bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)'s solubility parameter and systematic investigation of the parameters of electrospinning with response surface methodology
Authors: Li Lu , Jiang Zhao , Xu Jie , Fang Tao
Published: December 2013

The solubility parameters were used to choose the solvent for poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) in electrospinning. In this study, a novel method for predicting the contribution value of the pyrrolidone group (a typical part of the PVP molecular structure) was proposed. The solubility parameters of PVP were calculated by this method, and accordingly, ethanol was chosen as the solvent for PVP. What is more, response surface methodology was used to facilitate a systematic investigation on the influence of the PVP solution concentration, feed rate, distance between the tip and collector, and operating voltage on the fiber diameter and morphology in electrospinning. The predicted fiber diameters by the response regression model, and the experimental values were in close proximity. The solution concentration and feed rate both had significant effects on the PVP fiber diameter, and there was some interaction between the solution concentration and the feed rate in this system. In addition, this study provided a train of thought for the electrospinning of polymer fibers with controllable and predictable fiber diameters. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40304.
Electrochemical supercapacitor properties of polyaniline thin films in organic salt added electrolytes
Authors: Jo Yongcheol , Cho Won‐Je , Inamdar A. I. , Kim Byung Chul , Kim Jongmin , Kim Hyungsang , Im Hyunsik , Yu Kook‐Hyun , Kim Dae‐Young
Published: December 2013

We demonstrate optimized supercapacitive characteristics of electrodeposited polyaniline by adding organic salt into electrolyte. The optimum amount of the organic salt is found to be 2 wt % which provides better ionic conductivity of the electrolyte, leading to the improved specific capacitance of 259 Fg−1. This capacitance remains at up to 208 Fg−1 (80% capacity retention) after 1000 charge–discharge cycles. The optimized organic salt added electrolyte causes better rate performance and higher cyclability. Significantly reduced electrochemical charge transfer resistance at the electrode/electrolyte interface results in the increased ionic conductivity, which can be useful in electrochemically preferred power devices for better applicability. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40306.
Heat‐sealing properties of soy protein isolate/polyvinyl alcohol film made compatible by glycerol
Authors: Tai Jinglei , Chen Kefu , Yang Fei , Yang Rendang
Published: December 2013

Heat‐sealing properties are necessary for packaging materials. Soy protein isolate/polyvinyl alcohol (SPI/PVA) blend film is a biodegradable potential packaging material. We analyzed the effects of PVA content (0–20%), glycerol content (1–3%), and sealing temperature (180–230°C) on the heat‐sealing properties of SPI/PVA blend film. Results showed that SPI/PVA film obtained the desired sealing properties when the PVA content exceeded 15%. The sealing strength increased with the PVA content, reaching a maximum upon blending with 20% PVA and 1% glycerol at 220°C. The temperature at sealing strength was approximately twice that at 180°C. However, glycerol migrated to the surface and hindered the entanglement of macromolecular chains in the sealing interface, thereby resulting in reduction of seal strength. Glycerol vaporization at 204°C led to aesthetically unacceptable blistering in the sealing area. Therefore, the optimum sealing temperature of the blended film was ∼200°C. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40308.
Surface molecularly imprinted polymers based on yeast prepared by atom transfer radical emulsion polymerization for selective recognition of ciprofloxacin from aqueous medium
Authors: Wang Juan , Dai Jiangdong , Meng Minjia , Song Zhilong , Pan Jianming , Yan Yongsheng , Li Chunxiang
Published: December 2013

To achieve selective recognition of water‐soluble ciprofloxacin (CIP), an effective method was developed for the preparation of surface molecularly imprinted polymers based on the yeast particles (yeast@MIPs) via atom transfer radical emulsion polymerization (ATREP). The reactions were carried out in the nontoxic and green emulsion system at room temperature, which was environment friendly with low energy consumption. In this study, the yeast, for the advantages of low cost, easily available source and abundant active groups on the cell wall, was selected as an ideal biological support substrate. The prepared yeast@MIPs was characterized by FT‐IR, SEM, TEM, EDS, and elemental analysis techniques. Batch mode adsorption studies were carried out to investigate the specific adsorption equilibrium, kinetics, selective recognition, and reuse ability of yeast@MIPs. The experimental static adsorption data of CIP on to yeast@MIPs were well‐described by Langmuir, Freundlich, and pseudo‐second‐order models. The maximum static adsorption capacity for CIP of yeast@MIPs was 18.48 mg g−1, and the adsorption equilibrium could be reached in 60 min. The selectivity coefficients for CIP relative to enrofloxacin, tetracycline, and sulfadiazine were 1.212, 2.002, and 10.65, which demonstrated CIP of high affinity and selectivity over three competitive antibiotics. In addition, the reusability of the material without obvious deterioration (8.52% loss) in performance was observed at least four repeated cycles. And the yeast@MIPs was used to determine CIP from spiked shrimp samples by HPLC analysis. These results showed that yeast was a well‐defined substrate and ATREP was a promising technique for the preparation of surface molecularly imprinted polymers targeting templates. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40310.
Compressive properties and creep resistance of a novel, porous, semidegradable poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) scaffold for articular cartilage repair
Authors: Cao Yi , Xiong Dangsheng , Niu Yuxiang , Mei Yi , Yin Zhaowei , Gui Jianchao
Published: December 2013

Tissue engineering for articular cartilage repair has shown success in ensuring the integration of neocartilage with surrounding natural tissue, but the rapid restoration of biomechanical functions remains a significant challenge. The poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel is regarded as a potential articular cartilage replacement for its fair mechanical strength, whereas its lack of bioactivity limits its utility. To obtain a scaffold possessing expected bioactivity and initial mechanical properties, we herein report a novel salt‐leaching technique to fabricate a porous PVA hydrogel simultaneously embedded with poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres. Through the investigation of environmental scanning electron microscopy, we found that the porous PVA/PLGA scaffold was successfully manufactured. The compression and creep properties were also comprehensively studied before and after cell culturing. The relationship between the compressive modulus and strain ratio of the porous PVA/PLGA scaffold showed significant nonlinear behavior. The elastic compressive modulus was influenced a little by the porogen content, whereas it went higher with a higher PLGA microsphere content. The cell‐cultured scaffolds presented higher compressive moduli than the initial ones. The creep resistance of the cell‐cultured scaffolds was much better than that of the initial ones. In all, this new scaffold is a promising material for articular cartilage repair. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40311.
Compatibility study of chlorinated polyethylene/ethylene methacrylate copolymer blends using thermal, mechanical, and chemical analysis
Authors: Bhagabati Purabi , Chaki T. K.
Published: December 2013

Blends of chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) elastomer and ethylene methacrylate copolymer (EMA) in various compositions were studied for their compatibility using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy techniques. Irrespective of measurement techniques used, all blends showed a single glass transition temperature (Tg) lying in between the Tg of control polymers in both DSC and DMA. Glass transition temperatures of blends obtained from DSC were in consistency with Couchman–Karasz equation. Also, the Tg obtained from both DSC and DMA are above the “rule of mixing” line of the two control polymers. These results from thermal analysis clearly indicate some compatibility between the two polymers. Furthermore, compatibility of CPE/EMA blends were also been investigated by FTIR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopic analysis. A shifting of characteristic CCl stretching peak of CPE and CO stretching peak of EMA toward lower wave number indicate the presence of specific interaction between the two polymers. Mechanical properties like tensile strength, modulus at 100% elongation, elongation at break, and hardness were observed above the line of additivity drawn between the two control polymers, which corroborate compatibility between CPE and EMA. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40316.
Silicone resin synthesized by tetraethoxysilane and chlorotrimethylsilane through hydrolysis–condensation reaction
Authors: Kuo Chung‐Feng Jeffrey , Chen Jiong‐Bo , Shih Chung‐Yang , Huang Chao‐Yang
Published: December 2013

Silicone pressure‐sensitive adhesives compositions contain a polydimethylsiloxane and a silicone resin, which can enhance the instant bonding ability and bonding strength of the adhesive. In this study, silicone resin was designed to have a low molecular weight and a highly nonpolar chemical structure. The silicone resin was applied to silicone pressure‐sensitive adhesives. The molecular structure of silicone resin was characterized by FT‐IR, GPC, 1H‐NMR, and 29Si‐NMR spectroscopic techniques. Properties such as thermal stability, solubility, hydrophobic, and transparent properties were researched and compared. When the chlorotrimethylsilane increased, it appeared that the amount of silanol groups, molecular weight and thermal stability decreased, while the hydrophobic and transparent properties increased. The silicone resin was completely soluble in toluene and xylene. It was also applied to silicone pressure‐sensitive adhesives, resulting in good peel adhesion. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40317.
Evaluating eight newly identified susceptibility loci for nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in a Mesoamerican population
Authors: Ludwig Kerstin U. , Wahle Philipp , Reutter Heiko , Paredes‐Zenteno Mario , Muñoz‐Jimenez Sergio G. , Ortiz‐Lopez Rocio , Böhmer Anne C. , Tessmann Peter , Nowak Stefanie , Nöthen Markus M. , Knapp Michael , Rojas‐Martinez Augusto , Mangold Elisabeth
Published: December 2013

Background: Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is among the most frequently occurring congenital malformations worldwide. The number of genetic loci identified as being involved in NSCL/P etiology was recently increased by a large genome‐wide meta‐analysis of European and Asian samples. This meta‐analysis confirmed all six previously recognized genetic susceptibility loci and identified six novel ones. Methods: To investigate which of these 12 loci contribute to NSCL/P risk in an independent sample of distinct ethnicity, we performed a case–control association analysis in a sample of the Mesoamerican population. A total of 153 individuals with NSCL/P (cases) and 337 unaffected controls were included. Top single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 8 of the 12 loci (1p22.1, 1p36, 2p21, 3p11.1, 8q21.3, 13q31.1, 15q22, and 20q12) were analyzed using mass spectroscopy and restriction‐length‐fragment polymorphism analyses. In a previous study, we had analyzed the remaining four NSCL/P susceptibility regions (IRF6, 8q24, 10q25, and 17q22) in the same sample. Results: Single‐marker association analyses applying allelic, dominant, and recessive models revealed nominal significant associations for four of the eight loci, with two additional loci showing at least a trend of association in the hypothesized direction. Conclusion: In combination with results from our previous study using the same sample, our data suggest that the majority of the known NSCL/P susceptibility regions identified to date also confer risk for this malformation in the Mesoamerican population. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:43–47, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oral cleft recurrence risk and subsequent maternal fertility preferences and behavior in Brazil
Authors: Wehby George L. , Nyarko Kwame A. , Murray Jeffrey C.
Published: December 2013

