bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Filament Shape Dependent Reset Behavior Governed by the Interplay between the Electric Field and Thermal Effects in the Pt/TiO2/Cu Electrochemical Metallization Device
Authors: Kim Hae Jin , Yoon Kyung Jean , Park Tae Hyung , Kim Han Joon , Kwon Young Jae , Shao Xing Long , Kwon Dae Eun , Kim Yu Min , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: January 2017

The electrochemical metallization (ECM) cell is a feasible contender for high density resistance switching random access memory or neuromorphic devices. This work elucidates the detailed switching model based on the Cu conducting filament (CF) configuration and the interplay between the Joule heating and electric field effects in the Pt/TiO2/Cu ECM cell, which can explain the switching behaviors both in accordance and discordance with the conventional ECM theory. The Cu CF configuration is varied from the conventional conical one for a small compliance current (Icc, ≈1 mA) to the hourglass or even cylindrical one by adopting a high Icc value (≈30 mA). The rupture process of the Cu CF can be precisely modeled by considering the mutual constructive interference or the competition between the Joule heating and electric field effects for the rupture and rejuvenation of the Cu CF. These models are supported by an extensive thermal‐field simulation in 2D, and an hourglass‐shaped CF is identified by transmission electron microscopy, which is in accordance with the suggested model with a moderate Icc. The detailed geometry of the formed CF and relative bias polarity during the reset step play a critical role in determining the bipolar or unipolar switching mode.
Robust batch‐to‐batch optimization in the presence of model‐plant mismatch and input uncertainty
Authors: Hille Rubin , Mandur Jasdeep , Budman Hector M.
Published: January 2017

In model‐based optimization in the presence of model‐plant mismatch, the set of model parameter estimates which satisfy an identification objective may not result in an accurate prediction of the gradients of the cost‐function and constraints. To ensure convergence to the optimum, the predicted gradients can be forced to match the measured gradients by adapting the model parameters. Since updating all available parameters is impractical due to estimability problems and overfitting, there is a motivation for adapting a subset of parameters for updating the predicted outputs and gradients. This article presents an approach to select a subset of parameters based on the sensitivities of the model outputs and of the cost function and constraint gradients. Furthermore, robustness to uncertainties in initial batch conditions is introduced using a robust formulation based on polynomial chaos expansions. The improvements in convergence to the process optimum and robustness are illustrated using a fed‐batch bioprocess. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 2660–2670, 2017
Electrical impedance myography for assessment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Rutkove Seward B. , Kapur Kush , Zaidman Craig M. , Wu Jim S. , Pasternak Amy , Madabusi Lavanya , Yim Sung , Pacheck Adam , Szelag Heather , Harrington Tim , Darras Basil T.
Published: January 2017

Objective

Sensitive, objective, and easily applied methods for evaluating disease progression and response to therapy are needed for clinical trials in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In this study, we evaluated whether electrical impedance myography (EIM) could serve this purpose.

Methods

In this nonblinded study, 36 boys with DMD and 29 age‐similar healthy boys underwent multifrequency EIM measurements for up to 2 years on 6 muscles unilaterally along with functional assessments. A linear mixed‐effects model with random intercept and slope terms was used for the analysis of multifrequency EIM values and functional measures. Seven DMD boys were initiated on corticosteroids; these data were analyzed using a piecewise linear mixed‐effects model.

Results

In boys > 7.0 years old, a significant difference in the slope of EIM phase ratio trajectories in the upper extremity was observed by 6 months of −0.074/month, p = 0.023, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.013, −0.14; at 2 years, this difference was −0.048/month, p < 0.0001, 95% CI = −0.028, −0.068. In boys ≤ 7.0 years old, differences appeared at 6 months in gastrocnemius (EIM phase slope = −0.83 °/kHz/mo, p = 0.007, 95% CI = −0.26, −1.40). EIM outcomes showed significant differences earlier than functional tests. Initiation of corticosteroids significantly improved the slope of EIM phase ratio (0.057/mo, p = 0.00019, 95% CI = 0.028, 0.086) and EIM phase slope (0.14 °/kHz/mo, p = 0.013, 95% CI = 0.028, 0.25), consistent with corticosteroids' known clinical benefit.

Interpretation

EIM detects deterioration in muscles of both younger and older boys by 6 months; it also identifies the therapeutic effect of corticosteroid initiation. Because EIM is rapid to apply, painless, and requires minimal operator training, the technique deserves to be further evaluated as a biomarker in DMD clinical therapeutic trials. Ann Neurol 2017;81:622–632
Bioorthogonal Diversification of Peptides through Selective Ruthenium(II)‐Catalyzed C–H Activation
Authors: Schischko Alexandra , Ren Hongjun , Kaplaneris Nikolaos , Ackermann Lutz
Published: January 2017

Methods for the chemoselective modification of amino acids and peptides are powerful techniques in biomolecular chemistry. Among other applications, they enable the total synthesis of artificial peptides. In recent years, significant momentum has been gained by exploiting palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling for peptide modification. Despite major advances, the prefunctionalization elements on the coupling partners translate into undesired byproduct formation and lengthy synthetic operations. In sharp contrast, we herein illustrate the unprecedented use of versatile ruthenium(II)carboxylate catalysis for the step‐economical late‐stage diversification of α‐ and β‐amino acids, as well as peptides, through chemo‐selective C−H arylation under racemization‐free reaction conditions. The ligand‐accelerated C−H activation strategy proved water‐tolerant and set the stage for direct fluorescence labelling as well as various modes of peptide ligation with excellent levels of positional selectivity in a bioorthogonal fashion. The synthetic utility of our approach is further demonstrated by twofold C−H arylations for the complexity‐increasing assembly of artificial peptides within a multicatalytic C−H activation manifold.
Heterocumulene Sulfinyl Radical OCNSO
Authors: Wu Zhuang , Liu Qifan , Xu Jian , Sun Hailong , Li Dingqing , Song Chao , Andrada Diego M. , Frenking Gernot , Trabelsi Tarek , Francisco Joseph S. , Zeng Xiaoqing
Published: January 2017

Neutral five‐atomic cumulenes formally consisting of two pseudohalogens (e.g., NCO, NNN, NSO) by sharing the central nitrogen atom are exotic species that have been barely studied. Through flash vacuum pyrolysis of CF3S(O)NCO at ca. 1200 K, sulfinyl isocyanate, bearing resonance structures of O=C−N=S=O and O=C=N−S=O, has been generated in the gas phase and subsequently characterized in cryogenic matrices (Ar and N2). Its reversible conformational (syn and anti) interconversion and photodecomposition were observed.
Isolation and Characterization of Radical Anions Derived from a Boryl‐Substituted Diphosphene
Authors: Asami Shun‐suke , Ishida Shintaro , Iwamoto Takeaki , Suzuki Katsunori , Yamashita Makoto
Published: January 2017

Radical anions of a diphosphene with two boryl substituents were isolated and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, electron spin resonance (ESR), and UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy as well as DFT calculations. Structural analysis of the radical anions revealed an elongation of the P=P bond and a contraction of the B−P bonds relative to the neutral diphosphene. The UV/Vis spectra of these radical anions showed a strong absorption in the visible region, which was assigned to SOMO‐related transitions on the basis of DFT calculations. The ESR spectra revealed that the hyperfine coupling constant with the phosphorus nuclei is the smallest that has been reported thus far. The results of the DFT calculations furthermore suggest that this should be attributed to a soaking of electron spin to the vacant p orbitals of the boryl substituents.
Hydrodynamic simulation of a liquid–solid fluidized bed using Lattice Boltzmann and smoothed profile methods
Authors: Mehrabi Gohari Ehsan , Sefid Mohammad , Jahanshahi Javaran Ebrahim , Soltani Goharrizi Ataallah
Published: January 2017

In the present study, a combined Lattice Boltzmann method–smoothed profile method is used for simulation of a liquid–solid fluidized bed of circular, monodisperse, and polydisperse particles in a rectangular channel. The hydrodynamic model of the flow is based on the Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook Lattice Boltzmann method, and smoothed profile method is adopted to enforce the no‐slip boundary condition at the liquid–solid interface and also calculate the fluid–solid hydrodynamic force. The kinematics and trajectory of the discrete particles are evaluated by Newton's law of motion. A numerical instance of fluidization involving 527 particles is presented to demonstrate the capability of the combined scheme. Comparison of minimum fluidization velocity and pressure drop through the bed with Ergun equation, and also porosity and bed height with the Richardson–Zaki equation, shows good correspondence. Several different models are also presented to investigate the influence of the density and polydispersity of particles in the fluidized bed. Simulations indicate that an increase in particle density decreases the porosity of the bed. Also, it is observed that the porosity of the polydisperse beds is less than that of monodisperse ones. Copyright © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel approach for assessing the LOS for two‐lane intercity highways under heterogeneous traffic conditions
Authors: Boora Amardeep , Ghosh Indrajit , Chandra Satish
Published: January 2017

Performance of two‐lane intercity highways has been evaluated in terms of level of service (LOS) by different researchers. Different follower‐related performance measures, namely, the number of followers (NF), percent followers (PF), follower density (FD) and the number of followers as a proportion of capacity (NFPC) are examined in the present study to define LOS. Data are collected from five sites located in different parts of India. While almost all the past studies used 3‐s headway rule to identify followers suggested by US Highway Capacity Manual, a new methodology is proposed in the current study to identify the followers by analysing speed difference (SD) and the gap between two consecutive vehicles. It is observed that vehicles travel in non‐following condition after a critical gap threshold value of 10 s. By using a SD limit of −4 km/h to +10 km/h and a gap value of 10 s, followers are identified across all the study sites. Thereafter, different critical gap values ranging from 1.9 s to 4.3 s are observed at the study sites beyond which the probability of not following would increase. Variation in two‐way traffic volume is found to be the main contributory factor which affects the critical gap values. Among all of the performance measures, NFPC shows a strong correlation with two‐way traffic volume followed by FD under heterogeneous traffic condition. Finally, different threshold values of LOS ranges for two‐lane intercity highways are provided by carrying out cluster analysis with the help of NFPC and FD. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ritterostatin GN1N, a Cephalostatin–Ritterazine Bis‐steroidal Pyrazine Hybrid, Selectively Targets GRP78
Authors: Ambrose Andrew J. , Santos Evelyne A. , Jimenez Paula C. , Rocha Danilo D. , Wilke Diego V. , Beuzer Paolo , Axelrod Josh , Kumar Kanduluru Ananda , Fuchs Philip L. , Cang Hu , Costa‐Lotufo Letícia V. , Chapman Eli , La Clair James J.
Published: January 2017

