bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Homo‐C‐Nucleoside Phosphoramidites and Their Site‐Specific Incorporation into Oligonucleotides
Authors: Höfler Katharina , Zimmermann Tristan , Peña Fuentes Dilver , Vogel Christian , Meier Chris
Published: September 2015

An efficient procedure was developed to prepare homo‐C‐nucleosides. The β‐allyl C‐glycoside of D‐ribose was transformed into the thienopyrimidine nucleoside and the benzodiazepine nucleoside of 2‐deoxy‐D‐ribose. For incorporation into oligonucleotides by solid‐phase synthesis, both derivatives were transformed into the related 3′‐phosphoramidite building blocks. These phosphoramidites were then site‐specifically incorporated into DNA oligonucleotides. The modified DNA strands were hybridized with different DNA and RNA strands, and their melting temperatures and circular dichroism spectra were studied. Interestingly, although in the case of DNA–DNA hybrids the nonnatural nucleosides caused a marked decrease in melting temperature, to levels even lower than those for mismatched hybrids, in the case of DNA–RNA hybrids very similar melting temperatures were measured for the nonnatural nucleosides and the unmodified oligonucleotides.
Epidemiology of uraemic itch: New data
Authors: Weisshaar E.
Published: September 2015

Chronic itch (CI) is a frequent and impairing symptom in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Within the last decades, worldwide variations were reported in the prevalence of itch in HD patients, ranging from 10 to 77%. Regional differences and especially the irregular pattern of itch in HD may explain why CI is still not well perceived and underestimated in HD patients. The pathogenesis is still unclear and therapy is ineffective in the majority of cases. There is a great diversity of prevalence estimates of itch used in different studies as well, as the study population greatly differs, especially when investigating CI in HD. Due to the demographic situation with a rising number of aged patients and increasing survival rates in HD, the number of HD patients will continuously grow, especially in the Western countries. Up to now, representative epidemiological data on CI in HD were missing. GEHIS (German Epidemiological Hemodialysis Itch Study) was established in 2012 as a representative prospective cross‐sectional study. Eight hundred and sixty HD patients from a randomly selected cluster sample were included. The primary outcome measures were different prevalence measures of CI. The point prevalence was 25.2%, the 12‐month prevalence was 27.2% and the lifetime prevalence of CI was 35.2%. General health status and health‐related quality of life (HRQOl) were significantly impaired in those with CI. Due to the comparability of standards in HD quality, these results can be transferred to Western countries. This study demonstrates that CI is a frequent, long‐lasting burden in HD patients affecting every fourth HD patient (point prevalence) and more than every third HD patient at some point in their lifetime.
Aliphatic Polyamine Oxidation Reaction Mechanism at Boron‐doped Microcrystalline and Ultrananocrystalline Diamond Electrodes
Authors: Witek Małgorzata , Koppang Miles D. , Swain Greg M.
Published: September 2015

The oxidation reaction mechanism of several aliphatic polyamines was studied using diamond electrodes with different doping levels and non‐diamond carbon impurity content. The important roles of surface boron and localized non‐diamond carbon sites in the polyamine oxidation reaction mechanism were confirmed. A well defined oxidation peak was seen for all the amines that was dependent on the onset potential for water discharge. Epox shifted negative and the ipox increased with increasing solution pH. ipox also increased with increasing boron doping level or surface boron site density. FIA‐EC analysis revealed a reproducible response for the aliphatic polyamines in a binary solvent (7/93 %) acetonitrile/borate buffer, pH 11.2. Optimum signal‐to‐background ratios for the aliphatic polyamines were seen at potentials between 650 and 670 mV.
Prevalence of Alcohol and Other Substance Use in Patients with Eating Disorders
Authors: Fouladi Farnaz , Mitchell James E. , Crosby Ross D. , Engel Scott G. , Crow Scott , Hill Laura , Le Grange Daniel , Powers Pauline , Steffen Kristine J.
Published: September 2015

Objective

The major aim of this study was to investigate any association between binge eating and purging and alcohol and substance use.

Method

The Eating Disorder Questionnaire was completed by 2966 patients. Each patient was assigned to an approximate diagnostic group based on a DSM‐5‐based algorithm.

Results

Patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) used alcohol/other substances with higher frequencies compared to patients with anorexia nervosa‐restricting type (AN‐R), binge eating disorder (BED), and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS; p < 0.001). Patients with anorexia nervosa‐binge eating/purging type (AN‐BP) were more likely to use alcohol/substances than those with AN‐R [odds ratio for alcohol use: 3.58 (p < 0.01); odds ratio for substance use: 30.14 (p < 0.01)]. Higher frequencies of binge eating and purging were associated with higher frequencies of substance use.

