bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new emphasis on root traits for perennial grass and legume varieties with environmental and ecological benefits
Authors: Marshall Athole H. , Collins Rosemary P. , Humphreys Mike W. , Scullion John
Published: January 2016

Grasslands cover a significant proportion of the agricultural land within theUKand across theEU, providing a relatively cheap source of feed for ruminants and supporting the production of meat, wool and milk from grazing animals. Delivering efficient animal production from grassland systems has traditionally been the primary focus of grassland‐based research. But there is increasing recognition of the ecological and environmental benefits of these grassland systems and the importance of the interaction between their component plants and a host of other biological organisms in the soil and in adjoining habitats. Many of the ecological and environmental benefits provided by grasslands emanate from the interactions between the roots of plant species and the soil in which they grow. We review current knowledge on the role of grassland ecosystems in delivering ecological and environmental benefits. We will consider how improved grassland can deliver these benefits, and the potential opportunities for plant breeding to improve specific traits that will enhance these benefits whilst maintaining forage production for livestock consumption. Opportunities for exploiting new plant breeding approaches, including high throughput phenotyping, and for introducing traits from closely related species are discussed.
Integrating ecosystem services into crop protection and pest management: Case study with the soil fumigant 1,3-dichloropropene and its use in tomato production in Italy
Authors: Deacon Samantha , Alix Anne , Knowles Steve , Wheeler James , Tescari Enzo , Alvarez Lara , Nicolette Joseph , Rockel Mark , Burston Peter , Quadri Giorgia
Published: January 2016

Ecosystems provide the conditions for producing food, regulating water, and providing wildlife habitats; these, among others, are known as ecosystem services (ESs). Food production is both economically and culturally important to southern European farmers, particularly in Italy where farmers grow flavorsome tomatoes with passion and pride. Growers rely on pesticides for crop protection, the potential environmental impact of which is often questioned by regulators and other stakeholders. The European regulatory system for the approval of pesticides includes a thorough evaluation of risks to the environment and is designed to be protective of ecosystems. The consideration of ESs in environmental decision making is a growing trend, and the present case study provides an example of how ESs evaluation could be used to enhance agricultural practices and regulatory policy for crop protection. By attacking plant roots, nematodes may affect the growth and yield of fruit and vegetable crops, and the income earned by farmers at harvest time. Available solutions include chemical treatments such as 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D), physical treatments (solarization), and biological treatments (biofumigation). In order to characterize the risks and benefits associated with the use of 1,3-D in crop protection, ESs and socioeconomic analyses were applied to its use in the control of nematodes in tomato cultivation in southern Italy. The present study confirmed the benefits of 1,3-D to tomato production in Italy, with significant positive effects on production yields and farm income when compared to limited and transient potential impacts on services such as soil function. It was confirmed that 1,3-D allows farm income to be maintained and secures tomato production in these regions for the future. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:801–810. © 2016 SETAC
The Evolution of Fe‐catalyzed Nucleophilic Activation of Acceptor‐substituted Vinyl‐ and Arylcyclopropanes
Authors: Lin Che‐Hung , Plietker Bernd
Published: January 2016

Acceptor‐substituted vinyl‐ (VCP) and arylcyclopropanes (ACP) are reactive substrates for nucleophilic activation using Bu4N[Fe(CO)3(NO)] (TBA[Fe]). In this account, the application of this catalytic strategy in traceless allylic substitution, [3+2]‐cycloaddition, and Cloke‐Wilson rearrangement will be presented. Additional information, derived from detailed spectroscopic and theoretical investigations, is discussed. These results not only lead to a deeper understanding of the reactivity of the catalyst in VCP and ACP activation, but also set the stage for a new type of catalyst activation using photochemical irradiation at 415 nm.
Fungal species diversity affects leaf decomposition after drought
Authors: Gonçalves Ana L. , Lírio Ana V. , Graça Manuel A.S. , Canhoto Cristina
Published: January 2016

The number of studies on the importance of biodiversity in stream ecosystem processes increased in the last years; however, little is still known on its role in scenarios of flow intermittency. In this study, we conducted a microcosm experiment to test the diversity‐insurance hypothesis on microbial decomposing oak leaves exposed to a drought event. Three microbial diversity levels were tested, single species and mixture assemblages of three or eight species of aquatic hyphomycetes. We also evaluated changes in leaf litter quality promoted by leaves desiccation to the shredderSchizopelex festiva. Fungal mixed assemblages resulted in higher decomposition and fungal sporulation rates than single species. This pattern was maintained after drought and decomposition was rapidly reassumed with rehydration. Fungal‐mediated decomposition seems to be more stimulated in the presence of rich (vs. single) fungal assemblages even after desiccation, particularly when species addition occurs at lower levels of richness. Shredder consumption was not affected by leaf desiccation, although feeding rates were consistently higher on leaves conditioned with eight fungal species and likely affected by the identity of the dominant taxa. Bottom‐up effects are expected on the food webs of detritus‐based streams affected by droughts; the intensity of these effects seems to be dependent on the level of decline promoted on decomposers richness by the environmental perturbation.
Sustained presentation of BMP‐2 enhances osteogenic differentiation of human adipose‐derived stem cells in gelatin hydrogels
Authors: Samorezov Julia E. , Headley Emma B. , Everett Christopher R. , Alsberg Eben
Published: January 2016

Human adipose‐derived stem cells (hASCs) show great potential for healing bone defects. Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) has been reported to stimulate their osteogenic differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Here, methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogels were evaluated as a system to deliver BMP‐2 to encapsulated hASCs from two different donors, and BMP‐2 delivered from the hydrogels was compared to BMP‐2 presented exogenously in culture media. GelMA hydrogels were shown to provide sustained, localized presentation of BMP‐2 due to electrostatic interactions between the growth factor and biomaterial after an initial burst release. Both donors exhibited similar responses to the loaded and exogenous growth factor; BMP‐2 from the hydrogels had a statistically significant effect on hASC osteogenic differentiation compared to exogenous BMP‐2. Expression of alkaline phosphatase was accelerated, and cells in hydrogels with loaded BMP‐2 deposited more calcium at one, two, and four weeks than cells without BMP‐2 or with the growth factor presented in the media. There were no statistically significant differences in calcium content between groups with 25, 50, or 100 µg/mL loaded BMP‐2, suggesting that using a lower growth factor dose may be as effective as a higher loading amount in this system. Taken together, these findings suggest that controlled delivery of BMP‐2 from the GelMA enhances its osteogenic bioactivity compared to free growth factor presented in the media. Thus, the GelMA system is a promising biomaterial for BMP‐2‐mediated hASC osteogenesis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1387–1397, 2016.
Micro/nanostructured surface modification using femtosecond laser pulses on minimally invasive electrosurgical devices
Authors: Lin Chia‐Cheng , Lin Hao‐Jan , Lin Yun‐Ho , Sugiatno Erwan , Ruslin Muhammad , Su Chen‐Yao , Ou Keng‐Liang , Cheng Han‐Yi
Published: January 2016

The purpose of the present study was to examine thermal damage and a sticking problem in the tissue after the use of a minimally invasive electrosurgical device with a nanostructured surface treatment that uses a femtosecond laser pulse (FLP) technique. To safely use an electrosurgical device in clinical surgery, it is important to decrease thermal damage to surrounding tissues. The surface characteristics and morphology of the FLP layer were evaluated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy; element analysis was performed using energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In the animal model, monopolar electrosurgical devices were used to create lesions in the legs of 30 adult rats. Animals were sacrificed for investigations at 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days postoperatively. Results indicated that the thermal damage and sticking situations were reduced significantly when a minimally invasive electrosurgical instrument with an FLP layer was used. Temperatures decreased while film thickness increased. Thermographic data revealed that surgical temperatures in an animal model were significantly lower in the FLP electrosurgical device compared with that in the untreated one. Furthermore, the FLP device created a relatively small area of thermal damage. As already mentioned, the biomedical nanostructured layer reduced thermal damage and promoted the antisticking property with the use of a minimally invasive electrosurgical device. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 865–873, 2017.
Effect of Low-Magnitude Mechanical Stimuli on Bone Density and Structure in Pediatric Crohn's Disease: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Leonard Mary B , Shults Justine , Long Jin , Baldassano Robert N , Brown J Keenan , Hommel Kevin , Zemel Babette S , Mahboubi Soroosh , Howard Whitehead Krista , Herskovitz Rita , Lee Dale , Rausch Joseph , Rubin Clinton T
Published: January 2016

Pediatric Crohn's Disease (CD) is associated with low trabecular bone mineral density (BMD), cortical area, and muscle mass. Low-magnitude mechanical stimulation (LMMS) may be anabolic. We conducted a 12-month randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 10 minutes daily exposure to LMMS (30 Hz frequency, 0.3 g peak-to-peak acceleration). The primary outcomes were tibia trabecular BMD and cortical area by peripheral quantitative CT (pQCT) and vertebral trabecular BMD by QCT; additional outcomes included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) whole body, hip and spine BMD, and leg lean mass. Results were expressed as sex-specific Z-scores relative to age. CD participants, ages 8 to 21 years with tibia trabecular BMD <25th percentile for age, were eligible and received daily cholecalciferol (800 IU) and calcium (1000 mg). In total, 138 enrolled (48% male), and 121 (61 active, 60 placebo) completed the 12-month trial. Median adherence measured with an electronic monitor was 79% and did not differ between arms. By intention-to-treat analysis, LMMS had no significant effect on pQCT or DXA outcomes. The mean change in spine QCT trabecular BMD Z-score was +0.22 in the active arm and –0.02 in the placebo arm (difference in change 0.24 [95% CI 0.04, 0.44]; p = 0.02). Among those with >50% adherence, the effect was 0.38 (95% CI 0.17, 0.58, p < 0.0005). Within the active arm, each 10% greater adherence was associated with a 0.06 (95% CI 0.01, 1.17, p = 0.03) greater increase in spine QCT BMD Z-score. Treatment response did not vary according to baseline body mass index (BMI) Z-score, pubertal status, CD severity, or concurrent glucocorticoid or biologic medications. In all participants combined, height, pQCT trabecular BMD, and cortical area and DXA outcomes improved significantly. In conclusion, LMMS was associated with increases in vertebral trabecular BMD by QCT; however, no effects were observed at DXA or pQCT sites. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Advanced treatment of biologically treated medium density fiberboard (MDF) wastewater with Fenton and Fenton enhanced hydrodynamic cavitation process
Authors: Balcik‐Canbolat Cigdem , Sakar Hacer , Karagunduz Ahmet , Keskinler Bulent
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

Biological treatment processes are often ineffective for the treatment of medium density fiberboard (MDF) wastewater due the presence of non‐biodegradable and refractory compounds. Fenton and Fenton enhanced hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) processes may be cost effective solutions for the treatment of such wastewater.

RESULTS

Removals of COD, formaldehyde and color by Fenton and Fenton enhanced HC processes were investigated in this study. The optimum H2O2/Fe2+ molar ratio at the initial pH of 3 for the optimum COD removal efficiency was 2.5/1 in 70 min reaction time. Furthermore, faster removal rates of pollutants were also observed with HC enhanced Fenton process. The presence of various herbicides and fungicides in the wastewater were detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

CONCLUSIONS

The Fenton enhanced process resulted in faster COD removal rates than those obtained in Fenton alone. The Fenton enhanced HC process appears to be a cost‐effective alternative for the treatment of highly toxic and non‐biodegradable MDF wastewater. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of Novel Triazole‐incorporated Isatin Derivatives as Antifungal, Antitubercular, and Antioxidant Agents and Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Shaikh Mubarak H. , Subhedar Dnyaneshwar D. , Khan Firoz A. Kalam , Sangshetti Jaiprakash N. , Nawale Laxman , Arkile Manisha , Sarkar Dhiman , Shingate Bapurao B.
Published: January 2016

A library of 1,2,3‐triazoles efficiently prepared via click chemistry and evaluated for their antifungal, antitubercular, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, molecular docking and ADME prediction.
Depressive symptoms are associated with higher rates of readmission or mortality after medical hospitalization: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pederson Jenelle L. , Warkentin Lindsey M. , Majumdar Sumit R. , McAlister Finlay A.
Published: January 2016

Depressive symptoms during a medical hospitalization may be an overlooked prognostic factor for adverse events postdischarge. Our aim was to evaluate whether depressive symptoms predict 30‐day readmission or death after medical hospitalization. We conducted a systematic review of studies that compared postdischarge outcomes by in‐hospital depressive status. We assessed study quality and pooled published and unpublished data using random effects models. Overall, one‐third of 6104 patients discharged from medical wards were depressed (interquartile range, 27%‐40%). Compared to inpatients without depression, those discharged with depressive symptoms were more likely to be readmitted (20.4% vs 13.7%, risk ratio [RR]: 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16‐2.58) or die (2.8% vs 1.5%, RR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.31‐3.44) within 30 days. Depressive symptoms were common in medical inpatients and are associated with an increased risk of adverse events postdischarge. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:373–380. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Hospital Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Hospital Medicine
Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor promotes behavioral recovery in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Song Shijie , Kong Xiaoyuan , Acosta Sandra , Sava Vasyl , Borlongan Cesar , Sanchez‐Ramos Juan
Published: January 2016

Hematopoietic growth factors such as granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) represent a novel approach for treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). After mild controlled cortical impact (CCI), mice were treated with G‐CSF (100 μg/kg) for 3 consecutive days. The primary behavioral endpoint was performance on the radial arm water maze (RAWM), assessed 7 and 14 days after CCI. Secondary endpoints included 1) motor performance on a rotating cylinder (rotarod), 2) measurement of microglial and astroglial response, 3) hippocampal neurogenesis, and 4) measures of neurotrophic factors (brain‐derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF] and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor [GDNF]) and cytokines in brain homogenates. G‐CSF‐treated animals performed significantly better than vehicle‐treated mice in the RAWM at 1 and 2 weeks but not on the rotarod. Cellular changes found in the G‐CSF group included increased hippocampal neurogenesis as well as astrocytosis and microgliosis in both the striatum and the hippocampus. Neurotrophic factors GDNF and BDNF, elaborated by activated microglia and astrocytes, were increased in G‐CSF‐treated mice. These factors along with G‐CSF itself are known to promote hippocampal neurogenesis and inhibit apoptosis and likely contributed to improvement in the hippocampal‐dependent learning task. Six cytokines that were modulated by G‐CSF treatment following CCI were elevated on day 3, but only one of them remained altered by day 7, and all of them were no different from vehicle controls by day 14. The pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines modulated by G‐CSF administration interact in a complex and incompletely understood network involving both damage and recovery processes, underscoring the dual role of inflammation after TBI. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Investigation of Structure–Property Relationships in Silicone‐Based Dielectric Electroactive Elastomers by Varying Stoichiometric Imbalance of the Network
Authors: Zhang Mengjia , Denes Istvan , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: January 2016

Silicone‐based elastomers are promising materials for future dielectric elastomer actuators. To ensure optimum performance and the long‐term reliability of the actuators, it is essential to gain a fundamental understanding of the correlation between the elastomer's network structure and the mechanical and electrical responses of the material. For this purpose, mechanical and electrical tests are performed on a series of silicone elastomer films with different crosslinking densities, which are prepared by changing the stoichiometric imbalance of the network. It is determined that higher cross‐linking density leads to a higher elastic modulus and a longer fatigue lifetime, whereas reduced permittivity is observed because of lower chain mobility. Dielectric breakdown strength is also observed to increase in line with increasing cross‐linking density, and the variations in relation to the measured elastic modulus and permittivity agree well with the Stark–Garton model based on electromechanical instability.

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Biophysical characterization of the complexation of C60 fullerene with doxorubicin in a prokaryotic model
Authors: Prylutskyy Y. , Borowik A. , Gołuński G. , Woziwodzka A. , Piosik J. , Kyzyma O. , Pashkova I. , Ritter U. , Evstigneev M.
Published: January 2016

By means of small‐angle neutron scattering and ames mutagenicity test it was shown that C60 fullerene may act as an interceptor of the antibiotic doxorubicin by formation of a hetero‐complex with this drug. This result has been predicted based on previously developed model of chemico‐biological interaction between DNA‐binding drugs and aromatic interceptor molecules.
PRRX2 as a novel TGF‐β‐induced factor enhances invasion and migration in mammary epithelial cell and correlates with poor prognosis in breast cancer
Authors: Juang Yu‐Lin , Jeng Yung‐Ming , Chen Chi‐Long , Lien Huang‐Chun
Published: January 2016

TGF‐β and cancer progression share a multifaceted relationship. Despite the knowledge of TGF‐β biology in the development of cancer, several factors that mediate the cancer‐promoting role of TGF‐β continue to be identified. This study aimed to identify and characterise novel factors potentially related to TGF‐β‐mediated tumour aggression in breast cells. We treated the human mammary epithelial cell line MCF10A with TGF‐β and identified TGF‐β‐dependent upregulation of PRRX2, the gene encoding paired‐related homeobox 2 transcription factor. Overexpression of PRRX2 enhanced migration, invasion and anchorage‐independent growth of MCF10A cells and induced partial epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), as determined by partial fibroblastoid morphology of cells, upregulation of EMT markers and partially disrupted acinar structure in a three‐dimensional culture. We further identified PLAT, the gene encoding tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA), as the highest differentially expressed gene in PRRX2‐overexpressing MCF10A cells, and demonstrated direct binding and transactivation of the PLAT promoter by PRRX2. Furthermore, PLAT knockdown inhibited PRRX2‐mediated enhanced migration and invasion, suggesting that tPA may mediate PRRX2‐induced migration and invasion. Finally, the significant correlation of PRRX2 expression with poor survival in 118 primary breast tumour samples (P = 0.027) and the increased PRRX2 expression in metaplastic breast carcinoma samples, which is pathogenetically related to EMT, validated the biological importance of PRRX2‐enhanced migration and invasion and PRRX2‐induced EMT. Thus, our data suggest that upregulation of PRRX2 may be a mechanism contributing to TGF‐β‐induced invasion and EMT in breast cancer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Complex Hyperkinesia Induced by Valproate
Authors: Bruno Elisa , Holmes Paul , Koutroumanidis Michalis
Published: January 2016

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Inpatient Physiotherapy for Functional (Psychogenic) Gait Disorder: A Case Series of 35 Patients
Authors: Matthews Audrey , Brown Melanie , Stone Jon
Published: January 2016

View Supplementary Video 1

Patients with functional gait disorder (FGD) are often referred for physiotherapy, but data on their outcome is limited. The authors present a case series of 35 patients who received targeted physiotherapy for FGD at a regional neuroscience center (mean number of sessions, 11). Significant improvements in the Modified Rivermead Mobility Index (score range, 0–40) were recorded between pretreatment and posttreatment (mean pretreatment vs. posttreatment score, 20 vs. 37, respectively). Improvements also were seen in patients who had chronic symptoms, including those with symptom duration over 6 months (mean pretreatment vs. posttreatment score, 21 vs. 33, respectively) and in patients who had no psychological intervention. These data support the hypothesis that specific physiotherapy for FGD can be surprisingly effective and further encourage the development of larger randomized trials to test efficacy.
An iterative algorithm to determine the number of time steps in path generation methods
Authors: Fan Chenxi , Wu Qingbiao
Published: January 2016

The construction of Brownian motion paths is the most important part of simulation methods for option pricing. Particularly, there are several commonly used path generation methods in the context of quasi‐Monte Carlo, including the standard method and the Brownian bridge method. To apply each method, an inevitable step is to decide how many points are used to discretize the time interval. This paper implements an iterative algorithm to select a suitable number of time steps by successively adding discretization nodes until a specific convergence criterion is met. Numerical results with this algorithm are presented in the valuation of Asian options. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antidiabetic actions of cocoa flavanols
Authors: Martin Maria Ángeles , Goya Luis , Ramos Sonia
Published: January 2016

Prevention of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) through the diet is receiving a growing interest and cocoa because of its polyphenolic compounds, mainly flavanols, has become an important potential chemopreventive natural agent. Cocoa and its main flavanols might contribute to prevent or delay diabetes mellitus type 2 by modulating insulin secretion in β‐pancreatic cells and targeting insulin‐sensitive tissues because of their insulin‐like activity or through the regulation of key proteins of the insulin signaling route. Among other actions, cocoa flavanols have been proved to enhance glucose uptake through the promotion of glucose transport, to repress glucose production, or to improve lipid metabolism. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms of action involved in these effects are not fully understood and many points remain to be clarified. This review provides insights into the molecular machinery of the chemopreventive activity of cocoa and its flavanols by compiling cell culture and animal models studies, as well as evidence from human interventional trials.
Optimizing Control and State Estimation of a Continuous Polymerization Process in a Tubular Reactor with Multiple Side‐Streams
Authors: Hashemi Reza , Kohlmann Daniel , Engell Sebastian
Published: January 2016

In this contribution, a nonlinear model‐based optimizing control for continuous polymerization of acrylic acid in tubular reactors with multiple side injections of monomer is developed. The background of this work is to transfer the production of polymers from semibatch to continuous operations. The configuration of the tubular reactor, which imposes long delays between the inputs and the measurements, and the lack of intermediate measurements as well as the nonlinear reaction kinetics and sharp moving fronts of concentrations when the inflows are changed, make the application of the optimizing control very challenging. In order to simulate the sharp fronts of the reactor system faithfully and fast, the spatial domain of the partial differential equations model of the tubular reactor is discretized by applying the weighted essentially non‐oscillatory scheme. We formulate the controller such that it optimizes the productivity of the reactor directly, while the product quality parameters are imposed as constraints. A particle filter is implemented to estimate the states of the reactor system and to initialize the process model. The simulation results show that the controller can increase the product throughput considerably compared to an initial operating point and has a robust performance against the measurement noise. Furthermore, the effect of formulating the quality constraints as hard or soft constraints as well as a changeover scenario between the different grades of a polymer are studied.

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α‐trideuteromethyl[15N]glutamine: A long‐lived hyperpolarized perfusion marker
Authors: Durst Markus , Chiavazza Enrico , Haase Axel , Aime Silvio , Schwaiger Markus , Schulte Rolf F.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

We characterized the performance of a novel hyperpolarized perfusion marker, α‐trideuteromethyl[15N]glutamine, for direct comparison with a 13C‐based hyperpolarized perfusion marker, [13C, 15N2]urea.

Methods

A hardware platform and pulse sequence for in vivo 15N experiments were established. Hyperpolarized solutions of α‐trideuteromethyl[15N]glutamine and [13C, 15N2]urea were injected into healthy male Lewis rats. Kidney slice images were acquired using a single‐shot spiral readout. Both compounds were compared to determine in vivo signal lifetime and tracer distribution. Mass spectrometry was performed to evaluate excretion of the compound.

Results

Compared with 13C‐labeled urea, a significantly increased signal lifetime was observed. While the urea signal was gone after 90 s, decay of the glutamine compound was sufficiently slow to obtain a quantifiable signal, even after 5 min. The glutamine derivative showed strong localization in the kidneys with little background signal. Effective T1 of α‐trideuteromethyl[15N]glutamine was approximately eight‐fold higher than that of urea. Mass spectrometry results confirmed rapid excretion within the time scale of the measurement.

Conclusion

Hyperpolarized α‐trideuteromethyl[15N]glutamine is a highly promising candidate for renal studies because of its long signal lifetime, strong localization and rapid excretion. Magn Reson Med 76:1900–1904, 2016. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Genotype–phenotype relationships in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with FUS/TLS mutations in Japan
Authors: Akiyama Tetsuya , Warita Hitoshi , Kato Masaaki , Nishiyama Ayumi , Izumi Rumiko , Ikeda Chikako , Kamada Masaki , Suzuki Naoki , Aoki Masashi
Published: January 2016

Introduction: We investigated possible genotype–phenotype correlations in Japanese patients with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS) carrying fused in sarcoma/translated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS) gene mutations. Methods: A consecutive series of 111 Japanese FALS pedigrees were screened for copper/zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and FUS/TLS gene mutations. Clinical data, including onset age, onset site, disease duration, and extramotor symptoms, were collected. Results: Nine different FUS/TLS mutations were found in 12 pedigrees. Most of the patients with FUS/TLS‐linked FALS demonstrated early onset in the brainstem/upper cervical region, and relatively short disease duration. A few mutations exhibited phenotypes that were distinct from typical cases. Frontotemporal dementia was present in 1 patient. Conclusions: This study revealed a characteristic phenotype in FUS/TLS‐linked FALS patients in Japan. FUS/TLS screening is recommended in patients with FALS with this phenotype. Muscle Nerve 54: 398–404, 2016
The role of cranial and thoracic electromyography within diagnostic criteria for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Jenkins Thomas M. , Alix James J.P. , Kandler Rosalind H. , Shaw Pamela J. , McDermott Christopher J.
Published: January 2016

Introduction: The contribution of cranial and thoracic region electromyography (EMG) to diagnostic criteria for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has not been evaluated. Methods: Clinical and EMG data from each craniospinal region were retrospectively assessed in 470 patients; 214 had ALS. Changes to diagnostic classification in Awaji‐Shima and revised El Escorial criteria after withdrawal of cranial/thoracic EMG data were ascertained. Results: Sensitivity for lower motor neuron involvement in ALS was highest in the cervical/lumbar regions; specificity was highest in cranial/thoracic regions. Cranial EMG contributed to definite/probable Awaji‐Shima categorization in 1.4% of patients. Thoracic EMG made no contribution. For revised El Escorial criteria, cranial and thoracic data reclassified 1% and 5% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: Cranial EMG data make small contributions to both criteria, whereas thoracic data contribute only to the revised El Escorial criteria. However, cranial and thoracic region abnormalities are specific in ALS. Consideration should be given to allowing greater diagnostic contribution from thoracic EMG. Muscle Nerve 54: 378–385, 2016
Influence of gas generation in electro‐osmosis consolidation
Authors: Yuan Jiao , Hicks Michael A.
Published: January 2016

This paper presents a numerical model for the elasto‐plastic electro‐osmosis consolidation of unsaturated clays experiencing large strains, by considering electro‐osmosis and hydro‐mechanical flows in a deformable multiphase porous medium. The coupled governing equations involving the pore water flow, pore gas flow, electric flow and mechanical deformation in unsaturated clays are derived within the framework of averaging theory and solved numerically using finite elements. The displacements of the solid phase, the pressure of the water phase, the pressure of the gas phase and the electric potential are taken as the primary unknowns in the proposed model. The nonlinear variation of transport parameters during electro‐osmosis consolidation are incorporated into the model using empirical expressions that strongly depend on the degree of water saturation, whereas the Barcelona Basic Model is employed to simulate the elasto‐plastic mechanical behaviour of unsaturated clays. The accuracy of the proposed model is evaluated by validating it against two well‐known numerical examples, involving electro‐osmosis and unsaturated soil behaviour respectively. Two further examples are then investigated to study the capability of the computational algorithm in modelling multiphase flow in electro‐osmosis consolidation. Finally, the effects of gas generation at the anode, the deformation characteristics, the degree of saturation and the time dependent evolution of the excess pore pressure are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcomes of three sling procedures at the time of abdominal sacral colpopexy
Authors: Tubre Ryan W. , Padmanabhan Priya , Frilot Clifton F. , Porta Wesley , Gomelsky Alex
Published: January 2016

Introduction

A sling at time of sacral colpopexy (SCP) for apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is valuable in the treatment of overt, urodynamic, and occult stress urinary incontinence (SUI). As there is no current agreement regarding the optimal choice of sling in these women, we compare the outcomes of three sling procedures in this population: autologous rectus fascia bladder neck sling (ARF), retropubic midurethral sling (RPM), and transobturator midurethral sling (TOM).

Methods

We performed a retrospective single institution, single‐surgeon review of data identifying women with minimum follow‐up of 12 months who underwent a concomitant sling and SCP following urodynamics with and without POP reduction. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation included objective and subjective assessment. Cure required absence of subjective and objective SUI.

Results

Out of 187 women, 152 (81%) met inclusion criteria (49 ARF, 58 RPM, and 45 TOM). There were no significant differences among sling groups regarding demographics. SUI cure rates were not significantly different between sling groups, or within each group after stratification by overt and occult SUI. QoL indices improved significantly after surgery for the entire cohort.

Conclusions

All three sling types appear to produce similar cure rates of SUI when done concomitantly with SCP. There did not appear to be any significant differences when stratified by occult or overt SUI. No sling type was associated with more postoperative complications. Larger studies are necessary to confirm the findings of this single‐institution, retrospective study. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:482–485, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hybrid composites based on sisal fibers and silica nanoparticles
Authors: Vieira Luciano Machado Gomes , Santos Júlio Cesar dos , Panzera Túlio Hallak , Christoforo André Luiz , Mano Valdir , Campos Rubio Juan Carlos , Scarpa Fabrizio
Published: January 2016

The progress in establishing new classes of biocomposites has led to potential applications in the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries because of their life cycle properties, low cost, lightweight, non‐abrasive, and moderate mechanical strength. The heterogeneity of natural fibers plays an important role in the fiber–matrix adhesion, therefore affecting the mechanical performance and the durability of the composites. This work has described the manufacturing, characterization, and testing of hybrid composites reinforced with sisal fibers and silica nanoparticles. A full factorial design was performed to identify the effects of fiber treatment, fiber orientation and nanosilica inclusion factors on the physical and mechanical properties of hybrid composites. Composites made with unidirectional untreated fibres and silica nanoparticles (2 wt%) provided higher impact resistance. In contrast, the highest strength and stiffness values and the lowest overall porosity were achieved when unidirectional treated fibres with 2 wt% of silica inclusions were considered. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:146–156, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical and physical performance of cowdung‐based polypropylene biocomposites
Authors: Khalid Mohammad , Ratnam Chantara Thevy , Abdullah Luqman Chuah , Walvekar Rashmi , Ching Yern Chee , Ketabchi Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2016

In this work, potential of cow dung (CD) as a reinforcing material was evaluated. CD was blended in different ratios up to 50 wt% with polypropylene (PP) using Brabender twin‐screw compounder. The results show a steady decline in the biocomposite tensile and impact strength with increasing CD loading. In contrast, the storage modulus (E′), flexural modulus, and water absorption capacity of the biocomposites increased with increasing CD loading. Furthermore, it was revealed by SEM that the failure of the PP/CD biocomposites at higher filler loading was because of the week interfacial bonding. Results established that the properties of PP/CD biocomposites are a function of CD loading. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:288–296, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of plasma treatment on mechanical and thermal properties of marble powder/epoxy composites
Authors: Fiore V. , Di Bella G. , Scalici T. , Valenza A.
Published: January 2016

The aim of this work was to study the effect of the plasma treatment on the behavior of composite structures reinforced with marble powder, obtained as processing waste in the “Custonaci” basin. Moreover, different filler amounts (i.e., 10%wt, 20%, 30% in weight) were investigated. For the mechanical characterization, tensile and flexural quasi‐static tests, Charpy impact test, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) were performed. For the thermal stability, thermogravimetric analysis was carried out. Finally, real density and fraction of voids were measured. It was observed that untreated marble powder, on one hand, increases tensile and flexural stiffness and improves thermal stability, on the other hand, introduces a defectivity that produces a decrease of some properties (i.e., ultimate tensile and flexural strength). The plasma treatment induces improvements in all the mechanical properties (i.e., quasi‐static and dynamic). Vice versa, the thermal behavior is not affected by the treatment. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:309–317, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of carbon nanotube dispersion and network formation on thermal conductivity of thermoplastic polyurethane/carbon nanotube nanocomposites
Authors: Pircheraghi Gholamreza , Powell Tyler , Solouki Bonab Vahab , Manas‐Zloczower Ica
Published: January 2016

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were dispersed without any solvent in poly(tetramethylene ether glycol), (PTMEG) well above its melting point by ultrasonication in the pulse mode and different times. The polyol/CNT suspensions were used to prepare in situ polymerized thermoplastic polyurethane TPU/CNT nanocomposites with the CNT concentration of ∼ 0.05 vol%, much below the CNT geometrical percolation threshold calculated at 0.43 vol%. Results of rotational rheological measurements and ultraviolet–visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy analysis revealed improvement in the nanoscale CNT dispersion with sonication time. Moreover, the optical microscopic images and sedimentation behavior for these samples pointed out to the formation of segregated CNT networks with different microstructures at different sonication times. Through‐plane thermal conductivity measurements showed an increase in thermal conductivity of the in‐situ polymerized TPU/CNT nanocomposites from polyol/CNT suspensions with increasing sonication time followed by a decrease at long sonication times. Different models were used to evaluate the role of CNT dispersion state and created microstructure on thermal conductivity of nanocomposites. The formation of a segregated network at medium sonication times consisting of large CNT aggregates and small bundles increased the nanocomposite thermal conductivity up to 99.7%, while at longer sonication times, an increase in interfacial area with a corresponding increase in kapitza boundary resistance, effectively decreased the system thermal conductivity. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:394–407, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Emergence of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor resistance of Pyrenophora teres in Europe
Authors: Rehfus Alexandra , Miessner Simone , Achenbach Janosch , Strobel Dieter , Bryson Rosie , Stammler Gerd
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

Net blotch caused by Pyrenophora teres is an important disease of barley worldwide. In addition to strobilurins (quinone ouside inhibitors) and azoles (demethylation inhibitors), succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) are very effective fungicides for net blotch control. Recently, SDHI‐resistant isolates have been found in the field. Intensive sensitivity monitoring programmes across Europe were carried out to investigate the situation concerning SDHI resistance in P. teres.

RESULTS

The first isolates with a lower sensitivity to SDHIs registered in barley were found in Germany in 2012 and carried the B‐H277Y substitution in the succinate dehydrogenase enzyme. In 2013 and 2014, a significant increase in isolates with lower SDHI sensitivity was detected mainly in France and Germany, and the range of target‐site mutations increased. Most of the resistant isolates carried the C‐G79R substitution, which exhibits a strong impact on all SDHIs in microtitre tests. All SDHIs tested were shown to be cross‐resistant. Other substitutions are gaining in importance, e.g. C‐N75S in France and D‐D145G in Germany. So far, no double mutants in SDH genes have been detected. Glasshouse tests showed that SDHI‐resistant isolates were still controlled by the SDHI fluxapyroxad when applied preventively. To date, most isolates with C‐G79R substitution have not simultaneously carried the F129L change in cytochrome b, which causes resistance towards QoI fungicides at low to moderate levels.

CONCLUSION

Several target‐site mutations in the genes of subunits SDH‐B, SDH‐C and SDH‐D with different impact on SDHI fungicides were detected. The pattern of mutations varied from year to year and between different regions. Strict resistance management strategies are recommended to maintain SDHIs as effective tools for net blotch control, especially in areas with low frequencies of resistant isolates. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Study of threshold voltage instability in E‐mode GaN MOS‐HEMTs
Authors: Iucolano Ferdinando , Parisi Antonino , Reina Santo , Meneghesso G. , Chini Alessandro
Published: January 2016

In this work, the threshold instability in E‐mode GaN MOS‐HEMTs was investigated. In particular, the shift of VTH as a function of the applied positive gate voltage during device characterization was monitored, resulting in positive VTH shifts up to 1 V. A complete VTH recovery required more than one day of unbiased storage, but a partial recovery of the observed VTH shift was observed after few seconds. These results could be related to different positions of trap states: fast states, localized at the dielectric/GaN interface and slow states, the traps inside the dielectric layer. Moreover, VTH shift of 0.2 and 0.8 V for fast and slow states, respectively, was obtained. To gain insight into the physical mechanism involved in the observed phenomena, numerical simulation were also carried out. A VTH shift was obtained adding the interface states. Moreover, three different distributions of traps were compared. In particular, the concentration of filled traps was monitored to understand the impact of the distribution on the electrical behaviour. An increment in filled trap concentration at the increasing of the applied VGS, which in turns correlates with experimentally evaluated device behaviour, was obtained if the distribution of traps states is also above the GaN conduction band energy. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of Plants on Osteogenic Differentiation and Mineralization of Periodontal Ligament Cells: A Systematic Review
Authors: Costa Cláudio Rodrigues Rezende , Amorim Bruna Rabelo , de Magalhães Pérola , De Luca Canto Graziela , Acevedo Ana Carolina , Guerra Eliete Neves Silva
Published: January 2016

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of plants on osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of human periodontal ligament cells. The included studies were selected using five different electronic databases. The reference list of the included studies was crosschecked, and a partial gray literature search was undertaken using Google Scholar and ProQuest. The methodology of the selected studies was evaluated using GRADE. After a two‐step selection process, eight studies were identified. Six different types of plants were reported in the selected studies, which wereMorinda citrifolia,Aloe vera,Fructus cnidii,Zanthoxylum schinifolium,Centella asiatica, andEpimediumspecies. They included five types of isolated plant components: acemannan, osthole, hesperetin, asiaticoside, and icariin. In addition, some active substances of these components were identified as polysaccharides, coumarins, flavonoids, and triterpenes. The studies demonstrated the potential effects of plants on osteogenic differentiation, cell proliferation, mineral deposition, and gene and protein expression. Four studies showed that periodontal ligament cells induce mineral deposition after plant treatment. Although there are few studies on the subject, current evidence suggests that plants are potentially useful for the treatment of periodontal diseases. However, further investigations are required to confirm the promising effect of these plants in regenerative treatments. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using blocked fractional factorial designs to construct discrete choice experiments for healthcare studies
Authors: Jaynes Jessica , Wong Weng‐Kee , Xu Hongquan
Published: January 2016

Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) are increasingly used for studying and quantifying subjects preferences in a wide variety of healthcare applications. They provide a rich source of data to assess real‐life decision‐making processes, which involve trade‐offs between desirable characteristics pertaining to health and healthcare and identification of key attributes affecting healthcare. The choice of the design for a DCE is critical because it determines which attributes' effects and their interactions are identifiable. We apply blocked fractional factorial designs to construct DCEs and address some identification issues by utilizing the known structure of blocked fractional factorial designs. Our design techniques can be applied to several situations including DCEs where attributes have different number of levels. We demonstrate our design methodology using two healthcare studies to evaluate (i) asthma patients' preferences for symptom‐based outcome measures and (ii) patient preference for breast screening services. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of technological processing of wheat grain on starch digestibility and resistant starch content
Authors: Štěrbová Lenka , Bradová Jana , Sedláček Tibor , Holasová Marie , Fiedlerová Vlasta , Dvořáček Václav , Smrčková Petra
Published: January 2016

The grain of six standard wheat cultivars and one high‐amylose wheat cultivar was ground and milled to produce common white flour used to prepare bread, biscuits and wafers. Changes in rapidly and slowly digestible starch (RDS and SDS), resistant starch (RS) and fibre caused by different milling and by the preparation of bakery products were observed. Depending on the milling process, RDS ranged from 28.3 to 32.4% of dry matter and SDS from 18.3 to 35.2%. The preparation of bakery products increased RDS by 30–80% to the detriment of SDS. RS comprised on average 6.6% of ground grain, 3.9% of wheat flour and 3.5, 5.9 and 1.0% of bread, biscuits and wafers, respectively. Variance amongst standard wheat cultivars was low, with only the high‐amylose wheat showing unique technological and nutritional properties. RS and total starch (TS) were measured using two different methods. TS determinations correlated closely, although the linear regression varied amongst the different matrices. The correlation between RS values measured by the two methods was loose, and no significant linear regression was found. The article brings new information on variability in starch digestibility in cereal products depending on wheat cultivar used for production.