bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do you write and present research well? Q4 – Do not metastasize with metadiscourse
Authors: Patience Gregory S. , Boffito Daria C. , Patience Paul A.
Published: November 2015

In the classic writing style, writers recognize that readers are competent and will recognize the truth as you lead them through your work. Soggy prose seeks “to argue for the truth.”[1] Your text should read like a conversation rather than a lecture. Match each sentence with one of the cardinal sins of writing to the left.[2,3] (Multiple choices possible)

1  Hedging
b)
In general these results show that a system with zero‐cost identities does not require centralized allocation of identities to encourage cooperation.[4]

2  Signposting
f)
In this section we shall evaluate the rate of recombination for nonequilibrium conditions.[5]

3  Redundant
c)
Here we report our new results on the samarium‐arsenide.[6]

4  Self‐conscious, 6 Boosting
e)
Whether established pests are suitable for attempted eradication is extremely controversial.[7]

5  Narcissism
d)
More recently researchers have attempted to quantify the effects of anxiety on foreign language learning.[8]

6  Boosting
a)
These results are extremely significant statistically and compare favorably with validation studies.[9]
Plasmon‐Induced Water Splitting Using Metallic‐Nanoparticle‐Loaded Photocatalysts and Photoelectrodes
Authors: Ueno Kosei , Oshikiri Tomoya , Misawa Hiroaki
Published: November 2015

Visible‐ and near‐infrared‐light‐driven water splitting, which splits water molecules to generate hydrogen and oxygen gases, is a significant subject in artificial photosynthesis with the goal of achieving a low‐carbon society. In recent years, considerable attention has been paid to studies on the development of a plasmon‐induced water‐splitting system responding to visible light. In this review, we categorized water‐splitting systems as gold‐nanoparticle‐loaded semiconductor photocatalytic particles system and metallic‐nanoparticles‐loaded semiconductor photoelectrode systems, and introduce the latest studies according to these categories. Especially, we describe the studies that optimize a material or a structural design of metallic‐nanoparticle‐loaded semiconductor photoelectrodes and consider a whole water‐splitting system, including a cathode design. Furthermore, we discuss important points when studying plasmon‐induced water splitting, and we describe a methodology that enhances plasmon‐induced water‐splitting efficiency.
A high‐voltage stimulation chip for wearable stroke rehabilitation systems
Authors: Zeng Lei , Yi Xin , Shi Guoyong , Sawan Mohamad , Wang Guoxing
Published: November 2015

In this work, an 8‐channel high‐voltage (HV) stimulation chip for the rehabilitation of stroke patients through surface stimulation is presented. The chip receives control data through its serial peripheral interface and can be controlled by an external microcontroller. It can accordingly generate biphasic stimulation currents with different amplitudes, duration time, frequencies, and polarities for each channel independently. The chip was designed and fabricated using X‐FAB 0.35 µm HV mixed‐signal process. Circuits were carefully designed to ensure their operations under HVs. Our measurement results showed that a supply voltage of as high as 75 V can be achieved, and the current driver can generate biphasic stimuli with current amplitudes up to 4 mA. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CVD Deposited Titania Thin Films for Gas Sensors with Improved Operating Characteristics
Authors: Baryshnikova Marina V. , Filatov Leonid A. , Petrov Andrey S. , Alexandrov Sergey E.
Published: November 2015

This paper describes the results of experimental evaluation of titanium dioxide thin films formed by CVD as active layers in semiconductor, resistive sensors for detection of ethanol vapors. TiO2 layers with a thickness of 90 nm are formed by CVD in the TTIP‐O2‐O3‐Ar reaction system. Sensors manufactured with titania films formed under all the deposition conditions studied exhibit good electrical response to the ethanol vapors, with quick response‐recovery characteristics in the temperature range 170–300 °C. Sensor performance is determined by the relative amount of anatase phase and grain size in the films. The response value (Rair/Rethanol) of the sample with the highest degree of crystallinity reached 37 at an operating temperature of 200 °C.
Uniform Coating of Microparticles using CVD Polymerization
Authors: Liang Yu , Jordahl Jacob H. , Ding Hao , Deng Xiaopei , Lahann Joerg
Published: November 2015

A modified fluidized bed reactor is developed to homogenously coat micrometer‐sized particles with reactive polymer films using CVD. This technique is found to be rapid (∼30 min per batch) and scalable (up to 1 g particles), and can create homogenous coatings on microparticles down to 10 μm in diameter. By tuning critical variables, such as working pressure and the carrier gas flow rate, full coverage of a reactive polymer film can be realized. Janus particles are synthesized and can be visualized via fluorescence microscopy.
Cytomorphology is often insufficient to categorize non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma on FNA specimens
Authors: Witt Benjamin L. , Cohen Michael B. , Chadwick Barbara E. , Stephenson Philip D. , Abasolo Peter , Schmidt Robert L.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To determine the accuracy and reproducibility of differentiating between squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (ADC) on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) specimens.

