bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma hyaluronic acid level as a prognostic and monitoring marker of metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Peng Cike , Wallwiener Markus , Rudolph Anja , Ćuk Katarina , Eilber Ursula , Celik Muhabbet , Modugno Caroline , Trumpp Andreas , Heil Jörg , Marmé Frederik , Madhavan Dharanija , Nees Juliane , Riethdorf Sabine , Schott Sarah , Sohn Christof , Pantel Klaus , Schneeweiss Andreas , Chang‐Claude Jenny , Yang Rongxi , Burwinkel Barbara
Published: December 2015

Conventional tumor markers have limited value for prognostication and treatment monitoring in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients and novel circulating tumor markers therefore need to be explored. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major macropolysaccharide in the extracellular matrix and is reported to be associated with tumor progression. In our study, we investigated plasma HA level with respect to progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), as well as the treatment monitoring value in MBC patients. The prognostic value of plasma HA level was investigated in a discovery cohort of 212 MBC patients with 2.5‐year follow‐up and validated in an independent validation cohort of 334 patients with 5‐year follow‐up. The treatment monitoring value of plasma HA level was investigated in 61 MBC patients from discovery cohort who had been radiographically examined after first complete cycle of chemo therapy. We found a robust association between high plasma HA level and poor prognosis of MBC patients in both discovery (pPFS = 7.92 × 10−6 and pOS = 5.27 × 10−5) and validation studies (pPFS = 3.66 × 10−4 and pOS = 1.43 × 10−4). In the discovery cohort, the plasma HA level displayed independent prognostic value after adjusted for age and clinicopathological factors, with respect to PFS and OS. Further, the decrease of plasma HA level displayed good concordance with treatment response evaluated by radiographic examination (AUC = 0.79). Plasma HA level displays prognostic value, as well as treatment monitoring value for MBC patients.
Preoperative management of factor XI deficiency with therapeutic plasma exchange: A case report and literature review
Authors: Pagano Monica B. , Konkle Barbara A. , Wu Yanyun , Josephson Neil
Published: December 2015

Patients with factor XI deficiency may have bleeding complications during surgery. Because bleeding severity and factor levels correlate poorly, factor replacement needs to be personalized based on bleeding history and type of procedure. We report a 65‐year‐old male with factor XI deficiency (7 IU dL−1) who presented before scheduled hip arthroplasty. He had a history of total hip arthroplasty complicated by bleeding, delayed healing and prosthesis removal, despite receiving prophylactic treatment with plasma infusion. For the current surgery a factor XI ≥50 IU dL−1 level was targeted. The calculated plasma infusion needed to achieve this goal was 3100 mL (14 U). Because of concerns about circulatory overload and inability to achieve target by simple infusion, prophylactic treatment with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) was requested. TPE was performed the morning before the surgery, using 100% plasma as replacement fluid (3912 mL of plasma), and a positive fluid balance of 631 mL. Factor XI activity level was 51 IU dL−1 immediately post TPE. The patient received daily infusions of 3 U (∼ 660 mL) of plasma to maintain a factor XI level of 30 IU dL−1 until post‐operative day 7. Aminocaproic acid was given during the surgery and until post‐operative day 10. There were no bleeding or thrombotic complications. Conclusion: TPE was effective in increasing factor XI levels; it was well tolerated and did not result in circulatory overload. TPE can be considered when therapeutic factor levels cannot be achieved by simple plasma infusion, or when circulatory overload is a concern. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:579–583, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of protein “Stability patches” in molecular recognition: A case study of the human growth hormone‐receptor complex
Authors: Osman Roman , Mezei Mihaly , Engel Stanislav
Published: December 2015

Dynamic characteristics of protein surfaces are among the factors determining their functional properties, including their potential participation in protein‐protein interactions. The presence of clusters of static residues—“stability patches” (SPs)—is a characteristic of protein surfaces involved in intermolecular recognition. The mechanism, by with SPs facilitate molecular recognition, however, remains unclear. Analyzing the surface dynamic properties of the growth hormone and of its high‐affinity variant we demonstrated that reshaping of the SPs landscape may be among the factors accountable for the improved affinity of this variant to the receptor. We hypothesized that SPs facilitate molecular recognition by moderating the conformational entropy of the unbound state, diminishing enthalpy–entropy compensation upon binding, and by augmenting the favorable entropy of desolvation. SPs mapping emerges as a valuable tool for investigating the structural basis of the stability of protein complexes and for rationalizing experimental approaches, such as affinity maturation, aimed at improving it. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Characterization of Europium‐exchanged Titanate Nanoporous Phosphors
Authors: Chang T. H.
Published: December 2015

