bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Left Periphery of the Clause: Primarily Illustrated for Italian
Authors: Rizzi Luigi , Bocci Giuliano
Published: February 2017

The analysis of the left periphery was one of the first topics of the research program referred to as “the cartography of syntactic structures.” This program is based on the observation that syntactic representations are complex structures consisting of sequences of hierarchically organized functional elements. Drawing detailed maps of such structures has been shown to have valuable heuristic power in the investigation of how syntactic structures interact with principles constraining syntactic computations and the interfaces with sound and meaning.

The study of the left periphery has been extensively pursued in the last years. The strategy initially adopted, in the mid 1990s, has been to analyze in great detail the left periphery in a language, Italian; then, the initial map based on Italian was used as a benchmark for comparative analyses, starting the comparison with closely related languages, and progressively extending it to typologically and historically distant languages.

In this case study we retrace this development, starting from the initial map based on Italian, in the context of the early cartographic studies. We then move to extensions and modifications, addressing specific points in which the cross‐linguistic evidence has played a key role. We dwell on the criterial approach, according to which the left periphery of the clause is populated by a sequence of functional heads (Top, Foc, Q, etc.) attracting phrases with matching features, and guiding the interpretation of such configurations at the interfaces with sound and meaning. We subsequently address some interpretive properties of topic and focus structures at the interfaces in connection with the assignment of the prosodic properties and the proper use in discourse. The case study concludes with a discussion of the parametrizations which must be assumed and of the prospects of tracing back the observed properties to deeper explanatory principles of syntactic computation.
Column absorption for reproducible cyclic separation in small scale ammonia synthesis
Authors: Wagner Kevin , Malmali Mahdi , Smith Collin , McCormick Alon , Cussler E. L. , Zhu Ming , Seaton Nicholas C. A.
Published: February 2017

Ammonia is rapidly and reversibly absorbed on magnesium chloride supported on alumina. The absorption at ambient temperature is twice that on alumina alone, but much of the ammonia is still captured at 400°C, closer to the temperature of ammonia synthesis. Regeneration at 450°C is complete in 30 min; partial regeneration is faster, and is correlated with the temperature and the regeneration time. The supported absorbent column works for many cycles, reproducibly, because submicron‐sized MgCl2 crystals are trapped in similarly sized pores in the alumina itself, and the confinement prevents deterioration of the microstructure during absorption or regeneration. In contrast, while ammonia absorption into pure magnesium chloride is potentially much larger at equilibrium, the ammonia absorbs very slowly, and the chloride loses available capacity with use, probably because of fusing and deterioration of microstructure. A simplified model was constructed to simulate ammonia absorption into pure magnesium chloride and alumina‐supported magnesium chloride. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 3058–3068, 2017
High prevalence of fatigue in adults with a 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Vergaelen Elfi , Claes Stephan , Kempke Stefan , Swillen Ann
Published: February 2017

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a microdeletion syndrome with high phenotypic variability, including somatic disorders like congenital heart disease and psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders. Clinical observations suggest that many patients with 22q11.2DS suffer from severe fatigue. However, to the best of our knowledge, no previous study has investigated the potential association between 22q11.2DS and fatigue. Twenty‐nine patients (mean age 26.8, 18–38 y) with 22q11.2DS completed the multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI) measuring severity of fatigue. The results of the study group were compared with published population norms. In addition, cross‐sectional associations between fatigue, depression (Beck Depression Inventory—BDI), and a quality of life questionnaire (WHO) in patients with 22q11.2 DS were examined. Subscales and total MFI scores were significantly higher in adults with 22q11.2DS. Approximately 80% of the study group had a total MFI score above the mean of the norms. A significant correlation between depressive symptoms and fatigue was found. Fatigue was also significantly associated with quality of life scores, specifically the general score, psychological health, and environment. This is the first report of high levels of fatigue in adults with the 22q11.2DS. Fatigue is a frequent complaint in this age group and should get the necessary attention given its association with quality of life and depression severity. Taking into account the multisystem nature of the 22q11.2DS, we recommend a systematic clinical examination to exclude underlying somatic or psychiatric causes of fatigue. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Foramen magnum compression in Coffin–Lowry syndrome: A case report
Authors: Upadia Jariya , Oakes Jerry , Hamm Austin , Hurst Anna C. E. , Robin Nathaniel H.
Published: February 2017

Coffin–Lowry syndrome (CLS) is a rare genetic disorder inherited in an X‐linked dominant pattern. Common manifestations include intellectual disability, growth retardation, dysmorphic facial features, and variable skeletal anomalies. Here we report a patient who first presented with episodes of apparent life‐threatening events (ALTE) found to be caused by hydrocephalus and brainstem compression at the foramen magnum. Together with his small size, short limbs and fingers, and facial appearance, the narrowing of the foramen magnum lead to the initial clinical misdiagnosis of hypochondroplasia. Subsequent evaluation and testing lead to the correct diagnosis of CLS. This case demonstrates the variability in presentation of CLS, and that skeletal findings may be misleading in infancy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel de novo germline mutation Glu40Lys in AKT3 causes megalencephaly with growth hormone deficiency
Authors: Takagi Masaki , Dobashi Kazushige , Nagahara Keiko , Kato Mitsuhiro , Nishimura Gen , Fukuzawa Ryuji , Narumi Satoshi , Hasegawa Tomonobu
Published: February 2017

Germline or somatic gain‐of‐function mutations in the v‐akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 3 (AKT3) have been reported to cause syndromic megalencephaly. We describe a novel germline mutation, p.Glu40Lys, in AKT3. Phenotypically, the patient presented with megalencephaly with hypotonia, apparent connective tissue laxity, and growth hormone (GH) deficiency. To our knowledge, this is the first instance of a patient with megalencephaly with GH deficiency, harboring a germline de novo mutation in AKT3. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cornelia de Lange syndrome and molecular implications of the cohesin complex: Abstracts from the 7th biennial scientific and educational symposium 2016
Authors: Kline Antonie D. , Krantz Ian D. , Deardorff Matthew A. , Shirahige Katsuhiko , Dorsett Dale , Gerton Jennifer L. , Wu Meng , Mehta Devanshi , Mills Jason A. , Carrico Cheri S. , Noon Sarah , Herrera Pamela S. , Horsfield Julia A. , Bettale Chiara , Morgan Jeremy , Huisman Sylvia A. , Moss Jo , McCleery Joseph , Grados Marco , Hansen Blake D. , Srivastava Siddharth , Taylor‐Snell Emily , Kerr Lynne M. , Katz Olivia , Calof Anne L. , Musio Antonio , Egense Alena , Haaland Richard E.
Published: February 2017

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) is due to mutations in the genes for the structural and regulatory proteins that make up the cohesin complex, and is considered a cohesinopathy disorder or, more recently, a transcriptomopathy. New phenotypes have been recognized in this expanding field. There are multiple clinical issues facing individuals with all forms of CdLS, particularly in the neurodevelopmental system, but also gastrointestinal, cardiac, and musculoskeletal. Aspects of developmental and cell biology have found common endpoints in the biology of the cohesin complex, with improved understanding of the mechanisms, easier diagnostic tests, and the possibility of potential therapeutics, all major clinical implications for the individual with CdLS. The following abstracts are the presentations from the 7th Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Scientific and Educational Symposium, June 22–23, 2016, in Orlando, FL, in conjunction with the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation National Meeting. In addition to the scientific and clinical discussions, there were talks related to practical aspects of behavior including autism, transitions, communication, access to medical care, and databases. At the end of the symposium, a panel was held, which included several parents, affected individuals and genetic counselors, and discussed the greatest challenges in life and how this information can assist in guiding future research. The Research Committee of the CdLS Foundation organizes this meeting, reviews, and accepts abstracts, and subsequently disseminates the information to the families through members of the Clinical Advisory Board and publications. AMA CME credits were provided by Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD.
miR‐149 and miR‐29c as candidates for bipolar disorder biomarkers
Authors: Choi Jason L. , Kao Patricia F. , Itriago Elena , Zhan Yougen , Kozubek James A. , Hoss Andrew G. , Banigan Meredith G. , Vanderburg Charles R. , Rezvani Amir H. , Latourelle Jeanne C. , Cabral Howard , Delalle Ivana
Published: February 2017

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a common, recurring psychiatric illness with unknown pathogenesis. Recent studies suggest that microRNA (miRNA) levels in brains of BD patients are significantly altered, and these changes may offer insight into BD pathology or etiology. Previously, we observed significant alterations of miR‐29c levels in extracellular vesicles (EVs) extracted from prefrontal cortex (Brodmann area 9, BA9) of BD patients. In this study, we show that EVs extracted from the anterior cingulate cortex (BA24), a crucial area for modulating emotional expression and affect, have increased levels of miR‐149 in BD patients compared to controls. Because miR‐149 has been shown to inhibit glial proliferation, increased miR‐149 expression in BA24‐derived EVs is consistent with the previously reported reduced glial cell numbers in BA24 of patients diagnosed with either familial BD or familial major depressive disorder. qPCR analysis of laser‐microdissected neuronal and glial cells from BA24 cortical samples of BD patients verified that the glial, but not neuronal, population exhibits significantly increased miR‐149 expression. Finally, we report altered expression of both miR‐149 and miR‐29c in EVs extracted from brains of Flinders Sensitive Line rats, a well‐validated animal model exhibiting depressive‐like behaviors and glial (astrocytic) dysfunction. These findings warrant future investigations into the potential of using EV miRNA signatures as biomarkers to further enhance the biological definition of BD. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human adaptation to arsenic in Andean populations of the Atacama Desert
Authors: Apata Mario , Arriaza Bernado , Llop Elena , Moraga Mauricio
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Quebrada Camarones, in the Atacama Desert, has the highest arsenic levels in the Americas (>1,000 µg/L). However, the Camarones people have subsisted in this adverse environment during the last 7,000 years and have not presented any epidemiological emergencies. Therefore, to solve this conundrum we compared the frequencies of four protective genetic variants of the AS3MT gene associated with efficient arsenic metabolization, between the living populations of Camarones and two other populations historically exposed to lower levels of arsenic.

Materials and Methods

The Chilean selected population samples come from Quebrada Camarones (n = 50) and the Azapa Valley (n = 47) in the north and San Juan de la Costa (n = 45) in southern Chile. The genotyping was conducted using PCR‐RFLP. We compared the genotypic and allelic frequencies, and estimated the haplotype frequencies in the AS3MT gene.

