bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Mn‐Mediated Radical‐Ionic Annulations of Chiral N‐Acylhydrazones.
Authors: Slater Kara A. , Friestad Gregory K.
Published: October 2015

Free radical reactions to provide pyrrolidine and piperidine derivatives via [3+2] and [4+2] annulations are developed.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of N‐Vinylindoles Through Copper Catalyzed Cyclization Reaction of N‐(2‐Alkynylphenyl)imine.
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Qiang , Zhang Xu , Yu Lin‐Tao , Mao Wu‐Tao , Chen Chang‐Zhong , Xu Kun
Published: October 2015

The copper‐catalyzed cyclization of N‐(2‐alkynylphenyl)imines (I) and (VII) leads to desired 2‐substituted N‐vinylindoles (II) and (VIII) in moderate to good yields.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Catalyzed Domino Three‐Component Approach for the Assembly of 2‐Aminated Benzimidazoles and Quinazolines.
Authors: Tran Lam Quang , Li Jihui , Neuville Luc
Published: October 2015

While anilines give the 2‐aminated benzimidazoles, the benzylamines afford the quinazolines.
ChemInform Abstract: Reusable Ionic Liquid‐Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling of Azoles and Benzylic Compounds via sp3 C—N Bond Formation under Metal‐Free Conditions.
Authors: Liu Wenbo , Liu Chenjiang , Zhang Yonghong , Sun Yadong , Abdukadera Ablimit , Wang Bin , Li He , Ma Xuecheng , Zhang Zengpeng
Published: October 2015

The scalable reaction procedure is successfully applied to a range of benzotriazoles with 5‐substituted substrates yielding mixtures of regioisomers.
ChemInform Abstract: Microwave‐Assisted Copper‐Catalyzed Four‐Component Tandem Synthesis of 3‐N‐Sulfonylamidine Coumarins.
Authors: Murugavel Govindarasu , Punniyamurthy Tharmalingam
Published: October 2015

A copper‐catalyzed four component reaction of salicylaldehydes, propiolates, sulfonyl amides, and secondary amines using microwave irradiation to provide an efficient synthesis of 3‐N‐sulfonylamidine substituted coumarin derivatives is presented.
ChemInform Abstract: Pd‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Study of Bi‐Functional 3‐Bromo‐4‐trifloxycoumarins with Triarylbismuth Reagents.
Authors: Rao Maddali L. N. , Kumar Abhijeet
Published: October 2015

An efficient method for the chemoselective synthesis of various mono‐, di‐, and triarylated coumarins is disclosed.
ChemInform Abstract: RhI‐Catalyzed Site‐Selective Decarbonylative Alkenylation and Arylation of Quinolones under Chelation Assistance.
Authors: Kwon Soonhyung , Kang Dahye , Hong Sungwoo
Published: October 2015

An N‐pyrimidinyl substituent in the substrate is found to redirect the coordination between catalyst and the carbonyl group to cause a direct C—H functionalization at position 2 of the 4‐quinolinones.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper Catalyzed Direct Amidation of Methyl Groups with N—H Bonds.
Authors: Huang Yao , Chen Tieqiao , Li Qiang , Zhou Yongbo , Yin Shuang‐Feng
Published: October 2015

A broad range of hetaromatics is amidated with ammonium acetate, including 2‐methylquinolines equipped with various functional groups, 2‐methyl and 2‐ethylpyridine, 2‐methylthiophene and 2‐methylthiazole.
ChemInform Abstract: N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed Oxidative Annulations of α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes with Hydrazones: Selective Synthesis of Optically Active 4,5‐Dihydropyridazin‐3‐ones and Pyridazin‐3‐ones.
Authors: Mao Jian‐Hui , Wang Zi‐Tian , Wang Zhan‐Yong , Cheng Ying
Published: October 2015

In the presence of an achiral triazolium salt as catalyst, the reaction of aldehydes with hydrazones of type (II) gives pyridazin‐3‐ones (III) in good yields.
ChemInform Abstract: Design, Synthesis of Novel Thiourea and Pyrimidine Derivatives as Potential Antitumor Agents.
Authors: Abu‐Hashem Ameen A. , Badria Farid A.
Published: October 2015

Some of the synthesized compounds, i.e.
ChemInform Abstract: A Practical Synthesis of 5‐Functionalized Thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidines.
Authors: Wilding Birgit , Faschauner Stefan , Klempier Norbert
Published: October 2015

The synthesis of the title compounds is based on the condensation of thiophenes (I) and (IV) with formamide.
ChemInform Abstract: Preparation of Halogen‐Containing 4H‐Pyrido[e][1,3]oxazin‐4‐ones and Their Transformation into 2‐Hydroxypyridinyl‐Substituted 1,2,4‐Oxadiazoles and 1,2,4‐Triazoles.
Authors: Le Falher Laetitia , Ben Ayad Omar , Ziyaret Ozge , Botuha Candice , Thorimbert Serge , Slowinski Franck
Published: October 2015

The preparation of the title compounds starts from brominated pyridines (I), (X), and (XVI) and proceeds via imide sodium salts followed by intramolecular O‐arylation.
ChemInform Abstract: Pd‐Catalyzed Diamination of 1,2,4‐Triazinyl Complexant Scaffolds.
Authors: Tai Serene , Dover Evan J. , Marchi Sydney V. , Carrick Jesse D.
Published: October 2015

A Pd‐catalyzed reaction of bis(bromophenyl) substituted 1,2,4‐triazines (I) with primary amines (II) is developed to yield novel 4,4′‐bisaminophenyl substituted monotriazinylpyridine derivatives (III) as potential ligands for chemoselective minor actinide extraction processes.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Ramirez Ylides from Morita—Baylis—Hillman Adducts of α‐Bromocinnamaldehyde: An Intramolecular 1,6‐Conjugate Addition of Phosphorus Ylide.
Authors: Kim Ko Hoon , Lee Sangku , Lee Junseong , Kim Jae Nyoung
Published: October 2015

In situ generated phosphorous ylides undergo intramolecular 1,6‐conjugated addition to form Ramirez ylides in often excellent yields.
ChemInform Abstract: Experimental and Theoretical Investigations of the Stereoselective Synthesis of P‐Stereogenic Phosphine Oxides.
Authors: Copey Laurent , Jean‐Gerard Ludivine , Framery Eric , Pilet Guillaume , Robert Vincent , Andrioletti Bruno
Published: October 2015

The cyclization of aminocyclohexanol (II) with Ph‐POCl2 (I) followed by cleavage of P—N bond in the intermediate oxazaphospholidine with Grignard reagents (III) leads to phosphinates (IV), which are converted into (S)‐phosphine oxides (VI) by refluxing with a second Grignard reagent in THF.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Catalyzed α‐Selective Hydrostannylation of Alkynes for the Synthesis of Branched Alkenylstannanes.
Authors: Yoshida H. , Shinke A. , Kawano Y. , Takaki K.
Published: October 2015

The reaction of alkynes (IV) with hexamethyldistannane (II) leads to branched trimethylstannyl alkenes (V) as main products.
ChemInform Abstract: Mild Oxidative Cleavage of 9‐BBN‐Protected Amino Acid Derivatives.
Authors: Ankner Tobias , Norberg Thomas , Kihlberg Jan
Published: October 2015

The high‐yielding procedure allows a fast and selective deprotection in the presence of a simple peroxy acid.
ChemInform Abstract: Oxepine‐Containing Diketopiperazine Alkaloids from the Algal‐Derived Endophytic Fungus Paecilomyces variotii EN‐291
Authors: Zhang Peng , Li Xiao‐Ming , Wang Jia‐Ning , Wang Bin‐Gui
Published: October 2015

isolation and structure elucidation of varioloid A (I) and B (II)
ChemInform Abstract: Three New Phenyl Ether Derivatives from Aspergillus carneus HQ889708
Authors: He Ping , Tian Sha‐Sha , Xu Yan , Yu He , Ji Yan‐Nan , Zhu Hua‐Jie , Li Jian‐Heng
Published: October 2015

isolation and structure elucidation
ChemInform Abstract: Two Cell Differentiation Inducing Pyridoacridines from a Marine Sponge Biemna sp. and Their Chemical Conversions.
Authors: Pedrazzoli Moran Daniel A. , Takada Kentaro , Ise Yuji , Bontemps Nataly , Davis Rohan A. , Furihata Kazuo , Okada Shigeru , Matsunaga Shigeki
Published: October 2015

Two pyridoacridines, N‐hydroxymethylisocystodamine (I) and neolabuanine A (II) together with six known compounds are isolated from the title sponge.
ChemInform Abstract: Isolation and Total Synthesis of Kirkamide, an Aminocyclitol from an Obligate Leaf Nodule Symbiont.
Authors: Sieber Simon , Carlier Aurelien , Neuburger Markus , Grabenweger Giselher , Eberl Leo , Gademann Karl
Published: October 2015

The new aminocyclitol, kirkamide (I), is isolated from leaf nodules of Psychotira kirkii.
ChemInform Abstract: Lithium Ion Conducting Solid Electrolytes for Aqueous Lithium‐Air Batteries
Authors: Imanishi Nobuyuki , Matsui Masaki , Takeda Yasuo , Yamamoto Osamu
Published: October 2015

Review: 44 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Pincer‐Type Complexes for Catalytic (De)Hydrogenation and Transfer (De)Hydrogenation Reactions: Recent Progress
Authors: Werkmeister Svenja , Neumann Jacob , Junge Kathrin , Beller Matthias
Published: October 2015

Review: [128 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Multifunctional π‐Expanded Oligothiophene Macrocycles
Authors: Iyoda Masahiko , Shimizu Hideyuki
Published: October 2015

Review: progress in the design, synthesis, and multifunctional properties; 52 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in Radical Fluorination
Authors: Chatalova‐Sazepin Claire , Hemelaere Remy , Paquin Jean‐Francois , Sammis Glenn M.
Published: October 2015

Review: [81 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Discovery of Potent HIV‐1 Non‐Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors from Arylthioacetanilide Structural Motif
Authors: Li Wenxin , Li Xiao , De Clercq Erik , Zhan Peng , Liu Xinyong
Published: October 2015

Review: 60 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Developments in Steroidal and Nonsteroidal Aromatase Inhibitors for the Chemoprevention of Estrogen‐Dependent Breast Cancer
Authors: Ahmad Irshad , Shagufta Irshad
Published: October 2015

Review: 91 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Carbon‐Based Nanostructures for Advanced Catalysis
Authors: Zhai Yanling , Zhu Zhijun , Dong Shaojun
Published: October 2015

Review: [95 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: When Isomerisation Is Electron Transfer: The Intriguing Story of the Iso‐Halocarbons
Authors: Reid Scott A.
Published: October 2015

