bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacogenetic study of seven polymorphisms in three nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits in smoking-cessation therapies
Authors: Pintarelli Giulia , Galvan Antonella , Pozzi Paolo , Noci Sara , Pasetti Giovanna , Sala Francesca , Pastorino Ugo , Boffi Roberto , Colombo Francesca
Published: November 2017

Smoking-cessation therapy reduces the risk of smoking-related diseases, but is successful only in a fraction of smokers. There is growing evidence that genetic variations in nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits influence the risk of nicotine dependence and the ability to quit smoking. To investigate the role of polymorphisms in nAChR genes on smoking quantity and the outcome of smoking-cessation therapies, we carried out an association study on 337 smokers who underwent pharmacotherapy with varenicline, bupropion, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) alone, or NRT plus bupropion. Smoking habit and abstention were assessed from the number of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD) and the exhaled CO (eCO), at baseline and up to 12 months. We genotyped seven polymorphisms in genes encoding the nAChR subunitsCHRNA4,CHRNA5, andCHRNB2. At baseline, both CPD and eCO were associated with polymorphisms in theCHRNA5locus (rs503464, rs55853698, rs55781567 and rs16969968;P < 0.01). rs503464, a variant in the 5′-UTR ofCHRNA5, was also associated with short-, mid- and long-term responses to therapy (P = 0.011,P = 0.0043,P = 0.020, respectively), although after correction for multiple testing only the association at the mid-term assessment remained significant (FDR = 0.03). These data support the role of individual genetic makeup in the ability to quit smoking.
Interface and material engineering for zigzag slab lasers
Authors: Liu Fei , Dong Siyu , Zhang Jinlong , Jiao Hongfei , Ma Bin , Wang Zhanshan , Cheng Xinbin
Published: November 2017

Laser damage of zigzag slab lasers occurs at interface between laser crystal and SiO2 film. Although an additional HfO2 layer could be used to manipulate electric-field on the crystal-film interface, their high absorption and polycrystalline structure were unacceptable. SiO2 was then doped in HfO2 to suppress its crystallization and to achieve low absorption by annealing. HfxSi1−xO2 nanocomposite layers were then inserted between laser crystal and SiO2 film to minimize electric-field at crystal-film interface. Laser damage resistance of this new architecture is two times higher than that of traditional zigzag slab lasers.
Diabetes Aggravates Post-ischaemic Renal Fibrosis through Persistent Activation of TGF-β1 and Shh Signalling
Authors: Kim Dong-Jin , Kang Jun Mo , Park Seon Hwa , Kwon Hyuk-Kwon , Song Seok-Jong , Moon Haena , Kim Su-Mi , Seo Jung-Woo , Lee Yu Ho , Kim Yang Gyun , Moon Ju-Young , Lee So-Young , Son Youngsook , Lee Sang-Ho
Published: November 2017

Diabetes is a risk factor for acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Diabetic patients are easy to progress to CKD after AKI. Currently, activation of fibrotic signalling including transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is recognized as a key mechanism in CKD. Here, we investigated the influence of diabetes on CKD progression after AKI by using a unilateral renal ischaemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) model in diabetic mice. IRI induced extensive tubular injury, fibrosis and lymphocyte recruitment at 3 weeks after IRI, irrespective of diabetes. However, diabetes showed sustained tubular injury and markedly increased fibrosis and lymphocyte recruitment compared with non-diabetes at 5 week after IRI. The mRNAs and proteins related to TGF-β1 and sonic hedgehog (Shh) signalling were significantly higher in diabetic versus non-diabetic IRI kidneys. During the in vitro study, the hyperglycaemia induced the activation of TGF-β1 and Shh signalling and also increased profibrogenic phenotype change. However, hyperglycaemic control with insulin did not improve the progression of renal fibrosis and the activation of TGF-β1 and Shh signalling. In conclusion, diabetes promotes CKD progression of AKI via activation of the TGF-β1 and Shh signalling pathways, but insulin treatment was not enough for preventing the progression of renal fibrosis.
The Uniform Pattern of Growth and Skeletal Maturation during the Human Adolescent Growth Spurt
Authors: Sanders James O. , Qiu Xing , Lu Xiang , Duren Dana L. , Liu Raymond W. , Dang Debbie , Menendez Mariano E. , Hans Sarah D. , Weber David R. , Cooperman Daniel R.
Published: November 2017

Humans are one of the few species undergoing an adolescent growth spurt. Because children enter the spurt at different ages making age a poor maturity measure, longitudinal studies are necessary to identify the growth patterns and identify commonalities in adolescent growth. The standard maturity determinant, peak height velocity (PHV) timing, is difficult to estimate in individuals due to diurnal, postural, and measurement variation. Using prospective longitudinal populations of healthy children from two North American populations, we compared the timing of the adolescent growth spurt’s peak height velocity to normalized heights and hand skeletal maturity radiographs. We found that in healthy children, the adolescent growth spurt is standardized at 90% of final height with similar patterns for children of both sexes beginning at the initiation of the growth spurt. Once children enter the growth spurt, their growth pattern is consistent between children with peak growth at 90% of final height and skeletal maturity closely reflecting growth remaining. This ability to use 90% of final height as easily identified important maturity standard with its close relationship to skeletal maturity represents a significant advance allowing accurate prediction of future growth for individual children and accurate maturity comparisons for future studies of children’s growth.
Enhancement and suppression of turbulence by energetic-particle-driven geodesic acoustic modes
Authors: Sasaki M. , Itoh K. , Hallatschek K. , Kasuya N. , Lesur M. , Kosuga Y. , Itoh S.-I.
Published: November 2017

We propose a novel mechanism of enhancement of turbulence by energetic-particle-driven geodesic acoustic modes (EGAMs). The dynamics of drift-wave-type turbulence in the phase space is investigated by wave-kinetic equation. Spatially inhomogeneous turbulence in the presence of a transport barrier is considered. We discovered that trapping of turbulence clumps by the EGAMs is the key parameter that determines either suppress or enhance turbulence. In regions where turbulence is unstable, EGAM suppresses the turbulence. In contrast, in the stable region, EGAM traps clumps of turbulence and carries them across the transport barrier, so that the turbulence can be enhanced. The turbulence trapped by EGAMs can propagate independent of the gradients of density and temperature, which leads to non-Fickian transport. Hence, there appear a new global characteristic velocity, the phase velocity of GAMs, for turbulence dynamics, in addition to the local group velocity and that of the turbulence spreading. With these effect, EGAMs can deteriorate transport barriers and affect turbulence substantially. This manuscript provides a basis to consider whether a coherent wave breaks or strengthen transport barriers.
Resting-state functional MRI reveals altered brain connectivity and its correlation with motor dysfunction in a mouse model of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Li Qiang , Li Gang , Wu Dan , Lu Hanbing , Hou Zhipeng , Ross Christopher A. , Yang Yihong , Zhang Jiangyang , Duan Wenzhen
Published: November 2017

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant inherited neurodegenerative disorder, and no cure is available currently. Treatment of HD is likely to be most beneficial in the early, possibly pre-manifestation stage. The challenge is to determine the best time for intervention and evaluate putative efficacy in the absence of clinical symptoms. Resting-state functional MRI may represent a promising tool to develop biomarker reflecting early neuronal dysfunction in HD brain, because it can examine multiple brain networks without confounding effects of cognitive ability, which makes the resting-state fMRI promising as a translational bridge between preclinical study in animal models and clinical findings in HD patients. In this study, we examined brain regional connectivity and its correlation to brain atrophy, as well as motor function in the 18-week-old N171-82Q HD mice. HD mice exhibited significantly altered functional connectivity in multiple networks. Particularly, the weaker intra-striatum connectivity was positively correlated with striatal atrophy, while striatum-retrosplenial cortex connectivity is negatively correlated with striatal atrophy. The resting-state brain regional connectivity had no significant correlation with motor deficits in HD mice. Our results suggest that altered brain connectivity detected by resting-state fMRI might serve as an early disease biomarker in HD.
Imaging viscosity of intragranular mucin matrix in cystic fibrosis cells
Authors: Requena Sebastian , Ponomarchuk Olga , Castillo Marlius , Rebik Jonathan , Brochiero Emmanuelle , Borejdo Julian , Gryczynski Ignacy , Dzyuba Sergei V. , Gryczynski Zygmunt , Grygorczyk Ryszard , Fudala Rafal
Published: November 2017

Abnormalities of mucus viscosity play a critical role in the pathogenesis of several respiratory diseases, including cystic fibrosis. Currently, there are no approaches to assess the rheological properties of mucin granule matrices in live cells. This is the first example of the use of a molecular rotor, a BODIPY dye, to quantitatively visualize the viscosity of intragranular mucin matrices in a large population of individual granules in differentiated primary bronchial epithelial cells using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy.
On the proportional abundance of species: Integrating population genetics and community ecology
Authors: Marquet Pablo A. , Espinoza Guillermo , Abades Sebastian R. , Ganz Angela , Rebolledo Rolando
Published: November 2017

The frequency of genes in interconnected populations and of species in interconnected communities are affected by similar processes, such as birth, death and immigration. The equilibrium distribution of gene frequencies in structured populations is known since the 1930s, under Wright’s metapopulation model known as the island model. The equivalent distribution for the species frequency (i.e. the species proportional abundance distribution (SPAD)), at the metacommunity level, however, is unknown. In this contribution, we develop a stochastic model to analytically account for this distribution (SPAD). We show that the same as for genes SPAD follows a beta distribution, which provides a good description of empirical data and applies across a continuum of scales. This stochastic model, based upon a diffusion approximation, provides an alternative to neutral models for the species abundance distribution (SAD), which focus on number of individuals instead of proportions, and demonstrate that the relative frequency of genes in local populations and of species within communities follow the same probability law. We hope our contribution will help stimulate the mathematical and conceptual integration of theories in genetics and ecology.
Disrupted superior collicular activity may reveal cervical dystonia disease pathomechanisms
Authors: Mc Govern Eavan M. , Killian Owen , Narasimham Shruti , Quinlivan Brendan , Butler John B. , Beck Rebecca , Beiser Ines , Williams Laura W. , Killeen Ronan P. , Farrell Michael , O’Riordan Sean , Reilly Richard B. , Hutchinson Michael
Published: November 2017

Cervical dystonia is a common neurological movement disorder characterised by muscle contractions causing abnormal movements and postures affecting the head and neck. The neural networks underpinning this condition are incompletely understood. While animal models suggest a role for the superior colliculus in its pathophysiology, this link has yet to be established in humans. The present experiment was designed to test the hypothesis that disrupted superior collicular processing is evident in affected patients and in relatives harbouring a disease-specific endophenotype (abnormal temporal discrimination). The study participants were 16 cervical dystonia patients, 16 unaffected first-degree relatives with abnormal temporal discrimination, 16 unaffected first-degree relatives with normal temporal discrimination and 16 healthy controls. The response of participant’s superior colliculi to looming stimuli was assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Cervical dystonia patients and relatives with abnormal temporal discrimination demonstrated (i) significantly reduced superior collicular activation for whole brain and region of interest analysis; (ii) a statistically significant negative correlation between temporal discrimination threshold and superior collicular peak values. Our results support the hypothesis that disrupted superior collicular processing is involved in the pathogenesis of cervical dystonia. These findings, which align with animal models of cervical dystonia, shed new light on pathomechanisms in humans.
Diverse and complex male polymorphisms in Odontolabis stag beetles (Coleoptera: Lucanidae)
Authors: Matsumoto Keita , Knell Robert J.
Published: November 2017

When male animals engage in intrasexual contests then any alternative tactics they use can be associated with dimorphisms in the expression of weapons. Some species have recently been found to exhibit trimorphism in their weaponry, suggesting that the processes leading to their evolution and maintenance of these polymorphisms can be more complex than previously thought. Here, we describe the extraordinary diversity of polymorphism within the genus Odontolabis: there are dimorphic species (O. siva and O. platynota), trimorphic species (O. cuvera, as previously described, and O. sommeri s.stricto) and, uniquely, tetramorphic species, with males of O. sommeri lowei and O. brookeana showing four clearly differentiated male morphs: small “Gammas”, “Alphas” which express large, long mandibles, “Betas” which have long mandibles with different morphology and “Boltcutters”, with short, wide mandibles. Such polymorphisms are usually thought of as being maintained as a status-dependent conditional strategy, but we found only one size threshold: in most cases males develop into Gamma males below a certain size but there is no relationship between morph and body size amongst the larger, ‘weaponised’ morphs. We suggest that the complex polymorphisms in these animals are probably maintained by a combination of a conditional strategy and a genetic polymorphism.
Investigation of Atrial Vortices Using a Novel Right Heart Model and Possible Implications for Atrial Thrombus Formation
Authors: Gülan Utku , Saguner Ardan , Akdis Deniz , Gotschy Alexander , Manka Robert , Brunckhorst Corinna , Holzner Markus , Duru Firat
Published: November 2017

The main aim of this paper is to characterize vortical flow structures in the healthy human right atrium, their impact on wall shear stresses and possible implications for atrial thrombus formation. 3D Particle Tracking Velocimetry is applied to a novel anatomically accurate compliant silicone right heart model to study the phase averaged and fluctuating flow velocity within the right atrium, inferior vena cava and superior vena cava under physiological conditions. We identify the development of two vortex rings in the bulk of the right atrium during the atrial filling phase leading to a rinsing effect at the atrial wall which break down during ventricular filling. We show that the vortex ring formation affects the hemodynamics of the atrial flow by a strong correlation (ρ = 0.7) between the vortical structures and local wall shear stresses. Low wall shear stress regions are associated with absence of the coherent vortical structures which might be potential risk regions for atrial thrombus formation. We discuss possible implications for atrial thrombus formation in different regions of the right atrium.
Screening and identification of lncRNAs as potential biomarkers for pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Chen Zhong-liang , Wei Li-Liang , Shi Li-Ying , Li Meng , Jiang Ting-Ting , Chen Jing , Liu Chang-Ming , Yang Su , Tu Hui-hui , Hu Yu-ting , Gan Lin , Mao Lian-Gen , Wang Chong , Li Ji-Cheng
Published: November 2017

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is among the diseases with the highest morbidity and mortality worldwide. Effective diagnostic methods for TB are lacking. In this study, we investigated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in plasma using microarray and the potential diagnostic value of lncRNAs for TB. We found a total of 163 up-regulated lncRNAs and 348 down-regulated lncRNAs. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and coding-noncoding co-expression (CNC) analyses showed that functions of differentially expressed lncRNAs were mainly enriched in the regulation of alpha-beta T cell activation and the T cell receptor signalling pathway. Four differentially expressed lncRNAs, NR_038221 (fold change = 3.79, P < 0.01), NR_003142 (fold change = 1.69, P < 0.05), ENST00000570366 (fold change = 3.04, P < 0.05), and ENST00000422183 (fold change = 2.11, P < 0.001), were verified using RT-qPCR. Among those, NR_038221, NR_003142, and ENST00000570366 were found to be up-regulated, while ENST00000422183 was down-regulated. The value of the area under the curve (AUC) for the diagnostic model consisting of the four lncRNAs was 0.845 (sensitivity = 79.2%, specificity = 75%). We further predicted 85 mRNAs and 404 miRNAs that potentially interact with these lncRNAs. Our study revealed the potential value of lncRNAs as biomarkers for early diagnosis of TB and the underlying mechanisms of these abnormally expressed lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of TB.
A Novel Y-Specific Long Non-Coding RNA Associated with Cellular Lipid Accumulation in HepG2 cells and Atherosclerosis-related Genes
Authors: Molina Elsa , Chew Guat S. , Myers Stephen A. , Clarence Elyse M. , Eales James M. , Tomaszewski Maciej , Charchar Fadi J.
Published: November 2017

There is an increasing appreciation for the role of the human Y chromosome in phenotypic differences between the sexes in health and disease. Previous studies have shown that genetic variation within the Y chromosome is associated with cholesterol levels, which is an established risk factor for atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of coronary artery disease (CAD), a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, the exact mechanism and potential genes implicated are still unidentified. To date, Y chromosome-linked long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are poorly characterized and the potential link between these new regulatory RNA molecules and hepatic function in men has not been investigated. Advanced technologies of lncRNA subcellular localization and silencing were used to identify a novel intergenic Y-linked lncRNA, named lnc-KDM5D-4, and investigate its role in fatty liver-associated atherosclerosis. We found that lnc-KDM5D-4 is retained within the nucleus in hepatocytes. Its knockdown leads to changes in genes leading to increased lipid droplets formation in hepatocytes resulting in a downstream effect contributing to the chronic inflammatory process that underpin CAD. Our findings provide the first evidence for the implication of lnc-KDM5D-4 in key processes related to fatty liver and cellular inflammation associated with atherosclerosis and CAD in men.
Fluorescence light-up detection of cyanide in water based on cyclization reaction followed by ESIPT and AIEE
Authors: Liang Chunshuang , Jiang Shimei
Published: November 2017

Sensor 1 could undergo an oxidative cyclization reaction and then generate hydroxyphenylbenzoxazole 2 when CN− was present as a catalyst. The cyclization product 2 displayed fluorescence properties in the micellar due to the AIEE as well as ESIPT effect. This reaction process could be used for the light-up detection of CN− in water.
DES-based microwave hydrodistillation coupled with GC-MS for analysis of essential oil from black pepper (Piper nigrum) and white pepper
Authors: Yu Guo-Wei , Cheng Qiang , Nie Jing , Wang Peng , Wang Xia-Jun , Li Zu-Guang , Lee Maw-Rong
Published: November 2017

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been gaining much attention in recent years due to their various novel properties.
Radical halogenation-mediated latent–active glycosylations of allyl glycosides
Authors: Pal Rita , Das Anupama , Jayaraman Narayanaswamy
Published: November 2017

Radical halogenation-mediated glycosylation using allyl glycosides as donors and as acceptors emerges to be an efficient and hither-to unknown glycosylation method, adhering to the concept of the latent–active methodology.
Polyaniline and CN-functionalized polyaniline as organic cathodes for lithium and sodium ion batteries: a combined molecular dynamics and density functional tight binding study in solid state
Authors: Chen Yingqian , Lüder Johann , Ng Man-Fai , Sullivan Michael , Manzhos Sergei
Published: November 2017

We present the first large-scale ab initio simulation of the discharge process of polymeric cathode materials for electrochemical batteries in solid state.
Distal radical migration strategy: an emerging synthetic means
Authors: Li Weipeng , Xu Wentao , Xie Jin , Yu Shouyun , Zhu Chengjian
Published: November 2017

In the past three years, we have witnessed the rapid development of C–C and C–H bond functionalization by means of long-distance radical migration events which bring us a new platform to deal with the challenging C–C and C–H bond functionalization.
Chemical reaction dynamics
Authors: Yang Xueming , Clary David C. , Neumark Daniel M.
Published: November 2017

Guest editors Xueming Yang, David Clary and Daniel Neumark introduce the chemical reaction dynamics themed issue of Chemical Society Reviews.
Copper promoter effect on acid–base and redox sites of Fe/Al2O3 catalysts and their role in ethanol–acetone mixture conversion
Authors: Pinheiro Antonio Narcisio , dos Santos Regina Claudia Rodrigues , Ferreira dos Santos Sarah Brenda , da Silva Júnior Moacir José , Pinheiro Braga Tiago , Freire Valder Nogueira , Valentini Antoninho
Published: November 2017

The redox site properties favours the hydride transfer.
Exploring perovskites for methane activation from first principles
Authors: Fung Victor , Polo-Garzon Felipe , Wu Zili , Jiang De-en
Published: November 2017

The compositional diversity of the ABO3 perovskites was explored to establish the correlation of key steps of methane activation with descriptors.
f-Block complexes of a m-terphenyl dithiocarboxylate ligand
Authors: Boreen Michael A. , Parker Bernard F. , Hohloch Stephan , Skeel Brighton A. , Arnold John
Published: November 2017

Homoleptic thorium(iv), uranium(iv), and lanthanum(iii) dithiocarboxylate complexes were prepared and studied electrochemically; the lanthanum complex was found to bind toluene.
Synthesis, spectroscopic characterisation and transmetalation of lithium and potassium diaminophosphanide-boranes
Authors: Blum M. , Kappler J. , Schlindwein S. H. , Nieger M. , Gudat D.
Published: November 2017

Deprotonation of a secondary diaminophosphane-borane yields lithium and potassium diaminophosphanide-boranes which undergo transmetalation to yield isolable Cu(i) and Zn(ii) complexes.
Design of two isoreticular Cd-biphenyltetracarboxylate frameworks for dye adsorption, separation and photocatalytic degradation
Authors: Ji Wen-Juan , Hao Rui-Qing , Pei Wei-Wei , Feng Lin , Zhai Quan-Guo
Published: November 2017

Two robust Cd-biphenyltetracarboxylate frameworks showing identical topological networks but different pore sizes exhibit not only high dye uptake capacity and selectivity, but also good photocatalytic degradation of RhB and MO.
Fundamental properties and practical applications of ionic liquids: concluding remarks
Authors: Jessop Philip G.
Published: November 2017

The Faraday Discussion onIonic Liquids: From Fundamental Properties to Practical Applicationstook place in Cambridge in September 2017. A summary of the conference and a vision for the future of ionic liquids are presented.
Generation of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory peptides during the enzymatic hydrolysis of tropical banded cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus) proteins
Authors: Nongonierma Alice B. , Lamoureux Candice , FitzGerald Richard J.
Published: November 2017

Cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus) protein hydrolysates inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV)in vitro.
Evaluation of thein vivoacute antiinflammatory response of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles
Authors: de Almeida Mariana , da Rocha Bruno Ambrósio , Francisco Cristhian Rafael Lopes , Miranda Cristiane Grella , Santos Priscila Dayane de Freitas , de Araújo Pedro Henrique Hermes , Sayer Claudia , Leimann Fernanda Vitória , Gonçalves Odinei Hess , Bersani-Amado Ciomar Aparecida
Published: November 2017

Improved antiinflammatory activity of curcumin NPs.
Salivary endocannabinoids andN-acylethanolamines upon mastication of a semisolid food: implications in fat taste, appetite and food liking
Authors: Mennella Ilario , Di Monaco Rossella , Balazy Adriana , Ferracane Rosalia , Miele Nicoletta A. , Cavella Silvana , Vitaglione Paola
Published: November 2017

This study combined MSF and TDS methodologies to monitor salivary NAEs and ECs, fat taste, food liking and appetite in humans during pudding mastication.
Organic oxidations promoted in vortex driven thin films under continuous flow
Authors: Pye Scott J. , Dalgarno Scott J. , Chalker Justin M. , Raston Colin L.
Published: November 2017

Continuous flow vortex microfluidics is effective in overcoming limitations in using oxygen, hydrogen peroxide and bleach as oxidants.
Fabrication of Bi2S3/ZnO heterostructures: an excellent photocatalyst for visible-light-driven hydrogen generation and photoelectrochemical properties
Authors: Bera Susmita , Ghosh Srabanti , Basu Rajendra N.
Published: November 2017

Bi2S3/ZnO heterostructures were synthesized, showing a high catalytic effect in photocatalytic hydrogen generation and organic dye degradation under visible light.
Orbital control over the metal vs. ligand reduction in a series of neutral and cationic bis(cyclopentadienyl) Ti(iv) complexes
Authors: Kuhn Annemarie , Conradie Jeanet
Published: November 2017

LUMO of a complex reveals the extent of the electronic influence of ligand substituents on the reduction centre of the complex.
Stabilization of synthetic heme-superoxo complexes by hydrogen bonding: a still on-going quest
Authors: Boitrel Bernard , Le Gac Stéphane
Published: November 2017

The design of various types of synthetic heme models has allowed the fine tuning of the location of hydrogen bond donors around the ferrous coordination site. Through the years, it has migrated from a lateral to a quasi-apical position. Still, the unambiguous existence of an actual H-bond with the dioxygen adduct remains to be established.
A tailored nanosheet decorated with a metallized dendrimer for angiography and magnetic resonance imaging-guided combined chemotherapy
Authors: Zhang Guilong , Du Ruohong , Qian Junchao , Zheng Xiaojia , Tian Xiaohe , Cai Dongqing , He Jiacai , Wu Yiqun , Huang Wei , Wang Yuanyin , Zhang Xin , Zhong Kai , Zou Duohong , Wu Zhengyan
Published: November 2017

A highly efficient nanosystem is produced for MRI-guided chemotherapy and angiography.
Design and synthesis of a hybrid framework of indanone and chromane: total synthesis of a homoisoflavanoid, brazilane
Authors: Kim Jinwoo , Kim Ikyon
Published: November 2017

A chemical backbone of tetracyclic homoisoflavanoid natural products such as brazilin inspired us to design a new chemical scaffold, 6a,11b-dihydroindeno[2,1-c]chromen-7(6H)-one, which is a hybrid structure of indanone and chromane.
A thermo-responsive polyurethane organogel for norfloxacin delivery
Authors: Liu De-E. , Chen Qixian , Long Yu-Bo , Ma Jianbiao , Gao Hui
Published: November 2017

A facile organogel was developed to improve drug release and transdermal delivery, and to increase bactericidal activity over 80% in vivo.
Aggregation of atomically precise graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Shekhirev Mikhail , Vo Timothy H. , Kunkel Donna A. , Lipatov Alexey , Enders Axel , Sinitskii Alexander
Published: November 2017

Atomically precise chevron graphene nanoribbons can form bulk π–π stacked aggregates as well as few-μm-long one-dimensional structures on surfaces that could be used for electronic device fabrication.
A pharmaceutical hydrogen-bonded covalent organic polymer for enrichment of volatile iodine
Authors: Lin Lin , Guan Heda , Zou Donglei , Dong Zhaojun , Liu Zhi , Xu Feifan , Xie Zhigang , Li Yangxue
Published: November 2017

A pharmaceutical hydrogen-bonded covalent organic polymer (pha-HCOP-1) is constructed with the formation of two types of bonds using the pharmaceutical isoniazid as a bifunctional linker. The as-synthesised pha-HCOP-1 exhibits good adsorption ability for iodine molecules.
Copolymerization modification of poly(vinyltriethoxysilane) membranes for ethanol recovery by pervaporation
Authors: Jia Wei , Sun Wei , Xia Chunjie , Yang Xianxue , Cao Zhongqi , Zhang Weidong
Published: November 2017

A novel thin PVTES-HSO membrane with an optimal PV performance greatly transcending the upper limit of PDMS membranes is prepared.
Hydrotreatment of model compounds with catalysts of NiW/Al2O3 and NiWP/Al2O3 to simulate low temperature coal tar oil
Authors: Fang Mengxiang , Ma Shuai , Wang Tao , Xia Zhixiang , Tang Wei , Xia Liangyan , Luo Zhongyang
Published: November 2017

Eight characteristic model compounds were employed as hydrotreatment feedstocks to simulate low temperature coal tar oil.
Rh(iii)-catalyzed regioselective intermolecular N-methylene Csp3–H bond carbenoid insertion
Authors: Xie Haisheng , Ye Zongren , Ke Zhuofeng , Lan Jianyong , Jiang Huanfeng , Zeng Wei
Published: November 2017

A Rh(iii)-catalyzed regioselective intermolecular carbenoid insertion into the N-methylene Csp3–H bond has been achieved via an outer-sphere pathway.
Cobalt-catalyzed regioselective stereoconvergent Markovnikov 1,2-hydrosilylation of conjugated dienes
Authors: Sang Hui Leng , Yu Songjie , Ge Shaozhong
Published: November 2017

The first transition metal-catalyzed stereoconvergent Markovnikov 1,2-hydrosilylation of (E/Z)-dienes was effectively achieved with excellentE-selectivities using a cobalt catalyst.
The impacts of PbI2 purity on the morphology and device performance of one-step spray-coated planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells
Authors: Yao Jiaxu , Yang Liyan , Cai Feilong , Yan Yu , Gurney Robert S. , Liu Dan , Wang Tao
Published: November 2017

The purity of PbI2, although varying only from 98 to 99.9%, can significantly affect the crystallinity, grain size and boundaries of MAPbI3 films that were fabricated via one-step spray-coating, and ultimately determined the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite devices.
Clustering and dynamics of particles in dispersions with competing interactions: theory and simulation
Authors: Das Shibananda , Riest Jonas , Winkler Roland G. , Gompper Gerhard , Dhont Jan K. G. , Nägele Gerhard
Published: November 2017

By simulations and theory, including hydrodynamic interactions, the dynamics in dispersions of particles with competing interactions forming equilibrium clusters is studied.
Preparation of highly dispersed carbon supported AuPt nanoparticles via a capping agent-free route for efficient methanol oxidation
Authors: Lu Lijuan , Nie Yao , Wang Yao , Wu Guangping , Li Lingjie , Li Jing , Qi Xueqiang , Wei Zidong
Published: November 2017

Bimetallic AuPt catalysts were synthesized via a facile capping agent-free route. Compared to the catalysts with too much Pt on the surface, the surface Pt-rich catalysts with a few exposed Au atoms exhibit the enhanced methanol oxidation reaction activity due to the stronger synergistic effect between Pt and Au.
A new energy conversion and storage device of cobalt oxide nanosheets
Authors: Kalasina Saran , Phattharasupakun Nutthaphon , Sawangphruk Montree
Published: November 2017

A new design of a single hybrid energy conversion and storage cell of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanosheets, which can absorb the whole visible spectrum, exhibits the highest volumetric capacitance of 80.8 F cm−3 under light illumination (white LED), which is 2.2-fold higher than that under dark conditions at 1.5 A cm−3.
Development of complex magnesium fluoro aluminates via the fluorolytic sol–gel synthesis
Authors: Schütz Florian , Bäthge Maximilian , Scheurell Kerstin , Scholz Gudrun , Feist Michael , Kemnitz Erhard
Published: November 2017

The diverse industry for optical applications demands materials with many exceptional properties, which often can only be ensured by the development of novel compounds.
A Multivariate Analytic Approach to the Differential Diagnosis of Apraxia of Speech
Authors: Basilakos Alexandra , Yourganov Grigori , den Ouden Dirk-Bart , Fogerty Daniel , Rorden Chris , Feenaughty Lynda , Fridriksson Julius
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Apraxia of speech (AOS) is a consequence of stroke that frequently co-occurs with aphasia. Its study is limited by difficulties with its perceptual evaluation and dissociation from co-occurring impairments. This study examined the classification accuracy of several acoustic measures for the differential diagnosis of AOS in a sample of stroke survivors.

Method

Fifty-seven individuals were included (mean age = 60.8 ± 10.4 years; 21 women, 36 men; mean months poststroke = 54.7 ± 46). Participants were grouped on the basis of speech/language testing as follows: AOS-Aphasia (n= 20), Aphasia Only (n= 24), and Stroke Control (n= 13). Normalized Pairwise Variability Index, proportion of distortion errors, voice onset time variability, and amplitude envelope modulation spectrum variables were obtained from connected speech samples. Measures were analyzed for group differences and entered into a linear discriminant analysis to predict diagnostic classification.

Results

Out-of-sample classification accuracy of all measures was over 90%. The envelope modulation spectrum variables had the greatest impact on classification when all measures were analyzed together.

Conclusions

This study contributes to efforts to identify objective acoustic measures that can facilitate the differential diagnosis of AOS. Results suggest that further study of these measures is warranted to determine the best predictors of AOS diagnosis.

Supplemental Materials

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5611309
T3P® – A Benign Desulfurating Reagent in the Synthesis of Isothiocyanates
Authors: Gajda Tadeusz , Janczewski Łukasz , Gajda Anna , Frankowski Sebastian , Goszczyński Tomasz
Published: November 2017

A number of alkyl, aryl and bifunctional isothiocyanates are obtained in moderate to high yields (41–94%) in a two-step, one-pot reaction of the parent primary amines or their salts with carbon disulfide, followed by reaction of the thus formed dithiocarbamates with T3P® (propane phosphonic acid anhydride) as a new and efficient desulfurating agent.
The Perfect Total Mesorectal Excision Obviates the Need for Anything Else in the Management of Most Rectal Cancers
Authors: Santiago Ines , Pares Oriol , Carvalho Carlos , Figueiredo Nuno , Heald Richard
Published: November 2017

This article discusses the local control of primary rectal cancer and its locoregional spread in the light of modern advances. In recent years, the use of neoadjuvant chemoradiation has spread widely. However, its true benefit is not always balanced with its morbidities. Often total mesorectal excision (TME) is the best option. We will discuss the indications for immediate surgery for chemoradiation in advance and the importance of a delay in the management plan. To understand this selection, it is mandatory to know the true extent of tissue at risk for tumor dissemination and spread. Considering that TME may be enough for many patients and that most local recurrences are failures of surgical technique we introduce a new concept of total mesorectal irradiation. This exploits the new reality that precise, focused neoadjuvant therapy can offer a better response with fewer complications. Together these important changes in cancer board (multidisciplinary team) planning can also offer selected patients complete control of their cancer with no need for surgery.
Abdominoperineal Excision: Technical Challenges in Optimal Surgical and Oncological Outcomes after Abdominoperineal Excision for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Holm Torbjörn
Published: November 2017

Treatment results in rectal cancer have improved significantly during the recent two decades, but local control and survival after abdominoperineal excision (APE) have not improved to the same degree as that seen after anterior resection (AR). The reason for this is an increased risk of inadvertent bowel perforations and tumor involved margins after APE as compared with AR. The conventional synchronous combined APE has not been a standardized procedure and consequently oncological outcomes have varied considerably between different institutions and in different reports. With the new concept of APE, based on well-defined anatomical structures, the procedure can be categorized as intersphincteric APE, extralevator APE, and ischioanal APE. This article discusses the technical aspects and results from this approach.
Distance Education Course about Sexuality for Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents
Authors: Vieira Teresa Cristina Souza Barroso , Nakamura Mary Uchiyama , Silva Ivaldo da , Torloni Maria Regina , Ribeiro Meireluci Costa , Souza Eduardo de
Published: November 2017

Purpose To describe the experience of a distance education course on sexual issues during pregnancy and after birth for residents.

Methods This prospective educational intervention study was conducted by investigators from the Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil, between April and September 2014. The participants were 219 physicians (residents from the 1st to the 6th years). The duration of the course was of 24 hours (10 video lectures and online chats). At baseline, the participants answered questions about their training, attitude and experience regarding sexual issues during pregnancy and after birth; before and after the course, they answered questions to assess their knowledge about the topic; at the end of the course, they answered questions on the quality of the course. The Student t-test was used to compare the before and after scores of the knowledge tests; values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results A total of 143 residents concluded the course; most were in their 1st (27.2%) or 3rd (29.4%) years of residency. There was a significant increase in the mean scores of the questionnaires that assessed the knowledge of the topic: 4.4 (±1.6) versus 6.0 (±1.3; maximum score: 10), before and after the course respectively (p < 0.0001). Most of the participants (74.1%) declared that the quality of the course as a whole reached their expectations, and 81.1% would recommend the course to a friend.

Conclusions The online Sexology course for Obstetrics and Gynecology residents increased their knowledge about the sexual issues during pregnancy and after birth, and fulfilled the participants' expectations. The experience described here may serve as a model for other sexuality courses targeting similar audiences.
Molecular Biology: Are We Getting Any Closer to Providing Clinically Useful Information?
Authors: Karagkounis Georgios , Kalady Matthew
Published: November 2017

Advances in molecular biology and biomarker research have significantly impacted our understanding and treatment of multiple solid malignancies. In rectal cancer, where neoadjuvant chemoradiation is widely used for locally advanced disease, most efforts have focused on the identification of predictors of response in an attempt to appropriately select patients for multimodality therapy. A variety of biomarkers have been studied, including genetic mutations, chromosomal copy number alterations, and single as well as multigene expression patterns. Also, as transanal resection of rectal tumors requires accurate preoperative detection of lymph node metastasis, the identification of biomarkers of regional nodal involvement has been another important field of active research. While preliminary results have been promising, lack of external validation means has a limited translation to clinical use. This review summarizes recent developments in rectal cancer biomarker research, highlighting the challenges associated with their adoption, and evaluating their potential for clinical use.
Laparoscopic Ureteral Reimplantation in Endometriosis: A Severe Case
Authors: Tchartchian Garri , Fabricius Paul , Bojahr Bernd , De Wilde Rudy
Published: November 2017

In aggressive cases, endometriosis can perturb the urogenital tract, in particular the ureter, which can potentially result in ureteral compression or stenosis. Even though this is rare, consequences are dramatic, such as hydronephrosis or organ failure. The present standard intervention comprises the resection of affected tissues and endometriosis foci combined with adjuvant hormonal therapy. When the ureter does not recover, ureteral reimplantation is required. The present case describes the successful laparoscopic approach of the reimplantation of the ureter with simultaneous cystoscopy.
Assessment of Length of Maternal Cervix between 18 and 24 weeks of Gestation in a Low-Risk Brazilian Population
Authors: Andrade Soraya Gomes de Amorim , Andrade Fernando Moreira de , Araujo Júnior Edward , Pires Cláudio Rodrigues , Mattar Rosiane , Moron Antonio Fernandes
Published: November 2017

Purpose To determine cervical biometry in pregnant women between 18 and 24 weeks of gestation and the ideal mode of measurement of cervical length in cases of curved and straight cervical morphology.

Methods The uterine cervices of 752 low-risk pregnant women were assessed using transvaginal ultrasound in a prospective cross-sectional study. In women with straight uterine cervices, cervical biometry was performed in a continuous manner. In women with curved uterine cervices, the biometry was performed using both the continuous and segmented techniques (in segments joining the cervical os). Polynomial regression models were created to assess the correlation between the cervical length and gestational age. The paired Student t-test was used to compare measuring techniques.

Results The cervical biometry results did not vary significantly with the gestational age and were best represented by linear regression (R2 = 0.0075 with the continuous technique, and R2 = 0.0017 with the segmented technique). Up to the 21st week of gestation, there was a predominance of curved uterine cervix morphology (58.9%), whereas the straight morphology predominated after this gestational age (54.2%). There was a significant difference between the continuous and the segmented measuring methods in all the assessed gestational ages (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Cervical biometry in pregnant women between 18 and 24 weeks was represented by a linear regression, independently of the measuring mode. The ideal measuring technique was the transvaginal ultrasound performed at a gestational age ≥21 weeks.
Evaluation of the Implantable Doppler Probe for Free Flap Monitoring in Lower Limb Reconstruction
Authors: Gross Ruth , Penna Vincenzo , Bannasch Holger , Stark G. , Eisenhardt Steffen , Lenz Yvonne
Published: November 2017

Background Timely reexploration and reanastomoses can salvage failing free flaps. The use of the implantable Doppler probe provides direct evidence of vascular impairment of the microvascular anastomoses and allows for postoperative NPWT. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the Doppler probe to conventional monitoring techniques for free flap monitoring in lower limb reconstruction and to identify risk factors for perfusion disturbance and reexploration.

Methods All patients receiving free muscle flap reconstruction for lower limb soft tissue defects at our department from 2000 to 2013 were included, and all adverse events, timely detection of perfusion problems, and outcome of revision surgery were assessed by chart analysis.

Results For lower limb reconstruction, 110 free muscle transfers were performed of which 41 muscle flaps were conventionally monitored and 69 flaps were monitored using the implantable Doppler probe. In 18 cases, the free muscle flaps needed revision because of perfusion disturbances. The salvage rate was 80% with monitoring by the implantable Doppler probe compared with 62.5% using conventional monitoring methods resulting in success rates of 95.7 and 92.7%, respectively.

Conclusion The use of the implantable Cook–Swartz Doppler probe represents a safe monitoring method for lower limb reconstruction, which allows for the additional use of NPWT. Higher salvage and revision success rates can be attributed to an earlier detection of perfusion impairment. However, a larger patient cohort is necessary to verify superiority over conventional postoperative monitoring.
Finding the Petroclival Carotid Artery: The Vidian–Eustachian Junction as a Reliable Landmark
Authors: Oakley Gretchen , Ebenezer Jareen , Hamizan Aneeza , Sacks Peta-Lee , Rom Darren , Sacks Raymond , Winder Mark , Davidson Andrew , Teo Charles , Solares C. , Harvey Richard
Published: November 2017

Introduction Identifying the internal carotid artery (ICA) when managing petroclival and infratemporal fossa pathology is essential for the skull base surgeon. The vidian nerve and eustachian tube (ET) cartilage come together at the foramen lacerum, the vidian–eustachian junction (VEJ). The ICA position, relative to the VEJ is described.

Methods Endoscopic dissection of adult fresh-frozen cadaver ICAs and a case series of patients with petroclival pathology were performed. The relationship of the VEJ to the ICA horizontal segment, vertical segment, and second genu was assessed. The distance of the ICA second genu to VEJ was determined in coronal, axial, and sagittal planes. The length of the vidian nerve and ET was measured from the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and nasopharyngeal orifice to the VEJ.

Results In this study, 10 cadaver dissections (82.3 ± 6.7 years, 40% female) were performed. The horizontal petrous ICA was at or behind VEJ in 100%, above VEJ in 100%, and lateral to VEJ in 80%. The vertical paraclival segment was at or behind VEJ in 100%, above in 100%, and medial in 100%. The second genu was at or behind VEJ in 100% (3.3 ± 2.4 mm), at or above in 100% (2.5 ± 1.6 mm), and medial in 100% (3.4 ± 2.0 mm). The VEJ was successfully used to locate the ICA in nine consecutive patients (53.3 ± 13.6 years, 55.6% female) where pathology was also present. The VEJ was 15.0 ± 6.0 mm from the ET and 17.4 ± 4.1 mm from the PPF.

Conclusion The VEJ is an excellent landmark as it defines both superior and posterior limits when isolating the ICA in skull base surgery.
A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Levetiracetam in Neonatal Seizures
Authors: McHugh Daryl , Lancaster Shannon , Manganas Louis
Published: November 2017

Objective Seizures are the most common neurological complication in neonatal intensive care units. Phenobarbital (PB) remains the first-line antiepileptic drug (AED) for neonatal seizures despite known neurotoxicity. Levetiracetam (LEV) is a newer AED not approved for neonates. Retrospective and pilot studies have investigated the use of LEV in neonatal seizures. Our objective was to compare the efficacy of LEV to PB in neonatal seizures based upon published data.

Methods We searched PubMed to perform a systematic review. We found no studies of LEV with comparison or control groups; therefore, we utilized data from two randomized controlled trials of PB as our comparison group.

Results Five studies of LEV met all inclusion/exclusion criteria. The pooled sample size for LEV was 102 (48 received primary LEV, 54 received secondary LEV). The pooled sample size for primary PB was 52. Complete or near-complete seizure cessation was achieved as follows: primary LEV 37/48 (77%), secondary LEV 34/54 (63%), and primary PB 24/52 (46%).

Conclusion Our findings suggest that LEV may be at least as or more effective for neonatal seizures as PB. Our review, though limited, is the first to examine LEV efficacy compared with PB in neonates.