bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Panel testing reveals nonsense and missense CDH1 mutations in families without hereditary diffuse gastric cancer
Authors: Huynh Julie M. , Laukaitis Christina M.
Published: January 2016

Background

The reported penetrance of germline CDH1 mutations is high in families with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC). Men and women have a 70% and 56%, respectively, cumulative risk of developing diffuse gastric cancer by age 80. Women additionally have a 42% cumulative risk of developing breast cancer. Due to the high penetrance of these mutations, prophylactic total gastrectomy is currently recommended for CDH1 mutation carriers. However, whether everyone with a CDH1 gene mutation is at risk for HDGC is not clear.

Methods

Mutation identification was performed by next‐generation sequencing. Mutations and variant status was confirmed by Sanger sequencing in 11 family members.

Results

We present two families with pathogenic CDH1 mutations. The first family carries a novel truncating, nonsense CDH1 mutation that we were able to trace for three generations, but reports no family history of diffuse gastric cancer. The occurrence of cancer in this family deviates significantly from the expectation for HDGC. The proband from the second family presents with breast cancer and carries a previously reported pathogenic CDH1 mutation, but also reports no family history of diffuse gastric cancer.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the need for further analysis of CDH1 mutation penetrance in order to better counsel asymptomatic CDH1 mutation carriers on preventative measures and general care.
Sideroblastic anemia: functional study of two novel missense mutations in ALAS2
Authors: Méndez Manuel , Moreno‐Carralero María‐Isabel , Morado‐Arias Marta , Fernández‐Jiménez María‐Cristina , de la Iglesia Iñigo Silvia , Morán‐Jiménez María‐José
Published: January 2016

Background

X‐linked sideroblastic anemia (XLSA) is a disorder characterized by decreased heme synthesis and mitochondrial iron overload with ringed sideroblasts in bone marrow. XLSA is caused by mutations in the erythroid‐specific gene coding 5‐aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS2). Anemia in XLSA is extremely variable, characteristically microcytic and hypochromic with poikilocytosis, and the red blood cell distribution width is increased and prominent dimorphism of the red cell population. Anemia in XLSA patients responds variably to supplementation with pyridoxine.

Methods and Results

We report four patients with XLSA and three mutations in ALAS2: c.611G>A (p.Arg204Gln), c.1218G>T (p.Leu406Phe) and c.1499A>G (p.Tyr500Cys). The in silico predictions of three ALAS2 mutations and the functional consequences of two ALAS2 mutations were assessed. We performed in silico analysis of these mutations using ten different softwares, and all of them predicted that the p.Tyr500Cys mutation was deleterious. The in vitro prokaryotic expression showed that the p.Leu406Phe and p.Tyr500Cys mutations reduced the ALAS2 specific activity (SA) to 14% and 7% of the control value, respectively.

Conclusion

In view of the results obtained in this study, a clear relationship between genotype and phenotype cannot be established; clinical variability or severity of anemia may be influenced by allelic variants in other genes or transcription factors and environmental conditions.
Q‐space truncation and sampling in diffusion spectrum imaging
Authors: Tian Qiyuan , Rokem Ariel , Folkerth Rebecca D. , Nummenmaa Aapo , Fan Qiuyun , Edlow Brian L. , McNab Jennifer A.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

To characterize the q‐space truncation and sampling on the spin‐displacement probability density function (PDF) in diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI).

Methods

DSI data were acquired using the MGH‐USC connectome scanner (Gmax = 300 mT/m) withbmax = 30,000 s/mm2, 17 × 17 × 17, 15 × 15 × 15 and 11 × 11 × 11 grids in ex vivo human brains andbmax = 10,000 s/mm2, 11 × 11 × 11 grid in vivo. An additional in vivo scan usingbmax=7,000 s/mm2, 11 × 11 × 11 grid was performed with a derated gradient strength of 40 mT/m. PDFs and orientation distribution functions (ODFs) were reconstructed with different q‐space filtering and PDF integration lengths, and from down‐sampled data by factors of two and three.

Results

Both ex vivo and in vivo data showed Gibbs ringing in PDFs, which becomes the main source of artifact in the subsequently reconstructed ODFs. For down‐sampled data, PDFs interfere with the first replicas or their ringing, leading to obscured orientations in ODFs.

Conclusion

The minimum required q‐space sampling density corresponds to a field‐of‐view approximately equal to twice the mean displacement distance (MDD) of the tissue. The 11 × 11 × 11 grid is suitable for both ex vivo and in vivo DSI experiments. To minimize the effects of Gibbs ringing, ODFs should be reconstructed from unfiltered q‐space data with the integration length over the PDF constrained to around the MDD. Magn Reson Med 76:1750–1763, 2016. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Improved estimation of MR relaxation parameters using complex‐valued data
Authors: Umesh Rudrapatna S. , Bakker C. J. G. , Viergever M. A. , van der Toorn A. , Dijkhuizen R. M.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

In MR image analysis, T1, T2, and
maps are generally calculated using magnitude MR data. Without knowledge of the underlying noise variance, parameter estimates at low signal to noise ratio (SNR) are usually biased. This leads to confounds in studies that compare parameters across SNRs and or across scanners. This article compares several estimation techniques which use real or complex‐valued MR data to achieve unbiased estimation of MR relaxation parameters without the need for additional preprocessing.

