bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skeletal Characteristics of WNT1 Osteoporosis in Children and Young Adults
Authors: Mäkitie Riikka E , Haanpää Maria , Valta Helena , Pekkinen Minna , Laine Christine M , Lehesjoki Anna-Elina , Schalin-Jäntti Camilla , Mäkitie Outi
Published: March 2016

WNT proteins comprise a 19-member glycoprotein family that act in several developmental and regenerative processes. In bone, WNT proteins regulate osteoblast differentiation and maintain bone health by activating the canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway. We reported a heterozygous missense mutation c.652T>G (p.C218G) in WNT1 exon 4 as the cause for severe early-onset, autosomal dominant osteoporosis. The initial study concerned a large Finnish family with 10 affected adults. Here we report clinical findings of the WNT1 osteoporosis in 8 children and young adults (median age 14 years; range 10 to 30 years) in two families, all with the p.C218G mutation in WNT1. Clinical assessments showed no apparent dysmorphia or features similar to typical osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Biochemistry revealed no changes in parameters of calcium metabolism and bone turnover markers. Fracture frequencies varied, but all subjects had sustained at least one fracture and 4 had a pathological fracture history. Plain radiographs showed osteopenic appearance, loss in vertebral height, and thin diaphyses of the long bones. Bone densitometry showed the BMD to be below normal median in all subjects and the bone mass deficit seemed to be more severe in older participants. Bone histomorphometry revealed a low turnover osteoporosis in 2 subjects at ages 14 and 16 years. These findings are congruent with earlier findings in adult patients and indicate that WNT1 osteoporosis causes significant skeletal changes already in early childhood and impairs bone mass gain during pubertal years. Genetic testing of children or close relatives of affected individuals is recommended for appropriate preventive measures. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Effectiveness of Victim Resistance Strategies against Stranger Child Abduction: An Analysis of Attempted and Completed Cases
Authors: Collie Craig J. R. , Shalev Greene Karen
Published: March 2016

Existing research, policy information, and materials intended to teach child safety assumes that certain behaviours will protect children in the event that a stranger tries to abduct them. However, there is little empirical basis for these assumptions. This paper examines the effectiveness of strategies thought to increase the likelihood that a child will be able to resist an attempted stranger child abduction event. Seventy‐eight cases of stranger child abduction that occurred in the UK between 1988 and 2014, including 25 attempted cases and 53 completed cases, were examined in order to ascertain the relative prevalence of various resistance types and to assess their effectiveness of six key resistance strategies based on whether the presence or absence affected the outcome of the abduction. Results show that direct, unequivocal verbal resistance, running away, and a composite approach where the victim runs away, calls for help, and reports the offence were highly effective means of resisting an offender, whereas physical resistance, indirect verbal resistance, and non‐resistance were not effective. Female victims were almost twice as likely to employ any kind of resistance strategy against an offender as male victims were. The implications of these findings for augmenting ways in which children are taught about safety are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experiences of Presence as a Key Factor Toward Sustainability Leadership
Authors: Koskela Virpi , Schuyler Kathryn Goldman
Published: March 2016

In the current article, we describe how individual experiences of presence may be a key factor in giving birth to the kind of leadership that enables deep sustainability. The empirical data come from two studies of the same theme: (a) an international action research project about Waking Up Moments at Work and (b) a Finnish phenomenographical study about experiences of presence. Both studies address the generative qualities of waking up or presence, suggest the value of such experiences as catalysts for inner shifts in human consciousness, and begin to explore how this may be a core component of developing leaders' potential for contributing to sustainability.
Clinical application of PET/MRI in oncology
Authors: Sotoudeh Houman , Sharma Akash , Fowler Kathryn J. , McConathy Jonathan , Dehdashti Farrokh
Published: March 2016

Hybrid imaging with integrated positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combines the advantages of the high‐resolution anatomic data from MRI and functional imaging data from PET, and has the potential to improve the diagnostic evaluation of various types of cancers. The clinical oncologic applications of this newest hybrid imaging technology are evolving and substantial efforts are underway to define the role of PET/MRI in routine clinical use. The current published literature suggests that PET/MRI may play an important role in the evaluation of patients with certain types of malignancies, involving anatomic locations such as the pelvis and the liver. The purpose of this article is to review the current published PET/MRI literature in specific body oncologic applications. In addition, PET/MRI protocols and some of the technical issues of this hybrid imaging will be briefly discussed. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:265–276.
Promoting Creativity in the Kitchen: Digital Lessons from the Learning Environment
Authors: Surgenor Dawn , McMahon‐Beattie Una S. M. , Burns Amy , Hollywood Lynsey E.
Published: March 2016

