bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Instruction in Adult Rheumatology Fellowship Programs
Authors: Torralba Karina D. , Cannella Amy C. , Kissin Eugene Y. , Bolster Marcy B. , Salto Lorena M. , Higgs Jay , Samuels Jonathan , Nishio Midori Jane , Kaeley Gurjit S. , Evangelisto Amy , De Marco Paul , Kohler Minna J.
Published: August 2017

Objective

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) in rheumatology in the US has advanced by way of promotion of certifications and standards of use and inclusion of core fellowship curriculum. In order to inform endeavors for curricular integration, the objectives of the present study were to assess current program needs for curricular incorporation and the teaching methods that are being employed.

Methods

A needs‐assessment survey (S1) was sent to 113 rheumatology fellowship program directors. For programs that taught MSUS, a curriculum survey (S2) was sent to lead faculty. Programs were stratified according to program size and use of a formal written curriculum.

Results

S1 (108 of 113 respondents; response rate 96%) revealed that 94% of programs taught MSUS, with 41% having a curriculum. Curricular implementation was unaffected by program size. Formal curricular adoption of MSUS was favored by 103 directors (95.3%), with 65.7% preferring such adoption to be optional. S2 (74 of 101 respondents; response rate 73%) showed that 41% of programs utilized a formal curriculum. Multiple teaching strategies were used, with content that was generally similar. Use of external courses, including the Ultrasound School of North American Rheumatologists course, was prevalent. Fewer barriers were noted compared to past surveys, but inadequate time, funding, and number of trained faculty still remained. Lack of divisional interest (P = 0.046) and interest of fellows (P = 0.012) were noted among programs without a formal curriculum.

Conclusion

MSUS is taught by a significantly larger number of rheumatology fellowship programs today. Multiple teaching strategies are used with common content, and barriers still remain for some programs. Most program directors favor inclusion of a standardized MSUS curriculum, with many favoring inclusion to be optional.
Optically Induced Transparency and Extinction in Dispersed MoS2, MoSe2, and Graphene Nanosheets
Authors: Dong Ningning , Li Yuanxin , Zhang Saifeng , Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Jun
Published: August 2017

This work reports the optically induced transparency and extinction in MoS2, MoSe2, and graphene nanosheets in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone. It is found that the 632.8 nm continuous‐wave probe light can be effectively modulated by the 532 nm nanosecond pump pulsed laser into peaks (transparency) and valleys (extinction) induced by two distinct nonlinear optical mechanisms—saturable absorption and nonlinear scattering, respectively. The optical modulation depths under different pump conditions have been deduced, and the maximum value of the modulation depth can reach ≈7 dB. Multiple nonlinear optical mechanisms coexisting in these 2D nanomaterials make them a category of intriguing and promising candidate materials for diverse photonic applications.
Synthesis of Polycyclic Dihydroindoles by Selective Decomposition of Bis(1,2,3‐triazoles) Mediated by Rhodium Catalysis
Authors: Jana Sampad , Vroemans Robby , Dehaen Wim
Published: August 2017

We report the selective decomposition of bis(1,2,3‐triazoles) under rhodium(II) catalysis. The bis(1,2,3‐triazoles) undergo an intramolecular transannulation reaction via an azavinylcarbene intermediate, resulting in the formation of polycyclic dihydroindoles containg a fused triazole ring.

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Calcium Hydride Cation [CaH]+ Stabilized by an NNNN‐type Macrocyclic Ligand: A Selective Catalyst for Olefin Hydrogenation
Authors: Schuhknecht Danny , Lhotzky Carolin , Spaniol Thomas P. , Maron Laurent , Okuda Jun
Published: August 2017

Reaction of dibenzyl calcium complex [Ca(Me4TACD)(CH2Ph)2], containing the neutral NNNN‐type macrocyclic ligand Me4TACD (Me4TACD=1,4,7,10‐tetramethyl‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane), with triphenylsilane gave the cationic dinuclear calcium hydride [Ca2H2(Me4TACD)2](PhCHSiPh3)2 which was characterized by NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The cation can be regarded as the ligand‐stabilized dimeric form of hypothetical [CaH]+. Hydrogenolysis of benzyl calcium cation [Ca(Me4TACD)(CH2Ph)(thf)]+ gave dicationic calcium hydrides [Ca2H2(Me4TACD)2][BAr4]2 (Ar=C6H4‐4‐tBu; C6H3‐3,5‐Me2) containing weakly coordinating anions. In THF, they catalyzed the isotope exchange of H2 and D2 to give HD and the hydrogenation of unactivated 1‐alkenes.
Some Novel Mannich Bases of 5‐(3,4‐Dichlorophenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2(3H)‐one and Their Anti‐Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Koksal Meric , Ozkan‐Dagliyan Irem , Ozyazici Tugce , Kadioglu Beril , Sipahi Hande , Bozkurt Ayhan , Bilge Suleyman S.
Published: August 2017

