bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary JIRAM results from Juno polar observations: 1. Methodology and analysis applied to the Jovian northern polar region
Authors: Dinelli B. M. , Fabiano F. , Adriani A. , Altieri F. , Moriconi M. L. , Mura A. , Sindoni G. , Filacchione G. , Tosi F. , Migliorini A. , Grassi D. , Piccioni G. , Noschese R. , Cicchetti A. , Bolton S. J. , Connerney J. E. P. , Atreya S. K. , Bagenal F. , Gladstone G. R. , Hansen C. J. , Kurth W. S. , Levin S. M. , Mauk B. H. , McComas D. J. , Gèrard J.‐C. , Turrini D. , Stefani S. , Amoroso M. , Olivieri A.
Published: June 2017

During the first orbit around Jupiter of the NASA/Juno mission, the Jovian Auroral Infrared Mapper (JIRAM) instrument observed the auroral regions with a large number of measurements. The measured spectra show both the emission of the
ion and of methane in the 3–4 μm spectral region. In this paper we describe the analysis method developed to retrieve temperature and column density (CD) of the
ion from JIRAM spectra in the northern auroral region. The high spatial resolution of JIRAM shows an asymmetric aurora, with CD and temperature ovals not superimposed and not exactly located where models and previous observations suggested. On the main oval averaged
CDs span between 1.8 × 1012 cm−2 and 2.8 × 1012 cm−2, while the retrieved temperatures show values between 800 and 950 K. JIRAM indicates a complex relationship among
CDs and temperatures on the Jupiter northern aurora.
Rapid development of thickness‐controllable superamphiphobic coating on the inner wall of long narrow pipes
Authors: Hu Ziyi , Wang Huaiyuan , Zhu Yixing , Zhu Yanji
Published: June 2017

A novel electrochemical technique had been introduced to prepare nanocrystalline superamphiphobic coatings inside of narrow pipes of significant length. The axially propagated ultrasound was utilized to ensure the scaling‐up potential of this technique. The coating had strong mechanical strength, durability in low/high pH solutions and the potential of controlling its thickness while preserving a stable nonwetting performance. In addition, the properties of anti‐scaling and drag reduction under the flowing circumstance had been demonstrated. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 3636–3641, 2017
Feasible separation regions for distillation II: A generalized distillation limit
Authors: Krolikowski Lechoslaw J.
Published: June 2017

The boundary of the feasible separation region consists of several curves that are related to specific types of operating modes of the column. Some of these curves create a well‐known product composition multitude, whereas other curves form a generalized distillation limit. The generalized distillation limit demarcates the sloppy splits (i.e., separations in which the composition of at least one product lies inside the composition space) from regions not accessible by distillation and depends on the thermodynamic state of the feed (a mixture of vapor and liquid in equilibrium or saturated vapor/liquid) and column equipment (total/partial condenser and total/partial reboiler). The mathematical equations describing the generalized distillation limit are obtained based on the relationships between the curves (which form the generalized distillation limit) and specific types of operating modes of the column as well as the material balances for the enriching and stripping columns. Furthermore, the vapor and liquid pinch‐point curves, which go through the feed composition point, are not dependent on the thermodynamic state of the feed and column equipment. In addition, an algorithm for determining the generalized distillation limit is obtained. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2017
History of consolidation is prognostic in acute myeloid leukemia patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in minimal residual disease‐negative first complete remission
Authors: Rashidi Armin , Linden Michael A. , DeFor Todd E. , Warlick Erica , Bejanyan Nelli , Yohe Sophia , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Ustun Celalettin
Published: June 2017

Background

Prognostic factors among acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT) in minimal residual disease (MRD)‐negative first complete remission (CR1) are unknown. We retrospectively attempted to answer the following question: In AML patients undergoing allo‐HCT in MRD‐negative CR1, does a history of prior consolidation provide additional prognostic information?

Methods

The inclusion criteria were: (i) Age > 18 years, (ii) AML in CR1 after 1‐2 cycles of intensive induction chemotherapy, with or without consolidation, (iii) Allo‐HCT between 1/2003 and 4/2016 at our institution, (iv) Available standard‐sensitivity 4‐color flow cytometry results from a bone marrow aspiration at diagnosis and after completion of all previous chemotherapy within one month prior to HCT, (v) Flow cytometry‐based MRD‐negative status at the time of HCT.

Results

A history of prior consolidation was associated with favorable overall survival (Hazard Ratio [95% Confidence Interval]: 0.59 [0.35‐0.99], P = .046), relapse‐free survival (0.60 [0.37‐0.96], P = .036), and relapse (0.50 [0.27‐0.92], P = .025). Analysis of potential sources of bias was unrevealing.

