bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disseminated Cryptococcal infection in an immunocompetent host mimicking plasma cell disorder: a case report and literature review
Authors: Abid Muhammad Bilal , De Mel Sanjay , Limei Michelle Poon
Published: February 2015

Key Clinical Message

Cryptococcosis is a potentially fatal fungal infection caused mainly by Cryptocococcus neoformans (CN) species and it rarely infects immunocompetent hosts. The outcomes are better only if the condition is suspected and diagnosed early and treatment is instituted.
Copper deficiency mimicking myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Dalal Neil , Hooberman Arthur , Mariani Rachel , Sirota Ronald , Lestingi Timothy
Published: February 2015

Key Clinical Message

Copper deficiency is a rare cause of pancytopenia that may be mistaken for myelodysplastic syndrome. Cytoplasmic vacuolization in erythroid and myeloid precursors is found on bone marrow examination. Patients with a history of abdominal surgery who present with anemia and neutropenia with dysplastic changes should have copper levels checked.
Primary hydatid cyst of peritoneum presented as abdominal lump: a rare presentation
Authors: Pandya Jayashri S. , Bhambare Manoj R. , Waghmare Sudatta B. , Patel Ajit R.
Published: February 2015

Key Clinical Message

The incidence of primary hydatid cyst of peritoneum is 2%. It can present as a palpable abdominal lump. The differential diagnosis is cystic ovarian tumor clinically and radiologically. Peritoneal hydatid disease should be included in differential diagnosis of sonographically diagnosed pelvic cystic lesion.
Single Crystal to Single Crystal (SC‐to‐SC) Transformation from a Nonporous to Porous Metal–Organic Framework and Its Application Potential in Gas Adsorption and Suzuki Coupling Reaction through Postmodification
Authors: Sen Rupam , Saha Debraj , Koner Subratanath , Brandão Paula , Lin Zhi
Published: March 2015

A new amino‐functionalized strontium–carboxylate‐based metal–organic framework (MOF) has been synthesized that undergoes single crystal to single crystal (SC‐to‐SC) transformation upon desolvation. Both structures have been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. The desolvated structure shows an interesting 3D porous structure with pendent NH2 groups inside the pore wall, whereas the solvated compound possesses a nonporous structure with DMF molecules on the metal centers. The amino group was postmodified through Schiff base condensation by pyridine‐2‐carboxaldehyde and palladium was anchored on that site. The modified framework has been utilized for the Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction. The compound shows high activity towards the CC cross‐coupling reaction with good yields and turnover frequencies. Gas adsorption studies showed that the desolvated compound had permanent porosity and was microporous in nature with a BET surface area of 2052 m2 g−1. The material also possesses good CO2 (8 wt %) and H2 (1.87 wt %) adsorption capabilities.
Protic Anions [H(B12X12)]− (X=F, Cl, Br, I) That Act as Brønsted Acids in the Gas Phase
Authors: Jenne Carsten , Keßler Mathias , Warneke Jonas
Published: March 2015

The acidity of protic cations and neutral molecules has been studied extensively in the gas phase, and the gas‐phase acidity has been established previously as a very useful measure of the intrinsic acidity of neutral and cationic compounds. However, no data for any anionic acids were available prior to this study. The protic anions [H(B12X12)]− (X=F, Cl, Br, I) are expected to be the most acidic anions known to date. Therefore, they were investigated in this study with respect to their ability to protonate neutral molecules in the gas phase by using a combination of mass spectrometry and quantum‐chemical calculations. For the first time it was shown that in the gas phase protic anions are also able to protonate neutral molecules and thus act as Brønsted acids. According to theoretical calculations, [H(B12I12)]− is the most acidic gas‐phase anion, whereas in actual protonation experiments [H(B12Cl12)]− is the most potent gas‐phase acidic anion for the protonation of neutral molecules. This discrepancy is explained by ion pairing and kinetic effects.
Comparison of in‐situ recovery methods of gas stripping, pervaporation, and vacuum separation by multi‐objective optimization for producing biobutanol via fermentation process
Authors: Sharif Rohani Aida , Mehrani Poupak , Thibault Jules
Published: February 2015

Acetone, butanol, and ethanol (ABE) continuous fermentation for biobutanol production was simulated and optimized for three case studies where the ABE fermentation process was integrated in turn with gas stripping, pervaporation, and vacuum separation methods in an attempt to partly mitigate the product inhibition effect. Following the multi‐objective optimization of the three integrated processes, the Pareto‐optimal solutions were ranked using the net flow method to determine the best operating conditions. Results were compared to a standard continuous fermentation process without an integrated recovery method. The integrated butanol recovery methods improved butanol productivity by a factor of 6–10, and sugar conversion by a factor of 3, while butanol yield remained essentially unchanged. In addition, the butanol average concentration based on all exit streams for the fermentation process integrating one of the separation methods is approximately 2.25 times higher when compared to the non‐integrated fermentation process, with values in the vicinity of 30 g/L. Results of the gas stripping and vacuum fermentation processes were very similar to each other but superior to pervaporation in terms of butanol productivity and average concentration.
Diffusion Length and Langevin Recombination of Singlet and Triplet Excitons in Organic Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Ompong David , Singh Jai
Published: March 2015

We derived new expressions for the diffusion length of singlet and triplet excitons by using the Föster and Dexter transfer mechanisms, respectively, and have found that the diffusion lengths of singlet and triplet excitons are comparable. By using the Langevin recombination theory, we derived the rate of recombination of dissociated free charges into their excitonic states. We found that in some organic polymers the probabilities of recombination of free charge carriers back into the singlet and triplet states are approximately 65.6 and 34.4 %, respectively, indicating that Langevin‐type recombination into triplet excitons in organic semiconductors is less likely. This implies that the creation of triplet excitons may be advantageous in organic solar cells, because this may lead to dissociated free charge carriers that can be collected at their respective electrodes, which should result in better conversion efficiency.
Hydrologic remediation for the Deepwater Horizon incident drove ancillary primary production increase in coastal swamps
Authors: Middleton Beth A. , Johnson Darren , Roberts Brian J.
Published: February 2015

As coastal wetlands subside worldwide, there is an urgency to understand the hydrologic drivers and dynamics of plant production and peat accretion. One incidental test of the effects of high rates of discharge on forested wetland production occurred in response to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon incident, in which all diversions in Louisiana were operated at or near their maximum discharge level for an extended period to keep offshore oil from threatened coastal wetlands. Davis Pond Diversion was operated at six times the normal discharge levels for almost 4 months, so that Taxodium distichum swamps downstream of the diversion experienced greater inundation and lower salinity. After this remediation event in 2010, above‐ground litter production increased by 2.7 times of production levels in 2007–2011. Biomass of the leaf and reproductive tissues of several species increased; wood litter was minimal and did not change during this period. Root production decreased in 2010 but subsequently returned to pre‐remediation values in 2011. Both litter and root production remained high in the second growing season after hydrologic remediation. Annual tree growth (circumference increment) was not significantly altered by the remediation. The potential of freshwater pulses for regulating tidal swamp production is further supported by observations of higher T. distichum growth in lower salinity and/or pulsed environments across the U.S. Gulf Coast. Usage of freshwater pulses to manage altered estuaries deserves further consideration, particularly because the timing and duration of such pulses could influence both primary production and peat accretion. © 2015 The Authors. Ecohydrology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Pathogenic functions of B cells in autoimmune diseases: IFN‐γ production joins the criminal gang
Authors: Fillatreau Simon
Published: February 2015

B‐cell depletion therapy has emerged as a powerful strategy to intercept the progression of T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, or relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. However, its mode of action remains incompletely defined, reflecting our incomplete understanding of the pathogenic functions of B cells in such pathologies. B cells can contribute to immune responses through the production of antibodies, presentation of antigen to T cells, and production of cytokines. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology [Eur. J. Immunol. 2015. 45: 988–998], Olalekan et al. demonstrate that IFN‐γ production by B cells is essential for the development of arthritis in mice. Lack of IFN‐γ expression in B cells results in reduced autoimmune T‐cell responses and autoantibody levels, impacting the arthritogenic reaction akin to that in B‐cell depletion therapy. Together with other reports, the article by Olalekan et al. emphasizes the importance of cytokine‐producing B cells in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In this commentary, I discuss how these findings shed new light on the roles of B cells as drivers of autoimmune pathogenesis, and how they more generally contribute to our understanding of the role of B cells in immunity.
Fingerprinting 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin contamination within the lower Passaic River
Authors: Quadrini James D. , Ku Wen , Connolly John P. , Chiavelli Deborah A. , Israelsson Peter H.
Published: February 2015

The lower Passaic River is an operable unit of the Diamond Alkali Superfund site at 80 and 120 Lister Avenue in Newark, New Jersey, USA. Between 1948 and 1969, the Diamond Shamrock Chemicals Company and its predecessors manufactured chemicals such as pesticides and phenoxy herbicides, including 2,4,5-trichlorophenol, which is a precursor to 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, one of the primary components used to make the military defoliant Agent Orange. A by-product of this manufacturing process was 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD), and the site is considered the dominant source of 2,3,7,8-TCDD to the lower Passaic River and its environs. Several investigators have identified the ratio of 2,3,7,8-TCDD to total TCDD as a fingerprint for the site source. The present study presents data that establish polychlorinated dibenzodioxin/polychlorinated dibenzofuran (collectively, PCDD/F) congener and homolog fingerprints of soil and sump samples from the site. It then compares those fingerprints to the PCDD/F congener and homolog patterns in lower Passaic River sediments. The similarity of the patterns in lower Passaic River sediments to the site fingerprint indicates the site is the dominant source of the 2,3,7,8-TCDD in sediments within approximately the lower 14 miles of the lower Passaic River, excluding, for the purposes of the present discussion, Newark Bay. In addition, PCDD/F congener data indicate that the ratio of 1,3,7,8-TCDD to 2,3,7,8-TCDD is another marker of the site and corroborates the findings from the other fingerprints. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1485–1498. © 2015 The Authors. Published by SETAC.
Rates and product identification for trenbolone acetate metabolite biotransformation under aerobic conditions
Authors: Cole Emily A. , McBride Samantha A. , Kimbrough Kaitlin C. , Lee Jaewoong , Marchand Eric A. , Cwiertny David M. , Kolodziej Edward P.
Published: February 2015

