bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an educational interactive hardware‐in‐the‐loop missile guidance system simulator
Authors: Chen Zhongyuan , Chen Wanchun , Liu Xiaoming , Song Chuang
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) simulator, named HIL‐GSS, which aims to help the students of aerospace engineering learn control and missile guidance theories effectively by using interactive instrumentation. Electromechanical components and interactive panels are illustrated. Two case‐based studies are presented to show the advantages that HIL‐GSS offers to engineering education. Steady‐state tracking errors of the PID controller based on the HIL‐GSS are around zero. The final miss distance in the real‐time HIL TV guidance engagement simulation is 0.2376 m. Those results show the reliability of the proposed HIL simulator. In addition, the students' average response to survey questions is 4.22 (1–5 grade scale), which indicates that students strongly agree or agree that HIL‐GSS is an effective educational tool.
Balloon pin‐hole rupture during percutaneous coronary intervention for recurrent, calcified in‐stent restenosis: A case report
Authors: Murata Nobuhiro , Takayama Tadateru , Hiro Takafumi , Hirayama Atsushi
Published: November 2017

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients with in‐stent restenosis (ISR) is generally considered safe and effective. However, due to increased tissue hardness, PCI for calcified intra‐stent ISR is technically challenging. Here, we report severe angioplasty‐related complications in a patient presenting with calcified, recurrent ISR following PCI. After receiving drug‐coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty for an initial ISR, the patient developed recurrent ISR during the follow‐up period. Intravascular imaging revealed intra‐stent calcifications and balloon angioplasty was subsequently performed. During the angioplasty, a pin‐hole balloon rupture occurred, consequently causing coronary dissection as visualized by intravascular imaging. To prevent acute coronary occlusion, stent implantation was required. The present case report suggests that, following detection of intra‐stent calcified stenosis, both careful balloon inflation as well as optimal ablation device selection are required to prevent potential complications and obtain successful procedural outcomes.
Magnetic‐guided catheter ablation of twin AV nodal reentrant tachycardia in a patient with left atrial isomerism, interrupted inferior vena cana, and Kawashima‐Fontan procedure
Authors: Bessière Francis , Mongeon François‐Pierre , Therrien Judith , Khairy Paul
Published: November 2017

Key Clinical Message

Twin AV nodal reentrant tachycardia most commonly occurs in patients with complex congenital heart disease who have two distinct AV nodes, His bundles, and non‐preexcited QRS morphologies. Catheter ablation of the weaker AV node may be hindered by anatomical complexities. In such cases, remote magnetic guidance offers a potentially effective solution.
Prostate cancer infiltrating the bladder sphincter successfully treated with Electrochemotherapy: a case report
Authors: Klein Nina , Gunther Enric , Zapf Stefan , El‐Idrissi Rachid , Atta Johannes , Stehling Michael
Published: November 2017

Key Clinical Message

We demonstrate feasibility and safety of Electrochemotherapy for treatment of a prostate cancer (PCa) with infiltration of the urethral sphincter. The patient remained continent and potent, toxicity was low, and 6 months of follow‐up showed no cancer activity. We conclude that Electrochemotherapy should be further evaluated as treatment strategy for locally advanced PCa.
Recent Advances toward Achieving High‐Performance Carbon‐Fiber Materials for Supercapacitors
Authors: Xie Shilei , Liu Si , Cheng Faliang , Lu Xihong
Published: November 2017

State‐of‐the‐art energy storage devices are highly attractive for the ever‐worsening energy depletion and environmental deterioration. Among various candidates, supercapacitors (SCs) have been considered among the most promising energy storage devices. As key factors for the development of SCs, the electrode materials have been widely exploited, and great achievements have been made. Among these materials, carbon‐fiber materials, such as carbon nanofibers (CNFs), carbon cloths (CCs), and carbon fiber papers (CFPs), are considered as promising candidates for electrodes and supports/current collectors for other electrode materials, owing to their special physical/chemical properties and structures. This Minireview aims to provide an overview of recent advances and technologies to improve the electrochemical performance of these carbon‐fiber materials and their composite electrodes. We also briefly outline the current challenges and perspectives for the development of these carbon‐fiber materials and carbon‐fiber‐based composite electrode materials.
Imprinted Naked Pt Nanoparticles on N‐Doped Carbon Supports: A Synergistic Effect between Catalyst and Support
Authors: Bolzan Gustavo R. , Abarca Gabriel , Gonçalves Wellington D. G. , Matos Carolina F. , Santos Marcos J. L. , Dupont Jairton
Published: November 2017

A synergistic effect resulting from the interaction of small (2.4–3.1 nm) naked Pt nanoparticles (NPs) imprinted on N‐doped carbon supports is evidenced by structural, electronic and electrochemical characterization. The size and distribution of the sputtered Pt NPs are found to be related to the nature of the support because Pt NPs are preferentially located at Ngraphitic sites. In addition, Rutherford backscattering shows that a deeper penetration of the Pt NPs is obtained in the N‐doped carbon support with larger pore diameters. The ligand effect of the N‐doped carbon supports is found to occur by electron donation from Npyrrolic and Ngraphitic sites to the Pt NPs and the electron acceptor behavior of the C=Npyridinic sites. The carbon matrix acquires a basic characteristic (electron‐richer, metallic behavior) capable of interacting with metallic NPs akin to a bimetallic‐like system. The imprinted Pt NPs are active catalysts for oxidation, although displaying poor catalytic activity for reduction reactions. The catalyst N‐doped carbon supports play an important role in the overall catalytic process, rather than only acting as a simple active phase carrier.
Heterogeneous Acid‐Catalyzed Racemization of Tertiary Alcohols
Authors: Görbe Tamás , Lihammar Richard , Bäckvall Jan‐E.
Published: November 2017

