bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indium‐Catalyzed Reductive Sulfid­ation of Esters by Using Thiols: An Approach to the Diverse Synthesis of Sulfides
Authors: Miyazaki Takahiro , Kasai Shinsei , Ogiwara Yohei , Sakai Norio
Published: January 2016

A new reductive preparation of unsymmetrical sulfides from esters and thiols in the presence of InI3 and either 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane (TMDS) or PhSiH3 as the reductant was developed. This protocol was applied to not only benzoic acid esters that have a methoxy, methyl, chloro, bromo, iodo, or trifluoromethyl group on the aromatic ring but also aliphatic acid esters with either aromatic or aliphatic thiols. A reaction mechanism is proposed by using Hammett plot results and several control experiments.
Enantioselective Total Synthesis of the Proposed Structure of the Endophytic Fungal Metabolite Phomolide G: Structural Revision and Unambiguous Stereochemical Assignment
Authors: McNulty James , McLeod David , Jenkins Hilary A.
Published: January 2016

A total synthesis of the proposed structure of the natural macrolactone phomolide G (1) by a bidirectional strategy from L‐tartaric acid is reported. The ω‐terminus of the molecule was elaborated by nitrile extension, C3‐alkylation and a substrate‐controlled 1,3‐ketone reduction. The α‐terminus was extended by a C2 aldehyde‐to‐alkenal homologation followed by an auxiliary controlled aldol reaction. Macrolactonization and deprotection yielded compound 1 (confirmed by X‐ray analysis). This putative structure of phomolide G displayed discordant NMR spectroscopic data in comparison with those of the natural product. Detailed inspection of all NMR spectroscopic data available indicated phomolide G to be likely a diastereomer of 1. The synthetic strategy developed allows control of the absolute stereochemistry at all four chiral secondary alcohol groups. Further manipulation allowed for the preparation of diastereomer 33, the 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic data of which are in full accord with that reported for the natural product.
Reconstructing and understanding the impacts of storms and surges, southern North Sea
Authors: Brooks Sue M. , Spencer Tom , McIvor Anna , Möller Iris
Published: January 2016

Coastal barriers are ubiquitous globally and provide a vital protective role to valuable landforms, habitats and communities located to landward. They are, however, vulnerable to extreme water levels and storm wave impacts. A detailed record of sub‐annual to annual; decadal; and centennial rates of shoreline retreat in frontages characterized by both high (> 3 m) and low (< 1 m) dunes is established for a barrier island on the UK east coast. For four storms (2006–2013) we match still water levels and peak significant wave heights against shoreline change at high levels of spatial densification. The results suggest that, at least in the short‐term, shoreline retreat, of typically 5–8 m, is primarily driven by individual events, separated by varying periods of barrier stasis. Over decadal timescales, significant inter‐decadal changes can be seen in both barrier onshore retreat rates and in barrier extension rates alongshore. Whilst the alongshore variability in barrier migration seen in the short‐term remains at the decadal scale, shoreline change at the centennial stage shows little alongshore variability between a region of barrier retreat (at 1.15 m a−1) and one of barrier extension. A data‐mining approach, synchronizing all the variables that drive shoreline change (still water level, timing of high spring tides and peak significant wave heights), is an essential requirement for validating models that predict future shoreline responses under changing sea level and storminess. © 2016 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Germination and early plant development of ten plant species exposed to titanium dioxide and cerium oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Andersen Christian P. , King George , Plocher Milt , Storm Marjorie , Pokhrel Lok R. , Johnson Mark G. , Rygiewicz Paul T.
Published: January 2016

Ten agronomic plant species were exposed to different concentrations of nano–titanium dioxide (nTiO2) or nano–cerium oxide (nCeO2) (0 μg/mL, 250 μg/mL, 500 μg/mL, and 1000 μg/mL) to examine potential effects on germination and early seedling development. The authors modified a standard test protocol developed for soluble chemicals (OPPTS 850.4200) to determine if such an approach might be useful for screening engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) and whether there were differences in response across a range of commercially important plant species to 2 common metal oxide ENMs. Eight of 10 species responded to nTiO2, and 5 species responded to nCeO2. Overall, it appeared that early root growth may be a more sensitive indicator of potential effects from ENM exposure than germination. The observed effects did not always relate to the exposure concentration, indicating that mass-based concentration may not fully explain the developmental effects of these 2 ENMs. The results suggest that nTiO2 and nCeO2 have different effects on early plant growth of agronomic species, with unknown effects at later stages of the life cycle. In addition, standard germination tests, which are commonly used for toxicity screening of new materials, may not detect the subtle but potentially more important changes associated with early growth and development in terrestrial plants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2223–2229. Published 2016 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Interleukin‐1 and inflammasomes in alcoholic liver disease/acute alcoholic hepatitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Tilg Herbert , Moschen Alexander R. , Szabo Gyongyi
Published: January 2016

Both alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are characterized by massive lipid accumulation in the liver accompanied by inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma in a substantial subgroup of patients. At several stages in these diseases, mediators of the immune system, such as cytokines or inflammasomes, are crucially involved. In ALD, chronic ethanol exposure sensitizes Kupffer cells to activation by lipopolysaccharides through Toll‐like receptors, e.g., Toll‐like receptor 4. This sensitization enhances the production of various proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, thereby contributing to hepatocyte dysfunction, necrosis, and apoptosis and the generation of extracellular matrix proteins leading to fibrosis/cirrhosis. Indeed, neutralization of IL‐1 by IL‐1 receptor antagonist has recently been shown to potently prevent liver injury in murine models of ALD. As IL‐1 is clearly linked to key clinical symptoms of acute alcoholic hepatitis such as fever, neutrophilia, and wasting, interfering with the IL‐1 pathway might be an attractive treatment strategy in the future. An important role for IL‐1‐type cytokines and certain inflammasomes has also been demonstrated in murine models of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. IL‐1‐type cytokines can regulate hepatic steatosis; the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome is critically involved in metabolic dysregulation. Conclusion: IL‐1 cytokine family members and various inflammasomes mediate different aspects of both ALD and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. (Hepatology 2016;64:955‐965)
Liver mortality attributable to chronic hepatitis C virus infection in Denmark and Scotland—Using spontaneous resolvers as the benchmark comparator
Authors: Innes Hamish , Hutchinson Sharon J. , Obel Niels , Christensen Peer B. , Aspinall Esther J. , Goldberg David , Krarup Henrik , McDonald Scott A. , McLeod Allan , Weir Amanda , Omland Lars H.
Published: January 2016

Liver mortality among individuals with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection is common, but the relative contribution of CHC per se versus adverse health behaviors is uncertain. We explored data on spontaneous resolvers of hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a benchmark group to uncover the independent contribution of CHC on liver mortality. Using national HCV diagnosis and mortality registers from Denmark and Scotland, we calculated the liver mortality rate (LMR) for persons diagnosed with CHC infection (LMRchronic) and spontaneously resolved infection (LMRresolved), according to subgroups defined by age, sex, and drug use. Through these mortality rates, we determined subgroup‐specific attributable fractions (AFs), defined as (LMRchronic ‐ LMRresolved)/LMRchronic, and then calculated the total attributable fraction (TAF) as a weighted average of these AFs. Thus, the TAF represents the overall fraction (where 0.00 = not attributable at all; and 1.00 = entirely attributable) of liver mortality attributable to CHC in the diagnosed population. Our cohort comprised 7,005 and 21,729 persons diagnosed with HCV antibodies in Denmark and Scotland, respectively. Mean follow‐up duration was 6.3‐6.9 years. The TAF increased stepwise with age. It was lowest for death occurring at <45 years of age (0.21 in Denmark; 0.26 in Scotland), higher for death occurring at 45‐59 years (0.69 in Denmark; 0.69 in Scotland), and highest for death at 60+years (0.92 in Denmark; 0.75 in Scotland). Overall, the TAF was 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55‐0.78) in Denmark and 0.55 (95% CI: 0.44‐0.66) in Scotland. Conclusions: In Denmark and Scotland, the majority of liver death in the CHC‐diagnosed population can be attributed to CHC—nevertheless, an appreciable fraction cannot, cautioning that liver mortality in this population is a compound problem that can be reduced, but not solved, through antiviral therapy alone. (Hepatology 2016;63:1506‐1516)
A pilot study of operational tolerance with a regulatory T‐cell‐based cell therapy in living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Todo Satoru , Yamashita Kenichiro , Goto Ryoichi , Zaitsu Masaaki , Nagatsu Akihisa , Oura Tetsu , Watanabe Masaaki , Aoyagi Takeshi , Suzuki Tomomi , Shimamura Tsuyoshi , Kamiyama Toshiya , Sato Norihiro , Sugita Junichi , Hatanaka Kanako , Bashuda Hisashi , Habu Sonoko , Demetris Anthony J. , Okumura Ko
Published: January 2016

Potent immunosuppressive drugs have significantly improved early patient survival after liver transplantation (LT). However, long‐term results remain unsatisfactory because of adverse events that are largely associated with lifelong immunosuppression. To solve this problem, different strategies have been undertaken to induce operational tolerance, for example, maintenance of normal graft function and histology without immunosuppressive therapy, but have achieved limited success. In this pilot study, we aimed to induce tolerance using a novel regulatory T‐cell‐based cell therapy in living donor LT. Adoptive transfer of an ex vivo‐generated regulatory T‐cell‐enriched cell product was conducted in 10 consecutive adult patients early post‐LT. Cells were generated using a 2‐week coculture of recipient lymphocytes with irradiated donor cells in the presence of anti‐CD80/86 monoclonal antibodies. Immunosuppressive agents were tapered from 6 months, reduced every 3 months, and completely discontinued by 18 months. After the culture, the generated cells displayed cell‐number‐dependent donor‐specific inhibition in the mixed lymphocyte reaction. Infusion of these cells caused no significant adverse events. Currently, all patients are well with normal graft function and histology. Seven patients have completed successful weaning and cessation of immunosuppressive agents. At present, they have been drug free for 16‐33 months; 4 patients have been drug free for more than 24 months. The other 3 recipients with autoimmune liver diseases developed mild rejection during weaning and then resumed conventional low‐dose immunotherapy. Conclusions: A cell therapy using an ex vivo‐generated regulatory T‐cell‐enriched cell product is safe and effective for drug minimization and operational tolerance induction in living donor liver recipients with nonimmunological liver diseases. (Hepatology 2016;64:632‐643)
Bmp signaling in colonic mesenchyme regulates stromal microenvironment and protects from polyposis initiation
Authors: Allaire Joannie M. , Roy Sébastien A.B. , Ouellet Camille , Lemieux Étienne , Jones Christine , Paquet Marilène , Boudreau Francois , Perreault Nathalie
Published: January 2016

In the colon, myofibroblasts are primary contributors in the establishment of the microenvironment involved in tissue homeostasis. Alterations in myofibroblast functions lead to changes resulting in a toxic microenvironment nurturing tumorigenesis. Bone morphogenetic proteins (Bmps) are morphogens known to play key roles in adult gut homeostasis. Studies in genetically‐modified mice have shown that Bmp disruption in all cell layers leads to the development of gut polyposis. In contrast, our studies showed that loss of Bmp exclusively in the gastrointestinal epithelium resulted in increased epithelial proliferation without polyposis initiation, thus suggesting a key role for mesenchymal Bmp signaling in polyposis initiation. In order to identify the role of mesenchymal Bmp signaling on the microenvironment and its impact on colonic mucosa, a mouse model was generated with suppression of Bmp signaling exclusively in myofibroblasts (Bmpr1aΔMES). Bmpr1aΔMES mice exhibited increased subepithelial proliferation with changes in cellular composition leading to the development of a primed stroma with modulation of extracellular matrix proteins, immune cells and cytokines as early as 90 days of age. This microenvironmental deregulation was associated with increased polyposis initiation at one year of age. These results are the first to demonstrate that mesenchymal Bmpr1a inactivation alone is sufficient to prompt an expansion of myofibroblasts leading to the development of a reactive mesenchyme that contributes to polyposis initiation in the colon. These findings support the novel concept that inhibition of Bmp signaling in mesenchymal cells surrounding the normal epithelium leads to important changes instructing a toxic microenvironment sufficient to induce colonic polyposis.
β‐glucan restores tumor‐educated dendritic cell maturation to enhance antitumor immune responses
Authors: Ning Yongling , Xu Dongqin , Zhang Xiaohang , Bai Yu , Ding Jun , Feng Tongbao , Wang Shizhong , Xu Ning , Qian Keqing , Wang Yong , Qi Chunjian
Published: January 2016

Tumors can induce the generation and accumulation of immunosuppressive cells such as myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in a tumor microenvironment, contributing to tumor escape from immunological attack. Although dendritic cell‐based cancer vaccines can initiate antitumor immune responses, tumor‐educated dendritic cells (TEDCs) involved in the tolerance induction have attracted much attention recently. In this study, we investigated the effect of β‐glucan on TEDCs and found that β‐glucan treatment could promote the maturation and migration of TEDCs and that the suppressive function of TEDCs was significantly decreased. Treatment with β‐glucan drastically decreased the levels of regulatory T (Treg) cells but increased the infiltration of macrophages, granulocytes and DCs in tumor masses, thus elicited Th1 differentiation and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte responses and led to a delay in tumor progression. These findings reveal that β‐glucan can inhibit the regulatory function of TEDCs, therefore revealing a novel function for β‐glucan in immunotherapy and suggesting its potential clinical benefit. β‐Glucan directly abrogated tumor‐educated dendritic cells‐associated immune suppression, promoted Th1 differentiation and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte priming and improved antitumor responses.
Guidebooks and Rankings: The Value of Optional External Reporting
Authors: Carpenter‐Hubin Julia , Crisan‐Vandeborne Liana
Published: January 2016

This chapter details the benefits and costs of participating in optional external reporting and considers how best to determine which reports represent the best use of time and resources.
Laser‐induced capillary leakage for blood biomarker detection and vaccine delivery via the skin
Authors: Wu Jeffrey H. , Li Bo , Wu Mei X.
Published: January 2016

Circulation system is the center for coordination and communication of all organs in our body. Examination of any change in its analytes or delivery of therapeutic drugs into the system consists of important medical practice in today's medicine. Two recent studies prove that brief illumination of skin with a low powered laser, at wavelengths preferentially absorbed by hemoglobin, increases the amount of circulating biomarkers in the epidermis and upper dermis by more than 1,000‐fold. When probe‐coated microneedle arrays are applied into laser‐treated skin, plasma blood biomarkers can be reliably, accurately, and sufficiently quantified in 15∼30 min assays, with a maximal detection in one hr in a manner independent of penetration depth or a molecular mass of the biomarker. Moreover, the laser treatment permits a high efficient delivery of radiation‐attenuated malarial sporozoites (RAS) into the circulation, leading to robust immunity against malaria infections, whereas similar immunization at sham‐treated skin elicits poor immune responses. Thus this technology can potentially instruct designs of small, portable devices for onsite, in mobile clinics, or at home for point‐of‐care diagnosis and drug/vaccine delivery via the skin.

Laser‐induced capillary leakage (a) to induce extravasation of circualing molecules only (b) or facilitate entry of attenuated malaria sporozoites into the capillary (c). Skin illumination with a laser preferably absorbed by hemoglobin causes dilation of the capillary beneath the skin. The extravasated molecules can be sufficiently measured in the skin or guide sporozoites to enter the vessel.

magnified image

Laser‐induced capillary leakage (a) to induce extravasation of circualing molecules only (b) or facilitate entry of attenuated malaria sporozoites into the capillary (c). Skin illumination with a laser preferably absorbed by hemoglobin causes dilation of the capillary beneath the skin. The extravasated molecules can be sufficiently measured in the skin or guide sporozoites to enter the vessel.
Competition between hydrogen and halogen bonding in halogenated 1‐methyluracil: Water systems
Authors: Hogan Simon W.L. , van Mourik Tanja
Published: January 2016

The competition between hydrogen‐ and halogen‐bonding interactions in complexes of 5‐halogenated 1‐methyluracil (XmU; X = F, Cl, Br, I, or At) with one or two water molecules in the binding region between C5‐X and C4O4 is investigated with M06‐2X/6‐31+G(d). In the singly‐hydrated systems, the water molecule forms a hydrogen bond with C4O4 for all halogens, whereas structures with a halogen bond between the water oxygen and C5‐X exist only for X = Br, I, and At. Structures with two waters forming a bridge between C4O and C5‐X (through hydrogen‐ and halogen‐bonding interactions) exist for all halogens except F. The absence of a halogen‐bonded structure in singly‐hydrated ClmU is therefore attributed to the competing hydrogen‐bonding interaction with C4O4. The halogen‐bond angle in the doubly‐hydrated structures (150–160°) is far from the expected linearity of halogen bonds, indicating that significantly non‐linear halogen bonds may exist in complex environments with competing interactions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential Neuronal Plasticity of Dental Pulp Stem Cells From Exfoliated Deciduous and Permanent Teeth Towards Dopaminergic Neurons
Authors: Majumdar Debanjana , Kanafi Mohammad , Bhonde Ramesh , Gupta Pawan , Datta Indrani
Published: January 2016

Based on early occurrence in chronological age, stem‐cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) has been reported to possess better differentiation‐potential toward certain cell‐lineage in comparison to stem‐cells from adult teeth (DPSCs). Whether this same property between them extends for the yield of functional central nervous system neurons is still not evaluated. Hence, we aim to assess the neuronal plasticity of SHED in comparison to DPSCs toward dopaminergic‐neurons and further, if the difference is reflected in a differential expression of sonic‐hedgehog (SHH)‐receptors and basal‐expressions of tyrosine‐hydroxylase [TH; through cAMP levels]. Human SHED and DPSCs were exposed to midbrain‐cues [SHH, fibroblast growth‐factor8, and basic fibroblast growth‐factor], and their molecular, immunophenotypical, and functional characterization was performed at different time‐points of induction. Though SHED and DPSCs spontaneously expressed early‐neuronal and neural‐crest marker in their naïve state, only SHED expressed a high basal‐expression of TH. The upregulation of dopaminergic transcription‐factors Nurr1, Engrailed1, and Pitx3 was more pronounced in DPSCs. The yield of TH‐expressing cells decreased from 49.8% to 32.16% in SHED while it increased from 8.09% to 77.47% in DPSCs. Dopamine release and intracellular‐Ca2+ influx upon stimulation (KCl and ATP) was higher in induced DPSCs. Significantly lower‐expression of SHH‐receptors was noted in naïve SHED than DPSCs, which may explain the differential neuronal plasticity. In addition, unlike DPSCs, SHED showed a down‐regulation of cyclic adenosine‐monophosphate (cAMP) upon exposure to SHH; possibly another contributor to the lesser differentiation‐potential. Our data clearly demonstrates for the first time that DPSCs possess superior neuronal plasticity toward dopaminergic‐neurons than SHED; influenced by higher SHH‐receptor and lower basal TH expression. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2048–2063, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cu/Graphene/Clay Nanohybrid: A Highly Efficient Heterogeneous Nanocatalyst for Synthesis of New 5‐Substituted‐1H‐Tetrazole Derivatives Tethered to Bioactive N‐Heterocyclic Cores
Authors: Soltani Rad Mohammad Navid , Behrouz Somayeh , Sadeghi Dehchenari Vahid , Hoseini S. Jafar
Published: January 2016

A series of new 5‐substituted 1H‐tetrazoles bearing bioactive N‐heterocyclic cores were synthesized through [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions between alkyl nitriles (RCN) and NaN3 in the presence of Cu/aminoclay/reduced graphene oxide nanohybrid (Cu/AC/r‐GO nanohybrid) as a heterogeneous nanocatalyst in water/i‐PrOH (50:50, V/V) media at reflux condition. The influence of factors on a sample reaction including solvent type, temperature, and catalyst amount was discussed. This current protocol has many advantages including inexpensiveness, environmentally benign, broad substrate scope, excellent yields, and easy work‐up procedure. The Cu/AC/r‐GO used in this protocol is a low‐cost catalyst that proved to have considerable chemical and thermal stabilities. This non‐hygroscopic catalyst can be easily recycled, reused, and stored for many consecutive reaction runs without significant loss in its reactivity.
Diagnostic quality assessment of compressed sensing accelerated magnetic resonance neuroimaging
Authors: Kayvanrad Mohammad , Lin Amy , Joshi Rohit , Chiu Jack , Peters Terry
Published: January 2016

Purpose

To determine the efficacy of compressed sensing (CS) reconstructions for specific clinical magnetic resonance neuroimaging applications beyond more conventional acceleration techniques such as parallel imaging (PI) and low‐resolution acquisitions.

Materials and Methods

Raw k‐space data were acquired from five healthy volunteers on a 3T scanner using a 32‐channel head coil using T2‐FLAIR, FIESTA‐C, time of flight (TOF), and spoiled gradient echo (SPGR) sequences. In a series of blinded studies, three radiologists independently evaluated CS, PI (GRAPPA), and low‐resolution images at up to 5× accelerations. Synthetic T2‐FLAIR images with artificial lesions were used to assess diagnostic accuracy for CS reconstructions.

Results

CS reconstructions were of diagnostically acceptable quality at up to 4× acceleration for T2‐FLAIR and FIESTA‐C (average qualitative scores 3.7 and 4.3, respectively, on a 5‐point scale at 4× acceleration), and at up to 3× acceleration for TOF and SPGR (average scores 4.0 and 3.7, respectively, at 3× acceleration). The qualitative scores for CS reconstructions were significantly better than low‐resolution images for T2‐FLAIR, FIESTA‐C, and TOF and significantly better than GRAPPA for TOF and SPGR (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P < 0.05) with no significant difference found otherwise. Diagnostic accuracy was acceptable for both CS and low‐resolution images at up to 3× acceleration (area under the ROC curve 0.97 and 0.96, respectively.)

Conclusion

Mild to moderate accelerations are possible for those sequences by a combined CS and PI reconstruction. Nevertheless, for certain sequences/applications one might mildly reduce the acquisition time by appropriately reducing the imaging resolution rather than the more complicated CS reconstruction. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:433–444.
Spatiotemporal characteristics of extreme rainfall events over the Northwest Himalaya using satellite data
Authors: Bharti Vidhi , Singh Charu , Ettema Janneke , Turkington T. A. R.
Published: January 2016

Using remotely sensed Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B42 version 7 precipitation data, an investigation on extreme rainfall events (EREs) during the monsoon season has been conducted over the Northwest Himalaya (NWH) for the period of 1998–2013. The satellite precipitation data have been validated with gridded rain gauge data prepared by India Meteorological Department (IMD) using standard statistical measures. A strong positive correlation of 0.88 is found between both, supporting the use of 3B42 V7 for the study of rainfall over the region. The EREs have been identified using three indices corresponding to 98th, 99th, and 99.99th percentiles of the rainfall distribution over the region. The 98th and 99th percentile thresholds are suggested to be considered as extreme and very extreme events respectively whereas 99.99th percentile may correspond to the cloudburst events. The parametric t‐test results indicate a significant increasing trend of the frequency of EREs whereas non‐parametric Mann‐Kendall test results yield no significant trend of EREs over the study region. As the sample size is small, therefore the significance of these results may not be ascertained. The elevation exhibits strong inverse relation with frequency and intensity of EREs over the NWH. A strong negative correlation of ∼0.8 and a poor negative correlation of ∼0.48 are obtained between the elevation and frequency of extremes exceeding 98th and 99th percentiles, and frequency of the cloudburst events, respectively. Whereas, elevation shows strong negative correlations of −0.85, −0.84, and −0.81 with rainfall intensities associated with 98th, 99th, and 99.99th percentiles, respectively. The plains and foothills of the NWH region experience the highest frequency of EREs. However, the peaks of the highest frequency of events are also observed at different elevation ranges at state‐level analysis. This study is a contribution to the on‐going research of extreme events over the mountainous terrain including disaster management study.
New magnetostratigraphic and pedostratigraphic investigations of loess deposits in north‐east China and their implications for regional environmental change during the Mid‐Pleistocene climatic transition
Authors: Zeng Lin , Lu Huayu , Yi Shuangwen , Li Yongxiang , Lv Anqi , Zhang Wenchao , Xu Zhiwei , Wu Haifeng , Feng Han , Cui Mengchun
Published: January 2016

Little is known about the long‐term climatic evolution of north‐eastern (NE) China, because well‐preserved terrestrial paleoenvironmental archives are scarce in this vast region. The extensive loess deposits in the Chifeng region are the thickest and most complete loess–paleosol sequence in NE China, and have significant potential for reconstructing the paleoclimate of the region. Here, we present new high‐resolution magnetostratigraphic results from two loess–paleosol sections in the Chifeng region: the Sanbahuo (SBH) and Toudaojingzi (TDJZ) sections. The results demonstrate that both sections record the Brunhes normal polarity chron and the upper portion of the Matuyama reversed polarity chron. Based on these new results, the base of the TDJZ loess sequence is dated at ca. 1.22 Ma, representing the oldest known loess deposits in NE China. The initiation of loess accumulation in NE China was roughly synchronous with the large expansion of the Eurasian loess belt during the late Early Pleistocene (1.2–0.7 Ma), probably reflecting a widespread intensification of aridity in northern mid‐latitudes. We suggest that global cooling during the Mid‐Pleistocene climatic transition led to increased aridity and more favorable conditions for promoting the availability of silt for entrainment, transport and deposition.
Characteristics of 64 sarcoma patients referred to a sarcoma center after unplanned excision
Authors: Dyrop Heidi Buvarp , Safwat Akmal , Vedsted Peter , Maretty‐Kongstad Katja , Hansen Bjarne Hauge , Jørgensen Peter Holmberg , Baad‐Hansen Thomas , Keller Johnny
Published: January 2016

Background and Methods

Unplanned excision of sarcoma before referral to specialist centers can affect prognosis and surgical outcome. The diagnostic pathway of these patients is uncertain and needs to be reviewed. We aimed to describe patient and tumor characteristics, initial symptoms, initial and final diagnosis, and explore reasons for unplanned excision in this patient group. From a previous study on 258 sarcoma patients, we identified 64 patients referred after surgery. Medical records were reviewed.

Results

The majority were soft tissue sarcomas, most often with thoracic location. Leiomyosarcoma was the most frequent final diagnosis, lipoma, and fibroma/dermatofibroma the most frequent initial diagnoses. Fifty percent were superficial small tumors, and 60.9% had not received diagnostic imaging before surgery. Fifty percent were referred from public surgical departments, and 1/3 from private specialists. Twenty‐three patients had initial presence of alarm symptoms registered before surgery, the remaining 2/3 fell outside referral criteria or alarm symptoms were not discovered.

Conclusions

Patients referred after unplanned excision often have small superficial tumors and the majority fall outside of defined referral criteria. Referral criteria are not a guarantee for detection of all sarcomas and surgeons should always be aware of the possibility of malignancy when removing a tumor. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:235–239. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabrication of polyaniline‐coated halloysite nanotubes by in situ chemical polymerization as a solid‐phase microextraction coating for the analysis of volatile organic compounds in aqueous solutions
Authors: Abolghasemi Mir Mahdi , Arsalani Naser , Yousefi Vahid , Arsalani Mahmood , Piryaei Marzieh
Published: January 2016

We have synthesized an organic–inorganic polyaniline–halloysite nanotube composite by an in situ polymerization method. This nanocomposite is immobilized on a stainless‐steel wire and can be used as a fiber coating for solid‐phase microextraction. It was found that our new solid‐phase microextraction fiber is an excellent adsorbent for the extraction of some volatile organic compounds in aqueous samples in combination with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The coating can be prepared easily, is mechanically stable, and exhibits relatively high thermal stability. It is capable of extracting phenolic compounds from water samples. Following thermal desorption, the phenols were quantified by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. The effects of extraction temperature, extraction time, sample ionic strength, stirring rate, pH, desorption temperature and desorption time were studied. Under optimal conditions, the repeatability for one fiber (n = 5), expressed as the relative standard deviation, is between 6.2 and 9.1%. The detection limits range from 0.005 to 4 ng/mL. The method offers the advantage of being simple to use, with a shorter analysis time, lower cost of equipment and higher thermal stability of the fiber in comparison to conventional methods of analysis.
The PI3K/Akt pathway is involved in procyanidin‐mediated suppression of human colorectal cancer cell growth
Authors: Choy Ying Yng , Fraga Magdalena , Mackenzie Gerardo G. , Waterhouse Andrew L. , Cremonini Eleonora , Oteiza Patricia I.
Published: January 2016

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has the third highest incidence worldwide. Epidemiological studies showed that the consumption of fruit and vegetables containing procyanidins (PCA), polymers of flavan‐3‐ols, is associated with lower CRC risk. However, the molecular mechanisms supporting this positive association are unclear. This study investigated the capacity of PCA with different degrees of polymerization to reduce CRC cell growth, characterizing the underlying mechanisms. Compared to the monomer ((−)‐epicatechin) and the trimer, the hexamer (Hex) was the most active at reducing CRC cell viability. Hex caused a concentration‐ (2.5–50 μM) and time‐ (24–72 h) dependent decrease in the viability of six human CRC cell lines in culture. Hex caused CRC apoptotic Caco‐2 cell death within 24 h, as evidenced by caspase 3 and caspase 9 activation, DNA fragmentation, and changes in nuclear morphology/staining. Hex‐induced apoptosis occurs through the mitochondrial pathway, as evidenced by an increased Bad mitochondrial translocation, and cytochrome c release from the mitochondria to the cytosol. Hex also arrested the Caco‐2 cell cycle at G2/M phase and upregulated genes involved in autophagy. Mechanistically, in Caco‐2 cells Hex inhibited the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, causing the downstream downregulation of proteins involved in the regulation of cell survival (Bad, GSK‐3β). Accordingly, the Akt inhibitor MKK‐2206 decreased Bad and GSK‐3β phosphorylation. MKK‐2206 decreased cell growth, having an additive effect with Hex. In conclusion, our results show that large PCA can inhibit CRC cell growth via the Akt kinase pathway, demonstrating a mechanism to explain the epidemiological evidence linking PCA‐rich diets with lower CRC risk. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical Heterogeneity in Cerebral Hemiatrophy Syndromes
Authors: Reiter Eva , Heim Beatrice , Scherfler Christoph , Mueller Christoph , Nocker Michael , Ndayisaba Jean‐Pierre , Loescher Wolfgang , Seppi Klaus , Lees Andrew J. , Warner Thomas , Poewe Werner , Wenning Gregor K. , Djamshidian Atbin
Published: January 2016

Background

Cerebral hemiatrophy syndromes can present with variable neurological symptoms. In childhood epilepsy, mental retardation and neuropsychiatric disorders are common while in adults movement disorders, such as highly asymmetric parkinsonism or hemidystonia as well as neuropsychiatric problems have been reported.

Methods

Here, we present three adult patients with features that expand the clinical spectrum and give an overview of the most common clinical signs associated with this rare condition.

Results

All three patients had prominent neuropsychiatric symptoms such as mood swings and increased irritability. Furthermore, one patient developed hemichorea which can be a rare presentation of cerebral hemiatrophy.

Conclusions

Cerebral hemiatrophy syndromes are a heterogeneous group of disorders that may also present with neuropsychiatric symptoms or hemichorea.
Freezing of Swallowing
Authors: Maetzler Walter , Rattay Tim W. , Hobert Markus A. , Synofzik Matthis , Bader Angela , Berg Daniela , Schaeffer Eva , Rommel Natalie , Devos David , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Bender Benjamin
Published: January 2016

View Supplementary Video 1

Background

Swallowing deficits and freezing phenomena represent severe parkinsonian features. Freezing as a symptom occurring during swallowing has not been reported on yet.

Methods

We report on 3 patients with probable PSP‐parkinsonism (PSP‐P) who manifested freezing of swallowing (FOS).

Results

All 3 patients experienced severe weight loss in recent months. At examination, 1 patient had freezing of gait. Video fluoroscopy showed nonfunctional trembling movements of the tongue and palate during chewing and volitional swallowing, with a 6‐ to 8‐Hz frequency that is typical for freezing episodes during walking and finger tapping. These freezing episodes were accompanied by impaired oral bolus transportation. The pharyngeal phase was not relevantly affected.

Conclusions

FOS represents a novel disease feature of PSP‐P. The feature may have fundamental, but potentially treatable, consequences for patients' health and quality of life and may be considered in patients with degenerative parkinsonism who experience severe and unexplained weight loss.
Perfusion of the diep flaps: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Kyeong‐Tae , Mun Goo‐Hyun
Published: January 2016

Purpose

Perfusion zones of the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap aid surgeons in estimating approximate tissue territory with reliable perfusion. Since the Hartrampf perfusion zone was developed, it has been modified continuously; however controversies remain regarding whether the recent perfusion models can satisfy current anatomical and clinical evidence. We conducted a comprehensive review of previous studies to synthesize relevant knowledge and critically reappraise current perfusion models.

Methods

All anatomical and clinical studies that investigated perfusion of DIEP flaps were searched, yielding 21 studies suitable for review. A meta‐analysis was conducted when sufficient data were provided.

Results

The perforators had unpredictable subcutaneous courses and were preferentially directed laterally. The medial and lateral perforators showed different characteristics in terms of branching pattern, orientation, and linking vessels between them. Ex‐vivo perfusion findings suggested that medial perforators favored Hartrampf zone II rather than zone III and perfused the entire abdomen frequently, whereas the lateral perforators favored zone III and their perfusion territories were limited primarily to the hemi‐abdomen. In the meta‐analysis based on the clinical perfusion studies, zone III had significantly higher perfusion than zone II (P = 0.04) and these tendencies remained in both medial and lateral perforator‐based flaps.

Conclusions

Considerable discrepancies were found between findings of ex‐vivo and clinical perfusion studies. A thorough review of existing knowledge based on the perforasome concept explained these discrepancies satisfactorily and revealed unsolved issues of the current perfusion models. Flap perfusion clearly varies widely individually; however, this review will help with surgical planning and decision making. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 38:98–108, 2018.
Using Support Vector Machine (SVM) for Classification of Selectivity of H1N1 Neuraminidase Inhibitors
Authors: Li Yang , Kong Yue , Zhang Mengdi , Yan Aixia , Liu Zhenming
Published: January 2016

Inhibition of the neuraminidase is one of the most promising strategies for preventing influenza virus spreading. 479 neuraminidase inhibitors are collected for dataset 1 and 208 neuraminidase inhibitors for A/P/8/34 are collected for dataset 2. Using support vector machine (SVM), four computational models were built to predict whether a compound is an active or weakly active inhibitor of neuraminidase. Each compound is represented by MASSC fingerprints and ADRIANA.Code descriptors. The predication accuracies for the test sets of all the models are over 78 %. Model 2B, which is the best model, obtains a prediction accuracy and a Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC) of 89.71 % and 0.81 on test set, respectively. The molecular polarizability, molecular shape, molecular size and hydrogen bonding are related to the activities of neuraminidase inhibitors. The models can be obtained from the authors.
Glycative stress from advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and dicarbonyls: An emerging biological factor in cancer onset and progression
Authors: Lin Jer‐An , Wu Chi‐Hao , Lu Chi‐Cheng , Hsia Shih‐Min , Yen Gow‐Chin
Published: January 2016

In recent years, glycative stress from exogenous or endogenous advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and highly reactive dicarbonyls has gained great attention for its putative effects on cancer development. AGEs are a group of compounds formed from the complex chemical reaction of reducing sugars with compounds containing an amino group. AGEs bind to and activate the receptor for AGEs (RAGE), which is a predominant modulator of inflammation‐associated cancer, and AGEs induce reactive oxygen species that are an important regulator of the hallmarks of cancer. Dicarbonyls, which are formed during glycolysis, lipid oxidation, or protein degradation, include glyoxal, methylglyoxal, and 3‐deoxyglucosone and are regarded as major precursors of AGEs. These dicarbonyls not only fuel the AGE pool in living organisms but also evoke carbonyl stress, which may contribute to the carbonylative damage of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, or DNA. Carbonylative damage then leads to many lesions, some of which are implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer. In this review, studies regarding the effects of AGEs and dicarbonyls on cancer onset or progression are systematically discussed, and the utilization of AGE inhibitors and dicarbonyl scavengers in cancer therapy are noted.
High‐resolution diffusion‐weighted imaging of the breast with multiband 2D radiofrequency pulses and a generalized parallel imaging reconstruction
Authors: Taviani Valentina , Alley Marcus T. , Banerjee Suchandrima , Nishimura Dwight G. , Daniel Bruce L. , Vasanawala Shreyas S. , Hargreaves Brian A.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

To develop a technique for high‐resolution diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and to compare it with standard DWI methods.

Methods

Multiple in‐plane bands of magnetization were simultaneously excited by identically phase modulating each subpulse of a two‐dimensional (2D) RF pulse. Several excitations with the same multiband pattern progressively shifted in the phase‐encode direction were used to cover the prescribed field of view (FOV). The phase‐encoded FOV was limited to the width of a single band to reduce off‐resonance‐induced distortion and blurring. Parallel imaging (PI) techniques were used to resolve aliasing from the other bands and to combine the different excitations. Following validation in phantoms and healthy volunteers, a preliminary study in breast cancer patients (N=14) was performed to compare the proposed method to conventional DWI with PI and to reduced‐FOV DWI.

Results

The proposed method gave high‐resolution diffusion‐weighted images with minimal artifacts at the band intersections. Compared to PI alone, higher phase‐encoded FOV‐reduction factors and reduced noise amplification were obtained, which translated to higher resolution images than conventional (non‐multiband) DWI. The same resolution and image quality achievable over targeted regions using existing reduced‐FOV methods was obtained, but the proposed method also enables complete bilateral coverage.

Conclusion

We developed an in‐plane multiband technique for high‐resolution DWI and compared its performance with other standard DWI methods. Magn Reson Med 77:209–220, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An energy–momentum consistent method for transient simulations with mixed finite elements developed in the framework of geometrically exact shells
Authors: Betsch Peter , Janz Alexander
Published: January 2016

In this paper, a mixed variational formulation for the development of energy–momentum consistent (EMC) time‐stepping schemes is proposed. The approach accommodates mixed finite elements based on a Hu–Washizu‐type variational formulation in terms of displacements, Green–Lagrangian strains, and conjugated stresses. The proposed discretization in time of the mixed variational formulation under consideration yields an EMC scheme in a natural way. The newly developed methodology is applied to a high‐performance mixed shell finite element. The previously observed robustness of the mixed finite element formulation in equilibrium iterations extends to the transient regime because of the EMC discretization in time. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Associations between omega fatty acid consumption and depressive symptoms among individuals seeking behavioural weight loss treatment
Authors: Luke Anna K. , Evans E. Whitney , Bond Dale S. , Thomas J. Graham
Published: January 2016

Objective

The typical Western diet is deficient in omega‐3 and high in omega‐6 fatty acids (FAs). These FAs may play a role in depressive symptoms via inflammatory processes, especially in the context of obesity, a pro‐inflammatory state. This study investigated associations between omega‐3 and omega‐6 FA intake and depressive symptoms in adults seeking behavioural weight loss treatment (BWLT).

Methods

One hundred eighty‐eight persons with overweight or obesity (83.50% women, 93.10% White, 55.01 ± 10.09 years old, body mass index 36.02 ± 15.79 kg/m) seeking BWLT completed the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire, which provides estimates of dietary FA intake, daily total energy intake (TEI) and macronutrient composition of the diet. Depressive symptoms were measured via the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Correlation and linear regression estimated associations between depressive symptoms and FAs.

Results

On average, participants reported consuming 1866.2 ± 665.1 kcals/d, with 38% of TEI from fat and an omega‐6:3 ratio of 9.2 (13.9 g omega‐6 to 1.5 g omega‐3). In univariate models, omega‐6 intake was associated with depressive symptoms (r = .182, p = .012); however, this association was no longer statistically significant after controlling for TEI. Omega‐3 intake was not associated with depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

The expected association between omega‐3 and omega‐6 FAs and depressive symptoms was largely unsupported. A robust association between FA intake and depressive symptoms may have been masked by a high level of chronic inflammation in this sample caused by excess weight and overall poor diet. Additional research is needed to determine whether BWLT improves FA intake, and whether associations between FA intake and depressive symptoms are strengthened after successful weight loss and improved diet.
Improving dimensional stability and durability of wood polymer composites by grafting polystyrene onto wood cell walls
Authors: Wang Kaili , Dong Youming , Yan Yutao , Zhang Shifeng , Li Jianzhang
Published: January 2016

Wood polymer composites (WPCs) were prepared in this study by grafting polystyrene onto poplar wood cell walls through free‐radical copolymerization methods. Methacryloyl chloride was first employed to cause swelling and react with the hydroxyl groups on the wood cell walls. Styrene monomers were then copolymerized with the methacryl groups in situ. The resultant WPCs were observed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The physical and mechanical properties of the composites, including dimensional stability, water uptake, dynamic hydrophilicity, surface hardness, and thermal stability, were also evaluated. Results suggest that methacryl groups and styrene were successfully copolymerized, and that the resultant copolymer was grafted onto the wood matrix through the reaction of methacryl groups and hydroxyl groups on wood components. Graft copolymerization not only significantly improved the interfacial compatibility between the polymer and wood substance, but also provided the wood with higher dimensional stability, better hydrophobic properties, and enhanced surface hardness. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:119–125, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers