bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Anisotropic GeSe Nanosheets for Phototransistors with Ultrahigh Photoresponsivity
Authors: Zhou Xing , Hu Xiaozong , Jin Bao , Yu Jing , Liu Kailang , Li Huiqiao , Zhai Tianyou
Published: June 2018

2D GeSe possesses black phosphorous‐analog‐layered structure and shows excellent environmental stability, as well as highly anisotropic in‐plane properties. Additionally, its high absorption efficiency in the visible range and high charge carrier mobility render it promising for applications in optoelectronics. However, most reported GeSe‐based photodetectors show frustrating performance especially in photoresponsivity. Herein, a 2D GeSe‐based phototransistor with an ultrahigh photoresponsivity is demonstrated. Its optimized photoresponsivity can be up to ≈1.6 × 105 A W−1. This high responsivity can be attributed to the highly efficient light absorption and the enhanced photoconductive gain due to the existence of trap states. The exfoliated GeSe nanosheet is confirmed to be along the [001] (armchair direction) and [010] (zigzag direction) using transmission electron microscopy and anisotropic Raman characterizations. The angle‐dependent electric and photoresponsive performance is systematically explored. Notably, the GeSe‐based phototransistor shows strong polarization‐dependent photoresponse with a peak/valley ratio of 1.3. Furthermore, the charge carrier mobility along the armchair direction is measured to be 1.85 times larger than that along the zigzag direction.
Discrimination of Avian Influenza Virus Subtypes using Host‐Cell Infection Fingerprinting by a Sulfinate‐based Fluorescence Superoxide Probe
Authors: Hong Seong Cheol , Murale Dhiraj P. , Jang Se‐Young , Haque Md. Mamunul , Seo Minah , Lee Seok , Woo Deok Ha , Kwon Junghoon , Song Chang‐Seon , Kim Yun Kyung , Lee Jun‐Seok
Published: June 2018

The current gold‐standard diagnosis method for avian influenza (AI) is an embryonic egg‐based hemagglutination assay followed by immunoblotting or PCR sequencing to confirm subtypes. It requires, however, specialized facilities to handle egg inoculation and incubation, and the subtyping methods relied on costly reagents. Now, the first differential sensing approach to distinguish AI subtypes is demonstrated using series of cell lines and a fluorescent sensor. Susceptibility of AI virus differs depending on genetic backgrounds of host cells. Cells were examined from different organ origins, and the infection patterns against a panel of cells were utilized for AI virus subtyping. To quantify AI infection, a highly cell‐permeable fluorescent superoxide sensor was designed to visualize infection. This differential sensing strategy successfully proved discriminations of AI subtypes and demonstrated as a useful primary screening platform to monitor a large number of samples.
Kupfer‐katalysierte dehydrierende ortho‐Aminomethylierung von Phenolen
Authors: Yu Congjun , Patureau Frederic W.
Published: June 2018

Eine hochselektive CuII‐katalysierte dehydrierende ortho‐Aminomethylierung von Phenolen mit Anilinderivaten wird beschrieben. Die C(sp2)‐C(sp3)‐Kupplungsprodukte konnten unter milden Bedingungen in mäßigen bis hervorragenden Ausbeuten mit einem breiten Anwendungsspektrum isoliert werden. Ein radikalischer Mechanismus wurde vorgeschlagen.
On‐Surface Bottom‐Up Synthesis of Azine Derivatives Displaying Strong Acceptor Behavior
Authors: Ruiz del Árbol Nerea , Palacio Irene , Otero‐Irurueta Gonzalo , Martínez José I. , de Andrés Pedro L. , Stetsovych Oleksander , Moro‐Lagares María , Mutombo Pingo , Svec Martin , Jelínek Pavel , Cossaro Albano , Floreano Luca , Ellis Gary J. , López María F. , Martín‐Gago José A.
Published: June 2018

On‐surface synthesis is an emerging approach to obtain, in a single step, precisely defined chemical species that cannot be obtained by other synthetic routes. The control of the electronic structure of organic/metal interfaces is crucial for defining the performance of many optoelectronic devices. A facile on‐surface chemistry route has now been used to synthesize the strong electron‐acceptor organic molecule quinoneazine directly on a Cu(110) surface, via thermally activated covalent coupling of para‐aminophenol precursors. The mechanism is described using a combination of in situ surface characterization techniques and theoretical methods. Owing to a strong surface‐molecule interaction, the quinoneazine molecule accommodates 1.2 electrons at its carbonyl ends, inducing an intramolecular charge redistribution and leading to partial conjugation of the rings, conferring azo‐character at the nitrogen sites.
Adaptive fault‐tolerant control for a nonlinear flexible aircraft wing system
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Liu Jinkun , He Wei
Published: June 2018

Fault‐tolerant control problems have been extensively studied in all kinds of control systems. However, there is little work on fault‐tolerant control for distributed parameter systems. In this paper, a novel adaptive fault‐tolerant boundary control scheme is proposed for a nonlinear flexible aircraft wing system against actuator faults. The whole system is regarded as a distributed parameter system, and the dynamic model of the flexible wing system is described by a set of partial differential equations (PDEs) and ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The proposed controller is designed by using the Lyapunov's direct method and adaptive control strategies. Based on the online estimation of actuator faults, the adaptive controller parameters can update automatically to compensate the actuator faults of the system. Besides, a fault‐tolerant controller is also developed for this system in the presence of external disturbances. Differing from existing works about adaptive fault‐tolerant control, the adaptive controller presented in this paper is designed for a distributed parameter system. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Vehicle Dynamics Modeling and Electronic Stability Program/ Active Front Steering Sliding Mode Integrated Control
Authors: Fan Xiaobin , Zhao Zixiang
Published: June 2018

