bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards broadcast redundancy minimization in duty‐cycled wireless sensor networks
Authors: Duc Thang Le , Le Duc Tai , Zalyubovskiy Vyacheslav V. , Kim Dongsoo S. , Choo Hyunseung
Published: February 2016

Broadcast is an essential operation in wireless sensor networks. Because of the necessity of energy conservation, minimizing the number of transmissions is always a challenging issue in broadcasting scheme design. This paper studies the minimum‐transmission broadcast problem in duty‐cycled wireless sensor networks where each sensor operates under active/dormant cycles. To address the problem, our proposed scheme, Broadcast Redundancy Minimization Scheduling (BRMS), finds a set of forwarding nodes, which minimizes the number of broadcast transmissions. Then, it constructs a forest of sub‐trees based on the relationship between each forwarding node and its corresponding receivers. A broadcast tree is constructed ultimately by connecting all sub‐trees with a minimum number of connectors. Theoretical analysis shows that BRMS obtains a lower approximation ratio as well as time complexity compared with existing schemes. A set of extensive simulations is conducted to evaluate the performance of BRMS. The results reveal that BRMS outperforms others and its solution is close to the lower bound of the problem in terms of the total number of transmissions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An update on sputum MicroRNAs in lung cancer diagnosis
Authors: Sheervalilou Roghayeh , Ansarin Khalil , Fekri Aval Sedigheh , Shirvaliloo Sakine , Pilehvar‐soltanahmadi Yones , Mohammadian Mozhdeh , Zarghami Nosratollah
Published: February 2016

Lung cancer is one of the leading cause of cancer mortality in the world. It is well known that genetic damages could result in lung tumor genesis. Despite years of research, the survival rate of the patients has not been markedly improved. According to lack of high sensitivity and specificity in diagnostic tests, just about 15–20% of lung cancer cases are discovered prior to progression of the disease. In last decade, sputum biomarkers have been developed for early detection/diagnosis of lung cancer. MicroRNAs are a class of small endogenous noncoding RNAs, which act as post‐transcriptional regulators. Some specific miRNAs can have multifunctions in lung development and their aberrant expression could induce lung tumor genesis. The differences in miRNAs between the normal and cancerous lung lead to emerging of a novel type of biomarkers, which can be helpful in screening of high risk individuals, diagnosis of lung cancer as well as its therapy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:442–449. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Amnioserosa development and function in Drosophila embryogenesis: Critical mechanical roles for an extraembryonic tissue
Authors: Lacy Monica E. , Hutson M. Shane
Published: February 2016

Despite being a short‐lived, extraembryonic tissue, the amnioserosa plays critical roles in the major morphogenetic events of Drosophila embryogenesis. These roles involve both cellular mechanics and biochemical signaling. Its best‐known role is in dorsal closure—well studied by both developmental biologists and biophysicists—but the amnioserosa is also important during earlier developmental stages. Here, we provide an overview of amnioserosa specification and its role in several key developmental stages: germ band extension, germ band retraction, and dorsal closure. We also compare embryonic development in Drosophila and its relative Megaselia to highlight how the amnioserosa and its roles have evolved. Placed in context, the amnioserosa provides a fascinating example of how signaling, mechanics, and morphogen patterns govern cell‐type specification and subsequent morphogenetic changes in cell shape, orientation, and movement. Developmental Dynamics 245:558–568, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Eating disorder pathology in elite adolescent athletes
Authors: Giel Katrin Elisabeth , Hermann‐Werner Anne , Mayer Jochen , Diehl Katharina , Schneider Sven , Thiel Ansgar , Zipfel Stephan ,   for the GOAL study group
Published: February 2016

Objective

We aimed to investigate eating disorder pathology in German elite adolescent athletes. Evidence suggests that eating disorder pathology is more common in adult elite sports, especially in female athletes and in sports emphasizing leanness. There is a scarcity of studies in elite adolescent athletes who are in a vulnerable developmental stage and are affected by general as well as sport‐specific risk factors.

Method

Our data was derived from the German Young Olympic Athletes' Lifestyle and Health Management Study (GOAL) which conducted a survey in 1138 elite adolescent athletes. In this sample, we assessed body weight, weight control behavior, body acceptance and screened overall for core symptoms of eating disorders, depression and anxiety. We performed a tree analysis to identify high risk groups for eating disorder pathology.

Results

High risk groups comprised (a) athletes competing in weight dependent sports, and among athletes competing in disciplines other than weight dependent sports (b) athletes who are high on negative affectivity, (c) female athletes and (d) male athletes competing in endurance, technical or power sports. Athletes competing in weight dependent disciplines reported wide spread use of compensatory behaviors to influence body weight. Athletes reporting eating disorder pathology showed higher levels of depression and anxiety than athletes without eating disorder pathology.

