bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and Turnover of Biogenic Sulfur in the Bering Sea During Summer
Authors: Li Cheng‐Xuan , Wang Bao‐Dong , Yang Gui‐Peng , Wang Zi‐Cheng , Chen Jian‐Fang , Lyu Yang
Published: September 2017

The horizontal/geographical variations in dissolved dimethylsulfide (DMS), its precursor dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSPd and DMSPp), and chlorophyll a (Chl a), as well as the oceanographic parameters influencing the concentrations of dimethylated sulfur compounds, were investigated in the Bering Sea from July to August 2012. Similar to Chl a, the surface DMS and DMSPp levels, as well as DMS(P) production and consumption rates, exhibited a declining gradient from the central basin to the continental shelf, with high‐value areas appearing in the central basin, the slope regions, and Anadyr Strait but a low‐value area occurring on the outer‐middle continental shelf. Considerably high values of DMS and DMSP were measured in the saline Bering Sea Basin Deep Water (>2,000 m) located at the southwest of the Bering Basin because of the release of resuspension in 2,000 m depth and the DMSP production from endogenous benthic bacteria and cyanobacteria population. Chl a was positively correlated with DMSPp and DMS in the surface waters and the upper water of the basin, whereas significant negative correlations were found between DMS and nutrients (dissolved inorganic nitrogen [DIN], phosphorus, and silicate) in the inner shelf of the Bering Sea. DMS microbial consumption was approximately 6.26 times faster than the DMS sea‐air exchange, demonstrating that the major loss of DMS in the surface water occurred through biological consumption relative to evasion into the atmosphere. Average sea‐to‐air DMS fluxes were estimated to be 4.66 μmol/(m2·d), and consequently oceanic biogenic DMS emission had a dominant contribution to the sulfur budget over the observational area.
Using Observations and Source‐Specific Model Tracers to Characterize Pollutant Transport During FRAPPÉ and DISCOVER‐AQ
Authors: Pfister G. G. , Reddy P. J. , Barth M. C. , Flocke F. F. , Fried A. , Herndon S. C. , Sive B. C. , Sullivan J. T. , Thompson A. M. , Yacovitch T. I. , Weinheimer A. J. , Wisthaler A.
Published: September 2017

Transport is a key parameter in air quality research and plays a dominant role in the Colorado Northern Front Range Metropolitan Area (NFRMA), where terrain‐induced flows and recirculation patterns can lead to vigorous mixing of different emission sources. To assess different transport processes and their connection to air quality in the NFRMA during the FRAPPÉ and DISCOVER‐AQ campaigns in summer 2014, we use the Weather Research and Forecasting Model with inert tracers. Overall, the model represents well the measured winds, and the inert tracers are in good agreement with observations of comparable trace gas concentrations. The model tracers support the analysis of surface wind and ozone measurements and allow for the analysis of transport patterns and interactions of emissions. A main focus of this study is on characterizing pollution transport from the NFRMA to the mountains by mountain‐valley flows and the potential for recirculating pollution back into the NFRMA. One such event on 12 August 2014 was well captured by the aircraft and is studied in more detail. The model represents the flow conditions and demonstrates that during upslope events, frequently, there is a separation of air masses that are heavily influenced by oil and gas emissions to the north and dominated by urban emissions to the south. This case study provides evidence that NFRMA pollution not only can impact the nearby foothills and mountain areas to the east of the Continental Divide but that pollution can “spillover” into the valleys to the west of the Continental Divide.
Stratocumulus to Cumulus Transition by Drizzle
Authors: Yamaguchi Takanobu , Feingold Graham , Kazil Jan
Published: September 2017

The stratocumulus to cumulus transition (SCT) is typically considered to be a slow, multiday process, caused primarily by dry air entrainment associated with overshooting cumulus, with minor influence of drizzle. This study revisits the role of drizzle in the SCT with large eddy simulations coupled with a two‐moment bulk microphysics scheme that includes a budget on aerosol (Na) and cloud droplet number concentrations (Nc). We show a strong precipitation‐induced modulation of the SCT by drizzle initiated in penetrative cumulus under stratocumulus. Lagrangian SCT simulations are initiated with various, moderate Na (100–250 cm−3), which produce little to no drizzle from the stratocumulus. As expected, drizzle formation in cumuli is regulated by cloud depth and Nc, with stronger dependence on cloud depth, so that, for the current case, drizzle is generated in all simulations once cumulus clouds become sufficiently deep. The drizzle generated in the cumuli washes out stratocumulus cloud water and much of the aerosol, and a cumulus state appears for approximately 10 h. With additional simulations with a fixed Nc (100 cm−3), we show that prediction of Nc is necessary for this fast SCT since it is a result of a positive feedback of collision‐coalescence‐induced aerosol depletion that enhances drizzle formation. A fixed Nc does not permit this feedback, and thus results in weak influence of drizzle on the SCT. Simulations with fixed droplet concentrations that bracket the time varying aerosol/drop concentrations are therefore not representative of the role of drizzle in the SCT.
Association of High Mobility Group Box Chromosomal Protein 1 and Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Serum Concentrations With Extraglandular Involvement and Disease Activity in Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Kanne Anna‐Maria , Jülich Maike , Mahmutovic Amira , Tröster Isabella , Sehnert Bettina , Urbonaviciute Vilma , Voll Reinhard E. , Kollert Florian
Published: September 2017

Objective

To assess serum levels of high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB‐1) and the soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) in patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and explore correlations with disease activity.

