bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement invariance of the Belief in a Zero‐Sum Game scale across 36 countries
Authors: Różycka‐Tran Joanna , Jurek Paweł , Olech Michał , Piotrowski Jarosław , Żemojtel‐Piotrowska Magdalena
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we examined the psychometric properties of cross‐cultural validation and replicability (i.e. measurement invariance) of the Belief in a Zero‐Sum Game (BZSG) scale, measuring antagonistic belief about interpersonal relations over scarce resources. The factorial structure of the BZSG scale was investigated in student samples from 36 countries (N = 9907), using separate confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) for each country. The cross‐cultural validation of the scale was based on multigroup confirmatory factor analyses (MGCFA). The results confirmed that the scale had a one‐factor structure in all countries, in which configural and metric invariance between countries was confirmed. As a zero‐sum belief about social relations perceived as antagonistic, BZSG is an important factor related to, for example, social and international relations, attitudes toward immigrants, or well‐being. The paper proposes different uses of the BZSG scale for cross‐cultural studies in different fields of psychology: social, political, or economic.
GATA4 Directly Regulates Runx2 Expression and Osteoblast Differentiation
Authors: Khalid Aysha B , Slayden Alexandria V , Kumpati Jerusha , Perry Chanel D , Osuna Maria Angeles Lillo , Arroyo Samantha R , Miranda‐Carboni Gustavo A , Krum Susan A
Published: November 2017

GATA4 is a zinc‐finger transcription factor that is a pioneer factor in various tissues and regulates tissue‐specific gene regulation. In vivo deletion of Gata4 using Cre‐recombinase under the control of the Col1a1 2.3 kb promoter showed significantly reduced values for trabecular bone properties by microCT analysis of femur and tibia of 14‐week‐old male and female mice, suggesting GATA4 is necessary for maintaining normal adult bone phenotype. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed higher expression of Gata4 in trabecular bone compared with cortical bone, suggesting a role for GATA4 in maintaining normal trabecular bone mass. In vivo and in vitro, reduction of Gata4 correlates with reduced Runx2 gene expression, along with reduced osteoblast mineralization. To determine if Runx2 is a direct target of GATA4, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was performed, and it demonstrated that GATA4 is recruited to the two Runx2 promoters and an enhancer region. Furthermore, when Gata4 is knocked down, the chromatin at the Runx2 region is not open, as detected by DNase assays and ChIP with antibodies to the open chromatin marks H3K4me2 (histone 3 lysine 4 dimethylation) and H3K27ac (histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation) and the closed chromatin mark H3K27me2 (histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation). Together, the data suggest that GATA4 binds near the Runx2 promoter and enhancer and helps maintain open chromatin to regulate Runx2 expression leading to bone mineralization. © 2017 The Authors. JBMR Plus is published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Can MM/GBSA calculations be sped up by system truncation?
Authors: Misini Ignjatović Majda , Mikulskis Paulius , Söderhjelm Pär , Ryde Ulf
Published: November 2017

We have studied whether calculations of the binding free energy of small ligands to a protein by the MM/GBSA approach (molecular mechanics combined with generalized Born and surface area solvation) can be sped up by including only a restricted number of atoms close to the ligand. If the protein is truncated before the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, quite large changes are observed for the calculated binding energies, for example, 4 kJ/mol average difference for a radius of 19 Å for the binding of nine phenol derivatives to ferritin. The results are improved if no atoms are fixed in the simulations, with average and maximum errors of 2 and 3 kJ/mol at 19 Å and 3 and 6 kJ/mol at 7 Å. Similar results are obtained for two additional proteins, p38α MAP kinase and factor Xa. On the other hand, if energies are calculated on snapshots that are truncated after the MD simulation, all residues more than 8.5 Å from the ligand can be omitted without changing the energies by more than 1 kJ/mol on average (maximum error 1.4 kJ/mol). At the molecular mechanics level, the gain in computer time for such an approach is small. However, it shows what size of system should be used if the energies instead are calculated with a more demanding method, for example, quantum‐mechanics. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Potentiometric and Thermodynamic Studies of Some Metal–Cysteine Complexes
Authors: Ghiamati Ebrahim , Sheikhani Faezeh , Farrokhi Alireza
Published: November 2017

A new and simple potentiometric method is developed to determine the stability constants of cysteine complexes with Mn(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Ce(III) metal ions using a modified Bjerrum method. Potentiometric titrations were performed in water and water/dioxane mixtures at five different temperatures. The least and highest stable complexes were those of Cu(II) and Zn(II), respectively. Furthermore, by conducting the experiments at temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 35, and 45 °C, the thermodynamic parameters ΔH°, ΔS°, and ΔG° for the pertinent complexes were calculated. The results show that the ΔH° values of the complexes are positive except for Zn(II). Negative values of ΔG° are evidence for the spontaneity of the reactions.
On E(s2)‐optimal and minimax‐optimal supersaturated designs with 20 rows and 76 columns
Authors: Morales Luis B. , Bulutoglu Dursun A.
Published: November 2017

We derive a previously unknown lower bound of 41 for the frequency of of an E(s2)‐optimal and minimax‐optimal supersaturated design (SSD) with 20 rows and 76 columns. This is accomplished by an exhaustive computer search that uses the combinatorial properties of resolvable 2 − (20, 10, 36) designs and the parallel class intersection pattern method. We also classify all nonisomorphic E(s2)‐optimal 4‐circulant SSDs with 20 rows and .
Mutagenic primer‐based PCR‐RFLP assay for genotyping IRGM gene promoter variant rs4958843 (C/T)
Authors: Sharma Ambika , Changotra Harish
Published: November 2017

Background

Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms play an important role in the susceptibility of many diseases, evolutionary studies, and genetic mapping. The rs4958843 in IRGM promoter is associated with tuberculosis and Crohn's disease. As this SNP is not present in any of the restriction sites, PCR‐RFLP is not possible. Therefore, we have developed artificial‐RFLP method to genotype this SNP.

Methods

We designed forward primer with mismatches that resulted in the creation of a restriction site for enzyme NheI in the amplicon. Control samples of known genotypes were obtained by sequencing. The amplified product for SNP rs4958843 was digested with NheI restriction enzyme and resolved on an agarose gel to know the genotypes of the samples.

Results

Results of sequencing and A‐RFLP were concordant. The developed method was applied to genotype this polymorphism in 100 samples from healthy individuals. The allelic frequencies of SNP rs4958843 were C (0.16) and T (0.84), while corresponding genotypic distribution was CC (2), CT (29), and TT (69).

Conclusion

The newly developed method is simple, easy, and cost‐effective which could be used to genotype IRGM polymorphism −1161 C/T (rs4958843) in various populations in the replication studies and has its applicability in the clinical settings. The developed method was applied for genotyping samples from healthy individuals from North India. For the first time, we report the frequency of this polymorphism from this region.
Intracranial fetus‐in‐fetu with numerous fully developed organs
Authors: Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Srisupundit Kasemsri , Suwansirikul Songkiet , Norasetthada Thunya , Kosarat Shanika , Tongsong Theera
Published: November 2017

Fetus in fetu (FIF) is an extremely rare anomaly featuring a monozygotic, diamniotic, parasitic twin, enclosed within its host twin. It is characterized by the presence of vertebrae and well‐developed organs in a fetiform mass. Only 18 cases of intracranial FIF have been published. Of them, only five cases were prenatally detected. This study prenatally demonstrated triplet FIFs at 31 weeks within amniotic‐like sac in the fetal skull, consisting of multiple well‐defined organs. The FIF attached to the host twin via body stalk containing a single main feeding artery and vein, representing umbilical vessels. Surgical removal was performed at the age of two months. Pathological examination showed the triplet FIF, consisting of numerous well‐developed organs (musculocutaneous‐skeletal, nervous, respiratory, gastrointestinal systems etc.), with soft tissue/skin coverings, but no vertebral body was seen. Molecular genetic analysis revealed identical genetic mapping among the three FIFs and the host. This case provides strong evidence against Willis's hypothesis but supports Spencer's theory of abnormal twinning.
Left‐sided colitis and extensive colitis have similar colectomy rates after index episode of acute severe colitis: A long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Jain Saransh , Kedia Saurabh , Bopanna Sawan , Yadav Dawesh P , Goyal Sandeep , Sahni Peush , Dash Nihar R , Pal Sujoy , Makharia Govind , Ahuja Vineet
Published: November 2017

Background and Aim

The extent of disease of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been found to be a predictor of acute severe colitis (ASC), but it is unclear whether the extent of disease at the index episode of ASC is a predictor of long‐term outcome.

Methods

Hospitalized patients satisfying Truelove and Witts’ criteria under follow‐up at a single center from January 2003 to December 2016 were included. The extent of disease at index ASC was classified according to the Montreal classification as left‐sided or extensive colitis. Extent was used to predict the long‐term risk of colectomy or steroid dependence following an index episode of ASC.

Results

Of 2076 patients with ulcerative colitis, 241 (12%) had an index episode of ASC. In total, 34 (14%) patients underwent a colectomy at index admission and 53 (26%) over a median follow‐up of 48(1–172) months. Left‐sided colitis and extensive colitis did not differ in the rate of colectomy at index admission (12% vs 15%, P = 0.4) and colectomy in follow‐up (31% vs 23%, P = 0.17). Readmission due to ASC was also similar between the two groups (28% vs 32%, P = 0.6).

Conclusion

Extent of disease at index ASC does not predict colectomy at admission and over the long term.
Asunaprevir and daclatasvir in hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection
Authors: Otsuka Taiga , Kawaguchi Yasunori , Mizuta Toshihiko , Ide Yasushi , Koga Futa , Kumagai Takanori , Yoshioka Wataru , Murayama Kenichiro , Rikitake Osamu , Ikeda Yuji , Ozaki Iwata
Published: November 2017

Background and Aim

Patients requiring hemodialysis show high morbidity with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but there are difficulties associated with interferon‐based therapies. Asunaprevir and daclatasvir could help patients with HCV genotype 1b because the drugs have a nonrenal metabolism and show good viral eradication. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of combined asunaprevir and daclatasvir therapy.

