bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency
Authors: Kim Esther S. H. , Diaconu Claudiu , Baus Leasa , Fox Robert J. , Grattan Alia , Katzan Irene , Raber Larry , Rae-Grant Alexander , Lu Mei
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Duplex sonography has been proposed as a diagnostic modality for detection of chronic cerebrovascular venous insufficiency, a recently proposed hypothesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. We reviewed potential challenges of duplex sonography for diagnosis of chronic cerebrovascular venous insufficiency and used interim pooled data from a study aimed to apply cerebrovascular venous insufficiency criteria to a group of patients with MS and control patients without MS.

Methods

Duplex sonography for chronic cerebrovascular venous insufficiency was performed in patients with MS and controls. Extracranial and deep cerebral veins were studied by using a published chronic cerebrovascular venous insufficiency protocol and criteria. Comparative imaging was performed to explore how physiologic factors and imaging techniques could affect key parameters. The effects of varying definitions on fulfilling chronic cerebrovascular venous insufficiency diagnostic criteria were also explored.

Results

Forty‐two patients were enrolled. Twenty‐five (60%) had a reduction in internal jugular vein cross‐sectional area by 50% or more, cross‐sectional area of 0.3 cm2 or less, and/or a B‐mode abnormality. No patients had reflux longer than 0.88 seconds in both sitting and supine positions, the presence of duplex sonographic reflux on transcranial Doppler imaging, or a larger internal jugular vein cross‐sectional area in the sitting versus supine position. Fourteen patients (33.3%) had either a flap or septum, and 1 had a web. Collateral veins to the vertebral veins were identified in 14 of 42 patients (33.3%). The use of transcranial Doppler imaging versus quality Doppler profiles resulted in fewer patients meeting criteria for chronic cerebrovascular venous insufficiency.

Conclusions

There are several important variables, including physiologic, technical, and criterion definitions, in the application of sonographic assessment of chronic cerebrovascular venous insufficiency that may affect diagnostic accuracy.
Comparative Sonographic Study of Cerebral Hemodynamic Differences and Changes After Oxygen Therapy in Healthy Youths of Different Ethnicities in Tibet
Authors: Wang Jia , Xu Shu Zhen , Zha Yong , Bbu Ciugene F. , Li Li Jun Yuan , Duan Yun You
Published: May 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to sonographically assess the cerebral hemodynamic differences and changes after oxygen therapy in healthy youths of different ethnicities in Tibet.

Methods

Sixty‐six healthy young Han visitors and 29 healthy young Tibetan residents were divided into 4 groups. Basic information was collected. Pulsed Doppler sonography was used to record the cerebral hemodynamic parameters for the internal carotid, vertebral, and middle cerebral arteries. The participants were then instructed to inhale oxygen, and basic information and cerebral hemodynamic parameters were recorded at 1, 2, 4, and 8 minutes, respectively. Differences in these parameters between groups were analyzed.

Results

In comparisons of the flow parameters between sex‐matched groups, the mean resistive index values for the internal carotid, vertebral, and middle cerebral arteries in the Han groups were significantly lower than those in the Tibetan groups (P <. 05). The mean peak systolic velocity, end‐diastolic velocity, and mean velocity values for the middle cerebral artery in the Han groups were significantly higher than those in the Tibetan groups (P < .05). After oxygen uptake, there were no significant differences in the mean arterial oxygen saturation, heart rate, mean velocity, and resistive index values between the male groups, and similar changes were found for the arterial oxygen saturation and peak systolic velocity values between female groups after 8 minutes of oxygen uptake (P > .05).

Conclusions

Sonography is a useful modality for noninvasive and real‐time detection of changes in cerebral hemodynamics and can provide reference values for the prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.
Ultrasound‐Guided Aspiration of Adnexal Cysts With a Low Risk of Malignancy
Authors: García-Tejedor Amparo , Castellarnau Marta , Burdio Fernando , Fernández Eulalia , Martí Dolores , Pla Maria J. , Ponce Jordi
Published: May 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to establish the viability of ultrasound (US)‐guided adnexal cyst aspiration and identify a target group in which this procedure would be advisable.

Methods

A prospective cohort of 96 women with a low risk of malignant adnexal cysts was studied between 2002 and 2009, using recurrence after the procedure as the primary outcome measure. All procedures were performed on an outpatient basis without anesthesia. Patients were followed by US imaging at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 months. Potential risk factors for recurrence (menopausal status, previous hysterectomy, symptoms, US pattern, cyst diameter, and aspirated fluid volume and color) were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. The association between recurrence and cyst size was calculated by Kaplan‐Meier curves.

Results

The median diameter of the cysts was 61 (range, 30–150) mm. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that an increased risk of recurrence was associated with a cyst diameter of greater than 70 mm (odds ratio, 4.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–14.1) and the presence of symptoms (odds ratio, 5.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–24.6). The median follow‐up time was 24 (range, 2–78) months. Surgery was avoided in 64 patients (73.6%). Full cyst recurrence was observed in 34 patients (39.0%).

