bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Application of Composite Indicators to Disaster Resilience: A Case Study in Osaka Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Ebisudani Maiko , Tokai Akihiro
Published: February 2017

This paper presents an empirical verification of the measurement of baseline characteristics for fostering regional resilience. A set of indicators was selected from previous studies of disaster resilience, and an environmental element was added. The aims of the study were (1) to select a set of indicators that could be used for measuring disaster resilience, based on a review of the research literature, (2) to evaluate these indicators using the statistical approach of standardization, and to visualize the results using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, and (3) to identify the key resilience characteristics using principal component analysis (PCA). The study focused on 29 municipalities in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. From the literature review, a total of 17 disaster resilience indicators were selected, covering economic, social, and community connection factors. The novel environmental attributes were selected from the literature on environmental sustainability. The standardized measures demonstrated that municipalities with a high level of resilience were also ranked highly on both the “social” and “community connection” attributes. The GIS mapping resulted a prominent urban-suburban divide, with urban areas having a lower level of resilience than suburban areas. The PCA demonstrated significant variation across the 29 municipalities, characterized by the factors “living standard” and “regional involvement.” An understanding of these baseline characteristics would allow governments to monitor chronological changes in the resilience of specific regions. This information can be used to support the establishment of an evaluation platform, and can contribute to a more systematic management of resilience.
Investigation on pyrolysis of some organic raw materials
Authors: B Purevsuren , Ya Davaajav , S Batbileg , A Ariunaa , J Namkhainorov , S Jargalmaa , G Tsatsral , B Bat-Ulzii , R Erdenechimeg , M Battsetseg , B Avid , D Batkhishig , J Dugarjav
Published: February 2017

We have been working on pyrolysis of some organic raw materials including different rank coals, oil shale, wood waste, animal bone, cedar shell, polypropylene waste, milk casein and characterization of obtained hard residue, tar and pyrolytic water and gas after pyrolysis. The technical characteristics of these organic raw materials have been determined and the thermal stability characteristics such as thermal stability indices (T5% and T25%) determined by using thermogravimetric analysis. The pyrolysis experiments were performed at different heating temperatures and the yields of hard residue, tar, pyrolysis water and gaseous products were determined and discussed. The main technical characteristics of hard residue of organic raw materials after pyrolysis have been determined and the adsorption ability of pyrolysis hard residue and its activated carbon of organic raw materials also determined. The pyrolysis tars of organic raw materials were distilled in air condition and determined the yields of obtained light, middle and heavy fractions and bitumen like residue with different boiling temperature. This is the first time to investigate the curing ability of pyrolysis tars of organic raw materials for epoxy resin and the results of these experiments showed that only tar of milk casein has the highest (95.0%), tar of animal bone has certain (18.70%) and tars of all other organic raw materials have no curing ability for epoxy resin.
Fracture Liaison Services - Polish Experience. Methods of Secondary Prevention of Osteoporotic Fractures
Authors: Amarowicz Jarosław , Czerwiński Edward , Zając Katarzyna , Kumorek Anna
Published: February 2017

Background. Fragility fractures are a major challenge to health systems around the world. The risk of a subsequent fracture may increase even 11-fold after one’s first fracture event. A coordinator-based system (Fracture Liaison Services) was established in Poland in order to fill the gap in the care of patients with osteoporotic fractures. In the past years, the FLS has become a crucial part of orthopaedic facilities worldwide, bringing benefits to patients and savings to health systems’ budgets.
Material and methods. In 2015, the European Foundation of Osteoporosis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (EFOM) implemented the FLS in Poland under the name “System Zapobiegania Złamaniom (SZZ)”. It was established in 16 centres in different parts of Poland. During the preparation phase, 42 healthcare professionals from 17 sites participated in courses organized by EFOM.
Results. A total of 1,579 patients were included in the SZZ, with a total of 746 DXA scans performed in that group. Patients were educated about osteoporotic fractures, including the methods of prevention (causes of fractures, problem of falls, vitamin D and calcium supplementation). The number of patients receiving antiresorptive treatment increased by 74.1%. The percentage of patients taking vitamin D and calcium supplements increased by an average of 10.8%. Although all the participating patients had suffered a fragility fracture, only 42% fulfilled the WHO clinical criteria for osteoporosis.
Conclusions. 1. The implementation of the Fracture Liaison Service concept in Poland is possible and beneficial for the patients and healthcare system. 2. The current WHO definition of osteoporosis might be insufficient. 3. The use of an integrated database in different facilities, in terms of fracture epidemiology, significantly improves the quality of data being collected.
Osteitis in the Course of Pyodema Gangrenosum. Case Raport
Authors: Kaźmierczak-Koćwin Andrzej , Pieczyrak Robert , Kusz Damian , Kucharz Eugeniusz , Kusz Marcin
Published: February 2017

We present a possible option for surgical treatment of proximal pole scaphoid pseudarthrosis. We used a vascularized distal radius bone graft that was pedicled on the dorsal capsule of the wrist joint. The publication consists of a case study, conclusions, indications and contraindications for the surgery.
Whole Slide Imaging for Analytical Anatomic Pathology and Telepathology: Practical Applications Today, Promises, and Perils
Authors: Farris Alton Brad , Cohen Cynthia , Rogers Thomas E. , Smith Geoffrey H.
Published: February 2017

Whole slide imaging (WSI) offers a convenient, tractable platform for measuring features of routine and special-stain histology or in immunohistochemistry staining by using digital image analysis (IA). We now routinely use IA for quantitative and qualitative analysis of theranostic markers such as human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2/neu), estrogen and progesterone receptors, and Ki-67. Quantitative IA requires extensive validation, however, and may not always be the best approach, with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors being one example in which a semiautomated approach may be preferable for patient care. We find that IA has great utility for objective assessment of gastrointestinal tract dysplasia, microvessel density in hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic fibrosis and steatosis, renal fibrosis, and general quality analysis/quality control, although the applications of these to daily practice are still in development. Collaborations with bioinformatics specialists have explored novel applications to gliomas, including in silico approaches for mining histologic data and correlating with molecular and radiologic findings. We and many others are using WSI for rapid, remote-access slide reviews (telepathology), though technical factors currently limit its utility for routine, high-volume diagnostics. In our experience, the greatest current practical impact of WSI lies in facilitating long-term storage and retrieval of images while obviating the need to keep slides on site. Once the existing barriers of capital cost, validation, operator training, software design, and storage/back-up concerns are overcome, these technologies appear destined to be a cornerstone of precision medicine and personalized patient care, and to become a routine part of pathology practice.
Recensión de “Carabaña, J. (2015): La inutilidad de PISA para las escuelas. Madrid: Catarata”
Authors: Llorens Ferrer Anna Jordina
Published: February 2017

El autor realiza en el libro analizado un amplio análisis acerca de los informes PISA (hasta el 2012) y reflexiona acerca de sus características principales: qué es PISA, qué mide PISA y qué enseña PISA
Identification of amino acid residues important for the arsenic resistance function of Arabidopsis ABCC1
Authors: Zhang Jie , Hwang Jae‐Ung , Song Won‐Yong , Martinoia Enrico , Lee Youngsook
Published: January 2017

The Arabidopsis ATP‐Binding Cassette (ABC) transporter ABCC1 sequesters arsenic (As)–phytochelatin conjugates into the vacuole, thereby conferring As resistance. Here, we report the results of a screen for phosphorylation‐dependent regulation sites of AtABCC1. Variants of AtABCC1 harboring mutations that replaced amino acid residues Tyr682, Tyr709, Tyr822, Ser846, Ser1278, or Thr1408 with alanine confer reduced resistance and decrease the intracellular As content relative to wild‐type AtABCC1 when heterologously expressed in the SM7 yeast strain. This suggests that these mutations compromise the vacuolar sequestration of As by AtABCC1. Furthermore, through a phosphomimic mutant study, we found that phosphorylation of Ser846 is required for the As resistance function of AtABCC1. Our analysis provides a first clue as to the phosphorylation‐mediated regulation of AtABCC1 activity.
Air‐sea gas transfer in high Arctic fjords
Authors: Andersson A. , Falck E. , Sjöblom A. , Kljun N. , Sahlée E. , Omar A. M. , Rutgersson A.
Published: January 2017

In Arctic fjords and high‐latitude seas, strong surface cooling dominates during a large part of the year, generating water‐side convection (w* w) and enhanced turbulence in the water. These regions are key areas for the global carbon cycle; thus, a correct description of their air‐sea gas exchange is crucial. CO2 data were measured via the eddy covariance technique in marine Arctic conditions and reveal that water‐side convection has a major impact on the gas transfer velocity. This is observed even at wind speeds as high as 9 m s−1, where convective motions are generally thought to be suppressed by wind‐driven turbulence. The enhanced air‐sea transfer of CO2 caused by water‐side convection nearly doubled the CO2 uptake; after scaled to open‐sea conditions the contribution from w* w to the CO2 flux remained as high as 34%. This phenomenon is expected to be highly important for the total carbon uptake in marine Arctic areas.
Variability of D and H in the Martian upper atmosphere observed with the MAVEN IUVS echelle channel
Authors: Clarke J. T. , Mayyasi M. , Bhattacharyya D. , Schneider N. M. , McClintock W. E. , Deighan J. I. , Stewart A. I. F. , Chaufray J.‐Y. , Chaffin M. S. , Jain S. K. , Stiepen A. , Crismani M. , Holsclaw G. M. , Montmessin F. , Jakosky B. M.
Published: January 2017

The MAVEN IUVS instrument contains an echelle spectrograph channel designed to measure D and H Ly α emissions from the upper atmosphere of Mars. This channel has successfully recorded both emissions, which are produced by resonant scattering of solar emission, over the course of most of a martian year. The fundamental purpose of these measurements is to understand the physical principles underlying the escape of H and D from the upper atmosphere into space, and thereby to relate present‐day measurements of an enhanced HDO/H2O ratio in the bulk atmosphere to the water escape history of Mars. Variations in these emissions independent of the solar flux reflect changes in the density and/or temperature of the species in the upper atmosphere. The MAVEN measurements show that the densities of both H and D vary by an order of magnitude over a martian year, and not always in synch with each other. This discovery has relevance to the processes by which H and D escape into space. One needs to understand the controlling factors to be able to extrapolate back in time to determine the water escape history from Mars at times when the atmosphere was thicker, when the solar flux and solar wind were stronger, etc. Further measurements will be able to identify the specific controlling factors for the large changes in H and D, which likely result in large changes in the escape fluxes of both species.
Tracer‐based characterization of hyporheic exchange and benthic biolayers in streams
Authors: Knapp Julia L. A. , González‐Pinzón Ricardo , Drummond Jennifer D. , Larsen Laurel G. , Cirpka Olaf A. , Harvey Judson W.
Published: January 2017

