bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heregulin and HER3 are prognostic biomarkers in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Qian Guoqing , Jiang Ning , Wang Dongsheng , Newman Scott , Kim Sungjin , Chen Zhengjia , Garcia Gabriela , MacBeath Gavin , Shin Dong M. , Khuri Fadlo R. , Chen Zhuo G. , Saba Nabil F.
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Although heregulin and human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) are frequently expressed at high levels in patients with head and neck cancer, their prognostic value remains unclear. The authors explored the prognostic significance of heregulin/HER3 expression in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), taking into account other HER family members as well as p16 status.

METHODS

Ninety‐six primary tumor specimens from patients with OPSCC were retrospectively collected and analyzed for heregulin messenger RNA (mRNA) using in situ hybridization and for HER3, epidermal growth factor receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) using quantitative immunohistochemistry. Heregulin and HER3 mRNA levels were also examined among different tumor types using The Cancer Genome Atlas database.

RESULTS

High heregulin mRNA (> the median) correlated significantly with poor overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR], 8.48; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.17‐33.17 [P =.002]) but not disease‐free survival (HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.64‐3.65 [P =.341]) in patients with OPSCC. Heregulin mRNA correlated negatively with OS in both patients with p16‐positive (P =.049) and p16‐negative (P =.091) OPSCC on univariate analysis. High HER3 (> the median) also correlated with poor OS (HR, 4.68; 95% CI, 1.47‐14.90 [P =.009]) on multivariate analysis. Epidermal growth factor receptor levels independently correlated with disease‐free survival (P =.025) and inversely correlated with p16 status (P =.012). In addition, The Cancer Genome Atlas data demonstrated that head and neck squamous cell carcinoma exhibits higher heregulin expression compared with other solid tumor types examined.

CONCLUSIONS

High heregulin mRNA and high HER3 protein levels were found to independently correlate with poor OS in patients with OPSCC. These data support targeting HER3 in patients with heregulin‐high OPSCC and warrant further clinical investigation. Cancer 2015;121:3600–3611. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
A Restart Control Method for Position Sensorless PMSM Drive Systems Without Potential Transformer for Railway Vehicle Traction
Authors: Taniguchi Shun , Yasui Kazuya , Yuki Kazuaki , Nakazawa Yosuke , Onda Shouji
Published: July 2015

This paper proposes a restart control method for position sensorless PMSM drive systems without a potential transformer for railway vehicle traction. This method can estimate the initial rotor speed and position under coasting conditions over the entire speed range. The method can also be used when the back‐EMF voltage is higher than the inverter DC link voltage. The proposed method is verified by experiments using a 200‐kW PMSM.
Formation of Electrical Machinery Technology in the Edo Period of Japan
Authors: Inui Akifumi , Yamamoto Mitsuyoshi , Kawaguchi Yoshihiro
Published: July 2015

In the early Meiji era western civilization flowed into Japan, and the concept of “civilization and enlightenment” was established. In the field of electricity, the electric telegraph and electric lighting spread nationwide. This can be credited to the scientific and technological development nurtured during the Edo Period (1603–1868). In 1720, in order to improve the encouragement of new industry and medical technology, Shogun Yoshimune Tokugawa removed the embargo on the importation of books unrelated to Christianity from the Netherlands. As a result, European natural science made its way into Japan, opening the way for the formation of electrical machinery technology. This paper describes electrical machinery technology in Japan in comparison with that of Western Europe at the time of the Edo period. Many people contributed to the formation of electrical engineering in the Edo period, but three persons, Gennai Hiraga, Soukichi Hashimoto, Koumin Kawamoto, are considered to have made especial contributions to the formation of electrical engineering due to their broad knowledge and efforts.
Regioselective Synthesis of 6‐Vinyl‐3,6‐dihydropyridine‐2(1H)‐ones through Simple Addition of a Vinylmagnesium “Ate” Complex to 2‐Pyridones
Authors: Sośnicki Jacek G. , Dzitkowski Przemysław , Struk Łukasz
Published: July 2015

A highly nucleophilic vinylation reagent, lithium vinyldimethylmagnesate (vinylMe2MgLi), is obtained by mixing vinylmagnesium chloride (1 equiv.) and MeLi (in diethoxymethane; 2 equiv.). The application of this new reagent in the completely regioselective synthesis of 6‐vinyl‐3,6‐dihydro‐1H‐pyridin‐2(1H)‐ones by simple 1,6‐additions to 2‐pyridones is described. Examination of the scope and limitations of the addition revealed the influence on the efficiency of the 6‐vinylation reaction of substituents on the nitrogen atom and on the 2‐pyridone ring.
Simultaneous Determination of Caffeine, Ibuprofen, and Paracetamol by Flow‐injection Analysis with Multiple‐pulse Amperometric Detection on Boron‐doped Diamond Electrode
Authors: Chaves Sandro C. , Aguiar Priscila N. C. , Torres Lívia M. F. C. , Gil Eric S. , Luz Rita C. S. , Damos Flávio S. , Munoz Rodrigo A. A. , Richter Eduardo M. , dos Santos Wallans T. P.
Published: July 2015

