bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of standard diffusion‐weighted imaging and diffusion kurtosis imaging with distant metastases of rectal carcinoma
Authors: Yu Jing , Huang Dong‐Ya , Li Yan , Dai Xin , Shi Hai‐Bin
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To investigate the correlation of standard diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) with distant metastases of rectal carcinoma.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐eight patients with rectal carcinoma (27 with distant metastasis and 31 with no metastasis) were included in this study. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value from standard DWI (b values of 0 and 1000 sec/mm2), Dapp, and Kapp from DKI (b values of 0, 700, 1400, and 2000 sec/mm2) were acquired with a 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. These quantitative parameters were calculated from the entire tumors. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted to assess the utility for discrimination of tumor with distant metastasis and those without metastasis. Parameters were compared using the independent‐samples t‐test.

Results

The histogram metrics 10th percentile of Dapp (Dapp‐10th) and ADC values (ADC10th) were significantly lower in the distant metastasis group than those without metastasis (972.5 ± 118.8 vs. 1121.3 ± 133.8 × 10−6 mm2/s, P = 0.03; 809.2 ± 67.1 vs. 856.2 ± 72.1 × 10−6 mm2/s, P = 0.03). Dapp‐10th showed relatively higher area under the curve (AUC) (0.856 vs. 0.669, P = 0.024), and higher specificity (100% vs. 68%) than ADC10th did for differentiation of lesions with distant metastasis from those without metastasis.

Conclusion

DKI was relatively better than standard DWI in discriminating rectal carcinoma with distant metastasis from those without metastasis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:221–229.
Targeting formyl peptide receptor 1 of activated macrophages to monitor inflammation of experimental osteoarthritis in rat
Authors: Yang Xinlin , Chordia Mahendra D. , Du Xuejun , Graves John L. , Zhang Yi , Park Yong‐Sang , Guo Yongfei , Pan Dongfeng , Cui Quanjun
Published: December 2015

Macrophages play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). In this study, the feasibility of a formyl peptide receptor 1 (Fpr1)‐targeting peptide probe cFLFLF‐PEG‐64Cu via positron emission tomography (PET) imaging was investigated for detection of macrophage activity during development of OA. Monoiodoacetate (MIA) was intraarticularly injected into the knee joint of Sprague–Dawley rats to induce OA. Five days later, cFLFLF‐PEG‐64Cu (∼7,400 kBq/rat) was injected into the tail vein and microPET/CT imaging was performed to assess the OA inflammation by detecting infiltration of macrophages by Fpr1 expression. In addition, a murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 and two fluorescent probes cFLFLF‐PEG‐cyanine 7 (cFLFLF‐PEG‐Cy7) and cFLFLF‐PEG‐cyanine 5 (cFLFLF‐PEG‐Cy5) were used to define the binding specificity of the peptide to macrophages. It was found with the MIA model that the maximal standard uptake values (SUVmax) for right (MIA treated) and left (control) knees were 17.96 ± 5.45 and 3.00 ± 1.40, respectively. Histological evaluation of cryomicrotome sections showed that Fpr1 expression, cFLFLF‐PEG‐Cy5 binding, and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase activity were elevated in the injured synovial membranes. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that both fluorescent peptide probes could bind specifically to RAW264.7 cells, which was blocked by cFLFLF but not by the scramble peptide. The findings highlighted the use of cFLFLF‐PEG‐64Cu/PET as an effective method potentially applied for detection and treatment evaluation of OA. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1529–1538, 2016.
Predictors of job satisfaction amongst pharmacists in Malaysian public hospitals and healthcare clinics
Authors: Manan Mohamed Mansor , Azmi Yusmiza , Lim Zoe , Neoh Chin Fen , Khan Tahir Mehmood , Ming Long Chiau
Published: December 2015

Background

For the past 10 years, the pharmacist workforce in Malaysia has experienced radical changes in demography, job scope and expectations as well as remuneration due to a drastic surge in the number of pharmacists employed in the public sector.

Aim

To investigate the level of job satisfaction amongst pharmacists working in the public sector in Malaysia.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted amongst registered pharmacists working in three of the most populated states in Malaysia. A validated questionnaire consisting of three sections was used to investigate intrinsic and extrinsic factors of job satisfaction and their overall job satisfaction.

Results

Analysis of responses from 161 pharmacists revealed significant differences in job satisfaction with age and length of service. Pharmacists within the age group of 35–45 years were more satisfied with their jobs than younger pharmacists. Findings also showed that pharmacists who had been working for more than 7 years tended to be more satisfied with their jobs. Type of institution, position held and gender did not appear to influence job satisfaction. Intrinsic factors such as autonomy, contribution, creativity and challenge had significant impact on job satisfaction; creativity had the strongest impact as compared with other factors. Extrinsic factors such as salary, supervision feedback and job atmosphere also had significant impact on job satisfaction.

Conclusion

Only 52% of the pharmacists who responded were satisfied with their current jobs. The study outcomes indicate the major factors that affect pharmacists’ job satisfaction. Factors affecting job satisfaction could be used by policy makers and pharmacy managers to design retention strategies.
Impact of analysing continuous outcomes using final values, change scores and analysis of covariance on the performance of meta‐analytic methods: a simulation study
Authors: McKenzie Joanne E. , Herbison G. Peter , Deeks Jonathan J.
Published: December 2015

When meta‐analysing intervention effects calculated from continuous outcomes, meta‐analysts often encounter few trials, with potentially a small number of participants, and a variety of trial analytical methods. It is important to know how these factors affect the performance of inverse‐variance fixed and DerSimonian and Laird random effects meta‐analytical methods. We examined this performance using a simulation study.

Meta‐analysing estimates of intervention effect from final values, change scores, ANCOVA or a random mix of the three yielded unbiased estimates of pooled intervention effect. The impact of trial analytical method on the meta‐analytic performance measures was important when there was no or little heterogeneity, but was of little relevance as heterogeneity increased. On the basis of larger than nominal type I error rates and poor coverage, the inverse‐variance fixed effect method should not be used when there are few small trials.

When there are few small trials, random effects meta‐analysis is preferable to fixed effect meta‐analysis. Meta‐analytic estimates need to be cautiously interpreted; type I error rates will be larger than nominal, and confidence intervals will be too narrow. Use of trial analytical methods that are more efficient in these circumstances may have the unintended consequence of further exacerbating these issues. © 2015 The Authors. Research Synthesis Methods published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2015 The Authors. Research Synthesis Methods published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methane fluxes from a small boreal lake measured with the eddy covariance method
Authors: Podgrajsek E. , Sahlée E. , Bastviken D. , Natchimuthu S. , Kljun N. , Chmiel H. E. , Klemedtsson L. , Rutgersson A.
Published: December 2015

Fluxes of methane, CH4, were measured with the eddy covariance (EC) method at a small boreal lake in Sweden. The mean CH4 flux during the growing season of 2013 was 20.1 nmol m−2 s−1 and the median flux was 16 nmol m−2 s−1 (corresponding to 1.7 mmol m−2 d−1 and 1.4 mmol m−2 d−1). Monthly mean values of CH4 flux measured with the EC method were compared with fluxes measured with floating chambers (FC) and were in average 62% higher over the whole study period. The difference was greatest in April partly because EC, but not FC, accounted for fluxes due to ice melt and a subsequent lake mixing event. A footprint analysis revealed that the EC footprint included primarily the shallow side of the lake with a major inlet. This inlet harbors emergent macrophytes that can mediate high CH4 fluxes. The difference between measured EC and FC fluxes can hence be explained by different footprint areas, where the EC system “sees” the part of the lake presumably releasing higher amounts of CH4. EC also provides more frequent measurements than FC and hence more likely captures ebullition events. This study shows that small lakes have CH4 fluxes that are highly variable in time and space. Based on our findings we suggest to measure CH4 fluxes from lakes as continuously as possible and to aim for covering as much of the lakes surface as possible, independently of the selected measuring technique.
Productivity and depth regulate lake contributions to atmospheric methane
Authors: West William E. , Creamer Kevin P. , Jones Stuart E.
Published: December 2015

Despite significant contributions of inland lakes to the global methane cycle, we lack a process‐based understanding of what regulates inter‐lake variation in methane emissions. Previous comparative work has identified a potential link between lake primary productivity and methane emissions; also, lab‐scale experiments suggest that the addition of algal substrate to anoxic sediments rapidly enhances rates of methanogenesis. This existing work indicates that primary productivity could enhance lake contributions to the global methane cycle. However, a more systematic investigation of the links between lake primary production, methanogenesis, and methane emission to the atmosphere is required to quantify the implications of increased cultural eutrophication for methane evasion from lakes. Using paired measurements of methanogenesis and methane emissions on 16 north temperate lakes, we documented a positive relationship between lake productivity and sediment methanogenesis rates. However, increased methanogenesis rates did not result in an increase in diffusive methane emissions. Rather, they generated greater methane storage during summer stratification and enhanced methane emission to the atmosphere via bubbling (ebullition), dependent on site depth. Ebullition most frequently occurred at sites less than 6 m deep and where methanogenesis rates were high. The relationships between lake productivity, methanogenesis, and depth‐dependent ebullition suggests it is likely that shallow, productive lakes contribute significantly more methane to the atmosphere than deep, clear lakes and will continue to do so in light of the growing prevalence of lake eutrophication.
Identification and control of multiple leaky plasmon modes in silver nanowires
Authors: Yang Hangbo , Qiu Min , Li Qiang
Published: December 2015

Leaky plasmon modes (LPMs) in metal nanowires (NWs), which combine the physical characteristic of both “plasmonics” and “leaky radiation”, present distinguished performances in terms of guiding and radiating light. In contrast to traditional light‐guiding in metal NWs with one single LPM, multiple LPMs are crucial for advanced uses such as augmenting data transmission channels, enhancing sensing performance, manipulating polarization and converting mode. Here, we demonstrate experimentally the control over multiple LPMs in pentagonal silver NWs. By combining far‐field real‐space imaging and leakage radiation microscopy, the three typical LPMs with fields mainly concentrating in corners surrounded by air are specifically identified. By manipulating excitation wavelengths and NW diameters, the number of the excited LPMs can be controlled. These findings reveal the physics of LPMs in silver NWs, thereby paving the way towards applying the high‐order leaky modes in silver NWs for photonic integrated circuits, nanoscale confinement, plasmonic sensing, QD‐nanowire coupling, etc.

image
Polymer Photocatalysts for Water Splitting: Insights from Computational Modeling
Authors: Guiglion Pierre , Butchosa Cristina , Zwijnenburg Martijn A.
Published: December 2015

Based on insights from computational chemistry calculations, the ability of polymers to act as water splitting photocatalysts for the production of renewable hydrogen from water and sunlight is discussed. Specifically, the important role of exciton dissociation in these materials is highlighted, as well as the possible microscopic origins of the experimentally observed changes in the photocatalytic activity of a polymer with increasing chain length or changing chemical composition. The reason why water oxidation, with polymeric photocatalysts, is difficult, and which polymer properties to target when developing new polymers for water splitting photocatalysis are, finally, also discussed.

image
Deep Learning in Drug Discovery
Authors: Gawehn Erik , Hiss Jan A. , Schneider Gisbert
Published: December 2015

Artificial neural networks had their first heyday in molecular informatics and drug discovery approximately two decades ago. Currently, we are witnessing renewed interest in adapting advanced neural network architectures for pharmaceutical research by borrowing from the field of “deep learning”. Compared with some of the other life sciences, their application in drug discovery is still limited. Here, we provide an overview of this emerging field of molecular informatics, present the basic concepts of prominent deep learning methods and offer motivation to explore these techniques for their usefulness in computer‐assisted drug discovery and design. We specifically emphasize deep neural networks, restricted Boltzmann machine networks and convolutional networks.
The dynamical behavior of a predator–prey system with Gompertz growth function and impulsive dispersal of prey between two patches
Authors: Zhang Long , Teng Zhidong
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we investigate a predator–prey model with Gompertz growth function and impulsive dispersal of prey between two patches. Using the dynamical properties of single‐species model with impulsive dispersal in two patches and comparison principle of impulsive differential equations, necessary and sufficient criteria on global attractivity of predator‐extinction periodic solution and permanence are established. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the theoretical results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical corrections of banding artifacts in driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T2 (DESPOT2)
Authors: Jutras Jean‐David , Wachowicz Keith , De Zanche Nicola
Published: December 2015

Purpose

DESPOT2 is a single‐component T2 mapping technique based on bSSFP imaging. It has seen limited application because of banding artifacts and magnetization transfer (MT) effects. In this work, acquisitions are optimized to minimize MT effects, while exact and approximate analytical equations enable automatic correction of banding artifacts within the T2 maps in mere seconds.

Theory and Methods

The technique was verified on an agar phantom at 3 tesla. The T2 resulting from four different data combination techniques was compared with the T2 from CPMG. Two comparable DESPOT2 scan protocols (short vs. long TR/TRF) designed to minimize MT effects, were tested both in the phantom and in vivo. A third protocol was tested in the brain of 8 volunteers and analytical correction schemes were compared with DESPOT2‐FM.

Results

The T2 measurements in agar agree with CPMG within ∼7% and in vivo results agree with values reported in the literature. The approximate analytical solutions provide increased robustness to hardware imperfections and higher T2‐to‐noise ratio than the exact solutions.

Conclusion

New analytical solutions enable fast and accurate whole‐brain T2 mapping from previously measured T1 and B1 maps, and bSSFP images with at least two phase offsets and two flip angles (=4 datasets, 8 min scan). Magn Reson Med 76:1790–1804, 2016. © 2015 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Walsh‐ordered hadamard time‐encoded pseudocontinuous ASL (WH pCASL)
Authors: von Samson‐Himmelstjerna Federico , Madai Vince Istvan , Sobesky Jan , Guenther Matthias
Published: December 2015

Purpose

Walsh ordering of Hadamard encoding‐matrices and an additional averaging strategy are proposed for Hadamard‐encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (H‐pCASL). In contrast to conventional H‐pCASL the proposed method generates more perfusion‐weighted images which are accessible already during a running experiment and even from incomplete sets of encoded images.

Theory

Walsh‐ordered Hadamard matrices consist of fully decodable Hadamard submatrices. At any time during a measurement these submatrices may yield perfusion‐weighted images, even at runtime and with incomplete datasets. The usage of an additional so‐called mirrored matrix for averaging leads to more decodable subboli.

Methods

Perfusion‐weighted images (five healthy volunteers) are generated using both a Walsh‐ordered and a corresponding mirrored Hadamard matrix. To test their correctness they are compared with equivalent images from conventional multi postlabeling‐delay (PLD) pCASL‐measurements.