Creativity and learning are heightened when individuals are exposed to problem‐solving activity (Y. Cho, Chung, Choi, Sea, & Baek, 2013); however, while creativity has historically been promoted in schools, educationalists experience difficulty in integrating it meaningfully to the curriculum (Y. Cho et al., 2013). This is relevant in terms of how students learn culinary food skills in the classroom, where it is necessary for students to generate solutions to difficulties during food preparation and in transferring this learning to the home environment. The challenge for educators is tailoring student creativity to a learning environment which is resource led, directed by a defined curriculum and influenced by the need to meet learning styles of today's “digital natives” (M. Prensky, 2001). Therefore, this research investigates students' perceived impact of podcasting on food skills development in the context of Home Economics at secondary level. The findings reported within this paper represent a component part of a larger research study exploring the impact of podcasting on practical cooking skills development. The study comprised of a quasi‐experiment using six test and control schools in Northern Ireland. In contrast to full cookery demonstrations, podcasting demonstration focuses on individual basic skills and encourages individuals to transfer learning by grouping individual skills to create nutritious meals. Eighteen student focus groups within the six test schools, ages 11–14 were identified to provide their perceptions of podcasting as a learning resource. Qualitative results suggest that students maximized food skills development using this technology, and developed skills through interpretive and integrative creativity.
The importance of surgical margins in prostate cancer
Authors: Sooriakumaran Prasanna , Dev Harveer S. , Skarecky Douglas , Ahlering Thomas
Published: March 2016

Positive surgical margins (PSM) after radical prostatectomy (RP) are a predictor of biochemical recurrence (BCR), and highly dependent on surgeon, experience, and skill. The length and location PSMs are important, with significant differences between open and robotic RP. The impact of PSMs on BCR remains secondary to other clinico‐pathologic variables: Gleason Score, pathologic stage, and baseline PSA. However, lower PSM rates are associated with reduced use of secondary interventions and patient anxiety of cancer recurrence. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:310–315. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sensitive, automatic method for the determination of diazepam and its five metabolites in human oral fluid by online solid‐phase extraction and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Jiang Fengli , Rao Yulan , Wang Rong , Johansen Sys Stybe , Ni Chunfang , Liang Chen , Zheng Shuiqing , Ye Haiying , Zhang Yurong
Published: March 2016

A novel and simple online solid‐phase extraction liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of diazepam and its five metabolites including nordazepam, oxazepam, temazepam, oxazepam glucuronide, and temazepam glucuronide in human oral fluid. Human oral fluid was obtained using the Salivette® collection device, and 100 μL of oral fluid samples were loaded onto HySphere Resin GP cartridge for extraction. Analytes were separated on a Waters Xterra C18 column and quantified by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry using the multiple reaction monitoring mode. The whole procedure was automatic, and the total run time was 21 min. The limit of detection was in the range of 0.05–0.1 ng/mL for all analytes. The linearity ranged from 0.25 to 250 ng/mL for oxazepam, and 0.1 to 100 ng/mL for the other five analytes. Intraday and interday precision for all analytes was 0.6–12.8 and 1.0–9.2%, respectively. Accuracy ranged from 95.6 to 114.7%. Method recoveries were in the range of 65.1–80.8%. This method was fully automated, simple, and sensitive. Authentic oral fluid samples collected from two volunteers after consuming a single oral dose of 10 mg diazepam were analyzed to demonstrate the applicability of this method.
Sensitive determination of three aconitum alkaloids and their metabolites in human plasma by matrix solid‐phase dispersion with vortex‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and HPLC with diode array detection
Authors: Wang Xiaozhong , Li Xuwen , Li Lanjie , Li Min , Liu Ying , Wu Qian , Li Peng , Jin Yongri
Published: March 2016

A simple and sensitive method for determination of three aconitum alkaloids and their metabolites in human plasma was developed using matrix solid‐phase dispersion combined with vortex‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The plasma sample was directly purified by matrix solid‐phase dispersion and the eluate obtained was concentrated and further clarified by vortex‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction. Some important parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, such as type and amount of dispersing sorbent, type and volume of elution solvent, type and volume of extraction solvent, salt concentration as well as sample solution pH, were investigated in detail. Under optimal conditions, the proposed method has good repeatability and reproducibility with intraday and interday relative standard deviations lower than 5.44 and 5.75%, respectively. The recoveries of the aconitum alkaloids ranged from 73.81 to 101.82%, and the detection limits were achieved within the range of 1.6–2.1 ng/mL. The proposed method offered the advantages of good applicability, sensitivity, simplicity, and feasibility, which makes it suitable for the determination of trace amounts of aconitum alkaloids in human plasma samples.
Correlations between videoendoscopy and sonotubometry of eustachian tube opening during a swallow
Authors: Alper Cuneyt M. , Teixeira Miriam S. , Swarts J. Douglas
Published: March 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Describe the relationship between the magnitude of eustachian tube (ET) dilation during swallowing observed on transnasal videoendoscopy and quantified by sonotubometry.

Study Design

Descriptive observational study.

Methods

Simultaneous transnasal videoendoscopic and sonotubometric recordings were done on 33 adults with no middle ear disease. Briefly, microphones were placed in the ear canals, a 45° telescope introduced through one side of the nose to visualize and record ipsilateral ET movements, and the probe from a sound generator placed in the opposite nostril. At a generated nasopharyngeal sound level, ET movements and ipsilateral microphone signals were continuously recorded while the subject performed a series of three swallows. For each swallow, relational movements among ET structures observed on video recordings and characteristics of the sonotubometry signal envelope at the ear canal were quantified at three times: swallow onset (T1), maximum soft‐palate elevation (T2), and maximum ET luminal dilation (T3).

Results

A total of 99 swallows were analyzed. The average medial rotation of the ET cartilage and lateral wall over the T1‐T2 interval were −32.7 ± 14.9° and 7.2 ± 25.1°, and over the T2‐T3 interval were 4.6 ± 7.7° and 6.2 ± 14.6°, respectively. The transtubal sound transmission during a swallow peaked at an amplitude of 30.5 ± 35.7 mV during the 572.5 ± 292.6 ms of elevated sound‐pressure time. Correlational analysis documented significant linear associations between the relational measures of ET component movements from videoendoscopy and the signal envelope measures from sonotubometry.

Conclusions

There is a direct linear relationship between the degree of ET luminal dilation visualized on videoendoscopy and represented in the sonotubometry signal envelope.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:2778–2784, 2016
Isoflavone supplementation in postmenopausal women does not affect leukocyte LDL receptor and scavenger receptor CD36 expression: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Engelbert Ann Katrin , Soukup Sebastian T. , Roth Alexander , Hoffmann Nadine , Graf Daniela , Watzl Bernhard , Kulling Sabine E. , Bub Achim
Published: March 2016

Scope

Isoflavones are discussed to improve serum lipoproteins and body composition and to reduce cardiovascular disease risk in postmenopausal women (PMW). LDL receptors (LDLR) and scavenger receptor CD36 (CD36) play a pivotal role in the regulation of plasma LDL‐cholesterol concentrations (LDL‐chol). We investigated the impact of isoflavones on the receptor expression of both receptors in leukocytes of PMW.

Methods and results

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial in parallel design was conducted to assess the effects of an isoflavone‐enriched soy extract (117.4 mg/day isoflavone aglycone equivalents) for 12 weeks on serum LDL‐chol, LDLR, and CD36 expression on leukocytes in 170 healthy PMW. Baseline and after 12 weeks, blood lipid concentrations, anthropometric data and body composition were determined. Receptor expression on leukocytes was measured by means of flow cytometry. After the intervention, no significant differences were found for LDLR and CD36 expression on leukocytes. A significant increase of serum LDL‐chol was shown for the isoflavone group (p= 0.03) after 12 weeks. Body fat content and VAT were not affected.

Conclusion

Isoflavone supplementation for 12 weeks did not change LDLR and CD36 expression on leukocytes of PMW and did not affect body fat content and visceral adipose tissue (VAT), but slightly increased serum LDL‐chol.
Rapid Capture Next‐Generation Sequencing in Clinical Diagnostics of Kinase Pathway Aberrations in B‐Cell Precursor ALL
Authors: Stadt Udo zur , Escherich Gabriele , Indenbirken Daniela , Alawi Malik , Adao Manuela , Horstmann Martin A.
Published: March 2016

Comprehensive next‐generation sequencing (NGS) applications have recently identified various recurrent kinase and cytokine receptor rearrangements in Ph‐like B‐cell precursor (BCP) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) amenable to tyrosin kinase inhibitor treatment. For rapid diagnostics of kinase pathway aberrations in minimal residual disease (MRD) high‐risk BCP‐ALL, we developed a PCR‐independent NGS custom enrichment capture panel targeting recurrent genomic alterations, which allows for the identification of unknown 5′ fusion partner genes and precise mapping of variable genomic breakpoints. Using a standardized bioinformatics algorithm, we identified kinase and cytokine receptor rearrangements in the majority of ALL patients with high burden of postinduction MRD and enrichment of IKZF1 mutation or deletion (IKZF1del).
Preparation of ZnO/MWCNT/PP composite film and its application as multifunctional protective film
Authors: Upasani Prasad , Sreekumar T.V. , Gaikar V.G. , Jha Neetu
Published: March 2016

ZnO/MWCNT/PP composite films were prepared by melt extrusion. The films were characterized by DSC, TGA, Reflectance, XRD, and SEM. Composite films showed higher crystallization temperature, increased thermal stability and lower reflectance compared to neat PP film. SEM showed ZnO nano particles dispersed in continuous three dimensional network of MWCNT in the composite films. The composite films showed antibacterial and antifungal property, increase in limiting oxygen index and lower combustion toxicity compared to neat PP film. The composite films showed IR radiation absorbing property which is useful in camouflage applications and very good antistatic property as shown by fast discharge of static charge generated on the film surface. The study shows that the composite films can be used as multifunctional protective films where protection from multiple hazards is required. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:157–170, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of ionic liquid modified shear exfoliation graphene/CO‐PA nanocomposites at extremely low graphene loading
Authors: Liu Xin , Wang Leying , Wan Zhengao , Zhao Lifen , He Haifeng
Published: March 2016

In this study, the ionic liquid (IL) modified shear exfoliation graphene (SEG)/co‐polyamide (IL‐SEG/CO‐PA) nanocomposites were fabricated by an effective and simple solution mixing method. In detail, SEG was fabricated in aqueous phase and then modified by IL, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCL) to enhance its dispersion in CO‐PA matrix. The IL‐SEG/CO‐PA nanocomposites were of good properties, such as thermal property, electrical conductivity and mechanical properties, especially a low percolation threshold of not higher than 0.15 wt% (about 0.0523 vol%). The tests and measurements indicated that the Tc, T−50%, and Td‐max of the nanocomposites was 17°C, 18°C, and 22.5°C higher than that of CO‐PA respectively; when SEG content was 0.75 wt%, the electrical conductivity was improved from 2.85 × 10−12 S/m to 1.32 × 10−7 S/m, the tensile strength increased by 43.2%, and yield strength 19.7%. The incorporation of IL resulted in the good exfoliation and dispersion of graphene in CO‐PA matrix, which could be the direct reason for the improvement of the nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:E277–E284, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Cost‐Utility Analysis of Infliximab with Standard Care versus Standard Care Alone for Induction and Maintenance Treatment of Patients with Ulcerative Colitis in Poland
Authors: Stawowczyk Ewa , Kawalec Paweł , Pilc Andrzej
Published: March 2016