Conclusions

In AML patients undergoing allo‐HCT in MRD‐negative CR1, a history of prior consolidation was associated with favorable outcomes. If the path to pre‐HCT MRD negativity includes consolidation, it may identify patients with improved prognosis following HCT in MRD‐negative state. These results warrant validation in larger cohorts.
Sickle cells produce functional immune modulators and cytotoxics
Authors: Sun Chiao‐Wang , Wu Li‐Chen , Knopick Peter L. , Bradley David S. , Townes Tim , Terman David S.
Published: June 2017

Sickle erythrocytes' (SSRBCs) unique physical adaptation to hypoxic conditions renders them able to home to hypoxic tumor niches in vivo, shut down tumor blood flow and induce tumoricidal responses. SSRBCs are also useful vehicles for transport of encapsulated drugs and oncolytic virus into hypoxic tumors with enhanced anti‐tumor effects. In search of additional modes for arming sickle cells with cytotoxics, we turned to a lentiviral β‐globin vector with optimized Locus Control Region/β‐globin coding region/promoter/enhancers. We partially replaced the β‐globin coding region of this vector with genes encoding T cell cytolytics, perforin and granzyme or immune modulating superantigens SEG and SEI. These modified vectors efficiently transduced Sca+ckit‐Lin‐ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from humanized sickle cell knockin mice. Irradiated mice reconstituted with these HSCs displayed robust expression of transgenic RNAs and proteins in host sickle cells that was sustained for more than 10 months. SSRBCs from reconstituted mice harboring SEG/SEI transgenes induced robust proliferation and a prototypical superantigen‐induced cytokine reaction when exposed to human CD4+/CD8+ cells. The β‐globin lentiviral vector therefore produces a high level of functional, erythroid‐specific immune modulators and cytotoxics that circulate without toxicity. Coupled with their unique ability to target and occlude hypoxic tumor vessels these armed SSRBCs constitute a potentially useful tool for treatment of solid tumors.
Practitioners' perspectives on how supervision training has impacted their practice
Authors: van Ooijen Els , Spencer Lesley
Published: June 2017

Aim

This study investigated the perceived impact on practitioners of undertaking a postgraduate diploma in consultative supervision.

Method

Fourteen students, undertaking a postgraduate course in supervision, consented to having six ‘end‐of‐teaching unit’ reflections analysed anonymously, using thematic content analysis (Burnard, Gill, Stewart, Treasure & Chadwick, 2008).

Conclusions

The results showed that supervision training prompted experienced counsellors and psychotherapists to reflect on their development, with perceived positive effects on their supervision and therapy practice. Participants also reported an increased awareness of organisational context and the impact of differences between culture, gender and class (Lago, 2006). Further research is required to ascertain whether these results pertain to different types of supervision training.
Facile Formation of Nanodisk‐Shaped Orthorhombic SnS Layers from SnS2 Particles for Photoelectrocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Patel Malkeshkumar , Yu Xiaomei , Kim Yu Kwon , Kim Joondong
Published: June 2017

SnS has a great potential for use as a photocatalyst for the production of chemical fuels out of sunlight. For the use of it as a photocatalyst, a fast and reliable method of fabricating pure layered crystalline SnS is required. Here, we present a simple and efficient method of fabricating high‐quality SnS layers as a thin film on various substrates such as Si, quartz, glass and FTO. The nanodisk‐shaped p‐type SnS films are obtained starting from SnS2 via a one‐step process involving phase dissociation and sulfur reduction. The prepared SnS films show interesting thickness‐dependent physical properties such as optical band gap, absorption coefficient and flat band potential, which suggest the possibility of tuning its property by controlling the thickness. Especially, the SnS films with the thickness of 20 nm or less show an enhanced absorption above the band gap and an increased free carrier concentration. With such advantageous photoresponsive properties, we observed a good hydrogen production activity (order of 100 μmol h−1 cm−2) from the thin SnS films under photoelectrocatalytic reaction conditions. The measured efficiency in hydrogen evolution is explained from a favorable band alignment as well as the good photoresponse of the film. Combined with the facile fabrication of high‐quality thin SnS films, our analysis shows that nanodisk‐shaped SnS is a promising material for a future development of photocatalytic production of hydrogen as a chemical fuel.
Enhancing Perovskite Electrocatalysis of Solid Oxide Cells Through Controlled Exsolution of Nanoparticles
Authors: Hua Bin , Li Meng , Sun Yi‐Fei , Li Jian‐Hui , Luo Jing‐Li
Published: June 2017

Perovskite oxides have received a great deal of attention as promising electrodes in both solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and solid oxide electrolyzer cells (SOECs) because of their reasonable reactivity, impurity tolerance, and tunable properties. In particular, exploration is still required for improving perovskite electrodes, which normally suffer from slow kinetics in electrocatalysis. Experimental studies have led to the development of new classes of perovskites with advanced characteristics and electrode kinetics at technical levels. In parallel with those developments, achievements in theoretical and computational studies have led to substantial understanding, at the atomic level, of their physicochemical properties and electrocatalytic behaviors. Their chemical and structural flexibilities enable perovskites to accommodate most metallic elements without destroying their complex matrix structures, thereby delivering a pathway to engineer their catalytic properties. In this Minireview, recent advances in perovskite electrodes are introduced, and perovskites with exsolved nanoparticles are discussed as enhanced electrocatalytic materials.
The interference of genetic associations in establishing the prognostic value of the immunophenotype in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: van Solinge Thomas S. , Zeijlemaker Wendelien , Ossenkoppele Gert J. , Cloos Jacqueline , Schuurhuis Gerrit J.
Published: June 2017

Background

In acute myeloid leukemia controversy exists about the role of immunophenotyping of the blasts at diagnosis as a potential prognostic factor.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed immunophenotypic marker expression on blasts in relation to genetic aberrancies and survival data of 684 patients. All patients were included in different studies from the HOVON/SAKK Consortium.