Eux(NH4)2‐2xTi3O7 nanoporous phosphor was prepared by ion exchange method. (NH4)2Ti3O7 nanotubes were employed as the host structure by treating H2Ti3O7 with NH4OH solution and the activator, Eu2+, was introduced into the host via ion exchange. This is an easy and feasible way to prepare a phosphor. The synthesized samples were characterized using TEM, XRD, N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherm, TPR, and fluorescence spectrophotometer. Experimental results showed that a portion of Eu2+ ions was oxidized into Eu3+ ions during ion exchange, resulting in the present phosphor with blue‐emitting and red‐emitting. Moreover, the tubular structure of Eux(NH4)2‐2xTi3O7 was distorted as Eu2+ was placed into the host structure. This distortion is attributed to the electrostatic interaction between Eu2+ and the electric field of the host structure.
Biohydrogen Production from Mushroom Cultivation Waste by Anaerobic Solid‐state Fermentation
Authors: Lin Chiu‐Yue , Lay Chyi‐How , Chen Chin‐Chao , Sen Biswarup , Sung I‐Yuan
Published: December 2015

Mushroom cultivation waste (MCW) is a polypropylene bag stuffed with wood flour and nutrients for growing mushroom, which is a feasible feedstock for anaerobic biohydrogen production owing to its abundant availability, high organic and nutrient content. This study optimized the seed inoculum from various waste sludges (sewage sludge, cow dung and pig slurry), nutrient addition and operation conditions (moisture content and MCW powder particle size) for maximal biohydrogen production by solid‐state fermentation (SSF). SSF batch test was operated at a MCW 3 g total volatile solid (TVS)/L, temperature 55 °C and rotation speed of 15 rpm with a vertical rotative shaker. The peak hydrogen production performance of hydrogen production rate (HPR) 9.50 mol H2/kg‐d and hydrogen yield (HY) 0.29 mmol H2/g TVS) are obtained using sewage sludge 2 seed inoculum, nutrients addition, moisture content 70 % and particle size of 1.190∼0.590 mm. The results show that the MCW has the potential for hydrogen production by anaerobic mixed microflora using solid‐state fermentation. The bioenergy of 1842 kWh while using SSF to conver MCW to produce biohydrogen and it could reduce CO2 emission of 114–178 kg per year comparing using fossil fuel such as coal, fuel oil and natural gas.
The Dirac Electron: From Quantum Chemistry to Holistic Cosmology
Authors: Maruani Jean
Published: December 2015

The Dirac equation, which was derived by combining the relativistic invariance condition with the quantum probability principle, showed its fecundity by explaining the half‐integer spin of fermions and by predicting antiparticles. In previous papers, we conjectured that the spinning motion of the electron was that of a massless charge moving at light velocity, this internal motion being responsible for the electron rest mass involved in external motions and interactions. Implications of this concept on basic properties such as time, mass, electric charge, and magnetic moment were investigated. The present paper is a recollection of these ideas aimed at their possible impact on quantum chemistry and holistic cosmology.
Structural Features of Certain p‐substituted Phenyl 2‐nitrovinyl Sulfones
Authors: Zvezdova Dilyana , Stoeva Stoyanka , Aleksiev Dimitar
Published: December 2015

The structure of p‐substituted phenyl 2‐nitrovinyl sulfones was studied through different spectral methods. It has been found that the nucleophilic substitution reactions of sodium phenylsulfinates with 1‐chloro‐2‐nitroethene occur stereospecifically. The formation of E‐isomers of this type of substituted phenyl vinyl sulfones was confirmed by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. It was suggested that the E‐isomers formation was determined by the more stable conformation of the carbanionic intermediate as a result of intramolecular rotation around single Cα‐Cβ bond. This appears to be the product‐determining pathway during the interaction of sodium phenyl sulfinates with the highly activated substrate 1‐chloro‐2‐nitroethene.
Expression of Muscle‐Specific Ribosomal Protein L3‐Like Impairs Myotube Growth
Authors: Chaillou Thomas , Zhang Xiping , McCarthy John J.
Published: December 2015

The ribosome has historically been considered to have no cell‐specific function but rather serve in a “housekeeping” capacity. This view is being challenged by evidence showing that heterogeneity in the protein composition of the ribosome can lead to the functional specialization of the ribosome. Expression profiling of different tissues revealed that ribosomal protein large 3‐like (Rpl3l) is exclusively expressed in striated muscle. In response to a hypertrophic stimulus, Rpl3l expression in skeletal muscle was significantly decreased by 82% whereas expression of the ubiquitous paralog Rpl3 was significantly increased by ∼fivefold. Based on these findings, we developed the hypothesis that Rpl3l functions as a negative regulator of muscle growth. To test this hypothesis, we used the Tet‐On system to express Rpl3l in myoblasts during myotube formation. In support of our hypothesis, RPL3L expression significantly impaired myotube growth as assessed by myotube diameter (‐23%) and protein content (‐14%). Further analysis showed that the basis of this impairment was caused by a significant decrease in myoblast fusion as the fusion index was significantly lower (‐17%) with RPL3L expression. These findings are the first evidence to support the novel concept of ribosome specialization in skeletal muscle and its role in the regulation of skeletal muscle growth. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1894–1902, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phenotypic variability and heritability of the cephalic region ofCaiman latirostris
Authors: Imhoff Carolina , Giri Federico , Siroski Pablo , Amavet Patricia
Published: December 2015

