bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic fatigue in Ehlers–Danlos syndrome—Hypermobile type
Authors: Hakim Alan , De Wandele Inge , O'Callaghan Chris , Pocinki Alan , Rowe Peter
Published: February 2017

Chronic fatigue is an important contributor to impaired health‐related quality of life in Ehlers–Danlos syndrome. There is overlap in the symptoms and findings of EDS and chronic fatigue syndrome. A proportion of those with CFS likely have EDS that has not been identified. The evaluation of chronic fatigue in EDS needs to include a careful clinical examination and laboratory testing to exclude common causes of fatigue including anemia, hypothyroidisim, and chronic infection, as well as dysfunction of major physiological or organ systems. Other problems that commonly contribute to fatigue in EDS include sleep disorders, chronic pain, deconditioning, cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction, bowel and bladder dysfunction, psychological issues, and nutritional deficiencies. While there is no specific pharmacological treatment for fatigue, many medications are effective for specific symptoms (such as headache, menstrual dysfunction, or myalgia) and for co‐morbid conditions that result in fatigue, including orthostatic intolerance and insomnia. Comprehensive treatment of fatigue needs to also evaluate for biomechanical problems that are common in EDS, and usually involves skilled physical therapy and attention to methods to prevent deconditioning. In addition to managing specific symptoms, treatment of fatigue in EDS also needs to focus on maintaining function and providing social, physical, and nutritional support, as well as providing on‐going medical evaluation of new problems and review of new evidence about proposed treatments. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Psychiatric and psychological aspects in the Ehlers–Danlos syndromes
Authors: Bulbena Antonio , Baeza‐Velasco Carolina , Bulbena‐Cabré Andrea , Pailhez Guillem , Critchley Hugo , Chopra Pradeep , Mallorquí‐Bagué Nuria , Frank Charissa , Porges Stephen
Published: February 2017

There is increasing amount of evidence pointing toward a high prevalence of psychiatric conditions among individuals with hypermobile type of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (JHS/hEDS). A literature review confirms a strong association between anxiety disorders and JHSh/hEDS, and there is also limited but growing evidence that JHSh/hEDS is also associated with depression, eating, and neuro‐developmental disorders as well as alcohol and tobacco misuse. The underlying mechanisms behind this association include genetic risks, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, increased exteroceptive and interoceptive mechanisms and decreased proprioception. Recent neuroimaging studies have also shown an increase response in emotion processing brain areas which could explain the high affective reactivity seen in JHS/hEDS. Management of these patients should include psychiatric and psychological approaches, not only to relieve the clinical conditions but also to improve abilities to cope through proper drug treatment, psychotherapy, and psychological rehabilitation adequately coupled with modern physiotherapy. A multidimensional approach to this “neuroconnective phenotype” should be implemented to ensure proper assessment and to guide for more specific treatments. Future lines of research should further explore the full dimension of the psychopathology associated with JHS/hEDS to define the nature of the relationship. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthese, motorische Verbrennung, Emissionen: Chemische Aspekte des Kraftstoffdesigns
Authors: Leitner Walter , Klankermayer Jürgen , Pischinger Stefan , Pitsch Heinz , Kohse‐Höinghaus Katharina
Published: February 2017

Nachhaltig produzierte Biokraftstoffe, die auf Basis von Lignozellulose zugänglich sind, werden in Energieszenarien für Mobilität und Transport der Zukunft intensiv diskutiert. Traditionell konzentrieren sich die Forschungsaktivitäten in den Naturwissenschaften dabei auf den Syntheseprozess, während die anschließende Bewertung der Verbrennungseigenschaften anderen Forschungsgebieten überlassen wird. Dieser Aufsatz verfolgt mit der gemeinsamen Betrachtung der motorischen Verbrennung und der Kraftstoffsynthese einen integrativen Ansatz, bei dem die chemischen Aspekte im Vordergrund stehen. Dabei wird deutlich, dass das fundamentale Verständnis des Verbrennungsvorgangs maßgeblich dazu beitragen kann, Designkriterien für die Molekülstruktur möglicher Kraftstoffkandidaten abzuleiten, um so Ziele für die Analyse von Synthesewegen und die Entwicklung katalytischer Produktionswege zu definieren. Dieser integrative Ansatz des “Kraftstoffdesigns” umfasst die gesamte Kette der Energiekonversion ausgehend vom Rohstoff über Herstellungsprozess, Kraftstoff und Motor bis hin zur Schadstoffemission. Dies ermöglicht eine systematische Optimierung des Gesamtsystems mit dem Ziel, die Kohlenstoffbilanz zu verbessern, die Effizienz zu erhöhen und die Emissionen zu verringern.
Light‐Driven Enantioselective Organocatalytic β‐Benzylation of Enals
Authors: Dell'Amico Luca , Fernández‐Alvarez Victor M. , Maseras Feliu , Melchiorre Paolo
Published: February 2017

A photochemical organocatalytic strategy for the direct enantioselective β‐benzylation of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes is reported. The chemistry capitalizes upon the light‐triggered enolization of 2‐alkyl‐benzophenones to afford hydroxy‐o‐quinodinomethanes. These fleeting intermediates are stereoselectively intercepted by chiral iminium ions, transiently formed upon condensation of a secondary amine catalyst with enals. Density functional theory (DFT) studies provided an explanation for why the reaction proceeds through an unconventional Michael‐type addition manifold, instead of a classical cycloaddition mechanism and subsequent ring‐opening.
Advanced Biofuels and Beyond: Chemistry Solutions for Propulsion and Production
Authors: Leitner Walter , Klankermayer Jürgen , Pischinger Stefan , Pitsch Heinz , Kohse‐Höinghaus Katharina
Published: February 2017

Sustainably produced biofuels, especially when they are derived from lignocellulosic biomass, are being discussed intensively for future ground transportation. Traditionally, research activities focus on the synthesis process, while leaving their combustion properties to be evaluated by a different community. This Review adopts an integrative view of engine combustion and fuel synthesis, focusing on chemical aspects as the common denominator. It will be demonstrated that a fundamental understanding of the combustion process can be instrumental to derive design criteria for the molecular structure of fuel candidates, which can then be targets for the analysis of synthetic pathways and the development of catalytic production routes. With such an integrative approach to fuel design, it will be possible to improve systematically the entire system, spanning biomass feedstock, conversion process, fuel, engine, and pollutants with a view to improve the carbon footprint, increase efficiency, and reduce emissions.
New Modalities for Challenging Targets in Drug Discovery
Authors: Valeur Eric , Guéret Stéphanie M. , Adihou Hélène , Gopalakrishnan Ranganath , Lemurell Malin , Waldmann Herbert , Grossmann Tom N. , Plowright Alleyn T.
Published: February 2017

Our ever‐increasing understanding of biological systems is providing a range of exciting novel biological targets, whose modulation may enable novel therapeutic options for many diseases. These targets include protein–protein and protein–nucleic acid interactions, which are, however, often refractory to classical small‐molecule approaches. Other types of molecules, or modalities, are therefore required to address these targets, which has led several academic research groups and pharmaceutical companies to increasingly use the concept of so‐called “new modalities”. This Review defines for the first time the scope of this term, which includes novel peptidic scaffolds, oligonucleotides, hybrids, molecular conjugates, as well as new uses of classical small molecules. We provide the most representative examples of these modalities to target large binding surface areas such as those found in protein–protein interactions and for biological processes at the center of cell regulation.
A highly reactive and magnetic recyclable catalyst based on silver nanoparticles supported on ferrite for N‐monoalkylation of amines with alcohols
Authors: Bayat Ahmad , Shakourian‐Fard Mehdi , Nouri Peyman , Hashemi Mohammad Mahmoodi
Published: February 2017

Fe3O4@SiO2‐Ag catalyst was found to be highly active and selective in the N‐alkylation of amines with a variety of aromatic and linear alcohols. The heterogeneous nature of the Fe3O4@SiO2‐Ag catalyst allows easy recovery and regeneration by applying an external magnet for six subsequent reaction cycles. The prepared catalyst was characterized using electron microscopy techniques, X‐ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry and atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Synthesis, characterization, and biological and anticancer studies of mixed ligand complexes with Schiff base and 2,2′‐bipyridine
Authors: Omar M.M. , Abd El‐Halim Hanan F. , Khalil Eman A.M.
Published: February 2017

New mixed ligand complexes of transition metals were synthesized from a Schiff base (L1) obtained by the condensation reaction of oxamide and furfural as primary ligand and 2,2′‐bipyridine (L2) as secondary ligand. The ligands and their metal complexes were studied using various spectroscopic methods. Also thermal analyses were conducted. The mixed ligand complexes were found to have formulae [M(L1)(L2)]Clm⋅nH2O (M = Cr(III) and Fe(III): m = 3, n = 0; M = Cu(II) and Cd(II): m = 2, n = 1; M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II): m = 2, n = 0). The resultant data revealed that the metal complexes have octahedral structure. Also, the mixed ligand complexes are electrolytic. The biological and anticancer activities of the new compounds were tested against breast cancer (MCF‐7) and colon cancer (HCT‐116) cell lines. The results showed high activity for the synthesized compounds.
Preparation of microcrystalline cellulose from rice straw under microwave irradiation
Authors: Fan Guo‐Zhi , Wang Yue‐Xin , Song Guang‐Sen , Yan Jun‐Tao , Li Jian‐Fen
Published: February 2017

Crude cellulose was isolated from rice straw and then converted into microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) via partial hydrolysis. Both the isolation and partial hydrolysis were carried out under microwave. Rice straw was successively pretreated with alkaline and acid solutions before hydrolysis. Lignin and silica were almost removed but partial removal of hemicellulose in dilute alkali solution, and the residual hemicellulose was further removed in dilute acid solution. The total removal rates of hemicellulose, lignin and silica reached up 92.0%, 98.5%, and 96.8%, respectively. The cellulose content of 93.6 wt % in MCC was given by partial hydrolysis of crude cellulose isolated from rice straw. The comparison between microwave irradiation and traditional heating method was also investigated. Compared to traditional heating method, similar results were obtained while milder conditions, including shorter time and lower temperature, were required. An effective microwave‐assisted and energy‐efficient methodology using rice straw as the alternative source of cellulose fiber was developed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44901.
The Passive Seismic Technique ‘HVSR’ as a Reconnaissance Tool for Mapping Paleo‐soils: The Case of the Pilastri Archaeological Site, Northern Italy
Authors: Abu Zeid Nasser , Corradini Erica , Bignardi Samuel , Nizzo Valentino , Santarato Giovanni
Published: February 2017

Horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) is a widely used geophysical technique in seismic microzonation studies. It is based on a specific analysis of seismic ambient noise. The method allows to obtain the frequency and amplitude of the resonance peaks of a layered earth with increasing acoustic impedance contrasts. The peaks can be interpreted to obtain an estimation of depth(s) of the impedance contrast horizon(s).

Based on the assumption that long‐term human trampling results in sediment's stiffening, which increased both density and velocity of seismic shear waves, the HVSR method was applied to investigate the shallow subsurface of an important, Middle Bronze Age, archaeological site called ‘Pilastri Terramara’ discovered at the end of the last century.

Following recent excavations, archaeologists supposed that the settlement could extend outside the initially hypothesized borders, and decided to involve geophysicists to verify the truthiness of this new hypothesis and consequently to map the possible spatial extent of the paleo‐surfaces frequented by ancient occupants. The purpose of the geophysical investigation was then to detect and possibly to map one or more anthropogenic paleo‐surfaces over a relatively large area (about 12000 m2).

Unfortunately, direct evidences showed that the paleo‐surfaces were embedded in clayey sediments and laying at depths ranging between 50 and 170 cm below ground level. Furthermore, the area to be investigated is occupied by a farm with glasshouses and other buildings. These obstacles constituted a real challenge that hindered the utilization of the most commonly used geophysical methods in archaeology, i.e. ground penetration radar (GPR), magnetometry and electrical resistivity tomography. For these reasons, we decided to use the HVSR method as a reconnaissance exploration tool, to confirm or rule out the presence of such paleo‐surfaces.

Spectral peaks related to acoustic horizons provided evidences about their presence and allowed to estimate their depths as was later confirmed by a new excavation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Slow Sampling Control of Singularly Perturbed Systems Subject to Actuator Saturation and L2 Disturbance
Authors: Ma Lei , Cai Chenxiao , Ma Xiaoping
Published: February 2017

This paper is concerned with the slow sampling control problem for singularly perturbed systems with actuator saturation and L2 disturbance. Convex hull is utilized to deal with the actuator saturation. A sufficient condition is proposed such that the boundedness of all the state trajectories will be guaranteed for any singular perturbation parameter less than or equal to a predefined upper bound in the presence of L2 disturbance. Then, two convex optimization problems are formulated to estimate the capability of disturbance tolerance/rejection based on this condition. Finally, an example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the main results of this paper.
V‐type near‐Earth asteroids: Dynamics, close encounters and impacts with terrestrial planets
Authors: Galiazzo M. A. , Silber E. A. , Bancelin D.
Published: February 2017

Background

Asteroids colliding with planets vary in composition and taxonomical type. Among Near‐Earth Asteroids (NEAs) are the V‐types, basaltic asteroids that are classified via spectroscopic observations.

Materials and Methods

we performed numerical simulations and statistical analysis of close encounters and impacts between V‐type NEAs and the terrestrial planets over the next 10 Myr. We study the probability of V‐ type NEAs colliding with Earth, Mars and Venus, as well as the Moon. We perform a correlational analysis of possible craters produced by V‐type NEAs, using available catalogs for terrestrial impact craters.

Results

The results suggest that V‐type NEAs can have many close encounters below 1 LD and even some of them impacts with all the terrestrial planets, the Earth in particular. There are four candidate craters on Earth that were likely caused by V‐type NEAs.

Conclusion

At least 70% of the V‐type NEAs can have close encounters with the terrestrial planets (and 58% with the Moon) . They can collide with all the terrestrial planets. In particular for the Earth the average rate is one every ∼12 Myr. The two craters with the highest probability of being generated by an impact with a basaltic impactor are: the Strangways crater (24 km diameter) in Australia and the Nicholson crater (12.5 km diameter) in Canada.
A simple way to unify multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) and stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis (SMAA) using a Dirichlet distribution in benefit–risk assessment
Authors: Saint‐Hilary Gaelle , Cadour Stephanie , Robert Veronique , Gasparini Mauro
Published: February 2017

Quantitative methodologies have been proposed to support decision making in drug development and monitoring. In particular, multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) and stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis (SMAA) are useful tools to assess the benefit–risk ratio of medicines according to the performances of the treatments on several criteria, accounting for the preferences of the decision makers regarding the relative importance of these criteria. However, even in its probabilistic form, MCDA requires the exact elicitations of the weights of the criteria by the decision makers, which may be difficult to achieve in practice. SMAA allows for more flexibility and can be used with unknown or partially known preferences, but it is less popular due to its increased complexity and the high degree of uncertainty in its results. In this paper, we propose a simple model as a generalization of MCDA and SMAA, by applying a Dirichlet distribution to the weights of the criteria and by making its parameters vary. This unique model permits to fit both MCDA and SMAA, and allows for a more extended exploration of the benefit–risk assessment of treatments. The precision of its results depends on the precision parameter of the Dirichlet distribution, which could be naturally interpreted as the strength of confidence of the decision makers in their elicitation of preferences.
Low nanomolar caffeic acid attenuates high glucose‐induced endothelial dysfunction in primary human umbilical‐vein endothelial cells by affecting NF‐κB and Nrf2 pathways
Authors: Fratantonio Deborah , Speciale Antonio , Canali Raffaella , Natarelli Lucia , Ferrari Daniela , Saija Antonina , Virgili Fabio , Cimino Francesco
Published: February 2017

Hyperglycemia contributes to dysregulate endothelial function associated with diabetes, leading to initiation and propagation of vascular complications and dysfunction. Caffeic acid (CA), a dietary hydroxycinnamic acid abundant in coffee, has been reported to exert antidiabetic effects in rat models. Herein, we investigated the molecular effects of physiological concentrations of CA (10 nM) against endothelial dysfunction induced by high glucose (HG) in human endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were exposed to HG 25 mM, to mimic diabetic condition, in presence of CA. Intracellular redox status (reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant activity levels), and NF‐κB pathway were examined. We also evaluated the involvement of NF‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)/electrophile responsive element (EpRE) pathway. Our data show that CA inhibits HG‐induced nuclear translocation of NF‐κB and the downstream expression of endothelial adhesion molecule 1 and restores antioxidant levels by upregulating Nrf2/EpRE pathway. Our data suggest that CA can suppress several aspects of HG‐induced endothelial dysfunction through the modulation of intracellular redox status controlled by the transcription factor Nrf2. These findings highlight that low physiological concentration of CA achievable specifically upon food consumption are able to prevent endothelial dysfunction associated with inflammation and oxidative stress induced by high concentration of glucose. © 2016 BioFactors, 43(1):54–62, 2017
Site‐specific monitoring of N‐Glycosylation profiles of a CTLA4‐Fc‐fusion protein from the secretory pathway to the extracellular environment
Authors: Bora de Oliveira Karina , Spencer David , Barton Christopher , Agarwal Nitin
Published: February 2017

Glycosylation often plays a key role in the safety and efficacy of therapeutic proteins to patients, thus underlying the need for consistent control of this important post‐translational modification during biologics production. In this study, we profiled the site‐specific evolution of N‐glycans on a CTLA4‐Fc‐fusion protein, from the intracellular secretory pathway to the conditioned medium (CM) in fed‐batch cell culture. For this, we developed an approach that combined sub‐cellular fractionation with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) analyses. The study revealed that there was a significant amount of heterogeneity in the glycans displayed amongst the three distinct N‐glycosylation sites. Furthermore, 54–60% of the intracellular protein was characterized by Man8 and Man9 glycans on day 10, when the cell density peaks, indicative of a significant bottleneck between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the cis‐Golgi. At longer culture duration, the accumulation of intracellular protein with bi‐antennary‐fucosylated GlcNAc‐terminated residues identified the formation of another bottleneck in the medial and trans‐Golgi compartments, which subsequently led to a decrease in sialylated species in the secreted protein. Glucose deprivation caused a reduction in the Man8 and Man9 glycans in favor of Man5 glycans and bi‐antennary‐fucosylated GlcNAc‐terminated residues in the organellar pool of the Fc‐fusion protein. However, transient deprivation of glucose did not lead to major differences in the glycan profile of proteins secreted into the CM. The approach developed here allows us to probe the secretory pathway and sheds light on the site‐specific intracellular processing of glycans during fed‐batch cell culture, thus serving as an initial step towards their rational control. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1550–1560. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel cholesterol/lipid delivery system for murine myeloma cell lines
Authors: Chauhan Gaurav , Schmelzer Albert E.
Published: February 2017

Murine myeloma NS0 cells are cholesterol‐dependent auxotrophs and require externally provided cholesterol for sustained growth. Traditionally, cholesterol is provided to these cells by supplementing cell culture media with a concentrated solution of cholesterol and other water insoluble components dissolved in 200‐proof ethanol. However, the solubility of cholesterol in ethanol is limited, and for processes requiring large amounts of cholesterol, the consequential increase in added ethanol may negatively impact cell growth. Additionally, the flammability of 200‐proof ethanol may restrict the preparation scale and storage volumes at a large‐scale facility, thus resulting in a more complex preparation procedure due to safety guidelines. This study proposes 1‐propanol as an alternative solvent, which can dissolve up to 40 g L−1 of cholesterol along with other water insoluble components, as compared to ethanol, which can dissolve up to 10 g L−1 of the same. A concentrated formulation simplifies the preparation method and ameliorates the procedural and operational challenges, as well as reduces the total amount of alcohol added to a cell culture by ∼80% when compared to the ethanolic solution, to deliver the same amount of cholesterol, thereby significantly minimizing alcohol exposure to the cells and mitigating the fire hazards at a large‐scale facility. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:795–803, 2017
Salmonella effector SopD2 interferes with Rab34 function
Authors: Teo Wei Xuan , Yang Zhe , Kerr Markus Charles , Luo Lin , Guo Zhong , Alexandrov Kirill , Stow Jenny Lea , Teasdale Rohan David
Published: February 2017