Background

Oral clefts are among the most common birth defects with numerous impacts on affected individuals and families. However, little is known about how being at a greater risk of having an affected child affects subsequent maternal fertility decisions. We investigated differences in fertility preferences and behavior between mothers who are themselves affected with cleft lip with/without cleft palate but have had no affected children and unaffected mothers of an affected child. We also compared these outcomes between unaffected mothers of a first versus another affected child.

Methods

The sample included 1475 Brazilian women interviewed between 2004 and 2009. The outcomes were wanting more children, contraceptive use and type, and maternal age at first child. Comparisons between the various maternal groups were performed using regression analysis adjusting for conceptually relevant demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic factors.

Results

Affected mothers of unaffected children were less likely to use contraceptives than unaffected mothers of affected children by 31% (95% confidence interval, 1–53%). Among unaffected mothers, those who had a first affected child were 67% (95% confidence interval, 15–144%) more likely to use contraceptives.

Conclusion

The results suggest that having an affected child represents a stronger signal of recurrence risk to the mother than her own cleft status, and that cleft status of the first child is especially important in influencing subsequent maternal fertility decisions in affected families. These findings highlight the importance of adequate counseling of at‐risk women about recurrence risks and available care resources and policies that improve access to quality cleft care. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:48–56, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cerebellar stroke in a low cardiovascular risk patient associated with sorafenib treatment for fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Vandewynckel Yves‐Paul , Geerts Anja , Verhelst Xavier , Van Vlierberghe Hans
Published: December 2013

Key Clinical Message

Sorafenib is the standard treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, fibrolamellar HCC was not included in sorafenib trials. The case is a 26‐year‐old man with fibrolamellar HCC, who had a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) while being treated with sorafenib. This illustrates a probable relationship between use of sorafenib and CVA in low cardiovascular risk patients.
A case of coffee‐ground emesis in an elderly patient
Authors: De Palma Giovanni D. , Persico Marcello , Forestieri Pietro
Published: December 2013

Key Clinical Message

Black esophagus is an exceeding rare disorder with a multifactorial etiology. Clinical presentation is generally related to upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnosis is based on endoscopic images. Overall mortality is largely related to the underlying medical condition.
Recombinant interleukin‐2 in patients aged younger than 60 years with acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission: Results from Cancer and Leukemia Group B 19808
Authors: Kolitz Jonathan E. , George Stephen L. , Benson Don M. , Maharry Kati , Marcucci Guido , Vij Ravi , Powell Bayard L. , Allen Steven L. , DeAngelo Daniel J. , Shea Thomas C. , Stock Wendy , Bakan Courtney E. , Hars Vera , Hoke Eva , Bloomfield Clara D. , Caligiuri Michael A. , Larson Richard A. ,   For the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

Recombinant interleukin‐2 (rIL‐2) induces cellular cytotoxicity against leukemia blasts. Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete remission (CR) may harbor minimal residual disease that is susceptible to rIL‐2–activated effector cells.

METHODS

In the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) 19808 study, patients with AML in first CR were randomly assigned after all planned chemotherapy to receive a 90‐day course of subcutaneously administered rIL‐2 or no further therapy. The primary objective was to compare disease‐free survival (DFS) between the 2 treatment arms. A total of 534 patients achieved a CR, 214 of whom were randomized. Six courses of low‐dose daily rIL‐2 were given for the expansion of cytotoxic effector cells, each followed by 3‐day high‐dose boluses given to trigger cytotoxicity against minimal residual disease.

RESULTS

On the protocol‐specified intention‐to‐treat analysis, the hazards ratio for DFS was 0.75 (95% confidence interval, 0.52‐1.09; P = .13); the 5‐year DFS rate was 42% in the observation arm and 53% in the rIL‐2 treatment arm. The hazards ratio for overall survival (OS) was 0.88 (95% confidence interval, 0.54‐1.23; P = .34); the 5‐year OS rate was 58% for the observation arm and 63% for the rIL‐2 treatment arm. Twenty‐five of the 107 patients randomized to treatment with rIL‐2 either refused or were unable to initiate therapy and 30 patients did not complete their assigned therapy. However, significant toxicities were not commonly observed. The trial design did not anticipate the difficulties patients would encounter with protocol compliance.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of immunotherapy with rIL‐2 administered after intensive postremission treatment was not assessed as planned because of unexpected refusals by patients and/or their physicians to comply with protocol‐directed therapy. Neither DFS nor OS was found to be significantly improved. Cancer 2014;120:1010–1017. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
High‐throughput flow cytometry data normalization for clinical trials
Authors: Finak Greg , Jiang Wenxin , Krouse Kevin , Wei Chungwen , Sanz Ignacio , Phippard Deborah , Asare Adam , De Rosa Stephen C. , Self Steve , Gottardo Raphael
Published: December 2013

Flow cytometry datasets from clinical trials generate very large datasets and are usually highly standardized, focusing on endpoints that are well defined apriori. Staining variability of individual makers is not uncommon and complicates manual gating, requiring the analyst to adapt gates for each sample, which is unwieldy for large datasets. It can lead to unreliable measurements, especially if a template‐gating approach is used without further correction to the gates. In this article, a computational framework is presented for normalizing the fluorescence intensity of multiple markers in specific cell populations across samples that is suitable for high‐throughput processing of large clinical trial datasets. Previous approaches to normalization have been global and applied to all cells or data with debris removed. They provided no mechanism to handle specific cell subsets. This approach integrates tightly with the gating process so that normalization is performed during gating and is local to the specific cell subsets exhibiting variability. This improves peak alignment and the performance of the algorithm. The performance of this algorithm is demonstrated on two clinical trial datasets from the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) and the Immune Tolerance Network (ITN). In the ITN data set we show that local normalization combined with template gating can account for sample‐to‐sample variability as effectively as manual gating. In the HVTN dataset, it is shown that local normalization mitigates false‐positive vaccine response calls in an intracellular cytokine staining assay. In both datasets, local normalization performs better than global normalization. The normalization framework allows the use of template gates even in the presence of sample‐to‐sample staining variability, mitigates the subjectivity and bias of manual gating, and decreases the time necessary to analyze large datasets. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Additional use of a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor in patients with pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic systolic heart failure: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Xiaojing , Yang Te , Zhou Qi , Li Shuangfei , Huang Lan
Published: December 2013

Aims

Increased indiscriminate use of pulmonary artery hypertension‐targeted drugs has been observed in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to heart failure. We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the chronic effects of using phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors to treat patients with PH secondary to chronic systolic heart failure.

Methods and results

PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to October 2013 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing PDE5 inhibitor treatments in PH patients secondary to chronic heart failure. Six RCTs involving 206 chronic systolic heart failure patients with PH complications were included. Sildenafil was used in all trials. Sildenafil treatment resulted in fewer hospital admissions compared with the placebo treatment (3.15% vs. 12.20%; risk ratio 0.29; 95% confidence interval 0.11–0.77). Various haemodynamic parameters were improved with additional sildenafil treatment, including reduced mean pulmonary artery pressure [weighted mean difference (WMD) −5.71 mmHg, P < 0.05] and pulmonary vascular resistance (WMD −81.5 dynes/cm−5, P < 0.00001), increased LVEF (WMD 3.95%, P < 0.01), and unchanged heart rate and blood pressure. The exercise capacity improved (oxygen consumption at peak exercise, WMD 3.20 mL/min−1/kg−1, P < 0.00001; ventilation to CO2 production slope, WMD −5.89, P < 0.00001), and the clinical symptoms were relieved based on the breathlessness (WMD 7.72, P < 0.00001), fatigue (WMD 2.28, P < 0.05), and emotional functioning (WMD 5.92, P < 0.00001) scores.

Conclusions

Additional sildenafil treatment is a potential therapeutic method to improve pulmonary exercise capacity and quality of life by ameliorating PH in patients with chronic systolic heart failure.
Integrating transcriptomics into triad-based soil-quality assessment
Authors: Chen Guangquan , de Boer Tjalf E. , Wagelmans Marlea , van Gestel Cornelis A.M. , van Straalen Nico M. , Roelofs Dick
Published: December 2013

The present study examined how transcriptomics tools can be included in a triad-based soil-quality assessment to assess the toxicity of soils from riverbanks polluted by metals. To that end, the authors measured chemical soil properties and used the International Organization for Standardization guideline for ecotoxicological tests and a newly developed microarray for gene expression in the indicator soil arthropod Folsomia candida. Microarray analysis revealed that the oxidative stress response pathway was significantly affected in all soils except one. The data indicate that changes in cell redox homeostasis are a significant signature of metal stress. Finally, 32 genes showed significant dose-dependent expression with metal concentrations. They are promising genetic markers providing an early indication of the need for higher-tier testing of soil quality. During the bioassay, the toxicity of the least polluted soils could be removed by sterilization. The gene expression profile for this soil did not show a metal-related signature, confirming that a factor other than metals (most likely of biological origin) caused the toxicity. The present study demonstrates the feasibility and advantages of integrating transcriptomics into triad-based soil-quality assessment. Combining molecular and organismal life-history trait stress responses helps to identify causes of adverse effects in bioassays. Further validation is needed for verifying the set of genes with dose-dependent expression patterns linked with toxic stress. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:900–909. © 2013 SETAC
Insertion of proteolipid protein into oligodendrocyte mitochondria regulates extracellular pH and adenosine triphosphate
Authors: Appikatla Sunita , Bessert Denise , Lee Icksoo , Hüttemann Maik , Mullins Chadwick , Somayajulu‐Nitu Mallika , Yao Fayi , Skoff Robert P.
Published: December 2013

