bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polypropylene composite reinforced with fibrillated curaua fiber and using maleic anhydride as coupling agent
Authors: Nacas Amanda M. , Silva Roberto L. , De Paoli Marco A. , Spinacé Márcia A. S.
Published: March 2017

Curaua fibers (CF) were fibrillated using high‐intensity ultrasonication, which is fast and uses water as a solvent. The fibrillated fibers (CFf) were used as reinforcement (20 wt %) in polypropylene composites processed by extrusion with or without 2 wt % of polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PPMA). Fibrillation promotes an increase from 11.3 to 33.8 in the aspect ratio of the fiber. Sonication caused extraction of lignin and a decrease in the degree of crystallinity of the CF. Extrusion of the composites causes no additional fibrillation of the CF. A composite reinforced with CFf had tensile and flexural strength of 24.9% and 51.5%, respectively, higher than that of pristine PP. The use of PPMA and CFf in the composite promotes a further increase of 30% and 50.5% in these parameters, respectively. A thermal analysis of the composites using CFf with or without PPMA showed similar behavior. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44913.
Gas‐sensor fabrication by a layer‐by‐layer technique using polydiacetylene
Authors: Kim Minhee , Shin Young Jae , Shin Min Jae , Shin Jae Sup
Published: March 2017

In order to increase the sensitivity of a polydiacetylene (PDA) sensor, PDA, and poly(sodium 4‐styrene‐sulfonate) (PSS) were alternately stacked to form a layer‐by‐layer (LBL) film on the quartz. In this study, N‐(2‐aminoethyl)pentacosa‐10,12‐diynamide (AEPCDA) was used as a constituent of the PDA and n‐butylamine was used as a target compound. The formed‐film sensor showed higher sensitivity than the vesicle solution. There was a large difference in sensitivity depending on the method used to form the LBL film. Unlike the vesicle solution state, the formed‐film sensor exhibited excellent reversibility in the color change caused by heat. The LBL film formed worked very well as a sensor that detects the actual gas, n‐butyl amine, showing its potential for practical applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44997.
A study of rigid polyurethane foams: The effect of synthesized polyols and nanoporous graphene
Authors: Hoseinabadi Morteza , Naderi Mehdi , Najafi Mohammad , Motahari Siamak , Shokri Mohammad
Published: March 2017

Rigid polyurethane foams (RPUF) with nanoporous graphene (NPG) were synthesized and their properties, including density, mechanical, morphological, and thermal‐resistant properties were studied. In the current work, polyols of the RPUF formulation were synthesized and NPG content was varied from 0.1 to 0.5 wt %. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation was used to observe the dispersion of NPG and cell size in the RPUF nanocomposites. Only 0.25 wt % of NPG improved compressive strength and modulus respectively by 10.7% and 66.5%. The TGA analysis confirmed that an increase in NPG loading slightly increase the degradation temperature of the samples. These results additionally indicated that NPG enhances the mechanical properties of the RPUF nanocomposites more effectively compared to other nanoparticles (clay, silica etc.). The superiority of NPG over other nanoparticles can be attributed to unique two‐dimensional geometrical morphology and a higher specific surface area. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45001.
Knockdown of a putative argininosuccinate lyase gene reduces arginine content and impairs nymphal development in Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Yuan San‐Yue , Li Guo‐Qing , Wan Pin‐Jun , Fu Qiang , Lai Feng‐Xiang , Mu Li‐Li
Published: March 2017

Nilaparvata lugens is a typical phloem feeder. Rice phloem is high in simple sugars and very low in essential amino acids. Nilaparvata lugens harbors an ascomycete Entomomyces delphacidicola that hypothetically biosynthesizes several amino acids to meet the nutrition requirement of the planthopper. Among these amino acids, here, we focused on arginine biosynthesis. A complete cDNA of an E. delphacidicola gene, arginine‐succinate lyase, EdArg4, the last step in arginine biosynthesis, was obtained. RNAi‐mediated suppression of EdArg4 reduced arginine content in the hemolymph, and decreased the expression of several arginine biosynthesis genes. Silencing of EdArg4 delayed nymphal development and led to nymphal lethality. About 20% of the EdArg4 RNAi surviving adults were deformed. The most obvious defect was wider and larger abdomen. The EdArg4 RNAi‐treated planthoppers had thickened wings and enlarged antennae, legs, and anal tubes and a few adults did not normally emerge. Arginine deficiency in the EdArg4 RNAi planthoppers repressed nitric oxide signaling, determined at the transcriptional level. We infer that E. delphacidicola biosynthesizes essential arginine to compensate for nutrition deficiency in N. lugens.
Impact of hepatobiliary service centralization on treatment and outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer and liver metastases
Authors: Vallance A E , vanderMeulen J , Kuryba A , Botterill I D , Hill J , Jayne D G , Walker K
Published: March 2017

Background

Centralization of specialist surgical services can improve patient outcomes. The aim of this cohort study was to compare liver resection rates and survival in patients with primary colorectal cancer and synchronous metastases limited to the liver diagnosed at hepatobiliary surgical units (hubs) with those diagnosed at hospital Trusts without hepatobiliary services (spokes).

Methods

The study included patients from the National Bowel Cancer Audit diagnosed with primary colorectal cancer between 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2014 who underwent colorectal cancer resection in the English National Health Service. Patients were linked to Hospital Episode Statistics data to identify those with liver metastases and those who underwent liver resection. Multivariable random-effects logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio of liver resection by presence of specialist hepatobiliary services on site. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Of 4547 patients, 1956 (43·0 per cent) underwent liver resection. The 1081 patients diagnosed at hubs were more likely to undergo liver resection (adjusted odds ratio 1·52, 95 per cent c.i. 1·20 to 1·91). Patients diagnosed at hubs had better median survival (30·6 months compared with 25·3 months for spokes; adjusted hazard ratio 0·83, 0·75 to 0·91). There was no difference in survival between hubs and spokes when the analysis was restricted to patients who had liver resection (P = 0·620) or those who did not undergo liver resection (P = 0·749).

Conclusion

Patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous metastases limited to the liver who are diagnosed at hospital Trusts with a hepatobiliary team on site are more likely to undergo liver resection and have better survival.
Long‐term outcome in a case of translocated mitral valve replacement for massive mitral annular calcification
Authors: Kataoka Go , Nakano Kiyoharu , Asano Ryota , Sato Atsuhiko , Tatsuishi Wataru
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

Few reports have described long‐term outcomes after translocated mitral valve replacement. We describe tips, potential pitfalls, and long‐term outcome associated with the construction of a new mitral annulus and reinforcement of prosthesis attachment using a mitral prosthetic valve with an equine pericardial collar in a woman with extensive mitral valve calcification.
Chloro Derivatives of Isomers of a Giant Fullerene C104: C104(234)Cl16/18, C104(812)Cl12/24, and C104(811)Cl28
Authors: Jin Fei , Yang Shangfeng , Fritz Maria A. , Kemnitz Erhard , Troyanov Sergey I.
Published: March 2017

The chemistry of a giant fullerene, C104, has been extended by the synthesis and structural study of several chloro derivatives of three isolated pentagon rule (IPR) isomers of C104 nos. 234, 812, and 811. In the structure of C104(234)Cl16/18, two molecules with 16 and 18 attached Cl atoms occupy the same crystallographic site with an occupancy ratio of 61/39. The structures of C104(812)Cl12 and C104(812)Cl24 demonstrate substructure relationships of their chlorination patterns with single and double Cl attachments to 12 cage pentagons. The structure of C104(811)Cl28 is compared with the known C104(811)Cl24 thus revealing dramatic changes in the chlorination pattern, which occur with relatively small increases in the degree of chlorination.
Tuning Lewis Acidity by a Transannular pπ–σ* Interaction between Boron and Silicon/Germanium Atoms Supported by a Cage‐Shaped Framework
Authors: Konishi Akihito , Nakaoka Koichi , Nakajima Hideto , Chiba Kouji , Baba Akio , Yasuda Makoto
Published: March 2017

Cage‐shaped borates tethered by heavier Group 14 elements (Si or Ge) were synthesized. These possess an intramolecularly transannular pπ–σ* interaction between the boron center and the tethered Si/Ge atom, which allows the precise tuning of their Lewis acidity. The Lewis acidity was investigated by the ligand‐exchange reaction rate and IR measurements with the help of theoretical calculation. The synthesized borates exhibited catalytic activity. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of the direct orbital perturbation of a metal center by space interaction during fine tuning of the Lewis acidity.
Cre‐loxP‐Mediated Recombination: General Principles and Experimental Considerations
Authors: McLellan Micheal A. , Rosenthal Nadia A. , Pinto Alexander R.
Published: March 2017

The cre‐loxP–mediated recombination system (the “cre‐loxP system”) is an integral experimental tool for mammalian genetics and cell biology. Use of the system has greatly expanded our ability to precisely interrogate gene function in the mouse, providing both spatial and temporal control of gene expression. This has been largely due to the simplicity of its use and its adaptability to address diverse biological questions. While the use of the cre‐loxP system is becoming increasingly widespread, in particular because of growing availability of conditional mouse mutants, many considerations need to be taken into account when utilizing the cre‐loxP system. This review provides an overview of the cre‐loxP system and its various permutations. It addresses the limitations of cre‐loxP technology and related considerations for experimental design, and it discusses alternative strategies for site‐specific genetic recombination and integration. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Should I stay or should I go? Cadherin function and regulation in the neural crest
Authors: Taneyhill Lisa A. , Schiffmacher Andrew T.
Published: March 2017

Our increasing comprehension of neural crest cell development has reciprocally advanced our understanding of cadherin expression, regulation, and function. As a transient population of multipotent stem cells that significantly contribute to the vertebrate body plan, neural crest cells undergo a variety of transformative processes and exhibit many cellular behaviors, including epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), motility, collective cell migration, and differentiation. Multiple studies have elucidated regulatory and mechanistic details of specific cadherins during neural crest cell development in a highly contextual manner. Collectively, these results reveal that gradual changes within neural crest cells are accompanied by often times subtle, yet important, alterations in cadherin expression and function. The primary focus of this review is to coalesce recent data on cadherins in neural crest cells, from their specification to their emergence as motile cells soon after EMT, and to highlight the complexities of cadherin expression beyond our current perceptions, including the hypothesis that the neural crest EMT is a transition involving a predominantly singular cadherin switch. Further advancements in genetic approaches and molecular techniques will provide greater opportunities to integrate data from various model systems in order to distinguish unique or overlapping functions of cadherins expressed at any point throughout the ontogeny of the neural crest.
Species composition but not diversity explains recovery from the 2011 drought in Texas grasslands
Authors: Xu Xia , Polley H. Wayne , Hofmockel Kirsten , Wilsey Brian J.
Published: March 2017

Extreme droughts can have profound direct consequences for grassland ecosystems, but it is poorly known how ecosystems recover from drought and what ecological factors are associated with recovery. Recovery occurs when ecosystem functioning returns to values observed prior to a perturbation. Here, we tested for ecosystem recovery after an extreme drought in 2011 in previously established native and exotic experimental communities in Central Texas. Planted mixtures of all native and all exotic species were crossed with a summer irrigation treatment, with eight community compositions (random draws) per treatment. Prior to the drought, native plots had higher diversity than exotic plots, which sets up the prediction that the high‐diversity native plots will recover more quickly than exotics. The extreme drought decreased rain‐use efficiency ([RUE], annual biomass production per unit of rainfall) by 82%. Rain‐use efficiency remained well below pre‐drought levels during the growing season after the drought. However, on average, RUE recovered to pre‐drought levels by the second growing season following drought. Exotic communities showed higher RUE than native communities, and irrigation significantly reduced RUE in both exotic and native communities across years. Interestingly, not all of the mixtures recovered from the drought, and recovery was associated with species composition, but not diversity. Rain‐use efficiency recovery from drought was greatest in native communities in which the proportion of C3 forb biomass increased during and following drought and in exotic communities with a low proportion of short grass biomass. Extreme droughts can exert differential impacts on plant functional groups, leading to a drought legacy effect that reduces recovery with possible long‐term repercussions.
Nucleophilic Reactivities of Bis‐Acceptor‐Substituted Benzyl Anions
Authors: Puente Ángel , Ofial Armin R. , Mayr Herbert
Published: March 2017

The kinetics of the reactions of bis‐acceptor‐substituted benzyl anions (PhCXY–, X,Y = CN, CO2Et, COPh, SO2Ph) with benzhydrylium ions and quinone methides (reference electrophiles) have been determined in dimethyl sulfoxide solution at 20 °C. The reactions follow second‐order kinetics, first order with respect to the electrophile and first order with respect to the carbanion. The addition of 18‐crown‐6 ether, which efficiently coordinates to the anions' counter ions K+, did not affect the kinetics, which indicates that the measured rate constants refer to the reactivities of the nonpaired carbanions. Comparison with the reactivities of the structurally analogous secondary carbanions HCXY– shows that replacement of H at the carbanionic center by Ph reduces the nucleophilic reactivities towards a reference benzhydrylium ion by factors in the range of only 1.2 (X,Y = SO2Ph) to 6 (X,Y = CO2Et). The plots of lg k2 versus the electrophilicity parameters E of the reference electrophiles are linear, thereby indicating that the correlation lg k2(20 °C) = sN(E + N), which characterizes nucleophiles by the two solvent‐dependent parameters sN and N and electrophiles by the parameter E, is applicable. In this way, it becomes possible to integrate these carbanions into our comprehensive nucleophilicity scale, which provides a direct comparison of the nucleophilic reactivities of different families of compounds.
Comparative Synthetic Strategies for the Generation of 5,10‐ and 5,15‐Substituted Push‐Pull Porphyrins
Authors: Meindl Alina , Plunkett Shane , Ryan Aoife A. , Flanagan Keith J. , Callaghan Susan , Senge Mathias O.
Published: March 2017

Contemporary applications in optics, medicine, solar cells, or material science are increasingly reliant on unsymmetrically substituted porphyrins. Due to their widespread applications and rise in demand we undertook a comparative analysis of synthetic strategies for meso‐substituted porphyrins and present the synthesis of five different series of so‐called A2BC push‐pull porphyrins. The synthetic pathways used were applied to both 5,15‐substituted and 5,10‐substituted porphyrins, showcasing their flexibility and adaptability for different needs. Our approach combines well‐known reactions with a strategic and logical stepwise functionalization allowing researchers to change and modify the electronic properties of these systems at various points of the syntheses. This facilitates the easy optimization of the synthesis of systems of current interest, for example, porphyrins for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) or for use in nonlinear optics, as well as fast generation of compound libraries.
Inland notches: lithological characteristics and climatic implications of subaerial cavernous landforms in Israel
Authors: Shtober‐Zisu Nurit , Amasha Hani , Frumkin Amos
Published: March 2017

Inland notches, are elongated concave‐shape indentations that develop on the carbonate rocky cliffs of mountainous zones, down to the desert fringe. These rock shelters form as a result of the interaction between specific petrologic characteristics and climatic controls, emphasizing the importance of environment upon rock decay. Inland notches are shaped due to slight differences (1–15%) in the porosity of the visor and cavity bed: the cavity bed is more porous, so more likely to erode by exfoliation and dissolution. Thus, the cavity bed retreats at a faster rate compared to the slower subaerial dissolution of the visor bed, until a critical point is reached where the visor collapses. In Israel, inland notches inhabit the same lithostratigraphic units as do large caves. The vast majority (71%) of inland notches are formed in hard, dense, and crystalline limestone deposited throughout the Turonian age. Another 27% are cut into the dolomitic sequence of the upper Albian and lower Cenomanian. The rest (2%) are dispersed in the various formations of the Cenomanian and Eocene eras. Notches are most common in semi‐arid and in Mediterranean climates but mainly in areas with annual rainfall of between 400 mm and 850 mm. In more humid areas (> 900 mm/yr) notches are negligible or completely absent, due to the rapid rate of chemical dissolution of carbonate rocks. In the desert fringe (200–300 mm/yr), mechanical decay is accelerated and notches exhibit disintegration processes, visor collapse, and rock falls. In the desert area (< 200 mm/yr), salt decay replaces the chemical decay characteristic of inland notches, encouraging tafoni formation. In addition, notches form through fluvial activity or on account of greater petrophysical differences between consecutive beds; i.e. elongated cavities may form in soft rocks, shaded by harder visors or crusts. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of atrazine and chlorothalonil on the reproductive success, development, and growth of early life stage sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
Authors: Du Gas Lindsay M. , Ross Peter S. , Walker Janessa , Marlatt Vicki L. , Kennedy Christopher J.
Published: March 2017

The effects of 2 currently used commercial pesticide formulations on Pacific sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), from fertilization to emergence, were evaluated in a gravel-bed flume incubator that simulated a natural streambed. Embryos were exposed to atrazine at 25 µg/L (low atrazine) or atrazine at 250 µg/L (high atrazine) active ingredient (a.i.), and chlorothalonil at 0.5 µg/L (low chlorothalonil) or chlorothalonil at 5 µg/L a.i. (high chlorothalonil) and examined for effects on developmental success and timing, as well as physical and biochemical growth parameters. Survival to hatch was reduced in the high chlorothalonil group (55% compared with 83% in controls), accompanied by a 24% increase in finfold deformity incidence. Reduced alevin condition factor (2.9–5.4%) at emergence and elevated triglyceride levels were seen in chlorothalonil-exposed fish. Atrazine exposure caused premature hatch (average high atrazine time to 50% hatch [H50] = 100 d postfertilization [dpf]), and chlorothalonil exposure caused delayed hatch (high chlorothalonil H50 = 108 dpf; controls H50 = 102 dpf). All treatments caused premature emergence (average time to 50% emergence [E50]: control E50 = 181 dpf, low chlorothalonil E50 = 175 dpf, high chlorothalonil E50 = 174 dpf, high atrazine E50 = 175 dpf, low atrazine E50 = 174 dpf), highlighting the importance of using a gravel-bed incubator to examine this subtle, but critical endpoint. These alterations indicate that atrazine and chlorothalonil could affect survival of early life stages of sockeye salmon in the wild. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1354–1364. © 2017 SETAC
Use of Gammarus fossarum (Amphipoda) embryo for toxicity testing: A case study with cadmium
Authors: Arambourou Hélène , Decamps Alexandre , Quéau Hervé , Dabrin Aymeric , Neuzeret Didier , Chaumot Arnaud
Published: March 2017

The effects of environmental contaminants on arthropod embryo stages have been poorly investigated in ecotoxicology. Moreover, many of these tests used hatching success as the sole metric, although it is possible to detect many more subtle effects. After a detailed description of embryogenesis in Gammarus fossarum, the present study reports on the sublethal effects of cadmium (Cd) exposure during embryonic development in G. fossarum. Embryos were first directly exposed in multiwell plates throughout the entire embryonic cycle (23 d) to increasing Cd concentrations (0, 1.5, and 3.0 μg/L; 120 embryos/concentration). Then, to assess the representativeness of the gammarid embryo assay performed in multiwell plates, embryos were exposed to similar Cd concentrations through the maternal open brood pouch. Next, to pinpoint sensitive periods of development, embryos were directly exposed to 3.0 μg/L of Cd for shorter periods of time: during gastrulation, organogenesis, and hatching. After hatching, the following parameters were measured in the newborn individuals: 1) body mass; 2) activity of the enzyme phenoloxidase, a key enzyme of the arthropod immune system; and 3) locomotor activity. Phenoloxidase activity was strongly inhibited in newborn individuals of embryos exposed (either in multiwell plates or in the maternal brood pouch) to 3.0 μg/L Cd throughout embryonic development. Furthermore, strong detrimental locomotor effects were observed in newborn individuals of embryos directly exposed to 3.0 μg/L. Exposures for shorter periods of time were not sufficient to induce such effects; no sensitive period could be determined. By bringing new insights into a critical time window of exposure, the gammarid embryo assay could provide a novel and interesting addition to existing bioassays in gammarids. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2436–2443. © 2017 SETAC
Macroeconomic Conditions and Credit Default Swap Spread Changes
Authors: Kim Tong Suk , Park Jae Won , Park Yuen Jung
Published: March 2017

This study investigates the importance of the business cycle in explaining credit default swap spread changes by utilizing ex ante proxies. It uses portfolio regression and finds the structural variables, including the business cycle, explain approximately 65% of the spread differences. Furthermore, the business cycle variable enhances explanatory power more during the pre‐ and post‐crisis periods than during the crisis period and shows greater improvement for investment‐grade than for non‐investment‐grade firms. These results suggest that macroeconomic conditions play a critical role when the underlying asset value is likely to have greater distance from the default barrier. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 37:766–802, 2017
Factors affecting self‐sealing of geological faults due to CO2‐leakage
Authors: Patil Vivek V. , McPherson Brian J. , Priewisch Alexandra , Moore Joseph , Moodie Nathan
Published: March 2017

Injecting anthropogenic CO2 into the subsurface is suggested for climate change mitigation. However, leakage of CO2 from its target storage formation is a concern. In the event of leakage, permeability in leakage pathways such as faults may get altered due to mineral reactions induced by CO2‐enriched water, thus influencing the migration and fate of the CO2. An example of such fault permeability alteration is found in the Little Grand Wash Fault zone (LGWF), where the fault outcrops show fractures filled with calcium carbonate. To test the nature, extent, and time‐frame of such fault ‘self‐sealing’, we developed reactive flow simulations based on hydrogeological conditions of the LGWF. We measured LGWF water chemistry and conducted an x‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis of the fault‐rock to constrain the model geochemistry. We hypothesized that the choice of parameters for relative permeability, capillary pressure, and reaction kinetics will have a huge impact on the fault sealing predictions. Simulation results showed that precipitation of calcite in the top portion of the fault led to a decrease in porosity of the damage zone from a value of 40% to . Over a simulation time of 1000 years, porosity in the damage zone showed self‐enhancing behavior in the bottom portion and self‐sealing behavior in the top portion of the fault. We found that the results were most sensitive to the relative permeability parameters and the fault architecture. A major conclusion from this analysis is that, under similar conditions, some faults are likely to seal over time. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone Marrow‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells‐Mediated Protection Against Organ Dysfunction in Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Is Associated With Peripheral Immune Responses
Authors: Wang Biao , Wu Shuming , Wang Tao , Ma Zengshan , Liu Kai
Published: March 2017

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a fatal thrombohemorrhagic disorder. Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are multipotent stem cells that have tremendous therapeutic effect. Our aim was to explore whether the immune mechanisms were associated with BMSCs‐afforded protection against DIC. We generated a rat model of DIC by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 3 mg/kg) injection via the tail vein. In the treatment group, rats were pre‐treated with 1 × l03, 1 × l04, 1 × l05, and 1 × l06 allogeneic BMSCs before LPS injection. Blood sample was withdrawn from the abdominal aorta at 0 (before), 4, and 8 h after LPS injection and used for biochemical analyses. After experiments, the mice were sacrificed and their organs were harvested and observed by H&E and PTAH staining. Continuous infusion of LPS into the rats gradually impaired the hemostatic parameters and damaged organ functions. However, pre‐treatment with BMSCs dose‐dependently improved the hemostatic parameters. Meanwhile, the treatment significantly suppressed the fibrin microthrombi formation and alleviated liver, heart, lung, and renal injuries. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that BMSCs pre‐treatment inhibited LPS‐induced upregulation of CD3+CD8+ T cells and CD3+/CD161a+ NKT cells in the peripheral blood. BMSCs pre‐treatment reversed the upregualtion of the B‐cell population and the percentage of CD43+/CD172a+ monocytes in the DIC models. Finally, BMSCs pre‐treatment decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and increased the levels of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) in LPS‐induced DIC models. Pre‐treatment with BMSCs can reduce coagulation and alleviate organ dysfunction via peripheral immune responses in LPS‐induced DIC rat model. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3184–3192, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reduced complication rates of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage with ultrasound guidance
Authors: Wagner Andrej , Mayr Christian , Kiesslich Tobias , Berr Frieder , Friesenbichler Paul , Wolkersdörfer Gernot W.
Published: March 2017

Background

We aimed to analyze the benefits of adding ultrasound (US) guidance to the standard fluoroscopically assisted percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (F‐PTBD). We also performed a systematic literature review of success and complication rates of US‐PTBD in a wide field of indications.

Methods

We evaluated a total of 81 US‐PTBDs carried out in our institution, 74% of which were part of the management of malignancy. In addition, we compared our results with those of a total of 5,272 procedures (3,779 F‐PTBD and 1,493 US‐PTBD) reported in the literature.

Results

US‐PTBD was technically successful in 94% of attempts with a mean of 2.2 needle passes. Procedural success was achieved in 86% of cases. There were no procedure‐related deaths or severe complications. Minor complications were catheter dislodgement (15%) as well as one case each of a porto‐biliary fistula, hematoma, and biloma. A systematic review of the literature also showed that US‐PTBD has a similar technical success rate to F‐PTBD but lower median rates of severe early complications (0% versus 8%) and procedural death (0% versus 1%).

Conclusions

Given our results and our review of the literature, US‐PTBD is as effective as F‐PTBD and has significantly lower complication rates. US‐PTBD should be preferred to F‐PTBD. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:400–407, 2017
Comparative Morphology of the Penis and Clitoris in Four Species of Moles (Talpidae)
Authors: Sinclair Adriane Watkins , Glickman Stephen , Catania Kenneth , Shinohara Akio , Baskin Lawrence , Cunha Gerald R.
Published: March 2017

The penile and clitoral anatomy of four species of Talpid moles (broad‐footed, star‐nosed, hairy‐tailed, and Japanese shrew moles) were investigated to define penile and clitoral anatomy and to examine the relationship of the clitoral anatomy with the presence or absence of ovotestes. The ovotestis contains ovarian tissue and glandular tissue resembling fetal testicular tissue and can produce androgens. The ovotestis is present in star‐nosed and hairy‐tailed moles, but not in broad‐footed and Japanese shrew moles. Using histology, three‐dimensional reconstruction, and morphometric analysis, sexual dimorphism was examined with regard to a nine feature masculine trait score that included perineal appendage length (prepuce), anogenital distance, and presence/absence of bone. The presence/absence of ovotestes was discordant in all four mole species for sex differentiation features. For many sex differentiation features, discordance with ovotestes was observed in at least one mole species. The degree of concordance with ovotestes was highest for hairy‐tailed moles and lowest for broad‐footed moles. In relationship to phylogenetic clade, sex differentiation features also did not correlate with the similarity/divergence of the features and presence/absence of ovotestes. Hairy‐tailed and Japanese shrew moles reside in separated clades, but they exhibit a high degree of congruence. Broad‐footed and hairy‐tailed moles reside within the same clade but had one of the lowest correlations in features and presence/absence of ovotestes. Thus, phylogenetic affinity and the presence/absence of ovotestes are poor predictors for most sex differentiation features within mole external genitalia.
On Recognizing Frame and Lifted‐Graphic Matroids
Authors: Chen Rong , Whittle Geoff
Published: March 2017

We prove that there is no polynomial with the property that a matroid M can be determined to be either a lifted‐graphic or frame matroid using at most rank evaluations. This resolves two conjectures of Geelen, Gerards, and Whittle (Quasi‐graphic matroids, to appear in J. Graph Theory).
Increased cerebral blood flow as a predictor of episodes in MELAS using multimodal MRI
Authors: Li Yuxin , Lin Jie , Sun Chong , Zhao Chongbo , Li Haiqing
Published: March 2017

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:915–918
Diagnostic performance between contrast enhancement, proton MR spectroscopy, and amide proton transfer imaging in patients with brain tumors
Authors: Sakata Akihiko , Fushimi Yasutaka , Okada Tomohisa , Arakawa Yoshiki , Kunieda Takeharu , Minamiguchi Sachiko , Kido Aki , Sakashita Naotaka , Miyamoto Susumu , Togashi Kaori
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To explore the relationship among parameters of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and amide proton transfer (APT) imaging, and to assess the diagnostic performance of MRS and APT imaging for grading brain tumors in comparison with contrast enhancement of conventional MRI for preoperative grading in patients with brain tumor.

Materials and Methods

Institutional Review Board approval and written informed consent were obtained. Forty‐one patients with suspected brain tumors were enrolled in the study. Single‐voxel MRS and 2D APT imaging of the same slice level were conducted using a 3T MRI scanner. Positive or negative contrast enhancement on T1‐weighted images was assessed by two neuroradiologists. Correlations among metabolite concentrations, metabolite ratios, and calculated histogram parameters, including mean APT (APTmean) and the 90th percentile of APT (APT90) were assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Diagnostic performance was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for contrast enhancement and MRS and APT imaging. Values of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Positive correlations with statistical significance were found between total concentration of choline (Cho) and APT90 (r = 0.49), and between Cho/creatine (Cr) and APTmean (r = 0.65) as well as APT90 (r = 0.49). A negative correlation with statistical significance was observed between NAA/Cr and APTmean (r = −0.52). According to ROC curves, Cho/Cr, APTmean, APT90, demonstrated higher area under the curve (AUC) values than that of contrast enhancement in grading gliomas.

Conclusion

Significant correlations were observed between metabolite concentrations and ratios on MRS and APT values. MRS and APT imaging showed comparable diagnostic capability for grading brain tumors, suggesting that both MRS and APT imaging offer potential for quantitatively assessing similar biological characteristics in brain tumors on noncontrast MRI.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:732–739
Tandem mass spectrometry: a convenient approach in the dosage of steviol glycosides in Stevia sweetened commercial food beverages
Authors: Di Donna L. , Mazzotti F. , Santoro I. , Sindona G.
Published: March 2017

The use of sweeteners extracted from leaves of the plant species Stevia rebaudiana is increasing worldwide. They are recognized as generally recognized as safe by the US‐FDA and approved by EU‐European Food Safety Authority, with some recommendation on the daily dosage that should not interfere with glucose metabolism. The results presented here introduce an easy analytical approach for the identification and assay of Stevia sweeteners in commercially available soft drink, based on liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, using a natural statin‐like molecule, Brutieridin, as internal standard. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes of the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities in germinated adlay seeds
Authors: Xu Lei , Wang Pei , Ali Barkat , Yang Na , Chen Yisheng , Wu Fengfeng , Xu Xueming
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Over the years, germinated adlay products have been used as both food source and folk medicine. This study investigated the changes of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activities, and phenolic acid profiles of adlay seed during germination.

RESULTS

Results revealed that phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities varied with the germination stages. Germination significantly increased the free form phenolic and flavonoid contents by 112.5% and 168.3%, respectively. However, both of the bound form phenolic and flavonoid contents significantly decreased after germination. Phenolic acid compositions were quantified via HPLC analysis, and the levels of vanillic, p‐coumaric, caffeic, hydroxybenzoic and protocatechuic acids in the free phenolic extracts were found to be significantly increased. The improvement of the free and total phenolic and flavonoid contents by the germination process led to a significant enhancement of the antioxidant activities (evaluated by the ABTS, FRAP and ORAC assays). The TPC showed the highest correlation with ORAC values (r = 0.9979).

