bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APPLICATION OF FOOD SAFETY SYSTEMS IN THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY
Authors: Jagodzińska Natalia
Published: November 2017

The purpose of the publication is to demonstrate the application of food safety management systems in the transport industry. Identify the food safety management standards and their choice and use in the area of food transport. Indication of food safety management standards and their choice and application in the area of food transport. A set of standards slightly different from each other and their use in the transport industry will be presented. The summary will highlight the benefits of the implementation and certification of the management system in the transport company. The benefits of the implementation and certification of the management system in the transport company will be presented.
BIG DATA AS AN INFORMATION SOURCE IN THE DECISION MAKING-PROCESSES OF THE E-COMMERCE COMPANIES
Authors: Weiland Dariusz
Published: November 2017

This article discusses the opportunities offered by the use of Big Data in e-commerce and presents this tool as a source of information affecting the decision-making process. Some sections are devoted to introducing and presenting the perspective on information as a resource, while others attempt to define Big Data and outline the way in which Big Data may be utilised as a source of information supply in e-commerce; further parts elaborate on the challenges that information logistics has to face in order to make Big Data more adaptable in e-commerce.
A retrospective study on the outcomes of Ahmed valve versus Ahmed valve combined with fluocinolone implant in uveitic glaucoma
Authors: Sevgi Duriye D. , Davoudi Samaneh , Talcott Katherine E. , Cho Heeyoon , Guo Rong , Lobo Ann-Marie , Papaliodis George N. , Turalba Angela , Sobrin Lucia , Shen Lucy Q.
Published: November 2017

PurposeTo compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) surgery alone versus AGV with fluocinolone implant in uveitic glaucoma patients.

MethodsWe identified uveitic glaucoma patients with AGV surgery alone and AGV surgery combined with fluocinolone implant. Demographic information, visual acuity, and IOP were recorded at preoperative visits and 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Incidence of hypertensive phase, defined as an IOP of >21 mm Hg or use of additional treatment to lower IOP occurring any time between 7 days to 6 months postoperatively, was investigated. Multilevel mixed effects models were performed.

ResultsEighteen eyes of 13 uveitic glaucoma patients with 1-year follow-up data were included. There were 11 eyes of 9 patients (mean age, 56.5 years; 63.6% male) in the AGV group and 7 eyes of 4 patients (mean age, 61.3 years; 71.4% male) in the AGV + fluocinolone group. There was no significant difference in visual acuity change at 1 year after surgery between groups, although visual acuity improvement was significant in the AGV group (P = 0.01). The hypertensive phase occurred in 91% of AGV patients and 43% of AGV + fluocinolone patients (P = 0.30), with onset of 8-40 days (mean, 18 days) after surgery. IOP and number of glaucoma medications decreased at the 1-year postoperative visits in both the AGV group (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001) and the AGV + fluocinolone group (P = 0.001, P < 0.0001). Compared to the AGV group, the AGV + fluocinolone group used fewer glaucoma medications (0.28 vs 1.30 [P = 0.01]) and had better inflammation control (P = 0.02). The surgical complication rates were similar between groups.

ConclusionsIn uveitic glaucoma, AGV with fluocinolone achieves a similar, desired IOP control but with fewer glaucoma medications than AGV alone.
A microbubble of gas as an early indication of macular hole formation after vitrectomy surgery for retinal detachment repair
Authors: Melamud Alexander , Koroulakis Dioysios , Rodriguez-Agramonte Ferdinand
Published: November 2017

We present a novel case of a 67-year-old man who developed a full-thickness macular hole in the presence of a microbubble after repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
A 61-year-old man with cystoid macular edema and chorioretinal folds after cataract surgery
Authors: Lee Andrew , Montezuma Sandra R.
Published: November 2017

A 61-year-old white man was referred to the University of Minnesota Department of Ophthalmology with a diagnosis of cystoid macular edema (CME) following bilateral cataract surgery 2 months prior. Chorioretinal folds and CME were present on fundus examination and optical coherence tomography (OCT). His past medical history included diabetes mellitus for 18 years, hypertension for 5 years, and heart disease with bypass surgery. His most recent glycosylated hemoglobin test (HbA1C) was 8.3 (normal, <5.7%). The patient reported improvement in visual acuity without correction after surgery with no flashes or floaters. His preoperative refraction was +7.00 +2.50 ×180 correcting to 20/30 in the right eye and +7.75 +1.50 ×029 correcting to 20/30 in the left eye. A 36 D AcrySof SN60WF (Alcon, Fort Worth, TX) intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted in each eye.
A 45-year-old man with spontaneous hyphema of the right eye
Authors: Wang Jay C.
Published: November 2017

A 45-year-old white man with a history of iritis of the right eye presented to the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Emergency Department for a new, spontaneous hyphema of the right eye. The patient reported that he had previously experienced approximately 4 episodes of iritis of the right eye each year for the last 4 years; each time these episodes resolved with topical steroid therapy. He did not recall any blood work having been performed or any cause of his recurrent iritis having been identified. The current episode started 1 week prior to presentation with pain, redness, and right eye photosensitivity. He was examined by his ophthalmologist 3 days later and was started on topical prednisolone acetate 1% every 2 hours. His symptoms did not improve with this treatment, and 1 day prior to presentation he was noted by his ophthalmologist to have a new hyphema of the right eye and was referred to our institution. The patient did endorse a history of intermittent joint pains, worse in the morning but improving with movement. He had a history of back surgery 20 years prior for a herniated disc. He otherwise denied a history of autoimmune disease, fever or chills, joint pains, rashes, muscle aches, or oral ulcers. He denied a history of trauma, use of blood thinners, history of bleeding disorders, or sickle cell disease. His past medical history was unremarkable, and he did not have a history of diabetes. He did not take any medications. His family history was significant for his mother having rheumatoid arthritis.
A 5-day-old-newborn with a large right upper eyelid coloboma
Authors: Zhang Dalia V. , Chundury Rao V. , Blandford Alexander D. , Perry Julian D.
Published: November 2017

A 5-day-old girl presented to the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute Oculoplastics service for evaluation of right eye exposure. She was born at full term by spontaneous vaginal delivery after an uncomplicated pregnancy. Family history was unremarkable for any known heritable conditions or ocular disease.
Direito animal e o fim da sociedade conjugal
Authors: Gordilho Heron José de Santana , Coutinho Amanda Malta
Published: November 2017

Nota-se na contemporaneidade um crescente vínculo afetivo entre humanos e animais, em especial, domésticos. Com o aumento no número de animais de estimação nos lares brasileiros e o relevante papel que estes vêm ocupando dentro do seio familiar, surge uma nova configuração de família: a multiespécie. No direito, essas transformações sociais despontam um novo contexto jurídico no qual os animais são colocados no centro da lide, motivada pelos laços afetivos entre estes e as partes. Esta pesquisa busca verificar o cenário atual no qual surgem litígios envolvendo a disputa pela guarda de animais de estimação após o divórcio ou a dissolução da união estável, bem como a necessidade de elaboração de leis sobre o tema. Trata, ainda, do status jurídico dos animais no sistema brasileiro, na busca de um paradigma apto a incluir os direitos básicos destes, acima da vontade humana e da “coisificação” dos seres não-humanos prevista pelo Direito Civil. No que tange à guarda de animais de estimação, algumas soluções legislativas e processuais serão debatidas, fundamentadas através do direito comparado, doutrina, estudo de caso e projeto de lei, atribuindo, ainda, a competência jurisdicional ao Direito de Família. O Judiciário deve fazer o seu melhor para satisfazer os interesses de todas as partes, incluindo o animal de estimação, porém, quando isso não for possível, o bem-estar do animal de estimação deve prevalecer.
40 anos de licenciamento ambiental: um reexame necessário
Authors: De Lima Maria Isabel Leite Silva , Rei Fernando
Published: November 2017

O presente trabalho se dedica à regulação ambiental, como parte das políticas públicas, e em particular sobre o licenciamento ambiental. É ressaltado como o licenciamento tem sido conduzido pelos órgãos ambientais de maneira legalista e estática, sem ter apresentado evolução na incorporação e enfrentamento de novos problemas ambientais, cada vez mais complexos, apesar de avanços e resultados de melhoria ambiental em determinadas regiões do País. A percepção dos limites a que chegou o licenciamento originou diversas proposições de alterações legislativas, nem sempre preocupadas com a melhoria do seu desempenho e sua qualidade. Concluiu-se que o reexame é necessário e que deve relativizar a lógica burocrática de tomada de decisão, por um processo mais amplo de gestão que adote uma visão mais elaborada do comportamento das empresas e da participação de outros atores sociais. A metodologia se baseou numa pesquisa exploratória e qualitativa, a partir de uma revisão bibliográfica.
Sumário bilingue
Authors: Table of Contents Bilingual
Published: November 2017

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Setor não lucrativo, comunidade e welfare state liberal sob o crivo comunitarista
Authors: Schmidt João Pedro
Published: November 2017

O artigo analisa a relação entre o setor não lucrativo, comunidade e welfare state liberal nos Estados Unidos, sob a ótica comunitarista. O texto apresenta um breve delineamento histórico do associativismo e da tradição filantrópica, evidencia os vínculos entre as organizações não lucrativas e o Estado na constituição do welfare state liberal, elenca aspectos da legislação norte-americana referente às organizações não lucrativas e algumas características gerais desse setor, para então explanar a posição comunitarista. A linha conclusiva é de que não equivalência entre setor não lucrativo e comunidade, não bastando a simples expansão do setor não lucrativo para o desejável reequilíbrio entre Estado, comunidade e mercado. O método é histórico-crítico e a pesquisa é bibliográfica.
Vegetation structure of plantain-based agrosystems determines numerical dominance in community of ground-dwelling ants
Authors: Dassou Anicet Gbéblonoudo , Tixier Philippe , Dépigny Sylvain , Carval Dominique
Published: November 2017

In tropics, ants can represent an important part of animal biomass and are known to be involved in ecosystem services, such as pest regulation. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the structuring of local ant communities is therefore important in agroecology. In the humid tropics of Africa, plantains are cropped in association with many other annual and perennial crops. Such agrosystems differ greatly in vegetation diversity and structure and are well-suited for studying how habitat-related factors affect the ant community. We analysed abundance data for the six numerically dominant ant taxa in 500 subplots located in 20 diversified, plantain-based fields. We found that the density of crops with foliage at intermediate and high canopy strata determined the numerical dominance of species. We found no relationship between the numerical dominance of each ant taxon with the crop diversity. Our results indicate that the manipulation of the densities of crops with leaves in the intermediate and high strata may help maintain the coexistence of ant species by providing different habitat patches. Further research in such agrosystems should be performed to assess if the effect of vegetation structure on ant abundance could result in efficient pest regulation.
Supradapedon revisited: geological explorations in the Triassic of southern Tanzania
Authors: Langer Max C. , da Rosa Átila A.S. , Montefeltro Felipe C.
Published: November 2017

