bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The toxicity of silver to soil organisms exposed to silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate in biosolids-amended field soil
Authors: Jesmer Alexander H. , Velicogna Jessica R. , Schwertfeger Dina M. , Scroggins Richard P. , Princz Juliska I.
Published: April 2017

The use of engineered silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is widespread, with expected release to the terrestrial environment through the application of biosolids onto agricultural lands. The toxicity of AgNPs and silver nitrate (AgNO3; as ionic Ag+) to plant (Elymus lanceolatus and Trifolium pratense) and soil invertebrate (Eisenia andrei and Folsomia candida) species was assessed using Ag-amended biosolids applied to a natural sandy loam soil. Bioavailable Ag+ in soil samples was estimated using an ion-exchange technique applied to KNO3 soil extracts, whereas exposure to dispersible AgNPs was verified by single-particle inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. Greater toxicity to plant growth and earthworm reproduction was observed in AgNP exposures relative to those of AgNO3, whereas no difference in toxicity was observed for F. candida reproduction. Transformation products in the AgNP-biosolids exposures resulted in larger pools of extractable Ag+ than those from AgNO3-biosolids exposures, at similar total Ag soil concentrations. The results of the present study reveal intrinsic differences in the behavior and bioavailability of the 2 different forms of Ag within the biosolids-soils pathway. The present study demonstrates how analytical methods that target biologically relevant fractions can be used to advance the understanding of AgNP behavior and toxicity in terrestrial environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2756–2765. © 2017 Crown in the Right of Canada. Published Wiley Periodicals Inc., on behalf of SETAC.
Protein disulfide isomerase inhibition synergistically enhances the efficacy of sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Won Jae‐Kyung , Yu Su Jong , Hwang Chae Young , Cho Sung‐Hwan , Park Sang‐Min , Kim Kwangsoo , Choi Won‐Mook , Cho Hyeki , Cho Eun Ju , Lee Jeong‐Hoon , Lee Kyung Bun , Kim Yoon Jun , Suh Kyung‐Suk , Jang Ja‐June , Kim Chung Yong , Yoon Jung‐Hwan , Cho Kwang‐Hyun
Published: April 2017

Sorafenib is the only approved targeted drug for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its effect on patients' survival gain is limited and varies over a wide range depending on pathogenetic conditions. Thus, enhancing the efficacy of sorafenib and finding a reliable predictive biomarker are crucial to achieve efficient control of HCCs. In this study, we utilized a systems approach by combining transcriptome analysis of the mRNA changes in HCC cell lines in response to sorafenib with network analysis to investigate the action and resistance mechanism of sorafenib. Gene list functional enrichment analysis and gene set enrichment analysis revealed that proteotoxic stress and apoptosis modules are activated in the presence of sorafenib. Further analysis of the endoplasmic reticulum stress network model, combined with in vitro experiments, showed that introducing an additional stress by treating the orally active protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) inhibitor (PACMA 31) can synergistically increase the efficacy of sorafenib in vitro and in vivo, which was confirmed using a mouse xenograft model. We also found that HCC patients with high PDI expression show resistance to sorafenib and poor clinical outcomes, compared to the low‐PDI‐expression group. Conclusion: These results suggest that PDI is a promising therapeutic target for enhancing the efficacy of sorafenib and can also be a biomarker for predicting sorafenib responsiveness. (Hepatology 2017;66:855–868).
Marine and freshwater microplastic research in South Africa
Authors: Verster Carina , Minnaar Karin , Bouwman Hindrik
Published: April 2017

South Africa has a vibrant plastics manufacturing industry, but recycling is limited and insufficient with a notable proportion of the unmanaged waste entering the environment. South Africa is a developing country with microplastics research in its inception. Very little is known about freshwater microplastics, and studies on South African marine microplastics are limited but actively being pursued. In a water-scarce country, protection of freshwater resources remains a priority, but in the face of other socioeconomic issues (poverty, unemployment, and HIV/AIDS), it receives insufficiently effective attention. The full impact and risks of microplastics pollution in water is yet to be discovered. The risks may be enhanced in a developing country where many communities remain largely dependent on the land and natural waters. With South Africa being a water-scarce country, the quality of its aquatic resources is at an even greater risk with an assumed increasing background of microplastics, emphasizing the need for further research. A South African Water Research Commission–funded project is being undertaken to derive research priorities, but there is an immediate need for improved recycling and waste management. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:533–535. © 2017 SETAC

Key Points

South Africa has a strong plastics manufacturing industry. Waste management and recycling seem inadequate to stem the escape of waste to the environment. Microplastics have the potential to affect humans, marine, and freshwater ecosystems. Research is needed to assess the current situation and to lay the groundwork to address potential future problems.
Microplastics as a vector of hydrophobic contaminants: Importance of hydrophobic additives
Authors: Kwon Jung-Hwan , Chang Sein , Hong Sang Hee , Shim Won Joon
Published: April 2017

