bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The First Photochromic Affinity Switch for the Human Cannabinoid Receptor 2
Authors: Dolles Dominik , Strasser Andrea , Wittmann Hans‐Joachim , Marinelli Oliviero , Nabissi Massimo , Pertwee Roger G. , Decker Michael
Published: February 2018

The hCB2R plays an important in the immune system and is centrally expressed in microglia. The hCB2R activated by agonists hold great therapeutic potential, e.g., in neuroinflammation. It is currently not yet elucidated how pathophysiological processes are mediated by the hCB2R. Here, photochromic affinity switches based on a drugable benzimidazole core through azologization and computational studies are developed. Structure‐activity relationships (SARs) lead to compounds with high selectivity over hCB1R that can be reversibly switched to a higher affinity cis‐form proved on the receptor level by radioligand binding studies and translating into an affinity change in a functional GTPγS assay. cAMP ELISA and the change in expression level of two genes regulated by CREB proves that the compounds act as partial agonists.
Emergent Pseudocapacitance of 2D Nanomaterials
Authors: Yu Xu , Yun Sol , Yeon Jeong Seok , Bhattacharya Pallab , Wang Libin , Lee Seung Woo , Hu Xianluo , Park Ho Seok
Published: February 2018

Two dimensional (2D) nanomaterials are very attractive due to their unique structural and surface features for energy storage applications. Motivated by the recent pioneering works demonstrating “the emergent pseudocapacitance of 2D nanomaterials,” the energy storage and nanoscience communities could revisit bulk layered materials though state‐of‐the‐art nanotechnology such as nanostructuring, nanoarchitecturing, and compositional control. However, no review has focused on the fundamentals, recent progress, and outlook on this new mechanism of 2D nanomaterials yet. In this study, the key aspects of emergent pseudocapacitors based on 2D nanomaterials are comprehensively reviewed, which covers the history, classification, thermodynamic and kinetic aspects, electrochemical characteristics, and design guidelines of materials for extrinsically surface redox and intercalation pseudocapacitors. The structural and compositional controls of graphene and other carbon nanosheets, transition metal oxides and hydroxides, transition metal dichalcogenides, and metal carbide/nitride on both microscopic and macroscopic levels will be particularly addressed, emphasizing the important results published since 2010. Finally, perspectives on the current impediments and future directions of this field are offered. Unlimited combinations and modifications of 2D nanomaterials can provide a rational strategy to overcome intrinsic limitations of existing materials, offering a new‐generation energy storage materials toward a high and new position in the Ragone plot.
Dental enamel defects predict adolescent health indicators: A cohort study among the Tsimane’ of Bolivia
Authors: Masterson Erin E. , Fitzpatrick Annette L. , Enquobahrie Daniel A. , Mancl Lloyd A. , Eisenberg Dan T. A. , Conde Esther , Hujoel Philippe P.
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Bioarchaeological findings have linked defective enamel formation in preadulthood with adult mortality. We investigated how defective enamel formation in infancy and childhood is associated with risk factors for adult morbidity and mortality in adolescents.

Methods

This cohort study of 349 Amerindian adolescents (10‐17 years of age) related extent of enamel defects on the central maxillary incisors (none, less than 1/3, 1/3 to 2/3, more than 2/3) to adolescent anthropometrics (height, weight) and biomarkers (hemoglobin, glycated hemoglobin, white blood cell count, and blood pressure). Risk differences and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using multiple linear regression. Enamel defects and stunted growth were compared in their ability to predict adolescent health indicators using log‐binomial regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROCs).

Results

Greater extent of defective enamel formation on the tooth surface was associated with shorter height (–1.35 cm, 95% CI: −2.17, −0.53), lower weight (−0.98 kg, 95% CI: −1.70, −0.26), lower hemoglobin (−0.36 g/dL, 95% CI: −0.59, −0.13), lower glycated hemoglobin (−0.04 %A1c, 95% CI: −0.08, −0.00008), and higher white blood cell count (0.74 109/L, 95% CI: 0.35, 1.14) in adolescence. Extent of enamel defects and stunted growth independently performed similarly as risk factors for adverse adolescent outcomes, including anemia, prediabetes/type II diabetes, elevated WBC count, prehypertension/hypertension, and metabolic health.

Conclusions

Defective enamel formation in infancy and childhood predicted adolescent health outcomes and may be primarily associated with infection. Extent of enamel defects and stunted growth may be equally predictive of adverse adolescent health outcomes.
Archaeogenetics of Late Iron Age Çemialo Sırtı, Batman: Investigating maternal genetic continuity in north Mesopotamia since the Neolithic
Authors: Yaka Reyhan , Birand Ayşegül , Yılmaz Yasemin , Caner Ceren , Açan Sinan Can , Gündüzalp Sidar , Parvizi Poorya , Erim Özdoğan Aslı , Togan İnci , Somel Mehmet
Published: February 2018

Objectives

North Mesopotamia has witnessed dramatic social change during the Holocene, but the impact of these events on its demographic history is poorly understood. Here, we study this question by analysing genetic data from the recently excavated Late Iron Age settlement of Çemialo Sırtı in Batman, southeast Turkey. Archaeological and radiocarbon evidence indicate that the site was inhabited during the second and first millennia BCE. Çemialo Sırtı reveals nomadic items of the Early Iron Age, as well as items associated with the Late Achaemenid and subsequent Hellenistic Periods. We compare Çemialo Sırtı mitochondrial DNA profiles with earlier and later populations from west Eurasia to describe genetic continuity patterns in the region.

