bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabetic ketoacidosis inducing myocardial infarction secondary to treatment with dapagliflozin: a case report
Authors: Gil‐Perdomo José M. , Fariña González Tomás F. , Jordán‐Arias Benjamín , Domingo‐Marín Sara , González Armengol Juan J. , Martínez‐Sagasti Fernando
Published: April 2017

Key Clinical Message

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are able to provoke diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with absence or low levels of ketone bodies in urine and slightly elevated blood glucose levels, which could delay the diagnosis; however, the presence of high urine output, due to the excretion of glucose, can help to identify the true cause.
Amino‐Acid‐Derived Naphthalenediimides as Versatile G‐Quadruplex Binders
Authors: Răsădean Dora M. , Sheng Bin , Dash Jyotirmayee , Pantoş G. Dan
Published: April 2017

The design and synthesis of water soluble, amino‐acid‐functionalised naphthalenediimides (NDIs) as potential ligands of native G‐quadruplexes is reported. The NDIs were tested on a panel of oncogene promoters, on the human telomeric sequence h‐telo, and on double‐stranded DNA. Out of the ligands tested, NDI 3 (Nϵ‐Boc‐l‐lysine NDI) exhibited a highly discriminating nature by only stabilising the oncogene promoter c‐kit2, which is up‐regulated up to 80 % in ovarian, gastrointestinal, and breast malignancies.
Double Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Linear β,β‐Disubstituted α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones into γ‐Substituted Secondary Alcohols using a Dual Catalytic System
Authors: Arai Noriyoshi , Satoh Hironori , Komatsu Ryo , Ohkuma Takeshi
Published: April 2017

Double asymmetric hydrogenation of linear β,β‐disubstituted α,β‐unsaturated ketones catalyzed by the DM‐SEGPHOS/DMAPEN/RuII complex with t‐C4H9OK afforded the γ‐substituted secondary alcohols in high diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities. Some mechanistic experiments suggested that two different reactive species, type (I) and (II), were reversibly formed in this catalytic system: Type (I) with the diamine ligand DMAPEN enantioselectively hydrogenated the enones into the chiral allylic alcohols, and type (II) without the diamine ligand diastereoselectively hydrogenated the allylic alcohols into the γ‐substituted secondary alcohols. This dual catalysis protocol was successfully applied to the reaction of a variety of aliphatic‐ and aromatic‐substituted enone substrates.
Charged Metalloporphyrin Polymers for Cooperative Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from CO2 under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Chen Yaju , Luo Rongchang , Xu Qihang , Jiang Jun , Zhou Xiantai , Ji Hongbing
Published: April 2017

A facile and one‐pot synthesis of metalloporphyrin‐based ionic porous organic polymers (M‐iPOPs) was performed through a typical Yamamoto–Ullmann coupling reaction for the first time. We used various characterization techniques to demonstrate that these strongly polar Al‐based materials (Al‐iPOP) possessed a relatively uniform microporosity, good swellable features, and a good CO2 capture capacity. If we consider the particular physicochemical properties, heterogeneous Al‐iPOP, which bears both a metal active center and halogen anion, acted as a bifunctional catalyst for the solvent‐ and additive‐free synthesis of cyclic carbonates from various epoxides and CO2 with an excellent activity and good recyclability under mild conditions. Interestingly, these CO2‐philic materials could catalyze the cycloaddition reaction smoothly by using simulated flue gas (15 % CO2 in N2, v/v) as a raw material, which indicates that a stable local microenvironment and polymer swellability might promote the transformation. Thus, the introduction of polar ionic liquid units into metalloporphyrin‐based porous materials is regarded as a promising new strategy for the chemical conversion of CO2.
Basement wall under earth pressure loading with low surcharge
Authors: Erler Maik , Jäger Wolfram , Kranzler Thomas
Published: April 2017

The structural verification of basement walls under earth pressure loading with low surcharge is often a difficult part of the everyday work of engineers. This situation is often encountered for basement walls under terrace doors, stair flights, masonry light wells etc., where the theoretically necessary surcharge loading is lacking. In this case, it is possible to transfer the acting forces from earth pressure with an arch model. One constructively possible measure to resist the resulting arch thrust is the provision of a sufficiently stiff reinforced concrete beam at the head of the basement wall. The article explains the verification of this method according to current standards.
Buckling of masonry walls – A new proposal for the Eurocode 6
Authors: Bakeer Tammam , Christiansen Poul Dupont
Published: April 2017

The buckling of masonry wall depends on the deformation behaviour and can be described with the modulus of elasticity depending on masonry strength. The reduction factor solution considering buckling is described by the Gaussian bell‐shaped curve in Eurocode 6, Part 1‐1 Annex G and was calibrated for masonry with a modulus of elasticity between 700 and 1000 fk, which describes the masonry currently used in most European countries. In case of historic masonry or where deformability is needed in new construction, the modulus of elasticity can actually be lower. In those cases the approximation procedure according to Annex G of the Eurocode 6 delivers results which do not represent the real behaviour and leads to uneconomical results. The present paper proposes a new empirical method, which can be applied over the whole practical range of the elastic modulus of masonry. The new proposed method has been verified with experimental data and shows a very good fit.
Sustainable building for the future: Contemporary clay masonry – Resource‐saving building
Authors: Hartmann Raik , Jäger Wolfram
Published: April 2017

Clay as a building material has a long tradition in Europe, largely losing its importance with industrialisation. Since the 1980s, clay building activity has steadily increased. Standard guidelines (Lehmbau‐Regeln) introduced in the 1990s, however, appear to be rather too cautious when examined in the light of current research findings on the load bearing capabilities of clay walls. Based on the evidence of historic clay buildings, on structural engineering calculations and building physics – the authors' research supports the assumption that masonry with modern unfired clay bricks has a much higher performance potential than previously assumed, which applies particularly to its sustainability. The biggest apprehension relates to the water‐sensitivity of this building material with regard to structural soundness. This can be countered however with the appropriate construction principles.
Hit pause: Developmental arrest in annual killifishes and their close relatives
Authors: Martin Karen L.M. , Podrabsky Jason E.
Published: April 2017

Killifishes survive and persist in extreme environments by exploiting both aquatic and terrestrial habitats for egg deposition, and by adjusting the length of development to match availability of water to support larval growth and maturation. Annual killifishes persist in ephemeral bodies of water through the production of drought‐tolerant embryos. Survival of the environmental stresses associated with their highly variable and seasonal habitat is supported by their ability to enter into at least two states of metabolic and developmental dormancy, diapause or quiescence. There are three stages of diapause in annual killifishes, one occurring prior to gastrulation, one about midway through development, and one in late pre‐hatching embryos. Quiescence may occur at any developmental stage. In addition, delayed hatching is known to occur in close relatives of the annual killifishes, and may be superficially confused with pre‐hatching diapause. These types of developmental delay are induced by different cues and serve different purposes in the life history of the species. Thus, it is likely that the molecular mechanisms that induce dormancy and support survival are unique in each case. It is imperative that we properly define these forms of developmental dormancy in our studies in order to put our results into the proper ecological and evolutionary context. Here the unique characteristics of these distinct categories of developmental delay are reviewed. Developmental Dynamics 246:858–866, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Executive functions in adolescents with binge‐eating disorder and obesity
Authors: Kittel Rebekka , Schmidt Ricarda , Hilbert Anja
Published: April 2017

Objective

Binge‐eating disorder (BED) in adults is associated with alterations in executive functions (EF) and obesity. Much less is known about these relationships in adolescents, including whether poor EF are associated with eating disorder psychopathology and/or elevated body mass index. This study examined EF in response to neutral stimuli in youth with BED.

Method

Adolescents with BED and obesity (n = 22), individually matched adolescents with obesity (n = 22), and normal weight (n = 22) completed neuropsychological tests targeting inhibition (Color‐Word Interference Test), sustained attention (D2 Concentration Endurance Test), cognitive flexibility (Comprehensive Trail Making Test), and decision‐making (Iowa Gambling Task).

Results

Adolescents with BED and obesity displayed significantly poorer inhibitory control compared to normal‐weight adolescents. This effect persisted after controlling for the level of secondary education. However, initial differences between adolescents with obesity and normal‐weight controls regarding inhibitory control and sustained attention vanished after controlling for education. The three groups did not differ regarding cognitive flexibility and decision‐making. Moreover, adolescents with BED and obesity did not perform worse than adolescents with obesity on any of the neuropsychological tests.

Discussion

Overall, our results indicate that adolescent BED is associated with only a few alterations in general EF, specifically inhibitory control, and underline BED and educational level as confounding factors in neuropsychological research on obesity. To further delineate EF profiles of adolescents with BED, future research should focus on EF in response to disorder‐related stimuli and experimental settings with high ecological validity.
Exploitation promotes earlier sex change in a protandrous patellid limpet, Patella aspera Röding, 1798
Authors: Martins Gustavo M. , Borges Carla D. G. , Vale Maria , Ribeiro Pedro A. , Ferraz Rogério R. , Martins Helen R. , Santos Ricardo S. , Hawkins Stephen J.
Published: April 2017

Exploitation of organisms can prompt the reduction in the number and size of target populations consequently affecting reproductive output and replenishment. Here, we investigated the effects of exploitation on the population structure of a protandrous patellid limpet, Patella aspera, an overexploited Macaronesian endemic. Timed dives were used to collect animals across eleven islands of Macaronesia. Individuals were inspected for sex, size, and gonad stage. Using catch effort (time per person) per island coastal perimeter as a surrogate for exploitation intensity, we found that limpet abundance (CPUE) and mean size tended to decrease with exploitation intensity. When considering the sex of animals separately, the size of the largest male, but not females, decreased with exploitation. In contrast, the size of the smallest male remained relatively consistent, whereas the size of the smallest female decreased significantly with exploitation. As exploitation is mostly targeting larger individuals, results suggest that males are compensating the removal of larger females, by undergoing sex change at smaller and presumably earlier sizes. These results have wider implications for the conservation of P. aspera, as a reduction in female size will likely affect the numbers of oocytes produced, hence fecundity. Regulations promoting the protection of the larger‐sized animals should be enforced to safeguard the replenishment of the population.
Prevention and treatment of complications of selective internal radiation therapy: Expert guidance and systematic review
Authors: Sangro Bruno , Martínez‐Urbistondo Diego , Bester Lourens , Bilbao Jose I. , Coldwell Douglas M. , Flamen Patrick , Kennedy Andrew , Ricke Jens , Sharma Ricky A.
Published: April 2017

Selective internal radiation therapy (or radioembolization) by intra‐arterial injection of radioactive yttrium‐90‐loaded microspheres is increasingly used for the treatment of patients with liver metastases or primary liver cancer. The high‐dose beta‐radiation penetrates an average of only 2.5 mm from the source, thus limiting its effects to the site of delivery. However, the off‐target diversion of yttrium‐90 microspheres to tissues other than the tumor may lead to complications. The most prominent of these complications include radiation gastritis and gastrointestinal ulcers, cholecystitis, radiation pneumonitis, and radioembolization‐induced liver disease, which may occur despite careful pretreatment planning. Thus, selective internal radiation therapy demands an expert multidisciplinary team approach in order to provide comprehensive care for patients. This review provides recommendations to multidisciplinary teams on the optimal medical processes in order to ensure the safe delivery of selective internal radiation therapy. Based on the best available published evidence and expert opinion, we recommend the most appropriate strategies for the prevention, early diagnosis, and management of potential radiation injury to the liver and to other organs. (Hepatology 2017;66:969–982).
Posttranscriptional Interaction Between miR‐450a‐5p and miR‐28‐5p and STAT1 mRNA Triggers Osteoblastic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Dernowsek Janaína A. , Pereira Milena C. , Fornari Thaís A. , Macedo Claudia , Assis Amanda F. , Donate Paula B. , Bombonato‐Prado Karina F. , Passos‐Bueno Maria Rita , Passos Geraldo A.
Published: April 2017

We demonstrate that the interaction between miR‐450a‐5p and miR‐28‐5p and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) mRNA correlates with the osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (shed cells). STAT1 negatively regulates runx‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), which is an essential transcription factor in this process. However, the elements that trigger osteoblastic differentiation and therefore pause the inhibitory effect of STAT1 need investigation. Usually, STAT1 can be posttranscriptionally regulated by miRNAs. To test this, we used an in vitro model system in which shed cells were chemically induced toward osteoblastic differentiation and temporally analyzed, comparing undifferentiated cells with their counterparts in the early (2 days) or late (7 or 21 days) periods of induction. The definition of the entire functional genome expression signature demonstrated that the transcriptional activity of a large set of mRNAs and miRNAs changes during this process. Interestingly, STAT1 and RUNX2 mRNAs feature contrasting expression levels during the course of differentiation. While undifferentiated or early differentiating cells express high levels of STAT1 mRNA, which was gradually downregulated, RUNX2 mRNA was upregulated toward differentiation. The reconstruction of miRNA‐mRNA interaction networks allowed the identification of six miRNAs (miR‐17‐3p, miR‐28‐5p, miR‐29b, miR‐29c‐5p, miR‐145‐3p, and miR‐450a‐5p), and we predicted their respective targets, from which we focused on miR‐450a‐5p and miR‐28‐5p STAT1 mRNA interactions, whose intracellular occurrence was validated through the luciferase assay. Transfections of undifferentiated shed cells with miR‐450a‐5p or miR‐28‐5p mimics or with miR‐450a‐5p or miR‐28‐5p antagonists demonstrated that these miRNAs might play a role as posttranscriptional controllers of STAT1 mRNA during osteoblastic differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4045–4062, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anti‐tumor effects of crocetin and related molecular targets
Authors: Moradzadeh Maliheh , Sadeghnia Hamid Reza , Tabarraei Alijan , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: April 2017

Natural products have gained a wide popularity as chemopreventive and anti‐cancer agents owing to their multi‐mechanistic mode of action, availability and synergism with several conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Crocetin is a carotenoid compound isolated from the stigma of Crocus sativus L. (saffron). Crocetin has shown promising effects as an anti‐tumor agent in animal models and cell culture systems. Crocetin retards the growth of cancer cells via inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis, enhancing anti‐oxidative system, and inducing apoptosis and differentiation pathways. The present review outlines natural sources of crocetin, and its pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties relevant to the prevention and treatment of cancer. Also, we discuss molecular targets underlying the putative anti‐tumor effects of crocetin.
Raman imaging studies on the adsorption of methylene blue species onto silver modified linen fibers
Authors: Fateixa Sara , Wilhelm Manon , Jorge Alípio M. , Nogueira Helena I. S. , Trindade Tito
Published: April 2017

We demonstrate in this research that surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering combined with Raman imaging can be effectively used for analysis of distinct forms of organic dyes in antimicrobial Ag‐loaded textile fibers. The potential of this approach, as a non‐destructive characterization method of fabrics, was evaluated with Raman studies performed on the molecular forms of methylene blue (MB), used here as the organic dye model. On the basis of the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spectra of MB monomers and dimers, the Raman imaging of Ag‐loaded linen fibers previously treated with MB solution was performed and then used for identification of the adsorbate species in distinct regions of the substrates. A semi‐quantitative analysis is then performed by considering the area of the Raman bands ascribed to the MB molecular forms and image analysis applied to Raman images. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laparoscopy‐specific ventral approach in laparoscopic hemihepatectomy
Authors: Kim Ji Hoon
Published: April 2017

Background

The laparoscopic caudal approach is very different from the open ventral approach, specifically with respect to the surgical view, which is completely different and is the underlying reason for why laparoscopic hepatectomy is technically challenging. We have introduced a new laparoscopy‐specific ventral approach in laparoscopic hemihepatectomy.

Methods

The liver was transected from the ventral side to the dorsal side, via a flexible laparoscope, as in open liver resection. The key characteristic of the ventral approach is the early opening of the cranial part, which guides the accurate transection and maintains an open cutting plane. The middle hepatic vein is exposed from the root side toward the periphery.

Results

From March to December 2016, this technique was performed on 12 patients. Of these patients, five underwent right hepatectomy, five underwent left hepatectomy, and two underwent extended left hepatectomy that included the middle hepatic vein. The median operative time was 250 min (range 210‐350 min), and the median blood loss was 165 mL (range 100‐260 mL). There was no postoperative morbidity or mortality. The median postoperative hospital stay was 8 days (range 5‐14 days).

Conclusion

This ventral approach may be an effective and feasible technique for laparoscopic hemihepatectomy.
Potential therapeutic applications for emu oil
Authors: Mashtoub Suzanne
Published: April 2017

Emu oil is a rich source of fatty acids extracted from the subcutaneous and retroperitoneal fat of the Emu (a flightless bird native to Australia). Indigenous Australian people first used emu oil for its healing and pain‐alleviation properties. Currently, emu oil is commercially available for topical and oral administration, marketed as an anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant formulation with reparative properties. A limited number of clinical trials have shown indications of efficacy for topically‐applied emu oil. More recently, well‐controlled pre‐clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of orally‐administered emu oil in inflammatory intestinal disorders. Consequently, emu oil could form an adjunct to conventional treatment approaches for disorders affecting the gastrointestinal system.
Extracellular vesicles from bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells protect against murine hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Haga Hiroaki , Yan Irene K. , Borrelli David A. , Matsuda Akiko , Parasramka Mansi , Shukla Neha , Lee David D. , Patel Tushar
Published: April 2017

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) and associated inflammation contributes to liver dysfunction and complications after liver surgery and transplantation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to reduce hepatic IRI because of their reparative immunomodulatory effects in injured tissues. Recent studies have highlighted beneficial effects of extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC‐EV) on tissue injury. The effects of systemically administered mouse bone marrow–derived MSC‐EV were evaluated in an experimental murine model of hepatic IRI induced by cross‐clamping the hepatic artery and portal vein for 90 minutes followed by reperfusion for periods of up to 6 hours. Compared with controls, intravenous administration of MSC‐EV 30 minutes prior to IRI dramatically reduced the extent of tissue necrosis, decreased caspase 3–positive and apoptotic cells, and reduced serum aminotransferase levels. MSC‐EV increased hepatic messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains‐containing protein 12, and the chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 1, and reduced mRNA expression of several inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 during IRI. MSC‐EV increased cell viability and suppressed both oxidative injury and nuclear factor kappa B activity in murine hepatocytes in vitro. In conclusion, the administration of extracellular vesicles derived from bone marrow–derived MSCs may ameliorate hepatic IRI by reducing hepatic injury through modulation of the inflammatory response.Liver Transplantation 23 791–803 2017 AASLD.
Maternal lactocrine programming of porcine reproductive tract development
Authors: Bagnell Carol A. , Ho Teh‐Yuan , George Ashley F. , Wiley Anne A. , Miller Dori J. , Bartol Frank F.
Published: April 2017

The lactocrine hypothesis for maternal programming of female reproductive tract development is based on the idea that non‐nutritive, milk‐borne bioactive factors (MbFs), delivered from mother to offspring during nursing, play a role in determining the trajectory of development with long‐term consequences in the adult. Porcine female reproductive tract development is completed postnatally, and the period during which maternal support of neonatal growth derives exclusively from colostrum/milk defines a window of opportunity for lactocrine programming of reproductive tissues. Beyond nutrition, milk serves as a delivery system for a variety of bioactive factors. Porcine relaxin is a prototypical MbF. Present in colostrum at highest concentrations at birth, relaxin is transmitted into the circulation of nursing piglets where it can act on Relaxin receptors found in neonatal female reproductive tract tissues. This process is facilitated by the physiology of the maternal–neonatal dyad and the fact that the neonatal gastrointestinal tract is open to absorb macromolecules for a period of time postnatally. Age at first nursing and duration of nursing from birth are also important for porcine female reproductive tract development. These parameters affect both the quality and quantity of colostrum consumed. Disruption of lactocrine signaling by feeding milk replacer from birth altered porcine uterine, cervical, and testicular development by postnatal Day 2. Moreover, insufficient colostrum consumption in nursing piglets can impair uterine capacity to support viable litters of optimal size in adulthood. In the pig, lactocrine signaling supports neonatal organizational events associated with normal reproductive development and may program adult uterine capacity.
The predictive value of ePAQ in the urodynamic diagnoses—A prospective cohort study
Authors: McCooty Shanteela , Nightingale Peter , Latthe Pallavi
Published: April 2017

Aims

To assess whether the electronic Personal Assessment Questionnaire‐Pelvic Floor (ePAQ‐PF) had accuracy in predicting the urodynamic diagnoses of Detrusor Overactivity (DO) and/or Urodynamic Stress Incontinence (USI).

Methods

Tertiary urogynaecology unit linked to an academic university teaching hospital. Consecutive women who presented with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and were booked to have urodynamic studies. Women completed an ePAQ‐PF prior to having urodynamics (UDS) by clinicians who were blinded to the ePAQ‐PF results while conducting this procedure. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed for predictive accuracy of overactive bladder (OAB) score in DO and of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) score in USI. Prospective cohort study designed to meet the requirements of the standards for reporting of diagnostic accuracy (STARD).

Results

390 women with a mean age of 54.2 (range 21‐92) years were recruited. The majority (n = 294; 75%) were White Caucasian and had two children (n = 157; 40.3%). Of them, 67.2% (n = 262) had DO and USI was confirmed in 21.5% (n = 84). The area under the ROC curve for DO was 0.704 (95% confidence interval 0.650‐0.759) and for USI it was 0.731 (95% confidence interval 0.652‐0.778).

Conclusions

The OAB and SUI scores on the ePAQ‐PF demonstrated that they are fair predictors in diagnosing DO and USI. As the OAB and SUI score on ePAQ‐PF increased so did the likelihood of DO (up to a score of 75) and USI on UDS.
Impact of clean intermittent catheterization on quality adjusted life years (QALYs) in spinal cord injury patients with neurogenic urinary incontinence
Authors: Svihra Jan , Krhut Jan , Zachoval Roman , Svihrova Viera , Luptak Jan
Published: April 2017

Aims

The impact of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) on quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained in adults’ spinal cord injury population with neurogenic urinary incontinence (UI).

Methods

Patients were recruited from the national registry January‐June 2014. The inclusion criteria were adults, neurogenic UI due to spinal cord injury (SCI), use of collection devices and CIC for more than 6 months. The exclusion criteria were inability to perform CIC, cancer of the lower urinary tract and fistulas formation. Measurement tools were the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ‐UI SF) and an estimation of life expectancy by the national registry. The calculation of the weighting factor (WF) was obtained by linear transformation of the ICIQ‐UI SF total score. A score was transformed to the range from 0 (worst impact) to 1 (no impact). The QALYs was calculated as the weighting factor × life expectancy in years.

Results

A total of 229/365 patients were involved in this study (63%). Patients before CIC reached an ICIQ mean score of 14.83, WF of 0.29, and QALYs of 9.02 during life expectancy. After 6 months of follow‐up using CIC, ICIQ reached 9.12, WF 0.57 and QALYs 17.45. The number of QALYs increased by 93.5% and UI evaluated with the ICIQ‐UI SF decreased by 38.5% (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The CIC of the urinary bladder statistically significantly increased the number of QALYs and reduced the degree of UI in SCI patients.
A geometric projection method for designing three‐dimensional open lattices with inverse homogenization
Authors: Watts Seth , Tortorelli Daniel A.
Published: April 2017

Topology optimization is a methodology for assigning material or void to each point in a design domain in a way that extremizes some objective function, such as the compliance of a structure under given loads, subject to various imposed constraints, such as an upper bound on the mass of the structure. Geometry projection is a means to parameterize the topology optimization problem, by describing the design in a way that is independent of the mesh used for analysis of the design's performance; it results in many fewer design parameters, necessarily resolves the ill‐posed nature of the topology optimization problem, and provides sharp descriptions of the material interfaces. We extend previous geometric projection work to 3 dimensions and design unit cells for lattice materials using inverse homogenization. We perform a sensitivity analysis of the geometric projection and show it has smooth derivatives, making it suitable for use with gradient‐based optimization algorithms. The technique is demonstrated by designing unit cells comprised of a single constituent material plus void space to obtain light, stiff materials with cubic and isotropic material symmetry. We also design a single‐constituent isotropic material with negative Poisson's ratio and a light, stiff material comprised of 2 constituent solids plus void space.
The Discontinuity‐Enriched Finite Element Method
Authors: Aragón Alejandro M. , Simone Angelo
Published: April 2017

We introduce a new methodology for modeling problems with both weak and strong discontinuities independently of the finite element discretization. At variance with the eXtended/Generalized Finite Element Method (X/GFEM), the new method, named the Discontinuity‐Enriched Finite Element Method (DE‐FEM), adds enriched degrees of freedom only to nodes created at the intersection between a discontinuity and edges of elements in the mesh. Although general, the method is demonstrated in the context of fracture mechanics, and its versatility is illustrated with a set of traction‐free and cohesive crack examples. We show that DE‐FEM recovers the same rate of convergence as the standard FEM with matching meshes, and we also compare the new approach to X/GFEM.
Heterobifunctional Dyes: Highly Fluorescent Linkers Based on Cyanine Dyes
Authors: Wycisk Virginia , Achazi Katharina , Hirsch Ole , Kuehne Christian , Dernedde Jens , Haag Rainer , Licha Kai
Published: April 2017

Herein, we present a new synthetic route to cyanine‐based heterobifunctional dyes and their application as fluorescent linkers between polymers and biomolecules. The synthesized compounds, designed in the visible spectral range, are equipped with two different reactive groups for highly selective conjugation under physiological conditions. By applying indolenine precursors with functionalized benzenes, we achieved water‐soluble asymmetric cyanine dyes bearing maleimido and N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl functionalities in a three‐step synthesis. Spectroscopic characterization revealed good molar absorption coefficients and moderate fluorescence quantum yields. Further reaction with polyethylene glycol yielded dye–polymer conjugates that were subsequently coupled to the antibody cetuximab, often applied in cancer therapy. Successful coupling was confirmed by mass shifts detected by gel electrophoresis. Receptor‐binding studies and live‐cell imaging revealed that labeling did not alter the biological function. In sum, we provided a successful synthetic pathway to rigid heterobifunctional cyanine dyes that are applicable as fluorescent linkers, for example, for connecting antibodies with macromolecules. Our approach contributes to the field of bioconjugation chemistry, such as antibody–drug conjugates by combining diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Child and parent preferences for graphical display of patient‐reported outcome data
Authors: Dobrozsi Sarah , Panepinto Julie
Published: April 2017

Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROs) generate reproducible, objective measures of patient functioning and symptoms. Clinical PRO use has proven benefits. Parent and child preferences for the graphical display of PRO data are not known. We conducted a qualitative study to determine preferences for graphical display of PRO data for use in the clinical setting. Participants were shown line graphs depicting a patient's PRO score with variations in orientation, shading and text. Final consensus graphs were elicited. Participants selected the graph with the highest level of visual and text interpretation of PRO scores.
Childhood osteosarcoma: Incidence and survival in Argentina. Report from the National Pediatric Cancer Registry, ROHA Network 2000–2013
Authors: Moreno F. , Cacciavillano W. , Cipolla M. , Coirini M. , Streitenberger P. , López Martí J. , Palladino M. , Morici M. , Onoratelli M. , Drago G. , Schifino A. , Cores M. , Rose A. , Jotomliansky J. , Varel M. , García Lombardi M.
Published: April 2017

Background

Differences in incidence and survival in osteosarcoma reports are considerable worldwide.

Purpose

This study describes the incidence and survival of patients with osteosarcoma in Argentina with data from the National Pediatric Cancer Registry (ROHA), and the impact of age, gender, stage, regional, and socioeconomic indicators on outcome.

Methods

Pediatric patients with osteosarcoma reported to ROHA from 2000 through 2013 were analyzed, the annual age‐standardized incidence rate (ASR) was calculated using the National Vital Statistics, and survival was estimated. The extended human development index (EHDI) for each reporting region was used as an indicator of socioeconomic status.

Results

There were 515 cases of osteosarcoma identified, yielding an ASR of 3.2/1,000,000 children (0–14 years old). The ASR did not vary significantly by year of diagnosis but ranged from 4.0/1,000,000 in the Cuyo/Western Central region to 2.7/1,000,000 in the northeast region (P < 0.000). The estimated 5‐year survival rate was 45% (95% confidence interval [CI] 44–51%), with no difference by sex, diagnosis year, region, or EHDI score (P > 0.1 in all cases). Survival rate for localized disease was 52% (95% CI 45–57%) and for metastatic 22% (95% CI 15–30%).

Conclusions

In Argentina, ASR of osteosarcoma is similar to that in high‐income countries, but survival is lower in all regions. Future work will focus on identification and reduction of causes of preventable treatment failure.
Confinement effects on the thermal stability of poly(ethylene oxide)/graphene nanocomposites: A reactive molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Rahmani Farzin , Mahdavi Mina , Nouranian Sasan , Al‐Ostaz Ahmed
Published: April 2017

Nonisothermal and isothermal decomposition of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) loaded with different concentrations of pristine graphene (PG) and graphene oxide (GO) nanoplatelets were investigated using reactive molecular dynamics simulation. The onset of nonisothermal decomposition of the PG‐loaded PEO system was the highest among all systems, suggesting that introducing PG to the polymer improves its thermal stability (an effect that increases with an increase in the PG concentration). At low concentration, introducing GO to the polymer brings about a deterioration of the thermal stability of the polymer consistent with experimental findings. On average, the activation energy for the isothermal decomposition of PG‐loaded PEO system increases by 60% over that of the neat PEO system, while it decreases by 40% for the GO‐loaded PEO system. A time‐dependent analysis of the through‐thickness decomposition profile of the above systems reveals that the polymer confined between the PG sheets exhibit a higher thermal stability compared to the bulk polymer. However, an opposite effect is observed with the polymer confined between the GO sheets. The latter observation is attributed to accelerated polymer chain scission in confined regions due to the ejection of reactive hydroxyl radicals from the GO surface during the early stages of thermal decomposition. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1026–1035
Microcephalic Osteodysplastic Primordial Dwarfism, Type II: a Clinical Review
Authors: Bober Michael B. , Jackson Andrew P.
Published: April 2017

Purpose of the Review

This review will provide an overview of the microcephalic primordial dwarfism (MPD) class of disorders and provide the reader comprehensive clinical review with suggested care guidelines for patients with microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism, type II (MOPDII).

Recent Findings

Over the last 15 years, significant strides have been made in the diagnosis, natural history, and management of MOPDII.

MOPDII is the most common and well described form of MPD. The classic features of the MPD group are severe pre- and postnatal growth retardation, with marked microcephaly. In addition to these features, individuals with MOPDII have characteristic facies, skeletal dysplasia, abnormal dentition, and an increased risk for cerebrovascular disease and insulin resistance. Biallelic loss-of-function mutations in the pericentrin gene cause MOPDII, which is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.
GUI design exploration software for microwave antennas
Authors: Liu Bo , Irvine Alexander , Akinsolu Mobayode O. , Arabi Omer , Grout Vic , Ali Nazar
Published: April 2017

Optimizers in commercial electromagnetic (EM) simulation software packages are the main tools for performing antenna design exploration today. However, these general purpose optimizers are facing challenges in optimization efficiency, supported optimization types and usability for antenna experts without deep knowledge on optimization. Aiming to fill the gaps, a new antenna design exploration tool, called Antenna Design Explorer (ADE), is presented in this paper. The key features are: (1) State-of-the-art antenna design exploration methods are selected and embedded, addressing efficient antenna optimization (critical but unable to be solved by existing tools) and multiobjective antenna optimization (not available in most existing tools); (2) Human-computer interaction for the targeted problem is studied, addressing various usability issues for antenna design engineers, such as automatic algorithmic parameter setting and interactive stopping criteria; (3) Compatibility with existing tools is studied and ADE is able to co-work with existing EM simulators and optimizers, combining advantages. A case study verifies the advantages of ADE.

Highlights A new antenna design exploration tool, called Antenna Design Explorer (ADE), is presented in this paper. State-of-the-art antenna design exploration methods are selected and embedded, addressing efficient antenna optimization (critical but difficult to be solved by existing tools) and multiobjective antenna optimization (not available in most existing tools). Human-computer interaction for the targeted problem is studied, addressing various usability issues for antenna design engineers. Compatibility with existing tools is studied and ADE is able to co-work with existing EM simulators and optimizers, combining advantages.
P3: An installation for high-energy density plasma physics and ultra-high intensity laser–matter interaction at ELI-Beamlines
Authors: Weber S. , Bechet S. , Borneis S. , Brabec L. , Bučka M. , Chacon-Golcher E. , Ciappina M. , DeMarco M. , Fajstavr A. , Falk K. , Garcia E.-R. , Grosz J. , Gu Y.-J. , Hernandez J.-C. , Holec M. , Janečka P. , Jantač M. , Jirka M. , Kadlecova H. , Khikhlukha D. , Klimo O. , Korn G. , Kramer D. , Kumar D. , Lastovička T. , Lutoslawski P. , Morejon L. , Olšovcová V. , Rajdl M. , Renner O. , Rus B. , Singh S. , Šmid M. , Sokol M. , Versaci R. , Vrána R. , Vranic M. , Vyskočil J. , Wolf A. , Yu Q.
Published: April 2017

ELI-Beamlines (ELI-BL), one of the three pillars of the Extreme Light Infrastructure endeavour, will be in a unique position to perform research in high-energy-density-physics (HEDP), plasma physics and ultra-high intensity (UHI) (1022W/cm2) laser–plasma interaction. Recently the need for HED laboratory physics was identified and the P3 (plasma physics platform) installation under construction in ELI-BL will be an answer. The ELI-BL 10 PW laser makes possible fundamental research topics from high-field physics to new extreme states of matter such as radiation-dominated ones, high-pressure quantum ones, warm dense matter (WDM) and ultra-relativistic plasmas. HEDP is of fundamental importance for research in the field of laboratory astrophysics and inertial confinement fusion (ICF). Reaching such extreme states of matter now and in the future will depend on the use of plasma optics for amplifying and focusing laser pulses. This article will present the relevant technological infrastructure being built in ELI-BL for HEDP and UHI, and gives a brief overview of some research under way in the field of UHI, laboratory astrophysics, ICF, WDM, and plasma optics.
Complete phase diagram of rare-earth nickelates from first-principles
Authors: Varignon Julien , Grisolia Mathieu N. , Íñiguez Jorge , Barthélémy Agnès , Bibes Manuel
Published: April 2017

The structural, electronic and magnetic properties of AMO3 perovskite oxides, where M is a 3d transition metal, are highly sensitive to the geometry of the bonds between the metal-d and oxygen-p ions (through octahedra rotations and distortions) and to their level of covalence. This is particularly true in rare-earth nickelates RNiO3 that display a metal–insulator transition with complex spin orders tunable by the rare-earth size, and are on the border line between dominantly ionic (lighter elements) and covalent characters (heavier elements). Accordingly, computing their ground state is challenging and a complete theoretical description of their rich phase diagram is still missing. Here, using first-principles simulations, we successfully describe the electronic and magnetic experimental ground state of nickelates. We show that the insulating phase is characterized by a split of the electronic states of the two Ni sites (i.e., resembling low-spin 4+ and high-spin 2+) with a concomitant shift of the oxygen-2p orbitals toward the depleted Ni cations. Therefore, from the point of view of the charge, the two Ni sites appear nearly identical whereas they are in fact distinct. Performing such calculations for several nickelates, we built a theoretical phase diagram that reproduces all their key features, namely a systematic dependence of the metal–insulator transition with the rare-earth size and the crossover between a second to first order transition for R = Pr and Nd. Finally, our results hint at strategies to control the electronic and magnetic phases of perovskite oxides by fine tuning of the level of covalence.
Isoform specific differences in phospholipase C beta 1 expression in the prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia and suicide
Authors: Udawela M. , Scarr E. , Boer S. , Um J. Y. , Hannan A. J. , McOmish C. , Felder C. C. , Thomas E. A. , Dean B.
Published: April 2017

Our previous study demonstrated that phospholipase C beta 1 mRNA was down-regulated in Brodmann’s area 46 from subjects with schizophrenia. However, phospholipase C beta 1 protein has also been shown to be lower in Brodmann’s area 8 and 9 from teenage suicide subjects, creating a potential confound in interpreting the findings in schizophrenia due to the high suicide rate associated with this disorder. To begin to reconcile and consolidate these findings, in this study, we measured mRNA and protein levels of phospholipase C beta 1 variants a and b in Brodmann’s area 46 and Brodmann’s area 9 from subjects with schizophrenia, many of whom were suicide completers, and determined the diagnostic specificity of observed findings. Consistent with our previous study, levels of phospholipase C beta 1 a and b mRNA, but not protein, were lower in Brodmann’s area 46 from subjects with schizophrenia. In Brodmann’s area 9, phospholipase C beta 1a protein levels were lower in subjects with schizophrenia, while phospholipase C beta 1b mRNA was higher and protein was lower in those that had died of suicide. Altered protein levels in Brodmann’s area 9 appeared to be diagnostically specific, as we did not detect these changes in subjects with bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder or suicide completers with no diagnosis of mental illness. We further assessed the relationship between phospholipase C beta 1 and levels of muscarinic receptors (CHRMs) that signal through this protein, in both human andChrmknockout mouse central nervous system tissue, and found no strong relationship between the two. Understanding central nervous system differences in downstream effector pathways in schizophrenia may lead to improved treatment strategies and help to identify those at risk of suicide.
A bacterial ABC transporter enables import of mammalian host glycosaminoglycans
Authors: Oiki Sayoko , Mikami Bunzo , Maruyama Yukie , Murata Kousaku , Hashimoto Wataru
Published: April 2017

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate, and heparin, constitute mammalian extracellular matrices. The uronate and amino sugar residues in hyaluronan and chondroitin sulfate are linked by 1,3-glycoside bond, while heparin contains 1,4-glycoside bond. Some bacteria target GAGs as means of establishing colonization and/or infection, and bacterial degradation mechanisms of GAGs have been well characterized. However, little is known about the bacterial import of GAGs. Here, we show a GAG import system, comprised of a solute-binding protein (Smon0123)-dependent ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, in the pathogenicStreptobacillus moniliformis. A genetic cluster responsible for depolymerization, degradation, and metabolism of GAGs as well as the ABC transporter system was found in theS. moniliformisgenome. This bacterium degraded hyaluronan and chondroitin sulfate with an expression of the genetic cluster, while heparin repressed the bacterial growth. The purified recombinant Smon0123 exhibited an affinity with disaccharides generated from hyaluronan and chondroitin sulfate. X-ray crystallography indicated binding mode of Smon0123 to GAG disaccharides. The purified recombinant ABC transporter as a tetramer (Smon0121-Smon0122/Smon0120-Smon0120) reconstructed in liposomes enhanced its ATPase activity in the presence of Smon0123 and GAG disaccharides. This is the first report that has molecularly depicted a bacterial import system of both sulfated and non-sulfated GAGs.
Laparoscopic Versus Open Liver Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Si-Ming , Xiong Jun-Jie , Liu Xue-Ting , Chen Hong-Yu , Iglesia-García Daniel , Altaf Kiran , Bharucha Shameena , Huang Wei , Nunes Quentin M. , Szatmary Peter , Liu Xu-Bao
Published: April 2017

The effects of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) and open liver resection (OLR) on oncological outcomes for colorectal cancer liver metastases (CCLM) remain inconclusive. Major databases were searched from January 1992 to October 2016. Effects of LLR vs OLR were determined. The primary endpoints were oncological outcomes. In total, 32 eligible non-randomized studies with 4697 patients (LLR: 1809, OLR: 2888) were analyzed. There were higher rates of clear surgical margins (OR: 1.64, 95%CI: 1.32 to 2.05, p < 0.00001) in the LLR group, without significant differences in disease recurrence, 3- or 5-year overall survival(OS) and disease free survival(DFS) between the two approaches. LLR was associated with less intraoperative blood loss (WMD: −147.46 [−195.78 to −99.15] mL, P < 0.00001) and fewer blood transfusions (OR: 0.41 [0.30–0.58], P < 0.00001), but with longer operation time (WMD:14.44 [1.01 to 27.88] min, P < 0.00001) compared to OLR. Less overall morbidity (OR: 0.64 [0.55 to 0.75], p < 0.00001) and shorter postoperative hospital stay (WMD: −2.36 [−3.06 to −1.66] d, p < 0.00001) were observed for patients undergoing LLR, while there was no statistical difference in mortality. LLR appears to be a safe and feasible alternative to OLR in the treatment of CCLM in selected patients.