bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinguishing parathyroid and thyroid lesions on ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration: A correlation of clinical data, ancillary studies, and molecular analysis
Authors: Cho Margaret , Oweity Thaira , Brandler Tamar C. , Fried Karen , Levine Pascale
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Differentiating parathyroid and thyroid lesions can be challenging because of considerable morphologic overlap and anatomic proximity. Therefore, the authors sought to identify characteristic morphologic patterns and useful adjunct tests to distinguish these 2 entities.

METHODS

A search was conducted in the study institution database for clinically indeterminate thyroid nodules from 2000 through 2016 with an emphasis on confirmed parathyroid nodules. Pathology reports, slides, ancillary studies, molecular analysis, and clinical and radiologic data were retrieved.

RESULTS

A total of 143 cases of clinically indeterminate thyroid nodules were identified; 34 of these were confirmed parathyroid nodules. Three cytologic patterns were identified: 1) oncocytic cell pattern (9 cases; 26%); 2) follicular lesion of undetermined significance‐like/papillary‐like pattern (14 cases; 41%); and 3) nonspecific endocrine cell clusters (11 cases; 32%). Bare oval nuclei (100%), nuclear overlap (88%), crowded sheets (88%), and intracytoplasmic vacuoles (62%) were observed. Ten cases (29%) demonstrated positive immunostaining for parathyroid hormone (PTH), 7 cases (21%) demonstrated a positive PTH assay, and 9 cases (26%) had PTH detected by ThyroSeq v.2. The remaining 8 cases were morphologically either indeterminate or suggestive of parathyroid origin. The cytologic diagnosis was confirmed clinically (20 cases) or surgically (14 cases). Based on cytology alone, 8 cases initially were diagnosed as thyroid tissue and amended to parathyroid lesion after ancillary studies were performed, including 5 cases based on ThyroSeq v.2 results alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Lesions with follicular lesion of undetermined significance‐like or oncocytic features are prone to misdiagnosis. The current study identified distinct cytologic patterns in parathyroid lesions suggestive of parathyroid origin, which, together with PTH immunostains or assay, molecular studies, or sestamibi scans, aid in distinguishing parathyroid from thyroid lesions. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:674‐82. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Cyberchondria: Examining relations with problematic Internet use and metacognitive beliefs
Authors: Fergus Thomas A. , Spada Marcantonio M.
Published: June 2017

Cyberchondria refers to the repeated use of the Internet to search for health‐related information, which leads to negative consequences. This two‐part study provides the first known examination of how cyberchondria relates to (a) problematic Internet use and (b) metacognitive beliefs. Participants were U.S. community adults who reported using the Internet to search for health‐related information (Study 1: N = 337, Study 2: N = 260). In Study 1, cyberchondria shared a strong association with problematic Internet use, and that association was unaccounted for by age, gender, current reported medical status, negative affect, or health anxiety. In Study 2, cyberchondria was found to share moderate to strong associations with metacognitive beliefs. The association between cyberchondria and metacognitive beliefs about the uncontrollability of thoughts remained intact after accounting for the Study 1 covariates, as well as anxiety sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty. Neither anxiety sensitivity nor intolerance of uncertainty shared unique associations with cyberchondria. These results provide a preliminary indication that a metacognitive conceptualization of problematic Internet use may be applicable to cyberchondria.
Thermal expansion coefficients of strontium ‐ barium niobate single crystals in the vicinity of the phase transition point
Authors: Paszkowski Robert , Wokulska Krystyna , Dec Jan
Published: June 2017

High quality of solid solution single crystals SrxBa1‐xNb2O6 (0.35 <x < 0.72) obtained by the Czochralski method were investigated. The lattice parameters of these single crystals were determined, using X‐ray measurements, with an uncertainty as low as of the order of . Registered temperature changes of lattice parameters have permitted to calculate thermal expansion coefficients with low relative uncertainties, which were determined in the temperature range from 293 to 323 K along [100] and [001] directions. Based on the thermal expansion coefficients it was possible to assign the phase transition temperature for all studied compositions. Additionally, the observed character of changes of the linear thermal expansion coefficients clearly indicates a possible first‐order character of the investigated structural phase transition.
Subgrain boundaries in single crystal blade airfoil of aircraft engine
Authors: Bogdanowicz W. , Krawczyk J. , Tondos A. , Sieniawski J.
Published: June 2017

The single crystal turbine blades of aircraft engine were obtained by directional solidification of Ni‐based superalloy via Bridgman technique at withdrawal rate of 5 mm/min. The CMSX‐4 industrial alloy were used for crystallization. After crystallization the blades were subjected to heat treatment. The Laue diffraction, X‐ray diffraction topography and SEM methods were used to investigate the subgrain structure of blade airfoils. It was stated that subgrain boundaries with the misorientation angle ranging from over a dozen to a few dozen angular minutes occurred in the airfoil. The number of low‐angle boundaries in the cross‐section near the tip of the blade airfoil is higher than that in the cross‐sections located near the root area. It is caused by formation during crystallization of additional low‐angle boundaries in thin‐walled airfoil area and their propagation toward the tip of airfoil. The number of low‐angle boundaries in cross‐section located near the tip of airfoil can be determined by three mechanisms: dendrites “deflection” on surface of mould; creation of internal stress regions in the thin‐walled area of blade airfoil and propagation of two additional boundaries from root to the airfoil.
Substantial variation in the timing of pollen production reduces reproductive synchrony between distant populations ofPinus sylvestrisL. in Scotland
Authors: Whittet Richard , Cavers Stephen , Cottrell Joan , Rosique‐Esplugas Cristina , Ennos Richard
Published: June 2017

The ability of a population to genetically adapt to a changing environment is contingent not only on the level of existing genetic variation within that population, but also on the gene flow received from differently adapted populations. Effective pollen‐mediated gene flow among plant populations requires synchrony of flowering. Therefore differences in timing of flowering among genetically divergent populations may reduce their ability to adapt to environmental change. To determine whether gene flow among differently adapted populations of native Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) in Scotland was restricted by differences in their flowering phenology, we measured timing of pollen release among populations spanning a steep environmental gradient over three consecutive seasons (2014–2016). Results showed that, over a distance of 137 km, there were as many as 15.8 days’ difference among populations for the predicted timing of peak pollen shedding, with the earliest development in the warmer west of the country. There was much variation between years, with the earliest development and least synchrony in the warmest year (2014) and latest development and greatest synchrony in the coolest year (2015). Timing was negatively correlated with results from a common‐garden experiment, indicative of a pattern of countergradient variation. We conclude that the observed differences in reproductive synchrony were sufficient to limit gene flow via pollen between populations ofP. sylvestrisat opposite ends of the environmental gradient across Scotland. We also hypothesize that continually warming, or asymmetrically warming spring temperatures will decrease reproductive synchrony among pine populations.
Stochastic ecological kinetics of regime shifts in a time‐delayed lake eutrophication ecosystem
Authors: Zeng Chunhua , Xie Qingshuang , Wang Tonghuan , Zhang Chun , Dong Xiaohui , Guan Lin , Li Kongzhai , Duan Weilong
Published: June 2017

Lake eutrophication ecosystems tend to exhibit bistable kinetics with two preferential configurations of oligotrophic and eutrophic states, and perturbations in the environmental parameters can cause regime shifts between two alternative stable states, yielding catastrophic regime shifts. In this article, we study stochastic kinetics of regime shifts in a time‐delayed lake eutrophication ecological system, where the environmental parameters are assumed to be disturbed by both input and loss external noises. The dynamical behavior of stochastic delay on the regime shifts between oligotrophic and eutrophic states is analyzed using numerical simulations. Time delays in loss and recycling processes are considered. It is shown from time series and probability distribution that noises and delays can induce regime shifts between two stable states. Theoretical analyses are used to support our numerical simulations. By using the mean first passage time (MFPT) technique, we also discuss the escape time problem between two stable states in time‐delayed ecosystems. A detailed study of the MFPT depending on various noise characteristics is performed, and the main results are compared for different cases of time delays.
Inconsistencies in the risk classification of alien species and implications for risk assessment in the European Union
Authors: Matthews J. , van der Velde G. , Collas F. P. L. , de Hoop L. , Koopman K. R. , Hendriks A. J. , Leuven R. S. E. W.
Published: June 2017

Invasive alien species (IAS) are species whose introduction or spread outside their native range threatens biological diversity, ecosystem functioning, economy, and/or public health. The recent European Union (EU) regulation on the management of IAS emphasizes the need for a consistent approach to alien species assessment that will underpin international measures for the early identification of newly introduced IAS followed by rapid action aimed at the prevention of introduction, spread, and negative impacts. The goals of the present study were (1) to present the risk classifications of 18 aquatic alien species for The Netherlands using the Invasive Species Environmental Impact Assessment protocol, (2) to compare these with available risk classifications made for countries spanning similar climatic and biogeographical regions to the EU, and (3) to provide explanations for inconsistencies between different risk classifications. Five species were classified as high risk: Carassius gibelio (Prussian carp), Cyprinus carpio (common carp), Sander lucioperca (pike‐perch), Cabomba caroliniana (fanwort), and Dreissena rostriformis bugensis (quagga mussel). Of the 14 species with existing risk classifications for countries spanning similar climatic and biogeographical regions to the EU, all but two of the assessed species (C. gibelio and D. rostriformis bugensis) were classified inconsistently. Reasons for these inconsistencies are the application of different risk assessment schemes, application on a national rather than biogeographical scale, differences in the definition and application of criteria, differences in habitat availability, and uncertainties that are intrinsic to risk assessment methodologies. Approaches that increase transparency by highlighting these methodological aspects, normative choices, and uncertainties are vital to the legitimacy of any risk assessment method and will increase acceptance among decision makers, nature managers, and stakeholders.
Enhanced Stabilization of G‐Quadruplex DNA by [Ni4L6]8+ Cages with Large Rigid Aromatic Ligands
Authors: Xi Sai‐Fei , Bao Ling‐Yu , Xu Zong‐Li , Wang Yu‐Xia , Ding Zheng‐Dong , Gu Zhi‐Guo
Published: June 2017

Two tetrahedral nickel(II) cages, [Ni4L6]8+ (1 and 2), with large rigid aromatic ligands were synthesized, and their G‐quadruplex DNA binding abilities were investigated. The crystal structure of cage 1 confirmed its tetrahedral [Ni4(L1)6]8+ [L1 = 4,4′‐bis(2‐pyridylimine)biphenyl] formulation. The nickel centers have N6 coordination environments with distorted octahedral geometries, and the average Ni–Ni bond length is 12.89 Å. It is exciting that cages 1 and 2 showed effective stabilization of antiparallel G‐quadruplex DNA (ΔTm = 39.09–40.90 °C). Subsequent G‐quadruplex binding studies with analogous cages (3–6) were performed to explore the impact of the central metal ion and the overall charge on the interaction with G‐quadruplex DNA. The corresponding iron(II) cages [Fe4(L1)6]8+ (3) and [Fe4(L2)6]8+ (4, L2 = 4,4′‐bis{[1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)ethylidene]amine}biphenyl) exhibited weaker stabilization effects on G‐quadruplex DNA (ΔTm = 18.33–24.80 °C), and the anionic tetrahedral cages [Fe4(L3)6]4– [5, L3 = 4,4′‐bis(2‐pyridylimine)biphenyl‐2,2′‐disulfonate] and [Ni4(L3)6]4– (6) were inefficient for stabilizing G4 DNA (ΔTm < 1 °C). The remarkable stabilization of G‐quadruplex DNA induced by rigid cages 1 and 2 represent a significant improvement over previously reported flexible Ni4 cages. These results indicate that central metal ion, overall charge, and structural rigidity of the tetrahedral cage play critical roles in G‐quadruplex stabilization and provide new insight into the interactions between tetrahedral cages and G‐quadruplex DNA.
Coordinating Ability of the Iminophosphorane Group in ortho‐Carborane Derivatives
Authors: Crujeiras Pablo , Rodríguez‐Rey José Luis , Sousa‐Pedrares Antonio
Published: June 2017

The coordinating ability of the nitrogen donor atom of C‐carboranyl iminophosphoranes was studied in different ligand systems. The analysis of organotin derivatives of the unsubstituted iminophosphorane I1 (SnMe3I1 and SnClMe2I1) and the comparison with the non‐carboranyl analog (SnClMe2I3), reveals the reduced donor capacity of the nitrogen atom due to the closo‐carborane group. To promote the coordination of this weak donor atom, new phosphine–iminophosphorane ligands (IP1 and IP2), with an extra –PPh2 group on the other cage carbon atom, were synthesized and structurally characterized. The analysis of the products formed by the reaction of these ligands with the metal precursor cis‐[PdCl2(PhCN)2] reveals that the phosphine group promotes the coordination of the iminophosphorane nitrogen atom, yielding (P, N) chelates. However, this coordination mode activates the closo‐carborane ligands towards deboronation, and the complexes evolve to the nido derivatives in response to the polar solvents. The activation is increased by the presence of extra donor groups, like in the tridentate ligand IP2, with an extra thioether group. The deboronation by coordination of (P, N) bidentate carboranyl ligands has never been reported, although it has been studied for other ligands, especially for chelating carboranyl diphosphines.
Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of Carboranyl‐Supported Germylenes: Approaching Germanones
Authors: Wang Hao , Xie Zuowei
Published: June 2017

Two iminocarboranyl germylenes, 1,2‐[C(tBu)=N(Dipp)Ge(Cl)]‐1,2‐C2B10H10 (2) (Dipp = 2,6‐iPr2C6H3) and [1‐{C(tBu)=N(Dipp)}‐1,2‐C2B10H10]2Ge (3), have been prepared and structurally characterized. The reaction of 2 with Me3NO or S8 afforded the germanium oxygen‐ or sulfur‐bridged dimer [1‐{C(tBu)=N(Dipp)‐1,2‐C2B10H10}Ge(µ‐O)(Cl)]2 (4) or [1‐{C(tBu)=N(Dipp)‐1,2‐C2B10H10}Ge(µ‐S)(Cl)]2 (5) containing a four‐membered Ge2O2 or Ge2S2 ring, respectively. On the other hand, the reaction of 2 with K[CpFe(CO)2] led to the isolation of an iron–germylene compound featuring a Ge–Fe σ bond, 1,2‐{C(tBu)=N(Dipp)Ge[Fe(Cp)(CO)2]}‐1,2‐C2B10H10 (6). All new compounds were characterized by multiple NMR spectroscopic techniques and single‐crystal X‐ray analysis.
Facile Gram‐Scale Synthesis of the First n‐Type CuFeS2 Nanocrystals for Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Gabka Grzegorz , Zybała Rafał , Bujak Piotr , Ostrowski Andrzej , Chmielewski Marcin , Lisowski Wojciech , Sobczak Janusz W. , Pron Adam
Published: June 2017

The described method enables facile gram‐scale preparation of CuFeS2 nanocrystals exhibiting interesting thermoelectric properties from simple and readily available precursors. Exchange of primary organic ligands for inorganic ones using either (NH4)2S or triethyloxonium tetrafuoroborate (Meerwein's salt) resulted in nanocrystals from which n‐type bulk thermoelectric materials were obtained through sintering under pressure. The measured physical properties of the fabricated bulk thermoelectric materials depend on the type of inorganic ligands used for the exchange. In particular, materials that were surface‐modified with Meerwein's salt have a higher Seebeck coefficient (|S| = 238 µV K–1) as compared to those modified with (NH4)2S, whereas the latter exhibit higher electrical conductivity (8500 S m–1) and lower thermal conductivity (0.5 W m–1 K–1), both of which are favorable for thermoelectric applications.
Highly Regioselective Organocatalytic SNAr Amination of 2,4‐Dichloropyrimidine and Related Heteroaryl Chlorides
Authors: Bruening Fabian , Lovelle Lucie E.
Published: June 2017