Natural products discovered by using agnostic approaches, unlike rationally designed leads or those obtained through high‐throughput screening, offer the ability to reveal new biological pathways and, hence, serve as an important vehicle to unveil new avenues in drug discovery. The ritterazine–cephalostatin family of natural products displays robust and potent antitumor activities, with sub‐nanomolar growth inhibition against multiple cell lines and potent activity in xenograft models. Herein, we used comparative cellular and molecular biological methods to uncover the ritterazine–cephalostatin cytotoxic mode of action (MOA) in human tumor cells. Our findings indicated that, whereas ritterostatin GN1N, a cephalostatin–ritterazine hybrid, binds to multiple HSP70s, its cellular trafficking confines activity to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐based HSP70 isoform, GRP78. This targeting results in activation of the unfolding protein response (UPR) and subsequent apoptotic cell death.
Alkyl Formate Ester Synthesis by a Fungal Baeyer–Villiger Monooxygenase
Authors: Ferroni Felix Martin , Tolmie Carmien , Smit Martha Sophia , Opperman Diederik Johannes
Published: January 2017

We investigated Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase (BVMO)‐mediated synthesis of alkyl formate esters, which are important flavor and fragrance products. A recombinant fungal BVMO from Aspergillus flavus was found to transform a selection of aliphatic aldehydes into alkyl formates with high regioselectivity. Near complete conversion of 10 mm octanal was achieved within 8 h with a regiomeric excess of ∼80 %. Substrate concentration was found to affect specific activity and regioselectivity of the BVMO, as well as the rate of product autohydrolysis to the primary alcohol. More than 80 % conversion of 50 mm octanal was reached after 72 h (TTN nearly 20 000). Biotransformation on a 200 mL scale under unoptimized conditions gave a space‐time yield (STY) of 4.2 g L−1 d−1 (3.4 g L−1 d−1 extracted product).
Understanding the Role of Gallium as a Promoter of Magnesium Silicate Catalysts for the Conversion of Ethanol into Butadiene
Authors: Ochoa Juliana Velasquez , Malmusi Andrea , Recchi Carlo , Cavani Fabrizio
Published: January 2017

In this study we explore the use of Ga as a new component in MgO‐SiO2 catalysts for the Lebedev reaction (the one‐pot conversion of ethanol to butadiene). Several characterisation techniques (XRD, temperature‐programmed desorption of NH3, BET measurements, IR spectroscopy) and in situ spectroscopic studies (DRIFTS‐MS) were performed with the aim to correlate the properties of the modified materials with the catalytic results. We concluded that the wet impregnation of Ga3+ on the MgO‐SiO2 catalyst creates new Ga−O(H)−Si sites. These sites interact strongly with alcohol and not only facilitate its dehydrogenation to acetaldehyde and its transformation into the intermediate crotyl alcohol but also enhance the dehydration of the latter because of an improved acidity. However, an appropriate amount of gallium oxide is needed to avoid excessive acidity, which is conducive to an increased selectivity to ethylene.
Efficient Hydration of Nitriles Promoted by Gallic Acid Derived from Renewable Bioresources
Authors: Deng Tao , Wang Cheng‐Zhang
Published: January 2017

An efficient gallic acid promoted nitriles hydration at room temperature with ethanol/water as a solvent has been developed. The present protocol offers a wide range of amides in moderate to good yields. Moreover, galla chinensis extract can serve as the promoter to perform the hydration, which also shows the potential utilization of natural feedstocks.
Complexation and Electronic Communication between Corannulene‐Based Buckybowls and a Curved Truxene‐TTF Donor
Authors: Gallego María , Calbo Joaquín , Krick Calderon Rafael M. , Pla Paula , Hsieh Ya‐Chu , Pérez Emilio M. , Wu Yao‐Ting , Ortí Enrique , Guldi Dirk M. , Martín Nazario
Published: January 2017

The association behavior of an electron‐donating, bowl‐shaped, truxene‐based tetrathiafulvalene (truxTTF) with two corannulene‐based fullerene fragments, C32H12 and C38H14, is investigated in several solvents. Formation of 1:1 complexes is followed by absorption titrations and complemented by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The binding constants are in the range log Ka=2.9–3.5. DFT calculations reveal that the most stable arrangement is the conformation in which the 1,3‐dithiole ring of truxTTF is placed inside the concave cavity of the corannulene derivative. This arrangement is confirmed experimentally by NMR measurements, and implies that a combination of π–π and CH–π interactions is the driving force for association. Time‐dependent DFT calculations reproduce the experimental UV/Vis titrations and provide a detailed understanding of the spectral changes observed. Femtosecond transient absorption studies reveal the processes occurring after photoexcitation of either C32H12 or C38H14 and their supramolecular associates with truxTTF. In the case of truxTTF⋅C38H14, photoexcitation yields the charge‐separated state truxTTF.+⋅C38H14.− with a lifetime of approximately 160 ps.
Very short/short‐term benefit of inpatient/outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery
Authors: Spiroski Dejan , Andjić Mojsije , Stojanović Olivera Ilić , Lazović Milica , Dikić Ana Djordjević , Ostojić Miodrag , Beleslin Branko , Kostić Snežana , Zdravković Marija , Lović Dragan
Published: January 2017

Background

Exercise‐based rehabilitation is an important part of treatment patients following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Hypothesis

To evaluate effect of very short/short‐term exercise training on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) parameters.

