bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attachment and dissociation as mediators of the link between childhood trauma and psychotic experiences
Authors: Pearce Josie , Simpson Jane , Berry Katherine , Bucci Sandra , Moskowitz Andrew , Varese Filippo
Published: June 2017

Exposure to childhood trauma has been implicated in the development of paranoia and hearing voices, but the mechanisms responsible for these associations remain unclear. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for ensuring that targeted interventions can be developed to better support people experiencing distress associated with paranoia and voices. Recent models have proposed that dissociation may be a mechanism specifically involved in the development of voices and insecure attachment in the development of paranoia. Recent theoretical proposals have added to this and argued that fearful attachment could also lead to increased vulnerability for voices. This study was the first to examine whether dissociation and insecure attachment styles mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and these psychotic experiences. One hundred and twelve participants experiencing clinical levels of psychosis completed measures of dissociation, childhood trauma, attachment, voices, and paranoia. Results revealed positive associations between fearful (but not dismissive and anxious) attachment, dissociation, trauma, and psychotic experiences. Mediation analyses indicated that dissociation, but not fearful attachment, significantly mediated the relationship between trauma and voices. Conversely, both dissociation and fearful attachment significantly mediated the relationship between trauma and paranoia. The findings suggest that insecure attachment might be more strongly related to paranoia than hallucinations and suggest that fearful attachment may be a more promising mechanism to explain this relationship. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the impact of dissociation on psychotic experiences may extend to paranoia. Future research is required to replicate these findings using interview‐based attachment measures.
Use Peter Drucker's framework to hire for mission
Authors: Geaney Martha
Published: June 2017

Management search and hiring processes in higher education are costly, time‐consuming, lengthy, and in a constrained budgetary climate, not initiated unless necessary. Therefore, it is critical that candidates, when offered a position, are ready to commit. Academic affairs search committees and the hiring manager, whether it is the president, provost, or dean, typically seek qualifications that encompass degree level, scholarship, number of years of experience in an administrative role, and potentially experience in a specific area that is an initiative of the hiring institution. These laudable qualifications are ones that an institution's officials would agree are required.
Comprehensive student support efforts lead to impressive outcomes
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: June 2017

NEW ORLEANS — “In the last 40 years, if you are among the 25 percent of wealthiest Americans, you more than doubled your chance of getting a college degree,” said Timothy Renick, vice provost and vice president for enrollment management at Georgia State University. But there has been little change in the percentage of people in the bottom quartile who earn credentials, Renick said, speaking at a session at the American Association of Community Colleges annual convention.
RICE CRISPR: Rapidly increased cut ends by an exonuclease Cas9 fusion in zebrafish
Authors: Clements Thomas P. , Tandon Bhavna , Lintel Hendrik A. , McCarty Joseph H. , Wagner Daniel S.
Published: June 2017

Application of CRISPR‐Cas9 technology in diverse organisms has resulted in an explosion of genome modification efforts. To expand the toolbox of applications, we have created an E. coli Exonuclease I (sbcB)–Cas9 fusion that has altered enzymatic activity in zebrafish embryos. This Cas9 variant has increased mutation efficiency and favors longer deletions relative to wild‐type Cas9. We anticipate that this variant will allow for more efficient screening for F0 phenotypes and mutation of a larger spectrum of genomic targets including deletion of regulatory regions and creating loss of function mutations in transcription units with poor sequence conservation such as lncRNAs where larger deletions may be required for loss of function.
Sampling and processing roots from rocky forest soils
Authors: Fahey T. J. , Yanai R. D. , Gonzales K. E. , Lombardi J. A.
Published: June 2017

Quantifying root biomass in rocky forest soils is challenging. This report provides practical advice for field sampling and laboratory processing of root biomass in these settings. Manual coring is the most efficient method for sampling fine root biomass in the upper soil profile (we sampled to 30 cm). However, careful correction for coarse fragment volume is needed because manual coring is impeded by rocks. Unbiased estimation of root biomass below obstructions requires either excavating a pit or power coring. We recommend power coring because of the very high field labor costs of pit excavation. Roots can be separated from soil either by dry picking or by wet sieving. For surface organic matter‐rich horizons typical of many forest soils, only dry picking is feasible. A timed interval approach can greatly reduce laboratory processing time. Because sorting live from dead roots is necessarily subjective, efforts to avoid fragmentation of root systems obtained from cores are strongly recommended. Sample size requirements for detecting changes or differences in root biomass at the stand level are presented based on extensive sampling in northern hardwood forests. Detecting 20% differences in fine root (<1 mm) biomass in 0–30 cm soil using ten 5‐cm manual cores generally would require about nine sample plots in a stand, whereas detecting such differences in deep soil (30–50 cm) would be virtually impossible because of extreme spatial variation. Power analyses such as these can help improve experimental designs, as the spatial intensity of sampling determines the detectable difference, which can in turn guide decisions about the temporal frequency of sampling.
Measuring non‐polyaminated lipocalin‐2 for cardiometabolic risk assessment
Authors: Yang Kangmin , Deng Han‐Bing , Man Andy W.C. , Song Erfei , Zhang Jialiang , Luo Cuiting , Cheung Bernard M.Y. , Yuen Kwok‐Yung , Jensen Pia Søndergaard , Irmukhamedov Akhmadjon , Elie Atlanta G.I.M. , Vanhoutte Paul M. , Xu Aimin , De Mey Jo G.R. , Wang Yu
Published: June 2017