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are widely used for the treatment of rheumatic arthritis, pain, and many different types of inflammatory disorders, cause serious gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. The free carboxylic acid group existing on their chemical structure is correlated with GI toxicity related with all routine NSAIDs. Replacing this functional group with the 1,3,4‐oxadiazole bioisostere is a generally used strategy to obtain an anti‐inflammatory agent devoid of GI side effects. In the present work, a novel group of 5‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2(3H)‐one Mannich bases were synthesized and characterized on the basis of IR, 1H NMR, and elemental analysis results. The target compounds were first tested for cytotoxicity to determine a non‐toxic concentration for anti‐inflammatory screening. Anti‐inflammatory effects of the compounds were evaluated by in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced NO production and in vivo carrageenan footpad edema with ulcerogenic profile. In LPS‐induced RAW 264.7 macrophages, most of the compounds showed inhibitory activity on nitrite production while compounds 5a, 5h, and 5j exhibited the best profiles by suppressing the NO production. To evaluate the in vivo anti‐inflammatory potency of the compounds, the inflammatory response was quantified by increment in paw size in the carrageenan footpad edema assay. The anti‐inflammatory data scoring showed that compounds 5a–d, 5g, and 5j, at the dose of 100 mg/kg, exhibited anti‐inflammatory activity, which for compound 5g was comparable to that of the reference drug indomethacin with 53.9% and 55.5% inhibition in 60 and 120 min, respectively.
Predictive processing increases intelligibility of acoustically distorted speech: Behavioral and neural correlates
Authors: Hakonen Maria , May Patrick J. C. , Jääskeläinen Iiro P. , Jokinen Emma , Sams Mikko , Tiitinen Hannu
Published: August 2017

Introduction

We examined which brain areas are involved in the comprehension of acoustically distorted speech using an experimental paradigm where the same distorted sentence can be perceived at different levels of intelligibility. This change in intelligibility occurs via a single intervening presentation of the intact version of the sentence, and the effect lasts at least on the order of minutes. Since the acoustic structure of the distorted stimulus is kept fixed and only intelligibility is varied, this allows one to study brain activity related to speech comprehension specifically.

Methods

In a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment, a stimulus set contained a block of six distorted sentences. This was followed by the intact counterparts of the sentences, after which the sentences were presented in distorted form again. A total of 18 such sets were presented to 20 human subjects.

Results

The blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD)‐responses elicited by the distorted sentences which came after the disambiguating, intact sentences were contrasted with the responses to the sentences presented before disambiguation. This revealed increased activity in the bilateral frontal pole, the dorsal anterior cingulate/paracingulate cortex, and the right frontal operculum. Decreased BOLD responses were observed in the posterior insula, Heschl's gyrus, and the posterior superior temporal sulcus.

Conclusions

The brain areas that showed BOLD‐enhancement for increased sentence comprehension have been associated with executive functions and with the mapping of incoming sensory information to representations stored in episodic memory. Thus, the comprehension of acoustically distorted speech may be associated with the engagement of memory‐related subsystems. Further, activity in the primary auditory cortex was modulated by prior experience, possibly in a predictive coding framework. Our results suggest that memory biases the perception of ambiguous sensory information toward interpretations that have the highest probability to be correct based on previous experience.
A modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale for symptom clusters in radiation oncology patients
Authors: Johnstone Peter A. S. , Lee Jae , Zhou Jun‐Min , Ma Zhenjun , Portman Diane , Jim Heather , Yu Hsiang‐Hsuan Michael
Published: August 2017

Patient‐reported outcomes regarding symptom burden may provide valuable information in addition to physician assessment. Systematic collection of patient‐reported outcomes may be an important metric to identify unmet needs and improve quality of patient care. To understand common symptoms of patients seen in radiation oncology clinic, we examined the prospectively collected modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS‐r) data to explore symptom clusters. Our clinic established use of a modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale in August 2015. All outpatients presenting for radiation oncology services completed the form at each clinic visit. Symptom clusters are defined by two or more symptoms that are interrelated and occur simultaneously with a high degree of predictability. A sample of 916 de‐identified surveys was assessed statistically using principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation to determine independent clustering between the symptoms queried. We found four major clusters of symptoms: Tiredness (tired, drowsiness; PC1), Loss of Appetite (nausea, lack of appetite; PC2), Low Well‐Being (overall & spiritual well‐being; PC3), and Depression (depression, anxiety; PC4). These accounted for 46%, 9.2%, 7.6%, and 7% of total variance, respectively. Internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha was 0.87, 0.7, 0.82, and 0.87, respectively. The most frequent write‐in item was itchiness, present in 24% of the 148 patients responding. Assessment of patients seen in a large radiation oncology clinic revealed several symptom clusters. {Tiredness and drowsiness} represents a major symptom cluster. Itchiness may be underrecognized.
Antineoplastic effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors in neuroendocrine cancer cells are mediated through transcriptional regulation of Notch1 by activator protein 1
Authors: Jang Samuel , Jin Haining , Roy Madhuchhanda , Ma Alice L. , Gong Shaoqin , Jaskula‐Sztul Renata , Chen Herbert
Published: August 2017

Notch signaling is minimally active in neuroendocrine (NE) cancer cells. While histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) suppress NE cancer growth by inducing Notch, the molecular mechanism underlying this interplay has not yet been defined. NE cancer cell lines BON, H727, and MZ‐CRC‐1 were treated with known HDACi Thailadepsin‐A (TDP‐A) and valproic acid (VPA), and Notch1 mRNA expression was measured with RT‐PCR. Truncated genomic fragments of the Notch1 promotor region fused with luciferase reporter were used to identify the potential transcription factor (TF) binding site. The key regulatory TF was identified with the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The effect of HDACi on Notch1 level was determined before and after silencing the TF. TDP‐A and VPA induced Notch1 mRNA in a dose‐dependent manner. A functional DNA motif at −80 to −52 from the Notch1 start codon responsible for the HDACi‐dependent Notch1 induction was identified. Mutation of this core sequence failed to induce luciferase activity despite HDACi treatment. EMSA showed the greatest gel shift with AP‐1 in nuclear extracts. Knockdown of AP‐1 significantly attenuated the effect of HDACi on Notch1 induction. Interestingly, AP‐1 transfection did not alter Notch1 level, suggesting that AP‐1 is necessary but insufficient for HDACi activation of Notch1. Therefore, AP‐1 is the TF that binds to a specific transcription‐binding site within the Notch1 promotor region to trigger Notch1 transcription. Elucidating the HDACi activation mechanism may lead to the development of novel therapeutic options against NE cancers and facilitate the identification of clinical responders and prevent adverse effects.
From anemia to polycythemia in 4 weeks
Authors: Hassan Omer A. , Moey Melissa Y. Y. , Papageorgiou Christos N.
Published: August 2017

