bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Polymorphism on the Solid Fat Content Determined by FID Deconvolution
Authors: Declerck Arnout , Nelis Veronique , Rimaux Tom , Dewettinck Koen , Van der Meeren Paul
Published: November 2017

One of the most important quality parameters of a fat, is its solid fat content (SFC). The standard method to determine the SFC is pNMR using a f‐factor. This factor is determined with three standards. However, this contribution shows that SFC standards are not required when using deconvolution methods. At first, data acquisition is optimized. These experiments revealed that the deconvolution method worked better, if more sample is present in the detection zone of the NMR, due to a higher signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). Regarding deconvolution, a bi‐Gaussian model and a model combining a Gaussian and Abragamian function are compared. Both models are able to fit the free induction decay (FID) data. Furthermore, the corresponding SFC values are comparable with the SFC values of the f‐factor method when analyzing SFC standards or fats which are preprocessed using the AOCS tempering protocol. Upon evaluating the influence of the polymorphic states of cocoa butter, it became clear that the f‐factor standards resemble fats containing α‐polymorphs. As a further consequence, the f‐factor method fails when β‐polymorphs are present to a large extent. Overall this study shows that the deconvolution method is superior to the f‐factor method since it does not require any standards and is less affected by the polymorphic state.

Practical Applications: This work shows that the solid fat content (SFC) of a fat can be calculated without the use of calibration standards. If deconvolution would replace the standard used pNMR method, it could potentially reduce the preparation time for the measurements, because no calibration is necessary. Next to this, it also lowers the cost of SFC determination, because no standards should be bought. Deconvolution also gives insight in the behavior of the different components present in the sample, for example, T2‐values. There above, research toward deconvolution of pNMR signals is necessary as it could potentially also determine the presence of different fat crystal polymorphs present in samples.

One of the most important quality parameters of a fat, is its solid fat content (SFC). The standard method to determine the SFC is pNMR using a f‐factor. However, this contribution shows that SFC standards are not requires when using deconvolution methods. At first, data acquisition is optimized. These experiments revealed that the deconvolution method worked better, if more sample is present in the detection zone of the NMR, due to a higher signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). Regarding deconvolution, a bi‐Gaussian model and a model combining a Gaussian and Abragamian function are compared. Both models are able to fit the free induction decay (FID) data.
Zinc(II)‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Propargylamines by Coupling Aldimines and Ketimines with Alkynes
Authors: Shehzadi Syeda Aaliya , Saeed Aamer , Lemière Filip , Maes Bert U. W. , Abbaspour Tehrani Kourosch
Published: November 2017

A ZnII‐catalyzed reaction between imines, which were derived from unactivated aldehydes or ketones and primary amines or α‐amino acid esters, and terminal alkynes has led to the rapid and efficient formation of tri‐ and tetrasubstituted propargylamines (from aldimines and ketimines, respectively) in good to excellent yields. No additives or extra Lewis acid reagents were required for the imine‐alkyne coupling reaction.
Current evidence of cannabinoid‐based analgesia obtained in preclinical and human experimental settings
Authors: Lötsch J. , Weyer‐Menkhoff I. , Tegeder I.
Published: November 2017

Cannabinoids have a long record of recreational and medical use and become increasingly approved for pain therapy. This development is based on preclinical and human experimental research summarized in this review. Cannabinoid CB1 receptors are widely expressed throughout the nociceptive system. Their activation by endogenous or exogenous cannabinoids modulates the release of neurotransmitters. This is reflected in antinociceptive effects of cannabinoids in preclinical models of inflammatory, cancer and neuropathic pain, and by nociceptive hypersensitivity of cannabinoid receptor‐deficient mice. Cannabis‐based medications available for humans mainly comprise Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and nabilone. During the last 10 years, six controlled studies assessing analgesic effects of cannabinoid‐based drugs in human experimental settings were reported. An effect on nociceptive processing could be translated to the human setting in functional magnetic resonance imaging studies that pointed at a reduced connectivity within the pain matrix of the brain. However, cannabinoid‐based drugs heterogeneously influenced the perception of experimentally induced pain including a reduction in only the affective but not the sensory perception of pain, only moderate analgesic effects, or occasional hyperalgesic effects. This extends to the clinical setting. While controlled studies showed a lack of robust analgesic effects, cannabis was nearly always associated with analgesia in open‐label or retrospective reports, possibly indicating an effect on well‐being or mood, rather than on sensory pain. Thus, while preclinical evidence supports cannabinoid‐based analgesics, human evidence presently provides only reluctant support for a broad clinical use of cannabinoid‐based medications in pain therapy.

Significance

Cannabinoids consistently produced antinociceptive effects in preclinical models, whereas they heterogeneously influenced the perception of experimentally induced pain in humans and did not provide robust clinical analgesia, which jeopardizes the translation of preclinical research on cannabinoid‐mediated antinociception into the human setting.
Effects of a psychosocial intervention programme combined with exercise in community‐dwelling older adults with chronic pain: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hirase T. , Kataoka H. , Nakano J. , Inokuchi S. , Sakamoto J. , Okita M.
Published: November 2017

Background

Although researchers have recommended exercise training and psychosocial intervention to manage chronic pain, an effective intervention for Japanese community‐dwelling older adults with chronic pain has not been established. This randomized controlled trial examined whether exercise training combined with psychosocial intervention more effectively improves pain, psychological status and physical activity than does exercise training alone in this population.

