bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and Mechanism Leading to Formation of the Cysteine Sulfinate Product Complex of a Biomimetic Cysteine Dioxygenase Model
Authors: Sallmann Madleen , Kumar Suresh , Chernev Petko , Nehrkorn Joscha , Schnegg Alexander , Kumar Devesh , Dau Holger , Limberg Christian , de Visser Sam P.
Published: March 2015

Cysteine dioxygenase is a unique nonheme iron enzyme that is involved in the metabolism of cysteine in the body. It contains an iron active site with an unusual 3‐His ligation to the protein, which contrasts with the structural features of common nonheme iron dioxygenases. Recently, some of us reported a truly biomimetic model for this enzyme, namely a trispyrazolylborato iron(II) cysteinato complex, which not only has a structure very similar to the enzyme–substrate complex but also represents a functional model: Treatment of the model with dioxygen leads to cysteine dioxygenation, as shown by isolating the cysteine part of the product in the course of the work‐up. However, little is known on the conversion mechanism and, so far, not even the structure of the actual product complex had been characterised, which is also unknown in case of the enzyme. In a multidisciplinary approach including density functional theory calculations and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, we have now determined the structure of the actual sulfinato complex for the first time. The Cys‐SO2− functional group was found to be bound in an η2‐O,O‐coordination mode, which, based on the excellent resemblance between model and enzyme, also provides the first support for a corresponding binding mode within the enzymatic product complex. Indeed, this is again confirmed by theory, which had predicted a η2‐O,O‐binding mode for synthetic as well as the natural enzyme.
Rural‐urban disparities in incidence and outcomes of neuroendocrine tumors: A population‐based analysis of 6271 cases
Authors: Hallet Julie , Law Calvin H. L. , Karanicolas Paul J. , Saskin Refik , Liu Ning , Singh Simron
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Despite their rising incidence, neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) remain a poorly understood disease. Living in a rural area (RA) affects the incidence and outcomes of other types of cancer. This study compared the incidence and outcomes of NETs for patients in RAs and patients in urban areas (UAs).

METHODS

A population‐based cohort study of patients with NETs in Ontario, Canada from 1994 to 2011 was conducted. An RA was defined as any community with a population < 10,000 and outside the commuting zone of a metropolitan area. Incidence, advanced stage at presentation, distant recurrence‐free survival (dRFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared between patients who lived in RAs and patients who lived in UAs with univariate and multivariate regression analyses.

RESULTS

The cohort included 6271 patients diagnosed with NETs, of whom 13.5% (n = 846) resided in RAs. The incidence of NETs was higher in RAs at 3.01 per 100,000 per year versus UAs at 2.82 per 100,000 per year (relative rate, 1.10; P = .04). RA living was not associated with an advanced stage at presentation (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.96‐1.38). Patients who lived in RAs had worse 10‐year dRFS (62.8% vs 65.9%, P = .03) and OS (44.6% vs 48.8%, P = .004). RAs were independently associated with decreased OS (hazard ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.04‐1.30).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients are more commonly diagnosed with NETs in RAs, but they do not present at more advanced stages in comparison with patients diagnosed in UAs. Patients living in RAs experience worse cancer recurrence and OS, and this is possibly related to variations in socioeconomic status, rural environmental factors, and access to specialized health care. Cancer 2015;121:2214–2221. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Retracted: Genome‐wide association study identifies common genetic variants associated with salivary gland carcinoma and its subtypes
Authors: Xu Li , Tang Hongwei , Chen Diane W. , El‐Naggar Adel K. , Wei Peng , Sturgis Erich M.
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Salivary gland carcinomas (SGCs) are a rare malignancy with unknown etiology. The objective of the current study was to identify genetic variants modifying the risk of SGC and its major subtypes: adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

METHODS

The authors conducted a genome‐wide association study in 309 well‐defined SGC cases and 535 cancer‐free controls. A single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐level discovery study was performed in non‐Hispanic white individuals followed by a replication study in Hispanic individuals. A logistic regression analysis was applied to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). A meta‐analysis of the results was conducted.

RESULTS

A genome‐wide significant association with SGC in non‐Hispanic white individuals was detected at coding SNPs in CHRNA2 (cholinergic receptor, nicotinic, alpha 2 [neuronal]) (OR, 8.55; 95% CI, 4.53‐16.13 [P = 3.6 × 10−11]), OR4F15 (olfactory receptor, family 4, subfamily F, member 15) (OR, 5.26; 95% CI, 3.13‐8.83 [P = 3.5 × 10−10]), ZNF343 (zinc finger protein 343) (OR, 3.28; 95% CI, 2.12‐5.07 [P = 9.1 × 10−8]), and PARP4 (poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase family, member 4) (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.54‐2.59 [P = 1.7 × 10−7]). Meta‐analysis of the non‐Hispanic white and Hispanic cohorts identified another genome‐wide significant SNP in ELL2 (meta‐OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.48‐2.34 [P = 1.3 × 10−7]). Risk alleles were largely enriched in mucoepidermoid carcinoma, in which the SNPs in CHRNA2, OR4F15, and ZNF343 had ORs of 15.71 (95% CI, 6.59‐37.47 [P = 5.2 × 10−10]), 15.60 (95% CI, 6.50‐37.41 [P = 7.5 × 10−10]), and 6.49 (95% CI, 3.36‐12.52 [P = 2.5 × 10−8]), respectively. None of these SNPs retained a significant association with adenoid cystic carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of the authors' knowledge, the current study is the first to identify a panel of SNPs associated with the risk of SGC. Confirmation of these findings along with functional analysis of identified SNPs are needed. Cancer 2015;121:2367–2374. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Solid tumor metastases to the pancreas diagnosed by FNA: A single‐institution experience and review of the literature
Authors: Smith Amber L. , Odronic Shelley I. , Springer Bridgette S. , Reynolds Jordan P.
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) is useful for diagnosing pancreatic masses. This article describes the experience of a single institution with metastases to the pancreas sampled by FNA and provides a review of the literature.

