bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic N‐Heterocyclic Carbene/Palladium‐Catalyzed Reactions of Aldehyde Acyl Anions with either Diarylmethyl or Allylic Carbonates
Authors: Yasuda Shigeo , Ishii Takuya , Takemoto Shunsuke , Haruki Hiroki , Ohmiya Hirohisa
Published: January 2018

Benzylation and allylation of aldehyde acyl anions were enabled by the merger of a thiazolium N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyst and a palladium/bisphosphine catalyst in a synergistic manner. Owing to the mildness of the reaction conditions, various functional groups were tolerated in the substrates.
Stability and rheological study of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and alginate suspensions as binders for lithium ion batteries
Authors: García Alberto , Culebras Mario , Collins Maurice N. , Leahy James J.
Published: January 2018

Currently, the most widely used binder in batteries is polyvinylidene fluoride with N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone used as a solvent. This solvent is flammable and toxic. Here, we focus on the suitability of using water‐soluble sodium alginate (Na‐alginate) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na‐CMC) as alternative biobased binder materials for the anodes of lithium ion batteries. It reduces the environmental impact of current manufacturing processes. However, control of the rheological characteristics of the binder whilst containing active and conductive additives is key for optimized processing. Here, we perform stability and rheological measurements of Na‐alginate and Na‐CMC solutions containing varying amounts of graphite and carbon black used as active and conductive materials, respectively. Compared with the benchmark Na‐CMC, the degree of flocculation shows that for the same concentration of binder in water, Na‐alginate suspensions are more stable. The rheology measurements show that Na‐alginate slurries have a higher viscosity than Na‐CMC at a shear rate of 50 s−1 with that for a 1.5% of Na‐alginate binder being 1.26 Pa s while for Na‐CMC it was for 0.20 Pa s. The loss factor was lower for Na‐Alginate, between 2 and 3 against between 2.9 and 3.3 for Na‐CMC, showing a more developed network structure. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46217.
Biological evaluation and pharmacophore modeling of some benzoxazoles and their possible metabolites
Authors: Zilifdar Fatma , Foto Egemen , Ertan‐Bolelli Tugba , Aki‐Yalcin Esin , Yalcin Ismail , Diril Nuran
Published: January 2018

A series of benzoxazole derivatives and some possible primary metabolites were evaluated as anticancer agents. In vitro anti‐proliferative activities of the compounds were tested using the SRB assay on cancerous (HeLa) and non‐cancerous (L929) cell lines. It was found that 17 of 21 tested compounds had cytotoxic activity on HeLa cells and the cytotoxic activities of the compounds were 15–700 times higher than on L929 cells. We generated two distinct pharmacophore models for the cytotoxic activities of the compounds on HeLa and L929 cells. While active compounds such as camptothecin and X8 fitted the two models generated for both cell lines, selective cytotoxic compounds such as XT3B fitted only the model generated for HeLa cells. Evaluation of the genotoxic activities of the cytotoxic compounds with the alkaline comet assay revealed that compounds X17 and XT3 showed strong genotoxic effects against HeLa cells at low concentrations whereas they had no genotoxic effect on L929 cells. Due to the selective ability for inducing DNA strand breaks only on cancerous cells, the compounds were identified as effective derivatives for anticancer candidates.
Validation of the V‐RESOLVE (Visual Estimation for Risk prEdiction of Side Branch OccLusion in Coronary Bifurcation interVEntion) score system
Authors: He Yuan , Zhang Dong , Yin Dong , Zhu Chen'gang , Feng Lei , Song Chenxi , Chen Changzhe , Xu Bo , Dou Kefei
Published: January 2018

Objectives

This study sought to validate the V‐RESOLVE score system.

Background

The V‐RESOLVE score was developed to predict the risk of side branch (SB) occlusion after stenting in the main vessel (MV) of coronary bifurcation lesions based on visual estimation of the angiographic data, but it needed to be validated.

Methods

From January to June 2013, 1,286 patients with 1,820 bifurcation lesions undergoing elective intervention with provisional strategy were included. Angiographic data before MV stenting were reviewed, and the V‐RESOLVE score was calculated. SB occlusion was defined as any decrease in thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade or the absence of flow in the SB after MV stenting. The statistical performance of the prediction model was assessed by its discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness.

Results

SB occlusion occurred in 222 (12.20%) of 1,820 bifurcation lesions. The discrimination of the V‐RESOLVE score for the validation cohort was good [C‐statistic: 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77–0.84]. Regarding calibration performance, the calibration‐in‐the‐large was −0.03 (95% CI: −0.181 to 0.12), while the combined predictive effect was slightly enlarged (calibration slope: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.081–1.41) and, mainly attributed to the stronger predictive effect of the diameter stenosis of the SB before MV stenting. Stratified by the V‐RESOLVE score, the SB occlusion rate was significantly higher in the high‐risk group (26.18%) than in the non‐high‐risk group (3.48%).

Conclusions

The V‐RESOLVE score system is a useful tool to help risk prediction for SB occlusion and decision‐making in bifurcation intervention.
The “double stingray technique” for recanalizing chronic total occlusions with bifurcation at the distal cap
Authors: Tajti Peter , Doshi Darshan , Karmpaliotis Dimitri , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: January 2018

Antegrade dissection re‐entry is often discouraged for chronic total occlusions (CTOs) with a bifurcation at the distal cap due to risk of side branch occlusion that can lead to periprocedural myocardial infarction and incomplete revascularization. Antegrade dissection re‐entry, however, is often needed, especially in complex cases. We present the novel “double Stingray technique” for CTOs involving bifurcations, in which the Stingray system is used twice for re‐entry into both vessel branches, followed by two‐stent bifurcation stenting to maintain the patency of both branches.
Incidence, predictors, and midterm clinical outcomes of left ventricular obstruction after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Tsuruta Hikaru , Hayashida Kentaro , Yashima Fumiaki , Yanagisawa Ryo , Tanaka Makoto , Arai Takahide , Minakata Yugo , Itabashi Yuji , Murata Mitsushige , Kohsaka Shun , Maekawa Yuichiro , Takahashi Tatsuo , Yoshitake Akihiro , Shimizu Hideyuki , Fukuda Keiichi
Published: January 2018

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the incidence and midterm clinical outcomes of left ventricular obstruction (LVO) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Backgrounds

LVO is occasionally unmasked following valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis. However, little is known about the prevalence and effects of LVO after TAVI.

Methods

A total of 158 patients who underwent TAVI in our center between October 2013 and November 2015 received echocardiographic evaluations at baseline; before hospital discharge; and at 3, 6, and 12 months after TAVI. LVO was defined as a peak pressure gradient >30 mm Hg.

Results

Over 1 year of follow‐up after TAVI, 21 patients (13.3%) demonstrated postprocedural LVO. The incidence was highest at 3‐months follow‐up and decreased at 6 months or later. Of the 21 patients with LVO, 20 (95.2%) demonstrated midventricular obstruction (MVO), whereas only 1 (4.8%) showed obstruction of the outflow tract (LVOT) with systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral leaflet. In a multivariate analysis, the LVOT diameter (odds ratio [OR], 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30–0.67; P < 0.001), transvalvular velocity (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.13–5.26; P = 0.023), and the presence of accelerated intraventricular flow at baseline (OR, 6.13; 95% CI, 1.49–25.2; P = 0.012) were associated with the occurrence of LVO. Postprocedural LVO was not associated with midterm all‐cause death or heart failure events.

Conclusion

In patients who underwent TAVI, MVO occurred more often than LVOT obstruction. However, the occurrence of postprocedural LVO was not associated with worsened clinical outcomes in these patients.
High‐Voltage Li2SiO3−LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Hollow Spheres Prepared through In Situ Aerosol Spray Pyrolysis towards High‐Energy Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Jiang , Nie Ping , Jiang Jiangmin , Wu Yuting , Fu Ruirui , Xu Guiyin , Zhang Yadi , Dou Hui , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: January 2018

High‐voltage Li2SiO3‐composited LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 hollow spheres synthesized through a scalable in situ aerosol spray pyrolysis process combined with short‐term high‐temperature calcination are investigated as an ultralong‐life cathode for high‐energy Li‐ion batteries. The phase structure, morphology, and valence state of the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/Li2SiO3 composites are investigated by using X‐ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The three‐dimensional Li‐ion conductor Li2SiO3 can effectively enhance the Li+ diffusion rate, alleviate the side reactions, and reduce the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) as a protective layer between the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 electrode and electrolyte interfaces. Li2SiO3‐composited LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 has a better rate and cycling performance, especially long cycling performance. After 500 cycles at 25 °C at 1 C, the capacity retention of the composite is 93.28 %, and the capacity retention is 81.23 % after 400 cycles at 50 °C at 1 C rate. The excellent long cycling and capacity retention indicate that the three‐dimensional Li‐ion conductor Li2SiO3 composite with LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 is a promising material for high‐energy Li‐ion batteries.
Axially chiral Ni(II) complexes of α‐amino acids: Separation of enantiomers and kinetics of racemization
Authors: Zhang Wenzhong , Ekomo Romuald Eto , Roussel Christian , Moriwaki Hiroki , Abe Hidenori , Han Jianlin , Soloshonok Vadim A.
Published: January 2018

Herein we present design, synthesis, chiral HPLC resolution, and kinetics of racemization of axially chiral Ni(II) complexes of glycine and di‐(benzyl)glycine Schiff bases. We found that while the ortho‐fluoro derivatives are configurationally unstable, the pure enantiomers of corresponding axially chiral ortho‐chloro‐containing complexes can be isolated by preparative HPLC and show exceptional configurational stability (t1/2 from 4 to 216 centuries) at ambient conditions. Synthetic implications of this discovery for the development of new generation of axially chiral auxiliaries, useful for general asymmetric synthesis of α‐amino acids, are discussed.
Screening of a Drug Library Identifies Inhibitors of Cell Intoxication by CNF1
Authors: Mahtal Nassim , Brewee Clémence , Pichard Sylvain , Visvikis Orane , Cintrat Jean‐Christophe , Barbier Julien , Lemichez Emmanuel , Gillet Daniel
Published: January 2018

Cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1) is a toxin produced by pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli responsible for extra‐intestinal infections. CNF1 deamidates Rac1, thereby triggering its permanent activation and worsening inflammatory reactions. Activated Rac1 is prone to proteasomal degradation. There is no targeted therapy against CNF1, despite its clinical relevance. In this work we developed a fluorescent cell‐based immunoassay to screen for inhibitors of CNF1‐induced Rac1 degradation among 1120 mostly approved drugs. Eleven compounds were found to prevent CNF1‐induced Rac1 degradation, and five also showed a protective effect against CNF1‐induced multinucleation. Finally, lasalocid, monensin, bepridil, and amodiaquine protected cells from both diphtheria toxin and CNF1 challenges. These data highlight the potential for drug repurposing to fight several bacterial infections and Rac1‐based diseases.
Expression of microRNAs in the ascites of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis and peritonitis
Authors: Schindler Philipp , Kupcinskas Juozas , Juzenas Simonas , Skieceviciene Jurgita , Salteniene Violeta , Schulz Christian , Weigt Jochen , Malfertheiner Peter , Link Alexander
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PCA) has a prognostic role in patients with gastrointestinal cancers. The differential diagnosis may be challenging due to the low sensitivity of cytology. Although microRNAs (miRNAs) have been a focus of various specimens and diseases, to the best of the authors' knowledge only limited knowledge exists regarding ascites. Herein, the authors systematically evaluated preanalytical factors and the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers of ascites.

METHODS

The authors prospectively analyzed samples from patients with PCA, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), and portal hypertension (no SBP/PCA). Various preanalytical factors such as extraction kits, sample storage, stability, and processing were systematically evaluated. MiRNA expression profiling using TaqMan Low Density Array and quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate miRNA expression.

RESULTS

All selected miRNAs were found to be reliably detectable in ascites samples. Ascites miRNAs were well preserved from degradation with required short‐term and long‐term stability. MiRNA expression profiling in patients with PCA compared with those with no SBP/PCA revealed miR‐21, miR‐186, miR‐222, and miR‐483‐5p to be upregulated and miR‐26b to be downregulated. MiRNA expression validation analysis confirmed higher expression levels of miR‐21 and miR‐186 in patients with PCA compared with those with no SBP/PCA, whereas miR‐223 was significantly upregulated in patients with SBP. A simple proportion score between miR‐21 and miR‐223 allowed the authors to discriminate between the patients with PCA and those with SBP with an area under the curve of 0.982 (95% confidence interval, 0.943‐1.022).

CONCLUSIONS

The data from the current study provide novel evidence of the differential expression of miRNAs in ascites from patients with PCA and SBP, which may offer an additional miRNA‐based molecular approach for the differential diagnosis of PCA. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;126:353‐63. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
When words matter: A “suspicious” urinary tract cytology diagnosis improves patient follow‐up among nonurologists
Authors: Fite J. Judd , Rosenthal Dorothy L. , VandenBussche Christopher J.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract cytology (UTC) specimens diagnosed using high‐risk indeterminate categories such as “atypical urothelial cells, cannot exclude high‐grade urothelial carcinoma” (AUC‐H) or “suspicious for high‐grade urothelial carcinoma” (SHGUC) have a high rate of detection of high‐grade urothelial carcinoma on subsequent biopsy. Although urologists are familiar with such terminology, it is unclear whether patients receive appropriate follow‐up when UTC is ordered by nonurologists. In the current study, the authors investigated whether the use of AUC‐H versus SHGUC altered patient management among nonurologists.

METHODS

Specimens signed out as AUC‐H or SHGUC were identified from the archives of the study institution, which included periods of time before the use of the standardized Johns Hopkins Hospital template, during use of the Johns Hopkins Hospital template, and after institution of The Paris System for Reporting Urinary Cytology.

RESULTS

Approximately one‐half of the specimens diagnosed as AUC‐H were not investigated further when ordered by nonurologists. Patients with specimens diagnosed as AUC‐H received fewer subsequent biopsies (14% vs 53%; P < .001) when the specimens were ordered by nonurologists versus urologists, despite having similar rates of high‐grade urothelial carcinoma on follow‐up biopsy (67% vs 66%). When specimens ordered by nonurologists were diagnosed as SHGUC, these patients received more follow‐up (100%) compared with those whose specimens were diagnosed as AUC‐H (44%; P < .001). Patients with specimens ordered by nonurologists also received more follow‐up biopsies when these were diagnosed as suspicious (60%) compared with patients whose specimens were diagnosed as AUC‐H (14%; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the word “suspicious” for the high‐risk indeterminate category results in greater follow‐up among nonurologists ordering UTC specimens. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;126:282‐8. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Assessment of mechanical properties of human head tissues for trauma modelling
Authors: Lozano‐Mínguez Estívaliz , Palomar Marta , Infante‐García Diego , Rupérez María José , Giner Eugenio
Published: January 2018

Many discrepancies are found in the literature regarding the damage and constitutive models for head tissues as well as the values of the constants involved in the constitutive equations. Their proper definition is required for consistent numerical model performance when predicting human head behaviour, and hence skull fracture and brain damage. The objective of this research is to perform a critical review of constitutive models and damage indicators describing human head tissue response under impact loading. A 3D finite element human head model has been generated by using computed tomography images, which has been validated through the comparison to experimental data in the literature. The threshold values of the skull and the scalp that lead to fracture have been analysed. We conclude that (1) compact bone properties are critical in skull fracture, (2) the elastic constants of the cerebrospinal fluid affect the intracranial pressure distribution, and (3) the consideration of brain tissue as a nearly incompressible solid with a high (but not complete) water content offers pressure responses consistent with the experimental data.
Ferrocenyl GNA Nucleosides: A Bridge between Organic and Organometallic Xeno‐nucleic Acids
Authors: Skiba Joanna , Yuan Qing , Hildebrandt Alexander , Lang Heinrich , Trzybiński Damian , Woźniak Krzysztof , Balogh Ria K. , Gyurcsik Béla , Vrček Valerije , Kowalski Konrad
Published: January 2018

The enantioselective synthesis and electrochemistry of the first ferrocenyl GNA nucleosides is reported. These compounds were obtained by a Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation reaction of [3‐(N1‐thyminyl)‐1‐(ferrocenyl)]propene as S,R and R,S enantiomers in about 70 % yield with enantiomeric excesses of >99 % and 71 %, respectively. The absolute configurations of the chiral carbon atoms in the nucleosides were assigned by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis of the methyl derivatives in the solid state. The compounds were also studied with circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy in solution. The enantiomeric relationship between the S,R and R,S isomers was confirmed by the near‐mirror‐image CD spectra. The redox properties of the nucleosides and their methylated derivatives were investigated using cyclic voltammetry. The cyclic voltammograms revealed reversible redox processes for the entire series of compounds at potentials of −25 mV (for nonmethylated derivatives) and 75 mV (for methylated derivatives) versus the ferrocene/ferrocenium reference redox couple.
Queuing loss models with more alternative heterogeneous groups
Authors: Bakmaz Bojan , Bojkovic Zoran , Bakmaz Miodrag
Published: January 2018

This paper considers queuing model with 2 Poisson traffics offered to the primary group, where the rejected demands of one of them are overflowed to the alternative groups in sequence and leave the system without being served when all channels are busy. Here, serving intensity from primary group is changed and gets various values in alternative groups. Generating function technique is used for the analytical solution of steady‐state equations system. Common solution obtained for the state probabilities permits efficient procedure for model parameters calculation. Next, explicit solutions in the case with secondary and tertiary groups are derived. Moreover, obtained solutions for binomial moments are of significant importance for treating more complex models. Some numerical results are also presented through illustrative examples justifying the need to dedicate special attention to the cases where phenomenon of heterogeneous alternative channels or groups is remarked. In addition, as an example, explicit solution for the model with primary group and 3 heterogeneous alternate channels is obtained. This leads to the comparative support when solving 4 channels system with losses and renewal arrivals. These solutions represent a prospective tool applicable in different serving situations, particularly considering traditional and next generation communications networks.
Reproduction of parasitic mites Varroa destructor in original and new honeybee hosts
Authors: Lin Zheguang , Qin Yao , Page Paul , Wang Shuai , Li Li , Wen Zhengsheng , Hu Fuliang , Neumann Peter , Zheng Huoqing , Dietemann Vincent
Published: January 2018

The ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor, shifted host from the eastern honeybee, Apis cerana, to the western honeybee, Apis mellifera. Whereas the original host survives infestations by this parasite, they are lethal to colonies of its new host. Here, we investigated a population of A. cerana naturally infested by the V. destructor Korea haplotype that gave rise to the globally invasive mite lineage. Our aim was to better characterize traits that allow for the survival of the original host to infestations by this particular mite haplotype. A known major trait of resistance is the lack of mite reproduction on worker brood in A. cerana. We show that this trait is neither due to a lack of host attractiveness nor of reproduction initiation by the parasite. However, successful mite reproduction was prevented by abnormal host development. Adult A. cerana workers recognized this state and removed hosts and parasites, which greatly affected the fitness of the parasite. These results confirm and complete previous observations of brood susceptibility to infestation in other honeybee host populations, provide new insights into the coevolution between hosts and parasites in this system, and may contribute to mitigating the large‐scale colony losses of A. mellifera due to V. destructor.
Recolonizing gray wolves increase parasite infection risk in their prey
Authors: Lesniak Ines , Heckmann Ilja , Franz Mathias , Greenwood Alex D. , Heitlinger Emanuel , Hofer Heribert , Krone Oliver
Published: January 2018