Theory and Methods

Several existing and new techniques to estimate relaxation parameters using complex‐valued data were compared with widely used magnitude‐based techniques. Their bias, variance and processing times were studied using simulations covering various aspects of parameter variations. Validation on noise‐degraded experimental measurements was also performed.

Results

Simulations and experiments demonstrated the superior performance of techniques based on complex‐valued data, even in comparison with magnitude‐based techniques that account for Rician noise characteristics. This was achieved with minor modifications to data modeling and at computational costs either comparable to or higher (
) than magnitude‐based estimators. Theoretical analysis shows that estimators based on complex‐valued data are statistically efficient.

Conclusion

The estimation techniques that use complex‐valued data provide minimum variance unbiased estimates of parametric maps and markedly outperform commonly used magnitude‐based estimators under most conditions. They additionally provide phase maps and field maps, which are unavailable with magnitude‐based methods. Magn Reson Med 77:385–397, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A finite element implementation of the nonlocal granular rheology
Authors: Henann David L. , Kamrin Ken
Published: January 2016

Inhomogeneous flows involving dense particulate media display clear size effects, in which the particle length scale has an important effect on flow fields. Hence, nonlocal constitutive relations must be used in order to predict these flows. Recently, a class of nonlocal fluidity models has been developed for emulsions and subsequently adapted to granular materials. These models have successfully provided a quantitative description of experimental flows in many different flow configurations. In this work, we present a finite element‐based numerical approach for solving the nonlocal constitutive equations for granular materials, which involve an additional, non‐standard nodal degree‐of‐freedom – the granular fluidity, which is a scalar state parameter describing the susceptibility of a granular element to flow. Our implementation is applied to three canonical inhomogeneous flow configurations: (1) linear shear with gravity, (2) annular shear flow without gravity, and (3) annular shear flow with gravity. We verify our implementation, demonstrate convergence, and show that our results are mesh independent. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Get with the program … pages
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: January 2016

Course titles are often vague, their descriptions drab and daunting. Lots of jargon. Lots of “the student will this or that” verbiage. Yet, too often, I see this type of content — or, worse, links to PDFs — on continuing education websites. Save that academic gobbledygook for the official college catalog and syllabus. Instead, treat your individual degree or program pages as a selling tool.
Personal advising guides adult students to literary lives
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2016

Finding a way to stand out in a sea of graduate writing programs, offered both online and in‐person, creates a unique positioning challenge for a small private arts college, particularly on a campus known for visual arts. When Peter Gadol became the department chair of the graduate writing program at the Otis College of Art and Design, a private art school located near the Los Angeles airport, he embraced the small student body on campus, which is home to approximately 1,200 undergraduate students and fewer than 100 graduate students, as one of the strengths of the program.
Effects of side groups on the thermoelectric properties of composites based on conjugated poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene methine)s with low bandgaps
Authors: Lai Chunhua , Li Junjie , Xiang Xiongzhi , Wang Lei , Liu Danqing
Published: January 2016

A series of conjugated poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene methine)s (PEDOT‐Ms) with different side groups (e.g., electron‐withdrawing, electron‐donating, and electron‐neutralizing groups) containing 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) units was synthesized and characterized, showing low optical bandgaps. Then, the PEDOT‐M polymers were blended with graphite (G) to prepare polymer–inorganic composites to compare their thermoelectric (TE) properties. The optical absorption study indicated direct bandgaps ranging from 1.72 to 1.79 eV. The results showed that PEDOT‐M polymers with strongly electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating groups exhibited lower bandgap values and higher Seebeck coefficients, and their composites exhibited better TE properties than PEDOT‐M with an electron‐neutralizing side group. The highest figure of merit (ZT) value for the (poly[{3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene‐2,5‐diyl} {p‐nitrobenzylidene}{3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophenequinodimethane‐2,5‐diyl}])(PEDOT‐NBQ)/80 wt% G composite was 6.75 × 10−3 at 120°C, which was higher than the ZT value of the other PEDOT‐M/G composites. These results reveal a novel approach using the structural modifications of polymers to improve the understanding of TE performance and confirm that the conjugated PEDOT‐M samples studied are low‐bandgap conducting polymers that can be used as TE materials. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:126–134, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Bifacial potential of single‐ and double‐sided collecting silicon solar cells
Authors: Fertig Fabian , Wöhrle Nico , Greulich Johannes , Krauß Karin , Lohmüller Elmar , Meier Sebastian , Wolf Andreas , Rein Stefan
Published: January 2016