METHODS

Medical records were retrospectively searched for pancreatic FNA that showed metastatic disease. Data were gathered for the tumor size, focality, and time period between the primary tumor and the metastasis. A literature search using PubMed was performed.

RESULTS

Pancreatic FNA was performed 2327 times in 14 years at the authors’ institution. Twenty‐two cases showed metastatic disease. The average size of the metastatic lesions in their greatest dimension was 3.7 cm (range, 1.5‐6.5 cm). The majority of the tumors were unifocal (16 of 22 or 73%). A rapid onsite adequacy evaluation was performed for 13 patients (4 were diagnostic of metastasis, 3 were positive for malignant cells, 6 were atypical, and none were negative). There were 14 renal cell carcinomas, 2 colonic adenocarcinomas, 1 urothelial carcinoma, 1 non–small cell lung carcinoma, 1 ovarian serous carcinoma, 1 prostatic adenocarcinoma, 1 papillary thyroid carcinoma, and 1 mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. The median time between the diagnosis of the primary tumor and the initial pancreatic metastasis was 9 years (range, concurrent diagnosis to 21 years). A literature review yielded 12 case series with a variety of metastases to the pancreas diagnosed by FNA and surgical pathology specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

In agreement with prior series, the most common metastasis to the pancreas was renal cell carcinoma. A variety of other primary malignancies were also documented in this study and in the literature. Also, this article reports the first case of metastatic mesenchymal chondrosarcoma to the pancreas diagnosed by FNA. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015;123:347–55. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Theoretical Investigation of the Reaction Mechanism of the Photoisomerization of 1,2‐Dihydro‐1,2‐azaborine
Authors: Kim Joonghan , Moon Jiwon , Lim Jeong Sik
Published: March 2015

The photoisomerization of 1,2‐dihydro‐1,2‐azaborine was investigated by high‐level multireference ab initio and density functional theory calculations. The intermediates (IMs) and transition states (TSs) on the S0 and S1 states were optimized using the state‐averaged complete active space self‐consistent field method. The multireference configuration interaction method with the Davidson correction was used to obtain accurate energetics. Moreover, the conical intersections (CIs), which play a crucial role in photoisomerization, were also optimized. On the basis of the calculation results, the most favorable proposed reaction pathway is as follows: reactant→Franck‐Condon region→TS1→CI→IM0→TS0P→product. The product was not directly formed through the CI, and the IM0 existed on the S0 state. These results show that the isomerization of 1,2‐dihydro‐1,2‐azaborine involves both photoreactions and thermal reactions. The calculated results clarify recent experimental observations.
Hierarchical Vanadium Pentoxide Spheres as High‐Performance Anode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Su Dawei , Dou Shixue , Wang Guoxiu
Published: March 2015

We report the synthesis of hierarchical vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) spheres as anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (Na‐ion batteries). Through field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy characterizations, it was found that the as‐prepared V2O5 spheres are composed of primary nanoparticles with pores between them. The as‐prepared hierarchical V2O5 spheres achieved a discharge capacity of 271 mA h g−1 at a current density of 40 mA g−1, and 177 mA h g−1 discharge capacity after 100 cycles. Even at high current densities, V2O5 spheres still delivered high capacity and superior cyclability (179 and 140 mA h g−1 discharge capacities at 640 and 1280 mA g−1 current densities, respectively). The promising electrochemical performances of V2O5 spheres should be ascribed to the unique architecture of hierarchical spheres and the predominant exposed (110) facets, which provides open interlayers for facile sodium ion intercalation. Each nanoparticle contains predominantly exposed (110) crystal planes. The ex situ FESEM analysis revealed that the pores formed by the primary nanocrystals effectively buffer volume changes in the electrode during cycling, contributing to the excellent cycling performance.
Crystal structure of extracellular domain of human lectin‐like transcript 1 (LLT1), the ligand for natural killer receptor‐P1A
Authors: Kita Shunsuke , Matsubara Haruki , Kasai Yoshiyuki , Tamaoki Takaharu , Okabe Yuki , Fukuhara Hideo , Kamishikiryo Jun , Krayukhina Elena , Uchiyama Susumu , Ose Toyoyuki , Kuroki Kimiko , Maenaka Katsumi
Published: March 2015