Discussion

Increased psychosocial burden in athletes with eating disorder pathology suggests that eating disorder symptoms should not be accepted as an unproblematic and functional part of elite sports. The prevention and management of eating disorder pathology is especially important in weight dependent sports. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:553–562)
Selective formation of C36‐dimer fatty acids via thiol‐ene addition for copolyamide synthesis
Authors: Unverferth Maike , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: February 2016

Dimer fatty acids demonstrate interesting raw materials for the synthesis of polyamides and polyurethanes. The industrially well‐established procedure of dimerizing poly unsaturated fatty acids yields a mixture of monomer, dimer and trimer structures, requiring the isolation of the pure dimer fatty acid. Within this study, the selective synthesis of C36‐dimer fatty acids derived from oleic acid is shown by simple thiol‐ene addition of ethane‐1,2‐dithiol. Subsequently, the dimer fatty acid is used as comonomer for copolyamide synthesis in different ratios with hexamethylenediamine and dimethyl adipate. Experiments of water uptake and release are presented for these copolyamides showing improved properties compared to conventional polyamides.

Practical applications: Dimer fatty acids are established oleochemicals and used for several applications. Their conventional synthesis is straightforward, but results in a mixture of different compounds that are difficult to separate. Here, we report a simple and efficient synthesis approach to dimer fatty acids that avoids the above mentioned problems and moreover uses oleic acid as starting material instead of multiply unsaturated fatty acids.

A novel dimer fatty acid is successfully and efficiently prepared in a simple UV‐induced one‐pot procedure based on thiol‐ene chemistry. It can be used directly, without purification, for Nylon synthesis and reduces the water uptake of Nylon 6.6 and furthermore significantly increases the release of water.
Expansion of a SNaPshot assay to a 55‐SNP multiplex: Assay enhancements, validation, and power in forensic science
Authors: Wang Qian , Fu Lihong , Zhang Xiaojing , Dai Xinyu , Bai Mei , Fu Guangping , Cong Bin , Li Shujin
Published: February 2016

A previously developed multiplex assay with 44 individual identification SNPs was expanded to a 55plex assay. Fifty‐four highly informative SNPs and an amelogenin sex marker were amplified in one PCR reaction and then detected with two SNaPshot reactions using CE. PCR primers for four loci, 28 single‐base extension primers, and the reaction conditions were altered to improve the robustness of the method. A detailed approach for allele calling was developed to guide analysis of the electropherogram. One hundred and eighty unrelated individuals and 100 father‐child‐mother trios of the Han population in Hebei, China were analyzed. No mutation was found in the SNP loci. The combined mean match probability and cumulative probability of exclusion were 1.327 × 10−22 and 0.999932, respectively. Analysis of the 54 SNPs and 26 STRs (included in the AmpFLSTR Identifiler and Investigator HDplex kits) showed no significant linkage disequilibriums. Our research shows that the expanded SNP multiplex assay is an easily performed and valuable method to supplement STR analysis.
Long-term exposure to triphenylphosphate alters hormone balance and HPG, HPI, and HPT gene expression in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Liu Xiaoshan , Jung Dawoon , Jo Areum , Ji Kyunghee , Moon Hyo-Bang , Choi Kyungho
Published: February 2016

With the global decline in the use of polybrominated diphenyl ethers, the demand for alternative flame retardants, such as triphenylphosphate (TPP), has increased substantially. Triphenylphosphate is now detected in various environments including aquatic ecosystems worldwide. However, studies on the toxicological consequences of chronic TPP exposure on aquatic organisms are scarce. The zebrafish model was used to investigate the effects of long-term TPP exposure on the endocrine system. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 5 µg/L, 50 µg/L, or 500 µg/L TPP for 120 d, and hormonal and transcriptional responses were measured along the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. Exposure to TPP significantly increased plasma 17β-estradiol, but decreased 11-ketotestosterone in both sexes. Gene expression data support these changes. In the HPI axis, plasma cortisol and proopiomelanocortin (pomc) and mineralocorticoid receptor transcripts increased in females, but in males cortisol decreased whereas pomc increased (p < 0.05). Thyroxine and triiodothyronine increased, and thyrotrophin-releasing hormone receptor 2 (trhr2) and trh expression were affected only in females (p < 0.05). In summary, long-term exposure to TPP enhanced estrogenicity in both males and females, potentially through influencing the HPG axis, but modulated the HPI, and HPT axes differently by sex, suggesting that both genomic and nongenomic responses might be involved. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2288–2296. © 2016 SETAC
Modeling of static contact angles with curved boundaries using a multiphase lattice Boltzmann method with variable density and viscosity ratios
Authors: Leclaire Sébastien , Abahri Kamilia , Belarbi Rafik , Bennacer Rachid
Published: February 2016

Numerical modeling of multiphase flow generally requires a special procedure at the solid wall in order to be consistent with Young's law for static contact angles. The standard approach in the lattice Boltzmann method, which consists of imposing fictive densities at the solid lattice sites, is shown to be deficient for this task. Indeed, fictive mass transfer along the boundary could happen and potentially spoil the numerical results. In particular, when the contact angle is less than 90 degrees, the deficiencies of the standard model are major. Various videos that demonstrate this behavior are provided (Supporting Information). A new approach is proposed and consists of directly imposing the contact angle at the boundaries in much the same way as Dirichlet boundary conditions are generally imposed. The proposed method is able to retrieve analytical solutions for static contact angles in the case of straight and curved boundaries even when variable density and viscosity ratios between the phases are considered. Although the proposed wetting boundary condition is shown to significantly improve the numerical results for one particular class of lattice Boltzmann model, it is believed that other lattice Boltzmann multiphase schemes could also benefit from the underlying ideas of the proposed method. The proposed algorithm is two‐dimensional, and the D2Q9 lattice is used. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shifts in excitatory/inhibitory balance by juvenile stress: A role for neuron–astrocyte interaction in the dentate gyrus
Authors: Albrecht Anne , Ivens Sebastian , Papageorgiou Ismini E. , Çalışkan Gürsel , Saiepour Nasrin , Brück Wolfgang , Richter‐Levin Gal , Heinemann Uwe , Stork Oliver
Published: February 2016

Childhood trauma is a well‐described risk factor for the development of stress‐related psychopathology such as posttraumatic stress disorder or depression later in life. Childhood adversity can be modeled in rodents by juvenile stress (JS) protocols, resulting in impaired coping with stressful challenges in adulthood. In the current study, we investigated the long‐lasting impact of JS on the expression of molecular factors for glutamate and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) uptake and turnover in sublayers of the dentate gyrus (DG) using laser microdissection and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. We observed reduced mRNA expression levels after JS for factors mediating astrocytic glutamate and GABA uptake and degradation. These alterations were prominently observed in the dorsal but not ventral DG granule cell layer, indicating a lasting change in astrocytic GABA and glutamate metabolism that may affect dorsal DG network activity. Indeed, we observed increased inhibition and a lack of facilitation in response to paired‐pulse stimulation at short interstimulus intervals in the dorsal DG after JS, while no alterations were evident in basal synaptic transmission or forms of long‐term plasticity. The shift in paired‐pulse response was mimicked by pharmacologically blocking the astrocytic GABA transporter GAT‐3 in naïve animals. Accordingly, reduced expression levels of GAT‐3 were confirmed at the protein level in the dorsal granule cell layer of rats stressed in juvenility. Together, these data demonstrate a lasting shift in the excitatory/inhibitory balance of dorsal DG network activity by JS that appears to be mediated by decreased GABA uptake into astrocytes. GLIA 2016;64:911–922
Association between DCHS2 gene and mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease in an elderly Brazilian sample
Authors: Vieira Renalice Neves , Ávila Rafaela , de Paula Jonas Jardim , Cintra Marco Túlio Gualberto , de Souza Renan Pedra , Nicolato Rodrigo , Malloy‐Diniz Leandro , de Miranda Débora Marques , de Moraes Edgar Nunes , de Marco Luiz Armando , Romano‐Silva Marco Aurélio , Bicalho Maria Aparecida Camargos
Published: February 2016

Objectives

In 2012, Kamboh and colleagues published a genome‐wide association study that identified the DCHS2 gene (rs1466662 T/A) influencing the age at onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We aimed to investigate if there is association between the DCHS2 gene and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and AD in a sample of the Brazilian population.

Methods

143 controls, 79 aMCI and 299 AD patients were selected and submitted to the same protocol of tests. Genotyping was performed using the Real Time PCR

Results

Amnestic MCI patients showed a higher prevalence of AA than controls and a lower frequency of TT when compared with controls. We also stratified the sample according to the APOE ε4 status. No difference in DCHS2 genotype or allelic frequency occurred in the APOE ε4 allele carrier subgroup. Amnestic MCI patients showed a higher frequency of AA genotype and a lower frequency of TA and TT when compared with controls in APOE ε4 allele non‐carrier subgroup. The allelic distribution followed the same pattern. In AD group, we observed a significant difference with a higher A allelic frequency in AD in this subgroup. A multiple logistic regression demonstrated that in APOE ε4 non‐carriers, allele rs1466662 was associated to aMCI group. Different variables were associated with aMCI and AD according to APOE ε4 status in our sample. Low level of education was associated with AD, while diabetes mellitus type 2 was associated with aMCI. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a possible role for DCHS2 gene in aMCI and AD.
Exercise therapy for trismus secondary to head and neck cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Kamstra Jolanda I. , van Leeuwen Marianne , Roodenburg Jan L.N. , Dijkstra Pieter U.
Published: February 2016

Background

Effects of exercise therapy for trismus secondary to head and neck cancer have not been reviewed systematically since 2004.

Methods

Four databases were searched. The quality of observational studies and randomized controlled trials was assessed.

Results

Two hundred eleven articles were found, 20 studies were included. A large variation in research methodology, stretching techniques, duration of stretch, and repetition of exercises was found. The overall quality was moderate. Five of the 8 preventive studies found that exercises during (chemo)radiotherapy could not prevent a reduction in mouth opening. In 4 therapeutic case studies, mouth opening increased between 17 and 24 mm. In 8 other therapeutic studies, mouth opening increased between −1.9 and 13.6 mm. No exercise therapy was clearly superior to the others.

