bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenol‐yne Click Polymerization: An Efficient Technique to Facilely Access Regio‐ and Stereoregular Poly(vinylene ether ketone)s
Authors: Shi Yang , Bai Tianwen , Bai Wei , Wang Zhe , Chen Ming , Yao Bicheng , Sun Jing Zhi , Qin Anjun , Ling Jun , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: July 2017

Alkyne‐based click polymerizations have been well‐established. However, in order to expand the family to synthesize polymers with new structures and novel properties, new types of click polymerizations are highly demanded. In this study, for the first time, we established a new efficient and powerful phenol‐yne click polymerization. The activated diynes and diphenols could be facilely polymerized in the presence of the Lewis base catalyst of 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) under mild reaction conditions. Regio‐ and stereoregular poly(vinylene ether ketone)s (PVEKs) with high molecular weights (up to 35 200) were obtained in excellent yields (up to 99.0 %). The reaction mechanism was well explained under the assistance of density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Furthermore, since the vinyl ether sequence acts as a stable but acid‐liable linkage, the polymers could be decomposed under acid conditions, rendering them applicable in biomedical and environmental fields.
Exploiting Pincer Ligands to Perturb the Geometry at Boron
Authors: Huang Kexuan , Dutton Jason L. , Martin Caleb D.
Published: July 2017

Boranes are ubiquitous in synthesis and materials but advancements in their development have been primarily restricted to the geometric energetic minima, trigonal planar complexes. This report discloses a class of boranes with expanded bond angles achieved by taking advantage of the structural rigidity of tridentate pincer ligands. The bonding of these novel boranes is investigated by X‐ray crystallography and computationally.
Distributed environment for efficient virtual machine image management in federated Cloud architectures
Authors: Kimovski Dragi , Marosi Attila , Gec Sandi , Saurabh Nishant , Kertesz Attila , Kecskemeti Gabor , Stankovski Vlado , Prodan Radu
Published: July 2017

The use of virtual machines (VMs) in Cloud computing provides various benefits in the overall software engineering lifecycle. These include efficient elasticity mechanisms resulting in higher resource utilization and lower operational costs. The VMs as software artifacts are created using provider‐specific templates, called virtual machine images (VMI), and are stored in proprietary or public repositories for further use. However, some technology‐specific choices can limit the interoperability among various Cloud providers and bundle the VMIs with nonessential or redundant software packages, leading to increased storage size, prolonged VMI delivery, stagnant VMI instantiation, and ultimately vendor lock‐in. To address these challenges, we present a set of novel functionalities and design approaches for efficient operation of distributed VMI repositories, specifically tailored for enabling (1) simplified creation of lightweight and size optimized VMIs tuned for specific application requirements; (2) multi‐objective VMI repository optimization; and (3) efficient reasoning mechanism to help optimizing complex VMI operations. The evaluation results confirm that the presented approaches can enable VMI size reduction by up to 55%, while trimming the image creation time by 66%. Furthermore, the repository optimization algorithms can reduce the VMI delivery time by up to 51% and cut down the storage expenses by 3%. Moreover, by implementing replication strategies, the optimization algorithms can increase the system reliability by 74%.
The Structure of Ethylbenzene, Styrene and Phenylacetylene Determined by Total Neutron Scattering
Authors: Szala‐Bilnik Joanna , Falkowska Marta , Bowron Daniel T. , Hardacre Christopher , Youngs Tristan G. A.
Published: July 2017

Organic solvents such as phenylacetylene, styrene and ethylbenzene are widely used in industrial processes, especially in the production of rubber or thermoplastics. Despite their important applications detailed knowledge about their structure is limited. In this paper the structures of these three aromatic solvents were investigated using neutron diffraction. The results show that many of their structural characteristics are similar, although the structure of phenylacetylene is more ordered and has a smaller solvation sphere than either ethylbenzene or styrene. Two regions within the first coordination sphere, in which the surrounding molecules show different preferable orientations with respect to the central molecule, were found for each liquid. Additionally, the localisation of the aliphatic chains reveals that they tend to favour closer interactions with each other than to the aromatic rings of the adjacent molecules.
Cystic major salivary gland lesions: Utilizing fine needle aspiration to optimize the clinical management of a broad and diverse differential diagnosis
Authors: Allison Derek B. , McCuiston Austin M. , Kawamoto Satomi , Eisele David W. , Bishop Justin A. , Maleki Zahra
Published: July 2017

Introduction

The use of fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology for the preoperative evaluation of salivary gland lesions is an accepted but, currently, nonstandardized practice. More specifically, cystic major salivary gland lesions are relatively rare and can be very challenging to diagnose on FNA due to low cellularity and an incredibly broad differential diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic utility of preoperative FNA cytology for cystic major salivary gland lesions.

Methods and Materials

The electronic pathology archives of The Johns Hopkins Hospital were searched to identify FNA specimens of cystic major salivary gland lesions over a 15 year period (January 1, 2000 to December 21, 2015). The age, race, sex, biopsy site, use of ultrasound guidance, cytopathologic diagnosis, and presence or absence of clinical follow‐up were recorded for each patient. Cases were divided into those with and without follow‐up. Diagnostic performance between FNA and follow‐up data were recorded.

Results

A total of 145 cases met the inclusion criteria, while 123 (84.8%) patients had follow‐up data available. Of these patients, 67.5% underwent FNA as the only pathologic diagnostic modality. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the detection of cystic neoplasms were 41.6%, 99.0%, 90.9%, and 87.6%, respectively. For cases containing mucin, 100.0% sensitivity and specificity were achieved.

Conclusion

FNA of cystic salivary gland lesions is a useful clinical decision‐making tool that can reduce the number of patients ultimately requiring surgical excision. Although specificity is high, a relatively low overall sensitivity makes clinical and radiologic correlation imperative.
Heroin in Malaysia and Singapore
Authors: Sulaiman Maimonah , Kunalan Vanitha , Yap Angeline T. W. , Lim Wendy J. L. , Ng Joey Joo Yee , Loh Samuel Wei Xiong , Chan K. B.
Published: July 2017

Clandestine heroin laboratories have been a feature of the Malaysian illicit drug scene since soon after the abuse of heroin emerged in 1972. The first few clandestine heroin laboratories which synthesised heroin via the acetylation of imported morphine were uncovered in 1973 and 1977. By the mid‐1980s, this type of laboratory was replaced by heroin‐cutting laboratories whereby imported high‐grade heroin was cut to street heroin. This was to meet the rising demand for the drug owing to the rapid escalation of the number of drug users. Over the years, the most significant change in the composition of the street heroin is the decrease in its purity from 30%–50% to 3%–5%. Caffeine has remained the major adulterant and chloroquine is detected in virtually all recent seizures.
The influence of small doses of ethanol on the urinary testosterone to epitestosterone ratio in men and women
Authors: Albeiroti Sami , Ahrens Brian D. , Sobolevskii Timofei , Butch Anthony W.
Published: July 2017

Endogenous steroid use can increase urinary testosterone/epitestosterone (T/E) values. In addition, ethanol in amounts >0.5 g per kg of body weight (g/kg) can also increase T/E values. However, the effect of smaller doses of ethanol on T/E values is unknown. The influence of 0.2 and 0.4 g/kg of ethanol on baseline T/E values in 20 men and 20 women with low and high baseline T/E values was investigated and correlated with ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS) concentrations. T/E values for 7 of the women were excluded from the study because of undetectable T concentrations or for other reasons. One man and 1 woman with a high T/E baseline value had a significant increase in their T/E value after ingestion of 0.2 g/kg of ethanol. One man and 2 women with a high T/E baseline, and 1 woman with a low T/E baseline had significantly increased T/E values after ingestion of 0.4 g/kg of ethanol. There was wide variability in peak EtG concentrations and a lack of correlation between ethanol dose and EtG concentrations. Interestingly, 1 man and 2 women with increased T/E values following ethanol ingestion had EtG concentrations below the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) cut‐off of 5000 ng/mL. These findings demonstrate that small amounts of ethanol can elevate T/E values, with women being more susceptible. In addition, consideration should be given to the lowering of the WADA EtG cut‐off to detect samples with elevated T/E values from ingestion of low doses of ethanol.
Resurgence of cucurbit downy mildew in the United States: Insights from comparative genomic analysis of Pseudoperonospora cubensis
Authors: Thomas Anna , Carbone Ignazio , Choe Kisurb , Quesada‐Ocampo Lina M. , Ojiambo Peter S.
Published: July 2017

Pseudoperonospora cubensis, the causal agent of cucurbit downy mildew (CDM), is known to exhibit host specialization. The virulence of different isolates of the pathogen can be classified into pathotypes based on their compatibility with a differential set composed of specific cucurbit host types. However, the genetic basis of host specialization within P. cubensis is not yet known. Total genomic DNA extracted from nine isolates of P. cubensis collected from 2008 to 2013 from diverse cucurbit host types (Cucumis sativus, C. melo var. reticulatus, Cucurbita maxima, C. moschata, C. pepo, and Citrullus lanatus) in the United States were subjected to whole‐genome sequencing. Comparative analysis of these nine genomes confirmed the presence of two distinct evolutionary lineages (lineages I and II) of P. cubensis. Many fixed polymorphisms separated lineage I comprising isolates from Cucurbita pepo, C. moschata, and Citrullus lanatus from lineage II comprising isolates from Cucumis spp. and Cucurbita maxima. Phenotypic characterization showed that lineage II isolates were of the A1 mating type and belonged to pathotypes 1 and 3 that were not known to be present in the United States prior to the resurgence of CDM in 2004. The association of lineage II isolates with the new pathotypes and a lack of genetic diversity among these isolates suggest that lineage II of P. cubensis is associated with the resurgence of CDM on cucumber in the United States.
Oxygen minimum zone: An important oceanographic habitat for deep‐diving northern elephant seals,Mirounga angustirostris
Authors: Naito Yasuhiko , Costa Daniel P. , Adachi Taiki , Robinson Patrick W. , Peterson Sarah H. , Mitani Yoko , Takahashi Akinori
Published: July 2017

Little is known about the foraging behavior of top predators in the deep mesopelagic ocean. Elephant seals dive to the deep biota‐poor oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) (>800 m depth) despite high diving costs in terms of energy and time, but how they successfully forage in theOMZremains largely unknown. Assessment of their feeding rate is the key to understanding their foraging behavior, but this has been challenging. Here, we assessed the feeding rate of 14 female northern elephant seals determined by jaw motion events (JME) and dive cycle time to examine how feeding rates varied with dive depth, particularly in theOMZ. We also obtained video footage from seal‐mounted videos to understand their feeding in theOMZ. While the diel vertical migration pattern was apparent for most depths of theJME, some very deep dives, beyond the normal diel depth ranges, occurred episodically during daylight hours. The midmesopelagic zone was the main foraging zone for all seals. Larger seals tended to show smaller numbers ofJMEand lower feeding rates than smaller seals during migration, suggesting that larger seals tended to feed on larger prey to satisfy their metabolic needs. Larger seals also dived frequently to the deepOMZ, possibly because of a greater diving ability than smaller seals, suggesting their dependency on food in the deeper depth zones. Video observations showed that seals encountered the rarely reported ragfish (Icosteus aenigmaticus) in the depths of theOMZ, which failed to show an escape response from the seals, suggesting that low oxygen concentrations might reduce prey mobility. Less mobile prey inOMZwould enhance the efficiency of foraging in this zone, especially for large seals that can dive deeper and longer. We suggest that theOMZplays an important role in structuring the mesopelagic ecosystem and for the survival and evolution of elephant seals.
Low‐molecular‐weight color pI markers to monitor on‐line the peptide focusing process in OFFGEL fractionation
Authors: Michelland Sylvie , Bourgoin‐Voillard Sandrine , Cunin Valérie , Tollance Axel , Bertolino Pascal , Slais Karel , Seve Michel
Published: July 2017

High‐throughput mass spectrometry‐based proteomic analysis requires peptide fractionation to simplify complex biological samples and increase proteome coverage. OFFGEL fractionation technology became a common method to separate peptides or proteins using isoelectric focusing in an immobilized pH gradient. However, the OFFGEL focusing process may be further optimized and controlled in terms of separation time and pI resolution. Here we evaluated OFFGEL technology to separate peptides from different samples in the presence of low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) color pI markers to visualize the focusing process. LMW color pI markers covering a large pH range were added to the peptide mixture before OFFGEL fractionation using a 24‐wells device encompassing the pH range 3–10. We also explored the impact of LMW color pI markers on peptide fractionation labeled previously for iTRAQ. Then, fractionated peptides were separated by RP_HPLC prior to MS analysis using MALDI‐TOF/TOF mass spectrometry in MS and MS/MS modes. Here we report the performance of the peptide focusing process in the presence of LMW color pI markers as on‐line trackers during the OFFGEL process and the possibility to use them as pI controls for peptide focusing. This method improves the workflow for peptide fractionation in a bottom‐up proteomic approach with or without iTRAQ labeling.
Long-term effects of sulfidized silver nanoparticles in sewage sludge on soil microflora
Authors: Kraas Marco , Schlich Karsten , Knopf Burkhard , Wege Franziska , Kägi Ralf , Terytze Konstantin , Hund-Rinke Kerstin
Published: July 2017

The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in consumer products such as textiles leads to their discharge into wastewater and consequently to a transfer of the AgNPs to soil ecosystems via biosolids used as fertilizer. In urban wastewater systems (e.g., sewer, wastewater treatment plant [WWTP], anaerobic digesters) AgNPs are efficiently converted into sparingly soluble silver sulfides (Ag2S), mitigating the toxicity of the AgNPs. However, long-term studies on the bioavailability and effects of sulfidized AgNPs on soil microorganisms are lacking. Thus we investigated the bioavailability and long-term effects of AgNPs (spiked in a laboratory WWTP) on soil microorganisms. Before mixing the biosolids into soil, the sludges were either anaerobically digested or directly dewatered. The effects on the ammonium oxidation process were investigated over 140 d. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) suggested an almost complete sulfidation of the AgNPs analyzed in all biosolid samples and in soil, with Ag2S predominantly detected in long-term incubation experiments. However, despite the sulfidation of the AgNPs, soil ammonium oxidation was significantly inhibited, and the degree of inhibition was independent of the sludge treatment. The results revealed that AgNPs sulfidized under environmentally relevant conditions were still bioavailable to soil microorganisms. Consequently, Ag2S may exhibit toxic effects over the long term rather than the short term. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3305–3313. © 2017 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were applied via biosolids into soil after four different treatments (aerobic and anaerobic digestion, each with and without an additional increase of sulfur (S) during wastewater treatment) and the effect of the sulfidized AgNPs on the soil nitrification process determined. Despite of the sulfidation of the AgNPs, the soil nitrification was significantly inhibited on a long term and the degree of inhibition was independent of the sludge treatment.
Twelve months of implementation of health care performance‐based financing in Burkina Faso: A qualitative multiple case study
Authors: Ridde Valéry , Yaogo Maurice , Zongo Sylvie , Somé Paul‐André , Turcotte‐Tremblay Anne‐Marie
Published: July 2017

To improve health services' quantity and quality, African countries are increasingly engaging in performance‐based financing (PBF) interventions. Studies to understand their implementation in francophone West Africa are rare. This study analysed PBF implementation in Burkina Faso 12 months post‐launch in late 2014.

