bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirical Properties, Information Flow, and Trading Strategies of China's Soybean Crush Spread
Authors: Liu Qingfeng Wilson , Sono Hui He
Published: March 2016

This study examines the empirical properties of soybean, soymeal, and soyoil futures prices at China's Dalian Commodity Exchange. We find that the three series are cointegrated, and that the cointegration relationship is characterized by significant seasonality and consistent time trends. Further, employing a new trivariate VAR‐GARCH model, we find evidence of one‐way information flow from the soymeal and soyoil markets to the soybean market, but bidirectional information flow and volatility spillover between the soymeal and soyoil markets. Trading simulations based on the mean‐reverting tendencies of the cointegration relationship and 5‐day averages of the commonly‐used spread both generate positive returns. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 36:1057–1075, 2016
The source of Fengjia and Langxi barite–fluorite deposits in southeastern Sichuan, China: evidence from rare earth elements and S, Sr, and Sm–Nd isotopic data
Authors: Zou Hao , Fang Yi , Zhang Shou‐Ting , Zhang Qiang
Published: March 2016

The barite–fluorite metallogenic belt in southeastern Sichuan is one of the most important barite–fluorite ore‐concentrated areas in China. In order to find the ore‐forming source and the mineralization age of the Fengjia and Langxi barite–fluorite deposit, we systematically evaluated the rare earth element (REE) contents and isotopic characteristics of S, Sr, and Sm–Nd. The results show that the δ34S values of barites and pyrites are high and similar to S isotopic values of gypsum in the Cambrian Qingxudong Formation (∈1q), suggesting that the sulphur source was from Cambrian evaporite strata. The initial87Sr/86Sr ratios of fluorites and barites range from 0.708800 to 0.712999, and these values are similar to Cambrian carbonate rocks and Lower Ordovician limestone. Except for black shales of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation, the Ba content of other strata was generally low. The REE characteristics of barite and fluorite have close relationships, in regard to the source of ore‐forming materials, to the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation black shales. Hence, we have concluded that the Cambrian carbonate rocks and Lower Ordovician limestone provide the source of calcium for mineralization and that the source of barium comes from the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation black shales. The fluorine contents of the Upper Sinian Doushantuo Formation and the Lower Cambrian Mingxinshi Formation are much higher than other strata, and these formations could provide the source for fluorine. The Sm–Nd isochron age of fluorites is 104 ± 11 Ma, which demonstrates that the mineralization mainly occurred during the late Yanshanian. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in the management of severe complications of portal hypertension in idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension
Authors: Bissonnette Julien , Garcia‐Pagán Juan Carlos , Albillos Agustín , Turon Fanny , Ferreira Carlos , Tellez Luis , Nault Jean‐Charles , Carbonell Nicolas , Cervoni Jean‐Paul , Abdel Rehim Mohamed , Sibert Annie , Bouchard Louis , Perreault Pierre , Trebicka Jonel , Trottier‐Tellier Félix , Rautou Pierre‐Emmanuel , Valla Dominique‐Charles , Plessier Aurélie
Published: March 2016

Idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by portal hypertension in the absence of cirrhosis. The efficacy and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in this population are unknown. The charts of patients with idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension undergoing TIPS in seven centers between 2000 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Forty‐one patients were included. Indications for TIPS were recurrent variceal bleeding (n = 25) and refractory ascites (n = 16). Patients were categorized according to the presence (n = 27) or absence (n = 14) of significant extrahepatic comorbidities. Associated conditions were hematologic, prothrombotic, neoplastic, immune, and exposure to toxins. During follow‐up (mean 27 ± 29 months), variceal rebleeding occurred in 7/25 (28%), including three with early thrombosis of the stent. Post‐TIPS overt hepatic encephalopathy was present in 14 patients (34%). Eleven patients died, five due the liver disease or complications of the procedure and six because of the associated comorbidities. The procedure was complicated by hemoperitoneum in four patients (10%), which was fatal in one case. Serum creatinine (P = 0.005), ascites as indication for TIPS (P = 0.04), and the presence of significant comorbidities (P = 0.01) at the time of the procedure were associated with death. Mortality was higher in patients with significant comorbidities and creatinine ≥100 μmol/L (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In patients with idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension who have normal kidney function or do not have severe extrahepatic conditions, TIPS is an excellent option to treat severe complications of portal hypertension. (Hepatology 2016;64:224–231)
Tumor‐derived exosomes elicit tumor suppression in murine hepatocellular carcinoma models and humans in vitro
Authors: Rao Quan , Zuo Bingfeng , Lu Zhen , Gao Xianjun , You Abin , Wu Chenxuan , Du Zhi , Yin HaiFang
Published: March 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global challenge due to high morbidity and mortality rates and poor response to treatment. Immunotherapy, based on introduction of dendritic cells (DCs) activated by tumor cell lysates as antigens ex vivo, shows limited response rates in HCC patients. Here, we demonstrate that tumor cell–derived exosomes (TEXs), displaying an array of HCC antigens, can elicit a stronger immune response than cell lysates in vitro and in vivo. Significant tumor growth inhibition was achieved in ectopic and orthotopic HCC mice treated with TEX‐pulsed DCs. Importantly, the tumor immune microenvironment was significantly improved in orthotopic HCC mice treated by TEX‐pulsed DCs, demonstrated by increased numbers of T lymphocytes, elevated levels of interferon‐γ, and decreased levels of interleukin‐10 and tumor growth factor‐β in tumor sites. As expected, T cells played an essential role in the TEX‐pulsed DC‐mediated immune response. Notably, exosomes from HCC cells not only promoted HCC‐specific cytolysis but also provided cross‐protective effects against pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, HCC‐specific cytolysis, elicited by DCs pulsed with human HepG2 cell–derived exosomes, was observed across different human HCC cells irrespective of human leukocyte antigen types. Conclusion: HCC TEXs can potently carry HCC antigens, trigger a strong DC‐mediated immune response, and improve the HCC tumor microenvironment. (Hepatology 2016;64:456‐472)
Opposing role of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 signaling in T cell–mediated hepatitis and bacterial infection in mice
Authors: Wroblewski Raluca , Armaka Marietta , Kondylis Vangelis , Pasparakis Manolis , Walczak Henning , Mittrücker Hans‐Willi , Schramm Christoph , Lohse Ansgar W. , Kollias George , Ehlken Hanno
Published: March 2016

Death receptor (DR) ligands such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) have been identified as fundamental mediators of liver damage both in mouse models and in humans. While the essential site of function of DR signaling is conceivably the hepatocyte, a systematic analysis is missing. Using mice with conditional gene ablation, we analyzed the tissue‐specific function of DR signaling in T cell–dependent (concanavalin A) and independent (lipopolysaccharide/galactosamine) hepatitis and in models of bacterial infection (Listeria monocytogenes, lipopolysaccharide). We report that lipopolysaccharide/galactosamine‐induced liver injury depends on hepatocyte‐intrinsic TNF receptor 1 (p55, TNFR1). In contrast, we show that T cell–induced hepatitis was independent of TNFR1 signaling in hepatocytes, T cells, or endothelial cells. Moreover, T cell–induced hepatitis was independent of hepatocyte‐intrinsic Fas‐associated protein with death domain, TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand receptor, or Fas signaling. Instead, concanavalin A–induced hepatitis was completely prevented in mice with myeloid‐derived cell (MDC)–specific deletion of TNFR1. Significantly, however, mice lacking TNFR1 in MDCs succumbed to listeria infection, although they displayed similar sensitivity toward endotoxin‐induced septic shock when compared to control mice. These results suggest that TNFR1 signaling in MDCs is a critical mediator of both the detrimental and the protective functions of TNF in T cell–induced hepatitis and bacterial infection, respectively. Conclusion: The critical site of action of DRs is completely dependent on the nature of hepatitis; the data specify MDCs as the essential cell type of TNFR1 function in T cell–mediated hepatitis and in the response to listeria, thereby identifying the opposing role of MDC TNFR1 in autoimmunity and bacterial infection. (Hepatology 2016;64:508‐521)
Split‐Ugi Reaction with Chiral Compounds: Synthesis of Piperazine‐ and Bispidine‐Based Peptidomimetics
Authors: Stucchi Mattia , Lesma Giordano
Published: March 2016

A simple, one‐step, stereoconservative synthesis of diamine‐based peptidomimetics is described, by split‐Ugi multicomponent reaction, involving chiral N‐protected amino acids and α‐substituted isocyanoacetate. In particular, piperazine and bispidine (3,7‐diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane) are exploited as diamine components, bispidine being the first example of a sterically demanding bicyclic system employed in a split‐Ugi reaction.
Surface water input from snowmelt and rain throughfall in western juniper: potential impacts of climate change and shifts in semi‐arid vegetation
Authors: Niemeyer Ryan J. , Link Timothy E. , Seyfried Mark S. , Flerchinger Gerald N.
Published: March 2016

In the western USA, shifts from snow to rain precipitation regimes and increases in western juniper cover in shrub‐dominated landscapes can alter surface water input via changes in snowmelt and throughfall. To better understand how shifts in both precipitation and semi‐arid vegetation cover alter above‐ground hydrological processes, we assessed how rain interception differs between snow and rain surface water input; how western juniper alters snowpack dynamics; and how these above‐ground processes differ across western juniper, mountain big sagebrush and low sagebrush plant communities. We collected continuous surface water input with four large lysimeters, interspace and below‐canopy snow depth data and conducted periodic snow surveys for two consecutive water years (2013 and 2014). The ratio of interspace to below‐canopy surface water input was greater for snow relative to rain events, averaging 79.4% and 54.8%, respectively. The greater surface water input ratio for snow is in part due to increased deposition of redistributed snow under the canopy. We simulated above‐ground energy and water fluxes in western juniper, low sagebrush and mountain big sagebrush for two 8‐year periods under current and projected mid‐21st century warmer temperatures with the Simultaneous Heat and Water (SHAW) model. Juniper compared with low and mountain sagebrush reduced surface water input by an average of 138 mm or 24% of the total site water budget. Conversely, warming temperatures reduced surface water input by only an average of 14 mm across the three vegetation types. The future (warmer) simulations resulted in earlier snow disappearance and surface water input by 51 and 45 days, respectively, across juniper, low sagebrush and mountain sagebrush. Information from this study can help land managers in the sagebrush steppe understand how both shifts in climate and semi‐arid vegetation will alter fundamental hydrological processes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis and integrated modelling of groundwater infiltration to sewer networks
Authors: Thorndahl Søren , Balling Jonas Dueholm , Larsen Uffe Bay Bøgh
Published: March 2016

Infiltration of groundwater to sewer systems is a problem for the capacity of the system as well as for treatment processes at waste water treatment plants. This paper quantifies the infiltration of groundwater to a sewer system in Frederikshavn Municipality, Denmark, by measurements of sewer flow and novel model set‐up, which simulates the interaction between groundwater and sewer flow.

The study area has a separate waste water sewer system, but the discharged volumes from the system are approximately twice the volumes from a tight system without infiltration. The model set‐up makes use of two commercial models: mike she for simulation of groundwater transport and mike urban (mouse) [DHI, Hørsholm, Denmark] for simulation of sewer flow. By simulating the groundwater level and calibrating infiltration coefficients against sewer flow measurements, it has been possible to estimate the average infiltration to the sewer system with satisfying results. The infiltration processes are indeed complicated and to a large degree heterogeneous throughout the sewer system. The paper shows contribution from both saturated and unsaturated groundwater zones, which makes the modelling process complex. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing Performance of Small‐Scale Pumped Irrigation Systems in sub‐Saharan Africa: Evidence from a Systematic Review
Authors: Kamwamba‐Mtethiwa Jean , Weatherhead Keith , Knox Jerry
Published: March 2016

Small‐scale irrigation (SSI) has significant potential to increase crop productivity in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Pumped irrigation systems are one of the technologies increasingly being used by smallholder farmers. The aim of this study was to systematically review evidence on the performance of SSI pumped systems, including motorized, treadle, rope and washer, solar and wind pumps. The study revealed a lack of standardization and use of a wide range of indicators to assess performance. Most evidence related to motorized pumps, and these studies confirmed mixed levels of performance; studies relating to other types of pumped system mostly reported a positive impact, although the method of assessment used was critical. Studies reporting positive impacts tended to be those that used socio‐economic based factors such as yield and profitability, whereas studies reporting mixed performance tended to be those that relied more on technically based indicators such as pumping and irrigation system efficiency. The analysis highlights the sensitivity of interpreting findings from different studies, and how caution should be exercised when comparing performance within and between different types of irrigation systems. The implications for supporting policy development and identifying future research gaps are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An evaluation of a three‐component multiple schedule to indicate attention availability
Authors: Nava Maria J. , Vargo Kristina K. , Babino Misti M.
Published: March 2016

Students may engage in high rates of social approach responses at inappropriate times throughout the school day. One intervention that has been used to teach students appropriate and inappropriate times to access attention is a multiple schedule of reinforcement. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of a multiple schedule that indicated when attention was available or not available in a bilingual preschool classroom during small‐group instruction. Results showed that the intervention was effective in bringing students’ social approaches under stimulus control.
Effects of pay resets following drug use on attendance and hours worked in a therapeutic workplace
Authors: Holtyn August F. , Silverman Kenneth
Published: March 2016

This secondary data analysis examined effects of an abstinence contingency on participation in a therapeutic workplace. Participants exposed to a pay reset after drug use did not differ in overall attendance from participants who were not exposed to a pay reset after drug use; however, they initially worked less after a pay reset than participants who did not receive a pay reset, and their attendance increased as their pay increased. Overall participation was not influenced by the abstinence contingency, but transient decreases in attendance occurred.
An ex vivo study of photobiostimulation in the treatment of skin pathologies
Authors: de Jesus Priscila da Costa C. , Saeki Sabrina Ikeda N. , Tedesco Antonio Claudio
Published: March 2016

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and low level laser therapy (LLLT) may mutually improve the outcomes on the healing process of chronic wounds and other skin pathologies, through processes known to stimulate the proliferation of dermal cellular structures, as well as antimicrobial application. This study proposes the use of nanoemulsion containing aluminium phthalocyanine chloride (ClAlPc) as photosensitizer (PS), to establish the most appropriate protocol for photostimulation in human skin biopsies, associated to type I collagen and elastin production. The combined effect of PS and light (diode laser at 670 nm) at three different doses is compared to the effect of light itself at doses of 70, 140 and 700 mJ ċ cm–2, 7 and 14 days after irradiation. Histological analysis reveals the increase in collagen and elastin, higher than 20%, 14 days after treatment with PS and light at 140 mJ ċ cm–2. Higher doses of light promote an inhibitory effect, leading to tissue degradation. In addition, the expression levels of the enzymes MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 (Gelatinases A and B – participant in various processes including tumoral progression and wound healing) are detected by gelatin zymography, reinforcing the efficacy of the combined treatment with PS and light at the intermediate dose.

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Cell number and chondrogenesis in human mesenchymal stem cell aggregates is affected by the sulfation level of heparin used as a cell coating
Authors: Lei Jennifer , Trevino Elda , Temenoff Johnna
Published: March 2016