Emerging evidence has revealed the pivotal roles of C‐type lectin‐like receptors (CTLRs) in the regulation of a wide range of immune responses. Human natural killer cell receptor‐P1A (NKRP1A) is one of the CTLRs and recognizes another CTLR, lectin‐like transcript 1 (LLT1) on target cells to control NK, NKT and Th17 cells. The structural basis for the NKRP1A‐LLT1 interaction was limitedly understood. Here, we report the crystal structure of the ectodomain of LLT1. The plausible receptor‐binding face of the C‐type lectin‐like domain is flat, and forms an extended β‐sheet. The residues of this face are relatively conserved with another CTLR, keratinocyte‐associated C‐type lectin, which binds to the CTLR member, NKp65. A LLT1‐NKRP1A complex model, prepared using the crystal structures of LLT1 and the keratinocyte‐associated C‐type lectin‐NKp65 complex, reasonably satisfies the charge consistency and the conformational complementarity to explain a previous mutagenesis study. Furthermore, crystal packing and analytical ultracentrifugation revealed dimer formation, which supports a complex model. Our results provide structural insights for understanding the binding modes and signal transduction mechanisms, which are likely to be conserved in the CTLR family, and for further rational drug design towards regulating the LLT1 function.
Systemic administration of a nanoemulsion with tributyrin reduces inflammation in experimental colitis
Authors: Leonel Alda Jusceline , Silva Elton Luiz , Aguilar Edenil Costa , Teixeira Lilian Gonçalves , Oliveira Rafael Pires , Faria Ana Maria Caetano , Cara Denise Carmona , Ferreira Lucas Antônio Miranda , Alvarez‐Leite Jacqueline I.
Published: March 2015

Tributyrin (TBT) is a triacylglycerol formed by three molecules of butyrate that is able to improve colonic mucosal lesions and inflammation when given orally or as an enema. The effects of systemic TBT administration in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been less well studied. We prepared a nanoemulsion containing tributyrin (nTBT) and studied its effects on a model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis. Mice were kept in the experiment for 15 days. Animals in the Colitis group received DSS (2.5% in their drinking water), whereas Control mice received only water during the last 7 experimental days. Animals were injected intraperitoneally (IP) with a nanoemulsion lacking TBT (Control and Colitis group) or containing TBT (Control nTBT and nTBT‐Colitis) every other day for 15 days. Colonic mucosal damage and cytokine concentration were assessed by histopathological score and ELISA, respectively. Inflammatory infiltrates were assessed by enzymatic assay, and leukocyte rolling and adhesion in the colonic circulation were determined by intravital microscopy. Results revealed that the colonic architecture was not modified by nTBT administration. However, the colons of nTBT‐Colitis mice presented reduced eosinophilic and neutrophilic infiltration associated with increased TGF‐β concentrations compared to those of the Colitis group. Leukocyte rolling and adhesion were reduced in the nTBT‐Colitis group, suggesting a systemic anti‐inflammatory effect of nTBT. In conclusion, our results show that nTBT administered intraperitoneally is effective in reducing DSS‐induced inflammation, whereas the trophic effects described with oral or local administration of TBT were not present when it was injected systemically.

Practical applications: In this study, we show that the intraperitoneal administration of a nanoemulsion with tributyrin (nTBT) is able to reduce the inflammation observed in DSS‐induced colitis. Due to its anti‐inflationary actions, nTBT could be used in the future as a potential auxiliary drug in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases as well as other disorders with a systemic (low‐grade) inflammatory component such as atherosclerosis and obesity.

Nanoemulsion of tributyrin (nTBT) reduces inflammation related to DSS induced colitis. The determination of macrophage (i), neutrophil (ii), and eosinophil (iii) infiltration in colon and intravital microscopy of mesenteric vessels showing the rolling (iv) and the adhesion (v) of total leukocytes in the colons of mice from the Control group receiving water and a nanoemulsion lacking tributyrin, the nTBT group receiving water and nanoemulsion with nTBT, the Colitis group receiving DSS and a nanoemulsion lacking tributyrin, and the Colitis nTBT group receiving DSS and nTBT. Different letters indicate p < 0.05.
Optimum design and application of non‐traditional tuned mass damper toward seismic response control with experimental test verification
Authors: Xiang Ping , Nishitani Akira
Published: March 2015

A variant type of tuned mass damper (TMD) termed as ‘non‐traditional TMD (NTTMD)’ is recently proposed. Mainly focusing on the employment of TMD for seismic response control, especially for base‐isolated or high‐rise structures, this paper aims to derive design formulae of NTTMDs based on two methodologies with different targets. One is the fixed points theory with the performance index set as the maximum magnitude of the frequency response function of the relative displacement of the primary structure with respect to the ground acceleration, and the other is the stability maximization criterion (SMC) to make the free vibration of the primary structure decay in the minimum duration. Such optimally designed NTTMDs are compared with traditional TMDs by conducting both numerical simulations and experiments. The optimum‐designed NTTMDs are demonstrated to be more effective than the optimum‐designed traditional TMDs, with smaller stroke length required. In particular, the effectiveness of the TMDs combined with a base‐isolated structure is investigated by small‐scale model experimental tests subjected to a time scaled long period impulsive excitation, and it is demonstrated that the SMC‐based NTTMD can suppress structural free vibration responses in the minimum duration and requires much smaller accommodation space. Additionally, a small‐scale shaking table experiment on a high‐rise bending model attached with a SMC‐based NTTMD is conducted. This study indicates that NTTMD has a high potential to apply to seismic response control or retrofit of structures such as base‐isolated or central column‐integrated high‐rise structures even if only a limited space is available for accommodating TMDs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilized finite element method for flows with multiple reference frames
Authors: Pauli L. , Both J. W. , Behr M.
Published: March 2015

