bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Physicians Affect Patient Adherence With Medication?
Authors: Koulayev Sergei , Simeonova Emilia , Skipper Niels
Published: June 2016

Non‐compliance with medication therapy remains an unsolved and expensive problem for healthcare systems around the world, yet we know little about the factors that affect a patient's decision to follow treatment recommendations. In particular, there is little evidence on the extent to which doctors can influence patient adherence behavior. This study uses a unique panel dataset comprising all prescription drug users, physicians, and all prescription drug sales in Denmark over 7 years to analyze the contributions of doctor‐specific, patient‐specific, and drug‐specific factors to the adherence decision. We find that physicians exert substantial influence on patient compliance. Further, the quality of the match between a doctor and a patient accounts for a substantial portion of the variation in adherence outcomes. This suggests that the sorting of patients across doctors is an important mechanism that affects patient adherence beyond the effects of individual patient‐specific and physician‐specific factors. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chromosome 8p tumor suppressor genes SH2D4A and SORBS3 cooperate to inhibit interleukin‐6 signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ploeger Carolin , Waldburger Nina , Fraas Angelika , Goeppert Benjamin , Pusch Stefan , Breuhahn Kai , Wang Xin Wei , Schirmacher Peter , Roessler Stephanie
Published: June 2016

Several chronic inflammatory liver diseases, e.g., chronic hepatitis B or C viral infection and steatohepatitis, have been shown to predispose to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In patients with chronic liver disease, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) serum levels are elevated and increase even more when HCC develops. However, the impact and regulatory mechanisms of IL‐6 signaling during hepatocarcinogenesis are still poorly defined. Here, we show that gene expression profiles of patients with chromosome 8p loss correlate with increased IL‐6 signaling. In addition, the chromosome 8p tumor suppressor genes Src homology 2 domain containing 4A (SH2D4A) and Sorbin and Src homology 3 domain containing 3 (SORBS3) together exerted greater inhibition of cell growth and clonogenicity compared to a single gene. Overexpression of SH2D4A and SORBS3 in HCC cells led to decreased IL‐6 target gene expression and reduced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling. In situ and in vitro coimmunoprecipitation assays revealed that SH2D4A directly interacts with STAT3, thereby retaining STAT3 in the cytoplasm and inhibiting STAT3 transcriptional activity. On the other hand, SORBS3 coactivated estrogen receptor α signaling, leading indirectly to repression of STAT3 signaling. In human HCC tissues, SH2D4A was positively associated with infiltrating regulatory and cytotoxic T‐cell populations, suggesting distinct immunophenotypes in HCC subgroups with chromosome 8p loss. Thus, the genetically linked tumor suppressors SH2D4A and SORBS3 functionally cooperate to inhibit STAT3 signaling in HCC. Conclusion: The chromosome 8p tumor suppressor genes SORBS3 and SH2D4A are physically and functionally linked and provide a molecular mechanism of inhibiting STAT3‐mediated IL‐6 signaling in HCC cells. (Hepatology 2016;64:828‐842)
A model of topological mapping of space in bat hippocampus
Authors: Hoffman Kentaro , Babichev Andrey , Dabaghian Yuri
Published: June 2016

The mammalian hippocampus plays a key role in spatial learning and memory, but the exact nature of the hippocampal representation of space is still being explored. Recently, there has been a fair amount of success in modeling hippocampal spatial maps in rats, assuming a topological perspective on spatial information processing. In this article, we use the topological approach to study the formation of a 3D spatial map in bats, which produces several insights into neurophysiological mechanisms of the hippocampal spatial leaning. First, we demonstrate that, in order to produce accurate maps of the environment, place cell should be organized into functional groups, which can be interpreted as cell assemblies. Second, the model suggests that the readout neurons in these cell assemblies should function as integrators of synaptic inputs, rather than detectors of place cells' coactivity, which allows estimating the integration time window. Lastly, the model suggests that, in contrast with relatively slow moving rats, suppressing θ‐precession in bats improves the place cells capacity to encode spatial maps, which is consistent with the experimental observations. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimal Dose of Calcium for Treatment of Nutritional Rickets: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Thacher Tom D , Smith Lauren , Fischer Philip R , Isichei Christian O , Cha Stephen S , Pettifor John M
Published: June 2016

Calcium supplementation is indicated for the treatment of nutritional rickets. Our aim was to determine the optimal dose of calcium for treatment of children with rickets. Sixty-five Nigerian children with radiographically confirmed rickets were randomized to daily supplemental calcium intake of 500 mg (n = 21), 1000 mg (n = 23), or 2000 mg (n = 21). Venous blood, radiographs, and forearm areal bone density (aBMD) were obtained at baseline and at 8, 16, and 24 weeks after enrollment. The primary outcome was radiographic healing, using a 10-point radiographic severity score. The radiographic severity scores improved in all three groups, but the rate of radiographic healing (points per month) was significantly more rapid in the 1000-mg (–0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] –0.13 to –0.45) and 2000-mg (–0.36; 95% CI –0.19 to –0.53) supplementation groups relative to the 500-mg group. The 2000-mg group did not heal more rapidly than the 1000-mg group. Of those who completed treatment for 24 weeks, 12 (67%), 20 (87%), and 14 (67%) in the 2000-mg, 1000-mg, and 500-mg groups, respectively, had achieved a radiographic score of 1.5 or less (p = 0.21). Serum alkaline phosphatase decreased and calcium increased similarly in all groups. Forearm diaphyseal aBMD improved significantly more rapidly in the 2000-mg group than in the 500-mg and 1000-mg groups (p < 0.001). Daily calcium intakes of 1000 mg or 2000 mg produced more rapid radiographic healing of rickets than 500 mg, but 2000 mg did not have greater benefit than 1000 mg. Some children require longer than 24 weeks for complete healing of nutritional rickets. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
AN ECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OF MENTOR SATISFACTION WITH THEIR YOUTH MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS
Authors: Suffrin Rachael L. , Todd Nathan R. , Sánchez Bernadette
Published: June 2016