Key Clinical Message

Primary polycythemia (PCV) may coexist in otherwise asymptomatic patients particularly in the presence of unsuspecting conditions such as Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). In presumed “idiopathic TTP,” autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) should be investigated as a possible etiology for TTP. Standardization of targeted therapy with immunomodulatory agents may be recommended for this subset of patients.
Autonomous and Continuous Stimuli‐Responsive Polymer Surface for Antibacterial Application through Enzymatic Self‐Propagating Reactions
Authors: Ding Chao , Yan Zhengqing , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: August 2017

Stimuli‐responsive polymer materials inspired by biological materials have invoked increasing research interest; however, they still suffer from limitations such as finite amplified responses and poor sensitivity of the unstimulated parts. Herein, a new strategy for creating H+‐responsive polymer surfaces that are capable of transforming specific local fleeting stimuli into global macroscopic changes is described. The introduction of self‐propagating reactions into the polymer‐surface systems endows them with excellent stimuli‐amplifying properties and response of the unstimulated parts. On the basis of this design, a polymer and enzymatic reaction were employed to enable a specific response to a stimulus and then lead to macroscopic changes of the surface. It is further shown that the prepared H+‐responsive polymer surfaces can be employed for antibacterial application. This work provides a good example of achieving autonomously reconfigurable materials that respond to local fleeting stimuli.
A comprehensive pipeline for multi‐resolution modeling of the mitral valve: Validation, computational efficiency, and predictive capability
Authors: Drach Andrew , Khalighi Amir H. , Sacks Michael S.
Published: August 2017

Multiple studies have demonstrated that the pathological geometries unique to each patient can affect the durability of mitral valve (MV) repairs. While computational modeling of the MV is a promising approach to improve the surgical outcomes, the complex MV geometry precludes use of simplified models. Moreover, the lack of complete in vivo geometric information presents significant challenges in the development of patient‐specific computational models. There is thus a need to determine the level of detail necessary for predictive MV models. To address this issue, we have developed a novel pipeline for building attribute‐rich computational models of MV with varying fidelity directly from the in vitro imaging data. The approach combines high‐resolution geometric information from loaded and unloaded states to achieve a high level of anatomic detail, followed by mapping and parametric embedding of tissue attributes to build a high‐resolution, attribute‐rich computational models. Subsequent lower resolution models were then developed and evaluated by comparing the displacements and surface strains to those extracted from the imaging data. We then identified the critical levels of fidelity for building predictive MV models in the dilated and repaired states. We demonstrated that a model with a feature size of about 5 mm and mesh size of about 1 mm was sufficient to predict the overall MV shape, stress, and strain distributions with high accuracy. However, we also noted that more detailed models were found to be needed to simulate microstructural events. We conclude that the developed pipeline enables sufficiently complex models for biomechanical simulations of MV in normal, dilated, repaired states.
Beacon‐based routing protocols for underwater acoustic sensor networks
Authors: Tariq Moeenuddin , Abd Latiff Muhammad Shafie , Ayaz Muhammad , Abbas Muhammad Zahid
Published: August 2017

Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks (UW‐ASN) are provisioned with limited bandwidth, long variable propagation delay, limited available energy, highly unreliable acoustic channels, and random node mobility. Consequently, efficient data routing between source destination pair requires UW‐ASN to apply a technology different than terrestrial networks. For the past few years researchers have proposed many robust and efficient routing protocols for UW‐ASN, thus reviewing the challenges posed by stringent underwater environment. These protocols can be broadly categorized into localization based and localization‐free protocols. This paper presents a critical review of beacon‐based localization‐free routing protocols and suggest possible solution to improve the working of studied beacon based protocols. This work categorizes beacon based protocols into hop‐by‐hop, end‐to‐end, single, and multiple parameters based forwarding protocols. This categorization will help to differentiate and identify the requirements for the development of new beacon‐based protocols. Finally, this paper presents performance comparison based on simulation results and outlines the research gap and future directions.
Efficient revocable ID‐based encryption with cloud revocation server
Authors: Jia Xiaoying , Kumar Neeraj , Choo Kim‐Kwang Raymond , He Debiao
Published: August 2017

The capability to efficiently revoke compromised/misbehaving users is important in identity‐based encryption (IBE) applications, as it is not a matter of if but of when that one or more users are compromised. Existing solutions generally require a trusted third party to update the private keys of nonrevoked users periodically, which impact on scalability and result in high computation and communication overheads at the key generation center. Li et al proposed a revocable IBE scheme, which outsources most of the computation and communication overheads to a Key Update Cloud Service Provider (KU‐CSP). However, their scheme is lack of scalability since the KU‐CSP must maintain a secret value for each user. Tseng et al proposed another revocable IBE scheme with a cloud revocation authority, seeking to provide scalability and improve both performance and security level. In this paper, we present a new revocable IBE scheme with a cloud revocation server (CRS). The CRS holds only one secret time update key for all users, which provides the capability to scale our scheme. We demonstrate that our scheme is secure against adaptive‐ID and chosen ciphertext attacks under the k‐CAA assumption and outperforms both schemes mentioned above, in terms of having lower computation and communication overheads.
Plant–plant interactions scale up to produce vegetation spatial patterns: the influence of long‐ and short‐term process
Authors: Alados Concepción L. , Saiz Hugo , Gartzia Maite , Nuche Paloma , Escós Juan , Navarro Teresa , Pueyo Yolanda
Published: August 2017