Tertiary alcohols are important structural motifs in natural products and building blocks in organic synthesis but only few methods are known for their enantioselective preparation. Chiral resolution is one of these approaches that leaves one enantiomer (50 % of the material) unaffected. An attractive method to increase the efficiency of those resolutions is to racemize the unaffected enantiomer. In the present work, we have developed a practical racemization protocol for tertiary alcohols. Five different acidic resin materials were tested. The Dowex 50WX8 was the resin of choice since it was capable of racemizing tertiary alcohols without any byproduct formation. Suitable solvents and a biphasic system were investigated, and the optimized system was capable of racemizing differently substituted tertiary alcohols.
Rh‐Catalyzed Denitrogenative Reaction of N‐Sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles with Isatoic Anhydrides and Oxadiazolones
Authors: Pal Kuntal , Hoque Abdul , Volla Chandra M. R.
Published: November 2017

A convenient and simple, RhII‐catalyzed denitrogenative method for the synthesis of biologically interesting 2‐amino‐benzoxazinones and 5‐amino‐oxadiazoles from readily available isatoic anhydrides and oxadiazolones has been developed. These reactions proceed via an O−H insertion onto α‐imino RhII–carbenoid species followed by a rearrangement. The scope of the reaction can also be extended to benzoxazinones to access amino‐substituted benzoxazines.
Mechanistic Insights on Human Phosphoglucomutase Revealed by Transition Path Sampling and Molecular Dynamics Calculations
Authors: Brás Natércia F. , Fernandes Pedro A. , Ramos Maria J. , Schwartz Steven D.
Published: November 2017

Human α‐phosphoglucomutase 1 (α‐PGM) catalyzes the isomerization of glucose‐1‐phosphate into glucose‐6‐phosphate (G6P) through two sequential phosphoryl transfer steps with a glucose‐1,6‐bisphosphate (G16P) intermediate. Given that the release of G6P in the gluconeogenesis raises the glucose output levels, α‐PGM represents a tempting pharmacological target for type 2 diabetes. Here, we provide the first theoretical study of the catalytic mechanism of human α‐PGM. We performed transition‐path sampling simulations to unveil the atomic details of the two catalytic chemical steps, which could be key for developing transition state (TS) analogue molecules with inhibitory properties. Our calculations revealed that both steps proceed through a concerted SN2‐like mechanism, with a loose metaphosphate‐like TS. Even though experimental data suggests that the two steps are identical, we observed noticeable differences: 1) the transition state ensemble has a well‐defined TS region and a late TS for the second step, and 2) larger coordinated protein motions are required to reach the TS of the second step. We have identified key residues (Arg23, Ser117, His118, Lys389), and the Mg2+ ion that contribute in different ways to the reaction coordinate. Accelerated molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the G16P intermediate may reorient without leaving the enzymatic binding pocket, through significant conformational rearrangements of the G16P and of specific loop regions of the human α‐PGM.
Optimizing active surveillance strategies to balance the competing goals of early detection of grade progression and minimizing harm from biopsies
Authors: Barnett Christine L. , Auffenberg Gregory B. , Cheng Zian , Yang Fan , Wang Jiachen , Wei John T. , Miller David C. , Montie James E. , Mamawala Mufaddal , Denton Brian T.
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer includes follow‐up with serial prostate biopsies. The optimal biopsy frequency during follow‐up has not been determined. The goal of this investigation was to use longitudinal AS biopsy data to assess whether the frequency of biopsy could be reduced without substantially prolonging the time to the detection of disease with a Gleason score ≥ 7.

METHODS

With data from 1375 men with low‐risk prostate cancer enrolled in AS at Johns Hopkins, a hidden Markov model was developed to estimate the probability of undersampling at diagnosis, the annual probability of grade progression, and the 10‐year cumulative probability of reclassification or progression to Gleason score ≥ 7. It simulated 1024 potential AS biopsy strategies for the 10 years after diagnosis. For each of these strategies, the model predicted the mean delay in the detection of disease with a Gleason score ≥ 7.

RESULTS

The model estimated the 10‐year cumulative probability of reclassification from a Gleason score of 6 to a Gleason score ≥ 7 to be 40.0%. The probability of undersampling at diagnosis was 9.8%, and the annual progression probability for men with a Gleason score of 6 was 4.0%. On the basis of these estimates, a simulation of an annual biopsy strategy estimated the mean time to the detection of disease with a Gleason score ≥ 7 to be 14.1 months; however, several strategies eliminated biopsies with only small delays (<12 months) in detecting grade progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Although annual biopsy for low‐risk men on AS is associated with the shortest time to the detection of disease with a Gleason score ≥ 7, several alternative strategies may allow less frequent biopsying without sizable delays in detecting grade progression. Cancer 2018;124:698‐705. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Validity and usefulness of a single‐item measure of patient‐reported bother from side effects of cancer therapy
Authors: Pearman Timothy P. , Beaumont Jennifer L. , Mroczek Daniel , O’Connor Mary , Cella David
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

The improving efficacy of cancer treatment has resulted in an increasing array of treatment‐related symptoms and associated burdens imposed on individuals undergoing aggressive treatment of their disease. Often, clinical trials compare therapies that have different types, and severities, of adverse effects. Whether rated by clinicians or patients themselves, it can be difficult to know which side effect profile is more disruptive or bothersome to patients. A simple summary index of bother can help to adjudicate the variability in adverse effects across treatments being compared with each other.

