bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management: Surviving and Thriving in an Acting Leadership Position
Authors: MacAyeal Gregory
Published: June 2017

Excelling at one’s job can be a challenge. Trying to do it for two jobs—concurrently—can be beyond difficult, yet that situation is not uncommon in evolving organizations that utilize acting appointments to bridge gaps during periods of change. In this column, Greg MacAyeal outlines the many facets of acting appointments—both the positive and the less so. MacAyeal provides much food for thought for those who may be tapped to take on such roles or are already negotiating their way through them. His insights are worthy of consideration by anyone who is juggling an acting position or thinking about doing so, as well as by administrations who rely on this mechanism during times of transition.—Editor
Book Review: The Small and Rural Academic Library: Leveraging Resources and Overcoming Limitations
Authors: Tatum Jennifer
Published: June 2017

Most forward-thinking and worthwhile academic library practices originate at large, well-staffed institutions. Unfortunately, translating such practices from a large-scale research library to a small institution or one-librarian operation can be difficult, if not utterly impossible. The Small and Rural Academic Library: Leveraging Resources and Overcoming Limitations bridges this gap by speaking to librarians who feel handicapped by their lack of resources.
Book Review: Young Adult Literature: From Romance to Realism, 3rd ed.
Authors: Cheek Leanne
Published: June 2017

This is a timely, updated treatment of the subject of young adult (YA) literature. Cart has a wealth of experience and knowledge in YA literature, having founded and chaired the Printz Committee and authored or edited twenty-three books. He deftly organizes that knowledge into a highly accessible volume for librarians.
Book Review: The Beatles Encyclopedia: Everything Fab Four
Authors: Whatley Edward
Published: June 2017

The Beatles were indisputably towering figures in twentieth-century popular culture. Consequently, much has been written about the lives, work, and influence of the Fab Four. The title under discussion here is a unique entry into that body of literature. The Beatles Encyclopedia: Everything Fab Four is a condensed (and more affordable) version of a two-volume hardcover encyclopedia with the same title. While the larger edition aims to be a comprehensive resource, the condensed version aims instead to hit the highlights.
Book Review: How Animals Think and Feel: An Introduction to Non-Human Psychology
Authors: Pritting Shannon
Published: June 2017

This affordable single-volume work is the first book by Dr. Ken Cheng of McQuarie University, who has published many journal articles on animal behavior on a variety of species in the past thirty years. Cheng’s experience as an accomplished researcher and professor is evident in his readable, well-researched, and entertaining writing. How Animals Think and Feel features nine chapters that focus on topics related to animal cognition and emotions. In addition, there are nine case studies of animals that reflect a diverse representation of animals, from jumping spiders to apes, with a concluding chapter putting human cognition and emotion into the context of animal behavior.
Book Review: Same-Sex Marriage: A Reference Handbook, 2nd ed.
Authors: Veitch Madeline
Published: June 2017

This second edition of David E. Newton’s handbook on same-sex marriage provides a useful introduction to the topic. including chronologies, statistics, legal documents, and biographical profiles of key players and organizations. When compared with the 2010 edition, it provides a much-needed update on an issue that has seen considerable political and social changes in recent years. While it could prove quite useful to general, high school, and early undergraduate audiences, more advanced researchers may find it to be too broad an overview.
THE LARGE VERTEBRATE REMAINS FROM BINJAI TAMIENG (SUMATRA, INDONESIA)
Authors: Gruwier Ben Jack
Published: June 2017

Excavations in 1928 at the Binjai Tamieng shell midden in Northeast Sumatra brought to light a small assemblage of animal- and human remains that has never been studied in detail. The analysis of these Early Holocene finds suggests that besides mollusks and fish, a number of larger vertebrates played a role in the palaeoeconomy of the site. The composition of Binjai Tamieng has a somewhat similar signature to sites from Southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia. Testudine and artiodactyl remains are predominant in the vertebrate assemblage, while other species such as crocodile and a small cetacean were probably opportunistically hunted or scavenged. Animal bone was probably also used for the manufacturing of tools. Javan- and possibly Sumatran rhinoceros are present on the site. A number of human remains show traces of disarticulation and may be indicative of complex funerary rituals or cannibalism.
Model for a novel membrane envelope in a filamentous hyperthermophilic virus
Authors: Kasson Peter , DiMaio Frank , Yu Xiong , Lucas-Staat Soizick , Krupovic Mart , Schouten Stefan , Prangishvili David , Egelman Edward H
Published: June 2017

Biological membranes create compartments, and are usually formed by lipid bilayers. However, in hyperthermophilic archaea that live optimally at temperatures above 80°C the membranes are monolayers which resemble fused bilayers. Many double-stranded DNA viruses which parasitize such hosts, including the filamentous virus AFV1 of Acidianus hospitalis, are enveloped with a lipid-containing membrane. Using cryo-EM, we show that the membrane in AFV1 is a ~2 nm-thick monolayer, approximately half the expected membrane thickness, formed by host membrane-derived lipids which adopt a U-shaped ‘horseshoe’ conformation. We hypothesize that this unusual viral envelope structure results from the extreme curvature of the viral capsid, as ‘horseshoe’ lipid conformations favor such curvature and host membrane lipids that permit horseshoe conformations are selectively recruited into the viral envelope. The unusual envelope found in AFV1 also has many implications for biotechnology, since this membrane can survive the most aggressive conditions involving extremes of temperature and pH.
Euphilomedes biacutidens(Ostracoda, Myodocopida, Philomedidae), a new species from China Sea
Authors: Xiang Peng , Ye Youyin , Chen Xiaoyin , Chen Ruixiang , Lin Mao
Published: June 2017

