bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bohring–Opitz syndrome (BOS) with a new ASXL1 pathogenic variant: Review of the most prevalent molecular and phenotypic features of the syndrome
Authors: Dangiolo Silvana Beatriz , Wilson Ashley , Jobanputra Vaidehi , Anyane‐Yeboa Kwame
Published: September 2015

Bohring–Opitz syndrome (BOS) was first described by Bohring et al. [1999]. The authors reported four cases which had several features in common, including a prominent metopic suture, hypertelorism, exophthalmos, cleft lip and palate, limb anomalies, as well as difficulty feeding with severe developmental delays. In almost 50% of cases that meet the clinical criteria for BOS, de novo frameshift and nonsense mutations in the ASXL1 gene have been detected, suggesting that loss of function of this gene is a major cause. We report on the clinical characterization of one young female patient who was evaluated because of severe developmental delays, failure to thrive, and multiple minor anomalies and was clinically diagnosed with BOS. Whole exome sequencing analysis detected one novel disruptive frameshift mutation in the ASXL1 gene and we were also able to confirm the presence of two CFTR mutations associated with her chronic pancreatitis with acute severe breakthrough attacks requiring multiple ICU admissions. This latter complication of pancreatitis further contributed to the complexity of the clinical presentation and represents an independent genetic finding. Our case report emphasizes the importance of highly specific phenotypic characterization of patients with complex phenotypes before proceeding with molecular studies. That approach will lead to more accurate molecular data interpretation and better clinical genetic diagnosis, particularly for those patients with rare, difficult‐to‐diagnose disorders. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Report of a patient with a constitutional missense mutation in SMARCB1, Coffin–Siris phenotype, and schwannomatosis
Authors: Gossai Nathan , Biegel Jaclyn A. , Messiaen Ludwine , Berry Susan A. , Moertel Christopher L.
Published: September 2015

We report a patient with a constitutional missense mutation in SMARCB1, Coffin–Siris Syndrome (CSS), and schwannomatosis. CSS is a rare congenital syndrome with characteristic clinical findings. This thirty‐three‐year‐old man was diagnosed early in life with the constellation of moderate intellectual disability, hypotonia, mild microcephaly, coarse facies, wide mouth with full lips, hypoplasia of the digits, and general hirsutism. At age 26, he was found to have schwannomatosis after presenting with acute spinal cord compression. Blood and tissue analysis of multiple subsequent schwannoma resections revealed a germline missense mutation of SMARCB1, acquired loss of 22q including SMARCB1 and NF2 and mutation of the remaining NF2 wild‐type allele—thus completing the four‐hit, three‐event mechanism associated with schwannomatosis. Variations in five genes have been associated with the Coffin–Siris phenotype: ARID1A, ARID1B, SMARCA4, SMARCB1, and SMARCE1. Of these genes, SMARCB1 has a well‐established association with schwannomatosis and malignancy. This is the first report of a patient with a constitutional missense mutation of SMARCB1 resulting in CSS and subsequent development of schwannomatosis. This finding demonstrates that a SMARCB1 mutation may be the initial “hit” (constitutional) for a genetic disorder with subsequent risk of developing schwannomas and other malignancies, and raises the possibility that other patients with switch/sucrose non‐fermenting (SWI/SNF) mutations may be at increased risk for tumors. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of genes on “positive valence systems” constructs: A systematic review
Authors: Hess Jonathan L. , Kawaguchi Daniel M. , Wagner Kayla E. , Faraone Stephen V. , Glatt Stephen J.
Published: September 2015

In 2009, the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) proposed an approach toward the deconstruction of psychiatric nosology under the research domain criteria (RDoC) framework. The overarching goal of RDoC is to identify robust, objective measures of behavior, emotion, cognition, and other domains that are more closely related to neurobiology than are diagnoses. A preliminary framework has been constructed, which has connected molecules, genes, brain circuits, behaviors, and other elements to dimensional psychiatric constructs. Although the RDoC framework has salience in emerging studies, foundational literature that pre‐dated this framework requires synthesis and translation to the evolving objectives and nomenclature of RDoC. Toward this end, we review the candidate‐gene association, linkage, and genome‐wide studies that have implicated a variety of loci and genetic polymorphisms in selected Positive Valence Systems (PVS) constructs. Our goal is to review supporting evidence to currently listed genes implicated in this domain and novel candidates. We systematically searched and reviewed literature based on keywords listed under the June, 2011, edition of the PVS matrix on the RDoC website (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/research-priorities/rdoc/positive-valence-systems-workshop-proceedings.shtml), which were supplemented with de novo keywords pertinent to the scope of our review. Several candidate genes linked to the PVS framework were identified from candidate‐gene association studies. We also identified novel candidates with loose association to PVS traits from genome‐wide studies. There is strong evidence suggesting that PVS constructs, as currently conceptualized under the RDoC initiative, index genetically influenced traits; however, future research, including genetic epidemiological, and psychometric analyses, must be performed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Durch Design verbrückt: ein konformativ eingeschränkter Transglutaminase‐Marker ermöglicht effiziente ortsspezifische Konjugation
Authors: Siegmund Vanessa , Schmelz Stefan , Dickgiesser Stephan , Beck Jan , Ebenig Aileen , Fittler Heiko , Frauendorf Holm , Piater Birgit , Betz Ulrich A. K. , Avrutina Olga , Scrima Andrea , Fuchsbauer Hans‐Lothar , Kolmar Harald
Published: September 2015

Basierend auf der Kristallstruktur eines natürlichen Proteinsubstrats von mikrobieller Transglutaminase, einem Enzym, das die Vernetzung von Proteinen katalysiert, wurde eine Erkennungssequenz für ortsspezifische Konjugation rational entworfen. Dieses Strukturmimetikum einer nativen Konjugationsstelle wurde konformativ über eine intramolekulare Disulfidbrücke fixiert und ermöglichte dadurch die effiziente Konjugation eines Reportermoleküls an den therapeutischen monoklonalen Antikörper Cetuximab, ohne dessen Bindungseigenschaften zu beeinträchtigen.
Incomplete reporting of enhanced recovery elements and its impact on achieving quality improvement
Authors: Day R W , Fielder S , Calhoun J , Kehlet H , Gottumukkala V , Aloia T A
Published: September 2015

Background

Enhanced recovery (ER) protocols are used widely in surgical practice. As protocols are multidisciplinary with multiple components, it is difficult to compare and contrast reports. The present study examined compliance and transferability to clinical practice among ER publications related to colorectal surgery.

Methods

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register databases were searched for current colorectal ER manuscripts. Each publication was assessed for the number of ER elements, whether the element was explained sufficiently so that it could be transferred to clinical practice, and compliance with the ER element.

Results

Some 50 publications met the reporting criteria for inclusion. A total of 22 ER elements were described. The median number of elements included in each publication was 9, and the median number of included patients was 130. The elements most commonly included in ER pathways were early postoperative diet advancement (49, 98 per cent) and early mobilization (47, 94 per cent). Early diet advancement was sufficiently explained in 43 (86 per cent) of the 50 publications, but only 22 (45 per cent) of 49 listing the variable reported compliance. The explanation for early mobilization was satisfactory in 41 (82 per cent) of the 50 publications, although only 14 (30 per cent) of 47 listing the variable reported compliance. Other ER elements had similar rates of explanation and compliance. The most frequently analysed outcome measures were morbidity (49, 98 per cent), length of stay (47, 94 per cent) and mortality (45, 90 per cent).

Conclusion

The current standard of reporting is frequently incomplete. To transfer knowledge and facilitate implementation of pathways that demonstrate improvements in perioperative care and recovery, a consistent structured reporting platform is needed.
Behavioral Genetics and the Forensic Mental Health Provider: An Overview
Authors: Gunter Tracy D.
Published: September 2015

The area of behavioral genetics has sufficiently entered the area of forensic mental health work that providers should have some working knowledge of the strengths and limitations of these exciting technical advances. Using MAOA as an example, this essay reviews some of the recurring themes in forensic behavioral genetics and suggests additional ways in which the technology might be used in legal matters. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
STEMI patients and nonculprit lesions: To treat or not to treat? and when? A review of most recent literature
Authors: Ruggieri Aldo , Piraino Davide , Dendramis Gregory , Cortese Bernardo , Carella Michele , Buccheri Dario , Andolina Giuseppe , Assennato Pasquale
Published: September 2015

Patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease represent a high percentage of ischemic patient with a worse outcome than patient with single coronary artery disease. Therefore, initial management of these patients is of high importance, but unfortunately this is not clarified yet. We analyze the available literature trying to afford current doubts to determine which way of revascularization is to be preferred. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Supramolecular Translation of Enzymatically Triggered Disassembly of Micelles into Tunable Fluorescent Responses
Authors: Buzhor Marina , Harnoy Assaf J. , Tirosh Einat , Barak Ayana , Schwartz Tal , Amir Roey J.
Published: September 2015

The need for advanced fluorescent imaging and delivery platforms has motivated the development of smart probes that change their fluorescence in response to external stimuli. Here a new molecular design of fluorescently labeled PEG–dendron hybrids that self‐assemble into enzyme‐responsive micelles with tunable fluorescent responses is reported. In the assembled state, the fluorescence of the dyes is quenched or shifted due to intermolecular interactions. Upon enzymatic cleavage of the hydrophobic end‐groups, the labeled polymeric hybrids become hydrophilic, and the micelles disassemble. This supramolecular change is translated into a spectral response as the dye–dye interactions are eliminated and the intrinsic fluorescence is regained. We demonstrate the utilization of this molecular design to generate both Turn‐On and spectral shift responses by adjusting the type of the labeling dye. This approach enables transformation of non‐responsive labeling dyes into smart fluorescent probes.
General Characterization Methods for Photoelectrochemical Cells for Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Shi Xinjian , Cai Lili , Ma Ming , Zheng Xiaolin , Park Jong Hyeok
Published: September 2015

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a very promising technology that converts water into clean hydrogen fuel and oxygen by using solar light. However, the characterization methods for PEC cells are diverse and a systematic introduction to characterization methods for PEC cells has rarely been attempted. Unlike most other review articles that focus mainly on the material used for the working electrodes of PEC cells, this review introduces general characterization methods for PEC cells, including their basic configurations and methods for characterizing their performance under various conditions, regardless of the materials used. Detailed experimental operation procedures with theoretical information are provided for each characterization method. The PEC research area is rapidly expanding and more researchers are beginning to devote themselves to related work. Therefore, the content of this Minireview can provide entry‐level knowledge to beginners in the area of PEC, which might accelerate progress in this area.
Direct Methylation of Amines with Carbon Dioxide and Molecular Hydrogen using Supported Gold Catalysts
Authors: Du Xian‐Long , Tang Gao , Bao Hong‐Liang , Jiang Zheng , Zhong Xin‐Hua , Su Dang Sheng , Wang Jian‐Qiang
Published: September 2015

The N‐methylation of amines with CO2 and H2 is an important step in the synthesis of bioactive compounds and chemical intermediates. The first heterogeneous Au catalyst is reported for this methylation reaction with good to excellent yields. The average turnover frequency (TOF) based on surface Au atoms is 45 h−1, which is the highest TOF value ever reported for the methylation of aniline with CO2 and H2. Furthermore, the catalyst is tolerant toward a variety of amines, which includes aromatic, aliphatic, secondary, and primary amines. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that the N‐alkyl formamide might be an intermediate in the N‐methylation of amine process. Moreover, through a one‐pot process, it is possible to convert primary amines, aldehydes, and CO2 into unsymmetrical tertiary amines with H2 as a reductant in the presence of the Au catalyst.
Ammine Calcium and Strontium Borohydrides: Syntheses, Structures, and Properties
Authors: Jepsen Lars H. , Lee Young‐Su , Černý Radovan , Sarusie Ram S. , Cho Young Whan , Besenbacher Flemming , Jensen Torben R.
Published: September 2015

A new series of solvent‐ and halide‐free ammine strontium metal borohydrides Sr(NH3)n(BH4)2 (n=1, 2, and 4) and further investigations of Ca(NH3)n(BH4)2 (n=1, 2, 4, and 6) are presented. Crystal structures have been determined by powder XRD and optimized by DFT calculations to evaluate the strength of the dihydrogen bonds. Sr(NH3)(BH4)2 (Pbcn) and Sr(NH3)2(BH4)2 (Pnc2) are layered structures, whereas M(NH3)4(BH4)2 (M=Ca and Sr; P21/c) are molecular structures connected by dihydrogen bonds. Both series of compounds release NH3 gas upon thermal treatment if the partial pressure of ammonia is low. Therefore, the strength of the dihydrogen bonds, the structure of the compounds, and the NH3/BH4− ratio for M(NH3)n(BH4)m have little influence on the composition of the released gasses. The composition of the released gas depends mainly on the thermal stability of the ammine metal borohydride and the corresponding metal borohydride.
Economic assessment for the production of 1,2‐Propanediol from bioglycerol hydrogenolysis using molecular hydrogen or hydrogen donor molecules
Authors: Gandarias I. , Arias P.L. , Agirrezabal‐Telleria I.
Published: September 2015

The 1,2‐propanediol can be obtained from bio‐glycerol through hydrogenolysis reactions. The hydrogen required in the process can be supplied using high molecular hydrogen pressure or hydrogen donor molecules, formic acid being the most attractive donor. An economical assessment of both alternatives for hydrogen supply was carried out. Results from the conceptual design of the 1,2‐propanediol purification process revealed that the separation of water from glycols is the most expensive step. The use of formic acid can be cost effective only if it is available at a price lower than 0.12 € kg−1 and high initial glycerol aqueous solutions are used. The formation of condensation products from highly concentrated glycerol solutions when using hydrogen donors needs to be avoided. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35:447–454, 2016
Simplified physics model of CO2 plume extent in stratified aquifer‐caprock systems
Authors: Ganesh Priya Ravi , Mishra Srikanta
Published: September 2015

The extent of plume migration as injected CO2 displaces the native reservoir fluids is a crucial performance metric to ensure safe and effective geologic sequestration. In this paper, we develop and validate a simplified physics model for the outer extent of CO2‐brine interface in a stratified aquifer‐caprock system. This involves quantifying the total storage efficiency, which is defined as the product of the volumetric sweep and displacement efficiencies, based on simulations covering an extensive parameter space of different reservoir and caprock properties. We model CO2 injection into a 2‐D radially symmetric brine‐filled reservoir with vertical permeability variations that is in hydraulic communication with a caprock. Based on insights from a suite of detailed numerical simulations of our system, the most important terms in the simplified model for total storage efficiency involve the relative permeability model followed by integrated measures of reservoir heterogeneity. A relationship is established for the plume extent at the end of injection from the amount of CO2 injected and the storativity (porosity‐thickness product) of the reservoir. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Human temporal‐parietal junction spontaneously tracks others' beliefs: A functional near‐infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Hyde Daniel C. , Aparicio Betancourt Mariana , Simon Charline E.
Published: September 2015

Humans have the unique capacity to actively reflect on the thoughts, beliefs, and knowledge of others, but do we also track mental states spontaneously when observing other people? We asked this question by monitoring brain activity in belief‐sensitive cortex using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during free‐viewing of social videos. More specifically, we identified a portion of the right temporal‐parietal junction (rTPJ) selective for mental state processing using an established, explicit theory of mind task, and then analyzed the brain response in that region of interest (ROI) during free‐viewing of video clips involving people producing goal‐directed actions. We found a significant increase in oxygenated hemoglobin concentration in our rTPJ ROI during free‐viewing for all of our test videos. Activity in this region was further modulated by the extent to which the knowledge state, or beliefs, of the protagonist regarding the location of an object contrasted with the reality of where the object was hidden. Open‐ended questioning suggested our participants were not explicitly focusing on belief states of the characters during free‐viewing. Further analyses ruled out lower‐level details of the video clips or general attentional differences between conditions as likely explanations for the results. As such, these results call into question the traditional characterization of theory of mind as a resource intensive, deliberate process, and, instead, support an emerging view of theory of mind as a foundation for, rather than the pinnacle of, human social cognition. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4831–4846, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Farmers’ Experience, Concerns and Perspectives in Using Reclaimed Water for Irrigation in a Semi‐Arid Region of Crete, Greece
Authors: Petousi I. , Fountoulakis M.S. , Stentiford E.I. , Manios T.
Published: September 2015

Public acceptance is recognized as an important ingredient for success in any recycling project. In case of reuse of treated wastewater for crop irrigation, farmers are the key stakeholders, being in a position to accept or reject reclaimed water. During this study, a survey was conducted to determine the perceptions and experience of farmers in a semi‐arid region of Crete, Greece, where a wastewater reuse scheme has already been in operation for about a decade in irrigating olive orchards. Results show that a high proportion (77.4%) of the respondents view the reclaimed water positively for olive tree irrigation. On the other hand, a very low proportion was found for all the other irrigation options, with 7.9% for vegetables, 9.1% for vines and 25.8% for ornamental plants. Irrigation with reclaimed water had a positive impact on olive trees and soil according to about 56 and 40% of respondents respectively. Approximately 46% of farmers expressed willingness to pay for reclaimed water, while 94% of respondents suggested a price of up to €0.15 m−3. A clear correlation was found between levels of trust in the local authority responsible for the scheme and the farmers’ attitude towards reclaimed water. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research advances on potential neurotoxicity of quantum dots
Authors: Wu Tianshu , Zhang Ting , Chen Yilu , Tang Meng
Published: September 2015

With rapid development of nanotechnology, quantum dots (QDs) as advanced nanotechnology products have been widely used in biological and biomedical studies, including neuroscience, due to their superior optical properties. In recent years, there has been intense concern regarding the toxicity of QDs with a growing number of studies. However, the knowledge of neurotoxic consequences of QDs applied in living organisms is lagging behind their development, while a potential risk of neurotoxicity arises if mass production of QDs leads to increased exposure and distribution in the nervous system. Owing to the quantum size effect of QDs, they are capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier or moving along neural pathways and entering the brain. Nevertheless, the interactions of QDs with cells and tissues in the central nervous system are not well understood. This review highlighted research advances on the neurotoxicity of QDs in the central nervous system, including oxidative stress injury, elevated cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels and autophagy to damage in vitro neural cells, and impairments of synaptic transmission and plasticity as well as brain functions in tested animals, with the hope of throwing light on future research directions of QD neurotoxicity, which is a demanding topic that requires further exploration. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Freezing of Fresh Wharton's Jelly From Human Umbilical Cords Yields High Post‐Thaw Mesenchymal Stem Cell Numbers for Cell‐Based Therapies
Authors: Fong Chui‐Yee , Subramanian Arjunan , Biswas Arijit , Bongso Ariff
Published: September 2015

Some cord blood banks freeze entire pieces of UC (mixed cord, MC) which after post‐thaw yields mixed heterogeneous populations of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from all its microanatomical compartments. Freezing of such entire tissues results in sub‐optimal post‐thaw cell recovery because of poor cryoprotectant diffusion and intracellular ice‐formation, heat and water transport issues, and damage to intercellular junctions. To develop a simple method of harvesting pure homogeneous MSCs for cord blood banks, we compared the post‐thaw behavior of three groups of frozen UC tissues: (i) freshly harvested WJ without cell separation; (ii) MSCs isolated from WJ (WJSC); and (iii) MC, WJ, and WJSC produced high post‐thaw cell survival rates (93.52 ± 6.12% to 90.83 ± 4.51%) and epithelioid monolayers within 24 h in primary culture whereas post‐thaw MC explants showed slow growth with mixed epithelioid and fibroblastic cell outgrowths after several days. Viability and proliferation rates of post‐thawed WJ and hWJSC were significantly greater than MC. Post‐thaw WJ and WJSC produced significantly greater CD24+ and CD108+ fluorescence intensities and significantly lower CD40+contaminants. Post‐thaw WJ and WJSC produced significantly lesser annexin‐V‐positive and sub‐G1 cells and greater degrees of osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation compared to MC. qRT‐PCR analysis of post‐thaw MC showed significant decreases in anti‐apoptotic gene expression (SURVIVIN, BCL2) and increases in pro‐apoptotic (BAX) and cell cycle regulator genes (P53, P21, ROCK 1) compared to WJ and WJSC. We conclude that freezing of fresh WJ is a simple and reliable method of generating large numbers of clinically utilizable MSCs for cell‐based therapies. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 815–827, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding amygdala responsiveness to fearful expressions through the lens of psychopathy and altruism
Authors: Marsh Abigail A.
Published: September 2015

Because the face is the central focus of human social interactions, emotional facial expressions provide a unique window into the emotional lives of others. They play a particularly important role in fostering empathy, which entails understanding and responding to others' emotions, especially distress‐related emotions such as fear. This Review considers how fearful facial as well as vocal and postural expressions are interpreted, with an emphasis on the role of the amygdala. The amygdala may be best known for its role in the acquisition and expression of conditioned fear, but it also supports the perception and recognition of others' fear. Various explanations have been supplied for the amygdala's role in interpreting and responding to fearful expressions. They include theories that amygdala responses to fearful expressions 1) reflect heightened vigilance in response to uncertain danger, 2) promote heightened attention to the eye region of faces, 3) represent a response to an unconditioned aversive stimulus, or 4) reflect the generation of an empathic fear response. Among these, only empathic fear explains why amygdala lesions would impair fear recognition across modalities. Supporting the possibility of a link between fundamental empathic processes and amygdala responses to fear is evidence that impaired fear recognition in psychopathic individuals results from amygdala dysfunction, whereas enhanced fear recognition in altruistic individuals results from enhanced amygdala function. Empathic concern and caring behaviors may be fostered by sensitivity to signs of acute distress in others, which relies on intact functioning of the amygdala. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of melatonin in Trichoderma spp. and detection of melatonin content under controlled‐stress growth conditions from T. asperellum
Authors: Liu Tong , Zhao Fengzhou , Liu Zhen , Zuo Yuhu , Hou Jumei , Wang Yanjie
Published: September 2015

T. koningii, T. harzianum, T. asperellum, T. longibrachiatum, and T. viride were analyzed using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry to determine whether melatonin is present. Results showed that there were abundant amounts of endogenous melatonin in five Trichoderma species, but no melatonin was found in any of the culture filtrates. T. asperellum had the highest amount of melatonin (27.588 ± 0.326 μg g−1 dry mass), followed by T. koningii, T. harzianum, T. longibrachiatum, and T. viride. The endogenous melatonin content of T. asperellum in controlled‐stress growth conditions was also detected. The data showed that chemical stressors (CdCl2, CuSO4, and H2O2) provoked an increase in endogenous melatonin levels. CdCl2 had the highest stimulatory effect on melatonin production, as the product reached reaching up to three times the melatonin content of the control. NaCl stimulated a decrease of melatonin. Acidic conditions (pH 3 and pH 5) as well as slightly alkaline conditions (pH 9) resulted in an increase in the melatonin content, whereas pH11 resulted in a significant decrease in the melatonin content, only 12.276 ± 0.205 μg g−1 dry mass. The current study is first to report melatonin content and the change of melatonin content under different stress situations in Trichoderma spp.
Responses of the East Asian winter monsoon to global warming in CMIP5 models
Authors: Xu Mimi , Xu Haiming , Ma Jing
Published: September 2015

This paper studies how the anthropogenic‐induced global warming affects the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) by using 26 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) models. The simulated present‐day EAWM is evaluated and future projections under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios are presented in terms of the climatology and interannual variability. All 26 models can well reproduce the spatial pattern of EAWM climatology and 16 out of the 26 models can reasonably capture major features of interannual variability. The projection made by 26‐model ensemble mean indicate that winter surface air temperature averaged over 20°–60°N, 100°–140°E will increase by 3 °C in RCP4.5 and 5.5 °C in RCP8.5 towards the end of the 21st century. The corresponding regional mean precipitation will increase by 12.3% in RCP4.5 and 21.8% in RCP8.5. The strong warming over high‐latitude North Pacific due to melting sea ice in the Bering Sea and Okhotsk Sea leads to significant intensification and a northward shift of the Aleutian Low, resulting in prominent increase in the low‐level northerly along the coastal regions of northeastern Asia. At 500 hPa the characteristic East Asian Trough is projected to weaken slightly and tilt more eastward with latitude. The selected 16‐model ensemble mean projects future enhanced interannual variability of surface air temperature and sea‐level pressure over mid‐latitude North Pacific and high‐latitude East Asia (EA) and reduced variability over eastern China, suggesting that the EAWM will be more variable in the high‐latitude EA and mid‐latitude North Pacific but less variable in East China. Accordingly, the year‐to‐year precipitation variability will be significantly enhanced over high‐latitude EA. Majority of the 26 models project that the leading mode of EAWM interannual variation (the ‘northern mode’) will become more dominant in the warmer climate.
Assessment of NARCCAP model in simulating rainfall extremes using a spatially constrained regionalization method
Authors: Gao Peng , Carbone Gregory J. , Guo Diansheng
Published: September 2015

