bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple environmental changes drive forest floor vegetation in a temperate mountain forest
Authors: Helm Norbert , Essl Franz , Mirtl Michael , Dirnböck Thomas
Published: March 2017

Human‐induced changes of the environment and their possible impacts on temperate forest understory plant communities have been examined in many studies. However, the relative contribution of individual environmental factors to these changes in the herb layer is still unclear. In this study, we used vegetation survey data covering a time period of 21 years and collected from 143 permanent plots in the Northern Limestone Alps, Austria. Data on soil chemistry (49 plots), light condition (51 plots), soil temperature and moisture (four and six plots), disturbance (all plots), climate (one station in a clearing area), and airborne sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) deposition (two forest stands) were available for analyses. We used these data together with plot mean Ellenberg indicator values in a path analysis to attribute their relative contributions to observed vegetation changes. Our analysis reveals a strong directional shift of the forest understory plant community. We found strong evidence for a recovery of the ground‐layer vegetation from acidification as response to decreased S deposition. We did not observe a community response to atmospheric N deposition, but we found a response to altered climatic conditions (thermophilization and drying). The path analysis revealed that changes in the light regime, which were related to small‐scale disturbances, had most influence on herb layer community shifts. Thermophilization and drying were identified as drivers of understory community changes independent of disturbance events.
Multidimensional tree niches in a tropical dry forest
Authors: Pulla Sandeep , Suresh Hebbalalu S. , Dattaraja Handanakere S. , Sukumar Raman
Published: March 2017

The extent to which interspecific niche differences structure plant communities is highly debated, with extreme viewpoints ranging from fine‐scaled niche partitioning, where every species in the community is specialized to a distinct niche, to neutrality, where species have no niche or fitness differences. However, there exists a default position wherein niches of species in a community are determined by their evolutionary and biogeographic histories, irrespective of other species within the community. According to this viewpoint, a broad range of pair‐wise niche overlaps—from completely overlapping to completely distinct—are expected in any community without the need to invoke interspecific interactions. We develop a method that can test for both habitat associations and niche differences along an arbitrary number of spatial and temporal niche dimensions and apply it to a 24‐yr data set of the eight dominant woody‐plant species (representing 84% and 76% of total community abundance and basal area, respectively) from a 50‐ha permanent plot in a southern Indian tropical dry forest, using edaphic, topographic, and precipitation variables as niche axes. Species separated into two broad groups in niche space—one consisting of three canopy species and the other of a canopy species and four understory species—along axes that corresponded mainly to variation in soil P, Al and a topographic index of wetness. Species within groups tended to have significantly greater niche overlap than expected by chance. Community‐wide niche overlap in spatial and temporal niche axes was never smaller than expected by chance. Species‐habitat associations were neither necessary nor sufficient preconditions for niche differences to be present. Our results suggest that this tropical dry‐forest community consists of several tree species with broadly overlapping niches, and where significant niche differences do exist, they are not readily interpretable as evidence for niche differentiation. We argue, based on a survey of the literature, that many of the observed niche differences in tropical forests are more parsimoniously viewed as autecological differences between species that exist independently of interspecific interactions.
Development and validation of multivariable models to predict mortality and hospitalization in patients with heart failure
Authors: Voors Adriaan A. , Ouwerkerk Wouter , Zannad Faiez , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Samani Nilesh J. , Ponikowski Piotr , Ng Leong L. , Metra Marco , ter Maaten Jozine M. , Lang Chim C. , Hillege Hans L. , van der Harst Pim , Filippatos Gerasimos , Dickstein Kenneth , Cleland John G. , Anker Stefan D. , Zwinderman Aeilko H.
Published: March 2017

Introduction

From a prospective multicentre multicountry clinical trial, we developed and validated risk models to predict prospective all‐cause mortality and hospitalizations because of heart failure (HF) in patients with HF.

Methods and results

BIOSTAT‐CHF is a research programme designed to develop and externally validate risk models to predict all‐cause mortality and HF hospitalizations. The index cohort consisted of 2516 patients with HF from 69 centres in 11 European countries. The external validation cohort consisted of 1738 comparable patients from six centres in Scotland, UK. Patients from the index cohort had a mean age of 69 years, 27% were female, 83% were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II–III and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 31%. The full prediction models for mortality, hospitalization owing to HF, and the combined outcome, yielded c‐statistic values of 0.73, 0.69, and 0.71, respectively. Predictors of mortality and hospitalization owing to HF were remarkably different. The five strongest predictors of mortality were more advanced age, higher blood urea nitrogen and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide, lower haemoglobin, and failure to prescribe a beta‐blocker. The five strongest predictors of hospitalization owing to HF were more advanced age, previous hospitalization owing to HF, presence of oedema, lower systolic blood pressure and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate. Patients from the validation cohort were aged 74 years, 34% were female, 85% were in NYHA class II–III, and mean LVEF was 41%; c‐statistic values for the full and compact model were comparable to the index cohort.