Vegetation spatial patterns emerge in response to feedback interactions between organisms and their environment, because of the redistribution of water and nutrients around the plant canopy or as a consequence of facilitation/competition interactions at the plant level, even in the absence of pre‐existing substratum heterogeneities. It has been suggested that changes in vegetation spatial patterns are a signal of transition shift in ecosystems. Understanding the factors that lead to aggregated spatial patterns and control the transition to random distributions requires that environmental and species information is taken into account. In this study, we investigated the relative contributions of aridity (a long‐term process), to which vegetation is adapted, and the area covered by bare soil (short‐term process) to plant–plant associations and their contribution to aggregated spatial patterns. The study was conducted in a gradient of aridity ranging from that in subalpine grassland habitats in the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada mountains to that in the semiarid steppes of Cabo de Gata and the middle Ebro Valley in Spain. We compared sites that differed in aridity and a geophysical feature (north‐ vs. south‐facing slope). We observed that the relative contribution of aridity and bare soil to plant–plant facilitation and vegetation aggregation differed in subalpine and semiarid areas. Facilitation in subalpine habitats had a marked effect on aggregated spatial patterns, while aridity contributed to disruption of these patterns. Conversely, in semiarid habitats, the disruption of aggregated patterns was mainly promoted by an increase in bare soil area rather than in aridity. In semiarid habitats, the higher level of stress on south‐facing slopes increased facilitation interactions relative to north‐facing slopes, although this did not enhance the persistence of aggregated spatial patterns. We conclude that the use of aggregated spatial patterns as an indicator of ecosystem shift must distinguish and separately take account of long‐term processes to which vegetation adapt, and short‐term process.
Glucocorticoids downregulate TLR4 signaling activity via its direct targeting by miR‐511‐5p
Authors: Curtale Graziella , Renzi Tiziana A. , Drufuca Lorenzo , Rubino Marcello , Locati Massimo
Published: August 2017

Endotoxin tolerance assures proper regulation of the TLR4 signaling pathway and avoids uncontrolled inflammation, limiting tissue damage and endotoxin shock development. Though underlying molecular mechanisms are still undefined, evidence indicates the involvement of microRNAs, which represent a new layer of regulation of inflammatory pathways. Here, we report that LPS and other inflammatory stimuli repress miR‐511‐5p expression in human monocytes, while anti‐inflammatory stimuli, such as TGF‐β and glucocorticoids, have the opposite effect. MiR‐511‐5p levels selectively influenced cell activation when endotoxin was used, while biological activity of other TLR agonists was unaffected. Consistent with this, TLR4 was validated as the miR‐511‐5p direct target responsible for glucocorticoids‐ and TGF‐β‐mediated inhibition of pro‐inflammatory cytokines production observed in endotoxin tolerant monocytes. MiR‐511‐5p thus acts as an intracellular mediator of glucocorticoids and TGF‐β for the induction of endotoxin tolerance in human monocytes.
Accessing Single Enantiomer Strigolactones: Progress and Opportunities
Authors: Bromhead Liam J. , McErlean Christopher S. P.
Published: August 2017

The generation of molecules that promote plant growth provides opportunities for synthetic chemists to make lasting contributions to the agricultural sector. This Microreview highlights the approaches that have been used to access single enantiomers of an important class of plant growth promotors, the strigolactone phytohormones.
General Method for the Synthesis of 1,4‐Disubstituted 5‐Halo‐1,2,3‐triazoles
Authors: Gribanov Pavel S. , Topchiy Maxim A. , Karsakova Iuliia V. , Chesnokov Gleb A. , Smirnov Alexander Yu. , Minaeva Lidiya I. , Asachenko Andrey F. , Nechaev Mikhail S.
Published: August 2017

A general method for the synthesis of 1,4‐disubstituted 5‐halo‐1,2,3‐triazoles has been developed. The one‐pot two‐step process consists of a CuAAC reaction of a copper(I) acetylide with an organic azide catalyzed by (aNHC)CuCl, followed by halogenation with N‐chlorosuccinimide, N‐bromosuccinimide, or I2.
Comparing Strong and Weak Halogen Bonding in Solution: 13C NMR, UV/Vis, Crystallographic, and Computational Studies of an Intramolecular Model
Authors: Widner Danielle L. , Robinson Emily R. , Perez Alejandra B. , Vang Herh G. , Thorson Rachel A. , Driscoll Zakarias L. , Giebel Sierra M. , Berndt Calvin W. , Bosch Eric , Speetzen Erin D. , Bowling Nathan P.
Published: August 2017