The recent recolonization of Central Europe by the European gray wolf (Canis lupus) provides an opportunity to study the dynamics of parasite transmission for cases when a definitive host returns after a phase of local extinction. We investigated whether a newly established wolf population increased the prevalence of those parasites in ungulate intermediate hosts representing wolf prey, whether some parasite species are particularly well adapted to wolves, and the potential basis for such adaptations. We recorded Sarcocystis species richness in wolves and Sarcocystis prevalence in ungulates harvested in study sites with and without permanent wolf presence in Germany using microscopy and DNA metabarcoding. Sarcocystis prevalence in red deer (Cervus elaphus) was significantly higher in wolf areas (79.7%) than in control areas (26.3%) but not in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) (97.2% vs. 90.4%) or wild boar (Sus scrofa) (82.8% vs. 64.9%). Of 11 Sarcocystis species, Sarcocystis taeniata and Sarcocystis grueneri occurred more often in wolves than expected from the Sarcocystis infection patterns of ungulate prey. Both Sarcocystis species showed a higher increase in prevalence in ungulates in wolf areas than other Sarcocystis species, suggesting that they are particularly well adapted to wolves, and are examples of “wolf specialists”. Sarcocystis species richness in wolves was significantly higher in pups than in adults. “Wolf specialists” persisted during wolf maturation. The results of this study demonstrate that (1) predator–prey interactions influence parasite prevalence, if both predator and prey are part of the parasite life cycle, (2) mesopredators do not necessarily replace the apex predator in parasite transmission dynamics for particular parasites of which the apex predator is the definitive host, even if meso‐ and apex predators were from the same taxonomic family (here: Canidae, e.g., red foxes Vulpes vulpes), and (3) age‐dependent immune maturation contributes to the control of protozoan infection in wolves.
Upscaling biodiversity: estimating the species–area relationship from small samples
Authors: Kunin William E. , Harte John , He Fangliang , Hui Cang , Jobe R. Todd , Ostling Annette , Polce Chiara , Šizling Arnošt , Smith Adam B. , Smith Krister , Smart Simon M. , Storch David , Tjørve Even , Ugland Karl‐Inne , Ulrich Werner , Varma Varun
Published: January 2018

The challenge of biodiversity upscaling, estimating the species richness of a large area from scattered local surveys within it, has attracted increasing interest in recent years, producing a wide range of competing approaches. Such methods, if successful, could have important applications to multi‐scale biodiversity estimation and monitoring. Here we test 19 techniques using a high quality plant data set: the GB Countryside Survey 1999, detailed surveys of a stratified random sample of British landscapes. In addition to the full data set, a set of geographical and statistical subsets was created, allowing each method to be tested on multiple data sets with different characteristics. The predictions of the models were tested against the “true” species–area relationship for British plants, derived from contemporaneously surveyed national atlas data. This represents a far more ambitious test than is usually employed, requiring 5–10 orders of magnitude in upscaling. The methods differed greatly in their performance; while there are 2,326 focal plant taxa recorded in the focal region, up‐scaled species richness estimates ranged from 62 to 11,593. Several models provided reasonably reliable results across the 16 test data sets: the Shen and He and the Ulrich and Ollik models provided the most robust estimates of total species richness, with the former generally providing estimates within 10% of the true value. The methods tested proved less accurate at estimating the shape of the species–area relationship (SAR) as a whole; the best single method was Hui's Occupancy Rank Curve approach, which erred on average by <20%. A hybrid method combining a total species richness estimate (from the Shen and He model) with a downscaling approach (the Šizling model) proved more accurate in predicting the SAR (mean relative error 15.5%) than any of the pure upscaling approaches tested. There remains substantial room for improvement in upscaling methods, but our results suggest that several existing methods have a high potential for practical application to estimating species richness at coarse spatial scales. The methods should greatly facilitate biodiversity estimation in poorly studied taxa and regions, and the monitoring of biodiversity change at multiple spatial scales.
Assessing the predictive accuracy of earthquake strike angle estimates using nonparametric Hawkes processes
Authors: Molyneux J. , Gordon J. S. , Schoenberg F. P.
Published: January 2018

Earthquake focal mechanism estimates have been posited to have predictive value for forecasting future seismicity. In particular, for strike‐slip earthquakes, aftershocks should occur roughly along the estimated mainshock strike. However, the errors in such estimated strike angles are considerable. We compare the degree to which estimated strike angles forecast the direction of future seismicity around a given earthquake with that of uniformly distributed angles and with strike angles estimated based on previous seismicity. The fit of nonparametrically estimated Hawkes models using the estimated strike angle that best fits the post‐mainshock set of events for each mainshock is compared with that of corresponding models that exclude these estimates. Strike angle estimates are shown to have marginal predictive value for forecasting the direction of future seismicity but no more than the better fitting of a uniformly distributed angle and its complement.
Differential diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma and IgG4‐related sclerosing cholangitis by fluorescence in situ hybridization using transpapillary forceps biopsy specimens
Authors: Kato Akihisa , Naitoh Itaru , Miyabe Katsuyuki , Hayashi Kazuki , Kondo Hiromu , Yoshida Michihiro , Kato Hiroyuki , Kuno Toshiya , Takahashi Satoru , Joh Takashi
Published: January 2018

Background

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of cytology specimens has been used to diagnose biliary strictures. However, the usefulness of FISH for differentiating between cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and IgG4‐related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4‐SC) has not been evaluated in forceps biopsy specimens.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 74 specimens obtained by transpapillary forceps biopsy between 2008 and 2015 from 49 consecutive patients with CCA and 25 with IgG4‐SC. Specimens were considered positive for malignancy by FISH with UroVysion® if at least five cells exhibited polysomy (a gain of two or more in chromosomes 3, 7, or 17).

Results

A total of 27 (55.1%) patients with CCA, but none of the patients with IgG4‐SC, were positive for malignancy by FISH. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of FISH for the diagnosis of CCA were 55.1%, 100%, 100%, 53.2%, and 70.3%, respectively. The complementary use of FISH increased the sensitivity of hematoxylin‐and‐eosin (H&E) staining from 69.4% to 77.6%; the specificity was not reduced when either H&E or FISH was positive.

Conclusions

The use of FISH in the analysis of forceps biopsy specimens might be one option to differentiate CCA from IgG4‐SC.
Ectomycorrhization of Tricholoma matsutake with Quercus aquifolioides affects the endophytic microbial community of host plant
Authors: Li Qiang , Xiong Chuan , Li Xiaolin , Jin Xin , Huang Wenli
Published: January 2018

Tricholoma matsutake (S. Ito et Imai) is an ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete associated with Pinaceae and Fagaceae trees in the Northern Hemisphere. It is still unknown whether the symbiotic relationship with this ectomycorrhiza could affect the host plant's endophytic microbial community. In this study, we used high throughput sequencing to analyze the endophytic microbial communities of different Quercus aquifolioides tissues with or without T. matsutake partner. About 35,000 clean reads were obtained per sample, representing 34 bacterial phyla and 7 fungal phyla. We observed 3980 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of bacteria and 457 OTUs of fungi at a 97% similarity level. Three bacterial phyla, Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, and the fungal phylum Ascomycota were dominant in all tissues. The relative abundance of these taxa differed significantly between Q. aquifolioides tissues with and without T. matsutake partner (p < 0.05). The bacterial genus Pseudomonas and the fungal genus Cryptosporiopsis were more abundant in mycorrhized roots than in control roots. This study showed that the community structure and dominant species of endophytic microbial communities in Q. aquifolioides tissues might be altered by colonization with T. matsutake. This work provides a new insight into the interactions between ectomycorrhizal fungus and host plant.
Fabrication of 3D Microfluidic Channels and In‐Channel Features Using 3D Printed, Water‐Soluble Sacrificial Mold
Authors: Goh Wei Huang , Hashimoto Michinao
Published: January 2018

Recent advent of additive manufacturing potentiates the fabrication of microchannels, albeit with limitations in resolution of printed structures, freedom of geometry, and choice of printable materials. Herein, a method is developed by sacrificial molding to fabricate microchannels in various polymer matrices and geometries. This method allows for rapid fabrication of 3D microchannels and channels harboring intricate in‐channel features. The method uses commercially available fused deposition modeling 3D printer and filament made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Mechanically stable molds are fabricated for 3D microchannels that can be completely removed in water. Importantly, the PVA mold is stable and resilient in hydrogels despite being hygroscopic. Perfusion channels are fabricated in biocompatible substrates such as gelatin and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate. Fabrication of the network of 3D multilayer microchannels is demonstrated by preassembling sacrificial molds from modular pieces of molds. Intricate staggered‐herringbones grooves (SHGs) are also fabricated within microchannels to produce micromixers. The versatility and resilience of the method developed here is advantageous for biological and chemical applications that require 3D configurations of microchannels in various matrices, which would not be compatible with fabrication by direct 3D printing and softlithography.
Classifiers and their Metrics Quantified
Authors: Brown J. B.
Published: January 2018

Molecular modeling frequently constructs classification models for the prediction of two‐class entities, such as compound bio(in)activity, chemical property (non)existence, protein (non)interaction, and so forth. The models are evaluated using well known metrics such as accuracy or true positive rates. However, these frequently used metrics applied to retrospective and/or artificially generated prediction datasets can potentially overestimate true performance in actual prospective experiments. Here, we systematically consider metric value surface generation as a consequence of data balance, and propose the computation of an inverse cumulative distribution function taken over a metric surface. The proposed distribution analysis can aid in the selection of metrics when formulating study design. In addition to theoretical analyses, a practical example in chemogenomic virtual screening highlights the care required in metric selection and interpretation.
Automatic detection of multisize pulmonary nodules in CT images: Large‐scale validation of the false‐positive reduction step
Authors: Gupta Anindya , Saar Tonis , Martens Olev , Moullec Yannick Le
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Currently reported computer‐aided detection (CAD) approaches face difficulties in identifying the diverse pulmonary nodules in thoracic computed tomography (CT) images, especially in heterogeneous datasets. We present a novel CAD system specifically designed to identify multisize nodule candidates in multiple heterogeneous datasets.

Methods

The proposed CAD scheme is divided into two phases: primary phase and final phase. The primary phase started with the lung segmentation algorithm and the segmented lungs were further refined using morphological closing process to include the pleural nodules. Next, we empirically formulated three subalgorithms modules to detect different sizes of nodule candidates (≥3 and <6 mm; ≥6 and <10 mm; and ≥10 mm). Each subalgorithm module included a multistage flow of rule‐based thresholding and morphological processes. In the final phase, the nodule candidates were augmented to boost the performance of the classifier. The CAD system was trained using a total number of nodule candidates = 201,654 (after augmentation) and nonnodule candidates = 731,486. A rich set of 515 features based on cluster, texture, and voxel‐based intensity features were utilized to train a neural network classifier. The proposed method was trained on 899 scans from the Lung Image Database Consortium/Image Database Resource Initiative (LIDC‐IDRI). The CAD system was also independently tested on 153 CT scans taken from the AAPM–SPIE–LungX Dataset and two subsets from the Early Lung Cancer Action Project (ELCAP and PCF).

Results

For the LIDC−IDRI training set, the proposed CAD scheme yielded an overall sensitivity of 85.6% (1189/1390) and 83.5% (1161/1390) at 8 FP/scan and 1 FP/scan, respectively. For the three independent test sets, the CAD system achieved an average sensitivity of 68.4% at 8 FP/scan.

Conclusion

The authors conclude that the proposed CAD system can identify dissimilar nodule candidates in the multiple heterogeneous datasets. It could be considered as a useful tool to support radiologists during screening trials.
Care coordination: Identifying and connecting the most appropriate care to the patients
Authors: Izumi Shigeko , Barfield Patricia A. , Basin Basilia , Mood Laura , Neunzert Caroline , Tadesse Ruth , Bradley Katherine J. , Tanner Christine A.
Published: January 2018

Although nurses are increasingly expected to fulfill the role of care coordinator, the knowledge and skills required to be an effective care coordinator are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to describe the knowledge and skills required in care coordination practice using an interpretive phenomenological approach. Fifteen care coordinators from 10 programs were interviewed over a 6‐month period. Semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using interpretive phenomenology. The central theme of care coordination practice was bridging the patient and the healthcare systems. To bridge, care coordinators needed to have knowledge of the patient and healthcare system as well as the skills to identify and negotiate treatments appropriate for the patient. The most salient finding and new to this literature was that care coordinators who used their medical knowledge about available treatment options to discern and negotiate for the most appropriate care to the patient made differences in patient outcomes. Nurses with medical and healthcare system knowledge, combined with the skills to navigate and negotiate with others in an increasingly complex healthcare system, are well situated to be care coordinators and generate optimal outcomes. Further investigations of critical care coordinator competencies are needed to support nurses currently enacting the role of care coordinator and to prepare future nurses to fulfill the role.
Synthesis and characterization of organosoluble radiation‐resistant composite materials from octa(maleimidophenyl)silsesquioxane and aryldiamines
Authors: Nagendiran Shanmugam , Dinakaran Kannaiyan , Chandramohan Ayyavu , Alagar Muthukaruppan , Hamerton Ian
Published: January 2018

Radiation‐resistant composite materials based on nano‐sized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes building blocks. We successfully synthesized via aspartimide linkages resulting from Michael addition of octa(maleimidophenyl)silsesquioxane (OMIPS) and aryldiamines OMIPS. These materials can serve as a nano building block for construction of materials with nanometer control of the periodicity of the organic and inorganic components. The monomer concentration and reaction time of polymerization are optimized, which were 0.047 mol L−1 and 96 hours, respectively. The resulting polyaspartimides (PPAIs) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, dielectric analysis, thermal properties, and morphological studies. The PPAI polymers are amorphous and soluble in highly polar organic solvents and show glass transition temperatures of 297°C to 323°C. They offer good thermal stability of 437°C to 507°C under nitrogen atmosphere, high char yields of 58% to 65% at 800°C, and have a dielectric constant of 3.7 to 4.1. Transition electron microscope analysis reveals the OMIPS dispersed well in molecular level in the continuous matrix while some aggregates also seen in the matrix. The UV radiation resistance of the resulting PPAI polymers was investigated.
Highly regenerable ionic liquid microgels as inherently metal‐free green catalyst for H2 generation
Authors: Ozturk Omer F. , Demirci Sahin , Sengel Sultan B. , Sahiner Nurettin
Published: January 2018

Polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) microgel of poly([2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride) (p(MTMA)) was synthesized by using an inverse suspension polymerization technique. The anion‐exchanged PIL microgels via chloride replacement from p(MTMA) were prepared as p(MTMA)‐potassium thiocyanate (p(MTMA)‐KSCN), p(MTMA)‐sodium tetrafluoroborate (p(MTMA)‐NaBF4), and p(MTMA)‐sodium dicyanamide (p(MTMA)‐NaN(CN)2) microgels by treatment with corresponding salts of potassium thiocyanate (KSCN), sodium tetrafluoroborate NaBF4, and sodium dicyanamide NaN(CN)2 in aqueous media. The prepared microgels were found to be efficient metal‐free catalysts, and their catalytic activity in H2 production from the methanolysis of NaBH4 was investigated. Moreover, various parameters affecting H2 production such as the effect of microgel size, the concentration of NaBH4, the effect of the anion in the microgel, the reusability of the microgel, and temperature were investigated. The Ea value calculated for the methanolysis reaction of NaBH4 catalyzed by p(MTMA) microgels was found as 24.1 ± 0.7 kJ mol−1 ranging from −15 to 45°C, and this Ea value is lower than some Ea values for the same reaction. Interestingly, 10‐time successive use of p(MTMA) microgel as catalyst in NaBH4 methanolysis reduced its catalytic activity to 49%, whereas the anion‐exchanged forms of p(MTMA) microgel, p(MTMA)‐KSCN, p(MTMA)‐NaBF4, and p(MTMA)‐NaN(CN)2 only reduced their catalytic activity to 89, 86, and 79%, respectively, after 10 consecutive uses. Therefore, these anion‐exchanged microgel catalysts are highly efficient in comparison with virgin p(MTMA) microgels for regenerable H2 generation from the methanolysis of NaBH4.
Disruption of mammalian SWI/SNF and polycomb complexes in human sarcomas: mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: McBride Matthew J , Kadoch Cigall
Published: January 2018

Soft‐tissue sarcomas are increasingly characterized and subclassified by genetic abnormalities that represent underlying drivers of their pathology. Hallmark tumor suppressor gene mutations and pathognomonic gene fusions collectively account for approximately one‐third of all sarcomas. These genetic abnormalities most often result in global transcriptional misregulation via disruption of protein regulatory complexes which govern chromatin architecture. Specifically, alterations to mammalian SWI/SNF (mSWI/SNF or BAF) ATP‐dependent chromatin remodeling complexes and polycomb repressive complexes cause disease‐specific changes in chromatin architecture and gene expression across a number of sarcoma subtypes. Understanding the functions of chromatin regulatory complexes and the mechanisms underpinning their roles in oncogenesis will be required for the design and development of new therapeutic strategies in sarcomas. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication and characterization of antimicrobial starch‐based nanocomposite films and modeling the process parameters via the RSM
Authors: Mohammadpour Velni Sanaz , Baniasadi Hossein , Vaziri Ali
Published: January 2018

The main aim of this study is the design and fabrication of degradable nanocomposite films composed of starch/gelatin (S/G)/SiO2 suitable for food packaging applications. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to design the fabrication process and to investigate the effect of S/G weight ratio and SiO2 weight percent (wt.%) on the mechanical and barrier properties of the prepared samples. The results revealed that tensile strength and modulus were increased with increasing S/G wt. ratio and introducing SiO2 into the polymer matrix, while elongation at break and water vapor permeability (VWP) decreased. The process optimization was done and various properties of the optimized films such as morphological properties, thermal properties, VWP, degradability, and antibacterial properties were investigated. It was found that the thermal stability of the optimized sample as well as its barrier property against water vapor were improved dramatically as SiO2 presented into the matrix due to proper dispersion and interaction of nanoparticles with the polymer matrix as also confirmed via scanning electron microscopy images. Furthermore, SiO2 has brought significant antibacterial properties for the S/G matrix that is a notable feature for food packaging films. Overall, the results of the current study confirm the S/G/SiO2 compounding could be proper candidate for fabrication of antibacterial degradable food packaging films. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E584–E591, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Food provisioning in Magellanic penguins as inferred from stable isotope ratios
Authors: Ciancio Javier E. , Yorio Pablo , Wilson Rory , Frere Esteban
Published: January 2018

Rationale

Food provisioning is considered one of the main traits affecting offspring fitness. Differences in food provisioning between sexes, particularly in dimorphic species, could affect the amount and type of food provided, due to differences in the amount of food carried to the nest as a result of differential resources exploitation. Quantitative evidence for sexual differences in food provisioning by parents in penguins is scarce. The Magellanic penguin is moderately sexually dimorphic and breeds along a broad latitudinal range, with birds north and south of this range being essentially dietary specialists while those at intermediate latitudes consume a more diverse diet.

Methods

We used stable isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen by isotope ratio mass spectrometry to examine if there was a differential parental contribution to chicks in ten Magellanic penguin colonies throughout its latitudinal breeding distribution. We used the heuristic Euclidean isotopic distance (ED) and individual isotope distances between the chicks and their parents as a proxy for diet similarity (the smaller the distance, the more similar the diet).

Results

The analysis showed that chicks tended to have a more similar diet to that of their male parent and that this pattern was more evident at colonies and in seasons where penguins had a more diverse diet, which could be explained by differences in diet between parents. Distance in δ15N values, but not in δ13C values, differed between both sexes and their chicks in all the pairs sampled, suggesting that δ15N values drive the differences found in ED between chicks and their parents.

Conclusions

We have developed an approach that provides the first assessment of the extent of differential food provisioning between male and female Magellanic penguins. Results suggest chicks have a diet more similar to that of their male parent, probably related to the higher trophic level of male penguin prey.
Mechano‐Based Transductive Sensing for Wearable Healthcare
Authors: Wang Ting , Yang Hui , Qi Dianpeng , Liu Zhiyuan , Cai Pingqiang , Zhang Han , Chen Xiaodong
Published: January 2018

Wearable healthcare presents exciting opportunities for continuous, real‐time, and noninvasive monitoring of health status. Even though electrochemical and optical sensing have already made great advances, there is still an urgent demand for alternative signal transformation in terms of miniaturization, wearability, conformability, and stretchability. Mechano‐based transductive sensing, referred to the efficient transformation of biosignals into measureable mechanical signals, is claimed to exhibit the aforementioned desirable properties, and ultrasensitivity. In this Concept, a focus on pressure, strain, deflection, and swelling transductive principles based on micro‐/nanostructures for wearable healthcare is presented. Special attention is paid to biophysical sensors based on pressure/strain, and biochemical sensors based on microfluidic pressure, microcantilever, and photonic crystals. There are still many challenges to be confronted in terms of sample collection, miniaturization, and wireless data readout. With continuing efforts toward solving those problems, it is anticipated that mechano‐based transduction will provide an accessible route for multimode wearable healthcare systems integrated with physical, electrophysiological, and biochemical sensors.