Methods

We randomized 128 older adults with chronic pain to either an intervention group (n = 64) involving exercise training combined with psychosocial intervention, or a control group (n = 64) involving only exercise training. Exercise training comprised weekly 60‐min sessions for 12 weeks. Psychosocial intervention involved changing participants' focus on pain using self‐management education and cognitive behavioural therapy, and participants recorded their daily pain intensity and step counts. Pain intensity, psychological status and physical activity were assessed before and 12 weeks after the intervention.

Results

A time‐by‐group interaction emerged for psychological status (p = 0.003) and physical activity (p < 0.001), both favouring the intervention group. The intervention group also showed greater improvement in pain intensity at 12 weeks than did the control group (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

Exercise training combined with psychosocial intervention improves key outcome indicators more effectively than does exercise training alone in older adults with chronic pain.

Significance

Although research has shown that combined exercise and psychosocial intervention is optimal for managing chronic pain, our study is the first, to the best of our knowledge, to test a specific intervention of this type in community‐dwelling older adults with chronic pain in Japan.
Constructing and contesting threat: Representations of white British Muslims across British national and Muslim newspapers
Authors: Amer Amena , Howarth Caroline
Published: November 2017

White British Muslims pose a challenge to racialised representations of British Muslims as non‐white, foreign and Other. By drawing on tools from Critical Discourse Analysis to develop Social Representations Theory on a micro‐analytic level, and making connections with other relevant social psychological theories on intergroup relations, this article examines the constructions of white British Muslims as a threat in six national and two Muslim British newspapers. It looks at how discourses are used to create, perpetuate and challenge the ‘hegemonisation’ of social representations in majority and minority press. The findings show that white British Muslims are portrayed as a threat not just despite of, but because of, their position as part of the ‘white British’ ingroup. Consequently, the threat they pose often leads to their Muslimness being emphasised. This was, at times, contested, however, either through direct challenges, or by making the threat ambivalent by drawing on their whiteness.
Humidity‐conditioning mesoporous molecular sieves synthesized from thin‐film‐transistor liquid‐crystal‐display waste glass and SiC sludge
Authors: Lin Kae‐Long , Lo Huang‐Mu , Ma Chih‐Ming , Chang Yu‐Min , Chen Chiao‐Ying , Lan Ju‐Ying
Published: November 2017

This study characterized the humidity conditioning of Al‐MCM‐41 mesoporous molecular sieves that were recycled from thin‐film‐transistor liquid‐crystal‐display (TFT‐LCD) waste glass and SiC sludge and synthesized through alkali fusion and hydrothermal processes. Temperatures of 450–650°C, various liquid: solid ratios (5:1, 10:1, 15:1), and different proportions of SiC sludge in the TFT–LCD waste glass were used. The crystal structures of the Al‐MCM‐41 were determined using X‐ray diffraction. The concentrations of heavy metals leached from the materials were below Taiwan's regulatory thresholds. When the liquid: solid ratio was 10:1 and the alkali fusion temperature was 90, 105, or 120°C, the mesoporous molecular sieves met JIS A1470 intensity building materials specifications (moisture adsorption content > 29 g/m2). Mesoporous molecular sieves recycled from TFT‐LCD waste glass and SiC sludge had excellent mechanical properties, making them feasible for use in humidity‐conditioning applications. This novel synthesis process could also be employed for other Si‐related industrial wastes and be beneficial during the large‐scale production of valuable silica‐based humidity‐conditioning materials for environmental protection applications. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1285–1290, 2018
Reactivity, stability, and thermodynamic feasibility of H2O2/H2O at graphite cathode: Application of quantum chemical calculations in MFCs
Authors: Asghar Anam , Abdul Raman Abdul Aziz , Wan Daud Wan Mohd Ashri , Ramalingam Anantharaj
Published: November 2017

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a sustainable technology which commonly uses graphite as cathode for the production of hydrogen peroxide. Besides, water formation through four‐electron oxygen reduction mechanism is a commonly observed product. Determining the selectivity of H2O2/H2O reaction through experimental means is time consuming because of the slow kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction. Therefore, quantum chemical approaches are essential to comprehend the molecular nature of this process. Thus, density functional theory (DFT) was employed and quantum chemical calculations were performed to predict the chemical reactivity, stability, and thermodynamic properties of molecules participating in oxygen reduction reaction at graphite cathode. The calculations showed that graphene with higher value of “highest occupied molecular orbital” (HOMO), i.e., −4.544 eV has a higher tendency to donate electron for oxygen reduction reaction Furthermore, with an aim of predicting the most favorable conditions for H2O2 production, two different points, i.e., at the edge and middle of graphene plane were investigated. Calculated values showed that oxygen adsorption with the lowest energy requirement of 43.638 kcal/mol is energetically favorable at the edge of graphene plane. Nevertheless, oxygen complexes (O2*, HOO*, and HO*) characterized by high HOMO values −4.96, −4.37, and −4.34 eV are highly polarizable in the middle of the graphene plane. Furthermore, thermodynamic feasibility analysis showed that oxygen reduction required for hydrogen peroxide production had lower ΔG values of −90.94 (edge) and −98.44 (middle) kcal/mole than that of water synthesis (i.e., ΔG = −48.37(edge), −48.97 (middle) kcal/mole) at two‐electron reduction step. Therefore, it was concluded that H2O2 which followed the lowest energy pathway would be more thermodynamically feasible compared to water synthesis. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1291–1304, 2018
Estimation of the carbonation reaction kinetic parameters for dilute methane and carbon dioxide conditions in a calcium looping process
Authors: Patel Savankumar , Tremain Priscilla , Moghtaderi Behdad , Sandford James , Shah Kalpit
Published: November 2017