Results

Markers CD2, CD7, CD11b, CD19, CD22, and CD56 all appeared to be associated with one or more established prognostic genetic aberrancies. In the overall population, differences in univariate survival analyses were observed for CD2, CD11b, and CD22. After correcting these survival differences for currently used risk profile data, only CD11b expression remained of prognostic value for poor overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS). CD11b expression turned out to be an independent factor for poor OS and EFS in the subgroup of patients who lacked cytogenetic and molecular aberrancies.

Conclusions

In this study, we demonstrate that associations between immunophenotypic markers and genetic aberrancies interfere with the prognostic properties of immunophenotypic markers. Such may account for most of the previously reported prognostic impact of these markers. Only CD11b expression remained as an independent prognostic marker. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Influences of placental growth factor on mouse retinal vascular development
Authors: Kay Vanessa R. , Tayade Chandrakant , Carmeliet Peter , Croy B. Anne
Published: June 2017

Background: Placental growth factor (PGF) is important for wound‐healing and vascular collaterogenesis. PGF deficiency is associated with preeclampsia, a hypertensive disease of human pregnancy. Offspring born to preeclamptic mothers display cognitive impairments and brain vascular and neurostructural deviations. Low PGF production during development may contribute to alterations in offspring cerebrovascular beds. Retina is a readily accessible part of the central nervous system with a well‐described pattern of vascular development in mice. Impacts of PGF deficiency were addressed during mouse retinal vascularization. Results: Retinal vessels were compared between Pgf‐/‐ and congenic C57BL/6 (B6) mice. PGF deficiency altered neonatal retinal vascularization patterns. Some anatomic alterations persisted into adulthood, particularly in males. Greater arterial wall collagen IV expression was found in adult Pgf‐/‐ females. Pregnancy (studied in adult females at gestational days 11.5 or 18.5) induced subtle changes upon the mother's retinal vasculature but these pregnancy‐induced changes did not differ between genotypes. Significant sex‐related differences occurred between adult male and female B6 although sexually dimorphic retinal vascular differences were absent in B6 neonates. Conclusions: Overall, PGF has a role in retinal vascular angiogenesis and vessel organization during development but does not affect retinal vessel adaptations in adult females during pregnancy. Developmental Dynamics 246:700–712, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Timing and pattern of annual silver eel migration in two European watersheds are determined by similar cues
Authors: Sandlund Odd Terje , Diserud Ola H. , Poole Russell , Bergesen Knut , Dillane Mary , Rogan Gerard , Durif Caroline , Thorstad Eva B. , Vøllestad Leif Asbjørn
Published: June 2017

Many animals perform long‐distance migrations in order to maximize lifetime reproductive success. The European eel migrates several thousand kilometers between their feeding habitats in continental waters (fresh‐, brackish, and sea water) and their spawning area in the Sargasso Sea. Eels residing in freshwaters usually initiate their spawning migration as silver eels during autumn, triggered by diverse environmental cues. We analyzed the time series of silver eel downstream migration in Burrishoole, Ireland (1971–2015), and Imsa, Norway (1975–2015), to examine factors regulating the silver eel migration from freshwater to the sea. The migration season (90% of the run) generally lasted from 1 August to 30 November. Environmental factors acting in the months before migration impacted timing and duration of migration, likely through influencing the internal processes preparing the fish for migration. Once the migration had started, environmental factors impacted the day‐to‐day variation in number of migrants, apparently stimulating migration among those eels ready for migration. Both the day‐to‐day variation in the number of migrants and the onset of migration were described by nearly identical models in the two rivers. Variables explaining day‐to‐day variation were all associated with conditions that may minimize predation risk; number of migrants was reduced under a strong moon and short nights and increased during high and increasing water levels. Presence of other migrants stimulated migration, which further indicates that silver eel migration has evolved to minimize predation risk. The onset of migration was explained mainly by water levels in August. The models for duration of the migration season were less similar between the sites. Thus, the overall migration season seems governed by the need to reach the spawning areas in a synchronized manner, while during the actual seaward migration, antipredator behavior seems of overriding importance.
Fluctuating effects of genetic and plastic changes in body mass on population dynamics in a large herbivore
Authors: Pigeon Gabriel , Ezard Thomas H. G. , Festa‐Bianchet Marco , Coltman David W. , Pelletier Fanie
Published: June 2017

Recent studies suggest that evolutionary changes can occur on a contemporary time scale. Hence, evolution can influence ecology and vice‐versa. To understand the importance of eco‐evolutionary dynamics in population dynamics, we must quantify the relative contribution of ecological and evolutionary changes to population growth and other ecological processes. To date, however, most eco‐evolutionary dynamics studies have not partitioned the relative contribution of plastic and evolutionary changes in traits on population, community, and ecosystem processes. Here, we quantify the effects of heritable and non‐heritable changes in body mass distribution on survival, recruitment, and population growth in wild bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and compare their importance to the effects of changes in age structure, population density, and weather. We applied a combination of a pedigree‐based quantitative genetics model, statistical analyses of demography, and a new statistical decomposition technique, the Geber method, to a long‐term data set of bighorn sheep on Ram Mountain (Canada), monitored individually from 1975 to 2012. We show three main results: (1) The relative importance of heritable change in mass, non‐heritable change in mass, age structure, density, and climate on population growth rate changed substantially over time. (2) An increase in body mass was accompanied by an increase in population growth through higher survival and recruitment rate. (3) Over the entire study period, changes in the body mass distribution of ewes, mostly through non‐heritable changes, affected population growth to a similar extent as changes in age structure or in density. The importance of evolutionary changes was small compared to that of other drivers of changes in population growth but increased with time as evolutionary changes accumulated. Evolutionary changes became increasingly important for population growth as the length of the study period considered increased. Our results highlight the complex ways in which ecological and evolutionary changes can affect population dynamics and illustrate the large potential effect of trait changes on population processes.
Three lessons for genetic toxicology from baseball analytics
Authors: Dertinger Stephen D.
Published: June 2017

In many respects the evolution of baseball statistics mirrors advances made in the field of genetic toxicology. From its inception, baseball and statistics have been inextricably linked. Generations of players and fans have used a number of relatively simple measurements to describe team and individual player's current performance, as well as for historical record‐keeping purposes. Over the years, baseball analytics has progressed in several important ways. Early advances were based on deriving more meaningful metrics from simpler forerunners. Now, technological innovations are delivering much deeper insights. Videography, radar, and other advances that include automatic player recognition capabilities provide the means to measure more complex and useful factors. Fielders' reaction times, efficiency of the route taken to reach a batted ball, and pitch‐framing effectiveness come to mind. With the current availability of complex measurements from multiple data streams, multifactorial analyses occurring via machine learning algorithms have become necessary to make sense of the terabytes of data that are now being captured in every Major League Baseball game. Collectively, these advances have transformed baseball statistics from being largely descriptive in nature to serving data‐driven, predictive roles. Whereas genetic toxicology has charted a somewhat parallel course, a case can be made that greater utilization of baseball's mindset and strategies would serve our scientific field well. This paper describes three useful lessons for genetic toxicology, courtesy of the field of baseball analytics: seek objective knowledge; incorporate multiple data streams; and embrace machine learning. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:390–397, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Targeting histone deacetylase 4/ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme 9 impairs DNA repair for radiosensitization of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in mice
Authors: Tsai Chiao‐Ling , Liu Wei‐Lin , Hsu Feng‐Ming , Yang Po‐Sheng , Yen Ruoh‐Fang , Tzen Kai‐Yuan , Cheng Ann‐Lii , Chen Pei‐Jer , Cheng Jason Chia‐Hsien
Published: June 2017

Several strategies to improve the efficacy of radiation therapy against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been investigated. One approach is to develop radiosensitizing compounds. Because histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) is highly expressed in liver cancer and known to regulate oncogenesis through chromatin structure remodeling and controlling protein access to DNA, we postulated that HDAC4 inhibition might enhance radiation's effect on HCC cells. HCC cell lines (Huh7 and PLC5) and an ectopic xenograft were pretreated with HDAC inhibitor or short hairpin RNA to knock down expression of HDAC4 and then irradiated (2.5‐10.0 Gy). We evaluated cell survival by a clonogenic assay; apoptosis by Annexin V immunofluorescence; γH2AX, Rad51, and HDAC4 by immunofluorescence staining; HDAC4, Rad51, and ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme 9 (Ubc9) in HCC cell nuclei by cell fractionation and confocal microscopy; physical interaction between HDAC4/Rad51/Ubc9 by immunoprecipitation; and the downstream targets of HDAC4 knockdown by immunoblotting. Both HDAC4 knockdown and HDAC inhibitor enhanced radiation‐induced cell death and reduced homologous recombination repair of DNA double‐strand breaks and protein kinase B activation, leading to increased apoptosis. HDAC4 knockdown with or without an HDAC inhibitor significantly delayed tumor growth in a radiation‐treated xenograft model. Radiation stimulated nuclear translocation of Rad51 in an HDAC4‐dependent manner and the binding of Ubc9 directly to HDAC4, which led to Ubc9 acetylation. Moreover, these effects were accompanied by HDAC4/Ubc9/Rad51 complex dissociation through inhibiting nuclear translocation. Conclusion: HDAC4 signaling blockade enhances radiation‐induced lethality in HCC cells and xenografts. These findings raise the possibility that HDAC4/Ubc9/Rad51 complex in DNA repair may be a target for radiosensitization of HCC. (Hepatology 2018;67:586‐599).
Argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1): A marker of unclassified hepatocellular adenoma and high bleeding risk
Authors: Henriet Elodie , Abou Hammoud Aya , Dupuy Jean‐William , Dartigues Benjamin , Ezzoukry Zakaria , Dugot‐Senant Nathalie , Leste‐Lasserre Thierry , Pallares‐Lupon Nestor , Nikolski Macha , Le Bail Brigitte , Blanc Jean‐Frédéric , Balabaud Charles , Bioulac‐Sage Paulette , Raymond Anne‐Aurélie , Saltel Frédéric
Published: June 2017

Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) are rare benign tumors divided into three main subgroups defined by pathomolecular features, HNF1A (H‐HCA), mutated β‐catenin (b‐HCA), and inflammatory (IHCA). In the case of unclassified HCAs (UHCAs), which are currently identified by default, a high risk of bleeding remains a clinical issue. The objective of this study was to explore UHCA proteome with the aim to identify specific biomarkers. Following dissection of the tumoral (T) and nontumoral (NT) tissue on formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded HCA tissue sections using laser capture methodology, we performed mass spectrometry analysis to compare T and NT protein expression levels in H‐HCA, IHCA, b‐HCA, UHCA, and focal nodular hyperplasia. Using this methodology, we searched for proteins which are specifically deregulated in UHCA. We demonstrate that proteomic profiles allow for discriminating known HCA subtypes through identification of classical biomarkers in each HCA subgroup. We observed specific up‐regulation of the arginine synthesis pathway associated with overexpression of argininosuccinate synthase (ASS1) and arginosuccinate lyase in UHCA. ASS1 immunohistochemistry identified all the UHCA, of which 64.7% presented clinical bleeding manifestations. Interestingly, we demonstrated that the significance of ASS1 was not restricted to UHCA, but also encompassed certain hemorrhagic cases in other HCA subtypes, particularly IHCA. Conclusion: ASS1 + HCA combined with a typical hematoxylin and eosin stain aspect defined a new HCA subgroup at a high risk of bleeding. (Hepatology 2017;66:2016–2028)
Alcohol abstinence in patients surviving an episode of alcoholic hepatitis: Prediction and impact on long‐term survival
Authors: Altamirano José , López‐Pelayo Hugo , Michelena Javier , Jones Patricia D. , Ortega Lluisa , Ginès Pere , Caballería Juan , Gual Antoni , Bataller Ramón , Lligoña Anna
Published: June 2017

Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is the most severe form of alcoholic liver disease. Most studies have focused on short‐term prognosis, whereas factors associated with long‐term survival are largely unknown. The aims of our study were to (1) determine the impact of complete abstinence from alcohol on long‐term survival and (2) identify prognostic factors at admission capable of predicting abstinence during long‐term follow‐up in patients with AH. One hundred forty‐two patients with biopsy‐proven AH that survived the first episode were included. Demographic, psychiatric, and biochemical variables at admission and drinking status during follow‐up were obtained. Cox regression, logistic regression, and classification and regression trees (CART) analyses were used for statistical analysis. Overall mortality was 38% with a median follow‐up of 55 months. During follow‐up, complete abstinence was reported in 39% and was associated with better long‐term survival (hazard ratio, 0.53; P = 0.03). After adjustment for baseline prognostic scoring systems (Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease and age, bilirubin, international normalized ratio, creatinine scores), complete abstinence was independently associated with survival (P < 0.05). Age and lack of past alcoholism treatments were independently associated with complete abstinence (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively) during follow‐up. CART analysis generated a simple and practical algorithm based on the combination of past alcoholism treatments and age. Using CART analysis, we stratified 2 subgroups of patients with high (65%) and low (26%‐29%) rates of complete abstinence after an episode of AH. Conclusion: Complete abstinence after an episode of AH positively impacts long‐term survival. The combination of 2 variables easily obtained at admission might be useful to predict long‐term abstinence after an episode of AH. Strategies aimed at promoting alcohol abstinence in these patients are necessary. (Hepatology 2017;66:1842–1853)
Genetic variants in microRNA‐binding sites of DNA repair genes as predictors of recurrence in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx
Authors: Zhu Lijun , Sturgis Erich M. , Zhang Hua , Lu Zhongming , Tao Ye , Wei Qingyi , Li Guojun
Published: June 2017

The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (SCCOP) continues to rise because of increasing rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Inherited polymorphisms in DNA repair pathways may influence the risk of SCCOP development and the prognosis of SCCOP. We sought to determine whether polymorphisms in microRNA (miRNA)‐binding sites within 3′‐untranslated regions (3'UTRs) of genes in DNA repair pathways modulate the risk of SCCOP recurrence. We evaluated the associations between nine such polymorphisms and SCCOP recurrence in 1,008 patients with incident SCCOP using the log‐rank test and multivariable Cox models. In an analysis of all the patients, patients with variant genotypes of BRCA1 rs12516 and RAD51 rs7180135 had better disease‐free survival (log‐rank, p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0003, respectively) and lower risk of SCCOP recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 0.5, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2–0.8, and HR, 0.5, 95% CI, 0.3–0.9, respectively) than patients with common homozygous genotypes of the two polymorphisms after multivariable adjustment. Moreover, in tumor HPV16‐positive patients, patients with variant genotypes of the same two polymorphisms also had better disease‐free survival (log‐rank, p = 0.004 and p = 0.003, respectively) and lower recurrence risk (HR, 0.2, 95% CI, 0.1–0.6, and HR, 0.2, 95% CI, 0.0–0.7, respectively) than patients with common homozygous genotypes of the two polymorphisms. No such significant associations were found for other polymorphisms. These findings support significant roles of BRCA1 rs12516 and RAD51 rs7180135 in modifying the risk of recurrence of SCCOP, particularly HPV16‐positive SCCOP. However, these results must be validated in larger studies.
Low‐thrombogenic fibrin‐heparin coating promotes in vitro endothelialization
Authors: Kaplan Ondřej , Hierlemann Teresa , Krajewski Stefanie , Kurz Julia , Nevoralová Martina , Houska Milan , Riedel Tomáš , Riedelová Zuzana , Zárubová Jana , Wendel Hans P. , Brynda Eduard
Published: June 2017

Long‐term performance of implanted cardiovascular grafts can be ensured if living endothelium overgrows their surface. Surface modifications to implants are therefore being sought that can encourage endothelialization while preventing thrombus formation until the natural endothelium is formed. In the present study, heparin was covalently attached to a fibrin mesh grown from a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) substrate surface by the catalytic action of surface immobilized thrombin on a fibrinogen solution. The coating prevented platelet activation, thrombin generation and clot formation, and reduced inflammatory reactions when exposed to fresh human whole blood circulating in a Chandler loop model. In addition, in vitro seeded human umbilical vein and human saphenous vein endothelial cells showed considerably enhanced attachment and proliferation on the coating. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2995–3005, 2017.
Comparative proteomics and protein profile related to phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in germinated Oryza sativa ‘KDML105’ and Thai brown rice ‘Mali Daeng’ for better nutritional value
Authors: Maksup Sarunyaporn , Pongpakpian Sarintip , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Cha‐Um Suriyan , Supaibulwatana Kanyaratt
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Brown rice (BR) and germinated brown rice (GBR) are considered as prime sources of carbohydrate and bioactive compounds for more than half of the populations worldwide. Several studies have reported on the proteomics of BR and GBR; however, the proteomic profiles related to the synthesis of bioactive compounds are less well documented. In the present study, BR and GBR were used in a comparative analysis of the proteomic and bioactive compound profiles for two famous Thai rice varieties: Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML) and Mali Daeng (MD).

RESULTS

The proteomes of KDML and MD revealed differences in the expression patterns of proteins after germination. Total phenolic compound content, anthocyanin contents and antioxidant activity of red rice MD was approximately 2.6‐, 2.2‐ and 9.2‐fold higher, respectively, compared to that of the white rice KDML. Moreover, GBR of MD showed higher total anthocyanin content and greater antioxidant activity, which is consistent with the increase expression of several proteins involved in the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds and protection against oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

Red rice MD exhibits higher nutrient values compared to white rice KDML and the appropriate germination of brown rice could represent a method for improving health‐related benefits. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Sexual Dimorphism in Umbilical Vein Blood Flow During the Second Half of Pregnancy: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Widnes Christian , Flo Kari , Wilsgaard Tom , Odibo Anthony O. , Acharya Ganesh
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To investigate gestational age–specific serial changes in umbilical vein (UV) volume blood flow during the second half of normal pregnancy and establish sex‐specific reference ranges.

Methods

This work was a prospective longitudinal study of singleton low‐risk pregnancies. The UV diameter and maximum blood flow velocity were serially measured by sonography at the intra‐abdominal portion of the UV over 19 to 41 weeks. Umbilical vein volume blood flow was calculated and normalized for estimated fetal weight.

Results

One hundred seventy‐nine women and their fetuses (87 male and 92 female) were included in the final analysis, and a total of 746 observations were used to construct sex‐specific reference intervals. We found no statistically significant sex‐specific differences in the UV parameters examined. However, the temporal development patterns of normalized UV volume blood flow appeared to differ between male and female fetuses during the second half of pregnancy, with crossovers at 24 and 32 weeks' gestation.

Conclusions

Umbilical vein volume blood flow is similar among male and female fetuses in quantitative terms, but the pattern of gestational age–dependent temporal changes may be different, which may have important physiologic implications with regard to in utero development and maturation of the fetoplacental unit.
Comparison of Oral Contrast‐Enhanced Transabdominal Ultrasound Imaging With Transverse Contrast‐Enhanced Computed Tomography in Preoperative Tumor Staging of Advanced Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: He Xuemei , Sun Jing , Huang Xiaoling , Zeng Chun , Ge Yinggang , Zhang Jun , Wu Jingxian
Published: June 2017

Objectives

This study assessed the diagnostic performance of transabdominal oral contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (US) imaging for preoperative tumor staging of advanced gastric carcinoma by comparing it with transverse contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT).

Methods

This retrospective study included 42 patients with advanced gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopy, radical surgery, or palliative surgery because of serious complications and had a body mass index of less than 25 kg/m2. A cereal‐based oral contrast agent was used for transabdominal oral contrast‐enhanced US. Retrospective analyses were conducted using preoperative tumor staging data acquired by either transabdominal oral contrast‐enhanced US or transverse contrast‐enhanced CT. Both contrast‐enhanced US and contrast‐enhanced CT examinations were reviewed by 2 experienced radiologists independently for preoperative tumor staging according to the seventh edition of the TNM classification. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated by comparing the results of contrast‐enhanced US and contrast‐enhanced CT with pathologic findings. The overall accuracies of the imaging modalities were compared by the McNemar test.

Results

No significant difference was noted in the overall accuracy of transabdominal oral contrast‐enhanced US (86% [36 of 42]) and transverse contrast‐enhanced CT (83% [35 of 42] P > .999). For stage T2 to T4 gastric cancer, the accuracies of transabdominal oral contrast‐enhanced US were 88%, 86%, and 98%, respectively, and those of transverse contrast‐enhanced CT were 93%, 83%, and 90%.

Conclusions

The overall accuracy of transabdominal oral contrast‐enhanced US was comparable with that of transverse contrast‐enhanced CT for preoperative tumor staging of advanced gastric cancer.
Blink R1 latency utility in diagnosis and treatment assessment of polyradiculoneuropathy‐organomegaly‐endocrinopathy‐monoclonal protein‐skin changes and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Wang Wei , Litchy William J. , Mauermann Michelle L. , Dyck P. James B. , Dispenzieri Angela , Mandrekar Jay , Dyck Peter J. , Klein Christopher J.
Published: June 2017

Introduction: In polyradiculoneuropathy‐organomegaly‐endocrinopathy‐monoclonal protein‐skin changes (POEMS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), limb nerve conduction studies (NCSs) are limited in identifying demyelination and in detecting treatment effects in severely affected patients. Blink R1 latency may improve these assessments. Methods: POEMS and CIDP patients who had undergone NCS and blink reflex were identified. Correlations among R1 latency, limb NCS, and neuropathy impairment scores (NIS) were compared. Results: Among 182 patients (124 POEMS, 58 CIDP) who were identified, R1 prolongation (>13 ms) occurred in 64.3% (65.3% POEMS, 62.1% CIDP). R1 prolongation correlated with more severely affected NCS in both POEMS (ulnar CMAP 2.6 mV vs. 4.5 mV, P = 0.001) and CIDP (2.0 mV vs. 6.1 mV, P < 0.001). In severely affected patients (ulnar CMAP ≤0.5 mV [10%:18/182]), R1 (>13 ms) helped establish demyelination. In 31 patients (16 POEMS, 15 CIDP), the R1 latency changes were concordant with NIS changes in 94% of patients with POEMS and 60% of patients with CIDP. Discussion: Blink R1 latencies are valuable in defining demyelination and detecting improvement in severely affected POEMS and CIDP patients. Muscle Nerve 57: E8–E13, 2018
Compound muscle action potential duration in critical illness neuromyopathy
Authors: Kramer Christopher L. , Boon Andrea J. , Harper C. Michel , Goodman Brent P.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

We sought to determine the specificity of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) durations and amplitudes in a large critical illness neuromyopathy (CINM) cohort relative to controls with other neuromuscular conditions.

Methods

Fifty‐eight patients with CINM who had been seen over a 17‐year period were retrospectively studied. Electrodiagnostic findings of the CINM cohort were compared with patients with axonal peripheral neuropathy and myopathy due to other causes.

Results

Mean CMAP durations were prolonged, and mean CMAP amplitudes were severely reduced both proximally and distally in all nerves studied in the CINM cohort relative to the control groups. The specificity of prolonged CMAP durations for CINM approached 100% if they were encountered in more than 1 nerve.

Discussion

Prolonged, low‐amplitude CMAPs occur more frequently and with greater severity in CINM patients than in neuromuscular controls with myopathy and axonal neuropathy and are highly specific for the diagnosis of CINM. Muscle Nerve 57: 395–400, 2018
Quadratic unconstrained binary optimization problem preprocessing: Theory and empirical analysis
Authors: Lewis Mark , Glover Fred
Published: June 2017

The Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization problem (QUBO) has become a unifying model for representing a wide range of combinatorial optimization problems, and for linking a variety of disciplines that face these problems. A new class of quantum annealing computer that maps QUBO onto a physical qubit network structure with specific size and edge density restrictions is generating a growing interest in ways to transform the underlying QUBO structure into an equivalent graph having fewer nodes and edges. In this article, we present rules for reducing the size of the QUBO matrix by identifying variables whose value at optimality can be predetermined. We verify that the reductions improve both solution quality and time to solution and, in the case of metaheuristic methods where optimal solutions cannot be guaranteed, the quality of solutions obtained within reasonable time limits. We discuss the general QUBO structural characteristics that can take advantage of these reduction techniques and perform careful experimental design and analysis to identify and quantify the specific characteristics most affecting reduction. The rules make it possible to dramatically improve solution times on a new set of problems using both the exact Cplex solver and a tabu search metaheuristic. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 70(2), 79–97 2017
Health Care Quality: Measuring Obesity in Performance Frameworks
Authors: Zvenyach Tracy , Pickering Matthew K.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Obesity affects over one‐third of Americans and leads to several chronic and costly comorbid conditions. The national movement toward value‐based care calls for a refocusing of efforts to address the US obesity epidemic. To help set the stage, the current landscape of obesity‐specific quality measures was evaluated.

Methods

Seven quality measure databases and nine professional societies were searched. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Measures were then classified by domain and by implementation in national public programs.

Results

Eleven obesity‐specific quality measures in adults were identified (nine process and two outcome). Three measures received National Quality Forum (NQF) endorsement. Two measures were actively used within Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) programs. Only one measure was both NQF‐endorsed and used by CMS.

Conclusions

Limitations exist with respect to obesity‐specific quality metrics. Such gaps provide opportunities for obesity care specialists to engage and offer valuable insights and pragmatic approaches toward quality measurement.
Preliminary characterization of putative structural cuticular proteins in the malaria vector Anopheles sinensis
Authors: Zhou Dan , Duan Baiyun , Sun Yan , Ma Lei , Zhu Changliang , Shen Bo
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The insect cuticle protects against environmental stresses such as insecticides, physical injury, dehydration and pathogenic microorganisms. Structural cuticular proteins (CPs) are the primary components of the cuticle, and are of interest for physiology‐based pest management methods. Anopheles sinensis CPs are poorly characterised at present, and therefore we performed whole‐genome sequence analysis and re‐analysed available transcriptome data to identify potential insecticide resistance‐associated CPs.

RESULTS

Genome analysis revealed 238 putative CPs belonging to 11 different families; 136 proteins possessing a Rebers and Riddiford motif (CPR), 12 CPs analogous to peritrophins with a single chitin‐binding domain (CPAP1), eight CPs analogous to peritrophins with three chitin‐binding domains (CPAP3), four proteins with a 44 amino acid motif (CPF), five CPF‐like (CPFL) proteins, nine Tweedle proteins, three proteins of low complexity with alanine residues (CPLCA), 26 proteins of low complexity with conserved glycine residues (CPLCG), seven proteins of low complexity with invariant W residues (CPLCW), 27 proteins of low complexity with proline residues (CPLCP), and one protein with two or three copies of a C‐X ‐C motif (CPCFC). Two CPs belonging to the CPR and CPAP3 families were over‐expressed in a deltamethrin‐resistant strain.

CONCLUSION

These results establish an information framework for An. sinensis CPs that provides a basis for further molecular research. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Sparrow nest survival in relation to prescribed fire and woody plant invasion in a northern mixed‐grass prairie
Authors: Murphy Robert K. , Shaffer Terry L. , Grant Todd A. , Derrig James L. , Rubin Cory S. , Kerns Courtney K.
Published: June 2017

Prescribed fire is used to reverse invasion by woody vegetation on grasslands, but managers often are uncertain whether influences of shrub and tree reduction outweigh potential effects of fire on nest survival of grassland birds. During the 2001–2003 breeding seasons, we examined relationships of prescribed fire and woody vegetation to nest survival of clay‐colored sparrow (Spizella pallida) and Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) in mixed‐grass prairie at Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge in northwestern North Dakota, USA. We assessed relationships of nest survival to 1) recent fire history, in terms of number of breeding seasons (2, 3, or 4–5) since the last prescribed fire, and 2) prevalence of trees and tall (>1.5 m) shrubs in the landscape and of low (≤1.5 m) shrubs within 5 m of nests. Nest survival of both species exhibited distinct patterns related to age of the nest and day of year, but bore no relationship to fire history. Survival of clay‐colored sparrow nests declined as the amount of trees and tall shrubs within 100 m increased, but we found no relationship to suggest nest parasitism by brown‐headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) as an underlying mechanism. We found little evidence linking nest survival of Savannah sparrow to woody vegetation. Our results suggest that fire can be used to restore northern mixed‐grass prairies without adversely affecting nest survival of ≥2 widespread passerine species. Survival of nests of clay‐colored sparrow may increase when tall woody cover is reduced by fire. Our data lend support to the use of fire for reducing scattered patches of tall woody cover to enhance survival of nests of ≥1 grassland bird species in northern mixed‐grass prairies, but further study is needed that incorporates experimental approaches and assessments of shorter term effects of fire on survival of nests of grassland passerines. © 2017 This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Lower brain and blood nutrient status in Alzheimer's disease: Results from meta‐analyses
Authors: de Wilde Martijn C. , Vellas Bruno , Girault Elodie , Yavuz Aysun Cetinyurek , Sijben John W.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients are at risk of nutritional insufficiencies because of physiological and psychological factors. Recently, we showed the results of the meta‐analyses indicating lower plasma levels of vitamins A, B12, C, E, and folate in AD patients compared with cognitively intact elderly controls (controls). Now, additional and more extensive literature searches were performed selecting studies which compare blood and brain/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, micronutrients, and fatty acids in AD patients versus controls.

Methods

The literature published after 1980 in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, and Embase electronic databases was systematically analyzed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines to detect studies meeting the selection criteria. Search terms used are as follows: AD patients, Controls, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, micronutrients, and fatty acids. Random‐effects meta‐analyses using a linear mixed model with correction for age differences between AD patients and controls were performed when four or more publications were retrieved for a specific nutrient.

Results

Random‐effects meta‐analyses of 116 selected publications showed significant lower CSF/brain levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), choline‐containing lipids, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and vitamin E. In addition, AD patients showed lower circulatory levels of DHA, eicosapentaenoic acid, choline as phosphatidylcholine, and selenium.

Conclusion

The current data show that patients with AD have lower CSF/brain availability of DHA, choline, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Directionally, brain nutrient status appears to parallel the lower circulatory nutrient status; however, more studies are required measuring simultaneously circulatory and central nutrient status to obtain better insight in this observation. The brain is dependent on nutrient supply from the circulation, which in combination with nutrient involvement in AD‐pathophysiological mechanisms suggests that patients with AD may have specific nutritional requirements. This hypothesis could be tested using a multicomponent nutritional intervention.