bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide association study and meta‐analysis in Northern European populations replicate multiple colorectal cancer risk loci
Authors: Tanskanen Tomas , van den Berg Linda , Välimäki Niko , Aavikko Mervi , Ness‐Jensen Eivind , Hveem Kristian , Wettergren Yvonne , Bexe Lindskog Elinor , Tõnisson Neeme , Metspalu Andres , Silander Kaisa , Orlando Giulia , Law Philip J. , Tuupanen Sari , Gylfe Alexandra E. , Hänninen Ulrika A. , Cajuso Tatiana , Kondelin Johanna , Sarin Antti‐Pekka , Pukkala Eero , Jousilahti Pekka , Salomaa Veikko , Ripatti Samuli , Palotie Aarno , Järvinen Heikki , Renkonen‐Sinisalo Laura , Lepistö Anna , Böhm Jan , Mecklin Jukka‐Pekka , Al‐Tassan Nada A. , Palles Claire , Martin Lynn , Barclay Ella , Tenesa Albert , Farrington Susan M. , Timofeeva Maria N. , Meyer Brian F. , Wakil Salma M. , Campbell Harry , Smith Christopher G. , Idziaszczyk Shelley , Maughan Tim S. , Kaplan Richard , Kerr Rachel , Kerr David , Buchanan Daniel D. , Win Aung K. , Hopper John , Jenkins Mark A. , Newcomb Polly A. , Gallinger Steve , Conti David , Schumacher Fredrick R. , Casey Graham , Cheadle Jeremy P. , Dunlop Malcolm G. , Tomlinson Ian P. , Houlston Richard S. , Palin Kimmo , Aaltonen Lauri A.
Published: September 2017

Genome‐wide association studies have been successful in elucidating the genetic basis of colorectal cancer (CRC), but there remains unexplained variability in genetic risk. To identify new risk variants and to confirm reported associations, we conducted a genome‐wide association study in 1,701 CRC cases and 14,082 cancer‐free controls from the Finnish population. A total of 9,068,015 genetic variants were imputed and tested, and 30 promising variants were studied in additional 11,647 cases and 12,356 controls of European ancestry. The previously reported association between the single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs992157 (2q35) and CRC was independently replicated (p = 2.08 × 10−4; OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.06–1.23), and it was genome‐wide significant in combined analysis (p = 1.50 × 10−9; OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.08–1.16). Variants at 2q35, 6p21.2, 8q23.3, 8q24.21, 10q22.3, 10q24.2, 11q13.4, 11q23.1, 14q22.2, 15q13.3, 18q21.1, 20p12.3 and 20q13.33 were associated with CRC in the Finnish population (false discovery rate < 0.1), but new risk loci were not found. These results replicate the effects of multiple loci on the risk of CRC and identify shared risk alleles between the Finnish population isolate and outbred populations.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy versus observation in thick melanoma: A multicenter propensity score matching study
Authors: Boada Aram , Tejera‐Vaquerizo Antonio , Ribero Simone , Puig Susana , Moreno‐Ramírez David , Descalzo‐Gallego Miguel A. , Fierro María T. , Quaglino Pietro , Carrera Cristina , Malvehy Josep , Vidal‐Sicart Sergi , Bennássar Antoni , Rull Ramón , Alos Llucìa , Requena Celia , Bolumar Isidro , Traves Víctor , Pla Ángel , Fernández‐Figueras María T. , Ferrándiz Carlos , Pascual Iciar , Manzano José L. , Sánchez‐Lucas Marina , Giménez‐Xavier Pol , Ferrandiz Lara , Nagore Eduardo
Published: September 2017

The clinical value of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in thick melanoma patients (Breslow >4 mm) has not been sufficiently studied. The aim of the study is to evaluate whether SLN biopsy increases survival in patients with thick cutaneous melanoma, and, as a secondary objective, to investigate correlations between survival and lymph node status. We included 1,211 consecutive patients with thick melanomas (>4 mm) registered in the participating hospitals' melanoma databases between 1997 and 2015. Median follow‐up was 40 months. Of these patients, 752 were matched into pairs by propensity scores based on sex, age, tumor location, histologic features of melanoma, year of diagnosis, hospital and adjuvant interferon therapy. The SLN biopsy vs. observation was associated with better DFS [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR), 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61–0.90); p = 0.002] and OS (AHR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60–0.94; p = 0.013) but not MSS (AHR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.65–1.08; p = 0.165). SLN‐negative patients had better 5‐ and 10‐year MSS compared with SLN‐positive patients (65.4 vs. 51.9% and 48.3 vs. 38.8%; p = 0.01, respectively). As a conclusion, SLN biopsy was associated with better DFS but not MSS in thick melanoma patients after adjustment for classic prognostic factors. SLN biopsy is useful for stratifying these patients into different prognostic groups.
Impact of maternal weight on the intra‐observer and inter‐observer reproducibility of fetal ultrasonography measurements in the third trimester
Authors: Policiano Catarina , Mendes Jorge M. , Fonseca Andreia , Barros Joana , Martins Diana , Reis Inês , Clode Nuno , Graça Luís M.
Published: September 2017

Objective

To evaluate the effect of maternal weight on the intra‐ and inter‐observer reproducibility of third‐trimester ultrasonography fetal measurements.

Methods

The present prospective study, performed at a tertiary hospital, enrolled patients at between 35+0 weeks and 36+6 weeks of singleton pregnancies between January 1, 2015, and July 1, 2016. Fetal ultrasonography measurements were evaluated twice by a first observer and a third time by a second observer. Intra‐ and inter‐observer consistency were analyzed using the Cronbach α reliability coefficient, and measurement reproducibility was compared with patients stratified by a body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) of below 25 or at least 25.

Results

The study included 197 patients (133 with BMI <25 and 64 with BMI ≥25). Among patients with a BMI below 25, the reliability coefficients for bi‐parietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length measurements were 0.97, 0.95, 0.98, and 0.96, respectively, for intra‐observer consistency, and were 0.97, 0.93, 0.98, and 0.95, respectively, for inter‐observer consistency. Among patients with a BMI of at least 25, these values were 0.97, 0.96, 0.98, and 0.97, respectively, for intra‐observed consistency, and 0.97, 0.94, 0.98, and 0.96, respectively, for inter‐observer consistency.

Conclusion

High intra‐ and inter‐observer reproducibility was observed for third‐trimester fetal ultrasonography measurements, including for patients who were overweight.
A practical approach to assess inhalation toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles in vitro
Authors: Dankers Anita C. A. , Kuper C. Frieke , Boumeester Anja J. , Fabriek Babs O. , Kooter Ingeborg M. , Gröllers‐Mulderij Mariska , Tromp Peter , Nelissen Inge , Zondervan‐Van Den Beuken Esther K. , Vandebriel Rob J.
Published: September 2017

Exposure of humans to metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) occurs mainly via air, and inhaled metal oxide NPs may generate inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the proinflammatory potential of six metal oxide NPs (CeO2, Mn2O3, CuO, ZnO, Co3O4 and WO3; 27–108 μg ml−1) using human primary 3‐dimensional airway epithelium (MucilAir™) and dendritic cell (DC) models. Metal oxide NPs were mainly aggregated/agglomerated in the cell media, as determined by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy and differential centrifugal sedimentation. WO3 and ZnO were highly soluble, both with and without respiratory mucus. Proinflammatory signalling by the epithelium was evaluated after a 24 hour exposure by increased interleukin‐6 and ‐8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 cytokine release, which occurred only for CuO. Moreover, maturation of immature human DCs, which play a key role in the lung immune system, were evaluated by expression of surface markers HLA‐DR, CD80, CD83 and CD86 after a 48 hour exposure. Only Mn2O3 consistently upregulated DC maturation markers. Furthermore, by addition of medium from metal oxide NP‐exposed 3‐dimensional airway cultures to metal oxide NP‐exposed DC cultures, the interplay between lung epithelium and DCs was studied. Such an interplay was again only observed for Mn2O3 and in one of five DC donors. Our results show that, even when using dosages that represent very high in vivo exposure levels, up to 27 hours of constant human airway exposure, metal oxide NPs cause minimal proinflammatory effects and that epithelial cells not necessarily interfere with DC maturation upon metal oxide NP exposure. The present approach exemplifies a relevant translation towards human safety assessment.
A preliminary in vitro evaluation of the bioactive potential of cryogel scaffolds incorporated with Manuka honey for the treatment of chronic bone infections
Authors: Hixon Katherine R. , Lu Tracy , Carletta Marissa N. , McBride‐Gagyi Sarah H. , Janowiak Blythe E. , Sell Scott A.
Published: September 2017

Previous studies have identified honey as an agent in bacterial inhibition and a mediator in lowering the pH at the wound site. Manuka honey (MH), indigenous to New Zealand, contains a Unique Manuka Factor that provides an additional antibacterial agent. While there are many potential benefits to incorporating MH into wounds, there is currently no ideal way to deliver the material to the site of injury. Cryogels are a type of scaffold that possess high porosity, mechanical stability, and a sponge‐like consistency. This study uniquely incorporates varying amounts of MH into cryogel scaffolds, utilizing its properties in a sustained release fashion to assist in the overall healing process, while using the cryogel structure as a tissue template. All cryogels were evaluated to determine the effects of MH on porosity, swelling potential, mechanical durability, and cell compatibility. The release of MH was also quantified to evaluate bacterial clearance potential, and the scaffolds were mineralized to replicate native bone. It was determined that a 5% MH silk fibroin cryogel has the potential to inhibit bacterial growth while still maintaining adequate porosity, mechanical properties, and cell infiltration. Such a scaffold would have use in a number of applications, including bone regeneration. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1918–1933, 2018.
Association of Lp‐PLA2 G994T gene polymorphism with risk of ischemic stroke in Chinese population
Authors: Ni Jing , Gu Hong , Hu Wuhao , Zhou Fang , Zhu Xue , Wang Ke
Published: September 2017

The association between lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2) G994T gene polymorphism and the risk of ischemic stroke is unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of Lp‐PLA2 G994T genetic variant on the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke in Chinese population. A total of 348 patients with a clinical diagnosis of ischemic stroke and 260 gender‐matched control subjects under physical examination were recruited from hospitals and genotyped for G994T gene polymorphism. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the genotype distribution between the two groups and people with GT or TT genotype were associated with the higher risk of ischemic stroke even after adjusting the effects of potential confounding factors. In addition, both ischemic stroke patients and control subjects carrying T allele showed relatively lower Lp‐PLA2 activity and higher oxLDL level. Therefore, Lp‐PLA2 G994T gene polymorphism may be an independent risk factor of ischemic stroke in Chinese population.
Sequence and timing of early cranial skeletal development in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Lukas Paul , Olsson Lennart
Published: September 2017