Results

All predicted perfusion‐weighted images could be generated and correlated very well with multi‐PLD images. Already small subsets of encoded images, acquired early during the measurement, yielded perfusion‐weighted images. The mirrored matrix generates more perfusion‐weighted images without time penalty.

Conclusion

Early access to perfusion‐weighted images despite incomplete datasets allows dynamic adaptation of parameters and increases robustness against artifacts. Thus, the approach may be well suited for clinical applications, where pathologies demand rapid parameter adaptation and increase the chance of artifacts. Magn Reson Med 76:1814–1824, 2016. © 2015 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Local SAR, global SAR, and power‐constrained large‐flip‐angle pulses with optimal control and virtual observation points
Authors: Vinding Mads S. , Guérin Bastien , Vosegaard Thomas , Nielsen Niels Chr.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To present a constrained optimal‐control (OC) framework for designing large‐flip‐angle parallel‐transmit (pTx) pulses satisfying hardware peak‐power as well as regulatory local and global specific‐absorption‐rate (SAR) limits. The application is 2D and 3D spatial‐selective 90° and 180° pulses.

Theory and Methods

The OC gradient‐ascent‐pulse‐engineering method with exact gradients and the limited‐memory Broyden‐Fletcher‐Goldfarb‐Shanno method is proposed. Local SAR is constrained by the virtual‐observation‐points method. Two numerical models facilitated the optimizations, a torso at 3 T and a head at 7 T, both in eight‐channel pTx coils and acceleration‐factors up to 4.

Results

The proposed approach yielded excellent flip‐angle distributions. Enforcing the local‐SAR constraint, as opposed to peak power alone, reduced the local SAR 7 and 5‐fold with the 2D torso excitation and inversion pulse, respectively. The root‐mean‐square errors of the magnetization profiles increased less than 5% with the acceleration factor of 4.

Conclusion

A local and global SAR, and peak‐power constrained OC large‐flip‐angle pTx pulse design was presented, and numerically validated for 2D and 3D spatial‐selective 90° and 180° pulses at 3 T and 7 T. Magn Reson Med 77:374–384, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Eddy current compensated double diffusion encoded (DDE) MRI
Authors: Mueller Lars , Wetscherek Andreas , Kuder Tristan Anselm , Laun Frederik Bernd
Published: December 2015

Purpose

Eddy currents might lead to image distortions in diffusion‐weighted echo planar imaging. A method is proposed to reduce their effects on double diffusion encoding (DDE) MRI experiments and the thereby derived microscopic fractional anisotropy (μFA).

Methods

The twice‐refocused spin echo scheme was adapted for DDE measurements. To assess the effect of individual diffusion encodings on the image distortions, measurements of a grid of plastic rods in water were performed. The effect of eddy current compensation on μFA measurements was evaluated in the brains of six healthy volunteers.

Results

The use of an eddy current compensation reduced the signal variation. As expected, the distortions caused by the second encoding were larger than those of the first encoding, entailing a stronger need to compensate for them. For an optimal result, however, both encodings had to be compensated. The artifact reduction strongly improved the measurement of the μFA in ventricles and gray matter by reducing the overestimation. An effect of the compensation on absolute μFA values in white matter was not observed.

Conclusion

It is advisable to compensate both encodings in DDE measurements for eddy currents. Magn Reson Med 77:328–335, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Artificial Molecular Transporter
Authors: Schäfer Christian , Ragazzon Giulio , Colasson Benoit , La Rosa Marcello , Silvi Serena , Credi Alberto
Published: December 2015

The transport of substrates is one of the main tasks of biomolecular machines in living organisms. We report a synthetic small‐molecule system designed to catch, displace, and release molecular cargo in solution under external control. The system consists of a bistable rotaxane that behaves as an acid–base controlled molecular shuttle, whose ring component bears a tether ending with a nitrile group. The latter can be coordinated to a ruthenium complex that acts as the load, and dissociated upon irradiation with visible light. The cargo loading/unloading and ring transfer/return processes are reversible and can be controlled independently. The robust coordination bond ensures that the cargo remains attached to the device while the transport takes place.
Processing and characterization of waste leather based polycaprolactone biocomposites
Authors: Joseph Seena , Ambone Tushar S. , Salvekar Abhijit V. , Jaisankar S.N. , Saravanan P. , Deenadayalan E.
Published: December 2015

Waste leather buff (WLB) filled polycaprolactone (PCL) composites were prepared by twin‐screw extrusion varying the WLB content from 2% to 40%. These composites were extensively characterized by several techniques in order to establish micro and macroscopic properties. Addition of WLB resulted in improvement of tensile modulus of neat PCL and reduction in percentage crystallinity of PCL matrix was observed with increase in WLB content. Interfacial adhesion and dispersion of WLB on PCL matrix was investigated using Scanning Electron Microscope. Percentage of water uptake increased with increase in concentration of WLB in the composite. These biodegradable composites could be used to develop low cost materials suitable for applications in footwear industry, for making bags, suitcases, etc., eliminating the environmental issues arising from WLB generated from tanneries in leather industry. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2889–2897, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
A facile approach to selective reduction and functionalization of graphene oxide and its application in fabrication of multifunctional polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Bian Jun , Lin Hai Lan , He Fei Xiong , Zhou Xing , Wang Zheng Jun , Zhao Xin Wei
Published: December 2015

Reducing and chemically functional modification of graphene oxide (GO) has attracted much attention in nanomaterial fields due to the outstanding properties of the graphene. In this article, water, a low cost and environmentally friendly reduction agent, to reduce selectively GO to form reduced GO (rGO) was applied, followed by modifying rGO with functional monomer octadecylamine (ODA), and subsequently polypropylene (PP) based nanocomposites containing functional graphene were fabricated via masterbatch‐melt blending technique. The effects of reduction and functionalization on the microstructural and chemical–physical properties of GO were investigated comparatively by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The dispersibility of functional graphene before and after reduction was verified by using various agents. The experimental results showed that GO has been reduced selectively by water. Functional monomer ODA has been grated successfully on the surface of rGO and GO. The prepared graphene/PP nanocomposites were characterized by using Differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), XRD, scanning electron microscope (SEM), tensile, and impact tests. The results showed that the crystallization temperature (Tc) and melting temperature (Tm) of PP in the nanocomposites increased when the functional graphene was incorporated. The functional graphene has been dispersed uniformly in the PP matrix. Tensile tests showed that rG‐ODA could improve the tensile strength and elastic modulus of composites more effectively than G‐ODA. But G‐ODA was more effectively in improving the toughness of PP than rG‐ODA, as indicated by impact tests. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:E221–E228, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Management of descending necrotizing mediastinitis complicated with empyema by video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery
Authors: Chen I‐Chen , Hsu Jong‐Hau , Dai Zen‐Kong
Published: December 2015

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is an uncommon disease that can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Herein, we report a 17‐month‐old girl of DNM with an initial normal chest radiograph followed by rapid clinical deterioration during a period of 4 days, from deep neck infection to mediastinitis and then complicated empyema. She was managed successfully with intravenous antibiotics and surgical debridement by video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and cervical drainage. Early recognition and meticulous intensive care of patients with DNM are important to minimize morbidity and mortality. VATS is an effective and minimally invasive therapeutic strategy in children with DNM. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:E17–E20. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lin28 induces resistance to anti‐androgens via promotion of AR splice variant generation
Authors: Tummala Ramakumar , Nadiminty Nagalakshmi , Lou Wei , Evans Christopher P. , Gao Allen C.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is androgen‐dependent initially and progresses to a castration‐resistant state after androgen deprivation therapy. Treatment options for castration‐resistant PCa include the potent second‐generation anti‐androgen enzalutamide or CYP17A1 inhibitor abiraterone. Recent clinical observations point to the development of resistance to these therapies which may be mediated by constitutively active alternative splice variants of the androgen receptor (AR).

METHODS

Sensitivity of LNCaP cells overexpressing Lin28 (LN‐Lin28) to enzalutamide, abiraterone, or bicalutamide was compared to that of control LN‐neo cells using cell growth assays, proliferation assays using MTT, anchorage‐dependent clonogenic ability assays and soft agar assays. Ability of LN‐Lin28 cells to maintain AR activation after treatment with enzalutamide, abiraterone, or bicalutamide was tested using immunofluorescence, Western blotting, ChIP assays, and qRT‐PCR. Importance of Lin28 in enzalutamide resistance was assessed by the downregulation of Lin28 expression in C4‐2B and 22Rv1 cells chronically treated with enzalutamide. Requirement for sustained AR signaling in LN‐Lin28 cells was examined by the downregulation of either full length AR or AR‐V7 using siRNA.

RESULTS

We show that Lin28 promotes the development of resistance to currently used targeted therapeutics by enhancing the expression of AR splice variants such as AR‐V7. PCa cells overexpressing Lin28 exhibit resistance to treatment with enzalutamide, abiraterone, or bicalutamide. Downregulation of Lin28 resensitizes enzalutamide‐resistant PCa cells to enzalutamide treatment. We also show that the upregulation of splicing factors such as hnRNPA1 by Lin28 may mediate the enhanced generation of AR splice variants in Lin28‐expressing cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that Lin28 plays a key role in the acquisition of resistance to AR‐targeted therapies by PCa cells and establish the importance of Lin28 in PCa progression. Prostate 76:445–455, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
IgG4‐related disease in asbestos‐related pleural disease
Authors: Onishi Yasutaka , Nakahara Yasuharu , Hirano Katsuya , Sasaki Shin , Kawamura Tetsuji , Mochiduki Yoshiro
Published: December 2015