Bifacial applications are a promising way to increase the performance of photovoltaic systems. Two silicon solar cell concepts suitable for bifacial operation are the passivated emitter, rear totally diffused (PERT) and the both sides collecting and contacted (BOSCO) cell concepts. This work investigates the bifacial potential of these concepts by means of in‐depth numerical device simulation and experiment with a focus on the impact of varying material quality. It is shown that the PERT cell concept (representing a structure with front‐side emitter only) requires high‐minority‐carrier‐diffusion‐length substrates with Lbulk > 3 × W (with cell thickness W) to exploit its bifacial potential, while the BOSCO cell (representing a structure with double‐sided emitter) can already utilise its bifacial potential on substrates with significantly lower diffusion lengths down to Lbulk ≈ 0.5 × W. Experimentally, BOSCO cells with and without activated rear‐side emitter are compared. For rear‐side illumination, the activated rear‐side emitter is measured to increase internal quantum efficiency at wavelengths λ < 850 nm by up to 45%abs (factor of 9) and 30%abs (factor of 2) for cells processed on p‐type multicrystalline silicon substrates with Lbulk ≈ 0.3 × W and Lbulk ≈ 2.6 × W, respectively. For PERT cells processed on n‐type Czochralski‐grown silicon substrates, an according increase in internal quantum efficiency for rear‐side illumination of more than 20%abs (factor of 1.3) is measured when changing from a substrate with Lbulk ≈ 3.0 to 10.0 × W. The performed simulations and experiments demonstrate that the BOSCO cell concept is a promising candidate to successfully exploit bifacial gain also on low‐ to medium‐diffusion‐length substrates such as p‐type multicrystalline silicon, while PERT cells require a high‐diffusion‐length substrate to utilise their bifacial potential. Furthermore, the BOSCO cell concept is shown to be a promising option to achieve highest output power densities, even when using lower quality and therefore possibly more cost‐effective silicon substrates. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional proteomics within the genus Lactobacillus
Authors: De Angelis Maria , Calasso Maria , Cavallo Noemi , Di Cagno Raffaella , Gobbetti Marco
Published: January 2016

Lactobacillus are mainly used for the manufacture of fermented dairy, sourdough, meat, and vegetable foods or used as probiotics. Under optimal processing conditions, Lactobacillus strains contribute to food functionality through their enzyme portfolio and the release of metabolites. An extensive genomic diversity analysis was conducted to elucidate the core features of the genus Lactobacillus, and to provide a better comprehension of niche adaptation of the strains. However, proteomics is an indispensable “omics” science to elucidate the proteome diversity, and the mechanisms of regulation and adaptation of Lactobacillus strains. This review focuses on the novel and comprehensive knowledge of functional proteomics and metaproteomics of Lactobacillus species. A large list of proteomic case studies of different Lactobacillus species is provided to illustrate the adaptability of the main metabolic pathways (e.g., carbohydrate transport and metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, proteolytic system, amino acid metabolism, and protein synthesis) to various life conditions. These investigations have highlighted that lactobacilli modulate the level of a complex panel of proteins to growth/survive in different ecological niches. In addition to the general regulation and stress response, specific metabolic pathways can be switched on and off, modifying the behavior of the strains.
Surfactant‐aided exfoliation of molybdenum disulfide for ultrafast pulse generation through edge‐state saturable absorption
Authors: Howe Richard C. T. , Woodward Robert I. , Hu Guohua , Yang Zongyin , Kelleher Edmund J. R. , Hasan Tawfique
Published: January 2016

We use liquid phase exfoliation to produce dispersions of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoflakes in aqueous surfactant solutions. The chemical structures of the bile salt surfactants play a crucial role in the exfoliation and stabilization of MoS2. The resultant MoS2 dispersions are heavily enriched in single and few (6) layer flakes with large edge to surface area ratio. We use the dispersions to fabricate free‐standing polymer composite wide‐band saturable absorbers to develop mode‐locked and Q‐switched fiber lasers, tunable from 1535 to 1565 and 1030 to 1070 nm, respectively. We attribute this sub‐bandgap optical absorption and its nonlinear saturation behavior to edge‐mediated states introduced within the material band‐gap of the exfoliated MoS2 nanoflakes.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interaction of Boswellic Acids and Andrographolide with Glyburide in Diabetic Rats: Including Its PK/PD Modeling
Authors: Samala Sujatha , Veeresham Ciddi
Published: January 2016

The effect of boswellic acids (BA) and andrographolide (AD) on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of glyburide in normal as well as in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats was studied. In normal and diabetic rats, the combination of glyburide with BA or AD increased significantly (p < 0.01) all the pharmacokinetic parameters, such asCmax, AUC0–n, AUCtotal,t1/2, and mean residence time, and decreased the clearance,Vd, markedly as compared with the control group. In rat liver, microsomes BA and AD have shown CYP3A4 inhibitory activity significantly (p < 0.01), compared with the vehicle group. The increase in hypoglycemic action by concomitant administration of glyburide with BA or AD was more in diabetic rats than when the drugs were used singly and with the control group, which suggests the enhancement of glucose reduction capacity of glyburide in diabetic rats along with BA or AD. In PK/PD modeling of BA and AD with glyburide, the predicted PK and PD parameters are in line with the observed PK and PD parameters. The results revealed that BA and AD led to the PK/PD changes because of glyburide‐increased bioavailability and because of the inhibition of CYP3A4 enzyme. In conclusion, add‐on preparations containing BA or AD may increase the bioavailability of glyburide, and hence the dose should be monitored. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Touching Tubs and Grabbing Gable‐tops: An Editorial to the Special Issue on Human‐packaging Interaction
Authors: Wever Renee
Published: January 2016

This editorial covers the recent advances in marketing and ergonomics research with respect to packaging, in particular, the papers that form part of the special issue on human‐packaging interaction. It presents a classification of contributions to the literature in four categories, namely, (a) research methodology; (b) design methodology; (c) insights; and (d) industry application. Based on the discussion of recent literature, a research agenda is proposed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The intraseasonal atmospheric angular momentum associated with MJO convective initiations
Authors: Sakaeda Naoko , Roundy Paul E.
Published: January 2016

The first part of this study examines the driving mechanisms of the equatorial intraseasonal relative atmospheric angular momentum (AAM) and its dynamical relationship to the upper‐tropospheric zonal wind over the Western Hemisphere (WH) during the convective initiation of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) over the Indian Ocean. The budget analysis shows that the main driver of the equatorial intraseasonal AAM anomaly is the meridional transport of momentum induced by the modulation of the background subtropical eddies by the intraseasonal eddies. While the subtropical eddies over the central Pacific basin partly drive the equatorial AAM by meridionally transporting the momentum, the equatorial zonal wind associated with the same subtropical eddies is zonally advected and locally amplified over the east Pacific and Atlantic basins. The common source phenomena that transport momentum result in simultaneous evolution of the WH upper‐tropospheric zonal wind and the AAM on intraseasonal time‐scales, but their main driving mechanisms are different.

The second part of the study investigates the influence of the equatorial intraseasonal AAM state on the subsequent development of initiating MJO convection over the Indian Ocean. In the presence of the WH upper‐tropospheric easterly wind, MJO convection tends to develop a stronger enhanced convective envelope when the initiation occurs during the negative intraseasonal AAM state, which strengthens and extends the upper‐tropospheric easterly wind in the WH. When the AAM anomaly is positive, it tends to induce stronger mid‐tropospheric convergence above the region of convective initiation, thereby suppressing the lower‐tropospheric updraught and suppressing the further growth of convection. The results show that the combined effects of the WH circumnavigating circulation and the AAM can influence the subsequent development of MJO convection over the Indian Ocean.
A Bayesian‐based Reliability Estimation Approach for Corrosion Fatigue Crack Growth Utilizing the Random Walk
Authors: Yang Lechang , Zhang Jianguo , Guo Yanling , Wang Pidong
Published: January 2016

Structural health monitoring enables corrosion fatigue damage for in‐service structures to be evaluated and prognosis health management to perform. In this paper, a Bayesian inference method using random walks is implemented to estimate the reliability of structures such as the pipelines subjected to repeated pressurization cycles and corrosive agents. The proposed method eliminates the intermediate step in updating process and computes the cumulative distribution function instead of calculating probability density function of individual parameters in conventional ones, which is affordable for a routine program, especially convenient for practical engineering use in the field. As taking all relevant random variables into account, this approach could significantly reduce uncertainties associated. For illustration and validation purpose, both numerical and practical examples are demonstrated in details. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors improve the bond durability of universal dental adhesives?
Authors: Tekçe Neslihan , Tuncer Safa , Demirci Mustafa , Balci Sibel
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) inhibitors on the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) and the adhesive–dentin interface of two universal dentin bonding agents, Single Bond Universal and All Bond Universal, after 12 months of water storage. Seventy extracted, caries‐free, human third molars were used in this study. Of these, 50 were used for μTBS testing and 20 were used for scanning electron microscopy. The two bonding agents were applied to flat dentin surfaces in five different ways: self‐etch mode, etch‐and‐rinse mode with 37% phosphoric acid, etch‐and‐rinse mode with phosphoric acid containing 1% benzalkonium chloride, etch‐and‐rinse mode with phosphoric acid and 2% chlorhexidine, and etch‐and‐rinse mode with 0.5 M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (n = 5 for each bonding agent in each group; N = 50). Half the specimens were subjected to μTBS tests at 24 h, while half were subjected to the tests after 12 months of water storage. For each bonding agent, inhibition, storage, and their interaction effects were tested by two‐way analysis of variance and Bonferroni tests. For Single Bond Universal, the benzalkonium chloride (p = 0.024) and chlorhexidine groups (p = 0.033) exhibited significantly higher μTBS values at 24 h compared with the self‐etch group. For All Bond Universal, all groups displayed similar bond strengths at 24 h (p > 0.05). After 12 months of water storage, the μTBS values decreased significantly in the benzalkonium chloride group for Single Bond Universal (p = 0.001) and the self‐etch (p = 0.029), chlorhexidine (p = 0.046), and EDTA (p = 0.032) groups for All Bond Universal. These results suggest that the immediate dentin bond strength increases when universal bonding systems are applied in the etch‐and‐rinse mode, although the durability decreases. The use of chlorhexidine and EDTA can increase the bond durability of mild adhesives such as Single Bond Universal. SCANNING 38:535–544, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The missing cause approach to unmeasured confounding in pharmacoepidemiology
Authors: Abrahamowicz Michal , Bjerre Lise M. , Beauchamp Marie‐Eve , LeLorier Jacques , Burne Rebecca
Published: January 2016

