bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repair of Bone Erosion in Rheumatoid Arthritis by Denosumab: A High‐Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography Study
Authors: Yue Jiang , Griffith James F. , Xiao Fan , Shi Lin , Wang Defeng , Shen Jiayun , Wong Priscilla , Li Edmund K. , Li Martin , Li Tena K. , Zhu Tracy Y. , Hung Vivian W. , Qin Ling , Tam Lai‐Shan
Published: October 2016

Objective

To compare the bone healing effects of denosumab and alendronate in female rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients by high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography.

Methods

This is a post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Forty patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either subcutaneous denosumab (60 mg) once or oral alendronate (70 mg) weekly for 6 months. The size of individual bone erosions and the presence and extent of erosion‐associated sclerosis (marginal osteosclerosis) were measured in the second metacarpal head of the nondominant hand at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.

Results

Forty‐two erosions were identified at baseline. After 6 months, the width, depth, and volume of erosion significantly decreased in the denosumab group (−0.23 mm, −0.16 mm, −0.91 mm3, respectively; all P < 0.01), whereas these parameters significantly increased in the alendronate group (0.19 mm, 0.32 mm, and 1.38 mm3, respectively; all P < 0.01; between‐group differences, P < 0.01 for all). Quantitative analysis showed that the bone mineral density of the erosion margin significantly increased only after treatment by denosumab (19.75 mg/cm3; P < 0.05 for denosumab, and −5.44 mg/cm3; P = 0.51 for alendronate; P < 0.05 for between‐group differences).

Conclusion

Inhibition of receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand by denosumab can induce partial repair of erosions in patients with RA, while erosions continued to progress in patients treated with alendronate. Combining denosumab with disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs may be considered for RA patients with progressive bone erosions.
Polymer‐Supramolecular Polymer Double‐Network Hydrogel
Authors: Sun Wenxu , Xue Bin , Li Ying , Qin Meng , Wu Junyi , Lu Ke , Wu Junhua , Cao Yi , Jiang Qing , Wang Wei
Published: October 2016

Mechanical properties of hydrogels are critical for their applications as articular cartilage regeneration scaffolds, because they provide not only the mechanical support, but also the mechanical cues essential to maintain the phenotype of cartilage‐forming cells. Inspired by the microscopic architecture of natural cartilage, here the engineering of a novel double‐network hydrogel with interconnected polymer‐supramolecular polymer double‐network (PS‐DN gel) for cartilage regeneration is reported. The polymer network is made of polyacrylamide and the supramolecular polymer network comprises of a kind of self‐assembled peptide fibers. Upon mechanical loading, the peptide fibers serve as sacrificial bonds to efficiently dissipate energy. They can quickly reform when mechanical load is released thanks to the fast and accurate peptide self‐assembly. These entail the PS‐DN gel of high mechanical strength of ≈0.32–0.57 MPa, fracture energy of ≈300–2670 J m−2, compressibility of ≈66%–90%, and fast recovery in seconds. The gel also shows significant energy dissipation, strain stiffening, and stress relaxation behaviors similar to articular cartilage. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the PS‐DN gel can be tailored by adjusting the chemical components of the gel. Therefore, this novel biomaterial represents a promising candidate for the regeneration of cartilage and other load bearing tissues.
Prolifera‐Green‐Tide as Sustainable Source for Carbonaceous Aerogels with Hierarchical Pore to Achieve Multiple Energy Storage
Authors: Cui Jinfeng , Xi Yunlong , Chen Shuai , Li Daohao , She Xilin , Sun Jin , Han Wei , Yang Dongjiang , Guo Shaojun
Published: October 2016

The increasing demand for efficient energy storage and conversion devices has aroused great interest in designing advanced materials with high specific surface areas, multiple holes, and good conductivity. Here, we report a new method for fabricating a hierarchical porous carbonaceous aerogel (HPCA) from renewable seaweed aerogel. The HPCA possesses high specific surface area of 2200 m2 g−1 and multilevel micro/meso/macropore structures. These important features make HPCA exhibit a reversible lithium storage capacity of 827.1 mAh g−1 at the current density of 0.1 A g−1, which is the highest capacity for all the previously reported nonheteroatom‐doped carbon nanomaterials. It also shows high specific capacitance and excellent rate performance for electric double layer capacitors (260.6 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and 190.0 F g−1 at 50 A g−1), and long cycle life with 91.7% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles at 10 A g−1. The HPCA also can be used as support to assemble Co3O4 nanowires (Co3O4@HPCA) for constructing a high performance pseudocapacitor with the maximum specific capacitance of 1167.6 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1. The present work highlights the first example in using prolifera‐green‐tide as a sustainable source for developing advanced carbon porous aerogels to achieve multiple energy storage.
Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan‐Based Nanoparticles as Protein Delivery System
Authors: Han Yunfei , Duan Qian , Li Yanwei , Li Yanhui , Tian Jian
Published: October 2016

