bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic forensic toxicological analysis by GC‐MS in serum using automated mass spectral deconvolution and identification system
Authors: Grapp Marcel , Maurer Hans H. , Desel Herbert
Published: September 2015

Non‐targeted screening of body fluids for psychoactive agents is an essential task for forensic toxicology. The challenge is the identification of xenobiotics of interest from background noise and endogenous matrix components. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the use of an Automated Mass Spectral Deconvolution and Identification System (AMDIS) for gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) based toxicological serum screening. One hundred fifty serum samples submitted to the authors´ laboratory for systematic forensic toxicological analysis underwent GC‐MS screening after neutral and basic liquid‐liquid extraction. Recorded datasets were routinely evaluated both by experienced personnel and automatically using the AMDIS software combined with the Maurer/Pfleger/Weber GC‐MS library MPW_2011. The results from manual and automated data evaluation were then systematically compared. AMDIS parameters for data deconvolution and substance identification had been successfully adapted to the GC‐MS screening procedure in serum. The number of false positive hits could substantially be reduced without increasing the risk of overlooking relevant compounds. With AMDIS‐based data evaluation, additional drugs were identified in 25 samples (17%) that had not been detected by manual data evaluation. Importantly, among these drugs, there were frequently prescribed and toxicologically relevant antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs such as citalopram, mirtazapine, quetiapine, or venlafaxine. For most of the identified drugs, their serum concentrations were in the therapeutic or subtherapeutic range. Thus, our study indicated that automated data evaluation by AMDIS provided reliable screening results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Medical outcomes for adults hospitalized with severe anorexia nervosa: An analysis by age group
Authors: Gaudiani Jennifer L. , Brinton John T. , Sabel Allison L. , Rylander Melanie , Catanach Brittany , Mehler Philip S.
Published: September 2015

Objective

Relatively little has been written about the outcomes of medical stabilization, analyzed specifically across the age spectrum, in adults with severe anorexia nervosa (AN).

Method

We retrospectively evaluated clinical parameters relevant to acuity of illness and outcomes of early refeeding in 142 adults with severe AN, admitted for definitive inpatient medical stabilization from October 1, 2008 to December 31, 2012. Patients were categorized into three age groups: 17 to 29, 30 to 40, and 41+ years.

Results

The study included 142 patients with median age of 28 years old (range 17–65 years). Fifty‐four percent (n = 78) were under 30 years old, 23% (n = 32) between 30 and 40 years old, and 23% (n = 32) were over 40 years old. Average admission BMI did not differ among age groups, ranging from 12.7 to 13.2 kg/m2. Of the admission parameters, only low serum albumin levels (more prevalent in older patients), high international normalized ratio (INR) levels (more prevalent in younger patients), and neutropenia (more prevalent in the <30 age group) varied with age. During hospitalization, rates of bradycardia, hypoglycemia, liver dysfunction, very low %IBW, refeeding hypophosphatemia, refeeding edema, length of stay, and discharge BMI did not differ with age. Age group was associated with rate of weekly weight gain only in patients with AN‐binge purge subtype.

Discussion

Results demonstrate medical abnormalities and response to medical stabilization in severely ill AN patients during hospitalization were mostly similar across the age span. This information should allay fears that the effect of age will make medical stabilization more difficult. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:378–385).
Belowground carbon responses to experimental warming regulated by soil moisture change in an alpine ecosystem of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Xue Xian , Peng Fei , You Quangang , Xu Manhou , Dong Siyang
Published: September 2015

Recent studies found that the largest uncertainties in the response of the terrestrial carbon cycle to climate change might come from changes in soil moisture under the elevation of temperature. Warming‐induced change in soil moisture and its level of influence on terrestrial ecosystems are mostly determined by climate, soil, and vegetation type and their sensitivity to temperature and moisture. Here, we present the results from a warming experiment of an alpine ecosystem conducted in the permafrost region of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau using infrared heaters. Our results show that 3 years of warming treatments significantly elevated soil temperature at 0–100 cm depth, decreased soil moisture at 10 cm depth, and increased soil moisture at 40–100 cm depth. In contrast to the findings of previous research, experimental warming did not significantly affect NH4+‐N, NO3−‐N, and heterotrophic respiration, but stimulated the growth of plants and significantly increased root biomass at 30–50 cm depth. This led to increased soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and liable carbon at 30–50 cm depth, and increased autotrophic respiration of plants. Analysis shows that experimental warming influenced deeper root production via redistributed soil moisture, which favors the accumulation of belowground carbon, but did not significantly affected the decomposition of soil organic carbon. Our findings suggest that future climate change studies need to take greater consideration of changes in the hydrological cycle and the local ecosystem characteristics. The results of our study will aid in understanding the response of terrestrial ecosystems to climate change and provide the regional case for global ecosystem models.
Potassium efflux fires the canon: Potassium efflux as a common trigger for canonical and noncanonical NLRP3 pathways
Authors: Rivers‐Auty Jack , Brough David
Published: September 2015

Murine caspase‐11 and its human orthologues, caspase‐4 and caspase‐5, activate an inflammatory response following cytoplasmic recognition of cell wall constituents from Gram‐negative bacteria, such as LPS. This inflammatory response involves pyroptotic cell death and the concomitant release of IL‐1α, as well as the production of IL‐1β and IL‐18 through the noncanonical NLR family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) pathway. This commentary discusses three papers in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology that advance our understanding of the roles of caspase‐11, ‐4, and ‐5 in the noncanonical pathway. By utilizing the new gene editing technique, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), as well as sensitive cell imaging techniques, these papers establish that cytoplasmic LPS‐dependent IL‐1β production requires the NLRP3 inflammasome and that its activation is dependent on K+ efflux, whereas IL‐1α release and pyroptotic cell death pathways are NLRP3‐independent. These findings expand on previous research implicating K+ efflux as the principal trigger for NLRP3 activation and suggest that canonical and noncanonical NLRP3 pathways are not as dissimilar as first thought.
Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of 3‐Fluorocyclobutylamines
Authors: Chernykh Anton V. , Radchenko Dmytro S. , Chernykh Alla V. , Kondratov Ivan S. , Tolmachova Nataliya A. , Datsenko Olexandr P. , Kurkunov Maxim A. , Zozulya Sergey X. , Kheylik Yuri P. , Bartels Katharina , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Haufe Günter
Published: September 2015

Hitherto unknown cis‐ and trans‐3‐alkyl‐ and 3‐aryl‐3‐fluorocycobutylamines have been synthesised selectively from 3‐oxocyclobutane carboxylic acid in six or seven steps. Comparison of their pKa and log D values with those of the fluorine‐free parent compounds showed acidification by about 0.8 units, irrespective of the stereochemistry. This indicates that there are no through‐space interactions between fluorine and the amino function – a conclusion that was supported by the results of X‐ray analysis. Fluorinated trans‐compounds were found to be more lipophilic (Δ log P ≈ 1) compared with the non‐fluorinated analogues, whereas the difference was marginal for cis isomers.
Powerful Bipodal Anion Transporters Based on Scaffolds That Contain Different Chalcogens
Authors: Lang Chao , Zhang Xin , Luo Quan , Dong Zeyuan , Xu Jiayun , Liu Junqiu
Published: September 2015

A new family of bipodal anion transporters based on chalcogen‐containing scaffolds has been designed and synthesized. Though structurally related to the well‐studied tripodal anionophores, these molecules are simpler with only two anion‐binding sites. However, the activities remain high. Anion transport could be facilitated by the new transporter at an exceptionally low loading of transporter/lipid ratio of 1:500000. This impressive efficiency is comparable with the most active one from the tren‐based tripodal series. To investigate influences from different scaffolds and substituent groups, lipophilicity, anion‐binding property, and transport activity of each molecule were studied. It was found that the bridge atom has a major impact on transport activities mainly as a result of anion‐binding differences. The results also suggest that chalcogen can act as a key structural modulator to develop highly effective anion transporters and optimize their activities.
‘I don't think racism is that bad any more’: Exploring the ‘end of racism’ discourse among students in English schools
Authors: Andreouli Eleni , Greenland Katy , Howarth Caroline
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we present findings on lay constructions of racism from a focus group study (11 groups, n = 72) with a mixed sample of secondary‐school students in England. We show that racism was, on the whole, ‘othered’: It was located in other times, places, and people or was denied altogether. We show that this way of talking about racism had different uses depending on the identity stakes involved in different interactional contexts. Even in the cases where racism was constructed as common, participants worked hard to make an ‘irrefutable’ argument, which suggests that they were anticipating reputational damage by making a claim for the persistence of racism. We discuss these findings with regard to the different levels of analysis involved in constructions of racism (micro‐interactional, local and broader normative context) and with regard to an ‘end of racism’ discourse that appeared to provide the normative framework for participants' accounts.
Recent developments in capillary and microchip electroseparations of peptides (2013–middle 2015)
Authors: Kašička Václav
Published: September 2015

The review brings a comprehensive survey of recent developments and applications of high performance capillary and microchip electroseparation methods (zone electrophoresis, isotachophoresis, isoelectric focusing, affinity electrophoresis, electrokinetic chromatography, and electrochromatography) to analysis, micropreparation, purification, and physicochemical and biochemical characterization of peptides in the years 2013, 2014, and ca. up to the middle of 2015. Advances in the investigation of electromigration properties of peptides, in the methodology of their analysis, including sample preseparation, preconcentration and derivatization, adsorption suppression and EOF control, as well as in detection of peptides, are described. New developments in particular CE and CEC modes are presented and several types of their applications to peptide analysis are reported: conventional qualitative and quantitative analysis, determination in complex (bio)matrices, monitoring of chemical and enzymatical reactions and physical changes, amino acid, sequence, and chiral analysis, and peptide mapping of proteins. Some micropreparative peptide separations are shown and capabilities of CE and CEC techniques to provide important physicochemical characteristics of peptides are demonstrated.
Self‐aligning subatmospheric hybrid liquid junction electrospray interface for capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Krenkova Jana , Kleparnik Karel , Grym Jakub , Luksch Jaroslav , Foret Frantisek
Published: September 2015

We report a construction of a self‐aligning subatmospheric hybrid liquid junction electrospray interface for CE eliminating the need for manual adjustment by guiding the capillaries in a microfabricated liquid junction glass chip at a defined angle. Both the ESI and separation capillaries are inserted into the microfabricated part until their ends touch. The distance between the capillary openings is defined by the angle between the capillaries. The microfabricated part contains channels for placement of the capillaries and connection of the external electrode reservoirs. It was fabricated using standard photolithographic/wet chemical etching techniques followed by thermal bonding. The liquid junction is connected to a subatmospheric electrospray chamber inducing the flow inside the ESI needle and helping the ion transport via aerodynamic focusing.
Lignocellulosic biomass: Biosynthesis, degradation, and industrial utilization
Authors: Guerriero Gea , Hausman Jean‐Francois , Strauss Joseph , Ertan Haluk , Siddiqui Khawar Sohail
Published: September 2015

Lignocellulose biomass derived from plant cell walls is a rich source of biopolymers, chemicals, and sugars, besides being a sustainable alternative to petrochemicals. A natural armor protecting living protoplasts, the cell wall is currently the target of intense study because of its crucial importance in plant development, morphogenesis, and resistance to (a)biotic stresses. Beyond the intrinsic relevance related to the overall plant physiology, plant cell walls constitute an exquisite example of a natural composite material that is a constant source of inspiration for biotechnology, biofuel, and biomaterial industries. The aim of the present review is to provide the reader with an overview of the current knowledge concerning lignocellulosic biomass synthesis and degradation, by focusing on its three principal constituents, i.e. cellulose, hemicellulose (in particular xylan), and lignin. Furthermore, the current industrial exploitation of lignocellulose from fast growing fibre crops (such as hemp) is highlighted. We conclude this review by suggesting approaches for further research to fill gaps in our current knowledge and to highlight the potential of biotechnology and bioengineering in improving both biomass biosynthesis and degradation.
Growth model for raceway pond cultivation of Desmodesmus sp. MCC34 isolated from a local water body
Authors: Nagappan Senthil , Verma Sanjay Kumar
Published: September 2015

Biofuel production by microalgae has the advantage of higher biomass productivity over land crops. The selection of potential microalgae depends on the growth in outdoor mass cultivation during different seasons, which can be predicted by a mathematical model. Here, freshwater green algae were isolated from a local water body in Pilani, Rajasthan, India (geographical coordinates: 28°22′N 75°36′E) and characterized by microscopy and ribosomal RNA analysis. The strain was submitted to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute's microbial culture collection (IARI, India) and identified as Desmodesmus sp. MCC34. This strain, along with a fresh water green algae (Chlorella minutissima), two marine green algae species (Dunaliella salina and Dunaliella tertiolecta) and two nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria (Nostoc muscorum and Anabaena doliolum), were screened for lipid productivity and growth kinetics under culture room and raceway pond conditions. Desmodesmus sp. MCC34 showed the highest specific growth rate (0.26 day−1), biomass production (1.9 g L−1) and lipid productivity (103 mg L−1 day−1). The optimal temperature and saturating light intensity for maximal growth of Desmodesmus sp. MCC34 were 35 °C and 75 μmol m−2 s−1 with molar extinction coefficient of 0.22 m2 g−1, respectively. Desmodesmus sp. MCC34 was then subjected to outdoor cultivation in a 20‐m long raceway pond for 18 days during March and November 2013. The areal biomass productivity and volumetric biomass productivity were 13946.23 kg ha−1 year−1 and 56.94 mg L− 1day−1 during the month of March, decreasing to 6262.28 kg ha−1 year−1 and 25.57 mg L− 1day−1 during the month of November. A mathematical model was constructed to explain the relationship between biomass production and growth parameters such as temperature, light intensity and nutrient concentration. The productivity values predicted with the proposed model correspond well with the experimental data, suggesting the validity of the model.
Influence of Fe2O3/CaO Catalysts on the Pyrolysis Products of Low‐Rank Coal
Authors: Cheng Xiaohan , He Xuanming , Chen Cheng , Yi Shuang
Published: September 2015

The co‐pyrolysis characteristics of low‐rank coal were studied in the presence of Fe2O3/CaO catalyst in different proportions. The results show that the Fe2O3/CaO catalyst increases the yields of gas and char. For a ratio of 7 %, the yield of gas increased by 3 % and the gas reached the highest calorific value. As the ratio increased to 9 %, the yield of char increased by 3 %, and the activity of char improved because of the rough surface and uneven cracks of the char. The yield of tar decreased slightly, but straight‐chain alkanes and some high‐value‐added chemical compounds in the tar increased, achieving the enrichment of high‐value‐added products in pyrolysis tar. A synergistic reaction may exist between the Fe2O3 and CaO.
Dynamic Model Averaging and CPI Inflation Forecasts: A Comparison between the Euro Area and the United States
Authors: Di Filippo Gabriele
Published: September 2015