Materials and methods

A total of 16 Çemialo Sırtı individuals' remains were studied. PCR and Sanger sequencing were used to obtain mitochondrial DNA HVRI‐HVRII sequences. We studied haplotype diversity and pairwise genetic distances usingFST, comparing the Çemialo Sırtı population with ancient and modern‐day populations from west Eurasia. Coalescent simulations were carried out to test continuity for specific population comparisons.

Results

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes from 12 Çemialo Sırtı individuals reveal high haplotype diversity in this population, conspicuously higher than early Holocene west Eurasian populations, which supports the notion of increasing population admixture in west Eurasia through the Holocene. In its mtDNA composition, Çemialo Sırtı shows highest affinity to Neolithic north Syria and Neolithic Anatolia among ancient populations studied, and to modern‐day southwest Asian populations. Based on population genetic simulations we cannot reject continuity between Neolithic and Iron Age, or between Iron Age and present‐day populations of the region.

Discussion

Despite the region's complex sociopolitical history and indication for increased genetic diversity over time, we find no evidence for sharp shifts in north Mesopotamian maternal genetic composition within the last 10,000 years.
Predicting clinical diagnosis in Huntington's disease: An imaging polymarker
Authors: Mason Sarah L. , Daws Richard E. , Soreq Eyal , Johnson Eileanoir B. , Scahill Rachael I. , Tabrizi Sarah J. , Barker Roger A. , Hampshire Adam
Published: February 2018

Objective

Huntington's disease (HD) gene carriers can be identified before clinical diagnosis; however, statistical models for predicting when overt motor symptoms will manifest are too imprecise to be useful at the level of the individual. Perfecting this prediction is integral to the search for disease modifying therapies. This study aimed to identify an imaging marker capable of reliably predicting real‐life clinical diagnosis in HD.

Method

A multivariate machine learning approach was applied to resting‐state and structural magnetic resonance imaging scans from 19 premanifest HD gene carriers (preHD, 8 of whom developed clinical disease in the 5 years postscanning) and 21 healthy controls. A classification model was developed using cross‐group comparisons between preHD and controls, and within the preHD group in relation to “estimated” and “actual” proximity to disease onset. Imaging measures were modeled individually, and combined, and permutation modeling robustly tested classification accuracy.

Results

Classification performance for preHDs versus controls was greatest when all measures were combined. The resulting polymarker predicted converters with high accuracy, including those who were not expected to manifest in that time scale based on the currently adopted statistical models.

Interpretation

We propose that a holistic multivariate machine learning treatment of brain abnormalities in the premanifest phase can be used to accurately identify those patients within 5 years of developing motor features of HD, with implications for prognostication and preclinical trials. Ann Neurol 2018;83:532–543
Nickel(0)‐Catalyzed Hydroalkenylation of Imines with Styrene and Its Derivatives
Authors: Xiao Li‐Jun , Zhao Chao‐Yue , Cheng Lei , Feng Bo‐Ya , Feng Wei‐Min , Xie Jian‐Hua , Xu Xiu‐Fang , Zhou Qi‐Lin
Published: February 2018

A nickel(0)‐catalyzed hydroalkenylation of imines with styrene and its derivatives is described. A wide range of aromatic and aliphatic imines directly coupled with styrene and its derivatives, thus providing various synthetically useful allylic amines with up to 95 % yield. The reaction offers a new atom‐ and step‐economical approach to allylic amines by using alkenes instead of alkenyl‐metallic reagents. Experiments and DFT calculations showed that TsNH2 promotes the proton transfer from the coordinated olefin to the imine, accompanied by a new C−C bond formation.
A Cisplatin‐Loaded Immunochemotherapeutic Nanohybrid Bearing Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Enhanced Cervical Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wang Na , Wang Zhigang , Xu Zoufeng , Chen Xianfeng , Zhu Guangyu
Published: February 2018

The efficacy of conventional chemotherapy is hindered by cancer cell escape from the immune system. A multifunctional nanohybrid system is reported for effective immunochemotherapy against cervical cancer. This nanohybrid contains both immune checkpoint inhibitor and cisplatin anticancer prodrug, showing improved cellular accumulation and increased binding of Pt to DNA and resulting in elevated apoptosis than using cisplatin alone when tested in cervical cancer cells. The immune checkpoint inhibitor enables the inhibition of indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase and reverses immunosuppressive T cells to recognize cancer cells, leading to T cell proliferation and activation, cancer cell cycle arrest, and ultimately increased cancer cell death. The nanohybrid is also active in vivo against the growth of human cervical tumors. Overall, a strategy is provided using a multifunctional nanohybrid system to boost the antitumor activity of cisplatin.
Classifying Degraded Modern Polymeric Museum Artefacts by Their Smell
Authors: Curran Katherine , Underhill Mark , Grau‐Bové Josep , Fearn Tom , Gibson Lorraine T. , Strlič Matija
Published: February 2018

The use of VOC analysis to diagnose degradation in modern polymeric museum artefacts is reported. Volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis is a successful method for diagnosing medical conditions but to date has found little application in museums. Modern polymers are increasingly found in museum collections but pose serious conservation difficulties owing to unstable and widely varying formulations. Solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and linear discriminant analysis were used to classify samples according to the length of time they had been artificially degraded. Accuracies in classification of 50–83 % were obtained after validation with separate test sets. The method was applied to three artefacts from collections at Tate to detect evidence of degradation. This approach could be used for any material in heritage collections and more widely in the field of polymer degradation.
Parasitism and venom of ectoparasitoid Scleroderma guani impairs host cellular immunity
Authors: Li Li‐Fang , Xu Zhi‐Wen , Liu Nai‐Yong , Wu Guo‐Xing , Ren Xue‐Min , Zhu Jia‐Ying
Published: February 2018