Aims

Lipocalin‐2 is a pro‐inflammatory molecule characterized by a highly diversified pattern of expression and structure–functional relationships. In vivo, this molecule exists as multiple variants due to post‐translational modifications and/or protein–protein interactions. Lipocalin‐2 is modified by polyamination, which enhances the clearance of this protein from the circulation and prevents its excessive accumulation in tissues. On the other hand, animal studies suggest that non‐polyaminated lipocalin‐2 (npLcn2) plays a causal role in the pathogenesis of obesity‐associated medical complications. The present study examined the presence of npLcn2 in samples from healthy volunteers or patients with cardiac abnormalities and evaluated npLcn2 as a biomarker for cardiometabolic risk assessment.

Methods and results

Immunoassays were developed to quantify npLcn2 in blood and urine samples collected from 100 volunteers (59 men and 41 women), or venous plasma and pericardial fluid samples obtained from 37 cardiothoracic surgery patients. In healthy volunteers, npLcn2 levels in serum are significantly higher in obese and overweight than in lean subjects. After adjustment for age, gender, smoking, and body mass index (BMI), serum npLcn2 levels are positively correlated with heart rate, circulating triglycerides, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), and creatinine in plasma. The npLcn2 levels in urine are significantly increased in subjects with metabolic syndrome and positively correlated with BMI, heart rate, circulating triglycerides, and urinary aldosterone. In cardiothoracic surgery patients, the circulating concentrations of npLcn2 are higher (more than two‐fold) than those of healthy volunteers and positively correlated with the accumulation of this protein in the pericardial fluid. Heart failure patients exhibit excessive expression and distribution of npLcn2 in mesothelial cells and adipocytes of the parietal pericardium, which are significantly correlated with the elevated plasma levels of npLcn2, total cholesterol, and creatinine.

Conclusions

Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of npLcn2 in human biofluid samples and tissue samples can be applied for risk assessment of healthy individuals and disease management of patients with obesity‐related cardiometabolic and renal complications.
Three Organic–Inorganic Hybrids Based on [MoxOy]n– Chains Decorated with Organic Ligands and Transition‐Metal Coordination Complexes
Authors: Wu Panfeng , Xue Qi , Dong Xinbo , Zhang Yanjie , Hu Huaiming , Liu Bin , Xue Ganglin
Published: June 2017

Three new organic–inorganic hybrid compounds, namely, [Cu(Hbib)2(γ‐Mo8O26)] (1), [{Ni(H2O)}2(bib)2(γ‐Mo8O26)]·2H2O (2), and [(atrz)2Mo2O6] (3), [bib = 1‐(1‐imidazolyl)‐4‐(1‐imidazolylmethyl)benzene, atrz = 4‐amino‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazole], have been successfully synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Crystal structure analysis shows that all of the three compounds contain rare one‐dimensional (1D) infinite oxomolybdenum chains decorated with organic ligands or transition‐metal coordination complexes. Compounds 1 and 2 represent two‐ and three‐dimensional frameworks constructed from the [γ‐Mo8O26]n4n– chain integrated by different transition‐metal coordination complexes, showing a 2D (4)‐connected framework with (44·62) topology and a unique 3D (4,4)‐connected framework with (4·68·8)2(42·62·82) topology, respectively. However, the [γ‐Mo8O26]n4n– anion chains in compounds 1 and 2 are different. The adjacent (γ‐Mo8O26)4– units in 1 are interlinked by µ2‐oxygen atoms, and the (γ‐Mo8O26)4– anion units in compound 2 are interconnected by µ3‐oxygen atoms. Compound 3 consists of 1D chains of {Mo2O4}n decorated by bis(monodentate) atrz ligands through Mo–N bonds. These compounds present good thermostability under 260 °C. The band gaps (Eg) of compounds 1–3 were estimated, suggesting that these inorganic–organic hybrids could be promising semiconductor materials. Compound 1 shows a high capacity to adsorb methylene blue (MB) at room temperature, owing to its special structure and chemical composition, and it can selectively capture MB molecules from binary‐mixture solutions of methyl orange (MO) and MB, or MB and rhodamine B (RhB).
The Ambivalent Nature of Halogenated Tropone Derivatives: Dihalocycloheptatriene vs. Halotropylium Halide
Authors: Jandl Christian , Mayer David C. , Pöthig Alexander
Published: June 2017

Although dichlorocycloheptatriene and dibromocycloheptatriene have been known for a long time, their exact structure remained uncertain so far. In this computational and crystallographic study, we elucidate the nature of these compounds in solution and in the solid state. In the latter case, both compounds exist as halotropylium halides, which also feature Br–Br halogen bonds in the case of bromotropylium bromide. In solution, there is a highly dynamic equilibrium involving both the ionic halotropylium halide form and different isomers of the covalent dihalocycloheptatriene form. The presence of the 7,7‐dihalocycloheptatriene isomer, which until now has been the most commonly used representation in literature, can be excluded.
Lewis Acid Promoted Regioselective Double Hydro(hetero)arylation of 6,6′‐Dialkyl‐Substituted Pentafulvenes: A Facile Approach to Bisindole Derivatives
Authors: Sasikumar Parameswaran , Prabha Bernard , Chand Sarngadharan Sarath , Aswathy Maniyamma , Madhukrishnan Murali , Preethanuj Preethalayam , Suresh Eringathodi , Jaroschik Florian , Radhakrishnan Kokkuvayil Vasu
Published: June 2017