This work presents a simple, fast and low‐cost method for the simultaneous determination of three drugs by flow‐injection analysis with multiple‐pulse amperometric (MPA) detection using a wall‐jet flow cell with a boron‐doped diamond electrode. The amperometric determination of caffeine (CF), ibuprofen (IB) and paracetamol (PC) was performed by the application of a four‐potential waveform using the MPA technique. PC is oxidized at E1 (1.20 V/70 ms) and thus selectively detected; PC and CF are oxidized at E2 (1.49 V/40 ms); PC, CF and IB are oxidized at E3 (1.70 V/70 ms); and E4 (1.80 V/100 ms) is applied for electrode cleaning. The subtraction of currents obtained at the different potentials did not provide accurate determinations of CF and IB, thus it was required to investigate correction factors to determine CF and IB without the interference from PC and CF using the respective amperometric signals obtained at E2 and E3. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of three drugs in pharmaceutical samples with low generation of residues and a high analytical frequency (150 h−1) in comparison with HPLC‐DAD method.
Catalyzing the scale‐up of community‐based primary healthcare in a rural impoverished region of northern Ghana
Authors: Awoonor‐Williams John Koku , Phillips James F. , Bawah Ayaga A.
Published: July 2015

Ghana's Community‐based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) initiative develops accessible healthcare with participatory community support, using strategies developed and tested by a project of the Navrongo Health Research Centre. In 1996, the project was expanded to a district‐wide four‐celled trial. In response to evidence that strategies could reduce fertility and childhood mortality, a replication project was launched to develop methods for scale‐up. Based on experience gained, CHPS scale‐up was launched in 2000. Although CHPS now reaches all of Ghana's districts, the pace of scale‐up within districts has been slow. In response, the Ministry of Health conducted a review of factors that constrain CHPS scale‐up and problems that detract from its original evidence‐based design. To resolve problems that were identified, a project was launched in 2010 to test means of accelerating CHPS scale‐up and expand its range of care. Known as the Ghana Essential Health Interventions Program (GEHIP), the project provided catalytic revenue to four treatment district managers for 3 years, in conjunction with implementation of strategies for comprehensive leadership development and community partnership. Monitoring systems were developed to gauge CHPS coverage time trends in all nine study districts. GEHIP successfully accelerated CHPS implementation, producing 100% of its targeted community coverage within 5 years of implementation. Coverage in comparison districts also improved. However, the rate of coverage and per cent of the population reached by CHPS in comparison districts was only half that of GEHIP districts. GEHIP success in completing CHPS coverage represents the initial stage of a national program for strengthening community health systems in Ghana. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ab initio/GIAO‐CCSD(T) 13C NMR study of the rearrangement and dynamic aspects of rapidly equilibrating tertiary carbocations, C6 and C7
Authors: Olah George A. , Prakash G. K. Surya , Rasul Golam
Published: July 2015

The rearrangement pathways of the equilibrating tertiary carbocations, 2,3‐dimethyl‐2‐butyl cation (C6
, 1), 2,3,3‐trimethyl‐2‐butyl cation (C7
, 5) and 2,3‐dimethyl‐2‐pentyl cation (C7
, 8 and 9) were investigated using the ab initio/GIAO‐CCSD(T) 13C NMR method. Comparing the calculated and experimental 13C NMR chemical shifts of a series of carbocations indicates that excellent prediction of δ13C could be achieved through scaling. In the case of symmetrical equilibrating cations (1 and 5) the Wagner–Meerwein 1,2‐hydride and 1,2‐methide shifts, respectively, produce the same structure. This indicates that the overall 13C NMR chemical shifts are conserved and independent of temperature. However, in the case of unsymmetrical equilibrating cations (8 and 9) the Wagner–Meerwein shift produces different tertiary structures, which have slightly different thermodynamic stabilities and, thus, different spectra. At the MP4(SDTQ)/cc‐pVTZ//MP2/cc‐pVTZ + ZPE level structure 8 is only 90 calories/mol more stable than structure 9. Based on computed 13C NMR chemical shift calculations, mole fractions of these isomers were determined by assuming the observed chemical shifts are due to the weighted average of the chemical shifts of the static ions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Borderline Personality Disorder in Young People: Are We There Yet?
Authors: Chanen Andrew M.
Published: July 2015

Although borderline personality disorder (BPD) usually has its onset in young people, its diagnosis and treatment is often delayed. The past 2 decades have seen a rapid increase in evidence establishing that BPD can be diagnosed before 18 years of age and that BPD in young people is both continuous with BPD in adults and more notable for its similarities than for any differences. This knowledge has led to the first wave of controlled treatment trials, which have established that early intervention through appropriate BPD diagnosis and treatment leads to clinically meaningful improvements for patients. However, there is still much work to do in terms of treatment development and innovation and overcoming challenges to successful translation of evidence into practice. To advance early intervention for BPD, access to evidence‐based treatments needs to improve, the variety of available treatments (including novel pharmacotherapies) needs to increase, treatments need to be matched to individual development and to the phase and stage of disorder, and workforce development strategies need to update knowledge, culture, and practice in relation to BPD in young people.
D‐Aspartate Induces Proliferative Pathways in Spermatogonial GC‐1 Cells
Authors: Santillo Alessandra , Falvo Sara , Chieffi Paolo , Di Fiore Maria Maddalena , Senese Rosalba , Chieffi Baccari Gabriella
Published: July 2015