For particular cell‐based therapies, it may be required to culture mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) aggregates with growth factors to promote cell proliferation and/or differentiation. Heparin, a negatively charged glycosaminoglycan (GAG) is known to play an important role in sequestration of positively charged growth factors and, when incorporated within cellular aggregates, could be used to promote local availability of growth factors. We have developed a heparin‐based cell coating and we believe that the electrostatic interaction between native heparin and the positively charged growth factors will result in (1) higher cell number in response to fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) and 2) greater chondrogenic differentiation in response to transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), compared to a desulfated heparin coating. Results revealed that in the presence of FGF‐2, by day 14, heparin‐coated MSC aggregates increased in DNA content 8.5 ± 1.6 fold compared to day 1, which was greater than noncoated and desulfated heparin‐coated aggregates. In contrast, when cultured in the presence of TGF‐β1, by day 21, desulfated heparin‐coated aggregates upregulated gene expression of collagen II by 86.5 ± 7.5 fold and collagen X by 37.1 ± 4.7 fold, which was higher than that recorded in the noncoated and heparin‐coated aggregates. These observations indicate that this coating technology represents a versatile platform to design MSC culture systems with pairings of GAGs and growth factors that can be tailored to overcome specific challenges in scale‐up and culture for MSC‐based therapeutics. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1817–1829, 2016.
Deletion of FGFR3 in Osteoclast Lineage Cells Results in Increased Bone Mass in Mice by Inhibiting Osteoclastic Bone Resorption
Authors: Su Nan , Li Xiaogang , Tang Yubin , Yang Jing , Wen Xuan , Guo Jingyuan , Tang Junzhou , Du Xiaolan , Chen Lin
Published: March 2016

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) participates in bone remodeling. Both Fgfr3 global knockout and activated mice showed decreased bone mass with increased osteoclast formation or bone resorption activity. To clarify the direct effect of FGFR3 on osteoclasts, we specifically deleted Fgfr3 in osteoclast lineage cells. Adult mice with Fgfr3 deficiency in osteoclast lineage cells (mutant [MUT]) showed increased bone mass. In a drilled-hole defect model, the bone remodeling of the holed area in cortical bone was also impaired with delayed resorption of residual woven bone in MUT mice. In vitro assay demonstrated that there was no significant difference between the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive osteoclasts derived from wild-type and Fgfr3-deficient bone marrow monocytes, suggesting that FGFR3 had no remarkable effect on osteoclast formation. The bone resorption activity of Fgfr3-deficient osteoclasts was markedly decreased accompanying with downregulated expressions of Trap, Ctsk, and Mmp 9. The upregulated activity of osteoclastic bone resorption by FGF2 in vitro was also impaired in Fgfr3-deficient osteoclasts, indicating that FGFR3 may participate in the regulation of bone resorption activity of osteoclasts by FGF2. Reduced adhesion but not migration in osteoclasts with Fgfr3 deficiency may be responsible for the impaired bone resorption activity. Our study for the first time genetically shows the direct positive regulation of FGFR3 on osteoclastic bone resorption. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Sulforaphane Inhibits c‐Myc‐Mediated Prostate Cancer Stem‐Like Traits
Authors: Vyas Avani R. , Moura Michelle B. , Hahm Eun‐Ryeong , Singh Krishna Beer , Singh Shivendra V.
Published: March 2016

Preventive and therapeutic efficiencies of dietary sulforaphane (SFN) against human prostate cancer have been demonstrated in vivo, but the underlying mechanism(s) by which this occurs is poorly understood. Here, we show that the prostate cancer stem cell (pCSC)‐like traits, such as accelerated activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), enrichment of CD49f+ fraction, and sphere forming efficiency, are attenuated by SFN treatment. Interestingly, the expression of c‐Myc, an oncogenic transcription factor that is frequently deregulated in prostate cancer cells, was markedly suppressed by SFN both in vitro and in vivo. This is biologically relevant, because the lessening of pCSC‐like phenotypes mediated by SFN was attenuated when c‐Myc was overexpressed. Naturally occurring thio, sulfinyl, and sulfonyl analogs of SFN were also effective in causing suppression of c‐Myc protein level. However, basal glycolysis, a basic metabolic pathway that can also be promoted by c‐Myc overexpression, was not largely suppressed by SFN, implying that, in addition to c‐Myc, there might be another SFN‐sensitive cellular factor, which is not directly involved in basal glycolysis, but cooperates with c‐Myc to sustain pCSC‐like phenotypes. Our study suggests that oncogenic c‐Myc is a target of SFN to prevent and eliminate the onset of human prostate cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2482–2495, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Context Dependent Regulation of Human Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase Isoforms by DNA Promoter Methylation and RNA Stability
Authors: Seenappa Venu , Das Bidyadhar , Joshi Manjunath B. , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu
Published: March 2016

Cytoplasmic and mitochondrial isoforms of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK‐C and PEPCK‐M) regulate hepatic gluconeogenesis to control systemic glucose homeostasis. Transcriptional and post‐transcriptional mechanisms may govern synthesis, maintenance and cooperative function of compartmentalized PEPCK enzymes. In a comparative analysis, we show that tumor cells consistently transcribe and translate higher levels of enzymatically active PEPCK‐C than PEPCK‐M and both the isoforms were present at lower levels in normal fibroblasts. Unlike in PEPCK‐M, absence of glucose reduced the PEPCK‐C mRNA and protein levels only in HepG2 cells. Interestingly, isoflavone genistein significantly increased PEPCK‐C mRNA and protein levels in normal fibroblasts indicating cell type specific control mechanisms. Genistein also significantly affected RNA stability of PEPCK‐C but not PEPCK‐M in HepG2 cells. This was due to the conserved and functional mRNA destabilizing AU rich sequences at the 3′‐UTR region of PEPCK‐C gene and was confirmed by luciferase reporter assays suggesting that glucose deprivation and genistein targets these sequences for mRNA degradation in HepG2 cells but not in fibroblasts. Analysis of promoter methylation by luciferase reporter assays and bisulfite DNA sequencing suggested that PEPCK‐C but not PEPCK‐M promoter was activated by 5‐aza‐2‐deoxycytidine by inducing cytosine demethylation at the specific CpG dinucleotides of 5′‐UTR region. Taken together, our data suggests stable PEPCK‐M activity and identifies intricate relationship between (1) mRNA stability and (2) promoter DNA methylation as two mechanisms of gene expression that distinguishes PEPCK‐C and PEPCK‐M enzyme activities in a context and cell type dependent manner during gluconeogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2506–2520, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electron tunneling in proteins program
Authors: Hagras Muhammad A. , Stuchebrukhov Alexei A.
Published: March 2016