The design was a multiple and contrasted case study involving 18 cases (health centres). Empirical data were collected from observations, informal (n = 224) and formal (n = 459) interviews, and documents.

Outside the circle of persons trained in PBF, few in the community had knowledge of it. In some health centres, the fact that staff were receiving bonuses was intentionally not announced to populations and community leaders. Most local actors thought PBF was just another project, but the majority appreciated it. There were significant delays in setting up agencies for performance monitoring, auditing, and contracting, as well as in the payment. The first audits led rapidly to coping strategies among health workers and occasionally to some staging beforehand. No community‐based audits had yet been done. Distribution of bonuses varied from one centre to another.

This study shows the importance of understanding the implementation of public health interventions in Africa and of uncovering coping strategies.
Cyclin K dependent regulation of Aurora B affects apoptosis and proliferation by induction of mitotic catastrophe in prostate cancer
Authors: Schecher Sabrina , Walter Britta , Falkenstein Michael , Macher‐Goeppinger Stephan , Stenzel Philipp , Krümpelmann Kristina , Hadaschik Boris , Perner Sven , Kristiansen Glen , Duensing Stefan , Roth Wilfried , Tagscherer Katrin E.
Published: July 2017

Cyclin K plays a critical role in transcriptional regulation as well as cell development. However, the role of Cyclin K in prostate cancer is unknown. Here, we describe the impact of Cyclin K on prostate cancer cells and examine the clinical relevance of Cyclin K as a biomarker for patients with prostate cancer. We show that Cyclin K depletion in prostate cancer cells induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation accompanied by an accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase. Moreover, knockdown of Cyclin K causes mitotic catastrophe displayed by multinucleation and spindle multipolarity. Furthermore, we demonstrate a Cyclin K dependent regulation of the mitotic kinase Aurora B and provide evidence for an Aurora B dependent induction of mitotic catastrophe. In addition, we show that Cyclin K expression is associated with poor biochemical recurrence‐free survival in patients with prostate cancer treated with an adjuvant therapy. In conclusion, targeting Cyclin K represents a novel, promising anti‐cancer strategy to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death through induction of mitotic catastrophe in prostate cancer cells. Moreover, our results indicate that Cyclin K is a putative predictive biomarker for clinical outcome and therapy response for patients with prostate cancer.
Intra‐articular injection of a substance P inhibitor affects gene expression in a joint contracture model
Authors: Morrey Mark E. , Sanchez‐Sotelo Joaquin , Lewallen Eric A. , An Kai‐Nan , Grill Diane E. , Steinmann Scott P. , Yao Jie J. , Salib Christopher G. , Trousdale William H. , Reina Nicolas , Kremers Hilal M. , Lewallen David G. , van Wijnen Andre J. , Abdel Matthew P.
Published: July 2017

Substance P (SP), a neurotransmitter released after injury, has been linked to deregulated tissue repair and fibrosis in musculoskeletal tissues and other organs. Although SP inhibition is an effective treatment for nausea, it has not been previously considered as an anti‐fibrotic therapy. Although there are extensive medical records of individuals who have used SP antagonists, our analysis of human registry data revealed that patients receiving these antagonists and arthroplasty are exceedingly rare, thus precluding a clinical evaluation of their potential effects in the context of arthrofibrosis. Therefore, we pursued in vivo studies to assess the effect of SP inhibition early after injury on pro‐fibrotic gene expression and contractures in an animal model of post‐traumatic joint stiffening. Skeletally mature rabbits (n = 24) underwent surgically induced severe joint contracture, while injected with either fosaprepitant (a selective SP antagonist) or saline (control) early after surgery (3, 6, 12, and 24 h). Biomechanical testing revealed that differences in mean contracture angles between the groups were not statistically significant (P = 0.27), suggesting that the drug neither mitigates nor exacerbates joint contracture. However, microarray gene expression analysis revealed that mRNA levels for proteins related to cell signaling, pro‐angiogenic, pro‐inflammatory, and collagen matrix production were significantly different between control and fosaprepitant treated rabbits (P < 0.05). Hence, our study demonstrates that inhibition of SP alters expression of pro‐fibrotic genes in vivo. This finding will motivate future studies to optimize interventions that target SP to reduce the formation of post‐traumatic joint contractures.
Src nuclear localization and its prognostic relevance in human osteosarcoma
Authors: Urciuoli Enrica , Coletta Ilenia , Rizzuto Emanuele , De Vito Rita , Petrini Stefania , D'Oria Valentina , Pezzullo Marco , Milano Giuseppe Maria , Cozza Raffaele , Locatelli Franco , Peruzzi Barbara
Published: July 2017