Conclusions

Ultrasound‐guided aspiration is a viable alternative to surgery for treatment of adnexal cysts with a low risk of malignancy, especially when the cyst diameter is less than 70 mm.
Giant Extraluminal Leiomyoma of the Colon: Rare Cause of Symptomatic Pelvic Mass
Authors: Sagnotta Andrea , Sparagna Alessandra , Uccini Stefania , Mercantini Paolo
Published: May 2015

Leiomyomas (LMs) may appear throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract but are rarely seen in the colon-rectum and only 5 of those measured greater than 15 cm in diameter. Pain and palpable abdominal mass are the most common symptoms. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for most LMs. We here describe a case of a 46-year-old woman who presented with a 3-month history of abdominal pain associated with worsening constipation and abdominal distension. A pelvic solid, polylobulate, left-sided mass was noted on examination. Preoperative findings revealed a dishomogeneous sigmoid mass with calcified spots compressing small intestine and bladder. At laparotomy, a large polylobulate and well-circumscribed mass arising from the descending colon mesentery and displacing small intestine, uterus, and ovaries. A segmental colon resection was performed. An extraluminal 18- × 12- × 5-cm paucicellular sigmoid colon leiomyoma was histologically diagnosed. Our case is one of the few giant (>15 cm) sigmoid colon LMs reported in the literature. Although rare and benign in nature, LMs of the colon can cause life-threatening complications that could require emergency treatment and they should be included in the differential diagnosis of large abdominopelvic masses. Follow-up after surgery is necessary for tumors with any atypia or mitotic activity.
Early Gastric Cancer Associated With Gastric Sarcoidosis
Authors: Matsubara Takeshi , Hirahara Noriyuki , Hyakudomi Ryoji , Fujii Yusuke , Kaji Shunsuke , Taniura Takahito , Tajima Yoshitsugu
Published: May 2015

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disorder that is characterized by the formation of noncaseating granulomas. Although sarcoidosis can affect any organ, gastrointestinal tract involvement in sarcoidosis is very rare, and gastric cancer associated with gastric sarcoidosis has hardly been reported. A 64-year-old female with a 10-year history of the medical treatment of gastric sarcoidosis received a routine follow-up gastrointestinal endoscopy and an irregular-shaped, elevated lesion was detected in the gastric corpus. The gastric mucosal surface was nodular and ulcerated throughout the stomach. The gastric lumen was narrow, and the gastric wall was stiff and nondistensible, resembling linitis plastica. The biopsies of the elevated lesion in the gastric corpus revealed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. An endoscopic ultrasonography was then performed, but it failed to assess precisely the depth of cancer invasion because of sarcoidosis-related gastritis and fibrosis of the gastric wall. The patient underwent a laparoscopic total gastrectomy under the diagnosis of gastric cancer associated with gastric sarcoidosis. Histologic examination of the surgical specimen demonstrated well-differentiated adenocarcinoma in the gastric corpus, and the histologic mapping of cancer cells revealed that the tumor spread within the mucosal layer of the stomach. No lymph node metastasis was found. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. We experienced a rare case of early gastric cancer associated with gastric sarcoidosis, which identified the troublesome issue that the assessment of depth of cancer invasion is difficult, because patients with longstanding gastric sarcoidosis may involve various degrees of fibrosis of the gastric wall.
The cloud‐radiative effect when simulating strength asymmetry in two types of El Niño events using CMIP5 models
Authors: Fang Xiang‐Hui , Zheng Fei , Zhu Jiang
Published: May 2015

It has been suggested that the strength asymmetry of the Bjerknes feedback is responsible for the pronounced amplitude asymmetry between eastern Pacific (EP) and central Pacific (CP) El Niño events. Detailed analyses have indicated that this strength asymmetry is mainly derived from the weaker sensitivity of the zonal sea level pressure (SLP) anomaly to that of the diabatic heating anomaly during the development phase of CP El Niño events, which mainly results from the large cancelation induced by the negative sea surface temperature (SST)‐cloud thermodynamic feedback that negates the positive dynamical feedback. This study validates these conclusions by using historical runs of 20 models involved in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). Our results suggest that the CMIP5 models generally depict the asymmetry in amplitude between the two types of El Niño events well, which is consistent with successfully simulating the strength asymmetry of the Bjerknes feedback. As observed during both types of El Niño events, variations in the total cloud amount and shortwave radiation also indicated that the cloud‐radiative effect is an important factor that causes amplitude asymmetry between CP and EP El Niño events. However, the CMIP5 models are severely biased when capturing realistic CP El Niño structures, namely few models can simulate the significantly weaker warming anomalies in the EP relative to the CP.
The impact of ground‐based glaciogenic seeding on clouds and precipitation over mountains: A case study of a shallow orographic cloud with large supercooled droplets
Authors: Pokharel Binod , Geerts Bart , Jing Xiaoqin
Published: May 2015

