bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decrease of methyl methacrylate miniemulsion polymerization rate with incorporation of plant oils
Authors: Costa Cristiane , Wagner Manfred , Musyanovych Anna , Landfester Katharina , Sayer Claudia , Araújo Pedro H. H.
Published: November 2015

Miniemulsion polymerization reactions of methyl methacrylate were conducted in the presence of plant oils, in order to investigate the effect of different types (linseed oil and andiroba oil) and amounts of oils on the polymerization reaction rates and on the molecular weight of the produced polymers. A decrease in the reaction rate, that was proportional to the number of double bonds present in the triglycerides, was observed. Polymers with lower molecular weights were obtained when triglycerides with higher number of double bonds were used. The experimental data were analyzed with a mathematical model developed to represent the kinetics of these reactions, including the kinetic mechanisms associated to free radical miniemulsion polymerization with an oil‐soluble initiator, and the model was able to predict the variation in the polymerization reaction rate depending on the type and amount of the plant oil.

Practical applications: Plant oils can be incorporated to polymer latex by free radical miniemulsion polymerization partially substituting petroleum derived monomers. As most plant oils are highly hydrophobic, they act as co‐stabilizers preventing diffusional degradation increasing the stability of the colloidal dispersion. The growing polymer chain can react with the double bonds of the triglyceride molecules resulting in grafting. The grafting increases the compatibility between the polymer and the plant oil. However, the polymer molecular weight and the reaction rate decrease when the amount of unsaturated oil increases. A mathematical model was developed taking into account both addition and chain transfer mechanisms to describe the grafting reactions with the plant oils. The model can predict the variation in the polymerization reaction rate depending on the type and concentration of the plant oil in the reaction medium which helps to understand the mechanisms involved and to optimize formulations and operational conditions of polymerizations in the presence of plant oils.

Polymerization rate decreases when plants oils are incorporated in PMMA nanoparticles.
Synthesis of Benzene and Pyridine 2′‐C‐Methyl‐C‐ribonucleosides and ‐nucleotides
Authors: Tokarenko Anna , Poštová Slavětínská Lenka , Klepetářová Blanka , Hocek Michal
Published: November 2015

A general and modular synthesis of substituted benzene and pyridine 2′‐C‐methyl‐C‐ribonucleosides was developed. Benzyl‐protected haloaryl‐C‐nucleoside intermediates were prepared by the addition of bromo(het)aryllithium reagents to a protected lactone, followed by acetylation and reduction. These halogenated intermediates were further transformed by Pd‐catalysed cross‐couplings, aminations, or hydroxylations. The final deprotection was rather troublesome, and different procedures involving catalytic hydrogenation on Pd/C, or treatment with BCl3, were optimized for each derivative. The final C‐nucleosides were also all converted into the corresponding NTPs. None of the C‐nucleosides showed any activity in the HCV replicon assay, and none of the NTPs showed any significant inhibition of the HCV polymerase.
Effect of connectivity misrepresentation on accuracy of upscaled models in oil recovery by CO2 injection
Authors: Ganjeh‐Ghazvini Mostafa , Masihi Mohsen , Baghalha Morteza
Published: November 2015

An upscaling method such as renormalization converts a detailed geological model to a coarse one. Although flow equations can be solved faster on a coarse model, its results have more errors. Numerical dispersion, heterogeneity loss, and connectivity misrepresentation are the factors responsible for errors. Connectivity has a great effect on the fluid distribution and leakage pathways in EOR processes or CO2 storage. This paper deals with the description and quantification of connectivity misrepresentation in the upscaling process. For detection of high‐flow regions, the flow equations are solved under simplified single‐phase conditions. These regions are recognized as the cells whose fluxes are greater than a cut‐off. The connectivity is investigated by checking whether the high‐flux region forms a spanning cluster across the model. An indicator called the flux connectivity distortion is defined to measure the connectivity misrepresentation of coarse grids. This indicator is shown to have a strong correlation with the oil saturation error. For renormalization method, this relation helps to propose an upper limit of coarsening beyond which the coarse model results are not reliable. Once the proper sizes of coarse blocks are determined, flow behavior can be simulated accurately in a project of CO2‐EOR or CO2 sequestration. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The thrombotic microangiopathy Registry of North America: A United States multi‐institutional TMA network
Authors: Metjian Ara , Tanhehco Yvette C. , Aqui Nicole , Bhoj Vijay G. , Jamensky Lita , Marques Marisa B. , Onwuemene Oluwatoyosi , Pham Huy P. , Arepally Gowthami M.
Published: November 2015

The thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) Registry Network of North America (TRNA) is a collaborative network organized for the purpose of developing a multi‐institutional registry and network to conduct clinical studies in a rare patient population. The TRNA was founded in 2013 by four academic medical centers (Columbia University Medical Center, Duke University Medical Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and University of Pennsylvania) to develop a national and demographically diverse dataset of patients with TMA. A clinical database was developed by network members using REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture), a web‐based database developed for clinical research. To facilitate rapid Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval at multiple sites, the TRNA utilized IRBshare, a streamlined IRB process to allow patient recruitment and enrollment into the TMA registry. This article reviews the process used to establish the TRNA network and discusses the significance of the first multi‐institutional clinical apheresis network developed in the United States. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:448–453, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Successful treatment of exertional heat stroke using continuous plasma diafiltration
Authors: Inoue Natsumi , Sato Akira , Ikawa Yasuhiro , Shimizu Masaki , Okajima Masaki , Taniguchi Takumi , Yachie Akihiro
Published: November 2015

We report a case of severe exertional heat stroke with multiple organ failure successfully treated with continuous plasma diafiltration (CPDF). PDF effectively removed proinflammatory cytokines, and simultaneously, supported liver function. Furthermore, CPDF therapy showed beneficial effects on multiple organ functions. These features suggest that it is a primary treatment option for exertional heat stroke with multiple organ failure. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:490–492, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Revisiting the concept of the (a)synchronicity of diels‐alder reactions based on the dynamics of quasiclassical trajectories
Authors: de Souza Miguel A. F. , Ventura Elizete , do Monte Silmar A. , Riveros José M. , Longo Ricardo L.
Published: November 2015

A number of model Diels‐Alder (D‐A) cycloaddition reactions (H2CCH2 + cyclopentadiene and H2CCHX + 1,3‐butadiene, with X = H, F, CH3, OH, CN, NH2, and NO) were studied by static (transition state ‐ TS and IRC) and dynamics (quasiclassical trajectories) approaches to establish the (a)synchronous character of the concerted mechanism. The use of static criteria, such as the asymmetry of the TS geometry, for classifying and quantifying the (a)synchronicity of the concerted D‐A reaction mechanism is shown to be severely limited and to provide contradictory results and conclusions when compared to the dynamics approach. The time elapsed between the events is shown to be a more reliable and unbiased criterion and all the studied D‐A reactions, except for the case of H2CCHNO, are classified as synchronous, despite the gradual and quite distinct degrees of (a)symmetry of the TS structures. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Self‐consistent field for fragmented quantum mechanical model of large molecular systems
Authors: Jin Yingdi , Su Neil Qiang , Xu Xin , Hu Hao
Published: November 2015

Fragment‐based linear scaling quantum chemistry methods are a promising tool for the accurate simulation of chemical and biomolecular systems. Because of the coupled inter‐fragment electrostatic interactions, a dual‐layer iterative scheme is often employed to compute the fragment electronic structure and the total energy. In the dual‐layer scheme, the self‐consistent field (SCF) of the electronic structure of a fragment must be solved first, then followed by the updating of the inter‐fragment electrostatic interactions. The two steps are sequentially carried out and repeated; as such a significant total number of fragment SCF iterations is required to converge the total energy and becomes the computational bottleneck in many fragment quantum chemistry methods. To reduce the number of fragment SCF iterations and speed up the convergence of the total energy, we develop here a new SCF scheme in which the inter‐fragment interactions can be updated concurrently without converging the fragment electronic structure. By constructing the global, block‐wise Fock matrix and density matrix, we prove that the commutation between the two global matrices guarantees the commutation of the corresponding matrices in each fragment. Therefore, many highly efficient numerical techniques such as the direct inversion of the iterative subspace method can be employed to converge simultaneously the electronic structure of all fragments, reducing significantly the computational cost. Numerical examples for water clusters of different sizes suggest that the method shall be very useful in improving the scalability of fragment quantum chemistry methods. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of Meaning in Adolescents Receiving Clinical Services in Mississippi Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: An Application of the Purpose in Life Test‐Short Form (PIL‐SF)
Authors: Schulenberg Stefan E. , Smith C. Veronica , Drescher Christopher F. , Buchanan Erin M.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

This study's purpose was to assess perceived meaning in adolescents. Specifically, our goals were to examine the psychometric properties of the Purpose in Life test‐Short Form (PIL‐SF) and its ability to predict psychological outcomes in an adolescent sample.

Method

Aspects of well‐being (self‐efficacy, life satisfaction, and resilience) and psychological distress (posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and general stress) were assessed in a sample of adolescents (N = 91; 58.2% female; mean age = 14.89) receiving clinical services following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

Results

Meaning was positively associated with life satisfaction, self‐efficacy, and resilience, and negatively associated with posttraumatic stress and depression. Meaning was not significantly related to anxiety or general stress. Females reported significantly more meaning than males, while no significant differences were noted by race/ethnicity.

Conclusions

The PIL‐SF is a useful measure with adolescents. Moreover, meaning is an important concept to consider with respect to disasters.
Separation and characterization of oxidized isomeric lipid–peptide adducts by ion mobility mass spectrometry
Authors: Milic Ivana , Kipping Marc , Hoffmann Ralf , Fedorova Maria
Published: November 2015

Phospholipids are major components of cell membranes and lipoprotein complexes. They are prone to oxidation by endogenous and exogenous reactive oxygen species yielding a large variety of modified lipids including small aliphatic and phospholipid bound aldehydes and ketones. These carbonyls are strong electrophiles that can modify proteins and, thereby, alter their structures and functions triggering various pathophysiological conditions. The analysis of lipid–protein adducts by liquid chromatography‐MS is challenged by their mixed chemical nature (polar peptide and hydrophobic lipid), low abundance in biological samples, and formation of multiple isomers. Thus, we investigated traveling wave ion mobility mass spectrometry (TWIMS) to analyze lipid–peptide adducts generated by incubating model peptides corresponding to the amphipathic β1 sheet sequence of apolipoprotein B‐100 with 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐(oxo‐nonanoyl)‐sn‐glycerophosphatidylcholine (PONPC). The complex mixture of peptides, lipids, and peptide–lipid adducts was separated by TWIMS, which was especially important for the identification of two mono‐PONPC‐peptide isomers containing Schiff bases at different lysine residues. Moreover, TWIMS separated structural conformers of one peptide–lipid adduct possessing most likely different orientations of the hydrophobic sn‐1 fatty acyl residue and head group of PONPC, relative to the peptide backbone. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of UV‐B and heavy metals on nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism in three cyanobacteria
Authors: Yadav Shivam , Prajapati Rajesh , Atri Neelam
Published: November 2015

Cyanobacteria sp. (diazotrophic and planktonic) hold a major position in ecosystem, former one due to their intrinsic capability of N2‐fixation and later because of mineralization of organic matter. Unfortunately, their exposure to variety of abiotic stresses is unavoidable. Comparative analysis of interactive effect of UV‐B and heavy metals (Cd/Zn) on nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism of three cyanobacteria (Anabaena, Microcystis, Nostoc) revealed additive inhibition (χ2 significant p < 0.05) of NH4+ and PO43− uptake whereas increase in nitrate uptake upon UV‐B + heavy metal exposure. Glutamine synthetase and Alkaline phosphatase activity was reduced after all treatments whereas Nitrate reductase activity showed slight stimulation in UV‐B and UV‐B + heavy metals treatment. Combination of UV‐B and metals seems more detrimental to the NH4+, PO43− uptake, GS and APA activity. A significant stimulation in NO3− uptake and NR activity following exposure to UV‐B in all the three cyanobacteria suggests UV‐B‐induced structural change(s) in the enzyme/carriers. Metals seem to compete for the binding sites of the enzymes and carriers; as noticed for Anabaena and Microcystis showing change in Km while no change in the Km value of Nostoc suggests non‐competitive nutrient uptake. Higher accumulation and more adverse effect on Na+ and K+ efflux proposes Cd as more toxic compared to Zn.
Variation of cloud amount over China and the relationship with ENSO from 1951 to 2014
Authors: Liu Yinge , Wang Ninglian , Wang Lingang , Guo Zhongming , Wu Xiaobo
Published: November 2015

In this study, the climatic trend of the total cloud amount (TCA) and the low cloud amount (LCA) was studied using climate diagnostic methods while the correlations and possible physical mechanism between TCA, LCA and El Niño and Southern Oscillation (ENSO) were analysed and discussed. The results indicated that the annual average TCA and LCA reduced with increasing latitude while a significant decreasing trend has been derived for TCA and LCA; the trend rate is 0.9% per decade and 0.2% per decade, respectively. Moreover, the most obvious reduction area of TCA was focused in Northeast China and for LCA, it was located in the surrounding area of the Shaanxi province. The cloud amounts of the four seasons also showed a reducing tendency except the LCA of summer. Meanwhile, the spectrum analysis showed that TCA has 10, 5.7, 3.6 and 2.8 year periods and LCA has 10, 4, 2.7 and 2.1 year‐long time cycles. Further analysis also revealed that the annual average TCA has a significant negative correlation with ENSO, and the most remarkable negative correlation centre is focused on central China. However, the relationship of the annual average LCA with ENSO is relatively weak. Except in spring, the spatial correlation distribution of TCA and LCA with ENSO in the other seasons was consistent with that of the annual average TCA and LCA, and 4‐year periods of TCA and LCA coincide with the cycle of ENSO. This reveals that ENSO has an impact on inter‐annual variations of TCA and LCA over China. It is generally considered that ENSO, through the atmospheric circulation situation, causes variation of cloud amounts.
T1ρ MRI detects cartilage damage in asymptomatic individuals with a cam deformity
Authors: Anwander Helen , Melkus Gerd , Rakhra Kawan S. , Beaulé Paul E.
Published: November 2015

Hips with a cam deformity are at risk for early cartilage degeneration, mainly in the anterolateral region of the joint. T1ρ MRI is a described technique for assessment of proteoglycan content in hyaline cartilage and subsequently early cartilage damage. In this study, 1.5 Tesla T1ρ MRI was performed on 20 asymptomatic hips with a cam deformity and compared to 16 healthy control hips. Cam deformity was defined as an alpha angle at 1:30 o'clock position over 60° and/or at 3:00 o'clock position over 50.5°. Hip cartilage was segmented and divided into four regions of interest (ROIs): anterolateral, anteromedial, posterolateral, and posteromedial quadrants. Mean T1ρ value of the entire weight bearing cartilage in hips with a cam deformity (34.0 ± 4.6 ms) was significantly higher compared to control hips (31.3 ± 3.2 ms, p = 0.050). This difference reached significance in the anterolateral (p = 0.042) and posteromedial quadrants (p = 0.041). No significant correlation between the alpha angle and T1ρ values was detected. The results indicate cartilage damage occurs in hips with a cam deformity before symptoms occur. A significant difference in T1ρ values was found in the anterolateral quadrant, the area of direct engagement of the deformity, and in the posteromedial quadrant. To conclude, T1ρ MRI can detect early chondral damage in asymptomatic hips with a cam deformity. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1004–1009, 2016.
Response to diet‐induced obesity produces time‐dependent induction and progression of metabolic osteoarthritis in rat knees
Authors: Collins Kelsey H. , Hart David A. , Reimer Raylene A. , Seerattan Ruth A. , Herzog Walter
Published: November 2015

Obesity, and corresponding chronic‐low grade inflammation, is associated with the onset and progression of knee OA. The origin of this inflammation is poorly understood. Here, the effect of high fat, high sucrose (HFS) diet induced obesity (DIO) on local (synovial fluid), and systemic (serum) inflammation is evaluated after a 12‐week obesity induction and a further 16‐week adaptation period. For 12‐weeks of obesity induction, n = 40 DIO male Sprague–Dawley rats consumed a HFS diet while the control group (n = 14) remained on chow. DIO rats were allocated to prone (DIO‐P, top 33% based on weight change) or resistant (DIO‐R, bottom 33%) groups at 12‐weeks. Animals were euthanized at 12‐ and after an additional 16‐weeks on diet (28‐weeks). At sacrifice, body composition and knee joints were collected and assessed. Synovial fluid and sera were profiled using cytokine array analysis. At 12‐weeks, DIO‐P animals demonstrated increased Modified Mankin scores compared to DIO‐R and chow (p = 0.026), and DIO‐R had higher Mankin scores compared to chow (p = 0.049). While numerous systemic and limited synovial fluid inflammatory markers were increased at 12‐weeks in DIO animals compared to chow, by 28‐weeks there were limited systemic differences but marked increases in local synovial fluid inflammatory marker concentrations. Metabolic OA may manifest from an initial systemic inflammatory disturbance. Twelve weeks of obesity induction leads to a unique inflammatory profile and induction of metabolic OA which is altered after a further 16‐weeks of obesity and HFS diet intake, suggesting that obesity is a dynamic, progressive process. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1010–1018, 2016.
A Playbook for Positive Organizational Change: Energize, Redesign, and Gel
Authors: Tkaczyk Bart
Published: November 2015

To lead positive organizational change, be catalysts for adaptability, and be continuously change‐ready, change management practitioners today need new dynamic capabilities and skills that go beyond managing: namely, they should be ‘change energizers’ and ‘change designers.’
Diversification: Literature Review and Issues
Authors: Dhir Sanjay , Dhir Swati
Published: November 2015

Types, modes, and levels of diversification are the most complicated yet intertwined processes in the strategic management literature for optimization of firm performance.
Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry quantification of urinary proanthocyanin A2 dimer and its potential use as a biomarker of cranberry intake
Authors: Walsh Jason M. , Ren Xiaobai , Zampariello Carly , Polasky Daniel A. , McKay Diane L. , Blumberg Jeffrey B. , Chen C.‐Y. Oliver
Published: November 2015

The lack of a biomarker for the consumption of cranberries has confounded the interpretation of several studies investigating the effect of cranberry products, especially juices, on health outcomes. The objectives of this pilot study were to develop a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric method for the quantification of the proanthocyanin dimer A‐2 in human urine and validate urinary proanthocyanin dimer A‐2 as a biomarker of cranberry intake. Five healthy, nonsmoking, premenopausal women (20–30 years of age, body mass index: 18.5–25 kg/m2) were assigned to consume a cranberry beverage containing 140 mg proanthocyanin and 35 kilocalories at 237 mL/day, according to a weekly dosing schedule for 7 weeks. Eleven 24 h and morning spot urine samples each were collected from each subject. A reliable, sensitive method for the detection of proanthocyanin dimer A‐2 in urine using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was developed with a limit of quantitation of 0.25 ng/mL and a relative standard deviation of 7.26%, precision of 5.7%, and accuracy of 91.7%. While proanthocyanin dimer A‐2 was quantifiable in urine, it did not appear to be excreted in a concentration that corresponded to the dosing schedule and intake of cranberry juice.
Dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction of benzoylurea insecticides in honey samples with a β‐cyclodextrin‐modified attapulgite composite as sorbent
Authors: Zhang Panjie , Cui Xiangqian , Yang Xiaoling , Zhang Sanbing , Zhou Wenfeng , Gao Haixiang , Lu Runhua
Published: November 2015

A β‐cyclodextrin‐modified attapulgite composite was prepared and used as a dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction sorbent for the determination of benzoylurea insecticides in honey samples. Parameters that may influence the extraction efficiency, such as the type and volume of the eluent, the amount of the sorbent, the extraction time and the ionic strength were investigated and optimized using batch and column procedures. Under optimized conditions, good linearity was obtained for all of the tested compounds, with R2 values of at least 0.9834. The limits of detection were determined in the range of 0.2–1.0 μg/L. The recoveries of the four benzoylurea insecticides in vitex honey and acacia honey increased from 15.2 to 81.4% and from 14.2 to 82.0%, respectively. Although the β‐cyclodextrin‐modified attapulgite composite did not show a brilliant adsorption capacity for the selected benzoylurea insecticides, it exhibited a higher adsorption capacity toward relatively hydrophobic compounds, such as chlorfluazuron and hexaflumuron (recoveries in vitex honey samples ranged from 70.0 to 81.4% with a precision of 1.0–3.7%). It seemed that the logPow of the benzoylurea insecticides is related to their recoveries. The results confirmed the possibility of using cyclodextrin‐modified palygorskite in the determination of relatively hydrophobic trace pharmaceutical residues.
Critical Ratios for structural analysis of triacylglycerols using mass spectrometry
Authors: Byrdwell William Craig
Published: November 2015

Recent developments have finally allowed fragment behaviors using APCI‐MS to be elucidated after twenty years of literature reports. Critical Ratios have been defined that correspond to various aspects of triacylglycerol (TAG) analysis, from overall degree of unsaturation to localization of fatty acids on the glycerol backbone (regioisomers), to grouping of unsaturated fatty acids. The same ratios also constitute a compact library of TAG mass spectra.
Synthesis of Grafted Block Copolymers Based on ε‐Caprolactone: Influence of Branches on Their Thermal Behavior
Authors: Ninago Mario D. , De Freitas Augusto G. O. , Hanazumi Vivina , Muraro Paulo I. R. , Schmidt Vanessa , Giacomelli Cristiano , Ciolino Andrés E. , Villar Marcelo A.
Published: November 2015

Branched copolymers are a special class of polymeric materials in which are reflected the combined effects of polymer segments and architectural constraints of the branched architecture. This study employed two methodologies to obtain copolymers with different branching density. In the first case, poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐graft‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone), P(HEMA‐g‐PCL)‐b‐PCL, copolymers were synthesized by a “grafting through” method in a three‐step reaction pathway involving ring opening polymerization (ROP) and radical addition fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization. In the second case, a combination of simultaneous “grafting through” and “grafting from” methods in a one‐pot RAFT and ROP reaction afforded P(HEMA‐co‐HEMA‐g‐PCL)‐b‐PCL comb‐like copolymers with comparatively less dense branching. Samples with molar masses between 5500 and 46 000 g mol−1 and polydispersity indexes (Mw/Mn) lower than 1.3 were successfully obtained through both approaches. According to thermal analyses, the presence of branches reduces PCL melting temperature by as much as 20 °C, without affecting thermal stability. This fact was particularly evident for the most densely branched copolymers with higher molar masses. Nonisothermal crystallization process was successfully described using Ozawa's method, which showed a clear dependence of crystallization rate and cooling on grafting density.

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Recent Advances in Alkyne‐Based Multicomponent Polymerizations
Authors: Hu Rongrong , Li Weizhang , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: November 2015

Multicomponent polymerization (MCP) is an emerging field of polymer chemistry, which inherits a series of advantages from multicomponent reactions (MCRs), such as high efficiency, mild reaction condition, atom economy, and operational simplicity. Great efforts have been made to develop MCRs into MCPs, providing an easy access to a library of polymers with facilely tunable structures. However, MCPs of alkynes with large potential and wide prospects in the preparation of optoelectronic materials are still in its infancy, despite of the rich chemistry of alkynes. In this paper, the recent development of alkyne‐based MCPs is summarized. The multicomponent tandem polymerization with two or more steps combined in a one‐pot procedure is presented, providing an efficient and convenient new approach for the synthesis of conjugated polymers. The new trend of pursuing catalyst‐free “green” chemistry in MCPs is also introduced.

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Simplified conversion method for unified Parkinson's disease rating scale motor examinations
Authors: Hentz Joseph G. , Mehta Shyamal H. , Shill Holly A. , Driver‐Dunckley Erika , Beach Thomas G. , Adler Charles H.
Published: November 2015

Background

We evaluated a simplified method for converting Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III Motor Examination total scores (UPDRS III) to the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society's (MDS) revised version of the scores.

Methods

PD patients in the Arizona Study of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders were assessed with both scales. The accuracy of the predicted scores was assessed using regression modeling, classical intraclass correlation coefficients, and the Bland‐Altman method.

Results

There was strong correlation between the two scores. Adding 7 points to a UPDRS III total score performed approximately as well as previously published conversion formulas (intraclass correlation: 0.96). The adjusted score is expected to be within 3 points of the MDS‐UPDRS III score 50% of the time and within 9 points 95% of the time.

Conclusions

Simply adding 7 points to a UPDRS III total score provides a good approximation of the MDS‐UPDRS III total score. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Functional assessment and quality of life in essential tremor with bilateral or unilateral DBS and focused ultrasound thalamotomy
Authors: Huss Diane S. , Dallapiazza Robert F. , Shah Binit B. , Harrison Madaline B. , Diamond Joshua , Elias W. Jeff
Published: November 2015

Background

Thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) has largely replaced radiofrequency thalamotomy as the treatment of choice for disabling, medication‐refractory essential tremor. Recently, the development of transcranial, high‐intensity focused ultrasound has renewed interest in thalamic lesioning. The purpose of this study is to compare functional outcomes and quality of life in essential tremor patients treated with either bilateral Vim DBS or unilateral procedures (focused ultrasound or DBS). We hypothesized that all three would effectively treat the dominant hand and positively impact functional outcomes and quality of life as measured with the Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor and the Quality of Life in Essential Tremor Questionnaire.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of medication‐refractory essential tremor patients treated at the University of Virginia with bilateral Vim DBS (n = 57), unilateral Vim DBS (n = 13), or unilateral focused ultrasound Vim thalamotomy (n = 15). Tremor was rated for all patients before and after treatment, using the Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor and Quality of Life in Essential Tremor Questionnaire.

Results

Patients undergoing bilateral DBS treatment had more baseline tremor and worse quality of life scores. Patients had significant improvements in tremor symptoms and quality of life with all three treatments. Both DBS procedures improved axial tremor. No difference was seen in the degree of improvement in upper extremity tremor score, disability, or overall quality of life between bilateral and either unilateral procedure.

Conclusions

Bilateral thalamic DBS improves overall tremor more than unilateral DBS or focused ultrasound treatment; however, unilateral treatments are equally effective in treating contralateral hand tremor. Despite the greater overall tremor reduction with bilateral DBS, there is no difference in disability or quality of life comparing bilateral versus unilateral treatments. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Citrus flavonoid, naringenin, increases locomotor activity and reduces diacylglycerol accumulation in skeletal muscle of obese ovariectomized mice
Authors: Ke Jia‐Yu , Cole Rachel M. , Hamad Essam M. , Hsiao Yung‐Hsuan , Cotten Bradley M. , Powell Kimerly A. , Belury Martha A.
Published: November 2015

Scope

Estrogen deficiency has been associated with central obesity, muscle loss and metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. This study assessed naringenin accumulation in tissues and investigated the hypothesis that naringenin reverses diet‐induced metabolic disturbances in obese ovariectomized mice.

Methods and results

In study 1, we measured naringenin concentrations in plasma, liver, perigonadal and subcutaneous adipose tissues, and muscle of ovariectomized C57BL/6J female mice after 11 weeks of naringenin supplementation. Naringenin accumulated 5–12 times more in mice fed a 3% naringenin diet than in mice fed a 1% naringenin diet. In study 2, ovariectomized mice were fed a high‐fat diet (60 kcal% fat) for 11 weeks and half of the mice were then supplemented with 3% naringenin for another 11 weeks. Dietary naringenin suppressed weight gain, lowered hyperglycemia and decreased intra‐abdominal adiposity evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Naringenin‐fed mice exhibited elevated locomotor activity monitored by infrared beam breaks, maintained muscle mass and reduced muscle diacylglycerol content. Real‐time PCR analysis in muscle revealed decreased mRNA level for genes involved in de novo lipogenesis, lipolysis and triglyceride synthesis/storage.

Conclusion

Long‐term 3% naringenin supplementation resulted in significant naringenin accumulation in plasma and tissues, associated with attenuated metabolic dysregulation and muscle loss in obese ovariectomized mice.
Transvaginal mesh in the media following the 2011 US food and drug administration public health notification update
Authors: Koo Kevin , Gormley E. Ann
Published: November 2015

Aims

Prompted by patients’ changing perceptions of transvaginal mesh, this study examines how mesh has been reported in the news following the 2011 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated notification about the use of mesh in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.

Methods

Two national newspaper databases were queried for articles discussing transvaginal mesh published within 3 years of the FDA announcement. Content analysis included headline subjects, mesh‐related complications, quoted sources, and the FDA recommendations. To determine whether more widely read sources publish higher quality reporting, a subgroup analysis was conducted based on newspaper circulation.

Results

Ninety‐five articles met inclusion criteria. Mesh‐related litigation was the most common headline subject (36 articles, 38%), and 54% of all articles referenced legal action. Fifty‐seven articles (60%) cited at least one mesh‐related complication. Only 18 articles (19%) quoted surgeons who use transvaginal mesh. For the FDA update, 40% of articles that first reported the announcement accurately specified that it applies to mesh for prolapse, not incontinence. This ambiguity persisted: half of all articles cited the warning, but only 23% distinguished between prolapse and incontinence. Higher newspaper circulation did not significantly improve the quality of reporting about the content or context of the FDA's recommendations.

Conclusions

Despite frequent media coverage of transvaginal mesh and its complications since 2011, very few news sources that cited the FDA warning distinguished between prolapse and incontinence. Given prevalent reporting of mesh‐related litigation, the findings raise concern about how patients perceive the safety and efficacy of transvaginal mesh, regardless of indication. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:329–332, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Massively parallel sequencing of phyllodes tumours of the breast reveals actionable mutations, and TERT promoter hotspot mutations and TERT gene amplification as likely drivers of progression
Authors: Piscuoglio Salvatore , Ng Charlotte KY , Murray Melissa , Burke Kathleen A , Edelweiss Marcia , Geyer Felipe C , Macedo Gabriel S , Inagaki Akiko , Papanastasiou Anastasios D , Martelotto Luciano G , Marchio Caterina , Lim Raymond S , Ioris Rafael A , Nahar Pooja K , Bruijn Ino De , Smyth Lillian , Akram Muzaffar , Ross Dara , Petrini John H , Norton Larry , Solit David B , Baselga Jose , Brogi Edi , Ladanyi Marc , Weigelt Britta , Reis‐Filho Jorge S
Published: November 2015

Phyllodes tumours (PTs) are breast fibroepithelial lesions that are graded based on histological criteria as benign, borderline or malignant. PTs may recur locally. Borderline PTs and malignant PTs may metastasize to distant sites. Breast fibroepithelial lesions, including PTs and fibroadenomas, are characterized by recurrent MED12 exon 2 somatic mutations. We sought to define the repertoire of somatic genetic alterations in PTs and whether these may assist in the differential diagnosis of these lesions. We collected 100 fibroadenomas, 40 benign PTs, 14 borderline PTs and 22 malignant PTs; six, six and 13 benign, borderline and malignant PTs, respectively, and their matched normal tissue, were subjected to targeted massively parallel sequencing (MPS) using the MSK‐IMPACT sequencing assay. Recurrent MED12 mutations were found in 56% of PTs; in addition, mutations affecting cancer genes (eg TP53, RB1, SETD2 and EGFR) were exclusively detected in borderline and malignant PTs. We found a novel recurrent clonal hotspot mutation in the TERT promoter (−124 C>T) in 52% and TERT gene amplification in 4% of PTs. Laser capture microdissection revealed that these mutations were restricted to the mesenchymal component of PTs. Sequencing analysis of the entire cohort revealed that the frequency of TERT alterations increased from benign (18%) to borderline (57%) and to malignant PTs (68%; p < 0.01), and TERT alterations were associated with increased levels of TERT mRNA (p < 0.001). No TERT alterations were observed in fibroadenomas. An analysis of TERT promoter sequencing and gene amplification distinguished PTs from fibroadenomas with a sensitivity and a positive predictive value of 100% (CI 95.38–100%) and 100% (CI 85.86–100%), respectively, and a sensitivity and a negative predictive value of 39% (CI 28.65–51.36%) and 68% (CI 60.21–75.78%), respectively. Our results suggest that TERT alterations may drive the progression of PTs, and may assist in the differential diagnosis between PTs and fibroadenomas. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Routine screening for fetal limb abnormalities in the first trimester
Authors: Liao Yi‐Mei , Li Sheng‐li , Luo Guo‐yang , Wen Hua‐xuan , Ouyang Shu‐yuan , Chen Cong‐ying , Yao Yuan , Bi Jing‐ru , Tian Xiao‐xian
Published: November 2015

Objective

We aim to determine the accuracy of first‐trimester ultrasonography in detecting fetal limb abnormalities.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of all women undergoing fetal nuchal translucency (NT) assessment and detailed fetal anatomic survey in the first trimester at a single tertiary‐care referral center in China. Fetal anatomy scans were repeated in the second trimester. Detection of fetal limb abnormalities was compared between first and second trimester anatomy scans and confirmed at delivery or at autopsy.

Results

Analyzed were 9438 fetuses from 9197 women (241 twin pairs). The incidence of fetal limb abnormalities was 0.38% (36/9438). Of these, 28 (77.8%) were diagnosed prenatally: 23 (63.9%) on first trimester scan and 5 (13.9%) on second trimester scan. Limb reduction defects (usually transverse limb deficiencies) were the most common limb defects identified in the first trimester (n = 12), followed by clubfoot (n = 4), skeletal dysplasia (n = 3), sirenomelia (n = 1), limb dysplasia (n = 1), malposition (n = 1), and syndactyly (n = 1). Nine fetuses with isolated limb abnormalities had normal NT, while 74.1% (20/27) of limb abnormalities that were associated with other abnormalities had increased NT.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the majority of limb abnormalities detected prenatally [23/28 (82%)] can be identified in the first trimester, especially major limb defects; however, our numbers are small and still need larger cases for further investigation. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of various electrophoretically deposited nano‐silica contents on the properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene)‐based electrospun polymer electrolytes
Authors: Xiao Wei , Miao Chang , Yan Xuemin , Mei Ping
Published: November 2015

Poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF‐HFP)) based composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) membranes were successfully prepared by electrospinning followed by electrophoretic deposition processes, and desirable polymer electrolytes were obtained after being activated in liquid electrolytes. The physicochemical properties of the CPEs with different electrophoretically deposited nano‐SiO2 contents were investigated by SEM, XRD, TGA, linear sweep voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. When the ratio of electrophoretically deposited nano‐SiO2 to P(VDF‐HFP) is up to 4 wt%, the results show that the CPE membrane presents a very uniform surface with abundant interconnected micropores and possesses excellent mechanical tensile strength with high thermal and electrochemical stability; the ionic conductivity at room temperature can reach 3.361 mS cm−1 and the reciprocal temperature dependence of the ionic conductivity follows a Vogel − Tamman − Fulcher relationship. The interfacial resistance of the assembled Li/CPE/Li simulated cell can rapidly increase to a steady value of about 950 Ω from the initial value of about 700 Ω at 30 °C during 15 days' storage. The battery performance test suggests that the CPE also shows excellent compatible properties with commercial LiCoO2 and graphite materials. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Protein substrates of the arginine methyltransferase Hmt1 identified by proteome arrays
Authors: Low Jason K. K. , Im Hogune , Erce Melissa A. , Hart‐Smith Gene , Snyder Michael P. , Wilkins Marc R.
Published: November 2015

Arginine methylation on nonhistone proteins is associated with a number of cellular processes including RNA splicing, protein localization, and the formation of protein complexes. In this manuscript, Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteome arrays carrying 4228 proteins were used with an antimethylarginine antibody to first identify 88 putatively arginine‐methylated proteins. By treating the arrays with recombinant arginine methyltransferase Hmt1, 42 proteins were found to be possible substrates of this enzyme. Analysis of the putative arginine‐methylated proteins revealed that they were predominantly nuclear or nucleolar in localization, consistent with the localization of Hmt1. Many are involved in known methylarginine‐associated functions, such as RNA processing and ribonucleoprotein complex biogenesis, yet others are of newer classes, namely RNA/DNA helicases and tRNA‐associated proteins. Using ex vivo methylation and MS/MS, a set of 12 proteins (Brr1, Dia4, Hts1, Mpp10, Mrd1, Nug1, Prp43, Rpa43, Rrp43, Spp381, Utp4, and Npl3), including the RNA helicase Prp43 and tRNA ligases Dia4 and Hts1, were all validated as Hmt1 substrates. Interestingly, the majority of these also had human orthologs, or family members, that have been documented elsewhere to carry arginine methylation. These results confirm arginine methylation as a widespread modification and Hmt1 as the major arginine methyltransferase in the S. cerevisiae cell.
ATR inhibition rewires cellular signaling networks induced by replication stress
Authors: Wagner Sebastian A. , Oehler Hannah , Voigt Andrea , Dalic Denis , Freiwald Anja , Serve Hubert , Beli Petra
Published: November 2015

The slowing down or stalling of replication forks is commonly known as replication stress and arises from multiple causes such as DNA lesions, nucleotide depletion, RNA‐DNA hybrids, and oncogene activation. The ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3‐related kinase (ATR) plays an essential role in the cellular response to replication stress and inhibition of ATR has emerged as therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancers that exhibit high levels of replication stress. However, the cellular signaling induced by replication stress and the substrate spectrum of ATR has not been systematically investigated. In this study, we employed quantitative MS‐based proteomics to define the cellular signaling after nucleotide depletion‐induced replication stress and replication fork collapse following ATR inhibition. We demonstrate that replication stress results in increased phosphorylation of a subset of proteins, many of which are involved in RNA splicing and transcription and have previously not been associated with the cellular replication stress response. Furthermore, our data reveal the ATR‐dependent phosphorylation following replication stress and discover novel putative ATR target sites on MCM6, TOPBP1, RAD51AP1, and PSMD4. We establish that ATR inhibition rewires cellular signaling networks induced by replication stress and leads to the activation of the ATM‐driven double‐strand break repair signaling.
1,3,5‐triazine crosslinked 2,5‐dibromohydroquinone as new hole‐transport material in polymer light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Li Yuan , Xue Yuyuan , Xia Lianpeng , Hou Lintao , Qiu Xueqing
Published: November 2015

Inspired by the electron‐transfer process during oxidation of phenol and its derivatives, a novel hole‐transport material (HTM) BHQTZ based on 1,3,5‐triazine crosslinked 2,5‐dibromohydroquinone is spin coated as the hole‐transport layer (HTL) in polymer light‐emitting diodes and shows efficient hole‐transport properties. This result provides a promising scaffold and concept for the design and feasible synthesis of HTMs and the mechanism is based on the electron transfer during oxidation of BHQTZ, which is different from traditional electron‐transport materials based on 1,3,5‐triazine.
Noble metal‐doping of nanostructured tin(II) sulfide
Authors: Falkenbach Oliver , Tinz Jan , Schulze Anne S. , Mueller Eckhard , Schlecht Sabine
Published: November 2015

Containing two environmentally friendly elements, tin monosulfide (SnS) is considered to be a possible candidate for sustainable thermoelectrics in the medium temperature range. Nanostructured SnS was synthesized via mechanical alloying and a solvothermal method. Two different ways for compacting of the nanopowders were applied, cold pressing and hot pressing, yielding similar results. A maximum ZT value of 0.075 at 773 K was obtained, independently from the preparation procedures. In order to improve the thermoelectric properties, mechanically alloyed SnS was doped with copper, silver, palladium, and platinum. Using silver as dopant, the efficiency could be doubled, while a tin substitution with the other elements did barely affect the thermoelectric transport. A comparison to single crystalline SnS reveals a reduced thermal conductivity through nanostructuring. The structure of the products was examined via X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showing a nanoscopic character with slightly varying lattice constants. In the case of larger sized impurity atoms secondary phases occur, indicating the solubility limits were reached and only partial incorporation of the added dopant amount into the matrix took place.
Improved dynamic output feedback RMPC for linear uncertain systems with input constraints
Authors: Shi Ting , Wu Zheng‐Guang , Su Hongye
Published: November 2015

In this work, we propose a dynamic output feedback robust model predictive control (RMPC) design method for linear uncertain systems with input constraints. In order to handle the input constraints, the control signals are permitted to saturate, which can fully utilize the capability of actuators and thus can reduce the conservatism. For the unavailable states, an ellipsoidal set is used to obtain an estimation, and it is updated at every time instant. A modified RMPC design requirement is used to ensure the recursive feasibility of the optimization problem. Then, the design method is formulated in terms of a convex optimization problem with linear matrix inequality constraints. The proposed output feedback RMPC design method is expected to further reduce the conservativeness. The improvements of the proposed algorithm over the other existing techniques is demonstrated by an example. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.