We present a space‐time finite element method capable of dealing with flows in multiple co‐rotating reference frames. Since equal order interpolation is used for all degrees of freedom, Galerkin/least‐squares stabilization is applied. We give a detailed derivation of the equations involved, introduce the variational form, present the stabilization parameters, and also discuss implementation issues. Numerical examples in 2D and 3D show generality and efficiency of the method, if steady‐state behavior of rotating components is sufficient for the CFD analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Case Formulation and the Therapeutic Alliance in Contemporary Problem‐Solving Therapy (PST)
Authors: Nezu Christine Maguth , Nezu Arthur M. , Colosimo Meghan M.
Published: March 2015

In addition to providing psychoeducation and sharing clinical explanations and treatment goals, case formulation serves as a potential mechanism by which therapists may facilitate an alliance with their patients. This article illustrates how a case formulation shared with a patient early in the process of contemporary problem‐solving therapy (PST) may yield both a road map to treatment and a means to build and adapt a therapeutic alliance based on patient attributes. We provide a description of a clinical case in which PST was carried out with a woman who, in the midst of alcohol recovery, experienced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and binge eating.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Activities of Novel N‐substituted β‐Hydroxy Amines and β‐Hydroxy Ethers that Contained 8‐Methoxy Fluoroquinolones
Authors: Guruswamy B. , Arul R.
Published: March 2015

Synthesis of novel N‐substituted β‐hydroxy amines 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j and β‐hydroxy ethers 5a, 5b, 5c that contained 8‐methoxy fluoroquinolones has been described. 8‐Methoxy fluoroquinolone carboxylic acid 1, reacted with piperizine in acetonitrile in the presence of triethyl amine under reflux, gave 7‐piperazine 8‐methoxyfluoroquinolone 2. The latter is reacted with epichlorohydrine in the presence of NaOH in acetone to yield the N‐substituted epoxide 3, which on treatment with aliphatic, aromatic, and cyclic amines gives β‐hydroxy amines 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j. On other hand, 3 on treatment with alcohols in the presence of NaOH afforded the corresponding β‐hydroxy ethers 5a, 5b, 5c. The structures of the synthesized compounds have been established on the basis of spectral and analytical data. Docking analysis was performed using Surflex‐Dock module in Sybyl X 1.0. The antimicrobial activities of newly synthesized compounds were evaluated against bacteria and fungi by using moxifloxacin as the reference. Many of the evaluated compounds exhibited remarkable activities.
One Pot Regioselective Synthesis and Antimicrobial Studies of Some Novel Indazolyl–Thiazole Derivatives
Authors: Gautam Poonam , Gautam Deepika , Chaudhary R. P.
Published: March 2015

2‐Benzylidene‐1‐tetralones, obtained via Claisen condensation of 1‐tetralones with aromatic aldehydes, in one pot condensation with thiosemicarbazide/semicarbazide and α‐haloketones in the presence of trifluoroethanol and conc. HCl gives rise to a series of new substituted‐3,3a,4,5‐tetrahydro‐2H‐benzo[g]indazol‐2yl‐thiazoles. The condensation was also carried out in two steps, and the intermediates 3‐substituted‐3,3a,4,5‐tetrahydro‐2H‐benzo[g]indazole‐2‐carbothioamides/carboxamides, obtained in the first step by the reaction of 2‐bezylidene‐1‐tetralones with thiosemicarbazide/semicarbazide, on reaction with α‐haloketones gives rise to indazolyl–thiazoles. A detailed X‐ray diffractometry of intermediate (3aR)‐3‐phenyl‐3,3a,4,5‐tetrahydro‐2H‐benzo[g]indazole‐2‐carbothioamide were carried out to establish its crystal structure. Further, density functional theory studies on (3aR)‐3‐phenyl‐3,3a,4,5‐tetrahydro‐2H‐benzo[g]indazole‐2‐carbothioamide and its regioisomer were carried out. There is good correlation between the theoretical and experimental spectral data. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the selected compounds were examined, and some are found to exhibit excellent activities.
Scan–rescan reproducibility of parallel transmission based amide proton transfer imaging of brain tumors
Authors: Togao Osamu , Hiwatashi Akio , Keupp Jochen , Yamashita Koji , Kikuchi Kazufumi , Yoshiura Takashi , Suzuki Yuriko , Kruiskamp Marijn J. , Sagiyama Koji , Takahashi Masaya , Honda Hiroshi
Published: March 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the reproducibility of amide proton transfer (APT) imaging of brain tumors using a parallel transmission‐based technique.

Materials and Methods

Thirteen patients with brain tumors (four low‐grade gliomas, three glioblastoma multiforme, five meningiomas, and one malignant lymphoma) were included in the study. APT imaging was conducted at 3T using a 2‐channel parallel transmission scheme with a saturation time of 2 seconds and B1 amplitude of 2 μT. A 2D fast spin‐echo sequence with driven‐equilibrium refocusing was used for imaging. Z‐spectra were obtained at 25 frequency offsets from −6 to +6 ppm (step 0.5 ppm). A point‐by‐point B0 correction was performed with a B0 map. A scan–rescan reproducibility test was performed in two sessions on separate days for each patient. The interval between the two sessions was 4.8 ± 3.5 days. Regions‐of‐interest (ROIs) were placed to include the whole tumor for each case. A mean and 90‐percentile value of APT signal for the whole tumor histogram was calculated for each session. The between‐session and within‐session reproducibility was evaluated using linear regression analysis, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and a Bland‐Altman plot.