Ostracods are one of the major groups of marine benthos, inhabiting virtually all oceanic environments worldwide, and a total of 31 species have been recorded in genusEuphilomedesKornicker, 1967. In the present study, we describe a new speciesEuphilomedes biacutidenscollected from the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.E. biacutidenssp. nov. differs from the related species of the genusEuphilomedesin having a unique combination of the characteristics of spines on carapace, the filaments on sensory seta, the arrangement of setae on tip of the first antenna, the numbers of setae on appendages, the claws on fifth limb, the teeth on the comb of the seventh limb and furcal claws. It is particularly obvious that it has a bifurcated and pointed ventral corner of the rostrum, two spines on the posterior margin of right valve, a row of teeth along the inner margin of article 3 of the endopod of the second antenna, and some long claws instead of setae on the fifth limb.
Sea starHenricia spiculifera(Clark, 1901) in the northwestern Pacific: one species or three?
Authors: Chichvarkhin Anton
Published: June 2017

Three species of the sea stars are reported from the waters of the northwestern Pacific. These species were referred by earlier authors asHenricia spiculiferaorH. leviuscula spiculifera. Two of them,H. lineataandH. uluudax, were recently described from the Aleutian Islands. These species are reported for the first time from the western Pacific (southeastern Kamchatka shore, Commander Islands, and the northern Kurile Islands). The third species,H. olgasp. n. is herein described from the northern Sea of Japan. It is very likely that similar sea stars recorded in Yellow Sea and the southern Kurile Islands belong toH. olgasp. n. These three species are a part of a phylogenetic clade within the subgenusSetihenricia, which also includesH. sanguinolenta, H. multispina,and several undescribed species occurring in the northeastern Pacific.
Small‐molecule stabilization of the p53 – 14‐3‐3 protein‐protein interaction
Authors: Doveston Richard G. , Kuusk Ave , Andrei Sebastian A. , Leysen Seppe , Cao Qing , Castaldi Maria P. , Hendricks Adam , Brunsveld Luc , Chen Hongming , Boyd Helen , Ottmann Christian
Published: June 2017

14‐3‐3 proteins are positive regulators of the tumor suppressor p53, the mutation of which is implicated in many human cancers. Current strategies for targeting of p53 involve restoration of wild‐type function or inhibition of the interaction with MDM2, its key negative regulator. Despite the efficacy of these strategies, the alternate approach of stabilizing the interaction of p53 with positive regulators and, thus, enhancing tumor suppressor activity, has not been explored. Here, we report the first example of small‐molecule stabilization of the 14‐3‐3 – p53 protein‐protein interaction (PPI) and demonstrate the potential of this approach as a therapeutic modality. We also observed a disconnect between biophysical and crystallographic data in the presence of a stabilizing molecule, which is unusual in 14‐3‐3 PPIs.
Testing monsoonal controls on bedrock river incision in the Himalaya and Eastern Tibet with a stochastic‐threshold stream power model
Authors: Scherler Dirk , DiBiase Roman A. , Fisher G. Burch , Avouac Jean‐Philippe
Published: June 2017

10Be‐derived catchment average erosion rates from the Himalaya and Eastern Tibet show different relationships with normalized channel steepness index (ksn), suggesting differences in erosional efficiency of bedrock river incision. We used a threshold stream power model (SPM) combined with a stochastic distribution of discharges to explore the extent to which this observation can be explained by differences in the mean and variability of discharge between the two regions. Based on the analysis of 199 daily discharge records (record lengths 3–45 years; average 18.5 years), we parameterized monsoonal discharge with a weighted sum of two inverse gamma distributions. During both high‐ and low‐flow conditions, annual and interannual discharge variabilities are similarly low in each region. Channel widths for 36 rivers indicate, on average, 25% wider streams in Eastern Tibet than in the Himalaya. Because most catchments with 10Be data are not gauged, we constrained mean annual discharge in these catchments using gridded precipitation data sets that we calibrated to the available discharge records. Comparing 10Be‐derived with modeled erosion rates, the stochastic‐threshold SPM explains regional differences better than a simple SPM based on drainage area or mean annual runoff. Systematic differences at small ksn values can be reconciled with ksn‐dependent erosion thresholds, whereas substantial scatter for high ksn values persists, likely due to methodological limitations. Sensitivity analysis of the stochastic‐threshold SPM calibrated to the Himalaya indicates that changes in the duration or strength of summer monsoon precipitation have the largest effect on erosional efficiency, while changes in monsoonal discharge variability have almost no effect. The modeling approach presented in this study can in principle be used to assess the impact of precipitation changes on erosion.
Indonesian Throughflow drove Australian climate from humid Pliocene to arid Pleistocene
Authors: Christensen Beth A. , Renema Willem , Henderiks Jorijntje , De Vleeschouwer David , Groeneveld Jeroen , Castañeda Isla S. , Reuning Lars , Bogus Kara , Auer Gerald , Ishiwa Takeshige , McHugh Cecilia M. , Gallagher Stephen J. , Fulthorpe Craig S. ,   IODP Expedition 356 Scientists
Published: June 2017

