bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does salt stress constrain spatial distribution of dune building grasses Ammophila arenaria and Elytrichia juncea on the beach?
Authors: van Puijenbroek Marinka E. B. , Teichmann Corry , Meijdam Noortje , Oliveras Imma , Berendse Frank , Limpens Juul
Published: August 2017

Rising sea levels threaten coastal safety by increasing the risk of flooding. Coastal dunes provide a natural form of coastal protection. Understanding drivers that constrain early development of dunes is necessary to assess whether dune development may keep pace with sea‐level rise. In this study, we explored to what extent salt stress experienced by dune building plant species constrains their spatial distribution at the Dutch sandy coast. We conducted a field transplantation experiment and a glasshouse experiment with two dune building grasses Ammophila arenaria and Elytrigia juncea. In the field, we measured salinity and monitored growth of transplanted grasses in four vegetation zones: (I) nonvegetated beach, (II) E. juncea occurring, (III) both species co‐occurring, and (IV) A. arenaria dominant. In the glasshouse, we subjected the two species to six soil salinity treatments, with and without salt spray. We monitored biomass, photosynthesis, leaf sodium, and nutrient concentrations over a growing season. The vegetation zones were weakly associated with summer soil salinity; zone I and II were significantly more saline than zones III and IV. Ammophila arenaria performed equally (zone II) or better (zones III, IV) than E. juncea, suggesting soil salinity did not limit species performance. Both species showed severe winter mortality. In the glasshouse, A. arenaria biomass decreased linearly with soil salinity, presumably as a result of osmotic stress. Elytrigia juncea showed a nonlinear response to soil salinity with an optimum at 0.75% soil salinity. Our findings suggest that soil salinity stress either takes place in winter, or that development of vegetated dunes is less sensitive to soil salinity than hitherto expected.
Analyzing time‐ordered event data with missed observations
Authors: Dokter Adriaan M. , van Loon E. Emiel , Fokkema Wimke , Lameris Thomas K. , Nolet Bart A. , van der Jeugd Henk P.
Published: August 2017

A common problem with observational datasets is that not all events of interest may be detected. For example, observing animals in the wild can difficult when animals move, hide, or cannot be closely approached. We consider time series of events recorded in conditions where events are occasionally missed by observers or observational devices. These time series are not restricted to behavioral protocols, but can be any cyclic or recurring process where discrete outcomes are observed. Undetected events cause biased inferences on the process of interest, and statistical analyses are needed that can identify and correct the compromised detection processes. Missed observations in time series lead to observed time intervals between events at multiples of the true inter‐event time, which conveys information on their detection probability. We derive the theoretical probability density function for observed intervals between events that includes a probability of missed detection. Methodology and software tools are provided for analysis of event data with potential observation bias and its removal. The methodology was applied to simulation data and a case study of defecation rate estimation in geese, which is commonly used to estimate their digestive throughput and energetic uptake, or to calculate goose usage of a feeding site from dropping density. Simulations indicate that at a moderate chance to miss arrival events (p = 0.3), uncorrected arrival intervals were biased upward by up to a factor 3, while parameter values corrected for missed observations were within 1% of their true simulated value. A field case study shows that not accounting for missed observations leads to substantial underestimates of the true defecation rate in geese, and spurious rate differences between sites, which are introduced by differences in observational conditions. These results show that the derived methodology can be used to effectively remove observational biases in time‐ordered event data.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Phenylpropanoids and Coumarins: Total Synthesis of Osthol
Authors: Konrádová Daniela , Kozubíková Hana , Doležal Karel , Pospíšil Jiří
Published: August 2017

Herein we describe a one‐pot microwave‐assisted method for the synthesis of cinnamic acid and coumarin derivatives. The synthesis begins with an aldehyde synthon, and the chosen reaction conditions determine whether a cinnamic acid or coumarin derivative is formed. A regioselective Claisen rearrangement was also efficiently incorporated into the synthetic sequence to further increase the complexity of the product. Notably, this approach provides high product yields and selectivities without the need of a phenol protecting group.
Mutation rates in 21 autosomal short tandem repeat loci in a population from Goiás, Brazil
Authors: Vieira Thaís Cidália , Duarte Gigonzac Marc Alexandre , Goulart Rodovalho Ricardo , Morais Cavalcanti Luana , Bernardes Minasi Lysa , Melo Rodrigues Flávia , da Cruz Aparecido Divino
Published: August 2017

The appearance of new mutations in polymorphic markers plays a central role in a range of genetic applications, including dating phylogenetic events, informing disease studies, and evaluating forensic evidence. The present study estimated the mutation rates of 21 autosomal STR loci in a population from Central Brazil. We studied 15 046 paternity cases from Goiás, Brazil from August 2012 to February 2015. We identified 262 mutations in the 21 loci. The loci that presented more mutations were FGA and D18S51, with a total of 46 and 28 mutations, respectively. The results showed mutational rates ranging from 1.7 × 10−5 to 7.6 × 10−4 mutations per site/region and the overall mutational rate was 2.1 × 10−4; these values were within the expected values for the STR markers. The most common type of mutation was one‐step mutation, which totaled 96.2%. We found a higher rate of mutations of paternal origin (67.6%) than of mutations of maternal origin. The occurrence of mutations in STRs has important consequences for human identification, including the definition of criteria for exclusion in paternity testing and interpretation of genetic profiles in criminal cases.
Mercury contamination in bats from the central United States
Authors: Korstian Jennifer M. , Chumchal Matthew M. , Bennett Victoria J. , Hale Amanda M.
Published: August 2017

Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic metal that has detrimental effects on wildlife. We surveyed Hg concentrations in 10 species of bats collected at wind farms in the central United States and found contamination in all species. Mercury concentration in fur was highly variable both within and between species (range: 1.08–10.52 µg/g). Despite the distance between sites (up to 1200 km), only 2 of the 5 species sampled at multiple locations had fur Hg concentrations that differed between sites. Mercury concentrations observed in the present study all fell within the previously reported ranges for bats collected from the northeastern United States and Canada, although many of the bats we sampled had lower maximum Hg concentrations. Juvenile bats had lower concentrations of Hg in fur compared with adult bats, and we found no significant effect of sex on Hg concentrations in fur. For a subset of 2 species, we also measured Hg concentration in muscle tissue; concentrations were much higher in fur than in muscle, and Hg concentrations in the 2 tissue types were weakly correlated. Abundant wind farms and ongoing postconstruction fatality surveys offer an underutilized opportunity to obtain tissue samples that can be used to assess Hg contamination in bats. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:160–165. © 2018 SETAC
Understanding sources of methylmercury in songbirds with stable mercury isotopes: Challenges and future directions
Authors: Tsui Martin Tsz-Ki , Adams Evan M. , Jackson Allyson K. , Evers David C. , Blum Joel D. , Balogh Steven J.
Published: August 2017

Mercury (Hg) stable isotope analysis is an emerging technique that has contributed to a better understanding of many aspects of the biogeochemical cycling of Hg in the environment. However, no study has yet evaluated its usefulness in elucidating the sources of methylmercury (MeHg) in songbird species, a common organism for biomonitoring of Hg in forested ecosystems. In the present pilot study, we examined stable mercury isotope ratios in blood of 4 species of songbirds and the invertebrates they are likely foraging on in multiple habitats in a small watershed of mixed forest and wetlands in Acadia National Park in Maine (USA). We found distinct isotopic signatures of MeHg in invertebrates (both mass-dependent fractionation [as δ202Hg] and mass-independent fractionation [as Δ199Hg]) among 3 interconnected aquatic habitats. It appears that the Hg isotopic compositions in bird blood cannot be fully accounted for by the isotopic compositions of MeHg in lower trophic levels in each of the habitats examined. Furthermore, the bird blood isotope results cannot be simply explained by an isotopic offset as a result of metabolic fractionation of δ202Hg (e.g., internal demethylation). Our results suggest that many of the birds sampled obtain MeHg from sources outside the habitat they were captured in. Our findings also indicate that mass-independent fractionation is a more reliable and conservative tracer than mass-dependent fractionation for identifying sources of MeHg in bird blood. The results demonstrate the feasibility of Hg isotope studies of songbirds but suggest that larger numbers of samples and an expanded geographic area of study may be required for conclusive interpretation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:166–174. © 2017 SETAC
A novel APC promoter 1B deletion shows a founder effect in Italian patients with classical familial adenomatous polyposis phenotype
Authors: Marabelli Monica , Gismondi Viviana , Ricci Maria Teresa , Vetro Annalisa , Abou Khouzam Raefa , Rea Valentina , Vitellaro Marco , Zuffardi Orsetta , Varesco Liliana , Ranzani Guglielmina Nadia
Published: August 2017

Familial adenomatous polyposis is a Mendelian syndrome in which germline loss‐of‐function mutations of APC are associated with multiple adenomatous polyps of the large bowel, a multiplicity of extracolonic features, and a high lifetime risk of colorectal cancer. Different APC germline mutations have been identified, including sequence changes, genomic rearrangements, and expression defects. Recently, very rare families have been associated with constitutive large deletions encompassing the APC‐5′ regulatory region, while leaving the remaining gene sequence intact; the regulatory region contains a proximal and a distal promoter, called 1A and 1B, respectively. We identified a novel deletion encompassing promoter 1B in a large Italian family that manifested polyposis in three of the six branches descending from a founding couple married in 1797. By combining different molecular approaches on both DNA and RNA, we precisely mapped this deletion (6858 bp in length) that proved to be associated with APC allele silencing. The finding of the same deletion in two additional polyposis families pointed to a founder mutation in Italy. Deletion carriers from the three families all showed a “classical” polyposis phenotype. To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying promoter deletions, we performed an in silico analysis of the breakpoints of 1A and 1B rearrangements so far reported in the literature; moreover, to decipher genotype–phenotype correlations, we critically reviewed current knowledge on deletions versus point mutations in the APC‐5′ regulatory region.
Provenance and tectonic setting of the Early and Middle Devonian Xueshan Formation, the North Qilian Belt, China
Authors: Hou Qian , Mou Chuanlong , Wang Qiyu , Tan Zhiyuan
Published: August 2017

