bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The global therapist competence scale for youth psychosocial treatment: Development and initial validation
Authors: Brown Ruth C. , Southam‐Gerow Michael A. , McLeod Bryce D. , Wheat Emily B. , Tully Carrie B. , Reise Steven P. , Kendall Philip C. , Weisz John R.
Published: September 2017

Objective

We describe the development and initial psychometric properties of the observer‐rated Global Therapist Competence Scale for Youth Psychosocial Treatment (G‐COMP) in the context of cognitive‐behavioral treatment (CBT) for youth anxiety disorders.

Method

Independent coders rated 744 sessions from a sample of 68 youth (mean age = 10.56 years) using the G‐COMP and the instruments of alliance, involvement, CBT adherence, CBT competence.

Results

Inter‐rater reliability coefficients, ICC(2,2), were greater than .60 for the 5 G‐COMP domain scores. G‐COMP scores yielded small to medium correlations with instruments of alliance (rs = .17–.44) and youth involvement in treatment (rs = .08–.53), and medium to large correlations with instruments of CBT competence and adherence (rs = .26–.63). Therapists in the research setting were rated higher compared to newly trained therapists in community clinics.

Conclusion

Preliminary reliability and validity of the G‐COMP are promising, but future research is needed with non‐CBT samples.
Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptom clusters differentially predict prenatal health behaviors in pregnant women
Authors: Jones Heather A. , Eddy Laura D. , Rabinovitch Annie E. , Snipes Daniel J. , Wilson Stephanie A. , Parks Amanda M. , Karjane Nicole W. , Svikis Dace S.
Published: September 2017

Objective

To date, most investigations of mental health in pregnant women have focused on depression or substance use. This study aimed to (a) delineate the relationships between symptoms of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and prenatal health behaviors and (b) explore whether the symptom clusters of ADHD differentially predict prenatal health behaviors (e.g., physical strain, healthy eating, prenatal vitamin use).

Method

A total of 198 pregnant women (mean age = 27.94 years) completed measures of ADHD symptoms, prenatal health behaviors, and depression.

Results

Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity/emotional lability all evidenced significant relationships with the prenatal health behaviors, each differentially predicting different prenatal health behaviors.

Conclusion

As decreased engagement in adequate prenatal health behaviors puts both the mother and fetus at risk for negative birth outcomes, future research should work to develop a brief ADHD screen to be used in obstetric clinics and should investigate these relationships within a sample of women with a diagnosis of ADHD.
Evolution of gene expression after whole‐genome duplication: New insights from the spotted gar genome
Authors: Pasquier Jeremy , Braasch Ingo , Batzel Peter , Cabau Cedric , Montfort Jérome , Nguyen Thaovi , Jouanno Elodie , Berthelot Camille , Klopp Christophe , Journot Laurent , Postlethwait John H. , Guiguen Yann , Bobe Julien
Published: September 2017

Whole‐genome duplications (WGDs) are important evolutionary events. Our understanding of underlying mechanisms, including the evolution of duplicated genes after WGD, however, remains incomplete. Teleost fish experienced a common WGD (teleost‐specific genome duplication, or TGD) followed by a dramatic adaptive radiation leading to more than half of all vertebrate species. The analysis of gene expression patterns following TGD at the genome level has been limited by the lack of suitable genomic resources. The recent concomitant release of the genome sequence of spotted gar (a representative of holosteans, the closest‐related lineage of teleosts that lacks the TGD) and the tissue‐specific gene expression repertoires of over 20 holostean and teleostean fish species, including spotted gar, zebrafish, and medaka (the PhyloFish project), offers a unique opportunity to study the evolution of gene expression following TGD in teleosts. We show that most TGD duplicates gained their current status (loss of one duplicate gene or retention of both duplicates) relatively rapidly after TGD (i.e., prior to the divergence of medaka and zebrafish lineages). The loss of one duplicate is the most common fate after TGD with a probability of approximately 80%. In addition, the fate of duplicate genes after TGD, including subfunctionalization, neofunctionalization, or retention of two “similar” copies occurred not only before but also after the divergence of species tested, in consistency with a role of the TGD in speciation and/or evolution of gene function. Finally, we report novel cases of TGD ohnolog subfunctionalization and neofunctionalization that further illustrate the importance of these processes.
Functional morphology of the gonoduct of the viviparous teleost Poeciliopsis gracilis (Heckel, 1848) (Poeciliidae)
Authors: Campuzano‐Caballero Juan Carlos , Uribe Mari Carmen
Published: September 2017