A highly efficient and regioselective method for the SNAr amination of 2,4‐dichloropyrimidine with oxazolidin‐2‐one and related weakly nucleophilic amines, using sodium sulfinate and tetrabutylammonium bromide as catalysts, is disclosed. This strategy facilitates the synthesis of various aminopyrimidines in a regio‐ and chemoselective manner. This approach was successfully used for the amination of various activated N‐heteroaromatic substrates.
One‐Pot Organocatalytic Michael Addition/I2‐Mediated Cyclization Sequence: Metal‐Free Synthesis of Spiropyrazolones from 1,3‐Diketones and Unsaturated Pyrazolones
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Long , Tang Cheng‐Ke , Xia Ai‐Bao , Feng Kai‐Xiang , Du Xiao‐Hua , Xu Dan‐Qian
Published: June 2017

A highly efficient organocatalytic Michael addition/I2‐mediated cyclization reaction sequence between 1,3‐diketones and unsaturated pyrazolones was achieved in the presence of a chiral cinchonidine‐derived squaramide catalyst and I2 under mild reaction conditions. A variety of optically active spiro‐dihydrofuran pyrazolones were obtained in good to high yields (71–97 %) with excellent diastereoselectivities and high to excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99:1 dr and 99 % ee). A gram‐scale synthesis of chiral spiro‐dihydrofuran pyrazolones was also successfully realized.
Perfluorinated Pyridinium and Imidazolium Ionic Liquids
Authors: Alpers Torben , Schmidtmann Marc , Muesmann Thomas W. T. , Temme Oliver , Christoffers Jens
Published: June 2017

Ionic liquids with perfluorinated side chains were prepared as hybrid materials for surface impregnation. For the cationic part, methyl and ethyl pyridinium as well as imidazolium scaffolds were used. The anions investigated were hydroxide, acetate, trifluoroacetate, triflate, triflimide, chloride, bromide, iodide, hydrogensulfate, and perfluorododecanoate. A key feature of this investigation is the finding that the use of relatively short perfluorohexyl residues as the fluorinated part of the salts is beneficial for the target compounds compared with established products, because of their lower bioaccumulativity. One compound yielded single crystals that were suitable for X‐ray structure analysis, revealing a layered structure with relatively well‐resolved, hard ionic domains alternating with disordered, soft perfluorinated layers. The wettability of all 30 materials was investigated by water contact angle measurements of a thin film on a glass surface. In two cases, promising contact angles (130° and 140°) were observed, indicating that the products might be suitable candidates for the impregnation of surfaces.
Influencing factors of methane emission dynamics at different water depths in hangzhou bay reed wetland, China
Authors: Shao Xuexin , Sheng Xuancai , Wu Ming , Wu Hao , Ning Xiao
Published: June 2017

Water depth (WD) influences wetland methane (CH4) emissions by affecting plant growth and the physical and chemical properties of soil. We studied the factors influencing CH4 emission dynamics at different WD in reclaimed reed wetland in Hangzhou Bay, China. The annual average WD was set as WD0 (0 cm), WD1 (10 cm), WD2 (20 cm), and WD3 (35 cm). The transparent chamber–gas chromatography method was used to determine CH4 fluxes during the growing season. Results showed that the average CH4 flux was 7.03 mg m−2 h−1, and that CH4 fluxes under all 4 WDs presented as a CH4 source. CH4 emissions of the reed wetland showed obvious seasonal changes; summer was the peak period for CH4 emissions. In a vigorous growth period of reeds, the CH4 flux gradually increased as WD increased. However, in early and late growth periods of reed, CH4 flux first increased (WD0 < WD1 < WD2) then decreased (WD2 > WD3) as WD increased. Correlation analysis showed that at the 4 WDs, CH4 flux was significantly, positively correlated with air temperature, soil temperature, and aboveground biomass of reeds, and were highly significantly positively correlated with water temperature. In addition, at WD0, CH4 flux also showed a significant, positive correlation with soil organic carbon content in the 0–5 and 5–10 cm soil layers, and was significantly negatively correlated with soil water content. Hence, WD significantly influenced wetland CH4 emissions. Temperature and biomass were major influencing factors of CH4 emission in reed wetland at different WDs. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1301–1307, 2017
The Semmering Base Tunnel – Special challenges in construction
Authors: Gobiet Gerhard , Nipitsch Gernot , Wagner Oliver K.
Published: June 2017

The Semmering Base Tunnel (SBT) is about 27.3 km long and is being driven from the portal at Gloggnitz and from three intermediate construction accesses in Göstritz, Fröschnitzgraben and Grautschenhof. The main components of the tunnel system are the two single‐track running tunnels, cross passages at a maximum spacing of 500 m and an emergency station in the middle tunnel section, with two shafts about 400 m deep for ventilation and extraction in case of an incident. For organisational, scheduling and topographical reasons, the tunnel is divided into three construction contracts. The eastern contract section SBT1.1 ”Tunnel Gloggnitz“ has been under construction since mid 2015. Construction started on contract section SBT2.1 ”Tunnel Fröschnitzgraben“ at the start of 2014. The western contract section SBT3.1 ”Tunnel Grautschenhof“ has been under construction since May 2016.
Isolation and chemical characterization of agelaiatoxin8 (AvTx8) from Agelaia vicina wasp venom and its biological effects on GABA neurotransmission
Authors: Pizzo Andrea B. , Beleboni Renê O. , Gomes Carolino Ruither O. , de Oliveira Luciana , Miranda Antonio , Coutinho‐Netto Joaquim , Fontana Andréia C. K. , dos Santos Wagner Ferreira
Published: June 2017

Arthropod venoms are sources of molecules that may be useful tools to investigate molecular mechanisms of putative new medicines and laboratory drugs. Here we show the effects of the compound agelaiatoxin‐8 (AVTx8), isolated from Agelaia vicina venom, on γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in rat brain synaptosomes. Analysis reveals that AvTx8 is composed by 14 amino acid residues with a molecular weight (MW) of 1567 Da. AvTx8 increased GABA release and inhibited GABA uptake in synaptosomes from rat cerebral cortex. AvTx8 inhibited GABA uptake and increased GABA release in the presence of Ca+, Na+, and K+ channel blockers, suggesting that it acts directly on GABA transporters. In addition, AvTx8 significantly decreases GABA binding in synaptic membranes from rat brain cortex, suggesting that it also modulates the activity of GABA receptors. Moreover, AvTx8 decreased GAT‐1– and GAT‐3–mediated GABA uptake in transfected COS‐7 cells. Accordingly, we suggest that AvTx8 modulates GABA neurotransmission and might provide a novel entry point for identifying a new class of GABA‐modulating neuroprotective drugs.
Characteristics of regional bone quality in cervical vertebrae considering BMD: Determining a safe trajectory for cervical pedicle screw fixation
Authors: Kim Moon‐Kyu , Cho Ho‐Jung , Kwak Dai‐Soon , You Seung‐Hoon
Published: June 2017

This study aimed to report the mechanical strength and characteristics of the lateral mass and pedicle considering BMD for the safe insertion of pedicle screws in the subaxial cervical level. We evaluated BMD and Hounsfield unit (HU) values of cortical bones at the lateral mass and pedicle of C3‐7 from CT images in 99 patients. Patients were divided into three groups (Group A, T‐score ≥ −1; Group B, −2.5 < T‐score < −1.0; Group C, T‐score ≤ −2.5). The HU numbers of cortical bone in the vertebral canal (medial wall of the lateral mass; cHU), posterior wall of the transverse foramen (fHU), and medial wall, lateral wall, and trabecular area of the pedicle (mHU, lHU, and pHU, respectively) were measured on the CT images in the middle of the pedicle. A mechanical study was also performed to measure cortical bone strength using 10 fresh cadavers. The cHU and mHU values in Group C were higher than lHU and fHU in Groups A and B, and there was a wide gap between the pHU value and other areas. The penetrating force also had a close correlation with HU number. The mean penetrating force of the medial wall of the lateral mass and the posterior wall of the transverse foramen were 210.08 ± 110.46 and 50.51 ± 46.09 N, respectively. The cortical bones in the vertebral canal and medial wall of the pedicle were stronger than the lateral wall and the trabecular area. The cHU and mHU in the osteoporotic group were higher than fHU and pHU in the normal group. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:217–223, 2018.
Stability of astaxanthin‐loaded nanostructured lipid carriers in beverage systems
Authors: Tamjidi Fardin , Shahedi Mohammad , Varshosaz Jaleh , Nasirpour Ali
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) offer many potential benefits for incorporating lipophilic molecules into clear to opaque food systems. This study examined the stability of astaxanthin‐loaded NLCs (Ax‐NLCs) in model (solutions with 0 or 12% sucrose; pH 3, 7), semi‐actual (whey) and actual (non‐alcoholic beer) beverages during 30–60 days storage at 6 or 20 °C.

RESULTS

Ax‐NLCs (Z‐average size: 94 nm), containing α‐tocopherol and EDTA as antioxidants, were stabilised with Tween 80 and lecithin, and mixed with the aforementioned beverages at the volume ratio of 3:97. The presence of sucrose, improved the physical stability of Ax‐NLCs in acidic model beverage. No astaxanthin loss and particle size growth were observed for Ax‐NLCs‐added whey. Carbonation and/or thermal pasteurisation of NLCs‐added beer led to a major increase in its particles size and astaxanthin loss. Stability of Ax‐NLCs in non‐pasteurised CO2‐free beer improved at low storage temperature. The organoleptic quality of NLCs‐added beers was still acceptable.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that NLCs containing hydrophobic nutraceuticals have potential to be used for functional beverages/foods development. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Liquid chromatographic enantioseparation of limonene‐based carbocyclic β‐amino acids on zwitterionic Cinchona alkaloid‐based chiral stationary phases
Authors: Lajkó Gyula , Orosz Tímea , Ugrai Imre , Szakonyi Zsolt , Fülöp Ferenc , Lindner Wolfgang , Péter Antal , Ilisz István
Published: June 2017

The eight stereoisomers of limonene‐based carbocyclic β‐amino acids containing three chiral centers have been directly separated on chiral stationary phases containing Cinchona alkaloid‐based zwitterionic selectors. The effects of bulk solvent composition of the mobile phase, the nature of base additives, counterion concentration, and the structure of selector on the enantiorecognition were studied. Experiments were performed at constant mobile phase composition in the temperature range 5–40°C to study the effect of temperature. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated on the basis of the plots of ln α versus 1/T curves. The enthalpically or entropically driven enantioseparations were found to depend strongly on the structures of analyte and selector. The eight stereoisomers of limonene‐based carbocyclic β‐amino acids could be differentiated as well‐separated peaks in a traditional 1D chromatographic system in two runs by applying the two complementary ZWIX(+)™ and ZWIX(–)™ columns.
EHLA: Extreme High‐Speed Laser Material Deposition
Authors: Schopphoven Thomas , Gasser Andres , Backes Gerhard
Published: June 2017

Special coatings protect components against corrosion and wear. However, standard processes such as hard chrome plating, thermal spraying, laser material deposition or other deposition welding techniques have drawbacks. For example, as of September 2017, chromium(VI) coatings will require authorization. Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen as well as the RWTH Aachen University have now developed an extreme high‐speed laser material deposition process, known by its German acronym EHLA, to eliminate these drawbacks in an economical way.
Noninvasive screening test for detecting early stage lymphedema using follow‐up computed tomography imaging after cancer treatment and results of treatment with lymphaticovenular anastomosis
Authors: Akita Shinsuke , Ogata Fusa , Manabe Ichiro , Mitsuhashi Akira , Nakamura Rikiya , Yamaji Yoshihisa , Kubota Yoshitaka , Mitsukawa Nobuyuki
Published: June 2017

Background

Although early detection is valuable for secondary lymphedema treatment, existing screening tests are not popular. This study aimed to propose a novel method of screening lymphedema patients based on the thickness of the subcutaneous fat measured with perioperative computed tomography (CT) and present the results from evaluation of patients who underwent those examinations was performed.

Method

The medical records of 96 gynecological cancer patients and 189 breast cancer patients, whose lymphatic function was assessed with indocyanine green lymphography, were reviewed. In gynecological cancer patients, the perioperative temporal subcutaneous fat thickness index (T‐SFTI) was calculated from presurgical and follow‐up CT data, and in breast cancer patients, the postoperative crosswise subcutaneous fat thickness index (C‐SFTI) was calculated. In lower extremity lymphedema patients, the effect of lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) was also evaluated using T‐SFTI.

Results

Perioperative T‐SFTI was assessed in 180 lower extremities, and it was significantly higher in 46 lymphatic dysfunction limbs (1.21 ± 0.08) than in 134 normal lymphatic function limbs (1.03 ± 0.08), (P < .01). Postoperative C‐SFTI was assessed in 53 upper extremity, and it was significantly higher in 11 lymphatic dysfunction limbs (1.31 ± 0.21) than in 42 normal lymphatic function limbs (1.01 ± 0.06), (P < .01). In lower extremity lymphedema patients, T‐SFTI improved significantly after planned conservative treatments and LVA (P = .04).

Conclusion

Assessment of subcutaneous fat thickness using CT is useful for screening early stage lymphedema. If the efficacy of this method is validated, patients worldwide may be assessed using the same criterion.
On the stability and nonexistence of turing patterns for the generalized Lengyel‐Epstein model
Authors: Abdelmalek S. , Bendoukha S. , Rebiai B.
Published: June 2017

This paper studies the dynamics of the generalized Lengyel‐Epstein reaction‐diffusion model proposed in a recent study by Abdelmalek and Bendoukha. Two main results are shown in this paper. The first of which is sufficient conditions that guarantee the nonexistence of Turing patterns, ie, nonconstant solutions. Second, more relaxed conditions are derived for the stability of the system's unique steady‐state solution.
Dietary advanced glycation end products modify gut microbial composition and partially increase colon permeability in rats
Authors: Qu Wanting , Yuan Xiaojin , Zhao Jinsong , Zhang Yingxiao , Hu Jing , Wang Jiawei , Li Juxiu
Published: June 2017

Scope

The adverse impacts of dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on health are currently of interest. These compounds are inevitably formed during thermal food processing and make foods less digestible because of protein cross‐linking. This study examined not only whether dietary AGEs alter cecal microbiota and their metabolites but also their effects on colon permeability.

Methods and results

Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to a high‐AGEs diet (AGEs content was increased by heating food at 125°C/3 h) for 6, 12, or 18 weeks. Cecal microbiota was analyzed by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Colon permeability was assessed through histopathology, immunohistochemistry and endotoxin testing. Microbial metabolites (e.g. ammonia and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs)) were also measured. AGEs treatment reduced the diversity and richness of the microbiota, especially saccharolytic bacteria such as Ruminococcaceae and Alloprevotella, which can produce SCFAs, whereas some putatively harmful bacteria (Desulfovibrio and Bacteroides) were increased. Protein fermentation was enhanced, supported by elevated ammonia and branched‐chain fatty acid levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, the colonocytes structure changed and the expression of tight junction proteins in colon were decreased.

Conclusion

Dietary AGEs detrimentally modulate gut microbial ecology and may partially increase colon permeability, which can adversely impact host health.
Adrenomedullin regulates the speed of oviductal fluid flow in cattle
Authors: Yoshimoto Yuka , Nishie Takumi , Ito Sayaka , Kobayashi Yoshihiko , Yamamoto Yuki , Okuda Kiyoshi , Kimura Koji
Published: June 2017

Unidirectional flow of oviductal fluid from the ovarian to uterine side of the ampulla plays a significant role in successful pregnancy, and is produced by ciliary beating. Various systems regulate ciliary beating, such as paracrine, autocrine, and endocrine. We hypothesized that Adrenomedullin (ADM)—a peptide hormone that acts via its receptors, which are complexes of Calcitonin receptor‐like receptor (CRLR) and Receptor activity‐modifying protein (RAMP) 2 or 3 — promotes oviductal fluid flow in the ampulla of bovine oviducts. First, we examined the expression of ADM, CRLR, RAMP2, and RAMP3 mRNAs in isolated epithelial cells throughout the estrous cycle, and the localization of ADM receptor protein constituents in the ampulla. RAMP2 expression was significantly higher in the follicular phase. Furthermore, RAMP2 protein was detected only in ciliated cells, whereas CRLR and RAMP3 were detected in all epithelial cells. The effects of ADM and an ADM antagonist on fluid‐flow speed were examined using microbeads in ampullary tissue. ADM antagonist decreased bead transport speed, and this decrease was reversed by ADM. In addition, ADM recovered the bead transport speed that decreased in the absence of calcium. Overall, our results suggest that ADM contributes to the regulation of oviductal fluid flow in ampulla.
Yoga for the management of pain and sleep in rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ward Lesley , Stebbings Simon , Athens Josie , Cherkin Daniel , David Baxter G.
Published: June 2017

Objective

The aim of the present study was to determine the feasibility of a relaxation‐based yoga intervention for rheumatoid arthritis, designed and reported in accordance with Delphi recommendations for yoga interventions for musculoskeletal conditions.

Methods

Participants were recruited from a hospital database, and randomized to either eight weekly 75‐min yoga classes or a usual care control. Feasibility was determined by recruitment rates, retention, protocol adherence, participant satisfaction and adverse events. Secondary physical and psychosocial outcomes were assessed using self‐reported questionnaires at baseline (week 0), week 9 (primary time point) and week 12 (follow‐up).

Results

Over a 3‐month period, 26 participants with mild pain, mild to moderate functional disability and moderate disease activity were recruited into the study (25% recruitment rate). Retention rates were 100% for yoga participants and 92% for usual care participants at both weeks 9 and 12. Protocol adherence and participant satisfaction were high. Yoga participants attended a median of seven classes; additionally, seven of the yoga participants (54%) reported continuing yoga at home during the follow‐up period. No serious adverse events were related to the study. Secondary outcomes showed no group effects of yoga compared with usual care.

Conclusions

A relaxation‐based yoga programme was found to be feasible and safe for participants with rheumatoid arthritis‐related pain and functional disability. Adverse events were minor, and not unexpected from an intervention including physical components. This pilot provides a framework for larger intervention studies, and supports further exploration of yoga as a complex intervention to assist with the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
A comparative study of electrical, EMI shielding and thermal properties of graphene and multiwalled carbon nanotube filled polystyrene nanocomposites
Authors: Bagotia Nisha , Mohite Harshal , Tanaliya Nidhi , Sharma D.K.
Published: June 2017

In the present work, graphene was synthesized by catalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (dry ice) in presence of magnesium flame supported by zinc and nickel metal respectively. The use of Nickel resulted in the improvement of graphene yield. The multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized from pongamia oil in CVD setup. The synthesized graphene and MWCNTs were characterized by different characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectra and X‐ray diffraction study. Thus synthesized graphene and MWCNTs have been used as conductive filler in polystyrene (PS)/graphene and PS/MWCNT nanocomposites. PS nanocomposites were prepared by solution blending method using toluene as a solvent. The properties of PS/graphene nanocomposites were compared with those of PS/MWCNT nanocomposites and the graphene based nanocomposites showed improved results. Interestingly, PS/graphene nanocomposite showed good electrical conductivity (about ∼7.07 S/cm) and these also showed electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (–31 dB) with the loading of 10 wt% graphene in PS matrix. Thermal properties of PS/graphene nanocomposite were also studied and were found to be good. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1041–E1051, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
How serious is bias in effect estimation in randomised trials with survival data given risk heterogeneity and informative censoring?
Authors: McNamee Roseanne
Published: June 2017

It is often assumed that randomisation will prevent bias in estimation of treatment effects from clinical trials, but this is not true of the semiparametric Proportional Hazards model for survival data when there is underlying risk heterogeneity. Here, a new formula is proposed for estimation of this bias, improving on a previous formula through ease of use and clarity regarding the role of the mid‐study cumulative hazard rate, shown to be an important factor for the bias magnitude.

Informative censoring (IC) is recognised as a source of bias. Here, work on selection effects among survivors due to risk heterogeneity is extended to include IC. A new formula shows that bias in causal effect estimation under IC has two sources: one consequent on heterogeneity and one from the additional impact of IC. The formula provides new insights not previously shown: there may less bias under IC than when there is no IC and even, in principle, zero bias.

When tested against simulated data, the new formulae are shown to be very accurate for prediction of bias in Proportional Hazards and accelerated failure time analyses which ignore heterogeneity. These data are also used to investigate the performance of accelerated failure time models which explicitly model risk heterogeneity (‘frailty models’) and G estimation. These methods remove bias when there is simple censoring but not with informative censoring when they may lead to overestimation of treatment effects. The new formulae may be used to help researchers judge the possible extent of bias in past studies. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical Study of the Wide‐angle Polarization‐Independent Ultra‐Broadband Efficient Selective Solar Absorber in the Entire Solar Spectrum
Authors: Wu Dong , Liu Yumin , Xu Zenghui , Yu Zhongyuan , Yu Li , Chen Lei , Liu Chang , Li Ruifang , Ma Rui , Zhang Jinqiannan , Ye Han
Published: June 2017

Increasing the absorption efficiency of solar radiation has great significance for the renewable energy applications, such as residential water heating, seawater desalination, wastewater treatment and solar thermophotovoltaic devices. Optical absorbers based on metamaterials have been widely investigated using a variety of structural designs. However, the near‐ideal solar thermal absorber has not yet been demonstrated, which has a near unity absorption from the ultraviolet to the near‐infrared region and meanwhile an absorption close to zero in the mid‐infrared region. Here, using FEM and FDTD methods respectively, we propose and numerically demonstrate an ultra‐broadband selective solar absorber with an extremely high absorption efficiency above 99% within the range of 435–1520 nm. And meanwhile the emissivity of the nanostructure is below 20% in mid‐infrared region. The total photothermal conversion efficiency of the proposed solar absorber can reach 91.53%, which is very close to the photothermal conversion efficiency (95.6%) of the ideal cut‐off absorber. The physical mechanisms of the nearly perfect absorption are also investigated and analyzed clearly, which is attributed to the hybridization of localized surface plasmon resonance, gap plasmon resonance, and propagating surface plasmon resonance. Particularly, the near‐ideal efficient selective absorption can still be maintained very well at a wide incident angle regardless of the incident light polarization. Owing to the characteristics such as polarization and angle independence, broadband operation, near‐perfect absorption and strong spectral selectivity, the solar absorbers are promising candidates for solar energy harvesting, stealth technology, and thermo‐photovoltaic energy conversion.
Experimental and analytical study of bond behavior between recycled aggregate concrete and steel bars using a pullout test
Authors: Wardeh George , Ghorbel Elhem , Gomart Hector , Fiorio Bruno
Published: June 2017

The paper presents the results of an experimental program carried out on 96 concrete pullout specimens prepared with natural and recycled aggregates using 10 and 12 mm diameter deformed steel bars. Steel rebars were concentrically embedded in pullout specimens with two embedded length of 5 and 10 times the rebar diameter. The present work includes six recycled concrete aggregate mixtures and two conventional concrete mixtures with C25/30 and C35/45 target class of compressive strength and S4 class of workability. For both series, specimens were fabricated with different incorporation ratios of fine and coarse recycled aggregates and only coarse recycled aggregates.

Tensile load was applied gradually until the pullout failure occurred and the slip between the rebar and concrete was measured at the free and loaded ends for each loading level. Furthermore, systematic observations of failure surface have been made at both macroscopic and microscopic scales. Test results showed that for the same class of compressive strength the bond strength and related failure mechanisms remain very close and the obtained values are, at least, four times higher than the predicted values by Eurocode 2.

The experimental results of this study, together with an extensive number of results reported in the literature, were used to describe the variation of bond strength with concrete compressive strength, embedded length, and concrete cover. In addition, an analytical bond‐slip relationship is proposed and the parameters of bond‐slip law were calibrated by an optimization algorithm.
Inside Cover Image, Volume 9, Issue 4
Authors: Opacic Tatjana , Paefgen Vera , Lammers Twan , Kiessling Fabian
Published: June 2017

image

The inside cover image, by Tatjana Opacic et al., is based on the Advanced Review Status and trends in the development of clinical diagnostic agents, DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1441.
MoDeNA: Enhancing User Security for Devices in Wireless Personal and Local Area Networks
Authors: Müller Robert , Waldvogel Marcel , Schmitt Corinna
Published: June 2017

Today most used devices are connected with each other building the Internet of Things (IoT). A variety of protocols are used depending on the underlying network infrastructure, application (e.g., Smart City, eHealth), and device capability. The judgment of the security feeling of the data sharing depends on personal settings (e.g., easy to use, encrypted transmission, anonymization support). MoDeNA – a Mobile Device Network Assistant – was developed offering an opportunity for understanding the judgment of security by bringing the user’s concerns and their technology understanding of used devices and protocols into relation. MoDeNA provides a transparent overview over the used wireless security of the user’s device giving concrete advices for improving the connection security and usability of mobile device security.
Flow-Based Detection of IPv6-specific Network Layer Attacks
Authors: Hendriks Luuk , Velan Petr , de O. Schmidt Ricardo , de Boer Pieter-Tjerk , Pras Aiko
Published: June 2017

With a vastly different header format, IPv6 introduces new vulnerabilities not possible in IPv4, potentially requiring new detection algorithms. While many attacks specific to IPv6 have proven to be possible and are described in the literature, no detection solutions for these attacks have been proposed. In this study we identify and characterise IPv6-specific attacks that can be detected using flow monitoring. By constructing flow-based signatures, detection can be performed using available technologies such as NetFlow and IPFIX. To validate our approach, we implemented these signatures in a prototype, monitoring two production networks and injecting attacks into the production traffic.
Towards a Hybrid Cloud Platform Using Apache Mesos
Authors: Xue Noha , Haugerud Hårek , Yazidi Anis
Published: June 2017

Hybrid cloud technology is becoming increasingly popular as it merges private and public clouds to bring the best of two worlds together. However, due to the heterogeneous cloud installation, facilitating a hybrid cloud setup is not simple. Despite the availability of some commercial solutions to build a hybrid cloud, an open source implementation is still unavailable. In this paper, we try to bridge the gap by providing an open source implementation by leveraging the power of Apache Mesos. We build a hybrid cloud on the top of multiple cloud platforms, private and public.
Optimizing the Integration of Agent-Based Cloud Orchestrators and Higher-Level Workloads
Authors: Sebrechts Merlijn , Van Seghbroeck Gregory , De Turck Filip
Published: June 2017

The flexibility of cloud computing has put significant strain on operations teams. Manually installing and configuring applications in the cloud simply isn’t an option anymore. Configuration management automation solves the issue of getting a single application into a certain state automatically and reliably. However, the issue of automatic dependency management between multiple applications is still an “open, hard problem” according to researchers at Google. Agent-based modeling and orchestration tools like Juju solve the issue of getting from zero to a working set of correctly clustered and connected frameworks. The shortcomings of these state-of-the-art tools are that they don’t provide efficient ways to model and orchestrate workloads running on top of these frameworks. This paper presents a number of ways to deploy and orchestrate workloads with Juju, compares their performance and overhead, and suggests how this overhead can be minimized.