Methods

Fifty cases of NSCLC diagnosed by FNA having either concurrent core biopsies or resection as a diagnostic reference standard were selected. FNA slides were reviewed independently by five blinded observers. Two rounds of review were performed. Cases were initially categorized as SCC, favor SCC, NSCLC (type indeterminate), favor ADC, or ADC; while the indeterminate category was eliminated in the second round of review.

Results

The interobserver agreement was 0.22 and 0.1 with and without the indeterminate category, respectively. The overall accuracy for differentiating between SCC and ADC of the lung was 65% with the indeterminate category and 66% without.

Conclusion

Overall, the low interobserver agreement in our study indicates that accurate subclassification between the NSCLCs often cannot be made by cytomorphology alone. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:73–79. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Olodaterol and vilanterol detection in sport drug testing
Authors: Chundela Zdenek , Große Joachim
Published: November 2015

The possibility of the detection of olodaterol and vilanterol, two novel β2‐agonists, in human urine for the purpose of sport drug testing was investigated. Compounds of interest were analyzed by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) employing methods commonly used in the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratories. For both substances, the respective parent compound was found to be a suitable target analyte for monitoring therapeutic dose administration. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Weight bias internalization, emotion dysregulation, and non‐normative eating behaviors in prebariatric patients
Authors: Baldofski Sabrina , Rudolph Almut , Tigges Wolfgang , Herbig Beate , Jurowich Christian , Kaiser Stefan , Dietrich Arne , Hilbert Anja
Published: November 2015

Objective

Weight bias internalization (WBI) is associated with eating disorder psychopathology and non‐normative eating behaviors among individuals with overweight and obesity, but has rarely been investigated in prebariatric patients. Based on findings demonstrating a relationship between emotion dysregulation and eating behavior, this study sought to investigate the association between WBI and eating disorder psychopathology as well as non‐normative eating behaviors (i.e., food addiction, emotional eating, and eating in the absence of hunger), mediated by emotion dysregulation.

Method

Within a consecutive multicenter study, 240 prebariatric patients were assessed using self‐report questionnaires. The mediating role of emotion dysregulation was examined using structural equation modeling.

Results

The analyses yielded no mediational effect of emotion dysregulation on the association between WBI and eating disorder psychopathology. However, emotion dysregulation fully mediated the associations between WBI and emotional eating as well as eating in the absence of hunger. Further, emotion dysregulation partially mediated the relationship between WBI and food addiction symptoms.

Discussion

Prebariatric patients with high levels of WBI are at risk for non‐normative eating behaviors, especially if they experience emotion regulation difficulties. These findings highlight the importance of interventions targeting WBI and improving emotion regulation skills for the normalization of eating behavior in prebariatric patients. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:180–185).
Aripiprazole, a partial dopamine agonist to improve adolescent anorexia nervosa—A case series
Authors: Frank Guido K.W.
Published: November 2015

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe and complex psychiatric disorder and no medication has been approved for its treatment. This case series in youth with severe, recurrent AN supports the hypothesis that dopamine receptor agonists could be helpful in supporting fear extinction during eating disorder focused psychotherapy and therefore support recovery from AN. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:529–533).
Standard loading controls are not reliable for Western blot quantification across brain development or in pathological conditions
Authors: Goasdoue Kate , Awabdy Doreen , Bjorkman Stella Tracey , Miller Stephanie
Published: November 2015

A frequently utilized method of data quantification in Western blot analysis is comparison of the protein of interest with a house keeping gene or control protein. Commonly used proteins include β‐actin, glyceraldehyde 3 phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and α‐tubulin. Various reliability issues have been raised when using this technique for data analysis—particularly when investigating protein expression changes during development and in disease states. In this study, we have demonstrated that β‐actin, GAPDH, and α‐tubulin are not appropriate controls in the study of development and hypoxic‐ischemic induced damage in the piglet brain. We have also shown that using an in‐house pooled standard, loaded on all blots is a reliable method for controlling interassay variability and data normalization in protein expression analysis.
Improved cadaverine production from mutant Klebsiella oxytoca lysine decarboxylase
Authors: Li Naiqiang , Chou Howard , Xu Yan
Published: November 2015

Cadaverine has the potential to become an important platform chemical for the production of nylon. Previously, a system that overexpresses the Klebsiella oxytoca lysine decarboxylase in Escherichia coli was engineered. The system was optimized by codon optimization, and tuning the expression level of the gene by testing various promoters and inducer concentrations. Here, we further improved the system by optimizing the sequence located in the region of the ribosome‐binding site in order to enhance translation efficiency. We also identified mutant lysine decarboxylase enzymes that demonstrated enhanced cadaverine‐production ability. Together, these modifications increased cadaverine production in the system by 50%, and the system has a yield of 80% from lysine‐HCl under the conditions we tested. This is the first time that a system to produce cadaverine using the lysine decarboxylase from K. oxytoca performed at a level that is competitive with the traditional systems using the E. coli lysine decarboxylases in both lab‐scale and batch fermentation conditions.
Speed of Internationalization: Mutual Effects of Individual‐ and Company‐ Level Antecedents
Authors: Li Lee , Qian Gongming , Qian Zhengming
Published: November 2015

In recent years many small, young firms have started internationalizing early and have become ‘born globals’ (BGs). This study traces the phenomenon to five individual‐level and company‐level antecedents, including propensity to act, risk tolerance, company‐level organization of knowledge, ability to forge company‐level consensus, and company‐level responsiveness to new environments. Individual‐level antecedents are entrepreneurs' psychological qualities and company‐level antecedents are organizational behaviors. While these antecedents may or may not individually contribute to the rapid internationalization of small BGs, their interaction significantly speeds up the process. Evidence collected in this study demonstrates that the interaction among these antecedents is a complex mechanism. The interaction can be moderation, mediation, and even mediated moderation. The complex interaction of these antecedents explains the fast internationalization of BGs. The evidence sheds light on the relationships between entrepreneurs' psychological qualities and organizational behaviors.
Comparison of systemic therapies used concurrently with radiation for the treatment of human papillomavirus–associated oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Nien Hsin‐Hua , Sturgis Erich M. , Kies Merrill S. , El‐Naggar Adel K. , Morrison William H. , Beadle Beth M. , Johnson Faye M. , Gunn Gary B. , Fuller Clifton D. , Phan Jack , Gold Kathryn A. , Frank Steven J. , Skinner Heath , Rosenthal David I. , Garden Adam S.
Published: November 2015

Background

This was a retrospective study of patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated oropharyngeal cancer treated with concurrent systemic therapy and radiation.

Methods

Data were extracted through chart review, and statistical analyses included frequency tabulation, chi‐square, and Kaplan–Meier tests.

Results

Three hundred thirty‐nine patients were analyzed; 166 received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. One hundred thirty‐six patients were treated with cisplatin, 123 with cetuximab, and 59 with carboplatin. The 2‐, 3‐, and 5‐year actuarial overall survival rates were 92%, 88%, and 78%, respectively. There were no significant differences in survival or disease control when analyzed by systemic agent. Platin‐treated patients had greater hematologic toxicity, and required more intravenous hydration. The incidence of confluent mucositis was highest among patients treated with cetuximab.

Conclusion

Platin and cetuximab seem to have similar efficacy when delivered concurrently with radiation in our retrospective population study. Although platin did cause greater hematologic toxicity, radiation‐specific side effects seemed relatively comparable. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1554–E1561, 2016
Complete reversal of muscle wasting in experimental cancer cachexia: Additive effects of activin type II receptor inhibition and β‐2 agonist
Authors: Toledo Míriam , Busquets Sílvia , Penna Fabio , Zhou Xiaolan , Marmonti Enrica , Betancourt Angelica , Massa David , López‐Soriano Francisco J. , Han H.Q. , Argilés Josep M.
Published: November 2015

Formoterol is a highly potent β2‐adrenoceptor‐selective agonist, which is a muscle growth promoter in many animal species. Myostatin/activin inhibition reverses skeletal muscle loss and prolongs survival of tumor‐bearing animals. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of a combination of the soluble myostatin receptor ActRIIB (sActRIIB) and the β2‐agonist formoterol in the cachectic Lewis lung carcinoma model. The combination of formoterol and sActRIIB was extremely effective in reversing muscle wasting associated with experimental cancer cachexia in mice. Muscle weights from tumor‐bearing animals were completely recovered following treatment and this was also reflected in the measured grip strength. This combination increased food intake in both control and tumor‐bearing animals. The double treatment also prolonged survival significantly without affecting the weight and growth of the primary tumor. In addition, it significantly reduced the number of metastasis. Concerning the mechanisms for the preservation of muscle mass during cachexia, the effects of formoterol and sActRIIB seemed to be additive, since formoterol reduced the rate of protein degradation (as measured in vitro as tyrosine release, using incubated isolated individual muscles) while sActRIIB only affected protein synthesis (as measured in vivo using tritiated phenylalanine). Formoterol also increased the rate of protein synthesis and this seemed to be favored by the presence of sActRIIB. Combining formoterol and sActRIIB seemed to be a very promising treatment for experimental cancer cachexia. Further studies in human patients are necessary and may lead to a highly effective treatment option for muscle wasting associated with cancer.
Channels of Risk Sharing at Micro Level: Savings, Investments and Risk Aversion Heterogeneity
Authors: Balli Faruk , Pericoli Filippo Maria , Pierucci Eleonora
Published: November 2015

Applying the standard income variance decomposition methodology, the paper explores for the first time the role and the extent of smoothing channels at a micro level using a sample of UK households. Our empirical analysis of British Household Panel Survey data concludes that the bulk of risk sharing in the UK is driven by the savings channel. By allowing for risk aversion heterogeneity, we detect an inverted U‐shaped relationship between risk aversion and the extent of smoothing achieved through financial markets. We also analyse the issue of risk sharing by income, education levels and region. We find that risk sharing is more effective (higher) for individuals whose savings are more flexible, while it is less effective (lower) for individuals characterized by more stable savings rate (like the Scottish population), regardless of their economic conditions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Establishment of Immortalized BMP2/4 Double Knock‐Out Osteoblastic Cells Is Essential for Study of Osteoblast Growth, Differentiation, and Osteogenesis
Authors: Wu Li‐An , Wang Feng , Donly Kevin J. , Baker Andrew , Wan Chunyan , Luo Daoshu , MacDougall Mary , Chen Shuo
Published: November 2015