METHODS

Across 4 studies, a total of 5765 patients enrolled in cooperative group studies and industry‐sponsored clinical trials were the subjects of the current study. Patients were diagnosed with a range of primary cancer sites, including bladder, brain, breast, colon/rectum, head/neck, hepatobiliary, kidney, lung, ovary, pancreas, and prostate as well as leukemia and lymphoma. All patients were administered the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐General version (FACT‐G). The single item “I am bothered by side effects of treatment” (GP5), rated on a 5‐point Likert scale, is part of the FACT‐G. To determine its validity as a useful summary measure from the patient perspective, it was correlated with individual and aggregated clinician‐rated adverse events and patient reports of their general ability to enjoy life.

RESULTS

Analyses of pharmaceutical trials demonstrated that mean GP5 scores (“I am bothered by side effects of treatment”) significantly differed by maximum adverse event grade (P<.001) in all trials, with a clear trend toward increasing GP5 scores with level of increasing adverse event grade. Effect sizes ranged from 0.13 to 0.46. Analyses of cooperative group trials demonstrated a significant correlation between GP5 and item GF3 (“I am able to enjoy life”) in the predicted direction.

CONCLUSIONS

The single FACT‐G item “I am bothered by side effects of treatment” is significantly associated with clinician‐reported adverse events and with patients’ ability to enjoy their lives. It has promise as an overall summary measure of the burden of a given set of treatment toxicities compared with another. Future research can identify the contribution of individual side effects compared with one another in terms of how each may contribute to overall bother. Cancer 2018;124:991‐7. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Efficacy of a community‐based participatory and multilevel intervention to enhance hepatitis B virus screening and vaccination in underserved Korean Americans
Authors: Ma Grace X. , Lee Minsun M. , Tan Yin , Hanlon Alexandra L. , Feng Ziding , Shireman Theresa I. , Rhee Joanne , Wei Zhengyu , Wong Frank , Koh Han Seung , Kim Charles , York Whitney
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

The primary objective of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of a community‐based participatory intervention program in improving hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening and vaccination among Korean Americans who were not previously screened.

METHODS

A cluster randomized trial involving 32 Korean church‐based community organizations (1834 participants) was conducted. Sixteen churches were randomly assigned to an HBV screening and vaccination multicomponent intervention condition (972 participants) and 16 were assigned to a general cancer education control condition (862 participants). The main components of the intervention program included interactive group education; patient navigation; and the engagement of health care providers, church leadership, and church members in the medical field. The application of community‐based participatory research principles was monitored and evaluated. HBV screening and vaccination rates (self‐reported and medical record verification) were assessed at 6‐month and 12‐month follow‐ups, respectively.

RESULTS

The results of the current study demonstrated significant efficacy in the HBV screening rate (92.5% in the intervention group vs 5.5% in the control group), 3‐series HBV vaccination completion rate (84% in the intervention group vs 17.6% in the control group), and overall screening and vaccination compliance rate (87% in the intervention group vs 3.8% in the control group). Participants in the intervention group were significantly more likely to receive HBV screening (92.5%) compared with those in the control group (5.5%). In multivariate mixed‐effect logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio for an intervention effect on HBV screening was 512.3 after adjusting for cluster effect and other demographic variables. With regard to vaccination rates, of the 332 participants who were screened with no immunity in the intervention group, 308 (92.8%) received at least 1 HBV vaccination, 300 (90.4%) received at least 2 shots, and 279 participants (84%) received all 3 shots.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of community‐based participatory research and a multilevel approach may produce the most optimal results and be essential in producing a considerable effect for enhancing HBV screening and vaccination, particularly for Korean American populations with limited language proficiency and insurance coverage. Cancer 2018;124:973‐82. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Study on the SDN‐IP–based solution of well‐known bottleneck problems in private sector of national R&E network for big data transfer
Authors: Park Hyoungwoo , Cho Buseung , Hwang Il‐sun , Lee Jongsuk Ruth
Published: November 2017

Last‐mile bottleneck, fire‐wall bottleneck, and internal network congestion bottleneck are well‐known performance bottleneck problems of private sector in national R&E network since Internet is adopted for R&E network. The emergency of big data science makes these problems more severe because a famous scientist under such a circumstance is severely restricted in his/her big data R&D. Therefore, government cannot leave these stubs in the realm of a private organization any longer. We, KREONET (Korea Research Environment Open Network), tried to solve these problems by SDN‐IP (software‐defined network—Internet protocol) based on ONOS (Open Network Operation System); SDN‐IP is the leading technology for the softwarization of network, and it is developed by On Lab. KREONET began to deploy SDN‐IP as a tool for the softwarization of Korea R&E network even though others studied to business its' feature for the enhancement of resource management of data center first. The initial goal during the construction of SDN‐IP for KREONET is to solve well‐known problems in R&E network, which are related with last‐mile, fire‐wall, and internal network congestion. These 3 problems are not solved for a long time because it costs too much when we try to solve them by the way of the existed hardware networking. In this paper, we introduce our experience that can catch two rabbits at the same time. These experiences are about the provision of the initial popular service of SDN‐IP with the solution of those well‐known bottleneck problems and about the economic way of SDN‐IP construction by incremental hybrid networking of legacy Internet and SDN‐IP.
Insights on the Structure, Molecular Weight and Activity of an Antibacterial Protein–Polymer Hybrid
Authors: Pan Yanxiong , Neupane Sunanda , Farmakes Jasmin , Oh Myungkeun , Bentz Kylie , Choi Yongki , Yang Zhongyu
Published: November 2017

Protein–polymer conjugates are attractive biomaterials which combine the functions of both proteins and polymers. The bioactivity of these hybrid materials, however, is often reduced upon conjugation. It is important to determine and monitor the protein structure and active site availability in order to optimize the polymer composition, attachment point, and abundance. The challenges in probing these insights are the large size and high complexity in the conjugates. Herein, we overcome the challenges by combining electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) and characterize the structure of antibacterial hybrids formed by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and an antibacterial protein. We discovered that the primary reasons for activity loss were PEG blocking the substrate access pathway and/or altering protein surface charges. Our data indicated that the polymers tended to stay away from the protein surface and form a coiled conformation. The structural insights are meaningful for and applicable to the rational design of future hybrids.
Cytologic findings of an adult rhabdomyoma in the parapharyngeal space: A report of a case and review of the literature
Authors: Dermawan Josephine Kamtai , Doxtader Erika , Chute Deborah J. , Policarpio‐Nicolas Maria Luisa
Published: November 2017

Adult extracardiac rhabdomyomas are rare benign mesenchymal tumor arising from skeletal muscle. While they are often located in the larynx and pharynx, the incidence in the parapharyngeal area is extremely rare with only 1 documented cytology case report to date. We report a case of an adult extracardiac rhabdomyoma in the parapharyngeal space diagnosed cytologically with subsequent histologic confirmation. The patient is a 57‐year‐old man with history of weight loss, hematuria, dysphagia, and airway encroachment. Computerized tomography of his abdomen showed a large left renal mass. While the patient was in the operating room for the resection of his renal mass, a fine‐needle aspiration from left the parapharyngeal mass was performed. The smears showed uniform bland polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and peripherally located nuclei. Immunohistochemical stains performed on the cell block showed the tumor cells were desmin positive and negative for S‐100 and PAX‐8, supporting the diagnosis of an adult rhabdomyoma. Subsequent resection of the mass confirmed the diagnosis of an adult extracardiac rhabdomyoma.
Molecular testing on endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) fine needle aspirates (FNA): Impact of triage
Authors: Sung Simon , Crapanzano John P. , DiBardino David , Swinarski David , Bulman William A. , Saqi Anjali
Published: November 2017

Background

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)‐guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) is performed to diagnose and stage lung cancer. Multiple studies have described the value of Rapid On‐Site Evaluation (ROSE), but often the emphasis is upon diagnosis than adequacy for molecular testing (MT). The aim was to identify variable(s), especially cytology‐related, that can improve MT.

Methods

A search for EBUS‐FNAs with ROSE was conducted for lung adenocarcinomas or when this diagnosis could not be excluded. All such cases underwent reflex MT on cell blocks. The impact of cytology‐related variables [i.e., number of pass(es), dedicated pass(es) directly into media, cytotechnologist (CT), laboratory technician (LT) and triage with 1 or >1 cytologist] was evaluated. The latter category was divided into Group A [ROSE, triage and slide preparation by cytopathologist (CP) and CT at start of the procedure] and Group B (ROSE only by CT or by CT/CP after start of procedure; triage and slide preparation by CT or clinical staff). The impact of all these variables on MT was assessed.

Results

A total of 100 cases were identified, and 79 had sufficient tissue for MT. Of all variables evaluated, MT was positively affected by performing a direct dedicated pass (P = 0.013) and ROSE by Group A (P = 0.033).

Conclusions

ROSE with appropriate triage, including performing a dedicated pass and proper slide preparation, improves MT, and this is enhanced by having >1 cytologist at the start of the procedure. In the era of personalized medicine, “adequate” should denote sufficient tissue for diagnosis and MT.
Thresholds of sea‐level rise rate and sea‐level rise acceleration rate in a vulnerable coastal wetland
Authors: Wu Wei , Biber Patrick , Bethel Matthew
Published: November 2017