Methods

We studied 54 consecutive patients with myocardial infarction (MI) treated with CABG surgery referred for rehabilitation. The study population consisted of 50 men and 4 women (age 57.72 ± 7.61 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 55% ± 5.81%), who participated in a 3‐week clinical and 6‐month outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program. The Inpatient program consisted of cycling 7 times/week and daily walking for 45 minutes. The outpatient program consisted mainly of walking 5 times/week for 45 minutes and cycling 3 times/week. All patients performed symptom‐limited CPET on a bicycle ergometer with a ramp protocol of 10 W/minute at the start, for 3 weeks, and for 6 months.

Results

After 3 weeks of an exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation program, exercise tolerance improved as compared to baseline, as well as peak respiratory exchange ratio. Most importantly, peak VO2
(16.35 ± 3.83 vs 17.88 ± 4.25 mL/kg/min, respectively, P < 0.05), peak VCO2
(1.48 ± 0.40 vs 1.68 ± 0.43, respectively, P < 0.05), peak ventilatory exchange (44.52 ± 11.32 vs 52.56 ± 12.37 L/min, respectively, P < 0.05), and peak breathing reserve (52.00% ± 13.73% vs 45.75% ± 14.84%, respectively, P < 0.05) were also improved. The same improvement trend continued after 6 months (respectively, P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001). No major adverse cardiac events were noted during the rehabilitation program.

Conclusions

Very short/short‐term exercise training in patients with MI treated with CABG surgery is safe and improves functional capacity.
Anatomical organization of the brain of a diurnal and a nocturnal dung beetle
Authors: Immonen Esa‐Ville , Dacke Marie , Heinze Stanley , el Jundi Basil
Published: January 2017

To avoid the fierce competition for food, South African ball‐rolling dung beetles carve a piece of dung off a dung‐pile, shape it into a ball and roll it away along a straight line path. For this unidirectional exit from the busy dung pile, at night and day, the beetles use a wide repertoire of celestial compass cues. This robust and relatively easily measurable orientation behavior has made ball‐rolling dung beetles an attractive model organism for the study of the neuroethology behind insect orientation and sensory ecology. Although there is already some knowledge emerging concerning how celestial cues are processed in the dung beetle brain, little is known about its general neural layout. Mapping the neuropils of the dung beetle brain is thus a prerequisite to understand the neuronal network that underlies celestial compass orientation. Here, we describe and compare the brains of a day‐active and a night‐active dung beetle species based on immunostainings against synapsin and serotonin. We also provide 3D reconstructions for all brain areas and many of the fiber bundles in the brain of the day‐active dung beetle. Comparison of neuropil structures between the two dung beetle species revealed differences that reflect adaptations to different light conditions. Altogether, our results provide a reference framework for future studies on the neuroethology of insects in general and dung beetles in particular.
Pentatwinned Cu Nanowires with Ultrathin Diameters below 20 nm and Their Use as Templates for the Synthesis of Au‐Based Nanotubes
Authors: Luo Ming , Zhou Ming , Rosa da Silva Robson , Tao Jing , Figueroa‐Cosme Legna , Gilroy Kyle D. , Peng Hsin‐Chieh , He Zhike , Xia Younan
Published: January 2017

We report a one‐pot method for the facile synthesis of Cu nanowires in high purity, together with ultrathin diameters well below 20 nm. Selected area electron diffraction and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy studies confirm that the Cu nanowires are grown along the <110> direction to give pentatwinned, one‐dimensional nanostructures, enclosed by five {100} facets on the side surface. A systematic study further indicates that it is critical to conduct the synthesis under an argon atmosphere in order to improve the purity and uniformity of the nanowires while keeping their diameters thinner than 20 nm. We also demonstrate the use of these nanowires as sacrificial templates for the synthesis of Au‐based nanotubes through a galvanic replacement process.
Mean‐Field Interaction of Brownian Occupation Measures II: A Rigorous Construction of the Pekar Process
Authors: Bolthausen Erwin , König Wolfgang , Mukherjee Chiranjib
Published: January 2017

We consider mean‐field interactions corresponding to Gibbs measures on interacting Brownian paths in three dimensions. The interaction is self‐attractive and is given by a singular Coulomb potential. The logarithmic asymptotics of the partition function for this model were identified in the 1980s by Donsker and Varadhan in terms of the Pekar variational formula, which coincides with the behavior of the partition function of the polaron problem under strong coupling. Based on this, in 1986 Spohn made a heuristic observation that the strong coupling behavior of the polaron path measure, on certain time scales, should resemble a process, named as the Pekar process, whose distribution could somehow be guessed from the limiting asymptotic behavior of the mean‐field measures under interest, whose rigorous analysis remained open. The present paper is devoted to a precise analysis of these mean‐field path measures and convergence of the normalized occupation measures towards an explicit mixture of the maximizers of the Pekar variational problem. This leads to a rigorous construction of the aforementioned Pekar process and hence is a contribution to the understanding of the “mean‐field approximation” of the polaron problem on the level of path measures. The method of our proof is based on the compact large deviation theory developed by Mukherjee and Varadhan in 2016; its extension to the uniform strong metric for the singular Coulomb interaction was carried out by König and Mukherjee in 2015, as well as an idea inspired by a partial path exchange argument appearing in 1997 in work by Bolthausen and Schmock.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cost Evaluation of Irinotecan‐Related Toxicities Associated With the UGT1A1*28 Patient Genotype
Authors: Roncato R , Cecchin E , Montico M , De Mattia E , Giodini L , Buonadonna A , Solfrini V , Innocenti F , Toffoli G
Published: January 2017