A series of arylene ethynylene compounds has been generated in order to study the differences between strong and weak intramolecular halogen bonding in solution. With strong intramolecular halogen bonding, the presence of electron‐withdrawing fluorine substituents near the halogen‐bond donor has a significant impact on the halogen bond and consequently on 13C NMR chemical shifts. UV/Vis studies suggest increased conjugation of the arylene ethynylene backbone when strong halogen bonds are present. UV/Vis and NMR signatures of intramolecular halogen bonding are diminished significantly when electron‐withdrawing fluorine substituents are absent, however. This change in behavior is further illustrated by differences in crystallization tendencies with the presence or absence of electron‐withdrawing substituents. Calculations using the M06‐2X functional provide some insight into the energies associated with both strong and weak intramolecular halogen bonding.
The Synthesis of Group 10 and 11 Metal Complexes of 3,6,9‐Trithia‐1‐(2,6)‐pyridinacyclodecaphane and Their Use in A3‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Rasheed Omer K. , Bawn Carlo , Davies David , Raftery James , Vitorica‐Yrzebal Iñigo , Pritchard Robin , Zhou Huimin , Quayle Peter
Published: August 2017

The reaction between 3,6,9‐trithia‐1(2,6)‐pyridinacyclodecaphane and representative group 10 and 11 metal salts [Cu(NO3)2, NiCl2 or Ag(CF3CO2)] afforded 1:1 complexes, which in the case of CuII and AgI were characterised by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The catalytic activity of these complexes in A3‐coupling reactions between aldehydes, terminal alkynes and amines was assessed in both protic (water) and aprotic (toluene) media. These A3‐reactions prove to be more efficient, proceed with lower catalyst loadings and with faster reaction rates, when conducted in a focused microwave reactor as compared to the same reactions promoted by standard, thermal, modes of activation.
A Little Less Conversation, a Little More Action: Illustrations of the Mediated Discourse Analysis Method
Authors: Jones Ollie , Gold Jeff , Claxton Julia
Published: August 2017

This article provides an introduction into the innovative use of the methodological approach of Mediated Discourse Analysis (MDA) and illustrates this with examples from an interventionist insider action research study. An overview of the method, including its foundation and association with the analysis of practice and how it can be situated within a reflexive ethnographic and critical realist stance, is presented. It offers samples of findings and analysis for each of the different aspects of method, structured by a set of heuristic questions, as well as an example showing the possibilities of theory development. The article constructs and shows an analytical pathway for HRD researchers to use MDA and concludes with a discussion about the advantages of utilizing MDA, in terms of theory and practice, as well as the practical issues in conducting an MDA study. The implication for the HRD research community is that MDA is a new, innovative, and germane approach for analyzing HRD practice within organizational settings.
Transgenic mice with ectopic expression of constitutively active TLR4 in adipose tissues do not show impaired insulin sensitivity
Authors: Ono‐Moore Kikumi D. , Zhao Ling , Huang Shurong , Kim Jeonga , Rutkowsky Jennifer M. , Snodgrass Ryan G. , Schneider Dina A. , Quon Michael J. , Graham James L. , Havel Peter J. , Hwang Daniel H.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Chronic low‐grade inflammation is associated with obesity and diabetes. However, what causes and mediates chronic inflammation in metabolic disorders is not well understood. Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) mediates both infection‐induced and sterile inflammation by recognizing pathogen‐associated molecular patterns and endogenous molecules, respectively. Saturated fatty acids can activate TLR4, and TLR4‐deficient mice were protected from high fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity and insulin resistance, suggesting that TLR4‐mediated inflammation may cause metabolic dysfunction, such as obesity and insulin resistance.

Methods

We generated two transgenic (TG) mouse lines expressing a constitutively active TLR4 in adipose tissue and determined whether these TG mice would show increased insulin resistance.

Results

TG mice fed a high fat or a normal chow diet did not exhibit increased insulin resistance compared to their wild‐type controls despite increased localized inflammation in white adipose tissue. Furthermore, females of one TG line fed a normal chow diet had improved insulin sensitivity with reduction in both adiposity and body weight when compared with wild‐type littermates. There were significant differences between female and male mice in metabolic biomarkers and mRNA expression in proinflammatory genes and negative regulators of TLR4 signaling, regardless of genotype and diet.

Conclusions

Together, these results suggest that constitutively active TLR4‐induced inflammation in white adipose tissue is not sufficient to induce systemic insulin resistance, and that high fat diet‐induced insulin resistance may require other signals in addition to TLR4‐mediated inflammation.
Synthesis and Characterization of 5‐Coordinate Tungsten Hydride Anions: [(tBu3SiNH)(tBu3SiN=)2HWR]M
Authors: Schafer Daniel F. , Wolczanski Peter T. , Lobkovsky Emil B. , MacMillan Samantha N.
Published: August 2017

Treatment of (tBu3SiNH)(tBu3SiN=)2WH (1‐H) with small alkyl anions (RM) afforded tungsten alkyl hydride anions [(tBu3SiNH)(tBu3SiN=)2HWR)]M (3‐(R)M: R=CH3, M=Li; R=nBu, M=Li; R=neoPe, M=Li; R=CH2Ph (Bn), M=K (two isomers); R=CCH, M=Na; R=CH=CH2 (Vy), M=Li). The saturated alkyl anions 3‐(R)M (3‐(R)M: R=CH3, M=Li; R=nBu, M=Li; R=neoPe, M=Li; R=CH2Ph (Bn), M=K) degraded via apparent 1,2‐RH‐elimination to produce the known [(tBu3SiN=)3WH]M (2‐HM), but the acetylide (3‐(C2H)Na) and vinyl (3‐(Vy)Li) anions converted to their hydrogenated isomers, [(tBu3SiN=)3WVy]Na (2‐VyNa) and [(tBu3SiN=)3WEt]Li (2‐EtLi), respectively. The structure of 3‐(nBu)Li is reported, and a discussion of tungsten‐hydride coupling constants in tBu3SiX‐ligated (X=O, NH, N) systems is given.
β‐asarone inhibited cell growth and promoted autophagy via P53/Bcl‐2/Bclin‐1 and P53/AMPK/mTOR pathways in Human Glioma U251 cells
Authors: Wang Nanbu , Zhang Qinxin , Luo Laiyu , Ning Baile , Fang Yongqi
Published: August 2017

Glioma is the most common type of primary brain tumor and has an undesirable prognosis. Autophagy plays an important role in cancer therapy, but it is effect is still not definite. P53 is an important tumor suppressor gene and protein that is closely to autophagy. Our aim was to study the effect of β‐asarone on inhibiting cell proliferation in human glioma U251 cells and to detect the effect of the inhibition on autophagy through the P53 signal pathway. For cell growth, the cells were divided into four groups: the model, β‐asarone, temozolomide (TMZ), and co‐administration groups. For cell autoghapy and the P53 pathway, the cells were divided into six groups: the model, β‐asarone, 3MA, Rapa, Pifithrin‐µ, and NSC groups. The counting Kit‐8 assay and flow cytometry (FCM) were then used to measure the cell proliferation and cycle. Electron microscopy was used to observe autophagosome formation. Cell immunohistochemistry/‐immunofluorescence, FCM and Western blot (WB) were used to examine the expression of Beclin‐1 and P53. The levels of P53 and GAPDH mRNA were detected by RT‐PCR. Using WB, we determined autophagy‐related proteins Beclin‐1, LC3‐II/I, and P62 and those of the P53 pathway‐related proteins P53, Bcl‐2, mTOR, P‐mTOR, AMPK, P‐AMPK, and GAPDH. We got the results that β‐asarone changed the cellular morphology, inhibited cell proliferation, and enhanced the expression of P53, LC3‐II/I, Beclin‐1, AMPK, and pAMPK while inhibiting the expression of P62, Bcl‐2, mTOR, and pmTOR. All the data suggested that β‐asarone could reduce the cell proliferation and promote autophagy possible via the P53 pathway in U251 cells.
Mesenchymal stem cell differentiation: Control by calcium‐activated potassium channels
Authors: Pchelintseva Ekaterina , Djamgoz Mustafa B. A.
Published: August 2017

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used in modern medicine for which understanding the mechanisms controlling their differentiation is fundamental. Ion channels offer novel insights to this process because of their role in modulating membrane potential and intracellular milieu. Here, we evaluate the contribution of calcium‐activated potassium (KCa) channels to the three main components of MSC differentiation: initiation, proliferation, and migration. First, we demonstrate the importance of the membrane potential (Vm) and the apparent association of hyperpolarization with differentiation. Of KCa subtypes, most evidence points to activity of big‐conductance channels in inducing initiation. On the other hand, intermediate‐conductance currents have been shown to promote progression through the cell cycle. While there is no information on the role of KCa channels in migration of MSCs, work from other stem cells and cancer cells suggest that intermediate‐conductance and to a lesser extent big‐conductance channels drive migration. In all cases, these effects depend on species, tissue origin and lineage. Finally, we present a conceptual model that demonstrates how KCa activity could influence differentiation by regulating Vm and intracellular Ca2+ oscillations. We conclude that KCa channels have significant involvement in MSC differentiation and could potentially enable novel tissue engineering approaches and therapies.
Potential role of the Jagged1/Notch1 signaling pathway in the endothelial‐myofibroblast transition during BLM‐induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Yin Qian , Wang Weihua , Cui Guangbin , Yan Linfeng , Zhang Song
Published: August 2017

Endothelial cell myofibroblast transition (EndoMT) is found during the process of bleomycin (BLM)‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats, and plays a very important role in sustaining inflammation and collagen secretion. Moreover, some studies have suggested that the Notch1 signaling pathway may be involved in the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs), a protein marker of EndoMT. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the expression level of α‐SMA and Notch1‐related signaling molecules in PMVECs from BLM‐induced rats and determine the relationship between the Notch1 signaling pathway and the expression of α‐SMA in PMVECs. We found that the expression levels of α‐SMA, Notch1, and Jagged1 were upregulated, while the expression levels of Dll4 were downregulated. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the expression of Jagged1 and the α‐SMA proteins in PMVECs, and NF‐κB was downregulated by decreasing the expression of Jagged1. In conclusion, the Jagged1/Notch1 signaling pathway is activated in PMVECs during the pathogenesis of BLM‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats, and it may induce α‐SMA expression via a non‐canonical pathway involving NF‐κB as the target molecule. The precise mechanism and the molecules involved in this signaling pathway need to be further elucidated.
Role of 3‐Dimensional Sonography in the Assessment of Submucous Fibroids: A Pilot Study
Authors: Keizer Alieke L. , Nieuwenhuis Lotte L. , Twisk Jos W. R. , Huirne Judith A. F. , Hehenkamp Wouter J. K. , Brölmann Hans A. M.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To investigate the accuracy and reliability of 3‐dimensional (3D) transvaginal sonography in classifying submucous fibroids using the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics PALM‐COEIN (polyp, adenomyosis, leiomyoma, malignancy and hyperplasia, coagulopathy, ovulatory dysfunction, endometrial, iatrogenic, and not yet classified) classification and protrusion (percent) compared to 2‐dimensional (2D) transvaginal sonography, 2D saline infusion sonography, and 3D saline infusion sonography, using hysteroscopy as a reference test.