Shallow benthic biolayers at the top of the streambed are believed to be places of enhanced biogeochemical turnover within the hyporheic zone. They can be investigated by reactive stream tracer tests with tracer recordings in the streambed and in the stream channel. Common in‐stream measurements of such reactive tracers cannot localize where the processing primarily takes place, whereas isolated vertical depth profiles of solutes within the hyporheic zone are usually not representative of the entire stream. We present results of a tracer test where we injected the conservative tracer bromide together with the reactive tracer resazurin into a third‐order stream and combined the recording of in‐stream breakthrough curves with multidepth sampling of the hyporheic zone at several locations. The transformation of resazurin was used as an indicator of metabolism, and high‐reactivity zones were identified from depth profiles. The results from our subsurface analysis indicate that the potential for tracer transformation (i.e., the reaction rate constant) varied with depth in the hyporheic zone. This highlights the importance of the benthic biolayer, which we found to be on average 2 cm thick in this study, ranging from one third to one half of the full depth of the hyporheic zone. The reach‐scale approach integrated the effects of processes along the reach length, isolating hyporheic processes relevant for whole‐stream chemistry and estimating effective reaction rates.
Retracted: The influence of NaCl concentration on salt precipitation in heterogeneous porous media
Authors: Bergstad Mina , Or Dani , Withers Philip J. , Shokri Nima
Published: January 2017

Evaporation of saline solutions from porous media is governed by the complex interactions between the transport properties of the porous media, the evaporating solution, and the external boundary conditions. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of salt concentration on the evaporation process from porous media in the presence of a sharp textural discontinuity, a common heterogeneity in natural porous media formed due to the weathering or formation of soil horizons, wind deposition, and erosion. We have conducted a comprehensive series of macroscale and microscale experiments to delineate how the precipitation pattern is modified as salt concentration varies from relatively low values to a concentration close to the solubility limit. For concentrations much less than the solubility limit, the precipitation begins at the coarse‐textured part of the heterogeneous porous media (which is a counter‐intuitive result considering the preferential evaporation of water from the fine‐textured part of the heterogeneous surface). However, when the concentration is close to the solubility limit, precipitation initiates preferentially at the fine‐textured part of the heterogeneous porous surface. This behavior results from the interaction between the transport properties of the porous media and the properties of the evaporating solution which must be considered. Additionally, using pore‐scale images obtained by X‐ray microcomputed tomography (CT), we have visualized the dynamics of precipitation in the presence of heterogeneity at high spatial and temporal resolution. The pore‐scale results corroborate the mechanisms controlling the precipitation patterns in the presence of textural discontinuities inferred from the macroscale experiments.
Conceptual design of ammonia‐based energy storage system: System design and time‐invariant performance
Authors: Wang Ganzhou , Mitsos Alexander , Marquardt Wolfgang
Published: January 2017

Chemicals‐based energy storage is promising for integrating intermittent renewables on the utility scale. High round‐trip efficiency, low cost, and considerable flexibility are desirable. To this end, an ammonia‐based energy storage system is proposed. It utilizes a pressurized reversible solid‐oxide fuel cell for power conversion, coupled with external ammonia synthesis and decomposition processes and a steam power cycle. A coupled refrigeration cycle is utilized to recycle nitrogen completely. Pure oxygen, produced as a side‐product in electrochemical water splitting, is used to drive the fuel cell. A first‐principle process model extended by detailed cost calculation is used for process optimization. In this work, the performance of a 100 MW system under time‐invariant operation is studied. The system can achieve a round‐trip efficiency as high as 72%. The lowest levelized cost of delivered energy is obtained at 0.24 $/kWh, which is comparable to that of pumped hydro and compressed air energy storage systems. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 1620–1637, 2017
Uniform high‐molecular‐weight polylactide nanofibers electrospun from a solution below its entanglement concentration
Authors: Li Shuai , Lv Ruihua , Liu Hesheng , Na Bing , Zhou Haiying , Ge Lin
Published: January 2017

In this article, we report the effects of the molecular weight on the electrospinnability of polylactide (PLA) solutions under identical conditions. Only above the entanglement concentration could uniform fibers be generated for PLA with a low molecular weight. However, electrospinning from a solution below its entanglement concentration produced uniform nanofibers when a high‐molecular‐weight PLA was adopted. The slow relaxation of high‐molecular‐weight PLA was expected to preserve chain interconnectivity in the highly stretched liquid jets during electrospinning. Correspondingly, rapid cold crystallization and a high modulus were exhibited by the resulting PLA nanofibers because of their remarkable molecular alignment.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44853.
Long-term symptom control of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease 12 years after laparoscopic Nissen or 180° anterior partial fundoplication in a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Roks D J , Broeders J A , Baigrie R J
Published: February 2017

Background

Laparoscopic 180° anterior fundoplication has been shown to achieve similar reflux control to Nissen fundoplication, with fewer side-effects, up to 5 years. However, there is a paucity of long-term follow-up data on this technique and antireflux surgery in general. This study reports 12-year outcomes of a double-blind RCT comparing laparoscopic Nissen versus 180° laparoscopic anterior fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

Methods

Patients with proven GORD were randomized to laparoscopic Nissen or 180° anterior fundoplication. The 12-year outcome measures included reflux control, dysphagia, gas-related symptoms and patient satisfaction. Measures included scores on a visual analogue scale, a validated Dakkak score for dysphagia and Visick scores.

Results

Of the initial 163 patients randomized (Nissen 84, anterior 79), 90 (55·2 per cent) completed 12-year follow-up (Nissen 52, anterior 38). There were no differences in heartburn, dysphagia, gas-related symptoms, patient satisfaction or surgical reintervention rate. Use of acid-suppressing drugs was less common after Nissen than after 180° anterior fundoplication: four of 52 (8 per cent) and 11 of 38 (29 per cent) respectively (P = 0·008). The proportion of patients with absent or only mild symptoms was slightly higher after Nissen fundoplication: 45 of 50 (90 per cent) versus 28 of 38 (74 per cent) (P = 0·044).

Conclusion

The two surgical procedures provided similar control of heartburn and post-fundoplication symptoms, with similar patient satisfaction and reoperation rates on long-term follow-up.
Learning effectiveness and satisfaction of international medical students: Introducing a Hybrid–PBL curriculum in biochemistry
Authors: Yan Qiu , Ma Li , Zhu Lina , Zhang Wenli
Published: February 2017

A biochemistry course is a fundamental but important subject in medical education in China. In recent years, the number of international medical students has increased. Curriculum reform in biochemistry teaching is needed because of the knowledge limitations of students, a close linkage of biochemical content with clinics, the shortcomings of lecture‐centered teaching, and the requirements for early clinical practice training and competence. In this study, we analyzed a novel curriculum reform, “Hybrid–PBL,” which combined problem‐based learning (PBL) with biochemistry lectures and was implemented for biochemical teaching at Dalian Medical University (DMU) in China. The change in curriculum affected 189 international medical students. This study selected two PBL cases concerning the basic biochemical issues of carbohydrate metabolism and liver biochemistry for the analysis, and ten examples of learning issues for each case were reported by the international students. A questionnaire was utilized to evaluate students’ perceptions of the Hybrid–PBL, and examination scores were analyzed to assess the curriculum reform in biochemistry teaching. A statistical analysis revealed that the Hybrid–PBL curriculum was well accepted by the international students as an effective supplement to lecture‐centered teaching programs. The students obtained more abilities, higher examination scores, and an improved understanding of biomedical information from the Hybrid–PBL program than from conventional teaching methods. Our study was an innovative trial that applied a PBL curriculum to the specific discipline of biochemistry and may provide a potential and promising new teaching method that can be widely utilized. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(4):336–342, 2017.
Chemical Constituents from the Flowers of Wild Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis
Authors: Zhang Hu , Feng Ning , Xu Yan‐Tong , Li Tian‐Xiang , Gao Xiu‐Mei , Zhu Yan , Song Yun Seon , Wang Ya‐Nan , Wu Hong‐Hua
Published: January 2017

Four new iridoids, 2′‐O‐(E)‐coumaroylshanzhiside (1), 6′‐O‐(E)‐coumaroylshanzhiside (2), 8α‐butylgardenoside B (3), 6α‐methoxygenipin (4), and one new phenylpropanoid glucoside, 5‐(3‐hydroxypropyl)‐2‐methoxyphenyl β‐d‐glucopyranoside (5), together with sixteen known compounds, were isolated from the edible flowers of wild Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis. Their chemical structures were characterized by extensive spectroscopic techniques, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, HR‐ESI‐MS, and CD experiments. The absolute configurations of the new isolates’ sugar moiety were assigned by HPLC analysis of the acid hydrolysates. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of those isolates were preliminarily evaluated by DPPH scavenging experiment. And comparison of 1H‐NMR spectra for the EtOH extract of G. jasminoides J.Ellis, gardenoside B and geniposide revealed that the flowers of this plant have a considerable content of gardenoside B instead of geniposide in the fruits, indicating different activities and applications in people's daily life.
Direct Intracellular Delivery of Cell‐Impermeable Probes of Protein Glycosylation by Using Nanostraws
Authors: Xu Alexander M. , Wang Derek S. , Shieh Peyton , Cao Yuhong , Melosh Nicholas A.
Published: January 2017

Bioorthogonal chemistry is an effective tool for elucidating metabolic pathways and measuring cellular activity, yet its use is currently limited by the difficulty of getting probes past the cell membrane and into the cytoplasm, especially if more complex probes are desired. Here we present a simple and minimally perturbative technique to deliver functional probes of glycosylation into cells by using a nanostructured “nanostraw” delivery system. Nanostraws provide direct intracellular access to cells through fluid conduits that remain small enough to minimize cell perturbation. First, we demonstrate that our platform can deliver an unmodified azidosugar, N‐azidoacetylmannosamine, into cells with similar effectiveness to a chemical modification strategy (peracetylation). We then show that the nanostraw platform enables direct delivery of an azidosugar modified with a charged uridine diphosphate group (UDP) that prevents intracellular penetration, thereby bypassing multiple enzymatic processing steps. By effectively removing the requirement for cell permeability from the probe, the nanostraws expand the toolbox of bioorthogonal probes that can be used to study biological processes on a single, easy‐to‐use platform.
Recurrent apnea in an infant with pertussis due to household transmission
Authors: Ochi Motoharu , Nosaka Nobuyuki , Knaup Emily , Tsukahara Kohei , Kikkawa Tomonobu , Fujii Yousuke , Yashiro Masato , Sato Keiji , Ugawa Toyomu , Okada Ayumi , Tsukahara Hirokazu
Published: January 2017

Key Clinical Message

Bordetella pertussis causes life‐threatening apnea in infants. Lymphocytosis is an important clue for diagnosis and for determining the severity of pertussis. Antibiotics do not shorten or ameliorate the disease and only decrease the risk of transmission. Antepartum maternal immunization is important for preventing pertussis in infants.
The barbed suture of deep fascia walks away and pierces through skin far from the incision – a case report
Authors: Li Shufeng , Sun Huaqiang , Yu Zhaolong , Wang Wei , Wang Teng , Yan Xinfeng
Published: January 2017

Key Clinical Message

Barbed suture has been widely used in surgeries. However, this technique may raise many problems. Here, we report that the barbed suture of deep fascia walks away and pierces through skin far from the incision in a 61‐year‐old male 6 weeks after total hip arthroplasty.
Rhodium Complexes Promoting C−O Bond Formation in Reactions with Oxygen: The Role of Superoxo Species
Authors: Vilella‐Arribas Laia , García‐Melchor Max , Balcells David , Lledós Agustí , López José A. , Sancho Sofía , Villarroya B. Eva , del Río M. Pilar , Ciriano Miguel A. , Tejel Cristina
Published: January 2017

C−O bond formation in reactions of olefins with oxygen is a long standing challenge in chemistry for which the very complicated—sometimes controversial—mechanistic panorama slows down the design of catalysts for oxygenations. In this regard, the mechanistic details of the oxidation of the complex [Rh(cod)(Ph2N3)] (1) (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene) with oxygen to the unique 2‐rhodaoxetane compound [{Rh(OC8H12)(Ph2N3)}2] (2) has been investigated by DFT calculations. The results of this study provide evidences for a novel bimetallic mechanism in which two rhodium atoms redistribute the four electrons involved in the cleavage of the O=O bond. Furthermore, both oxygen atoms are used to create two new C−O bonds in a controlled fashion with 100 % atom economy. The key intermediates that we have found in this process are a mononuclear open‐shell triplet superoxo compound, an open‐shell singlet “μ‐(peroxo)” derivative, and a closed‐shell singlet “bis(μ‐oxo)” complex. Some of the findings are used to predict the reactions of RhI complexes with oxygen, exemplified by that of the complex [Rh(cod)(OnapyMe2)] (3). Starting from 3, [{Rh(OC8H12)(OnapyMe2)}2] (4) has been prepared and characterized, which represents the second example of a 2‐rhodaoxetane compound coming from an oxygenation reaction with oxygen.
Chemokine (C‐C motif) receptor 7 (CCR7) associates with the tumour immune microenvironment but not progression in invasive breast carcinoma
Authors: Sonbul Sultan N , Gorringe Kylie L , Aleskandarany Mohammed A , Mukherjee Abhik , Green Andrew R , Ellis Ian O , Rakha Emad A
Published: January 2017

Some previous studies have reported that the chemokine (C‐C motif) receptor 7 (CCR7) plays a role in breast cancer, is associated with lymph node metastasis and drives the site of distant metastasis. However, the impact of its expression on patient outcome and its association with tumour infiltrating inflammatory cells remain to be validated. We evaluated CCR7 protein expression by immunohistochemistry in a large well characterized cohort (n = 866) of early invasive primary breast cancers. CCR7 was expressed in the cytoplasm and membrane of tumour cells. We observed a weak positive association of high CCR7 expression when in either cellular component, but not both together, with axillary lymph node stage 3 tumours (p = 0.043). Logistic regression analysis of lymph node stage revealed no independent predictive value for CCR7 expression. CCR7 expression was higher in HER2 positive tumours (p = 0.03) and associated with positive CD68+ FOXP3+ tumour infiltrating cells. CCR7 staining was negatively associated with CD3+ cells. There was no significant association of CCR7 expression with breast cancer recurrence or survival. We conclude that while CCR7 is not a useful biomarker for predicting lymph node metastasis, it may reflect altered intra‐ and inter‐cellular signalling related to the immune microenvironment. The subcellular localization of CCR7 appears to affect the nature of these interactions.
Finite‐Sized One‐Dimensional Silica Microstructures (Rods): Synthesis, Assembly, and Applications
Authors: Sharma Jaswinder
Published: January 2017

Colloidal silica structures are very important for applications such as superhydrophobic, oleophobic, icephobic, and anti‐biofouling coatings, polymer–ceramic or metal–matrix composites, photon management, catalyst support, and drug delivery. In addition to various types of silica structures, a unique structure—silica rods—has been synthesized by employing the emulsion droplets made by adding water and citrate to polyvinylpyrrolidone pentanol solution. While significant progress has been made in modifying rod shape and chemistry, in rod assembly, and in rod applications, however, no review article has discussed the progress in this field. This Focus Review intends to highlight the developments in the synthesis, assembly, and application of these rods, and discuss the remaining challenges for precise control of size and shape, possible solutions, and potential applications.
Controls of nitrogen cycling evaluated along a well‐characterized climate gradient
Authors: von Sperber Christian , Chadwick Oliver A. , Casciotti Karen L. , Peay Kabir G. , Francis Christopher A. , Kim Amy E. , Vitousek Peter M.
Published: January 2017

The supply of nitrogen (N) constrains primary productivity in many ecosystems, raising the question “what controls the availability and cycling of N”? As a step toward answering this question, we evaluated N cycling processes and aspects of their regulation on a climate gradient on Kohala Volcano, Hawaii, USA. The gradient extends from sites receiving <300 mm/yr of rain to those receiving >3,000 mm/yr, and the pedology and dynamics of rock‐derived nutrients in soils on the gradient are well understood. In particular, there is a soil process domain at intermediate rainfall within which ongoing weathering and biological uplift have enriched total and available pools of rock‐derived nutrients substantially; sites at higher rainfall than this domain are acid and infertile as a consequence of depletion of rock‐derived nutrients, while sites at lower rainfall are unproductive and subject to wind erosion. We found elevated rates of potential net N mineralization in the domain where rock‐derived nutrients are enriched. Higher‐rainfall sites have low rates of potential net N mineralization and high rates of microbial N immobilization, despite relatively high rates of gross N mineralization. Lower‐rainfall sites have moderately low potential net N mineralization, relatively low rates of gross N mineralization, and rates of microbial N immobilization sufficient to sequester almost all the mineral N produced. Bulk soil δ15N also varied along the gradient, from +4‰ at high rainfall sites to +14‰ at low rainfall sites, indicating differences in the sources and dynamics of soil N. Our analysis shows that there is a strong association between N cycling and soil process domains that are defined using soil characteristics independent of N along this gradient, and that short‐term controls of N cycling can be understood in terms of the supply of and demand for N.
Do the complementarities of electrokinetic and chromatographic procedures represent the “Swiss knife” in proteomic investigation? An overview of the literature in the past decade
Authors: Di Venere Monica , Viglio Simona , Sassera Davide , Fumagalli Marco , Bardoni Anna , Salvini Roberta , Cagnone Maddalena , Iadarola Paolo
Published: January 2017

This report reviews the literature of the past decade dealing with the combination of electrokinetic and chromatographic strategies in the proteomic field. Aim of this article is to highlight how the application of complementary techniques may contribute to substantially improve protein identification. Several studies here considered demonstrate that exploring the combination of these approaches can be a strategy to enrich the extent of proteomic information achieved from a sample. The coupling of “top‐down” and “bottom‐up” proteomics may result in the generation of a hybrid analytical tool, very efficient not only for large‐scale profiling of complex proteomes but also for studying specific subproteomes. The range of applications described, while evidencing a continuous boost in the imagination of researchers for developing new combinations of methods for protein separation, also underlines the adaptability of these techniques to a wide variety of samples. This report points out the general usefulness of combining different procedures for proteomic analysis, an approach that allows researchers to go deeper in the proteome of samples under investigation.
Characterization of complexes between phenethylamine enantiomers and β‐cyclodextrin derivatives by capillary electrophoresis—Determination of binding constants and complex mobilities
Authors: Wahl Joachim , Furuishi Takayuki , Yonemochi Etsuo , Meinel Lorenz , Holzgrabe Ulrike
Published: January 2017

To optimize chiral separation conditions and to improve the knowledge of enantioseparation, it is important to know the binding constants K between analytes and cyclodextrins and the electrophoretic mobilities of the temporarily formed analyte‐cyclodextrin‐complexes. K values for complexes between eight phenethylamine enantiomers, namely ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, methylephedrine and norephedrine, and four different β‐cyclodextrin derivatives were determined by affinity capillary electrophoresis. The binding constants were calculated from the electrophoretic mobility values of the phenethylamine enantiomers at increasing concentrations of cyclodextrins in running buffer. Three different linear plotting methods (x‐reciprocal, y‐reciprocal, double reciprocal) and nonlinear regression were used for the determination of binding constants with β‐cyclodextrin, (2‐hydroxypropyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin, methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin and 6‐O‐α‐maltosyl‐β‐cyclodextrin. The cyclodextrin concentration in a 50 mM phosphate buffer pH 3.0 was varied from 0 to 12 mM. To investigate the influence of the binding constant values on the enantioseparation the observed electrophoretic selectivities were compared with the obtained K values and the calculated enantiomer‐cyclodextrin‐complex mobilities. The different electrophoretic mobilities of the temporarily formed complexes were crucial factors for the migration order and enantioseparation of ephedrine derivatives. To verify the apparent binding constants determined by capillary electrophoresis, a titration process using ephedrine enantiomers and β‐cyclodextrin was carried out. Furthermore, the isothermal titration calorimetry measurements gave information about the thermal properties of the complexes.
Selective precolumn derivatization of fatty acids with the fluorescent tag 6‐aminoquinoline and their determination in some food samples by reversed‐phase chromatography
Authors: Jonnada Murthy , El Rassi Guadalupe Davila , El Rassi Ziad
Published: January 2017

Fatty acids (FAs) have been selectively derivatized with a fluorescent tag, 6‐aminoquinoline (6AQ), which yielded fluorescent FA‐6AQ derivatives that have excitation (λexc = 270 nm) and emission (λemi = 495 nm) wavelengths that are farther apart. This precolumn derivatization is characterized by its simplicity occurring at room temperature between the carboxylic acid group of the FA and the amino group of 6AQ in the presence of a nonaqueous soluble carbodiimide coupling agent such as the N,N´‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. The FAs extracts are readily derivatized in chloroform and can be analyzed without any further sample cleanup that minimizes sample loss. The FA‐6AQ derivatives derived from standard FAs as well as from extracted FAs from food samples were separated by reversed phase chromatography on a homemade naphthyl methacrylate monolithic (NMM) column and C4 silica‐based column. While the NMM column provided excellent separation for saturated FA‐6AQ derivatives, the C4 silica column was able to separate simultaneously saturated and unsaturated FA‐6AQ derivatives. The MNN column permitted the analysis and quantitation of the saturated FA‐6AQ derivatives extracted from coconut oil. The C4 column provided the selectivity needed to analyze and quantify saturated and unsaturated derivatized with 6AQ and extracted from meat. The limits of detection and quantitation were 5 and 20 nM, respectively, with a linear dynamic range extending from 20 nM to 40 μM. The 40 μM upper limit was due to the limited solubility of the FA‐6AQ derivatives in the diluting mobile phase, which is the initial mobile phase used in gradient runs.
Deciphering topographic signals of glaciation and rock uplift in an active orogen: a case study from the Olympic Mountains, USA
Authors: Adams B. A. , Ehlers T. A.
Published: January 2017

Estimating recent patterns of erosion and rock uplift within Cenozoic orogens has proven difficult as signals of these processes have been obfuscated by Plio‐Pleistocene glaciation. The topography of many mountain ranges integrates the effects of long‐lived rock uplift, Late‐Cenozoic climate variation, and post‐glacial landscape adjustment. In this study, we employ a suite of topographic analyses to study the relief of an active mountain range on a sub‐catchment scale in an effort to the separate the long‐term signal of rock uplift from perturbations due to shorter‐lived climate signals. We focus on the Olympic Mountains, USA, where patterns of exhumation and glaciation have been previously estimated; however, our methods and results are broadly applicable to other orogens.

Our analysis shows that Plio‐Pleistocene alpine glaciers and the Cordilleran Ice Sheet have reduced the elevations of channel profiles and created anomalously low channel relief in the Olympic Mountains. Large low‐gradient areas formed at lower elevations where ice sheets were present and alpine glaciers widened and deepened valleys. In the more rugged core of the range, near‐threshold hillslopes along the margins of the oversteepened glacially‐carved valleys, dominate the range. This implies a strong Plio‐Pleistocene glacial climate control on the topography over the more recent evolution of the Olympic Mountains. However, the broad relief structure of the range appears to still record the regional rock uplift pattern and is suggestive of an east‐plunging antiform, consistent with folding of the subducting plate or underplating of accreted rocks. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuron–astrocyte signaling is preserved in the aging brain
Authors: Gómez‐Gonzalo Marta , Martin‐Fernandez Mario , Martínez‐Murillo Ricardo , Mederos Sara , Hernández‐Vivanco Alicia , Jamison Stephanie , Fernandez Ana P. , Serrano Julia , Calero Pilar , Futch Hunter S. , Corpas Rubén , Sanfeliu Coral , Perea Gertrudis , Araque Alfonso
Published: January 2017

Astrocytes play crucial roles in brain homeostasis and are emerging as regulatory elements of neuronal and synaptic physiology by responding to neurotransmitters with Ca2+ elevations and releasing gliotransmitters that activate neuronal receptors. Aging involves neuronal and astrocytic alterations, being considered risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. Most evidence of the astrocyte–neuron signaling is derived from studies with young animals; however, the features of astrocyte–neuron signaling in adult and aging brain remain largely unknown. We have investigated the existence and properties of astrocyte–neuron signaling in physiologically and pathologically aging mouse hippocampal and cortical slices at different lifetime points (0.5 to 20 month‐old animals). We found that astrocytes preserved their ability to express spontaneous and neurotransmitter‐dependent intracellular Ca2+ signals from juvenile to aging brains. Likewise, resting levels of gliotransmission, assessed by neuronal NMDAR activation by glutamate released from astrocytes, were largely preserved with similar properties in all tested age groups, but DHPG‐induced gliotransmission was reduced in aged mice. In contrast, gliotransmission was enhanced in the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, indicating a dysregulation of astrocyte–neuron signaling in pathological conditions. Disruption of the astrocytic IP3R2 mediated‐signaling, which is required for neurotransmitter‐induced astrocyte Ca2+ signals and gliotransmission, boosted the progression of amyloid plaque deposits and synaptic plasticity impairments in APP/PS1 mice at early stages of the disease. Therefore, astrocyte–neuron interaction is a fundamental signaling, largely conserved in the adult and aging brain of healthy animals, but it is altered in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that dysfunctions of astrocyte Ca2+ physiology may contribute to this neurodegenerative disease. GLIA 2017 GLIA 2017;65:569–580
Auditory and audio–visual processing in patients with cochlear, auditory brainstem, and auditory midbrain implants: An EEG study
Authors: Schierholz Irina , Finke Mareike , Kral Andrej , Büchner Andreas , Rach Stefan , Lenarz Thomas , Dengler Reinhard , Sandmann Pascale
Published: January 2017

There is substantial variability in speech recognition ability across patients with cochlear implants (CIs), auditory brainstem implants (ABIs), and auditory midbrain implants (AMIs). To better understand how this variability is related to central processing differences, the current electroencephalography (EEG) study compared hearing abilities and auditory–cortex activation in patients with electrical stimulation at different sites of the auditory pathway. Three different groups of patients with auditory implants (Hannover Medical School; ABI: n = 6, CI: n = 6; AMI: n = 2) performed a speeded response task and a speech recognition test with auditory, visual, and audio–visual stimuli. Behavioral performance and cortical processing of auditory and audio–visual stimuli were compared between groups. ABI and AMI patients showed prolonged response times on auditory and audio–visual stimuli compared with NH listeners and CI patients. This was confirmed by prolonged N1 latencies and reduced N1 amplitudes in ABI and AMI patients. However, patients with central auditory implants showed a remarkable gain in performance when visual and auditory input was combined, in both speech and non‐speech conditions, which was reflected by a strong visual modulation of auditory–cortex activation in these individuals. In sum, the results suggest that the behavioral improvement for audio–visual conditions in central auditory implant patients is based on enhanced audio–visual interactions in the auditory cortex. Their findings may provide important implications for the optimization of electrical stimulation and rehabilitation strategies in patients with central auditory prostheses. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2206–2225, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of aging upon the host response to implants
Authors: Hachim Daniel , Wang Na , Lopresti Samuel T. , Stahl Elizabeth C. , Umeda Yuta U. , Rege Rahul D. , Carey Sean T. , Mani Deepa , Brown Bryan N.
Published: January 2017

Macrophage polarization during the host response is now a well‐accepted predictor of outcomes following material implantation. Immunosenescence, dysregulation of macrophage function, and delayed resolution of immune responses in aged individuals have all been demonstrated, suggesting that host responses to materials in aged individuals should differ from those in younger individuals. However, few studies examining the effects of aging upon the host response have been performed. The present work sought to elucidate the impacts of aging upon the host response to polypropylene mesh implanted into 8‐week‐old and 18‐month‐old mice. The results showed that there are significant differences in macrophage surface marker expression, migration, and polarization during the early host macrophage response and delayed resolution of the host response in 18‐month‐old versus 8‐week‐old mice. These differences could not be attributed to cell‐intrinsic defects alone, suggesting that the host macrophage response to implants is likely also dictated to a significant degree by the local tissue microenvironment. These results raise important questions about the design and testing of materials and devices often intended to treat aged individuals and suggest that an improved understanding of patient‐ and context‐dependent macrophage responses has the potential to improve outcomes in aged individuals. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1281–1292, 2017.
Fabrication and characterization of cell sheets using methylcellulose and PNIPAAm thermoresponsive polymers: A comparison Study
Authors: Forghani Anoosha , Kriegh Lisa , Hogan Katie , Chen Cong , Brewer Gabrielle , Tighe Timothy B. , Devireddy Ram , Hayes Daniel
Published: January 2017

Culturing cells on thermoresponsive polymers enables cells to be harvested as an intact cell sheet without disrupting the extracellular matrix or compromising cell‐cell junctions. Previously, cell sheet fabrication methods using methylcellulose (MC) gel and PNIPAAm were independently demonstrated. In this study, MC and PNIPAAm fabrication methods are detailed and the resulting cell sheets characterized in parallel studies for direct comparison of human adipose derived stromal/stem cell (hASCs) sheet formation, cell morphology, viability, proliferation, and osteogenic potential over 21 days. A cell viability study revealed that hASCs in MC and PNIPAAm cell sheets remained viable for 21 days and proliferated until confluency. Osteogenic cell sheets exhibited upregulation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) at day 7, as well as calcium deposition at 21 days. Additionally, expression of osteocalcin (OCN), a late‐stage marker of osteogenesis, was quantified at days 14 and 21 using RT‐PCR. OCN was upregulated in MC cell sheets at day 14 and PNIPAAm cell sheets at days 14 and 21. These results indicate that hASCs formed into cell sheets commit to an osteogenic lineage when cultured in osteogenic conditions. Cell sheets composed of hASCs may be used for further studies of hASC differentiation or surgical delivery of undifferentiated cells to defect sites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1346–1354, 2017.