Trenbolone acetate metabolites are endocrine-active contaminants discharged into the aquatic environment in runoff from agricultural fields, rangelands, and concentrated animal feeding operations. To investigate the environmental fate of these compounds and their biotransformation mechanisms, the authors used inocula from a variety of different water sources and dosed biologically active microcosms with approximately 1400 ng/L of trenbolone acetate metabolites, including 17β-trenbolone, trendione, and 17α-trenbolone. To investigate aerobic biotransformation rates and interconversions between known trenbolone acetate metabolites, gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure concentrations and assess product distributions as a function of time. High-resolution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to characterize novel transformation products and potential transformation pathways. Kinetic analysis yields observed half-lives of approximately 0.9 d, 1.3 d, and 2.2 d for 17β-trenbolone, trendione, and 17α-trenbolone, respectively, at 20 °C, although colder conditions increased half-lives to 8.5 d and biphasic transformation was observed. Relative to reported faster attenuation rates in soils, trenbolone acetate metabolites are likely more persistent in aqueous systems. Product distributions indicate an enzymatic preference for biotransformation between trendione and 17β-trenbolone. The LC-MS/MS characterization indicates dehydrogenation products as the major detectable products and demonstrates that major structural elements responsible for bioactivity in steroids are likely retained during biotransformation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1472–1484. © 2015 SETAC
Late follow‐up of the randomized radiation and concomitant high‐dose intra‐arterial or intravenous cisplatin (RADPLAT) trial for advanced head and neck cancer
Authors: Heukelom Jolien , Lopez–Yurda Marta , Balm Alfons J. M. , Wijers Oda B. , Buter Jan , Gregor Theo , Wiggenraad Ruud , de Boer Jan Paul , Tan I. Bing , Verheij Marcel , Sonke Jan‐Jakob , Rasch Coen R.
Published: February 2015

Background

The radiation and concomitant high‐dose intra‐arterial or intravenous cisplatin (RADPLAT) phase III trial compared intra‐arterial (IA) to intravenous (IV) cisplatin‐based chemoradiation for head and neck cancer. Long‐term efficacy and toxicity are reported after a median follow‐up of 7.5 years.

Methods

Patients with inoperable squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oropharynx, oral cavity, or hypopharynx, were randomized between radiotherapy (RT) + IA cisplatin 150 mg/m2, followed by systemic rescue or RT + I.V. cisplatin 100 mg/m2. RT consisted of 46 Gy to the affected and elective areas, followed by a boost of 24 Gy.

Results

Among 237 patients, 57 recurred locally, 35 regionally, and 80 locoregionally. There were 32 second primary tumors, 65 distant metastases, and 154 deaths. Locoregional control and overall survival were not different between the treatment arms. Late dysphagia was worse in the I.V. arm (log‐rank p = .014).

Conclusion

IA cisplatin did not improve tumor control compared to I.V. administered cisplatin, despite the higher dose in IA delivery of the drug. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E488–E493, 2016
A Triply Divergent Reagent for Glycoprotein Synthesis
Authors: De Munari Sonia , Schiffner Torben , Davis Benjamin G.
Published: March 2015

Chemical synthesis of glycoproteins through three different strategies, from the same reagent, is herein described. The flexibility of this system, which allows the comparison of different linkage motifs between the same glycan and protein, is shown by one‐step diversification of a GlcNAc‐ylating reagent and its application in both site‐specific and non‐site‐specific glycoprotein synthesis to create different conjugates from common representative protein scaffolds.
Visual and Digital Texts
Authors: Botzakis Stergios
Published: March 2015

This column provides reviews of adolescent and adult visual and digital texts and provides a valuable resource for visual and digital text selection in‐ and outside the classroom.
Viscoelasticity of hyaluronic acid‐gelatin hydrogels for vocal fold tissue engineering
Authors: Kazemirad Siavash , Heris Hossein K. , Mongeau Luc
Published: February 2015

Crosslinked injectable hyaluronic acid (HA)‐gelatin (Ge) hydrogels have remarkable viscoelastic and biological properties for vocal fold tissue engineering. Patient‐specific tuning of the viscoelastic properties of this injectable biomaterial could improve tissue regeneration. The frequency‐dependent viscoelasticity of crosslinked HA‐Ge hydrogels was measured as a function of the concentration of HA, Ge, and crosslinker. Synthetic extracellular matrix hydrogels were fabricated using thiol‐modified HA and Ge, and crosslinked by poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate. A recently developed characterization method based on Rayleigh wave propagation was used to quantify the frequency‐dependent viscoelastic properties of these hydrogels, including shear storage and loss moduli, over a broad frequency range; that is, from 40 to 4000 Hz. The viscoelastic properties of the hydrogels increased with frequency. The storage and loss moduli values and the rate of increase with frequency varied with the concentrations of the constituents. The range of the viscoelastic properties of the hydrogels was within that of human vocal fold tissue obtained from in vivo and ex vivo measurements. Frequency‐dependent parametric relations were obtained using a linear least‐squares regression. The results are useful to better fine‐tune the storage and loss moduli of HA‐Ge hydrogels by varying the concentrations of the constituents for use in patient‐specific treatments. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 283–290, 2016.
The Neutrophil Nucleus and Its Role in Neutrophilic Function
Authors: Carvalho Leonardo Olivieri , Aquino Elaine Nascimento , Neves Anne Caroline Dias , Fontes Wagner
Published: February 2015

The cell nucleus plays a key role in differentiation processes in eukaryotic cells. It is not the nucleus in particular, but the organization of the genes and their remodeling that provides the data for the adjustments to be made according to the medium. The neutrophil nucleus has a different morphology. It is a multi‐lobed nucleus where some researchers argue no longer function. However, studies indicate that it is very probable the occurrence of chromatin remodeling during activation steps. It may be that the human neutrophil nucleus also contributes to the mobility of neutrophils through thin tissue spaces. Questions like these will be discussed in this small review. The topics include morphology of human neutrophil nucleus, maturation process and modifications of the neutrophil nucleus, neutrophil activation and chromatin modifications, causes and consequences of multi‐lobulated segmented morphology, and importance of the nucleus in the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1831–1836, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
RE1‐Silencing Transcription Factor (Rest) is a Novel Regulator of Osteoblast Differentiation
Authors: Liu Bo , Cheng Shaohong , Xing Weirong , Pourteymoor Sheila , Mohan Subburaman
Published: February 2015

RE1‐silencing transcription factor (Rest) has been identified as a master negative regulator of neuronal differentiation. Nothing is known about Rest function in bone cells. In this study, we examined the Rest expression levels and role during osteoblast differentiation. We found that Rest is abundantly expressed in bone marrow stromal cells, calvarial osteoblasts, and MC3T3‐E1 osteoblasts. Treatment of primary osteoblasts with ascorbic acid (AA) down regulated Rest mRNA expression at an early stage, but not in later stages of differentiation. Consistent with treatment of primary cultures, AA treatment of MC3T3‐E1 cells significantly reduced Rest protein expression at day 3 and at day 8 after initiation of osteoblast differentiation. Treatment of bone marrow stromal cells with BMP‐2 and dexamethasone, but not IGF‐I for 3 days greatly decreased Rest mRNA expression. To test the function of Rest during osteoblast differentiation, Rest expression was knocked down in MC3T3‐E1 cell subclones segregated on the basis of ALP activity (differentiation status) using lentivirus expressing shRNA against Rest. An 80% knockdown of Rest expression decreased Osterix (Osx) expression by 52–57% and as a result, increased both basal and AA induced ALP expression and activity in the subclone that expresses low basal level of ALP (undifferentiated). By contrast, a 98% knockdown of Rest expression in cells that express high basal levels of ALP (differentiated cells) caused a significant reduction in Osx expression, basal and AA induced ALP expression and activity. These data suggest that Rest regulates early osteoblast differentiation via modulating Rest expression that is independent of Osx expression. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1932–1938, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A New Medical Device Rigeneracons Allows to Obtain Viable Micro‐Grafts From Mechanical Disaggregation of Human Tissues
Authors: Trovato Letizia , Monti Manuela , del Fante Claudia , Cervio Marila , Lampinen Milla , Ambrosio Lucia , Redi Carlo Alberto , Perotti Cesare , Kankuri Esko , Ambrosio Gennaro , Rodriguez Y. Baena Ruggero , Pirozzi Giuseppe , Graziano Antonio
Published: February 2015

Autologous graft is considered the gold standard of graft materials; however, this approach is still limited due to both small amount of tissue that can be collected and to reduced cell viability of cells that can be obtained. The aim of this preliminary study was to demonstrate the efficacy of an innovative medical device called Rigeneracons® (CE certified Class I) to provide autologous micro‐grafts immediately available to be used in the clinical practice. Moreover, Rigeneracons® is an instrument able to create micro‐grafts enriched of progenitors cells which maintain their regenerative and differentiation potential. We reported preliminary data about viability cell of samples derived from different kind of human tissues, such as periosteum, cardiac atrial appendage biopsy, and lateral rectus muscle of eyeball and disaggregated by Rigeneracons®. In all cases we observed that micro‐grafts obtained by Rigeneracons® displayed high cell viability. Furthermore, by cell characterization of periosteum samples, we also evidenced an high positivity to mesenchymal cell markers, suggesting an optimal regenerative potential. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 2299–2303, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo sodium tungstate treatment prevents E‐cadherin loss induced by diabetic serum in HK‐2 cell line
Authors: Bertinat Romina , Silva Pamela , Mann Elizabeth , Li Xuhang , Nualart Francisco , Yáñez Alejandro J.
Published: February 2015

