bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sea ice growth rates from tide‐driven visible banding
Authors: Turner Kate E. , Smith Inga J. , Tison Jean‐Louis , Verbeke Véronique , McGuinness Mark , Ingham Malcolm , Vennell Ross , Trodahl Joe
Published: April 2017

In this paper, periodic tide‐current‐driven banding in a sea‐ice core is demonstrated as a measure of the growth rate of first‐year sea ice at congelation‐ice depths. The study was performed on a core from the eastern McMurdo Sound, exploiting the well‐characterized tidal pattern at the site. It points the way to a technique for determining early‐season ice growth rates from late‐season cores, in areas where under ice currents are known to be tidally dominated and the ice is landfast, thus providing data for a time of year when thin ice prevents direct thickness (and therefore growth rate) measurements. The measured results were compared to the growth‐versus‐depth predicted by a thermodynamic model.
Persistence of bubble outlets in soft, methane‐generating sediments
Authors: Scandella Benjamin P. , Delwiche Kyle , Hemond Harold F. , Juanes Ruben
Published: April 2017

Sediments submerged beneath many inland waterways and shallow oceans emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas, but the magnitude of the methane flux to the atmosphere remains poorly constrained. In many settings, the majority of methane is released through bubbling, and the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of this ebullition both presents challenges for measurement and impacts bubble dissolution and atmospheric emissions. Here we present laboratory‐scale experiments of methane ebullition in a controlled incubation of reconstituted sediments from a eutrophic lake. Image analysis of a 0.14 m2 sediment surface area allowed identification of individual bubble outlets and resolved their location to ∼1 cm. While ebullition events were typically concentrated in bursts lasting ∼2 min, some major outlets showed persistent activity over the scale of days and even months. This persistence was surprising given the previously observed ephemerality of spatial structure at the field scale. This persistence suggests that, at the centimeter scale, conduits are reopened as a result of a drop in tensile strength due to deformation of sediments by the rising bubbles. The mechanistic insight from this work sheds light on the spatiotemporal distribution of methane venting from organic‐rich sediments and has important implications for bubble survival in the water column and associated biogeochemical pathways of methane.
Statistical investigation of Na layer response to geomagnetic activity using resonance scattering measurements by Odin/OSIRIS
Authors: Tsuda T. T. , Nakamura T. , Ejiri M. K. , Nishiyama T. , Hosokawa K. , Takahashi T. , Gumbel J. , Hedin J.
Published: April 2017

We have performed a statistical investigation of the global response of the Na layer to geomagnetic activity using Na density data from 2004 to 2010 obtained using the Optical Spectrograph and Infrared Imager System (OSIRIS) on board the Odin satellite. In the analysis, we categorized the Na density data according to the auroral electrojet (AE) index and then compared the resulting data sets. Regarding the results, we found a significant decrease in the Na density above a height of ∼95 km in both the southern and northern polar regions with an increase in the AE index. The cause of the decrease in the Na density is discussed, and we conclude that the decrease in the Na density was mainly due to the effect of energetic particle precipitation.
Constraining the mass balance of East Antarctica
Authors: Martin‐Español Alba , Bamber Jonathan L. , Zammit‐Mangion Andrew
Published: April 2017

We investigate the mass balance of East Antarctica for the period 2003–2013 using a Bayesian statistical framework. We combine satellite altimetry, gravimetry, and GPS with prior assumptions characterizing the underlying geophysical processes. We run three experiments based on two different assumptions to study possible solutions to the mass balance. We solve for trends in surface mass balance, ice dynamics, and glacial isostatic adjustment. The first assumption assigns low probability to ice dynamic mass loss in regions of slow flow, giving a mean dynamic trend of 17 ± 10 Gt yr−1 and a total mass imbalance of 57 ± 20 Gt yr−1. The second assumption considers a long‐term dynamic thickening hypothesis and an a priori solution for surface mass balance from a regional climate model. The latter results in estimates 3 to 5 times larger for the ice dynamic trends but similar total mass imbalance. In both cases, gains in East Antarctica are smaller than losses in West Antarctica.
Calibrating the amplitude source location (ASL) method by using active seismic sources: An example from Te Maari volcano, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Authors: Walsh B. , Jolly A. D. , Procter J.
Published: April 2017

A frequently applied amplitude source location (ASL) method is here calibrated and optimized by using active seismic sources located at the surface of a dry stream channel. The ASL produced location discrepancies larger than 1.0 km laterally and 500 m in depth by using independently determined velocity model, attenuation, and site amplification factors (AFs). Sensitivity tests for ASL input parameters show that attenuation and velocity have moderate influence on the location but are easy to independently constrain. AFs are shown to strongly influence the location, and their application may introduce substantial location uncertainties. Model uncertainties are accommodated with either lateral or depth changes depending on the input parameters, station corrections, and the source‐station geometry.
Modeling temperature inversion in southeastern Yellow Sea during winter 2016
Authors: Pang Ig‐Chan , Moon Jae‐Hong , Lee Joon‐Ho , Hong Ji‐Seok , Pang Sung‐Jun
Published: April 2017

A significant temperature inversion with temperature differences larger than 3°C was observed in the southeastern Yellow Sea (YS) during February 2016. By analyzing in situ hydrographic profiles and results from a regional ocean model for the YS, this study examines the spatiotemporal evolution of the temperature inversion and its connection with wind‐induced currents in winter. Observations reveal that in winter, when the northwesterly wind prevails over the YS, the temperature inversion occurs largely at the frontal zone southwest of Korea where warm/saline water of a Kuroshio origin meets cold/fresh coastal water. Our model successfully captures the temperature inversion observed in the winter of 2016 and suggests a close relation between northwesterly wind bursts and the occurrence of the large inversion. In this respect, the strong northwesterly wind drove cold coastal water southward in the upper layer via Ekman transport, which pushed the water mass southward and increased the sea level slope in the frontal zone in southeastern YS. The intensified sea level slope propagated northward away from the frontal zone as a shelf wave, causing a northward upwind flow response along the YS trough in the lower layer, thereby resulting in the large temperature inversion. Diagnostic analysis of the momentum balance shows that the westward pressure gradient, which developed with shelf wave propagation along the YS trough, was balanced with the Coriolis force in accordance with the northward upwind current in and around the inversion area.
Evaluation of stability of stereotactic space defined by cone‐beam CT for the Leksell Gamma Knife Icon
Authors: AlDahlawi Ismail , Prasad Dheerendra , Podgorsak Matthew B.
Published: April 2017

The Gamma Knife Icon comes with an integrated cone‐beam CT (CBCT) for image‐guided stereotactic treatment deliveries. The CBCT can be used for defining the Leksell stereotactic space using imaging without the need for the traditional invasive frame system, and this allows also for frameless thermoplastic mask stereotactic treatments (single or fractionated) with the Gamma Knife unit. In this study, we used an in‐house built marker tool to evaluate the stability of the CBCT‐based stereotactic space and its agreement with the standard frame‐based stereotactic space. We imaged the tool with a CT indicator box using our CT‐simulator at the beginning, middle, and end of the study period (6 weeks) for determining the frame‐based stereotactic space. The tool was also scanned with the Icon's CBCT on a daily basis throughout the study period, and the CBCT images were used for determining the CBCT‐based stereotactic space. The coordinates of each marker were determined in each CT and CBCT scan using the Leksell GammaPlan treatment planning software. The magnitudes of vector difference between the means of each marker in frame‐based and CBCT‐based stereotactic space ranged from 0.21 to 0.33 mm, indicating good agreement of CBCT‐based and frame‐based stereotactic space definition. Scanning 4‐month later showed good prolonged stability of the CBCT‐based stereotactic space definition.
Graphene and Carbon Nanotube Auxetic Rubber Bionic Composites with Negative Variation of the Electrical Resistance and Comparison with Their Nonbionic Counterparts
Authors: Valentini Luca , Bittolo Bon Silvia , Pugno Nicola M.
Published: April 2017

Microorganism metabolic activity can facilitate the formation of cellular material systems that have unusual mechanical and physical properties. In the living world microorganisms are commonly used for preparing porous food by fermentation; here carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets, and a mix of them are dispersed in liquid silicone rubber with single‐cell fungi of commercial beer yeast. The fermentation of such microorganisms during the gelling of the silicone matrix results in bionic composites with buckled/collapsed cells that infer, as rationalized with an analytical model and excluded in a abiotic experimental comparison, auxetic properties. During stretching it is found that the Poisson's ratio of such composites changes sign, from negative to positive, and the variation of the electrical resistance is negative. In addition to the conductivity increment, a general increment of the stretchability and damage resistance with respect to the composites prepared by abiotic process is observed. Bionic composites, even if in their infancy, can thus be multifunctional and superior to their traditional/abiotic counterparts.
Modulation of Heterotypic and Homotypic Cell–Cell Interactions via Zwitterionic Lipid Masks
Authors: Park Matthew , Youn Wongu , Kim Doyeon , Ko Eun Hyea , Kim Beom Jin , Kang Sung Min , Kang Kyungtae , Choi Insung S.
Published: April 2017

Since the pioneering work by Whitesides, innumerable platforms that aim to spatio‐selectively seed cells and control the degree of cell–cell interactions in vitro have been developed. These methods, however, have generally been technically and methodologically complex, or demanded stringent materials and conditions. In this work, we introduce zwitterionic lipids as patternable, cell‐repellant masks for selectively seeding cells. The lipid masks are easily removed with a routine washing step under physiological conditions (37 °C, pH 7.4), and are used to create patterned cocultures, as well as to conduct cell migration studies. We demonstrate, via patterned cocultures of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts and HeLa cells, that HeLa cells proliferate far more aggressively than NIH 3T3 cells, regardless of initial population sizes. We also show that fibronectin‐coated substrates induce cell movement akin to collective migration in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, while the cells cultured on unmodified substrates migrate independently. Our lipid mask platform offers a rapid and highly biocompatible means of selectively seeding cells, and acts as a versatile tool for the study of cell–cell interactions.
Closed‐form equation to estimate the dielectric properties of biological tissues as a function of age
Authors: Mohammed Beadaa , Bialkowski Konstanty , Abbosh Amin , Mills Paul C. , Bradley Andrew P.
Published: April 2017