In this study, methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐chitosan‐poly (l‐lysine) (mPEG‐CS‐PLL) was synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, X‐ray diffraction spectrometry (XRD), and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). mPEG‐CS‐PLL nanoparticles were prepared by ionic cross‐linking with tripolyphosphate (TPP) under mild conditions and used as a carrier for protein. To demonstrate the feasibility of mPEG‐CS‐PLL as a protein carrier, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as a model protein and encapsulated in the mPEG‐CS‐PLL nanoparticles by electrostatic binding. The system showed very high encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity for BSA which was up to 78% and 42%, respectively. Dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential study were further used to measure the size, morphology, and Zeta potential of the nanoparticles. The results indicated that the nanoparticles were spherical with a homogeneous size below 300 nm, and the system was positively charged about +21.78 mV. Moreover, the protein cumulative release from the protein delivery system could reach to 82.5% after 54‐h incubation in PBS (pH 7.2) at 37°C. Cell viability tests against L929 cells showed that the cytotoxicity of mPEG‐CS‐PLL polymers was very low, which was favorable to practical applications. It can be suggested from the above results that the mPEG‐CS‐PLL can be used as a safe and effective carrier for protein delivery.
Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticle incorporated gelatin‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate hydrogels for wound dressing applications
Authors: Resmi Rajalekshmi , Unnikrishnan Sivan , Krishnan Lissy K. , Kalliyana Krishnan V.
Published: October 2016

A replaceable wound cover which absorbs moisture and resist infection can be used to prevent development of chronic wounds. A major criterion for a replaceable wound dressing is nonadherence to cells to prevent pain upon removal. A major limitation of water absorbing hydrogels used in wound dressing applications is their poor mechanical strength. In this study, gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) was synthesized by reacting Type A porcine skin gelatin with methacrylic anhydride at 50  °C. Resultant GelMA monomer containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) protected silver nanoparticles were subsequently copolymerized with 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) at room temperature by redox mechanism. This resulted in a hydrogel copolymer with optimum mechanical stability and moisture retention while inhibiting microbial contamination and FT‐IR spectroscopy was used to confirm copolymer formation. Antimicrobial properties of the hydrogel using agar diffusion showed zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus. Surface morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental analysis was carried out using energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) analysis of the hydrogel showed enhancement in the pore size from around 32 µ to 48–64 µ after incorporation of silver nanoparticles. Degradation of the hydrogel was observed after 48 h when stored in PBS containing collagenase enzyme. In vitro cell culture experiments established absence of cytotoxicity in the hydrogel and nonadherence character to dermal fibroblasts. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44529.
A Selective Near‐Infrared Fluorescent Probe for In Vivo Imaging of Thiophenols from a Focused Library
Authors: Pan Yue , Ren Tian‐Bing , Cheng Dan , Zeng Ze‐Bing , Yuan Lin , Zhang Xiao‐Bing
Published: October 2016

Thiophenols are highly toxic industrial materials that, once released, will accumulate in the environment, and ultimately in human bodies, thereby causing serious health problems. To achieve their selective and sensitive detection, a novel near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe (CCP‐1) from a focused library was developed for thiophenol species. Our studies show that CCP‐1 displays a thiophenol‐triggered 28‐fold fluorescence intensity enhancement at 706 nm, with a detection limit of 34 nm observed. It is also able to differentiate thiophenols from various other thiol‐containing analytes including hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen persulfide, and aliphatic thiols. In total, the desirable properties (e.g., excitation/emission in the NIR region, good cell‐membrane permeability, intracellular stability, and low cytotoxicity) make CCP‐1 a potential candidate for thiophenol detection both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, CCP‐1, for the first time, successfully visualized thiophenols in mice models of thiophenol inhalation.
Knowledge, education and research: Making common cause across communities of practice
Authors: Moss Gemma
Published: October 2016

This article considers how knowledge, education and research interact as the institutional structures that support them change. Many efforts at large‐scale education reform depend upon the proposition that what counts as useful knowledge can be easily defined, without reference to the specific contexts in which that knowledge will be set to work. Yet ?useful knowledge’ as it appears to policymakers does not always translate into ?useful knowledge’ from the perspective of practitioners. Distance and context matter. Based on studies of the development of literacy policy in England under successive governments, the paper assesses the dislocations and divisions of labour that characterise the contemporary knowledge landscape and asks how the research community can continue to act for the common good in an increasingly crowded and contested education field.
Using Anilines as Masked Cross‐Coupling Partners: Design of a Telescoped Three‐Step Flow Diazotization, Iododediazotization, Cross‐Coupling Process
Authors: Teci Matthieu , Tilley Michael , McGuire Michael A. , Organ Michael G.
Published: October 2016

The conversion of commercially available anilines into biaryl and biarylacetylene products was realized by using a telescoped, three‐reactor flow diazotization/iododediazotization/cross‐coupling process. The segmented flow stream created by off‐gassing during the Sandmeyer sequence was restored to a continuous column of reaction solution by using a specially designed continuous‐flow unit controlled by custom software created in‐house. The resultant aryl iodide was then combined with a stream of cross‐coupling solution that fed into the final reactor. The system proved versatile as modifications to the diazotization/iododediazotization sequence could be made rapidly to account for any substrate specificity (e.g., solubility problems), leading to a wide substrate scope of Suzuki–Miyaura and Sonogashira cross‐coupled products.
A New Member of the Graphene Family: Graphene Acid
Authors: Jankovský Ondřej , Nováček Michal , Luxa Jan , Sedmidubský David , Fila Vlastimil , Pumera Martin , Sofer Zdeněk
Published: October 2016

