bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fused Multifunctionalized Chromenes from Tetraynes and α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes
Authors: Meng Xiangzhen , Lv Shuang , Cheng Dong , Hu Qiong , Ma Jie , Liu Baohua , Hu Yimin
Published: March 2017

The synthesis of fused, highly substituted chromenes in a one‐pot‐three‐step cascade hexadehydro‐Diels–Alder reaction of tetraynes followed by an intermolecular α,β‐unsaturated aldehyde rearrangement is reported. The target compounds were prepared by the condensation of malonates with 3‐bromo‐1‐propyne, and the resulting 2,2‐di(1‐propyn‐3‐yl)malonates underwent cross‐coupling with phenylethynyl bromides to afford 2,2‐di(5‐phenyl‐2,4‐pentadiynyl)malonates, which underwent intramolecular cyclization to produce tricyclic chromenes. The overall transformation involves the formation of four new C−C bonds and one new C‐aryl−O−C‐aryl bond by both intramolecular cyclization and intermolecular rearrangement reactions. These constitute a key strategy for the construction of a highly substituted natural chromene core and a robust method for producing other chromenes.
Is there a prognostic relevance of electrophysiological studies in bundle branch block patients?
Authors: Bogossian Harilaos , Frommeyer Gerrit , Göbbert Kornelius , Hasan Fuad , Nguyen Quy Suu , Ninios Ilias , Mijic Dejan , Bandorski Dirk , Hoeltgen Reinhard , Seyfarth Melchior , Lemke Bernd , Eckardt Lars , Zarse Markus
Published: March 2017

Background

The present European guidelines suggest a diagnostic electrophysiological (EP) study to determine indication for cardiac pacing in patients with bundle branch block and unexplained syncope. We evaluated the prognostic relevance of an EP study for mortality and the development of permanent complete atrioventricular (AV) block in patients with symptomatic bifascicular block and first‐degree AV block.

Hypothesis

The HV interval is a poor prognostic marker to predict the development of permanent AV block in patients with symptomatic bifascicular block (BFB) and AV block I°.

Methods

Thirty consecutive patients (mean age, 74.8 ± 8.6 years; 25 males) with symptomatic BFB and first‐degree AV block underwent an EP study before device implantation, according to current guidelines. For 53 ± 31 months, patients underwent yearly follow‐up screening for syncope or higher‐degree AV block.

Results

Thirty patients presented with prolonged HV interval during the EP study (mean, 82.2 ± 20.1 ms; range, 57–142 ms), classified into 3 groups: group 1, <70 ms (mean, 62 ± 4 ms; range, 57–67 ms; n = 7), group 2, >70 to ≤100 ms (mean, 80 ± 8 ms; range, 70–97 ms; n = 18), and group 3, >100 ms (mean, 119 ± 14 ms; range, 107–142 ms; n = 5). According to the guidelines, patients in groups 2 and 3 received a pacemaker. The length of the HV interval was not associated with the later development of third‐degree AV block or with increased mortality.

Conclusions

Our present study suggests that an indication for pacemaker implantation based solely on a diagnostic EP study with prolongation of the HV interval is not justified.
Pharmacogenomic Advances in the Prediction and Prevention of Cutaneous Idiosyncratic Drug Reactions
Authors: Pan R‐Y , Dao R‐L , Hung S‐I , Chung W‐H
Published: March 2017

Cutaneous idiosyncratic drug reactions (CIDRs) are usually unpredictable, ranging from mild maculopapular exanthema (MPE) to severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs) such as drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Increasing evidence suggests that HLA alleles are strongly associated with drug‐induced‐CIDRs. The pathomechanisms for CIDRs include genetic polymorphisms affecting complex immune‐specific HLA/drug antigen/T‐cell receptor interactions and drug metabolism. Pharmacogenomic tests to prevent CIDRs have been widely implemented in clinical practice in recent years.
Modified Fullerenes for Efficient Electron Transport Layer‐Free Perovskite/Fullerene Blend‐Based Solar Cells
Authors: Sandoval‐Torrientes Rafael , Pascual Jorge , García‐Benito Inés , Collavini Silvia , Kosta Ivet , Tena‐Zaera Ramón , Martín Nazario , Delgado Juan Luis
Published: March 2017

A variety of novel chemically modified fullerenes, showing different electron‐accepting capabilities, has been synthesized and used to prepare electron transport layer (ETL)‐free solar cells based on perovskite/fullerene blends. In particular, isoxazolino[60] fullerenes are proven to be a good candidate for processing blend films with CH3NH3PbI3 and obtaining enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) ETL‐free perovskite solar cells (PSCs), improving the state‐of‐the‐art PCE (i.e., 14.3 %) for this simplified device architecture. A beneficial effect for pyrazolino and methano[60]fullerene derivatives versus pristine [60]/fullerene is also shown. Furthermore, a clear correlation between the LUMO energy level of the fullerene component and the open circuit voltage of the solar cells is found. Apart from the new knowledge on innovative fullerene derivatives for PSCs, the universality and versatility of perovskite/fullerene blend films to obtain efficient ETL‐free PSCs is demonstrated.
Retention of Ag‐specific memory CD4+ T cells in the draining lymph node indicates lymphoid tissue resident memory populations
Authors: Marriott Clare L. , Dutton Emma E , Tomura Michio , Withers David R.
Published: March 2017

Several different memory T‐cell populations have now been described based upon surface receptor expression and migratory capabilities. Here we have assessed murine endogenous memory CD4+ T cells generated within a draining lymph node and their subsequent migration to other secondary lymphoid tissues. Having established a model response targeting a specific peripheral lymph node, we temporally labelled all the cells within draining lymph node using photoconversion. Tracking of photoconverted and non‐photoconverted Ag‐specific CD4+ T cells revealed the rapid establishment of a circulating memory population in all lymph nodes within days of immunisation. Strikingly, a resident memory CD4+ T cell population became established in the draining lymph node and persisted for several months in the absence of detectable migration to other lymphoid tissue. These cells most closely resembled effector memory T cells, usually associated with circulation through non‐lymphoid tissue, but here, these cells were retained in the draining lymph node. These data indicate that lymphoid tissue resident memory CD4+ T‐cell populations are generated in peripheral lymph nodes following immunisation.
Highly efficient extraction of EPA/DHA‐enriched oil from cobia liver using homogenization plus sonication
Authors: Kuo Chia‐Hung , Liao Hong‐Zhu , Wang Yu‐Hsiang , Wang Hui‐Min David , Shieh Chwen‐Jen , Tseng Chin‐Yin
Published: March 2017

Cobia, Rachycentron canadum, is a species of marine finfish with emerging global potential for offshore aquaculture. The fillet processing by‐product, cobia liver, can be considered an accessible source of EPA/DHA‐enriched oil. Oils are mainly extracted with hexane in the oil industry; however, extractability is greatly decreased in wet biomass as the hydrophilic surface hinders the penetration of hexane into the tissue matrix. In this study, the feasibility of agitated extraction (AE), ultrasonic extraction (UE), Soxhlet extraction (SE), homogenizer extraction (HE), and homogenizer extraction plus sonication (HES) was evaluated. HE and HES showed higher extraction efficiency than AE, UE, or SE. The highest yields: 45.7% and 50.2%, were obtained from using HE for 2 min and HES for 120 min, respectively. Both yields were close to the fat content of cobia liver, indicating that the lipids were effectively extracted. The fatty acid profiles revealed that the highest contents of 5.2% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 19.7% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were obtained from HE and HES, respectively. These results demonstrated that HE and HES were highly efficient and the most useful among all tested methods for lipid extraction from wet biomass.

Practical applications: Increasing the value of low quality processing waste is important in the food and nutraceutical industries. Cobia liver, comprising 5% of total fish mass, is a potential source of EPA/DHA‐enriched fish oil. EPA and DHA decompose easily when exposed to high temperatures for a long time. HE has an advantage over traditional extraction methods due to its ability to operate at a low temperature for a short period (2 min), thereby preventing EPA and DHA decomposition. Cobia are already bred in the aquaculture industry; their livers are readily available by‐products obtained after fillet processing. The oils extracted from cobia liver have high levels of EPA and DHA, therefore it is an excellent raw material to produce EPA/DHA‐enriched oil.

Wet biomass contains a high amount of moisture, creating mass transfer resistance for hexane penetration into the tissue matrix. Homogenizer extraction grinds the tissue matrix, disrupting the cell and dispersing the water into solvent phase. Schematic representation of the extent of cell disruption during homogenizer extraction shows its effect on the rate of lipid release.
Ferrier–Nicholas Cations from C‐3‐Alkynylglycals: Access to C‐3‐Branched Allylic Glycosides and Ring‐Opening Derivatives
Authors: Miranda Silvia , Lobo Fernando , Gomez Ana M. , Lopez J. Cristobal
Published: March 2017

Hexacarbonyldicobalt–C‐3‐alkynyl‐substituted glycal derivatives, when treated with BF3·OEt2 give rise to Nicholas‐stabilized Ferrier cation intermediates (Ferrier–Nicholas cations) that react with alcohols or C‐nucleophiles to give C‐3‐branched 2,3‐unsaturated glycosides or C‐glycosides, respectively. α‐C‐Glycosides were the sole compounds obtained when allyltrimethylsilane was used as the nucleophile. On the contrary, the reaction of C‐3‐alkynylglycals with heteroaryl or alcohol nucleophiles led to anomeric mixtures in which the β‐anomers prevailed. The presence of the hexacarbonyldicobalt–C‐3‐alkynyl substituent seems to be of key importance in the stereoselectivity of these transformations, since the reaction of C‐3‐alkynylglycals – devoid of the hexacarbonyldicobalt moiety – showed a preferred α‐stereoselectivity. Furthermore, a bis(indolyl) linear compound was obtained from the reaction of a hexacarbonyldicobalt–C‐3‐alkynylglycal with 2 equiv. of indole.
Assessing connectivity related injury burden in diffuse traumatic brain injury
Authors: Solmaz Berkan , Tunç Birkan , Parker Drew , Whyte John , Hart Tessa , Rabinowitz Amanda , Rohrbach Morgan , Kim Junghoon , Verma Ragini
Published: March 2017