This paper examines the impact of ground‐based glaciogenic seeding on a shallow, lightly precipitating orographic cloud with rather large (~35 µm) supercooled droplets. The storm was observed on 22 February 2012 as part of the AgI (silver iodide) Seeding Cloud Impact Investigation experiment in Wyoming. The cloud base (top) temperature was about −5°C (−12°C). Vertical velocity data from an airborne Doppler W‐band (3 mm) profiling Wyoming Cloud Radar (WCR) indicate broad ascent due to the strong wind (20 m s‐1) impinging on the terrain and small pockets of intense updrafts. The large droplets, low droplet and ice particle concentrations, and strong updrafts lead to natural snow growth mainly by accretion (riming). The treated (seeded) period is compared with the preceding untreated period. The main target site, located on a mountain pass, was impacted by AgI seeding, according to a trace chemistry analysis of the falling snow. Data from three radar systems were used in the analysis of the impact of seeding on snow growth: the WCR, two Ka‐band (1.2 cm) profiling Micro Rain Radars , and an X‐band (3 cm) scanning polarization Doppler‐on‐Wheels radar. This case is complicated somewhat by a natural increase in cloud liquid water and in snow growth by riming, starting halfway during the seeding period, and continuing after seeding ended. Composite data from the centimeter‐wave radar systems indicate an increase in low‐level reflectivity during seeding, even after accounting for the natural trend observed in the upwind control region. A precipitation particle probe at the main target site shows an increase in concentration of both small and large hydrometeors.
Remote sensing of drought: Progress, challenges and opportunities
Authors: AghaKouchak A. , Farahmand A. , Melton F. S. , Teixeira J. , Anderson M. C. , Wardlow B. D. , Hain C. R.
Published: May 2015

This review surveys current and emerging drought monitoring approaches using satellite remote sensing observations from climatological and ecosystem perspectives. We argue that satellite observations not currently used for operational drought monitoring, such as near‐surface air relative humidity data from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder mission, provide opportunities to improve early drought warning. Current and future satellite missions offer opportunities to develop composite and multi‐indicator drought models. While there are immense opportunities, there are major challenges including data continuity, unquantified uncertainty, sensor changes, and community acceptability. One of the major limitations of many of the currently available satellite observations is their short length of record. A number of relevant satellite missions and sensors (e.g., the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) provide only a decade of data, which may not be sufficient to study droughts from a climate perspective. However, they still provide valuable information about relevant hydrologic and ecological processes linked to this natural hazard. Therefore, there is a need for models and algorithms that combine multiple data sets and/or assimilate satellite observations into model simulations to generate long‐term climate data records. Finally, the study identifies a major gap in indicators for describing drought impacts on the carbon and nitrogen cycle, which are fundamental to assessing drought impacts on ecosystems.
Attribution of streamflow trends in snow and glacier melt‐dominated catchments of the Tarim River, Central Asia
Authors: Duethmann Doris , Bolch Tobias , Farinotti Daniel , Kriegel David , Vorogushyn Sergiy , Merz Bruno , Pieczonka Tino , Jiang Tong , Su Buda , Güntner Andreas
Published: May 2015

Observed streamflow of headwater catchments of the Tarim River (Central Asia) increased by about 30% over the period 1957–2004. This study aims at assessing to which extent these streamflow trends can be attributed to changes in air temperature or precipitation. The analysis includes a data‐based approach using multiple linear regression and a simulation‐based approach using a hydrological model. The hydrological model considers changes in both glacier area and surface elevation. It was calibrated using a multiobjective optimization algorithm with calibration criteria based on glacier mass balance and daily and interannual variations of discharge. The individual contributions to the overall streamflow trends from changes in glacier geometry, temperature, and precipitation were assessed using simulation experiments with a constant glacier geometry and with detrended temperature and precipitation time series. The results showed that the observed changes in streamflow were consistent with the changes in temperature and precipitation. In the Sari‐Djaz catchment, increasing temperatures and related increase of glacier melt were identified as the dominant driver, while in the Kakshaal catchment, both increasing temperatures and increasing precipitation played a major role. Comparing the two approaches, an advantage of the simulation‐based approach is the fact that it is based on process‐based relationships implemented in the hydrological model instead of statistical links in the regression model. However, data‐based approaches are less affected by model parameter and structural uncertainties and typically fast to apply. A complementary application of both approaches is recommended.
Optimal residential water conservation strategies considering related energy in California
Authors: Escriva‐Bou Alvar , Lund Jay R. , Pulido‐Velazquez Manuel
Published: May 2015

Although most freshwater resources are used in agriculture, residential water use is a much more energy intensive user. Based on this, we analyze the increased willingness to adopt water conservation strategies if energy cost is included in the customers' utility function. Using a Water‐Energy‐CO2 emissions model for household water end uses and probability distribution functions for parameters affecting water and water‐related energy use in 10 different locations in California, this research introduces a probabilistic two‐stage optimization model considering technical and behavioral decision variables to obtain the most economical strategies to minimize household water and water‐related energy bills and costs given both water and energy price shocks. Results can provide an upper bound of household savings for customers with well‐behaved preferences, and show greater adoption rates to reduce energy intensive appliances when energy is accounted, resulting in an overall 24% reduction in indoor water use that represents a 30% reduction in water‐related energy use and a 53% reduction in household water‐related CO2 emissions. Previous use patterns and water and energy rate structures can affect greatly the potential benefits for customers and so their behavior. Given that water and energy are somewhat complementary goods for customers, we use results of the optimization to obtain own‐price and cross‐price elasticities of residential water use by simulating increases in water and energy prices. While the results are highly influenced by assumptions due to lack of empirical data, the method presented has no precedent in the literature and hopefully will stimulate the collection of additional relevant data.
Toward “optimal” integration of terrestrial biosphere models
Authors: Schwalm Christopher R. , Huntzinger Deborah N. , Fisher Joshua B. , Michalak Anna M. , Bowman Kevin , Ciais Philippe , Cook Robert , El‐Masri Bassil , Hayes Daniel , Huang Maoyi , Ito Akihiko , Jain Atul , King Anthony W. , Lei Huimin , Liu Junjie , Lu Chaoqun , Mao Jiafu , Peng Shushi , Poulter Benjamin , Ricciuto Daniel , Schaefer Kevin , Shi Xiaoying , Tao Bo , Tian Hanqin , Wang Weile , Wei Yaxing , Yang Jia , Zeng Ning
Published: May 2015

