bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macroporous Silica with Thick Framework for Steam‐Stable and High‐Performance Poly(ethyleneimine)/Silica CO2 Adsorbent
Authors: Min Kyungmin , Choi Woosung , Choi Minkee
Published: April 2017

Poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI)/silica has been widely studied as a solid adsorbent for post‐combustion CO2 capture. In this work, a highly macroporous silica (MacS), synthesized by secondary sintering of fumed silica, is compared with various mesoporous silicas with different pore structures as a support for PEI. The silicas with large pore diameter and volume enabled high CO2 adsorption kinetics and capacity, because pore occlusion by the supported PEI was minimized. The steam stability of the silica structures increased with the silica wall thickness owing to suppressed framework ripening. The silicas with low steam stability showed rapid leaching of PEI, which indicated that the PEI squeezed out of the collapsed silica pores leached more readily. Consequently, MacS that had an extra‐large pore volume (1.80 cm3 g−1) and pore diameter (56.0 nm), and a thick wall (>10 nm), showed the most promising CO2 adsorption kinetics and capacity as well as steam stability.
A Blue Diketopyrrolopyrrole Sensitizer with High Efficiency in Nickel‐Oxide‐based Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Farré Yoann , Raissi Mahfoudh , Fihey Arnaud , Pellegrin Yann , Blart Errol , Jacquemin Denis , Odobel Fabrice
Published: April 2017

We prepared a series of four new diketopyrrolopyrroles (DPPs)‐based sensitizers that exhibit high‐molar extinction coefficients, extended absorption into the long wavelengths, and well‐suited photoredox properties to act as sensitizers in p‐type dye‐sensitized solar cells (p‐DSSCs). These new DPP dyes, composed of a thienyl DPP core, are substituted on one end either by a thiophene carboxylic (Th) or a 4,4′‐[(phenyl)aza]dibenzoic acid as anchoring group and, on the other extremity, either by a proton or a naphthalene diimide (NDI) moiety. These new dyes were completely characterized by absorption and emission spectroscopy along with electrochemistry and they were modeled by time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) quantum chemical calculations. The photovoltaic study in p‐DSSC with iodine‐based electrolyte reveals that the Th‐DPP‐NDI dye is particularly efficient (Jsc=7.38 mA cm−2; Voc=147 mV; FF=0.32; η=0.35 %) and quite active in the low‐energy region of the solar spectrum (above 700 nm), where only a few NiO dyes are effective. To illustrate the potential of DPP dyes in photocathodes, we designed a highly efficient tandem DSSC composed of a TiO2 photoanode sensitized by the dye D35 and a NiO photocathode sensitized by Th‐DPP‐NDI. This tandem DSSC gives the highest performances ever reported (Jsc=6.73 mA cm−2; Voc=910 mV; η=4.1 %) and, importantly, the tandem cell outcompetes with the sub‐cells.
Determining the ultimate load of historic masonry arches by using eccentricity charts
Authors: Dunjic Viktor , Rudisch Andreas , Wittner Valentina , Malcher Benjamin , Kolbitsch Andreas
Published: April 2017

The eccentricity charts presented in this paper have been developed on the basis of experimental investigations in order to enable a realistic calculation method of the ultimate load of flat brickwork vaulted floors with standard structural software. The vault is modelled as a three‐hinged arch with eccentric hinges in order to thus represent the non‐linear behaviour of the load‐bearing structure. Furthermore the hinge configuration, which is adapted with the eccentricity charts, takes into account the degree of plastification of historic masonry, existing load‐induced damage, any displacement of the abutments and the location of the thrust line.

Two examples are described to explain the applicability of this method, and the results are compared with results from other modelling approaches. This makes clear that the eccentricity charts enable realistic structural analysis of flat brickwork vaults with various geometries and with highly efficient use of time.
A worldwide phylogeography of the whiteworm lichens Thamnolia reveals three lineages with distinct habitats and evolutionary histories
Authors: Onuţ‐Brännström Ioana , Tibell Leif , Johannesson Hanna
Published: April 2017

Thamnolia is a lichenized fungus with an extremely wide distribution, being encountered in arctic and alpine environments in most continents. In this study, we used molecular markers to investigate the population structure of the fungal symbiont and the associated photosynthetic partner of Thamnolia. By analyzing molecular, morphological, and chemical variation among 253 specimens covering the species distribution range, we revealed the existence of three mycobiont lineages. One lineage (Lineage A) is confined to the tundra region of Siberia and the Aleutian Islands, a second (Lineage B) is found in the high alpine region of the Alps and the Carpathians Mountains, and a third (Lineage C) has a worldwide distribution and covers both the aforementioned ecosystems. Molecular dating analysis indicated that the split of the three lineages is older than the last glacial maximum, but the distribution ranges and the population genetic analyses suggest an influence of last glacial period on the present‐day population structure of each lineage. We found a very low diversity of Lineage B, but a higher and similar one in Lineages A and C. Demographic analyses suggested that Lineage C has its origin in the Northern Hemisphere, possibly Scandinavia, and that it has passed through a bottleneck followed by a recent population expansion. While all three lineages reproduce clonally, recombination tests suggest rare or past recombination in both Lineages A and C. Moreover, our data showed that Lineage C has a comparatively low photobiont specificity, being found associated with four widespread Trebouxia lineages (three of them also shared with other lichens), while Lineages A and B exclusively harbor T. simplex s. lat. Finally, we did not find support for the recognition of taxa in Thamnolia based on either morphological or chemical characters.
Vegetation responses to an ecological water conveyance project in the lower reaches of the Heihe River basin
Authors: Zhang Shuhua , Ye Zhaoxia , Chen Yaning , Xu Yufeng
Published: April 2017

The lower reaches of the Heihe River basin (HHLR), which is located in arid and semiarid areas of Northwest China, has experienced severe environmental deterioration in the past several decades. The ecological water conveyance project was initiated by the Chinese Government in 2000 to address this degraded ecosystem.

In this paper, runoff, vegetation changes, and the relationship between runoff and vegetation in different regions were explored after the project, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), as a proxy of vegetation cover. For the entire lower reaches, NDVI and runoff exhibit an increasing trend after the project. In spatial, 44% of the vegetation‐covered area is significantly increased; whereas, 37% also exhibits an insignificant increasing trend. Moreover, 15% of the vegetation‐covered area shows an insignificant decreasing trend, and 5% exhibits a significant decrease. Overall, vegetation in HHLR improved after the ecological water conveyance project. The maximum time lag for NDVI along the east river and runoff from the east river, NDVI in the Ejina Oasis and runoff from the east river and the east canal, and NDVI along the west river and runoff from the west river was 4, 4, 3, and 6 years, respectively. However, runoff from last year had a significant influence on the current year's NDVI for the east river and the east canal. Meanwhile, autumn runoff shows a significant influence on the next year's NDVI, and spring runoff is important to the current year's NDVI. So we concluded that it is reasonable to convey more water into HHLR in autumn and spring.
Effects of lateral confinement in natural and leveed reaches of a gravel‐bed river: Snake River, Wyoming, USA
Authors: Leonard Christina , Legleiter Carl , Overstreet Brandon
Published: April 2017

This study examined the effects of natural and anthropogenic changes in confining margin width by applying remote sensing techniques – fusing LiDAR topography with image‐derived bathymetry – over a large spatial extent: 58 km of the Snake River, Wyoming, USA. Fused digital elevation models from 2007 and 2012 were differenced to quantify changes in the volume of stored sediment, develop morphological sediment budgets, and infer spatial gradients in bed material transport. Our study spanned two similar reaches that were subject to different controls on confining margin width: natural terraces versus artificial levees. Channel planform in reaches with similar slope and confining margin width differed depending on whether the margins were natural or anthropogenic. The effects of tributaries also differed between the two reaches. Generally, the natural reach featured greater confining margin widths and was depositional, whereas artificial lateral constriction in the leveed reach produced a sediment budget that was closer to balanced. Although our remote sensing methods provided topographic data over a large area, net volumetric changes were not statistically significant due to the uncertainty associated with bed elevation estimates. We therefore focused on along‐channel spatial differences in bed material transport rather than absolute volumes of sediment. To complement indirect estimates of sediment transport derived by morphological sediment budgeting, we collected field data on bed mobility through a tracer study. Surface and subsurface grain size measurements were combined with bed mobility observations to calculate armoring and dimensionless sediment transport ratios, which indicated that sediment supply exceeded transport capacity in the natural reach and vice versa in the leveed reach. We hypothesize that constriction by levees induced an initial phase of incision and bed armoring. Because levees prevented bank erosion, the channel excavated sediment by migrating rapidly across the restricted braidplain and eroding bars and islands. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Melanocortin 4 Receptor Activation Attenuates Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Skeletal Muscle of Diabetic Rats
Authors: Zhang Hao‐Hao , Liu Jiao , Qin Gui‐Jun , Li Xia‐Lian , Du Pei‐Jie , Hao Xiao , Zhao Di , Tian Tian , Wu Jing , Yun Meng , Bai Yan‐Hui
Published: April 2017

A previous study has confirmed that the central melanocortin system was able to mediate skeletal muscle AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in mice fed a high‐fat diet, while activation of the AMPK signaling pathway significantly induced mitochondrial biogenesis. Our hypothesis was that melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) was involved in the development of skeletal muscle injury in diabetic rats. In this study, we treated diabetic rats intracerebroventricularly with MC4R agonist R027‐3225 or antagonist SHU9119, respectively. Then, we measured the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH), the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and mitochondrial biogenesis, and the protein levels of p‐AMPK, AMPK, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in the skeletal muscle of diabetic rats. The results showed that there was significant skeletal muscle injury in the diabetic rats along with serious oxidative stress and decreased mitochondrial biogenesis. Treatment with R027‐3225 reduced oxidative stress and induced mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle, and also activated the AMPK‐SIRT1‐PGC‐1α signaling pathway. However, diabetic rats injected with MC4R antagonist SHU9119 showed an aggravated oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle. In conclusion, our results revealed that MC4R activation was able to attenuate oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle induced by diabetes partially through activating the AMPK‐SIRT1‐PGC‐1α signaling pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4072–4079, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Osajin Inhibits Solar UV‐Induced Cyclooxygenase‐2 Expression Through Direct Inhibition of RSK2
Authors: Kim Jong‐Eun , Heo Yong‐Seok , Lee Ki Won
Published: April 2017

Solar ultraviolet light (sUV) has been shown to promote the development of skin disorders including inflammation, photoaging, and skin carcinogenesis. Osajin is the major bioactive isoflavone present in the fruit of Maclura pomifera, commonly referred to as the Osage orange. In this study, we observed that osajin inhibited sUV‐induced cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 protein expression in both HaCaT and JB6 cells. COX‐2 is a major mediator of skin inflammation. sUV activated the transcription factors nuclear factor‐κB and activator protein‐1 which, in turn, induces COX‐2 expression. Osajin inhibited transactivation of these transcription factors. We identified RSK2 as an inhibitory target of osajin by screening against 68 kinases related to inflammation. Osajin binds with RSK2 directly in an ATP‐competitive manner. Computer modeling simulated a plausible binding orientation between osajin and RSK2. Osajin inhibited sUV‐induced phosphorylation of histone H3, a substrate of RSK2. However, sUV‐induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases, p38 kinase, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and Akt, which are signaling factors upstream of RSK2, was unchanged in the presence of osajin. The anti‐inflammatory effects and molecular mechanism of osajin suggest that it may have utility as a functional food for skin health and cosmetic ingredient. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4080–4087, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Molecular Docking and Dynamics Approach to Screen Potent Inhibitors Against Fosfomycin Resistant Enzyme in Clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Thirumal Kumar D. , Lavanya P. , George Priya Doss C. , Tayubi Iftikhar Aslam , Naveen Kumar D. R , Francis Yesurajan I. , Siva R. , Balaji V.
Published: April 2017

Klebsiella pneumoniae, BA6753 was cultured from a patient in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of Christian Medical College. K. pneumoniae, BA6753 has a multidrug resistance plasmid encoding novel FosA variant‐7, fosfomycin resistance enzyme. Minimal side effects and a wide range of bactericidal activity of fosfomycin have resulted in its expanded clinical use that prompts the rise of fosfomycin‐resistant strains. At present, there are no effective inhibitors available to conflict the FosA‐medicated fosfomycin resistance. To develop effective FosA inhibitors, it is crucial to understand the structural and dynamic properties of resistance enzymes. Hence, the present study focuses on the identification of potent inhibitors that can effectively bind to the fosfomycin resistance enzyme, thus predispose the target to inactivate by the second antibiotic. Initially, a series of active compounds were screened against the resistant enzyme, and the binding affinities were confirmed using docking simulation analysis. For efficient activity, the binding affinity of the resistance enzyme ought to be high with the inhibitor than the fosfomycin drug. Consequently, the enzyme‐ligand complex which showed higher binding affinity than the fosfomycin was employed for subsequent analysis. The stability of the top scoring enzyme‐ligand complex was further validated using molecular dynamics simulation studies. On the whole, we presume that the compound 19583672 demonstrates a higher binding affinity for the resistance enzyme comparing to other compounds and fosfomycin. We believe that further enhancement of the lead compound can serve as a potential inhibitor against resistance enzyme in drug discovery process. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4088–4094, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spermicidal efficacy of VRP, a synthetic cationic antimicrobial peptide, inducing apoptosis and membrane disruption
Authors: Ghosh Prasanta , Bhoumik Arpita , Saha Sudipta , Mukherjee Sandipan , Azmi Sarfuddin , Ghosh Jimut K. , Dungdung Sandhya R.
Published: April 2017

Presently available contraceptives are mostly hormonal or detergent in nature with numerous side effects like irritation, lesion, inflammation in vagina, alteration of body homeostasis, etc. Antimicrobial peptides with spermicidal activity but without adverse effects may be suitable alternatives. In the present study, spermicidal activity of a cationic antimicrobial peptide VRP on human spermatozoa has been elucidated. Progressive forward motility of human spermatozoa was instantly stopped after 100 μM VRP treatment and at 350 μM, all kinds of sperm motility ceased within 20 s as assessed by the Sander–Cramer assay. The spermicidal effect was confirmed by eosin–nigrosin assay and HOS test. VRP treatment (100 μM) in human spermatozoa induced both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis. TUNEL assay showed VRP treatment significantly disrupted the DNA integrity and changed the mitochondrial membrane permeability as evident from MPTP assay. AFM and SEM results depicted ultra structural changes including disruption of the acrosomal cap and plasma membrane of the head and midpiece region after treatment with 350 μM VRP. MTT assay showed after treatments with 100 and 350 μM of VRP for 24 hr, a substantial amount of Lactobacillus acidophilus (about 90% and 75%, respectively) remained viable. Hence, VRP being a small synthetic peptide with antimicrobial and spermicidal activity but tolerable to normal vaginal microflora, may be a suitable target for elucidating its contraceptive potentiality.
Platelet‐derived microparticles regulates thrombin generation via phophatidylserine in abdominal sepsis
Authors: Wang Yongzhi , Zhang Su , Luo Lingtao , Norström Eva , Braun Oscar Ö , Mörgelin Matthias , Thorlacius Henrik
Published: April 2017

Sepsis is associated with dysfunctional coagulation. Recent data suggest that platelets play a role in sepsis by promoting neutrophil accumulation. Herein, we show that cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) triggered systemic inflammation, which is characterized by formation of IL‐6 and CXC chemokines as well as neutrophil accumulation in the lung. Platelet depletion decreased neutrophil accumulation, IL‐6, and CXC chemokines formation in septic lungs. Depletion of platelets increased peak thrombin formation and total thrombin generation (TG) in plasma from septic animals. CLP elevated circulating levels of platelet‐derived microparticles (PMPs). In vitro generated PMPs were a potent inducer of TG. Interestingly, in vitro wild‐type recombinant annexin V abolished PMP‐induced thrombin formation whereas a mutant annexin V protein, which does not bind to phosphatidylserine (PS), had no effect. Administration of wild‐type, but not mutant annexin V, significantly inhibited thrombin formation in septic animals. Moreover, CLP‐induced formation of thrombin‐antithrombin complexes were reduced in platelet‐depleted mice and in animals pretreated with annexin V. PMP‐induced TG attenuated in FXII‐ and FVII‐deficient plasma. These findings suggest that sepsis‐induced TG is dependent on platelets. Moreover, PMPs formed in sepsis are a potent inducer of TG via PS exposure, and activation of both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of coagulation. In conclusion, these observations suggest that PMPs and PS play an important role in dysfunctional coagulation in abdominal sepsis.
Leucine elicits myotube hypertrophy and enhances maximal contractile force in tissue engineered skeletal muscle in vitro
Authors: Martin Neil R.W. , Turner Mark C. , Farrington Robert , Player Darren J. , Lewis Mark P.
Published: April 2017

The amino acid leucine is thought to be important for skeletal muscle growth by virtue of its ability to acutely activate mTORC1 and enhance muscle protein synthesis, yet little data exist regarding its impact on skeletal muscle size and its ability to produce force. We utilized a tissue engineering approach in order to test whether supplementing culture medium with leucine could enhance mTORC1 signaling, myotube growth, and muscle function. Phosphorylation of the mTORC1 target proteins 4EBP‐1 and rpS6 and myotube hypertrophy appeared to occur in a dose dependent manner, with 5 and 20 mM of leucine inducing similar effects, which were greater than those seen with 1 mM. Maximal contractile force was also elevated with leucine supplementation; however, although this did not appear to be enhanced with increasing leucine doses, this effect was completely ablated by co‐incubation with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin, showing that the augmented force production in the presence of leucine was mTOR sensitive. Finally, by using electrical stimulation to induce chronic (24 hr) contraction of engineered skeletal muscle constructs, we were able to show that the effects of leucine and muscle contraction are additive, since the two stimuli had cumulative effects on maximal contractile force production. These results extend our current knowledge of the efficacy of leucine as an anabolic nutritional aid showing for the first time that leucine supplementation may augment skeletal muscle functional capacity, and furthermore validates the use of engineered skeletal muscle for highly‐controlled investigations into nutritional regulation of muscle physiology.
Trends in immediate breast reconstruction and early complication rates among older women: A big data analysis
Authors: Kamali Parisa , Curiel Daniel , van Veldhuisen Charlotte L. , Bucknor Alexandra E.M. , Lee Bernard T. , Rakhorst Hinne A. , Lin Samuel J.
Published: April 2017

Background

Although approximately 57% of breast cancer (BC) diagnoses are in older patients (>60 years), only 4.1‐14% receives breast reconstruction (BR). This has been attributed to physician concerns about operative complications. This paper aims to: 1) analyze the 30‐day complication rates in the older patient population undergoing immediate breast reconstruction (IBR); and 2) analyze links between complication type and category of reconstruction.

Methods

Using the ACS‐NSQIP database (2005‐2014), all women older than 60 years of age diagnosed with BC and DCIS were identified. IBR and complication rates were plotted for all ages. Patients were divided into those with and those without complications. Patient demographics and co‐morbidities were compared. Complications within each type of reconstruction were analyzed.

Results

Of the 4450 BC and 1104 DCIS patients, 22.3% (BC) and 20.9% (DCIS) had complications. IBR decreased significantly with increased age (P < 0.00 in both cohorts), while complication rates remained stable across all ages (P = 0.32 in BC, P = 0.69 in DCIS patients). Patients were well matched in terms of demographics.

Conclusions

The rates of breast reconstruction decrease with increasing age. Despite increasing age, associated complication rates in IBR patients remained stable.
Clinical accuracy of preoperative breast MRI for breast cancer
Authors: Tseng Jennifer , Kyrillos Alexandra , Liederbach Erik , Spear Georgia G. , Ecanow Jacob , Wang Chi‐Hsiung , Czechura Tom , Kantor Olga , Miller Megan , Winchester David J. , Pesce Catherine E. , Rabbitt Sarah , Yao Katharine
Published: April 2017

Background

It is unclear if breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more accurate than mammography (MGM) and ultrasound (U/S) in aggregate for patients with invasive cancer.

Methods

We compared concordance of combined tumor size and tumor foci between MRI and MGM and U/S combined to pathological tumor size and foci as the gold standard from 2009 to 2015. Tumor size was nonconcordant if it differed from the pathologic size by ≥33% and tumor foci was nonconcordant if >1 foci were seen. If one or both of the MGM or U/S was nonconcordant and the MRI was concordant, MRI provided greater accuracy.

Results

Of 471 patients with MGM, US, and MRI, MRI was more accurate for 32.9% of patients for tumor size and for 21.9% for tumor foci. Patients for whom MRI had greater accuracy were compared to those who did not for clinical and tumor factors. The only significant factor was calcifications on mammography. Tumor size, stage, molecular subtype, histology, grade, patient BMI, age, mammographic density, and use of hormone replacement therapy were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Breast MRI provides greater accuracy for a third of patients undergoing preoperative MGM and U/S. Mammographic calcifications were associated with MRI clinical accuracy for patients with invasive cancer.
Influence of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on resection of primary colorectal liver metastases: A propensity score analysis
Authors: Strowitzki Moritz J. , Schmidt Thomas , Keppler Ulrich , Ritter Alina S. , Mahmoud Sarah , Klose Johannes , Mihaljevic André L. , Schneider Martin , Büchler Markus W. , Ulrich Alexis B.
Published: April 2017

Background and Objectives

There is ongoing debate about whether patients planned for liver resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC). Therefore, we performed a retrospective survival analysis of patients with and without NC prior to surgery.

Methods

Data prospectively collected from 468 consecutive patients were analyzed in a retrospective design. We performed a survival analysis and added propensity score matching (PSM). Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to determine independent prognostic risk factors.

Results

NC was performed in 145/468 patients. NC did not have a significant influence on overall survival (OS) either before or after PSM. Patients receiving NC showed increased complication rates, especially concerning non‐surgical complications after primary resection (P = 0.025) of CRLM. Multivariate analysis before and after PSM revealed that the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) score and CEA values are strong predictors for OS in patients with CRLM.

Conclusions

NC was not associated with increased OS in patients suffering from CRLM. Additionally, potentially harmful chemotherapy prior to surgery increases the risk of postoperative complications in these patients.
Postoperative complications affect long‐term outcomes after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Lee Lawrence , Alie‐Cusson Fanny , Dubé Pierre , Sideris Lucas
Published: April 2017

Background and Objectives

Morbidity after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC) for colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) may negatively affect survival. The objective was to determine the impact of postoperative complications (CX) on survival in patients undergoing CRS + HIPEC for colorectal PC.

Methods

All patients undergoing laparotomy for planned CRS + HIPEC for colorectal PC at a single institution from 1999 to 2014 were included. Patients were divided into three groups: CRS + HIPEC without CX (+HIPEC−CX); CRS + HIPEC with postoperative complication (+HIPEC + CX); and aborted CRS and HIPEC due to unresectable disease (−HIPEC). Postoperative morbidity were defined as Clavien II+ complications. Kaplan‐Meier survival analyses and multivariable Cox proportional hazard modeling were used to describe the disease‐free (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

One hundred and twenty‐two patients were included in the analysis (50 +HIPEC − CX, 40 +HIPEC + CX, 32‐HIPEC). Overall complication rate was 42%. OS at 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐years in patients undergoing successful CRS + HIPEC were 97%, 67%, and 45%. CX after successful CRS + HIPEC was independently associated with worsened OS (HR1.58, 95%CI, 1.19‐1.97) but not DFS (HR1.11, 95%CI, 0.56‐2.20). PCI also independently predicted worsened DFS (HR1.12, 95%CI, 1.06‐1.18) and OS (HR1.08, 95%CI, 1.04‐1.12). Patients with unresectable disease had significantly worse OS (HR6.50, 95%CI, 1.37‐7.01).

Conclusions

CX after CRS + HIPEC significantly affect OS. Patient selection and perioperative care are of paramount importance in the management of CRS + HIPEC for colorectal PC.
Understanding the functionality of lipid‐based materials under large‐amplitude nonlinear deformations
Authors: Macias‐Rodriguez Braulio A. , Marangoni Alejandro G.
Published: April 2017

Lipid‐based materials meet many functions such as oil binding, lubricity and rheology. In this article, we focus on their rheological function, specifically in nonlinear viscoelastic properties, which we characterize using a novel approach known as large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS). We summarize recent works on this area and show that this technique has potential for providing invaluable insights into the functionality and perception of lipid‐based materials during their application process.
Comparing catheter‐related bloodstream infections in pediatric and adult cancer patients
Authors: Zakhour Ramia , Hachem Ray , Alawami Hussain M. , Jiang Ying , Michael Majd , Chaftari Anne‐Marie , Raad Issam
Published: April 2017

Objective

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are essential to treatment of children with cancer. There are no studies comparing catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in pediatric cancer patients to those in adults, although current guidelines for management of CRBSI do not give separate guidelines for the pediatric population. In this study, we compared CRBSIs in both the pediatric and adult cancer population.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 92 pediatric and 156 adult patients with CRBSI cared for at MD Anderson Cancer Center between September 2005 and March 2014.