Feedbacks among inundation, sediment trapping, and vegetation productivity help maintain coastal wetlands facing sea‐level rise (SLR). However, when the SLR rate exceeds a threshold, coastal wetlands can collapse. Understanding the threshold helps address key challenges in ecology—nonlinear response of ecosystems to environmental change, promotes communication between ecologists and resource managers, and facilitates decision‐making in climate change policies. We studied the threshold of SLR rate and developed a new threshold of SLR acceleration rate on sustainability of coastal wetlands as SLR is likely to accelerate due to enhanced anthropogenic forces. Deriving these two thresholds depends on the temporal scale, the interaction of SLR with other environmental factors, and landscape metrics, which have not been fully accounted for before this study. We chose a representative marine‐dominated estuary in the northern Gulf of Mexico, Grand Bay in Mississippi, to test the concept of SLR thresholds. We developed a mechanistic model to simulate wetland change and then derived the SLR thresholds for Grand Bay. The model results show that the threshold of SLR rate in Grand Bay is 11.9 mm/year for 2050, and it drops to 8.4 mm/year for 2100 using total wetland area as a landscape metric. The corresponding SLR acceleration rate thresholds are 3.02 × 10−4 m/year2 and 9.62 × 10−5 m/year2 for 2050 and 2100, respectively. The newly developed SLR acceleration rate threshold can help quantify the temporal lag before the rapid decline in wetland area becomes evident after the SLR rate threshold is exceeded, and cumulative SLR a wetland can adapt to under the SLR acceleration scenarios. Based on the thresholds, SLR that will adversely impact the coastal wetlands in Grand Bay by 2100 will fall within the likely range of SLR under a high warming scenario (RCP8.5), highlighting the need to avoid RCP8.5 to preserve these marshes.
Cryptic genetic variation in an inbreeding and cosmopolitan pest, Xylosandrus crassiusculus, revealed using ddRADseq
Authors: Storer Caroline , Payton Adam , McDaniel Stuart , Jordal Bjarte , Hulcr Jiri
Published: November 2017

Each year new exotic species are transported across the world through global commerce, causing considerable economic and ecological damage. An important component of managing invasion pathways is to identify source populations. Some of the most widespread exotic species are haplodiploid ambrosia beetles. The ability to mate with siblings (inbreed) and their transportable food source (symbiotic fungus) have enabled them to colonize most of the world and become pests of plant nurseries, lumber, and forests. One of the fastest spreading ambrosia beetles is Xylosandrus crassiusculus. In order to discover the source populations of this globally invasive species, track its movement around the world, and test biogeographical scenarios, we combined restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) with comprehensive sampling across the species native and introduced range. From 1,365 genotyped SNP loci across 198 individuals, we determined that in its native range, X. crassiusculus is comprised of a population in Southeast Asia that includes mainland China, Thailand, and Taiwan, and a second island population in Japan. North America and Central America were colonized from the island populations, while Africa and Oceania were colonized from the mainland Asia, and Hawaii was colonized by both populations. Populations of X. crassiusculus in North America were genetically diverse and highly structured, suggesting (1) numerous, repeated introductions; (2) introduction of a large founding population; or (3) both scenarios with higher than expected outcrossing. X. crassiusculus, other wood‐boring insects, and indeed many other pests with unusual genetic structure continue to spread around the world. We show that contemporary genetic methods offer a powerful tool for understanding and preventing pathways of future biosecurity threats.
Habitat heterogeneity affects predation of European pine sawfly cocoons
Authors: Bellone Davide , Klapwijk Maartje J. , Björkman Christer
Published: November 2017

Habitat heterogeneity is thought to affect top‐down control of herbivorous insects and contribute to population stability by providing a more attractive microhabitat for natural enemies, potentially leading to reduced population fluctuations. Identifying the parameters that contribute to habitat heterogeneity promoting top‐down control of herbivorous insects by natural enemies could facilitate appropriate management decisions, resulting in a decreased risk of pest insect outbreaks because of a higher level of predation. In our study, we measured the top‐down pressure exerted by small mammals on the cocoons of a notorious pest insect in pine forests, the European pine sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer), which is known to be regulated by small mammal predation. The forest stands used differed in heterogeneity measured in terms of differences in tree diversity and density, understory vegetation height, presence/absence, and density of dead wood. We found higher predation in more dense spots within forest stands. Further, the effect of dead wood on sawfly cocoon predation depended on the pine proportion in forest stands. The addition of dead wood in a manipulation experiment had a slight positive effect on cocoon predation, while dead wood removal caused a clear decrease in predation rate, and the decrease was more pronounced when the proportion of pine increased. Our results show that habitat heterogeneity affects predation by generalist predators on herbivorous insects. This knowledge could be applied to reduce the risk of insect outbreaks by applying management methods that increase heterogeneity in perennial systems such as forests and orchards, thus decreasing the levels of insect damage.
Stannylation of Aryl Halides, Stille Cross‐Coupling, and One‐Pot, Two‐Step Stannylation/Stille Cross‐Coupling Reactions under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Gribanov Pavel S. , Golenko Yulia D. , Topchiy Maxim A. , Minaeva Lidiya I. , Asachenko Andrey F. , Nechaev Mikhail S.
Published: November 2017

Solvent‐free protocols for palladium‐catalyzed stannylation of aryl halides, Stille cross‐coupling, and one‐pot, two‐step stannylation/Stille cross‐coupling (SSC) are reported for the first time. (Het)aryl halides bearing acceptor, donor, as well as sterically demanding substituents are stannylated and/or coupled in high yields. The reactions are catalyzed by conventional palladium(II) acetate/PCy3[Pd(OAc)2/PCy3] under air, using available base CsF, and without the use of high purity reagents. The developed synthetic procedures are versatile, robust, and easily scalable. The absence of solvent, and the elimination of isolation procedures of aryl stannanes makes the SSC protocol simple, step economical, and highly efficient for the synthesis of biaryls in a one‐pot two‐step procedure.
Interaction of albumins and heparinoids investigated by affinity capillary electrophoresis and free flow electrophoresis
Authors: Mozafari Mona , El Deeb Sami , Krull Friederike , Wildgruber Robert , Weber Gerhard , Reiter Christian G. , Wätzig Hermann
Published: November 2017

A fast and precise affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE) method has been applied to investigate the interactions between two serum albumins (HSA and BSA) and heparinoids. Furthermore, different free flow electrophoresis methods were developed to separate the species which appears owing to interaction of albumins with pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) under different experimental conditions. For ACE experiments, the normalized mobility ratios (∆R/Rf), which provided information about the binding strength and the overall charge of the protein‐ligand complex, were used to evaluate the binding affinities. ACE experiments were performed at two different temperatures (23 and 37°C). Both BSA and HSA interact more strongly with PPS than with unfractionated and low molecular weight heparins. For PPS, the interactions can already be observed at low mg/L concentrations (3 mg/L), and saturation is already obtained at approximately 20 mg/L. Unfractionated heparin showed almost no interactions with BSA at 23°C, but weak interactions at 37°C at higher heparin concentrations. The additional signals also appeared at higher concentrations at 37°C. Nevertheless, in most cases the binding data were similar at both temperatures. Furthermore, HSA showed a characteristic splitting in two peaks especially after interacting with PPS, which is probably attributable to the formation of two species or conformational change of HSA after interacting with PPS. The free flow electrophoresis methods have confirmed and completed the ACE experiments.
Nutritional value of raw Canavalia ensiformis and its utilization as partial replacement for soybean meal in the diet of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fingerlings
Authors: Solomon Shola G. , Okomoda Victor T. , Oguche Obekpa
Published: November 2017

The nutritional value of raw Jack bean meal (Canavalia ensiformis) as a partial substitute for soybeans meal was investigated in this study. Preliminary investigation on nutrient composition revealed that lysine, histidine, and phenylalanine were significantly higher in C. ensiformis seed meal compared to soybean meal. However, crude protein and other essential amino acids were significantly lower. Feeding trial was then conducted to investigate the effect of replacing about 40% soybeans meal (at 58.8% inclusion) with C. ensiformis in the diet of Clarias gariepinus. The result obtained after 56 days revealed that fingerlings could tolerate up to 20% replacement without significant effect on growth and nutrient utilization. Beyond this, growth was significantly reduced. Survivals of the fish also follow a similar trend as stated above. It was concluded that dietary inclusion of raw C. ensiform meal should not be beyond 11% (or 20% replacement for soybeans meal included at 58.8%) in the diet of C. gariepinus.
Governing the Interlinkages between the Sustainable Development Goals: Approaches to Attain Policy Integration
Authors: Tosun Jale , Leininger Julia
Published: November 2017

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of 2015 form a universal and integrated policy agenda to be realized over the next 15 years. One of the targets is the attainment of policy coherence for sustainable development, which requires the individual goals to become interlinked. This article's main research interest lies in assessing how national governments and their competent ministries interpret and strive to implement the target of policy coherence for sustainable development. Drawing on the Voluntary National Reviews submitted in 2016 and 2017 by six countries, this study shows that at the national level, the links among the different goals and the idea of policy integration are subject to divergent interpretations. The differences observed do not stem from the interlinkages of the SDGs as defined by the United Nations, neither do they result from different levels of income or degree of political centralization. Instead, the respective domestic policy‐making processes are likely to explain the implementation strategies adopted by the individual states. For example, the implementation approach adopted by the government of Turkey suggests that path‐dependency is critical, whereas the Colombian approach consists of defining new policy measures and institutional arrangements.
Potential for health care cost savings with preoperative gastrostomy tube placement in the head and neck cancer population
Authors: Mays Ashley C. , Bartels Harrison G. , Wistermayer Paul R. , Rohlfing Matt L. , Gentile Christopher M. , D'Agostino Ralph , Waltonen Joshua D.
Published: November 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine the cost differences between preoperative and postoperative placement of gastrostomy tubes (G‐tubes) in patients with head and neck cancer.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with aerodigestive tract cancers from 2010 to 2015. Data included inpatient and postdischarge costs, demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical treatment, length of stay (LOS), time spent in the intensive care unit (ICU), and readmissions.

Results

Five hundred ninety patients were included in this study. There was a $7624 inpatient cost savings (P = .002) for those G‐tubes placed preoperatively ($26 060) versus postoperatively ($33 754). Postdischarge costs did not differ significantly between groups (P = .60). There was a $9248 total costs savings (P = .009) for those patients with G‐tubes placed preoperatively ($39 751) versus postoperatively ($48 999), despite patients with preoperative G‐tubes having lower body mass index (BMI; P = .009), higher Association of Anesthesiologist (ASA) class (P = .02), more preoperative radiation (P < .001), and more free tissue transfer reconstruction (P = .007).

Conclusion

There is potential for savings by placing G‐tubes preoperatively, possibly driven by decreased LOS, despite data suggesting that patients with G‐tubes placed preoperatively are higher risk.
Assessment of tissue polarimetric properties using Stokes polarimetric imaging with circularly polarized illumination
Authors: Qi Ji , He Honghui , Lin Jianyu , Dong Yang , Chen Dongsheng , Ma Hui , Elson Daniel S.
Published: November 2017

Tissue‐depolarization and linear‐retardance are the main polarization characteristics of interest for bulk tissue characterization, and are normally interpreted from Mueller polarimetry. Stokes polarimetry can be conducted using simpler instrumentation and in a shorter time. Here, we use Stokes polarimetric imaging with circularly polarized illumination to assess the circular‐depolarization and linear‐retardance properties of tissue. Results obtained were compared with Mueller polarimetry in transmission and reflection geometry, respectively. It is found that circular‐depolarization obtained from these 2 methods is very similar in both geometries, and that linear‐retardance is highly quantitatively similar for transmission geometry and qualitatively similar for reflection geometry. The majority of tissue circular‐depolarization and linear‐retardance image information (represented by local image contrast features) obtained from Mueller polarimetry is well preserved from Stokes polarimetry in both geometries. These findings can be referred to for further understanding tissue Stokes polarimetric data, and for further application of Stokes polarimetry under the circumstances where short acquisition time or low optical system complexity is a priority, such as polarimetric endoscopy and microscopy.
Synthesis of some novel pyridine compounds containing bis‐1,2,4‐triazole/thiosemicarbazide moiety and investigation of their antioxidant properties, carbonic anhydrase, and acetylcholinesterase enzymes inhibition profiles
Authors: Bulut Nilufer , Kocyigit Umit M. , Gecibesler Ibrahim H. , Dastan Taner , Karci Huseyin , Taslimi Parham , Durna Dastan Sevgi , Gulcin Ilhami , Cetin Ahmet
Published: November 2017

Some novel derivatives of thiosemicarbazide and 1,2,4‐triazole‐3‐thiol were synthesized and evaluated for their biological activities. The title compounds were prepared starting from readily available pyridine‐2,5‐dicarboxylic acid. The reaction carboxylic acid with absolute ethanol afforded the corresponding dimethyl pyridine‐2,5‐dicarboxylate (1). The reaction of dimethyl‐2,5‐pyridinedicarboxylate (1) with hydrazine hydrate good yielded pyridine‐2,5‐dicarbohydrazide (2). Refluxing compound 2 with alkyl/aryl isothiocyanate derivatives for 3–8 h afforded 1,4‐disubstituted thiosemicarbazides (3a–e). Base‐catalyzed intra‐molecular dehydrative cyclization of these intermediates furnished the 4,5‐disubstituted bis‐mercaptotriazoles (4a–e) in good yield (85%–95%). Among the target compounds, 2,2′‐(pyridine‐2,5‐diyldicarbonyl)bis[N‐(p‐methoxyphenyl)hydrazinecarbothioamide] (3c) showed very high activity with value of 72.93% against 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl free radical at the concentration of 25 μg/mL. The inhibitory effects of the target compounds against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), hCA I, and II were studied. AChE, cytosolic hCA I and II isoforms were potently inhibited by synthesized these derivatives with Kis in the range of 3.07 ± 0.76–87.26 ± 29.25 nM against AChE, in the range of 1.47 ± 0.37–10.06 ± 2.96 nM against hCA I, and in the range of 3.55 ± 0.57–7.66 ± 2.06 nM against hCA II, respectively.
Differentially expressed miRNA‐210 during follicular‐luteal transition regulates pre‐ovulatory granulosa cell function targeting HRas and EFNA3
Authors: Shukla Astha , Dahiya Sunita , Onteru Suneel K , Singh Dheer
Published: November 2017

Ovarian folliculogenesis, ovulation, and luteinization are an important prerequisite for fertility performance in mammals. Spatial and temporal key factors and proteins for their regulation are well known. Recent advancement in the field of molecular biology led to the discovery of another class of gene regulators, microRNA (miRNA). Previous studies on profiling of miRNA in buffalo ovaries revealed that miRNA‐210 (miR‐210) is differently expressed in follicular‐luteal transition. Therefore, the present study was planned to ascertain the role of miR‐210 in buffalo granulosa cells. Cultured granulosa cells were transfected with miR‐210 mimic. Effect of overexpression of miR‐210 was analyzed on granulosa cell marker genes (CYP19A1 and PCNA) which were significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). Further, target genes of miR‐210 were screened using Target Scan software v7.1 and a list of 37 genes with cumulative weight context score (CWCS) > 0.5 was sorted followed by their functional annotation and network analyses using PANTHER and STRING software. Bioinformatics analyses identified HRas gene as a potential hub gene of miR‐210 targeted genes. HRas has been shown to be involved in diverse biological pathways regulating ovarian functions. An expression analysis of HRas was further validated both in vitro and in vivo. EFNA3 (EFHRIN‐A3), another identified target of miR‐210 known to be involved in angiogenesis, was also downregulated in miR‐210 transfected granulosa cells. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that miR‐210 can regulate granulosa cell function at preovulatory stage through HRas and EFNA3. Further studies are needed to find the mechanism how miR‐210 regulates the granulosa cells function through these targets.
Long non‐coding RNA cox‐2 prevents immune evasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by altering M1/M2 macrophage polarization
Authors: Ye Yibiao , Xu Yunxiuxiu , Lai Yu , He Wenguang , Li Yanshan , Wang Ruomei , Luo Xinxi , Chen Rufu , Chen Tao
Published: November 2017

Macrophages have been shown to demonstrate a high level of plasticity, with the ability to undergo dynamic transition between M1 and M2 polarized phenotypes. We investigate long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) cox‐2 in macrophage polarization and the regulatory mechanism functions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce RAW264.7 macrophages into M1 type, and IL‐4 was to induce RAW264.7 macrophages into M2 type. We selected mouse hepatic cell line Hepal‐6 and hepatoma cell line HepG2 for co‐incubation with M1 or M2 macrophages. Quantitative real‐time PCR was used to detect the expressions of lncRNA cox‐2 and mRNAs. ELISA was conducted for testing IL‐12 and IL‐10 expressions; Western blotting for epithelial mesenchymal transition related factors (E‐cadherin and Vimentin). An MTT, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, transwell assay, and stretch test were conducted to test cell abilities. The M1 macrophages had higher lncRNA cox‐2 expression than that in the non‐polarized macrophages and M2 macrophages. The lncRNA cox‐2 siRNA decreased the expression levels of IL‐12, iNOS, and TNF‐α in M1 macrophages, increased the expression levels of IL‐10, Arg‐1, and Fizz‐1 in M2 macrophages (all P < 0.05). The lncRNA cox‐2 siRNA reduces the ability of M1 macrophages to inhibit HCC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, EMT, angiogenesis and facilitate apoptosis while strengthening the ability of M2 macrophages to promote proliferation HCC cell growth and inhibit apoptosis. These findings indicate that lncRNA cox‐2 inhibits HCC immune evasion and tumor growth by inhibiting the polarization of M2 macrophages.
Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava presenting as a cardiac mass
Authors: Nabati Maryam , Azizi Soheil
Published: November 2017

Primary tumors of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are rare. The most common primary malignancy is leiomyosarcoma (LMS), with a severe prognosis. Right‐atrium (RA) involvement is seen in about 20 percent of cases. We report the case of a 53‐year‐old woman admitted to the intensive care unit because of progressive dyspnea with lower limb edema. Echocardiography demonstrated a large mass in the RA. At open‐heart surgery, the tumor appeared located in the IVC infrahepatic segment, completely obstructing the lumen and extending into the suprahepatic portion and the RA. Histopathological examination concluded to LMS.
Critical care ultrasound: A national survey across specialties
Authors: Stowell Jeffrey R. , Kessler Ross , Lewiss Resa E. , Barjaktarevic Igor , Bhattarai Bikash , Ayutyanont Napatkamon , Kendall John L.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Management of the critically ill patient requires rapid assessment and differentiation. Point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) improves diagnostic accuracy and guides resuscitation. This study sought to describe the use of critical care related POCUS amongst different specialties.

Methods

This study was conducted as an online 18‐question survey. Survey questions queried respondent demographics, preferences for POCUS use, and barriers to implementation.

Results

2735 recipients received and viewed the survey with 416 (15.2%) responses. The majority of respondents were pulmonary and critical care medicine (62.5%) and emergency medicine (19.9%) providers. Respondents obtained training through educational courses (26.5%), fellowship (23.9%), residency (21.6%), or self‐guided learning (17.2%). POCUS use was common for diagnostic and procedural guidance. Emergency medicine providers were more likely to utilize POCUS to evaluate undifferentiated hypotension (98.5%, P < .001), volume status and fluid responsiveness (88.2%, P = .005), and cardiopulmonary arrest (94.1%, P < .001) compared to other specialties. Limited training, competency, or credentialing were the most common barriers, in up to 39.4% of respondents.

Conclusion

Study respondents utilize POCUS in a variety of clinical applications. However, a disparity in utilization still exists among clinicians who care for critically ill patients. Overcoming barriers, such as a lack of formalized training, competency, or credentialing, may lead to increased utilization.
The value of contrast‐enhanced laparoscopic ultrasound during robotic‐assisted surgery for primary colorectal cancer
Authors: Ellebæk Signe Bremholm , Fristrup Claus Wilki , Pless Torsten , Poornoroozy Peiman Hossein , Andersen Per Vadgaard , Mahdi Bassam , Mortensen Michael Bau
Published: November 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the potential clinical value of contrast enhanced laparoscopic ultrasonography (CE‐LUS) as a screening modality for liver metastases during robotic assisted surgery for primary colorectal cancer (CRC).

Method

A prospective, descriptive (feasibility) study including 50 consecutive patients scheduled for robotic assisted surgery for primary CRC. CE‐LUS was performed by 2 experienced specialists. Only patients without metastatic disease were included. Follow‐up was obtained with contrast‐enhanced CT imaging at 3 and 12 months postoperatively.

Results

Fifty patients were included; 45 patients were available for final analysis. The patients were equally distributed between stage I, II, and III according to the TNM classification system. No liver metastasis was detected during LUS and CE‐LUS. CE‐LUS was easy to perform and there was no complication. Follow‐up revealed no liver metastasis in any of the patients.

Conclusion

CE‐LUS did not increase the detection rate of occult liver metastasis during robotic assisted primary CRC surgery. The use of CE‐LUS as a screening modality for detection of liver metastasis cannot be recommended based on this study, but larger controlled studies on high‐risk patients seem relevant.