bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone Marrow Cells Inhibit BMP-2-Induced Osteoblast Activity in the Marrow Environment
Authors: Nguyen Ha Thi , Ono Mitsuaki , Oida Yasutaka , Hara Emilio Satoshi , Komori Taishi , Akiyama Kentaro , Nguyen Ha Thi Thu , Aung Kyaw Thu , Pham Hai Thanh , Tosa Ikue , Takarada Takeshi , Matsuo Koichi , Mizoguchi Toshihide , Oohashi Toshitaka , Kuboki Takuo
Published: October 2018

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) is widely known as a potent growth factor that promotes bone formation. However, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated side effects of BMP-2 therapy. A deeper understanding of the effect of BMP-2 on cells other than those involved directly in bone remodeling is of fundamental importance to promote a more effective delivery of BMP-2 to patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of BMP-2 in the marrow environment. First, BMP-2 adsorbed onto titanium implants was delivered at the tooth extraction socket (marrow-absent site) or in the mandible marrow of beagle dogs. BMP-2 could induce marked bone formation around the implant at the tooth extraction socket. Surprisingly, however, no bone formation was observed in the BMP-2-coated titanium implants inserted in the mandible marrow. In C57BL/6 mice, BMP-2 adsorbed in freeze-dried collagen pellets could induce bone formation in marrow-absent calvarial bone. However, similar to the canine model, BMP-2 could not induce bone formation in the femur marrow. Analysis of osteoblast differentiation using Col1a1(2.3)-GFP transgenic mice revealed a scarce number of osteoblasts in BMP-2-treated femurs, whereas in the control group, osteoblasts were abundant. Ablation of femur marrow recovered the BMP-2 ability to induce bone formation. In vitro experiments analyzing luciferase activity of C2C12 cells with the BMP-responsive element and alkaline phosphatase activity of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts further revealed that bone marrow cells inhibit the BMP-2 effect on osteoblasts by direct cell–cell contact. Collectively, these results showed that the effect of BMP-2 in inducing bone formation is remarkably repressed by marrow cells via direct cell–cell contact with osteoblasts; this opens new perspectives on the clarification of the side-effects associated with BMP-2 application. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
High Incidence of Cranial Synostosis and Chiari I Malformation in Children With X-Linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets (XLHR)
Authors: Rothenbuhler Anya , Fadel Nathalie , Debza Yahya , Bacchetta Justine , Diallo Mamadou Tidiane , Adamsbaum Catherine , Linglart Agnès , Di Rocco Federico
Published: October 2018

X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLHR) represents the most common form of genetic hypophosphatemia and causes rickets and osteomalacia in children because of increased FGF23 secretion and renal phosphate wasting. Even though cranial vault and craniovertebral anomalies of potential neurosurgical interest, namely early closure of the cranial sutures and Chiari type I malformation, have been observed in children with XLHR, their actual incidence and characteristics are not established. The aims of this study were to analyze the incidence of cranial and cervico-occipital junction (COJ) anomalies in children with XLHR and describe its features. This is a retrospective study of CT scans of the head and skull in 44 XLHR children followed at the French Reference Center for Rare Diseases of the Calcium and Phosphate Metabolism. Forty-four children with XLHR, 15 boys and 29 girls, aged 8.7 ± 3.9 years at time of CT scan, were studied. We found that 59% of XLHR children had a complete or partial fusion of the sagittal suture and 25% of XLHR children showed protrusion of the cerebellar tonsils. A history of dental abscesses was associated with craniosynostosis, and craniosynostosis was associated with abnormal descent of cerebellar tonsils. Only 2 patients showed neurologic symptoms. Four of 44 patients (9%) required neurosurgery. This study highlights that sagittal suture fusion and Chiari type I malformation are frequent complications of XLHR. The incidence of sagittal synostosis in XLHR is actually extremely high and was probably underestimated so far. Chiari type I malformation is also frequent. Because diagnosis of craniovertebral anomalies can be underestimated on a purely clinical basis, radiological studies should be considered in XLHR children if a proper diagnosis is warranted. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inactivation of Nell-1 in Chondrocytes Significantly Impedes Appendicular Skeletogenesis
Authors: Qi Huichuan , Kim Jong Kil , Ha Pin , Chen Xiaoyan , Chen Eric , Chen Yao , Li Jiayi , Pan Hsin Chuan , Yu Mengliu , Mohazeb Yasamin , Azer Sophia , Baik Lloyd , Kwak Jin Hee , Ting Kang , Zhang Xinli , Hu Min , Soo Chia
Published: October 2018

NELL-1, an osteoinductive protein, has been shown to regulate skeletal ossification. Interestingly, an interstitial 11p14.1-p15.3 deletion involving the Nell-1 gene was recently reported in a patient with short stature and delayed fontanelle closure. Here we sought to define the role of Nell-1 in endochondral ossification by investigating Nell-1-specific inactivation in Col2α1-expressing cell lineages. Nell-1flox/flox; Col2α1-Cre+ (Nell-1Col2α1KO) mice were generated for comprehensive analysis. Nell-1Col2α1KO mice were born alive but displayed subtle femoral length shortening. At 1 and 3 months postpartum, Nell-1 inactivation resulted in dwarfism and premature osteoporotic phenotypes. Specifically, Nell-1Col2α1KO femurs and tibias exhibited significantly reduced length, bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV), trabecular number/thickness, cortical volume/thickness/density, and increased trabecular separation. The decreased bone formation rate revealed by dynamic histomorphometry was associated with altered numbers and/or function of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Furthermore, longitudinal observations by in vivo micro-CT showed delayed and reduced mineralization at secondary ossification centers in mutants. Histologically, reduced staining intensities of Safranin O, Col-2, Col-10, and fewer BrdU-positive chondrocytes were observed in thinner Nell-1Col2α1KO epiphyseal plates along with altered distribution and weaker expression level of Ihh, Patched-1, PTHrP, and PTHrP receptor. Primary Nell-1Col2α1KO chondrocytes also exhibited decreased proliferation and differentiation, and its downregulated expression of the Ihh-PTHrP signaling molecules can be partially rescued by exogenous Nell-1 protein. Moreover, intranuclear Gli-1 protein and gene expression of the Gli-1 downstream target genes, Hip-1 and N-Myc, were also significantly decreased with Nell-1 inactivation. Notably, the rescue effects were diminished/reduced with application of Ihh signaling inhibitors, cyclopamine or GANT61. Taken together, these findings suggest that Nell-1 is a pivotal modulator of epiphyseal homeostasis and endochondral ossification. The cumulative chondrocyte-specific Nell-1 inactivation significantly impedes appendicular skeletogenesis resulting in dwarfism and premature osteoporosis through inhibiting Ihh signaling and predominantly altering the Ihh-PTHrP feedback loop. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Imine hydrosilylation using an iron complex catalyst: A computational study
Authors: Dahy AbdelRahman A. , Koga Nobuaki
Published: October 2018

The reaction mechanism for imine hydrosilylation in the presence of an iron methyl complex and hydrosilane was studied using density functional theory at the M06/6‐311G(d,p) level of theory. Benzylidenemethylamine (PhCH = NMe) and trimethylhydrosilane (HSiMe3) were employed as the model imine and hydrosilane, respectively. Hydrosilylation has been experimentally proposed to occur in two stages. In the first stage, the active catalyst (CpFe(CO)SiMe3, 1) is formed from the reaction of pre‐catalyst, CpFe(CO)2Me, and hydrosilane through CO migratory insertion into the FeMe bond and the reaction of the resulting acetyl complex intermediate with hydrosilane. In the second stage, 1 catalyzes the reaction of imine with hydrosilane. Calculations for the first stage showed that the most favorable pathway for CO insertion involved a spin state change, that is, two‐state reactivity mechanism through a triplet state intermediate, and the acetyl complex reaction with HSiMe3 follows a σ‐bond metathesis pathway. The calculations also showed that, in the catalytic cycle, the imine coordinates to 1 to form an FeCN three‐membered ring intermediate accompanied by silyl group migration. This intermediate then reacts with HSiMe3 to yield the hydrosilylated product through a σ‐bond metathesis and regenerate 1. The rate‐determining step in the catalytic cycle was the coordination of HSiMe3 to the three‐membered ring intermediate, with an activation energy of 23.1 kcal/mol. Imine hydrosilylation in the absence of an iron complex through a [2 + 2] cycloaddition mechanism requires much higher activation energies. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Triethanolamine‐catalyzed expeditious and greener synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐chromenes
Authors: Patel Anilkumar S. , Tala Satishkumar D. , Nariya Pankajkumar B. , Ladva Kartik D. , Kapuriya Naval P.
Published: October 2018

Triethanolamine (TEOA), an inexpensive and eco‐friendly base, was used to efficiently catalyze the three‐component condensation reaction of heterocyclic/aromatic aldehyde, (α/β)‐naphthol, and malononitrile in water to give the corresponding substituted 2‐amino‐4H‐chromene derivatives with excellent yields.
GLUT12 expression and regulation in murine small intestine and human Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Gil‐Iturbe Eva , Castilla‐Madrigal Rosa , Barrenetxe Jaione , Villaro Ana Cristina , Lostao María Pilar
Published: October 2018

GLUT12 was cloned from the mammary cancer cell line MCF‐7, but its physiological role still needs to be elucidated. To gain more knowledge of GLUT12 function in the intestine, we investigated GLUT12 subcellular localization in the small intestine and its regulation by sugars, hormones, and intracellular mediators in Caco‐2 cells and mice. Immunohistochemical methods were used to determine GLUT12 subcellular localization in human and murine small intestine. Brush border membrane vesicles were isolated for western blot analyses. Functional studies were performed in Caco‐2 cells by measuring α‐methyl‐d‐glucose (αMG) uptake in the absence of sodium. GLUT12 is located in the apical cytoplasm, below the brush border membrane, and in the perinuclear region of murine and human enterocytes. In Caco‐2 cells, GLUT12 translocation to the apical membrane and α‐methyl‐
d‐glucose uptake by the transporter are stimulated by protons, glucose, insulin, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), protein kinase C, and AMP‐activated protein kinase. In contrast, hypoxia decreases GLUT12 expression in the apical membrane. Upregulation of
TNF‐α and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (
HIF‐1α) genes is found in the jejunal mucosa of diet‐induced obese mice. In these animals, GLUT12 expression in the brush border membrane is slightly decreased compared with lean animals. Moreover, an intraperitoneal injection of insulin does not induce GLUT12 translocation to the membrane, as it occurs in lean animals. GLUT12 rapid translocation to the enterocytes’ apical membrane in response to glucose and insulin could be related to GLUT12 participation in sugar absorption during postprandial periods. In obesity, in which insulin sensitivity is reduced, the contribution of GLUT12 to sugar absorption is affected.
Prognostic value of pretreatment systemic immune‐inflammation index in patients with gastrointestinal cancers
Authors: Zhang Yi , Lin Shibu , Yang Xianjin , Wang Rong , Luo Lingyan
Published: October 2018

Background

Numerous studies have reported the relationship between systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) and prognosis in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, but no consensus has been reached. We aimed to systematically evaluate the prognostic value of SII in patients with GI cancers.

Methods

Relevant published papers regarding the prognostic value of SII in patients with GI cancers were obtained from a number of electronic databases. The overall hazard ratios and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using a fixed or random effects model to assess the relationship between SII and prognosis through Stata SE 12.0.

Results

A total of 24 eligible published articles with 9,626 patients were included. From the pooled results, we found that high SII indicated worse overall survival (OS) in patients with GI cancers (HR = 1.52, 95%CI: 1.29–1.74). And patients with high SII had poorer disease‐free survival (HR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.46–3.10), time to recurrence (HR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.11–2.30), and recurrence‐free survival (HR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.19–2.00) when compared with those with low SII values.

Conclusions

SII might serve as a noninvasive and powerful tool for predicting survival outcome in patients with GI cancers.
Growth arrest‐specific 5 attenuates cisplatin‐induced apoptosis in cervical cancer by regulating STAT3 signaling via miR‐21
Authors: Yao Tingting , Lu Rongbiao , Zhang Jun , Fang Xingyu , Fan Li , Huang Chunxian , Lin Rongchun , Lin Zhongqiu
Published: October 2018

Cervical cancer is the most common cause of female cancer‐related mortality worldwide. Decreased expression of long noncoding RNA growth arrest‐specific 5 (GAS5) is found in human cervical cancer tissues and associated with poor prognosis. However, the studies on associations between GAS5 level and malignant phenotypes, as well as sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drug in cervical cancer cells are limited. In this study, overexpression of GAS5 in cervical cancer cells resulted in prohibited cell proliferation and colony formation, which were promoted by siGAS5. Enhanced GAS5 increased cell percentage in the G0/G1 phase and decreased cells percentage in the S phase, whereas reduced expression did not. The malignant behaviors of cervical cancer cells, manifested by cell migration and invasion, could be weakened by the GAS5 overexpression and enhanced by siGAS5. Furthermore, in cisplatin‐induced cell, overexpression of GAS5 reduced cells viability and enhanced apoptosis, whereas in cells transfected with siGAS5, apoptosis eliminated. We have reported the upregulation of microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) and its oncogenetic roles in cervical cancer previously. In this study, we found the negative relationship between the GAS5 and miR‐21. Moreover, the decrease of miR‐21 associated proteins phosphorylated STAT3 and E2F3 was seen in GAS5 overexpressed cells, both of which could be increased by siGAS5. The GAS5 deficiency also reduced miR‐21 target proteins TIMP3 and PDCD4 expressions. Taken together, the GAS5 expression level is inversely associated with malignancy, but positively associated with sensitivity to cisplatin‐induced apoptosis, suggesting that GAS5 could be a biomarker of cisplatin‐resistance in clinical therapy of human cervical cancer.
Midterm outcomes of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with cardiac tamponade
Authors: Yui Yoshiaki , Sekiguchi Yukio , Nogami Akihiko , Yamasaki Hiro , Machino Takeshi , Kuroki Kenji , Igarashi Miyako , Aonuma Kazutaka , Ieda Masaki
Published: October 2018

Background

Cardiac tamponade is a serious complication of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the outcomes of catheter ablation in patients of cardiac tamponade are unknown.

Methods

We performed catheter ablation in 2467 sessions of AF or a recurrence of AF between January 2007 and January 2016. Of these, 29 events in 27 patients (1.18%: 22 men; 64.5 ± 10.4 years; 17 with paroxysmal AF) of cardiac tamponade during or after the procedure were recorded. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of these 29 events were studied in detail.

Results

Of the 19 events where the ablation procedure was completed, seven events developed acute recurrence of AF (36.8%). Of the 10 events with an incomplete procedure, 10 exhibited AF recurrence (100.0%). Direct oral anticoagulants were used in seven events, and clinical outcomes were not significantly different compared to the remaining 21 events that were prescribed warfarin. Pericarditis occurred in 10 events (34.5%) after the procedure, and the incidence rate was lower in patients receiving prophylactic nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs or steroids (2/15, 13.3% vs 8/14, 57.1%; P = 0.013). Repeated sessions were performed in 12 events (two with a complete initial procedure, 10 with an incomplete initial procedure). Freedom from atrial arrhythmias was observed in 27 events (93.1%, 9 with antiarrhythmic drugs) over midterm follow‐up (3.1 ± 2.6 years).

Conclusion

Although cardiac tamponade caused by catheter ablation led to a high rate of acute AF recurrence and pericarditis, the midterm recurrence rates of AF are unaffected if the procedure can be completed.
Dietary Management of Propionic Acidemia: Parent Caregiver Perspectives and Practices
Authors: Lea Dawn , Shchelochkov Oleg , Cleary Jennifer , Koehly Laura M.
Published: October 2018

Background

Propionic acidemia (PA), an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder, has an estimated incidence of 1:105,000–130,000 in the United States.1,2 Nutrition management is a main intervention for PA. Research in inborn errors of metabolism such as phenylketonuria has identified association of parental perceptions and practices with dietary outcomes. Parental perceptions and practices in the nutrition management of PA have not been investigated.

Objective

To assess the dietary perceptions and practices of parental caregivers of children affected by PA.

Methods

PA parents were surveyed about perceptions and practices associated with feeding their affected child(ren). The single‐page survey was anonymous, and responses to survey items were not identifiable. Parents provided information on how often they followed the prescribed diet and the rationale for any adjustments.

Results

Parents “always” or “most of the time” followed the prescribed diet for children 4–20 years of age; yet, open‐ended responses indicated that 71.4% made situational adjustments to their child's diet for a variety of reasons, including illness, iatrogenic effects, and social events.

Conclusions

PA parents make situational adjustments to their child's highly specialized diet. Uncertainty exists as to the situational adjustments being within the guidelines used by the metabolic healthcare team who rely on parents to inform them about dietary situational adjustments.
Development of transparent emissive LCD using novel polarized‐light‐emitting film
Authors: Mochizuki Noriaki , Morita Ryoutarou
Published: October 2018

We developed new light‐emitting films that emit linearly polarized light and exhibit transmittances over 90%. This film was realized through the development of a new pigment that demonstrated high orientation in film. The polarized light that emits from the film can be controlled by irradiating polarized ultraviolet light. These new films were used for the successful fabrication of a novel self‐emissive liquid crystal display that exhibited high transparency, high contrast, and good visibility.
Quantitative Assessment of Liver Stiffness Using Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography in Patients With Chronic Graft‐Versus‐Host Disease After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Zhang Man , Mendiratta‐Lala Mishal , Maturen Katherine E. , Wasnik Ashish P. , Wang Sherry S. , Assad Hadeel , Rubin Jonathan M.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare hepatic stiffness on ultrasound (US) shear wave elastography (SWE) in patients with chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation versus patients with no underlying liver disease.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 4901 patients who underwent abdominal US examinations with adjunctive liver SWE between August 2014 and December 2016. Each patient was scanned supine with gentle breath holding on LOGIQ E9 (GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI) or Epiq (Philips Healthcare, Andover, MA) US machines (3–6 MHz). Three to 10 measurements were made intercostally in the right hepatic lobe, following manufacturers' guidelines before release of the 2015 Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound consensus or the 2015 Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound consensus. The median and standard deviation of the shear wave velocity (SWV) were obtained. A 2‐sample t test with the Welch approximation was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Six patients had documented hepatic chronic GVHD or a high clinical suspicion of liver chronic GVHD. All had normal pretransplant liver function test results and no pretransplant or posttransplant hepatic infection. The control group, obtained from the same database, contained 10 patients with normal liver function test results, no abdominal pain, and no history of liver disease or conditions that may have caused liver stiffness changes. The SWVs in patients with chronic GVHD were double those in the control group (1.96 ± 0.28 versus 0.98 ± 0.27 m/s; P < .0001).

Conclusions

Patients with chronic GVHD had substantially higher hepatic parenchymal SWVs than patients without liver disease, indicating increased tissue stiffness. To our knowledge, this phenomenon has not been previously reported in chronic GVHD and suggests potential utility of SWE for diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression and the treatment response in this cohort of patients.
Backbone‐Based LCST‐Type Hyperbranched Poly(oligo(ethylene glycol)) with CO2‐Reversible Iminoboronate Linkers
Authors: Yu Jiabao , Chao Huan , Li Guo , Tang Rupei , Liu Zhaotie , Liu Zhongwen , Jiang Jinqiang
Published: October 2018

Due to the very weak acidity of CO2 in water, the trigger of CO2 is always used to tune the physico‐chemical properties of polymeric materials through the protonation of organic bases rather than the hydrolysis of acid‐labile moieties contained in polymeric structures. Herein, a novel strategy of gas‐switchable lower critical solution temperature (LCST)‐type hyperbranched polymer of iminoboronate‐linked hyperbranched poly(oligo‐(ethylene glycol)) (IB‐hPOEG), by employing CO2‐acidolyzable iminoboronates as linkers and protonable tertiary amines as branch points, is presented. Upon alternative CO2 and N2, iminoboronates are partially reversibly hydrolyzed and tertiary amines are repeatedly protonated. This leads to a tunable thermo‐responsive behavior of IB‐hPOEG aqueous solution with a broad range of T
cp at 28–78 °C intervals by varying the molar ratio of boronic acid, polymer concentration, or bubbling of CO2 and N2. This gas‐controllable LCST‐type hyperbranched polymer with CO2‐hydrolyzable iminoboronates is believed to have a promising potential for advanced biomedical and material applications such as drug delivery, gene transfection, functional coatings, etc.
Chemopreventive Effects of Whole Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) on Colitis‐Associated Colon Tumorigenesis
Authors: Wu Xian , Song Mingyue , Cai Xiaokun , Neto Catherine , Tata Anuradha , Han Yanhui , Wang Qi , Tang Zhonghai , Xiao Hang
Published: October 2018

Scope

There are growing interests in using a whole‐food‐based approach to prevent chronic diseases due to potential synergistic interactions among different bioactive components within the whole foods. North American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), a polyphenol‐rich fruit, has been shown to exert multiple beneficial health effects.

Methods and results

For the first time, the protective effects of whole cranberry powder (WCP) are determined against colitis‐associated mouse colon tumorigenesis induced by azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The results show that dietary administration of WCP (1.5%, w/w in the diet) significantly suppresses colon tumorigenesis as indicated by the reduced tumor incidence, multiplicity, burden, and average tumor size in WCP‐fed mice compared to the positive control mice. Both gene and protein expression levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α are markedly attenuated by WCP treatment in the colon of AOM/DSS‐treated mice. Moreover, WCP profoundly modulates multiple signaling pathways/proteins related to inflammation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis in the colon, which is closely associated with the inhibitory effects of WCP on colon tumorigenesis.

Conclusion

Overall, the results demonstrate chemopreventive effects of WCP on colon tumorigenesis in mice, providing a scientific basis for using the whole cranberry as a functional food to promote colon health in humans.
Comparing Long‐Chain Branching Mechanisms for Ethylene Polymerization with Metallocenes and Other Single‐Site Catalysts: What Simulated Microstructures Can Teach Us
Authors: Albeladi Abdulrahman , Soares João B. P. , Mehdiabadi Saeid
Published: October 2018

Three different long‐chain branch (LCB) formation mechanisms for ethylene polymerization with metallocenes in solution polymerization semi‐batch and continuous stirred‐tank reactors are modeled to predict the microstructure of the resulting polymer. The three mechanisms are terminal branching, C–H bond activation, and intramolecular random incorporation. Selected polymerization parameters are varied to observe how each mechanism affects polymer microstructure. Increasing the ethylene concentration during semi‐batch polymerization reduces the LCB frequency of polymers made with the terminal branching and intramolecular mechanisms, but has no effect on those made with the C–H bond activation mechanism, which disagrees with most previous data published in the literature. The intramolecular mechanism predicts that LCB frequencies hardly depend on polymerization time or ethylene conversion, which also disagrees with the published experimental data for these systems. For continuous polymerization reactors, experimental data relating polydispersity to LCB frequency can be well described with the terminal branching mechanism, but both C–H bond activation and intramolecular models fail to describe this experimental relationship. Therefore, detailed simulations confirm that the terminal branching mechanism is indeed the most likely mechanism for LCB formation when ethylene is polymerized with single‐site coordination catalysts such as metallocenes in solution polymerization reactors.
Drone arc routing problems
Authors: Campbell James F. , Corberán Ángel , Plana Isaac , Sanchis José M.
Published: October 2018

In this article, we present some drone arc routing problems (Drone ARPs) and study their relation with well‐known postman ARPs. Applications for Drone ARPs include traffic monitoring by flying over roadways, infrastructure inspection such as by flying along power transmission lines, pipelines or fences, and surveillance along linear features such as coastlines or territorial borders. Unlike the postmen in traditional ARPs, drones can travel directly between any two points in the plane without following the edges of the network. As a consequence, a drone route may service only part of an edge, with multiple routes being used to cover the entire edge. Thus the Drone ARPs are continuous optimization problems with an infinite number of feasible solutions. In order to solve them as a discrete optimization problem, we approximate each curve in the plane by a polygonal chain, thus allowing the vehicle to enter and leave each curve only at the points of the polygonal chain. If the capacity of the vehicles is unlimited, the resulting problem is a rural postman problem (RPP). We propose an algorithm that iteratively solves RPP instances with an increasing number of points of the polygonal chain and present results on several sets of instances. We also briefly discuss the case in which the drones have limited capacity and several drones are needed.
LED Illumination – A Hazard to the Eye?
Authors: Hessling Martin , Koelbl Philipp S. , Lingenfelder Christian
Published: October 2018

In the current discussion about the possible dangers and health consequences of blue or white LED light for various lighting purposes including displays, it is often ignored that LEDs are not the only light sources with a significant blue component. Fluorescent tubes or energy‐saving lamps have been used for decades, although they also have emission peaks in the blue, violet, and ultraviolet spectral ranges. And since the beginning of life on earth, the sun has been a light source with a strong blue and even ultraviolet component. The emissions of LED illuminants and their expected health effects can be assessed by comparing them to those long‐known light sources.
Hot Lithography – New Possibilities in Polymer 3D Printing
Authors: Pfaffinger Markus
Published: October 2018

Additive manufacturing as an industrial production tool of polymer parts requires outstanding precision and surface quality of the printed objects in combination with good mechanical and thermal material properties. For this, current technologies often provide only insufficient solutions. Cubicure developed the hot lithography technology which allows the processing of high‐performance photopolymers in outstanding precision.
Evaluation of DSM‐5 and ICD‐11 personality traits using the Personality Inventory for DSM‐5 (PID‐5) in a Brazilian sample of psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Lugo Vania , de Oliveira Sérgio Eduardo Silva , Hessel Carolina Rabello , Monteiro Ricardo Tavares , Pasche Nickolle Lorandi , Pavan Gabriela , Motta Luis Souza , Pacheco Marco Antônio , Spanemberg Lucas
Published: October 2018

Objective

The objective of this study was to test if the Personality Inventory for DSM‐5 (PID‐5) is an adequate instrument to evaluate psychiatric inpatients' pathological personality traits.

Methods

Inpatients (n = 130; mean age: 38.5 years; 62.3% female; 63.9% single) answered the PID‐5 after clinical improvement of their psychiatric symptoms. The mean scores of the DSM‐5 personality domains, facets and profiles, and ICD‐11 domain traits were compared with the mean scores of a Brazilian normative sample (n = 656). We investigated the diagnostic performance of the scales to identify individuals with and without psychopathology.

Results

The final sample included mainly diagnoses of mood disorders. Except for Antagonism and Disinhibition, all DSM‐5 personality domains and most facets as well as almost all DSM‐5 personality disorder profiles (except Narcissist) and ICD‐11 trait domains (except Detachment and Dissociality) of the inpatients presented high differences compared with the normative sample. In general, the PID‐5 scales presented a high negative predictive value and a low positive predictive value to identify individuals with severe psychopathology.

Discussion

This study found high scores of pathological personality traits in a sample of Brazilian psychiatric inpatients. The PID‐5 may be a promising instrument to measure pathological personality traits among psychiatric inpatients. Methodological and sample size limitations may have influenced the results. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“Smart” Catalysis with thermoresponsive ruthenium catalysts for miniemulsion ru‐mediated reversible deactivation radical polymerization cocatalyzed by smart iron cocatalysts
Authors: Bultz Elijah , Ouchi Makoto , Sawamoto Mitsuo , Cunningham Michael F.
Published: October 2018

This work reports the use of cocatalysts in addition to “smart” ruthenium catalysts for Ru‐mediated reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) in miniemulsion, allowing for the synthesis of final products with significantly reduced residual metal. Using amine cocatalysts in miniemulsion allows for high conversions (> 90%) in under 10 h. Two forms of ferrocene cocatalysts are also used, including “smart” thermoresponsive PEGylated ferrocene derivatives (FcPEG) and ferrocene containing surfactants (FcTMA). Using “smart” thermoresponsive cocatalyst at low concentrations, rate enhancements in BMA and BzMA polymerizations are observed, with good catalyst removability. Using the FcTMA cocatalyst surfactant, increasing monomer hydrophobicity is shown to increase the polymerization rate and initiator efficiency. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 305–312
Delirium and its consequences in the specialized palliative care unit: Validation of the Korean version of Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale
Authors: Kang Beodeul , Kim Yu Jung , Suh Seung Wan , Son Kyung‐Lak , Ahn Grace S. , Park Hye Youn
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Delirium is highly prevalent in patients with advanced cancer. This study aimed to investigate delirium rates and potential associated factors such as mortality in patients admitted to an acute palliative care unit (APCU). Our second aim was to validate the Korean version of the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (K‐MDAS).

Methods

A total of 102 patients with advanced cancer, and who were admitted to the APCU, were assessed. Demographic data were collected alongside clinical diagnosis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, clinical symptoms according to the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, history of smoking, alcohol use, hypnotic use, and daily dose of morphine were collected. The Confusion Assessment Method, the Delirium Rating Scale‐Revised 98, and the K‐MDAS were measured at admission and 1 week later.

Results

Twenty‐four patients (23.52%) were diagnosed with delirium, and associated factors were old age (P = 0.007), higher ECOG (P = 0.011), and drowsiness (P < 0.001). The presence of delirium was an independent predictor of 1‐month mortality; male gender, higher body mass index, and hypnotic use were also related to 1‐month mortality. The K‐MDAS had reliable internal consistency (α = 0.942) and showed sensitivity of 0.958 and specificity of 0.921 at the optimal cutoff score for diagnosing delirium of 9.

Conclusions

Delirium was prevalent in patients admitted to the APCU and was associated with 1‐month mortality. The K‐MDAS showed acceptable reliability and validity and can be used to screen for delirium in a palliative care setting.
Efficacy of musical training on psychological outcomes and quality of life in Chinese pediatric brain tumor survivors
Authors: Cheung Ankie Tan , Li William Ho Cheung , Ho Ka Yan , Lam Katherine Ka Wai , Ho Laurie Long Kwan , Chiu Sau Ying , Chan Godfrey Chi Fung , Chung Joyce Oi Kwan
Published: October 2018

Background

Evidence has shown that survivors of pediatric brain tumors have more negative psychological sequela, particularly depression, than do survivors of other childhood cancers. This study examined the efficacy of a musical training program in reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing self‐esteem and quality of life in Hong Kong Chinese pediatric brain tumor survivors.

Methods

A prospective randomized controlled trial, two‐group pretest and repeated posttest, between‐subjects design was conducted to 60 pediatric brain tumor survivors (8‐5 years old). Participants in the experimental group received a weekly 45‐min lesson on musical training for 52 weeks. Participants in the control group received a placebo intervention. The primary outcome was depressive symptoms at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were self‐esteem and quality of life at 12 months. Data were collected at baseline and 6 and 12 months after the intervention began.

Results

Participants in the experimental group reported statistically significant fewer depressive symptoms (P < 0.001), higher levels of self‐esteem (P < 0.001), and better quality of life (P < 0.001) than the control group at 12‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that musical training is effective in reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing self‐esteem and quality of life in Hong Kong Chinese pediatric brain tumor survivors. These results indicate that musical training is not only a leisure activity but also carries therapeutic effects in promoting psychological well‐being and quality of life in pediatric brain tumor survivors.
Self‐disclosure to peers by young adult cancer survivors
Authors: Rabin Carolyn
Published: October 2018

Objective

Given the potential benefits of self‐disclosure, the goal of this study was to learn more about how young adult cancer survivors navigate the process of disclosing their cancer history to peers.

Methods

A sample of 122 young adult cancer survivors completed a brief, online survey. Data were collected to assess how and why survivors self‐disclose to peers and how peers react.

Results

Participants endorsed a number of reasons for disclosing their cancer history to peers (eg, felt it was important for them to know) or choosing not to disclose (eg, to avoid upsetting/burdening them). Participants used a variety of strategies during the disclosure with the most frequently endorsed being humor and providing reassurance. Mediational analyses supported the study hypothesis: The relationship between peer reactions to self‐disclosure and the likelihood of future disclosure was mediated by survivors' satisfaction with the self‐disclosure experience. Exploratory analyses provided some insight into which disclosure strategies were met with a more positive reaction from peers.

Conclusions

The actual and anticipated reactions from peers play a crucial role in shaping young adult cancer survivors' experience of self‐disclosure. Clinicians may use these findings to help young survivors optimize their self‐disclosure experiences.
Airway and esophageal eosinophils in children with severe uncontrolled asthma
Authors: Erkman Jessica , Vaynblat Allen , Thomas Kristen , Segal Leopoldo N. , Levine Jeremiah , Moy Libia , Greifer Melanie , Giusti Robert , Shah Rasik , Kazachkov Mikhail
Published: October 2018

Aim

Children with severe uncontrolled asthma (SUA) have a high burden of symptoms and increased frequency of asthma exacerbations. Reflux esophagitis and eosinophilic esophagitis are important co‐morbid factors for SUA. Both are associated with the presence of eosinophils in esophageal mucosa. We hypothesized that esophageal eosinophils are frequently present and correlate with the presence of airway eosinophils in children with SUA.

Method

We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospective database of children who underwent “triple endoscopy” (sleep laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] and endobronchial biopsy [EBB], and esophagogastroduodenoscopy with esophageal biopsy [EsB]) at our Aerodigestive Center for evaluation of SUA. Children with known cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and aspiration‐related lung disease were excluded.

Result

Twenty‐four children (21 males) ages 2‐16 years were studied. Elevated BAL eosinophils were found in 10 (42%) patients, endobronchial eosinophils in 16 (67%); 7 (29%) had endobronchial eosinophils without elevated BAL eosinophils. Esophageal eosinophils were found in 11 (46%) patients. There was a correlation between the amount of eosinophils in BAL and EBB (R = 0.43, P = 0.05) airway eosinophils, defined as elevated BAL and/or EBB eosinophils, correlated with esophageal eosinophils (R = 0.41, P = 0.047).

Conclusion

We concluded that airway and esophageal eosinophils are frequently present in children with SUA.
The impact of malnutrition on efficacy of resistance training in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Kamo Tomohiko , Ishii Hideaki , Suzuki Keisuke , Nishida Yuusuke
Published: October 2018

Objective

Few studies have focused on the effect of resistance training under conditions of malnutrition in older adults requiring long‐term care. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of nutritional status in older adults on resistance training‐induced changes in physical performance.

Methods

A total of 91 community‐dwelling older adults participated in 24 weeks of resistance training. Participants used the 60% of one repetition maximum for three sets of 10 repetitions for resistance training. Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA‐SF), Barthel Index, and grip strength were measured before and after the resistance training. The participants were classified into three groups according to the MNA‐SF score at baseline (0 to 7 as malnutrition group, 8 to 11 as at risk group, and 12 to 14 as well‐nourished group).

Results

In comparing the preintervention and postintervention changes in functional fitness of the groups, there was a significant Group × Time interaction for SPPB scores (F = 11.59, p < 0.01), 4‐m walk speed (F = 5.87, p < 0.01), and grip strength (F = 3.27, p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that well‐nourished group was significantly more likely to improvement of physical function (odds ratio 3.08, 95% confidence interval [1.54, 6.15], p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The results of study revealed that malnutrition was an independent negative factor of effects of resistance training in older adults. These results suggested that effects of resistance training may be affected by the nutritional state.
HDX‐MS reveals orthosteric and allosteric changes in apolipoprotein‐D structural dynamics upon binding of progesterone
Authors: Kielkopf Claudia S. , Ghosh Madhubrata , Anand Ganesh S. , Brown Simon H.J.
Published: October 2018

Apolipoprotein‐D is a glycosylated tetrameric lipocalin that binds and transports small hydrophobic molecules such as progesterone and arachidonic acid. Like other lipocalins, apolipoprotein‐D adopts an eight‐stranded β‐barrel fold stabilized by two intramolecular disulphide bonds, with an adjacent α‐helix. Crystallography studies of recombinant apolipoprotein‐D demonstrated no major conformational changes upon progesterone binding.

Amide hydrogen‐deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX‐MS) reports structural changes of proteins in solution by monitoring exchange of amide hydrogens in the protein backbone with deuterium. HDX‐MS detects changes in conformation and structural dynamics in response to protein function such as ligand binding that may go undetected in X‐ray crystallography, making HDX‐MS an invaluable orthogonal technique. Here, we report an HDX‐MS protocol for apolipoprotein‐D that solved challenges of high protein rigidity and low pepsin cleavage using rigorous quenching conditions and longer deuteration times, yielding 85% sequence coverage and 50% deuterium exchange. The relative fractional deuterium exchange of ligand‐free apolipoprotein‐D revealed apolipoprotein‐D to be a highly structured protein. Progesterone binding was detected by significant reduction in deuterium exchange in eight peptides. Stabilization of apolipoprotein‐D dynamics can be interpreted as a combined orthosteric effect in the ligand binding pocket and allosteric effect at the N‐terminus and C‐terminus. Together, our experiments provide insight into apolipoprotein‐D structural dynamics and map the effects of progesterone binding that are relayed to distal parts of the protein. The observed stabilization of apolipoprotein‐D dynamics upon progesterone binding demonstrates a common behaviour in the lipocalin family and may have implications for interactions of apolipoprotein‐D with receptors or lipoprotein particles.

Statement: We reveal for the first time how apolipoprotein‐D, which is protective in Alzheimer's disease, becomes more ordered when bound to a molecule of steroid hormone. These results significantly extend the understanding of apolipoprotein‐D structure from X‐ray crystallography studies by incorporating information on how protein motion changes over time. To achieve these results an improved protocol was developed, suitable for proteins similar to apolipoprotein‐D, to elucidate how proteins change flexibility when binding to small molecules.
The performance of the adaptive EWMA median chart in the presence of measurement error
Authors: Tang Anan , Castagliola Philippe , Hu Xuelong , Sun Jinsheng
Published: October 2018

In quality control applications, the control chart is a powerful tool but its performance is adversely affected by the contamination from either the inspector or the measuring device leading to measurement errors. In this paper, we investigate the performance of the AEWMA median chart with measurement errors, and a methodology is proposed to obtain the optimal parameters by considering a linearly covariate error model. Several figures and tables show that, with the existence of measurement errors, the efficiency of the AEWMA median chart can be strongly affected, but this negative effect can be compensated by taking multiple measurements at each sample point. Comparisons with the Shewhart and the classical EWMA schemes confirm the superiority of the AEWMA scheme for detecting a wide range of shifts in the case of precise and imprecise data. An example is provided to illustrate the use of the AEWMA median chart with measurement errors.
Geometry of the canonical Van Vleck transformation part II: Further developments and numerical treatment
Authors: Jørgensen Flemming
Published: October 2018

Kvaal's geometric approach from Part I is developed, now with inclusion of a modified version of his efficient method for numerical determination of representing matrices and with an extension to block‐diagonalization. In Part I methods of polar decomposition (PD) and singular value decomposition (SVD) are applied to the simple operator S(=PP0 + QQ0). Now, we build on results for the PD/SVD of an arbitrary operator b. Intimate connections to Löwdin's two orthonormalization methods are found, recurring in most results concerning geometry of the canonical VVT—including the numerical analysis. Theorems of the Carlson‐Keller type are discussed in terms of the Frobenius' norm and inner product for operators. With minimum considered as one stationary value among several, the result unites the theorems of uniqueness by Klein and by Jørgensen. We review Brandow's recognition of Löwdin's methods in des Cloizeaux’ pioneering work. The canonical gave the first example of Kvaal's principal vectors.
Semiempirical molecular orbital models based on the neglect of diatomic differential overlap approximation
Authors: Husch Tamara , Vaucher Alain C. , Reiher Markus
Published: October 2018

Semiempirical molecular orbital (SEMO) models based on the neglect of diatomic differential overlap (NDDO) approximation efficiently solve the self‐consistent field equations by rather drastic approximations. The computational efficiency comes at the cost of an error in the electron‐electron repulsion integrals. The error may be compensated by the introduction of parametric expressions to evaluate the electron‐electron repulsion integrals, the one‐electron integrals, and the core‐core repulsion. We review the resulting formalisms of popular NDDO‐SEMO models (such as the MNDO(/d), AM1, PMx, and OMx models) in a concise and self‐contained manner. We discuss the approaches to implicitly and explicitly describe electron correlation effects within NDDO‐SEMO models and we dissect strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches in a detailed analysis. For this purpose, we consider the results of recent benchmark studies. Furthermore, we apply bootstrapping to perform a sensitivity analysis for a selection of parameters in the MNDO model. We also identify systematic limitations of NDDO‐SEMO models by drawing on an analogy to Kohn‐Sham density functional theory.