bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery and Exploration of the Efficient Acyclic Dehydration of Hexoses in Dimethyl Sulfoxide/Water
Authors: Taarning Esben , Sádaba Irantzu , Jensen Pernille Rose , Meier Sebastian
Published: October 2019

Current gaps in the development of sustainable processes include a lack of strategies to systematically identify and optimize the formation of new products. The dehydration of hexoses to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a particularly widely studied process. In an attempt to identify a new high‐selectivity conversion of glucose, quantitative NMR spectroscopy is used to screen conditions that have been reported to yield high conversions of glucose but low formation of HMF. In this manner, an olefinic six‐carbon byproduct is identified. By adding water, selectivity for the compound was nearly tripled relative to previous reports. The detection of high‐yielding side reactions in the formation of HMF is remarkable, considering how extensively HMF formation has been studied. High selectivity for the acyclic pathway allows hitherto unobserved intermediates in this pathway to be identified by using in situ NMR spectroscopy. An additional, presumably cyclic, pathway contributes to HMF formation.
Cytological features of micropapillary and plasmacytoid variants of urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Straccia Patrizia , Martini Maurizio , Sacco Emilio , Bassi Pier F. , Pierconti Francesco
Published: October 2019

Background

Micropapillary and plasmacytoid variants of urothelial carcinoma (UC) exhibit very aggressive clinical behavior. To date, only a small number of cytology cases have been reported in either of these variants. Herein, we report 15 cases of UC with combined micropapillary and plasmacytoid features based on urine cytology.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with carcinoma of bladder with predominant plasmacytoid and micropapillary histology who had been seen from 2005 to 2017. A total of 15 cases (six cases of plasmacytoid variant and nine cases of micropapillary variant of bladder cancer) with urine specimen were evaluated. The cytomorphological features were compared between two histological variants.

Results

Fifteen urine cytology cases with the diagnosis of high‐grade UC were investigated. The ratio man to women was 5:1 with a median age of 79 years (range: 72‐90 years). Single‐cell pattern, flat sheets, three‐dimensional clusters, micropapillae, nuclear grade, cytoplasmic vacuoles, and necrosis, were evaluated in urine samples of micropapillary variant. The cytological features of plasmacytoid are characterized by large, discohesive, isolated tumor cells that have abundant, thick cytoplasm, and eccentrically located, hyperchromatic nuclei with coarse chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli.

Conclusion

It is important to recognize the cytological characteristics of these uncommon but aggressive entities to determine a precise diagnosis. Attention to morphological features, together with clinical history and appropriate immunohistochemical studies may be useful to urologist in pre‐operative planning and may lead to a more aggressive surgical approach.
Assessment of a large number of empirical plant species niche models by elicitation of knowledge from two national experts
Authors: Smart Simon M. , Jarvis Susan G. , Mizunuma Toshie , Herrero‐Jáuregui Cristina , Fang Zhou , Butler Adam , Alison Jamie , Wilson Mike , Marrs Robert H.
Published: October 2019

Quantitative models play an increasing role in exploring the impact of global change on biodiversity. To win credibility and trust, they need validating. We show how expert knowledge can be used to assess a large number of empirical species niche models constructed for the British vascular plant and bryophyte flora. Key outcomes were (a) scored assessments of each modeled species and niche axis combination, (b) guidance on models needing further development, (c) exploration of the trade‐off between presenting more complex model summaries, which could lead to more thorough validation, versus the longer time these take to evaluate, (d) quantification of the internal consistency of expert opinion based on comparison of assessment scores made on a random subset of models evaluated by both experts. Overall, the experts assessed 39% of species and niche axis combinations to be “poor” and 61% to show a degree of reliability split between “moderate” (30%), “good” (25%), and “excellent” (6%). The two experts agreed in only 43% of cases, reaching greater consensus about poorer models and disagreeing most about models rated as better by either expert. This low agreement rate suggests that a greater number of experts is required to produce reliable assessments and to more fully understand the reasons underlying lack of consensus. While area under curve (AUC) statistics showed generally very good ability of the models to predict random hold‐out samples of the data, there was no correspondence between these and the scores given by the experts and no apparent correlation between AUC and species prevalence. Crowd‐sourcing further assessments by allowing web‐based access to model fits is an obvious next step. To this end, we developed an online application for inspecting and evaluating the fit of each niche surface to its training data.
Spatiotemporal patterns of microbial composition and diversity in precipitation
Authors: Aho Ken A. , Weber Carolyn F. , Christner Brent C. , Vinatzer Boris A. , Morris Cindy E. , Joyce Rachel , Failor Kevin C. , Werth Jason T. , Bayless‐Edwards Aurora L. H. , Schmale David G.
Published: October 2019