Xenopus laevis is widely used as a model organism in biological research. Morphological descriptions of the larval cartilaginous skeleton are more than half a century old and comprehensive studies of early cartilage differentiation and development are missing. A proper understanding of early cranial skeletal development in X. laevis requires a detailed description that can function as a baseline for experimental studies. This basis makes it possible to evaluate skeletal defects produced by experiments on gene interactions, such as gain‐ or loss‐of function experiments. In this study, we provide a detailed description of the pattern and timing of early cartilage differentiation and development in the larval head of X. laevis. Methods used include antibody staining, confocal laser scanning microscopy and 3D‐reconstruction. Results were than compared to earlier studies based on classical histological approaches and clearing‐and‐staining. The first cartilage to chondrify is, in contrast to other vertebrates investigated so far, the ceratohyal. The components of the branchial basket chondrify in anterior‐to‐posterior direction as reported for other amphibians. Chondrification of different cartilages begins at different stages and the majority of cartilages are fully developed at Ziermann and Olsson stage 17. Our baseline data on the pattern and timing of early cartilaginous development in X. laevis is useful for evaluation of experiments which alter head skeletal development as well as for identifying heterochronic shifts in head development in other amphibians.
Palovarotene inhibits connective tissue progenitor cell proliferation in a rat model of combat‐related heterotopic ossification
Authors: Wheatley Benjamin M. , Cilwa Katherine E. , Dey Devaveena , Qureshi Ammar T. , Seavey Jonathan G. , Tomasino Allison M. , Sanders Erin M. , Bova Wesley , Boehm Cynthia A. , Iwamoto Masahiro , Potter Benjamin K. , Forsberg Jonathan A. , Muschler George F. , Davis Thomas A.
Published: September 2017

Heterotopic ossification (HO) develops in the extremities of wounded service members and is common in the setting of high‐energy penetrating injuries and blast‐related amputations. No safe and effective prophylaxis modality has been identified for this patient population. Palovarotene has been shown to reduce bone formation in traumatic and genetic models of HO. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Palovarotene on inflammation, progenitor cell proliferation, and gene expression following a blast‐related amputation in a rodent model (n = 72 animals), as well as the ability of Raman spectroscopy to detect early HO before radiographic changes are present. Treatment with Palovarotene was found to dampen the systemic inflammatory response including the cytokines IL‐6 (p = 0.01), TNF‐α (p = 0.001), and IFN‐γ (p = 0.03) as well as the local inflammatory response via a 76% reduction in the cellular infiltration at post‐operative day (POD)‐7 (p = 0.03). Palovarotene decreased osteogenic connective tissue progenitor (CTP‐O) colonies by as much as 98% both in vitro (p = 0.04) and in vivo (p = 0.01). Palovarotene treated animals exhibited significantly decreased expression of osteo‐ and chondrogenic genes by POD‐7, including BMP4 (p = 0.02). Finally, Raman spectroscopy was able to detect differences between the two groups by POD‐1 (p < 0.001). These results indicate that Palovarotene inhibits traumatic HO formation through multiple inter‐related mechanisms including anti‐inflammatory, anti‐proliferative, and gene expression modulation. Further, that Raman spectroscopy is able to detect markers of early HO formation before it becomes radiographically evident, which could facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1135–1144, 2018.
BIO alleviated compressive mechanical force‐mediated mandibular cartilage pathological changes through Wnt/β‐catenin signaling activation
Authors: Jiang Yuan‐Yuan , Wen Juan , Gong Cheng , Lin Shuang , Zhang Cai Xia , Chen Sheng , Cheng Wei , Li Huang
Published: September 2017

Osteoarthritis induced by compressive mechanical force is characterized by decreased chondrocyte proliferation and degradation of the ECM. To examine underlying mechanisms of the pathological changes of mandibular cartilage induced by compressive mechanical force, an established animal model was used to examine Wnt signaling activation by glycogen synthase kinase‐3 beta (GSK3β) inhibitor 6‐Bromoindirubin‐3′‐oxime (BIO) injection in vivo. Histological changes in mandibular cartilage were assessed via hematoxylin & eosin (HE), masson, and alcian blue staining. Immunohistochemistry and real‐time PCR were performed to evaluate activation of the Wnt signaling pathway and chondrocytes proliferation markers. Chondrocytes apoptosis was examined by TUNEL staining. During the compressive mechanical force loading‐mediated process, Wnt signaling was largely inhibited, which showed the inhibited expression of β‐catenin and the increased expression of GSK‐3β. The expression of chondrocytes proliferation markers Ki67, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) also decreased. With BIO injection, the Wnt signaling was restored and the proliferation of mandibular chondrocytes was also increased in the late stage (7 days) of compressive mechanical force loading. Finally, the decreasing mandibular cartilage thickness, the degradation of extracellular matrix, and the erosion of bone trabecula were subsequently restored. Also, the changes of extracellular matrix markers such as collagen II and collagen X, matrix metalloproteases, and inflammatory cytokines were reversed followed by the injection of BIO. In summary, compressive mechanical force decreased endogenously Wnt signaling, leading to impaired proliferation in chondrocytes and degradation in cartilage matrix. Restoration of Wnt signaling largely recovered the proliferation defects and alleviated the pathological changes of mandibular cartilage. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1228–1237, 2018.
In vitro loading models for tendon mechanobiology
Authors: Wang Tao , Chen Peilin , Zheng Monica , Wang Allan , Lloyd David , Leys Toby , Zheng Qiujian , Zheng Ming H.
Published: September 2017

Tendons are the connective tissue responsible for transferring force from muscles to bones. A key factor in tendon development, maturation, repair, and degradation is its biomechanical environment. Understanding tendon mechanobiology is essential for the development of injury prevention strategies, rehabilitation protocols and potentially novel treatments in tendon injury and degeneration. Despite the simple overall loading on tendon tissue, cells within the tissue in vivo experience a much more complex mechanical environment including tension, compression and shear forces. This creates a substantial challenge in the establishment of in vitro loading models of the tendon. This article reviews multiple loading models used for the study of tendon mechanobiology and summarizes the main findings. Although impressive progress has been achieved in the functionality and mimicry of in vitro loading models, an ideal platform is yet to be developed. Multidisciplinary approaches and collaborations will be the key to unveiling the tendon mechanobiology. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:566–575, 2018.
Flooding history of Lake Nakaumi, western Japan, inferred from sediment records spanning the past 700 years
Authors: Ota Yuki , Kawahata Hodaka , Sato Takaharu , Seto Koji
Published: September 2017

Management of flood risk can benefit from a knowledge‐based approach to flooding history. However, the data on such events are often insufficient for an objective evaluation of flooding characteristics such as their intensity. Therefore, we analyzed a 14C‐dated sediment core recovered from near the Iinashi River mouth in Lake Nakaumi, western Japan, and reconstructed flooding records over the past 700 years from rock magnetism, grain‐size distribution and sediment geochemistry. The sediment core contained three black layers, characterized by high magnetic susceptibility, low anhysteretic remanent magnetization to saturation isothermal remanent magnetization ratio, high total organic carbon (TOC) to total nitrogen ratio, and coarse mean grain size, which we identified as possible flooding event deposits. Moreover, the chemical index of alteration was low and the TOC to total sulfur ratio was high in these layers, indicating intensified erosion associated with more freshwater inflow due to the flood events. We tentatively correlated the three event deposits with historical floods along the Iinashi River in AD 1596, 1666 and 1826. The variations in rock magnetic and geochemical properties suggest that the flooding in AD 1666 may have been the least extreme of the events detected in the core.
Raman spectroscopy of methane (CH4) to 165 GPa: Effect of structural changes on Raman spectra
Authors: Proctor J.E. , Maynard‐Casely H.E. , Hakeem M.A. , Cantiah D.
Published: September 2017

We have conducted a Raman study of methane (CH4), a major constituent of the outer planets, at pressures up to 165 GPa. We observe splitting of the principal Raman‐active vibrational mode above 45 GPa and a nonlinear dependence of Raman peak position on pressure. A discontinuous change in the pressure derivative of the ν3 peak position is observed at approximately 75 GPa, corresponding to the phase change previously observed using X‐ray diffraction. The Grüneisen parameters for the principal Raman‐active modes of methane in the simple cubic and high‐pressure cubic phases are calculated. The predicted dissociation of methane at ultrahigh pressure to form C2H6 and H2 is not observed, but an additional discontinuous change in the pressure‐induced shift of the Raman peaks is observed at 110 GPa. We suggest that this may be due to some reorientation or reordering of the methane molecules within the framework of the known cubic lattice.
Through barrier detection of ethanol using handheld Raman spectroscopy—Conventional Raman versus spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS)
Authors: Nicolson Fay , Jamieson Lauren E. , Mabbott Samuel , Shand Neil C. , Graham Duncan , Faulds Karen
Published: September 2017

Spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) provides chemical analysis at depth even when obscuring barriers such as plastic or tissue are present. As the collection probe is moved further away from the point of laser excitation, scattered photons from deeper layers begin to dominate the acquired spectra, thus giving rise to through barrier detection. Here, we demonstrate the potential of conventional Raman (CR) and SORS for through barrier detection using handheld spectrometers. We report the collection of Raman signals from an ethanol solution through plastic at thicknesses of up to 21 mm using SORS in combination with multivariate analysis. SORS is compared to CR, where we also demonstrate impressive through barrier detection of ethanol at depths up to 9 mm. We also highlight the advantage of applying multivariate analysis for through barrier detection using CR or SORS, particularly when peaks with similar spectral features are present in both the barrier and analyte spectra. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the assessment of the maximum level of through barrier detection using handheld CR and SORS instruments with a backscattering geometry.
Polarized Raman scattering on single crystals of rare earth orthochromite RCrO3 (R = La, Pr, Nd, and Sm)
Authors: Camara Nimbo Robert , Ta Phuoc Vinh , Monot‐Laffez Isabelle , Zaghrioui Mustapha
Published: September 2017

We report on polarized Raman scattering on orthorhombic RCrO3 (R = La, Pr, Nd, and Sm) single crystals at room temperature. The analysis of polarized Raman spectra as a function of polarizer and analyzer angles with respect to crystallographic axes allowed to observe in these flux grown crystals phonon modes that were not detected yet. On the basis of both Raman selection rules and lattice dynamics calculations within density functional perturbations theory framework, the observed Ag, B1g, B2g, and B3g phonon modes were unambiguously assigned. Phonon mode wave number evolutions as a function of orthorhombic distortion, related to rare earth ionic radius, were investigated and highlighted a complex behavior for several low wave number modes allowed crossing. For the modes of same symmetry, a mode mixing behavior is observed, and numerical calculations based on two or three coupling systems were performed to fit experimental data and to extract the coupling constants.
Surface structure of cobalt, palladium, and mixed oxide‐based catalysts and their activity in methane combustion studied by means of micro‐Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Chlebda Damian K. , Jędrzejczyk Roman J. , Jodłowski Przemysław J. , Łojewska Joanna
Published: September 2017

This paper reports the results of the study of surface properties and catalytic activity of cobalt, palladium, and mixed oxide catalysts supported on alumina. Catalytic materials were prepared by the wetness impregnation method directly from solutions of metal salts and using the ultrasound irradiation. The material surface was investigated by micro‐Raman spectroscopy, and the activity in methane combustion was monitored. The results indicated the presence of different metal oxides on the catalysts' surfaces. Cobalt spinel Co3O4 was the main phase of the cobalt catalysts as well as species resulted from interactions with alumina support. In the case of palladium catalysts, the PdO was most prevalent. The article also discusses the observed variation in band position in the Raman spectra and compares the band assignment with literature data. The palladium and mixed oxide catalysts showed average conversion higher than 50% for methane combustion at 673.15 K (400 °C) especially those after sonication.
Transcriptomic variation in proanthocyanidin biosynthesis pathway genes in soybean (Glycine spp.)
Authors: Ha Jungmin , Kim Myoyeon , Kim Moon Young , Lee Taeyoung , Yoon Min Young , Lee Jayern , Lee Yeong‐Ho , Kang Young‐Gyu , Park Jun Seong , Lee John Hwan , Lee Suk‐Ha
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Proanthocyanidins are oligomeric or polymeric end products of flavonoid metabolic pathways starting with the central phenylpropanoid pathway. Although soybean (Glycine spp.) seeds represent a major source of nutrients for the human diet, as well as components for the cosmetics industry as a result of their high levels of flavonoid metabolites, including isoflavonoids, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in soybean remain unclear.

RESULTS

We evaluated interspecific and intraspecific variability in flavonoid components in soybean using 43 cultivars, landraces and wild soybean accessions. We performed transcriptomic profiling of genes encoding enzymes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis using three soybean genotypes, Hwangkeum (elite cultivar), IT109098 (landrace) and IT182932 (wild accession), in seeds. We identified a Glycine max landrace, IT109098, with a proanthocyanidin content as high as that of wild soybean. Different homologous genes for anthocyanidin reductase, which is involved in proanthocyanidin biosynthesis, were detected as differentially expressed genes between IT109098 and IT182932 compared to Hwangkeum.

CONCLUSION

We detected major differences in the transcriptional levels of genes involved in the biosynthesis of proanthocyanidin and anthocyanin among genotypes beginning at the early stage of seed development. The results of the present study provide insights into the underlying genetic variation in proanthocyanidin biosynthesis among soybean genotypes. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Micro‐organisms growing on rapeseed during storage affect the profile of volatile compounds of virgin rapeseed oil
Authors: Wagner Claudia , Bonte Anja , Brühl Ludger , Niehaus Karsten , Bednarz Hanna , Matthäus Bertrand
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Micro‐organisms populate on rapeseed after harvest during storage depending on the growing conditions. The composition of the bacterial colonization is unknown, although its contribution to the profile of volatile aroma‐active compounds determines the sensory quality of virgin cold‐pressed rapeseed oil.

RESULTS

From four rapeseed samples, 46 bacterial strains were isolated. By DNA‐sequencing, the identification of four bacteria species and 17 bacteria genera was possible. In total, 22 strains were selected, based on their typical off‐flavors resembling those of virgin sensory bad cold‐pressed rapeseed oils. The cultivation of these strains on rapeseed meal agar and examination of volatile compounds by solid phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry allowed the identification of 29 different compounds, mainly degradation products of fatty acids such as alkanes, alkenes, aldehydes, ketones and alcohols and, in addition, sulfur‐containing compounds, including one terpene and three pyrazines. From these compounds, 19 are described as aroma‐active in the literature.

CONCLUSION

Micro‐organisms populating on rapeseed during storage may strongly influence the sensory quality of virgin rapeseed oil as a result of the development of volatile aroma‐active metabolic products. It can be assumed that occurrence of off‐flavor of virgin rapeseed oils on the market are the result of metabolic degradation products produced by micro‐organisms populating on rapeseed during storage. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of the quality consistency of powdered poppy capsule extractive by an averagely linear‐quantified fingerprint method in combination with antioxidant activities and two compounds analyses
Authors: Zhang Yujing , Sun Guoxiang , Hou Zhifei , Yan Bo , Zhang Jing
Published: September 2017

A novel averagely linear‐quantified fingerprint method was proposed and successfully applied to monitor the quality consistency of alkaloids in powdered poppy capsule extractive. Averagely linear‐quantified fingerprint method provided accurate qualitative and quantitative similarities for chromatographic fingerprints of Chinese herbal medicines. The stability and operability of the averagely linear‐quantified fingerprint method were verified by the parameter r. The average linear qualitative similarity (improved based on conventional qualitative “Similarity”) was used as a qualitative criterion in the averagely linear‐quantified fingerprint method, and the average linear quantitative similarity was introduced as a quantitative one. was able to identify the difference in the content of all the chemical components. In addition, was found to be highly correlated to the contents of two alkaloid compounds (morphine and codeine). A simple flow injection analysis was developed for the determination of antioxidant capacity in Chinese Herbal Medicines, which was based on the scavenging of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical by antioxidants. The fingerprint–efficacy relationship linking chromatographic fingerprints and antioxidant activities was investigated utilizing orthogonal projection to latent structures method, which provided important pharmacodynamic information for Chinese herbal medicines quality control. In summary, quantitative fingerprinting based on averagely linear‐quantified fingerprint method can be applied for monitoring the quality consistency of Chinese herbal medicines, and the constructed orthogonal projection to latent structures model is particularly suitable for investigating the fingerprint–efficacy relationship.
Assessment of Virtual Touch Tissue Imaging Quantification and the Ultrasound Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System in Patients With Thyroid Nodules Referred for Biopsy
Authors: Mao Feng , Xu Hui‐Xiong , Zhou Hang , Bo Xiao‐Wan , Li Xiao‐Long , Li Dan‐Dan , Liu Bo‐Ji , Zhang Yi‐Feng , Xu Jun‐Mei , Qu Shen
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of Virtual Touch tissue imaging quantification (VTIQ; Siemens Medical Solutions, Mountain View, CA) in combination with the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI‐RADS) for assessing thyroid nodules referred for biopsy.

Methods

A total of 197 surgically or cytologically proven thyroid nodules in 187 patients were included. Nodules evaluated by conventional ultrasound (US) and VTIQ examinations were classified into US TI‐RADS categories. The shear wave velocity (SWV) on VTIQ was assessed, and the cutoff value was obtained from a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Diagnostic performances of conventional US, VTIQ, and their combination were compared.

Results

There were 134 benign and 63 malignant nodules. The sensitivity and specificity for the US TI‐RADS were 98.4% and 20.1%, respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the mean, maximum, minimum, and ratio of the SWV were 0.818, 0.805, 0.799, and 0.728. With a cutoff value of 2.90 m/s, the sensitivity and specificity of the mean SWV were 71.4% and 82.8%. By applying this value or less as a standard for downgrading TI‐RADS category 4a to category 3 lesions, the specificity significantly rose from 20.1% to 47.0% (P < .001) without a loss of sensitivity.

Conclusions

The additional application of VTIQ can improve the specificity of the TI‐RADS for evaluating thyroid nodules without a loss of sensitivity.
A coupled metabolic‐hydraulic model and calibration scheme for estimating whole‐river metabolism during dynamic flow conditions
Authors: Payn R. A. , Hall R. O. , Kennedy T. A. , Poole G. C. , Marshall L. A.
Published: September 2017

Conventional methods for estimating whole‐stream metabolic rates from measured dissolved oxygen dynamics do not account for the variation in solute transport times created by dynamic flow conditions. Changes in flow at hourly time scales are common downstream of hydroelectric dams (i.e., hydropeaking), and hydrologic limitations of conventional metabolic models have resulted in a poor understanding of the controls on biological production in these highly managed river ecosystems. To overcome these limitations, we coupled a two‐station metabolic model of dissolved oxygen dynamics with a hydrologic river routing model. We designed calibration and parameter estimation tools to infer values for hydrologic and metabolic parameters based on time series of water quality data, achieving the ultimate goal of estimating whole‐river gross primary production and ecosystem respiration during dynamic flow conditions. Our case study data for model design and calibration were collected in the tailwater of Glen Canyon Dam (Arizona, U.S.A.), a large hydropower facility where the mean discharge was 325 m3 s−1 and the average daily coefficient of variation of flow was 0.17 (i.e., the hydropeaking index averaged from 2006 to 2016). We demonstrate the coupled model's conceptual consistency with conventional models during steady flow conditions, and illustrate the potential bias in metabolism estimates with conventional models during unsteady flow conditions. This effort contributes an approach to solute transport modeling and parameter estimation that allows study of whole‐ecosystem metabolic regimes across a more diverse range of hydrologic conditions commonly encountered in streams and rivers.
Influence of temperature on the oxidation behavior of an austenitic steel in deaerated supercritical water
Authors: Zhang Naiqiang , Zhu Zhongliang , Cao Qi , Gui Jiajia , Xu Hong
Published: September 2017

The oxidation behavior of austenitic steel TP347HFG exposed to deaerated supercritical water was investigated over a temperature range of 600–700 °C at 25 MPa for exposure time up to 1000 h. The weight gain indicates the oxidation kinetics follow a linear law at 600 °C but obey a near‐parabolic law at 650 and 700 °C. Higher temperature and longer exposure time lead to the formation of a large amount of pores in the outer magnetite layer, which may be caused by vacancy condensation. A double layer oxide scale developed on TP347HFG steel, which was mainly composed of an outer magnetite layer and an inner Cr‐rich oxide layer. In addition, more Cr‐rich oxides formed near the interface of the substrate and oxides. The influence of temperature on the oxidation kinetics and oxide structures was discussed in this study.
House of Cards Nanostructuring of Graphene Oxide and Montmorillonite Clay for Oil–Water Separation
Authors: Mangadlao Joey Dacula , Lim Kramer Joseph , Danda Chaitanya , Dalida Maria Lourdes , Advincula Rigoberto C.
Published: September 2017