A Lewis acid catalyzed double hydro(hetero)arylation of alkyl‐substituted pentafulvenes for the synthesis of bisindole‐substituted cyclopentenoids has been developed. The scope of the reaction was explored with a wide range of indoles and pentafulvenes, and mechanistic insights were obtained. In addition, we have also demonstrated a hydro(hetero)arylation–dehydroxylation reaction of 2‐hydroxy‐substituted pentafulvenes to afford bisindole derivatives with isoprenyl‐substituted cyclopentene moieties.
Tetracarboxy‐Functionalized [8]‐, [10]‐, [12]‐, and [14]Phenacenes
Authors: Moreira Thamires S. , Ferreira Marli , Dall'armellina Alice , Cristiano Rodrigo , Gallardo Hugo , Hillard Elizabeth A. , Bock Harald , Durola Fabien
Published: June 2017

Mono‐ and diglyoxylation of chrysene and naphthalene leads to Perkin reactants that yield bismaleates, which efficiently photocyclize to elongated phenacenetetracarboxylic esters. Their band gaps remain significantly larger than the value postulated for polyphenacene. The reaction with α‐branched amines gives the corresponding imides, which are significantly stronger electron acceptors than the esters. The obtained [12]‐ and [14]phenacenes are the longest [n]phenacenes that have been synthesized to date.
Mangifera indica flower extract mediated biogenic green gold nanoparticles: Efficient nanocatalyst for reduction of 4‐nitrophenol
Authors: Nayan Varij , Onteru Suneel Kumar , Singh Dheer
Published: June 2017

A facile, one‐step and greener route for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was developed in pursuit of an eco‐friendly alternative via green synthesis of gold nano‐materials. Mangifera indica (mango) is one of the most popular fruits and key herb in the Ayurvedic and ethno‐veterinary‐medical systems for several thousand years. We report here for the first time the AuNPs synthesis from auric chloride salt using aqueous extract of M. indica flowers as reducing and stabilizing agent. The biosynthesis process was fast with most of the AuNPs forming within 20 minutes and the reaction‐kinetics reaching a plateau in just an hour. The AuNPs were characterized by UV‐Vis absorption spectroscopy, TEM, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, which confirmed the bio‐reduction of gold ions. The bio‐reduced AuNPs were mostly spherical with a dimension range nearer to 10–60 nm by TEM and a modal size of 32 nm by NTA. These AuNPs exhibited excellent nanocatalysis in the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol by NaBH4 in aqueous phase. These biogenic gold nanoparticles could be useful for remediation of waste‐waters and effluents containing nitroarene, such as 4‐Nitrophenol. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 283–294, 2018
Simultaneous extraction of rapeseed oil and conversion to biodiesel using heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts
Authors: Rahimi Alireza , Moradi Gholamreza , Abolhasan Alavi S. , Ardjmand M.
Published: June 2017

In this study, first rapeseed oil was extracted by different ratio of Methanol/n‐Hexane mixture as solvent during 8 h in a Soxhlet extractor. During all experiments the other parameters such as amount of solvent (250 cc) and rapeseed (45 g), stirrer speed (750 rpm) and temperature (80°C) were kept constant. The maximum yield of oil (45.33%) was obtained by 50/50% (Methanol/n‐Hexane) volumetric ratio. Later, the extraction and trans‐esterification were carried out simultaneously employing each of the two selected alkali catalysts. The results showed that applying of 11% (wt%) CaO for 8 h, produced the ultra‐pure biodiesel of 99.92% having yield of 80.49% whereas using 2% KOH for 4 h, resulted 95.74% purity with the yield of 87.23%. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 518–523, 2018
Investigation of solar energy potential on inclined surfaces
Authors: Bakirci Kadir
Published: June 2017

Solar energy is considered environmentally friendly because the sun is a natural energy source that does not require the fossil fuels and the associated air emissions. The solar energy data in the sloped surfaces are essential for the design of solar energy applications. The values of the daily average total solar radiation on a horizontal plane are nearly available. However, the radiation values on inclined surfaces are generally not available. This paper deals with the analysis to f‐chart method of solar energy utilization for horizontal surface and various tilt angles of solar panel such as optimum tilt angle, seasonal, summer‐winter applications. The values of the highest HT and f are the surface with optimum tilt angle, seasonal, summer‐winter, s = φ ± 15°, s = φ, s = φ–15°, s = φ + 15° and horizontal, respectively. In comparison of the surfaces of the optimum tilt angles and horizontal, it is seen that the increment in the annual fractions of the surface with the optimum tilt angle is 21%. The yearly total values of the HT on the surface of the optimum tilt angle and horizontal are found as 6719.3 and 5602.2 MJ/m2, respectively. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 524–532, 2018
Predicting the brain activation pattern associated with the propositional content of a sentence: Modeling neural representations of events and states
Authors: Wang Jing , Cherkassky Vladimir L. , Just Marcel Adam
Published: June 2017

Even though much has recently been learned about the neural representation of individual concepts and categories, neuroimaging research is only beginning to reveal how more complex thoughts, such as event and state descriptions, are neurally represented. We present a predictive computational theory of the neural representations of individual events and states as they are described in 240 sentences. Regression models were trained to determine the mapping between 42 neurally plausible semantic features (NPSFs) and thematic roles of the concepts of a proposition and the fMRI activation patterns of various cortical regions that process different types of information. Given a semantic characterization of the content of a sentence that is new to the model, the model can reliably predict the resulting neural signature, or, given an observed neural signature of a new sentence, the model can predict its semantic content. The models were also reliably generalizable across participants. This computational model provides an account of the brain representation of a complex yet fundamental unit of thought, namely, the conceptual content of a proposition. In addition to characterizing a sentence representation at the level of the semantic and thematic features of its component concepts, factor analysis was used to develop a higher level characterization of a sentence, specifying the general type of event representation that the sentence evokes (e.g., a social interaction versus a change of physical state) and the voxel locations most strongly associated with each of the factors. Hum Brain Mapp 38:4865–4881, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intention‐to‐treat survival benefit of liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular cancer
Authors: Lai Quirino , Vitale Alessandro , Iesari Samuele , Finkenstedt Armin , Mennini Gianluca , Spoletini Gabriele , Hoppe‐Lotichius Maria , Vennarecci Giovanni , Manzia Tommaso M. , Nicolini Daniele , Avolio Alfonso W. , Frigo Anna Chiara , Graziadei Ivo , Rossi Massimo , Tsochatzis Emmanouil , Otto Gerd , Ettorre Giuseppe M. , Tisone Giuseppe , Vivarelli Marco , Agnes Salvatore , Cillo Umberto , Lerut Jan ,   on behalf of the European Hepatocellular Cancer Liver Transplant Study Group
Published: June 2017

The debate about the best approach to select patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC) waiting for liver transplantation (LT) is still ongoing. This study aims to identify the best variables allowing to discriminate between “high‐” and “low‐benefit” patients. To do so, the concept of intention‐to‐treat (ITT) survival benefit of LT has been created. Data of 2,103 adult HCC patients consecutively enlisted during the period 1987‐2015 were analyzed. Three rigorous statistical steps were used in order to create the ITT survival benefit of LT: the development of an ITT LT and a non‐LT survival model, and the individual prediction of the ITT survival benefit of LT defined as the difference between the median ITT survival with (based on the first model) and without LT (based on the second model) calculated for each enrolled patient. Four variables (Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease, alpha‐fetoprotein, Milan‐Criteria status, and radiological response) displayed a high effect in terms of delta benefit. According to these risk factors, four benefit groups were identified. Patients with three to four factors (“no‐benefit group”; n = 405 of 2,103; 19.2%) had no benefit of LT compared to alternative treatments. Conversely, patients without any risk factor (“large‐benefit group”; n = 108; 5.1%) yielded the highest benefit from LT reaching 60 months. Conclusion: The ITT transplant survival benefit presented here allows physicians to better select HCC patients waiting for LT. The obtained stratification may lead to an improved and more equitable method of organ allocation. Patients without benefit should be de‐listed, whereas patients with large benefit ratio should be prioritized for LT. (Hepatology 2017;66:1910–1919)
Structural basis for alpha fetoprotein‐mediated inhibition of caspase‐3 activity in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Lin Bo , Zhu Mingyue , Wang Wenting , Li Wei , Dong Xu , Chen Yi , Lu Yan , Guo Junli , Li Mengsen
Published: June 2017

Alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) is an early serum growth factor in the foetal liver development and hepatic carcinogenesis; However, the precise biological role of cytoplasmic AFP remains elusive. Although we recently demonstrated that cytoplasmic AFP might interact with caspase‐3 and inhibit the signal transduction of apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, the details of this interaction are not clear. To reveal the molecular relationship between AFP and caspase‐3, we performed molecular docking, co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP), laser confocal microscopy, site‐directed mutagenesis and functional experiments to analyse the key amino acid residues in the binding site of caspase‐3. The results of Co‐IP, laser confocal microscopy and functional analyses were consistent with the computational model. We also used the model to explain why AFP cannot bind to caspase‐8. These results provide the molecular basis for the AFP‐mediated inhibition of caspase‐3 activity in HCC cells. Altogether, we found that AFP interacts with caspase‐3 through precise amino acids, namely loop‐4 residues Glu‐248, Asp‐253 and His‐257. The results further demonstrated that AFP plays a critical role in the inhibition of the apoptotic signal transduction that mediated by caspase‐3. Thus, AFP might represent a novel biotarget for the therapy of HCC patients.
The M Word: Dare We Use It?
Authors: Alvermann Donna E.
Published: June 2017