Discussion

Patients who manifest both binge eating and purging behaviour are at higher risk of substance use which may have important treatment implications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Experimental and numerical investigation of the gas‐phase effectiveness of phosphorus compounds
Authors: Bouvet Nicolas , Linteris Gregory , Babushok Valeri , Takahashi Fumiaki , Katta Viswanath , Krämer Roland
Published: September 2015

The effectiveness of phosphorus‐containing compounds as gas‐phase combustion inhibitors varies widely with flame type. To understand this behavior, experiments are performed with dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) added to the oxidizer stream of methane–air co‐flow diffusion flames (cup‐burner configuration). At low volume fraction, phosphorus (via DMMP addition) is shown to be about four times as effective as bromine (via Br2 addition) at reducing the amount of CO2 required for extinguishment; however, above about 3000 μL/L to 6000 μL/L, the marginal effectiveness of DMMP is approximately zero. In contrast, the diminished effectiveness does not occur for Br2 addition. To explore the role of condensation of active phosphorus‐containing compounds to the particles, laser‐scattering measurements are performed. Finally, to examine the behavior of the flame stabilization region (which is responsible for extinguishment), premixed burning velocity simulations with detailed kinetics are performed for DMMP addition to methane–air flames. Analyses of the numerical results are performed to understand the variation in the inhibition mechanism with temperature, agent loading, and stoichiometry, to interpret the loss of effectiveness for DMMP in the present experiments. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased visual cortical thickness in sight‐recovery individuals
Authors: Guerreiro Maria J.S. , Erfort Maria V. , Henssler Jonathan , Putzar Lisa , Röder Brigitte
Published: September 2015

Individuals who are born blind due to dense bilateral cataracts and who later regain vision due to cataract surgery provide a unique model to evaluate the effect of early sensory experience in humans. In recent years, several studies have started to assess the functional consequences of early visual deprivation in these individuals, revealing a number of behavioral impairments in visual and multisensory functions. In contrast, the extent to which a transient period of congenital visual deprivation impacts brain structure has not yet been investigated. The present study investigated this by assessing cortical thickness of occipital areas in a group of six cataract‐reversal individuals and a group of six age‐matched normally sighted controls. This analysis revealed higher cortical thickness in cataract‐reversal individuals in the left calcarine sulcus, in the superior occipital gyrus and in the transverse occipital sulcus bilaterally. In addition, occipital cortical thickness correlated negatively with behavioral performance in an audio–visual task for which visual input was critical, and positively with behavioral performance in auditory tasks. Together, these results underscore the critical role of early sensory experience in shaping brain structure and suggest that increased occipital cortical thickness, while potentially compensatory for auditory sensory processing, might be maladaptive for visual recovery in cases of sight restoration. Hum Brain Mapp 36:5265–5274, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
First Examples of the Atherton–Todd‐Like Reaction in the Absence of Bases
Authors: Trofimov Boris A. , Gusarova Nina K. , Volkov Pavel А. , Ivanova Nina I. , Khrapova Kseniya O.
Published: September 2015

Oxidative cross‐coupling between secondary phosphine chalcogenides and alcohols or phenols proceeds in CCl4 medium at 80–82°C to afford phosphinoсhalcogenоic O‐esters in up to 92% yield. These couplings represent first examples of the Atherton–Todd‐like reaction occurring in the absence of bases.
Evaluating the use of plerixafor in stem cell mobilisation – an economic analysis of thePHANTASTICtrial
Authors: Martin Antony P. , Richards Sarah , Haycox Alan , Houten Rachel , McLeod Claire , Braithwaite Barbara , Clark Jack O. , Bell Joanne , Clark Richard E.
Published: September 2015

Plerixafor is an effective haematopoietic stem cell mobilising agent in candidates for autologous transplantation, including patients with myeloma and lymphoma. Here we compare 98 plerixafor recipients in the PHANTASTIC trial with 151 historic controls mobilised by conventional chemotherapy (each with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, G‐CSF). Seventy (71.4%) plerixafor‐mobilised patients achieved the composite primary endpoint of ≥4 × 106CD34+ cells kg−1in ≤2 aphereses and no clinically significant neutropenia, compared to 48 (31.8%) historic controls (P < 0.001), and this significant advantage was maintained in scenario analyses testing components of this composite endpoint. A patient‐level cost analysis was undertaken for 249 patients, which included the cost of remobilising patients where initial mobilisation had failed. Combined mean treatment cost for plerixafor mobilised patients was £12,679 compared with £11,694 for historical controls. However, plerixafor produces an average saving of £3,828 per lymphoma patient but average cost increase by £5,245 per myeloma patient. The present data demonstrate cost‐effectiveness for plerixafor as a first line mobilisation agent, certainly for lymphoma patients, where substantial resource savings and achievement of the primary endpoint are likely. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:434–442, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nicotine‐Mediated Ca2+‐Influx Induces IL‐8 Secretion in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell
Authors: Tsunoda Kou , Tsujino Ichiro , Koshi Ryosuke , Sugano Naoyuki , Sato Shuichi , Asano Masatake
Published: September 2015