Many intracellular pathogens have evolved highly specialized mechanisms to isolate themselves from the host cell's innate immune response while still obtaining the necessary nutrients to survive. Salmonella utilizes type 3 secretion systems (T3SSs) to deliver bacterial proteins called effectors, across the encompassing Salmonella Containing vacuole (SCV) membrane, to subvert the host's membrane trafficking pathways and alter other cellular processes. The Salmonella Pathogenicity Island (SPI)‐2 effector SopD2 has recently been demonstrated to modulate multiple members of the Rab GTPase family such as Rab7, Rab8, Rab10, and Rab32 (D'Costa et al., , Cell Reports, 12:1508–18; Spano et al., , Cell Host & Microbe, 19:216–26). Here, we demonstrate the additional capacity of SopD2 to bind Rab34 and modulate its function. Our data indicate that depletion of Rab34 delays maturation of the SCV, and consequently, inhibits intracellular Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium (S. typhimurium) growth. Interestingly, intracellular growth of the S. typhimurium lacking SopD2 was severely impaired in Rab34‐depleted cells, suggesting a compounding virulence effect. Overall this study reveals an additional member of the Rab GTPase family, Rab34, that is modulated by SopD2 and provides insight into its role in Salmonella biology.
Primary percutaneous coronary intervention of native chronic total occlusions to treat ST elevation myocardial infarction secondary to acute vein graft occlusion
Authors: Deharo Pierre , Strange Julian W. , Mozid Abdul
Published: February 2017

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the treatment modality of choice in patients presenting with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Clinical outcomes have dramatically improved with the wide adoption of primary PCI in patients with STEMI because of acute thrombotic native coronary artery occlusion. However, patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery who present with STEMI because of acute saphenous vein graft (SVG) occlusion continue to have worse outcomes because of poor acute and long‐term results of SVG stenting. Therefore, it may be preferable to treat the native coronary artery supplied by the occluded graft although this can be challenging if the native vessel is a chronic total occlusion (CTO). Recent advances in technology and techniques in CTO PCI have significantly improved the success rate and efficiency of CTO procedures. At our institution we have developed a high volume CTO programme with high success rates. We present three cases of acute inferior STEMI because of SVG occlusion which were treated with successful retrograde PCI of the native vessel CTO, utilising the occluded graft as a retrograde channel in two cases and native septal collaterals in the other. Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 3 flow in the native coronary artery was achieved in all three cases with good acute outcomes. Our case series highlights the benefits of a high volume CTO programme. With recent advances in CTO techniques, acute PCI to native vessel CTO is feasible and may be the treatment of choice in selected cases of acute SVG failure. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characteristics and outcomes of re‐do percutaneous paravalvular leak closure
Authors: Al‐Hijji Mohammed A. , Alkhouli Mohamad , Sarraf Mohammad , Zack Chad J. , Malouf Joseph F. , Nkomo Vuyisile T. , Cabalka Allison K. , Reeder Guy S. , Rihal Charanjit S. , Eleid Mackram F.
Published: February 2017

Background

Percutaneous paravalvular leak (PVL) closure is an alternative treatment option for severely symptomatic, high‐surgical risk patients with PVL. Some patients require multiple percutaneous PVL closure procedures. However, the procedural characteristics and success rate of re‐do PVL closure have not been well studied.

Aims

The aim of this study is to investigate the indications, procedural characteristics, technical success rate, and 30‐day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients who underwent re‐do PVL closure.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous paramitral or paraaortic leak closure at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota from 2004 through 2015 were studied. Clinical and procedural characteristics of patients who underwent re‐do PVL closure were compared to age‐ and sex‐matched patients who underwent their first percutaneous PVL closure. Procedure success and 30‐day MACE were compared in both the groups.

Results

Among 223 identified percutaneous PVL closures, 16 (7%) were re‐do procedures. Patients who underwent re‐do PVL closure were predominantly men (87.5%) with a mean age of 68 ± 15 years and an estimated mean Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS) 30‐day mortality of 4.6 ± 2.8. Half of the re‐do PVL closures were performed on mechanical valves and 62.5% were performed on paramitral defects. Indications for re‐do PVL closure were: (1) emergence of new significant paravalvular defects in 50%, (2) incomplete index defect closure in 43.75%, and (3) index procedural complication in 6.25% of the cases. Procedural success was 75% in re‐do procedures vs. 85.4% in age‐ and sex‐matched control group (P = 0.45). Thirty‐day MACE was 12.5% in the re‐do group compared to 4.2% in the age‐ and‐sex matched patients who underwent PVL closure for the first time (P = 0.35).

Conclusion

Re‐do percutaneous PVL closure is feasible with favorable procedural success rate and low 30‐day MACE. Development of new paravalvular defects is the most common indication for re‐do PVL closure, highlighting the importance of careful longitudinal monitoring and follow‐up. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extensive Sodium Metal Plating and Stripping in a Highly Concentrated Inorganic−Organic Ionic Liquid Electrolyte through Surface Pretreatment
Authors: Basile Andrew , Makhlooghiazad Faezeh , Yunis Ruhamah , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Forsyth Maria , Howlett Patrick C.
Published: February 2017

In the present work, the stable and extensive cycling of Na plating and stripping is demonstrated within an inorganic−organic ionic liquid electrolyte. The electrolyte is composed of liquid‐state tri(isobutyl)methylphosphonium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide when employing a high 45 mol % Na concentration in the form of sodium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide. The liquid‐state electrolyte supports safe Na metal electrochemistry at 50 °C and exhibits a conductivity of 10−2.5 S cm−1. Through plating/stripping with 1 h polarization times (12 cycles, J=0.5 mA cm−2), a surface is prepared with a smooth surface devoid of dendrites and, importantly, a stable solid‐electrolyte interphase, determined by using scanning electron microscopy and impedance spectroscopy. After this, a greater mass transfer can be undertaken through an increased polarization time of 5 h (Q=2.5 mAh cm−2) for a duration of 120 h.
A new penalized nonnegative third‐order tensor decomposition using a block coordinate proximal gradient approach: Application to 3D fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Vu Xuan , Chaux Caroline , Thirion‐Moreau Nadège , Maire Sylvain , Carstea Elfrida Mihaela
Published: February 2017

In this article, we address the problem of tensor factorization subject to certain constraints. We focus on the canonical polyadic decomposition, also known as parallel factor analysis. The interest of this multilinear decomposition coupled with 3D fluorescence spectroscopy is now well established in the fields of environmental data analysis, biochemistry, and chemistry. When real experimental data (possibly corrupted by noise) are processed, the actual rank of the “observed” tensor is generally unknown. Moreover, when the amount of data is very large, this inverse problem may become numerically ill‐posed and consequently hard to solve. The use of proper constraints reflecting some a priori knowledge about the latent (or hidden) tracked variables and/or additional information through the addition of penalty functions can prove very helpful in estimating more relevant components rather than totally arbitrary ones. The counterpart is that the cost functions that have to be considered can be nonconvex and sometimes even nondifferentiable, making their optimization more difficult and leading to a higher computing time and a slower convergence speed. Block alternating proximal approaches offer a rigorous and flexible framework to properly address that problem since they are applicable to a large class of cost functions while remaining quite easy to implement. Here, we suggest a new block coordinate variable metric forward‐backward method, which can be seen as a special case of majorize‐minimize approaches to derive a new penalized nonnegative third‐order canonical polyadic decomposition algorithm. Its interest, efficiency, robustness, and flexibility are illustrated thanks to computer simulations performed on both simulated and real experimental 3D fluorescence spectroscopy data.
Self‐Assembly of 9,10‐Bis(phenylethynyl) Anthracene (BPEA) Derivatives: Influence of π–π and Hydrogen‐Bonding Interactions on Aggregate Morphology and Self‐Assembly Mechanism
Authors: Lübtow Michael , Helmers Ingo , Stepanenko Vladimir , Albuquerque Rodrigo Q. , Marder Todd B. , Fernández Gustavo
Published: February 2017

9,10‐Bis(phenylethynyl)anthracenes (BPEAs) are an important class of dyes in various applications including chemiluminescence emitters, materials for photon upconversion, and for optoelectronic devices. Some of these applications require control over the packing modes of the molecules within the active layer, which can be effected by bottom‐up self‐assembly. Studies aimed at controlling the molecular organization of BPEAs have primarily focused on bulk or liquid‐crystal materials, whereas in‐depth investigations of BPEA‐based assemblies in solution remain elusive. In this article, the self‐assembly of two new BPEA derivatives with hydrophobic side chains is reported, one of them featuring amide functional groups and the other one lacking them. Comparison of the self‐assembly behavior of both systems in solution using spectroscopic (UV/Vis, fluorescence, and NMR), microscopic (AFM), and theoretical (PM6) studies reveals the crucial role of the amide groups in controlling the self‐assembly. For both systems, the formation of H‐type face‐to‐face π‐stacks is proposed, whereas the interplay of π‐stacking and H‐bonding is responsible for driving the formation of 1D stacks and increasing the binding constant by two to three orders of magnitude. Our findings show that H‐bonding is a prerequisite to create ordered BPEA assemblies in solution.
Regioselective Bromination of Benzocycloheptadienones for the Synthesis of Substituted 3,4‐Benzotropolones Including Goupiolone A
Authors: Arican Deniz , Braukmüller Stefan , Brückner Reinhard
Published: February 2017

Type‐18 or ‐23 benzocycloheptadienones are readily prepared by ring‐closing olefin metatheses. Adding Br2 to 23 and eliminating HBr gave the bromoolefin 28 using DBU or its isomer iso‐28 using DABCO, both with near‐perfect regiocontrol. Both 28 and iso‐28 underwent Sonogashira, Suzuki, Negishi, and Heck couplings as well as Pd‐catalyzed alkoxycarbonylations. Hydrolysis of the resulting α‐ketoketals and enolization of the liberated α‐diketones delivered a portfolio of hitherto unknown 3,4‐benzotropolones. The 8‐ethoxycarbonylated dimethyl‐3,4‐benzotropolone 50 obtained by this route was dimethylated to give goupiolone A (52). This synthesis encompasses 9 steps from 22, that is, half as many as the only previous synthesis (19 steps). A variant of our route afforded the 1,8‐dibromide 54. Coupling with excess phenylboronic acid and ketal hydrolysis provided the diphenylated benzotropolone 56 and suggests a strategy, by which the natural bispulvinone aurantricholone (7) might be reached.
Stream‐based live data replication approach of in‐memory cache
Authors: Ma Kun , Yang Bo
Published: February 2017

Replication is a method to keep the consistency of source data and target data. In our previous work of access‐aware in‐memory data cache middleware for relational databases, the data are easy to be lost in case that power cuts off. Therefore, we investigate a live data replication approach from in‐memory data cache to versioning repository in this paper. This method attempts to recover the in‐memory data cache from the versioning repository in failure of access‐aware in‐memory data cache middleware. Although the replication is not a new problem, the state of art of the replication in the context of document stores is not mature. In our paper, we propose a live data replication approach of in‐memory document stores using stream processing framework. First, we introduce cell state model to describe the replication process. To infinitely look back to any revision, we enable our proposed cell state model to support copy‐modify‐merge model to manage the changed data revisions subsequently. Finally, experimental results show that this approach is more suitable for the replication of continuous in‐stream changed data compared with MapReduce‐based batch replication.
Kibble–Zurek Scaling during Defect Formation in a Nematic Liquid Crystal
Authors: Fowler Nicholas , Dierking Dr Ingo
Published: February 2017

Symmetry‐breaking phase transitions are often accompanied by the formation of topological defects, as in cosmological theories of the early universe, superfluids, liquid crystals or solid‐state systems. This scenario is described by the Kibble–Zurek mechanism, which predicts corresponding scaling laws for the defect density ρ. One such scaling law suggests a relation ρ≈τQ−1/2 with τQ the change of rate of a control parameter. In contrast to the scaling of the defect density during annihilation with ρ≈t−1, which is governed by the attraction of defects of the same strength but opposite sign, the defect formation process, which depends on the rate of change of a physical quantity initiating the transition, has only rarely been investigated. Herein, we use nematic liquid crystals as a different system to demonstrate the validity of the predicted scaling relation for defect formation. It is found that the scaling exponent is independent of temperature and material employed, thus universal, as predicted.
The Effect of Gene Variants on Levonorgestrel Pharmacokinetics When Combined With Antiretroviral Therapy Containing Efavirenz or Nevirapine
Authors: Neary M , Lamorde M , Olagunju A , Darin KM , Merry C , Byakika‐Kibwika P , Back DJ , Siccardi M , Owen A , Scarsi KK
Published: February 2017

Reduced levonorgestrel concentrations from the levonorgestrel contraceptive implant was previously seen when given concomitantly with efavirenz. We sought to assess whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in efavirenz and nevirapine metabolism were linked to these changes in levonorgestrel concentration. SNPs in CYP2B6, CYP2A6, NR1I2, and NR1I3 were analyzed. Associations of participant demographics and genotype with levonorgestrel pharmacokinetics were evaluated in HIV‐positive women using the levonorgestrel implant plus efavirenz‐ or nevirapine‐based antiretroviral therapy (ART), in comparison to ART‐naïve women using multivariate linear regression. Efavirenz group: CYP2B6 516G>T was associated with lower levonorgestrel log10 Cmax and log10 AUC. CYP2B6 15582C>T was associated with lower log10 AUC. Nevirapine group: CYP2B6 516G>T was associated with higher log10 Cmax and lower log10 Cmin. Pharmacogenetic variations influenced subdermal levonorgestrel pharmacokinetics in HIV‐positive women, indicating that the magnitude of the interaction with non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) is influenced by host genetics.
The role of ancillary tests in the evaluation and management of patients with negative and non‐diagnostic pancreatic cyst aspirates
Authors: Selvaggi Suzanne M.
Published: February 2017

Background

Fine needle aspiration of pancreatic cystic lesions has its limitations as the cytology is often paucicellular to acellular. This study reports on the value of ancillary tests, amylase and carcinoembryonic, in the evaluation and management of patients with negative and non‐diagnostic pancreatic cysts.

Methods

From January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2015, the Cytopathology Laboratory processed 119 pancreatic cyst aspirates of which 51(43%) were negative and 52(44%) were non‐diagnostic and form the basis of this study. The 103 patients, 66 men and 37 women underwent endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration and biochemical and biomarker analysis; amylase and carcinoembryonic antigen, of cyst contents. In this study, the cytologic findings were interpreted independent of the cyst fluid analysis.

Results

Of the 51 patients with negative pancreatic cyst aspirates, combined endoscopic ultrasound/cytology/cyst fluid analysis findings were compatible with 37 (72%) pseudocysts, 11 (22%) serous cystadenomas, and 3 (6%) intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. Of the 52 patients with non‐diagnostic pancreatic cyst aspirates, combined endoscopic ultrasound/cyst fluid analysis findings were compatible with 17 (33%) pseudocysts, 17 (33%) serous cystadenomas, 14 (27%) intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, and 4 (7%) mucinous cystic neoplasms. Eight patients underwent surgical resection and the remaining 95 patients were managed medically with repeat imaging.

Conclusion

Ancillary tests are of added benefit in the evaluation and management of patients with negative and non‐diagnostic pancreatic cyst aspirates. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:303–307. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Weight gain trajectories in hospital‐based treatment of anorexia nervosa
Authors: Makhzoumi Saniha H. , Coughlin Janelle W. , Schreyer Colleen C. , Redgrave Graham W. , Pitts Steven C. , Guarda Angela S.
Published: February 2017

Weight gain is a primary treatment goal for anorexia nervosa (AN); however little is known about heterogeneity in weight gain pattern during treatment. Preliminary evidence suggests weight gain trajectory is associated with treatment outcome. This study grouped patients using mixture modeling into weight gain trajectories, and compared predictors and treatment outcomes between trajectory groups. Women diagnosed with AN or subthreshold AN (N = 211) completed self‐report measures at admission and six‐months after discharge from an integrated inpatient (IP)‐partial hospitalization (PH) behavioral specialty eating disorders program. Gowned weights were measured daily. Three distinct trajectories emerged: negative quadratic (Optimal), negative quadratic with fast weight gain (Fast), and positive linear with slower weight gain (Slow). The majority of patients were assigned to the Optimal group. Trajectory groups differed on admission, discharge, and follow‐up variables. The Fast group emerged as most distinct. Women in this group were more than twice as likely to binge and or vomit regularly compared with the other two groups and were most likely to achieve weight restoration by discharge and to have more positive weight outcomes at short‐term follow‐up. There were no group differences in eating disorder behavioral frequencies at follow‐up when adjusting for behavioral severity at admission. Weight gain trajectory may serve as a personalized in‐treatment marker of outcome and could inform research on moderators and mediators of treatment response. Randomized controlled treatment studies, utilizing weight gain trajectories to determine group membership, may help identify subgroups of patients with differential responses to treatment interventions.
Plant structural complexity and mechanical defenses mediate predator–prey interactions in an odonate–bird system
Authors: Grof‐Tisza Patrick , LoPresti Eric , Heath Sacha K. , Karban Richard
Published: February 2017

Habitat‐forming species provide refuges for a variety of associating species; these refuges may mediate interactions between species differently depending on the functional traits of the habitat‐forming species. We investigated refuge provisioning by plants with different functional traits for dragonfly and damselfly (Odonata: Anisoptera and Zygoptera) nymphs emerging from water bodies to molt into their adult stage. During this period, nymphs experience high levels of predation by birds. On the shores of a small pond, plants with mechanical defenses (e.g., thorns and prickles) and high structural complexity had higher abundances of odonate exuviae than nearby plants which lacked mechanical defenses and exhibited low structural complexity. To disentangle the relative effects of these two potentially important functional traits on nymph emergence‐site preference and survival, we conducted two fully crossed factorial field experiments using artificial plants. Nymphs showed a strong preference for artificial plants with high structural complexity and to a lesser extent, mechanical defenses. Both functional traits increased nymph survival but through different mechanisms. We suggest that future investigations attempt to experimentally separate the elements contributing to structural complexity to elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings of refuge provisioning.
Midge‐stabilized sediment drives the composition of benthic cladoceran communities in Lake Mývatn, Iceland
Authors: Webert Kyle C. , Herren Cristina M. , Einarsson Árni , Bartrons Mireia , Hauptfleisch Ulf , Ives Anthony R.
Published: February 2017

The importance of environmental disturbances as drivers of ecological communities depends not only on the magnitude of the disturbance, but also on the disturbance‐specific sensitivity of the community. Organisms that alter the physical structure of their surroundings can affect the sensitivity of their habitat to environmental disturbance, and may alter the potential for disturbance to shape ecological communities. Such organisms therefore act as ecosystem engineers by indirectly modifying the resources available to other species. The benthos of shallow, eutrophic Lake Mývatn, Iceland, is frequently disturbed by wind events that lead to sediment resuspension. The impact of wind, however, depends on the abundance of midges (Chironomidae) whose larval tubes bind sediment and reduce wind‐driven resuspension. Here, we investigate the long‐term effect of fluctuations in midge abundance on the benthic cladoceran community using two lake sediment cores representing 30 and 140 years of deposition. In both cores, midge remains show a significant positive correlation with abundance of a large benthic surface‐dwelling cladoceran,Eurycercus lamellatus, relative to the abundance of a small within‐sediment‐dwelling cladoceran,Alona rectangula. To experimentally investigate whether this shift could have been caused by midges acting as ecosystem engineers, we subjected cladoceran communities to sediment resuspension events within mesocosms. We found a significant decrease in abundance of the large epibenthicE. lamellatusrelative to the abundance of small infaunalAlonaspp. when subjected to disturbance. These findings show that physical alteration of benthic sediment and hence the sensitivity of the sediment to disturbance may explain the community shift in cladocerans observed with fluctuating midge abundance in Lake Mývatn.