This department column is a venue for thoughtful discussions of contemporary issues dealing with policy and practice, remixed in ways that generate new insights into enduring dilemmas, debates, and controversies.
Impact of dispersant on early life stages of the water flea Daphnia magna and the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica
Authors: Salehi Maryam , Rodriguez Rachel , Boettcher Anne , Powers Sean , Geitner Nick , Ladner David A. , Rikard Scott , Whelton Andrew J.
Published: June 2017

In response to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, over 1 million gallons of dispersant were applied in Gulf of Mexico offshore waters; Corexit 9500 was the most applied dispersant. The impact on organisms in nearshore and freshwaters has received little scrutiny. Acute 48 h toxicity of Corexit 9500 and a new hyperbranched polyethylenimine (HPEI) dispersant‐like compound were evaluated for the freshwater indicator organism, Daphnia magna and for larval and early spat stages of the Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. For D. magna, Corexit 9500 demonstrated toxicity (EC50 of 0.14 [0.13, 0.15] ppm) similar to the 10‐kDa HPEI (EC50 of 0.16 [0.12, 0.19] ppm). HPEI toxicity increased as a function of molecular weight (1.2 to 750 kDa). The 10 kDa size HPEI was further investigated because it dispersed crude oil with equal effectiveness as Corexit. For Corexit, 100% oyster mortality was detected for the ≤0.2‐mm size classes and mortality >50% for the 0.3‐ and 0.7‐mm size classes at the two greatest concentrations (25 and 50 ppm). HPEI (10 kDa) exhibited low mortality rates (<30%) for all concentrations for all oyster size classes except the 0.1‐mm class. Although mortality rates for this size class were up to 60%, mortality was still less than the mortality caused by Corexit 9500. The low toxicity of HPEI polymers for C. virginica in comparison with Corexit 9500 suggests that HPEI polymers warrant further study.
Food Price, Food Security and Dietary Diversity: A Comparative Study of Urban Cameroon and Ghana
Authors: KC Krishna Bahadur , Legwegoh Alexander F. , Therien Alex , Fraser Evan D.G. , Antwi‐Agyei Philip
Published: June 2017

This paper contributes to the urban food security literature by presenting the results of 600 household surveys conducted in Ghana and Cameroon. In this, we show how dietary diversity, which is a well‐developed proxy for food security, is similar in both countries but varies significantly based on household demographic characteristics. In particular, smaller, better‐off and more educated households were likely to have higher levels of dietary diversity and were less likely to respond to rising food prices by reducing diets or shifting buying patterns. In addition, households that live in ‘primary’ cities that are large and well integrated into global markets also enjoyed higher levels of dietary diversity. This research contributes to debates around whether or not food security is enhanced by being integrated into global markets or whether it is better served through national or regional food systems. The evidence uncovered here suggests that for well‐off households, integration into global markets is probably preferable as such households enjoy more diverse diets. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disrupted carbon cycling in restored and unrestored urban streams: Critical timescales and controls
Authors: Larsen L. G. , Harvey J. W.
Published: June 2017

Carbon fixation and respiration in flowing waterways play significant roles in global and regional carbon budgets, yet how land use and watershed management interact with temporal disturbances (storms) to influence metabolism remains poorly understood. Here, we combine long‐term with synoptic sampling of metabolism and its variable controls in neighboring watersheds of the Chesapeake Bay to resolve limiting factors and critical timescales associated with recovery from disturbance. We found that, relative to predictions of the river continuum concept, focal streams have “disrupted” carbon cycles, with carbon balances closer to zero, and, in some cases, tighter coupling between gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER), attributable to carbon limitation. Carbon became limiting to ER where flashy storm hydrographs and simplified channel geomorphology inhibited accumulation of fine sediment. Shannon entropy analysis of timescales revealed that fine sediment served as a time‐release capsule for nutrients and carbon over 4–6 months, fueling biogeochemical transformations. Loss of fines through hydraulic disturbance had up to 30‐d impacts on GPP and 50‐d impacts on ER in the stream with carbon limitation. In contrast, where GPP and ER were not tightly coupled, recovery occurred within 1 d. Results suggest that a complex interplay between nutrient and carbon limitation and mechanical and chemical disturbance governs patterns and consequences of disrupted carbon cycling in urban streams. Carbon limitation and tight GPP/ER coupling enhance the vulnerability of stream ecosystem functions, but best management practices that target stormflow reduction and channel geomorphic diversity can break that coupling and minimize carbon cycle disruptions.
Locking the Coplanar Conformation of π‐Conjugated Molecules and Macromolecules Using Dynamic Noncovalent Bonds
Authors: Zhu Congzhi , Fang Lei
Published: June 2017

Torsional conformation of the backbone of a π‐conjugated molecule or macromolecule shapes its solubility, optoelectronic characteristics, rheological behaviors, and ultimately solid‐state functions. In order to tailor these molecular, supramolecular, and materials properties, the desired coplanar conformation in π‐conjugated systems can be locked by using dynamic noncovalent bonds. In this article, the syntheses, characterizations, and unique properties of conjugated molecules/polymers involving a variety of bridging noncovalent bonds are disussed in the context of coplanar backbone conformation. In addition, challenges in this specific field are identified and discussed for future breakthroughs in exploiting the promising potential of noncovalent‐bond‐bridged, π‐conjugated organic materials.
Recycling of glucagon receptor to plasma membrane increases in adipocytes of obese rats by soy protein; implications for glucagon resistance
Authors: Velázquez‐Villegas Laura A. , Tovar‐Palacio Claudia , Palacios‐González Berenice , Torres Nimbe , Tovar Armando R. , Díaz‐Villaseñor Andrea
Published: June 2017

Scope

Hyperglucagonemia contributes to hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Previously, we have found that soy protein normalized fasting hyperglucagonemia in obese Zucker (fa/fa) rats, sensitizing the HSL‐lipolytic signaling pathway in white adipose tissue (WAT), however the mechanism remains unknown.

Methods and results

Zucker (fa/fa) rats were fed casein or soy protein diet in combination with soybean or coconut oil. Glucagon receptor (GR) was increased at the plasma membrane of adipocytes of rats fed soy protein compared to those fed casein, without changes in total GR abundance. The protein abundance of Rab4, a GTPase involved in GR fast recycling, was dramatically up‐regulated in adipocytes of rats fed soy protein. The proportion of GR bound to Rab4 or to RAMP2, involved in promoting GR ligand‐binding and G protein selectivity, increased when soy protein was combined with soybean oil as fat source. In rats fed soy protein with coconut oil, Rab11 levels, a protein involved in the slow recycling of GR, was also increased.

Conclusion

Soy protein increases GR recycling to the membrane of adipocytes and its ligand‐binding and G protein selectivity, suggesting, it could be used in T2D dietary treatment to reestablish glucagon sensitivity in WAT, leading to the regulation of circulating glucagon levels.
Characterization of pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling: Simulations and experimental validation
Authors: Lorenz Kathrin , Mildner Toralf , Schlumm Torsten , Möller Harald E.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To characterize pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) through simulations of spin inversion and to discuss suitable parameter settings for measuring cerebral perfusion.

Methods

Simulations of arterial spin inversion in pCASL were performed based on the Bloch equation. Both the labeling and the control condition of pCASL were analyzed separately, and the labeling efficiency,
, was calculated depending on the averages of both, the radiofrequency (RF) field amplitude and labeling gradient strength. The influence of additional parameters characterizing the pCASL pulse sequence, such as the interpulse interval, the RF duty cycle, and the labeling gradient, also were studied. An echo‐planar imaging protocol utilizing a short repetition time was developed for experimental validation by estimating α in the internal carotid artery.

Results

The effectiveness of the control condition of balanced pCASL crucially depends on both the labeling gradient amplitude and the RF duty cycle. The use of large values for both quantities improves the insensitivity to off‐resonance gradients caused by magnetic field inhomogeneities. In addition, balanced and unbalanced pCASL become comparably effective.

Conclusion

By use of appropriate parameter settings, labeling efficiencies of around 90% are feasible, independent of expected off‐resonance gradients at 3T. Magn Reson Med 79:1638–1649, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Student obesity prevalence and behavioral outcomes for the Massachusetts Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration project
Authors: Franckle Rebecca L. , Falbe Jennifer , Gortmaker Steven , Barrett Jessica L. , Giles Catherine , Ganter Claudia , Blaine Rachel E. , Buszkiewicz James , Taveras Elsie M. , Kwass Jo‐Ann , Land Thomas , Davison Kirsten K.
Published: June 2017

Objective

To examine changes in prevalence of obesity and target health behaviors (fruit, vegetable, and beverage consumption; physical activity; screen time; sleep duration) among students from communities that participated in the Massachusetts Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (MA‐CORD) project compared to controls.

Methods

MA‐CORD was implemented in two low‐income communities. School‐level prevalence of obesity among students in first, fourth, and seventh grades was calculated for the intervention communities and nine matched control communities pre and post intervention. Fourth‐ and seventh‐grade students’ self‐reported health behaviors were measured in intervention communities at baseline and post intervention.

Results

Among seventh‐graders (the student group with greatest intervention exposure), a statistically significant decrease in prevalence of obesity from baseline to post intervention in Community 2 (−2.68%, P = 0.049) and a similar but nonsignificant decrease in Community 1 (−2.24%, P = 0.099) was observed. Fourth‐ and seventh‐grade students in both communities were more likely to meet behavioral targets post intervention for sugar‐sweetened beverages (both communities: P < 0.0001) and water (Community 1: P < 0.01; Community 2: P = 0.04) and in Community 2 for screen time (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

This multisector intervention was associated with a modest reduction in obesity prevalence among seventh‐graders in one community compared to controls, along with improvements in behavioral targets.
Optimization of buffer allocation in unreliable production lines based on availability evaluation
Authors: Zhou Bing‐hai , Liu Yu‐wang , Yu Jia‐di , Tao Da
Published: June 2017

The buffer allocation problem is an important issue in production lines design. In this paper, we present new evaluation and optimization methods to optimally allocate buffers in unreliable production lines. Through analyzing different states of the machines and buffers by Markov process and incorporating the aggregation method, we make an evaluation on the system availability, instead of the throughput rate of the line. The optimization method is proposed by combining particle swarm optimization and estimation of distribution algorithm to maximize the system availability. It generates the new populations by estimation of distribution algorithm and particle swarm optimization to take their respective advantages in global and local optimization. Numerical tests and simulations are performed to validate the performance of the evaluation and optimization methods. The results indicate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed methods.
Promises, pitfalls and practicalities of prenatal whole exome sequencing
Authors: Best Sunayna , Wou Karen , Vora Neeta , Van der Veyver Ignatia B. , Wapner Ronald , Chitty Lyn S.
Published: June 2017

