bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Boron Doping Shapes the Optoelectronic Properties of Canonical and Phenylene‐Containing Oligoacenes: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Kirschner Sven , Mewes Jan‐Michael , Bolte Michael , Lerner Hans‐Wolfram , Dreuw Andreas , Wagner Matthias
Published: February 2017

Optimized syntheses of 6,13‐dimesityl‐6,13‐dihydro‐6,13‐diborapentacene (DBP) and a related compound (DBI) featuring two biphenylene‐2,3‐diyl units in place of naphthalene‐2,3‐diyl moieties are reported. Striking differences between the optoelectronic properties of DBP and DBI have been experimentally observed, and explained by quantum chemical calculations. DBP is a member of the oligoacene family, DBI is a linear [N]phenylene derivative. The yellow DBP shows blue photoluminescence, the deep red DBI is nonfluorescent. Both compounds give rise to two reversible redox transitions at E
=−2.03 V, −2.75 V (DBP) and −1.52 V, −2.30 V (DBI; THF, vs. FcH/FcH+). The higher electron affinity of DBI agrees with a lower calculated LUMO energy level [−0.57 eV for DBI with respect to DBP @HF//SCS‐MP2/def2‐TZVP] and a higher Lewis acidity of its boron centers, which is reflected in the trend of adduct formation with small Lewis bases (MeCN, F−). The thermochemistry underlying this trend, as well as the mechanism of fluorescence quenching in DBI, are revealed by state‐of‐the‐art quantum chemical calculations. It is suggested that the nonradiative deactivation occurs via a low‐lying, doubly excited state.
Primary tumor resection does not improve survival among patients with unresectable colorectal cancer metastases—But who determines resectability?
Authors: Reddy Srinevas K. , Boland Patrick M. , Nurkin Steven J.
Published: February 2017

Conclusive data do not support routine asymptomatic, primary tumor resection among patients with unresectable colorectal cancer metastases. However, the authors strongly caution against an extrapolation of this conclusion that deters patients with stage IV disease from being referred for consideration of potentially curative metastasectomy.
Treatment trends for patients with brain metastases: Does practice reflect the data?
Authors: Sandler Kiri A. , Shaverdian Narek , Cook Ryan R. , Kishan Amar U. , King Christopher R. , Yang Isaac , Steinberg Michael L. , Lee Percy
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Published guidelines regarding the optimal treatment strategies for brain metastases focus on patients with ≤3 lesions. As delivery techniques for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) improve, radiation oncologists are increasingly using it for patients with >3 metastases. In the current study, the authors sought to characterize practice patterns among practitioners to identify areas of controversy.

METHODS

A survey of practicing radiation oncologists was distributed via e‐mail. Responses were collected from April 1 to May 5, 2016. Survey data were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 711 currently practicing radiation oncologists responded, for a response rate of 12.5%. Specialists in central nervous system tumors (CNS specialists) were more likely to treat higher numbers of patients with brain metastases with SRS. There was a significant difference in the optimal “cutoff number” used when deciding how many lesions to treat with SRS versus whole‐brain radiotherapy. Cutoff numbers were significantly higher for high‐volume CNS specialists (≥10 patients/month) than for either low‐volume CNS specialists (5‐9 patients/month) or high‐volume, non‐CNS specialists (8.1 vs 5.6 and 5.1, respectively; P<.001). A majority of respondents (56%) identified patients with 4 to 6 brain metastases as being the most challenging patients to treat.

CONCLUSIONS

To the authors’ knowledge, there appears to be no consensus regarding the optimal treatment strategy among patients with >3 brain metastases, and practice patterns are heterogeneous. Radiation oncologists, especially high‐volume CNS specialists, are treating significantly more brain metastases with SRS than what currently is recommended by published consensus guidelines. Providers struggle with patients with a moderate intracranial disease burden. Further prospective studies are needed to support these practice patterns and guide decision making. Cancer 2017;123:2274–2282. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Segregated fronto‐cortical and midbrain connections in the mouse and their relation to approach and avoidance orienting behaviors
Authors: Savage Michael Anthony , McQuade Richard , Thiele Alexander
Published: February 2017

The orchestration of orienting behaviors requires the interaction of many cortical and subcortical areas, for example the superior colliculus (SC), as well as prefrontal areas responsible for top–down control. Orienting involves different behaviors, such as approach and avoidance. In the rat, these behaviors are at least partially mapped onto different SC subdomains, the lateral (SCl) and medial (SCm), respectively. To delineate the circuitry involved in the two types of orienting behavior in mice, we injected retrograde tracer into the intermediate and deep layers of the SCm and SCl, and thereby determined the main input structures to these subdomains. Overall the SCm receives larger numbers of afferents compared to the SCl. The prefrontal cingulate area (Cg), visual, oculomotor, and auditory areas provide strong input to the SCm, while prefrontal motor area 2 (M2), and somatosensory areas provide strong input to the SCl. The prefrontal areas Cg and M2 in turn connect to different cortical and subcortical areas, as determined by anterograde tract tracing. Even though connectivity pattern often overlap, our labeling approaches identified segregated neural circuits involving SCm, Cg, secondary visual cortices, auditory areas, and the dysgranular retrospenial cortex likely to be involved in avoidance behaviors. Conversely, SCl, M2, somatosensory cortex, and the granular retrospenial cortex comprise a network likely involved in approach/appetitive behaviors.
Effect of Sustained Elevated Gastric pH Levels on Gefitinib Exposure
Authors: Tang Weifeng , Tomkinson Helen , Masson Eric
Published: February 2017

