bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of diabetes mellitus and BMI in the surgical treatment of ankle fractures
Authors: Lanzetti Riccardo Maria , Lupariello Domenico , Venditto Teresa , Guzzini Matteo , Ponzo Antonio , De Carli Angelo , Ferretti Andrea
Published: October 2017

Background

Open reduction and internal fixation is the standard treatment for displaced ankle fractures. However, the presence of comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus and body mass index (BMI) are associated with poor bone quality, and these factors may predict the development of postoperative complications.

The study aim was to assess the role of diabetes mellitus and BMI in wound healing in patients younger than 65 years who were surgically treated for malleoli fractures.

Methods

Ninety patients, aged from 18 to 65 years old, with surgically treated ankle fracture, were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were classified in two groups: patient with diabetes and patients without diabetes (insulin‐dependent and noninsulin dependent). All patients were assessed for wound complications, Visual Analogue Scale and Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) were assessed for all patients. Logistic regression was used to identify the risk of wound complications after surgery using the following factors as explanatory variables: age, gender, duration of surgery, BMI, hypercholesterolemia, smoking history, diabetes mellitus, and high blood pressure.

Results

In total, 38.9% of patients showed wound complications. Of them, 17.1% were nondiabetics and 82.9% were diabetics. We observed a significant association between DM and wound complications after surgery (P = .005).

Logistic regression analysis revealed that DM (P < .001) and BMI (P = .03) were associated with wound complications. The odds of having a postoperative wound complication were increased 0.16 times in the presence of diabetes and 1.14 times for increasing BMI.

Conclusion

This study showed that diabetes mellitus and higher BMI delay the wound healing and increase the complication rate in young adult patients with surgically treated bimalleolar fractures.
Sonic hedgehog antagonists reduce size and alter patterning of the frog inner ear
Authors: Zarei Sanam , Zarei Kasra , Fritzsch Bernd , Elliott Karen L.
Published: October 2017

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling plays a major role in vertebrate development, from regulation of proliferation to the patterning of various organs. In amniotes, Shh affects dorsoventral patterning in the inner ear but affects anteroposterior patterning in teleost ears. It remains unknown how altered function of Shh relates to morphogenetic changes that coincide with the evolution of limbs and novel auditory organs in the ear. In this study, we used the tetrapod, Xenopus laevis, to test how increasing concentrations of the Shh signal pathway antagonist, Vismodegib, affects ear development. Vismodegib treatment dose dependently alters the development of the ear, hypaxial muscle, and indirectly the Mauthner cell through its interaction with the inner ear afferents. Together, these phenotypes have an effect on escape response. The altered Mauthner cell likely contributes to the increased time to respond to a stimulus. In addition, the increased hypaxial muscle in the trunk likely contributes to the subtle change in animal C‐start flexion angle. In the ear, Vismodegib treatment results in decreasing segregation between the gravistatic sensory epithelia as the concentration of Vismodegib increases. Furthermore, at higher doses, there is a loss of the horizontal canal but no enantiomorphic transformation, as in bony fish lacking Shh. Like in amniotes, Shh signaling in frogs affects dorsoventral patterning in the ear, suggesting that auditory sensory evolution in sarcopterygians/tetrapods evolved with a shift of Shh function in axis specification. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 1385–1400, 2017
Does cardiac resynchronization therapy restore peripheral circulatory homeostasis?
Authors: Ajaero Chukwudiebube N. , Chong Cher‐Rin , Procter Nathan E.K. , Liu Saifei , Chirkov Yuliy Y. , Heresztyn Tamila , Chan Wai Ping Alicia , Arstall Margaret A. , McGavigan Andrew D. , Frenneaux Michael P. , Horowitz John D.
Published: October 2017

Aims

To evaluate whether peripheral circulatory ‘remodelling’ as measured by changes in vascular compliance and in markers of nitric oxide signalling contributes to patient response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Methods and results

Effects of CRT were evaluated in 33 patients pre‐procedure and 6 months post‐procedure. Peak oxygen consumption, 6 min walk distance, New York Heart Association class, and quality of life score were evaluated. Augmentation index and its interactions with nitric oxide (NO) were evaluated by applanation tonometry. Platelet NO responsiveness and content of thioredoxin‐interacting protein were assessed. Plasma concentrations of N‐terminal proBNP, asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), high sensitivity C‐reactive protein, catecholamines, and matrix metalloproteinases‐2 and ‐9 were assessed. Despite significant improvement in 6 min walk distance (P = 0.005), New York Heart Association class (P < 0.001), quality of life (P = 0.001), and all echocardiographic parameters post‐CRT, there were no significant changes in augmentation index measurements, thioredoxin‐interacting protein content, and platelet NO response. Significant falls in N‐terminal proBNP (P = 0.008) and SDMA (P = 0.013; independent of renal function) occurred. Falls in SDMA predicted reduction in high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (P = 0.04) and increases in peak oxygen consumption (P = 0.04). There were no correlations between changes in echocardiographic parameters and those in vascular function.

