bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La technique est-elle condamnée à entrer par effraction dans notre culture ?
Authors: Chouteau Marianne , Escudie Marie-Pierre , Forest Joëlle , Nguyen Céline
Published: October 2015

L’artificialisation de notre monde n’est pas nouvelle et constitue même, à travers les objets techniques qui en sont le support, l’un des piliers de ce qui caractérise notre humanité. En dépit de ce constat, la culture technique, en tant que champ interdisciplinaire centré sur l’étude des relations entre technique et société, peine à s’institutionnaliser, y compris dans la formation des ingénieurs dont nous faisons l’hypothèse qu’elle devrait en être un élément clé. Notre expérience à l’INSA de Lyon nous invite à examiner les conditions de réalisation de la culture technique au niveau de l’enseignement, via une recherche interdisciplinaire, pour lui donner la place qu’elle mérite.
Dna2 nuclease-helicase structure, mechanism and regulation by Rpa
Authors: Zhou Chun , Pourmal Sergei , Pavletich Nikola P
Published: October 2015

The Dna2 nuclease-helicase maintains genomic integrity by processing DNA double-strand breaks, Okazaki fragments and stalled replication forks. Dna2 requires ssDNA ends, and is dependent on the ssDNA-binding protein Rpa, which controls cleavage polarity. Here we present the 2.3 Å structure of intact mouse Dna2 bound to a 15-nucleotide ssDNA. The nuclease active site is embedded in a long, narrow tunnel through which the DNA has to thread. The helicase domain is required for DNA binding but not threading. We also present the structure of a flexibly-tethered Dna2-Rpa interaction that recruits Dna2 to Rpa-coated DNA. We establish that a second Dna2-Rpa interaction is mutually exclusive with Rpa-DNA interactions and mediates the displacement of Rpa from ssDNA. This interaction occurs at the nuclease tunnel entrance and the 5’ end of the Rpa-DNA complex. Hence, it only displaces Rpa from the 5’ but not 3’ end, explaining how Rpa regulates cleavage polarity.
Relationship Between the Pathologic Subtype/Initial Stage and Microliths in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Sharmeen Farhana , Rosenthal Michael H. , Wood Monica J. , Tirumani Sree Harsha , Sweeney Christopher , Howard Stephanie A.
Published: October 2015

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between microliths and germ cell tumor histologic subtypes and determine whether microliths correlate with tumor stage at diagnosis.

Methods

A total of 1249 patients with testicular cancer seen between 1999 and 2013 were evaluated; 346 of 1249 patients (28%) with primary testicular tumors and sonographic imaging of unaffected testicular tissue formed the analytic cohort. Age, ethnicity, tumor histologic subtype, and stage at diagnosis were extracted from the medical record. Two examiners concurrently recorded the highest number of microliths per image of unaffected testicular tissue.

Results

A total of 175 of 346 patients (51%) had 1 or more microliths; 69 of 346 (20%) had more than 5 microliths per image. The histologic percentage of seminomas positively correlated with the microlith count (rs = 0.12; P = .036); the histologic percentage of embryonal components negatively correlated with the microlith count (rs = −0.15; P = .007). A higher microlith count was associated with a lower stage at diagnosis (P = .0243). Subgroup analysis of pure seminomas suggested a trend toward a higher microlith count in patients with lower‐stage disease at diagnosis (P= .07). No association was found between the tumor stage at diagnosis and microlith count in patients with greater than 50% embryonal components of tumors (P= .55). No association was found between microliths and age, tumor size, and presence of lymphovascular/rete testis invasion (P = .120, .500, .629, and .155, respectively).

Conclusions

Patients with testicular cancer who have microliths may be more likely to have a higher percentage of seminomas and a lower percentage of embryonal components in their primary tumors. Microliths also showed an association with earlier stages of disease at diagnosis.
Optimal Filum Terminale Thickness Cutoff Value on Sonography for Lipoma Screening in Young Children
Authors: Shin Hyun Joo , Kim Myung-Joon , Lee Hye Sun , Kim Hyun Gi , Lee Mi-Jung
Published: October 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the normal thickness of the filum terminale on sonography and suggest an optimal cutoff value for filum terminale lipoma screening in young children.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed lumbosacral sonograms and magnetic resonance images from children younger than 36 months that were obtained between January 2013 and June 2014. The filum terminale thickness on sonography and the presence of fat in the filum terminale on magnetic resonance imaging were evaluated.

Results

From 111 children (mean age ± SD, 3.6 ± 3.0 months), 49 did not have abnormal lesions (normal group), and 62 had fat infiltration in the filum terminale (lipoma group). The filum terminale was thicker in the lipoma group than the normal group (1.5 ± 0.5 versus 0.9 ± 0.2 mm; P < .001). Filum terminale thickness also showed significance in a multivariable analysis with sex and age (odds ratio per 0.1‐mm unit, 2.754; P < .001) and in propensity score matching for age (P < .001). The optimal cutoff value for filum terminale lipoma screening was 1.1 mm, with 94% sensitivity and 86% specificity.

Conclusions

The conventional cutoff value of 2 mm for a thickened filum terminale on sonography can be too thick. We suggest an optimal cutoff value of 1.1 mm for lipoma screening in young children.
Combined Use of Ultrasound Elastography and B‐Mode Sonography for Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Circumscribed Breast Masses
Authors: Kim Soo-Yeon , Park Jeong Seon , Koo Hye Ryoung
Published: October 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of combined B‐mode sonography and ultrasound elastography for differentiation between benign and malignant breast masses with circumscribed margins.

