bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal variation of stable isotopic composition in precipitation: Post‐condensational effects in a humid area
Authors: Müller Sascha , Stumpp Christine , Sørensen Jens Havskov , Jessen Søren
Published: April 2017

In the present study, a 2‐year dataset on δ18O and δ2H in precipitation is used to investigate hydrometeorologic controls on the isotopic compositions in a temperate maritime climate. Data was collected in Denmark along a transect of Six sampling stations across a landscape with a small topographic gradient and predominant westerly winds. Data showed the local meteoric water line for this region is expressed by the equation δ2H = 7.4δ18O + 5.4‰. A significant trend correlating enriched isotopic values to humidities around 70% during dry season and more depleted isotopic values to humidities around 90% during wet season was derived from the dataset. Temperature was found to only influence the isotopic composition in a secondary way, whereas no significant relationship was obtained for precipitation amount and evapotranspiration. It is suggested that subcloud post‐condensation exchange strongly influences the isotopic composition at the study site. A simple model of evaporation on falling rain was applied with the aim to reproduce observational data and show the potential influence of changing humidity conditions on precipitation compositions. The rather simple model approach did not fully explain the observational data, but it highlights the drastic isotopic changes from a falling raindrop that potentially can occur due to its release into a dryer atmosphere. This study shows that regional conditions and especially humidity can alter the isotopic composition in precipitation substantially even in regions without major topographic and hydrometeorologic gradients.
Regulation of organelle function by metformin
Authors: Kim Jeongho , You Young‐Jai
Published: April 2017

Metformin ameliorates hyperglycemia without the side effects of lactic acidosis or hypoglycemia. Metformin lowers the blood glucose level by decreasing hepatic glucose production in the liver and by increasing glucose uptake in the muscle. Recent studies show that metformin induces cell death in certain cancer cell lines by interfering with the metabolism of the cancer cells. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of action for metformin will provide insights into how to better treat diabetes and other metabolic disorders and also into the development of new therapeutic drugs. One of the best understood molecular targets of metformin is the mitochondrial complex I. However, given metformin's broad effects on metabolism, it could act on multiple targets. In this review, we summarize current findings in metformin's mechanisms of action regarding its known targets in mitochondria and known effects in cancer cell lines. Then, we introduce endosomal Na+/H+ exchangers and the V‐ATPase as new potential targets of metformin's action. Finally, we will discuss the hypothesis that metformin directly acts on endosome/lysosome regulation so as to regulate metabolism and ultimately alleviate type 2 diabetes. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(7):459–469, 2017
Combined inhibition of autophagy protein 5 and galectin‐1 by thiodigalactoside reduces diet‐induced obesity through induction of white fat browning
Authors: Parray Hilal Ahmad , Yun Jong Won
Published: April 2017

Our previous study demonstrated that thiodigalactoside (TDG) ameliorates obesity by targeted inhibition of galectin‐1 (GAL1). Here, for the first time, we report the unexpected role of GAL1 and ATG5 inhibition by TDG in lipid metabolism. Core thermogenic marker proteins and genes were highly induced in white adipose tissue (WAT) of rats fed a high fat diet (HFD) and TDG, resulting in the significant development of brown fat‐like adipocytes in inguinal WAT. TDG treatment reduced weight gain and fat mass as well as activated brown adipose tissue (BAT) in HFD‐fed rats. TDG also reduced protein levels of LC3‐II and increased protein levels of P62, suggesting its possible role in suppression of autophagy. Combined inhibition of GAL1 and ATG5 by TDG treatment protected rats against both HFD‐induced adipogenesis as well as lipogenesis, as evidenced by suppression of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein alpha, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma and fatty acid synthase. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that TDG plays a role in browning and lipid catabolism by combined inhibition of GAL1 and ATG5 and thus may have potential therapeutic implications in the regulation of energy homeostasis via its action in WAT. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(7):510–521, 2017
Lactosylceramide‐Induced Phosphorylation Signaling to Group IVA Phospholipase A2 via Reactive Oxygen Species in Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α‐Treated Cells
Authors: Nakamura Hiroyuki , Moriyama Yuta , Watanabe Kazuaki , Tomizawa Satoshi , Yamazaki Risa , Takahashi Hiromasa , Murayama Toshihiko
Published: April 2017

The activity of α‐type cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2α, group IVA PLA2), which releases arachidonic acid (AA), is mainly regulated by the Ca2+‐induced intracellular translocation/attachment of the enzyme to substrate membranes and its phosphorylation. We previously reported that tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) stimulated the formation of lactosylceramide (LacCer) in L929 fibroblast cells, and this lipid directly bound with and activated cPLA2α [Nakamura et al. [2013] J. Biol. Chem. 288:23264–23272]. We herein investigated the role of phosphorylation signaling in the TNFα/LacCer‐induced activation of cPLA2α in cells. TNFα‐treated L929 cells released AA via the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and cPLA2α, while a treatment with LacCer alone released AA in a similar manner. The TNFα‐induced responses including release of AA were decreased by the inhibition of LacCer synthesis. The treatment with TNFα and LacCer increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the reduction/scavenging of ROS decreased the phosphorylation cascade and release of AA in TNFα/LacCer‐treated L929 cells. In the cell line CHO, the treatment with LacCer stimulated the phosphorylation cascade and release of AA via the formation of ROS. Treatments with the anti‐LacCer antibody and 4β‐phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate stimulated the phosphorylation cascade, but did not release AA by itself. When combined with the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, treatments with the anti‐LacCer antibody and 4β‐phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate released AA. These results, including our previous findings, showed that LacCer alone simultaneously stimulates two processes to activate cPLA2α: a phosphorylation signal and attachment of the enzyme to substrate membranes. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4370–4382, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PGE2 Receptor Subtype 1 (EP1) Regulates Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Osteogenic Differentiation by Modulating Cellular Energy Metabolism
Authors: Feigenson Marina , Eliseev Roman A. , Jonason Jennifer H. , Mills Bradley N. , O'Keefe Regis J.
Published: April 2017

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitors capable of differentiation into osteoblasts and can potentially serve as a source for cell‐based therapies for bone repair. Many factors have been shown to regulate MSC differentiation into the osteogenic lineage such as the Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX2)/Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signaling pathway that is critical for bone repair. PGE2 binds four different receptors EP1‐4. While most studies focus on the role PGE2 receptors EP2 and EP4 in MSC differentiation, our study focuses on the less studied, receptor subtype 1 (EP1) in MSC function. Recent work from our laboratory showed that EP1−/− mice have enhanced fracture healing, stronger cortical bones, higher trabecular bone volume and increased in vivo bone formation, suggesting that EP1 is a negative regulator of bone formation. In this study, the regulation of MSC osteogenic differentiation by EP1 receptor was investigated using EP1 genetic deletion in EP1−/− mice. The data suggest that EP1 receptor functions to maintain MSCs in an undifferentiated state. Loss of the EP1 receptor changes MSC characteristics and permits stem cells to undergo more rapid osteogenic differentiation. Notably, our studies suggest that EP1 receptor regulates MSC differentiation by modulating MSC bioenergetics, preventing the shift to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation by maintaining high Hif1α activity. Loss of EP1 results in inactivation of Hif1α, increased oxygen consumption rate and thus increased osteoblast differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4383–4393, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
False negative single antigen bead assay: Is it always an effect of prozone?
Authors: Jain Dharmendra , Choudhuri Jui , Chauhan Rajni , Dorwal Pranav , Sharma Deepak , Tiwari Aseem K. , Raina Vimarsh
Published: April 2017

Background

Bead based flow cytometry and Luminex play a major role in identification of alloantibodies in renal transplant work‐up. Strong sensitization events may lead to prozone phenomenon that can affect single antigen bead (SAB) assay and result in false negativity. However, this can also be due to high titer of other blocking antibodies. While methods like, heat inactivation, C1 inhibitor, Ethylene diamine tetra‐acetic‐acid and Dithio threitol treatment can remove interfering antibodies of complement and IgM, these methods are not optimal if false negativity is due to prozone effect, which is high titer of antibodies alone.

Methods

We hereby present a case of a highly sensitized renal transplant recipient with 64% panel reactive antibody positivity (PRA) and a subsequent negative SAB assay. This paradoxical finding hinted at SAB being a false negative result and serial dilutions were used to perform further tests.

Results

Serum dilutions lead to positive flow based panel reactive antibody (PRA) and flow cytometry crossmatch (FCXM), with an increasing trend in FCXM.

Conclusions

In highly sensitized patients serial dilution should be considered during a transplant work‐up to avoid missing any underlying antibodies. Serum dilution can be used as first option to circumvent prozone. Also, interference of other antibodies should not be labeled as prozone effect.
Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, ascitic and pleural body fluids evaluation with the Mindray BC‐6800 hematology analyzer
Authors: Fuster Oscar , Andino Belinda , Pardo Amparo , Laiz Begoña
Published: April 2017

Background

Accurate evaluation of hematology analyzers is recommended before these devices can be broadly introduced for the routine testing of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), ascitic, and pleural fluids.

Methods

We evaluated the performance of Mindray BC‐6800 for white blood cell (WBC) and differential cell count in 50 CAPD, 60 ascitic and 40 pleural compared with manual microscopy. Within‐run precision, limit of blank (LoB), limit of detection (LoD), limit of quantitation (LoQ), and carryover were assessed.

Results

The Passing‐Bablok regression in all fluids showed the following equations: yWBC=1.05x+3.31 (95%CI slope 0.95 to 1.12; intercept −0.25 to 5.52); yMN=0.85x+15.63 (95%CI slope 0.72 to 1.05; intercept −24.18 to 84.47); and yPMN=1.21x+13.37 (95%CI slope 1.03 to 1.35; intercept 4.00 to 32.47) with bias 78 cells/μL. The AUC for clinical PMN cut‐off was 0.88 (95%CI: 0.77 to 0.98). In ascitic, pleural, and CAPD fluids the AUC for clinical PMN cut‐off were 0.88 (95%CI: 0.63 to 1.00), 0.83 (95%CI: 0.68 to 0.99), and 1.00 (95%CI: 1.00 to 1.00) respectively. CV ranged from 3%‐34%. LoB of 3 cell/μL was verified. LoD and LoQ reported the same result (8 cells/μL). Carry over never exceeded 0.05%.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of BC‐6800 to categorize cells from different body fluids was not compromised by the slight positive bias observed. This conclusion is supported by the high AUC and agreement between the automated method and the reference method. The results show that BC‐6800 offers rapid, accurate, and reproducible results for clinical management of CAPD, ascitic, and pleural fluids.
Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 deficiency diagnosed by whole exome sequencing
Authors: Zhang Guoqing , Chen Yulin , Ju Huiqun , Bei Fei , Li Jing , Wang Jian , Sun Jianhua , Bu Jun
Published: April 2017

Background

Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase 1 deficiency (CPS1D) is a rare autosomal recessive inborn metabolic disease characterized mainly by hyperammonemia. The fatal nature of CPS1D and its similar symptoms with other urea cycle disorders (UCDs) make its diagnosis difficult, and the molecular diagnosis is hindered due to the large size of the causative gene CPS1. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the clinical applicability of exome sequencing in molecular diagnosis of CPS1D in Chinese population.

Methods

We described two Chinese neonates presented with unconsciousness and drowsiness due to deepening encephalopathy with hyperammonemia. Whole exome sequencing was performed. Candidate mutations were validated by Sanger sequencing. In‐silicon analysis was processed for the pathogenicity predictions of the identified mutations.

Results

Two compound heterozygous mutations in the gene carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1(CPS1) were identified. One is in Case 1 with two novel missense mutations (c.2537C>T, p. Pro846Leu and c.3443T>A, p.Met1148Lys), and the other one is in Case 2 with a novel missense mutation (c.1799G>A, p.Cys600Tyr) and a previously reported 12‐bp deletion (c.4088_4099del, p.Leu 1363_Ile1366del). Bioinformatics deleterious predictions indicated pathogenicity of the missense mutations. Conversation analysis and homology modeling showed that the substituted amino acids were highly evolutionary conserved and necessary for enzyme stability or function.

Conclusion

The present study initially and successfully applied whole exome sequencing to the molecular diagnosis of CPS1D in Chinese neonates, indicating its applicability in cost‐effective molecular diagnosis of CPS1D. Three novel pathogenic missense mutations were identified, expanded the mutational spectrum of the CPS1 gene.
Efficient worst‐case analysis of electronic networks in intervals of frequency
Authors: Ferber M. , Korniienko A. , Löfberg J. , Morel F. , Scorletti G. , Vollaire C.
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a new method to compute upper and lower bounds of any voltage or current of an arbitrary linear electric circuit model with uncertain parameters. The bounds are in the frequency domain, and when compared to a previously proposed method, this novel approach provides a higher level of guarantee. The reason is that the bounds are not only computed for a set of fixed frequencies but also computed to a set of intervals of frequencies. The details of the proposed approach, especially the equivalent uncertain element models, are given. Additionally, tests are performed on problems with low and high number of uncertain parameters. Contrary to the classical method of Monte Carlo, the results are not based on a random choice of parameters and do not depend on the number of iterations. It is shown on an example that the classical method of Monte Carlo needs a high number of iterations to reach results in agreement with the proposed method. Then, it leads to higher computation times of several orders of magnitude.
Assessing how accumulated precipitation and long dry sequences impact the soil water storage
Authors: Pántano Vanesa C. , Penalba Olga C. , Spescha Liliana B. , Murphy Guillermo M.
Published: April 2017

Precipitation or no precipitation persistent over time often became extreme weather conditions with greater regional economic impact. The temporal and spatial variability of these variables, together with the evapotranspiration, is crucial in the east‐northeast of Argentina, where rain‐fed agricultural production is carried out. In this work, the frequency of precipitation was studied from dry spells and complemented with an analysis of the accumulated precipitation and evapotranspiration. In particular, dry sequences longer than 15 days, return period and severity, were the focus of this study. Finally, the impact of the amount and frequency of precipitation on soil water storage was assessed through a decadal analysis. The region of study is characterized by northeast‐southwest gradient in accumulated precipitation and east–west gradient in winter long dry sequences. During summer, higher and more frequent precipitations (lower probability of long dry sequences and lower return period of 15 days and severity) were presented whereas the opposite was found in winter. However, the stations located to the west presented the highest probability of long dry sequences with higher severity and lower accumulated precipitation. This result highlights the vulnerability of the agriculture activity in the western stations. Regarding the impact of long dry sequences over soil water storage, the seasonality of evapotranspiration is also involved. The impact is stronger during austral summer because of higher values of evapotranspiration and it is lower during winter, in spite of the higher probability of long sequences. Decadal analysis suggested that soil water storage responds to precipitation amount or frequency depending on the magnitude of the anomalies. In this sense, the impact of precipitation over soil water storage depends on how it is distributed.
Microwave‐assisted preparation of poly(ionic liquids)‐modified polystyrene magnetic nanospheres for phthalate esters extraction from beverages
Authors: Liu Gehui , Su Ping , Zhou Lian , Yang Yi
Published: April 2017

The fabrication of novel poly(ionic liquids)‐modified polystyrene (PSt) magnetic nanospheres (PILs‐PMNPs) by a one‐pot miniemulsion copolymerization reaction was achieved through an efficient microwave‐assisted synthesis method. The morphology, structure, and magnetic behavior of the as‐prepared magnetic materials were characterized by using transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, etc. The magnetic materials were utilized as sorbents for the extraction of phthalate esters (PAEs) from beverage samples followed by high‐performance ultrafast liquid chromatography analysis. Significant extraction parameters that could affect the extraction efficiencies were investigated particularly. Under optimum conditions, good linearity was obtained in the concentration range of 0.5–50 (dimethyl phthalate), 0.3–50 (diethyl phthalate), 0.2–50 (butyl benzyl phthalate), and 0.4–50 μg/L (di‐n‐butyl phthalate), with correlation coefficients R2 > 0.9989. Limits of detection were in the range 125–350 pg. The proposed method was successfully applied to determine PAEs from beverage samples with satisfactory recovery ranging from 77.8 to 102.1% and relative standard deviations ranging from 3.7 to 8.4%. Comparisons of extraction efficiency with PSt‐modified MNPs as sorbents were performed. The results demonstrated that PILs‐PMNPs possessed an excellent adsorption capability toward the trace PAE analytes.
Ionic‐liquid‐based ultrasound‐assisted extraction of isoflavones from Belamcanda chinensis and subsequent screening and isolation of potential α‐glucosidase inhibitors by ultrafiltration and semipreparative high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Li Senlin , Li Sainan , Huang Yu , Liu Chunming , Chen Lina , Zhang Yuchi
Published: April 2017

The separation of a compound of interest from its structurally similar homologues to produce high‐purity natural products is a challenging problem. This work proposes a novel method for the separation of iristectorigenin A from its structurally similar homologues by ionic‐liquid‐based ultrasound‐assisted extraction and the subsequent screening and isolation of potential α‐glucosidase inhibitors via ultrafiltration and semipreparative high‐performance liquid chromatography. Ionic‐liquid‐based ultrasound‐assisted extraction was successfully applied to the extraction of tectorigenin, iristectorigenin A, irigenin, and irisflorentin from Belamcanda chinensis. The optimum conditions for the efficient extraction of isoflavones were determined as 1.0 M 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate with extraction time of 30 min and a solvent to solid ratio of 30 mL/g. Ultrafiltration with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry was applied to screen and identify α‐glucosidase inhibitors from B. chinensis, followed by the application of semipreparative high‐performance liquid chromatography to separate and isolate the active constituents. Four major compounds including tectorigenin, iristectorigenin A, irigenin, and irisflorentin were screened and identified as α‐glucosidase inhibitors, and then the four active compounds abovementioned were subsequently isolated by semipreparative high‐performance liquid chromatography (99.89, 88.97, 99.79, and 99.97% purity, respectively). The results demonstrate that ionic liquid extraction can be successfully applied to the extraction of isoflavones from B. chinensis.
Mobilization and export of millennial‐aged organic carbon by the Yellow River
Authors: Xue Yuejun , Zou Li , Ge Tiantian , Wang Xuchen
Published: April 2017

A combined carbon isotope (13C and 14C) study was carried out to investigate the sources and fate of organic carbon (OC) transported by the Yellow River and preserved in the sediments of the Bohai and Yellow Seas. In 2015, the Yellow River delivered 3.14 × 1010 g C and 4.12 × 1010 g C of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) to the Bohai Sea. Carbon isotope signatures revealed that the Yellow River transports millennial‐aged DOC and POC during all seasons. The values of δ13C‐DOC ranged from −24.7‰ to −28.8‰ in the river basin, and −21.0‰ to −27.0‰ in the lower reach. The 14C ages of DOC were 415–1690 yr before present (BP) in the river basin, and they were relatively constant seasonally (1320–1690 yr BP) in the lower reach of the river. In comparison, POC δ13C values in the river were less variable (−22.8‰ to −25.0‰), but much older in both the river basin (4960 ± 1690 yr BP) and in the lower reach (4040 ± 1050 yr BP). Calculations using a dual‐isotopic three‐end member model revealed that biomass OC derived from C3 plants was the major source of riverine DOC, contributing 65% ± 8% and 52% ± 2% in the river basin and lower reach seasonally. Pre‐aged soil OC and fossil OC from weathering contributed 21–42% and 6–14% of the DOC, respectively. In contrast, pre‐aged soil OC and fossil OC contributed 60–70% and 17–27% of POC, and biomass OC contributed a minor fraction (13% ± 7%) of riverine POC. Our results further revealed that aged riverine POC had a major influence on OC preservation in the delta and coastal sediments of the Bohai and Yellow Seas. The age of OC in surface sediments varied widely (1610–8275 yr) due to the influence of Yellow River input. Pre‐aged soil OC and fossil OC each contributed 32% ± 8% and 22% ± 14% of OC preserved in the sediments. We estimate that about 0.27 Mt yr−1 and 0.07 Mt yr−1 of pre‐aged soil OC and fossil OC accumulate in the surface sediments from POC delivered by the modern Yellow River, and 0.013 Mt yr−1 and 0.002 Mt yr−1 of pre‐aged soil OC and fossil OC enters the coastal DOC cycle from riverine DOC. The millennial‐aged OC delivered to coastal seas by the Yellow River therefore has profound impacts not only on carbon cycling and the carbon budget in the marginal sea, but also on coastal ecosystems and biogeochemical processes.
Modifying magnetic dipole spontaneous emission with nanophotonic structures
Authors: Baranov Denis G. , Savelev Roman S. , Li Sergey V. , Krasnok Alexander E. , Alù Andrea
Published: April 2017

Tailoring of electromagnetic spontaneous emission predicted by E. M. Purcell more than 50 years ago has undoubtedly proven to be one of the most important effects in the rich areas of quantum optics and nanophotonics. Although during the past decades the research in this field has been focused on electric dipole emission, the recent progress in nanofabrication and study of magnetic quantum emitters, such as rare‐earth ions, has stimulated the investigation of the magnetic side of spontaneous emission. Here, we review the state‐of‐the‐art advances in the field of spontaneous emission enhancement of magnetic dipole quantum emitters with the use of various nanophotonics systems. We provide the general theory describing the Purcell effect of magnetic emitters, overview realizations of specific nanophotonics structures allowing for the enhanced magnetic dipole spontaneous emission, and give an outlook on the challenges in this field, which remain open to future research.

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Development and implementation of an 84‐channel matrix gradient coil
Authors: Littin Sebastian , Jia Feng , Layton Kelvin J. , Kroboth Stefan , Yu Huijun , Hennig Jürgen , Zaitsev Maxim
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Design, implement, integrate, and characterize a customized coil system that allows for generating spatial encoding magnetic fields (SEMs) in a highly‐flexible fashion.

Methods

A gradient coil with a high number of individual elements was designed. Dimensions of the coil were chosen to mimic a whole‐body gradient system, scaled down to a head insert. Mechanical shape and wire layout of each element were optimized to increase the local gradient strength while minimizing eddy current effects and simultaneously considering manufacturing constraints.

Results

Resulting wire layout and mechanical design is presented. A prototype matrix gradient coil with 12 × 7 = 84 elements consisting of two element types was realized and characterized. Measured eddy currents are <1% of the original field. The coil is shown to be capable of creating nonlinear, and linear SEMs. In a DSV of 0.22 m gradient strengths between 24 mT∕m and 78 mT∕m could be realized locally with maximum currents of 150 A. Initial proof‐of‐concept imaging experiments using linear and nonlinear encoding fields are demonstrated.

Conclusion

A shielded matrix gradient coil setup capable of generating encoding fields in a highly‐flexible manner was designed and implemented. The presented setup is expected to serve as a basis for validating novel imaging techniques that rely on nonlinear spatial encoding fields. Magn Reson Med 79:1181–1191, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Vertical harmonic vibration of piled raft foundations in layered soils
Authors: Liu C. L. , Ai Z. Y.
Published: April 2017

This paper develops a method to analyze the piled raft foundation under vertical harmonic load. This method takes into account the interactions among the piles, soil, and raft. The responses of the piles and raft are formulated as a series of equations in a suitable way and that of layered soils is simulated with the use of the analytical layer‐element method. Then, according to the equilibrium and continuity conditions at the piles–soil–raft interface, solutions for the piled raft systems are obtained and further demonstrated to be correct through comparing with the existing results. Finally, some examples are given to investigate the influence of the raft, pile length‐diameter ratio, and layering on the response of the piled raft foundations. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adolescents with nocturnal enuresis and daytime urinary incontinence—How can pediatric and adult care be improved—ICI‐RS 2015?
Authors: von Gontard Alexander , Cardozo Linda , Rantell Angie , Djurhuus Jens‐Christian
Published: April 2017

Aims

Nocturnal enuresis (NE) and daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) are common in adolescents. The aim of this paper was to review studies on prevalence, clinical symptoms and associated risk factors and to formulate recommendations for assessment and treatment.

Materials and methods

A systematic Scopus search was performed and relevant publications were selected. The topic was discussed during the ICI‐RS meeting in 2015.

Results

One to two percent of older adolescents are affected by NE and 1% by DUI. NE and DUI are associated with multiple risk factors such as fecal incontinence and constipation, obesity, chronic illness, and psychological impairment. Chronic treatment‐resistant, relapsing and new‐onset cases can occur. Adolescent NE and DUI can be treated by a multidisciplinary team according to pediatric principles. Additional treatment components have been developed for adolescents. Transition from pediatric to adult services is frequently disorganized.

Conclusions

Incontinence in adolescents is a neglected research topic and clinical care is often suboptimal. As adolescents are seen by both pediatric and adult services, alignment and harmonization of diagnostic and therapeutic principles is needed. Also, an organized transition process is recommended to improve care for adolescent patients. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:843–849, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is electrolyte transfer across the urothelium important?: ICI‐RS 2015
Authors: McCloskey Karen D. , Vahabi Bahareh , Fry Christopher H.
Published: April 2017

AIMS

This article summarizes discussion at the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society (ICI‐RS) 2015 meeting of urine modification in the urinary tract by the urothelium. It considers the literature and proposes pertinent questions that need to be addressed to understand this phenomenon within a physiological context.

METHODS

Following the ICI‐RS meeting, publications in PubMed relating to urine modification in the renal pelvis, ureter, and bladder were reviewed.

RESULTS

Historically, the urothelium has been simply considered as a passive, impermeable barrier, preventing contact between urine and the underlying cells. In addition to the ability of the umbrella cells to modify the surface area of the urothelium during bladder filling, the urothelium may also be involved in modifying urine composition. Several lines of evidence support the hypothesis that electrolytes and water can be reabsorbed by the urothelium and that this may have physiological relevance. Firstly, urothelial cells express several types of aquaporins and ion channels; the membrane expression of which is modulated by the extracellular concentration of ions including Na+. Secondly, studies of urine composition in the renal pelvis and bladder demonstrate urine modification, indicating that water and/or electrolyte transport has occurred. Thirdly, hibernating mammals, with urothelial and bladder wall histology similar to non‐hibernating mammals are known to produce and reabsorb urine daily, during long periods of hibernation.

CONCLUSIONS

The phenomenon of urine modification by the urothelium may be physiologically important during normal bladder filling. Research should be focused on investigating how this may change in conditions of urinary dysfunction.
Are we justified in suggesting change to caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drink intake in lower urinary tract disease? Report from the ICI‐RS 2015
Authors: Robinson Dudley , Hanna‐Mitchell Ann , Rantell Angie , Thiagamoorthy Gans , Cardozo Linda
Published: April 2017

AIMS

There is increasing evidence that diet may have a significant role in the development of lower urinary tract symptoms. While fluid intake is known to affect lower urinary tract function the effects of alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and artificial sweeteners are less well understood and evidence from epidemiological studies is mixed and sometimes contradictory. The aim of this paper is to appraise the available evidence on the effect of caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks on lower urinary tract function and dysfunction in addition to suggesting proposals for further research.

METHODS

Literature review based on a systematic search strategy using the terms “fluid intake,” “caffeine,” “alcohol,” “carbonated” and “urinary incontinence,” “detrusor overactivity,” “Overactive Bladder,” “OAB.”

RESULTS

In addition to fluid intake, there is some evidence to support a role of caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages in the pathogenesis of OAB and lower urinary tract dysfunction. Although some findings are contradictory, others clearly show an association between the ingestion of caffeine, carbonated drinks, and alcohol with symptom severity.

CONCLUSIONS Given the available evidence lifestyle interventions and fluid modification may have an important role in the primary prevention of lower urinary tract symptoms. However, more research is needed to determine the precise role of caffeine, carbonated drinks, and alcohol in the pathogenesis and management of these symptoms. The purpose of this paper is to stimulate that research. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:876–881, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) tyrosine 397E mutation restores the vascular leakage defect in endothelium‐specific FAK‐kinase dead mice
Authors: Alexopoulou Annika N , Lees Delphine M , Bodrug Natalia , Lechertier Tanguy , Fernandez Isabelle , D'Amico Gabriela , Dukinfield Matthew , Batista Silvia , Tavora Bernardo , Serrels Bryan , Hodivala‐Dilke Kairbaan
Published: April 2017

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitors have been developed as potential anticancer agents and are undergoing clinical trials. In vitro activation of the FAK kinase domain triggers autophosphorylation of Y397, Src activation, and subsequent phosphorylation of other FAK tyrosine residues. However, how FAK Y397 mutations affect FAK kinase‐dead (KD) phenotypes in tumour angiogenesis in vivo is unknown. We developed three Pdgfb‐iCreert‐driven endothelial cell (EC)‐specific, tamoxifen‐inducible homozygous mutant mouse lines: FAK wild‐type (WT), FAK KD, and FAK double mutant (DM), i.e. KD with a putatively phosphomimetic Y397E mutation. These ECCre+;FAKWT/WT, ECCre+;FAKKD/KD and ECCre+;FAKDM/DM mice were injected subcutaneously with syngeneic B16F0 melanoma cells. Tumour growth and tumour blood vessel functions were unchanged between ECCre+;FAKWT/WT and ECCre−;FAKWT/WT control mice. In contrast, tumour growth and vessel density were decreased in ECCre+;FAKKD/KD and ECCre+;FAKDM/DM mice, as compared with Cre − littermates. Despite no change in the percentage of perfused vessels or pericyte coverage in either genotype, tumour hypoxia was elevated in ECCre+;FAKKD/KD and ECCre+;FAKDM/DM mice. Furthermore, although ECCre+;FAKKD/KD mice showed reduced blood vessel leakage, ECCre+;FAKDM/DM and ECCre−;FAKDM/DM mice showed no difference in leakage. Mechanistically, fibronectin‐stimulated Y397 autophosphorylation was reduced in Cre+;FAKKD/KD ECs as compared with Cre+;FAKWT/WT cells, with no change in phosphorylation of the known Src targets FAK‐Y577, FAK‐Y861, FAK‐Y925, paxillin‐Y118, p130Cas‐Y410. Cre+;FAKDM/DM ECs showed decreased Src target phosphorylation levels, suggesting that the Y397E substitution actually disrupted Src activation. Reduced VE‐cadherin‐pY658 levels in Cre+;FAKKD/KD ECs were rescued in Cre+FAKDM/DM ECs, corresponding with the rescue in vessel leakage in the ECCre+;FAKDM/DM mice. We show that EC‐specific FAK kinase activity is required for tumour growth, angiogenesis, and vascular permeability. The ECCre+;FAKDM/DM mice restored the KD‐dependent tumour vascular leakage observed in ECCre+;FAKKD/KD mice in vivo. This study opens new fields in in vivo FAK signalling. © 2017 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Determination of Volatile Flavour Profiles of Citrus spp. Fruits by SDE‐GC–MS and Enantiomeric Composition of Chiral Compounds by MDGC–MS
Authors: Hong Joon Ho , Khan Naeem , Jamila Nargis , Hong Young Shin , Nho Eun Yeong , Choi Ji Yeon , Lee Cheong Mi , Kim Kyong Su
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Citrus fruits are known to have characteristic enantiomeric key compounds biosynthesised by highly stereoselective enzymatic mechanisms. In the past, evaluation of the enantiomeric ratios of chiral compounds in fruits has been applied as an effective indicator of adulteration by the addition of synthetic compounds or natural components of different botanical origin.

Objective

To analyse the volatile flavour compounds of Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka (yuzu), Citrus limon BURM. f. (lemon) and Citrus aurantifolia Christm. Swingle (lime), and determine the enantiomeric ratios of their chiral compounds for discrimination and authentication of extracted oils.

Methodology

Volatile flavour compounds of the fruits of the three Citrus species were extracted by simultaneous distillation extraction and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The enantiomeric composition (ee%) of chiral camphene, sabinene, limonene and β‐phellandrene was analysed by heart‐cutting multidimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results

Sixty‐seven (C. junos), 77 (C. limon) and 110 (C. aurantifolia) volatile compounds were identified with limonene, γ‐terpinene and linalool as the major compounds. Stereochemical analysis (ee%) revealed 1S,4R‐(−) camphene (94.74, 98.67, 98.82), R‐(+)‐limonene (90.53, 92.97, 99.85) and S‐(+)‐β‐phellandrene (98.69, 97.15, 92.13) in oil samples from all three species; R‐(+)‐sabinene (88.08) in C. junos; and S‐(−)‐sabinene (81.99, 79.74) in C. limon and C. aurantifolia, respectively.

Conclusion

The enantiomeric composition and excess ratios of the chiral compounds could be used as reliable indicators of genuineness and quality assurance of the oils derived from the Citrus fruit species. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fitness costs and life table parameters of highly insecticide‐resistant strains of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) at different temperatures
Authors: Steinbach Denise , Moritz Gerald , Nauen Ralf
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

In many cases, resistance alleles have been associated with fitness costs and are often dependent on environmental factors such as temperature. Here, we studied the effects of temperature on the overall fitness, including development, survival and reproduction, of three insecticide‐resistant and one susceptible strain of diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.).

RESULTS

The broader cross‐resistance profile of the resistant strains previously selected by diamide and benzoylurea insecticides was tested. Cohort studies were conducted in the laboratory at three different temperatures (20 ± 1 °C, 25 ± 1 °C and 30 ± 1 °C), and involved fitness costs were estimated. We observed significant differences in the development time, with the susceptible strain showing a shorter developmental period from egg stage to adult stage compared with the resistant strains. Moreover, the resistant strains differed significantly between one another. Additionally, the population growth parameters varied among the strains, with the benzoylurea‐resistant strain showing the highest costs affecting the overall fitness of this strain. A temperature of 30 °C was unfavourable for DBM development, resulting in a reduced fitness in all strains.

CONCLUSION

Benzoylurea selection pressure on a diamide‐resistant P. xylostella strain resulted in lowest reproduction parameters and the longest generation time, as well as doubling the time among all strains tested. This suggests significant effects on the overall fitness and population growth parameters for diamide‐resistant populations pressured by benzoylureas under applied conditions. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Transmission of charge and spin in a topological‐insulator‐based magnetic structure
Authors: Rzeszutko P. R. , Kudła S. , Dugaev V. K.
Published: April 2017

We discuss the effect of a magnetic thin‐film ribbon at the surface of a topological insulator on the charge and spin transport due to surface electrons. If the magnetization in the magnetic ribbon is perpendicular to the surface of the topological insulator, this leads to a gap in the energy spectrum of surface electrons. As a result, the ribbon is a barrier for electrons, which yields electrical resistance. We have calculated the conductance of such a structure. The conductance values reveal some oscillations with the length of the magnetized region due to interference of the transmitted and reflected waves. We have also calculated the Seebeck coefficient when the electron flux is due to a temperature gradient. Conductance as a function of the length of a magnetized region at the surface of a topological insulator.
Simulated annealing‐based optimal control over tunneling process through SDWP and Eckart barrier: A momentum basis representation
Authors: Talukder Srijeeta , Chaudhury Pinaki , Ghosh Subhasree
Published: April 2017

For a reaction to proceed via tunneling mechanism, it is essential that the reactants will cross the potential barrier (EP), where its initial energy (E0) is below the potential barrier EP. Tunneling probability τ is defined as the probability of having momentum higher than km, where
. In the momentum basis representation, τ can be directly calculated by integrating
from the limit km to infinity, where
is the wave function in the momentum space. Instead of the continuous basis, if we chose momentum grid space, τ can be expressed as
. Our target here is to increase this τ by applying a polychromatic field, so that the reaction rate can be enhanced. By applying Simulated Annealing technique we have designed some polychromatic electric fields, spatially symmetric and asymmetric type, which enhances the tunneling rate in symmetric double well system and Eckart barrier confined in an infinite well.
Supported Ionic Liquids: A Versatile and Useful Class of Materials
Authors: Campisciano Vincenzo , Giacalone Francesco , Gruttadauria Michelangelo
Published: April 2017

Supported ionic liquids (SILs) represent a class of materials with peculiar properties and a huge potential regarding their possible applications in different fields of chemistry. Herein, we report our ongoing research about the use of SILs as support for organocatalysts, their role as catalysts themselves, and their application as support and stabilizers of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs). The use of SILs based materials allowed achieving good results. Moreover, in some cases, after the functionalization of the catalytic species with an ion‐tag moiety, a release and catch approach was employed in order to improve the catalytic activity and to facilitate the recovery of the hybrid system formed by the catalyst adsorbed onto SILs materials. All the reported examples demonstrate the versatility of such SILs materials, which can represent powerful tools able to exert a large number of functions.
Low concentration arsenite activated JAK2/STAT3 signal and increased proliferative factor expressions in SV‐HUC‐1cells after short and long time treatment
Authors: Mengdan Li , Chen Wang , Jieyu Liu , Peiyu Jin , Fei Wang , Shengnan Liu , Shuhua Xi
Published: April 2017

Epidemiological studies have indicated that ingestion of inorganic arsenic resulted in increased risks of bladder cancer and chronic hyperproliferation could play a direct role in the development of cancer. This study examined the effects of arsenite on JAK2/STAT3 pathway and expressions of proliferation and anti‐apoptosis factors. The results showed that long term exposure to low doses arsenite enhanced human uroepithelial cells (SV‐HUC‐1 cells) proliferation and BrdU positive rate was significant increased. mRNA and protein expressions of proliferation factors, such as cyclin D1, COX‐2, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), increased in chronically exposed arsenite SV‐HUC‐1 cells with exposure time. Furthermore, JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway was activated following exposure to arsenite in SV‐HUC‐1 cells. Knockdown of STAT3 reduced expressions of cyclin D1, COX‐2, PCNA, and BCL2 induced by arsenite. In conclusion, arsenic induced proliferation in human uroepithelial cells after short and long term exposure to arsenite and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway might be pivotal in arsenite‐induced proliferation by regulating cyclin D1, COX‐2, PCNA, and BCL2.
Glycemic Status and Prognosis of Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus
Authors: Okamura Akihiko , Watanabe Masayuki , Imamura Yu , Hayami Masaru , Yamashita Kotaro , Kurogochi Takanori , Mine Shinji
Published: April 2017

Background

The impact of glycemic status on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) prognosis is unclear.

Methods

A total of 623 patients who underwent curative subtotal esophagectomy for ESCC were evaluated. Diabetes was defined as a prior diagnosis of diabetes under treatment or newly diagnosed diabetes based on preoperative glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Poor glycemic control was defined as HbA1c ≥ 7.0%, whereas good glycemic control was defined as HbA1c < 7.0%. The impact of glycemic status on long‐term survival after esophagectomy was evaluated.

Results

Among the 623 patients, 64 (10.3%) had diabetes including 30 (4.8%) with poor glycemic control. Although diabetes did not influence patient survival, patients with poor glycemic control had worse overall and disease‐specific survival compared with those with good glycemic control (P = 0.011 and 0.039, respectively). Comparing poor glycemic control with good glycemic control, the hazard ratios (HRs) for overall and disease‐specific mortality were 1.91 (1.15–3.18) and 1.89 (1.02–3.49) in univariate analysis. After multivariate adjustment, poor glycemic control also had increased risk of overall and disease‐specific mortality [HR 1.72 (95% CI 1.02–2.88) and 1.65 (95% CI 0.89–3.08), respectively]. Poor glycemic control did not increase the risk of overall or disease‐specific mortality in patients with stages 0–II disease but significantly increased this risk in those with stages III–IV disease [HR 2.05 (1.14–3.69) and 1.95 (1.01–3.80), respectively].

Conclusions

Poor glycemic control is an independent risk factor for overall and disease‐specific mortality after esophagectomy for advanced‐stage ESCC.
Asymptotics of AIC, BIC, and RMSEA for Model Selection in Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Huang Po-Hsien
Published: April 2017

Model selection is a popular strategy in structural equation modeling (SEM). To select an “optimal” model, many selection criteria have been proposed. In this study, we derive the asymptotics of several popular selection procedures in SEM, including AIC, BIC, the RMSEA, and a two-stage rule for the RMSEA (RMSEA-2S). All of the results are derived under weak distributional assumptions and can be applied to a wide class of discrepancy functions. The results show that both AIC and BIC asymptotically select a model with the smallest population minimum discrepancy function (MDF) value regardless of nested or non-nested selection, but only BIC could consistently choose the most parsimonious one under nested model selection. When there are many non-nested models attaining the smallest MDF value, the consistency of BIC for the most parsimonious one fails. On the other hand, the RMSEA asymptotically selects a model that attains the smallest population RMSEA value, and the RESEA-2S chooses the most parsimonious model from all models with the population RMSEA smaller than the pre-specified cutoff. The empirical behavior of the considered criteria is also illustrated via four numerical examples.
Guideline Implementation: Surgical Smoke Safety
Authors: Fencl Jennifer L.
Published: April 2017

Research conducted during the past four decades has demonstrated that surgical smoke generated from the use of energy‐generating devices in surgery contains toxic and biohazardous substances that present risks to perioperative team members and patients. Despite the increase in information available, however, perioperative personnel continue to demonstrate a lack of knowledge of these hazards and lack of compliance with recommendations for evacuating smoke during surgical procedures. The new AORN “Guideline for surgical smoke safety” provides guidance on surgical smoke management. This article focuses on key points of the guideline to help perioperative personnel promote smoke‐free work environments; evacuate surgical smoke; and develop education programs and competency verification tools, policies and procedures, and quality improvement initiatives related to controlling surgical smoke. Perioperative RNs should review the complete guideline for additional information and for guidance when writing and updating policies and procedures.