Experimental investigations were carried out to determine the intrinsic kinetic parameters of the carbonation reaction of limestone (CaCO3) in a calcium looping (CL) process for (1) dilute carbon dioxide conditions (1 vol % CO2 in air) and (2) dilute methane conditions (1 vol % CH4 in air). The random pore model (RPM) was applied to estimate the gas‐solid heterogeneous kinetic parameters and further used to study the effects of bed temperature, fluidizing velocity and inventory size on carbon dioxide capture and methane combustion. Experiments were conducted in a single lab‐scale bubbling fluidized bed reactor on calcined limestone at a range of temperatures (450–600°C) and inventory sizes (8–16 g). The activation energy determined for the carbonation reaction in dilute CO2 and dilute CH4 conditions were found to be 25.7 × 103 kJ/kmol and 22.3 × 103 kJ/kmol, respectively. These values were compared with the conventional calcium looping process (12–15% CO2 in flue gas). © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1312–1318, 2018
On the sum of ordered random variables and its applications to physical‐layer security of communication over η‐μ fading channels with generalized selection combining
Authors: Peppas Kostas P. , Alexandropoulos George C. , Mathiopoulos P. Takis , Yang Jing
Published: November 2017

Order statistics have attracted the interest of the research community since they find numerous applications in several areas of communications and signal processing fields. This paper introduces an approximate yet accurate approach to determine the statistics of the sum of ordered independent but not necessarily identically distributed η‐μ random variables, which is an accurate model in a generic non–line‐of‐sight propagation environment. The proposed method is used to assess the secrecy performance of wiretap η‐μ fading channels employing generalized selection combining (GSC) diversity. We consider the case of GSC(L,2L), where L branches with the largest instantaneous signal‐to‐noise‐ratio (SNR) values, from a total of 2L available branches, are selected. By introducing a novel modified cascade combining receiver structure whose output SNR statistics closely approximate that of GSC(L,2L), a simple and accurate closed‐form approximation for the moment generating function of the GSC(L,2L) output SNR is derived. This expression is further employed to evaluate the secrecy outage probability and the secrecy capacity of a wiretap channel consisting of a single‐antenna transmitter, a multiantenna receiver, and a multiantenna eavesdropper. Using the proposed analytical approach, various numerical performance evaluation results accompanied with complementary Monte Carlo simulations are further presented. These results have shown that the proposed approach is accurate over the entire range of SNR values, thus enabling a low‐complexity computation of important performance metrics.
A novel functional screening assay to monitor sweet taste receptor activation in vitro
Authors: Bastiaan‐Net Shanna , van den Berg‐Somhorst Dianne B.P.M. , Ariëns Renata M.C. , Paques Marcel , Mes Jurriaan J.
Published: November 2017

The human sweet taste receptor is a heterodimer comprised of the class C G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) subunits TAS1R2 and TAS1R3. A wide collection of sweet tasting compounds and modulators of sweet taste interact with this receptor. Although TAS1R2/TAS1R3‐mediated signaling is well‐studied, the molecular basis for its desensitization remains unclear while such knowledge would signify a profound step forward in understanding the mechanism behind sweet taste perception and taste modulation. In this work, the possible involvement of β‐arrestin in downstream signaling was investigated. A stable clonal Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK)‐derived cell line containing the PathHunter™ GPCR technology was developed, in which β‐arrestin‐mediated endosomal receptor internalization can be monitored by ligand‐induced enzyme complementation of β‐galactosidase (β‐gal). Stimulatory responses and antibody‐specific receptor detection indicated that the TAS1R2/TAS1R3 receptor is endogenously expressed in this clonal cell line. Natural sugars (including fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, maltitol and mannitol) and artificial sweeteners (acesulfame‐K and sucralose) stimulated enzyme complementation activity in a concentration dependent manner. Besides, we observed that the assay detected modification of sugar induced cell responses by sweetness enhancers. These results combined implicate that TAS1R2/TAS1R3 receptor desensitization by internalization is most likely mediated by β‐arrestin‐induced endocytosis. This assay approach, making use of naturally expressed TAS1R2/TAS1R3 receptors and required co‐factors, further allows effective screening for and development of novel high potency non‐caloric sweeteners, sweet taste modulators or optimal blends with enhanced sweet taste.
A Direct Manufacturing Cost Model for Solid‐Oxide Fuel Cell Stacks
Authors: Scataglini R. , Wei M. , Mayyas A. , Chan S. H. , Lipman T. , Santarelli M.
Published: November 2017

This work details efforts to estimate the direct manufacturing cost of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack components for combined heat and power applications. The main research goals are to identify the major contributors to fuel cell stack manufacturing costs, examine the influence of both production volume and stack size on cost, and compare the results of the cost trajectories with the U.S. Department of Energy SOFC stack manufacturing cost target of $238 kWe−1 (in 2015) and industry reported cost projections and to identify critical areas for manufacturing research and development. Stack component direct manufacturing costs are modeled for net electricity capacity of 1, 10, 50, 100 and 250 kWe across annual production volumes of 10, 1,000, 10,000 and 50,000 systems per year. Overall stack manufacturing costs range from $5,387 kWe−1 to a minimum of about $166 kWe−1 for a 250 kWe system at 50,000 systems per year. To meet the manufacturing cost target of $238 kWe−1, a minimum annual production of 100–250 MWe per year would be required. Reduction opportunities for stack cost are expected to be available, mainly with the adoption of thinner cells and stack components, higher levels of factory automation, and more sensitive in‐line defect diagnostics.
Regularization in parallel magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Korti Amel
Published: November 2017

SPIRiT (iterative self‐consistent parallel imaging reconstruction) can be solved efficiently for data acquired on arbitrary k‐space trajectories, and its sparsity regularized variant L1‐SPIRiT accelerates reconstruction. In this paper, we propose a regularized SPIRiT reconstruction based on steerable pyramid decomposition. The directionally filter banks lead to a better separation of signal and noise compared to a discrete wavelet transform (DWT). In vivo datasets and eight‐channel Shepp‐Logan phantom studies demonstrate efficient reconstructions. We compared our work with five state‐of‐the‐art parallel imaging techniques; our method yields better reconstruction results.
Tendinopathy diagnosis and treatment monitoring using attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Bhattacharjee Tanmoy T. , Nicodemo Mariana C. , Sant'Anna Luciana B. , Lo Schiavo Arisawa Emilia A. , Raniero Leandro
Published: November 2017

Tendinopathy, an important sports injury afflicting athletes and general public, is associated with huge economic losses. The currently used diagnostic tests are subjective, show moderate sensitivity and specificity; while treatment failures persist despite advances in therapy. This highlights the need for tendinopathy diagnostic and treatment monitoring tools. This study investigates tendon injury, natural healing and effect of treatment using ATR‐FTIR complemented with histopathology. Control (C), injured (I) and treated (T) rat tendons were extracted 3, 7, 14 and 28 days post‐injury/treatment, representing phases of healing; and subjected to hematoxylin & eosin staining as well as spectroscopy. While C showed no change, I‐ and T‐related histological changes could be clearly observed in stained sections. ATR‐FTIR spectra highlighted the biochemical changes within groups. Multivariate analysis could classify C, I and T with 75%; different days between groups with 84%; and different days within group with 65% efficiency. Results suggest that such analysis can not only identify C, I or T but also different phases of healing. Difference between I and T at different time points also suggest change in rate of healing. Further studies may help develop this technique for clinical diagnosis and treatment monitoring in future.
Monocyte-Specific Knockout of C/ebpα Results in Osteopetrosis Phenotype, Blocks Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Mice, and Reveals an Important Function of C/ebpα in Osteoclast Differentiation and Function
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhu Guochun , Jules Joel , Nguyen Diep , Li Yi-Ping
Published: November 2017

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/ebpα) is critical for osteoclastogenesis by regulating osteoclast (OC) lineage commitment and is also important for OC differentiation and function in vitro. However, the role of C/ebpα in postnatal skeletal development has not been reported owing to lethality in C/ebpα–/– mice from hypoglycemia within 8 hours after birth. Herein, we generated conditional knockout mice by deleting the C/ebpα gene in monocyte via LysM-Cre to examine its role in OC differentiation and function. C/ebpαf/fLysM-Cre mice exhibited postnatal osteopetrosis due to impaired osteoclastogenesis, OC lineage priming defects, as well as defective OC differentiation and activity. Furthermore, our ex vivo analysis demonstrated that C/ebpα conditional deletion significantly reduced OC differentiation, maturation, and activity while mildly repressing macrophage development. At the molecular level, C/ebpα deficiency significantly suppresses the expressions of OC genes associated with early stages of osteoclastogenesis as well as genes associated with OC differentiation and activity. We also identified numerous C/ebpα critical cis-regulatory elements on the Cathepsin K promoter that allow C/ebpα to significantly upregulate Cathepsin K expression during OC differentiation and activity. In pathologically induced mouse model of osteoporosis, C/ebpα deficiency can protect mice against ovariectomy-induced bone loss, uncovering a central role for C/ebpα in osteolytic diseases. Collectively, our findings have further established C/ebpα as a promising therapeutic target for bone loss by concurrently targeting OC lineage priming, differentiation, and activity. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
CERES: Anab initiocode dedicated to the calculation of the electronic structure and magnetic properties of lanthanide complexes
Authors: Calvello Simone , Piccardo Matteo , Rao Shashank Vittal , Soncini Alessandro
Published: November 2017

We have developed and implemented a newab initiocode, Ceres(Computational Emulator of Rare Earth Systems), completely written in C++11, which is dedicated to the efficient calculation of the electronic structure and magnetic properties of the crystal field states arising from the splitting of the ground state spin‐orbit multiplet in lanthanide complexes. The new code gains efficiency via an optimized implementation of a direct configurational averaged Hartree–Fock (CAHF) algorithm for the determination of 4fquasi‐atomic active orbitals common to all multi‐electron spin manifolds contributing to the ground spin‐orbit multiplet of the lanthanide ion. The new CAHF implementation is based on quasi‐Newton convergence acceleration techniques coupled to an efficient library for the direct evaluation of molecular integrals, and problem‐specific density matrix guess strategies. After describing the main features of the new code, we compare its efficiency with the current state–of–the–artab initiostrategy to determine crystal field levels and properties, and show that our methodology, as implemented in Ceres, represents a more time‐efficient computational strategy for the evaluation of the magnetic properties of lanthanide complexes, also allowing a full representation of non‐perturbative spin‐orbit coupling effects. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vitamin B12 deficiency and impaired expression of amnionless during aging
Authors: Pannérec Alice , Migliavacca Eugenia , De Castro Antonio , Michaud Joris , Karaz Sonia , Goulet Laurence , Rezzi Serge , Ng Tze Pin , Bosco Nabil , Larbi Anis , Feige Jerome N.
Published: November 2017

Background

Physical frailty and loss of mobility in elderly individuals lead to reduced independence, quality of life, and increased mortality. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to several age‐related chronic diseases, including in the musculo‐skeletal system, where vitamin B12 deficiency is generally believed to be linked to poor nutritional intake. In the present study, we asked whether aging and frailty associate with altered vitamin B12 homeostasis in humans and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms using preclinical models.

Methods

We analysed a subset of the Singapore Longitudinal Aging Study and stratified 238 participants based on age and Fried frailty criteria. Levels of methyl‐malonic acid (MMA), a marker for vitamin B12 deficiency, and amnionless, the vitamin B12 co‐receptor that anchors the vitamin B12 transport complex to the membrane of epithelial cells, were measured in plasma. In addition, vitamin B12 levels and the molecular mechanisms of vitamin B12 uptake and excretion were analysed in ileum, kidney, liver, and blood using a rat model of natural aging where nutritional intake is fully controlled.

Results

We demonstrate that aging and frailty are associated with a higher prevalence of functional vitamin B12 deficiency that can be detected by increased levels of MMA in blood (ρ = 0.25; P = 0.00013). The decline in circulating vitamin B12 levels is recapitulated in a rat model of natural aging where food composition and intake are stable. At the molecular level, these perturbations involve altered expression of amnionless in the ileum and kidney. Interestingly, we demonstrate that amnionless can be detected in serum where its levels increase during aging in both rodents and human (P = 3.3e‐07 and 9.2e‐07, respectively). Blood amnionless levels negatively correlate with vitamin B12 in rats (r2 = 0.305; P = 0.0042) and positively correlate with the vitamin B12 deficiency marker MMA in humans (ρ = 0.22; P = 0.00068).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that aging and frailty cause intrinsic vitamin B12 deficiencies, which can occur independently of nutritional intake. Mechanistically, vitamin B12 deficiency involves the physio‐pathological decline of both the intestinal uptake and the renal reabsorption system for vitamin B12. Finally, amnionless is a novel biomarker which can detect perturbed vitamin B12 bioavailability during aging and physical frailty.
Shoulder joint synovial chondromatosis presenting as multiple axillary masses: A case report
Authors: Chen Tai‐Jui , Tsai Yuh‐Feng , Chou Yi‐Hong , Chen Liang‐Kuang , Chiou Hong‐Jen , Lai Yi‐Chen , Lin Yung‐Hui , Wang Hsin‐Kai , Tiu Chui‐Mei
Published: November 2017

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare, benign, proliferative cartilaginous lesion arising from the synovial tissue, tenosynovium, or bursal lining. We describe the case of a patient who initially presented with multiple axillary masses. Breast ultrasound (US) was requested due to the concern of a breast tumor with axillary lymph node metastases. US study was helpful and provided adequate information to suggest the diagnosis.
Disjoint perfect matchings in 3‐uniform hypergraphs
Authors: Lu Hongliang , Yu Xingxing , Zhang Li
Published: November 2017

For a hypergraph H, let denote the minimum vertex degree in H. Kühn, Osthus, and Treglown proved that, for any sufficiently large integer n with , if H is a 3‐uniform hypergraph with order n and then H has a perfect matching, and this bound on is best possible. In this article, we show that under the same conditions, H contains at least pairwise disjoint perfect matchings, and this bound is sharp.
Persistent sample circulation microextraction combined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy for trace determination of heavy metals in fish species marketed in Kermanshah, Iran, and human health risk assessment
Authors: Safari Yahya , Karimaei Mostafa , Sharafi Kiomars , Arfaeinia Hossein , Moradi Masoud , Fattahi Nazir
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Persistent sample circulation microextraction (PSCME) combined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) was developed as a high pre‐concentration technique for the determination of heavy metals in fish species. In this method, a few microliters of organic solvent (40.0 µL carbon tetrachloride) was transferred to the bottom of a conical sample cup. Then 10.0 mL of aqueous solution was transformed to fine droplets while passing through the organic solvent. At this stage, metal–ligand hydrophobic complex was extracted into the organic solvent. After extraction, 20 µL of extraction solvent was injected into the graphite tube using an auto‐sampler.

RESULTS

Under optimal conditions, enrichment factors and enhancement factor were in the range of 180–240 and 155–214, respectively. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 0.03–200 µg kg–1 and the limits of detection (LODs) were in the range of 0.01–0.05 µg kg–1. Repeatability (intra‐day) and reproducibility (inter‐day) for 0.50 µg L–1 Hg and 0.10 µg L–1 Cd and Pb were in the range of 3.1–4.2% (n = 7) and 4.3–6.1% (n = 7), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Potential human health risk assessment was conducted by calculating estimated weekly intake (EWI) of the metals from eating fish and comparison of these values with provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) values. EWI data for the studied metals through fish consumption were lower than the PTWI values. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
1 × 4 optical switch based on electrowetting
Authors: Wang Jin‐Hui , Li Lei , Yuan Rong‐Ying , Wang Qiong‐Hua
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we report a 1 × 4 optical switch using deformable liquid droplet. The deformation is produced by the electrowetting on dielectric phenomenon. The device consists of a dyed oil and a transparent conductive liquid sealed in a transparent cylinder. The top glass cover of the device has four independently addressable electrodes for the actuation of the liquid dome in each direction. In the voltage‐off state, incident light is absorbed by the dyed liquid. When the voltage is applied to the liquid, the dome of the transparent liquid is uplifted and then spreads to four different directions because of the effect of electrostatic force. Accordingly, the transparent liquid pushes the dyed oil out to form a light path. The device with simple structure can freely control multiple switch apertures through changing the driven voltage. In addition, we analyze the electro‐optical characteristics such as transmittance, response time (open time ~110 ms, close time ~160 ms), contrast ratio (~661:1).
Exploring the enantiorecognition mechanism of Cinchona alkaloid‐based zwitterionic chiral stationary phases and the basic trans‐paroxetine enantiomers
Authors: Sardella Roccaldo , Macchiarulo Antonio , Urbinati Fabrizio , Ianni Federica , Carotti Andrea , Kohout Michal , Lindner Wolfgang , Péter Antal , Ilisz István
Published: November 2017

The enantiomers of trans‐paroxetine (the selectand) were separated on four chiral stationary phases incorporating either quinine [ZWIX(+), ZWIX(+A)] or quinidine [ZWIX(–), ZWIX(–A)] and (R,R)‐aminocyclohexanesulfonic acid [in ZWIX(–), and ZWIX(+A)] or (S,S)‐aminocyclohexanesulfonic acid [in ZWIX(+), and ZWIX(–A)] chiral selectors. The zwitterion nature of the phases is due to the presence of either (R,R)‐ or (S,S)‐aminocyclohexanesulfonic acid in the selector structure bearing the quinuclidine moiety. ZWIX(+) and ZWIX(–) phases are available on the market with the commercial names CHIRALPAK ZWIX(+) and CHIRALPAK ZWIX(–), respectively. With the aim of rationalizing the enantiomer elution order with the above chiral stationary phases, a molecular dynamic protocol was applied and two energetic parameters were initially measured: selectand conformational energy and selectand interaction energy. In the search for other descriptors allowing a better fitting with the experimental evidences, in the present work we consider an energetic parameter, defined as the selector conformational energy, which resulted to be relevant in the explanation of the experimental elution order in most of the cases. Very importantly, the computational data produced by the present study strongly support the outstanding role of the conformational energy of the chiral selector as it interacts with the analytes.
The Complex Trauma Inventory: A Self‐Report Measure of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Litvin Justin M. , Kaminski Patricia L. , Riggs Shelley A.
Published: November 2017

The work group revising the criteria for trauma‐related disorders in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐11) made several changes. Specifically, they simplified the criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and added a new trauma disorder called complex PTSD (CPTSD). These proposed changes to taxonomy require new instruments to assess these novel constructs. We developed a measure of PTSD and CPTSD (the Complex Trauma Inventory; CTI) according to the proposed domains, creating several items to assess each domain. We examined the factor structure of the CTI in two separate samples of diverse college students (n1 = 391; n2 = 391) who reported exposure to at least one traumatic event and at least occasional functional impairment. After reducing the original 50 items in the item pool to 20 items, confirmatory factor analyses supported two highly correlated second‐order factors—PTSD and disturbances in self‐organization (DSO)—with PTSD (i.e., reexperiencing, avoidance, sense of threat) and DSO (i.e., affect dysregulation, negative self‐concept, and disturbances in relationships), each loading on three of the six ICD‐11‐consistent first‐order factors, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = .056, 95% confidence interval (CI) [.048, .064], comparative fit index (CFI) = .956, Tucker‐Lewis index (TLI) = .948, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = .043, Bayesian information criterion (BIC) = 641.55, χ2(163) = 361.02, p < .001. Internal consistencies for PTSD and DSO were good to excellent (Cronbach's αs = .89 to .92). Supplementary analyses supported the gender invariance of the CFA model, as well as convergent and discriminant validity of the CTI. The validity of the CTI supports the distinction between CPTSD and PTSD. Moreover, the CTI will assist clinicians with diagnosis, symptom tracking, treatment planning, and assessing outcomes.
Influence of natural regeneration on fractal features of residue microaggregates in bauxite residue disposal areas
Authors: Zhu Feng , Cheng Qingyu , Xue Shengguo , Li Chuxuan , Hartley William , Wu Chuan , Tian Tao
Published: November 2017