Chassis integrated control can significantly improve vehicle handling stability and comfort. Because of the complexity of the problem, it has attracted significant research attention. We built a vehicle nonlinear dynamic model with multi‐degree freedom, including body movement, wheel movement, and electronically controlled hydraulic power steering system. We compared the magic formula tire model, Dugoff tire model, brush tire model, and LuGre dynamic friction tire model and steady model. The precision of the model was verified by a comparison between simulation results and the real vehicle test results. Then, based on the vehicle dynamics model, an AFS (active front steering) controller was designed based on sliding mode variable structure control, and an AFS and ESP (electronic stability program) integrated coordination controller was proposed. Finally, based on the nonlinear tire model and multi‐DOF (degree of freedom) vehicle model, sinusoidal and step steering angle input simulation analysis was proposed on different road friction coefficients. The results show that the vehicle has better response characteristics with coordinated control strategy when compared with AFS and ESP only control. The evidence suggests that the proposed integrated control system in this paper can improve vehicle stability and safety.
Implementation of the HiBalance training program for Parkinson’s disease in clinical settings: A feasibility study
Authors: Joseph Conran , Leavy Breiffni , Mattsson Sara , Falk Lynn , Franzén Erika
Published: June 2018

Background

Translating evidence into practice requires adaptation to facilitate the implementation of efficacious interventions. A novel highly challenging balance training program (HiBalance) was found to improve gait, balance, and physical activity in persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in an earlier randomized controlled trial. This study aimed to describe the adaptation process and feasibility of implementing the HiBalance program for PD within primary healthcare settings.

Method

Feasibility was assessed in terms of study processes and scientific evaluation. Nine persons with mild–moderate PD were enrolled in this pre–post feasibility study. The dose of the original program was adapted by reducing therapist‐led training sessions from three to two times weekly. Outcome measures were substituted with ones more clinically feasible. One group (n = 5) received HiBalance training three times weekly for 10 weeks while another (n = 4) trained twice weekly plus a once weekly home exercise program (HEP). Balance performance was the primary outcome, while secondary outcomes (e.g., gait speed, physical activity level, concerns of falling, and health‐related quality of life) were also evaluated.

Results

Regarding process feasibility, attendance was high (approximately 90%) in both groups, and experiences of the group and home training were positive. Newly selected outcome measures were feasible. The scientific evaluation revealed few adverse events and no serious injuries occurred. Concerning outcomes per group, the average change in balance performance and gait speed was equal to, or exceeded, the minimally worthwhile treatment effect commonly used in PD.

Conclusion

The findings support the feasibility, in terms of process and scientific evaluation, of the adapted HiBalance program for implementation within clinical settings. A sufficiently powered study is required to ascertain whether the newly proposed program offers similar short and long‐term effects as the original program.
Not on my team: Medial prefrontal cortex responses to ingroup fusion and unfair monetary divisions
Authors: Apps Matthew A. J. , McKay Ryan , Azevedo Ruben T. , Whitehouse Harvey , Tsakiris Manos
Published: June 2018

Objective

People are highly attuned to fairness, with people willingly suffering personal costs to prevent others benefitting from unfair acts. Are fairness judgments influenced by group alignments? A new theory posits that we favor ingroups and denigrate members of rival outgroups when our personal identity is fused to a group. Although the mPFC has been separately implicated in group membership and fairness processing, it is unclear whether group alignments affect medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) activity in response to fairness. Here, we examine the contribution of different regions of the mPFC to processing from ingroup and outgroup members and test whether its response differs depending on how fused we are to an ingroup.

Methods

Subjects performed rounds of the Ultimatum Game, being offered fair or unfair divisions of money from supporters of the same soccer team (ingroup), the fiercest rival (outgroup) or neutral individuals whilst undergoing functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI).

Results

Strikingly, people willingly suffered personal costs to prevent outgroup members benefitting from both unfair and fair offers. Activity across dorsal and ventral (VMPFC) portions of the mPFC reflected an interaction between fairness and group membership. VMPFC activity in particular was consistent with it coding one's fusion to a group, with the fairness by group membership interaction correlating with the extent that the responder's identity was fused to the ingroup.

Conclusions

The influence of fusion on social behavior therefore seems to be linked to processing in the VMPFC.
Safety and efficacy of combination therapy of interferon‐α2 and ruxolitinib in polycythemia vera and myelofibrosis
Authors: Mikkelsen Stine Ulrik , Kjær Lasse , Bjørn Mads Emil , Knudsen Trine Alma , Sørensen Anders Lindholm , Andersen Christen Bertel Lykkegaard , Bjerrum Ole Weis , Brochmann Nana , Fassi Daniel El , Kruse Torben A. , Larsen Thomas Stauffer , Mourits‐Andersen Hans Torben , Nielsen Claus Henrik , Pallisgaard Niels , Thomassen Mads , Skov Vibe , Hasselbalch Hans Carl
Published: June 2018