Conclusions

These data suggest that the beneficial effects of CRT over 6 months are independent of any change in peripheral NO‐related signalling. However, there is evidence that suppression of inflammation occurs, and its magnitude predicts extent of clinical improvement.
Synthesis and Oxidation of Internally Chlorinated Carbachlorins
Authors: Li Daming , Lash Timothy D.
Published: October 2017

Chlorinated cyclohexene and cyclopentene dialdehydes, which can be prepared in one step from cyclohexanone or cyclopentanone, were condensed with a tripyrrane in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid and oxidized with DDQ to afford modest yields of internally halogenated carbachlorin‐type products. The new macrocycles retained strongly aromatic properties and gave UV/Vis spectra with intense Soret bands near 400 nm and moderately strong chlorin‐like absorptions at approximately 660 nm. Attempts to further oxidize a 21‐chlorocarbachlorin with DDQ in refluxing toluene gave a dehalogenated carbaporphyrin and two externally chlorinated products.
Design of a Chiral Ionic Liquid System for the Enantioselective Addition of Diethylzinc to Aldehydes
Authors: Ferrari Bach Mariana , Herzer Griebeler Cassiana , Gross Jacoby Caroline , Schneider Paulo Henrique
Published: October 2017

An important contribution to the field of asymmetric catalysis is described in this work, as it merges the search for new ligands that can provide high performance in asymmetric catalysis with the extremely important and increasing need for sustainability. New chiral ionic liquids have been synthesised from the amino acid l‐cysteine by straightforward routes. With these ligands, we have developed a chiral ionic system that includes chiral ionic liquids and their immobilisation in ionic solvents to provide a chiral supramolecular structure. These new catalytic systems were used in the enantioselective addition of alkylzinc to aldehydes and proved to be very efficient, capable of providing chiral secondary alcohols in excellent enantiomeric excesses and yields. This system also enabled the recycling of the ionic media and the ionic ligand, taking into account green chemistry considerations.
Development of short‐range white matter in healthy children and adolescents
Authors: Oyefiade Adeoye A. , Ameis Stephanie , Lerch Jason P. , Rockel Conrad , Szulc Kamila U. , Scantlebury Nadia , Decker Alexandra , Jefferson Jaleel , Spichak Simon , Mabbott Donald J.
Published: October 2017

Neural communication is facilitated by intricate networks of white matter (WM) comprised of both long and short range connections. The maturation of long range WM connections has been extensively characterized, with projection, commissural, and association tracts showing unique trajectories with age. There, however, remains a limited understanding of age‐related changes occurring within short range WM connections, orU‐fibers. These connections are important for local connectivity within lobes and facilitate regional cortical function and greater network economy. Recent studies have explored the maturation of U‐fibers primarily using cross‐sectional study designs. Here, we analyzed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data for healthy children and adolescents in both a cross‐sectional (n = 78; mean age = 13.04 ± 3.27 years) and a primarily longitudinal (n = 26; mean age = 10.78 ± 2.69 years) cohort. We found significant age‐related differences in fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD) and radial diffusivity (RD) across the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes of participants within the cross‐sectional cohort. By contrast, we report significant age‐related differences in only FA for participants within the longitudinal cohort. Specifically, larger FA values were observed with age in frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes of the left hemisphere. Our results extend previous findings restricted to long range WM to demonstrate regional changes in the microstructure of short range WM during childhood and adolescence. These changes possibly reflect continued myelination and axonal organization of short range WM with increasing age in more anterior regions of the left hemisphere.Hum Brain Mapp 39:204–217, 2018. ©2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new cyclic telluride. Synthesis and reactions of 1,3,5,6,7,8‐hexahydronaphtho[2,3‐c]tellurophene
Authors: Al‐Rubaie Ali Z. , Yosif Majeed Y. , Asker Kahtan A.
Published: October 2017

Reaction of 6,7‐bis(chloromethyl)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydronaphthalene with tellurium powder and potassium iodide in 2‐butoxyethanol gave 2,2‐diiodo‐1,3,5,6,7,8‐hexahydro‐naphtho[2,3‐c]tellurophene(1) as a red‐orange solid in 40% yield. Reduction of 1 with hydrazine hydrate gave a pale yellow solid of 1,3,5,6,7,8‐hexahydronaphtho[2,3‐c]telluro‐phene(2) in 80% yield. Chlorination, bromination of 2 and its reaction with benzyl bromide and N‐bromosuccinimide were reported. 2,2‐Bis(dimethyldithiocarbamato)‐, 2,2‐bis (diethyldithiocarbamato)‐ and 2,2‐bis(piperidine‐1‐carbodithioate)‐1,3,5,6,7,8‐hexahydro‐naphtho[2,3‐c]tellurophene were prepared by the reaction of the corresponding sodium dithiocarbamate salt with 1. Mononuclear platinum complex (ie, [(C12H14Te)2PtCl2]) was obtained by the reaction of 2 with K2PtCl4. Reaction of 6,7‐bis(chloromethyl)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydronaphthalene with KTeCN in DMSO solution gave 2,2‐dihydroxo‐1,3,5,6,7,8‐hexahydronaphtho[2,3‐c]tellurophene (11) as a white solid in 55% yield. All these new compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H, and 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopic data.
Thiazoles in glycosylation reactions: Novel synthesis of thiazole thioglycosides
Authors: Abu‐Zaied Mamdouh A. , Elgemeie Galal H.
Published: October 2017

