bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Size Matter? Evaluating Corporate Environmental Disclosure in the Australian Mining and Metal Industry: A Combined Approach of Quantity and Quality Measurement
Authors: Lee Ki‐Hoon
Published: December 2015

There are an increasing number of companies in the mining and metals sector disclosing environmental sustainability information in their annual reports, sustainability reports and corporate internet web pages. However, there is ongoing debate about the relationship between the quantity and the quality of environmental disclosure. That is, does an increase in number equate to an increase in quality? This study investigates the relationship between the quantity and the quality of environmental disclosure reports. Using content analysis, we examine the environmental disclosure of 55 Australian mining and metal companies which are listed among the Australian Securities Exchange's (ASX) Top 100 mining and metal sector companies. We find that the size of firms influences both the quantity and the quality of corporate environmental disclosure. That is, we find that market capitalization is positively and significantly correlated to the quantity (number of words) and the quality of disclosure. We also confirm that there is a very highly significant, positive correlation between quantity (number of words) and quality of environmental disclosure. In order to investigate any differences between the top performing group and the bottom performing group in terms of environmental disclosure quality, further analysis also confirms that there is a positive relationship between the quantity and the quality of environmental disclosure. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Immunogenicity and clinical effectiveness of the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in immunocompromised children undergoing treatment for cancer
Authors: Kotecha Rishi S. , Wadia Ushma D. , Jacoby Peter , Ryan Anne L. , Blyth Christopher C. , Keil Anthony D. , Gottardo Nicholas G. , Cole Catherine H. , Barr Ian G. , Richmond Peter C.
Published: December 2015

Influenza is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in children receiving therapy for cancer, yet recommendation for, and uptake of the seasonal vaccine remains poor. One hundred children undergoing treatment for cancer were vaccinated with the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine according to national guidelines in 2010 and 2011. Influenza‐specific hemagglutinin inhibition antibody titers were performed on blood samples taken prior to each vaccination and 4 weeks following the final vaccination. A nasopharyngeal aspirate for influenza was performed on all children who developed an influenza‐like illness. Following vaccination, seroprotection and seroconversion rates were 55 and 43% for H3N2, 61 and 43% for H1N1, and 41 and 33% for B strain, respectively. Overall, there was a significant geometric mean fold increase to H3N2 (GMFI 4.56, 95% CI 3.19–6.52, P < 0.01) and H1N1 (GMFI 4.44, 95% CI 3.19–6.19, P < 0.01) strains. Seroconversion was significantly more likely in children with solid compared with hematological malignancies and in children <10 years of age who received a two‐dose schedule compared to one. Influenza infection occurred in 2% of the vaccinated study population, compared with 6.8% in unvaccinated controls, providing an adjusted estimated vaccine effectiveness of 72% (95% CI −26–94%). There were no serious adverse events and a low reactogenicity rate of 3%. The trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine is safe, immunogenic, provides clinical protection and should be administered annually to immunosuppressed children receiving treatment for cancer. All children <10 years of age should receive a two‐dose schedule.
Parity and thyroid cancer risk: a meta‐analysis of epidemiological studies
Authors: Zhu Jingjing , Zhu Xiao , Tu Chao , Li Yuan‐Yuan , Qian Ke‐Qing , Jiang Cheng , Feng Tong‐Bao , Li Changwei , Liu Guang Jian , Wu Lang
Published: December 2015

Although observational studies have assessed the relationship between parity and thyroid cancer risk, the findings are inconsistent. To quantitatively assess the association, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis. PubMed and Embase were searched up to January 2015. Prospective or case–control studies that evaluated the association between parity and thyroid cancer risk were included. We used the fixed‐effects model to pool risk estimates. After literature search, 10 prospective studies, 12 case‐control studies and 1 pooled analysis of 14 case‐control studies including 8860 patients were identified. The studies had fair methodological quality. Pooled analysis suggested that there was a significant association between parity and risk of thyroid cancer (RR for parous versus nulliparous: 1.09, 95% CI 1.03‐1.15; I2=33.4%). The positive association persisted in almost all strata of subgroup analyses based on study design, location, study quality, type of controls, and confounder adjustment, although in some strata statistical significance was not detected. By evaluating the number of parity, we identified that both parity number of 2 versus nulliparous and parity number of 3 versus nulliparous demonstrated significant positive associations (RR=1.11, 95% CI 1.01‐1.22; I2=31.1% and RR=1.16, 95% CI 1.01‐1.33; I2=19.6% respectively). The dose‐response analysis suggested neither a non‐linear nor linear relationship between the number of parity and thyroid cancer risk. In conclusion, this meta‐analysis suggests a potential association between parity and risk of thyroid cancer in females. However, the lack of detection of a dose‐response relationship suggests that further studies are needed to better understand the relationship.
Use of Methylmalonyl‐CoA Epimerase in Enhancing Crotonase Stereoselectivity
Authors: Hamed Refaat B. , Gomez‐Castellanos J. Ruben , Sean Froese D. , Krysztofinska Ewelina , Yue Wyatt W. , Schofield Christopher J.
Published: December 2015

The use of methylmalonyl‐CoA epimerase (MCEE) to improve stereoselectivity in crotonase‐mediated biocatalysis is exemplified by the coupling of MCEE, crotonyl‐CoA carboxylase reductase and carboxymethylproline synthase in a three‐enzyme one‐pot sequential synthesis of functionalised C‐5 carboxyalkylprolines starting from crotonyl‐CoA and carbon dioxide.
Identification of Sequence Specificity of 5‐Methylcytosine Oxidation by Tet1 Protein with High‐Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Kizaki Seiichiro , Chandran Anandhakumar , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: December 2015

Tet (ten‐eleven translocation) family proteins have the ability to oxidize 5‐methylcytosine (mC) to 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (hmC), 5‐formylcytosine (fC), and 5‐carboxycytosine (caC). However, the oxidation reaction of Tet is not understood completely. Evaluation of genomic‐level epigenetic changes by Tet protein requires unbiased identification of the highly selective oxidation sites. In this study, we used high‐throughput sequencing to investigate the sequence specificity of mC oxidation by Tet1. A 6.6×104‐member mC‐containing random DNA‐sequence library was constructed. The library was subjected to Tet‐reactive pulldown followed by high‐throughput sequencing. Analysis of the obtained sequence data identified the Tet1‐reactive sequences. We identified mCpG as a highly reactive sequence of Tet1 protein.
Body mass index association with survival in severe aortic stenosis patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Koifman Edward , Kiramijyan Sarkis , Negi Smita I. , Didier Romain , Escarcega Ricardo O. , Minha Sa'ar , Gai Jiaxing , Torguson Rebecca , Okubagzi Petros , Ben‐Dor Itsik , Satler Lowell F. , Pichard Augusto D. , Waksman Ron
Published: December 2015

Background

Conflicting results have been reported regarding impact of body mass index (BMI) on outcome of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients. This study evaluates the impact of BMI on 1 year mortality in patients undergoing TAVR via the transfemoral (TF) access.

Methods

Aortic stenosis (AS) patients undergoing TAVR via a TF access between May 2007 and December 2014 were categorized to 4 groups by BMI: low (<20), normal (20–24.9), overweight (25–30), and obese (>30). Baseline parameters were compared, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were generated to assess outcome differences.

Results

Among 491 severe AS TAVR patients, 43 had low BMI, 148 had normal BMI, 162 were overweight, and 138 were obese. Obese patients were younger with lower Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores and higher rates of preserved ejection fraction and diabetes. There was a higher rate of women in the BMI extremes. Aortic valve area was higher among obese patients; however, the indexed area was inversely correlated with BMI. Vascular complications and transfusions were more common in the low‐BMI group, while acute kidney injury was more common in obese patients. All‐cause mortality at 1 year was higher in the low‐BMI group (log‐rank p = 0.003) with no significant difference among normal and above‐normal BMI patients. In a multivariate model, BMI <20 kg/m2 was an independent predictor of mortality (HR = 2.45, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

BMI <20 kg/m2 should be considered a frailty marker during the screening process of severe AS TAVR patients as it is associated with higher mortality, while obesity confers similar mortality risk as normal weight. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Failure recognition of the diesel particulate filter based on catastrophe theory
Authors: Zhang Bin , Gong Jin‐ke , E Jia‐qiang , Li Yu
Published: December 2015

In order to effectively recognize the failure behaviour of the diesel particulate filter (DPF), a failure cusp catastrophe model of a porous medium filter in DPF was established using catastrophe theory and diffeomorphism transformation based on the flow resistance model of a porous medium filter with ash deposition. Then, critical points and singular points of the failure cusp catastrophe model were solved and the discriminant of the DPF failure cusp catastrophic model was obtained, which was used to recognize the failure behaviour of the DPF. Finally, failure or critical state details of DPF were acquired via calculation examples, and recognition results of the DPF failure behaviour were verified on the engine bench test. Recognition results of the failure state are consistent with the experimental ones, which confirms the validity of failure recognition based on the failure cusp catastrophe model of DPF, and provides a theoretical basis and reference for research on the failure prediction and diagnosis, as well as the anti‐failure, of DPF.
Spin‐lattice NMR relaxation and second moment of NMR line in solids containing CH3 groups
Authors: Latanowicz Lidia
Published: December 2015

Complex proton dynamics in solids containing methyl groups are studied over a wide temperature range. Temperature dependences of the proton T1 relaxation time and the second moment of NMR lines are analyzed. General rules describing the temperature dependencies have been formulated from an analysis of the data. The second moments, M2, are correlated with those based on T1 measurements. The C3 jumps over the barrier cause a minimum in T1 below the liquid nitrogen temperature in the presence of tunnelling splitting, or a little above 77 K when tunnelling splitting equals zero. The slope of the high‐ temperature side of this minimum permits evaluation of the activation energy, which can be used to characterize the tunnelling correlation time. The T1 is temperature independent in the lowest temperature range, indicating that the tunnelling correlation time assumes a constant value. The tunnelling splitting was estimated as the best fit parameter from the T1 temperature dependence. The high tunnelling splitting is responsible for T1 values which are high and independent from the Larmor frequency. The tunnelling jumps reduce the rigid lattice second moment at zero Kelvin. The second reduction is caused by over the barrier C3 jumps of methyl protons. The tunnelling jumps cease above a temperature Ttun. The occurrence of the minimum T1 above liquid nitrogen temperature, as well as the reduction of the second moment M2 are due to slowest motion of protons, which can be the isotropic motion of molecule. This minimum is well described by the Woessner method of calculating the correlation function of complex motion. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 44A: 214–225, 2015.
Pricey pills for an even pricier problem
Authors: Kwan Sharon W.
Published: December 2015

With more than 3 million people in the United States infected with hepatitis C, the price of treating all prevalent cases could potentially top $200 billion. Tapper et al provide support for the idea that appropriate hepatocellular carcinoma cost inputs have been used in recent cost‐effectiveness analyses of direct‐acting antiviral drugs for chronic hepatitis C infection.
Artificial Molecular Machine Immobilized Surfaces: A New Platform To Construct Functional Materials
Authors: Zhang Qi , Qu Da‐Hui
Published: December 2015

Artificial molecular machines have received significant attention from chemists because of their unique ability to mimic the behaviors of biological systems. Artificial molecular machines can be easily modified with functional groups to construct new types of functional molecular switches. However, practical applications of artificial molecular machines are still challenging, because the working platform of artificial molecular machines is mostly in solution. Artificial molecular machine immobilized surfaces (AMMISs) are considered a promising platform to construct functional materials. Herein, we provide a minireview of some recent advances of functional AMMISs. The functions of AMMISs are highlighted and strategies for their construction are also discussed. Furthermore, a brief perspective of the development of artificial molecular machines towards functional materials is given.
Diagnostic value of squamous cell change associated with endometrial carcinoma: A cytopathologic approach
Authors: Toomine Yukie , Watanabe Sumiko , Sugishima Setsuo , Ohishi Yoshihiro , Tamiya Sadafumi , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Sonoda Kenzo , Oda Yoshinao , Kato Kiyoko , Kaku Tsunehisa
Published: December 2015

Background

To determine the frequency of squamous cell change associated with endometrial carcinoma, to evaluate the relationship between squamous cell change and clinicopathological features, and to assess cytological findings for squamous cells with and without nuclear atypia in endometrial smears.

Methods

In 103 cases of endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium having both histological and cytological specimens, the frequencies and relationships between the presence and absence of squamous cell changes were evaluated, as were the clinicopathological features of such changes. In endometrial smears, squamous cells with and without nuclear atypia were clinicopathologically assessed.

Results

Squamous cell changes were found in 58.3% of cases that had both histological and cytological preparations. There were no significant differences between the group with squamous cell changes and the group without in any of the clinicopathological features. In the cytological smears, 70.0% of the 60 cases that showed squamous cell changes in both preparations did not have nuclear atypia of squamous cells, while 30.0% of those cases had atypia. The group of cases with squamous cells without atypia tended to be better differentiated than the group with atypia. Vessels were permeated significantly more often in the group with atypia than in the group without.

Conclusions

Our data suggest the importance of observing squamous cells in endometrial cytology, especially concerning findings on nuclei with vs without atypia, when endometrial carcinoma is suspected. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:187–194. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Spin‐Crossover Phenomenon at the Coherent‐Domains Scale in 1D Polymeric Powders: Evidence for Structural Fatigability
Authors: Grosjean Arnaud , Daro Nathalie , Pechev Stanislav , Moulet Lucie , Etrillard Céline , Chastanet Guillaume , Guionneau Philippe
Published: December 2015

The coherent‐domain morphology was determined for a crystalline powder of the 1D polymeric spin‐crossover [Fe(Htrz)2(trz)](BF4) {Htrz = 1H‐1,2,4‐triazole, trz = deprotonated triazolato(–) ligand} compound. This morphology is in adequacy with the crystal packing and proved that the long axis of the domain corresponds to the iron–triazole chains axis, which gives information on the crystal‐growth process. Furthermore, thermal cycling clearly demonstrated that the coherent‐domain length strongly and continuously decreased as a function of the number of spin‐crossover cycles undergone. The degradation in the crystalline quality corresponds to a break in the [Fe(Htrz)2(trz)]+ chains. This structural fatigability was confirmed by similar observations on a close spin‐crossover compound, [Fe(NH2trz)3](NO3)2·H2O, showing that a few hundreds of thermal spin‐crossover cycles could destroy the crystalline aspect of the sample.
Neural correlates of attention‐executive dysfunction in lewy body dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Firbank Michael , Kobeleva Xenia , Cherry George , Killen Alison , Gallagher Peter , Burn David J. , Thomas Alan J. , O'Brien John T. , Taylor John‐Paul
Published: December 2015

Attentional and executive dysfunction contribute to cognitive impairment in both Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Using functional MRI, we examined the neural correlates of three components of attention (alerting, orienting, and executive/conflict function) in 23 patients with Alzheimer's disease, 32 patients with Lewy body dementia (19 with dementia with Lewy bodies and 13 with Parkinson's disease with dementia), and 23 healthy controls using a modified Attention Network Test. Although the functional MRI demonstrated a similar fronto‐parieto‐occipital network activation in all groups, Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia patients had greater activation of this network for incongruent and more difficult trials, which were also accompanied by slower reaction times. There was no recruitment of additional brain regions or, conversely, regional deficits in brain activation. The default mode network, however, displayed diverging activity patterns in the dementia groups. The Alzheimer's disease group had limited task related deactivations of the default mode network, whereas patients with Lewy body dementia showed heightened deactivation to all trials, which might be an attempt to allocate neural resources to impaired attentional networks. We posit that, despite a common endpoint of attention‐executive disturbances in both dementias, the pathophysiological basis of these is very different between these diseases. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1254–1270, 2016. © 2015 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nasal angiosarcoma metastatic to the larynx: Case report and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Qualls Hannah E. , Mitchell Ryan M. , Deubner Heike , Moe Kris S. , Sardesai Maya
Published: December 2015

Background

Laryngeal angiosarcoma is rare and the prognosis is poor. The purpose of this study was to describe the first case of cutaneous angiosarcoma metastatic to the larynx and systematically review all cases of laryngeal angiosarcoma.

Methods

A 61‐year‐old man presented with an alar lesion diagnosed as angiosarcoma and was treated with wide local resection and radiation. Six years later, he presented with a laryngeal mass histologically similar to the initial tumor. A systematic review of reported cases of angiosarcoma of the larynx was performed.

Results

Eighteen cases were identified. Mean age of presentation was 64.3 years. Men represented 66.7%. Mean follow‐up was 34.1 months. Forty‐seven percent died with disseminated disease at a mean of 18.4 months. Our patient did well with serial resection.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this case represents the first documented case of cutaneous angiosarcoma metastatic to the larynx and suggests that serial resection with long‐term surveillance may be of benefit in some cases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E99–E104, 2016
Irradiation of localized squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule
Authors: Vanneste Ben G. L. , Lopez–Yurda Marta , Tan I. Bing , Balm Alfons J. M. , Borst Gerben R. , Rasch Coen R.
Published: December 2015

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long‐term results of primary radiotherapy treatment for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nasal vestibule.

Methods

Eighty‐one patients were treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and/or interstitial radiotherapy (IRT) for a primary, localized, Wang classified SCC of the nasal vestibule.

Results

Median follow‐up was 38 months. T1 tumors were treated with IRT: we observed 1 local failure (at 13 months) among 48 patients (5‐year local control rate of 97%). Most T2 tumors (20 of 26) were treated with EBRT. There were 8 local recurrences among 26 patients (5‐year local control rate of 68%). For the T3 tumors (n = 7; all treated with EBRT), we observed local recurrence in 2 patients (5‐year local control rate of 53%). The late‐term side effects were relatively mild.

Conclusion

Local primary radiotherapy (either IRT for T1 or EBRT for T2/3) is an adequate treatment for SCC of the nasal vestibule with little late sequelae. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1870–E1875, 2016
Prognostic value of the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wong B. Y. Winson , Stafford Nicholas D. , Green Victoria L. , Greenman John
Published: December 2015

Background

The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been found to be predictive of survival outcome in a range of tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of pretreatment (NLR) in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 140 patients with laryngeal SCC treated between 2005 and 2010 in the Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust was carried out. Patient records were evaluated and both pretreatment neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were documented together with survival data, sex, smoking status, nodal classification, and disease staging.

Results

An elevated NLR was significantly associated with advanced disease stage (eg, node‐positive and tumors stage III and IV). In addition, a high NLR was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) but not disease‐free survival (DFS) on multivariate analysis, with the greatest significance seen in patients with the highest NLR.

Conclusion

Pretreatment NLR may serve as a useful prognostic marker in laryngeal SCC; however, a large prospective study is required to determine an optimal NLR cutoff value. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1903–E1908, 2016
RELATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OF PARENT‐PERCEIVED CHILD CHARACTERISTICS TO VARIATION IN CHILD FEEDING BEHAVIOR
Authors: Aldridge Victoria K. , Dovey Terence M. , Martin Clarissa I. , Meyer Caroline
Published: December 2015

Few studies have examined the relative impact of co‐occurring child characteristics on problematic feeding behavior. The aim of the current study was to assess the relative contributions of parent‐perceived child characteristics in multivariable models of child feeding behavior. One hundred sixty‐one mothers reported on their child's feeding behavior and a number of key child characteristics. These characteristics were entered into controlled multivariable models of child feeding behavior, using child and parent frequency domains of the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS; W. Crist et al., ) as outcome measures. Child feeding problems were positively associated with food neophobia and external behavioral and social issues, but not with most domains of temperamental difficulty or sensory sensitivity. Feeding problem frequency was associated with externalizing symptoms whereas parental perceptions of problems and coping were associated with social‐interaction problems in the child. Population feeding problems appear to be external and interactive problems rather than driven by innate or internalizing factors. The association with externalizing symptoms suggests that feeding problems at this level may fall within a wider profile of challenging behavior; however, the existence of problematic feeding behaviors may constitute a challenge for parents only when the child's social interactions also are seen to be deficient.
RESTORING SAFETY: AN ATTACHMENT‐BASED APPROACH TO CLINICAL WORK WITH A TRAUMATIZED TODDLER
Authors: Ribaudo Julie
Published: December 2015

This clinical case study explores the integration of infancy research, brain development, attachment theory, and models of infant–parent/child–parent psychotherapy to address the needs of abused and neglected young children placed in foster or adoptive homes. Traumatized children employ defensive strategies to survive when there is no “good enough” caregiver (D.W. Winnicott, , p. 94), and helping professionals can provide therapeutic experiences to develop or restore a child's sense of safety. With the case example of Anthony and his foster/adoptive parents, I illustrate how to manage and contain a traumatized child's terror, rage, and grief through therapeutic sessions with the parent and child together, and supportive parental guidance. I promote attention to the child's ability to self‐integrate and to regulate his own affect, and encourages secure‐base parental responses that facilitate a child's shift toward secure attachment behavior.
Hybridizing rapidly exploring random trees and basin hopping yields an improved exploration of energy landscapes
Authors: Roth Christine‐Andrea , Dreyfus Tom , Robert Charles H. , Cazals Frédéric
Published: December 2015

The number of local minima of the potential energy landscape (PEL) of molecular systems generally grows exponentially with the number of degrees of freedom, so that a crucial property of PEL exploration algorithms is their ability to identify local minima, which are low lying and diverse. In this work, we present a new exploration algorithm, retaining the ability of basin hopping (BH) to identify local minima, and that of transition based rapidly exploring random trees (T‐RRT) to foster the exploration of yet unexplored regions. This ability is obtained by interleaving calls to the extension procedures of BH and T‐RRT, and we show tuning the balance between these two types of calls allows the algorithm to focus on low lying regions. Computational efficiency is obtained using state‐of‐the art data structures, in particular for searching approximate nearest neighbors in metric spaces. We present results for the BLN69, a protein model whose conformational space has dimension 207 and whose PEL has been studied exhaustively. On this system, we show that the propensity of our algorithm to explore low lying regions of the landscape significantly outperforms those of BH and T‐RRT. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Substrate quality affects microbial‐ and enzyme activities in rooted soil
Authors: Loeppmann Sebastian , Semenov Mikhail , Blagodatskaya Evgenia , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: December 2015

The rhizosphere reflects a sphere of high substrate input by means of rhizodeposits. Active microorganisms and extracellular enzymes are known to be responsible for substrate utilization in soil, especially in rooted soil. We tested for microbial‐ and enzyme activities in arable soil, in order to investigate the effects of continuous input of easily available organics (e.g., root‐exudates) to the microbial community. In a field experiment with maize, rooted and root‐free soil were analyzed and rhizosphere processes were linked to microbial activity indicators such as specific microbial growth rates and kinetics of six hydrolytic extracellular enzymes: β‐glucosidase, β‐cellobiohydrolase, β‐xylosidase, acid phosphatase, leucine‐ and tyrosine‐aminopeptidase.

Higher potential activities of leucine‐aminopeptidase (2‐fold) for rooted vs. root‐free soil suggested increased costs of enzyme production, which retarded the specific microbial growth rates. Total microbial biomass determined by the substrate‐induced respiration technique and dsDNA extraction method was 23% and 42% higher in the rooted surface‐layer (0–10 cm) compared to the root‐free soil, respectively. For the rooted soil, potential enzyme activities of β‐glucosidase were reduced by 23% and acid phosphatase by 25%, and increased by 300% for β‐cellobiohydrolase at 10–20 cm depth compared to the surface‐layer. The actively growing microbial biomass increased by the 17‐fold in rooted soil in the 10–20 cm layer compared to the upper 10 cm. Despite the specific microbial growth rates showing no changes in the presence of roots, these rates decreased by 42% at 10–20 cm depth compared to the surface‐layer. This suggests the dominance in abundances of highly active but slower growing microbes with depth, reflecting also their slower turnover. Shifts in microbial growth strategy, upregulation of enzyme production and increased microbial respiration indicate strong root effects in maize planted soil.
Structural disruption of arable soils under laboratory conditions causes minor respiration increases
Authors: Kainiemi Veera , Kirchmann Holger , Kätterer Thomas
Published: December 2015

Previous field studies in N Europe have shown that the impact of soil tillage on soil respiration is mostly indirect, caused by altered distribution of plant residues in soil affecting decomposition of residues. Tillage operations alter soil moisture and temperature conditions in soil, which control decomposition dynamics. Experiments under laboratory conditions allow indirect effects of altered residue decomposition to be distinguished from direct effects of mechanical disruption, i.e., the increased exposure of substrates within aggregates and micropores upon tillage. This study examined the effects of physical disruption of soils with different soil texture, land‐use history, and soil organic C content on soil respiration under controlled abiotic conditions. Undisturbed soil samples from 7 sites (arable land and grassland) were incubated at 20°C and three different water potentials (–1, –10, and –30 kPa). Soil respiration was measured before and after physical disruption with laboratory homogenizer, using an automated respiration apparatus. Soil organic C, water content, and bulk density explained 67% of the variation in base respiration. In half of the disrupted samples, bulk density was re‐adjusted by re‐compaction to conditions prevailing before disruption. Disruption and re‐compaction generally resulted in higher respiration flushes than disruption alone. Respiration peaks increased with water content. However, total C losses were small and corresponded to < 0.1 Mg C ha−1. Overall, physical soil disruption increased decomposition of soil organic matter only marginally and temporarily. It would be difficult to detect an effect of tillage on soil organic matter decomposition under field conditions.
Miniature plankton columns to study the depth distribution of zooplankton at gradients of food, predation risk, temperature, and UV radiation
Authors: Maszczyk Piotr
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study is to describe a novel and comprehensive small‐scale experimental system consisting of twin vertical columns used to study the depth selection of planktonic animals. The system allows simultaneous observations to be made of changes in depth distribution at individual and population levels with minimized constraints restricting the movements of an individual, compared to earlier efforts with other miniaturized experimental systems. It also secures constant and reproducible vertical gradients of temperature, visible light, UV radiation, algal concentrations, and light intensity and spectrum in the visible range. This system mimics a natural combination of field conditions, albeit at a diminished scale, with each gradient independently of the others. The research capability of the system is demonstrated by the preliminary results of a simple experiment in which the depth distribution of a group of Daphnia and the depth selection by a single Daphnia in each of the four gradients was recorded.
Glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor–induced mice liver defatting: A novel strategy to enable transplantation of steatotic livers
Authors: Taba Taba Vakili Sahar , Kailar Roshni , Rahman Khalidur , Nezami Behtash Ghazi , Mwangi Simon Musyoka , Anania Frank A. , Srinivasan Shanthi
Published: December 2015

Moderate macrovesicular steatosis (>30%), which is present in almost 50% of livers considered for transplantation, increases the risk of primary graft dysfunction. Our previously published data showed that glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is protective against high‐fat diet (HFD)–induced hepatic steatosis in mice. Hence, we hypothesized that perfusion of steatotic livers with GDNF may reduce liver fat content before transplantation. Livers from 8 weeks of regular diet (RD) and of HFD‐fed mice were perfused ex vivo for 4 hours with either vehicle, GDNF, or a previously described defatting cocktail. The liver's residual fat was quantified colorimetrically using a triglyceride (TG) assay kit and by Oil Red O (ORO) and Nile red/Hoechst staining. Liver tissue injury was assessed by using a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity assay. In vitro induction of lipolysis in HepG2 cells was assessed by measuring glycerol and free fatty acid release. ORO staining showed significantly more steatosis in livers from HFD‐fed mice compared with RD‐fed mice (P < 0.001). HFD livers perfused with GDNF had significantly less steatosis than those not perfused (P = 0.001) or perfused with vehicle (P < 0.05). GDNF is equally effective in steatotic liver defatting compared to the defatting cocktail; however, GDNF induces less liver damage than the defatting cocktail. These observations were consistent with data obtained from assessment of liver TG content. Assessment of liver injury revealed significant hepatocyte injury in livers perfused with the control defatting cocktail but no evidence of injury in livers perfused with either GDNF or vehicle. In vitro, GDNF reduced TG accumulation in HepG2 cells and stimulated increased TG lipolysis. In conclusion, GDNF can decrease mice liver fat content to an acceptable range and could be a potential defatting agent before liver transplantation. Liver Transplantation 22 459‐467 2016 AASLD
Reduced venous thrombosis and re‐exploration time with anastomotic coupling device: A cohort study
Authors: Coroneos Christopher J. , Voineskos Sophocles H. , Heller Adrian M. , Avram Ronen
Published: December 2015

Objective

In the anastomotic coupling device literature, no comparative study has reported operative times, included consecutive patients, or used a matched comparison group. Our objective was to analyze patency and operative time in free flaps with venous anastomoses performed with ACD versus hand‐sewn. Methods: For consecutive free flaps, re‐explorations and complications were reviewed in duplicate. Operative times for ACD versus hand‐sewn were compared for: (1) matched unilateral DIEPs, and (2) re‐explorations. Results: Overall, 147 ACD and 144 hand‐sewn flaps were included. Venous thrombosis was significantly lower with ACD (1/147[1%] vs.9/144[6%], P < 0.01). There was no difference in re‐exploration for venous insufficiency, or overall re‐exploration. Re‐exploration time was significantly shorter with ACD (69mins vs.205mins, P = 0.009). Conclusions: ACD significantly decreases venous thrombosis compared to hand‐sewn veins, and significantly shortens re‐exploration time. Outcomes allow an estimate of cost utility for the ACD in decreasing venous thromboses and shortening re‐exploration time. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:372–377, 2016.
Multiplicity and symmetry results for a nonlinear Schrödinger equation with non‐local regional diffusion
Authors: Torres Ledesma César E.
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we are interested in the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with non‐local regional diffusion

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma3731:mma3731-math-0003
where 0 < α < 1 and
is a variational version of the regional Laplacian, whose range of scope is a ball with radius ρ(x) > 0. The novelty of this paper is that, assuming f is of subquadratic growth as |u|→+∞, we show that possesses infinitely many solutions via the genus properties in critical point theory. Furthermore, if f(x,u) = γa(x)|u|γ − 1, where
is a nonincreasing radially symmetric function, then the solution of is radially symmetric. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffusion in realistic biophysical systems can lead to aliasing effects in diffusion spectrum imaging
Authors: Lacerda Luis M. , Sperl Jonathan I. , Menzel Marion I. , Sprenger Tim , Barker Gareth J. , Dell'Acqua Flavio
Published: December 2015

Purpose

Diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) is an imaging technique that has been successfully applied to resolve white matter crossings in the human brain. However, its accuracy in complex microstructure environments has not been well characterized.

Theory and Methods

Here we have simulated different tissue configurations, sampling schemes, and processing steps to evaluate DSI performances' under realistic biophysical conditions. A novel approach to compute the orientation distribution function (ODF) has also been developed to include biophysical constraints, namely integration ranges compatible with axial fiber diffusivities.

Results

Performed simulations identified several DSI configurations that consistently show aliasing artifacts caused by fast diffusion components for both isotropic diffusion and fiber configurations. The proposed method for ODF computation showed some improvement in reducing such artifacts and improving the ability to resolve crossings, while keeping the quantitative nature of the ODF.

Conclusion

In this study, we identified an important limitation of current DSI implementations, specifically the presence of aliasing due to fast diffusion components like those from pathological tissues, which are not well characterized, and can lead to artifactual fiber reconstructions. To minimize this issue, a new way of computing the ODF was introduced, which removes most of these artifacts and offers improved angular resolution. Magn Reson Med 76:1837–1847, 2016. © 2015 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Real‐time monitoring of inertial cavitation effects of microbubbles by using MRI: In vitro experiments
Authors: Peng Hsu‐Hsia , Wu Chen‐Hua , Kang Shih‐Tsung , Zhang Jia‐Wei , Liu Hao‐Li , Chen Wen‐Shiang , Wang Chung‐Hsin , Yeh Chih‐Kuang
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of half‐Fourier acquisition single‐shot turbo spin‐echo (HASTE) for real‐time monitoring of signal changes because of water flow induced by inertial cavitation (IC) during microbubbles (MBs)‐present focused ultrasound (FUS) exposure.

Theory and Methods

Strong turbulence produced in MB solution at the onset of IC results in the difficulty to refocus signal echoes and thus the decrease in signal intensity (SI). Fundamental investigations were conducted using an agar phantom containing MB dilutions exposed to 1.85‐MHz FUS. The effects of various experimental conditions including MB concentrations, imaging slice thicknesses, chamber diameters, acoustic pressures, duty cycles, and pulse repetition frequencies (PRFs) were discussed.

Results

Continuous 2.8 MPa FUS exposure resulted in SI changed from 11% to 55% when MBs concentrations increased from 0.025% to 0.1%. When slice thickness increased from 3 mm to 6 or 8 mm, smaller SI changes were observed (84%, 59%, and 46%). Images acquired with chamber diameter of 6 and 3 mm showed SI changes of 84% and 35%, respectively. In burst modes, higher duty cycles exhibited higher SI changes, and lower PRFs exhibited smaller and longer SI decrease.

Conclusion

Under various conditions, substantial signal changes were observable, suggesting the feasibility of applying HASTE to real‐time monitor IC effect under FUS exposure. Magn Reson Med 77:102–111, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A multi‐scale modeling method for heterogeneous structures without scale separation using a filter‐based homogenization scheme
Authors: Tognevi A. , Guerich M. , Yvonnet J.
Published: December 2015

A method is proposed to compute the response of highly heterogeneous structures by constructing homogenized models when no scale separation can be assumed. The technique is based on an extended homogenization scheme where the averaging operators are replaced by linear filters to cut off fine scale fluctuations, while maintaining locally varying mechanical fields with larger wavelength. As a result, the constitutive law at an intermediate scale, called mesoscale, arises to be naturally nonlocal by construction, where the kernel operator is fully constructed by computations on the unit cell associated with the microstructure. A displacement‐based numerical strategy is developed to implement the technique in a classical finite element framework and does not require higher‐order elements. The methodology is applied to construct simplified models of heterogeneous structures subjected to loads, which have a characteristic wavelength comparable with the dimensions of the heterogeneities or in presence of strong strain localization as in cracked heterogeneous structures. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of water and non‐nutritive sweetened beverages on weight loss and weight maintenance: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Peters John C. , Beck Jimikaye , Cardel Michelle , Wyatt Holly R. , Foster Gary D. , Pan Zhaoxing , Wojtanowski Alexis C. , Vander Veur Stephanie S. , Herring Sharon J. , Brill Carrie , Hill James O.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To evaluate the effects of water versus beverages sweetened with non‐nutritive sweeteners (NNS) on body weight in subjects enrolled in a year‐long behavioral weight loss treatment program.

Methods

The study used a randomized equivalence design with NNS or water beverages as the main factor in a trial among 303 weight‐stable people with overweight and obesity. All participants participated in a weight loss program plus assignment to consume 24 ounces (710 ml) of water or NNS beverages daily for 1 year.

Results

NNS and water treatments were non‐equivalent, with NNS treatment showing greater weight loss at the end of 1 year. At 1 year subjects receiving water had maintained a 2.45 ± 5.59 kg weight loss while those receiving NNS beverages maintained a loss of 6.21 ± 7.65 kg (P < 0.001 for difference).

Conclusions

Water and NNS beverages were not equivalent for weight loss and maintenance during a 1‐year behavioral treatment program. NNS beverages were superior for weight loss and weight maintenance in a population consisting of regular users of NNS beverages who either maintained or discontinued consumption of these beverages and consumed water during a structured weight loss program. These results suggest that NNS beverages can be an effective tool for weight loss and maintenance within the context of a weight management program.
Jejunum–ileum circuit procedure improves glucose metabolism in diabetic rats independent of weight loss
Authors: Wang Yanmin , Zhang Xiang , Liu Teng , Zhong Mingwei , Wan Houmin , Liu Shaozhuang , Zhang Guangyong , Kassab Ghassan S. , Hu Sanyuan
Published: December 2015

Objective

To introduce a lower‐risk novel surgical procedure to achieve diabetes reversal along with associated hormonal changes.

Methods

Diabetic rats were randomly assigned to jejunum–ileum circuit (JIC), sham‐JIC, ileal interposition (IT), and sham‐IT groups. The JIC group included two subgroups: short (JIC‐S) and long (JIC‐L), based on the length between anastomosis and Treitz ligament (LAT). The body weight, food intake, blood glucose, glucose and insulin tolerance, and gut hormones were measured. The liver gene expression of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) and protein expression of glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6P) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PKC) were also measured. Following a dye infusion, nutrient delivery was measured at termination day.

Results

Compared to sham‐JIC group, JIC‐S group did not reduce body weight or food intake but significantly improved glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. With fast chyme transit, JIC‐S not only promoted the secretion of insulin, glucagon‐like peptide 1, and peptide YY and decreased leptin, but also upregulated hepatic GLUT2 and downregulated hepatic G6P and PKC. JIC‐L group, however, failed to achieve remission of diabetes.

Conclusion

JIC‐S relieves diabetes independent of weight loss, as it promotes the secretion of anti‐diabetic hormones and inhibits hepatic glucose production. The prolonging of LAT, however, diminishes the hypoglycemic effect.
Chromosomal anomalies in early spontaneous abortions: interphase FISH analysis on 855 FFPE first trimester abortions
Authors: Russo Rosa , Sessa Anna Maria , Fumo Rosalba , Gaeta Sara
Published: December 2015

Objective

Cytogenetic analysis of spontaneous abortuses presents at least two main challenges, cell culture failure, and excess of normal female karyotypes related to maternal cell contamination (MCC). Molecular cytogenetic techniques using uncultured cell suspension overcome cell culture failure, but do not resolve MCC at all. The aim of the present study is to demonstrate that interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on routine formalin‐fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) abortive materials is an efficient method to identify chromosomal anomalies in abortuses and to detect MCC.

Method

Interphase FISH with a panel of eight probes was applied on 855 FFPE consecutive early spontaneous abortions.

Results

Male/female ratio was 0.88 in the complete sample, 0.9 in the group of negative FISH result, and 0.8 in the group with abnormal FISH results, suggesting that no gender predominance was present in our data. The aneuploidy rate was 50.3%. Autosomal trisomies were 60%, polyploidies 23.2%, and X monosomy 14%. Chromosomal mosaicism was discovered in 1.9% with six cases of confined placental mosaicism.

Conclusion

FISH on FFPE abortion materials appears to be a successful approach to detect chromosomal anomalies in abortions. Moreover, the preservation of the tissue morphology allows the analysis of only the fetal cells, making the presence of maternal tissues irrelevant. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular‐level structures at poly(4‐vinyl pyridine)/acid interfaces probed by nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Mingcong , Li Bolin , Chen Zhan , Lu Xiaolin
Published: December 2015

The molecular structures of the interfaces between a solid poly(4‐vinyl pyridine) (P4VP) surface and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) as well as hydrochloric acid (HCl) solutions were probed using sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy in situ in real time. Spectroscopic results clearly reveal that the PAA molecules are adsorbed onto the P4VP surface via hydrogen bonding at the P4VP/PAA solution interface while the P4VP surface is protonated at the P4VP/HCl solution interface. Consequently, the water molecules near the interfaces are strongly perturbed by these two interactions, exhibiting different orderings at the two interfaces. This work clearly demonstrates the power of studying the interfacial molecular‐level structures via nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy when molecular adsorption happens at the solid–liquid interface and paves a way for our future study on tracing the adsorption dynamics of polymer chains onto solid surfaces. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 848–852