Methods

This was a multicenter prospective trial of patients with chronic hepatitis or compensated cirrhosis from HCV genotype 1b who had end‐stage renal disease requiring chronic hemodialysis. Asunaprevir and daclatasvir were administered orally (100 mg twice daily and 60 mg once daily, respectively) for 24 weeks. The primary end‐point was the proportion of patients achieving sustained virological response 12, defined as HCV RNA <15 IU/mL undetectable at 12 weeks after completion of asunaprevir and daclatasvir treatment.

Results

Between December 2014 and December 2015, 23 dialysis patients were enrolled, and 22 patients completed the protocol therapy. Sustained virological response 12 rates were 91.3% (95% confidence interval: 72.0–98.9) in the intention‐to‐treat and 95.5% (95% confidence interval: 77.2–99.9) in the per‐protocol populations. Serum aminotransferase significantly decreased after initiation of asunaprevir and daclatasvir (P < 0.01), although the level was low at baseline. Asunaprevir and daclatasvir were well tolerated; however, one patient could not continue because of infective endocarditis and cerebral infarction.

Conclusions

Asunaprevir and daclatasvir could help patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving hemodialysis. Close collaboration with dialysis physicians is important when treating these patients because hemodialysis carries life‐threatening risks.
Utility of Ketonic Mannich Bases in Synthesis of Some New Functionalized 2‐Pyrazolines
Authors: Afsah Elsayed M. , Keshk Eman M. , Abdel‐Rahman Abdel‐Rahman H. , Jomah Najla F.
Published: November 2017

The styryl ketonic Mannich base 2 has been used as a precursor in the synthesis of 2‐pyrazolines having a basic side chain at C‐3 and a phenolic Mannich base at C‐5. Treatment of the bis(styryl ketonic bases) 6a and 8a with phenylhydrazine affords the bis(3‐functionalized 2‐pyrazolines) 7 and 9. The transamination between the styryl keto base 10 and 4‐aminoantipyrine leads to 12, which reacts with piperazine to give 13. N‐Nitrosation of the sec‐Mannich bases 15a–d followed by reductive cyclization affords 2‐pyrazolines 17a–d. The keto base 14b has been used for the synthesis of 2‐pyrazolines having a phenolic Mannich base at C‐3 and its reaction with 3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazole affords 23. The alkylation of 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐pyrazolin‐5‐one with the bis(Mannich base) 25 was investigated.
Estimating the arterial input function from dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI data with compensation for flow enhancement (II): Applications in spine diagnostics and assessment of crohn's disease
Authors: van Schie Jeroen J.N. , Lavini Cristina , van Vliet Lucas J. , Kramer Gem , Pieters ‐ van den Bos Indra , Marcus J.T. , Stoker Jaap , Vos Frans M.
Published: November 2017

Background

Pharmacokinetic (PK) models can describe microvascular density and integrity. An essential component of PK models is the arterial input function (AIF) representing the time‐dependent concentration of contrast agent (CA) in the blood plasma supplied to a tissue.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To evaluate a novel method for subject‐specific AIF estimation that takes inflow effects into account.

Study Type

Retrospective study.

Subjects

Thirteen clinical patients referred for spine‐related complaints; 21 patients from a study into luminal Crohn's disease with known Crohn's Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS).

Field Strength/Sequence

Dynamic fast spoiled gradient echo (FSPGR) at 3T.

Assessment

A population‐averaged AIF, AIFs derived from distally placed regions of interest (ROIs), and the new AIF method were applied. Tofts' PK model parameters (including vp and Ktrans) obtained with the three AIFs were compared. In the Crohn's patients Ktrans was correlated to CDEIS.

Statistical Tests

The median values of the PK model parameters from the three methods were compared using a Mann–Whitney U‐test. The associated variances were statistically assessed by the Brown‐Forsythe test. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was computed to test the correlation of Ktrans to CDEIS.

Results

The median vp was significantly larger when using the distal ROI approach, compared to the two other methods (P < 0.05 for both comparisons, in both applications). Also, the variances in vp were significantly larger with the ROI approach (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). In the Crohn's disease study, the estimated Ktrans parameter correlated better with the CDEIS (r = 0.733, P < 0.001) when the proposed AIF was used, compared to AIFs from the distal ROI method (r = 0.429, P = 0.067) or the population‐averaged AIF (r = 0.567, P = 0.011).

Data Conclusion

The proposed method yielded realistic PK model parameters and improved the correlation of the Ktrans parameter with CDEIS, compared to existing approaches.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1197–1204.
The impact of anger on creative process engagement: The role of social contexts
Authors: da Costa Carla Gomes , Zhou Qin , Ferreira Aristides I.
Published: November 2017

Drawing on the cognitive persistence perspective of creativity and conservation of resources theory, we investigated how 2 social contexts (perceived relationship conflict and coworker support for creativity) influence the relationship between anger and creative process engagement (CPE) in organizations. We tested our hypotheses using 422 daily surveys from 98 participants, collected over 5 consecutive workdays. The results show that anger perceived relationship conflict and coworker support for creativity interact to influence CPE. Specifically, when relationship conflict is high, the anger–CPE relationship is positive for employees who receive high coworker support for creativity, but negative for those who receive low coworker support for creativity. In contrast, when relationship conflict is low, the anger–CPE relationship is positive but does not differ at high versus low coworker support for creativity.
Connecting ENSO‐related climatic variations with a long‐term crop supply data to enhance agro‐meteorological capability of Tongan stakeholders
Authors: Lee Eun‐Jeong , Kim Moosup , Kim Kwang‐Hyung
Published: November 2017

The El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability affects crop production via its influence on climatic variability in many regions of the world. Recent studies show that the frequency and variation in ENSO cycles are influenced by a changing climate, indicating that more sophisticated studies on the agricultural impacts of ENSO are needed. In many less developed countries, however, securing agricultural data as well as climate data for the analysis is extremely difficult due to limited data availability. In this study, monthly historical precipitation data in Tonga were examined to establish an ENSO relationship with long‐term crop data. Local market supply data, the only extant long‐term crop data, were used as a proxy for crop supply and analysed to find any significant variations in agricultural output linked to ENSO impacts. Among several crops with statistical significance, swamp taro was selected for an in‐depth statistical analysis using monthly market supply and monthly climate data. As a result, a statistically significant relationship was found between rainfall amount in critical growth stages and corresponding swamp taro supplies in the market. Based on the results, we suggest a practically applicable information transfer to Tongan farmers using a tercile‐category probability estimation of the crop supply based on seasonal ENSO forecasts. Different counter‐decisions based on the information are expected from various stakeholders based on their experience and priority and also depending on their decision‐making position in the society.
Improved seasonal prediction skill of rainfall for the Primera season in Central America
Authors: Alfaro Eric J. , Chourio Xandre , Muñoz Ángel G. , Mason Simon J.
Published: November 2017

This study explores the predictive skill of seasonal rainfall characteristics for the first rainy (and planting) season, May–June, in Central America. Statistical predictive models were built using a Model Output Statistics (MOS) technique based on canonical correlation analysis, in which variables that forecast with the Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) were used as candidate predictors for the observed total precipitation, frequency of rainy days and mean number of extremely dry and wet events in the season. CFSv2 initializations from February to April were explored. The CFSv2 variables used in the study consist of rainfall, as in a typical MOS technique, and a combination of low‐level winds and convective available potential energy (CAPE), a blend that has been previously shown to be a good predictor for convective activity. The highest predictive skill was found for the seasonal frequency of rainy days, followed by the mean frequency of dry events. In terms of candidate predictors, the zonal transport of CAPE (uCAPE) at 925 hPa offers higher skill across Central America than rainfall, which is attributed in part to the high model uncertainties associated with precipitation in the region. As expected, dynamical model predictors initialized in February provide lower skill than those initialized later. Nonetheless, the skill is comparable for March and April initializations. These results suggest that the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in Central America, and the Central American Regional Climate Outlook Forum, can produce earlier more skilful forecasts for May–June rainfall characteristics than previously stated.
A historical analysis of the mature stage of tropical cyclones
Authors: Wang Shuai , Toumi Ralf
Published: November 2017

The characteristics of tropical cyclone intensity and size during the mature stage are presented. Rooted in the classic description by Herbert Riehl, the mature stage is identified as the period from the time of lifetime maximum intensity to the time of lifetime maximum size. This study is the first to analyse the global climatology of the mature stage of tropical cyclones in detail. Three basic features at the mature stage are observed: the reduction of intensity, the outward expansion of the eyewall, and the increase of tangential wind in the outer primary circulation. Globally, about a quarter of tropical cyclones undergo the mature stage. High intensity at the end of the immature stage favours the likelihood of the occurrence of the mature stage. The intensity reduction during the mature stage is considerable with nearly three‐quarters of cyclones decreasing by more than 10%, which makes the conventional ‘steady‐state’ presumption questionable. The increase in the radius of damaging‐force wind is typically about 50 km, while the decrease in maximum wind speed is typically 20% at the mature stage. However, the average integrated kinetic energy and hence destructive potential increases substantially by about 70%. This is consistent with our finding that most of the highly damaging landfalling hurricanes undergo a mature stage. Intensity downgrades during the mature stage may be misinterpreted as they are mostly not accompanied by an overall danger reduction.
Selective detection of organophosphate through molecularly imprinted GERS‐active hybrid organic–inorganic materials
Authors: Carboni D. , Jiang Y. , Malfatti L. , Innocenzi P.
Published: November 2017

A selective sensing platform for the organophosphate paraoxon, a highly toxic organic pollutant, has been designed and tested on water samples. A porous hybrid organic–inorganic film, synthesised using tetraethoxysilane, 1,8‐bis(triethoxysilyl)octane and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, has been molecularly imprinted with a structural analogue of paraoxon, the diethyl(4‐nitrobenzyl)phosphonate, to induce selective recognition. Exfoliated graphene has been incorporated into the porous matrix to provide enhancement of the Raman scattering signal. The Raman sensor has been tested on different concentrations of paraoxon in both ethanol and water/ethanol mixture. The molecular selectivity has been assessed by comparing the Raman signal enhancement of paraoxon with a similar organophosphate, the bis‐(4‐nitrophenyl) phosphate. The molecularly imprinted film has shown a fourfold increase of the paraoxon signal, when compared with the corresponding not‐imprinted. The evaluation of the density of molecular cavities into the molecularly imprinted samples (4.50 * 10−10 μmol μm−3) has allowed assuming that each molecular cavity is capable of providing a remarkable signal enhancement of 1.47 * 1012 count * μmol−1 only when recognising paraoxon. The material design has allowed coupling the sensitivity of the graphene‐mediated enhancement of Raman scattering with the selectivity of molecular imprinting into a single and potentially portable, analytical system. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A design‐by‐treatment interaction model for network meta‐analysis and meta‐regression with integrated nested Laplace approximations
Authors: Günhan Burak Kürsad , Friede Tim , Held Leonhard
Published: November 2017