Female teleosts do not develop Müllerian ducts; consequently, the ovary of teleosts contains two zones: germinal and gonoduct. The gonoduct lacks germinal cells, but has relevant functions in the reproductive process. We describe the functional morphology of the gonoduct in the viviparous teleost Poeciliopsis gracilis during nongestation and gestation stages. This study tests the hypothesis that the gonoduct functions as a barrier between the germinal zone and the exterior. By providing information about morphology and function of the gonoduct we show that this part of the ovary has an essential role in the reproduction of teleosts. The ovaries were processed by histological technique and stained with hematoxylin‐eosin (H‐E), Masson's trichrome, toluidine blue and periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS). The gonoduct is divided into three regions: cephalic, middle, and caudal. In the cephalic and middle regions there are mucosal folds that extend into the gonoductal lumen, forming structures similar to a cervix. The caudal region has two portions: the anterior contains a dorsal invagination and exocrine glands among columnar cells; the posterior has a ventral flexion and stratified epithelium with apical secretory cells. The morphology of this epithelium indicates two functions: (a) secretory by the apical columnar cells, and (b) protection through the stratification. Another peculiarity of the caudal region is that both ducts, reproductive and digestive, converge in a common cavity at their caudal ends, forming a cloacal region. The histology of the gonoduct indicates relevant functions including: (1) the control of the luminal diameter by the muscle and the presence of mucosal folds, like a cervix; (2) the relationship with the spermatozoa during insemination and storing them in mucosal folds; (3) the support of immunological processes; (4) secretory activities; (5) forming the duct during birth; and (6) possibly, acts as a barrier against parasite infestations.
Nodal discontinuous Galerkin method for high‐temperature superconductors modeling based on the H‐formulation
Authors: Makong L. , Kameni A. , Bouillault F. , Geuzaine C. , Masson P.
Published: September 2017

There is growing interest in superconducting machinery design in AC regime such as generators, motors, and magnets. High‐temperature superconductors are used as tapes or cables for the machine windings. Therefore, AC losses have to be evaluated efficiently for an optimal design. Moreover, non‐linearities, arising from the power law characterizing the electrical behaviour of superconductor, have to be also dealt with. The development of efficient numerical methods is therefore critical to model high‐temperature superconductors. Although numerous methods have already been proposed, the finite element method applied on the time‐dependent curl‐curl–based H‐formulation remains the mostly used. It uses edge elements of Nedelec to naturally ensure the continuity of the tangential components of H. To take into account non‐linearities from superconductors, a linearisation of the superconductors constitutive power law E=ρ(J)J was implemented. Discontinuous Galerkin finite element method provides an interesting alternative to edge elements for the time‐dependent H‐formulation. Indeed, the curl‐curl operator is written as a div operator and the interior penalty approach defines numerical fluxes at the interfaces. Those fluxes will ensure the continuity of the tangential components of H. The resistivity ρ(J) is explicitly evaluated at the previous iteration with such an approach leading to convergence. In this paper, both numerical approaches implementation will be presented. We will also compare the numerical results from those methods applied to 3D modelling of simple superconducting geometries in AC regime.
Hot air treatment reduces postharvest decay and delays softening of cherry tomato by regulating gene expression and activities of cell wall‐degrading enzymes
Authors: Wei Yingying , Zhou Dandan , Wang Zhenjie , Tu Sicong , Shao Xingfeng , Peng Jing , Pan Leiqing , Tu Kang
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Fruit softening facilitates pathogen infection and postharvest decay, leading to the reduction of shelf‐life. Hot air (HA) treatment at 38 °C for 12 h is effective in reducing postharvest disease and chilling injury of tomato fruit. To explore the effect and mechanism of HA treatment on reducing postharvest decay and softening of cherry tomato, fruit at the mature green stage were treated with HA and then stored at 20 °C for 15 days. Changes in natural decay incidence, firmness, cell wall compositions, activities and gene expression of cell wall‐degrading enzymes of cherry tomatoes were assessed.

RESULTS

HA treatment reduced natural decay incidence, postponed the firmness decline, inhibited the respiration rate and ethylene production, and retarded pectin solubilisation and cellulose degradation of cherry tomatoes. Enzymatic activities and gene expression of pectin methylesterase, polygalacturonase, cellulase and β‐galactosidase were inhibited by HA treatment. In addition, the gene expression of LeEXP1 was reduced, while LeEXT was up‐regulated after HA treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that HA treatment could inhibit cell wall degradation and postpone softening of cherry tomatoes by regulating gene expression and activities of cell wall‐degrading enzymes, resulting in the reduction of postharvest decay. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of high‐pressure homogenization on gums
Authors: Belmiro Ricardo Henrique , Tribst Alline Artigiani Lima , Cristianini Marcelo
Published: September 2017

High‐pressure homogenization (HPH) is an emerging process during which a fluid product is pumped by pressure intensifiers, forcing it to flow through a narrow gap, usually measured in the order of micrometers. Gums are polysaccharides from vegetal, animal or microbial origin and are widely employed in food and chemical industries as thickeners, stabilizers, gelling agents and emulsifiers. The choice of a specific gum depends on its application and purpose because each form of gum has particular values with respect to viscosity, intrinsic viscosity, stability, and emulsifying and gelling properties, with these parameters being determined by its structure. HPH is able to alter those properties positively by inducing changes in the original polymer, allowing for new applications and improvements with respect to the technical properties of gums. This review highlights the most important advances when this process is applied to change polysaccharides from distinct sources and molecular structures, as well as the future challenges that remain. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Sex Differences in the Residual Patellar Tendon After Harvesting Its Central Third for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Kanamoto Takashi , Tanaka Yoshinari , Yonetani Yasukazu , Kita Keisuke , Amano Hiroshi , Okamoto Kensuke , Shino Konsei , Horibe Shuji
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Some studies have found that sex can affect the clinical results after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. We hypothesized that sex would significantly affect the healing of the postoperative patellar tendon. This study evaluated the patellar tendon after bone–patellar tendon–bone autograft harvest, specifically with regard to sex‐dependent differences.