Interferon‐α2 reduces elevated blood cell counts and splenomegaly in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and may restore polyclonal hematopoiesis. Its use is limited by inflammation‐mediated toxicity, leading to treatment discontinuation in 10‐30% of patients. Ruxolitinib, a potent anti‐inflammatory agent, has demonstrated benefit in myelofibrosis (MF) and polycythemia vera (PV) patients. Combination therapy (CT) with these two agents may be more efficacious than monotherapy with either, potentially improving tolerability of interferon‐α2 as well. We report the preliminary results from a phase II study of CT with pegylated interferon‐α2 and ruxolitinib in 50 MPN patients (PV, n = 32; low‐/intermediate‐1‐risk MF, n = 18), the majority (n = 47) being resistant and/or intolerant to interferon‐α2 monotherapy. Objectives included remission (2013 revised criteria encompassing histologic, hematologic, and clinical responses), complete hematologic response (CHR), molecular response, and toxicity. Follow‐up was 12 months. Partial remission (PR) and sustained CHR were achieved in 9% and 44% of PV patients, respectively. In MF patients, complete or partial remission was achieved in 39%, and sustained CHR in 58%. The median JAK2V617F allele burden declined significantly in both groups. Hematologic toxicity was the most common adverse event and was managed by dose reduction. Thirty‐seven serious adverse events were recorded in 23 patients; the discontinuation rate was 20%. We conclude that CT with interferon‐α2 and ruxolitinib is efficacious in patients with low‐/intermediate‐1‐risk MF and, to a lesser extent, in patients with PV. These preliminary results encourage phase III studies as well as a study with CT in newly diagnosed MPN patients.
Validation of multiple myeloma risk stratification indices in routine clinical practice: Analysis of data from the Czech Myeloma Group Registry of Monoclonal Gammopathies
Authors: Radocha Jakub , Maisnar Vladimír , Pour Luděk , Špička Ivan , Minařík Jiři , Szeligová Lenka , Pavlíček Petr , Jungová Alexandra , Krejčí Marta , Pika Tomáš , Straub Jan , Brožová Lucie , Stejskal Lukáš , Heindorfer Adriana , Jindra Pavel , Kessler Petr , Mikula Peter , Sýkora Michal , Wróbel Marek , Jarkovský Jiří , Hájek Roman
Published: June 2018

This study used data from the Czech Myeloma Group Registry of Monoclonal Gammopathies to validate the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) and revised International Staging System (R‐ISS) indices for risk stratification in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) in clinical practice. Patients were included if they had symptomatic MM, complete data allowing R‐ISS and IMWG staging (including cytogenetic information regarding t(4;14), t(14;16), and del(17p)), and key parameters for treatment evaluation. Median overall survival (OS) in included patients (n = 550) was 47.7 (95% CI: 39.5‐55.9) and 46.2 (95% CI: 38.9‐53.5) months from diagnosis and initiation of first‐line therapy, respectively. Patients categorized as higher vs lower risk had reduced survival; median OS from diagnosis was 35.4 (95% CI: 30.5‐40.3) vs 58.3 (95% CI: 53.8‐62.9) months in high‐risk vs other patients (IMWG; P = .001) and 34.1 (95% CI: 30.2‐38.0) vs 47.2 (95% CI: 43.4‐51.0) months in Stage III vs Stage II patients (R‐ISS; P < .001). In conclusion, IMWG and R‐ISS risk stratification indices are applicable to patients with MM in a real‐world setting.
Mammalian Cells Engineered To Produce New Steroids
Authors: Spady Emma S. , Wyche Thomas P. , Rollins Nathanael J. , Clardy Jon , Way Jeffrey C. , Silver Pamela A.
Published: June 2018

Steroids can be difficult to modify through traditional organic synthesis methods, but many enzymes regio‐ and stereoselectively process a wide variety of steroid substrates. We tested whether steroid‐modifying enzymes could make novel steroids from non‐native substrates. Numerous genes encoding steroid‐modifying enzymes, including some bacterial enzymes, were expressed in mammalian cells by transient transfection and found to be active. We made three unusual steroids by stable expression, in HEK293 cells, of the 7α‐hydroxylase CYP7B1, which was selected because of its high native product yield. These cells made 7α,17α‐dihydroxypregnenolone and 7β,17α‐dihydroxypregnenolone from 17α‐hydroxypregnenolone and produced 11α,16α‐dihydroxyprogesterone from 16α‐hydroxyprogesterone. The last two products were the result of CYP7B1‐catalyzed hydroxylation at previously unobserved sites. A Rosetta docking model of CYP7B1 suggested that these substrates’ D‐ring hydroxy groups might prevent them from binding in the same way as the native substrates, bringing different carbon atoms close to the active ferryl oxygen atom. This new approach could potentially use other enzymes and substrates to produce many novel steroids for drug candidate testing.
Exploiting the Catalytic Diversity of Short‐Chain Dehydrogenases/Reductases: Versatile Enzymes from Plants with Extended Imine Substrate Scope
Authors: Roth Sebastian , Kilgore Matthew B. , Kutchan Toni M. , Müller Michael
Published: June 2018

Numerous short‐chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs) have found biocatalytic applications in C=O and C=C (enone) reduction. For NADPH‐dependent C=N reduction, imine reductases (IREDs) have primarily been investigated for extension of the substrate range. Here, we show that SDRs are also suitable for a broad range of imine reductions. The SDR noroxomaritidine reductase (NR) is involved in Amaryllidaceae alkaloid biosynthesis, serving as an enone reductase. We have characterized NR by using a set of typical imine substrates and established that the enzyme is active with all four tested imine compounds (up to 99 % conversion, up to 92 % ee). Remarkably, NR reduced two keto compounds as well, thus highlighting this enzyme family's versatility. Using NR as a template, we have identified an as yet unexplored SDR from the Amaryllidacea Zephyranthes treatiae with imine‐reducing activity (≤95 % ee). Our results encourage the future characterization of SDR family members as a means of discovering new imine‐reducing enzymes.
IgG4‐related mastopathy: A case report and literature review
Authors: Yokoe Takamichi , Hayashida Tetsu , Kikuchi Masayuki , Watanuki Rurina , Nakashoji Ayako , Maeda Hinako , Toyota Tomoka , Seki Tomoko , Takahashi Maiko , Iwasaki Eisuke , Mikami Shuji , Kameyama Kaori , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: June 2018

Key Clinical Message

IgG4‐related sclerosing disease (IgG4‐RD) occasionally involves breast entity, which is often difficult to distinguish from malignant tumor, as both radiologically resembles. We report a case of a breast mass diagnosed as IgG4‐related mastopathy (IgG4‐RM) through needle biopsy, which responded well to glucocorticoid therapy. Unnecessary excision should be avoided.
Partially Upgraded Biogas: Potential for Decentralized Utilization in Agricultural Machinery
Authors: Saidi Abdessamad , Trinkl Christoph , Conti Fosca , Goldbrunner Markus , Karl Jürgen
Published: June 2018

The necessity for alternative utilization options for biogas plants and low‐emission power concepts for the agricultural sector underlines the high potential of decentralized utilization of partially upgraded biogas as vehicle fuel for agricultural machinery. In contrast to conventional biogas upgrading to natural gas quality for injection into the natural gas grid, the approach allows a reduced CO2 separation up to the operation limits of dual‐fuel combustion engines. To determine these limits, experimental investigations into the combustion process with low calorific CO2‐rich fuel gas, regarding engine performance, process efficiency, and emission behavior, have to be performed. The resulting lower purity requirements enable a cost‐efficient upgrading system on a small scale. To identify the savings potential, model‐based optimization of the water scrubbing process is performed.
Minimization of the Theoretical Error of Input Parameters for a Vapor Permeation Apparatus
Authors: Dytrych Pavel , Vajglová Zuzana , Morávková Lenka , Jandová Věra , Izák Pavel , Petrusová Zuzana
Published: June 2018

All input experimental errors for membrane flux determination were analyzed. The overall error in pressure did not largely influence the determination of membrane flux. The main contribution to errors was ascribed to flow meters and membrane thickness. The choice of an optimal operational range for input parameters led to elimination of at least 2/3 of the theoretical relative error for subsequent evaluation of the permeability of individual species. This is especially valuable for low‐permeable membranes, whereas a very low relative theoretical error can be obtained in the case of highly permeable materials.
Role of Association in Chiral Catalysis: From Asymmetric Synthesis to Spin Selectivity
Authors: Ageeva Aleksandra A. , Khramtsova Ekaterina A. , Magin Ilya M. , Purtov Peter A. , Miranda Miguel A. , Leshina Tatyana V.
Published: June 2018

The origin of biomolecules in the pre‐biological period is still a matter of debate, as is the unclarified nature of the differences in enantiomer properties, especially for the medically important activity of chiral drugs. With regards to the first issue, significant progress was made in the last decade of the 20th century through experimental confirmation of Frank's popular theory on chiral catalysis in spontaneous asymmetric synthesis. Soai examined the chiral catalysis of the alkylation of achiral aldehydes by achiral reagents. Attempts to model this process demonstrated the key role of chiral compounds associates as templates for chiral synthesis. However, the elementary mechanism of alkylation and the role of free radicals in this process are still incompletely understood. Meanwhile, the influence of external magnetic fields on chiral enrichment in the radical path of alkylation has been predicted. In addition, the role of chiral dyad association in another radical process, electron transfer (ET), has been recently demonstrated by the following methods: chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarisation (CIDNP), NMR spectroscopy, XRD and photochemistry. The CIDNP analysis of ET in two dyads has revealed a phenomenon first observed for chiral systems, spin selectivity, which results in the difference between the CIDNP enhancement coefficients of dyad diastereomers. These dyads are linked systems consisting of the widespread drug (S)‐naproxen (NPX) or its R analogue and electron donors, namely, (S)‐tryptophan and (S)‐N‐methylpyrrolidine. Because NPX is one of the most striking examples of the difference in the therapeutic properties of enantiomers, the appearance of spin selectivity in dyads with (S)‐ and (R)‐NPX and S donors can shed light on the chemical nature of these differences. This review is devoted to discussing the chemical nature of spin selectivity and the role of chiral associates in the chiral catalysis of an elementary radical reaction: ET in chiral dyads.
Identification of the Natural Product Rotihibin A as a TOR Kinase Signaling Inhibitor by Unbiased Transcriptional Profiling
Authors: Halder Vivek , Oeljeklaus Julian , Heilmann Geronimo , Krahn Jan H. , Liu Yanlin , Xiong Yan , Schlicht Markus , Schillinger Jasmin , Kracher Barbara , Ehrmann Michael , Kombrink Erich , Kaschani Farnusch , Kaiser Markus
Published: June 2018

