bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transitory effect on endolymphatic hydrops of the intratympanic steroids for Ménière's disease
Authors: Martin‐Sanz Eduardo , Esteban‐Sanchez Jonathan , Rodrigañez‐Riesco Laura , Sanz‐Fernández Ricardo
Published: November 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in electrocochleography (EcohG) measurements after intratympanic (IT) dexamethasone therapy and to correlate them with the long‐term effects on the control of vertigo.

Study Design

Prospective outcomes research.

Methods

This study included 62 patients with unilateral Ménière's Disease (MD) refractory to medical therapy for at least 1 year. Each patient was treated with a fixed protocol of three consecutive weekly injections of a commercial 4 mg/mL dexamethasone preparation. The 1995 American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO–HNS) criteria for reporting treatment outcomes for MD were used.

Electrocochleography (EcohG) measurements were performed 1 month before and 1 and 12 months after IT steroid therapy. Caloric test and vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMPs) were performed before the IT treatment. The summating potential/action potential (SP/AP) ratio was measured before and after the IT treatment. A Kaplan‐Meier analysis was used to evaluate the control of vertigo over a 2‐year period.

Results

Complete vertigo control (class A) was achieved in 26 patients (41.9%) at the 12‐month follow‐up and in 12 patients (19.3%) at the 24‐month follow‐up. A significant reduction (P < 0.01) in the SP/AP ratio after the IT steroid treatment was observed in the first‐month determination, but no significant differences were found when the initial and 12‐month determination were compared.

Conclusions

IT dexamethasone provides an alternative treatment for patients with Ménière's Disease. A transitory reduction of the endolymphatic hydrops is detected by the EcohG 1 month after treatment. The hydrops levels returned to their initial values in the 1‐year EcohG follow‐up.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 125:1183–1188, 2015
Integrated psychological care in head and neck cancer: Views from health care providers, patients, and supports
Authors: Jesse Michelle T. , Ryan Michael E. , Eshelman Anne , Ghanem Tamer , Williams Amy M. , Miller‐Matero Lisa R. , Yaremchuk Kathleen
Published: November 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

An evaluation by head‐and‐neck cancer (HNC) staff, patients, and patient support feedback regarding integrated psychological care and perceived benefit based on patient characteristics.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey of HNC staff, patients, and their primary supports; and retrospective chart review of psychiatric characteristics of HNC patients.

Methods

HNC staff, patients (who were evaluated by the integrated psychologist), and their primary supports were given questionnaires on their perception of benefit of including a psychologist in the evaluation and treatment of HNC patients. Also, a retrospective chart review on patients who were psychiatrically evaluated by the psychologist on sociodemographics and psychiatric characteristics.

Results

Overall, integration of a psychologist was well received by patients, supports, and staff. Younger patients reported greater satisfaction with the availability of the psychologist than older patients (P = .04), and patients with reported psychiatric histories (diagnoses in remission) indicated more satisfaction with the psychologist in relation to managing distress than patients who denied psychiatric histories (P = .03); however, patients who were currently smoking tended to report lower satisfaction with the psychologist helping with distress than those who were past/never smokers (P = .06).

Conclusions

Integrated psychological care has the potential to improve care provided for HNC patients.

Level of Evidence

Level 4. Laryngoscope, 125:1345–1351, 2015
Efficacy of bone marrow cytologic evaluations in detecting occult cancellous invasion
Authors: Namin Arya W. , Bruggers Seth D. , Panuganti Bharat A. , Christopher Kara M. , Walker Ronald J. , Varvares Mark A.
Published: November 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Determine the accuracy of bone marrow cytologic evaluations in detecting occult cancellous invasion by squamous cell carcinomas (SCCa) beyond the original margins of bone resection that would have gone undetected without the use of intraoperative bone‐marrow margin analysis.

Study Design

Retrospective single institution cohort study.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of imaging, clinical, pathological, and follow‐up data of 51 patients who underwent mandibular resections with intraoperative bone‐marrow cytologic evaluation. The accuracy of bone marrow cytologic evaluations to predict final bone margins was calculated. Five‐year survival rates were determined.

Results

The accuracy of bone marrow cytologic evaluations in detecting occult cancellous invasion by SCCa beyond the original margins of bone resection was 100%. Twelve percent (6/51) were found to have positive bone margins on cytology and were re‐resected to obtain clear margins. Patients with a prior history of radiation had a significantly higher incidence of initially positive bone‐marrow margins (P = 0.03). The patients with initially positive bone‐margins did not have a significantly different prognosis than the patients with initially negative bone‐marrow margins.

