bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sonographic diagnosis and prognosis of fetal arachnoid cysts
Authors: Yin Linliang , Yang Zhong , Pan Qi , Zhang Jun , Li Xiaobing , Wang Feng , Ye Yanlin , Deng Xuedong , Hu Chunhong
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To explore the clinical significance of sonographic (US) diagnosis of fetal arachnoid cysts and to evaluate their prognosis.

Methods

Sixty fetuses deemed to have arachnoid cysts by prenatal US were included in this study. Data from serial US, prenatal and/or postnatal MRI, or post‐mortem examinations were retrospectively analyzed. For live births, the developmental quotient scores were determined using the Gesell Developmental Scale.

Results

Thirty fetuses were diagnosed during the second trimester and another 30 fetuses were diagnosed in the third trimester. Fifty‐one lesions were located in the supratentorial compartment, and 9 were located in the posterior fossa. Twenty‐four lesions were isolated, and the remaining lesions were associated with intracranial and/or extra central nervous system malformations. The evolution of the cysts included progression, stability, or spontaneous resolution. The outcomes included induced abortion, intrauterine death, live birth with either normal neurodevelopment or mental retardation, and infant mortality. Two cases were lost to follow‐up. The accuracy of prenatal US diagnosis was 86.2% (50/58).

Conclusion

Prenatal US is the modality of choice for the diagnosis of fetal arachnoid cysts. Serial US examinations are critical to monitor the lesions. Moreover, prenatal MRI is a valuable complementary tool. For live births, the prognosis appears to be good.
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound examination of the gallbladder and bile ducts: A pictorial essay
Authors: Cokkinos Demosthenes D. , Antypa Eleni G. , Tsolaki Sofia , Skylakaki Maria , Skoura Alkmini , Mellou Vassiliki , Kalogeropoulos Ioannis
Published: October 2017

The gallbladder and bile ducts are usually assessed initially with conventional gray‐scale ultrasound (US). Contrast enhanced US (CEUS) is used when a diagnosis cannot be reached with conventional US. CEUS is easy to learn and perform. US contrast agents can be safely administered in patients with renal function impairment. In this pictorial essay the physics, examination technique and indications of CEUS for examining the gallbladder and bile ducts are reviewed. Gallbladder indications include elucidating normal variants, differentiating sludge from neoplastic lesions, benign and malignant pathology, infection, wall rupture and hemobilia. In the biliary tree CEUS is used for studying benign and malignant tumors, including metastases and cholangiocarcinoma, as well as intrabiliary injection.
Molecular design of Stat3‐derived peptide selectivity between BET proteins Brd2 and Brd4 in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhu Lixia , Ding Xi
Published: October 2017

Stat3 signaling has been recognized as a potential therapeutic target of human ovarian cancer. The signaling is transducted through the peptide‐medicated interaction of Stat3 with BET family members Brd2 and Brd4 –– 2 highly homologous proteins involved in differential downstream pathways. Here, we reported a successful design of peptide selectivity between the Brd2 and Brd4. The design resulted in 3 linear peptides SMSLQCXYLGVA, QSKVLTXSYWGA, and RQCNLGXLYMNY with high or moderate selectivity for Brd2 over Brd4 (S = 3.3‐fold, 6.8‐fold, and 4.2‐fold, respectively) as compared with the native Stat3 peptide 281HNLLRIXQFLQS292 (S = 2.5‐fold). Structural analysis revealed that peptide N‐terminus and hydrogen bonds play important roles in the peptide interaction stability and specificity with Brd2 and Brd4. This study would help to establish an integrated in silico‐in vitro method for rational molecular design of peptide ligand selectivity between homologous protein receptors.
The role of self‐regulation in the relationship between abusive supervision and job tension
Authors: McAllister Charn P. , Mackey Jeremy D. , Perrewé Pamela L.
Published: October 2017

Trait and state self‐regulation both have critical influences on workplace behavior, but their influences are thought to operate quite differently. We draw from social exchange and ego depletion theories to investigate the relationship between trait and state self‐regulation, as well as how they differentially affect the relationship between subordinates' perceptions of abusive supervision and job tension. Specifically, we examine (a) how the interaction between abusive supervision and trait self‐regulation affects job tension and (b) how state self‐regulation mediates the relationship between abusive supervision and job tension. Using 3 studies that include an experiment (n = 81) and 2 field studies with cross‐sectional (n = 157) and time‐separated (n = 109) data, we demonstrate that the interaction between abusive supervision and trait self‐regulation increases experienced job tension for subordinates who report higher levels of abusive supervision and trait self‐regulation than others. Also, we provide evidence that abusive supervision is indirectly associated with job tension through state self‐regulation. This study's findings have important implications for abusive supervision and self‐regulation research, as well as social exchange and ego depletion theories, because we extend our understanding of how trait and state self‐regulation affect cognitive responses associated with abusive supervision.
Etiology of developmental spinal stenosis: A genome‐wide association study
Authors: Cheung Jason P. Y. , Kao Patrick Y. P. , Sham Pak , Cheah Kathryn S. E. , Chan Danny , Cheung Kenneth M. C. , Samartzis Dino
Published: October 2017