The adoption of a preemptive UGT1A1*28 genotyping to increase irinotecan safety in clinical practice is still limited. This is the first actual study of costs associated with the management of irinotecan‐related toxicities, and their association with UGT1A1*28 genotype. A retrospective analysis of the cost of toxicity management was conducted on 243 metastatic colorectal cancer patients enrolled in a clinical trial and treated with standard of care FOLFIRI (5‐fluorouracil combined with irinotecan). The mean predicted cost per patient was higher for *28/*28 (€4,886), vs. *1/*1 (€812), (regression coefficient 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31–2.28; P < 0.001) and for *1/*28 (€1,119) vs. *1/*1 (regression coefficient 0.32, 95% CI = 0.04–0.60; P = 0.024). This is consistent with a different grade 4 toxicity profile among the three genotypes, and a higher frequency of costly interventions like hospitalization among patients with the *28 allele. A differential toxicity management cost by *28 genotype is herein demonstrated, representing a first step towards the demonstration of the test clinical utility.
Impact of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Models on Regulatory Reviews and Product Labels: Frequent Utilization in the Field of Oncology
Authors: Yoshida K , Budha N , Jin JY
Published: January 2017

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling can be used to predict drug pharmacokinetics in virtual populations using models that integrate understanding of physiological systems. PBPK models have been widely utilized for predicting pharmacokinetics in clinically untested scenarios during drug applications and regulatory reviews in recent years. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the application of PBPK in new drug application (NDA) review documents from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past 4 years.
Three‐dimensional imaging flow cytometry through light‐sheet fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Gualda Emilio J. , Pereira Hugo , Martins Gabriel G. , Gardner Rui , Moreno Nuno
Published: January 2017

Flow cytometry is the tool of choice for high‐speed acquisition and analysis of large cell populations, with the tradeoff of lacking intracellular spatial information. Although in the last decades flow cytometry systems that can actually acquire two‐dimensional spatial information were developed, some of the limitations remained though, namely constrains related to sample size and lack of depth or dynamic information. The combination of fluidics and light‐sheet illumination has the potential to address these limitations. By having cells travelling with the flowing sheath one can, in a controlled fashion, force them at constant speed through the light‐sheet enabling the synchronized acquisition of several optical sections, that is, three‐dimensional imaging. This approach has already been used for imaging cellular spheroids, plankton, and zebra‐fish embryos. In this review, we discuss the known solutions and standing challenges of performing three‐dimensional high‐throughput imaging of multicellular biological models using fluidics, while retaining cell and organelle‐level resolution. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Synthesis, chemical characterization, and economical feasibility of poly‐phenolic‐branched‐chain fatty acids
Authors: Ngo Helen , Wagner Karen , Yan Zongcheng , Nuñez Alberto , Yee Winnie , Fan Xuetong , Moreau Robert
Published: January 2017

New poly‐phenolic branched‐chain fatty acid (poly‐PBC‐FA) products were synthesized from a combination of soybean fatty acids and phenolic materials through a highly efficient zeolite catalyzed arylation method. These poly‐PBC‐FAs are liquid at room temperature and do not have the unpleasant odor like the parent phenol reagent. They were found to be comprised of various numbers of phenol rings on the fatty acid chain, and this is important because compounds with a higher number of hydroxyl groups are expected to have better antimicrobial activities. Detailed characterization using gas chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole‐time of flight mass spectrometer techniques were used to measure the number of phenol groups on the alkyl fatty acid chains. A cost process modeling technique was used to determine the economic feasibility of this arylation process to make these important poly‐PBC‐FA products.

Practical applications: The continued outbreaks of Listeria monocytogenes in foods imply that current antimicrobial products are not sufficient to control pathogen contamination. These new phenolic branched‐chain fatty acid products contain hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties. They are found to bear close resemblance to antimicrobial compounds that are receiving a great deal of attention for biomedical and/or materials applications. This finding is highly encouraging because the phenolic products are odorless which should make them appealing for possible food applications to kill the harmful Listeria monocytogenes.

New poly‐phenolic branched‐chain fatty acid products were synthesized from a combination of soybean fatty acids and phenol materials through a highly efficient zeolite catalyzed arylation method. These isolated phenolic fatty acid materials are liquid at room temperature and do not have the unpleasant odor like the parent phenol reagent. Mass spectroscopy results confirmed more than one phenol group is on the alkyl chain due to the polyunsaturated fatty acid materials used. The cost model indicated that the process is feasible at the industrial scale.
Seven tesla MRI improves detection of focal cortical dysplasia in patients with refractory focal epilepsy
Authors: Veersema Tim J. , Ferrier Cyrille H. , van Eijsden Pieter , Gosselaar Peter H. , Aronica Eleonora , Visser Fredy , Zwanenburg Jaco M. , de Kort Gerard A. P. , Hendrikse Jeroen , Luijten Peter R. , Braun Kees P. J.
Published: January 2017

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine whether the use of 7 tesla (T) MRI in clinical practice leads to higher detection rates of focal cortical dysplasias in possible candidates for epilepsy surgery.

Methods

In our center patients are referred for 7 T MRI if lesional focal epilepsy is suspected, but no abnormalities are detected at one or more previous, sufficient‐quality lower‐field MRI scans, acquired with a dedicated epilepsy protocol, or when concealed pathology is suspected in combination with MR‐visible mesiotemporal sclerosis—dual pathology. We assessed 40 epilepsy patients who underwent 7 T MRI for presurgical evaluation and whose scans (both 7 T and lower field) were discussed during multidisciplinary epilepsy surgery meetings that included a dedicated epilepsy neuroradiologist. We compared the conclusions of the multidisciplinary visual assessments of 7 T and lower‐field MRI scans.

Results

In our series of 40 patients, multidisciplinary evaluation of 7 T MRI identified additional lesions not seen on lower‐field MRI in 9 patients (23%). These findings were guiding in surgical planning. So far, 6 patients underwent surgery, with histological confirmation of focal cortical dysplasia or mild malformation of cortical development.

Significance

Seven T MRI improves detection of subtle focal cortical dysplasia and mild malformations of cortical development in patients with intractable epilepsy and may therefore contribute to identification of surgical candidates and complete resection of the epileptogenic lesion, and thus to postoperative seizure freedom.
Nuclear factor one transcription factors as epigenetic regulators in cancer
Authors: Fane Mitchell , Harris Lachlan , Smith Aaron G. , Piper Michael
Published: January 2017

Tumour heterogeneity poses a distinct obstacle to therapeutic intervention. While the initiation of tumours across various physiological systems is frequently associated with signature mutations in genes that drive proliferation and bypass senescence, increasing evidence suggests that tumour progression and clonal diversity is driven at an epigenetic level. The tumour microenvironment plays a key role in driving diversity as cells adapt to demands imposed during tumour growth, and is thought to drive certain subpopulations back to a stem cell‐like state. This stem cell‐like phenotype primes tumour cells to react to external cues via the use of developmental pathways that facilitate changes in proliferation, migration and invasion. Because the dynamism of this stem cell‐like state requires constant chromatin remodelling and rapid alterations at regulatory elements, it is of great therapeutic interest to identify the cell‐intrinsic factors that confer these epigenetic changes that drive tumour progression. The nuclear factor one (NFI) family are transcription factors that play an important role in the development of many mammalian organ systems. While all four family members have been shown to act as either oncogenes or tumour suppressors across various cancer models, evidence has emerged implicating them as key epigenetic regulators during development and within tumours. Notably, NFIs have also been shown to regulate chromatin accessibility at distal regulatory elements that drive tumour cell dissemination and metastasis. Here we summarize the role of the NFIs in cancer, focusing largely on the potential mechanisms associated with chromatin remodelling and epigenetic modulation of gene expression.
Prospective observational study comparing traditional laparoscopy and three‐dimensional laparoscopy in gynecologic surgery
Authors: Lara‐Domínguez Maria D. , López‐Jiménez Araceli , Grabowski Jacek P. , Arjona‐Berral Jose E. , Zapardiel Ignacio
Published: January 2017

Objective

To compare perioperative details among patients who underwent gynecologic surgery between traditional laparoscopy and three‐dimensional laparoscopy.

Methods

The present prospective non‐randomized study enrolled all consecutive patients diagnosed with gynecologic pathology who underwent laparoscopic surgery at Reina Sofia Hospital, Cordoba, Spain between January 1 and April 30, 2014. Perioperative data, adverse events, and patient satisfaction were compared between patients who underwent treatment with two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional laparoscopic surgery techniques.

Results

The study enrolled 60 consecutive patients; 31 (52%) patients who underwent three‐dimensional surgery and 29 (48%) who underwent traditional two‐dimensional surgery. No significant differences were observed in the adverse‐event rate, operating time, or perioperative parameters. A higher use of sealing devices was recorded among patients who underwent three‐dimensional laparoscopy (P=0.021). No difference was recorded in patient satisfaction between the two patient groups.

Conclusion

Although there was no impact on surgical outcomes, three‐dimensional surgery could give a more accurate view of the surgical field. Performing three‐dimensional surgery could be beneficial for more complex procedures although further comparative studies are required to investigate this hypothesis.
Long hospitalization for severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome with persistent right hydrothorax and two occurrences of pneumonia
Authors: Lin Jinli , Li Xueying , Zhang Linhao
Published: January 2017

During prolonged hospitalization for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a patient experienced persistent right hydrothorax and repeated pneumonia. More aggressive treatment should be considered for such patients.
Clinical Problems of Ovulation Defects
Authors: Grant Alan
Published: January 2017

The clinical manifestations of luteal phase defect. a condition frequently associated with pathological ovulation, have been reviewed along with methods of diagnosis and treatment. Data have been presented that indicate frequent associations of corpus luteum insufficiency with infertility and early abortion. The obvious similarities between experimental and clinical findings suggest strongly that this pathological entity is closely related to the ovulation defects that have been shown to cause a variety of reproductive anomalies in various laboratory animals.
Secondary Liposarcoma of the Ovary
Authors: Rodeck C. H. , Pryse‐Davies J. , Malvern J. , Morgan R. L. , Bennett G.
Published: January 2017

This report is the first description of a secondary ovarian liposarcoma. The primary growth was in the mediastinum. The growth rate of the ovarian tumor was very rapid, but the patient died of cardiopulmonary causes. The mode of spread is discussed, and it probably occurred by transcelomic migration and surface implantation.
The Risk of Dying from Legal Abortion in the United States, 1972–1975
Authors: Cates Willard , Grimes David A. , Smith Jack C. , Tyler Carl W.
Published: January 2017

Data gathered by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) through epidemiologic surveillance of deaths associated with legal abortions performed from 1972 through 1975 are analyzed by the type of procedure and the gestational age of the patients. Analysis shows that deaths increase at higher gestational ages and that the risk of death from abortion is highest with hysterotomy and hysterectomy and lowest with suction curettage. Second trimester instillation procedures are associated with higher rates of mortality than first trimester curettage procedures, even when dilatation and evacuation at 13–15 weeks' gestation is included as a curettage procedure. A case history of a patient who died as a result of legal abortion demonstrates that while legal abortion is a safe surgical procedure, some of the deaths that still occur can be prevented.
The Cold Sterilization of Abortion Cannulae
Authors: Spence Michael R. , King Theodore M. , Brockman Mary
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine if cold sterilization is a feasible method for sterilizing abortion cannulae and, if so, to find the appropriate solutions and time intervals for this sterilization process. Study findings show that abortion cannulae can be cold sterilized by soaking them for a minimum of 10 minutes in a solution of Cidex® or 95% ethanol. Soaking the cannulae for 20 minutes in a 2% tincture of iodine solution also appears to be useful for decontamination purposes.
Inducing Labor with Oral Prostaglandin E2 in Khartoum Hospital
Authors: Gerais Abdel‐Salam , Abdel‐Aziz Farouk , Abdel‐Hafiz Abdel‐Rahman
Published: January 2017

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was administered orally to 109 patients to induce labor. Sixty‐five of these patients had an amniotomy prior to PGE2 administration. PGE2 was administered to the remaining. 44, who subsequently underwent amniotomy only after their cervices had reached approximately 6 cm dilation. Labor was successfully induced in 95 patients, but its duration was shorter when amniotomy was immediately followed by PGE2 administration. Failed cases were successfully managed with amniotomy and oxytocin infusion. Maternal side effects were minimal. No fetal complications occurred.
Diagnostic Laparoscopy
Authors: McBride Nancy , Newman Robert L.
Published: January 2017

Six hundred fifty‐eight laparoscopies were performed at St. Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri, USA, between March 1, 1976 and February 28, 1977. One hundred sixty‐eight (25.5%) were performed for diagnostic purposes. A review of the preoperative diagnoses and the laparoscopic findings demonstrates the value of laparoscopy as a diagnostic procedure.
A Comparison of Socio‐demographic and Fertility Characteristics of Women Sterilized in Hospitals and Camps
Authors: Pachauri Saroj
Published: January 2017

Socio‐demographic characteristics of 5846 women undergoing sterilization in hospitals and 1752 women undergoing sterilization in camps in India are analyzed. The average age of women accepting sterilization was 29.8 years; the mean number of living children was 4.2. Women sterilized in hospitals were of significantly higher age and parity than those sterilized in camps. The mean parity for all women was 4.6. A steep increase in median parity was observed with increasing age in both hospitals and camps. The study indicates that, while the level of education may affect acceptance of sterilization, there is no minimum level of education necessary for its acceptance. Most of the women in the study were not gainfully employed. As expected, most of the women were Hindus. Muslims were underrepresented in the hospital series; in camps, however, Muslims showed a much higher rate of acceptance of sterilization. The rate of pregnancy wastage was significantly higher in the hospital and the child loss rate was significantly higher for the camp cases. While the rate of previous abortions was higher for low parity women, the child loss rate was higher for high parity women. The child loss parity ratio was significantly higher for the camps than for the hospital cases. The vast majority of women in both hospitals and camps reported no previous contraceptive practice. Sterilization appears to have been the method of choice for most of these women.
Repeat Laparotomy as a Preclinical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Method for Treating Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Grönroos M. , Punnonen R. , Liukko P.
Published: January 2017

One hundred forty‐two cases of epithelial ovarian carcinoma were treated from 1972 to 1976 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Central Hospital, Turku, Finland. Repeat laparotomy was performed on 37 of the patients about six months after total extirpative surgery (group I). In addition, a second laparotomy was performed on 14 patients after partial surgery or exploratory laparotomy (group II). All patients were given external radiation therapy combined with cytostatic treatment prior to the repeat laparotomies. A preclinical carcinoma was detected in six of the 37 patients in group I. Two of them are asymptomatic after five years of follow‐up. In group II, total surgery after initial partial or exploratory laparotomy succeeded in half of the cases. Serous and endometrioid carcinomas appeared to respond best to conservative therapy preceding repeat laparotomy.
The Midwife and the Family Unit
Authors: Kölle Ruth
Published: January 2017

The activities of the midwife dealing with home deliveries or working in a ward and her relationship with the pregnant women are discussed.
Correlation of Ominous Fetal Heart Rate Pattern and Scalp Blood pH with One‐Minute Apgar Score
Authors: Ayromlooi Jahangir , Tobias Mitchell , Berg Peter
Published: January 2017

Fetal monitoring data were analyzed in 176 labors that developed ominous fetal heart rate deceleration patterns (FHRDP) during the two hours prior to delivery in an effort to identify how neonatal condition could be most accurately predicted. It was found that ominous FHRDP corresponded to a one‐minute Apgar score of 6 or less in only 15.3% of cases. When patterns with fetal scalp blood pHs (FSBpH) of ≤7.20 (n = 18) were considered, 44.4% had an Apgar score of 6 or less. Mean Apgar scores for those neonates who had a pH of ≤7.20 were significantly less than the mean Apgar score of the control group (p < 0.001 for all deceleration types). The result reveals that FSBpH has a better predictive value than FHRDP alone for neonatal depression. It is suggested that, as soon as ominous FHRDP occurs during labor, FSBpH be performed to assess not only fetal status but also to predict neonatal outcome.
Heparin Therapy in Postcesarean Septic Pelvic Thrombophlebitis
Authors: Malkamy Hormoz
Published: January 2017

Eleven cases of septic pelvic thrombophlebitis and persistant fever following cesarean section and cesarean hysterectomy are presented. Addition of heparin to the antibiotic regimen of these patients produced a clinical response within 1‐5 days, except in two patients who developed septic pulmonary emboli, which finally resolved with continued heparin therapy. An incidental finding was a high incidence of pelvic thrombophlebitis following hypogastric artery ligation. The results justify a trial of heparin therapy, before resorting to exploratory laparotomy, in postpelvic surgery patients who have unexplained fever.
Realtime Sonographic Diagnosis of Fetal Dysplastic Kidney
Authors: Fadel Hossam E. , Martin Sara
Published: January 2017

A case of unilateral renal dysplasia was diagnosed in utero using realtime scanning. The diagnosis was confirmed neonatally and the affected kidney was surgically removed. Pathologic findings were consistent with the features of this malformation. The echographic characteristics of renal dysplasia and the differential diagnosis are described. The potential uses of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and follow‐up of pregnancies associated with or at risk of renal malformations are discussed.
Evolution of Functional Ovarian Cysts: Sonographic Appearance and Management
Authors: Turetz Franklin , Smulewicz Jan , Wallach Robert C.
Published: January 2017

The varying sonographic appearance of physiologic cysts in discussed and illustrated. Sonography can be used to make accurate diagnoses without operative intervention in selected cases of adnexal enlargement. An awareness of the diversity of morphology and rapidity of evolution of functional cysts will help to prevent unnecessary surgery.
Unilateral Absence of Distal Tube and Ovary with Migratory Calcified Intraperitoneal Mass
Authors: Ali Vaseem , Lynn Sherwood , Schmidt Waldemar
Published: January 2017

A case of unilateral absence of a distal portion of Fallopian tube and ovary in association with a migratory calcified intraperitoneal mass is described. A review of the literature concerning this rare occurrence is summarized, and a discussion of the etiology of such an entity is presented. The surgical technique for removal of such a pelvic lesion through a posterior colpotomy incision and use of the laparoscope is also described.
Outpatient Laparoscopy with Local Anesthesia
Authors: Zevallos Hector , Shah Yogendra , Moody Laura
Published: January 2017

Since March 1974, laparoscopic sterilizations have been performed on patients under local anesthesia at The Hope Clinic for Women, an outpatient facility that is not based in a hospital. No major surgical complications have resulted from these procedures, and less than 1% of the patients experienced minor complications. Neither general anesthesia nor hospitalization has been necessary for any of the women sterilized. The results of this study show that outpatient laparoscopy, when performed by a highly skilled surgical team, is a safe procedure that does not present additional risks to the patient.
Stimulatory actions of a novel thiourea derivative on large‐conductance, calcium‐activated potassium channels
Authors: Wu Sheng‐Nan , Chern Jyh‐Haur , Shen Santai , Chen Hwei‐Hisen , Hsu Ying‐Ting , Lee Chih‐Chin , Chan Ming‐Huan , Lai Ming‐Chi , Shie Feng‐Shiun
Published: January 2017

In this study, we examine whether an anti‐inflammatory thiourea derivative, compound #326, actions on ion channels. The effects of compound #326 on Ca2+‐activated K+ channels were evaluated by patch‐clamp recordings obtained in cell‐attached, inside‐out or whole‐cell configuration. In pituitary GH3 cells, compound #326 increased the amplitude of Ca2+‐activated K+ currents (IK(Ca)) with an EC50 value of 11.6 μM, which was reversed by verruculogen, but not tolbutamide or TRAM‐34. Under inside‐out configuration, a bath application of compound #326 raised the probability of large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (BKCa) channels. The activation curve of BKCa channels was shifted to less depolarised potential with no modification of the gating charge of the curve; consequently, the difference of free energy was reduced in the presence of this compound. Compound #326‐stimulated activity of BKCa channels is explained by a shortening of mean closed time, despite its inability to alter single‐channel conductance. Neither delayed‐rectifier nor erg‐mediated K+ currents was modified. Compound #326 decreased the peak amplitude of voltage‐gated Na+ current with no clear change in the overall current–voltage relationship of this current. In HEK293T cells expressing α‐hSlo, compound #326 enhanced BKCa channels effectively. Intriguingly, the inhibitory actions of compound #326 on interleukin 1β in lipopolysaccharide‐activated microglia were significantly reversed by verruculogen, whereas BKCa channel inhibitors suppressed the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase. The BKCa channels could be an important target for compound #326 if similar in vivo results occur, and the multi‐functionality of BKCa channels in modulating microglial immunity merit further investigation.