Study Objective

To assess the cost‐effectiveness of infliximab with standard care (e.g., azathioprine, prednisolone, mesalazine, and 6‐mercaptopurine) versus standard care alone for induction and maintenance treatment of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in Poland.

Design

Cost‐utility decision analytic model.

Measurements and Main Results

A Markov model was used to estimate the expected costs and effects of infliximab/standard care and standard care alone. For each treatment option, costs and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) were calculated to estimate the incremental cost‐utility ratio. The target population consisted of a hypothetical cohort of adult patients with moderately to severely active UC who had an inadequate response to standard treatment, including corticosteroids and 6‐mercaptopurine or azathioprine, or who were intolerant to or had medical contraindications to such therapies. The analysis was performed from the perspective of the Polish public payer over a 30‐year time horizon. The clinical parameters were derived mainly from the Active Ulcerative Colitis Trial (ACT) 1 and ACT 2 and from the Ulcerative Colitis Long‐term Remission and Maintenance with Adalimumab (ULTRA) 2 clinical trial. Different costs and utility values were assigned to the various health states in the model; utility values were derived from a previously published study. Treatment of patients who received infliximab/standard care instead of standard care alone resulted in 0.174 additional QALYs. Treatment with infliximab/standard care was found to be more expensive than treatment with standard care alone from the Polish National Health Fund perspective. The incremental cost‐utility ratio of infliximab/standard care compared with standard care alone was estimated to be 402,420 Polish zlotys (PLN)/QALY gained (95% confidence interval [CI] 253,936–531,450 PLN/QALY gained), which is equivalent to $106,743 (U.S. dollars)/QALY gained (95% CI $67,357–140,968 [U.S. dollars]/QALY gained).

Conclusion

Treatment with infliximab/standard care instead of standard care alone resulted in additional QALYs but also additional costs. The incremental cost per QALY gained of infliximab/standard care compared with standard care alone exceeded the willingness‐to‐pay threshold in Poland (equivalent to ~$33,400).
Shape memory natural rubber
Authors: Katzenberg Frank , Tiller Joerg C.
Published: March 2016

Charles Goodyear discovered the vulcanization of natural rubber (NR) 170 years ago and transferred the gooey natural compound into the first representative of an entirely new class of materials; the elastomers. Thenceforth, NR was intensively explored and was used for countless products to date. All the more surprising, it was found recently that NR exhibits superior and unexpected properties whenever it is cross‐linked to a degree smaller than 0.4% which is fairly below the commonly used 1%–2%. This article gives a brief overview on the exceptional properties of lightly cross‐linked NR, named shape memory natural rubber (SMNR), including the cold programmable shape memory effect, storing of extremely large strain, energy and cold, and its capability to sense and memorize environmental parameters. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 1381–1388
Solution structure of TbTFIIS2‐1 PWWP domain from Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Wang Rui , Zhang Jiahai , Liao Shanhui , Tu Xiaoming
Published: March 2016

TbTFIIS2‐1, one of the two TFIIS homologues of Trypanosome brucei (T. brucei), cooperates with TbTFIIS1 in regulating transcription in T. brcuei. Structurally divergent from other TFIIS homologues from higher organisms, TbTFIIS2‐1 contains an additional N‐terminal PWWP domain besides other three conserved domains, which may imply potential role of TbTFIIS2‐1 in transcription regulation. Here, we determined the solution structure of PWWP domain of TbTFIIS2‐1 by NMR spectroscopy, which was the first solution structure of PWWP domain solved in trypanosomatid. In spite of poor sequence similarity between PWWP domains, this domain of TbTFIIS2‐1 adopts a conserved 3D‐structure, which contains a five‐stranded β‐barrel and a C‐terminal α‐helix. Furthermore, we found that TbTFIIS2‐1 PWWP domain may be a protein–protein interaction module without the ability of DNA recognition and methyl‐group interaction. Proteins 2016; 84:912–919. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vitro and in vivo drug disposition of cilengitide in animals and human
Authors: Dolgos Hugues , Freisleben Achim , Wimmer Elmar , Scheible Holger , Krätzer Friedrich , Yamagata Tetsuo , Gallemann Dieter , Fluck Markus
Published: March 2016

Cilengitide is very low permeable (1.0 nm/sec) stable cyclic pentapeptide containing an Arg‐Gly‐Asp motif responsible for selective binding to αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins administered intravenously (i.v.). In vivo studies in the mouse and Cynomolgus monkeys showed the major component in plasma was unchanged drug (>85%). These results, together with the absence of metabolism in vitro and in animals, indicate minimal metabolism in both species. The excretion of [14C]‐cilengitide showed profound species differences, with a high renal excretion of the parent drug observed in Cynomolgus monkey (50% dose), but not in mouse (7 and 28%: m/f). Consistently fecal (biliary) secretion was high in mouse (87 and 66% dose: m/f) but low in Cynomolgus monkey (36.5%). Human volunteers administrated with [14C]‐cilengitide showed that most of the dose was recovered in urine as unchanged drug (77.5%, referred to Becker et al. 2015), indicating that the Cynomolgus monkey was the closer species to human. In order to better understand the species difference between human and mouse, the hepatobiliary disposition of [14C]‐cilengitide was determined in sandwich‐cultured hepatocytes. Cilengitide exhibited modest biliary efflux (30–40%) in mouse, while in human hepatocytes this was negligible. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the uptake of cilengitide into human hepatocytes was minor and appeared to be passive. In summary, the extent of renal and biliary secretion of cilengitide appears to be highly species specific and is qualitatively well explained using sandwich hepatocyte culture models.
Arginine selective reagents for ligation to peptides and proteins
Authors: Thompson Darren A. , Ng Raymond , Dawson Philip E.
Published: March 2016

A new class of arginine‐specific bioconjugation reagents for protein labeling has been developed. This method utilizes a triazolyl‐phenylglyoxal group on the probe molecule that reacts selectively with the guandinyl group of Arg residues in a protein or peptide. The reaction proceeds in neutral to basic bicarbonate buffers and is selective for arginine residues in peptides and folded proteins. Importantly, the triazolyl‐phenylglyoxal group can be introduced into complex molecules containing alkyne groups using CuAAC chemistry, providing a robust approach for the generation of phenylglyoxal reactive groups into molecules to be covalently attached onto the surface of proteins. Copyright © 2016 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxime conjugation in protein chemistry: from carbonyl incorporation to nucleophilic catalysis
Authors: Agten Stijn M. , Dawson Philip E. , Hackeng Tilman M.
Published: March 2016

Use of oxime forming reactions has become a widely applied strategy for peptide and protein bioconjugation. The efficiency of the reaction and robust stability of the oxime product has led to the development of a growing list of methods to introduce the required ketone or aldehyde functionality site specifically into proteins. Early methods focused on site‐specific oxidation of an N‐terminal serine or threonine and more recently transamination methods have been developed to convert a broader set of N‐terminal amino acids into a ketone or aldehyde. More recently, site‐specific modification of protein has been attained through engineering enzymes involved in posttranslational modifications in order to accommodate aldehyde‐containing substrates. Similarly, a growing list of unnatural amino acids can be introduced through development of selective amino‐acyl tRNA synthetase/tRNA pairs combined with codon reassignment. In the case of glycoproteins, glycans can be selectively modified chemically or enzymatically to introduce aldehyde functional groups. Finally, the total chemical synthesis of proteins complements these biological and chemoenzymatic approaches. Once introduced, the oxime ligation of these aldehyde and ketone groups can be catalyzed by aniline or a variety of aniline derivatives to tune the activity, pH preference, stability and solubility of the catalyst. Copyright © 2016 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unnoticed Effects of Inspection Errors and a Quality Paradox
Authors: Eben‐Chaime Moshe
Published: March 2016

A central element of quality assurance is inspections. Inspections, however, are imperfect and prone to errors. Devastating effects of inspection error type I — rejection of conforming items, are considered in this note. When several inspections are performed along a serial process, the number of falsely rejected items is similar in magnitude to (or even larger than) the number of defective items. Moreover, to compensate for this loss, more units should enter the process and consequently, more units turn defective. The quality community seems to be unaware of these effects, certainly of the last one, despite their practical significance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Angler Harvest, Hatchery Return, and Tributary Stray Rates of Recycled Adult Summer Steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss in the Cowlitz River, Washington
Authors: Kock T. J. , Perry R. W. , Gleizes C. , Dammers W. , Liedtke T. L.
Published: March 2016

Hatchery ‘recycling’ programs have been used to increase angling opportunities by re‐releasing fish into a river after they returned to a hatchery or fish trap. Recycling is intended to increase opportunities for fishermen, but this strategy could affect wild fish populations if some recycled fish remain in the river and interact with wild fish populations. To quantify hatchery return and angler harvest rates of recycled steelhead, we conducted a 2‐year study on the Cowlitz River, Washington. A total of 1051 steelhead were recycled, including 218 fish that were radio‐tagged. Fates of recycled steelhead were similar between years: 48.4% returned to the hatchery, 19.2% were reported captured by anglers, and 32.4% remained in the river. A multistate model quantified the effects of covariates on hatchery return and angler harvest rates, which were positively affected by river discharge and negatively affected by time since release. However, hatchery return rates increased and angler harvest rates decreased during periods of increasing discharge. A total of 21.1% (46 fish) of the radio‐tagged steelhead failed to return to the hatchery or be reported by anglers, but nearly half of those fish (20 fish) appeared to be harvested and not reported. The remaining tagged fish (11.9% of the radio‐tagged population) were monitored into the spawning period, but only five fish (2.3% of the radio‐tagged population) entered tributaries where wild steelhead spawning occurs. Future research focused on straying behaviour, and spawning success of recycled steelhead may further advance the understanding of the effects of recycling as a management strategy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple remote sensing based information system for monitoring sites of conservation importance
Authors: Szantoi Zoltan , Brink Andreas , Buchanan Graeme , Bastin Lucy , Lupi Andrea , Simonetti Dario , Mayaux Philippe , Peedell Stephen , Davy James
Published: March 2016

