bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The status and distribution of a newly identified endemic galaxiid in the eastern Cape Fold Ecoregion, of South Africa
Authors: Chakona Gamuchirai , Swartz Ernst R. , Chakona Albert
Published: November 2017

DNA‐based studies have uncovered cryptic species and lineages within almost all freshwater fishes studied thus far from the Cape Fold Ecoregion (CFE) of South Africa. These studies have changed the way the CFE is viewed, as almost all stream fishes that were previously considered to be of low conservation priority, because they were perceived to have broad geographical ranges, contain multiple historically isolated lineages, many of which are narrow‐range endemics.

As stream fishes of the CFE are of conservation concern owing to threats mainly posed by habitat degradation, invasion by alien species and hydrological modification, re‐evaluation of the distribution and conservation status of newly identified unique lineages is required to inform the development and implementation of effective conservation and management strategies.

The present study conducted an IUCN Red List conservation assessment of a newly identified lineage of the Galaxias zebratus species complex (hereafter referred to as Galaxias sp. ‘Joubertina’) to identify key threats and provide recommendations to conservation authorities on appropriate measures to reduce extinction risk.

The lineage met the qualifying threshold for the Endangered category because of its very restricted geographic range, few remaining secure populations, small known population sizes and the intensity of threats to most of the populations. Only six populations remain, one of which could be an ‘extralimital’ population potentially established through an inter‐basin water transfer scheme.

Galaxias sp. ‘Joubertina’ is threatened by invasive piscivores, habitat degradation and excessive water abstraction. These impacts have fragmented remnant populations, raising concerns about potential long‐term adverse impacts on genetic diversity and evolutionary potential of this lineage.

Immediate conservation measures should protect remnant populations from further impacts, while long‐term measures should aim to restore historical connectivity to reduce the potential deleterious effects of inbreeding in the small isolated populations.
Understanding the determinants and dynamic process of user exodus in social networking sites: Evidence from Kaixin001
Authors: Zhao Yuxiang (Chris) , Xu Xiaojuan , Peng Xixian , Song Shijie
Published: November 2017

Understanding the factors and mechanism that affect the users’ abandon behaviors is necessary for the sustained use of Social Networking Sites (SNSs). This study focuses on a special SNS discontinuance phenomenon—user exodus. Compared to individual discontinuance behavior studied in prior research, the SNS user exodus possesses its own characteristics: a huge magnitude of users abandon a given SNS product in a very short time. Given the fatal blow of exodus to SNS providers, this exploratory research seeks to unravel why and how the SNS user exodus occurs. Specifically, we conducted a mixed‐method research combining laddering interview and network analysis. Drawing on the means‐end chain theory, laddering interviews were first used to collect data from discontinuers of a Chinese SNS, Kaixin001, which has experienced a severe user dropout. Then we identified various factors triggering user exodus by content analysis. Last, network analysis was employed to establish the connections between various attributes, consequences, and values. The results showed that user exodus in SNS is strongly related to three types of value: functional, affective, and social value. More important, we also emphasized the dynamics process of exodus by highlighting the role of lurking. Possible contributions and implications of our findings are discussed.
A dynamic fusion system for fast nuclear source detection and localization with mobile sensor networks
Authors: Grelaud Aude , Mitra Priyam , Xie Minge , Chen Rong
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes a dynamic system, with an associated fusion learning inference procedure, to perform real‐time detection and localization of nuclear sources using a network of mobile sensors. This is motivated by the need for a reliable detection system in order to prevent nuclear attacks in major cities such as New York City. The approach advocated here installs a large number of relatively inexpensive (and perhaps relatively less accurate) nuclear source detection sensors and GPS devices in taxis and police vehicles moving in the city. Sensor readings and GPS information are sent to a control center at a high frequency, where the information is immediately processed and fused with the earlier signals. We develop a real‐time detection and localization method aimed at detecting the presence of a nuclear source and estimating its location and power. We adopt a Bayesian framework to perform the fusion learning and use a sequential Monte Carlo algorithm to estimate the parameters of the model and to perform real‐time localization. A simulation study is provided to assess the performance of the method for both stationary and moving sources. The results provide guidance and recommendations for an actual implementation of such a surveillance system. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gutsy Moves: The Amygdala as a Critical Node in Microbiota to Brain Signaling
Authors: Cowan Caitlin S. M. , Hoban Alan E. , Ventura‐Silva Ana Paula , Dinan Timothy G. , Clarke Gerard , Cryan John F.
Published: November 2017

The amygdala is a key brain area regulating responses to stress and emotional stimuli, so improving our understanding of how it is regulated could offer novel strategies for treating disturbances in emotion regulation. As we review here, a growing body of evidence indicates that the gut microbiota may contribute to a range of amygdala‐dependent brain functions from pain sensitivity to social behavior, emotion regulation, and therefore, psychiatric health. In addition, it appears that the microbiota is necessary for normal development of the amygdala at both the structural and functional levels. While further investigations are needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms of microbiota‐to‐amygdala communication, ultimately, this work raises the intriguing possibility that the gut microbiota may become a viable treatment target in disorders associated with amygdala dysregulation, including visceral pain, post‐traumatic stress disorder, and beyond. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/O5gvxVJjX18
Structure‐activity studies of peptidomimetics based on kinase‐inhibitory region of suppressors of cytokine signaling 1
Authors: La Manna Sara , Lopez‐Sanz Laura , Leone Marilisa , Brandi Paola , Scognamiglio Pasqualina Liana , Morelli Giancarlo , Novellino Ettore , Gomez‐Guerrero Carmen , Marasco Daniela
Published: November 2017

Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) proteins are negative regulators of JAK proteins that are receptor‐associated tyrosine kinases, which play key roles in the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of several transcription factors named STATs. Unlike the other SOCS proteins, SOCS1 and 3 show, in the N‐terminal portion, a small kinase inhibitory region (KIR) involved in the inhibition of JAK kinases. Drug discovery processes of compounds based on KIR sequence demonstrated promising in functional in vitro and in inflammatory animal models and we recently developed a peptidomimetic called PS5, as lead compound. Here, we investigated the cellular ability of PS5 to mimic SOCS1 biological functions in vascular smooth muscle cells and simultaneously we set up a new binding assay for the screening and identification of JAK2 binders based on a SPR experiment that revealed more robust with respect to previous ELISAs. On this basis, we designed several peptidomimetics bearing new structural constraints that were analyzed in both affinities toward JAK2 and conformational features through Circular Dichroism and NMR spectroscopies. Introduced chemical modifications provided an enhancement of serum stabilities of new sequences that could aid the design of future mimetic molecules of SOCS1 as novel anti‐inflammatory compounds.
The burst‐phase folding intermediate of ribonuclease H changes conformation over evolutionary history
Authors: Lim Shion A. , Marqusee Susan
Published: November 2017

The amino acid sequence encodes the energy landscape of a protein. Therefore, we expect evolutionary mutations to change features of the protein energy landscape, including the conformations adopted by a polypeptide as it folds to its native state. Ribonucleases H (RNase H) from Escherichia coli and Thermus thermophilus both fold via a partially folded intermediate in which the core region of the protein (helices A‐D and strands 4‐5) is structured. Strand 1, however, uniquely contributes to the T. thermophilus RNase H folding intermediate (Icore+1), but not the E. coli RNase H intermediate (Icore) (Rosen & Marqusee, PLoS One 2015). We explore the origin of this difference by characterizing the folding intermediate of seven ancestral RNases H spanning the evolutionary history of these two homologs. Using fragment models with or without strand 1 and FRET probes to characterize the folding intermediate of each ancestor, we find a distinct evolutionary trend across the family—the involvement of strand 1 in the folding intermediate is an ancestral feature that is maintained in the thermophilic lineage and is gradually lost in the mesophilic lineage. Evolutionary sequence changes indeed modulate the conformations present on the folding landscape and altered the folding trajectory of RNase H.
Influence of national centralization of oesophagogastric cancer on management and clinical outcome from emergency upper gastrointestinal conditions
Authors: Markar S R , Mackenzie H , Wiggins T , Askari A , Karthikesalingam A , Faiz O , Griffin S M , Birkmeyer J D , Hanna G B
Published: November 2017

Background

In England in 2001 oesophagogastric cancer surgery was centralized. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether centralization of oesophagogastric cancer to high-volume centres has had an effect on mortality from different emergency upper gastrointestinal conditions.

Methods

The Hospital Episode Statistics database was used to identify patients admitted to hospitals in England (1997–2012). The influence of oesophagogastric high-volume cancer centre status (20 or more resections per year) on 30- and 90-day mortality from oesophageal perforation, paraoesophageal hernia and perforated peptic ulcer was analysed.

Results

Over the study interval, 3707, 12 441 and 56 822 patients with oesophageal perforation, paraoesophageal hernia and perforated peptic ulcer respectively were included. There was a passive centralization to high-volume cancer centres for oesophageal perforation (26·9 per cent increase), paraoesophageal hernia (19·5 per cent increase) and perforated peptic ulcer (23·0 per cent increase). Management of oesophageal perforation in high-volume centres was associated with a reduction in 30-day (HR 0·58, 95 per cent c.i. 0·45 to 0·74) and 90-day (HR 0·62, 0·49 to 0·77) mortality. High-volume cancer centre status did not affect mortality from paraoesophageal hernia or perforated peptic ulcer. Annual emergency admission volume thresholds at which mortality improved were observed for oesophageal perforation (5 patients) and paraoesophageal hernia (11). Following centralization, the proportion of patients managed in high-volume cancer centres that reached this volume threshold was 88·0 per cent for oesophageal perforation, but only 30·3 per cent for paraoesophageal hernia.