The North Qilian orogenic belt is the key in the exploration of the formation and assembly of Asia. The Early–Middle Devonian Xueshan Formation, which is deposited in the north area of North Qilian Orogenic Belt, is the most important for revealing the evolution basin–mountain transition of the North Qilian Belt. In order to reveal the tectonic evolution of the central orogenic belt in China and Paleozoic global plate reconstruction, it is necessary to perform provenance analysis of the Xueshan Formation. Eighteen samples were collected from Yumen and Yongchang profiles in the west of North Qilian Belt (WN), and 16 samples were obtained from Gulang and Jingtai profiles in the east of North Qilian Belt (EN). The compositions of clastic conglomerates and the sandstones suggested that felsic volcanic was the main source of the WN Xueshan Formation deposits and that the sedimentary and metamorphic rocks were the main source of the EN sediments. According to major geochemistry indexes, such as Al2O3/SiO2 ratio ranging from 0.08 to 0.37 and the chemical index of alteration less than 80, the source rocks were moderately weathered and of moderately matured. The samples from the EN were relatively enriched in Cr, Ni, Sc, and V elements and depleted in Hf element. However, those from the WN were enriched in Hf without the enrichment of Cr, Ni, Sc, or V. The samples from WN showed a strong negative Eu anomaly, but the samples from EN showed a weak negative Eu anomaly or a positive Eu anomaly. All the above geochemical characteristics suggested the prominent input of felsic clasts with granitic rocks into the WN. Meanwhile, the discrimination diagrams of trace elements implied that WN rocks were derived from continental island arc and that the EN rocks were derived from orogenic belt and the passive continental margin. The North China Plate subducted southwards and formed subduction‐related arc magmatism along the southern margin of the North Qilian Terrane during the Early–Middle Devonian. In conclusion, the WN is a fore‐arc basin, but EN is a foreland basin.
An island‐arc tectonic setting for the Neoarchean Sonakhan Greenstone Belt, Bastar Craton, Central India: Insights from the chromite mineral chemistry and geochemistry of the siliceous high‐Mg basalts (SHMB)
Authors: Manu Prasanth M.P. , Hari K.R. , Chalapathi Rao N.V. , Hou Guiting , Pandit Dinesh
Published: August 2017

The Neoarchean Sonakhan Greenstone Belt, located in the northeastern fringes of Bastar Craton, Central India, is dominated by basalts, andesites, dacites, and rhyolites and also contains some basic rocks with very high MgO (up to 33.4 wt%). Chromite mineralization is present in these rocks along with the cumulates of olivine and clinopyoxenes. The rocks are classified as siliceous high‐magnesium basalts (SHMB) exhibiting enriched large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and light rare earth elements (LREE) relative to the high field strength elements. Elevated Th/Yb ratios and negative Nb‐Ta‐Ti anomalies in the primitive mantle normalized multielement diagram indicates a significant role of subduction‐related melts/fluids in their genesis. The chromites in SHMB have high Cr# (0.67–0.75) and moderate Mg# (0.11–0.5) values. Parental melt calculations in the chromites indicate that they are crystallized from an SHMB magma in an island‐arc setting. A plausible model for the genesis of the rocks of Sonakhan Greenstone Belt includes initial subduction of an intraoceanic lithosphere followed by eruption of lava in an oceanic environment. Continued subduction of the slab followed by slab rollback followed by the generation of SHMB parental magma, which was introduced into the basal portions of the lithosphere in which cumulates of olivine and clinopyroxene have been developed and the chromite mineralization occurred in the inter cumulus space. Final emplacement of the magma took place in a forearc suprasubduction‐zone environment with SHMB signature carrying the cumulates, which were located in the lower part of the lithosphere.
A new method for extraction of alteration information using the Landsat 8 imagery in a heavily vegetated and sediments‐covered region: A case study from Zhejiang Province, E. China
Authors: Han Ling , Zhao Bo , Wu Jian‐jian , Wu Ting‐ting , Feng Min
Published: August 2017

Ore prediction based on the Operational Land Imager (ETM+) image within the heavily vegetated and sediments‐covered areas is always a difficulty for geological remote sensing. Here, we report a new scheme for extraction of near‐ore alteration information in such localities: Terrain Analysis → principal component analysis →Fractal → Spatial Overlay and the Fe3+–OH− integrated anomalies that are punctate and probably ore‐caused were reasonably exposed. Findings showed a satisfactory result that the spatial, if not genetic, dependency relationship between the remotely sensed anomalies and geochemical anomalies, as well as the ore‐controlling geological bodies, is significant. However, no substantial spectral anomalies of vegetation immediately responsible for local mineralization and alteration were detected. This study may have contributed a useful case study for in‐depth remote sensing exploration.
Origin of ooids in ooidal‐muddy laminites: A case study of the lower Cambrian Qingxudong Formation in the Sichuan Basin, South China
Authors: Tan Qian , Shi Ze‐Jin , Tian Ya‐Ming , Wang Yong , Wang Chang‐Cheng
Published: August 2017

Ooids have been considered the most intriguing component of carbonate rocks, but the formation mechanism of carbonate ooids remains a matter of intense discussion. The lower Cambrian Qingxudong Formation in the southeastern Sichuan Basin contains abundant ooidal‐muddy laminites. Petrographic and sedimentological analyses revealed that these laminites formed in a shallow‐marine environment (preferably along the windward side of the reef‐shoal). Changing energy conditions caused variable supplies of grainy and muddy accumulation. A wide variety of ooids developed in grainy intervals. The normal ooids (<2 mm in diameter) in the lower portion of the laminites developed under high‐energy shallow‐water conditions, whereas the giant ooids (>2 mm in diameter) in the upper portion of the laminites developed in a deepening and moderate‐energy subtidal environment but were influenced by episodic hydrodynamic events. Petrographic and geochemical analyses suggest that microbes played an important role in ooid formation. High carbonate‐supersaturated and alkaline conditions that were mediated by microbial activity (e.g., bacterial sulfate reduction and photosynthesis) and agitated seawater conditions were the most important factors that mediated the formation of the Qingxudong ooids. This study provides new insights into paleooceanographic conditions during the Early Cambrian and offers a perspective on the formation of ancient normal and giant ooids.
Partial Synthesis of Coenzyme B12 from Cobyric Acid
Authors: Widner Florian J. , Gstrein Fabian , Kräutler Bernhard
Published: August 2017

Here we report the direct chemical synthesis of coenzyme B12 (AdoCbl) from Coβ‐5′‐deoxyadenosylcobyric acid (AdoCby) and the preparation of the latter from crystalline CN,H2O‐cobyric acid (CN,H2OCby). AdoCby is a suggested common key intermediate in the biosynthesis of AdoCbl and of other cobamides in microorganisms. AdoCby was thoroughly characterized by spectroscopic means, including homo‐nuclear and hetero‐nuclear NMR, as such data are not available in published work. AdoCbl was prepared from AdoCby in one‐step in over 85% yield, by covalent attachment in aqueous solution of the integral B12‐nucleotide moiety using 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐carbodiimide (EDC·HCl) and N‐hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) as coupling reagents. By the same procedure crystalline vitamin B12 (CNCbl) was also prepared in 92% yield from CN,H2OCby. Coordination of the B12‐nucleotide base at the Coα‐face of AdoCby or of CN,H2OCby was indicated to assist in the efficient covalent coupling at the activated f‐side chain function to furnish the complete corrinoids AdoCbl and CNCbl.
Stage–discharge estimation in straight compound channels using isovel contours
Authors: Maghrebi Mahmoud F. , Kavousizadeh Amirreza , Maghrebi Reza Faghfour , Ahmadi Arash
Published: August 2017

For various hydrological applications such as flood control projects, a knowledge of stage–discharge relationship is of particular interest to river engineers. Stage–discharge curves in compound channels cannot be easily predicted in comparison with single channels due to their 3D characteristics of flow. In this paper, the concept of cross‐sectional isovel contours is used for estimation of stage–discharge curves in compound channels. The multivariate Newton's method is applied to the difference between the observed and estimated data to optimize the exponent values of the governing parameters. The accuracy of the proposed model is tested successfully against available experimental results, which are taken from the Flood Channel Facility (FCF) laboratory. Then the results are compared with the Single and Divided Channel Methods (SCM and DCM, respectively), the Weighted Divided Channel Method (WDCM), the exchange discharge method (EDM), and the Coherence Method (COHM). The average values of mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) in discharge estimation based on each referenced section at any level for 6 sections of the experimental cases are within 3.1% and 0.023, respectively. The biggest advantage of the proposed method is its inherent simplicity, which does not need any calibration.
Birth rates after radioactive iodine treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Anderson Chelsea , Engel Stephanie M. , Weaver Mark A. , Zevallos Jose P. , Nichols Hazel B.
Published: August 2017

Treatment with radioactive iodine (RAI) for differentiated thyroid cancer has been associated with alterations in gonadal function in women, including changes in menstrual function and an earlier age at menopause. Our objective was to evaluate associations between RAI and postdiagnosis live birth rates among thyroid cancer survivors diagnosed at ages 15–39 years. We identified women diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer between January 2000 and December 2013 in the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry (CCR). CCR records were linked to state birth certificate files to identify livebirths to thyroid cancer survivors through December 2014. Person‐years of follow‐up were accrued from 6 months after diagnosis to first birth, 46th birthday, death, or December 31, 2014, whichever came first. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazards ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for first livebirth. Among 2,360 women with a differentiated thyroid cancer diagnosis, 53% received RAI. The cumulative incidence of birth at the end of follow‐up (maximum 14.5 years) was 30.0 and 29.3% among those who were and were not treated with RAI, respectively. Overall, first birth rates did not significantly differ between groups (HR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.23). In our observational cohort, treatment with RAI was not associated with a reduced birth rate. Our findings add to the evidence available for counseling thyroid cancer patients with concerns about future fertility.
Sleep characteristics, light at night and breast cancer risk in a prospective cohort
Authors: White Alexandra J. , Weinberg Clarice R. , Park Yong‐Moon , D'Aloisio Aimee A. , Vogtmann Emily , Nichols Hazel B. , Sandler Dale P.
Published: August 2017

Increasing numbers of women in the US are getting too little sleep. Inadequate sleep has been associated with impaired metabolic function and endocrine disruption. Sister Study cohort participants (n = 50,884), completed baseline and follow‐up questionnaires on sleep patterns. Incident breast cancers estrogen receptor (ER) status of the tumor were ascertained from questionnaires and medical records. Cox regression was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Analyses of sleep characteristics reported at the first follow‐up interview included only participants who were breast cancer‐free at time of follow‐up interview. Over ∼7 years of follow‐up, 2,736 breast cancer cases (invasive and ductal carcinoma in situ) were diagnosed. There was little evidence that usual sleep duration or other sleep characteristics were associated with breast cancer. However, relative to those with no difficulty sleeping, women who reported having difficulty sleeping ≥ 4 nights a week were at an increased risk of overall (HR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.09–1.61) and postmenopausal breast cancer (HR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.24–1.85). Risk of ER+ invasive cancer was elevated for women who reported having a light or television on in the room while sleeping (HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.97–1.47) or who typically got less sleep than they needed to feel their best (HR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.98–1.50). In our study, most sleep characteristics, including sleep duration, were not associated with an increased risk although higher risk was observed for some markers of inadequate or poor quality sleep.
Bone Marrow Fat Changes After Gastric Bypass Surgery Are Associated With Loss of Bone Mass
Authors: Kim Tiffany Y , Schwartz Ann V , Li Xiaojuan , Xu Kaipin , Black Dennis M , Petrenko Dimitry M , Stewart Lygia , Rogers Stanley J , Posselt Andrew M , Carter Jonathan T , Shoback Dolores M , Schafer Anne L
Published: August 2017

Bone marrow fat is a unique fat depot that may regulate bone metabolism. Marrow fat is increased in states of low bone mass, severe underweight, and diabetes. However, longitudinal effects of weight loss and improved glucose homeostasis on marrow fat are unclear, as is the relationship between marrow fat and bone mineral density (BMD) changes. We hypothesized that after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, marrow fat changes are associated with BMD loss. We enrolled 30 obese women, stratified by diabetes status. Before and 6 months after RYGB, we measured BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and vertebral marrow fat content by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. At baseline, those with higher marrow fat had lower BMD. Postoperatively, total body fat declined dramatically in all participants. Effects of RYGB on marrow fat differed by diabetes status (p = 0.03). Nondiabetic women showed no significant mean change in marrow fat (+1.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] –1.8% to +5.4%, p = 0.29), although those who lost more total body fat were more likely to have marrow fat increases (r = –0.70, p = 0.01). In contrast, diabetic women demonstrated a mean marrow fat change of –6.5% (95% CI –13.1% to 0%, p = 0.05). Overall, those with greater improvements in hemoglobin A1c had decreases in marrow fat (r = 0.50, p = 0.01). Increases in IGF-1, a potential mediator of the marrow fat-bone relationship, were associated with marrow fat declines (r = –0.40, p = 0.05). Spinal volumetric BMD decreased by 6.4% ± 5.9% (p < 0.01), and femoral neck areal BMD decreased by 4.3% ± 4.1% (p < 0.01). Marrow fat and BMD changes were negatively associated, such that those with marrow fat increases had more BMD loss at both spine (r = –0.58, p < 0.01) and femoral neck (r = –0.49, p = 0.01), independent of age and menopause. Our findings suggest that glucose metabolism and weight loss may influence marrow fat behavior, and marrow fat may be a determinant of bone metabolism. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Plasma exchange for the management of refractory pruritus of cholestasis: A report of three cases and review of literature
Authors: Chkheidze Rati , Joseph Ranjit , Burner James , Matevosyan Karen
Published: August 2017

Background

Intractable pruritus of cholestasis leads to significant morbidity. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been shown to be an effective alternative in the setting of refractory pruritus associated with cholestatic liver disease based on several individual reports. Due to rarity of this approach to intractable pruritus, the literature is sparse and therefore TPE, as a treatment for refractory pruritus is currently not in the apheresis guidelines. We present three additional patients with severe intractable pruritus of cholestasis successfully treated with plasma exchange to add to the mounting literature showing this as an effective and safe adjunctive therapy.

Methods

Three patients underwent serial plasma exchange procedures to control pruritus. Frequency of plasma exchange was three times a week, with slow taper upon improvement of pruritus. Total bile acid levels were assessed before procedures.

Results

All three patients had an intractable pruritus with different underlying etiologies of cholestasis. All three patients showed significant improvement in pruritus, with none or minimal pruritus in one patient with primary biliary cirrhosis. Pre procedure bile acids levels were decreased initially, but showed rebound increase upon tapering of plasma exchange, without increased pruritus. No serious side effects or complications were observed.

Conclusion

Our results in conjunction with the published literature show that severe and intractable pruritus associated with cholestasis could be successfully treated with TPE, irrespective of the underlying disease, and can be done safely.
Early days of quantum crystallography: A personal account
Authors: Tsirelson Vladimir
Published: August 2017

This work summarizes the author's activity in developing quantum crystallography. The approximations based on the intrinsic properties of the one‐electron single‐determinant density matrix, which allow its reconstructing from the experimentally measured coherent X‐ray diffraction structure factors are discussed. The actual results obtained within such an approach are given. Article critically considers the early works in the field and places them to the present context. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparing accuracy and reproducibility of sequential and Hadamard‐encoded multidelay pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling for measuring cerebral blood flow and arterial transit time in healthy subjects: A simulation and in vivo study
Authors: Guo Jia , Holdsworth Samantha J. , Fan Audrey P. , Lebel Marc R. , Zun Zungho , Shankaranarayanan Ajit , Zaharchuk Greg
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To compare performance of sequential and Hadamard‐encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (PCASL).

Materials and Methods

Monte Carlo simulations and in vivo experiments were performed in 10 healthy subjects. Field strength and sequence: 5‐delay sequential (5‐del. Seq.), 7‐delay Hadamard‐encoded (7‐del. Had.), and a single‐delay (1‐del.) PCASL, without and with vascular crushing at 3.0T. The errors and variations of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and arterial transit time (ATT) from simulations and the CBF and ATT estimates and variations in gray matter (GM) with different ATT ranges were compared. Pairwise t‐tests with Bonferroni correction were used.

