bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diels–Alder Reversible Thermoset 3D Printing: Isotropic Thermoset Polymers via Fused Filament Fabrication
Authors: Yang Kejia , Grant Jesse C. , Lamey Patrice , Joshi‐Imre Alexandra , Lund Benjamin R. , Smaldone Ronald A. , Voit Walter
Published: April 2017

This study presents a new 3D printing process, the Diels–Alder reversible thermoset (DART) process, and a first generation of printable DART resins, which exhibit thermoset properties at use temperatures, ultralow melt viscosity at print temperatures, smooth part surface finish, and as‐printed isotropic mechanical properties. This study utilizes dynamic covalent chemistry based on reversible furan‐maleimide Diels–Alder linkages in the polymers, which can be decrosslinked and melt‐processed during printing between 90 and 150 °C, and recrosslinked at lower temperatures to their entropically favored state. This study compares the first generation of DART materials to commonly 3D printed high‐toughness thermoplastics. Parts printed from typical fused filament fabrication compatible materials exhibit anisotropy of more than 50% and sometimes upward of 98% in toughness when deformed along the build direction, while the first generation of DART materials exhibit less than 4% toughness reduction when deformed along the build direction. At room temperature, the toughest DART materials exhibit baseline toughness of 18.59 ± 0.91 and 18.36 ± 0.57 MJ m−3 perpendicular and parallel to the build direction, respectively. DART printing will enable chemists, polymer engineers, materials scientists, and industrial designers to translate new robust materials possessing targeted thermomechanical properties, multiaxial toughness, smooth surface finish, and low anisotropy.
Silver‐Based Radical Reactions: Development and Insights
Authors: Fang Guichun , Cong Xuefeng , Zanoni Giuseppe , Liu Qun , Bi Xihe
Published: April 2017

Silver‐mediated reactions have recently emerged as a frontier area in organic chemistry. Indeed, the remarkable property of silver as a single‐electron oxidant has led to its exploitment into the field of radical chemistry. The excellent reactivity and high selectivity exhibited by silver salts in the activation of different organic substrates place them among the most prominent reagents in free radical reactions. The present review aims to provide the readers with a critical overview of silver‐based radical reactions, especially emphasizing the reactivity, selectivity and a detailed description of the reaction mechanism with particular attention to the role of Ag(I)‐based catalysts/reactants. The selected examples have been classified according to the type of radicals generated, namely carbon‐centered radicals and heteroatom (such as nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur)‐centered radicals. The generation of such radicals as well as their application in synthetic processes including oxidation, addition, coupling, and radical cascades have been described in detail.

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Does postoperative morbidity worsen the oncological outcome after radical surgery for gastrointestinal cancers? A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Shimada Hideaki , Fukagawa Takeo , Haga Yoshio , Oba Koji
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The impact of postoperative complications on survival after radical surgery for esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review of recent publications to examine the effect of postoperative complications on oncological outcome.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE was performed using the keywords “esophageal cancer,” “gastric cancer,” and “colorectal cancer,” obtaining 27 reports published online up until the end of April 2016. Articles focusing on (i) postoperative morbidity and oncological outcome; and (ii) body mass index (BMI), postoperative morbidity, and oncological outcome, were selected. Univariate and multivariate analyses (Cox proportional hazards model) were performed.

Results

Patients with postoperative complications had significantly poorer long‐term survival than those without complications. Complications were associated with impaired oncological outcomes. The hazard ratios for overall survival were 1.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31‐2.12), 1.59 (95% CI, 1.13‐2.24), and 1.55 (95% CI, 1.28‐1.87) in esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers, respectively. High BMI was associated with postoperative morbidity rate but not with poor oncological outcome. Low BMI was significantly associated with inferior oncological outcome.

Conclusions

Complications after radical surgery for esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers are associated with patient prognosis. Avoiding such complications might improve the outcomes.
Early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer: Current trends and concerns
Authors: Hanada Keiji , Amano Hironobu , Abe Tomoyuki
Published: April 2017

Early detection of pancreatic cancer (PC) is essential for a better prognosis. Some recent studies have demonstrated that a slight dilatation of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) and small cystic lesions were detected initially in most cases diagnosed at an early stage. Detecting these abnormal findings in cases with high risk factors through an effective screening system including image diagnosis, some biological markers, or familial cancer registrations should contribute to early diagnosis of PC. It has been reported that endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is essential for detecting tumors <10 mm with a favorable prognosis. Additionally, EUS‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy is useful for confirming final histological diagnosis. For the diagnosis of stage 0 PC, local irregular stenosis of MPD should be an important initial abnormal sign detected by EUS or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Cytodiagnosis multiple times using pancreatic juice obtained by endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage should be essential for the final diagnosis. Recently, activities of regional networks between specialist doctors in medical centers and general practitioners for early diagnosis of PC have been reported in Japan. In the future, these activities may play an important role in the early diagnosis of PC.
Strict glycemic control to prevent surgical site infections in gastroenterological surgery
Authors: Takesue Yoshio , Tsuchida Toshie
Published: April 2017

Perioperative hyperglycemia is a risk factor for surgical site infections (SSI). Although the recommended target blood glucose level (BG) is 140–180 mg/dL for critically ill patients, recent studies conducted in patients undergoing surgery showed a significant benefit of intensive insulin therapy for the management of perioperative hyperglycemia. The aim of the present review is to evaluate the benefits of strict glycemic control for reducing SSI in gastroenterological surgery. We carried out a post‐hoc analysis of the previously published data from research on the risk factors for SSI. The highest BG within 24 hours after surgery was evaluated. A total of 1555 patients were enrolled in the study. In multivariate analysis, a dose–response relationship between the level of hyperglycemia and the odds of SSI was demonstrated when compared with the reference group (≤150 mg/dL) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–2.49 for 150–200 mg/dL; and OR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.40–3.29 for >200 mg/dL). Unexpectedly, hyperglycemia was not a significant risk factor for SSI among diabetes patients. By contrast, non‐diabetes patients with a BG of >150 mg/dL were found to have increased odds of SSI. In conclusion, a target BG of ≤150 mg/dL is recommended in patients without diabetes who undergo gastroenterological surgery. Additional study is required to determine an optimal target BG in diabetes patients. Because of the risk of hypoglycemia, a conventional protocol is indicated for patients admitted to the general ward where frequent glucose measurement is not assured.
Neonatal cardiac ultrasound: How accurate are we?
Authors: Priyadarshi Archana , Klimek Jan
Published: April 2017

Introduction

To assess the accuracy of neonatal clinician‐performed cardiac ultrasound (CPU) in detection of congenital heart disease (CHD) in newborn infants with no antenatally suspected cardiac abnormality.

Methods

We reviewed records of all infants diagnosed with CHD, identified all new cases of CHD detected by CPU and classified them as ‘severe’ or ‘other’; the ‘severe CHD’ was further classified as ‘critical’ or ‘non‐critical CHD’. We compared the CPU diagnosis to the final diagnosis as per paediatric cardiologist echocardiography.

Results

A total of 357 infants identified to have any form of CHD; 50 newly diagnosed by neonatal CPU: 21 ‘severe’ and 29 ‘other’ CHD. The neonatologist CPU had a high concordance rate with the final diagnosis. There were three incorrect diagnoses identified by CPU.

Conclusion

This audit demonstrates high accuracy, in our unit, of neonatal CPU in identifying new cases of CHD not suspected antenatally. A neonatal CPU could enhance the pickup rate and, with appropriate referral to a paediatric cardiologist, improve the clinical care of infants born with CHD.
Triplex DNA Nanostructures: From Basic Properties to Applications
Authors: Hu Yuwei , Cecconello Alessandro , Idili Andrea , Ricci Francesco , Willner Itamar
Published: April 2017

Triplex nucleic acids have recently attracted interest as part of the rich “toolbox” of structures used to develop DNA‐based nanostructures and materials. This Review addresses the use of DNA triplexes to assemble sensing platforms and molecular switches. Furthermore, the pH‐induced, switchable assembly and dissociation of triplex‐DNA‐bridged nanostructures are presented. Specifically, the aggregation/deaggregation of nanoparticles, the reversible oligomerization of origami tiles and DNA circles, and the use of triplex DNA structures as functional units for the assembly of pH‐responsive systems and materials are described. Examples include semiconductor‐loaded DNA‐stabilized microcapsules, DNA‐functionalized dye‐loaded metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), and the pH‐induced release of the loads. Furthermore, the design of stimuli‐responsive DNA‐based hydrogels undergoing reversible pH‐induced hydrogel‐to‐solution transitions using triplex nucleic acids is introduced, and the use of triplex DNA to assemble shape‐memory hydrogels is discussed. An outlook for possible future applications of triplex nucleic acids is also provided.
Multivalent Peptide–Nanoparticle Conjugates for Influenza‐Virus Inhibition
Authors: Lauster Daniel , Glanz Maria , Bardua Markus , Ludwig Kai , Hellmund Markus , Hoffmann Ute , Hamann Alf , Böttcher Christoph , Haag Rainer , Hackenberger Christian P. R. , Herrmann Andreas
Published: April 2017

To inhibit binding of the influenza A virus to the host cell glycocalyx, we generate multivalent peptide–polymer nanoparticles binding with nanomolar affinity to the virus via its spike protein hemagglutinin. The chosen dendritic polyglycerol scaffolds are highly biocompatible and well suited for a multivalent presentation. We could demonstrate in vitro that by increasing the size of the polymer scaffold and adjusting the peptide density, viral infection is drastically reduced. Such a peptide–polymer conjugate qualified also in an in vivo infection scenario. With this study we introduce the first non‐carbohydrate‐based, covalently linked, multivalent virus inhibitor in the nano‐ to picomolar range by ensuring low peptide‐ligand density on a larger dendritic scaffold.
Facile synthesis of magnetic hybrid metal–organic frameworks with high adsorption capacity for methylene blue
Authors: Wang Rui , Ge Chunhua , Xing Tianzhu , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Yundi , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: April 2017

A magnetic hybrid material (Fe3O4‐COOH/HKUST‐1) was easily synthesized via a two‐step simple solvothermal method. Through adding sodium acrylate directly into the synthesis of Fe3O4 spheres, the surface has more carboxyl groups. It is notable that the reactions proceed without use of organic surfactants. The magnetic hybrid material was characterized using various techniques. The magnetic hybrid material has a high specific surface area (430.15 m2 g−1) and excellent magnetism (23.65 emu g−1). It is an efficient adsorbent for removing organic dyes like methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. It also can be easily recovered from liquid media using an external magnetic field. Adsorption experiment shows the magnetic hybrid material possesses a high adsorption capacity (118.6 mg g−1), and has high adsorption efficiency (94.3%) after five adsorption cycles with ethanol (0.2% HCl) as eluent. The sorption kinetics and isotherm analysis indicate these sorption processes are better fitted to the pseudo‐second‐order and Langmuir equations. Thermodynamic study shows the sorption processes are spontaneous and endothermic.
A Game Theory‐Based Coordination and Optimization Control Methodology for a Wind Power‐Generation Hybrid Energy Storage System
Authors: Han Xiaojuan , Yu Xiaoling , Liang Yubo , Li Jianlin , Zhao Zekun
Published: April 2017

The installation of an energy storage system to smooth the fluctuations of wind power output at a certain wind farm can improve the electric quality of wind power connected to the grid. In order to reduce the capacity of the energy storage system and the loss of the battery and make full use of the advantages of the super‐capacitor, a game theory‐based coordination and optimization control methodology for a wind power‐generation and storage system (WPGSS) is presented in this paper. Aiming to maximize the WPGSS's overall profit, the methodology, taking the smoothing effect of the active power, the cost of the hybrid energy storage system (HESS), and the earnings of wind power connected to grid into consideration, builds a coordination and optimization control model based on the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) algorithm combined with game theory. In the model, the low‐pass filtering signal obtained by the EEMD is used to smooth the fluctuations of wind power output, and the band‐pass filtering signal and high‐pass filtering signal obtained by the EEMD are used to achieve energy distribution among the HESS. Cooperative game theory is introduced to determine the filter order of the EEMD according to the state of charge (SOC) of the HESS and to achieve the coordination and optimization control of the WPGSS taking the maximization of the WPGSS's overall profit as the game's goal constraint conditions. The genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) are adopted to solve the model's optimal solution, and the simulation tests were realized to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, which can provide a theoretical basis for the coordination and optimization control of the WPGSS.
Reduction of the bilevel stochastic optimization problem with quantile objective function to a mixed‐integer problem
Authors: Dempe Stephan , Ivanov Sergey , Naumov Andrey
Published: April 2017

The paper is devoted to the stochastic optimistic bilevel optimization problem with quantile criterion in the upper level problem. If the probability distribution is finite, the problem can be transformed into a mixed‐integer nonlinear optimization problem. We formulate assumptions guaranteeing that an optimal solution exists. A production planning problem is used to illustrate usefulness of the model. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alternating flow filtration as an alternative to internal spin filter based perfusion process: Impact on productivity and product quality
Authors: Bosco Belén , Paillet Cristian , Amadeo Ignacio , Mauro Laura , Orti Eduardo , Forno Guillermina
Published: April 2017

This article reports the results obtained from comparison of internal spin filter (ISF) and alternating flow filtration (ATF) as cell retention systems, regarding cell growth, volumetric perfusion rate, cell specific perfusion rate and cell productivity in the fermentation process. As expected we were able to reach higher cell densities and to achieve longer runs since ATF systems are known to be less affected by fouling. Volumetric production of the reactor using the ATF system was 50‐70% higher than the production achieved using the ISF due to higher cell density and a two‐fold increase in the perfusion rate. On the other hand, downstream processing performances were evaluated regarding chromatographic steps yields and productivity and quality attributes of the purified materials. Similar results were obtained for all evaluated systems. The fact that we were able to achieve a 2 working volumes (WV)/day perfusion rate using an ATF system as cell retention device allowed us to virtually double the WV of a 25 L reactor. These results constitute valuable data for the optimization of recombinant protein production in perfusion processes since a two‐fold increase in the average production of a manufacturing facility could be easily achieved as long as downstream scale up is possible. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:1010–1014, 2017
Structural Insights into the Recognition of N2‐Aryl‐ and C8‐Aryl DNA Lesions by the Repair Protein XPA/Rad14
Authors: Ebert Charlotte , Simon Nina , Schneider Sabine , Carell Thomas
Published: April 2017

Aromatic amines are strongly carcinogenic. They are activated in the liver to give reactive nitrenium ions that react with nucleobases within the DNA duplex. The reaction occurs predominantly at the C8 position of the dG base, thereby giving C8‐acetyl‐aryl‐ or C8‐aryl‐dG adducts in an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction. Alternatively, reaction with the exocyclic 2‐NH2 group is observed. Although the C8 adducts retain base‐pairing properties, base pairing is strongly compromised in the case of the N2 adducts. Here we show crystal structures of two DNA lesions, N2‐acetylnaphthyl‐dG and C8‐fluorenyl‐dG, within a DNA duplex recognized by the repair protein Rad14. The structures confirm that two molecules of the repair protein recognize the lesion and induce a 72 or 78° kink at the site of the damage. Importantly, the same overall kinked structure is induced by binding of the repair proteins, although the structurally different lesions result in distinct stacking interactions of the lesions within the duplex. The results suggest that the repair protein XPA/Rad14 is a sensor that recognizes flexibility. The protein converts the information that structurally different lesions are present in the duplex into a unifying sharply kinked recognition motif.
Rare presentation of 6q16.3 microdeletion syndrome with severe upper limb reduction defects and duodenal atresia
Authors: Donahue Megan L. , Rohena Luis O.
Published: April 2017

Key Clinical Message

We present a patient with a 17.31 MB interstitial deletion of 6q16.3‐6q22.31, who demonstrates a unique constellation of 6q‐ features. Among 6q‐ patients, he has limb reduction among the most severe reported, he is the second patient with duodenal atresia, and is the first documented case of diaphragmatic eventration.
Nasogastric tube‐administered alectinib achieved long‐term survival in a crizotinib‐refractory nonsmall cell lung cancer patient with a poor performance status
Authors: Kanai Osamu , Kim Young Hak , Nakatani Koichi , Fujita Kohei , Mio Tadashi
Published: April 2017

Key Clinical Message

Alectinib shows remarkable efficacy against anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐positive nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with minimal adverse effects. Therefore, alectinib may provide a survival benefit to ALK‐positive NSCLC patients with a poor performance status. If the medication cannot be taken by mouth, the patient may be given alectinib through a nasogastric tube.
In Situ Formation of Metal Carbide Catalysts
Authors: Moyer Megan M. , Karakaya Canan , Kee Robert J. , Trewyn Brian G.
Published: April 2017

Metal carbide catalysts are essential to many widely used chemical processes. Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis, methane dehydroaromatization and biomass conversion catalysts are typically prepared in situ from a metal oxide precursor with a carbon‐containing gas. The reduction process of the metal oxide affects the final catalyst, as does the carburization gas mixture and metal promoters. By looking at materials that are carburized in situ, new insights can be gained about catalyst activation, fuel processing, and deactivation stages. The main focuses of this Review are iron carbide, molybdenum carbide and nickel carbide; analyzing catalyst synthesis methods, reduction steps, in situ carburization and improvements to the native processes. By combining years of research on these catalysts, trends and similarities are observed that can be used to improve current catalytic studies.
Comparison of the Performances of Different Reduced Forms of a Condenser Model
Authors: Ahuja Sanjeev , Arya Raj Kumar
Published: April 2017

Symbolic manipulation uncovers hidden constraints for a model and facilitates model reduction for solution. The present work points out possible pitfalls of this procedure and finds possible solutions. The performances of different reduced forms of a condenser model are compared under step and impulse perturbations. The system does not need to be at steady state before perturbation. Some symbolically manipulated models cause inconsistent reinitialization and convergence and introduce significant computational errors. Physically unreasonable system behavior thus emerges, which worsens with increasing model complexity. Nevertheless, the less symbolically manipulated models present realistic and accurate behaviors. Another approach to model reduction is the reformulation of a model through a physical insight. A physically reformulated model proposed for the system leads to accurate and physically reasonable system behavior.
Improved Methodology for Absorption Measurements in Ionic Liquids with a Quartz Crystal Microbalance
Authors: Schmidt Clemens , Heym Florian
Published: April 2017

The knowledge of vapor‐liquid equilibrium data of mixtures with performance chemicals, such as ionic liquids (ILs), is highly important for technical applications. New insights into the utilization of quartz crystal microbalances (QCMs) for reliable absorption measurements in ILs are provided. The validity of the Sauerbrey equation for rigid films and bulk liquids is widely discussed in literature. This work shows how to ensure the validity of the Sauerbrey equation during absorption measurements in thin liquid films. Furthermore, the advantages of the employment of rough electrodes for absorption measurements within thin liquid films in comparison to polished ones are described in detail. Important recommendations in application of the QCM systems regarding gravimetric measurements are presented.
Synthesis of Mono‐, Bis‐ and Tris(pentafluoroethyl)tin Derivatives, (C2F5)4−nSnXn (X=Ph, Me, Cl, Br, Cp; n=1–3)
Authors: Klösener Johannes , Wiesemann Markus , Niemann Mark , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Hoge Berthold
Published: April 2017

For (pentafluoroethyl)phenylstannanes, (C2F5)4−n SnPhn (n=1–3), and dimethylbis(pentafluoroethyl)stannane, (C2F5)2SnMe2, a high yield synthesis was developed by the use of LiC2F5 as a C2F5 transfer reagent. The treatment of these products with gaseous hydrogen chloride or hydrogen bromide afforded (C2F5)4−nSnXn (X=Cl, Br; n=1–3) in good yields. The (pentafluoroethyl)stannanes were fully characterized by 1H, 13C, 19F and 119Sn NMR, IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The treatment of the (pentafluoroethyl)tin halides (C2F5)4−nSnXn with 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) led to the formation of the corresponding octahedrally coordinated complexes [(C2F5)4−nSnXn(phen)], the structures of which were elucidated by X‐ray diffraction analyses.

The bromostannane (C2F5)3SnBr reacted with sodium cyclopentadienide to give the (η1‐cyclopentadienyl)tris(pentafluoroethyl)stannane, (C2F5)3SnCp, for which single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis could be performed. The coupling constants 1J(119Sn,13C) and 2J(119Sn,19F) of all new stannanes are strongly correlated and sensitive to the substitution pattern at the tin atom. For both coupling constants a negative sign could be assigned.
Design, Synthesis, and Chemistry of Bis(σ)borate and Agostic Complexes of Group 7 Metals
Authors: Saha Koushik , Ramalakshmi Rongala , Gomosta Suman , Pathak Kriti , Dorcet Vincent , Roisnel Thierry , Halet Jean‐François , Ghosh Sundargopal
Published: April 2017

A series of new bis(σ)borate and agostic complexes of group 7 metals have been synthesized and structurally characterized from various borate ligands, such as trihydrobis(benzothiazol‐2‐yl)amideborate (Na[(H3B)bbza]), trihydro(2‐aminobenzothiazolyl)borate (Na[(H3B)abz]), and dihydrobis(2‐mercaptopyridyl)borate (Na[(H2B)mp2]) (bbza=bis(benzothiazol‐2‐yl)amine, abz=2‐aminobenzothiazolyl, and mp=2‐mercaptopyridyl). Photolysis of [Mn2(CO)10] with Na[(H3B)bbza] formed bis(σ)borate complex [Mn(CO)3(μ‐H)2BHNCSC6H4(NR)] (1; R=NCSC6H4). Octahedral complex [Re(CO)2(N3C2S2C12H8)2] (2) was generated under similar reaction conditions with [Re2(CO)10]. Similarly, when [Mn2(CO)10] was treated with Na[(H3B)abz], bis(σ)borate complex [Mn(CO)3(μ‐H)2BH(HN2CSC6H4)] (3) and the agostic complex [Mn(CO)3(μ‐H)BH(HN2CSC6H4)2] (4) were formed. To probe the potential formation of agostic complexes of the heavier group 7 metals, we carried out the photolysis of [M2(CO)10] with Na[(H2B)mp2] and found that [M(CO)3(μ‐H)BH(C5H4NS)2] (5: M=Re; 6: M=Mn) was formed in moderate yield. Complexes 1 and 3 feature a (κ3‐H,H,N) coordination mode, whereas 4, 5, and 6 display both (κ3‐H,N,N) and (κ3‐H,S,S) modes of the corresponding ligands. To investigate the lability of the CO ligands of 1 and 3, we treated the complexes with phosphine ligands that generated novel bis(σ)borate complexes [Mn(μ‐H)2(BHNCSC6H4)(NR)(CO)2PL2L’] (R=NCSC6H4; 7 a: L=L’=Ph; 7 b: L=Ph, L’=Me) and [Mn(μ‐H)2BHN(NCSC6H4)R(CO)2PL2L’] (R=NCSC6H4; 8 a: L=L’=Ph; 8 b: L=Ph, L’=Me). Complexes 7 and 8 are structural isomers with different coordination modes of the bbza ligand. In addition, DFT calculations were performed to shed some light on the bonding and electronic structures of these complexes.
Immunoscore in mismatch repair‐proficient and ‐deficient colon cancer
Authors: Wirta Erkki‐Ville , Seppälä Toni , Friman Marjukka , Väyrynen Juha , Ahtiainen Maarit , Kautiainen Hannu , Kuopio Teijo , Kellokumpu Ilmo , Mecklin Jukka‐Pekka , Böhm Jan
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate immune response and its prognostic significance in colon carcinomas using the previously described Immunoscore (IS). A population‐based series of 779 colorectal cancers, operated on between 2000 and 2010, were classified according to tumour, node, metastasis (TNM) status, mismatch repair (MMR), and BRAF mutation status. Rectal cancer cases (n = 203) were excluded as a high proportion of these patients received preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Tissue microarray (TMA) samples collected from the tumour centre and invasive front were immunostained for CD3 and CD8. Lymphocytes were then digitally calculated to categorize IS from grade 0 to 4. Samples adequate for IS were available from 510 tumours. IS was significantly associated with AJCC/UICC stage, T stage, lymph node and distant metastases, perineural and lymphovascular invasion, MMR status, and BRAF mutation status. For IS0, IS1, IS2, IS3 and IS4, respectively, the 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) rates were 59, 68, 78, 83 and 94% (p < 0.001); 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) rates were 47, 55, 75, 80, and 89% (p < 0.001); and 5‐year overall survival (OS) rates were 40, 44, 66, 61, and 76% (p < 0.001). IS was also prognostic for DFS, DSS, and OS within subsets of microsatellite‐stable (MSS) and microsatellite‐instable (MSI) disease. Multivariable analysis showed that IS, AJCC/UICC stage, lymphovascular invasion, and lymph node ratio in AJCC/UICC stage III disease were independent prognostic factors for DFS, DSS, and OS. Age was an independent prognostic factor for DSS and OS. Gender and BRAF mutation were independent prognostic factors for OS. In conclusion, IS differentiated patients with poor versus improved prognosis in MSS and MSI disease and across AJCC/UICC stages. IS, AJCC/UICC stage, lymphovascular invasion, and lymph node ratio in AJCC/UICC stage III disease were independent prognostic factors for DFS, DSS, and OS.
Association of lipoprotein(a) with long‐term mortality following coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Feng Zhe , Li Hua‐long , Bei Wei‐jie , Guo Xiao‐sheng , Wang Kun , Yi Shi‐xin , Luo De‐mou , Li Xi‐da , Chen Shi‐qun , Ran Peng , Chen Peng‐yuan , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful , Chen Ji‐yan , Liu Yong , Zhou Ying‐ling
Published: April 2017

Background

There is no consistent evidence to suggest the association of plasma lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) with long‐term mortality in patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Hypothesis

Level of Lp(a) is associated with long‐term mortality following CAG or PCI.

Methods

We enrolled 1684 patients with plasma Lp(a) data undergoing CAG or PCI between April 2009 and December 2013. The patients were divided into 2 groups: a low‐Lp(a) group (Lp[a] <16.0 mg/dL; n = 842) and a high‐Lp(a) group (Lp[a] ≥16.0 mg/dL; n = 842).

Results

In‐hospital mortality was not significantly different between the high and low Lp(a) groups (0.8% vs 0.5%, respectively; P = 0.364). During the median follow‐up period of 1.95 years, the high‐Lp(a) group had a higher long‐term mortality than did the low‐Lp(a) group (5.8% vs 2.5%, respectively; P = 0.003). After adjustment of confounders, multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that a higher Lp(a) level was an independent predictor of long‐term mortality (hazard ratio: 1.96, 95% confidence interval: 1.07‐3.59, P = 0.029).

Conclusions

Our data suggested that an elevated Lp(a) level was significantly associated with long‐term mortality following CAG or PCI. However, additional larger multicenter studies will be required to investigate the predictive value of Lp(a) levels and evaluate the benefit of controlling Lp(a) levels for patients undergoing CAG or PCI.
Physical indices for judging appearance harmony of materials
Authors: Tanaka Midori , Horiuchi Takahiko
Published: April 2017

In visual design, harmony refers to the similarity among objects and the components of these objects that appear as if they belong together. Harmony is related to the body, mind, and emotions as we relate to our living space, which means that the harmony of real objects is an important characteristic. Although the appearance harmony in specific materials has been investigated, harmony among different materials has not received adequate attention. In a previous study, we investigated the appearance harmony among various materials by psychophysical experiments. In this study, we correlated the psychophysical evaluations obtained from the experiments and the physical properties of the materials. By analyzing the relationship between psychophysical evaluations and the physical measurements for each material pairs based on cluster analysis, we found that the property of texture represented by the anisotropy histogram and that of reflectance obtained from the data of the bidirectional reflectance distribution function are important indices that can be used to judge the harmony of materials. In particular, the texture properties were more effective in judging the appearance harmony of material pairs in the fixed condition for illumination and viewing angles, and the reflectance properties were superior for the material pairs in the variable condition for illumination and viewing angles.
Emotion dysregulation in hypochondriasis and depression
Authors: Bailer Josef , Witthöft Michael , Erkic Maja , Mier Daniela
Published: April 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to explore whether certain aspects of emotion dysregulation (i.e., facets of alexithymia and rumination) are more closely linked to hypochondriasis than to depression and vice versa.

Methods

Nineteen patients with hypochondriasis (HYP), 33 patients with depression, and 52 healthy control participants completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Response Styles Questionnaire, and additional symptom and illness behaviour scales. A clinical interview was used to establish DSM‐IV diagnoses and to exclude all cases with more than one axis I diagnosis.

Results

Depression patients reported more difficulties describing feelings and more symptom‐ and self‐focused rumination than both HYP patients and healthy individuals, whereas HYP patients differed only from healthy individuals in regard to more difficulties in identifying feelings and more symptom‐focused rumination. Multiple regression analyses, including all assessed facets of emotion dysregulation, showed that the degree of somatoform features (somatic symptoms, health anxiety, and illness behaviour) was specifically predicted by higher difficulties in identifying feelings scores, whereas depressive symptom levels were specifically predicted by higher rumination scores.

Conclusions

Specific associations were found between difficulties in identifying feelings and key features of HYP, whereas depression was linked to a more generalized pattern of emotion regulation deficits.

Key Practitioner Message

Emotion dysregulation can be found in hypochondriasis and depression

Difficulties in identifying own feelings are specifically linked to somatic symptoms, health anxiety, and illness behaviour, whereas a more generalized pattern of emotion dysregulation is found in relation to depression

Further research is needed to investigate whether the effectiveness of current treatments for depression, hypochondriasis, health anxiety, and related disorders could be improved by additional emotion regulation interventions
The influence of casting currents on the thermal stability of the Cu36Zr48Al8Ag8 amorphous alloy
Authors: Li Xiaoyun , Shen Yuehua , Cui Xiao , Zhu Pantuo , Zhang Qidong , Huang Zhongyue , Zu Fangqiu
Published: April 2017

The effects of casting currents on the thermal stability of Cu36Zr48Al8Ag8 amorphous alloys were investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry and resistivity experiments show that the activation energy (∆Ex,∆Ep) of Cu36Zr48Al8Ag8 amorphous alloy increases with elevating currents. Annealing experiments reveal that crystallization of low‐current samples occurs prior to that of high‐current samples. These results indicate that casting currents could enhance the thermal stability of amorphous alloys. The reason is analyzed from the viewpoint of melt state. These results could be used to provide a possible route to fabricate amorphous alloys with improved thermal stability.
Mandatory Pre‐Suit Mediation for Medical Malpractice: Eight‐Year Results and Future Innovations
Authors: Jenkins Randall C. , Firestone Gregory , Aasheim Kari L. , Boelens Brian W.
Published: April 2017

Situated in the litigious state of Florida, UF Health implemented its mandatory pre‐suit mediation program in 2008 to compensate meritorious medical malpractice claims quickly, combat increasing attorney fees and costs, reduce frivolous lawsuits, and facilitate early, confidential communication to enhance the patient‐provider relationship. Data analysis over the program's eight‐year history demonstrates positive impacts on legal expenses and resolution time; results show a reduction in legal expenses of 87 percent as compared to traditional litigation and average receipt‐to‐resolution time of less than six months. The authors examine the Florida infrastructure supporting the program's success and offer recommendations for future expansions.
Sex‐specific floral morphology, biomass, and phytohormones associated with altitude in dioecious Populus cathayana populations
Authors: He Jundong , Dong Tingfa , Huang Kechao , Yang Yanxia , Li Dadong , Xu Xiao , He Xinhua
Published: April 2017

Relationships between sex‐specific floral traits and endogenous phytohormones associated with altitude are unknown particularly in dioecious trees. We thus examined the relationships between floral morphology or biomass and phytohormones in male and female flowers of dioecious Populus cathayana populations along an altitudinal gradient (1,500, 1,600, and 1,700 m above sea level) in the Xiaowutai Nature Reserve in northern China. The female and male flowers had the most stigma and pollen at 1,700 m, the largest ovaries and least pollen at 1,500 m, and the smallest ovaries and greater numbers of anthers at 1,600 m altitude. The single‐flower biomass was significantly greater in males than in females at 1,600 or 1,700 m, but the opposite was true at 1,500 m altitude. The biomass percentages were significantly higher in anthers than in stigmas at each altitude, while significantly greater gibberellin A3 (GA3), zeatin riboside (ZR), indoleacetic acid (IAA), and abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations were found in female than in male flowers. Moreover, most flower morphological traits positively correlated with IAA in females but not in males. The biomass of a single flower was significantly positively correlated with ABA or IAA in males but negatively with ZR in females and was not correlated with GA3 in both females and males. Our results demonstrate a distinct sexual adaptation between male and female flowers and that phytohormones are closely related to the size, shape, and biomass allocation in the pollination or fertilization organs of dioecious plants, although with variations in altitude.
Habitat use and spatial fidelity of male South American sea lions during the nonbreeding period
Authors: Baylis Alastair M. M. , Orben Rachael A. , Costa Daniel P. , Tierney Megan , Brickle Paul , Staniland Iain J.
Published: April 2017

Conditions experienced during the nonbreeding period have profound long‐term effects on individual fitness and survival. Therefore, knowledge of habitat use during the nonbreeding period can provide insights into processes that regulate populations. At the Falkland Islands, the habitat use of South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) during the nonbreeding period is of particular interest because the population is yet to recover from a catastrophic decline between the mid‐1930s and 1965, and nonbreeding movements are poorly understood. Here, we assessed the habitat use of adult male (n = 13) and juvenile male (n = 6) South American sea lions at the Falkland Islands using satellite tags and stable isotope analysis of vibrissae. Male South American sea lions behaved like central place foragers. Foraging trips were restricted to the Patagonian Shelf and were typically short in distance and duration (127 ± 66 km and 4.1 ± 2.0 days, respectively). Individual male foraging trips were also typically characterized by a high degree of foraging site fidelity. However, the isotopic niche of adult males was smaller than juvenile males, which suggested that adult males were more consistent in their use of foraging habitats and prey over time. Our findings differ from male South American sea lions in Chile and Argentina, which undertake extended movements during the nonbreeding period. Hence, throughout their breeding range, male South American sea lions have diverse movement patterns during the nonbreeding period that intuitively reflects differences in the predictability or accessibility of preferred prey. Our findings challenge the long‐standing notion that South American sea lions undertake a winter migration away from the Falkland Islands. Therefore, impediments to South American sea lion population recovery likely originate locally and conservation measures at a national level are likely to be effective in addressing the decline and the failure of the population to recover.
Watershed impacts of climate and land use changes depend on magnitude and land use context
Authors: Martin Katherine L. , Hwang Taehee , Vose James M. , Coulston John W. , Wear David N. , Miles Brian , Band Lawrence E.
Published: April 2017

Human population growth and urban development are affecting climate, land use, and the ecosystem services provided to society, including the supply of freshwater. We investigated the effects of land use and climate change on water resources in the Yadkin–Pee Dee River Basin of North Carolina, United States. Current and projected land uses were modeled at high resolution for three watersheds representing a forested to urban land use gradient by melding the National Land Cover Dataset with data from the U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis. Forecasts for 2051–2060 of regional land use and climate for scenarios of low (B2) and moderately high (A1B) rates of change, coupled with multiple global circulation models (MIROC, CSIRO, and Hadley), were used to inform a distributed ecohydrological model. Our results identified increases in water yields across the study watersheds, primarily due to forecasts of increased precipitation. Climate change was a more dominant factor for future water yield relative to land use change across all land uses (forested, urban, and mixed). When land use change was high (27% of forested land use was converted to urban development), it amplified the impacts of climate change on both the magnitude and timing of water yield. Our fine‐scale (30‐m) distributed combined modeling approach of land use and climate change identified changes in watershed hydrology at scales relevant for management, emphasizing the need for modeling efforts that integrate the effects of biophysical (climate) and social economic (land use) changes on the projection of future water resource scenarios.
The relative importance of pollinator abundance and species richness for the temporal variance of pollination services
Authors: Genung Mark A. , Fox Jeremy , Williams Neal M. , Kremen Claire , Ascher John , Gibbs Jason , Winfree Rachael
Published: April 2017

The relationship between biodiversity and the stability of ecosystem function is a fundamental question in community ecology, and hundreds of experiments have shown a positive relationship between species richness and the stability of ecosystem function. However, these experiments have rarely accounted for common ecological patterns, most notably skewed species abundance distributions and non‐random extinction risks, making it difficult to know whether experimental results can be scaled up to larger, less manipulated systems. In contrast with the prolific body of experimental research, few studies have examined how species richness affects the stability of ecosystem services at more realistic, landscape scales. The paucity of these studies is due in part to a lack of analytical methods that are suitable for the correlative structure of ecological data. A recently developed method, based on the Price equation from evolutionary biology, helps resolve this knowledge gap by partitioning the effect of biodiversity into three components: richness, composition, and abundance. Here, we build on previous work and present the first derivation of the Price equation suitable for analyzing temporal variance of ecosystem services. We applied our new derivation to understand the temporal variance of crop pollination services in two study systems (watermelon and blueberry) in the mid‐Atlantic United States. In both systems, but especially in the watermelon system, the stronger driver of temporal variance of ecosystem services was fluctuations in the abundance of common bee species, which were present at nearly all sites regardless of species richness. In contrast, temporal variance of ecosystem services was less affected by differences in species richness, because lost and gained species were rare. Thus, the findings from our more realistic landscapes differ qualitatively from the findings of biodiversity–stability experiments.
Late Holocene mangrove dynamics dominated by autogenic processes
Authors: Moraes Caio A. , Fontes Neuza A. , Cohen Marcelo C.L. , França Marlon Carlos , Pessenda Luiz C.R. , Rossetti Dilce F. , Francisquini Mariah I. , Bendassolli José A. , Macario Kita
Published: April 2017

Generally, palaeoenvironmental interpretations consider only allogenic processes, when autogenic factors may have a strong influence on proxies of stratigraphic sequences. For instance, the Holocene history of the vegetation along the southern littoral of the State of Bahia in north‐eastern Brazil is characterized by mangrove dynamics controlled by allogenic processes. However, over smaller timescales (~700 years), autogenic processes may have controlled vegetation dynamics and hence observed pollen distribution. This work proposes tidal channel dynamics as one of the main cause for changes in pollen assemblage along the studied stratigraphic profiles during the last centuries, based on sedimentology, pollen and elemental analysis (δ13C, δ15N and C/N) and radiocarbon dating of sedimentary organic matter from two cores sampled from an abandoned meander and a tidal flat at the mouth of the Jucuruçu River. One core was sampled from a mangrove formed during the past ~550 cal yr bp. Another core recorded sediments in a várzea forest (swamp seasonally and permanently inundated by freshwater) located ~2.7 km from the current shoreline, which displayed a maximum age of ~680 cal yr bp. Two facies associations were identified: tidal channel (A) and tidal flat/oxbow lake (B). This work proposes allogenic processes as the main driving forces controlling the wetlands dynamics at the studied site during the Holocene. However, our data also reveal that part of the changes in vegetation over the last ~700 years reflect tidal channels and tidal flats development, which represent autogenic processes. The change in timescale analysis from the Holocene to recent centuries may have weakened the influence of allogenic factors. However, this needs interpretation with reference to the spatial scale of the depositional environment as the larger the depositional system analyzed, the stronger the influence of autogenic processes on stratigraphic sequences over longer timescales. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interphase FISH for BCR‐ABL1 rearrangement on neutrophils: A decisive tool to discriminate a lymphoid blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia from a de novo BCR‐ABL1 positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Balducci Estelle , Loosveld Marie , Rahal Ilhem , Boudjarane John , Alazard Emilie , Missirian Chantal , Lafage‐Pochitaloff Marina , Michel Gérard , Zattara Hélène
Published: April 2017

Discrimination between lymphoid blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and de novo BCR‐ABL1 positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) represents a diagnostic challenge because this distinction has a major incidence on the management of patients. Here, we report an uncommon pediatric case of ALL with cryptic ins(22;9)(q11;q34q34) and p190‐type BCR‐ABL1 transcript. We performed interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for BCR‐ABL1 rearrangement on blood neutrophils, which was positive consistent with the diagnosis of lymphoid blast crisis of CML. This case illustrates the major interest of interphase FISH for BCR‐ABL1 rearrangement on blood neutrophils as a decisive method to discriminate a lymphoid blast crisis of CML from a de novo BCR‐ABL1 positive ALL.