bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subadventitial stenting around occluded stents: A bailout technique to recanalize in‐stent chronic total occlusions
Authors: Azzalini Lorenzo , Karatasakis Aris , Spratt James C. , Tajti Péter , Riley Robert F. , Ybarra Luiz F. , Schumacher Stefan P. , Benincasa Susanna , Bellini Barbara , Candilio Luciano , Mitomo Satoru , Henriksen Peter , Hidalgo Francisco , Timmers Leo , Kraaijeveld Adriaan O. , Agostoni Pierfrancesco , Roy James , Ramsay David R. , Weaver James C. , Knaapen Paul , Nap Alexander , Starcevic Boris , Ojeda Soledad , Pan Manuel , Alaswad Khaldoon , Lombardi William L. , Carlino Mauro , Brilakis Emmanouil S. , Colombo Antonio , Rinfret Stéphane , Mashayekhi Kambis
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the outcomes of subadventitial stenting (SS) around occluded stents for recanalizing in‐stent chronic total occlusions (IS‐CTOs).

Background

There is little evidence on the outcomes of SS for IS‐CTO.

Methods

We examined the outcomes of SS for IS‐CTO PCI at 14 centers between July 2011 and June 2017, and compared them to historical controls recanalized using within‐stent stenting (WSS). Target‐vessel failure (TVF) on follow‐up was the endpoint of this study, and was defined as a composite of cardiac death, target‐vessel myocardial infarction, and target‐vessel revascularization.

Results

During study period, 422 IS‐CTO PCIs were performed, of which 32 (7.6%) were recanalized with SS, usually when conventional approaches failed. The most frequent CTO vessel was the right coronary artery (72%). Mean J‐CTO score was 3.1 ± 0.9. SS was antegrade in 53%, and retrograde in 47%. Part of the occluded stent was crushed in 37%, while the whole stent was crushed in 63%. Intravascular imaging was used in 59%. One patient (3.1%) suffered tamponade. Angiographic follow‐up was performed in 10/32 patients: stents were patent in six cases, one had mild neointimal hyperplasia, and three had severe restenosis at the SS site. Clinical follow‐up was available for 29/32 patients for a mean of 388 ± 303 days. The 24‐month incidence of TVF was 13.8%, which was similar to historical controls treated with WSS (19.5%, P = 0.49).

Conclusions

SS is rarely performed, usually as last resort, to recanalize complex IS‐CTOs. It is associated with favorable acute and mid‐term outcomes, but given the small sample size of our study additional research is warranted.
Eccrine porocarcinoma arising from the knee
Authors: Gonda Kenji , Hatakeyama Yuichi , Rokkaku Yuichi
Published: January 2018

Key Clinical Message

Enlarged eccrine porocarcinoma of the knee was encountered as a hemorrhagic bulky tumor. After controlling bleeding with Mohs’ paste, local excision of the lesion was the mainstay of treatment. Pathological examination revealed poroid cells, cuticle cells, and prickle cells cancer components, suggesting that malignancy must be excluded by resection.
Beta‐propeller protein‐associated neurodegeneration: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Stige Kjersti Eline , Gjerde Ivar Otto , Houge Gunnar , Knappskog Per Morten , Tzoulis Charalampos
Published: January 2018

Key Clinical Message

Beta‐propeller protein‐associated neurodegeneration (BPAN) is a rare disorder, which is increasingly recognized thanks to next‐generation sequencing. Due to a highly variable phenotype, patients may present to pediatrics, neurology, psychiatry, or internal medicine. It is therefore essential that physicians of different specialties are familiar with this severe and debilitating condition.
Photocatalytic Generation of Hydrogen Using Dinuclear π‐Extended Porphyrin–Platinum Compounds
Authors: Lang Philipp , Habermehl Johannes , Troyanov Sergey I. , Rau Sven , Schwalbe Matthias
Published: January 2018

A series of heterodinuclear complexes, M‐1‐PtX2 with M=H2, Zn, Cu or Co, X=Cl or I, has been synthesized, and first results on their photocatalytic activity in visible light driven proton reduction are presented. The compounds are based on a phenanthroline extended meso‐tetramesityl‐porphyrin bridging ligand (H2‐1) incorporating different metal centers in the porphyrin moiety, which functions as a photosensitizer unit. The well‐known catalytically active PtX2 fragment resides in the phenanthroline coordination pocket. The synthesis was optimized, compounds were fully characterized and a solid‐state structure could be obtained for selected complexes. Photocatalytic studies in acetonitrile/water mixtures using triethylamine as sacrificial electron donor showed that the activity of the complexes depends strongly on the metal center in the porphyrin moiety as well as the halogen ions bound at the platinum(II) center.
Transannular [4+3] Cycloadditions of Macrocyclic Epoxy Ketones
Authors: Chan Diana , Chen Yu , Low Kam‐Hung , Chiu Pauline
Published: January 2018

Transannular [4+3] cycloadditions of dienophiles derived from macrocyclic epoxy ketones produce fused ring systems having central cycloheptane subunits. In some cases, the base directly induced cycloisomerization of the epoxy ketones to yield the cycloadducts; in others, the epoxy ketones were transformed into their corresponding enolsilanes before undergoing cycloaddition. Enantiomerically enriched tricyclic arrays were obtained from cycloadditions starting from optically pure epoxy ketones.
Improved Photoactivity of Pyroxene Silicates by Cation Substitutions
Authors: Legesse Merid , Park Heesoo , El Mellouhi Fedwa , Rashkeev Sergey N. , Kais Sabre , Alharbi Fahhad H.
Published: January 2018

We investigated the possibility of band structure engineering of pyroxene silicates with chemical formula A+1B+3Si2O6 by proper cation substitution. Typically, band gaps of naturally formed pyroxene silicates such as NaAlSi2O6 are quite high (≈5 eV). Therefore, it is important to find a way to reduce band gaps for these materials below 3 eV to make them usable for optoelectronic applications operating at visible light range of the spectrum. Using first‐principles calculations, we found that appropriate substitutions of both A+ and B3+ cations can reduce the band gaps of these materials to as low as 1.31 eV. We also discuss how the band gap in this class of materials is affected by cation radii, electronegativity of constituent elements, spin‐orbit coupling, and structural modifications. In particular, the replacement of Al3+ in NaAlSi2O6 by another trivalent cation Tl3+ results in the largest band‐gap reduction and emergence of intermediate bands. We also found that all considered materials are still thermodynamically stable. This work provides a design approach for new environmentally benign and abundant materials for use in photovoltaics and optoelectronic devices.
A 0.1 to 2.7‐GHz SOI SP8T antenna switch adopting body self‐adapting bias technique for low‐loss high‐power applications
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Zhang Gary , Yu Kai , Lin Junming , Liu Zuhua
Published: January 2018

A low‐loss high‐power single‐pole 8‐throw antenna switch adopting body self‐adapting bias technique in a 0.18‐μm thick‐film partially depleted silicon‐on‐insulator complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor process is implemented for multimode multiband cellular applications. A topology with symmetric port design is developed. We employ the body‐contacted field‐effect transistor to handle high power level and obtain low harmonic distortion. However, the conventional bias method for body‐contacted field‐effect transistor leads to poor insertion loss (IL), serious imbalanced voltage division, and large die size. Therefore, a new body self‐adapting bias scheme is adopted to improve the IL and power handling capability with die area reward by removing the employment of extra biasing resistor and voltage supply at the body. The presented silicon‐on‐insulator antenna switch utilizing the new body bias strategy reveals similar harmonic performance as a conventional switch version, thanks to the analogous DC bias to the gate and body, while it exhibits effectively lower IL, imbalanced voltage division, and die area. The measured IL and 0.1‐dB compression point (P−0.1dB), at 1.9/2.7 GHz, are roughly 0.52/0.82 dB and 39.2/36.9 dBm, respectively. The overall IL and P−0.1dB are apparently improved by approximately 0.05 to 0.13 dB and 0.5 to 0.8 dBm compared with the conventional version.
High‐explosive generators of dense low‐temperature plasma for proton radiography
Authors: Mintsev V.B. , Shilkin N.S. , Ternovoi V.Ya. , Nikolaev D.N. , Yuriev D.S. , Golubev A.A. , Kantsyrev A.V. , Skobliakov A.V. , Bogdanov A.V. , Varentsov D.V. , Hoffmann D.H.H.
Published: January 2018

The article reviews the design and physical applications of high‐explosive generators for dense low‐temperature plasma. The PUMA proton microscope with magnetic optics at the Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics by A.I. Alikhanov of National Research Centre «Kurchatov Institute» (Moscow, Russia) was used to diagnose the plasma. The generators were developed for measurements of the equation of state of non‐ideal plasma, investigation of phase transitions in hydrogen or molecular gases, and studies of the properties of the interior of Giant planets. A proposal was made to repeat the experiments with explosive generators using the proton microscope PRIOR (Proton Microscope for Facility for Anti‐proton and Ion Research) at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum fur Schwerionenforschung (Darmstadt, Germany) and at the designed proton microscope at the Institute for Nuclear Research (Troitsk, Russia).
Application of best relay selection approach to cooperative DF IDMA systems over Rayleigh/Weibull fading channels
Authors: Bilim Mehmet , Kapucu Nuri , Develi Ibrahim
Published: January 2018

This paper analyzes the performance of cooperative decode‐and‐forward (DF) interleave‐division multiple‐access (IDMA) networks with best relay selection over Rayleigh/Weibull fading environments. In the analysis, approximate outage probability (OP) and bit error probability (BEP) expressions are derived for the considered system. Further, a 2‐hop DF IDMA system is also designed to compare with cooperative one. We propose OP and BEP expression for 2‐hop DF IDMA systems. Numerical results are obtained by changing the number of relays and the value of fading parameter in the proposed expressions. Also, simulations are provided to corroborate the exactness of the derived approximate OP and BEP expressions.
What factors shape genetic diversity in cetaceans?
Authors: Vachon Felicia , Whitehead Hal , Frasier Timothy R.
Published: January 2018

Understanding what factors drive patterns of genetic diversity is a central aspect of many biological questions, ranging from the inference of historical demography to assessing the evolutionary potential of a species. However, as a larger number of datasets have become available, it is becoming clear that the relationship between the characteristics of a species and its genetic diversity is more complex than previously assumed. This may be particularly true for cetaceans, due to their relatively long lifespans, long generation times, complex social structures, and extensive ranges. In this study, we used microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA data from a systematic literature review to produce estimates of diversity for both markers across 42 cetacean species. Factors relating to demography, distribution, classification, biology, and behavior were then tested using phylogenetic methods and linear models to assess their relative influence on the genetic diversity of both marker types. The results show that while relative nuclear diversity is correlated with population size, mitochondrial diversity is not. This is particularly relevant given the widespread use of mitochondrial DNA to infer historical demography. Instead, mitochondrial diversity was mostly influenced by the range and social structure of the species. In addition to population size, habitat type (neritic vs. oceanic) had a significant correlation with relative nuclear diversity. Combined, these results show that many often‐unconsidered factors are likely influencing patterns of genetic diversity in cetaceans, with implications regarding how to interpret, and what can be inferred from, existing patterns of diversity.
Variation in the magnitude of morphological and dietary differences between individuals among populations of small benthic Arctic charr in relation to ecological factors
Authors: Kristjánsson Bjarni K. , Leblanc Camille A.
Published: January 2018

The early stages of intraspecific diversity are important for the evolution of diversification and speciation. Early stages of diversification can be seen in individual specialization, where individuals consume only a portion of the diet of the population as a whole, and how such specialization is related to phenotypic diversity within populations. Here, we study the strength of the relationship between morphological and dietary distances among individuals in eighteen populations of Icelandic small benthic charr. We furthermore studied if the strength of the relationship could be related to variation in local ecological factors these populations inhabit. In all the populations studied, there was a clear relationship between morphological and dietary distances, indicating that fish that had similar morphology were at the same time‐consuming similar food items. Our findings show a systematic variation in the relationship between morphology and diet at early stages of diversification in a highly specialized small benthic charr morph. The results show the importance of fine scale comparisons within populations and furthermore the value that systematic comparisons among populations under parallel evolution can contribute toward our increased understanding of evolutionary and ecological processes.
Simplifying understory complexity in oil palm plantations is associated with a reduction in the density of a cleptoparasitic spider,Argyrodes miniaceus(Araneae: Theridiidae), in host (Araneae: Nephilinae) webs
Authors: Spear Dakota M. , Foster William A. , Advento Andreas Dwi , Naim Mohammad , Caliman Jean‐Pierre , Luke Sarah H. , Snaddon Jake L. , Ps Sudharto , Turner Edgar C.
Published: January 2018

Expansion of oil palm agriculture is currently one of the main drivers of habitat modification in Southeast Asia. Habitat modification can have significant effects on biodiversity, ecosystem function, and interactions between species by altering species abundances or the available resources in an ecosystem. Increasing complexity within modified habitats has the potential to maintain biodiversity and preserve species interactions. We investigated trophic interactions betweenArgyrodes miniaceus,a cleptoparasitic spider, and itsNephila spp. spider hosts in mature oil palm plantations in Sumatra, Indonesia.A. miniaceusco‐occupy the webs ofNephila spp. females and survive by stealing prey items caught in the web. We examined the effects of experimentally manipulated understory vegetation complexity on the density and abundance ofA. miniaceusinNephila spp. webs. Experimental understory treatments included enhanced complexity, standard complexity, and reduced complexity understory vegetation, which had been established as part of the ongoing Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function in Tropical Agriculture (BEFTA) Project.A. miniaceusdensity ranged from 14.4 to 31.4 spiders per square meter of web, with significantly lower densities found in reduced vegetation complexity treatments compared with both enhanced and standard treatment plots.A. miniaceusabundance per plot was also significantly lower in reduced complexity than in standard and enhanced complexity plots.Synthesis and applications: Maintenance of understory vegetation complexity contributes to the preservation of spider host–cleptoparasite relationships in oil palm plantations. Understory structural complexity in these simplified agroecosystems therefore helps to support abundant spider populations, a functionally important taxon in agricultural landscapes. In addition, management for more structurally complex agricultural habitats can support more complex trophic interactions in tropical agroecosystems.
Stronger social bonds do not always predict greater longevity in a gregarious primate
Authors: Thompson Nicole A. , Cords Marina
Published: January 2018

In group‐living species, individuals often have preferred affiliative social partners, with whom ties or bonds can confer advantages that correspond with greater fitness. For example, in adult female baboons and juvenile horses, individuals with stronger or more social ties experience greater survival. We used detailed behavioral and life history records to explore the relationship between tie quality and survival in a gregarious monkey (Cercopithecus mitis stuhlmanni), while controlling for dominance rank, group size, and life history strategy. We used Cox proportional hazards regressions to model the cumulative (multi‐year) and current (single‐year) relationships of social ties and the hazard of mortality in 83 wild adult females of known age, observed 2–8 years each (437 subject‐years) in eight social groups. The strength of bonds with close partners was associated with increased mortality risk under certain conditions: Females that had strong bonds with close partners that were inconsistent over multiple years had a higher risk of mortality than females adopting any other social strategy. Within a given year, females had a higher risk of death if they were strongly bonded with partners that changed from the previous year versus with partners that remained consistent. Dominance rank, number of adult female groupmates, and age at first reproduction did not predict the risk of death. This study demonstrates that costs and benefits of strong social bonds can be context‐dependent, relating to the consistency of social partners over time.
Cell Death Induced by Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields and its Dependence on Pulse Duration
Authors: ADACHI RYUYA , HATAYAMA SHOTA , OHNISHI NOBUAKI , KATSUKI SUNAO , WADA TOSHIAKI , ABE KEISUKE
Published: January 2018

We discuss the death process of human cervical cancer cells HeLa S3 induced by two types of nonthermal intense electrical pulses of different durations and amplitudes, 120 ns‐long, 12.5 kV/cm and 5 ns‐long, 250 kV/cm. WST‐8 Caspase 3, ASK1 and BAX, were analyzed by using the antibody assay and flow cytometry. Apoptosis activity was evaluated by means of the TUNEL assay and flow cytometry. Also, Ca2+ dependence of the death process and the protein expression were explored by using the metal ion chelating agent, EDTA. Our experiments demonstrated that 5 ns and 120 ns pulses give quite different biological stresses leading to the different death process and the protein expressions. The cell death induced by 120 ns pulses are dependent on the presence of Ca2+ and accompanied by expression of proteins associated with apoptosis and stress response. Conversely, the protein expression induced by 5 ns pulses was independent of the presence of Ca2+, whereas the death was dependent on Ca2+.
Prognostic value of psychosocial factors for first and recurrent hospitalizations and mortality in heart failure patients: insights from the OPERA‐HF study
Authors: Sokoreli Ioanna , Pauws Steffen C. , Steyerberg Ewout W. , de Vries Gert‐Jan , Riistama Jarno M. , Tesanovic Aleksandra , Kazmi Syed , Pellicori Pierpaolo , Cleland John G. , Clark Andrew L.
Published: January 2018

Aims

Psychosocial factors are rarely collected in studies investigating the prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF), and only time to first event is commonly reported. We investigated the prognostic value of psychosocial factors for predicting first or recurrent events after discharge following hospitalization for HF.

Methods and results

OPERA‐HF is an observational study enrolling patients hospitalized for HF. In addition to clinical variables, psychosocial variables are recorded. Patients provide the information through questionnaires that include social information, depression and anxiety scores, and cognitive function. Kaplan–Meier, Cox regression and the Andersen–Gill model were used to identify predictors of first and recurrent events (readmissions or death). Of 671 patients (age 76 ± 15 years, 66% men) with 1‐year follow‐up, 291 had no subsequent event, 34 died without being readmitted, 346 had one or more unplanned readmissions, and 71 patients died after a first readmission. Increasing age, higher urea and creatinine, and the presence of co‐morbidities (diabetes, history of myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) were all associated with increasing risk of first or recurrent events. Psychosocial variables independently associated with both the first and recurrent events were: presence of frailty, moderate‐to‐severe depression, and moderate‐to‐severe anxiety. Living alone and the presence of cognitive impairment were independently associated only with an increasing risk of recurrent events.

Conclusion

Psychosocial factors are strongly associated with unplanned recurrent readmissions or mortality following an admission to hospital for HF. Further research is needed to show whether recognition of these factors and support tailored to individual patients' needs will improve outcomes.
Impact of Spin State Transition on Vibrations of [Fe–(PM–BiA)2(NCS)2] and [Fe–(PM–PEA)2(NCS)2] Spin Crossover Compounds: Experimental and Theoretical Far IR and Raman Study
Authors: Ould‐Hamouda Amine , Viquerat Benjamin , Degert Jérôme , Matar Samir F. , Létard Jean François , Guillaume François , Freysz Eric
Published: January 2018

Far IR and Raman spectroscopy of [Fe–(PM–BiA)2(NCS)2] and [Fe–(PM–PEA)2(NCS)2] were performed to record the vibration modes of these complexes and their evolutions during spin state transition. THz spectroscopy was used to measure the far IR absorption of these compounds down to 20 cm–1. Using density functional theory calculations, we were able to retrieve and to visualize these vibrations in both high‐spin and low‐spin states. In both compounds, Raman spectra recorded in the 800–2250 cm–1 wavenumber range are well accounted for by our computations. For far IR vibration modes, most of the experimental absorption peaks above 100 cm–1 are well reproduced. However, below 100 cm–1, marked differences were recorded. For [Fe–(PM–BiA)2(NCS)2], we demonstrate that the interactions with surrounding molecules impact the computed far IR spectra non‐negligibly and can partly correct this difference.
Synthesis of Phosphine Chalcogenides Under Solvent‐Free Conditions Using a Rotary Ball Mill
Authors: Kumar Rajnish , Kumar Saurabh , Pandey Madhusudan K. , Kashid Vitthalrao S. , Radhakrishna Latchupatula , Balakrishna Maravanji S.
Published: January 2018

The mechanochemical technique of ball milling has been applied to the solventless and eco‐friendly synthesis of chalcogenides (sulfide and selenide) of a variety of tertiary and aminophosphines. In most of the cases, the products are obtained in almost quantitative yields with high purity by applying a simple workup procedure without using chromatographic techniques or any other purification methods. The scope of this methodology was explored by using a range of phosphines (mono, di and tetra) to synthesize partial as well as mixed chalcogenides. The use of almost equimolar amounts of starting materials and the absence of any byproducts significantly simplifies the product isolation compared with the standard solution state reactions, thus providing a highly atom economic (100 %) method with an ideal E‐factor (E = 0). The solid‐state reactions were monitored by 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy. The structures of some of the products are also confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray analyses. Although most of the reactions were carried out on ca. 100‐mg scale, the scaling up of the reaction did not affect the course of the reaction.
N‐Confused Porphyrin Metal Complexes with an Axial Pyridine Directly Tethered from an Inner Carbon: A Bioinspired Ligand as a Versatile Platform for Catalysis
Authors: Miyazaki Takaaki , Yamamoto Takaaki , Mashita Shunichi , Deguchi Yuya , Fukuyama Kazuki , Ishida Masatoshi , Mori Shigeki , Furuta Hiroyuki
Published: January 2018

Bioinspired pentadentate ligand N‐confused porphyrin (NCP) bearing a 2‐mercaptopyridine group and its RuII and CoIII complexes were synthesized. Their structures were revealed by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallographic analysis. Installation of an axial thiopyridine ligand shifts the redox potentials negatively and enhances the catalytic activity largely, which was demonstrated in the cyclopropanation reaction using the Co complex.
The Mysticism of Pericyclic Reactions: A Contemporary Rationalisation of Organic Reactivity Based on Electron Density Analysis
Authors: Domingo Luis R. , Ríos‐Gutiérrez Mar , Silvi Bernard , Pérez Patricia
Published: January 2018

The molecular mechanism of the five most representative “pericyclic reactions” has been studied by applying molecular electron density theory (MEDT). The different phases into which the reaction paths are topologically divided can be regrouped into four well‐characterised steps: 1) the rupture of the C–C double bonds, 2) the formation of pseudoradical centres at the interacting carbons, 3) the formation of new C–C single bonds and 4) the formation of new C–C double bonds in the final products. Consequently, the bonding changes in these reactions are neither concerted nor cyclic. As the transition‐state structures are located at the end of the large first group of phases or in the narrow second group, the high activation enthalpies found in these reactions are mainly associated with the rupture of C–C double bonds. The present MEDT study makes it possible to rule out the definition of “pericyclic reactions”, made by Woodward and Hoffmann in 1969, in which “all first order changes in bonding relationships take place in concert on a closed curve”.
Enantioselective Direct Synthesis of syn‐ and anti‐α,β‐Dihydroxy γ‐Keto Esters Using a Dinuclear Zinc–AzePhenol Complex
Authors: Zhang Zhao‐Fei , Yang Xiao‐Chao , Lu Hui‐Jie , Wang Min‐Can
Published: January 2018

A one‐step enantioselective direct synthesis of both syn‐ and anti‐α,β‐dihydroxy γ‐keto esters using a dinuclear zinc–AzePhenol complex is presented. This asymmetric α‐hydroxyacetate aldol reaction proceeds in moderate to good yield and with excellent enantioselectivity of up to 99 % ee. The desired products could be used as versatile intermediates for several transformations.
AlGaAs/Si dual‐junction tandem solar cells by epitaxial lift‐off and print‐transfer‐assisted direct bonding
Authors: Xiong Kanglin , Mi Hongyi , Chang Tzu‐Hsuan , Liu Dong , Xia Zhenyang , Wu Meng‐Yin , Yin Xin , Gong Shaoqin , Zhou Weidong , Shin Jae Cheol , Li Xiuling , Arnold Michael , Wang Xudong , Yuan Hao‐Chih , Ma Zhenqiang
Published: January 2018

A novel method is developed to realize a III‐V/Si dual‐junction photovoltaic cell by combining epitaxial lift‐off (ELO) and print‐transfer‐assisted bonding methods. The adoption of ELO enables III‐V wafers to be recycled and reused, which can further lower the cost of III‐V/Si photovoltaic panels. For demonstration, high crystal quality, micrometer‐thick, GaAs/AlGaAs/GaAs films are lifted off, transferred, and directly bonded onto Si wafer without the use of any adhesive or bonding agents. The bonding interface is optically transparent and conductive both thermally and electrically. Prototype AlGaAs/Si dual‐junction tandem solar cells have been fabricated and exhibit decent performance.
Analysis of CO2 storage mechanisms at a CO2‐EOR site, Cranfield, Mississippi
Authors: Hosseini Seyyed Abolfazl , Alfi Masoud , Nicot Jean‐Philippe , Nuñez‐Lopez Vanessa
Published: January 2018

Carbon dioxide injected for enhanced oil recovery will partition into several phases in the target geological formation. The distribution into free or residually trapped oil, gas, and brine phases depends on many factors such as reservoir temperature and pressure, initial fluid saturations, brine salinity, and relative permeability parameters, and evolves through time including in the post‐injection period, during which it will tend to stabilize. Our numerical simulations, based on Cranfield, MS CO2‐EOR project data, demonstrate that these variations are significant and mostly dependent on the operator's selected field‐development strategy: continuous gas (CO2) injection, water alternating gas (WAG) injection, water curtain injection, or combinations thereof. In summary, our work shows that the field development strategy selected by the operator has a major impact on the relative importance of the different trapping mechanisms and that WAG seems to be a promising operational approach to balance both CO2 storage and oil production. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Goal‐orientated cognitive rehabilitation for dementias associated with Parkinson's disease―A pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hindle John V. , Watermeyer Tamlyn J. , Roberts Julie , Brand Andrew , Hoare Zoe , Martyr Anthony , Clare Linda
Published: January 2018

Objective

To examine the appropriateness and feasibility of cognitive rehabilitation for people with dementias associated with Parkinson's in a pilot randomised controlled study.

Methods

This was a single‐blind pilot randomised controlled trial of goal‐oriented cognitive rehabilitation for dementias associated with Parkinson's. After goal setting, participants were randomised to cognitive rehabilitation (n = 10), relaxation therapy (n = 10), or treatment‐as‐usual (n = 9). Primary outcomes were ratings of goal attainment and satisfaction with goal attainment. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, mood, cognition, health status, everyday functioning, and carers' ratings of goal attainment and their own quality of life and stress levels. Assessments were at 2 and 6 months following randomisation.

Results

At 2 months, cognitive rehabilitation was superior to treatment‐as‐usual and relaxation therapy for the primary outcomes of self‐rated goal attainment (d = 1.63 and d = 1.82, respectively) and self‐rated satisfaction with goal attainment (d = 2.04 and d = 1.84). At 6 months, cognitive rehabilitation remained superior to treatment‐as‐usual (d = 1.36) and relaxation therapy (d = 1.77) for self‐rated goal attainment.

Cognitive rehabilitation was superior to treatment as usual and/or relaxation therapy in a number of secondary outcomes at 2 months (mood, self‐efficacy, social domain of quality of life, carers' ratings of participants' goal attainment) and at 6 months (delayed recall, health status, quality of life, carer ratings of participants' goal attainment). Carers receiving cognitive rehabilitation reported better quality of life, health status, and lower stress than those allocated to treatment‐as‐usual.

Conclusions

Cognitive rehabilitation is feasible and potentially effective for dementias associated with Parkinson's disease.
Motivation but not valence modulates neuroticism‐dependent cingulate cortex and insula activity
Authors: Deng Yaling , Li Shijia , Zhou Renlai , Walter Martin
Published: January 2018

Neuroticism has been found to specifically modulate amygdala activations during differential processing of valence and motivation while other brain networks yet are unexplored for associated effects. The main purpose of this study was to investigate whether neural mechanisms processing valence or motivation are prone to neuroticism in the salience network (SN), a network that is anchored in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the anterior insula. This study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and an approach/avoid emotional pictures task to investigate brain activations modulated by pictures’ valence or motivational status between high and low neurotic individuals. We found that neuroticism‐dependent SN and the parahippocampal‐fusiform area activations were modulated by motivation but not valence. Valence in contrast interacted with neuroticism in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex. We suggested that neuroticism modulated valence and motivation processing, however, under the influence of the two distinct networks. Neuroticism modulated the motivation through the SN while it modulated the valence through the orbitofrontal networks.
Ellagic acid mitigates arsenic‐trioxide‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cytotoxicity in SH‐SY5Y cells
Authors: Firdaus Fakiha , Zafeer Mohd. Faraz , Waseem Mohammad , Anis Ehraz , Hossain M. Mobarak , Afzal Mohammad
Published: January 2018

In the current study, neuroprotective significance of ellagic acid (EA, a polyohenol) was explored by primarily studying its antioxidant and antiapoptotic potential against arsenic trioxide (As2O3)‐induced toxicity in SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell lines. The mitigatory effects of EA with particular reference to cell viability and cytotoxicity, the generation of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, and mitochondrial dynamics were studied. Pretreatment of SH‐SY5Y cells with EA (10 and 20 μM) for 60 min followed by exposure to 2 μM As2O3 protected the SH‐SY5Y cells against the harmful effects of the second. Also, EA pre‐treated groups expressed improved viability, repaired DNA, reduced free radical generation, and maintained altered mitochondrial membrane potential than those exposed to As2O3 alone. EA supplementation also inhibited As2O3‐induced cytochrome c expression that is an important hallmark for determining mitochondrial dynamics. Thus, the current investigations are more convinced for EA as a promising candidate in modulating As2O3‐induced mitochondria‐mediated neuronal toxicity under in vitro system.
Bending Vibrational Levels in the Electronic Spectra of Small Radicals
Authors: Hsu Yen‐Chu
Published: January 2018

The role played by bending vibrations in the spectroscopy of small carbon‐containing radicals is illustrated by the patterns and effects shown by C3, CCH, and C3Ar. Because of the large change in the bending frequency between the 1Σ+g and 1Πu states of C3, the 1Πu state provides one of the best known examples of the coupling of electronic and vibrational motion in linear molecules (the Renner–Teller effect). The 2Σ+ and 2Π states of CCH provide a classic instance of vibronic coupling between two close‐lying electronic states, which leads very rapidly to a chaotic pattern of mixed‐state vibrational energy levels, which can only be understood by extensive high‐quality ab initio calculations. C3Ar is an approximately T‐shaped molecule with no less than four large‐amplitude vibrations. Its state provides a beautiful example of what happens to the angular momentum of a Π state of C3 when the symmetry is lowered by complex formation.
Two novel CPS1 mutations in a case of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 deficiency causing hyperammonemia and leukodystrophy
Authors: Chen Xihui , Yuan Lijuan , Sun Mao , Liu Qingbo , Wu Yuanming
Published: January 2018

Background

Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 deficiency (CPS1D) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of the urea cycle, mostly characterized by hyperammonemia and the concomitant leukodystrophy. The onset of CPS1D can be at any age, and the clinical manifestations are variable and atypical. Genetic tests are indispensable for accurate diagnosis of CPS1D on the basis of biochemical tests.

Methods

Blood tandem mass spectrometric analysis and urea organic acidemia screening were performed on a Chinese neonatal patient with low activity, recurrent seizures, and hyperammonemia. Next‐generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing were followed up for making a definite diagnosis. Bioinformatics tools were used for the conservation analysis and pathogenicity predictions of the identified mutations.

Results

Increased lactate in urea and decreased citrulline in blood were detected in the patient. Two novel mutations (c.173G>T, p.G58V in exon 2 and c.796G>A, p.G266R in exon 8) in CPS1 identified in the neonatal patient were found through coseparation verification. Both of the two mutations were predicted to be deleterious, and the two relevant amino acids exerted highly evolutionarily conserved. The final diagnosis of the patient was compound heterozygous CPS1D.

Conclusion

This study described the specific clinical characteristics and the variations of physiological and biochemical indices in a Chinese neonatal patient with CPS1D, which facilitated the diagnosis and mechanism research of the disease. Two novel causative missense mutations were identified, which enriched the mutation spectrum of CPS1D in China and worldwide. Advice of prenatal diagnosis was given to the family for a new pregnancy.
Ultrasonographic assessment of the internal jugular vein for the estimation of central venous pressure in hemodialysis patients: A preliminary study
Authors: Kerleroux Basile , Pasco Jeremy , Dupuis Mathieu , Eustache Marine , Lemrabott Ahmed , Jouzel Charlotte , Albert Catherine , Janot Kevin , Morel Baptiste , Pruna André
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To investigate a new noninvasive method to assess central venous pressure (CVP) in hemodialysis patients, based on the ultrasonographic measurement of the collapsing point of the internal jugular vein (CVPni).

Materials and methods

In this preliminary, noninterventional, single center study, we enrolled 22 dialyzed patients with an indwelling jugular catheter. CVPni was compared to the gold‐standard invasive measurement of CVP using the central venous catheter (CVPi). Agreement between CVPi and CVPni was assessed by Bland and Altman Method. Correlation was assessed by linear regression.

Results

A strong correlation was observed between CVPi and CVPni (OR = 3.47 [2.96; 4.07], P < .0001). For overloaded patients, the area under the curve for the operating characteristic curve was 0.971 (IC95: 0.915; 1.000). For under‐loaded patients, area under the curve was 0.971 (IC95: 0.917; 1.000). The mean bias between intra‐individual CVPi and CVPni measures was 0.57 cm H2O (SD: 3.1 cm H2O).

Conclusion

CVPni appears as a noninvasive and reliable technique. Further studies are required to confirm these results and to assess the direct clinical impact of this new method.
Correlates of melanization in multiple high‐ and low‐elevation populations of the lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis: Behavior, hormones, and parasites
Authors: Seddon Ryan J. , Hews Diana K.
Published: January 2018

Hormones mediate the expression of suites of correlated traits and hence may act either to facilitate or constrain adaptive evolution. Selection on one trait within a hormone‐mediated suite of traits may lead to a change in the strength of the hormone signal, causing changes in correlated traits. Growing evidence suggests that melanization, which is in part regulated by hormonal signals, is tightly linked to other traits, such as aggression and stress physiology. Here, we examine six populations of Sceloporus occidentalis lizards differing in degree of melanization (three dark higher‐elevation populations and three less‐melanized lower‐elevation populations) to investigate potential correlations between behavior, hormones, and parasites. We measured aggression by recording behavioral responses of males to staged territorial intrusions; behavior was summarized by two principal components. Analysis revealed that males in the three darker populations signaled aggression less often and made more physical contact than males in the lighter populations. Analyses of plasma steroid hormones (corticosterone and testosterone) revealed significant population differences, but counter to expectation higher aggression was associated with lower testosterone compared across populations. Finally, the three darker populations had higher mean mite loads than the three lighter populations. Overall, this array of phenotypic correlations does not parallel patterns of within‐population differences in melanization found in other vertebrates, suggesting that hormonal correlations do not constrain phenotype variation across populations in this species. Given this contradiction between population‐ and individual‐level variation, we urge more study at both levels of variation in traits potentially associated with melanization in other vertebrates.
Uniplex E6/E7 PCR method detecting E6 or E7 genes in 39 human papillomavirus types
Authors: Okodo Mitsuaki , Okayama Kaori , Teruya Koji , Sasagawa Toshiyuki
Published: January 2018

We have developed a new human papillomavirus (HPV) assay using the uniplex E6/E7 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, which is able to detect E6 and E7 genes in 39 HPV types. We validated the assay for sensitivity and specificity using cloned HPV DNA and clinical samples. A comparative study using Genosearch‐31 (GS‐31) to determine HPV genotypes in clinical samples was also performed. E6 or E7 genes, measured by uniplex E6/E7 PCR, were detectable in 15 low‐risk (HPV‐6, ‐11, ‐40, ‐42, ‐44, ‐54, ‐55, ‐61, ‐62, ‐71, ‐74, ‐81, ‐84, ‐89, ‐90), 11 intermediate‐risk (HPV‐26, ‐30, ‐34, ‐53, ‐66, ‐67, ‐69, ‐70, ‐73, ‐82, ‐85), and 13 high‐risk (HR) HPV types. The detection limit of this assay was 100 copies in all 39 HPV types and no cross‐reactivity was observed with any type. This assay detected HPV in all 226 cervical cell samples, including 222 high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and 4 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases, whereas GS‐31 identified HPV in 99.6% (225/226) of the same samples. All SCC and 41.0% (90/222) of HSIL cases were infected with a single HPV type, while the remaining 59% of HSIL cases involved multiple HPV types. It was noted that high‐risk and probably high‐risk HPV types (HPV‐66, ‐70 and ‐82) were identified, but no low‐risk types were identified as a single‐type infection in these HSIL and SCC cases. The uniplex E6/E7 PCR assay has high sensitivity, and can be useful tool in epidemiological studies or clinical follow‐ups after surgery.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) production in bacterial co‐culture using glucose and volatile fatty acids as carbon source
Authors: Munir Sajida , Jamil Nazia
Published: January 2018

Mixed bacterial cultures are increasingly being used in the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), as they have the potential to be more cost effective than axenic pure cultures. The purpose of this study was to use pure cultures in combination to identify their potential of PHA production. In this work we used volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and glucose as carbon source to check the ability of selected strains ST2 (Pseudomonas sp.) and CS8 (Bacillus sp.) as co‐culture. The production of PHA in pure co‐cultures of bacteria was therefore investigated in order to understand the effect of combining cultures on PHA production parameters and material properties. Bacteria could use the feed in better way when mixed as compared to individual strain. In undertaking this analysis, model volatile fatty acids (i.e., acetic and propionic acids) were used alone and in combination with glucose as feedstock. The production by Pseudomonas was 34% while 24% by Bacillus. However when combined and mixed feed (glucose + propionic acid) was used, 35% PHA produced. Overall, it was found that the ability of the pure cultures to produce PHA was low but when selected cultures were mixed, their ability to produce PHA was enhanced. Copolymers were obtained instead of homopolymers with improved properties. This suggests that industrial wastewater rich in volatile fatty acids and carbohydrates can be a good carbon source for PHA production with variable properties.
North Atlantic circulation indices: links with summer and winter UK temperature and precipitation and implications for seasonal forecasting
Authors: Hall Richard J. , Hanna Edward
Published: January 2018

UK seasonal mean temperature and precipitation conditions are extremely variable from one year to the next but in the last decade have featured several cool, wet summers and mild, wet winters interspersed with some notable cold winter episodes. Jet stream variability is a major determinant of these fluctuations and is often represented by the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index. Recent work has shown some evidence of promising predictability in the winter NAO from 1 to 2 months ahead, while summer predictability remains very limited. Although the phase and magnitude of the NAO influences total UK rainfall, there are regional variations which it does not explain. Here we examine the relationship between UK regional summer and winter precipitation and temperature and a range of North Atlantic atmospheric circulation indices. While the NAO shows a significant relationship with temperature in both seasons and summer rainfall over most of the UK, the picture in winter is more complicated, with other circulation indices such as the East Atlantic pattern explaining rainfall anomalies in southern England. Other indices also show significant relationships with precipitation in regions where the NAO does not. Because UK weather is determined by the interplay between different circulation indices, attention should be given to developing seasonal forecasts of other circulation indices to complement the NAO forecasts. We also find that some potential drivers of jet stream variability are significantly associated with UK temperature and rainfall variability, particularly in summer. This provides further scope for producing seasonal forecasts based directly on these drivers. Improved seasonal forecasts will be useful to a range of end users in agriculture, energy supply, transport and insurance industries and can be extended to other UK weather variables such as extreme rainfall events and storm frequency, and related metrics such as wind power capacity and solar energy.
Quantitative evaluation of retrieved reverse total shoulder arthroplasty liner surface deviation and volumetric wear
Authors: Kurdziel Michael D. , Newton Michael D. , Hartner Samantha , Baker Kevin C. , Wiater Jerome Michael
Published: January 2018

Polyethylene wear is a known complication in total joint arthroplasty, however, in vivo wear rates in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) remain largely unknown. This study aimed to quantify volumetric and surface deviation changes in retrieved RTSA humeral liners using a novel micro‐computed tomography (μCT)‐based technique. After IRB‐approval, 32 humeral liners (single manufacturer and model) with term‐of‐service greater than 90 days were analyzed. Clinical demographics and surgical data were collected via chart review. Unworn liners were used as geometric controls. Retrieved and unworn liners underwent μCT scanning. Retrieved liner volumes were isolated, co‐registered to controls of matching geometry, and surface deviations of the articulation surface and rim were computed. Differences in total volume loss (TVL), volumetric wear rate (VWR), and surface deviation were reported. Semi‐quantitative grading evaluated rim damage presence and severity. Mean term‐of‐service for all liners was 2.07 ± 1.33 years (range: 0.30–4.73). Mean TVL and VWR were 181.3 ± 208.2 mm3 and 114.5 ± 160.3 mm3/year, respectively. Mean articulation and rim surface deviations were 0.084 ± 0.065 and 0.177 ± 0.159 mm, respectively. Articulation surface deviation was positively correlated to term‐of‐service. Rim damage was present on 63% of liners and correlated significantly to rim surface deviation. This study reports in vivo wear rates of retrieved RTSA implants. Our results demonstrate volumetric and articulation surface wear in select RTSA liners that is correlated to term‐of‐service. Calculation of in vivo wear rates can help bridge the gap between clinical outcomes and experimental models such as wear simulations and computational models. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2007–2014, 2018.