Venom is a prominently maternal virulent factor utilized by parasitoids to overcome hosts immune defense. With respect to roles of this toxic mixture involved in manipulating hosts immunity, great interest has been mostly restricted to Ichneumonoidea parasitoids associated with polydnavirus (PDV), of which venom is usually considered as a helper component to enhance the role of PDV, and limited Chalcidoidea species. In contrast, little information is available in other parasitoids, especially ectoparasitic species not carrying PDV. The ectoparasitoid Scleroderma guani injects venom into its host, Tenebrio molitor, implying its venom was involved in suppression of hosts immune response for successful parasitism. Thus, we investigated the effects of parasitism and venom of this parasitoid on counteracting the cellular immunity of its host by examining changes of hemocyte counts, and hemocyte spreading and encapsulation ability. Total hemocyte counts were elevated in parasitized and venom‐injected pupae. The spreading behavior of both granulocytes and plasmatocytes was impaired by parasitization and venom. High concentration of venom led to more severely increased hemocyte counts and suppression of hemocyte spreading. The ability of hemocyte encapsulation was inhibited by venom in vitro. In addition to immediate effects observed, venom showed persistent interference in hosts cellular immunity. These results indicate that venom alone from S. guani plays a pivotal role in blocking hosts cellular immune response, serving as a regulator that guarantees the successful development of its progenies. The findings provide a foundation for further investigation of the underlying mechanisms in immune inhibitory action of S. guani venom.
Spatial navigation from same and different directions: The role of executive functions, memory and attention in adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ring Melanie , Gaigg Sebastian B. , de Condappa Olivier , Wiener Jan M. , Bowler Dermot M.
Published: February 2018

To resolve some of the inconsistencies in existing research into spatial navigation in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we tested two large age‐ and ability‐matched groups of ASD and typically developing (TD) participants for their spatial navigation abilities in a route learning task, which has been shown to shed light on the strategies participants employ when navigating complex environments. Participants studied a route through a virtual maze by watching a short video of a first‐person perspective navigating a maze. The maze included four four‐way intersections that were each marked with two unique landmarks in two corners of the intersection. At test, static images of the intersections, either as seen during the video or as approached from a different direction, were presented and participants had to indicate in which direction they would need to travel (straight, left, or right) in order to follow the originally studied route. On both types of test trials, the ASD group performed worse and their difficulties were related to reduced cognitive flexibility. Eye‐movement data and follow‐up item‐memory tests suggested that navigation difficulties may have been related to differences in attention during encoding and less spontaneous use of landmarks as cues for navigation. Spatial navigation performance was best predicted by memory for landmarks as well as by executive functions. The results are discussed in relation to theories of underlying navigation‐related brain regions. More research is needed to disentangle the influence of executive functions, memory and attention on spatial navigation. Autism Res 2018, 11: 798–810. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Navigating an environment is difficult for people with ASD independent of whether they are travelling in the same or in a different direction from that which they originally studied. The present study suggests that flexibility in alternating travel directions, difficulties in remembering landmarks as well as reduced attention to landmarks while learning a route play a role in the navigation difficulties in ASD. Guidance at route learning might help autistic individuals to improve their ability to navigate in their environments.
Goal prediction in 2‐year‐old children with and without autism spectrum disorder: An eye‐tracking study
Authors: Krogh‐Jespersen Sheila , Kaldy Zsuzsa , Valadez Annalisa Groth , Carter Alice S. , Woodward Amanda L.
Published: February 2018

This study examined the predictive reasoning abilities of typically developing (TD) infants and 2‐year‐old children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in an eye‐tracking paradigm. Participants watched a video of a goal‐directed action in which a human actor reached for and grasped one of two objects. At test, the objects switched locations. Across these events, we measured: visual anticipation of the action outcome with kinematic cues (i.e., a completed reaching behavior); goal prediction of the action outcome without kinematic cues (i.e., an incomplete reach); and latencies to generate predictions across these two tasks. Results revealed similarities in action anticipation across groups when trajectory information regarding the intended goal was present; however, when predicting the goal without kinematic cues, developmental and diagnostic differences became evident. Younger TD children generated goal‐based visual predictions, whereas older TD children were not systematic in their visual predictions. In contrast to both TD groups, children with ASD generated location‐based predictions, suggesting that their visual predictions may reflect visuomotor perseveration. Together, these results suggest differences in early predictive reasoning abilities. Autism Res 2018, 11: 870–882. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

The current study examines the ability to generate visual predictions regarding other people's goal‐directed actions, specifically reaching and grasping an object, in infants and children with and without autism spectrum disorder. Results showed no differences in abilities when movement information about a person's goal was evident; however, differences were evident across age and clinical diagnoses when relying on previous knowledge to generate a visual prediction.
Aktuelle Tendenzen in der Betonbautechnik – Ein Ausblick mit kurzen Rückblicken
Authors: Meyer Lars , Fingerloos Frank , Schwabach Enrico , Wiens Udo
Published: February 2018

Herrn Professor Dr.‐Ing. Jürgen Schnell zu seinem 65. Geburtstag gewidmet

„Die Zukunft kommt in Raten. Das macht es leichter, mit ihr zurechtzukommen. Aber sie kommt. Deshalb ist der Blick nach vorn lohnend. Was bringt die Zukunft für das Bauwesen?“ – Mit diesen Worten beginnt in der Festschrift zum 100jährigen Bestehen des DBV [1] der „Ausblick in die Zukunft“. Der Autor dieses Ausblicks war Jürgen Schnell, dem dieser Beitrag gewidmet ist. Diese Widmung erfolgt anlässlich seines 65. Geburtstages, den er im Februar 2018 feiert, und in Anerkennung seiner vielfältigen Leistungen für die Betonbauweise – sowie für den DAfStb und den DBV. Anknüpfend an die Worte des Jubilars, soll sich dieser Beitrag auch mit einem Ausblick befassen. Jedoch ausgerichtet auf die Nahperspektive – also einigen solcher Themen, die derzeit in der Betonbau‐Fachwelt beraten und diskutiert werden.
Vordimensionierung von vorgespannten Flachdecken
Authors: Friedrich Thomas
Published: February 2018

Im Oktober 1995 habe ich Herrn Professor Schnell in Darmstadt anlässlich des 14. Massivbau‐Seminars „Optimierung von Decken im Hochbau“ kennengelernt. Seit diesem Zeitpunkt diskutieren wir über die Anwendung der Vorspannung im Hochbau. Als er mich 2007 anfragte, einen Lehrauftrag für vorgespannte Bauwerke des Hochbaus an der TU Kaiserslautern zu übernehmen, habe ich sehr gerne zugesagt. Seitdem verbindet uns eine intensive und anregende Zusammenarbeit, die mir viele neue Erkenntnisse gebracht hat. So war es für mich nur konsequent, ihm zu Ehren über meine Erfahrungen mit der Vorspannung im Hochbau zu berichten.

Flachdecken zählen zu den Standarddecken des Hochbaus. Insbesondere bei großen Spannweiten wirkt sich das hohe Eigengewicht aufgrund des über die gesamte Fläche angeordneten Querschnitts mit konstanter Höhe nachteilig aus. Mit der Vorspannung steht ein Hilfsmittel zur Beeinflussung der Konstruktion zur Verfügung und ermöglicht dünne Deckenquerschnitte bei großen Werten für die Schlankheit. Während es mittlerweile eine Vielzahl von benutzerfreundlichen Programmen für die Berechnung von vorgespannten Flachdecken gibt, fehlen für den Entwurf die entsprechenden Hilfsmittel. Nachfolgend wird ein Konzept vorgestellt, welches es unter Berücksichtigung von konstruktiven Randbedingungen erlaubt, die erforderliche Anzahl von Spannkabeln für eine vorgespannte Flachdecke zu ermitteln. Zugleich wird auf die verschiedenen Einflüsse und deren Wirkung auf die Dimensionierung und das Ergebnis hingewiesen. Die bereitgestellten Formeln erlauben es dem Planer, einfache Programme in Tabellenform selbst zu erstellen. Dennoch werden einzelne Ergebnisse auch als Diagramm bereitgestellt.
Widerstandsklassen für Beton
Authors: Breitschaft Gerhard , Eckfeldt Lars , Hintzen Wilhelm
Published: February 2018

Vor dem Hintergrund des Klimawandels, von Umweltbetrachtungen und Diskussionen um öffentliche Investitionen ist Nachhaltigkeit zu einem Schwerpunkt der Überlegungen in der Bauplanung geworden. Die aktuellen Fortschritte bei hochdauerhaftem Beton versprechen positive Nachhaltigkeitseffekte. Ob sich diese wirklich realisieren lassen, bleibt jedoch fraglich, da die Verbesserung der Dauerhaftigkeit durch einen erhöhten Materialbedarf aufgewogen werden könnte. Hier kommt das Konzept der Widerstandsklassen für Beton im Zusammenhang mit einer performancebasierten Bemessung ins Spiel, das im Vergleich zum derzeitigen vereinfachten Dauerhaftigkeitskonzept auf Basis von Betondeckung und Expositionsklassen einen transparenteren und flexibleren Ansatz bieten könnte. Wenngleich der neue Ansatz bereits wichtige wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse geliefert hat, müssen Aspekte wie dessen Nutzungsfreundlichkeit und Anpassungsfähigkeit sowie die Robustheit der Modelle noch eingehender behandelt werden, bevor das Konzept in die Praxis umgesetzt werden kann. Dieser Artikel bietet einen Überblick über den aktuellen Stand der Forschung und beschreibt die wichtigsten ungelösten Fragen in Bezug auf die Tragwerksplanung und Klimaneutralität.
Tunable excitation properties of ZnCdS:Mn/ZnS quantum dots for cancer imaging
Authors: Yin Naiqiang , Liu Ling , Li Peng , Zhao Shihua
Published: February 2018

Water‐soluble ZnS:Mn quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized using a hydrothermal method with 3‐mercaptopropionic acid as stabilizer. The optical properties of ZnS:Mn QDs were thoroughly investigated by tuning the doping concentration of Mn2+ and the Zn/S precursor ratio, to obtain an optimal parameter for QDs with excellent fluorescence characteristics. ZnS:Mn QDs excited at only one wavelength, however, which seriously limited their further application. Here, a trace Cd ion was doped into a ZnS host, resulting in QD excitation covering a wide adjustable waveband. Furthermore, when a ZnS shell was coated onto the surface of the ZnCdS:Mn QDs, photoluminescence intensity and stability were further enhanced. After coupling with an anti‐CK 19 antibody, the ZnCdS:Mn/ZnS core/shell QDs were able to function by labeling cancer cells, indicating that they could be considered as a suitable bio‐probe for cells and tissue imaging.
LDL dinitrosyl iron complex: A new transferrin‐independent route for iron delivery in hepatocytes
Authors: Lewandowska Hanna , Męczyńska‐Wielgosz Sylwia , Sikorska Katarzyna , Sadło Jarosław , Dudek Jakub , Kruszewski Marcin
Published: February 2018

In view of the interrelations between NO, Fe, and LDL in the cardiovascular system it appears interesting to find out, if the lipoprotein particles undergo the process of iron‐nitrosylation, commonly observed for other proteins and what is the biological fate of iron‐nitrosylated LDL particles. Iron‐nitrosylated LDL preparation containing Fe(NO)2 motif (DNICLDL) was obtained and characterized for the first time. In order to test its interactions with potential target cells, DNICLDL was administered to the hepatoma HepG2 cells. The effects were referred to those induced by native LDL (nLDL) and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) particles. DNICLDL administration considerably increased total iron content in the studied cell line, but did not influence the level of calcein‐chelatable ions. DNICLDL was found to be low toxic to cells. The study suggests that DNICLDL might be a potential transducer of iron. © 2017 BioFactors, 44(2):192–201, 2018
α‐Tocopherol promotes HaCaT keratinocyte wound repair through the regulation of polarity proteins leading to the polarized cell migration
Authors: Horikoshi Yosuke , Kamizaki Kouki , Hanaki Takehiko , Morimoto Masaki , Kitagawa Yoshinori , Nakaso Kazuhiro , Kusumoto Chiaki , Matsura Tatsuya
Published: February 2018

In many developed countries including Japan, how to care the bedridden elderly people with chronic wounds such as decubitus becomes one of the most concerned issues. Although antioxidant micronutrients including vitamin E, especially α‐tocopherol (α‐Toc), are reported to shorten a period of wound closure, the promoting effect of α‐Toc on wound healing independent of its antioxidant activity remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to examine whether α‐Toc affects wound‐mediated HaCaT keratinocyte polarization process including the recruitment of polarity regulating proteins, leading to wound repair independently of its antioxidant activity. We investigated the effects of α‐Toc and other antioxidants such as Trolox, a cell‐permeable α‐Toc analog on the migration, proliferation, and cell polarization of HaCaT keratinocytes after wounding. We analyzed the localization and complex formation of polarity proteins, partitioning defective 3 (Par3), and atypical protein kinase C (aPKC), and aPKC activity by immunohistochemistry, immunoprecipitation analyses, and in vitro kinase assays, respectively. α‐Toc but not other antioxidants enhanced the wound closure and cell polarization in HaCaT keratinocytes after wounding. α‐Toc regulated the localization and complex formation of Par3 and aPKC during wound healing. Knockdown of aPKC or Par3 abrogated α‐Toc‐mediated promotion of the wound closure and cell polarization in HaCaT keratinocytes. Furthermore, aPKC kinase activity was significantly increased in α‐Toc‐treated cells through activation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt signaling pathway. These results suggest that α‐Toc promotes HaCaT keratinocyte wound repair by regulating the aPKC kinase activity and the formation of aPKC–Par3 complex. © 2017 BioFactors, 44(2):180–191, 2018
Surgeon volume and prognosis of patients with advanced papillary thyroid cancer and lateral nodal metastasis
Authors: Kim H I , Kim T H , Choe J-H , Kim J-H , Kim J S , Kim Y N , Kim H , Kim S W , Chung J H
Published: February 2018

Background

Surgery is the most important treatment modality for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). However, the relationship between surgeon volume and long-term oncological outcomes has not been explored.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with N1b PTC after initial thyroid surgery between 1 July 1994 and 31 December 2011 were eligible for inclusion in the study. Surgeons were categorized into high (at least 100 operations per year) and low (fewer than 100 operations per year) volume groups. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis according to surgeon volume was performed, and Cox proportional hazard modelling was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95 per cent confidence intervals according to patient, tumour and surgeon factors.

Results

A total of 1103 patients with a median follow-up of 81 (i.q.r. 62–108) months were included in the study. During follow-up, 200 patients (18·1 per cent) developed structural recurrence. A high surgeon volume was associated with low structural recurrence (P = 0·006). After adjustment for age, sex and conventional risk factors for recurrence (histology, tumour size, gross extrathyroidal extension, margin status, more than 5 positive lymph nodes, radioactive iodine therapy), the adjusted HR for structural recurrence for low-volume surgeons was 1·46 (95 per cent c.i. 1·08 to 1·96), compared with high-volume surgeons. Distant metastasis (P = 0·242) and disease-specific mortality (P = 0·288) were not affected by surgeon volume.

Conclusion

Surgeon volume is associated with structural recurrence, but not distant metastasis or cancer-specific death in patients with N1b PTC. Surgeon volume is important in initial surgery for advanced PTC with extensive nodal metastasis in order to ensure curative outcome and reduce treatment-related morbidity.
Meta-analysis of metabolic surgery versus medical treatment for microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Billeter A T , Scheurlen K M , Probst P , Eichel S , Nickel F , Kopf S , Fischer L , Diener M K , Nawroth P P , Müller-Stich B P
Published: February 2018

Background

This study aimed to examine the effect of metabolic surgery on pre-existing and future microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in comparison with medical treatment. Although metabolic surgery is the most effective treatment for obese patients with T2DM regarding glycaemic control, it is unclear whether the incidence or severity of microvascular complications is reduced.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) with no language restrictions, looking for RCTs, case–control trials and cohort studies that assessed the effect of metabolic surgery on the incidence of microvascular diabetic complications compared with medical treatment as control. The study was registered in the International prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42016042994).

Results

The literature search yielded 1559 articles. Ten studies (3 RCTs, 7 controlled clinical trials) investigating 17 532 patients were included. Metabolic surgery reduced the incidence of microvascular complications (odds ratio 0·26, 95 per cent c.i. 0·16 to 0·42; P < 0·001) compared with medical treatment. Pre-existing diabetic nephropathy was strongly improved by metabolic surgery versus medical treatment (odds ratio 15·41, 1·28 to 185·46; P = 0·03).

Conclusion

In patients with T2DM, metabolic surgery prevented the development of microvascular complications better than medical treatment. Metabolic surgery improved pre-existing diabetic nephropathy compared with medical treatment.
A workbench for motion control experiments using programmable automation controllers in industrial automation laboratory at Kongu Engineering College
Authors: Chinnasamy Jegadheesan , Ramesh Babu Kiruba Shankar , Chenniappan Maheswari , Rathinasamy Parameshwaran
Published: February 2018

Mechatronics Engineering has become an internationally recognized discipline with degree programmes offered in majority of the universities all around the world. Integrating mechanical, instrumentation, and programmable automation controller (PAC) for developing technical skills and expertise in system level integration to attain manufacturing and controller programming superiority has become the basic requirement for Mechatronics Laboratory. Divulging the graduates to servo control concept down the line to the programmable automation controller helps to gain the practical knowledge in the field of I/O interfacing, closed loop control, remote monitoring, and PLC motion control programming. Hence in this paper, a 3‐axis servo control system with HMI work bench case study has been presented to enable the graduates to learn multi‐disciplinary concepts in the field of material handling and precise position synchronous control of multi‐axis rotating system. With this work bench, applications of servo control such as electronic gearing (positioning), pick and place (material handling), and profiling (welding, machining) can be exposed to mechatronics graduates. Graduates with fundamental programming skills and apparently no‐practical experience with mechatronics systems can quickly learn how to incorporate control architectures with this work bench and prepare them to compete in Industry 4.0 environment.
Autophagy is essential for the maintenance of amino acids and ATP levels during acute amino acid starvation in MDAMB231 cells
Authors: Thomas Mark , Davis Tanja , Loos Ben , Sishi Balindiwe , Huisamen Barbara , Strijdom Hans , Engelbrecht Anna‐Mart
Published: February 2018

Autophagy plays a major role in the adaptive metabolic response of cancer cells during adverse conditions such as nutrient deprivation. However, specific data that assess metabolite profiles in context with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) availability and cell death susceptibility remain limited. Human breast cancer cells, MDAMB231, and normal breast epithelial cells, MCF12A, were subjected to short‐term amino acid starvation and the cellular apoptotic and autophagic responses assessed. The role of autophagy in the control of cellular amino acid, ATP, free fatty acid, and glucose levels during amino acid starvation were compared. We demonstrate that breast cancer cells have an increased metabolic demand contributing to significant amino acid and ATP depletion in a nutrient‐poor environment. Upregulation of autophagy was important for the generation of amino acids and free fatty acids and maintenance of cellular ATP levels. In contrast to normal cells, breast cancer cells were unable to maintain the response after 12 hours of amino acid starvation. Regulation of autophagic activity in these environments had indirect consequences on cell death susceptibility. Overall, our data provide support for autophagy as an important survival mechanism capable of providing metabolic substrates when cancer cells are faced with nutrient‐deprived environments.

Significance of study

The results obtained in this study helps to expand our current knowledge on how cells respond to environmental changes; the biochemical and metabolic consequences and the physiological processes activated in response. The environmental stress applied in this study is relevant to tumour physiology, and results can be translated to cancer therapeutic and clinical research areas, ultimately assisting in the specific targeting of cancer cells while avoiding harm to normal cells.
Techniques for trans‐catheter retrieval of embolized Nit‐Occlud® PDA‐R and ASD‐R devices
Authors: Sinha Sanjay , Levi Daniel , Peirone Alejandro , Pedra Carlos
Published: February 2018

Background

Nit‐Occlud® (atrial septal defect) ASD‐R and (patent ductus arteriosus) PDA‐R devices are used outside the United States for percutaneous closure of the patent ductus arteriosus and atrial septal defects. When embolization occurs, these devices have been difficult to retrieve.

Methods

Bench simulations of retrieval of PDA‐R and ASD‐R devices were performed in a vascular model. Retrieval of each device was attempted using snare techniques or with bioptome forceps with a range of devices. The same devices were then intentionally embolized in an animal model. Retrieval methods were systematically tested in a range of sheath sizes, and graded in terms of difficulty and retrieval time.

Results

Devices that were grasped by the bioptome in the center of the proximal part of the devices were easily retrieved in both models. Bench studies determined the minimum sheath sizes needed for retrieval of each device with this method. In general sheathes two french sizes greater than the delivery sheath were successful with this technique. Three out of the four PDA‐R devices were successfully retrieved in vivo. Two were retrieved by grasping the middle of the PA end of the PDA‐R device with a Maslanka bioptome and one small PDA‐R device was retrieved using a 10 mm Snare. Four of the five ASD‐R devices were retrieved successfully grasping the right atrial ASD‐R disc or by passing a wire through the device and snaring this loop. For ASD‐R 28 and 30 mm devices, a double bioptome technique was needed to retrieve the device.

Conclusion

ASD‐R and PDA‐R devices can be successfully retrieved in the catheterization lab. It is critical to grab the center portion of the right atrial disc of the ASD‐R device or pulmonary portion of the PDA‐R device and to use adequately sized sheathes.
Association of stent‐induced changes in coronary geometry with late stent failure: Insights from three‐dimensional quantitative coronary angiographic analysis
Authors: Zhang Bu Chun , Tu Sheng Xian , Karanasos Antonios , van Geuns Robert‐Jan , de Jaegere Peter , Zijlstra Felix , Regar Evelyn
Published: February 2018

Background

The relationship between vessel angulation and large changes in vessel geometry after stent implantation and the occurrence of stent failure still remains unclear. We sought to investigate the association of the change in the coronary bending angle after stenting and the risk for late stent failure by three‐dimensional quantitative coronary angiography (3D QCA).

Methods

The bending angle in coronary lesions that presented with late stent failure and those without stent failure was computed during the cardiac cycle, before and after stenting using a recently developed 3D QCA software.

Results

A total of 40 lesions with stent failure (cases) were successfully matched to 47 lesions without stent failure (controls).The mean duration to follow‐up coronary angiography was 1,011 days in cases and 1,109 days in the control group (P = 0.14). In stent failure, the systolic bending angle after stenting was smaller (14.45° [12.18, 17.68] versus 18.20° [14.00, 20.30], P = 0.01), while the stent‐induced change in systolic bending angle was significantly larger (4.15° [1.13, 7.20] versus 1.80° [–1.90, 4.40], P = 0.004). Multivariable logistic regression analysis suggested that systolic bending angle after stenting (odds ratio: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.79–0.99; P = 0.03), and decrease in systolic bending angle after stenting (odds ratio: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.02–1.26; P = 0.03) were predictors of stent failure.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that a change in the natural tortuous course of the coronaries by stent implantation with the decrease in coronary bending angle is a potentially major contributor in stent failure.
Aqueous Red‐Emissive Probe for the Selective Fluorescent Detection of Cysteine by Deprotection/Cyclization Cascade Resulting in Large Stokes’ Shift
Authors: Kim Youngsam , Choi Minsuk , Mulay Sandip V. , Jang Minkyung , Kim Jin Yong , Lee Woo‐Hyun , Jon Sangyong , Churchill David G.
Published: February 2018

Cysteine plays a crucial role in cellular functions and in human pathologies. However, the development of cysteine probes with extremely accurate detection is still a key challenge for the field. Herein, we have fully characterized and developed a novel selective fluorescent probe: red emission, aqueous detection and large Stokes’ shift for cysteine (Reals‐C). Key in the probe synthesis is a Michael addition onto an acroylate group and subsequent intramolecular cyclization. The probe exhibits analyte detection via an intricate role set up by the leaving groups so to discriminate and form the red‐emissive analyte sensing platform (λex=471 nm, λem=637 nm) through a chemical cascade pathway. Furthermore, the sensing ability of the probe was demonstrated by both in vitro and in vivo assays. This probe enables for successfully endogenous cysteine sensing in HaCaT human keratinocytes through comparison with a commercial thiol‐sensitive probe; Reals‐C shows excellent in vivo cysteine detection in a drug‐induced animal liver injury model.
Pancreatic cyst biopsy: Improvement in diagnosis with micro forceps biopsy
Authors: Basar Omer
Published: February 2018

Clinician's Corner represents the opinions and views of the author and does not reflect any policy or opinion of the American Cancer Society, Cancer Cytopathology, or Wiley unless this is clearly specified.
High‐conflict parents in mediation: An analysis of dialogues and sources to conflict
Authors: Gulbrandsen Wenke , Haavind Hanne , Tjersland Odd A.
Published: February 2018

A significant proportion of parents in mediation present destructive and escalating conflicts. In a naturalistic study of sessions with high‐conflict couples, we observed dialogues with frequent interruptions, rapidly shifting subjects, and emotional attacks. A systematic search revealed eight distinct sources of conflict that interfered with the mediation process: Two related to the breakup, four regarding differing concerns of care for the child, and two mainly about the contextual conditions for childcare arrangements. The article describes these sources of conflicts in a format that could increase the capacity of mediators to recognize and address them during the process of mediation.
Cytology and clinical features of myelomatous pleural effusion: Three case reports and a review of the literature
Authors: Chen Hong , Li Pengfei , Xie Yan , Jin Mulan
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this study was to report the clinical features, laboratory findings, and cytomorphology, and prognosis of three patients with myelomatous pleural effusion (MPE). The literature pertaining to MPE was reviewed. The three cases and literature review suggest that MPE is rare and often associated with a poor prognosis. The correct diagnosis depends on the aggressive clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and chromosomal abnormalities, but routine pathological examination of the pleural effusion has low sensitivity. Cell blocks stained with hematoxylin & eosin and by immunohistochemistry revealed that abnormal proliferation of plasma cells and light chain restrictive expression in MPE may be helpful for improving the detection rate of MPE.
Long‐term research in ecology and evolution: a survey of challenges and opportunities
Authors: Kuebbing Sara E. , Reimer Adam P. , Rosenthal Seth A. , Feinberg Geoffrey , Leiserowitz Anthony , Lau Jennifer A. , Bradford Mark A.
Published: February 2018

Long‐term research in ecology and evolution (LTREE) is considered fundamental for understanding complex ecological and evolutionary dynamics. However, others have argued for revision of LTREE efforts given perceived limitations in current research priorities and approaches. Yet most arguments about the benefits and failings of LTREE could be argued to reflect the views of only the limited number of scientists who have authored reports on the field, and not the wider community of ecological and evolutionary scientists. To more systematically and quantitatively assess the views of the community on LTREE contributions and future activities, we conducted and here report the results of a survey of ecological and evolutionary scientists at primarily U.S.‐based institutions, completed by 1,179 respondents. The survey objectives were to (1) identify and prioritize research questions that are important to address through long‐term, ecological field experiments and (2) understand the role that these experiments might play in generating and applying ecological and evolutionary knowledge. Almost 80% (n = 936) of respondents said that long‐term experiments had contributed “a great deal” to ecological understanding. Compared to other research approaches (e.g., short‐term, single‐site, modeling, or lab), there was overwhelming support that multi‐site, long‐term research was very important for advancing theory, and that both observational and experimental approaches were required. Respondents identified a wide range of research questions for LTREE to address. The most common topic was the impact of global change (n = 1,352), likely because these processes play out over many years, requiring LTREE approaches to fully understand. Another recurrent theme was the potential of LTREE approaches to build evolutionary understanding across all levels of ecological organization. Critical obstacles preventing some scientists from engaging in LTREE included short‐term funding mechanisms and fewer publications, whereas the longer‐term value for advancing knowledge and an individual's career were widely recognized. Substantive advances in understanding ecological and evolutionary dynamics then seem likely to be made through engagement in long‐term observational and experimental research. However, wider engagement seems dependent on a more supportive research environment and funding structure, through increased institutional acknowledgment of the contributions of long‐term research, and greater program support during the establishment and maintenance of research.
Ammonothermal Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Nitridoalumogermanate Ca1–xLixAl1–xGe1+xN3 (x ≈ 0.2)
Authors: Häusler Jonas , Eisenburger Lucien , Oeckler Oliver , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: February 2018

The new nitridoalumogermanate Ca1–xLixAl1–xGe1+xN3 (x ≈ 0.2) was synthesized from supercritical ammonia at 925 K and 185 MPa starting from the intermetallic precursor Ca3Al2Ge2 and Li as mineralizer. The crystal structure was refined by the Rietveld method; Ca1–xLixAl1–xGe1+xN3 with x ≈ 0.2 [a = 9.9822(5), b = 5.7763(2), c = 5.1484(1) Å, Z = 4, Rwp = 0.0492] crystallizes in orthorhombic space group Cmc21 (no. 36). Needle‐shaped crystals with up to 15 µm in length were detected by scanning electron microscopy. Possible cation ordering was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. No superstructure reflections were observed in electron diffraction patterns and the structure model was confirmed by Z‐contrast imaging. The composition was verified by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy on single crystals and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Optical properties were studied by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, showing a broad absorption band between 250 and 300 nm. The optical band gap was estimated to be 4.3 eV at room temperature using the Tauc method.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Magnetic Properties of a Series of Copper(II) Chloride Complexes of Pyridyliminebenzoic Acids
Authors: Buvaylo Elena A. , Kokozay Vladimir N. , Makhankova Valeriya G. , Melnyk Andrii K. , Korabik Maria , Witwicki Maciej , Skelton Brian W. , Vassilyeva Olga Yu.
Published: February 2018

A series of CuII halide complexes, Cu(HL1)Cl2·CH3OH (1), [Cu(L1)Cl]2·H2O (2), [Cu(HL2)Cl2]2·2DMF (3), [Cu(HL2)2Cl]nCln·2nH2O (4), and [Cu(L3)Cl]n (5), containing pyridyliminebenzoic acids HL1, HL2, and HL3 derived from o‐, m‐, and p‐aminobenzoic acids, respectively, have been obtained as single crystals and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, EPR spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction techniques. The results obtained show the formation of molecular (1), dimeric (2, 3), and polymeric structures (4, 5) based on chloride (1–4) and carboxylate bridges (5) with copper(II) ions in the square pyramidal geometry of varying degrees of distortion. In the case of 2 and 5 the ligand deprotonation was completely achieved even in the absence of a base. The closest Cu···Cu separations are found in the crystal lattices of the polymer 5 (3.33 Å) and dimers 2 (3.35 Å) and 3 (3.38 Å). The X‐band polycrystalline EPR spectra of 1–3 with typical axial patterns show no indication of exchange interactions between copper ions in the range 295–77 K. The observed rhombic features of the EPR spectra of 4 arise from the coupling of g‐tensors from differently oriented CuII coordination polyhedra in the solid state. A characteristic spin‐triplet EPR spectrum of 5 at 77 K was simulated by using the spin‐Hamiltonian parameters for S = 1, gx = 2.08, gy = 2.11, gz = 2.37 and the value of the zero‐field splitting parameter D of 0.137 cm–1. Magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed antiferromagnetic (1–3, 5) and ferromagnetic coupling (4) between the metal atoms at low temperatures. Theoretical methods were employed to provide additional insight into magnetic interactions in the studied compounds.