This open‐label, randomized, phase 1 crossover study investigated the effect of elevated gastric pH level (>5) on the relative bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profile of the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. Healthy male volunteers (n = 26) were randomized to gefitinib 250 mg (fasted), either alone on day 1 (unmodified gastric pH) or 1 hour following the second of 2 oral doses of the H2‐receptor antagonist ranitidine 450 mg (elevated gastric pH). After a 3‐week washout period, volunteers crossed to the other treatment. The geometric least‐squares (GLS) mean AUC0–∞ and Cmax for gefitinib were reduced by 47% and 71%, respectively, under conditions of sustained elevated gastric pH; for both parameters, the 90%CI for the ratio of the GLS means lay below the prespecified lower limit. Median tmax was delayed from 5 to 6 hours. Mean t1/2 was similar under both gastric pH conditions. No serious adverse events were reported. The bioavailability of a single oral gefitinib 250‐mg dose was reduced by approximately 50% when gefitinib was administered under conditions of sustained elevated gastric pH.
Unsymmetrically Substituted Donor–π–Acceptor‐Type 5,15‐Diazaporphyrin Sensitizers: Synthesis, Optical and Photovoltaic Properties
Authors: Omomo Satoshi , Tsuji Yukihiro , Sugiura Kenichi , Higashino Tomohiro , Nakano Haruyuki , Imahori Hiroshi , Matano Yoshihiro
Published: February 2017

The first examples of unsymmetrical β‐substituted donor–π–acceptor (D–π–A)‐type 5,15‐diazaporphyrin (DAP) sensitizers with both p‐aminophenyl and p‐carboxyphenyl groups at their peripheral 3‐, 7‐, 13‐, and/or 17‐positions have been synthesized for use in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). UV/Vis absorption and emission spectroscopy, electrochemical measurements, and DFT calculations revealed that these D–π–A dyes exhibit high light‐harvesting properties over the whole visible range because of the intrinsic charge‐transfer character of their electronic transitions. The cell performances of TiO2‐based DSSCs fabricated with the newly prepared DAP derivatives were evaluated under standard AM1.5 conditions. Among the four dyes examined, 13,17‐bis(p‐carboxyphenyl)‐3,7‐bis[p‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)phenyl]‐DAP showed the highest power conversion efficiency (2.0 %), which was 20 times larger than that obtained with 3‐(p‐carboxyphenyl)‐DAP. These results show that the DAP chromophore could be used as the electron‐accepting π unit in various types of functional dyes.
Intramolecular Photogeneration of a Tyrosine Radical in a Designed Protein
Authors: Tebo Alison G. , Quaranta Annamaria , Herrero Christian , Pecoraro Vincent L. , Aukauloo Ally
Published: February 2017

Long‐distance biological electron transfer occurs through a hopping mechanism and often involves tyrosine as a high potential intermediate, for example in the early charge separation steps during photosynthesis. Protein design allows for the development of minimal systems to study the underlying principles of complex systems. Herein, we report the development of the first ruthenium‐linked designed protein for the photogeneration of a tyrosine radical by intramolecular electron transfer.
Electrochemical Water Oxidation by a Catalyst‐Modified Metal–Organic Framework Thin Film
Authors: Lin Shaoyang , Pineda‐Galvan Yuliana , Maza William A. , Epley Charity C. , Zhu Jie , Kessinger Matthew C. , Pushkar Yulia , Morris Amanda J.
Published: February 2017

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Dr. Amanda Morris at Virginia Tech and their collaborators at Purdue University in the laboratory of Dr. Yulia Pushkar. The cover image shows a mononuclear, Ru‐catalyst‐modified metal–organic framework (MOF) that oxidizes water electrochemically. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201601181.
Multihop data gathering in wireless sensor networks with a mobile sink
Authors: Tashtarian Farzad , Sohraby Khosrow , Varasteh Amir
Published: February 2017

Network performance can be improved by using a mobile sink (MS) to collect sensed data in a wireless sensor network. In this paper, we design an efficient trajectory for MS, collecting data from sensor nodes in a multihop fashion, with the aim of prolonging the network lifetime. Considering event‐driven applications, we present an approach to jointly determine the optimal trajectory for MS and data paths and transmission rates from source nodes to MS, without considering any rendezvous points. In these applications, an MS is supposed to harvest the data from source nodes in a given time‐slot. We first show that this problem is in form of a mixed integer nonlinear programming model, which is NP‐hard. Then, to achieve an approximate solution, we divide the mentioned problem into 2 simple subproblems. In fact, after determining an approximate zone for the trajectory of MS, the optimal data paths and transmission rates from source nodes to the MS are obtained through a mathematical optimization model. Finally, to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed approach, we compare the performance of our algorithm to an rendezvous point–based and also the state‐of‐the‐art approach in different scenarios.
Variation in subsurface thermal characteristics of microrefuges used by range core and peripheral populations of the American pika (Ochotona princeps)
Authors: Rodhouse Thomas J. , Hovland Matthew , Jeffress Mackenzie R.
Published: February 2017

