bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical time for neovascularization/angiogenesis to allow free flap survival after delayed postoperative anastomotic compromise without surgical intervention: A review of the literature
Authors: Yoon Alfred P. , Jones Neil F.
Published: July 2016

Background

The aim of this study is to determine the minimal postoperative time required that may allow free flap survival after occlusion or ligation of the microsurgical anastomosis without surgical intervention.

Methods

All reports describing free flap survival and failure after delayed postoperative vascular compromise (after postoperative day 3); including thrombosis and ligation, without revision of the microsurgical anastomoses were reviewed. The type of flap, recipient site, vessel of occlusion, postoperative compromise day, and nonsurgical treatment were analyzed.

Results

22 reports (32 flaps) detailed 16 arterial, 6 venous, and 10 simultaneously arterial and venous (vascular pedicle) compromise in 16 head and neck, 10 lower extremity, 4 breast, and 2 upper extremity free tissue transfers. 12 flaps survived without any intervention, 6 survived with conservative therapy (anticoagulation or leeches), and 14 survived despite pedicle ligation. The range of critical day of occlusion did not differ significantly among vessel types. 75% of arterial compromise occurred between 6 and 15 days. 75% of vascular pedicle compromise occurred between 8.5 and 18 days. When compared to jejunal flaps, skin flaps survived after earlier postoperative occlusion (10.2 vs. 20.8 days; P = 0.01).

Conclusion

This analysis suggests that free flaps compromised by vascular thrombosis or pedicle ligation may survive with only conservative therapy when the event occurs after a minimal critical time period. Flap survival is more probable when arterial occlusion or pedicle ligation occurs after postoperative day 12, but this minimal critical period may be as low as 6 days for arterial occlusion. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:604–612, 2016.
High‐fiber and high‐protein diets shape different gut microbial communities, which ecologically behave similarly under stress conditions, as shown in a gastrointestinal simulator
Authors: Marzorati Massimo , Vilchez‐Vargas Ramiro , Bussche Julie Vanden , Truchado Pilar , Jauregui Ruy , El Hage Racha Ahmad , Pieper Dietmar H. , Vanhaecke Lynn , Van de Wiele Tom
Published: July 2016

The aim of this work was to investigate the relationship between the structure of gut microbial communities fed with different diets (i.e. high‐protein—HP‐ versus high‐fiber—HF‐diet) and their functional stability when challenged with mild and acute doses of a mix of amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline. We made use of the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®)—a continuous model of the gastrointestinal tract—coupled with 16S‐targeted Illumina and metabolomics (i.e. UHPLC‐HRMS) analyses. Independently of the diet, the sudden exposure to an acute stress led to a modification of the microbial community structure, selecting for species belonging to Bacillus spp.; Clostridium cluster XIVa; Enterococci; Bacteroides; and Enterobacteriaceae. The antibiotic treatment led to a decrease in the number of operational taxonomic units (at least –10%). Cluster analysis of untargeted metabolic data showed that the antibiotic treatment affected the microbial activity. The impact on metabolites production was lower when the community was preexposed to mild doses of the antibiotic mix. This effect was stronger in the proximal colon for the HF diet and in the distal colon for the HP diet. Different diets shaped different gut microbial communities, which ecologically behaved similarly under stress conditions.
Accelerated chemical shift imaging of hyperpolarized 13C metabolites
Authors: Wang Jian‐Xiong , Merritt Matthew E. , Sherry A. Dean , Malloy Craig R.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Chemical shift imaging (CSI) has long been considered the gold standard method for in vivo hyperpolarized 13C metabolite imaging because of its high sensitivity. However, CSI requires a large number of excitations so it is desirable to reduce the number of RF excitations and the total acquisition time.

Methods

Centric phase encoding and three‐dimensional compressed sensing methods were adopted into a CSI acquisition to improve efficiency and reduce the number of excitations required for imaging hyperpolarized metabolites. The new method was implemented on a GE MR750W scanner for routine real time metabolic imaging experiments.

Results

Imaging results from phantoms and in vivo animals using hyperpolarized 13C tracers demonstrate that when the entire CSI dataset is treated as a single object, compressed sensing can be satisfactorily applied to spectroscopic CSI. Centric k‐space trajectory data collection also greatly improves the acquisition efficiency. This combination of compressed sensing CSI and acquisition time reduction was used to perform a hyperpolarized 13C dynamic study.

Conclusion

Compressed sensing can be satisfactorily applied to conventional CSI in hyperpolarized 13C metabolite MR imaging to reduce the number of RF excitations and accelerate the imaging speed to take advantage of conventional CSI in providing high sensitivity and a large spectral bandwidth. Magn Reson Med 76:1033–1038, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The vaginal vestibule: assessing the case for an anterior and posterior division
Authors: Haylen Bernard T. , Fischer Gayle , Vu Dzung , Tse Kelly
Published: July 2016

The vaginal vestibule has not been the subject of a dedicated journal article. Recent terminology has suggested its division into anterior and posterior components. The case for this division has not yet been assessed. Both components extend laterally from the hymen to the junction with the labia minora. The posterior vaginal vestibule is proposed to extend from the posterior aspect of the hymen to the anterior edge of the perineum whilst the anterior vestibule extends from the posterior aspect of the hymen to just below the clitoris.