The paper forecasts consumer price inflation in the euro area (EA) and in the USA between 1980:Q1 and 2012:Q4 based on a large set of predictors, with dynamic model averaging (DMA) and dynamic model selection (DMS). DMA/DMS allows not solely for coefficients to change over time, but also for changes in the entire forecasting model over time. DMA/DMS provides on average the best inflation forecasts with regard to alternative approaches (such as the random walk). DMS outperforms DMA. These results are robust for different sample periods and for various forecast horizons. The paper highlights common features between the USA and the EA. First, two groups of predictors forecast inflation: temporary fundamentals that have a frequent impact on inflation but only for short time periods; and persistent fundamentals whose switches are less frequent over time. Second, the importance of some variables (particularly international food commodity prices, house prices and oil prices) as predictors for consumer price index inflation increases when such variables experience large shocks. The paper also shows that significant differences prevail in the forecasting models between the USA and the EA. Such differences can be explained by the structure of these respective economies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ECB Projections as a Tool for Understanding Policy Decisions
Authors: Hubert Paul
Published: September 2015

The European Central Bank publishes inflation projections quarterly and we aim to establish empirically whether they influence private inflation forecasts and whether they may be considered as an enhanced means of implementing policy decisions by facilitating private agents’ information processing. We provide original evidence that ECB inflation projections do influence private inflation expectations positively, and that ECB projections convey signals about future ECB rate movements. This paper suggests that ECB projections enable private agents to correctly interpret and predict policy decisions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Both Global and National
Authors: Strohschneider Peter
Published: September 2015

The Annual Meeting of the Global Research Council in Tokyo, intensive consultations with partners in Argentina, Brazil and Russia, scientific policy advice at the United Nations in New York — the DFG's job is to support the best knowledge‐driven research whether at home or in the international aspects of its work.
Numerical modeling of saturated soils based on smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH)
Authors: Grabe Jürgen , Stefanova Bozhana
Published: September 2015

In the first part of this paper the meshless numerical method smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) was introduced, and its application for seepage analysis was presented. In this second part the method is extended to truly coupled analysis using a two‐phase model for saturated soils. In contrast to the simulations in the first part of the paper the soil is also subjected to displacements. A hypoplastic constitutive model is applied to the soil, considering a liquefaction threshold for the case of very low effective stress or tension. The interaction between the two phases – water and soil – is presented for the case of laminar and turbulent flow. Various approaches for the evaluation of the interaction coefficients are introduced and evaluated. Test cases for verification and application of the SPH model are presented and discussed.

Numerische Modellierung gesättigter Böden mit der Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics – Teil 2: gekoppelte Analyse. Die netzfreie numerische Methode Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics sowie ihre Anwendung zur Grundwasserströmungsanalyse wurden in dem ersten Teil dieses Artikels vorgestellt. Für den vorliegenden zweiten Teil wurde die Methode für die gekoppelte Analyse des gesättigten Boden mittels eines Zweiphasenmodells erweitert. Im Unterschied zum Teil 1 des Artikels ist der Boden auch verformbar. Zur Beschreibung des Spannungs‐Dehnungsverhaltens des Bodens kommt ein hypoplastisches Stoffgesetz zur Anwendung, wobei ein Verflüssigungskriterium für den Boden eingeführt wird, welches bei sehr niedrigen effektiven Spannungen oder sogar bei Zugspannungen greift. Die Wechselwirkung zwischen den beiden Phasen – Wasser und Boden – ist definiert für den laminaren sowie für den turbulenten Fall. Verschiedene Ansätze zur Bestimmung der dazugehörigen Interaktionskoeffizienten werden dargestellt und bewertet. Es werden Beispiele zur Verifizierung und Anwendung des Modells präsentiert und diskutiert.
Zur lateralen Bettungssteifigkeit von Pfählen mit großen Durchmessern bei kleinen Verformungen
Authors: Schädlich Bert , Kirsch Fabian , Richter Thomas
Published: September 2015

Die wirtschaftliche und sichere Bemessung von Offshore‐Gründungen mit gerammten Stahlrohrpfählen hängt in hohem Maße von einer realistischen Abbildung der horizontalen Bettung des Pfahls durch den umgebenden Boden ab. Üblicherweise erfolgt die geotechnische und stahlbauliche Bemessung von Monopile‐Gründungsstrukturen mit gebetteten Stabwerksmodellen, in denen die Nichtlinearität des Bodenverhaltens durch entsprechende nichtlineare Bettungsfedern (sogenannte p‐y‐Kurven) berücksichtigt wird. Das Verhalten der p‐y‐Kurven bei kleinen Verformungen hat dabei einen großen Einfluss auf die dynamischen Eigenschaften der Gesamtstruktur. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden verschiedene Ansätze für p‐y‐Kurven mit Berechnungen nach der Finite‐Elemente‐Methode verglichen, in denen ein höherwertiges Materialmodell mit erhöhter Bodensteifigkeit im Bereich sehr kleiner Dehnungen verwendet wurde. Es wird gezeigt, dass mit Modifikationen der p‐y‐Kurven im Bereich kleiner Verformungen eine gute Übereinstimmung zwischen Finite‐Elemente‐Berechnung und den Berechnungen am gebetteten Balken erzielt werden kann.