We developed a unique integrated software package (called Electron Tunneling in Proteins Program or ETP) which provides an environment with different capabilities such as tunneling current calculation, semi‐empirical quantum mechanical calculation, and molecular modeling simulation for calculation and analysis of electron transfer reactions in proteins. ETP program is developed as a cross‐platform client‐server program in which all the different calculations are conducted at the server side while only the client terminal displays the resulting calculation outputs in the different supported representations. ETP program is integrated with a set of well‐known computational software packages including Gaussian, BALLVIEW, Dowser, pKip, and APBS. In addition, ETP program supports various visualization methods for the tunneling calculation results that assist in a more comprehensive understanding of the tunneling process. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
N‐dimensional switch function for energy conservation in multiprocess reaction dynamics
Authors: Mogo César , Brandão João
Published: March 2016

The MReaDy program was designed for studying Multiprocess Reactive Dynamic systems, that is, complex chemical systems involving different and concurrent reactions. It builds a global potential energy surface integrating a variety of potential energy surfaces, each one of them representing an elementary reaction expected to play a role in the chemical process. For each elementary reaction, energy continuity problems may happen in the transition between potential energy surfaces due to differences in the functional form for each of the fragments, especially if built by different authors. A N‐dimensional switch function is introduced in MReaDy in order to overcome such a problem. As an example, results of a collision trajectory calculation for H2 + OH → H3O are presented, showing smooth transition in the potential energy, leading to conservation in the total energy. Calculations for a hydrogen combustion system from 1000 K up to 4000 K shows a variation of 0.012% when compared to the total energy of the system. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Establishment of an HE4‐CLIA Method and the Combined Analysis of HE4 and CA125 in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Wang Cong‐Rong , Yu Juan‐Ping , Ma Qiang , Xu Wei‐Wen
Published: March 2016

Background

The human epididymal secretory protein 4 (HE4) is a novel, verified biomarker for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Methods

Magnetic beads were coated with capture antibodies and were used with acridinium ester labeled detection antibodies in a sandwich‐type immunoassay. The patient's HE4 serum levels were measured simultaneously with the chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) kit we developed and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) kit from Roche (Mannheim, Germany). CA125 was also detected by time‐resolved fluoroimmunoassay. The diagnostic value was analyzed.

Results

The assay demonstrated a linear range from 2.5 to 2,000 pmol/l, with an analytical sensitivity of 2.5 pmol/l. The reproducibility, recovery, and specificity of the immunoassay were demonstrated to be acceptable. Compared with the ECLIA kit from Roche in 124 serum samples (40 patients with ovarian cancer, 35 patients with benign gynecological diseases, and 49 health controls), there is a satisfied correlation coefficient of 0.875. The area under the receiver‐operating curve (ROC‐AUC) was 0.903 (95% CI was 0.839–0.966, P < 0.001) for HE4, 0.787 (95% CI was 0.694–0.879, P < 0.001) for CA125, and 0.914 (95% CI was 0.866–0.962, P < 0.001) for combined analysis of HE4 and CA125.

Conclusions

A quantitative method (HE4‐CLIA) for detecting HE4 in serum was successfully established. Preliminary clinical sample analysis showed HE4‐CLIA has a certain clinical value in the screening and diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Moreover, in distinguishing benign from malignant ovarian lesions, HE4 has higher demonstrated accuracy than CA125.
Hemoculture and Direct Sputum Detection of mecA‐Mediated Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Loop‐Mediated Isothermal Amplification in Combination With a Lateral‐Flow Dipstick
Authors: Nawattanapaiboon Kawin , Prombun Photchanathorn , Santanirand Pitak , Vongsakulyanon Apirom , Srikhirin Toemsak , Sutapun Boonsong , Kiatpathomchai Wansika
Published: March 2016

This study reports loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for rapid detection of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus from direct clinical specimens. Four primers including outer and inner primers were specifically designed on the two target sequences—femB to identify S. aureus and mecA to identify antibiotic‐resistant gene. Reference strains including various species of gram‐positive/gram‐negative isolates were used to evaluate and optimize LAMP assays. The optimum LAMP condition was found at 63°C within 70 min assay time (include hybridization with FITC probe for 5 min and further 5 min for reading the results on the lateral flow dipstick). The detection limits of LAMP for mecA was 10 pg of total DNA or 100 CFU/ml. The LAMP assays were applied to a total of 155 samples of direct DNA extraction from sputum and hemoculture bottles. The sensitivity of LAMP for mecA detection in sputum and hemoculture bottles was 93.3% (28/30) and 100% (52/52), respectively. In conclusion, LAMP assay is an alternative technique for rapid detection of MRSA infection with a technical simplicity and cost‐effective method in a routine diagnostic laboratory.
CRISPR‐Cas‐Assisted Multiplexing (CAM): Simple Same‐Day Multi‐Locus Engineering in Yeast
Authors: Walter Jessica M. , Chandran Sunil S. , Horwitz Andrew A.
Published: March 2016

Demands on the industrial and academic yeast strain engineer have increased significantly in the era of synthetic biology. Installing complex biosynthetic pathways and combining point mutations are tedious and time‐consuming using traditional methods. With multiplex engineering tools, these tasks can be completed in a single step, typically achieving up to sixfold compression in strain engineering timelines. To capitalize on this potential, a variety of yeast CRISPR‐Cas methods have been developed, differing largely in how the guide RNA (gRNA) reagents that direct the Cas9 nuclease are delivered. However, in nearly all reported protocols, the time savings of multiplexing is offset by multiple days of cloning to prepare the required reagents. Here, we discuss the advantages and opportunities of CRISPR‐Cas‐assisted multiplexing (CAM), a same‐day, cloning‐free method for multi‐locus engineering in yeast. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2563–2569, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of the board certification system for expert surgeons (hepato‐biliary‐pancreatic field) using the data of the National Clinical Database of Japan: part 1 ‐ Hepatectomy of more than one segment
Authors: Miura Fumihiko , Yamamoto Masakazu , Gotoh Mitsukazu , Konno Hiroyuki , Fujimoto Jiro , Yanaga Katsuhiko , Kokudo Norihiro , Yamaue Hiroki , Wakabayashi Go , Seto Yasuyuki , Unno Michiaki , Miyata Hiroaki , Hirahara Norimichi , Miyazaki Masaru
Published: March 2016

Background

The objective of this study was to validate the board certification system of the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery (JSHBPS) using the data of hepatectomy cases from the National Clinical Database (NCD) of Japan.

Methods

Minimal required annual numbers of high‐level hepato‐biliary‐pancreatic (HBP) surgeries were 50 for a board‐certified A training institution and 30 for a board‐certified B training institution. Records of 14,970 patients who had undergone hepatectomy of more than one segment (MOS), excluding lateral segmentectomy, during 2011 and 2012 were analyzed according to the category of board‐certified institution and with or without participation of board‐certified instructors or expert surgeons.

Results

Thirty‐day mortality and operative mortality of 14,970 patients after MOS hepatectomy were 1.9% and 3.8%, respectively. Operative mortality rates after MOS hepatectomies performed at certified A institutions, certified B institutions, and non‐certified institutions were 3.1%, 3.8%, and 4.5%, respectively (P < 0.001). The operative mortality rates after MOS hepatectomies performed with participation of certified instructors or expert surgeons were better than those without (3.5% vs. 4.3%, P = 0.012). A multiple logistic regression model showed that the cutoffs of high‐level HBP surgeries performed per year at hospitals that predicted operative mortality after MOS hepatectomies were 10 and 50.

Conclusions

Competences and requirements for board‐certified institutions, instructors, and expert surgeons to perform hepatectomy were found to be appropriate.
Significance of imaging modalities for preoperative evaluation of the pancreaticobiliary system in surgery for pediatric choledochal cyst
Authors: Saito Takeshi , Terui Keita , Mitsunaga Tetsuya , Nakata Mitsuyuki , Yoshida Hideo
Published: March 2016

Objective

Roles of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), drip infusion cholangiography with computed tomography (DIC‐CT), and intraoperative cholangiopancreatography (IOCP) in visualizing pancreaticobiliary anatomy for pediatric choledocal cyst (CC) operations were examined.

Methods

From 1980–2013, 117 pediatric CC patients (median age, 3 years) underwent hepaticojejunostomy at our institution, with imaging modalities of ERCP (n = 81 over 34 years), MRCP, DIC‐CT, and IOCP (n = 45, 20, and 45 cases over the last 12 years). First, visualization rates for pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM), common bile duct (CBD), pancreatic duct (PD), and intrahepatic bile duct (IHBD) were investigated. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detecting hepatic duct stricture were then compared between MRCP and IOCP.

Result

Visualization rates of PBM, CBD, PD, and IHBD were 57%, 100%, 64%, and 100% for MRCP; 82%, 77%, 95%, and 32% for ERCP; 25%, 75%, 21%, and 85% for DIC‐CT; and 87%, 100%, 87%, and 100% for IOCP, respectively. Combination of MRCP and IOCP achieved rates of 89%, 100%, 91%, and 100%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detecting stenosis were 86%, 68%, and 71% for MRCP, and 100%, 89%, and 91% for IOCP, respectively.

Conclusions

Combining MRCP and IOCP can provide satisfactory pancreaticobiliary anatomical information for surgical planning for pediatric CC, with hepatic duct strictures evaluated more accurately by IOCP.
Facile Synthesis of 3‐Amino‐2,5‐dihydropyridazines and 4‐Deazatoxoflavin Analogues via [3 + 3] Atom Combination: Approaches to Pyridazine Incorporating Pyrazole Moiety
Authors: Abdelmoniem Amr M. , Ghozlan Said A. S. , Butenschön Holger , Abdelhamid Ismail A.
Published: March 2016

Arylhydrazones are prepared and reacted with pyrazolylmethylene malononitrile derivatives yielding 2,5‐dihydropyridazines substituted at C‐5 by pyrazole derivatives. Utilizing azaenamine containing a cyano group at the ortho position enabled the formation of the condensed pyridazino[1,6‐a]quinazoline derivatives. A subsequent acetylation of the synthesized pyridazines led to the formation of pyrimido[4,5‐c]pyridazine compounds which can be considered as 4‐deazatoxoflavin derivatives. All the new compounds were full‐characterized by the different spectral tools and the unambiguous structural elucidation of 2,5‐dihydropyridazines was done using 2D‐HMBC spectroscopy
The Impact of the Sectoral Allocation of Foreign aid on Gender Inequality
Authors: Pickbourn Lynda , Ndikumana Léonce
Published: March 2016