Developing microwave systems for biomedical applications requires accurate dielectric properties of biological tissues for reliable modeling before prototyping and subject testing. Dielectric properties of tissues decrease with age due to the change in their water content, but there are no detailed age‐dependent data, especially for young tissue‐like newborns, in the literature. In this article, an age‐dependent formula to predict the dielectric properties of biological tissues was derived. In the proposed method, the variation of water concentration in each type of tissue as a function of age was used to calculate its relative permittivity and conductivity. The derived formula shows that the concentration of water in each tissue type can be modeled as a negative exponential function of age. The dielectric properties of each tissue type can then be calculated as a function of the dielectric properties of water and dielectric properties of the organ forming the tissue and its water concentration. The derived formula was used to generate the dielectric properties of several types of human tissues at different ages using the dielectric properties of a human adult. Moreover, the formula was validated on pig tissues of different ages. A close agreement was achieved between the calculated and measured data with a maximum difference of only 2%. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:474–481, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measuring the Choice of Environmental Sustainability Strategies in Creating a Competitive Advantage
Authors: Walsh Philip R. , Dodds Rachel
Published: April 2017

Environmental sustainability has often been claimed as a means to providing a competitive advantage by encouraging efficiencies, attracting customers and obtaining business. This work critically considers this idea in the context of the hotel industry by comparing the strategic intent and implementation of sustainability initiatives in hotels across North America. Environmental sustainability strategies can employ a low cost, a differentiated or a hybrid (a combination of the two) approach to creating a competitive advantage. Controlling for the type and age of hotel we find that the hotels sampled in this study used a combination of all three approaches but tended to rely on their need to create environmental sustainability legitimacy by placing an emphasis on differentiation through environmental sustainability branding. A lack of recognition by management of the contribution to their future economic success that low cost strategies can provide has implications for hotel owners. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Characterizing the outcomes of metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Connor Wells John , Donskov Frede , Fraccon Anna P. , Pasini Felice , Bjarnason Georg A. , Beuselinck Benoit , Knox Jennifer J. , Rha Sun Young , Agarwal Neeraj , Bowman Isaac Alex , Lee Jae‐Lyun , Pal Sumanta K. , Srinivas Sandy , Scott Ernst Douglas , Vaishampayan Ulka N. , Wood Lori A. , Simpson Robin , De Velasco Guillermo , Choueiri Toni K. , Heng Daniel Y. C.
Published: April 2017

Outcomes of metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) patients are poorly characterized in the era of targeted therapy. A total of 5474 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in the International mRCC Database Consortium (IMDC) were retrospectively analyzed. Outcomes were compared between clear cell (ccRCC; n = 5008) and papillary patients (n = 466), and recorded type I and type II papillary patients (n = 30 and n = 165, respectively). Overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall response rate (ORR) favored ccRCC over pRCC. OS was 8 months longer in ccRCC patients and the hazard ratio of death was 0.71 for ccRCC patients. No differences in PFS or ORR were detected between type I and II PRCC in this limited dataset. The median OS for type I pRCC was 20.0 months while the median OS for type II was 12.6 months (P = 0.096). The IMDC prognostic model was able to stratify pRCC patients into favorable risk (OS = 34.1 months), intermediate risk (OS = 17.0 months), and poor‐risk groups (OS = 6.0 months). pRCC patient outcomes were inferior to ccRCC, even after controlling for IMDC prognostic factors. The IMDC prognostic model was able to effectively stratify pRCC patients.
Children and pet allergies
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2017

Pets — family members — can sometimes create problems because of their fur, dander, and saliva. If a family member is allergic, there are several adjustments you can make. The first is giving away the family pet … but in most cases, that's not going to make anyone — especially your child — very happy.
Click here for mental health support: Extending mental health services to the isolated learner, Part 2
Authors: Russo Joseph V. , Bruce Mary Alice , Scull Reed
Published: April 2017

In Part One of this two‐part series (see the April 2017 issue), the authors discussed a pilot program to provide telemental health services to the University of Wyoming's distance learners. Among the first of its kind in the United States, the program is intended to offer telemental health services to distance learners that are similar to those provided to on‐campus students. Distance students are typically nontraditional learners, including older adults who may be returning to school to up‐skill or returning servicemen and ‐women seeking to finish a degree.
Effect of nanosilver on metabolism in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): An investigation using different respirometric approaches
Authors: Murray Laura , Rennie Michael D. , Svendsen Jon C. , Enders Eva C.
Published: April 2017

Nanosilver (nAg) has been incorporated into many consumer products, including clothing and washing machines, because of its antimicrobial properties. Consequently, the potential for its release into aquatic environments is of significant concern. Documented toxic effects on fish include altered gene expression, gill damage, and impaired gas exchange, as well as mortality at high nAg concentrations. The present study reports the effects of nAg on the metabolism of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations (0.28 ± 0.02 μg/L) and higher (47.60 ± 5.13 μg/L) for 28 d, after which their standard metabolic rate (SMR), forced maximum metabolic rate (MMRf), and spontaneous maximum metabolic rate (MMRs) were measured. There was no effect observed in SMR, MMRf, or MMRs, suggesting that nAg is unlikely to directly affect fish metabolism. On average, MMRs tended to be greater than MMRf, and most MMRs occurred when room lighting increased. The timing of MMRf chase protocols was found to affect both MMRf and SMR estimates, in that chasing fish before respirometric experiments caused higher MMRf estimates and lower SMR estimates. Although compounded effects involving nAg and other environmental stressors remain unknown, the present study indicates that the tested range of nAg is unlikely to constrain fish metabolism. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2722–2729. © 2017 SETAC
Expanding Audio Access to Mathematics Expressions by Students With Visual Impairments via MathML
Authors: Frankel Lois , Brownstein Beth , Soiffer Neil
Published: April 2017

This report describes the pilot conducted in the final phase of a project, Expanding Audio Access to Mathematics Expressions by Students With Visual Impairments via MathML, to provide easy‐to‐use tools for authoring and rendering secondary‐school algebra‐level math expressions in synthesized speech that is useful for students with blindness or low vision. The pilot evaluated the authoring and speech‐rendition tools, including interactive navigation. Teachers participated in the portion of the study that evaluated the authoring tools. Secondary school students with blindness or low vision participated in the portion that evaluated the speech‐rendition and navigation tools, comparing those tools to each student's usual method (braille or print) for working with math. The teachers received an interactive authoring tutorial and the students received an interactive navigation tutorial before using the tools studied. Prior to the pilot, feedback studies on authoring and navigation gathered information that was used to fine‐tune the tutorials and the functionalities being evaluated. In the pilot we attempted to simulate a likely use‐case for each group. In the students' case, the tools for reading and navigating spoken mathematics were compared directly with the methods each student typically used for reading math (braille or print in a size appropriate for the student). Teachers and content providers were instructed to author math expressions that matched those used in the pilot instruments given to the students. The studies showed that the authoring tools were easy for teachers to use as intended and that little observable difference existed between students' success in answering math and math‐parsing questions when using the spoken math tools and their success in answering parallel questions posed in braille or print of appropriate size. Please see Appendix E for information on obtaining a version of this report that is fully accessible using the tools described.
Game theoretical mapping of causal interactions underlying visuo‐spatial attention in the human brain based on stroke lesions
Authors: Toba Monica N. , Zavaglia Melissa , Rastelli Federica , Valabrégue Romain , Pradat‐Diehl Pascale , Valero‐Cabré Antoni , Hilgetag Claus C.
Published: April 2017

Anatomical studies conducted in neurological conditions have developed our understanding of the causal relationships between brain lesions and their clinical consequences. The analysis of lesion patterns extended across brain networks has been particularly useful in offering new insights on brain–behavior relationships. Here we applied multiperturbation Shapley value Analysis (MSA), a multivariate method based on coalitional game theory inferring causal regional contributions to specific behavioral outcomes from the characteristic functional deficits after stroke lesions. We established the causal patterns of contributions and interactions of nodes of the attentional orienting network on the basis of lesion and behavioral data from 25 right hemisphere stroke patients tested in visuo‐spatial attention tasks. We calculated the percentage of damaged voxels for five right hemisphere cortical regions contributing to attentional orienting, involving seven specific Brodmann Areas (BA): Frontal Eye Fields, (FEF‐BA6), Intraparietal Sulcus (IPS‐BA7), Inferior Frontal Gyrus (IFG‐BA44/BA45), Temporo‐Parietal Junction (TPJ‐BA39/BA40), and Inferior Occipital Gyrus (IOG‐BA19). We computed the MSA contributions of these seven BAs to three behavioral clinical tests (line bisection, bells cancellation, and letter cancelation). Our analyses indicated IPS as the main contributor to the attentional orienting and also revealed synergistic influences among IPS, TPJ, and IOG (for bells cancellation and line bisection) and between TPJ and IFG (for bells and letter cancellation tasks). The findings demonstrate the ability of the MSA approach to infer plausible causal contributions of relevant right hemisphere sites in poststroke visuo‐spatial attention and awareness disorders. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3454–3471, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fruit and vegetable intake and prostate cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)
Authors: Perez‐Cornago Aurora , Travis Ruth C. , Appleby Paul N. , Tsilidis Konstantinos K. , Tjønneland Anne , Olsen Anja , Overvad Kim , Katzke Verena , Kühn Tilman , Trichopoulou Antonia , Peppa Eleni , Kritikou Maria , Sieri Sabina , Palli Domenico , Sacerdote Carlotta , Tumino Rosario , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita H. B(as) , Agudo Antonio , Larrañaga Nerea , Molina‐Portillo Elena , Ardanaz Eva , Chirlaque Maria‐Dolores , Lasheras Cristina , Stattin Pär , Wennberg Maria , Drake Isabel , Malm Johan , Schmidt Julie A. , Khaw Kay‐Tee , Gunter Marc , Freisling Heinz , Huybrechts Inge , Aune Dagfinn , Cross Amanda J , Riboli Elio , Key Timothy J.
Published: April 2017