Methods

At 6 months postoperatively, an ultrasonographic evaluation was performed. We measured the residual donor site gap width between tendon tissues and the thickness of newly formed nontendinous tissue in the gap. In addition, the cross‐sectional area of tendon tissue was measured. The ratios between the operated and contralateral sides were calculated, and the sexes were compared. A paired Student t test was performed, with P < .05 considered statistically significant.

Results

The population of 52 patients (32 male and 20 female) had a mean age ± SD of 23 ± 8 years. We observed no significant sex‐dependent differences in the residual donor site gap and the thickness of newly formed nontendinous tissue when calculating ratios to the contralateral tendon. The mean cross‐sectional area of tendon tissue was 101 ± 26 mm2 (male, 114 ± 26 mm2; female, 80 ± 16 mm2). When the ratios to the contralateral tendon were calculated, male patients had significantly higher cross‐sectional area ratios than female patients (male, 124% ± 20%; female, 100% ± 19%, P = .024).

Conclusions

We have reported a dramatic increase in the cross‐sectional area of patellar tendon tissue during the first 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a bone–patellar tendon–bone autograft, which was more prominent in male patients than in female patients. This difference might have contributed to the sex‐dependent variation in clinical outcomes.
Quantitative facial electromyography monitoring after hypoglossal‐facial jump nerve suture
Authors: Flasar Jan , Volk Gerd Fabian , Granitzka Thordis , Geißler Katharina , Irintchev Andrey , Lehmann Thomas , Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando
Published: September 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

The time course of the reinnervation of the paralyzed face after hypoglossal‐facial jump nerve suture using electromyography (EMG) was assessed. The relation to the clinical outcome was analyzed.

Study Design

Retrospective single‐center cohort study

Methods

Reestablishment of motor units was studied by quantitative EMG and motor unit potential (MUP) analysis in 11 patients after hypoglossal‐facial jump nerve suture. Functional recovery was evaluated using the Stennert index (0 = normal; 10 = maximal palsy).

Results

Clinically, first movements were seen between 6 and >10 months after surgery in individual patients. Maximal improvement was achieved at 18 months. The Stennert index decreased from 7.9 ± 2.0 preoperatively to a final postoperative score of 5.8 ± 2.4. EMG monitoring performed for 2.8 to 60 months after surgery revealed that pathological spontaneous activity disappeared within 2 weeks. MUPs were first recorded after the 2nd month and present in all 11 patients 8–10 months post‐surgery. Polyphasic regeneration potentials first appeared at 4–10 months post‐surgery. The MUP amplitudes increased between the 3rd and 15th months after surgery to values of control muscles. The MUP duration was significantly increased above normal values between the 3rd and 24th months after surgery.

Conclusion

Reinnervation can be detected at least 2 months earlier by EMG than by clinical evaluation. Changes should be followed for at least 18 months to assess outcome. EMG changes reflected the remodeling of motor units due to axonal regeneration and collateral sprouting by hypoglossal nerve fibers into the reinnervated facial muscle fibers.

Level of Evidence

3b.
Internal consistency of the inorganic carbon system in the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Woosley Ryan J. , Millero Frank J. , Takahashi Taro
Published: September 2017

Highly accurate and precise measurements of the inorganic carbon system are crucial for monitoring and assessing the uptake of anthropogenic CO2 by the ocean. The Arctic Ocean is an area of particular interest due to Arctic amplification of climate change. Internally consistent constants are essential for making high quality CO2 system measurements and for calculating the full suite of carbon parameters. Temperatures and salinities in the Arctic are near or below the valid ranges of most carbon system constants, but the applicability has never been fully assessed in the Arctic. Using measurements of all four carbon parameters (total alkalinity, total CO2, pH, and pCO2) made on the Arctic GEOTRACES/GO‐SHIP cruise in summer 2015, we evaluate the internal consistency of six different sets of constants for surface waters at in situ temperature. Five of the six sets of constants are generally internally consistent, but each is statistically significantly different from each other. Although differences among constants are generally within the uncertainty of the calculations, these results indicate caution should be used when comparing data using different constants as biases may result from the choice of constants. We also find significant uncertainty in converting measured pH to pH at in situ temperature. The uncertainty in the pH temperature conversion limits our ability to determine the accuracy of pH measurements, particularly in polar regions. Measurements in marginal ice zones indicate that dissolution of semi‐stable ikaite (CaCO3) may bias total alkalinity measurements, and should therefore be analyzed immediately upon collection or filtered before storage.
In situ formed ionic liquids in lard oil as high‐performance lubricants for steel/steel contacts at elevated temperature
Authors: Wu Xinhu , Zhao Gaiqing , Wang Xiaobo , Liu Weimin , Liu Weisheng
Published: September 2017

This paper presents a “green” way of in situ forming ionic liquids (ILs) as high‐temperature lubricants by dissolving high content of lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide in lard oil (LO). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy result indicated that lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide could have a reaction with triacylglycerols, which are the major component of LO and formed the IL (Li[triacylglycerol])bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. Differential scanning calorimetry result shown that ILs could effectively enhance the thermal‐oxidation stability of LO. Tribological behaviours of lubricant application in steel/steel contacts were evaluated on an Optimol SRV‐IV oscillating reciprocating friction and wear tester at 250°C. It was found that the in situ formed ILs possessed excellent friction‐reducing and antiwear properties in LO compared with perfluoropolyether (as a reference lubricant) under the same conditions. The wear mechanisms are tentatively discussed according to the morphology observation of worn surfaces of steel discs by scanning electron microscope and the surface composition analysis by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Complexity and function of natural killer T cells with potential application to hepatic transplant survival
Authors: Ware Randle , Kumar Vipin
Published: September 2017

One of the major innate‐like lymphocyte populations enriched in the liver consists of natural killer T (NKT) cells, which recognize self and foreign lipid antigens presented by the nonpolymorphic class I major histocompatibility complex–like molecule CD1d. NKT cells express natural killer cell markers as well as T cell receptors (TCRs) and can be classified into 2 categories: type I NKT cells use a semi‐invariant TCR, whereas type II NKT cells express diverse but still limited TCRs. An emerging body of evidence points to their opposing roles in inflammation, including ischemia/reperfusion injury. Improved understanding of their roles in experimental models as well as in humans and the means by which their function can be manipulated may provide therapeutic benefit in liver diseases and in organ transplantation. Liver Transplantation 23 1589–1592 2017 AASLD.
Asymptotic profile of solutions for the damped wave equation with a nonlinear convection term
Authors: Kato Masakazu , Ueda Yoshihiro
Published: September 2017

This paper is concerned with the large time behavior of solutions to the initial value problem for the damped wave equations with nonlinear convection in one‐dimensional whole space. In 2007, Ueda and Kawashima showed that the solution tends to a self similar solution of the Burgers equation. However, they did not mention that their decay estimate is optimal or not. Under this situation, the aim of this paper was to find out the sharp decay estimate by studying the second asymptotic profile of solutions. The explicit representation formula and the decay estimates of the solution for the linearized equation including the lower order term play crucial roles in our analysis.
Allergy to Peanut, Soybean, and Other Legumes: Recent Advances in Allergen Characterization, Stability to Processing and IgE Cross‐Reactivity
Authors: Cabanillas Beatriz , Jappe Uta , Novak Natalija
Published: September 2017

Peanut and soybean are members of the Leguminosae family. They are two of the eight foods that account for the most significant food allergies in the United States and Europe. Allergic reactions to other legume species can be of importance in other regions of the world. The major allergens from peanut and soybean have been extensively analyzed and members of new protein families identified as potential marker allergens for symptom severity. Important recent advances concerning their molecular properties or clinical relevance have been made. Therefore, there is increasing interest in the characterization of allergens from other legume species such as lupine, lentil, chickpea, green bean, or pea. As legumes are mainly consumed after thermal processing, knowledge about the effect of such processing on the allergenicity of legumes has increased during the last years. In the present review, recent advances in the identification of allergens from peanut, soybean, lupine, and other legume species are summarized and discussed. An overview of the most recently described effects of thermal processing on the allergenic properties of legumes is provided and the potential IgE cross‐reactivity among members of the Leguminosae family is discussed.
Collagen content in the bladder of men with LUTS undergoing open prostatectomy: A pilot study
Authors: Averbeck Marcio A. , De Lima Nelson G. , Motta Gabriela A. , Beltrao Lauro F. , Abboud Filho Nury J. , Rigotti Clarice P. , Dos Santos William N. , dos Santos Steven K.J. , Da Silva Luis F.B. , Rhoden Ernani L.
Published: September 2017

Aims

To evaluate the collagen content in the bladder wall of men undergoing open prostate surgery.

Methods

From July 2014 to August 2016, men aged ≥ 50 years, presenting LUTS and undergoing open prostate surgery due to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) or prostate cancer were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative assessment included validated questionnaires (IPSS and OAB‐V8), lower urinary tract ultrasound, and urodynamics. Bladder biopsies were obtained during open prostatectomy for determination of collagen content (sirius red‐picric acid stain; polarized light analysis). Collagen to smooth muscle ratio (C/M) in the detrusor was measured and its relationship with preoperative parameters was investigated. The level of significance was P < 0.05.

Results

Thirty‐eight consecutive patients were included in this pilot study. Mean age was 66.36 ± 6.44 years and mean IPSS was 11.05 ± 8.72 points. Men diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM2) were found to have higher collagen content in the bladder wall when compared to non‐diabetic patients (17.71 ± 6.82% vs 12.46 ± 5.2%, respectively; P = 0.024). Reduced bladder compliance was also marker for higher collagen content (P = 0.042). Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) was not a predictor of increased collagen deposition in the bladder wall (P = 0.75). Patients with PVR ≥ 200 mL showed a higher collagen to smooth muscle ratio in the bladder wall (P = 0.036).