While many developing countries have made progress in human development, gender equality remains a challenge for most. This study uses data on bilateral official aid disbursements from the OECD Development Assistance Committee (OECD‐DAC) to examine the impact of aid and its sectoral allocation on overall gender inequality as well as on gender inequality in health and education. We find that the impact of aid on gender inequality is dependent on initial human development and per capita income. However, increased aid to the health and education sectors appears to be effective in reducing maternal mortality and gender inequality in youth literacy regardless of initial conditions. © 2016 UNU‐WIDER. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MR feature tracking in patients with MRI‐conditional pacing systems: The impact of pacing
Authors: van der Graaf A.W. Maurits , Bhagirath Pranav , Scheffer Mike G. , de Medina Ramon Robles , Götte Marco J.W.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To develop feature tracking (FT) software to perform strain analysis on conventional (nontagged) cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) function images. With the advent of MRI‐conditional pacemaker systems, effects of cardiac pacing on myocardial strain can be studied using MR. In this study the impact of pacing on left ventricular (LV) strain was investigated using MR‐FT in patients with an MRI‐conditional cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED).

Materials and Methods

FT was performed on 32 1.5T MR studies (16 patients with an MRI‐conditional CIED and 16 control patients with normal scans). Short‐ and long‐axis steady state free precession (SSFP) cines were used for the FT analysis. Strain was assessed using CVI42 software (Circle Cardiovascular Imaging, Alberta, Canada). In addition, the intra‐ and interobserver variability was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results

Of the 16 patients with an MRI‐conditional CIED, five patients were paced during the MRI exam. Despite the occasional presence of susceptibility artifacts induced by the CIED, radial, circumferential, and longitudinal strain parameters could be derived for all patients. Peak radial strain and peak circumferential strain were reduced during pacing when compared to the control group; for radial strain: 20.1 ± 4.7% vs. 33.1 ± 6.9%, P < 0.001, and for circumferential strain –7.5 ± 3.5% vs. –14.9 ± 3.2%, P < 0.05. Peak strain parameters were reproducible on an intra‐ and interobserver level.

Conclusion

MR‐FT is feasible in patients with an MRI‐conditional CIED and can be used to quantify regional wall motion. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;44:964–971.
Multiparametric whole‐body anatomic, functional, and metabolic imaging characteristics of peripheral lesions in patients with schwannomatosis
Authors: Ahlawat Shivani , Baig Asad , Blakeley Jaishri O. , Jacobs Michael A. , Fayad Laura M.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To describe the anatomic, functional, and metabolic characteristics of peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) in patients with schwannomatosis (SWN) on whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging (WB‐MRI) (anatomic and functional imaging) and fluorine‐18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography / computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT) (metabolic imaging).

Materials and Methods

WB‐MRIs at 1.5T and 3.0T performed in 13 SWN subjects using short tau inversion recovery (STIR), T1‐weighted (T1W), contrast‐enhanced T1W, and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping and FDG‐PET/CT were retrospectively reviewed. Two readers reviewed all imaging for the presence and character of peripheral lesions (size, imaging features, ADC values, and standardized uptake values [SUVmax]) and ancillary findings. Descriptive statistics are reported.

Results

In all, 153 index lesions were characterized in 13 patients on WB‐MRI. Lesions were characterized as tumors (97% [149/153]) or cysts (3% [4/153]); 96% (143/149) PNSTs were solitary while 4% (6/149) were plexiform. The median size was 2.3 cm (range 1–24.3 cm). On T1W, 99% (148/149) tumors were homogeneously isointense; on STIR, 81% (121/149) tumors were heterogeneously hyperintense; on postcontrast T1W, 81% (100/123) tumors enhanced heterogeneously; on DWI, tumor ADC values (×10‐3mm2/s) were variable (minimum ADC range 0.3–2.2, average ADC range 0.9–2.9). The median SUVmax was 6 (range 2.1–11.7) and 10 (2.7–15.3) on early and delayed imaging, respectively. Malignant degeneration was detected in 1% (1/149) with suspicious anatomic, functional, and metabolic characteristics. Ancillary findings included nerve root thickening (23% [3/13]) and spinal canal lesions (15% [2/13]).

Conclusion

Although the majority of the PNSTs in SWN are benign and solitary, PNSTs can be plexiform, enlarge over time, and, rarely, undergo malignant degeneration. Due to the high metabolic activity in benign PNSTs by FDG‐PET/CT in SWN, WB‐MRI with functional sequences maybe a more suitable technique for the assessment of disease burden, tumor characterization, and surveillance. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;44:794–803.
Performance evaluation of four rapid antigen tests for the detection of Respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Jung Bo Kyeung , Choi Sung Hyuk , Lee Jong Han , Lee JungHwa , Lim Chae Seung
Published: March 2016

