bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artemis very high-frequency digital ultrasound guided femtosecond laser recut after flap complication
Authors: Reinstein Dan Z. , Dickeson Zachary
Published: November 2016

Incomplete flaps are a relatively uncommon complication of laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) that occur when creation of the corneal flap is interrupted. Further complications can arise if a second flap is created that intersects the original flap interface, resulting in tissue slivers that can lead to more complications and poor visual outcomes. We report the case of a 56-year-old man who underwent LASIK in which an incomplete flap occurred after 45% completion using a mechanical microkeratome with a 160 µm head. The maximum depth achieved by this incomplete flap was measured by very high-frequency (VHF) digital ultrasound as 182 µm peripherally. Two months later, a second flap was created beneath the incomplete flap, at a depth of 190 µm. The resulting flap had a central thickness of 196 µm and a minimum clearance of 30 µm beneath the incomplete flap. This demonstrates a method for creating secondary flaps that may significantly reduce the risk of flap interface intersection.
Association between Body Image and Marital Satisfaction in Married Adults
Authors: Azra Shaheen  , Uzma Ali  , Haresh Kumar  , Pirbho Mal Makhija
Published: November 2016

Objective: To determine the association between body image and marital satisfaction in married adults.Study Design: A Correlation/ Cross-sectional studySetting and Duration: The study was carried out in Karachi, Pakistan, over a period of three months.Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted after seeking approval from the Board of Advance Studies and Research (BASR), University of Karachi, Pakistan. A total sample of 200 married adults (100 males and 100 females) was selected purposively for the study. The age range of the target group was 22 to 40 years (mean age 34 years; SD=5.13) with minimum of 2 years and maximum of 20 years of marriage. Entire sample had middle socioeconomic status and their education level was from graduation and above. The subject completed the Demographic Information, Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) and Kansas marital satisfaction scale. Responses were scored according to the producer given in the manuals.Results: Mean ± SD of age was 34.27±7 years. Mean ± SD of duration of marriage is 2 years and 5 months. Significant (P
Evaluation of the efficacy of a non-penetrating captive bolt to euthanase neonatal goats up to 48 hours of age
Authors: Sutherland MA , Watson TJ , Johnson CB , Millman ST
Published: November 2016

Manual blunt force trauma is a common method of euthanasia or culling of goat kids, however it is difficult to apply consistently and may vary in effectiveness. Therefore, a controlled mechanical method is needed. The overall objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a non-penetrating captive bolt (NPCB) to euthanase goats (Capra hircus) up to 48 h of age. In a pilot study (n = 27), the optimum anatomical site for placement of the NPCB was evaluated using signs of insensibility and death, and post mortem assessment of traumatic brain injury. Three different anatomical sites (frontal bone, poll or behind the poll) were evaluated. In Experiment 1 (n = 100), goats were euthanased using the optimum anatomical placement determined in the pilot study and the presence of brainstem reflexes, rhythmic respiration, convulsions and cardiac activity were recorded. In Experiment 2 (n = 7), electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded to assess awareness following application of the NPCB. Results from the pilot study showed that immediate insensibility followed by death was achieved when the muzzle of the NPCB was positioned behind the poll and the goat's head was bent so that the chin touched the chest. In Experiment 1, all goats were rendered immediately insensible without return to sensibility prior to cessation of cardiac activity. In Experiment 2, application of the NPCB resulted in the immediate onset of EEG activity which was incompatible with awareness. In conclusion, the NPCB reliably caused immediate insensibility and death in goats up to 48 h of age.
La transformation des figures de la normativité et de l’individualité dans les analyses féministes de l’anorexie comme problème social
Authors: Godin Laurence
Published: November 2016

Par une analyse de la littérature féministe sur l’anorexie mentale comme problème social, cet article montre que les diverses théorisations du phénomène, intimement liées aux contextes social et historique de leur production, informent au moins autant les transformations de la normativité et de l’individualité que celles de l’anorexie en elle-même. Entre les années 1970 et aujourd’hui, l’interprétation passe d’un paradigme de l’aliénation à un propos sur la production discursive de la subjectivité anorexique, avant que n’émerge une conception relationnelle du sujet et de l’expérience anorexique. En ce sens, l’analyse du problème fluctue à la mesure des évolutions de la société.
Honouring, commemorating, compensating: state and civil society in response to victims of the armed conflict in the Ixil region (Guatemala)
Authors: Duterme Clara
Published: November 2016

Established during the Guatemalan Peace Process, the Oslo Accord contemplates the
question of compensating the victims of internal armed conflict. Not only was this accord
founded on the principles of victims rights, but it also intends to contribute to the
democratic reconstruction of Guatemalan society through a process of recognition of
victims status and memory – intended to have a reconciling function. The article focuses
on the work of two organisations implementing the Oslo Accord and aims to analyse the
discourses and practices of the local actors and their perception of the application of
victims rights. Civil society actors and members of the National Compensation Programme
demonstrate different approaches both in practical work and in representations of what is
right. However, revendication of local cultural values is present in all actors discourse,
revealing their ambiguous position in regard to state government.
Murderous returns: armed violence, suicide and exhumation in the Emberá Katío economy of death (Chocó and Antioquia, Colombia)
Authors: Losonczy Anne Marie
Published: November 2016