A new member of the family of graphene derivatives, namely, graphene acid with a composition close to C1(COOH)1, was prepared by oxidation of graphene oxide. The synthetic procedure is based on repeated oxidation of graphite with potassium permanganate in an acidic environment. The oxidation process was studied in detail after each step. The multiple oxidations led to oxidative removal of other oxygen functional groups formed in the first oxidation step. Detailed chemical analysis showed only a minor amount of other oxygen‐containing functional groups such as hydroxyl and the dominant presence of carboxyl groups in a concentration of about 30 wt %. Further oxidation led to complete decomposition of graphene acid. The obtained material exhibits unique sorption capacity towards metal ions and carbon dioxide. The highly hydrophilic nature of graphene acid allowed the assembly of ultrathin free‐standing membranes with high transparency.
Heteroleptic Copper Photosensitizers: Why an Extended π‐System Does Not Automatically Lead to Enhanced Hydrogen Production
Authors: Heberle Martin , Tschierlei Stefanie , Rockstroh Nils , Ringenberg Mark , Frey Wolfgang , Junge Henrik , Beller Matthias , Lochbrunner Stefan , Karnahl Michael
Published: October 2016

A series of heteroleptic copper(I) photosensitizers of the type [(P^P)Cu(N^N)]+ with an extended π‐system in the backbone of the diimine ligand has been prepared. The structures of all complexes are completely characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X‐ray crystallography. These novel photosensitizers were assessed with respect to the photocatalytic reduction of protons in the presence of triethylamine and [Fe3(CO)12]. Although the solid‐state structures and computational results show no significant impact of the π‐extension on the structural properties, decreased activities were observed. To explain this drop, a combination of electrochemical and photophysical measurements including time‐resolved emission as well as transient absorption spectroscopy in the femto‐ to nanosecond time regime was used. Consequently, shortened excited state lifetimes caused by the rapid depopulation of the excited states located at the diimine ligand are identified as a major reason for the low photocatalytic performance.
Beryllium‐Based Anion Sponges: Close Relatives of Proton Sponges
Authors: Brea Oriana , Corral Inés , Mó Otilia , Yáñez Manuel , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: October 2016

Through the use of high‐level ab initio and density functional calculations it is shown that 1,8‐diBeX‐naphthalene (X=H, F, Cl, CN, CF3, C(CF3)3) derivatives behave as anion sponges, very much as 1,8‐bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene derivatives behave as proton sponges. The electron‐deficient nature of the BeX substituents, which favors strong charge transfer from the anion towards the former, results in anion affinities that are among the largest ones reported for single neutral molecules.
Anionic Oligothiophenes Compete for Binding of X‐34 but not PIB to Recombinant Aβ Amyloid Fibrils and Alzheimer's Disease Brain‐Derived Aβ
Authors: Bäck Marcus , Appelqvist Hanna , LeVine Harry , Nilsson K. Peter R.
Published: October 2016

Deposits comprised of amyloid‐β (Aβ) are one of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and small hydrophobic ligands targeting these aggregated species are used clinically for the diagnosis of AD. Herein, we observed that anionic oligothiophenes efficiently displaced X‐34, a Congo Red analogue, but not Pittsburgh compound B (PIB) from recombinant Aβ amyloid fibrils and Alzheimer's disease brain‐derived Aβ. Overall, we foresee that the oligothiophene scaffold offers the possibility to develop novel high‐affinity ligands for Aβ pathology only found in human AD brain, targeting a different site than PIB.
Steady‐state distribution of air‐core in a hydrocyclone
Authors: Xu Yanxia , Song Xingfu , Sun Ze , Tang Bo , Yu Jianguo
Published: October 2016

The structure and movements of the air‐core in a hydrocyclone play a key role in the performance and efficiency of separation. The technique of computational fluid dynamics has been used to evaluate the air‐core characteristics and their influence on the internal flow field for the case of a 140 mm hydrocyclone. Through computational analysis for developed flow in a hydrocyclone, the shape, diameter, and steady‐state distribution of the air‐core were analyzed and presented. The steady‐state distribution of the air‐core could be divided into three distinctive parts. Two parts of the air core, on the cylindrical and spigot sections are very stable, and their shape and diameters do not vary over time. For the third part, on the conical section, the dense transient‐state situation of the air‐core has no clear rule. This results in the dense transient internal flow field, meanwhile, the internal flow fields of the other two parts are stable. Based on the calculation, the analysis of steady state of the air‐core has been extended to operational conditions, including inlet velocities, viscosity, and atmospheric pressure. Those operation factors do not have any influence on the steady‐state situation of the air‐core in the developed flow of hydrocyclone. However, diameters of air core change with those factors. Any increase in the inlet velocity will increase the air‐core diameter.
An independent validation of a gene expression signature to differentiate malignant melanoma from benign melanocytic nevi
Authors: Clarke Loren E. , Flake Darl D. , Busam Klaus , Cockerell Clay , Helm Klaus , McNiff Jennifer , Reed Jon , Tschen Jaime , Kim Jinah , Barnhill Raymond , Elenitsas Rosalie , Prieto Victor G. , Nelson Jonathan , Kimbrell Hillary , Kolquist Kathryn A. , Brown Krystal L. , Warf M. Bryan , Roa Benjamin B. , Wenstrup Richard J.
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Recently, a 23‐gene signature was developed to produce a melanoma diagnostic score capable of differentiating malignant and benign melanocytic lesions. The primary objective of this study was to independently assess the ability of the gene signature to differentiate melanoma from benign nevi in clinically relevant lesions.

METHODS

A set of 1400 melanocytic lesions was selected from samples prospectively submitted for gene expression testing at a clinical laboratory. Each sample was tested and subjected to an independent histopathologic evaluation by 3 experienced dermatopathologists. A primary diagnosis (benign or malignant) was assigned to each sample, and diagnostic concordance among the 3 dermatopathologists was required for inclusion in analyses. The sensitivity and specificity of the score in differentiating benign and malignant melanocytic lesions were calculated to assess the association between the score and the pathologic diagnosis.

RESULTS

The gene expression signature differentiated benign nevi from malignant melanoma with a sensitivity of 91.5% and a specificity of 92.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

These results reflect the performance of the gene signature in a diverse array of samples encountered in routine clinical practice. Cancer 2017;123:617–628. © 2016 Myriad Genetics, Inc. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society.
Species mixture effects on flammability across plant phylogeny: the importance of litter particle size and the special role for non‐Pinus Pinaceae
Authors: Zhao Weiwei , Cornwell William K. , van Pomeren Marinda , van Logtestijn Richard S. P. , Cornelissen Johannes H. C.
Published: October 2016

Fire affects and is affected by plants. Vegetation varies in flammability, that is, its general ability to burn, at different levels of ecological organization. To scale from individual plant traits to community flammability states, understanding trait effects on species flammability variation and their interaction is important. Plant traits are the cumulative result of evolution and they show, to differing extents, phylogenetic conservatism. We asked whether phylogenetic distance between species predicts species mixture effects on litterbed flammability. We conducted controlled laboratory burns for 34 phylogenetically wide‐ranging species and 34 random two‐species mixtures from them. Generally, phylogenetic distance did not predict species mixture effects on flammability. Across the plant phylogeny, most species were flammable except those in the non‐Pinus Pinaceae, which shed small needles producing dense, poorly ventilated litterbeds above the packing threshold and therefore nonflammable. Consistently, either positive or negative dominance effects on flammability of certain flammable or those non‐flammable species were found in mixtures involving the non‐Pinus Pinaceae. We demonstrate litter particle size is key to explaining species nonadditivity in fuelbed flammability. The potential of certain species to influence fire disproportionately to their abundance might increase the positive feedback effects of plant flammability on community flammability state if flammable species are favored by fire.
Effects of gray wolf‐induced trophic cascades on ecosystem carbon cycling
Authors: Wilmers Christopher C. , Schmitz Oswald J.
Published: October 2016

It is predicted that predator‐induced trophic cascades could have important impacts on ecosystem carbon cycling. Yet the magnitude and direction of predator impacts on carbon cycling have not been widely quantified for terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we report on analyses of the potential for gray wolves to have cascading impacts on ecosystem carbon cycling. Our goal is to provide reasonable first approximations of their potential role in this fundamental ecosystem process. We find that gray wolves could lead to an increase in net ecosystem productivity (NEP) of 24.0–52.0 g C·m−2·yr−1 in Isle Royale's boreal forest, and a decrease in NEP of 30.03–102.88 g C·m−2·yr−1 in Yellowstone's grasslands. If such gray wolf impacts scale up to the broader North American boreal and grassland gray wolf range, these estimates suggest a potential for the indirect effects of wolves on yearly carbon fluxes to be on the same order of magnitude as the fossil fuel emissions of 6–20 million passenger cars per year. While considerable heterogeneity and uncertainty in gray wolf effects is likely to exist over both time and space, our results suggest that it may be worth examining in more detail the potential significance of the indirect effects of top predators on terrestrial ecosystem carbon using more systematic landscape‐scale sampling in locations with and without wolves.
Chronic heart failure as a state of reduced effectiveness of the natriuretic peptide system: implications for therapy
Authors: Díez Javier
Published: October 2016

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) promote diuresis, natriuresis and vasodilation in early chronic heart failure (CHF), countering renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) overstimulation. Despite dramatic increases in circulating NP concentrations as CHF progresses, their effects become blunted. Increases in diuresis, natriuresis, and vasodilation after administration of exogenous atrial (ANP) or brain (BNP) natriuretic peptides are attenuated in patients with advanced CHF compared with controls. Several major factors may account for the reduced effectiveness of the natriuretic peptide system (NPS) in CHF. First, there is reduced availability of active forms of NPs, namely BNP. Second, target organ responsiveness becomes diminished. Third, the counter‐regulatory hormones of the RAAS and SNS, and endothelin‐1 become over‐activated. Therefore, pharmacological approaches to enhance the functional effectiveness of the NPS in CHF have been explored in recent years. In terms of clinical outcomes, studies of synthetic BNP, or of neprilysin inhibitors alone or associated with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, have been controversial for several reasons. Recently, however, encouraging results have been obtained with the angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril/valsartan. The available data show that treatment with sacubitril/valsartan is associated with increased levels of NPs and their intracellular mediator cyclic guanosine monophosphate, suggesting improved functional effectiveness of the NPS, in addition to beneficial effects on mortality and morbidity outcomes. Therefore, combined targeting of the NPS and RAAS with sacubitril/valsartan emerges as the current optimal approach for redressing the neurohormonal imbalance in CHF.
Validating the 4A's test in screening for delirium in a culturally diverse geriatric inpatient population
Authors: De Jayita , Wand Anne P.F. , Smerdely Peter I. , Hunt Glenn E.
Published: October 2016

Objective

To measure the diagnostic accuracy of the 4A's test in screening for delirium in geriatric inpatients from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted with patients admitted to the geriatric and orthogeriatric services of a tertiary teaching hospital. Consenting participants aged 65 years and over were screened for delirium with the 4AT by nursing staff within 72 h of admission. The diagnosis of delirium was made separately by expert assessors, responsible for the participant's clinical care, blinded to the 4AT score, within 30 min of the 4AT assessment using the DSM 5 criteria and the Confusion Assessment Method. Interpreters were used for non‐English speaking patients. The Informant Questionnaire for Cognitive Decline in the Elderly was completed by a carer/relative to assess for probable dementia.

Results

A total of 257 participants (mean age 85) were recruited over five months. Delirium was diagnosed in 159 (62%) by the expert assessors and 158 (62%) by the 4AT assessment. A total of 205 participants (80% of total population) had probable dementia. The sensitivity and specificity of the 4AT were 87% and 80%, respectively, in detecting delirium overall, 86% and 71% in people with probable dementia and 91% and 71% for non‐English speaking participants. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for delirium in the whole population was 0.92, 0.89 in the probable dementia subgroup and 0.90 in non‐English speaking participants.

Conclusions

The 4AT is a sensitive and specific screening tool for delirium in geriatric inpatients, including those with probable dementia or who are non‐English speaking. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The emergence of intracellular metabolite signaling networks
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhao Jianyuan , Zhao Shimin
Published: October 2016

The signals of intracellular metabolites are integrated into cellular signaling networks by forming metabolite‐derived posttranslational modifications or by non‐covalently binding to proteins. These signals serve to coordinate cell metabolism and to regulate various aspects of cell physiology. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(11):871–872, 2016
Real‐Time Fine Morphology of Motile Human Sperm Cells is Associated With IVF‐ICSI Outcome
Authors: BARTOOV BENJAMIN , BERKOVITZ ARIE , ELTES FINA , KOGOSOWSKI AVRAHAM , MENEZO YVES , BARAK YONA
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT: The aim of the present prospective study was to determine whether subtle sperm morphological characteristics affect the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and if so, to identify those that are relevant. For this purpose, we developed a new method, the motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME). The examination is performed in real time using an inverted light microscope equipped with high‐power Nomarski optics enhanced by digital imaging to achieve a magnification up to 6300x. MSOME was applied to the leftover sperm fraction selected for microinjection in 100 random couples referred for ICSI treatment at 3 major in vitro fertilization centers. We found that the morphological normalcy of the entire sperm cell, according to MSOME criteria, was positively associated with ICSI fertilization rate (area under the receiver operating characteristics [ROC] curve, 88%) but not with pregnancy outcome. The morphological normalcy of the sperm nucleus, defined by MSOME, was significantly and positively associated with both fertilization rate and pregnancy outcome (areas under the ROC curve, 72% and 74%, respectively). These findings indicate that ICSI‐associated pregnancy rate may be affected by subtle morphological malformations of the sperm nucleus, which may remain undetected by the embryologist during the routine selection procedure.
Using awareness training to decrease nervous habits during public speaking
Authors: Spieler Claire , Miltenberger Raymond
Published: October 2016

This study evaluated the effectiveness of awareness training for the reduction of three nervous habits that manifest during public speaking: filled pauses, tongue clicks, and inappropriate use of the word “like.” Four university students delivered short speeches during baseline and assessment sessions. Awareness training resulted in meaningful reductions in target behaviors for all participants. Booster awareness training sessions were necessary for all participants to achieve further reductions in target behaviors. Generality probes conducted in front of a small audience indicated that treatment effects generally maintained. Social validity scores indicated that the treatment was acceptable, and participants indicated not only decreased use of verbal fillers, but also improved overall public speaking ability posttreatment.
Comparison of arousal and preference assessment outcomes for sex offenders with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Reyes Jorge R. , Vollmer Timothy R. , Hall Astrid
Published: October 2016

We compared outcomes of arousal and preference assessments for five adult male alleged sexual offenders with intellectual disabilities. Arousal assessments involved the use of the penile plethysmograph to measure changes in penile circumference to both deviant (males and females under the age of 18) and nondeviant (males and females over the age of 18) video clips. Paired‐stimulus preference assessments were arranged to present still images from the video clips used in the arousal assessments. Results showed correspondence between the assessments for four out of the five participants. Implications are discussed for the use of preference assessment methodology as a less intrusive assessment approach for sexual offender assessments.
Sperm Cryopreservation for Men With Nonmalignant, Systemic Diseases: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Ranganathan Pavithra , Mahran Ayman M. , Hallak Jorge , Agarwal Ashok
Published: October 2016

Cytotoxic drugs and immunosuppressive therapies are used to treat patients with nonmalignant, nontesticular systemic diseases. These therapies can permanently suppress spermatogenesis. Sperm cryopreservation before treatment theoretically could give these men the opportunity to achieve a pregnancy with a woman later in life when the couple decides to do so. However, it is not known whether pretreatment sperm quality in these men is good enough to be used for assisted reproductive techniques. The main objective of this study was to determine the usefulness of cryopreservation in this patient population by: 1) assessing their pretreatment semen quality (eg, count, motility, and motion kinetics) and comparing it with that of healthy donors before and after cryopreservation; 2) comparing patients' pretreatment semen characteristics with World Health Organization reference values for normal sperm; and 3) examining the differences in semen parameters among patient groups. Semen specimens were obtained from 25 healthy donors and from 23 patients with a variety of disorders (12 had autoimmune disorders, 4 had kidney disorders, 3 had diabetes, 2 had ulcerative colitis, and 2 had heart transplants). All patients, except those with diabetes, required immunosuppressive or cytotoxic therapy. Although the pretreatment quality of the semen of these patients was not as good as that of donors, semen samples were within the normal reference range of the World Health Organization. No statistically significant differences in sperm parameters were found within the 4 patient groups except for those with diabetes (n = 3), who showed poorer sperm counts (P < .04). However, no conclusive evidence can be reached due to the small sample size. Our results indicate that pretreatment semen quality in these patients is adequate for reproductive techniques. We believe that cryopreservation should be offered to patients of reproductive age with disease or treatment regimens that may cause infertility.
Testosterone Release From a Subcutaneous, Biodegradable Microcapsule Formulation (Viatrel) in Hypogonadal Men
Authors: Amory John K. , Anawalt Brad D. , Blaskovich Phillip D. , Gilchriest Janet , Nuwayser E. S. , Matsumoto Alvin M.
Published: October 2016

Men with hypogonadism require testosterone replacement for optimal health. In the United States, testosterone is currently administered by daily transdermal patches, topical gels or intramuscular injections every 1‐3 weeks. Biodegradable polylactideco‐glycolide microcapsules are currently used for long‐term drug delivery in humans. Such microcapsules that contain testosterone could provide a better means of long‐term testosterone therapy. We therefore studied the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of testosterone release from testosterone microcapsules in men with hypogonadism. Fourteen men who had been treated previously with testosterone were enrolled in an open‐label, prospective study of testosterone microcapsule administration. Subjects were enrolled if 2 consecutive serum total testosterone levels were lower than 8.7 nmol/L after a 4‐week washout from testosterone therapy. Subjects were injected with a single dose of either 267 mg (n = 7) or 534 mg (n = 7) of (Viatrel) testosterone microcapsule, and serum total testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estradiol, sex‐hormone binding globulin, luteinizing hormone, and follicle‐stimulating hormone levels were determined at days —14, —7, and 0 before the injection; at days 1, 2, and 7 after the injection; and then weekly thereafter for 8‐12 weeks. Mean serum total testosterone levels peaked immediately following injection on day 1 at 25.2 ± 2.6 nmol/L in the 267 mg group and 34.7 ± 2.4 nmol/L in the 534 mg group. Total serum testosterone levels declined gradually and fell below 8.7 nmol/L at 42 days after injection in the 267 mg group, and 70 days after injection in the 534 mg group. Estradiol and dihydrotestosterone levels followed a similar pattern. Mean serum free testosterone also peaked immediately following injection on day 1 at 0.51 ± 0.05 nmol/L in the 267 mg group and 0.97 ± 0.08 nmol/L in the 534 mg group. No significant adverse reactions were seen, although 2 subjects complained of transient tenderness and fullness at their injection sites. We conclude that a single injection of 534 mg of testosterone microcapsules to men with hypogonadism normalizes serum hormone levels for up to 10‐11 weeks, albeit with a pronounced early peak and a relatively long period of low‐normal serum total testosterone. Subcutaneously administered testosterone microcapsules may provide a safe and convenient method for the long‐term treatment of male hypogonadism or testosterone replacement in male contraceptive regimens.
Nutrient Stress During Ontogeny Alters Patterns of Resource Allocation in two Species of Horned Beetles
Authors: Schwab Daniel B. , Moczek Armin P.
Published: October 2016

The elaboration of exaggerated, sexually selected weapons and ornaments often comes at a cost to other traits. For instance, by sustaining the growth of an exaggerated weapon during development, shared and limited resources such as morphogens, growth factors, and nutrients may become depleted and limit the size to which other structures can grow. Such interactions are characteristic of resource allocation trade‐offs, which can constrain the production of phenotypic variation and bias evolutionary trajectories. Across many species of Onthophagus beetles, males produce extravagant horns that are used as weapons in male–male competition over mates. Previous studies have reported resource allocation trade‐offs between horns and both proximally and distally developing structures. However, more recent studies have largely failed to recover these patterns, leading to the hypothesis that trade‐offs may manifest only in certain species, populations, or environmental conditions. Here, we investigate (i) patterns of resource allocation into horns, eyes, and genitalia in Onthophagus gazella and O. taurus, and assess (ii) how these patterns of resource allocation are influenced by nutrient stress during larval development. We find that nutrient stress alters patterns of resource allocation within and among traits, but recover a trade‐off only in the species that invests most heavily into horn production (O. taurus), and in individuals of that species that invested a disproportionately large or small amount of resources into horn growth. These results suggest that resource allocation trade‐offs may not be as prevalent as previously described, and that their presence and magnitude may instead be highly context dependent.
Raman imaging processed cheese and its components
Authors: Smith Geoffrey P.S. , Holroyd Stephen E. , Reid David C. W. , Gordon Keith C.
Published: October 2016

Controlling the quality of cheese involves monitoring its taste, texture, stability and appearance. One method of doing so involves the analysis of cheese microstructure. This research investigated the use of confocal Raman microscopy for observing the microstructure of processed cheese including the distribution of additives therein. Reference Raman spectra were obtained for several additives commonly present in processed cheese including: trisodium citrate (TSC), sorbic acid, paprika and corn starch. Low and high spatial resolution Raman images were obtained from commercial and custom formulated processed cheeses. These were created using band integrals and principal component analysis scores values. Results of this investigation show that fat, protein, water, TSC, paprika and starch distributions can be imaged effectively using the many Raman imaging methods, including high spatial resolution Raman microscopy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of autochthonous sweet cherry cultivars (Prunus avium L.) of southern Italy for fruit quality, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity
Authors: Di Matteo Antonio , Russo Rosa , Graziani Giulia , Ritieni Alberto , Di Vaio Claudio
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Characterizing germplasm collections of autochthonous cultivars for fruit quality traits could be a successful approach for selection, improvement of organoleptic quality and levels of antioxidants of crop produce, and development of new market opportunities and coherent strategies for conservation and valorization. The aim of the study was the evaluation of fruit physicochemical traits as well as the content of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacity in 25 sweet cherry autochthonous cultivars.

RESULTS

Cultivars were a source of statistically significant variation for all evaluated traits. Notably, average fruit ascorbate levels ranged from 34.45 to 244.68 µg g−1 fresh weight (FW) , total flavonoids from 1396.40 to 4694.75 µg quercetin equiv. g−1 FW, monomeric anthocyanins from 4.80 to 360.90 µg g−1 FW, and total antioxidant capacity from 1.53 to 2.58 nmol Trolox equiv. mg−1 FW. Fruit profiling of eight cultivars by high‐resolution mass spectrometry identified a total of eight different anthocyanins and twenty‐five non‐anthocyanin polyphenolic compounds – mostly coumaroylquinic acid and neochlorogenic acid.

CONCLUSION

Among the better‐performing cultivars for fruit quality traits, Mulegnana Nera and Pagliarella shared high fruit levels of phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity. This is a forerunner work on the characterization of genetic resources, which is critical to researchers and breeders for exploitation of the genetic potential of cultivars and for their conservation. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Farmers' Perception about Soil Erosion in Ethiopia
Authors: Nigussie Zerihun , Tsunekawa Atsushi , Haregeweyn Nigussie , Adgo Enyew , Nohmi Makoto , Tsubo Mitsuru , Aklog Dagnachew , Meshesha Derege Tsegaye , Abele Steffen
Published: October 2016

Soil erosion is a significant problem in the Ethiopian highlands. The objective of this study was to investigate how farmers perceive the severity of soil erosion in the Upper Blue Nile Basin. The study is based on a detailed survey of 300 households and 1,010 plots owned by these households in three watersheds. Descriptive statistics and a partial proportional odds model were applied to analyze factors that affected farmers' perceived soil erosion severity at the plot‐level. Results showed that variables such as plot distance from the residence, plot shape and position on hill slopes affected farmers' perceptions of soil erosion severity, as well as the amount of rainfall during the growing season. Farmer interaction with extension service agents also affected farmers' perception of soil erosion severity. Despite their expected importance, education and number of livestock owned had no effect on the farmers' perception of soil erosion. The results indicate that farmers' perceptions generally match empirical and theoretical findings on soil erosion determinants; thus, farmers should be considered as important partners not only to counter soil erosion, but also to obtain local expertise on soil erosion severity and restoration of degraded land. © 2016 The Authors. Land Degradation and Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
pH as a key factor defining the niche space of the alpine crustacean species Daphnia tanakai
Authors: Iwabuchi Tsubasa , Togashi Hiroyuki , Okubo Saki , Tsuchiyama Yuka , Yamaguchi Hiroko , Hidema Jun , Urabe Jotaro
Published: October 2016

Understanding the mechanisms of adaptation of alpine aquatic organisms to the alpine environment, one of the ecosystems most vulnerable to climate change, would help us predict how those organisms would respond to the upcoming climate change. Here, we examined how one of Japan's endemic crustaceans, Daphnia tanakai, which has been found only in alpine lakes and pools in high mountain moors, is adapted to the alpine environment and what restricts its distribution only to the alpine environment. Lab experiments on UVB tolerance and growth rate under different pH and temperature based on the field survey for pools in mountain moors revealed that D. tanakai was differentiated from two low‐altitude species (Daphnia dentifera and Daphnia pulicaria) by its tolerance to low pH such as 4.5, which is equal to the mean pH of pools in the high mountain moors occupied by D. tanakai. The growth rate at pH 4.5 was, however, significantly lower than that at higher pH, suggesting that low pH was not necessarily an optimal condition, and that other factors restrict the distribution to alpine lakes. Vulnerability to invertebrate predators such as Chaoborus was suggested as such a factor by additional experiments on swimming activity and predation and the fact that D. tanakai has only been found in pools without Chaoborus. Because it is known that the pH of alpine lakes is tightly linked with temperature, global warming may diminish the advantage of D. tanakai and allow invasion of alpine lakes by unwelcome predators and competitors from lower altitudes.
Cross border semantic interoperability for learning health systems: The EHR4CR semantic resources and services
Authors: Daniel Christel , Ouagne David , Sadou Eric , Paris Nicolas , Hussain Sajjad , Jaulent Marie‐Christine , Kalra Dipak
Published: October 2016

With the development of platforms enabling the integration and use of phenome, genome, and exposome data in the context of international research, data management challenges are increasing, and scalable solutions for cross border and cross domain semantic interoperability need to be developed. Reusing routinely collected clinical data, especially, requires computable portable phenotype algorithms running across different electronic health record (EHR) products and healthcare systems. We propose a framework for describing and comparing mediation platforms enabling cross border phenotype identification within federated EHRs. This framework was used to describe the experience gained during the EHR4CR project and the evaluation of the platform developed for accessing semantically equivalent data elements across 11 European participating EHR systems from 5 countries. Developers of semantic interoperability platforms are beginning to address a core set of requirements in order to reach the goal of developing cross border semantic integration of data.
A Modified Polysaccharide‐Based Hydrogel for Enhanced Osteogenic Maturation and Mineralization Independent of Differentiation Factors
Authors: Sanyasi Sridhar , Kumar Satish , Ghosh Arijit , Majhi Rakesh Kumar , Kaur Navneet , Choudhury Priyanka , Singh Udai P. , Goswami Chandan , Goswami Luna
Published: October 2016

Bone related problems are increasing as a consequence of increased life expectancy, disorders in life style, and other medical conditions enforcing the need for functional bones prepared in vitro at affordable cost. Lack of suitable surface which promotes growth of both osteogenic and nonosteogenic cells is a major limitation. Here a novel biomaterial is reported that is synthesized from natural polysaccharide, namely, tamarind kernel polysaccharide (TKP), which is grafted with hydrophilic acrylic acid (AA) by radical polymerization. Modification in surface functionality removes unwanted proteins and alters hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance. TKP‐AA is suitable for the growth of different nonosteogenic and osteogenic cells. This material is suitable for osteoblasts and promotes in vitro mineralization and differentiation without the addition of exogenous growth factors. TKP‐AA can be used for the growth of mesenchymal stem cell‐derived osteoblasts. It is suggested that TKP‐AA can potentially be used as a scaffold for diverse cell types and particularly for bone tissue engineering at low cost.

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Influence of Sonication on Morphological Properties of Poly(Vinyl Acetate) Particles Produced Through Suspension Polymerization
Authors: Azevedo Gustavo D. , Melo Príamo A. , Pinto José Carlos
Published: October 2016

The use of polymers for various medical purposes has increased significantly over the past few years, including vascular embolization procedures. The main challenge in this particular case is the development of embolic agents with suitable properties in order to render the application safer and reproducible. In this context, particle density plays a fundamental role in vascular embolization performance, since off‐spec values can lead to undesired sedimentation of particles during the medical procedure. The influence of sonication power on the morphology of polymer particles produced through suspension polymerizations was investigated in the present work, as well as the effects of adding polymer material into the initial monomer dispersion on the final morphological properties of the product. It is shown in particular that the investigated morphological properties (density, shape, porosity) depend on the operation conditions on manners that have not been discussed in the literature.