Monitoring is essential for conservation of sites, but capacity to undertake it in the field is often limited. Data collected by remote sensing has been identified as a partial solution to this problem, and is becoming a feasible option, since increasing quantities of satellite data in particular are becoming available to conservationists. When suitably classified, satellite imagery can be used to delineate land cover types such as forest, and to identify any changes over time. However, the conservation community lacks (a) a simple tool appropriate to the needs for monitoring change in all types of land cover (e.g. not just forest), and (b) an easily accessible information system which allows for simple land cover change analysis and data sharing to reduce duplication of effort. To meet these needs, we developed a web‐based information system which allows users to assess land cover dynamics in and around protected areas (or other sites of conservation importance) from multi‐temporal medium resolution satellite imagery. The system is based around an open access toolbox that pre‐processes and classifies Landsat‐type imagery, and then allows users to interactively verify the classification. These data are then open for others to utilize through the online information system. We first explain imagery processing and data accessibility features, and then demonstrate the toolbox and the value of user verification using a case study on Nakuru National Park, Kenya. Monitoring and detection of disturbances can support implementation of effective protection, assist the work of park managers and conservation scientists, and thus contribute to conservation planning, priority assessment and potentially to meeting monitoring needs for Aichi target 11.
Is R&D risky?
Authors: Bromiley Philip , Rau Devaki , Zhang Yu
Published: March 2016

Research summary: Many studies use research and development (R&D) intensity or R&D spending as a proxy for risk taking, but we have little evidence that either associates positively with firm risk. We analyze the relations between R&D intensity (R&D spending to sales) and R&D spending on the one hand and 11 different indicators of firm risk on the other, using data from 1,907 to 3,908 firms in various industries over 13 years. The analysis finds a general lack of consistent positive association between R&D and firm risk, making the use of R&D as an indicator of risk taking questionable. Furthermore, R&D intensity and spending do not correlate positively, suggesting they measure different constructs. We discuss potential reasons for these nonsignificant results. Our study demonstrates that researchers should avoid casual use of R&D as a proxy for risk taking without explicitly providing a clear definition and measurement model for risk.

Managerial summary: Risk is a key construct in strategic management research. Many studies in this area measure risk taking by research and development (R&D) intensity (the ratio of R&D spending to sales) or R&D spending. However, since R&D intensity and spending have also been used to measure various other things such as information processing demands, this raises the question of whether R&D intensity and spending are valid indicators of firm risk. We examine this issue by considering the associations of R&D intensity and R&D spending with conventional measures of firm risk. We find a general lack of consistent positive association between R&D and firm risk, making the use of R&D as an indicator of risk taking questionable. Furthermore, R&D intensity and spending do not correlate positively, suggesting they measure different things. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multimodal micro, nano, and size conversion ultrasound agents for imaging and therapy
Authors: Huynh Elizabeth , Rajora Maneesha A. , Zheng Gang
Published: March 2016

Ultrasound (US) is one of the most commonly used clinical imaging techniques. However, the use of US and US‐based intravenous agents extends far beyond imaging. In particular, there has been a surge in the fabrication of multimodality US contrast agents and theranostic US agents for cancer imaging and therapy. The unique interaction of US waves with microscale and nanoscale agents has attracted much attention in the development of contrast agents and drug‐delivery vehicles. The dimensions of the agent not only dictate how it behaves in vivo, but also how it interacts with US for imaging and drug delivery. Furthermore, these agents are also unique due to their ability to convert from the nanoscale to the microscale and vice versa, having imaging and therapeutic utility in both dimensions. Here, we review multimodality and multifunctional US‐based agents, according to their size, and also highlight recent developments in size conversion US agents. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:796–813. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1398

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Crystal Structure and Luminescent Properties of Diverse Cadmium(II) Coordination Polymers Based on A Semirigid Multicarboxylate Ligand
Authors: Ye Run‐Ping , Zhang Xin , Qin Ye‐Yan , Yao Yuan‐Gen
Published: March 2016

Four CdII metal coordination polymers, namely, [Cd(HL)(H2O)3]n (1), [Cd(HL)(4,4′‐bpy)]n·nH2O (2), [Cd3(L)2(2,2′‐bpy)3(H2O)3]n·2nH2O (3), and [Cd3(L)2(phen)2(H2O)]n·2.5nH2O (4) [H3L = 3‐(3‐carboxyphenoxy) phthalic acid, 4,4′‐bpy = 4,4′‐bipyridine, 2,2′‐bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline], were synthesized and structurally characterized by X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and IR spectroscopy. Single‐crystal X‐ray analyses reveal that complexes 1–3 have different one‐dimensional (1D) chain structures including zigzag chain, ladder chain, and helical chain, whereas complex 4 shows a 0D trinuclear motif. These low‐dimensional complexes are further extended to 3D supramolecular networks by intermolecular π–π interactions and hydrogen bonds. The ligand H3L exhibits five coordination modes: μ1‐η2‐chelating/μ1‐η2‐chelating, μ1‐η2‐chelating/μ1‐η2‐chelating/μ1‐η2‐chelating, μ1‐η2‐chelating/μ1‐η2‐chelating/μ1‐η1‐bridging, μ1‐η2‐chelating/μ2‐η2‐bridging/μ2‐η1:η1‐bridging, and μ2‐η2‐chelating:η1‐bridging/μ2‐η2‐chelating:η1‐bridging/μ1‐η1‐bridging. Moreover, the photoluminescent properties of complexes 1–4 were studied in the solid‐state at room temperature.
Synthesis and Characterization of Manganese(I) Carbonyl Complexes of the Type [(OC)4Mn{μ‐P(R)Aryl}]2
Authors: Mede Ralf , Blohm Sascha , Görls Helmar , Westerhausen Matthias
Published: March 2016

Metalation of secondary phosphanes HPRR′ [R = R′ = C6H4‐4‐Me, C6H3‐3,5‐Me2 (3), C6H4‐4‐NMe2 (4); R/R′ = Ph/cHex] with Mn2(CO)10 in boiling xylene (mixture of isomers), until the evolution of gaseous carbon monoxide ceases, leads to the formation of the dinuclear complexes of the type [(OC)4Mn(μ‐PRR′)]2 [R = R′ = C6H4‐4‐Me (5), C6H3‐3,5‐Me2 (6), R/R′ = Ph/cHex (7), R = R′ = C6H4‐4‐NMe2 (8)] with poor to moderate yields. These manganese(I) complexes are only sparingly soluble or even nearly insoluble in hydrocarbons at room temperature. Planar four‐membered Mn2P2 rings represent the central moiety with four carbonyl ligands at each manganese(I) atom. The steric demand of the P‐bound substituents influences the Mn–P bond lengths as well as the P–Mn–P bond angles.
750 GeV diphoton resonance from singlets in an exceptional supersymmetric standard model
Authors: King Stephen F. , Nevzorov Roman
Published: March 2016

Abstract

The 750-760 GeV diphoton resonance may be identified as one or two scalars and/or one or two pseudoscalars contained in the two singlet superfields S1,2 arising from the three 27-dimensional representations of E6. The three 27s also contain three copies of colour-triplet charge ∓1/3 vector-like fermions D,$$ \overline{D} $$

D
¯

and two copies of charged inert Higgsinos $$ {\tilde{H}}^{+} $$

H
˜

+

,$$ {\tilde{H}}^{-} $$

H
˜

−

to which the singlets S1,2 may couple. We propose a variant of the E6SSM where the third singlet S3 breaks a gauged U(1)N above the TeV scale, predicting Z
N
′
, D,$$ \overline{D} $$

D
¯

, $$ {\tilde{H}}^{+} $$

H
˜

+

,$$ {\tilde{H}}^{-} $$

H
˜

−

at LHC Run 2, leaving the two lighter singlets S1,2 with masses around 750 GeV. We calculate the branching ratios and cross-sections for the two scalar and two pseudoscalar states associated with the S1,2 singlets, including possible degeneracies and maximal mixing, subject to the constraint that their couplings remain perturbative up to the unification scale.
Performance of two alpine plant species along environmental gradients in an alpine meadow ecosystem in central Tibet
Authors: Dorji Tsechoe , Moe Stein R. , Klein Julia A. , Wang Shiping , Totland Ørjan
Published: March 2016

Understanding how biotic interactions and abiotic conditions affect plant performance is important for predicting changes in ecosystem function and services in variable environments. We tested how performances of Astragalus rigidulus and Potentilla fruticosa change along gradients of biotic interactions (represented by plant species richness, abundance of the dominant plant species Kobresia pygmaea, and herbivory intensity) and abiotic conditions (represented by elevation, aspect, and slope steepness) across a semi‐arid landscape in central Tibet. Redundancy analyses showed that the biotic variables explained 30 and 39 % of the variation in overall performance of A. rigidulus (P = 0.03) and P. fruticosa (P = 0.01), respectively. Abiotic variables did not contribute significantly to variation among A. rigidulus populations. Plant size decreased with species richness in both species and was larger on south‐ rather than north‐facing slopes. Reproductive effort for both species was significantly negatively related to the abundance of K. pygmaea and both species had larger reproductive effort on south‐ rather than north‐ and west‐facing slopes. The proportion of biomass allocated to sexual reproduction in P. fruticosa was negatively correlated with K. pygmaea abundance and herbivory intensity. The population density of P. fruticosa was positively related to elevation, species richness, and K. pygmaea abundance. We conclude that plant performance at a local scale was more strongly related to biotic than abiotic conditions, but different components of plant performance responded differently to predictor variables and the responses were species‐specific. These findings have important implications for rangeland management under changing environmental conditions.
Evaluation of global warming impacts on the carbon budget of terrestrial ecosystems in monsoon Asia: a multi‐model analysis
Authors: Ito Akihiko , Nishina Kazuya , Noda Hibiki M.
Published: March 2016