Conclusion

Centralization of low incidence conditions such as oesophageal perforation to high-volume cancer centres provides a greater level of expertise and ultimately reduces mortality.
Control of the Charge Carrier Concentration and Hall Mobility in PEDOT:PSS Thermoelectric Films
Authors: Kim Sung Hyun
Published: November 2017

We investigated the effect of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) on the thermoelectric properties of free‐standing poly(3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films. The electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient of the film containing 0.50 vol% GQDs are 164.60 S/cm and 34.85 μV/K, compared with 22.50 S/cm and 27.72 μV/K, respectively, for the pristine PEDOT:PSS film without GQDs. The power factor (PF) increased up to 22.37 μW/mK2, which is ~13 times higher than that (1.73 μW/mK2) of the pristine film through the selective dedoping of PEDOT by the chemical treatment. Thus, the improved PF is due to the optimized charge carrier concentration and increased Hall mobility by the morphological and structural evolution.
Development and validation of a high‐performance liquid chromatography method for determination of lisinopril in human plasma by magnetic solid‐phase extraction and pre‐column derivatization
Authors: Rastkari Noushin , Ahmadkhaniha Reza
Published: November 2017

A sensitive, reliable and simple HPLC method was developed for the determination of lisinopril in human plasma. The method consists of extraction and clean‐up steps based on magnetic solid‐phase extraction and pre‐column derivatization with a fluorescent reagent. The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of methanol–sodium dihydrogen phosphate (pH 3.0; 0.005 m; 75:25, v/v). The flow rate was set at 0.7 mL/min. Fluorescence detection was performed at 470nm excitation and 530nm emission wavelengths. Total chromatography run time was 5 min. The average extraction recovery of lisinopril and fluvoxamine (internal standard) was ≥82.8%. The limits of detection and quantification were determined as 1 and 3 ng/mL respectively. The method exhibited a linear calibration line over the concentration range of 3–1000 ng/mL with coefficient of determination (r2) of ≥0.98. The within‐run and between‐run precisions were satisfactory with values of CV of 1.8–12.8% (accuracy from 99.2 to 94.7%) and 2.4–13.7% (accuracy from 99.5 to 92.2%), respectively. These developments led to considerable improvement in method sensitivity and reliability. The method was validated according to the US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. Therefore, it can be considered as a suitable method for determination of lisinopril in plasma samples.
Comparative pharmacokinetics study of orientin in rat plasma by UHPLC‐MS/MS after intravenous administration of single orientin and Trollius chinensis Bunge extract
Authors: Zhao Nan , Sun Qi , Song Yang , Wang Lin , Zhang Tingjian , Meng Fanhao
Published: November 2017

Orientin showed a broad array of biological activities, and it is the major bioactive compound in the Trollius chinensis Bunge. The aim of this study was to investigate the comparative pharmacokinetics of orientin after intravenous administration of single orientin and T. chinensis Bunge extract. Sample preparation involved a simple one‐step deproteinization procedure with acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Waters BEH C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water containing 0.1% formic acid in an isocratic elution way. The detection was accomplished in multiple reaction monitoring mode with positive electrospray ionization. The pharmacokinetic properties of orientin were compared after intravenous administrations of pure orientin and T. chinensis Bunge extract to rats with approximately the same dosage of 10 mg/kg. The results of the study indicate that the pharmacokinetics of orientin in rat plasma show significant differences between two groups. This is useful for the clinical uses of therapeutic dosing of orientin and T. chinensis Bunge.
Cross‐Reactivity of Polyclonal Antibodies against Canavalia ensiformis (Jack Bean) Urease and Helicobacter pylori Urease Subunit A Fragments
Authors: Kaminski Zbigniew Jerzy , Relich Inga , Konieczna Iwona , Kaca Wieslaw , Kolesinska Beata
Published: November 2017

Overlapping decapeptide fragments of H. pylori urease subunit A (UreA) were synthesized and tested with polyclonal antibodies against Canavalia ensiformis (Jack bean) urease. The linear epitopes of UreA identified using the dot blot method were then examined using epitope mapping. For this purpose, series of overlapping fragments of UreA, frameshifted ± four amino acid residues were synthesized. Most of the UreA epitopes which reacted with the Jack bean urease polyclonal antibodies had been recognized in previous studies by monoclonal antibodies against H. pylori urease. Fragments 11 – 24, 21 – 33, and 31 – 42 were able to interact with the Jack bean urease antibodies, giving stable immunological complexes. However, the lack of recognition by these antibodies of all the components in the peptide map strongly suggests that a non‐continuous (nonlinear) epitope is located on the N‐terminal domain of UreA.
Does the severity of left ventricular systolic dysfunction impact outcomes of Mitraclip therapy: How low is too low?
Authors: Cilingiroglu Mehmet , Hakeem Abdul
Published: November 2017

Key Points

Percutaneous mitral valve repair for symptomatic severe mitral regurgitation has rapidly evolved as a viable therapeutic option for high‐surgical risk patients.

Both randomized clinical studies as well as real world registry data have demonstrated significant improvement in severity of MR and clinical outcomes.

In carefully selected patients with severely reduced left ventricular systolic function and severe symptomatic MR, Mitraclip therapy seems to show promise.
Thoracic endovascular repair versus medical management for acute uncomplicated type B aortic dissection
Authors: Enezate Tariq H. , Omran Jad , Al‐Dadah Ashraf S. , White Christopher , Patel Mitul , Mahmud Ehtisham , Fattori Rossella , Goldstein Jeffrey A. , Goswami Nilesh , Gray William A. , Bhatt Deepak L.
Published: November 2017

Background

Current treatment options and outcomes for acute uncomplicated thoracic Type‐B aortic dissection (TBAD) remain unclear between medical management (MED) and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). In this study we aim to compare both strategies in terms of all‐cause mortality, aortic dilation, and aortic rupture.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were queried from January 1990 through March 2017. Only studies comparing TEVAR to MED for acute uncomplicated TBAD were included. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to pool outcomes across studies. Study outcomes included short (1 month), intermediate (1 year), and mid‐term (2–5 year) all‐cause mortality. Additional outcomes included aortic dilation and rupture at 1 year.