Bioactive natural products are important starting points for developing chemical tools for biological research. For elucidating their bioactivity profile, biological systems with concise complexity such as cell culture systems are frequently used, whereas unbiased investigations in more complex multicellular systems are only rarely explored. Here, we demonstrate with the natural product Rotihibin A and the plant research model system Arabidopsis thaliana that unbiased transcriptional profiling enables a rapid, label‐free, and compound economic evaluation of a natural product′s bioactivity profile in a complex multicellular organism. To this end, we established a chemical synthesis of Rotihibin A as well as that of structural analogues, followed by transcriptional profiling‐guided identification and validation of Rotihibin A as a TOR signaling inhibitor (TOR=target of rapamycin). These findings illustrate that a combined approach of transcriptional profiling and natural product research may represent a technically simple approach to streamline the development of chemical tools from natural products even for biologically complex multicellular biological systems.
Wie gut kennen Sie die CIT?
Authors: Wiederhold Sabine
Published: June 2018

No abstract.
Evaluation of 2 breast cancer risk models in a benign breast disease cohort
Authors: Frank Ryan D. , Winham Stacey J. , Vierkant Robert A. , Frost Marlene H. , Radisky Derek C. , Ghosh Karthik , Brandt Kathleen R. , Sherman Mark E. , Visscher Daniel W. , Hartmann Lynn C. , Degnim Amy C. , Vachon Celine M.
Published: June 2018

Background

More than 1.5 million women per year have a benign breast biopsy resulting in concern about their future breast cancer (BC) risk. This study examined the performance of 2 BC risk models that integrate clinical and histologic findings in this population.

Methods

The BC risk at 5 and 10 years was estimated with the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC) and Benign Breast Disease to Breast Cancer (BBD‐BC) models for women diagnosed with benign breast disease (BBD) at the Mayo Clinic from 1997 to 2001. Women with BBD were eligible for the BBD‐BC model, but the BCSC model also required a screening mammogram. Calibration and discrimination were assessed.

Results

Fifty‐six cases of BC were diagnosed among the 2142 women with BBD (median age, 50 years) within 5 years (118 were diagnosed within 10 years). The BBD‐BC model had slightly better calibration at 5 years (0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71‐1.21) versus 10 years (0.81; 95% CI, 0.70‐1.00) but similar discrimination in the 2 time periods: 0.68 (95% CI, 0.60‐0.75) and 0.66 (95% CI, 0.60‐0.71), respectively. In contrast, among the 1089 women with screening mammograms (98 cases of BC within 10 years), the BCSC model had better calibration (0.94; 95% CI, 0.85‐1.43) and discrimination (0.63; 95% CI, 0.56‐0.71) at 10 years versus 5 years (calibration, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.94‐2.25; discrimination, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.46‐0.71) where discrimination was not different from chance.

Conclusions

The BCSC and BBD‐BC models were validated in the Mayo BBD cohort, although their performance differed by 5‐year risk versus 10‐year risk. Further enhancement of these models is needed to provide accurate BC risk estimates for women with BBD.
A home‐based mentored vegetable gardening intervention demonstrates feasibility and improvements in physical activity and performance among breast cancer survivors
Authors: Bail Jennifer R. , Frugé Andrew D. , Cases Mallory G. , De Los Santos Jennifer F. , Locher Julie L. , Smith Kerry P. , Cantor Alan B. , Cohen Harvey J. , Demark‐Wahnefried Wendy
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

The current study assessed the feasibility of a mentored home‐based vegetable gardening intervention and examined changes in health‐related outcomes among breast cancer survivors (BCS).

METHODS

BCS were randomized to either a year‐long vegetable gardening intervention to begin immediately or a wait‐list control. Master Gardeners mentored participants in planning, planting, and maintaining 3 seasonal gardens over the course of 1 year. Participant accrual, retention, and satisfaction rates of ≥80% served as feasibility (primary outcome) benchmarks. Secondary outcomes (ie, vegetable consumption, physical activity, performance and function, anthropometrics, biomarkers, and health‐related quality of life) were collected at baseline and post‐intervention (1‐year follow‐up) using subjective and objective measures.

RESULTS

The trial surpassed all feasibility benchmarks at 82% of targeted accrual, 95% retention, and 100% satisfaction (ie, experience ratings of “good to excellent” and willingness to “do it again”). Compared with the controls, intervention participants reported significantly greater improvements in moderate physical activity (+14 vs ‐17 minutes/week) and demonstrated improvements in the 2‐Minute Step Test (+22 vs + 10 steps), and Arm Curl (+2.7 vs + 0.1 repetitions) (P values < .05). A trend toward improved vegetable consumption was observed (+0.9 vs + 0.2 servings/day; P = .06). Approximately 86% of participants were continuing to garden at the 2‐year follow‐up.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study suggest that a mentored, home‐based vegetable gardening intervention is feasible and offers an integrative and durable approach with which to improve health behaviors and outcomes among BCS. Harvest for Health led to the establishment of a group of trained Master Gardeners and gave rise to local and global community‐based programs. Larger studies are needed to confirm the results presented herein and to define applicability across broader populations of survivors.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Travel for Head and Neck Cancer Treatment and the Impact of Travel Distance on Survival
Authors: Graboyes Evan M. , Ellis Mark A. , Li Hong , Kaczmar John M. , Sharma Anand K. , Lentsch Eric J. , Day Terry A. , Hughes Halbert Chanita
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Patients who travel a long distance (≥50 miles) for cancer care have improved outcomes. However, to the authors' knowledge, the prevalence of long travel distances for treatment by patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and the effect of travel distance on overall survival (OS), remains unknown.

METHODS

The authors used the National Cancer Data base from 2004 through 2013 to identify patients with HNSCC undergoing definitive treatment. Travel distance for treatment was categorized as short (<12.5 miles), intermediate (12.5‐49.9 miles), and long (50‐249.9 miles). The primary outcome, OS, was evaluated using Cox shared‐frailty modeling. A secondary outcome, factors associated with intermediate and long travel distances, was evaluated using multivariable hierarchical logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 118,000 patients with HNSCC, 62,753 (53.2%), 40,644 (34.4%), and 14,603 (12.4%) patients, respectively, traveled short, intermediate, and long distances for treatment. After adjusting for relevant covariates, long travel distance was associated with treatment at academic and high‐volume centers. Patients of black race, of Hispanic ethnicity, with Medicaid insurance, and who were treated with nonsurgical treatment were less likely to travel long distances for treatment (P<.001). Traveling a long distance for treatment was associated with improved OS on multivariable analysis (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.89‐0.96) compared with a short distance.

CONCLUSIONS

Traveling a long distance for HNSCC treatment is associated with improved survival, especially for patients receiving nonsurgical management. Racial and ethnic disparities in travel for HNSCC treatment exist. As regionalization of care continues, future work should identify and address reasons for racial and ethnic disparities in travel that may prevent access to care at high‐volume facilities. Cancer 2018;000:000‐000. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Asymmetric vasopressin signaling spatially organizes the master circadian clock
Authors: Bedont Joseph L. , Rohr Kayla E. , Bathini Abhijith , Hattar Samer , Blackshaw Seth , Sehgal Amita , Evans Jennifer A.
Published: June 2018

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the neural network that drives daily rhythms in behavior and physiology. The SCN encodes environmental changes through the phasing of cellular rhythms across its anteroposterior axis, but it remains unknown what signaling mechanisms regulate clock function along this axis. Here we demonstrate that arginine vasopressin (AVP) signaling organizes the SCN into distinct anteroposterior domains. Spatial mapping of SCN gene expression using in situ hybridization delineated anterior and posterior domains for AVP signaling components, including complementary patterns of V1a and V1b expression that suggest different roles for these two AVP receptors. Similarly, anteroposterior patterning of transcripts involved in Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide‐ and Prokineticin2 signaling was evident across the SCN. Using bioluminescence imaging, we then revealed that inhibiting V1A and V1B signaling alters period and phase differentially along the anteroposterior SCN. V1 antagonism lengthened period the most in the anterior SCN, whereas changes in phase were largest in the posterior SCN. Further, separately antagonizing V1A and V1B signaling modulated SCN function in a manner that mapped onto anteroposterior expression patterns. Lastly, V1 antagonism influenced SCN period and phase along the dorsoventral axis, complementing effects on the anteroposterior axis. Together, these results indicate that AVP signaling modulates SCN period and phase in a spatially specific manner, which is expected to influence how the master clock interacts with downstream tissues and responds to environmental changes. More generally, we reveal anteroposterior asymmetry in neuropeptide signaling as a recurrent organizational motif that likely influences neural computations in the SCN clock network.
Branched‐Chain Polyamine Found in Hyperthermophiles Induces Unique Temperature‐Dependent Structural Changes in Genome‐Size DNA
Authors: Nishio Takashi , Yoshikawa Yuko , Fukuda Wakao , Umezawa Naoki , Higuchi Tsunehiko , Fujiwara Shinsuke , Imanaka Tadayuki , Yoshikawa Kenichi
Published: June 2018

A pentavalent branched‐chain polyamine, N4‐bis(aminopropyl)spermidine 3(3)(3)4, is a unique polycation found in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis, which grows at temperatures between 60 and 100 °C. We studied the effects of this branched‐chain polyamine on DNA structure at different temperatures up to 80 °C. Atomic force microscopic observation revealed that 3(3)(3)4 induces a mesh‐like structure on a large DNA (166 kbp) at 24 °C. With an increase in temperature, DNA molecules tend to unwind, and multiple nano‐loops with a diameter of 10–50 nm are generated along the DNA strand at 80 °C. These results were compared to those obtained with linear‐chain polyamines, homocaldopentamine 3334 and spermidine, the former of which is a structural isomer of 3(3)(3)4. These specific effects are expected to neatly concern with its role on high‐temperature preference in hyperthermophiles.
Untargeted metabolic profiling reveals geography as the strongest predictor of metabolic phenotypes of a cosmopolitan weed
Authors: Iwanycki Ahlstrand Natalie , Havskov Reghev Nicoline , Markussen Bo , Bruun Hansen Hans Christian , Eiriksson Finnur F. , Thorsteinsdóttir Margrét , Rønsted Nina , Barnes Christopher J.
Published: June 2018

Plants produce a multitude of metabolites that contribute to their fitness and survival and play a role in local adaptation to environmental conditions. The effects of environmental variation are particularly well studied within the genus Plantago; however, previous studies have largely focused on targeting specific metabolites. Studies exploring metabolome‐wide changes are lacking, and the effects of natural environmental variation and herbivory on the metabolomes of plants growing in situ remain unknown. An untargeted metabolomic approach using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, coupled with variation partitioning, general linear mixed modeling, and network analysis was used to detect differences in metabolic phenotypes of Plantago major in fifteen natural populations across Denmark. Geographic region, distance, habitat type, phenological stage, soil parameters, light levels, and leaf area were investigated for their relative contributions to explaining differences in foliar metabolomes. Herbivory effects were further investigated by comparing metabolomes from damaged and undamaged leaves from each plant. Geographic region explained the greatest number of significant metabolic differences. Soil pH had the second largest effect, followed by habitat and leaf area, while phenological stage had no effect. No evidence of the induction of metabolic features was found between leaves damaged by herbivores compared to undamaged leaves on the same plant. Differences in metabolic phenotypes explained by geographic factors are attributed to genotypic variation and/or unmeasured environmental factors that differ at the regional level in Denmark. A small number of specialized features in the metabolome may be involved in facilitating the success of a widespread species such as Plantago major into such wide range of environmental conditions, although overall resilience in the metabolome was found in response to environmental parameters tested. Untargeted metabolomic approaches have great potential to improve our understanding of how specialized plant metabolites respond to environmental change and assist in adaptation to local conditions.
Fluctuating thermal environments and time‐dependent effects on fruit fly egg‐hatching performance
Authors: Cavieres Grisel , Bogdanovich José M. , Toledo Paloma , Bozinovic Francisco
Published: June 2018

Organismal performance in a changing environment is dependent on temporal patterns and duration of exposure to thermal variability. We experimentally assessed the time‐dependent effects of thermal variability (i.e., patterns of thermal exposure) on the hatching performance of Drosophila melanogaster. Flies were collected in central Chile and maintained for four generations in laboratory conditions. Fourth generation eggs were acclimated to different thermal fluctuation cycles until hatching occurred. Our results show that the frequency of extreme thermal events has a significant effect on hatching success. Eggs exposed to 24 hr cycles of thermal fluctuation had a higher proportion of eggs that hatched than those acclimated to shorter (6 and 12 hr) and longer cycles (48 hr). Furthermore, eggs subjected to frequent thermal fluctuations hatched earlier than those acclimated to less frequent thermal fluctuations. Overall, we show that, egg‐to‐adult viability is dependent on the pattern of thermal fluctuations experienced during ontogeny; thus, the pattern of thermal fluctuation experienced by flies has a significant and until now unappreciated impact on fitness.
Ecosystem engineering by foxes is mediated by the landscape context—A case study from steppic burial mounds
Authors: Godó Laura , Tóthmérész Béla , Valkó Orsolya , Tóth Katalin , Kiss Réka , Radócz Szilvia , Kelemen András , Török Péter , Švamberková Eva , Deák Balázs
Published: June 2018

In intensively used landscapes, remnant grassland fragments are often restricted to places unsuitable for agricultural cultivation. Such refuges are the ancient burial mounds called “kurgans,” which are typical landscape elements of the Eurasian steppe and forest steppe zone. Due to their hill‐like shape, loose soil structure and undisturbed status kurgans provide proper habitats for burrowing mammals. Accordingly, grassland vegetation on kurgans is often exposed to bioturbation, which can influence the habitat structure and plant species pool. In our study, we explored the effect of fox burrows and landscape context on the habitat properties and vegetation composition of small landscape elements, using kurgans as model habitats. We surveyed the vegetation of fox burrows and that of the surrounding grassland on five kurgans situated in cleared landscapes surrounded by arable lands and five kurgans in complex landscapes surrounded by grazed grasslands. We recorded the percentage cover of vascular plants, the amount of litter, and soil moisture content in twelve 0.5 m × 0.5 m plots per kurgan, in a total of 120 plots. We found that foxes considerably transformed habitat conditions and created microhabitats by changing the soil nutrient availability and reducing total vegetation cover and litter. Several grassland specialist species, mostly grasses (Agropyron cristatum, Elymus hispidus, and Stipa capillata) established in the newly created microhabitats, although the cover of noxious species was also considerable. We found that landscape context influenced the sort of species which could establish on kurgans by affecting the available species pool and soil moisture. Our results revealed that foxes act as ecosystem engineers on kurgans by transforming abiotic and biotic conditions by burrowing. Their engineering activity maintains disturbance‐dependent components of dry grasslands and increases local environmental heterogeneity.
Nuptial gift chemistry reveals convergent evolution correlated with antagonism in mating systems of harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones)
Authors: Kahn Penelope C. , Cao Dennis D. , Burns Mercedes , Boyer Sarah L.
Published: June 2018

Nuptial gifts are material donations given from male to female before or during copulation and are subject to sexual selection in a wide variety of taxa. The harvestman genus Leiobunum has emerged as a model system for understanding the evolution of reproductive morphology and behavior, as transitions between solicitous and antagonistic modes of courtship have occurred multiple times within the lineage and are correlated with convergence in genital morphology. We analyzed the free amino acid content of nuptial gift secretions from five species of Leiobunum using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Multivariate analysis of the free amino acid profiles revealed that, rather than clustering based on phylogenetic relationships, nuptial gift chemical composition was better predicted by genital morphology and behavior, suggesting that convergent evolution has acted on the chemical composition of the nuptial gift. In addition, we found that, species with solicitous courtship produce gifts consisting of a 19% larger proportion of essential amino acids as compared to those with more antagonistic courtship interactions. This work represents the first comparative study of nuptial gift chemistry within a phylogenetic framework in any animal group and as such contributes to our understanding of the evolution of reproductive diversity and the participant role of nuptial gift chemistry in mating system transitions.
Acute heart failure management in the USA and Japan: overview of practice patterns and review of evidence
Authors: Tanaka Toshikazu D. , Sawano Mitsuaki , Ramani Ravi , Friedman Mark , Kohsaka Shun
Published: June 2018

Globally, acute heart failure (AHF) remains an ongoing public health issue with its prevalence and mortality increasing in the east and the west. Effective treatment strategies to stabilize AHF are important to alleviate clinical symptoms and to improve clinical outcomes. However, despite the progress in the management of stable and chronic heart failure, no single agent has been proven to play a definitive role in the management of AHF. As a consequence, contemporary treatment strategies for patients with AHF vary greatly by region. This manuscript reviews the medical treatment options for AHF, with an emphasis on the differences between the treatment strategies in the USA and Japan. This information would provide a framework for clinicians to evaluate and manage patients with AHF and highlight the remaining questions to improve clinical outcomes.
A clinically applicable adjuvant for an atherosclerosis vaccine in mice
Authors: Kobiyama Kouji , Vassallo Melanie , Mitzi Jessica , Winkels Holger , Pei Hong , Kimura Takayuki , Miller Jacqueline , Wolf Dennis , Ley Klaus
Published: June 2018

Vaccination with MHC‐II‐restricted peptides from Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) with complete and incomplete Freund's adjuvant (CFA/IFA) is known to protect mice from atherosclerosis. This vaccination induces antigen‐specific IgG1 and IgG2c antibody responses and a robust CD4 T cell response in lymph nodes. However, CFA/IFA cannot be used in humans. To find a clinically applicable adjuvant, we tested the effect of vaccinating Apoe‐deficient mice with ApoB peptide P6 (TGAYSNASSTESASY). In a broad screening experiment, Addavax, a squalene‐based oil‐in‐water adjuvant similar to MF59, was the only adjuvant that showed similar efficacy as CFA/IFA. This was confirmed in a confirmation experiment for both the aortic arch and whole aorta analyzed by en face analysis after atherosclerotic lesion staining. Mechanistically, restimulated peritoneal cells from mice immunized with P6 in Addavax released significant amounts of IL‐10. Unlike P6 in CFA/IFA, vaccination with P6 in Addavax did not induce any detectable IgG1 or IgG2c antibodies to P6. These data suggest that squalene‐based adjuvants such as MF59 are good candidate adjuvants for developing a clinically effective atherosclerosis vaccine.
Magnetic Anisotropy, Magneto–Structural Correlations and Mechanism of Magnetic Relaxation in {DyIIIN8} Complexes: A Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Gupta Tulika , Rajaraman Gopalan
Published: June 2018

Ab initio CASSCF calculations have been undertaken to probe the origin of magnetic anisotropy in two structurally related {DyIIIN8} SIMs {[Dy(tmtaa)2]– and [K(DME)2][Dy(tmtaa)2]; 1 and 2, respectively}. Our calculations reveal that complex 1 possesses a larger barrier for reorientation of magnetization (Ucal) than does 2. This is essentially due to the intrusion of K+ ions, which distort the geometry and the donor abilities of the ligands in complex 2, compared with 1. Moreover, the ligand field around DyIII was found to stabilize |mJ> = |±13/2> as the ground state, with stronger mixing by other |mJ> levels. This corresponds to the observation of large gxx and gyy values at the ground state, leading to an efficient QTM process and very fast relaxation. The computed ground‐state |mJ> levels and the estimated g tensors for both complexes are in agreement with experimental results obtained from magnetic and EPR spectroscopic studies. In addition, we have developed various magneto–structural correlations for complexes 1 and 2, in order to understand how small structural distortions are likely to influence the magnetic anisotropy. These correlations offer clues to enhancing the barrier height for magnetization reversal in {DyIIIN8} complexes.
Fluorescent Dyes in Organometallic Chemistry: Coumarin‐Tagged NHC–Metal Complexes
Authors: Halter Oliver , Plenio Herbert
Published: June 2018

7‐NEt2‐ and julolidene‐coumarin‐substituted azolium salts were synthesized and used to prepare the respective coumarin‐substituted NHC–metal complexes: [AuCl(NHC)], [PdCl(allyl)(NHC)], [MCl(CO)2(NHC)] (M = Rh, Ir), [MCl(cod)(NHC)] (M = Rh, Ir), [PdCl2(Cl‐py)(NHC)], [PdC(allyl)]2, and [RuCl2(ind)(NHC)(SIMes)] – sorted according to the respective fluorescence quantum yields of between φ = 0.70 [Au] and φ = 0.005 [Ru]. The fluorescence intensity of the complexes depends on the electron density at the metal and can be increased by electron‐withdrawing groups and decreased by electron‐donating groups. In this vein, the substitution of cod (1,5‐cyclooctadiene) by two CO in [MCl(cod)(NHC)] (M = Rh, Ir) generates [MCl(CO)2(NHC)] and an up to 18‐fold increase in the fluorescence. Solutions of [MCl(cod)(NHC)] or soaked filter paper strips were treated with CO and excited with 360 nm UV light, resulting in a bright‐blue fluorescence. The use of a julolidine‐derived coumarin NHC ligand leads to a stable, acid‐stable fluorescence signal even in a highly polar environment.
Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Amino‐Substituted Benzhydrylium Ions – A Link between Ordinary Carbocations and Neutral Electrophiles
Authors: Mayer Robert J. , Hampel Nathalie , Mayer Peter , Ofial Armin R. , Mayr Herbert
Published: June 2018

Optimized synthetic procedures for the straightforward access to eleven amino‐substituted diarylmethylium tetrafluoroborates are described. These benzhydrylium ions cover a range of seven orders of magnitude in electrophilicity and provide a link between ordinary carbocations and neutral electrophiles. Five of these highly stabilized benzhydrylium tetrafluoroborates were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. While the experimentally determined bond lengths and angles in the solid state perfectly agree with those calculated by DFT methods for the gas phase and aqueous solution, crystal packing accounts for large differences in the twist angles of the aryl groups found in the solid state as compared to calculated structures.