Results

The simulations and in vivo experiments showed that 1‐del. PCASL underestimated GM CBF due to insufficient postlabeling delay (PLD) (37.2 ± 8.1 vs. 47.3 ± 8.5 and 47.3 ± 9.0 ml/100g/min, P ≤ 6.5 × 10−6), while 5‐del. Seq. and 7‐del. Had. yielded comparable GM CBF (P ≥ 0.49). 5‐del. Seq. was more reproducible for CBF (P = 4.7 × 10−4), while 7‐del. Had. was more reproducible for ATT (P = 0.033). 5‐del. Seq. was more prone to intravascular artifacts and yielded lower GM ATTs compared to 7‐del. Had. without crushing (1.13 ± 0.18 vs. 1.23 ± 0.13 seconds, P = 2.3 × 10−3), but they gave comparable ATTs with crushing (P = 0.12). ATTs measured with crushing were longer than those without crushing (P ≤ 6.7 × 10−4), but CBF was not affected (P ≥ 0.16).

Conclusion

The theoretical signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) gain through Hadamard encoding was confirmed experimentally. For 1‐del., a PLD of 1.8 seconds is recommended for healthy subjects. With current parameters, 5‐del. Seq. was more reproducible for CBF, and 7‐del. Had. for ATT. Vascular crushing may help reduce variations in multidelay experiments without compromising tissue CBF or ATT measurements.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1119–1132.
Indigenously associated methanogens intensified the metabolism in hydrogenosomes of anaerobic fungi with xylose as substrate
Authors: Li Yuanfei , Jin Wei , Mu Chunlong , Cheng Yanfen , Zhu Weiyun
Published: August 2017

Anaerobic fungi are potent lignocellulose degraders, but have not yet been exploited in this capacity, largely owing to their poor metabolic characterization. In the current study, a time course of fermentation was conducted to study the effect of the co‐cultured methanogens on xylose metabolism by anaerobic fungi. The fermentation end‐products from anaerobic fungal monoculture were H2 (6.7 ml), CO2 (65.7 ml), formate (17.90 mM), acetate (9.00 mM), lactate (11.89 mM), ethanol, and malate after 96 h fermentation. Compared to the monoculture, the end‐products of co‐culture shifted to more CO2 (71.8 ml) and acetate (15.20 mM), methane (14.9 ml), less lactate (5.28 mM), and hardly detectable formate and H2 at the end of fermentation. After 48 h, accumulated formate was remarkably consumed by co‐cultured methanogens, accompanied by significantly increased acetate, CO2 and pH, and decreased lactate and malate. Xylose utilization, in both cultures, was similar during fermentation. However, the relative flux of carbon in hydrogenosomes in the co‐culture was higher than that in the monoculture. In conclusion, the co‐culture with methanogens enhanced “energy yields” of anaerobic fungi by removing the accumulated formate, decreased the metabolism in cytosol, for example, the lactate pathway, and increased the metabolism in hydrogenosomes, for example, the acetate pathway.
Viral surveillance using PCR during treatment of AML and ALL
Authors: Dixon Stephanie B. , Lane Adam , O'Brien Maureen M. , Burns Karen C. , Mangino Jennifer L. , Breese Erin H. , Absalon Michael J. , Perentesis John P. , Phillips Christine L.
Published: August 2017

Background

While viral surveillance of cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), and adenovirus using PCR is routine in patients undergoing hematopoetic stem cell transplant and solid organ transplant, the utility in the nontransplant pediatric leukemia population is unknown. Our institution screens patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for viral DNAemia by PCR as part of clinical care.

Procedure

This retrospective chart review included patients treated for newly diagnosed or relapsed AML or ALL between April 2010 and September 2014. We retrieved data for viral PCR screening, detection and quantification, duration of positivity, and prophylaxis or treatment.

Results

One hundred eleven patients were included in analyses. Forty (36.0%) had at least one blood PCR positive for EBV, CMV, or adenovirus. Patients with ALL had significantly higher rates of persistent viral detection and treatment than those with AML (P< 0.02,P< 0.01, respectively). International patients had significantly higher rates of viral detection (P< 0.01), persistence (P< 0.01), any treatment (P< 0.03), and antiviral treatment (P< 0.01); 16.9% of patients who received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) prophylactically had viral detection compared to 63% of patients who did not receive prophylactic IVIG (P= 0.0008).

Conclusions

Patients with ALL were more susceptible than those with AML to viral reactivation that was persistent or resulted in treatment. Patients with relapsed ALL, refractory ALL, or infantile ALL are most likely to benefit from asymptomatic screening for CMV and adenovirus. International patients are at higher risk for reactivation and may merit screening. EBV reactivation was not significant and does not warrant screening.
Comparing oncologic outcomes after minimally invasive and open surgery for pediatric neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor
Authors: Ezekian Brian , Englum Brian R. , Gulack Brian C. , Rialon Kristy L. , Kim Jina , Talbot Lindsay J. , Adibe Obinna O. , Routh Jonathan C. , Tracy Elisabeth T. , Rice Henry E.
Published: August 2017

Background

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been widely adopted for common operations in pediatric surgery; however, its role in childhood tumors is limited by concerns about oncologic outcomes. We compared open and MIS approaches for pediatric neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor (WT) using a national database.