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor in children and young adults. The identification of proteins which exhibit different subcellular localization in low‐ versus high‐risk osteosarcoma can be instrumental to obtain prognostic information and to develop innovative therapeutic strategies. Beside the well‐characterized membrane and cytoplasmic localization of Src protein, this study evaluated the prognostic relevance of its so‐far unknown nuclear compartmentalization. We analyzed the subcellular distribution of total and activated (pY418) Src in a tissue microarray including 60 osteosarcoma samples. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed a variable pattern of Src expression and localization, ranging from negative to high‐stained nuclei combined with a substantial cytoplasmic staining for total and activated forms. The analysis of Kaplan–Meier survival curves in relationship to the diverse permutations of cytoplasmic and nuclear staining suggested a correlation between Src subcellular localization and the overall survival (OS) of osteosarcoma patients. In order to explain this different subcellular localization, normal osteoblasts and three osteosarcoma cell lines were used to investigate the molecular mechanism. Once confirmed a variable Src localization also in these cell lines, we demonstrated a correlation between the N‐myristoyltransferase enzymes expression and activity and the Src nuclear content. In conclusion, these results described a so‐far unknown Src nuclear localization in osteosarcoma cells, suggesting that the combined detection of nuclear and cytoplasmic Src levels can be used as a prognostic marker for osteosarcoma patient survival. A correlation between the N‐myristoyltransferase enzymes and the Src subcellular localization was described as well.
Long cycles passing through vertices in k‐connected graphs
Authors: Hu Zhiquan , Song Feifei
Published: July 2017

In this article, we consider the following problem proposed by Locke and Zhang in 1991: Let G be a k‐connected graph with minimum degree d and X a set of m vertices on a cycle of G. For which values of m and k, with , must G have a cycle of length at least passing through X? Fujisawa and Yamashita solved this problem for the case and in 2008. We provide an affirmative answer to this problem for the case of and .
Immature pea seeds: effect of storage under modified atmosphere packaging and sanitation with acidified sodium chlorite
Authors: Collado Elena , Venzke Klug Tâmmila , Martínez‐Sánchez Ascensión , Artés‐Hernandez Francisco , Aguayo Encarna , Artés Francisco , Fernández Juan A , Gómez Perla A
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Appropriate sanitation is a priority for extending the shelf life and promoting the consumption of immature pea seeds, as processing accelerates quality deterioration and microbial growth.

RESULTS

The combined effect of disinfection with acidified sodium chlorite (ASC) or sodium hypochlorite (SH) and packaging under a passive modified atmosphere (MAP) at 1 or 4 °C on quality was analysed. After 14 days, greenness and vitamin C had decreased, especially in the SH‐disinfected samples. Total phenols and antioxidant capacity were not affected by disinfection. Proteins levels fell by around 27%, regardless of the sanitizer and storage temperature. Compared with the initial microbial load, samples stored at 1 °C showed an increase of 1 log CFU g−1 in psychrophiles when treated with SH, whereas no increase of note occurred with ASC. In general, microbial counts were always below 3 log CFU g−1 for all the treatments.

CONCLUSION

Immature pea seeds could be stored for 14 days at 1–4 °C under MAP with only minor quality changes. Disinfection with ASC resulted in better sensory quality, higher content of vitamin C and lower psychrophile counts. More research is needed to analyse the effect of these treatments on other quality parameters. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Endoscopic Ultrasonography‐Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Can Be Used to Rule Out Malignancy in Autoimmune Pancreatitis Patients
Authors: Sugimoto Mitsuru , Takagi Tadayuki , Suzuki Rei , Konno Naoki , Asama Hiroyuki , Watanabe Ko , Nakamura Jun , Kikuchi Hitomi , Waragai Yuichi , Takasumi Mika , Sato Yuki , Hikichi Takuto , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to review the suitability of endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) for ruling out malignancy in autoimmune pancreatitis patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 40 autoimmune pancreatitis patients (type 1:37 patients; type 2: two patients; possible autoimmune pancreatitis: one patient) who received EUS‐FNA. Among the 40 autoimmune pancreatitis patients, 34 were not histopathologically diagnosed with autoimmune pancreatitis by EUS‐FNA, and they were followed up for more than 6 months in our hospital. Moreover, 14 pancreatic cancer patients who were not diagnosed by EUS‐FNA were selected as a control group. These 14 patients constituted 3.9% of the 360 pancreatic cancer patients who received EUS‐FNA. We evaluated the prognoses of the 34 autoimmune pancreatitis patients and the clinical differences between these 34 autoimmune pancreatitis patients and the 14 pancreatic cancer patients.

Results

All 34 autoimmune pancreatitis patients showed reduced pancreatic swelling. The main pancreatic duct dilation ( > 3 mm), the diameter of the main pancreatic duct, the capsule‐like rim sign, and serum CA19‐9 levels were significantly different between the autoimmune pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer patients (2.9% versus 69.2%, P < .01; 1.7 ± 1.6 mm versus 6.8 ± 5.0 mm, P < .01; 79.4% versus 0%, P < .01; 41.4 ± 79.0 U/mL versus 2079.1 ± 275.3 U/mL, P = .02).