Methods

Thirty‐nine patients with SS and 21 healthy controls were included in this cross‐sectional study. Clinical and laboratory values were obtained from all patients. Disease activity was assessed using the European League Against Rheumatism SS Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI). Serum samples were collected and HMGB‐1 and sRAGE levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and HMGB‐1 concentrations were semiquantified by Western blotting.

Results

In ELISA, HMGB‐1 serum levels did not differ between healthy controls and patients with SS (P = 0.783). When measured by semiquantitative Western blotting, HMGB‐1 levels were increased in patients with SS compared to healthy controls (P = 0.012). HMGB‐1 serum levels detected by Western blotting were higher in patients with extraglandular manifestations (P = 0.003) and were correlated with ESSDAI disease activity (r = 0.544, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, sRAGE was elevated in the sera of patients with SS (P = 0.003) compared to healthy controls and was also correlated with the ESSDAI (r = 0.545, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Serum levels of total HMGB‐1 and sRAGE were elevated in patients with SS compared to healthy controls and correlated with disease activity as measured by the ESSDAI. Patients with extraglandular involvement had high serum levels of HMGB‐1.
Coordination‐Accelerated “Iron Extraction” Enables Fast Biodegradation of Mesoporous Silica‐Based Hollow Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Liying , Huo Minfeng , Chen Yu , Shi Jianlin
Published: September 2017

Biodegradation behavior of inorganic silica‐based nanoplatforms is of critical importance in their clinical translations, but still remains a great challenge in achieving this goal by composition regulation of biocompatible silica framework. In the present work, a chemical coordination‐accelerated biodegradation strategy to endow hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) with unique coordination‐responsive biodegradability, on‐demand coordination‐responsive drug releasing behavior, and significantly enhanced chemotherapeutic efficacy by directly doping iron (Fe) ions into the framework of mesoporous silica is reported. A simple but versatile dissolution‐regrowth strategy has been developed to enable the framework Fe doping via chemical bonding. The deferiprone‐mediated biodegradation of Fe‐doped HMSNs (Fe‐HMSNs) has been comprehensively evaluated both in simulated body fluid and intracellular level, which have exhibited a specific coordination‐accelerated biodegradation behavior. In addition to high biocompatibility of Fe‐HMSNs, the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX)‐loaded Fe‐HMSNs show enhanced tumor‐suppressing effect on 4T1 mammary cancer xenograft. This work paves a new way for tuning the biodegradation performance of mesoporous silica‐based nanoplatforms simply by biocompatible Fe‐ion doping into silica framework based on the specific coordination property between introduced metal Fe ions with Fe‐coordination proteins.
Food‐Based Edible and Nutritive Electronics
Authors: Xu Wenwen , Yang Haokai , Zeng Wei , Houghton Todd , Wang Xu , Murthy Raghavendra , Kim Hoejin , Lin Yirong , Mignolet Marc , Duan Huigao , Yu Hongbin , Slepian Marvin , Jiang Hanqing
Published: September 2017

A new class of electronic materials derived predominantly from natural foods and foodstuffs, with minimal levels of inorganic materials, is developed and studied to build edible electronic components and devices compatible with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A “toolkit” of food‐based electronic materials, fabrication schemes, basic device components, and functional devices with integrated sensing and wireless signal transmission is reported. These new materials establish the possibility to extend GI electronic devices beyond the ingested nondegradable systems to edible and nutritive systems, in which the described materials may be ingested and assimilated as metabolized nutrients. This study represents a new era of edible electronics with the potential to revolutionize modern biomedical technologies and devices.
Racemic Effect on the Performance of Organic Multilevel Memory: Beyond Molecular Design
Authors: Cheng Xue‐Feng , Xia Shu‐Gang , Hou Xiang , Xiao Xin , He Jing‐Hui , Ren Zhi‐Gang , Xu Qing‐Feng , Li Hua , Li Na‐Jun , Chen Dong‐Yun , Lu Jian‐Mei
Published: September 2017

Improving organic devices via molecular design is challenging and difficult to rationalize because individual molecular properties always convolute with intermolecular interaction and crystallinity to contribute the device performance. In this work, it is demonstrated for the first time that racemic effect can be utilized to effectively improve memory device performance. A pair of enantiomers and their mixture are used to prepare organic multilevel resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices. The RRAM devices fabricated from the equimolar mixture of enantiomers are of the lowest onset voltages and highest ternary device yield, independent of the preparation methods. Structural analysis of the powder, film, and single crystal of the equimolar mixture reveals formation of a real racemic compound, where π–π stacking in contrast to the only C–H–π interaction in the film of pure enantiomers appears. Since individual enantiomer has identical electronic properties, the discrepancy in device performance is attributed to the different intermolecular interactions.
3D Fluorescence‐Based Security Features by 3D Laser Lithography
Authors: Mayer Frederik , Richter Stefan , Hübner Philipp , Jabbour Toufic , Wegener Martin
Published: September 2017

3D optical security features manufactured by multistep 3D optical laser lithography are presented. These microstructures are composed of a nonfluorescent 3D cross‐grid scaffold and fluorescent markers, realized by an acrylate‐based resist containing CdSSe‐based core–shell semiconductor quantum dots, arranged onto this scaffold at will. The readout of these 3D microstructures can be (exclusively) achieved by optical sectioning methods, for example, 3D confocal fluorescence laser scanning microscopy. As examples, structures with five different layers of markers and one emission color and two different colors, respectively, are shown. This class of deterministic 3D microstructures can be embedded into thin polymer films, can be individualized, and allows for plenty of future variations and extensions. It therefore represents an interesting avenue beyond established 2D holographic or 2D fluorescent optical security features.
Robust Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Microcubes for Frequency Upconversion Lasing
Authors: Hu Zhiping , Liu Zhengzheng , Bian Yao , Liu Dongjue , Tang Xiaosheng , Hu Wei , Zang Zhigang , Zhou Miao , Sun Lidong , Tang Jianxin , Li Yanqing , Du Juan , Leng Yuxin
Published: September 2017

Halide perovskite nanomaterials have recently attracted a lot of attention in the nanoscale laser research field, especially two‐photon pumped lasing in halide perovskite nanomaterials has been considered as an ideal alternative strategy to achieve frequency upconversion. However, the poor stability of current organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite materials hinder their further practical applications. Herein, facile solution‐processed cesium lead halide perovskite CsPbX3 (X = Br, I, or Cl) microcubes with low‐threshold lasing, high quality, enhanced stability, and excellent wavelength tunability are reported. These as‐prepared CsPbX3 microcubes display excellent structure stability under ambient conditions for several months and they are found to be more robust than their organic–inorganic counterparts. The smooth end facets and wavelength‐comparable dimensions make these microcubes promising for high‐quality laser cavities in three dimensions. Fabry–Perot lasing is demonstrated in CsPbX3 microcubes, the process of which is investigated by dynamic emission. In addition, tunable amplified spontaneous emission is achieved with low threshold under both one‐ and two‐photon excitation, which can maintain a stable emission for over 10 hours under continuous intense laser shots in ambient atmosphere. The findings suggest that solution‐processed all‐inorganic perovskite microcubes can be used as excellent gain medium for frequency upconversion lasers, which would offer a new platform for nonlinear photoelectric devices.
Large‐Area Ultrabroadband Absorber for Solar Thermophotovoltaics Based on 3D Titanium Nitride Nanopillars
Authors: Chirumamilla Manohar , Chirumamilla Anisha , Yang Yuanqing , Roberts Alexander S. , Kristensen Peter Kjær , Chaudhuri Krishnakali , Boltasseva Alexandra , Sutherland Duncan S. , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I. , Pedersen Kjeld
Published: September 2017

Broadband absorbers, with the simultaneous advantages of thermal stability, insensitivity to light polarization and angle, robustness against harsh environmental conditions, and large area fabrication by scalable methods, are essential elements in (solar) thermophotovoltaics. Compared to the noble metal and multilayered broadband absorbers, high‐temperature refractory metal‐based nanostructures with low‐Q resonators are reported less. In this work, 3D titanium nitride (TiN) nanopillars are investigated for ultrabroadband absorption in the visible and near‐infrared spectral regions with average absorptivities of 0.94, over a wide range of oblique angles between 0° and 75°. The effect of geometrical parameters of the TiN nanopillars on broadband absorption is investigated. By combining the flexibility of nanopillar design and lossy TiN films, ultrabroadband absorption in the visible and near‐infrared is obtained. A thin layer of hafnium oxide is deposited to enhance the thermal stability of TiN nanopillars. Finally, the thermal/spectral stability of the TiN nanopillars is demonstrated after annealing at 1473 K for 24 h while retaining their structural features. Thus, the TiN nanopillars can provide excellent opportunities for high‐temperature applications, especially solar thermophotovoltaics.
Steering Photoelectrons Excited in Carbon Dots into Platinum Cluster Catalyst for Solar‐Driven Hydrogen Production
Authors: Xu Xiaoyong , Tang Wenshuai , Zhou Yiting , Bao Zhijia , Su Yuanchang , Hu Jingguo , Zeng Haibo
Published: September 2017

In composite photosynthetic systems, one most primary promise is to pursue the effect coupling among light harvesting, charge transfer, and catalytic kinetics. Herein, this study designs the reduced carbon dots (r‐CDs) as both photon harvesters and photoelectron donors in combination with the platinum (Pt) clusters and fabricated the function‐integrated r‐CD/Pt photocatalyst through a photochemical route to control the anchoring of Pt clusters on r‐CDs' surface for solar‐driven hydrogen (H2) generation. In the obtained r‐CD/Pt composite, the r‐CDs absorb solar photons and transform them into energetic electrons, which transfer to the Pt clusters with favorable charge separation for H2 evolution reaction (HER). As a result, the efficient coupling of respective natures from r‐CDs in photon harvesting and Pt in proton reduction is achieved through well‐steered photoelectron transfer in the r‐CD/Pt system to cultivate a remarkable and stable photocatalytic H2 evolution activity with an average rate of 681 µmol g−1 h−1. This work integrates two functional components into an effective HER photocatalyst and gains deep insights into the regulation of the function coupling in composite photosynthetic systems.
Carbon‐Enriched Amorphous Hydrogenated Boron Carbide Films for Very‐Low‐k Interlayer Dielectrics
Authors: Nordell Bradley J. , Nguyen Thuong D. , Caruso Anthony N. , Purohit Sudhaunshu S. , Oyler Nathan A. , Lanford William A. , Gidley David W. , Gaskins John T. , Hopkins Patrick E. , Henry Patrick , King Sean W. , Paquette Michelle M.
Published: September 2017

A longstanding challenge in ultralarge‐scale integration has been the continued improvement in low‐dielectric‐constant (low‐k) interlayer dielectric materials and other specialized layers in back‐end‐of‐the‐line interconnect fabrication. Modeled after the success of carbon‐containing organosilicate materials, carbon‐enriched amorphous hydrogenated boron carbide (a‐BxC:Hy) films are grown by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition from ortho‐carborane and methane. These films contain more extraicosahedral sp3 hydrocarbon groups than nonenriched a‐BxC:Hy films, as revealed by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy, and also exhibit lower dielectric constants than their nonenriched counterparts, notably due to low densities combined with a low distortion and orientation contribution to the total polarizability. Films with dielectric constant as low as 2.5 are reported with excellent electrical stability (leakage current of 10−9 A cm−2 at 2 MV cm−1 and breakdown voltage of >6 MV cm−1), good thermal conductivity of 0.31 ± 0.03 W m−1 K−1, and high projected Young's modulus of 12 ± 3 GPa. These properties rival those of leading SiOC:H materials, and position a‐BxC:Hy as an important complement to traditional Si‐based materials to meet the complex needs of next‐generation interconnect fabrication.
Assembly of π‐Conjugated Nanosystems for Electronic Sensing Devices
Authors: Zhang Congcong , Wang Yu , Cheng Shanshan , Zhang Xiaotao , Fu Beibei , Hu Wenping
Published: September 2017

Sensors have attracted particular attention as analytical devices because of their importance in health and security. The ability to obtain unique functions using molecular design have rapidly advanced the use of organic optoelectronic materials of π‐conjugated compounds in electronic sensing devices. A brief introduction to sensors, focusing on organic micro‐ or nanoassemblies created using state‐of‐the‐art protocols for assembly and their recent development for high‐performance electronic sensing devices, is presented.
High‐Efficiency Photovoltaic Conversion at Selective Electron Tunneling Heterointerfaces
Authors: Jia Chuancheng , Ma Wei , Guan Jianxin , Gu Chunhui , Li Xinxi , Meng Linan , Gong Yao , Meng Sheng , Guo Xuefeng
Published: September 2017

Effectively controlling photoinduced charge transport at the heterointerface is of crucial importance for improving the performance of photovoltaic devices. On the basis of an ipsilateral selective electron tunneling (ISET) mechanism, here this study investigates photoinduced charge transport and photovoltaic conversion at a simplified dye/single‐layer graphene (SLG)/TiO2 ternary interface. With an amphiphilic Z907 molecule as the model dye, the photoexcited electrons in the dye can directly tunnel across SLG and be collected by the TiO2 layer with an efficiency of 96.23%, which guarantees a high‐efficiency photoelectric conversion at the ISET‐based heterointerface. More importantly, the intrinsic Schottky barrier and fast hole collection rate at the heterointerface lead to a high photovoltage, a large fill factor, and the good intense‐light performance for photovoltaic conversion. Such an ISET‐based heterointerface may offer a platform of designing and developing a novel class of photovoltaic devices with high efficiency.
Anticancer drug delivery systems based on inorganic nanocarriers with fluorescent tracers
Authors: Fan Jiangli , Wang Suzhen , Sun Wen , Guo Shigang , Kang Yao , Du Jianjun , Peng Xiaojun
Published: September 2017

In recent years, anticancer nanomedicines have mainly been developed for chemotherapy and combination therapy in which the main contributing anticancer drugs are delivered by deliberately designed nano drug delivery systems (nano‐DDSs). Inorganic nanocarriers equipped with fluorescent tracers have become attractive tools to monitor the whole drug delivery and release processes. The fluorescence signal of tracers could be observed concomitantly with drug release, and thus, this strategy is of great benefit to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the nano‐DDSs. This review provides a brief overview about three inorganic nanocarriers for drug delivery, including mesoporous silica, Fe3O4, and hydroxyapatite. We mainly discussed about their preparation processes, drug loading capacities, and the development of different fluorescent materials (fluorescent dyes, quantum dots, fluorescent macromolecules, and rare earth metals) hybridized to nanocarriers for real‐time monitoring of drug release both in vitro and in vivo. This review also provides some recommendations for more in‐depth research in future. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 835–859, 2018
Physical activity and 22‐year all‐cause and coronary heart disease mortality
Authors: Krause Niklas , Arah Onyebuchi A. , Kauhanen Jussi
Published: September 2017

Background

This study explores the effects of occupational (OPA) and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) on mortality relative to cardiorespiratory fitness and pre‐existing coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods

Associations between OPA, measured as energy expenditure (kcal/day) and relative aerobic workload (%VO2max), LTPA, and 22‐year mortality among 1891 Finnish men were assessed by Cox regression models stratified by CHD and adjusted for 19 confounders.

Results

In fully adjusted models, each 10% of relative aerobic workload increased all‐cause mortality by 13% and CHD mortality 28% (P < 0.01). Compared to healthy subjects, men with CHD experienced lower mortality risks due to OPA and higher risks due to LTPA. While LTPA had no effect among healthy men, in men with CHD each weekly hour of conditioning LTPA increased all‐cause mortality risks by 10% and CHD mortality by14%.

Conclusion

OPA was positively associated with both all‐cause and CHD mortality. LTPA was not protective. Among men with CHD, LTPA increased mortality risks.
The Influence of trisomy 21 on facial form and variability
Authors: Starbuck John M. , Cole Theodore M. , Reeves Roger H. , Richtsmeier Joan T.
Published: September 2017

Triplication of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21) results in Down syndrome (DS), the most common live‐born human aneuploidy. Individuals with DS have a unique facial appearance that can include form changes and altered variability. Using 3D photogrammatic images, 3D coordinate locations of 20 anatomical landmarks, and Euclidean Distance Matrix Analysis methods, we quantitatively test the hypothesis that children with DS (n = 55) exhibit facial form and variance differences relative to two different age‐matched (4–12 years) control samples of euploid individuals: biological siblings of individuals with DS (n = 55) and euploid individuals without a sibling with DS (n = 55). Approximately 36% of measurements differ significantly between DS and DS‐sibling samples, whereas 46% differ significantly between DS and unrelated control samples. Nearly 14% of measurements differ significantly in variance between DS and DS sibling samples, while 18% of measurements differ significantly in variance between DS and unrelated euploid control samples. Of those measures that showed a significant difference in variance, all were relatively increased in the sample of DS individuals. These results indicate that faces of children with DS are quantitatively more similar to their siblings than to unrelated euploid individuals and exhibit consistent, but slightly increased variation with most individuals falling within the range of normal variation established by euploid samples. These observations provide indirect evidence of the strength of the genetic underpinnings of the resemblance between relatives and the resistance of craniofacial development to genetic perturbations caused by trisomy 21, while underscoring the complexity of the genotype–phenotype map.
Women who carry a fragile X premutation are biologically older than noncarriers as measured by telomere length
Authors: Albizua Igor , Rambo‐Martin Benjamin L. , Allen Emily G. , He Weiya , Amin Ashima S. , Sherman Stephanie L.
Published: September 2017

Women who carry a fragile X premutation, defined as having 55–200 unmethylated CGG repeats in the 5′ UTR of the X‐linked FMR1 gene, have a 20‐fold increased risk for primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI). We tested the hypothesis that women with a premutation + FXPOI have shorter telomeres than those without FXPOI because they are “biologically older.” Using linear regression, we found that women carrying a premutation (n = 172) have shorter telomeres and hence, are “biologically older” than women carrying the normal size allele (n = 81). Strikingly, despite having shorter telomeres, age was not statistically associated with their telomere length, in contrast to non‐carrier controls. Further, telomere length within premutation carriers was not associated with repeat length but was associated with a diagnosis of FXPOI, although the latter finding may depend on FXPOI age of onset.
Knee Alignment Is Quantitatively Related to Periarticular Bone Morphometry and Density, Especially in Patients With Osteoarthritis
Authors: Lo Grace H. , Merchant Mehveen G. , Driban Jeffrey B. , Duryea Jeffrey , Price Lori Lyn , Eaton Charles B. , McAlindon Timothy E.
Published: September 2017

Objective

Static alignment influences knee loading and predicts osteoarthritis (OA) progression. Periarticular bone is important in dispersing forces across the knee, and there is substantial evidence for molecular crosstalk between cartilage and subchondral bone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between periarticular trabecular bone morphology and bone mineral density (BMD) and knee alignment in OA.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional analysis of participants in the Osteoarthritis Initiative Bone Ancillary Study. Dual x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed to measure tibial periarticular bone mineral density (paBMD). Magnetic resonance imaging of knee trabecular bone was performed to calculate the apparent bone volume fraction (aBVF), apparent trabecular number (aTbN), apparent trabecular spacing (aTbSp), and apparent trabecular thickness (aTbTh). Static alignment was assessed by measuring the hip–knee–ankle (HKA) angle on long‐limb films.

Results

The study group comprised 436 participants (mean ± SD age 65.4 ± 9.2 years, 46% female, mean ± SD body mass index 29.6 ± 4.6 kg/m2), 71% of whom had OA. Correlations between the HKA angle and medial:lateral paBMD, medial paBMD, aBVF, aTbN, aTbTh, and aTbSp were –0.63, –0.34, –0.29, –0.32, –0.22, and 0.30, respectively. More varus alignment was associated with higher medial:lateral paBMD, medial paBMD, aBVF, aTbN, aTbTh, and lower aTbSp. In OA knees, the results were more pronounced. In non‐OA knees, the most consistent association was with medial:lateral paBMD.

Conclusion

Static alignment was associated with medial:lateral paBMD in all knees and with medial paBMD and trabecular morphometry in OA knees only. Aberrant knee loading may lead to increased relative subchondral bone density, which is partly related to a higher aBVF and a greater number of thicker trabeculae with smaller intertrabecular spacing. Knee DXA may be a useful early biomarker of knee OA.
HMPA‐Promoted Siladifluoromethylation of Di‐, and Triarylmethanes with the Ruppert–Prakash Reagent
Authors: Ji Xinfei , Zhao Xianghu , Shi Hongyan , Cao Song
Published: September 2017

A mild and efficientmethod for the synthesis of α‐siladifluoromethylated di‐, and triarylmethanes via the reaction of di‐, and triarylmethanes with Ruppert–Prakash reagents, using LDA and HMPA at room temperature, was developed.
Executive function and functional and structural brain differences in middle‐age adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Braden B. Blair , Smith Christopher J. , Thompson Amiee , Glaspy Tyler K. , Wood Emily , Vatsa Divya , Abbott Angela E. , McGee Samuel C. , Baxter Leslie C.
Published: September 2017