Capturing the intensity and return period of extreme rainfall events in the historic record and projecting them into the future are essential to managing, planning, and designing infrastructure. In this study, we assess the performance of the combination of four General Circulation Models (GCMs) and six Regional Climate Models (RCMs) that comprise the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program (NARCCAP) and evaluate their performance in simulating rainfall extremes in the continental United States. We adopt a regionalization method to objectively delineate 12 regions in the continental United States with relatively homogenous annual maximum 24‐h rainfall patterns from the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) data set. We then compare the Intensity–Duration–Frequency (IDF) curves generated from control simulations of NARCCAP models with those from NARR in each of these regions. We find significant spatial variability of model performance. The models perform reasonably well in many parts of the country, but poorly in the southeastern United States. The GCM providing boundary conditions strongly influences results – output from those RCMs driven by the Community Climate System Model (CCSM) and Canadian Global Climate Model version 3 (CGCM3) matched the NARR data best. Performance of individual RCMs also varied, often in response to nudging, wherein the regional model is constrained by the GCM fields. We also measure changes in bias‐corrected IDF curves generated from NARCCAP projections of the future. In most regions, most models project intensified 24‐h rainfall events in the future (exceptions include some model‐projected decreases in southern California, the extreme north‐central US, Florida, and the Texas Plains). This study provides a valuable means of assessing NARCCAP models' performance in simulating rainfall extremes at the regional scale and understanding how the GCMs, RCMs, and spatial variability affect model performance.
Temporal Associations Among Chronic PTSD Symptoms in U.S. Combat Veterans
Authors: Doron‐LaMarca Susan , Niles Barbara L. , King Daniel W. , King Lynda A. , Pless Kaiser Anica , Lyons Michael J.
Published: September 2015

The present study examined fluctuation over time in symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among 34 combat veterans (28 with diagnosed PTSD, 6 with subclinical symptoms) assessed every 2 weeks for up to 2 years (range of assessments = 13–52). Temporal relationships were examined among four PTSD symptom clusters (reexperiencing, avoidance, emotional numbing, and hyperarousal) with particular attention to the influence of hyperarousal. Multilevel cross‐lagged random coefficients autoregression for intensive time series data analyses were used to model symptom fluctuation decades after combat experiences. As anticipated, hyperarousal predicted subsequent fluctuations in the 3 other PTSD symptom clusters (reexperiencing, avoidance, emotional numbing) at subsequent 2‐week intervals (rs = .45, .36, and .40, respectively). Additionally, emotional numbing influenced later reexperiencing and avoidance, and reexperiencing influenced later hyperarousal (rs = .44, .40, and .34, respectively). These findings underscore the important influence of hyperarousal. Furthermore, results indicate a bidirectional relationship between hyperarousal and reexperiencing as well as a possible chaining of symptoms (hyperarousal → emotional numbing → reexperiencing → hyperarousal) and establish potential internal, intrapersonal mechanisms for the maintenance of persistent PTSD symptoms. Results suggested that clinical interventions targeting hyperarousal and emotional numbing symptoms may hold promise for PTSD of long duration.
Donor site morbidity following DIEP flap for breast reconstruction in Asian patients: Is it different?
Authors: Paik Joo Myong , Lee Kyeong‐Tae , Jeon Byung‐Joon , Lim So‐Young , Pyon Jai‐Kyong , Bang Sa‐Ik , Oh Kap Sung , Mun Goo‐Hyun
Published: September 2015

Background

Despite the decrease in donor‐site morbidity with the advent of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction, abdominal complications still occur. There have been few studies on donor morbidity considering the ethnic differences in the Asian population, as represented by a lower BMI with less redundant tissue and a tendency for poor scarring. In the present study, the authors investigated the incidence of abdominal complications and their risk factors following DIEP flap breast reconstruction in an Asian population.

Patients and methods

The authors conducted a retrospective review of DIEP flap based breast reconstructions performed in the past 5 years. Data regarding patient demographics, surgical details, and abdominal complications were collected from our prospectively maintained database and analyzed.

Results

A total of 217 patients who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction were included. There were 51 abdominal complications (23.5%), including 18 delayed wound healing, 17 hypertrophic scarring, 12 seroma formation, and 8 abdominal bulges with no hernias. Secondary procedures were performed for the donor‐site complications in 36 cases. Flap height was a significant risk factor for overall donor‐site morbidity. Harvesting a bipedicle flap was significantly associated with abdominal fat necrosis and hypertrophic scarring. Harvesting a flap based on perforators from both rows was significantly associated with abdominal delayed wound healing and hypertrophic scarring.

Conclusions

DIEP flap breast reconstruction performed in Asian patients showed acceptable donor‐site morbidity without significant complications. This study suggests that donor‐site morbidity from harvesting a DIEP flap is comparable to that described in Western literatures. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:596–602, 2015.
Five recipient vessels for metachronous chest wall reconstruction: Case report and literature review
Authors: Chow Whitney T. , Rozen Warren Matthew , Patel Nakul Gamanlal , Ramakrishnan Venkat V.
Published: September 2015

Selecting potential recipient vessel options for free flap anastomosis is an important consideration in microsurgical breast and chest wall reconstruction. In these settings, the most common comprise the internal mammary and thoracodorsal vessels, although alternative anastomotic sites have also been described. On occasion, consideration of these alternatives becomes a necessity. The use of five separate recipient vessels is highlighted in a unique case of recurrent locally advanced breast cancer requiring multiple complex reconstructions using free tissue transfer. A 56‐year‐old lady presented for delayed breast reconstruction one year after radical mastectomy for locally advanced lobular breast cancer. Despite wide resections, local chest‐wall recurrence five times necessitated five microsurgical reconstructions, using separate recipient pedicles: internal mammary vessels, thoracodorsal vessels, serratus branch of thoracodorsal vessels, intercostal vessels and thoracoacromial vessels. All flaps survived completely, without donor or recipient complications. There has not been a subsequent recurrence at 6 months since last reconstruction. The purpose of this report is to present the first reported case of microsurgical chest wall reconstruction using five separate free flaps requiring anastomosis to multiple recipient vessels for anterior chest wall coverage, to present a literature‐based and clinical review of the regional vascular anatomy of the anterior chest wall, and to present an operative approach algorithm. In such complex cases, this understanding can facilitate a streamlined approach to management. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:66–70, 2017.
Improving tRNAscan‐SE Annotation Results via Ensemble Classifiers
Authors: Zou Quan , Guo Jiasheng , Ju Ying , Wu Meihong , Zeng Xiangxiang , Hong Zhiling
Published: September 2015

tRNAScan‐SE is a tRNA detection program that is widely used for tRNA annotation; however, the false positive rate of tRNAScan‐SE is unacceptable for large sequences. Here, we used a machine learning method to try to improve the tRNAScan‐SE results. A new predictor, tRNA‐Predict, was designed. We obtained real and pseudo‐tRNA sequences as training data sets using tRNAScan‐SE and constructed three different tRNA feature sets. We then set up an ensemble classifier, LibMutil, to predict tRNAs from the training data. The positive data set of 623 tRNA sequences was obtained from tRNAdb 2009 and the negative data set was the false positive tRNAs predicted by tRNAscan‐SE. Ourin silicoexperiments revealed a prediction accuracy rate of 95.1 % for tRNA‐Predict using 10‐fold cross‐validation. tRNA‐Predict was developed to distinguish functional tRNAs from pseudo‐tRNAs rather than to predict tRNAs from a genome‐wide scan. However, tRNA‐Predict can work with the output of tRNAscan‐SE, which is a genome‐wide scanning method, to improve the tRNAscan‐SE annotation results. The tRNA‐Predict web server is accessible at http://datamining.xmu.edu.cn/∼gjs/tRNA‐Predict.
Prediction by 13C NMR of regioselectivity in 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions of acridin‐9‐yl dipolarophiles
Authors: Vilková Mária , Ungvarská Maľučká Lucia , Imrich Ján
Published: September 2015

Strong correlation was found between 13C NMR chemical shifts of dipolarophilic CHCH carbons and regioselectivity in 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions of new acridin‐9‐yl dipolarophiles with stable benzonitrile oxides (BNO). Accordingly, two starting dipolarophiles, (acridin‐9‐yl)‐CHCH‐R (R = COOCH3 or Ph), reacted with three BNOs (2,4,6‐trimethoxy, 2,4,6‐trimethyl, and 2,6‐dichloro) to give a mixture of two target isoxazoline regioisomers in which the acridine was bound either to isoxazoline C‐4 carbon (4‐Acr) or C‐5 one (5‐Acr). Methyl 3‐(acridin‐9‐yl)propenoate afforded major 4‐(acridin‐9‐yl)‐isoxazoline‐5‐carboxylates (4‐Acr) and minor 5‐(acridin‐9‐yl)‐4‐carboxylates (5‐Acr). 9‐(2‐Styryl)acridine regiospecifically afforded only 4‐Acr cycloadducts. The ratios of regioisomers were compared with analogous reactions of acridin‐4‐yl dipolarophiles. Regioselectivity was dependent on a polarity of the CHCH bond, donor effects in BNO, and stabilization by stacking of aromatic substituents in the products. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pancreatic pathophysiology in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Gibson‐Corley Katherine N , Meyerholz David K , Engelhardt John F
Published: September 2015

The pancreas is one of the earliest, and most commonly affected, organs in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Studying the pathogenesis of pancreatic disease is limited in CF patients, due to its early clinical onset, co‐morbidities and lack of tissue samples from the early phases of disease. In recent years, several new CF animal models have been developed that have advanced our understanding of both CF exocrine and endocrine pancreatic disease. Additionally, these models have helped us to better define the influence of pancreatic lesions on CF disease progression in other organs, such as the gastrointestinal tract and lung. Copyright Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) with domoic acid toxicosis identifies proteins associated with neurodegeneration
Authors: Neely Benjamin A. , Soper Jennifer L. , Gulland Frances M. D. , Bell P. Darwin , Kindy Mark , Arthur John M. , Janech Michael G.
Published: September 2015

Proteomic studies including marine mammals are rare, largely due to the lack of fully sequenced genomes. This has hampered the application of these techniques toward biomarker discovery efforts for monitoring of health and disease in these animals. We conducted a pilot label‐free LC‐MS/MS study to profile and compare the cerebrospinal fluid from California sea lions with domoic acid toxicosis (DAT) and without DAT. Across 11 samples, a total of 206 proteins were identified (FDR<0.1) using a composite mammalian database. Several peptide identifications were validated using stable isotope labeled peptides. Comparison of spectral counts revealed seven proteins that were elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid from sea lions with DAT: complement C3, complement factor B, dickkopf‐3, malate dehydrogenase 1, neuron cell adhesion molecule 1, gelsolin, and neuronal cell adhesion molecule. Immunoblot analysis found reelin to be depressed in the cerebrospinal fluid from California sea lions with DAT. Mice administered domoic acid also had lower hippocampal reelin protein levels suggesting that domoic acid depresses reelin similar to kainic acid. In summary, proteomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in marine mammals is a useful tool to characterize the underlying molecular pathology of neurodegenerative disease. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD002105 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD002105).
Role of Calcium Signaling in B Cell Activation and Biology
Authors: Baba Yoshihiro , Kurosaki Tomohiro
Published: September 2015

Increase in intracellular levels of calcium ions (Ca2+) is one of the key triggering signals for the development of B cell response to the antigen. The diverse Ca2+ signals finely controlled by multiple factors participate in the regulation of gene expression, B cell development, and effector functions. B cell receptor (BCR)-initiated Ca2+ mobilization is sourced from two pathways: one is the release of Ca2+ from the intracellular stores, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and other is the prolonged influx of extracellular Ca2+ induced by depleting the stores via store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels. The identification of stromal interaction molecule 1(STIM1), the ER Ca2+ sensor, and Orai1, a key subunit of the CRAC channel pore, has now provided the tools to understand the mode of Ca2+ influx regulation and physiological relevance. Herein, we discuss our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying BCR-triggered Ca2+ signaling as well as its contribution to the B cell biological processes and diseases.
Novel X-ray image noise reduction technology reduces patient radiation dose while maintaining image quality in coronary angiography
Authors: ten Cate T. , van Wely M. , Gehlmann H. , Mauti M. , Camaro C. , Reifart N. , Suryapranata H. , de Boer M.J.
Published: September 2015

Aims

The consequences of high radiation dose for patient and staff demand constant improvements in X-ray dose reduction technology. This study assessed non-inferiority of image quality and quantified patient dose reduction in interventional cardiology for an anatomy-specific optimised cine acquisition chain combined with advanced real-time image noise reduction algorithms referred to as ‘study cine’, compared with conventional angiography.

Methods

Fifty patients underwent two coronary angiographic acquisitions: one with advanced image processing and optimised exposure system settings to enable dose reduction (study cine) and one with standard image processing and exposure settings (reference cine). The image sets of 39 patients (18 females, 21 males) were rated by six experienced independent reviewers, blinded to the patient and image characteristics. The image pairs were randomly presented. Overall 85 % of the study cine images were rated as better or equal quality compared with the reference cine (95 % CI 0.81–0.90). The median dose area product per frame decreased from 55 to 26 mGy.cm2/frame (53 % reduction, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the novel X-ray imaging technology provides non-inferior image quality compared with conventional angiographic systems for interventional cardiology with a 53 % patient dose reduction.
Intracellular zinc in insulin secretion and action: a determinant of diabetes risk?
Authors: Rutter Guy A. , Chabosseau Pauline , Bellomo Elisa A. , Maret Wolfgang , Mitchell Ryan K. , Hodson David J. , Solomou Antonia , Hu Ming
Published: September 2015

Zinc is an important micronutrient, essential in the diet to avoid a variety of conditions associated with malnutrition such as diarrhoea and alopecia. Lowered circulating levels of zinc are also found in diabetes mellitus, a condition which affects one in twelve of the adult population and whose treatments consume approximately 10 % of healthcare budgets. Zn2+ions are essential for a huge range of cellular functions and, in the specialised pancreatic β-cell, for the storage of insulin within the secretory granule. Correspondingly, genetic variants in theSLC30A8gene, which encodes the diabetes-associated granule-resident Zn2+transporter ZnT8, are associated with an altered risk of type 2 diabetes. Here, we focus on (i) recent advances in measuring free zinc concentrations dynamically in subcellular compartments, and (ii) studies dissecting the role of intracellular zinc in the control of glucose homeostasisin vitroandin vivo.We discuss the effects on insulin secretion and action of deleting or over-expressingSlc30a8highly selectively in the pancreatic β-cell, and the role of zinc in insulin signalling. While modulated by genetic variability, healthy levels of dietary zinc, and hence normal cellular zinc homeostasis, are likely to play an important role in the proper release and action of insulin to maintain glucose homeostasis and lower diabetes risk.
A game-theoretical approach for policing decision support
Authors: ESPEJO G. , L'HUILLIER G. , WEBER R.
Published: September 2015

Recently, many security-related problems have gained increasing attention from a quantitative perspective. In this paper, we propose a game-theoretical approach to model the interaction between police forces and delinquents in public places. In the well-known Stackelberg game, a leader is faced with only one follower. However, in our application, the police are simultaneously faced with many offenders, who may be organized or act independently of each other. This application motivates the development of two games: a classical leader-follower interaction between police and organized criminals on the one hand and a novel approach between the leader and selfishly acting offenders on the other. It is of special interest that the effect of crime displacement under police surveillance be anticipated by the proposed models. Results using data from a simulated environment emphasise how these models can provide decision support for policing outperforming traditional strategies.