bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Route to Aluminumdiisocyanate and ‐diisothiocyanate from an Al(I) Precursor
Authors: Sinhababu Soumen , Kundu Subrata , Paesch Alexander N. , Herbst‐Irmer Regine , Stalke Dietmar , Roesky Herbert W.
Published: December 2017

LAl(X)2 complexes {L = HC[(CMe)(2,6‐iPr2C6H3N)]2, X = NCO 2, NCS 3} have been synthesized and characterized. The synthetic strategy involves the reaction of LAl(I) with AgX (X = OCN, SCN). The reactions proceed under oxidative addition of the pseudohalides and elimination of silver metal. Both compounds reported herein have been characterized by NMR, IR, elemental analyses, LIFDI‐MS, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction techniques. Compounds 2 and 3 are the first examples where two pseudohalide substituents are bound to aluminum(III).
A Comparative Study of Structurally Related Homogeneous Ruthenium and Iron Catalysts for the Hydrogenation of Levulinic Acid to γ‐Valerolactone
Authors: van Slagmaat Christian A. M. R. , De Wildeman Stefaan M. A.
Published: December 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Stefaan DeàWildeman from Maastricht University, Geleen, The Netherlands. The cover image shows a chemical chessboard having white pieces filled with “green” biobased chemicals and black ones soiled with unsustainable petrochemicals.
Fluvial system dynamics derived from distributed sediment budgets: perspectives from an uncertainty‐bounded application
Authors: Downs Peter W. , Dusterhoff Scott R. , Leverich Glen T. , Soar Philip J. , Napolitano Michael B.
Published: December 2017

The utility of sediment budget analysis is explored in revealing spatio‐temporal changes in the sediment dynamics and morphological responses of a fluvial system subject to significant human impacts during the recent Anthropocene. Sediment budgets require a data‐intensive approach to represent spatially‐differentiated impacts adequately and are subject to numerous estimation uncertainties. Here, field and topographic surveys, historical data, numerical modelling and a representative‐area extrapolation method are integrated to construct a distributed, process‐based sediment budget that addresses historical legacy factors for the highly regulated Lagunitas Creek (213 km2), California, USA, for the period 1983–2008. Independent corroboration methods and error propagation analysis produce an uncertainty assessment unique to a catchment of this size. Current sediment yields of ~20 000 t a‐1 ± 6000 t a‐1 equate to unit rates of ~300 t km‐2 a‐1 ± 90 t km‐2 a‐1 over the effective sediment contributing area of 64 km2. This is comparable with yields associated with early Euro‐American settlement in the catchment, despite loss of sediment supply upstream of the two large dams. It occurs because ~57% of the sediment is now derived from incision‐related channel erosion. Further, the highly efficient routing of channel‐derived sediments in these incised channels suggests an efflux of 84% of contemporary sediment production, contrasting with the efflux of ≈10–30% reported for unregulated agricultural catchments. The results highlight that sediment budgets for regulated rivers must accommodate channel morphological responses to avoid significantly misrepresenting catchment yields, and that volumetric precision in sediment budgets may best be improved by repeat, spatially dense, channel cross‐section surveys. Human activities have impacted every aspect of the sediment dynamics of Lagunitas Creek (production, storage, transfer, rates of movement through storage), confirming that, while distributed sediment budgets are data demanding and subject to numerous error sources, the approach can provide valuable insights into Anthropocene fluvial geomorphology. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PD‐1 blockade enhances the antitumor efficacy of GM‐CSF surface‐modified bladder cancer stem cells vaccine
Authors: Shi Xiaojun , Zhang Xinji , Li Jinlong , Mo Lijun , Zhao Hongfan , Zhu Yongtong , Hu Zhiming , Gao Jimin , Tan Wanlong
Published: December 2017

Eliminating cancer stem cells (CSCs) is a key issue in eradicating tumor. The streptavidin–granulocyte‐macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (SA–GM‐CSF) surface‐modified bladder CSCs vaccine previously developed using our protein–anchor technology could effectively induce specific immune response for eliminating CSCs. However, program death receptor‐1 (PD‐1)/program death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) signaling in tumor microenvironment results in tumor‐adaptive immune resistance. Although the CSCs vaccine could increase the number of CD8+T cells, a part of these CD8+T cells expressed PD‐1. Moreover, the CSCs vaccine upregulated the PD‐L1 expression of tumor cells, resulting in immune resistance. Adding PD‐1 blockade to the CSCs vaccine therapy increased the population of CD4+, CD8+ and CD8+IFN‐γ+ but not CD4+ Foxp3+T cells and induced the highest production of IFN‐γ. PD‐1 blockade could effectively enhance the functions of tumor‐specific T lymphocytes generated by the CSCs vaccine. This combination therapy improved the cure rate among mice and effectively protected the mice against a second CSCs cell challenge, but not a RM‐1 cell challenge. These results indicate that PD‐1 blockade combined with the GM‐CSF‐modified CSCs vaccine effectively induced a strong and specific antitumor immune response against bladder cancer.
Neuroinflammatory reactions in sickness behavior induced by bacterial infection: Protective effect of minocycline
Authors: Mansour Hanaa A. , Hassan Wedad A. , Georgy Gehan S.
Published: December 2017