Results

We evaluated 248 patients with CRBSI. There was a significant difference in etiology of CRBSI between pediatric and adult patients (P = 0.002), with the former having less Gram‐negative organisms (27 vs. 46%) and more polymicrobial infections (10 vs. 1%, P = 0.003). Pediatric patients had less hematologic malignancies (58 vs. 74%) and less neutropenia at presentation (40 vs. 54%) when compared with adult patients. Peripheral blood cultures were available in only 43% of pediatric cases. CVC was removed in 64% of pediatric cases versus 88% of adult cases (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

We found higher rates of Gram‐negative organisms in adults and higher rates of polymicrobial in children. Because of the low rates of peripheral blood cultures and the low rates of CVC removal, CRBSI diagnosis could be challenging in pediatrics. A modified CRBSI definition relying more on clinical criteria may be warranted.
Failure of MIBG scan to detect metastases in SDHB‐mutated pediatric metastatic pheochromocytoma
Authors: Sait Sameer , Pandit‐Taskar Neeta , Modak Shakeel
Published: April 2017

123I‐meta‐iodo benzyl guanidine (MIBG) scans are considered the gold standard imaging in neuroblastoma; however, flouro deoxy glucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) scans have increased sensitivity in adults with pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. We describe a pediatric patient initially considered to have localized neuroblastoma based on anatomical imaging and 123I‐MIBG scan, but subsequent investigations revealed germline succinate dehydrogenase complex iron sulfur subunit B (SDHB) mutation–associated pheochromocytoma with multiple FDG‐avid skeletal metastases. We then compared 123I‐MIBG and FDG‐PET scans in children with metastatic pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. FDG‐PET was superior to 123I‐MIBG scan for the detection of skeletal metastases (median number of skeletal lesions detected 10 [range 1–30] vs. 2 [range 1–26], respectively; P = 0.005 by t‐test). FDG‐PET should be considered the functional scan of choice in children with pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma.
Functional validation of the oncogenic cooperativity and targeting potential of tuberous sclerosis mutation in medulloblastoma using a MYC‐amplified model cell line
Authors: Henderson Jacob J. , Wagner Jacob P. , Hofmann Nicolle E. , Eide Christopher A. , Cho Yoon‐Jae , Druker Brian J. , Davare Monika A.
Published: April 2017

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood. To identify targetable vulnerabilities, we employed inhibitor screening that revealed mTOR inhibitor hypersensitivity in the MYC‐overexpressing medulloblastoma cell line, D341. Concomitant exome sequencing unveiled an uncharacterized missense mutation, TSC2A415V, in these cells. We biochemically demonstrate that the TSC2A415V mutation is functionally deleterious, leading to shortened half‐life and proteasome‐mediated protein degradation. These data suggest that MYC cooperates with activated kinase pathways, enabling pharmacologic intervention in these treatment refractory tumors. We propose that identification of activated kinase pathways may allow for tailoring targeted therapy to improve survival and treatment‐related morbidity in medulloblastoma.
Altered protein expression pattern in colon tissue of mice upon supplementation with distinct selenium compounds
Authors: Rahn Jette , Lennicke Claudia , Kipp Anna P. , Müller Andreas S. , Wessjohann Ludger A. , Lichtenfels Rudolf , Seliger Barbara
Published: April 2017

The essential trace element selenium (Se) is controversially discussed concerning its role in health and disease. Its various physiological functions are largely mediated by Se incorporation in the catalytic center of selenoproteins. In order to gain insights into the impact of Se deficiency and of supplementation with different Se compounds (selenite, selenate, selenomethionine) at defined concentrations (recommended, 150 μg/kg diet; excessive, 750 μg/kg diet) in murine colon tissues, a 20‐week feeding experiment was performed followed by analysis of the protein expression pattern of colon tissue specimens by 2D‐DIGE and MALDI‐TOF MS. Using this approach, 24 protein spots were identified to be significantly regulated by the different Se compounds. These included the antioxidant enzyme peroxiredoxin‐5 (PRDX5), proteins with binding capabilities, such as cofilin‐1 (COF1), calmodulin, and annexin A2 (ANXA2), and proteins involved in catalytic processes, such as 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD). Furthermore, the Se compounds demonstrated a differential impact on the expression of the identified proteins. Selected target structures were validated by qPCR and Western blot which mainly confirmed the proteomic profiling data. Thus, novel Se‐regulated proteins in colon tissues have been identified, which expand our understanding of the physiologic role of Se in colon tissue.
How "Godzilla" El Niño Affected Tropical Fish in Low-Oxygen Zone
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: April 2017

A warm period unexpectedly boosted some species of fish larvae off the coast of Mexico.
What Led to the Largest Volcanic Eruption in Human History?
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: April 2017

A mineral-dating project at the Toba caldera in Indonesia sheds light on the science of supereruptions.
Hydrogen Molecules Hint at Habitability of Enceladus's Ocean
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: April 2017

Scientists suggest that the hydrogen could be evidence of hydrothermal activity on the ocean floor of Saturn's sixth largest moon.
Transcriptional regulatory networks underlying the reprogramming of spermatogonial stem cells to multipotent stem cells
Authors: Jeong Hoe-Su , Bhin Jinhyuk , Joon Kim Hyung , Hwang Daehee , Ryul Lee Dong , Kim Kye-Seong
Published: April 2017

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are germline stem cells located along the basement membrane of seminiferous tubules in testes. Recently, SSCs were shown to be reprogrammed into multipotent SSCs (mSSCs). However, both the key factors and biological networks underlying this reprogramming remain elusive. Here, we present transcriptional regulatory networks (TRNs) that control cellular processes related to the SSC-to-mSSC reprogramming. Previously, we established intermediate SSCs (iSSCs) undergoing the transition to mSSCs and generated gene expression profiles of SSCs, iSSCs and mSSCs. By comparing these profiles, we identified 2643 genes that were up-regulated during the reprogramming process and 15 key transcription factors (TFs) that regulate these genes. Using the TF-target relationships, we developed TRNs describing how these TFs regulate three pluripotency-related processes (cell proliferation, stem cell maintenance and epigenetic regulation) during the reprogramming. The TRNs showed that 4 of the 15 TFs (Oct4/Pou5f1, Cux1, Zfp143 and E2f4) regulated cell proliferation during the early stages of reprogramming, whereas 11 TFs (Oct4/Pou5f1, Foxm1, Cux1, Zfp143, Trp53, E2f4, Esrrb, Nfyb, Nanog, Sox2 and Klf4) regulated the three pluripotency-related processes during the late stages of reprogramming. Our TRNs provide a model for the temporally coordinated transcriptional regulation of pluripotency-related processes during the SSC-to-mSSC reprogramming, which can be further tested in detailed functional studies.
One-step hydrothermal treatment to fabricate Bi2WO6-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for enhanced visible light photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Chen Saibo , Nan Hao , Zhang Xuan , Yan Yuting , Zhou Zhou , Zhang Ying , Wang Kun
Published: April 2017

Bi2WO6 functionalized reduced oxide nanocomposites were prepared by a one-step solvothermal method and their photoelectrochemical performance was greatly improved.
Understanding the role of lithium sulfide clusters in lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Yu Tong , Li Fei , Liu Chunyu , Zhang Shoutao , Xu Haiyang , Yang Guochun
Published: April 2017

Our results represent a significant step towards understanding the structures and stabilities of lithium sulfide clusters, and improving the performance of Li–S batteries.
Silicon carboxylate derived silicon oxycarbides as anodes for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Tahir M. S. , Weinberger M. , Balasubramanian P. , Diemant T. , Behm R. J. , Lindén M. , Wohlfahrt-Mehrens M.
Published: April 2017

Silicon carboxylate derived silicon oxycarbides were successfully prelithiated with high amounts of stabilized lithium metal powders (SLMP®).
Atomic layer deposited tantalum oxide to anchor Pt/C for a highly stable catalyst in PEMFCs
Authors: Song Zhongxin , Wang Biqiong , Cheng Niancai , Yang Lijun , Banham Dustin , Li Ruying , Ye Siyu , Sun Xueliang
Published: April 2017

Pt/C catalysts with high stability can be realized by selective-area atomic layer deposition of TaOxanchors.
Synthesis of mordenite nanosheets with shortened channel lengths and enhanced catalytic activity
Authors: Ma Meng , Huang Xiumin , Zhan Ensheng , Zhou Yan , Xue Huifu , Shen Wenjie
Published: April 2017

HMOR nanosheets with a thickness of 20–40 nm greatly facilitated the diffusion of molecules inside the micropores and significantly enhanced the reaction rate of DME carbonylation.
Ubiquitin and Parkinson's disease through the looking glass of genetics
Authors: Walden Helen , Muqit Miratul M.K.
Published: April 2017

Biochemical alterations found in the brains of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients indicate that cellular stress is a major driver of dopaminergic neuronal loss. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ER stress lead to impairment of the homeostatic regulation of protein quality control pathways with a consequent increase in protein misfolding and aggregation and failure of the protein degradation machinery. Ubiquitin signalling plays a central role in protein quality control; however, prior to genetic advances, the detailed mechanisms of how impairment in the ubiquitin system was linked to PD remained mysterious. The discovery of mutations in the α-synuclein gene, which encodes the main protein misfolded in PD aggregates, together with mutations in genes encoding ubiquitin regulatory molecules, including PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), Parkin, and FBX07, has provided an opportunity to dissect out the molecular basis of ubiquitin signalling disruption in PD, and this knowledge will be critical for developing novel therapeutic strategies in PD that target the ubiquitin system.
1,N6-α-hydroxypropanoadenine, the acrolein adduct to adenine, is a substrate for AlkB dioxygenase
Authors: Dylewska Małgorzata , Kuśmierek Jarosław T. , Pilżys Tomasz , Poznański Jarosław , Maciejewska Agnieszka M.
Published: April 2017

1,N6-α-hydroxypropanoadenine (HPA) is an exocyclic DNA adduct of acrolein – an environmental pollutant and endocellular oxidative stress product. Escherichia coli AlkB dioxygenase belongs to the superfamily of α-ketoglutarate (αKG)- and iron-dependent dioxygenases which remove alkyl lesions from bases via an oxidative mechanism, thereby restoring native DNA structure. Here, we provide in vivo and in vitro evidence that HPA is mutagenic and is effectively repaired by AlkB dioxygenase. HPA generated in plasmid DNA caused A → C and A → T transversions and, less frequently, A → G transitions. The lesion was efficiently repaired by purified AlkB protein; the optimal pH, Fe(II), and αKG concentrations for this reaction were determined. In vitro kinetic data show that the protonated form of HPA is preferentially repaired by AlkB, albeit the reaction is stereoselective. Moreover, the number of reaction cycles carried out by an AlkB molecule remains limited. Molecular modeling of the T(HPA)T/AlkB complex demonstrated that the R stereoisomer in the equatorial conformation of the HPA hydroxyl group is strongly preferred, while the S stereoisomer seems to be susceptible to AlkB-directed oxidative hydroxylation only when HPA adopts the syn conformation around the glycosidic bond. In addition to the biochemical activity assays, substrate binding to the protein was monitored by differential scanning fluorimetry allowing identification of the active protein form, with cofactor and cosubstrate bound, and monitoring of substrate binding. In contrast FTO, a human AlkB homolog, failed to bind an ssDNA trimer carrying HPA.
The relationship between circulating irisin levels and tissues AGE accumulation in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Li Zhu , Wang Gang , Zhu Yan-juan , Li Chen-guang , Tang Yun-zhao , Jiang Zhen-huan , Yang Min , Ni Chang-Lin , Chen Li-ming , Niu Wen-yan
Published: April 2017

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), measured by skin autofluorescence (AF), are a factor in the development or worsening of many degenerative diseases, such as diabetes and atherosclerosis. Irisin levels have been associated with diabetes, endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether circulating irisin levels are correlated with skin AF values in type 2 diabetes patients. A total of 362 Chinese type 2 diabetic patients and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited in the present study. Clinical characteristics, blood biochemistry and circulating irisin levels were measured. Skin AF was measured using an AGE reader. Circulating irisin levels were significantly lower, while skin AF values were increased in type 2 diabetes compared with controls (P<0.05 respectively). By dividing the distribution of skin AF values into tertiles, serum irisin levels gradually lowered with increasing skin AF values (P<0.05). After adjusting for covariates, multivariate stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that serum lower irisin levels were independently associated with skin AF (P=0.009). Circulating irisin levels were lower in type 2 diabetes patients compared with healthy controls. Lower levels of irisin are independently associated with elevated skin AF values, indicating that circulating irisin levels could be associated with AGEs accumulation, which is one of the reasons causing vascular complications in diabetic patients.
High‐sensitivity OAM phase gradient detection based on time‐modulated harmonic characteristic analysis
Authors: Chen Jingfeng , Liang Xianling , He Chong , Geng Junping , Jin Ronghong
Published: April 2017

A novel phase gradient method for detecting orbital angular momentum modes is proposed. By utilising a two‐element time‐modulated array, the phase gradient of the received signal is estimated through analysing the modulated harmonic component. The bit error rate performances are evaluated using Monte‐Carlo simulation. Results show that the sensitivity strongly depends on the number of sampling modulation pulses. Compared with the conventional phase gradient receiver, the proposed method obviously enhances the performance of detection.
Improved facial expression recognition using graph signal processing
Authors: Meena H.K. , Sharma K.K. , Joshi S.D.
Published: April 2017

A novel method of facial expression recognition using graph signal processing (GSP) is proposed. Here the dimensionality of the feature vector of the facial expression based on the histogram of oriented gradients and discrete wavelet transform is reduced using the GSP and then applied to a classifier. The proposed scheme is compared with the existing methods on the JAFFE dataset in terms of the accuracy and the length of the feature vector. It is seen from the simulation results that the proposed scheme provides better accuracy than the existing methods.
Field and inductance calculations for coaxial circular coils with magnetic cores of finite length and constant permeability
Authors: Luo Yao
Published: April 2017

A circular coil equipped with magnetic core of finite length and constant permeability is difficult to analyse by traditional analytical methods in consequence of the complicated boundary conditions. The difficulties can be overcome by using the truncated region eigenfunction expansion method, and with the aid of a special source function K(z) introduced in the work, this method can be simplified remarkably and concise expressions of the inductance of coils with magnetic cores are obtained. In addition, the calculations can be extended readily to a pair of coaxial coils with magnetic cores of finite length and different permeability. The eigenvalues and inversions of matrices are implemented numerically in the solving process, while most of calculations are accomplished by analytic integrations and matrix algebra, by which the deduced expressions are quite suitable for numerical evaluations. The proposed method is verified by the numerical results compared with those of finite‐element method simulations, from which it is confirmed that the proposed method is much faster and more memory efficient.
No‐reference quality measure in brain MRI images using binary operations, texture and set analysis
Authors: Osadebey Michael , Pedersen Marius , Arnold Douglas , Wendel‐Mitoraj Katrina
Published: April 2017

The authors propose a new application‐specific, post‐acquisition quality evaluation method for brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. The domain of a MRI slice is regarded as universal set. Four feature images; greyscale, local entropy, local contrast and local standard deviation are extracted from the slice and transformed into the binary domain. Each feature image is regarded as a set enclosed by the universal set. Four qualities attribute; lightness, contrast, sharpness and texture details are described by four different combinations of feature sets. In an ideal MRI slice, the four feature sets are identically equal. Degree of distortion in real MRI slice is quantified by fidelity between the sets that describe a quality attribute. Noise is the fifth quality attribute and is described by the slice Euler number region property. Total quality score is the weighted sum of the five quality scores. The authors' proposed method addresses current challenges in image quality evaluation. It is simple, easy‐to‐use and easy‐to‐understand. Incorporation of binary transformation in the proposed method reduces computational and operational complexity of the algorithm. They provide experimental results that demonstrate efficacy of their proposed method on good quality images and on common distortions in MRI images of the brain.