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is characterized by interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, which is the result of chronic accumulation of extracellular matrix produced by activated fibroblasts in the renal tubulointerstitium. Renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs), through the process of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), are the source of fibroblasts within the interstitial space, and loss of E‐cadherin has shown to be one of the earliest steps in this event. Here, we studied the effect of the anti‐diabetic agent sodium tungstate (NaW) in the loss of E‐cadherin induced by transforming growth factor (TGF) β‐1, the best‐characterized in vitro EMT promoter, and serum from untreated or NaW‐treated diabetic rats in HK‐2 cell line, a model of human kidney PTEC. Our results showed that both TGFβ‐1 and serum from diabetic rat induced a similar reduction in E‐cadherin expression. However, E‐cadherin loss induced by TGFβ‐1 was not reversed by NaW, whereas sera from NaW‐treated rats were able to protect HK‐2 cells. Searching for soluble mediators of NaW effect, we compared secretion of TGFβ isoforms and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A, which have opposite actions on EMT. One millimolar NaW alone reduced secretion of both TGFβ‐1 and ‐2, and stimulated secretion of VEGF‐A after 48 h. However, these patterns of secretion were not observed after diabetic rat serum treatment, suggesting that protection from E‐cadherin loss by serum from NaW‐treated diabetic rats originates from an indirect rather than a direct effect of this salt on HK‐2 cells, via a mechanism independent of TGFβ and VEGF‐A functions. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 2437–2446, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biology and mechano‐response of tendon cells: Progress overview and perspectives
Authors: Sun Hui B. , Schaniel Christoph , Leong Daniel J. , Wang James H.‐C.
Published: February 2015

In this review, we summarize the group discussions on Cell Biology & Mechanics from the 2014 ORS/ISMMS New Frontiers in Tendon Research Conference. The major discussion topics included: (1) the biology of tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) and the potential of stem cell‐based tendon therapy using TSPCs and other types of stem cells, namely, embryonic and/or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), (2) the biological concept and potential impact of cellular senescence on tendon aging, tendon injury repair and the development of degenerative disease, and (3) the effects of tendon cells' mechano‐response on tendon cell fate and metabolism. For each topic, a brief overview is presented which summarizes the major points discussed by the group participants. The focus of the discussions ranged from current research progress, challenges and opportunities, to future directions on these topics. In the preparation of this manuscript, authors consulted relevant references as a part of their efforts to present an accurate view on the topics discussed. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:785–792, 2015.
Whole transcriptome expression profiling of mouse limb tendon development by using RNA‐seq
Authors: Liu Han , Xu Jingyue , Liu Chia‐Feng , Lan Yu , Wylie Christopher , Jiang Rulang
Published: February 2015

Tendons are fibrous connective tissues that transmit force between muscle and bone. Whereas the molecular and cellular mechanisms of bone and muscle development have been well studied, that of tendon development is poorly understood. Using the Scx‐GFP transgenic mice, we isolated GFP+ cells from the developing mouse limbs at E11.5, E13.5, and E15.5, respectively, and carried out whole transcriptome RNA‐seq analysis. Comparing the gene expression profiles of GFP+ and GFP− cells in the E13.5 limb isolated over 1,500 genes that exhibited enrichment of mRNA expression by at least 1.5‐fold in the GFP+ cells. Of these, 778 genes showed expression up‐regulated by more than 1.5‐fold from E11.5 to E13.5 and 516 genes showed expression up‐regulated by more than 1.5‐fold from E13.5 to E15.5 in the GFP+ cell population. Interestingly, over 30 genes encoding transcription factors are among the early‐activated genes in the GFP+ cells. Whole mount and section in situ hybridization analyses showed that many of these transcription factor genes have distinct patterns of expression during limb development and identified Foxf2 expression as a specific marker for differentiated dorsal limb tendon cells. Together, these data provide a valuable resource for further investigation of the molecular mechanisms regulating tendon development. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:840–848, 2015.
Phenotypic variability of CMT4C in a French‐Canadian kindred
Authors: Varley Talia L. , Bourque Pierre R. , Baker Steven K.
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth type 4C (CMT4C) is an autosomal recessive dysmyelinating neuropathy characterized by precocious and rapidly progressive scoliosis.

Methods

Patients in a French‐Canadian kindred were evaluated with clinical examination, electrophysiologic study, and genomic DNA extraction.

Results

Six of 10 siblings were clinically symptomatic with supportive electrophysiologic features. The proband presented with regional side‐to‐side sensorimotor asymmetry, typical pes cavus without obvious scoliosis, and unremarkable plain films of the spine. Affected siblings all share symptoms of foot deformity but have variable onset of neuropathic symptoms, degree of extremity weakness, progression of symptoms, and, most notably, evidence of scoliosis. DNA sequence analysis revealed a novel combination of 2 known recessive mutations, p.R904X and p.R954X, in the SH3TC2 gene.

Conclusions

A broad spectrum of phenotypes should be considered in the possible diagnosis of CMT4C. The absence of scoliosis or late‐onset symptoms should not exclude SH3TC2 from the list of candidate genes under consideration. Age of onset and clinical features were variable and suggest that polygenic factors contribute to the final phenotype. Muscle Nerve 52:444–449, 2015
Size and morphology controlling of PLGA microparticles produced by electro hydrodynamic atomization
Authors: Jafari‐Nodoushan Milad , Barzin Jalal , Mobedi Hamid
Published: February 2015

Among the various methods used to produce microparticles, electrospraying is becoming increasingly popular, and it has the advantage of control over the size, shape and morphology of the produced particles. Particle size and morphology are the main factors used to control the rate of microsphere degradation and drug diffusion. The aim of this study was to use some process and solution parameters of the electrospraying such as flow rate, collecting distance, nozzle diameter and polymer molecular weight to control size, shape and morphology of the produced particles. Tests demonstrated that the size of microparticle can be fine‐tuned by adjusting the variables of flow rate, collecting distance and nozzle diameter. Other relevant factors that can be as tuning parameters were those of solvent vapor pressure and application of a polymer mix with different molecular weights. Results showed that microparticle size increased under an increased flow rate and needle gauge setting and a decreased electrical field. Results of the tests showed that morphology of the produced microsphere could be adjusted by the aforementioned parameters. For example, by lowering solvent vapor pressure by adding solvent with a high boiling point, the morphology was changed from a textured surface to a smooth one. Molecular weight of the polymer had a significant effect on morphology, whereas polymer with a low molecular weight caused defect in the produced microparticle, and a high molecular weight produced cup‐like morphology, but a polymer mix that constituted polymers of high and low Molecular weights improved morphology of the produced particles. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concurrent genesis of color and electrical conductivity in leathers through in‐situ polymerization of aniline for smart product applications
Authors: Jima Demisie Wegene , Palanisamy Thanikaivelan , Kaliappa Krishnaraj , Kavati Phebe , Bangaru Chandrasekaran
Published: February 2015

We present a simple method to produce self‐colored and conducting leathers using in‐situ polymerization of aniline with ammonium persulfate as oxidant and hydrochloric acid as dopant. The structural and morphological features of treated leathers were examined using Fourier transformed infra‐red spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic analyses. Results suggest the deposition of conducting emeraldine salt form of polyaniline on the leather substrate rather than other poorly conducting states. We also show that the treated leathers are bluish green through reflectance measurements thereby suggesting that the use of toxic and expensive dyes can be avoided for coloration process. Further, we demonstrate that a maximum electrical conductivity of 0.15 S/cm is obtained for the leather treated with optimal experimental conditions, which aids its application to operate touch‐screen devices. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy harvesting using hybridization of dielectric nanocomposites and electrets
Authors: Belhora Fouad , Hajjaji Abdelowahed , Mazroui M'hammed , El Fatnani Fatima Zahra , Rjafallah Abdelkader , Guyomar Daniel
Published: February 2015

Electrostrictive polymers have been investigated as electroactive materials for electromechanical energy harvesting. This kind of material is isotope, i.e. there is no permanent polarization compared with piezoelectric material, so in order to ensure its polarization and scavenging energy, the electrostrictive polymers need necessarily an application of a static field. To avoid this problem, we used the hybridization of electrostrictive polymer with electret. The present work aims an analytical modeling for predicting the power convert when the material was mechanically excited. The study was carried out on polyurethane and terpolymer [P(VDF–TrFE–CFE)] films, either without filler or filled with carbon nanopowder. Experimental measurements of the harvested power showed a good agreement with the theoretical behavior predicted by the proposed model. It was also shown that the incorporation of nanofillers increased the power harvested from 5.22 · 10−2 to 1.498 · 10−1 μW cm−3 and from 6.87 · 10−1 to 1.76 μW cm−3 in polyurethane and in the terpolymer, respectively. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copolymerization of fluorene‐based main‐chain benzoxazine and their high performance thermosets
Authors: Feng Tiantian , Wang Jun , Wang Hui , Ramdani Noureddine , Zu Liwu , Liu Wenbin , Xu Xiaodong
Published: February 2015

A series of fluorene‐based benzoxazine copolymers were synthesized from the mixture of 9,9‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)fluorene and bisphenol A, and 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyloxide and paraformaldehyde. And the cured polybenzoxazine films derived from these copolymers were also obtained. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonances confirmed the structure of these benzoxazines. Their molecular weight was estimated by gel permeation chromatography. The curing behavior of the precursors was monitored by FTIR and differential scanning calorimetry. Dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis were performed to study the thermal properties of the cured polymers. The cured polybenzoxazines exhibit excellent heat resistance with glass transition temperatures (Tg) of 286–317°C, good thermal stability along with the values of 5% weight loss temperatures (T5) over 340°C, and high char yield over 50% at 800°C. The mechanical properties of the cured polymers were also measured by bending tests. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of the Cd2+ treatment on the electrical properties of Cu2ZnSnSe4 and Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells
Authors: Ben Messaoud Khaled , Buffière Marie , Brammertz Guy , ElAnzeery Hossam , Oueslati Souhaib , Hamon Jonathan , Kniknie Bas J. , Meuris Marc , Amlouk Mosbah , Poortmans Jef
Published: February 2015

The present contribution aims at determining the impact of modifying the properties of the absorber/buffer layer interface on the electrical performance of Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) thin‐film solar cells, by using a Cd2+ partial electrolyte (Cd PE) treatment of the absorber before the buffer layer deposition. In this work, CZTSe/CdS solar cells with and without Cd PE treatment were compared with their respective Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe)/CdS references. The Cd PE treatment was performed in a chemical bath for 7 min at 70 °C using a basic solution of cadmium acetate. X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy measurements have revealed the presence of Cd at the absorber surface after the treatment. The solar cells were characterized using current density–voltage (J–V), external quantum efficiency, and drive‐level capacitance profiling measurements. For the CZTSe‐based devices, the fill factor increased from 57.7% to 64.0% when using the Cd PE treatment, leading to the improvement of the efficiency (η) from 8.3% to 9.0% for the best solar cells. Similar observations were made on the CIGSe solar cell reference. This effect comes from a considerable reduction of the series resistance (RS) of the dark and light J–V, as determined using the one‐diode model. The crossover effect between dark and light J–V curves is also significantly reduced by Cd PE treatment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective Effects of Human iPS-Derived Retinal Pigmented Epithelial Cells in Comparison with Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Human Neural Stem Cells on the Degenerating Retina inrd1mice
Authors: Sun Jianan , Mandai Michiko , Kamao Hiroyuki , Hashiguchi Tomoyo , Shikamura Masayuki , Kawamata Shin , Sugita Sunao , Takahashi Masayo
Published: February 2015

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of visual impairments characterized by progressive rod photoreceptor cell loss due to a genetic background. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) predominantly secreted by the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) has been reported to protect photoreceptors in retinal degeneration models, including rd1. In addition, clinical trials are currently underway outside Japan using human mesenchymal stromal cells and human neural stem cells to protect photoreceptors in RP and dry age-related macular degeneration, respectively. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the rescue effects of induced pluripotent stem (iPS)-RPE cells in comparison with those types of cells used in clinical trials on photoreceptor degeneration in rd1 mice. Cells were injected into the subretinal space of immune-suppressed 2-week-old rd1 mice. The results demonstrated that human iPS-RPE cells significantly attenuated photoreceptor degeneration on postoperative days (PODs) 14 and 21 and survived longer up to at least 12 weeks after operation than the other two types of graft cells with less immune responses and apoptosis. The mean PEDF concentration in the intraocular fluid in RPE-transplanted eyes was more than 1 µg/ml at PODs 14 and 21, and this may have contributed to the protective effect of RPE transplantation. Our findings suggest that iPS-RPE cells serve as a competent source to delay photoreceptor degeneration through stable survival in degenerating ocular environment and by releasing neuroprotective factors such as PEDF. Stem Cells  2015;33:1543–1553
Recruitment of striatonigral disinhibitory and nigrotectal inhibitory GABAergic pathways during the organization of defensive behavior by mice in a dangerous environment with the venomous snake Bothrops alternatus (Reptilia, Viperidae)
Authors: Almada Rafael Carvalho , Coimbra Norberto Cysne
Published: February 2015

The neuropsychopharmacological basis of fear‐ or panic‐related behavior has been the focus of several studies. Some mesencephalic tectum (MT) structures, such as the superior colliculus (SC) and dorsal periaqueductal gray matter (dPAG), are considered to be responsible for the control of defensive responses evoked during threatening situations. Furthermore, the pars reticulata of the substantia nigra (SNpr) sends inputs to the SC that can work as a sensory channel to MT neurons fundamental for the elaboration of defensive responses. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of striato‐nigral GABAergic inputs in the activity of nigro‐tectal outputs during the elaboration of defensive behavior using a GABAA receptor selective blockade in the MT of mice confronted pre‐treated with Bothrops alternatus. Mice with injections of physiological saline into the SNpr and treated with a GABAA receptor selective antagonist in the MT displayed an increase in panic‐related behavior, expressed by an increase in the duration of freezing, frequency of nonoriented escape and frequency of total escape responses during the confrontation with the snake. However, intra‐SNpr injections of cobalt chloride followed by MT injections of bicuculline caused a significant decrease in the duration of freezing and total escape responses. In addition, intra‐SNpr injections of lidocaine followed by MT injections of bicuculline caused an increase in panic‐related behavior. The results highlight the involvement of SNpr and MT structures in the organization of defensive behaviors and suggest an inhibitory control of striatonigral‐nigrotectal pathways during the elaboration of fear‐ and panic‐related behavior. Synapse 69:299–313, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overview of emerging memristor families from resistive memristor to spintronic memristor
Authors: Wang Lei , Yang CiHui , Wen Jing , Gai Shan , Peng YuanXiu
Published: February 2015

