bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscape ecological risk assessment in Qinling Mountain
Authors: Cui Lu , Zhao Yonghua , Liu Jianchao , Han Lei , Ao Yong , Yin Sha
Published: January 2018

In this paper, landscape ecological risk in Qinling Mountain was studied. Using the remote sensing images of Landsat TM and DEM data in 1984, 2000, 2005, and 2014, an ecological risk assessment model was constructed, and landscape ecological risk indexes were calculated for four time periods 1984, 2004, 2005 and 2014. The spatial distribution of ecological risk was obtained with ArcGIS and geostatistics, and changes in the landscape patterns and spatiotemporal characteristics of ecological risk were analysed. As shown in the results; (a) from 1984 to 2014, the landscape pattern index of Qinling forest area was relatively stable; fragmentation and segregation decreased, and dominance and area increased. The fragmentation and separation of cultivated land increased over time, and the geographical distribution of cultivated land diversified, while its dominance decreased. (b) The areas of extremely low and extremely high ecological risk level in the study area is gradually reduced. But the area of high ecological risk level increased obviously. The extremely high ecological risk area was mainly distributed in the middle and south‐eastern regions. The extremely low and low risk areas were mainly distributed in the low hilly areas of northern Qinling.
Parvalbumin interneuron mediated feedforward inhibition controls signal output in the deep layers of the perirhinal‐entorhinal cortex
Authors: Willems Janske G. P. , Wadman Wytse J. , Cappaert Natalie L. M.
Published: January 2018

The perirhinal (PER) and lateral entorhinal (LEC) cortex form an anatomical link between the neocortex and the hippocampus. However, neocortical activity is transmitted through the PER and LEC to the hippocampus with a low probability, suggesting the involvement of the inhibitory network. This study explored the role of interneuron mediated inhibition, activated by electrical stimulation in the agranular insular cortex (AiP), in the deep layers of the PER and LEC. Activated synaptic input by AiP stimulation rarely evoked action potentials in the PER‐LEC deep layer excitatory principal neurons, most probably because the evoked synaptic response consisted of a small excitatory and large inhibitory conductance. Furthermore, parvalbumin positive (PV) interneurons—a subset of interneurons projecting onto the axo‐somatic region of principal neurons—received synaptic input earlier than principal neurons, suggesting recruitment of feedforward inhibition. This synaptic input in PV interneurons evoked varying trains of action potentials, explaining the fast rising, long lasting synaptic inhibition received by deep layer principal neurons. Altogether, the excitatory input from the AiP onto deep layer principal neurons is overruled by strong feedforward inhibition. PV interneurons, with their fast, extensive stimulus‐evoked firing, are able to deliver this fast evoked inhibition in principal neurons. This indicates an essential role for PV interneurons in the gating mechanism of the PER‐LEC network.
Groundwater monitoring at the watershed scale: An evaluation of recharge and nonpoint source pollutant loading in the Clear Creek Watershed, Iowa
Authors: Schilling Keith E. , Streeter Matthew T. , Bettis E. Arthur , Wilson Christopher G. , Papanicolaou Athanasios N.
Published: January 2018

Determining the groundwater contribution of nonpoint source pollution at a watershed scale is a challenging issue. In this study, we utilized a top‐down approach to characterize representative groundwater response units (GRUs) based on land use and landscape position (e.g., upland, sideslope, or floodplain) in the 275‐km2 Clear Creek Watershed, Iowa. Groundwater monitoring wells were then established along downslope transects in representative GRUs. This unique combination of top‐down/bottom‐up approaches allowed us to estimate groundwater pollutant loads at the watershed scale with minimal monitoring. For the 2015 study period, results indicated that more groundwater recharge occurred in the floodplain (404 mm) compared to the uplands or sideslopes (281 and 165 mm, respectively), irrespective of land use. Recharge in the floodplains consisted of 37% of the annual precipitation, whereas upland wells averaged 26% and sideslopes averaged 15% of the annual precipitation. Less recharge was found to occur beneath perennial grass compared to row crop and urbanized areas. Baseflow discharge accounted for 69% of the total NO3‐N exported from the Clear Creek Watershed, with row crop areas contributing approximately 95% of the annual load. Orthophosphorus (OP) yields were approximately 0.72 kg/ha beneath urban and suburban areas, three times higher than those in row crop or perennial areas. Urban and suburban areas accounted for 21.4% of groundwater orthophosphorus and chloride loads in the watershed compared to only 8.5% of the land area. Overall, the groundwater load allocation model for baseflow nutrient discharge to Clear Creek can be used to target future nonpoint source load reduction strategies at the watershed scale. The use of GRUs can pinpoint better areas of concern for controlling nutrient loads.
The effect of surgery on subsequent pregnancy outcomes among patients with cesarean scar diverticulum
Authors: Cheng Xian‐Ying , Cheng Li , Li Wen‐Juan , Qian Lin‐Hua , Zhang Yong‐Qin
Published: January 2018

Objective

To determine whether surgical treatment of cesarean scar diverticulum (CSD) reduced adverse outcomes during the subsequent pregnancy.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted using the medical records of pregnant women with CSD who attended a single hospital in Hangzhou, China, between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2016. Baseline characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the surgery group and the no surgery group.