Despite a recent boom in research on the environmental fate, distribution, and harmful effects of chemical substances associated with marine plastic debris, no consensus has been reached on whether chemicals originating from microplastics cause serious environmental harm. For the risk assessment of chemical contaminants associated with microplastics, it would be useful to group organic chemicals into 2 categories: additives and nonadditives. Whereas plastic particles are not likely to be diffuse sources of chemicals that are not intentionally added to plastic products, continuous leaching of additives would result in higher concentrations, at least at a local scale. Unlike plasticizers and flame retardants, which have been relatively well investigated, antioxidants and photostabilizers have been rarely studied, even though many of them are highly hydrophobic and are not readily biodegradable. More research on the fate and effects of chemicals via microplastics should focus on those additives. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:494–499. © 2017 SETAC

Key Point

Because studies are lacking to evaluate potential risks of plastic additives except for plasticizers and brominated flame retardants, we propose that more research on the fate and effects of micropollutants via microplastics should focus on other hydrophobic additives.
Glycated albumin is stable in plasma when exposed to common laboratory conditions and comparable when drawn from venous or capillary sites
Authors: Reynolds Andrew N. , Harper Michelle , Venn Bernard J. , Mann Jim
Published: April 2017

Background

Circulating glycated albumin is a marker of blood glucose reflecting the previous 2 weeks. However, the effects of storage conditions and draw site on glycated albumin values are not fully understood.

Methods

Fifteen plasma samples from people with type 2 diabetes were assessed during repeated freeze‐thaw rounds for 10 cycles. A further 15 samples were stored at 4°C and assessed over 3 days. Another 40 samples drawn concurrently from capillary and venous sites had their glycated albumin content compared.

Results

Glycated albumin concentration did not alter over 10 freeze‐thaw cycles (P=.856), or after 72 hours at 4°C (P=.962). Capillary and venous samples did not differ in their percentage of glycated albumin (P=.379), although lower concentrations of albumin and glycated albumin (g/dL) were observed in the capillary sample (P<.001).

Conclusion

Glycated albumin in plasma appears relatively stable when exposed to common laboratory conditions, reducing a potential confounder to its use as a marker of blood glucose control. The glycated albumin (%) in samples from capillary and venous sites was comparable, suggesting the potential of rapid or portable assessment devices that require a finger prick.
External quality assessment for laboratory testing of HLA‐B*15:02 allele in relation to carbamazepine therapy
Authors: Lin Guigao , Zhang Kuo , Han Yanxi , Xie Jiehong , Li Jinming
Published: April 2017

Background

Due to the significant risk of developing Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), the use of carbamazepine is not recommended in patients carrying the human leukocyte antigen B (HLA‐B) *15:02 allele. In an effort to guarantee reliable community‐based HLA‐B*15:02 testing throughout China, a HLA‐B*15:02 genotyping external quality assessment (EQA) program was set up.

Methods

In 2016, 10 genomic DNA samples with known HLA‐B*15:02 allele status were sent to 37 laboratories from 16 provinces with a request for routine HLA‐B*15:02 screening. The samples were validated using Sanger sequencing by a reference laboratory. Both genotyping results and clinical written reports were evaluated.

Results

Thirty‐six of the participating laboratories correctly identified the HLA‐B*15:02 allele status for all EQA samples. However, one lab failed to identify any positive challenges. The overall analytical sensitivity was 97.3% (180/185 challenges; 95% confidence interval: 93.8%‐99.1%) and the analytic specificity was 100% (185/185; 95% confidence interval: 98.0%‐100%). A review of the written reports showed that the clinical reporting for HLA‐B*15:02 detection should be improved. Some essential information was missing, most notably laboratory information/contact, therapeutic recommendations, and methodology.

Conclusion

External quality assessment is valuable in assessing and improving the quality of laboratory testing of HLA‐B*15:02 allele.
When a cesarean section scar is more than an innocent bystander in a subsequent pregnancy: Ultrasound to the rescue
Authors: Singh Divya , Kaur Ladbans
Published: April 2017

Over the years, cesarean section has played a pivotal role in reducing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. With the rising trend of this surgery, a substantial number of pregnant women have a cesarean section scar. The scar can serve as the abode of grave conditions in subsequent pregnancies, namely cesarean scar pregnancy, morbidly adherent placenta, and scar dehiscence. Sonography has emerged as a robust tool for the diagnosis of these potentially life‐threatening conditions. This review highlights the key sonographic features of various complications that can occur at the cesarean scar site in subsequent pregnancies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:319–327, 2017;
Doppler ultrasonographic measurement of short‐term effects of valsalva maneuver on retrobulbar blood flow
Authors: Kimyon Sabit , Mete Ahmet , Mete Alper , Mete Duçem
Published: April 2017

Background

To investigate the effects of Valsalva maneuver (VM) on retrobulbar blood flow parameters in healthy subjects.

Methods

Participants without any ophthalmologic or systemic pathology were examined in supine position with color and pulsed Doppler imaging for blood flow measurement, via a paraocular approach, in the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), central retinal vein (CRV), nasal posterior ciliary artery (NPCA), and temporal posterior ciliary artery (TPCA), 10 seconds after a 35‐ to 40‐mm Hg expiratory pressure was reached. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end‐diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI), and resistivity index (RI) values were recorded for each artery. PSV and EDV values were recorded for CRV.

Results

There were significant differences between resting and VM values of PSV and EDV of CRA, RI of NPCA, and PI, RI, and EDV of TPCA. Resting CRA‐EDV, CRV‐PSV, and CRV‐EDV were positively correlated whereas resting OA‐PSV and CRA‐PI, and OA‐PSV, CRA‐PSV, and CRA‐EDV during VM, were negatively correlated with age.

Conclusions

VM induces a short‐term increase in CRA blood flow and a decrease in NPCA and TPCA RI. Additional studies with a longer Doppler recording during VM, in a larger population sample, are required to allow definitive interpretation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:551–555, 2017
Sonographic findings in two cases of lymphangioma of the mesocolon in adults
Authors: Naganuma Hiroko , Ishida Hideaki , Komatsuda Tomoya , Hakamada Mayu , Sawada Toshiya , Satoyoshi Rika , Enomoto Katsuhiko , Miyauchi Takaharu
Published: April 2017

Lymphangioma of the mesocolon is very rare. We report two cases of surgically resected and histologically proven mesocolic lymphangioma in adults. In both cases, ultrasound revealed a large cystic mass with multiple thin septa in the lower abdomen. A peculiar finding was the large craniocaudal sliding movement of the mass synchronized with the patient's respiration, which was a clue to the diagnosis of mesenteric lymphangioma. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 46:78–81, 2018;
A large intrauterine vascular lesion developing after the successful treatment of a cesarean scar pregnancy with methotrexate injection
Authors: Song Ji Won , Ju Da Hye , Yi Sang Wook , Lee Joo Hee , Sohn Woo Seok , Lee Sang Soo
Published: April 2017

A cesarean scar pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy. Induced abortion by local methotrexate (MTX) injection is an effective management approach. We describe a case in which a large intrauterine vascular lesion appeared after the sonographic‐guided local injection of MTX, which successfully induced the abortion of the cesarean scar pregnancy. Although a cesarean scar pregnancy may be safely treated with a local MTX injection, close follow‐up, including serum β‐human chorionic gonadotropin level measurement and Doppler sonography, is needed because an intrauterine vascular lesion could develop even after a successfully induced abortion. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 46:222–226, 2018
Massive pleural effusion on the contralateral side of a venous peripherally inserted central catheter
Authors: Sancak Selim , Tuten Abdulhamit , Yildirim Tulin Gokmen , Karatekin Guner
Published: April 2017

A preterm newborn infant, delivered at 30 weeks of gestation and 965 g birth weight, developed respiratory distress with resistant hypoxia after a central catheter line was inserted via the right venae brachialis on postnatal day 21. Left‐sided massive pleural effusion, collapsed left lung with air bronchograms, and bidirectional shunting through reopened ductus arteriosus were detected by targeted neonatal echocardiography. Hydrothorax was drained under sonographic guidance, producing a milky‐white fluid biochemically compatible with parenteral nutrition. We report this case of hydrothorax secondary to a misplaced central catheter on the contralateral side of its peripheral insertion. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 46:140–144, 2018
Energy dispersive spectroscopy‐scanning transmission electron microscope observations of free radical production in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes phagocytosing non‐opsonized Tannerella forsythia
Authors: Moriguchi Keiichi , Hasegawa Yoshiaki , Higuchi Naoya , Murakami Yukitaka , Yoshimura Fuminobu , Nakata Kazuhiko , Honda Masaki
Published: April 2017

We investigated the association between human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and non‐opsonized Tannerella forsythia ATCC 43037 displaying a serum‐resistant surface layer (S‐layer). When PMNs were mixed with T. forsythia in suspension, the cells phagocytosed T. forsythia cells. Nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction, indicative of
production, was observed by light microscopy; cerium (Ce) perhydroxide deposition, indicative of H2O2 production, was observed by electron microscopy. We examined the relationship between high‐molecular‐weight proteins of the S‐layer and Ce reaction (for T. forsythia phagocytosis) using electron microscopic immunolabeling. Immunogold particles were localized within the PMNs and on cell surfaces, labelling at the same Ce‐reacted sites where the S‐layer was present. We then used energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)‐scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) to perform Ce and nitrogen (N) (for S‐layer immunocytochemistry) elemental analysis on the phagocytosed cells. That is, the elemental mapping and analysis of N by EDS appeared to reflect the presence of the same moieties detected by the 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine‐tetrahydrochloride (DAB) reaction with horseradish peroxidase (HRP)‐conjugated secondary antibodies, instead of immunogold labeling. We focused on the use of EDS‐STEM to visualize the presence of N resulting from the DAB reaction. In a parallel set of experiments, we used EDS‐STEM to perform Ce and gold (Au; from immunogold labeling of the S‐layer) elemental analysis on the same phagocytosing cells.
Climate classification through recursive multivariate statistical inferences: a case study of the Athabasca River Basin, Canada
Authors: Cheng Guanhui , Huang Guohe , Dong Cong , Zhou Xiong , Zhu Jinxin , Xu Ye
Published: April 2017