Microbes in the atmosphere have broad ecological impacts, including the potential to trigger precipitation through species and strains that act as ice nucleation particles. To characterize spatiotemporal trends of microbial assemblages in precipitation we sequenced 16S (bacterial) and 18S (fungal) rRNA gene amplicon libraries collected from 72 precipitation events in three U.S. states (Idaho, Louisiana, and Virginia) over four seasons. We considered these data from the perspective of a novel metacommunity framework. In agreement with our heuristic, we found evidence for distinct mechanisms underlying the composition and diversity of bacterial and fungal assemblages in precipitation. Specifically, we determined that (1) bacterial operational taxonomic unit (OTU) composition of precipitation was strongly associated with macroscale drivers including season and high‐altitude characteristics of storms; (2) fungal OTU composition was strongly correlated with mesoscale drivers including particular spatial locations; (3) β‐diversity (heterogeneity of taxa among samples) for both bacteria and fungi was largely maintained by turnover of taxa; however, (4) bacterial assemblages had higher contributions to total β‐diversity from nestedness (i.e., lower richness assemblages were largely taxonomic subsets of richer assemblages), due to losses of taxa during dispersal, particularly among potential ice nucleation active bacteria; and (5) fungal assemblages had higher contributions to total β‐diversity from turnover due to OTU replacement. Spatiotemporal trends in precipitation‐borne metacommunities allowed delineation of a large number of statistically significant indicator taxa for particular sites and seasons, including trends for bacteria that are potentially ice nucleation active. Our findings advance understanding regarding the dispersion of aerosolized microbes via wet deposition, and the development of theory concerning potential assembly rules for bioaerosol assemblages.
Slow Magnetic Relaxation in a Mononuclear Five‐Coordinate Cu(II) Complex
Authors: Cui Hui‐Hui , Lv Wei , Tong Wei , Chen Xue‐Tai , Xue Zi‐Ling
Published: October 2019

A mononuclear five‐coordinate Cu(II) complex [Cu(12‐TMC)Cl][B(C6H5)4] (1) (12‐TMC = 1,4,7,10‐tetramethyl‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane) with distorted square pyramidal geometry has been synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, direct‐current and alternating‐current magnetic measurements and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The complex displays slow magnetic relaxation under an external dc field. The analysis of the field‐ and temperature‐dependence of the relaxation rates suggests that the slow dynamics of the magnetization is dominated by the Raman‐like process in the temperature range of 1.8 K to 11 K under an applied dc field of 0.15 T. In addition, the results of magnetic dynamics for the diluted sample with diamagnetic Zn(II) ions confirms the molecular origin of slow magnetic relaxation.
Practical Cleavage of Acetals by Using an Odorless Thiol Immobilized on Silica
Authors: de Léséleuc Mylène , Kukor Andrew , Abbott Shaun D. , Zacharie Boulos
Published: October 2019

A practical, efficient and general method was developed for the deprotection of a variety of aromatic and aliphatic acetals to their corresponding catechol or diol derivatives using thiol immobilized on silica gel. This is an application for the well‐known commercial solid‐supported thiol (SiliaMetS® Thiol). The procedure is mild and amenable to scale‐up. It does not require inert atmosphere and clean conversions were observed. This method is applicable to substituted 1,3‐benzodioxole and aliphatic acetals with different functionalities. It offers the advantage of a general route with high yield, which can be undertaken at ambient temperature.
Heteromultifunctional Oxazolones as Versatile Linkers for Click Chemistry Reactions
Authors: Pantin Mathilde , Caillé Julien , Boeda Fabien , Fontaine Laurent , Pearson‐Long Morwenna S. M. , Bertus Philippe
Published: October 2019

New oxazolone‐based heteromultifunctional linkers were synthesized using a zinc‐mediated double functionalization of nitriles as the key step. The orthogonality of the functional groups displayed by this original scaffold was demonstrated by conducting sequential or simultaneous multi‐component reactions with amines (oxazolone ring opening), thiols (thiol‐ene radical reaction) and azides (Cu‐catalyzed azide–alkyne coupling), in respect to the concept of click chemistry.
Silver‐Catalyzed Cascade Reaction of N‐Isocyaniminotriphenylphosphorane with Aldehydes: Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Azines
Authors: Wang Yeming , Yu Yang , Zhao Liping , Ning Yongquan
Published: October 2019

A direct synthesis of azines from the silver catalyzed domino interaction of N‐isocyaniminotriphenylphosphorane and aldehydes is reported. The reaction proceeds through a tandem aza‐Wittig, insertion, intramolecular cyclization and ring‐opening processes. The use of DIPEA as a base and BF3·Et2O as an additive significantly enhance the yield of a range of unsymmetrical azines.
Preparation and release mechanism of lavender oil microcapsules with different combinations of coating materials
Authors: Zhang Rui , Huang Liyun , Xiong Xiaomei , Qian Michael C. , Ji Hongbing
Published: October 2019

The aim of the work was to control morphology and release of lavender oil (LO) microcapsules produced using spray drying through different combination of coating materials (gum acacia, sodium caseinate, gelatin, chitosan, β‐cyclodextrin and polyvinyl alcohol). In addition, the properties of LO microcapsules including encapsulating efficiency (EE), loading capacity, mean particle size and morphology were characterized. Results displayed that the ternary formulations showed higher EE than the pure and binary mixtures; meantime, employment of pure gum acacia indicated the worse encapsulation efficiency. Images from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that morphology of microcapsules has better sphericity because of the presence of polyvinyl alcohol, which illustrated that polyvinyl alcohol might be contributed to surface modification of particles. Furthermore, the release mechanism was described as two stages: burst release and diffusion. And four release models were mainly used to reveal the release mechanism of microcapsules in diffusion process. In most cases, the release of LO microcapsules was dominant by Fickian diffusion except particles prepared from gum acacia—polyvinyl alcohol and gum acacia—sodium caseinate—polyvinyl alcohol.
Effect of early‐stage Alzheimer's disease on household financial outcomes
Authors: Gresenz Carole Roan , Mitchell Jean M. , Marrone James , Federoff Howard J.
Published: October 2019

Significant limitations and rapid declines in financial capacity are a hallmark of patients with early‐stage Alzheimer's disease (AD). We use linked Health and Retirement Study and Medicare claims data spanning 1992–2014 to examine the effect of early‐stage AD, from the start of first symptoms to diagnosis, on household financial outcomes. We estimate household fixed‐effects models and examine continuous measures of liquid assets and net wealth, as well as dichotomous indicators for a large change in either outcome. We find robust evidence that early‐stage AD places households at significant risk for large adverse changes in liquid assets. Further, we find some, but more limited, evidence that early‐stage AD reduces net wealth. Our findings are consequential because financial vulnerability during the disease's early‐stage impacts the ability of afflicted individuals and their families to pay for care in the disease's later stage. Additionally, the findings speak to the value that earlier diagnosis may provide by helping avert adverse financial outcomes that occur before the disease is currently diagnosable with available tools. These results also point to a potentially important role for financial institutions in helping reduce exposure of vulnerable elderly to poor outcomes.
Wetlands and low‐gradient topography are associated with longer hydrologic transit times in Precambrian Shield headwater catchments
Authors: Lane Daniel , McCarter Colin P.R. , Richardson Murray , McConnell Chris , Field Tim , Yao Huaxia , Arhonditsis George , Mitchell Carl P.J.
Published: October 2019

The estimation of hydrologic transit times in a catchment provides insights into the integrated effects of water storage, mixing dynamics, and runoff generation processes. There has been limited effort to estimate transit times in southern boreal Precambrian Shield landscapes, which are characteristically heterogeneous with surface cover including till, thin soils, bedrock outcrops, and depressional wetland features that play contrasting hydrologic roles. This study presents approximately 3.5 years of precipitation and streamflow water isotope data and estimates mean transit times (MTTs) and the young water fraction (py) across six small catchments in the Muskoka‐Haliburton region of south‐central Ontario. The main objectives were to define a typical range of MTTs for headwater catchments in this region and to identify landscape variables that best explain differences in MTTs/py using airborne light detection and ranging and digital terrain analysis. Of the transit time distributions, the two parallel linear reservoir and gamma distributions best describe the hydrology of these catchments, particularly because of their ability to capture more extreme changes related to events such as snowmelt. The estimated MTTs, regardless of the modelling approach or distribution used, are positively associated with the percent wetland area and negatively with mean slope in the catchments. In this landscape, low‐gradient features such as wetlands increase catchment scale water storage when antecedent conditions are dryer and decrease transit times when there is a moisture surplus, which plausibly explains the increases in MTTs and mean annual runoff from catchments with significant coverage of these landscape features.
Predicted basal metabolic rate and cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition
Authors: Kliemann Nathalie , Murphy Neil , Viallon Vivian , Freisling Heinz , Tsilidis Konstantinos K. , Rinaldi Sabina , Mancini Francesca R. , Fagherazzi Guy , Boutron‐Ruault Marie‐Christine , Boeing Heiner , Schulze Matthias B. , Masala Giovanna , Krogh Vittorio , Sacerdote Carlotta , de Magistris Maria S. , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita Bas , Weiderpass Elisabete , Kühn Tilman , Kaaks Rudolf , Jakszyn Paula , Redondo‐Sánchez Daniel , Amiano Pilar , Chirlaque Maria‐Dolores , Gurrea Aurelio B. , Ericson Ulrica , Drake Isabel , Nøst Therese H. , Aune Dagfinn , May Anne M. , Tjønneland Anne , Dahm Christina C. , Overvad Kim , Tumino Rosario , Quirós Jose R. , Trichopoulou Antonia , Karakatsani Anna , La Vecchia Carlo , Nilsson Lena M. , Riboli Elio , Huybrechts Inge , Gunter Marc J.
Published: October 2019

Emerging evidence suggests that a metabolic profile associated with obesity may be a more relevant risk factor for some cancers than adiposity per se. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is an indicator of overall body metabolism and may be a proxy for the impact of a specific metabolic profile on cancer risk. Therefore, we investigated the association of predicted BMR with incidence of 13 obesity‐related cancers in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). BMR at baseline was calculated using the WHO/FAO/UNU equations and the relationships between BMR and cancer risk were investigated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. A total of 141,295 men and 317,613 women, with a mean follow‐up of 14 years were included in the analysis. Overall, higher BMR was associated with a greater risk for most cancers that have been linked with obesity. However, among normal weight participants, higher BMR was associated with elevated risks of esophageal adenocarcinoma (hazard ratio per 1‐standard deviation change in BMR [HR1‐SD]: 2.46; 95% CI 1.20; 5.03) and distal colon cancer (HR1‐SD: 1.33; 95% CI 1.001; 1.77) among men and with proximal colon (HR1‐SD: 1.16; 95% CI 1.01; 1.35), pancreatic (HR1‐SD: 1.37; 95% CI 1.13; 1.66), thyroid (HR1‐SD: 1.65; 95% CI 1.33; 2.05), postmenopausal breast (HR1‐SD: 1.17; 95% CI 1.11; 1.22) and endometrial (HR1‐SD: 1.20; 95% CI 1.03; 1.40) cancers in women. These results indicate that higher BMR may be an indicator of a metabolic phenotype associated with risk of certain cancer types, and may be a useful predictor of cancer risk independent of body fatness.
Climatically induced temperature instability of groundwater‐dependent habitats will suppress cold‐adapted Clitellata species
Authors: Schenková Jana , Polášková Vendula , Bílková Martina , Bojková Jindřiška , Syrovátka Vít , Polášek Marek , Horsák Michal
Published: October 2019