Results

There were 106 patients included in the study, 83 in the surgery group and 23 in the no surgery group. The CSD size was greater in all dimensions for the surgery group versus the no surgery group: length (P<0.001), width (P=0.001), and depth (P=0.030). The remaining myometrium was thinner among women in the surgery group than those in the no surgery group (P=0.011). In all, 76 (91.6%) women in the surgery group were symptomatic. The incidence of live delivery pregnancy was higher (P=0.033) and the incidence of cesarean scar pregnancy was lower (P=0.019) in the surgery group versus the no surgery group. Surgery increased the thickness of the lower uterine segment (P<0.001); however, it did not reduce the risks of placenta previa or placenta accreta (P=0.683) and uterine dehiscence or uterine rupture (P=0.458).

Conclusion

Surgical intervention reduced the incidence of cesarean scar pregnancy and increased the number of live deliveries.
Hydrolysis by catalytic IgGs of microRNA specific for patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Ermakov Evgeny A. , Ivanova Svetlana A. , Buneva Valentina N. , Nevinsky Georgy A.
Published: January 2018

Significant importance of autoimmune changes in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia (SCZ) is not established. Here, we present the first evidence that autoantibodies of 100% SCZ patients possess RNase activity: сCMP > poly(C) > poly(A) > yeast RNA. In addition, we have got an unexpected result: there was revealed site‐specific hydrolysis of four known SCZ specific microRNAs (miR‐137, miR‐9‐5p, miR‐219‐2‐3p, and miR‐219a‐5p) playing an important role in the regulation of several genes functioning. Three major of cleavage sites are located in the microRNA loops or duplex parts directly articulated with the loops. RNase abzymes can contribute to decreasing of microRNAs effects on the functioning of numerous genes and the products of their transcription. Therefore, abzymes with RNase activity may be to some extent important for the development of schizophrenia. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(2):153–164, 2018
Association of genetic variants in the interleukin‐18 gene promoter with risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and metastasis in patients with hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Bakr Noha M. , Awad Ashraf , A. Moustafa Emad
Published: January 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignancy of the liver, characterized by high vascularization and rapid tumor progression. The current case–control study aimed to analyze the influence of −607C/A and −137G/C polymorphisms in the interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) promoter on the risk of HCC occurrence and metastasis in Egyptian patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Both genetic variations were genotyped in 279 subjects including HCV patients with and without HCC and unrelated healthy subjects, using the allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (AS‐PCR) method. The relationship between clinico‐laboratory parameters including serum level of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) and these polymorphisms was evaluated in HCC patients. The IL‐18‐607A allele and AA genotype were significantly related to a higher risk of developing HCC when comparing patients with HCC and controls, and were significantly related to a higher risk of metastasis when comparing metastatic and nonmetastatic groups in the Egyptian patients. In contrast, the IL18‐137C allele and GC genotype were significantly related to a lower risk of developing HCC when comparing patients with HCC and controls, and HCV patients with and without HCC. A significant association was found between multinodular HCC and IL‐18‐607AA genotype, while, uninodular HCC was significantly associated with IL‐18‐137GG genotype. In addition, IL18‐607AA and −137GG genotypes showed significant association with higher level of serum AFP. The detection of polymorphisms in the IL‐18 promoter, in a combination with an evaluation of level of serum AFP, could be used as a molecular biomarker in the early diagnosis of HCC, which would aid the early management of the disease, thus decreasing the rate of mortality of this disease. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(2):165–174, 2018
Diarrhea in Severely Burned Children
Authors: Thakkar Kalpesh , Kien C. Lawrence , Rosenblatt Judah I. , Herndon David N.
Published: January 2018

Background: Diarrhea is a common problem in critically ill patients. Our patients are fed a high‐carbohydrate enteral formula. We hypothesized that diarrhea in our patients may be related to the osmotic effects of unabsorbed carbohydrate in the small intestine and colon. Methods: We studied 19 patients, 3 months to 17 years, with burns >40% total body surface area. Each subject was studied weekly for up to 4 weeks postburn. Breath H2 concentration was measured. For the 24‐hour period before the breath H2 measurement, the enteral carbohydrate intake, stool volume, and total enteral fluid volume were recorded. At each of several weekly intervals for each subject, the times when stool volume and enteral carbohydrate intake were each maximal were noted. Results: Maximal stool volume ranged from 12 to 69 mL/kg/d. At the time point of maximal carbohydrate intake, diarrhea (stool volume >10 mL/kg/d) occurred in 18 of 19 patients, and maximal stool volume occurred in 10 of 19. Breath H2 concentration (ppm/5% CO2; mean ± SEM) was 5.5 ± 3.5 at the time of maximal carbohydrate intake, and was 25 ± 20 at maximal stool volume. There were no correlations among breath H2 concentration, stool volume, enteral fluid intake, and enteral carbohydrate intake. Conclusions: Almost all the subjects had diarrhea over several weeks postburn. The lack of correlation of either carbohydrate intake or breath H2 with stool volume suggests that diarrhea in these patients may be caused by factors other than carbohydrate malabsorption. These data do not support altering nutrition support because of watery diarrhea.
Effect of Jejunal Long‐Term Feeding in Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Stanga Zeno , Giger Urs , Marx Arthur , DeLegge Mark H.
Published: January 2018