Many of the clinical and behavioral manifestations of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are thought to arise from disruption to the structural network of the brain due to diffuse axonal injury (DAI). However, a principled way of summarizing diffuse connectivity alterations to quantify injury burden is lacking. In this study, we developed a connectome injury score, Disruption Index of the Structural Connectome (DISC), which summarizes the cumulative effects of TBI‐induced connectivity abnormalities across the entire brain. Forty patients with moderate‐to‐severe TBI examined at 3 months postinjury and 35 uninjured healthy controls underwent magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion tensor imaging, and completed behavioral assessment including global clinical outcome measures and neuropsychological tests. TBI patients were selected to maximize the likelihood of DAI in the absence of large focal brain lesions. We found that hub‐like regions, with high betweenness centrality, were most likely to be impaired as a result of diffuse TBI. Clustering of participants revealed a subgroup of TBI patients with similar connectivity abnormality profiles who exhibited relatively poor cognitive performance. Among TBI patients, DISC was significantly correlated with post‐traumatic amnesia, verbal learning, executive function, and processing speed. Our experiments jointly demonstrated that assessing structural connectivity alterations may be useful in development of patient‐oriented diagnostic and prognostic tools. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2913–2922, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variation in hydrologic connectivity as a result of microtopography explained by discharge to catchment size relationship
Authors: Oosterwoud Marieke , van der Ploeg Martine , van der Schaaf Sake , van der Zee Sjoerd
Published: March 2017

In hydrological terms, raised bogs are often approximated by simple models as in the acrotelm–catotelm concept. However, raised bogs are often characterized by a pronounced surface topography, causing large changes in connectivity of contributing areas on the bog. In this study, daily regression of measured discharges versus catchment areas is used to quantify the impact of surface topography on catchment connectivity within a raised bog. The resulting coefficient of determination shows the strength of the relationship between the discharge and catchment area over time under different hydrological conditions. Monitoring of discharge, water table, transmissivity, and basic weather data on a raised bog (1.9 km2) in eastern central Estonia took place from May 2008 to June 2010. Contributing areas, calculated based on the outlet's discharge volume (VQ) divided by the net precipitation volume (
), of the outlet containing the central pool‐ridge system varied between 1×10−3 and 0.7 km2, suggesting significant differences in connectivity between hydrological events. Correlation between discharge and theoretical catchment size was high (R2>0.75) when the water table was close to the surface (less than 5 cm below peat surface), and consequently, transmissivities were also high (up to 1,030m2d−1), which led to connectivity of local storage elements, such as pools and hollows. However, a water table below this threshold resulted in large parts of the catchment being disconnected. The importance of water table depths on catchment connectivity suggests the need to reconsider the hydrological concept of raised bogs; to incorporate these shallow flow components and better understand residence time and consequently transport of solutes, such as DOC, from patterned peatlands.
Therapeutic plasma exchange for perioperative management of patients with congenital factor XI deficiency
Authors: Alsammak Mohamed S. , Ashrani Aneel A. , Winters Jeffrey L. , Pruthi Rajiv K.
Published: March 2017

Background

Factor XI (FXI) deficiency (hemophilia C [HEM‐C]) is a bleeding disorder with unpredictable severity that correlates poorly with FXI coagulation activity (FXI:C). It poses a perioperative hemostatic management challenge. For US patients with severe disease, fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or, in current use, thawed plasma is the most readily available option but comes with risk of volume overload. We report our experience of using therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) as an alternative perioperative management strategy.

Methods

A retrospective review of all HEM‐C patients who underwent surgical procedures. Data were collected, including demographics, bleeding history, surgical site, perioperative hemostatic intervention, and outcome.

Results

Between July 1997 and September 2014, 28 HEM‐C patients (12 men) were identified, 4 with severe disease (FXI:C <2% or excessive bleeding). Nineteen patients underwent 91 invasive procedures. For nearly 60% of the procedures, no periprocedural hemostatic intervention was provided; before 4 procedures (3 patients), 1 plasma volume TPE preoperatively with FFP was administered. Patient 1, a 28‐year‐old woman (FXI:C, 35%) with a history of excessive surgical bleeding, underwent 2 TPE procedures before laparoscopic pelvic biopsy and subsequent abdominal hysterectomy with salpingo‐oophorectomy that increased her FXI:C to 48%. Patient 2, a 79‐year‐old man (FXI:C, <2%), had TPE before total hip arthroplasty, increasing his FXI:C to 24%. Patient 3, a 59‐year‐old man (FXI:C, <2%), had TPE before prostate laser enucleation, increasing his FXI:C to 46%. Patients 1 and 3 had mild reactions during TPE; no patient had evidence of volume overload. All patients had adequate intraoperative surgical hemostatic outcomes.

Conclusion

TPE is an effective alternative presurgical hemostatic intervention in HEM‐C with potentially lower risk of circulatory volume overload.
Artesunate inhibits RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in vitro and prevents LPS‐induced bone loss in vivo
Authors: Wei Cheng‐Ming , Liu Qian , Song Fang‐Ming , Lin Xi‐Xi , Su Yi‐Ji , Xu Jiake , Huang Lin , Zong Shao‐Hui , Zhao Jin‐Min
Published: March 2017

Osteoclasts are multinuclear giant cells responsible for bone resorption in lytic bone diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis, periodontitis, and bone tumors. Due to the severe side‐effects caused by the currently available drugs, a continuous search for novel bone‐protective therapies is essential. Artesunate (Art), the water‐soluble derivative of artemisinin has been investigated owing to its anti‐malarial properties. However, its effects in osteoclastogenesis have not yet been reported. In this study, Art was shown to inhibit the nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclastogenesis, the mRNA expression of osteoclastic‐specific genes, and resorption pit formation in a dose‐dependent manner in primary bone marrow‐derived macrophages cells (BMMs). Furthermore, Art markedly blocked the RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis by attenuating the degradation of IκB and phosphorylation of NF‐κB p65. Consistent with the in vitro results, Art inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced bone resorption by suppressing the osteoclastogenesis. Together our data demonstrated that Art inhibits RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis by suppressing the NF‐κB signaling pathway and that it is a promising agent for the treatment of osteolytic diseases.
Autophagy mediates cytotoxicity of human colorectal cancer cells treated with garcinielliptone FC
Authors: Won Shen‐Jeu , Yen Cheng‐Hsin , Lin Ting‐Yu , Jiang‐Shieh Ya‐Fen , Lin Chun‐Nan , Chen Jyun‐Ti , Su Chun‐Li
Published: March 2017

The tautomeric pair of garcinielliptone FC (GFC) is a novel tautomeric pair of polyprenyl benzophenonoid isolated from the pericarps of Garcinia subelliptica Merr. (G. subelliptica, Clusiaceae), a tree with abundant sources of polyphenols. Our previous report demonstrated that GFC induced apoptosis on various types of human cancer cell lines including chemoresistant human colorectal cancer HT‐29 cells. In the present study, we observed that many autophagy‐related genes in GFC‐treated HT‐29 cells were up‐ and down‐regulated using a cDNA microarray containing oncogenes and kinase genes. GFC‐induced autophagy of HT‐29 cells was confirmed by observing the formation of acidic vesicular organelles, LC3 puncta, and double‐membrane autophagic vesicles using flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Inhibition of AKT/mTOR/P70S6K signaling as well as formation of Atg5‐Atg12 and PI3K/Beclin‐1 complexes were observed using Western blot. Administration of autophagy inhibitor (3‐methyladenine and shRNA Atg5) and apoptosis inhibitor Z‐VAD showed that the GFC‐induced autophagy was cytotoxic form and GFC‐induced apoptosis enhanced GFC‐induced autophagy. Our data suggest the involvement of autophagy and apoptosis in GFC‐induced anticancer mechanisms of human colorectal cancer.
Characterization of surface binding sites in glycoside hydrolases: A computational study
Authors: Samaei‐Daryan Samaneh , Goliaei Bahram , Ebrahim‐Habibi Azadeh
Published: March 2017

Structural properties of carbohydrate surface binding sites (SBSs) were investigated with computational methods. Eighty‐five SBSs of 44 enzymes in 119 Protein Data Bank (PDB) files were collected as a dataset. On the basis of SBSs shape, they were divided into 3 categories: flat surfaces, clefts, and cavities (types A, B, and C, respectively). Ligand varieties showed the correlation between shape of SBSs and ligands size. To reduce cut‐off differences in each SBSs with different ligand size, molecular docking were performed. Molecular docking results were used to refine SBSs classification and binding sites cut‐off. Docking results predicted putative ligands positions and displayed dependence of the ligands binding mode to the structural type of SBSs. Physicochemical properties of SBSs were calculated for all docking results with YASARA Structure. The results showed that all SBSs are hydrophilic, while their charges could vary and depended to ligand size and defined cut‐off. Surface binding sites type B had highest average values of solvent accessible surface area. Analysis of interactions showed that hydrophobic interactions occur more than hydrogen bonds, which is related to the presence of aromatic residues and carbohydrates interactions.
Quantifying right atrial filling and emptying: A 4D‐flow MRI study
Authors: Callaghan Fraser M. , Arnott Clare , Figtree Gemma A. , Kutty Shelby , Celermajer David S. , Grieve Stuart M.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To quantitatively characterize the central role of vortex formation on the flow patterns and energy transfer within the right atrium (RA).

Materials and Methods

4D‐flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data with multiple encoding velocities was acquired in 12 healthy subjects at 3T. Particles entering the RA were classified according to the origin of entry. Vortex membership was numerically derived by assessing the location of pathline center of curvature relative to the vortex core, defined by Q‐criteria. Flow dynamics and energetics were assessed using paired t‐tests.

Results

The majority of flow (74%) passes through the RA in a single beat, with a very small volume fraction retained longer than two beats (<1%). RA flow was dominated by a governing vortex, comprising 79% of total flow, and acting to preserve kinetic energy. Flow comprising the vortex enters the RA significantly earlier than nonvortex flow (P < 0.01). The majority of nonvortex flow enters the RA during systole, traversing the RA via a direct path with a significantly shorter residence time and distance traveled (both P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Blood flow momentum is preserved during systole within a dominant vortex, which we are able to characterize numerically using a semiautomated approach. Our analytical approach has potential for application to understanding right heart function in health and disease.

Level of Evidence: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:1–1
A small‐area and low‐power data driver IC using two‐stage DAC with a capacitor array for active matrix flat‐panel displays
Authors: Seol Hyeon‐Cheon , Hong Seong‐Kwan , Kwon Oh‐Kyong
Published: March 2017

A small‐area and low‐power data driver integrated circuit (IC) using a two‐stage digital‐to‐analog converter (DAC) with a capacitor array is proposed for active matrix flat‐panel displays. The proposed data driver IC employs a capacitor array in the two‐stage DAC so as to reduce the DAC area and eliminate the need for a resistor string, which has high‐power consumption. To verify the proposed two‐stage DAC, a 20‐channel data driver IC with the proposed 10‐bit two‐stage DAC was fabricated using a 0.18‐μm complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor process with 1.8 and 6 V complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor devices. The proposed 10‐bit two‐stage DAC occupies only 43.8% of the area of a conventional 10‐bit two‐stage DAC. The measurement results show that the differential nonlinearity and integral nonlinearity are +0.58/−0.52 least significant bit and +0.62/−0.59 least significant bit, respectively. The measured interchannel deviation of the voltage outputs is 8.8 mV, and the measured power consumption of the 20‐channel data driver IC is reduced to 7.1 mW, which is less than half of the power consumed by the conventional one.
Precisely controlling level by level behavior
Authors: Apter Arthur W.
Published: March 2017

We construct four models containing one supercompact cardinal in which level by level equivalence between strong compactness and supercompactness and level by level inequivalence between strong compactness and supercompactness are precisely controlled at each non‐supercompact measurable cardinal. In these models, no cardinal κ is ‐supercompact, where is the least inaccessible cardinal greater than κ.
Self‐Rolled Porous Hollow Tubes Made up of Biodegradable Polymers
Authors: Peng Ling , Zhu Jian , Agarwal Seema
Published: March 2017

A tubular highly porous scaffold of polylactide (PLA) and poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL) is fabricated by self‐rolling of a 2D fibrous bilayer of PLA and PCL in water without use of any classical thermo‐/pH‐responsive polymers. The self‐rolling and diameter of the tube are dependent upon the bilayer thickness and temperature. A 75 µm thick 2D bilayer (PLA = 25 µm; PCL = 50 µm) rolls to a hollow tube of diameter around 0.41 mm with multilayered wall at 40 °C within 5 min. The tubes keep their form and size in water at all temperatures once they are formed. The interesting properties of the hollow tubes, that is, permeation of gases through the walls and flow of water without leakage under tested conditions in combination with good mechanical stability, use of only biodegradable polymers, and easy and reproducible fabrication method, allow them to be promising candidates for future studies as scaffolds for tissue engineering.

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Investigation of interfractional shape variations based on statistical point distribution model for prostate cancer radiation therapy
Authors: Shibayama Yusuke , Arimura Hidetaka , Hirose Taka‐aki , Nakamoto Takahiro , Sasaki Tomonari , Ohga Saiji , Matsushita Norimasa , Umezu Yoshiyuki , Nakamura Yasuhiko , Honda Hiroshi
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The setup errors and organ motion errors pertaining to clinical target volume (CTV) have been considered as two major causes of uncertainties in the determination of the CTV‐to‐planning target volume (PTV) margins for prostate cancer radiation treatment planning. We based our study on the assumption that interfractional target shape variations are not negligible as another source of uncertainty for the determination of precise CTV‐to‐PTV margins. Thus, we investigated the interfractional shape variations of CTVs based on a point distribution model (PDM) for prostate cancer radiation therapy.

Materials and methods

To quantitate the shape variations of CTVs, the PDM was applied for the contours of 4 types of CTV regions (low‐risk, intermediate‐ risk, high‐risk CTVs, and prostate plus entire seminal vesicles), which were delineated by considering prostate cancer risk groups on planning computed tomography (CT) and cone beam CT (CBCT) images of 73 fractions of 10 patients. The standard deviations (SDs) of the interfractional random errors for shape variations were obtained from covariance matrices based on the PDMs, which were generated from vertices of triangulated CTV surfaces. The correspondences between CTV surface vertices were determined based on a thin‐plate spline robust point matching algorithm. The systematic error for shape variations was defined as the average deviation between surfaces of an average CTV and planning CTVs, and the random error as the average deviation of CTV surface vertices for fractions from an average CTV surface.

Results

The means of the SDs of the systematic errors for the four types of CTVs ranged from 1.0 to 2.0 mm along the anterior direction, 1.2 to 2.6 mm along the posterior direction, 1.0 to 2.5 mm along the superior direction, 0.9 to 1.9 mm along the inferior direction, 0.9 to 2.6 mm along the right direction, and 1.0 to 3.0 mm along the left direction. Concerning the random errors, the means of the SDs ranged from 0.9 to 1.2 mm along the anterior direction, 1.0 to 1.4 mm along the posterior direction, 0.9 to 1.3 mm along the superior direction, 0.8 to 1.0 mm along the inferior direction, 0.8 to 0.9 mm along the right direction, and 0.8 to 1.0 mm along the left direction.

Conclusions

Since the shape variations were not negligible for intermediate and high‐risk CTVs, they should be taken into account for the determination of the CTV‐to‐PTV margins in radiation treatment planning of prostate cancer.
Review policy recommendations to support adult learners
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: March 2017

Adult learners face significant obstacles to earning credentials. And federal policies add to those challenges.
Market portfolio assessment to adult students, entire campus
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: March 2017

“Working with adult students is really about marketing,” said Tracy Noyes, adult learning specialist at Western Technical College. Noyes, who worked in a position in marketing and research at the University of Wisconsin‐LaCrosse, believes that her prior work with marketing helps her immensely while working with adult learners at WTC.
Inverse magnetocaloric effect and magnetoresistance associated with martensitic transition for Cu‐doped Ni‐Mn‐In Heusler alloy
Authors: Liu Yang , Jing Chao , He Xijia , Zhang Yuanlei , Xu Kun , Li Zhe
Published: March 2017

In this study, we reported the influence of replacing Cu for Ni on the crystal structure, martensitic transformation, and magnetic properties for polycrystalline Ni50−xCuxMn37In13 (x = 5 and 7) quaternary alloys. It was found that the studied alloys undergo a first‐order martensitic transformation from ferromagnetic austenite to paramagnetic martensite near room temperature. With increasing Cu content, the martensitic transformation significantly shifts toward a lower temperature, and fully splits off from the Curie transition of austenite, which enhances the difference in magnetization between the two phases for the alloy with x = 7. Moreover, both inverse magnetocaloric and magnetoresistance effects during reverse martensitic transformation were also studied in these two alloys. In comparison to Ni50−xCuxMn37In13 with x = 5, an optimized refrigerant capacity (∼100 J kg−1) and a considerable magnetoresistance (47%) were obtained in Ni43Cu7Mn37In13 alloy for the magnetic field change of 30 kOe. In addition, the magnetic measurements with hydrostatic pressure demonstrate that the magnetoresistance in this system mainly arises due to the electron‐lattice scattering triggered by structural transition.
Vapor–liquid–solid synthesis of ZnSnN2
Authors: Quayle Paul C. , Junno Grant T. , He Keliang , Blanton Eric W. , Shan Jie , Kash Kathleen
Published: March 2017

A series of experiments was carried out to explore the conditions under which ZnSnN2 would form by vapor–liquid–solid synthesis from a Zn–Sn melt exposed to a nitrogen plasma. ZnSnN2 precipitated at melt temperatures between 455 and 560 °C for melt compositions between 1.5 and 15 at.% Zn. Sn3N4 formed for temperatures between 440 and 560 °C for melt compositions below 1 at.% Zn. Zn3N2 apparently grew only in the vapor phase, and only at melt temperatures between 409 and 463 °C. Each of the materials was identified by its characteristic Raman spectrum and by Auger chemical analysis. The composition profiles of the melts were modeled as a function of time using the measured temperature profiles. The results were compared with post‐growth measurements of the melt compositions. These comparisons support the visual observation that exposure of the melt to the nitrogen plasma suppressed Zn evaporation substantially even prior to the formation of a solid crust of precipitate. This work helps define the range of growth conditions available for synthesis of ZnSnN2 by this vapor–liquid–solid method.

Material yielded as a function of synthesis temperature and the composition of the melt, measured post‐synthesis by EDS. The two ZnSnN2 samples labeled with asterisks were grown with a plasma power of 60 W. All others were grown using a plasma power of 240 W.
The impact of wave number selection and spin‐up time in spectral nudging
Authors: Gómez B. , Miguez‐Macho G.
Published: March 2017

Numerous studies have been presented describing the benefits of using Nudging to constrain the evolution of a numerical model. Recently, a variation of this approach called Spectral Nudging has gained popularity for its ability to maintain the higher temporal and spatial variability of the model results, while forcing the large scales in the solution with a coarser‐resolution field. Here, we focus on a not‐much‐explored aspect of this technique: the impact of selecting different cut‐off wave numbers and spin‐up times. We perform 4‐day‐long simulations with the WRF model, daily for three different 1‐month periods including a free run and several Spectral Nudging experiments with cut‐off wave numbers ranging from the smallest to the largest possible (Grid Nudging). Results show that Spectral Nudging is very effective at imposing the selected synoptic scales onto the solution, while allowing the limited‐area model to incorporate finer‐scale features. The model error diminishes rapidly as the nudging expands over broader parts of the spectrum, but this decreasing trend ceases sharply at cut‐off wave numbers equivalent to a length‐scale of about 1000 km, and the error magnitude changes minimally thereafter. This scale corresponds to the Rossby radius of deformation, separating synoptic from convective scales in the flow. When nudging is applied for scales larger than the Rossby radius of deformation, a shifting of the synoptic patterns can occur in the solution, yielding large model corrections towards the analysis. However, when selecting smaller scales, the fine‐scale contribution of the model is damped, thus making 1000 km the appropriate scale threshold to nudge in order to balance both effects. Finally, we note that longer spin‐up times are needed for model errors to stabilize when using Spectral Nudging than with Grid Nudging. Results suggest that this time is between 36 and 48 h.
A simple headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method for the quantitative determination of the release of the antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene from chewing gum
Authors: Davoli Enrico , Bastone Antonio , Bianchi Giancarlo , Salmona Mario , Diomede Luisa
Published: March 2017

Rationale

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are widely used to prevent oxidation and rancidity in foodstuffs, pharmaceutical preparations and cosmetic formulations. Although their safety has been thoroughly investigated, possible endocrine side‐effects have been suggested. A useful method for the determination of BHA and BHT in foods is needed to estimate their daily intake through the diet.

Methods

We selected commercial chewing gums as a model of a complex food matrix and developed a new method based on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. This allows the determination of 130 pg/gum of BHA and 9 pg/gum of BHT.

Results

Analysis of different chewing gums from the European market indicated that the two antioxidants were never used together and that the content of BHA was in the range of 220–348 μg/gum and BHT ranged from 278 up to 479 μg/gum. These amounts correspond to 86–157 mg/kg gum for BHA and 170–185 mg/kg gum for BHT, and are both within the maximum levels established by the European Food Safety Authority. Chewing a piece of gum for 15 min resulted in the release of up to 28% of BHA, but no release of BHT was detectable.

Conclusions

A new, simple and rapid method for the determination of BHA and BHT in chewing gums was described. This analytical method, based on headspace sampling, did not require the extraction of antioxidants from chewing gum samples, assuring the absence of any gum material contaminants that might affect the instrumentation. It is also automatable, employing a sequential automatic sampler. This method could be of interest to academic researchers and to food industrialists looking for a new methodological approach for BHA and BHT determination in foodstuffs with complex matrices. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicity‐dependent feasibility bounds for the escalation with overdose control approach in phase I cancer trials
Authors: Wheeler Graham M. , Sweeting Michael J. , Mander Adrian P.
Published: March 2017

Phase I trials of anti‐cancer therapies aim to identify a maximum tolerated dose (MTD), defined as the dose that causes unacceptable toxicity in a target proportion of patients. Both rule‐based and model‐based methods have been proposed for MTD recommendation. The escalation with overdose control (EWOC) approach is a model‐based design where the dose assigned to the next patient is one that, given all available data, has a posterior probability of exceeding the MTD equal to a pre‐specified value known as the feasibility bound. The aim is to conservatively dose‐escalate and approach the MTD, avoiding severe overdosing early on in a trial. The EWOC approach has been applied in practice with the feasibility bound either fixed or varying throughout a trial, yet some of the methods may recommend incoherent dose‐escalation, that is, an increase in dose after observing severe toxicity at the current dose. We present examples where varying feasibility bounds have been used in practice, and propose a toxicity‐dependent feasibility bound approach that guarantees coherent dose‐escalation and incorporates the desirable features of other EWOC approaches. We show via detailed simulation studies that the toxicity‐dependent feasibility bound approach provides improved MTD recommendation properties to the original EWOC approach for both discrete and continuous doses across most dose‐toxicity scenarios, with comparable performance to other approaches without recommending incoherent dose escalation. © 2017 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Engaging Students at the Intersections Through Multicultural Centers: An Application of the Culturally Engaging Campus Environment Model
Authors: McShay James C.
Published: March 2017

The author discusses how Museus’ (2014) Culturally Engaging Campus Environment Model (CECE) can be used to re‐envision campus multicultural centers, and programs and services that traditionally employ single‐axis identity interventions when striving to support student growth and success.
Teaching Community On and Off Campus: An Intersectional Approach to Community Engagement
Authors: Mitchell Tania D.
Published: March 2017

The author explores how taking an intersectional approach to the analysis of social problems, identity, and planned interventions can enhance service learning programs and student preparation for community engagement.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Modulate Differentiation of Myeloid Progenitor Cells During Inflammation
Authors: Amouzegar Afsaneh , Mittal Sharad K. , Sahu Anuradha , Sahu Srikant K. , Chauhan Sunil K.
Published: March 2017

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess distinct immunomodulatory properties and have tremendous potential for use in therapeutic applications in various inflammatory diseases. MSCs have been shown to regulate pathogenic functions of mature myeloid inflammatory cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils. Intriguingly, the capacity of MSCs to modulate differentiation of myeloid progenitors (MPs) to mature inflammatory cells remains unknown to date. Here, we report the novel finding that MSCs inhibit the expression of differentiation markers on MPs under inflammatory conditions. We demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of MSCs is dependent on direct cell–cell contact and that this intercellular contact is mediated through interaction of CD200 expressed by MSCs and CD200R1 expressed by MPs. Furthermore, using an injury model of sterile inflammation, we show that MSCs promote MP frequencies and suppress infiltration of inflammatory cells in the inflamed tissue. We also find that downregulation of CD200 in MSCs correlates with abrogation of their immunoregulatory function. Collectively, our study provides unequivocal evidence that MSCs inhibit differentiation of MPs in the inflammatory environment via CD200-CD200R1 interaction.
Hybrid Platforms, Tools, and Resources
Authors: Linder Kathryn E. , Bruenjes Linda S. , Smith Sarah A.
Published: March 2017

This chapter discusses common tools and resources for building a hybrid course in a higher education setting and provides recommendations for best practices in Learning Management Systems and Open Educational Resources.
Collaborations Among Diverse Support Areas for Hybrid Success
Authors: Haggar Faye , Kelley Bruce , Chen Weichao
Published: March 2017

Successful implementation of hybrid courses typically demands collaboration among diverse support areas on campus. This article examines these collaborations through the lens of Badrul Khan's theory of managing blended learning support. Also discussed is the central role that faculty developers can play in connecting these support areas to ensure the success of hybrid courses.
The resilience of integrated agricultural systems to climate change
Authors: Gil Juliana D. B. , Cohn Avery S. , Duncan John , Newton Peter , Vermeulen Sonja
Published: March 2017

We reviewed studies addressing the extent to which more integrated agricultural systems (IAS) have been found to be more resilient to climate variability and climate change than more specialized agricultural systems. We found limited literature directly addressing the topic, necessitating the use of proxy measures to enlarge the sample. Where necessary, we used agricultural system richness and diversity as proxies for the presence of the sort of synergistic relationships that typify IAS, interannual climate variability for climate change, and myriad agricultural indicators for resilience. We found that (1) 37 papers addressed the topic either through mathematical modeling or statistical modeling; (2) in the statistical papers, integration was overwhelmingly (n = 17/24) associated with increased climate resilience; (3) these findings stemmed mainly from comparisons of more versus less diverse or rich farming systems, while few studies investigated the influence of farm system synergies on resilience; (4) yield, revenue, profit, and yield variance were all used to demonstrate resilience; (5) modeling studies tended to investigate resilience across multiple years, while most statistical approaches tracked single‐year outcomes; (6) the IAS‐climate resilience links demonstrated were not generalizable across units of analysis, spatiotemporal scale, and from autonomous to directed integration; and (7) few of the articles reviewed identified and measured the mechanism by which IAS were shown to have conferred resilience. Our findings reveal suggestive, although by no means conclusive, evidence that farm system integration can enhance resilience and highlight the need for research to test whether integration policies can have similar outcomes. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e461. doi: 10.1002/wcc.461

This article is categorized under:

Climate Economics > Aggregation Techniques for Impacts and Mitigation Costs

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Values‐Based Approach to Vulnerability and Adaptation
Promise and peril in nanomedicine: the challenges and needs for integrated systems biology approaches to define health risk
Authors: Halappanavar Sabina , Vogel Ulla , Wallin Hakan , Yauk Carole L
Published: March 2017

In the 1966s visionary film ‘Fantastic Voyage’ a submarine crew was shrunk to 100 nm in size and injected into the body of an injured scientist to repair his damaged brain. The movie (written by Harry Kleiner; directed by Richard Fleischer; novel by Isaac Asimov) drew attention to the potential power of engineered nanoscale structures and devices to construct, monitor, control, treat, and repair individual cells. Even more interesting was the fact that the film elegantly noted that the structure had to be miniaturized to a size that is not detected by the body's immune surveillance system, and highlighted the many physiological barriers that are encountered on the submarine's long journey to the target. Although the concept of miniaturizing humans remains an element of science fiction, targeted drug delivery through nanobots to treat diseases such as cancer is now a reality. The ability of nanobots to evade immune surveillance is one of the most attractive features of nanoscale materials that are exploited in the field of medicine for molecular diagnostics, targeted drug delivery, and therapy of diseases. This article will provide a concise opinion on the state‐of‐the‐art, the challenges, and the use of systems biology—another equally revolutionary field of science—to assess the unique health hazards of nanomaterial exposures. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2018, 10:e1465. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1465

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Protein corona and nanoparticles: how can we investigate on?
Authors: Pederzoli Francesca , Tosi Giovanni , Vandelli Maria Angela , Belletti Daniela , Forni Flavio , Ruozi Barbara
Published: March 2017

Nanoparticles (NPs) represent one of the most promising tools for drug‐targeting and drug‐delivery. However, a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that happen after their in vivo administration is required. Particularly, plasma proteins tend to associate to NPs, forming a new surface named the ‘protein corona’ (PC). This surface is the most exposed as the ‘visible side’ of NPs and therefore, can have a strong impact on NP biodistribution, targeting efficacy and also toxicity. The PC consists of two poorly delimited layers, known as ‘hard corona’ (HC) and ‘soft corona’ (SC), that are affected by the complexity of the environment and the formed protein‐surface equilibrium during in vivo blood circulation. The HC corona is formed by proteins strongly associated to the NPs, while the SC is an outer layer consisting of loosely bound proteins. Several studies attempted to investigate the HC, which is easier to be isolated, but yielded poor reproducibility, due to varying experimental conditions. As a consequence, full mapping of the HC for different NPs is still lacking. Moreover, the current knowledge on the SC, which may play a major role in the ‘first’ interaction of NPs once in vivo, is very limited, mainly due to the difficulties in preserving it after purification. Therefore, multi‐disciplinary approaches leading to the obtainment of a major number of information about the PC and its properties is strongly needed to fully understand its impact and to better support a more safety and conscious application of nanotechnology in medicine. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1467. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1467

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Measurement of K fluorescence yields of niobium and rhodium using monochromatic radiation
Authors: Riffaud Jonathan , Lépy Marie‐Christine , Ménesguen Yves , Novikova Anastasiia
Published: March 2017

Both reactions Nb‐93(n,n′)Nb‐93 m and Rh‐103(n,n′)Rh‐103 m are of particular importance for dosimetry in reactor, and the measurement of the activity of Nb and Rh dosimeters provides the basic data that can be traced back to the reactor operating information. These radionuclides emit only X‐rays of which emission intensities in recommended data are determined thanks to the γ‐ray transition probabilities and fluorescence yield values. In general, the knowledge of fluorescence yields is rather poor and based on old measurements. Nowadays, the use of tunable monochromatic X‐ray sources allows performing optimized measurements. In a first step, accurate values of the attenuation coefficients are measured at the metrology beam line of the SOLEIL synchrotron, using procedures such as optimized for similar measurements. In a second step, the fluorescence yields are determined using experimental approaches in a traditional experimental configuration. For both materials, several incident energies are used to get experimental spectra with energy‐dispersive spectrometer. The peaks of interest are processed using the COLEGRAM software, which allows detailed fitting of the peak shape. The K fluorescence yields are derived with about 2% relative uncertainty. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.