Conclusions

Almost all pancreatic cancers can be diagnosed by EUS‐FNA. Furthermore, other clinical characteristics of pancreatic cancer undiagnosed by EUS‐FNA were different from autoimmune pancreatitis undiagnosed by EUS‐FNA. Endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided FNA can be used to rule out malignancy in autoimmune pancreatitis patients.
Quantitative Ultrasound Assessment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome Affecting the Trapezius: A Reliability Study
Authors: Kumbhare Dinesh , Shaw Saurabh , Grosman‐Rimon Liza , Noseworthy Michael D.
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and is highlighted by the presence of myofascial trigger points. The current practice of diagnosing myofascial pain syndrome among clinicians involves manual detection of myofascial trigger points, which can be inconsistent. However, the detection process can be strengthened with the assistance of ultrasound (US). Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the upper trapezius by using quantitative techniques in healthy asymptomatic individuals with neck pain.

Methods

Study participants were recruited on the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria established, and US images of the trapezius, along the axial and longitudinal orientations, were obtained. Each set was obtained by 2 investigators: experienced and inexperienced personnel.

Results

Fifteen participants were recruited. The mean gray scale US echo intensity distribution obtained was 41.9. A paired t test of the global mean echo intensity value obtained for each image from the US operators did not show any significant difference (P = .77). A t test was performed, comparing the echo intensity of the group of patients with neck pain and healthy control participants, and the difference was found to be significant (P = .052). The median blob area was 2.71. The quartile range for the blob area was 1.72 for the 25th percentile to 4.90 for the 75th percentile.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that quantitative analysis of the echo intensity of US images can provide important information. However, further research is necessary to explore the relationships among sex, age, blob area, count, body mass index, regional anatomy, and extent of training or exercise of the particular muscle.
Antinociceptive effects of low‐level laser therapy at 3 and 8 j/cm2 in a rat model of postoperative pain: possible role of endogenous Opioids
Authors: Pereira Fabio C. , Parisi Julia R. , Maglioni Caio B. , Machado Gabriel B. , Barragán‐Iglesias Paulino , Silva Josie R. T. , Silva Marcelo L.
Published: July 2017

Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) is the direct application of light to stimulate cell responses (photobiomodulation) to promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and induce analgesia; the molecular basis for these effects of LLLT remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of LLLT in the rat plantar incision model of postoperative pain as well as to investigate some of the possible mechanisms involved in this effect. Wistar rats were submitted to plantar incision and treated with LLLT (830 nm, continuous‐mode, 30 mW/cm2, 1–12 J/cm2). Postoperative thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity were monitored for 24 hours post‐incision. In addition, the animals were pretreated with saline, naloxone (a nonselective opioid receptor antagonist; 20 µg/5 µl) or methysergide (5‐HT2C, 5‐HT2A, 5‐HT7, 5‐HT5a, 5‐HT6, and 5‐HT1F receptors antagonist; 30 µg/5 µl). Moreover, 24 hours after incision and treatment, the TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels in serum were evaluated. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that LLLT at 3 or 8 J/cm2, but not at 1–2, 4–7, or 9–12 J/cm2, induced an analgesic effect on postoperative pain. Naloxone, but not methysergide, blocked the LLLT‐induced anti‐nociceptive effect. Additionally, IL‐1‐β and TNF‐α production significantly decreased after LLLT at 3 or 8 J/cm2. Our results suggest that LLLT at 3 or 8 J/cm2 primarily modulates the endogenous opioids system and is not directly mediated by serotonergic receptors. Reduction of IL‐1β and TNF‐α may play a role in the antinociceptive action of LLLT. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:844–851, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Time‐Controllable Lipophilic‐Drug Release System Designed by Loading Lipid Nanoparticles into Polysaccharide Hydrogels
Authors: Racine Lisa , Guliyeva Aynur , Wang Irène , Larreta‐Garde Véronique , Auzély‐Velty Rachel , Texier Isabelle
Published: July 2017

A hybrid hydrogel composed of solid lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) entrapped within chemically cross‐linked carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is developed to achieve localized and sustained release of lipophilic drugs. The analysis of LNP stability as well as the hydrogel swelling and mechanical properties confirm the successful incorporation of particles up to a concentration of 50% w/wCMC. The initial LNP release rate can be prolonged by increasing the particle diameter from 50 to 120 nm, while the amount of long‐term release can be adjusted by tailoring the particle surface charge or the cross‐linking density of the polymer. After 30 d, 58% of 50 nm diameter negatively charged LNPs escape from the matrix while only 17% of positively charged nanoparticles are released from materials with intermediate cross‐linking density. A mathematical diffusion model based on Fick's second law is efficient to predict the diffusion of the particles from the hydrogels.
Electroactive 3D Scaffolds Based on Silk Fibroin and Water‐Borne Polyaniline for Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering
Authors: Zhang Mengyao , Guo Baolin
Published: July 2017