Several dietary factors have been studied in relation to prostate cancer; however, most studies have not reported on subtypes of fruit and vegetables or tumor characteristics, and results obtained so far are inconclusive. This study aimed to examine the prospective association of total and subtypes of fruit and vegetable intake with the incidence of prostate cancer overall, by grade and stage of disease, and prostate cancer death. Lifestyle information for 142,239 men participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition from 8 European countries was collected at baseline. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). After an average follow‐up time of 13.9 years, 7,036 prostate cancer cases were identified. Compared with the lowest fifth, those in the highest fifth of total fruit intake had a significantly reduced prostate cancer risk (HR = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.83–0.99; p‐trend = 0.01). No associations between fruit subtypes and prostate cancer risk were observed, except for citrus fruits, where a significant trend was found (HR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.86–1.02; p‐trend = 0.01). No associations between total and subtypes of vegetables and prostate cancer risk were observed. We found no evidence of heterogeneity in these associations by tumor grade and stage, with the exception of significant heterogeneity by tumor grade (pheterogeneity<0.001) for leafy vegetables. No significant associations with prostate cancer death were observed. The main finding of this prospective study was that a higher fruit intake was associated with a small reduction in prostate cancer risk. Whether this association is causal remains unclear.
Erdj3 Has an Essential Role for Z Variant Alpha‐1‐Antitrypsin Degradation
Authors: Khodayari Nazli , Marek George , Lu Yuanqing , Krotova Karina , Wang Rejean Liqun , Brantly Mark
Published: April 2017

Alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an inherited disease characterized by emphysema and liver disease. AATD is most often caused by a single amino acid substitution at amino acid 342 in the mature protein, resulting in the Z mutation of the alpha‐1‐antitrypsin gene (ZAAT). This substitution is associated with misfolding and accumulation of ZAAT in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of hepatocytes and monocytes, causing a toxic gain of function. Retained ZAAT is eliminated by ER‐associated degradation and autophagy. We hypothesized that alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (AAT)‐interacting proteins play critical roles in quality control of human AAT. Using co‐immunoprecipitation, we identified ERdj3, an ER‐resident Hsp40 family member, as a part of the AAT trafficking network. Depleting ERdj3 increased the rate of ZAAT degradation in hepatocytes by redirecting ZAAT to the ER calreticulin‐EDEM1 pathway, followed by autophagosome formation. In the Huh7.5 cell line, ZAAT ER clearance resulted from enhancing ERdj3‐mediated ZAAT degradation by silencing ERdj3 while simultaneously enhancing autophagy. In this context, ERdj3 suppression may eliminate the toxic gain of function associated with polymerization of ZAAT, thus providing a potential new therapeutic approach to the treatment of AATD‐related liver disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3090–3101, 2017. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Activation of TLR7 Inhibition of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Survival by Autophagy in RAW 264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Bao Meng , Yi Zhengjun , Fu Yurong
Published: April 2017

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of regulation of TLR7 on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) survival in macrophages. TLR7 expression in macrophages infected by Mtb was detected by RT‐PCR and Western blotting. Regulation of TLR7 was achieved by single strand RNA (ssRNA) or siRNA. The effects of TLR7 on Mtb survival and cell viability were detected by acid fast staining and cell counting kit‐8, respectively. Cell ultrastructure was observed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and autophagy related protein LC3 was analyzed by Western blotting. TLR7 in Mtb infected macrophages was up‐regulated and up‐regulation of TLR7 could eliminate intracellular Mtb. Up‐regulation of TLR7 could increase viability of Mtb infected cells, while down‐regulation of TLR7 induced decrease of cell viability compared with the controls. Autophagosome was significantly increased in the Mtb infected macrophages after up‐regulation of TLR7 and LC3‐II protein showed obvious increase compared with the controls. Autophagosome could not be detected in macrophages after down‐regulation of TLR7, rough endoplasmic reticulum was dilated, and nuclear week gap was widened. Moreover, LC3‐II protein was reduced in Mtb infected macrophages based upon the down‐regulation of TLR7. Up‐regulation of TLR7 could eliminate intracellular Mtb through autophagy. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4222–4229, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Therapeutic potential of novel formulated forms of curcumin in the treatment of breast cancer by the targeting of cellular and physiological dysregulated pathways
Authors: Tajbakhsh Amir , Hasanzadeh Malihe , Rezaee Mehdi , Khedri Mostafa , Khazaei Majid , ShahidSales Soodabeh , Ferns Gordon A. , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Avan Amir
Published: April 2017

Breast cancer is among the most important causes of cancer related death in women. There is a need for novel agents for targeting key signaling pathways to either improve the efficacy of the current therapy, or reduce toxicity. There is some evidence that curcumin may have antitumor activity in breast cancer. Several clinical trials have investigated its activity in patients with breast cancer, including a recent trial in breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy, in whom it was shown that curcumin reduced the severity of radiation dermatitis, although it is associated with low bioavailability. Several approaches have been developed to increase its absorption rate (e.g., nano crystals, liposomes, polymers, and micelles) and co‐delivery of curcumin with adjuvants as well as different conjugation to enhance its bioavailability. In particular, micro‐emulsions is an option for transdermal curcumin delivery, which has been reported to increase its absorption. Lipid‐based nano‐micelles is another approach to enhance curcumin absorption via gastrointestinal tract, while polymer‐based nano‐formulations (e.g., poly D, L‐lactic‐co‐glycolic [PLGA]) allows the release of curcumin at a sustained level. This review summarizes the current data of the therapeutic potential of novel formulations of curcumin with particular emphasis on recent preclinical and clinical studies in the treatment of breast cancer.
Osteogenic differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells cultured on nanofibrous scaffold improved in the presence of pulsed electromagnetic field
Authors: Arjmand Monireh , Ardeshirylajimi Abdolreza , Maghsoudi Hossein , Azadian Esmaeel
Published: April 2017

Nowadays, tissue engineering by using stem cells in combination with scaffolds and bioactive molecules has made significant contributions to the regeneration of damaged bone tissues. Since the usage of bioactive molecules including, growth factors to induce differentiation is safety limited in clinical applications, and it has also been previously observed that extremely low frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) can be effective in the enhancement of proliferation rate and osteogenic differentiation of stem cells, the aim of this study was investigating the osteoinductive potential of PEMF in combination with Poly(caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibrous scaffold. To achieve this aim, Adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) isolated and characterized and then osteogenic differentiation of them was investigated after culturing on the surface of PCL scaffold under treatments of PEMF, PEMF plus osteogenic medium (OM) and OM. Analysis of common osteogenic markers such as Alizarin red staining, ALP activity, calcium content and four important bone‐related genes in days of 7, 14, and 21 confirmed that the effects of PEMF on the osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs are very similar to the effects of osteogenic medium. Thus, regarding the immunological concerns about the application of bioactive molecules for tissue engineering, PEMF could be a good alternative for osteogenic medium. Although, results were showed a synergetic effect for simultaneous application of PEMF and PCL scaffold in the osteogenesis process of ADSCs. Taking together, ADSCs‐seeded PCL nanofibrous scaffold in combination with PEMF could be a great option for use in bone tissue engineering applications.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Sulfur‐linked Bis and Tris Heterocycles
Authors: Mallikarjuna Reddy L. , Lavanya G. , Lakshmi Teja G. , Padmaja A. , Padmavathi V.
Published: April 2017

The bis and tris heterocycles‐benzoxazolyl/benzothiazolyl/benzimidazolyl quinazolines linked by sulfur and/or nitrogen were prepared from 2,4‐dichloroquinazoline and benzazolyl‐2‐thiol/benzazolyl‐2‐amine and studied their antibacterial activity. The nitro‐substituted sulfur‐linked bisbenzothiazolylquinazoline (12f), bisbenzimidazolylquinazoline (13f), and nitro‐substituted sulfur and nitrogen‐linked bisbenzothiazolylquinazoline (15f) were found to be potential antibacterial agents against Staphylococcus aureus.
Profiling of anthocyanins in transgenic purple‐fleshed sweet potatoes by HPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Ge Jingqiu , Hu Yijie , Wang Hongxia , Huang Yuanshe , Zhang Peng , Liao Zhihua , Chen Min
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Anthocyanins in purple‐fleshed sweet potato (PSP) are beneficial to human health. The leaf color (Lc) gene is a transcription factor involved in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis. The anthocyanin profiles of wild‐type PSP of Ayamurasaki and its three Lc‐transgenic lines were investigated by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS). In vitro antioxidant activities of wild‐type and Lc‐transgenic lines, including reducing power activity, DPPH radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, linoleic acid autoxidation inhibition activity, ABTS free radical scavenging activity and oxygen radical absorbance capacity activity, were measured.

RESULTS

The results showed that the total anthocyanin contents increased 1.5–1.9 times in three transgenic lines compared with that in wild‐type PSP. Seventeen anthocyanins were found in wild‐type PSP, while 19 in Lc‐transgenic lines including cyanidin‐based, peonidin‐based and pelargonidin‐based anthocyanins. Three pelargonidin‐based anthocyanins were detected in three Lc‐transgenic lines. Among them, the relative contents of cyanidin‐based and pelargonidin‐based anthocyanins increased 1.9–2.0 and 3.4–4.5 times respectively, while peonidin‐based anthocyanins decreased 1.8–1.9 times in Lc‐transgenic lines, compared with wild‐type PSP. PSP from wild‐type Ayamurasaki and three Lc‐transgenic lines exhibited potent antioxidant activities, whereas there was no distinct difference among them.