Network meta‐analysis (NMA) is gaining popularity for comparing multiple treatments in a single analysis. Generalized linear mixed models provide a unifying framework for NMA, allow us to analyze datasets with dichotomous, continuous or count endpoints, and take into account multiarm trials, potential heterogeneity between trials and network inconsistency. To perform inference within such NMA models, the use of Bayesian methods is often advocated. The standard inference tool is Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC), which is computationally expensive and requires convergence diagnostics. A deterministic approach to do fully Bayesian inference for latent Gaussian models can be achieved by integrated nested Laplace approximations (INLA), which is a fast and accurate alternative to MCMC. We show how NMA models fit in the class of latent Gaussian models and how NMA models are implemented using INLA and demonstrate that the estimates obtained by INLA are in close agreement with the ones obtained by MCMC. Specifically, we emphasize the design‐by‐treatment interaction model with random inconsistency parameters (also known as the Jackson model). Also, we have proposed a network meta‐regression model, which is constructed by incorporating trial‐level covariates to the Jackson model to explain possible sources of heterogeneity and/or inconsistency in the network. A publicly available R package, nmaINLA, is developed to automate the INLA implementation of NMA models, which are considered in this paper. Three applications illustrate the use of INLA for a NMA.
Imaging in retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Messiou Christina , Morosi Carlo
Published: November 2017

Patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma can present to a variety of clinicians with non‐specific symptoms and retroperitoneal sarcomas can be incidental findings. Failure to recognize retroperitoneal sarcomas on imaging can lead to inappropriate management in non‐specialist centers. Therefore it is critical that the possibility of retroperitoneal sarcoma should be considered with prompt referral to a soft tissue sarcoma unit. This review guides clinicians through a diagnostic pathway, introduces concepts in response assessment and new imaging developments.
Development of a LC–MS/MS method for the determination of isomeric glutamyl peptides in food ingredients
Authors: Desfontaine Vincent , Goyon Alexandre , Veuthey Jean‐Luc , Charve Joséphine , Guillarme Davy
Published: November 2017

A liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of 27 glutamyl di‐ and tripeptides in food ingredients. Such compounds are of importance for the food industry, as they can modulate the perception of basic tastes (sweet, salty, and umami). Due to their high polarity, the hydrophilic interaction chromatography mode was selected to have sufficient retention on the column and the best separation was obtained on an amide hybrid silica stationary phase packed with 1.7 μm particles. Thorough optimization of the mobile phase was performed as the start‐composition had to be free of ammonium to avoid on‐column cis–trans isomerization of the first eluting proline dipeptide. A baseline separation was achieved for all α and γ isomers whereas only a partial resolution was obtained for γ‐Glu‐Leu and γ‐Glu‐Ile, for which only the position of a methyl group differs. A fast sample preparation, based on successive dilutions, was performed before injection into the liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry system. The developed method was then applied for the semi‐quantification of glutamyl di‐ and tri‐peptides in four different food ingredients. The methodology will further support the optimization of production processes to select the conditions for which the peptide concentrations would be the highest.
Development of a high‐performance liquid chromatography method for the simultaneous determination of chiral impurities and assay of (S)‐clopidogrel using a cellulose‐based chiral stationary phase in methanol/water mode
Authors: Ferretti Rosella , Zanitti Leo , Cirilli Roberto
Published: November 2017

A simple reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method for the chiral separation of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (S)‐clopidogrel has been developed on the cellulose‐based Chiralcel OJ‐RH chiral stationary phase. The S enantiomer was baseline resolved from its R impurity (impurity C) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol/water (100:15) without any interference coming from the other two potential chiral impurities A and B. The enantio‐ and chemoselective method was partially validated and compared with that reported in the United States Pharmacopoeia for the drug product. The versatility of the Chiralcel OJ‐RH allowed separating the enantiomers of the impurity B also under normal phase and setting up an efficient strategy to convert the racemic sample into the enantiomeric S form on a semipreparative scale.
Development and optimisation of a novel three‐way extraction technique based on a combination of Soxhlet extraction, membrane assisted solvent extraction and a molecularly imprinted polymer using sludge polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as model compounds
Authors: Ncube Somandla , Lekoto Goitsemang , Cukrowska Ewa , Chimuka Luke
Published: November 2017