Our study aimed to identify possible single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) via a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) approach and a candidate gene platform that were associated with lumbar developmental spinal stenosis (DSS). Southern Chinese population‐based study volunteers were assessed (age range: 18–55 years). DSS was defined as the anteroposterior bony spinal canal diameter on T1‐weighted axial MRI of L1 to S1. Genotyping was performed using the Illumina HumanOmniZhongHua‐8 BeadChip. Using the canal diameter as the quantitative trait, genomic statistical analyses was performed. A total of 469 subjects were recruited. The mean axial AP measurements noted were: L1: 21.8 mm, L2: 21.9 mm, L3: 22.4 mm, L4: 20.2 mm, L5: 19.6 mm, and S1: 17.3 mm. Q–Q plots of genome‐wide associations found significant differences in L4 and L5 measurements. More significant SNPs were found on chromosomes 8, 11, and 18. Low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 5 on chromosome 11 was found to be an important functional gene in canal bony development via candidate gene approach. We found two clusters in the findings with one including the upper levels (L1–L4) and the other the lower levels (L5 and S1). This is the first GWAS addressing DSS. The presence of multiple SNPs suggests a multi‐factorial origin of DSS. Further analyses noted region‐specific genetic predisposition, delineating distinct upper to lower lumbar regions of DSS. With better understanding of the DSS phenotype and genetic markers, the at‐risk population can be identified early, preventative measures can be initiated, lifestyle/activity modification can be implemented, and more novel and precision‐based therapeutics can be developed. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1262–1268, 2018.
Longitudinal changes in knee gait mechanics between 2 and 8 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Erhart‐Hledik Jennifer C. , Chu Constance R. , Asay Jessica L. , Andriacchi Thomas P.
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study was to longitudinally investigate changes in knee joint kinematics and kinetics from 2 to 8 years post‐ACLR. Seventeen subjects with primary unilateral transtibial ACLR performed bilateral gait analysis approximately 2 years and 8 years post‐ACLR. Seventeen matched healthy control subjects were also analyzed. Kinematic and kinetic comparisons between the ACLR and contralateral limbs over time were completed using a 2 × 2 (time, limb) repeated‐measures ANOVA. Unpaired Student's t‐tests were used to compare the ACLR and contralateral kinematics and kinetics to the control group. The ACLR and contralateral limbs had similar gait changes over time. Kinetic changes over time included a reduction in first (p = 0.048) and second (p < 0.001) peak extension moments, internal rotation moment (p < 0.001), adduction moment (first peak: p = 0.002, second peak: p = 0.009, impulse: p = 0.004) and an increase in peak knee flexion moment (p = 0.002). Kinematic changes over time included increases in peak knee flexion angle in the first half of stance (p = 0.026), minimum knee flexion angle in the second half of stance (p < 0.001), and average external rotation angle during stance (p = 0.007), and a reduction in average anterior femoral displacement during stance (p = 0.006). Comparison to healthy controls demonstrated improvement in some gait metrics over time. The results demonstrated longitudinal changes from 2 to 8 years after ACLR in knee joint kinetics and kinematics that have been related to clinical outcome after ACLR and the progression of knee OA, and support future larger and comprehensive investigations into long‐term changes in joint mechanics in the ACLR population. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1478–1486, 2018.
Paleoenvironmental change in tropical Africa during the Holocene based on a record from Lake Kifuruka, western Uganda
Authors: Kiage Lawrence M. , Howey Meghan , Hartter Joel , Palace Michael
Published: October 2017

A 10 000‐year palynological record of vegetation and environmental changes in tropical Africa is presented, based on sediment data from a 230‐cm‐long core recovered from Lake Kifuruka in western Uganda. The Lake Kifuruka record provides new sedimentary and paleoecological data for human–environment interactions and anthropogenic disturbance in the tropical African region during the Holocene. The record shows evidence for prolonged dry conditions in the region at the terminus of the last glaciation period and the onset of the Holocene period. The early Holocene and mid‐Holocene periods were characterized by largely warm and wet climatic conditions. The pollen record shows evidence of forest disturbance that is probably associated with agricultural activities near Lake Kifuruka shortly after ca. 4300BP cal a BP coinciding with a time of increased desiccation in the region. The forest disturbance in the record appears to have intensified and continued into the modern period but with no significant change in the overall vegetation diversity, suggesting quick environmental recovery. The Lake Kifuruka record is largely devoid of the abrupt climatic changes that have been observed from a couple of sites in the East African region, which implies that the changes may be site specific rather than regional scale.
A Bayesian nonparametric test of significance chasing biases
Authors: Karabatsos George
Published: October 2017

There is a growing concern that much of the published research literature is distorted by the pursuit of statistically significant results. In a seminal article, Ioannidis and Trikalinos (2007,Clinical Trials) proposed an omnibus (I&T) test for significance chasing (SC) biases. This test compares the observed number of studies that report statistically significant results, against their expected number based on study power, assuming a common effect size across studies. The current article extends this approach by developing a Bayesian nonparametric (BNP) meta‐regression model and test of SC bias, which can diagnose bias at the individual study level. This new BNP test is based on a flexible model of the predictive distribution of study power, conditionally on study‐level covariates which account for study diversity, including diversity due to heterogeneous effect sizes across studies. A test of SC bias proceeds by comparing each study's significant outcome report indicator against its estimated posterior predictive distribution of study power, conditionally on the study's covariates. The BNP model and SC bias test are illustrated through the analyses of 3 meta‐analytic data sets and through a simulation study. Software code for the BNP model and test, and the data sets, are provided asSupporting Information.
Founder effects determine the genetic structure of the water flea Daphnia in Ethiopian reservoirs
Authors: Haileselasie Tsegazeabe H. , Mergeay Joachim , Vanoverbeke Joost , Orsini Luisa , De Meester Luc
Published: October 2017