Late Miocene to mid‐Pleistocene sedimentary proxy records reveal that northwest Australia underwent an abrupt transition from dry to humid climate conditions at 5.5 million years (Ma), likely receiving year‐round rainfall, but after ~3.3 Ma, climate shifted toward an increasingly seasonal precipitation regime. The progressive constriction of the Indonesian Throughflow likely decreased continental humidity and transferred control of northwest Australian climate from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, leading to drier conditions punctuated by monsoonal precipitation. The northwest dust pathway and fully established seasonal and orbitally controlled precipitation were in place by ~2.4 Ma, well after the intensification of Northern Hemisphere glaciation. The transition from humid to arid conditions was driven by changes in Pacific and Indian Ocean circulation and regional atmospheric moisture transport, influenced by the emerging Maritime Continent. We conclude that the Maritime Continent is the switchboard modulating teleconnections between tropical and high‐latitude climate systems.
Long‐term Caspian Sea level change
Authors: Chen J. L. , Pekker T. , Wilson C. R. , Tapley B. D. , Kostianoy A. G. , Cretaux J.‐F. , Safarov E. S.
Published: June 2017

Caspian Sea level (CSL) has undergone substantial fluctuations during the past several hundred years. The causes over the entire historical period are uncertain, but we investigate here large changes seen in the past several decades. We use climate model‐predicted precipitation (P), evaporation (E), and observed river runoff (R) to reconstruct long‐term CSL changes for 1979–2015 and show that PER (P‐E + R) flux predictions agree very well with observed CSL changes. The observed rapid CSL increase (about 12.74 cm/yr) and significant drop (~−6.72 cm/yr) during the periods 1979–1995 and 1996–2015 are well accounted for by integrated PER flux predictions of ~+12.38 and ~−6.79 cm/yr, respectively. We show that increased evaporation rates over the Caspian Sea play a dominant role in reversing the increasing trend in CSL during the past 37 years. The current long‐term decline in CSL is expected to continue into the foreseeable future, under global warming scenarios.
Hourly storm characteristics along the U.S. West Coast: Role of atmospheric rivers in extreme precipitation
Authors: Lamjiri M. A. , Dettinger M. D. , Ralph F. M. , Guan Bin
Published: June 2017

Gridded hourly precipitation observations over the conterminous U.S., from 1948 to 2002, are analyzed to determine climatological characteristics of storm precipitation totals. Despite generally lower hourly intensities, precipitation totals along the U.S. West Coast (USWC) are comparable to those in southeast U.S. (SEUS). Storm durations, more so than hourly intensities, strongly modulate precipitation‐total variability over the USWC, where the correlation coefficients between storm durations and storm totals range from 0.7 to 0.9. Atmospheric rivers (ARs) contribute 30–50% of annual precipitation on the USWC and make such large contributions to extreme storms that 60–100% of the most extreme storms, i.e., storms with precipitation‐total return intervals longer than 2 years, are associated with ARs. These extreme storm totals are more strongly tied to storm durations than to storm hourly or average intensities, emphasizing the importance of AR persistence to extreme storms on the USWC.
Perturbations to the lower ionosphere by tropical cyclone Evan in the South Pacific Region
Authors: Kumar Sushil , NaitAmor Samir , Chanrion Olivier , Neubert Torsten
Published: June 2017

Very low frequency (VLF) electromagnetic signals from navigational transmitters propagate worldwide in the Earth‐ionosphere waveguide formed by the Earth and the electrically conducting lower ionosphere. Changes in the signal properties are signatures of variations in the conductivity of the reflecting boundary of the lower ionosphere which is located in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, and their analysis is, therefore, a way to study processes in these remote regions. Here we present a study on amplitude perturbations of local origin on the VLF transmitter signals (NPM, NLK, NAA, and JJI) observed during tropical cyclone (TC) Evan, 9–16 December 2012 when TC was in the proximity of the transmitter‐receiver links. We observed a maximum amplitude perturbation of 5.7 dB on JJI transmitter during 16 December event. From Long Wave Propagation Capability model applied to three selected events we estimate a maximum decrease in the nighttime D region reference height (H′) by ~5.2 km (13 December, NPM) and maximum increase in the daytime D region H′ by 6.1 km and 7.5 km (14 and 16 December, JJI). The results suggest that the TC caused the neutral densities of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere to lift and sink (bringing the lower ionosphere with it), an effect that may be mediated by gravity waves generated by the TC. The perturbations were observed before the storm was classified as a TC, at a time when it was a tropical depression, suggesting the broader conclusion that severe convective storms, in general, perturb the mesosphere and the stratosphere through which the perturbations propagate.
Changes of snowfall under warming in the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Deng Haijun , Pepin N. C. , Chen Yaning
Published: June 2017