In this study, a recursive dissimilarity and similarity inferential climate classification (ReDSICC) approach is developed to provide an alternative tool for climate classification. Based on incorporation of a discrete distribution transformation (DDT) method and integration of advanced statistical inferential methods, a recursive framework of dissimilarity and similarity inferences is proposed for stepwise grouping multi‐dimensional climate‐variable observations. ReDSICC is capable of eliminating the restriction of samples being normally distributed, enabling classification of regional climates under data uncertainties and multivariate dependencies, identifying the most desired climate classification result, and avoiding subjective judgments in the classification process. To verify methodological effectiveness and facilitate related studies, ReDSICC is applied to climate classification in the Athabasca River Basin (ARB), Canada. It is revealed that the complicated dissimilarities and similarities of climatic conditions among all grids over the ARB are effectively reflected in the results of ReDSICC. A reversible transformation between an abnormal distribution and a normal distribution is achieved by DDT. The effectiveness of climate classification which is represented as the Nash coefficient for climatic features over any grid and the corresponding climate class is decreased if DDT is not employed. In comparison with daily minimum temperature, the spatial heterogeneity of daily maximum temperature is higher while that of daily cumulative precipitation is lower over the ARB. The classification result of ReDSICC varies with changes of representative climate variables and parameter values. These advantages and revelations are helpful for enhancing the reliability of climate classification results, improving the effectiveness of existing climate classification methods, and providing scientific support for the related studies in the ARB or neighbouring regions.
A simple model for long‐time degradation of magnesium under physiological conditions
Authors: Dahms M. , Höche D. , Ahmad Agha N. , Feyerabend F. , Willumeit‐Römer R.
Published: April 2017

The present work applies the law of mass conservation toward an analytical model describing the long‐term degradation of Mg‐0.3Ca implant material in defined physiological electrolyte environments. The model takes into account surface conversion and degradation product deposition related changes of degradation rates by introducing an effective layer thickness. The analytical nature of the approach does not consider detailed chemical and electrochemical process. Thus, it simply declares an effective damping term. In this way it can be applied easily for the prediction of materials failure in the named environments. Restrictions of the approach will be discussed as well since validity relates to a number of aspects.
Corrosion properties of bioresorbable FeMn‐Ag alloys prepared by selective laser melting
Authors: Wiesener M. , Peters K. , Taube A. , Keller A. , Hoyer K.‐P. , Niendorf T. , Grundmeier G.
Published: April 2017

FeMn‐Ag alloys as potential bioresorbable implant materials were prepared by selective laser melting (SLM) from mixed powders of FeMn and Ag. The microstructure of the samples is characterized by presence of few micrometers to several tens of micrometer large Ag‐phases within the FeMn matrix. The microstructure dependent corrosion and biomineralization processes in simulated body fluid (SBF) were studied in‐situ by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The microstructure and local surface film formation were analyzed by electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and Raman microscopy. The results clearly show that the Ag‐phase acts as a local cathode within the FeMn matrix. However, surface film formation is observed both for the Ag‐ and the FeMn‐phases, which potentially lowers the self‐corrosion as well as the galvanic coupling of the two phases. The formation of AgCl on the Ag‐phases and mixed metal phosphates on the FeMn‐phases can be observed by local Raman spectroscopic analysis in combination with FE‐SEM characterization.
Structure Formation of Binary Blends of Amphiphilic Block Copolymers in Solution and in Bulk
Authors: Radjabian Maryam , Abetz Clarissa , Fischer Birgit , Meyer Andreas , Lademann Brigitte , Abetz Volker
Published: April 2017

The self‐assembly and structure formation in binary blends of asymmetric polystyrene‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) diblock copolymers in different solvent systems and the bulk morphology of the blend films are studied by using dynamic light scattering, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. In dilute solutions, the chains of pure diblock copolymers or binary blends of diblock copolymers having similar or different molecular weights remain as unimers, form common micelles in selective solvents or form unimers in coexistence with micelles in slightly selective solvents or solvent mixtures. The blends show mixing of the chemically similar blocks in the blend films and solutions at high concentrations. A single‐phase with common spherical morphology is formed in the blend films similar with the morphology of the individual components in the pure state. The characteristic length scale of the blends depends on the number average molecular weight following the typical scaling behavior of a strongly segregated block copolymer.

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Dynamics of Branched Polymers in Random Layered Flows with Intramolecular Hydrodynamic Coupling: Star and Dendrimer
Authors: Katyal Divya , Kant Rama
Published: April 2017

The authors develop a theoretical formalism to incorporate the effect of intramolecular hydrodynamic interactions (HIs) on the dynamics of flexible branched polymer in the presence of random layered flows. The influence of HIs on the anomalous diffusive behavior of branched polymers is illustrated through the preaveraged Oseen tensor approach. Although the formalism is valid for polymer structures with arbitrary topology, particular attention is paid here to the study of stars and dendrimers. The macromolecular property that is evaluated is the average square displacement (ASD) of drift center of the polymer. Qualitatively, our analysis highlights two anomalous power‐law regimes, viz. subdiffusive (intermediate‐time polymer stretching and flow induced diffusion) and superdiffusive (long‐time flow induced diffusion). The time dependence of the ASD in the presence of HIs within the preaveraging approximation reveals the anomalous long‐time dynamics which is governed by scaling behavior, t2 − α/2. The introduction of HIs in random flows speeds up the dynamics resulting in the shorter crossover time (from subdiffusive to superdiffusive regime) with enhanced magnitude of ASD compared to the free‐draining limit.

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Linear stability analysis of short journal bearing with an axial groove
Authors: Hamdavi S. , Rao T. V. V. L. N. , Muhammad M. , Faez K. M. , Ya H. H.
Published: April 2017

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of one axial groove at the inlet of full film bearing surface on dynamic coefficients and linear stability of rotor‐bearing systems supported by two short journal bearings. The DuBois‐Ocvirk short bearing approximation is applied to the governing Reynolds equation. The linearized nondimensional dynamic coefficients of stiffness and damping are calculated for both plain and grooved journal bearings. Moreover, using the linear stability analysis, the whirl frequency ratio and the threshold speed are obtained. Finally, results are presented for various eccentricity ratios, groove depth, and groove width a slenderness ratio of L/D=0.25. The results appeal that dynamic coefficients are mostly affected significantly at low eccentricity ratio regions. In sequence, one axial groove causes a remarkable deviation in the values of threshold speed and whirl frequency ratio.
Numerical simulation on friction drilling of aluminum alloy
Authors: Dehghan S. , Ismail M. I. S. , Ariffin M. K. A. , Baharudin B. T. H. T. , Sulaiman S.
Published: April 2017

Friction drilling is a chipless hole‐making process that utilizes a rotating conical drilling tool to penetrate and create a hole and bushing without generating chip. This process is still not widely used even though it has many significant advantages. There are unanswered questions in finite element models to analyze the stress, temperature and large deformation of the workpiece and to predict the drilled hole and formation of bushing. With modern computing technologies the numerical simulation has proven to be an effective tool for this issue. In the present study, a three‐dimensional finite element model (FEM) has been developed to simulate the stress, plastic strain and temperature distribution in friction drilling of aluminum alloy. The friction drilling process was experimentally conducted using a drilling tool without flutes. The numerical results indicated that high stress occurs at the tool contact surface and adjacent region in the primary penetration. It was confirmed that the distribution of stress and temperature demonstrate the phenomenon of friction heat and softens the work‐material in friction drilling. The numerical simulated results have proven that the developed finite element model is effective to predict stress evolutions and thermal histories in friction drilling of non‐ferrous material.
In–plane shear properties of basalt–carbon/epoxy hybrid composite laminates
Authors: Mengal A. N. , Karuppanan S. , Ovinis M.
Published: April 2017

In this work, the in‐plane shear properties of basalt‐carbon/epoxy hybrid composite laminates is investigated. The composite laminates were fabricated using the hand layup method. Six symmetrical lamination stacking sequences ([02C/±45B/0B]S, [02C/0B/±45B]S, [02C/±452B]S, [0B/±45B/02C]S, [±45B/0B/02C]S, [±452B/02C]S) with eight layers of unidirectional 0 ° and biaxial ±45 ° were selected for the current study. One eight‐layered unidirectional 0o fiber layup of pure carbon fiber and one eight‐layered unidirectional 0o fiber layup of pure basalt fiber were used as a reference. The in‐plane shear strength of the composite laminates were determined experimentally according to the ASTM D7078 standard. The hybridization of basalt fiber and carbon fiber showed significant improvement in the in‐plane shear strength and modulus of rigidity. The failure of the composite laminates was examined using the ASTM D7078 standard failure codes. Hybrid composite laminates C2 and B2, i. e. for [02C/±45B/0B]S and [0B/±45B/02C]S, respectively had the highest in‐plane shear strength while pure carbon C1 and pure basalt B1 with [08C] and [08B], respectively had the lowest shear strength.
Shear deformation behavior of hybrid composite (GFRP/CFRP)
Authors: Ghani A.F. Ab , Mahmud J.
Published: April 2017

This paper presents the findings of shear deformation and behavior of hybrid composites consisting of unidirectional glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) under shear loading. The use of hybrid composites for aeronautic and marine applications which improve the modulus of elasticity of glass fiber reinforced polymer while reducing costs of carbon has motivated the study on shear for hybrid composites. Several tests of 10 ° and 45 ° off axis shear have been performed to characterize shear deformation of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer, unidirectional glass fiber reinforced polymer and three different orientations and layups of glass fiber reinforced polymer/carbon fiber reinforced polymer hybrid composite. The shear strain measurements have been conducted with the conventional method of rosette strain gauge and with digital image correlation (DIC) technique using the opensource platform Ncorr. The values of shear modulus obtained from experiment for glass fiber reinforced polymer and carbon fiber reinforced polymer are quite close with the manufacturers’ data sheet while the improvement of the shear modulus of the hybrid corresponds to the amount of carbon content in hybrid composition, similar to literature findings. Shear strain values measured for off axis shear test using rosette strain gauge are consistent with the results from digital image correlation technique but slightly differ with each other for hybrid composites due to full field measurement contour and complex shear deformation behavior for hybrid composite.
Age‐related effect of cell death on fiber morphology and number in tongue muscle
Authors: Kletzien Heidi , Hare Allison J. , Leverson Glen , Connor Nadine P.
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Multiple pathways may exist for age‐related tongue muscle degeneration. Cell death is one mechanism contributing to muscle atrophy and decreased function. We hypothesized with aging, apoptosis, and apoptotic regulators would be increased, and muscle fiber size and number would be reduced in extrinsic tongue muscles. Methods: Cell death indices, expression of caspase‐3 and Bcl‐2, and measures of muscle morphology and number were determined in extrinsic tongue muscles of young and old rats. Results: Significant increases in cell death, caspase‐3, and Bcl‐2 were observed in all extrinsic tongue muscles along with reductions in muscle fiber number in old rats. Discussion: We demonstrated that apoptosis indices increase with age in lingual muscles and that alterations in apoptotic regulators may be associated with age‐related degeneration in muscle fiber size and number. These observed apoptotic processes may be detrimental to muscle function, and may contribute to degradation of cranial functions with age. Muscle Nerve 57: E29–E37, 2018
Motor polyradiculopathy during pembrolizumab treatment of metastatic melanoma
Authors: Sepúlveda Maria , Martinez‐Hernandez Eugenia , Gaba Lydia , Victoria Ivan , Sola‐Valls Nuria , Falgàs Neus , Casanova‐Molla Jordi , Graus Francesc
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the immune checkpoint programmed cell death‐1 receptor (PD‐1), has improved survival in patients with advanced melanoma. Neuromuscular immune‐mediated side effects have been rarely reported.

Methods

We describe a 44‐year‐old man with metastatic melanoma who presented with progressive muscle weakness after 23 doses of pembrolizumab.

Results

The patient developed asymmetric, proximal muscle weakness and atrophy in all four limbs. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed albuminocytologic dissociation. MRI revealed contrast enhancement of the lumbosacral roots. Electrodiagnostic studies demonstrated widespread fibrillation potentials in all four limbs, suggesting a generalized motor polyradiculopathy. Despite pembrolizumab discontinuation and treatment with steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin, limb weakness worsened. Electrodiagnostic studies were repeated, and showed marked and diffuse axonal motor damage. Seven weeks after clinical onset the patient was treated with plasma exchanges. He showed no further deterioration.

Discussion

We report a severe motor polyradiculopathy associated with an anti‐PD‐1 agent that expands the spectrum of neuromuscular complications of this class of drugs. Muscle Nerve 56: E162–E167, 2017
A recursive formula for the two‐edge connected and biconnected reliability of a complete graph
Authors: Lange Thomas , Reinwardt Manja , Tittmann Peter
Published: April 2017

The reliability polynomial of a finite undirected graph gives the probability that the operational edges of induce a connected graph assuming that all edges of fail independently with identical probability . In this article we investigate the probability that the operational edges of a graph with randomly failing edges induce a biconnected or two‐edge connected subgraph, which corresponds to demands for redundancy or higher throughput in communication networks. The computation of the biconnected or two‐edge connected reliability for general graphs is computationally intractable (#P‐hard). We provide recurrence relations for biconnected and two‐edge connected reliability of complete graphs. As a consequence, we can determine the number of biconnected and two‐edge connected graphs with given order and size. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 69(4), 408–414 2017
Coadministration of lorcaserin and phentermine for weight management: A 12‐week, randomized, pilot safety study
Authors: Smith Steven R. , Garvey W. Timothy , Greenway Frank L. , Zhou Sharon , Fain Randi , Pilson Robert , Fujioka Ken , Aronne Louis J.
Published: April 2017

Objective

To assess the short‐term tolerability of lorcaserin alone or with two dose regimens of phentermine.

Methods

This was a 12‐week, randomized, double‐blind, pilot safety study of N = 238 nondiabetic patients with obesity or overweight with ≥1 comorbidity randomized to lorcaserin 10 mg twice daily (BID; LOR BID) alone or with phentermine 15 mg once daily (QD; LOR BID+PHEN QD) or 15 mg twice daily (LOR BID+PHEN BID). Patients reporting ≥ 1 of 9 potentially serotonergic adverse events (AEs), mean weight loss (WL), and ≥5% WL are reported.

Results

N = 238 were randomized, and N = 235 were treated. N = 94 reported potentially serotonergic AEs: 37.2% LOR BID, 42.3% LOR BID+PHEN QD, and 40.5% LOR BID+PHEN BID. AEs leading to discontinuation were reported approximately twice as often in the LOR BID+PHEN BID group versus the LOR BID group. Mean WL was 3.5 kg/3.3%, 7.0 kg/6.7%, and 7.6 kg/7.2% for LOR BID, LOR BID+PHEN QD, and LOR BID+PHEN BID, respectively. At least 5% WL was achieved by 28.2% LOR BID, 59.0% LOR BID+PHEN QD (P = 0.0002 vs. LOR BID), and 70.9% LOR BID+PHEN BID (P < 0.0001 vs. LOR BID) patients.

Conclusions

Phentermine added to lorcaserin enhanced short‐term weight loss but did not increase incidence of potentially serotonergic AEs; however, phentermine twice daily increased discontinuation compared to both lorcaserin alone and lorcaserin plus phentermine once daily.
Image‐defined risk factors in unresectable neuroblastoma: SIOPEN study on incidence, chemotherapy‐induced variation, and impact on surgical outcomes
Authors: Avanzini Stefano , Pio Luca , Erminio Giovanni , Granata Claudio , Holmes Keith , Gambart Marion , Buffa Piero , Castel Victoria , Valteau Couanet Dominique , Garaventa Alberto , Pistorio Angela , Cecchetto Giovanni , Martucciello Giuseppe , Mattioli Girolamo , Sarnacki Sabine
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of image‐defined risk factor (IDRF) modification after chemotherapy on surgical outcomes, event‐free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) among patients enrolled in the European Unresectable Neuroblastoma (EUNB) study.

Methods

IDRFs were assigned according to the corresponding surgical risk factors list reported in the database. Surgical outcomes, EFS, and OS were related to IDRF modification with chemotherapy. The predictive value of preoperative IDRF for surgical outcomes was analyzed. Cox proportional hazards models for EFS and OS, including preoperative IDRF, surgical outcomes, and other known clinical risk factors, were created.

Results

Of the 160 patients enrolled in the EUNB study, 143 patients met the inclusion criteria. A total of 228 IDRF were thus collected. Following chemotherapy, 76 (33%) IDRF disappeared in 32.2% of patients, 33 (14%) new IDRF appeared in 18.8% of patients, and 49% of patients did not show any IDRF change. Complete resection/minimal residual disease (71.2%) was more frequent among children who had disappearance/numerical reduction of IDRF (P = 0.005). Infiltration of the branches of the mesenteric artery was predictive of an unfavorable surgical outcome. Prolonged preoperative chemotherapy over five courses and encasement of the celiac axis and/or mesenteric artery origin impacted EFS and OS.

Conclusions

The unchanged IDRF pattern in 50% of patients and the appearance of new IDRF during chemotherapy in approximately 20% of patients strengthens the idea that prolonged chemotherapy is useless for improving surgical resection in this population of patients. In addition, midline perivascular abdominal preoperative IDRF appeared to be predictive not only of surgical outcomes but also of EFS and OS.
Understanding Popularity, Reputation, and Social Influence in the Twitter Society
Authors: Garcia David , Mavrodiev Pavlin , Casati Daniele , Schweitzer Frank
Published: April 2017

The pervasive presence of online media in our society has transferred a significant part of political deliberation to online forums and social networking sites. This article examines popularity, reputation, and social influence on Twitter using large‐scale digital traces from 2009 to 2016. We process network information on more than 40 million users, calculating new global measures of reputation that build on the D‐core decomposition and the bow‐tie structure of the Twitter follower network. We integrate our measurements of popularity, reputation, and social influence to evaluate what keeps users active, what makes them more popular, and what determines their influence. We find that there is a range of values in which the risk of a user becoming inactive grows with popularity and reputation. Popularity in Twitter resembles a proportional growth process that is faster in its strongly connected component, and that can be accelerated by reputation when users are already popular. We find that social influence on Twitter is mainly related to popularity rather than reputation, but that this growth of influence with popularity is sublinear. The explanatory and predictive power of our method shows that global network metrics are better predictors of inactivity and social influence, calling for analyses that go beyond local metrics like the number of followers.
Transesophageal bronchoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐B‐FNA)—Pushing the boundaries in the diagnosis
Authors: Mehta Ravindra , Biraris Pavan , Shivakumar Swarna , Misra Seema , Anoop Parameswaran , T Srikanta J
Published: April 2017

Isolated mediastinal adenopathy is a diagnostic challenge in the paediatric population, often requiring invasive surgical procedures for diagnosis. We describe a novel minimally invasive modality in a 20 month toddler—transesophageal bronchoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐B‐FNA). This is the youngest reported use of this modality, highlighting feasibility, technical issues, safety, and rapid diagnosis leading to expedited treatment.
Unnoticed aspiration of palate plate impression material in a neonate: Diagnosis, therapy, outcome
Authors: Reichert Friedrich , Amrhein Peter , Uhlemann Frank
Published: April 2017

A 7 week old infant was admitted with respiratory failure. Chest X‐ray showed an atelectatic right upper lobe, herniation of right middle and lower lobe into the left thorax, and compression‐atelectasis of the left lung. Thoracic CT showed complete occlusion of the right superior bronchus with a radiopaque foreign material. Six weeks prior, an impression for a palate plate using polyvinylsiloxane was taken. The material was removed with a rigid endoscopy, in readiness of extracorporeal oxygenation in case of tracheal obstruction or bronchial rupture. After 4 months of follow‐up a hyper reactive airway with recurrent upper and lower airway infections remains.
Production, characterization, and assessment of a stable analog of the response regulator CheY‐phosphate from Thermotoga maritima
Authors: Beyersdorf Matthew S. , Sircar Ria , Lookadoo Daniel B. , Bottone Cory J. , Lynch Michael J. , Crane Brian R. , Halkides Christopher J.
Published: April 2017

Phosphorylation of CheY promotes association with the flagellar motor and ultimately controls the directional bias of the motor. However, biochemical studies of activated CheY‐phosphate have been challenging due to the rapid hydrolysis of the aspartyl‐phosphate in vitro. An inert analog of Tm CheY‐phosphate, phosphono‐CheY, was synthesized by chemical modification and purified by cation‐exchange chromatography. Changes in HPLC retention times, chemical assays for phosphate and free thiol, and mass spectrometry experiments demonstrate modification of Cys54 with a phosphonomethyl group. Additionally, a crystal structure showed electron density for the phosphonomethyl group at Cys54, consistent with a modification at that position. Subsequent biochemical experiments confirmed that protein crystals were phosphono‐CheY. Isothermal titration calorimetry and fluorescence polarization binding assays demonstrated that phosphono‐CheY bound a peptide derived from FliM, a native partner of CheY‐phosphate, with a dissociation constant of ∼29 µM, at least sixfold more tightly than unmodified CheY. Taken together these results suggest that Tm phosphono‐CheY is a useful and unique analog of Tm CheY‐phosphate.
The “bound wavefunction” on the repulsive excited () state of the HD+ molecule
Authors: Gao Wei , Wang Bin‐Bin , Hu Xue‐Jin , Han Yong‐Chang
Published: April 2017