Research shows the benefits of mentoring in promoting positive youth development. Yet less is known about mentors and what predicts mentor satisfaction. Such knowledge is vital to understanding how to recruit and retain adult mentors for youth. Thus, in the current study, we examine mentors as embedded in a social ecology of relationships, such as relationships with their mentee, mentee's family, and mentoring organization they volunteer with. We use data from 247 mentors to test how each of these relationships (mentor with the mentee, mentee's family, and mentoring organization) independently and interactively predict mentor satisfaction. Findings indicate that all relationships are unique predictors of mentor satisfaction, and that relationships with the mentee's family and mentors’ mentoring organization interact in predicting mentor satisfaction. Overall, considering multiple relationships shows how various dimensions of the social ecology uniquely and interactively predict mentor satisfaction. Limitations and implications for mentoring practice are discussed.
CONFIRMING THE PSOC THROUGH DISCOURSE: TOWARD A GROUNDED THEORY OF DISCURSIVE SENSE OF COMMUNITY (DSOC)
Authors: Comeforo Kristin
Published: June 2016

The psychological sense of community (PSOC) is a valued yet quantitatively underconfirmed construct that forms the foundation of our understanding of community. The current study aimed at and succeeded in confirming the factors, where traditional methods have failed. Using grounded theory as an alternate route to reaching this goal, the current study of 2,298 Facebook comments, surrounding anti‐lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer (LGBTQ) remarks made by the CEO of the Barilla pasta brand, revealed cogent communities of LGBTQ, allies, Christians, and opponents, which used each of McMillan and Chavis’ (1986) factors in their discourse, thus confirming PSOC. The discursive residue of PSOC indicated a new phenomenon, discursive sense of community (DSOC), which emerged from factors of expectations and empowerment. The DSOC appeared as a defensive strategy to mitigate minority stress. Testing the model against other datasets is recommended, to determine the extent to which this particular incident (i.e., a member of one group making an offensive comment to members of another group) shaped the qualitative findings.
HARDINESS SCRIPTS: HIGH‐ACHIEVING AFRICAN AMERICAN BOYS IN A CHICAGO CHARTER SCHOOL NAVIGATING COMMUNITY VIOLENCE AND SCHOOL
Authors: Patton Desmond U. , Miller Reuben J. , Garbarino James , Gale Adrian , Kornfeld Emma
Published: June 2016

Youth exposure to violence, criminal activities and deviant peer affiliation may impact overall development and the transition into adulthood. Low income African American youth are disproportionately exposed to chronic stressors, but little is known about how they conceptualize challenges and success once they enter adulthood. We examine how low incomes African Americans reflect on exposure to chronic stressors during adolescence that impact their description of challenges and successes in emerging adulthood. We interviewed thirteen African American males and females who are former participants of Chicago Youth Programs. Participants identified three challenges: neighborhood violence, familial stress and financial instability as barriers to success in emerging adulthood. Participants identified conditions that facilitated success in emerging adulthood: perseverance and access to Chicago Youth Programs. Understanding challenges and successes associated with emerging adulthood for low‐income African Americans may lead to better informed support services for low income African Americans across the life course.
Effect of Ca addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of as‐cast Mg–Sm alloys
Authors: Luo Xiaoping , Fang Daqing , Chai Yuesheng , Yang Bin
Published: June 2016

This study investigated the effect of Ca addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of as‐cast Mg–4Sm alloys. The addition of 1.0 wt% Ca led to a significant grain refinement of Mg–4.0Sm alloys owing to the formation of rod‐like Mg2Ca phases that acted as active nucleates for the Mg matrix. The as‐cast Mg–4.0Sm–1.0Ca alloy showed the smallest grain size at 45 μm. Furthermore, the Mg–4.0Sm–1.0Ca alloy exhibited greater hardness, higher tensile strength, and higher yield tensile strength and elongation than the other two alloys with different Ca contents. These results were attributed to the grain refinement and precipitation strengthening of the Mg2Ca and Mg41Sm5 phases. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:707–711, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Monochromatic Circumference of 2‐Edge‐Colored Graphs
Authors: White Matthew
Published: June 2016

Li et al. (Discrete Math 310 (2010), 3579–3583) asked how long the longest monochromatic cycle in a 2‐edge‐colored graph G with minimum degree at least could be. In this article, an answer is given for all to an asymptotic form of their question.
Tips and tricks of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kooby David A.
Published: June 2016

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer can be a challenging procedure that requires adherence to surgical principles respecting tissue planes and critical vascular structures to obtain the optimal surgical margins and peripancreatic node harvest, while minimizing damage to surrounding structures. This report provides a basic approach with some tips and tricks based on my experience with this procedure.
Cytomegalovirus antibody and vascular pathology in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Price Patricia , Lee Silvia , Affandi Jacquita , Parsons Richard , Naylor Louise H. , Watts Gerald F. , Irish Ashley
Published: June 2016