Cigarette smoking is one of the most important risk factors for the development of various diseases. Nicotine is the most extensively investigated component of cigarette smoke, and a comprehensive analysis of the genes induced by nicotine stimulation revealed that interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) was induced in oral squamous cell carcinoma cell (OSCC). Based on this background, the signaling mechanisms of nicotine‐mediated IL‐8 induction in OSCC was investigated. Augmented IL‐8 secretion by Ca9‐22 cells was blocked by the NF‐κB inhibitor L‐1‐4′‐tosylamino‐phenylethyl‐chloromethyl ketone (TPCK) and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)‐specific inhibitor α‐bungarotoxin (αBtx). The downstream signaling pathway was further examined by pre‐incubating the cells with inhibitors against mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MEK), protein kinase C (PKC), and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMK II). Only the CaMK II inhibitor was found to exert an inhibitory effect on nicotine‐mediated IL‐8 secretion. Pre‐treatment of the Ca9‐22 cells with the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA‐AM drastically inhibited IL‐8 secretion. Although nicotine stimulation induced the phosphorylation of the NF‐κB p65 subunit, pre‐treatment with BAPTA‐AM was found to inhibit this activity significantly. CaMK II‐dependent p65 phosphorylation was confirmed by pre‐incubation of the cells with CaMK II inhibitor. The results from this study indicate that the binding of nicotine to nAChR induces Ca2+ influx, which results in the activation and phosphorylation of CaMK II and NF‐κB p65, respectively. Nicotine‐mediated IL‐8 induction should be a trigger for the initiation of various diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1009–1015, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DNA origami and biotechnology applications: a perspective
Authors: Chandrasekaran Arun Richard
Published: September 2015

The use of DNA as a material has opened up new possibilities in the field of nanobiotechnology. Specifically, DNA origami – a technique in which one long single‐stranded DNA scaffold is folded into nanoscale shapes and structures using hundreds of short 'staple' oligonucleotides – has contributed to new innovations within this field. Nanostructures created using DNA origami have found use in applications such as biosensing, triggered drug delivery, enzyme cascades and biomolecular analysis platforms. The unmatched features of DNA nanostructures such as cell permeability, biocompatibility, and spatial positioning have contributed to DNA origami playing an important role in the development of materials for biotechnology applications. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of particle size and binding affinity for small interfering RNA on the cellular processing, intestinal permeation and anti‐inflammatory efficacy of polymeric nanoparticles
Authors: Cheng Wenyue , Tang Cui , Yin Chunhua
Published: September 2015

Background

Silencing of excessive secreted tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α from macrophages might be an effective therapy of ulcerative colitis (UC), which acquires improvements on small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery vectors. Thus, in the present study, the effects of particle size and binding affinity of four polymeric nanoparticles on siRNA delivery for the treatment of UC were evaluated.

Methods

Galactosylated trimethyl chitosan‐cysteine (GTC) nanoparticles of varying particle size and binding affinity for siRNA were prepared and TNF‐α siRNA was encapsulated. Their cellular transport was investigated in murine macrophages and Caco‐2 cell monolayers were utilized to analysis the intestinal permeation. Finally, in vivo anti‐inflammatory efficacy was assessed in a mouse model of UC.

Results

Although marginal effects of particle size on the in vitro gene silencing efficiency were detected, GTC nanoparticles with a particle size of 450 nm and stronger binding affinity for siRNA showed reduced intestinal epithelial permeability and enhanced in vivo anti‐inflammatory efficacy compared to those with a particle size of 200 nm. By contrast, the delivery processes were significantly affected by the binding affinity for siRNA, where smaller GTC nanoparticles (200 nm) with moderate siRNA binding strength exhibited remarkable cytoplasmic distribution and sufficient intracellular release of siRNA, as well as a sustained in vitro and in vivo gene silencing effect.

Conclusions

Nanoparticles with a particle size of 450 nm or balanced binding affinity for siRNA might be preferable for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SOAP‐V: Introducing a method to empower medical students to be change agents in bending the cost curve
Authors: Moser Eileen M. , Huang Grace C. , Packer Clifford D. , Glod Susan , Smith Cynthia D. , Alguire Patrick C. , Fazio Sara B.
Published: September 2015

Medical students must learn how to practice high‐value, cost‐conscious care. By modifying the traditional SOAP (Subjective‐Objective‐Assessment‐Plan) presentation to include a discussion of value (SOAP‐V), we developed a cognitive forcing function designed to promote discussion of high‐value, cost‐conscious care during patient delivery. The SOAP‐V model prompts the student to consider (1) the evidence that supports a test or treatment, (2) the patient's preferences and values, and (3) the financial cost of a test or treatment compared to alternatives. Students report their findings to their teams during patient care rounds. This tool has been successfully used at 3 medical schools. Preliminary results find that students who have been trained in SOAP‐V feel more empowered to address the economic healthcare crisis, are more comfortable in initiating discussions about value, and are more likely to consider potential costs to the healthcare system. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:217–220. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Strategies to engage stakeholders in research to improve acute care delivery
Authors: Sauers‐Ford Hadley S. , Simmons Jeffrey M. , Shah Samir S. ,   on behalf of the H2O Study Team
Published: September 2015

Many families involved in research are well versed in the care system due to chronic conditions. Engagement of families of children with serious acute illnesses is infrequent, and no studies have documented the feasibility or acceptability of different methods of family engagement. We describe a model used in the Hospital‐to‐Home Outcomes study, which utilized a novel approach of short‐term focused engagement of families and other stakeholders to incorporate the unique viewpoints of families whose care experience is primarily focused around the period surrounding their child's hospitalization for acute illness. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:123–125. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Quality of online information to support patient decision‐making in breast cancer surgery
Authors: Bruce Jordan G. , Tucholka Jennifer L. , Steffens Nicole M. , Neuman Heather B.
Published: September 2015

Background

Breast cancer patients commonly use the internet as an information resource. Our objective was to evaluate the quality of online information available to support patients facing a decision for breast surgery.

Methods

Breast cancer surgery‐related queries were performed (Google and Bing), and reviewed for content pertinent to breast cancer surgery. The DISCERN instrument was used to evaluate websites' structural components that influence publication reliability and ability of information to support treatment decision‐making. Scores of 4/5 were considered “good.”

Results

45 unique websites were identified. Websites satisfied a median 5/9 content questions. Commonly omitted topics included: having a choice between breast conservation and mastectomy (67%) and potential for 2nd surgery to obtain negative margins after breast conservation (60%). Websites had a median DISCERN score of 2.9 (range 2.0–4.5). Websites achieved higher scores on structural criteria (median 3.6 [2.1–4.7]), with 24% rated as “good.” Scores on supporting decision‐making questions were lower (2.6 [1.3–4.4]), with only 7% scoring “good.”

Conclusion

Although numerous breast cancer‐related websites exist, most do a poor job providing women with essential information necessary to actively participate in decision‐making for breast cancer surgery. Providing easily‐ accessible, high‐quality online information has the potential to significantly improve patients' experiences with decision‐making. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:575–580. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic blood flow to the retrograde limb of the internal mammary vein in breast reconstruction with free flap
Authors: Sugawara Jun , Satake Toshihiko , Muto Mayu , Kou Seiko , Yasumura Kazunori , Maegawa Jiro
Published: September 2015

Background

In free flap breast reconstruction, the retrograde limb of the internal mammary vein (IMV) is occasionally used as a second recipient vein. In this study, we evaluated the dynamic blood flow to the retrograde limb of the IMV (retrograde IMV) at the anastomosed site via indocyanine green (ICG) angiography

Methods

In 40 patients undergoing free flap breast reconstruction, we evaluated the dynamic blood flow as “stain(+)” if a stain by ICG was observed and, “flow(+)” if a smooth blood flow was recognized.

Results

Based on the ICG angiography, “stain(+)” was observed in all cases, but “flow(+)” was detected in only 72.5% of the cases. There was no severe complication.

Conclusion

This study shows that thrombosis is prone to occur in the second recipient vein in the 27.5% of the cases with no smooth flow, and therefore, the retrograde IMV may not function as a back‐up in these cases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:622–626, 2015.
Stancu‐type generalization of Dunkl analogue of Szász–Kantorovich operators
Authors: İçöz Gürhan , Çekim Bayram
Published: September 2015

The purpose of the paper is to introduce Stancu‐type linear positive operators generated by Dunkl generalization of exponential function. We present approximation properties with the help of well‐known Korovkin‐type theorem and weighted Korovkin‐type theorem and also acquire the rate of convergence in terms of classical modulus of continuity, the class of Lipschitz functions, Peetre's K‐functional, and second‐order modulus of continuity by Dunkl analogue of Szász operators. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predator–prey harvesting model with fatal disease in prey
Authors: Khan Qamar J. A. , Al‐Lawatia Mohamed , Al‐Kharousi Fatma A.
Published: September 2015

A theoretical eco‐epidemiological model of a prey–predator interaction system with disease in prey species is studied. Predator consumes both susceptible and infected prey population, but predator also feeds preferentially on many numerous species, which are over represented in the predator's diet. Equilibrium points of the system are determined, and the dynamic behaviour of the system is investigated around equilibrium points. Death rate of predator species is considered as a bifurcation parameter to examine the occurrence of Hopf bifurcation in the neighbourhood of the coexisting equilibria. Numerical simulations are carried out to support the analytical results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New bilinearization, Bäcklund transformation and infinite conservation laws for the KdV6 equation with Bell polynomials
Authors: Xu Gui‐Qiong , Wazwaz Abdul‐Majid
Published: September 2015

By using the Bell polynomials method and symbolic computation, we study the integrability of the KdV6 equation. We develop, in this work, new results regarding the integrability concept. We show that the newly developed bilinear representation and bilinear Bäcklund transformation are different from those reported in the literature. Moreover, we firstly present the infinite conservation laws, and the conserved densities and fluxes are given in explicit recursion formulas. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemopreventive effect of oleuropein in colitis‐associated colorectal cancer in c57bl/6 mice
Authors: Giner Elisa , Recio M. Carmen , Ríos José Luis , Cerdá‐Nicolás José Miguel , Giner Rosa María
Published: September 2015

Scope

The main phenolic secoiridoid oleuropein and active constituent from olive tree (Olea europaea, Oleaceae), has demonstrated anti‐inflammatory properties in intestinal inflammation and anti‐tumoral effects in different cancer cells. In this study, we evaluated the chemoprevention of oleuropein in a model of azoxymethane (AOM)/Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colorectal cancer (CRC) in C57BL/6 mice and the modulatory effect on the Th17 response in DSS acute colitis.

Methods and results

Oleuropein protected from AOM/DSS‐induced CRC by improving clinical symptoms, disease activity index score as well as suppressed the growth and multiplicity of colonic tumors. Treatment with oleuropein reduced intestinal IL‐6, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, and IL‐17A concentration, and decreased cyclooxygenase‐2, Bax and proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein expression. Western blot analysis also showed a markedly downregulation of CRC‐related pathways as nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), Wnt/β‐catenin, phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (P3IK)/Akt, and signal transducer and activators of transcription (STAT)3. In DSS acute model, oleuropein inhibited Th17 response, by decreasing CD4+Rorγt+ IL‐17+ IFN‐γ+ T‐cell subsets in the lamina propria, as well as IL‐17A and IFN‐γ expression.

Conclusion

Oleuropein as a dietary supplementation could be a promising protective agent against colitis‐associated CRC.
A semiflexible 64‐channel receive‐only phased array for pediatric body MRI at 3T
Authors: Zhang Tao , Grafendorfer Thomas , Cheng Joseph Y. , Ning Peigang , Rainey Bob , Giancola Mark , Ortman Sarah , Robb Fraser J. , Calderon Paul D. , Hargreaves Brian A. , Lustig Michael , Scott Greig C. , Pauly John M. , Vasanawala Shreyas S.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To design, construct, and validate a semiflexible 64‐channel receive‐only phased array for pediatric body MRI at 3T.

Methods

A 64‐channel receive‐only phased array was developed and constructed. The designed flexible coil can easily conform to different patient sizes with nonoverlapping coil elements in the transverse plane. It can cover a field of view of up to 44 × 28 cm2 and removes the need for coil repositioning for body MRI patients with multiple clinical concerns. The 64‐channel coil was compared with a 32‐channel standard coil for signal‐to‐noise ratio and parallel imaging performances on different phantoms. With IRB approval and informed consent/assent, the designed coil was validated on 21 consecutive pediatric patients.

Results

The pediatric coil provided higher signal‐to‐noise ratio than the standard coil on different phantoms, with the averaged signal‐to‐noise ratio gain at least 23% over a depth of 7 cm along the cross‐section of phantoms. It also achieved better parallel imaging performance under moderate acceleration factors. Good image quality (average score 4.6 out of 5) was achieved using the developed pediatric coil in the clinical studies.

Conclusion

A 64‐channel semiflexible receive‐only phased array has been developed and validated to facilitate high quality pediatric body MRI at 3T. Magn Reson Med 76:1015–1021, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sodium MRI radiofrequency coils for body imaging
Authors: Bangerter Neal K. , Kaggie Joshua D. , Taylor Meredith D. , Hadley J. Rock
Published: September 2015

The proliferation of high‐field whole‐body systems, advances in gradient performance and refinement of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR)‐efficient short‐TE sequences suitable for sodium imaging have led to a resurgence of interest in sodium imaging for body applications. With this renewed interest has come increased demand for SNR‐efficient sodium coils. Efficient coils can significantly increase SNR in sodium imaging, allowing higher resolutions and/or shorter scan times. In this work, we focus on body imaging applications of sodium MRI, and review developments in MRI radiofrequency (RF) coil topologies for sodium imaging. We first provide a brief discussion of RF coil design considerations in sodium imaging. This is followed by an overview of common coil topologies, their advantages and disadvantages, and examples of each. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metaheuristics for a job scheduling problem with smoothing costs relevant for the car industry
Authors: Respen Jean , Zufferey Nicolas , Amaldi Edoardo
Published: September 2015

We study a new multiobjective job scheduling problem on nonidentical machines with applications in the car industry, inspired by the problem proposed by the car manufacturer Renault in the ROADEF 2005 Challenge. Makespan, smoothing costs and setup costs are minimized following a lexicographic order, where smoothing costs are used to balance resource utilization. We first describe a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) formulation and a network interpretation as a variant of the well‐known vehicle routing problem. We then propose and compare several solution methods, ranging from greedy procedures to a tabu search and an adaptive memory algorithm. For small instances (with up to 40 jobs) whose MILP formulation can be solved to optimality, tabu search provides remarkably good solutions. The adaptive memory algorithm, using tabu search as an intensification procedure, turns out to yield the best results for large instances. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 67(3), 246–261 2016
Effects of silane coupling agents on tribological properties of bentonite/nitrile butadiene rubber composites
Authors: Ge Xin , Zhang Yinhang , Deng Fei , Cho Ur Ryong
Published: September 2015

In this work, effects of silane coupling agents on the tribological properties of bentonite/nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) composites were investigated. The composites were fabricated with a facile method. Three silane coupling agents, (3‐mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS), bis[3‐(triethoxysilyl)propyl]tetrasulfide (TESPT) and [3‐(2‐aminoethylamino)propyl]triethoxysilane (AEAPTMS) were employed in our research. The short sulfur bonds formed between MPTMS and macromolecules in the matrices limited the extension of the contact interface between rubber matrices and glass plate, which contributed to the reduction in friction coefficient. With TESPT and AEAPTMS, the adhesion force of the composites was remarkably reinforced, further leading to the increase in friction coefficient. In the wear test, bentonite/silane/NBR composites showed better wear resistance compared to the specimens fabricated without silanes. By investigation on the morphological features of the worn surfaces, different wear mechanisms for composites with/without silane coupling agents were illustrated in detail. Generally, the effects of silanes to adhesion force, hysteresis loss ratio, and hardness all contributed to the friction coefficients of the composites. In wear test, the effects of the silanes on hysteresis force were prominent. Incorporated with MPTMS, the composite showed poor wear resistance due to its high hysteresis loss ratio. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2347–2357, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of coupling agent on crystallization and rheological properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) composite masterbatches
Authors: Jiang Zhaohui , Guo Zengge , Pu Congcong , Jia Zhao , Xiao Changfa , Jin Jian
Published: September 2015

Poly(ethylene terephthalate)/carbon black/coupling agent composite masterbatches were fabricated using separate feeding technique. The effect of coupling agent on crystallization of composite masterbatches was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The results show that the strong interfacial interaction among poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), coupling agent and carbon black hinders chains mobility in process of PET crystallization, which is illustrated by interfical structure model. Whereas, the crystallinity of composite masterbatch increases due to uniform dispersion of carbon black modified by coupling agent. Activation energy of viscous flow of the composite masterbatches is closer to that of virgin PET, so the spinning parameters can be controlled according to each other. Besides, structural viscosity index of composite masterbatches is greater due to strong interfacial interaction among PET, coupling agent and carbon black. Thus, in order to smooth spinning, the composite masterbatches need greater shear rate compared with PET/carbon black masterbatch. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2358–2367, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Matrix metalloproteinase‐9‐dependent mechanisms of reduced contractility and increased stiffness in the aging heart
Authors: Padmanabhan Iyer Rugmani , Chiao Ying Ann , Flynn Elizabeth R. , Hakala Kevin , Cates Courtney A. , Weintraub Susan T. , de Castro Brás Lisandra E.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) collectively degrade all extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Of the MMPs, MMP‐9 has the strongest link to the development of cardiac dysfunction. Aging associates with increased MMP‐9 expression in the left ventricle (LV) and reduced cardiac function. We investigated the effect of MMP‐9 deletion on the cardiac ECM in aged animals.

Experimental design

We used male and female middle‐aged (10‐ to16‐month old) and old (20‐ to 24‐month old) wild‐type (WT) and MMP‐9 null mice (n = 6/genotype/age). LVs were decellularized to remove highly abundant mitochondrial proteins that could mask identification of relative lower abundant components, analyzed by shotgun proteomics, and proteins of interest validated by immunoblot.

Results

Elastin microfibril interface‐located protein 1 (EMILIN‐1) decreased with age in WT (p < 0.05), but not in MMP‐9 null. EMILIN‐1 promotes integrin‐dependent cell adhesion and EMILIN‐1 deficiency has been associated with vascular stiffening. Talin‐2, a cytoskeletal protein, was elevated with age in WT (p < 0.05), and MMP‐9 deficiency blunted this increase. Talin‐2 is highly expressed in adult cardiac myocytes, transduces mechanical force to the ECM, and is activated by increases in substrate stiffness. Our results suggest that MMP‐9 deletion may reduce age‐related myocardial stiffness, which may explain improved cardiac function in MMP‐9 null animals.

Conclusions

We identified age‐related changes in the cardiac proteome that are MMP‐9 dependent, suggesting MMP‐9 as a possible therapeutic target for the aging patient.
Oxidative stress promotes benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Vital Paz , Castro Patricia , Ittmann Michael
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is characterized by increased tissue mass in the transition zone of the prostate, which leads to obstruction of urine outflow and significant morbidity in the majority of older men. Plasma markers of oxidative stress are increased in men with BPH but it is unclear whether oxidative stress and/or oxidative DNA damage are causal in the pathogenesis of BPH.

METHODS

Levels of 8‐OH deoxyguanosine (8‐OH dG), a marker of oxidative stress, were measured in prostate tissues from normal transition zone and BPH by ELISA. 8‐OH dG was also detected in tissues by immunohistochemistry and staining quantitated by image analysis. Nox4 promotes the formation of reactive oxygen species. We therefore created and characterized transgenic mice with prostate specific expression of Nox4 under the control of the prostate specific ARR2PB promoter.

RESULTS

Human BPH tissues contained significantly higher levels of 8‐OH dG than control transition zone tissues and the levels of 8‐OH dG were correlated with prostate weight. Cells with 8‐OH dG staining were predominantly in the epithelium and were present in a patchy distribution. The total fraction of epithelial staining with 8‐OH dG was significantly increased in BPH tissues by image analysis. The ARR2PB‐Nox4 mice had increased oxidative DNA damage in the prostate, increased prostate weight, increased epithelial proliferation, and histological changes including epithelial proliferation, stromal thickening, and fibrosis when compared to wild type controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage are important in the pathogenesis of BPH. Prostate 76:58–67, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relating Chemical Structure to Cellular Response: An Integrative Analysis of Gene Expression, Bioactivity, and Structural Data Across 11,000 Compounds
Authors: Chen B , Greenside P , Paik H , Sirota M , Hadley D , Butte AJ
Published: September 2015

A central premise in systems pharmacology is that structurally similar compounds have similar cellular responses; however, this principle often does not hold. One of the most widely used measures of cellular response is gene expression. By integrating gene expression data from Library of Integrated Network‐based Cellular Signatures (LINCS) with chemical structure and bioactivity data from PubChem, we performed a large‐scale correlation analysis of chemical structures and gene expression profiles of over 11,000 compounds taking into account confounding factors such as biological conditions (e.g., cell line, dose) and bioactivities. We found that structurally similar compounds do indeed yield similar gene expression profiles. There is an ∼20% chance that two structurally similar compounds (Tanimoto Coefficient ≥ 0.85) share significantly similar gene expression profiles. Regardless of structural similarity, two compounds tend to share similar gene expression profiles in a cell line when they are administrated at a higher dose or when the cell line is sensitive to both compounds.
Variational methods for fitting complex Bayesian mixed effects models to health data
Authors: Lee Cathy Yuen Yi , Wand Matt P.
Published: September 2015

We consider approximate inference methods for Bayesian inference to longitudinal and multilevel data within the context of health science studies. The complexity of these grouped data often necessitates the use of sophisticated statistical models. However, the large size of these data can pose significant challenges for model fitting in terms of computational speed and memory storage. Our methodology is motivated by a study that examines trends in cesarean section rates in the largest state of Australia, New South Wales, between 1994 and 2010. We propose a group‐specific curve model that encapsulates the complex nonlinear features of the overall and hospital‐specific trends in cesarean section rates while taking into account hospital variability over time. We use penalized spline‐based smooth functions that represent trends and implement a fully mean field variational Bayes approach to model fitting. Our mean field variational Bayes algorithms allow a fast (up to the order of thousands) and streamlined analytical approximate inference for complex mixed effects models, with minor degradation in accuracy compared with the standard Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epigenetic Control of Apolipoprotein E Expression Mediates Gender-Specific Hematopoietic Regulation
Authors: Vasanthakumar Aparna , Zullow Hayley , Lepore Janet B. , Thomas Kenya , Young Natalie , Anastasi John , Reardon Catherine A. , Godley Lucy A.
Published: September 2015

Epigenetic alterations play a central role in the control of normal and malignant blood cell development. We demonstrate here that expression of a truncated DNA methyltransferase 3B isoform DNMT3B7, which has been shown to alter cellular epigenetic patterns, decreases the overall number of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), and markedly diminishes blood cell reconstitution within the female hormonal microenvironment. Gene expression profiling of HSPCs isolated from DNMT3B7 transgenic embryos identified Apolipoprotein E (Apoe) as overexpressed. The CpG island controlling Apoe expression had lower levels of modified cytosines in DNMT3B7 transgenic HSPCs, corresponding with the observed increase in gene expression. Furthermore, we observed that spleens and bone marrows of female mice transplanted with DNMT3B7 transgenic HSPCs express very high levels of Apoe. Finally, the introduction of Apoe-overexpressing HSPCs into male recipients decreased bone marrow engraftment, recapitulating our original observations in female recipients. Our work reveals a dynamic interplay between the intrinsic epigenetic changes in HSPCs and extrinsic endocrine factors acting on these cells to regulate the efficiency of HSPC engraftment and reconstitution. We have identified a novel mechanism by which gender-specific hormones modulate HSPC function, which could serve as a target for augmenting hematopoiesis in cases with limited HSC functionality. Stem Cells  2015;33:3643–3654
Loss of Endometrial Plasticity in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Lucas Emma S. , Dyer Nigel P. , Murakami Keisuke , Hou Lee Yie , Chan Yi-Wah , Grimaldi Giulia , Muter Joanne , Brighton Paul J. , Moore Jonathan D. , Patel Gnyaneshwari , Chan Jerry K.Y. , Takeda Satoru , Lam Eric W-F. , Quenby Siobhan , Ott Sascha , Brosens Jan J.
Published: September 2015

Menstruation drives cyclic activation of endometrial progenitor cells, tissue regeneration, and maturation of stromal cells, which differentiate into specialized decidual cells prior to and during pregnancy. Aberrant responsiveness of human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) to deciduogenic cues is strongly associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), suggesting a defect in cellular maturation. MeDIP-seq analysis of HESCs did not reveal gross perturbations in CpG methylation in RPL cultures, although quantitative differences were observed in or near genes that are frequently deregulated in vivo. However, RPL was associated with a marked reduction in methylation of defined CA-rich motifs located throughout the genome but enriched near telomeres. Non-CpG methylation is a hallmark of cellular multipotency. Congruently, we demonstrate that RPL is associated with a deficiency in endometrial clonogenic cell populations. Loss of epigenetic stemness features also correlated with intragenic CpG hypomethylation and reduced expression of HMGB2, coding high mobility group protein 2. We show that knockdown of this sequence-independent chromatin protein in HESCs promotes senescence and impairs decidualization, exemplified by blunted time-dependent secretome changes. Our findings indicate that stem cell deficiency and accelerated stromal senescence limit the differentiation capacity of the endometrium and predispose for pregnancy failure.

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Pyrolysis and flammability behavior of long (Glass fiber)‐Reinforced polyamide 6 by aluminum alkylphosphinate‐based flame retardants in combination with organic montmorillonite
Authors: He Wentao , Zhu Huan , Zhang Pengcheng , Xiang Yushu , Zhou Ying , Qin Shuhao , Yu Jie
Published: September 2015

The pyrolysis and flammability behavior of long (glass fiber)‐reinforced polyamide 6 containing aluminum alkylphosphinate‐based flame retardant in conjunction with montmorillonite or organic montmorillonite (OMMT) were investigated by using thermal gravimetry, limiting oxygen index, vertical burning test, and cone calorimeter measurements. The results revealed that the incorporation of OMMT in (aluminum alkylphosphinate)‐containing long (glass fiber)‐reinforced polyamide 6 did not significantly affect the thermal stability; however, they showed an obvious synergy on the char yield. The components from the flame retardant, especially phosphorus, acted in the gas phase and condensed phase simultaneously. Substitution of part of flame retardants with OMMT helped keep more phosphorus in the solid phase at the expense of gas‐phase activity, as demonstrated in scanning electron microscopy‐energy‐dispersive X‐ray characterization of the residue. This substitution constructed an impermeable barrier on the burning surface, which was responsible for the improvements in the vertical burning test classification and limiting oxygen index test. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:27–36, 2018. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Chamberlain and Appeasement
Authors: Parker Robert
Published: September 2015

This book provides a fresh and original approach to a controversial episode in British history, Chamberlain's policy of 'appeasement' towards Hitler's Germany. Written directly from primary archival sources, Alastair Parker's account offers the student new perspectives on the man who dominated the making of British policy before and after his 'triumph' at Munich in September 1938 - Neville Chamberlain. This study considers his personality, his aims and his methods and the opposition to him from men both within and outside his party.
Sequence and structure-based comparative analysis to assess, identify and improve the thermostability of penicillin G acylases
Authors: Panigrahi Priyabrata , Chand Deepak , Mukherji Ruchira , Ramasamy Sureshkumar , Suresh C G
Published: September 2015

Penicillin acylases are enzymes employed by the pharmaceutical industry for the manufacture of semi-synthetic penicillins. There is a continuous demand for thermostable and alkalophilic enzymes in such applications. We have carried out a computational analysis of known penicillin G acylases (PGAs) in terms of their thermostable nature using various protein-stabilizing factors. While the presence of disulfide bridges was considered initially to screen putative thermostable PGAs from the database, various other factors such as high arginine to lysine ratio, less content of thermolabile amino acids, presence of proline in β-turns, more number of ion-pair and other non-bonded interactions were also considered for comparison. A modified consensus approach designed could further identify stabilizing residue positions by site-specific comparison between mesostable and thermostable PGAs. A most likely thermostable enzyme identified from the analysis was PGA from Paracoccus denitrificans (PdPGA). This was cloned, expressed and tested for its thermostable nature using biochemical and biophysical experiments. The consensus site-specific sequence-based approach predicted PdPGA to be more thermostable than Escherichia coli PGA, but not as thermostable as the PGA from Achromobacter xylosoxidans. Experimental data showed that PdPGA was comparatively less thermostable than Achromobacter xylosoxidans PGA, although thermostability factors favored a much higher stability. Despite being mesostable, PdPGA being active and stable at alkaline pH is an advantage. Finally, several residue positions could be identified in PdPGA, which upon mutation selectively could improve the thermostability of the enzyme.
Assessment of the Readability of Genetic Counseling Patient Letters
Authors: Brown Emily , Skinner Megan , Ashley Stephanie , Reed Kate , Dixon Shannan DeLany
Published: September 2015

Patient letters are a powerful tool that genetic counselors use to communicate with their patients. Patient letters are often sent to provide information on a new diagnosis, reiterate test results, and to serve as a permanent record of the visit. Patient letters, however, are only helpful if the patients can understand them. More than 50 % of the US population reads below a 9th grade reading level and over one‐third of the population has low health literacy skills. In this study we evaluate the readability of genetic counseling patient letters by assessing reading level, image use, and terminology use. One hundred forty‐nine genetic counselors participated in the survey and of these, 79 submitted a sample patient letter. Analyses of the letters revealed a mean reading level of 10.93. On average, 6 genetic terms were included in each letter, and only 25 % of these terms were defined. Analyses of survey responses revealed over 75 % of the genetic counselors did not include images in their patient letters. These results indicate there is room for improvement in order to make genetic counseling patient letters more accessible to the general population.