Multimodel ensembles (MME) are commonplace in Earth system modeling. Here we perform MME integration using a 10‐member ensemble of terrestrial biosphere models (TBMs) from the Multiscale synthesis and Terrestrial Model Intercomparison Project (MsTMIP). We contrast optimal (skill based for present‐day carbon cycling) versus naïve (“one model‐one vote”) integration. MsTMIP optimal and naïve mean land sink strength estimates (−1.16 versus −1.15 Pg C per annum respectively) are statistically indistinguishable. This holds also for grid cell values and extends to gross uptake, biomass, and net ecosystem productivity. TBM skill is similarly indistinguishable. The added complexity of skill‐based integration does not materially change MME values. This suggests that carbon metabolism has predictability limits and/or that all models and references are misspecified. Resolving this issue requires addressing specific uncertainty types (initial conditions, structure, and references) and a change in model development paradigms currently dominant in the TBM community.
The evolution of the equatorial thermocline and the early Pliocene El Padre mean state
Authors: Ford Heather L. , Ravelo A. Christina , Dekens Petra S. , LaRiviere Jonathan P. , Wara Michael W.
Published: May 2015

The tropical Pacific thermocline strength, depth, and tilt are critical to tropical mean state and variability. During the early Pliocene (~3.5 to 4.5 Ma), the Eastern Equatorial Pacific (EEP) thermocline was deeper and the cold tongue was warmer than today, which resulted in a mean state with a reduced zonal sea surface temperature gradient or El Padre. However, it is unclear whether the deep thermocline was a local feature of the EEP or a basin‐wide condition with global implications. Our measurements of Mg/Ca of Globorotalia tumida in a western equatorial Pacific site indicate Pliocene subsurface temperatures warmer than today; thus, El Padre included a basin‐wide thermocline that was relatively warm, deep, and weakly tilted. At ~4 Ma, thermocline steepening was coupled to cooling of the cold tongue. Since ~4 Ma, the basin‐wide thermocline cooled/shoaled gradually, with implications for thermocline feedbacks in tropical dynamics and the interpretation of TEX86‐derived temperatures.
Estimation of structural changes in nonlinear time series models by using particle filters and genetic programming
Authors: Lu Jianjun , Tokinaga Shozo
Published: May 2015

Several works have demonstrated detection of changes of state equations (called structural changes) based on statistical measures but have given no suggestions regarding the functional forms of the state equations after changes. This paper deals with the estimation of structural changes in nonlinear time series models by using particle filters, genetic programming (GP), and its applications. We consider the problems of state estimation from the observed time series that are generated based on nonlinear state equations. It is assumed that structural changes can be detected by some measure of likelihood and that the state equation after changes is modified from its current functional form. Individuals corresponding to functional forms in the GP pool are generated at random, and we apply the crossover operation between the current functional form and the individuals by giving possible multiple functional forms. Then, we have the optimal functional form among the possible functional forms generated by GP from the current form. As an application, we show the estimation of structural change for an artificially generated time series and also discuss the estimation of functional forms for a real economic time series before and after structural changes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new approach for estimation of electrical parameters and flux observation of permanent magnet synchronous motors
Authors: Bobtsov Alexey , Pyrkin Anton , Ortega Romeo
Published: May 2015

In this paper, a new class of estimators for permanent magnet synchronous motors is proposed. Using a novel representation of the permanent magnet synchronous motor dynamics and some suitable filtering, we obtain new solutions to two important problems: (a) estimation of the stator resistance and inductance and (b) flux estimation with known electrical parameters. Neither one of the schemes requires knowledge of the mechanical parameters nor of the magnetic flux constant. Conditions for global convergence are given in terms of persistency of excitation requirements that, for the flux observation problem, is imposed only to the rotor speed. Both stability proofs require the availability of rotor speed. However, for the flux observer, extensive simulations using the speed estimate obtained from the estimator (instead of the actual rotor speed) illustrate the robustness of the proposed scheme vis‐à‐vis this assumption. Simulations also show that the new flux observer outperforms other existing designs. Copyright ©2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managers' perceptions of the value and impact of HAZWOPER worker health and safety training
Authors: Riley Kevin , Slatin Craig , Rice Carol , Rosen Mitchel , Weidner B. Louise , Fleishman Jane , Alerding Linda , Delp Linda
Published: May 2015

Background

Worker training is a core component of the OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard, but few studies have considered what motivates managers to provide HAZWOPER training to employees or what they value in that training.

Methods

In 2012, four university‐based programs conducted an exploratory survey of managers who sent employees to HAZWOPER courses. Results from 109 respondents were analyzed.

Results

Forty‐two percent of respondents cited regulations as the most important reason to provide HAZWOPER training; many indicated they would provide less training if there were no standard in place. Three‐quarters (74%) reported training had improved workplace conditions. Fewer than half said they were likely to involve trained employees in aspects of the organization's H&S program.

Discussion

Compliance with regulatory requirements is an important factor shaping managers' training delivery decisions. Managers recognize positive impacts of training. These impacts could be enhanced by further leveraging employee H&S knowledge and skills. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:780–787, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Study of the Reactivity of Polyhydroxylated Sterol Derivatives
Authors: Marek Aleš , Klepetářová Blanka , Elbert Tomáš
Published: May 2015

A detailed study of regiospecific silylation, oxidation, and reduction of sterols is reported. The different reactivity of 2α and 3α hydroxy groups is demonstrated on a 2α,3α‐dihydroxy‐5α‐pregnane‐6,20‐dione as a model substrate. A regiospecific silylation of the 2α‐alcohol occurred when silyl chloride was used under mild reaction conditions. The selective oxidation of one of the 2α,3α‐diols by dimethyldioxirane or the Dess–Martin periodinane led to a mixture of α‐hydroxyketones with high prevalence of 3,6,20‐trione over 2,6,20‐trione in the ratio 10:1. A regiospecific reduction of a model substrate by lithium tri‐tert‐butoxyaluminium hydride gives the C6 alcohol.
Zinc polyoxometalate on activated carbon: an efficient catalyst for selective oxidation of alcohols with hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Assady Elham , Yadollahi Bahram , Riahi Farsani Mostafa , Moghadam Majid
Published: May 2015

[PW11ZnO39]5− was immobilized on activated carbon and characterized using Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller and elemental analysis techniques. Effective oxidation of various alcohols with hydrogen peroxide was performed in the presence of this catalyst. Easy separation of the catalyst from the reaction mixture, cheapness, high activity and selectivity, stability as well as retained activity in subsequent catalytic cycles make this supported catalyst suitable for small‐scale synthesis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and morphology of nanoporous zno and dark current‐Voltage characteristics of the glass/(TCO)/zno/poly[2,7‐(9,9‐dioctylfluorene)‐alt‐(5,5'‐bithiophene)/ag structure
Authors: Ghimpu Lidia , Potlog Tamara , Resmerita Ana‐Maria , Tiginyanu Ion , Farcas Aurica
Published: May 2015

The hybrid organic‐inorganic structure based on glass/(TCO)/nanoporous ZnO/poly[2,7‐(9,9‐dioctylfluorene)‐alt‐(5,5′‐bithiophene)]/Ag that was prepared by physical deposition has been investigated. The structure of the nanostructured ZnO obtained by magnetron sputtering was confirmed by X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis proved the existence of short and interconnected zinc oxide (ZnO) fibers, which form a continuous porous network with pores having an average diameter of 100 nm. Current‐voltage (I‐V) curves of the glass/TCO/ZnO/PF‐BT/Ag hybrid structure are similar to those of typical p‐n junctions and stable until 90°C temperature. According to the I‐V characteristics, the dominant mechanism of current flow is based on the generation‐recombination of carriers in the depletion region at low direct biases and also on the injection of carriers at high biases. The reverse branch of the I‐V characteristic, calculated in log‐log scale, shows one segment with a power coefficient of 3/2 at room temperature. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42415.
Enzymatic transformation of ginseng leaf saponin by recombinant β‐glucosidase (bgp1) and its efficacy in an adipocyte cell line
Authors: Huq Md. Amdadul , Siraj Fayeza Md. , Kim Yeon‐Ju , Yang Deok‐Chun
Published: May 2015

The major ginseng leaf saponins are transformed into the more pharmacologically active minor ginsenosides by recombinant β‐glucosidase enzyme bgp1. Ginseng leaves contain six major ginsenosides: Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rb2, Rc, and Rd. Among these Rg1, Re and Rd are the most abundant. Within 3 H of incubation, all dominant major ginsenosides found in ginseng leaf had decomposed and been converted into the more active minor ginsenosides (i.e., 100% of Rg1, Re, and Rd were decomposed and converted into Rh1, Rg2, and Rg3, respectively). The recombinant β‐glucosidase enzyme (bgp1) hydrolyzed all glucose moieties attached to the C‐20 position of the ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rd, and F1. The transformed product contains pharmacologically active minor ginsenosides Rh1, Rg2, Rg3, F1, and protopanaxatriol. This transformed product was used to investigate the effects on the 3T3‐L1 adipocyte cell line. The cytotoxicity assay did not show any toxicity, even when used at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. Adipogenesis was shown to decrease in response to bioconverted leaf saponin in a dose‐dependent manner.
Regulatory role of B‐cell maturation antigen on the toxic effect of chromium ions on human SaOS‐2 osteoblasts
Authors: Li D. H. , Yang Q. , Zhou J.S. , Zhang Z. W. , Miao M. Y. , Yang S. S. , Xu W. D.
Published: May 2015