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been linked with vascular pathology and is a common complication of renal transplantation. We addressed whether CMV seropositivity influences vascular pathology several years after transplant. Levels of CMV antibody increased with age, were higher in transplant recipients than healthy controls (P < 0.001), and correlated with vascular endothelial function measured by flow mediated‐dilation of the brachial artery (FMD). However, the optimal general linear model predicting FMD included CMV seropositivity as a marginal effect (P = 0.068), with age (P = 0.013), gender (P < 0.0001), and transplantation (P < 0.0001). Other measures of the burden of CMV are being tested as CMV prophylaxis is feasible as an approach to reduce vascular disease. J. Med. Virol. 89:177–181, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of exercise in a relapsing‐remitting model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Klaren Rachel E. , Stasula Ulana , Steelman Andrew J. , Hernandez Jessica , Pence Brandt D. , Woods Jeffrey A. , Motl Robert W.
Published: June 2016

Previous research has examined the effects of exercise in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of multiple sclerosis. However, all previous studies have utilized a chronic model of EAE, with exercise delivered prior to or immediately after induction of EAE. To our knowledge, no study has examined the effects of exercise delivered during a remission period after initial disease onset in a relapsing‐remitting model of EAE (RR‐EAE). The current study examines the effects of both voluntary wheel running and forced treadmill exercise on clinical disability and hippocampal brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in SJL mice with RR‐EAE. The results demonstrate no significant effects of exercise delivered during remission after initial disease onset on clinical disability scores or levels of hippocampal BDNF in mice with RR‐EAE. Furthermore, our results demonstrate no significant increase in citrate synthase activity in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of mice in the running wheel or treadmill conditions compared with the sedentary condition. These results suggest that the exercise stimuli might have been insufficient to elicit differences in clinical disability or hippocampal BDNF among treatment conditions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extreme weather events over China: assessment of COSMO‐CLM simulations and future scenarios
Authors: Bucchignani Edoardo , Zollo Alessandra Lucia , Cattaneo Luigi , Montesarchio Myriam , Mercogliano Paola
Published: June 2016

Extreme climate events over a wide Chinese area are investigated with the regional climate model COSMO‐CLM at high resolution (0.125°) through the use of some extreme indicators. Two hindcast simulations, driven respectively by ERA‐Interim reanalysis and the global model CMCC‐CM over the period 1979–2011 have been analysed in order to check the model's ability to represent a subset of climate indicators for precipitation and temperature, as a preliminary step to assess changes regarding extreme weather events expected under greenhouse gas concentration variations. The effort to increase resolution in a regional model has interesting benefits in representing extreme indices, especially in complex orography areas. Results show that the model provides a good representation of the spatial climatology of the indices considered, with high correlation values between the model and observations. Future climate changes concerning extreme events have been investigated, employing the IPCC RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. Projections reveal that temperature indicators are characterized by positive trend values, highlighting an increase in minimum and maximum temperatures over the period 2041–2070, especially over southeast China. Extreme precipitation events are generally projected to increase over the whole region considered, especially under RCP8.5 scenario.
CK2.1, a novel peptide, induces articular cartilage formation in vivo
Authors: Akkiraju Hemanth , Bonor Jeremy , Nohe Anja
Published: June 2016

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 regulates chondrogenesis and cartilage formation. However, it also induces chondrocyte hypertrophy and cartilage matrix degradation. We recently designed three peptides CK2.1, CK2.2, and CK2.3 that activate the BMP signaling pathways by releasing casein kinase II (CK2) from distinct sites at the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type Ia (BMPRIa). Since BMP2 is a major regulator of chondrogenesis and the peptides activated BMP signaling in a similar way, we evaluated the effect of these peptides on chondrogenesis and cartilage formation. C3H10T1/2 cells were stimulated with CK2.1, CK2.2, and CK2.3 and evaluated for the chondrogenic and osteogenic potential. For chondrogenesis, Alcian blue staining was performed. Additionally, collagen types II and X expression was measured. For osteogenesis, osteocalcin and von Kossa staining were performed. From the three peptides, CK2.1 was the most promising peptide to induce chondrogenesis but not osteogenesis. To investigate the effect of CK2.1 on articular cartilage formation in vivo, we injected CK2.1 into the tail vein of mice. Injection of CK2.1 into the tail vein of mice led to increased articular cartilage formation but not BMD. In sharp contrast, injection of BMP2 led to increased BMD and expression of collagen type X, a marker of chondrocyte hypertrophy. MMP13 expression was unchanged. Our study demonstrates that CK2.1 drives chondrogenesis and cartilage formation without induction of chondrocyte hypertrophy. Peptide CK2.1 may, therefore, be a valuable therapeutic for cartilage degenerative diseases. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:876–885, 2017.
Interpretation and application of carbon isotope ratios in freshwater diatom silica
Authors: Webb Megan , Barker Philip A. , Wynn Peter M. , Heiri Oliver , van Hardenbroek Maarten , Pick Frances , Russell James M. , Stott Andy W. , Leng Melanie J.
Published: June 2016

