bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal trends and outcomes associated with atrial fibrillation observed during acute coronary syndrome: Real‐world data from the Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Survey (ACSIS), 2000–2013
Authors: Erez Aharon , Goldenberg Ilan , Sabbag Avi , Nof Eyal , Zahger Doron , Atar Shaul , Pollak Arthur , Dobrecky‐Merye Idit , Beigel Roy , Matetzky Shlomi , Glikson Michael , Beinart Roy
Published: December 2016

Background

The past decade has brought major advances in therapy of patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Hypothesis

The outcomes of ACS patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has improved over the years.

Methods

We evaluated time‐dependent changes in clinical characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes associated with AF observed during ACS hospitalization in patients enrolled in the biannual ACS Israeli Surveys (ACSIS) between 2000 and 2013. We divided the surveys into early (2000–2006) and late (2008–2013) time periods.

Results

The study population comprised 13 297 ACS patients, of whom 755 (5.7%) either presented with or developed AF during the index hospitalization. The incidence of AF observed during ACS hospitalization was lower during the later period (6.2% vs 4.9%; P < 0.01). Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis showed that 1‐year mortality rates were significantly lower among ACS patients with and without AF who were enrolled during the later vs early survey period (log‐rank P < 0.01 for the overall difference). However, AF observed among ACS patients was still associated with increased risk for in‐hospital complications and 30‐day and 1‐year mortality during both the early and late survey periods (P < 0.05 for all comparisons).

Conclusions

In 10 years, rates of AF among ACS patients have declined significantly. Yet, despite improved overall 1‐year survival for patients with AF, the development of AF in this population remains an independent predictor of mortality that has not changed appreciably over the years.
Design, Synthesis, and Structure–Activity Relationships of Bavachinin Analogues as Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor γ Agonists
Authors: Du Guoxin , Zhao Yuanyuan , Feng Li , Yang Zhuo , Shi Jiye , Huang Cheng , Li Bo , Guo Fujiang , Zhu Weiliang , Li Yiming
Published: December 2016

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists have been used for the treatment of diabetes with the effect of lowering blood glucose levels and improving insulin sensitivity. Natural compounds such as flavones, flavanones, and isoflavones have shown excellent PPARγ agonist activity. In this study, analogues of bavachinin were designed, synthesized, and evaluated by reporter gene assays for PPARγ agonist activity. Preliminary structure–activity relationships for these bavachinin analogues have been summarized, and seven compounds were found to have higher PPARγ agonist activities than the parent flavanone bavachinin.
Clinical value of fully automated p16/Ki‐67 dual staining in the triage of HPV‐positive women in the Norwegian Cervical Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Ovestad Irene T. , Dalen Ingvild , Hansen Elisabeth , Loge Janne L. D. , Dybdahl Britt Mona , Dirdal Marius B. , Moltu Pia , Berland Jannicke M.
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

More accurate biomarkers in cervical cytology screening could reduce the number of women unnecessarily referred for biopsy. This study investigated the ability of p16/Ki‐67 dual staining to predict high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in human papillomavirus (HPV)–positive women from the Norwegian Cervical Cancer Screening Program.

METHODS

Automated p16/Ki‐67 dual staining was performed on liquid‐based cytology samples from 266 women who were HPV‐positive at their secondary screening. At a mean of 184 days after p16/Ki‐67 staining, 201 women had a valid staining result and a conclusive follow‐up diagnosis (histological diagnosis or HPV‐negative diagnosis with normal cytology findings). The sensitivity and specificity for predicting the follow‐up diagnosis were compared for cytology, p16/Ki‐67 dual staining, and their combination.

RESULTS

Sixty‐seven percent of the study sample was p16/Ki‐67–positive. The sensitivity of p16/Ki‐67 staining for predicting CIN‐2/3 was statistically significantly higher than the sensitivity of cytology (0.88 vs 0.79; P = .008), but this was not true for the prediction of CIN‐3 (0.94 vs 0.88; P = .23). The specificity of cytology for predicting CIN‐3 was significantly higher than the specificity of p16/Ki‐67 staining (0.35 vs 0.28; P = .002), but this was not true for CIN‐2/3 (0.35 vs 0.31; P = .063). For predicting CIN‐2/3 and CIN‐3, combination testing gave potentially better sensitivity (0.95 and 0.96, respectively) and better specificity (0.49 and 0.50, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In a population of HPV‐positive women, p16/Ki‐67 dual staining was more sensitive but less specific than cytology for predicting high‐grade CIN. The advantage of using both tests in different combinations is the potential for increasing the specificity or sensitivity in comparison with both methods performed individually. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:283–291. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Maternal deprivation alters expression of neural maturation gene tbr1 in the amygdala paralaminar nucleus in infant female macaques
Authors: de Campo Danielle M. , Cameron Judy L. , Miano Joseph M. , Lewis David A. , Mirnics Karoly , Fudge Julie L.
Published: December 2016

