bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Sandwich Assay: A Method for Subcellular Visualization of Paracellular Macromolecule Passage in Epithelial Sheets
Authors: Reiche Juliane , Schumann Michael , Richter Jan F. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTo date, the permeability of epithelia to larger solutes (greater than ∼4 Å in diameter) has been analyzed by flux measurements using various tracers that cannot spatially resolve the permeation sites. This unit describes a method for localizing such sites of passage in epithelial sheets with subcellular resolution. The method makes use of avidin as a basolateral capture probe in epithelial monolayers or mucosae to unmask the passage of biotinylated and fluorophore‐labeled tracer molecules as they go through the junctional barrier. Once bound to avidin, the tracers are immobilized at the site of a barrier leak. The localization, the distribution, and the extent of passage are eventually evaluated by imaging. The assay detects single leaks and is hence able to spatially resolve rarely occurring changes. It is also modular and flexible to use with various macromolecular tracers, and its sensitivity is adjustable. If designed as a chase experiment, the method allows for analysis of temporal barrier openings. If performed at low temperatures, this assay will block transcellular passage and, combined with global flux measurement, unambiguously determine paracellular passage. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Preparation and Application of Enzyme‐Nucleotide Conjugates
Authors: Welter Moritz , Marx Andreas 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this unit the preparation and application of enzyme‐nucleotide conjugates is depicted. First, a modified nucleoside triphosphate is synthesized bearing a long and flexible linker equipped with a thiol group. The nucleotide is then reacted with maleimide‐activated horseradish peroxidase to yield an enzyme‐nucleotide conjugate, which due to the long linker, can be used as a substrate by DNA polymerases in primer extension reactions. Finally, an assay based on these findings is described that provides a fast and easy nucleic acid detection and genotyping platform. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Estimating evapotranspiration change due to forest treatment and fire at the basin scale in the Sierra Nevada, California
Authors: Roche James W. , Goulden Michael L. , Bales Roger C. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe investigated the potential magnitude and duration of forest evapotranspiration (ET) decreases resulting from forest‐thinning treatments and wildfire in west‐slope watersheds of the Sierra Nevada range in California, USA, using a robust empirical relation between Landsat‐derived mean‐annual normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and ET measured at flux towers. Among forest treatments, the minimum observed NDVI change required to produce a significant departure from control plots with NDVI of about 0.70 was −0.09 units, corresponding to a basal‐area reduction of 29.1 m2/ha (45% reduction) and equivalent to an estimated ET reduction of 153 mm/year (21% change; approximate mean annual precipitation = 1,000 mm). Intensive thinning in highly productive forests that approached prefire‐exclusion densities reduced basal area by 40–50%, generating estimated ET reductions of 153–218 mm/year (21–27% change) over 5 years following treatment. Low‐intensity underburn treatments resulted in no significant change in ET. Examining the cumulative impact of wildfires on ET between 1990 and 2008, we found that the lower and wetter American River basin (5,310 km2) generated more than twice the ET reduction per unit area than those in the higher and drier Kings River basin (4,790 km2), corresponding to greater water and energy limitations in the latter and greater fire severity in the former. A rough extrapolation of these results to the entire American River watershed suggests that ET reductions due to forest thinning by wildfire could approach 10% of full natural flows for dry years and 5% over all years.
Toxicological and chemical studies of wastewater from hydraulic fracture and conventional shale gas wells
Authors: Crosby L.M. , Tatu Calin A. , Varonka Matthew , Charles Kaylene M. , Orem William H. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

New technology has enabled recovery of inaccessible natural gas shale deposits; however, the potential impacts to human health from the migration of brines into drinking water or surface spills are unknown. To provide information that can inform these potential impacts, chemical characterization and in vitro toxicologic testing were conducted using pre- and postinjection waters from conventional and unconventional oil and gas wells. Wastewater concentrations may be diluted or reduced by fate and transport processes when released into the environment by unknown amounts, and laboratory studies only imply potential effects. In acute cytotoxicity and wound healing assays, there was dose-dependent toxicity in human and rat cells with growth promotion at low concentrations. Lethality was measured in time studies up to 10 d postinjection. Produced water samples from both well types were equally toxic to human cells and were corrosive at high concentrations. Measurement of protein and gene expression identified metabolic pathways responding to both well types as NADPH quinone oxidoreductase oxidative stress-responsive enzyme and tight junction protein genes. A KCl sample of matched ionic strength showed a different toxicity profile from produced waters, indicating that salts alone were not the cause of toxicity. Organic chemicals and branched alkanes were present in hydraulic fracture wells, and mainly branched alkanes were present in conventional wells. One organic substance was still present after 240 d. The known properties of these chemicals include potential toxicity to multiple human organs, sensitization, irritation, developmental effects, and tumor promotion, depending on the concentrations and synergistic effects of chemicals during exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2098–2111. © 2018 SETAC
MicroRNA‐326 and microRNA‐200c: Two novel biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Ghodousi Elaheh S. , Rahgozar Soheila 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMultidrug resistance (MDR) is considered as the major obstacle for treating pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non coding RNAs which may potentially regulate response to chemotherapy. In this study, total RNA was isolated from bone marrow samples of 46 children with de novo ALL and 16 controls. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to investigate the expression profile of the predicted miRNAs; miR‐326 and miR‐200c, and their predicted targets ABCA2, and ABCA3 transporters. The presence of minimal residual disease was studied using PCR‐SSCP (single‐strand conformation polymorphism) 1 year after treatment. The association between the miRNA expression and drug resistance was analyzed statistically. Results showed a significant down‐regulation of both miR‐326 and miR‐200c expressions in ALL patients compared with non‐cancer controls (P = 0.0002, AUC = 0.813 and P = 0.035, AUC = 0.79, respectively). A considerable negative association between miR‐326 expression and MDR was identified which could raise the risk of chemoresistance by 4.8‐ fold. The expression profiles of miR‐326 and ABCA2 transporter were inversely correlated. Data revealed, a novel diagnostic role for miR‐326 and miR‐200c as potential biomarkers of pediatric ALL. Down‐regulation of miR‐326 was introduced, for the first time, as a prognostic factor for drug resistance in childhood ALL. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that ABCA2 transporter is proposed as a target gene for miR‐326, through which it can exert its impact on drug resistance. These data may provide novel approaches to new therapeutics and diagnostics.
Latent risk assessment tool for health care leaders
Authors: Paine Lori A. , Holzmueller Christine G. , Elliott Robert , Kasda Eileen , Pronovost Peter J. , Weaver Sallie J. , Sutcliffe Kathleen M. , Mathews Simon C. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractEfforts to improve quality of care and patient safety have concentrated on provider practice and frontline care processes. Little attention has focused on understanding the role that leadership decisions play in creating risk within a health care system. The framework and tool described in this article builds on Reason's construct of latent organizational failure, by assessing the latent risks of leadership decisions, and identifying appropriate mitigation strategies before the implementation of a change. Stakeholders who will be involved in or impacted by the change are engaged in the assessment to more thoroughly explore both technical and cultural risks.
Comparison Between the Pouch‐Perineum Distance in Neonates With a Low‐Type Anorectal Malformation With and Without an Opened Fistula: Pitfall of Measuring the Pouch‐Perineum Distance on Sonography
Authors: Hosokawa Takahiro , Takahashi Hiroaki , Tanami Yutaka , Sato Yumiko , Tanaka Yujiro , Kawashima Hiroshi , Hosokawa Mayumi , Oguma Eiji , Yamada Yoshitake 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveAn anorectal malformation (ARM) in neonates requires urgent surgery, with the type of surgery being dependent on the type of malformation (low, intermediate, or high). Distal rectal pouch and perineum (pouch‐perineum) distance is reported to be useful for differentiating the type of ARM; however, the impact of an opened fistula on pouch‐perineum distance is not well known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in pouch‐perineum distance between neonates with a low‐type ARM with and without an opened fistula.MethodsWe included 24 neonates with low‐type ARM who underwent sonography before surgery. Eight neonates already had an opened fistula before sonography, and 16 did not. The pouch‐perineum distance was measured using the perineal approach. Mann‐Whitney U and Spearman's correlation coefficient tests were used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe mean pouch‐perineum distance in all neonates with a low‐type ARM was 8.3 ± 2.9 mm. The pouch‐perineum distance was substantially longer for an ARM with than without an opened fistula (10.6 ± 3.4 mm vs. 7.1 ± 1.7 mm; P = .02). No appreciable correlation was identified between the pouch‐perineum distance and the postnatal day of examination (ρ = −.23, P = .26) or birth weight (ρ = .15, P = .47).ConclusionThe pouch‐perineum distance is substantially longer in neonates with an ARM with an opened fistula than in those without an opened fistula. Caution should be exercised by the sonographic examiner in evaluating pouch‐perineum distance in neonates with an opened fistula to prevent an incorrect surgical procedure based on misdiagnosis of the type of ARM.
Solute transfer during consolidation based on a solid‐fluid‐solute coupling model
Authors: Nomura Shun , Kawai Katsuyuki , Tachibana Shinya , Iizuka Atsushi 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThe migration of contaminant through soil is usually modeled using the advection‐dispersion equation and assumes that the porous media is stationary without introducing a constitutive equation to represent soil structure. Consequently, time‐dependent deformation induced by soil consolidation or physical remediation is not considered, despite the need to consider these variables during planning for the remediation of contaminated ground, the prediction of contaminated groundwater movement, and the design of engineered landfills. This study focuses on the numerical modeling of solute transfer during consolidation as a first step to resolve some of these issues. We combine a coupling theory‐based mass conservation law for soil‐fluid‐solute phases with finite element modeling to simulate solute transfer during deformation and groundwater convection. We also assessed the sensitivity of solute transfer to the initial boundary conditions. The modeling shows the migration of solute toward the ground surface as a result of ground settlement and the dissipation of excess pore water pressure. The form of solute transport is dependent on the ground conditions, including factors such as the loading schedule, contamination depth, and water content. The results indicate that an understanding of the interaction between coupling phases is essential in predicting solute transfer in ground deformation and could provide an appropriate approach to ground management for soil remediation.
Proton therapy for central nervous system tumors in children
Authors: Ladra Matthew M. , MacDonald Shannon M. , Terezakis Stephanie A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractProton therapy is a form of particle therapy with physical properties that provide a superior dose distribution compared to photons. The ability to spare healthy, developing tissues from low dose radiation with proton therapy is well known. The capability to decrease radiation exposure for children has been lauded as an important advance in pediatric cancer care, particularly for central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Favorable clinical outcomes have been reported and justify the increased cost and burden of this therapy. In this review, we summarize the current literature for proton therapy for pediatric CNS malignancies, with a focus on clinical outcomes to date.
Histiocytic sarcoma in a child—successful management and long‐term survival with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: Sandler Gideon , Franklin Anna , Hayes‐Jordan Andrea 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHistiocytic sarcoma is an extremely rare tumor in children. It may occur sporadically or in association with other hematological malignancies. It arises most commonly in the lymph nodes but may occur anywhere in the body and clinical presentation is usually with advanced disease. Following tissue diagnosis and staging, management is with chemotherapy though there are no standard regimes. Surgery has been used successfully for local control. This is the first description of the use of peritonectomy and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy to treat histiocytic sarcoma. The 4‐year‐old patient has been disease free for 6 years.
Outcome of renal tumors registered in Japan Wilms Tumor Study‐2 (JWiTS‐2): A report from the Japan Children's Cancer Group (JCCG)
Authors: Koshinaga Tsugumichi , Takimoto Tetsuya , Oue Takaharu , Okita Hajime , Tanaka Yukichi , Nozaki Miwako , Tsuchiya Kunihiko , Inoue Eisuke , Haruta Masayuki , Kaneko Yasuhiko , Fukuzawa Masahiro 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundJapan Wilms Tumor Study‐2 (JWiTS‐2) mandated central pathology review for all case registrations. The study aimed to compare the outcomes of patients with unilateral Wilms tumor enrolled on the JWiTS‐1 and JWiTS‐2 trials.ProcedureThe JWiTS‐2 trial (2006–2014), a prospective, single‐arm study, required compulsory submission of histologic slides to central pathology, while in the JWiTS‐1 trial, such submission was not compulsory. Relapse‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) versus cases in the JWiTS‐1 trial (1996–2005) were statistically evaluated.ResultsOf 277 enrolled patients with primary renal tumors diagnosed by the central pathology review system, 225 patients with unilateral renal tumors were followed up over 9 years. The RFS and OS of Wilms tumor (n = 178) were 90.4% (P = 0.0003) and 96.8% (P = 0.054), respectively, as compared to 74.9% and 89.4% in JWiTS‐1. RFS rates of stages I–III Wilms tumor in JWiTS‐2 were more than 90%, although the outcome of stage IV Wilms tumor was significantly poorer (RFS: 66.2%) (P = 0.0094). RFS and OS of clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK; n = 31) were 82.4% (P = 0.30) and 91.3% (P = 0.42), respectively, as compared to 68.8% and 81.3% in JWiTS‐1, and those of rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (RTK; n = 16) were 18.8% (P = 0.88) and 25.0% (P = 0.80), respectively, as compared to 23.5% and 23.5% in JWiTS‐1.ConclusionsRFS and OS for stages I–III Wilms tumor were improved in JWiTS‐2 compared to JWiTS‐1, whereas outcomes for stage IV Wilms tumor, CCSK, and RTK did not improve.
Pivotal role of intramolecular catalysis in the selective acetylation of alkyl amines
Authors: Nishida Elvis N. , Vitto Ramon , Peixoto Rômulo C.R. , Nome Faruk , Souza Bruno S. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPreparation of amides by the use of esters as the “acyl donor” is less explored because they are less reactive and usually more steric demanding than conventional acid halides and anhydrides. Here, we report that 3‐acetoxy‐2‐naphthoic acid, an aspirin analogue, can be used as a mild amine acetylating agent in ethanol at 25°C. The reaction is sensitive to steric and polar effects of the attacking amine, and the rate constants can be appropriately fitted by the Pavelich‐Taft correlation. Density functional theory calculations used to study all reaction steps indicate that the o‐carboxy group plays a pivotal role, guiding the attacking amine and accelerating the reaction. The reaction can be conveniently used for the acylation of a variety of primary and secondary amines.
Management and Outcome of Liver Abscesses After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Justo Iago , Jiménez‐Romero Carlos , Manrique Alejandro , Caso Oscar , Calvo Jorge , Cambra Felix , Marcacuzco Alberto 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundLiver abscess after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a rare, life‐threatening complication. The aim of this study is to analyze the incidence, risk factors, clinical manifestations, treatment and outcomes of liver abscesses after OLT.MethodsWe perform a retrospective review of the patients who developed one or more liver abscesses among a series of 984 patients who underwent OLT between January 2000 and December 2016.ResultsFourteen patients (1.5%) developed 18 episodes of liver abscesses, and the median time from OLT to the diagnosis of liver abscess was 39.7 months. Major predisposing factors were biliary strictures in 11 patients, hepatic artery thrombosis in 8, re‐OLT in 3, choledochojejunostomy in 2, living donor OLT in 2, donor after cardiac death in 1, split liver in 1, and liver biopsy in 1. All patients were managed by intravenous antibiotics; percutaneous drainage was performed in 10 patients, while 2 patients underwent re‐OLT. The mortality rate related to liver abscesses was 21.4%. The mean hospital stay was 30 ± 19 days, and during a mean follow‐up of 93 ± 78 months, three other patients died.ConclusionsLiver abscesses must be managed with antibiotic therapy and percutaneous drainage, but when these conservative measures fail (persistent abscess and sepsis), a re‐OLT must be performed in order to prevent the high mortality associated with this severe complication.
Contingent Valuation Studies in Orthopaedic Surgery: A Health Economic Review
Authors: Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Eliasberg Claire D. , Hamid Kamran S. , Fu Michael C. , Bach Bernard R. , Allen Answorth A. , Albert Todd J. 
Published: April 2018

Background A greater emphasis on providing high-value orthopaedic interventions has resulted in increased health economic reporting. The contingent-valuation method (CVM) is used to determine consumer valuation of the benefits provided by healthcare interventions. CVM is an important value-based health economic tool that is underutilized in orthopaedic surgery. Questions/Purposes The purpose of this study was to (1) identify previously published CVM studies in the orthopaedic literature, (2) assess the methodologies used for CVM research, and (3) understand how CVM has been used in the orthopaedic cost–benefit analysis framework. Methods A systematic review of the literature using the MEDLINE database was performed to compile CVM studies. Search terms incorporated the phrase willingness to pay (WTP) or willingness to accept (WTA) in combination with orthopaedic clinical key terms. Study methodology was appraised using previously defined empirical and conceptual criteria for CVM studies. Results Of the 160 studies retrieved, 22 (13.8%) met our inclusion criteria. The economics of joint arthroplasty ( n = 6, 27.3%) and non-operative osteoarthritis care ( n = 4, 18.2%) were the most common topics. Most studies used CVM for pricing and/or demand forecasting ( n = 16, 72.7%); very few studies used CVM for program evaluation ( n = 6). WTP was used in all included studies, and one study used both WTP and WTA. Otherwise, there was little consistency among included studies in terms of CVM methodology. Open-ended questioning was used by only ten studies (45.5%), a significant number of studies did not perform a sensitivity analysis ( n = 9, 40.9%), and none of the studies accounted for the risk preference of subjects. Only two of the included studies applied CVM within a cost–benefit analysis framework. Conclusion CVM is not commonly reported in orthopaedic surgery and is seldom used in the context of cost–benefit analysis. There is wide variability in the methods used to perform CVM. We propose that CVM is an appropriate and underappreciated method for understanding the value of orthopaedic interventions. Increased attention should be paid to consumer valuations for orthopaedic interventions.
Modified DHTT Equipment for Crystallization Studies of Mold Slags
Authors: Kölbl Nathalie , Harmuth Harald , Marschall Irmtraud 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The double hot thermocouple technique (DHTT) enables simulations of the temperature gradient at near-service conditions during continuous casting of steel. With the equipment applied so far, a rectangular slag film of even thickness often cannot be achieved. Further, the minimum temperature frequently lies within the slag film. Modified equipment can avoid these disadvantages via the following design features. The entire furnace chamber is heated to the selected temperature of the cold wire, and the minimum temperature is not located within the slag film. Furthermore, the shape of the heating wire is improved, which enables mounting of a thin, rectangular slag film between four platinum wires. This modification allows for investigations on transparent and translucent slags. So far, the results from DHTT investigations were represented via snapshots of the samples at certain experimental times. Therefore, appropriate methods for the graphical representation of the results were suggested: the maximum crystallinity, the time related to certain crystallinities with a dependence on the position within the slag film, and the crystal growth rate. The CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 slag investigated with this equipment was mineralogically examined additionally, and based on thermodynamic calculations, the allocation of temperatures to certain positions within the crystallized slag film was possible.