Memristor is a fundamental circuit element in addition to resistor, capacitor, and inductor. As it can remember its resistance state even encountering a power off, memristor has recently received widespread applications from non-volatile memory to neural networks. The current memristor family mainly comprises resistive memristor, polymeric memristor, ferroelectric memristor, manganite memristor, resonant-tunneling diode memristor, and spintronic memristor in terms of the materials the device is made of. In order to help researcher better understand the physical principles of the memristor, and thus to provide a promising prospect for memristor devices, this paper presents an overview of memristor materials properties, switching mechanisms, and potential applications. The performance comparison among different memristor members is also given.
Monitoring frequency influences the analysis of resting behaviour in a forest carnivore
Authors: Carvalho Filipe , Carvalho Rafael , Galantinho Ana , Mira António , Beja Pedro
Published: February 2015

Resting sites are key structures for many mammalian species, which can affect reproduction, survival, population density, and even species persistence in human‐modified landscapes. As a consequence, an increasing number of studies has estimated patterns of resting site use by mammals, as well as the processes underlying these patterns, though the impact of sampling design on such estimates remain poorly understood. Here we address this issue empirically, based on data from 21 common genets radiotracked during 28 months in Mediterranean forest landscapes. Daily radiotracking data was thinned to simulate every other day and weekly monitoring frequencies, and then used to evaluate the impact of sampling regime on estimates of resting site use. Results showed that lower monitoring frequencies were associated with major underestimates of the average number of resting sites per animal, and of site reuse rates and sharing frequency, though no effect was detected on the percentage use of resting site types. Monitoring frequency also had a major impact on estimates of environmental effects on resting site selection, with decreasing monitoring frequencies resulting in higher model uncertainty and reduced power to identify significant explanatory variables. Our results suggest that variation in monitoring frequency may have had a strong impact on intra‐ and interspecific differences in resting site use patterns detected in previous studies. Given the errors and uncertainties associated with low monitoring frequencies, we recommend that daily or at least every other day monitoring should be used whenever possible in studies estimating resting site use patterns by mammals.
EPA guidance on how to improve the image of psychiatry and of the psychiatrist
Authors: Bhugra D. , Sartorius N. , Fiorillo A. , Evans-Lacko S. , Ventriglio A. , Hermans M.H.M. , Vallon P. , Dales J. , Racetovic G. , Samochowiec J. , Roca Bennemar M. , Becker T. , Kurimay T. , Gaebel W.
Published: February 2015

Stigma against mental illness and the mentally ill is well known. However, stigma against psychiatrists and mental health professionals is known but not discussed widely. Public attitudes and also those of other professionals affect recruitment into psychiatry and mental health services. The reasons for this discriminatory attitude are many and often not dissimilar to those held against mentally ill individuals. In this Guidance paper we present some of the factors affecting the image of psychiatry and psychiatrists which is perceived by the public at large. We look at the portrayal of psychiatry, psychiatrists in the media and literature which may affect attitudes. We also explore potential causes and explanations and propose some strategies in dealing with negative attitudes. Reduction in negative attitudes will improve recruitment and retention in psychiatry. We recommend that national psychiatric societies and other stakeholders, including patients, their families and carers, have a major and significant role to play in dealing with stigma, discrimination and prejudice against psychiatry and psychiatrists.
Manual segmentation qualification platform for the EADC‐ADNI harmonized protocol for hippocampal segmentation project
Authors: Duchesne Simon , Valdivia Fernando , Robitaille Nicolas , Mouiha Abderazzak , Valdivia F. Abiel , Bocchetta Martina , Apostolova Liana G. , Ganzola Rossana , Preboske Greg , Wolf Dominik , Boccardi Marina , Jack Clifford R. , Frisoni Giovanni B. ,   EADC‐ADNI Working Group on The Harmonized Protocol for Manual Hippocampal Segmentation and for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2015

Background

The use of hippocampal volumetry as a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) requires that tracers from different laboratories comply with the same segmentation method. Here we present a platform for training and qualifying new tracers to perform the manual segmentation of the hippocampus on magnetic resonance images (MRI) following the European Alzheimer's Disease Consortium and Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (EADC‐ADNI) Harmonized Protocol (HarP). Our objective was to demonstrate that the training process embedded in the platform leads to increased compliance and qualification with the HarP.

Method

Thirteen new tracers' segmentations were compared with benchmark images with respect to: (a) absolute segmentation volume; (b) spatial overlap of contour with the reference using the Jaccard similarity index; and (c) spatial distance of contour with the reference. Point by point visual feedback was provided through three training phases on 10 MRI. Tracers were then tested on 10 different MRIs in the qualification phase.

Results

Statistical testing of training over three phases showed a significant increase of Jaccard (i.e. mean Jaccard overlap P < .001) between phases on average for all raters, demonstrating that training positively increased compliance with the HarP. Based on these results we defined qualification thresholds which all tracers were able to meet.

Conclusions

This platform is an adequate infrastructure allowing standardized training and evaluation of tracers' compliance with the HarP. This is a necessary step allowing the use of hippocampal volumetry as a biomarker for AD in clinical and research centers.