Noncovalent interactions are ubiquitous in our daily living. Nature employs hydrophobic effects, π–π interactions, hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and electrostatic interactions in many biological processes such as protein folding. In the same manner, scientists exploit this plethora of inherently reversible noncovalent interactions as dials to design robust and smart materials. Electrostatic interaction is particularly interesting due to the simplicity of its concept, i.e., opposite charges attract. However, to our knowledge, the electrostatic interaction between two different 2D nanomaterials has not been investigated in literature. A myriad of natural and synthetic 2D nanomaterials should be explored for what may be an exciting cocktail of synergistic and tunable properties brought about by their charges and physical properties. This contribution highlights an interesting phenomena when organic, negatively charged graphene oxide and inorganic, positively charged montmorillonite (MMT) clay edges are brought into contact.
Tunable Dual‐Thermoresponsive Core–Shell Nanogels Exhibiting UCST and LCST Behavior
Authors: Rajan Robin , Matsumura Kazuaki
Published: September 2017

Thermoresponsive polymers change their physical properties as the temperature is changed and have found extensive use in a number of fields, especially in tissue engineering and in the development of drug delivery systems. The synthesis of a novel core–shell nanogel composed of N‐isopropylacrylamide and sulfobetaine by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization is reported. The core–shell architecture of the nanogels is confirmed using energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy in scanning transmission electron microscopy. These nanogels exhibit dual thermoresponsive behavior, i.e., the core of the nanogel exhibits lower critical solution temperature, while the shell displays upper critical solution temperature behavior. Transition temperatures can be easily tuned by changing the molecular weight of the constituent polymer. These nanogels can be efficiently used in temperature‐triggered delivery of therapeutic proteins and drugs.
Dynamic Docking and Undocking Processes Addressing Selectively the Outside and Inside of Polymersomes
Authors: Iyisan Banu , Siedel Anna Charlott , Gumz Hannes , Yassin Mohamed , Kluge Jörg , Gaitzsch Jens , Formanek Petr , Moreno Silvia , Voit Brigitte , Appelhans Dietmar
Published: September 2017

Increasing complexity and diversity of polymersomes and their compartments is a key issue for mimicking cellular functions and protocells. Thus, new challenges arise in terms of achieving tunable membrane permeability and combining it with control over the membrane diffusion process, and thus enabling a localized and dynamic control of functionality and docking possibilities within or on the surface of polymeric compartments. This study reports the concept of polymersomes with pH‐tunable membrane permeability for controlling sequential docking and undocking processes of small molecules and nanometer‐sized protein mimics selectively on the inside and outside of the polymersome membrane as a further step toward the design of intelligent multifunctional compartments for use in synthetic biology and as protocells. Host–guest interactions between adamantane and β‐cyclodextrin as well as noncovalent interactions between poly(ethylene glycol) tails and β‐cyclodextrin are used to achieve selective and dynamic functionalization of the inner and outer spheres of the polymersome membrane.
Self‐Assembly Drug Delivery System Based on Programmable Dendritic Peptide Applied in Multidrug Resistance Tumor Therapy
Authors: Chen Si , Fan Jin‐Xuan , Qiu Wen‐Xiu , Liu Li‐Han , Cheng Han , Liu Fan , Yan Guo‐Ping , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: September 2017

In recent decades, diverse drug delivery systems (DDS) constructed by self‐assembly of dendritic peptides have shown advantages and improvable potential for cancer treatment. Here, an arginine‐enriched dendritic amphiphilic chimeric peptide CRRK(RRCG(Fmoc))2 containing multiple thiol groups is programmed to form drug‐loaded nano‐micelles by self‐assembly. With a rational design, the branched hydrophobic groups (Fmoc) of the peptides provide a strong hydrophobic force to prevent the drug from premature release, and the reduction‐sensitive disulfide linkages formed between contiguous peptides can control drug release under reducing stimulation. As expected, specific to multidrug resistance (MDR) tumor cells, the arginine‐enriched peptide/drug (PD) nano‐micelles show accurate nuclear localization ability to prevent the drug being pumped by P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) in vitro, as well as exhibiting satisfactory efficacy for MDR tumor treatment in vivo. This design successfully realizes stimuli‐responsive drug release aimed at MDR tumor cells via an ingenious sequence arrangement.
Valuation of R&D investment under technological, market, and rival preemption uncertainty
Authors: Nishihara Michi
Published: September 2017

We develop a real options model for evaluating and optimizing a research and development (R&D) project. The model captures key features of R&D, including research duration, growth opportunity, debt financing, and uncertainty of technology, demand market, and rival preemption. In the model, we unveil the interactions of key R&D features. The effect of duration on investment depends on whether there is rival preemption. Higher uncertainty of research duration speeds up investment in the presence of rival preemption. Higher uncertainty of technological success, combined with a growth opportunity, accelerates investment. Debt financing greatly decreases time lag between the first stage project and growth project.
Impulse control disorders in advanced Parkinson's disease with dyskinesia: The ALTHEA study
Authors: Biundo Roberta , Weis Luca , Abbruzzese Giovanni , Calandra‐Buonaura Giovanna , Cortelli Pietro , Jori Maria Cristina , Lopiano Leonardo , Marconi Roberto , Matinella Angela , Morgante Francesca , Nicoletti Alessandra , Tamburini Tiziano , Tinazzi Michele , Zappia Mario , Vorovenci Ruxandra Julia , Antonini Angelo
Published: September 2017

Background

Impulse control disorders and dyskinesia are common and disabling complications of dopaminergic treatment in Parkinson's disease. They may coexist and are possibly related. The objectives of this study were to assess the frequency and severity of impulse control disorders in Parkinson's disease patients with dyskinesia.