Proteolipid protein (PLP) and DM20, the most abundant myelin proteins, are coded by the human PLP1 and non‐human Plp1 PLP gene. Mutations in the PLP1 gene cause Pelizaeus–Merzbacher disease (PMD) with duplications of the native PLP1 gene accounting for 70% of PLP1 mutations. Humans with PLP1 duplications and mice with extra Plp1 copies have extensive neuronal degeneration. The mechanism that causes neuronal degeneration is unknown. We show that native PLP traffics to mitochondria when the gene is duplicated in mice and in humans. This report is the first demonstration of a specific cellular defect in brains of PMD patients; it validates rodent models as ideal models to study PMD. Insertion of nuclear‐encoded mitochondrial proteins requires specific import pathways; we show that specific cysteine motifs, part of the Mia40/Erv1 mitochondrial import pathway, are present in PLP and are required for its insertion into mitochondria. Insertion of native PLP into mitochondria of transfected cells acidifies media, partially due to increased lactate; it also increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the media. The same abnormalities are found in the extracellular space of mouse brains with extra copies of Plp1. These physiological abnormalities are preventable by mutations in PLP cysteine motifs, a hallmark of the Mia40/Erv1 pathway. Increased extracellular ATP and acidosis lead to neuronal degeneration. Our findings may be the mechanism by which microglia are activated and proinflammatory molecules are upregulated in Plp1 transgenic mice (Tatar et al. (2010) ASN Neuro 2:art:e00043). Manipulation of this metabolic pathway may restore normal metabolism and provide therapy for PMD patients. GLIA 2014;62:356–373
AAV‐mediated gene delivery in Dp71‐null mouse model with compromised barriers
Authors: Vacca Ophélie , Darche Marie , Schaffer David V. , Flannery John G. , Sahel José‐Alain , Rendon Alvaro , Dalkara Deniz
Published: December 2013

Formation and maintenance of the blood–retinal barrier (BRB) is required for proper vision and breaching of this barrier contributes to the pathology in a wide variety of retinal conditions such as retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy. Dystrophin Dp71 being a key membrane cytoskeletal protein, expressed mainly in Müller cells, its absence has been related to BRB permeability through delocalization and down‐regulation of the AQP4 and Kir4.1 channels. Dp71‐null mouse is thus an excellent model to approach the study of retinal pathologies showing blood–retinal barrier permeability. We aimed to investigate the participation of Müller cells in the BRB and in the inner limiting membrane of Dp71‐null mice compared with wild‐type mice in order to understand how these barriers work in this model of permeable BRB. To this aim, we used an Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) variant, ShH10‐GFP, engineered to target Müller cells specifically. ShH10 coding GFP was introduced by intravitreal injection and Müller cell transduction was studied in Dp71‐null mice in comparison to wild‐type animals. We show that Müller cell transduction follows a significantly different pattern in Dp71‐null mice indicating changes in viral cell‐surface receptors as well as differences in the permeability of the inner limiting membrane in this mouse line. However, the compromised BRB of the Dp71‐null mice does not lead to virus leakage into the bloodstream when the virus is injected intravitreally – an important consideration for AAV‐mediated retinal gene therapy. GLIA 2014;62:468–476
Cognitive strategies regulate fictive, but not reward prediction error signals in a sequential investment task
Authors: Gu Xiaosi , Kirk Ulrich , Lohrenz Terry M. , Montague P. Read
Published: December 2013

Computational models of reward processing suggest that foregone or fictive outcomes serve as important information sources for learning and augment those generated by experienced rewards (e.g. reward prediction errors). An outstanding question is how these learning signals interact with top‐down cognitive influences, such as cognitive reappraisal strategies. Using a sequential investment task and functional magnetic resonance imaging, we show that the reappraisal strategy selectively attenuates the influence of fictive, but not reward prediction error signals on investment behavior; such behavioral effect is accompanied by changes in neural activity and connectivity in the anterior insular cortex, a brain region thought to integrate subjective feelings with high‐order cognition. Furthermore, individuals differ in the extent to which their behaviors are driven by fictive errors versus reward prediction errors, and the reappraisal strategy interacts with such individual differences; a finding also accompanied by distinct underlying neural mechanisms. These findings suggest that the variable interaction of cognitive strategies with two important classes of computational learning signals (fictive, reward prediction error) represent one contributing substrate for the variable capacity of individuals to control their behavior based on foregone rewards. These findings also expose important possibilities for understanding the lack of control in addiction based on possibly foregone rewarding outcomes. Hum Brain Mapp 35:3738–3749, 2014. © 2013 The Authors. Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flexible connectivity in the aging brain revealed by task modulations
Authors: Geerligs Linda , Saliasi Emi , Renken Remco J. , Maurits Natasha M. , Lorist Monicque M.
Published: December 2013

Recent studies have shown that aging has a large impact on connectivity within and between functional networks. An open question is whether elderly still have the flexibility to adapt functional network connectivity (FNC) to the demands of the task at hand. To study this, we collected fMRI data in younger and older participants during resting state, a selective attention (SA) task and an n‐back working memory task with varying levels of difficulty. Spatial independent component (IC) analysis was used to identify functional networks over all participants and all conditions. Dual regression was used to obtain participant and task specific time‐courses per IC. Subsequently, functional connectivity was computed between all ICs in each of the tasks. Based on these functional connectivity matrices, a scaled version of the eigenvector centrality (SEC) was used to measure the total influence of each IC in the complete graph of ICs. The results demonstrated that elderly remain able to adapt FNC to task demands. However, there was an age‐related shift in the impetus for FNC change. Older participants showed the maximal change in SEC patterns between resting state and the SA task. Young participants, showed the largest shift in SEC patterns between the less demanding SA task and the more demanding 2‐back task. Our results suggest that increased FNC changes from resting state to low demanding tasks in elderly reflect recruitment of additional resources, compared with young adults. The lack of change between the low and high demanding tasks suggests that elderly reach a resource ceiling.Hum Brain Mapp 35:3788–3804, 2014. ©2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo MR imaging of the human skin at subnanoliter resolution using a superconducting surface coil at 1.5 tesla
Authors: Laistler Elmar , Poirier‐Quinot Marie , Lambert Simon A. , Dubuisson Rose‐Marie , Girard Olivier M. , Moser Ewald , Darrasse Luc , Ginefri Jean‐Christophe
Published: December 2013

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of a highly sensitive superconducting surface coil for microscopic MRI of the human skin in vivo in a clinical 1.5 Tesla (T) scanner.

Materials and Methods

A 12.4‐mm high‐temperature superconducting coil was used at 1.5T for phantom and in vivo skin imaging. Images were inspected to identify fine anatomical skin structures. Signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) improvement by the high‐temperature superconducting (HTS) coil, as compared to a commercial MR microscopy coil was quantified from phantom imaging; the gain over a geometrically identical coil made from copper (cooled or not) was theoretically deduced. Noise sources were identified to evaluate the potential of HTS coils for future studies.

Results

In vivo skin images with isotropic 80 μm resolution were demonstrated revealing fine anatomical structures. The HTS coil improved SNR by a factor 32 over the reference coil in a nonloading phantom. For calf imaging, SNR gains of 380% and 30% can be expected over an identical copper coil at room temperature and 77 K, respectively.

Conclusion

The high sensitivity of HTS coils allows for microscopic imaging of the skin at 1.5T and could serve as a tool for dermatology in a clinical setting. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:496–504.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
White matter lesion load is associated with resting state functional MRI activity and amyloid pet but not FDG in mild cognitive impairment and early alzheimer's disease patients
Authors: Zhou Yongxia , Yu Fang , Duong Timothy Q. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2013

Purpose

To quantify and investigate the interactions between multimodal MRI/positron emission tomography (PET) imaging metrics in elderly patients with early Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and healthy controls.

Materials and Methods

Thirteen early AD, 17 MCI patients, and 14 age‐matched healthy aging controls from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database were selected based on availability of data. Default mode network (DMN) functional connectivity and fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF) were obtained for resting state functional MRI (RS‐fMRI). White matter lesion load (WMLL) was quantified from MRI T2‐weighted FLAIR images. Amyloid deposition with PET [18F]‐Florbetapir tracer and metabolism of glucose by means of [18F]‐fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose (FDG) images were quantified using ratio of standard uptake values (rSUV).

Results

Whole‐brain WMLL and amyloid deposition were significantly higher (P < 0.005) in MCI and AD patients compared with controls. RS‐fMRI results showed significantly reduced (corrected P < 0.05) DMN connectivity and altered fALFF activity in both MCI and AD groups. FDG uptake results showed hypometabolism in AD and MCI patients compared with controls. Correlations (P < 0.05) were found between WMLL and amyloid load, FDG uptake and amyloid load, as well as between amyloid load (rSUV) and fALFF.

Conclusion

Our quantitative results of four MRI and PET imaging metrics (fALFF/DMN, WMLL, amyloid, and FDG rSUV values) agree with published values. Significant correlations between MRI metrics, including WMLL/functional activity and PET amyloid load suggest the potential of MRI and PET‐based biomarkers for early detection of AD.J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:102–109. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intrusive measurement of polymer flow temperature
Authors: Launay J. , Allanic N. , Mousseau P. , Deterre R. , Madec Y.
Published: December 2013

The control of the melting temperature in polymer forming process is essential to ensure the quality of the final products. The current article reports a study conducted to develop an experimental device equipped with one intrusive thermal instrument. The sensor placed within the flow allows for the measurement of the temperature profiles. At the same time, the modeling of the temperature measurement cell (TMC) is conducted to determine its capability to characterize the thermal and rheological behavior of polymer flow. A sensitivity analysis is performed to quantify the uncertainty of measurement because of the presence of the intrusive instrumentation. The experimental device is mounted on an extruder. Tests are conducted on elastomer flow. The temperature profiles recorded with the TMC at the outlet of a cylindrical straight runner are discussed. Experiments show the good sensitivity of the developed sensor. Indeed, at high flow rate, the viscous heating is clearly detected and a variation of several degrees on the temperature profile is measured. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2806–2814, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Playing with fire? The impact of the hidden curriculum in school genetics on essentialist conceptions of race
Authors: Donovan Brian M.
Published: December 2013

Race has been a longstanding topic in the biology textbook curriculum. Yet, there appears to be no research investigating whether the treatment of race in modern biology textbooks impacts how students conceptualize race. In the present study, a double‐blind field experiment employing mixed‐methods is used to investigate the impact of textbook‐based genetics learning on essentialist conceptions of race amongst adolescents. The study was carried out in an eighth grade classroom in a California Bay Area School. Students recruited for the study (N = 43) read either a racialized or a non‐racialized textbook passage on human genetic diseases and completed a reading comprehension assessment. After a short distracting task they responded to items in two different race conception instruments. Controlling for race, gender, age, prior race‐conceptions, and reading comprehension, statistically significant effects were observed on both race conception instruments by treatment. Students in the racialized condition exhibited stronger essentialist conceptions of race than students in the non‐racialized condition. Additionally, an exploratory analysis indicated that an understanding of Mendelian heredity moderated the observed treatment effects. The findings of the present study tentatively suggest that textbook‐based instruction in school biology can inadvertently reinforce essentialist conceptions of race that underlie racial bias. Implications for teaching and research are discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 51: 462–496, 2014
The Utility of FAST for Initial Abdominal Screening of Major Pelvic Fracture Patients
Authors: Verbeek Diederik O. F. , Zijlstra IJsbrand A. J. , van der Leij Christaan , Ponsen Kornelis J. , van Delden Otto M. , Goslings J. Carel
Published: December 2013

Background

Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) is widely used in pelvic fracture patients. We examined the performance of FAST for detecting hemoperitoneum and predicting the need for intra‐abdominal hemorrhage control in major pelvic fracture patients.

Methods

A 5‐year retrospective study of major pelvic fracture patients was performed. The presence of hemoperitoneum was confirmed on CT or at laparotomy. The need for hemorrhage control was defined as requiring a surgical or radiological intervention for intra‐abdominal bleeding. Hemorrhagic shock (HS) patients had a systolic blood pressure ≤90 mmHg or base deficit of ≥ 6 mEq/L on admission.

Results

A total of 120 patients were included, 42 (35 %) of which had any hemoperitoneum and 21 (18 %) had a moderate‐large amount. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of FAST for any hemoperitoneum were 64, 94, 84, and 83 % and for a moderate‐large amount they were 86, 86, 56, and 97 %. In HS patients the indices were 68, 93, 88, and 78 % for any hemoperitoneum and 79, 83, 65, and 91 % for a moderate‐large amount. For the need for hemorrhage control, FAST had a positive predictive value of 50 % (16/32) in all and 71 % (12/17) in HS patients. The negative predictive value was 99 % (87/88) in all and 97 % (31/32) in HS patients.

Conclusion

FAST had a good to excellent diagnostic accuracy, depending on the size of hemoperitoneum. A positive FAST result (even in HS patients) does not reliably predict the need for immediate intra‐abdominal hemorrhage control but a negative FAST result renders the need for an intervention highly unlikely.
A Novel Method for the Management of Post‐Thyroidectomy or Parathyroidectomy Hematoma: A Single‐Institution Experience after over 4,000 Central Neck Operations
Authors: Dixon Jennifer L. , Snyder Samuel K. , Lairmore Terry C. , Jupiter Daniel , Govednik Cara , Hendricks John C.
Published: December 2013

Background

Cervical hematoma is a rare but serious complication of thyroid and parathyroid surgery that has historically required inpatient monitoring. With improved surgical technique and experience, operations are being performed increasingly as outpatient procedures. Therefore, a safe and systematic approach to cervical exploration of a postoperative hematoma needs to be defined.

Methods

From 1996 to 2013, a retrospective review was performed of 4,140 thyroid and parathyroid operations. Surgical outcomes data were recorded, specifically including the occurrence of a cervical hematoma, time interval to presentation, and methods of management.

Results

A total of 18 patients (0.43 %) developed a postoperative cervical hematoma that required surgical intervention. The occurrence of hematoma was 0.66 % (n = 11) for bilateral thyroid procedures, 0.21 % (n = 3) for unilateral thyroid procedures, and 0.13 % (n = 1) for parathyroid procedures. There were 3 (1.69 %) patients who had combined unilateral thyroid and parathyroid procedures and developed hematomas. Emergent bedside decompression was required for only two patients, both of whom suffered respiratory arrest in the postoperative anesthesia recovery unit. The remaining 16 patients were explored in the operating room, utilizing initial local anesthesia in the semi‐upright position in 11 patients (69 %).

Conclusions

From our experience, hematomas that caused significant airway compromise leading to respiratory arrest occurred in the postoperative anesthesia recovery room, and hematoma presentation after this time did not require emergent bedside decompression. Hematoma, when it occurs, can otherwise be managed safely in the operating room after inpatient or outpatient procedures using initial local anesthesia with the patient in the semi‐upright position for hematoma evacuation.
Primary Hyperparathyroidism: An Analysis of Failure of Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Bagul A. , Patel H. P. , Chadwick D. , Harrison B. J. , Balasubramanian S. P.
Published: December 2013

Background

Preoperative imaging in patients undergoing surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is used primarily to facilitate targeted parathyroidectomy. Failure of preoperative localisation mandates a bilateral exploration. It is thought that the results of imaging may also predict the success of surgery. The aims of this study were to assess whether the findings on preoperative localisation influenced outcomes following parathyroidectomy for PHPT and to explore factors underlying failure to cure at surgery.

Methods

We analysed outcomes of all patients who underwent first‐time surgery for PHPT in two centres over a 5‐year period to determine an association with demographic characteristics and findings on preoperative imaging. Records of patients not cured by initial surgery were reviewed to explore factors underlying failure to cure.

Results

The failure rate (persistent disease) in the entire cohort was 5 % (25/541) (bilateral neck explorations, 5 %; unilateral exploration, 7 %; targeted approach, 4 %), while two patients developed recurrent disease. In patients who had undergone dual imaging with an ultrasound scan and 99mTc‐sestamibi scintigraphy, failure rates with “lateralised and concordant” imaging, “nonconcordant” imaging, and “dual‐negative” imaging were 2, 9, and 11 %, respectively (p = 0.01). Of the 25 patients with persistent disease, multigland disease (MGD) was present in 52 % (13/25) and ectopic adenoma in 24 % (6/12).

Conclusions

Patients with PHPT who do not have lateralised and concordant dual imaging are at higher risk of persistent disease. A significant proportion of failures are due to the inability to recognise the presence and/or extent of MGD.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel 316L Coatings Produced by Cold Spray for Biomedical Applications
Authors: AL-Mangour Bandar , Vo Phuong , Mongrain Rosaire , Irissou Eric , Yue Stephen
Published: December 2013

In this study, the effects of heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of cold sprayed stainless steel 316L coatings using N2 and He as propellant gases were investigated. Powder and coating characterizations, including coating microhardness, coating porosity, and XRD phase analysis were performed. It was found that heat treatment reduced porosity, improved inter-particle bonding, and increased ductility. XRD results confirmed that no phase transformation occurred during deposition. Significant increase in UTS and ductility was observed for the annealed specimens obtained with nitrogen propellant, whereas little changes were observed for the helium propellant produced specimen.
Lipid Estimation of Surfactant‐Extracted Microalgae Oil Using Nile Red
Authors: Montalbo‐Lomboy Melissa , Kantekin Meryem Nur , Wang Tong
Published: December 2013

Nile red staining has been used as a lipid quantification technique in many microalgae growth and oil accumulation studies. However, its application in lysed microalgae cells is limited. Therefore, this study focused on lysed microalgae cells and utilized the Nile red staining technique to evaluate oil content and extraction. This study aims to provide a rapid and high‐throughput alternative method particularly in the microalgae extraction screening process. Potential interferences such as chlorophyll, β‐carotene, soluble protein, and phospholipids were evaluated. The hydrophobic Nile red dye was found to quench in water, therefore the fluorometric measurement has to be completed immediately or within 5 min of dye addition. The fluorescence intensity was also found to be Nile red concentration dependent. The optimum Nile red concentration of 656 ppb was used throughout the study. In microalgae samples containing chlorophyll and carotenoids (such as Nannochloropsis sp.), Nile red fluorescence intensity was significantly reduced in comparison to non‐chlorophyll microalgae (Schizochytrium limacinum). Soluble proteins from defatted microalgae did not fluoresce significantly relative to lipids, therefore did not interfere with the method to a high degree. Comparing the optimized Nile red staining method with the gravimetric lipid quantification method, a good linear correlation was found in all three materials tested (soybean oil, Nannochloropsis sp., and Schizochytriumlimacinum).
Structure of exoplanets
Authors: Spiegel David S. , Fortney Jonathan J. , Sotin Christophe
Published: December 2013

Significance

Planets around other stars, or exoplanets, are now known to be common in our galaxy. Exoplanets span a much wider range of physical conditions than the planets in our solar system, and include extremely puffy gas giants to compact rocky planets that can have densities as high as that of iron. The diversity of exoplanets allows us to place the planets of our solar system in a broader perspective, and invites further research in the nascent field of comparative exoplanetology. Here we review the continuum of detected planets, from the gas giants, which are composed mostly of hydrogen, to smaller worlds where water may provide more of their mass, to rock-iron worlds in some ways similar to Earth.