Unmeasured confounding is a major threat to the validity of pharmacoepidemiological studies of medication safety and effectiveness. We propose a new method for detecting and reducing the impact of unobserved confounding in large observational database studies. The method uses assumptions similar to the prescribing preference‐based instrumental variable (IV) approach. Our method relies on the new ‘missing cause’ principle, according to which the impact of unmeasured confounding by (contra‐)indication may be detected by assessing discrepancies between the following: (i) treatment actually received by individual patients and (ii) treatment that they would be expected to receive based on the observed data. Specifically, we use the treatment‐by‐discrepancy interaction to test for the presence of unmeasured confounding and correct the treatment effect estimate for the resulting bias. Under standard IV assumptions, we first proved that unmeasured confounding induces a spurious treatment‐by‐discrepancy interaction in risk difference models for binary outcomes and then simulated large pharmacoepidemiological studies with unmeasured confounding. In simulations, our estimates had four to six times smaller bias than conventional treatment effect estimates, adjusted only for measured confounders, and much smaller variance inflation than unbiased but very unstable IV estimates, resulting in uniformly lowest root mean square errors. The much lower variance of our estimates, relative to IV estimates, was also observed in an application comparing gastrointestinal safety of two classes of anti‐inflammatory drugs. In conclusion, our missing cause‐based method may complement other methods and enhance accuracy of analyses of large pharmacoepidemiological studies. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Once bitten twice shy? Experience managing violent conflict risk and MNC subsidiary‐level investment and expansion
Authors: Oh Chang Hoon , Oetzel Jennifer
Published: January 2016

Research summary: Researchers have increasingly emphasized the need to better understand how context affects the value of experiential learning. We address this gap by investigating when corporate‐level experience can be leveraged across borders and when experience needs to be country‐specific to be valuable. We test our hypotheses using a unique multi‐source panel dataset of 379 large MNCs from 29 home countries and their subsidiaries in 117 host countries over a 10‐year period, 1999–2008. In contrast to prior research, we find that the ability of a firm to leverage its experience with political risk across borders is limited by the type of risk involved. Experience with nonstate violent conflicts may be transferrable, but only country‐specific experience appears to yield measureable benefits for conflicts involving the host country government.

Managerial summary: Violent conflicts not only increase social unrest but also impose added costs of doing business. For managers who find themselves in the midst of violent conflicts or who wish to survive and potentially gain a competitive advantage in operating in such challenging environments, is it possible to learn to manage such a seemingly “unmanageable” problem? In contrast to studies that have examined other types of political risk, we find that the ability of a firm to leverage its experience with violent conflict risk across borders is limited. Specifically, only country‐specific experiential knowledge about how the host government prepares and manages such conflict risks yields measureable economic benefits for MNCs and their subsidiaries operating in countries during conflict. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of enzymatic modifications and botanical source on starch–stearic acid complex formation
Authors: Arijaje Emily Oluwaseun , Wang Ya‐Jane
Published: January 2016

Linear starch forms inclusion complexes with hydrophobic compounds, and the complexation is affected by many factors, such as the degree of polymerization (DP) of linear starch. Enzymatic modification of starch may create more linear starch with favorable DPs that could enhance starch‐inclusion complexation. Starches from different botanical sources, including potato, common corn, and high amylose corn starch (Hylon VII, ∼70% amylose), were modified enzymatically using isoamylase alone or combined with β‐amylase prior to complexing with stearic acid, and the resultant modified starches and their complexes were characterized. Debranching significantly increased iodine affinity (IA) of potato and common corn starch, but had no effect on Hylon VII; the additional β‐amylase treatment further increased IA of potato and common corn starches, but decreased IA of Hylon VII. The highest amount of complexed stearic acid as measured by gas chromatography was formed by the debranched and β‐amylase‐treated potato starch. All the starch complexes displayed a mixture of the B‐ and V‐type X‐ray diffraction patterns, with the debranched and β‐amylase‐treated starch complexes exhibiting more of the V‐type pattern. These results indicate that an additional β‐amylase treatment significantly increased complexation between starch and stearic acid for debranched potato and common corn starches, but debranching alone was sufficient to increase Hylon VII and stearic acid complexation under the present experimental conditions.
Preparation and characterization of an amino‐cellulose (AC) derivative for development of thin‐film composite membrane for CO2/CH4 separation
Authors: Saedi Shahab , Seidi Farzad , Moradi Fariba , Xiang Xu
Published: January 2016

This article reports the synthesis of a new amino‐cellulose (AC) derivative. The prepared AC has tertiary amino as well as triazole groups which are basic and able to act as good carriers for facilitated transportation of CO2. The prepared AC was characterized by FT‐IR and H‐NMR spectroscopy and used as a carrier of CO2 in blend with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The blends of AC‐PAV were prepared at different mass fractions and cast on a commercial polysulfone (PS) ultrafiltration membrane as support. Prepared AC‐PVA/PS thin film composite membranes (TFC) were applied as facilitated transport membranes for efficient separation of CO2 from CH4 in a gas mixture at different operating conditions. Here, we investigated the effect of CA mass fraction, feed pressure, and feed temperature on the CO2 permeance, CH4 permeance, and CO2/CH4 selectivity of prepared AC‐PVA/PS thin composite membranes.
Characterization of saccharides released during an in vitro pepsin‐pancreatin digestion of corn flour using HPAEC‐PAD
Authors: Odjo Sylvanus , Béra François , Jacquet Nicolas , Richel Aurore , Malumba Paul
Published: January 2016

Saccharides released after an in vitro pepsin‐pancreatin digestion of corn flour were quantified and characterized using high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography coupled with a pulsed amperometric detector (HPAEC‐PAD) and two colorimetric approaches (glucose oxidase/peroxidase assay and the 3,5‐dinitrosalicylic acid assay). HPAEC‐PAD revealed five major saccharides as the result of in vitro pepsin‐pancreatin digestion of corn grain: glucose, isomaltose, maltose, maltotriose, and glucosyl‐maltotriose. Concentrations of glucose released as measured by the three methods assessed are similar when the in vitro pepsin‐pancreatin digestion is followed by post incubation with amyloglucosidase. This post incubation unfortunately leads to a loss of information about the degree of polymerization of oligosaccharides that can impact their absorption through intestinal tract. HPAEC‐PAD gives both qualitative and quantitative information and then seems more suitable for a nutritional appreciation of the digestion of starchy feedstuffs.
A transdisciplinary account of water research
Authors: Krueger Tobias , Maynard Carly , Carr Gemma , Bruns Antje , Mueller Eva Nora , Lane Stuart
Published: January 2016

Water research is introduced from the combined perspectives of natural and social science and cases of citizen and stakeholder coproduction of knowledge. Using the overarching notion of transdisciplinarity, we examine how interdisciplinary and participatory water research has taken place and could be developed further. It becomes apparent that water knowledge is produced widely within society, across certified disciplinary experts and noncertified expert stakeholders and citizens. However, understanding and management interventions may remain partial, or even conflicting, as much research across and between traditional disciplines has failed to integrate disciplinary paradigms due to philosophical, methodological, and communication barriers. We argue for more agonistic relationships that challenge both certified and noncertified knowledge productively. These should include examination of how water research itself embeds and is embedded in social context and performs political work. While case studies of the cultural and political economy of water knowledge exist, we need more empirical evidence on how exactly culture, politics, and economics have shaped this knowledge and how and at what junctures this could have turned out differently. We may thus channel the coproductionist critique productively to bring perspectives, alternative knowledges, and implications into water politics where they were not previously considered; in an attempt to counter potential lock‐in to particular water policies and technologies that may be inequitable, unsustainable, or unacceptable. While engaging explicitly with politics, transdisciplinary water research should remain attentive to closing down moments in the research process, such as framings, path‐dependencies, vested interests, researchers’ positionalities, power, and scale. WIREs Water 2016, 3:369–389. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1132

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented
Analysis of Advantages, Limitations, and Barriers of Genetic Counseling Service Delivery Models
Authors: Cohen Stephanie A. , Huziak Rachelle C. , Gustafson Shanna , Grubs Robin E.
Published: January 2016

Previous studies on genetic counseling service delivery models (SDMs) have shown that genetic counselors (GCs) are incorporating alternate models to address growing service demand and improve access to genetic services. This study sought to identify barriers, limitations and advantages to previously identified genetic counseling SDMs. A qualitative research design was employed, in which 20 practicing GCs who utilize a variety of SDMs were interviewed using an email interview format. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a thematic analysis to identify themes related to implementation and utilization of SDMs. Factors that led GCs to implement SDMs other than in‐person genetic counseling included: 1) travel distance, 2) wait time and 3) convenience. Logistical issues such as billing and reimbursement, equipment set up, making arrangements for genetic testing and the inability to see the patient are major limitations to alternative genetic counseling SDMs in clinical practice. However, GCs interviewed stated that the convenience to the patient and genetic counselor of alternative SDMs outweighed these limitations. More research is needed to assess the outcomes of SDMs in practice to demonstrate an impact on the identified barriers of travel distance, wait time and convenience.
Synthesis, Surface and Antimicrobial Activities of Cationic Gemini Surfactants with Semi‐Rigid Spacers
Authors: Zhu Hai‐lin , Hu Zhi‐yong , Ma Xue‐mei , Wang Jian‐long , Cao Duan‐lin
Published: January 2016

Four cationic gemini surfactants featuring semi‐rigid spacers were synthesized via a two‐step process. The surface‐active properties of these surfactants were investigated through surface tension and electrical conductivity measurement. The thermodynamic parameters of micellization were evaluated from electrical conductivity measurements at temperatures ranging from 293 to 313 K. The aggregation behavior of these synthesized gemini surfactants in water were investigated using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Further, the antimicrobial activities of these synthesized gemini surfactants against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria were also investigated.
Maastrichtian to Eocene Subsurface Stratigraphy of the Cauvery Basin and Correlation with Madagascar
Authors: Keller Gerta , Jaiprakash B. C. , Reddy A. N.
Published: January 2016

Late Maastrichtian through middle Eocene planktic foraminiferal biostratigraphy and erosion patterns from three Cauvery basin wells are compared with the Krishna-Godavari basin, Madagascar and South Atlantic Site 525A. Maastrichtian sedimentation appears continuous at DSDP site 525A and substantially complete in the Cauvery basin and Madagascar for the interval from ~70.3 to 66.8 Ma (zones CF6-CF3). But the latest Maastrichtian through early Paleocene record is fragmented, except for some Krishna-Godavari and Cauvery basin wells protected from erosion by Deccan traps or graben deposition, respectively. Hiatuses are observed correlative with sea level falls at 66.8, 66.25, 66.10, 65.7, 63.8 and 61.2 Ma with erosion amplified by local tectonic activity including doming and uplift due to Deccan volcanism.

Throughout this region the Cretaceous-Paleogene transition (magnetochron C29r-C29n, 66.25-65.50 Ma) is preserved only in deep wells of the Krishna-Godavari basin where Deccan Traps protected intertrappean sediments from erosion. The late Paleocene to middle Eocene marine record was recovered from two Cauvery basin wells with hiatuses correlative with low sea levels at ~49.0-56.5 Ma (zones P4c-E6) and ~53.0-55.3 Ma (zones E1-E4) at the ridge well KALI-H. A nearly complete record was recovered from well AGA, including the PETM event (zones E1-E2), which marks this an excellent reference section for India.

Similarity in erosion and sedimentation patterns of the late Maastrichtian to middle Paleocene from India to Madagascar and South Atlantic is mainly attributed to climate changes and sea level falls, regional tectonic activity from the Bay of Bengal to Madagascar, and uplift and doming in the Cauvery and K-G basins as a result of Deccan volcanism. Directly correlative with Deccan volcanism are high stress environments for marine calcifiers, as observed by species dwarfing, reduced diversity and blooms of the disaster opportunist Guembelitria cretacea in magnetochron C30n (zones CF4-CF3) correlative with Deccan phase-1 and Ninetyeast Ridge volcanism, in C29r (zones CF2-CF1) correlative with Deccan phase-2 and in C29n (zone P1b) correlative with Deccan phase-3 marking volcanism as the most important stress factor in the end-Cretaceous mass extinction and delayed evolution of planktic foraminifera.
Coralline Algae and Benthic Foraminifera from the Long Formation (middle Miocene) of the Little Andaman Island, India: Biofacies Analysis, Systematics and Palaeoenvironmental Implications
Authors: Sarkar Suman , Ghosh Amit K. , Rao G. M. Narasimha
Published: January 2016

Biofacies analysis is used to understand the palaeoenvironmental implications of late middle Miocene (Serravallian) algal-foraminiferal assemblages and carbonate deposition pertaining to the Hut Bay section of the Little Andaman Island, India. This study is based on the novel dataset of coralline algae and benthic foraminifera evaluated from the thin section analysis. Systematic descriptions of the abundant algal-foraminiferal taxa have been provided. The Long Formation in the studied succession contains rich assemblages of coralline algae and benthic foraminifera with moderate abundance of corals and sparse occurrences of echinoderms, gastropods, molluscs, bryozoans and barnacles. Based on the biogenic sedimentary components, Little Andaman Island was positioned in a tropical shelf environment at this time. The depth gradient of algal assemblages shows affinity to numerous other carbonate settings globally. The fossil benthic communities are indicative of thriving in a meso-oligotrophic regime. Dominance of coralline algae and larger benthic foraminifera indicates deposition in upper photic zone to the upper part of the lower photic zone. Frequent alternations of lower-energy, mud-supported wackestones with higher-energy, grain-supported grainstones and packstones suggest the likely incidence of cyclones/storms during the depositional period. The facies gradients and high incidence of taphonomic signatures such as abrasion and fragmentation support the likelihood of parautochthonous to allochthonous deposition for the bulk of the succession.
Earthquake Triggered Landslide—Indian Scenario
Authors: Singh Harbans , Som S. K.
Published: January 2016

