bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isotopic perspectives (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) of diet, social complexity, and animal husbandry during the proto‐shang period (ca. 2000–1600 BC) of China
Authors: Ma Ying , Fuller Benjamin T. , Wei Dong , Shi Lei , Zhang Xiaozheng , Hu Yaowu , Richards Michael P.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To examine dietary patterns and animal husbandry practices and assess the links between human diet and sex, age, burial direction/position, and social status (as inferred by type of grave goods) during the transformative Proto‐Shang (ca. 2000–1600 BC) period of China.

Materials and Methods

Stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N), and sulfur (δ34S) were analyzed from human (n = 83) and animal (n = 36) bone collagen at the site of Nancheng in Hebei Province, China.

Results

The Proto‐Shang population consumed a predominately C4 diet (δ13C = −6.8 ± 0.4‰; δ15N = 9.4 ± 0.6‰), but a single individual (M70) had a mixed C3/C4 diet (δ13C = −14.9‰; δ15N = 10.1‰). The δ34S measurement of M70 (8.8‰) is similar to the local animals (8.2 ± 2.6‰) and the other members of the population (7.0 ± 0.8‰) suggesting this individual may not have been a migrant even though the burial direction (north‐south) and position (flexed) was different than the majority of the graves in the cemetery.

Discussion

From comparison with the faunal bone collagen stable isotope results, the Nancheng population ate millets with varying levels of animal protein consumption focused primarily on pigs and possibly cattle and dogs, but sheep/goats, and deer were not eaten in significant amounts. Analysis of the isotopic results in relation to other contemporary sites such as Liuzhuang and Xinzhai show strikingly similar patterns, suggesting that the sheep/goats were likely raised mainly for their secondary products (e.g., wool). No link between diet and sex was found at the population level, but when the data were sorted by age and sex, the older males (>40 years old) were found to have significantly lower δ13C values (−6.6 ± 0.3‰; n = 18) compared to the younger males (<40 years old) (−7.3 ± 0.5‰; n = 8). Further, no significant correlations between diet and burial direction/position or social status (based on the type of grave goods) were found at Nancheng, possibly indicating that the dietary social stratification of the later Shang and Zhou Dynasties had yet to be established in Chinese society at this time. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:433–445, 2016.. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetische Optimierung von Metalloenzymen: Weiterentwicklung von Enzymen für nichtnatürliche Reaktionen
Authors: Hyster Todd K. , Ward Thomas R.
Published: March 2016

In der letzten Dekade fanden künstliche Metalloenzyme einige Aufmerksamkeit als eine mögliche Lösung für ungeklärte Probleme der organischen Synthesechemie. Während gängige Übergangsmetallkatalysatoren meist nur die erste Koordinationssphäre nutzen, um Reaktivität und Selektivität zu kontrollieren, können künstliche Metalloenzyme sowohl die erste als auch die zweite Koordinationssphäre modulieren. Dieser Unterschied manifestiert sich in den teilweise einzigartigen Reaktivitätsprofilen künstlicher Metalloenzyme. Dieser Aufsatz fasst die Versuche zusammen, die zweite Koordinationssphäre künstlicher Metalloenzyme durch genetische Modifizierungen der Proteinsequenz anzupassen. Es werden erfolgreiche Versuche und kreative Wege zur Überwindung aufgetretener Schwierigkeiten hervorgehoben.
Genetic Optimization of Metalloenzymes: Enhancing Enzymes for Non‐Natural Reactions
Authors: Hyster Todd K. , Ward Thomas R.
Published: March 2016

Artificial metalloenzymes have received increasing attention over the last decade as a possible solution to unaddressed challenges in synthetic organic chemistry. Whereas traditional transition‐metal catalysts typically only take advantage of the first coordination sphere to control reactivity and selectivity, artificial metalloenzymes can modulate both the first and second coordination spheres. This difference can manifest itself in reactivity profiles that can be truly unique to artificial metalloenzymes. This Review summarizes attempts to modulate the second coordination sphere of artificial metalloenzymes by using genetic modifications of the protein sequence. In doing so, successful attempts and creative solutions to address the challenges encountered are highlighted.
Intercalation Compounds as Inner Reference Electrodes for Reproducible and Robust Solid‐Contact Ion‐Selective Electrodes
Authors: Ishige Yu , Klink Stefan , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: March 2016

With billions of assays performed every year, ion‐selective electrodes (ISEs) provide a simple and fast technique for clinical analysis of blood electrolytes. The development of cheap, miniaturized solid‐contact (SC‐)ISEs for integrated systems, however, remains a difficult balancing act between size, robustness, and reproducibility, because the defined interface potentials between the ion‐selective membrane and the inner reference electrode (iRE) are often compromised. We demonstrate that target cation‐sensitive intercalation compounds, such as partially charged lithium iron phosphate (LFP), can be applied as iREs of the quasi‐first kind for ISEs. The symmetrical response of the interface potentials towards target cations ultimately results in ISEs with high robustness towards the inner filling (ca. 5 mV dec−1 conc.) as well as robust and miniaturized SC‐ISEs. They have a predictable and stable potential derived from the LiFePO4/FePO4 redox couple (97.0±1.5 mV after 42 days).
Biodegradable composites of poly(butylene succinate‐co‐butylene adipate) reinforced by poly(lactic acid) fibers
Authors: Meng Linghan , Gao Chengcheng , Yu Long , Simon George P , Liu Hongsheng , Chen Ling
Published: March 2016

Biodegradable composites of poly(butylene succinate‐co‐butylene adipate) (PBSA) reinforced by poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibers were developed by hot compression and characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analyzer, and tensile testing. The results show that PBSA and PLA are immiscible, but their interface can be improved by processing conditions. In particular, their interface and the resulting mechanical properties strongly depend on processing temperature. When the temperature is below 120 °C, the bound between PBSA and PLA fiber is weak, which results in lower tensile modulus and strength. When the processing temperature is higher (greater than 160 °C), the relaxation of polymer chain destroyed the molecular orientation microstructure of the PLA fiber, which results in weakening mechanical properties of the fiber then weakening reinforcement function. Both tensile modulus and strength of the composites increased significantly, in particular for the materials reinforced by long fiber. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43530.
Rapid and efficient sprayed multilayer films for controlled drug delivery
Authors: Hsu Bryan B. , Hagerman Samantha R. , Hammond Paula T.
Published: March 2016

The speed and scalability of film fabrication can dictate the translation of technologies from the laboratory scale to industrial level mass production. Spray‐assisted layer‐by‐layer (LbL) film assembly enables the rapid coating of geometrically complex and porous substrates with functional polyelectrolyte multilayers. Unfortunately, the encapsulation efficiency can be as low as one percent, making this technique prohibitively costly with even modestly priced materials. Herein, we used containment chambers to separately capture the aerosolized solutions for each step in the spray‐LbL process and analyzed the effect of recycling on multilayer film assembly. With potential biomedical applications, we studied the controlled release films of (Poly 2/heparin/lysozyme/heparin)n films and tracked the distribution of lysozyme after film assembly. In a “Conventional” Spray‐LbL protocol, only 6% of the aerosolized lysozyme is incorporated into the film. By collecting and returning the expended solutions to their respective reservoirs (Recycle Spray‐LbL), we increased this efficiency to 15%. We also tuned the final distribution of lysozyme by adjusting the spray times (Optimized Spray‐LbL), which minimized the amount of lysozyme lost to non‐specific adsorption and reduced the fraction of lysozyme lost to the wash step from 30% and 75% (Conventional and Recycle Spray‐LbL, respectively) to 13%. Despite the changes in film assembly parameters, each film demonstrated similar controlled release properties. With the inherent limitations of time and cost facing Dip and Conventional Spray‐LbL technologies, respectively, the implementation of recycling to the latter demonstrates improvements in efficiency and time that may make it more attractive for the manufacture of biomedical coatings. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43563.
Structure‐Based Design of a Br Halogen Bond at the Complex Interface of the Human Placental HtrA1 PDZ Domain with Its Heptapeptide Ligand
Authors: Dou Shuo‐Fen , Liu Hong , Cao Tong‐Mei , Wen Qing‐Li , Li Jie , Shao Qing‐Chun
Published: March 2016

The shock‐induced serine protease HtrA1 is a potential regulator of human placenta development during pregnancy. The protein contains a functional PDZ domain that has been solved in complex with a phage display‐derived heptapeptide: Asp−6Ser−5Arg−4Ile−3Trp−2Trp−1Val0. In this study, a rationally designed halogen bond was introduced to the domain–peptide complex based on its NMR structure in solution. We computationally compared the stabilization energies and hindrance effects due to the presence of different halogens X (X = F, Cl, Br, or I), using a hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) approach, and found that the Br atom could considerably promote the peptide binding free energy (ΔΔG = −5.2 kcal/mol). Fluorescence assays confirmed that the peptide affinity to the HtrA1 PDZ domain was improved by approximately sevenfold upon bromination. Structural analysis identified a geometrically perfect halogen bond between the Br atom of the peptide Trp−1 residue and the carbonyl O atom of the HtrA1 Ile385 residue, with a bond length and an interaction energy of d = 3.20 Å and ΔE = −3.7 kcal/mol, respectively.
Mini review: ATP‐dependent proteases in bacteria
Authors: Bittner Lisa‐Marie , Arends Jan , Narberhaus Franz
Published: March 2016

AAA+proteases are universal barrel‐like and ATP‐fueled machines preventing the accumulation of aberrant proteins and regulating the proteome according to the cellular demand. They are characterized by two separate operating units, the ATPase and peptidase domains. ATP‐dependent unfolding and translocation of a substrate into the proteolytic chamber is followed by ATP‐independent degradation. This review addresses the structure and function of bacterial AAA+proteases with a focus on the ATP‐driven mechanisms and the coordinated movements in the complex mainly based on the knowledge of ClpXP. We conclude by discussing strategies how novel protease substrates can be trapped by mutated AAA+protease variants. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 505–517, 2016.
Pharmacokinetics and metabolism study of veratramine in mice after oral administration using LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Cong Yue , Zhang Jun‐Li , Li Sha‐Sha , Shen Shan , Wang Jiang‐Ying , Cai Zongwei
Published: March 2016

A simple and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid triple quadrupole–linear ion trap mass spectrometry (Q‐trap‐MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of veratramine, the major bioactive and neurotoxic component in Veratrum nigrum L. Veratramine and the internal standard (IS) were separated with a Waters Symmetry C18 column and eluted with a gradient mobile phase system containing acetonitrile and 0.1% aqueous formic acid. The analysis was performed by using positive electrospray ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Transition ions of m/z 410.2 → 295.2 for veratramine and m/z 426.1 → 113.8 for the IS were monitored. The method was validated with a good linearity in the range of 1–1000 ng/mL and lower limit of quantification of 1 ng/mL. The precision (CV) of intra‐ and inter‐day ranged from 3.92 to 7.29%, while the accuracy (bias) intra‐ and inter‐day were between −4.78 and 1.65%. The recovery, stability and matrix effect were within the acceptable ranges. Five metabolites of veratramine, including four hydroxylated and one sulfated metabolites, were tentatively identified using predictive MRM–information dependent acquisition–enhanced product ion mode (predictive MRM‐IDA‐EPI). The developed method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic and metabolic study of veratramine in mice after oral administration of veratramine. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single‐Stranded Tile Stoppers for Interlocked DNA Architectures
Authors: Valero Julián , Lohmann Finn , Keppner Daniel , Famulok Michael
Published: March 2016

Interlocked DNA architectures are useful for DNA nanotechnology because of their mechanically bonded components, which can move relative to one another without disassembling. We describe the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel single‐stranded tile (SST) stoppers for the assembly of interlocked DNA architectures. SST stoppers are shown to self‐assemble into a square‐shaped rigid structure upon mixing 97 oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) strands. The structures are equipped with a sticky end that is designed for hybridization with the sticky ends of a dsDNA axle of a DNA rotaxane. Because the diameter of the macrocycle threaded onto the axle is 14 nm, the dimension of the square‐shaped stopper was designed to be bulky enough to prevent the dethreading of the macrocycle. An asymmetric rotaxane with a SST‐ and a ring‐shaped stopper featuring two stations for hybridization of the macrocycle to the axle was assembled. The macrocycle can be directed towards one or the other station upon triggering with fuel ODNs.
Differentiation between Single‐ and Double‐Stranded DNA through Local Capacitance Measurements
Authors: Estrada‐Vargas Arturo , Jambrec Daliborka , Kayran Yasin Ugur , Kuznetsov Volodymyr , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: March 2016

Local differentiation of single‐stranded (ss) and double‐stranded (ds) DNA in microarrays by using electrochemical techniques has gained increasing interest. We propose a method for distinguishing areas on gold electrodes modified with ssDNA and dsDNA based on the difference in their local capacitance. The local capacitance is visualized by means of scanning electrochemical impedance microscopy and alternating‐current scanning electrochemical microscopy.
Dynamic Entangled Porous Framework for Hydrocarbon (C2–C3) Storage, CO2 Capture, and Separation
Authors: Sikdar Nivedita , Bonakala Satyanarayana , Haldar Ritesh , Balasubramanian Sundaram , Maji Tapas Kumar
Published: March 2016

Storage and separation of small (C1–C3) hydrocarbons are of great significance as these are alternative energy resources and also can be used as raw materials for many industrially important materials. Selective capture of greenhouse gas, CO2 from CH4 is important to improve the quality of natural gas. Among the available porous materials, MOFs with permanent porosity are the most suitable to serve these purposes. Herein, a two‐fold entangled dynamic framework {[Zn2(bdc)2(bpNDI)]⋅4DMF}n with pore surface carved with polar functional groups and aromatic π clouds is exploited for selective capture of CO2, C2, and C3 hydrocarbons at ambient condition. The framework shows stepwise CO2 and C2H2 uptake at 195 K but type I profiles are observed at 298 K. The IAST selectivity of CO2 over CH4 is the highest (598 at 298 K) among the MOFs without open metal sites reported till date. It also shows high selectivity for C2H2, C2H4, C2H6, and C3H8 over CH4 at 298 K. DFT calculations reveal that aromatic π surface and the polar imide (RNC=O) functional groups are the primary adsorption sites for adsorption. Furthermore, breakthrough column experiments showed CO2/CH4 C2H6/CH4 and CO2/N2 separation capability at ambient condition.
Cage Opening of a Carborane Ligand by Metal Cluster Complexes
Authors: Adams Richard D. , Kiprotich Joseph , Peryshkov Dmitry V. , Wong Yuen Onn
Published: March 2016

The reaction of Os3(CO)10(NCMe)2 with closo‐o‐C2B10H10 has yielded two interconvertible isomers Os3(CO)9(μ3‐4,5,9‐C2B10H8)(μ‐H)2 (1 a) and Os3(CO)9(μ3‐3,4,8‐C2B10H8)(μ‐H)2 (1 b) formed by the loss of the two NCMe ligands and one CO ligand from the Os3 cluster. Two BH bonds of the o‐C2B10H10 were activated in its addition to the osmium cluster. A second triosmium cluster was added to the 1 a/1 b mixture to yield the complex Os3(CO)9(μ‐H)2(μ3‐4,5,9‐μ3‐7,11,12‐C2B10H7)Os3(CO)9(μ‐H)3 (2) that contains two triosmium triangles attached to the same carborane cage. When heated, 2 was transformed to the complex Os3(CO)9(μ‐H)(μ3‐3,4,8‐μ3‐7,11,12‐C2B10H8)Os3(CO)9(μ‐H) (3) by a novel opening of the carborane cage with loss of H2.
Melanopsin‐expressing ganglion cells on macaque and human retinas form two morphologically distinct populations
Authors: Liao Hsi‐Wen , Ren Xiaozhi , Peterson Beth B. , Marshak David W. , Yau King‐Wai , Gamlin Paul D. , Dacey Dennis M.
Published: March 2016

The long‐term goal of this research is to understand how retinal ganglion cells that express the photopigment melanopsin, also known as OPN4, contribute to vision in humans and other primates. Here we report the results of anatomical studies using our polyclonal antibody specifically against human melanopsin that confirm and extend previous descriptions of melanopsin cells in primates. In macaque and human retina, two distinct populations of melanopsin cells were identified based on dendritic stratification in either the inner or the outer portion of the inner plexiform layer (IPL). Variation in dendritic field size and cell density with eccentricity was confirmed, and dendritic spines, a new feature of melanopsin cells, were described. The spines were the sites of input from DB6 diffuse bipolar cell axon terminals to the inner stratifying type of melanopsin cells. The outer stratifying melanopsin type received inputs from DB6 bipolar cells via a sparse outer axonal arbor. Outer stratifying melanopsin cells also received inputs from axon terminals of dopaminergic amacrine cells. On the outer stratifying melanopsin cells, ribbon synapses from bipolar cells and conventional synapses from amacrine cells were identified in electron microscopic immunolabeling experiments. Both inner and outer stratifying melanopsin cell types were retrogradely labeled following tracer injection in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). In addition, a method for targeting melanopsin cells for intracellular injection using their intrinsic fluorescence was developed. This technique was used to demonstrate that melanopsin cells were tracer coupled to amacrine cells and would be applicable to electrophysiological experiments in the future. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2845–2872, 2016. © 2016 The Authors The Journal of Comparative Neurology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mapping synaptic cortico‐claustral connectivity in the mouse
Authors: Atlan Gal , Terem Anna , Peretz‐Rivlin Noa , Groysman Maya , Citri Ami
Published: March 2016

The claustrum is an intriguing brain structure, featuring the highest connectivity per regional volume in the brain. It is a thin and elongated structure enclosed between the striatum and the insular cortex, with widespread reciprocal connections with the sensory modalities and prefrontal cortices. Retinotopic and somatotopic organizations have been described in the claustrum, and anatomical studies in cats, monkeys, and rats have demonstrated topographic organization of cortico‐claustral connections. In this study we mapped the projections from cortical modalities (visual, auditory, somatosensory, motor, and olfactory), and prefrontal regions (anterior cingulate cortex and orbitofrontal cortex) to the claustrum in mice. Utilizing expression of a virally encoded synaptic anterograde tracer, AAV‐SynaptoTag, followed by 3D reconstruction of the cortical projections, we performed a comprehensive study of the organization of these projections within the mouse claustrum. Our results clearly demonstrate a dorsoventral laminar organization of projections from the sensory cortices to the claustrum, whereas frontal inputs are more extensive and overlap with the inputs from the sensory cortices. In addition, we find evidence supporting a core/shell organization of the claustrum. We propose that the overlap between the frontal inputs and the inputs from the sensory modalities may underlie executive regulation of the communication between the claustrum and the cortical modalities. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:1381–1402, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modulating the Electronic and Optical Properties of Tetragonal ZnSe Monolayers by Chalcogen Dopants
Authors: Zhou Jia , Li Yang , Wu Xiaohong , Qin Wei
Published: March 2016

The recently proposed three‐atom‐thick single‐layer ZnSe sheet demonstrates a strong quantum confinement effect by exhibiting a large enhancement of band gap relative to the zinc blende (ZB) bulk phase. In this work, we aim at investigating the electronic and optical properties of this ultrathin tetragonal ZnSe single‐layer sheet with various chalcogen dopant atoms, based on density functional theory (DFT). We find that these single‐layer sheets with dopant atoms are still direct‐band semiconductors with tunable band gaps, which can lead to strong light absorption and potential applications in solar energy harvesting. Theoretical optical absorbance results show that the S‐doped ZnSe monolayer exhibits a higher absorption performance compared to other doped and undoped ZnSe monolayers. These findings pave a way for the modulation of novel ultrathin tetragonal ZnSe monolayers for a wealth of potential optoelectronic applications.
Cytological diagnosis of adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma in sputum
Authors: Qin Jia , Liu Jinli , Axiotis Constantine A.
Published: March 2016

Adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a rare and often aggressive T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma that has been linked to infection by the human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1). ATLL can involve multiple organs including the respiratory airway. A 53‐year‐old Trinidadian woman presented with productive cough and progressive shortness of breath. Her past medical history included duodenal strongyloidosis, skin rash, and hypercalcemia. Radiological studies showed increased interstitial markings. Sputum cytology showed atypical pleomorphic, small‐to‐medium‐sized, lobated lymphocytes with irregular and hyperchromatic nuclei resembling “flower cells” which were CD3±/CD20− by immunocytochemistry. A lung biopsy showed interstitial, peribronchiolar, and subpleural infiltration by a CD3±/CD25± atypical lymphocytic infiltrate. Together with peripheral blood findings and positive HTLV‐1 serology, the diagnosis of ATLL was made. We suggest that sputum evaluation in patients with ATLL risk factors can be diagnostic. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:416–418. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Baicalein Induces Caspase‐dependent Apoptosis Associated with the Generation of ROS and the Activation of AMPK in Human Lung Carcinoma A549 Cells
Authors: Kim Hong Jae , Park Cheol , Han Min‐Ho , Hong Su‐Hyun , Kim Gi‐Young , Hoon Hong Sang , Deuk Kim Nam , Choi Yung Hyun
Published: March 2016

Preclinical Research

Baicalein is one of the main bioactive flavonoids found in the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. Here, we report that baicalein‐induced growth inhibition was associated with the induction of apoptosis in human lung carcinoma A549 cells. Baicalein stimulated the expression of DR5, FasL, and FADD, and activated caspase‐8 by reducing the levels of FLIPs (FLICE‐inhibitory proteins). The apoptotic cell death was also connected with an activation of caspase‐9 and −3, and cleavage of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase; however, a blockage of caspase activation abolished baicalein‐induced apoptotic potentials. Additionally, baicalein caused a mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), the truncation of Bid, and the translocation of pro‐apoptotic Bax to the mitochondria, thereby inducing the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol. In turn, baicalein increased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); however, an ROS scavenger, N‐acetylcysteine, notably attenuated baicalein‐mediated loss of MMP and activation of caspases. Furthermore, baicalein activated the AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Consequently, baicalein‐triggered cell death was attenuated by an AMPK inhibitor, but increased by an AMPK activator, compound C. Overall, the results suggest that the apoptotic activity of baicalein may be associated with caspase‐dependent cascade through the activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic signaling pathways connected with ROS generation and AMPK activation. Drug Dev Res 77 : 73–86, 2016.   © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
When can embryos learn? A test of the timing of learning in embryonic amphibians
Authors: Sehr Evie K. , Beasley Lindsay N. , Wilson Kurtis W. , Gall Brian G.
Published: March 2016

Learning is crucial to the survival of organisms across their life span, including during embryonic development. We set out to determine when learning becomes possible in amphibian development by exposing spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) embryos to chemical stimuli from a predator (Ambystoma opacum), nonpredator (Lithobates clamitans), or control at developmental stages 16–21 or 36–38 (Harrison ). Once exposures were completed and embryos hatched, we recorded the number of movements and time spent moving of individuals in both groups and all treatments. There was no significant difference in number of movements or time spent moving among any of the treatments. The groups that were exposed to predator stimuli and a blank control at stages 36–38 were also tested to determine whether there was a difference in refuge preference or difference in survivorship when exposed to a predator (marbled salamander). There was no difference in survival or refuge preference between individuals; however, all individuals preferred vegetated over open areas regardless of treatment type. We discuss hypotheses for the absence of embryonic learning in this species and suggest it may be the result of the intensity of the predator–prey interaction between the predator, large marbled salamander larvae, and the prey, spotted salamander larvae.
Well‐balanced finite difference weighted essentially non‐oscillatory schemes for the blood flow model
Authors: Wang Zhenzhen , Li Gang , Delestre Olivier
Published: March 2016

The blood flow model maintains the steady‐state solutions, in which the flux gradients are non‐zero but exactly balanced by the source term. In this paper, we design high order finite difference weighted essentially non‐oscillatory (WENO) schemes to this model with such well‐balanced property and at the same time keeping genuine high order accuracy. Rigorous theoretical analysis as well as extensive numerical results all indicate that the resulting schemes verify high order accuracy, maintain the well‐balanced property, and keep good resolution for smooth and discontinuous solutions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finding and Not Finding Rat Perirhinal Neuronal Responses to Novelty
Authors: von Linstow Roloff Eva , Muller Robert U. , Brown Malcolm W.
Published: March 2016

There is much evidence that the perirhinal cortex of both rats and monkeys is important for judging the relative familiarity of visual stimuli. In monkeys many studies have found that a proportion of perirhinal neurons respond more to novel than familiar stimuli. There are fewer studies of perirhinal neuronal responses in rats, and those studies based on exploration of objects, have raised into question the encoding of stimulus familiarity by rat perirhinal neurons. For this reason, recordings of single neuronal activity were made from the perirhinal cortex of rats so as to compare responsiveness to novel and familiar stimuli in two different behavioral situations. The first situation was based upon that used in “paired viewing” experiments that have established rat perirhinal differences in immediate early gene expression for novel and familiar visual stimuli displayed on computer monitors. The second situation was similar to that used in the spontaneous object recognition test that has been widely used to establish the involvement of rat perirhinal cortex in familiarity discrimination. In the first condition 30 (25%) of 120 perirhinal neurons were visually responsive; of these responsive neurons 19 (63%) responded significantly differently to novel and familiar stimuli. In the second condition eight (53%) of 15 perirhinal neurons changed activity significantly in the vicinity of objects (had “object fields”); however, for none (0%) of these was there a significant activity change related to the familiarity of an object, an incidence significantly lower than for the first condition. Possible reasons for the difference are discussed. It is argued that the failure to find recognition‐related neuronal responses while exploring objects is related to its detectability by the measures used, rather than the absence of all such signals in perirhinal cortex. Indeed, as shown by the results, such signals are found when a different methodology is used. © 2016 The Authors Hippocampus Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving Agricultural Management in a Large‐Scale Paddy Field by Using Remotely Sensed Data in the Ceres‐Rice Model
Authors: Rezaei Mojtaba , Shahnazari Ali , Raeini Sarjaz Mahmoud , Vazifedoust Majid
Published: March 2016