The upper Triassic deposits of the Selous Basin in south Tanzania have not been prospected for fossil tetrapods since the middle of last century, when Gordon M. Stockley collected two rhynchosaur bone fragments from the so called “Tunduru beds”. Here we present the results of a field trip conducted in July 2015 to the vicinities of Tunduru and Msamara, Ruvuma Region, Tanzania, in search for similar remains. Even if unsuccessful in terms of fossil discoveries, the geological mapping conducted during the trip improved our knowledge of the deposition systems of the southern margin of the Selous Basin during the Triassic, allowing tentative correlations to its central part and to neighbouring basins. Moreover, we reviewed the fossil material previously collected by Gordon M. Stockley, confirming that the remains correspond to a valid species, Supradapedon stockleyi, which was incorporated into a comprehensive phylogeny of rhynchosaurs and found to represent an Hyperodapedontinae with a set of mostly plesiomorphic traits for the group. Data gathered form the revision and phylogenetic placement of Su. stockleyi helps understanding the acquisition of the typical dental traits of Late Triassic rhynchosaurs, corroborating the potential of hyperodapedontines as index fossils of the Carnian-earliest Norian.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF DIETARY FIBER FROM BAMBOO SHOOTS (PHYLLOSTACHYS PRAECOX)
Authors: Wang Cai-Hong , Ma Yi-Long , Zhu Dan-Ye , Wang Hao , Ren Ya-Fei , Zhang Jian-Guo , Thakur Kiran , Wei Zhao-Jun
Published: November 2017

Dietary fiber are non-digestible constituents of plant cell walls, and comprise a necessary component of diet and its positive connection with human health. Till now, there is no report about the extraction and physicochemical and functional properties of dietary fiber from bamboo shoots. To find the potential applications of dietary fiber from bamboo shoots in food and health products, the effects of chemical, enzymatic methods and particle size distribution on the chemical and structural composition, physicochemical, and functional properties of dietary fibers (DFs) from bamboo shoots were studied. The results showed that BSEDF and BSCDF had higher total DF and higher soluble DF, respectively. The crystalline regions calculated to be higher in latter and both had irregular surfaces and diverse monosaccharide composition. Both fibers showed good functional properties [water retention capacity (WRC) (11.24-15.13g/g), water swelling capacity (WSC) (18.84-28.75 mL/g), oil holding capacity (OAC) (6.71-10.15 g/g), glucose adsorption capacity (GAC) (0.08-6.89 mmol/g) and glucose retardation index (GRI) (3.57-40.92%)]. WRC of BSCDF and BSEDF decreased with the increase in the mesh size (40-200) while, WSC and OAC increased with mesh sizes (40 to 120), followed by decrease above mesh120. Both particle size and extraction methods significantly affected GRI. In conclusion, physico-chemical properties of fibers can be manipulated through treatments (chemical and enzymatic) to improve their overall functionality. Therefore, both BSCDF and BSEDF can find potential applications in food and health products as a functional ingredient in different aspects.
COMPARISON OF A DOUBLE COMPRESSION TEST FOR THE PREDICTION OF SENSORY TEXTURE ATTRIBUTES OF COOKED RICE TO A SINGLE COMPRESSION TEST
Authors: Han Arum , Lee Youngseung , Meullenet Jean Francois
Published: November 2017

A number of instrumental means to predict cooked rice texture has been reviewed. However, Little information has been reported as to a direct comparison for the two typical compression tests (double vs. single) in performance to predict cooked rice texture. This study was aimed at exploring the performance of a double compression (DC) and single compression (SC) test for predicting cooked rice texture and a potential use of Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) for developing predictive models of specific texture attributes. Four different cultivars of rice stored for 32 weeks were used in this study. A total of 11 texture attributes of cooked rice in five stages were profiled by 7 trained descriptive panelists. Five sensory attributes (manual stickiness, initial cohesion, adhesion to lips, toothpull and hardness) showing significant differences by descriptive panel between rice samples over different storage time were finally predicted. The models by a DC and SC test were robust as well as discriminative and equivalent in performance for predicting texture of cooked rice. Both tests allowed the satisfactory prediction for adhesion to lips and toothpull and the moderate prediction for manual stickiness, initial cohesion and hardness. However, considering that it is routine assessments for rice breeders to predict mechanically rice texture quality, a SC test would have the advantage being less time-consuming over a DC test.
HYPERSPECTRAL CLASSIFICATION FOR IDENTIFYING DECAYED ORANGES INFECTED BY FUNGI
Authors: Yin Shiyang , Bi Xiaoqing , Niu Yong , Gu Xiaomin , Xiao Yong
Published: November 2017

Fast and nondestructive detection of early decay caused by fungal infection in citrus fruit was a challenging task for the citrus industry during the postharvest fruit processing. In general, workers relied on the ultraviolet induction fluorescence technique to detect and remove the decayed citrus fruits in fruit packing houses. However, this operation was harmful for human health, and was also very inefficient. In this study, navel oranges were used as research object. A novel method combining with hyperspectral imaging technology in the wavelength region between 400 and 1100 nm wavelength was proposed to solve this problem. First, normalization approaches were applied to decrease the variation of spectral reflectance intensity due to natural curvature of navel orange surface. Then, the spectral data of regions of interest (ROIs) from normal and decayed tissues was analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) for investigating the performance of visible and near infrared (Vis-NIR) hyperspectral data to discriminate these two kinds of tissues. Next, six characteristic wavelength images were obtained by analyzing the loadings of the first principal component (PC1). And, a multispectral image was established by using the corrected six characteristic wavelength images. On basis of the multispectral image, pseudo-color image processing with intensity slicing was utilized to produce a two-dimensional color image with clear contrast between decayed and normal tissues. Finally, an image segmentation algorithm by combining the pseudo-color processing method and a global threshold method was proposed for fast identification of decayed navel oranges. For 240 independent samples, the success rates were 100 and 97.5% for decayed navel oranges infected by Penicillium digitatum and normal navel oranges, respectively. In particular, the proposed algorithm was also applied to detect the decayed navel oranges infected by Penicillium italicum (samples not used for the development of algorithm) and obtained a 91.7% identification accuracy, indicating a well generalization ability and actual application value of the proposed algorithm.
EFFECTS OF PLANT INGREDIENTS WITH PRO-HEALTH PROPERTIES AND STORAGE CONDITIONS ON TEXTURE, COLOR AND SENSORY ATTRIBUTES OF STRAWBERRY (FRAGARIA × ANANASSA DUCH.) JAM
Authors: Korus Anna , Banaś Anna , Korus Jarosław
Published: November 2017

The following work compares the parameters of texture and color as well as sensory indicators in low-sugar strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) jams both with pro-health plant ingredients (chokeberry, elderberry, Japanese quince, flax seeds, wheat germs and inulin) and without them (control). The products were examined immediately after production and after 6 and 12 months of storage at cold (10oC) and room temperature (20oC). Compared with the control jam, the value of gel strength was the highest in the jams with flax seeds and wheat germs, on average by 21% and 159%, respectively. The investigated ingredients, particularly Japanese quince and elderberry fruit, lowered gel strength by 16% and 21%, respectively. The ingredients used had an effect on all color parameters and the general sensory evaluation. Adding steviol glycoside and Japanese quince lead to the color of jams being substantially brighter; however, the brightest were the jams with added flax seeds and wheat germs. The addition of chokeberry and elderberry caused significant darkening of the jam. The dominant colors in jams were red and yellow, especially in the jam with added steviol glycoside, Japanese quince and wheat germs. After storage, the value of all texture parameters in jams increased; there were also changes in color, jams were lighter after storage at 20oC. After a 12-month storage period, the jam with added chokeberry scored the highest (5.0) values, regardless of the storage temperature; the highest scores were also reported for the jam with Japanese quince and inulin stored at 10oC.
Buthionine sulfoximine is a multitarget inhibitor of trypanothione synthesis in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Vázquez Citlali , Mejia‐Tlachi Marlen , González‐Chávez Zabdi , Silva Aketzalli , Rodríguez‐Zavala José Salud , Moreno‐Sánchez Rafael , Saavedra Emma
Published: November 2017

Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) induces decreased glutathione (GSH) and trypanothione [T(SH)2] pools in trypanosomatids, presumably because only gamma‐glutamylcysteine synthetase (γECS) is blocked. However, some BSO effects cannot be explained by exclusive γECS inhibition; therefore, its effect on the T(SH)2 metabolism pathway in Trypanosoma cruzi was re‐examined. Parasites exposed to BSO did not synthesize T(SH)2 even when supplemented with cysteine or GSH, suggesting trypanothione synthetase (TryS) inhibition by BSO. Indeed, recombinant γECS and TryS, but not GSH synthetase, were inhibited by BSO and kinetics and docking analyses on a TcTryS 3D model suggested BSO binding at the GSH site. Furthermore, parasites overexpressing γECS and TryS showed ~ 50% decreased activities after BSO treatment. These results indicated that BSO is also an inhibitor of TryS.
Characterization of genetic intratumor heterogeneity in colorectal cancer and matching patient‐derived spheroid cultures
Authors: Árnadóttir Sigrid S. , Jeppesen Maria , Lamy Philippe , Bramsen Jesper B. , Nordentoft Iver , Knudsen Michael , Vang Søren , Madsen Mogens R. , Thastrup Ole , Thastrup Jacob , L. Andersen Claus
Published: November 2017

Patient‐derived in vitro cultures of colorectal cancer (CRC) may help guide treatment strategies prior to patient treatment. However, most previous studies have been performed on a single biopsy per tumor. The purpose of this study was to analyze multiple spatially distinct biopsies from CRCs and see how well intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) was recapitulated in matching patient‐derived spheroids. Three to five biopsies were collected from six CRC tumors. Each biopsy was split in two; one half was used for spheroid culturing, while the other half was used for DNA and RNA purification. For two patients, lymph node metastases were analyzed. Somatic mutations were called from whole exome sequencing data. Each tumor contained mutations shared across all biopsies and spheroids, including major CRC drivers such as APC, KRAS, and TP53. At the same time, all tumors exhibited ITH on both mutation and copy number level. The concordance between biopsies and spheroids ranged between 40 and 70% for coding mutations. For three patients, the biopsy and spheroid from matching areas clustered together, meaning that the spheroid resembled the area of origin more than the other areas. However, all biopsies and spheroids contained private mutations. Therefore, multiple cultures from spatially distinct sites of the tumor increase the insight into the genetic profile of the entire tumor. Molecular subtypes were called from RNA sequencing data. When based on transcripts from both cancer and noncancerous cells, the subtypes were largely independent of sampling site. In contrast, subtyping based on cancer cell transcripts alone was dependent on sample site and genetic ITH. In conclusion, all examined CRC tumors showed genetic ITH. Spheroid cultures partly reflected this ITH, and having multiple cultures from distinct tumor sites improved the representation of the genetic tumor subclones. This should be taken into account when establishing patient‐derived models for drug screening.
Insufficient Energy From MgO Exsolution to Power Early Geodynamo
Authors: Du Zhixue , Jackson Colin , Bennett Neil , Driscoll Peter , Deng Jie , Lee Kanani K. M. , Greenberg Eran , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Fei Yingwei
Published: November 2017

The origin of Earth's ancient magnetic field is an outstanding problem. It has recently been proposed that exsolution of MgO from the core may provide sufficient energy to drive an early geodynamo. Here we present new experiments on Mg partitioning between iron‐rich liquids and silicate/oxide melts. Our results indicate that Mg partitioning depends strongly on the oxygen content in the iron‐rich liquid, in contrast to previous findings that it depends only on temperature. Consequently, MgO exsolution during core cooling is drastically reduced and insufficient to drive an early geodynamo alone. Using the new experimental data, our thermal model predicts inner core nucleation at ~850 Ma and a nearly constant paleointensity.
Assimilating the ICE‐6G_C Reconstruction of the Latest Quaternary Ice Age Cycle Into Numerical Simulations of the Laurentide and Fennoscandian Ice Sheets
Authors: Stuhne G. R. , Peltier W. R.
Published: November 2017

We analyze the effects of nudging 100 kyr numerical simulations of the Laurentide and Fennoscandian ice sheets toward the glacial isostatic adjustment‐based (GIA‐based) ICE‐6G_C reconstruction of the most recent ice age cycle. Starting with the ice physics approximations of the PISM ice sheet model and the SeaRISE simulation protocols, we incorporate nudging at characteristic time scales, τf, through anomalous mass balance terms in the ice mass conservation equation. As should be expected, these mass balances exhibit physically unrealistic details arising from pure GIA‐based reconstruction geometry when nudging is very strong (τf=20 years for North America), while weakly nudged (τf=1,000 years) solutions deviate from ICE‐6G_C sufficiently to degrade its observational fit quality. For reasonable intermediate time scales (τf=100 years and 200 years), we perturbatively analyze nudged ice dynamics as a superposition of “leading‐order smoothing” that diffuses ICE‐6G_C in a physically and observationally consistent manner and “higher‐order” deviations arising, for instance, from biases in the time dependence of surface climate boundary conditions. Based upon the relative deviations between respective nudged simulations in which these biases follow surface temperature from ice cores and eustatic sea level from marine sediment cores, we compute “ice core climate adjustments” that suggest how local paleoclimate observations may be applied to the systematic refinement of ICE‐6G_C. Our results are consistent with a growing body of evidence suggesting that the geographical origins of Meltwater Pulse 1B (MWP1b) may lie primarily in North America as opposed to Antarctica (as reconstructed in ICE‐6G_C).
Enantioselective Synthesis of β‐Aminotetralins via Chiral Phosphoric Acid‐catalyzed Reductive Amination of β‐Tetralones
Authors: Park Do Young , Kim Kyung‐Hee , Cheon Cheol‐Hong
Published: November 2017

A new protocol for the synthesis of chiral β‐aminotetralins has been developed via chiral phosphoric acid‐catalyzed asymmetric reductive amination of β‐tetralones using a Hantzsch ester as an organic hydride donor. Various chiral β‐aminotetralins were obtained in good yields with good to high enantioselectivities. Furthermore, the utility of our new protocol was successfully demonstrated in the enantioselective synthesis of rotigotine.

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Enantioselective Oxy‐Heck–Matsuda Arylations: Expeditious Synthesis of Dihydrobenzofuran Systems and Total Synthesis of the Neolignan (−)‐Conocarpan
Authors: Silva Allan R. , Polo Ellen C. , Martins Nelson C. , Correia Carlos Roque D.
Published: November 2017

This work discloses the first examples of an effective enantioselective oxy‐Heck–Matsuda reaction using a variety of styrenic olefins to generate chiral dihydrobenzofurans. The reaction proceeds in moderate to good yields, with high trans diastereoselectivity (up to 20:1) in enantioselectivities up to 90:10 using the N,N‐ligand pyrimidine‐bisoxazoline (PyriBox). The oxy‐Heck–Matsuda reactions were carried out under mild conditions and rather low catalyst loadings. The feasibility and practicality of the process is demonstrated by a concise total synthesis of the neolignan (−)‐conocarpan. X‐ray diffraction of an advanced brominated intermediate in the route to (−)‐conocarpan has allowed the unequivocal assignment of the absolute stereochemistry of the oxy‐Heck–Matsuda aryldihydrobenzofuran products. A rationale for the mechanism operating in these enantioselective oxy‐Heck–Matsuda reactions is also presented.

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A variant in PPP4R3A protects against alzheimer‐related metabolic decline
Authors: Christopher Leigh , Napolioni Valerio , Khan Raiyan R. , Han Summer S. , Greicius Michael D. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2017

Objectives

A reduction in glucose metabolism in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) predicts conversion to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and tracks disease progression, signifying its importance in AD. We aimed to use decline in PCC glucose metabolism as a proxy for the development and progression of AD to discover common genetic variants associated with disease vulnerability.

Methods

We performed a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of decline in PCC fludeoxyglucose F 18 ([18F] FDG) positron emission tomography measured in Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative participants (n = 606). We then performed follow‐up analyses to assess the impact of significant single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on disease risk and longitudinal cognitive performance in a large independent data set (n = 870). Last, we assessed whether significant SNP influence gene expression using two RNA sequencing data sets (n = 210 and n = 159).

Results

We demonstrate a novel genome‐wide significant association between rs2273647‐T in the gene, PPP4R3A, and reduced [18F] FDG decline (p = 4.44 × 10−8). In a follow‐up analysis using an independent data set, we demonstrate a protective effect of this variant against risk of conversion to MCI or AD (p = 0.038) and against cognitive decline in individuals who develop dementia (p = 3.41 × 10−15). Furthermore, this variant is associated with altered gene expression in peripheral blood and altered PPPP4R3A transcript expression in temporal cortex, suggesting a role at the molecular level.

Interpretations

PPP4R3A is a gene involved in AD risk and progression. Given the protective effect of this variant, PPP4R3A should be further investigated as a gene of interest in neurodegenerative diseases and as a potential target for AD therapies. Ann Neurol 2017;82:900–911
Heterogenous migraine aura symptoms correlate with visual cortex functional magnetic resonance imaging responses
Authors: Arngrim Nanna , Hougaard Anders , Ahmadi Khazar , Vestergaard Mark Bitsch , Schytz Henrik Winther , Amin Faisal Mohammad , Larsson Henrik Bo Wiberg , Olesen Jes , Hoffmann Michael B. , Ashina Messoud
Published: November 2017

Objective

Migraine aura is sparsely studied due to the highly challenging task of capturing patients during aura. Cortical spreading depression (CSD) is likely the underlying phenomenon of aura. The possible correlation between the multifaceted phenomenology of aura symptoms and the effects of CSD on the brain has not been ascertained.

Methods

Five migraine patients were studied during various forms of aura symptoms induced by hypoxia, sham hypoxia, or physical exercise with concurrent photostimulation. The blood oxygenation level–dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signal response to visual stimulation was measured in retinotopic mapping–defined visual cortex areas V1 to V4.

Results

We found reduced BOLD response in patients reporting scotoma and increased response in patients who only experienced positive symptoms. Furthermore, patients with bilateral visual symptoms had corresponding bihemispherical changes in BOLD response.

Interpretation

These findings suggest that different aura symptoms reflect different types of cerebral dysfunction, which correspond to specific changes in BOLD signal reactivity. Furthermore, we provide evidence of bilateral CSD recorded by fMRI during bilateral aura symptoms. Ann Neurol 2017;82:925–939
Molekulare Magnesiumhydride
Authors: Mukherjee Debabrata , Okuda Jun
Published: November 2017

Festes Magnesiumhydrid [MgH2]∞ wird als potenzieller Werkstoff für die Wasserstoffspeicherung untersucht. Seit Mitte des 20. Jahrhunderts interessieren sich Organiker für lösliche Magnesiumhydrid‐Reagenzien. Erst in den letzten zwei Jahrzehnten haben Metallorganiker mit einer Reihe strukturell gut charakterisierter Magnesiumhydride für einen größeren Aufschwung bei dieser neuen Verbindungklasse gesorgt. Über vierzig solcher Vertreter sind nun isoliert, von einkernigen terminalen Hydriden bis hin zu großen Hydridclustern mit mehr als 10 Magnesiumatomen. Sie geben nicht nur einen Einblick in die Struktur und die Bindung von Mg‐H‐Einheiten, sondern dienen auch als Modell für Materialien zur Wasserstoffspeicherung. Bei einigen wurde auch deutlich, dass sie in katalytischen Umwandlungen wie der Hydroelementierung vorkommen. Dieser Aufsatz gibt einen Überblick über die molekularen Magnesiumhydride, wobei das Augenmerk auf deren Synthese und strukturellen Charakterisierung liegt.
Supramolecular Radical Anions Triggered by Bacteria In Situ for Selective Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Yang Yuchong , He Ping , Wang Yunxia , Bai Haotian , Wang Shu , Xu Jiang‐Fei , Zhang Xi
Published: November 2017

A supramolecular complex that can be selectively reduced to radical anions in situ by facultative anaerobic bacteria is reported. To this end, a water‐soluble bifunctional monomer bearing perylene diimide was synthesized, and its supramolecular complex with cucurbit[7]uril was fabricated on the basis of host–guest complexation, which could be reduced to forming radical anions in the presence of E. coli. It was found that this supramolecular complex could display different ability of generating radical anions by facultative anaerobic and aerobic bacteria in terms of their various reductive abilities. The selective antibacterial activity of the supramolecular complex could be realized by the photothermal performance of the radical anions under near‐infrared irradiation. It is anticipated that this method may lead to a novel bacteria‐responsive photothermal therapy to regulate balance of bacterial flora.
Three‐Dimensional Graphene Networks with Abundant Sharp Edge Sites for Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Huaping , Li Xu‐Bing , Gao Lei , Wu Hao‐Lin , Yang Jie , Cai Le , Ma Tian‐Bao , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wu Li‐Zhu , Yu Gui
Published: November 2017

To achieve sustainable production of hydrogen (H2) through water splitting, establishing efficient and earth‐abundant electrocatalysts is of great necessity. Morphology engineering of graphene is now shown to modulate the electronic structure of carbon skeleton and in turn endow it with excellent ability of proton reduction. Three‐dimensional (3D) graphene networks with a high density of sharp edge sites are synthesized. Electrocatalytic measurements indicate that the obtained 3D graphene networks can electrocatalyze H2 evolution with an extremely low onset potential of about 18 mV in 0.5 m H2SO4 solution, together with good stability. A combination of control experiments and density functional theory (DFT) investigations indicates that the exceptional H2 evolution performance is attributed to the abundant sharp edge sites of the advanced frameworks, which are responsible for promoting the adsorption and reduction of protons.
Peptide strand length controls the energetics of self‐assembly and morphology of β‐sheet fibrils
Authors: Davies Robert P. W. , Liu Binbin , Maude Steven , Carrick Lisa M. , Nyrkova Irina , McLeish Tom C. , Harris Sarah A.
Published: November 2017

Self‐assembling peptides can be used as versatile, natural, and multifunctional building blocks to produce a variety of well‐defined nanostructures, materials and devices for applications in medicine and nanotechnology. Here, we concentrate on the 1D self‐assembly of de novo designed Px‐2 peptide β‐strands into anti‐parallel β‐sheet tapes and higher order aggregates. We study six members of the Px‐2 family, ranging from 3 amino acids (aa) to 13 aa in length, using a range of complementary experimental techniques, computer simulation and theoretical statistical mechanics. The critical concentration for self‐assembly (c*) is found to increase systematically with decreasing peptide length. The shortest peptide found to self‐assemble into soluble β‐tapes in water is a 5 amino acid residue peptide. These investigations help decipher the role of the peptide length in controlling self‐assembly, aggregate morphology, and material properties. By extracting free energies from these data using a statistical mechanical analysis and combining the results with computer simulations at the atomistic level, we can extract the entropy of association for individual β‐strands.
Conformational properties, membrane interaction, and antibacterial activity of the peptaibiotic chalciporin A: Multitechnique spectroscopic and biophysical investigations on the natural compound and labeled analogs
Authors: Biondi Barbara , Peggion Cristina , De Zotti Marta , Pignaffo Chiara , Dalzini Annalisa , Bortolus Marco , Oancea Simona , Hilma Geta , Bortolotti Annalisa , Stella Lorenzo , Pedersen Jens Z. , Syryamina Victoria N. , Tsvetkov Yuri D. , Dzuba Sergei A. , Toniolo Claudio , Formaggio Fernando
Published: November 2017

In this work, an extensive set of spectroscopic and biophysical techniques (including FT‐IR absorption, CD, 2D‐NMR, fluorescence, and CW/PELDOR EPR) was used to study the conformational preferences, membrane interaction, and bioactivity properties of the naturally occurring synthetic 14‐mer peptaibiotic chalciporin A, characterized by a relatively low (≈20%), uncommon proportion of the strongly helicogenic Aib residue. In addition to the unlabeled peptide, we gained in‐depth information from the study of two labeled analogs, characterized by one or two residues of the helicogenic, nitroxyl radical‐containing TOAC. All three compounds were prepared using the SPPS methodology, which was carefully modified in the course of the syntheses of TOAC‐labeled analogs in view of the poorly reactive α‐amino function of this very bulky residue and the specific requirements of its free‐radical side chain. Despite its potentially high flexibility, our results point to a predominant, partly amphiphilic, α‐helical conformation for this peptaibiotic. Therefore, not surprisingly, we found an effective membrane affinity and a remarkable penetration propensity. However, chalciporin A exhibits a selectivity in its antibacterial activity not in agreement with that typical of the other members of this peptide class.
Combined metabolomic and correlation networks analyses reveal fumarase insufficiency altered amino acid metabolism
Authors: Hou Entai , Li Xian , Liu Zerong , Zhang Fuchang , Tian Zhongmin
Published: November 2017

Fumarase catalyzes the interconversion of fumarate andl‐malate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Fumarase insufficiencies were associated with increased levels of fumarate, decreased levels of malate and exacerbated salt‐induced hypertension. To gain insights into the metabolism profiles induced by fumarase insufficiency and identify key regulatory metabolites, we applied a GC–MS based metabolomics platform coupled with a network approach to analyze fumarase insufficient human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and negative controls. A total of 24 altered metabolites involved in seven metabolic pathways were identified as significantly altered, and enriched for the biological module of amino acids metabolism. In addition, Pearson correlation network analysis revealed that fumaric acid,l‐malic acid,l‐aspartic acid, glycine andl‐glutamic acid were hub metabolites according to Pagerank based on their three centrality indices. Alanine aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase activities increased significantly in fumarase deficiency HUVEC. These results confirmed that fumarase insufficiency altered amino acid metabolism. The combination of metabolomics and network methods would provide another perspective on expounding the molecular mechanism at metabolomics level.
Population representation among anatomical donors and the implication for medical student education
Authors: Collins Amanda J. , Smith Whitney , Giannaris Eustathia Lela , Orvek Elizabeth , Lazar Peter , Carney Jan K. , Gilroy Anne M. , Rosen Max P.
Published: November 2017

Dissection provides a unique opportunity to integrate anatomical and clinical education. Commonly, cadavers are randomly assigned to courses, which may result in skewed representation of patient populations. The primary aim of this study was to determine if the anatomical donors studied by students at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) accurately represent the disease burden of the local patient population. This cross‐sectional study compared the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center patient claims data and body donation data from the UMMS Anatomical Gift Program (AGP). This study examined age, race, sex, and morbidities within a 10‐year timeframe in 401,258 patients and 859 anatomical donors who met inclusion criteria. An independent t test was conducted to compare the mean ages of the two populations. Chi square analysis was conducted on race, sex, and 10 morbidity categories. A Fischer's exact test was conducted for two morbidity categories with n < 10. Demographic analysis showed a significant difference in age, and racial representation between the populations. No statistical difference was found regarding sex. Morbidities were separated into 22 ICD‐10 categories. Twelve categories were excluded and 10 were analyzed for population comparison. Two categories were over represented and seven were under‐represented in the AGP population. One category showed no significant difference between populations. Targeted selection of cadavers in anatomy courses would improve morbidity variability in the anatomy lab. In addition, AGP acceptance guidelines should be evaluated to increase disease variation among the donor population. Clin. Anat. 31:250–258, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emergency extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A two‐center experience of incidence, outcome and temporal trends from 2010 to 2015
Authors: Trenkwalder Teresa , Pellegrini Costanza , Holzamer Andreas , Philipp Alois , Rheude Tobias , Michel Jonathan , Reinhard Wibke , Joner Michael , Kasel Albert M. , Kastrati Adnan , Schunkert Heribert , Endemann Dierk , Debl Kurt , Mayr N. Patrick , Hilker Michael , Hengstenberg Christian , Husser Oliver
Published: November 2017

Background

Although the incidence of periprocedural complications has decreased in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), life‐threatening complications occur and emergency veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vaECMO) can provide immediate circulatory stabilization. We report our two‐center experience of vaECMO during life‐threatening complications in TAVI.

Methods

From January 2010 to December 2015, 1,810 consecutive patients underwent TAVI at two centers. Clinical characteristics, type of complication, outcome and temporal trends in the requirement of emergency vaECMO were evaluated.

Results

Life‐threatening complications requiring vaECMO occurred in 1.8% of cases (33 patients; 22 transfemoral, 11 transapical). Indications for vaECMO were ventricular rupture (30%, 10/33), low output (15%, 5/33), bleeding (12%, 4/33), coronary artery impairment (9%, 3/33), ventricular arrhythmias (6%, 2/33), severe aortic regurgitation (6%, 2/33), aortic annular rupture (6%, 2/33), and aortic dissection (3%, 1/33). In 4 cases, no definite cause for hemodynamic instability was identified. Conversion to open heart surgery was necessary in 42% of patients (14/33). Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in all cases with coronary artery impairment (9%, 3/33). Patients with severe aortic regurgitation (6%, 2/33) underwent emergency valve‐in‐valve implantation. Other patients received, in addition to vaECMO support conservative treatment (42%, 14/33). In‐hospital mortality and 30‐day mortality were 46% (15/33). Of patients discharged, 67% (12/18) had no neurological impairment, whereas mild and severe neurological impairment was found in 11% (2/18) and 22% (4/18), respectively. From 2010 to 2015, with increasing procedures (from n = 43 to n = 553) requirement of vaECMO decreased from 9.3% to 0.9% (P for the trend <0.001).

Conclusion

Over a 6‐year period, need for emergency vaECMO during TAVI significantly decreased over time. Despite high in‐hospital mortality, vaECMO represents a feasible strategy for hemodynamic support in case of life‐threatening complications.
A feasibility study of transaxillary TAVI with the lotus valve
Authors: Doshi Sagar N. , George Sudhakar , Kwok Chun Shing , Mechery Anthony , Mamas Mamas , Ludman Peter F. , Townend Jonathan N. , Bhabra Moninder
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To assess the feasibility of axillary transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using the Lotus valve.

Background

TAVI is used to treat patients with severe aortic stenosis, with transfemoral (TF) access being the safest and most widely used route. In patients unsuitable for this, there are reports that the axillary artery may be safest alternative access route. The Lotus device is a fully retrievable 2nd generation transcatheter heart valve which is licensed for femoral and transaortic access. There are limited data on the suitability of this valve for axillary access.

Methods

We assessed the feasibility of transaxillary TAVI with the Lotus valve in patients unsuitable for TF TAVI. Between January and October 2016, we identified 10 patients who underwent transaxillary TAVI with the Lotus valve. This cohort was compared with 347 (85%) patients who underwent TF TAVI, 45 (11%) patients who underwent and trans‐apical or direct‐aortic TAVI and the total group of 16 (4%) patients who underwent axillary TAVI.

Results

Ten patients aged 75 years (69–83) underwent attempted TAVI with the Lotus via axillary access. Device success was 100%. In‐hospital and 30‐day mortality was zero. There were no neurological events, no major vascular complications and no myocardial infarctions. Four of 10 patients required a pacemaker post‐TAVI. No patient was left with moderate or greater aortic regurgitation. Median length of stay was 3 days

Conclusions

TAVI with the Lotus valve is feasible via the axillary artery and appears safe in our small cohort of patients.