Methods

We analyzed 109 pathologically proven circumscribed breast masses. Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed B‐mode sonograms and elastograms in consensus. Based on the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, we determined categories of the masses on B‐mode sonography. Elastographic scores were assessed by a 3‐point scale (negative, 0; equivocal, 1; and positive, 2). When the elastographic score for a lesion was 0 or 2, we downgraded or upgraded the B‐mode category, respectively; thus, the reclassified Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category was defined as the “reclassification category.” Mean category values for benign and malignant lesions were compared by a Student t test. The diagnostic performance of B‐mode, elastographic, and reclassification assessments was compared by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

The mean B‐mode category (2.5 versus 1.7), elastographic score (1.7 versus 0.8), and reclassification category (3.2 versus 1.6) were significantly higher in malignant than benign lesions (P < .001). The area under the curve for reclassification assessment was significantly higher than that for B‐mode sonography (0.916 versus 0.795; P < .05). With a cutoff value between 1 and 2, the specificity was increased from 26.5% to 42.9% after reclassification.

Conclusions

For differentiation between benign and malignant circumscribed breast masses, combined use of B‐mode sonography and elastography could provide a better diagnostic performance than B‐mode sonography alone.
Wave Intensity Analysis Can Identify Eccentric Cardiac Hypertrophy in Hypertensive Patients With Varied Left Ventricular Configurations
Authors: Du Guo-Qing , Li Hai-Ru , Xue Jing-Yi , Chen Shuang , Du Pei , Wu Yan , Tian Jia-Wei
Published: October 2015

Objectives

The primary aim of this study was to determine whether wave intensity can discriminate cases of eccentric hypertrophy in patients with essential hypertension who have varied left ventricular configurations.

Methods

A total of 155 hypertensive patients with different ventricular configurations (27 normal configuration, 42 concentric remodeling, 62 concentric hypertrophy, and 24 eccentric hypertrophy) were recruited. We performed a noninvasive wave intensity analysis of the common carotid artery and conventional echocardiography. Blood pressure and flow velocity were measured in the right carotid artery of all patients.

Results

The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the eccentric hypertrophy group was significantly lower than the values in the other groups (P < .05). The R–W1 interval/W1–W2 interval ratio (where W1 indicates the first positive peak and W2 the second positive peak) in the eccentric hypertrophy group was much higher than the values in the other groups (P < .05). However, there were no significant differences in W1, W2, and negative area among these groups. Pearson correlation analysis showed that R–W1/W1–W2, R–W1, and W1–W2were correlated with the LVEF, whereas there was no correlation between W1, W2, negative area, and the reflection coefficient with the LVEF.

Conclusions

We propose that by using the R–W1/W1–W2 ratio, wave intensity analysis can identify hypertensive patients with eccentric hypertrophy without the need for echocardiography.
Can Sonography Distinguish a Supraorbital Notch From a Foramen?
Authors: Garg Ravi K. , Lee Kenneth S. , Kohn Sarah C. , Baskaya Mustafa K. , Afifi Ahmed M.
Published: October 2015

Diagnostic tools for evaluating the supraorbital rim in preparation for nerve decompression surgery in patients with chronic headaches are currently limited. We evaluated the use of sonography to diagnose the presence of a supraorbital notch or foramen in 11 cadaver orbits. Sonographic findings were assessed by dissecting cadaver orbits to determine whether a notch or foramen was present. Sonography correctly diagnosed the presence of a supraorbital notch in 7 of 7 cases and correctly diagnosed a supraorbital foramen in 4 of 4 cases. We found that sonography had 100% sensitivity in diagnosing a supraorbital notch and foramen. This tool may therefore be helpful in characterizing the supraorbital rim preoperatively and may influence the decision to use a transpalpebral or endoscopic approach for supraorbital nerve decompression as well as the decision to use local or general anesthesia.
Antenatal Surveillance in Twin Pregnancies Using the Biophysical Profile
Authors: Booker Whitney , Fox Nathan S. , Gupta Simi , Carroll Rachel , Saltzman Daniel H. , Klauser Chad K. , Rebarber Andrei
Published: October 2015

Objectives

The nonstress test is currently the most widely used modality for antenatal surveillance in twin pregnancies, with a quoted false‐positive rate of 11%–12%. Our objective was to report our experience with the sonographic portion of the biophysical profile in twin pregnancies as the primary screening modality.

Methods

Women with twin pregnancies delivered by a single maternal‐fetal medicine practice from 2005 to 2013 were included. We excluded monoamniotic twins. Twin pregnancies began weekly sonography for the biophysical profile starting at 32 to 33 weeks, or earlier if indicated. The nonstress test was performed if the sonographic biophysical profile score was less than 8 of 8. We reviewed biophysical profile scores and outcomes for all patients who delivered at 33 weeks or later to assess the false‐positive rate for the biophysical profile, as well as the incidence of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) after initiation of antenatal surveillance.

Results

A total of 539 twin pregnancies were included. The incidence of IUFD per patient was 2 per 539 (0.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1%–1.3%), and the incidence of IUFD per fetus was 2 per 1078 (0.19%; 95% CI, 0.05%–0.7%). The overall positive screen rate was 24 per 539 (4.45%; 95% CI, 3.0%–6.5%). The false‐positive screen rate, defined as an abnormal biophysical profile that did not diagnose an IUFD or lead to delivery, was 10 per 539 (1.9%; 95% CI, 1.0%–3.4%).

Conclusions—In twin pregnancies the use of the sonographic biophysical profile for routine antenatal surveillance has a low false‐positive rate, with a very low incidence of IUFD. The sonographic biophysical profile should be considered as a primary mode for antenatal surveillance in twin pregnancies, with a reflex nonstress test for an abnormal score.
Chronic Influences of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Cerebral Venous Flow
Authors: Chi Hsin-Yi , Lin Chang-Sheng , Hsu Min-hsien , Chan Po-chi , Hu Han-Hwa
Published: October 2015

Objectives

Evidence reveals a pathophysiologic link between sleep apnea syndrome and cerebrovascular diseases. It is known that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may cause serial hemodynamic changes and structural abnormalities in the cerebral and cardiac arterial systems, but its effect on the cerebral venous system has remained unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare internal jugular vein hemodynamics between patients with OSA and healthy individuals.

Methods

Patients with OSA and age‐, body mass index‐, and sex‐matched healthy control participants were recruited for a jugular venous duplex study and neurologic examination. The luminal area of the internal jugular vein, jugular venous flow volume, time‐averaged mean velocity, and presence of jugular venous reflux were recorded. These flow characteristics were obtained at different respiratory statuses, and we analyzed the differences between patients and controls.

Results

In the OSA group, there was an increasing flow volume in total internal jugular veins at rest. The frequency of venous reflux in patients compared with controls was significantly decreased (26.7% versus 53.3%, respectively; P < .05). The internal jugular vein drainage dominance was greater on the left side in the OSA group (right versus left: 48.8% versus 51.2%), whereas it was greater on the right side in the control group (right versus left: 61.7% versus 38.3%).

Conclusions

Our data showed peculiar internal jugular vein hemodynamics at baseline and different respiratory statuses in patients with OSA. These characteristics imply that cerebral venous drainage conditions might be involved in the pathophysiologic mechanisms of OSA syndrome.
Ultrasound‐Guided Fenestration of Tendons About the Hip and Pelvis
Authors: Jacobson Jon A. , Rubin Joshua , Yablon Corrie M. , Kim Sung Moon , Kalume-Brigido Monica , Parameswaran Aishwarya
Published: October 2015

Objectives

Percutaneous ultrasound‐guided needle fenestration has been used to treat tendinopathy of the elbow, knee, and ankle with promising results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of ultrasound‐guided fenestration of tendons about the hip and pelvis.

Methods

After Institutional Review Board approval, a retrospective search of imaging reports from January 1, 2005, to June 30, 2011, was completed to identify patients treated with ultrasound‐guided tendon fenestration about the hip or pelvis. Subsequent clinic notes were retrospectively reviewed to determine whether the patient showed marked improvement, some improvement, no change, or worsening symptoms.

Results

The study group consisted of 22 tendons in 21 patients with an average age of 55.8 years (range, 26.7–77.0 years). The treated tendons included 11 gluteus medius (9 tendinosis and 2 partial tears), 2 gluteus minimus (both tendinosis), 8 hamstring (6 tendinosis and 2 partial tears), and 1 tensor fascia latae (tendinosis). The average interval to clinical follow‐up was 70 days (range, 7–813 days). There was marked improvement in 45.5% (10 of 22), some improvement in 36.4% (8 of 22), no change in symptoms in 9.1% (2 of 22), and worsening symptoms in 9.1% (2 of 22). There were no patient variables (age, chronicity of symptoms, sex, tendon, tendinosis versus tear, prior physical therapy, and prior corticosteroid injection) that were significantly different between patients who improved and those who did not. There were no cases of a subsequent tendon tear or infection.

Conclusions

Clinical follow‐up after ultrasound‐guided fenestration of the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, proximal hamstring, and tensor fascia latae tendons showed that 82% of patients had improvement in their symptoms.
New hemispheric geomagnetic indicesαwith 15 min time resolution
Authors: Chambodut Aude , Marchaudon Aurélie , Lathuillère Chantal , Menvielle Michel , Foucault Etienne
Published: October 2015

New subauroralα15indices are proposed. They are based on a simple reproducible algorithm which relies on an as dense as possible network of magnetic observatories in each hemisphere. At first, the variation with time of local geomagnetic activity is determined at each magnetic station. Gathering all obtained stations' precomputed values, a normalization with corrected geomagnetic latitude is determined. Then, for each 15 min interval, magnetic activity on the horizontal component is averaged out over 15 min and corrected using this normalization, before a spline modeling of the longitudinal variation in each hemisphere is applied. Hemispheric and planetary 15 min indices are then computed by arithmetic means. Preliminary statistical results, from probability distribution function over a solar cycle and superposed epoch analysis during storms conditions, show, by comparison withamgeomagnetic index series, that newα15indices are reliable in describing subauroral magnetic activity. These new indices will suit any future user, allowing either to choose the spatial description (planetary versus hemispheric) and/or to choose the temporal resolution, knowing unambiguously all their strengths and caveats.
The impact of Callisto's atmosphere on its plasma interaction with the Jovian magnetosphere
Authors: Liuzzo Lucas , Feyerabend Moritz , Simon Sven , Motschmann Uwe
Published: October 2015

The interaction between Callisto's atmosphere and ionosphere with the surrounding magnetospheric environment is analyzed by applying a hybrid simulation code, in which the ions are treated as particles and the electrons are treated as a fluid. Callisto is unique among the Galilean satellites in its interaction with the ambient magnetospheric plasma as the gyroradii of the impinging plasma and pickup ions are large compared to the size of the moon. A kinetic representation of the ions is therefore mandatory to adequately describe the resulting asymmetries in the electromagnetic fields and the deflection of the plasma flow near Callisto. Multiple model runs are performed at various distances of the moon to the center of Jupiter's magnetospheric current sheet, with differing angles between the corotational plasma flow and the ionizing solar radiation. When Callisto is embedded in the Jovian current sheet, magnetic perturbations due to the plasma interaction are more than twice the strength of the background field and may therefore obscure any magnetic signal generated via induction in a subsurface ocean. The magnetic field perturbations generated by Callisto's ionospheric interaction are very similar at different orbital positions of the moon, demonstrating that local time is only of minor importance when disentangling magnetic signals generated by the magnetosphere‐ionosphere interaction from those driven by induction. Our simulations also suggest that deflection of the magnetospheric plasma around the moon cannot alone explain the density enhancement of 2 orders of magnitude measured in Callisto's wake during Galileo flybys. However, through inclusion of an ionosphere surrounding Callisto, modeled densities in the wake are consistent with in situ measurements.
In situ observations on the coupling between hydraulic diffusivity and displacements during fault reactivation in shales
Authors: Guglielmi Yves , Elsworth Derek , Cappa Frédéric , Henry Pierre , Gout Claude , Dick Pierre , Durand Jérémie
Published: October 2015

Key questions in fault reactivation in shales relate to the potential for enhanced fluid transport through previously low‐permeability aseismic formations. Here we explore the behavior of a 20 m long N0‐to‐170°, 75‐to‐80°W fault in shales that is critically stressed under a strike‐slip regime (σ1 = 4 ± 2 MPa, horizontal and N162° ± 15°E, σ2 = 3.8 ± 0.4 MPa and σ3 = 2.1 ± 1 MPa, respectively 7–8° inclined from vertical and horizontal and N72°). The fault was reactivated by fluid pressurization in a borehole using a straddle packer system isolating a 2.4 m long injection chamber oriented‐subnormal to the fault surface at a depth of 250 m. A three‐dimensional displacement sensor attached across the fault allowed monitoring fault movements, injection pressure and flow rate. Pressurization induced a hydraulic diffusivity increase from ~2 × 10−9 to ~103 m2 s−1 associated with a complex three‐dimensional fault movement. The shear (x‐, z‐) and fault‐normal (y‐) components (Ux, Uy, and Uz) =  (44.0 × 10−6 m, 10.5 × 10−6 m, and 20.0 × 10−6 m) are characterized by much larger shear displacements than the normal opening. Numerical analyses of the experiment show that the fault permeability evolution is controlled by the fault reactivation in shear related to Coulomb failure. The large additional fault hydraulic aperture for fluid flow is not reflected in the total normal displacement that showed a small partly contractile component. This suggests that complex dilatant effects estimated to occur in a plurimeter radius around the injection source affect the flow and slipping patch geometries during fault rupture, controlling the initial slow slip and the strong back slip of the fault following depressurization.
Snow‐borne nanosized particles: Abundance, distribution, composition, and significance in ice nucleation processes
Authors: Rangel‐Alvarado Rodrigo Benjamin , Nazarenko Yevgen , Ariya Parisa A.
Published: October 2015

Physicochemical processes of nucleation constitute a major uncertainty in understanding aerosol‐cloud interactions. To improve the knowledge of the ice nucleation process, we characterized physical, chemical, and biological properties of fresh snow using a suite of state‐of‐the‐art techniques based on mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, chromatography, and optical particle sizing. Samples were collected at two North American Arctic sites, as part of international campaigns (2006 and 2009), and in the city of Montreal, Canada, over the last decade. Particle size distribution analyses, in the range of 3 nm to 10 µm, showed that nanosized particles are the most numerous (38–71%) in fresh snow, with a significant portion (11 to 19%) less than 100 nm in size. Particles with diameters less than 200 nm consistently exhibited relatively high ice‐nucleating properties (on average ranged from −19.6 ± 2.4 to −8.1 ± 2.6°C). Chemical analysis of the nanosized fraction suggests that they contain bioorganic materials, such as amino acids, as well as inorganic compounds with similar characteristics to mineral dust. The implication of nanoparticle ubiquity and abundance in diverse snow ecosystems are discussed in the context of their importance in understanding atmospheric nucleation processes.
Estimation of thermospheric zonal and meridional winds using a Kalman filter technique
Authors: Lomidze Levan , Scherliess Ludger
Published: October 2015

Knowledge of the thermospheric neutral wind and its horizontal components is critical for an improved understanding of F region dynamics and morphology. However, to date their reliable estimation remains a challenge because of difficulties in both measurement and modeling. We present a new method to estimate the climatology of the zonal and meridional components of thermospheric neutral wind at low and middle latitudes using a Kalman filter technique. First, the climatology of the magnetic meridional wind is obtained by assimilating seasonal maps of F region ionosphere peak parameters (NmF2 and hmF2), obtained from Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate radio occultation data, into the Global Assimilation of Ionospheric Measurements Full Physics (GAIM‐FP) model. GAIM‐FP provides the 3‐D electron density throughout the ionosphere, together with the magnetic meridional wind. Next, the global zonal and meridional wind components are estimated using a newly developed Thermospheric Wind Assimilation Model (TWAM). TWAM combines magnetic meridional wind data obtained from GAIM‐FP with a physics‐based 3‐D thermospheric neutral wind model using an implicit Kalman filter technique. Ionospheric drag and ion diffusion velocities, needed for the wind calculation, are also taken from GAIM‐FP. The obtained wind velocities are in close agreement with measurements made by interferometers and with wind values from the Horizontal Wind Model 93 (HWM93) over Millstone Hill, Arecibo, and Arequipa during December and June solstices, and March equinox. In addition, it is shown that compared to HWM93 the winds from TWAM significantly improve the accuracy of the Ionosphere/Plasmasphere Model in reproducing the observed electron density variation over the Weddell Sea Anomaly.
Matrix Addressing of an Electronic Surface Switch Based on a Conjugated Polyelectrolyte for Cell Sorting
Authors: Persson Kristin M. , Lönnqvist Susanna , Tybrandt Klas , Gabrielsson Roger , Nilsson David , Kratz Gunnar , Berggren Magnus
Published: October 2015

Spatial control of cell detachment is potentially of great interest when selecting cells for clonal expansion and in order to obtain a homogeneous starting population of cells aimed for tissue engineering purposes. Here, selective detachment and cell sorting of human primary keratinocytes and fibroblasts is achieved using thin films of a conjugated polymer. Upon electrochemical oxidation, the polymer film swells, cracks, and finally detaches taking cells cultured on top along with it. The polymer can be patterned using standard photolithography to fabricate a cross‐point matrix with polymer pixels that can be individually addressed and thus detached. Detachment occurs above a well‐defined threshold of +0.7 V versus Ag/AgCl, allowing the use of a relatively simple and easily manufactured passive matrix‐addressing configuration, based on a resistor network, to control the cell‐sorting device.
World Health Organization‐defined eosinophilic disorders: 2015 update on diagnosis, risk stratification, and management
Authors: Gotlib Jason
Published: October 2015

Disease overview: The eosinophilias encompass a broad range of non‐hematologic (secondary or reactive) and hematologic (primary, clonal) disorders with potential for end‐organ damage.

Diagnosis: Hypereosinophilia has generally been defined as a peripheral blood eosinophil count greater than 1,500/mm3 and may be associated with tissue damage. After exclusion of secondary causes of eosinophilia, diagnostic evaluation of primary eosinophilias relies on a combination of morphologic review of the blood and marrow, standard cytogenetics, fluorescent in situ‐hybridization, flow immunocytometry, and T‐cell clonality assessment to detect histopathologic or clonal evidence for an acute or chronic myeloid or lymphoproliferative disorder.

Risk stratification: Disease prognosis relies on identifying the subtype of eosinophilia. After evaluation of secondary causes of eosinophilia, the 2008 World Health Organization establishes a semi‐molecular classification scheme of disease subtypes including ‘myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and abnormalities of PDGFRA, PDGFRB, or FGFR1’, chronic eosinophilic leukemia, not otherwise specified, (CEL, NOS), lymphocyte‐variant hypereosinophilia, and idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), which is a diagnosis of exclusion.

Risk‐adapted therapy: The goal of the therapy is to mitigate eosinophil‐mediated organ damage. For patients with milder forms of eosinophilia (e.g. < 1,500/mm3) without symptoms or signs of organ involvement, a watch and wait approach with close‐follow‐up may be undertaken. Identification of rearranged PDGFRA or PDGFRB is critical because of the exquisite responsiveness of these diseases to imatinib. Corticosteroids are first‐line therapy for patients with lymphocyte‐variant hypereosinophilia and HES. Hydroxyurea and interferon‐alpha have demonstrated efficacy as initial treatment and steroid‐refractory cases of HES. In addition to hydroxyurea, second line cytotoxic chemotherapy agents and hematopoietic cell transplant have been used for aggressive forms of HES and CEL with outcomes reported for limited numbers of patients. Although clinical trials have been performed with anti IL‐5 (mepolizumab) and anti‐CD52 (alemtuzumab) antibodies, their therapeutic role in primary eosinophilic diseases and HES has yet to be established. Am. J. Hematol. 90:1077–1089, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isotopic evidence of human mobility and diet in a prehistoric/protohistoric Fijian coastal environment (c. 750–150 BP)
Authors: Stantis Christina , Buckley Hallie R. , Kinaston Rebecca L. , Nunn Patrick D. , Jaouen Klervia , Richards Michael P.
Published: October 2015

Objectives

Bourewa, on the southwest coast of Viti Levu in Fiji, is a multi‐period site that contained burials dated to the later Vuda Phase (750–150 BP), a period of climatic fluctuations that potentially impacted the availability of food resources. We aim to investigate diet and movement at this site during a time of possible ecological pressure and political change.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed δ13C, δ15N, and 87Sr/86Sr of these Vuda Phase individuals (n = 25) interred at the site. By analyzing dentin and bone, both childhood diet and the diet within the past few years of adults' lives were examined.

Results

The paleodietary results suggested that adult diets consisted largely of low trophic level marine organisms. Dentin and bone isotopic values differed significantly: childhood diet involved consumption of more higher trophic level terrestrial foods. Most individuals displayed 87Sr/86Sr ratios expected of people living along a marine coastline. However, a few individuals displayed 87Sr/86Sr ratios and paleodietary values (δ13Cdentin, δ15Ndentin) suggestive of living further inland or consuming a more terrestrial‐based childhood diet.

Discussion

The results are compared with past studies of sites from Fiji and nearby archipelagoes, placing our interpretations into a wider regional context. The Bourewa community appears to have consumed more low trophic level marine foods than any nearby site, possibly because terrestrial foods were more difficult to acquire. Interpreting the childhood diet is challenging due to the paucity of ethnohistoric literature on Fijian childhood; small meals outside of communal mealtimes or feeding children terrestrial animal protein as a means of cultural buffering are potential explanations. Am J Phys Anthropol 159:478–495, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
De‐novo‐Fragmententwurf für die Wirkstoffforschung und chemische Biologie
Authors: Rodrigues Tiago , Reker Daniel , Welin Martin , Caldera Michael , Brunner Cyrill , Gabernet Gisela , Schneider Petra , Walse Björn , Schneider Gisbert
Published: October 2015

Automatisiertes De‐novo‐Moleküldesign führte zur Entdeckung eines neuartigen Inhibitors der Death‐Associated Proteinkinase 3 (DAPK3). Eine erste Kristallstruktur der inaktiven DAPK3 als Homodimer im Komplex mit dem fragmentartigen Liganden zeigt dessen Bindung in der ATP‐Bindetasche. Das verwendete maschinelle Lernverfahren hat neben DAPK3 weitere Targets korrekt vorhergesagt, sowohl für den entworfenen Liganden als auch für den strukturell verwandten und bereits auf dem Markt befindlichen Wirkstoff Azosemid. Die vorliegende Studie bestätigt das Konzept des computergestützten ligandenbasierten De‐novo‐Moleküldesigns als geeignet für die Erzeugung neuartiger Liganden und potentieller Startpunkte für die Wirkstofffindung.
Enantioselective Oxidative Aerobic Dealkylation of N‐Ethyl Benzylisoquinolines by Employing the Berberine Bridge Enzyme
Authors: Gandomkar Somayyeh , Fischereder Eva‐Maria , Schrittwieser Joerg H. , Wallner Silvia , Habibi Zohreh , Macheroux Peter , Kroutil Wolfgang
Published: October 2015

N‐Dealkylation methods are well described for organic chemistry and the reaction is known in nature and drug metabolism; however, to our knowledge, enantioselective N‐dealkylation has not been yet reported. In this study, exclusively the (S)‐enantiomers of racemic N‐ethyl tertiary amines (1‐benzyl‐N‐ethyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolines) were dealkylated to give the corresponding secondary (S)‐amines in an enantioselective fashion at the expense of molecular oxygen. The reaction is catalyzed by the berberine bridge enzyme, which is known for CC bond formation. The dealkylation was demonstrated on a 100 mg scale and gave optically pure dealkylated products (ee>99 %).
β,β′‐Bipyrrole Fusion‐Driven cis‐Bimetallic Complexation in Isomeric Porphyrin
Authors: Sarma Tridib , Kumar B. Sathish , Panda Pradeepta K.
Published: October 2015

An unprecedented cis‐bimetallic complex of dinaphthoporphycene (DNP), namely [Pd2(μ‐DNP)(μ‐OAc)2], is reported. The most striking feature of this complex is that two palladiums coordinate to the macrocycle on the same side and are closely held together (PdPd: 2.67 Å) by two bridging acetate ligands exhibiting significant metal–metal bonding interaction (bond order 0.18 evaluated by NBO analysis). Interestingly, replacing acetate with acetylacetonate (acac) could stabilize an unusual mono‐palladium complex of DNP, where Pd coordinates unsymmetrically to two ring Ns above the macrocyclic plane, as well as coordinating with two Os of the acac ligand. Remarkably, the rigid DNP core displays enhanced complexation induced aromaticity (as per NICS and HOMA analysis), despite undergoing severe core deformation during complexation with metal ion(s) as noticed from their solid‐state structures.
Dynamic mechanical properties, crystallization behaviors, and low‐temperature performance of polypropylene random copolymer composites
Authors: Wang Xiaomeng , Yin Xiaogang , Wang Lijun , Zhang Chun , Gong Wei , He Li
Published: October 2015

In this study, polypropylene random copolymer (PPR) composites were prepared by the addition of either three kinds of thermoplastic rubber (TPR) modifiers (types 2088A, 2095, and 2096) or an ethylene–octene copolymer (POE)/high‐density polyethylene (HDPE; 2 :1 w/w) blend. Differential scanning calorimetry, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, and dynamic mechanical analysis were used to characterize the crystallization behaviors and dynamic mechanical properties of the PPR composites. The results indicated that PPR/POE/HDPE and PPR/TPR2088A had better comprehensive mechanical properties, especially the low‐temperature toughness among all of the samples. The obtained PPR/POE/HDPE blends showed a high toughness and good stiffness in the temperature interval from −10 to 23°C with the addition of only 10 wt % POE/HDPE. When the temperature continued to fall below −10°C, the PPR/TPR2088A composites exhibited a better impact toughness without a loss of too much stiffness. The good low‐temperature toughness of those two composites was attributed to both the decrease in the crystallinity and the uniform dispersion, obvious interfacial adhesion, and cavitation ability of POE/HDPE and TPR2088A in the PPR matrix. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42960.
Protein/glycerol blends and injection‐molded bioplastic matrices: Soybean versus egg albumen
Authors: Fernández‐Espada Lucía , Bengoechea Carlos , Cordobés Felipe , Guerrero Antonio
Published: October 2015

Two well‐known proteins have been selected in order to produce bioplastics through injection molding: a soy protein isolate (SPI) and an egg white albumen concentrate (EW). Each of them has been thoroughly mixed with glycerol (40 wt %) and the blend then obtained have been characterized by means of rheological and thermomechanical techniques, which allowed the optimization of the processing moulding conditions (cylinder temperature, 60°C–65°C; mould temperature, 120°C; post‐injection pressure, 500–600 bars). Once bioplastics were obtained, their thermomechanical and tensile properties, as well as their water uptake capacity and transparency were evaluated. Bioplastics containing EW showed higher values in the elastic and loss moduli, E′ and E″, from −30°C to 130°C, than the corresponding SPI bioplastic. However, they both showed qualitatively the same evolution with temperature, where E′ and E″ decreased up to a plateau at high temperatures. When examining their tensile and water uptake properties is found that SPI bioplastics are more ductile and present enhanced water uptake behavior over EW bioplastics, which on the other hand possess higher Young's modulus. SPI seems to provide tougher bioplastics, being an excellent option for potential superabsorbent applications, whereas EW would suit for those applications requiring higher mechanical properties. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42980.
Preliminary study on the biodegradation of adipate/phthalate polyester polyurethanes of commercial‐type by Alicycliphilus sp. BQ8
Authors: Pérez‐Lara Luis Fernando , Vargas‐Suárez Martín , López‐Castillo Néstor Noé , Cruz‐Gómez Modesto Javier , Loza‐Tavera Herminia
Published: October 2015

Accumulation of polyurethane (PU) waste has increased considerably due to its extensive use. Even though many efforts are being carried out to develop more biodegradable PU, the use of these new materials is far from being commercially available. Here, we analyzed the susceptibility of solid polyester polyurethanes (PS‐PU) of commercial‐type, to biodegradation by Alicycliphilus sp. BQ8, a polyurethanolytic bacterial strain. Four polyester polyols were synthesized from dipropylene glycol (DPG) or diethylene glycol (DEG), and adipic acid (ADA) or phthalic anhydride (PHA), and were combined with either 4,4′‐ and 4,2′‐methylene diphenyldiisocyanate (MDI) or 2,4‐ and 2,6‐toluene diisocyanate (TDI). Synthesized polyols and PUs were characterized. PU biodegradation was assessed by the capacity of the polymers to support bacterial growth, and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analyses. Although all the synthesized PUs supported BQ8 growth, SEM analysis showed that PHA‐based PU foams were the most affected by bacterial growth. FTIR spectroscopy and GC‐MS analyses of bacterial treated PS‐PUs showed that they were attacked at ester and urethane groups, suggesting that esterase and amidase activities are involved. Extra‐cellular and membrane bound esterase activities were detected during the five days of analysis. Our results suggest that solid PHA‐based PUs might be more susceptible than ADA‐based PUs to microbial biodegradation in the environment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42992.
Identification of peptides derived from the C‐terminal domain of fibulin‐7 active for endothelial cell adhesion and tube formation disruption
Authors: de Vega Susana , Hozumi Kentaro , Suzuki Nobuharu , Nonaka Risa , Seo Eimi , Takeda Anna , Ikeuchi Tomoko , Nomizu Motoyoshi , Yamada Yoshihiko , Arikawa‐Hirasawa Eri
Published: October 2015

Despite the research done on pathological angiogenesis, there is still a need for the development of new therapies against angiogenesis‐related diseases. Fibulin‐7 (Fbln7) is a member of the extracellular matrix fibulin protein family. The Fbln7 C‐terminal fragment, Fbln7‐C, binds to endothelial cells and inhibits their tube formation in culture. In this study, we screened 12 synthetic peptides, covering the fibulin‐globular domain of Fbln7‐C, to identify active sites for endothelial cell adhesion and in vitro antiangiogenic activity. Three peptides, fc10, fc11, and fc12, promoted Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) adhesion, and the morphology of HUVECs on fc10 was similar to that on Fbln7‐C. EDTA and the anti‐integrin β1 function‐blocking antibody inhibited HUVECs adhesion to both fc10 and fc12, and heparin inhibited HUVECs adhesion to both fc11 and fc12. fc10 and fc11 inhibited HUVECs tube formation. Our results suggest that three peptides from Fbln7‐C are biologically active for endothelial cell adhesion and disrupt the tube formation, suggesting a potential therapeutic use of these peptides for angiogenesis‐related diseases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 184–195, 2016.
Iodine seed- versus wire-guided localization in breast-conserving surgery for non-palpable ductal carcinoma in situ
Authors: Luiten J D , Beek M A , Voogd A C , Gobardhan P D , Luiten E J T
Published: October 2015

Background

Breast-conserving surgery for isolated non-palpable ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is associated with high rates of incomplete surgical resection in comparison with unifocal invasive breast cancer. Therefore, accurate preoperative localization of the lesion is very important to facilitate adequate resection. Wire-guided localization (WGL) remains the standard for localization of DCIS. Recently, iodine-125 seed-guided localization (I-125 GL) was introduced as an alternative localization technique. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of these localization techniques in the resection of DCIS by breast-conserving surgery.

Methods

Between March 2006 and June 2013, 169 patients with non-palpable DCIS were treated with breast-conserving surgery. Only patients with pure DCIS on both preoperative core biopsy and definitive pathology were included.

Results

WGL was performed in 78 patients and I-125 GL in 91 patients. The groups did not differ with respect to age, size of DCIS or type of imaging used. Patients in the I-125 GL group had a significantly lower risk of extensively involved resection margins than those in the WGL group (4 versus 13 per cent respectively; P = 0·048).

Conclusion

In patients treated with breast-conserving surgery for non-palpable DCIS, localization with iodine-125 seeds is superior to the WGL technique in reducing the risk of extensively involved resection margins.
Determination of the lipophilicity of Salvia miltiorrhiza Radix et Rhizoma (danshen root) ingredients by microemulsion liquid chromatography: optimization using cluster analysis and a linear solvation energy relationship‐based method
Authors: Li Liangxing , Yang Jianrui , Huang Hongzhang , Xu Liyuan , Gao Chongkai , Li Ning
Published: October 2015

We evaluated 26 microemulsion liquid chromatography (MELC) systems for their potential as high‐throughput screening platforms capable of modeling the partitioning behaviors of drug compounds in an n‐octanol–water system, and for predicting the lipophilicity of those compounds (i.e. logP values). The MELC systems were compared by cluster analysis and a linear solvation energy relationship (LSER)‐based method, and the optimal system was identified by comparing their Euclidean distances with the LSER coefficients. The most effective MELC system had a mobile phase consisting of 6.0% (w/w) Brij35 (a detergent), 6.6% (w/w) butanol, 0.8% (w/w) cyclohexane, 86.6% (w/w) buffer solution and 8 mm cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide. The reliability of the established platform was confirmed by the agreement between the experimental data and the predicted values. The logP values of the ingredients of danshen root (Salvia miltiorrhiza Radix et Rhizoma) were then predicted. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advancing research on computer game consumption: A future research agenda
Authors: Seo Yuri , Buchanan‐Oliver Margo , Fam Kim‐Shyan
Published: October 2015

Computer games have become an important part of consumer culture. Moreover, they drive cultural and societal advancements that serve and benefit postmodern consumers. In this introductory article to the special issue, we discuss recent developments and outline research directions that will inform future inquiries into the marketing and consumer behaviour issues associated with computer game consumption. We begin with an overview of previous research on computer games in the marketing and consumer behaviour literature. Next, we provide an integrative summary of the articles that were selected for this special issue. Finally, we draw the threads together in order to elicit opportunities for future research in the area. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PDZRN4 acts as a suppressor of cell proliferation in human liver cancer cell lines
Authors: Hu Taotao , Yang Hong , Han Ze‐Guang
Published: October 2015

Recently, some reports show that Ligand of Numb Protein‐X 1 (LNX1) could be a suppressor gene in gliomas, while our current research has firstly shown that PDZ domain containing ring finger 4 (PDZRN4), another member of LNX family, could also be a potential suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PDZRN4, also named LNX4 (Ligand of Numb Protein‐X 4), is a member of the LNX family. We recently found that PDZRN4, but not LNX1, was down‐regulated in HCC samples, and the role of PDZRN4 in the progression of HCC had not been studied before. To address this question, firstly, we evaluated the expression of PDZRN4 in HCC samples and adjacent non‐cancerous tissues. Semi‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that PDZRN4 was down‐regulated in 24/36 (66.7%) HCC samples separately. In addition, our research shows that PDZRN4 is silenced in all of the 12 HCC cell lines tested. Subsequently, cell‐based functional assay exhibited that ectopic expression of PDZRN4 inhibits the proliferation, plate colony formation and anchorage‐independent colony formation of HCC cells. Collectively, our results showed that PDZRN4 might be a potential tumour suppressor gene and had anti‐proliferative effect on HCC cell proliferation, which would be of great significance to the researches on HCC. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stat3‐siRNA inhibits the growth of gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Sun Ying , Guo Bao‐feng , Xu Li‐bo , Zhong Jia‐teng , Liu Zhe‐wen , Liang Hang , Wen Nai‐yan , Yun Wen‐jing , Zhang Ling , Zhao Xue‐jian
Published: October 2015

Gastric cancer remains one of the most prevalent and lethal malignancies in the world. Despite new advances in treatment and diagnosis, patients with advanced gastric cancer are still difficult to cure resulting in a high mortality rate and poor prognosis. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) is observed aberrant in multiple tumours, including gastric cancer. Stat3 overexpression was confirmed performing a vital role in tumorigenesis. In the present study, we constructed a pSi‐Stat3 plasmid to silence Stat3 and investigated the effect of pSi‐Stat3 on cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle progression in gastric cancer cell line SGC‐7901 and mice xenograft model. Downstream proteins of Stat3, including Cyclin‐D1, Survivin and Bcl‐2, were detected as well for the underlying mechanism exploration. It showed that pSi‐Stat3 can effectively silence the expression of Stat3 and inhibits the growth of gastric tumour both in vitro and in vivo significantly via cell apoptosis and cell cycle shift induction. The findings suggest that Stat3 signal pathway might be a promising therapeutic target for tumour treatment, including gastric cancer. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methane Dry Reforming over Coke‐Resistant Mesoporous Ni‐Al2O3 Catalysts Prepared by Evaporation‐Induced Self‐Assembly Method
Authors: Fang Xiuzhong , Peng Cheng , Peng Honggen , Liu Wenming , Xu Xianglan , Wang Xiang , Li Changqing , Zhou Wufeng
Published: October 2015

Mesoporous Ni‐Al2O3 catalysts were prepared in one pot following an evaporation‐induced self‐assembly method (EISA) and used for methane dry reforming. Compared with a traditional Ni/Al2O3 catalyst prepared through impregnation method (IMP), the EISA catalysts display significantly improved coke resistance and activity. It is revealed by small‐angle XRD (SXRD), N2 adsorption–desorption, and TEM that an ordered mesoporous structure was formed in the EISA catalysts, which impedes the aggregation of the Ni sites and aids in the mass transfer of the reaction. In addition, the Ni species in the reduced EISA samples more dispersed, more uniformly distributed, and have smaller crystallite size, as evidenced by XRD, H2 adsorption–desorption, and TEM results. It is speculated that these are the major reasons accounting for the significantly improved dry reforming performance of the EISA catalysts.