Background: In the late course of chronic pancreatitis (CP), weight loss is often seen because of reduced caloric intake and a reduction of pancreatic enzyme secretion, resulting in maldigestion. Most of these patients can be managed by dietary recommendations and pancreatic enzyme supplementation. However, approximately 5% of these patients are reported to be candidates for enteral nutrition support during their course of CP. Although small bowel access for enteral feeding can be easily obtained by percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy (PEG/J) or direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (DPEJ), to date there are no data regarding clinical outcome and safety of long‐term jejunal feeding in CP.Methods: From January 1999 to October 2002, 57 patients receiving enteral nutrition by PEG/J or DPEJ were retrospectively analyzed during a follow‐up period of 6 months. There were 38 females and 19 males, with an average age of 46.6 years.Results: Small‐bowel access was obtained by PEG/J in 53 patients and by DPEJ in 4. Duration of enteral feeding was 113 days. Average body weight significantly increased from 64.8 kg at day 1 to 69.1 kg at day 180 (p< .001). The percentage of patients with abdominal pain decreased from 96% to 23%. One patient sustained a colon mesentery injury after DPEJ tube placement.Conclusions: Long‐term nutrition support by PEG/J or DPEJ in patients with symptomatic, chronic pancreatitis increases patients' body weight and decreases the degree of malnutrition, abdominal pain, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. The underlying mechanisms for these observations are unclear and require further investigation. Small‐bowel rest with reduced pancreatic gland stimulation might be a key component. Moderately to severely malnourished patients who do not respond to oral dietary interventions and who are candidates for elective pancreatic surgery might also be candidates for long‐term preoperative jejunal feeding to reduce malnutrition‐associated perioperative complications. In experienced hands, we feel that long‐term jejunal feeding is safe, with minimal major complications.
T Lymphocyte Numbers in Human Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue Are Reduced Without Enteral Nutrition
Authors: Okamoto Koichi , Fukatsu Kazuhiko , Ueno Chikara , Shinto Eiji , Hashiguchi Yojiro , Nagayoshi Hidetoshi , Hiraide Hoshio , Mochizuki Hidetaka
Published: January 2018

Background: Clinically, in the absence of enteral nutrition, the morbidity of infectious complication is high. Although experiments using mice have shown alterations in gut‐associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) to be an important mechanism underlying impaired host defense, there are no clinical studies on the effects of nutritional routes on GALT. Methods: A total of 27 colon cancer cases who underwent right colectomy or hemicolectomy were reviewed. Six patients did not receive enteral nutrition for 4 to 28 days before surgery because of bowel obstruction (parenteral nutrition [PN] group). Twenty‐one patients were enterally fed before surgery (enteral nutrition [EN] group). The terminal ileum from resected specimens was examined microscopically. T‐cell numbers in intraepithelial spaces (IE) and the lamina propria (LP) were determined immunohistochemically in blinded fashion. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. T‐cell number in the LP was significantly lower in the PN group than in the EN group, with no difference in IE cell numbers. Conclusions: Lack of enteral delivery of nutrients reduces GALT cell number in patients with colon cancer, as is the case in mice.
Breaking Silence and Amplifying Voices: Youths Writing and Performing Their Worlds
Authors: Flores Tracey T.
Published: January 2018

The author explores the experiences of adolescent youths (ages 13–21) through their participation in the Youth Writing Collective (YWC), a free creative writing program sponsored by the local university. For one week, youths attendedYWCworkshops, where they were invited to write, share, and perform stories from their lived realities. Situated in Arizona, a state with mandated English‐only polices and restrictive curricula, this study highlights the possibilities that exist when we create spaces with and for youths to utilize writing and performing as a tool to break silence and amplify voices while examining and challenging their worlds. In addition, the author highlights how participation in theYWCsupported youths in raising their collective awareness of issues present in their lives while fighting to create their place in the world.
A novel near‐infrared fluorescent probe for monitoring cyclooxygenase‐2 in inflammation and tumor
Authors: Zhang Qi , Han Zhihao , Tao Ji , Zhang Wancun , Li Ping , Tang Liping , Gu Yueqing
Published: January 2018

Targeting cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) for molecular imaging is an attractive approach applicable for its overexpression in inflammation and many malignancies. Herein, for monitoring COX‐2, we synthesize a specific COX‐2 probe celecoxib‐MPA probe (CMP), based on celecoxib and a water‐soluble near‐infrared dye dye ICG‐Der‐02 (MPA). Its high affinity for binding to COX‐2 is verified by molecular docking, dynamics simulation and inhibition assay. At cellular level, CMP selectively accumulates in cytoplasm of COX‐2‐positive cells. in vivo assays, probe guided‐imaging in inflamed or cancerous tissues confirms that CMP can bind to the locally endogenic COX‐2 and exhibit intense fluorescence. Importantly, we further prove the targeting specificity of CMP as the fluorescence is significantly reduced by blocking COX‐2 active site through preinjection with celecoxib. The results suggest that the probe CMP, with favorable hydrophilic property, good biocompatibility, long‐term observation, excellent targeting ability and optical imaging capability, could serve as a promising probe for real‐time monitoring COX‐2 in inflammation and tumor.
Biomechanical, histological, and computed X‐ray tomographic analyses of hydroxyapatite coated PEEK implants in an extended healing model in rabbit
Authors: Johansson Pär , Barkarmo Sargon , Hawthan Mohammed , Peruzzi Niccolò , Kjellin Per , Wennerberg Ann
Published: January 2018

A nanosized hydroxyapatite (HA) modification on polyetheretherketone (PEEK) using a novel spin coating technique was investigated in a rabbit model. Spin coating technique creates a 20–40 nm thick layer of nanosized HA particles with similar shape, size, and crystallinity as human bone. Some implants were designed with a perforating hole in the apical region to mimic a fusion chamber of a spinal implant. The coating nano‐structures were assessed using a scanning electron microscope. The in vivo response to HA‐PEEK was compared to untreated PEEK with respect to removal torque, histomorphometry, and computed microtomography. The HA‐coated and pure PEEK implants were inserted in the tibia and femur bone according to simple randomization. The rabbits were sacrificed 20 weeks after implantation. Removal torque analysis showed significantly higher values for HA‐PEEK. Qualitative histological evaluation revealed an intimate contact between PEEK and the bone at the threads and perforated hole. Histomorphometric assessment showed higher bone‐implant and bone area values for HA‐PEEK but without statistical significance. The effect of the HA coating showed most prominent effect in the removal torque which may be correlated to an alteration in the bone quality around the HA‐PEEK implants. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1440–1447, 2018.
Redox‐Dependent Bone Alkaline Phosphatase Dysfunction Drives Part of the Complex Bone Phenotype in Mice Deficient for Memo1
Authors: Moor Matthias B , Ramakrishnan Suresh K , Legrand Finola , Dolder Silvia , Siegrist Mark , Durussel Fanny , Centeno Gabriel , Firsov Dmitri , Hynes Nancy E , Hofstetter Willy , Bonny Olivier
Published: January 2018

Mediator of ErbB2‐driven cell Motility 1 (MEMO1) is an intracellular redox protein that integrates growth factors signaling with the intracellular redox state. We have previously reported that mice lacking Memo1 displayed higher plasma calcium levels and other alterations of mineral metabolism, but the underlying mechanism was unresolved and the bone phenotype was not described. Here, we show that Cre/lox‐mediated MEMO1 deletion in the whole body of C57Bl/6 mice (Memo cKO) leads to severely altered trabecular bone and lower mineralization, with preserved osteoblast and osteoclast number and activity, but altered osteoblast response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) and FGF2. More strikingly, Memo cKO mice display decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in serum and in bone, while ALPL expression level is unchanged. Bone intracellular redox state is significantly altered in Memo cKO mice and we inferred that ALP dimerization was reduced in Memo cKO mice. Indeed, despite similar ALP oxidation, we found increased ALP sensitivity to detergent in Memo cKO bone leading to lower ALP dimerization capability. Thus, we report a severe bone phenotype and dysfunctional bone ALP with local alteration of the redox state in Memo cKO mice that partially mimics hypophosphatasia, independent of ALPL mutations. These findings reveal Memo as a key player in bone homeostasis and underline a role of bone redox state in controlling ALP activity. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Test‐1 analyzer and conventional Westergren method for erythrocyte sedimentation rate: A comparative study between two laboratories
Authors: Sonmez Cigdem , Dogan Ozlem Ceylan , Kaymak Aysegul Ozturk , Akkaya Nedim , Akin Kadir Okhan , Guntas Gulcan
Published: January 2018

Background

Measurement of the length of sedimentation reaction in blood (LSRB), also called erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), is a widely used hematology test. This study intends to compare ESR levels measured by Test‐1 method and International Council for Standardization in Hematology's (ICSH) reference method, and analyzes the effect of hematocrit (Hct) on ESR results.

Material and Methods

A total of 755 patients from 2 hospitals were included in the study, and samples with EDTA were studied by Test‐1 method for ESR measurement and total blood count, whereas citrated samples were studied with reference Westergren method. Then, 2 methods were compared. Distribution of ESR results according to the ESR(≤20, >20 mm/h) and Hct(≥35%, <35%) levels and hospital type was analyzed. ESR levels with Hct levels<35% were corrected with Fabry's formula.

Results

The mean and SD values for the Test‐1 method, reference Westergren method, and corrected ESR measurement were 21.30 ± 18.39, 28.59 ± 25.82, and 24.92 ± 20.58 mm/h, respectively. Within the whole group, the correlation coefficient (r) was .77 (.7‐.80) with a significance level P < .001. Passing‐Bablok regression analysis of the methods resulted in a regression equation y = 1.00 (95% Cl: 0.43‐1.88) + 0.75 (95% Cl: 0.70‐0.78)x while the significance of linearity was acceptable (P < .01). All subgroup linear regression analyses revealed that the correlation was acceptable, except ESR > 20 mm/h group, Hct < 35% group, and corrected ESR group (significance level were P > .10).