Bone morphogenetic proteins 2 and 4 (BMP2/4) are essential for osteoblast differentiation and osteogenesis. Generation of a BMP2/4 dual knock‐out (ko/ko) osteoblastic cell line is a valuable asset for studying effects of BMP2/4 on skeletal development. In this study, our goal was to create immortalized mouse deleted BMP2/4 osteoblasts by infecting adenoviruses with Cre recombinase and green fluorescent protein genes into immortalized murine floxed BMP2/4 osteoblasts. Transduced BMP2/4ko/ko cells were verified by green immunofluorescence and PCR. BMP2/4ko/ko osteoblasts exhibited small size, slow cell proliferation rate and cell growth was arrested in G1 and G2 phases. Expression of bone‐relate genes was reduced in the BMP2/4ko/ko cells, resulting in delay of cell differentiation and mineralization. Importantly, extracellular matrix remodeling was impaired in the BMP2/4ko/ko osteoblasts as reflected by decreased Mmp‐2 and Mmp‐9 expressions. Cell differentiation and mineralization were rescued by exogenous BMP2 and/or BMP4. Therefore, we for the first time described establishment of an immortalized deleted BMP2/4 osteoblast line useful for study of mechanisms in regulating osteoblast lineages. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1189–1198, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Physiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Systematic implications of brain morphology in potamotrygonidae (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes)
Authors: Fontenelle João Pedro , de Carvalho Marcelo R.
Published: November 2015

The gross brain morphology, brain proportions, and position of cranial nerves in all four genera (Potamotrygon, Plesiotrygon, Paratrygon, and Heliotrygon) and 11 of the species of the Neotropical stingray family Potamotrygonidae were studied to provide new characters that may have a bearing on internal potamotrygonid systematics. The brain was also studied in four other stingray (Myliobatiformes) genera (Hexatrygon, Taeniura, Dasyatis, and Gymnura) to provide a more inclusive phylogenetic context for the interpretation of features of the brain in potamotrygonids. Our results indicate, based on neuroanatomical characters, that the genera Paratrygon and Heliotrygon are sister groups, as are the genera Potamotrygon and Plesiotrygon, agreeing with previous morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies. Both groups of genera share distinct conditions of the olfactory tracts, telencephalon and its central nuclei, hypophysis and infundibulum, morphology and orientation of the metencephalic corpus cerebelli, orientation of the glossopharyngeal nerve, and overall encephalic proportions. The corpus cerebelli of Paratrygon and Heliotrygon is interpreted as being more similar to the general batoid condition and, given their phylogenetic position highly nested within stingrays, is considered secondarily derived, not plesiomorphically retained. Our observations of the corpus cerebelli of stingrays, including Hexatrygon, corroborate that the general stingray pattern previously advanced by Northcutt is derived among batoids. The morphology of the brain is shown to be a useful source of phylogenetically informative characters at lower hierarchical levels, such as between genera and species, and thus, has significant potential in phylogenetic studies of elasmobranchs. J. Morphol. 277:252–263, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Longitudinal cerebellar growth following very preterm birth
Authors: Lee Wayne , Al‐Dossary Hisham , Raybaud Charles , Young Julia M. , Morgan Benjamin R. , Whyte Hilary E.A. , Sled John G. , Taylor Margot J. , Shroff Manohar M.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

To measure cerebellar growth in a longitudinal cohort of very preterm infants to identify early predictors of subsequent brain growth. Although the cerebellum grows rapidly during late gestation, the rate and variability of growth following premature birth, and the effects of associated injury, are largely unknown.

Materials and Methods

In all, 105 very‐preterm born infants (24–32 weeks GA) were imaged using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at birth, term‐equivalent, 2, and 4 years of age. Cerebellar and total cerebral volumes were estimated from 1 mm isotropic T1‐weighted scans acquired at 1.5T and 3T, using an atlas‐based approach. Linear models were used to analyze cerebellar volume as cross‐sectional and longitudinal functions of age, clinical, and radiological correlates. Linear models were also used to test for associations between volume and cognitive outcome.

Results

Cerebellar volume increased rapidly with age‐at‐scan during both the preterm (0.7 mL/wk, P < 0.001) and term periods (1.8 mL/wk, P < 0.001). Infants with grade 3 or 4 germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) had smaller cerebellar volumes as a percentage of total brain volume starting at birth and continuing to 4 years of age (–0.43%, –0.57%, –1.09% at preterm, term, and 4 years, respectively, P < 0.01). Irrespective of age‐at‐scan, early cerebellar volume was predictive of volume at 4 years of age (slope = 1.3, P < 0.001). Cerebellar volumes were not found to predict cognitive outcome at 4 years of age; P < 0.2.