Results

The mean and 90‐percentile values of the APT signal for whole tumor ROI showed excellent agreements between the two sessions, with R2 of 0.91 and 0.96 in the linear regression analysis and ICC of 0.95 and 0.97, respectively.

Conclusion

Parallel transmission‐based APT imaging of brain tumors showed good reproducibility. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1346–1353.
‘Study the past, if you would divine the future’: a retrospective on measuring and understanding Quaternary climate change
Authors: MCCARROLL DANNY
Published: March 2015

Research on Quaternary climate change is reviewed from the perspective of the real or potential contribution to improving our ability to predict the climate of the future. For convenience the literature is divided into four timescales: orbital, sub‐Milankovitch, Holocene and the last 2000 years. Four ‘challenges’ provide a framework for discussion: better understanding of the way the climate system works, better forecasting of the drivers of climate change, improved estimates of climate sensitivity (change in global mean annual temperature per unit increase in forcing) and evaluation of the models used to predict the climate of the future. Although a great deal of progress has been made, it is concluded that there are some aspects of our scientific culture that limit our potential. These include our tradition of storytelling rather than critical hypothesis testing, an over‐emphasis on the role of surface water sinking in the far north Atlantic as a driver of ocean circulation and an attendant under‐emphasis on the critical importance of changes in atmospheric circulation, and a lack of rigour in testing the hypothesis that changes in solar irradiance are an important driver of climate change.
Noncontrast‐enhanced peripheral venography using velocity‐selective magnetization preparation and transient balanced SSFP
Authors: Shin Taehoon , Kligerman Seth J. , Crawford Robert S. , Rajagopalan Sanjay , Gullapalli Rao P.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

To develop a three‐dimensional (3D) noncontrast‐enhanced (NCE) peripheral magnetic resonance venography (MRV) method and demonstrate its feasibility in vivo.

Methods

The proposed MRV pulse sequence consisted of a velocity‐selective (VS) inversion preparation module, inversion delay time (TI), fat inversion pulse, and 3D balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) dummy excitations and readout. The VS preparation module inverted arterial blood, which recovered close to zero magnetization during TI. The TI and the number of dummy excitations (Nnum) were numerically optimized for maximizing vein‐to‐background contrast and tested in a healthy subject. The proposed MRV of the entire peripheral system, using four‐station acquisition, was performed in six healthy subjects and three peripheral artery patients.

Results

The numerical optimization yielded TI = 350 ms and Ndum = 40, which was supported by the largest vein contrast among the parameters chosen around the optima on in vivo venograms. Four‐station peripheral MRV using the optimized parameters well visualized all major deep veins with high vein‐to‐background contrast. The relative vein contrast ratios were 0.80 ± 0.08, 0.75 ± 0.07, and 0.84 ± 0.06 against the arteries, muscle, and fat, respectively.

Conclusion

The proposed NCE MRV using VS preparation and transient bSSFP can generate high‐contrast peripheral venograms directly with a single acquisition. Magn Reson Med 75:653–664, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Signal‐to‐noise ratio‐enhancing joint reconstruction for improved diffusion imaging of mouse spinal cord white matter injury
Authors: Kim Joong Hee , Song Sheng‐Kwei , Haldar Justin P.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

To assess the capability of signal‐to‐noise ratio enhancing reconstruction (SER) to reduce the acquisition time for quantitative white matter injury assessment.

Methods

Four single‐average diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) datasets were acquired for each animal from four mouse cohorts: two models of spinal cord injury and two control groups. Quantitative parameters (apparent diffusion coefficient, relative anisotropy, axial and radial diffusivities) were computed from (I) single‐average data with traditional reconstruction; (II) single‐average data with SER; (III) four‐average data with traditional reconstruction; and (IV) single‐average data with optimized multicomponent nonlocal means (OMNLM) denoising. These approaches were compared based on coefficients of variation (COVs) and whether estimated diffusion parameters were sensitive to injury.

Results

SER yielded better COVs for diffusivity and anisotropy than traditional reconstruction of single‐average data, and yielded comparable COVs to that achieved with four‐average data. In addition, diffusion parameters obtained using SER with single‐average data had comparable injury sensitivity to those obtained from four‐average data, while diffusion parameters obtained from OMNLM and traditional reconstruction of single‐average data had limited sensitivity.

Conclusion

A four‐fold reduction in the number of averages for quantitative diffusion imaging of small animal white matter injury is feasible using SER. Our results also underscore the need to validate nonlinear methods using task‐based measures on an application‐by‐application basis. Magn Reson Med 75:852–858, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Incremental work minimization algorithm for rate‐independent plasticity of single crystals
Authors: Petryk H. , Kursa M.
Published: March 2015

A new constitutive algorithm for the rate‐independent crystal plasticity is presented. It is based on asymptotically exact formulation of the set of constitutive equations and inequalities as a minimum problem for the incremental work expressed by a quadratic function of non‐negative crystallographic slips. This approach requires selective symmetrization of the slip‐system interaction matrix restricted to active slip‐systems, while the latent hardening rule for inactive slip‐systems is arbitrary. The active slip‐system set and incremental slips are determined by finding a constrained minimum point of the incremental work. The solutions not associated with a local minimum of the incremental work are automatically eliminated in accord with the energy criterion of path stability. The augmented Lagrangian method is applied to convert the constrained minimization problem to a smooth unconstrained one. Effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated by the large deformation examples of simple shear of a face‐centered cubic (fcc) crystal and rolling texture in a polycrystal. The algorithm is extended to partial kinematic constraints and applied to a uniaxial tension test in a high‐symmetry direction, showing the ability of the algorithm to cope with the non‐uniqueness problem and to generate experimentally observable solutions with a reduced number of active slip‐systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiscale computational homogenization of heterogeneous shells at small strains with extensions to finite displacements and buckling
Authors: Cong Yu , Nezamabadi Saeid , Zahrouni Hamid , Yvonnet Julien
Published: March 2015

In this paper, a framework for computational homogenization of shell structures is proposed in the context of small‐strain elastostatics, with extensions to large displacements and large rotations. At the macroscopic scale, heterogeneous thin structures are modeled using a homogenized shell model, based on a versatile three‐dimensional seven‐parameter shell formulation, incorporating a through‐thickness and pre‐integrated constitutive relationship. In the context of small strains, we show that the local solution on the elementary cell can be decomposed into six strains and six‐strain gradient modes, associated with corresponding boundary conditions. The heterogeneities can have arbitrary morphology but are assumed to be periodically distributed in the tangential direction of the shell. We then propose an extension of the small‐strain framework to geometrical nonlinearities. The procedure is purely sequential and does not involve coupling between scales. The homogenization method is validated and illustrated through examples involving large displacements and buckling of heterogeneous plates and shells. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Innovative microcrystalline cellulose composites as lining adhesives for canvas
Authors: Cataldi Annalisa , Dorigato Andrea , Deflorian Flavio , Pegoretti Alessandro
Published: March 2015

Thin adhesive composite films were prepared by melt‐compounding and compression molding of a thermoplastic resin (Paraloid® B72) widely used for art protection and restoration with a microcrystalline cellulose powder (MCC). To simulate an oil painting restoration work, MCC‐based composites were applied as lining adhesives on two kinds of canvases (English linen and woven polyester). Interestingly, single–lap shear tests both in quasi‐static and creep conditions showed a remarkable stabilizing effect provided by MCC addition. Post‐mortem microstructural analysis of the overlap adhesive area proved how MCC introduction did not change the fracture behavior of the bonded joints. The visual assessment of transparency and color measurements evidenced a chromatic variation of MCC‐based films with a filler amount of 30 wt%, while, UV‐vis analysis showed a decrease of relative transmittance in proportion to the MCC content. Additionally, rheological tests highlighted a viscosity increase for Paraloid B72 in both dry and wet conditions (T = 23°C and RH = of 55%) as the MCC content increases. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1349–1354, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of openings on the punching shear strength of RC flat‐plate slabs without shear reinforcement
Authors: Ha Taehun , Lee Myung‐Ho , Park Jonghwan , Kim Dae‐Jin
Published: March 2015

Openings in RC flat‐plate slabs are one of the critical factors that influence the punching shear strength of the slab and determine its thickness in the vicinity of the slab‐column joint. This study experimentally investigates the effects of openings on the punching shear strength of flat‐plate slabs without shear reinforcement. Tests were performed on eight flat‐plate slab specimens considering the layout and number of openings as test variables. The failure characteristics of each specimen are examined, and the effects of the test variables on the punching shear strengths of the test specimens are investigated. The measured punching shear strengths of the test specimens are compared with the predictions of several concrete design codes, including the American Concrete Institute (ACI), Comité Euro‐International du Béton and Fédération Internationale de la Précontrainte (CEB‐FIP) model and fédération internationale du béton (fib) model codes. This indicates that the reductions in punching shear strength due to the existence of openings are generally proportional to the loss of effective critical sections, and an L‐shaped opening layout around the corner of the column may further reduce the punching shear strength and may contribute to the loss of effective critical sections due to the existence of openings. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of small‐for‐gestational‐age neonates: screening by maternal biochemical markers at 30–34 weeks
Authors: Bakalis S. , Gallo D. M. , Mendez O. , Poon L. C. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: March 2015

Objective

To investigate the potential value of serum placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1), pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A), free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) and α‐fetoprotein (AFP) at 30–34 weeks' gestation in the prediction of delivery of small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonates, in the absence of pre‐eclampsia (PE).

Methods

This was a screening study in singleton pregnancies at 30–34 weeks' gestation, including 490 that delivered SGA neonates and 9360 cases that were unaffected by SGA, PE or gestational hypertension (normal outcome). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine if screening by serum PlGF, sFlt‐1, PAPP‐A, free β‐hCG and AFP, individually or in combination, improved the prediction of SGA neonates provided by screening with maternal characteristics and medical history (maternal factors), and estimated fetal weight (EFW) from fetal head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length.

Results

Compared to the normal group, the mean log10 multiples of the median (MoM) values of PlGF and AFP were significantly lower and the mean log10 MoM values of sFlt‐1 and free β‐hCG were significantly higher in the SGA group with a birth weight < 5th percentile (SGA < 5th) delivering < 5 weeks following assessment. The best model for prediction of SGA was provided by a combination of maternal factors, EFW and serum PlGF. Such combined screening, predicted, at a 10% false‐positive rate, 85%, 93% and 92% of SGA neonates delivering < 5 weeks following assessment with birth weight < 10th, < 5th and < 3rd percentiles, respectively; the respective detection rates of combined screening for SGA neonates delivering ≥ 5 weeks following assessment were 57%, 64% and 71%.

Conclusion

Combined screening by maternal factors, EFW and serum PlGF at 30–34 weeks' gestation can identify a high proportion of pregnancies that subsequently deliver SGA neonates. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Prediction of small‐for‐gestational‐age neonates: screening by placental growth factor and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 at 35–37 weeks
Authors: Fadigas C. , Peeva G. , Mendez O. , Poon L. C. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: March 2015

Objective

To investigate the potential value of maternal serum placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) at 35–37 weeks' gestation in the prediction of delivery of small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonates, in the absence of pre‐eclampsia (PE).

Methods

This was a screening study in singleton pregnancies at 35–37 weeks, including 158 that delivered SGA neonates with birth weight < 5th percentile and 3701 cases unaffected by SGA, PE or gestational hypertension. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine if measuring serum levels of PlGF and sFlt‐1 improved the prediction of delivery of SGA neonates provided by screening with maternal characteristics and medical history (maternal factors), and estimated fetal weight (EFW) from fetal head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length.

Results

Compared to the normal group, the median PlGF multiples of the median (MoM) was significantly lower and the median sFlt‐1 MoM was significantly higher in the SGA group. Combined screening by maternal factors and EFW at 35–37 weeks predicted, at 10% false‐positive rate (FPR), 90%, 92% and 94% of SGA neonates with birth weight < 10th, < 5th and < 3rd percentiles, respectively, delivering < 2 weeks following assessment; the respective values for SGA delivering ≥ 37 weeks were 66%, 73% and 80%. When PlGF and sFlt‐1 were added to a model that combines maternal factors and EFW, sFlt‐1 did not remain as a significant independent predictor of SGA < 5th. Combined screening by maternal factors, EFW and serum PlGF, predicted, at a 10% FPR, 88%, 96% and 94% of SGA neonates with birth weight < 10th, < 5th and < 3rd percentiles, respectively, delivering < 2 weeks following assessment and the respective values for SGA delivering ≥ 37 weeks were 64%, 75% and 80%.

Conclusion

sFlt‐1 does not provide significant independent prediction of SGA, in the absence of PE, in addition to combined testing by maternal factors and fetal biometry at 35–37 weeks; whilst the addition of PlGF alone marginally improves the performance of screening. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Patterns of Use and Short‐Term Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Malignant Pheochromocytoma: A Population‐Level Study
Authors: Goffredo P. , Adam M. A. , Thomas S. M. , Scheri R. P. , Sosa J. A. , Roman S. A.
Published: March 2015

Background

Malignant pheochromocytoma is rare, and there is a scarcity of data on the use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for treatment. The aims of this study were to analyze patterns of use of MIS for malignant pheochromocytoma in the U.S. and compare short‐term outcomes to those of open adrenalectomy.

Methods

Patients with malignant pheochromocytoma undergoing MIS, including laparoscopy, robotic assisted, laparoscopy converted to open, or open adrenalectomy, were culled from the National Cancer Database, from 1998 to 2011. Data were examined using simple summary statistics, Χ2 and student’s t tests, Mann–Whitney test, and logistic regression.

Results

A total of 36 MIS and 67 open adrenalectomies were identified in 2010–2011. No significant differences were observed between the two treatment groups in demographic characteristics or comorbidities. Preoperative diagnosis of malignancy was made in 52.8 % of MIS and 48.5 % of open patients (p = NS). MIS and open adrenalectomies did not differ with respect to lymph node metastases, vascular invasion, extra‐adrenal‐extension, and distant metastases (all p = NS). MIS tended to more often be used to perform partial adrenalectomy (38.9 vs. 20.4 % open, p = 0.061); surgical margins, 30‐day readmission and mortality rates were similar to open adrenalectomy (all p = NS). Tumors removed via MIS were smaller (48.7 vs. 73.3 mm open, p = 0.003) and associated with a shorter length of stay.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of patients with malignant pheochromocytomas underwent MIS, with short‐term outcomes which are comparable to those of open surgery. Further studies focused on long‐term survival and recurrence are needed to assess the role of MIS in the management of these rare tumors.
Large Hill-Sachs Lesion: A Comparative Study of Patients Treated with Arthroscopic Bankart Repair with or without Remplissage
Authors: Garcia Grant H. , Park Min Jung , Zhang Clare , Kelly John D. , Huffman G. Russell
Published: March 2015

Background

There is little comparative long-term clinical data comparing Bankart repair alone to the addition of remplissage.

Questions/Purposes

Our purpose was to compare results of patients with significant humeral head lesions and who underwent either isolated arthroscopic Bankart repair or remplissage.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of 14 isolated arthroscopic Bankart and 10 remplissage repairs all with large engaging Hill-Sachs (HS) lesions. Average follow-up was 40.72 months (26.3–51.1) in the Bankart group and 31.55 months (24.1–39.9) in the remplissage group. Surgical failure was defined as a dislocation or subluxation. Groups were matched on handedness, age within 3 years, and HS lesion size. Glenoid bone loss and HS size were measured on MRI. Additionally, WOSI and DASH scores were obtained.

Results

The average age at surgery was 26.0 years (17.8–41.1) of the isolated Bankart patient and 24.4 years (16.4–38.3) in the remplissage group. The average HS lesion volume was 310.22 mm3 in the Bankart group and 283.79 mm3 in the remplissage group. The failure rate for the Bankart group was 8 out of 14 patients (57.14%). For the remplissage group, the failure rate was 2 out of 10 patients (20.0%). Average WOSI scores were 73.72 in the Bankart group and 79.54 in the remplissage group. For DASH scores, the average Disability/Symptoms Scores were 16.23 for the Bankart group and 12.05 for the remplissage patients.

Conclusions

In comparison to isolated Bankart repair, remplissage was a superior option for recurrent instability patients with large Hill-Sachs lesions as seen by diminished failure rates and improved outcome scores.
Dietary supplement use among cancer survivors of the NutriNet-Santé cohort study
Authors: Pouchieu Camille , Fassier Philippine , Druesne-Pecollo Nathalie , Zelek Laurent , Bachmann Patrick , Touillaud Marina , Bairati Isabelle , Hercberg Serge , Galan Pilar , Cohen Patrice , Latino-Martel Paule , Touvier Mathilde
Published: March 2015

Dietary supplements (DS) may influence cancer prognosis. Their use in cancer patients has been described in the United States, but data are largely lacking in Europe and notably in France. The present study's objectives were (1) to assess DS use and its sociodemographic, lifestyle, and dietary correlates in a large sample of French cancer survivors; (2) to evaluate the involvement of physicians in such DS use; and (3) to assess the extent of potentially harmful practices. Data were collected by self-administered web-based questionnaires among participants of the NutriNet-Santé cohort. Data on DS use was available for 1081 cancer survivors. DS users were compared to non-users with unconditional logistic regressions. DS use was reported by 62 % of women and 29 % of men. Vitamins D, B6, C and Mg were the most frequently consumed nutrients. 14 % of cancer survivors initiated DS use after diagnosis. For 35 % of the DS consumed, subjects did not inform their attending physician. DS use was associated with a healthier lifestyle (normal weight, never smoking and better diet) and substantially contributed to nutrient intake. 18 % of DS users had potentially harmful DS use practices, such as the simultaneous use of vitamin E and anticoagulant/antiplatelet agents, the use of β-carotene and smoking or the use of phyto-oestrogens in hormone-dependent cancer patients. The present study suggests that DS use is widespread among cancer survivors, a large amount of that use is performed without any medical supervision and a substantial proportion of that use involves potentially harmful practices. Physicians should be encouraged to more routinely discuss DS use with their cancer patients.
Causalness and the encoding of the causative–anticausative alternation in French and Spanish
Authors: HEIDINGER STEFFEN
Published: March 2015

In French and Spanish, both parts of the causative–anticausative alternation can be formally encoded in two ways: Depending on the form of the verb, marked and unmarked causatives and marked and unmarked anticausatives can be distinguished. The goal of this paper is to verify whether causalness is a factor in the encoding and whether the two languages differ in this respect (verbs used more often as causatives than as anticausatives have a high degree of causalness, while verbs used more often as anticausatives than as causatives have a low degree of causalness). On the basis of a corpus study of 20 French and 20 Spanish verbs, it will be shown that in both languages a strong correlation between causalness and encoding exists. A high degree of causalness increases the likelihood that a verb’s anticausative is marked and the causative is unmarked, and a low degree of causalness increases the likelihood that a verb’s anticausative is unmarked and the causative is marked.
Oxidative stress damage in the protozoan parasiteTrypanosoma cruziis inhibited by Cyclosporin A
Authors: BUSTOS PATRICIA L. , PERRONE ALINA E. , MILDUBERGER NATALIA , POSTAN MIRIAM , BUA JACQUELINE
Published: March 2015

Cyclosporin A (CsA) specifically inhibits the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Opening of the mPTP, which is triggered by high levels of matrix [Ca2+] and/or oxidative stress, leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and thus to cell death by either apoptosis or necrosis. In the present study, we analysed the response ofTrypanosoma cruziepimastigote parasites to oxidative stress with 5 mmH2O2, by studying several features related to programmed cell death and the effects of pre-incubation with 1μmof CsA. We evaluatedTcPARP cleavage, DNA integrity, cytochromectranslocation, Annexin V/propidium iodide staining, reactive oxygen species production. CsA prevented parasite oxidative stress damage as it significantly inhibited DNA degradation, cytochromectranslocation to cytosol andTcPARP cleavage. The calcein-AM/CoCl2assay, used as a selective indicator of mPTP opening in mammals, was also performed inT. cruziparasites. H2O2treatment decreased calcein fluorescence, but this decline was partially inhibited by pre-incubation with CsA. Our results encourage further studies to investigate if there is a mPTP-like pore and a mitochondrial cyclophilin involved in this protozoan parasite.