bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of depression before breast cancer diagnosis on mortality among postmenopausal women
Authors: Liang Xiaoyun , Margolis Karen L. , Hendryx Michael , Reeves Katherine , Wassertheil‐Smoller Sylvia , Weitlauf Julie , Danhauer Suzanne C. , Chlebowski Rowan T. , Caan Bette , Qi Lihong , Lane Dorothy , Lavasani Sayeh , Luo Juhua
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Few previous studies investigating depression before the diagnosis of breast cancer and breast cancer–specific mortality have examined depression measured at more than 1 time point. This study investigated the effect of depression (combining depressive symptoms alone with antidepressant use) measured at 2 time points before the diagnosis of breast cancer on all‐cause mortality and breast cancer–specific mortality among older postmenopausal women.

METHODS

A large prospective cohort, the Women's Health Initiative, was used. The study included 3095 women with incident breast cancer who had measures of depressive symptoms and antidepressant use before their diagnosis at the baseline and at year 3. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) between depression at the baseline, depression at year 3, and combinations of depression at these time points and all‐cause mortality and breast cancer–specific mortality.

RESULTS

Depression at year 3 before a breast cancer diagnosis was associated with higher all‐cause mortality after adjustments for multiple covariates (HR, 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02‐1.78). There was no statistically significant association of baseline depression and all‐cause mortality or breast cancer–specific mortality whether or not depression was also present at year 3. In women with late‐stage (regional‐ or distant‐stage) breast cancer, newly developed depression at year 3 was significantly associated with both all‐cause mortality (HR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.13‐3.56) and breast cancer–specific mortality (HR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.24‐4.70).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with newly developed depression before the diagnosis of breast cancer had a modestly but significantly increased risk for death from any cause and for death from breast cancer at a late stage. Cancer 2017;123:3107–15. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Perioperative chemotherapy versus postoperative chemoradiotherapy in patients with resectable gastric/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas: A survival analysis of 5058 patients
Authors: Fitzgerald Timothy L. , Efird Jimmy T. , Bellamy Nelly , Russo Suzanne M. , Jindal Charulata , Mosquera Catalina , Holliday Elizabeth G. , Biswas Tithi
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Both perioperative chemotherapy (PECT) and postoperative chemoradiotherapy (POCRT) have a significant survival advantage over surgery alone for the treatment of patients with gastric cancer. However, to the best of our knowledge, these regimens have not been compared in a randomized clinical trial. The purpose of the current observational study was to compare overall survival among patients receiving PECT versus POCRT for the treatment of gastric/gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinomas.

METHODS

Patients with resected clinical American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM stage II or III adenocarcinomas of the stomach or GEJ from 2004 through 2013 were identified utilizing the National Cancer Data Base. Hazard ratios (HRs), 95% confidence intervals, and P values were computed using a Cox proportional hazards procedure. Multivariable models were adjusted for treatment regimen, age, race, ethnicity, tumor size, TNM stage, Charlson comorbidity index, and tumor grade.

RESULTS

Patients receiving PECT had a 72% survival advantage compared with those treated with POCRT (5058 patients; HR, 0.58 [adjusted P<.0001]). The 5‐year actuarial survival rate for PECT was 44% compared with 38% for POCRT. A statistically significant survival advantage for PECT also was observed when the analysis was stratified by clinical stage of disease (stage II [3192 patients]: adjusted HR, 0.79 [P = .041]; and stage III [1866 patients]: adjusted HR, 0.49 [P<.0001]). This benefit was greatest among patients with lymph node‐positive disease who converted to lymph node‐negative status with PECT.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large series of patients with stage II/III resected gastric/GEJ adenocarcinomas from >1500 American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer‐accredited facilities, patients receiving PECT were shown to survive longer than those receiving POCRT. Cancer 2017;123:2909–17. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Mindfulness practice reduces cortisol blunting during chemotherapy: A randomized controlled study of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Black David S. , Peng Cheng , Sleight Alix G. , Nguyen Nathalie , Lenz Heinz‐Josef , Figueiredo Jane C.
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

The objective of this randomized clinical experiment was to test the influence of a mindfulness meditation practice, when delivered during 1 session of active chemotherapy administration, on the acute salivary cortisol response as a marker of neuroendocrine system activity in cancer patients.

METHODS

A mindfulness, attention‐control, or resting exposure was assigned to 57 English‐ or Spanish‐speaking colorectal cancer patients at 1 county oncology clinic and 1 university oncology clinic at the start of chemotherapy. Saliva samples were collected at the start of chemotherapy and at subsequent 20‐minute intervals during the first 60 minutes of chemotherapy (4 samples in all). Self‐reporting on biobehavioral assessments after chemotherapy included distress, fatigue, and mindfulness.