Snowfall is a critical part of the hydrological system in high‐altitude regions and strongly impacted by climate change. This study uses a threshold temperature method to estimate spatial and temporal variations of snowfall at 71 stations across the Tibetan Plateau from 1960 to 2014. Regional air temperature and precipitation have increased by 0.039°C/yr, and 1.43 mm/yr, respectively. While warming rates have been fairly uniform across the plateau, spatial variations in snowfall trends are large, with decreases in the eastern and northeastern areas but increases at higher elevations in the center and west. Region‐wide snowfall increased during 1961–1990 and 1971–2000 but decreased in 1981–2010 and 1991–2014. Wintertime snowfall has increased, but summer snowfall has decreased. These divergent trends can be explained because maximum snowfall is recorded at temperatures between 1 and 2°C. Above/below this threshold snowfall usually decreases/increases with increased warming. Although maximum snowfall temperature is a key factor to understand future snowfall changes, concurrent influences such as changing moisture sources and atmospheric circulation patterns require further research.
“Solid Emulsion”: Gas‐Switchable Latex System with Reversible Coagulability and Redispersibility
Authors: Fang Tommy , Wan Zhengyi , Huo Meng , Yuan Jinying
Published: June 2017

The ability to reversibly switch between latex solution and dried powder can potentially provide major economic and environmental benefits to emulsion related industries, especially in the substantial reduction of energy consumption and cost from the transportation and handling of latex water content. Here, a versatile CO2/N2‐switchable latex system with high reversibility is developed by combining a CO2‐responsive polymeric surfactant and a CO2‐responsive initiator. In particular, the coagulability from latexes to dried powder and redispersibility back to solution form are systematically examined, showing minimal changes in the recovered latex particle size, distribution, morphology, and ζ‐potential for powder samples both freshly dried and after three months storage under ambient conditions. Hence, such a gas‐switchable “solid emulsion” system with long‐term storage stability and versatility in emulsion copolymerization monomer selection can potentially make significant industrial contribution and advancement.
Smart Fluid Systems: The Advent of Autonomous Liquid Robotics
Authors: Chiolerio A. , Quadrelli Marco B.
Published: June 2017

Organic, inorganic or hybrid devices in the liquid state, kept in a fixed volume by surface tension or by a confining membrane that protects them from a harsh environment, could be used as biologically inspired autonomous robotic systems with unique capabilities. They could change shape according to a specific exogenous command or by means of a fully integrated adaptive system, and provide an innovative solution for many future applications, such as space exploration in extreme or otherwise challenging environments, post‐disaster search and rescue in ground applications, compliant wearable devices, and even in the medical field for in vivo applications. This perspective provides an initial assessment of existing capabilities that could be leveraged to pursue the topic of “Smart Fluid Systems” or “Liquid Engineered Systems”.
Size Dependence of Doping by a Vacancy Formation Reaction in Copper Sulfide Nanocrystals
Authors: Elimelech Orian , Liu Jing , Plonka Anna M. , Frenkel Anatoly I. , Banin Uri
Published: June 2017

Doping of nanocrystals (NCs) is a key, yet underexplored, approach for tuning of the electronic properties of semiconductors. An important route for doping of NCs is by vacancy formation. The size and concentration dependence of doping was studied in copper(I) sulfide (Cu2S) NCs through a redox reaction with iodine molecules (I2), which formed vacancies accompanied by a localized surface plasmon response. X‐ray spectroscopy and diffraction reveal transformation from Cu2S to Cu‐depleted phases, along with CuI formation. Greater reaction efficiency was observed for larger NCs. This behavior is attributed to interplay of the vacancy formation energy, which decreases for smaller sized NCs, and the growth of CuI on the NC surface, which is favored on well‐defined facets of larger NCs. This doping process allows tuning of the plasmonic properties of a semiconductor across a wide range of plasmonic frequencies by varying the size of NCs and the concentration of iodine. Controlled vacancy doping of NCs may be used to tune and tailor semiconductors for use in optoelectronic applications.
Synthesis, characterization of hydroxyapatite‐lambda carrageenan, and evaluation of its performance for the adsorption of methylene blue from aqueous suspension
Authors: Agougui Hassen , Jabli Mahjoub , Majdoub Hatem
Published: June 2017

The present work describes the synthesis of hydroxyapatite‐lambda carrageenan CaHAp‐(λ‐Carr) using an aqueous co‐precipitation method. The characterization of the prepared hybrid compounds was achieved using chemical analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and specific surface area. The results gleaned from X‐ray powder analysis proved the presence of (λ‐Carr) and revealed that the increase of its concentration leads to the decrease of the CaHAp crystallinity. Fourier transform Infrared spectra show the presence of (λ‐Carr) and CaHAp characteristic vibrations in the resulting product. Scanning electron microscopy analyses reveal that the morphology of particles was changed by grafting and they are characterized by aggregates of different sizes and irregular shapes. After grafting BET measurements yielded particle specific surface areas ranging from 93 to 260 m2 g−1 depending on the grafted biopolymer. The prepared products were, further, applied for the adsorption of methylene blue (a cationic dye) from aqueous suspension. The adsorption capacity was determined with respect to pH value, the initial dye concentration, time contact, and temperature. The kinetic, thermodynamic, and adsorption isotherm models were assessed for the description of the dye adsorption process. The experimental resulting data show that the prepared hybrid compound CaHAp‐(λ‐Carr) is an efficient adsorbent for the removal of dyes. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45385.
Solution‐state NMR analysis of hydroxymethylated resorcinol cured in the presence of crude milled‐wood lignin from Acer saccharum
Authors: Yelle Daniel J.
Published: June 2017

Resorcinol‐formaldehyde adhesives can reinforce stress fractures that appear from wood surface preparation. Researchers have found that applying the resorcinol‐formaldehyde prepolymer, hydroxymethylated resorcinol, to the surface of wood improves the bond strength of epoxy and polyurethane adhesives to wood. Hydroxymethylated resorcinol is thought to plasticize lignin components and stabilize stress fractures through reactions with lignin subunits and hemicelluloses in wood. In this study, a dilute solution of hydroxymethylated resorcinol (HMR) is cured in the presence of a crude milled‐wood lignin (cMWL) from Acer saccharum and subsequently dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide‐d6 to delineate reactivity with lignin and O‐acetyl‐(4‐O‐methylglucurono)xylan using solution‐state NMR spectroscopy. 1H–13C single‐bond correlation NMR experiments revealed that the HMR only formed 4,4′‐diarylmethane structures with itself in the presence of the cMWL; the 2‐methylols that formed remained free and did not crosslink with resorcinol. Cured HMR resin formed both 4,4′‐ and 2,4‐diarylmethane structures, confirming that the presence of lignin and O‐acetyl‐(4‐O‐methylglucurono)xylan hinders crosslinking at the C‐2 position. No evidence of reactivity between HMR and lignin subunits was found. New peaks consistent with ester linkages were observed in 13C‐NMR spectra of the cMWL sample treated with HMR that may be attributable to HMR moieties condensing with glucuronic acid substituents. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45398.
A facile approach to fabricate waterborne, nanosized polyaniline‐graft‐(sulfonated polyurethane) as environmental antistatic coating
Authors: Wang Haihua , Sun Liyu , Fei Guiqiang , Fan Jie , Shi Xinyuan
Published: June 2017

Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) has been intensively utilized as host materials for intrinsic conducting polymers. However, the stability and compatibility between polyaniline (PANI) and WPU remain a challenge for their composites. In this research, anionic–nonionic sulfonated waterborne polyurethane (SWPU) is adopted as matrix to prepare nanosized PANI‐g‐SWPU dispersions through chemical graft polymerization method, and the stability mechanism is systematically investigated. The PANI‐g‐SWPU dispersion is endowed with much higher stability and no PANI precipitation is detected after storage for 1 year when the PEG molecular weight is 1000 and R value is 1.2. The surface resistivity reaches the minimum when the graft time is 2.5 h, pH value is 2, n(APS)/n(aniline) is 1, and the aniline content is 20 wt %. And the resistivity of the coated paper reaches 1.39 Ω cm, indicating that the as‐prepared PANI‐g‐SWPU dispersion can be directly used as the antistatic coatings, which is also suitable for large scalable production. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45412.
Isophthalic Acid‐Based HDAC Inhibitors as Potent Inhibitors of HDAC8 from Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Stenzel Katharina , Chakrabarti Alokta , Melesina Jelena , Hansen Finn K. , Lancelot Julien , Herkenhöhner Simon , Lungerich Beate , Marek Martin , Romier Christophe , Pierce Raymond. J. , Sippl Wolfgang , Jung Manfred , Kurz Thomas
Published: June 2017

Schistosoma mansoni histone deacetylase 8 (SmHDAC8) has been recently identified as a new potential target for the treatment of schistosomiasis. A series of newly designed and synthesized alkoxyamide‐based and hydrazide‐based HDAC inhibitors were tested for inhibitory activity against SmHDAC8 and human HDACs 1, 6, and 8. The front runner compounds showed submicromolar activity against SmHDAC8 and modest preference for SmHDAC8 over its human orthologue hHDAC8. Docking studies provided insights into the putative binding mode in SmHDAC8 and allowed rationalization of the observed selectivity profile.
Pattern separation performance is decreased in patients with early multiple sclerosis
Authors: Planche Vincent , Ruet Aurélie , Charré‐Morin Julie , Deloire Mathilde , Brochet Bruno , Tourdias Thomas
Published: June 2017

Background

Hippocampal‐dependent memory impairment is frequent and occurs early during the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). While mechanisms responsible for episodic memory dysfunction in patients with MS remain largely unknown, dentate gyrus structure has been suggested as particularly vulnerable at the early stage of the disease. If true, we hypothesized that the pattern separation component of episodic memory (a function known to be critically dependent to dentate gyrus function) would be impaired in patients with early MS (PweMS).

Methods

Thirty eight participants (19 PweMS and 19 healthy controls matched on age, gender and education level) were tested with a behavioral pattern separation task and also for information processing speed and visuospatial episodic memory.

Results

We report a significant decrease in pattern separation performance in PweMS compared to healthy controls (27.07 vs. 40.01, p = .030 after Holm–Bonferroni correction, d = 1.02) together with a significantly higher pattern completion rate (56.11 vs. 40.95, p = .004 after Holm–Bonferroni correction, d = 1.07) while no difference was found among groups for information processing speed and “global” visuospatial episodic memory regarding learning, long‐term recall or recognition.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that behavioral pattern separation task can detect subtle memory decline in patients with MS and argue for early dentate gyrus dysfunction during the course of the disease.
Gefitinib or erlotinib in previously treated non–small‐cell lung cancer patients: a cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Chia‐Hao , Lee Chih‐Hsin , Ko Jen‐Chung , Chang Lih‐Yu , Lee Ming‐Chia , Wang Jann‐Yuan , Yu Chong‐Jen
Published: June 2017

Among treatment modalities for lung cancer, the most promising therapy is the use of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs). Both erlotinib and gefitinib, the two first‐generation EGFR‐TKIs, exhibit significant clinical responses for patients with lung adenocarcinoma. However, few studies have compared the effects of these two drugs, and results have been inconclusive because of the small sample sizes in these studies. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate this issue. This retrospective nationwide cohort study enrolled NSCLC patients who received EGFR‐TKIs after previous chemotherapy in Taiwan between 1996 and 2010 from the National Health Insurance Research Database. Clinical response and survival after receiving erlotinib and gefitinib were compared using logistic and Cox regression analyses, respectively. Inverse propensity score weighting and a sensitivity analysis in the EGFR‐TKI responder (clinical improvement by taking EGFR‐TKIs for 90 days), adherent patients (receiving EGFR‐TKI on a daily basis), adenocarcinoma, and adenocarcinoma with second‐line TKIs subgroup were performed for bias adjustment. A total of 7222 patients, including 4592 (63.6%) who received gefitinib, were identified. In the survival analysis, erlotinib was associated with a decline in 1‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio, HR: 1.15 [1.09–1.21]) and overall survival (OS) (HR: 1.10 [1.03–1.18]). The effects of various TKIs were consistent in the 4939 EGFR‐TKI responders, adherent subgroup, adenocarcinoma subgroup, and adenocarcinoma with second‐line TKIs subgroup. In previously treated EGFT‐TKI‐naive NSCLC patients, those receiving gefitinib exhibited a longer PFS and OS than those receiving erlotinib. Additional large‐scale randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm this finding.
Acute pancreatitis in immunocompromised patients: beware of varicella zoster virus primo‐infection
Authors: Picod Adrien , Corre Elise , Maury Eric , Duriez Paul , Hoyeau Nadia , Coppo Paul
Published: June 2017

Key Clinical Message

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) primo‐infection can be severe in the elderly and in immunocompromised patients. Atypical presentations are not uncommon and may mislead the diagnosis and delay adequate treatment. Valacyclovir prophylaxis should be systematically proposed in immunocompromised patients.
Dynamic Kinetic Spiroketalization/Oxa‐Michael Addition Cascade of Alkoxyboronates and Peroxyacetals: Enantio‐ and Diastereoselective Synthesis of Benzannulated Spiroketals
Authors: Midya Abhisek , Maity Sanjay , Ghorai Prasanta
Published: June 2017

A unified dynamic kinetic spiroketalization/enantioselective oxa‐Michael addition cascade of an aromatic ketone tethered to an alkoxyboronate and an enone moiety has been developed using cinchona alkaloid based amino‐thiourea/squaramide organocatalysts to provide isobenzofuran‐based benzannulated spiroketals with high diastereoselectivities and excellent enantioselectivities. Further, a dynamic kinetic peroxy‐hemiacetalization/dynamic kinetic spiroketalization/enantioselective oxa‐Michael addition cascade of the above substrates provides the corresponding exo‐peroxy‐benzannulated spiroketals with outstanding enantio‐ and diastereoselectivities.
RNA sequencing of esophageal adenocarcinomas identifies novel fusion transcripts, including NPC1‐MELK, arising from a complex chromosomal rearrangement
Authors: Wang Zhixiong , Cheng Yulan , Abraham John M. , Yan Rong , Liu Xi , Chen Wei , Ibrahim Sariat , Schroth Gary P. , Ke Xiquan , He Yulong , Meltzer Stephen J.
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Studies of chromosomal rearrangements and fusion transcripts have elucidated mechanisms of tumorigenesis and led to targeted cancer therapies. This study was aimed at identifying novel fusion transcripts in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).

METHODS

To identify new fusion transcripts associated with EAC, targeted RNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) verification were performed in 40 EACs and matched nonmalignant specimens from the same patients. Genomic PCR and Sanger sequencing were performed to find the breakpoint of fusion genes.

RESULTS

Five novel in‐frame fusion transcripts were identified and verified in 40 EACs and in a validation cohort of 15 additional EACs (55 patients in all): fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2)–GRB2‐associated binding protein 2 (GAB2) in 2 of 55 or 3.6%, Niemann‐Pick C1 (NPC1)–maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) in 2 of 55 or 3.6%, ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 54 (USP54)–calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II γ (CAMK2G) in 2 of 55 or 3.6%, megakaryoblastic leukemia (translocation) 1 (MKL1)–fibulin 1 (FBLN1) in 1 of 55 or 1.8%, and CCR4‐NOT transcription complex subunit 2 (CNOT2)–chromosome 12 open reading frame 49 (C12orf49) in 1 of 55 or 1.8%. A genomic analysis indicated that NPC1‐MELK arose from a complex interchromosomal translocation event involving chromosomes 18, 3, and 9 with 3 rearrangement points, and this was consistent with chromoplexy.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that fusion transcripts occur at a stable frequency in EAC. Furthermore, our results indicate that chromoplexy is an underlying mechanism that generates fusion transcripts in EAC. These and other fusion transcripts merit further study as diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in EAC. Cancer 2017;123:3916‐24. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Change in attachment states of mind of women with binge‐eating disorder
Authors: Maxwell Hilary , Tasca Giorgio A. , Grenon Renee , Ritchie Kerri , Bissada Hany , Balfour Louise
Published: June 2017

Insecure and unresolved/disorganized attachment states of mind may impact affect regulation and interpersonal functioning that contribute to binge eating in women with binge‐eating disorder (BED). Group psychological treatment may facilitate changes from insecure to secure and from unresolved–disorganized to non‐unresolved/disorganized attachment states of mind. This study used attachment theory to understand better the psychopathology of BED and co‐morbid overweight status and to understand better the treatment response of patients with BED who receive group psychotherapy. Women with BED attended group psychodynamic interpersonal psychotherapy and completed the Adult Attachment Interview pretreatment and 6 months posttreatment. Matched samples of overweight women without BED and normal‐weight women without BED completed the Adult Attachment Interview at 1 time point. Women with BED had significantly higher rates of preoccupied and unresolved/disorganized attachment states of mind compared to normal‐weight women without BED and had similar rates of insecure and unresolved/disorganized attachment states of mind compared to overweight women without BED. Of the women with BED who had an insecure and/or unresolved/disorganized attachment states of mind at pretreatment, about 60% demonstrated clinically relevant changes to secure and to non‐unresolved/disorganized states of mind at 6 months post group psychodynamic interpersonal psychotherapy. Results indicated that some women with BED may benefit from interventions that help them regulate hyperactivated affect and create coherent narratives. Both women with BED and overweight women without BED may benefit from treatments that help them develop more adaptive affect regulation strategies related to unresolved/disorganized attachment states of mind.
A survey on deployment techniques, localization algorithms, and research challenges for underwater acoustic sensor networks
Authors: Tuna Gurkan , Gungor V. Cagri
Published: June 2017

In recent years, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have attracted the attention of both the research community and the industry, and this has eventually lead to the widespread use of WSNs in various applications. The significant advancements in WSNs and the advantages brought by WSNs have also enabled the rapid development of underwater acoustic sensor networks (UASNs). In UASNs, in addition to deployment, determining the locations of underwater sensor nodes after they have been deployed is important since it plays a critical role in many applications. Various localization techniques have been proposed for UASNs, and each one is suitable for specific scenarios and has unique challenges. In this paper, after presenting an overview of potential UASN applications, a survey of the deployment techniques and localization algorithms for UASNs has been presented based on their major advantages and disadvantages. Finally, research challenges and open research issues of UASNs have been discussed to provide an insight into future research opportunities.
Manganese(III) Acetate Mediated C–H Sulfonylation of 1,4‐Dimethoxybenzenes with Sodium and Lithium Sulfinates
Authors: Liang Shuai , Ren Yueling , Manolikakes Georg
Published: June 2017

A simple and mild Mn(OAc)3‐promoted oxidative coupling of 1,4‐dimethoxybenzenes with sodium and lithium sulfinates was developed. The reaction proceeded readily at room temperature in air, and various sulfones were synthesized in moderate to high yields. In addition, a straightforward approach for the conversion of organolithium reagents and sulfur dioxide into sulfonylated 1,4‐dimethoxybenzenes was explored.
A phase III randomized controlled study on the efficacy and improved bowel function of prolonged‐release (PR) oxycodone‐naloxone (up to 160/80 mg daily) vs oxycodone PR
Authors: Dupoiron D. , Stachowiak A. , Loewenstein O. , Ellery A. , Kremers W. , Bosse B. , Hopp M.
Published: June 2017

Background

Oxycodone/naloxone (OXN PR) is a prolonged‐release formulation containing oxycodone and naloxone in a 2:1 ratio. This study aimed to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of doses up to OXN160/80 mg PR compared with oxycodone prolonged‐release formulation (OxyPR) in a randomised controlled trial.

Methods

Two hundred and forty‐three patients were randomised to treatment with OXN PR (n = 123) or OxyPR (n = 120) during the 5‐week double‐blind study. Measured were: opioid‐induced constipation [bowel function index score (BFI)]; analgesic efficacy (NRS 0–10); daily laxative rescue medication use; rescue medication use, and the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) per week. A subanalysis was conducted in cancer patients.

Results

Greater reductions in mean BFI scores were reported for the OXN PR group compared with OxyPR from Week 1 onwards; at Week 5 the mean change from baseline was −32.5 versus −14.2. Average 24‐h pain scores were low and remained stable in the range 3–4 in both treatment groups. Analgesic rescue medication use was similar between the groups. Patients receiving OXN PR used significantly lower mean daily doses of laxative rescue medication than those receiving OxyPR (P = 0.006). The number of CSBM in the OXN PR group approximately doubled compared with a 25% decrease in the OxyPR group. Comparable results to the total study population were reported in the cancer patient subgroup.

Conclusions

OXN PR in daily doses of up to 160/80 mg significantly improves bowel function compared with equivalent doses of OxyPR while still providing comparable analgesic efficacy.

Significance

Effective analgesia can be achieved using oxycodone/naloxone PR up to 160/80 mg daily without compromising bowel function. A similar outcome was reported in cancer and non‐cancer patients.
Response and survival benefit with chemoimmunotherapy in Epstein‐Barr virus‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Beltran Brady E. , Quiñones Pilar , Morales Domingo , Malaga Jose M. , Chavez Julio C. , Sotomayor Eduardo M. , Castillo Jorge J.
Published: June 2017

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a haematologic malignancy with poor prognosis when treated with chemotherapy. We evaluated response and survival benefits of chemoimmunotherapy in EBV‐positive DLBCL patients. A total of 117 DLBCL patients were included in our retrospective analysis; 33 were EBV‐positive (17 treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone [R‐CHOP] and 16 with CHOP), and 84 were EBV‐negative (all treated with R‐CHOP). The outcomes of interest were complete response (CR) and overall survival (OS) in EBV‐positive DLBCL patients (R‐CHOP versus CHOP) and in DLBCL patients treated with R‐CHOP (EBV‐positive vs EBV‐negative). There were no differences in the clinical characteristics between EBV‐positive and EBV‐negative DLBCL patients. Among EBV‐positive DLBCL patients, R‐CHOP was associated with higher odds of CR (OR 3.14, 95% CI 0.75‐13.2;P = .10) and better OS (hazard ratio 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09‐0.94;P = .04). There were no differences in CR rate (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.18‐1.56;P = .25) or OS (hazard ratio 0.93, 95% CI 0.32‐2.67;P = .89) between EBV‐positive and EBV‐negative DLBCL patients treated with R‐CHOP. Based on our study, the addition of rituximab to CHOP is associated with improved response and survival in EBV‐positive DLBCL patients. Epstein‐Barr virus status does not seem to affect response or survival in DLBCL patients treated with R‐CHOP.
Necessity and feasibility of improving mental health services in China: A systematic qualitative review
Authors: Zhao Xudong , Liu Liang , Hu Chengping , Chen Fazhan , Sun Xirong
Published: June 2017

It has been nearly 40 years since the reform and opening up of Mainland China. The mental health services system has developed rapidly as a part of the profound socioeconomic changes that ensued. However, its development has not been as substantial as other areas of medical care. For the current qualitative systematic review, we searched databases, including China Biology Medicine disc, Weipu, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang digital periodical full text data, China's important newspaper full text database, China Statistical Yearbook database, etc. The content of primary research, literature, and policy papers about the evolution and development of Chinese mental health services was systemically reviewed and analysed by using thematic analysis. Two main themes relative to the necessity and feasibility of reforming the current mental health services system emerged. We discuss 5 corresponding subthemes under the umbrella of the necessity of improving the current treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, and service systems and 7 requirements for the feasibility of reforming the current system. We conclude that as the development of the Chinese economy and the spirit of humanistic care continue, the improvement and reformation of the mental health services system are both necessary and feasible.
Sedimentation of overbank floods in the confined complex channel–floodplain system of the Lower Yellow River, China
Authors: Zhang Min , Huang He Qing , Carling Paul A. , Zhang Mingwu
Published: June 2017

The channel boundary conditions along the Lower Yellow River (LYR) have been altered significantly since the 1950s with the continual reinforcement and construction of both main and secondary dykes and river training works. To evaluate how the confined complex channel–floodplain system of the LYR responds to floods, this study presents a detailed investigation of the relationship between the tempo‐spatial distribution of sedimentation/erosion and overbank floods occurred in the LYR. For large overbank floods, we found that when the sediment transport coefficient (ratio of sediment concentration of flow to flow discharge) is less than 0.034, the bankfull channel is subject to significant erosion, whereas the main and secondary floodplains both accumulate sediment. The amount of sediment deposited on the main and secondary floodplains is closely related to the ratio of peak discharge to bankfull discharge, volume of water flowing over the floodplains, and sediment concentration of overbank flow, whereas the degree of erosion in the bankfull channel is related to the amount of sediment deposited on the main and secondary floodplains, water volume, and sediment load in flood season. The significant increase in erosion in the bankfull channel is due to the construction of the main and secondary dykes and river training works, which are largely in a wide and narrow alternated pattern along the LYR such that the water flowing over wider floodplains returns to the channel downstream after it drops sediment. For small overbank floods, the bankfull channel is subject to erosion when the sediment transport coefficient is less than 0.028, whereas the amount of sediment deposited on the secondary floodplain is associated closely with the sediment concentration of flow. Over the entire length of the LYR, the situation of erosion in the bankfull channel and sediment deposition on the main and secondary floodplains occurred mainly in the upper reach of the LYR, in which a channel wandering in planform has been well developed.
Large‐scale genome‐wide screening of circulating microRNAs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma reveals specific signatures in late‐stage disease
Authors: Chanudet Estelle , Wozniak Magdalena B. , Bouaoun Liacine , Byrnes Graham , Mukeriya Anush , Zaridze David , Brennan Paul , Muller David C. , Scelo Ghislaine
Published: June 2017

Circulating miRNAs have shown great promises as noninvasive diagnostic and predictive biomarkers in several solid tumors. While the miRNA profiles of renal tumors have been extensively explored, knowledge of their circulating counterparts is limited. Our study aimed to provide a large‐scale genome‐wide profiling of plasma circulating miRNA in clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Plasma samples from 94 ccRCC cases and 100 controls were screened for 754 circulating micro‐RNAs (miRNA) by TaqMan arrays. Analyses including known risk factors for renal cancer—namely, age, sex, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption—highlighted that circulating miRNA profiles were tightly correlated with the stage of the disease. Advanced tumors, characterized as stage III and IV, were associated with specific miRNA signatures that significantly differ from both controls and earlier stage ccRCC cases. Molecular pathway enrichment analyses of their gene targets showed high similarities with alterations observed in renal tumors. Plasma circulating levels of miR‐150 were significantly associated with RCC‐specific survival and could marginally improve the predictive accuracy of clinical parameters in our series, including age at diagnosis, sex and conventional staging. In summary, our results suggest that circulating miRNAs may provide insights into renal cell carcinoma progression.