Anatomical considerations (differing layers) might firstly support the above division. The posterior vestibule, by necessity, is far more flexible with the superficial aspect (approximately 1.5 cm), anatomically and histologically, comprising skin and subcutaneous tissue, with perineal musculature deep to this. In turn, it is more likely to be subject to obstetric and surgical considerations than the anterior vaginal vestibule. Obstetric trauma, in particular, would tend to create defects, particularly at its posterior margin.

Many dermatological and microbiological considerations may be common to both anterior and posterior vestibule. Any dermatological condition of the vestibule can result in sexual dysfunction and can be complicated by secondary muscular spasm. Congenital anomalies will differ anteriorly and posteriorly.

Multiple considerations can be identified to support the case for division of the vaginal vestibule into anterior and posterior components. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:979–983, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Racial disparities in primary prevention of incontinence among older adults at nursing home admission
Authors: Bliss Donna Z. , Gurvich Olga V. , Eberly Lynn E. , Savik Kay , Harms Susan , Wyman Jean F. , Mueller Christine , Virnig Beth , Wiltzen Kjerstie
Published: July 2016

Aims

Maintaining continence of nursing home (NH) residents promotes dignity and well‐being and may reduce morbidity and healthcare treatment costs. To determine the prevalence of older continent adults who received primary prevention of incontinence at NH admission, assess whether there were racial or ethnic disparities in incontinence prevention, and describe factors associated with any disparities.

Methods

The design was an observational cross‐sectional study of a nation‐wide cohort of older adults free of incontinence at NH admission (n = 42,693). Four US datasets describing NH and NH resident characteristics, practitioner orders for NH treatment/care, and socioeconomic and sociodemographic status of the community surrounding the NHs were analyzed. Disparities were analyzed for four minority groups identified on the minimum data set using the Peters–Belson method and covariates at multiple levels.

Results

Twelve percent of NH admissions received incontinence prevention. There was a significant disparity (2%) in incontinence prevention for Blacks (P < 0.05): Fewer Black admissions (8.6%) were observed to receive incontinence prevention than was expected had they been part of the White group (10.6%). The percentage of White admissions receiving incontinence prevention was 10.6%. Significant factors associated with disparity in receiving incontinence prevention were having greater deficits in ADL function and cognition and more comorbidities. No disparity disadvantaging the other minority groups was found.

Conclusions

Greater efforts for instituting incontinence prevention at the time of NH admission are needed. Eliminating racial disparities in incontinence prevention seems an attainable goal. Appropriate staff training, organizational commitment, and monitoring progress toward equitable outcomes can help achieve this goal. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:1124–1130, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Allergic‐like reactions to asparaginase: Atypical allergies without asparaginase inactivation
Authors: Kloos Robin Q. H. , Pieters Rob , Escherich Gabriele , van der Sluis Inge M.
Published: July 2016

Background

Asparaginase is an important component of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy. Unfortunately, this treatment is hampered by hypersensitivity reactions. In general, allergies – regardless of severity – cause complete inactivation of the drug. However, we report atypical allergic reactions without inactivation of asparaginase, here called allergic‐like reactions.

Procedure

Patients with an allergic‐like reaction, who were treated according to the Dutch Childhood Oncology Group ALL‐11 or the CoALL 08–09 protocol, were described. The reactions were identified by continual measurement of asparaginase activity levels. Characteristics, including timing of occurrence, symptoms, grade, and the presence of antiasparaginase antibodies, were compared to those of real allergies.

Results

Fourteen allergic‐like reactions occurred in nine patients. Five reactions were to PEGasparaginase and nine to Erwinia asparaginase. Allergic‐like reactions occurred relatively late after the start of infusion compared to real allergies. Antibodies were absent in all but one patient with an allergic‐like reaction, while they were detected in all patients with a real allergy. Symptoms and grade did not differ between the groups. Asparaginase was continued with the same formulation in six patients of whom four finished treatment with adequate activity levels.

Conclusions

In conclusion, allergic‐like reactions occur relatively late after the start of infusion and without antibodies. Despite these clinical differences, allergic‐like reactions can only be distinguished from real allergies by continually measuring asparaginase activity levels. If clinically tolerated, formulations should not be switched in case of allergic‐like reactions. Moreover, failure to recognize these reactions may lead to a less favorable prognosis if asparaginase therapy is terminated unnecessarily.
Preparation, properties and wear performance evaluation of epoxy‐palmyra fiber composites
Authors: Biswal Somen , Satapathy Alok
Published: July 2016

This article presents a parametric analysis of dry sliding wear process undergone by a new class of composite material consisting of epoxy and short palmyra fibers (SPF). It is an attempt to explore the possibility of improving the dry sliding wear resistance of neat epoxy by reinforcing it SPF. Palmyra fiber is an inexpensive, strong, and naturally available fiber derived from the stalks of palmyra leaf. In the present investigation, epoxy‐based composites with different weight proportions of SPF (0, 4, 8, and 12 wt%) are fabricated although the simple hand‐lay‐up route. The tensile, flexural, and micro‐hardness properties of the samples are found out which is followed by a FTIR spectroscopy of the samples. The composite samples are then subjected to wear trials using a pin‐on‐disc test rig as per ASTM G 99‐05 test standards under different operating conditions. The effects of various operational variables on the dry sliding wear behavior of these epoxy composites with and without SPF reinforcement are studied. The design of experiments approach using Taguchi's L16 orthogonal array is used for parametric analysis of the wear process. Significant parameters affecting the wear rate of epoxy are identified. This study revealed that while the fiber content and the sliding velocities have significant influence on the wear arte of the composites, the effects of sliding distance and normal load are ignorable. An optimal parameter setting for minimum specific wear rate is obtained. The morphologies of the worn surfaces are examined by scanning electron microscopy and possible wear mechanisms are identified. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1827–1834, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Linear response calculation of first‐order Raman spectra of point defects in silicon carbide
Authors: Roma Guido
Published: July 2016