Conclusions

DM2 and urodynamic parameters, such as increased PVR and reduced bladder compliance, were associated with higher collagen content in the bladder wall of men with LUTS.
Diffusion MRI fiber tractography of the brain
Authors: Jeurissen Ben , Descoteaux Maxime , Mori Susumu , Leemans Alexander
Published: September 2017

The ability of fiber tractography to delineate non‐invasively the white matter fiber pathways of the brain raises possibilities for clinical applications and offers enormous potential for neuroscience. In the last decade, fiber tracking has become the method of choice to investigate quantitative MRI parameters in specific bundles of white matter. For neurosurgeons, it is quickly becoming an invaluable tool for the planning of surgery, allowing for visualization and localization of important white matter pathways before and even during surgery. Fiber tracking has also claimed a central role in the field of “connectomics,” a technique that builds and studies comprehensive maps of the complex network of connections within the brain, and to which significant resources have been allocated worldwide. Despite its unique abilities and exciting applications, fiber tracking is not without controversy, in particular when it comes to its interpretation. As neuroscientists are eager to study the brain's connectivity, the quantification of tractography‐derived “connection strengths” between distant brain regions is becoming increasingly popular. However, this practice is often frowned upon by fiber‐tracking experts. In light of this controversy, this paper provides an overview of the key concepts of tractography, the technical considerations at play, and the different types of tractography algorithm, as well as the common misconceptions and mistakes that surround them. We also highlight the ongoing challenges related to fiber tracking. While recent methodological developments have vastly increased the biological accuracy of fiber tractograms, one should be aware that, even with state‐of‐the‐art techniques, many issues that severely bias the resulting structural “connectomes” remain unresolved.
Automatic data aggregation for recursively modeled NFV services
Authors: Cai Xuejun , John Wolfgang , Meirosu Catalin
Published: September 2017

Network function virtualization (NFV) allows to model network services as graphs interconnecting virtual network functions (VNFs), which may include nested VNFs, modeled as subgraphs of VNFs or end points. To query the performance data of network services modeled as abstract and high‐level graphs is challenging because of the recursivity of the NFV architecture and the elasticity and dynamicity provided by the NFV infrastructure. We propose to use Datalog, a declarative logic programming language, to build a framework that supports efficient data aggregation for performance metrics of recursively modeled network services. We present our recursive query language for automatic and flexible decomposition and aggregation of NFV performance metrics and describe example use cases for both compute and network metrics. We also describe the design and implementation of a proof‐of‐concept query engine using the language. Our performance evaluation shows that the total query latency is dominated by retrieval times of performance metrics from infrastructure databases, and the time for execution and automatic decomposition of high‐level queries by the query engine itself increases linearly with the size of the service graph up to 1000 nodes. Hence, our evaluations show that the query engine scales well, bounded mainly by the limited execution capabilities of our test environment. Furthermore, it can handle multiple concurrent queries up to the concurrency limits of the backend database in use. The proposed query language and engine are thus effective in recursively retrieving performance metrics of NFV environments supporting large‐scale service graphs and large numbers of query requests.
Agreement between Weight Status and Perceived Body Size and the Association with Body Size Satisfaction in Children
Authors: Leppers Iris , Tiemeier Henning , Swanson Sonja A. , Verhulst Frank C. , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , Franco Oscar H. , Jansen Pauline W.
Published: September 2017

Objective

Extensive evidence suggests that children and adolescents often inaccurately perceive their body size. However, the extent of this misperception is unclear. This paper describes the agreement between children's actual weight and the perception of body size (self‐reported and maternally reported) and the association of actual weight with self‐reported body satisfaction.

Methods

In a population‐based cohort study of 3,408 children aged 9 to 10 years, we assessed the children's self‐perception and ideal perception of their body size with the Children's Body Image Scale. Maternal perception of offspring body size was assessed with the question “How would you describe your child at the moment?” Children's height and weight were measured.

Results

Children tended to rate themselves toward average proportions; e.g., 83.0% of 499 children with overweight/obesity perceived themselves as less heavy then they were. Of those who underestimated their body size, most (79.2%) had a desire to be thinner; all of the children who correctly recognized their overweight/obesity had such a desire.

Conclusions

Despite the misperception of body size, the majority of children with overweight/obesity indicated dissatisfaction with their body size, suggesting more self‐awareness than would be assumed based on the self‐perception assessment of body size alone.
Caveolin‐1 Secreted from Adipose Tissues and Adipocytes Functions as an Adipogenesis Enhancer
Authors: Chang Chia‐Chu , Chen Chen‐Yu , Wen Hui‐Chin , Huang Chih‐Yang , Hung Ming‐Shiu , Lu Hsi‐Chi , Chen Woan‐Ling , Chang Chung‐Ho
Published: September 2017

Objective

Caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1) is expressed abundantly in adipose tissue and involved in many physiological processes. While Cav‐1 has been reported to be secreted in pancreatic acinar cells and LNCaP prostate cancer cells, its secretion from adipose tissue awaits investigation.

Methods

Cav‐1 secretion from 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and fat tissues from normal chow diet‐ and high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice was measured. Functions and uptake of secreted Cav‐1 proteins were assessed by adding Cav‐1 back to preadipocytes and LNCaP cells.

Results

Cav‐1 secretion was evident in adipose tissues and were substantially promoted in HFD‐fed mice. Cav‐1 was detectable in the conditioned media of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes but not preadipocytes. Hypertrophied adipocytes induced by glucose and fatty acids secreted more Cav‐1, suggesting that hypertrophied adipocytes were responsible for enhanced Cav‐1 secretion in obese mice. Secreted Cav‐1 was taken up by preadipocytes and LNCaP cells. 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes overexpressing Cav‐1 were better differentiated, suggesting that secreted Cav‐1 may promote adipogenesis. Hypertrophied 3T3‐L1 adipocytes enhanced ERK1/2 activation, and the attenuation of ERK1/2 activity by PD98059 inhibited Cav‐1 secretion.

Conclusions

Cav‐1 is actively secreted from adipocytes as a putative adipogenesis enhancer. Hypertrophied adipocytes secrete Cav‐1 via ERK1/2‐dependent mechanisms to promote adipogenesis, thus establishing a vicious cycle.
Caloric Restriction‐Induced Decreases in Dopamine Receptor Availability are Associated with Leptin Concentration
Authors: Dunn Julia P. , Abumrad Naji N. , Kessler Robert M. , Patterson Bruce W. , Li Rui , Marks‐Shulman Pamela , Tamboli Robyn A.
Published: September 2017

Objective

It has been previously reported that early after Roux‐en‐Y‐gastric bypass, dopamine (DA) type 2 and 3 receptor (D2/3R) binding potential (BPND) was decreased from preoperative levels. The current study aimed to determine whether calorie restriction without weight loss modifies D2/3R BPNDand whether such changes are explained by neuroendocrine regulation.

Methods

Fifteen females with obesity (BMI = 39 ± 6 kg/m2) were studied before and after ∼10 days of a very‐low‐calorie‐diet (VLCD). Outcome measures included fasting insulin, leptin, acyl ghrelin, and glucose, and insulin sensitivity and disposition index were estimated using the oral‐minimal model (OMM) method. Participants underwent positron emission tomography scanning with the displaceable radioligand [18F]fallypride to estimate available regional D2/3R levels. Regions of interest included the caudate, putamen, ventral striatum, hypothalamus, and substantia nigra (SN).

Results

With the VLCD, weight decreased slightly (−3 kg). Insulin, glucose, and leptin decreased significantly, but there was no change in acyl ghrelin or measures from OMM. SN D2/3R BPNDdecreased significantly, with trends toward decreased levels in the remaining regions. The decrease in leptin concentration strongly predicted the change in D2/3R BPNDin all regions (allP ≤ 0.004).

Conclusions

In obesity, reductions in regional D2/3R availability after VLCD are suggestive of increased endogenous DA competing with the radioligand. Changes in regional D2/3R availability were associated with decreases in leptin concentrations that occurred before clinically significant weight loss.
Optical, electrochemical, and thermal behavior of polybenzoxazine copolymers incorporated with tetraphenylimidazole and diphenylquinoline
Authors: Hariharan A. , Kesava M. , Alagar M. , Dinakaran K. , Subramanian K.
Published: September 2017

Two new polybenzoxazine copolymers were synthesized by polymerizing conventional benzoxazine monomer with varying weight percentage of tetraphenylimidazole and diphenylquinoline. The tetrasubstituted imidazole was synthesized through Debus‐Radziszewski imidazole synthesis method, and quinoline derivative was synthesized through Friedlander quinoline synthesis, and their structure was confirmed through FTIR, 1HNMR, and MASS spectral analysis. New polybenzoxazine copolymers were synthesized by polymerizing conventional benzoxazine monomer with varying weight percentage of (10, 20, and 30%) of phenolic tetraphenylimidazole and diphenylquinoline. The polybenzoxazines cocured with 10, 20, and 30 wt% of imidazole derivative showed a band gap of 2.27, 2.08, and 2.2 eV, respectively, and the quinoline derivative incorporated at 10, 20, and 30 wt% in to polybenzoxazines exhibited a band gap of 2.26, 2.3, and 2.03 eV, respectively. The polybenzoxazines cocured with phenolic imidazoles and quinolines have high glass transition and thermal degradation stability in addition to significant improvement in optical and electrochemical properties than that of conventional bisphenol‐based polybenzoxazines.
Human papillomavirus E6 protein enriches the CD55(+) population in cervical cancer cells, promoting radioresistance and cancer aggressiveness
Authors: Leung Thomas Ho‐Yin , Tang Hermit Wai‐Man , Siu Michelle Kwan‐Yee , Chan David Wai , Chan Karen Kar‐Loen , Cheung Annie Nga‐Yin , Ngan Hextan Yuen‐Sheung
Published: September 2017