Compared to the small‐scale situation, some constraints in large‐scale rice fields have caused crop growth models to fail to reach an acceptable estimate of yield. This study was conducted to investigate the possibility of enhancing the accuracy of the CERES‐Rice model prediction at a large scale through the use of Landsat 5 satellite imagery (termed ‘assimilation’). Firstly, the model was calibrated by data taken from local research. The model accuracy was then evaluated in 110 paddy fields over 26 000 ha (method A). Then the model was recalibrated by paddy yield estimated from Landsat 5 image (method B). The two methods were compared based on their results. The results revealed that RMSEn in simulating grain yield in small‐scale field experiments on the Hashemi cultivar for calibration and validation of the model were 9 and 8%, respectively (R2 = 0.7), which indicated the model's high accuracy in yield prediction. While RMSEn in simulating grain yield in large‐scale (methods A) was 22% (R2 = 0.54), the use of Landsat images in the assimilation method (method B) increased its accuracy dramatically to RMSEn of 12.7% (R2 = 0.72). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony in left bundle branch block canine model: Comparison between cine and tagged MRI
Authors: Saporito Salvatore , van Assen Hans C. , Houthuizen Patrick , Aben Jean‐Paul M.M. , Strik Marc , van Middendorp Lars B. , Prinzen Frits W. , Mischi Massimo
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To compare cine and tagged magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for left ventricular dyssynchrony assessment in left bundle branch block (LBBB), using the time‐to‐peak contraction timing, and a novel approach based on cross‐correlation.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated a canine model dataset (n = 10) before (pre‐LBBB) and after induction of isolated LBBB (post‐LBBB). Multislice short‐axis tagged and cine MRI images were acquired using a 1.5 T scanner. We computed contraction time maps by cross‐correlation, based on the timing of radial wall motion and of circumferential strain. Finally, we estimated dyssynchrony as the standard deviation of the contraction time over the different regions of the myocardium.

Results

Induction of LBBB resulted in a significant increase in dyssynchrony (cine: 13.0 ± 3.9 msec for pre‐LBBB, and 26.4 ± 5.0 msec for post‐LBBB, P = 0.005; tagged: 17.1 ± 5.0 msec at for pre‐LBBB, and 27.9 ± 9.8 msec for post‐LBBB, P = 0.007). Dyssynchrony assessed by cine and tagged MRI were in agreement (r = 0.73, P = 0.0003); differences were in the order of time difference between successive frames of 20 msec (bias: –2.9 msec; limit of agreement: 10.1 msec). Contraction time maps were derived; agreement was found in the contraction patterns derived from cine and tagged MRI (mean difference in contraction time per segment: 3.6 ± 13.7 msec).

Conclusion

This study shows that the proposed method is able to quantify dyssynchrony after induced LBBB in an animal model. Cine‐assessed dyssynchrony agreed with tagged‐derived dyssynchrony, in terms of magnitude and spatial direction. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;44:956–963.
Characterizing gradient echo signal decays in gynecologic cancers at 3T using a Gaussian augmentation of the monoexponential (GAME) model
Authors: Ciris Pelin A. , Balasubramanian Mukund , Damato Antonio L. , Seethamraju Ravi T. , Tempany‐Afdhal Clare M. , Mulkern Robert V. , Viswanathan Akila N.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To assess whether
mapping with a standard Monoexponential (ME) or a Gaussian Augmentation of the Monoexponential (GAME) decay model better characterizes gradient‐echo signal decays in gynecological cancers after external beam radiation therapy at 3T, and evaluate implications of modeling for noninvasive identification of intratumoral hypoxia.

Materials and Methods: Multi‐gradient‐echo signals were acquired on 25 consecutive patients with gynecologic cancers and three healthy participants during inhalation of different oxygen concentrations at 3T. Data were fitted with both ME and GAME models. Models were compared using F‐tests in tumors and muscles in patients, muscles, cervix, and uterus in healthy participants, and across oxygenation levels.

Results

GAME significantly improved fitting over ME (P < 0.05): Improvements with GAME covered 34% of tumor regions‐of‐interest on average, ranging from 6% (of a vaginal tumor) to 68% (of a cervical tumor) in individual tumors. Improvements with GAME were more prominent in areas that would be assumed hypoxic based on ME alone, reaching 90% as ME
approached 100 Hz. Gradient echo decay parameters at different oxygenation levels were not significantly different (P = 0.81).

Conclusion

may prove sensitive to hypoxia; however, inaccurate representations of underlying data may limit the success of quantitative assessments. Although the degree to which R2 or σ values correlate with hypoxia remains unknown, improved characterization with GAME increases the potential for determining any correlates of fit parameters with biomarkers, such as oxygenation status. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;44:1020–1030.
An innovative photographic database for cutaneous facial defects
Authors: Miller Matthew Q. , Rikhi Shefali R. , Park Stephen S. , Christophel John J.
Published: March 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To construct an easy‐to‐use server‐based database that stores photographs of patients undergoing reconstructive surgery for cutaneous facial defects and organizes them in a manner best suited for rapid search and education.

Study Design

An institutional review board‐approved user‐modifiable database was designed using OnBase software (Hyland Software Inc., Westlake, OH) to store both the photographs of patients undergoing reconstructive surgery and the pertinent clinical data.

Methods

We designed a database using the OnBase software system (Hyland Software Inc.) to catalog patient data and photographs (pre‐, intra‐, and postoperative) and allow searches based on key data points. The database operates on three different frames: an upload frame, retrieval frame, and patient document frame. Data entry was based on patients undergoing facial reconstruction of Mohs defects, and upload is in the form of 25 keywords for which data values are entered via dropdown menus. Keyword entry describes defect description, flap nomenclature, flap design, outcomes, and complications.

Results

The database allows easy and rapid searches of case examples based on a number of criteria. It allows the user to view multiple examples of different patients with a given defect as defined by location, depth, and size.

Conclusion

Server‐based database systems such as OnBase (Hyland Software Inc.) provide platforms that can be used to create user‐friendly photograph and data collection systems. Our database provides a way to educate medical students and surgeons‐in‐training, review personal outcomes, and exercise continued practice‐based learning. Implementation of similar databases could potentially be utilized around the globe to facilitate education and self‐assessment because OnBase (Hyland Software Inc.) and other similar software platforms are widely available within healthcare systems. Laryngoscope, 2016 Laryngoscope, 126:2451–2455, 2016
External bioresorbable airway rigidification to treat refractory localized tracheomalacia
Authors: Gorostidi François , Reinhard Antoine , Monnier Philippe , Sandu Kishore
Published: March 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Our study evaluates the efficacy of extraluminal bioresorbable plates to treat refractory localized airway malacia in patients undergoing corrective surgery for complex multilevel laryngotracheal stenosis.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Secondary malacic airway segments were characterized (severity, site, type) by a dynamic transnasal flexible laryngotracheobronchoscopy before surgery. Extraluminal bioresorbable plates were used to stabilize the malacic segment through a transcervical approach under intraoperative flexible endoscopic guidance. Results were evaluated subjectively and by a postoperative dynamic endoscopy. We report our experience in seven patients (6 children, 1 adult).

Results

External tracheal stiffening allowed complete or partial resolution of refractory proximal airway malacia in six of seven complex cases described (result in one case is awaited). It allowed quick decannulation in four of seven patients who experienced multiple previous failures. Decannulation failures were due to recurrence of stenosis. With up to 2 years of follow‐up, we report no direct complications related to the presence of extraluminal bioresorbable plates around the airway.

Conclusion

Extraluminal biodegradable tracheal stiffening represents a valid therapeutic option in select cases of upper airway malacia. It can be highly useful in cases of complex multilevel airway obstructions. External stiffening needs to be planned on a case‐to‐case basis according to the type of malacia and must be performed under endoscopic guidance.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:2605–2610, 2016
Diverse clinical and laboratory manifestations of bilateral vestibulopathy
Authors: Moon Myunggi , Chang Sun O , Kim Min‐Beom
Published: March 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To identify the clinical and laboratory characteristics of bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) on the video head impulse test (vHIT).

Study Design

Retrospective chart analysis.

Methods

During 23 months, 1,789 patients with dizziness underwent vHIT in our tertiary referral hospital. Of these patients, 65 (3.6%) patients had bilaterally positive catch‐up saccades. Based on the caloric test, 15 (group 1) had bilateral caloric weakness, 13 (group 2) had unilateral caloric weakness, and 37 (group 3) had normal caloric responses on both ears. We collected data on these patients regarding demographics, symptoms, gain, and type of saccade on horizontal canal plane vHIT, as well as gain and time constant on velocity step of the rotatory chair test.

Results

The average age of group 2 (70.38 ± 11.96 years) and group 3 (69.03 ± 11.01 years) were significantly older than that of group 1 (54.80 ± 11.96 years) (P = 0.029, P = 0.003, respectively). Although all patients had bilaterally positive vHIT, 10 of 15 in group 1 were finally diagnosed as classical BVP by clinical features. On comparison of average gain on bilateral horizontal vHIT, groups 2 (0.71 ± 0.17) and 3 (0.80 ± 0.14) had higher gain compared to group 1 (0.45 ± 0.22) (P = 0.001, P = 0.000, respectively). On velocity step test, time constant and gain of group 3 (11.60 ± 3.07, 0.49 ± 0.13) was significantly higher than those of group 1 (4.92 ± 1.36, 0.22 ± 0.17) (P = 0.000, P = 0.004, respectively). On the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, vHIT alone seemed to be a discordant method for diagnosis of BVP compared to the caloric and step velocity tests.

Conclusion

About 3.6% patients with dizziness showed bilateral vestibular ocular reflex deficit during high‐frequency acceleration, which was prevalent especially in elderly patients. Also, positive bilateral vHIT does not always correlate with caloric or rotatory chair test results. This may imply that a diverse spectrum of vestibulopathies exist according to the stimulation frequency of deficit.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:E42–E49, 2017
Clinimetric testing of the comprehensive cervical dystonia rating scale
Authors: Comella Cynthia L. , Perlmutter Joel S. , Jinnah Hyder A. , Waliczek Tracy A. , Rosen Ami R. , Galpern Wendy R. , Adler Charles A. , Barbano Richard L. , Factor Stewart A. , Goetz Christopher G. , Jankovic Joseph , Reich Stephen G. , Rodriguez Ramon L. , Severt William L. , Zurowski Mateusz , Fox Susan H. , Stebbins Glenn T.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

The aim of this study was to test the clinimetric properties of the Comprehensive Cervical Dystonia Rating Scale. This is a modular scale with modifications of the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (composed of three subscales assessing motor severity, disability, and pain) now referred to as the revised Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Scale‐2; a newly developed psychiatric screening instrument; and the Cervical Dystonia Impact Profile‐58 as a quality of life measure.

Methods

Ten dystonia experts rated subjects with cervical dystonia using the comprehensive scale. Clinimetric techniques assessed each module of the scale for reliability, item correlation, and factor structure.

Results

There were 208 cervical dystonia patients (73% women; age, 59 ± 10 years; duration, 15 ± 12 years). Internal consistency of the motor severity subscale was acceptable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.57). Item to total correlations showed that elimination of items with low correlations (<0.20) increased alpha to 0.71. Internal consistency estimates for the subscales for disability and pain were 0.88 and 0.95, respectively. The psychiatric screening scale had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.84 and satisfactory item to total correlations. When the subscales of the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Scale‐2 were combined with the psychiatric screening scale, Cronbach's alpha was 0.88, and construct validity assessment demonstrated four rational factors: motor; disability; pain; and psychiatric disorders. The Cervical Dystonia Impact Profile‐58 had an alpha of 0.98 and its construction was validated through a confirmatory factor analysis.

Conclusions

The modules of the Comprehensive Cervical Dystonia Rating Scale are internally consistent with a logical factor structure. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Retrospective respiratory self‐gating and removal of bulk motion in pulmonary UTE MRI of neonates and adults
Authors: Higano Nara S. , Hahn Andrew D. , Tkach Jean A. , Cao Xuefeng , Walkup Laura L. , Thomen Robert P. , Merhar Stephanie L. , Kingma Paul S. , Fain Sean B. , Woods Jason C.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To implement pulmonary three‐dimensional (3D) radial ultrashort echo‐time (UTE) MRI in non‐sedated, free‐breathing neonates and adults with retrospective motion tracking of respiratory and intermittent bulk motion, to obtain diagnostic‐quality, respiratory‐gated images.

Methods

Pulmonary 3D radial UTE MRI was performed at 1.5 tesla (T) during free breathing in neonates and adult volunteers for validation. Motion‐tracking waveforms were obtained from the time course of each free induction decay's initial point (i.e., k‐space center), allowing for respiratory‐gated image reconstructions that excluded data acquired during bulk motion. Tidal volumes were calculated from end‐expiration and end‐inspiration images. Respiratory rates were calculated from the Fourier transform of the motion‐tracking waveform during quiet breathing, with comparison to physiologic prediction in neonates and validation with spirometry in adults.

Results

High‐quality respiratory‐gated anatomic images were obtained at inspiration and expiration, with less respiratory blurring at the expense of signal‐to‐noise for narrower gating windows. Inspiration‐expiration volume differences agreed with physiologic predictions (neonates; Bland‐Altman bias = 6.2 mL) and spirometric values (adults; bias = 0.11 L). MRI‐measured respiratory rates compared well with the observed rates (biases = −0.5 and 0.2 breaths/min for neonates and adults, respectively).

Conclusions

Three‐dimensional radial pulmonary UTE MRI allows for retrospective respiratory self‐gating and removal of intermittent bulk motion in free‐breathing, non‐sedated neonates and adults. Magn Reson Med 77:1284–1295, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Effects of glass fibers on mechanical and thermal properties of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate)
Authors: Arifin Willson , Kuboki Takashi
Published: March 2016

This study investigates the effects of glass fiber on the mechanical and thermal properties of bacterial polyester, poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH). PHBH composites were prepared by melt‐compounding and injection molding, using PHBH with 3‐hydroxyhexanoate (3HH) molar fractions of 5.6% and 11.1%, and short glass fiber content varying from 0 to 23 volume percent. Tensile test results suggested that the glass fiber addition significantly increased Young's modulus and strength of PHBH. The Halpin–Tsai and Tsai–Pagano equations were used to predict Young's modulus of PHBH composites while the modified Kelly–Tyson model with the Bowyer–Bader method were used for strength prediction. These predictions gave reasonable estimates for the mechanical properties of PHBH composites. Differential scanning calorimetry results suggested that glass fiber addition had little effect on the degree of crystallinity of PHBH, as well as on the crystallization half‐time of PHBH containing 5.6 mol% 3HH. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:491–503, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
In vitro apatite forming ability and ketoprofen release of radiation synthesized (gelatin‐polyvinyl alcohol)/bioglass composite scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Raafat Amany Ismael , Abd‐Allah Wesam Mohamed
Published: March 2016

A series of bioglass (BG) reinforced composite scaffolds based on polyvinyl alcohol and Gelatin were prepared using γ‐radiation as clean source of initiation and crosslinking. To evaluate the potential applicability of the obtained reinforced BG composites as a scaffold for bone tissue regeneration, the in vitro apatite‐forming ability was assessed in simulated body fluid. The formation of apatite layer was confirmed using different techniques including Fourier transform spectroscopy technique, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, gel fraction, swelling behavior, and thermal properties using thermogravimetric analysis technique of the composite scaffolds were investigated. The obtained data revealed that the presence of the BG particles entrapped within the scaffold matrix promotes hydroxyapatite formation, as a function of immersion time. The degradation of the reinforced composites in phosphate buffer was studied by measuring their weight loss as well as changes in the pH of the incubating medium as a function of time and BG content. In vitro release of ketoprofen as anti‐inflammatory and analgesic drug was investigated to evaluate the composite scaffolds potential as drug carrier. The obtained results showed that the ketoprofen loaded scaffolds were able to deliver the loaded drug in a sustainable manner that last for about 144 h. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:606–615, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers