bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of peripheral embolic consolidations using contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography in patients with no evidence of pulmonary embolism on computed tomography: A pilot study
Authors: Trenker C. , Apitzsch J.C. , Pastor S. , Bartelt S. , Neesse A. , Goerg C.
Published: July 2017

Aim

To investigate the value of B‐mode imaging and contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in patients with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) but no evidence of central PE on CT.

Methods

Between May 2004 and February 2015, we included in this retrospective study 19 patients with a risk profile for PE according to their Wells' score, sonographic patterns of peripheral embolic consolidations (EC) on B‐mode‐imaging and CEUS (ie, missing or inhomogeneous enhancement of the pleural lesions), and exclusion of central PE by CT within 1 week of CEUS.

Results

On B‐mode imaging, 19 pleural defects presented as hypoechoic. The shape of EC was round in 2, wedge‐shaped in 12, polygonal in 3, and presented as atelectasis in 2 cases. On CEUS, 5 of the defects demonstrated, at the arterial and parenchymal phase, a lack of enhancement, and 14 showed an inhomogeneous (mixed) enhancement with wedge‐shaped peripheral areas of no contrast enhancement. A second radiologic evaluation of the CT scans revealed PE in two patients and lesions suspicious for malignancy in two other patients.

Conclusions

Despite the lack of definite confirmation of peripheral and central PE on CT, peripheral pleural consolidations with no or inhomogeneous enhancement on CEUS, in combination with the risk profile for a PE, are highly suggestive of EC. If there is still some doubt, histologic confirmation is important to confirm EC and exclude malignancy. Thus, CEUS may close a potential diagnostic gap of small peripheral PE on CT. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:575–579, 2017
Fragmentation studies of sartans by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Peng M. , Li S. , Wu J. , Guo Y. , Cao S. , Zhao Y.
Published: July 2017

Sartans and related analogues with 5‐oxo‐l, 2, 4‐oxadiazole ring and tetrazole ring are investigated in detail using collision‐induced dissociation (CID) method in positive ion mode by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MSn). It is found that the protonated sartans and related analogues tend to form the N‐substituted‐3‐substituted phenanthridin‐6‐amine ion which has a large conjugative structure. The possible fragmentation pathways were proposed for the first time, and the key structure of product ions was confirmed by high resolution tandem mass spectrometry and theoretical calculation. It is very helpful for understanding the intriguing roles of sartans analogues in fragmentation reactions and enriching the knowledge of the gas‐phase chemistry of the oxadiazole and tetrazole ring. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence of non‐stationarity in a local climatology of rainfall extremes in northern Italy
Authors: Uboldi Francesco , Lussana Cristian
Published: July 2017

The stationarity of rainfall annual maxima statistics is investigated in a northern Italian area characterized by important spatial variations in orography and precipitation climatology. Climatic changes in Italian recorded temperature series are widely acknowledged. In 2016, though, there is still discussion on the stationarity of the statistics of precipitation and its extremes in Italy. By means of standard hypothesis testing techniques, it is shown, for the first time in Italy, that changes in rainfall annual maxima climatology are indeed present in the period 1950–2005, relevant with regard to global climate change. In particular, in the rainy mountainous northwestern part of Lombardy, adjacent to the Swiss and Piedmont border, the annual maxima distribution for 6 to 24‐h event durations significantly moves towards higher values when going from the first half (1950–1977) to the second half (1978–2005) of the period. It is remarkable, moreover, that for 1‐h duration the distribution significantly moves towards lower values, suggesting a possible change in the precipitation regime. After compensating for data density changes by ‘bootstrap’ resampling, a median increase for all durations has also been confirmed for the (less rainy) Alpine area in northeastern Lombardy. Such changes in climatology have practical importance, because stationarity is a customary assumption when rainfall annual maxima frequencies are estimated for civil engineering.
In vitro digestion of rice bran proteins produces peptides with potent inhibitory effects on α‐glucosidase and angiotensin I converting enzyme
Authors: Uraipong Chatchaporn , Zhao Jian
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

The bioactivities of peptides released from the digestion of rice bran protein under in vitro simulated human digestive conditions were investigated. Four protein fractions extracted from rice bran were digested and the hydrolysates were fractionated by ultrafiltration and anion exchange chromatography. α‐Glucosidase and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities of the crude hydrolysates and their fractions were determined.

RESULTS

Peptides with molecular weight (MW) < 3 kDa gave markedly higher α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities than the crude digests, while the ACE inhibitory activities of the MW < 3 kDa fractions were similar to those of the crude extracts. Peptides from albumin and glutelin exhibited the greatest inhibitory effects on α‐glucosidase and ACE at 52.43 ± 2 mg acarbose equivalent and 170.13 ± 2.2 nmol captopril equivalent g−1 peptide respectively. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis identified 39 peptides in the most active fraction of the hydrolysates, and 37 of these contained peptide sequences that are known to exhibit antidiabetic or antihypertensive activities.

CONCLUSION

Consumption of rice bran proteins can potentially lead to generation of bioactive peptides in the digestive tract with substantial health benefits. ACE and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities of the digests of rice bran proteins, and albumin and glutelin in particular, were especially strong, comparable to that of the standard drugs. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Nitrogen release from urea with different coatings
Authors: Campos Odirley R , Mattiello Edson Marcio , Cantarutti Reinaldo Bertola , Vergütz Leonardus
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Coatings or urease inhibitors are designed to reduce losses of ammonia [NH3(g)] from urea fertilizers. However, nitrogen (N) release and its effects on soil solution have not previously been evaluated under standardized conditions in soils. In this study, the urea fertilizers were incubated in chambers filled with sandy loam soil, adapted for the collection of NH3(g)and soil solution by centrifugation.

RESULTS

In the fast‐release N fertilizers, around 93% and 100% of urea‐N applied was recovered within the first hours of incubation. In contrast, in the slow‐release N fertilizers, less than 40% of urea‐N applied, was recovered at 19 days of incubation. The maximum N release from the fertilizers followed the order: UP1 (106%) ≈ UNBPT (102%) ≈ urea (93%) > USP2 (57%) ≈ USP3 (57%) > USP4 (31%) ≈ USP5 (18%). NH3(g)volatilization accounted for only 3% of the applied N in the slow‐release fertilizers, which corresponded to about 88% less than the NH3(g)loss from prilled urea.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated distinct N release patterns, which changed the N dynamics in the soil. Some coatings effectively delayed urea release from granules and reduced NH3(g)gas losses, while other were not efficient. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Simultaneous determination of eight short‐chain aliphatic amines in drug substances by HPLC with diode array detection after derivatization with halonitrobenzenes
Authors: Han Lingfei , Hou Desheng , Ma Congyu , Fu Na , Liu Jing , Feng Feng , Liu Wenyuan , Zheng Feng
Published: July 2017

Short‐chain aliphatic amines are a class of hazardous impurities in drug substances. A simple method, involving derivatization followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection, has been developed for residue determination of eight aliphatic amines simultaneously in drug substances. Different halonitrobenzenes derivatization reagents were systematically compared. As a result, 1‐fluoro‐2‐nitro‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzene was selected since the derivatization effectively shifted the absorption wavelength to the visible region (400–450 nm), where most drug substances, impurities and even the derivatization reagent absorb very weakly. Due to the redshift effect, interference was minimized and adequately low limits of quantitation were reached (0.24–0.80 nmol/mL). Moreover, the derivatization reaction was readily carried out in dimethyl sulfoxide at room temperature for 1 h using N,N‐diisopropylethylamine as catalyst to achieve the highest yield. Without any pre‐treatment, the derivatives were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The high stability of the derivatives within 24 h at room temperature (RSD<1.04%) further facilitated the simultaneous preparation and consecutive analysis of quantities of samples. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied for residue determination of eight aliphatic amines simultaneously in eight drug substance samples. This study could be helpful for the routine analysis and residue control of aliphatic amines in drug substances.
The tribological properties of the polyurea greases based on oil‐miscible phosphonium‐based ionic liquids
Authors: Wang Zeyun , Wu Wei
Published: July 2017

Oil‐miscible phosphonium‐based ionic liquids have recently been attracted much attention. This study is to develop potentional high temperature lubricating greases based on oil‐miscible phosphonium‐based ionic liquids.

This lubricating grease is prepared using oil‐IL blend, which was obtained by adding 10wt% oil‐miscible phosphonium‐based ionic liquids into the PAO 40 base oil as base stock. Compared with the traditional PAO 40 polyurea grease, this polyurea grease has a little lower dropping point. Corrosion test results show the polyurea grease that was prepared using phosphonium‐based ionic liquids cations connected with longer alkyl chains that are no corrosion to brass and steel. Most importantly, the polyurea greases demonstrate very promising tribological properties at 150°C, such as low friction coefficient, small wear volume, and high lubrication failure load. Surface characterization revealed the tribochemical film containing iron oxide, and Fe[PO4] was formed on the worn surface.
Size Tunable Core Crosslinked Micelles from HPMA‐Based Amphiphilic Block Copolymers
Authors: Kramer Stefan , Kim Kyung Oh , Zentel Rudolf
Published: July 2017

A variety of core crosslinkable hydroxypropylmethacrylamide‐based block copolymers are synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, which are composed of hydroxypropyl‐methacrylate as hydrophilic block combined with a statistical hydrophobic block from laurylmethacrylate and the photo crosslinkable monomer. It is discovered that the self‐assembled micellar aggregates from these systems vary strongly in size depending not only on the velocity of the polarity switch (nanoprecipitation or slow dialysis) but also on the solvent from which they were dialyzed. In this way micellar aggregates with an Rh varying between 15 and 80 nm can be prepared from the same block copolymer. In addition, a new hydrophobic crosslinkable hymecromone moiety is introduced. In this way the differently sized nanoparticles can be effectively stabilized by photo‐crosslinking, leading to a high stability of the photo crosslinkable polymeric micelles against disintegration by detergents.
Synthesis of Molecularly Imprinted Polymer via Visible Light Activated RAFT Polymerization in Aqueous Media at Room Temperature for Highly Selective Electrochemical Assay of Glucose
Authors: Zhu Qiankun , Li Xiaoming , Xiao Yonghua , Xiong Yan , Wang Suiping , Xu Changli , Zhang Jun , Wu Xuewen
Published: July 2017

The mild environment where most proteins and antibodies in living systems are prepared has inspired fascination among chemists. Herein, a new, rapid, low‐cost, and environment‐friendly method is proposed to synthesize molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) via visible light activated reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization in aqueous media at room temperature for highly selective electrochemical assay of glucose. The MIPs with microsphere morphology, the better hydraulic distribution, large surface area, uniform large pore sizes, and high pore volume exhibit a significant adsorption efficiency compared with nonimprinted polymers for glucose. In addition, the MIP sensor recognizing the glucose significantly exceeds that of the other saccharide analogs, possesses regenerative ability, and presents high sensitivity by applying for the detection of glucose in human urine samples.
UV‐Printable and Flexible Humidity Sensors Based on Conducting/Insulating Semi‐Interpenetrated Polymer Networks
Authors: Razza Nicolò , Blanchet Bastien , Lamberti Andrea , Pirri Fabrizio C. , Tulliani Jean‐Marc , Bozano Luisa D. , Sangermano Marco
Published: July 2017

Humidity sensors are of great interest in many fields because humidity plays a crucial role in several processes. Nevertheless, their application is often limited by the expensive fabrication and the stiffness of the substrates usually employed. In this work, novel UV‐curable and flexible humidity sensors based on semi‐interpenetrated polymer networks are fabricated. They can be prepared either as self‐standing sensors or applied on different bendable substrates. The fabrication consists of a simultaneous UV‐curing of an insulating network (acrylic or epoxy) and photopolymerization of conducting polypyrrole (PPy). The detection mechanism involves proton transfer on the PPy chains that can be macroscopically observed by electrical impedance variations. These devices show promising humidity‐sensing properties from 20 to 97% of relative humidity with a maximum response of about 180%. The dynamic sensing investigation proves that the recovery process can be tailored playing on the glass transition temperature and wettability of the films. The remarkable sensing capabilities of these sensors make them a valid alternative in many applications where printability and flexibility are required along with simple fabrication method consisting of one‐step synthesis.
Gastrointestinal digestion of hazelnut allergens on molecular level: Elucidation of degradation kinetics and resistant immunoactive peptides using mass spectrometry
Authors: Korte Robin , Bräcker Julia , Brockmeyer Jens
Published: July 2017

Scope

Allergy to hazelnut seeds ranks among the most prevalent food allergies in Europe. The aim of this study was to elucidate the gastrointestinal digestion of hazelnut allergens on molecular level.

Methods and results

Hazelnut flour was digested in vitro following the Infogest consensus model. For six allergenic proteins, the time‐dependent course of digestion was monitored by SDS‐PAGE and HPLC−MS/MS, and degradation products were characterized by a bottom‐up proteomics approach. Depending on the molecular structure, a specific biochemical fate was observed for each allergen, and degradation kinetics were traced back to the peptide level. 1183 peptides were characterized, including 130 peptides that carry known IgE‐binding epitopes and may represent sensitizers for hazelnut allergy. The kinetics of peptide formation and degradation were determined by label‐free quantification and follow a complex multi‐stage mechanism.

Conclusion

We present a comprehensive survey on the gastrointestinal digestion of a relevant allergenic food on level of the peptidome, including the first systematic characterization and quantification of degradation products. This provides information on the differential resistance of plant food allergens and their structural elements undergoing digestion and forms the basis for a deeper understanding of the molecular principles responsible for sensitization to food allergy.
Chromium supplementation for adjuvant treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Results from a pooled analysis
Authors: Huang Haohai , Chen Guangzhao , Dong Yong , Zhu Yongkun , Chen Honglang
Published: July 2017

Scope

We conducted a pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effects of chromium supplementation on clinically relevant metabolic biomarkers in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Methods and results

Electronic searches were conducted and the bibliographies of located articles were searched, and 28 studies were suitable for statistical pooling. Endpoints were calculated as weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by using fixed‐effects or random‐effects models. Statistical heterogeneity, publication bias, subgroup analyses, sensitivity analysis and meta‐regression assessments were also assessed. Chromium reduced levels of fasting plasma glucose (WMD, −0.99 mmol/L; 95% CI, −1.72 to −0.25; p = 0.008), hemoglobin A1c (WMD, −0.54 %; 95% CI, −0.82 to −0.25; p = 0.0002), triglycerides (WMD, −11.71 mg/dL; 95% CI, −18.38 to −5.04; p = 0.0006). Chromium also increased levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD, 1.73 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.50 to 2.96; p = 0.006). These results were robust in sensitivity analysis and were not dependent on the chromium dose and duration of supplementation. Subgroup analyses indicated that these notably favorable effects were presented in T2DM subjects ingesting chromium chloride and chromium picolinate formulations.

Conclusion

Our pooled analysis suggested that chromium supplementation might be a candidate as an adjunct to pharmacological management in patients with T2DM.
Intestinal microbiota are involved in the immunomodulatory activities of longan polysaccharide
Authors: Zhang Jiachao , Yang Guangmei , Wen Yazhou , Liu Sixin , Li Congfa , Yang Ruili , Li Wu
Published: July 2017

It is difficult for polysaccharides to be directly absorbed through the intestine, which implies other utilization mechanisms involved in the bioactivity performance of polysaccharide. In this study, the multi‐omics approach was applied to investigate the impacts of longan polysaccharide on mouse intestinal microbiome and the interaction between the polysaccharide‐derived microbiome and host immune system. According to the result, the longan polysaccharide showed a significant improvement in the typical intestinal immunity index of mice. Meanwhile, at the taxonomy level, the intestinal microbiota from the control group and polysaccharide group were highly distinct in organismal structure. At the functional level, a significant decline in the microbial metabolites of pyruvate, butanoate fructose and mannose in the control group was found. Additionally, a significant increase was observed in the succinic acid and the short‐chain fatty acid, including acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid, in the polysaccharide group. Furthermore, the multi‐omic based network analysis indicated that the intake of longan polysaccharide resulted in the changes of the intestinal microbiota as well as the gut metabolites, which led to the enhancement of host's immune function under the stress conditions. These results indicated the polysaccharide‐derived changes in intestinal microbiota were involved in the immunomodulatory activities.
Does the appearance of the urethral pressure profile trace correlate with the sphincter EMG findings in women with voiding dysfunction?
Authors: Sihra Néha , Malde Sachin , Panicker Jalesh , Kightley Robert , Solomon Eskinder , Hamid Rizwan , Ockrim Jeremy , Greenwell Tamsin J. , Pakzad Mahreen
Published: July 2017

Aims

Women with functional voiding dysfunction often experience a “catching” sensation when catheterising and are in general investigated with both urethral pressure profilometry (UPP) and sphincter electromyography (EMG). It is unknown whether the pattern of the UPP trace correlates with this sensation of “catching” or with sphincter EMG findings.

Methods

We reviewed the database of all women with voiding dysfunction who had undergone both sphincter EMG and UPP to assess for any relationship between pattern of UPP trace and “catching” on catheterization and/or sphincter EMG findings. UPP traces were classified as smooth or pulsatile and the EMG was classified as normal or abnormal. Statistical analysis was by Chi squared test for pulsatile UPP trace as a predictor of abnormal EMG. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of a pulsatile UPP trace for predicting abnormal EMG were also determined. These patients were asked to complete a telephone interview assessing discomfort on catheterization, particularly on catheter removal (“catching”).

Results

A total of 107 women of mean age 35.8 years underwent both sphincter EMG and UPP between 2011 and 2015. There was no significant association between “catching” on catheterization and pattern of UPP. There was a significant association between the presence of a pulsatile UPP and the finding of an abnormal EMG (P < 0.0001) The PPV of pulsatile UPP for abnormal EMG was 0.82 and the NPV of pulsatile UPP for abnormal EMG was 0.74.

Conclusions

A pulsatile UPP trace is a sensitive predictor for abnormal EMG in patients with voiding dysfunction. There is no obvious correlation between a pulsatile UPP trace and a reported “catching” sensation on catheterization.
Simultaneous MR quantification of hepatic fat content, fatty acid composition, transverse relaxation time and magnetic susceptibility for the diagnosis of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Leporq B. , Lambert S.A. , Ronot M. , Vilgrain V. , Van Beers B.E.
Published: July 2017

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized at histology by steatosis, hepatocyte ballooning and inflammatory infiltrates, with or without fibrosis. Although diamagnetic material in fibrosis and inflammation can be detected with quantitative susceptibility imaging, fatty acid composition changes in NASH relative to simple steatosis have also been reported. Therefore, our aim was to develop a single magnetic resonance (MR) acquisition and post‐processing scheme for the diagnosis of steatohepatitis by the simultaneous quantification of hepatic fat content, fatty acid composition, T2* transverse relaxation time and magnetic susceptibility in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. MR acquisition was performed at 3.0 T using a three‐dimensional, multi‐echo, spoiled gradient echo sequence. Phase images were unwrapped to compute the B0 field inhomogeneity (ΔB0) map. The ΔB0‐demodulated real part images were used for fat–water separation, T2* and fatty acid composition quantification. The external and internal fields were separated with the projection onto dipole field method. Susceptibility maps were obtained after dipole inversion from the internal field map with single‐orientation Bayesian regularization including spatial priors. Method validation was performed in 32 patients with biopsy‐proven, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease from which 12 had simple steatosis and 20 NASH. Liver fat fraction and T2* did not change significantly between patients with simple steatosis and NASH. In contrast, the saturated fatty acid fraction increased in patients with NASH relative to patients with simple steatosis (48 ± 2% versus 44 ± 4%; p < 0.05) and the magnetic susceptibility decreased (−0.30 ± 0.27 ppm versus 0.10 ± 0.14 ppm; p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for magnetic susceptibility as NASH marker was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.79–1.0). Simultaneous MR quantification of fat content, fatty acid composition, T2* and magnetic susceptibility is feasible in the liver. Our preliminary results suggest that quantitative susceptibility imaging has a high diagnostic performance for the diagnosis of NASH.
Free‐surface tracking in 2D with the harmonic polynomial cell method: Two alternative strategies
Authors: Hanssen F.‐C.W. , Bardazzi A. , Lugni C. , Greco M.
Published: July 2017

Several cases of nonlinear wave propagation are studied numerically in two dimensions within the framework of potential flow. The Laplace equation is solved with the harmonic polynomial cell (HPC) method, which is a field method with high‐order accuracy. In the HPC method, the computational domain is divided into overlapping cells. Within each cell, the velocity potential is represented by a sum of harmonic polynomials. Two different methods denoted as immersed boundary (IB) and multigrid (MG) are used to track the free surface. The former treats the free surface as an IB in a fixed Cartesian background grid, while the latter uses a free‐surface fitted grid that overlaps with a Cartesian background grid. The simulated cases include several nonlinear wave mechanisms, such as high steepness and shallow‐water effects. For one of the cases, a numerical scheme to suppress local wave breaking is introduced. Such scheme can serve as a practical mean to ensure numerical stability in simulations where local breaking is not significant for the result. For all the considered cases, both the IB and MG method generally give satisfactory agreement with known reference results. Although the two free‐surface tracking methods mostly have similar performance, some differences between them are pointed out. These include aspects related to modeling of particular physical problems as well as their computational efficiency when combined with the HPC method.
Optimum design of an acoustic metamaterial with negative bulk modulus in an acoustic‐elastic coupled system using a level set–based topology optimization method
Authors: Noguchi Yuki , Yamada Takayuki , Izui Kazuhiro , Nishiwaki Shinji
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a level set–based topology optimization method for the design of an acoustic metamaterial with negative bulk modulus in an acoustic‐elastic coupled system. To represent the coupled system, we propose a two‐phase material model in which the solid and acoustic phases are mixed. This model allows the coupled system to be represented uniformly and avoids the need to impose the coupling conditions typically required in analyses of acoustic‐elastic coupled systems. The effective bulk modulus of the acoustic metamaterial is represented using an S‐parameter–based method and the optimization problem is formulated as a level set–based topology optimization. The topological derivatives for the two‐phase material model are obtained using the relationship between the topological and shape derivatives. Numerical examples demonstrate the validity of the proposed two‐phase material model and topological derivatives, and an optimal unit cell design for an acoustic metamaterial with negative bulk modulus is obtained at a targeted frequency.
Topology optimization using a continuous density field and adaptive mesh refinement
Authors: Lambe Andrew B. , Czekanski Aleksander
Published: July 2017

A new method of topology optimization is introduced in which a continuous material field is combined with adaptive mesh refinement. Using a continuous material field with different analysis and design meshes allows the method to produce optimal designs that are free of numerical artifacts like checkerboard patterns and material islands. Adaptive mesh refinement is then applied to both meshes to precisely locate the optimal boundary of the final structure. A Helmholtz‐type density filter is used to prevent the appearance of small topological features as the mesh refinement proceeds. Results are presented for several test problems, including problems with geometrically complex domain boundaries.
Interferon lambda1/IL‐29 and inorganic polyphosphate are novel regulators of neutrophil‐driven thromboinflammation
Authors: Chrysanthopoulou Akrivi , Kambas Konstantinos , Stakos Dimitrios , Mitroulis Ioannis , Mitsios Alexandros , Vidali Veroniki , Angelidou Iliana , Bochenek Magdalena , Arelaki Stella , Arampatzioglou Athanasios , Galani Ioanna‐Evdokia , Skendros Panagiotis , Couladouros Elias A , Konstantinides Stavros , Andreakos Evangelos , Schäfer Katrin , Ritis Konstantinos
Published: July 2017

Neutrophils and neutrophil‐released meshwork structures termed neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are major mediators of thromboinflammation and emerging targets for therapy, yet the mechanisms and pathways that control the role of neutrophils in thromboinflammation remain poorly understood. Here, we explored the role of IFN‐λ1/IL‐29, a major antiviral cytokine recently shown to suppress the neutrophil migratory capacity, in prothrombotic and proNETotic functions of neutrophils. In an ex vivo human experimental setting of acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), we show that IFN‐λ1/IL‐29 hinders NET release and diminishes the amount of cytoplasmic TF in neutrophils. Since platelet–neutrophil interaction plays a major role in NET‐induced thromboinflammation, we further studied how IFN‐λ1/IL‐29 may interrupt this interaction. In this context, we identified inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) as a platelet‐derived NET inducer in STEMI. In arterial STEMI thrombi, polyP was present in platelets and in close proximity to NET remnants. PolyP release from activated platelets was dependent on thrombin present in infarcted artery plasma, resulting in NET formation by promoting mTOR inhibition and autophagy induction. The effect of polyP on mTOR inhibition was counteracted by IFN‐λ1/IL‐29 treatment, leading to inhibition of NET formation. Consistently, we show in an in vivo model of FeCl3‐induced arterial thrombosis that IFN‐λ2/IL‐28A exerts strong antithrombotic potential. Taken together, these findings reveal a novel function of IFN‐λ1/IL‐29 in the suppression of thromboinflammation. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energetic Materials Designing Bench (EMDB), Version 1.0
Authors: Keshavarz Mohammad H. , Klapötke Thomas M. , Sućeska Muhamed
Published: July 2017

EMDB_1 is a new professional package in the area of EMs, which calculates more than thirty physicochemical properties and detonation parameters for different pure explosives or energetic formulations (for C−H−N−O−F−Cl−Al−Br−I−S compounds). Here we present the results of performance (VoD) calculations obtained using the EMDB, EXPLO5 and CHEETAH programs, and compare these values with the experimentally determined values. We also calculated the impact and friction sensitivities using the EMDB code, and compared the values obtained with measured values.
Evaluation of glyphosate resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana expressing an altered target site EPSPS
Authors: Sammons R Douglas , You Jinsong , Qi Youlin , Flasinski Stanislaw , Kavanaugh Christina , Washam Jeannie , Ostrander Elizabeth , Wang Dafu , Heck Greg
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Glyphosate‐resistant goosegrass has recently evolved and is homozygous for the double mutant of EPSPS (T102I, P106S or TIPS). These same mutations combined with EPSPS overexpression, have been used to create transgenic glyphosate‐resistant crops. Arabidopsis thaliana (Wt EPSPS Ki ∼ 0.5 μM) was engineered to express a variant AtEPSPS‐T102I, P106A (TIPA Ki = 150 μM) to determine the resistance magnitude for a more potent variant EPSPS that might evolve in weeds.

RESULTS

Transgenic A. thaliana plants, homozygous for one, two or four copies of AtEPSPS‐TIPA, had resistance (IC50 values, R/S) as measured by seed production ranging from 4.3‐ to 16‐fold. Plants treated in reproductive stage were male sterile with a range of R/S from 10.1‐ to 40.6‐fold. A significant hormesis (∼ 63% gain in fresh weight) was observed for all genotypes when treated at the initiation of reproductive stage with 0.013 kg ha–1. AtEPSPS‐TIPA enzyme activity was proportional to copy number and correlated with resistance magnitude.

CONCLUSIONS

A. thaliana, as a model weed expressing one copy of AtEPSPS‐TIPA (300‐fold more resistant), had only 4.3‐fold resistance to glyphosate for seed production. Resistance behaved as a single dominant allele. Vegetative tissue resistance was 4.7‐fold greater than reproductive tissue resistance and was linear with gene copy number. © 2017 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Bayesian nonparametric statistics: A new toolkit for discovery in cancer research
Authors: Thall Peter F. , Mueller Peter , Xu Yanxun , Guindani Michele
Published: July 2017

Many commonly used statistical methods for data analysis or clinical trial design rely on incorrect assumptions or assume an over‐simplified framework that ignores important information. Such statistical practices may lead to incorrect conclusions about treatment effects or clinical trial designs that are impractical or that do not accurately reflect the investigator's goals. Bayesian nonparametric (BNP) models and methods are a very flexible new class of statistical tools that can overcome such limitations. This is because BNP models can accurately approximate any distribution or function and can accommodate a broad range of statistical problems, including density estimation, regression, survival analysis, graphical modeling, neural networks, classification, clustering, population models, forecasting and prediction, spatiotemporal models, and causal inference. This paper describes 3 illustrative applications of BNP methods, including a randomized clinical trial to compare treatments for intraoperative air leaks after pulmonary resection, estimating survival time with different multi‐stage chemotherapy regimes for acute leukemia, and evaluating joint effects of targeted treatment and an intermediate biological outcome on progression‐free survival time in prostate cancer.
Analysis of oxovanadium(IV) complexes using electrospray mass spectrometry: Molecular ion formed by loss of an electron, and its product ions trapping oxygen
Authors: Hou Xue , Wu Zhi‐Jun , Zhao Jian‐Qiang , Yuan Wei‐Cheng , Qi Hua‐Yi
Published: July 2017

Rationale

In addition to their biological properties, oxovanadium complexes have been widely applied as catalysts because of their excellent catalytic‐oxidation capability. Recently, monometallic oxovanadium(IV) complexes have been used as catalysts in the electrophilic trifluoromethylation of silyl ketene imines. The study of catalysts can contribute to an understanding of the reaction mechanism.

Methods

Six monometallic oxovanadium(IV) complexes were analyzed by electrospray ionization time‐of flight mass spectrometry (ESI‐TOFMS), and collision‐induced dissociation mass spectrometry (CID‐MS) experiments were conducted for selected cations [M]+ of oxovanadium(IV) complexes as well as a deuterium‐labeled complex. Different collision gases were used to understand the source of the O2 and H2O engaged in the gas‐phase ion‐molecule reaction.

Results

The oxovanadium(IV) complexes formed [M]+ ions by loss of an electron, with [M + 14]+ ions being formed from [M]+ by loss of H2O and addition of O2. The fragmentation pathways of the [M]+ cations were further studied by ESI‐MS/MS, and several ions produced by gas‐phase ion‐molecule reactions were detected and characterized, including vanadium‐oxo, −peroxo and derivatives.

Conclusions

Several unexpected ions were detected, including [M]+, [M + 14]+ and ions produced from gas‐phase ion‐molecule reactions. The study has contributed to the understanding of the structure and character of oxovanadium(IV) complexes, and it could facilitate the design of new oxovanadium catalysts and an understanding of their reaction mechanism.
Successful Treatment of Passive Fecal Incontinence in an Animal Model Using Engineered Biosphincters: A 3-Month Follow-Up Study
Authors: Bohl Jaime L. , Zakhem Elie , Bitar Khalil N.
Published: July 2017

Fecal incontinence (FI) is the involuntary passage of fecal material. Current treatments have limited successful outcomes. The objective of this study was to develop a large animal model of passive FI and to demonstrate sustained restoration of fecal continence using anorectal manometry in this model after implantation of engineered autologous internal anal sphincter (IAS) biosphincters. Twenty female rabbits were used in this study. The animals were divided into three groups: (a) Non-treated group: Rabbits underwent IAS injury by hemi-sphincterectomy without treatment. (b) Treated group: Rabbits underwent IAS injury by hemi-sphincterectomy followed by implantation of autologous biosphincters. (c) Sham group: Rabbits underwent IAS injury by hemi-sphincterectomy followed by re-accessing the surgical site followed by immediate closure without implantation of biosphincters. Anorectal manometry was used to measure resting anal pressure and recto-anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) at baseline, 1 month post-sphincterectomy, up to 3 months after implantation and post-sham. Following sphincterectomy, all rabbits had decreased basal tone and loss of RAIR, indicative of FI. Anal hygiene was also lost in the rabbits. Decreases in basal tone and RAIR were sustained more than 3 months in the non-treated group. Autologous biosphincters were successfully implanted into eight donor rabbits in the treated group. Basal tone and RAIR were restored at 3 months following biosphincter implantation and were significantly higher compared with rabbits in the non-treated and sham groups. Histologically, smooth muscle reconstruction and continuity was restored in the treated group compared with the non-treated group. Results in this study provided promising outcomes for treatment of FI. Results demonstrated the feasibility of developing and validating a large animal model of passive FI. This study also showed the efficacy of the engineered biosphincters to restore fecal continence as demonstrated by manometry.
Photoluminescence Enhancement of CuInS2 Quantum Dots in Solution Coupled to Plasmonic Gold Nanocup Array
Authors: Peer Akshit , Hu Zhongjian , Singh Ajay , Hollingsworth Jennifer A. , Biswas Rana , Htoon Han
Published: July 2017

A strong plasmonic enhancement of photoluminescence (PL) decay rate in quantum dots (QDs) coupled to an array of gold‐coated nanocups is demonstrated. CuInS2 QDs that emit at a wavelength that overlaps with the extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) of the gold nanocup array are placed in the cups as solutions. Time‐resolved PL reveals that the decay rate of the QDs in the plasmonically coupled system can be enhanced by more than an order of magnitude. Using finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) simulations, it is shown that this enhancement in PL decay rate results from an enhancement factor of ≈100 in electric field intensity provided by the plasmonic mode of the nanocup array, which is also responsible for the EOT. The simulated Purcell factor approaches 86 at the bottom of the nanocup and is ≈3–15 averaged over the nanocup cavity height, agreeing with the experimental enhancement result. This demonstration of solution‐based coupling between QDs and gold nanocups opens up new possibilities for applications that would benefit from a solution environment such as biosensing.
Metallic Conductive Nanowires Elaborated by PVD Metal Deposition on Suspended DNA Bundles
Authors: Brun Christophe , Elchinger Pierre‐Henri , Nonglaton Guillaume , Tidiane‐Diagne Cheikh , Tiron Raluca , Thuaire Aurélie , Gasparutto Didier , Baillin Xavier
Published: July 2017

Metallic conductive nanowires (NWs) with DNA bundle core are achieved, thanks to an original process relying on double‐stranded DNA alignment and physical vapor deposition (PVD) metallization steps involving a silicon substrate. First, bundles of DNA are suspended with a repeatable process between 2 µm high parallel electrodes with separating gaps ranging from 800 nm to 2 µm. The process consists in the drop deposition of a DNA lambda‐phage solution on the electrodes followed by a naturally evaporation step. The deposition process is controlled by the DNA concentration within the buffer solution, the drop volume, and the electrode hydrophobicity. The suspended bundles are finally metallized with various thicknesses of titanium and gold by a PVD e‐beam evaporation process. The achieved NWs have a width ranging from a few nanometers up to 100 nm. The electrical behavior of the achieved 60 and 80 nm width metallic NWs is shown to be Ohmic and their intrinsic resistance is estimated according to different geometrical models of the NW section area. For the 80 nm width NWs, a resistance of about few ohms is established, opening exploration fields for applications in microelectronics.
Early Timing of Thyroidectomy for Hyperthyroidism in Graves’ Disease Improves Biochemical Recovery
Authors: Vital Domenic , Morand Grégoire B. , Meerwein Christian , Laske Roman D. , Steinert Hans C. , Schmid Christoph , Brown Michelle L. , Huber Gerhard F.
Published: July 2017

Background

The role of thyroidectomy as an early treatment for hyperthyroidism has been poorly investigated. Our aim was to examine its success rates, particularly focusing on thyroidectomy as an early treatment.

Methods

Patients with thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism between February 2008 and October 2014 were included. They were divided into two groups (early and delayed thyroidectomy), and patient characteristics, treatment indications, complications and time to biochemical recovery were analyzed.

Results

Ninety‐nine patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 65 (66%) suffered from Graves’ disease, 25 (25%) from toxic goiters and 9 (9%) from amiodarone‐induced hyperthyroidism. Structural abnormalities of the thyroid (39 patients, 39%) represented the most frequent indications for thyroidectomy. Forty‐six patients (46%) underwent an early and 53 (54%) a delayed surgical approach. Patients with Graves’ disease undergoing early thyroidectomy did not suffer more often from complications but had a significantly faster biochemical recovery after surgery than those with a delayed thyroidectomy, as judged by a shorter time to reach TSH (121 ± 24 vs. 240 ± 31 days, p = 0.007) and fT4 (91 ± 29 vs. 183 ± 31 days p = 0.015) levels in the normal range. As expected, there were no recurrences of hyperthyroidism.

Conclusions

Early thyroidectomy was neither associated with permanent complications nor thyroid storm, but with a significantly improved biochemical recovery and therefore has to be recommended early in patients with Graves’ disease.
Phase Equilibria in the Fe-Mo-Ti Ternary System at 1173 K (900 °C) and 1023 K (750 °C)
Authors: Knowles A. J. , Jones N. G. , Jones C. N. , Stone H. J.
Published: July 2017

Alloys with fine-scale eutectic microstructures comprising Ti-based A2 and TiFe B2 phases have been shown to have excellent mechanical properties. In this study, the potential of alloys with further refined A2-B2 microstructures formed through solid-state precipitation has been explored by analyzing a series of six alloys within the Fe-Mo-Ti ternary system. Partial isothermal sections of this system at 1173 K (900 °C) and 1023 K (750 °C) were constructed, from which the ternary solubility limits of the A2 (Ti, Mo), B2 TiFe, D85 Fe7Mo6, and C14 Fe2Ti phases were determined. With these data, the change in solubility of Fe in the A2 phase with temperature, which provides the driving force for precipitation of B2 TiFe, was determined and used to predict the maximum potential volume fraction of B2 TiFe precipitates that may be formed in an A2 (Ti, Mo) matrix.
Experimental Study of Nanofluids Applied in EOR Processes
Authors: de Castro Dantas Tereza Neuma , de Souza Tamyris Thaise Costa , Dantas Neto Afonso Avelino , Moura Maria Carlenise Paiva de Alencar , de Barros Neto Eduardo Lins
Published: July 2017

Nanoemulsions are small droplet‐sized systems that have low surface tension and a small percentage of active material in their composition. In this study, low oil content nanoemulsion systems were developed for the use in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The experiments were performed on a device capable of simulating petroleum reservoir conditions using sandstone rock cores. Nanoemulsions were obtained from a pre‐selected microemulsion system composed of: RNX95 as surfactant, isopropyl alcohol as cosurfactant, kerosene as oil phase, and distilled water as aqueous phase. Different percentages of polyacrylamide were added to the systems obtained to evaluate the influence of viscosity in EOR results. The nanoemulsion droplet sizes ranged from 9.22 to 14.8 nm. Surface tension values were in the range of 33.6–39.7 dyn/cm. A nanoemulsion system with 2.5 wt% surfactant was used in EOR assays. The oil recovery was directly proportional to polymer percentage in the nanoemulsion, ranging from 39.6 to 76.8%. The total oil in the place recovery ranged from 74.5 to 90%.
Protein phosphatases 1 and 2A and their naturally occurring inhibitors: current topics in smooth muscle physiology and chemical biology
Authors: Takai Akira , Eto Masumi , Hirano Katsuya , Takeya Kosuke , Wakimoto Toshiyuki , Watanabe Masaru
Published: July 2017

Protein phosphatases 1 and 2A (PP1 and PP2A) are the most ubiquitous and abundant serine/threonine phosphatases in eukaryotic cells. They play fundamental roles in the regulation of various cellular functions. This review focuses on recent advances in the functional studies of these enzymes in the field of smooth muscle physiology. Many naturally occurring protein phosphatase inhibitors with different relative PP1/PP2A affinities have been discovered and are widely used as powerful research tools. Current topics in the chemical biology of PP1/PP2A inhibitors are introduced and discussed, highlighting the identification of the gene cluster responsible for the biosynthesis of calyculin A in a symbiont microorganism of a marine sponge.
Lifespan Disparity as an Additional Indicator for Evaluating Mortality Forecasts
Authors: Bohk-Ewald Christina , Ebeling Marcus , Rau Roland
Published: July 2017

Evaluating the predictive ability of mortality forecasts is important yet difficult. Death rates and mean lifespan are basic life table functions typically used to analyze to what extent the forecasts deviate from their realized values. Although these parameters are useful for specifying precisely how mortality has been forecasted, they cannot be used to assess whether the underlying mortality developments are plausible. We therefore propose that in addition to looking at average lifespan, we should examine whether the forecasted variability of the age at death is a plausible continuation of past trends. The validation of mortality forecasts for Italy, Japan, and Denmark demonstrates that their predictive performance can be evaluated more comprehensively by analyzing both the average lifespan and lifespan disparity—that is, by jointly analyzing the mean and the dispersion of mortality. Approaches that account for dynamic age shifts in survival improvements appear to perform better than others that enforce relatively invariant patterns. However, because forecasting approaches are designed to capture trends in average mortality, we argue that studying lifespan disparity may also help to improve the methodology and thus the predictive ability of mortality forecasts.