bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Determination of Pyrogallol at Conducting Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) Film‐Modified Screen‐Printed Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Hung Cheng‐Hsien , Chang Wei‐Ting , Su Wan‐Yu , Cheng Shu‐Hua
Published: September 2014

The electrochemical oxidation of pyrogallol at electrogenerated poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) film‐modified screen‐printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) was investigated. The voltammetric peak for the oxidation of pyrogallol in a pH 7 buffer solution at the modified electrode occurred at 0.13 V, much lower than the bare SPCE and preanodized SPCE. The experimental parameters, including electropolymerization conditions, solution pH values and applied potentials were optimized to improve the voltammetric responses. A linear calibration plot, based on flow‐injection amperometry, was obtained for 1–1000 µM pyrogallol, and a slope of 0.030 µA/µM was obtained. The detection limit (S/N=3) was 0.63 µM.
Preparation of Polyaniline/Au0 Nanocomposites Modified Electrode and Application for Hydrazine Detection
Authors: Xin Meng , Lin Hailian , Yang Jianmao , Chen Mengni , Ma. Xiaoyu , Liu Jianyun
Published: September 2014

The PANI/Au0 nanocomposite films were successfully prepared on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using a simple alternate adsorption of water soluble polyaniline (PANI) and ${{\rm AuCl}{{- \hfill \atop 4\hfill}}}$. The growth of the films was monitored by UVVis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. ${{\rm AuCl}{{- \hfill \atop 4\hfill}}}$ was in‐situ reduced in the film due to the redox interaction between PANI and ${{\rm AuCl}{{- \hfill \atop 4\hfill}}}$, without extra reductant. The ultrafine Au nanoparticles with the size of 2–4 nm were observed by transmission electron spectroscopy. The existence of zero‐valence Au nanocrystals (Au0) was confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray Diffraction and FTIR. PANI in the nano‐structured PANI/Au0 composite films displayed a good redox activity in neutral pH solution. The as‐obtained PANI/Au0/GCE presents an excellent electrocatalytic activity to hydrazine oxidation, and the mechanism of hydrazine oxidation was studied. The calibration curve on (PANI/Au0)5/GCE was obtained in the concentration range of 0.01–6 mM with the detection limit of 1 µM (S/N>3). The modified electrode has a great potential for hydrazine sensor application due to its ease of fabrication, good reproducibility and high stability.
Cadmium accumulation and tolerance in the Cd‐accumulator Capsella bursa‐pastoris
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Lin Lijin , Jin Qian , Zhu Xuemei
Published: September 2014

Advances in phytoremediation research require the selection of new hyperaccumulators or accumulators and investigations of their tolerance and accumulation of heavy metals. Two concentration gradient experiments (preliminary and verification), involving the same soil Cd concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 mg kg−1), were conducted to study Cd accumulation and tolerance in Capsella bursa‐pastoris. In the preliminary and verification concentration gradient experiments, the Cd content in shoots of C. bursa‐pastoris exceeded 100 mg kg−1 at a soil Cd concentration of 50 mg kg−1, and the maxima of Cd contents in shoots were 307.67 and 369.20 mg kg−1 at 125 mg kg−1 Cd in soil, respectively. The shoot bioconcentration factor of C. bursa‐pastoris was greater than 1, but the translocation factor was less than 1.0 in the preliminary and verification concentration gradient experiments. In the verification concentration gradient experiment, the malondialdehyde content and the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase increased compared with the control. Therefore, C. bursa‐pastoris is a Cd‐accumulator with strong tolerance to Cd, and could be used to remediate Cd‐contaminated farmland soil in winter. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2014 34: 663–668, 2015
The Development of a Diversity Initiative: Framework for the Graduate Education Diversity Internship (GEDI) Program
Authors: Symonette Hazel , Mertens Donna M. , Hopson Rodney
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a historical framing for the development of the American Evaluation Association's (AEA's) Graduate Education Diversity Internship (GEDI) program as an outgrowth of the AEA's Building Diversity Initiative (BDI). This chapter provides historical documentation of the AEA's BDI and the origins of the GEDI program and discusses how this represents an important part of AEA's history. We discuss the circumstances that led up to the decision to begin the BDI, the organizational dynamics of bringing about the changes that BDI and GEDI stimulated in AEA and the evaluation profession, and the implications of this process for AEA's evolution as a culturally responsive organization.
Embedding the Graduate Education Diversity Internship (GEDI) Program Within a Larger System
Authors: Lee Kien , Gilbert Brandi
Published: September 2014

This chapter discusses the systemic changes that need to occur in order for the Graduate Education Diversity Internship (GEDI) to live up to its mission and the underlying values for which it stands. It examines the context within which the GEDI program was created and the values and norms that shaped the program curriculum, followed by an examination of the organizations that comprise the ecosystem that shapes the evaluation profession. It concludes with suggestions for impacting this ecosystem and more important, the acknowledgement of the ecosystem that requires pipeline programs like the GEDI program to focus on change beyond the individual level.
How Will We Know It When We See It? A Critical Friend Perspective of the Graduate Education Diversity Internship (GEDI) Program and Its Legacy in Evaluation
Authors: Hood Stafford
Published: September 2014

As a critical friend of the Graduate Education Diversity Internship (GEDI) program, I provide three personal reference points to organize observations and reflections during my role as mentor and instructor for the program. As a scholar concerned with promoting Culturally Responsive Evaluation (CRE), I reflect on the founding and development of the program alongside some of the key ideas that shaped CRE with the hopeful assumptions that the GEDI alumni will carry the CRE torch that lights the path for those who will follow in this common struggle.
Reduction in blood pressure and serum lipids by lycosome formulation of dark chocolate and lycopene in prehypertension
Authors: Petyaev Ivan M. , Dovgalevsky Pavel Y. , Chalyk Natalia E. , Klochkov Victor , Kyle Nigel H.
Published: September 2014

Twenty‐nine healthy volunteers aged 47–69 years old were randomly assigned to a 28‐day oral intake of different dark chocolate (DC) formulations. The main group received daily 30 g of proprietary lycopene‐containing (L‐tug) lycosome formulation of DC with enhanced bioavailability of cocoa flavanols. Two control groups daily consumed either 30 g of regular DC alone or along with 7 mg of lycopene, which corresponds to the amount of lycopene ingested with L‐tug formulation. It was found that L‐tug was more efficient in reducing diastolic blood pressure (mean value of −6.22 mmHg, 95% CI: 5.00, 8.00) when compared with the regular DC group (−3.00 mmHg, P < 0.05) or the group which ingested the DC and lycopene as two separate formulations (mean reduction of −4 mmHg, 95% CI: 2.47, 6.00, P = 0.0262). Only marginal superiority for L‐tug formulation in the reduction in systolic blood pressure was seen. However, the L‐tug formulation was the only formulation of DC which affected serum lipids. There was a reduction in total cholesterol (from median 228.00 mg/dL [95% CI: 206.2, 242.5] to 187.00 mg/dL [95% CI: 166.2, 202.2, P < 0.05]) with corresponding decline of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (from a median of 166.00 mg/dL [95% CI: 130.8, 177.0] to 151.00 mg/dL [95% CI: 122.8, 167.4; P < 0.05]) at the end of the intervention period. Similar decline was seen in serum triglycerides (P < 0.05). Serum high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, glucose levels, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) values remained statistically unchanged in all study groups throughout the intervention period. A superior biological activity of the L‐tug lycosome formulation of DC extending beyond its antihypertensive effect to lipid‐lowering ability opens up new possibilities for the use of DC for health purposes helping to reduce daily caloric intake without compromising on the health benefits of DC consumption.
Screening for the FIG‐ROS1 fusion in biliary tract carcinomas by nested PCR
Authors: Peraldo Neia Caterina , Cavalloni Giuliana , Balsamo Antonella , Venesio Tiziana , Napoli Francesca , Sassi Francesco , Martin Vittoria , Frattini Milo , Aglietta Massimo , Leone Francesco
Published: September 2014

ROS1 rearrangements have been detected in a variety of tumors and are considered as suitable targets of anticancer therapies. We developed a new, quick, specific, and sensitive PCR test to screen for the FIG‐ROS1 fusion and applied it to a series of Italian patients with bile duct carcinoma (BTC). Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues, derived from 65 Italian BTC patients, and six cell lines were analyzed by nested PCR to investigate the prevalence of a previously reported FIG‐ROS1 fusion. The specificity and sensitivity of nested PCR were investigated in FIG‐ROS1 positive U118MG cells in reconstitution experiments with peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We found that six out of 65 (9%) BTC patients were positive for the FIG‐ROS1 fusion, comprising two out of 14 (14%) gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) patients and four out of 25 (16%) extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC) patients. None of the 26 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cases harbored the FIG‐ROS1 fusion. All the cell lines were negative for this variant. In conclusion, 14–16% of GBC and ECC were positive for FIG‐ROS1. This may have clinical implications, since these patients will potentially benefit from the treatment with specific ROS1 inhibitors. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An experimental study of effect of pre‐existing fabric on deformation of foliated mylonite at high temperature and pressure
Authors: Liu Gui , Zhou Yongsheng , He Changrong , Yao Wenming , Liu Junlai , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: September 2014

We performed deformation experiments on a foliated mylonite under high temperature and pressure conditions in this study. To investigate the effect of pre‐existing fabric on the rheology of rocks, our samples were drilled from natural mylonite with the cylinder axis parallel to the foliation (PAR) and perpendicular to the foliation (PER). We performed 25 tests on seven PAR samples and 21 tests on seven PER samples at temperatures ranging from 600 to 890 °C, confining pressures ranging from 800 to 1400 MPa, and steady‐state strain rates of 1 × 10−4, 1 × 10−5 and 2.5 × 10−6 s−1. In the temperatures of 600–700 °C, the deformation is accommodated by semi‐brittle flow, with the average stress exponent being 6–7 assuming power law flow; in the temperature range of 800–890 °C, deformation is mainly by plastic flow, with an average stress exponent of n = 3 and activation energies of Q = 354 ± 52 kJ/mol (PER and PAR samples). The experimental results show that the strengths of PER samples are higher than those of PAR samples. Deformation microstructures have been studied by optical and electron microscopy. The original foliation of PER samples is destroyed by deformation and replaced by a new foliation, but the deformation of PAR samples followed the original foliation. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements show a strong lattice preferred orientation (LPO) of the quartz c axis fabrics of the starting samples and deformed PER and PAR samples. However, the c axis fabric of quartz in experimentally deformed PER and PAR samples varied with temperature and strain rate is different from that seen in the starting mylonite sample. The initial quartz c axis fabric of the starting mylonite sample has been transformed into a new fabric during experimental deformation. Dehydration melting of biotite and hornblende occurred in both PER and PAR samples at temperatures of 800–890 °C. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactive retinal microglia, neuronal survival, and the formation of retinal folds and detachments
Authors: Fischer Andy J. , Zelinka Christopher , Milani‐Nejad Nima
Published: September 2014

Reactive microglia and macrophages are prevalent in damaged retinas. Accordingly, we investigate how the activation or ablation of microglia/macrophages influences the survival of neurons in the chick retina in vivo. We applied intraocular injections of interleukin 6 (IL6) to stimulate the reactivity of microglia/macrophages and clodronate‐liposomes to ablate microglia/macrophages. Activation of the microglia/macrophages with IL6 delays the death of retinal neurons from N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) ‐induced excitotoxicity. In addition, activation of microglia/macrophages combined with colchicine‐mediated retinal damage diminished the survival of ganglion cells. Application of IL6 after an excitotoxic insult greatly exacerbates the damage, and causes widespread retinal detachments and folds, accompanied by accumulation of microglia/macrophages in the subretinal space. Damage‐induced retinal folds and detachments were significantly reduced by the ablation of microglia/macrophages. We conclude that microglial reactivity is detrimental to the survival of ganglion cells in colchicine‐damaged retinas and detrimental to the survival of photoreceptors in retinal folds. In addition, we conclude that IL6‐treatment transiently protects amacrine and bipolar cells against an excitotoxic insult. We propose that suppressing reactivity of microglia/macrophages may be an effective means to lessen the damage and vision loss resulting from damage, in particular during retinal detachment injuries. GLIA 2015;63:313–327
Leukocyte‐Specific Protein 1: A Novel Regulator of Hepatocellular Proliferation and Migration Deleted in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Koral Kelly , Paranjpe Shirish , Bowen William C. , Mars Wendy , Luo Jianhua , Michalopoulos George K.
Published: September 2014

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most commonly diagnosed form of liver cancer with high morbidity and mortality. Copy number variation (CNV) analysis of human HCC revealed that leukocyte‐specific protein 1 (LSP1) had the highest number of cases with CNV. LSP1, a F‐actin‐binding protein, is expressed in hematopoietic cells and interacts with kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR), a scaffold for the extracellular signal‐related kinase/mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway. Expression of LSP1 in liver, and its role in normal hepatocellular function and carcinogenesis, remains unknown. Therefore, LSP1 messenger RNA and protein levels were analyzed in normal hepatocytes in culture, rat liver following partial hepatectomy (PHx), and hepatoma cell lines. In culture and after PHx, LSP1 increased after the termination of hepatocyte proliferation. To investigate LSP1 function in HCC, short hairpin RNA was utilized to stably knock down LSP1 expression in the JM1 rat hepatoma cell line. Loss of LSP1 in JM1 cells resulted in dramatic up‐regulation of cyclin D1 and phosphorylated ERK2, increased cell proliferation, and migration. Coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluoresence analysis displayed an interaction and colocalization between LSP1, KSR, and F‐actin in JM1 cells and liver during regeneration. Conversely, expression of LSP1 in the JM2 rat hepatoma cell line led to decreased proliferation. Enhanced expression of LSP1 in mouse hepatocytes during liver regeneration after injection of an LSP1 expression plasmid also led to decreased hepatocyte proliferation. Conclusion: LSP1 is expressed in normal hepatocytes and liver after PHx after termination of proliferation. In rat hepatoma cell lines and mouse liver in vivo, LSP1 functions as a negative regulator of proliferation and migration. Given the high frequency of LSP1 CNV in human HCC, LSP1 may be a novel target for diagnosis and treatment of HCC. (Hepatology 2015;61:537‐547)
Brentuximab vedotin administered to platinum‐refractory, transplant‐naïve Hodgkin lymphoma patients can increase the proportion achieving FDG PET negative status
Authors: Onishi Maika , Graf Solomon A. , Holmberg Leona , Behnia Sanaz , Shustov Andrei R. , Schiavo Karen , Philip Mary , Libby Edward N. , Cassaday Ryan D. , Pagel John M. , Roden Jennifer E. , Maloney David G. , Green Damian J. , Till Brian G. , Press Oliver W. , Smith Stephen D. , Gopal Ajay K.
Published: September 2014

Normalization of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) imaging prior to high‐dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) improves outcomes in relapsed and refractory (RR) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), but many patients refractory to platinum‐based salvage regimens are unable to achieve this goal. We therefore investigated whether brentuximab vedotin (BV) could normalize FDG PET in platinum‐refractory HL prior to ASCT. Fifteen consecutive patients with RR HL and FDG PET positive disease after platinum‐based salvage therapy were treated with a median of 4 cycles of BV. Normalization of FDG PET (Deauville ≤2) occurred in 8/15 (53%) patients but was only observed in patients that had achieved partial remission or stable disease after platinum‐based salvage therapy. All patients eventually proceeded to ASCT, regardless of FDG PET status. Our data suggest that BV can normalize FDG PET in a subset of patients with platinum‐refractory HL prior to ASCT. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response to O'Reilly et al. (2014): Policy of the US Geological Survey on advocacy
Authors: Bales Jerad D
Published: September 2014

Key Points

A statement in O'Reilly et al. (2013) alleging USGS Scientists have advocated bans of coal tar sealcoat is inaccurate. It is the policy of the USGS that our products, and communications remain neutral and not advocate, recommend, or prescribe actions.
Lymph node count and prognosis in colorectal cancer: The influence of examination quality
Authors: Bläker Hendrik , Hildebrandt Bert , Riess Hanno , von Winterfeld Moritz , Ingold‐Heppner Barbara , Roth Wilfried , Kloor Matthias , Schirmacher Peter , Dietel Manfred , Tao Sha , Jansen Lina , Chang‐Claude Jenny , Ulrich Alexis , Brenner Hermann , Hoffmeister Michael
Published: September 2014

Colorectal cancer guidelines recommend adjuvant chemotherapy in stage II disease when less than 12 lymph nodes are assessed. The recommendation bases on previous studies showing an association of a low lymph node count and adverse outcome. Compared to current standards, however, the quality of lymph node examination in the studies was low. We, therefore, investigated the prognostic role of <12 lymph nodes in cancers diagnosed adherent to current quality measures. Stage I–IV colorectal cancers from 1,899 patients enrolled into a population‐based cohort study were investigated for the prognostic impact of a lymph node count <12. The stage specific share of patients diagnosed with ≥12 nodes (stage I–IV: 62, 85, 85, 78%, respectively) was used to compare lymph node examination quality to other studies. We found no impact of a lymph node count <12 on overall, cancer‐specific or recurrence‐free survival for any tumour stage. Compared to studies reporting an adverse prognostic impact of a low lymph node count in stages II and III the stage‐specific shares of patients with ≥12 nodes were markedly higher in this study (85% vs. 24–58% in previous analyses) and this correlated with increased rates of stage III compared to stage II cancers. In conclusion our data indicate, that the previously reported effect of a low lymph node count on the patients' outcomes is eliminated by improved lymph node examination quality and thus question the general applicability of a 12 lymph node cut off for adjuvant chemotherapy decision making in stage II disease.
Antibody therapy to human L1CAM in a transgenic mouse model blocks local tumor growth but induces EMT
Authors: Doberstein Kai , Harter Patrick N. , Haberkorn Uwe , Bretz Niko P. , Arnold Bernd , Carretero Rafael , Moldenhauer Gerhard , Mittelbronn Michel , Altevogt Peter
Published: September 2014

L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is overexpressed in many human cancers, confers bad prognosis and augments cell motility, invasion and metastasis. Results from xenograft mouse models suggested that L1CAM antibodies might be promising tools for cancer therapy. Here, we generated human L1CAM‐transgenic mice to study therapeutic efficacy and putative side effects in a model system. We established three transgenic lines (M2, M3 and F4) expressing the human L1CAM transgene in brain, kidney and colon with decreasing intensity (M2, M3 > F4). The expression pattern was similar to that of L1CAM in humans. No interference of the transgene with the expression of endogenous L1CAM was observed. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed correct expression of the transgene in mouse cortex and collective duct of the kidney. Injection of 125I‐labeled L1CAM antibodies resulted in specific enrichment in the kidney but not in the brain. The injection of the therapeutic anti‐human L1CAM mAb L1‐9.3/2a into transgenic mice even at high doses did not cause behavioral changes or other side effects. Similar results were obtained using a mouse specific L1CAM mAb in normal mice. Tumor therapy experiments were performed using syngeneic mouse tumor cells (RET melanoma and Panc02 pancreatic adenocarcinoma) transduced with human L1CAM. MAb L1‐9.3/2a efficiently and specifically attenuated local tumor growth in both model systems without apparent side effects. The therapeutic effect was dependent on immune effector mechanisms. Analysis of Panc02‐huL1CAM tumors after therapy showed elevated levels of EGF and evidence of immune‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition. The results suggest that our transgenic mice are valuable tools to study L1CAM‐based antibody therapy.
Evaluation and refinement of a field‐portable drinking water toxicity sensor utilizing electric cell–substrate impedance sensing and a fluidic biochip
Authors: Widder Mark W. , Brennan Linda M. , Hanft Elizabeth A. , Schrock Mary E. , James Ryan R. , van der Schalie William H.
Published: September 2014

The US Army's need for a reliable and field‐portable drinking water toxicity sensor was the catalyst for the development and evaluation of an electric cell–substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) device. Water testing technologies currently available to soldiers in the field are analyte‐specific and have limited capabilities to detect broad‐based water toxicity. The ECIS sensor described here uses rainbow trout gill epithelial cells seeded on fluidic biochips to measure changes in impedance for the detection of possible chemical contamination of drinking water supplies. Chemicals selected for testing were chosen as representatives of a broad spectrum of toxic industrial compounds. Results of a US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)‐sponsored evaluation of the field portable device were similar to previously published US Army testing results of a laboratory‐based version of the same technology. Twelve of the 18 chemicals tested following USEPA Technology Testing and Evaluation Program procedures were detected by the ECIS sensor within 1 h at USEPA‐derived human lethal concentrations. To simplify field‐testing methods further, elimination of a procedural step that acclimated cells to serum‐free media streamlined the test process with only a slight loss of chemical sensitivity. For field use, the ECIS sensor will be used in conjunction with an enzyme‐based sensor that is responsive to carbamate and organophosphorus pesticides. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐modal acousto‐optic/ultrasound imaging of ex vivo liver tumors at 790 nm using a Sn2P2S6 wavefront adaptive holographic setup
Authors: Laudereau Jean‐Baptiste , à La Guillaume Emilie Benoit , Servois Vincent , Mariani Pascale , Grabar Alexander A. , Tanter Mickaël , Gennisson Jean‐Luc , Ramaz François
Published: September 2014

Biological tissues are very strong light‐scattering media. As a consequence, current medical imaging devices do not allow deep optical imaging unless invasive techniques are used. Acousto‐optic imaging is a light‐ultrasound coupling technique that takes advantage of the ballistic propagation of ultrasound in biological tissues to access optical contrast with a millimeter resolution. We have developed a photorefractive‐crystal‐based system that performs self‐adaptive wavefront holography and works within the optical therapeutic window. As it works at an appropriate wavelength range for biological tissues imaging, it was tested on ex vivo liver samples containing tumors as a pre‐clinical study. Optical contrast was obtained even if acoustical one was not significant.

Ultrasound image (left) and acousto‐optic image (right) of a liver biopsy with tumors. Acousto‐optic imaging exhibits tumors that are not detected through ultrasound.

magnified image

Ultrasound image (left) and acousto‐optic image (right) of a liver biopsy with tumors. Acousto‐optic imaging exhibits tumors that are not detected through ultrasound.
Biodegradable polymer scaffolds loaded with low‐dose BMP‐2 stimulate periodontal ligament cell differentiation
Authors: Skodje Anders , Idris Shaza Bushra M. , Sun Yang , Bartaula Sushma , Mustafa Kamal , Finne‐Wistrand Anna , Wikesjö Ulf M. E. , Leknes Knut N.
Published: September 2014

Poly(l‐lactide)‐co‐(epsilon‐caprolactone) [poly(LLA‐co‐CL)] and poly(l‐lactide)‐co‐(1,5‐dioxepan‐2‐one) [poly(LLA‐co‐DXO)] are being considered candidate scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. We evaluated the bioactive potential of poly(LLA‐co‐CL) and poly(LLA‐co‐DXO) scaffolds loaded with low‐dose bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2). Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells were cultured onto the various scaffolds loaded with 1 µg BMP‐2 or without BMP‐2 (control). Cell viability, attachment, and proliferation were determined using a methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay at day 1, 3, and 7. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze cell morphology at day 7. Cell differentiation was evaluated assaying alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity at day 7, 14, and 21. Real‐time PCR was used to evaluate the mRNA expression of periostin, ALP, type I collagen, bone sialoprotein and BMP‐2. A commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess BMP‐2 production. Surface analysis disclosed excellent cell attachment, spread, and penetration into the porous scaffolds. The MTT assay indicated that scaffolds loaded with low concentration of BMP‐2 did not influence the viability of cells. Cells grown on the modified scaffolds expressed higher levels of osteogenic markers than the nonmodified scaffolds (p < 0.05). Poly(LLA‐co‐CL) and poly(LLA‐co‐DXO) scaffolds loaded with low‐dose BMP‐2 exhibited a significant effect stimulating PDL differentiation suggesting a continued evaluation in relevantin vivomodels. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1991–1998, 2015.
Development of a mouse model of supraspinatus tendon insertion site healing
Authors: Bell Rebecca , Taub Peter , Cagle Paul , Flatow Evan L. , Andarawis‐Puri Nelly
Published: September 2014

Supraspinatus (SS) tendon tears are common musculoskeletal injuries whose surgical repair exhibits the highest incidence of re‐tear of any tendon. Development of therapeutics for improving SS tendon healing is impaired by the lack of a model that allows biological perturbations to identify mechanisms that underlie ineffective healing. The objective of this study was to develop a mouse model of supraspinatus insertion site healing by creating a reproducible SS tendon detachment and surgical repair which can be applied to a wide array of inbred mouse strains and genetic mutants. Anatomical and structural analyses confirmed that the rotator cuff of the mouse is similar to that of human, including the presence of a coracoacromial (CA) arch and an insertion site that exhibits a fibrocartilagenous transition zone. The surgical repair was successfully conducted on seven strains of mice that are commonly used in Orthopaedic Research suggesting that the procedure can be applied to most inbred strains and genetic mutants. The quality of the repair was confirmed with histology through 14 days after surgery in two mouse strains that represent the variation in mouse strains evaluated. The developed mouse model will allow us to investigate mechanisms involved in insertion site healing. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:25–32, 2015.
Interventions for fatigue in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Franssen Marloes , Winward Charlotte , Collett Johnny , Wade Derick , Dawes Helen
Published: September 2014

The authors sought to review the efficacy of interventions for fatigue in Parkinson's disease. A search was conducted of PubMed, Cinahl, Psychinfo, EMBASE, and Web of Knowledge up to November 2013. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. For meta‐analyses, studies were weighted on variance. Effect sizes were calculated with 95% confidence interval (CI); overall effect was presented by means of a Z‐score; heterogeneity was investigated using the I2. Fourteen articles (n = 1,890) investigating drugs and behavioral therapy were eligible. Ten studies demonstrated excellent, three good, and one fair methodological quality. Three articles (investigating amphetamines) were appropriate for meta‐analysis, which was performed according to scales used: Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory: mean difference, –6.13 (95%CI: –14.63‐2.37, Z = 1.41, P = 0.16; I2 = 0); Fatigue Severity Scale: mean difference, –4.00 (95%CI: –8.72‐0.72, Z = 1.66, P = 0.10; I2 = 0). Currently insufficient evidence exists to support the treatment of fatigue in PD with any drug or nondrug treatment. Further study is required. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Supplementation of bovine embryo culture medium with L‐arginine improves embryo quality via nitric oxide production
Authors: Santana Priscila Di Paula Bessa , Silva Thiago Velasco Guimarães , da Costa Nathália Nogueira , da Silva Bruno Barauna , Carter Timothy Frederick , Cordeiro Marcela da Silva , da Silva Bruno José Martins , Santos Simone do Socorro Damasceno , Herculano Anderson Manoel , Adona Paulo Roberto , Ohashi Otávio Mitio , Miranda Moysés dos Santos
Published: September 2014

Nitric oxide (NO) is a cell‐signaling molecule that regulates a variety of molecular pathways. We investigated the role of NO during preimplantation embryonic development by blocking its production with an inhibitor or supplementing in vitro bovine embryo cultures with its natural precursor, L‐arginine, over different periods. Endpoints evaluated included blastocyst rates, development kinetics, and embryo quality. Supplementation with the NO synthase inhibitor N‐Nitro‐L‐arginine‐methyl ester (L‐NAME) from Days 1 to 8 of culture decreased blastocyst (P < 0.05) and hatching (P < 0.05) rates. When added from Days 1 to 8, 50 mM L‐arginine decreased blastocyst rates (P < 0.001); in contrast, when added from Days 5 to 8, 1 mM L‐arginine improved embryo hatching rates (P < 0.05) and quality (P < 0.05) as well as increased POU5F1 gene expression (P < 0.05) as compared to the untreated control. Moreover, NO levels in the medium during this culture period positively correlated with the increased embryo hatching rates and quality (P < 0.05). These data suggest exerts its positive effects during the transition from morula to blastocyst stage, and that supplementing the embryo culture medium with L‐arginine favors preimplantation development of bovine embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 918–927, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the Reaction Characteristics of Miniemulsion Polymerization with Aqueous Phase Initiation – Experiments and Modeling
Authors: Jansen Tom G. T. , Meuldijk Jan , Lovell Peter A. , van Herk Alex M.
Published: September 2014

Miniemulsions, consisting of submicron droplets of very hydrophobic lauryl methacrylate or 4‐tert‐butyl styrene, are successfully polymerized using water‐soluble sodium persulfate. Monitoring the calorimetric profile as well as the droplet and particle size distribution with conversion manifests a process of monomer redistribution, droplet disappearance, and narrowing of the particle size distribution. The observed reaction characteristics could be modeled adequately, using thermodynamic principles. The results of the work presented do not only have predicting value, but also enfeeble the idea of a one‐to‐one translation of monomer droplets into polymer particles in miniemulsion polymerization.
100% Efficient three‐dimensional coronary MR angiography with two‐dimensional beat‐to‐beat translational and bin‐to‐bin affine motion correction
Authors: Aitken Andrew P. , Henningsson Markus , Botnar Rene M. , Schaeffter Tobias , Prieto Claudia
Published: September 2014

Purpose

To develop a flexible image navigator for 3D coronary MR angiography that allows respiratory motion of variable complexity to be compensated for on different temporal scales.

Methods

A two‐dimensional (2D) golden radial image navigator is proposed; translational motion is compensated for on a beat‐to‐beat basis, and residual affine motion is compensated for on a bin‐to‐bin basis in a two‐step procedure. The method does not use a respiratory gating window and therefore achieves 100% scan efficiency and a predictable scan time. The proposed method was tested in 11 healthy volunteers and compared against a navigator‐gated and tracked acquisition.

Results

The proposed method achieved comparable quantitative and qualitative image quality to a 6‐mm navigator‐gated and tracked scan while reducing the scan time by a factor of approximately 2. Combined motion correction using image navigators improved visualization of the coronary arteries in four of 11 subjects in comparison with translational correction only, and image quality was maintained in the remaining cases. In one case, visualization of the left anterior descending coronary artery was degraded using combined correction compared with translation correction only.

Conclusions

The feasibility of correcting for 2D translational motion on a beat‐to‐beat basis as well as affine motion on a bin‐to‐bin basis has been demonstrated. Magn Reson Med 74:756–764, 2015. © 2014 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society of Medicine in Resonance.
Composites based on epoxy resins and poly(3‐thiophene methyl acetate) nanoparticles: mechanical and electrical properties
Authors: Pérez‐Madrigal Maria M. , Armelin Elaine , Azambuja Denise S. , Estrany Francesc , Alemán Carlos
Published: September 2014

Conducting polymer nanocomposites (CPnC) have been prepared by loading different concentrations of poly(3‐thiophene methyl acetate) (P3TMA) nanoparticles to an epoxy network. Therefore, the typical limitations of CPs applicability, i.e., reduced solubility and difficult processability, have been overcome. The influence of different factors (i.e., curing temperature, solvent used to disperse nanoparticles, and concentration of P3TMA) on the CPnC properties has been evaluated. The major requirement to obtain homogeneously distributed materials has been found to be the P3TMA‐solvent compatibility. Xylene, which is typically used in epoxy resins, has been practically eliminated to avoid the formation of aggregates and has been replaced by tetrahydrofuran. Although properties like chemical structure and doping level as well as morphology and P3TMA nanoparticle distribution into the epoxy matrix have been examined for CPnC samples, particular attention has been paid to evaluate their mechanical and electrical properties. The Young's modulus and tensile strength values increase upon the addition of a small concentration of P3TMA, independently of the curing temperature, with the exception of 25 wt% P3TMA composition that exceeds the percolation limit for this material. The electrical DC conductivity determined for samples with 12 and 25 wt% P3TMA ranged from 6.0 ×·10−7 to 8.2·× 10−7 S/cm. Therefore, CPnC films exhibited a semiconductor behavior with conductivity values at least three to four orders of magnitude higher compared to that of the pure insulating epoxy (10−11 to 10−13 S/cm). POLYM. COMPOS., 37:734–745, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis of flexible polymeric shielding materials for soft gamma rays: Physicomechanical and attenuation characteristics of radiation crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane/Bi2O3 composites
Authors: Dubey K.A. , Chaudhari C.V. , Suman S.K. , Raje N. , Mondal R.K. , Grover V. , Murali S. , Bhardwaj Y.K. , Varshney L.
Published: September 2014

Flexible lead‐free high energy radiation shielding material was developed through internal compounding. Polymer‐filler interaction, crosslinking density, specific gravity, physicomechanical characteristics, percentage attenuation, and thermal stability of the crosslinked composites were estimated. It was found that even at very high filler loading composites can be crosslinked; however, the crosslinking density was composition dependent and was highest in 10–50 wt% loading range at 100 kGy and 200 kGy. The Nielsen model was applied to understand the micromechanics of the system. Attenuation of gamma radiation from Am241 was not affected by the crosslinking density. Thermal stability of the composites was found to be significantly affected with bismuth oxide loading. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:756–762, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of the processing methods on the properties of poly(lactic acid)/halloysite nanocomposites
Authors: De Silva Rangika Thilan , Soheilmoghaddam Mohammad , Goh Kheng Lim , Wahit Mat Uzir , Bee Sharifah Abd Hamid , Chai Siang‐Piao , Pasbakhsh Pooria
Published: September 2014

The influence of processing methods on the thermo‐mechanical properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites were investigated by preparing nanocomposites reinforced by halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) (from 0 to 10 [w/w%]) using solution casting (SC) and melt compounding (MC) methods. Statistical analysis revealed that the processing methods have a significant influence on the tensile properties, where nanocomposites prepared by MC have higher tensile properties compared to those by SC. Experimental results illustrated higher tensile strength and a drop in ductility under the higher strain rate as compared to the low strain rate for PLA/HNTs nanocomposites. At lower concentrations micrographs revealed that, HNTs dispersion was better for SC films as compared to MC, but more prominent HNTs aggregation at higher loadings. MC nanocomposites exhibited a high crystallinity as compared to SC, due to the recrystallization and nucleation effects. The thermal stability and activation energy increased with addition of HNTs, regardless of the processing methods. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:861–869, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Single nucleotide variations: Biological impact and theoretical interpretation
Authors: Katsonis Panagiotis , Koire Amanda , Wilson Stephen Joseph , Hsu Teng‐Kuei , Lua Rhonald C. , Wilkins Angela Dawn , Lichtarge Olivier
Published: September 2014

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) and whole‐exome sequencing (WES) generate massive amounts of genomic variant information, and a major challenge is to identify which variations drive disease or contribute to phenotypic traits. Because the majority of known disease‐causing mutations are exonic non‐synonymous single nucleotide variations (nsSNVs), most studies focus on whether these nsSNVs affect protein function. Computational studies show that the impact of nsSNVs on protein function reflects sequence homology and structural information and predict the impact through statistical methods, machine learning techniques, or models of protein evolution. Here, we review impact prediction methods and discuss their underlying principles, their advantages and limitations, and how they compare to and complement one another. Finally, we present current applications and future directions for these methods in biological research and medical genetics.
Spatio‐Temporal Surveillance Using CUSUM of Order Statistics
Authors: Sparks Ross
Published: September 2014

The scan statistic is a popular choice for monitoring and detecting spatio‐temporal outbreaks. It can be designed to be optimal if the outbreak characteristics (shape and size) are known in advance. However, in all practical situations, neither the shape nor the size are known in advance. Therefore, there is a need for spatio‐temporal surveillance plans that perform well for a range of unknown outbreaks. This paper proposes a new approach for detecting spatio‐temporal outbreaks based on the cumulative sum of order statistics. The approach performed on average better than the simple scan statistic for both a range of outbreaks involving a single geographical region. More importantly, it performed significantly better than the simple scan plan for outbreaks involving simultaneous multiple (non‐overlapping) geographically dispersed regions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conditional quantile regression models of melanoma tumor growth curves for assessing treatment effect in small sample studies
Authors: Revzin Ella , Majumdar Dibyen , Bassett Gilbert W.
Published: September 2014

Tumor growth curves provide a simple way to understand how tumors change over time. The traditional approach to fitting such curves to empirical data has been to estimate conditional mean regression functions, which describe the average effect of covariates on growth. However, this method ignores the possibility that tumor growth dynamics are different for different quantiles of the possible distribution of growth patterns. Furthermore, typical individual preclinical cancer drug study designs have very small sample sizes and can have lower power to detect a statistically significant difference in tumor volume between treatment groups. In our work, we begin to address these issues by combining several independent small sample studies of an experimental cancer treatment with differing study designs to construct quantile tumor growth curves. For modeling, we use a Penalized Fixed Effects Quantile Regression with added study effects to control for study differences. We demonstrate this approach using data from a series of small sample studies that investigated the effect of a naturally derived biological peptide, P28, on tumor volumes in mice grafted with human melanoma cells. We find a statistically significant quantile treatment effect on tumor volume trajectories and baseline values. In particular, the experimental treatment and a corresponding conventional chemotherapy had different effects on tumor growth by quantile. The conventional treatment, Dacarbazine (DTIC), tended to inhibit growth for smaller quantiles, while the experimental treatment P28 produced slower rates of growth in the upper quantiles, especially in the 95th quantile. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copper(II) Coordination Polymers Generated from 1,3‐Bis(4‐pyridyl)propane: Synthesis, Structures, and Spectroscopic Studies
Authors: Farani Regis A. , Da Fonseca Daniella M. F. , De Paula Elgte Elmin B. , Bortoluzzi Adailton J. , Hörner Manfredo , Diniz Renata , Machado Flávia C.
Published: September 2014

This paper describes the synthesis and structural characterization of two new one‐dimensional coordination polymers involving 1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl)propane ligand named {(μ‐NCS)2[Cu(bpp)]·dmf}n (1) and {[Cu(mebpy)(bpp)(dmso)](ClO4)2·dmso}n (2) (bpp = 1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl)propane and mebpy = 4,4'‐dimethyl‐2,2'‐bipyridine). These compounds were characterized by means of elemental analysis, thermal analysis (TG/DTA), vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman) and had their structures determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 consists of CuN4 coordination spheres with bpp ligands in the unusual GG conformation coordinated in bridges between CuII centers to form a wavelike 1‐D coordination polymer. On the other hand, in compound 2 the bpp ligand adopts the TT conformation in bridging mode extending the 1D cationic polymeric chain.
Two Non‐Isostructural Gadolinium Oxide Nitride Chalcogenides: Gd3ONSe2 and Gd3ONTe2
Authors: Foltin Markus L. , Talmon‐Gros Pia , Schleid Thomas
Published: September 2014

Two new non‐isostructural gadolinium(III) oxide nitride chalcogenides with the composition Gd3ONCh2 bearing selenide (Gd3ONSe2) and telluride (Gd3ONTe2) could be synthesized by the reaction of gadolinium metal (Gd) with gadolinium sesquioxide (Gd2O3), sodium azide (NaN3), selenium (Se) or tellurium (Te), iodine (I2) and sodium iodide (NaI) as flux in evacuated silica tubes for seven days at 850 to 950 °C. Yellow lath‐shaped single crystals of Gd3ONSe2 crystallize isotypically to Tb3ONSe2 in the monoclinic space group C2/m with the lattice parameters a = 1560.12(9), b = 395.24(2), c = 977.35(6) pm, β = 97.321(3)° (Z = 4). In contrast, orthorhombic Gd3ONTe2 forms black rods, appears in the space group Pnma with the lattice parameters a = 1337.87(8), b = 408.47(2), c = 1216.78(7) pm (Z = 4) and adopts the crystal structure of Nd3N2SeBr. Three crystallographically independent Gd3+ cations can be found in both oxide nitride chalcogenides, but their coordination spheres are different. The Gd3+ cations in Gd3ONSe2 occupy the centers of one capped trigonal prism and two distorted octahedra of anions. Two octahedra, one with a cap, and a square antiprism can be seen for the anionic polyhedra of coordination for the Gd3+ cations in Gd3ONTe2. As main structural features $\rm^{1}_{\infty}${[ONGd3]4+} double chains, containing edge‐connected [NGd4]9+ and [OGd4]10+ tetrahedra, run along [010] in both compounds, but show two diverse detailed morphologies. A porous arrangement, which is obtained by a different linkage pattern of the light‐anion centered (Gd3+)4 tetrahedra can be detected in Gd3ONSe2, whereas the denser form of connectivity is seen in Gd3ONTe2. In both cases [OGd4]10+ tetrahedra represent the central components of the double chains leading to an ordering of the light anions in both structures as it is already known for Tb3ONSe2.
A Meta‐analysis of the Predictive Accuracy of Postoperative Mortality Using the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ Physical Status Classification System
Authors: Koo Chieh Yang , Hyder Joseph A. , Wanderer Jonathan P. , Eikermann Matthias , Ramachandran Satya Krishna
Published: September 2014

Background

The American Society of Anesthesiologists’ physical status (ASA) tool has been applied to determine compensation, risk adjustment and risk prediction, but little is known about the accuracy and generalizability of this tool for prediction of postoperative mortality.

Methods

We systematically investigated prior published reports of associations between ASA physical status and mortality to test the hypothesis that ASA physical status will have varying accuracy in prediction of postoperative mortality across surgical populations with varying surgical risk of mortality. We used random effects models and metaregression to account for heterogeneity.

Results

Combining 77 studies with 165,705 patients, the ASA physical status tool demonstrated the following pooled performance (95 % confidence intervals)—sensitivity 0.74 (0.73, 0.74), specificity 0.67 (0.67, 0.67), and area under summary receiver operating curve 0.736 (0.725, 0.747). Metaregression revealed that study death rates and surgical specialty were significant factors.

Conclusion

ASA physical status is a better predictor of postoperative mortality in settings with lower rather than higher death rates.