Methods

The National Cancer Data Base from 2010 to 2012 was queried for cases of neuroblastoma and WT in children ≤21 years old. Children were classified as receiving open or MIS surgery for definitive resection, with clinical outcomes compared using a propensity matching methodology (two open:one MIS).

Results

For children with neuroblastoma, 17% (98 of 579) underwent MIS, while only 5% of children with WT (35 of 695) had an MIS approach for tumor resection. After propensity matching, there was no difference between open and MIS surgery for either tumor for 30‐day mortality, readmissions, surgical margin status, and 1‐ and 3‐year survival. However, in both tumors, open surgery more often evaluated lymph nodes and had larger lymph node harvest.

Conclusion

Our retrospective review suggests that the use of MIS appears to be a safe method of oncologic resection for select children with neuroblastoma and WT. Further research should clarify which children are the optimal candidates for this approach.
Longitudinal parental preferences for late effects communication during cancer treatment
Authors: Sisk Bryan A. , Greenzang Katie A. , Kang Tammy I. , Mack Jennifer W.
Published: August 2017

Few studies have investigated parent preferences for late effects communication during pediatric cancer treatment. We used questionnaire data to assess whether parental preferences for late effects information change over the year after diagnosis. Most parents found this information to be very/extremely important at baseline, assessed soon after diagnosis, (94%, 153/162), 4 months (91%, 147/162), and 12 months (96%, 156/163). Similarly, most parents wanted as much detail as possible about late effects at baseline (85%, 141/165), 4 months (87%, 144/165), and 12 months (83%, 137/165). Parents of children with favorable prognoses preferred more details at baseline (OR 2.94, 1.18–7.31, P = 0.02) than parents whose children had less favorable prognoses.
Synthesis, Characterization of Bicarbazole Compounds and Their Application in Codepositing Luminescent Copper Iodide Complexes
Authors: Rui Bin , Tan Yu , Liu Xiaochen , Wei Chen , Liu Yang , Li Jiayi , Liu Zhiwei , Bian Zuqiang , Huang Chunhui
Published: August 2017

Eight bicarbazole (BCz) compounds, 9,9′‐diphenyl‐3,3′‐bicarbazole (PhBCz), 9,9′‐di(2‐pyridyl)‐3,3′‐bicarbazole (o‐PyBCz), 9,9′‐di(3‐pyridyl)‐3,3′‐ bicarbazole (m‐PyBCz), 9,9′‐di(4‐pyridyl)‐3,3′‐bicarbazole (p‐PyBCz), 9,9′‐di(5‐pyrimidinyl)‐3,3′‐bicarbazole (PmBCz), 9,9′‐di(2‐pyrazinyl)‐3,3′‐bicarbazole (PzBCz), 9,9′‐di(4‐isoquinolinyl)‐3,3′‐bicarbazole (4‐IqBCz), and 9,9′‐di(5‐isoquinolinyl)‐3,3′‐bicarbazole (5‐IqBCz), that can be divided into three categories: category one with ortho, meta, or para pyridyl substituted BCz (PhBCz as a reference), category two with pyrimidinyl or pyrazinyl substituted BCz, and category three with 4‐ or 5‐isoquinolinyl substituted BCz, were synthesized and characterized in terms of photophysical, thermal, and electrochemical properties. Moreover, these compounds were utilized to codepositing with copper iodide to form luminescent copper iodide complex doped films in situ, whose emission colors range from green to yellow and might be employed as the emissive layer in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs).
Synthesis of a Naturally Occurring Plant Alkaloid Berberine Analogue and Its Application in Nanomolar Selective Detection of Hydrazine in Free and DNA‐Binding Situation.
Authors: Jana Gopal C. , Nayim Sk , Khatun Munira , Das Somnath , Patra Anirudha , Sahoo Nandan K. , Jha Pradeep K. , Mandal Samir , Chaudhuri Keya , Hossain Maidul
Published: August 2017

A sensitive platform for in vivo selective detection of the toxic element by a DNA stabilized biomolecule is of great importance. Particularly sensing of hydrazine in the presence of DNA is very important during cell damage and post‐mortem. In this study, a new 9‐O‐(4‐nitrobenzoyl) berberine analogue was designed and synthesized. The Calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) binding affinity studies revealed that the analogue was excellent DNA binding efficacy with groove binding mode (K= 4.2 × 106 M−1) compared to parent berberine (K= 2.2 ×105 M−1). Importantly, our synthesized analogue for the first time a berberine analogue that can effectively use as a selective ratiometric colorimetric probe for hydrazine detection based on ICT (intramolecular charge transfer) mechanism with a good limit of detection (20nM) which is much below the threshold limiting value (TLV) of hydrazine (10 ppb or 312 nM) as regulated by Environmental protection agency (EPA). Interestingly, we report a new avenue in sensing study in the presence of DNA i. e. our DNA groove binding analogue (at maximum saturation) also can serve as a promising turn on fluorimetric sensor for hydrazine detection with high selectivity over biologically abundant amines and metal cations with well limit of detection (LOD) value (14 nM). The sensing mechanism in the absence of DNA and in the presence of DNA was established by different spectroscopic methods. In addition, the berberine analogue could also be utilized for qualitative detection of hydrazine in the vapor phase and for the imaging of hydrazine in living Michigan Cancer Foundation‐7 (MCF‐7) cells.
Development of a L‐Tryptophan‐Based Ligand for Regioselective Copper Catalyzed N2‐Arylation of 1,2,3‐Triazoles
Authors: Lopes Alexandra Basilio , Wagner Patrick , Kümmerle Arthur Eugen , Bihel Frédéric , Bourguignon Jean‐Jacques , Schmitt Martine , Miranda Leandro S. M.
Published: August 2017

