bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A large-scale field trial of thin-layer capping of PCDD/F-contaminated sediments: Sediment-to-water fluxes up to 5 years post-amendment
Authors: Cornelissen Gerard , Schaanning Morten , Gunnarsson Jonas S , Eek Espen
Published: May 2015

The longer-term effect (3–5 y) of thin-layer capping on in situ sediment-to-surface water fluxes was monitored in a large-scale field experiment in the polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) contaminated Grenlandfjords, Norway (4 trial plots of 10 000 to 40 000 m2 at 30 to 100 m water depth). Active caps (designed thickness 2.5 cm) were established in 2 fjords, consisting of dredged clean clay amended with powdered activated carbon (PAC) from anthracite. These active caps were compared to 2 nonactive caps in one of the fjords (designed thickness 5 cm) consisting of either clay only (i.e., without PAC) or crushed limestone. Sediment-to-water PCDD/F fluxes were measured in situ using diffusion chambers. An earlier study showed that during the first 2 years after thin-layer capping, flux reductions relative to noncapped reference fields were more extensive at the fields capped with nonactive caps (70%–90%) than at the ones with PAC-containing caps (50%–60%). However, the present work shows that between 3 and 5 years after thin-layer capping, this trend was reversed and cap effectiveness in reducing fluxes was increasing to 80% to 90% for the PAC caps, whereas cap effectiveness of the nonactive caps decreased to 20% to 60%. The increasing effectiveness over time of PAC-containing “active“ caps is explained by a combination of slow sediment-to-PAC mass transfer of PCDD/Fs and bioturbation by benthic organisms. The decreasing effectiveness of “nonactive“ limestone and clay caps is explained by deposition of contaminated particles on top of the caps. The present field data indicate that the capping efficiency of thin active caps (i.e., enriched with PAC) can improve over time as a result of slow diffusive PCDD/F transfer from sediment to PAC particles and better mixing of the PAC by bioturbation. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:216–221. © 2015 SETAC

Key Points

The largest field trial on thin-layer capping with activated carbon (AC) to date was performed in a dioxin-contaminated fjord in Norway. Long-term (3 to 5 years) effectiveness for AC-containing caps increased over time, whereas the opposite effect was observed for nonactive limestone and clay caps. The increasing effectiveness of AC caps is explained by the slow sediment-to-AC mass transfer of dioxins. The decreasing effectiveness of nonactive caps is explained by deposition of contaminated particles on top of the caps.
Identification of several potential chromatin binding sites of HOXB7 and its downstream target genes in breast cancer
Authors: Heinonen Henna , Lepikhova Tatiana , Sahu Biswajyoti , Pehkonen Henna , Pihlajamaa Päivi , Louhimo Riku , Gao Ping , Wei Gong‐Hong , Hautaniemi Sampsa , Jänne Olli A. , Monni Outi
Published: May 2015

HOXB7 encodes a transcription factor that is overexpressed in a number of cancers and encompasses many oncogenic functions. Previous results have shown it to promote cell proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, DNA repair and cell survival. Because of its role in many cancers and tumorigenic processes, HOXB7 has been suggested to be a potential drug target. However, HOXB7 binding sites on chromatin and its targets are poorly known. The aim of our study was to identify HOXB7 binding sites on breast cancer cell chromatin and to delineate direct target genes located nearby these binding sites. We found 1,504 HOXB7 chromatin binding sites in BT‐474 breast cancer cell line that overexpresses HOXB7. Seventeen selected binding sites were validated by ChIP‐qPCR in several breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we analyzed expression of a large number of genes located nearby HOXB7 binding sites and found several new direct targets, such as CTNND2 and SCGB1D2. Identification of HOXB7 chromatin binding sites and target genes is essential to understand better the role of HOXB7 in breast cancer and mechanisms by which it regulates tumorigenic processes.
Adolescents in conflict: Intercultural contact attitudes of immigrant mothers and adolescents as predictors of family conflicts
Authors: Titzmann Peter F. , Sonnenberg Katharina
Published: May 2015

Recent research demonstrates that intergenerational differences in immigrant families' adaptation can be detrimental for family functioning. However, most of the findings originate from immigrant groups in North America who face different situations compared with European Diaspora returnees. This comparative study investigated whether ethnic German Diaspora immigrant adolescents' and mothers' disagreement about the desirability of adolescents' intercultural contact with native peers relates to more conflict in the family domain. In addition, we accounted for general developmental factors predicting family conflict by considering adolescents' background in terms of prosocial behaviour and hyperactivity. Participants comprised 185 Diaspora immigrant mother–adolescent dyads from the former Soviet Union living in Germany (adolescents: mean age 15.7 years, 60% female) and 197 native German mother–adolescent dyads (adolescents: mean age 14.7 years, 53% female). Results indicated a similar level of family conflict in immigrant and native families. However, conflict was elevated in those immigrant families disagreeing on intercultural contact attitudes, independent of the significant effects of adolescents' background of prosocial behaviour or hyperactivity. Our study highlights potential side effects in the family domain, if immigrant adolescents and parents disagree in their attitude regarding adaptation to the host culture's life domains, such as contact with native peers.
Latin American immigrant parents and their children's teachers in U.S. early childhood education programmes
Authors: Crosnoe Robert , Ansari Arya
Published: May 2015