RESULTS

An area‐under‐the‐curve analysis (AUC) showed a relative increase in cortisol reactivity in the mindfulness group after adjustments for biological and clinical measures (β = 123.21; P = .03). More than twice as many patients in the mindfulness group versus the controls displayed a cortisol rise from the baseline to 20 minutes (69% vs 34%; P = .02). AUC values were uncorrelated with biobehavioral measure scores, although mindfulness scores were inversely correlated with fatigue (r = –0.46; P < .01) and distress scores (r = –0.54; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that mindfulness practice during chemotherapy can reduce the blunting of neuroendocrine profiles typically observed in cancer patients. Implications include support for the use of mindfulness practice in integrative oncology. Cancer 2017;123:3088–96. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Role of Alumina Basicity in CO2 Uptake in 3‐Aminopropylsilyl‐Grafted Alumina Adsorbents
Authors: Potter Matthew E. , Cho Kyeong Min , Lee Jason J. , Jones Christopher W.
Published: April 2017

Oxide‐supported amine materials are widely known to be effective CO2 sorbents under simulated flue‐gas and direct‐air‐capture conditions. Most work has focused on amine species loaded onto porous silica supports, though potential stability advantages may be offered through the use of porous alumina supports. Unlike silica materials, which are comparably inert, porous alumina materials can be tuned to have substantial acidity and/or basicity. Owing to their amphoteric nature, alumina supports play a more active role in CO2 sorption than silica supports, potentially directly participating in the adsorption process. In this work, primary amines associated with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane are grafted onto two different mesoporous alumina materials having different levels of basicity. Adsorbent materials with different amine loadings are prepared, and the CO2‐adsorption behavior of similar amines on the two alumina supports is demonstrated to be different. At low amine loadings, the inherent properties of the support surface play a significant role, whereas at high amine loadings, when the alumina surface is effectively blocked, the sorbents prepared on the two supports behave similarly. At high amine loadings, amine–CO2–amine interactions are shown to dominate, leading to adsorbed species that appear similar to the species formed over silica‐supported amine materials. The sorbent properties are comprehensively characterized using N2 physisorption analysis, in situ FTIR spectroscopy, and adsorption microcalorimetry.
Diagnosing clear cell neuroendocrine tumors on cytological specimens: Report of two cases and brief literature review
Authors: Buckley Kaila , Li Zaibo
Published: April 2017

Although many of the common manifestations of Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease are relatively well known, there is one particular entity which is quite rare, but which appears to show a specific predilection for VHL patients. This entity is clear cell neuroendocrine tumor (NET). It is a difficult diagnosis to make due to its cytomorphologic similarities to other entities, such as metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma and paraganglioma, amongst others. These tumors, however, are characteristically positive for neuroendocrine markers such as synaptophysin and chromogranin, as well as cytokeratins. Emerging evidence also suggests that clear cell NETs in VHL patients are specifically positive for inhibin, when compared to their counterparts in non‐VHL patients, which may assist in the diagnosis in as yet undiagnosed patients with VHL disease. Herein, we present two cases of inhibin‐positive clear cell NETs, one in a VHL patient, and the other in a non‐VHL patient. These cases propose a potential warning to those relying on inhibin positivity to incite an expedition down a rabbit hole for a diagnosis of VHL. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:757–760. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ex vivo analysis of the contribution of FGF10+ cells to airway smooth muscle cell formation during early lung development
Authors: El Agha Elie , Kheirollahi Vahid , Moiseenko Alena , Seeger Werner , Bellusci Saverio
Published: April 2017

Background: Airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) have been widely studied during embryonic lung development. These cells have been shown to control epithelial bifurcation during branching morphogenesis. Fibroblast growth factor 10‐positive (FGF10+) cells, originally residing in the submesothelial mesenchyme, contribute to ASMC formation in the distal lung. The reported work aims at monitoring the response of FGF10+ progenitors and differentiated ASMCs to growth factor treatment in real time using lineage tracing in the background of an air‐liquid interface (ALI) culture system. Results: FGF ligands impose divergent effects on iterative lung branching in vitro. Moreover, time‐lapse imaging and endpoint analysis show that FGF9 treatment leads to amplification of the FGF10+ lineage and represses its differentiation to ASMCs. Sonic hedgehog (SHH) treatment reduces the amplification of this lineage and leads to decreased lung branching. Finally, differentiated ASMCs in proximal regions fail to expand upon FGF9 treatment. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate, in real time, that FGF9 is an important regulator of amplification, migration, and subsequent differentiation of ASMC progenitors during early lung development. The attained results agree with previous findings regarding ASMC formation and highlight the complexity of growth factor signaling networks in controlling mesenchymal cell‐fate decisions in the developing mouse lung. Developmental Dynamics 246:531–538, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus infection on leaf photosynthetic characteristics and resource‐use efficiency of Pinus massoniana
Authors: Gao Ruihe , Wang Zhuang , Shi Juan , Luo Youqing
Published: April 2017

