bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ozone and PM2.5: Ongoing Challenges for New Source Permitting
Authors: Paine Robert J. , Taylor Courtney , Rodriguez Marco
Published: October 2017

Historically, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sidestepped prescribing modeling procedures for secondarily formed ozone and PM2.5 (particles with a size below 2.5 microns) because refined modeling tools for such analyses were not available. In recent years, the availability of Eulerian models, also known as photochemical grid models (PGMs), and advanced Lagrangian (puff) models with chemistry has made it more feasible to conduct such modeling.
Identification of somatic genetic alterations in ovarian clear cell carcinoma with next generation sequencing
Authors: Shibuya Yusuke , Tokunaga Hideki , Saito Sakae , Shimokawa Kazurou , Katsuoka Fumiki , Bin Li , Kojima Kaname , Nagasaki Masao , Yamamoto Masayuki , Yaegashi Nobuo , Yasuda Jun
Published: October 2017

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is the most refractory subtype of ovarian cancer and more prevalent in Japanese than Caucasians (25% and 5% of all ovarian cancer, respectively). The aim of this study is to discover the genomic alterations that may cause OCCC and effective molecular targets for chemotherapy. Paired genomic DNAs of 48 OCCC tissues and corresponding noncancerous tissues were extracted from formalin‐fixed, paraffin embedded specimens collected between 2007 and 2015 at Tohoku University Hospital. All specimens underwent exome sequencing and the somatic genetic alterations were identified. We divided the cases into three clusters based on the mutation spectra. Clinical characteristics such as age of onset and endometriosis are similar among the clusters but one cluster shows mutations related to APOBEC activation, indicating its contribution to subset of OCCC cases. There are three hypermutated cases (showing 12‐fold or higher somatic mutations than the other 45 cases) and they have germline and somatic mismatch repair gene alterations. The frequently mutated genes are ARID1A (66.7%), PIK3CA (50%), PPP2R1A (18.8%), and KRAS (16.7%). Somatic mutations important for selection of chemotherapeutic agents, such as BRAF, ERBB2, PDGFRB, PGR, and KRAS are found in 27.1% of OCCC cases, indicating clinical importance of exome analysis for OCCC. Our study suggests that the genetic instability caused by either mismatch repair defect or activation of APOBEC play critical roles in OCCC carcinogenesis.
The desertification process in the Silk Road Economic Belt in the past 15 years: A study using MODIS data and GIS analysis
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Yin Lichang , Xiao Feiyan , Zhang Mingming , Liu Lili , Zhou Zixiang , Ao Yong
Published: October 2017

The arid region in the northern part of China is a bridge between China and neighbouring countries in the Silk Road Economic Belt, and the severe desertification in this region restricts its sustainable development. In this paper, MODIS data, including albedo, reflectance, normalized vegetation index, and land surface temperature, were selected in 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015 to construct a decision tree to extract spatio‐temporal information of the desertified land in the arid area. The trend in desertification and transfer directions was analysed by the GIS method, and the dynamic characteristics of the desertification at different units (provincial administrative unit and typical sandy land) and with different topographic factors (slope and aspect) are discussed. Our conclusions include (a) desertification in the arid region in the northern part of China showed improvement overall and local deterioration. The deteriorating areas were located primarily in the western region of the Hunshandake Sandy Land, the tectonic zone of the Taklimakan Desert, and the Qaidam Basin; (b) the degree of desertification transfer occurred primarily at adjacent levels; (c) the desertified area in each province showed a different trend in fluctuation, and Maowusu Sandy Land recovered better among the 4 large sands; and (d) the desertified area was distributed primarily along 0o–3o slopes and showed a rapid decline at increased slopes. The change in the degree of desertification in each aspect largely was a general reversal, and the area of the north aspect was larger than that of other areas of aspects. This study provides some theoretical support for the control of desertification in the Silk Road Economic Belt.
Thirty‐year expansion of construction land in Xi'an: Spatial pattern and potential driving factors
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Xiao Feiyan , Zhang Yuan , Yin Lichang , Lesi Muchu , Guo Bin , Zhao Yonghua
Published: October 2017

China has witnessed rapid urban growth over the past 3 decades resulting in vast ecological and environmental issues. Understanding the process of construction land (Cl) expansion and its driving factors are crucial for urban growth planning and management to mitigate the adverse impacts of such growth. Based on remote sensing data for 1975, 1990, 2000, and 2008, we monitored Cl changes in Xi'an City over the past 3 decades. The land use transform matrices were calculated. The results showed that from 1975 to 2008, remarkable changes in Cl occurred in Xi'an City. Over the past 30 years, the Cl concentration spread from one centre to multiple centres. The elevation, slope, traffic condition, wetland, education industry, rebuilding of city village, and historical and cultural sites may be the most important driving forces. We therefore recommend discussing the interactions of these potential driving factors within the Cl sprawl.
Magmatic activities and their impacts on oil/gas formation in the southwestern Ordos Basin, Central China
Authors: Li Rongxi , Liu Futian , Li Sanzhong , Xi Shengli , Lehrmann Daniel J.
Published: October 2017

The southwestern area of the Ordos Basin, China, contains good oil/gas systems, similar to the main basin. However, no oil/gas reserves have been found because some magmatic rocks with different occurrences developed in the region, it resulted in the suspension of oil/gas exploration in the 1980s. By means of integrated research based on field investigation, geophysical interpretation, and data of drilling wells, this paper indicates that magmatic activities in the southwestern Ordos Basin display different properties over multiple periods. The Proterozoic and Palaeozoic magmatic rocks are mainly distributed as a large batholith in the Qinling Orogen, and the Qilian Orogen around the southwestern margin of the Ordos Basin. These Proterozoic and Paleozoic plutons have no effect on hydrocarbon source rocks and oil/gas generation in the Ordos Basin. However, the Mesozoic magmatic activities developed within the basin have obvious effects on oil/gas generation. Three kinds of exploration regions were selected within the southwestern Ordos Basin according to the distribution of hydrocarbon source and magmatic rocks as well as the thermal degree: (a) the marginal area of the basin, (b) the region of the Longmen Uplift distributed with concealed magmatic rocks within the basin, and (c) the region within the basin far away from concealed magmatic rocks. Three sets of gas source rocks, that is, the Upper Proterozoic algal dolostone, the Middle Ordovician dark shale, the Upper Paleozoic black mudstone of coal system, and one set of oil source rocks of the Upper Triassic lacustrine black mudstone and oil shale, are exposed in outcrops near the margin of the basin. They all display a low thermal degree with vitrinite reflectance (Ro) below 1.3%, and they do not contribute to oil/gas accumulation because of earlier tectonic uplift. The gas source rocks and oil source rocks, which occur within the basin area of the Longmen Uplift, where the concealed magmatic rocks, display an abnormal thermal degree of over maturation with Ro over 3.4% and underwent dry gas generation because of heating from magmatic activity, and they have gas exploration potential. The source rocks distributed within the basin area away from concealed magmatic rocks display a normal thermal degree and oil/gas generation. The Ro of the Upper Triassic oil source rock is 1.0–1.6%, which is under the thermal maturity stage of liquid oil generation, whereas that of the Upper Paleozoic gas source rocks is 2.0–2.5% under the thermal maturity stage of gas generation. Measured Ro and burial depth of source rocks in the region show a linear relationship, which indicate that source rocks experienced thermal evolution and oil/gas generation under the normal burial thermal condition rather than the magmatic activity. This region has the most potential for both oil and gas exploration.
Zircon U–Pb dating and phase equilibria modelling of gneisses from Dinggye area, Ama Drime Massif, central Himalaya
Authors: Wang Yu‐Hua , Zhang Li‐Fei , Li San‐Zhong , Somerville Ian
Published: October 2017

The tectonic affinity of the Ama Drime Massif in central Himalaya remains a subject of debate. We provide evidences of the metamorphic conditions and new geochronological data for orthogneiss and paragneiss in the Riwu area, eastern side of Ama Drime Massif. The peak P–T conditions for garnet gneiss is 13–14 kbar and 750–765 °C using phase equilibria modelling. The zircon U–Pb dating results reveal that the orthogneiss has a crystallization age of 1,848 ± 12 Ma and zircon rims age of 1,767 ± 18 Ma. Three major age peaks characterize all detrital zircons from the paragneisses: 975, 1,161, and 1,749 Ma. These new data integrated with previous literature data indicate that (a) the Ama Drime Massif might be ascribed to the Greater Himalayan Series; and (b) the Himalayan terrane may have been located closer to both the India and Lhasa terranes during the amalgamation of the supercontinent Columbia.
The utility of solid-phase microextraction in evaluating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon bioavailability during habitat restoration with dredged material at moderately contaminated sites
Authors: Brennan Amanda A , Johnson Nathan W
Published: October 2017

The over- or underprediction of risk in moderately contaminated sediments can have a large impact on the nature of applied management strategies given that concentrations border on being toxic or not toxic. Project managers should give significant consideration as to how moderate levels of contaminants in native sediments and dredged material used for restoration will impact recovery of habitat. Total solid-phase (Ctotal) and porewater (Cfree) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were quantified in native sediments and dredged material to determine if the predictions of risk from Ctotal are consistent with those based on Cfree. The sediment matrix phase in which PAHs were quantified resulted in disparate conclusions regarding the predicted reduction in contamination following restoration. Total solid-phase PAH concentrations suggested a significant decrease following restoration, whereas little to no change was observed in measured Cfree. Risk metrics based on Ctotal gave inconclusive estimates for toxicity, whereas measured Cfree suggested toxicity is unlikely, a conclusion consistent with toxicity testing. The incorporation of black carbon (BC) into model estimates for Cfree gave predictions more consistent with measured Cfree, suggesting that geochemical conditions (especially BC) play an important part in predicting toxicity at moderately contaminated sites. In addition to the use of Cfree in toxicity evaluation, in-situ Cfree measurements provided a constraint on diffusive PAH loads from sediment relative to ongoing stream loads. If passive sampling had been employed during the sampling designs and site evaluations, the costs of toxicity testing would not have been incurred, given that Cfree suggested little to no toxicity. The results from the project highlight the benefits to be gained by moving beyond inconclusive, screening-level Ctotal metrics and implementing more sensitive and accurate Cfree metrics in assessments of risk in moderately contaminated sediments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:212–223. © 2017 SETAC

Key Points

The results presented herein extend the use and implementation of passive sampling methods (PSMs) from heavily contaminated sediments to habitat restoration sediments with low to moderate levels of contamination. The sediment phase (total, Ctotal, or porewater, Cfree) used in the assessment of contaminant quantity led to disparate conclusions regarding the impact of restoration on sediment contamination. The more sensitive PSM-measured Cfree suggested little to no change in contaminant quantity even with a significant reduction in Ctotal. Geochemical conditions likely play an important role in predicted toxicity in moderately contaminated sediments involved in habitat restoration; differences between model-estimated and PSM-measured Cfree could significantly impact sampling and management strategies.
A low‐frequency haplotype spanning SLX4/FANCP constitutes a new risk locus for early‐onset breast cancer (<60 years) and is associated with reduced DNA repair capacity
Authors: Surowy Harald , Varga Dominic , Burwinkel Barbara , Marmé Frederik , Sohn Christof , Luedeke Manuel , Rinckleb Antje , Maier Christiane , Deissler Helmut , Volcic Meta , Wiesmüller Lisa , Hasenburg Annette , Klar Maximilian , Hoegel Josef , Vogel Walther
Published: October 2017

Only a fraction of breast cancer (BC) cases can be yet explained by mutations in genes or genomic variants discovered in linkage, genome‐wide association and sequencing studies. The known genes entailing medium or high risk for BC are strongly enriched for a function in DNA double strand repair. Thus, aiming at identifying low frequency variants conferring an intermediate risk, we here investigated 17 variants (MAF: 0.01–0.1) in 10 candidate genes involved in DNA repair or cell cycle control. In an exploration cohort of 437 cases and 1189 controls, we show the variant rs3810813 in the SLX4/FANCP gene to be significantly associated with both BC (≤60 years; OR = 2.6(1.6–3.9), p = 1.6E‐05) and decreased DNA repair capacity (≤60 years; beta = 37.8(17.9–57.8), p = 5.3E‐4). BC association was confirmed in a verification cohort (N = 2441). Both associations were absent from cases diagnosed >60 years and stronger the earlier the diagnosis. By imputation we show that rs3810813 tags a haplotype with 5 additional variants with the same allele frequency (R2 > 0.9), and a pattern of association very similar for both phenotypes (cases <60 years, p < 0.001, the Bonferroni threshold derived from unlinked variants in the region). In young cases (≤60 years) carrying the risk haplotype, micronucleus test results are predictive for BC (AUC > 0.9). Our findings propose a risk variant with high penetrance on the haplotype spanning SLX4/FANCP to be functionally associated to BC predisposition via decreased repair capacity and suggest this variant is carried by a fraction of these haplotypes that is enriched in early onset BC cases.
Clinical significance of programmed cell death‐ligand 1 expression and the immune microenvironment at the invasive front of colorectal cancers with high microsatellite instability
Authors: Korehisa Shotaro , Oki Eiji , Iimori Makoto , Nakaji Yu , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Saeki Hiroshi , Okano Shinji , Oda Yoshinao , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: October 2017

Immunotherapy is reportedly effective in colorectal cancers (CRCs) with high microsatellite instability (MSI‐H); however, the specific cell types that respond to immune checkpoint therapy are unclear. Herein, we aimed to examine the expression of programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and related proteins in MSI‐H and microsatellite‐stable (MSS) CRCs to investigate the immune microenvironment at the tumor's invasive front. The MSI status was retrospectively assessed in 499 patients undergoing surgical resection of primary CRC; of these, 48 were classified as MSI‐H. Propensity score matching was performed, and tissues from 36 and 37 patients with MSI‐H and MSS CRCs, respectively, were immunohistochemically evaluated for PD‐L1, PD‐1, CD8 and CD68. PD‐L1 expression was evaluated separately for tumor cells (PD‐L1 [T]) and tumor‐infiltrating myeloid cells in the stroma (PD‐L1 [I]). PD‐L1 (T) was positive in only 5.4% and 36.1% of MSS and MSI‐H CRCs, while PD‐L1 (I) was positive in 27% and 72.2% of these CRCs, respectively. The PD‐L1 (T) and PD‐L1 (I) expression levels in MSI‐H CRCs significantly correlated with poor differentiation, lymphatic invasion and vascular invasion (p < 0.05), and with early‐stage adenocarcinoma and high budding grade (p < 0.05), respectively. Significantly more PD‐L1 (I), CD8‐positive cells and CD68‐positive macrophages were present at the invasive front than in the central tumor in MSI‐H CRCs (p < 0.005). PD‐L1 was expressed on both tumor cells and CD68/CD163‐positive (M2) macrophages at the invasive front of MSI‐H CRCs. In conclusion, PD‐L1‐positive tumor cells and M2‐type tumor‐associated macrophages may contribute to tumor invasion and immune escape at the invasive front.
The impact of socioeconomic status on stage specific prostate cancer survival and mortality before and after introduction of PSA test in Finland
Authors: Seikkula Heikki A. , Kaipia Antti J. , Ryynänen Heidi , Seppä Karri , Pitkäniemi Janne M. , Malila Nea K. , Boström Peter J.
Published: October 2017

Socioeconomic status (SES) has an impact on prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes. Men with high SES have higher incidence and lower mortality of PCa versus lower SES males. PCa cases diagnosed in Finland in 1985–2014 (N = 95,076) were identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry. Information on education level (EL) was obtained from Statistics Finland. EL was assessed with three‐tiered scale: basic, upper secondary and higher education. PCa stage at diagnosis was defined as localized, metastatic or unknown. Years of diagnosis 1985–1994 were defined as pre‐PSA period and thereafter as post‐PSA period. We report PCa‐specific survival (PCSS) and relative risks (RR) for PCa specific mortality (PCSM) among cancer cases in Finland, where healthcare is 100% publicly reimbursed and inequality in healthcare services low. Men with higher EL had markedly better 10‐year PCSS: 68 versus 63% in 1985–1994 and 90 versus 85% in 1995–2004 compared to basic EL in localized PCa. The RR for PCSM among men with localized PCa and higher EL compared to basic EL was 0.76(95%confidence interval (CI) 0.66–0.88) in 1985–1994 and 0.61(95%CI 0.53–0.70) in 1995–2004. Variation in PCSS and PCSM between EL categories was evident in metastatic PCa, too. The difference in PCSM between EL categories was larger in the first 10‐year post‐PSA period than before that but decreased thereafter in localized PCa, suggesting PSA testing became earlier popular among men with high EL. In summary, higher SES/EL benefit PCa survival both in local and disseminated disease and the effect of EL was more pronounced in early post‐PSA period.
US macroannouncements and international asset pricing
Authors: Du Ding
Published: October 2017

The world capital asset‐pricing model is the benchmark model in international finance. However, recent research finds that the premium on the world market factor is insignificant. In this paper, we investigate if the world market risk premium is particularly significant on US macroeconomic announcement days. Empirically, we apply the methodology to daily country exchange‐traded funds. Our findings suggest that although the world market risk premium is insignificant on nonannouncement days, it is strongly significant on US macroeconomic announcement days. In addition, we find that US monetary policy announcements are the most important macroeconomic announcements to drive the world market risk premium. Our findings are consistent with the notion of monetary policy uncertainty and the empirical literature that connects policy uncertainty with systematic risk.
Intracellular pathway and subsequent transformation of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in the SAOS‐2 osteoblast cell line
Authors: Rossi André L. , Longuinho Mariana M. , Tanaka Marcelo N. , Farina Marcos , Borojevic Radovan , Rossi Alexandre M.
Published: October 2017

Internalization of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in SAOS‐2 osteoblasts for 2 and 24 h was investigated in vitro using 5 and 50 µg/mL nanoparticles in culture medium. No cytotoxic effects were observed in a PrestoBlue viability assay. Focused ion beam‐scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to study nanoparticle trafficking inside cells and to characterize the physicochemical properties of the remodeled nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were actively internalized by cells and maintained in intracellular membrane‐bound compartments. Dissolution of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles was observed inside phagolysosome in all samples. After 24 h of internalization in cell culture assays, reprecipitation of calcium phosphate minerals was observed in membrane‐bound compartments in 5 and 50 µg/mL samples. Compared to the original nanoparticles, the reprecipitated calcium phosphate phase presented a different morphology, structure, and chemical composition. Two sample preparation methods were used and confirmed that reprecipitation of the calcium phosphate crystallites occurred in the intracellular environment and not during electron microscopy sample preparation. Reprecipitation of calcium phosphate prevented the release of large amounts of calcium and phosphate ions inside the cells. This phenomenon may be linked to physiological processes in the cell that control the concentration and trafficking of intracellular calcium ions, which are highly controlled by cells. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 428–439, 2018.
Serum Sclerostin Levels in Adults With Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Comparison With Normal Individuals and Response to Teriparatide Therapy
Authors: Nicol Lindsey , Wang Ying , Smith Rosamund , Sloan John , Nagamani Sandesh CS , Shapiro Jay , Lee Brendan , Orwoll Eric
Published: October 2017

Sclerostin (SOST), a glycoprotein primarily derived from osteocytes, is an important regulator of bone remodeling. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heritable disorder of bone characterized by low bone mass, bone fragility, recurrent fractures, and bone deformities. Altered SOST-mediated signaling may have a role in pathogenesis of type I collagen-related OI; however, this has not been evaluated in humans. We measured serum SOST levels in adults with OI who were enrolled in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial that evaluated the effects of osteoanabolic therapy with teriparatide. Compared with age- and sex-matched control participants, mean SOST levels were lower in those with type I or types III/VI OI (p < 0.0001). Receiver operating curve analysis revealed that sclerostin alone or sclerostin plus bone mineral content discriminated patients with OI from controls (area under the curve 0.80 and 0.87, respectively). SOST levels increased in the group of patients with type I OI during therapy with teriparatide (compared with placebo, p = 0.01). The increase was significant at 6, 12, and 24 months of therapy (p ≤ 0.02) and was apparent as early as 3 months (p = 0.06). The magnitude of increases in SOST levels during therapy was inversely correlated with increases in vertebral volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD). Overall, these results suggest that: 1) SOST regulation is fundamentally altered in osteogenesis imperfecta; 2) serum SOST levels could be a biomarker of OI in adults; and 3) alterations in SOST may help predict the response to anabolic therapies in OI. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Bone Metabolic Markers in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Yadav Ashok Kumar , Kumar Vivek , Kumar Vinod , Banerjee Debasish , Gupta Krishan Lal , Jha Vivekanand
Published: October 2017

Use of active forms of vitamin D is advocated in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for treatment of mineral bone disease because of the presumption that native forms of vitamin D would not undergo significant activation to calcitriol, the most active biological form of vitamin D. We present secondary analysis looking at bone turnover in subjects who completed the randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on vascular function in nondiabetic CKD stage G3­G4 and vitamin D ≤20 ng/mL (Clinical Trials Registry of India: CTRI/2013/05/003648). Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive either two directly observed oral doses of 300,000 IU of cholecalciferol or matching placebo at baseline and 8 weeks. Of the 120 subjects enrolled, 58 in the cholecalciferol group and 59 in the placebo group completed the study. At 16 weeks, the serum 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D levels increased in the cholecalciferol group but not in the placebo group (between-group difference in mean change: 23.40 ng/mL; 95% CI, 19.76 to 27.06; p < 0.001, and 14.98 pg/mL; 95% CI, 4.48 to 27.18; p = 0.007, respectively). Intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) decreased in the cholecalciferol group (between-group difference in mean change –100.73 pg/mL (95% CI, –150.50 to –50.95; p < 0.001). Serum total and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (SAP, BAP) and serum C-terminal cross-linked collagen type I telopeptides (CTX-1) were significantly reduced in cholecalciferol group (between group difference for change in mean: –20.25 U/L; 95% CI, –35.14 to –5.38 U/L; p = 0.008 for SAP; –12.54 U/L; 95% CI, –22.09 to –2.98 U/L; p = 0.013 for BAP; and –0.21 ng/mL; 95% CI, –0.38 to –0.05 ng/mL; p = 0.05 for CTX-1). Correlation analysis showed significant correlation of Δ25(OH)D with ΔiPTH (r = –0.409, p < 0.0001), Δ1,25(OH)2D (r = 0.305, p = 0.001), ΔSAP (r = –0.301, p = 0.002), ΔBAP (r = –0.264, p = 0.004), and ΔCTX-1 (r = –0.210, p = 0.0230). Cholecalciferol supplementation corrects vitamin D deficiency and is effective in lowering serum intact parathyroid hormone and bone turnover markers in early stages of CKD. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Toward an automated analysis of exchange pathways in spin‐coupled systems
Authors: Steenbock Torben , Herrmann Carmen
Published: October 2017

Understanding (super‐)exchange coupling between local spins is an important task in theoretical chemistry and solid‐state physics. We show that a Green's‐function approach introduced earlier (Liechtenstein et al., J. Phys. F 1984, 14, L125; Steenbock et al., J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2015, 11, 5651) can be used for analyzing exchange coupling pathways in an automated fashion rather than by visual inspection of molecular orbitals. We demonstrate the capabilities of this approach by comparing it to previously published pathway analyses for hydroxy‐bridged dinuclear copper complexes and an oxo‐bridged dinuclear manganese complex, and employ it for discriminating between through‐space and through‐bond pathways in a naphthalene‐bridged bisnickelocene complex. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Feedback informed treatment: An empirically supported case study of psychodynamic treatment
Authors: Winkeljohn Black Stephanie , Owen Jesse , Chapman Norah , Lavin Kelly , Drinane Joanna M. , Kuo Patty
Published: October 2017

The use of client feedback, via self‐report measures of psychological functioning and working alliance, is an effective way to improve therapy outcomes. Despite this progress, there are many questions about the mechanisms of change for these systems. The current study employed a case study approach to examine the effectiveness of feedback informed treatment within a psychodynamic therapy. We examined the case based on therapy outcomes, alliance processes, and verbatim dialogue of in‐session exchanges. We also conducted a semistructured interview with the therapist to understand how she used and interpreted the feedback within her psychodynamic approach. The results demonstrated positive therapy outcomes and that feedback assisted with alliance formation, specifically decision making about therapeutic tasks and managing negative countertransference. The therapist reported that the feedback enhanced her ability to work in the here and now and to identify relational patterns. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Differentially regulated gene expression in quiescence versus senescence and identification of ARID5A as a quiescence associated marker
Authors: Anwar Tarique , Sen Bijoya , Aggarwal Savera , Nath Rhisita , Pathak Niteen , Katoch Ajay , Aiyaz Mohamed , Trehanpati Nirupma , Khosla Sanjeev , Ramakrishna Gayatri
Published: October 2017

In multicellular organisms majority of the cells remain in a non‐dividing states of either quiescence (reversible) or senescence (irreversible). In the present study, gene expression signatures unique to quiescence and senescence were identified using microarray in osteosarcoma cell line, U2OS. It was noted that certain genes and pathways like NOD pathway was shared by both the growth arrest conditions. A major highlight of the present study was increased expression of number of chemokines and cytokines in both quiescence and senescence. While senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) is well known, the quiescence‐associated secretory phenotype (QASP) is relatively unknown and appeared novel in this study. ARID5A, a subunit of SWI/SNF complex was identified as a quiescence associated gene. The endogenous expression of ARID5A increased during serum starved condition of quiescence. Overexpression of ARID5A resulted in more number of cells in G0/G1 phase of cell cycle. Further ARID5A overexpressing cells when subjected to serum starvation showed a pronounced secretory phenotype. Overall, the present work has identified gene expression signatures which can distinguish quiescence from senescence.
Characterization and expression pattern of r‐spondin1 in Cynoglossus semilaevis
Authors: Li Hailong , Xu Wenteng , Zhu Ying , Zhang Ning , Ma Jialu , Sun Ai , Cui Zhongkai , Gao Fengtao , Wang Na , Shao Changwei , Dong Zhongdian , Li Yangzhen
Published: October 2017

r‐spondin1 (rspo1) encodes a secreted protein that is involved in the determination and differentiation of the mammalian ovary. However, little information is yet available for teleosts. Here, we identified a homologue of rspo1 in Cynoglossus semilaevis. The full‐length cDNA of rspo1 had a length of 2,703 bp with an open reading frame of 834 bp, encoding a protein with a length of 277 amino‐acids. rspo1 expression was detected via qRT‐PCR in various tissues, and significant sexually dimorphic expression was observed in the gonads. Furthermore, ISH located rspo1 in germ cells such as spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, spermatozoa, and oocytes, as well as in somatic cells of the gonads. Following knockdown of rspo1 in an ovarian cell line, the expressions of wnt4a, β‐catenin, foxl2, and StAR were highly affected; wnt4a and β‐catenin were significantly downregulated, whereas foxl2 and StAR were significantly upregulated. In summary, these data suggest that rspo1 may be involved in the regulation of ovarian development and differentiation through a conserved pathway, while the function of the gene in the testis remains elusive.
Variation in crocodilian dorsal scute organization and geometry with a discussion of possible functional implications
Authors: English Lauren T.
Published: October 2017

Dermal ossifications, including osteoderms, are present in many vertebrates and are frequently interpreted as a defense against predators. Nevertheless, osteoderms remain ubiquitous in adult crocodilians while being absent in hatchlings, even though adults rarely experience predation. In other biological systems, increased variation, particularly fluctuating asymmetry, have proven useful for identifying biological structures likely to have evolved under relaxed selection, which in turn may inform their function. Therefore, using the keratinous scutes as proxies for the underlying osteoderm morphology, I investigated the average intraspecific variability of geometry and fluctuating asymmetry in dorsal scutes in five species of crocodilians. I first tested for differences in variability of scute length and width, then for differences in bilateral fluctuating asymmetry of scute number, before finally investigating scute distribution patterns for each species compared to hypothetical rectangular and hexagonal scute arrangements. The American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, shows significantly more asymmetry than other species, which is consistent with relaxed selection on osteoderms in this species. A suspected decrease in intraspecific aggression within Crocodylus acutus, in conjunction with the inferred relaxed selection, suggests that, in general, crocodilian osteoderms function primarily as defensive armor in aggressive encounters with conspecifics. The smooth‐fronted caiman, Paleosuchus trigonatus, exhibits increased variation in scute dimensions linked to the mediolateral offset of osteoderms in adjacent rows, possibly resulting in a more rigid carapace. Unfortunately, comparative data on crocodilian behavior, physiology, and development is extremely limited and restricts the ability to explore other potential explanations for the patterns observed, highlighting the need for more research on rare and cryptic crocodylians.
Improving the frame rates of Raman image sequences recorded with integral field spectroscopy using windowing and binning methods
Authors: Moralejo Benito , Schmälzlin Elmar , Bodenmüller Daniel , Fechner Thomas , Roth Martin M.
Published: October 2017

Astrophysicists use Integral Field Spectroscopy to record spectrally resolved images of faint galaxies. Transferred to imaging Raman spectroscopy, this technique significantly accelerates the capture of Raman images as the simultaneous acquisition of multiple spectra makes scanning procedures obsolete. Furthermore, sequentially collected Raman images result in image sequences thus allowing to monitor Raman features in the spatial dimension over time. However, long readout times of the required large‐area charge coupled device detectors slow down the acquisition rate. Here we report how the acquisition frequency of Raman images can be enhanced with on‐chip windowing and binning readout. The potential of this approach is demonstrated with Raman image sequences of polystyrene beads in motion in a micro‐fluid environment.
Liquid chromatographic resolution of proline and pipecolic acid derivatives on chiral stationary phases based on (+)‐(18‐crown‐6)‐2,3,11,12‐tetracarboxylic acid
Authors: Cho Eun Sol , Sung Ji Yeong , Jin Jong Sung , Hyun Myung Ho
Published: October 2017

Two liquid chromatographic chiral stationary phases based on (+)‐(18‐crown‐6)‐2,3,11,12‐tetracarboxylic acid were applied to the resolution of the amide derivatives of cyclic α‐amino acids including proline and pipecolic acid. Among the five amide derivatives of proline, aniline amide was resolved best on the first chiral stationary phase, which contains two N–H tethering amide groups, with the separation factor of 1.31 and the resolution of 2.60, and on the second chiral stationary phase, which contains two N–CH3 tethering amide groups, with the separation factor of 1.57 and the resolution of 5.50. Among the five amide derivatives of pipecolic acid, 2‐naphthyl amide was resolved best on the first chiral stationary phase with the separation factor of 1.30 and the resolution of 1.75, but 1‐naphthylmethyl amide was resolved best on the second chiral stationary phase with the separation factor of 1.30 and the resolution of 2.26. In general, the second chiral stationary phase was found to be better than the first chiral stationary phase in the resolution of the amide derivatives of cyclic α‐amino acids. In this study, the second chiral stationary phase was first demonstrated to be useful for the resolution of secondary amino compounds.
Effect of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor on disrupted E‐cadherin after acid exposure in the human nasal epithelium
Authors: Kim Byoungjae , Lee Hyun‐Ji , Im Nu‐Ri , Lee Doh Young , Kang Cha Young , Park Il‐Ho , Lee Seung Hoon , Lee Sang Hag , Baek Seung‐Kuk , Kim Tae Hoon
Published: October 2017

Objective

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is one of potential factors in recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyps. An increase in junctional permeability in the nasal mucosa in LPRD may be due to disrupted protein bridge formation with cell‐to‐cell adhesion molecules such as E‐cadherin. Despite the relationship between nasal mucosal inflammation and LPRD, the clear mechanism by which acid reflux affects the nasal epithelium remains unclear.

Methods

The expression levels and distribution patterns of E‐cadherin in primary culture of nasal epithelial cells after acid exposure with or without dexamethasone and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor were determined using Western blot and immunocytochemistry. The functional roles of MMP inhibitor in maintaining junctional permeability in the nasal epithelium were elucidated by transepithelial permeability test.

Results

By acid exposure to nasal epithelial cells, mature E‐cadherin was decreased and cleaved E‐cadherin was increased. This was thought to be caused by cleavage of mature E‐cadherin between cells and was confirmed by the increment of E‐cadherin inside a cell in immunocytochemical evaluation. Whereas disruption of E‐cadherin was not recovered by steroid medication with various treatments of dexamethasone, disrupted E‐cadherin was restored to normal by inhibition of MMPs with actinonin, a broad MMP inhibitor. This recovery was functionally demonstrated by transepithelial permeability test.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that altered expression of E‐cadherin in the nasal epithelium by acid exposure may be a possible mechanism for nasal tissue injury in chronic nasal inflammation with LPRD, and that MMP inhibition is a potential treatment.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E1–E7, 2018
Frailty, hospital volume, and failure to rescue after head and neck cancer surgery
Authors: Nieman Carrie L. , Stewart C. Matthew , Eisele David W. , Pronovost Peter J. , Gourin Christine G.
Published: October 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

We previously reported that high‐volume hospital head and neck cancer (HNCA) surgical care is associated with decreased mortality, largely explained by reduced rates of failure to rescue. Frailty is an independent predictor of mortality, but is significantly less likely in patients receiving high‐volume care. We investigate whether differences in frailty rates explain the relationship between volume and outcomes in HNCA patients and whether frailty confounds the relationship between failure to rescue and mortality.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis.

Methods

Discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 159,301 patients who underwent ablative surgery for a malignant oral cavity, laryngeal, hypopharyngeal, or oropharyngeal neoplasm in 2001 to 2010 were analyzed using cross‐tabulations and multivariate regression. Failure to rescue was defined as death after a major complication. Frailty was defined using frailty‐defining diagnosis clusters from the Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups frailty‐defining diagnosis indicator.

Results

High‐volume hospital care was associated with a lower odds of frailty (odds ratio [OR]: 0.7 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.5‐1.0]). Frail patients had higher odds of postoperative complications (OR: 4.1 [95% CI: 3.4‐4.9]) and mortality (OR: 2.0 [95% CI: 1.3‐3.2]), but no difference in failure to rescue rates (OR: 1.0 [95% CI: 0.6‐1.6]). High‐volume care was not associated with differences in odds of complications (OR: 1.0 [95% CI: 0.8‐1.2]), but was associated with significantly decreased odds of mortality (OR: 0.6 [95% CI: 0.5‐0.9]) and failure to rescue (OR: 0. 6 [95% CI: 0.3‐1.0]), which was not attenuated by adjusting for frailty.

Conclusions

High‐volume HNCA surgical care is associated with a significantly lower odds of mortality, which appears to be associated with differences in the response to and management of complications rather than differences in frailty or complication rates.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 128:1365–1370, 2018
Investigating the effects of laryngotracheal stenosis on upper airway aerodynamics
Authors: Cheng Tracy , Carpenter David , Cohen Seth , Witsell David , Frank‐Ito Dennis O.
Published: October 2017

Objective

Very little is known about the impact of laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) on inspiratory airflow and resistance, especially in air hunger states. This study investigates the effect of LTS on airway resistance and volumetric flow across three different inspiratory pressures.

Methods

Head‐and‐neck computed tomography scans of 11 subjects from 2010 to 2016 were collected. Three‐dimensional reconstructions of the upper airway from the nostrils to carina, including the oral cavity, were created for one subject with a normal airway and for 10 patients with LTS. Airflow simulations were conducted using computational fluid dynamics modeling at three different inspiratory pressures (10, 25, 40 pascals [Pa]) for all subjects under two scenarios: 1) inspiration through nostrils only (MC), and 2) through both nostrils and mouth (MO).

Results

Volumetric flows in the normal subject at the three inspiratory pressures were considerably higher (MC: 11.8–26.1 L/min; MO: 17.2–36.9 L/min) compared to those in LTS (MC: 2.86–6.75 L/min; MO: 4.11–9.00 L/min). Airway resistances in the normal subject were 0.051 to 0.092 pascal seconds per milliliter (Pa.s)/mL (MC) and 0.035–0.065 Pa.s/mL (MO), which were approximately tenfold lower than those of subjects with LTS: 0.39 to 0.89 Pa.s/mL (MC) and 0.45 to 0.84 Pa.s/mL (MO). Furthermore, subjects with glottic stenosis had the greatest resistance, whereas subjects with subglottic stenosis had the greatest variability in resistance. Subjects with tracheal stenosis had the lowest resistance.

Conclusion

This pilot study demonstrates that LTS increases resistance and decreases airflow. Mouth breathing significantly improved airflow and resistance but cannot completely compensate for the effects of stenosis. Furthermore, location of stenosis appears to modulate the effect of the stenosis on resistance differentially.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E141–E149, 2018
Characterization of carotenoids in Rhodothermus marinus
Authors: Ron Emanuel Y. C. , Plaza Merichel , Kristjansdottir Thordis , Sardari Roya R. R. , Bjornsdottir Snaedis H. , Gudmundsson Steinn , Hreggvidsson Gudmundur Oli , Turner Charlotta , van Niel Ed W. J. , Nordberg‐Karlsson Eva
Published: October 2017

Rhodothermus marinus, a marine aerobic thermophile, was first isolated from an intertidal hot spring in Iceland. In recent years, the R. marinus strain PRI 493 has been genetically modified, which opens up possibilities for targeted metabolic engineering of the species, such as of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. In this study, the carotenoids of the R. marinus type‐strain DSM 4252T, strain DSM 4253, and strain PRI 493 were characterized. Bioreactor cultivations were used for pressurized liquid extraction and analyzed by ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography with diode array and quadropole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry detection (UHPSFC‐DAD‐QTOF/MS). Salinixanthin, a carotenoid originally found in Salinibacter ruber and previously detected in strain DSM 4253, was identified in all three R. marinus strains, both in the hydroxylated and nonhydroxylated form. Furthermore, an additional and structurally distinct carotenoid was detected in the three strains. MS/MS fragmentation implied that the mass difference between salinixanthin and the novel carotenoid structure corresponded to the absence of a 4‐keto group on the ß‐ionone ring. The study confirmed the lack of carotenoids for the strain SB‐71 (ΔtrpBΔpurAcrtBI’::trpB) in which genes encoding two enzymes of the proposed pathway are partially deleted. Moreover, antioxidant capacity was detected in extracts of all the examined R. marinus strains and found to be 2–4 times lower for the knock‐out strain SB‐71. A gene cluster with 11 genes in two operons in the R. marinusDSM 4252T genome was identified and analyzed, in which several genes were matched with carotenoid biosynthetic pathway genes in other organisms.
Asymptotic properties of a stochastic chemostat including species death rate
Authors: Wang Liang , Jiang Daqing
Published: October 2017

This paper deals with a stochastic system which models the population dynamics of a chemostat including species death rate. On the basis of the theory on Markov semigroup, we demonstrate that the probability densities of the distributions for the solutions are absolutely continuous. The densities will convergence in L1 to an invariant density or weakly convergence to a singular measure under appropriate conditions. We also give the sufficient criteria for extinction exponentially of the species. To be specific, when D1>D and the strength of perturbation is relatively small, we derive a precise threshold for the species survival.
Design of Nonlinear Model‐Based Control Using Bifurcation Analysis for Solution Polymerizations Carried Out in Lumped‐Distributed Reactors
Authors: Vega Márcia P. , Oliveira Gabrielle F. M. , Lima Enrique L. , Pinto José Carlos
Published: October 2017

In order to implement nonlinear control, nonlinear system identification must be performed, however, there are open questions concerning this field of process control, for example, experimental planning, model structure selection, parameter estimation, and validation. Therefore, the study of nonlinear model identification is a relevant unsolved problem that needs to be handled for nonlinear control synthesis. This paper presents the use of bifurcation theory, dynamic and stability analysis for nonlinear identification, and control of polymerization reactors. Peroxide‐initiated styrene‐solution polymerization reactors (lumped‐distributed) are investigated: batch, continuous stirred‐tank reactor (CSTR), and tubular reactors. Open and closed loop analyses are carried out using jacket temperature and weight average molecular weight setpoints as the bifurcation parameters. Phenomenological mathematical models, neural network nonlinear models, and an experimental data from a polymerization unit are employed for validating the proposed methodology in order to implement confident nonlinear controllers.
Development of novel and non‐invasive diagnostic markers for lower urinary tract symptoms using urothelial cells in voided urine
Authors: Shimura Hiroshi , Mitsui Takahiko , Tsuchiya Sachiko , Miyamoto Tatsuya , Ihara Tatsuya , Kira Satoru , Nakagomi Hiroshi , Sawada Norifumi , Imai Yuki , Mochizuki Takanori , Takeda Masayuki
Published: October 2017

Objectives

We evaluated the association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and the expression of connexin (Cx) and transient receptor potential (TRP) channel on urothelial cells non‐invasively collected from voided urine in humans.

Methods

A total of 55 patients (36 males and 19 females, median age: 71 years old), who were followed up at University of Yamanashi Hospital, were enrolled in the present study. Urothelial cells were collected from voided urine of patients, and the mRNA expression of each subtype of Cxs and TRP channels was measured using quantitive real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We then analyzed the correlation between the expression of Cxs and TRP channels and symptom scores in International Prostate Symptom Scoreand Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, in addition to Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) from only interstitial cystitis (IC) patients.

Results

Non‐adjusted statistical procedure using Spearman's rank‐correlation showed that there were significant correlations between the following expressions and symptom scores; (positive correlations) Cx26 versus urgency score, Cx40 versus nocturia, TRPM2 versus intermittency, TRPV1 versus urge incontinence, (negative correlation) Cx40 versus intermittency, TRPM7 versus pollakisuria. However, a multiple comparison adjustment using Bonferroni correction showed that only Cx40 had a trend of correlation with nocturia in ICSI.

Conclusions

The expressions of Cxs and TRP channels on urothelial cells in voided urine could be related to LUTS. Further analysis of urothelial cells in voided urine has the potential to reveal the mechanism of the LUTS and develop new markers with non‐invasive methods.