This research reports a novel method for synthesizing new thiazole thioglycosides. This series of thiazole thioglycosides were designed by the reaction of potassium cyanocarbonimidodithioate 2 with benzoyl acetonitrile 3a and ethyl bromoacetate 3b in the presence of ethanol‐KOH to give the corresponding potassium 4‐amino‐5‐substituted‐thiazole‐2‐thiolates 4a,b. The latter compounds were treated with peracetylated sugar bromides 6a,b in DMF to give high yields of the corresponding thiazole thioglycosides 7a‐d. Treatment of thiazole salts 4a,b with hydrochloric acid gave the corresponding 3‐mercaptothiazole derivatives 5a,b. The latter compounds were reacted with peracetylated sugars 6 in sodium hydride in DMF to produce the S‐glycosyl compounds 7a‐d. Ammonolysis of the protected thiazole thioglycosides 6a‐h gave the corresponding free thiazole thioglycosides 8a‐d. The compounds have been characterized by 13C NMR, 1H NMR, and IR.
Step-by-step calculation and spreadsheet tools for predicting stressor levels that extirpate genera and species
Authors: Cormier Susan M , Zheng Lei , Leppo Erik W , Hamilton Andrew
Published: October 2017

In 2011, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) released a field-based method for estimating the extirpation of freshwater aquatic benthic invertebrates by ionic mixtures dominated by HCO3−, SO42−, and Ca2+ measured as specific conductivity (SC). The estimate of extirpation was SC at the 95th centile (XC95) of a weighted cumulative frequency distribution (CFD) of a genus or species over a range of SC. A CFD of XC95 values was used to predict the SC at which 5% of genera were likely to be extirpated. Because there are many uses for XC95 values and many data sets that could be analyzed using this method, we laid out a step-by-step method for calculating XC95 values and the stressor level that predicts a 5% extirpation of genera (HC05). Although the calculations can be done with a handheld calculator, we developed 2 downloadable Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet calculation tools that are easy to use to calculate XC95 values, to plot a taxon's XC95 cumulative frequency distribution with increasing SC, and to plot probabilities of observing a taxon at a particular SC. They also plot cumulative frequency distributions of XC95 values and calculate HC05 values. In addition to the tools, we share an example and the output of XC95 values for 176 distinct aquatic benthic invertebrates in Appalachia, in West Virginia, USA. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:174–180. © 2017 SETAC

Key Points

Two downloadable Excel® Biological Extirpation Analysis Tools are described. The tools estimate extirpation concentrations (XC95) and 5% extirpation of assemblage (HC05). We provide access to example calculations, output XC95 values, biogeographical maps, and data sets. We discuss some limitations to help avoid misinterpretations and inferential errors.
Annexin A1, Annexin A2, and Dyrk 1B are upregulated during GAS1‐induced cell cycle arrest
Authors: Pérez‐Sánchez Gilberto , Jiménez Adriana , Quezada‐Ramírez Marco A. , Estudillo Enrique , Ayala‐Sarmiento Alberto E. , Mendoza‐Hernández Guillermo , Hernández‐Soto Justino , Hernández‐Hernández Fidel C. , Cázares‐Raga Febe E. , Segovia Jose
Published: October 2017

GAS1 is a pleiotropic protein that has been investigated because of its ability to induce cell proliferation, cell arrest, and apoptosis, depending on the cellular or the physiological context in which it is expressed. At this point, we have information about the molecular mechanisms by which GAS1 induces proliferation and apoptosis; but very few studies have been focused on elucidating the mechanisms by which GAS1 induces cell arrest. With the aim of expanding our knowledge on this subject, we first focused our research on finding proteins that were preferentially expressed in cells arrested by serum deprivation. By using a proteomics approach and mass spectrometry analysis, we identified 17 proteins in the 2‐DE protein profile of serum deprived NIH3T3 cells. Among them, Annexin A1 (Anxa1), Annexin A2 (Anxa2), dual specificity tyrosine‐phosphorylation‐regulated kinase 1B (Dyrk1B), and Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3, F (eIf3f) were upregulated at transcriptional the level in proliferative NIH3T3 cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that Anxa1, Anxa2, and Dyrk1b are upregulated at both the transcriptional and translational levels by the overexpression of GAS1. Thus, our results suggest that the upregulation of Anxa1, Anxa2, and Dyrk1b could be related to the ability of GAS1 to induce cell arrest and maintain cell viability. Finally, we provided further evidence showing that GAS1 through Dyrk 1B leads not only to the arrest of NIH3T3 cells but also maintains cell viability.
MiR‐145‐5p inhibits proliferation and inflammatory responses of RMC through regulating AKT/GSK pathway by targeting CXCL16
Authors: Wu Junbiao , He Yu , Luo Yining , Zhang Lei , Lin Hua , Liu Xusheng , Liu Bihao , Liang Chunling , Zhou Yuan , Zhou Jiuyao
Published: October 2017