CONCLUSION

The transgene Lc significantly increased the content of total anthocyanins and remarkably changed the anthocyanin profiles in Ayamurasaki. Such novel and high content of anthocyanins obtained in the Lc‐transgenic lines with potent antioxidant activities may provide unique functional products with potential helpful for human health. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Land use and topography bend and break fractal rules of water body size‐distributions
Authors: Steele Meredith K. , Heffernan James B.
Published: April 2017

The size‐distributions of inland water bodies (WB) within different regions often poorly conform to geophysically based theoretical models (power‐law: y = axβ); however, the causes of these deviations remain unknown. Therefore, we compared WB abundance and size‐distribution parameters (slope [β] and model fit [r2]) in 164 regions in the United States with varying topography, climate, and agricultural intensity. We found all three factors influenced WB size‐distributions and their fit to expected models. WB size‐distributions in steeper terrain had more small WB and better fit power‐law models, while regions with flatter terrain and greater precipitation had poorer fits. Extensive agriculture increased the proportion of small WB, causing distributions in some regions to fall outside theoretically predicted limits (βCDF < −1). Regional variation of WB size‐distributions can help develop and test integrated theory that accounts for geophysical and anthropogenic drivers of WB sizes, which is essential for scaling biogeochemical processes in aquatic systems.
Application of spin echoes in the regime of weak dephasing to T1‐mapping of the lung
Authors: Assländer Jakob , Glaser Steffen J. , Hennig Jürgen
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This work presents an approach to mapping the entire lung's proton density and T1 within a single breath‐hold and analyzes the apparent T1 when exciting with a spin echo generating pulse in comparison to a standard gradient echo acquisition.

Methods

An inversion‐recovery SNAPSHOT‐FLASH sequence with a stack‐of‐stars k‐space readout with a golden angle increment was modified to use a spin echo generating radiofrequency‐pulse for excitation. Data of five volunteers were acquired on a 3T scanner and image reconstruction was performed by an iterative algorithm adopted from MR‐Fingerprinting.

Results

The feasibility of acquiring quantitative maps of the entire lung with a resolution of 5 × 5 × 10 mm within 7.5 s is demonstrated. It is shown that the proposed spin echo forming radiofrequency‐pulse increases the apparent proton density compared to a rectangular pulse. Further, the apparent T1 is reduced in the spin echo case compared to the gradient echo sequence.

Conclusion

The proposed spin echo based method results in T1 maps that are comparable to the ones that were acquired with ultra‐short echo time sequences elsewhere. The T1 shortening is believed to originate from increased signal contributions of the extra vascular compartment, which has a short
and T1. Magn Reson Med 79:960–967, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Sharp bounds for the reliability of systems and mixtures with ordered components
Authors: Miziuła Patryk , Navarro Jorge
Published: April 2017

In this article, we study how to derive bounds for the reliability and the expected lifetime of a coherent system with heterogeneous ordered components. These bounds can be used to compare the performance of the systems obtained by permuting the components at a given system structure, that is, to study where we should place the different components at a system structure to get the most reliable system. Moreover, a similar procedure is applied to get bounds for mixtures and for the generalized proportional hazard rate model when the baseline populations are ordered. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 64: 108–116, 2017
Antepartum management and obstetric outcomes among pregnancies with Down syndrome from diagnosis to delivery
Authors: Guseh Stephanie H. , Little Sarah E. , Bennett Katherine , Silva Virginia , Wilkins‐Haug Louise E.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Little is known about the obstetric care of an ongoing pregnancy with trisomy 21. We sought to ascertain an obstetric profile for pregnancies with Down syndrome to help guide prenatal management.

Method

Pregnancies managed for delivery with trisomy 21 between 2003 and 2014 were analyzed. We reviewed demographic data, diagnostic testing, prenatal surveillance, obstetric outcomes, and placental pathology. T‐test, chi‐squared test, and Fisher correction were used as indicated.

Results

Sixty‐eight pregnancies were identified, and four women (5.9%) experienced a loss during the pregnancy. Among the remaining 64 pregnancies, the average gestational age at delivery was 36.9 weeks, growth restriction was present in 12 (17.5%), and major anomalies were present in 51 (75.0%). Delivery was undertaken for non‐reassuring fetal surveillance in 35.9% of the pregnancies; 93% of which represented a change from prior reassuring surveillance and 52.6% of which demonstrated histopathologic evidence of placental insufficiency. None among increased maternal age, the presence of an anomaly, or growth restriction were significantly more common in the group with non‐reassuring surveillance.

Conclusion

There are high rates of fetal growth restriction, delivery for non‐reassuring fetal status, and evidence of placental insufficiency among affected pregnancies, suggesting a role for antepartum surveillance. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes associated with exposure to hydroxyzine: re‐evaluation of an established drug
Authors: Schlit Anne‐Françoise , Delaunois Annie , Colomar Aurore , Claudio Branderley , Cariolato Luca , Boev Rossen , Valentin Jean‐Pierre , Peters Christopher , Sloan Victor S. , Bentz Jürgen W. G.
Published: April 2017

Several noncardiac drugs have been linked to cardiac safety concerns, highlighting the importance of post‐marketing surveillance and continued evaluation of the benefit‐risk of long‐established drugs. Here, we examine the risk of QT prolongation and/or torsade de pointes (TdP) associated with the use of hydroxyzine, a first generation sedating antihistamine. We have used a combined methodological approach to re‐evaluate the cardiac safety profile of hydroxyzine, including: (1) a full review of the sponsor pharmacovigilance safety database to examine real‐world data on the risk of QT prolongation and/or TdP associated with hydroxyzine use and (2) nonclinical electrophysiological studies to examine concentration‐dependent effects of hydroxyzine on a range of human cardiac ion channels. Based on a review of pharmacovigilance data between 14th December 1955 and 1st August 2016, we identified 59 reports of QT prolongation and/or TdP potentially linked to hydroxyzine use. Aside from intentional overdose, all cases involved underlying medical conditions or concomitant medications that constituted at least 1 additional risk factor for such events. The combination of cardiovascular disorders plus concomitant treatment of drugs known to induce arrhythmia was identified as the greatest combined risk factor. Parallel patch‐clamp studies demonstrated hydroxyzine concentration‐dependent inhibition of several human cardiac ion channels, including the ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene (hERG) potassium ion channels. Results from this analysis support the listing of hydroxyzine as a drug with “conditional risk of TdP” and are in line with recommendations to limit hydroxyzine use in patients with known underlying risk factors for QT prolongation and/or TdP.
A hol(e)y predicament
Authors: Meka Shaiva Ginoya , Shelden Daniel , Mertens Amy , Christensen Paul , Patel Meet
Published: April 2017

Endocardial cushion defects are congenital abnormalities that result in valvular dysfunction as well as defects (or “holes”) in the septa of the heart. They are typically diagnosed in early infancy; presentation late in life is rare. We present the case of a 72‐year‐old female admitted to the hospital with dyspnoea and palpitations. She was found to have multifocal atrial tachycardia. She suffered cardiac arrest associated with refractory hypoxaemia that required mechanical ventilation and vasodilator therapy with inhaled nitric oxide. Echocardiography revealed a large ostium primum atrial septal defect (ASD) complicated by Eisenmenger syndrome. It is likely that her arrhythmia, a sequela from her long‐standing congenital abnormality, led to sudden decompensation. In this case presentation, we review the aetiology, presentation, and complications of ASDs.
Theoretical calculation of self‐compacting concrete plastic viscosity
Authors: Benaicha Mouhcine , Burtschell Yves , Alaoui Adil H. , Elharrouni Khaled
Published: April 2017

During the concrete production, we attempt to adjust its viscosity to allow optimal implementation. In this article, we have proposed a correlation between the plastic viscosity of concrete, the time, and the characteristics of the flow final profile from the V‐Funnel coupled to a horizontal channel Plexiglas. The proposed approach, verified by experimental results, represents a simple, economical, and usable tool on building site, and it allows to characterize rheologically the concrete from its flow. The comparison between our approach and the experimental values of the plastic viscosity shows that, in a laboratory or on site, instead of using a rheometer, we can use our approach to characterize the rheological behavior of a self‐compacting concrete.
Shear capacity prediction of steel plate shear walls with precompression from columns
Authors: Lv Yang , Li Zhong‐Xian , Lu Guoxing
Published: April 2017

This paper investigates the shear capacity of the unstiffened steel plate shear walls with gravity loads from the adjacent boundary columns that is produced during the construction process. The distribution and transferring of gravity loads between boundary columns and the infill steel plate are proposed. Then, the infill steel plate is partitioned into 3 zones bounded on the effective length, the inclination angle, and shear capacity of each zone that is proposed and discussed, and the shear capacity of the infill steel plate is summed over the 3 zones. Finally, based on the three specimens tested by Park et al. (2007), shear capacity prediction of 18 more numerical steel plate shear wall specimens with the axial stresses of the boundary columns equal to 50 MPa, 100 MPa, 150 MPa, 200 MPa, 250 MPa, and 300 MPa are analyzed.
Combined Preoperative Portal and Hepatic Vein Embolization (Biembolization) to Improve Liver Regeneration Before Major Liver Resection: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Le Roy Bertrand , Perrey Antoine , Fontarensky Mikael , Gagnière Johan , Abergel Armand , Pereira Bruno , Lambert Celine , Boyer Louis , Pezet Denis , Chabrot Pascal , Buc Emmanuel
Published: April 2017

Background

Insufficient volume of the future liver remnant (FLR) is a major cause of non‐resectable disease in patients presenting with primary or metastatic liver tumours. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combined preoperative portal and hepatic vein embolization (biembolization) before extended right liver resections.

Methods

This retrospective study was performed in a tertiary centre between 2014 and 2015. Combined right portal and hepatic vein embolization (biembolization) was proposed, as an alternative to ALPPS procedure, for all patients with primary or metastatic liver tumour, before right extended hepatectomy. CT scan liver volumetry was assessed before biembolization, three weeks after biembolization and one week after surgery.

Results

Seven patients underwent biembolization. All patients had right portal vein embolization (PVE) combined with right hepatic vein embolization (HVE, n = 4), median HVE (n = 2) and right + median HVE (n = 1). Three patients had preoperative liver disease and two received preoperative chemotherapy. No biembolization procedure‐related complications occurred. The mean FLR regeneration rate was 52.6% (range: 18.2–187.9) after the biembolization. One patient with gallbladder carcinoma was not operated because of peritoneal carcinomatosis diagnosed after the biembolization. The remnant six patients did not develop postoperative liver failure.

Conclusions

Biembolization seems to induce safe, reproducible and effective FLR growth before extended right hepatectomy, in patients with primary or metastatic liver tumour.