CONCLUSION

Germinated adlay had higher free and total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activities than ungerminated adlay. This study indicates that germinated adlay could be a promising functional food, more suitable for human consumption. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Enzymatic hydrolysis of Grass Carp fish skin hydrolysates able to promote the proliferation of Streptococcus thermophilus
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Nan , Qin Mei , Feng Yu‐Ying , Chen Jian‐Kang , Song Yi‐Shan
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

The promotion effect on proliferation of Streptococcus thermophilus by enzymatic hydrolysates of aquatic products was firstly studied. The effect of influencing factors of the hydrolysis on the growth of S. thermophilus was investigated.

RESULT

Grass Carp fish skin was hydrolysed to peptides by enzymatic hydrolysis using protease ProteAX, and for the S. thermophilus growth, the optimal enzymatic hydrolysis conditions were temperature of 60 °C, initial pH of 9.0, enzyme concentration of 10 g kg−1, hydrolysis time of 80 min, and ratio of material to liquid of 1:2. The Grass Carp fish skin hydrolysate (GCFSH) prepared under the optimum conditions was fractionated to five fragments (GCFSH 1, GCFSH 2, GCFSH 3, GCFSH 4, GCFSH 5) according to molecular weight sizes, in which the fragments GCFSH 4 and GCFSH 5, with molecular weights of less than 1000 Da, significantly promoted the growth of S. thermophilus.

CONCLUSION

The hydrolysis process of Grass Carp fish skin can be simplified, and the peptides with molecular weights below 1000 Da in the hydrolysates are the best nitrogen source for proliferation of S. thermophilus. This work can provide a fundamental theoretical basis for the production of multi‐component functional foods, especially in milk drinks or yogurt. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Primary productivity and the coupling of photosynthetic electron transport and carbon fixation in the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Schuback Nina , Hoppe Clara J. M. , Tremblay Jean‐Éric , Maldonado Maria T. , Tortell Philippe D.
Published: March 2017

We examined the light absorption properties and light‐dependent rates of photosynthetic electron transport (ETRRCII) and 14C‐uptake in phytoplankton of the Canadian Subarctic and Arctic Ocean. Our results reveal high variability in the light‐saturated, chlorophyll a‐specific rate of 14C‐uptake (PChlamax; 0.7 to 8.0 mg C mg chl a−1 h−1) , and the light‐dependant efficiency of 14C‐uptake (αChla; 0.01 to 0.09 mg C mg Chl a−1 h−1 [μmol quanta m−2 s−1]−1). Variability in PChlamax correlated with light availability in the stratified water‐column, while both PChlamax and αChla were correlated to the degree of nitrate depletion in the mixed layer. For all samples, we observed that 14C‐uptake rates reached light saturation at lower irradiances than ETRRCII, leading to significant, light‐dependent de‐coupling of carbon fixation and photosynthetic electron transport. For samples taken from within the mixed layer, we found that the conversion factor from ETRRCII to carbon fixation was strongly correlated to the magnitude of non‐photochemical quenching, as derived from fast repetition rate fluorometry (FRRF) measurements. This correlation supports recent findings from the Subarctic Pacific Ocean, and has the potential to improve FRRF‐based estimates of phytoplankton carbon fixation. Our observations reveal distinct environmental regulation of phytoplankton light absorption, electron transport and carbon fixation in phytoplankton assemblages within and below the shallow summer mixed layer, and will help to inform more robust predictions of future primary production in a rapidly changing Arctic Ocean.
Seasonal succession in zooplankton feeding traits reveals trophic trait coupling
Authors: Kenitz Kasia M. , Visser André W. , Mariani Patrizio , Andersen Ken H.
Published: March 2017

The seasonal forcing of pelagic communities invokes a succession of the dominant phytoplankton and zooplankton species. Here, we characterize the seasonal succession of the plankton traits and their interactions using observations and model simulations of the plankton community in the western English Channel. We focus on activity traits that characterize the defensive and feeding abilities of zooplankton and distinguish between low risk, low return ambush feeders and high risk, high return feeding‐current feeders. While the phytoplankton succession depends on traits related to nutrient acquisition and photosynthesis, it also depends on grazing which couples feeding and motility traits across trophic guilds. Despite interannual variations in the species dominating the protist plankton community, the seasonal trait distribution reveals robust and repeatable seasonal patterns, changing between non‐motile cells flourishing in spring and motile community dominating during summer. The zooplankton community is dominated by active feeding‐current feeders with peak biomass in the late spring declining during summer. The model reveals how zooplankton grazing reinforces protist plankton seasonal succession and shows how the physical environment controls the vertical structure of plankton communities, where ambush feeders exhibit a preference for greater depths during summer. We characterize the seasonal succession as trophic trait coupling and conjecture that this coupling leads to a trophic trait cascade where successive trophic levels alternate in their expression of activity traits further up in the food chain.
Statistics of Density, Temperature and Air Gaps on the TATB Cylinder Test
Authors: Souers P. Clark , Lauderbach Lisa , Gagliardi Franco , Mortensen Clif
Published: March 2017

Duplicate cylinder tests (CYLEX) have been run on PBX 9502 and LX‐17. The 95 % error in the absolute value of the derived detonation energy density is about ±1 % whereas the 95 % error of the difference error is ±0.5 % or better. The analytic model has been upgraded with a better strain description. The effect of the air gap between a pressed solid explosive and the inner copper wall has been measured and modeled. An off‐center effect has also been seen. Density effects on the energy density from 1.82 to 1.92 g cm−3 are described for LX‐17. Data has also been taken at −55, 75 and 125 °C. The last temperature gives a large enough difference to show that the mechanism appears to be only density change.
Finding of dose evaluation for organs at risk in intensity‐modulated radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Gong Guanzhong , Kong Xudong , Wang Xiuying , Zheng Chaojie , Guo Yujie , Yin Yong
Published: March 2017

A critical step in predicting and avoiding radiation injury of organs at risk in radiation therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is to carry out an accurate dose evaluation in planning design. In the present study, we investigated the dose evaluation feature of organs at risk on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images in intensity‐modulated radiation therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma compared with computed tomography (CT) images. A total of 35 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were selected for this trial. CT simulation with non‐contrast and contrast‐enhanced scan, and MRI simulation with non‐contrast and contrast‐enhanced T1, T2, and diffusion weighted imaging were obtained sequentially. The organs at risk were contoured on the CT and MRI images after rigid registration, respectively. Nine‐beam intensity‐modulated radiation therapy plans with equal division angles were designed for every patient, and the prescription dose for the tumor target was set as 72 Gy (2.4Gy/fraction). The boundary display, volume, and dosimetric indices of each organ were compared between MRI and CT images. We found that MRI showed clearer boundary of the brainstem, spinal cord, deep lobe of the parotid gland, and the optical nerve in the canal compared with CT. MRI images increased the volume of the lens and optic nerve, while slightly reducing the volume of eye; the maximum dose of the lens, and the mean dose of the eyes and optic nerve increased to different extents, though no statistical differences were found. The left and right parotid gland volume on MRI increased by 7.07% and 8.13%, and the mean dose increased by 14.95% (4.01 Gy) and 18.76% (4.95 Gy), with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The brainstem volume reduced by 9.33% (P < 0.05), and the dose of 0.1 cm3 volume reduced by a mean 8.46% (4.32 Gy), whereas the dose of 0.1 cm3 of the spinal cord increased by 1.5 Gy on MRI. The maximum dose region of the spinal cord was very close on CT and MRI images, and was similar to the brainstem. In conclusion, it is credible to evaluate the radiation dose of the lens, eye, brainstem, and the spinal cord by applying simulation CT; whereas MRI images are sometimes necessary to evaluate the dose of the parotid glands and the optical nerve.
Dependence of dark current and photoresponse on polarization charges for AlGaN‐based heterojunction p–i–n photodetectors
Authors: Chen Hai‐feng , Chen Yi‐Ren , Song Hang , Li Zhi‐Ming , Jiang Hong , Li Da‐Bing , Miao Guo‐Qing , Sun Xiao‐Juan , Zhang Zhi‐Wei
Published: March 2017

The influence of the polarization charges on the properties of AlGaN‐based heterojunction p–i–n ultraviolet photodetectors was investigated. It is found that the polarization charges at the hetero‐interface can enhance the electric field intensity and result in an increased dark current. On the contrary, the polarization charges can lower the photoresponse because the direction of polarization electric field is opposite to the applied electric field in the light absorption layer.
Self–assembly of Anacardic Acid Derived Cation–modified Montmorillonite into ′Arthropodal′ Branched Nanofibers
Authors: Chacko Asha Susan , Prasad Vadakkethonippurathu Sivankuttynair
Published: March 2017

Montmorillonite (MMT) was organo‐modified with tri‐(2‐carboxy‐3‐pentadeca‐8,11,14]‐trienylphenoxy) aminopropylsilyl sulfate cation, synthesized from anacardic acid (AA), a bio‐monomer by cation exchange and characterized. The modified product (AAM) showed a decreased crystallinity with an increase in d‐spacing of MMT from 1.47 nm to 2.29 nm attributed to intercalation by modification. AAM solution in the water‐acetone mixture at 3.0 mg mL−1 showed an organization into ′arthropodal′ branched nanofibers of about 30–60 nm diameter and 10–20 μm length. These results were attributed to rolling of AAM into grain like morphology stabilized by hydrogen bonded interactions induced by the carboxyl group and end to end assembly of the grains. Though acidic pH stabilized the morphology, an increase in pH to 8.0 marked the absence of any assembly attributed to lack of hydrogen bonding. The effect of the carboxyl group in the assembly was further established by the absence of any assembly in the case of MMT modified with cardanol, the decarboxylated product of AA. A simple strategy for the synthesis of biocompatible hybrid silicate nanofibers is demonstrated here.
Intermolecular Nucleophilic Addition of N‐Diaminophosphinoyl‐Protected α‐Carbanions Derived from Secondary Amines to Arynes: Synthesis of 1‐Aryl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolines
Authors: Singh Kamal N. , Singh Paramjit , Kaur Manjot , Sharma Esha
Published: March 2017

Various 1‐aryl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolineswere synthesized by coupling α‐amino carbanions, derived from N‐protected secondary amines, with in situ generated arynes. Different N‐protecting/activating groups were investigated and it was found that only the N‐bis(dimethylamino)phosphinoyl group is suitable to obtain the title compounds.This procedure has also been used for an efficient one‐pot synthesis of the drug (±)‐FR115427.