Review: recent studies on spectroscopy, dynamics, reactivity and electronic structure f iso‐halocarbons; 151 refs.
A comparative study on dynamic stiffness in typical finite element model and multi‐body model of C6–C7 cervical spine segment
Authors: Wang Yawei , Wang Lizhen , Du Chengfei , Mo Zhongjun , Fan Yubo
Published: October 2015

In contrast to numerous researches on static or quasi‐static stiffness of cervical spine segments, very few investigations on their dynamic stiffness were published. Currently, scale factors and estimated coefficients were usually used in multi‐body models for including viscoelastic properties and damping effects, meanwhile viscoelastic properties of some tissues were unavailable for establishing finite element models. Because dynamic stiffness of cervical spine segments in these models were difficult to validate because of lacking in experimental data, we tried to gain some insights on current modeling methods through studying dynamic stiffness differences between these models. A finite element model and a multi‐body model of C6–C7 segment were developed through using available material data and typical modeling technologies. These two models were validated with quasi‐static response data of the C6–C7 cervical spine segment. Dynamic stiffness differences were investigated through controlling motions of C6 vertebrae at different rates and then comparing their reaction forces or moments. Validation results showed that both the finite element model and the multi‐body model could generate reasonable responses under quasi‐static loads, but the finite element segment model exhibited more nonlinear characters. Dynamic response investigations indicated that dynamic stiffness of this finite element model might be underestimated because of the absence of dynamic stiffen effect and damping effects of annulus fibrous, while representation of these effects also need to be improved in current multi‐body model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Clar Structure in Inorganic BN Analogues of Polybenzenoid Hydrocarbons: Does it Exist or Not?
Authors: Wu Jingjing , Zhu Jun
Published: October 2015

The Clar structure of polybenzenoid hydrocarbons (PBHs) have attracted considerable interest of both theoretical and experimental chemists since it was proposed in the 1950s. However, it remains unclear whether the Clar structure could exist in inorganic PBHs, the boron nitride (BN) analogues where the alternate boron and nitrogen atoms are used to replace the carbon atoms of PBHs. Here, we carry out thorough density functional theory (DFT) calculations to probe the possibility of Clar structures in BN analogues of PBHs. A strong correlation (r2=0.975) between the ring number (n=3–10) of BN analogues of [n]acenes and energy differences between the most and least stable isomers is identified, suggesting the existence of Clar structures in inorganic PBHs. In addition, the slightly weaker correlations in comparison to that (r2=0.989) of the organic PBHs is rationalized by the reduced aromaticity, which is revealed by two aromatic indices: ELFπ and SCI.
Application of Rosin–Rammler model for analysis of CSD in sugar crystallization
Authors: Zinab Javad Mohebbi , Alamolhoda Ali Asghar , Moghaddam Firouz Matloubi , Nayeri Sirous
Published: October 2015

Crystal‐size distribution (CSD) is one of the most important parameters in sugar production. The objective is to grow crystals of uniform sizes or narrow CSD. CSD appears to be determined by the growth‐rate history of the crystals and the relative supersaturation (SS) of the solution from which crystals growth takes place. Three methods for preparation of nucleation seeds were described and used for industrial crystallization of raw and white sugars; these are wet milling filtered sugar (ML), agitating saturated solution (AS) and powdered sugars (PD). Rosin–Rammler (RR) and mathematical models were adopted to investigate CSD and the uniformity of the produced crystals. Higher uniformity coefficients were reported for the AS seeded crystals than the other two seeding methods. Furthermore, higher crystal contents were obtained for the AS seeded white sugar batches in comparison.
Immunoisolation of pancreatic epithelial cells from endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspirates with magnetic beads for downstream molecular application
Authors: Afify Alaa , Huang Eric C. , Jeong Matthew , Urayama Shiro
Published: October 2015

Background

Evaluation of pancreatic mass is routinely performed by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA). However, molecular analyses of the tumor cells on FNA samples are limited by the significant cellular heterogeneity. The goal of the current study is to evaluate a magnetic immunoconcentration technique in isolating pancreatic epithelial cells from needle aspirates, and to demonstrate that the isolated cells could be utilized for molecular analysis.

Methods

Pancreatic EUS–FNA specimens were processed and stored at −80°C. Based on the cytopathological diagnosis, 17 adenocarcinoma, 3 lymphoproliferative, and 3 benign cases were retrieved from the collection for further analyses. Epithelial cells were isolated using antihuman epithelial cell specific antibody‐bound magnetic beads, and the isolated cellular component was confirmed cytologically. Genomic DNA was extracted, quantitated, and evaluated with methylation‐specific PCR for cyclin D2 in 8 adenocarcinoma cases.

Results

After optimization, malignant epithelial cells were successfully isolated from all adenocarcinoma cases. Normal pancreatic ductal cells were isolated from three benign cases. No cells were retrieved after immunomagnetic isolation in all three lymphoproliferative cases.

 DNA yields were 5–2646 ng, with a mean of 357 ng. Methylation‐specific PCR for cyclin D2 on the 8 carcinoma cases showed methylated state at the promoter region, demonstrating feasible evaluation of the methylation status.

Conclusion

The magnetic immunoconcentration of pancreatic EUS–FNA specimen described here is a practical method of isolating pancreatic epithelial cells from needle aspirates. Isolated cells were sufficient for performing subsequent molecular analysis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:32–38. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of prolonged drought on the anatomy of sun and shade needles in young Norway spruce trees
Authors: Gebauer Roman , Volařík Daniel , Urban Josef , Børja Isabella , Nagy Nina Elisabeth , Eldhuset Toril Drabløs , Krokene Paal
Published: October 2015

Predicted increases in the frequency and duration of drought are expected to negatively affect tree vitality, but we know little about how water shortage will influence needle anatomy and thereby the trees’ photosynthetic and hydraulic capacity. In this study, we evaluated anatomical changes in sun and shade needles of 20‐year‐old Norway spruce trees exposed to artificial drought stress. Canopy position was found to be important for needle structure, as sun needles had significantly higher values than shade needles for all anatomical traits (i.e., cross‐sectional needle area, number of tracheids in needle, needle hydraulic conductivity, and tracheid lumen area), except proportion of xylem area per cross‐sectional needle area. In sun needles, drought reduced all trait values by 10–40%, whereas in shade needles, only tracheid maximum diameter was reduced by drought. Due to the relatively weaker response of shade needles than sun needles in drought‐stressed trees, the difference between the two needle types was reduced by 25% in the drought‐stressed trees compared to the control trees. The observed changes in needle anatomy provide new understanding of how Norway spruce adapts to drought stress and may improve predictions of how forests will respond to global climate change.
Predictors of male insemination success in the mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki)
Authors: Head Megan L. , Vega‐Trejo Regina , Jacomb Frances , Jennions Michael D.
Published: October 2015

Identifying targets of selection is key to understanding the evolution of sexually selected behavioral and morphological traits. Many animals have coercive mating, yet little is known about whether and how mate choice operates when these are the dominant mating tactic. Here, we use multivariate selection analysis to examine the direction and shape of selection on male insemination success in the mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki). We found direct selection on only one of five measured traits, but correlational selection involving all five traits. Larger males with longer gonopodia and with intermediate sperm counts were more likely to inseminate females than smaller males with shorter gonopodia and extreme sperm counts. Our results highlight the need to investigate sexual selection using a multivariate framework even in species that lack complex sexual signals. Further, female choice appears to be important in driving the evolution of male sexual traits in this species where sexual coercion is the dominant mating tactic.
Lung congestion in chronic heart failure: haemodynamic, clinical, and prognostic implications
Authors: Melenovsky Vojtech , Andersen Mads J. , Andress Krystof , Reddy Yogesh N. , Borlaug Barry A.
Published: October 2015

Aims

The goal of the study was to examine the prognostic impact, haemodynamic and clinical features associated with lung congestion in patients with chronic heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

HF patients (n = 186) and HF‐free controls (n = 21) underwent right heart catheterization, echocardiography, pulmonary function testing and chest radiography that was blindly scored for the presence and severity of lung oedema. Lung congestion correlated directly with pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR, P = 0.004) and inversely with pulmonary artery (PA) compliance (P < 0.001) and the diffusion limit for carbon monoxide (DLCO, P = 0.009). Compared with dry lung HF, wet lung HF patients (congestion score > median) had 25% lower PA compliance and 25–35% higher PVR, transpulmonary gradients and PA pressures (40 vs. 32 mmHg, P < 0.001) despite marginally higher PA wedge pressure (PAWP; 22 vs. 19 mmHg, P = 0.002). Wet lung HF patients displayed more right ventricular (RV) dilatation and dysfunction, more restrictive ventilation and greater reduction of DLCO. The strongest correlates of lung congestion were NT‐proBNP, haemoglobin, albumin, and glomerular filtration, all surpassing PAWP. After a median of 333 days (interquartile range 80–875), 59 patients (32%) died. Lung congestion was associated with reduced survival (P < 0.0001), even after adjusting for PAWP, NT‐proBNP, anaemia, CAD and renal dysfunction.

Conclusion

Interstitial lung oedema is associated with pulmonary vascular disease, RV overload and dysfunction and increased mortality in HF. These data reinforce the importance of aggressive decongestion in HF and suggest that novel agents aimed at reducing lung water may help to deter progression of pulmonary vascular disease and biventricular HF.
Recent advances in pretreatment technologies for efficient hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Akhtar Nadeem , Gupta Kanika , Goyal Dinesh , Goyal Arun
Published: October 2015

To improve world energy security, lignocellulosic substrates are being used to generate inexpensive renewable biofuel. Pretreatment of these biomasses is pre‐requisite to obtain fermentable sugar for production of ethanol. Crystallinity, degree of polymerization, particle size, and accessible surface area of biomass often limits decrystallization of cellulose and depolymerization of hemicellulose during pretreatment. Various pretreatment technologies employed to diverse biomasses, their mechanism of action, feasibility and practicability for production of bioethanol and other bio‐based products has been compared in this article. Intelligent combinatorial pretreatment approaches such as microwave‐acid‐alkali, ultrasound‐surfactant, supercritical carbon dioxide and hot water‐acid have been applied to increase sugar yield from a wide variety of feedstocks such as sugarcane bagasse, sugarcane top, corn stover, and switchgrass. Biological pretreatment using white, brown and soft rot fungi are attractive in terms of being cost effective, low energy requiring, and eco‐friendly. Emphasis to optimize integrated biorefining processes, delineate pretreatment chemistries and their impact on cellulosic biomass to obtain greater yield of fuels and co‐products are the highlights of this article. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 489–511, 2016
Development of kinetic and equilibrium models for removal of Cd2+ and Zn2+ ions from aqueous solutions by clinoptilolite
Authors: Irannajad Mehdi , Kamran Haghighi Hossein , Safarzadeh Eshagh
Published: October 2015