Conclusion

The study showed that the role of the hospital and the capacity of testing are important in choosing the instrument for measuring ESR. Furthermore, the patient profile, especially malignancy possibility and Hct level, may be important for instrument selection.
Characteristics of tendon derived stem cells according to different factors to induce the tendinopathy
Authors: Kim Sun Jeog , Song Da‐Hyun , Kim Sang Jun
Published: January 2018

Tendon derived stem cells (TDSCs) have been used as a therapeutic agent and as a healing marker. However, there has been no study about the characteristics of TDSCs extracted from tendinopathic tendon tissues. The aim of this study was to find the different characteristics of TDSCs according to the factors to induce the tendinopathy. Five‐ and fifteen‐week old Sprague Dawley rats were used for this study and chemically‐induced and injury‐induced tendinopathy models were made depending on the age of the animal for different types of tendinopathy. TDSCs from chemically‐induced tendinopathy showed markedly low proliferation compared to those from age‐matched normal control and injury‐induced tendinopathy. In addition, TDSCs from chemically‐induced tendinopathy progressed to osteogenesis under an osteogenic differentiation environment more than those from other groups. In contrast, TDSCs from injury‐induced tendinopathy showed markedly high proliferation and high expression of type III collagen and α‐SMA compared to other groups. Adipogenic potentials in TDSCs from injury‐induced tendinopathy were also higher. These different characteristics might be helpful in the development new therapeutic agents for tendon regeneration according to different factors to induce the tendinopathy.
Memory B cell heterogeneity: Remembrance of things past
Authors: Harms Pritchard Gretchen , Pepper Marion
Published: January 2018

B cells that persist for long periods of time after antigen encounter exist as either antibody-producing plasma cells (long-lived plasma cells, LLPCs) that reside primarily in the bone marrow or rapidly responsive memory B cells (MBCs) that reside in the spleen and circulation. Although LLPCs are thought to be non-responsive to a secondary infection, MBCs respond to subsequent infection through the production of antibody-secreting cells, formation of new germinal centers (GCs), and repopulation of the memory pool. Dogma suggests that MBCs express class-switched, somatically hypermutated BCRs after undergoing a GC reaction. Yet this narrow view of MBCs has been challenged over the years and it is now well recognized that diverse MBC subsets exist in both rodents and humans. Here, we review current thoughts on the phenotypic and functional characteristics of MBCs, focusing on a population of somatically hypermutated, high affinity IgM+ MBCs that are rapidly responsive to a secondary malaria infection.
PET radiometals for antibody labeling
Authors: Aluicio‐Sarduy Eduardo , Ellison Paul A. , Barnhart Todd E. , Cai Weibo , Nickles Robert Jerry , Engle Jonathan W.
Published: January 2018

Recent advances in molecular characterization of tumors have made possible the emergence of new types of cancer therapies where traditional cytotoxic drugs and nonspecific chemotherapy can be complemented with targeted molecular therapies. One of the main revolutionary treatments is the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that selectively target the disseminated tumor cells while sparing normal tissues. mAbs and related therapeutics can be efficiently radiolabeled with a wide range of radionuclides to facilitate preclinical and clinical studies. Non‐invasive molecular imaging techniques, such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET), using radiolabeled mAbs provide useful information on the whole‐body distribution of the biomolecules, which may enable patient stratification, diagnosis, selection of targeted therapies, evaluation of treatment response, and prediction of dose limiting tissue and adverse effects. In addition, when mAbs are labeled with therapeutic radionuclides, the combination of immunological and radiobiological cytotoxicity may result in enhanced treatment efficacy. The pharmacokinetic profile of antibodies demands the use of long half‐life isotopes for longitudinal scrutiny of mAb biodistribution and precludes the use of well‐stablished short half‐life isotopes. Herein, we review the most promising PET radiometals with chemical and physical characteristics that make the appealing for mAb labeling, highlighting those with theranostic radioisotopes.
Subchorionic Hematoma: Correlation of Grading Techniques With First‐Trimester Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Heller Howard T. , Asch Elizabeth A. , Durfee Sara M. , Goldenson Robin P. , Peters Hope E. , Ginsburg Elizabeth S. , Doubilet Peter M. , Benson Carol B.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To evaluate and compare grading systems of subchorionic hematoma (SCH) on first‐trimester ultrasound examinations with live embryos to assess which best correlates with early pregnancy outcome and to assess the effect of gestational age at the time of diagnosis on outcome.

Methods

First‐trimester live singleton pregnancies between 6 and 11 weeks' gestational age with SCH were identified by an institutional database search. First‐trimester outcome was categorized as “live” or “demise” based on ultrasound or medical record documentation. Hematomas were categorized in 4 ways: (1) subjective (small, moderate, or large); (2) subjective size based on fraction comparison with gestational sac size; (3) subjective grading based on the estimated percentage of the gestational sac surrounded by hematoma; and (4) 3 orthogonal measurements of the hematoma.

Results

A total of 434 sonograms met study inclusion criteria. The overall rate of first‐trimester pregnancy failure was 12.0%. The rate of demise was significantly higher for hematomas diagnosed at or before 7 weeks (19.6%) than for those after 8 weeks (3.6%; P < .001). The size of the hematoma estimated as a fraction of gestational sac size significantly correlated with first‐trimester pregnancy loss (P < .001). There was no statistical significance between first‐trimester outcome and the other 2 subjective grading methods. Volume‐based measurements provided spurious results because of the irregular shape of most hematomas.

Conclusions

Subjective hematoma size based on the fraction of gestational sac size correlates best with first‐trimester pregnancy outcome. The earlier in pregnancy an SCH is detected, the higher the rate of subsequent pregnancy failure.
ChemKED: A Human‐ and Machine‐Readable Data Standard for Chemical Kinetics Experiments
Authors: Weber Bryan W. , Niemeyer Kyle E.
Published: January 2018

Fundamental experimental measurements of quantities such as ignition delay times, laminar flame speeds, and species profiles (among others) serve important roles in understanding fuel chemistry and validating chemical kinetic models. However, despite both the importance and abundance of such information in the literature, the community lacks a widely adopted standard format for this data. This impedes both sharing and wide use by the community. Here we introduce a new chemical kinetics experimental data format, ChemKED and the related Python‐based package for validating and working with ChemKED‐formatted files called PyKED. We also review past and related efforts and motivate the need for a new solution. ChemKED currently supports the representation of autoignition delay time measurements from shock tubes and rapid compression machines. ChemKED‐formatted files contain all of the information needed to simulate experimental data points, including the uncertainty of the data. ChemKED is based on the YAML data serialization language and is intended as a human‐ and machine‐readable standard for easy creation and automated use. Development of ChemKED and PyKED occurs openly on GitHub under the BSD 3‐clause license, and contributions from the community are welcome. Plans for future development include support for experimental data from laminar flame, jet‐stirred reactor, and speciation measurements.
Liquid‐Phase Exfoliation of Hexagonal Boron Nitride into Boron Nitride Nanosheets in Common Organic Solvents with Hyperbranched Polyethylene as Stabilizer
Authors: Ye Huijian , Lu Tiemei , Xu Chunfeng , Han Bo , Meng Nan , Xu Lixin
Published: January 2018

Large‐scale production of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) is of significant importance for their various applications. Herein, a facile strategy is well demonstrated for BNNS fabrication via liquid‐phase exfoliation of bulk hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) in common organic solvents with hyperbranched polyethylene (HBPE) as stabilizer. Synthesized from commercially abundant ethylene stock via a simple process, the HBPE is found to effectively promote h‐BN exfoliation both in tetrahydrofuran and chloroform under sonication, to render stable dispersions of high‐quality monolayer or few‐layer BNNSs with adjustable concentrations. This has been confirmed to originate from the noncovalent CH–π interactions between the HBPE and BNNS surface, which results in irreversible HBPE adsorption on the latter to effectively prevent their reaggregation. The resultant HBPE‐functionalized BNNSs are highly dispersible in chloroform or N,N‐dimethylformamide at a concentration as high as 10.0 mg mL−1, and can be successfully used as nanofiller for a fluorinated copolymer.
The REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire is not Valid in De Novo Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Halsband Claire , Zapf Antonia , Sixel‐Döring Friederike , Trenkwalder Claudia , Mollenhauer Brit
Published: January 2018

Background

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is one of the most specific prodromal indicators for Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objectives

To test the validity of the RBD‐Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ) in assessing RBD in early PD.

Methods

The RBDSQ was completed before video‐supported polysomnography (vPSG) by 134 de novo PD patients, 109 matched controls without neurological disorder (CTR) and 30 subjects with idiopathic RBD (iRBD) without clinical signs of PD; results were compared with vPSG‐confirmed RBD diagnosis.

Results and Conclusions

Sensitivity/specificity of the RBDSQ for the PD cohort were 0.44/0.84 at the previously published cut‐off score of 6 for PD patients, and the area under the curve (AUC) 0.68 (95% CI, 0.56–0.79). By contrast, in the iRBD/CTR cohort the RBDSQ (cut‐off = 5) had a sensitivity/specificity of 0.97/0.84 and an AUC of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.90–1.00). Subanalysis of question 6 only (4 subitems asking for dream enactment) at a cut‐off score of 1 revealed a sensitivity of 0.74 and a specificity of 0.70 for the de novo PD cohort, AUC was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.63–0.84). RBDSQ is an insufficient screening tool for RBD in de novo PD. New screening tools for RBD assessment need to be developed.
Collagen XII myopathy with rectus femoris atrophy and collagen XII retention in fibroblasts
Authors: Witting Nanna , Krag Thomas , Werlauff Ulla , Duno Morten , Oestergaard Sofie Thuroe , Dahlqvist Julia Rebecka , Vissing John
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Mutation in the collagen XII gene (COL12A1) was recently reported to induce Bethlem myopathy. We describe a family affected by collagen XII‐related myopathy in 3 generations. Methods: Systematic interview, clinical examination, skin biopsies, and MRI of muscle were used. Results: The phenotype was characterized by neonatal hypotonia, contractures, and delayed motor development followed by resolution of contractures and a motor performance limited by reduced endurance. DNA analyses revealed a novel donor splice‐site mutation in COL12A1 (c.8100 + 2T>C), which segregated with clinical affection and abnormal collagen XII retention in fibroblasts. MRI disclosed a selective wasting of the rectus femoris muscle. Discussion: COL12A1 mutations should be considered in patients with a mild Bethlem phenotype who present with selective wasting of the rectus femoris, absence of the outside‐in phenomenon on MRI, and abnormal collagen XII retention in fibroblasts. Muscle Nerve 57: 1026–1030, 2018
Fatigue is a relevant outcome in patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Tran Christopher , Bril Vera , Katzberg Hans D. , Barnett Carolina
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Patients with myasthenia gravis often experience fatigue, but its effect on quality of life (QoL) is underestimated, and fatigue is rarely measured in clinical trials. Methods: Two hundred fifty‐seven myasthenic patients completed the Neuro‐QoL‐Fatigue and measures of disease severity and QoL. We studied the relationship between fatigue and clinical and demographic variables. Finally, we studied the responsiveness of the Neuro‐QoL‐Fatigue in 95 patients receiving treatments for myasthenia and estimated the minimal important difference (MID). Results: Fatigue correlated with greater disease severity (r = 0.52–0.69, P < 0.0001) and worse QoL (r = 0.65–0.75, P < 0.0001). Patients in remission, with minimal manifestations, and pure ocular symptoms reported minimal fatigue. Regression modeling showed that, in addition to its relationship with disease severity, fatigue was worse in females, patients with generalized disease, and those with anxiety/depression. Fatigue improved after immunomodulation (P < 0.0001), and the MID was 5.3 points. Discussion: Fatigue in myasthenia correlates with disease severity, affects QoL, and can improve after treatment. Muscle Nerve 58: 197–203, 2018
Neuromuscular complications of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy
Authors: Kolb Noah A. , Trevino Christopher R , Waheed Waqar , Sobhani Fatemeh , Landry Kara K. , Thomas Alissa A. , Hehir Mike
Published: January 2018

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICPI) therapy unleashes the body's natural immune system to fight cancer. ICPIs improve overall cancer survival, however, the unbridling of the immune system may induce a variety of immune‐related adverse events. Neuromuscular immune complications are rare but they can be severe. Myasthenia gravis and inflammatory neuropathy are the most common neuromuscular adverse events but a variety of others including inflammatory myopathy are reported. The pathophysiologic mechanism of these autoimmune disorders may differ from that of non–ICPI‐related immune diseases. Accordingly, while the optimal treatment for ICPI‐related neuromuscular disorders generally follows a traditional paradigm, there are important novel considerations in selecting appropriate immunosuppressive therapy. This review presents 2 new cases, a summary of neuromuscular ICPI complications, and an approach to the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. Muscle Nerve 58: 10–22, 2018
The effect of benzo‐annelation on intermolecular hydrogen bond and proton transfer of 2‐methyl‐3‐hydroxy‐4(1H)‐quinolone in methanol: A TD‐DFT study
Authors: Zhao Yanliang , Wang Meishan , Zhou Panwang , Yang Chuanlu , Ma Xiaoguang , Tang Zhe , Bao Dongshuai
Published: January 2018

Excited‐state intermolecular or intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction has important potential applications in biological probes. In this paper, the effect of benzo‐annelation on intermolecular hydrogen bond and proton transfer reaction of the 2‐methyl‐3‐hydroxy‐4(1H)‐quinolone (MQ) dye in methanol solvent is investigated by the density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory approaches. Both the primary structure parameters and infrared vibrational spectra analysis of MQ and its benzo‐analogue 2‐methyl‐3‐hydroxy‐4(1H)‐benzo‐quinolone (MBQ) show that the intermolecular hydrogen bond O1―H2⋯O3 significantly strengthens in the excited state, whereas another intermolecular hydrogen bond O3―H4⋯O5 weakens slightly. Simulated electron absorption and fluorescence spectra are agreement with the experimental data. The noncovalent interaction analysis displays that the intermolecular hydrogen bonds of MQ are obviously stronger than that of MBQ. Additionally, the energy profile analysis via the proton transfer reaction pathway illustrates that the ESIPT reaction of MBQ is relatively harder than that of MQ. Therefore, the effect of benzo‐annelation of the MQ dye weakens the intermolecular hydrogen bond and relatively inhibits the proton transfer reaction.
1H NMR‐based method for the determination of complexation equilibrium parameters and chemical shifts in a hydrogen‐bonded system with dynamic composition
Authors: Linares Mendez Iamnica J. , Pleizier Jeffrey S. , Wang Hong‐Bo , Wisner James A.
Published: January 2018

A photoswitchable self‐complementary hydrogen bond system with an azoheteroaromatic backbone is presented. The trans‐isomer (T) is the most stable form designed to dimerize through 6 hydrogen bond interactions. The dimerization constant (KT·T) and the dimer structure in the solid state have been obtained by conventional methods. When the cis‐isomer (C) is generated through photoisomerization, the dynamics of the complex structures in solution change. The less stable cis‐isomer can engage in dimerization, and a trans‐cis complex may form with remaining trans‐isomer (whose concentration increases as cis‐trans thermal reversion takes place). A mathematical approach to calculate the trans‐cis complexation constant (KT·C) along with an estimation of the cis‐isomer dimerization constant (KC·C) from phenyl analogues allows a description of the species distribution in solution to be generated.
Recent Progress on Photo‐Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Wang Penglu , Wang Songcan , Wang Haiqiang , Wu Zhongbiao , Wang Lianzhou
Published: January 2018

Ever‐increasing carbon dioxide emission has led to serious greenhouse effect and global warming in recent years. Photo‐electrocatalysis is the most significant approach to convert carbon dioxide into hydrocarbon fuels to alleviate the greenhouse effect as well as ensure the global carbon cycling with inexhaustible solar energy resource. There are four typical configurations in the photo‐electrocatalytic (PEC) carbon dioxide reduction system, i.e., photocathode coupling with anode cell, photoanode combining with cathode cell, photocathode integrating photoanode cell, and a photovoltaic‐photo‐electrocatalytic tandem cell. This review briefly summarizes the state‐of‐the‐art progress of above four configurations for photo‐electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction with a focus on the rational design of the electrode materials to achieve higher efficiency. In addition, the innovative design of the PEC system for efficient carbon dioxide reduction has also been concisely introduced. Finally, the perspectives on the challenges and future development of photo‐electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction based on the discussed configurations are presented.
MicroRNA181c inhibits prostate cancer cell growth and invasion by targeting multiple ERK signaling pathway components
Authors: Su Zhengzheng , Zhang Mengni , Xu Miao , Li Xinglan , Tan Junya , Xu Yunyi , Pan Xiuyi , Chen Ni , Chen Xueqin , Zhou Qiao
Published: January 2018

Background

The ERK signaling pathway is frequently deregulated in tumorigenesis, mostly by classical mechanisms such as gene mutation of its components (eg, RAS and RAF). However, whether and how multiple key components of ERK pathway are regulated by microRNAs are not clear.

Methods

We firstly predicted post‐transcriptional regulation of multiple key components of the ERK signaling pathway by miR181c through bioinformatics analysis, and then confirmed the post‐transcriptional regulation by dual luciferase reporter gene assays and Western blot analysis. The biological effects of miR181c on prostate cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were measured by CCK‐8 assay, flow cytometry, wound scratch assay, transwell cell migration, and invasion assays.

Results

miR181c post‐transcriptionally regulated multiple key members of the ERK signaling pathway, including extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 2 (ERK2), ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2), serum response factor (SRF), and FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (c‐Fos). Ectopic expression of miR181c mimics effectively suppressed prostate cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, but promoted cell apoptosis. Furthermore, miR181c treatment combined with the multi‐kinase inhibitor sorafenib significantly enhanced these anti‐tumor effects.

Conclusions

Downregulation of miR181c results in deregulated ERK signaling and promotes prostate cancer cell growth and metastasis.
Comparison of Versatile Immobilization Methods for Gram‐Positive Bacteria on a Silicon Cantilever
Authors: Hofherr Linda , Chodorski Jonas , Müller‐Renno Christine , Ulber Roland , Ziegler Christiane
Published: January 2018

Force spectroscopy and especially single cell force spectroscopy with bacterial probes provide a powerful tool for the investigation of bacterial adhesion to different surfaces. Thereby, a crucial step is the immobilization of the bacteria on the cantilever. Until today, there have been developed versatile methods to attach bacteria to a cantilever, but only few studies compare these methods in a quantitative way. In this work, different functionalizations of the cantilever as well as two picking‐up parameters for three gram‐positive bacteria are evaluated. While there is no functionalization which works best for all of the bacteria, polydopamine, the adhesive protein Cell‐TakTM and a gas phase silanization in combination with an activation of the bacteria are the most promising candidates. Further, some general trends how the two investigated picking‐up parameters influence the adhesive behavior of the bacteria on the cantilever, which also depends strongly on the shape of the bacteria are presented.
Mobility of Two‐Dimensional Hole Gas in H‐Terminated Diamond
Authors: Li Yao , Zhang Jin‐Feng , Liu Gui‐Peng , Ren Ze‐Yang , Zhang Jin‐Cheng , Hao Yue
Published: January 2018

The two‐dimensional hole gas (2DHG) induced at H‐terminated diamond surface provides the most widely used room‐temperature surface electrical conductance of diamond semiconductors. Temperature and hole sheet density dependences of the mobility of 2DHG in H‐terminated diamond are investigated for the first time considering four scattering mechanisms: surface impurity (SI) scattering, acoustic deformation potential (AC) scattering, nonpolar optical phonon (NOP) scattering, and surface/interface roughness (SFR/IFR) scattering. The calculation results are then compared with the experimental data, where the best agreement is obtained with the effective coupling constant of the non‐polar optical phonon Dnop and the correlation length L with values of of 1.2 × 1010 eV cm−1 and 2 nm, respectively. The theoretical data show that the SI scattering dominates the 2DHG mobility at a relatively large range of the temperature and the hole density due to the proximity of the surface impurities to the 2DHG, while the NOP scattering becomes important as the temperature increases further.
Follow 7 steps to prevent relationship violence on your campus
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2018

For every 1,000 students on your campus this year, 75 women and 46 men will be involved in an emotionally abusive relationship, 12 women and seven men will be physically abused, and nine women and five men will be sexually abused, according to statistics from the American College Health Association. Understanding relationship violence on your campus is key to preventing it. Educating students about relationship violence will serve them both while enrolled at your institution as well as throughout their lives.
Stay true to institution's mission while addressing First Amendment issues
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2018

Many campuses have experienced debate and protests in response to speakers and their topics, and some protests have turned violent. Campus leaders try to simultaneously keep members of the community safe, support First Amendment rights, and uphold institutional values.
Halloysite Nanotubes: Green Nanomaterial for Functional Organic‐Inorganic Nanohybrids
Authors: Ma Wei , Wu Hui , Higaki Yuji , Takahara Atsushi
Published: January 2018

The unique one‐dimensional nanoporous structure and the reactive external and internal surfaces make halloysite nanotube (HNT) an interesting nanomaterial for various applications. HNT is a green nanomaterial because it is easily available from abundant deposits in nature and is biocompatible with low cytotoxicity. After a brief introduction on the structure of HNT, recent advances in surface modification of HNT and its functional organic‐inorganic nanohybrids including hybrid nanocontainers, flame retardant nanocomposites, dye removal adsorbents, liquid marbles, and superamphiphobic coatings are introduced.