Pine wilt disease (PWD) is considered as the most destructive forest‐invasive alien species in China. We measured gas exchange parameters and foliar carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) of different infection phases of Masson pine in order to investigate the effect of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus infection on photosynthetic responses and resource‐use efficiency. The results showed that net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (T), stomatal conductance (gs), and internal CO2 concentrations (Ci) decreased in the infested trees at photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) levels from 0 to 2,000 μmol m−2 s−1 compared with controls. The maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pmax) was significantly declined in the infected trees than in controls (p < .05). There also exist significant differences in dark respiration rate (Rd) among different infection phases (p < .05), but the value is highest in the middle infection phase, followed by the control and then the terminal infection phase. This indicates that Pinus massoniana plants need to consume more photosynthetic products during the middle infection phase in order to defend against pine sawyer beetle feeding and PWD infection. Isotopic analysis revealed a significant decrease of the foliar δ13C (p < .05), as much as 2.5‰ lower in the infected trees. The mean leaf N content was about 12.94% less in the middle infection phase and 27.06% less in the terminal infection phase, causing a significant increase of the foliar C:N ratio in infested trees. Both of the net photosynthetic rates and foliar δ13C were linearly correlated with the foliar N content. We also found a significant decrease (p < .05) of resource‐use efficiency in PWD‐induced P. massoniana plants, which can be attributed to the closure of stomatal pores and the inactivation or loss of both Rubisco and other key Calvin cycle enzymes. This study highlights the impact of photosynthetic characteristics, foliar carbon isotope ratios, and resource‐use efficiency of PWD‐induced trees, which can help identify PWD infestations at the photosynthetic and physiological levels so as to better facilitate management actions.
Divergence of thermal physiological traits in terrestrial breeding frogs along a tropical elevational gradient
Authors: von May Rudolf , Catenazzi Alessandro , Corl Ammon , Santa‐Cruz Roy , Carnaval Ana Carolina , Moritz Craig
Published: April 2017

Critical thermal limits are thought to be correlated with the elevational distribution of species living in tropical montane regions, but with upper limits being relatively invariant compared to lower limits. To test this hypothesis, we examined the variation of thermal physiological traits in a group of terrestrial breeding frogs (Craugastoridae) distributed along a tropical elevational gradient. We measured the critical thermal maximum (CTmax;n = 22 species) and critical thermal minimum (CTmin;n = 14 species) of frogs captured between the Amazon floodplain (250 m asl) and the high Andes (3,800 m asl). After inferring a multilocus species tree, we conducted a phylogenetically informed test of whether body size, body mass, and elevation contributed to the observed variation inCTmaxandCTminalong the gradient. We also tested whetherCTmaxandCTminexhibit different rates of change given that critical thermal limits (and their plasticity) may have evolved differently in response to different temperature constraints along the gradient. Variation of critical thermal traits was significantly correlated with species’ elevational midpoint, their maximum and minimum elevations, as well as the maximum air temperature and the maximum operative temperature as measured across this gradient. Both thermal limits showed substantial variation, butCTminexhibited relatively faster rates of change thanCTmax, as observed in other taxa. Nonetheless, our findings call for caution in assuming inflexibility of upper thermal limits and underscore the value of collecting additional empirical data on species’ thermal physiology across elevational gradients.
Eomes expression reports the progressive differentiation of IFN‐γ‐producing Th1‐like γδ T cells
Authors: Lino Ciro N. R. , Barros‐Martins Joana , Oberdörfer Linda , Walzer Thierry , Prinz Immo
Published: April 2017

The transcription factor Eomesodermin (Eomes) plays a crucial role in regulating cytotoxic function, development, and survival of immune cells. γδ T cells can express Eomes, but its contribution to their differentiation is unknown. Using Eomes‐IRES‐GFP mice, we show that Eomes+ γδ T cells are unequally distributed among organs, with the highest proportion in spleen. While the majority of Eomes+ γδ T cells expressed Vγ1+ and Vγ4+ TCRs, Eomes was absent in Vγ5+, Vγ6+, and Vγ7+ subsets. Moreover, Eomes was co‐expressed in γδ T cells with Th1 lineage‐related factors such as CD27, T‐bet, and Ly6C, but not with Th17 lineage‐related genes. Eomes+ and Eomes‒ γδ T‐cell populations showed distinct gene expression profiles, with an increase of cytotoxic‐related genes in Eomes+ γδ T cells. Furthermore, Eomes could be induced in peripheral γδ T cells by IL‐12 and IL‐4, and Eomes+ γδ T cells presented a higher proliferation rate and IFN‐γ production when stimulated in vitro with IL‐12 and IL‐18. However, γδ T cells with very high Eomes levels displayed an exhausted phenotype with high levels of PD‐1, and were less capable of IFN‐γ production. Together, this study highlights Eomes as a marker for the differentiation of Th1‐like effector γδ T cells.
Butyrophilin 3A (BTN3A, CD277)‐specific antibody 20.1 differentially activates Vγ9Vδ2 TCR clonotypes and interferes with phosphoantigen activation
Authors: Starick Lisa , Riano Felipe , Karunakaran Mohindar M. , Kunzmann Volker , Li Jianqiang , Kreiss Matthias , Amslinger Sabine , Scotet Emmanuel , Olive Daniel , De Libero Gennaro , Herrmann Thomas
Published: April 2017