Accumulating evidence indicates that the human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 protein plays a crucial role in the development of cervical cancer. Subpopulations of cells that reside within tumours are responsible for tumour resistance to cancer therapy and recurrence. However, the identity of such cells residing in cervical cancer and their relationship with the HPV‐E6 protein have not been identified. Here, we isolated sphere‐forming cells, which showed self‐renewal ability, from primary cervical tumours. Gene expression profiling revealed that cluster of differentiation (CD) 55 was upregulated in primary cervical cancer sphere cells. Flow‐cytometric analysis detected abundant CD55(+) populations among a panel of HPV‐positive cervical cancer cell lines, whereas few CD55(+) cells were found in HPV‐negative cervical cancer and normal cervical epithelial cell lines. The CD55(+) subpopulation isolated from the C33A cell line showed significant sphere‐forming ability and enhanced tumourigenicity, cell migration, and radioresistance. In contrast, the suppression of CD55 in HPV‐positive CaSki cells inhibited tumourigenicity both in vitro and in vivo, and sensitized cells to radiation treatment. In addition, ectopic expression of the HPV‐E6 protein in HPV‐negative cervical cancer cells dramatically enriched the CD55(+) subpopulation. CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of CD55 in an HPV‐E6‐overexpressing stable clone abolished the tumourigenic effects of the HPV‐E6 protein. Taken together, our data suggest that HPV‐E6 protein expression enriches the CD55(+) population, which contributes to tumourigenicity and radioresistance in cervical cancer cells. Targeting CD55 via CRISPR/Cas9 may represent a novel avenue for developing new strategies and effective therapies for the treatment of cervical cancer. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation and treatment of Langerhans cell histiocytosis patients with central nervous system abnormalities: Current views and new vistas
Authors: Yeh E. Ann , Greenberg Jay , Abla Oussama , Longoni Giulia , Diamond Eli , Hermiston Michelle , Tran Brandon , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Allen Carl E. , McClain Kenneth L. ,   on behalf of the North American Consortium for Histiocytosis
Published: September 2017

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) can include mass lesions of the hypothalamic pituitary axis, choroid plexus, cerebrum, and cerebellum or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal abnormalities of the cerebellum, pons, and basal ganglia. The term neurodegenerative (ND) CNS‐LCH has been given to the MRI signal abnormalities and neurologic dysfunction, although initially patients may have no clinical symptoms. Standardized evaluations to better understand the natural history and response to therapy are needed. We propose guidelines for clinical, radiologic, and physiologic tests as a framework for developing the best methods of evaluation, which can then be tested in prospective treatment protocols.
A 15‐year overview of increasing tramadol utilisation and associated mortality and the impact of tramadol classification in the United Kingdom
Authors: Chen Teng‐Chou , Chen Li‐Chia , Knaggs Roger David
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This study aimed to develop hypotheses to explain the increasing tramadol utilisation, evaluate the impact of tramadol classification, and explore the trend between tramadol utilisation and related deaths in the United Kingdom.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used individual patient data, the Clinical Practice Research Datalink from 1993 to 2015, to calculate monthly defined daily dose (DDD)/1000 registrants, monthly prevalence and incidence of tramadol users, annual supply days, and mean daily dose of tramadol. Aggregated‐level national statistics and reimbursement data from 2004 to 2015 were also used to quantify annual and monthly tramadol DDD/1000 inhabitants and rate of tramadol‐related deaths in England and Wales. Interrupted time‐series analysis was used to evaluate the impact of tramadol classification in June 2014.

Results

Prevalence of tramadol users increased from 23 to 97.6/10 000 registrants from 2000 to 2015. Both annual dose and annual supply days of existing tramadol users were higher than new users. Level and trend of monthly utilisation (β2: −12.9, β3: −1.6) and prevalence of tramadol users (β2: −6.4, β3: −0.37) significantly reduced after classification. Both annual tramadol utilisation and rate of tramadol‐related deaths increased before tramadol classification and decreased thereafter.

Conclusions

Increasing tramadol utilisation was influenced by the increase in prevalence and incidence of tramadol users, mean daily dose, and day of supply. Prevalence of tramadol users, tramadol utilisation, and reported deaths declined after tramadol classification. Future studies need to evaluate the influencing factors to ensure the safety of long‐term tramadol use.
A step forward in disclosing the secret of stradivari's varnish by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Spinella Alberto , Malagodi Marco , Saladino Maria Luisa , Weththimuni Maduka L. , Caponetti Eugenio , Licchelli Maurizio
Published: September 2017

It is commonly thought that the varnishes used by the great violin‐maker Antonio Stradivari may have a role in determining not only the esthetical features but also the acoustic properties of his instruments, and the idea of a “lost secret” is still widespread among musicians and violin‐makers. Previous scientific researches on varnish samples of Stradivari's instruments revealed that they were generally made by a mix of linseed oil with and colophony or metal rosinates in different ratios ranging between 75/25 (oil/resin) and 60/40 (oil/rosinate). However, it is still not clear whether the mixture composition can be related to any structural and/or functional feature of the resulting varnish. To investigate this aspect, we prepared varnishes with different linseed oil/colophony (w/w) ratios and applied NMR techniques to achieve information about their chemical–physical characteristics. Here, we show that the two components strongly interact in the solid state and that only the varnish prepared from 75/25 (w/w) linseed oil/colophony mixture displays unique properties in terms of dynamic homogeneity unlike coatings with other compositions. Our results suggest that the so‐called “secret” of Stradivari's finish could not be related to unknown ingredient(s) but to a specific oil/resin composition that provides the best performance. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3949–3954
Highly proton conducting proton‐exchange membranes based on fluorinated poly(arylene ether ketone)s with octasulfonated segments
Authors: Xie Yunji , Liu Di , Li Danqi , Han Xiaocui , Li Su , Chen Zheng , Zhang Haibo , Pang Jinhui , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: September 2017