Since the early 1990s, armed actors have invaded territories in the Chocó and Antioquia
departments of Colombia, inhabited by Afro-Colombians and Indians whose collective rights
in these territories had recently been legally recognised. Based on long-term fieldwork
among the Emberá Katío, this article examines social, cosmological and ritual alterations
and re-organisation around violent death. Following a national policy of post-conflict
reparations, public exhumations and identifications of human remains reveal new local
modes of understanding and administration. In particular, suicide, hitherto completely
unknown to the Emberá, broke out in a multitude of cases, mostly among the youth. Local
discourse attributes this phenomenon to the number of stray corpses resulting from the
violence, who are transformed into murderous spirits which shamans can no longer control.
The analysis focusses on the unprecedented articulation of a renewed eschatology, the
intricate effects of an internal political reorganisation and the simultaneous inroad into
their space of new forms of armed insurrectional violence. Thus the article will shed
light on the emergence of a new transitional moral economy of death among the Emberá.
Influence of Shadow IT on Innovation in Organizations
Authors: Silic Mario , Silic Dario , Oblakovic Goran
Published: November 2016

Shadow IT is relatively new and emerging phenomenon which is bringing number of concerns and risks to the organizational security. Past literature has mostly explored the “negative” effects of the Shadow IT phenomenon, including, for example, the security aspect where Shadow systems are said to undermine the official systems and endanger organizational data flows. However, the question of how Shadow IT can contribute to leverage user’s innovation has not been adequately addressed. We used three methods to understand if Shadow IT can be an important source of innovation for firms: 1) Single case study with international firm that adopted Shadow IT; 2) Interviews with 15 IT executives and 3) Focus group using twitter as enabling tool to interact with 65 IT professionals. We offer a new perspective on how Shadow IT practices can leverage user’s innovation. The study offers novel insights on the role of Shadow users in the organizational innovation process and how they contribute to new innovations by using Shadow IT. Not only this user led innovation through Shadow IT brings positive outcomes for the employee, but it also reveals the path to follow for organizations to increase their innovation capabilities.
Addition of Ru to L10-FePt thin film to lower Curie temperature
Authors: Ono Takuya , Nakata Hitoshi , Moriya Tomohiro , Kikuchi Nobuaki , Okamoto Satoshi , Kitakami Osamu , Shimatsu Takehito
Published: November 2016

The addition of Ru to L10 (fct)-FePt thin films was investigated to lower the Curie temperature (T
c) of the films, which is beneficial for heat-assisted magnetic recording. The FePtRu films exhibited L10-ordering and perpendicular anisotropy for Ru contents up to at least 18 at. %, and T
c was reduced by ∼100 °C/6 at. % Ru independent of the Fe/Pt ratio between 0.8 and 1.1. The T
c versus uniaxial magnetic anisotropy diagrams exhibited a linear trend similar to that of FePtCu films but with a larger slope. Systematic analysis clarified that the Ru additive caused a slight decrease of the anisotropic field but greatly decreased the saturation magnetization, which was related to the observed reduction in T
c.
A spectral expansion‐based Fourier split‐step method for uncertainty quantification of the propagation factor in a stochastic environment
Authors: Enstedt M. , Wellander N.
Published: November 2016

A chaos expanded Fourier split‐step method is derived and applied to a narrow‐angle parabolic equation. The parabolic equation has earlier been used to study deterministic settings. In this paper we develop a spectral‐based Fourier split‐step method that will take a limited degree of information about the environment into account. Our main focus is on proposing an efficient method for computational electromagnetics in stochastic settings. In this paper we study electromagnetic wave propagation in the troposphere in the case when the refraction index belongs to a uniform distribution.
Risk Assessment and Culture
Authors: Tamatea Armon J. , Boer Douglas P.
Published: November 2016

Sexual offending against children is a global social problem. Prohibitions against specific sexual acts are commonplace, suggesting a universal understanding of the harms incurred by this behaviour. Although typically defined in legal terms, sexual offending behaviour occurs in a cultural context. Furthermore, despite great advances in risk assessment techniques, these activities are also culturally informed and shape consequent practice and research that reinforces power differentials between the offender and the assessor. It is argued that a culturally responsive understanding of sexual offending behaviour, especially committed by individuals from indigenous, non‐dominant, and/or marginalized communities, would add value to the comprehensiveness of assessments and the meaningfulness of findings, and contribute to broader discussions of community engagement and participation in offender management. This chapter provides an analysis of some of the diversity issues that are involved in the research and practice of assessing risk with sex offenders who are culturally different.
Electrical conductivity and supercapacitor properties of polyaniline/chitosan/nickel oxide honeycomb nanocomposite
Authors: Vellakkat Mini , Hundekal Devendrappa
Published: November 2016