Founder effects introduce stochasticity in the genetic structure of species at the regional scale. To the extent that founder effects are important, they will result in a reduced signature of space, time, and environmental variation in landscape genetic data. We studied the metapopulation genetic structure of recently founded populations of the microcrustacean Daphnia sinensis in 10 Ethiopian water reservoirs. We used three different approaches to estimate the number of effective founders and applied them to two independent genetic marker sets in an effort to investigate the role of founder effects and to estimate effective size of the founding population. Estimates of founding sizes rarely exceeded eight individuals but were most often limited to less than four individuals. No associations of genetic identities, gene frequencies, measures of genetic diversity, or differentiation with environmental and spatial variables were found. Age and size of the reservoirs were not correlated with genetic diversity measures or number of founders in these reservoirs. These findings indicate that neither strong selection, nor dispersal limitation are responsible for the observed pattern of genetic variation. Our results suggest a regional population structure that is strongly impacted by founder events, reflecting colonization by just a few founders per waterbody, and not noticeably influenced by subsequent dispersal and gene flow. Our results show that rapid colonization of empty habitats and fast population growth by a handful of founders can result in strong founder effects, even in relatively large habitats that are likely regularly reached by new immigrants.
“Internal tide pools” prolong kelp forest hypoxic events
Authors: Leary Paul R. , Woodson C. Brock , Squibb Michael E. , Denny Mark W. , Monismith Stephen G. , Micheli Fiorenza
Published: October 2017

This study uses field observations within a single kelp bed in southern Monterey Bay, California, to evaluate the retention of cold, hypoxic water within depressions in the rocky reef following relaxation of internal wave events. Just as tide pools in the rocky intertidal zone persist in depressions following the relaxation of surface waves and tides, “internal tide pools” persist in depressions in the subtidal reef following the relaxation of internal waves. When internal waves contain low dissolved oxygen (DO) water, the duration of hypoxic events can be extended for organisms within the pooling zone. Additionally, we suggest that internal wave run‐up can cause the early arrival of cold hypoxic water in these same areas, thereby extending hypoxic events further. Together, internal tide pools and wave run‐up extend event durations by 20% on average. However, some events are extended up to 160% of the regional‐scale event length, which may be more ecologically relevant than the mean extension. When internal waves contain other environmental covariates (e.g., low pH, nutrients), internal tide pools are expected to create a similar time extension and patchy landscape in these quantities. We attribute the slowing of the relaxation of sub‐thermocline water within pooling zones to retention within the reef itself rather than a drag effect of the kelp bed. Following hypoxic internal bores, internal tide pools cause a period of extreme spatial variability in the DO and temperature field which is likely to impact the distribution and behavior of local organisms.
Preparation of Novel Magnetic Polyurethane Flexible Foam Nanocomposites
Authors: Moghaddam Sahebeh T. , Naimi‐Jamal Mohammad R.
Published: October 2017

Novel magnetic polyurethane flexible foam nanocomposites were synthesized by incorporation of modified magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles into polyurethane flexible foam. Core shell magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) Fe3O4@SiO2 were synthesized via co‐precipitation and sol‐gel methods and incorporated in the structure of the composites by in‐situ polymerization of monomers in the presence of MNPs. The magnetic core‐shell NPs were used up to 3.0% in the foam formulation and the optimum percentage was defined. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), vibrating sample magnetometery (VSM), thermo‐mechanical analysis (TMA), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The thermogravimetric analysis results showed an increased thermal stability of the polyurethane flexible foam nanocomposites by incorporation of magnetic core shell nanoparticles.
Multicenter Polyester Initiators for the Preparation of Graft Copolymers with Oligo(2‐Oxazoline) Side Chains
Authors: Kurlykin Mikhail , Bursian Anna , Filippov Alexander , Dudkina Marina , Tenkovtsev Andrey
Published: October 2017

Multicenter polyester initiators intended for the cationic polymerization of oxazolines were synthesized via high‐temperature polycondensation of 2‐(4‐(2‐bromoethyl)phenyl sulfonyl hydroquinone with a number of aromatic and alkylene‐aromatic dichloroanhydrides. The Kuhn segment values, liquid‐crystalline properties, and molecular‐mass characteristics of the macroinitiators are determined. The synthesized macroinitiators were used in cationic ring‐opening polymerization to obtain hybrid comb polymers containing poly(2‐oxazoline) side chains. It was suggested the method for estimating the length of poly(oxazoline) side fragments and graft density. It was demonstrated that at a certain ratio between backbone length and side chain length (which depends on chemical structure of the initiator), comb copolymers The graft copolymers form aqueous micellar solutions with a narrow particle‐size distribution. They possess a lower critical solution temperature.
Cyclization and Dispersity of Polyesters
Authors: Kricheldorf Hans R. , Weidner Steffen M. , Scheliga Felix
Published: October 2017