2‐aryl‐1,2,3‐triazoles are important compounds that find applications in Medicinal chemistry, diagnostics, catalysis and others. However, only few methodologies for their preparation is found in the literature. The development of a post cycloaddition N2 selective arylation towards these compounds would benefit from a more convergent strategy. In the present communication, the development of a new tryptophan‐based ligand allowed the selective arylation of the N2‐position of 1,2,3‐triazoles using recyclable CuFe2O4 nanoparticles. This method was efficient in furnishing N2‐arylated and heteroarylated 1,2,3‐triazoles in good yields and excellent N2‐selectivity. The methodology developed found application in the synthesis of the 2‐aryl‐1,2,3‐triazoyl fragment of the drug suvorexant (Belsomra®).
Advances in Small Perovskite‐Based Lasers
Authors: Zhang Qing , Su Rui , Du Wenna , Liu Xinfeng , Zhao Liyun , Ha Son Tung , Xiong Qihua
Published: August 2017

Lead halide perovskites have recently become a rapidly growing research field due to their great potential in next‐generation solar cells and photonic sources. As a direct bandgap semiconductor, perovskites are also promising candidates for low‐threshold and multicolor lasing devices due to their high optical gain, ease of bandgap engineering, large absorption coefficient, and low defect state density. In particular, reduced‐dimensional perovskite structures including nanoplatelets, nanowires, and quantum dots, are crucial for the development of micro‐ or nanosized laser sources for optical chips and high‐resolution imaging, etc. Here, perovskite nanophotonics, in particular the lasing properties of perovskite nanostructures, are discussed. The rapid advances of small lasers based on perovskite nanostructures using both active and passive microcavities are reviewed; these are mainly classified into four sections: thin films, nanoplatelets, nanowires, and quantum dots. Lasing performance in terms of threshold, color‐tunability, spectral coherence, and stability is introduced from both materials and microcavity respects. Fundamental photophysical mechanisms involved in the photoluminescence lasing process, from absorption, emission to gain, are discussed in order to provide insightful understanding lasing properties of different types of perovskites. Finally, some future prospects for perovskite lasing devices are provided.
Influence of artificial discontinuities in concrete under compression load—A literature review
Authors: Bochmann Jakob , Curbach Manfred , Jesse Frank
Published: August 2017

Research on load‐bearing behavior of textile reinforced concrete (TRC) elements is mostly limited on tension, bending, and shear. Only a few studies address the material behavior under compression, mostly as a side effect while studying shear or other actions. As a basis for an upcoming test program to investigate the behavior of TRC under compression, this paper gives a literature review for concrete behavior under uniaxial and biaxial compression loading on structural discontinuities, which has been observed in prestressing ducts, pipes or other regular, or irregular structural discontinuities. Furthermore, mechanical models from rock mechanics are reviewed, as rock has natural planes of weakness that seem to have a similar impact on load bearing behavior as artificial planes of weakness defined by fabric reinforcement in TRC.
Analysis of outrigger numbers and locations in outrigger braced structures using a multiobjective genetic algorithm
Authors: Chen Yue , Zhang Zhenya
Published: August 2017

Due to its advantages, the outrigger braced system has been employed in high‐rise structures for the last 3 decades. It is evident that the numbers and locations of outriggers in this system have a crucial impact on the performance of high‐rise buildings. In this paper, a multiobjective genetic algorithm (MGA) is applied to an existing mathematical model of outrigger braced structures and a practical project to achieve Pareto optimal solutions, which treat the top drift and core base moment of a high‐rise building as 2 trade‐off objective functions. MATLAB was employed to explore a multiobjective automatic optimization procedure for the optimal design of outrigger numbers and locations under wind load. In this research, various schemes for the preliminary stages of design can be obtained using MGA. This allows designers and clients easily to compare the performance of structural systems with different numbers of outriggers in different locations. In addition, design results based on MGA offer many other benefits, such as diversity, flexible options for designers, and active client participation.
Liberalism as Utopia
Authors: Schaefer Timo H.
Published: August 2017

Liberalism as Utopia challenges widespread perceptions about the weakness of Mexico's nineteenth-century state. Schaefer argues that after the War of Independence non-elite Mexicans - peasants, day laborers, artisans, local merchants - pioneered an egalitarian form of legal rule by serving in the town governments and civic militias that became the local faces of the state's coercive authority. These institutions were effective because they embodied patriarchal norms of labor and care for the family that were premised on the legal equality of male, adult citizens. The book also examines the emergence of new, illiberal norms that challenged and at the end of the century, during the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz, overwhelmed the egalitarianism of the early-republican period. By comparing the legal cultures of agricultural estates, mestizo towns and indigenous towns, Liberalism as Utopia also proposes a new way of understanding the social foundations of liberal and authoritarian pathways to state formation in the nineteenth-century world.