Microrefuges provide microclimates decoupled from inhospitable regional climate regimes that enable range‐peripheral populations to persist and are important to cold‐adapted species in an era of accelerated climate change. However, identifying and describing the thermal characteristics of microrefuge habitats is challenging, particularly for mobile organisms in cryptic, patchy habitats. We examined variation in subsurface thermal conditions of microrefuge habitats among different rock substrate types used by the American pika (Ochotona princeps), a climate‐sensitive, rock‐dwelling Lagomorph. We compared subsurface temperatures in talus and lava substrates in pika survey sites in two US national park units; one park study area on the range periphery and the other in the range core. We deployed paired sensors to examine within‐site temperature variation. We hypothesized that subsurface temperatures within occupied sites and structurally complex substrates would be cooler in summer and warmer in winter than unoccupied and less complex sites. Although within‐site variability was high, with correlations between paired sensors as low as 47%, we found compelling evidence that pikas occupy microrefuge habitats where subsurface conditions provide more thermal stability than in unoccupied microhabitats. The percentage of days in which microhabitat temperatures were between −2.5 and 25.5°C was significantly higher in occupied sites. Interestingly, thermal conditions were substantially more stable (p < .05) in the lava substrate type identified to be preferentially used by pikas (pahoehoe vs. a'a) in a previous study. Our study and others suggest that thermal stability appears to be the defining characteristic of subsurface microrefuges used by American pikas and is a likely explanation for enigmatic population persistence at the range periphery. Our study exemplifies an integrated approach for studying complex microhabitat conditions, paired with site use surveys and contextualized with information about gene flow provided by complementary studies.
Long‐term monitoring of tropical alpine habitat change, Andean anurans, and chytrid fungus in the Cordillera Vilcanota, Peru: Results from a decade of study
Authors: Seimon Tracie A. , Seimon Anton , Yager Karina , Reider Kelsey , Delgado Amanda , Sowell Preston , Tupayachi Alfredo , Konecky Bronwen , McAloose Denise , Halloy Stephan
Published: February 2017

The Cordillera Vilcanota in southern Peru is the second largest glacierized range in the tropics and home to one of the largest high‐alpine lakes, Sibinacocha (4,860 m). Here, Telmatobius marmoratus (marbled water frog), Rhinella spinulosa (Andean toad), and Pleurodema marmoratum (marbled four‐eyed frog) have expanded their range vertically within the past century to inhabit newly formed ponds created by ongoing deglaciation. These anuran populations, geographically among the highest (5,200–5,400 m) recorded globally, are being impacted by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), and the disease it causes, chytridiomycosis. In this study, we report results from over a decade of monitoring these three anuran species, their habitat, and Bd infection status. Our observations reveal dynamic changes in habitat including ongoing rapid deglaciation (18.4 m/year widening of a corridor between retreating glaciers from 2005 to 2015), new pond formation, changes in vegetation in amphibian habitat, and widespread occurrence of Bd in amphibians in seven sites. Three of these sites have tested positive for Bd over a 9‐ to 12‐year period. In addition, we observed a widespread reduction in T. marmoratus encounters in the Vilcanota in 2008, 2009, and 2012, while encounters increased in 2013 and 2015. Despite the rapid and dynamic changes in habitat under a warming climate, continued presence of Bd in the environment for over a decade, and a reduction in one of three anuran species, we document that these anurans continue to breed and survive in this high Andean environment. High variability in anuran encounters across sites and plasticity in these populations across habitats, sites, and years are all factors that could favor repopulation postdecline. Preserving the connectivity of wetlands in the Cordillera Vilcanota is therefore essential in ensuring that anurans continue to breed and adapt as climate change continues to reshape the environment.
The effect of top‐predator presence and phenotype on aquatic microbial communities
Authors: Sullam Karen E. , Matthews Blake , Aebischer Thierry , Seehausen Ole , Bürgmann Helmut
Published: February 2017

The presence of predators can impact a variety of organisms within the ecosystem, including microorganisms. Because the effects of fish predators and their phenotypic differences on microbial communities have not received much attention, we tested how the presence/absence, genotype, and plasticity of the predatory three‐spine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) influence aquatic microbes in outdoor mesocosms. We reared lake and stream stickleback genotypes on contrasting food resources to adulthood, and then added them to aquatic mesocosm ecosystems to assess their impact on the planktonic bacterial community. We also investigated whether the effects of fish persisted following the removal of adults, and the subsequent addition of a homogenous juvenile fish population. The presence of adult stickleback increased the number of bacterial OTUs and altered the size structure of the microbial community, whereas their phenotype affected bacterial community composition. Some of these effects were detectable after adult fish were removed from the mesocosms, and after juvenile fish were placed in the tanks, most of these effects disappeared. Our results suggest that fish can have strong short‐term effects on microbial communities that are partially mediated by phenotypic variation of fish.
High‐density lipoprotein‐associated paraoxonase‐1 activity for prediction of adverse outcomes in outpatients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Hammadah Muhammad , Kalogeropoulos Andreas P. , Georgiopoulou Vasiliki V. , Weber Malory , Wu Yuping , Hazen Stanley L. , Butler Javed , Tang W.H. Wilson
Published: February 2017