For many immigrants, their children's schools offer their first sustained interaction with the major societal institutions of their new countries, and so exploring the ways in which immigrant parents manage their children's educational experiences offers insight into how they adapt to new cultural norms, customs and expectations and how they are treated in return. This study delved into the involvement of Latin American immigrant parents in U.S. education, shifting the traditional focus down from elementary and secondary school to early childhood education. Statistical analysis of nationally representative data revealed that Latina immigrants had lower frequencies of most home‐ and community‐based involvement behaviours than U.S.‐born and foreign‐born parents of varying racial/ethnic backgrounds but higher frequencies of involvement behaviours requiring participation in early childhood education programmes. As a window into these national patterns, qualitative data from an early childhood programme in an immigration‐heavy state revealed that Latina immigrant mothers and their children's teachers often talked about each other as partners in supporting children's educational experiences but that their actual interactions tended to socialise mothers into being more passive recipients of teachers' directives.
Design of antimicrobial peptides conjugated biodegradable citric acid derived hydrogels for wound healing
Authors: Xie Zhiwei , Aphale Nikhil V. , Kadapure Tejaswi D. , Wadajkar Aniket S. , Orr Sara , Gyawali Dipendra , Qian Guoying , Nguyen Kytai T. , Yang Jian
Published: May 2015

Wound healing is usually facilitated by the use of a wound dressing that can be easily applied to cover the wound bed, maintain moisture, and avoid bacterial infection. In order to meet all of these requirements, we developed an in situ forming biodegradable hydrogel (iFBH) system composed of a newly developed combination of biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol) maleate citrate (PEGMC) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). The in situ forming hydrogel systems are able to conform to the wound shape in order to cover the wound completely and prevent bacterial invasion. A 2k factorial analysis was performed to examine the effects of polymer composition on specific properties, including the curing time, Young's modulus, swelling ratio, and degradation rate. An optimized iFBH formulation was achieved from the systematic factorial analysis. Further, in vitro biocompatibility studies using adult human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) confirmed that the hydrogels and degradation products are not cytotoxic. The iFBH wound dressing was conjugated and functionalized with antimicrobial peptides as well. Evaluation against bacteria both in vitro and in vivo in rats demonstrated that the peptide‐incorporated iFBH wound dressing offered excellent bacteria inhibition and promoted wound healing. These studies indicated that our in situ forming antimicrobial biodegradable hydrogel system is a promising candidate for wound treatment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3907–3918, 2015.
Preparation and characterization of (PCL‐crosslinked‐PEG)/hydroxyapatite as bone tissue engineering scaffolds
Authors: Koupaei Narjes , Karkhaneh Akbar , Daliri Joupari Morteza
Published: May 2015

In this study, interconnected porous bioactive scaffolds were synthesized for bone tissue engineering. At the first step, poly(
‐caprolactone) (PCL) diols were diacrylated with acryloyl chloride. Then, the scaffolds were synthesized by radical crosslinking reaction of PCL and poly(ethyleneglycol) (PEG) diacrylates in the presence of hydroxyapatite (HA) particles. Morphological, swelling, thermal, and mechanical characteristics as well as degradability of the scaffolds were investigated. Results showed that increasing the ratio of PEG to PCL led to significant increase of swelling ratio and degradation rate, and decrease of crystallinity and compressive modulus of the networks, respectively. It was found that the incorporation of HA particles with the polymer matrices resulted in an augmented crystallinity, a decreased swelling ratio, and also a significantly increased compressive modulus of the networks. Cytocompatability and osteoconductivity of the scaffolds were assessed by MTT and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assays, respectively. The results confirmed the cytocompatible nature of PCL/PEG/HA scaffolds with no toxicity. MG‐63 cells attached and spread on the pore walls offered by the scaffolds. PCL/PEG/HA scaffolds compared with PCL/PEG ones showed higher ALP activity. Thus, the results indicated that the PCL/PEG/HA scaffolds have the potential of being used as promising substrates in bone tissue engineering. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3919–3926, 2015.
Bottom‐up topography assembly into 3Dporous scaffold to mediate cell activities
Authors: Cheng Delin , Hou Jie , Hao Lijing , Cao Xiaodong , Gao Huichang , Fu Xiaoling , Wang Yingjun
Published: May 2015

Native cells live in a three‐dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix (ECM) capable of regulating cell activities through various physical and chemical factors. Designed topographies have been well proven to trigger significant difference in cell behaviours. However, present topographies are almost all constructed on two‐dimensional (2D) substrates like discs and films, which are far from features like 3D and porosity required in application like bone repair. Here we bottom‐up assembled poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)/calcium carbonate (PLGA/CC) microspheres with superficial porous topography intactly into a 3D porous scaffold. Because the scaffold was obtained through a mild technique, the bioactivity of released BMP‐2 was well retained. Mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) were cultured on produced scaffolds having different 3D topographies. It turned out that osteogenic differentiation of mMSCs did respond to the 3D topographies, while proliferation didn't. Gene expression of αvand β1integrins revealed that adhesion was supposed to be the underlying mechanism for osteogenic response. The study provides insight into enhancing function of practical scaffolds by elaborate topography design. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1056–1063, 2016.
Combined unsupervised–supervised classification of multiparametric PET/MRI data: application to prostate cancer
Authors: Gatidis Sergios , Scharpf Markus , Martirosian Petros , Bezrukov Ilja , Küstner Thomas , Hennenlotter Jörg , Kruck Stephan , Kaufmann Sascha , Schraml Christina , la Fougère Christian , Schwenzer Nina F. , Schmidt Holger
Published: May 2015

Multiparametric medical imaging data can be large and are often complex. Machine learning algorithms can assist in image interpretation when reliable training data exist. In most cases, however, knowledge about ground truth (e.g. histology) and thus training data is limited, which makes application of machine learning algorithms difficult.

The purpose of this study was to design and implement a learning algorithm for classification of multidimensional medical imaging data that is robust and accurate even with limited prior knowledge and that allows for generalization and application to unseen data.

Local prostate cancer was chosen as a model for application and validation. 16 patients underwent combined simultaneous [11C]‐choline positron emission tomography (PET)/MRI. The following imaging parameters were acquired: T2 signal intensities, apparent diffusion coefficients, parameters Ktrans and Kep from dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI, and PET standardized uptake values (SUVs). A spatially constrained fuzzy c‐means algorithm (sFCM) was applied to the single datasets and the resulting labeled data were used for training of a support vector machine (SVM) classifier. Accuracy and false positive and false negative rates of the proposed algorithm were determined in comparison with manual tumor delineation. For five of the 16 patients rates were also determined in comparison with the histopathological standard of reference.

The combined sFCM/SVM algorithm proposed in this study revealed reliable classification results consistent with the histopathological reference standard and comparable to those of manual tumor delineation. sFCM/SVM generally performed better than unsupervised sFCM alone. We observed an improvement in accuracy with increasing number of imaging parameters used for clustering and SVM training. In particular, including PET SUVs as an additional parameter markedly improved classification results.

A variety of applications are conceivable, especially for imaging of tissues without easily available histopathological correlation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the convergence analysis, stability, and implementation of meshless local radial point interpolation on a class of three‐dimensional wave equations
Authors: Shivanian Elyas
Published: May 2015

In this article, the meshless local radial point interpolation method is applied to analyze three space dimensional wave equations of the form
subject to given initial and Dirichlet boundary conditions. The main difficulty of the great number of methods in full 3‐D problems is the large computational costs. In meshless local radial point interpolation method, it does not require any background integration cells, so that all integrations are carried out locally over small quadrature domains of regular shapes such as circles or squares in two dimensions and spheres or cubes in three dimensions. The point interpolation method with the help of radial basis functions is proposed to construct shape functions that have Kronecker delta function property. A weak formulation with the Heaviside step function converts the set of governing equations into local integral equations on local subdomains. A two‐step time discretization method is employed to evaluate the time derivatives. This suggests Crank‐Nicolson technique to be applied on the right hand side of the equation. The convergence analysis and stability of the method are fully discussed. Three illustrative examples are presented, and satisfactory agreements are achieved. It is shown theoretically that the proposed method is unconditionally stable for the second example whereas it is not for the first and third ones. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lifestyle and weight predictors of a healthy overweight profile over a 20‐year follow‐up
Authors: Fung Michael D.T. , Canning Karissa L. , Mirdamadi Paul , Ardern Chris I. , Kuk Jennifer L.
Published: May 2015

Objective

To examine whether changes in modifiable risk factors [physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), body weight, and diet composition] are associated with the transition to metabolically healthy overweight/obese (MHOW) versus metabolically abnormal overweight/obese.

Methods

Analysis included 1,358 adults [aged 25.0 (3.5) years] from the CARDIA study who were healthy at baseline and had overweight/obesity at follow‐up. Participants with zero or one of the following six risk factors were classified as MHOW: elevated triglycerides, LDL, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and HOMA‐insulin resistance and low HDL.

Results

Over the 20‐year follow‐up, the sample gained weight (BMI 24.5 to 31.1 kg/m2), and the prevalence of MHOW was 47% at follow‐up. After adjusting for changes in CRF, diet, and weight change, physical activity and macronutrient intake were not independently associated with MHOW (P > 0.05), while changes in CRF [fit–unfit: RR (95%) = 0.58, 0.52‐0.66; unfit–unfit: RR = 0.67, 0.58‐0.76, versus fit–fit] and weight [gain: RR (95%) = 0.54, 0.43‐0.67; cycle: RR = 0.74, 0.57‐0.94, versus stable] were independently associated with MHOW.

Conclusions

Focusing on high CRF and strategies to limit weight gain may be important for individuals with overweight and obesity in early to mid‐adulthood to maintain a metabolically healthy profile.
Seeing Beyond the Visible
Authors: Hashagen Jens
Published: May 2015

Short‐wave infrared (SWIR) cameras open up numerous possibilities for machine vision solutions, since they detect invisible product flaws as well as desired characteristics: In contrast to mainstream machine vision cameras with CCD or CMOS sensors, most SWIR cameras have an InGaAs (Indium Gallium Arsenide) sensor and thus detect wavelengths between 900 nm and 1700 nm. These wavelengths are invisible to the human eye and CCD or CMOS cameras. Thus, SWIR cameras detect the invisible, for example, water accumulations inside fruits or defects within silicon products. This document gives examples of SWIR camera applications in several fields such as the semiconductor industry, recycling, metal and glass inspection, and airborne remote sensing. Since some SWIR cameras are mainly designed for use in research facilities, not only the image quality is crucial for industrial applications, but also an industrial rugged design as well as camera features commonly used in machine vision applications.
Training Paediatric Therapists to Deliver Constraint‐Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Coker‐Bolt Patty , DeLuca Stephanie C. , Ramey Sharon L.
Published: May 2015

Hospitals and therapists in developing countries often seek to learn how to deliver new forms of evidenced‐based practice (EBP), including paediatric constraint‐induced movement therapy (CIMT). This study examines a partnership implemented in Ethiopia, which trained therapists in CIMT and proposes a framework for sustainable EBP training.

