bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies to Increase Technology Acceptance
Authors: Ackerman Gary Lee
Published: November 2016

Despite efforts by school leaders, teachers, technologists, and researchers; much teaching is unchanged since the arrival of information and computer technology (ICT). The same devices that are deeply embedded in everyday life are still marginalized in many classrooms. Technology acceptance is a framework that has contributed to the development of ICT and ICT-based practices in many fields other than education. Three strategies for supporting ICT in schools that focus on increasing technology acceptance are described from the participants' perspective. The experiences are discussed from several perspectives to both understand technology acceptance as a framework for planning in education and to identify some unanswered questions about technology acceptance that are relevant to education populations.
Climate Change and Agriculture
Authors: Ventrapragada Eshwar Anand , Rayavarapu Neela
Published: November 2016

This chapter is an attempt to study the impact of climate change on water and agricultural production in India and abroad. While analyzing best practices in climate change adaptation and water management, the chapter examines regional issues and challenges. Policy interventions, success stories and new initiatives to tackle drought, boost rained agriculture as well as increase the irrigation potential have been studied together with the need for necessary course corrections. Leveraging technology for crop forecasting, inter-State river water disputes and measures needed to resolve them in the light of international experience are other areas of focus. In fine, the chapter calls for a comprehensive water policy that will not only recognize water as a national resource but also help bridge all differences for making world a worthy place to live in. The research methodology adopted in this chapter is primarily historical-analytical. Research papers, journal articles, official reports and newspaper clippings have all been consulted for analysis and interpretation.
Donor pericardium graft repair of traumatic globe rupture at previous trabeculectomy site
Authors: Clarke Jonathan , Shah Brinda P.
Published: November 2016

A 65-year-old man with a history of bilateral trabeculectomy augmented with mitomycin C underwent surgery for a scleral rupture following trauma. The site of the rupture was a posterior extension of the scleral flap. Attempted closure of a ragged scleral wound was not possible without excessive distortion and induced astigmatism. Persistent hypotony due to over drainage was treated by patching the site with a donor pericardium graft, secured with 10-0 nylon sutures. Although the trabeculectomy became nonfunctional and further glaucoma surgery was eventually required, a good visual outcome was achieved due to early repair following trauma.
Welfare assessment of horses: the AWIN approach
Authors: Dalla Costa E , Dai F , Lebelt D , Scholz P , Barbieri S , Canali E , Zanella AJ , Minero M
Published: November 2016

The EU-funded Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) research project (2011-2015) aimed to improve animal welfare through the development of practical on-farm animal welfare assessment protocols. The present study describes the application of the AWIN approach to the development of a welfare assessment protocol for horses (Equus caballus). Its development required the following steps: (i) selection of potential welfare indicators; (ii) bridging gaps in knowledge; (iii) consulting stakeholders; and (iv) testing a prototype protocol on-farm. Compared to existing welfare assessment protocols for other species, the AWIN welfare assessment protocol for horses introduces a number of innovative aspects, such as implementation of a two-level strategy focused on improving on-farm feasibility and the use of electronic tools to achieve standardised data collection and so promote rapid outcomes. Further refinement to the AWIN welfare assessment protocol for horses is needed in order to firstly gather data from a larger reference population and, secondly, enhance the welfare assessment protocol with reference to different horse housing and husbandry conditions.
Electrical stunning of edible crabs (Cancer pagurus): from single experiments to commercial practice
Authors: Roth B , GrimsbØ E
Published: November 2016

To determine the optimal electrical stunning conditions for edible crabs (Cancer pagurus) their impedance was investigated along with currents with the potential to render the animal insensible within 1 s. This information was used to develop a commercial stunner and determine conditions that both stun and kill the animals instantaneously. Results show that the crabs’ impedance is dependent on the current frequency with the optimum outcome seen at net frequencies of 50–60 Hz. The proportion of animals stunned was dependent on the potential difference with 220 V required to stun an animal unconscious within 1 s. Any attempts to kill the crab with asphyxia after a 10-s exposure to electricity failed as 30% of crabs recovered within an hour. A thermal shock, pre- or post-stunning prevented this recovery. Autotomy was not avoided and approximately 4–7% of crabs lost one or more appendage. Electricity caused localised over-heating, but a current of 10-s duration did not cause heating of the carapace. We conclude that electrical stunning used in combination with a thermal shock may stun and kill the animal instantaneously.
Among bodies: reflections on ethnographic work and the repercussions of exhumations and identifications of the disappeared of the last military dictatorship in Argentina
Authors: Panizo Laura
Published: November 2016

This article will investigate the process of confronting death in cases of the
disappeared of the last military dictatorship in Argentina. Based on the exhumation and
identification of the body of a disappeared person, the article will reflect on how the
persons social situation can be reconfigured, causing structural changes within the family
and other groups. This will be followed by a discussion of the reflections generated by
the anthropologist during his or her interview process, as well as an investigation into
the authors own experiences in the field. This intimate relationship between the
anthropologist and death, through the inevitable contact that takes place among the
bodies, causes resonances in the context both of exhumations and of identifications in the
anthropologists wider fieldwork.
Journals without Publishers: the landscape of scholar-published journals
Authors: ElSabry ElHassan
Published: November 2016

The global move towards an “Open Access” model for journal publishing brings a new set of challenges to all those involved in scholarly communication. Of concern here is the case of journals published by one or a group of scholars, independent of any legal person (i.e. publishing house, university department, association, etc.). The question of how those journals establish and manage their venture (e.g. handling cash-flows) in absence of a legal entity is indeed an interesting one. Whether it is for ISSN registration, establishing a bank account or applying for membership to a publisher association, a legal “parent” would indeed make things easier. This project aims to explore the different strategies used by scholars to overcome this obstacle (e.g. incorporating the journal itself). It is based on a set of over 320 journals indexed by the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), where the publisher is listed as an individual person or as the journal itself. At the moment, the landscape of these journals is described, identifying their disciplines, countries, publishing platforms/software and the extent of cash flows they handle. Future steps include preparing an online survey to editors of those journals to obtain a deeper insight on their experiences as “independent” entities.
Parallel generation of multiple first-order vector beams with a polarization grating and a q-plate device
Authors: Badham Katherine , Moreno Ignacio , Sánchez-López María M. , Davis Jeffrey A. , Hashimoto Nobuyuki , Kurihara Makoto , Albero Jorge , Cottrell Don M.
Published: November 2016

Vector beams, usually generated using q-plates, are of interest because their polarization state varies spatially. In general, the q-plate performance is examined by illuminating the device and detecting the output beam with polarization states on the 6 cardinal points on the zero-order Poincaré sphere, requiring a total of 36 separate measurements. In this work we present a powerful technique to generate arbitrary vector beams in parallel, thus reducing the number of measurements required. We begin with a programmable polarization diffraction grating capable to generate an arbitrary number of diffraction orders with defined polarization states selected at will. Then we combine this grating with a segmented q-plate device with q = 1/2 value. Using this combination, the parallel generation of six arbitrary first-order vector beams is achieved in a single shot. Therefore, the analysis of these beams can be greatly reduced.
Selective Mineralization of Tough Hydrogel Lumens for Simulating Arterial Plaque
Authors: Lao Lihong , Robinson Sanlin S. , Peele Bryan , Zhao Huichan , Mac Murray Benjamin C. , Min James K. , Mosadegh Bobak , Dunham Simon , Shepherd Robert F.
Published: November 2016

This paper demonstrates progress of fabricating artificial arteries (phantoms) that mimic plaque buildup. Hydrogel lumens are molded using tough polyacrylamide with regions selectively mineralized with calcium phosphate. By tuning the degree of mineralization such as calcium concentration ([Ca2+], 0.4–2 M), and crystallization time (tc, 1–4 weeks), the authors control the extent of lumen occlusion. These occluded lumens significantly reduce pressure (ΔP ≈ 7.79 kPa) during fluid flow compared to the non‐calcified lumens (ΔP ≈ 1.24 kPa). Additionally, image, chemical analysis, and compressive mechanical tests are performed to determine the effect of synthesis conditions on the composite's mechanical properties. For comparison to real arteries, the authors also present dynamic mechanical analysis of human aortic tissue.
Fabrication of cellulose nanofiber‐based ultrafiltration membranes by spray coating approach
Authors: Wang Zhe , Ma Hongyang , Chu Benjamin , Hsiao Benjamin S.
Published: November 2016

Ultrafiltration membranes containing a cellulose nanofiber barrier layer were fabricated by the spray coating method, where the thickness and uniformity of the barrier layer were systematically investigated as a function of air pressure, flow rate and concentration of the cellulose nanofiber suspension. In specific, the surface morphology of the barrier layer was studied by scanning electron microscopy and its uniformity was examined by the fluorescence dye imaging method. The ultrafiltration performance of the membranes fabricated by the spray coating method was also compared with that of the membranes made by the knife coating approach using dextran molecules as probe, where the former consistently exhibited significantly higher permeation flux while remaining the same rejection ratio. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44583.
Antimony/Porous Biomass Carbon Nanocomposites as High‐Capacity Anode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Li Pengxin , Zang Rui , Wang Shijian , Zhu Ye , Li Cong , Wang Guoxiu
Published: November 2016

Antimony/porous biomass carbon nanocomposites have been prepared by a chemical reduction method and applied as anodes for sodium‐ion batteries. The porous biomass carbon derived from a black fungus had a large Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 2233 m2 g−1 in which antimony nanoparticles were uniformly distributed in the porous carbon. The as‐prepared antimony/porous biomass carbon nanocomposites exhibited a high reversible sodium storage capacity of 567 mA h g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1, extended cycling stability, and good rate capability.
LncRNA PVT1 regulates prostate cancer cell growth by inducing the methylation of miR‐146a
Authors: Liu Hong‐tao , Fang Lei , Cheng Yu‐xia , Sun Qing
Published: October 2016

Prostate cancer is the third most common causes of death from cancer in men. Our previous study demonstrated that lncRNA PVT1 was overexpressed and played an oncogenic role in the progression of prostate cancer. However, the molecular mechanism of modulating the prostate cancer tumorigenesis was still unknown. In this study, we aim to investigate the interaction between PVT1 and miR‐146a in prostate cancer and reveal the potential mechanism in prostate cancer carcinogenesis. The expression level of miR‐146a was assessed by quantitative RT‐PCR. The correlation analysis and methylation status analysis was made to confirm the interaction between PVT1 and miR‐146a. Biological function analysis was performed through gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function strategies. Our results showed that miR‐146a was downregulated and negatively correlated with PVT1 level in prostate cancer. PVT1 mediated miR‐146a expression by inducing the methylation of CpG Island in its promoter. miR‐146a overexpression eliminated the effects of PVT1 knockdown on prostate cancer cells. PVT1 regulated prostate cancer cell viability and apoptosis depending on miR‐146a. Our study suggested a regulatory relationship between lncRNA PVT1 and miR‐146a during the process of the prostate cancer tumorigenesis. PVT1 regulated prostate cancer cell viability and apoptosis depending on miR‐146a. It would contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of prostate cancer.
Preparation, Structure, and Reactivity of Pseudocyclic Benziodoxole Tosylates: New Hypervalent Iodine Oxidants and Electrophiles
Authors: Yoshimura Akira , Klasen Scott C. , Shea Michael T. , Nguyen Khiem C. , Rohde Gregory T. , Saito Akio , Postnikov Pavel S. , Yusubov Mekhman S. , Nemykin Victor N. , Zhdankin Viktor V.
Published: October 2016

New pseudocyclic benziodoxole tosylates were prepared by the treatment of 1‐hydroxybenziodoxolones with p‐toluenesulfonic acid or via ligand transfer reaction between PhI(OH)OTs (Koser's reagent) and substituted 2‐iodobenzoic acids under mild condition. Single crystal X‐ray crystallography of these compounds revealed a pseudocyclic structure with a short intramolecular interaction of 2.362 Å between oxygen and iodine in the iodoxole ring. Pseudocyclic benziodoxole tosylates readily react with various organic substrates as electrophiles or oxidants to afford the corresponding iodonium salts or the products of oxidation. Furthermore, these compounds can be used as efficient recyclable hypervalent iodine reagents. The reduced form of a pseudocyclic benziodoxole tosylate, 2‐iodobenzoic acid, can be efficiently recovered from the reaction mixture by a simple acid–base liquid–liquid biphasic procedure.
Facile Synthesis of 64Cu‐Doped Au Nanocages for Positron Emission Tomography Imaging
Authors: Yang Miaoxin , Huo Da , Gilroy Kyle D. , Sun Xiaojun , Sultan Deborah , Luehmann Hannah , Detering Lisa , Li Shunqiang , Qin Dong , Liu Yongjian , Xia Younan
Published: October 2016

This article reports a simple and reliable approach to the synthesis of Cu‐doped Au nanocages through the co‐deposition of Au and Cu on the surfaces (both outer and inner) of pre‐synthesized Au nanocages by reducing HAuCl4 and CuCl2 with ascorbic acid under alkaline conditions. By controlling the total amount of Au and Cu deposited and/or the molar ratio between these two metals, we were able to adjust the Cu content in the resultant Au nanocages. The localized surface plasmon resonance properties of the Cu‐doped Au nanocages resemble those of the conventional Au nanocages, with strong and tunable absorption in the near‐infrared region. When radioactive 64CuCl2 was used in combination with nonradioactive CuCl2 as a source to elemental Cu, we obtained 64Cu‐doped Au nanocages. The radioactive nanocages could serve as tracers for position emission tomography (PET) imaging, and they were found to accumulate effectively in both 4T1 and patient derived xenograft (PDX) tumor models due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect. Autoradiography analysis indicated a homogeneous intra‐tumoral distribution for these nanocages. Taken together, the 64Cu‐doped Au nanocages are promising for image‐guided cancer theranostics.
A variable‐sized stripe level data layout strategy for HDD/SSD hybrid parallel file systems
Authors: Liu Yan , Huang Xin , Huang Yizi , Geng Shaofeng , Peng Xin , Li Renfa
Published: November 2016

Parallel file systems commonly distribute a file across multiple file servers with a fixed‐size stripe, thereby allowing data access through multiple file servers. This default data layout works well in traditional homogeneous storage systems, but when solid state disks (SSDs) are conducted into a storage system, the data layout of hybrid parallel file systems has a chance to obtain better I/O performance. In this study, we propose a variable‐sized stripe level data layout strategy for hybrid parallel file systems (SLDP). SLDP divides the file into several regions according to the data access pattern and then finds the optimal configurations for each region among the solid state disk file server nodes and mechanical hard disk drive file server nodes. It uses variable stripe sizes to reorganize the data layout of file systems. Furthermore, it considers SSD space limitation, the main idea is to distribute key regions of the file to hybrid parallel file systems based on the optimal stripe configuration, which can significantly improve the system I/O throughput performance. The remaining parts of a file are then distributed according to the SSD free space threshold, which can leverage the SSD servers as much as possible. To achieve this, SLDP divides a large file into many fine‐grained regions and adjusts the data layout method for each region according to the access patter. Experimental results show that the SLDP is feasible and can improve system performance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contrasted levels of genetic diversity in a benthic Mediterranean octocoral: Consequences of different demographic histories?
Authors: Masmoudi Moutassem Billah , Chaoui Lamya , Topçu Nur Eda , Hammami Pachka , Kara Mohamed Hichem , Aurelle Didier
Published: October 2016