Results

We found higher frequencies of the protective variants in those people from Camarones than in the other two populations. The haplotype estimation showed that the combination of protective variants of CTTA is very frequent in Camarones (68%) and Azapa (48%), but extremely low in San Juan de la Costa (8%). Also, the C variant associated with toxicity risks in the SNP Met287Thr had a lower frequency in Camarones (1%) and is higher in the other populations.

Discussion

The higher frequency of protective variants in both northern Chilean populations indicates a long exposure to naturally arsenic‐contaminated water sources. Our data suggest that a high arsenic metabolization capacity has been selected as an adaptive mechanism in these populations in order to survive in an arsenic‐laden environment.
Die erste stereoselektive Totalsynthese eines dimeren γ‐Lacton‐ anellierten Pyranonaphthochinons: (+)‐γ‐Actinorhodin
Authors: Neumeyer Markus , Brückner Reinhard
Published: February 2017

Uns gelang die erste Totalsynthese von einem isomerenreinen dimeren γ‐Lacton‐anellierten Pyranonaphthochinon, (+)‐γ‐Actinorhodin. Unsere elf Stufen umfassende Synthese nutzt zwei Mal ein Paar peri‐ständiger Methoxygruppen als Mediatoren einer ungewöhnlichen Selektivitätssteuerung durch einen weit entfernten Brom‐ oder Iodsubstituenten. Dessen Sperrigkeit gaben die Methoxygruppen an die beiden Naphthalinpositionen weiter, an denen wir Ar‐SE‐Reaktionen vornahmen. Das ermöglichte bei einer Kernbromierung eine perfekte Regiokontrolle und bei einer Oxa‐Pictet‐Spengler‐Cyclisierung die gewünschte Diastereokontrolle. Die Absolutkonfiguration unseres Zielmoleküls legte die Sharpless‐Dihydroxylierung eines β,γ‐ungesättigten Esters fest, der einer Heck‐Kupplung entstammte. Sie ergab den γ‐Hydroxylactonteil eines Bromnaphthalins, der als Substrat der Oxa‐Pictet‐Spengler‐Reaktion fungierte. Zum γ‐Actinorhodingerüst führte eine dimerisierende Suzuki‐Kupplung.
Research on rapid preparation and performance of polymethacrylimide foams
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐yong , Xu Miao‐jun , Li Bin
Published: February 2017

A high‐performance polymethacrylimide (PMI) foam was prepared from the reactive monomers of acrylonitrile (AN) and methacrylic acid (MAA) via ultrasonic combined with thermal initiation radical bulk copolymerization and free heat foaming. The reaction progress of cyano and carboxyl groups were tracked by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, and the results indicated that the imide groups were formed and cyano groups gradually decreased during foaming and thermal treatment. The cell morphologies of the PMI foams were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and the results showed the PMI foams were consisted of the honeycomb structure. The thermostability of the prepared PMI foam was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the results revealed that the PMI foam possessed excellent thermal stability and char forming capability. The mechanical properties of PMI foams were measured by tensile, flexural, and compressive strength, and the responding values for the PMI foams with the density of 32.30 kg m−3 were 0.71, 0.86, and 1.49 MPa, respectively, which demonstrated the obtained PMI foams presented superior mechanical properties. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44959.
Collagen Fiber Orientation in Primate Long Bones
Authors: Warshaw Johanna , Bromage Timothy G. , Terranova Carl J. , Enlow Donald H.
Published: February 2017

Studies of variation in orientation of collagen fibers within bone have lead to the proposition that these are preferentially aligned to accommodate different kinds of load, with tension best resisted by fibers aligned longitudinally relative to the load, and compression best resisted by transversely aligned fibers. However, previous studies have often neglected to consider the effect of developmental processes, including constraints on collagen fiber orientation (CFO), particularly in primary bone. Here we use circularly polarized light microscopy to examine patterns of CFO in cross‐sections from the midshaft femur, humerus, tibia, radius, and ulna in a range of living primate taxa with varied body sizes, phylogenetic relationships and positional behaviors. We find that a preponderance of longitudinally oriented collagen is characteristic of both periosteal primary and intracortically remodeled bone. Where variation does occur among groups, it is not simply understood via interpretations of mechanical loads, although prioritized adaptations to tension and/or shear are considered. While there is some suggestion that CFO may correlate with body size, this relationship is neither consistent nor easily explicable through consideration of size‐related changes in mechanical adaptation. The results of our study indicate that there is no clear relationship between CFO and phylogenetic status. One of the principle factors accounting for the range of variation that does exist is primary tissue type, where slower depositing bone is more likely to comprise a larger proportion of oblique to transverse collagen fibers. Anat Rec, 300:1189–1207, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Digital Terrain Analysis Reveals New Insights into the Topographic Context of Australian Aboriginal Stone Arrangements
Authors: Law W. Boone , Slack Michael J. , Ostendorf Bertram , Lewis Megan M.
Published: February 2017

Satellite‐derived surface elevation models are an important resource for landscape archaeological studies. Digital elevation data is useful for classifying land features, characterizing terrain morphology, and discriminating the geomorphic context of archaeological phenomena. This paper shows how remotely sensed elevation data obtained from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Advanced Land Observing Satellite was integrated with local land system spatial data to digitally classify the topographic slope position of seven broad land classes. The motivation of our research was to employ an objective method that would allow researchers to geomorphometrically discriminate the topographic context of Aboriginal stone arrangements, an important archaeological site type in the Pilbara region of northwest Australia. The resulting digital terrain model demonstrates that stone arrangement sites are strongly correlated with upper topographic land features, a finding that contradicts previous site recordings and fundamentally changes our understanding of where stone arrangement sites are likely to have been constructed. The outcome of this research provides investigators with a stronger foundation for testing hypotheses and developing archaeological models. To some degree, our results also hint at the possible functions of stone arrangements, which have largely remained enigmatic to researchers. © 2017 The Authors. Archaeological Prospection Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Intermittent and Successive ILC for Stochastic Nonlinear Systems with Random Data Dropouts
Authors: Shen Dong , Zhang Chao , Xu Yun
Published: February 2017

The iterative learning control (ILC) problem is addressed in this paper for stochastic nonlinear systems with random data dropouts. The data dropout is modeled by the conventional Bernoulli random variable to describe the successful transmission or loss. Both intermittent and successive ILC are considered, where the former stops updating if no information is received, while the latter keeps updating based on the latest available data. It is strictly proved the almost sure convergence of both algorithms. The simulations on a mechanical model are provided to show the comparisons and effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Time‐series analysis of long‐term photometry of BM Canum Venaticorum
Authors: Siltala L. , Jetsu L. , Hackman T. , Henry G. W. , Immonen L. , Kajatkari P. , Lankinen J. , Lehtinen J. , Monira S. , Nikbakhsh S. , Viitanen A. , Viuho J. , Willamo T.
Published: February 2017

Long‐term photometry is commonly used to monitor chromospheric activity of late–type stars. We study standard Johnson differential V photometry of the RS CVn binary BM Canum Venaticorum (BM CVn) spanning over a quarter of a century. Our main aims are to determine the activity cycles, the rate of surface differential rotation, and the rotation period of the active longitudes of BM CVn. The continuous period search (CPS) algorithm is applied to the photometry. The changes of the mean and amplitude of the light curves are used to search for activity cycles. The rotation period changes give an estimate of the rate of surface differential rotation. The Kuiper method is applied to the epochs of the primary and secondary minima to search for active longitudes. The photometry reveals the presence of a stable mean light curve (MLC) connected to the orbital period Porb=20.d6252 of this binary. We remove this MLC from the original V magnitudes, which gives us the corrected
magnitudes. These two samples of V
and
data are analyzed separately with CPS. The fraction of unreliable CPS models decreases when the MLC is removed. The same significant activity cycle of approximately 12.5 years is detected in both V and
samples. The estimate for the surface differential rotation coefficient, k⩾0.10, is the same for both samples, but the number of unrealistic period estimates decreases after removing the MLC. The same active longitude period of Pal=20.d511 ± 0.d005 is detected in the V and magnitudes. This long‐term regularity in the epochs of primary and secondary minima of the light curves is not caused by the MLC. On the contrary, the MLC hampers the detection of active longitudes.
Thermomagnetic instability in hot spherical plasma shells
Authors: Mond M. , Arlt R. , Liverts E.
Published: February 2017

A linear stability analysis of ionized spherical plasma shells with radial temperature gradients and an external poloidal magnetic field is presented. It is shown that both hydromagnetic and thermomagnetic effects can lead to an amplification of waves. Solutions are obtained for a wide range of plasma beta values and the thermomagnetic transport coefficient. The conditions under which the instability grows are found and the characteristic growth rates are calculated. The regime at which the thermomagnetic instability is effective is considered. Applications for the solar corona are discussed.
Separating generalized anxiety disorder from major depression using clinical, hormonal, and structural MRI data: A multimodal machine learning study
Authors: Hilbert Kevin , Lueken Ulrike , Muehlhan Markus , Beesdo‐Baum Katja
Published: February 2017

Background

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is difficult to recognize and hard to separate from major depression (MD) in clinical settings. Biomarkers might support diagnostic decisions. This study used machine learning on multimodal biobehavioral data from a sample of GAD, MD and healthy subjects to differentiate subjects with a disorder from healthy subjects (case‐classification) and to differentiate GAD from MD (disorder‐classification).

Methods

Subjects with GAD (n = 19), MD without GAD (n = 14), and healthy comparison subjects (n = 24) were included. The sample was matched regarding age, sex, handedness and education and free of psychopharmacological medication. Binary support vector machines were used within a nested leave‐one‐out cross‐validation framework. Clinical questionnaires, cortisol release, gray matter (GM), and white matter (WM) volumes were used as input data separately and in combination.

Results

Questionnaire data were well‐suited for case‐classification but not disorder‐classification (accuracies: 96.40%, p < .001; 56.58%, p > .22). The opposite pattern was found for imaging data (case‐classification GM/WM: 58.71%, p = .09/43.18%, p > .66; disorder‐classification GM/WM: 68.05%, p = .034/58.27%, p > .15) and for cortisol data (38.02%, p = .84; 74.60%, p = .009). All data combined achieved 90.10% accuracy (p < .001) for case‐classification and 67.46% accuracy (p = .0268) for disorder‐classification.

Conclusions

In line with previous evidence, classification of GAD was difficult using clinical questionnaire data alone. Particularly cortisol and GM volume data were able to provide incremental value for the classification of GAD. Findings suggest that neurobiological biomarkers are a useful target for further research to delineate their potential contribution to diagnostic processes.
Plasma oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers are associated with the sizes of the left atrium and pulmonary vein in atrial fibrillation patients
Authors: Li Jin‐yi , He Yan , Ke Hong‐hong , Jin Yu , Jiang Zhi‐yuan , Zhong Guo‐qiang
Published: February 2017

Background

Oxidative stress and inflammatory processes are responsible for the pathogenesis of AF, but their relationship with the sizes of the LA and PVs in AF patients remains unclear.

Hypothesis

Oxidative stress and inflammatory processes are associated with the sizes of the LA and PVs in AF patients.

Methods

82 AF patients were compared to 30 control patients by using a case‐control study design. Oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers and the sizes of the LA and PVs were detected.

Results

(1) Hs‐CRP, IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, MDA and ox‐LDL were higher, and SOD was lower in AF patients than in control patients. Hs‐CRP, MDA and ox‐LDL were higher in permanent AF patients than in paroxysmal and persistent AF patients. (2) CsA of LSPV, RSPV, RIPV, LAA and LAV were statistically higher in AF patients than in control patients. CsA of RSPV, LSPV, LIPV and LAV were higher in permanent AF patients than in paroxysmal and persistent AF patients. (3) In the AF group, hs‐CRP and TNF‐α were positively correlated with LAV; MDA was positively correlated with CsA of LAA, LSPV and LAV; SOD was passively correlated with CsA of LAA and LAV; ox‐LDL was positively correlated with CsA of LAA and LAV. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed hs‐CRP, ox‐LDL, RSPV CsA, LIPV CsA and LAV were associated with AF.

Conclusions

Oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers and the sizes of the LA and PVs were significantly increased in AF patients. Hs‐CRP, ox‐LDL, RSPV CsA, LIPV CsA and LAV were associated with AF persistence.
Fast left ventricle tracking using localized anatomical affine optical flow
Authors: Queirós Sandro , Vilaça João L. , Morais Pedro , Fonseca Jaime C. , D'hooge Jan , Barbosa Daniel
Published: February 2017

In daily clinical cardiology practice, left ventricle (LV) global and regional function assessment is crucial for disease diagnosis, therapy selection, and patient follow‐up. Currently, this is still a time‐consuming task, spending valuable human resources. In this work, a novel fast methodology for automatic LV tracking is proposed based on localized anatomically constrained affine optical flow. This novel method can be combined to previously proposed segmentation frameworks or manually delineated surfaces at an initial frame to obtain fully delineated datasets and, thus, assess both global and regional myocardial function. Its feasibility and accuracy were investigated in 3 distinct public databases, namely in realistically simulated 3D ultrasound, clinical 3D echocardiography, and clinical cine cardiac magnetic resonance images. The method showed accurate tracking results in all databases, proving its applicability and accuracy for myocardial function assessment. Moreover, when combined to previous state‐of‐the‐art segmentation frameworks, it outperformed previous tracking strategies in both 3D ultrasound and cardiac magnetic resonance data, automatically computing relevant cardiac indices with smaller biases and narrower limits of agreement compared to reference indices. Simultaneously, the proposed localized tracking method showed to be suitable for online processing, even for 3D motion assessment. Importantly, although here evaluated for LV tracking only, this novel methodology is applicable for tracking of other target structures with minimal adaptations.
Spectral Approach to D‐bar Problems
Authors: Klein Christian , T‐R McLaughlin Kenneth D.
Published: February 2017

We present the first numerical approach to D‐bar problems having spectral convergence for real analytic, rapidly decreasing potentials. The proposed method starts from a formulation of the problem in terms of an integral equation that is numerically solved with Fourier techniques. The singular integrand is regularized analytically. The resulting integral equation is approximated via a discrete system that is solved with Krylov methods. As an example, the D‐bar problem for the Davey‐Stewartson II equations is considered. The result is used to test direct numerical solutions of the PDE.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional consequences of realistic extinction scenarios inAmazonian soil food webs
Authors: Cárdenas Rafael E. , Donoso David A. , Argoti Adriana , Dangles Olivier
Published: February 2017

Global biodiversity loss is creating a more urgent need to understand the role organisms play in ecosystem functioning and mechanisms of control. Decomposition of dead organic matter is a key ecological process that ensures soil formation, nutrient availability, and carbon sequestration. To gain understanding of how biodiversity and ecosystems function together to control leaf‐litter decomposition processes in a tropical rain forest (Yasuní National Park, Ecuador), we predicted the consequences of the decomposition process using a protocol in which we systematically disassemble the structural functionality of the soil macrofauna communities. We (1) describe the structure and function of the edaphic communities in detail and (2) explore the functional consequences of structural changes in these communities using a non‐random exclusion experiment to simulate body size‐related extinctions. To do this, we manipulated access of five size classes of soil invertebrates to eight types of plant leaf‐litter resources. After measuring and identifying about 4400 soil individuals belonging to 541 morphospecies, 12 functional groups, and following the fate of about 2000 tree leaves in a 50‐ha plot, we showed that (1) soil invertebrate communities were composed of a few common and many rare morphospecies that included mostly leaf‐litter transformer groups, with the most morphospecies and the greatest abundance coming from Hymenoptera, Collembola, and Coleoptera; (2) our survey captured 63–74% of the total soil biodiversity of the study area (meaning there may be up to 860 morphospecies); (3) litter transformers covered the widest range of body volume, and all groups were evenly distributed at small and large spatial scales (i.e., we found no patterns of spatial aggregation); (4) changes in food web structure significantly altered biomass loss for only three of the eight leaf‐litter treatments, suggesting the decomposition process was highly resistant to drastic changes such as size‐biased biodiversity loss independent of resource quality. We conclude organic matter decomposition may depend on all non‐additive effects that arise from multi‐species interactions, including facilitation, interspecific interference competition, and top‐down control that predators exert over detritivores at all body size ranges.
The Role of Blue‐Emissive 1,8‐Naphthalimidopyridine N‐Oxide in Sensitizing EuIII Photoluminescence in Dimeric Hexafluoroacetylacetonate Complexes
Authors: Wang Zhao , Liu NanNan , Li Hongfeng , Chen Peng , Yan Pengfei
Published: February 2017

Two new fluorescence molecules incorporating coordinated pyridine N‐oxide (PyNO) and the blue‐emitting 1,8‐naphthalimide (NI) chromophores, 4‐(1,8‐naphthalimido)pyridine N‐oxide (4‐NIPyNO) and 3‐(1,8‐naphthalimido)pyridine N‐oxide (3‐NIPyNO), are designed and used as ancillary ligands for constructing mixed‐ligand tris(β‐diketonate) lanthanide complexes, Ln2(hfa)6(4‐NIPyNO)2 and Ln2(hfa)6(3‐NIPyNO)3 (Ln = Eu, Gd; hfa = hexafluoroacetylacetone). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction crystallography analyses reveal that all the complexes adopt dimeric dinuclear structures; in each case, two LnIII ions from Ln(hfa)3 moieties are bridged by the oxygen atoms of the N‐oxide groups of 4‐NIPyNO and 3‐NIPyNO. The luminescence quantum yield experiment reveals that the introduction of the ancillary ligands results in the EuIII ions having luminescence enhancement about 13 times greater than that from hydrated Eu(hfa)3(H2O)2. The detailed photophysical determinations are carried out to gain insight into the roles of the NIPyNO ligands in enhancing EuIII luminescence. By investigating the ligand‐centered emission, it is found that both the singlet states (S) and the triplet states (T) are responsible for the energy transfer from the NIPyNO ligands to the metal center; in particular, the energy‐transfer efficiencies of the singlet states reach up to 63 % and 71 % for Eu2(hfa)6(4‐NIPyNO)2 and Eu2(hfa)6(3‐NIPyNO)3, respectively. This auxiliary‐ligand designing strategy enables the use of the blue‐emitting chromophore as a sensitizer of the luminescence from EuIII ions.
Progressive universalism? The impact of targeted coverage on health care access and expenditures in Peru
Authors: Neelsen Sven , O'Donnell Owen
Published: February 2017

Like other countries seeking a progressive path to universalism, Peru has attempted to reduce inequalities in access to health care by granting the poor entitlement to tax‐financed basic care without charge. We identify the impact of this policy by comparing the target population's change in health care utilization with that of poor adults already covered through employment‐based insurance. There are positive effects on receipt of ambulatory care and medication that are largest among the elderly and the poorest. The probability of getting formal health care when sick is increased by almost two fifths, but the likelihood of being unable to afford treatment is reduced by more than a quarter. Consistent with the shallow coverage offered, there is no impact on use of inpatient care. Neither is there any effect on average out‐of‐pocket health care expenditure, but medical spending is reduced by up to 25% in the top quarter of the distribution. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Associations of sleep problems with externalizing behaviors and preacademic performance: The moderating role of family socioeconomic status
Authors: Lam Chun Bun , Chung Kevin Kien Hoa
Published: February 2017

Previous research has tended to measure sleep problems as an aggregated construct and neglected the potential moderating role of family socioeconomic status (SES). Also, most research has been conducted with school‐aged children and adolescents from European and European–American families. This study filled some of these gaps in the literature by examining whether family SES moderated the associations of bedtime resistance, parasomnia, and disordered breathing with externalizing behaviors and preacademic performance in a community sample of Chinese families with preschool children. Four hundred eighty‐six parents from Hong Kong, China, provided questionnaire data on their preschool children's sleep and adjustment. Hierarchical regression analyses evaluated the associations of sleep problems and child adjustment, controlling for demographic factors. Interaction terms were entered to examine whether the associations varied by family SES, as indexed by family income. Results suggested that bedtime resistance, parasomnia, and disordered breathing were positively and uniquely associated with externalizing behaviors. Bedtime resistance was positively associated with externalizing behaviors and negatively associated with preacademic performance in low‐, but not high‐, SES families. Discussion highlighted the utility of a multidimensional approach to studying sleep problems and the potential moderating roles of environmental stressors when examining the impact of sleep on adjustment.

Highlights

This study examined the associations of sleep problems with externalizing behaviors and preacademic performance.

Four hundred eighty‐six Chinese parents provided questionnaire data on their children's sleep and adjustment. Bedtime resistance, parasomnia, and disordered breathing were linked positively to externalizing behaviors. Bedtime resistance was linked positively to externalizing behaviors and negatively to preacademic performance in low‐income families.

Results highlighted the importance of considering the potential moderating role of environmental stressors when studying sleep problems.
Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate prevents hypoxic trophoblast‐induced endothelial cell dysfunction via targeting HMGB1 release
Authors: Zhao Min , Feng Yaling , Xiao Jianping , Liang Jie , Yin Yongxiang , Chen Daozhen
Published: February 2017

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious blood pressure disorder of pregnancy. Systemic endothelial cell dysfunction, a hallmark of PE, is previously estimated to be induced by hypoxic trophoblast high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS), the soluble form of tanshinone IIA isolated from danshen, against hypoxic trophoblast HMGB1‐induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) dysfunction. Our results showed that HMGB1 expression and release were significantly decreased in STS‐treated hypoxic JEG‐3 cells. A further study revealed hypoxic trophoblast HMGB1‐induced cytotoxicity and leukostasis of HUVEC as well as higher expression of cell adhesion molecules (VCAM‐1 and ICAM‐1) could be reversed by pretreatment with STS. In conclusion, our study suggests that STS is an effective agent against hypoxic trophoblast‐induced cell injury of HUVEC via targeting HMGB1 release and forms the basis of the development of such a compound in treating PE.
Insulin mimetic peptide S371 folds into a helical structure
Authors: Mohammadiarani Hossein , Vashisth Harish
Published: February 2017

Insulin plays a crucial physiological role in glucose control by initiating a number of signaling events on binding and activating its cell surface receptor. Insulin mimics have, therefore, become promising agents for treating diabetes and to probe the mechanism of interaction of insulin with its receptor. Specifically, many insulin‐mimetic peptide sequences have been discovered and found to selectively function as agonists and antagonists, but their structures and the mechanistic details of their interactions with the receptor remain challenging to characterize. In this work, we have studied the folding properties and structure of a Site 1 insulin mimetic peptide S371 that has sequence similarities with the insulin B‐chain as well as with a critical hormone‐binding element of the receptor known as the C‐terminal (CT) peptide. We first validated our simulation approaches by predicting the known solution structure of the insulin B‐chain helix and then applied them to study the folding of the mimetic peptide S371. Our data predict a helical fold for the first 16 residues of S371 that has a resemblance to the helical motifs in the insulin B‐chain and CT. We also propose receptor‐bound models of S371 that provide mechanistic explanations for competing binding properties of S371 and CT to the Site 1 of IR. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of smear layer removal and marginal adaptation of root canal sealer after final irrigation using ethylenediaminetetraacetic, peracetic, and etidronic acids with different concentrations
Authors: Ulusoy Özgür İlke , Zeyrek Salev , Çelik Bülent
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different irrigation solutions on the smear layer removal and marginal adaptation of a resin‐based sealer to root canal dentine. A total of 152 instrumented roots were irrigated with the following irrigants: 9,18% etidronic acid (HEBP), 0.5, 1,2% peracetic acid (PAA), 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), saline. The amount of smear layer was evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) in seventy root samples. Eighty‐two roots were filled with AH Plus and gutta‐percha. Slices obtained from apical third of each specimen were viewed with SEM to assess marginal adaptation. Use of 9% and 18% HEBP resulted in more efficient smear layer removal in the apical third than the other chelators (p < 0.05). Higher smear layer scores in the coronal and middle thirds were obtained from 0.5%, 1% PAA groups. Regarding marginal adaptation, 18% HEBP group showed the lowest gap size values (p < 0.05), and better marginal adaptation. Etidronic acid is a promising candidate for final irrigation of root canals.
Constructing a Family of 4‐Critical Planar Graphs with High Edge Density
Authors: Yao Tianxing , Zhou Guofei
Published: February 2017

A graph is a k‐critical graph if G is not ‐colorable but every proper subgraph of G is ‐colorable. In this article, we construct a family of 4‐critical planar graphs with n vertices and edges. As a consequence, this improves the bound for the maximum edge density attained by Abbott and Zhou. We conjecture that this is the largest edge density for a 4‐critical planar graph.
A Robust Method to Generate Mechanically Anisotropic Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Sheets for Vascular Tissue Engineering
Authors: Backman Daniel E. , LeSavage Bauer L. , Shah Shivem B. , Wong Joyce Y.
Published: February 2017

In arterial tissue engineering, mimicking native structure and mechanical properties is essential because compliance mismatch can lead to graft failure and further disease. With bottom‐up tissue engineering approaches, designing tissue components with proper microscale mechanical properties is crucial to achieve the necessary macroscale properties in the final implant. This study develops a thermoresponsive cell culture platform for growing aligned vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) sheets by photograftingN‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) onto micropatterned poly(dimethysiloxane) (PDMS). The grafting process is experimentally and computationally optimized to produce PNIPAAm–PDMS substrates optimal for VSMC attachment. To allow long‐term VSMC sheet culture and increase the rate of VSMC sheet formation, PNIPAAm–PDMS surfaces were further modified with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane yielding a robust, thermoresponsive cell culture platform for culturing VSMC sheets. VSMC cell sheets cultured on patterned thermoresponsive substrates exhibit cellular and collagen alignment in the direction of the micropattern. Mechanical characterization of patterned, single‐layer VSMC sheets reveals increased stiffness in the aligned direction compared to the perpendicular direction whereas nonpatterned cell sheets exhibit no directional dependence. Structural and mechanical anisotropy of aligned, single‐layer VSMC sheets makes this platform an attractive microstructural building block for engineering a vascular graft to match the in vivo mechanical properties of native arterial tissue.

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Erzeugung und Charakterisierung porenbehafteter Prüfkörper für Schwingprüfung und Gießsimulation
Authors: Hilbinger R. M. , Gerth S. , Randelzhofer P.
Published: February 2017

Für die Schwingprüfung und numerische Prozesssimulation wird eine hohe Anzahl an Prüfkörpern aus der Legierung AlSi7Mg0,3 hergestellt und mittels Computertomografie charakterisiert. Die experimentell gewonnenen Erkenntnisse zur Porosität werden in Zusammenhang mit den Herstellungsbedingungen gestellt, als maßgeblicher Parameter steht dabei der Wasserstoffgehalt im Mittelpunkt der Untersuchungen. Ausprägung und Umfang der Porosität als auch ihre räumliche Verteilungen werden in dessen Abhängigkeit gestellt und der Übergang von Erstarrungs‐ zu Gasporosität dokumentiert. Die Entwicklung von Poren unterschiedlicher Größe wird im Detail betrachtet.
Frequency of GBA Variants in Autopsy‐proven Multiple System Atrophy
Authors: Sklerov Miriam , Kang Un J. , Liong Christopher , Clark Lorraine , Marder Karen , Pauciulo Michael , Nichols William C. , Chung Wendy K. , Honig Lawrence S. , Cortes Etty , Vonsattel Jean Paul , Alcalay Roy N.
Published: February 2017

Background

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is marked by abnormal inclusions of α‐synuclein in oligodendrogliocytes, and its etiology remains unknown. Variants in the glucocerebrosidase (GBA) gene have been associated with the other synucleinopathies, dementia with Lewy bodies, and Parkinson's disease. It is unclear whether glucocerebrosidase variants are associated with MSA. The objective of this study was to analyze the frequency of GBA variants among patients who had autopsy‐proven MSA at a brain bank in New York City.

Methods

GBA was fully sequenced in brain tissues from 17 patients with autopsy‐proven MSA for whom there was extractable DNA at the Columbia University New York Brain Bank from 2002 to 2016. To test whether brains from patients with MSA were enriched for GBA variants, the frequency of GBA variants in the MSA brains was compared with that of variants in all brains from patients with pure Alzheimer's disease (AD) at Columbia University for which GBA genotype was available (n = 82).

Results

Of 17 MSA brains, 4 carried GBA variants (23.5%), including 1 that was homozygous for N370S and 1 each that carried heterozygous N370S, T369M, and R496H variants. Among the comparator brains with pure AD, 3 of 82 (3.7%) carried GBA variants (P = 0.0127; Fisher exact test), including 1 each with an N370S homozygous variant, an R496H heterozygous variant, and a T369M heterozygous variant.

Conclusion

A higher frequency of GBA variants was observed among brains from patients who had pathologically diagnosed MSA compared with the frequency of variants in brains from patients who had AD. The results indicate a need for further investigation into the role of glucocerebrosidase and lysosomal dysfunction in the etiology of MSA.
Comparison between anterolateral thigh, radial forearm, and peroneal artery flap donor site thickness in Asian patients—A sonographic study
Authors: Hsu Kuei‐Chang , Tsai Wei‐Hsuan , Ting Pei‐San , Hsueh Jung‐Hua , Chen Lee‐Wei , Lin Ying‐Sheng
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the thicknesses of the three locations used as donor sites for radial forearm (RF), anterolateral thigh (ALT), and peroneal flaps and to determine probable contributing factors of the thickness.

Methods

This study included 201 healthy participants (mean age: 45.8 ± 17.2 years; male: 114; female: 87; BMI: 24.3 ± 4.3). Sonography was used to measure the thickness of flap donor sites. Forward stepwise regressions were conducted to determine the contributing factors of flap thickness.

Results

The RF flap (0.28 ± 0.08 cm) was thinner than peroneal flap (0.47 ± 0.17 cm) (P < 0.0001), and peroneal flap was thinner than ALT flap (0.98 ± 0.4 cm) (P < 0.0001). Flap type (P < 0.001, 95%CI: 0.33–0.41), BMI (P < 0.001, 95%CI: 0.02–0.033), gender (P < 0.001, 95%CI: −0.3 to −0.17), and age (P = 0.002, 95%CI: −0.005 to −0.001) were the contributing factors of flap thickness. In the subgroup analysis, BMI was the only contributing factor of RF flap thickness (P < 0.001). For ALT and peroneal flaps, age, gender, and BMI were the contributing factors (P < 0.001). The coefficient of BMI was 0.005 in RF flap, 0.01 in peroneal flap, and 0.04 in ALT flap.

Conclusions

The RF flap was found thinner than peroneal flap, and peroneal flap was found thinner than ALT flap. The BMI effects on RF and peroneal flaps were much less than that on ALT flap. Therefore, the RF and peroneal flaps would be the better choice in obese patients with soft tissue defects where a thin flap is needed.