Landslide initiation due to earthquake is one of the most prevalent seismic hazard, which claims hundreds of lives in the Himalayan mountainous terrains of India. Number of landslides, maximum distance from the epicentre and total landslide area/volume are correlatable with earthquake magnitudes. Application of globally accepted earthquake triggered landslide parameter models do not match well with published data for the Himalayan earthquake triggered landslides. Considering the incompleteness of landslide inventories for most of the Himalayan earthquakes, development of regression equations show that in the Himalayan environment, landslide may trigger even with imperciptable earthquakes affecting longer distances having earthquake magnitude of more than 8 M with potential to affect more areas than the global expectations.
A genetics‐based biomarker risk algorithm for predicting risk of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lutz Michael W. , Sundseth Scott S. , Burns Daniel K. , Saunders Ann M. , Hayden Kathleen M. , Burke James R. , Welsh‐Bohmer Kathleen A. , Roses Allen D. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2016

Introduction

A straightforward, reproducible blood‐based test that predicts age‐dependent risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) could be used as an enrichment tool for clinical development of therapies. This study evaluated the prognostic performance of a genetics‐based biomarker risk algorithm (GBRA) established on a combination of apolipoprotein E (APOE)/translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 40 homolog (TOMM40) genotypes and age, then compare it to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, neuroimaging, and neurocognitive tests using data from two independent AD cohorts.

Methods

The GBRA was developed using data from the prospective Joseph and Kathleen Bryan, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center study (n = 407; 86 conversion events [mild cognitive impairment {MCI} or late‐onset Alzheimer's disease {LOAD}]). The performance of the algorithm was tested using data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study (n = 660; 457 individuals categorized as MCI or LOAD).

Results

The positive predictive values and negative predictive values of the GBRA are in the range of 70%–80%. The relatively high odds ratio (approximately 3–5) and significant net reclassification index scores comparing the GBRA to a version based on APOE and age alone support the value of the GBRA in risk prediction for MCI due to LOAD. Performance of the GBRA compares favorably with CSF and imaging (functional magnetic resonance imaging) biomarkers. In addition, the GBRA “high” and “low” AD‐risk categorizations correlated well with pathologic CSF biomarker levels, positron emission tomography amyloid burden, and neurocognitive scores.

Discussion

Unlike dynamic markers (i.e., imaging, protein, or lipid markers) that may be influenced by factors unrelated to disease, genomic DNA is easily collected, stable, and the technical methods for measurement are robust, inexpensive, and widely available. The performance characteristics of the GBRA support its use as a pharmacogenetic enrichment tool for LOAD delay‐of‐onset clinical trials and merit further evaluation for its clinical utility in evaluating therapeutic efficacy.
Changes in glacier extent and surface elevations in the Depuchangdake region of northwestern Tibet, China
Authors: Li Zhiguo , Tian Lide , Wu Hongbo , Wang Weicai , Zhang Shuhong , Zhang Jingjing , Li Xuexin
Published: January 2016

Remote sensing data, including those from Landsat Thematic Mapper/Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (TM/ETM +), the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission Digital Elevation Model (SRTM4.1 DEM), and the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite (Glas/ICESat), show that from 1991 to 2013 the glacier area in the Depuchangdake region of northwestern Tibet decreased from 409 to 393 km2, an overall loss of 16 km2, or 3.9% of the entire 1991 glacial area. The mean glacier-thinning rate was − 0.40 ± 0.16 m equivalent height of water per year (w.e./yr), equating to a glacier mass balance of − 0.16 ± 0.07 km3 w.e./yr. Total mass loss from 2003 to 2009 was − 1.13 ± 0.46 km3. Glacier retreat likely reflects increases in annual total radiation, annual positive degree days, and maximum temperature, with concurrent increases in precipitation insufficient to replenish glacial mass loss. The rate of glacier retreat in Depuchangdake is less than that for Himalayan glaciers in Indian monsoon-dominated areas, but greater than that for Karakoram glaciers in mid-latitude westerly-dominated areas. Glacier type, climate zone, and climate change all impact on the differing degrees of long-term regional glacial change rate; however, special glacier distribution forms can sometimes lead to exceptional circumstances.
Early Holocene turnover, followed by Stability, in a Caribbean lizard assemblage
Authors: Kemp Melissa E. , Hadly Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2016

Understanding how communities are impacted by environmental perturbations is integral for addressing the ongoing biodiversity crisis that impacts ecosystems worldwide. The fossil record serves as a window into ancient interactions and the responses of communities to past perturbations. Here, we re-examine paleontological data from Katouche Bay, Anguilla, a Holocene site in the Lesser Antilles. We reveal that the site was more diverse than previously indicated, with long-term, continuous records of three genera of extant lizards (Anolis,Ameiva, andThecadactylus), and the early Holocene presence ofLeiocephalus, a large ground-dwelling lizard that has since been completely extirpated from the Lesser Antilles. The disappearance ofLeiocephalusfrom Katouche Bay resulted in high turnover, decreased evenness, and decreased species richness—a trend that continues to the present day. Our body size reconstructions for the most abundant genus,Anolis, are consistent with the presence of only one species,Anoliscf.gingivinus, at Katouche Bay throughout the Holocene, contrary to previously published studies. Additionally, we find no evidence of dwarfism inA.cf.gingivinus, which contrasts with a global study of contemporary insular lizards. Our data reveal that the impacts of diversity loss on lizard communities are long lasting and irreversible over millennia.