A new bisphenol monomer containing a pair of electron‐rich tetra‐arylmethane units was designed and synthesized. Based on this monomer, along with commercial 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphenol A and 4,4′‐difluorobenzophenone, a series of novel poly(arylene ether ketone)s containing octasulfonated segments of varying molar percentage (x) (6F‐SPAEK‐x) were successfully synthesized by polycondensation reactions, followed by sulfonation. Tough, flexible, and transparent membranes, exhibiting excellent thermal stabilities and mechanical properties were obtained by casting. 6F‐SPAEK‐x samples exhibited appropriate water uptake and swelling ratios at moderate ion exchange capacities (IECs) and excellent proton conductivities. The highest proton conductivity (215 mS cm−1) is observed for hydrated 6F‐SPAEK‐15 (IEC = 1.68 meq g−1) at 100 °C, which is more than 1.5 times that of Nafion 117. Furthermore, the 6F‐SPAEK‐10 membrane exhibited comparable proton conductivity (102 mS cm−1) to that of Nafion 117 at 80 °C, with a relatively low IEC value (1.26 meq g−1). Even under 30% relative humidity, the 6F‐SPAEK‐20 membrane (2.06 meq g−1) showed adequate conductivity (2.1 mS cm−1) compared with Nafion 117 (3.4 mS cm−1). The excellent comprehensive properties of these membranes are attributed to well‐defined nanophase‐separated structures promoted by strong polarity differences between highly ionized and fluorinated hydrophobic segments. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 25–37
Role of polymer network and gelation kinetics on the mechanical properties and adsorption capacity of chitosan hydrogels for dye removal
Authors: Salzano de Luna Martina , Altobelli Rosaria , Gioiella Lucia , Castaldo Rachele , Scherillo Giuseppe , Filippone Giovanni
Published: September 2017

Chitosan (CS) hydrogels are receiving growing attention as adsorbents for water purification purposes. The conditions of preparation of this class of materials play a crucial in the determination of their performances; however, this aspect is often neglected in the literature. In this study, we deal with this issue, focusing on the structure‐property relationships of CS hydrogels obtained by phase inversion method. We show that the concentration of the starting solution determines the density and strength of intermolecular interactions, and that the gelation kinetics dictates the hydrogel structure at the microscale. Consequently, even subtle changes in the preparation protocol can cause significant differences in the performances of CS hydrogels in terms of mechanical properties and dye adsorption capacity. The observed trends are often neither trivial nor monotonic. Nonetheless, we demonstrate that they can be interpreted looking at the CS network structure, which can be inferred by rheological measurements. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1843–1849
Effect of strain‐induced molecular ordering on mechanical performance and barrier properties of polylactide nanocomposites
Authors: Karami Shahir , Lafleur Pierre G.
Published: September 2017

Plastic deformation of polylactide has been known as a self‐reinforcement alternative to improve mechanical and barrier properties. In this study, the structural evolution was investigated during a hot‐drawing process, at different initial strain rates and temperatures above Tg of polylactide. The drawing process at Tg +10 °C, led to the formation of an intermediate molecular ordering, between the crystalline and amorphous phases. A lower fraction of this mesomorphic phase was found to develop with the addition of nanoparticles. An increase in the stretching temperature to Tg +30 °C, caused an improvement of the crystallization kinetics, compared to that of thermally activated crystallization. A strain hardening behavior was observed in the presence of mesophase during a stretching process of the hot‐drawn films at room temperature. Permeability was discerned to its basic components, diffusivity, and solubility coefficients. The matrix degradation influenced the permeability components. The diffusivity decreases in the presence of the impermeable matters. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1865–1876
The unidirectional hypoxia‐activated prodrug OCT1002 inhibits growth and vascular development in castrate‐resistant prostate tumors
Authors: Nesbitt Heather , Worthington Jenny , Errington Rachel J. , Patterson Laurence H. , Smith Paul J. , McKeown Stephanie R. , McKenna Declan J.
Published: September 2017

Background

OCT1002 is a unidirectional hypoxia‐activated prodrug (uHAP) OCT1002 that can target hypoxic tumor cells. Hypoxia is a common feature in prostate tumors and is known to drive disease progression and metastasis. It is, therefore, a rational therapeutic strategy to directly target hypoxic tumor cells in an attempt to improve treatment for this disease. Here we tested OCT1002 alone and in combination with standard‐of‐care agents in hypoxic models of castrate‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

Methods

The effect of OCT1002 on tumor growth and vasculature was measured using murine PC3 xenograft and dorsal skin fold (DSF) window chamber models. The effects of abiraterone, docetaxel, and cabazitaxel, both singly and in combination with OCT1002, were also compared.

Results

The hypoxia‐targeting ability of OCT1002 effectively controls PC3 tumor growth. The effect was evident for at least 42 days after exposure to a single dose (30 mg/kg) and was comparable to, or better than, drugs currently used in the clinic. In DSF experiments OCT1002 caused vascular collapse in the PC3 tumors and inhibited the revascularization seen in controls. In this model OCT1002 also enhanced the anti‐tumor effects of abiraterone, cabazitaxel, and docetaxel; an effect which was accompanied by a more prolonged reduction in tumor vasculature density.

Conclusions

These studies provide the first evidence that OCT1002 can be an effective agent in treating hypoxic, castrate‐resistant prostate tumors, either singly or in combination with established chemotherapeutics for prostate cancer.