Prenatal genetic diagnosis provides information for pregnancy and perinatal decision‐making and management. In several small series, prenatal whole exome sequencing (WES) approaches have identified genetic diagnoses when conventional tests (karyotype and microarray) were not diagnostic. Here, we review published prenatal WES studies and recent conference abstracts. Thirty‐one studies were identified, with diagnostic rates in series of five or more fetuses varying between 6.2% and 80%. Differences in inclusion criteria and trio versus singleton approaches to sequencing largely account for the wide range of diagnostic rates. The data suggest that diagnostic yields will be greater in fetuses with multiple anomalies or in cases preselected following genetic review.

Beyond its ability to improve diagnostic rates, we explore the potential of WES to improve understanding of prenatal presentations of genetic disorders and lethal fetal syndromes. We discuss prenatal phenotyping limitations, counselling challenges regarding variants of uncertain significance, incidental and secondary findings, and technical problems in WES. We review the practical, ethical, social and economic issues that must be considered before prenatal WES could become part of routine testing. Finally, we reflect upon the potential future of prenatal genetic diagnosis, including a move towards whole genome sequencing and non‐invasive whole exome and whole genome testing. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety profile of H1‐antihistamines in pediatrics: an analysis based on data from VigiBase
Authors: Motola Domenico , Donati Monia , Biagi Chiara , Calamelli Elisabetta , Cipriani Francesca , Melis Mauro , Monaco Luca , Vaccheri Alberto , Ricci Giampaolo
Published: June 2017

Purpose

H1‐antihistamines are commonly used in infants and children for the relief of histamine‐mediated symptoms in a variety of conditions. Little is known about their safety profile in these patients. We performed a comparative analysis of the safety profiles of H1‐antihistamines using data from the WHO database (VigiBase).

Methods

We selected adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports on H1‐antihistamines in children (0–16 years) up to June 2014 from VigiBase. ADRs were codified according to MedDRA terminology. The reporting odds ratios (RORs) with 95% confidence for drug‐reaction pairs were calculated.

Results

The analysis was performed on 8918 reports related to antihistamines, corresponding to 19503 drug reaction pairs for 68 different drugs. Most of reports involved children aged 2 to 6 years (32%) and 6 to 12 years (34%). Most reported drugs were cetirizine (1608 reports, corresponding to 18%), loratadine (16%), and diphenhydramine (10%). ADRs were classified as serious in 23% of cases, and 400 cases had a fatal outcome. We found a significant associations for several drug‐reaction pairs such as levocetirizine and epilepsy (ROR, 6.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51–28.53) and chlorphenamine and toxic epidermal necrolysis (ROR, 7.29; 95% CI, 2.39–22.2).

Conclusions

H1‐antihistamines are among the most used drugs in pediatrics, also in an off‐label manner. Our data highlights associations with serious and unexpected ADRs. Educative intervention to clinicians and parents are needed to help doctors to make proper choices on the drug treatment and for the early detection of ADRs to maximize the benefits and reduce the risk of ADRs in these patients.
vigiRank for statistical signal detection in pharmacovigilance: First results from prospective real‐world use
Authors: Caster Ola , Sandberg Lovisa , Bergvall Tomas , Watson Sarah , Norén G. Niklas
Published: June 2017

Purpose

vigiRank is a data‐driven predictive model for emerging safety signals. In addition to disproportionate reporting patterns, it also accounts for the completeness, recency, and geographic spread of individual case reporting, as well as the availability of case narratives. Previous retrospective analysis suggested that vigiRank performed better than disproportionality analysis alone. The purpose of the present analysis was to evaluate its prospective performance.

Methods

The evaluation of vigiRank was based on real‐world signal detection in VigiBase. In May 2014, vigiRank scores were computed for pairs of new drugs and WHO Adverse Reaction Terminology critical terms with at most 30 reports from at least 2 countries. Initial manual assessments were performed in order of descending score, selecting a subset of drug‐adverse drug reaction pairs for in‐depth expert assessment. The primary performance metric was the proportion of initial assessments that were decided signals during in‐depth assessment. As comparator, the historical performance for disproportionality‐ guided signal detection in VigiBase was computed from a corresponding cohort of drug‐adverse drug reaction pairs assessed between 2009 and 2013. During this period, the requirement for initial manual assessment was a positive lower endpoint of the 95% credibility interval of the Information Component measure of disproportionality, observed for the first time.

Results

194 initial assessments suggested by vigiRank's ordering eventually resulted in 6 (3.1%) signals. Disproportionality analysis yielded 19 signals from 1592 initial assessments (1.2%; P < .05).