Metal prostheses of artificial joints undergo wear, producing numerous metal particles and ions, such as Cr3+. Cr3+ is considered a key factor leading to aseptic loosening. Many studies focus on the effect of Cr3+ on osteoblasts; however, little is known about the effect of Cr3+ on the B‐cell maturation antigen (BCMA) in the osteoblasts. In this study, we first demonstrated the BCMA expressed in human SaOS‐2 osteoblasts through reverse transcriptase‐PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemical analyses. Cr3+ decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), cell mineralization, and collagen type I mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, Cr3+ has an inhibitive effect on the expression of the BCMA in human SaOS‐2 osteoblasts. However, after we upregulated the expression of the BCMA, ALP, OC, cell mineralization, and collagen type I mRNA and protein expression were increased. Overall, this study demonstrates that the BCMA is involved in human SaOS‐2 osteoblast osteogenetic metabolism and plays a regulatory role on the toxic effect of chromium ions on human SaOS‐2 osteoblasts.
Relative brain signature: a population‐based feature extraction procedure to identify functional biomarkers in the brain of alcoholics
Authors: Karamzadeh Nader , Ardeshirpour Yasaman , Kellman Matthew , Chowdhry Fatima , Anderson Afrouz , Chorlian David , Wegman Edward , Gandjbakhche Amir
Published: May 2015

Background

A novel feature extraction technique, Relative‐Brain‐Signature (RBS), which characterizes subjects' relationship to populations with distinctive neuronal activity, is presented. The proposed method transforms a set of Electroencephalography's (EEG) time series in high dimensional space to a space of fewer dimensions by projecting time series onto orthogonal subspaces.

Methods

We apply our technique to an EEG data set of 77 abstinent alcoholics and 43 control subjects. To characterize subjects' relationship to the alcoholic and control populations, one RBS vector with respect to the alcoholic and one with respect to the control population is constructed. We used the extracted RBS vectors to identify functional biomarkers over the brain of alcoholics. To achieve this goal, the classification algorithm was used to categorize subjects into alcoholics and controls, which resulted in 78% accuracy.

Results and Conclusions

Using the results of the classification, regions with distinctive functionality in alcoholic subjects are detected. These affected regions, with respect to their spatial extent, are frontal, anterior frontal, centro‐parietal, parieto‐occiptal, and occipital lobes. The distribution of these regions over the scalp indicates that the impact of the alcohol in the cerebral cortex of the alcoholics is spatially diffuse. Our finding suggests that these regions engage more of the right hemisphere relative to the left hemisphere of the alcoholics' brain.
Cycloadditions to Epoxides Catalyzed by Group III–V Transition‐Metal Complexes
Authors: D'Elia Valerio , Pelletier Jérémie D. A. , Basset Jean‐Marie
Published: May 2015

Complexes of group III–V transition metals are gaining increasing importance as Lewis acid catalysts for the cycloaddition of dipolarophiles to epoxides. This review examines the latest reports, including homogeneous and heterogeneous applications. The pivotal step for the cycloaddition reactions is the ring opening of the epoxide following activation by the Lewis acid. Two modes of cleavage (CC versus CO) have been identified depending primarily on the substitution pattern of the epoxide, with lesser influence observed from the Lewis acid employed. The widely studied cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides to afford cyclic carbonates (CO bond cleavage) has been scrutinized in terms of catalytic efficiency and reaction mechanism, showing that unsophisticated complexes of group III–V transition metals are excellent molecular catalysts. These metals have been incorporated, as well, in highly performing, recyclable heterogeneous catalysts. Cycloadditions to epoxides with other dipolarophiles (alkynes, imines, indoles) have been conducted with scandium triflate with remarkable performances (CC bond cleavage).
Brønsted Acid‐Mediated Annulation of α‐Oxo Ketene Dithioacetals with Pyrroles: Efficient Synthesis of Structurally Diverse Cyclopenta[b]pyrroles
Authors: Yang Xiaoge , Wu Kaikai , Wu Ping , Chen Jiping , Sun Chenglin , Yu Zhengkun
Published: May 2015

Brønsted acid‐mediated annulation of internal olefins α‐oxo ketene dithioacetals to pyrroles was efficiently achieved to afford cyclopenta[b]pyrroles. A pair of Brønsted acids with acid strengths, that is, trifluoroacetic acid, and para‐toluenesulfonic acid hydrate, were applied to promote the annulation reactions. The resultant products were readily oxidized to sulfones by meta‐chloroperoxybenzoic acid. Subsequent treatment with 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene gave desulfurized terminal olefins or [2+2] cycloaddition products from the desulfurized olefin intermediates. The present protocol provides facile access to structurally diverse cyclopenta[b]pyrrole derivatives under mild conditions.
Comparative Assessment of Complex Stabilities of Radiocopper Chelating Agents by a Combination of Complex Challenge and in vivo Experiments
Authors: Litau Shanna , Seibold Uwe , Vall‐Sagarra Alicia , Fricker Gert , Wängler Björn , Wängler Carmen
Published: May 2015

For 64Cu radiolabeling of biomolecules to be used as in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents, various chelators are commonly applied. It has not yet been determined which of the most potent chelators—NODA‐GA ((1,4,7‐triazacyclononane‐4,7‐diyl)diacetic acid‐1‐glutaric acid), CB‐TE2A (2,2′‐(1,4,8,11‐tetraazabicyclo[6.6.2]hexadecane‐4,11‐diyl)diacetic acid), or CB‐TE1A‐GA (1,4,8,11‐tetraazabicyclo[6.6.2]hexadecane‐4,11‐diyl‐8‐acetic acid‐1‐glutaric acid)—forms the most stable complexes resulting in PET images of highest quality. We determined the 64Cu complex stabilities for these three chelators by a combination of complex challenge and an in vivo approach. For this purpose, bioconjugates of the chelating agents with the gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor (GRPR)‐affine peptide PESIN and an integrin αvβ3‐affine c(RGDfC) tetramer were synthesized and radiolabeled with 64Cu in excellent yields and specific activities. The 64Cu‐labeled biomolecules were evaluated for their complex stabilities in vitro by conducting a challenge experiment with the respective other chelators as challengers. The in vivo stabilities of the complexes were also determined, showing the highest stability for the 64Cu–CB‐TE1A‐GA complex in both experimental setups. Therefore, CB‐TE1A‐GA is the most appropriate chelating agent for *Cu‐labeled radiotracers and in vivo imaging applications.
Innate and virtual memory T cells in man
Authors: Van Kaer Luc
Published: May 2015