Groundwater‐dependent ecosystems are recognized as biodiversity hotspots, being, apart many negative human impacts, highly threatened also by ongoing climate warming. Clitellata (Annelida) are dominant invertebrates of permanent fauna in spring habitats, representing a heterogeneous group including both specialized cold‐stenothermic and ubiquitous eurythermic species. Therefore, they seem to be a good model group to compare the effects of local springwater temperature (recorded in situ by data loggers) and mesoclimate (i.e., local) air temperature. By the analysis of clitellate assemblages at 41 isolated Western Carpathian spring fens, we found that their species composition was significantly driven by mesoclimate air temperature and springwater temperature independently of other important environmental variables (i.e., water mineralization, oxygen content, and total organic carbon). The effect of various environment‐related and temperature‐related variables on the number of clitellate species was analyzed separately for two categories, that is, substrate dwellers (endobenthic species) and surface‐active (epibenthic) species. The decrease of the number of species with the increasing amount of inorganic particles <500 µm in substrate was observed in the substrate dwellers. Mesoclimate air temperature had no significant effect on the number of species of substrate dwellers. However, water temperature, specifically its daily fluctuation, turned out to have a strong effect. Only the sites with no or moderate fluctuation were inhabited by cold‐stenotherm spring specialists and cold‐water species. In contrast, no significant response to any temperature parameter was found for the number of surface‐active species, which was driven only by other environmental variables. Our results suggest that climatically induced increase in temperature fluctuation of spring waters can result in notable reduction of cold‐adapted clitellate species (mainly the family Lumbriculidae) at the expense of eurythermic species. Such a scenario predicts compositional changes leading to clitellate assemblages with a dominance of generalist and semi‐aquatic species.
Protest, Power, and Possibilities: The Need for Agitation Literacies
Authors: Muhammad Gholnecsar E.
Published: October 2019

This forum focuses on the intersections of texts and identities with the aim of selecting and mediating texts that readers and writers find valuable within and outside of formal educational settings.
Intersections of Literacy and Teaching With the Disciplines and Professions: We Asked Some Experts
Authors: Wolsey Thomas DeVere , Lapp Diane , Grant Maria C. , Karkouti Ibrahim M.
Published: October 2019

A project to invite experts in various disciplines to converse with literacy professors and teachers with over 30 participants resulted in several insights about disciplinary literacy and student learning in the disciplines and professions. The authors suggest that such conversations or partnerships strengthen student learning for college, career, and civic life. The authors differentiate between professions and disciplines, highlighting how informed citizenship is an important outcome of teaching the literacies of the disciplines. The authors explore the purposes of communication within and between the disciplines. Insights and recommendations are presented.
Oral Iron Replacement Normalizes Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 in Iron-Deficient Patients With Autosomal Dominant Hypophosphatemic Rickets
Authors: Imel Erik A , Liu Ziyue , Coffman Melissa , Acton Dena , Mehta Rakesh , Econs Michael J
Published: October 2019

Autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR) is caused by mutations impairing cleavage of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). FGF23 gene expression increases during iron deficiency. In humans and mice with the ADHR mutation, iron deficiency results in increased intact FGF23 concentrations and hypophosphatemia. We conducted a prospective open label pilot clinical trial of oral iron replacement over 12 months in ADHR patients to test the hypothesis that oral iron administration would normalize FGF23 concentrations. Eligibility criteria included: FGF23 mutation; and either serum iron <50 μg/dL; or serum iron 50 to 100 μg/dL combined with hypophosphatemia and intact FGF23 >30 pg/mL at screening. Key exclusion criteria were kidney disease and pregnancy. Oral iron supplementation started at 65 mg daily and was titrated based on fasting serum iron concentration. The primary outcome was decrease in fasting intact FGF23 by ≥20% from baseline. Six adults (three male, three female) having the FGF23-R176Q mutation were enrolled; five completed the 12-month protocol. At baseline three of five subjects had severely symptomatic hypophosphatemia (phosphorus <2.5 mg/dL) and received calcitriol with or without phosphate concurrent with oral iron during the trial. The primary outcome was met by 4 of 5 (80%) subjects all by month 4, and 5 of 5 had normal intact FGF23 at month 12. Median (minimum, maximum) intact FGF23 concentration decreased from 172 (20, 192) pg/mL at baseline to 47 (17, 78) pg/mL at month 4 and 42 (19, 63) pg/mL at month 12. Median ferritin increased from 18.6 (7.7, 82.5) ng/mL at baseline to 78.0 (49.6, 261.0) ng/mL at month 12. During iron treatment, all three subjects with baseline hypophosphatemia normalized serum phosphorus, had markedly improved symptoms, and were able to discontinue calcitriol and phosphate. Oral iron repletion normalized FGF23 and phosphorus in symptomatic, iron-deficient ADHR subjects. Thus, the standard approach to ADHR should include recognition, treatment, and prevention of iron deficiency. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Downregulation of microRNA‐103a reduces microvascular endothelial cell injury in a rat model of cerebral ischemia by targeting AXIN2
Authors: Wu Zhiyan , Liang Yudan , Yu Shangzhen
Published: October 2019

Multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to be linked with cerebral ischemia. Thus, this study was employed to characterize the capabilities of miRNA‐103a (miR‐103a) on the brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) injury in rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) by regulating AXIN2. The MCAO rat model was developed by the suture method, where normal saline, miR‐103a inhibitors, or its negative control were separately injected into the lateral ventricle to assess the function of miR‐103a inhibitors in BMECs apoptosis, microvessel density, as well as angiogenesis. In addition, the oxygen‐glucose deprivation model was induced in primarily cultured BMECs to unearth the functions of miR‐103a inhibitors on cell viability and apoptosis, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and tube formation ability. Furthermore, the relationship between miR‐103a and AXIN2 was verified. The modeled rats of MCAO showed robustly expressed miR‐103a, poorly expressed AXIN2, severe neurological deficits, accelerated apoptosis and reduced angiogenesis. miR‐103a expression had a negative correlation with AXIN2 messenger RNA expression (r = −0.799; p < .05). In response to the treatment of miR‐103a inhibitors, the BMECs apoptosis was suppressed and angiogenesis was restored, corresponding to upregulated Bcl‐2, VEGF, and Ang‐1, in addition to downregulated caspase‐3 and Bax. Meanwhile, AXIN2 was verified to be the miR‐103a's target gene. More important, miR‐103a inhibitors led to promoted BMEC viability and tube formation and suppressed apoptosis and LDH release rate. This study highlights that miR‐103a targets and negatively regulates AXIN2, whereby reducing BMEC injury in cerebral ischemia.
Further studies on the signal enhancement effect in laser diode thermal desorption‐triple quadrupole mass spectrometry using microwell surface coatings
Authors: Gravel Alexia , Guérette Cassandra , Fortin Daniel , Auger Serge , Picard Pierre , Segura Pedro A.
Published: October 2019

The laser diode thermal desorption (LDTD) ionization source allows ultrafast and sensitive analysis of small molecules by mass spectrometry. Signal enhancement in LDTD has been observed when coating the surface of sample microwells with a solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or nitrilotriacetic acid. Here we present a quantitative analysis of signal enhancement using solutions of diverse commercial proteins (lysozyme, immunoglobulin G, albumin, and fibrinogen) as coatings. Results showed that compounds with polar chemical functions such as carboxylic acid, sulfonyl, and nitro had signal enhancement factors, in most cases higher than 10, when using any of the tested proteins as coating agent. Analysis of variance revealed that immunoglobulin G and fibrinogen gave the best results. However, the signal enhancement factors obtained with these proteins were not superior to those observed with EDTA. To explain the signal enhancement effect of proteins, analysis by scanning electron microscopy of dried samples on the microwell sample plates was carried out. Images showed that salicylic acid, one of the compounds with the highest observed signal enhancement, formed a thick layer when applied directly on the uncoated surface, but it formed small crystals (<1 μm) in the presence of protein or EDTA coatings. Further crystallographic studies using powder X‐ray diffraction showed that the crystalline form of salicylic acid is modified in the presence of EDTA. Salicylic acid when mixed with EDTA had a higher percentage of amorphous phase (38.1%) than without EDTA (23.1%). These results appear to confirm that the diminution of crystal size of analytes and the increase of amorphous phase are implicated in signal enhancement effect observed in LDTD using microwell surface coatings. To design better coatings and completely elucidate the signal enhancement effect in LDTD, more studies are necessary to understand the effects of coatings on the ionization of analytes.
An erosion‐type hydrolysis behavior of insoluble protein fraction from Chlorella protothecoides
Authors: Dai Laixin , Reichert Corina L , Hinrichs Jörg , Weiss Jochen
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Acid‐induced hydrolysis of proteins has been used to improve the solubility and functional properties of various proteins, and could be a promising tool to facilitate the use of currently underutilized insoluble microalgae protein‐rich fractions in food applications. However, the results of a prior study showed an unusual resistance of an insoluble microalgae protein‐rich fraction to acid hydrolysis at room temperature.

RESULTS

In the present study, the insoluble protein‐rich fraction extracted from microalgae Chlorella prothothecoides was treated with 0.5 mol L−1 hydrochloric acid at 25, 45, 65 or 85 °C for 0–4 h. The results showed that hydrolysis of the fraction at 85 °C for 4 h led to decreases in the amount of insoluble protein‐rich aggregates and the formation of fragments with a lower molecular weight, as well as an increase in protein solubility by approximately 40%. Nevertheless, some aggregated insoluble protein‐rich particles remained, even after hydrolysis at 85 °C for 4 h.

CONCLUSION

The higher temperature improved the efficiency of the acid hydrolysis of the insoluble protein fraction from microalgae Chlorella prothothecoides, which is highly acid‐resistant. Overall, an erosion‐based mechanism was suggested for the acid hydrolysis of insoluble microalgae protein fraction. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Surgical management of the neck in patients with metastatic melanoma in parotid lymph nodes
Authors: Den Hondt Margot , Starr Matthew W. , Millett Michael C. , Smyth Julian , Scolyer Richard A. , Shannon Kerwin F. , Thompson John F. , Ch'ng Sydney
Published: October 2019

Background

The role and extent of neck dissection in patients with parotid metastatic cutaneous head and neck melanoma remain unclear. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence and patterns of cervical node involvement in patients with parotid metastatic melanoma, and to determine if a limited lymphadenectomy of the clinically negative neck is appropriate.

Methods

Patients who underwent parotidectomy and neck dissection for clinically apparent parotid metastatic melanoma, irrespective of neck status, were identified from two prospectively maintained databases.

Results

A total of 276 patients fulfilled the study criteria. Median follow‐up was 23 months. A total of 185 necks were clinically negative, 82 were clinically positive. A total of 36 elective neck‐dissection specimens harbored occult metastases; these were found in levels I (16.7%), II (58.3%), III (36.1%), IV (13.9%), and V (30.6%). Regional recurrence occurred in 32 patients with a clinically negative neck, the majority being in‐transit metastases (n = 15). Only one case of recurrence could have potentially been avoided by a comprehensive lymphadenectomy.

Conclusions

In patients with clinically apparent parotid melanoma metastases, elective comprehensive neck dissection reduces failure rates in cervical nodes, and provides more accurate staging and prognostic information. However, our findings support the emerging trend for more limited elective neck dissection. Levels I and IV can probably be safely omitted.
The role of double‐strand break repair, translesion synthesis, and interstrand crosslinks in colorectal cancer progression—clinicopathological data and survival
Authors: Laporte Gustavo A. , Leguisamo Natália M. , Gloria Helena de Castro e , Azambuja Daniel B. , Kalil Antonio N. , Saffi Jenifer
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives

DNA repair is a new and important pathway that explains colorectal carcinogenesis. This study will evaluate the prognostic value of molecular modulation of double‐strand break repair (XRCC2 and XRCC5); DNA damage tolerance/translesion synthesis (POLH, POLK, and POLQ), and interstrand crosslink repair (DCLRE1A) in sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

Tumor specimens and matched healthy mucosal tissues from 47 patients with CRC who underwent surgery were assessed for gene expression of XRCC2, XRCC5, POLH, POLK, POLQ, and DCLRE1A; protein expression of Polk, Ku80, p53, Ki67, and mismatch repair MLH1 and MSH2 components; CpG island promoter methylation of XRCC5, POLH, POLK, POLQ, and DCLRE1A was performed.

Results

Neoplastic tissues exhibited induction of POLK (P < .001) and DCLRE1A (P < .001) expression and low expression of POLH (P < .001) and POLQ (P < .001) in comparison to healthy paired mucosa. Low expression of POLH was associated with mucinous histology and T1‐T2 tumors (P = .038); low tumor expression of POLK was associated with distant metastases (P = .042). CRC harboring POLK promoter methylation exhibited better disease‐free survival (DFS) (P = .005).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that low expression or unmethylated POLH and POLK were related to worse biological behavior tumors. However, POLK methylation was associated with better DFS. POLK and POLH are potential prognostic biomarkers in CRC.
Institutionalization of reconstructive lymphedema surgery in Austria—Single center experience
Authors: Tzou Chieh‐Han John , Steinbacher Johannes , Czedik‐Eysenberg Manon , Brandstaetter Silvia , Meng Stefan , Schuetz Matthias , Macho Lisa , Obermayer Brigitte , Grablowitz Viktor , Ausch Christoph , Cheng Ming‐Huei , Hong Joon Pio
Published: October 2019

Background

Lymphedema surgery was not widely known in Austria before the introduction of lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) in 2014. This study shares the experience and process of establishing and institutionalizing lymphedema surgery service in Austria.

Methods

The purpose of introducing reconstructive lymphedema surgery in Austria was to improve lymphedema patients’ quality of life and provide them surgical therapy as an adjuvant treatment to complete decongestive therapy. To initialize reconstructive lymphedema surgery in Austria, LVA and VLNT had to be presented and introduced, in the manner of branding and advertizing a new product. Surgeries were performed with quality control by standardized documentation, pre‐ and postoperatively.

Results

Aligned with branding and marketing, presentations were given externally and internally to share knowledge and experience of lymphedema surgery. Lymphedema surgery service was introduced as a new brand in the medical service in Austria. After several communications with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund and with the final application, LVA and VLNT were listed as novel surgical therapies in its 2020 reimbursement catalog. Since 2014, more than 300 lymphedema patients were consulted, and 102 reconstructive lymphedema surgeries were performed. Circumference reduction of extremities after surgery was between 20% and 43%, postoperatively.

Conclusion

Acceptance of surgery in lymphedema patients varies among continents, hospitals, and surgeons. Evaluation of the requirement of the surgical setup and insurance conditions for lymphedema surgery is essential to establish lymphedema surgery, providing targeted marketing and branding to spread knowledge of the novel technique and grant patients access to therapeutic treatment of their chronic disease.
Purification of thonningianins A and B and four further derivatives from Thonningia sanguinea by one‐ and two‐dimensional centrifugal partition chromatography
Authors: Pompermaier Luca , Schwaiger Stefan , Mawunu Monizi , Lautenschlaeger Thea , Stuppner Hermann , Faure Karine
Published: October 2019

Thonningia sanguinea is a parasitic herb widely used in traditional African medicine. Dihydrochalcone glucosides (unsubstituted, substituted with hexahydroxydiphenoyl or galloyl moieties) are the main constituents in the subaerial parts of this plant. In the present study, purification of the six major compounds from a methanol extract of the plant's subaerial parts was achieved by centrifugal partition chromatography. A first dimension centrifugal partition chromatography separation with the solvent system methyl tert‐butyl ether/1,2‐dimethoxyethane/water (1:2:1) in the ascending mode enabled the isolation of the two major bioactive compounds thonningianin A and B from 350 mg of methanol extract within only 16 min with respectable yields (25.7 and 21.1 mg), purities (87.1 and 85%), and recoveries (71.2 and 70.4%). Using a multiple heart‐cutting strategy, the remaining four major dihydrochalcone glucosides of the extract were further separated in a second dimension centrifugal partition chromatography with the solvent system ethyl acetate/1,2‐dimethoxyethane/water (2:1:1) in the descending mode with high purities (88.9–98.8%).
Kinetic study of hydrogen sulfide decomposition on Pt(111) surface
Authors: Mohamadi Simin , Bashiri Hadis
Published: October 2019

In this work, kinetic of H2S conversion to H2 molecule on the surface of Pt(111) is studied using kinetic Monte Carlo simulation. The results of simulation were fitted to the experimental temperature‐programed desorption spectra. The good agreement between the empirical and the simulated data confirms the proposed mechanism and kinetic data (activated energies and pre‐exponential factors). The influence of variables such as temperature and concentrations of H2S and H2 on the overall results of hydrogen production is studied. The condition is proposed in which the best yield of reaction at minimum temperature is obtained. Results show that platinum is a perfect catalyst for converting H2S to H2 and it has a perfect performance (98%) after 5 μs at low temperature of 227°C.
Neurodevelopmental, behavioral, and emotional symptoms in Becker muscular dystrophy
Authors: Lambert Joshua T. , Darmahkasih Andrew J. , Horn Paul S. , Rybalsky Irina , Shellenbarger Karen C. , Tian Cuixia , Wong Brenda L.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) results in decreased dystrophin with implications for mental health.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of neurodevelopmental, behavioral, and emotional symptoms and respective pharmacotherapies of 70 patients with BMD.

Results

Fifty‐four (77.1%) patients exhibited at least one symptom, and 19 (27.1%) patients exhibited four or more symptoms. The most prevalent symptoms were specific learning disabilities or special education needs (31.4%), inattention/hyperactivity (35.7%), language/speech delays (35.7%), and emotional or behavioral dysregulation (38.6%). Fisher's exact tests indicated that anxiety was more prevalent with mutations upstream of exon 30 (P = .049), but the prevalence of other symptoms did not differ with respect to mutation sites. Similarly, the number of symptoms individual patients with BMD exhibited did not differ with respect to mutation sites. Seventeen (24.3%) patients required pharmacotherapy to manage symptoms.

Discussion

Neurodevelopmental, behavioral, and emotional symptoms are prevalent in patients with BMD regardless of dystrophin gene mutation site.
The utility of nuchal translucency ultrasound in identifying rare chromosomal abnormalities not detectable by cell‐free DNA screening
Authors: Berger Victoria K. , Norton Mary E. , Sparks Teresa N. , Flessel Monica , Baer Rebecca J. , Currier Robert J.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate the utility of nuchal translucency (NT) screening in the detection of rare chromosomal aneuploidies in the setting of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of pregnancies screened through the California Prenatal Screening Program between March 2009 and December 2012. Karyotype analysis was the primary method of chromosomal evaluation during the study period and abnormal chromosomal karyotype results were classified by whether the abnormality would be detectable by cfDNA (nonmosaic trisomy 13, 18, 21 or sex‐chromosomal aneuploidy [SCA]). For those rare aneuploidies detectable by karyotype but not cfDNA, the number of cases that had an increased NT and the detection rate and positive predictive value (PPV) of increased NT for rare aneuploidies were determined.

Results

A total of 452 901 pregnant women had screening. There were 2572 chromosomally abnormal fetuses, of which 1922 (74.7%) had a common aneuploidy detectable by cfDNA, leaving 450 979 without T13, 18, 21. Of these, 4181 (0.93%) had an NT ≥3.0 mm. There were 649 rare aneuploidies not detectable by cfDNA. Of these, 108 (16.6%) had an NT ≥3.0 mm. The PPV of an NT ≥3.0 mm for rare aneuploidies was 2.6%. In all, 4176 fetuses need to be screened with NT to detect a rare aneuploidy.

Conclusions

The addition of NT to cfDNA screening would detect 16.6% of rare aneuploidies. Increased NT has a low PPV for rare aneuploidies and a large number of women would need NT screening to detect each affected fetus.
Hair cortisol and inhaled corticosteroid use in asthmatic children
Authors: Baan Esmé J. , van den Akker Erica L. T. , Engelkes Marjolein , de Rijke Yolanda B. , de Jongste Johan C. , Sturkenboom Miriam C. J. M. , Verhamme Katia M. , Janssens Hettie M.
Published: October 2019

Background

Adrenal suppression is a side effect of long‐term use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) measurement is a noninvasive tool for measuring adrenal function that may be useful for asthmatic patients who are on long‐term ICS treatment. The aim of this study was to compare HCC between children with and without asthma and to explore the association between HCC and ICS dose in asthmatic children.

Methods

A cross‐sectional observational study in subjects with or without asthma (n = 72 and 226, respectively, age 6‐21 years). Hair samples were obtained from the posterior vertex for each subject and data on medication use were collected using questionnaires. HCC was analyzed by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry in the most proximal 3 cm of hair.

Results

Median HCC was significantly lower in subjects with asthma than in subjects without asthma: 1.83 pg/mg and 2.39 pg/mg, respectively (P value after adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index: .036). Median HCC was 1.98 pg/mg in asthmatics using no ICS, 1.84 pg/mg in those using a low dose, 1.75 pg/mg in those on a medium dose, and 1.46 in those using a high ICS dose (P = .54).

Conclusion

We observed a significantly lower HCC in asthmatics than in healthy controls and a nonsignificant trend of lower HCC with increasing ICS dose. Whether HCC measurement may be used to detect individuals at risk for hypocortisolism and may be useful to monitor adrenal function in asthmatic children using ICS needs to be further investigated.
Preschool Instruction in Letter Names and Sounds: Does Contextualized or Decontextualized Instruction Matter?
Authors: Roberts Theresa A. , Vadasy Patricia F. , Sanders Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2019

The authors investigated the influence of teaching letter names and sounds in isolation or in the context of storybook reading on preschool children's early literacy learning and engagement during instruction. Alphabet instruction incorporated paired‐associate learning of correspondences between letter names and sounds. In decontextualized treatment activities, children practiced saying the letter names and sounds that matched single letters presented on cards and in letter books, and speeded recognition of taught letters. In contextualized treatment activities, letter names and sounds were taught and practiced during oral reading of storybooks, recognizing letters in children's printed names, and speeded recognition of taught letters in words. Subjects were 127 preschool children, including 48 dual‐language learners, in five public schools with low‐income eligibility thresholds. Children were randomly assigned within classrooms to small groups randomly assigned to one of the two treatments. Research assistants provided 10 weeks of instruction, 12–15 minutes per day, four days per week. Both groups made statistically significant growth from pretest to posttest on measures of alphabet learning and phoneme awareness. Children in the decontextualized treatment small groups had statistically significantly higher gains than did children in the contextualized treatment small groups on taught letter sounds and phonemic awareness measured by identification of initial sounds in spoken words. There were no treatment differences between dual‐language learners and non‐dual‐language learners. Children's engagement during instruction was statistically significantly higher in the decontextualized treatment. Findings support explicit decontextualized alphabet instruction emphasizing the relation between verbal letter labels and letter forms that enlists paired‐associate learning processes.
From the individual to the community, registrar keeps eye on student needs
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2019

Carla Boyd's professional career started in a student advising capacity marked by constant interaction. But in the role she has held since 2012 as Registrar at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, she does not see herself as presiding over a more impersonal space.
Comparative aspects of mast cell neoplasia in animals and the role of KIT in prognosis and treatment
Authors: Tamlin Vanessa S. , Bottema Cynthia D. K. , Peaston Anne E.
Published: October 2019

Mast cell neoplasia clinical presentation and biological behaviour vary considerably across mammalian species, ranging from a solitary benign mass to an aggressive systemic malignancy. Mutations in the KIT Proto‐Oncogene Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (KIT) gene are common molecular abnormalities involved in mast cell tumorigenesis. KIT mutations often occur in dog, cat and human neoplastic mast cells and result in altered Kit protein structure and function. In dogs, certain KIT mutations are associated with more malignant and lethal disease. In contrast, KIT mutations in feline and human mast cell neoplasms are not correlated with prognosis, but are of value in diagnosis and treatment planning in humans. KIT genetic abnormalities have not been well investigated in other species, although aberrant cytoplasmic Kit protein staining detected in neoplasms of the ferret, horse and cow resembles aberrant Kit staining patterns detected in neoplastic mast cells of dogs, cats and humans. Mutations within KIT are classified as either regulatory‐type or enzymatic pocket‐type mutations according to their location within the KIT Proto‐Oncogene. Mutations within the enzymatic pocket domain confer tumour resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Hence, knowledge of tumour KIT mutation status adds valuable information for optimizing patient treatment strategies. The use of TKIs in combination with conventional chemotherapeutics has opened a new treatment avenue for patients unresponsive to existing drugs. This review highlights the similarities and differences of mast cell neoplasia in mammals with a special focus on the involvement of KIT in the canine and feline forms in comparison to human mast cell neoplasia.
Gravitational waves from walking technicolor
Authors: Miura Kohtaroh , Ohki Hiroshi , Otani Saeko , Yamawaki Koichi
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We study gravitational waves from the first-order electroweak phase transition in the SU(N

c
) gauge theory with N

f

/N

c
≫ 1 (“large N

f
QCD”) as a candidate for the walking technicolor, which is modeled by the U(N

f
) × U(N

f
) linear sigma model with classical scale symmetry (without mass term), particularly for N

f
= 8 (“one-family model”). This model exhibits spontaneous breaking of the scale symmetry as well as the U(N

f
) × U(N

f
) radiatively through the Coleman-Weinberg mechanism à la Gildener-Weinberg, thus giving rise to a light pseudo dilaton (technidilaton) to be identified with the 125 GeV Higgs. This model possess a strong first-order electroweak phase transition due to the resultant Coleman-Weinberg type potential. We estimate the bubble nucleation that exhibits an ultra supercooling and then the signal for a stochastic gravitational wave produced via the strong first-order electroweak phase transition. We show that the amplitude can be reached to the expected sensitivities of the LISA.