Conclusions

Combining multiple strength‐of‐evidence aspects as in vigiRank significantly outperformed disproportionality analysis alone in real‐world pharmacovigilance signal detection, for VigiBase.
Changes in drug use patterns reported on the web after the introduction of ADF OxyContin: findings from the Researched Abuse, Diversion, and Addiction‐Related Surveillance (RADARS) System Web Monitoring Program
Authors: Vosburg Suzanne K. , Haynes Colleen , Besharat Andrea , Green Jody L.
Published: June 2017

This qualitative study summarizes information that individuals shared online about use of OxyContin following the August 2010 introduction of the abuse deterrent formulation (ADF).

Purpose

The primary objective was to study online posts that endorsed continued use of OxyContin or a switch from OxyContin to another formulation of oxycodone or another substance altogether following the introduction of the ADF. A secondary objective was to determine whether posts revealed that the ADF led to cessation of OxyContin use.

Methods

Data were collected with the Researched Abuse, Diversion, and Addiction‐Related Surveillance System Web Monitoring Program, an online surveillance system that collects and organizes posts about prescription drugs from social media websites, blogs, and forums from 3Q2009 to 4Q2014 using a commercially available web platform.

Results

Posts were categorized by whether they conveyed a switch to drugs other than reformulated OxyContin or a continuation of reformulated OxyContin abuse. “Switch posts” primarily discussed switching to immediate‐release opioids. “Continue abusing” posts identified tampering strategies for alternate routes of administration, oral use, and continued use although post authors were generally unhappy with the experience. No reference to OxyContin cessation as a function of the introduction of the ADF was found; however, discontinued use was discussed.

Conclusions

Web Monitoring data are useful for capturing cross sections of Internet conversation reflecting reactions to new drug formulations. These data support the notion that users will gravitate to non‐ADFs generally, and to immediate‐release non‐ADF opioid formulations, specifically, as long as these options remain on the market.
Serotonin Transporter Gene Polymorphisms and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Tolerability: Review of Pharmacogenetic Evidence
Authors: Zhu Jing , Klein‐Fedyshin Michele , Stevenson James M.
Published: June 2017

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are first‐line pharmacotherapy for mood and anxiety disorders. The common mechanism of drugs in this class is antagonism of the serotonin transporter. Within the serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4, two polymorphic sites termed 5‐HTTLPR and STin2 are proposed to have functional consequences and thus have been attractive candidates for pharmacogenetic studies of SSRI efficacy and tolerability. This review summarizes approximately 15 years of study of these polymorphisms as they relate to SSRI tolerability phenotypes. Four online databases (PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and PharmGKB) were searched for articles on polymorphisms of SLC6A4 including 5‐HTTLPR and STin2 by using a systematic approach. Specific and general psychopharmacology terms, along with adverse effect and tolerability concepts, added to the search strategy. The Human Gene Mutation Database was checked for additional references. Forty studies met the inclusion criteria. While null and occasionally opposite associations are reported, the low expression 5‐HTTLPR S allele is generally associated with greater adverse drug reaction burden during SSRI therapy. The most convincing evidence is in studies of antidepressant‐induced mania and gastrointestinal adverse events. Studies of STin2 are sparse and have conflicting findings. In conclusion, the S allele of 5‐HTTLPR may be predictive of increased adverse event burden, and this effect appears specific to certain classes of adverse events. Limitations and challenges in interpreting this body of evidence include assay errors, dissimilar grouping of genotypes, the role of ethnicity in associations, and study methodological differences. The clinical utility of serotonin transporter genotypes is not yet delineated but will ultimately depend on genotypic effects on both tolerability and efficacy of SSRIs.
Effects of mTOR inhibition on cardiac and adipose tissue pathology and glucose metabolism in rats with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Uchinaka Ayako , Yoneda Mamoru , Yamada Yuichiro , Murohara Toyoaki , Nagata Kohzo
Published: June 2017

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a regulator of metabolism and is implicated in pathological conditions such as obesity and diabetes. We aimed to investigate the role of mTOR in obesity. A new animal model of metabolic syndrome (MetS), named DahlS.Z‐Leprfa/Leprfa (DS/obese) rats was established previously in our laboratory. In this study, we used this model to evaluate the effects of mTOR inhibition on cardiac and adipose tissue pathology and glucose metabolism. DS/obese rats were treated with the mTOR inhibitor, everolimus, (0.83 mg/kg per day, per os) for 4 weeks at 9 weeks of age. Age‐matched homozygous lean (DahlS.Z‐Lepr+/Lepr+ or DS/lean) littermates of DS/obese rats were used as controls. Treatment with everolimus ameliorated hypertension, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and fibrosis, and LV diastolic dysfunction, and attenuated cardiac oxidative stress and inflammation in DS/obese rats, but had no effect on these parameters in DS/lean rats. Treatment with everolimus reduced Akt Thr308 phosphorylation in the heart of DS/obese rats. It also alleviated obesity, hyperphagia, adipocyte hypertrophy, and adipose tissue inflammation in DS/obese rats. Everolimus treatment exacerbated glucose intolerance, but did not affect Akt phosphorylation levels in the fat or liver in these rats. Pancreatic β‐cell mass was increased in DS/obese rats compared with that in DS/lean rats and this effect was attenuated by everolimus. Activation of mTOR signaling contributes to the pathophysiology of MetS and its associated complications. And mTOR inhibition with everolimus ameliorated obesity as well as cardiac and adipose tissue pathology, but exacerbated glucose metabolism in rats with MetS.