A novel technique that integrates extraction and clean‐up into a single step format is reported as part of the search for new sample preparation techniques in the analysis of persistent organic pollutants from complex samples. This was achieved by combining the extraction efficiency of the Soxhlet extractor, the selectivity of a size exclusion membrane and the specificity of a molecularly imprinted polymer for the extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from wastewater sludge followed by quantitation using gas chromatography with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The approach is described as the Soxhlet extraction membrane‐assisted solvent extraction molecularly imprinted polymer technique. This technique was optimised for various parameters such as extraction solvent, reflux time and membrane acceptor phase. The applicability of the developed technique was optimised using a wastewater sludge certified reference material and then tested on real wastewater sludge samples. The method detection limits ranged from 0.14 to 12.86 ng/g with relative standard deviation values for the extraction of the 16 US‐EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from wastewater sludge samples ranging from 0.78 to 18%. The extraction process was therefore reproducible and showed remarkable selectivity. The developed technique is a promising prospect that can be applied in the analysis of organic pollutants from complex solid samples.
Disproportionate Mental Health Burden Associated With Past‐Year Intimate Partner Violence Among Women Receiving Care in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Dichter Melissa E. , Sorrentino Anneliese , Bellamy Scarlett , Medvedeva Elina , Roberts Christopher B. , Iverson Katherine M.
Published: November 2017

Experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) can lead to mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and unhealthy substance use. Women seen in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) face high rates of both IPV and mental health morbidity. This study aimed to identify associations between recent IPV experience and mental health diagnoses among women VHA patients. We examined medical records data for 8,888 female veteran and nonveteran VHA patients across 13 VHA facilities who were screened for past‐year IPV between April, 2014 and April, 2016. Compared with women who screened negative for past‐year IPV (IPV−), those who screened positive (IPV+; 8.7%) were more than twice as likely to have a mental health diagnosis, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.95, 2.64]; or more than two mental health diagnoses, AOR = 2.29, 95% CI [1.93, 2.72]). Screening IPV+ was also associated with significantly higher odds of each type of mental health morbidity (AOR range = 1.85–3.19) except psychoses. Over half (53.5%) of the women who screened IPV+ had a mental health diagnosis, compared with fewer than one‐third (32.6%) of those who screened IPV−. Each subtype of IPV (psychological, physical, and sexual violence) was significantly associated with having a mental health diagnosis (AOR range = 2.25–2.37) or comorbidity (AOR range = 2.17–2.78). Associations remained when adjusting for military sexual trauma and combat trauma among the veteran subsample. These findings highlight the mental health burden associated with past‐year IPV among female VHA patients and underscore the need to address psychological and sexual IPV, in addition to physical violence.
Posttraumatic Stress Symptom Trajectories Among Children After Disaster Exposure: A Review
Authors: Lai Betty S. , Lewis Rayleen , Livings Michelle S. , La Greca Annette M. , Esnard Ann‐Margaret
Published: November 2017

Natural disasters, such as hurricanes and floods, are increasing in frequency and scope. Youth exposed to disasters are at risk for developing posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). However, not all youth who report initially elevated PTSS report persistent PTSS that last beyond the first three to six months postdisaster. Thus, it is crucial to understand how and why youth differ in their patterns of PTSS. This study reviewed the literature on children's postdisaster PTSS, evaluating the typical number and types of patterns for children's PTSS trajectories, as well as risk and protective factors predicting trajectory membership. This review identified eight empirical studies on youth PTSS trajectories following natural disasters; these studies included 8,306 children aged 3 to 18 years. All studies identified resilience, recovery, and chronic trajectories. Evidence for a delayed trajectory was mixed. Proportions of children falling into each trajectory varied widely across studies, but overall, resilience was the most prevalent trajectory. These findings were consistent across study factors (i.e., analytic strategy, assessment timing, and study selection criteria). Female gender, disaster exposure, negative coping, and lack of social support were significant risk factors for chronic trajectories across several studies. Future research should combine individual level participant data across studies of children's responses to disasters to better understand PTSS trajectories.
Storage of C, N, and P affected by afforestation with Salix cupularis in an alpine semiarid desert ecosystem
Authors: Hu Yu‐Fu , Shu Xiang‐Yang , He Jia , Zhang Yu‐Lin , Xiao Hai‐Hua , Tang Xiao‐Yan , Gu Yun‐Fu , Lan Ting , Xia Jian‐Guo , Ling Jing , Chen Guang‐Deng , Wang Chang‐Quan , Deng Liang‐Ji , Yuan Shu
Published: November 2017

Few systemic assessments have evaluated the success of these afforestation programs in alpine semiarid desert ecosystems in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. In this study, we investigated the influences of three Salix cupularis plantation age classes (6, 18, and 34 years) on the carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) storages and stoichiometry of the soil–plant ecosystem. The consequences of S. cupularis plantation induced soil spatial heterogeneity. The soil–plant ecosystem C storage increased after the plantation. The N storage showed an increasing trend from 6 to 18 years and then slightly decreased. The P storage presented a continuously declining trend. The result indicated that the imbalance in soil N, P, C occurred with plantation age because of the imbalance of their inputs. The N and P uptakes from subsoil and redistribution to topsoil by S. cupularis may contribute to meet N and P demands for the understory plants. Leaf N:P ratios varied from 8.3 to 17.5. These results imply that N and P status are the main factors limiting plant growth in the alpine‐cold desert ecosystem. Thus, we recommend adding N and P fertilizers during plant growth.
RUSLE erodibility of heavy‐textured soils as affected by soil type, erosional degradation, and rainfall intensity: A field simulation
Authors: Wu Xinliang , Wei Yujie , Wang Junguang , Cai Chongfa , Deng Yusong , Xia Jinwen
Published: November 2017