Raman spectroscopy has been increasingly used, in recent years, to characterize irradiated materials, in particular silicon carbide. The interpretation of the spectra is nevertheless problematic. In this paper, we provide a first step toward a more quantitative interpretation, by providing first‐principles calculations of Raman intensities for various polytypes of silicon carbide (SiC) and for point defects in cubic SiC. We consider here, as benchmarks, the carbon antisite, CSi, and the doubly charged carbon vacancy/carbon antisite complex, VC. We show that some care is necessary to understand the contribution of point defects on the Raman spectrum of the material, due to supercell size effects.

Calculated Raman spectra of cubic SiC with and without point defect, here a carbon antisite, CSi, in a 216‐atom supercell.
Low‐temperature deposition of nanocrystalline diamond films on silicon nitride substrates using distributed antenna array PECVD system
Authors: Baudrillart Benoît , Bénédic Fabien , Melouani Amel S. , Oliveira Filipe J. , Silva Rui F. , Achard Jocelyn
Published: July 2016

The growth of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films on Si3N4 ceramic substrates at low surface temperature using a distributed antenna array plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process is investigated. The advantage of the considered deposition process for keeping a low growth temperature is demonstrated through microwave electric field simulation and comparisons with microwave cavity systems. The suitable design of the low‐pressure distributed antenna array reactor thus prevents the ceramic substrate from overheating and consequently from film graphitization. Therefore, for the first time NCD/Si3N4 tribosystems are achieved for deposition temperature in the range 250–400 °C. The nature of the ex situ pretreatment carried out on Si3N4 ceramics in order to favor diamond nucleation, as well as temperature variation in the considered range, do not significantly influence the morphology, topography, composition, and microstructure of the NCD films, the characteristics of which remain very close to those of films deposited on Si substrates under the same conditions. Only the growth rate decreases by a factor of two, down to 15–17 nm h−1, when the deposition temperature diminishes from 400 to 250 °C. This behavior is attributed to an activation energy almost substrate‐independent estimated in the range 3.24–3.57 kcal mol−1 for the considered low‐temperature and low‐pressure NCD deposition process using a H2/CH4/CO2 gas mixture.
Quantifying boron and phosphorous dopant concentrations in silicon from photoluminescence spectroscopy at 79 K
Authors: Liu AnYao , Nguyen Hieu T. , Macdonald Daniel
Published: July 2016

Photoluminescence spectroscopy at 79 K is shown to provide an alternative, non‐destructive characterisation method for quantifying the boron and phosphorous dopant concentrations in silicon. The dopant concentrations are revealed by the photoluminescence intensity ratios of the dopant‐related features to the band‐to‐band recombination peaks. The intensity ratio is found to be insensitive to the excitation power in a wide range of 0.3 W cm−2–100 kW cm−2. Calibration curves for boron and phosphorous in silicon are presented for [B] below 5 × 1017 cm−3 and [P] below 8 × 1016 cm−3.
Electronic structure of hydrothermally synthesized single crystal U0.22Th0.78O2
Authors: Turner D. B. , Kelly T. D. , Peterson G. R. , Reding J. D. , Hengehold R. L. , Mann J. M. , Kolis J. W. , Zhang X. , Dowben P. A. , Petrosky J. C.
Published: July 2016

Single crystals of ThO2, UO2, and their solid solutions, UxTh1–xO2, have been obtained through various hydrothermal growth conditions. This technique offers the better of two other growth processes: (i) single crystal purity as by photochemical growth of nanocrystals; and (ii) large/bulk sizes as obtained by the arc melt method. The band gap of the UxTh1–xO2 single crystal solid solution, along with the luminescence transition, have been characterized. The occupied and unoccupied structures are determined using ultraviolet and inverse photoemission spectroscopy and the electronic band gap was measured to be 3–4 eV. The strain of incorporating U into the ThO2 is analyzed through Vegard's law. In this crystal there are defect and impurity sites, likely arising from the kinetic growth process, giving rise to a similar yet slightly different optical gap evident with cathodoluminescence spectroscopy. There is a major luminescence feature spanning the range from 3.18 to 4.96 eV (250–390 nm) with a maximum at 4.09 eV (303 nm), corresponding with the measured electronic band gap. In this paper, the electronic properties of a solid solution U0.22Th0.78O2 are measured and interpreted compared to the pure actinide oxides, ThO2 and UO2.
Influenza B/Streptococcal co‐infection complicated by organizing pneumonia
Authors: Kwok Wang C. , Lam Sonia H. Y. , Wong Maria P. , Ip Mary S. M. , Lam David C. L.
Published: July 2016

Organizing pneumonia is a rare complication of influenza infection that has substantial morbidity. We report the first case of organizing pneumonia associated with influenza B and Streptococcus pneumoniae coinfection that had significant improvement with corticosteroid treatment. The clinical and radiological features of organizing pneumonia associated with this coinfection are similar to those after influenza A infection. Timely use of systemic glucocorticosteroids would be of benefit in promoting resolution for influenza‐associated organizing pneumonia.
Effect of video lag on laparoscopic surgery: correlation between performance and usability at low latencies
Authors: Kumcu Asli , Vermeulen Lotte , Elprama Shirley A. , Duysburgh Pieter , Platiša Ljiljana , Van Nieuwenhove Yves , Van De Winkel Nele , Jacobs An , Van Looy Jan , Philips Wilfried
Published: July 2016

Background

Few telesurgery studies assess the impact of latency on user experience, low latencies are often not studied despite evidence of negative effects, and some studies recruit inexperienced subjects instead of surgeons without evidence that latency affects both groups similarly.

Methods

Fifteen trainees and fourteen laparoscopic surgeons conducted two tasks on a laparoscopy home‐trainer at six latencies below 200 milliseconds (ms). Completion time and usability (perceived awareness of latency, inefficiency, disturbance, adaptability, and impact on patient safety) were measured.

Results

Weak correlation between completion time and usability was found. There was significant deterioration in performance and user experience at 105 ms added latency. Surgeons were more negatively affected.

Conclusion

Objective measures insufficiently describe the impact of latency therefore standard measures of user experience should be incorporated in studies. Even low latencies may be detrimental to laparoscopic surgery. Results from non‐experts cannot predict the impact of latency on experienced surgeons. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of microRNAs in respiratory viral infection: friend or foe?
Authors: Tahamtan Alireza , Inchley Christopher S. , Marzban Mona , Tavakoli‐Yaraki Masoumeh , Teymoori‐Rad Majid , Nakstad Britt , Salimi Vahid
Published: July 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a class of regulatory RNAs in host–pathogen interactions. Aberrant miRNA expression seems to play a central role in the pathology of several respiratory viruses, promoting development and progression of infection. miRNAs may thus serve as therapeutic and prognostic factors for respiratory viral infectious disease caused by a variety of agents. We present a comprehensive review of recent findings related to the role of miRNAs in different respiratory viral infections and discuss possible therapeutic opportunities aiming to attenuate the burden of viral infections. Our review supports the emerging concept that cellular and viral‐encoded miRNAs might be broadly implicated in human respiratory viral infections, with either positive or negative effects on virus life cycle. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust off‐line e‐cash scheme with recoverability and anonymity revocation
Authors: Wang Feng , Chang Chin‐Chen , Chang Shih‐Chang
Published: July 2016

Recently, electronic cash has become a hot topic issue with the concurrent sustainable growth of electronic commerce. In practice, however, most current electronic cash schemes do not satisfy all necessary requirements. In this paper, we point out flaws in the Fan et al. scheme and based on their scheme, propose a new off‐line e‐cash scheme. We use an ElGamal signature instead of the chameleon hash function to revise the problem of forgeability and reusability in the original scheme. We use an expiration date to improve the management efficiency of the bank's database and resolve the lost privacy problem in the recovery protocol. Our proposed scheme provides security without increasing computation and communication costs compared with the Fan et al. scheme. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Traffic classification for managing Applications’ networking profiles
Authors: Alizadeh Hassan , Zúquete André
Published: July 2016

Along with the growing number of applications and end‐users, online network attacks and advanced generations of malware have continuously proliferated. Many studies have addressed the issue of intrusion detection by inspecting aggregated network traffic with no knowledge of the responsible applications/services. Such systems fail to detect intrusions in applications whenever their abnormal traffic fits into the network normality profiles. We address the problem of detecting intrusions in (known) applications when their traffic exhibits anomalies. Building traffic profiles for each separate application is the main challenge of this problem. This paper surveys traffic classification methodologies, within a taxonomy framework, to find out the best possible traffic classification methodologies that could help us answer the following question: given a traffic sample, generated by a particular application, does it conforms to the expected application's traffic? The key requirements for a practical solution are discussed. Then, the referred traffic classification methodologies are assessed in terms of their capabilities, limitations and challenges for being used as a part of this solution. The approaches based on “multiple sub‐flows” have shown the potential to be used for building robust and practical per‐application profiles in near real‐time. An overview of a blend of real‐time approaches is also described. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In–situ Molten Salt Template Strategy for Hierarchical 3D Porous Carbon from Palm Shells as Advanced Electrochemical Supercapacitors
Authors: Ma Jing , Dong You‐zhen , Wang Lei , Yu Peng , Yan Hai‐jing , Tian Chun‐gui , Li Jing‐hong , Prof. Hong‐gang Fu and
Published: July 2016

Porous carbon with a large specific surface area, high electrical conductivity and suitable pore sizes possesses large potential for electrochemical capacitance. Herein, a 3D hierarchical porous carbon materials (PC) were synthesized through in‐situ molten salt template route by using the renewable biomass waste palm shell as carbon source. The unique structures endow the synthetic PC excellent capacitive performance. As electrode for supercapacitors, the typical PC‐1‐700 sample showed excellent electrochemical capacitance (up to 326 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1), cycling stability (99 % retention of its initial capacity) and perfect rate performance in 6 M KOH electrolyte. For security considerations, we have chosen the aqueous and the ionic liquid as the electrolyte in two‐electrode cells. For the two‐electrode symmetric supercapacitors, the maximum energy densities could be 10.4 Wh kg−1 in aqueous electrolytes, while it can deliver as high as 42.5 Wh kg−1 in ionic liquid electrolyte. The supercapacitor was capable of lighting a LED light bulb (3 V). The strategy holds great promise for preparing functional carbon materials from natural resources for fulfilling the demand in different areas.
Lipooligosaccharides as Amphiphiles to Build Liposomes for Effective Drug Delivery: The Case of Anticancer Ruthenium Complex‐Based Aggregates
Authors: Acampora Federica , Marzaioli Alberto Maria , Capuozzo Antonella , Appavou Marie‐Sousai , Campanella Antonella , D'Errico Gerardino , Irace Carlo , Montesarchio Daniela , Musumeci Domenica , Szekely Noemi Kinga , Santamaria Rita , De Castro Cristina , Paduano Luigi
Published: July 2016

Liposomes are complex aggregates, often including polyethylene glycol (PEG) to expand their life span in vivo, although their full biocompatibility is still questioned. With the aim to suitably replace PEG within liposomal formulations, here we propose a new liposomes formulation, which includes an amphiphilic molecule of natural origin: the lipooligosaccharide (LOS) from the Gram‐negative bacterium Rhizobium rubi. LOS architecture is bifunctional: the lipid moiety at one terminus promotes its insertion into the liposome, the other terminus is hydrophilic and in this case presents an oligosaccharide motif similar to the human Lewis B antigen. Liposomes were prepared by co‐formulating de‐O‐acylated LOS (de‐LOS) with the lipid 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (POPC) and the anticancer nucleolipid‐based Ru(III) complex, ToThyRu. In‐depth microstructural characterization shows that de‐LOS containing liposomes are stable aggregates. In vitro preliminary bioscreens have disclosed their negligible toxic profile and a good uptake in MCF‐7 and HaCaT cells. The results validate the use of lipooligosaccharides in formulating liposomes and pave the way to their use in drug delivery applications.
Camphor‐Based Schiff Base Of 3‐Endo‐Aminoborneol (SBAB): Novel Ligand for Vanadium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Sulfoxidation and Subsequent Kinetic Resolution
Authors: Chuo Ting Hung , Boobalan Ramalingam , Chen Chinpiao
Published: July 2016

Novel in situ formed vanadium Schiff base complexes, namely vanadyl Schiff base of 3‐exo‐aminoisoborneol (V(O)‐SBAIB) and vanadyl Schiff base of 3‐endo‐aminoborneol (V(O)‐SBAB), were demonstrated to catalyze an enantioselective sulfoxidation reaction. Among the twenty substitutionally and electronically different (1R)‐camphor based Schiff base ligands, 6‐bromo‐2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde Schiff base of 3‐endo‐aminoborneol, 48 (SBAB‐14), produced (S)‐ethyl 2‐naphthyl sulfoxide in excellent enantioselectivity (>99 %) with good yield (72 %). In an optimized reaction condition, 1.5 mol% 48 (SBAB‐14) catalyzed asymmetric sulfoxidation with concomitant kinetic resolution of various alkyl aryl sulfides and rendered corresponding sulfoxides with high ee (up to 97 %) with moderate yield (up to 74 %).
Novel and Efficient Synthesis of gem‐Difluorinated Derivatives of Acyclic Nucleoside Phosphonates (ANPs)
Authors: Pomeisl Karel , Beier Petr , Pohl Radek , Krečmerová Marcela
Published: July 2016

A novel efficient method for the synthesis of gem‐difluorinated derivatives of acyclic nucleotide analogues has been developed. The method is based on utilization of diethyl difluoromethylphosphonate as a nucleophilic difluoromethylation reagent. In contrast to previous difluoromethylation procedures using commercially available DAST or deoxofluor, this process is very robust, proceeds under mild conditions and is accompanied only by small amounts of by‐products. The reaction of diethyl difluoromethylphosphonate with 2‐benzyloxyacetaldehyde afforded 3‐(benzyloxy)‐1,1‐difluoropropan‐2‐ol (6) a key precursor for syntheses of difluoromethylated analogues of various acyclic nucleoside phosphonates.
Plasmon Modes Induced by Anisotropic Gap Opening in Au@Cu2O Nanorods
Authors: Zhang Shouren , Jiang Ruibin , Guo Yanzhen , Yang Baocheng , Chen Xiao‐Lan , Wang Jianfang , Zhao Yufen
Published: July 2016

Integration of semiconductors with noble metals to form heteronanostructures can give rise to many interesting plasmonic and electronic properties. A number of such heteronanostructures have been demonstrated comprising noble metals and n‐type semiconductors, such as TiO2, ZnO, SnO2, Fe3O4, and CuO. In contrast, reports on heteronanostructures made of noble metals and p‐type semiconductors are scarce. Cu2O is an unintentional p‐type semiconductor with unique properties. Here, the uniform coating of Cu2O on two types of Au nanorods and systematic studies of the plasmonic properties of the resultant core–shell heteronanostructures are reported. One type of Au nanorods is prepared by seed‐mediated growth, and the other is obtained by oxidation of the as‐prepared Au nanorods. The (Au nanorod)@Cu2O nanostructures produced from the as‐prepared nanorods exhibit two transverse plasmon peaks, whereas those derived from the oxidized nanorods display only one transverse plasmon peak. Through electrodynamic simulations the additional transverse plasmon peak is found to originate from a discontinuous gap formed at the side of the as‐prepared nanorods. The existence of the gap is verified and its formation mechanism is unraveled with additional experiments. The results will be useful for designing metal–semiconductor heteronanostructures with desired plasmonic properties and therefore also for exploring plasmon‐enhanced applications in photocatalysis, solar‐energy harvesting, and biotechnologies.
Repression of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Is Required to Maintain Mitotic Progression and Prevent Loss of Pluripotency of Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Ko Chia-I , Fan Yunxia , de Gannes Matthew , Wang Qin , Xia Ying , Puga Alvaro
Published: July 2016

Lack of cell cycle checkpoints and uninterrupted passage through S-phase continuously renew the embryonic stem (ES) cell population and maintain pluripotency. Here, we show that to regulate mitotic progression and pluripotency ES cells must keep the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), an environmental sensor and transcriptional regulator, in a persistent state of repression. This repression, however, is not always absolute, causing the AHR to fluctuate between reversible states of expression and repression, with a fraction of the cells escaping repression at any one time. Cells that escape AHR repression exhibit reduced levels of the pluripotency factors OCT4 and SOX2 and show an extended mitotic traverse time due to AHR-dependent MID1 repression and the subsequent disruption of the MID1-PP2A-CDC25B-CDK1 signaling pathway that regulates mitosis. Unlike the bulk of the cell population that differentiates into cardiomyocytes upon stimulation, AHR-expressing ES cells restrict cardiogenesis and commit to a neuroglia cell fate. It appears that the untimely expression of the Ahr gene needs to be repressed to maintain ES cell mitotic progression and prevent premature loss of pluripotency.
Liver Progenitors Isolated from Adult Healthy Mouse Liver Efficiently Differentiate to Functional Hepatocytes In Vitro and Repopulate Liver Tissue
Authors: Tanimizu Naoki , Ichinohe Norihisa , Ishii Masayuki , Kino Junichi , Mizuguchi Toru , Hirata Koichi , Mitaka Toshihiro
Published: July 2016

It has been proposed that tissue stem cells supply multiple epithelial cells in mature tissues and organs. However, it is unclear whether tissue stem cells generally contribute to cellular turnover in normal healthy organs. Here, we show that liver progenitors distinct from bipotent liver stem/progenitor cells (LPCs) persistently exist in mouse livers and potentially contribute to tissue maintenance. We found that, in addition to LPCs isolated as EpCAM+ cells, liver progenitors were enriched in CD45−TER119−CD31−EpCAM−ICAM-1+ fraction isolated from late-fetal and postnatal livers. ICAM-1+ liver progenitors were abundant by 4 weeks (4W) after birth. Although their number decreased with age, ICAM-1+ liver progenitors existed in livers beyond that stage. We established liver progenitor clones derived from ICAM-1+ cells between 1 and 20W and found that those clones efficiently differentiated into mature hepatocytes (MHs), which secreted albumin, eliminated ammonium ion, stored glycogen, and showed cytochrome P450 activity. Even after long-term culture, those clones kept potential to differentiate to MHs. When ICAM-1+ clones were transplanted into nude mice after retrorsine treatment and 70% partial hepatectomy, donor cells were incorporated into liver plates and expressed hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α, and carbamoylphosphate synthetase I. Moreover, after short-term treatment with oncostatin M, ICAM-1+ clones could efficiently repopulate the recipient liver tissues. Our results indicate that liver progenitors that can efficiently differentiate to MHs exist in normal adult livers. Those liver progenitors could be an important source of new MHs for tissue maintenance and repair in vivo, and for regenerative medicine ex vivo.
The effect of 3-ketosteroid-Δ1-dehydrogenase isoenzymes on the transformation of AD to 9α-OH-AD by Rhodococcus rhodochrous DSM43269
Authors: Liu Yang , Shen Yanbing , Qiao Yuqian , Su Liqiu , Li Can , Wang Min
Published: July 2016

Rhodococcus rhodochrous DSM43269 is well known for its 3-ketosteroid-9α-hydroxylases. However, the function of its 3-ketosteroid-Δ1-dehydrogenases (KSDD) remains unknown. This study compared the involvement of ksdds in the strain’s androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (AD) transformation via gene deletion. The conversion was performed using AD as substrate or directly with 9α-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (9α-OH-AD). The single deletion of ksdd1 or ksdd3 did not appear to result in the accumulation of 9α-OH-AD, whereas the single mutant △ksdd2 could preserve this compound to some extent. To further compare the role of ksdds in this strain, double mutants were constructed. All ksdd2 mutants combined with ksdd1 and/or ksdd3 resulted in the accumulation of 9α-OH-AD, among which the double mutant △ksdd2,3 behaved similarly to the single mutant △ksdd2 in this process. The mutant that lacked both ksdd1 and ksdd3 was still displayed, with no effect on the degradation of 9α-OH-AD. The triple mutant △ksdd1,2,3 was then constructed and exhibited the same capability as △ksdd1,2, accumulating more 9α-OH-AD than △ksdd2,3 and △ksdd2. The transcription of KSDD1 and KSDD2 increased, whereas that of KSDD3 seemed to exhibit no change, despite the use of the inducer AD or 9α-OH-AD. Thus, only ksdd1 and ksdd2 were involved in the transformation of AD to 9α-OH-AD. ksdd2 had the main role, ksdd1 had a minor effect on 9α-OH-AD degradation, and ksdd3 did not exhibit any action in this course.
Phenotyping GABA transaminase deficiency: a case description and literature review
Authors: Louro Pedro , Ramos Lina , Robalo Conceição , Cancelinha Cândida , Dinis Alexandra , Veiga Ricardo , Pina Raquel , Rebelo Olinda , Pop Ana , Diogo Luísa , Salomons Gajja S. , Garcia Paula
Published: July 2016

Gamma‐aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA‐T) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder reported in only three unrelated families. It is caused by mutations in the ABAT gene, which encodes 4‐aminobutyrate transaminase, an enzyme of GABA catabolism and mitochondrial nucleoside salvage. We report the case of a boy, deceased at 12 months of age, with early‐onset epileptic encephalopathy, severe psychomotor retardation, hypotonia, lower‐limb hyporeflexia, central hypoventilation, and rapid increase in weight and, to a lesser rate, length and head circumference. He presented signs of premature pubarche, thermal instability, and water–electrolyte imbalance. Serum total testosterone was elevated (43.3 ng/dl; normal range <16), as well as serum growth hormone (7.7 ng/ml; normal range <1). Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed decreased myelination and generalized brain atrophy, later confirmed by post‐mortem examination. ABAT gene sequencing was performed post‐mortem, identifying a homozygous variant c.888G > T (p.Gln296His),not previously described. In vitro analysis concluded that this variant is pathogenic. The clinical features of this patient are similar to those reported so far in GABA‐T deficiency. However, distinct mutations may have a different effect on enzymatic activity, which potentially could lead to a variable clinical outcome. Clinical investigation aiming for a diagnosis should not end with the patient's death, as it may allow a more precise genetic counselling for the family.
Updated relations for the uniaxial compressive strength of marlstones based on P-wave velocity and point load index test
Authors: Abbaszadeh Shahri Abbas , Larsson Stefan , Johansson Fredrik
Published: July 2016

Although there are many proposed relations for different rock types to predict the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) as a function of P-wave velocity (V
P) and point load index (Is), only a few of them are focused on marlstones. However, these studies have limitations in applicability since they are mainly based on local studies. In this paper, an attempt is therefore made to present updated relations for two previous proposed correlations for marlstones in Iran. The modification process is executed through multivariate regression analysis techniques using a provided comprehensive database for marlstones in Iran, including UCS, V
P and Is from publications and validated relevant sources comprising 119 datasets. The accuracy, appropriateness and applicability of the obtained modifications were tested by means of different statistical criteria and graph analyses. The conducted comparison between updated and previous proposed relations highlighted better applicability in the prediction of UCS using the updated correlations introduced in this study. However, the derived updated predictive models are dependent on rock types and test conditions, as they are in this study.
The Effect of Current Low Back Pain on Volitional Preemptive Abdominal Activation During a Loaded Forward Reach Activity
Authors: Nagar Vittal R. , Hooper Troy L. , Dedrick Gregory S. , Brismée Jean‐Michel , McGalliard Michael K. , Sizer Phillip S.
Published: July 2016

Background

A volitional preemptive abdominal contraction (VPAC) supports trunk stability during functional activity. Pain‐free individuals can sustain VPAC during function, but such has not been reported for individuals with current low back pain (cLBP).

Objective

To examine whether cLBP affects VPAC performance during a loaded forward reach (LFR) task.

Design

Observational crossover study.

Setting

Laboratory.

Participants

A total of 18 controls and 17 subjects with cLBP with pain ratings of 1/10 to 4/10 on a visual analog scale.

Interventions

Transverse abdominis (TrA) thickness measurements were recorded by blinded researchers from M‐mode ultrasound imaging during 4 conditions: (1) quiet standing without abdominal drawing‐in maneuver (ADIM); (2) quiet standing with ADIM; (3) LFR without ADIM; and (4) LFR with ADIM. A physical therapist with 29 years of experience collected historical and examination data.

Main Outcome Measures

TrA muscle thickness (mm).

Results

A 2 (group) × 2 (contraction) × 2 (reach) analysis of variance demonstrated a significant group × contraction interaction (F [1, 31] = 4.499, P = .04) where ADIM produced greater TrA thickness increases in PLBP subjects (2.18 mm) versus controls (1.36 mm). We observed a significant main effect for reach (F [1, 31] = 14.989, P < .001), where LFR activity produced a greater TrA thickness (6.15 ± 2.48 mm) versus quiet standing (5.30 ± 2.12 mm).

Conclusions

Subjects with cLBP demonstrated a greater increase in TrA activation during ADIM versus controls.
The Effect of Propulsion Style on Wrist Movement Variability During the Push Phase After a Bout of Fatiguing Propulsion
Authors: Zukowski Lisa A. , Christou Evangelos A. , Shechtman Orit , Hass Christopher J. , Tillman Mark D.
Published: July 2016

Background

Wheelchair propulsion has been linked to overuse injuries regardless of propulsion style. Many aspects of the arcing (ARC) and semicircular (SEMI) propulsion styles have been compared, but differences in intracycle movement variability, which have been linked to overuse injuries, have not been examined.