Aims

Decreased arylesterase (ArylE) activity of paraoxonase‐1, a HDL‐associated protein with anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has been associated with increased risk of cardiac events in patients with ischaemic heart failure (HF). We aim to investigate the prognostic significance of changes in serum ArylE activity over time.

Methods and results

We examined the association between baseline and follow‐up serum ArylE activity and HF outcomes (death, cardiac transplantation, or ventricular assist device implantation) in 299 patients with HF enrolled in a prospective cohort study from January 2008 to July 2009, with 145 patients having available follow‐up levels at 1 year. A significant drop in ArylE activity on follow‐up was defined as a drop of ≥25% vs. baseline levels. Mean baseline and follow‐up ArylE activity levels were 110.6 ± 29.9 µmol/min/mL and 106.2 ± 29.9 µmol/min/mL, respectively. After a mean follow‐up of 2.8 ± 1.1 years, low baseline ArylE activity was associated with increased risk of adverse HF events [hazard ratio (HR; lowest vs highest tertile) 2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–5.5, P = 0.01] and HF‐related hospitalization [incidence rate ratio (lowest vs. highest tertile) 2.1, 95% CI 1.2–4.1, P = 0.016], which remained significant after adjustment for age, male gender, systolic blood pressure, diabetes, creatinine clearance, CAD, and HDL‐cholesterol levels. Patients who had a significant drop in ArylE activity on follow‐up (n = 18) had a significantly increased risk of HF events (HR 4.9, 95% CI 1.6–14.6, P = 0.005), even after adjustment for baseline levels of ArylE activity.

Conclusions

Reduced baseline ArylE activity and decreased levels on follow‐up are associated with adverse outcomes in stable outpatients with HF.
Measurement of Total Antioxidant Capacity by Electrogenerated Iodine at Disposable Screen Printed Electrodes
Authors: González‐Sánchez María Isabel , Agrisuelas Jerónimo , Valero Edelmira , Compton Richard G.
Published: February 2017

Total antioxidant capacity is an important parameter for the evaluation of the oxidative status in different kinds of biological samples such as plant extracts, or in food industry. We report a fast, easy, portable, cost‐effective electroanalytical method to measure total antioxidant capacity, based on the reaction of natural antioxidants with electrogenerated iodine using disposable platinum screen‐printed electrodes. This reaction can be measured by the increment of the electrochemical current signal of iodide oxidation to iodine during a voltammetric cycle. Iodine reacts with reducing compounds such as glutathione, ascorbate, gallic acid and NADH without interference of the corresponding oxidized counter‐parts. The addition of ascorbate oxidase also allows the concentration of ascorbate to be determined. The method was tested with real samples of plant extracts and the results correlated well with those obtained with a standard spectrophotometric method.
Coprecipitation‐assisted coacervative extraction coupled to high‐performance liquid chromatography: An approach for determining organophosphorus pesticides in water samples
Authors: Mammana Sabrina B. , Berton Paula , Camargo Alejandra B. , Lascalea Gustavo E. , Altamirano Jorgelina C.
Published: February 2017

An analytical methodology based on coprecipitation‐assisted coacervative extraction coupled to HPLC‐UV was developed for determination of five organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs), including fenitrothion, guthion, parathion, methidathion, and chlorpyrifos, in water samples. It involves a green technique leading to an efficient and simple analytical methodology suitable for high‐throughput analysis. Relevant physicochemical variables were studied and optimized on the analytical response of each OPP. Under optimized conditions, the resulting methodology was as follows: an aliquot of 9 mL of water sample was placed into a centrifuge tube and 0.5 mL sodium citrate 0.1 M, pH 4; 0.08 mL Al2(SO4)3 0.1 M; and 0.7 mL SDS 0.1 M were added and homogenized. After centrifugation the supernatant was discarded. A 700 μL aliquot of the coacervate‐rich phase obtained was dissolved with 300 μL of methanol and 20 μL of the resulting solution was analyzed by HPLC‐UV. The resulting LODs ranged within 0.7–2.5 ng/mL and the achieved RSD and recovery values were <8% (n = 3) and >81%, respectively. The proposed analytical methodology was successfully applied for the analysis of five OPPs in water samples for human consumption of different locations of Mendoza.
Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction of quinolones in porcine blood: Validation of a CE method using univariate calibration or multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares for overlapped peaks
Authors: Teglia Carla M. , Cámara María S. , Vera‐Candioti Luciana
Published: February 2017

In the previously published part of this study, we detailed a novel strategy based on dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction to extract and preconcentrate nine fluoroquinolones in porcine blood. Moreover, we presented the optimized experimental conditions to obtain complete CE separation between target analytes. Consequently, this second part reports the validation of the developed method to determine flumenique, difloxacin, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, through univariate calibration, and enoxacin, danofloxacin, and gatifloxacin through multivariate curve resolution analysis. The validation was performed according to FDA guidelines for bioanalytical assay procedures and the European Directive 2002/657 to demonstrate that the results are reliable. The method was applied for the determination of fluoroquinolones in real samples. Results indicated a high selectivity and excellent precision characteristics, with RSD less than 11.9% in the concentrations, in intra‐ and interassay precision studies. Linearity was proved for a range from 4.00 to 30.00 mg/L and the recovery has been investigated at four different fortification levels, from 89 to 113%. Several approaches found in the literature were used to determinate the LODs and LOQs. Though all strategies used were appropriate, we obtained different values when using different methods. Estimating the S/N ratio with the mean noise level in the migration time of each fluoroquinolones turned out as the best studied method for evaluating the LODs and LOQs, and the values were in a range of 1.55 to 4.55 mg/L and 5.17 to 9.62 mg/L, respectively.
The use of 3D modeling for the prediction of the seismic demands on the gravity dams
Authors: Bybordiani M. , Arıcı Y.
Published: February 2017

Seismic behavior of gravity dams has long been evaluated using a representative two‐dimensional (2D) system. Formulated for the gravity dams built in wide canyons, the assumption is nevertheless utilized extensively for almost all concrete dams due to the established procedures as well as the expected computational costs of a three‐dimensional model. However, a significant number of roller‐compacted concrete dams, characterized as such systems, do not conform to the basic assumptions of these methods by violating the conditions on canyon dimensions and joint‐spacing/details. Based on the premise that the 2D modeling assumption is overstretched for practical purposes in a variety of settings, the purpose of this study is to critically evaluate the use of 2D modeling for the prediction of the seismic demands on these systems. Using a rigorous soil–structure interaction approach, the difference between the two and three‐dimensional response for gravity dams was investigated first in the frequency domain for a range of canyon widths and foundation to dam moduli ratios. Then, the time domain differences between the crest displacements and the maximum principal stress were obtained using 70 different ground motions in order to show the possible bias introduced into the analysis results due to the modeling approach. The results of the study show that even for relatively wide canyons, the 2D analysis can lead to misleading predictions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early detection and curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: A cost‐effectiveness analysis in France and in the United States
Authors: Cadier Benjamin , Bulsei Julie , Nahon Pierre , Seror Olivier , Laurent Alexis , Rosa Isabelle , Layese Richard , Costentin Charlotte , Cagnot Carole , Durand‐Zaleski Isabelle , Chevreul Karine ,   the ANRS CO12 CirVir and CHANGH groups
Published: February 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of death in patients with cirrhosis. Patients outside clinical trials seldom benefit from evidence‐based monitoring. The objective of this study was to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of complying with HCC screening guidelines. The economic evaluation compared surveillance of patients with cirrhosis as recommended by the guidelines (“gold‐standard monitoring”) to “real‐life monitoring” from the health care system perspective. A Markov model described the history of the disease and treatment course including current first‐line curative treatment: liver resection, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and liver transplantation. Transition probabilities were derived mainly from two French cohorts, CIRVIR and CHANGH. Costs were computed using French and U.S. tariffs. Effectiveness was measured in life years gained (LYG). An incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated for a 10‐year horizon and tested with one‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. The cost difference between the two groups was $648 ($87,476 in the gold‐standard monitoring group vs. $86,829 in the real‐life monitoring group) in France and $11,965 ($93,795 vs. $81,829) in the United States. Survival increased by 0.37 years (7.18 vs. 6.81 years). The ICER was $1,754 per LYG in France and $32,415 per LYG in the United States. The health gain resulted from earlier diagnosis and access to first‐line curative treatments, among which RFA provided the best value for money. Conclusion: Our results indicate that gold‐standard monitoring for patients with cirrhosis is cost‐effective, attributed to a higher probability of benefiting from a curative treatment and so a higher survival probability. (Hepatology 2017;65:1237‐1248)
A scientific theory of Ars Memoriae: Spatial view cells in a continuous attractor network with linked items
Authors: Rolls Edmund T.
Published: February 2017

The art of memory (ars memoriae) used since classical times includes using a well‐known scene to associate each view or part of the scene with a different item in a speech. This memory technique is also known as the “method of loci.” The new theory is proposed that this type of memory is implemented in the CA3 region of the hippocampus where there are spatial view cells in primates that allow a particular view to be associated with a particular object in an event or episodic memory. Given that the CA3 cells with their extensive recurrent collateral system connecting different CA3 cells, and associative synaptic modifiability, form an autoassociation or attractor network, the spatial view cells with their approximately Gaussian view fields become linked in a continuous attractor network. As the view space is traversed continuously (e.g., by self‐motion or imagined self‐motion across the scene), the views are therefore successively recalled in the correct order, with no view missing, and with low interference between the items to be recalled. Given that each spatial view has been associated with a different discrete item, the items are recalled in the correct order, with none missing. This is the first neuroscience theory of ars memoriae. The theory provides a foundation for understanding how a key feature of ars memoriae, the ability to use a spatial scene to encode a sequence of items to be remembered, is implemented. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in ovarian cancer patients from China: ethnic‐related mutations in BRCA1 associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer
Authors: Shi Tingyan , Wang Pan , Xie Caixia , Yin Sheng , Shi Di , Wei Congchong , Tang Wenbin , Jiang Rong , Cheng Xi , Wei Qingyi , Wang Qing , Zang Rongyu
Published: February 2017

BRCA1/2 are cancer predisposition genes involved in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). Mutation carriers display an increased sensitivity to inhibitors of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP). Despite a number of small‐size hospital‐based studies being previously reported, there is not yet, to our knowledge, precise data of BRCA1/2 mutations among Chinese ovarian cancer patients. We performed a multicenter cohort study including 916 unselected consecutive epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients from eastern China to screen for BRCA1/2 mutations using the next‐generation sequencing approach. A total of 153 EOC patients were found to carry pathogenic germline mutations in BRCA1/2, accounting for an overall mutation incidence of 16.7% with the predominance in BRCA1 (13.1%) compared with BRCA2 (3.9%). We identified 53 novel pathogenic mutations, among which the c.283_286delCTTG and the c.4573C > T of BRCA1 were both found in two unrelated patients. More importantly, the most common mutation found in this study, c.5470_5477del8 was most likely to be Chinese population‐related without an apparent founder origin. This hot‐spot mutation was presumably associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Taken together, germline BRCA1/2 mutations were common in Chinese EOC patients with distinct mutational spectrum compared to Western populations. Our study contributes to the current understanding of BRCA1/2 mutation prevalence worldwide. We recommend BRCA1/2 genetic testing to all Chinese women diagnosed with EOC to identify HBOC families, to provide genetic counseling and clinical management for at‐risk relatives. Mutation carriers may also benefit from PARP‐targeted therapies.
Feasibility of using pessaries for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in rural Nepal
Authors: Robert Magali , Govan A. Jane , Lohani Uma , Uprety Aruna
Published: February 2017

Objective

To evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and outcomes of pessary fitting in rural Nepali communities.

Methods

A 1‐year prospective cohort study was conducted in the Ramechhap district of Nepal in January 2013–January 2014 among women attending a free gynecology health camp. All women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) were offered ring pessaries. Demographic information was collected and questionnaires on POP were completed. A urogynecologic examination was performed. At the 1‐year follow‐up, women were questioned on pessary use and underwent an examination. Logistic regression was used to identify associations.

Results

In total, 411 women attended the health camps, of whom 142 presented with symptomatic POP. Initial fitting was accomplished for 134 (94.4%) of the women. At the 1‐year follow‐up, 130 (97.0%) women in the cohort were evaluated, and 72 (55.4%) were still using the pessary. The primary reason for discontinuation was the pessary falling out (35/58, 60.3%). The most common complication was vaginal erosion (18/130, 13.8%), observed exclusively among postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal status was a predictor of continued use (odds ratio 3.12, 95% confidence interval 1.45–6.72; P=0.004).

Conclusion

Pessaries were found to be an acceptable and feasible option with minimal complications for treating POP in rural Nepal.
Evaluating vaginal‐delivery rates after previous cesarean delivery using the Robson 10‐group classification system at a tertiary center in Brazil
Authors: Guida Jose P.S. , Pacagnella Rodolfo C. , Costa Maria L. , Ferreira Elton C. , Cecatti Jose G.
Published: February 2017

Previous cesarean delivery is associated with an increased likelihood of further cesarean deliveries. The Robson classification system can be used to study cesarean‐delivery rates.
Assessment and treatment of automatically reinforced self‐induced emesis
Authors: Wunderlich Kara L. , Vollmer Timothy R. , Zabala Karla A.
Published: February 2017

Frequent emesis can cause substantial deleterious effects to a child's health and environment. We conducted a functional analysis of a 3‐year‐old girl's self‐induced emesis and confirmed that emesis was maintained by automatic reinforcement. In a reversal design, we evaluated the efficacy of implementing response blocking at 100% and 50% treatment integrity levels on both attempts and successful production of emesis. One hundred percent blocking, but not 50% blocking, was successful in reducing attempts and emesis below baseline levels.
Recent research on the high‐probability instructional sequence: A brief review
Authors: Lipschultz Joshua , Wilder David A.
Published: February 2017

The high‐probability (high‐p) instructional sequence consists of the delivery of a series of high‐probability instructions immediately before delivery of a low‐probability or target instruction. It is commonly used to increase compliance in a variety of populations. Recent research has described variations of the high‐p instructional sequence and examined the conditions under which the sequence is most effective. This manuscript reviews the most recent research on the sequence and identifies directions for future research. Recommendations for practitioners regarding the use of the high‐p instructional sequence are also provided.
Continuous microfluidic assembly of biodegradable poly(beta‐amino ester)/DNA nanoparticles for enhanced gene delivery
Authors: Wilson David R. , Mosenia Arman , Suprenant Mark P. , Upadhya Rahul , Routkevitch Denis , Meyer Randall A. , Quinones‐Hinojosa Alfredo , Green Jordan J.
Published: February 2017

Translation of biomaterial‐based nanoparticle formulations to the clinic faces significant challenges including efficacy, safety, consistency and scale‐up of manufacturing, and stability during long‐term storage. Continuous microfluidic fabrication of polymeric nanoparticles has the potential to alleviate the challenges associated with manufacture, while offering a scalable solution for clinical level production. Poly(beta‐amino esters) (PBAE)s are a class of biodegradable cationic polymers that self‐assemble with anionic plasmid DNA to form polyplex nanoparticles that have been shown to be effective for transfecting cancer cells specifically in vitro and in vivo. Here, we demonstrate the use of a microfluidic device for the continuous and scalable production of PBAE/DNA nanoparticles followed by lyophilization and long term storage that results in improved in vitro efficacy in multiple cancer cell lines compared to nanoparticles produced by bulk mixing as well as in comparison to widely used commercially available transfection reagents polyethylenimine and Lipofectamine® 2000. We further characterized the nanoparticles using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) to show that microfluidic mixing resulted in fewer DNA‐free polymeric nanoparticles compared to those produced by bulk mixing. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1813–1825, 2017.
Coupling of Bone Resorption and Formation in Real Time: New Knowledge Gained From Human Haversian BMUs
Authors: Lassen Nicolai Ernlund , Andersen Thomas Levin , Pløen Gro Grunnet , Søe Kent , Hauge Ellen Margrethe , Harving Søren , Eschen Gete Ester Toft , Delaisse Jean-Marie
Published: February 2017

It is well known that bone remodeling starts with a resorption event and ends with bone formation. However, what happens in between and how resorption and formation are coupled remains mostly unknown. Remodeling is achieved by so-called basic multicellular units (BMUs), which are local teams of osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and reversal cells recently proven identical with osteoprogenitors. Their organization within a BMU cannot be appropriately analyzed in common histology. The originality of the present study is to capture the events ranging from initiation of resorption to onset of formation as a functional continuum. It was based on the position of specific cell markers in longitudinal sections of Haversian BMUs generating new canals through human long bones. It showed that initial resorption at the tip of the canal is followed by a period where newly recruited reversal/osteoprogenitor cells and osteoclasts alternate, thus revealing the existence of a mixed “reversal-resorption” phase. Three-dimensional reconstructions obtained from serial sections indicated that initial resorption is mainly involved in elongating the canal and the additional resorption events in widening it. Canal diameter measurements show that the latter contribute the most to overall resorption. Of note, the density of osteoprogenitors continuously grew along the “reversal/resorption” surface, reaching at least 39 cells/mm on initiation of bone formation. This value was independent of the length of the reversal/resorption surface. These observations strongly suggest that bone formation is initiated only above a threshold cell density, that the length of the reversal/resorption period depends on how fast osteoprogenitor recruitment reaches this threshold, and thus that the slower the rate of osteoprogenitor recruitment, the more bone is degraded. They lead to a model where the newly recognized reversal/resorption phase plays a central role in the mechanism linking osteoprogenitor recruitment and the resorption-formation switch. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
VDR in Osteoblast‐Lineage Cells Primarily Mediates Vitamin D Treatment‐Induced Increase in Bone Mass by Suppressing Bone Resorption
Authors: Nakamichi Yuko , Udagawa Nobuyuki , Horibe Kanji , Mizoguchi Toshihide , Yamamoto Yoko , Nakamura Takashi , Hosoya Akihiro , Kato Shigeaki , Suda Tatsuo , Takahashi Naoyuki
Published: February 2017

Long‐term treatment with active vitamin D [1α,25(OH)2D3] and its derivatives is effective for increasing bone mass in patients with primary and secondary osteoporosis. Derivatives of 1α,25(OH)2D3, including eldecalcitol (ELD), exert their actions through the vitamin D receptor (VDR). ELD is more resistant to metabolic degradation than 1α,25(OH)2D3. It is reported that ELD treatment causes a net increase in bone mass by suppressing bone resorption rather than by increasing bone formation in animals and humans. VDR in bone and extraskeletal tissues regulates bone mass and secretion of osteotropic hormones. Therefore, it is unclear what types of cells expressing VDR preferentially regulate the vitamin D–induced increase in bone mass. Here, we examined the effects of 4‐week treatment with ELD (50 ng/kg/day) on bone using osteoblast lineage‐specific VDR conditional knockout (Ob‐VDR‐cKO) and osteoclast‐specific VDR cKO (Ocl‐VDR‐cKO) male mice aged 10 weeks. Immunohistochemically, VDR in bone was detected preferentially in osteoblasts and osteocytes. Ob‐VDR‐cKO mice showed normal bone phenotypes, despite no appreciable immunostaining of VDR in bone. Ob‐VDR‐cKO mice failed to increase bone mass in response to ELD treatment. Ocl‐VDR‐cKO mice also exhibited normal bone phenotypes, but normally responded to ELD. ELD‐induced FGF23 production in bone was regulated by VDR in osteoblast‐lineage cells. These findings suggest that the vitamin D treatment‐induced increase in bone mass is mediated by suppressing bone resorption through VDR in osteoblast‐lineage cells. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION BETWEEN FOREIGN‐BORN ADULTS AND U.S.‐BORN ADULTS
Authors: Guo Yuqi , Cheng Tyrone C.
Published: February 2017

This secondary data analysis of 4,341 adults examined and compared factors associated with mental health service utilization between U.S.‐born adults and foreign‐born adults. Logistic regression was used to investigate how participants’ mental health care use was associated with (a) predisposing factors, (b) enabling resources, and (c) perceived mental health needs. Two patterns of mental health care utilization were identified based on adults’ nativity statuses in our study. The findings show that the likelihood of foreign‐born adults’ mental health care use associates positively with education, public health insurance coverage, and depression, but such likelihood associated negatively with Asian ethnicity and male gender; compared to the likelihood of U.S.‐born adults’ mental health care use associates positively with education, perceived general mental health condition, depression, and drug abuse, but such likelihood associated negatively with age. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
UNDERSTANDING COMMUNITY ISSUES OF INTERFAITH GROUPS
Authors: Todd Nathan R. , Houston‐Kolnik Jaclyn D. , Suffrin Rachael L.
Published: February 2017

Community psychologists are interested in community‐based organizations that work to address community issues. To extend research in this area, we use k‐means cluster analysis with a sample of 81 interfaith groups from across the United States to understand what types of issues they work on in their local communities. We demonstrate three typologies of how groups work on explicitly religious and/or more general social issues (i.e., religious and social issues, social but not religious issues, religious but not social issues). Moreover, we show typologies differ on group characteristics such as religious and racial diversity, the degree of religious and community information sharing at meetings, and the extent groups sponsor events or organize protests. Overall, this study furthers an understanding of the different ways interfaith groups contribute to community change efforts by working on distinct sets of issues in their community. Limitations and directions for future research and collaboration are discussed.
“OUT OF PLACE” IN THE CITY: DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIOSPATIAL DISORDER SENSITIVITY SCALE IN URBAN SETTINGS
Authors: Jaśkiewicz Michał , Besta Tomasz
Published: February 2017

The construction and validation of an original scale was pursued to measure individual differences within perception of order violation in the city. It was assumed that socio‐spatial order may beviolated by two categories of situations: (a) when in a given place there is a person who is not an expected and desired user of the space or/and (b) when the place is utilized in a manner different than expected. In two studies (N = 696 and N = 74) reliability and construct validity of the scale was assessed. In study 1, principal component analysis as well as confirmatory factor analysis confirmed factorial structure in line with our presumptions. Additionally, sociospatial disorder sensitivity was predicted by bonding social capital (inversely), quality of neigbourhood ties (inversely) and level of city identification. In study 2, Space Intrusion subscale was a predictor of the negative feeling toward the target person behaving according to the definition of SI (unwelcome presence of certain category of people e.g., beggars, homeless), whereas Place Transgression scale was a predictor of the negative emotions toward the person violating norms of behaviors and meanings assigned to a place.
Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) protects against lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury via inhibiting the expression of TL1A
Authors: Qian Lanlan , Zhao Yunfeng , Guo Liang , Li Shaoying , Wu Xueling
Published: February 2017

Excessive inflammatory responses are critical in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI). Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is a stress‐induced transcriptional regulator that is a negative regulator of inflammatory responses. Therefore, we investigated the role and signaling pathways of ATF3 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ALI in mice. The mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells were cultured on HTS 24‐Transwell filter plates in presence of ATF3 siRNA before exposure to LPS. ATF3 knock‐out (KO) and wild type (WT) mice were challenged by intra‐peritoneal injection of LPS (15 mg/kg). Gene analysis was used to analyze differential gene expression between ATF3 KO and WT mice. LPS increased the expression of ATF3 in RAW264.7 cells and in lung tissues of mice, The concentration of TNFα and IL‐6 was significantly increased in ATF3 siRNA‐treated RAW264.7 cells compared to control cells after LPS stimulation. The concentration of TNFα, IL‐6 and IL‐1β in serum and lung tissue of ATF3 KO mice was significantly increased compared to ATF3 WT mice. In addition, the lung wet/dry weight and BALF protein were significantly increased in ATF3 KO mice after LPS injection at 6, 24, and 48 hr. The survival of ATF3 KO mice significantly decreased. Differential gene analysis showed that TL1A was highly expressed in LPS‐induced lung tissues of ATF3 KO mice.Moreover, ATF3 down‐regulated the expression of TL1A in RAW264.7 cells and in lung tissues. These findings suggest that ATF3 protects against LPS‐induced ALI via inhibiting TL1A expression.