A 67‐year‐old man with a history of asbestos exposure and rounded atelectasis complained of cough and swelling in the left submandibular region. Computed tomography showed an increase in size of the right lower lung lobe lesion, which was recognized as the pre‐existing rounded atelectasis, as well as swelling of the pancreas and submandibular glands. Biopsy from a submandibular gland and the pulmonary lesion led to a diagnosis of immunoglobulin G4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD). IgG4‐RD is a recently recognized disease that was first reported as an autoimmune disease; however, some reports have indicated another pathogenesis of an allergic nature that is characterized by type 2 helper T cell (Th2) inflammation. Additionally, it is recognized that long‐term exposure to asbestos can cause immune dysregulation. Here we present a case of IgG4‐RD associated with asbestos‐related pleural disease. Asbestos‐induced immune dysregulation may be one etiology of IgG4‐RD.
Robust H∞ switching control techniques for switched nonlinear systems with application to urban traffic control
Authors: Hajiahmadi Mohammad , De Schutter Bart , Hellendoorn Hans
Published: December 2015

This paper presents robust switching control strategies for switched nonlinear systems with constraints on the control inputs. A quantization technique is used to relax the constraint on continuous control inputs and the L2‐gain analysis and H∞ control design problem for switched nonlinear systems are presented. Next, as an alternative method, the switched nonlinear system is approximated by a switched affine system that has autonomous and controlled switching behavior. A robust switching control law is proposed to stabilize the switched affine system. The design procedure involves solving an optimization problem that is nonconvex in a single scalar variable only. Furthermore, we provide the sufficient conditions under which the proposed switching law is able to stabilize the original switched nonlinear system. Finally, the proposed methods are utilized for control of urban traffic networks modeled on a high level. The traffic control objective is translated into a stability and disturbance attenuation problem for the urban network represented by a switched nonlinear system. The switching control approaches are able to reduce congestion in the network and to attenuate the effects of uncertain trip demands. Because the design of the switching laws is performed offline, real‐time traffic control is possible with the proposed methods. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sustainable Development, Stakeholder Engagement and Analyst Forecasts’ Accuracy: Positive Evidence from the Spanish Setting
Authors: Garrido‐Miralles Pascual , Zorio‐Grima Ana , García‐Benau María A.
Published: December 2015

This study looks into the effects of voluntary sustainability reporting in analysts’ earnings forecasts as a driver for sustainable development. The methodology used is based on a regression model to test whether the issuance of a CSR stand‐alone report affects analysts’ forecast errors and forecast dispersion. Forecast error refers to the difference between the forecasted earnings per share (EPS) and the actual EPS. Dispersion refers to the standard deviation in EPS forecasts between analysts following the same firm. Our study in the Spanish context includes 527 observations from listed firms and covers the period 2005–2010. We provide evidence that there is a negative statistically significant association between the absolute forecast earnings error and the publication of a sustainability report. However, we find that the CSR reports have lost power in reducing the earnings forecast error if we compare analysts' activity before the financial crisis and during the crisis itself, so we open up a question for future research to check whether this is a consistent trend or whether in times of economic recovery this phenomenon regains power. The main conclusion of this paper points to the importance of sustainable development and stakeholder engagement through the issuance of CSR reports, which can help the smooth running of capital markets in a context of increasing sensitiveness to social responsible investment. Our study in this field is pioneering in the Spanish setting, which is especially interesting given the growing trend to publish CSR reports in this country. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
The Impact of Social Capital on farmers' Willingness to Reuse Agricultural Waste for Sustainable Development
Authors: He Ke , Zhang Junbiao , Feng Junhui , Hu Ting , Zhang Lu
Published: December 2015

Reuse of agricultural waste plays a pivotal role in sustainable development and carbon emission abatement (CEA). We seek to confirm that social capital, which is a sociological concept, can influence farmers' willingness to reuse agricultural waste for CEA. Controlling for human capital and physical capital factors, we prove that social capital significantly affects farmers' willingness to reuse agricultural waste for CEA. In terms of driving farmers' willingness, the marginal utility of social capital varies with the dimension. Specifically, institutional trust is the largest driver, followed by civic engagement, interpersonal trust and norms of reciprocity networks. We also verify that a higher educational level, surplus labor (a human capital variable) and waste facility (a physical capital variable) can enhance farmers' willingness to reuse agricultural waste for CEA. Effective approaches to improve farmers' willingness to reuse agricultural waste for CEA include establishing a learning organization, strengthening the adaptability of environmental regulations in rural areas and forming strong social mores of mutual trust, mutual reciprocity and mutual benefit. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Sustainable Development in the Asian Century: An Inquiry of Its Understanding in Phuket, Thailand
Authors: Boonchai Chantinee , Beeton Robert J. S.
Published: December 2015

Sustainable development in the context of international policy is influenced by western values, with few critical evaluations of its application in Asian contexts. This paper presents the interpretation of sustainable development by businesses, civil society, government at various levels and a selection of graduate students in Phuket, Thailand. In all, 78 hours of observations in public meetings, 70 hours of interviews and 10 hours of sectorally arranged workshops were conducted over a period of two years. Data were transcribed and analysed using established qualitative methods. The paper reports how Thai value systems relate to sustainable development concepts and proposes that a culturally appropriate model is needed for understanding the path to a sustainable future in Phuket. Understanding cultural and social values is the key to sustainability. This will require appropriate network‐building that creates change towards a culturally sustainable society. We propose that similar cultural adjustment will be necessary for sustainable development to become effective as an organizing concept in Asia. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Sustainable Consumption in Chinese Cities: Green Purchasing Intentions of Young Adults Based on the Theory of Consumption Values
Authors: Awuni Joseph Agebase , Du Jianguo
Published: December 2015

The efforts of businesses, governmental and non‐governmental organizations notwithstanding, unsustainable consumption continues to threaten society's vision of sustainable development. Green purchasing, therefore, offers a chance of reducing negative environmental impacts and promoting sustainable development. Yet, the question of how to encourage green purchasing behaviour remains poorly understood. Based on the theory of consumption values, this paper examines the antecedents of green purchasing intentions among young adults in Chinese cities. The structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was applied to data collected from 309 respondents by means of a mall‐intercept survey. The findings indicate that social and emotional values are positively related to young adults’ green purchasing intentions, but functional, conditional and epistemic values are not significantly related to green purchasing intentions. This paper has verified the contribution of the theory of consumption values to the green purchasing intentions of young adults in Chinese cities. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Does engagement in corporate social responsibility provide strategic insurance‐like effects?
Authors: Shiu Yung‐Ming , Yang Shou‐Lin
Published: December 2015

Research summary: This study examines whether the stock and bond prices of firms engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) can benefit from insurance‐like effects during occurrences of negative events. Our results suggest that in the face of negative events, engagement in CSR on a continuous, long‐term basis provides insurance‐like effects on both the stock and bond prices of firms. Nevertheless, the effects are found to quickly disappear following the occurrence of a second, or subsequent, negative event. Although our results clearly indicate that firms need to allocate some of their available resources to long‐term strategic CSR activities, managers must also realize that in a crisis communication, they will probably be able to use their CSR claims on one occasion only.

Managerial summary: The purpose of this article is to examine whether firms engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) can benefit from insurance‐like effects during occurrences of negative events. We find that on the occurrence of a negative event, long‐term CSR engagement does have insurance‐like effects. We also find that these insurance‐like effects may quickly disappear following the occurrence of a second negative event. Managers of firms with a long history of CSR activities need to realize that in a crisis communication, they can probably use their claims of adherence to CSR only once. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dietaryl‐carnitine prevents histopathological changes in tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) exposed to cylindrospermopsin
Authors: Guzmán‐Guillén Remedios , Prieto Ortega Ana I. , Moyano Rosario , Blanco Alfonso , Vasconcelos Vitor , Cameán Ana M.
Published: December 2015

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a cytotoxin highly water‐soluble, which is easily taken up by several aquatic organisms. CYN acts as a potent protein and glutathione synthesis inhibitor, as well as inducing genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and histopathological alterations. This is the first study reporting the protective effect of al‐carnitine (LC) pretreatment (400 or 880 mg LC/kg bw fish/day, for 21 days) on the histopathological alterations induced by pure CYN orAphanizomenon ovalisporumlyophilized cells (400 µg CYN/kg bw fish) in liver, kidney, heart, intestines, and gills of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) acutely exposed to the toxin by oral route. The main histopathological changes induced by CYN were disorganized parenchyma with presence of glycogen and lipids in the cytoplasm (liver), glomerulonephritis, glomerular atrophy, and dilatation of Bowman's capsule (kidney), myofibrolysis, loss of myofibrils, with edema and hemorrhage (heart), intestinal villi with necrotic enterocytes and partial loss of microvilli (gastrointestinal tract), and hyperemia and hemorrhage (gills). LC pretreatment was able to totally prevent those CYN‐induced alterations from 400 mg LC/kg bw fish/day in almost all organs, except in the heart, where 880 mg LC/kg bw fish/day were needed. In addition, the morphometric study indicated that LC managed to recover totally the affectation in the cross sections of the proximal and distal convoluted tubules in CYN‐exposed fish. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 241–254, 2017.
Electrospun PDA‐CA Nanofibers toward Hydrophobic Coatings
Authors: Abdelmoez Sherif , Abd El Azeem Rehab A. , Nada Ahmed A. , Khattab Tawfik A.
Published: December 2015

Nowadays, encapsulated dyes in a polymeric matrix have opened up new perspectives in many applications such as filtration of subatomic particles, composite reinforcement, multifunctional membranes, tissue engineering scaffolds, wound dressing, coatings, medical purposes as well as sensors. In the presented work, we report on electrospinning neat peryelene dianhydride based thermoplastic elastomers. Perylene‐3, 4,9, 10‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PDA) is encapsulated into cellulose acetate (CA) electrospun fibers, which was prepared from 12 % cellulose acetate solution, at 20 kV with a distance of 10 cm. The flow rate was 0.2 ml·h–1. These water repellent nanofibrous coatings are anticipated to serve as hydrophobic coatings. Scanning electron microscope is used to study the properties of the electrospun PDA‐CA nanofibers.
On necessary and sufficient conditions of strong ellipticity of equilibrium equations for certain classes of anisotropic linearly elastic materials
Authors: Zubov Leonid M. , Rudev Alexander N.
Published: December 2015