Conclusion

A small number of variables, which are usually readily available in the routine clinical setting, provide useful prognostic information for patients with HF. Predictors of mortality were remarkably different from predictors of hospitalization owing to HF.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of 6‐Aryl‐5,6‐dihydrophenanthridines by a Modified Pictet–Spengler Reaction of Biphenyl‐2‐amines and Aromatic Aldehydes
Authors: Wang Chaoceng , An Dong , Guan Xukai , Fan Yansen , Liu Guofeng , Zhang Guangliang , Zhang Suoqin
Published: March 2017

A straightforward approach to the enantioselective synthesis of chiral 5,6‐dihydrophenanthridines was developed. A series of chiral 6‐aryl‐5,6‐dihydrophenanthridines were obtained through an organocatalytically modified Pictet–Spengler reaction of biphenyl‐2‐amines and aromatic aldehydes. In the reaction, H8‐BINOL‐derived chiral imidodiphosphoric acid exhibited strong stereocontrolling and catalytic activities to afford the desired 6‐aryl‐5,6‐dihydrophenanthridines in high yields (up to 98 %) with high enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee).
Determination of Three Capsaicinoids in Raw Red Pepers and Seasoning Powders by Liquid Chromatography with Coulometric Detection
Authors: Watanabe Hayaki , Murakami Kazuo , Imazawa Hiroka , Kauffmann Jean‐Michel
Published: March 2017

The simultaneous determination of three capsaicinoids in raw red pepper and in foods was studied by liquid chromatography coupled to a coulometric detector. The capsaicinoids were separated on an ODS C18 reversed column by isocratic elution with a mobile phase based on acetonitrile −0.15 M acetic acid (51:49%, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.8 mL min−1. The limit of detection (S/N> 3) was 10 pg (injected mass) at an applied potential of 0.650 V vs. Pd. The peak area of the three studied compounds was found to be related to the amount injected from 50 pg to 100 ng range (r=0.999). The relative standard deviation (RSD, n=10) was comprised between 1.5∼4.4 and 1.0∼3.5 % for 100 pg and 5 ng, respectively. The determination of three capsaicinoids in raw red peppers and red pepper containing foods was successfully realized.
Mobility‐based correction for accurate determination of binding constants by capillary electrophoresis‐frontal analysis
Authors: Qian Cheng , Kovalchik Kevin A. , MacLennan Matthew S. , Huang Xiaohua , Chen David D.Y.
Published: March 2017

Capillary electrophoresis frontal analysis (CE‐FA) can be used to determine binding affinity of molecular interactions. However, its current data processing method mandate specific requirement on the mobilities of the binding pair in order to obtain accurate binding constants. This work shows that significant errors are resulted when the mobilities of the interacting species do not meet these requirements. Therefore, the applicability of CE‐FA in many real word applications becomes questionable. An electrophoretic mobility‐based correction method is developed in this work based on the flux of each species. A simulation program and a pair of model compounds are used to verify the new equations and evaluate the effectiveness of this method. Ibuprofen and hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrinare used to demonstrate the differences in the obtained binding constant by CE‐FA when different calculation methods are used, and the results are compared with those obtained by affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE). The results suggest that CE‐FA, with the mobility‐based correction method, can be a generally applicable method for a much wider range of applications.
Polar silica‐based stationary phases. Part I ‐ Singly and doubly layered sorbents consisting of TRIS‐silica and chondroitin sulfate A‐TRIS‐silica for hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography
Authors: Rathnasekara Renuka , El Rassi Ziad
Published: March 2017

Two polar silica bonded stationary phases were prepared by first functionalizing the silica surface with γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, which was then reacted with TRIS to yield a polyhydroxy surface that also has secondary amine functionalities. This step produced the singly layered TRIS‐silica column, a cationic hydrophilic column. The TRIS‐silica surface was further coated with a layer of chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) yielding the doubly layered hydrophilic CSA‐TRIS‐silica column. The adsorbed CSA layer provided enhanced hydrophilicity and multi‐mode interactions with polar solutes leading to different retention behavior and selectivity compared to the singly layered TRIS‐silica column. The anionic sulfate and carboxylate groups in the CSA coating are electrostatically attracted by the cationic TRIS‐silica surface yielding a relatively stable physically anchored CSA layer under HILIC elution conditions. The CSA‐TRIS‐silica column exhibited dual cationic and anionic character with mobile phases at pH ∼3.0 and pH > 4.5, respectively. When comparing solute retention observed on both columns under identical elution conditions, the k values of neutral and cationic solutes were significantly higher on the more hydrophilic doubly layered CSA‐TRIS‐silica column whereas anionic solutes showed lower k values due to the electrostatic repulsion from the CSA layer.
Removal of metal impurities in rice husk and characterization of rice husk ash under simplified acid pretreatment process
Authors: Chen Pei , Gu Wenbo , Fang Wenxuan , Ji Xiaoyu , Bie Rushan
Published: March 2017

Acid pretreatment plays an important role in the preparation of amorphous silica with high activity and high specific surface area before combustion process. However, some limitations and problems exist in the pretreatment process of previous literatures. On the basis of this, this work is aimed at simplifying the acid pretreatment process and combustion condition, which could present a more advantageous process for practical industrial applications. Then the removal percentage and behavior of metal impurities in rice husk is studied by ICP‐OES, and effects of acid pretreatment on properties of rice husk ash (RHA) at various combustion temperatures are comprehensively investigated in comparison with previous results by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), and surface analyzer. The results suggest that the removal degree of each metal is various due to each chemical form in rice husk, of which removal percentage of K is especially remarkable. The contributions of simplified acid pretreatment to the properties of RHA are equally prominent: smaller nanoscale particles, higher purity, and specific surface area of above 200 m2/g. In addition, the pretreatment can also eliminate the crystallization and keep the high activity of RHA in combustion temperature range of 600–900°C. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 830–837, 2017
Osteogenesis and mineralization of mesenchymal stem cells in collagen type I‐based recombinant peptide scaffolds
Authors: Pawelec Kendell M. , Confalonieri Davide , Ehlicke Franziska , van Boxtel Huibert A. , Walles Heike , Kluijtmans Sebastiaan G. J. M.
Published: March 2017