Objective

To explore how ARC and SEMI affect changes in intracycle wrist movement variability after a fatiguing bout of propulsion.

Design

Repeated measures crossover design.

Setting

Wheelchair rollers and wheelchair fatigue course in a research laboratory.

Participants

Twenty healthy, nondisabled adult men without previous wheelchair experience.

Interventions

Participants learned ARC and SEMI and used each to perform a wheelchair fatigue protocol.

Main Outcome Measurements

Thirty seconds of propulsion on rollers were recorded by motion‐capture cameras before and after a fatigue protocol for each propulsion style on 2 testing days. Angular wrist orientations (flexion/extension and radial/ulnar deviation) and linear wrist trajectories (mediolateral direction) were computed, and intracycle movement variability was calculated as standard deviations of the detrended and filtered values during the push phase beginning and end. Paired samples t tests were used to compare ARC and SEMI based on the percent changes from pre‐ to postfatigue protocol.

Results

Both propulsion styles resulted in increased intracycle wrist movement variability postfatigue, but observed increases did not significantly differ between ARC and SEMI.

Conclusions

This study evinces that intersubject variability exceeded average changes in intracycle wrist movement variability for both propulsion styles. Neither propulsion style resulting in a greater change in intracycle movement variability may suggest that no single propulsion style is ideal for everyone. The large intersubject variability may indicate that the propulsion style resulting in the smallest increase in intracycle movement variability after a fatiguing bout of propulsion may differ for each person and may help explain why wheelchair users self‐select to use different propulsion styles.
Proof of concept demonstration of optimal composite MRI endpoints for clinical trials
Authors: Edland Steven D. , Ard M. Colin , Sridhar Jaiashre , Cobia Derin , Martersteck Adam , Mesulam M.‐Marsel , Rogalski Emily J.
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Atrophy measures derived from structural MRI are promising outcome measures for early phase clinical trials, especially for rare diseases such as primary progressive aphasia (PPA), where the small available subject pool limits our ability to perform meaningfully powered trials with traditional cognitive and functional outcome measures.

Methods

We investigated a composite atrophy index in 26 PPA participants with longitudinal MRIs separated by 2 years. Rogalski et al. [5] previously demonstrated that atrophy of the left perisylvian temporal cortex (PSTC) is a highly sensitive measure of disease progression in this population and a promising endpoint for clinical trials. Using methods described by Ard et al. [1], we constructed a composite atrophy index composed of a weighted sum of volumetric measures of 10 regions of interest within the left perisylvian cortex using weights that maximize signal‐to‐noise and minimize sample size required of trials using the resulting score. Sample size required to detect a fixed percentage slowing in atrophy in a 2‐year clinical trial with equal allocation of subjects across arms and 90% power was calculated for the PSTC and optimal composite surrogate biomarker endpoints.

Results

The optimal composite endpoint required 38% fewer subjects to detect the same percent slowing in atrophy than required by the left PSTC endpoint.

Conclusions

Optimal composites can increase the power of clinical trials and increase the probability that smaller trials are informative, an observation especially relevant for PPA but also for related neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease.
Legal Education in Taiwan: Evolution and Innovation
Authors: LIN Chih-Chieh , CHIN Mong-Hwa , LIU Shang-Jyh
Published: July 2016

Taiwanese legal education is undergoing transformation and diversification. While the traditional approach to legal education has produced legal professionals who have led civil rights movements and contributed to the democratization of Taiwan, it has failed to meet the challenges of today’s world. Under globalization, Taiwanese industries and society now require lawyers capable of solving transnational legal disputes and legal issues regarding developments in technology and changes in society. However, these new challenges also provide law schools in Taiwan with an opportunity to apply experimental approaches, to innovate legal education. This essay describes the past and present state of legal education in Taiwan, especially its development since the government’s failed attempt at reform. Furthermore, it introduces the successful example of National Chiao Tung University’s Law School—a new law school that has developed a creative model of “innovation hub” and “social enterprise” that is transforming Taiwan’s legal education.
Stationary processes and pure point diffraction
Authors: LENZ DANIEL , MOODY ROBERT V.
Published: July 2016

We consider the construction and classification of some new mathematical objects, called ergodic spatial stationary processes, on locally compact abelian groups. These objects provide a natural and very general setting for studying diffraction and the famous inverse problems associated with it. In particular, we can construct complete families of solutions to the inverse problem from any given positive pure point measure that is chosen to be the diffraction. In this case these processes can be classified by the dual of the group of relators based on the set of Bragg peaks, and this gives an abstract solution to the homometry problem for pure point diffraction.
Dynamics and spectral theory of quasi-periodic Schrödinger-type operators
Authors: MARX C. A. , JITOMIRSKAYA S.
Published: July 2016

We survey the theory of quasi-periodic Schrödinger-type operators, focusing on the advances made since the early 2000s by adopting a dynamical systems point of view.
Symmetric Birkhoff sums in infinite ergodic theory
Authors: AARONSON JON , KOSLOFF ZEMER , WEISS BENJAMIN
Published: July 2016

We show that the absolutely normalized, symmetric Birkhoff sums of positive integrable functions in infinite, ergodic systems never converge pointwise even though they may be almost surely bounded away from zero and infinity. Also, we consider the latter phenomenon and characterize it among transformations admitting generalized recurrent events.