Conclusion

1) The consistent use of intraoperative bone‐marrow cytologic evaluation, when applicable, will improve the ability to obtain clear bone margins. 2) Patients with a history of prior radiation therapy have a significantly higher risk of having occult cancellous invasion of SCCa beyond the original margins of bone resection. 3) The prognosis of patients with initially positive bone‐marrow margins is not significantly different than patients with initially negative bone‐marrow margins.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:E173–E179, 2015
Assessing the Role of a Limestone Quarry as Sediment Source in a Developing Tropical Catchment
Authors: Jaramillo Fernando , Baccard Matthieu , Narinesingh Pramenath , Gaskin Susan , Cooper Vincent
Published: November 2014

Impact assessments on river systems of the combined effect of bed and suspended sediment loads from quarries are difficult to find. In this study, bed and suspended loads were measured to determine the impact of a 20‐ha limestone quarry on the river system of its 5,000‐ha steep, diverse land use/land cover but mostly forested catchment. A network of hydrologic and sediment monitoring instruments was deployed over the catchment during two separate study periods when sediment loadings were measured from captured storms. Results showed that the quarry stood to make a disproportionately large contribution to the catchment's estimated 2·1 Mg ha−1 yr−1 suspended sediment load. Large storm events contributed most of the loadings with five events supplying 92% of total loadings at the outlet. A paired method approach to compare suspended sediment loads between two subcatchments showed that during eight storm events, the quarry yielded between 2 and 49·2 Mg ha−1 per event, whereas the forest never yielded more than 0·1 Mg ha−1. Furthermore, the contribution of sediments from the quarry to bed load was more than 75% at a section located 1·2 km downstream. Future management activities to reduce sediment and bed loads, not only from this catchment but also from all others with similar land use/land covers, should focus on improving quarry operations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degradation characteristics of Mg0.8Ca in saline solution with and without albumin protein investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Crimu C. , Bolat G. , Munteanu C. , Mareci D.
Published: November 2014

Biodegradable magnesium–calcium (MgCa) alloy is a very attractive biomaterial. Binary Mg0.8Ca alloy was fabricated. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and optical microscopy observed showed that Mg0.8Ca alloy was composed of α(Mg) phase. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique was used for the study on the degradation characteristics of Mg0.8Ca alloy. Because the proteins have a role on the passivation of metals, the effect of albumin protein addition in NaCl solution on the electrochemical behaviour of Mg0.8Ca alloy was studied. It has been shown that in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution the impedance was mainly characterised by one capacitive and one inductive effect, which related to the alloy charge transfer reaction and the relaxation of the absorbed corrosion compounds. The addition of 37.5 mg/mL albumin protein to 0.9 wt% NaCl solution increased the impedance compared to that without albumin protein. The equivalent circuits simulating the electrochemical behaviour of Mg0.8Ca alloy in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution with and without albumin protein were proposed. The surface morphology of the Mg0.8Ca samples after 1‐week immersion in Mg0.8Ca alloy in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution with albumin protein was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical mechanism for degradation of Mg0.8Ca alloy in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution is related to the albumin protein addition.
Personalized treatment of Sézary syndrome by targeting a novel CTLA4:CD28 fusion
Authors: Sekulic Aleksandar , Liang Winnie S. , Tembe Waibhav , Izatt Tyler , Kruglyak Semyon , Kiefer Jeffrey A. , Cuyugan Lori , Zismann Victoria , Legendre Christophe , Pittelkow Mark R. , Gohmann John J. , De Castro Fernando R. , Trent Jeffrey , Carpten John , Craig David W. , McDaniel Timothy K.
Published: November 2014

Matching molecularly targeted therapies with cancer subtype‐specific gene mutations is revolutionizing oncology care. However, for rare cancers this approach is problematic due to the often poor understanding of the disease's natural history and phenotypic heterogeneity, making treatment of these cancers a particularly unmet medical need in clinical oncology. Advanced Sézary syndrome (SS), an aggressive, exceedingly rare variant of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a prototypical example of a rare cancer. Through whole genome and RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) of a SS patient's tumor we discovered a highly expressed gene fusion between CTLA4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4) and CD28 (cluster of differentiation 28), predicting a novel stimulatory molecule on the surface of tumor T cells. Treatment with the CTLA4 inhibitor ipilimumab resulted in a rapid clinical response. Our findings suggest a novel driver mechanism for SS, and cancer in general, and exemplify an emerging model of cancer treatment using exploratory genomic analysis to identify a personally targeted treatment option when conventional therapies are exhausted.
Sensate superficial inferior epigastric artery flap innervated by the iliohypogastric nerve for reconstruction of a finger soft tissue defect
Authors: Yamamoto Takumi , Yamamoto Nana , Koshima Isao
Published: November 2014

In the era of perforator flaps, lower‐abdominal/inguinal perforator flaps such as superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap and superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) perforator flap are becoming popular with its longer vascular pedicle and usefulness in various reconstructions. SIEA flap's region is innervated by the T12 nerve and the iliohypogastric nerve (IHN), but no sensate SIEA flap has been reported so far. In this report, we present a case in which a sensate SIEA flap innervated by the IHN was used for reconstruction of a finger soft tissue defect. A 55‐year‐old male suffering from the volar skin necrosis of the right ring finger underwent the volar soft tissue reconstruction using a free sensate SIEA flap because of hypoplastic SCIA. The SIEA flap included the IHN anterior branch, and neuroraphy was performed between the IHN and the third common digital nerve in an end‐to‐side manner after vascular anastomoses. The reconstructed volar skin could sensate 14 weeks after the surgery. At postoperative 6 months, Semmes‐Weinstein test and moving 2‐point discrimination revealed 3.64 and 8 mm in the proximal portion of the SIEA flap where the IHN was supposed to innervate. The IHN may be included in a SIEA flap, and a sensate SIEA flap may be a useful option when a SCIP flap is not available. Further anatomical and clinical studies are required to clarify anatomy and clinical usefulness of the IHN. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:324–327, 2015.
Weak KAM theorem for Hamilton‐Jacobi equations with Neumann boundary conditions on noncompact manifolds
Authors: Kong Yuedong , Xu Junxiang
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we consider Hamilton–Jacobi equations with homogeneous Neumann boundary condition. We establish some results on noncompact manifold with homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions in view of weak Kolmogorov‐Arnold‐Moser (KAM) theory, which is a generalization of the results obtained by Fathi under the non‐bounded condition. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regular orthogonal basis on Heisenberg group and application to function spaces
Authors: Yang Qixiang , Li Pengtao
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we construct some compactly supported orthogonal regular wavelet basis on Heisenberg group
. Because of the regularity of wavelets, we could use such wavelets to characterize function spaces on
, such as bounded mean oscillation space (BMO) space, Hardy space, Besov spaces and Besov–Morrey spaces. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evasive flow capture: Optimal location of weigh‐in‐motion systems, tollbooths, and security checkpoints
Authors: Marković Nikola , Ryzhov Ilya O. , Schonfeld Paul
Published: November 2014

The flow‐capturing problem (FCP) consists of locating facilities to maximize the number of flow‐based customers that encounter at least one of these facilities along their predetermined travel paths. The FCP literature assumes that if a facility is located along (or “close enough” to) a predetermined path of a flow of customers, that flow is considered captured. However, existing models for the FCP do not consider targeted users who behave noncooperatively by changing their travel paths to avoid fixed facilities. Examples of facilities that targeted subjects may have an incentive to avoid include weigh‐in‐motion stations used to detect and fine overweight trucks, tollbooths, and security and safety checkpoints. This article introduces a new type of flow‐capturing model, called the “evasive flow‐capturing problem” (EFCP), which generalizes the FCP and has relevant applications in transportation, revenue management, and security and safety management. We formulate deterministic and stochastic versions of the EFCP, analyze their structural properties, study exact and approximate solution techniques, and show an application to a real‐world transportation network. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 65(1), 22–42. 2015
Investigation of porous structure of packing materials based on 1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone
Authors: Maciejewska Malgorzata
Published: November 2014

Highly crosslinked copolymers of 1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (VP) were obtained in the form of microspheres by combined suspension–emulsion polymerization. The porous structure of the copolymers was created by the use of proper diluents. The main parameters of porous structure were established in the dry and wet states. Three methods: inverse size‐exclusion chromatography (ISEC), nitrogen adsorption, and small X‐ray scattering (SAXS) were used in porous structure investigations. It was shown that the determined parameters strongly depend on the chosen method and the microspheres can be used as packing materials in chromatography. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumour but not stromal expression of β3 integrin is essential, and is required early, for spontaneous dissemination of bone‐metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Carter Rachel Zoe , Micocci Kelli Cristina , Natoli Anthony , Redvers Richard Paul , Paquet‐Fifield Sophie , Martin Ana Carolina Baptista Moreno , Denoyer Delphine , Ling Xiawei , Kim Soo‐Hyun , Tomasin Rebeka , Selistre‐de‐Araújo Heloisa , Anderson Robin Lesley , Pouliot Normand
Published: November 2014

Although many preclinical studies have implicated β3 integrin receptors (αvβ3 and αIIbβ3) in cancer progression, β3 inhibitors have shown only modest efficacy in patients with advanced solid tumours. The limited efficacy of β3 inhibitors in patients could arise from our incomplete understanding of the precise function of β3 integrin and, consequently, inappropriate clinical application. Data from animal studies are conflicting and indicate heterogeneity with respect to the relative contributions of β3‐expressing tumour and stromal cell populations in different cancers. Here we aimed to clarify the function and relative contributions to metastasis of tumour versus stromal β3 integrin in clinically relevant models of spontaneous breast cancer metastasis, with particular emphasis on bone metastasis. We show that stable down‐regulation of tumour β3 integrin dramatically impairs spontaneous (but not experimental) metastasis to bone and lung without affecting primary tumour growth in the mammary gland. Unexpectedly, and in contrast to subcutaneous tumours, orthotopic tumour vascularity, growth and spontaneous metastasis were not altered in mice null for β3 integrin. Tumour β3 integrin promoted migration, protease expression and trans‐endothelial migration in vitro and increased vascular dissemination in vivo, but was not necessary for bone colonization in experimental metastasis assays. We conclude that tumour, rather than stromal, β3 expression is essential and is required early for efficient spontaneous breast cancer metastasis to bone and soft tissues. Accordingly, differential gene expression analysis in cohorts of breast cancer patients showed a strong association between high β3 expression, early metastasis and shorter disease‐free survival in patients with oestrogen receptor‐negative tumours. We propose that β3 inhibitors may be more efficacious if used in a neoadjuvant setting, rather than after metastases are established. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CUL4B activates Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in hepatocellular carcinoma by repressing Wnt antagonists
Authors: Yuan Jupeng , Han Bo , Hu Huili , Qian Yanyan , Liu Zhaojian , Wei Zhao , Liang Xiaohong , Jiang Baichun , Shao Changshun , Gong Yaoqin
Published: November 2014

Activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling is frequently observed in many types of cancer including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We recently reported that cullin 4B (CUL4B), a scaffold protein that assembles CRL4B ubiquitin ligase complexes, is overexpressed in many types of solid tumours and contributes to epigenetic silencing of tumour suppressors. In this study, we characterized the function of CUL4B in HCC and investigated whether CUL4B is involved in the regulation of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling. CUL4B and β‐catenin were frequently up‐regulated and positively correlated in HCC tissues. CUL4B activated Wnt/β‐catenin signalling by protecting β‐catenin from GSK3‐mediated degradation, achieved through CUL4B‐mediated epigenetic silencing of Wnt pathway antagonists. Knockdown of CUL4B resulted in the up‐regulation of Wnt signal antagonists such as DKK1 and PPP2R2B. Simultaneous knockdown of PPP2R2B partially reversed the down‐regulation of β‐catenin signalling caused by CUL4B depletion. Furthermore, CRL4B promoted the recruitment and/or retention of PRC2 at the promoters of Wnt antagonists and CUL4B knockdown decreased the retention of PRC2 components as well as H3K27me3. Knockdown of CUL4B reduced the proliferation, colony formation, and invasiveness of HCC cells in vitro and inhibited tumour growth in vivo, and these effects were attenuated by introduction of exogenous β‐catenin or simultaneous knockdown of PPP2R2B. Conversely, ectopic expression of CUL4B enhanced the proliferation and invasiveness of HCC cells. We conclude that CUL4B can up‐regulate Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in human HCC through transcriptionally repressing Wnt antagonists and thus contributes to the malignancy of HCC. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphology and thermal properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate)‐modified kaolin nanocomposites
Authors: Shahverdi–Shahraki Khalil , Ghosh Tamal , Mahajan Kamal , Ajji Abdellah , Carreau Pierre J.
Published: November 2014

Kaolin particles were dispersed in a PET (poly(ethylene terephthalate)) matrix using a displacement procedure in which kaolin was initially treated with potassium acetate and, subsequently, melt‐blended with PEO and PET. The disappearance of characteristic peaks in XRD patterns of chemically treated particles revealed that the crystalline form and layered structure of kaolin particles were mainly destroyed. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that the thickness of dispersed particles were generally in the range of 10–100 nm. It was also observed that the dispersion level of the chemically treated kaolin was much better than that of “as received” kaolin particles. Rheological studies showed the formation of a network‐like structure in samples containing the chemically treated kaolin as a result of improved dispersion of particles. It was also observed that both the kaolin particles and modifiers could accelerate the degradation process and lower the molecular weight of the PET. The introduction of kaolin particles shifted the crystallization temperatures of PET to higher temperatures. It was observed that the incorporation of a chain extender significantly restricted the crystallization process. The Avrami–Jeziorny analysis confirmed the alteration of the crystalline structure of the filled polymer. Based on TGA thermograms the decomposition temperature of PET–kaolin composites was slightly lower than that of the neat PET. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1443–1452, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Modifying the carbon fiber–epoxy matrix interphase with graphite nanoplatelets
Authors: Qin Wenzhen , Vautard Frederic , Drzal Lawrence T. , Yu Junrong
Published: November 2014

In this study, a novel method consisting of coating carbon fibers (CF) with graphite nanoplatelets (GnP) is investigated for its ability to modify the mechanical properties in the interphase region. Coating the CF was achieved by immersing CF in a solution of GnP dispersed in an epoxy‐based solution for a few seconds. The influence of the processing conditions on the properties of the coating (thickness, homogeneity, quality of the GnP dispersion) is reported. Interfacial adhesion and the associated failure modes were evaluated by the single fiber fragmentation test. The maximum value of interfacial shear strength (IFSS) was achieved when a relative GnP concentration of 7.9 wt% on CFs, which led to 45 and 34% improvements in IFSS in comparison with the non‐coated CF and epoxy coated CF, respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1549–1556, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
The effect of graphene nanosheets on the mechanical properties of polyvinylchloride
Authors: Nawaz Khalid , Ayub Muhammad , Ul‐Haq Noaman , Khan M.B. , Khan Niazi Muhammad Bilal , Hussain Arshad
Published: November 2014

In this work, excellent improvement in mechanical properties was observed by incorporating graphene nanofillers in polyvinyl chloride via solution blending. About 63% increase in modulus and 19% increase in ultimate tensile strength were measured at 1.5 wt% nanofiller content while almost no drop in elongation at break was observed. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1572–1576, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Energy absorption behaviors of 3D braided composites under impact loadings with frequency domain analysis
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Ping , Guo Chongbin
Published: November 2014

This article presented the energy absorption behaviors and damage mechanisms of 3D braided composites under transverse impact and low‐velocity impact with frequency domain analysis method. The transverse impact tests were contracted by modified split Hopkinson pressure bar with the impact velocities of 13.6, 17.8, and 22.8 m/s. The low‐velocity impact tests were performed by Instron 9250 drop‐weight instrument with the impact velocities ranging from 1 to 6 m/s. The experimental results shown that the peak load, displacement to peak load, total energy absorption increased with the increase of impact velocity. The damage morphologies showed the failure mode of 3D braided composite. Increased with the impact velocity, the failure mode changed from resin crack to fiber breakage. The frequency domain analysis results showed that the amplitude of stress wave increased with the increase of impact velocity, but its corresponding frequency was irrelevant to impact velocity. The different amplitude regions corresponded to different failure mode. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1620–1627, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Processing strategies and software solutions for data‐independent acquisition in mass spectrometry
Authors: Bilbao Aivett , Varesio Emmanuel , Luban Jeremy , Strambio‐De‐Castillia Caterina , Hopfgartner Gérard , Müller Markus , Lisacek Frédérique
Published: November 2014

Data‐independent acquisition (DIA) offers several advantages over data‐dependent acquisition (DDA) schemes for characterizing complex protein digests analyzed by LC‐MS/MS. In contrast to the sequential detection, selection, and analysis of individual ions during DDA, DIA systematically parallelizes the fragmentation of all detectable ions within a wide m/z range regardless of intensity, thereby providing broader dynamic range of detected signals, improved reproducibility for identification, better sensitivity, and accuracy for quantification, and, potentially, enhanced proteome coverage. To fully exploit these advantages, composite or multiplexed fragment ion spectra generated by DIA require more elaborate processing algorithms compared to DDA. This review examines different DIA schemes and, in particular, discusses the concepts applied to and related to data processing. Available software implementations for identification and quantification are presented as comprehensively as possible and examples of software usage are cited. Processing workflows, including complete proprietary frameworks or combinations of modules from different open source data processing packages are described and compared in terms of software availability and usability, programming language, operating system support, input/output data formats, as well as the main principles employed in the algorithms used for identification and quantification. This comparative study concludes with further discussion of current limitations and expectable improvements in the short‐ and midterm future.
DFT study the interaction of β‐cyclodextrin with benzyl azide and phenyl acetylene in synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazoles
Authors: Wan Yali , Wang Xueye , Liu Na
Published: November 2014

The phenyl acetylene and benzyl azide cycloaddition reaction in water in the presence of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) as a phase transfer catalyst (PTC) can get a better yield in a shorter time. The interaction between β‐CD and phenyl acetylene or benzyl azide plays an important role in this reaction. This paper studies the complexes of β‐CD with phenyl acetylene and benzyl azide using density functional theory (DFT) method. In order to find out the orientations of guests in the cavity of β‐CD, binding energy and deformation energy are investigated, and the calculated results are confirmed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR). The data from single point energy indicate that the inclusion complexes can improve the solubilities of phenyl acetylene and benzyl azide in water. The 13C and 15N spectra show that the most obvious variation concentrates on C6 and C8 of phenyl acetylene and N15 of benzyl azide in complexes. Mulliken charge and frontier orbital are employed for revealing the charge distribution. The effect of β‐CD is discussed in terms of the calculated parameters. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Felkin–Anh is not enough
Authors: Rosenberg Robert E. , Kelly W. Jonathan
Published: November 2014

The understanding of the electronic effects of the diastereoselective addition of a nucleophile to a polar substituted aldehyde or ketone is not complete, with several theories competing to explain the data. For numerous hydride reductions of 3‐X‐2‐butanones (X = F, Cl, Br), the selectivity for the major syn isomer is significantly and consistently higher for X = Br than for X = F. This result is rationalized as a shift in mechanism from Cornforth (X = F) to Felkin–Anh (X = Br). The experimental data is well modeled by ab initio calculations for the addition to these ketones by BH3, but not by other nucleophiles such as LiH or LiAlH4. The energetic ordering of the BH3 transition states largely follows the trends for the ground state ketones. Here, consistent with electrostatic arguments, the anti orientation of the C―X and CO bonds is always lower in energy than the syn arrangement. The gauche conformer is intermediate between these two, becoming gradually lower in energy as X increases in size. The hyperconjugative interaction invoked by the Felkin–Anh model provides only a modest stabilization of the relevant transition states as judged by NBO analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Properties and use of SSRIs for depressive disorders
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Krishnadas Rajeev
Published: November 2014

Steve Chaplin and Dr Rajeev Krishnadas provide an overview of SSRIs – the first‐choice medications for the treatment of depressive, obsessive compulsive and anxiety disorders
A prescription for improvement and the dispensing practice scheme
Authors: Baines Darrin
Published: November 2014

In our series on the history of prescribing policy, Professor Darrin Baines traces how successive governments have attempted to curb drug costs. Here, he describes the impact of A Prescription for Improvement and the renegotiation of arrangements for dispensing doctors.
Shannon entropy and many‐electron correlations: Theoretical concepts, numerical results, and Collins conjecture
Authors: Delle Site Luigi
Published: November 2014

In this article, I will discuss the overlap between the concept of Shannon entropy and the concept of electronic correlation. Quantum Monte Carlo numerical results for the uniform electron gas are also presented; these latter on the one hand enhance the hypothesis of a direct link between the two concepts but on the other hand leave a series of open questions which may be used to trace a roadmap for the future research in the field. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Christmas message
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: November 2014

Older men are more likely than women to become isolated, as they have significantly less contact with children, family and friends.
Diabetes care: redefining the specialist role
Authors: Kar Partha
Published: November 2014

Partha Kar explains how the ‘super six’ model of diabetes care redefines the role of a diabetes specialist, helping to bridge the divide between primary care and specialists.
Antibiotics in general practice
Authors: Brightman Christopher
Published: November 2014

Christopher Brightman provides a brief account of the background to antibiotic treatment, describing those antibiotics that are most frequently used in general practice, with indications for their use.
NCI investment in nanotechnology: achievements and challenges for the future
Authors: Dickherber Anthony , Morris Stephanie A. , Grodzinski Piotr
Published: November 2014

Nanotechnology offers an exceptional and unique opportunity for developing a new generation of tools addressing persistent challenges to progress in cancer research and clinical care. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recognizes this potential, which is why it invests roughly $150 M per year in nanobiotechnology training, research and development. By exploiting the various capacities of nanomaterials, the range of nanoscale vectors and probes potentially available suggests much is possible for precisely investigating, manipulating, and targeting the mechanisms of cancer across the full spectrum of research and clinical care. NCI has played a key role among federal R&D agencies in recognizing early the value of nanobiotechnology in medicine and committing to its development as well as providing training support for new investigators in the field. These investments have allowed many in the research community to pursue breakthrough capabilities that have already yielded broad benefits. Presented here is an overview of how NCI has made these investments with some consideration of how it will continue to work with this research community to pursue paradigm‐changing innovations that offer relief from the burdens of cancer. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2015, 7:251–265. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1318

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vitro Nanoparticle-Based Sensing

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
The preference and practice of Nigerian obstetricians regarding focused versus standard models of prenatal care
Authors: Ezeonu Paul O. , Lawani Lucky O. , Iyoke Chukwuemeka A. , Eze Justus N. , Onoh Robinson C. , Anozie Okechukwu B.
Published: November 2014

Objective

To determine preferences, practices, and acceptance of focused versus standard prenatal‐care models among Nigerian obstetricians.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was performed among clinicians who attended a conference held in Lagos, Nigeria, between November 27 and 29, 2013. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics and opinions on prenatal care.

Results

A total of 201 delegates returned complete questionnaires. All respondents were aware of both models of prenatal care. Although 70 (34.8%) respondents stated a preference for focused care, only 6 (3.0%) used this model in clinical practice. The main reason for their preference was the evidence base (23.4%). Overall, 185 (92.0%) respondents stated institutional protocol determined preference for and practice of standard care, 108 (53.7%) believed patients preferred standard care, and 89 (44.3%) felt standard care had health benefits. Preference for one model over the other was significantly associated with type and level of the healthcare practice (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). Modification of the focused model to meet local, national, and cultural needs was recommended by 171 (85.1%) respondents.

Conclusion

Most obstetricians are skeptical about focused prenatal care and have not embraced this model owing to personal, institutional, and sociocultural factors.
The dynamics of breaking internal solitary waves on slopes
Authors: Arthur Robert S. , Fringer Oliver B.
Published: November 2014

Using direct numerical simulations (DNS), we investigate the structure and energetics of breaking internal waves on slopes. We employ a Navier–Stokes code in an idealized three-dimensional domain where an internal solitary wave of depression impinges upon a sloping bottom. Seven cases with varying initial wave amplitude and bathymetric slope, but constant wave Reynolds number $\mathit{Re}_{w}$ are considered. Volume-integrated values of dissipation and irreversible mixing are related to the density and velocity structure of the wave throughout the breaking process. The majority of dissipation (63 %) occurs along the no-slip bottom boundary. Most of the remaining dissipation (35 %) and nearly all irreversible mixing occurs in the interior after breaking, when density overturns are present at the interface. Breaking introduces three-dimensionality to the flow field that is driven by the lateral breakdown of density overturns and the lobe–cleft instability typical of gravity currents. The resulting longitudinal rolls (streamwise vorticity) increase dissipation by roughly 8 % and decrease irreversible mixing by roughly 20 % when compared with a similar two-dimensional simulation. The bulk mixing efficiency is shown to increase for larger and smaller values of the internal Iribarren number ${\it\xi}$, with a minimum for intermediate values of ${\it\xi}$ and a peak near ${\it\xi}=0.8$ for plunging breakers. This trend is explained by the degree of two-dimensionality in the flow, and agrees with previous results in the literature after accounting for Reynolds number effects. Local turbulence quantities are also calculated at ‘virtual moorings’, and a location upslope of the breakpoint but downslope of the intersection of the pycnocline and the bottom is shown to provide a signal that is most representative of the volume-integrated dissipation and mixing results.
Wearable cameras can reduce dietary under-reporting: doubly labelled water validation of a camera-assisted 24 h recall
Authors: Gemming Luke , Rush Elaine , Maddison Ralph , Doherty Aiden , Gant Nicholas , Utter Jennifer , Ni Mhurchu Cliona
Published: November 2014

Preliminary research has suggested that wearable cameras may reduce under-reporting of energy intake (EI) in self-reported dietary assessment. The aim of the present study was to test the validity of a wearable camera-assisted 24 h dietary recall against the doubly labelled water (DLW) technique. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was assessed over 15 d using the DLW protocol among forty adults (n20 males, age 35 (sd17) years, BMI 27 (sd4) kg/m2andn20 females, age 28 (sd7) years, BMI 22 (sd2) kg/m2). EI was assessed using three multiple-pass 24 h dietary recalls (MP24) on days 2–4, 8–10 and 13–15. On the days before each nutrition assessment, participants wore an automated wearable camera (SenseCam (SC)) in free-living conditions. The wearable camera images were viewed by the participants following the completion of the dietary recall, and their changes in self-reported intakes were recorded (MP24+SC). TEE and EI assessed by the MP24 and MP24+SC methods were compared. Among men, the MP24 and MP24+SC measures underestimated TEE by 17 and 9 %, respectively (P< 0·001 andP= 0·02). Among women, these measures underestimated TEE by 13 and 7 %, respectively (P< 0·001 andP= 0·004). The assistance of the wearable camera (MP24+SC) reduced the magnitude of under-reporting by 8 % for men and 6 % for women compared with the MP24 alone (P< 0·001 andP< 0·001). The increase in EI was predominantly from the addition of 265 unreported foods (often snacks) as revealed by the participants during the image review. Wearable cameras enhance the accuracy of self-report by providing passive and objective information regarding dietary intake. High-definition image sensors and increased imaging frequency may improve the accuracy further.
Institutions for the Anthropocene: Governance in a Changing Earth System
Authors: Dryzek John S.
Published: November 2014

The unusually stable Earth system of the Holocene epoch of the past 10,000 years, in which human civilization arose, is yielding to a more dynamic and unstable Anthropocene epoch driven by human practices. The consequences for key institutions, such as states, markets and global governance, are profound. Path dependency in institutions complicit in destabilizing the Earth system constrains response to this emerging epoch. Institutional analysis highlights reflexivity as the antidote to problematic path dependency. A more ecological discourse stresses resilience, foresight and state shifts in the Earth system. Ecosystemic reflexivity can be located as the first virtue of political institutions in the Anthropocene. Undermining all normative institutional models, this analysis enables re-thinking of political institutions in dynamic social-ecological terms.
REVISITING MOUNT TAYGETOS: THE SANCTUARY OF ARTEMIS LIMNATIS
Authors: Koursoumis Socrates
Published: November 2014

The story of the borderline sanctuary of Artemis Limnatis forms an integral part of the history of ancient Laconia and Messenia. Since the discovery of the Volimnos inscriptions in 1835, many scholars have entered the still-continuing debate concerning the sanctuary's location, history and significance. In this article the available evidence for the Limnatis cult and history is presented and thoroughly discussed: the small finds, currently kept in the Kalamata Archaeological Museum, the inscriptions of the Kapsocherovoloussa chapel, the scatteredspoliaat Volimnos and their possible association with architectural structures of the sanctuary, the topography of the area in accordance withInscriptiones GraecaeV,1 1431 (Kolbe 1913, no. 1431) and the attested boundary stones discovered in an extensive survey along the ridge of Mount Taygetos, and finally the origin and nature of the Limnatis cult. This discussion is expected to further illuminate issues still unresolved, offering a chance to re-evaluate generally accepted arguments.
International Network of Twin Registries (INTR): Building a Platform for International Collaboration
Authors: Buchwald Dedra , Kaprio Jaakko , Hopper John L. , Sung Joohon , Goldberg Jack , Fortier Isabel , Busjhan Andreas , Sumathipala Athula , Cozen Wendy , Mack Thomas , Craig Jeffrey M. , Harris Jennifer R.
Published: November 2014

The International Network of Twin Registries (INTR) aims to foster scientific collaboration and promote twin research on a global scale by working to expand the resources of twin registries around the world and make them available to researchers who adhere to established guidelines for international collaboration. Our vision is to create an unprecedented scientific network of twin registries that will advance knowledge in ways that are impossible for individual registries, and includes the harmonization of data. INTR will also promote a broad range of activities, including the development of a website, formulation of data harmonization protocols, creation of a library of software tools for twin studies, design of a search engine to identify research partners, establishment of searchable inventories of data and biospecimens, development of templates for informed consent and data sharing, organization of symposia at International Society of Twin Studies conferences, support for scholar exchanges, and writing grant proposals.
Modulation of A1 and A2B adenosine receptor activity: a new strategy to sensitise glioblastoma stem cells to chemotherapy
Authors: Daniele S , Zappelli E , Natali L , Martini C , Trincavelli M L
Published: November 2014

Therapies that target the signal transduction and biological characteristics of cancer stem cells (CSCs) are innovative strategies that are used in combination with conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy to effectively reduce the recurrence and significantly improve the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The two main strategies that are currently being exploited to eradicate CSCs are (a) chemotherapeutic regimens that specifically drive CSCs toward cell death and (b) those that promote the differentiation of CSCs, thereby depleting the tumour reservoir. Extracellular purines, particularly adenosine triphosphate, have been implicated in the regulation of CSC formation, but currently, no data on the role of adenosine and its receptors in the biological processes of CSCs are available. In this study, we investigated the role of adenosine receptor (AR) subtypes in the survival and differentiation of CSCs isolated from human GBM cells. Stimulation of A1AR and A2BAR had a prominent anti-proliferative/pro-apoptotic effect on the CSCs. Notably, an A1AR agonist also promoted the differentiation of CSCs toward a glial phenotype. The differential effects of the two AR agonists on the survival and/or differentiation of CSCs may be ascribed to their distinct regulation of the kinetics of ERK/AKT phosphorylation and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factors. Most importantly, the AR agonists sensitised CSCs to the genotoxic activity of temozolomide (TMZ) and prolonged its effects, most likely through different mechanisms, are as follows: (i) by A2BAR potentiating the pro-apoptotic effects of TMZ and (ii) by A1AR driving cells toward a differentiated phenotype that is more sensitive to TMZ. Taken together, the results of this study suggested that the purinergic system is a novel target for a stem cell-oriented therapy that could reduce the recurrence of GBM and improve the survival rate of GBM patients.
ROS inhibit autophagy by downregulating ULK1 mediated by the phosphorylation of p53 in selenite-treated NB4 cells
Authors: Ci Y , Shi K , An J , Yang Y , Hui K , Wu P , Shi L , Xu C
Published: November 2014

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have an important role in regulating various cellular processes. Our previous study confirmed that selenite, an anti-tumour agent, triggered apoptosis through the production of ROS in multiple types of cancer cells. In this study, we discovered that ROS also inhibited protective autophagy by decreasing the expression of ULK1, an initiator of autophagy, in selenite-treated NB4 cells. Further experiments demonstrated that p-p53 (S392), a phosphorylation event promoted by p70S6K, bound to the promoter of ULK1 and modulated its expression. Experiments in a mouse tumour model with NB4 cells provided in vivo confirmation of the alterations in the p70S6K/p53/ULK1 axis. Collectively, our results show that ROS inhibited autophagy by downregulating the p70S6K/p53/ULK1 axis in selenite-treated NB4 cells.
Inhibition of phosphodiesterase 5 reduces bone mass by suppression of canonical Wnt signaling
Authors: Gong Y , Xu C Y , Wang J R , Hu X H , Hong D , Ji X , Shi W , Chen H X , Wang H B , Wu X M
Published: November 2014

Inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) are widely used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension in clinics. PDE5, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and protein kinase G (PKG) are important components of the non-canonical Wnt signaling. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PDE5 inhibition on canonical Wnt signaling and osteoblastogenesis, using both in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal models. In the in vitro experiments, PDE5 inhibition resulted in activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase 2 and consequent inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3β phosphorylation, destabilization of cytosolic β-catenin and the ultimate suppression of canonical Wnt signaling and reduced osteoblastic differentiation in HEK293T and C3H10T1/2 cells. In animal experiments, systemic inhibition of PDE5 suppressed the activity of canonical Wnt signaling and osteoblastogenesis in bone marrow-derived stromal cells, resulting in the reduction of bone mass in wild-type adult C57B/6 mice, significantly attenuated secreted Frizzled-related protein-1 (SFRP1) deletion-induced activation of canonical Wnt signaling and excessive bone growth in adult SFRP1−/− mice. Together, these results uncover a hitherto uncharacterized role of PDE5/cGMP/PKG signaling in bone homeostasis and provide the evidence that long-term treatment with PDE5 inhibitors at a high dosage may potentially cause bone catabolism.
Long non-coding RNA-mediated transcriptional interference of a permease gene confers drug tolerance in fission yeast
Authors: Ard Ryan , Tong Pin , Allshire Robin C.
Published: November 2014

Most long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) encoded by eukaryotic genomes remain uncharacterized. Here we focus on a set of intergenic lncRNAs in fission yeast. Deleting one of these lncRNAs exhibited a clear phenotype: drug sensitivity. Detailed analyses of the affected locus revealed that transcription of the nc-tgp1 lncRNA regulates drug tolerance by repressing the adjacent phosphate-responsive permease gene transporter for glycerophosphodiester 1 (tgp1+). We demonstrate that the act of transcribing nc-tgp1 over the tgp1+ promoter increases nucleosome density, prevents transcription factor access and thus represses tgp1+ without the need for RNA interference or heterochromatin components. We therefore conclude that tgp1+ is regulated by transcriptional interference. Accordingly, decreased nc-tgp1 transcription permits tgp1+ expression upon phosphate starvation. Furthermore, nc-tgp1 loss induces tgp1+ even in repressive conditions. Notably, drug sensitivity results directly from tgp1+ expression in the absence of the nc-tgp1 RNA. Thus, transcription of an lncRNA governs drug tolerance in fission yeast.