Within the framework of linear elasticity of anisotropic solids, the strong ellipticity (SE) condition is discussing. In this paper, the SE‐condition is deriving for 19 classes of 32 known ones of anisotropy. For each class SE‐condition reduces to a finite set of elementary inequalities. As a special case, incompressible materials are also considered.
Can orbital angle morphology distinguish dogs from wolves?
Authors: Janssens Luc , Spanoghe Inge , Miller Rebecca , Van Dongen Stefan
Published: December 2015

For more than a century, the orbital angle has been studied by many authors to distinguish dog skulls from their progenitor, the wolf. In early studies, the angle was reported to be different between dogs (49°–55°) and wolves (39°–46°). This clear difference was, however, questioned in a more recent Scandinavian study that shows some overlap. It is clear that in all studies several methodological issues were unexplored or unclear and that group sizes and the variety of breeds and wolf subspecies were small. Archaeological dog skulls had also not been studied. Our goal was to test larger and more varied groups and add archaeological samples as they are an evolutionary stage between wolves and modern dogs. We also tested the influence of measuring methods, intra- and inter-reliability, angle symmetry, the influence of variations in skull position and the possibility of measuring and comparing this angle on 3D CT scan images. Our results indicate that there is about 50 % overlap between the angle range in wolves and modern dogs. However, skulls with a very narrow orbital angle were only found in wolves and those with a very wide angle only in dogs. Archaeological dogs have a mean angle very close to the one of the wolves. Symmetry is highest in wolves and lowest in archaeological dogs. The measuring method is very reliable, for both inter- and intra-reliability (0.99–0.97), and most skull position changes have no statistical influence on the angle measured. Three-dimensional CT scan images can be used to measure OA, but the angles differ from direct measuring and cannot be used for comparison. Evolutionary changes in dog skulls responsible for the wider OA compared to wolf skulls are mainly the lateralisation of the zygomatic process of the frontal bone. Our conclusion is that the orbital angle can be used as an additional morphological measuring method to discern wolves from recent and archaeological dogs. Angles above 60° are certainly from recent dogs. Angles under 35° are certainly of wolves.
Antibacterial Activity of Alanine‐Derived Gemini Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
Authors: Piecuch Agata , Obłąk Ewa , Guz‐Regner Katarzyna
Published: December 2015

The antibacterial activity of alanine‐derived gemini quaternary ammonium salts (chlorides and bromides) with various spacer and alkyl chain lengths was investigated. The studied compounds exhibited a strong bactericidal effect, especially bromides with 10 and 12 carbon alkyl chains and 3 carbon spacer groups (TMPAL‐10 Br and TMPAL‐12 Br), with a short contact time. Both salts dislodged biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and were lethal to adherent cells of S. epidermidis. Bromide with 2 carbon spacer groups and 12 carbon alkyl chains (TMEAL‐12 Br) effectively reduced microbial adhesion by coating polystyrene and silicone surfaces. The results obtained suggest that, after further studies, gemini QAS might be considered as antimicrobial agents in medicine or industry.
Zinc Corrosion in Acidic Solutions Containing Single and Mixed Surfactants
Authors: Abdel‐Rahem Rami A. , Altwaiq Abdelmnim M. , Zaben Eman S. , Alnass’a Mohammad M.
Published: December 2015

The influence of surfactant synergism on Zn corrosion inhibition in 0.1‐M HCl aqueous solutions has been determined at room temperature. Solutions of single and mixed surfactants consisting of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) and N,N‐dimethyldodecan‐1‐amine oxide (DDAO) in water and in 0.1‐M HCl were also prepared at room temperature. Critical micelle concentration (CMC) data were obtained through surface tension measurements as a function of mixing composition. A regular solution model was considered to analyze CMC values. The interaction parameter (β), the composition of mixed micelles (x) and the activity coefficients (f) were estimated by a regular solution model for all amphoteric–anionic mixed systems. β Vvalues showed synergism for the binary mixtures of these solutions in the absence and presence of 0.1‐M HCl at all investigated compositions. Zinc corrosion in single and binary SDS/DDAO mixed solutions at 5‐mM total surfactant concentrations in the presence of 0.1‐M HCl was also investigated at static and dynamic conditions. The weight loss data revealed corrosion inhibition activity obeyed the following order: binary (0.75 DDAO + 0.25 SDS) > binary (0.50 DDAO + 0.50 SDS) > single DDAO > single SDS, suggesting an enhancement in the corrosion inhibition activity of DDAO in the presence of a proper amount of SDS. Conductivity time measurements show a similar trend as that obtained by a weight loss method at (0.50 DDAO + 0.50 SDS). The results were illustrated on the basis of synergistic interaction between the mixed surfactants.