Conclusion

High‐grade GMH and small perinatal cerebellar size is predictive of cerebellar development up to 4 years of age. These findings suggest that it is possible to identify individuals at high risk of reduced cerebellar volumes at an early age. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:1462–1473.
Changes in microgaps, micromotion, and trabecular strain from interlocked cement‐trabecular bone interfaces in total knee replacements with in vivo service
Authors: Miller Mark A. , Goodheart Jacklyn R. , Khechen Benjamin , Janssen Dennis , Mann Kenneth A.
Published: November 2015

The initial fixation of cemented Total Knee Replacements (TKRs) relies on mechanical interlock between cement and bone, but loss of interlock occurs with in vivo service. In this study, cement‐trabeculae gap morphology and micromechanics were measured for lab prepared (representing post‐operative state) and postmortem retrieval (with in vivo remodeling) TKRs to determine how changes in fixation affect local micromechanics. Small specimens taken from beneath the tibial tray were loaded with 1 MPa axial compression and the local micromechanics of the trabeculae‐cement interface was quantified using digital image correlation. Lab prepared trabeculae that initially interlock with cement had small gaps (ave:14 μm) and limited micromotion (ave:1 μm) which were larger near the cement border. Trabecular resorption was prevalent following in vivo service; interface gaps became larger (ave:40 μm) and micromotion increased (ave:6 μm), particularly near the cement border. Interlocked trabeculae from lab prepared specimens exhibited strains that were 20% of the supporting bone strain, indicating the trabeculae were initially strain shielded. The spatial and temporal progression of gaps, micromotion, and bone strain was complex and much more variable for post‐mortem retrievals compared to the lab prepared specimens. From a clinical perspective, attaining more initial interlock results in cement‐bone interfaces that are better fixed with less micromotion. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1019–1025, 2016.
Role of oxygen as a regulator of stem cell fate during the spontaneous repair of osteochondral defects
Authors: O'Reilly Adam , Kelly Daniel J.
Published: November 2015

The complexity of the in vivo environment makes it is difficult to isolate the effects of specific cues on regulating cell fate during regenerative events such as osteochondral defect repair. The objective of this study was to develop a computational model to explore how joint specific environmental factors regulate mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) fate during osteochondral defect repair. To this end, the spontaneous repair process within an osteochondral defect was simulated using a tissue differentiation algorithm which assumed that MSC fate was regulated by local oxygen levels and substrate stiffness. The developed model was able to predict the main stages of tissue formation observed by a number of in vivo studies. Following this, a parametric study was conducted to better understand why interventions that modulate angiogenesis dramatically impact the outcome of osteochondral defect healing. In the simulations where angiogenesis was reduced, by week 12, the subchondral plate was predicted to remain below the native tidemark, although the chondral region was composed entirely of cartilage and fibrous tissue. In the simulations where angiogenesis was increased, more robust cell proliferation and cartilage formation were observed during the first 4 weeks, however, by week 12 the subchondral plate had advanced above the native tidemark although any remaining tissue was either hypertrophic cartilage or fibrous tissue. These results suggest that osteochondral defect repair could be enhanced by interventions where angiogenesis is promoted but confined to within the subchondral region of the defect. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1026–1036, 2016.
Carbon monoxide stunning of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) modifies rigor mortis and sensory traits as revealed by NIRS and other instruments
Authors: Concollato Anna , Parisi Giuliana , Masoero Giorgio , Romvàri Robert , Olsen Rolf‐Erik , Dalle Zotte Antonella
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Methods of stunning used in salmon slaughter are still the subject of research. Fish quality can be influenced by pre‐, ante‐ and post‐mortem conditions, including handling before slaughter, slaughter methods and storage conditions. Carbon monoxide (CO) is known to improve colour stability in red muscle and to reduce microbial growth and lipid oxidation in live fish exposed to CO. Quality differences in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., stunned by CO or percussion, were evaluated and compared by different techniques [near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS), electronic nose (EN), electronic tongue (ET)] and sensory analysis.

RESULTS

Thawed samples, freeze‐dried preparates and NIRS devices proved to be the most efficient combinations for discriminating the treatments applied to salmon, i.e. first the stunning methods adopted, then the back‐prediction of the maximum time to reach rigor mortis and finally to correlate some sensory attributes. A trained panel found significant differences between control and CO‐stunned salmon: reduced tactile crumbliness, reduced odour and aroma intensities, and reduced tenderness of CO‐treated fillets. CO stunning reduced radiation absorbance in spectra of thawed and freeze‐dried fillets, but not fillet samples stored in ethanol, where it may have interacted with myoglobin and myosin.

CONCLUSIONS

The good results in a rapid discrimination of thawed samples detected by NIRS suggest suitable applications in the fish industry. CO treatment could mitigate sensory perception, but consumer tests are needed to confirm our findings. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Vortex‐assisted liquid–liquid microextraction for the rapid screening of short‐chain chlorinated paraffins in water
Authors: Chang Chia‐Yu , Chung Wu‐Hsun , Ding Wang‐Hsien
Published: November 2015

The rapid screening of trace levels of short‐chain chlorinated paraffins in various aqueous samples was performed by a simple and reliable procedure based on vortex‐assisted liquid–liquid microextraction combined with gas chromatography and electron capture negative ionization mass spectrometry. The optimal vortex‐assisted liquid–liquid microextraction conditions for 20 mL water sample were as follows: extractant 400 μL of dichloromethane; vortex extraction time of 1 min at 2500 × g; centrifugation of 3 min at 5000 × g; and no ionic strength adjustment. Under the optimum conditions, the limit of quantitation was 0.05 μg/L. Precision, as indicated by relative standard deviations, was less than 9% for both intra‐ and inter‐day analysis. Accuracy, expressed as the mean extraction recovery, was above 91%. The vortex‐assisted liquid–liquid microextraction with gas chromatography and electron capture negative ionization mass spectrometry method was successfully applied to quantitatively extract short‐chain chlorinated paraffins from samples of river water and the effluent of a wastewater treatment plant, and the concentrations ranged from 0.8 to 1.6 μg/L.
Selective enrichment and separation of phosphotyrosine peptides by thermosensitive molecularly imprinted polymers
Authors: Yang Xiaoqing , Xia Yan
Published: November 2015

Novel thermosensitive molecularly imprinted polymers were successfully prepared using the epitope imprinting approach in the presence of the mimic template phenylphosphonic acid, the functional monomer vinylphosphonic acid‐Ti4+, the temperature‐sensitive monomer N‐isopropylacrylamide and the crosslinker N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide. The ratio of the template/thermosensitive monomers/crosslinker was optimized, and when the ratio was 2:2:1, the prepared thermosensitive molecularly imprinted polymers had the highest imprinting factor. The synthetic thermosensitive molecularly imprinted polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to reveal the combination and elution processes of the template. Then, the adsorption capacity and thermosensitivity was measured. When the temperature was 28°C, the imprinting factor was the highest. The selectivity and adsorption capacity of the thermosensitive molecularly imprinted polymers for phosphotyrosine peptides from a mixture of three tailor‐made peptides were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that the thermosensitive molecularly imprinted polymers have good selectivity for phosphotyrosine peptides. Finally, the imprinted hydrogels were applied to specifically adsorb phosphotyrosine peptides from a sample mixture containing phosphotyrosine and a tryptic digest of β‐casein, which demonstrated high selectivity. After four rebinding cycles, 78.9% adsorption efficiency was still retained.
Clinical Features in Border Terrier Dogs with Paroxysmal Involuntary Movements
Authors: Marioni‐Henry Katia , Rusbridge Clare , Volk Holger A.
Published: November 2015

Background

There have been anecdotal reports of episodic involuntary movements in the Border Terrier dog breed for over a decade. Recently, it has been hypothesized that this condition may be a form of paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis. The aim of this study was to characterize the phenomenology and clinical course of this condition and compare it to known human movement disorders.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively from clinical cases treated by veterinary neurologists and additional information was collected prospectively with an ad‐hoc online survey directed to owners of affected dogs.

Results

The episodes are characterized by generalized dystonia, tremors, titubation, and, in some cases, autonomic signs, such as salivation and vomiting. The median age at onset of the episodes was 3 years and the interval between clusters of episodes could last several months. Most of the episodes occurred from rest, and 67% of the owners reported that the episodes were associated with a trigger, most often excitement. Some owners reported an improvement after changing their dog's diet. We hypothesize that the Border Terrier attacks represent a form of paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia.

Conclusions

The finding of a dystonia phenotype within an inbred population suggests a genetic predisposition, and elucidating the genetic cause could facilitate improved understanding of dystonia. This genetic predisposition and the effect of treatment with anticonvulsant drugs and dietary changes on the severity of the paroxysms warrant further investigation on this condition.
The thermogenic responses to overfeeding and cold are differentially regulated
Authors: Peterson Courtney M. , Lecoultre Virgile , Frost Elizabeth A. , Simmons Jonathan , Redman Leanne M. , Ravussin Eric
Published: November 2015

Objective

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a highly metabolic tissue that generates heat and is negatively associated with obesity. BAT has been proposed to mediate both cold‐induced thermogenesis (CIT) and diet‐induced thermogenesis (DIT). Therefore, it was investigated whether there is a relationship between CIT and DIT in humans.

Methods

Nine healthy men (23 ± 3 years old, 23.0 ± 1.8 kg m−2) completed 20 min of cold exposure (4°C) 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Before and after the intervention, CIT (the increase in resting metabolic rate at 16°C relative to 22°C) was measured by a ventilated hood indirect calorimeter, whereas DIT was measured as the 24‐h thermic response to 1 day of 50% overfeeding (TEF150%) in a respiratory chamber.

Results

After the cold intervention, CIT more than doubled from 5.2% ± 14.2% at baseline to 12.0% ± 11.1% (P = 0.05), in parallel with increased sympathetic nervous system activity. However, 24‐h energy expenditure (2,166 ± 206 vs. 2,118 ± 188 kcal day−1; P = 0.15) and TEF150% (7.4% ± 2.7% vs. 7.7% ± 1.6%; P = 0.78) were unchanged. Moreover, there was no association between CIT and TEF150% at baseline or post‐intervention, nor in their changes (P ≥ 0.47).