Lateral bedding stiffness of large diameter piles at small displacements – comparison of Finite Element calculations with methods based on p‐y‐curves. The economical and safe design of offshore foundations with driven steel pipe piles depends to a large degree on the realistic modelling of the lateral bedding provided by the surrounding soil. Usually, the complex and strongly non‐linear soil behaviour is taken into account in the design of offshore foundations by employing non‐linear bedding springs (p‐y‐curves) in beam‐spring models. The behaviour of the p‐y‐curves at small displacements strongly influences the dynamic properties of the structure, which are crucial for both the ultimate limit state (ULS) and the serviceability limit state (SLS). This paper compares different approaches for p‐y‐curves with numerical results obtained with the Finite Element method, using advanced constitutive models accounting for high soil stiffness at very small strains in the numerical calculations. It is shown, that good agreement between the Finite Element calculation and the beam‐spring model can be obtained if the p‐y‐curves are modified at small displacements.
Neogene echinoids from the Cayman Islands, West Indies: regional implications
Authors: Donovan Stephen K. , Jones Brian , Harper David A. T.
Published: September 2015

The first fossil echinoids are recorded from the Cayman Islands. A regular echinoid, Arbacia? sp., the spatangoids Brissus sp. cf. B. oblongus Wright and Schizaster sp. cf. S. americanus (Clark), and the clypeasteroid Clypeaster sp. are from the Middle Miocene Cayman Formation. Test fragments of the mellitid clypeasteroid, Leodia sexiesperforata (Leske), are from the Late Pleistocene Ironshore Formation. Miocene echinoids are preserved as (mainly internal) moulds; hence, all species are left in open nomenclature because of uncertainties regarding test architecture. All Miocene taxa are recorded from single specimens apart from the 27 assigned to Brissus. Schizaster sp. cf. S. americanus (Clark) is compared to a species from the Oligocene of the south‐east USA. Brissus sp. cf. B. oblongus is close in gross morphology to a taxon from the Miocene of Malta. Leodia sexiesperforata is identified from fragments with confidence, being the only extant Antillean sand dollar with elongate ambulacral petals that is limited to carbonate substrates. The Miocene echinoids of Grand Cayman, although of limited diversity, are mainly comprised of genera common in comparable mid‐Cenozoic carbonate environments. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aging effects on pedicled fasciocutaneous flap survival in rats
Authors: Roy Sudeep , Aksamitiene Edita , Hota Salini , Zhang Li‐Hui , Sciarrino Joseph , Baker Adam L. , Heffelfinger Ryan N. , Tuluc Madalina , Hoek Jan B. , Pribitkin Edmund A.
Published: September 2015

Background

Poorer surgical outcomes in older patients undergoing locoregional head and neck reconstruction have raised questions about tolerance of aging tissue to iatrogenic ischemic insults.

Methods

We examined the effects of aging on viability of pedicled composite flaps in 2‐month and 6‐month old Sprague–Dawley male rats and correlated flap survival with vascular endogenous growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 2‐mediated signaling events. Flap segments were assessed for gross/cellular necrosis by optical microscopy and for proangiogenic, apoptotic, and proliferative protein‐marker content.

Results

Flap necrosis significantly increased with age (4.2% in young vs 49.17% in old), correlating with reduced expression of VEGF, inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and Akt activation, impaired Akt‐dependent endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation, elevated Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, activation of Caspase‐3, upregulated nuclear poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) cleavage and lower proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels.

Conclusion

Pedicled flap survival is higher in younger rats in part because of unhindered expression of VEGF and enhanced activity of cell survival and promigratory signaling pathways. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1152–E1162, 2016
Are video‐based preference assessments without access to selected stimuli effective?
Authors: Clark Daniel R. , Donaldson Jeanne M. , Kahng SungWoo
Published: September 2015

This study extended the findings of Snyder, Higbee, and Dayton (2012) by presenting items via video during a paired‐stimulus preference assessment but without providing access contingent on selection. Subsequently, items identified as highly, moderately, and less preferred were assessed in a concurrent reinforcer assessment, which suggested that these items did indeed function as reinforcers.
Therapeutic plasma exchange in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in children
Authors: Borras‐Novell Cristina , García Rey Enric , Perez Baena Luis Francisco , Jordan Garcia Iolanda , Catella Cahiz Dolors , Cambra Francisco
Published: September 2015

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that is probably due to an autoimmune mechanism with an acute presentation and a monophasic course. The management of patients with ADEM is based on supportive therapy, corticosteroids, and intravenous immunoglobulin, and in selected cases, with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy of TPE, as adjuvant therapy in pediatric patients with ADEM. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children with the diagnosis of ADEM between 2009 and 2011 to which TPE was indicated and were admitted in the ICU of Hospital Sant Joan de Deu (Spain). The diagnosis of ADEM was made by clinical and laboratory criteria and by the presence of compatible lesions on cranio‐spinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). For signaling TPE, we followed the guidelines established by the American Association of Apheresis (ASFA) in 2010. Five cases were identified. The predominant neurological symptoms in our patients were: altered level of consciousness, seizures, motor deficits, cranial nerve disorders, and aphasia. Most important demyelinating lesions were located in cortical and subcortical white matter of the brain and highlighted brainstream. Patients performed between 4 and 5 sessions, with no reported side effects. Progressive clinical improvement was evident in all patients, with good neurosensory response to stimulation, cessation of seizures, and recovery of limb mobility. Nowadays, one patient's right paresis persists and another suffers epileptic seizures. None of the cases in our series presented new episodes of demyelination. Due to the suggested immune‐mediated pathogenesis of ADEM, treatment is based on immunomodulatory agents, being glucocorticoids the most important ones. The treatment can be complemented with intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis. Available data suggests that plasma exchange is beneficial in children with ADEM who fail these treatments. The good tolerance of the procedure without adverse reactions and the progressive neurological improvement detected in the reviewed cases suggest that the use of TPE in pediatric patients is a good therapeutic option when performed in an experienced center. J. Clin. Apheresis 30:335–339, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Therapeutic leukocytapheresis for improvement in respiratory function in a woman with hyperleukocytosis and mantle cell lymphoma with a circulating small lymphocyte phenotype
Authors: Kwan Laura , Linden Jeanne , Gaffney Kathleen , Greene Mindy , Vauthrin Michelle , Ramanathan Muthalagu , Weinstein Robert
Published: September 2015

Mantle cell lymphoma is an aggressive malignant B‐cell disorder that often presents with a leukemic picture. Circulating lymphoma cell morphology may vary from small round mature‐appearing lymphocytes resembling the lymphocytes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia to large prolymphocytoid or blastoid cells. Rare reports of hyperleukocytosis with leukostasis, treated with leukocytapheresis, are described in patients with prolymphocytoid or blastoid morphology. We report an 88 year old woman with mantle cell lymphoma, hyperleukocytosis (WBC > 400 × 103/µL) with severe respiratory compromise but without interstitial or alveolar infiltrates on radiograph or computerized tomography of the chest. She was afebrile and had no central nervous system signs. Circulating lymphoma cell morphology was predominantly of the small lymphocyte type. A two‐whole‐blood‐volume leukocytapheresis reduced her WBC from 465 to 221 × 103/µL in 150 min. Her respiratory rate decreased from 28/min to 18/min and her arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) rose from 91% to 97% on 6 L/min of oxygen by nasal cannula. Severe breathlessness before the procedure abated completely by the end of the procedure. Respiratory compromise may occur in mantle cell lymphoma with hyperleukocytosis with a mature lymphoma cell phenotype, even without a clear picture of leukostasis. Although the ultimate survival of the patient depends on treatment with chemotherapy, leukocytapheresis for alleviation of symptoms may be warranted and should be considered. Respiratory status and response to leukocytapheresis should be documented with physiological measurements. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:398–402, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reporting Results of Single‐Case Studies
Authors: Hott Brittany L. , Limberg Dodie , Ohrt Jonathan H. , Schmit Michael K.
Published: September 2015

This article provides an overview of reporting and presenting single‐case study results. The authors offer practical tips for sharing outcomes of studies, reporting visual inspection measures, conducting common statistical procedures, and disseminating results to stakeholders. Specific implications for counselors are provided.
Check‐In/Check‐Out Intervention With Peer Monitoring for a Student With Emotional‐Behavioral Difficulties
Authors: Smith Hallie M. , Evans‐McCleon Tawny N. , Urbanski Brooke , Justice Cheryl
Published: September 2015

Providing intervention services to students with emotional‐behavioral difficulties (EBD) in the educational setting can be challenging and typically requires collaboration among a number of individuals. The authors used an A‐B single‐case research design to examine the effectiveness of a check‐in/check‐out intervention with peer monitoring on the behavior of an elementary student with EBD when using a high school student as a peer monitor. Findings indicated that both students benefited from the intervention.
A Computational Study of Reaction Routes of 1,3,3‐trinitroazetidine (TNAZ) Synthesis
Authors: Liu Min‐Hsien , Cheng Ken‐Fa , Yen Kuang‐Hung
Published: September 2015

This study performs simulation modeling of the synthesis of 1,3,3‐trinitro azetidine (TNAZ), a high‐energy compound. Based on the experimental nitromethane and 1,3‐dihalo‐2‐propanol raw material methods in the latest literature, we suggest reasonable reaction mechanisms. Using quantum mechanical theory, i.e., electronic density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) in the Gaussian 09 program, we have completed optimization work for all species in related reaction stages and obtained energy barrier data, which are used to identify the most feasible reaction pathways. Nitromethane has been used to react with formaldehyde through an ionic‐type transition to produce 2,2‐dinitro‐1,3‐propandiol, followed by reaction with hydrogen bromide to produce 1,3‐dibromo‐2,2‐dinitro propane, then further react with a tertiary amine to produce 1‐tertiary amino‐3,3‐dinitro azetidine, and subsequently nitrate to obtain TNAZ. Substituent effects of some atomic groups have been found during synthesis modeling, and a total activation energy of 1386.6 kJ/mol needs to be conquered in order to complete the reaction. Furthermore, from synthesis modeling using the 1,3‐dihalo‐2‐propanol raw material method, the suggested reaction routes could be bromination of glycerol to 1,3‐dibromo‐2‐propanol, followed by reaction with nitromethane to undergo amination, and further cyclization, oxidation, oximization, and nitration in sequence to produce the target product TNAZ. An overall 1163.5 kJ/mol energy barrier needs to be overcome in this part of the computation.
Endocan, Novel Potential Biomarker for Systemic Sclerosis: Results of a Pilot Study
Authors: Bălănescu Paul , Lădaru Anca , Bălănescu Eugenia , Voiosu Theodor , Băicuş Cristian , Dan Gheorghe Andrei
Published: September 2015

Background

Systemic sclerosis (Ssc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular alterations of small arteries and microvessels with subsequent tissue fibrosis. Endocan is expressed by endothelial cells and associated with endothelial dysfunction; therefore it could be a potential biomarker for Ssc patients.

Methods

Twenty‐one Ssc patients and 20 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls were recruited for the study. Serum endocan levels were determined using ELISA method in all patients and controls.

Results

Serum endocan levels were superior in Ssc patients (median 2.53 (1.10–7 ng/ml)) compared with controls (0.79 (0–2 ng/ml), P < 0.05). Higher serum endocan expression was seen in diffuse Ssc subset and associated with the presence of digital ulcers and daily Raynaud's phenomenon (P < 0.05). Higher serum endocan levels were associated with a modified Rodnan skin score >14 and longer disease duration (P < 0.05). Values of areas under the receiver operating curves showed that serum endocan had good discriminative power for Ssc diagnosis, differentiating diffuse from limited subset type and differentiating patients with modified Rodnan skin score above and under 14 (area under curve: 0.94, 0.81, 0.75, respectively).

Conclusion

The results of this pilot study suggest endocan as a potential biomarker for microvascular manifestations and complications in Ssc patients. These encouraging results could promote future prospective studies in order to determine the exact role played by endocan as a biomarker for Ssc.
Prolyl Endopeptidase (PREP) is Associated With Male Reproductive Functions and Gamete Physiology in Mice
Authors: Dotolo Raffaele , Kim Jung Dae , Pariante Paolo , Minucci Sergio , Diano Sabrina
Published: September 2015

Prolyl endopeptidase (PREP) is a serine protease which has been implicated in many biological processes, such as the maturation and degradation of peptide hormones and neuropeptides, learning and memory, cell proliferation and differentiation, and glucose metabolism. A small number of reports have also suggested PREP participation in both male and female reproduction‐associated processes. In the present work, we examined PREP distribution in male germ cells and studied the effects of its knockdown (Prepgt/gt) on testis and sperm in adult mice. The protein is expressed and localized in elongating spermatids and luminal spermatozoa of wild type (wt) mice, as well as Sertoli, Leydig, and peritubular cells. PREP is also expressed in the head and midpiece of epididymal spermatozoa, whereas the remaining tail region shows a weaker signal. Furthermore, testis weight, histology of seminiferous tubules, and epididymal sperm parameters were assessed in wt and Prepgt/gt mice: wild type testes have larger average tubule and lumen diameter; in addition, lumenal composition of seminiferous tubules is dissimilar between wt and Prepgt/gt, as the percentage of spermiated tubules is much higher in wt. Finally, total sperm count, sperm motility, and normal morphology are also higher in wt than in Prepgt/gt. These results show for the first time that the expression of PREP could be necessary for a correct reproductive function, and suggest that the enzyme may play a role in mouse spermatogenesis and sperm physiology. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 551–557, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modulating Intrafollicular Hormonal Milieu in Controlled Ovarian Stimulation: Insights From PPAR Expression in Human Granulosa Cells
Authors: Tatone Carla , Benedetti Elisabetta , Vitti Maurizio , Di Emidio Giovanna , Ciriminna Rosanna , Vento Maria Elena , Cela Vito , Borzì Placido , Carta Gaspare , Lispi Monica , Cimini Anna Maria , Artini Paolo Giovanni ,   on Behalf of Italian Society of Embryology, Reproduction and Research (SIERR)
Published: September 2015

Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) leading to ovulation of multiple follicles is a crucial aspect of biomedical infertility care. Nevertheless, biomarkers useful for COS management are still lacking. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear hormone receptors relevant to steroid metabolism in granulosa cells (GCs). We investigated whether PPARs and their steroidogenic targets were differentially expressed in GCs differentiated under different recombinant or urinary gonadotropin preparations. GCs from women subjected to COS with r‐hFSH, r‐hFSH/r‐hLH, or hMG‐HP were processed to assess expression of PPARα, PPARβ/δ, PPARγ, and steroidogenic enzymes under PPAR modulation. As an evidence of their activation, all PPAR isotypes with their coactivators, the retinoic‐X‐receptors (RXRs), localized in the nucleus. When GCs from r‐hFSH/r‐hLH group were compared with r‐hFSH, a significant reduction of PPARα protein was observed. By contrast, an increase of PPARβ/δ at both protein and mRNA levels along with that of PPARγ protein were detected. The steroidogenic enzymes 17βHSD IV, 3βHSD II, and HMG‐CoA red were downregulated in the r‐hFSH/r‐hLH group in comparison to r‐hFSH unlike CYP19A1 that remained unchanged. In GCs from urinary FSH‐LH stimulation (hMG‐HP), PPARα was more expressed in comparison with r‐hFSH/r‐hLH group. Likewise, 3βHSD II and 17βHSD IV were increased suggesting that hMG‐HP partially mimicked r‐hFSH/r‐hLH effects. In summary, transcript analysis associated to protein investigation revealed differential effects of COS protocols on PPARs and their steroidogenic targets in relation to LH and gonadotropin source. These observations candidate PPARs as new biomarkers of follicle competence opening new hypotheses on COS effects on ovarian physiology. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 908–914, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An accountability account: A review and synthesis of the theoretical and empirical research on felt accountability
Authors: Hall Angela T. , Frink Dwight D. , Buckley M. Ronald
Published: September 2015

Accountability is a fundamental element of all societies and the organizations that operate within them. This paper focuses on the individual‐level accountability concept of felt accountability (also referred to in the literature as simply accountability), which can be described as the perceptions of one's personal accountability. We describe key theories that have formed the theoretical groundwork for the body of felt accountability literature, and discuss the empirical research published since the last major review of the accountability literature in the late 1990s. Empirical research has revealed that accountability has both constructive and deleterious consequences. Moreover, research examining accountability and key outcomes has produced mixed results, suggesting that consideration of moderators and nonlinear relationships are important when examining accountability. Although accountability is an important construct, there are many issues that have yet to be investigated by scholars. We identify limitations and gaps in the current body of the empirical research and conclude the paper with suggestions for scholars striving to make contributions to this line of research. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and validation of polymerized high internal phase emulsion monoliths coupled with HPLC and fluorescence detection for the determination of trace tetracycline antibiotics in environmental water samples
Authors: Du Fuyou , Zheng Xian , Sun Lin , Qin Qun , Guo Lin , Ruan Guihua
Published: September 2015

A polymerized high internal phase emulsion monolith was used as a novel sorbent for solid‐phase extraction coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection for the determination of oxytetracycline, tetracycline, doxycycline, and chlorotetracycline in environmental water samples. The polymerized high internal phase emulsion monolithic column was prepared by the in situ polymerization of the continuous phase of a high internal phase emulsion containing glycidyl methacrylate, styrene, and divinylbenzene in pipette tips, and then functionalized with iminodiacetic acid. The resulting monolith exhibited highly interconnected porosity and large surface areas, making it an excellent candidate as an solid‐phase extraction sorbent for the enrichment of trace tetracycline antibiotics. Several factors affecting the extraction performance of polymerized high internal phase emulsion monoliths, including the pH of sample solution, the eluting solvents, the sample loading flow rate and volume, were investigated, respectively. Under the optimized conditions, the mean recoveries of oxytetracycline, tetracycline, doxycycline, and chlorotetracycline spiked in pond and farm wastewater samples ranged from 78.1 to 119.3% with relative standard deviation less than 15%. The detection limits (S/N = 3) of the proposed method were in the range of 51–137 pg/mL. This study demonstrated that the monolithic polymerized high internal phase emulsion would be promising solid‐phase extraction sorbents in the extraction and proconcentration of trace analytes from complex samples.
Linear polymer separation using carbon‐nanotube‐modified centrifugal filter units
Authors: Krawczyk Tomasz , Marian Karolina , Pawlyta Mirosława
Published: September 2015

The separation of linear polymers such as polysaccharides and polyethylene glycol was performed with modified commercial centrifugal filter units. The deposition of a 0.16–0.35 μm layer of modified carbon nanotubes prevented permeation of linear polymers of molecular weight higher than 20 000 Da through the membrane. It allowed facile purification of solution of 0.1 g of polymer samples from small molecules within 25 min by using a bench‐top centrifuge. The structure of modified carbon nanotubes was optimized in order to achieve good adhesion to the low binding regenerated cellulose surface and low solubility in aqueous solutions after deposition. The best modification of carbon nanotubes was oxidation and subsequent amide formation of diethanolamine. Introduction of acetic acid groups using sodium chloroacetate worked equally well. The modified filter could be used multiple times without the decrease of the efficiency. The carbon nanotubes layer was stable in aqueous solutions in a pH range of 1–7. The proposed method provides a convenient way of purification of modified polymers in research areas such as drug delivery or macromolecular probes synthesis.
Investigation of Antifouling Properties of Surfaces Featuring Zwitterionic α‐Aminophosphonic Acid Moieties
Authors: Wagner Natalie , Zimmermann Phyllis , Heisig Peter , Klitsche Franziska , Maison Wolfgang , Theato Patrick
Published: September 2015

Zwitterionic thin films containing α‐amino phosphonic acid moieties were successfully introduced on silicon surfaces and their antifouling properties were investigated. Initially, the substrates were modified with a hybrid polymer, composed of poly(methylsilsesquioxane) (PMSSQ) and poly(4‐vinyl benzaldehyde) (PStCHO). Next, a Kabachnik–Fields post‐polymerization modification (sur‐KF‐PMR) of the functionalized aldehyde surfaces was conducted with different amines and dialkyl phosphonates. After subsequent deprotection reaction of dialkyl phosphonates, the obtained zwitterionic surfaces were characterized by various techniques and we found excellent antifouling properties of the resulting films.