The time‐independent Schrödinger equation for the HD+ molecule is solved beyond the Born–Oppenheimer (B‐O) approximation. In the adiabatic representation, the wavefunction of the ground vibrational eigenstate is found to contain two parts: One is on the ground
(
) state which is dominant, and the other is on the repulsive excited
(
) state in the range from R = 0.0 to R = 5.0 Bohr. This is because the nonadiabatic coupling between the ground
(
) and excited
(
) states is strong in that region. The influences of the nonadiabatic coupling on the vibrational eigenfunctions are discussed in detail.
Thermodynamical transcription of the density functional theory with constant temperature
Authors: Nagy Ágnes
Published: April 2017

The thermodynamical interpretation of the density functional theory for an electronic ground state is revisited. Ghosh et al. invented the thermodynamical transcription of the ground‐state density functional theory into a local thermodynamics. They introduced the idea of the local temperature that varies from point to point. The local temperature is defined via the kinetic energy density. The kinetic energy density is not uniquely defined, usually the everywhere positive gradient form is applied. Now we prove that it is possible selecting the kinetic energy density so that the local temperature be a constant for the whole system under consideration. The kinetic energy density is proportional to the electron density and the temperature is proportional to the kinetic energy. Furthermore, the kinetic energy density corresponding to the constant temperature, maximizes the information entropy.
New cascarosides from Rhamnus purshiana and fragmentation studies of the class by ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Demarque Daniel P. , Pinho Danielle R. , Callejon Daniel R. , de Oliveira Gibson G. , Silva Denise B. , Carollo Carlos A. , Lopes Norberto P.
Published: April 2017

Rationale

Anthrone and oxanthrone are important anthraquinone derivatives present in medicinal plants which are used in therapeutics as laxatives. Some of these plants need to be stored at least one year before they can be used in order to oxidize anthrones into oxanthrones, so to avoid severe diarrhea and dehydration. Therefore, this work aimed to characterize fragmentation reactions between these anthraquinones to provide an easy way to differentiate between the two classes, since it is necessary and important to discriminate and identify these derivatives in laxative plants and phytotherapic drugs.

Methods

Anthrone (cascarosides A–D) and oxanthrone (10‐hydroxycascaroside A and B) derivatives were isolated and identified by NMR (1H, 13C, DEPT, NOESY) and used for fragmentation study by direct infusion on an electrospray ionization (ESI) ion trap mass spectrometer (AmazonSL, Bruker) in positive and negative mode.

Results

The additional hydroxyl at C‐10 in oxanthrones allowed McLafferty‐type rearrangements to form the quinone group in positive mode, while in negative mode the second sugar loss infringed the odd‐electron rule and formed a radical fragment. No differences in fragmentation reactions were found between diastereoisomeric pairs, although the additional oxygen at C‐10 of oxanthrones allowed a different fragmentation pattern.

Conclusions

The proposed fragmentation patterns can be used to differentiate anthrones from oxanthrones in both ion modes. In addition, they can be applied to differentiate these compounds in anthraquinone‐rich plants and phytotherapic drugs. Finally, herein, the strategy applied allowed us to identify new natural products. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass spectrometric characterization of the selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) YK‐11 for doping control purposes
Authors: Thevis Mario , Piper Thomas , Dib Josef , Lagojda Andreas , Kühne Dirk , Packschies Lars , Geyer Hans , Schänzer Wilhelm
Published: April 2017

Rationale

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) represent an emerging class of therapeutics targeting inter alia conditions referred to as cachexia and sarcopenia. Due to their anabolic properties, the use of SARMs is prohibited in sports as regulated by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA), and doping control laboratories test for these anabolic agents in blood and urine. In order to accomplish and maintain comprehensive test methods, the characterization of new drug candidates is critical for efficient sports drug testing. Hence, in the present study the mass spectrometric properties of the SARM YK‐11 were investigated.

Methods

YK‐11 was synthesized according to literature data and three different stable‐isotope‐labeled analogs were prepared to support the mass spectrometric studies. Using high‐resolution/high‐accuracy mass spectrometry following electrospray ionization as well as electron ionization, the dissociation pathways of YK‐11 were investigated, and characteristic features of its (product ion) mass spectra were elucidated. These studies were flanked by density functional theory (DFT) computation providing information on proton affinities of selected functional groups of the analyte.

Results and Conclusions

The steroidal SARM YK‐11 was found to readily protonate under ESI conditions followed by substantial in‐source dissociation processes eliminating methanol, acetic acid methyl ester, and/or ketene. DFT computation yielded energetically favored structures of the protonated species resulting from the aforementioned elimination processes particularly following protonation of the steroidal D‐ring substituent. Underlying dissociation pathways were suggested, supported by stable‐isotope labeling of the analyte, and diagnostic product ions for the steroidal nucleus and the D‐ring substituent were identified. Further, trimethylsilylated YK‐11 and its deuterated analogs were subjected to electron ionization high‐resolution/high‐accuracy mass spectrometry, complementing the dataset characterizing this new SARM. The obtained fragment ions resulted primarily from A/B‐ and C/D‐ring structures of the steroidal nucleus, thus supporting future studies e.g. concerning metabolic pathways of the substance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.