The study of the cephalic shape of crocodilian is relevant in the fields of ecology, systematics, evolution, and conservation. Therefore, the integration of geometric analysis within quantitative genetics allows the evaluation of the inheritable shape components. In this study, the dorsal cephalic region of 210 Caiman latirostris hatchlings was analyzed from seven populations in Santa Fe, Argentina, to detect intra‐, and inter‐population phenotypic variability, and to determine the heritability of biological shape and size, using newly available geometric morphometric tools. The principal component analysis showed two configurations of cephalic shape that could be related to sexual dimorphism. In the canonical variate analysis, Procrustes distances between groups indicated that there are differences in shape among populations. Furthermore, the method of partial least squares indicated a covariation between cephalic shape and environmental variables. Regarding to CS of the skull we found significant differences among populations, moreover the partial least squares was also significant. Estimates of the heritability of shape and size were high, indicating that the components of these features are susceptible to the selection. J. Morphol. 277:370–378, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of liver stiffness with magnetic resonance elastography in patients with constrictive pericarditis: Preliminary findings
Authors: Fenstad Eric R. , Dzyubak Bogdan , Oh Jae K. , Williamson Eric E. , F. Glockner James , Young Phillip M. , Anavekar Nandan S. , Leise Michael D. , Ehman Richard L. , Araoz Philip A. , Venkatesh Sudhakar K.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To evaluate with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) whether patients with constrictive pericarditis (CP) have increased hepatic stiffness. CP results in reduced pericardial compliance, ventricular interdependence, and right heart failure. Patients with untreated CP may develop liver fibrosis and ultimately cirrhosis due to chronic venous congestion. Chronic venous congestion ± fibrosis may lead to increased liver stiffness.

Materials and Methods

Prospectively, patients with suspected CP underwent 2D transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and liver MRE. An automated method was used to draw regions of interest (ROIs) on the stiffness maps to calculate the mean liver stiffness in kilopascals (kPa). A t‐test with α = 0.05 was performed between stiffness values of patients with positive and negative CP findings based on previously published echocardiography criteria.

Results

Nineteen patients met inclusion criteria with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of 51 ± 16 years. Nine patients (47%) had CP. Mean liver stiffness trended higher in patients with CP compared to those without CP (4.04 kPa vs. 2.46; P = 0.045). Liver stiffness correlated with MRI septal bounce (P = 0.04), inferior vena cava size (P = 0.003), echo abnormal septal motion (P = 0.04), and echo mitral inflow variation >25% (P = 0.02). Only MRI septal bounce predicted CP by echocardiography (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

CP was associated with increased liver stiffness. The increased stiffness is most likely secondary to chronic hepatic venous congestion and/or fibrosis. MRE may be useful for noninvasive liver stiffness assessment in CP. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:81–88.
Reconstruction of hepatic venous tributary in right liver living donor liver transplantation: The importance of the inferior right hepatic vein
Authors: Ito Kyoji , Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Tani Keigo , Ito Daisuke , Kaneko Junichi , Arita Junichi , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: December 2015

Special care must be taken in hepatic vein reconstruction to avoid outflow block in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) with a right liver graft. We have used cryopreserved homologous veins to reconstruct the right hepatic vein (RHV), middle hepatic vein (MHV), MHV tributaries (V5 and V8), and inferior right hepatic vein (IRHV). The reconstruction of V5, V8, and IRHV was based on the estimated congestive volume, calculated by the computed tomography volumetry, to secure the functional graft volume of 40% of the recipient standard liver volume. Among 262 right liver LDLT recipients, the number of reconstructed RHVs, MHVs, V5s, V8s, and IRHVs was 262, 48, 110, 111, and 147, respectively, and the overall patency was 95%, 100%, 36%, 58%, and 86%, respectively. Although the patency of the RHVs and MHVs was satisfactory, that of the V5s, V8s, and IRHVs was suboptimal. Patency of the IRHVs (86%, 126/147) was significantly better than that of both V5s (36%, 40/110) and V8s (58%, 64/111; P < 0.001). In addition, the estimated volume drained by IRHVs was significantly greater than that of V5s and V8s (IRHV, 176 ± 92 mL; V5, 105 ± 49 mL; V8, 127 ± 60 mL; P < 0.001). The patency of IRHV was significantly improved by applying the double inferior vena cava method (93%, 94/101) when compared to the direct anastomosis to vena cava (68%, 25/37; P < 0.001). The IRHV functioned as a main drainage route in cases of an obstructed RHV. In conclusion, reconstruction of the IRHV is recommended, not only to improve the functional reserve of the graft, but also to secure multiple drainage routes of the graft.
Azo Polymer Microspheres with Photo‐Manipulated Surface and Topographic Structure
Authors: Zhou Xinran , Du Yi , Wang Xiaogong
Published: December 2015

A methacrylate‐based copolymer containing side‐chain push–pull azo chromophores and adamantyl groups is synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, DSC, thermal gravimetric analysis, gel permeation chromatography, and UV–vis. By exploiting its good solubility in a water‐immiscible solvent (dichloromethane), azo polymer microspheres are fabricated through the solution dispersion method. Surface relief structures are inscribed on the microsphere surfaces upon exposure to the interference pattern of laser beams at 532 nm. Meanwhile, the shape of the microspheres is stable upon the light irradiation, which is distinct from the submicron‐scale colloidal spheres of azo polymers. By using camphene as a porogen, microspheres with the well‐developed porous structures are prepared. For the first time, it is observed that pores on the azo polymer microspheres can be modified or even selectively closed upon irradiation with a linearly polarized laser beam.

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Linking a genome‐wide association study signal to a LRRK2 coding variant in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Foo Jia Nee , Chung Sun Ju , Tan Louis C. , Liany Herty , Ryu Ho‐Sung , Hong Myunghee , Koh Tat Hung , Irwan Ishak D. , Au Wing‐Lok , Prakash Kumar‐M. , Aung Tin , Cheng Ching‐Yu , Chong Siow‐Ann , Khor Chiea Chuen , Lee Jimmy , Tai E‐Shyong , Vithana Eranga N. , Wong Tien‐Yin , Song Kyuyoung , Liu Jianjun , Tan Eng‐King
Published: December 2015

Background

Genome‐wide association studies have identified several loci associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). Whole‐exome sequencing detects rare coding variants, but their links with PD genome‐wide association study loci are unknown. Our objective was to investigate whether nonsynonymous variants in LRRK2 can explain associations at the PD‐associated locus tagged by rs1994090.

Methods

We sequenced all coding exons of LRRK2 in 453 East Asian samples and evaluated linkage disequilibrium between each nonsynonymous variant and rs1994090. We then tested selected variants and haplotypes for association with PD in 13,581 East Asian samples.

Results

Of all the nonsynonymous variants, only p.Gly2385Arg was in moderate linkage disequilibrium with rs1994090 and was observed on haplotypes tagged by the rs1994090‐C risk allele. Conditional analyses showed that associations at these 2 variants are not independent.

Conclusions

LRRK2 p.Gly2385Arg can explain most if not all of the PD association at rs1994090 in East Asians, but other nonsynonymous variants are independent. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
An asymptotic model for a thin, soft and imperfectly bonded elastic joint
Authors: Licht Christian , Michaille Gérard , Juntharee Pongpol
Published: December 2015

An asymptotic model for a thin, soft, linearly elastic joint imperfectly bonded to two linearly elastic bodies is derived by studying the variational convergence of the total mechanical energy when the thickness and the stiffness of the joint go to zero. The joint is replaced by a mechanical constraint between the adherents which correspond to the connection in series of the classical limit constraint induced by the soft joint and constraints between the joint and the adherents.74K3074G65 Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A MUSCL smoothed particles hydrodynamics for compressible multi‐material flows
Authors: Hu Xiaoyan , Jiang Song , Wang Ruili
Published: December 2015

By incorporating the Monotone Upwind Scheme of Conservation Law (MUSCL) scheme into the smoothed particles hydrodynamics (SPH) method and making use of an interparticle contact algorithm, we present a MUSCL–SPH scheme of second order for multifluid computations, which extends the Riemann‐solved‐based SPH method. The numerical tests demonstrate high accuracy and resolution of the scheme for both shocks, contact discontinuities, and rarefaction waves in the one‐dimensional shock tube problem. For the two‐dimensional cylindrical Noh and shock‐bubble interaction problems, the MUSCL–SPH scheme can resolve shocks well. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilized nodal‐based finite element methods for the magnetic induction problem
Authors: Kaya Utku , Wacker Benjamin , Lube Gert
Published: December 2015

We consider the time‐dependent magnetic induction model as a step towards the resistive magnetohydrodynamics model in incompressible media. Conforming nodal‐based finite element approximations of the induction model with inf‐sup stable finite elements for the magnetic field and the magnetic pseudo‐pressure are investigated. Based on a residual‐based stabilization technique proposed by Badia and Codina, SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 50 (2012), pp. 398–417, we consider a stabilized nodal‐based finite element method for the numerical solution. Error estimates are given for the semi‐discrete model in space. Finally, we present some examples, for example, for the magnetic flux expulsion problem, Shercliff's test case and singular solutions of the Maxwell problem. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inverse problem for Oskolkov's system of equations
Authors: Fedorov Vladimir E. , Ivanova Natalia D.
Published: December 2015

The inverse problem with unknown source function is studied for the nonlinear Oskolkov's system of partial differential equations that describes the dynamics of viscoelastic Kelvin–Voigt fluid. It is reduced to the problem for a first order semilinear ordinary differential equation with operator coefficients in Banach spaces. The main difficulty of the problem is a presence of the operator with a nontrivial kernel at the derivative. By the results on the unique solvability of the abstract problem, obtained by the authors before, the existence of a unique classical solution for the Oskolkov's system inverse problem is proved. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility and repeatability of localized 31P‐MRS four‐angle saturation transfer (FAST) of the human gastrocnemius muscle using a surface coil at 7 T
Authors: Tušek Jelenc Marjeta , Chmelík Marek , Bogner Wolfgang , Krššák Martin , Trattnig Siegfried , Valkovič Ladislav
Published: December 2015

Phosphorus (31P) MRS, combined with saturation transfer (ST), provides non‐invasive insight into muscle energy metabolism. However, even at 7 T, the standard ST method with T1app measured by inversion recovery takes about 10 min, making it impractical for dynamic examinations. An alternative method, i.e. four‐angle saturation transfer (FAST), can shorten the examination time. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility, repeatability, and possible time resolution of the localized FAST technique measurement on an ultra‐high‐field MR system, to accelerate the measurement of both Pi‐to‐ATP and PCr‐to‐ATP reaction rates in the human gastrocnemius muscle and to test the feasibility of using the FAST method for dynamic measurements.

We measured the exchange rates and metabolic fluxes in the gastrocnemius muscle of eight healthy subjects at 7 T with the depth‐resolved surface coil MRS (DRESS)‐localized FAST method. For comparison, a standard ST localized method was also used. The measurement time for the localized FAST experiment was 3.5 min compared with the 10 min for the standard localized ST experiment. In addition, in five healthy volunteers, Pi‐to‐ATP and PCr‐to‐ATP metabolic fluxes were measured in the gastrocnemius muscle at rest and during plantar flexion by the DRESS‐localized FAST method.

The repeatability of PCr‐to‐ATP and Pi‐to‐ATP exchange rate constants, determined by the slab‐selective localized FAST method at 7 T, is high, as the coefficients of variation remained below 20%, and the results of the exchange rates measured with the FAST method are comparable to those measured with standard ST.

During physical activity, the PCr‐to‐ATP metabolic flux decreased (from FCK = 8.21 ± 1.15 mM s−1 to FCK = 3.86 ± 1.38 mM s−1) and the Pi‐to‐ATP flux increased (from FATP = 0.43 ± 0.14 mM s−1 to FATP = 0.74 ± 0.13 mM s−1).

In conclusion, we could demonstrate that measurements in the gastrocnemius muscle are feasible at rest and are short enough to be used during exercise with the DRESS‐localized FAST method at 7 T. © 2015 The Authors. NMR in Biomedicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Commentary: Modernism,Jews, andFrazer
Authors: Silverman Eric K.
Published: December 2015

The outstanding papers in this collection raise important points for not only a fuller understanding of the contemporary Pacific, but also for issues of identity and belonging much further afield. Specifically, I propose that we can approach these papers from aJewish Studies perspective gazing uponMelanesia, but also from aMelanesianist perspective surveying the broad field ofJewish Studies. For in many respects, the case studies ask us to rethink conventional boundaries.Melanesians, I argue, draw variously onIsraelite,Israeli,Biblical, andJewish themes, all refracted throughChristianity, to re‐centre themselves in a global history so they are both valid and validated. But in so doing, we must ask ourselves, IfMelanesians lay claim toJewish affinities, broadly construed, what do these claims pose forJewish identities as well as the very concept of identity in terms of notions of diaspora and centre? Indeed, ifMelanesians areJews, then how do we define not onlyJudaism but alsoMelanesia? My goal, then, is not so much to focus on the chapters as to use the chapters to probe fundamental questions about self and society in a globalised, mutable world.
Pediatric registries at the Food and Drug Administration: design aspects that increase their likelihood of success
Authors: Winiecki Scott K. , Tejero‐Taldo M. Isabel , Avant Debbie , Murphy Dianne , McMahon Ann W.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To determine aspects of the design of pediatric registries that contribute to the success of registries conducted as a postmarketing study following approval of drugs or biological products by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Methods

Pediatric registries for drugs and biological products were identified by searching the US Food and Drug Administration Postmarketing Requirements and Commitments database. Based on the recruitment of patients, the meeting of predetermined deadlines, and the submission of data, we classified studies as successful, unsuccessful, or unevaluable. Design aspects of successful and unsuccessful registries were examined for commonalities.

Results

Thirty‐eight studies were identified, and ten registries met the criteria for successful. Four (40%) successful registries utilized a registry established prior to product approval, and six (60%) were disease‐based. Among unsuccessful registries, none were disease‐based or utilized a pre‐existing registry.

Conclusions

Characteristics identified as more common to successful registries included utilizing a disease‐based registry and a registry established prior to product approval. Future studies might examine a larger sample of registries to see if these aspects consistently result in successful studies. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Pharmacotherapy Considerations in the Management of Transgender Patients: A Brief Review
Authors: Bishop Bryan M.
Published: December 2015

Transgender and transsexual individuals have unique health care needs and risks compared with the population at large. It is estimated that 1 in 100,000 individuals in the United States is a transgender woman and 1 in 400,000 is a transgender man, although these estimates of prevalence are likely conservative. Transgender individuals are at an increased risk of tobacco, alcohol, and substance abuse; they have an increased lifetime suicide attempt risk; and they are more likely to experience significant stressors in their lives. Transgender patients may elect to transition their appearance to the gender with which they identify. Hormone treatment (and possibly sex reassignment surgery) is a significant part of this transition, and pharmacists must understand the pharmacotherapeutic principles involved so they can better recommend therapeutic agents, provide dosing recommendations, and anticipate and manage adverse effects. It is critical to be culturally sensitive when providing care for transgender patients including using their preferred gender identity, preferred names, and preferred pronouns. It is also essential to be able to identify transgender and transsexual patients correctly within electronic health records to ensure that appropriate care and monitoring are provided. For pharmacists, this means they should know the biologic sex for performing calculations such as creatinine clearance and to prevent teratogenic agents from reaching a transgender or transsexual man who could be pregnant or is capable of becoming pregnant. Promoting knowledge of transgender health issues will enable pharmacists to provide better, more holistic care to their transgender patients.
Role of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in Relapsed Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Focus on Vorinostat and Panobinostat
Authors: Afifi Salma , Michael Angela , Azimi Mahshid , Rodriguez Mabel , Lendvai Nikoletta , Landgren Ola
Published: December 2015

Multiple myeloma is a neoplastic plasma cell disorder that is characterized by clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow, monoclonal protein in the blood and/or urine, and associated organ dysfunction and biomarkers. There have been multiple recent advances in the relapsed and refractory setting. Major steps forward include the introduction of proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib and carfilzomib) and immunomodulatory drugs (thalidomide, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide) in various combinations. These drugs have changed the management of multiple myeloma and have extended overall survival in the past decade. Established curative therapy is not yet available for patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma, supporting the development of new treatment targets. Histone deacetylase inhibitors have multiple proposed mechanisms of action in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Both vorinostat and panobinostat have demonstrated some activity against multiple myeloma, and due to the benefits reported with panobinostat, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently approved the drug for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. In this article, we describe the pharmacology, efficacy, and toxicity profile of vorinostat and panobinostat and their possible place in therapy.
Protein lipid modifications—More than just a greasy ballast
Authors: Hentschel Andreas , Zahedi René P. , Ahrends Robert
Published: December 2015

Covalent lipid modifications of proteins are crucial for regulation of cellular plasticity, since they affect the chemical and physical properties and therefore protein activity, localization, and stability. Most recently, lipid modifications on proteins are increasingly attracting important regulatory entities in diverse signaling events and diseases. In all cases, the lipid moiety of modified proteins is essential to allow water‐soluble proteins to strongly interact with membranes or to induce structural changes in proteins that are critical for elemental processes such as respiration, transport, signal transduction, and motility. Until now, roughly about ten lipid modifications on different amino acid residues are described at the UniProtKB database and even well‐known modifications are underrepresented. Thus, it is of fundamental importance to develop a better understanding of this emerging and so far under‐investigated type of protein modification. Therefore, this review aims to give a comprehensive and detailed overview about enzymatic and nonenzymatic lipidation events, will report their role in cellular biology, discuss their relevancy for diseases, and describe so far available bioanalytical strategies to analyze this highly challenging type of modification.
Mechanism and kinetics of the oxidative damage to ergosterol induced by peroxyl radicals in lipid media: a theoretical quantum chemistry study
Authors: Medina Manuel E. , Iuga Cristina , Trigos Ángel
Published: December 2015

In this work, we have studied the mechanisms and kinetics of the initial damage to ergosterol induced by •OOH and •OOCH3 peroxyl radicals in a lipid media, using quantum chemistry and computational kinetics methods. The initial damage to ergosterol induced by these radicals occurs predominantly through the hydrogen transfer mechanism (HT) from the allylic position C14 of ergosterol. For the reaction of ergosterol with •OOH, the HT‐9 pathway represents ~90.8% of the overall rate constant, while in the case of •OOCH3, the HT‐14 pathway represents more than ~97.2% of the overall rate constant. The calculated overall reaction rates for the initial damage to ergosterol caused by the •OOH and •OOCH3 are 2.05 × 106 and 6.26 × 104 M−1 s−1, respectively, indicating that the oxidative damage to ergosterol initiated by these radicals, and probably other alkyl‐peroxyl radicals, could be significantly dangerous to their integrity. Taking into account the calculated values of the overall rate coefficients, we can conclude that ergosterol is more susceptible to damage produced by peroxyl radicals than cholesterol and fatty acids. This suggests that fungal cells might be more sensitive to these radicals than animal cells, coinciding with the fact that one of the targets in combating fungi is precisely ergosterol. Finally, theoretical calculations confirm the antioxidant potential of ergosterol and could help explaining the nutraceutical activity of edible and medicinal mushrooms. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dewetting behavior of Langmuir−Blodgett films of polystyrene‐b‐poly(methyl methacrylate) induced by solvent vapor annealing
Authors: Wu Tao , Wen Gangyao , Huang Changchun
Published: December 2015

In order to explore the degree of contact between hydrophilic blocks and the substrate, the dewetting behavior of Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films of polystyrene‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS‐b‐PMMA) induced by PMMA‐selective acetone vapor were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) for the first time. With the annealing of acetone vapor, the LB films of PS‐b‐PMMA undergo the swelling and coalescing of aggregates, the formation of bicontinuous patterns, the formation of droplets, and the periodic increase and decrease of droplets. The emergence of the bicontinuous patterns indicates that the dewetting occurs via the spinodal dewetting mechanism. The periodic droplet evolution is a novel phenomenon observed for the first time and quite different from the single droplet evolution of spin‐coated films, which is probably due to the degree of contact between PMMA blocks and the substrate in the LB films being larger than that in the latter. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 825–830
Shock to Initiation Characters of Heated Explosives with Different Confinement
Authors: Wang Chen , Chen Lang , Wu Jun‐Ying , Liu Qun , Hu Xiao‐Mian
Published: December 2015

Heated explosives might undergo thermal expansion and/or phase transition, which affects their shock sensitivity. Therefore, investigating the effect of temperature on the shock initiation properties of explosives would provide valuable safety guidelines for their transportation and handling. In this study, an experimental detonation device that achieved homogeneous heating of the explosive test sample while avoiding unintended heat transfer to the donor was designed and constructed. The device allowed to perform flyer impact tests on PBXC10 at different temperatures and using different confinement conditions. The generated experimental pressure history curves were used to calculate the parameters of the I&G model and determine their relationships with the sample temperature. The fully parameterized I&G model enabled predicting the shock initiation properties of PBXC10 at temperatures where experimental data were unavailable. It was concluded that increased sample temperatures would lead to a shorter run distance to detonation, faster propagation of the detonation wave and enhanced shock sensitivity of the explosive. It was also demonstrated that unconfined PBXC10 exhibited significantly greater shock sensitivity compared to its partially and completely confined counterparts.
Crystal structures of MBP fusion proteins
Authors: Waugh David S.
Published: December 2015

Although chaperone‐assisted protein crystallization remains a comparatively rare undertaking, the number of crystal structures of polypeptides fused to maltose‐binding protein (MBP) that have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) has grown dramatically during the past decade. Altogether, 102 fusion protein structures were detected by Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis. Collectively, these structures comprise a range of sizes, space groups, and resolutions that are typical of the PDB as a whole. While most of these MBP fusion proteins were equipped with short inter‐domain linkers to increase their rigidity, fusion proteins with long linkers have also been crystallized. In some cases, surface entropy reduction mutations in MBP appear to have facilitated the formation of crystals. A comparison of the structures of fused and unfused proteins, where both are available, reveals that MBP‐mediated structural distortions are very rare.
Stable boundary layer vertical scales in the Arctic: observations and analyses at Ny‐Ålesund, Svalbard
Authors: Mazzola M. , Tampieri F. , Viola A.P. , Lanconelli C. , Choi T.
Published: December 2015

An extensive set of measurements (May–August 2012 and June–November 2013) taken at the Amundsen‐Nobile Climate Change Tower located at Ny‐Ålesund, Svalbard, allowed investigation of some features of the vertical structure of the atmospheric stable boundary layer (SBL) at high latitudes. The main sensors are three sonic anemometers and four low‐frequency thermo‐hygrometers and anemometers. The momentum flux τ, the sensible heat flux Q and the turbulent kinetic energy K data at different levels demonstrated the occurrence of both the traditional and upside‐down SBL cases, according to the classification proposed in the literature. Based on a linear approximation of the profiles, the vertical scales were found to be different for the different second‐order moments. In the traditional case, the scales hτ , hQ and hK, defined as levels for which fluxes became zero, can be considered to approximate the boundary‐layer depth. While the distributions of hτ and hQ were found to be similar, having the ratio hQ/hτ equally distributed around unity although with a positive skewness, those of hτ and hK look quite different, having the ratio hK/hτ >1 in about 90% of the cases and with a median value >2. In the upside‐down case, the scales sτ, sQ and sK, defined as the height at which the value of the considered quantity doubles that at the surface, give a measure of the vertical variations of the moments. Comparing the distributions of these three scales, similar results to those for the traditional case were found, although with slightly different statistics. The values of the ratio between scales affect the vertical profile of the local Obukhov length in both the traditional and upside‐down SBL cases.
On the ensemble Rauch‐Tung‐Striebel smoother and its equivalence to the ensemble Kalman smoother
Authors: Raanes Patrick Nima
Published: December 2015

The Rauch–Tung–Striebel (RTS) smoother is a linear‐Gaussian smoothing algorithm that is popular in the engineering community. This note is a study of its ensemble formulation (EnRTS). An on‐line expression is derived and discussed. In particular, it is used to show that the EnRTS is equivalent to the ensemble Kalman smoother (EnKS), even in the nonlinear, non‐Gaussian case. The theory is revisited under practical considerations and equability is illustrated by numerical experiments, even though equivalence is broken by inflation and localisation.
The Impact of Response Measurement Error on the Analysis of Designed Experiments
Authors: Anderson‐Cook Christine M. , Hamada Michael S. , Burr Tom
Published: December 2015

This article considers the analysis of designed experiments when there is measurement error in the true response or so‐called response measurement error. We consider both additive and multiplicative response measurement errors. Through a simulation study, we investigate the impact of ignoring the response measurement error in the analysis, that is, by using a standard analysis based ont‐tests. In addition, we examine the role of repeat measurements in improving the quality of estimation and prediction in the presence of response measurement error. We also study a Bayesian approach that accounts for the response measurement error directly through the specification of the model, and allows including additional information about variability in the analysis. We consider the impact on power, prediction, and optimization. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can a Fast‐Expanding Market Sustain with Supply‐Side Government Aid? An Investigation into the Chinese Solar Photovoltaics Industry
Authors: Wang Pengji , Yuan Lin , Kuah Adrian T. H.
Published: December 2015

The solar photovoltaics (PV) industry is a policy‐driven business, in that political decisions considerably influence potential market takeoff or decline. This is particularly true for China. Between 2006 and 2010, the annual growth rate of solar panel output approached or exceeded 100%, with suppliers receiving financial aid from the government. Despite the prevalence of supply‐side aid, its actual impact on the development of this fast‐expanding market is debatable. We focus on 249 observations of 75 solar PV companies from 2005 to 2012, and investigate how government aid received in the form of bank loans and direct subsidies by these companies influenced their performance. Our empirical results show that supply‐side government aid in China helps improve scale efficiency to a certain extent, but has a limited impact on technology efficiency. We find that supply‐side aid leads to diseconomies of scale in the long run and, thus, to low efficiency and profitability. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Location‐based distributed caching for device‐to‐device communications underlaying cellular networks
Authors: Zhang Aiqing , Wang Lei , Zhou Liang
Published: December 2015

Device‐to‐device (D2D) communications have been viewed as a promising data offloading solution in cellular networks because of the explosive growth of multimedia applications. Because of the nature of distributed device location, distributed caching becomes an important function of D2D communications. By taking advantage of the caching capacity of the device, in this work, we explore the device storage and file frequent reuse to realize distributed content dissemination, that is, storing contents in mobile devices (named helpers). Specifically, we first investigate the average and lower bound of helper amount by dividing the network into small areas where the nodes are within each other's communication radius. Then, optimal helper amount is derived based on average helper amount and network topology. Subsequently, a location‐based distributed helper selection scheme for distributed caching is proposed based on the given optimal helper amount. In particular, nodes are selected as helpers according to their locations and degrees, and contents are placed in the manner for maximizing total user utility. Extensive simulation results demonstrate the factors that affect the optimal helper amount and the total user utility. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coordination Architectures of Lanthanum Complexes Based on Bifunctional 5‐Substituted Tetrazolecarboxylate Ligands
Authors: Shen Lei , Min Yu‐Ting , Wang Jing , Xu Yue , Chen Hong‐Jian , Yang Jie , Zhang Xi , Wu Mu‐Lan , Yang Gao‐Wen , Wei Bo
Published: December 2015

Three complexes of bifunctional 5‐substituted tetrazolatecarboxylate ligands [2‐(5‐(pyrazin‐2‐yl)‐2H‐tetrazol‐2‐yl)acetic acid (Hpztza), 3‐(5‐amino‐2H‐tetrazol‐1(5H)‐yl)propanoic acid (Hatzp), and N,N′‐bis(tetrazol‐5‐yl)anime‐N2,N2′‐diacetic acid (H2datza)], namely a mononuclear structure [La(pztza)2(H2O)5]·4H2O·pztza (1), a 1D polymeric chain structure [La2(atzp)4(H2O)8]·2NO3·2H2O (2), and a 2D layer network [La(datza)(H2O)3]·4H2O (3) were prepared and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structures of these complexes are controlled not only by the number and different coordination modes of the tetrazole‐carboxylate ligands but also the different 5‐substituents of the tetrazole ring. The complexes show ligand‐centered luminescence at room temperature in the solid state. The obvious enhancements in luminescence make these complexes to be the potential materials for optical use.
How to walk on statistical mandalas as a population ecologist
Authors: Toquenaga Yukihiko
Published: December 2015

We population ecologists who are believed to be good at dealing with statistics often get confused about what kinds of statistical methods we should apply to our nuisance data. There are a couple of conflicting paradigms and many associated methods in statistics. Classical frequentists’ approaches that have dominated in science have been severely criticized by the newcomers: Bayesian and evidential statistics. But, both newcomers also have weak points. Researchers devoted to different statistical approaches are seeking soft landing places where they can compromise each other. Key aspects of statistical inference are discriminating model selection and parameter estimation. Likelihood and Fisher information play important roles in both processes. As an overview of the compromise processes, here I will introduce three contributing papers by M. L. Taper, J. M. Ponciano, R. M. Dorazio, and K. Yamamura for the special feature entitled “Bayesian, Fisherian, error, and evidential statistical approaches for population ecology.” This special feature is based on a symposium held in Tsukuba, Japan, on 11 October 2014
Alone in the Crowd: I Failed the ABGC Certification Exam
Authors: Colón Christine
Published: December 2015

The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certification examination (often referred to as “the board exam”) has become a milestone within the field of genetic counseling. For many, it is the final standardized test taken and indicates the examinee has met “the standards of minimal competence to practice as a genetic counselor” (Bulletin2015). Although voluntary, certification is strongly encouraged, and in some employment situations, required. Although recent statistics indicate the majority of those who take the test pass, each year there are those who sit for the test unsuccessfully. Despite this fact, exam failure and tools for dealing with this experience are not often broached in the literature. This essay recalls my experiences with a failed exam attempt and the subsequent emotional turmoil. It also aims to start the conversation regarding the difficulty of coping with the “secret” shame of public, professional failure, and suggests there is room for further discussion and resource development in this area.