Soil erosion is a serious problem world‐wide for the environment or humankind, exacerbating land degradation. However, little systematic knowledge is available about the erodibility of various types of soils at different erosional degradation levels, especially at the field scale. In this research, the spatiotemporal variations of the erodibility for 5 soil types (calcic luvisol, ferric luvisol, plinthic alisol, plinthic acrisol, and acric ferralsol) from temperate to tropical climate were investigated with field rainfall simulation experiments on prewetted bare fallow heavy‐textured soils (silty clay loam, silty clay, and clay) derived separately from loess deposits, quaternary red clays, and basalt. The experiments were performed in 3 erosion classes (noneroded, moderately eroded, and very severely eroded) and at 2 rainfall intensities (45 and 90 mm hr−1). Soil erodibility was represented by the K factor of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation. Soil erodibility was the lowest for the ferralsols among all the soil types and was significantly lower in the very severe than in the no or moderate erosion classes. Soil erodibility tended to be larger at the high than at the low rainfall intensity (p < .05) except for the very severely eroded luvisols, and their difference between rainfall intensities in the erodibility varied with rainfall duration. Soil erodibility could be well predicted by the combination of illite, dry aggregate stability, and amorphous aluminium oxides (adjusted R2 = .51, p < .001), and its temporal variations were significantly related with particle density, 1.4‐nm intergrade mineral, and capillary porosity (p < .05). Furthermore, soil properties selected to account for soil erodibility varied with rainfall intensity. The integrated data indicated that soil erodibility was mainly influenced by clay minerals at the region scale and soil degradation degree at the pedon scale.
Convergence of the regularized short pulse equation to the short pulse one
Authors: Coclite Giuseppe Maria , di Ruvo Lorenzo
Published: November 2017

We consider the regularized short‐pulse equation, which contains nonlinear dispersive effects. We prove that as the diffusion parameter tends to zero, the solutions of the dispersive equation converge to discontinuous weak solutions of the short‐pulse one. The proof relies on deriving suitable a priori estimates together with an application of the compensated compactness method in the setting.
Global existence of strong solutions in H2 to the diffusion approximation model in radiation hydrodynamics
Authors: Cao Jie , Qin Yuming
Published: November 2017

In this paper, the Cauchy problem for the 3D diffusion approximation model in radiation hydrodynamics is considered. By using the embedding theorem and interpolation technique, we establish the global well‐posedness of strong solutions in H2.
Potential Impact of Metabolic and Gut Microbial Response to Pregnancy and Lactation in Lean and Diet‐Induced Obese Rats on Offspring Obesity Risk
Authors: Paul Heather A. , Collins Kelsey H. , Bomhof Marc R. , Vogel Hans J. , Reimer Raylene A.
Published: November 2017

Scope

Maternal obesity programs metabolic dysfunction in offspring, increasing their susceptibility to obesity and metabolic diseases in later life. Moreover, pregnancy and lactation are associated with many metabolic adaptations, yet it is unclear how diet‐induced maternal obesity may interrupt these processes.

Methods and results

1H NMR serum metabolomics analysis was performed on samples collected pre‐pregnancy and in pregnant and lactating lean and high fat/sucrose (HFS) diet‐induced obese Sprague‐Dawley rats to identify maternal metabolic pathways associated with developmental programming of offspring obesity. Gut microbial composition was assessed using qPCR. Offspring of HFS dams had nearly 40% higher adiposity at weaning compared to offspring of lean dams. While pregnancy and lactation were associated with distinct maternal metabolic changes common to both lean and obese dams, we identified several metabolic differences, potentially implicating dysregulated one‐carbon and mammary gland metabolism in the metabolic programming of obesity. Gut microbial composition was significantly altered with obesity, and both gestation and lactation were accompanied by changes in gut microbiota.

Conclusion

Diet‐induced maternal obesity and consumption of an obesogenic maternal diet results in differential metabolic and gut microbial adaptations to pregnancy and lactation; these maladaptations may be directly involved in maternal programming of offspring susceptibility to obesity.
Characterization of tumor vascular permeability using natural dextrans and CEST MRI
Authors: Li Yuguo , Qiao Yuan , Chen Hanwei , Bai Renyuan , Staedtke Verena , Han Zheng , Xu Jiadi , Chan Kannie W.Y. , Yadav Nirbhay , Bulte Jeff W.M. , Zhou Shibin , van Zijl Peter C.M. , Liu Guanshu
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To investigate the use of natural dextrans as nano‐sized chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI probes for characterizing size‐dependent tumor vascular permeability.

Methods

Dextrans of different molecular weight (10, 70, 150, and 2000 kD) were characterized for their CEST contrast. Mice (N = 5) bearing CT26 subcutaneous colon tumors were injected intravenously with 10 kD (D10, 6 nm) and 70 kD (D70, 12 nm) dextran at a dose of 375 mg/kg. The CEST‐MRI signal in the tumors was assessed before and approximately 40 min after each injection using a dynamic CEST imaging scheme.

Results

All dextrans of different molecular weights have a strong CEST signal with an apparent maximum of approximately 0.9 ppm. The detectability and effects of pH and saturation conditions (B1 and Tsat) were investigated. When applied to CT26 tumors, the injection of D10 could produce a significant “dexCEST” enhancement in the majority of the tumor area, whereas the injection of D70 only resulted in an increase in the tumor periphery. Quantitative analysis revealed the differential permeability of CT26 tumors to different size particles, which was validated by fluorescence imaging and immunohistochemistry.