Results

A total of 1,960 patients (64.3 years; 75.8% male) were included from six studies (one prospective and five retrospective). No difference was observed in short‐term (odd ratio [OR] 0.73 with 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47 to 1.12, P = 0.15), intermediate (OR 0.99 with 95% CI 0.56 to 1.73, P = 0.96), or mid‐term all‐cause mortality (OR 1.12 with 95% CI 0.54 to 2.32, P = 0.75). No difference in aortic dilation with either modality was noted at 1‐year (OR 1.11 with 95% CI 0.76 to 1.64, P = 0.59). TEVAR was associated with a significantly lower 1‐year risk of aortic rupture (OR 2.49 with 95% CI 1.23 to 5.06, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

There were no short, intermediate, or mid‐term differences in mortality between TEVAR or MED in patients with acute uncomplicated TBAD. Although the dilation rate was similar between both groups, TEVAR was associated with lower likelihood of aortic rupture at 1 year.
Diagnostics of sintering processes on the basis of PCA and two‐level neural network model
Authors: Egorova E.G. , Rudakova I.V. , Rusinov L.A. , Vorobjev N.V.
Published: November 2017

The application of chemometrics methods to continuous monitoring and diagnostics of sintering process faults for improving iron‐ore sinter quality is considered in the article. The sintering process is among complex multivariate processes.

A number of agglomeration process faults have often similar symptoms, resulting in late fault detection by an operator and as a consequence, wrong process control decisions. To support the efficient operative decision making, it is proposed to use the process fault monitoring and diagnostics system.

The proposed system uses a two‐level neural network (NN) diagnostic model. The high‐level neural network is used to localize the process faults whereas their reasons are determined by the low‐level neural networks. To reduce essentially the time of HL‐NN training and retraining, the task dimension is preliminarily reduced with the principal component analysis method so that the scores obtained from initial data are fed into high‐level neural network inputs. The use of principal component analysis allowed detection of sintering process faults with T2 and Q statistics. Only upon detecting the fault, a NN diagnostic model starts working to determine the fault reason. The system algorithm provides for special measures to prevent the NN from possible “loss” of the identified fault due to operator's inactivity.

To increase the diagnosis depth for controlling fault symptoms that are evident on the sinter cake surface, optical digital cameras are installed and images from them are processed with proposed algorithms on the basis of fuzzy clusterization to take into account uncertainties in the initial information.
Ce3+‐Sensitized Tm3+/Mn2+‐Doped NaYF4 Colloidal Nanocrystals: Intense Cool White Light from a Phosphor‐Coated UV LED
Authors: Adusumalli Venkata N. K. B. , Koppisetti Heramba V. S. R. M. , Mahalingam Venkataramanan
Published: November 2017

Colloidal NaYF4:Ce3+/Tm3+/Mn2+ nanocrystals found to be an efficient single component phosphor to produce intense white light. The use of Mn2+ ions instead of green‐ and red‐emitting Ln3+ ions is interesting as the later are expensive and less abundant. The single band blue emission of Tm3+ ions was combined with the broadband green–yellow emission of Mn2+ ions to produce strong white light emission using Ce3+ ions as excitation source. Interestingly, there is hardly any re‐absorption of the blue emission by Mn2+ ions and the spectrum matches the commercial Ce3+‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG) phosphor coated over a blue LED. In addition, we have successfully incorporated the colloidal nanocrystals into a polymer matrix to make a nanocomposite as well as transparent films without altering the optical properties of the nanocrystals. The colloidal nanocomposite was coated over a UV LED to fabricate white LEDs. Finally, when the concentration of the dopant (Mn2+) ions was tuned the correlated color temperature (CCT) values varied between cool white light and daylight region.
Highly Sustainable Zinc Anodes for a Rechargeable Hybrid Aqueous Battery
Authors: Sun Kyung E. K. , Hoang Tuan K. A. , Doan The Nam Long , Yu Yan , Chen Pu
Published: November 2017

The synthesis of novel zinc electrodes has been successfully implemented by using the electroplating method with the aid of inorganic additives in the electroplating solution. The selected inorganic additives are indium sulfate, tin oxide, and boric acid. From X‐ray diffraction results, these synthesized zinc electrodes prefer (002) and/or (103) crystallographic orientations, representing basal morphology and high resistance to dendrite growth. The corrosion rates of these electroplated zinc samples decrease as much as 11 times smaller than the corrosion rate on zinc foil when the zinc materials are in contact with the aqueous electrolyte of a rechargeable hybrid aqueous battery (ReHAB). The ReHABs employing these anodes exhibit up to a threefold decrease in float charge current density after a seven‐day constant‐voltage charging at 2.1 V versus Zn2+/Zn. Furthermore, the capacity retention is up to 15 % higher than the performance of battery containing commercial Zn after 1000 cycles of charge–discharge. The significant advancements are attributed to the careful preparation of the anode, which contains appropriate crystallographic orientation and morphology.
Resolving a Reactive Organometallic Intermediate from Dynamic Directing Group Systems by Selective C−H Activation
Authors: Schaufelberger Fredrik , Timmer Brian J. J. , Ramström Olof
Published: November 2017

Catalyst discovery from systems of potential precursors is a challenging endeavor. Herein, a new strategy applying dynamic chemistry to the identification of catalyst precursors from C−H activation of imines is proposed and evaluated. Using hydroacylation of imines as a model reaction, the selection of an organometallic reactive intermediate from a dynamic imine system, involving many potential directing group/metal entities, is demonstrated. The identity of the amplified reaction intermediate with the best directing group could be resolved in situ by ESI‐MS, and coupling of the procedure to an iterative deconvolution protocol generated a system with high screening efficiency.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Difluoromethylation of Arylboronic Acids with Bromodifluoromethane
Authors: Fu Xia‐Ping , Xiao Yu‐Lan , Zhang Xingang
Published: November 2017

Although bromodifluoromethane (BrCF2H) is a simple and readily available fluorine source, direct formation of difluoromethylated arenes with BrCF2H has not been reported. Herein, we describe an efficient method to access difluoromethylated arenes through a nickel‐catalyzed difluoromethylation of arylboronic acids with BrCF2H. The reaction exhibits high efficiency, good functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope, thus providing an efficient route for applications in drug discovery and development. Preliminary mechanistic studies reveal that a difluoromethyl radical is involved in the reaction.
Transcriptional alterations in hereditary and sporadic nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors according to genotype
Authors: Keutgen Xavier M. , Kumar Suresh , Gara Sudheer , Boufraqech Myriem , Agarwal Sunita , Hruban Ralph H. , Nilubol Naris , Quezado Martha , Finney Richard , Cam Maggie , Kebebew Electron
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NFPanNETs) may be sporadic or inherited because of germline mutations associated with von Hippel‐Lindau disease (VHL) or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). The clinical behavior of NFPanNETs is difficult to predict, even in tumors of the same stage and grade. The authors analyzed genotype‐specific patterns of transcriptional messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of NFPanNETs to understand the molecular features that determine PanNET phenotype.

METHODS

Thirty‐two samples were included for genome‐wide mRNA gene expression analysis (9 VHL‐associated, 10 MEN1‐associated, and 9 sporadic NFPanNETs and 4 purified normal islet cell [NIC] samples). Validation of genes was performed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunohistochemistry. Gene expression profiles were analyzed by tumor genotype, and pathway analysis was curated.

RESULTS

Consensus clustering of mRNA expression revealed separate clustering of NICs, VHL‐associated NFPanNETs, and MEN1‐associated NFPanNETs; whereas some sporadic tumors clustered with MEN1. Four of 5 MEN1‐like sporadic PanNET subtypes had loss of heterozygosity at the MEN1 gene locus. Pathway analysis demonstrated subtype‐specific pathway activation, comprising angiogenesis and immune response in VHL; neuronal development in MEN1; protein ubiquitination in the new MEN1/sporadic subtype; and cytokinesis and cilium/microtubule development in sporadic NFPanNETs. Among many genes, platelet‐derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRB), lymphoid enhancer‐binding factor‐1 (Lef‐1), cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), and CDK6 were upregulated in VHL or MEN1 NFPanNETs, providing potential subtype‐specific treatment targets.

CONCLUSIONS

Distinct mRNA expression patterns were identified in sporadic‐associated, VHL‐associated, and MEN1‐associated NFPanNETs. The current results uncover new pathways involved in NFPanNETs that are subtype‐specific and provide potential new diagnostic or therapeutic targets based on tumor subtype. Cancer 2018;124:636‐47. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
A prospective, observational cohort study comparing cancer clinical trial availability and enrollment between early adolescents/young adults and children
Authors: Thomas Stefanie M. , Malvar Jemily , Tran Henry , Shows Jared , Freyer David R.
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Poor enrollment of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) (ages 15‐39 years) onto cancer clinical trials (CCTs) may contribute to inferior survival gains compared with children. In this study, the authors assessed whether differences in CCT availability would explain lower CCT enrollment for early AYAs (eAYAs) (ages 15‐21 years).

METHODS

This prospective, observational cohort study was conducted at a single academic children's hospital. For consecutive patients who were newly diagnosed with cancer over a 13‐month period, it was determined whether an appropriate CCT existed nationally or was available locally and whether enrollment on that CCT occurred. The proportions of eAYAs versus children in each category were compared using the chi‐square test. The impact of age and other factors on enrollment status was assessed using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among 216 patients, 58 were eAYAs, and 158 were children. There was no difference in the proportion of eAYAs versus children who had an existing CCT (28 of 58 eAYAs [48.3%] vs 85 of 158 children [53.8%]; P = .47) or an available CCT (23 of 58 eAYAs [39.7%] vs 75 of 158 children [47.5%]; P = .31). However, significantly fewer eAYAs were enrolled when a CCT was available (7 of 23 eAYAs [30.4%] vs 50 of 75 children [67.7%]; P = .002). In multivariable analysis, eAYAs were significantly less likely than children to be enrolled in an available CCT (adjusted odds ratio, 0.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.08‐0.62).

CONCLUSIONS

Equal proportions of children and eAYAs had CCTs available, but significantly fewer eAYAs were enrolled. These findings suggest that, for eAYAs, factors other than CCT availability are important enrollment barriers and should be addressed. Cancer 2018;124:983‐90. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Ionization potential depression and optical spectra in a Debye plasma model
Authors: Lin Chengliang , Röpke Gerd , Reinholz Heidi , Kraeft Wolf‐Dietrich
Published: November 2017

We show how optical spectra in dense plasmas are determined by the shift of energy levels as well as by the broadening due to collisions with the plasma particles. In the lowest approximation, the interaction with the plasma particles is described by the random phase approximation (RPA) dielectric function, leading to the Debye shift of the continuum edge. The bound states remain nearly un‐shifted, and their broadening is calculated in the Born approximation. The roles of ionization potential depression as well as the Inglis–Teller effect are shown. The model calculations have to be improved going beyond the lowest (RPA) approximation when applying to warm dense matter spectra.
Decision‐making under risk of gain in young children and mangabey monkeys
Authors: Rivière James , Stomp Mathilde , Augustin Elisa , Lemasson Alban , Blois‐Heulin Catherine
Published: November 2017

In contrast to human adults, risk proneness in the gain domain is usually observed in both young children and non‐human primates. It is currently unclear what mechanism might be underlying such economic preferences. We investigated decision‐making under risk of gain in toddlers and monkeys. The choices of 2.5‐year‐old children and red‐capped mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus torquatus) were examined in a gambling task for food reward in which participants have to choose between two options, a secure option and a risky option. In contrast to monkeys, toddlers showed a strong preference for the risky option over the safe option. In order to test the hypothesis that risky choices in participants reflect inhibitory control difficulties, toddlers and mangabeys were presented in Experiment 2 with a situation analogous to that used in Experiment 1 except for the fact that the opaque cover under which was placed the secure option was replaced by a transparent cover. In this second experiment, toddlers continued to show a preference for the risky option over the safe option. In contrast, mangabeys showed a preference for the safe option over the risky option in Trial 1 but they shifted their economic preferences in Trial 2. We argue that decision‐making strategies under risk of gain in both toddlers and mangabeys (a) do not reflect poor behavioral control and (b) are not reducible to perception‐action couplings.
The Role of Morphological and Phonological Awareness in the Early Development of Word Spelling and Reading in Typically Developing and Disabled Arabic Readers
Authors: Saiegh‐Haddad Elinor , Taha Haitham
Published: November 2017

The study is a cross‐sectional developmental investigation of morphological and phonological awareness in word spelling and reading in Arabic in reading‐accuracy disabled (RD) children and in age‐matched typically developing (TR) controls in grades 1–4 (N = 160). Morphological awareness tasks targeted the root and word pattern derivational system of Arabic, in both the oral and the written modalities. Phonological awareness employed a variety of orally administered segmentation and deletion tasks. The results demonstrated early deficits in morphological awareness, besides deficits in phonological awareness, in RD children as compared with typically developing controls, as well as in word and pseudoword spelling and reading (voweled and unvoweled). While phonological awareness emerged as the strongest predictor of reading, morphological awareness was also found to predict unique variance in reading, and even more so in spelling, beyond phonological awareness and cognitive skills. The results demonstrate the early emergence of morphological awareness deficits, alongside phonological deficits in Arabic RD, as well as the role of morphological processing in early reading and spelling. These findings reflect the centrality of derivational morphology in the structure of the spoken and the written Arabic word. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceptions of general and postpresidential election discrimination are associated with loss of control eating among racially/ethnically diverse young men
Authors: Kelly Nichole R. , Smith Tasia M. , Hall Gordon C. N. , Guidinger Claire , Williamson Gina , Budd Elizabeth L. , Giuliani Nicole R.
Published: November 2017

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between young men's perceived experiences with discrimination, both general and following the 2016 presidential election, and their loss of control (LOC) eating. The degree to which men identified with their ethnic identity was evaluated as a moderator.

Method

The sample included 798 men (18–30 years; M = 24.0 ± 3.6) who identified as African American (n = 261), Asian/Asian American (n = 266), or Hispanic/Latino (n = 271). Participants completed an online survey of items assessing demographic characteristics; perceived discrimination; perceptions of race‐related discrimination following the 2016 U.S. presidential election; ethnic identity; and LOC eating.

Results

After adjusting for income, education, generational status and body mass index, perceived discrimination was positively associated with LOC eating frequency in African American and Hispanic/Latino men (ps < .01). Ethnic identity was inversely associated with LOC eating frequency in Hispanic/Latino men (p < .001). In Asian/Asian American men, perceived discrimination was only associated with more LOC eating among those with a low ethnic identity (p < .001). Higher levels of perceived discrimination following the presidential election were uniquely associated with more frequent LOC eating (p < .01) only among Asian/Asian American men who were not born in the United States or whose parents were not born in the United States.

Discussion

LOC eating may partially explain known associations between discrimination and heightened risk for obesity and chronic diseases among African American and Hispanic/Latino men. Asian/Asian American men's LOC eating may be linked to postpresidential election and general experiences with racial discrimination, particularly if they report a low sense of belonging to their ethnic group.
An Earbud‐Based Photoplethysmography and its Application
Authors: TOMITA YOHEI , MITSUKURA YASUE
Published: November 2017

This paper presents an earbud‐based photoplethysmography (PPG) and its application. This PPG recording system permits long‐term continuous monitoring of cardiovascular function since it can be worn comfortably on ears. Experimental investigations showed that stress and drowsiness could be estimated by analyzing measured PPG signals. Furthermore, noise suppression techniques for motion noises and ambient light interferences are introduced to make a recorded signal more acceptable.
The role of IL‐23 receptor signaling in inflammation‐mediated erosive autoimmune arthritis and bone remodeling
Authors: Razawy Wida , van Driel Marjolein , Lubberts Erik
Published: November 2017

The IL‐23/Th17 axis has been implicated in the development of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). RA and PsA are heterogeneous diseases with substantial burden on patients. Increasing evidence suggests that the IL‐23 signaling pathway may be involved in the development of autoimmunity and erosive joint damage. IL‐23 can act either directly or indirectly on bone forming osteoblasts as well as on bone resorbing osteoclasts. As IL‐23 regulates the activity of cells of the bone, it is conceivable that in addition to inflammation‐mediated joint erosion, IL‐23 may play a role in physiological bone remodeling. In this review, we focus on the role of IL‐23 in autoimmune arthritis in patients and murine models, and provide an overview of IL‐23 producing and responding cells in autoimmune arthritic joints. In addition, we discuss the role of IL‐23 on bone forming osteoblasts and bone resorbing osteoclasts regarding inflammation‐mediated joint damage and bone remodeling. At last, we briefly discuss the clinical implications of targeting this pathway for joint damage and systemic bone loss in autoimmune arthritis.
Metathesis in Metal–Organic Gels (MOGs): A Facile Strategy to Construct Robust Fluorescent Ln‐MOG Sensors for Antibiotics and Explosives
Authors: Qin Zheng‐Sheng , Dong Wen‐Wen , Zhao Jun , Wu Ya‐Pan , Tian Zheng‐Fang , Zhang Qichun , Li Dong‐Sheng
Published: November 2017

It is essential to develop new effective sensor materials for the detection of antibiotics and organic explosives, due to their negative impacts on ecosystems and human health. In this work, guided by an in situ metal‐node metathesis approach, a fluorescent metal–organic gel [MOG(Eu) gel] has been synthesized for the first time by metal‐ion exchange between Eu3+ and Al3+ in the nonfluorescent MOG(Al) gel. More importantly, the postsynthetic MOG(Eu) xerogel shows remarkable selective detection ability towards ronidazole (RDZ), ornidazole (ODZ), metronidazole (MDZ), and dimetridazole (DTZ) antibiotics, as well as 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP), with low detection limits of 1.205, 0.542, 0.999, 0.377, and 1.582 ppm, respectively. The high quenching efficiencies can be attributed to the decrease of effective energy transfer in the host–guest systems. The strategy of metathesis opens up new opportunities for synthetic methods and functional applications in MOGs materials.
A novel sea communication topology and IP routing algorithm by using LTE and WMN in NS‐3
Authors: Kasim Rashad , Ozdemir Mehmet Kemal
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes a new heterogeneous network topology and a routing algorithm for a marine communication system involving ships and other marine vessels from a terrestrial point on the shore. Topology involves the use of a collection of Long‐Term Evolution (LTE) systems and Wi‐Fi mesh networks. There are multiple clusters/ships in the network, with an LTE system centered around each cluster. Communication between the clusters happens through LTE, and within the cluster mesh, networking is employed. Every end user in the ship has access to the server application by means of mesh networking from the respective access point in the cluster/ship. The routing algorithm is designed based on the best signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise‐ratio path and minimum delay combination, which selects the best modulation scheme and hence the best data rate. The algorithm employs a new parameter that is derived from signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio. The topology along with the algorithm provides a connection with a maximum coverage distance of 180 km and minimum data rate around 0.6 Mbps with 2 interconnection clusters. The presence of more interconnection clusters makes the coverage distance, data rate, and reliability greatly improved. Open source network tool Network Simulator 3 is used for the topology design, algorithm implementation, and simulations. The proposed topology and algorithm when implemented can be used to provide long‐distance sea communication with improved reliability and higher data rate.
The influence of pulsed electric fields and microwave pretreatments on some selected physicochemical properties of oil extracted from black cumin seed
Authors: Bakhshabadi Hamid , Mirzaei HabibOllah , Ghodsvali Alireza , Jafari Seid Mahdi , Ziaiifar Aman Mohammad
Published: November 2017

Application of novel technologies such as microwave and pulsed electric fields (PEF) might increase the speed and efficiency of oil extraction. In the present research, PEF (3.25 kV/cm electric field intensity and 30 pulse number) and microwave (540 W for 180 s) pretreatments were used to study the process of oil extraction from black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds. After applying the selected pretreatments, the oil of seeds was extracted with the use of a screw press and the extraction efficiency, refractive index, oil density, color index, oxidative stability, and chemical components of oil and protein of meal were evaluated. The achieved results expressed that PEF and microwave pretreatments increased the oil extraction efficiency and its oxidative stability. Different pretreatments didn't have any significant influence on the refractive index of black cumin seed oil (p>.05). When microwave and PEF were used, the oil density showed an enhancement as the following: 1.51% and 0.96%, respectively in comparison with the samples with no pretreatments. Evaluation of the extracted oils, using GC/MS analysis indicated that thymoquinone was the dominant phenolic component in the black cumin oil. Finally, the SEM analysis revealed that microwave and PEF can be useful in the extraction of oil from black cumin seeds since these treatments damaged cell walls and facilitated the oil extraction process.
Neuregulin‐1 promotes remyelination and fosters a pro‐regenerative inflammatory response in focal demyelinating lesions of the spinal cord
Authors: Kataria Hardeep , Alizadeh Arsalan , Shahriary Ghazaleh M. , Saboktakin Rizi Shekoofeh , Henrie Ryan , Santhosh Kallivalappil T. , Thliveris James A. , Karimi‐Abdolrezaee Soheila
Published: November 2017

Oligodendroglial cell death and demyelination are hallmarks of neurotrauma and multiple sclerosis that cause axonal damage and functional impairments. Remyelination remains a challenge as the ability of endogenous precursor cells for oligodendrocyte replacement is hindered in the unfavorable milieu of demyelinating conditions. Here, in a rat model of lysolecithin lysophosphatidyl‐choline (LPC)‐induced focal demyelination, we report that Neuregulin‐1 (Nrg‐1), an important factor for oligodendrocytes and myelination, is dysregulated in demyelinating lesions and its bio‐availability can promote oligodendrogenesis and remyelination. We delivered recombinant human Nrg‐1β1 (rhNrg‐1β1) intraspinally in the vicinity of LPC demyelinating lesion in a sustained manner using poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid microcarriers. Availability of Nrg‐1 promoted generation and maturation of new oligodendrocytes, and accelerated endogenous remyelination by both oligodendrocyte and Schwann cell populations in demyelinating foci. Importantly, Nrg‐1 enhanced myelin thickness in newly remyelinated spinal cord axons. Our complementary in vitro studies also provided direct evidence that Nrg‐1 significantly promotes maturation of new oligodendrocytes and facilitates their transition to a myelinating phenotype. Nrg‐1 therapy remarkably attenuated the upregulated expression chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) specific glycosaminoglycans in the extracellular matrix of demyelinating foci and promoted interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) production by immune cells. CSPGs and IL‐10 are known to negatively and positively regulate remyelination, respectively. We found that Nrg‐1 effects are mediated through ErbB2 and ErbB4 receptor activation. Our work provides novel evidence that dysregulated levels of Nrg‐1 in demyelinating lesions of the spinal cord pose a challenge to endogenous remyelination, and appear to be an underlying cause of myelin thinning in newly remyelinated axons.
Altered frontal interhemispheric and fronto‐limbic structural connectivity in unmedicated adults with obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: He Xiaofu , Steinberg Emily , Stefan Mihaela , Fontaine Martine , Simpson H. Blair , Marsh Rachel
Published: November 2017

Background

Previous diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) have primarily used voxel‐ or tract‐based methods to assess white matter microstructure in medicated patients. This is the first probabilistic tractography study to assess the structural connectivity of all major white matter tracts in unmedicated adults with OCD without comorbid psychopathology. We hypothesized that OCD compared to healthy participants would show reduced integrity in frontal interhemispheric and fronto‐limbic tracts.

Methods

DTI data from 29 unmedicated adults with OCD were compared to that of 27 matched healthy control (HC) participants. TRACULA was used to assess probabilistic tractography and compare groups in the average fractional anisotropy (FA) of 8 bilateral tracts plus forceps minor and major, and explore group differences in axial (AD), radial (RD), and mean (MD) diffusivities in tracts where FA differed across groups.

Results

Significantly less FA was detected in OCD compared to HC participants in forceps minor, interhemispheric fibers of the frontal cortex, and right uncinate fasciculus (UNC), association fibers connecting frontal and limbic regions (p's < .05). FA in forceps minor was inversely associated with symptom severity in the OCD participants. Exploratory analyses revealed less AD in right UNC was inversely associated with OCD symptoms.

Conclusions

Structural connectivity of frontal interhemispheric and fronto‐limbic circuits may be altered in unmedicated adults with OCD, especially those with the most severe symptoms. These findings suggest a microstructural basis for the abnormal function and reduced resting‐state connectivity of frontal regions and fronto‐limbic circuits in OCD.
Synthesis and antimicrobial properties of cyclic fluorodiamines containing boronate esters
Authors: Zhu Diya , Hunter Carmanah D. , Baird Samuel R. , Davis Bradley R. , Bos Allyson , Geier Stephen J. , Vogels Christopher M. , Decken Andreas , Gray Christopher A. , Westcott Stephen A.
Published: November 2017

Eight new aminoboron compounds derived from primary diamines and the pinacol‐protected product of 3‐fluoro‐2‐formylphenylboronic acid have been prepared and characterized fully. Reactions proceed to give the corresponding cyclic products arising via initial aldimine formation followed by a secondary hydroamination step. One compound contains a pendant amine group which was used to make a novel boron‐containing Schiff base ligand along with the corresponding zinc(II) metal complex. All compounds were tested for their initial antimicrobial activities against a number of fungi and bacteria.