Methods

The ALTHEA study enrolled 251 Parkinson's disease patients with various degrees of dyskinesia severity from 11 movement disorders centers in Italy. Each patient underwent a comprehensive assessment including Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale and the Questionnaire for Impulsive Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson Disease‐Rating Scale.

Results

There was an overall 55% frequency of impulse control disorder and related behaviors (36% were clinically significant). The positive patients were younger at disease diagnosis and onset and had higher Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale historical and total score (P= 0.001 andP= 0.02, respectively, vs negative). There was an increased frequency of clinically significant impulse control disorders in patients with severe dyskinesia (P= 0.013), a positive correlation between the questionnaire total score and dopamine agonist dose (P= 0.018), and a trend with levodopa dose.

Conclusions

More than half of Parkinson's disease patients with dyskinesia have impulse control disorders and related behaviors, which are frequently clinically significant. Dopaminergic therapy total dose is associated with their severity. Clinicians should carefully assess patients with maladaptive behaviors and dyskinesia because they do not properly evaluate their motor and nonmotor status. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A holistic approach to mitigating DoS attacks in SDN networks
Authors: Dridi Lobna , Zhani Mohamed Faten
Published: September 2017

Software‐defined networking (SDN) has recently emerged as a new networking technology offering an unprecedented programmability that allows network operators to dynamically manage their infrastructures. However, despite these benefits, deny‐of‐service (DoS) attacks are considered a major threat to such networks, as they can easily overload the SDN controller and flood switch forwarding tables, resulting in a critical degradation of the network performance. To address this issue, we propose SDN‐Guard, a novel holistic approach to protect SDN networks against DoS attacks. Software‐defined networking–Guard leverages an intrusion detection system (IDS) to detect potential DoS attacks and then efficiently mitigate their impact by dynamically (1) rerouting malicious traffic, (2) adjusting flow time‐outs, and (3) aggregating flow rules. This paper extends our previous work by proposing solutions to minimize the switch‐to‐IDS traffic without impacting the IDS accuracy. We hence propose to use sampling techniques and devise an integer linear program to find the optimal placement for the IDS and to determine the switches that should mirror the flows towards it so as to minimize network bandwidth consumption. Extensive experiments using Mininet show that SDN‐Guard maintains network performance during DoS attacks and succeeds in reducing by up to 32% their impact on controller performance, usage of switch forwarding tables, and control plane bandwidth. Furthermore, our results show that carefully placing the IDS and selecting the switches mirroring, the traffic can reduce by up to 90% the switch‐to‐IDS traffic. They also show that the IDS accuracy remains at 100% by analyzing only 11% of the network traffic.
How can Public Professional Services be Restored in a Weak State? Options for Animal Health in Congo's South Kivu
Authors: Leonard David K. , Mushi Mugumo F. , Robinson Timothy P.
Published: September 2017

How does one deal with a shortcoming in a public service when even a state “pocket of effectiveness” is unlikely to fill it directly? In the Belgian colonial era, South Kivu Province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo had a vibrant animal production system, which then was shattered by successive wars. The regeneration of Kivu's livestock industry is greatly constrained by the unreliability of the province's state and private animal health services, which have become commercialized and are unable to overcome the asymmetric information problem inherent to the professions and provide the trustworthy effectiveness farmers need to use them effectively. The Congolese state is unlikely to be able to fill this gap itself. Nonetheless, it can be an architect of solutions to the problem. We were able to identify in the local institutional repertoire at least four possible ways policy‐makers could use non‐governmental organizations to provide missing trustworthiness to the market. This conclusion is hopeful for places with development potential that have weak states and imperfect markets. © 2017 International Livestock Research Institute. Public Administration and Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chitosan‐based composite membranes containing chitosan‐coated carbon nanotubes for polymer electrolyte membranes
Authors: Ou Ying , Tsen Wen‐Chin , Gong Chunli , Wang Jie , Liu Hai , Zheng Genwen , Qin Caiqin , Wen Sheng
Published: September 2017

Considering the poor dispersion and inert ionic conduction ability of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), functionalization of CNTs is a critical issue for their application in polymer electrolyte membranes. Herein, CNTs were functionalized by the polyelectrolyte, chitosan (CS), via a facile noncovalent surface‐deposition method. The obtained CS‐coated CNTs (CS@CNTs) were then incorporated into the CS matrix and fabricated composite membranes. The CS coating can enhance the compatibility between CNTs and the matrix, thus ensuring the homogenous dispersion of CS@CNTs and effectively improved the mechanical properties of the composites. Moreover, the CS coating can make CS@CNTs act as an additional proton‐conducting pathway through the membranes. The CS/CS@CNTs‐1 composite shows the highest proton conductivity of 3.46 × 10−2 S cm−1at 80°C, which is about 1.5‐fold of the conductivity of pure CS membrane. Consequently, the single cell equipped with CS/CS@CNTs‐1 membrane exhibits a peak power density of 47.5 mW cm−2, which is higher than that of pure CS (36.1 mW cm−2).