bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do consumer perceptions of “local” production benefits influence their visual attention to state marketing programs?
Authors: Khachatryan Hayk , Rihn Alicia , Campbell Ben , Behe Bridget , Hall Charles
Published: December 2017

With increasing market potential due to consumer interest in locally sourced foods, state marketing promotional campaigns are becoming increasingly popular. We quantify consumers’ perceptions of local production benefits and assess the impact of Florida's state agricultural promotional campaign on consumer preferences for and visual attention to fruit‐producing plants. A rating‐based experiment and eye tracking measures were integrated to investigate the relationship between consumers’ perceived benefits of local production, purchase likelihood, and visual attention. Local economy benefits were perceived as the most beneficial (compared to environmental or product quality benefits) with participants’ demographics influencing their perceptions of those benefits. Visual attention to the agricultural promotional campaign logo increased consumers’ purchase likelihood if they perceived locally grown plants as benefiting the local economy. The local production attribute had a positive impact even though consumers who became familiar with the visual stimulus (after repetitive exposures) spent relatively less time visually attending to the campaign logo. [EconLit citations: M3].
Ataluren‐driven restoration of Shwachman‐Bodian‐Diamond syndrome protein function in Shwachman‐Diamond syndrome bone marrow cells
Authors: Bezzerri Valentino , Bardelli Donatella , Morini Jacopo , Vella Antonio , Cesaro Simone , Sorio Claudio , Biondi Andrea , Danesino Cesare , Farruggia Piero , Assael Baroukh Maurice , D'amico Giovanna , Cipolli Marco
Published: December 2017

Shwachman‐Diamond syndrome (SDS) is a rare inherited recessive disease mainly caused by mutations in the Shwachman‐Bodian‐Diamond syndrome (SBDS) gene, which encodes for the homonymous protein SBDS, whose function still remains to be fully established. SDS affects several organs causing bone marrow failure, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, skeletal malformations, and cognitive disorders. About 15% of SDS patients develop myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and are at higher risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Deficiency in SBDS expression has been associated with increased apoptosis and lack of myeloid differentiation in bone marrow hematopoietic progenitors. Importantly, most SDS patients carry nonsense mutations in SBDS. Since ataluren is a well‐characterized small molecule inhibitor that can suppress nonsense mutations, here, we have assessed the efficacy of this drug in restoring SBDS expression in hematopoietic cells obtained from a cohort of SDS patients. Remarkably, we show that ataluren treatment readily restores SBDS protein expression in different cell types, particularly bone marrow stem cells. Furthermore, ataluren promotes myeloid differentiation in hematopoietic progenitors, reduces apoptotic rate in primary PBMCs, and brings mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation levels back to normal in both lymphoblasts and bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM‐MSCs). Since a specific therapy against SDS is currently lacking, these results provide the rationale for ataluren repurposing clinical trials.
High Levels of DEK Autoantibodies in Sera of Patients With Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and With Early Disease Flares Following Cessation of Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy
Authors: Mor‐Vaknin Nirit , Rivas Miguel , Legendre Maureen , Mohan Smriti , Yuanfan Ye , Mau Theresa , Johnson Anne , Huang Bin , Zhao Lili , Kimura Yukiko , Spalding Steven J. , Morris Paula W. , Gottlieb Beth S. , Onel Karen , Olson Judyann C. , Edelheit Barbara S. , Shishov Michael , Jung Lawrence K. , Cassidy Elaine A. , Prahalad Sampath , Passo Murray H. , Beukelman Timothy , Mehta Jay , Giannini Edward H. , Adams Barbara S. , Lovell Daniel J. , Markovitz David M.
Published: December 2017

Objective

The nuclear oncoprotein DEK is an autoantigen associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), especially the oligoarticular subtype. DEK is a secreted chemotactic factor. Abundant levels of DEK and DEK autoantibodies are found in inflamed synovium in JIA. We undertook this study to further characterize the nature of DEK autoantibodies in screening serum samples from 2 different cohorts that consisted mostly of patients with JIA.

Methods

DEK autoantibody levels were analyzed in sera from 33 JIA patients, 13 patients with other inflammatory conditions, and 11 healthy controls, as well as in 89 serum samples from JIA patients receiving anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) therapy. Recombinant His‐tagged full‐length DEK protein (1–375 amino acids [aa]) and the 187–375‐aa and 1–350‐aa His‐tagged DEK fragments made in a baculovirus system were used for enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting. The C‐terminal 25‐aa fragment of DEK was expressed in a glutathione S‐transferase–tagged vector. ELISA results were calculated as area under the curve by the trapezoidal rule.

Results

DEK autoantibody levels were significantly higher in patients with polyarticular JIA than in those with oligoarticular JIA, and were higher in patients with polyarticular JIA who had more active disease after cessation of anti‐TNF therapy. Immunoblotting against the C‐terminal 25‐aa fragment of DEK confirmed that this section of the DEK molecule is the most immunogenic domain.

Conclusion

DEK autoantibody levels are higher in patients with polyarticular JIA than in those with oligoarticular JIA, and higher in patients who have disease flares after cessation of anti‐TNF therapy. The C‐terminal 25‐aa fragment is the most immunogenic portion of DEK. These findings are significant with respect to the nature of DEK autoantibodies, their contribution to JIA pathogenesis, and their implications for JIA management.
Upconversion in Nanostructured Materials: From Optical Tuning to Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sun Tianying , Ai Fujin , Zhu Guangyu , Wang Feng
Published: December 2017

Photon upconversion that is characterized by high‐energy photon emission followed by lower‐energy excitation has been conventionally studied in bulk materials for several decades. This unique nonlinear luminescence process has become a subject of great attention since 2000 when upconverted emission was demonstrated in nanostructured crystals. In comparison with their bulk counterparts, nanostructured materials provide more room for optical fine‐tuning by allowing flexible compositional integration and structural engineering. Moreover, the high colloidal stability of nanoparticles coupled with high amenability to surface functionalization opens up a number of new applications for upconversion, especially in the fields of biology and life science. In this focus review, we discuss recent developments in upconversion materials through nanostructural design and review emerging biomedical applications that involve these nanostructured upconversion materials. We also attempt to highlight challenging problems of these nanomaterials that constrain further progress in utilizing upconversion processes.
Further Studies on Stability and Stabilization of T‐S Fuzzy Systems With Time‐Varying Delays via Fuzzy Lyapunov‐Krasovskii Functional Method
Authors: Tan Jiyong , Dian Songyi , Zhao Tao
Published: December 2017

This paper discusses the issue of stability analysis and stabilization of Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy systems with time‐varying delays. By constructing an appropriate augmented fuzzy Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional (LKF) including non‐quadratic Lyapunov matrices and triple and quadruple integral term,less conservative and newer stability conditions are introduced. In order to obtain stability conditions in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), some tighter bounding inequalities are employed to estimate the derivative of LKF. Several examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the suggested approaches.
Improved pulp bleaching potential of Bacillus subtilis WB800 through overexpression of three lignolytic enzymes from various bacteria
Authors: Ozer Aysegul , Uzuner Ugur , Guler Halil Ibrahim , Ay Sal Fulya , Belduz Ali Osman , Deniz Ilhan , Canakci Sabriye
Published: December 2017

A chemical bleaching process of paper pulps gives off excessive amount of chlorinated organic wastes mostly released to environment without exposing complete bioremediaton. Recent alternative and eco‐friendly approaches toward pulp bleaching appear more responsive to environmental awareness. Here we report, direct use of a recombinant Bacillus subtilis bacterium for pulp bleaching, endowed with three ligninolytic enzymes from various bacteria. In addition, efficient bleaching performance from glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) biocatalyst tested for the first time in pulp bleaching applications was also achieved. Simultaneous and extracellular overproduction of highly active GST, laccase, and lignin peroxidase catalysts were also performed by Bacillus cells. Both enhanced bleaching success and improved delignification rates were identified when enzyme combinations tested on both pine kraft and waste paper pulps, ranging from 69.75% to 79.18% and 60.89% to 74.65%, respectively. Furthermore, when triple enzyme combination applied onto the papers from pine kraft and waste pulps, the best ISO brightness values were identified as 66.45% and 64.67%, respectively. The delignification rates of pulp fibers exposed to various enzymatic bleaching sequences were comparatively examined under SEM.

In conclusion, the current study points out that in near future, a more fined‐tuned engineering of pulp‐colonizing bacteria may become a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical bleaching.
RNA Isolation from Plant Tissues: A Hands‐on Laboratory Experimental Experience for Undergraduates*
Authors: Zhang Nianhui , Yu Dong , Zhu Xiaofeng
Published: December 2017

The practice of RNA isolation in undergraduate experimental courses is rare because of the existence of robust, ubiquitous and stable ribonucleases. We reported here modifications to our original protocol for RNA isolation from plant tissues, including the recovery of nucleic acids by ethanol precipitation at 0 °C for 10 min and the assessment of RNA quality by visualizing the banding profile of the separated RNAs on a standard nondenaturing agarose gel to shorten the duration of the whole procedure and simplify the operation. As a result, the modified procedure, including RNA isolation and quality control analysis could be finished in 4 hr and divided into two sessions. Because endogenous ribonucleases released upon disruption of the organelles and vacuoles were effectively and quickly inactivated, measures were taken to protect RNA integrity throughout the whole procedure so that total RNA with high purity and integrity as well as an appropriate yield could be obtained by students. The RNA isolation protocol described here was simple, efficient, flexible, and low cost. Therefore, it is an ideal approach for undergraduates to learn about RNA techniques. The pedagogical approach of the correlation of experimental work with the rationale for the whole protocol described in this report is an effective way for undergraduates to improve their learning of the techniques of RNA isolation and analysis and the theories behind them, as well as experimental design and data analysis. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(3):253–261, 2018.
Graves’ disease coexisting with resistance to thyroid hormone: a rare case
Authors: Sun Hongping , Xu Shuhang , Xie Shaofeng , Cao Wen , Chen Guofang , Di Hongjie , Zheng Rendong , Li Xingjia , Mao Xiaodong , Liu Chao
Published: December 2017

Key Clinical Message

A rare case of resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) complicated with Graves’ hyperthyroidism was reported. The management of this disease is similar to that of Graves’ disease. Antithyroid drug therapy is the first choice, and iodine therapy and surgery are not recommended due to the possibility of severe hypothyroidism and enlargement of the pituitary gland.
Photoelectrocatalytic Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide by Molecular Copper‐Porphyrin Supported on Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes
Authors: Apaydin Dogukan H. , Seelajaroen Hathaichanok , Pengsakul Orathip , Thamyongkit Patchanita , Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar , Kunze‐Liebhäuser Julia , Portenkirchner Engelbert
Published: December 2017

We report on a self‐assembled system comprising a molecular copper‐porphyrin photoelectrocatalyst, 5‐(4‐carboxy‐phenyl)‐10,15,20‐triphenylporphyrinatocopper(II) (CuTPP‐COOH), covalently bound to self‐organized, anodic titania nanotube arrays (TiO2 NTs) for photoelectrochemical reduction of oxygen. Visible light irradiation of the porphyrin‐covered TiO2 NTs under cathodic polarization up to −0.3 V vs. Normal hydrogen electrode (NHE) photocatalytically produces H2O2 in pH neutral electrolyte, at room temperature and without need of sacrificial electron donors. The formation of H2O2 upon irradiation is proven and quantified by direct colorimetric detection using 4‐nitrophenyl boronic acid (p‐NPBA) as a reactant. This simple approach for the attachment of a small molecular catalyst to TiO2 NTs may ultimately allow for the preparation of a low‐cost H2O2 evolving cathode for efficient photoelectrochemical energy storage under ambient conditions.
First Principles Calculation of the Reaction Rates for Ligand Binding to Myoglobin: The Cases of NO and CO
Authors: Lábas Anikó , Menyhárd Dóra K. , Harvey Jeremy N. , Oláh Julianna
Published: December 2017

Ligand binding by proteins is among the most fundamental processes in nature. Among these processes the binding of small gas molecules, such as O2, CO and NO to heme proteins has traditionally received vivid interest, which was further boosted by their recently recognized significant role in gas sensing in the body. At the heart of the binding of these ligands to the heme group is the spinforbidden reaction between high‐spin iron(II) and the ligand yielding a low‐spin adduct. We use computational means to address the complete mechanism of CO and NO binding by myoglobin. Considering that it involves several steps occurring on different time scales, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to address the diffusion of the ligand through the enzyme, and DFT calculations in combination with statistical rate calculation to investigate the spin‐forbidden reaction. The calculations yielded rate constants in qualitative agreement with experiments and revealed that the bottleneck of NO and CO binding is different; for NO, diffusion was found to be rate‐limiting, whereas for CO, the spin‐forbidden step is the slowest.
Designing Dual Transglutaminase 2/Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Effective at Halting Neuronal Death
Authors: Basso Manuela , Chen Huan Huan , Tripathy Debasmita , Conte Mariarosaria , Apperley Kim Y. P. , De Simone Angela , Keillor Jeffrey W. , Ratan Rajiv , Nebbioso Angela , Sarno Federica , Altucci Lucia , Milelli Andrea
Published: December 2017

In recent years there has been a clear consensus that neurodegenerative conditions can be better treated through concurrent modulation of different targets. Herein we report that combined inhibition of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) synergistically protects against toxic stimuli mediated by glutamate. Based on these findings, we designed and synthesized a series of novel dual TG2–HDAC binding agents. Compound 3 [(E)‐N‐hydroxy‐5‐(3‐(4‐(3‐oxo‐3‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)prop‐1‐en‐1‐yl)phenyl)thioureido)pentanamide] emerged as the most interesting of the series, being able to inhibit TG2 and HDACs both in vitro (TG2 IC50=13.3±1.5 μm, HDAC1 IC50=3.38±0.14 μm, HDAC6 IC50=4.10±0.13 μm) and in cell‐based assays. Furthermore, compound 3 does not exert any toxic effects in cortical neurons up to 50 μm and protects neurons against toxic insults induced by glutamate (5 mm) with an EC50 value of 3.7±0.5 μm.
Poly(ethylene glycol)–[60]Fullerene‐Based Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells with Improved Moisture Resistance and Reduced Hysteresis
Authors: Collavini Silvia , Saliba Michael , Tress Wolfgang R. , Holzhey Philippe J. , Völker Sebastian F. , Domanski Konrad , Turren‐Cruz Silver H. , Ummadisingu Amita , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Hagfeldt Anders , Grätzel Michael , Delgado Juan L.
Published: December 2017

A series of [60]fullerenes covalently functionalized with the polymer poly(ethylene glycol) is presented. These new [60]fullerene‐based materials have been incorporated as additives in CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3), the most common organic–inorganic perovskite used in perovskite solar cells. The extensive photovoltaic study performed by using these materials shows several beneficial effects on the performance of these cells, including a reduction in hysteresis and an increased stability against moisture, whereby the solar cells retain up to 97 % of their initial power conversion efficiency in an ambient atmosphere.
Hydrothermally Induced Oxygen Doping of Graphitic Carbon Nitride with a Highly Ordered Architecture and Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Wang Chao , Fan Huiqing , Ren Xiaohu , Ma Jiangwei , Fang Jiawen , Wang Weijia
Published: December 2017

As an amorphous or semicrystalline material, graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) displays poor photocatalytic activity owing to rapid recombination of the photogenerated charge carriers, which is mainly caused by a high density of defects in the graphitic structure. In this work, a porous O‐doped g‐C3N4 (P‐CNO) nanosheet with a highly ordered architecture is fabricated by introducing a novel hydrothermal treatment to the precursor before the final thermal condensation. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate (HER) and HER per surface area of P‐CNO are 13.9 and 1.7 times higher than that of bulk g‐C3N4. The improved photocatalytic activity is ascribed to a synergistic effect of O doping, a porous sheet‐like morphology, and increased crystallinity. This work also provides a new approach for the synthesis of other polymer‐based photocatalysts with high crystallinity and excellent performance.
N‐Annulated Perylene‐Based Hole Transporters for Perovskite Solar Cells: The Significant Influence of Lateral Substituents
Authors: Li Yang , Zhu Rui , Wang Junting , Li Ze‐Sheng , Xu Niansheng , Zhang Jidong , Wang Peng
Published: December 2017

Perylene derivatives are a family of well‐known organic electron‐transporting materials with excellent photochemical and thermal stabilities, and have been widely used in various optoelectronic devices. In this work, two diphenylamine functionalized N‐annulated perylenes are reported as hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) for perovskite solar cells. Through joint theoretical and experimental studies, the HTM employing a methoxyphenyl lateral substituent is found to feature a closer stacking distance and better aggregate connectivity in the solid film than its analogue with the bulky 2‐hexyldecyl lateral substituent, contributing to a higher hole mobility and a remarkably enhanced device performance of perovskite solar cells. This work demonstrates the significant influence of lateral substituents of HTMs on the intermolecular packing and solid microstructure, giving a clear insight on the molecular design of high‐performance organic semiconductors.
Cerebellar microglia are dynamically unique and survey Purkinje neurons in vivo
Authors: Stowell Rianne D. , Wong Elissa L. , Batchelor Hanna N. , Mendes Monique S. , Lamantia Cassandra E. , Whitelaw Brendan S. , Majewska Ania K.
Published: December 2017

Microglia are the innate immune cells of the central nervous system and are also important participants in normal development and synaptic plasticity. Here, we demonstrate that the microglia of the mouse cerebellum represent a unique population compared to cortical microglia. Microglia are more sparsely distributed within the cerebellum and have a markedly less ramified morphology compared to their cortical counterparts. Using time‐lapse in vivo imaging, we found that these differences in distribution and morphology ultimately lead to decreased parenchymal surveillance by cerebellar microglia. We also observed a novel form of somal motility in cerebellar microglia in vivo, which has not been described in cortical populations. We captured microglial interactions with Purkinje neurons in vivo. Cerebellar microglia interact dynamically with both the dendritic arbors and somas of Purkinje neurons. These findings suggest that cerebellar microglia are physiologically distinct from cortical populations and that these differences may ultimately alter how they could contribute to plasticity and disease processes in the cerebellum. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 78: 627–644, 2018
An environment‐friendly approach to isolate and purify glucan from spent cells of recombinant Pichia pastoris and the bioactivity characterization of the purified glucan
Authors: Xing Yan , Chen Chaonan , Sun Wenlong , Zhang Bowei , Sang Yuanbin , Xiu Zhilong , Dong Yuesheng
Published: December 2017

While the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris enables the industrial‐scale biosynthesis of many recombinant products, large amount of nutrient‐rich biomass emerged along this process. Polysaccharides, especially glucans that are abundant in the cell wall of P. pastoris, are yet to be better utilized owing to their various biological activities. However, the isolation and purification of cell wall glucan from P. pastoris has not been reported. In this study, we established an environment‐friendly approach, including induced autolysis, hot‐water treatment, ultrasonication, isopropanol extraction, and protease treatment, to isolate and purify glucan from the cell wall of P. pastoris. We achieved a purity of 85.3% and a yield of 11.7% for the purified glucan. Proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and ash were efficiently removed during the purification. The activities of the purified glucan were investigated in mice fed with a high‐fat diet. The purified glucan decreased the level of total cholesterol and triglycerides by 30.3 and 29.7%, respectively. This result suggested that the cell wall glucan of P. pastoris could be developed to a therapeutic agent for dyslipidemia. Our study proposed an environment‐friendly and effective method to isolate and purify the glucan from P. pastoris, providing solid foundation for the high‐value utilization of this yeast.
The effects of competition on medical service provision
Authors: Brosig‐Koch Jeannette , Hehenkamp Burkhard , Kokot Johanna
Published: December 2017

We explore how competition between physicians affects medical service provision. Previous research has shown that, without competition, physicians deviate from patient‐optimal treatment under payment systems like capitation and fee‐for‐service. Although competition might reduce these distortions, physicians usually interact with each other repeatedly over time and only a fraction of patients switches providers at all. Both patterns might prevent competition to work in the desired direction. To analyze the behavioral effects of competition, we develop a theoretical benchmark that is then tested in a controlled laboratory experiment. Experimental conditions vary physician payment and patient characteristics. Real patients benefit from provision decisions made in the experiment. Our results reveal that, in line with the theoretical prediction, introducing competition can reduce overprovision and underprovision, respectively. The observed effects depend on patient characteristics and the payment system, though. Tacit collusion is observed and particularly pronounced with fee‐for‐service payment, but it appears to be less frequent than in related experimental research on price competition.
Risk‐taking in vaccination, surgery, and gambling environments: Evidence from a framed laboratory experiment
Authors: Binder Simon , Nuscheler Robert
Published: December 2017

Vaccination involves a tradeoff between two risky alternatives, namely, susceptibility and immunization. By designing a controlled laboratory experiment, we investigate the association between risk preferences and immunization decisions. To contrast the role of risk preferences in vaccination decisions with other domains, we implemented four frames: vaccination, surgery, complex neutral, and simple neutral. We found direct framing effects for females but not for males. For the former, the demand for the safer alternative is significantly larger in the surgery frame than in all other frames. For male subjects, we found a significant association between stated risk preferences and choice behavior in the simple neutral frame but not in the other three frames. For female subjects, we observed the exact opposite. Although the complexity of the decision problem matters, there is no indication of differential roles of risk preferences for a given complexity. We found that the share of consistent choices is significantly larger in the surgery frame as compared to the two neutral frames, that is, context improves decision making. This does not apply to the vaccination frame, so there is something about vaccinations that prevents individuals from better understanding the decision problem at hand.
Risk attitudes in medical decisions for others: An experimental approach
Authors: Arrieta Alejandro , García‐Prado Ariadna , González Paula , Pinto‐Prades José Luis
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT

The aim of this paper is to investigate how risk attitudes in medical decisions for others vary across health contexts. A lab experiment was designed to elicit the risk attitudes of 257 medical and nonmedical students by assigning them the role of a physician who must decide between treatments for patients. An interval regression model was used to estimate individual coefficients of relative risk aversion, and an estimation model was used to test for the effect of type of medical decision and experimental design characteristics on elicited risk aversion. We find that (a) risk attitudes vary across different health contexts, but risk aversion prevails in all of them; (b) students enrolled in health‐related degrees show a higher degree of risk aversion; and (c) real rewards for third parties (patients) make subjects less risk‐averse. The results underline the importance of accounting for attitudes towards risk in medical decision making.
Not so different? Comparison of risk profile of gay men who acquired HIV while travelling with those who acquired HIV in Australia
Authors: Brown Graham , Prestage Garrett , Down Ian , Ellard Jeanne , Triffitt Kathy
Published: December 2017

Issue addressed

Many countries now identify HIV and international mobility as a priority issue within a global and shared epidemic, including Australia. To support health promotion in this complex area, we investigated recent HIV infections that occurred among Australian gay men while travelling and compared to HIV infections that occurred in Australia.

Methods

446 gay men recently diagnosed with HIV completed an on‐line survey regarding the high risk event (HRE) where they believed that they acquired HIV. Those who acquired HIV while in their usual place of residence (308 men), those who were travelling within Australia (59 men), and those who were travelling overseas (79 men) were compared.

Results

Those who acquired HIV while overseas had very similar risk profiles, sexual behaviour, and made similar assumptions about their partners and their own HIV status, as those who acquired HIV in Australia. Only HIV status disclosure at the HRE differed across locations (P = .030). Three quarters (74.7%) of the men who acquired HIV while overseas were not diagnosed until they returned to Australia.

Conclusions

Our findings challenge the idea that there are necessarily differences in behaviour and assumptions for HIV transmission in Australia and overseas. However, the men travelling may be in communities where HIV status is less commonly disclosed, and where HIV prevalence is higher.

So what?

A deeper understanding of contextual factors may be required for HIV prevention and health promotion strategies targeting gay men travelling to locations with different cultural, HIV prevalence, and HIV testing considerations. This would also identify opportunities for new tools such as Pre‐Exposure Prophylaxis and self‐testing.
Attempt to Synthesize Hindered 2,4,6‐Tri‐Aryloxy‐s‐Triazines: Bis(2,4‐di‐tert‐Butylphenyl) Carbonate – Crystal Structure
Authors: Noroozi Pesyan Nader , Kashani Elmira , Ghorbanzadeh Kamaleh , Notash Behrouz
Published: December 2017

Some less hindered 2,4,6‐tri‐aryloxy‐s‐triazines were synthesized through the reaction of the corresponding phenols as a starting materials with cyanogen bromide (BrCN) to obtain the corresponding arylcyanates and then trimerized. Unexpectedly, 2,4‐di‐tert‐butyl‐1‐cyanatobenzene derived from 2,4‐di‐tert‐butylphenol did not trimerize but, indeed, yielded bis(2,4‐di‐tert‐butylphenyl) carbonate. The structures of 2,4,6‐tri‐aryloxy‐s‐triazines and bis(2,4‐di‐tert‐butylphenyl) carbonate were characterized by means of IR,1H, and13C NMR spectroscopies. Also the structure of the latter compound was studied by X‐ray crystallography.
A cone‐beam computed tomography study of the anatomical relationships between mandibular teeth and the mandibular canal, with a review of the current literature
Authors: Aksoy Umut , Aksoy Seçil , Orhan Kaan
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate age‐ and sex‐related changes in the anatomical relationships between the roots of the molars and premolars and the mandibular canal using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. A total of 243 patients (116 males, 127 females) aged 16–83 years for whom previous CBCT scans were available were enrolled in this study. The patients were subcategorized by sex and age (Group I, <21 years; Group II, 21–40 years; and Group III, >40 years). The distances between the mandibular canal and the molars and premolars were measured. The mandibular canal was significantly closer to the root apices of the second and third molars than to the apices of other evaluated teeth (p < 0.05). All measurements were significantly higher in male than in female subjects (p < 0.05). Group I subjects exhibited significantly shorter distances between the mandibular canal and root apices of the first and second premolars, and the molars, than those of Group II and III subjects (p < 0.05). Direct contact relationships were found in 1.6%, 3.3%, 3.3%, 16%, and 32.2% of teeth (running from the first premolar to the third molar, respectively). Age and sex influenced the anatomical relationships between mandibular teeth and the mandibular canal, and these should be considered when planning endodontic and surgical procedures to avoid potential nerve injury.
MicroRNA networks associated with active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis regulate CD163 expression and anti-inflammatory functions in macrophages through two distinct mechanisms
Authors: Do Thuy , Tan Rachel , Bennett Mark , Medvedovic Mario , Grom Alexei A , Shen Nan , Thornton Sherry , Schulert Grant S
Published: December 2017

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) is a severe childhood arthropathy with features of autoinflammation. Monocytes and macrophages in SJIA have a complex phenotype with both pro- and anti-inflammatory properties that combine features of several well characterized in vitro conditions used to activate macrophages. An important anti-inflammatory phenotype is expression of CD163, a scavenger receptor that sequesters toxic pro-inflammatory complexes that is highly expressed in both active SJIA and macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). CD163 is most strongly up-regulated by IL-10 (M(IL-10)), and not by other conditions that reflect features seen in SJIA monocytes such as M(LPS+IC). MicroRNA plays key roles in integrating cellular signals such as those in macrophage polarization, and as such we hypothesize microRNAs regulate macrophage functional responses in SJIA including CD163 expression. We find that 2 microRNAs previously found to be elevated in active SJIA, miR-125a-5p and miR-181c, significantly reduced macrophage CD163 expression through 2 distinct mechanisms. Neither microRNA was elevated in M(IL-10) with robust CD163 expression, but were instead induced in M(LPS+IC) where they restricted CD163 mRNA expression. Mir-181 species directly targeted CD163 mRNA for degradation. In contrast, miR-125a-5p functions indirectly, as transcriptome analysis of miR-125a-5p overexpression identified “cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions” as the most significantly repressed gene pathway, including decreased IL10RA, required for IL-10-mediated CD163 expression. Finally, overexpression of miR-181c inhibited CD163 anti-inflammatory responses to hemoglobin or high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) complexes. Together, these data show that microRNA utilizes multiple mechanisms to integrate well-characterized polarization phenotypes and regulate macrophage functional properties seen in SJIA.
Rapid qualitative analysis of 2 flavonoids, rutin and silybin, in medical pills by direct analysis in real‐time mass spectrometry (DART‐MS) combined with in situ derivatization
Authors: Nagy Tibor , Kuki Ákos , Nagy Lajos , Zsuga Miklós , Kéki Sándor
Published: December 2017

Direct analysis in real‐time mass spectrometry (DART‐MS) with in situ silylation was used for the rapid analysis of the flavonoids silybin ((2R,3R)‐3,5,7‐trihydroxy‐2‐[3‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐hydroxymethyl‐2,3‐dihydrobenzo[1,4]dioxin‐6‐yl]chroman‐4‐one) and rutin (quercetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside). Three different derivatization reagents, hexamethyldisilazane/trimethylchlorosilane/pyridine (HMDS/TMCS/pyridine), N,O‐bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide/trimethylchlorosilane/N‐trimethylsilyimidazole (BSA/TMCS/TMSI), and N,O‐bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide/trimethylchlorosilane (BSTFA/TMCS), were applied. Silybin and rutin were detected with various degrees of silylation, and the formation of dimers with pyridine and imidazole was also observed. HMDS/TMCS/pyridine was the best choice for the DART‐MS analysis of silybin, and BSA/TMCS/TMSI was the most effective for the detection of rutin. The effects of the DART source temperature on desorption, ionization, in‐source fragmentation, dimer formation, and hydrolysis of the trimethylsilyl groups were also studied. In addition, the collision‐induced dissociation properties of the derivatized silybin and rutin were explored. With our in situ silylation method, the derivatized bioactive compounds in intact medical pills could also be detected by DART‐MS.
Effect of trace Mn modification on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of Sn−9Zn solder alloy
Authors: Liu Jian‐Chun , Zhang Gong
Published: December 2017

The effect of trace Mn modification (0.05–0.1 wt%) on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of Sn–9Zn solder alloy in 0.5 M NaCl solution (pH 5.8) was evaluated by electrochemical techniques complemented with surface characterization. Mn could refine the Zn‐rich precipitates and facilitate forming of a new ternary precipitation phase containing higher amount of Mn element. Impedance results reveal that trace Mn modification improves the corrosion resistance of Sn–9Zn alloy in the solution. As a result, both cathodic and anodic reaction rates were reduced. Moreover, Mn notably enhances the stability of the passive films formed on the modified alloys with respect to a lower passive current density to maintain the passive state. Mott–Schottky analysis shows that the passive films exhibit n‐type semiconducting properties and the donor density decreases with Mn addition. The mechanism by which Mn influences the corrosion resistance of Sn–9Zn alloy can be explained in terms of the differences in both microstructure of the alloy and in semiconducting properties of the passive films.
Confined and Directed Polymer Crystallization at Curved Liquid/Liquid Interface
Authors: Staub Mark C. , Li Christopher Y.
Published: December 2017

Spherical crystals are ubiquitous in nature and the necessary breaks in translational symmetry not seen in flat crystals render them structurally unique. Polymer crystals have been shown to exhibit nonflat morphologies, but control over their formation is difficult to achieve. One strategy is directing the crystallization by spatially and/or temporally tuning chain segmental mobility. This has been studied early on using polymer blends or polymer/solvent systems where coupling liquid–liquid phase separation with crystallization could provide morphological control. In this Trend article, a recent trend in using miniemulsion systems to act as nanoscale confinement on chain segmental mobility is reviewed. The confinement at this length scale causes unique features to arise in ordering processes such as liquid–liquid phase separation and crystallization that are not observed at the macroscale. The generality of this approach makes it a good candidate to direct the formation of new and unique hierarchical polymer nanostructures that could be utilized in numerous applications.
IB2d Reloaded: A more powerful Python and MATLAB implementation of the immersed boundary method
Authors: Battista Nicholas A. , Strickland W. Christopher , Barrett Aaron , Miller Laura A.
Published: December 2017

The immersed boundary (IB) method is an elegant way to fully couple the motion of a fluid and deformations of an immersed elastic structure. In that vein, the IB2d software allows for expedited explorations of fluid‐structure interaction for beginners and veterans to the field of computational fluid dynamics. While most open‐source computational fluid dynamics codes are written in low‐level programming environments, IB2d was specifically written in high‐level programming environments to make its accessibility extend beyond scientists with vast programming experience. Although previously introduced by Battista et al. 2006 many improvements and additions have been made to the software to allow for even more robust models of material properties for the elastic structures, including a data analysis package for both the fluid and immersed structure data, an improved time‐stepping scheme for higher accuracy solutions, and functionality for modeling slight fluid density variations as given by the Boussinesq approximation.
Modeling of multicomponent diffusions and natural convection in unfractured and fractured media by discontinuous Galerkin and mixed methods
Authors: Hoteit Hussein , Firoozabadi Abbas
Published: December 2017

Computation of the distribution of species in hydrocarbon reservoirs from diffusions (thermal, molecular, and pressure) and natural convection is an important step in reservoir initialization. Current methods, which are mainly based on the conventional finite‐difference approach, may not be numerically efficient in fractured and other media with complex heterogeneities. In this work, the discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method combined with the mixed finite element (MFE) method is used for the calculation of compositional variation in fractured hydrocarbon reservoirs. The use of unstructured gridding allows efficient computations for fractured media when the cross flow equilibrium concept is invoked. The DG method has less numerical dispersion than the upwind finite‐difference methods. The MFE method ensures continuity of fluxes at the interface of the grid elements. We also use the local DG (LDG) method instead of the MFE to calculate the diffusion fluxes. Results from several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the efficiency, robustness, and accuracy of the model. Various features of convection and diffusion in homogeneous, layered, and fractured media are also discussed.
Precision of DXA‐Derived Visceral Fat Measurements in a Large Sample of Adults of Varying Body Size
Authors: Meredith‐Jones Kim , Haszard Jillian , Stanger Nigel , Taylor Rachael
Published: December 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the precision of GE Lunar's CoreScan tool (GE Healthcare, Madison, Wisconsin) for measuring visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in adults of varying body size.

Methods

Two consecutive dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans with repositioning were undertaken in 233 participants (110 male, 123 female) aged 18 to 70 years; 38% (n = 89) had normal weight, 34% (n = 80) had overweight, and 27% (n = 64) had obesity. The coefficient of variation (CV), the root‐mean‐square standard deviation (RMS SD), and the corresponding 95% least significant change (LSC) were calculated for VAT, total fat, total lean, bone mineral density, and bone mineral content.

Results

VAT precision error in the total group was 28.9% (percent CV), with a RMS SD of 47.1 g. Bland‐Altman plots demonstrated a mean precision bias of 2.4 g (95% CI: −6.2 to 11.0 g), giving an LSC of 130.6 g. BMI subgroup analyses revealed that precision errors (RMS SD) for VAT mass were 32.9 g in the group with normal weight, 33.5 g in the group with overweight, and 51.0 g in the group with obesity. Precision errors (percent CV) for total body fat, lean, and bone were significantly lower, ranging from 0.7% to 2.6%.

Conclusions

The precision of DXA VAT mass measurements increase with BMI, and caution should be used with estimates in adults with obesity.
Intracranial metastasis in fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hammond William J. , Lalazar Gadi , Saltsman James A. , Farber Benjamin A. , Danzer Enrico , Sherpa Tshering C. , Banda Charles D. , Andolina Jeffrey R. , Karimi Sasan , Brennan Cameron W. , Torbenson Michael S. , La Quaglia Michael P. , Simon Sanford M.
Published: December 2017

Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLHCC) is a rare liver malignancy in adolescents and young adults. Surgery is the mainstay of therapy for primary and metastatic disease. Most patients relapse, with development of both local and distant metastases. Brain metastases from solid tumors are rare in the pediatric and young adult population. Here, we document three patients with brain metastases from FLHCC, confirmed by histology and molecular characterization of the chimeric fusion DNAJB1–PRKACA, each necessitating neurosurgical intervention. These observations highlight the ability of FLHCC to metastasize to the brain and suggest the need for surveillance neuroimaging for patients with advanced‐stage disease.
Denosumab treatment in aneurysmal bone cyst: Evaluation of nine cases
Authors: Kurucu Nilgun , Akyuz Canan , Ergen Fatma Bilge , Yalcin Bilgehan , Kosemehmetoglu Kemal , Ayvaz Mehmet , Varan Ali , Aydin Burca , Kutluk Tezer
Published: December 2017

Background

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign bone tumor. Curettage and bone grafting is the common treatment. Here, we retrospectively evaluate nine patients treated with denosumab.

Procedure

Nine patients with ABC, mostly pelvic and vertebral, treated with denosumab were analyzed retrospectively. A 70 mg/m2 denosumab dose was used weekly in the first month, and then monthly. Clinical and radiological responses to treatment were evaluated.

Results

In all patients, clinical symptoms including pain and limping regressed completely within 3 months. Radiological evaluation revealed changes in lesion size and content. In six patients, overall volume reduction in the range of 18–82% was detected. Decreases in the size and number of cysts were detected in eight patients. In five patients, fat signal appeared on follow‐up imaging. No major side effects were observed during treatment. Median follow‐up time after treatment was 15 months. At 5 months, severe hypercalcemia was observed in two patients due to rebound increase in osteoclastic activity. Subsequent to denosumab treatment, three patients underwent surgery for clinical or radiological recurrence.

Conclusions

Our results showed that denosumab provided a meaningful clinical and radiological improvement in ABC. It may be a treatment option, especially in spinal and pelvic tumors with potentially high surgical morbidity. However, late rebound hypercalcemia may restrict its use. Studies with more cases are required for routine use of denosumab in ABC.
Isolated late testicular relapse of B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with intensive systemic chemotherapy and response‐based testicular radiation: A Children's Oncology Group study
Authors: Barredo Julio C. , Hastings Caroline , Lu Xiamin , Devidas Meenakshi , Chen Yichen , Armstrong Daniel , Winick Naomi , Wood Brent Lee , Yanofsky Rochelle , Loh Mignon , Gastier‐Foster Julie M. , Jorstad Dean Thomas , Marcus Robert , Ritchey Kim , Carrol William L. , Hunger Stephen P.
Published: December 2017

Background

The incidence of isolated testicular relapse (ITR) of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has decreased with contemporary treatment strategies, but outcomes are suboptimal with a 58% 5‐year overall survival (OS). This study aimed to improve outcome in patients with ITR of B‐cell ALL (B‐ALL) occurring after 18 months of first clinical remission using intensive systemic chemotherapy and to decrease long‐term sequelae by limiting use of testicular radiation.

Procedure

Forty patients in first ITR of B‐ALL were enrolled. Induction (dexamethasone, vincristine, daunorubicin, and intrathecal triple therapy) was preceded by one dose of high‐dose methotrexate (MTX, 5 g/m2). Following induction, 25 of 26 patients who had persistent testicular enlargement underwent testicular biopsy. Eleven had biopsy‐proven disease and received bilateral testicular radiation (24 Gy), whereas twenty‐nine did not.

Results

Overall 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS)/OS was 65.0 ± 8.8%/73.1 ± 8.3%, with 5‐year EFS 62.1 ± 11.0% vs. 72.7 ± 14.4% for patients who did not receive radiation therapy (XRT) (n = 29) compared with those who did (n = 11), respectively (P = 0.64). There were six second bone marrow relapses and six second ITRs. The proportion of second relapses was similar in the patients that received testicular radiation and those who did not. However, the 5‐year OS was similar for patients who did not receive XRT (72.6 ± 10.2%) compared with those who did (72.7 ± 14.4%) (P = 0.85).

Conclusions

A 5‐year OS rate of 73.1 ± 8.3% was obtained in children with first ITR of B‐ALL occurring after 18 months of CR1 (length of first clinical remission) using intensive chemotherapy and limiting testicular radiation.
Modifying bone mineral density, physical function, and quality of life in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Cox Cheryl L. , Zhu Liang , Kaste Sue C. , Srivastava Kumar , Barnes Linda , Nathan Paul C. , Wells Robert J. , Ness Kirsten K.
Published: December 2017

Background

The early effects of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) include decreased physical function, bone mineral density (BMD/g/cm2), and health‐related quality of life (HRQL). We assessed the capacity of a physical therapy and motivation‐based intervention, beginning after diagnosis and continuing through the end of treatment, to positively modify these factors.

Procedure

A 2.5‐year randomized controlled trial of 73 patients aged 4–18.99 years within 10 days of ALL diagnosis assessed BMD at baseline (T0) and end of therapy (T3), strength, range of motion, endurance, motor skills, and HRQL at baseline (T0), 8 (T1), 15 (T2), and 135 (T3) weeks.

Results

There were no significant changes between groups (intervention, n = 33; usual care, n = 40) in BMD (P = 0.059) at T3 or physical function and HRQL at T0–T3. While BMD declined in both the intervention (T0 = −0.21, T3 = −0.55) and usual care (T0 = −0.62, T3 = −0.78) groups, rates of decline did not differ between groups (P = 0.56). Univariate analysis (n = 73) showed associations of higher T3 bone density with body mass index T1 (P = 0.01), T2 (P = <0.0001), T3 (P = 0.01), T3 ankle flexibility/strength (P = 0.001), and T2 parent (P = 0.02)/T0 child (P = 0.03) perceptions of less bodily pain.

Conclusions

The intervention delivered during treatment was not successful in modifying BMD, physical function, or HRQL. Physical activity, at the level and intensity required to modify these factors, may not be feasible during early treatment owing to the child's responses to the disease and treatment. Future studies will consider intervention implementation during late maintenance therapy, extending into survivorship.