The aim of this study is to apply a translational and implementation framework to build capacity for CIMT in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, that included intensive in‐country training and hands‐on delivery with patients, followed by clinical implementation and feedback. A goal was to develop a locally feasible, culturally relevant form of CIMT.

We framed our partnership model in terms of an implementation science model for therapists from multiple hospitals in Addis Ababa. Measures included workshop attendance, delivery of the curriculum and assessment of therapist's knowledge, skills and feedback postworkshop.

We established a successful partnership with a lead hospital and completed training for 12 therapists from five hospitals who demonstrated increases in knowledge and skills following training. We developed a new, practically useful, culturally appropriate form of CIMT for later implementation.

This partnership was limited to training of paediatric therapists in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Future studies will report on therapists' ability to integrate this EBP training into clinical practice as well as future training. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chain extension and modification of polypropylene carbonate using diphenylmethane diisocyanate
Authors: Wang Xi‐yuan , Diao Xiao‐qian , Yang Nan , Weng Yun‐xuan , Wang Wen
Published: May 2015

In the present work, with the application of diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) as the chain extender, poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) was modified by chain extension. The changes in the chemical, thermal and mechanical properties of PPC after modification were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetry and elemental analysis. The experimental results indicate that during melt blending of MDI and PPC the terminal hydroxyl group in PPC can react with the isocyanate group in MDI, leading to chain extension of PPC. Via modification, the physical properties and thermal stability of PPC can be enhanced considerably. With the addition of 1.5% MDI, the glass transition temperature increased from 14.1 °C to 28.2 °C and the thermal decomposition temperature T−5% increased from 162.7 °C to 246.8 °C. Moreover, the tensile strength of the modified PPC was improved from 3.1 MPa to 20.3 MPa. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Patient‐reported assessment of self‐management strategies of health in cancer patients: development and validation of the Smart Management Strategy for Health Assessment Tool (SAT)
Authors: Yun Young Ho , Jung Ju Youn , Sim Jin Ah , Choi Hyewon , Lee Jong Mok , Noh Dong‐Young , Han Wonshik , Park Kyu Joo , Jeong Seung‐Yong , Park Ji‐Won , Wu Hong‐Gyun , Chie Eui Kyu , Kim Hak Jae , Lee June Hee , Zo Zae Ill , Kim Sung , Lee Jeong Eon , Nam Seok Jin , Lee Eun Sook , Oh Jae Hwan , Kim Young‐Woo , Kim Young Tae , Shim Young Mog
Published: May 2015

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Smart Management Strategy for Health Assessment Tool (SAT), which we developed to enable cancer patients to assess their self‐management (SM) strategies of health by themselves.

Patients and methods

The development of the questionnaire included four phases: item generation, construction, pilot testing, and field testing. To assess the instrument's sensitivity and validity, we recruited 300 cancer patients from three Korean hospitals who were 18 or more years old and accustomed to using the Internet or email. Using the appropriate and priority criteria for pilot and field testing, we tightened the content and constructed the first version of the SAT.

Results

We developed the core strategies with 28 items, preparation strategies with 30 items, and implementation strategies with 33 items. Factor analysis of data from 300 patients resulted in core strategies with four factors, preparation strategies with five factors, and implementation strategies with six factors. All the SAT subscales demonstrated a high reliability with good internal consistency. The total scores of the three SAT sets differentiated participant groups well according to their stage of goal implementation and proportions of action of the 10 Rules for Highly Effective Health Behavior. Each factor of the three SAT sets correlated positively with the scores for additional assessment tool.

Conclusion

The SAT is a three‐set, 16‐factor, 91‐item tool that assesses the SM strategies of health that patients use to overcome a crisis. Patients can use the SAT to assess their SM strategies of health and obtain feedback from clinicians in the practice setting. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluoride impairs oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development in mice
Authors: Liang Shuang , Zhao Ming‐Hui , Ock Sun A. , Kim Nam‐Hyung , Cui Xiang‐Shun
Published: May 2015

The damage caused by fluorosis is permanent, and has been recognized as a public health problem in a number of regions of the world. Although multiple studies provided evidence that sodium fluoride (NaF) elicits adverse effects on reproductive function, the effect of fluoride on female germ cell development is not well understood. Therefore, the present study aimed at evaluating the effect of fluoride treatments on in vivo maturation and developmental potential of mouse oocytes, in which female ICR mice were treated with a range of doses (0, 30, 60, and 150 mg/L) of NaF. After treatment, mice were superovulated to collect ovulated oocytes. The effects of NaF on oocyte quality, fertilization potential and early embryonic development were evaluated, as well as the underlying mechanisms were primarily investigated. The findings of this study showed that NaF treatment resulted in abnormal spindle configuration, actin cap formation, and cortical granule‐free domain formation. Additionally, overexposure of mice to NaF notably reduced ATP production and mitochondrial membrane potential, further influencing in vitro fertilization and subsequent embryonic development. These results indicated that NaF treatment impairs the subsequent embryonic developmental potential of the oocytes. In conclusion, overexposure to fluoride in vivo was associated with a significant disruption of cytoskeletal dynamics and decreased oocyte quality, affecting the oocyte's subsequent fertilization and embryonic development. Results of this study provide a rationale for treating reproductive diseases such as infertility or miscarriage caused by environmental contaminants. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1486–1495, 2016.
Effects of xenoestrogens in human M1 and M2 macrophage migration, cytokine release, and estrogen‐related signaling pathways
Authors: Teixeira Diana , Marques Cláudia , Pestana Diogo , Faria Ana , Norberto Sónia , Calhau Conceição , Monteiro Rosário
Published: May 2015

Bisphenol A (BPA), bis(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and di(n‐butyl)phthalate (DBP) are environmental estrogens that have been associated with a wide range of adverse health outcomes for which inflammation has also been hypothesized as a potentially involved mechanism and where macrophages play a central role. This study was carried out to evaluate if xenoestrogen (XE) treatment of classically (M1) or alternatively (M2) activated macrophages could affect their behavior. For this purpose, human peripheral blood monocyte‐derived macrophages either unstimulated or activated with lipopolysaccharide (100 ng/mL, M1) or with interleukin (IL) 4 (15 ng/mL, M2) were treated with 17β‐estradiol (E2), BPA, DEHP and DBP alone or in combination with selective ERα or ERβ antagonists. Migratory capability, cytokine release, and estrogen‐associated signaling pathways were evaluated to assess macrophage function. All tested XEs had a tendency to stimulate M2 migration, an effect that followed the same direction than E2. Moreover, all XEs significantly induced IL10 in M1 and decreased IL6 and globally decreased IL10, IL6, TNFα, and IL1β release by M2 macrophages. However, DEHP and DBP significantly increased IL1β release in M1 and M2 macrophages, respectively. Some of the effects described above were shown to be mediated by either ERα or ERβ and were simultaneous to modulation of NF‐κB, AP1, JNK, or ERK signaling pathways. We provide new evidence of the effect of XE on macrophage behavior and their mechanisms with relevance to the understanding of the action of environmental chemicals on the immune system and inflammation‐associated diseases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1496–1509, 2016.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network Resectability Status for Pancreatic Carcinoma Predicts Overall Survival
Authors: Murakami Yoshiaki , Satoi Sohei , Sho Masayuki , Motoi Fuyuhiko , Matsumoto Ippei , Kawai Manabu , Honda Goro , Uemura Kenichiro , Yanagimoto Hiroaki , Shinzeki Makoto , Kurata Masanao , Kinoshita Shoichi , Yamaue Hiroki , Unno Michiaki
Published: May 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of preoperative resectability status, as defined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), from the viewpoint of overall survival.

Methods

A total of consecutive 704 patients with pancreatic head carcinoma who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with upfront surgery at seven Japanese hospitals between 2001 and 2012 were evaluated retrospectively. According to the NCCN definition of preoperative resectability status, tumors were divided into resectable tumors without vascular contact (R group), resectable tumors with portal or superior mesenteric vein (PV/SMV) contact of ≦180° (R‐PV group), borderline resectable(BR) tumors with PV/SMV contact of >180° (BR‐PV group), and BR tumors with arterial contact (BR‐A group). The relationship between the NCCN definition of preoperative resectability status and overall survival was analyzed.

Results

Of the 704 patients, 389, 114, 145, and 56 were classified into the R group, the R‐PV group, the BR‐PV group, and the BR‐A group, respectively. Overall survival of the BR‐PV and BR‐A groups was significantly worse than that of the R group and R‐PV groups (P < 0.05), although there was no significant difference in overall survival between the R group and the R‐PV group (P = 0.310). Multivariate analysis revealed that PV/SMV contact of >180° (P = 0.008) and arterial contact (P < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors of overall survival.

Conclusion

From the viewpoint of overall survival, the NCCN definition of preoperative resectability status was valid.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Infant Formula Fat Analog Enriched with Capric Acid
Authors: Álvarez Carlos A. , Akoh Casimir C.
Published: May 2015

A structured lipid (SL) with a substantial amount of palmitic acid at the sn‐2 position and enriched with capric acid (C), was produced in two enzymatic interesterification stages by using immobilized lipase, Lipozyme® TL IM (Novozymes North America Inc., Franklinton, NC, USA). The substrates for the reactions were high melting point palm stearin, high oleic sunflower oil and tricaprin. The SL was characterized for total and positional fatty acid profiles, triacylglycerol (TAG) molecular species, free fatty acid content, melting and crystallization profiles. The final SL contained 20.13 mol% of total palmitic acid, of which nearly 40 % was located at the sn‐2 position. The total capric acid content was 21.22 mol%, mostly at the sn‐1 and sn‐3 positions. The predominant TAGs in the SL were oleic–palmitic–oleic, POP and CLC. The melting completion and crystallization onset temperatures of the SL were 27.7 and 6.1 °C, respectively. The yield for the overall reaction was 90 wt%. This SL might be totally or partially used in commercial fat blends for infant formula.
Disability and Functional Burden of Disease Because of Mental in Comparison to Somatic Disorders in General Practice Patients
Authors: Linden M. , Linden U. , Schwantes U.
Published: May 2015

Background

Severity of illness is not only depending on the symptom load, but also on the burden in life. Mental disorders are among those illnesses, which in particular cause suffering to the individual and society.

Method

To study burden of disease for mental in comparison to somatic disorders, 2099 patients from 40 general practitioners filled in (a) the Burvill scale which measures acute and chronic illnesses in ten different body systems and (b) the IMET scale which measures impairment in ten different areas of life.

Results

Patients were suffering on average from acute and/or chronic illness in 3.5 (SD: 2.0) body systems and 56.6% of patients complained about acute and/or chronic mental disorders. The most significant negative impact on the IMET total score have acute and chronic mental disorders, followed by chronic neurological and musculoskeletal and acute respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, while cardiovascular, metabolic, urogenital, haematological and ear/eye disorders have no greater impact. Acute as well as chronic mental disorders cause impairment across all areas of life and most burden of disease (functional burden of disease 1.69), followed by musculoskeletal disorders (1.62).

Conclusion

Mental disorders are among the most frequent health problems with high negative impact across all areas of life. When combining frequency and impairment mental disorders cause most burden of disease in comparison to other illnesses. This should be reflected in the organization of medical care including family medicine.
Evaluation of Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy at a Veterans Affairs Hospital
Authors: Spivak Emily Sydnor , Kendall Brian , Orlando Patricia , Perez Christian , De Amorim Marina , Samore Matthew , Pavia Andrew T. , Hersh Adam L.
Published: May 2015

We reviewed outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center to identify opportunities for antimicrobial stewardship intervention. A definite or possible modification would have been recommended in 60% of courses. Forty-one percent of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy courses were potentially avoidable, including 22% involving infectious diseases consultation.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(9):1103–1105
J-band amplifier design using gain-enhanced cascodes in 0.13 μm SiGe
Authors: Malz Stefan , Heinemann Bernd , Lachner Rudolf , Pfeiffer Ullrich R.
Published: May 2015

This paper presents two J-band amplifiers in different 0.13 μm SiGe technologies: a small signal amplifier (SSA) in a technology in which never before gain has been shown over 200 GHz; and a low noise amplifier (LNA) design for 230 GHz applications in an advanced SiGe HBT technology with higher fT/fmax, demonstrating the combination of high gain, low noise, and low power in a single amplifier. Both circuits consist of a four-stage pseudo-differential cascode topology. By employing series–series feedback at the single-stage level the small-signal gain is increased, enabling circuit operation at high-frequencies and with improved efficiency, while maintaining unconditional stability. The SSA was fabricated in a SiGe BiCMOS technology by Infineon with fT/fmax values of 250/360 GHz. It has measured 19.5 dB gain at 212 GHz with a 3 dB bandwidth of 21 GHz. It draws 65 mA from a 3.3 V supply. On the other hand, a LNA was designed in a SiGe BiCMOS technology by IHP with fT/fmaxof 300/450 GHz. The LNA has measured 22.5 dB gain at 233 GHz with a 3 dB bandwidth of 10 GHz and a simulated noise figure of 12.5 dB. The LNA draws only 17 mA from a 4 V supply. The design methodology, which led to these record results, is described in detail with the LNA as an example.
Autobiographical Periods: A Review and Central Components of a Theory
Authors: Thomsen Dorthe Kirkegaard
Published: May 2015

Autobiographical periods refer to subjectively defined life periods with perceived beginnings and endings, including information about the people, places, activities, and objects associated with the period. Autobiographical periods are serial, parallel, and hierarchical and are associated with specific and categoric memories. Individuals construct autobiographical periods for the future and have knowledge of periods in other people's lives. The review shows that (a) autobiographical periods may facilitate the recall of specific memories; (b) specific memories from the beginning and end of autobiographical periods are more often recalled compared with specific memories from other time points; (c) autobiographical periods are used to place specific memories in time; (d) autobiographical periods play an important role in the construction of life stories; and (e) autobiographical periods are related to personality traits and well-being. The central components of a theory of autobiographical periods are outlined. Thinking of life as extended time periods is suggested to be the central process through which autobiographical periods are constructed. Sociocultural processes, experience, and goals are assumed to inform life period thinking, and thus the construction of autobiographical periods.
Strong coronal channelling and interplanetary evolution of a solar storm up to Earth and Mars
Authors: Möstl Christian , Rollett Tanja , Frahm Rudy A. , Liu Ying D. , Long David M. , Colaninno Robin C. , Reiss Martin A. , Temmer Manuela , Farrugia Charles J. , Posner Arik , Dumbović Mateja , Janvier Miho , Démoulin Pascal , Boakes Peter , Devos Andy , Kraaikamp Emil , Mays Mona L. , Vršnak Bojan
Published: May 2015

The severe geomagnetic effects of solar storms or coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are to a large degree determined by their propagation direction with respect to Earth. There is a lack of understanding of the processes that determine their non-radial propagation. Here we present a synthesis of data from seven different space missions of a fast CME, which originated in an active region near the disk centre and, hence, a significant geomagnetic impact was forecasted. However, the CME is demonstrated to be channelled during eruption into a direction +37±10° (longitude) away from its source region, leading only to minimal geomagnetic effects. In situ observations near Earth and Mars confirm the channelled CME motion, and are consistent with an ellipse shape of the CME-driven shock provided by the new Ellipse Evolution model, presented here. The results enhance our understanding of CME propagation and shape, which can help to improve space weather forecasts.
Intracellular signalling and intercellular coupling coordinate heterogeneous contractile events to facilitate tissue folding
Authors: Xie Shicong , Martin Adam C.
Published: May 2015

Cellular forces generated in the apical domain of epithelial cells reshape tissues. Recent studies highlighted an important role for dynamic actomyosin contractions, called pulses, that change cell and tissue shape. Net cell shape change depends on whether cell shape is stabilized, or ratcheted, between pulses. Whether there are different classes of contractile pulses in wild-type embryos and how pulses are spatiotemporally coordinated is unknown. Here we develop a computational framework to identify and classify pulses and determine how pulses are coordinated during invagination of the Drosophila ventral furrow. We demonstrate biased transitions in pulse behaviour, where weak or unratcheted pulses transition to ratcheted pulses. The transcription factor Twist directs this transition, with cells in Twist-depleted embryos exhibiting abnormal reversed transitions in pulse behaviour. We demonstrate that ratcheted pulses have higher probability of having neighbouring contractions, and that ratcheting of pulses prevents competition between neighbouring contractions, allowing collective behaviour.
Quantifying the ozone and ultraviolet benefits already achieved by the Montreal Protocol
Authors: Chipperfield M. P. , Dhomse S. S. , Feng W. , McKenzie R. L. , Velders G.J.M. , Pyle J. A.
Published: May 2015

Chlorine- and bromine-containing ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) are controlled by the 1987 Montreal Protocol. In consequence, atmospheric equivalent chlorine peaked in 1993 and has been declining slowly since then. Consistent with this, models project a gradual increase in stratospheric ozone with the Antarctic ozone hole expected to disappear by ∼2050. However, we show that by 2013 the Montreal Protocol had already achieved significant benefits for the ozone layer. Using a 3D atmospheric chemistry transport model, we demonstrate that much larger ozone depletion than observed has been avoided by the protocol, with beneficial impacts on surface ultraviolet. A deep Arctic ozone hole, with column values <120 DU, would have occurred given meteorological conditions in 2011. The Antarctic ozone hole would have grown in size by 40% by 2013, with enhanced loss at subpolar latitudes. The decline over northern hemisphere middle latitudes would have continued, more than doubling to ∼15% by 2013.
Stimulation of soluble guanylyl cyclase protects against obesity by recruiting brown adipose tissue
Authors: Hoffmann Linda S. , Etzrodt Jennifer , Willkomm Lena , Sanyal Abhishek , Scheja Ludger , Fischer Alexander W.C. , Stasch Johannes-Peter , Bloch Wilhelm , Friebe Andreas , Heeren Joerg , Pfeifer Alexander
Published: May 2015

Obesity is characterized by a positive energy balance and expansion of white adipose tissue (WAT). In contrast, brown adipose tissue (BAT) combusts energy to produce heat. Here we show that a small molecule stimulator (BAY 41-8543) of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), which produces the second messenger cyclic GMP (cGMP), protects against diet-induced weight gain, induces weight loss in established obesity, and also improves the diabetic phenotype. Mechanistically, the haeme-dependent sGC stimulator BAY 41–8543 enhances lipid uptake into BAT and increases whole-body energy expenditure, whereas ablation of the haeme-containing β1-subunit of sGC severely impairs BAT function. Notably, the sGC stimulator enhances differentiation of human brown adipocytes as well as induces ‘browning’ of primary white adipocytes. Taken together, our data suggest that sGC is a potential pharmacological target for the treatment of obesity and its comorbidities.
Unexpected edge conduction in mercury telluride quantum wells under broken time-reversal symmetry
Authors: Ma Eric Yue , Calvo M. Reyes , Wang Jing , Lian Biao , Mühlbauer Mathias , Brüne Christoph , Cui Yong-Tao , Lai Keji , Kundhikanjana Worasom , Yang Yongliang , Baenninger Matthias , König Markus , Ames Christopher , Buhmann Hartmut , Leubner Philipp , Molenkamp Laurens W. , Zhang Shou-Cheng , Goldhaber-Gordon David , Kelly Michael A. , Shen Zhi-Xun
Published: May 2015

The realization of quantum spin Hall effect in HgTe quantum wells is considered a milestone in the discovery of topological insulators. Quantum spin Hall states are predicted to allow current flow at the edges of an insulating bulk, as demonstrated in various experiments. A key prediction yet to be experimentally verified is the breakdown of the edge conduction under broken time-reversal symmetry. Here we first establish a systematic framework for the magnetic field dependence of electrostatically gated quantum spin Hall devices. We then study edge conduction of an inverted quantum well device under broken time-reversal symmetry using microwave impedance microscopy, and compare our findings to a non-inverted device. At zero magnetic field, only the inverted device shows clear edge conduction in its local conductivity profile, consistent with theory. Surprisingly, the edge conduction persists up to 9 T with little change. This indicates physics beyond simple quantum spin Hall model, including material-specific properties and possibly many-body effects.
Systematic Genome-wide Screening and Prediction of microRNAs in EBOV During the 2014 Ebolavirus Outbreak
Authors: Teng Yue , Wang Yuzhuo , Zhang Xianglilan , Liu Wenli , Fan Hang , Yao Hongwu , Lin Baihan , Zhu Ping , Yuan Wenjun , Tong Yigang , Cao Wuchun
Published: May 2015

Recently, several thousand people have been killed by the Ebolavirus disease (EVD) in West Africa, yet no current antiviral medications and treatments are available. Systematic investigation of ebolavirus whole genomes during the 2014 outbreak may shed light on the underlying mechanisms of EVD development. Here, using the genome-wide screening in ebolavirus genome sequences, we predicted four putative viral microRNA precursors (pre-miRNAs) and seven putative mature microRNAs (miRNAs). Combing bioinformatics analysis and prediction of the potential ebolavirus miRNA target genes, we suggest that two ebolavirus coding possible miRNAs may be silence and down-regulate the target genes NFKBIE and RIPK1, which are the central mediator of the pathways related with host cell defense mechanism. Additionally, the ebolavirus exploits the miRNAs to inhibit the NF-kB and TNF factors to evade the host defense mechanisms that limit replication by killing infected cells, or to conversely trigger apoptosis as a mechanism to increase virus spreading. This is the first study to use the genome-wide scanning to predict microRNAs in the 2014 outbreak EVD and then to apply systematic bioinformatics to analyze their target genes. We revealed a potential mechanism of miRNAs in ebolavirus infection and possible therapeutic targets for Ebola viral infection treatment.
TP53 transcription factor for the NEDD9/HEF1/Cas-L gene: potential targets in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer treatment
Authors: ROUSSEAU Bénédicte , JACQUOT Catherine , LE PALABE Julie , MALLETER Marine , TOMASONI Christophe , BOUTARD Tifenn , SAKANYAN Vehary , ROUSSAKIS Christos
Published: May 2015

Lung cancer is a serious public health problem. Although there has been significant progress in chemotherapy, non-small cell lung cancer is still resistant to current treatments, primarily because of the slow rate of cell development. It is thus important to find new molecules directed against targets other than proliferation agents. Considering the high proportion of mutant proteins in tumor cells and the high rate of mutation of the TP53 gene in all cancers and in NSCLC in particular, this gene is a perfect target. Certain new molecules have been shown to restore the activity of mutated p53 protein, for example PRIMA-1, which reactivates the His273 mutant p53. In a previous study, we presented triazine A190, a molecule with a cytostatic activity that blocks cells in the G1 phase and induces apoptosis. Here, we show that A190 not only restores mutant p53 activity, but also induces an overexpression of the NEDD9 gene, leading to apoptotic death. These findings might offer hope for the development of new targeted therapies, specific to tumor cells, which spare healthy cells.
Analysis of marine dietary supplements using NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Dais Photis , Misiak Maria , Hatzakis Emmanuel
Published: May 2015

The objective of this study is the qualitative and quantitative analysis of encapsulated fish oil supplements by utilizing high-resolution multinuclear (1H,13C,31P) and multidimensional NMR spectroscopy.
Cu(OAc)2–Et3N mediated oxidative coupling of α-azido ketones with pyridinium ylides: utilizing in situ generated imines for regioselective synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines
Authors: Kamal Ahmed , Reddy Chada Narsimha , Satyaveni Malasala , Chandrasekhar D. , Nanubolu Jagadeesh Babu , Singarapu Kiran Kumar , Maurya Ram Awatar
Published: May 2015

Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines are synthesized via Cu(OAc)2–Et3N mediated one-pot coupling of pyridines, α-bromo ketones and α-azido ketones.
Retraction: N, S co-doped graphene quantum dots from a single source precursor used for photodynamic cancer therapy under two-photon excitation
Authors: Gui Rijun , Liu Xifeng , Jin Hui , Wang Zonghua , Zhang Feifei , Xia Jianfei , Yang Min , Bi Sai , Xia Yanzhi
Published: May 2015

Retraction of ‘N, S co-doped graphene quantum dots from a single source precursor used for photodynamic cancer therapy under two-photon excitation’ by Rijun Gui et al., Chem. Commun., DOI: 10.1039/C4CC09280E.
How focussing on hydrogen bonding interactions in amino acids can miss the bigger picture: a high-pressure neutron powder diffraction study of ε-glycine
Authors: Moggach Stephen A. , Marshall William G. , Rogers David M. , Parsons Simon
Published: May 2015

Analysis of intermolecular interactions using purely geometric criteria can be misleading: glycine exhibits apparently ideal H-bonding geometry for dimers with repulsive interaction energies.
Self-generated microcracks in an ultra-thin AlN/GaN superlattice interlayer and their influences on the GaN epilayer grown on Si(110) substrates by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Shen Xu-Qiang , Takahashi Tokio , Matsuhata Hirofumi , Ide Toshihide , Shimizu Mitsuaki
Published: May 2015

We investigated the effect of an ultra-thin AlN/GaN superlattice interlayer (SL IL) on the GaN epilayer grown on Si(110) substrates by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD).