelination, which was verified by histology. The largest MTR change in the cortex was in layer VIb (−8.2%, pFDR = 0.01), and the largest MTR change in the subcortical areas was in the caudal‐most portion of the internal capsule (−11.0%, pFDR < 0.005). These areas exhibited the greatest demyelination and substantial cellularity attributed to gliosis. Correlation analysis of group‐averaged results from the subcortical areas revealed an excellent correlation of MTR with myelin (r2 = 0.94, p < 0.001), but no correlation with increased cellularity as detected by Nissl staining. Thus, MTR using SWIFT can be a valuable tool for the assessment of subtle changes after TBI in both cortical and subcortical areas.
Rapid Analysis of Geological Drill‐Cores with LIBS
Authors: Streubel Lukas , Jacobsen Lars , Merk Sven , Thees Michael , Rammlmair Dieter , Meima Jeannet , Mory David
Published: December 2016

Spectroscopy — the study of interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter — is a continually developing branch of science that facilitates a number of research and industrial applications. As a state‐of‐the‐art technique, spectroscopy offers many experimental possibilities to acquire compositional information of inorganic materials, including core samples, minerals and geological specimens. Laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), which provides fast, accurate and high‐resolution measurements, is one such spectroscopic technique. LIBS is primarily suited for phase‐independent, simultaneous, qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples, dovetailing the technique perfectly with geological standards.
Exploring the Limitation of Physics
Authors: Oderkerk Benno
Published: December 2016

In the recent years, we have seen a substantial growth of handheld analytical devices on the markets that use spectroscopy as an enabling technology. Most of these handheld devices are used in the field for fast analyses and are the driver for further miniaturization of spectrometers.

Critical care applications in life science call for low cost, miniaturized blood analysis devices in ambulances, or drone technology that enables the use of small and lightweight spectrometers for crop analysis while flying over agricultural fields. These are just a few examples of many handheld applications, this market continues to grow rapidly over the years to come. As always, the specifications of these analytical devices should be as close as possible to their bigger brothers in the lab. This requires our engineers to explore the borders of physics, further miniaturizing spectrometers, while maintaining good sensitivity and resolution.
Sunlight All the Way into the Basement
Authors: Gerth Carsten , Bäuerle Holger
Published: December 2016

Interior rooms, illuminated by daylight are considered ideal in contemporary architecture. Actual results have been less than perfect as of yet. Light gathering optics and quartz glass fibers make it achievable for the first time.
Apolipoprotein C‐I plays a role in the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Bus Pascal , Pierneef Louise , Bor Rosalie , Wolterbeek Ron , van Es Leendert A , Rensen Patrick CN , de Heer Emile , Havekes Louis M , Bruijn Jan A , Berbée Jimmy F , Baelde Hans J
Published: December 2016

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end‐stage renal disease. Diabetic patients have increased plasma concentrations of apolipoprotein C‐I (apoCI), and meta‐analyses found that a polymorphism in APOC1 is associated with an increased risk of developing nephropathy. To investigate whether overexpressing apoCI contributes to the development of kidney damage, we studied renal tissue and peritoneal macrophages from APOC1 transgenic (APOC1‐tg) mice and wild‐type littermates. In addition, we examined renal material from autopsied diabetic patients with and without diabetic nephropathy and from autopsied control subjects. We found that APOC1‐tg mice, but not wild‐type mice, develop albuminuria, renal dysfunction, and glomerulosclerosis with increased numbers of glomerular M1 macrophages. Moreover, compared to wild‐type macrophages, stimulated macrophages isolated from APOC1‐tg mice have increased cytokine expression, including TNF‐alpha and TGF‐beta, both of which are known to increase the production of extracellular matrix proteins in mesangial cells. These results suggest that APOC1 expression induces glomerulosclerosis, potentially by increasing the cytokine response in macrophages. Furthermore, we detected apoCI in the kidneys of diabetic patients, but not in control kidneys. Moreover, patients with diabetic nephropathy have significantly more apoCI present in glomeruli compared to diabetic patients without nephropathy, suggesting that apoCI could be involved in the development of diabetic nephropathy. ApoCI co‐localized with macrophages. Therefore, apoCI is a promising new therapeutic target for patients at risk of developing nephropathy. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.