Recombinant peptides have the power to harness the inherent biocompatibility of natural macromolecules, while maintaining a defined chemistry for use in tissue engineering. Creating scaffolds from peptides requires stabilization via crosslinking, a process known to alter both mechanics and density of adhesion ligands. The chemistry and mechanics of linear scaffolds from a recombinant peptide based on human collagen type I (RCP) was investigated after crosslinking. Three treatments were compared: dehydrothermal treatment (DHT), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDIC), and genipin. With crosslinking, mechanical properties were not significantly altered, ranging from 1.9 to 2.7 kPa. However, the chemistry of the scaffolds was changed, affecting properties such as water uptake, and initial adhesion of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Genipin crosslinking supported the lowest adhesion, especially during osteoblastic differentiation. While significantly altered, RCP scaffold chemistry did not affect osteoblastic differentiation of hMSCs. After four weeks in vitro, all scaffolds showed excellent cellular infiltration, with up‐regulated osteogenic markers (RUNX2, Osteocalcin, Collagen type I) and mineralization, regardless of the crosslinker. Thus, it appears that, without significant changes to mechanical properties, crosslinking chemistry did not regulate hMSC differentiation on scaffolds from recombinant peptides, a growing class of materials with the ability to expand the horizons of regenerative medicine. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1856–1866, 2017.
A birth of bipartite exon by intragenic deletion
Authors: Nozu Kandai , Iijima Kazumoto , Igarashi Toru , Yamada Shiro , Kralovicova Jana , Nozu Yoshimi , Yamamura Tomohiko , Minamikawa Shogo , Morioka Ichiro , Ninchoji Takeshi , Kaito Hiroshi , Nakanishi Koichi , Vorechovsky Igor
Published: March 2017

Background

Disease‐causing mutations that activate transposon‐derived exons without creating a new splice‐site consensus have been reported rarely, but they provided unique insights into our understanding of structural motifs required for inclusion of intronic sequences in mature transcripts.

Methods

We employ a combination of experimental and computational techniques to characterize the first de novo bipartite exon activation in genetic disease.

Results

The exon originated from two separate introns as a result of an in‐frame COL4A5 deletion associated with a typical Alport syndrome. The deletion encompassed exons 38 through 41 and activated a cryptic 3′ and 5′ splice site that were derived from intron 37 and intron 41, respectively. The deletion breakpoint was in the middle of the new exon, with considerable complementarity between the two exonic parts, potentially bringing the cryptic 3′ and 5′ splice site into proximity. The 3′ splice site, polypyrimidine tract and the branch site of the new exon were derived from an inactive, 5′ truncated LINE‐1 retrotransposon. This ancient LINE‐1 copy sustained a series of mutations that created the highly conserved AG dinucleotide at the 3′ splice site early in primate development. The exon was fully included in mature transcripts and introduced a stop codon in the shortened COL4A5mRNA, illustrating pitfalls of inferring disease severity from DNA mutation alone.

Conclusion

These results expand the repertoire of mutational mechanisms that alter RNA processing in genetic disease and illustrate the extraordinary versatility of transposed elements in shaping the new exon‐intron structure and the phenotypic variability.
Assessing the effects of subject motion on T2 relaxation under spin tagging (TRUST) cerebral oxygenation measurements using volume navigators
Authors: Stout Jeffrey N. , Tisdall M. Dylan , McDaniel Patrick , Gagoski Borjan , Bolar Divya S. , Grant Patricia Ellen , Adalsteinsson Elfar
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Subject motion may cause errors in estimates of blood T2 when using the T2‐relaxation under spin tagging (TRUST) technique on noncompliant subjects like neonates. By incorporating 3D volume navigators (vNavs) into the TRUST pulse sequence, independent measurements of motion during scanning permit evaluation of these errors.

Methods

The effects of integrated vNavs on TRUST‐based T2 estimates were evaluated using simulations and in vivo subject data. Two subjects were scanned with the TRUST+vNav sequence during prescribed movements. Mean motion scores were derived from vNavs and TRUST images, along with a metric of exponential fit quality. Regression analysis was performed between T2 estimates and mean motion scores. Also, motion scores were determined from independent neonatal scans.

Results

vNavs negligibly affected venous blood T2 estimates and better detected subject motion than fit quality metrics. Regression analysis showed that T2 is biased upward by 4.1 ms per 1 mm of mean motion score. During neonatal scans, mean motion scores of 0.6 to 2.0 mm were detected.

Conclusion

Motion during TRUST causes an overestimate of T2, which suggests a cautious approach when comparing TRUST‐based cerebral oxygenation measurements of noncompliant subjects. Magn Reson Med 78:2283–2289, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Step‐by‐Step Design and Synthesis of Au@SiO2@Phenyl‐azathiacrown for SERS‐Based Specific Quantification of Inorganic Mercury
Authors: Wu Yuchao , Yang Limin , Wang Qiuquan
Published: March 2017

Direct SERS‐based quantification of inorganic metal species has been a problem, because they have a small Raman cross‐section or even no vibrational mode. Here, we report a new strategy for SERS‐based quantification of such metal species, as exemplified by inorganic mercury (HgII) in waters. Step‐by‐step design and synthesis from azathioethers [3, 9‐dithia‐6‐monoazaundecane (DMA) and 3,6,12,15‐tetrathia‐9‐monoazaheptadecane (TTM)] to an azathiacrown [7‐aza‐1,4,10,13‐tetrathiacyclohexadecane (NS4)] demonstrate an improved S‐pulling effect and size‐fit specificity towards HgII to form Hg−S bonds. Modification of NS4 on the surface of Au@SiO2 by using a 4‐(bromomethyl)benzoic linker enabled direct SERS‐based specific quantification of HgII for the first time, in which the ultrathin layer (ca. 2 nm) that covered the Au core (55 nm) could be a barrier preventing the Au core from having direct interaction with the HgII, and with phenyl serving as an internal standard (IS). The ratio of the Hg−S SERS band intensity at 270 cm−1 to that of IS [(γCC+γCCC) at 1046 cm−1] was practically proportional to the concentration of HgII, eliminating the inevitable uncertainties encountered in SERS‐based measurements. Such a methodology is expected to pave a new way for SERS‐based quantification of inorganic metal species when specific complexing substrates and suitable ISs are designed.
Attachment and posttraumatic growth after breast cancer: A dyadic approach
Authors: Ávila Marisa , Coimbra Joaquim L. , Park Crystal L. , Matos Paula M.
Published: March 2017

Objective

Cancer poses unique challenges for the couple relationship. From a relational perspective, successful adaptation may be less dependent on the circumstances of being the “patient” or the “caregiver” than on how couples successfully integrate cancer into their relationship. In this article, we study posttraumatic growth through attachment theory, which provides a useful framework to explore the role of intimate processes dyadically.

Method

The sample comprised 84 heterosexual married and cohabitating couples. Women were in adjuvant treatment for breast cancer or in the posttreatment phase. Both members of the couple completed measures of attachment and posttraumatic growth. Path models were used to examine associations between the constructs through the application of the actor‐partner interdependent model. Moreover, time since diagnosis was examined within the actor‐partner interdependent model as a possible moderator affecting the attachment‐posttraumatic growth associations.

Results

Partners' attachment security was an important predictor of individual posttraumatic growth for both members of the couple, while individuals' own attachment security was not associated with their posttraumatic growth for either member of the couple. The partner's effects were equal across gender. Additionally, time since breast cancer diagnosis did not affect the pattern of results.

Conclusion

Findings support the assessment of the couple dyadically and corroborate an attachment approach of the couple as an interdependent unit. Implications of the study for interventions assisting couples in oncological setting are discussed.
Breaking up and making up: The secret life of the vacuolar H+‐ATPase
Authors: Oot Rebecca A. , Couoh‐Cardel Sergio , Sharma Stuti , Stam Nicholas J. , Wilkens Stephan
Published: March 2017

The vacuolar ATPase (V‐ATPase; V1Vo‐ATPase) is a large multisubunit proton pump found in the endomembrane system of all eukaryotic cells where it acidifies the lumen of subcellular organelles including lysosomes, endosomes, the Golgi apparatus, and clathrin‐coated vesicles. V‐ATPase function is essential for pH and ion homeostasis, protein trafficking, endocytosis, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and Notch signaling, as well as hormone secretion and neurotransmitter release. V‐ATPase can also be found in the plasma membrane of polarized animal cells where its proton pumping function is involved in bone remodeling, urine acidification, and sperm maturation. Aberrant (hypo or hyper) activity has been associated with numerous human diseases and the V‐ATPase has therefore been recognized as a potential drug target. Recent progress with moderate to high‐resolution structure determination by cryo electron microscopy and X‐ray crystallography together with sophisticated single‐molecule and biochemical experiments have provided a detailed picture of the structure and unique mode of regulation of the V‐ATPase. This review summarizes the recent advances, focusing on the structural and biophysical aspects of the field.
Cover Image, Volume 73, Issue 4
Authors: Sparks Thomas C , Lorsbach Beth A
Published: March 2017

The cover image of a scentless plant bug feeding on a cotton square is based on the Perspective Perspectives on the agrochemical industry and agrochemical discovery, by Thomas C. Sparks and Beth A Lorsbach, DOI: 10.1002/ps.4457. Photo Credit: William Fisher – Hillsborough, North Carolina.

image
Genome‐wide association study of the resistant starch content in rice grains
Authors: Bao Jinsong , Zhou Xin , Xu Feifei , He Qiang , Park Yong‐Jin
Published: March 2017

The consumption of resistant starch (RS), which can increase satiety and reduce calorie intake, may help ameliorate lifestyle‐related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. The identification of genes or quantitative trait loci (QTLs) may facilitate improvement in the amounts and properties of RS in cereals such as rice. A genome‐wide association mapping of the RS content in milled rice grain was carried out to identify QTLs in a rice germplasm collection. The RS contents among 105 rice accessions ranged from 0.3 to 2.42%, and the apparent amylose content (AAC) was positively correlated with the RS content (R2 = 0.75). Four QTLs were detected, and each explained a total phenotypic variation of 10–13%. Two of these, on chromosome 6, were identified at the Waxy gene locus encoding granule‐bound starch synthase I and starch synthase IIa. The other two QTLs, on chromosomes 8 and 9, were close to candidate genes encoding the starch debranching enzyme isoamylase I and ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase small subunit 1, respectively. The results of this study should improve our understanding of the genetic basis of RS in milled rice and may assist plant breeders attempting to develop new rice varieties and food processors working to develop functional foods.
Prediction of cortical excitability induced by 1 Hz rTMS
Authors: Nojima Kazuhisa , Iramina Keiji
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to develop a model that predicts the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), allowing stimulation of parameters for individual subjects. Modulation of cortical excitability induced by rTMS can be evaluated through motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude. We establish a model that can predict how the MEP amplitude is modulated by entering rTMS intensity and number of pulses. First, MEPs are measured under various rTMS conditions of stimulus intensity and number of pulses. Then, cluster analysis is performed to classify the subjects, as rTMS affects individuals differently. Finally, a predictive model is created by applying multiple regression analysis to the data from each cluster. As a result, subjects are classified into two groups. For Cluster A, the inhibitive effect of rTMS is difficult to induce and the facilitative effect is induced depending on the stimulus condition. Then, the average predictive error is 46.19%. For Cluster B, the inhibitive effect is strongly induced by rTMS, and the average error is 20.25%. In the model, for both clusters, about 90% of measurement data is in the predictive interval. This paper describes the development of our prediction model and its efficiency. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
13C‐butyrate breath test is a novel non‐invasive screening tool for anti‐inflammatory activity of kampo medicines
Authors: Endo Mari , Oikawa Tetsuro , Hoshino Takayuki , Hatori Tsutomu , Matsumoto Tsukasa , Odaguchi Hiroshi , Hanawa Toshihiko
Published: March 2017

Aim

13C‐butyrate breath test is a non‐invasive method for detecting inflammation in experimental colitis. We investigated whether this test could assess the anti‐inflammatory effect of kampo medicines in dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)‐murine colitis.

Methods

13CO2
excretion was measured on
13C‐butyrate breath test, after rectal instillation of butyrate in a DSS colitis model. Colon length, myeloperoxidase activity, and histological damage were also analyzed to evaluate inflammation.

Results

13CO2
excretion in the DSS groups was significantly lower than in the normal group. Orengedokuto (OGT) and saireito (SRT) improve inflammation in DSS murine colitis, and this was reflected in the significantly higher
13CO2
excretion in the OGT‐ and SRT‐treated DSS murine colitis groups compared with the vehicle (i.e. control) group.

Conclusion

13C‐butyrate breath test is a new non‐invasive evaluation and screening method for the anti‐inflammatory effect of kampo medicines.
Genetic Counseling Dilemmas for a Patient with Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Frontotemporal Degeneration & Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Mantero Vittorio , Tarlarini Claudia , Aliprandi Angelo , Lauria Giuseppe , Rigamonti Andrea , Abate Lucia , Origone Paola , Mandich Paola , Penco Silvana , Salmaggi Andrea
Published: March 2017

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal degeneration and Parkinson's disease may be different expressions of the same neurodegenerative disease. However, association between ALS and parkinsonism‐dementia complex (ALS‐PDC) has only rarely been reported apart from the cluster detected in Guam. We report a patient presenting with ALS‐PDC in whom pathological mutations/expansions were investigated. No other family members were reported to have any symptoms of a neurological condition. Our case demonstrates that ALS‐PDC can occur as a sporadic disorder, even though the coexistence of the three clinical features in one patient suggests a single underlying genetic cause. It is known that genetic testing should be preferentially offered to patients with ALS who have affected first or second‐degree relatives. However, this case illustrates the importance of genetic counseling for family members of patients with sporadic ALC‐PDC in order to provide education on the low recurrence risk. Here, we dicuss the ethical, psychological and practical consequences for patients and their relatives.
A Variational Maximization–Maximization Algorithm for Generalized Linear Mixed Models with Crossed Random Effects
Authors: Jeon Minjeong , Rijmen Frank , Rabe-Hesketh Sophia
Published: March 2017

We present a variational maximization–maximization algorithm for approximate maximum likelihood estimation of generalized linear mixed models with crossed random effects (e.g., item response models with random items, random raters, or random occasion-specific effects). The method is based on a factorized variational approximation of the latent variable distribution given observed variables, which creates a lower bound of the log marginal likelihood. The lower bound is maximized with respect to the factorized distributions as well as model parameters. With the proposed algorithm, a high-dimensional intractable integration is translated into a two-dimensional integration problem. We incorporate an adaptive Gauss–Hermite quadrature method in conjunction with the variational method in order to increase computational efficiency. Numerical studies show that under the small sample size conditions that are considered the proposed algorithm outperforms the Laplace approximation.
Reliability and Reproducibility of Subject Positioning with EOS Low-Dose Biplanar X-ray
Authors: Goodbody Christine , Kedem Paz , Thompson Michaela , Do Huong T. , Mintz Douglas N. , Widmann Roger F. , Dodwell Emily R.
Published: March 2017

Background

EOS low-dose biplanar X-ray used with tantalum bead implantation is an appealing imaging modality to evaluate limb length and physeal growth due its relatively low radiation exposure, excellent inter- and intra-observer reliability, and minimal magnification/shrinkage error.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this study was to establish the error in total length and inter-bead distances using EOS and tantalum beads due to variable positioning in the EOS gantry, by assessing variation in measurements made on the same subject repeatedly positioning by one positioner (intra-positioner measurement error) and variation in measurements made on the same subject with positioning by multiple positioners (inter-positioner measurement error).

Methods

Tantalum bead markers were placed about the distal femoral physis of a cadaveric lamb femur. Three investigators positioned the femur in the EOS gantry 10 times, totaling 30 EOS scans. Total limb length and inter-bead distances were measured on AP and lateral views; mean and standard error were calculated. A random effects analysis of variance for nested data was used to determine the proportion of variation due to differences between positioners and differences between positioning by the same positioner.

Results

Intra-positioner measurement error ranged from 0.01 to 0.06 mm. Inter-positioner measurement error ranged from 0.00 to 0.09 mm.

Conclusions

EOS has relatively low radiation and allows standing assessment of limb length and alignment. In this study, length measurements and inter-bead distances demonstrated minimal error due to positioning in the EOS gantry, documenting that there is minimal error from positioning, minimal magnification/shrinkage error, and exceptional inter and intra-rater reliability. EOS is the preferred method for length and angular measurements, and with tantalum beads, is ideal for measuring growth about the physis.
Evolution of states in a continuum migration model
Authors: Kondratiev Yuri , Kozitsky Yuri
Published: March 2017

The Markov evolution of states of a continuum migration model is studied. The model describes an infinite system of entities placed in

$${\mathbbm {R}}^d$$

R

d

in which the constituents appear (immigrate) with rate b(x) and disappear, also due to competition. For this model, we prove the existence of the evolution of states

$$\mu _0 \mapsto \mu _t$$

μ
0

↦

μ
t

such that the moments

$$\mu _t(N_\Lambda ^n)$$

μ
t

(

N
Λ
n

)

,

$$n\in {\mathbbm {N}}$$

n
∈
N

, of the number of entities in compact

$$\Lambda \subset {\mathbbm {R}}^d$$

Λ
⊂

R

d

remain bounded for all

$$t>0$$

t
>
0

. Under an additional condition, we prove that the density of entities and the second correlation function remain point-wise bounded globally in time.
Can axillary radiotherapy replace axillary dissection for patients with positive sentinel nodes? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Min , Liu Wei‐Guang , Zhang Lei , Jin Zi‐Ning , Li Zhan , Liu Cheng , Li Dong‐Bao , Ma Ying , Zhang Jing‐Wen , Jin Feng , Chen Bo
Published: March 2017

Objective

To compare the efficacy of axillary radiotherapy (ART) with that of completion axillary lymph node dissection (cALND) in clinically node‐negative breast cancer patients with a positive sentinel lymph node.

Methods

A literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library by using the search terms “breast cancer”, “sentinel lymph node biopsy”, “axillary radiotherapy” or “regional node irradiation” for articles published between 2004 and 2016. Only randomized controlled trials that included patients with positive sentinel nodes were included in the meta‐analysis.

Results

Two randomized controlled trials and three retrospective studies were identified. The reported overall survival rate (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75–1.43, P = 0.365), disease‐free survival rate (HR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.58–1.45, P = 0.144), and axillary recurrence rate (1.2% and 0.4%, and 1.3% and 0.8%, respectively) were similar in both groups. The absence of knowledge on the extent of nodal involvement in the ART group appeared to have no major impact on the administration of adjuvant systemic therapy.

Conclusions

ART is not inferior to cALND in the patients with clinically node‐negative breast cancer who had a positive sentinel lymph node. Information obtained by using cALND after SLNB may have no major impact on the administration of adjuvant systemic therapy.
Vancomycin Administration Through a Novel Midline Catheter: Summary of a 5-Year, 1086-Patient Experience in an Urban Community Hospital
Authors: Caparas Jona V. , Hung Hwei-San
Published: March 2017

Background: The 2016 Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice no longer require that low pH (<5) medications be administered via central venous access devices. Nevertheless, the practice of placing PICCs for vancomycin administration often persists.

Purpose: To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of intravenous vancomycin administration through a short and long term midline catheter.

Methodology: A retrospective chart review was performed on 1086 patients who received intravenous vancomycin through a midline catheter.

Results: There were no catheter-associated bloodstream infections and no deep vein thromboses. Phlebitis occurred rarely (0.6%), as did benign infiltrations (1.2%). There were no extravasation injuries.

Conclusions: These outcomes summarize more than 5 years of experience administering intravenous vancomycin (4 mg/mL) safely and cost-efficiently through a nontrimmable midline catheter.
Pathological findings of colorectal polyps analyzed in Curitiba – Brazil
Authors: Nisihara Renato , Fudalli Francine , Turra Mariana Luísa Mafra , Malanche Rhuanna Margareth , Benassi Soraia Heloise , Pimenta Ana Paula Piai , Sakamoto Danielle Giacometti
Published: March 2017

Context Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death from malignancy in the world and the fourth leading cause in Brazil's ranks. Adenomatous polyps are considered premalignant lesions, and its resection reduces both morbidity and mortality rates.

Objectives Investigate the prevalence of premalignant lesions and correlate it with age and gender, as well as with the lesion found profile: location, morphology, histology and grade dysplasia.

Methods This was a retrospective, observational and descriptive study. We analyzed and tabulated results of polyps reports sent to Pathology Laboratory in the period ranging from January 1 to December 31, 2013, in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.

Results We analyzed 4640 reports of colorectal polypectomy, coming from 3089 patients, of whom 97.6% were examined by colonoscopy. Concerning gender, 56.5% were female and 43.5% were male. The mean age was 57.6 years (ranging from 15 to 92 years). The predominant removal areas of polyps were rectum in 26.2% and sigmoid in 24.2% cases. About histological aspects, the most common type – adenoma – was present in 75.1% polyps, of which 74.2% were tubular and 21.7% were serrated. Among the non-adenomatous polyps, hyperplastic prevailed with 88.7% cases. Malignancy was observed in 100 cases (2.15%).

Conclusion This study showed higher incidence of colorectal polyps in women, although adenocarcinomas are equally distributed in both sexes. In addition, the average age of patients undergoing colonoscopy is decreasing. Furthermore, 2.15% polyps sent for pathology analysis were found to be malignant.
Development and Initial Validation of the Beliefs About Sexual Functioning Scale: A Gender Invariant Measure
Authors: Pascoal Patrícia M. , Alvarez Maria-João , Pereira Cicero Roberto , Nobre Pedro
Published: March 2017

Background

Past research on cognitive models of sexual functioning has focused on sexual beliefs as an important vulnerability factor for sexual dysfunction. However, the existing measurements of sexual beliefs are lengthy and entangle beliefs about sexual functioning with moral beliefs and ideas about sexuality. Furthermore, they have female and male versions, which does not allow for sex comparisons or dyadic research with heterosexual couples.

Aim

To describe the development and validation of the Beliefs About Sexual Functioning Scale (BASEF), which assesses beliefs about sexual functioning in men and women.

Methods

This study included two cross-sectional online studies with adults in heterosexual dyadic committed and exclusive relationships. In study 1 (sample A, n = 274, mean age = 32.27 years; sample B, n = 114, mean age = 30.6 years), the factorial validity of the BASEF was analyzed through an exploratory factor analysis with an initial poll of 51 items, followed by a test of its structure in a confirmatory factor analysis. In study 2 (n = 426, mean age = 31.5 years), the factorial equivalence of the BASEF was tested across sexes and its association with total scores of sexual functioning was analyzed.

Outcome

The main outcome was a new instrument for measurement of beliefs about sexual functioning.

Results

In study 1, 15 items indicating 5 factors were retained. The structure was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis, establishing its factorial validity with the five factors aggregated in a second-order latent variable. In study 2, the equivalence of the BASEF was demonstrated across sexes and its association with theoretically related measurements, the International Index of Erectile Function and the Female Sexual Function Index, was supported.

Clinical Implications

This new measurement could be useful to evaluate clients and design interventions that take into account similarity and discrepancy in sexual beliefs in couples, such as those interventions framed in cognitive and systemic clinical models.

Strengths and Limitations

This study presents a new measurement of beliefs about sexual functioning suited to address an equivalent set of beliefs for men and women. In future studies, the scale will be useful to compare the unique role of these same beliefs in the sexual outcomes of men and women. One major limitation is the lack of examination of the BASEF criterion validity with a clinical sample.

Conclusions

Results are indicative of a brief, valid, and reliable sex-invariant measurement of beliefs about sexual functioning that enables testing of cognitive models of sexual functioning in men and women in clinical and research settings.
Fibres dynamiques. Entropie et dimension
Authors: Thieullen P.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we show that the equality between the fractal dimension of the measure and the Lyapunov dimension of the tangent bundle is a sufficient condition to obtain the equality in Pesin’s formula in infinite dimension, between the metric entropy of a map which is not invertible
a priori
and the sum of its positive Lyapunov exponents.

Dans cet article, nous montrons que l’égalité entre la dimension fractale de la mesure et la dimension de Lyapounov du fibrè tangent est une condition suffisante pour obtenir l’égalité dans la formule de Pesin en dimension infinie entre l’entropie métrique d’une application de classe non supposée inversible et la somme de ses exposants de Lyapounov positifs.
Resolution of the Cauchy problem for several hyperbolic systems arising in chemical engineering
Authors: Canon E. , James F.
Published: March 2017

This paper presents the thorough mathematical study of a classical model in chemical engineering: the Langmuir isotherm. This model has been studied by E. Canon for the distillation, and F. James for the chromatography. It is a system of

n

non linear conservation laws (

n ≧ 1

), which is shown to be strictly hyperbolic. The main property of this system is that its rarefaction and shock curves coincide, and moreover are straight lines. This implies a global existence result for the Riemann problem, as well as the convergence of the Godunov scheme. One can finally obtain the existence of an entropie weak solution for the Cauchy problem with any bounded variation initial data.

Cet article présente l’étude mathématique complète d’un modèle d’équilibre diphasique classique en génie chimique : l’isotherme de Langmuir. Ce modèle, étudié par E. Canon pour la distillation et F. James pour la Chromatographie, est fondé sur l’écriture d’un système de

n

équations de conservation non linéaires (

n ≧ 1

), dont on démontre la stricte hyperbolicité. La propriété fondamentale du système considéré est que ses courbes de détente et de choc coïncident, et sont des droites. On en déduit un résultat d’existence globale du problème de Riemann, ainsi que la convergence du schéma de Godunov. On obtient finalement l’existence d’une solution faible entropique au problème de Cauchy avec donnée initiale à variation bornée.
Symmetry breaking for a class of semilinear elliptic problems
Authors: Srikanth P.N.
Published: March 2017

In this article we consider the problem

\tag{$P_\lambda$}
\begin{align*}
−\mathrm{\Delta }u &= u^{p} + \mathrm{\lambda }u\:&&\mathrm{in }\:\:\mathrm{\Omega } \\
u &= 0\:\:\:\:&&\mathrm{on }\:\:∂\mathrm{\Omega }\:\: \\
u &> 0 &&
\end{align*}

where

Ω

is an annulus and

p > 1

. We prove there is always a break of symmetry along the branch of radial solutions if the thickness of

Ω

is sufficiently small.

Dans cet article, nous considérons le problème

\tag{$P_\lambda$}
\begin{align*}
−\mathrm{\Delta }u &= u^{p} + \mathrm{\lambda }u,\:\:&&\mathrm{dans}\:\:\mathrm{\Omega }, \\
\:\:\:u &= 0\:\:\:\:\:&&\mathrm{sur}\:\:\:∂\mathrm{\Omega }\:\: \\
u &> 0, &&
\end{align*}

ou

Ω

est un anneau et

p > 1

. Nous montrons qu’il y a toujours une casse de symétrie dans la branche des solutions radiales, si l’épaisseur de

Ω

est suffisamment petite.
Remarks on critical exponents for Hessian operators
Authors: Tso Kaising
Published: March 2017

The critical exponent for the

k

-th Hessian operator (

k=2,…,n

) is determined and the solvability of the associated Dirichlet problem with sub-critical nonhomogeneous term is discussed.

On détermine l’exposant critique pour les opérateurs de Hess, et l’on étudie le problème de Dirichlet associé, avec un terme non homogène sous-critique.
Un résultat de non-existence de solution positive pour une équation elliptique
Authors: Zheng Xiaomin
Published: March 2017

We prove that, when λ is great enough, there is no positive solution for the equation

−Δu = f(u(x)) − λg(x)

on

Ω

with the Dirichlet condition.

On montre que l’équation

−Δu = f(u(x)) − λg(x)

sur

Ω

avec la condition Dirichlet n’a pas de solution positive quand

λ

est assez grand sous des conditions assez générales sur

f

et

g

.
Exact controllability in short time for the wave equation
Authors: Komornik V.
Published: March 2017

We present an elementary and constructive method to obtain in several cases the “optimal” estimates needed in the Hilbert uniqueness method of J. L. Lions for the exact controllability of linear evolution systems.
Periodic bounce trajectories with a low number of bounce points
Authors: Giannoni F. , Benci V.
Published: March 2017

In this paper we study the existence of a periodic trajectory with prescribed period, which bounoes against the boundary of an open subset of

ℝ^N

, in presence of a potential field. We prove the existence of periodic solutions with at most

N + 1

bounce points.

Dans ce papier on étudie l’existence d’une trajectoire périodique à période fixée, qui rejaillit sur le bord d’un sous ensemble ouvert de

ℝ^N

dans un champ de potentiel. On démontre qu’il existe des solutions périodiques avec

N + 1

points de rejaillissement au plus.
Attenuation of oxidative stress and cardioprotective effects of zinc supplementation in experimental diabetic rats
Authors: Barman Susmita , Srinivasan Krishnapura
Published: March 2017

Oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, which further exacerbates damage of cardiac, hepatic and other tissues. We have recently reported that Zn supplementation beneficially modulates hyperglycaemia and hypoinsulinaemia, with attendant reduction of associated metabolic abnormalities in diabetic rats. The present study assessed the potential of Zn supplementation in modulating oxidative stress and cardioprotective effects in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats with streptozotocin, and groups of diabetic rats were treated with 5- and 10-fold dietary Zn interventions (0·19 and 0·38 g Zn/kg diet) for 6 weeks. The markers of oxidative stress, antioxidant enzyme activities and concentrations of antioxidant molecules, lipid profile, and expressions of fibrosis and pro-apoptotic factors in the cardiac tissue were particularly assessed. Supplemental Zn showed significant attenuation of diabetes-induced oxidative stress in terms of altered antioxidant enzyme activities and increased the concentrations of antioxidant molecules. Hypercholesterolaemia and hyperlipidaemia were also significantly countered by Zn supplementation. Along with attenuated oxidative stress, Zn supplementation also showed significant cardioprotective effects by altering the mRNA expressions of fibrosis and pro-apoptotic factors (by >50 %). The expression of lipid oxidative marker 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) protein in cardiac tissue of diabetic animals was rectified (68 %) by Zn supplementation. Elevated cardiac and hepatic markers in circulation and pathological abnormalities in cardiac and hepatic tissue architecture of diabetic animals were ameliorated by dietary Zn intervention. The present study indicates that Zn supplementation can attenuate diabetes-induced oxidative stress in circulation as well as in cardiac and hepatic tissues.