This study assesses the potential impacts of future global warming on the carbon budget of terrestrial ecosystems across monsoon Asia using the Inter‐Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISI‐MIP) dataset. We used simulation results of two emission pathways (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5), climate projections of five climate models, and seven terrestrial biome models to analyze the changes in net primary production and carbon stocks in the South, Southeast, and East Asian subregions during the period 1981–2099. The simulations indicated that by the end of the 21st century, net primary production would increase by 9–45 % and ecosystem carbon storage would increase by 42–86 Pg C. The clearest climatic impacts were found when using the adaptation‐oriented emission scenario (RCP8.5), which assumes a greater CO2 increase and a larger change in climatic conditions. Substantial disparities in temporal trajectories and spatial patterns were found in the estimated changes, owing to the uncertainties in the emission scenarios, climate projections, and ecosystem models. We attempted to derive consistent patterns throughout the simulations to specify potential hotspots of climatic impacts (e.g., soil carbon change in the southern Tibetan Plateau). Finally, we discuss changes to the climatic characteristics in the study region (e.g., a change in the rainy season), the implications for ecosystem services, and the need for collaborative field monitoring studies.
A modified bowel preparation protocol improves the quality of bowel cleansing for colonoscopy
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Fan , Liang Cheng‐Chao , Lin Cheng‐Kuan , Lee Tzong‐Hsi , Chung Chen‐Shuan
Published: March 2016

Adequate colonic cleansing is essential for a high quality colonoscopy. Few studies have investigated the association between patient education and quality of bowel preparation. The control group comprised 165 participants who underwent colonoscopy after a standard bowel preparation protocol during the period September–October 2013 and the study group comprised 251 individuals who underwent colonoscopy after a modified bowel preparation protocol during the period January–February 2014. The modified bowel preparation protocol included an instructional video and leaflet, a dietician‐designed 2‐day low fiber diet, a follow‐up phone message, and information to confirm stool characteristics. The Aronchick Bowel Preparation Scale was used to define the quality of bowel preparation. The endoscopists who performed the procedures were blinded to the preparation protocols. The percentage of participants with excellent bowel preparation quality was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (35.9% vs. 21.8%, p = 0.002). Also, the percentage of participants with poorly prepared bowels was significantly higher in the control group than in the study group (3% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.042). Moreover, the adenoma detection rate was significantly higher in the study group (35.1% vs. 24.8%, p = 0.028). The results show that the quality of bowel cleansing can be improved by providing patients with a modified bowel preparation protocol.
Predicting the progression of Alzheimer's disease dementia: A multidomain health policy model
Authors: Green Colin , Zhang Shenqiu
Published: March 2016

Introduction

We develop a multidomain model to predict progression of Alzheimer's disease dementia (AD).

Methods

Data from the US National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (n = 3009) are used to examine change in symptom status and to estimate transition probabilities between health states described using cognitive function, functional ability, and behavior. A model is used to predict progression and to assess a hypothetical treatment scenario that slows mild to moderate AD progression.

Results

More than 70% of participants moved state over 12 months. The majority moved in domains other than cognitive function. Over 5 years, of those alive more than half are in severe AD health states. Assessing an intervention scenario, we see fewer years in more severe health states and a potential impact (life years saved) due to mortality improvements.

Discussion

The model developed is exploratory and has limitations but illustrates the importance of using a multidomain approach when assessing impacts of AD and interventions.
Internalization of tau antibody and pathological tau protein detected with a flow cytometry multiplexing approach
Authors: Shamir Dov B. , Rosenqvist Nina , Rasool Suhail , Pedersen Jan T. , Sigurdsson Einar M.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Tau immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to clear tau aggregates from the brain. Our previous findings suggest that tau antibodies may act outside and within neurons to promote such clearance.

Methods

We have developed an approach using flow cytometry, a human neuroblastoma cell model overexpressing tau with the P301L mutation, and paired helical filament (PHF)–enriched pathologic tau to effectively screen uptake and retention of tau antibodies in conjunction with PHF.

Results

The flow cytometry approach correlates well with Western blot analysis to detect internalized antibodies in naïve and transfected SH‐SY5Y cells (r2 = 0.958, and r2 = 0.968, P = .021 and P = .016, respectively). In transfected cells, more antibodies are taken up/retained as pathologic tau load increases, both under co‐treated conditions and when the cells are pretreated with PHF before antibody administration (r2 = 0.999 and r2 = 0.999, P = .013 and P = .011, respectively).

Discussion

This approach allows rapid in vitro screening of antibody uptake and retention in conjunction with pathologic tau protein before more detailed studies in animals or other more complex model systems.
Effects of multiple psychological distances on construal and consumer evaluation: A field study of online reviews
Authors: Huang Ni , Burtch Gordon , Hong Yili , Polman Evan
Published: March 2016

Through a large‐scale field study of 166,215 online restaurant reviews, we found evidence of a distance boosting effect, whereby experiencing spatial distance (i.e., authoring a review about a geographically distant restaurant, rather than proximate one) and temporal distance (i.e., authoring a review after a lengthy delay, rather than immediately) jointly affect review positivity by amplifying consumers' high‐level construals. Although past research has explored the relationship between psychological distance, construal and consumer evaluation, the effects of various dimensions of distance have only been considered in isolation. Our research contributes to past work by testing the effects of experiencing two dimensions of psychological distance simultaneously on construal and consumer evaluations. Moreover, because our data contain naturalistic observations, our research includes a wide range of temporal and spatial distances. We found that the effect of one distance increases the effect of the other. Metaphorically speaking, the effect of one distance is boosted by another.