D‐aspartate (D‐Asp) is an endogenous amino acid present in vertebrate tissues, with particularly high levels in the testis. In vivo studies indicate that D‐Asp indirectly stimulates spermatogenesis through the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis. Moreover, in vitro studies have demonstrated that D‐Asp up‐regulates testosterone production in Leydig cells by enhancing expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein. In this study, a cell line derived from immortalized type‐B mouse spermatogonia retaining markers of mitotic germ cells (GC‐1) was employed to explore more direct involvement of D‐Asp in spermatogenesis. Activity and protein expression of markers of cell proliferation were determined at intervals during incubation in D‐Asp‐containing medium. D‐Asp induced phosphorylation of ERK and Akt proteins, stimulated expression of PCNA and Aurora B, and enhanced mRNA synthesis and protein expression of P450 aromatase and protein expression of Estrogen Receptor β (ERβ). These results are the first demonstration of a direct effect of D‐Asp on spermatogonial mitotic activity. Considering that spermatogonia express the NR1 subunit of the N‐Methyl‐D‐Aspartic Acid receptor (NMDAR), we suggest that their response to D‐Asp depends on NMDAR‐mediated activation of the ERK and Akt pathways and is further enhanced by activation of the P450 aromatase/ERβ pathway. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 490–495, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of paliperidone palmitate 3‐month formulation in patients with schizophrenia: A phase‐1, single‐dose, randomized, open‐label study
Authors: Ravenstijn Paulien , Remmerie Bart , Savitz Adam , Samtani Mahesh N. , Nuamah Isaac , Chang Cheng‐Tao , De Meulder Marc , Hough David , Gopal Srihari
Published: July 2015

This multicenter, randomized, open‐label, parallel‐group, phase‐1 study assessed the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and tolerability of the investigational intramuscular paliperidone palmitate 3‐month (PP3M) formulation in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. A total of 328 patients (men or women, aged 18–65 years) were enrolled in 1 of 4 separately conducted panels (A to D). Each panel had 2 single‐dose treatment periods (period 1, 1 mg intramuscular paliperidone immediate release [IR]; period 2, intramuscular PP3M 75−525 mg eq) separated by a washout of 7–21 days. Overall, 245 of 308 (79.5%) PP3M‐dosed patients completed the study. Because the PK studies of panels A and C were compromised by incomplete injection in some patients, PK data from only panels B and D are presented. Safety data from all panels are presented. Peak paliperidone plasma concentration was achieved between 23 and 34 days, and apparent half‐life was ∼2–4 months. Mean plasma AUC∞ and Cmax of paliperidone appeared to be dose‐proportional. Relative bioavailability in comparison with paliperidone was ∼100% independent of the dose and injection site. Headache and nasopharyngitis were the most common (>7%) treatment‐emergent adverse events. Overall, safety and tolerability were similar to those of the 1‐month formulation. Results support a once‐every‐3‐months dosing interval in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
Distribution of human papilloma virus type 16 E6/E7 gene mutation in cervical precancer or cancer: A case control study in Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Yang Yingjie , Ren Jie , Zhang Qizhu
Published: July 2015

HPV‐16 varies geographically and is correlated with cervical cancer genesis and progression. This study aimed to determine the distribution of HPV‐16 E6/E7 genetic variation in patients with invasive cervical cancer or precancer in Guizhou Province, China. A case‐control study was designed, and the distribution of HPV‐16 E6/E7 genetic variation was compared among women with cervical cancer, precancer, and sexually active without cervical lesion. HPV infection was detected through flow‐through hybridization and gene chip techniques to determine the prevalence of HPV 16 E6/E7 genetic variation. Among 90 specimens (30 cervical cancer, 30 precancer, 30 controls), 81 were subjected to HPV‐16 E6/E7 gene sequencing. The rates of DNA sequence mutation and amino acid mutation were 76.5% (62/81) and 66.7% (54/81), respectively. Both E6 and E7 genes showed higher mutation rate than their prototypes. The prevalence of E6/E7 mutation significantly differed between the cervical cancer and the controls (P < 0.05) and between the cervical precancer and the controls (P < 0.05). Mutations were simultaneously detected at the E6‐D32E (T96A) and E7‐M28V (A82G)/L94P (T281C) sites of the amino acid sequence. The most common genetic variation was D32E/M28V/L94P, which accounted for 35.8% of the cases (29/81). D32E/M28V/L94P mutation was higher in the cervical cancer and precancer compared with the prototype. HPV‐16 E6/E7 genetic variations, such as D32E/M28V/L94P, are more prevalent in cervical cancer or precancer than those in the controls. The possible correlation between genetic variation and cancerigenesis may be used to design an HPV vaccine for cervical carcinoma. J. Med. Virol. 88:345–350, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Linkage between the East Asian January temperature extremes and the preceding Arctic Oscillation
Authors: He Shengping , Wang Huijun
Published: July 2015

This study investigated the potential connection of the October–December Arctic Oscillation (AO‐OND) with the following January East Asian temperature extremes and the possible mechanisms. It was found that the extreme cold (warm) events are less (more) frequent in January over East Asia following a positive phase of AO‐OND, which might be attributed to the intrinsic persistence of AO‐OND in stratosphere and the memory of Eurasian snow cover. It is revealed that the barotropic structure of AO‐OND could extend to stratosphere. By the following January, wave activities propagate from stratosphere downwards to upper troposphere, then bent equatorwards to mid‐latitudes. Consequently, the January circumpolar jet (polar vortex) gets strengthened (colder) because the equatorward‐pointing (upwards) wave activities correspond to poleward meridional eddy momentum (eddy heat) flux. In such a way, the anomalous AO‐OND persists into the following January. On the other hand, positive phase of AO‐OND causes significant surface warming in most parts of Eurasia, leading to Eurasian snow melt. The October–December snow melt has intrinsic climatic memory and further weakens the January Siberian High through reducing surface albedo. Besides, the surface warming in North Europe because of reduced surface albedo caused by snow melt could stimulate a Rossby wave train propagating eastwards across Eurasia, which restrains the blocking events around Ural region. In such a context, the incidence of extreme warm (cold) events over East Asia is more (less) frequent.
Spatio‐temporal changes in precipitation, temperature and their possibly changing relationship: a case study in the Wei River Basin, China
Authors: Huang Shengzhi , Huang Qiang , Zhang Hongbo , Chen Yutong , Leng Guoyong
Published: July 2015

With the purpose of further understanding the spatio‐temporal changes in precipitation, temperature and their possibly changing relationship in the Wei River Basin (WRB), a typical arid and semi‐arid region in China, the modified Mann–Kendall (MMK) test method was used to capture their trends at monthly and annual time scales, and the K‐means cluster analysis method was applied to divide the whole basin into three homogeneous sub‐regions. Furthermore, a copulas‐based method was introduced in this study to identify possible inflection points of the relationship between precipitation and temperature in the WRB. Results indicate that: (1) spatially, both annual average precipitation and temperature decreased from southeast to northwest; temporally, for most months, a decreasing trend was found for precipitation while the air temperature in most months has a significantly increasing trend at 99% confidence level at monthly and annual time scales in the WRB; (2) climate warming has less effect on the precipitation structure than that on the precipitation magnitude in the WRB; and (3) overall, the relationship between precipitation and temperature in the whole WRB has no significant inflection point, implying a relatively stable relationship between precipitation and temperature changes. This study provides a new idea and quantitative measure for the identification of inflection points of the relationship between precipitation and temperature.
Climate characteristics and their relationship with soybean and maize yields in Argentina, Brazil and the United States
Authors: Llano María Paula , Vargas Walter
Published: July 2015

The impact of climate variability on exportable surpluses of maize and soya beans in producing/exporting countries is well known. This situation necessitates the study of climate variability and yields in some of the major producer countries (Argentina, Brazil and the United States). This study aims to characterize the climate regimes of each region, seeking the highest degree of regional homogeneity and representativeness of yields and climate variables. The series variability is analysed according to various effects (different stages of crop development and conditioning of yield). The temperatures and rainfall occurring during the flowering stage exert greater conditioning on yield at the end of the crop cycle. Different theoretical fit models of yield are obtained for both crops with climate information from their core areas of high production.
Differentiation of healthy and malignant tissue in colon cancer patients using optical spectroscopy: A tool for image‐guided surgery
Authors: Langhout G.C. , Spliethoff J.W. , Schmitz S.J. , Aalbers A.G.J. , van Velthuysen M.‐L.F. , Hendriks B.H.W. , Ruers T.J.M. , Kuhlmann K.F.D.
Published: July 2015

Background

Surgery for colorectal cancer aims for complete tumor resection. Optical‐based techniques can identify tumor and surrounding tissue through the tissue specific optical properties, absorption and scattering, which are both influenced by the biochemical and morphological composition of the tissue.

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of dual‐modality Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy–Fluorescence Spectroscopy (DRS‐FS) for discrimination between healthy and malignant tissue in colorectal surgery.

Methods

Surgical specimens from colorectal cancer patients were measured immediately after resection using a fiber‐optic needle capable of dual‐modality DRS‐FS. Model‐based analyses were used to derive scattering and absorption coefficients and intrinsic fluorescence. Volume fractions of chromophores were estimated. Furthermore, optical data were recorded along a trajectory from healthy tissue towards tumor.

Results

Spectral characteristics were identified in 1,273 measured spectra from 21 specimens. Combined DRS and FS discriminated tumor from surrounding tissue with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 88%. Significant spectral changes were seen along the trajectory from healthy tissue to tumor.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that dual‐modality DRS‐FS can identify colorectal cancer from surrounding healthy tissue. The quantification of comprehensible parameters allows robust classification and facilitates extrapolation towards the clinical setting. The technique, here demonstrated in a needle like probe, can be incorporated into surgical tools for optically guided surgery in the near future. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:559–565, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcomes including liver histology after liver transplantation for chronic hepatitis B using oral antiviral therapy alone
Authors: Fung James , Lo Regina , Chan See‐Ching , Chok Kenneth , Wong Tiffany , Sharr William , Cheung Tan‐To , Chan Albert C. Y. , Dai Wing‐Chiu , Sin Sui‐Ling , Ng Irene , Lai Ching‐Lung , Yuen Man‐Fung , Lo Chung‐Mau
Published: July 2015

The outcomes of hepatitis B virus (HBV)–related hepatitis after liver transplantation (LT) without hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) is not well documented. This study aims to determine the outcomes of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients using an HBIG‐free regimen. All biopsies performed 3 months or more after LT in consecutive CHB patients transplanted from 2003 to 2012 were reviewed. None of the patients received HBIG. Results of all liver histologies were reviewed to determine the cause of graft dysfunction. Of the 435 patients transplanted during this period, 263 liver biopsies were performed in 144 patients. Thirty‐six patients were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) with undetectable HBV DNA at the time of biopsy, and none had histological evidence of HBV infection. Of the 263 biopsies, 44 (17%) had evidence of fibrosis. There was a significantly higher rate of fibrosis in those with large duct obstruction compared to those without (51% versus 9%, respectively; P < 0.001). Of the 291 patients without a liver biopsy during the same period, 43 were HBsAg+. Seven patients had evidence of virological rebound, of whom 6 had evidence of rtM204V/I mutation and 1 had recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma with low‐level rebound and wild‐type virus. In conclusion, for patients without virological rebound, positive serum HBsAg was not associated with histological evidence of HBV‐related hepatitis after LT. To prevent virological rebound, nucleos(t)ide analogues with higher barriers to resistance should be used. Liver Transpl 21:1504‐1510, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Donor site morbidity after scapular tip free flaps in head‐and‐neck reconstruction
Authors: Ferrari Silvano , Ferri Andrea , Bianchi Bernardo , Varazzani Andrea , Perlangeli Giuseppe , Sesenna Enrico
Published: July 2015

Background

Recently, the scapular tip free flap has been popularized as a valuable option for bone reconstruction of the head and neck area. Analyses of perioperative and long‐time morbidity are crucial to enable complete comprehension of this technique and will be presented in this paper.

Methods

Perioperative and long‐term morbidity of scapular tip flaps harvesting were analyzed in a cohort of 19 patients. Local complications and ambulation‐time were used to assess perioperative results, while Constant–Murley and DASH scores were used to evaluate long‐term morbidity on shoulder functions.

Results

Local perioperative complications were minimal (three cases of seroma and two wound dehiscence). Ambulation time ranged between 2 and 4 days (mean 2.7 days). Constant–Murley scores ranged between 66 and 100 (mean 92.2). The DASH score ranged between 39 and 85 (mean 48.6).

Conclusion

Harvesting a scapular tip free flap resulted in very low shoulder morbidity, without interfering the patient's daily activities. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:447–450, 2015.
A 7T spine array based on electric dipole transmitters
Authors: Duan Qi , Nair Govind , Gudino Natalia , de Zwart Jacco A. , van Gelderen Peter , Murphy‐Boesch Joe , Reich Daniel S. , Duyn Jeff H. , Merkle Hellmut
Published: July 2015

Purpose

The goal of this study was to explore the feasibility of using an array of electric dipole antennas for RF transmission in spine MRI at high fields.

Method

A two‐channel transmit array based on an electric dipole design was quantitatively optimized for 7T spine imaging and integrated with a receive array combining eight loop coils. Using
mapping, the transmit efficiency of the dipole array was compared with a design using quadrature loop pairs. The radiofrequency energy deposition for each array was measured using a home‐built dielectric phantom and MR thermometry. The performance of the proposed array was qualitatively demonstrated in human studies.

Results

The results indicate dramatically improved transmit efficiency for the dipole design compared with the loop excitation. A gain of up to 76% was achieved within the spinal region.

Conclusion

For imaging of the spine, electric dipole–based transmitters provide an attractive alternative to the traditional loop‐based design. Easy integration with existing receive array technology facilitates practical use at high fields. Magn Reson Med 74:1189–1197, 2015. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Sensitivity Enhancement of an Inductively Coupled Local Detector Using a HEMT‐Based Current Amplifier
Authors: Qian Chunqi , Duan Qi , Dodd Steve , Koretsky Alan , Murphy‐Boesch Joe
Published: July 2015

Purpose

To improve the signal transmission efficiency and sensitivity of a local detection coil that is weakly inductively coupled to a larger receive coil.

Methods

The resonant detection coil is connected in parallel with the gate of a high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) transistor without impedance matching. When the drain of the transistor is capacitively shunted to ground, current amplification occurs in the resonator by feedback that transforms a capacitive impedance on the transistor's source to a negative resistance on its gate.

Results

High resolution images were obtained from a mouse brain using a small, 11 mm diameter surface coil that was inductively coupled to a commercial, phased array chest coil. Although the power consumption of the amplifier was only 88 μW, 14 dB gain was obtained with excellent noise performance.

Conclusion

An integrated current amplifier based on a HEMT can enhance the sensitivity of inductively coupled local detectors when weakly coupled. This amplifier enables efficient signal transmission between customized user coils and commercial clinical coils, without the need for a specialized signal interface. Magn Reson Med 75:2573–2578, 2016. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Energy intake, nonexercise physical activity, and weight loss in responders and nonresponders: The Midwest Exercise Trial 2
Authors: Herrmann Stephen D. , Willis Erik A. , Honas Jeffery J. , Lee Jaehoon , Washburn Richard A. , Donnelly Joseph E.
Published: July 2015

Objective

To compare energy intake, total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), nonexercise energy expenditure (NEEx), resting metabolic rate (RMR), nonexercise physical activity (NEPA), and sedentary time between participants with weight loss <5% (nonresponders) vs. ≥5% (responders) in response to exercise.

Methods

Adults (18‐30 years) with overweight/obesity (BMI 25‐40 kg/m2) were randomized to exercise: 5 days/week, 400 or 600 kcal/session, 10 months.

Results

Of the participants, 40 responded and 34 did not respond to the exercise protocol. Nonresponder energy intake was higher vs. responders, significant only in men (P=0.034). TDEE increased only in responders (P=0.001). NEEx increased in responders and decreased in nonresponders, significant only in men (P=0.045). There were no within‐ or between‐group differences for change in RMR. NEPA increased in responders and decreased in nonresponders (group‐by‐time interactions: total sample, P=0.049; men, P=0.016). Sedentary time decreased in both groups, significant only in men.

Conclusions

Men who did not lose weight in response to exercise (<5%) had higher energy intake and lower NEEx when compared with men losing ≥5%. No significant differences in any parameters assessed were observed between women who lost <5% vs. those losing ≥5%. Factors associated with the weight loss response to exercise in women warrant additional investigation.
Treatment of obesity: Pharmacotherapy trends in the United States from 1999 to 2010
Authors: Xia Ying , Kelton Christina M.L. , Guo Jeff J. , Bian Boyang , Heaton Pamela C.
Published: July 2015

Objective

To describe the antiobesity drug‐prescribing patterns of US physicians over the past decade.

Methods

Data for adult patients were obtained from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Obesity was identified using ICD‐9 codes, BMI values, and a chronic‐obesity‐condition variable. For patients with obesity, a logistic‐regression model was estimated to determine the odds of receiving pharmacotherapy.

Results

Of the 987 million visits by patients with obesity from 2005 to 2010, 2.0% mentioned an antiobesity drug. Additionally, there were 6.5 million visits by patients without obesity but with an antiobesity drug mention. Visits made by females (OR = 2.89; 95% CI: 2.08‐4.03), by white patients (OR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.08‐2.24), by younger adults (OR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.34‐2.20), and in the South (OR = 3.39; 95% CI: 1.49‐7.72) were more likely to involve an antiobesity drug prescription.

Conclusions

Only 1 in 50 patients with obesity received a prescription for an antiobesity medication. Moreover, in contrast to what the 1998 Guidelines suggested, physicians tended to prescribe antiobesity medications to self‐paying, young, white females, many of whom lived in the South, and not all of whom had obesity.
Are obesity risk genes associated with binge eating in adolescence?
Authors: Micali Nadia , Field Alison E. , Treasure Janet L. , Evans David M.
Published: July 2015

Objective

Cognitions and behaviors characteristic of binge eating are associated with a polymorphism in the FTO gene, robustly related to body mass index (BMI) and obesity risk. We investigated the association between binge eating and the individual and combined effect of 32 SNPs robustly associated with BMI in a population‐based sample. We hypothesized that higher BMI and binge eating might share a common genetic etiology.

Methods

Binge eating was assessed in adolescents from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children at age 14 (n = 5,958) and 16 years (n = 4,948). We tested associations between 32 BMI‐related SNPs and binge eating in crude and BMI‐, age‐, and gender‐adjusted regression models.

Results

Crude analyses showed an association between binge eating and rs1558902 (FTO) that persisted after adjustment for BMI (OR = 1.20, P = 8 × 10−3). A weighted allelic score consisting of all 32 BMI‐related SNPs was associated with binge eating (P = 8 × 10−4); this association attenuated (P = 0.08) when rs1558902 was removed from the weighted allelic score.

Conclusions

BMI‐related genes are associated with adolescent binge eating, in particular an FTO polymorphism. Although replication is needed, our findings have biological plausibility and are consistent with a postulated effect of FTO on appetite and food intake. Future studies should aim to understand the mechanisms underlying the relationship between FTO, binge eating, and obesity.
Maternal obesity increases oxidative stress in the newborn
Authors: Gallardo Juan Manuel , Gómez‐López Jaqueline , Medina‐Bravo Patricia , Juárez‐Sánchez Francisco , Contreras‐Ramos Alejandra , Galicia‐Esquivel Matilde , Sánchez‐Urbina Rocío , Klünder‐Klünder Miguel
Published: July 2015

Objective

Obesity before pregnancy is associated with a greater risk for the offspring to develop obesity and diabetes in childhood and adulthood. The aim of the present study was to determine the association between maternal overweight or obesity before pregnancy and newborn oxidative stress (OS).

Methods

Seventy‐two mother‐child pairs were divided according to the pre‐gestational body mass index (BMI) of the mothers as follows: eutrophic (n = 21), overweight (n = 32), and obese (n = 19). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured in the plasma of a blood sample from the newborn's umbilical cord.

Results

The MDA levels of newborns increased with maternal BMI (P = 0.001), as did the levels of NO (P = 0.019). There was a direct correlation between MDA and NO levels in each of the three groups (eutrophic: R2 = 0.59, P < 0.001; overweight: R2 = 0.45, P < 0.001; and obese: R2 = 0.26, P = 0.024).

Conclusions

Maternal overweight and obesity before pregnancy are associated with increased OS in the offspring.
Dual‐emissive polydiphenylsilane nanocomposite: effect of N,N′‐bis(4‐hydroxysalicylidene)‐1,2‐phenylenediamine‐Zn complex
Authors: Sacarescu Liviu , Cojocaru Corneliu , Ardeleanu Rodinel , Fortuna Maria , Sacarescu Gabriela , Simionescu Mihaela
Published: July 2015

The fluorescence properties of polysilane can be strongly influenced by creating new excited states that involve electronic transitions and the relaxation to the ground state. This work presents the optical effects obtained by doping a specially designed polydiphenylsilane copolymer with Zn complex of N,N′‐bis(4‐hydroxysalicylidene)‐1,2‐phenylenediamine. The nanocomposites have been prepared in solution by mixing the polymer with low amounts of Zn–salophen and using tetrahydrofuran as solvent. The ultraviolet–visible spectrum has shown the occurrence of an intermolecular charge transfer between polysilane and the metal complex. Photoluminescence studies have revealed an interesting dual emission profile of nanocomposite. The origin of this phenomenon has been evidenced by molecular modeling and simulation of the electronic transitions. The modeling results have unveiled a new low‐lying excited state due to intermolecular interactions. The thin films of nanocomposites have been drop‐casted from solutions. The obtained films have been studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)‐Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM)‐Energy Dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX) to gain information on the film‐forming capacity and surface morphology. The results have revealed a high potential of such materials for fluorescence sensing applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Increased Risk of Second Malignant Neoplasms After Rhabdomyosarcoma: Population‐Based Evidence for a Cancer Predisposition Syndrome?
Authors: Archer Natasha M. , Amorim Renata Parada , Naves Rafaela , Hettmer Simone , Diller Lisa R. , Ribeiro Karina Braga , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos
Published: July 2015

Background

Rhabdomyosarcoma survivors have an increased risk of developing second malignant neoplasms (SMN); this risk is traditionally attributed to the effects of multidisciplinary management required for cure. However, the impact of constitutional predisposition has not been properly analyzed.

Methods

We analyzed the risk of SMN among 1,151 children diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma and reported to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries (SEER‐9) from 1973 to 2010. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using SEERStat 8.1.2.

Results

Children with pleomorphic and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma had an increased risk of developing a SMN (SIR = 15.77, 95%CI 1.91–56.96 and SIR = 5.6, 95%CI 3.32–8.85, respectively). The risk was age‐dependent; the highest was among children <2 years (SIR = 13.38, 95%CI 4.34–31.22) and the lowest was in children >10 years (SIR = 3.35, 95%CI 1.53–6.35). The risk for the youngest patients was higher for those with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (SIR = 14.72, 95%CI 4.01–37.70) compared to other histiotypes. Additionally, the risk of SMN was independent of the use of radiation to the primary (SIR = 6.50, 95%CI 3.97–10.03 and SIR = 4.57, 95%CI 2.09–8.68, for children receiving and not receiving radiation, respectively). The pattern of SMN observed was consistent with the Li‐Fraumeni spectrum.

Conclusions

Children with rhabdomyosarcoma are at high risk of developing SMN. This risk is higher for a subgroup of young children with pleomorphic and embryonal histologies, and is independent of the use of radiation. This suggests that a subgroup of children with pleomorphic and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma may have a constitutional cancer predisposition. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015; 9999:1–6 © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cooperative security management for broadband network environments
Authors: Cruz Tiago , Simões Paulo , Monteiro Edmundo , Bastos Fernando , Laranjeira Alexandre
Published: July 2015

From an internet service provider's (ISP) perspective, modern broadband access networks pose significant and ever increasing challenges in terms of security management. The growing number of permanently connected home networks, with a myriad of poorly managed devices, imposes significant security risks not only to the domestic customers, unable to defend themselves from security attacks, but also to the ISP and third‐parties potentially targeted by large‐scale distributed botnet attacks fed by swarms of zombie domestic personal computers. In this context, the traditional delimitation of customer and ISP perimeters is no longer effective. Home networks became too complex and vulnerable to be autonomously managed by the average customer, and the scale and sophistication of distributed security attacks make it more and more difficult for the ISP to properly manage security without intervening outside the boundaries of its own network. Considering this state of affairs, we propose an alternative architecture for security management. This architecture increases the level of integration and cooperation between the domains of the ISP infrastructure and the home network. At the same time, it potentially improves the scalability and granularity of traditional intrusion detection and prevention mechanisms. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metal–Organic Framework‐Based Nanomedicine Platforms for Drug Delivery and Molecular Imaging
Authors: Cai Wen , Chu Cheng‐Chao , Liu Gang , Wáng Yì‐Xiáng J.
Published: July 2015

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which are a unique class of hybrid porous materials built from metal ions and organic linkers, have attracted significant research interest in recent years. Compared with conventional porous materials, MOFs exhibit a variety of advantages, including a large surface area, a tunable pore size and shape, an adjustable composition and structure, biodegradability, and versatile functionalities, which enable MOFs to perform as promising platforms for drug delivery, molecular imaging, and theranostic applications. In this article, the recent research progress related to nanoscale metal–organic frameworks (NMOFs) is summarized with a focus on synthesis strategies and drug delivery, molecular imaging, and theranostic applications. The future challenges and opportunities of NMOFs are also discussed in the context of translational medical research. More effort is warranted to develop clinically translatable NMOFs for various applications in nanomedicine.
pH‐Responsive Isoniazid‐Loaded Nanoparticles Markedly Improve Tuberculosis Treatment in Mice
Authors: Hwang Angela A. , Lee Bai‐Yu , Clemens Daniel L. , Dillon Barbara Jane , Zink Jeffrey I. , Horwitz Marcus A.
Published: July 2015

Tuberculosis is a major global health problem for which improved therapeutics are needed to shorten the course of treatment and combat emergence of drug resistance. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiologic agent of tuberculosis, is an intracellular pathogen of mononuclear phagocytes. As such, it is an ideal pathogen for nanotherapeutics because macrophages avidly ingest nanoparticles even without specific targeting molecules. Hence, a nanoparticle drug delivery system has the potential to target and deliver high concentrations of drug directly into M. tuberculosis‐infected cells—greatly enhancing efficacy while avoiding off‐target toxicities. Stimulus‐responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles of two different sizes, 100 and 50 nm, are developed as carriers for the major anti‐tuberculosis drug isoniazid in a prodrug configuration. The drug is captured by the aldehyde‐functionalized nanoparticle via hydrazone bond formation and coated with poly(ethylene imine)–poly(ethylene glycol) (PEI–PEG). The drug is released from the nanoparticles in response to acidic pH at levels that naturally occur within acidified endolysosomes. It is demonstrated that isoniazid‐loaded PEI–PEG‐coated nanoparticles are avidly ingested by M. tuberculosis‐infected human macrophages and kill the intracellular bacteria in a dose‐dependent manner. It is further demonstrated in a mouse model of pulmonary tuberculosis that the nanoparticles are well tolerated and much more efficacious than an equivalent amount of free drug.
The changing water cycle: the Boreal Plains ecozone of Western Canada
Authors: Ireson A. M. , Barr A. G. , Johnstone J. F. , Mamet S. D. , van der Kamp G. , Whitfield C. J. , Michel N. L. , North R. L. , Westbrook C. J. , DeBeer C. , Chun K. P. , Nazemi A. , Sagin J.
Published: July 2015

The Boreal Plains Ecozone (BPE) in Western Canada is expected to be an area of maximum ecological sensitivity in the 21st century. Successful climate adaptation and sustainable forest management require a better understanding of the interactions between hydrology, climate, and vegetation. This paper provides a perspective on the changing water cycle in the BPE from an interdisciplinary team of researchers, seeking to identify the critical knowledge gaps. Our review suggests the BPE will likely become drier and undergo more frequent disturbance and shifts in vegetation. The forest will contract to the north, though the southern boundary of the ecotone will remain in place. We expect detrimental impacts on carbon sequestration, water quality, wildlife, and water supplies. Ecosystem interactions are complex, and many processes are affected differently by warming and drying, thus the degree and direction of change is often uncertain. However, in the short term at least, human activities are the dominant source of change and are unpredictable but likely decisive. Current climate, hydrological, and ecological monitoring in the BPE are limited and inadequate to understand and predict the complex responses of the BPE to human activities and climate change. This paper provides a case study of how hydrological processes critically determine ecosystem functioning, and how our ability to predict system response is limited by our ability to predict changing hydrology. WIREs Water 2015, 2:505–521. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1098

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
A generalization of Noether's theorem for a non‐material volume
Authors: Casetta Leonardo , Irschik Hans , Pesce Celso Pupo
Published: July 2015

Variable‐mass conditions can occur in a variety of practical problems of engineering. Investigations on problems of this type have been figuring as a particular research field of mechanics and applied mathematics. The fundamental issue is that the basic equations of classical mechanics were originally formulated for the case of an invariant mass contained in a material volume. Therefore, appropriate formulations are required when dealing with variable‐mass problems. The scope of the present article is devoted to arbitrarily moving control volumes formulated within the framework of Ritz's method, that is, to non‐material volumes in the sense discussed by Irschik and Holl . We aim at demonstrating a generalized version of Noether's theorem such that it can be grounded on the generalized Hamilton's principle for a non‐material volume in the form derived by Casetta and Pesce . This will consistently allow the consideration of conservation laws, written from a Noetherian approach, in this particular context of non‐material volumes. To test the proposed formulation, the problem of a rotating drum uncoiling a strip will be addressed.
The Riemann problem for the Chaplygin gas equations with a source term
Authors: Shen Chun
Published: July 2015

The Riemann solutions for the one‐dimensional Chaplygin gas equations with a Coulomb‐like friction term are constructed explicitly. It is shown that the delta shock wave appears in the Riemann solutions in some certain situations. The generalized Rankine‐Hugoniot conditions of delta shock wave are established and the position, propagation speed and strength of delta shock wave are given, which enables us to see the influence of Coulomb‐like friction term on the Riemann solutions for the Chaplygin gas equations clearly. In addition, the relations connected with the area transportation are derived which include mass and momentum transportation.