Bauxite residue is often physically degraded, which limits vegetation establishment on the disposal areas. Microaggregate stability is an important physical property due to its significant effect on erosion and surface runoff; however, this is rarely reported for bauxite residue. Native plant encroachment on a bauxite residue disposal area in Central China has revealed that natural regeneration may ameliorate the residue and help to support plant growth. Residue samples from 5 different disposal ages were collected to determine microaggregate stability and to identify their fractal features. Following natural regeneration, the aggregate fraction 250–50 μm increased significantly from 27.4% to 40.3%, whilst the silt + clay size aggregate fraction decreased from 58.4% to 30.7%. With increasing disposal age, the residue clay dispersion ratio (CDR) ranged from 7.7% to 22.5%, whilst aggregated silt and clay ranged from 15.3% to 19.0%, indicating a stable microaggregate structure. The single‐fractal dimension (D) of the residues for different disposal ages varied from 2.2 to 2.4. The high pH and salinity of bauxite residue indicated a high value of single‐fractal dimension. The multifractal parameters of residue microaggregates, including capacity dimension (D0), information dimension (D1), and information dimension/capacity dimension (D1/D0), decreased, which resulted in homogeneity following natural regeneration. Correlation analysis revealed that both single‐fractal and multifractal dimensions had significant correlations with residue microaggregate stability. Our results suggested that natural regeneration may improve microaggregate stability of bauxite residue, and fractal parameters of residue microaggregates may be used to describe residue microaggregate stability and the physical condition of bauxite residue.
Nerve detection using optical spectroscopy, an evaluation in four different models: In human and swine, in‐vivo, and post mortem
Authors: Langhout Gerrit C. , Bydlon Torre M. , van der Voort Marjolein , Müller Manfred , Kortsmit Jeroen , Lucassen Gerald , Balthasar Andrea J.R. , van Geffen Geert‐Jan , Steinfeldt Thorsten , Sterenborg Henricus J.C.M. , Hendriks Benno H.W. , Ruers Theo J.M.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Identification of peripheral nerve tissue is crucial in both surgery and regional anesthesia. Recently, optical tissue identification methods are presented to facilitate nerve identification in transcutaneous procedures and surgery. Optimization and validation of such techniques require large datasets. The use of alternative models to human in vivo, like human post mortem, or swine may be suitable to test, optimize and validate new optical techniques. However, differences in tissue characteristics and thus optical properties, like oxygen saturation and tissue perfusion are to be expected. This requires a structured comparison between the models.

Study Design

Comparative observational study.

Methods

Nerve and surrounding tissues in human (in vivo and post mortem) and swine (in vivo and post mortem) were structurally compared macroscopically, histologically, and spectroscopically. Diffuse reflective spectra were acquired (400–1,600 nm) after illumination with a broad band halogen light. An analytical model was used to quantify optical parameters including concentrations of optical absorbers.

Results

Several differences were found histologically and in the optical parameters. Histologically nerve and adipose tissue (subcutaneous fat and sliding fat) showed clear similarities between human and swine while human muscle enclosed more adipocytes and endomysial collagen. Optical parameters revealed model dependent differences in concentrations of β‐carotene, water, fat, and oxygen saturation. The similarity between optical parameters is, however, sufficient to yield a strong positive correlation after cross model classification.

Conclusion

This study shows and discusses similarities and differences in nerve and surrounding tissues between human in vivo and post mortem, and swine in vivo and post mortem; this could support the discussion to use an alternative model to optimize and validate optical techniques for clinical nerve identification. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:253–261, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flexible water excitation for fat‐free MRI at 3T using lipid insensitive binomial off‐resonant RF excitation (LIBRE) pulses
Authors: Bastiaansen Jessica A.M. , Stuber Matthias
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To develop a robust and flexible low power water excitation pulse that enables effective fat suppression at high magnetic field strength.

Methods

A water excitation method that uses spatially non‐selective pulses was optimized in numerical simulations, and implemented and tested in phantoms and healthy volunteers at 3T. The lipid insensitive binomial off‐resonant excitation (LIBRE) pulse comprises two low power rectangular subpulses that have a variable frequency offset, phase offset and duration. The capability and extent of LIBRE fat suppression was quantitatively compared with conventional fat saturation (FS) and water excitation (WE) techniques.

Results

LIBRE enables simultaneous water excitation and near complete fat suppression in large volumes at 3T as demonstrated by numerical simulations, and experiments. In phantoms and in human subjects, the frequency responses matched well with those from the numerical simulation. Comparing FS and WE, LIBRE demonstrated an improved robustness to magnetic field inhomogeneities, and a much more effectively suppressed fat signal. This applied for a range of pulse durations and pulses as short as 1.4 ms.

Conclusion

A flexible water excitation method was developed that shows robust, near complete fat suppression at 3T. Magn Reson Med 79:3007–3017, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Quantification of vascular damage in acute kidney injury with fluorine magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy
Authors: Moore Jeremy K. , Chen Junjie , Pan Hua , Gaut Joseph P. , Jain Sanjay , Wickline Samuel A.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To design a fluorine MRI/MR spectroscopy approach to quantify renal vascular damage after ischemia‐reperfusion injury, and the therapeutic response to antithrombin nanoparticles (NPs) to protect kidney function.

Methods

A total of 53 rats underwent 45 min of bilateral renal artery occlusion and were treated at reperfusion with either plain perfluorocarbon NPs or NPs functionalized with a direct thrombin inhibitor (PPACK:phenyalanine‐proline‐arginine‐chloromethylketone). Three hours after reperfusion, kidneys underwent ex vivo fluorine MRI/MR spectroscopy at 4.7 T to quantify the extent and volume of trapped NPs, as an index of vascular damage and ischemia‐reperfusion injury. Microscopic evaluation of structural damage and NP trapping in non‐reperfused renal segments was performed. Serum creatinine was quantified serially over 7 days.

Results

The damaged renal cortico‐medullary junction trapped a significant volume of NPs (P = 0.04), which correlated linearly (r = 0.64) with the severity of kidney injury 3 h after reperfusion. Despite global large vessel reperfusion, non‐reperfusion in medullary peritubular capillaries was confirmed by MRI and microscopy, indicative of continuing hypoxia due to vascular compromise. Treatment of animals with PPACK NPs after acute kidney injury did not accelerate kidney functional recovery.

Conclusions

Quantification of ischemia‐reperfusion injury after acute kidney injury with fluorine MRI/MR spectroscopy of perfluorocarbon NPs objectively depicts the extent and severity of vascular injury and its linear relationship to renal dysfunction. The lack of kidney function improvement after early posttreatment thrombin inhibition confirms the rapid onset of ischemia‐reperfusion injury as a consequence of vascular damage and non‐reperfusion. The prolongation of medullary ischemia renders cortico‐medullary tubular structures susceptible to continued necrosis despite restoration of large vessel flow, which suggests limitations to acute interventions after acute kidney injury, designed to interdict renal tubular damage. Magn Reson Med 79:3144–3153, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Evidence of osteoarthritis in the Tiwanaku Colony, Moquegua, Peru (AD500–1100)
Authors: Becker S.K. , Goldstein P.S.
Published: November 2017

The Tiwanaku (AD500–1100) colonized ecologically diverse, lower elevation areas to produce goods not easily grown in the high altitude heartland (3,800 m a.s.l.). One colony near present‐day Moquegua, Peru (900–1,500 m a.s.l.) was composed of multiple Tiwanaku settlements. Colonists farmed products like maize and coca and transported goods via llama caravan between the colony and heartland. Two subsistence groups emerged in terms of settlement, those of “Chen Chen‐style” affiliation associated with an agrarian lifestyle and those of “Omo‐style” representing more of a pastoralist lifeway. Considering Tiwanaku people likely began light chores around 5 years of age (e.g., babysitting siblings), with heavier labour beginning at approximately 8 years of age, we questioned if these social and occupational differences translated into skeletal changes associated with osteoarthritis (i.e., porosity, lipping, osteophyte formation, and/or eburnation). Individuals from 5 sites, 2 that represent the Omo‐style (M16 and M70) and 3 that are in the Chen Chen‐style (M1, M10, and M43), were evaluated for osteoarthritis while controlling for age‐at‐death and sex using 25 total joint surfaces in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, and sacroiliac. Overall, our comparisons show no combined significant differences between the Omo‐style and Chen Chen‐style groups. Instead, distinctions in osteoarthritis evidence by age‐at‐death and sex emerged, reflecting the likelihood of specific age‐ or sex‐related tasks. Arthropathy evidence among children in elbow and ankle joints also supported the cultural legacy in the Andes that work begins at a relatively young age and would show up in patterns of adult osteoarthritis.
Connective tissue growth factor induces renal fibrosis via epidermal growth factor receptor activation
Authors: Rayego‐Mateos Sandra , Morgado‐Pascual José Luis , Rodrigues‐Diez Raúl R , Rodrigues‐Diez Raquel , Falke Lucas L , Mezzano Sergio , Ortiz Alberto , Egido Jesús , Goldschmeding Roel , Ruiz‐Ortega Marta
Published: November 2017

Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) is a matricellular protein that is overexpressed in progressive human renal diseases, mainly in fibrotic areas. In vitro studies have demonstrated that CCN2 regulates the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and could therefore contribute to renal fibrosis. CCN2 blockade ameliorates experimental renal damage, including diminution of ECM accumulation. We have reported that CCN2 and its C‐terminal degradation product CCN2(IV) bind to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to modulate renal inflammation. However, the receptor involved in CCN2 profibrotic actions has not been described so far. Using a murine model of systemic administration of CCN2(IV), we have unveiled a fibrotic response in the kidney that was diminished by EGFR blockade. Additionally, in conditional CCN2 knockout mice, renal fibrosis elicited by folic acid‐induced renal damage was prevented, and this was linked to inhibition of EGFR pathway activation. Our in vitro studies demonstrated a direct effect of CCN2 via the EGFR pathway on ECM production by fibroblasts and the induction of EMT in tubular epithelial cells. Our studies clearly show that the EGFR regulates CCN2 fibrotic signalling in the kidney, and suggest that EGFR pathway blockade could be a potential therapeutic option to block CCN2‐mediated profibrotic effects in renal diseases. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.