In this work, a polyaniline honeycomb nanocomposite is synthesized via chemical route and Breath Figure technique and characterized through Fourier Transform Infrared, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravmetric analysis, and morphological analysis (SEM and TEM). The DC, AC conductivities, and Mott's VRH parameters have been measured in the temperature range from 303 to 373 K and frequency range from 20 Hz to 1 MHz. The DC conductivity of the nanocomposite enhanced and AC‐conductivity is attributed to overlapping large polaron tunneling (OLPT) mechanism. The composite is tested for supercapacitor properties. A specific capacitance of 554 F/g and energy density of 76.9 Wh/kg at 1 A/g current density, and high power density of 2.00 kW/kg at 4 A/g indicates more feasibility of the redox process. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry reveals that the nanocomposite is an excellent supercapacitor electrode material. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44536.
Creating monodisperse polymer microspheres using membrane emulsification
Authors: Thies S. R. , Duval C. E. , DeVol T. A. , Husson S. M.
Published: November 2016

This study used membrane emulsification (ME) as a pre‐treatment step to suspension polymerization to produce polystyrene microspheres with diameters from 200 to 300 µm and coefficient of variation (CV) as low 20%. Limited scientific information is available on utilizing suspension polymerization to prepare monodisperse polystyrene microspheres with diameters greater than 100 µm. Microspheres were produced by pumping monomer solution through uniform pores of nickel membranes to form dispersed phase droplets that were transferred to a reactor for suspension polymerization. Systematic studies were done to understand the roles of continuous phase composition, ME unit process parameters, and polymerization reactor stir speed on microsphere size and CV. For a specific microsphere size, there were particular stir speeds in each unit that minimized CV. The methodology developed in this study is being used to prepare monodisperse polymer resin beads to improve detection efficiency and accuracy in flow‐cell sensors for quantifying waterborne radioactivity. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44593.
Synthesis of Amides and Phthalimides via a Palladium Catalyzed Aminocarbonylation of Aryl Halides with Formic Acid and Carbodiimides
Authors: Seo Yong‐Sik , Kim Dong‐Su , Jun Chul‐Ho
Published: November 2016

A novel method for the preparation of amides and phthalimides has been developed. The process involves a palladium catalyzed aminocarbonylation of an aryl halide, using a carbodiimide and formic acid as the carbonyl source. Experimental data suggest that the mechanistic pathway for this process involves in‐situ generation of carbon monoxide from the reaction of formic acid with a carbodiimide in the presence of a palladium catalyst. The method can be used to produce a variety of amides and N‐substituted phthalimides efficiently.
Lentiviral vector‐encoded microRNA‐based shRNA‐mediated gene knockdown of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors in skin reduces pain
Authors: Liu Chien‐Cheng , Cheng Jiin‐Tsuey , Hung Kuo‐Chuan , Chia Yuan‐Yi , Tan Ping‐Heng
Published: November 2016

Background and Purpose

RNA polymerase II promoters that drive the expression of rationally designed primary microRNA‐based shRNA, for example, shRNAmir, can produce more potent gene knockdown than RNA polymerase III promoters. Antagonists of peripheral N methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors that do not interfere with central glutamate processing would prevent the development of adverse central nervous system effects. Thus, in this study, we examined the effects of gene silencing and antinociception on formalin‐ and Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)‐induced pain in rats by subcutaneously injecting a lentiviral vector encoding a shRNAmir that targets the NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor.

Methods

Rats received intradermal injections of different doses of NR1 shRNAmir at different time points before injection of formalin. Pain behavior was assessed by monitoring the paw flinch response, paw withdrawal threshold, and thermal withdrawal latency. We then analyzed NR1 messenger RNA and protein expression in skin and the L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG).

Results

We found that intradermal injection of 1, 5, and 10 μg of shRNAmir significantly inhibited flinch responses (p < .05). Administration of 5 μg of shRNAmir resulted in the attenuation of CFA‐induced mechanical allodynia, but did not affect the time spent on the rotarod. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting revealed that NR1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly lower in all NR1 shRNAmir1 groups than in controls (p < .05). There was a significant reduction in the percentage of NR1‐ and pERK‐positive neurons in the DRG ipsilateral to shRNAmir treated paws (p < .05). The effect of antinociception and inhibition of NR1 expression by NR1 shRNAmir was evident on day 3 and persisted for 7 days after injection of 5 μg of vector.

Conclusion

Peripheral administration of the vector‐encoded NR1 shRNAmir is a promising therapy for persistent inflammatory pain.
Exploring the linkage between cell culture process parameters and downstream processing utilizing a plackett‐burman design for a model monoclonal antibody
Authors: Agarabi Cyrus D. , Chavez Brittany K. , Lute Scott C. , Read Erik K. , Rogstad Sarah , Awotwe‐Otoo David , Brown Matthew R. , Boyne Michael T. , Brorson Kurt A.
Published: November 2016

Linkage of upstream cell culture with downstream processing and purification is an aspect of Quality by Design crucial for efficient and consistent production of high quality biopharmaceutical proteins. In a previous Plackett‐Burman screening study of parallel bioreactor cultures we evaluated main effects of 11 process variables, such as agitation, sparge rate, feeding regimens, dissolved oxygen set point, inoculation density, supplement addition, temperature, and pH shifts. In this follow‐up study, we observed linkages between cell culture process parameters and downstream capture chromatography performance and subsequent antibody attributes. In depth analysis of the capture chromatography purification of harvested cell culture fluid yielded significant effects of upstream process parameters on host cell protein abundance and behavior. A variety of methods were used to characterize the antibody both after purification and buffer formulation. This analysis provided insight in to the significant impacts of upstream process parameters on aggregate formation, impurities, and protein structure. This report highlights the utility of linkage studies in identifying how changes in upstream parameters can impact downstream critical quality attributes. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:163–170, 2017
Comparative Evaluation of the Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of the Volatile Oils of Hawk Tea from Six Botanical Origins
Authors: Yu Bao , Zhang Dan , Yan Xue‐Wei , Wang Jian‐Wei , Yao Ling , Tan Li‐Hong , Zhao Sheng‐Ping , Li Na , Cao Wei‐Guo
Published: November 2016

In this study, volatile oils of six Hawk tea varieties were studied for their chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities to screen the most suitable botanical origins of Hawk tea. A total of 72 components were separated and identified from the six oils. The major constituents of the volatile oils were: α‐pinene, camphene, limonene, 1,8‐cineole, linalool, cis‐nerolidol, and germacrene B. Moreover, the volatile oils were evaluated for antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activities. The results showed that all volatile oils exhibited acceptable antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, which suggested that these volatile oils may serve as natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants and preservatives to be applied in food and pharmaceutical industries. Principal component analysis results denoted that some major compounds may be closely related to the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. It also showed that the volatile oils from Litsea coreana var. lanuginosa and Litsea pungens Hemsl. were characterized by positive values of first two principal components, indicating higher active chemical compounds and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities compared with other species. Thus, they were temporarily considered as good sources of Hawk tea.
MiR‐34a modulates ErbB2 in breast cancer
Authors: Wang Yilin , Zhang Xiaolong , Chao Zou , Kung Hsiang‐Fu , Lin Marie C. , Dress Andreas , Wardle Fiona , Jiang Bing‐Hua , Lai Lihui
Published: November 2016

Breast cancer is the second highest cause of carcinoma‐related death caused by distant metastasis in women. Estrogen receptor (ER), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, (HER2) and progesterone receptor (PR) are three classified makers of breast cancer, which are defined as ER+, HER2+, and the most serious ER−PR−HER2− (triple‐negative). It is well known that ErbB2 (V‐Erb‐B2 avian erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 2) plays an important part in breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ErbB2 action needs to be well studied. In this report, we discovered that the decreased expression levels of miR‐34a were inversely correlated with the increased ErbB2 levels in breast cancer. A luciferase reporter assay was done to understand the potential correlation between ErbB2 and miR‐34a. Over‐expression of miR‐34a reduces ErbB2 expression and suppresses breast cancer cell invasion and growth in vitro. What's more, reduced expression of ErbB2 inhibits breast Cancer cell proliferation and re‐expression of ErbB2 reversed miR‐34a‐dependent tumor suppression. Meanwhile, miR‐34a levels were correlated inversely with breast cancer malignancy. Our study demonstrates that miR‐34a, like ErbB2, might be a diagnostic target in breast cancer.
Regiodivergent Catalysis: A Powerful Tool for Selective Catalysis
Authors: Funken Nico , Zhang Yong‐Qiang , Gansäuer Andreas
Published: November 2016

“Regiodivergent catalysis” is discussed as a class of highly selective reactions of chiral substrates in racemic or enantiomerically enriched form using one or both enantiomers of a catalyst. The key point of the reactions is the highly regioselective formation of products that are constitutional isomers. The selectivity is mediated by different interactions of the enantiomerically pure catalysts with both enantiomers of the substrate. Ideally, for racemic substrates, the reactions result in highly efficient parallel resolutions and for enantiomerically pure substrates, in highly regioselective reactions for each enantiomer of the catalyst. “Regiodivergent catalysis” is highly interesting for diversity‐oriented synthesis (DOS) because it provides branching points for the generation of functional and structural diversity.
A Flow Cytometry‐Based Assay for Procoagulant Platelet Polyphosphate
Authors: Labberton Linda , Long Andy T. , Gendler Sandra J. , Snozek Christine L. , Stavrou Evi X. , Nickel Katrin F. , Maas Coen , Blankenberg Stefan , Hernandez James S. , Renné Thomas
Published: November 2016

Background

Platelet polyphosphate is an inorganic procoagulant polymer of orthophosphate units that is stored in dense granules and is released upon platelet activation. Here, we describe an assay to measure polyphosphate on the surface of procoagulant human platelets.

Methods and Results

Recombinant Escherichia coli‐expressed exopolyphosphatase deletion mutant PPX_Δ12 labeled with fluorescent Alexa488 dye was used as a polyphosphate probe in flow cytometry. PPX_Δ12‐Alexa488‐signal dose‐dependently increased with long‐chain polyphosphate binding to platelets. In contrast, short‐chain polyphosphate that is found in the supernatant of activated platelets, did not bind to the platelet surface. Both exopolyphosphatase treatment and polyphosphate pre‐incubation abolished PPX_Δ12‐Alexa488 binding to polyphosphate on platelets. Stimulation of platelets with thrombin receptor agonist Trap6, and P2Y12 receptor activator ADP increased polyphosphate accumulation on platelet surfaces and PPX_Δ12‐Alexa488 signal in a dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusion

This study indicates that long‐chain polyphosphate binds to platelet plasma membranes and presents a promising diagnostic assay to measure this interaction on human platelets in platelet‐rich plasma. Future investigations will aim to determine if polyphosphate can be used as a novel biomarker of thrombosis. © 2016 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Invasion of a dominant floral resource: effects on the floral community and pollination of native plants
Authors: Goodell Karen , Parker Ingrid M.
Published: November 2016

Through competition for pollinators, invasive plants may suppress native flora. Community‐level studies provide an integrative assessment of invasion impacts and insights into factors that influence the vulnerability of different native species. We investigated effects of the nonnative herb Lythrum salicaria on pollination of native species in 14 fens of the eastern United States. We compared visitors per flower for 122 native plant species in invaded and uninvaded fens and incorporated a landscape‐scale experiment, removing L. salicaria flowers from three of the invaded fens. Total flower densities were more than three times higher in invaded than uninvaded or removal sites when L. salicaria was blooming. Despite an increase in number of visitors with number of flowers per area, visitors per native flower declined with increasing numbers of flowers. Therefore, L. salicaria invasion depressed visitation to native flowers. In removal sites, visitation to native flowers was similar to uninvaded sites, confirming the observational results and also suggesting that invasion had not generated a persistent build‐up of visitor populations. To study species‐level impacts, we examined effects of invasion on visitors per flower for the 36 plant species flowering in both invaded and uninvaded fens. On average, the effect of invasion represented about a 20% reduction in visits per flower. We measured the influence of plant traits on vulnerability to L. salicaria invasion using meta‐analysis. Bilaterally symmetrical flowers experienced stronger impacts on visitation, and similarity in flower color to L. salicaria weakly intensified competition with the invader for visitors. Finally, we assessed the reproductive consequences of competition with the invader in a dominant flowering shrub, Dasiphora fruticosa. Despite the negative effect of invasion on pollinator visitation in this species, pollen limitation of seed production was not stronger in invaded than in uninvaded sites, suggesting little impact of competition for pollinators on its population demography. Negative effects on pollination of native plants by this copiously flowering invader appeared to be mediated by increases in total flower density that were not matched by increases in pollinator density. The strength of impact was modulated across native species by their floral traits and reproductive ecology.
Biomarker‐based risk prediction in the community
Authors: AbouEzzeddine Omar F. , McKie Paul M. , Scott Christopher G. , Rodeheffer Richard J. , Chen Horng H. , Michael Felker G. , Jaffe Allan S. , Burnett John C. , Redfield Margaret M.
Published: November 2016

Aims

Guided by predictive characteristics of cardiovascular biomarkers, we explored the clinical implications of a simulated biomarker‐guided heart failure (HF) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) prevention strategy in the community.

Methods and results

In a community cohort (n = 1824), the predictive characteristics for HF and MACE of galectin‐3 (Gal‐3), ST2, high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hscTnI), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were established. We performed number needed to screen (NNS) and treat (NNT) with the intervention analyses according to biomarker screening strategy and intervention efficacy in persons with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. In the entire cohort, for both HF and MACE, the predictive characteristics of NT‐proBNP and hscTnI were superior to other biomarkers; alone, in a multimarker model, and adjusting for clinical risk factors. An NT‐proBNP‐guided preventative intervention with an intervention effect size (4‐year hazard ratio for intervention in biomarker positive cohort) of ≤0.7 would reduce the global burden of HF by ≥20% and MACE by ≥15%. From this simulation, the NNS to prevent one HF event or MACE in 4 years would be ≤100 with a NNT to prevent one HF event of ≤20 and one MACE of ≤10.

Conclusions

The predictive characteristics of NT‐proBNP and hscTnI for HF or MACE in the community are superior to other biomarkers. Biomarker‐guided preventative interventions with reasonable efficacy would compare favourably to established preventative interventions. This data provides a framework for biomarker selection which may inform design of biomarker‐guided preventative intervention trials.
Trapping of a Methanoato Bridge in µ‐1,1,3,3 Mode for [Cu4] Aggregate Formation: Synthesis, Steric Control on Nuclearity, Antimicrobial Activity, and DNA‐Interaction Properties
Authors: Singha Mahapatra Tufan , Roy Anupam , Chaudhury Susmitnarayan , Dasgupta Swagata , Lal Shrivastava Shankar , Bertolasi Valerio , Ray Debashis
Published: November 2016

The tetranuclear coordination aggregate [Cu4(µ‐L)2(µ1,1,3,3‐O2CH)](OH)·6H2O (1) with the 1,3‐bis[3‐aza‐3‐(1‐methyl‐3‐oxobut‐1‐enyl)prop‐3‐en‐1‐yl]‐2‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1,3‐imidazolidine (H3L) ligand was isolated in good yield, and the HCO2– anion is the central bridging unit bound to the four copper centers in a unique µ‐1,1,3,3 coordination mode. On the other hand, the use of bulky RCO2– anions (R = CMe3, CF3, and Ph) resulted in the dinuclear complexes [Cu2(µ‐L)(µ1,3‐O2CCMe3)]·3.5H2O (2a), [Cu2(µ‐L)(µ1,3‐O2CCF3)]·2H2O (2b), and [Cu2(µ‐L)(µ1,3‐O2CPh)]·4H2O (2c), in which the carboxylate anions bridge in µ‐1,3 mode. All of the complexes were characterized by several physicochemical techniques and single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis. The in vitro antimicrobial activities of the complexes were compared with those of free ligand H3L and Cu(HCO2)2·4H2O. They showed antibacterial and antifungal activities against various strains of Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram‐positive (Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces aureus) bacteria and a yeast (Candida albicans). Among them, complex 1 showed the highest antimicrobial activity against the above‐mentioned strains. The interaction of 1 with calf thymus DNA in tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris) buffer was examined by electronic absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence emission spectroscopy and circular dichroism.
Structures of the Copper and Zinc Complexes of PBT2, a Chelating Agent Evaluated as Potential Drug for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Nguyen Michel , Vendier Laure , Stigliani Jean‐Luc , Meunier Bernard , Robert Anne
Published: November 2016

Clioquinol and PBT2, based on a 8‐hydroxyquinoline scaffold, have been proposed as drugs able to treat the disruption of metal homeostasis in neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). They are believed to reduce metal–amyloid (Aβ) interactions and regulate redox homeostasis in AD brains. Therefore, the understanding of the molecular aspects of metal chelation by 8‐hydroxyquinolines is clearly important for the development of future metal chelators as putative drugs. Despite this, literature data on these aspects are rather limited. We report herein the stoichiometries and structures of the copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of PBT2. The reported data indicate that the coordination chemistry of PBT2 is characterized by high versatility and a lack of metal selectivity. For each metal, several complexes can co‐exist, and the copper complexes differ from their zinc analogues. The structures of the PBT2 complexes are significantly different to those reported for complexes of clioquinol, the prototype of this series. As PBT2 can be a bi‐ or tridentate ligand, different complexes can be formed with copper, including ternary complexes PBT2–Cu–X. The versatile structures of the metal complexes of PBT2 in vivo, especially in the brains of AD patients, should be dependent on competitive ligands, including amyloids. This feature might be a limitation for an efficient extraction of copper from amyloids.
Halogenated PtIV Complexes from N‐Halosuccinimide Oxidation of PtII Antitumor Drugs: Synthesis, Mechanistic Investigation, and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Xu Zoufeng , Li Cai , Tong Zixuan , Ma Lili , Tse Man‐Kit , Zhu Guangyu
Published: November 2016

Compared with square‐planar PtII drugs, PtIV‐based anticancer prodrugs are relatively inert under physiological conditions and can be activated after entering cells. The two axial ligands in PtIV complexes provide an opportunity to further functionalize these prodrugs. In recent years, much effort has been devoted to developing new PtIV‐based anticancer prodrugs with higher cytotoxicity but fewer side effects. New synthetic methods, however, are intensely desired for structurally diversified and biologically distinct PtIV complexes. Herein, we utilize N‐halosuccinimides as oxidants and carry out the oxidation reaction on PtII drugs including cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin to obtain halogenated PtIV complexes. The related mechanism of the reaction of N‐bromosuccinimide (NBS) with cisplatin in ethanol is thoroughly investigated. N‐chlorosuccinimide is also utilized to obtain the respective dichlorinated PtIV complexes. When N‐iodosuccinimide reacts with PtII drugs, new PtIV compounds containing iodide and succinimide ligands in the axial position are formed. Cytotoxicity test shows that some of the complexes are active against cisplatin‐resistant human ovarian cancer cells. Our study provides a detailed understanding of the reaction mechanism between NBS and cisplatin and offers a more convenient strategy to obtain dichlorinated and new iodinated PtIV anticancer prodrugs.
P‐Glycoprotein Inhibition Sensitizes Human Breast Cancer Cells to Proteasome Inhibitors
Authors: Deshmukh Rahul R. , Kim Seongho , Elghoul Yasmine , Dou Q. Ping
Published: November 2016

Although effective for the treatment of hematological malignancies, the FDA approved proteasome inhibitors bortezomib and carfilzomib have limited efficacy in solid tumors including triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Chemotherapy is the only option for treating TNBC due to the absence of specific therapeutic targets. Therefore, development of new TNBC therapeutic strategies has been warranted. We studied whether P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) inhibition could sensitize TNBC cells to proteasome inhibitors. When verapamil, a P‐gp inhibitor, was combined with the proteasome inhibitor MG132, bortezomib, or carfilzomib, the cytotoxic effects and apoptosis in TNBC MDA‐MB‐231 cells were enhanced, compared to each treatment alone. Furthermore, addition of verapamil improved proteasome‐inhibitory properties of MG132, bortezomib, or carfilzomib in MDA‐MB‐231 cells, as shown by the increased accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and proteasome substrates such as IκBα and p27kip1. Additionally, when nicardipine, another P‐gp inhibitor, was combined with bortezomib or carfilzomib, enhanced inhibition of MDA‐MB‐231 cell proliferation was observed. These findings indicate that P‐gp inhibitors could sensitize TNBC cells to structurally and functionally diverse proteasome inhibitors and might provide new treatment strategy for TNBC. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1239–1248, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Characterization of Copper(II)–Phosphonate Coordination Chain Array of Metallocages
Authors: Sung Hui‐Ling , Her Tze‐Min , Hu Zhi‐Jia , Lee Cheng‐Hua
Published: November 2016

Reaction of CuCl2
·2H2O and 2,4,6‐tris(phosphorylmethyl)mesitylene (H6tpmm) in H2O−DMF solution at room temperature afforded green crystals of [Cu6(H2tpmm)3(H2O)9]·3H2O (1), which were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD). The solid‐state structure of 1 reveals a one‐dimensional chain array of M4L2
‐metallocages constituted by the connection of two kinds of metallocage units, namely MC‐A (phosphonate/water‐bridged) and MC‐B (phosphonate‐bridged only), via μ2‐O(phosphonate)Cu bonds in ABAABA order. The tris‐phosphonate ligand H6tpmm is partially deprotonated to form H2tpmm4−, which displays a cis,cis,cis conformation to bridge six Cu(II) centers via two monodentate phosphonate groups in a η
0:η
0:η
1‐bonding mode and one tridentate phosphonate group in a μ4, η
1:η
1:η
2‐bondingng mode.
First‐trimester chorionic bump‐‐Association with fetal aneuploidy in a high‐risk population
Authors: Wax Joseph R. , Cartin Angelina , Litton Christian , Pinette Michael G. , Lucas F. L.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To determine the relationship between the first‐trimester chorionic bump and fetal aneuploidy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all singleton pregnancies with chromosomal analysis and sonographic examination performed between 5 0/7 and 13 6/7 weeks from January 1, 2010 through August 15, 2015. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement for identifying a chorionic bump was evaluated by the Kappa statistic. Pregnancies with and without a chorionic bump were compared regarding patient characteristics and fetal karyotypes.

Results

Six hundred ninety subjects were included, 16 (2.3%) having a bump. The kappa coefficients for interobserver agreement were 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71–1.00) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.82–1.00); those for intraobserver agreement were 0.81 (95% CI: 0.61–1.00) and perfect agreement. One hundred seventeen fetuses (16.9%) were aneuploid, of which five (4.3%) had a bump. The odds of aneuploidy in the presence of a chorionic bump were higher than those in the absence of a chorionic bump, although this difference was not statistically significant (odds ratio [OR] 2.3, 95% CI: 0.8–6.7). In subgroup analyses, odds of aneuploidy were four times higher in the bump group than in the no bump group among those with a sonographically isolated bump (OR 4.5, 95% CI: 1.5–13.5) and 15 times higher among those with an isolated bump and increased first‐trimester aneuploidy risk (OR 15.0, 95% CI 2.4–93.3).

Conclusions

Agreement in identifying chorionic bumps is near‐perfect. A sonographically nonisolated chorionic bump is not associated with significant additional aneuploidy risk, whereas a sonographically isolated chorionic bump confers a significantly increased likelihood of aneuploidy in high‐risk fetuses. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:3–7, 2017
In situ preparation of Ag nanoparticles by laser photoreduction as SERS substrate for determination of Hg2+
Authors: Kang Yan , Zhang Han , Zhang Lin , Wu Ting , Sun Lin , Jiang Dong , Du Yiping
Published: November 2016

This paper reports a new way to fast produce surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate within 1 s by in situ photoreduction of AgNO3 and chemical compound containing mercapto group, such as para‐aminothiophenol (PATP), dithizone, and 4‐mercaptobenzoic acid on filter paper. Ag nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) would form in the area where the laser spot was focused by Raman instrument. In this work, the preparation of Ag‐NPs and excitation of SERS signal could be achieved simultaneously within 1 s. However, no SERS signal and Ag‐NPs were observed when rhodamine 6G and crystal violet were employed in place of the aforementioned molecules after the same operation. About 0.5 μM PATP, 5 μM dithizone, and 1 μM 4‐mercaptobenzoic acid could be fast detected by this method. According to this phenomenon, a fast and sensitive way to detect Hg2+ based on a competitive reaction among PATP, Ag+, and Hg2+ was developed. With the addition of Hg2+, PATP was removed from Ag+ owing to the stronger interaction between –SH and Hg2+. This behavior inhibited the formation of Ag‐NPs, leading to a decrease of the intensity of the SERS signal. The decrease of SERS intensity was used to determine the concentration of Hg2+. Under optimal conditions, this method can be utilized to detect Hg2+ at a detectable level of a concentration of 4 nM in aqueous solution. Additionally, the Raman mapping experiment demonstrated good point‐to‐point repeatability with a relative standard deviation of less than 7%. Therefore, this sensing platform is a promising candidate for fast and real‐time mercuric ion detection. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of a cold chain break on the survival of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes on minimally processed ‘Conference’ pears during their shelf life
Authors: Colás‐Medà Pilar , Viñas Inmaculada , Alegre Isabel , Abadias Maribel
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

In recent years, improved detection methods and increased fresh‐cut processing of produce have led to an increased number of outbreaks associated with fresh fruits and vegetables. During fruit and vegetable processing, natural protective barriers are removed and tissues are cut, causing nutrient rich exudates and providing attachment sites for microbes. Consequently, fresh‐cut produce is more susceptible to microbial proliferation than whole produce.

RESULTS

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of storage temperature on the growth and survival of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica on a fresh‐cut ‘Conference’ pear over an 8 day storage period. Pears were cut, dipped in antioxidant solution, artificially inoculated with L. monocytogenes and S. enterica, packed under modified atmospheric conditions simulating commercial applications and stored in properly refrigerated conditions (constant storage at 4 °C for 8 days) or in temperature abuse conditions (3 days at 4 °C plus 5 days at 8 °C). After 8 days of storage, both conditions resulted in a significant decrease of S. enterica populations on pear wedges. In contrast, when samples were stored at 4 °C for 8 days, L. monocytogenes populations increased 1.6 logarithmic units, whereas under the temperature abuse conditions, L. monocytogenes populations increased 2.2 logarithmic units.

CONCLUSION

Listeria monocytogenes was able to grow on fresh‐cut pears processed under the conditions described here, despite low pH, refrigeration and use of modified atmosphere. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Gender as a risk factor for adverse intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of elective pancreatectomy
Authors: Mazmudar Aditya , Vitello Dominic , Chapman Mackenzie , Tomlinson James S. , Bentrem David J.
Published: November 2016

Background and Objectives

Patient selection remains paramount when developing and adopting quality‐based assessment and reimbursement models, and enhanced recovery protocols. Gender is a patient characteristic known before surgery which can inform risk stratification. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of gender on intraoperative blood transfusions, operative time, length of hospital stay, estimated blood loss (EBL) as well as postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs), and mortality.

Methods

Patients undergoing elective pancreatectomy from 2005 to 2013 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS‐NSQIP) and Northwestern institutional databases. Multivariable analyses were conducted to identify the association between gender and these outcomes.

Results

Analyses demonstrated that male gender was independently associated with blood transfusion (OR 1.23), operative time >6 hr (OR 1.76), length of stay greater than 11 days (OR 1.17), and all‐type SSIs (OR 1.17), especially superficial SSIs (OR 1.15) and organ space SSIs (OR 1.18). Analysis of the institutional cohort found that male gender was independently associated with increased odds of EBL > 1 L for Whipple procedures (OR 2.85).

Conclusions

Male gender is a significant predictor of increased operative time, length of stay, transfusions, EBL > 1L, as well as postoperative organ space surgical site infections in these patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:131–136. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Learning Lessons from Software Implementation Projects: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Heaton Karen Macdonald , Skok Walter , Kovela Serhiy
Published: November 2016

This study aims to establish whether software companies learn effectively from past implementation projects to enhance future project outcomes. Key themes of project success from existing literature, together with analysis from our deductive and inductive survey, produce a thematic framework which is subsequently used to generate recommendations for improvement of organisational learning in software projects. We conclude that inherent technological and organisational complexity in these projects results in learning outcomes that fail to address core issues sufficiently. This is mainly caused by a lack of commitment to organisational learning from projects, the difficulty in extracting meaningful lessons from complex projects and the organisations' short‐term business models focused on sales generation at the expense of improving project outcomes. Recommendations are made for reshaping organisational strategy by introducing cross‐functional responsibility for project outcomes, committing to project learning and knowledge management across business units, and targeted competency development for project managers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3D‐accelerated, stack‐of‐spirals acquisitions and reconstruction of arterial spin labeling MRI
Authors: Chang Yulin V. , Vidorreta Marta , Wang Ze , Detre John A.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The goal of this study was to develop a 3D acceleration and reconstruction method to improve image quality and resolution of background‐suppressed arterial spin‐labeled perfusion MRI.

Methods

Accelerated acquisition was implemented in all three k‐space dimensions in a stack‐of‐spirals readout using variable density spirals and partition undersampling. A single 3D self‐consistent parallel imaging (SPIRiT) kernel was calibrated and iteratively applied to reconstruct each imaging volume. Whole‐brain (including cerebellum) perfusion imaging was obtained at 3‐mm isotropic resolution (nominal) using single‐ and 2‐shot acquisitions and at 2‐mm isotropic resolution (nominal) using four‐shot acquisitions, achieving effective acceleration factors between 5.5 and 6.6. The signal‐to‐noise (SNR) performance of 3D SPIRiT was evaluated. The temporal SNR (tSNR) of the cerebral blood flow (CBF) maps and the gray/white matter CBF ratios were quantified.

Results

The readout of the arterial spin labeling (ASL) sequence was significantly shortened with acceleration. The CBF values were consistent between accelerated and fully sampled ASL. With shorter spiral interleaves and shorter echo trains, the accelerated images demonstrated reduced blurring and signal dropout in regions with high susceptibility gradients, resulting in improved image quality and increased gray/white matter CBF ratios. The shortened readout was accompanied by a corresponding decrease in tSNR.

Conclusion

The 3D acceleration and reconstruction allow a rapid whole‐brain readout that improved the quality of ASL perfusion imaging. Magn Reson Med 78:1405–1419, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.