bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular and subcellular events of bone resorption in human and experimental cholesteatoma: The role of osteoclasts
Authors: Chole Richard A.
Published: February 2015

An ultrastructural study of the interface between aural cholesteatoma and adjacent bone was performed on specimens obtained from human and experimental gerbilline cholesteatoma. When an enlarging cholesteatoma contacted bone, a large number of monocytes and macrophages accumulated in the area of contact. The intervening middle ear mucosa degenerated and bone erosion occurred Anatomic evidence is provided which indicates that bone erosion in both human and experimental cholesteatoma occurred as a result of the action of multinucleated osteoclasts. These osteoclasts had the ultrastructural appearance of normal osteoclasts with a well developed ruffled border and large numbers of mitochondria. These cells stained readily with acid phosphatase stains. Although many other mononuclear cells were seen in the vicinity of the eroded bone, only the multi‐nucleated osteoclasts were associated with disappearance of the lamina limitans of the bone surface. Osteoclasts were commonly found in experimental cholesteatoma, but were infrequent in human cholesteatoma biopsies, presumably because patients undergoing cholesteatoma surgery are often treated with topical installations of corticosteroids which inhibit osteoclasts.
The role of radiation therapy in treatment of malignant tumors of the paranasal sinuses
Authors: Shidnia Homayoon , Hornback Ned B. , Saghafi Nassir , Sayoc Edgardo , Lingeman Raleigh , Hamaker Ronald
Published: February 2015

During a 20 year period, 121 patients with malignant tumors of the paranasal sinuses were seen at this institution. Of these cases, 109 patients with carcinomas originating from the mucous or paranasal sinuses were evaluated. Data were analyzed on the basis of 1. primary tumor control and metastatic nodal sterilization, 2. pre and post‐therapy incidence and location of neck node metastasis, and 3. overall survival. Data were also analyzed as to survival on the basis of TNM classification and histology.

From this retrospective study, the incidence of neck node metastasis prior to treatment appears to be slightly higher than in literature (23/88 or 26%). The incidence of post‐treatment metastasis is 9/88 or 10%. No significant correlation was noted between histology and neck node metastasis.
Natural in situ relationships suggest coral reef calcium carbonate production will decline with ocean acidification
Authors: Shaw Emily C. , Phinn Stuart R. , Tilbrook Bronte , Steven Andy
Published: February 2015

There are few in situ studies showing how net community calcification (Gnet) of coral reefs is related to carbonate chemistry, and the studies to date have demonstrated different predicted rates of change. In this study, we measured net community production (Pnet), Gnet, and carbonate chemistry of a reef flat at One Tree Island, Great Barrier Reef. Diurnal pCO2 variability of 289–724 μatm was driven primarily by photosynthesis and respiration. The reef flat was found to be net autotrophic, with daily production of ∼ 35 mmol C m−2 d−1 and net calcification of ∼ 33 mmol C m−2 d−1. Gnet was strongly related to Pnet, which drove a hysteresis pattern in the relationship between Gnet and aragonite saturation state (Ωar). Although Pnet was the main driver of Gnet, Ωar was still an important factor, where 95% of the variance in Gnet could be described by Pnet and Ωar. Based on the observed in situ relationship, Gnet would be expected to reach zero when Ωar is ∼ 2.5. It is unknown what proportion of a decline in Gnet would be through reduced calcification and what would occur through increased dissolution, but the results here support predictions that overall calcium carbonate production will decline in coral reefs as a result of ocean acidification.
Light and nutrient effects on the settling characteristics of the sea ice diatom Nitzschia frigida
Authors: Aumack C. F. , Juhl A. R.
Published: February 2015

Sea ice‐algae contribute significantly to Arctic primary production and play an important role in the life histories of planktonic and benthic consumers after the algae are released from the sea ice habitat. Following export from the ice, the extent to which fresh algal material is available to planktonic or benthic consumers is dependent on residence time in the water column, initially related to particle settling rate. Laboratory experiments using isolated Nitzschia frigida, a common sea ice diatom, were conducted to ascertain the effects of nutrient (N, P, and Si) and light limitation on settling characteristics of the algal material. While settling characteristics of N‐ and P‐limited cultures were not significantly different from controls grown under light and nutrient‐replete conditions, significant differences from the controls were found for light and Si limitation. Differences between treatments were evidenced by changes in the proportion of each population that had particular settling rates, rather than by changes in the range of settling rates measured within a treatment. Thus, fast (> 20 m d−1) and slow‐sinking particles (< 2 m d−1) were found in all cultures, but compared to the controls, a larger percentage of fast‐sinking particles were observed under Si limitation while a larger percentage of slow‐sinking material was observed under light limitation. While N. frigida is just one member of the sea ice algal assemblage, its prevalence in Arctic land‐fast sea ice means these results may be representative of the broader Arctic nearshore ice‐algae community. As such, abiotic conditions within Arctic sea ice, such as nutrient availability and depth of overlying snow (which affects the light field in the ice), could influence the amount of algae‐derived material available to different components of the underlying marine food web.
Dependence of pH in coastal waters on the adsorption of protons onto sediment minerals
Authors: Lee Junghyun , Kim Guebuem
Published: February 2015

We measured pH, total alkalinity (TAlk), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and δ13C‐DIC in groundwater of a subterranean estuary in Hwasun Bay in the volcanic island of Jeju, Korea. In the sandy aquifer, the pH values (7.4 ± 0.2) of fresh groundwater increased sharply to ∼ 10 and then behaved conservatively in the mixing zone between alkalified fresh groundwater and seawater. The distributions of δ13C‐DIC, Ca2+, and Mg2+ in coastal groundwater, along with the results from lab experiments on sediment columns, suggest that the increase of pH in this subterranean estuary is associated with the adsorption of protons (protonation) onto sandy sediments, rather than other geochemical processes. Our lab experiments showed that the protonation (1) occurs commonly for various sediments of Jeju Island, (2) increases pH effectively for low‐salinity (salinity < 10) groundwater, and (3) depends on the relative amount of transition metal (i.e., Fe, Ti, and Mn) oxides. The chamber experiments at the interface of seawater and groundwater indicate the direct seepage of high pH water into the ocean. This increase in pH leads to corresponding uptake of CO2 from the atmosphere. Thus, our result suggests that the reaction between groundwater and coastal sediments should be considered as an important driver of pH change that regulates the magnitude of chemical species in coastal groundwater seeping into the ocean at the volcanic island, Jeju, Korea.
Ferrofluids lubrication: a status report
Authors: Huang Wei , Wang Xiaolei
Published: February 2015

Ferrofluids (FFs) are stable colloidal suspensions composed of single‐domain magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in a carrier liquid. And it is an intelligent material, exhibiting normal liquid behaviour coupled with superparamagnetic properties. Since the properties and the location of these fluids can easily be influenced by a magnetic field, FFs have recently attracted many scientific, industrial and commercial applications. Lubrication is one of the most important applications for FFs, and the advantage of FFs as lubricant, over the conventional ones, is that the former can be retained at the desired location with moderate magnetic fields. The main focus of this paper is to present a comprehensive review on FFs lubrication theories based on the three flow models of Neuringer–Rosensweig, Shliomis and Jenkins. Besides, a few experimental studies on FFs lubrication are discussed briefly. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prognostic value of C‐reactive protein levels in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Di Martino Vincent , Coutris Caroline , Cervoni Jean‐Paul , Dritsas Stavros , Weil Delphine , Richou Carine , Vanlemmens Claire , Thevenot Thierry
Published: February 2015

Identifying cirrhosis with a poor short‐term prognosis remains crucial for improving the allocation of liver grafts. The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic value of a model combining the variation of C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels within 15 days, the Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and the presence of comorbidities in patients with decompensated cirrhosis with a Child‐Pugh score > B7 and to test the relevance of this model in patients with compensated cirrhosis. We collected data for cirrhotic patients without hepatocellular carcinoma, extrahepatic malignancy, human immunodeficiency virus infection, organ transplantation, seen between January 2010 and December 2011. Multivariate analyses of predictors of 3‐month mortality used Cox models adjusted with the age‐adjusted Charlson comorbidity index. The prognostic performance [area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs)] of the 3‐variable model was compared to that of the MELD score. The 241 patients who met the inclusion criteria included 109 patients with a Child‐Pugh score > B7 who were hospitalized for decompensation. In these patients with severe cases, the 3‐month mortality was independently predicted by the MELD score [hazard ratio (HR), 1.10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05‐1.14; P < 0.001] and a CRP level > 32 mg/L at the baseline and on day 15 (HR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.03‐4.76; P = 0.042). This model was better than MELD alone (AUROC, 0.789 versus 0.734; P = 0.043). In the whole population with cirrhosis, the 3‐month mortality was also predicted by high MELD scores (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.16; P < 0.001) and a CRP level > 10 mg/L at the baseline and on day 15 (HR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.29‐6.48; P < 0.001), but the AUROCs of the 3‐variable model and the MELD score alone were no longer significantly different (0.89 versus 0.88, not significant). In conclusion, prognostic models incorporating variations in CRP predict 3‐month mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Such models are particularly relevant for patients with decompensated cirrhosis but provide a limited increase in prediction in comparison with the MELD score in the whole population with cirrhosis. Liver Transpl 21:753–760, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Implications of discordant findings between hepatic angiography and cross‐sectional imaging in transplant candidates with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Young Kellie , Fidelman Nicholas , Yao Francis Y. , Hills Nancy K. , Kohi Maureen P. , Kolli K. Pallav , Taylor Andrew G. , Kerlan Robert K.
Published: February 2015

The goal of this study was to determine whether the detection of discordant numbers of hypervascular foci at hepatic angiography versus contrast‐enhanced (CE) cross‐sectional imaging [computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are listed for liver transplantation. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 218 consecutive patients with HCC who were listed for a liver transplant and who underwent transarterial chemoembolization at our institution between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2010. Patients were grouped into 3 categories: (1) the number of nodules at CT/MRI was concordant with the number of hypervascular foci detected at angiography (n = 136), (2) the number of nodules at CT/MRI was greater than the number of hypervascular foci at angiography (n = 45), and (3) the number of nodules at CT/MRI was fewer than the number of hypervascular foci at angiography (n = 37). The study outcomes were liver transplantation and tumor recurrence after transplantation. The detection of at least 3 more hypervascular foci at angiography versus the number of HCC nodules on CT/MRI was associated with a significantly lower rate of transplantation [multivariate subhazard ratio (SHR), 0.39; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.17‐0.92]. The detection of fewer hypervascular foci at angiography versus the number of HCC nodules on CT/MRI was associated with a significantly higher rate of tumor recurrence after transplantation (multivariate SHR, 3.49; 95% CI, 1.27‐9.56). In conclusion, liver transplant candidates with HCC who demonstrate discordant findings between angiography and CE CT or MRI may be at a higher risk for dropout from the transplant list and for tumor recurrence after transplantation. Liver Transpl 21:454‐467, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Visible‐Light Initiated Free‐Radical/Cationic Ring‐Opening Hybrid Photopolymerization of Methacrylate/Epoxy: Polymerization Kinetics, Crosslinking Structure, and Dynamic Mechanical Properties
Authors: Ge Xueping , Ye Qiang , Song Linyong , Misra Anil , Spencer Paulette
Published: February 2015

The effects of polymerization kinetics and chemical miscibility on the crosslinking structure and mechanical properties of polymers cured by visible‐light initiated free‐radical/cationic ring‐opening hybrid photopolymerization are determined. A three‐component initiator system is used and the monomer system contains methacrylates and epoxides. The photopolymerization kinetics is monitored in situ by Fourier transform infrared‐attenuated total reflectance. The crosslinking structure is studied by modulated differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis. X‐ray microcomputed tomography is used to evaluate microphase separation. The mechanical properties of polymers formed by hybrid polymerization are comparable to the control formed by free‐radical polymerization. These investigations mark the first time that the benefits of the chain transfer reaction between epoxy and hydroxyl groups of methacrylate, on the crosslinking network and microphase separation during hybrid visible‐light initiated photopolymerization, have been determined.

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Synthesis of Alternating Low‐Bandgap Conjugated Polymers Based on Dithieno[2,3‐d:2′,3′‐d′]naphtho[1,2‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene and Enhancement of Photovoltaic Properties with Solvent Additives
Authors: Xia Yangjun , Wang Jianlong , Li Jianfeng , Guo Pengzhi , Tong Junfeng , Zhang Peng , Yang Chunyan , Fan Duowang
Published: February 2015

Two alternating low‐bandgap conjugated polymers with 10,11‐di(3,7‐dimethyloctyloxy)di‐thieno[2,3‐d:2′,3′‐d′]naphtho[1,2‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene (NDT) as electron‐donor moieties and N,N′‐di(2‐hexyldecyl)isoindigo (ID) or bis(thieno‐2‐yl)‐N,N′‐bis(2‐hexyldecyl)‐1,4‐dioxo‐pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole (DPP) as electron‐acceptor moieties, respectively named as PNDT‐ID and PNDT‐DPP, are firstly synthesized and characterized. The polymers exhibit appropriate energy levels, good solution processabilities and broad light absorption properties; the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 0.16%–0.19% for the photovoltaic solar cells (PVCs) from the blend films of the polymers and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) are very low. The performances of the PVCs from the polymers are remarkably increased when a very small amount of 1,8‐diiodooctance (DIO) or diphenyl sulfide (DPS) is used as solvent additives, and the maximal PCEs of 3.79% and 5.01% are respectively achieved in the PVCs from the blend films of PNDT‐ID/PC71BM (W:W, 1:1.5) and PNDT‐DPP/PC71BM (W:W, 1:1.5), with DPS as solvent additives under 100 mW cm−2 illumination (AM 1.5G).

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A note on generalized quasi‐Einstein manifolds
Authors: Deng YiHua
Published: February 2015

In this note, we get a necessary and sufficient condition such that the scalar curvature of generalized m‐quasi‐Einstein manifold with is constant. In particular, we discuss a class of generalized quasi‐Einstein manifolds which are more general than ‐quasi‐Einstein manifolds and prove that these manifolds with dimension four are either Einstein or locally conformally flat under some suitable conditions.
Macroscopic Properties of Hypercrosslinked Polystyrene Networks: An Atomistic and Coarse‐Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Glagolev Mikhail K. , Lazutin Alexei А. , Vasilevskaya Valentina V.
Published: February 2015

The influence of the cross‐linking agent concentration on the macroscopic properties of hypercrosslinked polystyrene networks was studied by means of computer experiment. The computer experiment includes the consecutive stages molecular dynamics atomistic simulation of a polystyrene solution, the mapping of atomistic structure onto coarse‐grained model, the crosslink formation, the reverse mapping, the determination of properties of samples (elastic modulus and specific surface). The measurements of elastic modulus and specific surface were performed in frameworks of coarse‐grained and atomistic presentation. It was shown that for both models the elastic modulus increases while the specific surface decreases with increase of the number of crosslinks. Both models give very close values for specific surface whereas the elastic moduli determined from atomistic simulations could be an order of magnitude greater than the values calculated using the coarse‐grained representation of the same sample. The calculated values of the elastic modulus and specific surface are in reasonable quantitative correspondence with experimental data.
Star Brushes Under Deformation: Structure and Thermodynamics
Authors: Polotsky Alexey A. , Misorin Alexey K. , Zhulina Ekaterina B. , Birshtein Tatiana M.
Published: February 2015

A planar polymer brush of arm‐grafted polymer stars subjected to external deformation is studied theoretically We propose a simple mean‐field model of the star brush that takes into account segregation of the brush‐forming stars in two populations: (i) those with weakly extended arms and (ii) those with a very strongly stretched grafting arm (stem) and all free arms extended towards brush periphery. The polymer density profile in the brush is assumed to have a “two‐step” shape. Stars in the extended population are assumed to be equally stretched, the position of extended stars' branching points sets the boundary between two parts of the brush. We show that the theory quantitatively accurately describes earlier numerical results obtained with Scheutjens‐Fleer numerical self‐consistent field (SF‐SCF) approach for free (non‐deformed) star brush. We study compression of a star brush by an impenetrable plane by using two complementary models, the SF‐ SCF approach and the developed mean‐field theory, and demonstrate a very good quantitative agreement between the two models. It is shown than depending on the grafting density of the stars, compression could affect the two‐population brush structure in opposite ways. In sparsely grafted brushes the fraction of stars in the stretched population increases while in densely grafted brushes it decreases with deformation.
Local strong solution of Navier–Stokes–Poisson equations with degenerated viscosity coefficient
Authors: Duan Qin
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we investigate the vacuum free boundary problem of a compressible Navier–Stokes–Poisson system with density‐dependent viscosity. By introducing Eulerian and Lagrange energy, we obtain a local in time well‐posedness of the strong solution to the Navier–Stokes–Poisson system in a spherically symmetric case. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Similarity reductions and similarity solutions for the generalized diffusion equation
Authors: Moussa M. H. M. , Abd Al‐Halim Zidan M.
Published: February 2015

Herein, the generalized diffusion equation that encompasses the nonlinear diffusion equation with a source term and the Boussinesq equation in hydrology as its particular form and appears in a wide variety of physical and engineering applications has been analyzed via symmetry method that was developed by Steinberg.

According to physical situations, in each case, the similarity variables obtained have led us to an ordinary differential equation, and we acquire some new solutions by solving the ODEs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Bifurcation without Fréchet differentiability at the trivial solution
Authors: Stuart C.A.
Published: February 2015

Criteria for the bifurcation of small solutions of an equation F(λ,u) = 0 from a line
of trivial solutions are usually based on properties of the DuF(λ,0) at the trivial solutions, where the partial derivative is taken in the sense of Fréchet. When this derivative only exists in some weaker sense, the situation charges considerably and much remains to be carried out to understand the conditions under which bifurcation takes place. This paper summarizes and extends one direction of research in this direction, where only Hadamard differentiability is required. In addition to presenting the abstract results, their application to the study of bound states of a class of nonlinear elliptic equations on
is also examined. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resveratrol increases CD68+ Kupffer cells colocalized with adipose differentiation‐related protein and ameliorates high‐fat‐diet‐induced fatty liver in mice
Authors: Nishikawa Kahoko , Iwaya Keiichi , Kinoshita Manabu , Fujiwara Yoko , Akao Mai , Sonoda Mariko , Thiruppathi Suresh , Suzuki Takayoshi , Hiroi Sadayuki , Seki Shuhji , Sakamoto Toshihisa
Published: February 2015

Scope

Resveratrol reportedly improves fatty liver. This study purposed to elucidate the effect of resveratrol on fatty liver in mice fed a high‐fat (HF) diet, and to investigate the role of liver macrophages (Kupffer cells).

Methods and results

C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups, receiving either a control diet, HF diet (50% fat), or HF supplemented with 0.2% resveratrol (HF + res) diet, for 8 weeks. Compared with the HF group, the HF + res group exhibited markedly attenuated fatty liver, and reduced lipid droplets (LDs) in hepatocytes. Proteomic analysis demonstrated that the most downregulated protein in the livers of the HF + res group was adipose differentiation‐related protein (ADFP), which is a major constituent of LDs and reflects lipid accumulation in cells. The HF + res group exhibited greatly increased numbers of CD68+ Kupffer cells with phagocytic activity. Immunohistochemistry showed that several CD68+ Kupffer cells were colocalized with ADFP immunoreaction in the HF + res group. Additionally, the HF + res group demonstrated markedly decreased TNF‐alpha production, which confirmed by both liver mononuclear cells stimulated by LPS in vitro and in situ hybridization analysis, compared with the HF group.

Conclusion

Resveratrol ameliorated fatty liver and increased CD68‐positive Kupffer cells with downregulating ADFP expression.
Retrospectively gated intracardiac 4D flow MRI using spiral trajectories
Authors: Petersson Sven , Sigfridsson Andreas , Dyverfeldt Petter , Carlhäll Carl‐Johan , Ebbers Tino
Published: February 2015

Purpose

To develop and evaluate retrospectively gated spiral readout four‐dimensional (4D) flow MRI for intracardiac flow analysis.

Methods

Retrospectively gated spiral 4D flow MRI was implemented on a 1.5‐tesla scanner. The spiral sequence was compared against conventional Cartesian 4D flow (SENSE [sensitivity encoding] 2) in seven healthy volunteers and three patients (only spiral). In addition to comparing flow values, linear regression was used to assess internal consistency of aortic versus pulmonary net volume flows and left ventricular inflow versus outflow using quantitative pathlines analysis.

Results

Total scan time with spiral 4D flow was 44% ± 6% of the Cartesian counterpart (13 ± 3 vs. 31 ± 7 min). Aortic versus pulmonary flow correlated strongly for the spiral sequence (P < 0.05, slope = 1.03, R2 = 0.88, N = 10), whereas the linear relationship for the Cartesian sequence was not significant (P = 0.06, N = 7). Pathlines analysis indicated good data quality for the spiral (P < 0.05, slope = 1.02, R2 = 0.90, N = 10) and Cartesian sequence (P < 0.05, slope = 1.10, R2 = 0.93, N = 7). Spiral and Cartesian peak flow rate (P < 0.05, slope = 0.96, R2 = 0.72, N = 14), peak velocity (P < 0.05, slope = 1.00, R2 = 0.81, N = 14), and pathlines flow components (P < 0.05, slope = 1.04, R2 = 0.87, N = 28) correlated well.

Conclusion

Retrospectively gated spiral 4D flow MRI permits more than two‐fold reduction in scan time compared to conventional Cartesian 4D flow MRI, while maintaining similar data quality. Magn Reson Med 75:196–206, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional impact of vibratory proprioceptive assistance in patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Ribot‐Ciscar Edith , Milhe‐De Bovis Virginie , Aimonetti Jean‐Marc , Lapeyssonnie Bernard , Campana‐Salort Emmanuelle , Pouget Jean , Attarian Shahram
Published: February 2015

Introduction: In this study we analyzed the effects of a rehabilitation method based on the use of vibratory proprioceptive assistance (VPA) in subjects with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. Methods: Eight subjects were given 1 month of mechanical vibratory treatment that consisted of 8 sessions of 40‐min stimulation on the more affected side. During each session, illusory movements were induced as follows: sensations of extension or flexion of the forearm or elevation of the arm via vibration applied to the distal tendon of the biceps brachialis (BB), triceps brachialis (TB), or pectoralis major muscles (PM), respectively, and of elevation of the arm with extension or flexion of the forearm via vibration of PM+BB or PM+TB, respectively. Results: Treatment led to a significant increase in the amplitude of voluntary shoulder flexion, constant score, and self‐rated health. Conclusion: VPA may serve as a rehabilitation method for reducing the deleterious effects of decline in motor activities. Muscle Nerve 52: 780–787, 2015
Philanthropy by Decree
Authors: Boesso Giacomo , Cerbioni Fabrizio , Menini Andrea , Parbonetti Antonio
Published: February 2015

This article investigates the relationship among nonprofit foundations’ choice of philanthropic strategy (expressive, receptive, proactive, and collaborative) and sound governance, as measured by board capital (competencies and networks), board processes (planning, control, evaluation, and so on), and chairman power (entrenchment and tenure). Using a sample of fifty‐one Italian foundations of banking origins, this article shows that high levels of board capital, complete board processes, and chairman long tenure are positively associated with proactive and collaborative philanthropic strategies.
Consider whether your institution truly qualifies as veteran‐friendly
Authors: Minnis Sarah E.
Published: February 2015

As more individuals leave military service and re‐enter civilian life, institutions find themselves in competition for a pool of prospective adult students who are goal‐oriented, motivated and have a built‐in source of educational financial support. Making sure your campus is truly veteran‐friendly can help you stand out and attract more student‐veterans.
Take the right steps to become more veteran‐friendly
Authors: Minnis Sarah E.
Published: February 2015

You can help your institution qualify as truly veteran‐friendly by taking the following critically important programmatic steps.
Ensure FERPA compliance when disclosing records for reverse transfer
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: February 2015

Many adult students transfer from two‐year to four‐year institutions, but many also transfer from four‐year to two‐year institutions. Transferring the courses students need to complete their credentials from the four‐year college back to the two‐year institution doesn't just benefit the students — both schools also win. The two‐year colleges boost their completion rates. And officials at four‐year institutions can strengthen the partnerships that result in more students enrolling in their programs.
Learn the ABCs of effective leadership
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: February 2015

As the leader of your unit or adult‐oriented program, it's imperative that your faculty and staff members see you as such. But being seen as a true leader is about more than simply having the right title. It's about how you behave.
DBC1 is involved in adipocyte inflammation and is a possible marker of human adipose tissue senescence
Authors: Moreno‐Navarrete José María , Moreno María , Vidal Marta , Ortega Francisco , Ricart Wifredo , Fernández‐Real José Manuel
Published: February 2015

Objective

To investigate the possible role of deleted in breast cancer 1 (DBC1) in adipocyte and adipose tissue inflammation.

Methods

In vitro knockdown experiments using shRNA‐lentiviral particles were performed to investigate the effect of DBC1 on adipocyte inflammation, sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) activity, and the AMPK pathway. The relationship between DBC1 and inflammation in human adipose tissue also was examined in two independent cohorts.

Results

Dbc1 knockdown (KD) led to a significant reduction in the expression of inflammatory genes (Tnf, Il6, Stamp2, Lbp, and Mcp1) and pSer536NF‐κB (p65)/NF‐κB (p65) ratio in fully differentiated adipocytes. Of note, Dbc1 KD increased Sirt1 and AMPK activity in the early stage of adipocyte differentiation. In morbidly obese participants, DBC1 was positively correlated to TNF and senescence (TP53 and BAX) gene expression markers in both subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that senescence‐related gene markers were the best predictors of adipose tissue DBC1 mRNA levels.

Conclusions

DBC1 induced the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB)‐regulated inflammatory cytokines in fully differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, possibly through the inhibition of Sirt1 activity, being significantly associated with human adipose tissue senescence in morbidly obese subjects.
Surface imprinted polymers for oil denitrification with the combination of computational simulation and multi‐template molecular imprinting
Authors: Ma Pengfei , Yang Wenming , Fan Ting , Liu Hong , Zhou Zhiping , Li Jinhui , Zhang Lin , Xu Wanzhen
Published: February 2015

Multi‐template molecular imprinting technique was employed for the theoretical study about industrial oil denitrification. Prior to the preparation of multi‐template molecularly imprinted polymers (MT‐MIPs), density functional theory was used for simulating the imprinted pre‐assembly systems composed of template (aniline, indole, or 3‐methylinndole) and monomer [methacrylic acid, acrylamide (AM), and 4‐vinylpyridine]. MT‐MIPs were synthesized as surface MIPs simply and successively by seeded emulsion polymerization or two‐stage precipitation polymerization. The experimental results were consistent with the simulative results, which demonstrated that AM was more suitable monomer together. In addition, seeded emulsion polymerization synthesized MT‐MIPs with better performance compared with two‐stage precipitation polymerization. The adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherm of MT‐MIP prepared with AM using seeded emulsion polymerization were fitted with different models. The fitting results indicated that pseudo‐second‐order kinetics model and Freundlich isotherm model were suitable for describing the adsorption process of AM seeded emulsion polymerization. This study will provide a certain guidance and theoretical basis for introducing the combination of multi‐template molecular imprinting technique and computational simulation into the field of industrial denitrification. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Folic acid‐polyamine‐β‐cyclodextrin for targeted delivery of scutellarin to cancer cells
Authors: Liao Rongqiang , Zhao Yulin , Liao Xiali , Liu Manshuo , Gao Chuanzhu , Yang Jian , Yang Bo
Published: February 2015

The efficient tumor targeting drug carrier was designed by bioconjugation of folic acid to β‐cyclodextrin through a polyamine cationic spacer. The characterization and inclusion complexation behavior of the inclusion complex of hydrophobic drug scutellarin with folic acid‐polyamine‐β‐cyclodextrin were investigated in both solution and solid state by means of phase‐solubility, nuclear magnetic resonance, X‐ray power diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Besides, the solubilization efficiency and antitumor activity of the inclusion complex were tested by saturated solution and MTT (Thiazole blue) method. Solubility and antitumor activity studies showed higher solubilizing ability and antitumor activity of the inclusion complex in comparison to free scutellarin. The folic acid‐polyamine‐β‐cyclodextrin that is presented may be promising active tumor‐targeting carrier candidates via folate mediation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk of hyperkalemia and combined use of spironolactone and long‐term ACE inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker therapy in heart failure using real‐life data: a population‐ and insurance‐based cohort
Authors: Abbas Sascha , Ihle Peter , Harder Sebastian , Schubert Ingrid
Published: February 2015

Purpose

Clinical trials and few observational studies report increased hyperkalemia risks in heart failure patients receiving aldosterone blockers in addition to standard therapy. The aim of this study is to assess the hyperkalemia risk and combined use of spironolactone and long‐term ACE (angiotensin‐converting enzyme) inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy for heart failure in a real‐life setting of a heterogeneous population.

Methods

Using claims data of the statutory health insurance fund AOK, covering 30% of the German population, we performed a nested case–control study in a cohort of heart failure patients receiving continuous ACE/ARB therapy (n = 1,491,894). Hyperkalemia risk associated with concurrent use of spironolactone and ACE/ARB was calculated by conditional logistic regression in 1062 cases and 10,620 risk‐set‐sampling‐matched controls.

Results

Risk of hyperkalemia in heart failure patients was significantly associated with spironolactone use (odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) = 13.59 (11.63–15.88) in all and 11.05 (8.67–14.08) in those with information on New York Heart Association (NYHA) stage of disease). In the NYHA subpopulation, higher risk estimates were observed in short‐term as compared with long‐term users (OR (95%CI) = 13.00 (9.82–17.21) and 9.12 (6.78–12.26), respectively). Moreover, the association was stronger in older (≥70 years of age) as compared with younger patients (<70 years of age) (OR (95%CI) = 12.32 (9.35–16.23) and 8.73 (5.05–15.08), respectively), although interaction was not significant (pinteraction = 0.07).

Conclusions

Hyperkalemia risk associated with combined use of spironolactone and ACE/ARB is much stronger in real‐life practice than observed in clinical trials. Careful potassium level monitoring in concomitant users of spironolactone and ACE/ARB is necessary. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adverse event following immunization surveillance systems for pregnant women and their infants: a systematic review
Authors: Cassidy Christine , MacDonald Noni E. , Steenbeek Audrey , Top Karina A.
Published: February 2015

Background

The World Health Organization's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization has declared that maternal immunization is a key priority. Robust adverse event following immunization (AEFI) surveillance systems that capture outcomes in pregnant women and their infants are needed to ensure the safety of maternal immunization programs. We sought to identify the active and passive AEFI surveillance systems for pregnant women and their offspring described in the literature.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted of the MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases from 1990 to 2014. English‐language articles were reviewed if they included pregnant women as the population of interest and described the surveillance method used.

Results

Of 619 articles retrieved from the search, 16 met the criteria for review. These included reports of AEFI surveillance for pregnant women, their offspring, or both. The majority of reports (11/16) came from the USA and described findings on two active and four passive AEFI surveillance systems, only three of which specifically targeted pregnant women. The remaining five articles described one‐time AEFI surveillance programs, all in high‐income countries.

Conclusion

There are no published reports outside of the USA of ongoing AEFI surveillance systems that specifically target pregnant women or their offspring. There may be AEFI surveillance systems that capture events in these populations that have not been reported in the literature. A survey of immunization program managers and national regulatory authorities is needed to determine the current status of AEFI surveillance for pregnant women and their offspring globally. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incidence of liver injury among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in an integrated health system
Authors: Ulcickas Yood Marianne , Bortolini Michele , Casso Deborah , Beck Jean G. , Oliveria Susan A. , Wells Karen E. , Woodcroft Kimberley J. , Wang Lisa I.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

Using liver laboratory tests (LLTs), Hy's law is a method used to identify drug‐induced liver injury (DILI), after excluding other causes. Elevated LLTs in chemotherapy‐exposed patients may result from tumor effects or comorbidities. This study evaluated incidence of Hy's law in chemotherapy‐treated cancer patients.

Methods

We identified breast, colorectal, and lung cancer patients diagnosed in 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2007 at a Midwestern health system. Using automated data, potential Hy's law (PHL) cases were defined by patterns of elevated LLTs suggestive of DILI. Among those treated with chemotherapy, we excluded PHL patients with pre‐existing conditions that could cause liver injury, producing a cohort meeting Hy's law criteria, according to automated data. Medical record review, conducted among these automated data‐derived Hy's law patients, further excluded those with causes of liver injury other than chemotherapy.

Results

Using automated data, among chemotherapy‐exposed patients (N = 2788), 91 (3.3%) met PHL criteria using LLTs and 64 (2.3%) met Hy's law after excluding underlying liver injury using the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes. After a medical record review, 62 of 64 patients qualifying as Hy's law through automated data had other potential causes, leaving two patients (0.07%; 95%CI: 0.01–0.24%) with chemotherapy as a likely alternative cause of liver injury.

Conclusions

Abnormal LLTs are common in chemotherapy‐treated patients. Medical record review showed that the incidence of Hy's law events is rare. These data provide context for evaluating DILI in clinical trials and postmarketing surveillance of anticancer therapies, understanding that automated data alone may substantially overestimate the number of Hy's law cases. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One‐pot synthesis of self‐stabilized and carboxyl‐functionalized fluorescent poly(methyl methacrylate) microspheres covalently dyed with tris(8‐hydroquinolinato)aluminium by dispersion polymerization
Authors: Wang Biyun , Lu Jiang , Liang Hui , Feng Hao , Hu Lifen
Published: February 2015

The dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with fluorescent monomer tris[2‐((8‐hydroxyquinolin‐5‐yl)methoxy)ethyl methacrylate]aluminium (Al‐HQHEMA) was investigated to obtain fluorescent microspheres under varying conditions (such as composition of dispersion medium, and content of stabilizer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Al‐HQHEMA) in methanol–water at 70 °C with 2,2′‐azoisobutyronitrile as the initiator. Fluorescent microspheres with particle size of 2.039 µm and uniformity of 0.171 were obtained under the following conditions: methanol–water, 7:3 (v/v); PVP, 15 wt% of MMA; Al‐HQHEMA solution, 1.5 mL. Maleic monoester of monomethoxyl poly(ethylene glycol) (Mal‐MPEG) was used as a comonomer to simultaneously incorporate carboxyl groups and PEG chains. With Mal‐MPEG, no aggregation was observed in the measurements of particle size and size distribution for the obtained microspheres after cleaning off PVP, indicating that self‐stabilized fluorescent microspheres were obtained. While without Mal‐MPEG, obvious aggregation was observed. The determination of surface carboxyl content using aqueous acid–base titration showed that most of the carboxyl groups of Mal‐MPEG were located on the surface of the microspheres. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteomic alteration of equine monocyte‐derived macrophages infected with equine infectious anemia virus
Authors: Du Cheng , Liu Hai‐Fang , Lin Yue‐Zhi , Wang Xue‐Feng , Ma Jian , Li Yi‐Jing , Wang Xiaojun , Zhou Jian‐Hua
Published: February 2015

Similar to the well‐studied viruses human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) is another member of the Lentivirus genus in the family Retroviridae. Previous studies revealed that interactions between EIAV and the host resulted in viral evolution in pathogenicity and immunogenicity, as well as adaptation to the host. Proteomic analysis has been performed to examine changes in protein expression and/or modification in host cells infected with viruses and has revealed useful information for virus‐host interactions. In this study, altered protein expression in equine monocyte‐derived macrophages (eMDMs, the principle target cell of EIAV in vivo) infected with the EIAV pathogenic strain EIAVDLV34 (DLV34) was examined using 2D‐LC‐MS/MS coupled with the iTRAQ labeling technique. The expression levels of 210 cellular proteins were identified to be significantly upregulated or downregulated by infection with DLV34. Alterations in protein expression were confirmed by examining the mRNA levels of eight selected proteins using quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcription PCR, and by verifying the levels of ten selected proteins using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). Further analysis of GO and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG)‐Pathway enrichment demonstrated that these differentially expressed proteins are primarily related to the biological processes of oxidative phosphorylation, protein folding, RNA splicing, and ubiquitylation. Our results can facilitate a better understanding of the host response to EIAV infection and the cellular processes required for EIAV replication and pathogenesis.
Fluorescence of isatin N‐phenylsemicarbazones: aggregation and hydrazide–hydrazonol tautomerism
Authors: Cigáň Marek , Jakusová Klaudia , Donovalová Jana , Filo Juraj , Horváth Miroslav , Gáplovský Anton
Published: February 2015

The solution behavior of isatin N‐phenylsemicarbazones and their interaction with anions was investigated using fluorescence technique. Existence of associate/hydrazide (keto)/hydrazonol (enol) tautomeric equilibrium explains the solvent, concentration and excitation/emission effect on fluorescence of studied compounds. Both static and dynamic fluorescence measurements, together with quenching experiments, confirm the dynamic equilibrium between individual tautomeric forms with different emissive character in solution. Because of the nonfluorescent character of hydrazonol tautomer, the quantitative description of tautomeric equilibrium and dimerization was performed using UV–Vis spectroscopy. Determined apparent association constants Kass for interaction with F− anion using Stern–Volmer plots correlate well with the previously determined sensor sensitivity. Their high values indicate again the most acidic urea NH group deprotonation and not the hydrogen bonded sensor : hydrazonol 1:1 complex formation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LDPE Surface Modifications Induced by Atmospheric Plasma Torches with Linear and Showerhead Configurations
Authors: Abou Rich Sami , Dufour Thierry , Leroy Perrine , Reniers François , Nittler Laurent , Pireaux Jean‐Jacques
Published: February 2015

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) surfaces have been plasma modified to improve their nanostructural and wettability properties. These modifications can significantly improve the deposition of subsequent layers such as films with specific barrier properties. For this purpose, we compare the treatments induced by two atmospheric plasma torches with different configurations (showerhead vs. linear). The modifications of LDPE films in terms of chemical surface composition and surface morphology are evidenced by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, water contact angles measurements, and atomic force microscopy. A comparison between the two post‐discharge treatments is achieved for several torch‐to‐substrate distances (gaps), treatment times, and oxygen flow rates in terms of etching rate, roughening rate, diffusion of oxygen into the subsurface and hydrophilicity. By correlating these results with the chemical composition of the post‐discharges, we identify and compare the species which are responsible for the chemical surface functionalization, the surface roughening, and etching.
Adhesion and Alignment of Nonparenchymal Cells onto a Patterned Surface with a Two‐Step Plasma Polymerization Process
Authors: Muguruma Hitoshi , Hoshino Tatsuya , Fujita Ryosuke , Sumii Takeki , Kudo Susumu
Published: February 2015

The precise control for the micropatterning of nonparenchymal cells (endothelial cells; ECs and hepatic stellate cells; HSCs) is useful for regenerative medicine, artificial organs, and cell‐based biodevice. The adhesion and alignment of nonparenchymal cells on a micro‐patterned surface fabricated by two‐step plasma polymerization process were investigated. The first functionalization step involves the deposition of a nitrogen‐rich plasma‐polymerized film to render the entire surface a cell‐adherent region. Following this, a hydrophobic plasma‐polymerized film is formed through a grid metal mask (hundred‐micrometer‐sized openings) to renders these areas cell repellent. Imaging ellipsometry showed that groove and ridge patterns 100 μm wide and steps with heights on the scale of tens of nanometers were obtained. EC and HSC culture experiments were conducted on the patterned surfaces. EC rapidly adhered and aligned along the cell‐adherent groove of the patterned surface, while it did not adhere to the cell‐repellent ridge. HSC patterning succeeded only when the height of the cell‐repellent ridge was 20 nm, whereas the patterning failed when the ridge height was 10 nm. This indicates that EC patterning is possible with only a chemical effect, whereas HSC patterning required both a chemical effect and the topological constraints of the patterned surface.
Nitrogen‐Rich Plasma Polymer Coatings for Biomedical Applications: Stability, Mechanical Properties and Adhesion Under Dry and Wet Conditions
Authors: Lerouge Sophie , Barrette Jérémie , Ruiz Juan‐Carlos , Sbai Marouan , Savoji Houman , Saoudi Bachir , Gauthier Matthieu , Wertheimer Michael R.
Published: February 2015

Plasma polymerized coatings (PP) are increasingly used for biomedical applications in contact with body fluids. We optimized and studied the stability, mechanical properties, and adhesion in air and aqueous media of amine (NH2)‐rich PP in low‐pressure r.f. plasma from [NH3/C2H4] mixtures (L‐PPE:N). Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM‐D) revealed partial dissolution or water‐uptake (swelling) in real‐time in various solutions, which helped identify the best gas mixture ratio for compromise between stability and high concentration of (NH2) groups. Nanoindention revealed strong decrease of Young's modulus and hardness in water. Finally, a Cross‐Hatch peel test was used to optimize L‐PPE:N adhesion on poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE): plasma pre‐treatment prevented both dry and wet delamination.