The neurological changes elicited by bacterial infection are called sickness behavior. Minocycline (MIN) is neuroprotective with a remarkable brain tissue penetration. MIN was orally administered at a dose 90 mg/kg for 3 days, whereas Escherichia coli was given as a single intraperitoneal injection (0.2 mL of 24 h growth) on the third day. After 24 h of bacterial infection, behavioral tests namely open field and forced swimming were carried out, then animals were decapitated. Rats infected with E. coli displayed reduced struggling time in forced swimming test, as well as, exploration and locomotion in open field test with reduction in neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin) versus elevation in the inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interferon‐gamma) and oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, reduced glutathione) biomarkers. Inflammatory infiltrates of nuclear cells were observed in brains of infected rats. MIN administration prevented the deleterious effects of E. coli infection, thus protects against sickness behavior possibly via defending from neuroinflammation.
Encapsulation challenges, the substantial issue in solid lipid nanoparticles characterization
Authors: Daneshmand Sara , Golmohammadzadeh Shiva , Jaafari Mahmoud R. , Movaffagh Jebrail , Rezaee Mehdi , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Malaekeh‐Nikouei Bizhan
Published: December 2017

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), as alternative colloidal carriers, have been used for the sustained release of lipophilic drugs with poor water solubility. One of the most important parameters in the characterization of SLNs is entrapment efficiency (EE). Despite the importance of this factor in estimating the drug loading capacity, EE does not always represent the exact percentage of the entrapped drug. Several variables such as the stirring speed and duration, and concentration of surfactant, emulsifier, and drug play important roles in determining the final EE. In addition, EE is mainly affected by the type and concentration of the lipid. There are two major methods for the measurement of EE are in which the encapsulated drug in SLNs is either directly measured (direct method) or the amount of unencapsulated drug in the supernatant is measured (indirect method). Accuracy of drug analysis is the main challenge for EE calculation, and is either performed in the separated aqueous medium or the particles. In this review, we aimed to introduce the available methods for EE determination in SLNs and discuss the advantages and shortcomings of each method.
FcɛR1α gene polymorphism shows association with high IgE and anti‐FcɛR1α in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Dar Sajad A. , Rai Gargi , Ansari Mohammad A. , Akhter Naseem , Gupta Neelima , Sharma Sonal , Haque Shafiul , Ramachandran Vishnampettai G. , Wahid Mohd , Rudramurthy Shivprakash M. , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Das Shukla
Published: December 2017

Despite large number of investigations, the etiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains unclear. Several factors are likely involved in its onset. The genetic susceptibility of IgE‐responsiveness likely caused by polymorphism(s) in high affinity receptor for IgE (FcɛR1α) gene can help in understanding the pathophysiology of CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). A population‐based case‐control association analysis was conducted to assess the risk of CRSwNP conferred by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FcɛR1α gene in a North Indian cohort. Two promoter and three exonic regions of FcɛR1α gene were amplified and sequenced to investigate five SNPs: rs2427827, rs2251746, rs2298804, rs2298805, and rs2269718. BLAST analysis and subsequent multiple alignments, with known sequences available in the NCBI database, were performed. Total serum IgE and FcɛR1α antibody levels were estimated. Patient IgE level of 461.22 ± 436.43 in comparison to 83.62 ± 58.043 IU/mL in controls (P < 0.0001), and FcɛR1α antibody level of 292.38 ± 115.27 in comparison to 160.56 ± 105.9 in controls (P < 0.0001), depicts their highly significant associations with CRSwNP disease. However, no SNP showed evidence of association with CRSwNP; although relatively higher Odds ratios were observed with rs2427827, rs2251746, and rs2298804. Patient stratification revealed a significant association (P < 0.05) of rs2427827 SNP with high IgE level CRSwNP patients. Nonetheless, we found no SNP associated with low serum IgE level patients. SNP (rs2427827) in the FcɛR1α gene region and high IgE levels may confer susceptibility to CRSwNP in north Indian population. However, further studies including larger sample size, gene‐gene, and gene‐environment interactions are required for its elucidation.
Overcoming the limitations of cutoffs for defining atomic coordination in multicomponent systems
Authors: Higham Jonathan , Henchman Richard H.
Published: December 2017

A common way to understand structure in multimolecular systems is the coordination shell which comprises all the neighbors of an atom. Coordination, however, is nontrivial to determine because there is no obvious way to determine when atoms are neighbors. A common solution is to take all atoms within a cutoff at the first minimum of the radial distribution function, g(r). We show that such an approach cannot be consistently applied to model multicomponent systems, namely mixtures of atoms differing in size or charge. Coordination shells using the total g(r) are found to be too restrictive for atoms of different size while those using pairwise g(r)s are excessive for charged mixtures. The recently introduced relative angular distance algorithm, however, which defines coordination instantaneously from atomic positions, is consistently able to define coordination shells containing the expected neighboring atoms for all these systems. This more robust way to determine coordination should in turn make coordination a more robust way to understand structure. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Utility of complete blood count parameters to detect premature ovarian insufficiency in cases with oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea
Authors: Sanverdi Ilhan , Kilicci Cetin , Cogendez Ebru , Abide Yayla Cigdem , Ozkaya Enis
Published: December 2017

Background

There are very few biomarkers available to diagnose cases with premature ovarian failure. Some complete blood count parameters have been introduced to be diagnostic biomarkers for several disorders associated with inflammatory process. Due to the evidence that indicated chronic inflammatory process to be underlying pathophysiology in premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), we aimed to assess the predictive value of complete blood count parameters for POI diagnosis.

Method

A total of 96 women diagnosed to have premature ovarian failure were compared with 110 otherwise healthy women in terms of some basal hormone levels and complete blood count parameters.

Results

Mean age was similar between groups. Neutrophil/lymphocyte and mean platelet volume/lymphocyte ratios were significantly higher in group with POI (P < .001, P < .003, respectively). In group with POI, there were significant correlations between anti‐Mullerian hormone and follicle stimulating hormone (r = −.30, P <.05), anti‐Mullerian hormone and white blood cell count (r = .23, P < .05). Mean platelet volume/lymphocyte ratio significantly predicted cases with POI (AUC = 0.607, %95 CI: 0.529‐0.684; P < .001).

Conclusions

Neutrophil/lymphocyte and mean platelet volume/lymphocyte ratios are elevated in POI. There have been some controversies about the value of neutrophil/lymphocyte in POI diagnosis. We suggest mean platelet volume/lymphocyte ratio as a new biomarker in early POI because it is cheap and easily accessible compared to anti‐Mullerian hormone.
Evaluation of an online self‐help version of the REACH forgiveness program: Outcomes and predictors of persistence in a community sample
Authors: Nation Jennifer A. , Wertheim Eleanor H. , Worthington Everett L.
Published: December 2017

Objective

We evaluated outcomes of an online, self‐directed REACH forgiveness intervention for community‐based adults. Because many participants dropped out before program completion, predictors of program persistence were also examined.

Method

Participants (N = 130 adults, 122 female; mean age 48) completed pretreatment assessment and were randomized to immediate treatment (IT) or delayed treatment (DT). Twenty‐three IT and 13 DT participants completed the 7‐hour REACH forgiveness modules and postintervention assessment; 32 participants completed 3‐month follow‐up.

Results

The IT group reported greater postintervention improvements in overall forgiveness and emotional forgiveness, as well as reductions in avoidance motivations with large effect sizes and, marginally, state empathy; but revenge motivations, decisional forgiveness, and well‐being indicators did not change. Most postintervention improvements were maintained at 3‐month follow‐up. In this online intervention, persistence was predicted by perspective taking, willingness to forgive the offender, and conscientiousness. Three‐month follow‐up supported maintenance of gains, particularly in overall and emotional forgiveness, and increases in trait forgiveness compared to pretreatment.

Conclusion

An online self‐directed version of REACH forgiveness applied in a community sample has potential for improving forgiveness‐related responses, particularly those involving emotional forgiveness. However, methods to increase program persistence and target suitable recipients need development.
Receptor‐mediated endocytosis generates nanomechanical force reflective of ligand identity and cellular property
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Ren Juan , Wang Jingren , Li Shixie , Zou Qingze , Gao Nan
Published: December 2017

Whether environmental (thermal, chemical, and nutrient) signals generate quantifiable, nanoscale, mechanophysical changes in the cellular plasma membrane has not been well elucidated. Assessment of such mechanophysical properties of plasma membrane may shed lights on fundamental cellular process. Atomic force microscopic (AFM) measurement of the mechanical properties of live cells was hampered by the difficulty in accounting for the effects of the cantilever motion and the associated hydrodynamic force on the mechanical measurement. These challenges have been addressed in our recently developed control‐based AFM nanomechanical measurement protocol, which enables a fast, noninvasive, broadband measurement of the real‐time changes in plasma membrane elasticity in live cells. Here we show using this newly developed AFM platform that the plasma membrane of live mammalian cells exhibits a constant and quantifiable nanomechanical property, the membrane elasticity. This mechanical property sensitively changes in response to environmental factors, such as the thermal, chemical, and growth factor stimuli. We demonstrate that different chemical inhibitors of endocytosis elicit distinct changes in plasma membrane elastic modulus reflecting their specific molecular actions on the lipid configuration or the endocytic machinery. Interestingly, two different growth factors, EGF and Wnt3a, elicited distinct elastic force profiles revealed by AFM at the plasma membrane during receptor‐mediated endocytosis. By applying this platform to genetically modified cells, we uncovered a previously unknown contribution of Cdc42, a key component of the cellular trafficking network, to EGF‐stimulated endocytosis at plasma membrane. Together, this nanomechanical AFM study establishes an important foundation that is expandable and adaptable for investigation of cellular membrane evolution in response to various key extracellular signals.
Oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancer cells is mediated via activation of ABCG2 to alleviate ER stress induced apoptosis
Authors: Hsu Hsi‐Hsien , Chen Ming‐Cheng , Baskaran Rathinasamy , Lin Yueh‐Min , Day Cecilia H. , Lin Yi‐Jiun , Tu Chuan‐Chou , Vijaya Padma Viswanadha , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: December 2017

Oxaliplatin (OXA), is a third generation platinum drug used as first‐line chemotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC). Cancer cells acquires resistance to anti‐cancer drug and develops resistance. ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) drug transporter ABCG2, one of multidrug resistance (MDR) protein which can effectively discharge a wide spectrum of chemotherapeutic agents out of cancer cells and subsequently reduce the intracellular concentration of these drugs. Role of ABCG2 and plausible molecular signaling pathways involved in Oxaliplatin‐Resistant (OXA‐R) colon cancer cells was evaluated in the present study. OXA resistant LoVo cells was developed by exposing the colon cells to OXA in a dose‐dependent manner. Development of multi drug resistance in OXA‐R cells was confirmed by exposing the resistance cells to oxaliplatin, 5‐FU, and doxorubicin. OXA treatment resulted in G2 phase arrest in parental LoVo cells, which was overcome by OXA‐R LoVo cells. mRNA and protein expression of ABCG2 and phosphorylation of NF‐κB was significantly higher in OXA‐R than parental cells. Levels of ER stress markers were downregulated in OXA‐R than parental cells. OXA‐R LoVo cells exposed to NF‐κB inhibitor QNZ effectively reduced the ABCG2 and p‐NF‐κB expression and increased ER stress marker expression. On other hand, invasion and migratory effect of OXA‐R cells were found to be decreased, when compared to parental cells. Metastasis marker proteins also downregulated in OXA‐R cells. ABCG2 inhibitor verapamil, downregulate ABCG2, induce ER stress markers and induces apoptosis. In vivo studies in nude mice also confirms the same.
Understanding the regulation of APOBEC3 expression: Current evidence and much to learn
Authors: Covino Daniela Angela , Gauzzi Maria Cristina , Fantuzzi Laura
Published: December 2017

The apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3 (APOBEC3) family of cytosine deaminases plays crucial roles in innate immunity through the ability of restricting viral replication by deamination and mutation of viral genomes. The antiviral function of these proteins was first discovered when research in the field of HIV infection revealed that one member of the family, namely APOBEC3G, restricts HIV infection in T lymphocytes and that the viral infectivity factor protein drives the proteosomal degradation of this enzyme, thus overriding its antiviral function. Recent advances in cancer genomics, together with biochemical characterization of the APOBEC3 enzymes, have now implicated some family members in somatic mutagenesis during carcinogenesis. While several studies investigated the downstream consequences of APOBEC3 expression and activity, either in the context of viral infection or tumorigenesis, little is known on the upstream mechanisms regulating APOBEC3 expression. Such knowledge would be of huge importance in developing innovative approaches to strengthen antiviral innate immunity on one side and to prevent cancer development on the other. This mini review summarizes research advances on the molecular mechanisms regulating the expression of APOBEC3 family members in selected immune cell populations and cancer cells.
Binding affinity and in vitro cytotoxicity of harmaline targeting different motifs of nucleic acids: An ultimate drug designing approach
Authors: Bhattacharjee Paromita , Ghosh Tapas , Sarkar Sarita , Pandya Prateek , Bhadra Kakali
Published: December 2017

The work focuses towards interaction of harmaline, with nucleic acids of different motifs by multispectroscopic and calorimetric techniques. Findings of this study suggest that binding constant varied in the order single‐stranded (ss) poly(A) > double‐stranded calf thymus (CT) DNA > double‐stranded poly(G)·poly(C) > clover leaf tRNAPhe. Prominent structural changes of ss poly(A), CT DNA, and poly(G)· poly(C) with concomitant induction of optical activity in the bound achiral alkaloid molecule was observed, while with tRNAPhe, very weak induced circular dichroism perturbation was seen. The interaction was predominantly exothermic, enthalpy driven, and entropy favored with CT DNA and poly(G)·poly(C), while it was entropy driven with poly(A) and tRNAPhe. Intercalated state of harmaline inside poly(A), CT DNA, and poly(G)·poly(C) was shown by viscometry, ferrocyanide quenching, and molecular docking. All these findings unequivocally pointed out preference of harmaline towards ss poly(A) inducing self‐structure formation. Furthermore, harmaline administration caused a significant decrease in proliferation of HeLa and HepG2 cells with GI50 of 28μM and 11.2μM, respectively. Nucleic acid fragmentation, cellular ultramorphological changes, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, upregulation of p53 and caspase 3, generation of reactive oxygen species, and a significant increase in the G2/M population made HepG2 more prone to apoptosis than are HeLa cells.
A hybrid gravitational search and pattern search algorithm for tuning damping controller parameters for a unified power flow controller—A comparative approach
Authors: Khadanga Rajendra Kumar , Satapathy Jitendriya Kumar
Published: December 2017