There is a rapidly growing group of aging adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who may have unique needs, yet cognitive and brain function in older adults with ASD is understudied. We combined functional and structural neuroimaging and neuropsychological tests to examine differences between middle‐aged men with ASD and matched neurotypical (NT) men. Participants (ASD, n = 16; NT, n = 17) aged 40–64 years were well‐matched according to age, IQ (range: 83–131), and education (range: 9–20 years). Middle‐age adults with ASD made more errors on an executive function task (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test) but performed similarly to NT adults on tests of delayed verbal memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test) and local visual search (Embedded Figures Task). Independent component analysis of a functional MRI working memory task (n‐back) completed by most participants (ASD = 14, NT = 17) showed decreased engagement of a cortico‐striatal‐thalamic‐cortical neural network in older adults with ASD. Structurally, older adults with ASD had reduced bilateral hippocampal volumes, as measured by FreeSurfer. Findings expand our understanding of ASD as a lifelong condition with persistent cognitive and functional and structural brain differences evident at middle‐age. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1945–1959. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

We compared cognitive abilities and brain measures between 16 middle‐age men with high‐functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 17 typical middle‐age men to better understand how aging affects an older group of adults with ASD. Men with ASD made more errors on a test involving flexible thinking, had less activity in a flexible thinking brain network, and had smaller volume of a brain structure related to memory than typical men. We will follow these older adults over time to determine if aging changes are greater for individuals with ASD.
Adaptive behavior in autism: Minimal clinically important differences on the Vineland‐II
Authors: Chatham C. H. , Taylor K. I. , Charman T. , Liogier D'ardhuy X. , Eule E. , Fedele A. , Hardan A. Y. , Loth E. , Murtagh L. , del Valle Rubido M. , San Jose Caceres A. , Sevigny J. , Sikich L. , Snyder L. , Tillmann J. E. , Ventola P. E. , Walton‐Bowen K. L. , Wang P. P. , Willgoss T. , Bolognani F.
Published: September 2017

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with persistent impairments in adaptive abilities across multiple domains. These social, personal, and communicative impairments become increasingly pronounced with development, and are present regardless of IQ. The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition (Vineland‐II) is the most commonly used instrument for quantifying these impairments, but minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) on Vineland‐II scores have not been rigorously established in ASD. We pooled data from several consortia/registries (EU‐AIMS LEAP study, ABIDE‐I, ABIDE‐II, INFOR, Simons Simplex Collection and Autism Treatment Network [ATN]) and clinical investigations and trials (Stanford, Yale, Roche) resulting in a data set of over 9,000 individuals with ASD. Two approaches were used to estimate MCIDs: distribution‐based methods and anchor‐based methods. Distribution‐based MCID [d‐MCID] estimates included the standard error of the measurement, as well as one‐fifth and one‐half of the covariate‐adjusted standard deviation (both cross‐sectionally and longitudinally). Anchor‐based MCID [a‐MCID] estimates include the slope of linear regression of clinician ratings of severity on the Vineland‐II score, the slope of linear regression of clinician ratings of longitudinal improvement category on Vineland‐II change, the Vineland‐II change score maximally differentiating clinical impressions of minimal versus no improvement, and equipercentile equating. Across strata, the Vineland‐II Adaptive Behavior Composite standardized score MCID estimates range from 2.01 to 3.2 for distribution‐based methods, and from 2.42 to 3.75 for sample‐size‐weighted anchor‐based methods. Lower Vineland‐II standardized score MCID estimates were observed for younger and more cognitively impaired populations. These MCID estimates enable users of Vineland‐II to assess both the statistical and clinical significance of any observed change. Autism Res 2018, 11: 270–283. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (2nd edition; Vineland‐II) is the most widely used scale for assessing day‐to‐day “adaptive” skills. Yet, it is unknown how much Vineland‐II scores must change for those changes to be regarded as clinically significant. We pooled data from over 9,000 individuals with ASD to show that changes of 2–3.75 points on the Vineland‐II Composite score represent the “minimal clinically‐important difference.” These estimates will help evaluate the benefits of potential new treatments for ASD.
Amine oxidase from Euphorbia characias: Kinetic and structural characterization
Authors: Pintus Francesca , Sabatucci Annalaura , Maccarrone Mauro , Dainese Enrico , Medda Rosaria
Published: September 2017

This minireview focuses on a plant copper/2,4,5‐trihydroxyphenyl alanine quinone amine oxidase isolated from the latex of the shrub Euphorbia characias (ELAO). This enzyme has been investigated in terms of both molecular structure and kinetic mechanism. The characterization of this enzyme allowed us to identify specific amino acids and domains that play a key role in modulating substrate access into the active site not only for ELAO but also for other plant and mammalian amine oxidases. As mammalian amine oxidases are implicated in several physiological and pathological conditions, the deep structural characterization of their active site accession mechanisms could be the starting point for the development of enzyme modulators with high therapeutic potential. Thus, this paper gives structural/functional insights that open new perspectives in the research about the whole amine oxidase family.
Dissipative Stahlblechverbindungen für aussteifende Wandscheiben aus Brettsperrholz
Authors: Schmidt Tobias , Blaß Hans Joachim
Published: September 2017

Verglichen mit anderen Holzbausystemen sind Brettsperrholzelemente aufgrund ihrer ausgezeichneten mechanischen Eigenschaften besonders geeignet, um Einwirkungen in Scheibenebene abzutragen und damit Gebäude auszusteifen. Die Duktilität und Energiedissipation einer Tragstruktur aus Brettsperrholz ergibt sich primär aus den mechanischen Eigenschaften der Verbindungsmittel. Üblicherweise kommen stiftförmige metallische Verbindungsmittel wie Nägel, Schrauben und Klammern zum Einsatz. Die Dissipationsfähigkeit dieser Verbindungen bei zyklischer Beanspruchung nimmt bereits bei geringer Zyklenanzahl signifikant ab. Für Erdbebeneinwirkungen sind jedoch Verbindungen wünschenswert, die ähnlich wie reine Stahlverbindungen über nahezu konstante Hystereseeigenschaften verfügen. Um dieses Ziel zu erreichen, wurden neuartige Stahlblechverbindungen entwickelt, wissenschaftlich untersucht und Gleichungen zur Bemessung sowie konstruktive Regeln hergeleitet. In diesem Beitrag werden die Ergebnisse der experimentellen, numerischen und analytischen Untersuchungen vorgestellt.

Das Anordnen einer Lücke im Verbindungsnahbereich ermöglicht es, das Last‐Verschiebungsverhalten der Stahlblech‐Holzverbindung so zu beeinflussen, dass eine hochduktile, robuste und kostengünstige Verbindung entsteht, die stabile Hystereseeigenschaften aufweist.
Sleep disturbances in Taiwanese patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lin Yi‐Ying , Chen Rou‐Shayn , Lu Chin‐Song , Huang Ying‐Zu , Weng Yi‐Hsin , Yeh Tu‐Hsueh , Lin Wey‐Yil , Hung June
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Sleep disturbance is a common nonmotor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD) and strongly affects patients’ quality of life. The relationship between excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and nighttime problems remains uncertain. Arguments persist regarding the risk factors for sleep disturbance among patients with PD. Furthermore, the prevalence of EDS appears to be lower in Asian countries. Herein, we conducted the study to describe the characteristics of sleep problems in a sample of Taiwanese PD patients and delineate the difference with reported sleep disturbances in Caucasian PD patients from the literature.

Methods

Patients with PD were recruited from the outpatient clinic of a tertiary medical center and were evaluated using standardized assessment protocols, including the Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and 39‐Item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ‐39).

Results

A total of 225 patients with PD were recruited. The mean age of patients with PD was 65.7 years old and the mean disease duration was 8.18 years. Among the patients, 53.8% were defined as poor sleepers (PSQI > 5) and 26.3% had EDS. Seventy‐one percent of the poor sleepers used hypnotic medications. The poor sleepers were worse in the scores of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), PDSS, and the PDQ‐39, and received higher levodopa daily dosage. A PDSS score of <126 indicate that a patient with PD was a poor sleeper. EDS was positively correlated with advanced Hoehn and Yahr stages and use of dopamine agonists but not with levodopa daily dosage and levodopa equivalent daily dosage.

Conclusions

Taiwanese patients with PD had a lower prevalence of EDS compared with the literatures reported in Caucasian patients. We identify and suggest that PDSS total score, rather than subcategory items, should be used to predict poor sleep among patients with PD.
Efficacy of biological response modifier lentinan with chemotherapy for advanced cancer: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Hui , Cai Yong , Zheng Yue , Bai Qixuan , Xie Dongling , Yu Jiufei
Published: September 2017

Lentinan is a common biological response modifier. This study was sought to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant lentinan combined with chemotherapy for advanced cancer. A meta‐analysis of published prospective controlled trials investigating the effects of lentinan for kinds of advanced cancer was performed. Sensitivity analysis, inverted funnel plots, and trial sequence analysis were conducted to explore the reliability and stability of results. Seventeen clinical studies were identified containing 1423 patients. Twelve trials included gastrointestinal cancer (GIC), three trials included lung cancer (LC), and two trials included the two cancers. There was a increase in survival rate in 1 year (risk ratios [RR], 1.46, P = 0.001) and overall response rate including both complete and partial response (RR, 1.28, P = 0.005). There was also a reduction in progressive disease (RR, 0.57, P = 0.0005), nonsevere adverse events (RR, 0.88, P = 0.004), and severe adverse events (RR, 0.73, P = 0.007). Similar results were shown in the two subgroups of GIC and LC. Limited trials reported the data of median overall survival and time to treatment failure, and the data were insufficient for quantitative analysis, and no significant difference were found in 2‐year survival rate. Adjuvant lentinan used with chemotherapy achieved improvements in 1‐year survival rate, response rate, and adverse events in advanced cancer. The effect seemed to be similar irrespective of cancer type. However, its sustained efficacy on survival was still unclear.
Expression of P62 in hepatocellular carcinoma involving hepatitis B virus infection and aflatoxin B1 exposure
Authors: Xiang Xiao , Qin Hong‐Gui , You Xue‐Mei , Wang Yan‐Yan , Qi Lu‐Nan , Ma Liang , Xiang Bang‐De , Zhong Jian‐Hong , Li Le‐Qun
Published: September 2017

This study aims to clarify the relationship and mechanism between expression of autophagy‐related protein P62 and prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) involving chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure. HCC patients who underwent resection were divided into three groups: HBV(+)/AFB1(+) (n = 26), HBV(+)/AFB1(−) (n = 68), and HBV(−)/AFB1(−) (n = 14). The groups were compared in terms of mRNA and protein levels of P62, disease‐free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) and the expression of NRF2, Nqo1, and AKR7A3 in P62 high‐expression and low‐expression group. HBV(+)/AFB1(+) group has lower DFS and OS, and higher P62 expression than in the other two groups. P62 expression generally correlated with elevated NRF2 and Nqo1 expression, and reduced AKR7A3 expression. Patients expressing high levels of P62 showed significantly lower DFS and OS rates than patients expressing low levels. HCC involving HBV infection and AFB1 exposure is associated with relatively high risk of tumor recurrence, and this poor prognosis may relate to high P62 expression. High P62 expression activates the NRF2 pathway, promotes tumor recurrence. The downregulation of AKR7A3 also reduced liver detoxification of aflatoxin B1.
Metabolomic and transcriptomic profiling of hepatocellular carcinomas in Hras12V transgenic mice
Authors: Fan Tingting , Rong Zhuona , Dong Jianyi , Li Juan , Wang Kangwei , Wang Xinxin , Li Huiling , Chen Jun , Wang Fujin , Wang Jingyu , Wang Aiguo
Published: September 2017

Activation of the Ras/MAPK pathway is prevalently involved in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its effects on the deregulated cellular metabolic processes involved in HCC in vivo remain unknown. In this study, a mouse model of HCC induced by hepatocyte‐specific expression of the Hras12V oncogene was investigated using an integrative analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics data. Consistent with the phenotype of abundant lipid droplets in HCC, the lipid biosynthesis in HCC was significantly enhanced by (1) a sufficient supply of acetyl‐CoA from enhanced glycolysis and citrate shuttle activity; (2) a sufficient supply of NADPH from enhanced pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) activity; (3) upregulation of key enzymes associated with lipid biosynthesis; and (4) downregulation of key enzymes associated with bile acid biosynthesis. In addition, glutathione (GSH) was significantly elevated, which may result from a sufficient supply of 5‐oxoproline and L‐glutamate as well as an enhanced reduction in the process of GSSG being turned into GSH by NADPH. The high level of GSH along with elevated Bcl2 and Ucp2 expression may contribute to a normal level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HCC. In conclusion, our results suggest that the lipid metabolism, glycolysis, PPP, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, citrate shuttle activity, bile acid synthesis, and redox homeostasis in the HCC induced by ras oncogene are significantly perturbed, and these altered metabolic processes may play crucial roles in the carcinogenesis, development, and pathological characteristics of HCC.
Preanalytical blood sample workup for cell‐free DNA analysis using Droplet Digital PCR for future molecular cancer diagnostics
Authors: van Ginkel Joost H. , van den Broek Daan A. , van Kuik Joyce , Linders Dorothé , de Weger Roel , Willems Stefan M. , Huibers Manon M. H.
Published: September 2017

In current molecular cancer diagnostics, using blood samples of cancer patients for the detection of genetic alterations in plasma (cell‐free) circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is an emerging practice. Since ctDNA levels in blood are low, highly sensitive Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) can be used for detecting rare mutational targets. In order to perform ddPCR on blood samples, a standardized procedure for processing and analyzing blood samples is necessary to facilitate implementation into clinical practice. Therefore, we assessed the technical sample workup procedure for ddPCR on blood plasma samples. Blood samples from healthy individuals, as well as lung cancer patients were analyzed. We compared different methods and protocols for sample collection, storage, centrifugation, isolation, and quantification. Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) concentrations of several wild‐type targets and BRAF and EGFR‐mutant ctDNA concentrations quantified by ddPCR were primary outcome measurements. Highest cfDNA concentrations were measured in blood collected in serum tubes. No significant differences in cfDNA concentrations were detected between various time points of up to 24 h until centrifugation. Highest cfDNA concentrations were detected after DNA isolation with the Quick cfDNA Serum & Plasma Kit, while plasma isolation using the QIAamp Circulating Nucleic Acid Kit yielded the most consistent results. DdPCR results on cfDNA are highly dependent on multiple factors during preanalytical sample workup, which need to be addressed during the development of this diagnostic tool for cancer diagnostics in the future.
Strong antitumor efficacy of a pancreatic tumor‐targeting oncolytic adenovirus for neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Yamamoto Yuki , Nagasato Masaki , Rin Yosei , Henmi Marina , Ino Yoshinori , Yachida Shinichi , Ohki Rieko , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi , Tagawa Masatoshi , Aoki Kazunori
Published: September 2017

Although oncolytic adenoviruses are promising cancer therapy agents, for effective oncolytic activity, viruses need to specifically infect and effectively replicate in cancer cells but not in normal cells. We have previously identified a pancreatic cancer‐targeting ligand, SYENFSA (SYE), by screening an adenovirus library displaying random peptides against human pancreatic cancer cells and reported that a survivin promoter‐regulated adenovirus, displaying the SYE ligand (AdSur‐SYE), provided effective oncolysis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in a preclinical study. As we examined the infectivity of AdSur‐SYE in human surgical specimens of various pancreatic tumors, we unexpectedly found that AdSur‐SYE showed high gene transduction efficiency for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) as well as for PDAC, 9.1‐ and 6.2‐fold, respectively, compared to that of the nontargeting virus (AdSur). The infectivity of both vectors was almost the same in other cancers and organs such as the pancreas. Immunostaining indicated that the cells infected with AdSur‐SYE were PNET cells but not stromal cells. AdSur‐SYE showed a significantly higher oncolytic potency than that of AdSur in human PNET cell lines, and intratumoral infection with AdSur‐SYE completely diminished subcutaneous tumors in a murine model, in which AdSur‐SYE effectively proliferated and spread. AdSur‐SYE exerted a stronger oncolytic effect in primary PNET cells cocultured with mouse embryonic fibroblasts than AdSur did. Thus, AdSur‐SYE shows promise as a next‐generation therapy for PNET.