A hallmark of the antigen‐specific B and T lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system is their capacity to “remember” pathogens long after they are first encountered, a property that forms the basis for effective vaccine development. However, studies in mice have provided strong evidence that some naive T cells can develop characteristics of memory T cells in the absence of foreign antigen encounters. Such innate memory T cells may develop in response to lymphopenia or the presence of high levels of the cytokine IL‐4, and have also been identified in unmanipulated animals, a phenomenal referred to as “virtual memory.” While the presence of innate memory T cells in mice is now widely accepted, their presence in humans has not yet been fully validated. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Jacomet et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2015. 45:1926‐1933] provide the best evidence to date for innate memory T cells in humans. These findings may contribute significantly to our understanding of human immunity to microbial pathogens and tumors.
A computationally efficient 3D finite‐volume scheme for violent liquid–gas sloshing
Authors: Oxtoby O. F. , Malan A. G. , Heyns J. A.
Published: May 2015

We describe a semi‐implicit volume‐of‐fluid free‐surface‐modelling methodology for flow problems involving violent free‐surface motion. For efficient computation, a hybrid‐unstructured edge‐based vertex‐centred finite volume discretisation is employed, while the solution methodology is entirely matrix free. Pressures are solved using a matrix‐free preconditioned generalised minimum residual algorithm and explicit time‐stepping is employed for the momentum and interface‐tracking equations. The high resolution artificial compressive (HiRAC) volume‐of‐fluid method is used for accurate capturing of the free surface in violent flow regimes while allowing natural applicability to hybrid‐unstructured meshes. The code is parallelised for solution on distributed‐memory architectures and evaluated against 2D and 3D benchmark problems. Good parallel scaling is demonstrated, with almost linear speed‐up down to 6000 cells per core. Finally, the code is applied to an industrial‐type problem involving resonant excitation of a fuel tank, and a comparison with experimental results is made in this violent sloshing regime. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell seeding density is a critical determinant for copolymer scaffolds‐induced bone regeneration
Authors: Yassin Mohammed A. , Leknes Knut N. , Pedersen Torbjorn O. , Xing Zhe , Sun Yang , Lie Stein A. , Finne‐Wistrand Anna , Mustafa Kamal
Published: May 2015

Constructs intended for bone tissue engineering (TE) are influenced by the initial cell seeding density. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs) density loaded onto copolymer scaffolds on bone regeneration. BMSCs were harvested from rat's bone marrow and cultured in media with or without osteogenic supplements. Cells were seeded onto poly(l‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) [poly(LLA‐co‐CL)] scaffolds at two different densities: low density (1 × 106cells/scaffold) or high density (2 × 106cells/scaffold) using spinner modified flasks and examined after 1 and 3 weeks. Initial attachment and spread of BMSC onto the scaffolds was recorded by scanning electron microscopy. Cell proliferation was assessed by DNA quantification and cell differentiation by quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerized chain reaction analysis (qRT‐PCR). Five‐millimeter rat calvarial defects (24 defects in 12 rats) were implanted with scaffolds seeded with either low or high density expanded with or without osteogenic supplements. Osteogenic supplements significantly increased cell proliferation (p< 0.001). Scaffolds seeded at high cell density exhibited higher mRNA expressions of Runx2p = 0.001, Col1p = 0.001, BMP2p < 0.001, BSPp < 0.001, and OCp = 0.013. More bone was formed in response to high cell seeding density (p = 0.023) and high seeding density with osteogenic medium (p = 0.038). Poly (LLA‐co‐CL) scaffolds could be appropriate candidates for bone TE. The optimal number of cells to be loaded onto scaffolds is critical for promoting Extracellular matrix synthesis and bone formation. Cell seeding density and osteogenic supplements may have a synergistic effect on the induction of new bone. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3649–3658, 2015.
Apheresis research–more abstracts should be published as full manuscripts to provide more evidence for clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Pham Huy P. , Jiang Ning , Pan Zhi , Williams Lance A. , Marques Marisa B.
Published: May 2015

High‐quality evidence to support clinical practice is lacking in apheresis medicine compared to other therapeutic modalities. A potential source of evidence comes from the abstracts submitted to the Annual Meetings of the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA). Therefore, the goal of this study is to determine the proportion of abstracts from the 2005 to 2012 ASFA Annual Meetings that subsequently became PubMed‐indexed publications. Furthermore, we sought to determine the factor(s) that were associated with the likelihood of abstracts to be published as full manuscripts. During the 8‐year study period, 684 abstracts were available for analysis (median: 82/year, range: 64–118). Most abstracts (74%) were from US institutions, and 67% of first authors were affiliated with academic centers. There were more abstracts (64%) on therapeutic versus donor apheresis (20%) and cellular therapy (16%). Overall, 16% of the abstracts have been published in PubMed‐indexed journals, with a median time of 17 months from the ASFA Annual Meeting (range: 1–96 months). Abstracts whose first authors were affiliated with academic institutions were 3.14 times more likely to have been published than abstracts with ones affiliated with an apheresis organization and/or a community hospital. However, neither the first author's location nor the type of apheresis procedure significantly affected the publication rate after adjusting for other covariates. In conclusion, the rate of publication is low and authors should be encouraged to follow their presentations at the meeting with peer‐reviewed manuscripts. This change is essential to provide more published evidence for future apheresis practice guidelines. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:353–358, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dual Effect of Adenosine A1 Receptor Activation on Renal O2 Consumption
Authors: Babich Victor , Vadnagara Komal , Di Sole Francesca
Published: May 2015

The high requirement of O2 in the renal proximal tubule stems from a high rate of Na+ transport. Adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) activation regulates Na+ transport in this nephron segment. Thus, the effect of the acute activation and the mechanisms of A1R on the rate of O2 consumption were evaluated. The A1R‐antagonist, 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (CPX) and adenosine deaminase (ADA), which metabolize endogenous adenosine, reduced O2 consumption (40–50%). Replacing Na+ in the buffer reversed the ADA‐ or CPX‐mediated reduction of O2 consumption. Blocking the Na/H‐exchanger activity, which decreases O2 usage per se, did not enhance the ADA‐ or CPX‐induced inhibition of O2 consumption. These data indicate that endogenous adenosine increases O2 usage via the activation of Na+ transport. In the presence of endogenous adenosine, A1R was further activated by the A1R‐agonist N6‐cyclopentyladenosine (CPA); CPA inhibited O2 usage (30%) and this effect also depended on Na+ transport. Moreover, a low concentration of CPA activated O2 usage in tissue pretreated with ADA, whereas a high concentration of CPA inhibited O2 usage; both effects depended on Na+. Protein kinase C signaling mediated the inhibitory effect of A1R, while adenylyl cyclase mediated its stimulatory effect on O2 consumption. In summary, increasing the local concentrations of adenosine can either activate or inhibit O2 consumption via A1R, and this mechanism depends on Na+ transport. The inhibition of O2 usage by A1R activation might restore the compromised balance between energy supply and demand under pathophysiological conditions, such as renal ischemia, which results in high adenosine production. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 3093–3104, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Generation and characterization of a novel shoulder contracture mouse model
Authors: Oki Satoshi , Shirasawa Hideyuki , Yoda Masaki , Matsumura Noboru , Tohmonda Takahide , Yuasa Kazuki , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio , Horiuchi Keisuke
Published: May 2015

Frozen shoulder is a relatively common disorder that leads to severe pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. Although this disorder is self‐limiting in nature, the symptoms often persist for years, resulting in severe disability. Recent studies using human specimens and animal models have shown distinct changes in the gene expression patterns in frozen shoulder tissue, indicating that novel therapeutic intervention could be achieved by controlling the genes that are potentially involved in the development of frozen shoulder. To achieve this goal, it is imperative to develop a reliable animal joint contracture model in which gene expression can be manipulated by gene targeting and transgenic technologies. Here, we describe a novel shoulder contracture mouse model. We found that this model mimics the clinical presentation of human frozen shoulder and recapitulates the changes in the gene expression pattern and the histology of frozen shoulder and joint contracture in humans and other larger animal models. The model is highly reproducible, without any major complications. Therefore, the present model may serve as a useful tool for investigating frozen shoulder etiology and for identifying its potential target genes. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1732–1738, 2015.
Restoration of Plant and Animal Communities in a Sanitary Landfill: A 10‐year Case Study in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong James Tsz‐Fung , Chen Xun‐Wen , Mo Wing‐Yin , Man Yu‐Bon , Ng Charles Wang‐Wai , Wong Ming‐Hung
Published: May 2015

This study was conducted in the South East New Territories landfill in Hong Kong, with the objectives to (i) investigate the plant and animal communities' establishment and performance within 10 years after restoration and (ii) provide important information on pioneer plants species selection recommendations for restoring sanitary landfills. The studying sites were re‐vegetated in 2003, with 14 pioneer plant species, includingAcacia auriculiformis, A. confusaandSchefflera heptaphylla, planted. In total, four permanent quadrats (10 m × 10 m) were used for monitoring at three restored sites (sites E, N and S) and the control site C. The soil properties and plant and animal communities inside plots were investigated annually in summer and winter between 2003 and 2014. The similarity of plant and animal communities between the restored and control sites was compared using Jaccard's index. Ten years after restoration, animal and plant communities were gradually established at all sites. No animal was introduced into the restored sites in 2003; however, there were 29, 31 and 44 animal species recorded at sites E, N and S, respectively, between 2003 and 2012. Within the studying period, 38 plant species (trees: 52·63%, shrub: 21·05%, herbs: 23·68% and climber: 2·63%) were recorded in all sites and 17 (36·84%) of them were self‐seeding. Exotic species, such as those from the familyAcaciaandMimosaceae, were dominant at all restored sites, which implies that exotic species are more competitive and suitable to be used as pioneer species in sanitary landfill restoration. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.