Phosphoantigens (PAgs)‐like HMBPP ((E)‐4‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐but‐2‐enyl diphosphate) and butyrophilin 3 (BTN3A, CD277)‐specific monoclonal antibody 20.1 induce TCR‐mediated activation of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Here, we compared murine reporter cells transduced with Vγ9Vδ2 TCRs G115, D1C55, and MOP for the activation in culture with human RAJI cells and PAgs or mAb 20.1 and its single‐chain (sc) derivative. All transductants responded readily to PAg but only TCR MOP γ‐chain‐expressing cells responded to mAb/sc 20.1. Furthermore, both antagonist and agonist mAb and sc of the agonist mAb inhibited the PAg response of TCR‐transduced murine reporter cells. These findings suggest that, in contrast to stimulation by physiological stimulators (PAg), the responsiveness to mAb 20.1 depends strongly on CDR3 sequences of the TCR, and that mAb 20.1 can interfere with the PAg‐response. Mouse or human origin of reporter cells might affect the mAb 20.1 response since all three TCR‐mediated mAb 20.1‐induced activation of TCR‐transduced Jurkat cells. The pronounced differences between PAg and mAb 20.1‐induced activation observed here help to understand the often contradictory published data. This study provides novel perspectives on the physiological mechanism of Vγ9Vδ2 T‐cell activation, and highlights the complex mode of action of BTN3A‐specific antibodies as agents in cancer immunotherapy.
Inhibitory 2B4 contributes to NK cell education and immunological derangements in XLP1 patients
Authors: Meazza Raffaella , Falco Michela , Marcenaro Stefania , Loiacono Fabrizio , Canevali Paolo , Bellora Francesca , Tuberosa Claudia , Locatelli Franco , Micalizzi Concetta , Moretta Alessandro , Mingari Maria C. , Moretta Lorenzo , Aricò Maurizio , Bottino Cristina , Pende Daniela
Published: April 2017

X‐linked lymphoproliferative disease 1 (XLP1) is an inherited immunodeficiency, caused by mutations in SH2D1A encoding Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecule (SLAM)‐associated protein (SAP). In XLP1, 2B4, upon engagement with CD48, has inhibitory instead of activating function. This causes a selective inability of cytotoxic effectors to kill EBV‐infected cells, with dramatic clinical sequelae. Here, we investigated the NK cell education in XLP1, upon characterization of killer Ig‐like receptor (KIR)/KIR‐L genotype and phenotypic repertoire of self‐HLA class I specific inhibitory NK receptors (self‐iNKRs). We also analyzed NK‐cell cytotoxicity against CD48+ or CD48− KIR‐ligand matched or autologous hematopoietic cells in XLP1 patients and healthy controls. XLP1 NK cells may show a defective phenotypic repertoire with substantial proportion of cells lacking self‐iNKR. These NK cells are cytotoxic and the inhibitory 2B4/CD48 pathway plays a major role to prevent killing of CD48+ EBV‐transformed B cells and M1 macrophages. Importantly, self‐iNKR defective NK cells kill CD48− targets, such as mature DCs. Self‐iNKR− NK cells in XLP1 patients are functional even in resting conditions, suggesting a role of the inhibitory 2B4/CD48 pathway in the education process during NK‐cell maturation. Killing of autologous mature DC by self‐iNKR defective XLP1 NK cells may impair adaptive responses, further exacerbating the patients’ immune defect.
The balance between Treg and TH17 cells: CD11b and interleukin‐6
Authors: Garbers Christoph , Rose‐John Stefan
Published: April 2017

One of the gold standards for animal models of rheumatoid arthritis is the murine collagen‐induced arthritis model. Native type II collagen together with CFA is injected into susceptible mouse strains. Unfortunately, only mice with H‐2q or H‐2r MHC haplotypes are susceptible, making the widely used C57BL/6 mouse strain, which carries the H‐2b haplotype, resistant against the disease. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Stevanin et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2017. 47: 637–645] now convincingly show that although WT C57BL/6 mice are resistant to collagen‐induced arthritis, mice with a homozygous deletion of CD11b on the same genetic background are fully susceptible in this important animal model of rheumatoid arthritis. They clearly demonstrate that the injection of type II collagen together with CFA leads to early onset of the disease with high incidence and with sustained severity. The authors further characterize this disease with an increase of leukocyte infiltration and enhanced TH17 differentiation.
Field‐Supported Single‐Molecule Magnets of Type [Co(bzimpy)X2]
Authors: Rajnák Cyril , Varga Filip , Titiš Ján , Moncoľ Ján , Boča Roman
Published: April 2017

Magnetic properties of pentacoordinate complexes of the type [Co(bzimpy)X2], X = Cl and Br, were investigated in DC and AC modes. The DC data shows sizeable zero‐field splitting for these complexes. The AC susceptibility data confirms slow magnetic relaxation at the applied DC field with two relaxation channels. The low‐frequency relaxation time is as slow as τLF ≈ 0.1–0.3 s for the Cl and Br complexes at T = 1.9 K.
Synthesis and Molecular Modeling of Thermally Stable DNA G‐Quadruplexes with Anthraquinone Insertions
Authors: Gouda Alaa S. , Amine Mahasen S. , Pedersen Erik B.
Published: April 2017

Two new phosphoramidite building blocks for DNA synthesis were synthesized from 1,5‐ and 2,6‐dihydroxyanthraquinones through alkylation with 3‐bromo‐1‐propanol followed by DMT‐protection. The novel synthesized 1,5‐ and 2,6‐disubstituted anthraquinone monomers H15 and H26 are incorporated into a G‐quadruplex by single and double replacements of TGT and TT loops. Monomers H15 and H26 were found to destabilize G‐quadruplex structures for all single replacements of TGT or TT loops. The largest destabilization was observed when H26 linker replaced a TT loop. In contrast, the presence of anthraquinone monomers in two TT loops led to 1–18 °C increase in their thermal stabilities, depending on linker attachment geometry of the monomers. The presence of H15 and H26 linkers replacing two TT loops results in the highest stabilization of the G‐quadruplex structure by 18.2 °C. Circular dichroism spectroscopy of all anthraquinone‐modified quadruplexes revealed no change of the antiparallel structure when compared with the wild type under potassium buffer conditions. The significantly increased thermostabilities were interpreted by molecular modeling of anthraquinone‐modified G‐quadruplexes.
Synthesis of Biisoxazoletetrakis(methyl nitrate): A Potential Nitrate Plasticizer and Highly Explosive Material
Authors: Wingard Leah A. , Johnson Eric C. , Guzmán Pablo E. , Sabatini Jesse J. , Drake Gregory W. , Byrd Edward F. C. , Sausa Rosario C.
Published: April 2017

The efficient and scalable synthesis of 3,3′‐biisoxazole‐4,4′,5,5′‐tetrakis(methyl nitrate) and its energetic properties are described. The synthesis features a metal‐free [3+2] cycloaddition of an electron‐rich internal alkyne and a nitrile oxide by simple heating, without using halogenated solvents. The material has favorable sensitivity properties, and its energetic properties point toward its potential as a nitrate plasticizer and highly explosive material.
Sodium Persulfate Mediated Selenylation of Arenofurans
Authors: Kibriya Golam , Samanta Sadhanendu , Singsardar Mukta , Jana Sourav , Hajra Alakananda
Published: April 2017

The metal‐free sodium persulfate mediated direct selenylation of arenofurans with diaryl diselenides at room temperature was developed, and the products were obtained in high yields. The reaction was found to be applicable to a variety of naphthofurans, benzofurans, and furocoumarins. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the metal‐free direct selenylation of arenofurans. The experimental results suggest that the reaction proceeds through an electrophilic substitution pathway.
Computational contribution to the electrophoretic enantiomer separation mechanism and migration order using modified β‐cyclodextrins
Authors: Cecilio Fonseca Matheus , Santos da Silva Ricky Cássio , Nascimento Clebio Soares , Bastos Borges Keyller
Published: April 2017

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is an extremely effective technique in many kinds of separations, including separation of enantiomers. Some additional techniques may be necessary to determine the enantiomer migration order (EMO) and also the mechanism involved in chiral recognition. This paper reports the development and optimization of a CE method for enantioseparation of racemic mixture of both R‐ and S‐stereoisomers of tramadol (TRM) with a computational contribution for the EMO determination and the responsible mechanisms for chiral distinction. Parameters such as composition and concentration of background electrolyte (BGE) and type and concentration of cyclodextrins (CD) were evaluated. For calculations, a sequential methodology was used, resorting to semiempirical Parametric Model 3 (PM3) followed by calculations accomplished using density functional theory. The best results were obtained with sulfated‐β‐CD (s‐β‐CD) and carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (cm‐β‐CD) as chiral selector. Calculations show that the inclusion of TRM is not a probable process due to the shape of the TRM molecule and the size CDs cavities. Therefore, the chiral recognition process occurs by the formation of association complexes between modified β‐CD and groups of TRM molecules. The structural analysis of the fragments of complexes at a pH of 10 and a thermodynamic analysis of the complexes’ formation process allows determining the EMO. Comparing results obtained experimentally and computationally, it seems that the developed method is adequate for separation of TRM enantiomers and the computational methodology is also adequate to get a sense of the system at a molecular level.
Background conductivity independent counter flow preconcentration method for capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Koenka Israel Joel , Hauser Peter C.
Published: April 2017

A preconcentration method for anions is presented, which relies on a trap created by applying an electric field against a hydrodynamic flow of the sample. The trapping zone is created in front of a cation exchange membrane that allows the isolation of the electrode and thus prevents any interference by electrolysis products. Preconcentration factors of up to 20 were demonstrated for nitrate and formate as model analyte ions and were linearly related to the sample volume passed through the trap. A discrimination between the ions was found possible by adjustment of the hydrodynamic flow velocity. The method was also found to be suitable for the preconcentration of an anion (nitrate at 100 μM) in presence of a second anion at a very high concentration (50 mM formate). The detection limits for the four anions chloride, nitrate, perchlorate, and formate could be lowered from 4, 4.3, 4.2, and 7.2 μM obtained without trapping respectively to 127, 142, 139, and 451 nM with trapping.
Facets of Impulsivity and Compulsivity in Women with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Lavender Jason M. , Goodman Erica L. , Culbert Kristen M. , Wonderlich Stephen A. , Crosby Ross D. , Engel Scott G. , Mitchell James E. , Le Grange Daniel , Crow Scott J. , Peterson Carol B.
Published: April 2017

This study sought to investigate independent associations of impulsivity and compulsivity with eating disorder (ED) symptoms. Women (N = 81) with full or subthreshold Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV anorexia nervosa (AN) completed a semi‐structured interview and self‐report questionnaires. Multiple regression analyses were conducted using ED symptoms as dependent variables and facets of impulsivity and compulsivity as predictor variables (controlling for body mass index and AN diagnostic subtype). For impulsivity facets, lack of perseverance was uniquely associated with eating concern, shape concern and restraint, whereas negative urgency was uniquely associated with eating concern and frequency of loss of control eating; neither sensation seeking nor lack of premeditation was uniquely associated with any ED variables. Compulsivity was uniquely associated with restraint, eating concern and weight concern. Results support independent associations of impulsivity and compulsivity with ED symptoms in adults with AN, suggesting potential utility in addressing both impulsive and compulsive processes in treatment. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Forecasting intraday S&P 500 index returns: A functional time series approach
Authors: Shang Han Lin
Published: April 2017

Financial data often take the form of a collection of curves that can be observed sequentially over time; for example, intraday stock price curves and intraday volatility curves. These curves can be viewed as a time series of functions that can be observed on equally spaced and dense grids. Owing to the so‐called curse of dimensionality, the nature of high‐dimensional data poses challenges from a statistical perspective; however, it also provides opportunities to analyze a rich source of information, so that the dynamic changes of short time intervals can be better understood. In this paper, we consider forecasting a time series of functions and propose a number of statistical methods that can be used to forecast 1‐day‐ahead intraday stock returns. As we sequentially observe new data, we also consider the use of dynamic updating in updating point and interval forecasts for achieving improved accuracy. The forecasting methods were validated through an empirical study of 5‐minute intraday S&P 500 index returns.
Unsere Fragen, Ihre Antworten
Authors: Unterstell Rembert
Published: April 2017

Leserbefragung mit hoher Resonanz: Was gefällt an der „forschung”︁, was könnte das DFG‐Magazin anders und besser machen? Ergebnisse und Anregungen im Überblick
Comparison of two sources of iodine delivery on breast milk iodine and maternal and infant urinary iodine concentrations in southern Ethiopia: A randomized trial
Authors: Gebreegziabher Tafere , Stoecker Barbara J.
Published: April 2017

Iodine deficiency during pregnancy and lactation could expose the infant to severe iodine deficiency disorders. A randomized supplementation trial among rural lactating women was conducted in Sidama zone, southern Ethiopia, to compare the methods of iodine delivery on breast milk iodine, and on maternal and infant urinary iodine concentrations. Women were randomly assigned either to receive 225 μg iodine as potassium iodide capsule daily for 6 months or 450 g of appropriately iodized salt (30–40 μg I as KIO3/g of salt) weekly for household consumption for 6 months. Breast milk iodine concentration (BMIC) and maternal and infant urinary iodine concentration (UIC) were measured at baseline and at 6 months. The women did not differ in BMIC and UIC, and infants did not differ in UIC in a time by treatment interaction. Median (IQR, interquartile range, IQR) BMIC at baseline was 154 [43, 252] μg/L and at 6 months was 105 [36, 198] μg/L, maternal UIC at baseline was 107 [71, 161] μg/L and at 6 months was 130 [80, 208] μg/L; infant UIC at baseline was 218 [108, 356] μg/L and at 6 months was 222 [117, 369] μg/L. Significant correlations among the three variables were obtained in both groups at both times. We conclude that for lactating women an adequate amount of appropriately iodized salt (30–40 μg I/g) had similar effects as a daily supplement of 225 μg I on BMIC and on maternal and infant UIC.
Delphinidin 3‐rutinoside‐rich blackcurrant extract ameliorates glucose tolerance by increasing the release of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 secretion
Authors: Tani Tsubasa , Nishikawa Sho , Kato Masaki , Tsuda Takanori
Published: April 2017

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is an incretin that is secreted from enteroendocrine L‐cells. Dietary factor‐stimulation of endogenous GLP‐1 is a promising strategy for increasing the action of GLP‐1. Recent studies have shown that berries rich in anthocyanins improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Our previous study found that the anthocyanin delphinidin 3‐rutinoside (D3R) significantly increases GLP‐1 secretion in GLUTag cells (enteroendocrine L cell line). Blackcurrants are berries that contain high levels of anthocyanins, particularly D3R. Pre‐administered blackcurrant extract (BCE) 5 mg/kg body weight (1 mg D3R/kg) significantly ameliorated glucose tolerance after intraperitoneal glucose injection in rats by stimulating the secretion of GLP‐1 and subsequently inducing insulin secretion. D3R did not break down significantly in the gastrointestinal tract for at least 45−60 min after BCE was administered, suggesting that BCE‐induced GLP‐1 secretion is mainly mediated by D3R and not its degradation products. These findings demonstrate the novel biological function of D3R‐rich BCE as a GLP‐1 secretagogue. An increase in endogenous GLP‐1 secretion induced by BCE may help to reduce the dosages of diabetic medicines and prevent diabetes.
Glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase promotes liver tumorigenesis by modulating phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Sun Yu , Jiang Ming , Li Yangkai , Tian Ye , Xue Weili , Ding Ninghe , Sun Yue , Cheng Cheng , Li Jianshuang , Miao Xiaoping , Liu Xinran , Zheng Ling , Huang Kun
Published: April 2017

Up‐regulated glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is observed in multiple cancers with unclear mechanism. Using GAPDH transgenic mouse and a mouse model of diethylnitrosamine‐induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), here we show that GAPDH overexpression aggravated tumor development by activating cell proliferation and inflammation. In cultured hepatic cells, overexpression of GAPDH or a catalytic domain‐deleted GAPDH (GAPDHΔCD) affected metabolism, up‐regulated phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), increased histone methylation levels, and promoted proliferation. Consistently, inhibition of GAPDH by short hairpin RNA reprogrammed metabolism down‐regulated PHGDH and histone methylation, and inhibited proliferation. The xenograft study suggested that HepG2 cells overexpressing GAPDH or GAPDHΔCD similarly promoted tumor development, whereas knockdown PHGDH in GAPDH overexpressing cells significantly inhibited tumor development. In liver sections of HCC patients, increased GAPDH staining was found to be positively correlated with PHGDH and histone methylation staining. Conclusion: GAPDH increases histone methylation levels by up‐regulating PHGDH, promoting diversion from glycolysis to serine biosynthesis, and consequently accelerating HCC development. (Hepatology 2017;66:631–645).
Ecohydrologic considerations for modeling of stable water isotopes in a small intermittent watershed
Authors: Knighton James , Saia Sheila M. , Morris Chelsea K. , Archiblad Josephine A. , Walter M. Todd
Published: April 2017

Naturally occurring stable water isotope tracers provide useful information for hydrologic model development and calibration. Existing models include varied approaches concerning unsaturated zone percolation mixing (preferential versus matrix flow) and evapotranspiration (ET) partitioning. We assess the impact of unsaturated zone simplifying assumptions when simulating the Shale Hills Watershed, a small (7.9 ha), temperate, forested watershed near Petersburg, Pennsylvania, USA, with a relatively simple model. We found that different model structures/assumptions and parameterizations of unsaturated zone percolation had substantial impacts on the agreement between simulated and observed unsaturated‐zone water isotopic signatures. We show that unsaturated zone percolation mixing primarily affects the unsaturated zone δ18O and δ2H during winter and spring and that percolation was best represented as a combination of both preferential and matrix flow. We evaluate the importance and implications related to the partitioning of ET into evaporation and transpiration and demonstrated that incorporation of a plant growth model for ET partitioning substantially improved reproduction of observed hydrologic isotopic patterns of the unsaturated zone during the spring season. We show that unsaturated zone percolation mixing and ET partitioning approaches do not substantially influence stream δ18O and δ2H and conclude that observed streamflow isotopic data is not always a strong predictor of model performance with respect to intrawatershed processes.
Freshwater flow to the San Francisco Bay‐Delta estuary over nine decades (Part 2): Change attribution
Authors: Hutton Paul H. , Rath John S. , Roy Sujoy B.
Published: April 2017

This paper explains observed trends in freshwater flow to the San Francisco Bay‐Delta estuary as reported in a companion paper (Hutton, Rath, & Roy, ). We employ a historical hydrologic record spanning nine decades and define a set of idealized flow scenarios to identify drivers of change in delta outflow and consequent salinity regime. Flow changes are measured against a baseline scenario representing 1920‐level land use and water management conditions. Additional scenarios are defined to represent the system absent state and federal water project reservoir and export operations, absent key non‐project reservoir operations, and absent historically‐observed sea level rise. These scenarios, in conjunction with the principle of superposition, are used to ascribe outflow and salinity trends to different anthropogenic and natural causes. We find that project and non‐project water management are attributed similar responsibility for decreasing outflow trends in April and May and consequent increasing spring salinity trends. In contrast, we find that increasing July and August outflow trends (and lagged decreasing salinity trends) are attributed to flow contributions from project water management; these contributions more than fully attenuate impacts associated with non‐project water management.
Anatomy of a decision III: Evaluation of national disposal at sea program action level efficacy considering 2 chemical action levels
Authors: Apitz Sabine E , Vivian Chris , Agius Suzanne
Published: April 2017

The potential performance (i.e., ability to separate nontoxic from toxic sediments) of a range of international Disposal at Sea (DaS) chemical Action Levels (ALs) was compared using a sediment chemical and toxicological database. The use of chemistry alone (without the use of further lines of evidence) did not perform well at reducing costs and protecting the environment. Although some approaches for interpreting AL1 results are very effective at filtering out the majority of acutely toxic sediments, without subsequent toxicological assessment, a large proportion of nontoxic sediments would be unnecessarily subjected to treatment and containment, and a number of sublethally toxic sediments would be missed. Even the best tiered systems that collect and evaluate information sequentially resulted in the failure to catch at least some sublethally or acutely toxic sediments. None of the AL2s examined were particularly effective in distinguishing between non-, sublethally, or acutely toxic sediments. Thus, this review did not support the use of chemical AL2s to predict the degree to which sediments will be toxic. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:1086–1099.© 2017 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Key Points

Chemistry alone performs poorly at reducing costs and protecting the environment. Some chemical Action Level (AL) 1 strategies filter out the majority of toxic sediments, but with high false positives. Many tiered systems were able to discriminate most toxic and nontoxic sediments. None of the AL2s examined were effective in distinguishing between nontoxic and toxic sediments.
Multimodal lung cancer screening using the ITALUNG biomarker panel and low dose computed tomography. Results of the ITALUNG biomarker study
Authors: Carozzi Francesca Maria , Bisanzi Simonetta , Carrozzi Laura , Falaschi Fabio , Lopes Pegna Andrea , Mascalchi Mario , Picozzi Giulia , Peluso Marco , Sani Cristina , Greco Luana , Ocello Cristina , Paci Eugenio ,   the ITALUNG Working Group
Published: April 2017

Asymptomatic high‐risk subjects, randomized in the intervention arm of the ITALUNG trial (1,406 screened for lung cancer), were enrolled for the ITALUNG biomarker study (n = 1,356), in which samples of blood and sputum were analyzed for plasma DNA quantification (cut off 5 ng/ml), loss of heterozygosity and microsatellite instability. The ITALUNG biomarker panel (IBP) was considered positive if at least one of the two biomarkers included in the panel was positive. Subjects with and without lung cancer diagnosis at the end of the screening cycle with LDCT (n = 517) were evaluated. Out of 18 baseline screen detected lung cancer cases, 17 were IBP positive (94%). Repeat screen‐detected lung cancer cases were 18 and 12 of them positive at baseline IBP test (66%). Interval cancer cases (2‐years) and biomarker tests after a suspect Non Calcific Nodule follow‐up were investigated. The single test versus multimodal screening measures of accuracy were compared in a simulation within the screened ITALUNG intervention arm, considering screen‐detected and interval cancer cases. Sensitivity was 90% at baseline screening. Specificity was 71 and 61% for LDCT and IBP as baseline single test, and improved at 89% with multimodal, combined screening. The positive predictive value was 4.3% for LDCT at baseline and 10.6% for multimodal screening. Multimodal screening could improve the screening efficiency at baseline and strategies for future implementation are discussed. If IBP was used as primary screening test, the LDCT burden might decrease of about 60%.
Observational study of associations between gestational weight gain and perinatal outcomes in dichorionic twin pregnancies
Authors: Kosinska‐Kaczynska Katarzyna , Szymusik Iwona , Kaczynski Bartosz , Wielgos Miroslaw
Published: April 2017

Objective

To evaluate relationships between gestational weight gain (GWG) and adverse events during pregnancy among patients of normal weight with twin pregnancies.

Methods

The present observational study included patients with dichorionic twin pregnancies with a pre‐gravid body mass index of 18.5–24.99 kg/m2 who underwent delivery at no earlier than 22 weeks of pregnancy between January 1, 2007, and June 30, 2016, at the Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. The GWG ratio was categorized as low (<0.45 kg/wk), adequate (0.45–0.66 kg/wk), or high (>0.66 kg/wk), and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the GWG ratio groups. Associations between GWG ratio and pregnancy outcomes were estimated using generalized additive models.

Results

There were 201 patients included in the study. No differences in rates of preterm delivery, very preterm delivery (VPTD), small for gestational age fetus, pre‐eclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm premature rupture of membranes, or intrauterine fetal demise were observed between the patient groups. Linear relationships with GWG ratio were recorded for VPTD (P=0.019) and spontaneous VPTD (P=0.003); non‐linear relationships with GWG ratio were recorded for pre‐eclampsia (P=0.023) and perinatal mortality (P=0.015). A GWG ratio of 0.55–0.56 kg/wk appeared optimal in terms of twin pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusion

The incidence of VPTD, pre‐eclampsia, and perinatal mortality during dichorionic twin pregnancy were associated with GWG ratio.
Porosity and tissue integration of elastic mesh implants evaluated in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Ciritsis Alexander , Horbach Andreas , Staat Manfred , Kuhl Christiane K. , Kraemer Nils Andreas
Published: April 2017

Purpose

In vivo, a loss of mesh porosity triggers scar tissue formation and restricts functionality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the properties and configuration changes as mesh deformation and mesh shrinkage of a soft mesh implant compared with a conventional stiff mesh implant in vitro and in a porcine model.

Material and Methods

Tensile tests and digital image correlation were used to determine the textile porosity for both mesh types in vitro. A group of three pigs each were treated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visible conventional stiff polyvinylidene fluoride meshes (PVDF) or with soft thermoplastic polyurethane meshes (TPU) (FEG Textiltechnik mbH, Aachen, Germany), respectively. MRI was performed with a pneumoperitoneum at a pressure of 0 and 15 mmHg, which resulted in bulging of the abdomen. The mesh‐induced signal voids were semiautomatically segmented and the mesh areas were determined. With the deformations assessed in both mesh types at both pressure conditions, the porosity change of the meshes after 8 weeks of ingrowth was calculated as an indicator of preserved elastic properties. The explanted specimens were examined histologically for the maturity of the scar (collagen I/III ratio).

Results

In TPU, the in vitro porosity increased constantly, in PVDF, a loss of porosity was observed under mild stresses. In vivo, the mean mesh areas of TPU were 206.8 cm2 (± 5.7 cm2) at 0 mmHg pneumoperitoneum and 274.6 cm2 (± 5.2 cm2) at 15 mmHg; for PVDF the mean areas were 205.5 cm2 (± 8.8 cm2) and 221.5 cm2 (± 11.8 cm2), respectively. The pneumoperitoneum‐induced pressure increase resulted in a calculated porosity increase of 8.4% for TPU and of 1.2% for PVDF. The mean collagen I/III ratio was 8.7 (± 0.5) for TPU and 4.7 (± 0.7) for PVDF.

Conclusion

The elastic properties of TPU mesh implants result in improved tissue integration compared to conventional PVDF meshes, and they adapt more efficiently to the abdominal wall. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 827–833, 2018.