Two classes of polyesters were prepared by irreversible polycondensations. The dependence of the dispersities on the experimental parameters such as synthetic method, chemical structure, molecular weight and initial monomer concentration was determined. At first it was demonstrated that it is essential for a correct calculation of Mn and Mw to include all oligomers down to the dimers in the evaluation of SEC curves. Furthermore, it was demonstrated for poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)s and polylactides that reversible polycondensations and ring‐opening polymerizations with equilibration yield identical products. Finally, the dependence of the dispersity on various experimental parameters was determined for equilibrated poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)s and polylactides.
Polyimides and Sulfonated Polyimides Derived from Functionalized 1,1‐Diphenylethylene Derivatives
Authors: Summers Gabriel J. , Kasiama M. Ginette , Summers Carol A.
Published: October 2017

1,1‐Bis(4‐aminophenyl)ethylene was employed as a symmetrically disubstituted 1,1‐diphenylethylene monomer in the preparation of new polyimide derivatives by step growth polymerization methods with the introduction of the 1,1‐diphenylethylene unit along the polymer backbone. A series of 1,1‐diphenylethylene based polyimides were prepared via a two‐step polyimide synthesis process by the polycondensation reactions of 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride with different mole percentage ratios of 2,2‐bis[4‐(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]propane and 1,1‐bis(4‐aminophenyl)ethylene. Subsequent treatment of the appropriate polyimide derivative with sodium 3‐mercapto‐1‐propane sulfonate and AIBN via the thiol‐ene reaction outlines a new method for the synthesis of new sulfonated polyimide derivatives, with the alkyl sulfonate group introduced pendant to the polymer backbone. The organic compounds and the different polymer derivatives were characterized by dilute solution viscometry, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectrometry, FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, atomic force microscopy and x‐ray diffraction measurements.
Development of New Masterbatches Containing Chain Extenders for Poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Berg Dennis , Schaefer Karola , Moeller Martin
Published: October 2017

New masterbatches for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) which contain chain extenders such as 1,3‐phenylene‐bis‐oxazoline (1,3‐PBO) and/or N,N’‐carbonylbiscaprolactam (CBC) were developed. Here, cyclic poly(butylene terephthalate) (cPBT) which has no reactive end groups was used as masterbatch matrix. The main advantage of these masterbatches is their polyester‐based matrix, but the incorporated chain extenders are still active after the synthesis. The masterbatches were analyzed by TGA/FT‐IR, SEC, and 1H‐NMR analysis. They were applied to poly(ethylene terephthalate) during extrusion and, afterwards, also during spinning at high velocities on a pilot plant spinning device. The influence of these masterbatches on the quality of PET was analyzed by measurement of the screw force during extrusion, viscosimetry, SEC, and rheometry of the extruded compounds. The fibers spun on the pilot plant were analyzed by viscosimetry and by tensile strength measurements. The results show that the quality of polyester fibers spun from postconsumer PET can be improved by applying the developed masterbatches which contain chain extenders during spinning.
Preparation of Tough Biopolyurea Films from Aromatic Amino Acid as Diamine Monomer
Authors: Grewal Manjit S. , Taya Kazuya , Tateyama Seiji , Kaneko Tatsuo
Published: October 2017

We have synthesized new bio‐based polyureas (PUs) using 4‐aminophenylalanine (4‐APhe) as a diamine monomer bioavailable by fermentation of genetically modified Escherichia coli. Most of PUs are processable into films or fibers having excellent mechanical properties; mechanical strength at maximum around 150 MPa and strain energy density around 10 J/cm3 at maximum, which means that PU much tougher than those of conventional bioplastics.
The One‐Stage Synthesis of Hyperbranched Polyimides by (A2+B4) Scheme in Catalytic Solvent
Authors: Tsegelskaya Anna , Dutov Mikhail , Serushkina Olga , Semenova Galina , Kuznetsov Alexander
Published: October 2017

New tetraamine monomer bis(2,3‐diaminophenoxy)benzene (BDAPB) was synthesized by reducing corresponding precursor bis(2,3‐dinitrophenoxy)benzene with hydrazine hydrate. Hyperbranched polyimide with terminal amino groups was synthesized by means of the one‐stage high temperature polycondensation of BDAPB with 2,2‐propylidene‐(1,4‐phenyleneoxy)diphthalic acid in catalytically active solvent – molten benzoic acid at 140°C by the scheme A2+B4. Examples of polymer‐analog transformations were shown of terminal amino groups to form acetamide and phthalimide derivatives.
Pressure and temperature control system and module with digital image correlation for strain monitoring
Authors: Marinho E. P. , Batalha G. F.
Published: October 2017

This work presents the full development of a superplastic bulge forming press which contains an in situ and real time pressure and temperature control systems, as well as a deformation monitoring module that applies digital image correlation technique. The press can achieve optimum superplastic forming conditions supported by dedicated instrumentation and control of the parameters that characterize the superplastic forming process; these parameters are pressure, temperature and strain rate. The following topics discussed are design and construction of the press that meets the project requirements; Press instrumentation and control system implementation. The application and development of the control system in biaxial forming process involves the selection of forming conditions, pressure cycle determination and implementation of dedicated controls, besides methods for calculating important coefficients. With the referred instrumentation, it is possible to determine these coefficients from biaxial tests, rather than simply using the uniaxial tensile tests coefficients. A Ti6Al4V alloy fluid static superplastic biaxial test was performed, controlled around its optimum condition.
Mechanical behavior of a Ti‐6Al‐4 V titanium alloy with microstructural evolution modeling under hot and superplastic conditions
Authors: dos Santos M. W. , Velay V. , Vidal V. , Bernhart G. , Batalha G. F. , Matsumoto H.
Published: October 2017

The present work aims at evaluating and understanding the mechanical behavior of a Ti‐6Al‐4 V alloy under hot and superplastic forming conditions. Tensile tests were performed at temperature range from 650 °C to 950 °C, at strain rates between 10‐2 s‐1 and 10‐4 s‐1. Three equiaxed microstructures, each characterized by a different starting grain size (4.9 μm, 3.0 μm and 0.5 μm), are compared to better understand the microstructural evolutions under hot and superplastic forming conditions and their influence on the mechanical behavior. Hence, an accurate model with microstructural considerations is proposed. The model capabilities consider the grain size evolution that is influenced by the temperature and deformation. The computed flow stresses strongly depend on the strain rate and on the considered initial grain size. Temperature and strain rate conditions may lead to a strain hardening phenomenon in some cases. The comparison between the model response and experiment shows a good agreement for all the tests carried out on Ti‐6Al‐4 V.
Functional oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) imaging with turbo gradient spin echo QUIXOTIC (Turbo QUIXOTIC)
Authors: Stout Jeffrey N. , Adalsteinsson Elfar , Rosen Bruce R. , Bolar Divya S.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

QUantitative Imaging of eXtraction of Oxygen and TIssue Consumption (QUIXOTIC) is a recent technique that measures voxel‐wise oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) but suffers from long scan times, limiting its application. We implemented multiecho QUIXOTIC dubbed turbo QUIXOTIC (tQUIXOTIC) that reduces scan time eightfold and then applied it in functional MRI.

Methods

tQUIXOTIC utilizes a novel turbo gradient spin echo readout enabling measurement of venular blood transverse relaxation rate in a single tag‐control acquisition. Using tQUIXOTIC, we estimated cortical gray matter (GM) OEF, created voxel‐by‐voxel GM OEF maps, and quantified changes in visual cortex OEF during a blocked design flashing checkerboard visual stimulus. Contamination from cerebrospinal fluid partial volume averaging was estimated and corrected.

Results

The average cortical GM OEF was estimated as 0.38 ± 0.06 (n = 8) using a 3.4‐min acquisition. The average OEF in the visual cortex was estimated as 0.43 ± 0.04 at baseline and 0.35 ± 0.05 during activation, with an average %ΔOEF of −20%. These values are consistent with those of past studies.

Conclusion

tQUIXOTIC successfully estimated cortical GM OEF in clinical scan times and detected changes in OEF during blocked design visual stimulation. tQUIXOTIC will be useful to monitor regional OEF clinically and in blocked design or event‐related functional MRI experiments. Magn Reson Med 79:2713–2723, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
EPR monitoring of wound oxygenation as a biomarker of response to gene therapy encoding hCAP‐18/LL37 peptide
Authors: Desmet Céline M. , Vandermeulen Gaëlle , Bouzin Caroline , Lam Martin C. , Préat Véronique , Levêque Philippe , Gallez Bernard
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To investigate the value of electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry to follow oxygenation in wounds treated by a plasmid‐encoding host defense peptide hCAP‐18/LL37.

Methods

Flaps were created on diabetic mice (7‐ or 12‐week‐old db/db mice) presenting different levels of microangiopathy. The hCAP‐18/LL37‐encoding plasmids were administered in wounds by electroporation. Low‐frequency electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry using lithium phthalocyanine as the oxygen sensor was used to monitor wound oxygenation in flaps during the healing process. Flaps were analyzed by immunohistochemistry to assess hypoxia and cell proliferation. Kinetics of closure was also assessed in excisional skin wounds.

Results

A reoxygenation of the flap was observed during the healing process in the 7‐week‐old db/db treated mice, but not in the untreated mice and the 12‐week‐old mice. Histological studies demonstrated less hypoxic regions and higher proportion of proliferating cells in hCAP‐18/LL37‐treated flaps in the 7‐week‐old db/db treated mice compared with untreated mice. Consistently, the kinetics of excisional wound closure was improved by hCAP‐18/LL37 treatment in the 7‐week‐old db/db but not in the 12‐week‐old mice.

Conclusions

Oxygenation measured by electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry is a promising biomarker of response to treatments designed to modulate wound oxygenation. Magn Reson Med 79:3267–3273, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Comparison of Methods for Analyzing Human Adipose Tissue Macrophage Content
Authors: Morgan‐Bathke Maria , Harteneck Debra , Jaeger Philippa , Sondergaard Esben , Karwoski Ron , Espinosa De Ycaza Ana , Carranza‐Leon B. Gisella , Faubion William A. , Oliveira Andre M. , Jensen Michael D.
Published: October 2017

Objective

The relationship between inflammation, obesity, and adverse metabolic conditions is associated with adipose tissue macrophages (ATM). This study compared the measurements of human ATM using flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) of ATM markers.

Methods

A new software program (AMCounter) was evaluated to help measure ATM using IHC, and this was compared to flow cytometry and RT‐PCR.

Results

IHC had good intraindividual reproducibility for total (CD68), proinflammatory (CD14), and anti‐inflammatory (CD206) ATM. The AMCounter improved interreader agreement and was more time efficient. Flow cytometry had acceptable intraindividual reproducibility for the percentage of CD68+ cells that were CD14+ or CD206+, but not for ATMs per gram of tissue. ATMs per gram of tissue was much greater using IHC than flow cytometry. The flow cytometry and IHC measures of ATM from the same biopsies were not correlated. There were statistically significant correlations between RT‐PCR CD68 and IHC CD68, CD14, and CD206 ATMs per 100 adipocytes. Also of interest were statistically significant correlations between RT‐PCR CD68 and IHC CD68, CD14, and adipose flow cytometry measures of CD68+, CD68+/CD14+, and CD68+/CD206+ ATMs per gram of tissue.

Conclusions

The AMCounter software helps provide reproducible and efficient measures of IHC ATMs. Flow cytometry, IHC, and RT‐PCR measures of adipose inflammation provide somewhat different information.
Patterns of Eating Disorder Pathology are Associated with Weight Change in Family‐Based Behavioral Obesity Treatment
Authors: Balantekin Katherine N. , Hayes Jacqueline F. , Sheinbein Daniel H. , Kolko Rachel P. , Stein Richard I. , Saelens Brian E. , Hurst Kelly Theim , Welch R. Robinson , Perri Michael G. , Schechtman Kenneth B. , Epstein Leonard H. , Wilfley Denise E.
Published: October 2017

Objective

Children with overweight or obesity have elevated eating disorder (ED) pathology, which may increase their risk for clinical EDs. The current study identified patterns of ED pathology in children with overweight or obesity entering family‐based behavioral weight loss treatment (FBT) and examined whether children with distinct patterns differed in their ED pathology and BMI z score (zBMI) change across FBT.

Methods

Before participating in a 16‐session FBT, children (N = 241) completed surveys or interviews assessing ED pathology (emotional eating, shape/weight/eating concerns, restraint, and loss of control [LOC]). Shape and weight concerns (SWC) and LOC were also assessed post treatment. Child height and weight were measured at baseline and post treatment. Latent class analysis identified patterns of ED pathology. Repeated‐measures ANOVA examined changes in zBMI and ED pathology.

Results

Four patterns of ED pathology were identified: low ED pathology, SWC, only loss of control, and high ED pathology. SWC decreased across treatment, with the highest decreases in patterns characterized by high SWC. All groups experienced significant decreases in zBMI; however, children with the highest ED pathology did not achieve clinically significant weight loss.

Conclusions

ED pathology decreased after FBT, decreasing ED risk. While all children achieved zBMI reductions, further research is needed to enhance outcomes for children with high ED pathology.
Measuring the boundaries of America's permanent campaign
Authors: Alaimo Kara
Published: October 2017

This research measures the boundaries of the “permanent campaign” practiced by spokespeople for the United States government.

Scholars have accused modern White House communications staff of conducting a permanent campaign by prioritizing presidential public opinion ratings over good governance. However, researchers have not previously measured whether this campaign is conducted exclusively from the White House, or if government agencies are also involved—dramatically increasing the potential scale and scope of the campaign.

The researcher conducted a rare set of interviews with public affairs officers who worked for the Treasury Department during the administrations of Presidents Obama and George W. Bush to find out whether they utilize public opinion ratings in their work and whether they attempt to play to the emotions, rather than the reason, of the American people.

This study finds that the Treasury is not conducting a permanent campaign.

The results demonstrate that the campaign is not practiced in a cabinet agency critical to presidential political fortunes and reelection prospects, suggesting that it is likely confined to the White House.
Registries supporting new drug applications
Authors: Jonker Carla J. , van den Berg H. Marijke , Kwa Marcel S.G. , Hoes Arno W. , Mol Peter G.M.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Knowledge of the benefits and risks of new drugs is incomplete at the time of marketing approval. Registries offer the possibility for additional, post‐approval, data collection. For all new drugs, which were approved in the European Union between 2007 and 2010, we reviewed the frequency, the type, and the reason for requiring a registry.

Methods

The European Public Assessment Reports, published on the website of the European Medicine Agency, were reviewed for drugs approved by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use. We searched for key characteristics of these drugs, including therapeutic area (ATC1 level), level of innovation (the score is an algorithm based on availability of treatment and therapeutic effect), and procedural characteristics. In addition, we identified if these registries were defined by disease (disease registry) or exposure to a single drug (drug registry).

Results

Out of 116 new drugs approved in the predefined period, for 43 (37%), 1 to 6 registry studies were identified, with a total of 73 registries. Of these 46 were disease registries and 27 (single) drug registries. For 9 drugs, the registry was a specific obligation imposed by the regulators. The level of innovation and the orphan status of the drugs were determinants positively predicting post‐approval registries (OR 10.3 [95% CI 1.0‐103.9] and OR 2.8 [95% CI 1.0‐7.5], respectively).

Conclusions

The majority of registries required by regulators are existing disease registries. Registries are an important and frequently used tool for post‐approval data collection for orphan and innovative drugs.
Pacific lamprey recolonization of a Pacific Northwest river following dam removal
Authors: Jolley J.C. , Silver G.S. , Harris J.E. , Whitesel T.A.
Published: October 2017

Recolonization of Pacific lampreys Entosphenus tridentatus into historically used freshwater habitats in the United States Pacific Northwest was evaluated in the White Salmon River basin after removal of Condit Dam. Pacific lamprey population declines are of concern, and passage barrier removal is often recommended for conservation. Condit Dam on the White Salmon River in Washington was a complete barrier to fish migrating upstream for nearly 100 years, was breached in 2011, and was removed by 2012. Distribution of larval Pacific lampreys was estimated before and after removal of Condit Dam using either backpack or deepwater electrofishing. Larval detection probabilities were calculated for the basin, and sample efforts were refined to ensure at least 80% confidence that larvae were absent when not detected. Pacific lampreys were not present upstream of Condit Dam before it was removed but were present in areas downstream of the dam. After dam removal, Pacific lamprey larvae were collected upstream of the former dam site from four reaches of the mainstem White Salmon River, indicating a recent recolonization event. Pacific lampreys were absent from the river mouth area before the dam was removed but were found in newly created habitat at the mouth after dam removal. Pacific lampreys naturally recolonized the White Salmon River basin within a few years after dam removal. Removing dams and providing passage opportunity can allow Pacific lampreys to distribute into vacant areas and may help reverse population declines.
Japanese self‐initiated expatriates as boundary spanners in Chinese subsidiaries of Japanese MNEs: Antecedents, social capital, and HRM practices
Authors: Furusawa Masayuki , Brewster Chris
Published: October 2017

This article examines the potential boundary‐spanning roles of Japanese self‐initiated expatriates (SIEs) working at Japanese‐affiliated companies in China. We show that, compared to Japanese assigned expatriates (AEs), Japanese SIEs have longer living and working experience in China and better linguistic proficiency in Chinese, and build a relationship of trust with Japanese AEs, Chinese employees, and the headquarters in Japan. We also find human resource management (HRM) practices that emphasize normative integration will lead to the nurturing of trust (social capital) among the parties concerned, and the social capital will enhance the boundary‐spanning functions of Japanese SIEs. This research demonstrates the value of these SIEs as a new option to replace the dichotomy of AEs or host‐country nationals and the importance of practices for normative integration and social capital, which can be expected to facilitate the boundary‐spanning roles of Japanese SIEs.
Microcystin‐LR disrupts insulin signaling by hyperphosphorylating insulin receptor substrate 1 and glycogen synthase
Authors: Liu Jinghui , Xu Chun , Zhang Shaofeng , Li Haoyan , Chen Kele , Huang Pu , Guo Zonglou , Xu Lihong
Published: October 2017

Microcystin‐LR (MC‐LR) is a cyanobacteria‐derived heptapeptide that has been commonly characterized as a hepatotoxin. Although the liver is a primary organ in glucose homeostasis, the effect of MC‐LR on glucose metabolism remains unclear. In this study, the human liver cell line HL7702 and ICR mice were exposed to various concentrations of MC‐LR for 24 h, and the proteins involved in insulin signaling were investigated. The results showed that MC‐LR treatment induced the hyperphosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) at several serine sites, S307, S323, S636/639, and S1101 in HL7702 cells, and S302, S318, S632/635, and S1097 in mice livers. In addition, the activation of S6K1 was demonstrated to play an important role in MC‐LR‐induced IRS1 hyperphosphorylation at several serine sites. Decreased levels of total IRS1 were observed in the mice livers, but there was no significant change in HL7702 cells. MC‐LR also induced glycogen synthase (GS) hyperphosphorylation at S641 (inactivating GS) both in vitro and in vivo, even glycogen synthase kinase 3, a well‐known GS kinase, was inactivated after MC‐LR treatment. Moreover, MC‐LR could block insulin‐induced GS activation. In addition, glucose transport in liver cells was not impacted by MC‐LR either with or without insulin stimulation. Our study implies that MC‐LR can interfere with the actions of IRS1 and GS in insulin signaling and may have a toxic effect on glucose metabolism in the liver.
Learning to Queer Text: Epiphanies From a Family Critical Literacy Practice
Authors: McClung Nicola A.
Published: October 2017

Critical literacy provides the opportunity to queer picture books and challenge normative depictions of family. In this autoethnography, the author describes her 4‐year‐old's journey of learning to talk back to texts as she actively constructs a better, more just world. The author argues that a critical literacy tool kit is vital to every child's first experiences with books. Implications for classroom teaching are discussed.
RNA uridylation: a key posttranscriptional modification shaping the coding and noncoding transcriptome
Authors: De Almeida Caroline , Scheer Hélène , Zuber Hélène , Gagliardi Dominique
Published: October 2017

RNA uridylation is a potent and widespread posttranscriptional regulator of gene expression. RNA uridylation has been detected in a range of eukaryotes including trypanosomes, animals, plants, and fungi, but with the noticeable exception of budding yeast. Virtually all classes of eukaryotic RNAs can be uridylated and uridylation can also tag viral RNAs. The untemplated addition of a few uridines at the 3′ end of a transcript can have a decisive impact on RNA’s fate. In rare instances, uridylation is an intrinsic step in the maturation of noncoding RNAs like for the U6 spliceosomal RNA or mitochondrial guide RNAs in trypanosomes. Uridylation can also switch specific miRNA precursors from a degradative to a processing mode. This switch depends on the number of uridines added which is regulated by the cellular context. Yet, the typical consequence of uridylation on mature noncoding RNAs or their precursors is to accelerate decay. Importantly, mRNAs are also tagged by uridylation. In fact, the advent of novel high throughput sequencing protocols has recently revealed the pervasiveness of mRNA uridylation, from plants to humans. As for noncoding RNAs, the main function to date for mRNA uridylation is to promote degradation. Yet, additional roles begin to be ascribed to U‐tailing such as the control of mRNA deadenylation, translation control and possibly storage. All these new findings illustrate that we are just beginning to appreciate the diversity of roles played by RNA uridylation and its full temporal and spatial implication in regulating gene expression. WIREs RNA 2018, 9:e1440. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1440

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > 3′ End Processing

RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Turnover/Surveillance Mechanisms
Synthesis and Characterization of the New Lacunar Zincophosphate [C6H10N2][ZnP2O8H2]·0.6H2O
Authors: Chouat Nadjet , Ligner Emanuelle , Sassi Mohamed , Hasnaoui Mohammed Abdelkrim , Michelin Laure , Josien Ludovic , Marichal Claire , Bengueddach Abdelkader , Patarin Joël , Paillaud Jean‐Louis
Published: October 2017

The new zincophosphate of chemical formula [C6H10N2][ZnP2O8H2]·0.6H2O was hydrothermally synthesized with p‐phenylenediamine as structure‐directing agent. The title compound crystallizes in the trigonal symmetry (proposed space group P3m1), where inorganic zincophosphate chains form layers due to the half occupancy of the unique crystallographic zinc site. The layers are separated from each other by p‐phenylenediammonium dications with hydrogen bonding scheme involving the ammonium protons that reveals a pillar‐like 3D structure aspect. The compound was characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, multinuclear solid‐state NMR, scanning electron microscopy, chemical analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis.
Determination of the 31P and 207Pb Chemical Shift Tensors in Pyromorphite, Pb5(PO4)3Cl, by Single‐Crystal NMR Measurements and DFT Calculations
Authors: Zeman Otto E. O. , Moudrakovski Igor L. , Hoch Constantin , Hochleitner Rupert , Schmahl Wolfgang W. , Karaghiosoff Konstantin , Bräuniger Thomas
Published: October 2017

The chemical shift (CS) tensors for 31P and 207Pb in the natural mineral pyromorphite, Pb5(PO4)3Cl, were determined from orientation‐dependent NMR spectra of a single crystal, and MAS‐NMR spectroscopic experiments. For the two crystallographically independent lead atoms in the hexagonal crystal lattice with space group P63/m, the NMR parameters derived from the tensor eigenvalues are δiso = –2172 ppm, ηcs = 0.08 for the 207Pb at Wyckoff position 6h, and δiso = –2810 ppm, ηcs = 0.49 for position 4f. For the 31P, which are also located at positions 6h, δiso = –1.74 ppm and ηcs = 0.21 was found. A multi‐parameter fit was utilized to extract the tensors from spectra acquired with one crystal rotation axis. The fit was sufficiently overdetermined to also include the orientation of the crystal rotation axis into the fit, which could not be determined by X‐ray diffraction because of the high absorption coefficient of pyromorphite, caused by the large lead content, and the large crystal size. In contrast to the precisely determined tensor eigenvalues, the orientation of the eigenvectors in the crystal ab‐plane of the pyromorphite system could only be resolved by using the results of density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Catalytic Properties of Porous 3d‐4f Heterometallic Coordination Polymers Constructed from Pyrazine‐2,3‐dicarboxylic Acid
Authors: Yang Ting‐Hai , Silva Ana Rosa , Fu Lianshe , Shi Fa‐Nian
Published: October 2017

Reactions of pyrazine‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid (H2pzdc), cobalt nitrate and lanthanide (Ln) oxide under hydrothermal conditions result in four new 3d‐4f heterometal coordination polymers, namely, [Ln2Co(pzdc)4(H2O)6]·2H2O [Ln = La (1), Pr (2), Eu (3) and Gd (4)]. All compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and X‐ray diffraction. The compounds exhibit a three‐dimensional (3D) brick‐like structure with rectangular‐shaped nano‐scale channels along a axis direction, made up of wave‐like layers containing [Ln(pzdc)]+ units, which are connected by one‐dimensional (1D) chain of [Co(pzdc)2]2–. The catalytic properties of compounds 1 and 3 were investigated in the synthesis of cyanohydrins at room temperature under solventless conditions. They showed similar catalytic activities with very high conversions of benzaldehyde and high selectivity towards cyanohydrin. The control experiment without addition of the coordination polymers only reached 16 % conversion. Other aldehydes could also be converted totally under shorter reaction times also with very high selectivities for the corresponding cyanohydrins. Compound 1 could also be recycled in another catalytic cycle.