The main pathological characteristics of chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) are diffuse mesangial cells proliferation and inflammatory responses. Our previous studies have confirmed that miR‐145‐5p was abnormally elevated in CGN rats, but its mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of miR‐145‐5p in regulation of renal mesangial cells proliferation and inflammatory responses. In vivo study, the cationic bovine serum albumin (C‐BSA)‐induced CGN rat model was established, and the content of miR‐145‐5p in renal was examined by qRT‐PCR, meanwhile, we also determined the renal function and inflammatory infiltrate. In vitro, the cell proliferation rate, cell cycle and inflammatory changes of rat mesangial cells (RMCs) were measured. Our results suggested that miR‐145‐5p extended the G0‐G1 phase, shortened S phase, inhibited cell proliferation and suppressed inflammatory responses in RMCs. Moreover, miR‐145‐5p inhibited CXCL16 protein expression through binding the 3′‐UTR of CXCL16, suppressed AKT/GSK signaling pathway, and decreased expression of inflammation related mRNAs, such as IL‐1α, IL‐2, IL‐6, and TNF‐α mRNAs. Further, locking CXCL16 alleviated inflammatory reactions and down‐regulated AKT/GSK pathway in RMCs. Above all, we concluded that miR‐145‐5p inhibited proliferation and inflammatory responses of RMCs through regulation of AKT/GSK pathway by targeting CXCL16.
Estrogen regulates stemness and senescence of bone marrow stromal cells to prevent osteoporosis via ERβ‐SATB2 pathway
Authors: Wu Geng , Xu Rongyao , Zhang Ping , Xiao Tao , Fu Yu , Zhang Yuchao , Du Yifei , Ye Jinhai , Cheng Jie , Jiang Hongbing
Published: October 2017

Decline of pluripotency in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) associated with estrogen deficiency leads to a bone formation defect in osteoporosis. Special AT‐rich sequence binding protein 2 (SATB2) is crucial for maintaining stemness and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. However, whether SATB2 is involved in estrogen‐deficiency associated‐osteoporosis is largely unknown. In this study, we found that estrogen mediated pluripotency and senescence of BMSCs, primarily through estrogen receptor beta (ERβ). BMSCs from the OVX rats displayed increased senescence and weaker SATB2 expression, stemness, and osteogenic differentiation, while estrogen could rescue these phenotypes. Inhibition of ERβ or ERα confirmed that SATB2 was associated with ERβ in estrogen‐mediated pluripotency and senescence of BMSCs. Furthermore, estrogen mediated the upregulation of SATB2 through the induction of ERβ binding to estrogen response elements (ERE) located at −488 of the SATB2 gene. SATB2 overexpression alleviated senescence and enhanced stemness and osteogenic differentiation of OVX‐BMSCs. SATB2‐modified BMSCs transplantation could prevent trabecular bone loss in an ovariectomized rat model. Collectively, our study revealed the role of SATB2 in stemness, senescence, and osteogenesis of OVX‐BMSCs. These results indicate that estrogen prevents osteoporosis by promoting stemness and osteogenesis, and inhibiting senescence of BMSCs through an ERβ‐SATB2 pathway. Therefore, SATB2 is a novel anti‐osteoporosis target gene.
Synergistic effect of HIF‐1α and FoxO3a trigger cardiomyocyte apoptosis under hyperglycemic ischemia condition
Authors: Chen Ya‐Fang , Pandey Sudhir , Day Cecilia Hsuan , Chen Yu‐Feng , Jiang Ai‐Zhi , Ho Tsung‐Jung , Chen Ray‐Jade , Padma Vijaya V. , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: October 2017

Cardiomyocyte death is an important pathogenic feature of ischemia and heart failure. Through this study, we showed the synergistic role of HIF‐1α and FoxO3a in cardiomyocyte apoptosis subjected to hypoxia plus elevated glucose levels. Using gene specific small interfering RNAs (siRNA), semi‐quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), Western blot, immunofluorescence, nuclear and cytosolic localization and TUNEL assay techniques, we determined that combined function of HIF‐1α and FoxO3a under high glucose plus hypoxia condition lead to enhanced expression of BNIP3 inducing cardiomyocyte death. Our results highlighted the importance of the synergistic role of HIF‐1α and FoxO3a in cardiomyocyte death which may add insight into therapeutic approaches to pathophysiology associated with ischemic diabetic cardiomyopathies.
Novel nanohydrogel of hyaluronic acid loaded with quercetin alone and in combination with temozolomide as new therapeutic tool, CD44 targeted based, of glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Barbarisi Manlio , Iaffaioli Rosario V. , Armenia Emilia , Schiavo Luigi , De Sena Gabriele , Tafuto Salvatore , Barbarisi Alfonso , Quagliariello Vincenzo
Published: October 2017

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common and aggressive primary brain cancer with only ∼3% of patients surviving more than 3 years from diagnosis. Several mechanisms are involved in drug and radiation resistance to anticancer treatments and among them one of the most important factors is the tumor microenvironment status, characterized by cancer cell hypersecretion of interleukins and cytokines. The aim of our research was the synthesis of a nanocarrier of quercetin combined with temozolomide, to enhance the specificity and efficacy of this anticancer drug commonly used in glioblastoma treatment. The nanohydrogel increased the internalization and cytotoxicity of quercetin in human glioblastoma cells and, when co‐delivered with temozolomide, contribute to an improved anticancer effect. The nanohydrogel loaded with quercetin had the ability to recognize CD44 receptor, a brain cancer cell marker, through an energy and caveolae dependent mechanism of internalization. Moreover, nanohydrogel of quercetin was able to reduce significantly IL‐8, IL‐6, and VEGF production in pro‐inflammatory conditions with interesting implications on the mechanism of glioblastoma cells drug resistance. In summary, novel CD44 targeted polymeric based nanocarriers appear to be proficient in mediating site‐specific delivery of quercetin via CD44 receptor in glioblastoma cells. This targeted therapy lead to an improved therapeutic efficacy of temozolomide by modulating the brain tumor microenvironment.
microRNA expression in the neural retina: Focus on Müller glia
Authors: Quintero Heberto , Lamas Mónica
Published: October 2017

The neural retina hosts a unique specialized type of macroglial cell that not only preserves retinal homeostasis, function, and integrity but also may serve as a source of new neurons during regenerative processes: the Müller cell. Precise microRNA‐driven mechanisms of gene regulation impel and direct the processes of Müller glia lineage acquisition from retinal progenitors during development, the triggering of their response to retinal degeneration and, in some cases, Müller cell reprogramming and regenerative events. In this review we survey the recent reports describing, through functional assays, the regulatory role of microRNAs in Müller cell physiology, differentiation potential, and retinal pathology. We discuss also the evidence based on expression analysis that points out the relevance of a Müller glia–specific microRNA signature that would orchestrate these processes.
Preservation of Ceriporiopsis subvermispora and Lentinula edodes treated wheat straw under anaerobic conditions
Authors: Mao Lei , Sonnenberg Anton S M , Hendriks Wouter H , Cone John W
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

No attention has been paid so far to the preservation of fungal‐treated lignocellulose for longer periods. In the present study, we treated wheat straw (WS) with the white‐rot fungi Ceriporiopsis subvermispora and Lentinula edodes for 8 weeks and assessed changes in pH, chemical composition and in vitro gas production (IVGP) weekly. Fungal‐treated WS was also stored for 64 days ‘as is’, with the addition of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) or with a combination of LAB and molasses in airtight glass jars mimicking ensiling conditions.

RESULTS

Both fungi significantly reduced the lignin and hemicellulose content of WS, and increased the cellulose content. The IVGP increased with increasing time of incubation, indicating the increase in digestibility. Both fungi lowered the pH of WS under 4.3, which guarantees an initial and stable low pH during anaerobic storage. Minor changes in fibre composition and IVGP were observed for stored L. edodes treated WS, whereas no change occurred for C. subvermispora.

CONCLUSION

It is possible to conserve C. subvermispora and L. edodes treated straw under anaerobic condition without additives up to 64 days. This finding is important for practical application to supply fungi‐treated feed to ruminant animals for a prolonged period. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Mycoflora assessment, growth and toxigenic features of patulin‐producers in kiwifruit in China
Authors: Wang Yuan , Feng Kewei , Liu Bin , Zhang Zhiwei , Wei Jianping , Yuan Yahong , Yue Tianli
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Fungal development in agricultural products may cause mycotoxin contamination, which is a significant threat to food safety. Patulin (PAT) and PAT‐producer contamination has been established as a worldwide problem. The present study aimed to investigate the mycoflora and PAT‐producers present in kiwifruits and environmental samples collected from orchards and processing plants in Shaanxi Province, China.

RESULTS

Variations in mycoflora were observed in different samples, with penicillia and aspergilli as the predominant genera. Approximately 42.86% of dropped fruits were contaminated with PAT‐producers, which harbored the 6‐methylsalicylic acid synthase and the isoepoxydon dehydrogenase genes that are involved in PAT biosynthesis. The growth of Penicillium expansum, Penicillium griseofulvum and Penicillium paneum in kiwi puree agar (KPA) medium and kiwi juice well fitted the modified Gompertz and Baranyi and Roberts models (R2 ≥ 0.95). A significant positive correlation between colony diameter and PAT content in KPA medium of P. expansum and P. griseofulvum was observed (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study analyzed the mycofloral composition and the potential risk for PAT and PAT‐producer contamination in kiwifruit, which may be utilized in the establishment of proper management practices in the kiwifruit industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of a LYSO‐based Compton camera for prompt gamma range verification in proton therapy
Authors: Jan Meei‐Ling , Hsiao Ing‐Tsung , Huang Hsuan‐Ming
Published: October 2017

Purpose

A Compton camera (CC), which measures prompt gammas (PGs) emitted during proton therapy, is a potentially useful imaging device for proton range verification. The aim of this study was to evaluate how well the reconstructed PG images obtained from various two‐stage CC configurations reproduce the distal falloff of the PG emission.

Methods

We conducted Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate different two‐stage CCs positioned orthogonal to a proton pencil beam irradiating a water phantom. The results were compared with those obtained for a three‐stage CC. In particular, all detectors were made of lutetium–yttrium orthosilicate (LYSO) crystals.

Results

We found that: (a) the position resolution of the detector led to more uncertainty in predicting the depth of maximum emission and distal falloff positions than did the energy resolution of the detector; (b) reducing the thickness of the absorber detector reduces the effect of position resolution on the quality of reconstructed images and improves falloff position estimates; (c) incomplete absorption of PGs can be filtered by restricting incident gamma energies to known PG energy spectral peaks; and (d) there is greater bias and less accuracy in predicting distal falloff positions with the three‐stage CC compared with the two‐stage CC.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility of using various CC designs and event selection methods to improve the imaging of PG rays. In our designed two‐stage CCs, the thin LYSO‐based absorber can provide better predictions of the distal falloff positions than the thick one. Compared to three‐stage CCs, two‐stage CCs are less biased and provide more accurate range verification.
Reproducibility of CMRO2 determination using dynamic 17O MRI
Authors: Niesporek Sebastian C. , Umathum Reiner , Lommen Jonathan M. , Behl Nicolas G.R. , Paech Daniel , Bachert Peter , Ladd Mark E. , Nagel Armin M.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To assess the reproducibility of 17O MRI‐based determination of the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen consumption (CMRO2) in healthy volunteers. To assess the influence of image acquisition and reconstruction parameters on dynamic quantification of functional parameters such as CMRO2.

Methods

Dynamic 17O MRI data were simulated and used to investigate influences of temporal resolution (Δt) and partial volume correction (PVC) on the determination of CMRO2. Three healthy volunteers were examined in two separate examinations. In vivo 17O MRI measurements were conducted with a nominal spatial resolution of (7.5 mm)3 using a density‐adapted radial sequence with golden angle acquisition scheme. In each measurement, 4.0 ± 0.1 L of 70%‐enriched 17O gas were administered using a rebreathing system. Data were corrected with a PVC algorithm, and CMRO2 was determined in gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) compartments using a three‐phase metabolic model (baseline, 17O inhalation, decay phase).

Results

Comparison with the ground truth of simulations revealed improved CMRO2 determination after application of PVC and with Δt ≤ 2:00 min. Evaluation of in vivo data yields to CMRO2,GM = 2.31 ± 0.1 μmol/g/min and to CMRO2,WM = 0.69 ± 0.04 μmol/g/min with coefficients of variation (CoV) of 0.3–5.5% and 4.3–5.0% for intra‐volunteer and inter‐volunteer data, respectively.

Conclusion

This in vivo 17O inhalation study demonstrated that the proposed experimental setup enables reproducible determination of CMRO2 in healthy volunteers. Magn Reson Med 79:2923–2934, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Accelerated multicontrast volumetric imaging with isotropic resolution for improved peri‐infarct characterization using parallel imaging, low‐rank and spatially varying edge‐preserving sparse modeling
Authors: Zhang Li , Lai Peng , Pop Mihaela , Wright Graham A.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To achieve consistent effectiveness in reconstruction of fine image features for cases of varying contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) to facilitate translating accelerated multicontrast volumetric imaging with isotropic resolution toward clinical utility in peri‐infarct characterization.

Theory and Methods

A low‐rank and spatially varying edge‐preserving constrained compressed sensing parallel imaging reconstruction method (CP‐LASER) is developed to effectively preserve contrast of small‐scale structures for highly accelerated multicontrast volumetric imaging in CNR‐limited scenarios. CP‐LASER synergistically integrates parallel imaging, low‐rank and spatially varying edge‐preserving sparse modeling to achieve high signal‐to‐noise‐ratio efficiency by leveraging prior knowledge about signal properties including coil sensitivity weighting, spatiotemporally correlated signal relaxation, and spatially varying sparsity.

Results

In the preclinical study using highly accelerated multicontrast volumetric imaging with an isotropic 1.5‐mm resolution, CP‐LASER demonstrated robust multicontrast reconstruction of peri‐infarct characteristics with excellent correspondence with histopathology. CP‐LASER provides better delineation of the peri‐infarct border zone with improved sharpness than alternative methods in a clinical demonstration on 1.5T with an isotropic 2.2‐mm resolution achieved in a single breath‐hold.

Conclusion

Accelerated multicontrast volumetric imaging with isotropic resolution using CP‐LASER has demonstrated the potential to improve peri‐infarct characterization in a clinical setting. Magn Reson Med 79:3018–3031, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
4‐node unsymmetric quadrilateral membrane element with drilling DOFs insensitive to severe mesh‐distortion
Authors: Shang Yan , Ouyang Wengen
Published: October 2017

The unsymmetric finite element method is a promising technique to produce distortion‐immune finite elements. In this work, a simple but robust 4‐node 12‐DOF unsymmetric quadrilateral membrane element is formulated. The test function of this new element is determined by a concise isoparametric‐based displacement field that is enriched by the Allman‐type drilling degrees of freedom. Meanwhile, a rational stress field, instead of the displacement one in the original unsymmetric formulation, is directly adopted to be the element's trial function. This stress field is obtained based on the analytical solutions of the plane stress/strain problem and the quasi‐conforming technique. Thus, it can a priori satisfy related governing equations. Numerical tests show that the presented new unsymmetric element, named as US‐Q4θ, exhibits excellent capabilities in predicting results of both displacement and stress, in most cases, superior to other existing 4‐node element models. In particular, it can still work very well in severely distorted meshes even when the element shape deteriorates into concave quadrangle or degenerated triangle.
On stability and reflection‐transmission analysis of the bipenalty method in contact‐impact problems: A one‐dimensional, homogeneous case study
Authors: Kopačka Ján , Tkachuk Anton , Gabriel Dušan , Kolman Radek , Bischoff Manfred , Plešek Jiří
Published: October 2017

The stability and reflection‐transmission properties of the bipenalty method are studied in application to explicit finite element analysis of one‐dimensional contact‐impact problems. It is known that the standard penalty method, where an additional stiffness term corresponding to contact boundary conditions is applied, attacks the stability limit of finite element model. Generally, the critical time step size rapidly decreases with increasing penalty stiffness. Recent comprehensive studies have shown that the so‐called bipenalty technique, using mass penalty together with standard stiffness penalty, preserves the critical time step size associated to contact‐free bodies. In this paper, the influence of the penalty ratio (ratio of stiffness and mass penalty parameters) on stability and reflection‐transmission properties in one‐dimensional contact‐impact problems using the same material and mesh size for both domains is studied. The paper closes with numerical examples, which demonstrate the stability and reflection‐transmission behavior of the bipenalty method in one‐dimensional contact‐impact and wave propagation problems of homogeneous materials.
Topology optimization with multiple materials via moving morphable component (MMC) method
Authors: Zhang Weisheng , Song Junfu , Zhou Jianhua , Du Zongliang , Zhu Yichao , Sun Zhi , Guo Xu
Published: October 2017

With the fast development of additive manufacturing technology, topology optimization involving multiple materials has received ever increasing attention. Traditionally, this kind of optimization problem is solved within the implicit solution framework by using the Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization or level set method. This treatment, however, will inevitably lead to a large number of design variables especially when many types of materials are involved and 3‐dimensional (3D) problems are considered. This is because for each type of material, a corresponding density field/level function defined on the entire design domain must be introduced to describe its distribution. In the present paper, a novel approach for topology optimization with multiple materials is established based on the Moving Morphable Component framework. With use of this approach, topology optimization problems with multiple materials can be solved with much less numbers of design variables and degrees of freedom. Numerical examples provided demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Quantum chemistry benchmarking of binding and selectivity for lanthanide extractants
Authors: Vo Minh Nguyen , Bryantsev Vyacheslav S. , Johnson J. Karl , Keith John A.
Published: October 2017

Computer‐aided screening methods facilitate the discovery of new extractants for heavy and rare‐earth metal separations. In this work, we have benchmarked the accuracy of different quantum chemistry methods for calculating extractant binding energies and selectivities. Specifically, we compare calculated data from different exchange correlation functionals (B3LYP‐D3, ωB97X‐D3, and M06‐L) and different basis sets (including large‐core effective core potentials and all‐electron basis sets). We report aqueous‐phase binding energy and selectivity trends for 1:1 and 3:1 extractant/lanthanide models for the complexes. We find that binding selectivities are not particularly sensitive to model chemistry, but binding energies are sensitive. Furthermore, calculated trends in selectivity using 3:1 extractant/lanthanide models are in better agreement with available experimental trends than trends using 1:1 extractant/lanthanide models. Lastly, we find that the B3LYP‐D3/6‐31 + G* model chemistry with the Stuttgart large‐core relativistic effective core potentials on the lanthanide sufficiently reproduces results from larger basis set calculations and is confirmed as suitable for relatively fast and efficient screening of lanthanide binding energies and selectivities.
Morphological and Physicochemical Properties of Very Small Granules Starch from Agriophyllum squarrosum (L.) Moq. in Comparison with Maize Starch
Authors: Peng Jing , Wang Ye , Chen Guoxiong , Pan Leiqing , Tu Kang
Published: October 2017

Agriophyllum squarrosum (L.) Moq. (A. squarrosum) is an annual fast‐growing psammophyte, producing large amounts of starchy seeds. To assess the potential application of this starch and increase the utilization of its flour, the composition, morphological, thermal, pasting, rheological, and textural properties of the starch are characterized by comparing with maize starch. The amylose content of the starch is 26.31%. Microscopy images reveal that the starch granules have a round shape and most of them are smaller than 1 µm in diameter. The X‐ray diffractogram exhibits a typical A‐type pattern, and the crystallinity is 36.75%. The gelatinization temperature and enthalpy are 64.26–77.60 °C and 14.29 J g−1, respectively. In contrast to maize starch, A. squarrosum starch has lower swelling power and solubility. RVA analysis shows a lower pasting viscosity and no break down at 95 °C. The starch has better cooking and shearing stability during heating and a lower tendency to retrograde during cooling and storage. Unique characteristics such as the extremely small size, and the excellent heating and shearing stability of the starch can contribute to special utilization in food or non‐food industries.
General equilibrium second-order hydrodynamic coefficients for free quantum fields
Authors: Buzzegoli M. , Grossi E. , Becattini F.
Published: October 2017

Abstract

We present a systematic calculation of the corrections of the stress-energy tensor and currents of the free boson and Dirac fields up to second order in thermal vorticity, which is relevant for relativistic hydrodynamics. These corrections are non-dissipative because they survive at general thermodynamic equilibrium with non vanishing mean values of the conserved generators of the Lorentz group, i.e. angular momenta and boosts. Their equilibrium nature makes it possible to express the relevant coefficients by means of correlators of the angular-momentum and boost operators with stress-energy tensor and current, thus making simpler to determine their so-called “Kubo formulae”. We show that, at least for free fields, the corrections are of quantum origin and we study several limiting cases and compare our results with previous calculations. We find that the axial current of the free Dirac field receives corrections proportional to the vorticity independently of the anomalous term.
Relationship Between Circulating Fatty Acids and Fatty Acid Ethanolamide Levels After a Single 2‐h Dietary Fat Feeding in Male Sprague–Dawley Rats
Authors: Olatinsu Anthonia O. , Sihag Jyoti , Jones Peter J. H.
Published: October 2017

Previous studies show that long term variations in dietary fat consumption impact circulating fatty acid ethanolamide (FAE) concentrations, however, few studies have investigated short term effects of dietary fat feeding on FAE levels. The trial's objective was to explore the effect of acute feeding of varying amounts of dietary n‐9 and n‐3 fatty acids on plasma and organ levels of FAE. Sixty‐four rats were assigned to four groups fed meals containing 40% of energy as either safflower oil (control), canola oil (CO), or DHA rich oil (DRO), each consumed as a bolus within a 2‐h window. Plasma and tissue FAE levels were measured at 3, 6, 12 and 24 h following the bolus. FAE profiles over time exhibited patterns that were specific both to FAE and to dietary fat type provided. At 3 h, plasma and liver OEA levels were higher (p < 0.05) in the 95% CO:5% DRO compared with other groups. At 12 h, plasma PEA levels were lower (p < 0.05) in the 50% CO:50% DRO group compared to the 95% CO group. Plasma DEA levels showed an increase (p < 0.05) only after 24 h of feeding. All four dietary groups manifested increased DEA levels in a dose‐dependent manner. Data demonstrate that a single meal feeding of diets with different ratios of fat types impacts tissue levels of FAE within a short time frame, which could further influence the physiological roles of FAE on appetite regulation and energy expenditure.
Traditional bullying and cyberbullying: Differences in emotional problems, and personality. Are cyberbullies more Machiavellians?
Authors: Resett Santiago , Gamez‐Guadix Manuel
Published: October 2017

Few studies have examined differences in emotional problems and personality of traditional bullies and cyberbullies. The present study aimed to determine whether those engaged in cyberbullying differ in emotional problems, and personality from those engage in traditional bullying perpetration. An Argentinean sample of 898 high school students was recruited (56% female; mean age = 15.2 SD = 1.6). Adolescents completed measures of traditional bullying, cyberbullying, self‐esteem, anxiety, depression, and personality. A 6% were traditional bullies; 8%, cyberbullies; and 4% were involved in both forms; the remainders were non involved. Results indicated that cyberbullies showed less depression and anxiety than traditional bullies. Also, cyberbullies scored low in neuroticism and high in agreeableness compared to traditional bullies. The results suggest that cyberbullies are characterized by an emotional and personality profile different from traditional bullies. In the discussion we analyze the implications of these results.
Latent HIV-1 TAR Regulates 7SK-Responsive P-TEFb Target Genes and Targets Cellular Immune Responses in the Absence of Tat
Authors: Eilebrecht Sebastian , Benecke Bernd-Joachim , Benecke Arndt G.
Published: October 2017

The transactivating response element (TAR) structure of the nascent HIV-1 transcript is critically involved in the recruitment of inactive positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) to the promoter proximal paused RNA polymerase II. The viral transactivator Tat is responsible for subsequent P-TEFb activation in order to start efficient viral transcription elongation. In the absence of the viral transactivator of transcription (Tat), e.g., during latency or in early stages of HIV transcription, TAR mediates an interaction of P-TEFb with its inhibitor hexamethylene bis-acetamide-inducible protein 1 (HEXIM1), keeping P-TEFb in its inactive form. In this study, we address the function of HIV-1 TAR in the absence of Tat by analyzing consequences of HIV-1 TAR overexpression on host cellular gene expression. An RNA chimera consisting of Epstein-Barr virus-expressed RNA 2 (EBER2) and HIV-1 TAR was developed to assure robust overexpression of TAR in HEK293 cells. The overexpression results in differential expression of more than 800 human genes. A significant proportion of these genes is involved in the suppression of cellular immune responses, including a significant set of 7SK-responsive P-TEFb target genes. Our findings identify a novel role for HIV-1 TAR in the absence of Tat, involving the interference with host cellular immune responses by targeting 7SK RNA-mediated gene expression and P-TEFb inactivation.
Transient vimentin expression during the embryonic development of the chicken cerebellum
Authors: Kommata Vasiliki , Dermon Catherine R.
Published: October 2017

Complex morphogenetic events, critical for the development of normal cerebellum foliation and layering, are known to involve type III intermediate filament protein such as vimentin expressed by Bergmann glia. The present study aimed to determine aspects of intermediate and late embryonic pattern of vimentin expression during the corticogenesis of chicken cerebellum at embryonic days 10–19 (E10‐E19), using single and double immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence. Vimentin expression showed partial co‐localization with the glial markers GFAP and BLBP. Within cerebellar cortex, vimentin+ fibers were first found within lobules I and X (E10) and gradually extended to all folia (E15‐E17), located within the external granule (EGL) the molecular cell layer, showing a radial orientation towards the inner granular layer and the cerebellar white matter oriented longitudinally. Interestingly, within the immature fissures base of most lobules, vimentin+ fibers radiate in a fan shape. Short‐term BrdU experiments revealed that EGL cell proliferation was higher in the fissure base compared to folia apex. In addition, following 24‐h survival, BrdU+ cells were found in close association to vimentin+ fibers in the EGL pre‐migratory zone and within immature molecular layer. Paralleling cerebellum development, vimentin expression gradually extended to all folia sub‐regions (base, wall, apex), but, at day E19, it was mainly confined to the folia apex and secondary fissure base. Taken together our data further support the possible role of vimentin+ fibers in the structural events of cerebellum corticogenesis, suggesting the participation of radial/Bergmann glia in chicken cerebellum foliation, similarly to that described for mammalian cerebellum morphogenesis.