Conclusions

Cold acclimation resulted in increased CIT but not TEF150%. Therefore, it is likely that CIT and DIT are mediated by distinct regulatory mechanisms.
Investigation of the compaction behavior of carbon fiber NCF for continuous preforming processes
Authors: Grieser T. , Mitschang P.
Published: November 2015

This paper describes the experimental investigation of the compaction behavior of dry single‐ply and multi‐ply fabric stacks (preforms). Utilizing four biaxial (two 0°/90° and two ±45°) and one triaxial (0°±45°) carbon fiber NCF, differing in weight (300 g/m2, 600 g/m2) and type of stitching (tricot, pillar, hybrid), the influence of compaction speed, pre‐compaction cycles, number of layers, and stacking sequence on compaction force was examined. In contrast to other studies, the area of interest is limited to 40–50% fiber volume content (FVC), which is based on current continuous preforming conditions. The results showed that higher testing speeds result in increased compaction forces. Pre‐compaction cycles (up to 8) significantly reduce (up to 69%) the required compaction forces of preforms for continuous preforming. Furthermore, at an equal total superficial density (1800 g/m2), 6‐ply preforms (300 g/m2 each ply) require 75–88% higher compaction forces than 3‐ply preforms (600 g/m2 each ply). This relation remains constant with decreasing or increasing total superficial density (ply number). Also the stacking sequence of 6‐ply preforms (300 g/m2 each ply) remarkably influences the compaction force, whereby the stitching seam pattern and their alignment (superposition) to each other were the main influencing factors. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2609–2625, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
In situ detection of histone variants and modifications in mouse brain using imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Lahiri Shibojyoti , Sun Na , Solis‐Mezarino Victor , Fedisch Andreas , Ninkovic Jovica , Feuchtinger Annette , Götz Magdalena , Walch Axel , Imhof Axel
Published: November 2015

Histone posttranslational modifications and histone variants control the epigenetic regulation of gene expression and affect a wide variety of biological processes. A complex pattern of such modifications and variants defines the identity of cells within complex organ systems and can therefore be used to characterize cells at a molecular level. However, their detection and identification in situ has been limited so far due to lack of specificity, selectivity, and availability of antihistone antibodies. Here, we describe a novel MALDI imaging MS based workflow, which enables us to detect and characterize histones by their intact mass and their correlation with cytological properties of the tissue using novel statistical and image analysis tools. The workflow allows us to characterize the in situ distribution of the major histone variants and their modification in the mouse brain. This new analysis tool is particularly useful for the investigation of expression patterns of the linker histone H1 variants for which suitable antibodies are so far not available.
Hydrophobic/hydrophilic P(VDF‐TrFE)/PHEA polymer blend membranes
Authors: Tamaño‐Machiavello Maria N. , Bracke Benjamin , Costa Carlos M. , Lanceros‐Mendez Senentxu , Sabater i Serra Roser , Gómez Ribelles José Luis
Published: November 2015

Polymer blend membranes have been obtained consisting of a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic polymers distributed in co‐continuous phases. In order to obtain stable membranes in aqueous environments, the hydrophilic phase is formed by a poly(hydrohyethyl acrylate), PHEA, network while the hydrophobic phase is formed by poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) P(VDF‐TrFE). To obtain the composites, in a first stage, P(VDF‐TrFE) is blended with poly(ethylene oxyde) (PEO), the latter used as sacrificial porogen. P(VDF‐TrFE)/PEO blend membranes were prepared by solvent casting at 70°C followed by cooling to room temperature. Then PEO is removed from the membrane by immersion in water obtaining a P(VDF‐TrFE) porous membrane. After removing of the PEO polymer, a P(VDF‐TrFE) membrane results in which pores are collapsed. Nevertheless the pores reopen when a mixture of hydroxethyl acrylate (HEA) monomer, ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (as crosslinker) and ethanol (as diluent) is absorbed in the membrane and subsequent polymerization yields hybrid hydrophilic/hydrophobic membranes with controlled porosity. The membranes are thus suitable for lithium‐ion battery separator membranes and/or biostable supports for cell culture in biomedical applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 672–679
Social outcomes in adult survivors of childhood cancer compared to the general population: linkage of a cohort with population registers
Authors: Font‐Gonzalez Anna , Feijen Elizabeth (Lieke) , Sieswerda Elske , van Dulmen‐den Broeder Eline , Grootenhuis Martha , Maurice‐Stam Helena , Caron Huib , Essink‐Bot Marie‐Louise , van der Pal Helena , Geskus Ronald , Kremer Leontien
Published: November 2015

Objective

Self‐reported data show differences in social outcomes (not being married/having a registered partnership; not living independently; using social benefits) for childhood cancer survivors compared with their peers. We aimed to determine differences in these social outcomes between survivors and the general population using national register data and explored associated risk factors.

Methods

We performed medical record linkage between a single‐centre cohort of 1768 ≥ 5‐year survivors of childhood cancer (diagnosed 1966–2001) and two national registers (1999–2011) and obtained a random reference sample matched on gender and year of birth per survivor. We used multivariable logistic regression to calculate in adult survivors of childhood cancer (born before 1990) the odds of the specified social outcomes at the end of follow‐up in both groups. Within the survivors, we analysed risk factors for the social outcomes.

Results

We retrieved data from 1283 adult childhood cancer survivors and 25 082 reference persons. Survivors had higher odds (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval) of not being married (1.2; 1.07–1.42), not living independently (1.7; 1.41–2.00) and using social benefits (2.3; 1.98–2.69) compared with reference persons. Radiotherapy to head and/or neck, and an original central nervous system tumour diagnosis negatively influenced all social outcomes examined in childhood cancer survivors.

Conclusions

National register data show differences between social outcomes in childhood cancer survivors and the general population, especially for survivors treated with radiotherapy to head and/or neck and those originally diagnosed with central nervous system tumours. Development and implementation of effective targeted support strategies to improve social outcomes of childhood cancer survivors needs consideration. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct microscopic correlation of real structure and optical properties of semipolar GaN based on pre‐patterned r‐plane sapphire
Authors: Metzner Sebastian , Bertram Frank , Hempel Thomas , Meisch Tobias , Schwaiger Stephan , Scholz Ferdinand , Christen Jürgen
Published: November 2015

Spatially resolved cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy is used to study semipolar gallium nitride (GaN) grown out of trenches with c‐plane‐like sidewalls etched into the r‐plane sapphire substrate. The beneficial effect of growing locally c‐GaN on c‐sapphire and subsequent switching to the semipolar growth mode manifests in bending of threading dislocations (TDs) and a +c‐wing of excellent material properties represented by pure donor‐bound‐exciton emission. The −c‐wing, on the other hand, is strongly affected by a huge number of stacking faults and other structural defects. An optimized growth process leads to a delayed coalescence of the single GaN stripes which allows to block the complete −c‐wing including all the defects by a void, and coalescence occurs only between the +c‐wings consisting of GaN with excellent material quality. The final semipolar GaN surface shows exclusively CL of the donor‐bound exciton (D0, X) recombination and no other spectral contribution of structural defects and a reduced TD density. After coalescence and further growth a significant increase of the homogeneity of the CL intensity and emission wavelength is observed for thick samples. CL of an InGaN/GaN active region deposited on top reveals homogeneous luminescence properties over the coalesced region showing no modulation related to the pre‐structured growth mode as the defect containing growth domains are effectively blocked.
Bayesian evidence synthesis for exploring generalizability of treatment effects: a case study of combining randomized and non‐randomized results in diabetes
Authors: Verde Pablo E. , Ohmann Christian , Morbach Stephan , Icks Andrea
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we present a unified modeling framework to combine aggregated data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with individual participant data (IPD) from observational studies. Rather than simply pooling the available evidence into an overall treatment effect, adjusted for potential confounding, the intention of this work is to explore treatment effects in specific patient populations reflected by the IPD. In this way, by collecting IPD, we can potentially gain new insights from RCTs' results, which cannot be seen using only a meta‐analysis of RCTs. We present a new Bayesian hierarchical meta‐regression model, which combines submodels, representing different types of data into a coherent analysis. Predictors of baseline risk are estimated from the individual data. Simultaneously, a bivariate random effects distribution of baseline risk and treatment effects is estimated from the combined individual and aggregate data. Therefore, given a subgroup of interest, the estimated treatment effect can be calculated through its correlation with baseline risk. We highlight different types of model parameters: those that are the focus of inference (e.g., treatment effect in a subgroup of patients) and those that are used to adjust for biases introduced by data collection processes (e.g., internal or external validity). The model is applied to a case study where RCTs' results, investigating efficacy in the treatment of diabetic foot problems, are extrapolated to groups of patients treated in medical routine and who were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corporate diversification and the value of individual firms: A Bayesian approach
Authors: Mackey Tyson B. , Barney Jay B. , Dotson Jeffrey P.
Published: November 2015

Research summary: Prior theory suggests that the performance effects of a firm's diversification strategy depend on a firm's individual resources and capabilities and the setting within which it is operating. However, prior tests of this theory have examined the average diversification‐performance relationship across all firms, instead of estimating the diversification‐performance relationship at the individual firm level. Efforts to estimate this average relationship are inconsistent with a central assumption of much of strategic management theory—that firms maximize value by choosing strategies that exploit their heterogeneous resources and individual situation. By adopting an approach that allows an evaluation of the diversification‐performance relationship for individual firms, this article shows that firms, both focused and diversified, tend to choose that diversification strategy—focus, related diversification, or unrelated diversification—that maximizes value.

Managerial summary: Instead of a universal diversification discount or premium, this article shows that the effect of diversification on performance is heterogeneously distributed across firms and that firms tend to be rational in their diversification decisions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.