Methods

A prospective cohort pilot study was performed among 14 consecutive patients undergoing hysteroscopic surgery, preceded by routine sonography (2D transvaginal sonography, 2D saline infusion sonography, 3D transvaginal sonography, and 3D saline infusion sonography).

Results

The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for 2D transvaginal sonography versus hysteroscopy was 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06, 0.90) compared to 0.94 (95% CI, 0.83, 0.98) for 2D saline infusion sonography. The ICCs for 3D transvaginal sonography versus hysteroscopy were 0.69 (95% CI, 0.03, 0.90 [investigator A]) and 0.55 (95% CI, –0.48, 0.86 [investigator B]). The ICCs for 3D saline infusion sonography versus hysteroscopy were 0.94 (95% CI, 0.81, 0.98 [investigator A]) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.60, 0.96 [investigator B]). Interobserver agreement of 3D transvaginal sonography was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.43, 0.94) compared to 0.86 (95% CI, 0.56, 0.96) for 3D saline infusion sonography.

Conclusions

In these preliminary data, 3D transvaginal sonography was not as accurate as 2D or 3D saline infusion sonography and was not more accurate than 2D transvaginal sonography. There was moderate interobserver agreement for 3D transvaginal sonography. There might be room for improvement, as 3D transvaginal sonography is more accurate when endometrial thickness increases. Further study is warranted to evaluate in which patients saline infusion sonography eventually can be obviated.
Optimal control of linear time‐delay systems by a hybrid of block‐pulse functions and biorthogonal cubic Hermite spline multiwavelets
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Robabeh , Lakestani Mehrdad
Published: August 2017

This paper proposes a new numerical approach for finding the solution of linear time‐delay control systems with a quadratic performance index using new hybrid functions. This method is based on a hybrid of block‐pulse functions and biorthogonal multiwavelets that consist of cubic Hermite splines on the primal side. The excellent properties of the hybrid functions together with the operational matrices of integration, product, and delay are presented. Using these matrices, the solution of the optimal control of delay systems is reduced to the solution of algebraic equations. Because of the sparsity nature of these matrices, this method is computationally very attractive and reduces CPU time and computer memory. In order to save the memory requirement and computation time, a threshold procedure is applied to obtain algebraic equations. The effectiveness of the method and the accuracy of the solution are shown in comparison with some other methods by illustrative examples.
Anticorrosive performance of epoxy/modified clay nanocomposites
Authors: Mehrabian Nazgol , Sarabi Dariani Ali Asghar
Published: August 2017

The effect of 2‐benzylbenzimidazole (2‐BBI) was evaluated as surface modifier on the performance of Na+‐Montmorillonite nanoparticles (Na+‐MMT) in epoxy‐based coatings. Four epoxy‐based samples were prepared including 0, 1, 2, and 3 wt% of 2‐BBI‐(Na+‐MMT). The intercalation behaviors of epoxy resin in presence of 2‐BBI‐(Na+‐MMT) were determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM) analysis was carried out to depict the dispersion of 2‐BBI‐(Na+‐MMT). The pertaining reaction bonds of the 2‐BBI and (Na+‐MMT) were represented via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and pull‐off test was used for measuring the adhesion strength of the coated samples. Corrosion resistance and thermal properties of the coated samples were measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. On the basis of the EIS results, the coated samples with 3 wt% 2‐BBI‐(Na+‐MMT)/epoxy had the highest corrosion resistance after 120 days immersion in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Also, based on the Brusher–Kingsbury equation, the amount of water absorption was calculated, in which 3 wt% 2‐BBI‐(Na+‐MMT)/epoxy had only 1.92% water absorption while 3 wt% (Na+‐MMT)/epoxy had 82 wt%. The results showed that 2‐BBI can improve the dispersion of the Na+‐MMT in the epoxy matrix by entering into their galleries and providing better compatibility between the inorganic clay nanoparticles and polymeric matrix. This issue led to the enhancement of the thermal and barrier properties of 2‐BBI‐modified (Na+‐MMT)/epoxy nanocomposites rather than unmodified ones. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E2134–E2142, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Could Internet Voting Halt Declining Electoral Turnout? New Evidence That E‐Voting Is Habit Forming
Authors: Solvak Mihkel , Vassil Kristjan
Published: August 2017

The hopes that e‐voting would increase voter turnout have not really materialized; any turnout increases in those countries where Internet voting has been introduced have been negligible. But the effect of one mechanism by which this mode of voting might influence turnout is still largely unknown, namely its potential to keep voters voting at higher rates than paper voting, and thus if not reversing, then at least putting a halt to further decline in turnout. This article examines the degree to which people who vote on the Internet once carry on doing so, thereby testing the hypothesis that e‐voting is more habit forming than paper voting. We test if e‐voting displays traits typical of a habit, that is, being a self‐reinforced behavior detached from its original motivations. Survey data are analyzed from five consecutive and e‐enabled nationwide elections in Estonia between 2009 and 2015. The results suggest e‐voting to be very “sticky”; a first time e‐voter is very likely to stay e‐voting in subsequent elections at consistently higher rates than a typical paper voter is to stay paper voting, or a nonvoter to remain a nonvoter. The results call for a re‐examination of the association between Internet voting and turnout.
Impact of position of electron withdrawing cyano groups on nonlinear optical properties of centrosymmetric donor‐π‐acceptor system
Authors: Kim Ran Hee , Park Jin Sun , Lee Kwang‐Sup , Zojer Karin , Brédas Jean‐Luc
Published: August 2017

Two symmetrically substituted phenylenevinylene D‐A‐D′‐A‐D type siblings, (2Z,2′Z)‐2,2′‐(2,5‐dimethoxy‐1,4‐phenylene)bis(3‐(4‐(dimethylamino)phenyl)acrylonitrile) (↑‐dscn) and (2Z,2′Z)‐3,3′‐(2,5‐dimethoxy‐1,4‐phenylene)bis(2‐(4‐(dimethylamino)phenyl)acrylonitrile) (↓‐dscn), are prepared. We investigate the effect of different but symmetrical location of these cyano groups in vinylene bridges on the 1‐photon and 2‐photon absorption behaviors. We report that the closeness of CN group on the vinyl group to the central phenyl ring in ↑‐dscn induces an intramolecular geometric distortion between the central phenyl ring and vinylene group, preventing the effective π‐conjugation length in ground and excited states. Thus, the transition energy that is observed in 1‐photon absorption and fluorescence is larger in ↑‐dscn than in ↓‐dscn. This leads to a different intramolecular charge distribution, as a result of which the linear and nonlinear optical properties strongly depend on the position of acceptors. These results are theoretically unraveled in terms of charge transfer pathways, charge distribution, and charge distribution differences on transition.
Impact of Allowing Sunday Alcohol Sales in Georgia on Employment and Hours
Authors: Hotchkiss Julie L. , Qi Yanling
Published: August 2017

Differential timing across counties of the removal of restrictions on Sunday alcohol sales in the state of Georgia is used to determine whether the change had an impact on employment and hours in the beer, wine, and liquor retail sales industry. A triple‐difference (DDD) analysis finds significant relative increases in average weekly hours in the treated industry, but no significant impact on employment. We speculate regarding the forces behind the positive DDD result and conclude that the change in regulation likely lowered profits for affected liquor stores. This would explain why store owners were vocal opponents to restriction removal.
A new chondrichthyan fauna from the Late Jurassic of the Swiss Jura (Kimmeridgian) dominated by hybodonts, chimaeroids and guitarfishes
Authors: Leuzinger Léa , Cuny Gilles , Popov Evgeny , Billon‐Bruyat Jean‐Paul
Published: August 2017

The fossil record of chondrichthyans (sharks, rays and chimaeroids) principally consists of isolated teeth, spines and dermal denticles, their cartilaginous skeleton being rarely preserved. Several Late Jurassic chondrichthyan assemblages have been studied in Europe based on large bulk samples, mainly in England, France, Germany and Spain. The first study of this kind in Switzerland is based on controlled excavations in Kimmeridgian deposits related to the construction of the A16 motorway in the Swiss Jura (Porrentruy, NW Switzerland). This study is based on more than 2000 isolated chondrichthyan remains (teeth, dental plates, spines and dermal denticles) and adds to our knowledge of the chondrichthyan distribution at a regional scale in Europe. We describe and identify this new fauna, define a new species of hybodont with crushing‐type dentition (Asteracanthus udulfensis sp. nov.) and report for the first time the carcharhiniform Corysodon cirinensis in Switzerland. By the Late Jurassic, modern neoselachian sharks had overtaken hybodonts in European marine realms, the latter being gradually confined to brackish or freshwater environments. However, while the associated fauna of the Porrentruy platform indicates marine conditions, neoselachian sharks are surprisingly rare. The chondrichthyan assemblage is largely dominated by hybodonts, guitarfishes (rays) and chimaeroids that are all known to be euryhaline. This unexpected chondrichthyan faunal composition questions the presence of fresh to brackish water in the vicinity of the platform, and the occurrence of salinity fluctuations within a general context marine. This could explain the scarcity of neoselachian sharks and the extended success of hybodonts in the Porrentruy area as late as the Late Jurassic.
Are American Surgical Residents Prepared for Humanitarian Deployment?: A Comparative Analysis of Resident and Humanitarian Case Logs
Authors: Lin Yihan , Dahm James S. , Kushner Adam L. , Lawrence John P. , Trelles Miguel , Dominguez Lynette B. , Kuwayama David P.
Published: August 2017

Background

Effective humanitarian surgeons require skills in general surgery, OB/GYN, orthopedics, and urology. With increasing specialization, it is unclear whether US general surgery residents are receiving exposure to these disparate fields. We sought to assess the preparedness of graduating American surgical residents for humanitarian deployment.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed cases performed by American College of Graduate Medical Education general surgery graduates from 2009 to 2015 and cases performed at select Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) facilities from 2008 to 2012. Cases were categorized by specialty (general surgery, orthopedics, OB/GYN, urology) and compared with Chi‐squared testing. Non‐operative care including basic wound and drain care was excluded from both data sets.

Results

US general surgery residents performed 41.3% MSF relevant general surgery cases, 1.9% orthopedic cases, 0.1% OB/GYN cases, and 0.3% urology cases; the remaining 56.4% of cases exceeded the standard MSF scope of care. In comparison, MSF cases were 30.1% general surgery, 21.2% orthopedics, 46.8% OB/GYN, and 1.9% urology. US residents performed fewer OB/GYN cases (p < 0.01) and fewer orthopedic cases (p < 0.01). Differences in general surgery and urology caseloads were not statistically significant. Key procedures in which residents lacked experience included cesarean sections, hysterectomies, and external bony fixation.

Conclusion

Current US surgical training is poorly aligned with typical MSF surgical caseloads, particularly in OB/GYN and orthopedics. New mechanisms for obtaining relevant surgical skills should be developed to better prepare American surgical trainees interested in humanitarian work.