Silk fibroin (SF) with good biocompatibility and degradability has great potential for tissue engineering. However, the SF based scaffolds lack the electroactivity to regulate the myogenic differentiation for the regeneration of muscle tissue, which is sensitive to electrical signal. Herein, a series of electroactive biodegradable scaffolds based on SF and water‐soluble conductive poly(aniline‐co‐N‐(4‐sulfophenyl) aniline) (PASA) via a green method for skeletal muscle tissue engineering are designed. SF/PASA scaffolds are prepared by vortex of aqueous solution of SF and PASA under physiological condition. Murine‐derived L929 fibroblast and C2C12 myoblast cells are used to evaluate cytotoxicity of SF/PASA scaffolds. Moreover, myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells is investigated by analyzing the morphology of myotubes and related gene expression. These results suggest that electroactive SF/PASA scaffolds with a suitable microenvironment, which can enhance the myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells, have a great potential for skeletal muscle regeneration.
Thermoplastic Dielectric Elastomer of Triblock Copolymer with High Electromechanical Performance
Authors: Ma Zipeng , Xie Yuhan , Mao Jie , Yang Xuxu , Li Tiefeng , Luo Yingwu
Published: July 2017

Dielectric elastomer (DE) actuators have been shown to have promising applications as soft electromechanical transducers in many emerging technologies. The DE actuators, which are capable of large actuation strain over a wide range of excitation frequencies, are highly desirable. Here, the first single‐component DE of a triblock copolymer with attractive electromechanical performance is reported. Symmetric poly(styrene‐b‐butyl acrylate‐b‐styrene) (SBAS) is designed and synthesized. The SBAS actuator exhibits about 100% static actuation area strain and excellent dynamic performance, as evidenced by a wide half bandwidth of 300 Hz and a very high specific power of 1.2 W g–1 within the excitation frequency range of 300–800 Hz.
Inverse mass matrix via the method of localized lagrange multipliers
Authors: González José A. , Kolman R. , Cho S. S. , Felippa C. A. , Park K. C.
Published: July 2017

An efficient method for generating the mass matrix inverse of structural dynamic problems is presented, which can be tailored to improve the accuracy of target frequency ranges and/or wave contents. The present method bypasses the use of biorthogonal construction of a kernel inverse mass matrix that requires special procedures for boundary conditions and free edges or surfaces and constructs the free‐free inverse mass matrix using the standard FEM procedure. The various boundary conditions are realized by the the method of localized Lagrange multipliers. In particular, the present paper constructs the kernel inverse matrix by using the standard FEM elemental mass matrices. It is shown that the accuracy of the present inverse mass matrix is almost identical to that of a conventional consistent mass matrix or a combination of lumped and consistent mass matrices. Numerical experiments with the proposed inverse mass matrix are conducted to validate its effectiveness when applied to vibration analysis of bars, beams, and plain stress problems.
A differential quadrature based numerical method for highly accurate solutions of Burgers' equation
Authors: Aswin V. S. , Awasthi Ashish , Rashidi Mohammad Mehdi
Published: July 2017

In this article, we introduce a new, simple, and accurate computational technique for one‐dimensional Burgers' equation. The idea behind this method is the use of polynomial based differential quadrature (PDQ) for the discretization of both time and space derivatives. The quasilinearization process is used for the elimination of nonlinearity. The resultant scheme has simulated for five classic examples of Burgers' equation. The simulation outcomes are validated through comparison with exact and secondary data in the literature for small and large values of kinematic viscosity. The article has deduced that the proposed scheme gives very accurate results even with less number of grid points. The scheme is found to be very simple to implement. Hence, it applies to any domain requires quick implementation and computation.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 2023–2042, 2017
Clonality analysis of synchronous gastro‐oesophageal junction carcinoma and distal gastric cancer by whole‐exome sequencing
Authors: Xing Xiaofang , Jia Shuqin , Wu Jianmin , Feng Qin , Dong Bin , Li Bo , Jia Yongning , Shan Fei , Li Ying'ai , Zhang Yan , Hu Ying , Wang Xiaodong , Liu Xiangtao , Yu Weishi , Zhang Lianhai , Bu Zhaode , Wu Aiwen , Li Ziyu , Ji Jiafu
Published: July 2017

Gastro‐oesophageal junction (GEJ) carcinoma and distal gastric cancer (GC) have distinct epidemiology and clinical features and their relationship is uncertain. Synchronous multiple gastric cancers located mostly at proximal and distal sites provide rare specimens for investigating the comprehensive genomic relationships among these cancers in the context of identical genetic circumstances. Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) samples from 12 patients with synchronous GEJ carcinoma and distal GC were collected in this study. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed using normal tissues as a control. Mutational profiling, clonality analysis, a detailed clinico‐pathological review, determination of MSI status, EBER in situ hybridization (ISH), and programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1)/programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) immunohistochemical staining were performed. Twenty‐three of the 24 samples were microsatellite‐stable (MSS). Subclonal analysis revealed that nine pairs of GEJ and distal GC tumours in neoadjuvant chemotherapy naïve patients developed independently from different origins. Two patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy shared clonal origins with highly similar somatic alterations. The remaining one patient who shared a rare mutation died within 6.2 months at the N3 stage. However, the enriched pathway identified from the overall mutation spectra in distal GC and GEJ carcinoma showed the close relationship of these cancers. Thus, although these cancers may have similar characteristics, histopathological and genetic profiling from single tumour specimens may still underestimate the mutational burden and somatic heterogeneity of multiple GCs. In addition, this series of cases also showed a PD‐L1 expression rate of 58.3% and 66.7% in distal GC and GEJ carcinoma, respectively, with all the cases expressing PD‐1. This result suggests the potential benefit of immunotherapeutic treatments. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Pharmacogenetics on Efficacy and Safety of Statin Therapy for Dyslipidemia
Authors: Maxwell Whitney D. , Ramsey Laura B. , Johnson Samuel G. , Moore Kate G. , Shtutman Michael , Schoonover John H. , Kawaguchi‐Suzuki Marina
Published: July 2017

Interindividual variability in response to 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, or statins, with regard to both efficacy and safety is an obvious target for pharmacogenetic research. Many genes have been identified as possible contributors to variability in statin response and safety. Genetic polymorphisms may alter the structure or expression of coded proteins, with potential impacts on lipid and statin absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination as well as response pathways related to the pharmacologic effect. Many studies have explored the variation in statins’ pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters; however, to our knowledge, few have established definitive relationships between the genetic polymorphisms and patient outcomes, such as cardiovascular events. In this review article, we provide a statin‐based summary of available evidence describing pharmacogenetic associations that may be of clinical relevance in the future. Although currently available studies are often small or retrospective, and may have conflicting results, they may be useful in providing direction for future confirmatory studies and may point to associations that could be confirmed in the future when more patient outcomes–based studies are available. We also summarize the clinically relevant evidence currently available to assist clinicians with providing personalized pharmacotherapy for patients requiring statin therapy.
Polar bear attacks on humans: Implications of a changing climate
Authors: Wilder James M. , Vongraven Dag , Atwood Todd , Hansen Bob , Jessen Amalie , Kochnev Anatoly , York Geoff , Vallender Rachel , Hedman Daryll , Gibbons Melissa
Published: July 2017

Understanding causes of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) attacks on humans is critical to ensuring both human safety and polar bear conservation. Although considerable attention has been focused on understanding black (U. americanus) and grizzly (U. arctos) bear conflicts with humans, there have been few attempts to systematically collect, analyze, and interpret available information on human‐polar bear conflicts across their range. To help fill this knowledge gap, a database was developed (Polar Bear‐Human Information Management System [PBHIMS]) to facilitate the range‐wide collection and analysis of human‐polar bear conflict data. We populated the PBHIMS with data collected throughout the polar bear range, analyzed polar bear attacks on people, and found that reported attacks have been extremely rare. From 1870–2014, we documented 73 attacks by wild polar bears, distributed among the 5 polar bear Range States (Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia, and United States), which resulted in 20 human fatalities and 63 human injuries. We found that nutritionally stressed adult male polar bears were the most likely to pose threats to human safety. Attacks by adult females were rare, and most were attributed to defense of cubs. We judged that bears acted as a predator in most attacks, and that nearly all attacks involved ≤2 people. Increased concern for both human and bear safety is warranted in light of predictions of increased numbers of nutritionally stressed bears spending longer amounts of time on land near people because of the loss of their sea ice habitat. Improved conflict investigation is needed to collect accurate and relevant data and communicate accurate bear safety messages and mitigation strategies to the public. With better information, people can take proactive measures in polar bear habitat to ensure their safety and prevent conflicts with polar bears. This work represents an important first step towards improving our understanding of factors influencing human‐polar bear conflicts. Continued collection and analysis of range‐wide data on interactions and conflicts will help increase human safety and ensure the conservation of polar bears for future generations. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Heat stress affects vegetative and reproductive performance and trait correlations in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Authors: Xu Jiemeng , Wolters-Arts Mieke , Mariani Celestina , Huber Heidrun , Rieu Ivo
Published: July 2017

High ambient temperature has adverse effects on plant vegetative and reproductive development and reduces crop yield. To better understand the importance of male and female fertility for tomato fruit set ability under high temperature conditions and to test whether heat tolerance levels among and between reproductive and vegetative traits of genotypes correlate with each other, 13 tomato cultivars were subjected to long-term moderate heat (LTMH) or short-term heat shock (STHS), depending on the trait that was evaluated. LTMH caused significant decrease in performance of nearly all reproductive traits, i.e. pollen viability, pollen number, female fertility, seeded-fruit set and flower number per inflorescence, but not in inflorescence number. Considerable variation was found among cultivars, both under control and LTMH conditions. The cultivars Nagcarlang, Saladette and Malintka 101 produced a higher percentage of viable pollen under LTMH. For fruit set under LTMH condition, only cultivars that had been previously reported as being heat-tolerant produced fruits with seeds. STHS negatively affected vegetative traits concerning seedling survival and membrane stability. Correlation analysis revealed relationships between various traits within the control and heat treatments, but not between the two. Under heat stress fruit set was positively correlated with pollen viability, as well as with flower number per inflorescence. However, no significant correlations were found between vegetative and reproductive traits. Our data highlight the prominent role of pollen viability for tomato fertility under LTMH growth conditions. The observed variation in thermotolerance among different cultivars offers the possibility to decipher underlying physiological and genetic mechanisms.