This paper mainly focuses on the development of a hybrid gravitational search algorithm and the pattern search (hGSA‐PS) algorithm for the optimal tuning of a unified power flow controller (UPFC) ‐based damping controller. The optimal parameter assessment for a damping controller craves a decisive tuning method, which can reduce the system error, thus improves the system stability. The design problem associated with the proposed controllers is formulated as an optimization problem and the hGSA‐PS is used to find the UPFC‐based damping controller parameters. Thus, by achieving the optimal settings of the variables of the damping controller, the damping of the system is reduced, and concurrently stability of the system is maintained. A detailed investigation is carried out considering the 4 alternatives UPFC‐based damping controller. As evidence, the numerous system response curves confirm that the planned hybrid GSA‐PS algorithm achieves improved performance compared with the conventional algorithms and the recent hybrid GA‐GSA algorithm. The proposed work basically compares the hGSA‐PS algorithm with the recent developed hybrid GA‐GSA algorithm and the conventional GSA algorithm by considering the convergence rate. Finally, the stability performance of a Simulink‐based 2 area 4‐machine power system is analyzed by applying the hGSA‐PS algorithm. From the simulation results, it can be presumed that the proposed hybrid approach is the best method for outlining the UPFC‐based damping controller.
Subtropical cyclones near‐term projections from an ensemble of regional climate models over the northeastern Atlantic basin
Authors: González‐Alemán Juan J. , Gaertner Miguel A. , Sánchez Enrique , Romera Raquel
Published: December 2017

Since nearly a decade ago, hybrid cyclones called subtropical cyclones (STCs) have attracted the attention of scientific and forecasting community due to their identification as damaging weather systems. Research about them has been so far focused on present climate data. A study of STCs under future climate scenarios has not been performed yet. For the first time, in this work we analyse the capability of regional climate models (RCMs) to simulate STCs in addition to searching for possible alterations in their frequency and intensity due to anthropogenic climate change over the subtropical northeastern Atlantic basin. By using an ensemble of three RCMs nested in four different global climate models (GCMs), we find that RCMs acceptably reproduce STCs (except for certain model combinations) for the historical climate period (1951–2000), giving support for the analysis of future climate results. In pure GCM simulations, no STCs are identified. For future climate conditions under A1B, A2 and B1 scenarios (2001–2050), more simulations indicate a decrease in the frequency of STCs than those which find an increase. This decrease is showed to be partially due to a reduced presence of extratropical cyclones, from which they tend to form, within that region. However, no strong agreement between simulations has been obtained, and other factors like the changes in the conversion rate could affect STCs in the future. With respect to intensity, no clear tendency is found.
Application of the BACs‐on‐Beads™ assay for rapid prenatal detection application of BoBs™ for PND of aneuploidies and microdeletions
Authors: Huang Hailong , Zhang Min , Wang Yan , Lin Na , He Deqin , Chen Meihuan , Chen Lingji , Lin Yuan , Xu Liangpu
Published: December 2017

Prenatal diagnosis focuses on the detection of anatomic and physiologic problems with a foetus before birth. Karyotyping is currently considered the gold standard for prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities, but this method can be time consuming. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the BACs‐on‐BeadsTM (BoBs™) assay for the rapid diagnosis of aneuploidies and microdeletions. A total of 625 samples from pregnant women in Fujian province, in southeastern China—including three chorionic villus biopsies, 523 amniotic fluid samples, and 99 umbilical‐cord centesis samples—were assessed for chromosomal abnormalities by karyotyping and by the BoBs™ assay. A diagnosis was successfully achieved by karyotyping for 98.8% (618/625) and by the BoBs™ assay for 100% (625/625) of the samples. Both assays were concordant for trisomy 21 (2.72%, 17/625), trisomy 18 (1.12%, 7/625), trisomy 13 (0.48%, 3/625), and sex chromosome aneuploidies (0.8%, 5/625). Unlike karyotyping, the BoBs™ assay detected 22q11.2 microdeletion (0.64%, 4/625), 22q11.2 microduplication (0.16%, 1/625), Smith–Magenis syndrome microdeletion (0.16%, 1/625), and Miller–Dieker syndrome microdeletion (0.16%, 1/625). Thus, the BoBs™ assay is a reliable and rapid test for detecting common aneuploidies and microdeletions for prenatal diagnosis, and could be used instead of karyotyping for detection of common aneuploidies as well as to provide additional information regarding microdeletions.
Extended phase graph formalism for systems with magnetization transfer and exchange
Authors: Malik Shaihan J. , Teixeira Rui Pedro A.G. , Hajnal Joseph V.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

An extended phase graph framework (EPG‐X) for modeling systems with exchange or magnetization transfer (MT) is proposed.

Theory

EPG‐X models coupled two‐compartment systems by describing each compartment with separate phase graphs that exchange during evolution periods. There are two variants: EPG‐X(BM) for systems governed by the Bloch‐McConnell equations, and EPG‐X(MT) for the pulsed MT formalism. For the MT case, the “bound” protons have no transverse components, so their phase graph consists of only longitudinal states.

Methods

The EPG‐X model was validated against steady‐state solutions and isochromat‐based simulation of gradient‐echo sequences. Three additional test cases were investigated: (i) MT effects in multislice turbo spin‐echo; (ii) variable flip angle gradient‐echo imaging of the type used for MR fingerprinting; and (iii) water exchange in multi‐echo spin‐echo T2 relaxometry.

Results

EPG‐X was validated successfully against isochromat based transient simulations and known steady‐state solutions. EPG‐X(MT) simulations matched in‐vivo measurements of signal attenuation in white matter in multislice turbo spin‐echo images. Magnetic resonance fingerprinting–style experiments with a bovine serum albumin (MT) phantom showed that the data were not consistent with a single‐pool model, but EPG‐X(MT) could be used to fit the data well. The EPG‐X(BM) simulations of multi‐echo spin‐echo T2 relaxometry suggest that exchange could lead to an underestimation of the myelin‐water fraction.

Conclusions

The EPG‐X framework can be used for modeling both steady‐state and transient signal response of systems exhibiting exchange or MT. This may be particularly beneficial for relaxometry approaches that rely on characterizing transient rather than steady‐state sequences. Magn Reson Med 80:767–779, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Trajectories of impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Insights from the Pooled Resource Open‐Access ALS Clinical Trials cohort
Authors: Thakore Nimish J. , Lapin Brittany R. , Pioro Erik P. ,   Pooled Resource Open‐Access ALS Clinical Trials Consortium
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Rate of decline of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale‐Revised (ALSFRS‐R) score is a common outcome measure and a powerful predictor of mortality in ALS. Methods: Observed rate of decline (postslope) of ALSFRS‐R, its linearity, and its relationship to decline at first visit (preslope) were examined in the Pooled Resource Open‐Access ALS Clinical Trials cohort by using longitudinal mixed effects models. Results: Mean ALSFRS‐R postslope in 3,367 patients was −0.99 points/month. Preslope and postslope were correlated and had powerful effects on survival. ALSFRS‐R trajectories were slightly accelerated overall, but slope and direction/degree of curvature varied. Subscore decline was sequential by site of onset. Respiratory subscore decline was the least steep. Discussion: Variable curvilinearity of ALSFRS‐R trajectories confounds interpretation in clinical studies that assume linear decline. Subscore trajectories recapitulate phenotypic diversity and topographical progression of ALS. ALSFRS‐R is better used as a multidimensional measure. Muscle Nerve 57: 937–945, 2018
Fully adaptive kernel‐based methods
Authors: Ling Leevan , Chiu Sung Nok
Published: December 2017

By exploiting the meshless property of kernel‐based collocation methods, we propose a fully automatic numerical recipe for solving interpolation/regression and boundary value problems adaptively. The proposed algorithm is built upon a least squares collocation formulation on some quasi‐random point sets with low discrepancy. A novel strategy is proposed to ensure that the fill distances of data points in the domain and on the boundary are in the same order of magnitude. To circumvent the potential problem of ill‐conditioning due to extremely small separation distance in the point sets, we add an extra dimension to the data points for generating shape parameters such that nearby kernels are of distinctive shape. This effectively eliminates the needs of shape parameter identification. Resulting linear systems were then solved by a greedy trial space algorithm to improve the robustness of the algorithm. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed methods.
Early predictors of weight loss in a 1‐year behavioural weight‐loss programme
Authors: James B. L. , Roe L. S. , Loken E. , Rolls B. J.
Published: December 2017

Objective

Identifying early predictors of weight loss is key for developing personalized treatment. However, few individual factors have been identified that predict weight loss during intervention, other than early weight loss itself.

Methods

Women with overweight or obesity (n = 186, mean ± SD age 50.0 ± 10.6 years, body mass index 34.0 ± 4.2 kg m−2) participated in the Portion‐Control Strategies Trial, a 1‐year randomized controlled weight‐loss trial with three intervention groups. Early changes in eating behaviours and psychological factors were evaluated by questionnaires at baseline and Month 1. The influence of these early changes on the trajectory of weight loss from baseline to Months 3 and 12 was assessed by random coefficients models.

Results

Although there were no differences in weight loss between intervention groups at the end of the trial, certain individual factors were shown to predict both early weight loss at Month 3 and longer‐term weight loss at Month 12. Across all participants, increases in dietary restraint and healthy lifestyle ratings in the first month predicted more rapid weight loss from baseline to Month 3 (P < 0.05) and also predicted more rapid weight loss and slower regain from baseline to Month 12 (both P < 0.01). Early attendance and changes in disinhibition were not associated with subsequent weight loss.

Conclusions

Changes in psychological and behavioural measures, such as restraint, in the first month of weight loss intervention predicted longer‐term weight loss in women. Early additional support or tailored treatment could promote long‐term success by reinforcing these behaviours.
Salt‐induced formation of DNA double helices from single stranded DNA investigated by analytical ultracentrifugation
Authors: Wu Sha , Gong Xiangjun , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Zhang Guangzhao
Published: December 2017

The effect of monovalent and divalent cations on the ssDNA to dsDNA transformation was systematically examined. For salts containing monovalent cations (LiCl, NaC1, KCl, CsCl), the conversion of ssDNA to dsDNA increased with ionic strength up to a value of I = 0.01 M and then plateaued, confirming that all four of the monovalent cations behaved similarly and promoted the formation of dsDNA. The monovalent cation type influenced the equilibrium constant for the conversion of ssDNA to dsDNA, indicating a degree of ion‐specificity in dsDNA formation. In the case of salts containing divalent cations (e.g., MgCl2), the conversion of ssDNA to dsDNA also increased with increasing ionic strength, though the plateau region was reached at a much lower ionic strength (I = 5.0 × 10−4 M), which can be attributed to the higher electrostatic screening efficiency of Mg2+ cations and thus their superior ability to link DNA chains. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 501–508
Characterization and comparative evaluation of two atmospheric plasma sources for water treatment
Authors: Bosi Franco J. , Tampieri Francesco , Marotta Ester , Bertani Roberta , Pavarin Daniele , Paradisi Cristina
Published: December 2017

A reactor with two interchangeable plasma sources was developed and tested in water decontamination experiments using phenol as model organic pollutant. The two configurations were characterized and compared by determining the reactive species produced in the aqueous phase (concentration of ozone and of hydrogen peroxide as a function of input energy and rate of OH radical production) and the efficiency in phenol degradation. The streamer discharge performed significantly better than the dielectric barrier discharge: the rate of OH radicals production was ten times faster and the efficiency of phenol degradation, as measured by the parameter, was more than twice as large. Moreover, the streamer discharge induced process was kinetically faster and achieved better mineralization yields in shorter times.
Tailoring the Properties of Europium‐Doped Potassium Calcium Iodide Scintillators Through Defect Engineering
Authors: Wu Yuntao , Li Qi , Rutstrom Daniel J. , Zhuravleva Mariya , Loyd Matthew , Stand Luis , Koschan Merry , Melcher Charles L.
Published: December 2017

Codoping is an effective approach for precise control of point defects in many advanced materials, and can be used to optimize their function. This paper reports an effort toward tailoring the scintillation properties of metal halides through defect engineering. A study of aliovalent codoping of the KCaI3:Eu2+ single‐crystalline scintillators is performed, through which it is discovered that a simultaneous suppression of X‐ray induced afterglow and improvement of gamma‐ray energy resolution can be successfully achieved via Zr4+ codoping. The afterglow level is reduced by more than twofold with Zr4+ codoping. The energy resolution of a 5 mm cubic KCaI3:Eu2+ sample is improved from 3.25 to 2.7% at 662 keV, and 6.5 to 5.73% at 122 keV upon Zr4+ codoping. Physical explanations for the improvements are revealed from our investigations into both the electronic structure and thermodynamics of the defects by using thermoluminescence techniques and density functional theory calculations. The codoped Zr4+ ions prefer to form interstitials acting as shallow electron traps. The {ZrCa+VCa} complex can co‐exist with Zri interstitials as shallow hole traps under certain condition, which are able to trap holes temporarily.
Robust finite‐time consensus formation control for multiple nonholonomic wheeled mobile robots via output feedback
Authors: Cheng Yingying , Jia Ruting , Du Haibo , Wen Guanghui , Zhu Wenwu
Published: December 2017

The finite‐time formation control for multiple nonholonomic wheeled mobile robots with a leader‐following structure is studied. Different from the existing results, the considered mobile robot has the following features: (i) a higher‐order dynamic model, (ii) the robot's velocities cannot be measured, and (iii) there are external disturbances. To solve the problem, a finite‐time consensus formation control algorithm via output feedback is explicitly given. At the first step, some finite‐time convergent observers are skillfully constructed to estimate both the unknown velocity information and the disturbance in finite time by imposing certain assumptions on the disturbances. Then, on the basis of the integral sliding‐mode control method, a disturbance observer‐based finite‐time output feedback controller is developed. Rigorous proof shows that the finite‐time formation can be achieved in finite time. An example is finally given to verify the efficiency of the proposed method.
Phosphorylated and Cross‐Linked Wheat Starches in the Presence of Polyethylene Oxide and Their Application in Biocomposite Films
Authors: Bruni Graziella Pinheiro , de Oliveira Jean Paulo , El Halal Shanise Lisie Mello , Flores Wladimir Hernadez , Gundel Andre , de Miranda Martha Zavariz , Dias Alvaro Renato Guerra , da Rosa Zavareze Elessandra
Published: December 2017

Wheat starch is modified by phosphorylation and cross‐linking. Starches are evaluated for phosphorus content, amylose content, swelling power, solubility, pasting properties, crystallinity, and morphology. Films are made with phosphorylated and cross‐linked starches, and with addition of 10% (w/w) polyethylene oxide (PEO). The films are evaluated for morphology, water vapor permeability, mechanical properties, crystallinity, roughness, and angle of contact with water. Phosphorylated starch shows higher phosphorus content, amylose content, swelling power, and solubility than cross‐linked starch and native starch did. The starch film containing PEO presents discontinuous morphology, is more crystalline and rugged, and less hydrophilic than starch films without PEO. The biocomposite proves promising for usage in flexible packaging.
Transmission of heat modes across a potential barrier
Authors: Rosenblatt Amir , Lafont Fabien , Levkivskyi Ivan , Sabo Ron , Gurman Itamar , Banitt Daniel , Heiblum Moty , Umansky Vladimir
Published: December 2017

Controlling the transmission of electrical current using a quantum point contact constriction paved a way to a large variety of experiments in mesoscopic physics. The increasing interest in heat transfer in such systems fosters questions about possible manipulations of quantum heat modes that do not carry net charge (neutral modes). Here we study the transmission of upstream neutral modes through a quantum point contact in fractional hole-conjugate quantum Hall states. Employing two different measurement techniques, we were able to render the relative spatial distribution of these chargeless modes with their charged counterparts. In these states, which were found to harbor more than one downstream charge mode, the upstream neutral modes are found to flow with the inner charge mode—as theoretically predicted. These results unveil a universal upstream heat current structure and open the path for more complex engineering of heat flows and cooling mechanisms in quantum nano-electronic devices.
Symbol separation and beamforming to improve secure transmission in multi‐untrusted relay networks
Authors: Mekkawy Tamer , Yao Rugui , Zuo Xiaoya , Wang Ling
Published: December 2017

In multi‐untrusted relay networks, the transmission should be carefully devised to guarantee both security and performance. A novel scheme with symbol separation and beamforming is proposed to improve secure transmission. First, the best two relays with the strongest channel gains are selected to deliver the separated real and imaginary parts of the confidential symbols. Then, directional beamforming is carefully designed to maximise the receptions of the real and imaginary parts at the two selected relays and to zero force the receptions at the other relays. The proposed scheme ensures a perfect physical layer security with high BER at untrusted relays, and an improved BER performance at the destination. Numerical simulations show the correctness and efficiency of the proposed scheme.
The magnetic environment of the Orion-Eridanus superbubble as revealed by Planck
Authors: Soler J. D. , Bracco A. , Pon A.
Published: December 2017

Using the 353-GHz polarization observations by the Planck satellite we characterize the magnetic field in the Orion-Eridanus superbubble, a nearby expanding structure that spans more than 1600 square degrees in the sky. We identify a region of both low dispersion of polarization orientations and high polarization fraction associated with the outer wall of the superbubble identified in the most recent models of the large-scale shape of the region. We use the Davis-Chandrasekhar-Fermi method to derive plane-of-the-sky magnetic field strengths of tens of μG toward the southern edge of the bubble. The comparison of these values with existing Zeeman splitting observations of HI in emission suggests that the large-scale magnetic field in the region was primarily shaped by the expanding superbubble.
Type 2 Diabetes and Risk of Incident Cancer in China: A Prospective Study Among 0.5 Million Chinese Adults
Authors: Pan Xiong-Fei , He Meian , Yu Canqing , Lv Jun , Guo Yu , Bian Zheng , Yang Ling , Chen Yiping , Wu Tangchun , Chen Zhengming , Pan An , Li Liming ,   China Kadoorie Biobank Collaborative Group
Published: December 2017

Using data from the China Kadoorie Biobank Study, we conducted a prospective investigation on the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cancer risk in Chinese adults. A total of 508,892 participants (mean age = 51.5 (standard deviation, 10.7) years) without prior cancer diagnosis at baseline (2004–2008) were included. We documented 17,463 incident cancer cases during follow-up through December 31, 2013. Participants with T2DM had increased risks of total and certain site-specific cancers; hazard ratios were 1.13 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07, 1.19) for total cancer, 1.51 (95% CI: 1.29, 1.76) for liver cancer, 1.86 (95% CI: 1.43, 2.41) for pancreatic cancer, and 1.21 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.47) for female breast cancer. The associations were largely consistent when physician-diagnosed and screen-detected T2DM were analyzed separately, except for colorectal cancer (for physician-diagnosed T2DM, HR = 0.91 (95% CI: 0.73, 1.13), and for screen-detected T2DM, HR = 1.44 (95% CI: 1.18, 1.77)). In participants without a prior diagnosis of T2DM, higher random blood glucose levels were positively associated with risks of total cancer, liver cancer, and female breast cancer (all P’s for trend ≤ 0.02). In conclusion, T2DM is associated with an increased risk of new-onset cancer in China, particularly cancers of the liver, pancreas, and female breast.
Validity of Teleneuropsychological Assessment in Older Patients with Cognitive Disorders
Authors: Wadsworth Hannah E , Dhima Kaltra , Womack Kyle B , Hart John , Weiner Myron F , Hynan Linda S , Cullum C Munro
Published: December 2017

Objective

The feasibility and reliability of neuropsychological assessment at a distance have been demonstrated, but the validity of this testing medium has not been adequately demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of video teleconferencing administration of neuropsychological measures (teleneuropsychology) in discriminating cognitively impaired from non-impaired groups of older adults. It was predicted that measures administered via video teleconference would distinguish groups and that the magnitude of differences between impaired and non-impaired groups would be similar to group differences achieved in traditional administration.

Methods

The sample consisted of 197 older subjects, separated into two groups, with and without cognitive impairment. The cognitive impairment group included 78 individuals with clinical diagnoses of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease. All participants completed counterbalanced neuropsychological testing using alternate test forms in both a teleneuropsychology and a traditional face-to-face (FTF) administration condition. Tests were selected based upon their common use in dementia evaluations, brevity, and assessment of multiple cognitive domains. Results from FTF and teleneuropsychology test conditions were compared using individual repeated measures ANCOVA, controlling for age, education, gender, and depression scores.

Results

All ANCOVA models revealed significant main effects of group and a non-significant interaction between group and administration condition. All ANCOVA models revealed non-significant main effects for administration condition, except category fluency.

Conclusions

Results derived from teleneuropsychologically administered tests can distinguish between cognitively impaired and non-impaired individuals similar to traditional FTF assessment. This adds to the growing teleneuropsychology literature by supporting the validity of remote assessments in aging populations.