Conclusions

As a first application, we used 10‐ and 70‐kD dextrans to visualize the spatially variable, size‐dependent permeability in the tumor, indicating that nano‐sized dextrans can be used for characterizing tumor vascular permeability with dexCEST MRI and, potentially, for developing dextran‐based theranostic drug delivery systems. Magn Reson Med 79:1001–1009, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Motion‐tolerant diffusion mapping based on single‐shot overlapping‐echo detachment (OLED) planar imaging
Authors: Ma Lingceng , Cai Congbo , Yang Hongyi , Cai Shuhui , Qian Junchao , Xiao Lizhi , Zhong Kai , Chen Zhong
Published: November 2017

Purpose

A new diffusion‐mapping method based on single‐shot overlapping‐echo detachment (DM‐OLED) planar‐imaging sequence, along with a corresponding separation algorithm, is proposed to achieve reliable quantitative diffusion mapping in a single shot. The method can resist the effects of motion and help in detecting the quick variation of diffusion under different physiological status.

Methods

The echo‐planar imaging method is combined with two excitation pulses with small flip angle to gain overlapping‐echo signal in a single shot. Then the overlapping signals are separated by a separation algorithm and used for diffusion computation. Numerical simulation, phantom, and in vivo rat experiments were performed to verify the efficiency, accuracy, and motion tolerance of DM‐OLED.

Results

The DM‐OLED sequence could obtain reliable diffusion maps within milliseconds in numerical simulation, phantom, and in vivo experiments. Compared with conventional diffusion mapping with spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging, DM‐OLED has higher time resolution and fewer motion‐incurred errors in the apparent diffusion coefficient maps.

Conclusions

As a reliable fast diffusion measurement tool, DM‐OLED shows promise for real‐time dynamic diffusion mapping and functional magnetic resonance imaging. Magn Reson Med 80:200–210, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Engineered agrin attenuates the severity of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis
Authors: Li Zhiguo , Li Minshu , Wood Kristofer , Hettwer Steffan , Muley Suraj A. , Shi Fu‐Dong , Liu Qiang , Ladha Shafeeq S.
Published: November 2017

Introduction: Agrin is essential for the formation and maintenance of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). NT‐1654 is a C‐terminal fragment of mouse neural agrin. In this study, we determined the effects of NT‐1654 on the severity of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). Methods: EAMG was induced in female Lewis rats by immunization with the Torpedo acetylcholine receptor (tAChR) and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). NT‐1654 was dissolved in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) and injected daily subcutaneously into tAChR immunized rats during the first 10 days after immunization, and then every other day for the following 20 days. Results: We showed that NT‐1654 attenuated clinical severity, effectively promoted the clustering of AChRs at NMJs, and alleviated the impairment of NMJ transmission and the reduction of muscle‐specific kinase (MuSK) in EAMG rats. Discussion: We demonstrated that NT‐1654 attenuated clinical severity, effectively promoted the clustering of AChRs at NMJs, and alleviated the impairment of NMJ transmission and the reduction of muscle‐specific kinase (MuSK) in EAMG rats. Muscle Nerve 57: 814–820, 2018
New device for nonvolitional evaluation of quadriceps force in ventilated patients
Authors: Laghi Franco , Khan Najeeb , Schnell Thimothy , Aleksonis Dinas , Hammond Kendra , Shaikh Hameeda , Collins Eileen , Jubran Amal , Tobin Martin J
Published: November 2017

Introduction

In mechanically ventilated patients, nonvolitional assessment of quadriceps weakness using femoral‐nerve stimulation (twitch force) while the leg rests on a right‐angle trapezoid or dangles from the bed edge is impractical. Accordingly, we developed a knee‐support apparatus for use in ventilated patients.

Methods

Ninety subjects (12 ventilated patients, 28 ambulatory patients, and 50 healthy subjects) were enrolled. Twitches with leg‐dangling, trapezoid, and knee‐support setups were compared.

Results

Knee‐support twitches were similar to trapezoid twitches but smaller than leg‐dangling twitches (P < 0.0001). Inter‐ and intraoperator agreement was high for knee‐support twitches at 1 week and 1 month. In ventilated patients, knee‐support twitches were smaller than in healthy subjects and ambulatory patients (P < 0.004).

Discussion

The new knee‐support apparatus allows accurate recording of quadriceps twitches. The ease of use in ventilated patients and excellent inter‐ and intraoperator agreement suggest that this technique is suitable for cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies in critically ill patients. Muscle Nerve 57: 784–791, 2018
Wilkinson's inertia‐revealing factorization and its application to sparse matrices
Authors: Druinsky Alex , Carlebach Eyal , Toledo Sivan
Published: November 2017

We propose a new inertia‐revealing factorization for sparse symmetric matrices. The factorization scheme and the method for extracting the inertia from it were proposed in the 1960s for dense, banded, or tridiagonal matrices, but they have been abandoned in favor of faster methods. We show that this scheme can be applied to any sparse symmetric matrix and that the fill in the factorization is bounded by the fill in the sparse QR factorization of the same matrix (but is usually much smaller). We describe our serial proof‐of‐concept implementation and present experimental results, studying the method's numerical stability and performance.