Carbon incorporated into diatom frustule walls is protected from degradation enabling analysis for carbon isotope composition (δ13Cdiatom). This presents potential for tracing carbon cycles via a single photosynthetic host with well‐constrained ecophysiology. Improved understanding of environmental processes controlling carbon delivery and assimilation is essential to interpret changes in freshwater δ13Cdiatom. Here relationships between water chemistry and δ13Cdiatom from contemporary regional data sets are investigated. Modern diatom and water samples were collected from river catchments within England and lake sediments from across Europe. The data suggest dissolved, biogenically produced carbon supplied proportionately to catchment productivity was critical in the rivers and soft water lakes. However, dissolved carbon from calcareous geology overwhelmed the carbon signature in hard water catchments. Both results demonstrate carbon source characteristics were the most important control on δ13Cdiatom, with a greater impact than productivity. Application of these principles was made to a sediment record from Lake Tanganyika. δ13Cdiatom co‐varied with δ13Cbulk through the last glacial and Holocene. This suggests carbon supply was again dominant and exceeded authigenic demand. This first systematic evaluation of contemporary δ13Cdiatom controls demonstrates that diatoms have the potential to supply a record of carbon cycling through lake catchments from sediment records over millennial timescales.
Mass accumulation rate and monsoon records from Xifeng, Chinese Loess Plateau, based on a luminescence age model
Authors: Stevens Thomas , Buylaert Jan‐Pieter , Lu Huayu , Thiel Christine , Murray Andrew , Frechen Manfred , Yi Shuangwen , Zeng Lin
Published: June 2016

Luminescence dating of loess accumulation in China has raised questions over disturbance and gaps in the record, the magnitude of mass accumulation rates (MARs), and monsoon forcing mechanisms. Here we present a detailed quartz optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) chronology from the Xifeng Chinese Loess Plateau site. We reconstruct MARs and construct an age model for monsoon proxies at the site. The luminescence ages show significant pedogenic and anthropogenic disturbance in material deposited after ca. 20–22 ka. Analysis of other published data suggests that this disturbance may be more common than previously realized. MARs from undisturbed portions of Xifeng vary dramatically, with peaks potentially matching the timing of Heinrich events. The last glacial maximum peak MAR (22–27 ka) matches the Pacific and Greenland dust flux records, although appears earlier than peak MARs seen in many other OSL‐dated Loess Plateau sites. East Asian monsoon grain‐size and magnetic susceptibility records also show several differences between independently dated loess sites. This complicates our understanding of any lag between insolation forcing and monsoon response. Nevertheless, the Xifeng climate proxy changes show apparent broad agreement with the timing of Heinrich events in the North Atlantic, supporting assertions of a climatic teleconnection between the two areas.
Caution in cryptotephra correlation: resolving Lateglacial chemical controversies at Sluggan Bog, Northern Ireland
Authors: MacLeod A. , Davies S. M.
Published: June 2016

Tephra layers are valuable stratigraphic and chronological markers in palaeoenviromental studies. Establishing robust linkages requires complete comparative databases of eruptive events to ensure that potential correlatives are not overlooked. This is achieved through the construction of tephrostratigraphical inventories from exposures proximal to the volcanic source. Proximally characterized ash layers are frequently detected thousands of kilometres from source alongside a limited number of tephras with no apparent proximal correlative. Despite the inability to correlate with a specific eruption, source volcanoes can be proposed and many of these far‐field occurrences have become well‐established stratigraphic markers. However, careful scrutiny is essential to verify the primary and instantaneous fallout origin of these distant occurrences. Here we present new data which provide an explanation for the long‐standing controversy surrounding the source of Lateglacial age cryptotephras within Sluggan Bog, Northern Ireland. Chemical analysis of glass shards detected within this sequence suggests they originate from an obsidian exposure located 11 km from the site, rather than from a contemporaneous eruptive event. This discovery highlights the importance of giving appropriate consideration to the enclosing geology of a particular palaeorecord. We suggest locations where geological sources might complicate air‐fall records of tephra deposition and propose a means by which to address this challenge.
Anthropogenic forcing increases the water‐use efficiency of African trees
Authors: Wils Tommy H. G. , Robertson Iain , Woodborne Stephan , Hall Grant , Koprowski Marcin , Eshetu Zewdu
Published: June 2016

Rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations affect climate directly through radiative effects and indirectly by changing plant water‐use efficiency. Under global warming scenarios these widely reported changes will have a substantial impact on future bush encroachment, crop yields, river flow and climate feedbacks. Tree‐ring intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE) records for Africa show a 24.6% increase over the 20th century. As high iWUE can partly counterbalance projected decreases in regional precipitation, this research has important implications for those involved in water resource management and highlights the need for climate models to take physiological forcing into account.
The 8.2‐ka BP event in north‐eastern North America: first combined oxygen and hydrogen isotopic data from peat in Newfoundland
Authors: Daley T. J. , Barber K. E. , Hughes P. D. M. , Loader N. J. , Leuenberger M. , Street‐Perrott F. A.
Published: June 2016

Finding direct evidence for atmospheric circulation change in terrestrial records of Holocene climate variability remains a fundamental challenge. Here we present the first combined stable oxygen and hydrogen isotopic palaeorecord from a peatland core in Newfoundland, Canada. Sphagnum cellulose samples were isolated from a core from Nordan's Pond Bog, Newfoundland, and analysed for δD values. Combined with existing δ18O data, the resulting δD/δ18O bi‐plot correlates directly with existing measurements of the modern (late 20th century) isotopic composition of precipitation from GNIP stations in Nova Scotia and Labrador, implying a close relationship between the estimated isotopic composition of source water used by the mosses and that of the source precipitation. We use the relative variations between the two isotope records to test the hypothesis that atmospheric circulation changed in the millennium following the 8.2‐ka BP climate event. The data reveal a secondary complex isotopic response ∼200 years (8250–8050 a BP) after a primary oxygen isotopic event that is widespread in the north Atlantic region. This secondary event is characterized by a divergence in oxygen and hydrogen isotope records that can most plausibly be explained by the augmentation of precipitation moisture from a more distant and more continental vapour source.
Effects of toxic cyanobacteria and ammonia on flesh quality of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala)
Authors: Wang Li , Chen Chuanyue , Liu Wanjing , Xia Hu , Li Jian , Zhang Xuezhen
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Toxic cyanobacterial blooms result in the production of an organic biomass containing cyanotoxins (e.g. microcystins) and an elevated ammonia concentration in the water environment. The ingestion of toxic cyanobacteria and exposure to ammonia are grave hazards for fish. The present study assessed the effects of dietary toxic cyanobacteria and ammonia exposure on the flesh quality of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala).

RESULTS

Dietary toxic cyanobacteria and ammonia exposure had no impact on fish growth performance, fillet proximate composition and drip loss, whereas it significantly decreased fillet total amino acids, total essential amino acids, hardness and gumminess, and increased fillet ultimate pH as well as malondialdehyde content. However, there was no significant interaction between dietary toxic cyanobacteria and ammonia exposure on these parameters. Additionally, dietary toxic cyanobacteria significantly increased fillet initial pH, thaw loss and protein carbonyl content, whereas ammonia exposure did not.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicate that dietary toxic cyanobacteria and ammonia exposure reduced the quality of blunt snout bream fillet. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of a dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method with a new sequence of steps and its comparison with a conventional method
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Asghari Azam , Feriduni Behruz
Published: June 2016

In this paper, a dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method with a new sequence of steps from the view of salt addition has been developed for the extraction and preconcentration of some organophosphorous pesticides from aqueous samples before analysis by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. In this method, an appropriate mixture of extraction and disperser solvents is rapidly injected by a syringe into the aqueous sample. Then, sodium chloride is added into the solution to increase its ionic strength. The obtained results by the proposed method are compared with those of the conventional dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction in which the salt is added into the aqueous phase before dispersion of the extraction solvent. Some effective parameters on the method efficiency including type and volume of extraction and disperser solvents, type and percent of salt, etc. are investigated. Under the optimal conditions, limits of detection and quantification of the proposed method compared to conventional one were improved by a factor between 1.4–2.2 and 1.3–2.3, respectively. Extraction recoveries and enrichment factors of the proposed method with respect to conventional one enhanced from 43–60 to 72–99% and 1433–2000 to 2404–3285, respectively.
Iatrogenic cholesteatoma arising from the vascular strip
Authors: Sweeney Alex D. , Hunter Jacob B. , Haynes David S. , Driscoll Colin L.W. , Rivas Alejandro , Vrabec Jeffrey T. , Carlson Matthew L.
Published: June 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To highlight the phenomenon of cholesteatoma arising from the vascular strip following tympanoplasty and tympanomastoidectomy.

Study Design

Multi‐institutional retrospective chart review.

Methods

Consecutive adult and pediatric patients evaluated between 2000 and 2015 with acquired cholesteatoma arising from the skin of a prior vascular strip were identified. Patients with evidence of residual or recurrent cholesteatoma elsewhere in the middle ear, mastoid, or ear canal were excluded.

Results

Seventeen cases (71% female, 53% right‐sided) were identified, and the mean age at presentation was 39.2 years. Patients presented on average 12.9 years following prior otologic surgery, which was most commonly tympanoplasty without mastoidectomy (59%). However, younger patients presented with symptoms sooner following prior surgery (r = 0.61, r2 = 0.37, P = 0.0095). The most common presenting symptom was otorrhea (76%). All patients were found to have mastoid cholesteatoma with bony erosion, and three patients exhibited additional tegmen or posterior fossa bone defects. The middle ear was not involved with cholesteatoma in any case. A canal wall down procedure was performed due to extensive bony canal erosion in 29% of cases.

Conclusion

The vascular strip is an uncommon source of iatrogenic cholesteatoma that can present years following an otherwise uncomplicated otologic surgery. The findings presented herein highlight the importance of careful vascular strip orientation at the conclusion of otologic surgery.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:698–701, 2017
ResearchGate: Reputation uncovered
Authors: Nicholas David , Clark David , Herman Eti
Published: June 2016

ResearchGate (RG) is a scholarly social network that possesses an impressive array of reputational metrics and has the potential to supplant publishers as the prime deliverer of scholarly reputation. It possesses 10 reputational mechanisms, and these are the subject of an evaluation employing desk research, expert evaluation, and an analysis of 400 RG members. The main conclusions are: RG (1) provides a rich, albeit confusing, amount of reputational data; (2) struggles with the deployment of alternative, engagement metrics, such as Q&A and follower data, which can lead to reputational anomalies; (3) employs usage data in an especially effective manner; and (4) leads the field in the way it engages with the scholar.
Effects of Surface Deactivation of Carbon Black on Thermomechanical Sensitivity of Filler Networks in Rubber Compounds
Authors: Tunnicliffe Lewis B. , Thomas Alan G. , Busfield James J. C.
Published: June 2016

The strain and thermal dependence of the dynamic mechanical properties of carbon black filler networks underpin the performance of many rubber components. These effects are examined by varying the surface energetics of carbon black. This has a profound influence on the level of flocculation of the carbon black network in the final crosslinked compounds. Filler networks comprised of thermally deactivated carbon blacks are significantly more strain‐sensitive – shifting the onset of the Payne effect to smaller dynamic strains. Using free vibration equipment to precisely probe the thermal sensitivity of the linear viscoelastic properties of the filled compounds, it is shown that carbon black deactivation results in carbon black networks which are more thermally sensitive than corresponding unmodified carbon black networks. Increased thermal dependence of the dynamic moduli results in the appearance of a secondary increase in tan δ as a function of increasing temperature well above the rubber Tg – which is not correlated with any thermal transitions in calorimetric experiments. Such effects are prevalent in the relevant literature for various rubber–filler combinations but their physical origins are often misinterpreted or unexplained. A rationalization of these effects based on the dynamics of the filler network is presented.

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The effect of forced expression of mutated K‐RAS gene on gastrointestinal cancer cell lines and the IGF‐1R targeting therapy
Authors: Matsunaga Yasutaka , Adachi Yasushi , Sasaki Yasushi , Koide Hideyuki , Motoya Masayo , Nosho Katsuhiko , Takagi Hideyasu , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Sasaki Shigeru , Arimura Yoshiaki , Tokino Takashi , Carbone David P. , Imai Kohzoh , Shinomura Yasuhisa
Published: June 2016

Mutation in K‐RAS (K‐RAS‐MT) plays important roles in both cancer progression and resistance to anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy in gastrointestinal tumors. Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) signaling is required for carcinogenicity and progression of many tumors as well. We have previously shown successful therapy for gastrointestinal cancer cell lines bearing a K‐RAS mutation using an anti‐IGF‐1R monoclonal antibody. In this study, we sought to evaluate effects of forced K‐RAS‐MT expression on gastrointestinal cancer cell lines representing a possible second resistance mechanism for anti‐EGFR therapy and IGF‐1R‐targeted therapy for these transfectants. We made stable transfectants of K‐RAS‐MT in two gastrointestinal cancer cell lines, colorectal RKO and pancreatic BxPC‐3. We assessed the effect of forced expression of K‐RAS‐MT on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion in gastrointestinal cancer cells. Then we assessed anti‐tumor effects of dominant negative IGF‐1R (IGF‐1R/dn) and an IGF‐1R inhibitor, picropodophyllin, on the K‐RAS‐MT transfectants. Overexpression of K‐RAS‐MT in gastrointestinal cancer cell lines led to more aggressive phenotypes, with increased proliferation, decreased apoptosis, and increased motility and invasion. IGF‐1R blockade suppressed cell growth, colony formation, migration, and invasion, and up‐regulated chemotherapy‐induced apoptosis of gastrointestinal cancer cells, even when K‐RAS‐MT was over‐expressed. IGF‐1R blockade inhibited the Akt pathway more than the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in the K‐RAS‐MT transfectants. IGF‐1R/dn, moreover, inhibited the growth of murine xenografts expressing K‐RAS‐MT. Thus, K‐RAS‐MT might be important for progressive phonotype observed in gastrointestinal cancers. IGF‐1R decoy is a candidate molecular therapeutic approach for gastrointestinal cancers even if K‐RAS is mutated. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genome‐wide analysis of DNA copy number alterations in early and advanced gastric cancers
Authors: Arakawa Noriyuki , Sugai Tamotsu , Habano Wataru , Eizuka Makoto , Sugimoto Ryo , Akasaka Risaburo , Toya Yosuke , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Koeda Keisuke , Sasaki Akira , Matsumoto Takayuki , Suzuki Hiromu
Published: June 2016

To better understand progressive changes in gastric cancer (GC), early and advanced GCs (EGC and AGC, respectively) were examined for copy number alterations (CNAs). A crypt isolation method was used to isolate DNA from tumors and normal glands in 20 AGCs, and fresh tumor samples were obtained from 45 EGCs. We assessed CNAs for differentiated‐type GCs using an Infinium HumanCytoSNP‐12v2.1 BeadChip in EGCs and AGCs. The most frequent aberrations in EGC were gains at 8q23.3 (42.2%) and 8q23.2 (40%), and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 3p14.2 (24.2%), suggesting that these CNAs were involved in the development of EGC. On the other hand, the highest frequencies of gains in AGC were found at 8q24.21 (65%) and 8q24.3 (60%). The most frequent LOHs in AGC were at 11q24.3‐25, 11q23.2‐24.1, 11q14.1, and 12p11.21‐13.33, whereas that in EGC was at 3p14.2. In addition, regions of copy‐neutral LOHs in AGC were detected at 11q21, 11q13.3‐14.3, 11q11, 11p13‐15.3, 12q21.1, 12q12‐13.3 and 5q33.3‐35.1. Comparisons of gains in EGC and AGC showed significant differences at 12q22‐q23.2, 12q21.33, 11p12, 11p14.1, 12q21.31‐32.32, 3p12.3, 3p14.1, 10p15.1, 1q24.2 and 2q12.1. Copy neutral LOHs were significantly higher in AGC than in EGC at 14q32.11‐32.33, 14q21.3, 14q11.2, 5q11.2, 5q 13.3, 14q21.1‐23.2, 14q13.2‐13.3, 5q12.1‐12.3, 5q11.1, and 17p13.3. The total lengths of the CNAs were significantly greater in AGC than in EGC. We found that the pattern of CNAs in AGC was quite different from that in EGC. We suggest that increasing numbers of CNAs are associated with disease progression from EGC to AGC. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Knockout of 4.1B triggers malignant transformation in SV40T‐immortalized mouse embryo fibroblast cells
Authors: Wang Zi , Zhang Jingxin , Zeng Yayue , Sun Shuming , Zhang Ji , Zhang Bin , Zhu Min , Ouyang Ruoyun , Ma Bianyin , Ye Mao , An Xiuli , Liu Jing
Published: June 2016