Conclusion

Changes in mouth opening ranged considerably and no stretching technique was superior to others regarding either prevention or treatment of trismus. Clinical guidelines cannot be given based on this systematic review. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 160–169, 2017
Patterns of hydrologic connectivity in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica: a synthesis of 20 years of hydrologic data
Authors: Wlostowski Adam N. , Gooseff Michael N. , McKnight Diane M. , Jaros Christopher , Lyons W. Berry
Published: February 2016

Streams in the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDVs) of Antarctica moderate an important hydrologic and biogeochemical connection between upland alpine glaciers, valley‐bottom soils, and lowland closed‐basin lakes. Moreover, MDV streams are simple but dynamic systems ideal for studying interacting hydrologic and ecological dynamics. This work synthesizes 20 years of hydrologic data, collected as part of the MDVs Long‐Term Ecological Research project, to assess spatial and temporal dynamics of hydrologic connectivity between glaciers, streams, and lakes. Long‐term records of stream discharge (Q), specific electrical conductance (EC), and water temperature (T) from 18 streams were analysed in order to quantify the magnitude, duration, and frequency of hydrologic connections over daily, annual, and inter‐annual timescales. At a daily timescale, we observe predictable diurnal variations in Q, EC, and T. At an annual timescale, we observe longer streams to be more intermittent, warmer, and have higher median EC values, compared to shorter streams. Longer streams also behave chemostatically with respect to EC, whereas shorter streams are more strongly characterized by dilution. Inter‐annually, we observe significant variability in annual runoff volumes, likely because of climatic variability over the 20 record years considered. Hydrologic connections at all timescales are vital to stream ecosystem structure and function. This synthesis of hydrologic connectivity in the MDVs provides a useful end‐member template for assessing hydrologic connectivity in more structurally complex temperate watersheds. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
River networks system changes and its impact on storage and flood control capacity under rapid urbanization
Authors: Yang Liu , Xu Youpeng , Han Longfei , Song Song , Deng Xiaojun , Wang Yuefeng
Published: February 2016

Urbanization significantly affects both the drainage network structure and the storage capacity of river channels in lowland plain river networks. The Yangtze River Delta region has experienced a rapid and profound urbanization of any region worldwide in the past 30 years. The southeast Yinfeng plain in the Yangtze River Delta region was used as the study area to assess changes in the river network structure from 1990 to 2010, using river feature parameter analyses and GIS spatial analysis. The elastic method was adopted to analyse river network pattern response to both urbanization and climate change, and the rates at which these factors contributed to changes in the river network pattern were investigated. Changes in the storage capacity and flood control capacity of the channel network over the past 21 years were then analysed. The results indicated that: (1) the number of river networks, and the complexity of the river network spatial structures were reduced, the drainage density decreased by 20%, the water surface ratio by 36%, the river area–length ratio by nearly 18% and the fractal dimension of the river networks by 4.5%; (2) the river network changes were due more to human activities than to climate change in this study period. Limited changes occurred in the structure of the river system, as indicated by an urbanization variability rate of less than 20% and precipitation variability range of −5% to −15%, although the stream structure gradually decreased with increasing urbanization variability; and (3) the storage capacity of the main river network decreased earlier (1990–2003) and was restored later (2003–2010) because of dredging and widening activities. In addition, the number of lower‐order rivers decreased, which resulted in significant decreases in the storage and flood control capacities of the river networks. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concurrent Hypoparathyroidism Is Associated With Impaired Physical Function and Quality of Life in Hypothyroidism
Authors: Sikjaer Tanja , Moser Emil , Rolighed Lars , Underbjerg Line , Bislev Lise Sofie , Mosekilde Leif , Rejnmark Lars
Published: February 2016

Total thyroidectomy causes postsurgical hypothyroidism (HypoT). Besides HypoT, as a complication patients may also develop hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT). The aim of this study was to assess quality of life (QoL), muscle function, and postural stability in patients with postsurgical hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism (HypoT+PT) as compared to patients with postsurgical HypoT and healthy controls. Age- and gender-matched patients on treatment for HypoT+PT and HypoT were recruited from our outpatient clinic. Matched healthy controls were recruited from the general background population. Compared with controls, HypoT was associated with a significantly lower mental summary score, whereas patients with HypoT+PT had a significantly lower physical summary score (Short Form 36 Health Survey questionnaire version 2). Moreover, the physical component score was significantly lower in patients with HypoT+PT compared with HypoT. WHO-5 well-being index was significantly lower in both groups of patients compared with controls, but did not differ between groups of patients. Compared with controls, muscle strength and maximal force production was significantly reduced in HypoT+PT, but not in HypoT. In HypoT+PT, the time spent on the Timed Up & Go test and the Repeated Chair Stands test were significantly longer than in the HypoT group and the control group. Postsurgical HypoT+PT is associated with a more severe impairment of QoL, in particular regarding physical functioning, than HypoT. HypoT+PT patients are also hampered by impaired muscle function. Studies on how to improve well-being and muscle function in HypoT+PT patients are warranted. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
EVERYDAY DISCRIMINATION, FAMILY CONTEXT, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG LATINO ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Molina Kristine M. , Little Tariana V. , Rosal Milagros C.
Published: February 2016

Research suggests that experiences of discrimination can threaten the viabilities of families, which may subsequently affect an individual's mental health. Our study tests the hypotheses that (a) everyday discrimination will be indirectly associated with psychological distress through family cultural conflict and lower family cohesion among Latinos and (b) gender will moderate these relations. The sample included Latinos (N= 2,554) from the National Latino and Asian American Study. Path analysis revealed that among the total sample, greater exposure to everyday discrimination was associated with higher levels of family cultural conflict and, in turn, increased psychological distress. Multiple‐group path analysis revealed no effect modification by gender. Results underscore the need to consider sociocontextual mechanisms through which discrimination (a) may impinge on the mental health of Latinos and (b) may have implications for the development of mental health interventions that are culturally informed, thus needing to take into consideration family functioning and the role of contextual factors such as discrimination.
PERK Integrates Oncogenic Signaling and Cell Survival During Cancer Development
Authors: Bu Yiwen , Diehl J. Alan
Published: February 2016

Unfolded protein responses (UPR), consisting of three major transducers PERK, IRE1, and ATF6, occur in the midst of a variety of intracellular and extracellular challenges that perturb protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). ER stress occurs and is thought to be a contributing factor to a number of human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and various metabolic syndromes. In the context of neoplastic growth, oncogenic stress resulting from dysregulation of oncogenes such as c‐Myc, BrafV600E, and HRASG12V trigger the UPR as an adaptive strategy for cancer cell survival. PERK is an ER resident type I protein kinase harboring both pro‐apoptotic and pro‐survival capabilities. PERK, as a coordinator through its downstream substrates, reprograms cancer gene expression to facilitate survival in response to oncogenes and microenvironmental challenges, such as hypoxia, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Herein, we discuss how PERK kinase engages in tumor initiation, transformation, adaption microenvironmental stress, chemoresistance and potential opportunities, and potential opportunities for PERK targeted therapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2088–2096, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dose‐Dependent Flux of Buprenorphine Following Transdermal Administration in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Wang Yi , Cipriano Alessandra , Munera Catherine , Harris Stephen C.
Published: February 2016

Buprenorphine transdermal delivery system (BTDS) applied once every 7 days is indicated for the management of pain that is severe enough to require daily, around‐the‐clock, long‐term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate. The 7‐day flux of buprenorphine from BTDS to systemic circulation was investigated in a phase 1, 2‐period crossover study with 3 randomized groups of healthy subjects receiving BTDS containing buprenorphine 5, 10, or 20 mg for 7 days preceded or followed by intravenous buprenorphine infusion (25 μg/h for 24 hours). Residual and absolute bioavailability methods were used to estimate 7‐day flux of buprenorphine. Following BTDS administration, mean area under the curve of buprenorphine increased proportionally (12.6, 24.3, and 51.1 ng/[mL · h]), maximum mean plasma concentration rose with increasing dose (176, 191, and 471 pg/mL), and absolute bioavailability was 14% to 16%. Mean residual amount of buprenorphine in the BTDS after 7‐day application was 4.50, 8.57, and 17.1 mg. Flux of buprenorphine was approximately 5, 10, and 20 μg/h for BTDS containing 5, 10, and 20 mg buprenorphine, respectively. BTDS was safe and well tolerated following a single 7‐day application in healthy subjects. The results of this study demonstrated dose‐dependent flux of buprenorphine delivered via transdermal system.
Synthesis and Antiproliferative Evaluation of New Pyrimido[1,6‐a]Thieno[2,3‐d]Pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Atapour‐Mashhad Hoda , Soukhtanloo Mohammad , Massoudi Abdolhossien , Shiri Ali , Parizadeh Seyed Mohamadreza , Bakavoli Mehdi
Published: February 2016

A facile one‐pot synthesis of new pyrimido[1,6‐a]thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4‐ones 3a ,3b is reported via base‐catalyzed reaction of 2‐amino‐3‐cyanothiophenes 1a ,1b with 2,4‐dichloro‐5‐bromo‐6‐methylpyrimidine 2. Subsequent treatment of the products with several amines under a mild condition gave a host of the new amino derivatives 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k, 4l. The target compounds were evaluated for antiproliferative activity by an 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium assay on human breast cancer (MCF‐7) and mouse fibroblast nonmalignant (L929) cell lines. The activation was structural, concentration, and time dependent. Doses inducing 50% cell‐growth inhibition (IC50) for compounds 3a ,3b and 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k, 4l against MCF‐7 cells were explored. Compounds 4f and 4l as the two most potent analogs induced a sub‐G1 peak in the flow‐cytometry histogram of treated cells, compared with control, indicating that apoptotic cell death is involved in compound 4f‐induced and compound 4l‐induced toxicity. Compounds 4f and 4l exerted cytotoxic and proapototic effects on MCF‐7 cell line.
Evaluation of the Aptima® HIV‐1 Quant Dx assay for HIV‐1 RNA viral load detection and quantitation in plasma of HIV‐1‐infected individuals: A comparison with Abbott RealTime HIV‐1 assay
Authors: Amendola Alessandra , Pisciotta Maria , Aleo Loredana , Ferraioli Valeria , Angeletti Claudio , Capobianchi Maria Rosaria
Published: February 2016

The Hologic Aptima® HIV‐1 Quant Dx assay (Aptima HIV) is a real‐time transcription‐mediated amplification method CE‐approved for use in diagnosis and monitoring of HIV‐1 infection. The analytical performance of this new assay was compared to the FDA‐approved Abbott RealTime HIV‐1 (RealTime). The evaluation was performed using 220 clinical plasma samples, the WHO 3rd HIV‐1 International Standard, and the QCMD HIV‐1 RNA EQA. Concordance on qualitative results, correlation between quantitative results, accuracy, and reproducibility of viral load data were analyzed. The ability to measure HIV‐1 subtypes was assessed on the second WHO International Reference Preparation Panel for HIV‐1 Subtypes. With clinical samples, inter‐assay agreement for qualitative results was high (91.8%) with Cohen's kappa statistic equal to 0.836. For samples with quantitative results in both assays (n = 93), Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was 0.980 (P < 0.0001) and mean differences of measurement, conducted according to Bland–Altman method, was low (0.115 log10 copies/ml). The Aptima HIV quantified the WHO 3rd HIV‐1 International Standard diluted from 2000 to 31 cp/ml (5,700–88 IU/ml) at expected values with excellent linearity (R2 > 0.970) and showed higher sensitivity compared to RealTime being able to detect HIV‐1 RNA in 10 out of 10 replicates containing down to 7 cp/ml (20 IU/ml). Reproducibility was very high, even at low HIV‐1 RNA values. The Aptima HIV was able to detect and accurately quantify all the main HIV‐1 subtypes in both reference panels and clinical samples. Besides excellent performance, Aptima HIV shows full automation, ease of use, and improved workflow compared to RealTime. J. Med. Virol. 88:1535–1544, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The protective effects of intranasal administration of IL‐12 given before influenza virus infection and the negative effects of IL‐12 treatment given after viral infection
Authors: Ishikawa Hiroki , Ino Satoshi , Sasaki Hiraku , Fukui Toshie , Kohda Chikara , Tanaka Kazuo
Published: February 2016

To investigate whether the administration of IL‐12 is effective against influenza virus infection, mice were intranasally administered IL‐12 for three consecutive days and then infected with a non‐lethal dose of the influenza virus. The IL‐12‐treated mice were more resistant to the virus than control mice with respect to the remission of body weight loss, virus burden, pro‐inflammatory cytokine production, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the lungs. The number of NK cells and the level of NK cell cytotoxicity significantly increased in the lungs of the mice treated with IL‐12 before infection compared to that observed in control mice, leading to promptly eliminate the viral‐infected cells. Unexpectedly, all of mice that received IL‐12 treatment after being infected with a non‐lethal dose of the virus died as a result of their high virus burden and pro‐inflammatory cytokine production in the lungs. One possibility of the mechanisms was considered to be activation of myeloid‐derived suppressor cell (MDSC), which has immune suppressive function, in the lungs. Thus, IL‐12 treatment has opposite effects depending on whether it is administered before or after infection. These results demonstrate the potential risks of immune modulating therapies such as administration of exogenous cytokine or neutralization of cytokine. J. Med. Virol. 88:1487–1496, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developing Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Management Skills Through the 360 Assessment
Authors: Conine Thomas E. , Leskin Barry
Published: February 2016

A reliable tool for providing constructive feedback, the 360 assessment is widely used across multiple disciplines, countries, cultures, and industries. Although the basics of the 360 assessment process remain unchanged, its purpose and interpretations are evolving with the times. The ongoing focus on the importance of emotional intelligence and conflict management skills in business has shed light on the value of the 360 in appraising an individual's abilities in those areas. Identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement through input from a variety of stakeholders can spur career development and, when combined with post‐evaluation simulation exercises, be particularly effective in honing crucial skill sets among both seasoned professionals and new entrants to the workforce. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Separation of three phenolic high‐molecular‐weight compounds from the crude extract of Terminalia Chebula Retz. by ultrasound‐assisted extraction and high‐speed counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Zou Deng‐lang , Chen Tao , Li Hong‐mei , Chen Chen , Zhao Jing‐yang , Li Yu‐lin
Published: February 2016

This study presents an efficient strategy for separation of three phenolic compounds with high molecular weight from the crude extract of Terminalia chebula Retz. by ultrasound‐assisted extraction and high‐speed counter‐current chromatography. The ultrasound‐assisted extraction conditions were optimized by response surface methodology and the results showed the target compounds could be well enriched under the optimized extraction conditions. Then the crude extract was directly separated by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography without any pretreatment using n‐hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (1:7:0.5:3, v/v/v/v) as the solvent system. In 180 min, 13 mg of A, 18 mg of B, and 9 mg of C were obtained from 200 mg of crude sample. Their structures were identified as Chebulagic acid (A, 954 Da), Chebulinic acid (B, 956 Da), and Ellagic acid (C) by 1H NMR spectroscopy.
Experimental Characterization and Modified Constitutive Modeling of the Strain Rate Dependent Compressive Behavior of Adhesives
Authors: Li Peifeng , Wang Zhiyong
Published: February 2016

Predicting the impact performance of adhesively bonded structures requires the accurate characterization and constitutive formulation of the compressive behavior of the adhesive at dynamic strain rates. In this work, the stress–strain curves of Sikaflex adhesives are measured in uniaxial compression tests at quasi‐static and dynamic strain rates. The split‐Hopkinson pressure bar technique is modified with the hollow output bar to effectively characterize the dynamic response of the adhesive. It is found that the Sikaflex adhesive is incompressible and hyperelastic; the compressive behavior is significantly influenced by the strain rate. The strain rate sensitivity is not constant but varies as a function of the strain and the strain rate. The strain rate effect on compressive behavior is quantified and incorporated into the phenomenological hyperelastic constitutive model based on strain energy density. The modified constitutive equation accurately represents the strain rate dependent compressive behavior of Sikaflex adhesives.

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Flaked sorghum biscuits increase postprandial GLP‐1 and GIP levels and extend subjective satiety in healthy subjects
Authors: Stefoska‐Needham Anita , Beck Eleanor J. , Johnson Stuart K. , Chu Jiayue , Tapsell Linda C.
Published: February 2016

Scope

Sorghum grain components may play a role in mechanisms that protect against development of obesity‐related chronic diseases. We conducted a randomized, cross‐over trial (40 healthy subjects) using whole grain sorghum flaked biscuits to investigate mechanisms related to satiety.

Methods and results

Subjects were tested on four occasions after a 12‐h fast. At baseline, they consumed 50 grams of one of four treatment meals: white, red, or brown sorghum biscuits or a wheat control. Subjective satiety was measured at 8 time‐points over four hours. In a subset of 20 subjects, plasma glucose, insulin, gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), peptide‐tyrosine‐tyrosine (PYY), and ghrelin were measured. Subjects reported significantly lower subjective satiety ratings after consuming wheat compared to sorghum biscuits. Incremental area under the plasma concentration–time curve of postprandial GLP‐1, GIP and in males, PYY, were significantly higher (p = 0.018, p = 0.031, p = 0.036, respectively) for sorghum breakfasts compared to wheat. Energy intake at a subsequent meal did not differ between treatments.

Conclusions

Sorghum whole grain is a promising novel ingredient in foods targeting satiety as an adjunct for weight control. Evidence is now required from randomized controlled trials that aim to examine specific effects on health outcomes from a sorghum‐enriched intervention diet.
Quercetin mitigates valinomycin‐induced cellular stress via stress‐induced metabolism and cell uptake
Authors: Gonzales Gerard Bryan , Smagghe Guy , Vissenaekens Hanne , Grootaert Charlotte , Rajkovic Andreja , Van de Wiele Tom , Raes Katleen , Van Camp John
Published: February 2016

Scope

Intestinal cells are constantly exposed to luminal toxins. In this study, we investigated the effect of cellular stress caused by valinomycin, which is structurally and functionally similar to the bacterial toxin cereulide, on quercetin metabolism and cellular localization in undifferentiated cells.

Methods and results

Coadministration of quercetin and valinomycin (50 μM quercetin/0.05 μM valinomycin) reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species content and increased cell viability (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) of Caco‐2 cells compared to valinomycin‐only (0.05 μM) treatment. Quercertin was effectively metabolized into methyl, glucuronide, and sulfate conjugates, which were mostly secreted into to the culture medium. Three different O‐methylated quercetin isomers were detected. Two were exported from the cells and one remained intracellularly. Further, valinomycin caused an increase in the intracellular accumulation of O‐methylated quercetin metabolites compared to cells treated only with quercetin. In valinomycin‐untreated cells, quercetin and O‐methylated quercetin metabolite were localized in the cell membrane, whereas valinomycin treatment resulted in their uptake by the cells.

Conclusion

This is the first report on the change in metabolism, localization, and accumulation of O‐methylated quercetin metabolites in undifferentiated Caco‐2 cells as a response during stress caused by valinomycin. These results indicate a potential cellular stress response mechanism in undifferentiated Caco‐2 cells, which adds novel insights into the mechanisms of flavonoid cellular bioactivity.
Polymer thick film technology for improved simultaneous dEEG/MRI recording: Safety and MRI data quality
Authors: Poulsen Catherine , Wakeman Daniel G. , Atefi Seyed Reza , Luu Phan , Konyn Amy , Bonmassar Giorgio
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To develop a 256‐channel dense‐array electroencephalography (dEEG) sensor net (the Ink‐Net) using high‐resistance polymer thick film (PTF) technology to improve safety and data quality during simultaneous dEEG/MRI.

Methods

Heating safety was assessed with temperature measurements in an anthropomorphic head phantom during a 30‐min, induced‐heating scan at 7T. MRI quality assessment used B1 field mapping and functional MRI (fMRI) retinotopic scans in three humans at 3T. Performance of the 256‐channel PTF Ink‐Net was compared with a 256‐channel MR‐conditional copper‐wired electroencephalography (EEG) net and to scans with no sensor net. A visual evoked potential paradigm assessed EEG quality within and outside the 3T scanner.

Results

Phantom temperature measurements revealed nonsignificant heating (ISO 10974) in the presence of either EEG net. In human B1 field and fMRI scans, the Ink‐Net showed greatly reduced cross‐modal artifact and less signal degradation than the copper‐wired net, and comparable quality to MRI without sensor net. Cross‐modal ballistocardiogram artifact in the EEG was comparable for both nets.

Conclusion

High‐resistance PTF technology can be effectively implemented in a 256‐channel dEEG sensor net for MR conditional use at 7T and with significantly improved structural and fMRI data quality as assessed at 3T. Magn Reson Med 77:895–903, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Students Speak/Resources
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: February 2016

Students Speak

Veteran‐friendly focus brings student to completion

Resources

Robot‐created textbooks lower costs

Report highlights completion barriers for military‐connected students

Direct student‐veterans to ACE resource center
Automated Functional Imaging by 2D Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Reveals High Incidence of Abnormal Longitudinal Strain in a Cohort of Pediatric Oncology Patients
Authors: Tran Jade C. , Ruble Kathy , Loeb David Mark , Chen Allen R. , Thompson William Reid
Published: February 2016

Background

Automated functional imaging (AFI) was introduced to two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography to facilitate strain assessment in the clinical settings. In patients treated with cardiotoxic anthracyclines, AFI may be helpful in the detection of early myocardial injury when left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remains normal.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed feasibility of AFI in 143 echocardiograms on 102 subjects aged 0.4–22 years (mean 12.3) obtained over a 12‐month period. We computed a Z‐score for apical four‐chamber longitudinal strain using published normal data to assess for abnormal strain in patients with and without previous exposure to anthracyclines.

Results

AFI was feasible in 95.1% of echocardiograms, with low inter‐ and intraobserver variability. There was a statistically significant association between abnormal longitudinal strain Z‐score (SZ < −2.0) and depressed LVEF (<55%, P < 0.001). However, 46% of echocardiograms with normal LVEF had abnormal SZ; half of which had no prior anthracycline exposure. The correlation between SZ and LVEF was strongest in subjects exposed to anthracyclines (r2 = 0.12, P < 0.01). Increasing age was associated with decreasing SZ. Total cumulative dose, after adjusting for age, was inversely associated with SZ (r2 = 0.42, P < 0.001). Time from last dose of anthracycline had no significant association with SZ. Conclusions. AFI is highly feasible in the clinical settings. The observed high prevalence of abnormal longitudinal strain in our cohort emphasizes the importance of obtaining baseline measurements prior to anthracycline treatment. The effects of anthracycline on longitudinal strain may be dose and age dependent, with younger children less likely to show abnormalities.
Limiting efficiencies for intermediate band solar cells with partial absorptivity: the case for a quantum ratchet
Authors: Pusch Andreas , Yoshida Megumi , Hylton Nicholas P. , Mellor Alexander , Phillips Chris C. , Hess Ortwin , Ekins‐Daukes Nicholas J.
Published: February 2016

The intermediate band solar cell (IBSC) concept aims to improve upon the Shockley–Queisser limit for single bandgap solar cells by also making use of below bandgap photons through sequential absorption processes via an intermediate band (IB). Current proposals for IBSCs suffer from low absorptivity values for transitions into and out of the IB. We therefore devise and evaluate a general, implementation‐independent thermodynamic model for an absorptivity‐constrained limiting efficiency of an IBSC to study the impact of absorptivity limitations on IBSCs. We find that, due to radiative recombination via the IB, conventional IBSCs cannot surpass the Shockley–Queisser limit at an illumination of one Sun unless the absorptivity from the valence band to the IB and the IB to the conduction band exceeds ≈36%. In contrast, the introduction of a quantum ratchet into the IBSC to suppress radiative recombination can enhance the efficiency of an IBSC beyond the Shockley–Queisser limit for any value of the IB absorptivity. Thus, the quantum ratchet could be the vital next step to engineer IBSCs that are more efficient than conventional single‐gap solar cells. © 2016 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Rapid preparation and magnetic properties of Fe3Si–Al2O3 nanocomposite by mechanical alloying and heat treatment
Authors: Guan Jingchao , Chen Xiao , Zhang Liangliang , Wang Junhu , Liang Changhai
Published: February 2016

Fe3Si–Al2O3 nanocomposite has been prepared by mechanical alloying of Fe3O4, Al and Si powder mixture and heat treatment. Powder XRD patterns, TEM and HRTEM images and XPS spectra revealed the crystalline transformations from raw materials to Fe3Si–Al2O3 nanocomposite during mechanical alloying and annealing and from Fe to Fe3Si to a mixture of Fe3Si, Fe5Si3 and FeSi with the proportion of Si in raw materials increasing. The average particle size of smaller Fe3Si nanoparticles was about 20 nm and the aggregation under high temperature leaded to larger Fe3Si nanoparticles with average particle size of about 60 nm. 57Fe Mössbauer spectra illustrated the existence of amorphous phases and effectively supplemented other characterisation results. The samples exhibited ferromagnetic behaviour with hysteresis loops and their saturation magnetisations decreased with the proportion of Si in samples increasing.