Understanding the factors explaining the observed patterns of genetic diversity is an important question in evolutionary biology. We provide the first data on the genetic structure of a Mediterranean octocoral, the yellow gorgonian Eunicella cavolini, along with insights into the demographic history of this species. We sampled populations in four areas of the Mediterranean Sea: continental France, Algeria, Turkey, and the Balearic and Corsica islands. Along French coasts, three sites were sampled at two depths (20 and 40 m). We demonstrated a high genetic structure in this species (overall FST = 0.13), and most pairwise differentiation tests were significant. We did not detect any difference between depths at the same site. Clustering analyses revealed four differentiated groups corresponding to the main geographical areas. The levels of allelic richness and heterozygosity were significantly different between regions, with highest diversity in Algeria and lowest levels in Turkey. The highest levels of private allelic richness were observed in Algeria followed by Turkey. Such contrasted patterns of genetic diversity were not observed in other Mediterranean octocorals and could be the result of different evolutionary histories. We also provide new empirical evidence of contrasting results between tests and model‐based studies of demographic history. Our results have important consequences for the management of this species.
Effects of larval crowding on quantitative variation for development time and viability in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Horváth Barbara , Kalinka Alex T.
Published: October 2016

Competition between individuals belonging to the same species is a universal feature of natural populations and is the process underpinning organismal adaptation. Despite its importance, still comparatively little is known about the genetic variation responsible for competitive traits. Here, we measured the phenotypic variation and quantitative genetics parameters for two fitness‐related traits—egg‐to‐adult viability and development time—across a panel of Drosophila strains under varying larval densities. Both traits exhibited substantial genetic variation at all larval densities, as well as significant genotype‐by‐environment interactions (GEIs). GEI was attributable to changes in the rank order of reaction norms for both traits, and additionally to differences in the between‐line variance for development time. The coefficient of genetic variation increased under stress conditions for development time, while it was higher at both high and low densities for viability. While development time also correlated negatively with fitness at high larval densities—meaning that fast developers have high fitness—there was no correlation with fitness at low density. This result suggests that GEI may be a common feature of fitness‐related genetic variation and, further, that trait values under noncompetitive conditions could be poor indicators of individual fitness. The latter point could have significant implications for animal and plant breeding programs, as well as for conservation genetics.
A new procedure for fast soft staining of BN‐PAGEs on photosynthetic complexes
Authors: Farci Domenica , Kirkpatrick Joanna , Piano Dario
Published: October 2016

We report a fast and sensitive procedure for blue native PAGE staining, in which the conventional staining step with CBB is avoided. After running, a short exposure to a mix of polar protic solvents (ethanol and acetic acid) leads to a fast and selective removal of the dye from the migration front and a specific binding to the protein bands, while the rest undergo a selective and complete background removal, leading to an intense contrast. This single‐step staining–destaining technique is useful in protein samples that bind colored cofactors such as photosystems, which can be selectively discerned by their characteristic green color. After the staining of such samples, the green color persists, while the other unpigmented protein complexes and the molecular standard remain CBB stained, creating a useful reference system for the assignment of the bands. The advantages and chemical basis of this staining procedure are discussed.
An accurate pressure–velocity decoupling technique for semi‐implicit rotational projection methods
Authors: Tavakoli Ehsan
Published: November 2016

In this paper, an accurate semi‐implicit rotational projection method is introduced to solve the Navier–Stokes equations for incompressible flow simulations. The accuracy of the fractional step procedure is investigated for the standard finite‐difference method, and the discrete forms are presented with arbitrary orders or accuracy. In contrast to the previous semi‐implicit projection methods, herein, an alternative way is proposed to decouple pressure from the momentum equation by employing the principle form of the pressure Poisson equation. This equation is based on the divergence of the convective terms and incorporates the actual pressure in the simulations. As a result, the accuracy of the method is not affected by the common choice of the pseudo‐pressure in the previous methods. Also, the velocity correction step is redefined, and boundary conditions are introduced accordingly. Several numerical tests are conducted to assess the robustness of the method for second and fourth orders of accuracy. The results are compared with the solutions obtained from a typical high‐resolution fully explicit method and available benchmark reports. Herein, the numerical tests are consisting of simulations for the Taylor–Green vortex, lid‐driven square cavity, and vortex–wall interaction. It is shown that the present method can preserve the order of accuracy for both velocity and pressure fields in second‐order and high‐order simulations. Furthermore, a very good agreement is observed between the results of the present method and benchmark simulations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corporate Governance, Bank Mergers and Executive Compensation
Authors: Liu Yan , Padgett Carol , Varotto Simone
Published: November 2016

Using a sample of US bank mergers from 1995 to 2012, we observe that the pre‐post merger changes in CEO bonus are significantly negatively related to the strength of corporate governance within the bidding bank. This suggests that bonus compensation is not consistent with the ‘optimal contracting hypothesis’. Salary changes, on the other hand, are not affected by corporate governance which is in line with ‘optimal contracting’. We also find that good governance is associated with more accretive deals for the bidder. Overall, our results are consistent with the notion that, unlike salary and long‐term compensation, bonus compensation is not aligned with value creation and is more vulnerable to CEO manipulation in banks with poor corporate governance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic solid‐phase extraction of angiotensin II receptor antagonists in human urine and plasma with a reversed‐phase/cation‐exchange mixed‐mode sorbent
Authors: Xue Shu‐Wen , Luo Lin , Xu Li
Published: October 2016

Biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles that featured divinylbenzene and sulfonate functionalities were used for the magnetic solid‐phase extraction of five angiotensin II receptor antagonists from human urine and plasma samples based on a reversed‐phase and cation‐exchange mixed‐mode mechanism. Under the optimized extraction conditions, coupled to high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, this proposed method was found to be accurate and precise with relative standard deviations of less than 11.7%, and a good recovery of 80.1–119.5% for both samples. The linear ranges were 0.2–2000 and 0.2–2500 ng/mL along with correlation coefficients above 0.9923 and 0.9928 for urine and plasma samples, respectively. Limits of detection were 0.01–5.74 and 0.01–1.31 ng/mL, respectively. The proposed magnetic solid‐phase extraction based on the magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with divinylbenzene and sulfonate was a reliable and convenient sample pretreatment method and had the potential for isolating and enriching the angiotensin II receptor antagonists in biological samples.
Supplementary evaluation of retention and physicochemical data involving multivariate analysis approach
Authors: Zarzycki Paweł K.
Published: October 2016

This commentary highlights the issue of real differences between stationary phases that were studied in an experimental paper entitled “Novel stationary phases based on asphaltenes for gas chromatography” prepared by Grzegorz Boczkaj and co‐authors (J. Sep. Sci. 2016, 39, 2527–2536). Particularly, a chemometric study has revealed relatively small differences between stationary phases investigated. Moreover, simple principle component analysis calculations enabled the identification of the outlier points within large raw dataset and to find the parameters (variables) that may carry equal information.
A novel transcutaneous, non‐focused ultrasound energy delivering device is able to induce subcutaneous adipose tissue destruction in an animal model
Authors: Levi Assi , Amitai Dan Ben , Lapidoth Moshe
Published: October 2016

Background and Objectives

The understanding that adipocytes are greatly influenced by thermal changes combined with the advancement of non‐invasive ultrasound technologies have led to the application of ultrasound as an energy source to induce thermal fat destruction. While application of high intensity focused, ultrasound energy have been widely explored, there is far less information regarding the effects of non‐focused ultrasound on adipose tissue.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the effects of a novel transcutaneous, multi‐elements, non‐focused ultrasound energy regimen in an animal model, as a proof‐of‐concept of its potential to treat non‐invasive subcutaneous benign tumors.

Materials and Methods

The non‐invasive transcutaneous ultrasound system prototype (LUMENIS, Ltd., Yoqneam, Israel) was applied to thermally induce adipocytes’ death. During treatment, the ultrasound energy was transmitted into the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of 12 domestic adult female pigs. Two modes of operation (long and short), which differ in both the acoustic energy applied to the tissue and in their time durations (i.e., differ in their power settings), were used in this study. Efficacy and safety assessments included: Temperature measurement of skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) visual inspection and ultrasound imaging of the thermally affected areas, histopathological assessment of tissue samples using hematoxylin & eosin, and Masson's trichrome stains and in situ cell death detection kit for apoptosis assessment.

Results

The long and short treatment modes led to a 13.2°C and 17.8°C rise from baseline, respectively, in the SAT, whereas skin surface temperature was practically unaffected. Visual, ultrasonographic, and histopathological evaluation of the treated area showed SAT ablation. No treatment‐related changes were observed in the epidermis, dermis subcutaneous muscle and nerves, or in livers and kidneys of treated animals. Additionally, no significant changes from baseline in blood‐ and urine‐borne analytes were detected post‐treatment.

Conclusions

The novel transcutaneous, multi‐elements, non‐focused ultrasound energy regimen used in this study, proved effective in non‐invasively ablating SAT in an animal model. The usage of low energy settings such as in the current study might reduce unwanted side effects related to high energy application. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:110–121, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Amphiphilic Imbalance and Stabilization of Block Copolymer Micelles on‐Demand through Combinational Photo‐Cleavage and Photo‐Crosslinking
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Wang Youpeng , Li Guo , Liu Zhaotie , Liu Zhongwen , Jiang Jinqiang
Published: November 2016

An amphiphilic block copolymer of poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly((N‐methacryloxy phthalimide)‐co‐(7‐(4‐vinyl‐benzyloxyl)‐4‐methylcoumarin)) (PEO45‐b‐P(MAPI36‐co‐VBC4)) is designed to improve the micellar stability during the photo‐triggered release of hydrophobic cargoes. Analysis of absorption and emission spectra, solution transmittance, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy supports that polymer micelles of PEO45‐b‐P(MAPI36‐co‐VBC4) upon the combinational irradiation of 365 and 254 nm light can be solubilized through the photolysis of phthalimide esters and simultaneously crosslinked via the partially reversible photo‐dimerization of coumarins. The photo‐triggered release experiment shows that the leakage of doxorubicin molecules from crosslinked micelles can be predictably regulated by controlling the irradiation time of 365 and 254 nm light.

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Association between the dietary inflammatory index and breast cancer in a large Italian case–control study
Authors: Shivappa Nitin , Hébert James R. , Rosato Valentina , Montella Maurizio , Serraino Diego , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: October 2016

Introduction

The putative relationship between diet, including its inflammatory potential, and breast cancer has been studied extensively, but results remain inconsistent. Using data from a large Italian case–control study conducted between 1991 and 1994, we examined the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and odds of breast cancer.

Methods

DII scores were computed using a validated 78‐item food frequency questionnaire. Subjects were 2569 women with incident, histologically confirmed breast cancer and 2588 controls admitted to hospital for acute, non‐hormone‐related diseases. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) based on continuous and quintiles of DII were estimated by multiple logistic regression adjusting for age, study center, education, BMI, parity, menopausal status, family history of hormone‐related cancers, and total energy intake.

Results

Women in quintiles 2, 3, 4 and 5 had ORs of breast cancer of 1.33 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.59), 1.37 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.66), 1.41 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.73), and 1.75 (95% CI: 1.39, 2.21), respectively, compared to women in quintile 1. One‐unit increase in DII increased the odds of having breast cancer by 9% (95% CI: 1.05, 1.14).

Conclusions

A pro‐inflammatory diet is associated to increased risk of breast cancer.
Offspring predisposition to obesity due to maternal‐diet‐induced obesity in rats is preventable by dietary normalization before mating
Authors: Castro Heriberto , Pomar Catalina Amadora , Palou Andreu , Picó Catalina , Sánchez Juana
Published: October 2016

Scope

We studied in rats whether the expected detrimental effects in offspring associated to maternal dietary obesity may be reverted by obesogenic diet removal 1 month before mating.

Methods and results

Female rats were fed a cafeteria diet (CD) from days 10 to 100 and then a standard diet (SD) (postcafeteria rats). One month after CD removal, postcafeteria rats and a group of SD‐fed female rats (controls) were mated with males. At weaning, offspring were fed SD and followed until 4 months old. CD was effective at inducing obesity in dams. Its removal led to a reduction in body weight, although, after 30 days, rats retained excess body weight and fat than controls. During lactation, postcafeteria dams showed greater body fat, and higher leptin and adiponectin levels in milk than controls. From 2 months of life, offspring of postcafeteria dams displayed lower body weight than controls, with no differences in the percentage of fat, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, or circulating parameters.

Conclusion

Removal of CD in obese rats before gestation, although without complete reversion of body weight excess, may prevent the expected detrimental effects in offspring associated to an excess fat accumulation in adulthood and the related metabolic disturbances.
Simultaneous delivery of antibiotics neomycin and ampicillin in drinking water inhibits fermentation of resistant starch in rats
Authors: Carvajal‐Aldaz Diana G. , Guice Justin L. , Page Ryan C. , Raggio Anne M. , Martin Roy J. , Husseneder Claudia , Durham Holiday A. , Geaghan James , Janes Marlene , Gauthier Ted , Coulon Diana , Keenan Michael J.
Published: October 2016

Scope

Antibiotics ampicillin 1 g/L and neomycin 0.5 g/L were added to drinking water before or during feeding of resistant starch (RS) to rats to inhibit fermentation.

Methods and results

In a preliminary study, antibiotics and no RS were given prior to rats receiving a transplant of cecal contents via gavage from donor rats fed RS (without antibiotics) or a water gavage before feeding resistant starch to both groups. Antibiotics given prior to feeding RS did not prevent later fermentation of RS regardless of either type of gavage. In the second study, antibiotics were given simultaneously with feeding of RS. This resulted in inhibition of fermentation of RS with cecal contents pH >8 and low amounts of acetate and butyrate. Rats treated with antibiotics had reduced Bifidobacteria spp., but similar Bacteroides spp. to control groups to reduce acetate and butyrate and preserve the production of propionate. Despite reduced fermentation, rats given antibiotics had increased glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) and cecum size, measures that are usually associated with fermentation.

Conclusions

A simultaneous delivery of antibiotics inhibited fermentation of RS. However, increased GLP‐1 and cecum size would be confounding effects in assessing the mechanism for beneficial effects of dietary RS by knocking out fermentation.
Short‐term biomarkers of apple consumption
Authors: Saenger Theresa , Hübner Florian , Humpf Hans‐Ulrich
Published: October 2016

Scope

Urinary biomarkers are used to estimate the nutritional intake of humans. The aim of this study was to distinguish between low, medium, and high apple consumption by quantifying possible intake biomarkers in urine samples after apple consumption by HPLC‐MS/MS. Apples were chosen as they are the most consumed fruits in Germany.

Methods and Results

Thirty subjects took part in 7‐day study. They abstained from apples and apple products except for one weighed apple portion resembling one, two, or four apples. Before apple consumption and during the following days spot urine samples were collected. These urine samples were incubated with β‐glucuronidase, diluted, and directly measured by HPLC‐MS/MS. Phloretin, epicatechin, procyanidin B2, and quercetin were detected in urine using Scheduled MRMTM mode. Phloretin was confirmed as a urinary biomarker of apple intake and had the ability to discriminate between low or medium (one or two apples) and high apple consumption (four apples). The groups also differ in the excretion of epicatechin and procyanidin B2.

Conclusion

Apple consumption can be monitored by urinary biomarkers for a period of at least 12 h after consumption. Furthermore the amount of apples consumed can be estimated by the concentration of certain biomarkers.
Modulation of iron transport, metabolism and reactive oxygen status by quercetin–iron complexes in vitro
Authors: Horniblow Richard D. , Henesy Daisy , Iqbal Tariq H. , Tselepis Chris
Published: October 2016

Scope

Excess free‐iron is detrimental to health through its ability to participate in free radical generation and amplification of oncogenic pathways. The study aims were to identify polyphenols with iron‐chelating potential.

Methods and results

Of four polyphenols tested quercetin demonstrated potent iron binding with the physiological outcome dictated by the location of interaction. In the presence of extracellular iron and quercetin, ferritin expression and cellular iron concentrations decreased suggesting the resulting quercetin–iron complex is not internalised. However, in the relative absence of extracellular iron, quercetin becomes internalised and complexes with both intracellular iron, and iron which subsequently becomes absorbed as indicated by increased cellular 59Fe post pre‐culture with quercetin. This increased intracellular iron complexed to quercetin does not associate with the labile iron pool and cells behave as though they are iron deficient (increased transferrin receptor‐1 and iron regulatory protein‐2 expression and low ferritin expression). Additionally, a suppression in reactive oxygen species was observed.

Conclusion

Quercetin, an exogenous iron chelator, is able to render the cell functionally iron‐deficient which not only provides a therapeutic platform for chelating excess free luminal iron but also may be of use in limiting processes such as cancer‐cell growth, inflammation and bacterial infections, which all require iron.
Saccharin increases perception of bladder filling in a forced diuresis experiment
Authors: Bakali Evangelia , Hong Jennifer , Gillespie James , Tincello Douglas
Published: October 2016

Aims

To study bladder sensation during a forced diuresis protocol and to assess differences in sensation perceived by different ethnic groups and after drinking artificially sweetened water.

Methods

Female Caucasian and south Indian Asian volunteers performed the diuresis protocol drinking water, or water sweetened with saccharin (5 mg/kg body weight). Participants recorded filling sensation every 5 min while drinking 250‐350 mL/15 min. They were asked to record the strongest sensation before voiding as maximum sensation, before voiding. The void was measured and sensation immediately recorded as minimum. The process was repeated. Voided volume and time required to achieve maximum sensation during cycle 2 were compared by water and sweetener, ethnic group, and age.

Results

Twenty Asian and 20 Caucasian volunteers participated. No differences in maximum voided volume or diuresis rate was seen by ethnicity. Median diuresis with sweetener was 16.7 mL/min (8.6‐35) compared to 13.2 (7.1‐25) with water (P = 0.008), a difference accounted for by 16 women with >5 mL/min difference in diuresis rate. These were excluded to leave 24 women with similar diuresis rates with both sweetener and water (14.8 mL/min (8.6‐28.0) and 13.2 mL/min (7.1‐25.0). In these women, time to achieve maximum sensation was lower with sweetener than water: 37.5 min (20‐85) versus 50.0 min (20‐80), P = 0.002, with no difference in voided volume.

Conclusions

Water sweetened with saccharin produced an increased diuresis rate in some women. After controlling for this, time to recording maximum sensation was decreased with sweetened water, suggesting saccharin has an effect upon perceived sensation.
The relevance of immune responses to partial bladder outlet obstruction and reversal
Authors: Lin Wei‐Yu , Lin Yi‐Pai , Levin Robert M. , Chen Miaw‐Ling
Published: October 2016

Aims

Partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO) causes tissue inflammation, a significant increase in markers of systemic oxidative stress, and proliferation of circulating myeloid‐derived suppressor cells. Here, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms underlying inflammation and helper T cell involvement in PBOO.

Methods

Surgical PBOO was performed in four groups of rats: control (C), obstruction at 2 (O2) and 4 (O4) weeks, and 4 weeks after the relief of PBOO (R4) (n = 6 each). The urinary levels of prostaglandin E metabolite (PGEM), expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6 and IL‐17) in the bladder, numbers of peripheral blood regulatory T cells (Treg cells), and levels of TGF‐β1 were assessed via immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, or ELISA.

Results

The levels of urinary PGEM, bladder IL‐17, and TGF‐β1 and the numbers of peripheral Treg cells (Foxp3) were all significantly increased at 2 and 4 weeks after PBOO. PGEM, IL‐17, and Treg cells (Foxp3) were decreased after the relief of PBOO, while the levels of TGF‐β1 continued to increase.

Conclusions

Transient PBOO triggers an acute, reversible increase in inflammatory cytokines and Treg cells. The distinct dynamics of individual inflammatory markers support their potential use as markers for monitoring bladder inflammation.
The effect of doxazosin and sildenafil citrate combination on bladder tissue contractility, alpha adrenergic receptor, and iNOS subtype expression in a male rat model of partially bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Gumrah Abdulkadir , Tanidir Yiloren , Tinay Ilker , Ozyurek Mustafa , Tarcan Tufan
Published: October 2016

Aims

Our aim was to investigate the effects of doxazosin, sildenafil, and their combination on bladder tissue contractility and adrenergic receptor (AR) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression utilizing a male rat model of partial urethral obstruction (PUO).