Protein 4.1B deficiency has been found to promote the tumor development; however, whether 4.1B deficiency participates in malignant transformation is unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that 4.1B gene deletion was sufficient to transform SV40T antigen‐immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts (iMEFs), as reflected by the ability of 4.1B−/−iMEFs to growth in the environments that were growth restrictive for 4.1B+/+iMEFs and to form tumors in nude mice, whereas 4.1B+/+iMEFs were unable to form tumors in vivo. The histological examination revealed that the tumors generated by 4.1B−/− iMEFs were desmoid tumors with features of local invasion. Moreover, loss of 4.1B significantly accelerated cell cycle progression, accompanied by activation of typical proto‐oncogene ERK, AKT, and the G1/S regulatory pathway (p16INK4A‐pRb pathway), and up‐regulation of many members of the Wnt gene family. In particular, 4.1B−/− iMEFs exhibited nuclear accumulation of β‐catenin, which is an indicator for desmoid tumor, with down‐regulation of E‐cadherin expression and up‐regulation of snail, zeb1, and vimentin expression, indicating that EMT potentially occurred in transformed 4.1B−/− iMEFs. Moreover, we showed that 4.1B interacted with E‐cadherin in MEF cells. Thus, our study provides previously unidentified roles and mechanisms of 4.1B in cellular transformation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Post‐traumatic Functional Mirror Movements in Klippel‐Feil Syndrome
Authors: Kim Han‐Joon , Espay Alberto J. , Cincotta Massimo , Lee Woong‐Woo
Published: June 2016

View Supplementary Video 1
Gaze Palsy, Sleep and Gait Disorder, as Well as Tako‐Tsubo Syndrome in a Patient with IgLON5 Antibodies
Authors: Montojo Teresa , Piren Valérie , Benkhadra Farid , Codreanu Andrei , Diederich Nico J
Published: June 2016

View Supplementary Video 1
The effect of parental age on the presence of de novo mutations – Lessons from neurofibromatosis type I
Authors: Dubov Tom , Toledano‐Alhadef Hagit , Bokstein Felix , Constantini Shlomi , Ben‐Shachar Shay
Published: June 2016

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is the most common autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disease with a prevalence of 1:2500. Approximately, 50% of the cases are sporadic. Advanced paternal age is associated with germline mutations and autosomal diseases. We aimed to use NF1 as a paradigm to study the effect of parental age on sporadic mutation rates for both advanced and younger parental ages.

Methods

The medical charts of 118 NF1 pediatric patients followed in a specialized Israeli NF1 clinic were evaluated. Thirty‐one cases were diagnosed by genetic tests and 87 by NIH clinical criteria. Sixty‐four cases (54%) had a negative family history of NF1 (sporadic cases). Data on parental ages at the time of the children's birth were compared to the national population database.

Results

Parental age of children with sporadic NF1 was higher than the general population (32.7 years vs. 30.1 years, respectively, for the mothers and 36.5 years vs. 32.6 years, respectively, for the fathers; P < 0.0001 for both groups). In contrast, the age of the mothers and the fathers in the familial cases (30.3 and 33.9 years, respectively) did not differ from the general population. Significantly, fewer fathers of the sporadic group had been 25–29 years old at their child's birth compared with fathers in the general population (7.8% vs. 21%, respectively, P = 0.009), and significantly more fathers were ≥40 years old (29.7% vs. 13.6%, respectively, P = 0.0002). Differences in maternal age between these two groups were less prominent.

Conclusion

Parents of sporadic NF1 cases are older. The risk for sporadic NF1 was lower when the fathers were younger at the time of the affected child's birth, and gradually increased with paternal age.
A Study of the Gas Phase Polymerization of Propylene: The Impact of Catalyst Treatment, Injection Conditions and the Presence of Alkanes on Polymerization and Polymer Properties
Authors: Martins Ana R. , Cancelas Aarón J. , McKenna Timothy F. L.
Published: June 2016

Propylene is polymerized in the gas phase in a 2.5 L semibatch reactor using a commercially available supported Ziegler–Natta (ZN) catalyst. The mode of injection (wet vs dry), the impact of including a prepolymerization step, and of changing the composition of the gas phase are systematically investigated in terms of their influence on the instantaneous polymerization rate and polymer properties. Prepolymerization is observed to enhance the polymerization activity. This is attributed, at least in part, to the effect of prepolymerization step in decreasing local particle overheating in the initial instants of reaction. Furthermore, a noticeable decrease of the catalyst activity is observed when the catalyst is injected dry as compared to when is first wetted with paraffinic oil before being charged to the reactor. Adding a hydrocarbon to the catalyst can eventually reduce the risk of overheating during the critical initial instants of polymerization since it increases resistance of the diffusion of monomer to the active sites, acting as an “in situ” prepolymerization. Methods that increased the productivity also lead to an improvement of the powder morphology. Finally, it is found that adding vaporized iso‐hexane to the gas phase provokes an increase in the instantaneous polymerization rate, and increases the impact of hydrogen on the rate and molecular weight.

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The PTPN22 gene is associated with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy
Authors: Maundrell Adam , Lester Sue , Rischmueller Maureen , Hill Catherine , Cleland Leslie G. , Blumbergs Peter , Wiese Michael , Limaye Vidya
Published: June 2016

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine whether a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; 1858CT, R620W) in the protein tyrosine phosphatase N22 (PTPN22) gene confers susceptibility to idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) in South Australian patients with IIM. Methods: Genotyping was performed on stored DNA from 199 patients with histologically confirmed polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM), and inclusion body myositis (IBM), and then compared with 455 matched controls. Associations with the 8.1 ancestral haplotype (AH), and myositis‐specific (MSA) and myositis‐associated (MAA) autoantibodies were investigated. Results: The PTPN22 R620W minor allele frequency was increased in IIM patients (50 of 398, 12.6%) compared with controls (75 of 910, 8.2%) (odds ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.1–2.3, P = 0.016). In IIM patients, there was no association between the R620W minor allele and detection of any MSA/MAA (P = 0.70), nor any evidence of epistasis with the 8.1 AH (P = 0.69). Conclusions: The PTPN22 R620W minor allele is associated with susceptibility to IIM in SA patients, independent of the 8.1 AH. Muscle Nerve, 2016 Muscle Nerve 55: 270–273, 2017
Peripheral nerve high‐resolution ultrasound in diabetes
Authors: Breiner Ari , Qrimli Mohammad , Ebadi Hamid , Alabdali Majed , Lovblom Leif E. , Abraham Alon , Albulahi Hana , Perkins Bruce A. , Bril Vera
Published: June 2016

Introduction

High‐resolution ultrasound (HRU) is used in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies. There are conflicting data regarding HRU findings in patients with diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSP). Our purpose in this study was to measure nerve cross‐sectional areas (CSAs) in patients with diabetes, with and without DSP. Methods: We performed a prospective peripheral nerve HRU study of 100 diabetic subjects, assessed the CSA at predefined sites, and compared the results with those of 100 normal subjects. We evaluated the use of individual CSA values and various summary scores for diagnosis of DSP. Results: Diabetic subjects had higher CSA values than healthy volunteers, and those with DSP had higher CSA values. Three or more enlarged CSA sites predicted DSP with 64% sensitivity and 77% specificity. Conclusions: Peripheral nerves are enlarged diffusely in diabetic patients, including sites not susceptible to bony compression. The number of enlarged CSA values can help predict the presence of DSP. Muscle Nerve, 2016 Muscle Nerve 55: 171–178, 2017
Nobelpreise für Chemie und Medizin 1997
Authors: Maelicke Alfred
Published: June 2016

Vom diesjährigen Nobelpreis für Chemie ging eine Hälfte für die Synthese und Nutzung des Adenosintriphosphats (ATP) an Paul D. Boyer, University of California, Los Angeles, USA, und John E. Walker, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, Großbrit., die andere Hälfte an Jens C. Skou, Aarhus University, Dänemark, für die Entdeckung der Na+, K+‐ATPase (Natriumpumpe). Den Nobelpreis für Medizin oder Physiologie erhielt Stanley B. Prusiner, University of California, School of Medicine, San Francisco, USA, für die Entdeckung der Prionen.
Elektroanalytiker in Warnemünde
Authors: Schneider André , Jasinski Markus
Published: June 2016

Das 3. Doktorandentreffen der Elektroanalytiker gab mit den vielen angesprochenen Themengebieten einen repräsentativen Überblick über die Forschungsschwerpunkte der elektroanalytischen Chemie in Deutschland. Die jungen Wissenschaftler nutzten die Gelegenheit für intensive Diskussionen.
Immunoassays für die Umweltanalytik
Authors: Weller Michael G.
Published: June 2016

Immunologische Verfahren, vor allem attraktiv aufgrund niedriger Kosten und geringen Zeitaufwands, haben sich im Umweltbereich bisher noch nicht durchsetzen können. Der zu erwartende Innovationsschub durch gentechnische Methoden und chemometrische Auswertung wird ihnen jedoch den Weg ins Standardrepertoire des Umweltanalytikers ebnen.
Office für Chemiker
Authors: Hartmann Michael , Demleitner Bernhard , Koch Rainer
Published: June 2016

Das Programmpaket ChemOffice von Cambridge Soft vereint 2D‐Formelzeichnung, 3D‐Molecular Modelling und Datenbankrecherchen. Die einzelnen Programme zeichnen sich durch leichte Bedienbarkeit, hohe Funktionalität und ansprechende Visualisierungsmöglichkeiten aus und sind gleichermaßen für Labor‐ und Computerchemiker geeignet.
Berufsforum in Wien
Authors: Amoneit Frank
Published: June 2016

Veranstaltungen zu Fragen des Berufseinstiegs haben in Zeiten eines bekannt schwierigen Arbeitsmarkts für Absolventen besondere Bedeutung und sind deshalb regelmäßig sehr gut besucht. So war auch das Audimax der TU Wien zu Beginn des Berufsforums „Chancen für Chemiker – Informationen für Studierende und Absolventen”︁ im Rahmen der 26. GDCh Hauptversammlung und der 100‐Jahr‐Feier der GÖCH gut gefüllt.