bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Similarities and differences in the default mode network across rest, retrieval, and future imagining
Authors: Bellana B. , Liu Z.‐X. , Diamond N.B. , Grady C.L. , Moscovitch M.
Published: October 2016

The default mode network (DMN) has been identified reliably during rest, as well as during the performance of tasks such as episodic retrieval and future imagining. It remains unclear why this network is engaged across these seemingly distinct conditions, though many hypotheses have been proposed to account for these effects. Prior to generating hypotheses explaining common DMN involvement, the degree of commonality in the DMN across these conditions, within individuals, must be statistically determined to test whether or not the DMN is truly a unitary network, equally engaged across rest, retrieval and future imagining. To provide such a test, we used comparable paradigms (self‐directed, uninterrupted thought of equal duration) across the three conditions (rest, retrieval, and future imagining) in a within‐participant design. We found lower than expected pattern similarity in DMN functional connectivity across the three conditions. Similarity in connectivity accounted for only 40–50% of the total variance. Partial Least Squares (PLS) analyses revealed the medial temporal regions of the DMN were preferentially coupled with one another during episodic retrieval and future imagining, whereas the non‐medial temporal regions of the DMN (e.g., medial prefrontal cortex, lateral temporal cortex, and temporal pole) were preferentially coupled during rest. These results suggest that DMN connectivity may be more flexible than previously considered. Our findings are in line with emerging evidence that the DMN is not a static network engaged commonly across distinct cognitive processes, but is instead a dynamic system, topographically changing in relation to ongoing cognitive demands. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1155–1171, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stem cell–derived models to improve mechanistic understanding and prediction of human drug‐induced liver injury
Authors: Goldring Christopher , Antoine Daniel J. , Bonner Frank , Crozier Jonathan , Denning Chris , Fontana Robert J. , Hanley Neil A. , Hay David C. , Ingelman‐Sundberg Magnus , Juhila Satu , Kitteringham Neil , Silva‐Lima Beatriz , Norris Alan , Pridgeon Chris , Ross James A. , Young Rowena Sison , Tagle Danilo , Tornesi Belen , van de Water Bob , Weaver Richard J. , Zhang Fang , Park B. Kevin
Published: October 2016

Current preclinical drug testing does not predict some forms of adverse drug reactions in humans. Efforts at improving predictability of drug‐induced tissue injury in humans include using stem cell technology to generate human cells for screening for adverse effects of drugs in humans. The advent of induced pluripotent stem cells means that it may ultimately be possible to develop personalized toxicology to determine interindividual susceptibility to adverse drug reactions. However, the complexity of idiosyncratic drug‐induced liver injury means that no current single‐cell model, whether of primary liver tissue origin, from liver cell lines, or derived from stem cells, adequately emulates what is believed to occur during human drug‐induced liver injury. Nevertheless, a single‐cell model of a human hepatocyte which emulates key features of a hepatocyte is likely to be valuable in assessing potential chemical risk; furthermore, understanding how to generate a relevant hepatocyte will also be critical to efforts to build complex multicellular models of the liver. Currently, hepatocyte‐like cells differentiated from stem cells still fall short of recapitulating the full mature hepatocellular phenotype. Therefore, we convened a number of experts from the areas of preclinical and clinical hepatotoxicity and safety assessment, from industry, academia, and regulatory bodies, to specifically explore the application of stem cells in hepatotoxicity safety assessment and to make recommendations for the way forward. In this short review, we particularly discuss the importance of benchmarking stem cell–derived hepatocyte‐like cells to their terminally differentiated human counterparts using defined phenotyping, to make sure the cells are relevant and comparable between labs, and outline why this process is essential before the cells are introduced into chemical safety assessment. (Hepatology 2017;65:710‐721).
CD4+Foxp3+ T cells promote aberrant immunoglobulin G production and maintain CD8+ T‐cell suppression during chronic liver disease
Authors: Tedesco Dana , Thapa Manoj , Gumber Sanjeev , Elrod Elizabeth J. , Rahman Khalidur , Ibegbu Chris C. , Magliocca Joseph F. , Adams Andrew B. , Anania Frank , Grakoui Arash
Published: October 2016

Persistent hepatotropic viral infections are a common etiologic agent of chronic liver disease. Unresolved infection can be attributed to nonfunctional intrahepatic CD8+ T‐cell responses. In light of dampened CD8+ T‐cell responses, liver disease often manifests systemically as immunoglobulin (Ig)‐related syndromes due to aberrant B‐cell functions. These two opposing yet coexisting phenomena implicate the potential of altered CD4+ T‐cell help. Elevated CD4+ forkhead box P3–positive (Foxp3+) T cells were evident in both human liver disease and a mouse model of chemically induced liver injury despite marked activation and spontaneous IgG production by intrahepatic B cells. While this population suppressed CD8+ T‐cell responses, aberrant B‐cell activities were maintained due to expression of CD40 ligand on a subset of CD4+ Foxp3+ T cells. In vivo blockade of CD40 ligand attenuated B‐cell abnormalities in a mouse model of liver injury. A phenotypically similar population of CD4+ Foxp3+, CD40 ligand–positive T cells was found in diseased livers explanted from patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. This population was absent in nondiseased liver tissues and peripheral blood. Conclusion: Liver disease elicits alterations in the intrahepatic CD4+ T‐cell compartment that suppress T‐cell immunity while concomitantly promoting aberrant IgG mediated manifestations. (Hepatology 2017;65:661‐677).
Rifaximin has no effect on hemodynamics in decompensated cirrhosis: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Kimer Nina , Pedersen Julie Steen , Busk Troels Malte , Gluud Lise Lotte , Hobolth Lise , Krag Aleksander , Møller Søren , Bendtsen Flemming ,   Copenhagen Rifaximin (CoRif) Study Group
Published: October 2016

Decompensated cirrhosis is characterized by disturbed systemic and splanchnic hemodynamics. Bacterial translocation from the gut is considered the key driver in this process. Intestinal decontamination with rifaximin may improve hemodynamics. This double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01769040) investigates the effects of rifaximin on hemodynamics, renal function, and vasoactive hormones. We randomized 54 stable outpatients with cirrhosis and ascites to rifaximin 550 mg twice a day (n = 36) or placebo twice a day (n = 18). Forty‐five patients were male, mean age 56 years (±8.4), average Child score 8.3 (±1.3), and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score 11.7 (±3.9). Measurements of hepatic venous pressure gradient, cardiac output, and systemic vascular resistance were made at baseline and after 4 weeks. The glomerular filtration rate and plasma renin, noradrenaline, lipopolysaccharide binding protein, troponin T, and brain natriuretic peptide levels were measured. Rifaximin had no effect on hepatic venous pressure gradient, mean 16.8 ± 3.8 mm Hg at baseline versus 16.6 ± 5.3 mm Hg at follow‐up, compared to the placebo, mean 16.4 ± 4 mm Hg at baseline versus 16.3 ± 4.4 mm Hg at follow‐up, P = 0.94. No effect was found on cardiac output, mean 6.9 ± 1.7 L/min at baseline versus 6.9 ± 2.3 L/min at follow‐up, compared to placebo, mean 6.6 ± 1.9 L/min at baseline compared to 6.5 ±2.1 L/min at follow‐up, P = 0.66. No effects on the glomerular filtration rate, P = 0.14, or vasoactive hormones were found. Subgroup analyses on patients with increased lipopolysaccharide binding protein and systemic vascular resistance below the mean (1,011 dynes × s/cm5) revealed no effect of rifaximin. Conclusion: Four weeks of treatment with rifaximin did not reduce the hepatic venous pressure gradient or improve systemic hemodynamics in patients with cirrhosis and ascites; rifaximin did not affect glomerular filtration rate or levels of vasoactive hormones. (Hepatology 2017;65:592‐603).
The association between race/ethnicity and the effectiveness of direct antiviral agents for hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Su Feng , Green Pamela K. , Berry Kristin , Ioannou George N.
Published: October 2016

Black race and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with lower rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) to interferon‐based treatments for chronic hepatitis C virus infection, whereas Asian race was associated with higher SVR rates compared to white patients. We aimed to describe the association between race/ethnicity and effectiveness of new direct‐acting antiviral regimens in the Veterans Affairs health care system nationally. We identified 21,095 hepatitis C virus–infected patients (11,029 [52%] white, 6,171 [29%] black, 1,187 [6%] Hispanic, 348 [2%] Asian/Pacific Islander/American Indian/Alaska Native, and 2,360 [11%] declined/missing race or ethnicity) who initiated antiviral treatment with regimens containing sofosbuvir, simeprevir + sofosbuvir, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, or paritaprevir/ombitasvir/ritonavir/dasabuvir during the 18‐month period from January 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015. Overall SVR rates were 89.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 89.2‐90.4) in white, 89.8% (95% CI 89.0‐90.6) in black, 86.0% (95% CI 83.7‐88.0) in Hispanic, and 90.7% (95% CI 87.0‐93.5) in Asian/Pacific Islander/American Indian/Alaska Native patients. However, after adjustment for baseline characteristics, black (adjusted odds ratio = 0.77, P < 0.001) and Hispanic (adjusted odds ratio = 0.76, P = 0.007) patients were less likely to achieve SVR than white patients, a difference that was not explained by early treatment discontinuations. Among genotype 1–infected patients treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir monotherapy, black patients had significantly lower SVR than white patients when treated for 8 weeks but not when treated for 12 weeks. Conclusion: Direct‐acting antivirals produce high SVR rates in white, black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander/American Indian/Alaska Native patients; but after adjusting for baseline characteristics, black race and Hispanic ethnicity remain independent predictors of treatment failure. Short 8‐week ledipasvir/sofosbuvir monotherapy regimens should perhaps be avoided in black patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus. (Hepatology 2017;65:426‐438).
Sodicity effects on hydrological processes of sodic soil slopes under simulated rainfall
Authors: Liu Dongdong , She Dongli
Published: October 2016

Soil salinization can occur in many regions of the world. Soil sodicity affects rainfall‐runoff relationships and related erosion processes considerably. We investigated sodicity effects on infiltration, runoff and erosion processes on sodic soil slopes for two soils from China under simulated rainfall. Five sodicity levels were established in a silt loam and a silty clay with clay contents of 8.5% and 46.0%, respectively. The soils, packed in 50 cm × 30 cm × 15 cm flumes at two slope gradients (22° and 35°), were exposed to 60 min of simulated rainfall (deionized water) at a constant intensity of 125 mm h−1. Results showed that, for both soils, increasing soil sodicity had some significant effects on hydrological processes, reducing the infiltration coefficient (pr = −0.69, P < 0.01) and the quasi‐steady final infiltration rate (pr = −0.80, P < 0.01), and increasing the mean sediment loss (pr = 0.39, P < 0.05); however, it did not significantly affect the cumulative rainfall to ponding (P > 0.05). Moreover, increasing sodicity significantly increased the Reynolds number and the stream power (pr = 0.78 and 0.66, P < 0.01, respectively) of the runoff, decreased Manning roughness and Darcy–Weisbach coefficient (pr = −0.52 and −0.52, P < 0.05, respectively), but did not significantly affect the mean flow velocity, mean flow depth, Froude number and hydraulic shear stress. Stream power was shown to be the most sensitive hydraulic variable affecting sediment loss for both soils. Furthermore, as sodicity increased, the values of critical stream power decreased for both the silt loam (R2 = 0.29, P < 0.05) and the silty clay (R2 = 0.49, P < 0.05). The findings of this study were applied to a real situation and identified some negative effects that can occur with increasing sodicity levels. This emphasized the importance of addressing the influences of soil sodicity in particularly high risk situations and when predicting soil and water losses.
Genetic risk mechanisms of posttraumatic stress disorder in the human brain
Authors: Bharadwaj Rahul A. , Jaffe Andrew E. , Chen Qiang , Deep‐Soboslay Amy , Goldman Aaron L. , Mighdoll Michelle I. , Cotoia John A. , Brandtjen Anna C. , Shin JooHeon , Hyde Thomas M. , Mattay Venkata S. , Weinberger Daniel R. , Kleinman Joel E.
Published: October 2016

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) follows exposure to a traumatic event in susceptible individuals. Recently, genome‐wide association studies have identified a number of genetic sequence variants that are associated with the risk of developing PTSD. To follow up on identifying the molecular mechanisms of these risk variants, we performed genotype to RNA sequencing–derived quantitative expression (whole gene, exon, and exon junction levels) analysis in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of normal postmortem human brains. We further investigated genotype–gene expression associations within the amygdala in a smaller independent RNA sequencing (Genotype‐Tissue Expression [GTEx]) dataset. Our DLPFC analyses identified significant expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) associations for a “candidate” PTSD risk SNP rs363276 and the expression of two genes: SLC18A2 and PDZD8, where the PTSD risk/minor allele T was associated with significantly lower levels of gene expression for both genes, in the DLPFC. These eQTL associations were independently confirmed in the amygdala from the GTEx database. Rs363276 “T” carriers also showed significantly increased activity in the amygdala during an emotional face‐matching task in healthy volunteers. Taken together, our preliminary findings in normal human brains represent a tractable approach to identify mechanisms by which genetic variants potentially increase an individual's risk for developing PTSD. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficient methods for isolating five phytochemicals from Gentiana macrophylla using high‐performance countercurrent chromatography
Authors: Rho Taewoong , Jung Mila , Lee Min Won , Chin Young‐Won , Yoon Kee Dong
Published: October 2016

Efficient high‐performance countercurrent chromatography methods were developed to isolate five typical compounds from the extracts of Gentiana macrophylla. n‐Butanol‐soluble extract of G. macrophylla contained three hydrophilic iridoids, loganic acid (1), swertiamarin (2) and gentiopicroside (3), and a chromene derivative, macrophylloside D (4) which were successfully isolated by flow rate gradient (1.5 mL/min in 0–60 min, 5.0 mL/min in 60–120 min), and consecutive flow rate gradient HPCCC using n‐butanol/0.1% aqueous trifluoroacetic acid (1:1, v/v, normal phase mode) system. The yields of 1–4 were 22, 16, 122, and 6 mg, respectively, with purities over 97% in a flow rate gradient high‐performance countercurrent chromatography, and consecutive flow rate gradient high‐performance countercurrent chromatography gave 1, 2, 3 (54, 41, 348 mg, respectively, purities over 97%) and 4 (13 mg, purity at 95%) from 750 mg of sample. The main compound in methylene chloride soluble extract, 2‐methoxyanofinic acid, was successfully separated by n‐hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (4:6:4:6, v/v/v/v, flow‐rate: 4 mL/min, reversed phase mode) condition. The structures of five isolates were elucidated by 1H, 13C NMR and ESI‐Q‐TOF‐MS spectroscopic data which were compared with previously reported values.
Niskin bottle sample collection aliases microbial community composition and biogeochemical interpretation
Authors: Suter Elizabeth A. , Scranton Mary I. , Chow Stephanie , Stinton Dallyce , Medina Faull Luis , Taylor Gordon T.
Published: October 2016

Particles able to settle distances of approximately a meter in 1–2 h are undersampled in water traditionally collected in Niskin bottles. Gardner (Limnol Oceanogr, 22, 764–768, 1977) demonstrated that particles sink into the space below the spout of Niskin bottles on timescales relevant to sample processing. We examined this effect on measurements of microbial abundance, community composition, and transparent stainable particles across an oxygen‐sulfide gradient in the Cariaco Basin. Within 1 h, modestly sized micro‐aggregates (> 16 μm) were not detected in samples drawn from the spout, but were abundant in the waters below the spout. Total transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) and Coomassie stainable particles (CSP) were at least twice as abundant in the below‐spout samples as in spout‐collected water. Below‐spout samples accounted for four times more total particle surface area per mL than spout samples. Approximately 10% of all microbes were particle‐associated, which led to only small enrichments of total microbes in the below‐spout samples. However, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed five of seven clades surveyed were significantly more enriched in water below the spout than total cells, indicating (1) a small bias when enumerating total particles and microbes from spout samples and (2) a very strong bias for particular phylogenetic groups that are more prevalent on particles than the total community. In particular, sulfate‐reducing δ‐proteobacteria were consistently enriched in below‐spout samples collected at depths along the oxygen‐sulfide transition. Abundance of this functional group has potentially been underestimated in the past. Consequently, microbial diversity results derived from Niskin bottle samples should be cautiously applied when interpreting biogeochemical cycling.
Climate‐induced warming of lakes can be either amplified or suppressed by trends in water clarity
Authors: Rose Kevin C. , Winslow Luke A. , Read Jordan S. , Hansen Gretchen J. A.
Published: October 2016

Climate change is rapidly warming aquatic ecosystems including lakes and reservoirs. However, variability in lake characteristics can modulate how lakes respond to climate. Water clarity is especially important both because it influences the depth range over which heat is absorbed, and because it is changing in many lakes. Here, we show that simulated long‐term water clarity trends influence how both surface and bottom water temperatures of lakes and reservoirs respond to climate change. Clarity changes can either amplify or suppress climate‐induced warming, depending on lake depth and the direction of clarity change. Using a process‐based model to simulate 1894 north temperate lakes from 1979 to 2012, we show that a scenario of decreasing clarity at a conservative yet widely observed rate of 0.92% yr−1 warmed surface waters and cooled bottom waters at rates comparable in magnitude to climate‐induced warming. For lakes deeper than 6.5 m, decreasing clarity was sufficient to fully offset the effects of climate‐induced warming on median whole‐lake mean temperatures. Conversely, a scenario increasing clarity at the same rate cooled surface waters and warmed bottom waters relative to baseline warming rates. Furthermore, in 43% of lakes, increasing clarity more than doubled baseline bottom temperature warming rates. Long‐term empirical observations of water temperature in lakes with and without clarity trends support these simulation results. Together, these results demonstrate that water clarity trends may be as important as rising air temperatures in determining how waterbodies respond to climate change.
Highly Swellable, Dual‐Responsive Hydrogels Based on PNIPAM and Redox Active Poly(ferrocenylsilane) Poly(ionic liquid)s: Synthesis, Structure, and Properties
Authors: Feng Xueling , Zhang Kaihuan , Chen Peng , Sui Xiaofeng , Hempenius Mark A. , Liedberg Bo , Vancso G. Julius
Published: October 2016

Highly swellable, dual‐responsive hydrogels, consisting of thermo‐responsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and redox‐responsive poly(ferrocenylsilane) (PFS) based poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) are formed by photo‐polymerization. PFS chains bearing cross‐linkable vinylimidazolium (VIm) side groups are copolymerized with NIPAM in aqueous solutions under ultraviolet light (λ = 365 nm) in the presence of a photoinitiator. The PFS‐PILs serve as a macro‐cross‐linker and also provide redox responsiveness. The swelling ratio, morphology, and lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the hydrogels are studied as a function of the PNIPAM/PFS ratio. The value of the LCST is dependent on the choice of the counterion of the PIL and the PNIPAM/PFS ratio. The hydrogel is employed as a reducing environment for the in situ fabrication of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), forming AuNP‐hydrogel composites. The localized surface plasmon resonance peak of the as‐synthesized Au nanoparticles inside the hydrogel could be tuned by altering the temperature.

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Targeting Deubiquitinating Enzymes in Glioblastoma Multiforme: Expectations and Challenges
Authors: Jin Wei‐Lin , Mao Xiao‐Yuan , Qiu Guan‐Zhong
Published: October 2016

Glioblastoma (GBM) is regarded as the most common primary intracranial neoplasm. Despite standard treatment with tumor resection and radiochemotherapy, the outcome remains gloomy. It is evident that a combination of oncogenic gain of function and tumor‐suppressive loss of function has been attributed to glioma initiation and progression. The ubiquitin–proteasome system is a well‐orchestrated system that controls the fate of most proteins by striking a dynamic balance between ubiquitination and deubiquitination of substrates, having a profound influence on the modulation of oncoproteins, tumor suppressors, and cellular signaling pathways. In recent years, deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) have emerged as potential anti‐cancer targets due to their targeting several key proteins involved in the regulation of tumorigenesis, apoptosis, senescence, and autophagy. This review attempts to summarize recent studies of GBM‐associated DUBs, their roles in various cellular processes, and discuss the relation between DUBs deregulation and gliomagenesis, especially how DUBs regulate glioma stem cells pluripotency, microenvironment, and resistance of radiation and chemotherapy through core stem‐cell transcriptional factors. We also review recent achievements and progress in the development of potent and selective reversible inhibitors of DUBs, and attempted to find a potential GBM treatment by DUBs intervention.
Application of Polymer Reaction Modeling to Nonenzymatic Polynucleotide Replication
Authors: Mannion Peter , Zhen Todd , Case Nathaniel , Schork Francis Joseph
Published: October 2016

Methods of polymer reaction engineering were used to develop a mechanistic model of nonenzymatic polynucleotide replication. The model is made possible by the rate constants developed by Rajamani et al. This model treats the ideas of stalling proposed by Rajamani in a direct kinetic mechanism. When one assumes that multiple incorrect insertions in a row are unlikely, the model returns estimates of the error threshold very much in agreement with the modified Eigen model (based on probability arguments) proposed by Rajamani. In addition, the current model gives average lengths of poly­nucleotides, categorized by ultimate nucleoside (type and correct/incorrect) as well as the average lengths of interior and terminal sequences of correct and incorrect insertions in a row. When the insights of Leu et al. (specifically, that incorrect additions following an incorrect addition are likely) are included into the model, the error threshold will drop to unrealistic levels. To compensate for this, a mechanism for the “recycle” of incorrect strands (via hydrolysis and repolymerization) was included. Calculations indicate that even with a “correction” mechanism (hydrolysis of chain containing errors), the error threshold drops to an unacceptable value.

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High‐resolution gradient‐recalled echo imaging at 9.4T using 16‐channel parallel transmit simultaneous multislice spokes excitations with slice‐by‐slice flip angle homogenization
Authors: Tse Desmond H. Y. , Wiggins Christopher J. , Poser Benedikt A.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

In order to fully benefit from the improved signal‐to‐noise and contrast‐to‐noise ratios at 9.4T, the challenges of
inhomogeneity and the long acquisition time of high‐resolution 2D gradient‐recalled echo (GRE) imaging were addressed.

Theory and Methods

Flip angle homogenized excitations were achieved by parallel transmission (pTx) of 3‐spoke pulses, designed by magnitude least‐squares optimization in a slice‐by‐slice fashion; the acquisition time reduction was achieved by simultaneous multislice (SMS) pulses. The slice‐specific spokes complex radiofrequency scaling factors were applied to sinc waveforms on a per‐channel basis and combined with the other pulses in an SMS slice group to form the final SMS‐pTX pulse. Optimal spokes locations were derived from simulations.

Results

Flip angle maps from presaturation TurboFLASH showed improvement of flip angle homogenization with 3‐spoke pulses over CP‐mode excitation (normalized root‐mean‐square error [NRMSE] 0.357) as well as comparable excitation homogeneity across the single‐band (NRMSE 0.119), SMS‐2 (NRMSE 0.137), and SMS‐3 (NRMSE 0.132) 3‐spoke pulses. The application of the 3‐spoke SMS‐3 pulses in a 48‐slice GRE protocol, which has an in‐plane resolution of 0.28 × 0.28 mm, resulted in a 50% reduction of scan duration (total acquisition time 6:52 min including reference scans).

Conclusion

Time‐efficient flip angle homogenized high‐resolution GRE imaging at 9.4T was accomplished by using slice‐specific SMS‐pTx spokes excitations. Magn Reson Med 78:1050–1058, 2017. © 2016 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Improving the robustness of pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling to off‐resonance and pulsatile flow velocity
Authors: Zhao Li , Vidorreta Marta , Soman Salil , Detre John A. , Alsop David C.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To improve pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (PCASL) robustness to off‐resonance and pulsatile blood flow velocity.

Methods

Bloch equations were solved to evaluate the effect of labeling parameters in a pulsatile flow model for a range of off‐resonance. Experimental confirmation was achieved in volunteers using linear phase increase between labeling pulses to approximate off‐resonance errors. We first assessed the location of the labeling plane in four volunteers. Next, we explored a range of parameters—including balanced and unbalanced gradients—in five more volunteers at an optimal labeling plane location.

Results

Simulations demonstrated that 1) high velocities are vulnerable to off‐resonance, 2) unbalanced PCASL outperforms balanced PCASL, 3) increased B1 and low average gradient improve the labeling efficiency for high‐velocity flow, and 4) a low ratio of selective to average gradient improves off‐resonance robustness. A good agreement between theory and experiment was observed.

Conclusion

The robustness of PCASL can be increased by selecting an unbalanced scheme with a low average gradient (0.5 mT/m), a low ratio (7×) of selective to average gradients, and the highest feasible B1 (1.8 μT). Placing the labeling plane above the carotid bifurcation and below the V3 segment, usually between the second and third vertebrae, yielded robust results. Magn Reson Med 78:1342–1351, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Easily Accessible Thermotropic Hydrogen‐Bonded Columnar Discotic Liquid Crystals from Fatty Acid– Tris‐Benzoimidazolyl Benzene Complexes
Authors: Lugger Jody A. M. , Sijbesma Rint P.
Published: October 2016

We report the formation of easily accessible hydrogen‐bonded columnar discotic liquid crystals (LCs) based on tris‐benzoimidazolyl benzene (TBIB) and commercially available fatty acids. By increasing the length of the fatty acid, the temperature range of liquid crystallinity was tuned. Introducing double bonds in octadecanoic acid lowered the crystallization temperature and increased the temperature range of the mesophase. Surprisingly, dimerized linoleic acid also forms an LC phase. When using branched aliphatic acids with the branching point close to the acid moiety, the mesophase was lost, whereas phosphonic acid or benzenesulfonic acid derivatives did have a mesophase, showing that the generality of this approach extends beyond carboxylic acids as the hydrogen‐bond donor. Furthermore, a polymerizable LC phase was obtained from mixtures of TBIB with a methacrylate‐bearing fatty acid, providing an approach for the fabrication of nanoporous polymer films if the methacrylate groups are polymerized. Finally, the higher solubility of methyl‐TBIB was used to suppress phase separation in stoichiometric mixtures of the template molecule with fatty acids.
Evaluation of a Prison Occupational Therapy Informal Education Program: A Pilot Study
Authors: Crabtree Jeffrey L. , Ohm David , Wall Jarrod M. , Ray Joseph
Published: October 2016

This pilot study explored the strengths and weaknesses of an informal education program and identified elements of the program valued by participants. Participants were men living in a minimum security prison who had been incarcerated for ten or more years. The outside researcher was joined by three former program participants as co‐researchers. Together, they interviewed 27 residents who completed the informal education program. Interviews were transcribed and de‐identified. Researchers used the summative content analysis approach to analyze the data. Initial content analysis yielded five concepts: doing (engaging in purposeful activities); information (program handouts and discussions that included data and descriptions of all of the topics discussed); re‐entry fears (socialization; making amends with victims and/or reuniting with family and friends); technology (includes, but not limited to, using smartphones, internet and other technology in all areas of occupation); and self‐worth as a person. Further interpretation per the summative content analysis method yielded three themes: doing (engaged in purposeful activities), validation of self‐worth (confirmation of being a valued human being in spite of having committed a serious crime) and concerns about the future (being able to successfully engage in virtually all occupations). Whilst informal education programs may help people who are incarcerated gain information, gain a sense of self‐worth and allay some reentry fears, understanding the long‐term affect such programs may have such as preparing them for successful re‐entry to society or reducing recidivism rates, will require long‐term follow‐up. Regardless of the occupational therapy intervention, the practice of occupational therapy in the criminal justice system needs to be client‐centred. Because of the small number of participants and limited access to participants, one should not generalize the findings of this study to other situations or populations. Further research to examine the effectiveness of an occupational therapy education program is warranted. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of charged hybrid particles via dispersion polymerization in nonpolar media for color electrophoretic display application
Authors: Noël Amélie , Mirbel Déborah , Charbonnier Antoine , Cloutet Eric , Hadziioannou Georges , Brochon Cyril
Published: October 2016

Direct synthesis of charged hybrid particles in non‐polar media has not been widely described in the literature but can lead to many applications such as electrophoretic displays. In this work, we propose a way to synthesize charged hybrid particles within the electrophoretic medium (Toluene or Isopar G) in the presence or not of additives (Charge Control Agent, CCA). The particles synthesis was performed by Nitroxide‐mediated Radical Polymerization (NMRP) via dispersion polymerization in aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents leading to stable chargeable particles with a good size control. Hybrid particles are successfully charged by reaction with functional monomers or addition of CCA to obtain electrophoretic particles. The performance of a dual‐color red/white ink in a display was demonstrated with a test‐cell. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 338–348
Understanding CO2 decomposition in microwave plasma by means of optical diagnostics
Authors: Silva Tiago , Britun Nikolay , Godfroid Thomas , Snyders Rony
Published: October 2016

The growing interest to plasma‐based greenhouse gas decomposition requires the knowledge of the different kinetic mechanisms inherent in CO2 discharges and post‐discharges. This automatically involves extensive plasma diagnostics research work. Among different types of plasma diagnostics, the ones based on optical spectroscopy are of particular relevance due to their non‐intrusiveness. The recent progress in optical diagnostics of plasma‐assisted CO2 decomposition process is discussed in this work. A microwave surfaguide discharge operating at 2.45 GHz in several CO2‐containing mixtures was investigated. Optical emission spectroscopy is used to characterize the discharge area of the reactor in terms of fundamental plasma parameters. At the same time, two‐photon absorption laser‐induced fluorescence is applied for investigation of oxygen and carbon monoxide concentrations in the post‐discharge.
Pretreatment 14‐3‐3 epsilon level is predictive for advanced extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma therapeutic response to asparaginase‐based chemotherapy
Authors: Qiu Yajuan , Zhou Zhiyuan , Li Zhaoming , Lu Lisha , Li Ling , Li Xin , Wang Xinhua , Zhang Mingzhi
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to identify the potential relevant biomarkers to predict the therapeutic response of advanced extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma(ENKTL) treated with asparaginase‐based treatment.

Experimental design

Proteomic technology is used to identify differentially expressed proteins between chemotherapy‐resistant and chemotherapy‐sensitive patients. Then enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay is used to validate the predictive value of selective biomarkers.

Results

A total of 61 upregulated and 22 downregulated proteins are identified in chemotherapy‐resistant patients compared with chemotherapy‐sensitive patients. Furthermore, they validated that pretreatment high level 14‐3‐3 epsilon(ε)(≥61.95 ng/mL, 84.0 and 95.2% for sensitivity and specificity, respectively) is associated with poor 2‐year overall survival (OS) (5.3 vs 68.8%, p<0.0001) and PFS (4.5 vs 76.9%, p<0.0001). In multivariate survival analysis, pretreatment high level 14‐3‐3 epsilon significantly is correlated with both inferior OS (p = 0.033) and PFS (p = 0.005).

Conclusion and clinical relevance

These findings indicate that pretreatment high level 14‐3‐3 epsilon is an independent predictor of chemotherapy‐resistance and poor prognosis for patients with advanced ENKTL in the era of asparaginase.
Suppression of LIM and SH3 Domain Protein 1 (LASP1) Negatively Regulated by Androgen Receptor Delays Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer Progression
Authors: Dejima Takashi , Imada Kenjiro , Takeuchi Ario , Shiota Masaki , Leong Jeffrey , Tombe Tabitha , Tam Kevin , Fazli Ladan , Naito Seiji , Gleave Martin E. , Ong Christopher J.
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

LIM and SH3 domain protein 1 (LASP1) has been implicated in several human malignancies and has been shown to predict PSA recurrence in prostate cancer. However, the anti‐tumor effect of LASP1 knockdown and the association between LASP1 and the androgen receptor (AR) remains unclear. The aim of this study is to clarify the significance of LASP1 as a target for prostate cancer, and to test the effect of silencing LASP1 in vivo using antisense oligonucleotides (ASO).

METHODS

A tissue microarray (TMA) was performed to characterize the differences in LASP1 expression in prostate cancer treated after hormone deprivation therapy. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle. We designed LASP1 ASO for knockdown of LASP1 in vivo studies.

RESULTS

The expression of LASP1 in TMA was increased after androgen ablation and persisted in castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Also in TMA, compared with LNCaP cell, LASP1 expression is elevated in CRPC cell lines (C4‐2 and VehA cells). Interestingly, suppression of AR elevated LASP1 expression conversely, AR activation decreased LASP1 expression. Silencing of LASP1 reduced cell growth through G1 arrest which was accompanied by a decrease of cyclin D1. Forced overexpression of LASP1 promoted cell cycle and induced cell growth which was accompanied by an increase of cyclin D1. Systemic administration of LASP1 ASO with athymic mice significantly inhibited tumor growth in CRPC xenografts.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that LASP1 is negatively regulated by AR at the transcriptional level and promotes tumor growth through induction of cell cycle, ultimately suggesting that LASP1 may be a potential target in prostate cancer treatment. Prostate 77:309–320, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A simple model for the Slater exchange potential and its performance for solids
Authors: Finzel Kati , Baranov Alexey I.
Published: October 2016

A simple local model for the Slater exchange potential is determined by least square fit procedure from Hartree–Fock (HF) atomic data. Since the Slater potential is the exact exchange potential yielding HF electron density from Levy‐Perdew‐Sahni density functional formalism (Levy et al., Phys. Rev. A 1984, 30, 2745), the derived local potential is significantly more negative than the conventional local density approximation. On the set of 22 ionic, covalent and van der Waals solids including strongly correlated transition metal oxides, it has been demonstrated, that this simple model potential is capable of reproducing the band gaps nearly as good as popular meta GGA potentials in close agreement with experimental values.
Implementation of the Agitated Behavior Scale in the Electronic Health Record
Authors: Wilson Helen John , Dasgupta Kritis , Michael Kathleen
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of the study was to implement an Agitated Behavior Scale through an electronic health record and to evaluate the usability of the scale in a brain injury unit at a rehabilitation hospital.

Design:

A quality improvement project was conducted in the brain injury unit at a large rehabilitation hospital with registered nurses as participants using convenience sampling.

Methods:

The project consisted of three phases and included education, implementation of the scale in the electronic health record, and administration of the survey questionnaire, which utilized the system usability scale.

Findings:

The Agitated Behavior Scale was found to be usable, and there was 92.2% compliance with the use of the electronic Electronic Agitated Behavior Scale.

Conclusion:

The Agitated Behavior Scale was effectively implemented in the electronic health record and was found to be usable in the assessment of agitation.

Clinical Relevance:

Utilization of the scale through the electronic health record on a daily basis will allow for an early identification of agitation in patients with traumatic brain injury and enable prompt interventions to manage agitation.
Factors Influencing the Use of Intermittent Bladder Catheterization by Individuals With Spina Bifida in Brazil and Germany
Authors: Faleiros Fabiana , Pelosi Giovana , Warschausky Seth , Tate Denise , Käppler Christoph , Thomas Elisabeth
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

Intermittent catheterization (IC) often is essential for individuals with spina bifida/myelomeningocele (SBM) and neurogenic bladder. This study aimed to identify and analyze the factors that influence the use of IC.

Design and Methods:

Descriptive study with convenience sampling. Data were collected using printed (Brazil) and online (Germany) questionnaires, and analyzed using multivariate logistical regression and analysis of variance. The study included 100 Brazilian and 100 German patients, aged 0–55 years, with SBM who utilized IC.

Findings:

Intermittent catheterization was used by 188 of the 200 patients. Three variables were important for predicting who did or did not use IC: no discontinuation of IC, absence of technical difficulty, and daily frequency of IC.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance:

Findings suggest that difficulties with IC use experienced by spina bifida patients and their family members that predicted full discontinuation tended to be personal variables, rather than demographic or medical characteristics.
The Impact of Stroke Nurse Navigation on Patient Compliance Postdischarge
Authors: Deen Tonya , Terna Theresa , Kim Elizabeth , Leahy Brian , Fedder Wende
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to describe the impact a stroke nurse navigation program has on concurrent chart reviews and patient compliance postdischarge.

Design:

Phase I: Concurrent chart review of The Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center core measures for ischemic stroke patients. Phase II: Longitudinal study of 100 ischemic stroke patients discharged to home.

Methods:

Telephone surveys were conducted at prescribed intervals posthospital discharge (Phase II). Surveys focused on medication compliance, follow-up medical appointment compliance, and neurovascular emergency department (ED) visits/readmissions.

Findings:

Phase I trends included increased stroke performance measures compliance. Phase II favorable trends included increased medication compliance (>98%), increased follow-up appointments (100%), decreased rate of neurovascular ED visits/rehospitalizations (3%), and improvement in activities of daily living and quality of life measures through 12 months postdischarge.

Conclusions:

Stroke nurse navigation increased conformity of stroke performance measures and stroke patient discharge compliance through 12 months postdischarge.
Apps,iPads, and Literacy: Examining the Feasibility of Speech Recognition in a First‐Grade Classroom
Authors: Baker Elizabeth (Betsy) A.
Published: October 2016

Informed by sociocultural and systems theory tenets, this study used ethnographic research methods to examine the feasibility of using speech recognition (SR) technology to support struggling readers in an early elementary classroom setting. Observations of eight first graders were conducted as they participated in a structuredSR‐supported writing center four days a week for five months. Participant observation, field notes, transcripts of audio and video recordings, and student artifacts (classroom worksheets,SRscreenshots, and writing center compositions) were used to document students’ use ofSRas they wrote assigned compositions. Data analysis was recursive and ongoing. Constant comparison ofin actutheoretical notes was used to form provisional patterns and develop and refine hypotheses. Triangulation of data sets, triangulation of informants, and negative case analyses were used to (dis)confirm hypotheses. Findings indicate that usingSRwas supportive of these struggling readers. Previous concepts ofSRas an isolated entity and of the Language Experience Approach as cumbersome and reifying teacher hegemony are examined. Graphosemantic awareness, new literacies, and the possibilities for supporting struggling readers of all ages across expansive geographies are discussed. Finally, child safety, tensions between student independence and lost opportunities for teacher metacognitive modeling, questions about encoding as a viable or antiquated skill, and the need for additional research conducted in classroom settings to grasp sociocultural insights are discussed.
A case‐cohort approach for multi‐state models in hospital epidemiology
Authors: von Cube Maja , Schumacher Martin , Palomar‐Martinez Mercedes , Olaechea‐Astigarraga Pedro , Alvarez‐Lerma Francisco , Wolkewitz Martin
Published: October 2016

Analysing the determinants and consequences of hospital‐acquired infections involves the evaluation of large cohorts. Infected patients in the cohort are often rare for specific pathogens, because most of the patients admitted to the hospital are discharged or die without such an infection. Death and discharge are competing events to acquiring an infection, because these individuals are no longer at risk of getting a hospital‐acquired infection. Therefore, the data is best analysed with an extended survival model – the extended illness‐death model. A common problem in cohort studies is the costly collection of covariate values. In order to provide efficient use of data from infected as well as uninfected patients, we propose a tailored case‐cohort approach for the extended illness‐death model. The basic idea of the case‐cohort design is to only use a random sample of the full cohort, referred to as subcohort, and all cases, namely the infected patients. Thus, covariate values are only obtained for a small part of the full cohort. The method is based on existing and established methods and is used to perform regression analysis in adapted Cox proportional hazards models. We propose estimation of all cause‐specific cumulative hazards and transition probabilities in an extended illness‐death model based on case‐cohort sampling. As an example, we apply the methodology to infection with a specific pathogen using a large cohort from Spanish hospital data. The obtained results of the case‐cohort design are compared with the results in the full cohort to investigate the performance of the proposed method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unusual O‐Bridged Symmetric Quinoline‐Based Ligand for the Formation of Luminescent Mono‐Aqua Lanthanide Complexes
Authors: Hammoud Hassan , de Bettencourt‐Dias Ana , Schmitt Martine , Monteiro Jorge H. S. K. , Rossini Jeffrey S. , Lecointre Alexandre , Gallet Sébastien , Bourguignon Jean‐Jacques , Mameri Samir
Published: October 2016

A novel ligand based on a O‐bridged symmetrical bis‐quinoline containing carboxylate moieties has been synthesized and its coordination and sensitization ability for lanthanide ions has been studied in aqueous solution. The efficient 7‐step methodology developed starts from commercial 8‐methylquinoline. This new heterocycle, which was characterized in the solid state and in solution, displays interesting spectroscopic properties in water with an absorption below 350 nm. The coordination behaviour of this ligand with trivalent lanthanide cations (Ln=Eu, Tb and Gd) in solution leads to the formation of stable complexes with [LnL] stoichiometry, which were isolated from neutral water solutions containing equimolar amounts of cations and ligand. The photophysical properties of the mononuclear complexes of Eu and Tb were studied in aqueous solution by absorption, excitation and emission spectroscopy. Comparison of the luminescence lifetimes of the Eu and Tb complexes in H2O and D2O reveals the presence of 1 water molecule in the first coordination sphere of the metal ions. The sensitized emission efficiency of the Eu complex in water is good, as demonstrated by a quantum yield of 9.5(7)%. The analogous Tb(III) complex displays an emission efficiency of 2.0(1)%. This low value is indicative of incomplete energy transfer, which is supported by a decay lifetime that can be fit to a double exponential, due to residual ligand emission.