Methods

Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups. Except the SHAM group, all animals in remaining four groups underwent surgery for PUO. No further treatment was given to the first group (NT group). Remaining three groups received 6 weeks of treatment with 20 mg/kg doxazosin (D group), 20 mg/kg sildenafil (S group), 20 mg/kg doxazosin, and 20 mg/kg sildenafil combination (DS group), respectively via oral gavage. Then, bladder strips were harvested from each animal for isometric tension studies and for real time polymerase chain reaction studies of both AR subtypes and iNOS mRNA.

Results

Contractile responses to carbachol and electrical field stimulation at various concentrations/frequencies showed a significant increase after PUO. Any treatment helped to normalize these increased responses. Alpha 1a and 1d AR subtype expressions were found to be down‐ and up‐regulated, respectively, in every group with PUO, compared to SHAM group. iNOS expression was similar in D and NT groups and significantly increased in S and DS groups.

Conclusions

Contractile changes of rat bladder tissue due to PUO were prevented by sildenafil or doxazosin alone or in combination where combination treatment did not provide any additional advantage. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of phosphodiesterase inhibitors and combination treatment in the treatment of LUTS.
The association between the ICIQ‐LUTS and the ICIQ‐bladder diary in assessing LUTS
Authors: Abdelmoteleb Haitham , Kamel Mohamed I. , Hashim Hashim
Published: October 2016

Objectives

The bladder diary (BD) provides a non‐invasive method of investigating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) while the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaires (ICIQ) symptom questionnaires, such as the ICIQ‐MLUTS and ICIQ‐FLUTS for males and females, respectively, provide a subjective assessment. The association between objective and subjective assessments has not been well established for the ICIQ.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective analysis of data collected from a urodynamics database was conducted. Only patients who completed both the ICIQ‐MLUTS/FLUTS and the ICIQ‐BD were included. Assessment of the relationship between the ICIQ‐BD and the ICIQ‐MLUTS/FLUTS with regards to daytime frequency and nocturia episodes was conducted using descriptive statistics to determine how well they correlate.

Results

A total of 3054 patients were on the database with only 529 patients fully completing both the ICIQ‐BD and ICIQ‐MLUTS/FLUTS from February 2012 until November 2014. Criterion testing showed fair agreement between the nocturia question on the ICIQ‐MLUTS/FLUTS and the ICIQ‐BD (Kappa = 0.339; P < 0.001; 48.5%). Whereas diary recordings of daytime voiding frequency showed low agreement with questionnaire responses (Kappa = 0.254; P < 0.001; 42.7%). The degree of agreement was higher at lower frequencies. Females had a slightly higher agreement than males during the daytime (43.2% vs 41.6%) and nighttime (49.3% vs 47%).

Conclusion

The ICIQ‐BD is a simple, cheap, valid, and reliable method to assess LUTS in everyday clinical practice. However, an agreement between the ICIQ‐BD and the ICIQ‐MLUTS/FLUTS with regards to daytime frequency and nocturia episode is weak and therefore both are needed in the assessment of patients with LUTS.
Impaired contractility of the circular striated urethral sphincter muscle may contribute to stress urinary incontinence in female zucker fatty rats
Authors: Lee Yung‐Chin , Lin Guiting , Wang Guifang , Reed‐Maldonado Amanda , Lu Zhihua , Wang Lin , Banie Lia , Lue Tom F.
Published: October 2016

Aim

Obesity has been an independent risk factor for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI), the mechanism of this association remains unknown. The aim of this study is to validate the hypothesis that urethral dysfunction is a possible contributor to SUI in obese women.

Methods

Ten Zucker Fatty (ZF) (ZUC‐Leprfa 185) and 10 Zucker Lean (ZL) (ZUC‐Leprfa 186) female rats at 12‐week‐old were used in this experiment. The urethral sphincter rings were harvested from the bladder neck through to the most proximal 2/3 regions. In the organ bath study, single pulses of electrical field stimulation (EFS) were applied. For the fatiguing stimulation, repeated multi‐pulse EFS with 70 mA were applied at frequency of 5 Hz for 5 min. Caffeine‐containing Krebs’ solution was administrated to contract the urethra until the contraction began to reach a plateau for 10 min. We performed immunofluorescence staining of the urethra after the experiment was finished.

Results

Compared to ZL controls, ZF rats had significantly impaired muscle contractile activity (MCA) (P < 0.05). Also, ZF rats presented early fatiguing of MCA and had a significantly greater percentage of MCA decline from baseline in the fatiguing test (37.7% vs 25.6%, P < 0.05). The plateau of maximal MCA induced by caffeine in ZF rats was significantly lower than ZL controls (0.22 vs 0.36, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This novel study showed that obese female rats had significantly impaired contractile properties of striated urethral sphincter, suggesting urethral dysfunction could be an important contributor to SUI in obesity.