The ability of clinoptilolite to remove Cd2+ and Zn2+ from aqueous solution was studied. In this regard, the effects of important parameters such as initial concentration, initial pH, chemical conditioning, environmental temperature, and contact time on the Zn2+ and Cd2+ sorption were investigated. The results showed that the Zn2+ and Cd2+ sorption behavior was highly dependent on the pH. Sorption data were interpreted in terms of Langmuir and Freundlich equations. As a result, sorption isotherms of Zn2+ and Cd2+ ions could be best modeled by the Langmuir equation. The maximum capacity of Zn2+ and Cd2+ using modified clinoptilolite was found to be 229 and 72.30 mg/g. Furthermore, kinetic investigations showed that the adsorption rate was best described by a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. With respect to the results, clinoptilolite has a particularly high potential for Cd2+ and Zn2+ removal. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 633–641, 2016
Historical decline and altered congener patterns of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in fish and sediment in response to process changes at a pulp mill discharging into Jackfish Bay, Lake Superior
Authors: Dahmer Shari C. , Tetreault Gerald R. , Hall Roland I. , Munkittrick Kelly R. , McMaster Mark E. , Servos Mark R.
Published: October 2015

Improved regulations for pulp and paper mill effluents and an industry shift away from elemental chlorine bleaching in the 1990s greatly reduced the release of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) into the environment. However, the high potential of these contaminants to persist in sediment and bioaccumulate in biota means that they have remained a concern. To document current contamination from bleached kraft pulp mill effluent, PCDD/Fs were measured in white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) collected from Jackfish Bay, Lake Superior. These values were contrasted to historically reported fish data as well as PCDD/F patterns from dated sediment cores. Patterns of PCDD/Fs in sediment cores from Jackfish Bay and reference sites demonstrated a relationship between contamination and mill process changes. During the peak PCDD/F contamination period (1991), when the mill was still using elemental chlorine, the contamination patterns in fish and sediment were distinct and dominated by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran. Following the reduction in the use of elemental chlorine during the early 1990s, a rapid decline was observed in PCDD/F contamination of fish tissue, and levels are now approaching background conditions with congener patterns more reflective of atmospheric sources. Although surface sediments from Jackfish Bay continue to have elevated PCDD/Fs, with some locations exceeding sediment quality guidelines, they do not appear to be highly bioavailable to benthic fish. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2489–2502. © 2015 SETAC
Insight and psychosis: Functional and anatomical brain connectivity and self‐reflection in Schizophrenia
Authors: Ćurčić‐Blake Branislava , van der Meer Lisette , Pijnenborg Gerdina H.M. , David Anthony S. , Aleman André
Published: October 2015

Impaired insight into illness, associated with worse treatment outcome, is common in schizophrenia. Insight has been related to the self‐reflective processing, centred on the medial frontal cortex. We hypothesized that anatomical and functional routes to and from the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) would differ in patients according to their degree of impaired insight. Forty‐five schizophrenia patients and 19 healthy subjects performed a self‐reflection task during fMRI, and underwent diffusion tensor imaging. Using dynamic causal modelling we observed increased effective connectivity from the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), inferior parietal lobule (IPL), and dorsal mPFC (dmPFC) towards the vmPFC with poorer insight and decrease from vmPFC to the IPL. Stronger connectivity from the PCC to vmPFC during judgment of traits related to self was associated with poorer insight. We found small‐scale significant changes in white matter integrity associated with clinical insight. Self‐reflection may be influenced by synaptic changes that lead to the observed alterations in functional connectivity accompanied by the small‐scale but measurable alterations in anatomical connections. Our findings may point to a neural compensatory response to an impairment of connectivity between self‐processing regions. Similarly, the observed hyper‐connectivity might be a primary deficit linked to inefficiency in the component cognitive processes that lead to impaired insight. We suggest that the stronger cognitive demands placed on patients with poor insight is reflected in increased effective connectivity during the task in this study. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4859–4868, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design and efficacy of a single‐use bioreactor for heart valve tissue engineering
Authors: Converse Gabriel L. , Buse Eric E. , Neill Kari R. , McFall Christopher R. , Lewis Holley N. , VeDepo Mitchell C. , Quinn Rachael W. , Hopkins Richard A.
Published: October 2015

Heart valve tissue engineering offers the promise of improved treatments for congenital heart disorders; however, widespread clinical availability of a tissue engineered heart valve (TEHV) has been hindered by scientific and regulatory concerns, including the lack of a disposable, bioreactor system for nondestructive valve seeding and mechanical conditioning. Here we report the design for manufacture and the production of full scale, functional prototypes of such a system. To evaluate the efficacy of this bioreactor as a tool for seeding, ovine aortic valves were decellularized and subjected to seeding with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). The effects of pulsatile conditioning using cyclic waveforms tuned to various negative and positive chamber pressures were evaluated, with respect to the seeding of cells on the decellularized leaflet and the infiltration of seeded cells into the interstitium of the leaflet. Infiltration of hMSCs into the aortic valve leaflet was observed following 72 h of conditioning under negative chamber pressure. Additional conditioning under positive pressure improved cellular infiltration, while retaining gene expression within the MSC‐valve interstitial cell phenotype lineage. This protocol resulted in a subsurface pilot population of cells, not full tissue recellularization. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 249–259, 2017.
Caloric restriction and aerobic exercise in sarcopenic and non‐sarcopenic obese women: an observational and retrospective study
Authors: Barbat‐Artigas Sébastien , Garnier Sophie , Joffroy Sandra , Riesco Éléonor , Sanguignol Frédéric , Vellas Bruno , Rolland Yves , Andrieu Sandrine , Aubertin‐Leheudre Mylène , Mauriège Pascale
Published: October 2015

Background

Sarcopenic obese (SO) individuals are a unique subset of subjects that combines obesity and sarcopenia. Traditional weight loss programmes including aerobic exercises may worsen their condition by further reducing their lean mass. The objective of this observational and retrospective study was to verify the effect of a mixed weight loss programme combining caloric restriction and exercise on body composition, and lipid‐lipoprotein profile of obese women according to their sarcopenic status.

Methods

One hundred and forty‐six obese women (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 and fat mass ≥ 40%) participated to the 3 week usual and institutionalized weight‐reducing programme combining a dietary plan (1400 ± 200 kcal/day) and aerobic exercise (1 h/day, 6 days/week) of a specialized medical institution. The lean body mass index (LMI; lean mass/height2) was calculated, and women in the lowest tertile of LMI were considered SO.

Results

At baseline, SO women were older, and their body weight and LMI were lower than non‐sarcopenic obese (N‐SO) women (p < 0.05). N‐SO and SO women similarly lost fat mass and improved their lipid‐lipoprotein profile (p < 0.05), while differences in LMI between groups persisted at the end of the weight‐reducing programme. Indeed, N‐SO women lost lean mass (p < 0.05) while SO did not.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that a short weight loss programme combining caloric restriction and aerobic exercise may significantly reduce fat mass and improve lipid‐lipoprotein profile in obese women, independently of their sarcopenic status. Such programmes may have deleterious effects on lean mass in N‐SO subjects, only.
Interplatform reproducibility of liver and spleen stiffness measured with MR elastography
Authors: Yasar Temel Kaya , Wagner Mathilde , Bane Octavia , Besa Cecilia , Babb James S. , Kannengiesser Stephan , Fung Maggie , Ehman Richard L. , Taouli Bachir
Published: October 2015

Purpose

To assess interplatform reproducibility of liver stiffness (LS) and spleen stiffness (SS) measured with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) based on a 2D gradient echo (GRE) sequence.

Materials and Methods

This prospective Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)‐compliant and Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved study involved 12 subjects (five healthy volunteers and seven patients with liver disease). A multislice 2D‐GRE‐based MRE sequence was performed using two systems from different vendors (3.0T GE and 1.5T Siemens) on the same day. Two independent observers measured LS and SS on confidence maps. Bland–Altman analysis (with coefficient of reproducibility, CR), coefficient of variability (CV), and intraclass correlation (ICC) were used to analyze interplatform, intra‐ and interobserver variability. Human data were validated using a gelatin‐based phantom.

Results

There was excellent reproducibility of phantom stiffness measurement (CV 4.4%). Mean LS values were 3.44–3.48 kPa and 3.62–3.63 kPa, and mean SS values were 7.54–7.91 kPa and 8.40–8.85 kPa at 3.0T and 1.5T for observers 1 and 2, respectively. The mean CVs between platforms were 9.2%–11.5% and 13.1%–14.4% for LS and SS, respectively, for observers 1 and 2. There was excellent interplatform reproducibility (ICC >0.88 and CR <36.2%) for both LS and SS, and excellent intra‐ and interobserver reproducibility (intraobserver: ICC >0.99, CV <2.1%, CR <6.6%; interobserver: ICC >0.97, CV and CR <16%).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that 2D‐GRE MRE provides platform‐ and observer‐independent LS and SS measurements. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:1064–1072.
Can combining triple‐arterial phase acquisition with fluoroscopic triggering provide both optimal early and late hepatic arterial phase images during gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI?
Authors: Sofue Keitaro , Marin Daniele , Jaffe Tracy A. , Nelson Rendon C. , Bashir Mustafa R.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

To determine whether triple‐arterial phase acquisition with fluoroscopic triggering can provide both well‐timed early and late hepatic arterial phase (HAP) images more frequently than when using a fixed‐time delay during gadoxetic acid‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods

Written informed consent was obtained for this Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved prospective, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)‐compliant study. Ninety patients underwent gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI at 3T with a single‐breath‐hold triple‐arterial phase acquisition using either a fixed‐time delay (n = 45) or fluoroscopic triggering injection protocol (n = 45). Three radiologists, blinded to method of timing and other data, independently determined whether well‐timed early or late HAP were obtained for each arterial phase image set and assessed for transient severe motion (TSM). Rates of successful HAP acquisitions and of TSM were compared between the two protocols using χ2 or Fisher's exact test.

Results

The rate of successful acquisition of late HAP images was similar in the two groups (93% [42/45] for fixed‐time delay vs. 98% [44/45] for fluoroscopic triggering, P = 0.62). There was a trend toward higher rates of successful acquisition of both early and late HAP images in the fluoroscopic triggering group (69% [31/45] vs. 49% [22/45], P = 0.05). TSM occurred in five patients (6% [5/90]) and at similar frequencies in the two groups (2% [1/45] vs. 9% [4/45], P = 0.36).

Conclusion

Triple‐arterial phase acquisition with fluoroscopic triggering tended to provide both well‐timed early and late HAP images more frequently than when using a fixed‐time delay during gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:1073–1081.
Childhood Cumulative Risk Exposure and Adult Amygdala Volume and Function
Authors: Evans Gary W. , Swain James E. , King Anthony P. , Wang Xin , Javanbakht Arash , Ho S. Shaun , Angstadt Michael , Phan K. Luan , Xie Hong , Liberzon Israel
Published: October 2015

Considerable work indicates that early cumulative risk exposure is aversive to human development, but very little research has examined the neurological underpinnings of these robust findings. This study investigates amygdala volume and reactivity to facial stimuli among adults (mean 23.7 years of age, n = 54) as a function of cumulative risk exposure during childhood (9 and 13 years of age). In addition, we test to determine whether expected cumulative risk elevations in amygdala volume would mediate functional reactivity of the amygdala during socioemotional processing. Risks included substandard housing quality, noise, crowding, family turmoil, child separation from family, and violence. Total and left hemisphere adult amygdala volumes were positively related to cumulative risk exposure during childhood. The links between childhood cumulative risk exposure and elevated amygdala responses to emotionally neutral facial stimuli in adulthood were mediated by the corresponding amygdala volumes. Cumulative risk exposure in later adolescence (17 years of age), however, was unrelated to subsequent adult amygdala volume or function. Physical and socioemotional risk exposures early in life appear to alter amygdala development, rendering adults more reactive to ambiguous stimuli such as neutral faces. These stress‐related differences in childhood amygdala development might contribute to the well‐documented psychological distress as a function of early risk exposure. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
T2* mapping of ovine intervertebral discs: Normative data for cervical and lumbar spine
Authors: Kolf Anna‐Katharina , Hesper Tobias , Schleich Christoph , Hosalkar Harish S. , Jankowiak Silvia , Cacchi Claudio , Antoch Gerald , Zilkens Christoph , Krauspe Rüdiger , Bittersohl Bernd
Published: October 2015

To obtain T2* values in histologically evaluated healthy ovine intervertebral discs of the cervical and lumbar spine. Intervertebral discs of nine sheep and nine lambs underwent histological assessment with the modified Boos score for grading of disc degeneration. Discs with a score <10 points (maximum = 40 points) underwent T2* mapping (n = 64). Mid‐sagittal T2* values were obtained in five regions: Anterior annulus fibrosus, anterior nucleus pulposus, central nucleus pulposus, posterior nucleus pulposus, and posterior annulus fibrosus. We noted a zonal T2* distribution with high values in the central nucleus and low T2* values in the anterior and posterior annulus fibrosus. The T2* values were higher in lamb than in sheep IVDs for both cervical and lumbar spine (p < 0.001). The T2* values were also higher in the cervical than in the lumbar spine (p = 0.029 for sheep and p < 0.001 for lamb IVDs). The T2* values obtained in these ovine intervertebral discs can serve as baseline values for future T2* measurements both in health and disease. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:717–724, 2016.
Hen egg white ovomacroglobulin promotes fibroblast migration via mediating cell adhesion and cytoskeleton
Authors: Geng Fang , Huang Xi , Ma Meihu
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Hen egg white ovomacroglobulin (OVM) possesses a variety of bioactivities and could potentially be used as a pharmaceutical agent. It has been reported that OVM is involved in wound healing and cancer pathological processes, and previous results suggest that OVM plays a potential role in cell proliferation and migration; however, this has not yet been proven. In the present study, the effects of OVM on fibroblast proliferation and migration were evaluated.

RESULTS

Results of cell counting, cell viability, and cell cycle indicated that proliferation of fibroblasts was not altered by OVM treatment. However, scratch assays showed that OVM could promote the migration of 3 T6 mouse embryonic fibroblasts and human skin fibroblasts (HSF). Also, the adhesion of HSF to the collagen matrix was also enhanced by OVM treatment. RT‐qPCR and western blot analysis showed that β1‐integrin, β‐tubulin, and β‐actin were up‐regulated while E‐cadherin was down‐regulated in OVM‐treated HSF cells. The effect of OVM was silenced after forming a complex with trypsin, suggesting that the protease inhibitory ability of OVM is important for its effect on cell migration.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that promotion of OVM on cell migration was achieved by enhancing cell adhesion to extracellular matrix, reducing intercellular aggregation, and strengthening cytoskeleton. The finding of the promotion effect of OVM on cell migration is important for understanding its role in wound healing and cancer pathological processes. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Comprehensive review on agro technologies of low‐calorie natural sweetener stevia (Stevia rebaudianaBertoni): a boon to diabetic patients
Authors: Sharma Saurabh , Walia Swati , Singh Bikram , Kumar Rakesh
Published: October 2015

Stevia rebaudianaBertoni is a low‐calorie natural sweetener plant native to Paraguay. The leaves of stevia have sweetening compounds called steviol glycosides (SGs), which contain different marker compounds, i.e. stevioside (St), rebaudioside (Rb) A, B, C, D and E, dulcoside A and steviol biosides, which are nearly 300 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia is a better alternative to sugar in formulating food products, reducing the harmful effect of sugar and improving the nutrient properties. We have tried to compile a literature on various agronomic and management aspects which are helpful in increasing the yield and quality of stevia to be grown as a crop that will benefit farmers and industrialists. The stevioside thus obtained can be used to make different food products for sweetening purposes, which could be a boon to diabetic patients. Incorporation of different agronomic techniques like propagation method, transplanting time, intercropping, irrigation, mulching, plant geometry, pinching and harvesting time not only improve the biomass but also increase the quality of stevia. Therefore, agronomic considerations are of high priority to utilize its maximum potential. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Randomized Controlled Trial of Online Expressive Writing to Address Readjustment Difficulties Among U.S. Afghanistan and Iraq War Veterans
Authors: Sayer Nina A. , Noorbaloochi Siamak , Frazier Patricia A. , Pennebaker James W. , Orazem Robert J. , Schnurr Paula P. , Murdoch Maureen , Carlson Kathleen F. , Gravely Amy , Litz Brett T.
Published: October 2015

We examined the efficacy of a brief, accessible, nonstigmatizing online intervention—writing expressively about transitioning to civilian life. U.S. Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans with self‐reported reintegration difficulty (N = 1,292, 39.3% female, M = 36.87, SD = 9.78 years) were randomly assigned to expressive writing (n = 508), factual control writing (n = 507), or no writing (n = 277). Using intention to treat, generalized linear mixed models demonstrated that 6‐months postintervention, veterans who wrote expressively experienced greater reductions in physical complaints, anger, and distress compared with veterans who wrote factually (ds = 0.13 to 0.20; ps < .05) and greater reductions in PTSD symptoms, distress, anger, physical complaints, and reintegration difficulty compared with veterans who did not write at all (ds = 0.22 to 0.35; ps ≤ .001). Veterans who wrote expressively also experienced greater improvement in social support compared to those who did not write (d = 0.17). Relative to both control conditions, expressive writing did not lead to improved life satisfaction. Secondary analyses also found beneficial effects of expressive writing on clinically significant distress, PTSD screening, and employment status. Online expressive writing holds promise for improving health and functioning among veterans experiencing reintegration difficulty, albeit with small effect sizes.
Endoscope‐assisted approach to excision of branchial cleft cysts
Authors: Teng Stephanie E. , Paul Benjamin C. , Brumm John D. , Fritz Mark , Fang Yixin , Myssiorek David
Published: October 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study is to describe an endoscope‐assisted surgical technique for the excision of branchial cleft cysts and compare it to the standard approach.

Study Design

Retrospective case series review.

Methods

Twenty‐seven cases described as branchial cleft excisions performed by a single surgeon at one academic medical center were identified between 2007 and 2014. Twenty‐five cases (8 endoscopic, 17 standard approach) were included in the study. Cases were excluded if final pathology was malignant. Patient charts were reviewed, and two techniques were compared through analysis of incision size, operative time, and surgical outcomes.

Results

This study showed that the length of incision required for the endoscopic approach (mean = 2.13 ± 0.23) was significantly less than that of the standard approach (mean = 4.10 ± 1.46, P = 0.008) despite the fact that there was no significant difference in cyst size between the two groups (P = 0.09). The other variables examined, including operative time and surgical outcomes, were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion

This transcervical endoscope‐assisted approach to branchial cleft cyst excision is a viable option for uncomplicated cases. It provides better cosmetic results than the standard approach and does not negatively affect outcomes, increase operative time, or result in recurrence.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:1339–1342, 2016
Elastic energy of a convex body
Authors: Bianchini Chiara , Henrot Antoine , Takahashi Takéo
Published: October 2015

In this paper a Blaschke‐Santaló diagram involving the area, the perimeter and the elastic energy of planar convex bodies is considered. More precisely we give a description of set

urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201400256:mana201400256-math-0001where A is the area, P is the perimeter and E is the elastic energy, that is a Willmore type energy in the plane. In order to do this, we investigate the following shape optimization problem:

urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201400256:mana201400256-math-0002where is the class of convex bodies with fixed perimeter and is a parameter. Existence, regularity and geometric properties of solutions to this minimum problem are shown.
Direct Comparison of IR and DRI Detector for HT‐GPC of Polyolefins
Authors: Honghong Huang , Meifang Guo , Dong Wei , Suárez Inmaculada , Coto Baudilio , López Esther , Ortín Alberto , Yau Wallace W.
Published: October 2015

Molar mass distribution (MMD) of polyolefins is routinely analyzed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), also known as size exclusion chromatography (SEC), practiced in different methods and detector systems. The filter‐based infrared detector (IR) has become a preferred alternative to the traditional use of differential refractive index detector (DRI) for high temperature GPC (HT‐GPC) when applied to polyolefins. The main reason is that a modern multiple band filter‐based IR detector can be used to determine the distribution of co‐monomer along the molar mass distribution in a copolymer, in a single HT‐GPC analysis directly without the need of additional analytical procedures. In addition to that, the performance of the modern IR detector when used as primary concentration detector in the HT‐GPC instrument, in either the single or the multiple detection schemes, proves to be superior to that of DRI detector. This is due to the high signal‐to‐noise ratio achievable by the modern IR detector and its excellent baseline stability. Such high detection quality can be attributed to the inherent robustness of IR spectroscopy against external factors such as GPC temperature and flow rate variations. The impact of that higher detection performance on the final processed analytical results of polymer MMD and molar mass averages among others, is the focus of this current investigation. Different application scenarios of industrial interest have been selected to show a direct comparison of both the IR and DRI detectors installed on a same GPC instrument.
Elution Behavior of Polypropylene with Different Tacticity – An Overview
Authors: Macko Tibor , Arndt Jan‐Hendrik , Brüll Robert
Published: October 2015

High‐temperature liquid chromatography (HT‐HPLC) using solvent gradients enables to separate polypropylene (PP) according to tacticity. Varying the combination of adsorption and desorption promoting solvent the three stereochemical variants iPP, aPP and sPP can be selectively retained in a Hypercarb™ column. Two new desorption promoting solvents, namely 1‐chloronaphtalene and 2‐chlorotoluene, were tested. Among these 2‐chlorotoluene was found to improve the selectivity of the separation of the atactic variant from the syndiotactic one. Linear polyethylene (PE) was retained in the column in the majority of the tested solvent/sorbent systems. Thus, several HPLC systems described in this paper enable the separation of blends consisting of PE and PP, as well as the realization of selective HPLC separations of polypropylene according to its tacticity.