Rapid identification of Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is important in the management of infected patients. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) are widely used for this purpose. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of four RSV antigen tests including the BinaxNow RSV Card test, SD Bioline RSV test, BD Veritor RSV test, and Humasis RSV antigen test in comparison with real‐time RT–PCR as the reference method. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 280 patients with symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection and stored at −80°C. All swabs were tested for RSV using four rapid antigen tests and real time RT–PCR. The sensitivity of the BinaxNow RSV Card test, SD Bioline RSV test, BD Veritor RSV test, and Humasis RSV Antigen tests were 62.5%, 61.3%, 65.0%, and 67.5% for RSV A, and 61.3%, 65.0%, 61.3%, and 67.5% for RSV B compared to real time RT–PCR, respectively. The specificity of BD Veritor RSV test was 95.8% and those of the other three RDTs was 100%. Commercial RSV antigen detection assays are useful tools for the rapid diagnosis of RSV infection. However, confirmatory testing is always recommended. J. Med. Virol. 88:1720–1724, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular epidemiology identifies HIV transmission networks associated with younger age and heterosexual exposure among Korean individuals
Authors: Chin Bum Sik , Chaillon Antoine , Mehta Sanjay R. , Wertheim Joel O. , Kim Gayeon , Shin Hyoung‐Shik , Smith Davey M.
Published: March 2016

To evaluate if HIV transmission networks could be elucidated from data collected in a short time frame, 131 HIV‐1 pol sequences were analyzed which were generated from treatment‐naïve Korean individuals who were sequentially identified over 1 year. A transmission linkage was inferred when there was a genetic distance <1.5% and a total of 16 clusters, involving 39/131 (29.8%), were identified. Younger age and heterosexual exposure were independently related with clustering in the inferred network, which demonstrated that molecular epidemiology with currently generated data (i.e., drug resistance genotypes) can be used to identify local transmission networks, even over a short timeframe. J. Med. Virol. 88:1832–1835, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of ribavirin dosage in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with simeprevir, pegylated interferon plus ribavirin combination therapy
Authors: Tahata Yuki , Hiramatsu Naoki , Oze Tsugiko , Urabe Ayako , Morishita Naoki , Yamada Ryoko , Yakushijin Takayuki , Hosui Atsushi , Oshita Masahide , Kaneko Akira , Hagiwara Hideki , Mita Eiji , Ito Toshifumi , Yamada Yukinori , Inada Masami , Katayama Kazuhiro , Tamura Shinji , Imai Yasuharu , Hikita Hayato , Sakamori Ryotaro , Yoshida Yuichi , Tatsumi Tomohide , Hayashi Norio , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: March 2016

The factors associated with sustained virologic response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C (CH‐C) genotype 1 patients treated with simeprevir (SMV), pegylated interferon (Peg‐IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) triple therapy have not been fully investigated. Two hundred and twenty‐nine treatment‐naïve CH‐C patients treated with SMV triple therapy were enrolled in this study. The overall SVR rate was 87% in per‐protocol analysis. In multivariate analysis, the interleukin (IL) 28B genotype (rs8099917, TT vs. non‐TT, odds ratio [OR]: 0.044, P = 0.001) and RBV dose (< 10/10–12/ ≥ 12 mg/kg/day, OR: 4.513, P = 0.041) were significant factors associated with SVR. In patients with the IL28B non‐TT genotype, RBV dose affected SVR dose‐dependently in stratified analysis of RBV dose (P = 0.015); it was 44% (8/18) for patients administered <10 mg/kg/day of RBV, 78% (14/18) for those administered 10–12 mg/kg/day of RBV, and 100% (3/3) for those administered ≥12 mg/kg/day of RBV, whereas in patients with the IL28B TT genotype, a significant correlation between SVR and RBV dose was not observed (P = 0.229). Regarding RBV dose reduction of less than 10 mg/kg/day, the inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (ITPA) genotype (rs1127354, CC vs. non‐CC, OR: 0.239, P = 0.003) and age (by 1 y.o., OR: 1.084, P = 0.002) were significant independent factors. RBV dosage affected SVR dose‐dependently in patients with the IL28B non‐TT genotype treated with SMV triple therapy. Special attention to anemia progression and RBV dosage should be paid to aged patients with the ITPA CC genotype. J. Med. Virol. 88:1776–1784, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Utility of an allograft tendon for scoliosis correction via the costo‐transverse foreman
Authors: Sun Dong , McCarthy Michael , Dooley Adam C. , Ramakrishnaiah Raghu H. , Shelton R. Shane , McLaren Sandra G. , Skinner Robert A. , Suva Larry J. , McCarthy Richard E.
Published: March 2016

Current convex tethering techniques for treatment of scoliosis have centered on anterior convex staples or polypropylene tethers. We hypothesized that an allograft tendon tether inserted via the costo‐transverse foramen would correct an established spinal deformity. In the pilot study, six 8‐week‐old pigs underwent allograft tendon tethering via the costo‐transverse foreman or sham to test the strength of the transplanted tendon to retard spine growth. After 4 months, spinal deformity in three planes was induced in all animals with allograft tendons. In the treatment study, the allograft tendon tether was used to treat established scoliosis in 11 8‐week‐old pigs (spinal deformity > 50°). Once the deformity was observed (4 months) animals were assigned to either no treatment group or allograft tendon tether group and progression assessed by monthly radiographs. At final follow‐up, coronal Cobb angle and maximum vertebral axial rotation of the treatment group was significantly smaller than the non‐treatment group, whereas sagittal kyphosis of the treatment group was significantly larger than the non‐treatment group. In sum, a significant correction was achieved using a unilateral allograft tendon spinal tether, suggesting that an allograft tendon tethering approach may represent a novel fusion‐less procedure to correct idiopathic scoliosis. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:183–192, 2017.