Early parental loss is associated with social–emotional dysregulation and amygdala physiologic changes. Previously, we examined whole amygdala gene expression in infant monkeys exposed to early maternal deprivation. Here, we focus on an amygdala region with immature neurons at birth: the paralaminar nucleus (PL). We hypothesized that 1) the normal infant PL is enriched in a subset of neural maturation (NM) genes compared to a nearby amygdala subregion; and 2) maternal deprivation would downregulate expression of NM transcripts (mRNA). mRNAs for bcl2, doublecortin, neuroD1, and tbr1—genes expressed in post‐mitotic neurons—were enriched in the normal PL. Maternal deprivation at either 1 week or 1 month of age resulted in PL‐specific downregulation of tbr1—a transcription factor necessary for directing neuroblasts to a glutamatergic phenotype. tbr1 expression also correlated with typical social behaviors. We conclude that maternal deprivation influences glutamatergic neuronal development in the PL, possibly influencing circuits mediating social learning.
Synthesis, Structure and Properties of the First Examples of Hexacoordinate SnIV Complexes of Pyrrolyldipyrrins
Authors: Sharma Ritambhara , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: December 2016

α‐Pyrrolyldipyrrin was used as a tridentate ligand to form the first examples of hexacoordinate SnIV complexes under simple reaction conditions. Prior to this report, no literature precedence can be found for hexacoordinate metal complexes of the pyrrolyldipyrrin ligand. The SnIV complexes were prepared by treating the appropriate meso‐aryl‐substituted α‐pyrroyldipyrrin with SnCl2 in chlorobenzene heated at reflux, followed by silica‐gel column chromatographic purification. The SnIV complexes were characterised by HRMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. The X‐ray structure revealed that the two pyrrolyldipyrrin ligands are perpendicular to each other and the pyrrolyldipyrrin ligand forms five‐ and six‐membered rings upon coordination with the SnIV ion. The SnIV complexes absorb strongly in the region 500–700 nm and are stable under electrochemical conditions.
Direct C–H Arylation of Heteroarenes with Aryl Chlorides by Using an Abnormal N‐Heterocyclic‐Carbene–Palladium Catalyst
Authors: Ahmed Jasimuddin , Sau Samaresh Chandra , P Sreejyothi , Hota Pradip Kumar , Vardhanapu Pavan K. , Vijaykumar Gonela , Mandal Swadhin K.
Published: December 2016

Herein, we report a versatile catalytic system for the direct C–H arylation of heteroarenes with activated aryl chloride substrates. The catalyst works successfully for a variety of heteroarenes and aryl chloride coupling partners under very low catalyst‐loading conditions. We have successfully performed the direct C–H arylations of 1‐methylpyrrole, 1‐methylindole, furan, thiophene, furfural, and N‐benzyl‐1,2,3‐triazole with aryl chloride partners in good yields without the use of any additives. Furthermore, we used this catalytic process to develop a one‐pot synthetic protocol for the muscle relaxant dantrolene on a gram scale. Additionally, the present catalytic system can be used to perform consecutive arylations in one pot.
Green and Scalable Palladium‐on‐Carbon‐Catalyzed Tsuji–Trost Coupling Reaction Using an Efficient and Continuous Flow System
Authors: Cazorla Clément , Billamboz Muriel , Bricout Hervé , Monflier Eric , Len Christophe
Published: December 2016

The first continuous flow Tsuji–Trost coupling reaction between allylic compounds and various nucleophiles has been successfully achieved within only around 40 s during a single pass through a cartridge filled with palladium on carbon (Pd/C). Two methods have been designed by using the H‐cube ThalesNano technology that enable the efficient production of added‐value compounds on the gram scale with high productivity. Under the optimized conditions, the cartridge catalyst can be used for 60 min of continuous processing without a decrease in reactivity. A large range of substrates and nucleophiles have successfully been submitted to the standard methods, giving good‐to‐excellent yields and productivity.
Copper(I)‐Catalyzed α‐Acryloyloxylation of Ketones with α,β‐Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids To Form α‐Acryloyloxy Ketones
Authors: Xu Jing‐Wen , Ji Peng‐Yi , Liu Yu‐Feng , Luo Wei‐Ping , Liu Qiang , Guo Can‐Cheng
Published: December 2016

An efficient method for the α‐C–H acryloyloxylation of ketones with α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids was developed, using copper(I) as a catalyst. The most concise approach to form α‐acryloyloxy ketones is through direct oxidative coupling at the α‐C(sp3)–H position of ketones. This method gives the products in high yields, and has a wide substrate scope in terms of both ketones and unsaturated carboxylic acids. A copper(I)‐catalyzed reaction mechanism is proposed based on the results of control experiments.
Synthesis of N‐Heteroaromatic Compounds through Cyclocarbonylative Sonogashira Reactions
Authors: Aronica Laura Antonella , Albano Gianluigi , Giannotti Luca , Meucci Elisa
Published: December 2016

A protocol based on cyclocarbonylative Sonogashira reactions has been developed for the synthesis of nitrogen‐containing heterocycles. The process is carried out under CO pressure, in the presence of a small amount of PdCl2(PPh3)2 (0.2–0.4 mol‐%) as a catalytic precursor, and without the need for a copper salt as cocatalyst. Suitable tosylamides reacted successfully with iodoarenes bearing electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating groups. In particular, N‐(2‐ethynylbenzyl)‐4‐methylbenzenesulfonamide gave carbonylmethylene isoindolines with complete chemo‐ and stereoselectivity. On the other hand, the reaction between iodoarenes and N‐(2‐ethynylphenethyl)‐4‐methylbenzenesulfonamide did not yield tetrahydroisoquinolines as expected, but dihydrobenzoazepines were obtained.
Alkali Carbonate Molten Salt Coated Calcium Oxide with Highly Improved Carbon Dioxide Capture Capacity
Authors: Huang Liang , Zhang Yu , Gao Wanlin , Harada Takuya , Qin Qingqing , Zheng Qianwen , Hatton T. Alan , Wang Qiang
Published: December 2016

CO2 reduction is crucial if the effects of this gas on global warming are to be alleviated. We report for the first time an alkali carbonate molten salt promoted CaO‐based CO2 sorbent with CO2 capture performance superior to that of neat CaO. The influences of chemical composition, loading, and melting temperature of the (Li–Na–K)2CO3 molten salts and of the calcination and adsorption temperatures on CO2 capture were evaluated systematically. The microstructural and morphological evolution of the samples during CO2 adsorption was studied by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. The (Li–K)2CO3 molten salt coating was found not only to promote CO2 uptake but also to facilitate CO2 desorption from CaO. In particular, at low temperatures of 500 and 600 °C, the CO2 capture capacity increased significantly from 1.19 and 3.26 mmol g−1 to 6.93 and 10.38 mmol g−1, respectively. The melting point of the molten salts was also a crucial factor in the improvement of CO2 uptake. Kinetic studies based on fractal‐like models indicated that the rate coefficients for (Li–K)2CO3/CaO were approximately 3.3 to 3.8 times larger than those for neat CaO. The coating of alkali carbonate molten salts is believed to prevent the formation of a rigid CaCO3 layer on the surface of the CaO particles and to provide continuous delivery of CO32− to promote CO2 capture. During the CO2 adsorption/desorption cycling tests, (Li–K)2CO3/CaO resulted in a stable and reversible CO2 uptake of 6.0–6.3 mmol g−1, which is much higher than that of neat CaO (2.0 mmol g−1).
Applications of hybrid dynamic Bayesian networks to water reservoir management
Authors: Ropero Rosa F. , Flores M. Julia , Rumí Rafael , Aguilera Pedro A.
Published: December 2016

Bayesian networks (BNs) have been widely applied in environmental modelling to predict the behavior of an ecosystem under conditions of change. However, this approximation doesn't take time into consideration. To solve this issue, an extension of BNs, the dynamic Bayesian networks (DBNs), has been developed in mathematics and computer science areas but has scarcely been applied in environmental modelling. This paper presents the application of DBN to water reservoir systems in Andalusia, Spain. The aim is to predict changes in the percent fullness of the reservoirs under the irregular rainfall patterns of Mediterranean watersheds. In comparison to static BNs, DBNs provide results that can be extrapolated to a particular time so that a climate change scenario can be studied in detail over time. Because results are expressed by density functions rather than unique values, several metrics are obtained from the results, including the probability of certain values. This allows the probability that water level in a reservoir reaches a certain level to be directly computed.
Behavioral disinhibition and antiepileptic treatment in childhood epilepsy: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: van Tuijl Diana C. , Groenwold Rolf H. H. , Vlaskamp Chantal , van Campen Jolien S. , Braun Kees P. J. , Jansen Floor E. , Bruining Hilgo
Published: December 2016

Objective

To test whether specific classes of antiepileptic drugs increase the risk for behavioral disinhibition, a frequent complication of treatment of childhood epilepsy.

Methods

In a sample of children with active epilepsy and antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment (n = 146, age 4–17 years), we performed a retrospective chart analysis of the occurrence of symptoms indicating reduced behavioral disinhibition following AED treatment. We used a risk‐set approach to analyze whether the presence or recent addition of AED categories defined by their mechanism of action were associated with enhanced risk for behavioral disinhibition symptoms.

Results

Mean duration of follow‐up was 2,343 days (range 218–6,292, standard deviation [SD] 1,437). Episodes of behavioral disinhibition were reported in 51 (34.9%) children, with variable latencies between latest change and occurrence of behavioral disinhibition symptoms (mean 67 days, range 2–367). Current use of AEDs targeting gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) (odds ratio [OR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–3.29, p = 0.04) and SV2A‐mediated neurotransmitter release (SV2A)‐mediated (2.0, 1.13–3.60, p = 0.02) neurotransmitter release was associated with increased risk for behavioral disinhibition. Restricting the analysis to the 90 days before behavioral disinhibition episode occurrence revealed that only addition of GABAergic AEDs (OR = 26.88, 95% CI = 6.71–107.76, p < 0.001) was associated with behavioral disinhibition. In contrast to our expectations, seizure control was reported to have improved parallel to most behavioral disinhibition episodes.

Significance

This exploration of behavioral disinhibition in relation to antiepileptic drug treatment indicates that GABA potentiating drugs are specifically associated with behavioral problems during treatment of childhood epilepsy. Behavioral disinhibition episodes often occurred while seizure control improved, which may have reduced alertness for the consequences of AEDs on interictal symptoms. Our findings may be related to the increasing evidence for a role for excitatory actions of GABA in childhood epilepsy.
BCOR upregulation in a poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma with SS18L1‐SSX1 fusion—A pathologic and molecular pitfall
Authors: Kao Yu‐Chien , Sung Yun‐Shao , Zhang Lei , Kenan Samuel , Singer Samuel , Tap William D. , Swanson David , Dickson Brendan C. , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: December 2016

The diagnosis of poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma (PD‐SS) may be challenging due to overlapping morphologic features with other undifferentiated round cell sarcomas (URCS). Particularly relevant is the histologic overlap and shared BCOR overexpression between a subset of SS and URCS with various BCOR genetic abnormalities. Here, we report a case of PD‐SS lacking the canonical SS18‐SSX gene fusion, but showing strong BCOR immunoreactivity and BCOR gene abnormalities by FISH, which were misinterpreted as a URCS with BCOR gene rearrangements. The tumor had an unusual clinical presentation arising as an intraneural tumor in the ankle of a 29‐year‐old female. The tumor displayed a mixture of fascicular spindle cells and undifferentiated round cell components. FISH studies showed no SS18 gene abnormality; however, RNA sequencing identified a fusion transcript involving SS18L1 (a paralog gene of SS18 at 20q13.33) and SSX1. Further FISH testing validated rearrangements in SSX1 and SS18L1 genes, in addition to complex structural abnormalities of the Xp11.22‐4 region. This is the second reported SS case harboring an SS18L1‐SSX1 alternative fusion variant, similarly occurring in association with a large nerve. The lack of SS18 gene rearrangements by FISH corroborated with the BCOR overexpression at both mRNA and protein level may result in diagnostic pitfalls with URCS with BCOR gene abnormalities. Our results further suggest that BCOR upregulation is emerging as a common downstream pathway for SS with either typical SS18‐SSX transcript or with rare fusion variants, such as SS18L1‐SSX. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Restructuring of the Stuttgart Rail Node – Successes and challenges through the example of the Ober‐ and Untertürkheim Tunnels / Neuordnung Bahnknoten Stuttgart – Erfolge und Herausforderungen am Beispiel der Tunnel nach Ober‐ und Untertürkheim
Authors: Rath Andreas , Osthoff Günter
Published: December 2016

The tunnels to Obertürkheim and Untertürkheim, part of the restructuring of the Stuttgart rail node, run completely through the built‐up valley of Stuttgart and are being excavated with excavator and blasting. The article describes the possibilities and limits of blasting technology under the given local conditions. For the sections passing below residential areas, various methods of modern detonation and blasting technology have been tried and used in order to reduce the emissions of noise and vibration to the minimum possible. At the same time it was also necessary to minimise the loosening of the gypsum Keuper rock mass. The tunnels will be the first underground crossing of the River Neckar in Stuttgart. A section 500 m long will pass beneath the bed of the Neckar and its former courses in the current harbour area, with cover between only 8 m and 20 m. The branch structures that separate the tunnels to Ober‐ and Untertürkheim are also in this section, with the Neckar being crossed by altogether four individual tunnels at two levels. The prevailing geological conditions permitted an optimisation of the excavation of the branch structures without the originally intended pillar tunnel, which also reduced the construction time influence of this tunnel section.

Die Tunnel nach Ober‐ und Untertürkheim, Bestandteil der Neuordnung des Bahnknotens Stuttgart, verlaufen durchwegs in der innerstädtischen Stuttgarter Tallage und werden im Bagger‐ und Sprengvortrieb aufgefahren. Der Beitrag zeigt die Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Sprengtechnik bei den gegebenen Randbedingungen auf. Für die Unterfahrung der betroffenen Wohngebiete werden unterschiedliche Ansätze der modernen Zünd‐ und Sprengtechnik erprobt und eingesetzt, um die Lärm‐ und Erschütterungsemissionen auf ein mögliches Minimum zu reduzieren. Im gleichen Maß gilt es hierbei auch, die Gebirgsauflockerungen im anstehenden Gipskeuper zu minimieren. Mit den Tunneln erfolgen in Stuttgart erstmalig bergmännische Unterquerungen des Neckars. Auf einem Abschnitt von rund 500 m werden das Neckar‐Flussbett sowie die früheren Flusslagen im heutigen Hafengebiet mit Überdeckungen zwischen lediglich 8 und maximal 20 m unterfahren. Innerhalb dieses Teilabschnitts liegen auch die Verzweigungsbauwerke zur Auftrennung der Tunnel nach Ober‐ bzw. Untertürkheim, wodurch der Neckar mit insgesamt vier Einzelröhren in zwei Ebenen unterfahren wird. Die anstehenden geologischen Verhältnisse erlaubten eine Optimierung zur Auffahrung der Verzweigungsbauwerke ohne die ursprünglich vorgesehenen Pfeilerstollen, wodurch auch der Bauzeiteinfluss dieses Vortriebsabschnitts reduziert wird.
Energetic assessment of CO2 sequestration through slurry carbonation of steel slag: a factorial study
Authors: Costa Giulia , Polettini Alessandra , Pomi Raffaella , Stramazzo Alessio , Zingaretti Daniela
Published: December 2016

An assessment of the energetic requirements of slurry‐phase accelerated carbonation for CO2 sequestration using steelmaking slag was conducted. The results of dedicated lab‐scale carbonation experiments in which the CO2 sequestration yield of basic oxygen furnace slag was investigated at different operating conditions were used for the energy requirement calculations. The operating variables of the process and the associated values adopted were total gas pressure, temperature, and CO2 concentration in the gas phase. The energy duties of the slurry‐phase carbonation layout were calculated for the different unit operations, which included slag milling, mixing, slurry pumping, heating, CO2 compression, solid/liquid separation, and CO2 capture (when required). The estimated energy requirements were found to lie in the range 980−6300 MJ t−1 CO2 sequestered, where the lower end of the range was associated with the use of diluted CO2. In all cases, the use of a concentrated CO2 flow proved largely energetically unfavorable over the use of diluted gas streams, since the energy duty of the required CO2 capture stage by far overcame the benefits associated with improved sequestration yields at increased CO2 concentrations in the gas phase. The calculated energy requirements were also processed to derive a second‐order model accounting for the main effects and interactions between the operating variables of the carbonation process. The model developed is meant to predict the expected energy demand of the carbonation process under different operating conditions and to define the optimal combination of these in terms of the energetic profile of the process itself. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Mental Health of Children Providing Care to their Elderly Parent
Authors: Heger Dörte
Published: December 2016

Providing care to a disabled parent can be a psychologically strenuous activity with potential negative consequences for the caregiver's mental health. At the same time, experiencing the declining health of a parent – often the very reason for the parent's care needs – can impact the adult child's mental health negatively. Because both events are usually observed simultaneously, disentangling the “caregiver effect” and the “family effect” remains a challenge. Using longitudinal data of the elderly population in Europe and an instrumental variable approach to address possible endogeneity concerns, this paper separately estimates the effect of caregiving and the decline of a parent's health on adult children's mental health. While I find negative but small caregiver and family effects for the “average” caregiver, the caregiver effect is multiplied for daughters if care provision is triggered by higher parental care needs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cannabidiol Activates Neuronal Precursor Genes in Human Gingival Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Soundara Rajan Thangavelu , Giacoppo Sabrina , Scionti Domenico , Diomede Francesca , Grassi Gianpaolo , Pollastro Federica , Piattelli Adriano , Bramanti Placido , Mazzon Emanuela , Trubiani Oriana
Published: December 2016

In the last years, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from oral tissues have received considerable interest in regenerative medicine since they can be obtained with minimal invasive procedure and exhibit immunomodulatory properties. This study was aimed to investigate whether in vitro pre‐treatment of MSCs obtained from human gingiva (hGMSCs) with Cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid component produced by the plant Cannabis sativa, may promote human gingiva derived MSCs to differentiate toward neuronal precursor cells. Specifically, we have treated the hGMSCs with CBD (5 µM) for 24 h in order to evaluate the expression of genes involved in cannabidiol signaling, cell proliferation, self‐renewal and multipotency, and neural progenitor cells differentiation. Next generation sequencing (NGS) demonstrated that CBD activates genes associated with G protein coupled receptor signaling in hGMSCs. Genes involved in DNA replication, cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis were regulated. Moreover, genes associated with the biological process of neuronal progenitor cells (NCPs) proliferation, neuron differentiation, neurogenesis, and nervous system development were significantly modulated. From our results, we hypothesize that human gingiva‐derived MSCs conditioned with CBD could represent a valid method for improving the hGMSCs phenotype and thus might be a potential therapeutic tool in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1531–1546, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MiR‐193b Mediates CEBPD‐Induced Cisplatin Sensitization Through Targeting ETS1 and Cyclin D1 in Human Urothelial Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Lin Siao‐Ren , Yeh Hsin‐Chih , Wang Wei‐Jan , Ke Hung‐Lung , Lin Hui‐Hui , Hsu Wei‐Chi , Chao Shih‐Yi , Hour Tzyh‐Chyuan , Wu Wen‐Jeng , Pu Yeong‐Shiau , Huang A‐Mei
Published: December 2016

Transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein delta (CEBPD) plays multiple roles in tumor progression. Studies have demonstrated that cisplatin (CDDP) induced CEBPD expression and had led to chemotherapeutic drug resistance. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of CDDP‐regulated CEBPD expression and its relevant roles in CDDP responses remain elusive. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression in a sequence‐specific manner. Abnormal miRNAs expression is associated with tumor progression. In current study, a large‐scale PCR‐based miRNA screening was performed to identify CEBPD‐associated miRNAs in urothelial carcinoma cell line NTUB1. Eleven miRNAs were selected with more than twofold changes. MiR‐193b‐3p, a known tumor suppressor, down‐regulated proto‐oncogenes Cyclin D1, and ETS1 expression and led to cell cycle arrest, cell invasion, and migration inhibition. The expression of miR‐193b‐3p was associated with the DNA binding ability of CEBPD in CDDP response. CEBPD knocking‐down approach provided a strong evidence of the positive correlation between CEBPD and miR‐193b‐3p. CDDP‐induced CEBPD trans‐activated miR‐193b‐3p expression and it directly targeted the 3′‐UTR of Cyclin D1 and ETS1 mRNA, and silenced the protein expression. In addition, miR‐193b‐3p also inhibited cell migration activity, arrested cell at G1 phase, and sensitized NTUB1 to CDDP treatment. In conclusion, this study indicates that CEBPD exhibits an anti‐tumorigenic function through transcriptionally activating miR‐193b‐3p expression upon CDDP treatment. This study provides a new direction for managing human urothelial carcinoma. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1563–1573, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combined Therapy With Swimming Exercise and a Diet Supplemented With Diphenyl Diselenide Is Effective Against Age‐Related Changes in the Hepatic Metabolism of Rats
Authors: Heck Suélen O. , Fulco Bruna C.W. , Quines Caroline B. , Oliveira Carla E.S. , Leite Marlon R. , Cechella José L. , Nogueira Cristina W.
Published: December 2016

Aging is characterized by a widespread loss of homeostasis in biological systems and is accompanied by pathophysiological changes including the liver injury. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the combined therapy with swimming exercise (20 min session, 5 days/week during 4 weeks) and a diet supplemented with 1 ppm of (PhSe)2 on the hepatic metabolic alterations caused by aging in rats. In this study, male old Wistar rats had an increase in the epididymal fat relative weight, disturbances in the activities of hepatic enzymes associated to the glucose homeostasis, higher hepatic triglyceride content and higher activity of the plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The combined therapy normalized the activities of glucose‐6‐Pase and tyrosine aminotransferase, gluconeogenic enzymes, increased the hepatic glycogen content and was effective against the increase in the hepatic triglycerides content, without altering the activities of hexoquinase, and citrate synthase. Moreover, the combined therapy normalized the activities of AST and ALT, indicating a hepatoprotective effect. The combined therapy with swimming exercise and a diet supplemented with 1 ppm of (PhSe)2 contributed to the hepatic glucose homeostasis in old rats. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to investigate the possible mechanisms of action behind these effects. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1574–1582, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐intensity treadmill running impairs cognitive behavior and hippocampal synaptic plasticity of rats via activation of inflammatory response
Authors: Sun Li‐na , Li Xiao‐long , Wang Fei , Zhang Jun , Wang Dan‐dan , Yuan Li , Wu Mei‐na , Wang Zhao‐jun , Qi Jin‐shun
Published: December 2016

Although appropriate exercise is beneficial for enhancing brain functions, high‐intensity exercise (HIE)‐induced cognitive dysfunction is causing more and more concerns nowadays. In the present study, we observed the effects of high‐intensity treadmill running on the spatial learning of the adult Sprague Dawley male rats in Y‐maze (n = 16 per group), and investigated its possible electrophysiological and molecular mechanisms by examining in vivo hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP), central inflammatory responses, and JNK/p38/ERK signal pathway. The Y‐maze active avoidance test showed that high‐intensity treadmill running impaired spatial learning ability of rats, with increased error times and prolonged training time in recognizing safety condition. Associated with the cognitive dysfunction, the induction and maintenance of hippocampal LTP were also impaired by the HIE. Furthermore, accompanied by elevated levels of inflammatory factors IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and iNOS, overactivation of microglia and astrocytes was also found in the CA1 region of hippocampus in the excessive exercise group, indicating an inflammatory response induced by HIE. In addition, Western blot assay showed that the phosphorylation of JNK/p38/ERK proteins was enhanced in the exercise group. These results suggest that exercise stress–induced neuronal inflammatory responses in the hippocampus are associated with HIE‐induced cognitive deficits, which may be involved in the upregulation of the JNK/p38/ERK pathway. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A biosynthesis view on nutrient stress in coastal phytoplankton
Authors: Grosse Julia , van Breugel Peter , Brussaard Corina P. D. , Boschker Henricus T. S.
Published: December 2016

Anthropogenic activities resulted in major shifts in nutrient inputs to coastal seas, which may have altered the biomolecule composition of phytoplankton because of different C : N : P requirements for biosynthesis. In order to understand the effects of N‐ and P‐limitation on the allocation of photosynthetically fixed C, we directly measured seasonal and spatial dynamics of amino acid, fatty acid and carbohydrate concentrations and biosynthesis rates in the phytoplankton of the North Sea using a novel 13C‐tracer approach. Nutrient limitation and season had large effects on composition and biosynthesis rates of all biochemical classes, for instance the contribution of protein derived amino acids varied up to fourfold in concentration and up to eightfold in biosynthesis rates. Nutrient specific effects and the prevailing nutrient limitations were identified by short‐term (24–72 h) nutrient addition experiments. Addition of the growth‐limiting nutrient increased amino acid synthesis while storage compound synthesis decreased concurrently. The strongest effect was detected in N‐limited flagellates, where amino acid synthesis increased up to fivefold within 24 h upon relief of nutrient limitation. P‐limitation was only detected in diatom‐dominated near‐coast stations, and amino acid synthesis responded much slower, likely because of the necessary preceding synthesis of ribosomes. This metabolic elasticity of phytoplankton in response to nutrient availability will have major consequences for their nutritional value within the food web and subsequently the carrying capacity of coastal ecosystems.
Effect of flue gas composition on deposit induced high temperature corrosion under laboratory conditions mimicking biomass firing. Part I: Exposures in oxidizing and chlorinating atmospheres
Authors: Okoro S. C. , Kiamehr S. , Montgomery M. , Frandsen F. J. , Pantleon K.
Published: December 2016

In biomass fired power plants, deposition of alkali chlorides on superheaters, as well as the presence of corrosive flue gas species, give rise to fast corrosion of superheaters. In order to understand the corrosion mechanism under this complex condition, the influence of the flue gas composition on high temperature corrosion of an austenitic superheater material under laboratory conditions mimicking biomass firing is investigated in this work. Exposures involving deposit (KCl)‐coated and deposit‐free austenitic stainless steel (TP 347H FG) samples were conducted isothermally at 560 °C for 72 h, under both oxidizing and oxidizing‐chlorinating atmospheres, and the resulting corrosion products were comprehensively studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The results show that deposit‐free samples suffer grain boundary attack only in an oxidizing‐chlorinating atmosphere, otherwise corrosion results in formation of a duplex oxide. Corrosion attack on deposit‐coated samples was higher than on deposit‐free samples irrespective of the gaseous atmosphere. Specifically, severe volatilization of alloying elements occurred on deposit‐coated samples under oxidizing‐chlorinating atmosphere due to enhanced impact of KCl and HCl.
LaFeO3 perovskite conversion coatings grown on a 13Cr ferritic stainless steel: a corrosion degradation study in simulated solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) interconnect conditions at 700 °C
Authors: Masi A. , Frangini S. , Pumiglia D. , Della Seta L. , Masci A. , McPhail S. J. , Carlini M.
Published: December 2016

In this work, the corrosion stability of a 13Cr ferritic stainless steel protected by a novel LaFeO3 perovskite conversion coating is studied in demanding solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) environments. Long‐term degradation behavior of coated 13Cr steel is evaluated and compared with the uncoated steel in air and in dual H2/air atmospheres at 700 °C. The perovskite coating was found to promote high oxidation resistance during single atmosphere air exposure at 700 °C up to 1800 h, with no signs of coating degradation. Oxidation experiments in dual‐atmosphere environments at 700 °C, carried out with humid hydrogen and air flowing, respectively, on the simulated anode and cathode sides of the sample, led to significant surface iron oxide growth on both coated and uncoated 13Cr steel samples, yet with remarkable difference in corrosion morphology. The coated steel samples suffered from a localized corrosion attack with formation of iron oxide nodules and significant coating detachment, while uniform iron oxide growth was observed on the uncoated steel. The results of this work indicate that the perovskite conversion coating can be a promising approach to protect 13Cr steels in simple oxidizing environments, although further studies and improvements are required for long‐term protection in the more aggressive conditions.
Corrosion behavior of carbon steel in amine‐based CO2 capture system: effect of sodium sulfate and sodium sulfite contaminants
Authors: Emori W. , Jiang S. L. , Duan D. L. , Ekerenam O. O. , Zheng Y. G. , Okafor P. C. , Qiao Y. X.
Published: December 2016

The effect of sodium sulfate and sodium sulfite on the corrosion behavior of carbon steel in CO2 capture process with methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) solution has been studied under an absorber temperature condition (50 °C). The corrosion behavior was evaluated using electrochemical methods, weight loss measurements, and surface analytical techniques. Sodium sulfate increased the system corrosiveness and the rate of corrosion increased with concentration while sodium sulfite reduced the corrosion rate and the inhibition performance improved with concentration. Weight loss measurements showed an increase in corrosion rate with time for sodium sulfate while the inhibition performance for sodium sulfite was considerably low for the tested concentration.
Corrosion test improvement by data driven climatic modeling
Authors: Mayrhofer R. , Bäck T.
Published: December 2016

Many corrosion test experiments, using a range of testing methods and car body materials, are done by the automotive industry worldwide to meet the corrosion requirements in the field. In this paper, we use test data and climate field data for data driven modeling of the test results. One contribution reported here is to find the most influencing factors for corrosion test progress and field correlation. Therefore, iron and zinc panels with automotive paintings conducted in several corrosion tests are measured and transformed into suitable data. The corrosion parameters are defined as factors and the result of corrosion testing (i.e., scribe creepage values) as output variable. With this data, a statistical model is generated and validated. The best fit model is analyzed to find sensible testing parameters effecting the corrosion results. The same procedure is also applied for climatic field data, which is first transformed into characteristics such as humidity, duration of wetness, and salt load. The data from corrosion testing experiments are then mapped to the climatic load in the field. A match to the field correlation can be found, as demonstrated by our results.
The study of the localized corrosion caused by mineral deposit using novel designed multi‐electrode sensor system
Authors: Xu Y. Z. , Zhu Y. S. , Liu L. , He L. M. , Wang X. N. , Huang Y.
Published: December 2016

In this paper, a new kind of multi‐electrode sensor system was developed for the study of the localized corrosion of the X65 pipeline steel caused by mineral deposit in oxygen containing solution. The electronic resistance (ER) method and zero resistance ammeter (ZRA) technique were simultaneously used for the monitoring of the corrosion depths and galvanic currents. The new sensor system showed a wider application range in the monitoring of the corrosion depth compared with traditional electrochemical methods. It also presented high measurement accuracy in the corrosion depth measurement. The test results revealed that the mineral deposit and heterogeneous distribution of the rust layer on the steel surface will cause inhomogeneous corrosion process. The deposit‐covered area will always act as anode and serious localized corrosion will occur beneath the sand particles. The ER method is not an in situ monitoring technique. The excitation current used in ER measurement will lead to a charging and discharging process of the double electrolyte layer on the steel surface.
Multi‐Functional Polyurethane Hydrogel Foams with Tunable Mechanical Properties for Wound Dressing Applications
Authors: Lundin Jeffrey G. , Daniels Grant C. , McGann Christopher L. , Stanbro Joshua , Watters Chaselynn , Stockelman Michael , Wynne James H.
Published: December 2016

Polyurethane hydrogel foams synthesized through a facile one‐pot, solvent‐free process are described. The roles of polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecular weight, crosslinking density, and foam stabilizer concentration on polymer properties are evaluated for potential applications as wound dressing materials. Material characterization and wound dressing relevant performance evaluations are performed to understand effects of individual components and identify promising formulations. Surprisingly for a solvent‐free reaction, complete polymerization is confirmed by IR and gel fraction analyses. Foam stabilizing agent loading increases mechanical properties including Young's modulus, extensibility, and toughness while decreasing pore size and drug release rate. Mechanical properties are also dependent on the crystalline melting temperature of the PEG diol. Utilizing caffeine as a drug surrogate, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) drug‐release analysis identifies that polyurethane hydrogel foams exhibit initial burst release kinetics followed by sustained release over 24 h. Antibiotic compatibility and release is demonstrated for all formulations by zone of inhibition testing against gram‐positive and negative bacteria.

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The ultimate signal‐to‐noise ratio in realistic body models
Authors: Guérin Bastien , Villena Jorge F. , Polimeridis Athanasios G. , Adalsteinsson Elfar , Daniel Luca , White Jacob K. , Wald Lawrence L.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

We compute the ultimate signal‐to‐noise ratio (uSNR) and G‐factor (uGF) in a realistic head model from 0.5 to 21 Tesla.

Methods

We excite the head model and a uniform sphere with a large number of electric and magnetic dipoles placed at 3 cm from the object. The resulting electromagnetic fields are computed using an ultrafast volume integral solver, which are used as basis functions for the uSNR and uGF computations.

Results

Our generalized uSNR calculation shows good convergence in the sphere and the head and is in close agreement with the dyadic Green's function approach in the uniform sphere. In both models, the uSNR versus B0 trend was linear at shallow depths and supralinear at deeper locations. At equivalent positions, the rate of increase of the uSNR with B0 was greater in the sphere than in the head model. The uGFs were lower in the realistic head than in the sphere for acceleration in the anterior‐posterior direction, but similar for the left‐right direction.

Conclusion

The uSNR and uGFs are computable in nonuniform body models and provide fundamental performance limits for human imaging with close‐fitting MRI array coils. Magn Reson Med 78:1969–1980, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Im Glashaus leben, wachsen, sich vermehren
Authors: Pohnert Georg
Published: December 2016

Kieselalgen haben Zellwände aus biomineralisiertem Silikat. Um diese aufzubauen, nehmen sie gelöste Kieselsäure auf und scheiden diese ab. Die Mikroalgen sind aber nicht nur Baumeister, sie erspüren die Kieselsäure auch und orientieren sich an Gradienten dieser anorganischen Ressource.
International Continence Society Good Urodynamic Practices and Terms 2016: Urodynamics, uroflowmetry, cystometry, and pressure‐flow study
Authors: Rosier Peter F.W.M , Schaefer Werner , Lose Gunnar , Goldman Howard B. , Guralnick Michael , Eustice Sharon , Dickinson Tamara , Hashim Hashim
Published: December 2016

Aims

The working group initiated by the ICS Standardisation Steering Committee has updated the International Continence Society Standard “Good Urodynamic Practice” published in 2002.

Methods

On the basis of the manuscript: “ICS standard to develop evidence‐based standards,” a new ICS Standard was developed in the period from December 2013 to December 2015. In July, a draft was posted on the ICS website for membership comments and discussed at the ICS 2015 annual meeting. The input of ICS membership was included in the final draft before ICS approval and subsequent peer review (for this journal).

Results

This evidence‐based ICS‐GUP2016 has newly or more precisely defined more than 30 terms and provides standards for the practice, quality control, interpretation, and reporting of urodynamics; cystometry and pressure‐flow analysis. Furthermore, the working group has included recommendations for pre‐testing information and for patient information and preparation. On the basis of earlier ICS standardisations and updating according to available evidence, the practice of uroflowmetry, cystometry, and pressure‐flow studies are further detailed.

Conclusion

ICS‐GUP2016 updates and adds on to ICS‐GUP2002 to improve urodynamic testing and reporting both for individual care and scientific purposes.
Scale invariance at low accelerations (aka MOND) and the dynamical anomalies in the Universe
Authors: Milgrom Mordehai
Published: December 2016

Galactic systems, and the Universe at large, exhibit large dynamical anomalies: The observed matter in them falls very short of providing enough gravity to account for their dynamics. The mainstream response to this conundrum is to invoke large quantities of ‘dark matter’ – which purportedly supplies the needed extra gravity – and also of ‘dark energy’, to account for further anomalies in cosmology, such as the observed, accelerated expansion. The MOND paradigm offers a different solution: a breakdown of standard dynamics (gravity and/or inertia) in the limit of low accelerations – below some acceleration a0. In this limit, dynamics become space‐time scale invariant, and are controlled by a gravitational constant , which replaces Newton's G. With the new dynamics, the various detailed manifestations of the anomalies in galaxies are predicted with no need for dark matter. The cosmological anomalies could, but need not have to do with small accelerations. For example, the need for dark matter in accounting for the expansion history of the Universe is eliminated if the relevant gravitational constant is . Such a ‘renormalization’ of G could be a dimensionless parameter of a MOND theory. The constant a0 turns out to carry cosmological connotations, in that , where H0 is the present expansion rate of the Universe, and Λ the measured ‘cosmological constant’. There are MOND theories in which this ‘coincidence’ is natural. I draw on enlightening historical and conceptual analogies from quantum theory to limelight aspects of MOND. I also explain how MOND may have strong connections with effects of the quantum vacuum on local dynamics.
Negative entropies in Casimir and Casimir‐Polder interactions
Authors: Milton Kimball A. , Li Yang , Kalauni Pushpa , Parashar Prachi , Guérout Romain , Ingold Gert‐Ludwig , Lambrecht Astrid , Reynaud Serge
Published: December 2016

It has been increasingly becoming clear that Casimir and Casimir‐Polder entropies may be negative in certain regions of temperature and separation. In fact, the occurrence of negative entropy seems to be a nearly ubiquitous phenomenon. This is most highlighted in the quantum vacuum interaction of a nanoparticle with a conducting plate or between two nanoparticles. It has been argued that this phenomenon does not violate physical intuition, since the total entropy, including the self‐entropies of the plate and the nanoparticle, should be positive. New calculations, in fact, seem to bear this out at least in certain cases.