bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for internuclear signaling in drosophila embryogenesis
Authors: Buckalew Richard , Finley Kara , Tanda Soichi , Young Todd
Published: May 2015

Background: Syncytial nuclei in Drosophila embryos undergo their first 13 divisions nearly synchronously. In the last several cell cycles, these division events travel across the anterior–posterior axis of the syncytial blastoderm in a wave. The phenomenon is well documented but the underlying mechanisms are not yet understood. Results: We study timing and positional data obtained from in vivo imaging of Drosophila embryos. We determine the statistical properties of the distribution of division times within and across generations with the null hypothesis that timing of division events is an independent random variable for each nucleus. We also compare timing data with a model of Drosophila cell cycle regulation that does not include internuclear signaling, and to a universal model of phase‐dependent signaling to determine the probable form of internuclear signaling in the syncytial embryo. Conclusions: The statistical variance of division times is lower than one would expect from uncoordinated activity. In fact, the variance decreases between the 10th and 11th divisions, which demonstrates a contribution of internuclear signaling to the observed synchrony and division waves. Our comparison with a coupled oscillator model leads us to conclude that internuclear signaling must be of Response/Signaling type with a positive impulse. Developmental Dynamics 244:1014–1021, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating the eco‐hydrologic impacts of reforestation in the Loess Plateau, China, using an eco‐hydrologic model
Authors: Peng Hui , Tague Christina , Jia Yangwen
Published: May 2015

Since the 1950s, reforestation has been widely applied in the Loess Plateau in China as a soil and water conservation measure. We examine the eco‐hydrologic responses to reforestation in two neighbouring catchments in the Loess Plateau using Regional Hydro‐Ecologic Simulation System. We use limited observed streamflow and other eco‐hydrologic data to support and evaluate the model implementation and then apply the model to disentangle the relative roles played by inter‐annual variation and longer‐term trends in climate drivers and re‐growth following reforestation. Our model‐based analysis of trends in forest water use highlights the differences in the response of control and reforested catchments to similar declines in annual precipitation in this region over the past decades. Model estimates show that while reforestation does increase vegetation water use, the impacts on streamflow are small relative to the impact of precipitation trends on streamflow, and forest water use. Results illustrate how catchment differences in response to climate trends can confound interpretation of observed streamflow patterns in a paired catchment setting. Results also show that the greatest impact of reforestation is likely to be on groundwater recharge but also suggest that evaporation rather than transpiration is a significant contributor to hydrologic change. We also examine how declining trends in precipitation impact forest productivity. While the impact of historical precipitation declines on forest primary productivity is probably minor, model estimates suggest that forests are nearing a threshold above which further declines in precipitation will lead to more ecologically significant responses. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pregabalin enhances the antinociceptive effect of oxycodone and morphine in thermal models of nociception in the rat without any pharmacokinetic interactions
Authors: Jokinen V. , Lilius T.O. , Laitila J. , Niemi M. , Rauhala P.V. , Kalso E.A.
Published: May 2015

Background

Oxycodone is increasingly being used in combination with pregabalin. Pregabalin use is prevalent in opioid‐dependent individuals. A high number of deaths caused by the co‐use of gabapentinoids and opioids occur. It is not known whether pregabalin affects concentrations of oxycodone or morphine in the central nervous system.

Methods

Effects of pregabalin on acute oxycodone or morphine‐induced antinociception, tolerance and sedation were studied using tail‐flick, hot plate and rotarod tests in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Concentrations of pregabalin, opioids and their major metabolites in the brain were quantified by mass spectrometry.

Results

In the hot plate test, morphine (2.5 mg/kg, s.c.) caused antinociception of 28% maximum possible effect (MPE), whereas pregabalin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) produced 8–10% MPE. Co‐administration of pregabalin and morphine resulted in antinociception of 63% MPE. Oxycodone (0.6 mg/kg s.c.) produced antinociception of 18% MPE, which increased to 39% MPE after co‐administration with pregabalin. When pregabalin 10 mg/kg was administered before oxycodone (0.6 mg/kg, s.c.) or morphine (2.5 mg/kg), only the effect of oxycodone was potentiated in the tail‐flick and the hot plate tests. Brain concentrations of the opioids, their major metabolites and pregabalin were unchanged. Pregabalin co‐administration (50 mg/kg, i.p., once daily) did not prevent the development of morphine tolerance.

Conclusions

Pregabalin potentiated antinociceptive and sedative effects of oxycodone and morphine in acute nociception. Co‐administration of pregabalin with the opioids did not affect the brain concentrations of oxycodone or morphine. Pregabalin did not prevent morphine tolerance.
Severe pain during local infiltration for spinal anaesthesia predicts post‐caesarean pain
Authors: Orbach‐Zinger S. , Aviram A. , Fireman S. , Kadechenko T. , Klein Z. , Mazarib N. , Artiuch A. , Reuveni A. , Ioscovich A. , Eidelman L.A. , Landau R.
Published: May 2015

Background

Quantitative sensory testing (QST) measures response to painful stimuli and has been used to predict post‐caesarean pain. Pain reported upon intravenous cannulation was shown to predict epidural analgesic use and pain intensity during labour. We hypothesized that pain intensity reported by women upon local anaesthesia injection (ILA) for spinal anaesthesia may predict acute pain after caesarean delivery (CD).

Methods

In a prospective observational trial, 229 women undergoing elective CD under spinal anaesthesia were enrolled. Using standardized script before ILA, women received ILA (lidocaine 1% 2.5 mL via 25 G needle), and provided an ILA score after the injection [verbal numeric pain scale (VNPS); 0–100]. Demographic data, average, peak pain (at rest, with movement and uterine cramping) and analgesic requests were recorded for the first 24 h.

Results

Fourteen percent of women experienced severe pain (VNPS ≥70) upon ILA. Good correlation was noted between ILA and pain scores at rest and upon mobilization during the 24 h following surgery (average resting pain r = 0.529, p < 0.001, average pain at mobilization r = 0.483, p < 0.0001). Severe acute postoperative pain (VNPS ≥70) was predicted by severe ILA pain with a sensitivity of 91.6% and specificity of 93.3%.

Conclusion

This is the first study evaluating a clinical measure to predict post‐caesarean pain. Our main findings were that 14% of women experience severe pain upon ILA, which was associated with increased pain during the first 24 h.
Grolar bears, social class, and policy relevance: Extraordinary agendas for the emerging 21st century
Authors: Fiske Susan T.
Published: May 2015

This Agenda article first considers whether social psychology is in the best or worst of times and suggests that we are instead in extraordinary times, given exciting agendas and potential policy relevance, if we are careful. The article illustrates with two current research agendas—the hybrid vigor of multiple categories and the psychology of social class—that could inform policy. The essay then reflects on how we know when our work is indeed ready for the public arena. Regarding hybrids: world immigration, social media, and global businesses are increasing. How will this complicate people's stereotypes of each other? One agenda could build on the existing social and behavioral science of people as social hybrids, emerging with a framework to synthesize existing work and guide future research that better reflects our changing world. Policy implications already emerge from our current knowledge of hybrids. Regarding the social psychology of social class: We do not know enough yet to give advice, except to suggest questioning some common stereotypes, for example, about the economic behavior of lower‐income people. Before the budding social psychology of class can be ready for policy export, the research results need replication, validation, and generality. Overall, principles of exportable policy insights include peer‐reviewed standards, honest brokering, nonpartisan advice, and respectful, trustworthy communication. Social psychology can take advantage of its extraordinary times to be innovative and useful.
Bleed‐to‐read disposable microsystems for the genetic and serological analysis of celiac disease markers with amperometric detection
Authors: Ortiz Mayreli , Joda Hamdi , Höth Julian , Beni Valerio , Katakis Ioanis , Klemm Richard , Lind Kristina , O'Sullivan Ciara K. , Fragoso Alex
Published: May 2015

Celiac disease is an auto‐immune disorder induced by ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Its diagnostics is more accurate using a combination of immunologic and genetic tests to detect of high levels of certain auto‐antibodies and the presence human leukocyte antigen HLA‐DQ2 or HLA‐DQ8 genetic markers. In this work, we report the design and testing of automated microsystems combining sample treatment, storage, fluidic transport, and detection in a single platform able to carry out genetic or serologic analysis for detection of celiac disease markers. These microsystems share a common footprint and many fluidic features and are thus able to perform a complete assay. The microsystem for the genetic assay extracts and amplifies the DNA prior to detection, while the serology microsystem contains a filter and chamber for the generation and subsequent dilution of plasma. The performance of both platforms is demonstrated and compared with reference methods with an excellent correlation, which makes the developed platform amenable for clinical studies.
Microbial reporter gene assay as a diagnostic and early warning tool for the detection and characterization of toxic pollution in surface waters
Authors: Hug Christine , Zhang Xiaowei , Guan Miao , Krauss Martin , Bloch Robert , Schulze Tobias , Reinecke Tim , Hollert Henner , Brack Werner
Published: May 2015

Surface water samples constantly receive a vast mixture of micropollutants mainly originating from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). High-throughput live cell arrays provide a promising method for the characterization of the effects of chemicals and the associated molecular mechanisms. In the present study, this test system was evaluated for the first time for the characterization of a set of typical surface water extracts receiving effluent from WWTPs. The extracts containing complex mixtures of micropollutants were analyzed for the expression of 90 stress responsive genes in the Escherichia coli reporter gene assay. The most affected pathways and the genes most sensitive to surface water samples suggested prominent stress-responsive pathways for wastewater-impacted surface water, such as oxidative stress, DNA damage, and drug resistance. Samples strongly affecting particular pathways were identified by statistical analysis of gene expression. Transcription data were correlated with contamination data from chemical screening and percentages of wastewater in the samples. Samples with particular effects and outstanding chemical composition were analyzed. For these samples, hypotheses on the alteration of the transcription of genes involved in drug resistance and DNA repair attributable to the presence of pharmaceuticals were drawn. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2523–2532. © 2015 SETAC
The effects of antidepressants appear to be rapid and at environmentally relevant concentrations
Authors: Ford Alex T. , Fong Peter P.
Published: May 2015

The effects of antidepressants on wildlife are currently raising some concern because of an increased number of publications indicating biological effects at environmentally relevant concentrations (<100 ng/L). These results have been met with some scepticism because of the higher concentrations required to detect effects in some species and the perceived slowness to therapeutic effects recorded in humans and other vertebrates. Because their mode of action is thought to be by modulation of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, aquatic invertebrates that possess transporters and receptors sensitive to activation by these pharmaceuticals are potentially affected by them. The authors highlight studies on the effects of antidepressants, particularly on crustacean and molluskan groups, showing that they are susceptible to a wide variety of neuroendocrine disruptions at environmentally relevant concentrations. Interestingly, some effects observed in these species can be observed within minutes to hours of exposure. For example, exposure of amphipod crustaceans to several selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can invoke changes in swimming behavior within hours. In mollusks, exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can induce spawning in male and female mussels and foot detachment in snails within minutes of exposure. In the light of new studies indicating effects on the human brain from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors using magnetic resonance imaging scans, the authors discuss possible reasons for the discrepancy in former results in relation to the read-across hypothesis, variation in biomarkers used, modes of uptake, phylogenetic distance, and the affinity to different targets and differential sensitivity to receptors. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:794–798. © 2015 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Gold nanoparticle–based colorimetric aptasensor for rapid detection of six organophosphorous pesticides
Authors: Bai Wenhui , Zhu Chao , Liu Jinchuan , Yan Mengmeng , Yang Shuming , Chen Ailiang
Published: May 2015

Fast immunoassay-based screening methods are unavailable for most small-molecule pesticides because of a lack of immunogenicity and the difficulty in obtaining antibodies by animal immunization. Aptamers are single-stranded DNA molecules selected through an in vitro process, which can bind to any target including nonimmunogenic small molecules with high affinity and specificity. Although various aptamer-based sensing methods have been developed for antibiotics, microorganisms, heavy metal ions, and biotoxins, there are few reports on aptamer-based methods for quick detection of organophosphorous pesticides. The gold (Au) nanoparticle (AuNP) colorimetric assay is a widely utilized rapid detection method because of properties such as easy operation and visualized results. In the present study, organophosphorous pesticide aptamers were adsorbed on the surface of AuNPs to stabilize the AuNP solution against high concentrations of salt to prevent AuNP aggregation. After the addition of targets, the aptamers binding to the targets are detached from the AuNPs, resulting in aggregation of AuNPs and a color change from red to purple-blue. The proposed method can detect 6 organophosphorous pesticides with good recoveries from 72% to 135% in environmental river water samples. The present study provides a new way for simple, rapid, and multiplex detection of organophosphorous pesticides. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2244–2249. © 2015 SETAC
Identification of a novel PARP14‐TFE3 gene fusion from 10‐year‐old FFPE tissue by RNA‐seq
Authors: Huang Weihua , Goldfischer Michael , Babayeva Sabina , Mao Yong , Volyanskyy Konstantin , Dimitrova Nevenka , Fallon John T. , Zhong Minghao
Published: May 2015

Xp11 (TFE3) translocation renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is officially recognized as a distinct subtype of RCC in the 2004 WHO classification. This neoplasm is characterized by several chromosomal translocations between the TFE3‐involving Xp11.2 breakpoint and various fusion partners. To date, five partner genes have been identified, that is, PRCC in 1q21, PSF in 1q34, ASPL in 17q25, CLTC in 17q23, and NONO in Xq12; and three additional translocations have been reported with no partner gene being defined: t(X;3)(p11;q23), t(X;10)(p11;q23), and t(X;19)(p11;q13). Here, we report the identification of a novel TFE3 fusion partner, PARP14 in chromosome band3q21. We used RNA‐seq on a 10‐year‐old FFPE (formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded) tissue sample, which carried t(X;3)(p11;q23) as detected in the original cytogenetic study. The fusion transcript connected the 5'‐end of the first two exons of PARP14 to the 3'‐end of five exons of TFE3, which was verified by reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) and Sanger sequencing. Similar to other TFE3 fusions previously reported, the predicted PARP14‐TFE3 product retains the nuclear localization and DNA‐binding domains of TFE3. This finding expands the list of TFE3 translocation partner genes and re‐emphasizes the essential oncogenic role of TFE3 fusion proteins in this tumor. Our result also clearly demonstrated the feasibility of identifying chromosomal translocation by RNA‐seq in clinical FFPE, which are easily accessible and associated with valuable clinical information. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Site selectivity of the boring Rogerella isp. infesting Cardiaster granulosus (Goldfuss) (Echinoidea) in the type Maastrichtian (Upper Cretaceous, Belgium)
Authors: Donovan Stephen K. , Jagt John W.M. , Nieuwenhuis Eric
Published: May 2015

A burrowing spatangoid echinoid (heart urchin), Cardiaster granulosus (Goldfuss), from the type area of the Maastrichtian Stage (Upper Cretaceous) in Belgium, was infested only in the plates of the ambulacral petals by acrothoracian barnacle borings, Rogerella isp. This infestation was after the death and exhumation of the echinoid. The distribution of Rogerella may indicate the azimuth of current flow at the time of exhumation prior to final burial. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SIMS zircon U‐Pb dating from bentonites in the Penglaitan Global Stratotype Section for the Guadalupian–Lopingian boundary (GLB), South China
Authors: Qiu Zhen , Wei Hengye , Wang Qingchen , Zou Caineng , Zhang Yijie
Published: May 2015

The Penglaitan section, as the Global Stratotype Section for the Guadalupian–Lopingian boundary (GLB), displays continuous deposition with a complete succession of pelagic conodont zones across the GLB. However, there is no reliable radiometric age from the Penglaitan section itself to constrain the GLB. Here, we report SIMS zircon U‐Pb ages from two bentonite layers (Bed 7c) in the Penglaitan Global Stratotype Section near the GLB. The sample PL‐62‐1 yields a weighted mean 238U/206Pb age of 257.1 ± 2.2 Ma, and the sample PL‐62‐2 yields a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 257.0 ± 4.2 Ma. Therefore, we consider 257.0–257.1 Ma as the age of deposition of Bed 7c (the end of the C. postbitteri postbitteri conodont Zone, ca. 86 cm above the GLB), and, considering the depositional rate of chert, we suggest 258.6 Ma as the age of the GLB. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term Care Insurance and Carers' Labor Supply – A Structural Model
Authors: Geyer Johannes , Korfhage Thorben
Published: May 2015

In Germany, individuals in need of long‐term care receive support through benefits of the long‐term care insurance. A central goal of the insurance is to support informal care provided by family members. Care recipients can choose between benefits in kind (formal home care services) and benefits in cash. From a budgetary perspective, family care is often considered a cost‐saving alternative to formal home care and to stationary nursing care. However, the opportunity costs resulting from reduced labor supply of the carer are often overlooked. We focus on the labor supply decision of family carers and the incentives set by the long‐term care insurance. We estimate a structural model of labor supply and the choice of benefits of family carers. We find that benefits in kind have small positive effects on labor supply. Labor supply elasticities of cash benefits are larger and negative. If both types of benefits increase, negative labor supply effects are offset to a large extent. However, the average effect is significantly negative. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A clinician's guide to drug‐drug interactions with direct‐acting antiviral agents for the treatment of hepatitis C viral infection
Authors: Dick Travis B. , Lindberg Lance S. , Ramirez Debra D. , Charlton Michael R.
Published: May 2015

The US Food and Drug Administration has recently approved a number of new direct‐acting antiviral agents for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus that have significantly increased the likelihood of a virological cure. These agents are highly effective but present a substantial risk for a host of clinically relevant drug‐drug interactions. These interactions must be considered both when starting and stopping any medication, including over‐the‐counter medications and herbal supplements. These drug‐drug interactions can increase the risk of toxicity or decrease the likelihood of treatment response. Knowledge of these interactions is paramount in optimizing the success of antiviral therapy. Conclusion: In this review we summarize the available data regarding drug‐drug interactions for direct‐acting antiviral agents, the interactions being the most clinically relevant that are currently known; this review is intended to serve as a clinician's guide to understanding and managing these complex interactions. (Hepatology 2016;63:634–643)
Short‐ or long‐term high‐fat diet feeding plus acute ethanol binge synergistically induce acute liver injury in mice: An important role for CXCL1
Authors: Chang Binxia , Xu Ming‐Jiang , Zhou Zhou , Cai Yan , Li Man , Wang Wei , Feng Dechun , Bertola Adeline , Wang Hua , Kunos George , Gao Bin
Published: May 2015

Obesity and alcohol consumption often coexist and work synergistically to promote steatohepatitis; however, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Here, we demonstrate that feeding mice a high‐fat diet (HFD) for as little as 3 days markedly exacerbated acute ethanol binge–induced liver neutrophil infiltration and injury. Feeding mice with an HFD for 3 months plus a single binge of ethanol induced much more severe steatohepatitis. Moreover, 3‐day or 3‐month HFD‐plus‐ethanol binge (3d‐HFD+ethanol or 3m‐HFD+ethanol) treatment markedly up‐regulated the hepatic expression of several chemokines, including chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 1 (Cxcl1), which showed the highest fold (approximately 20‐fold and 35‐fold, respectively) induction. Serum CXCL1 protein levels were also markedly elevated after the HFD+ethanol treatment. Blockade of CXCL1 with a CXCL1 neutralizing antibody or genetic deletion of the Cxcl1 gene reduced the HFD+ethanol‐induced hepatic neutrophil infiltration and injury, whereas overexpression of Cxcl1 exacerbated steatohepatitis in HFD‐fed mice. Furthermore, expression of Cxcl1 messenger RNA was up‐regulated in hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and endothelial cells isolated from HFD+ethanol‐fed mice compared to mice that were only given the HFD, with the highest fold induction observed in hepatocytes. In vitro stimulation of hepatocytes with palmitic acid up‐regulated the expression of Cxcl1 messenger RNA, and this up‐regulation was attenuated after treatment with an inhibitor of extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, or nuclear factor κB. In addition, hepatic or serum levels of free fatty acids were higher in HFD+ethanol‐fed mice than in the control groups. Conclusion: An HFD combined with acute ethanol consumption synergistically induces acute liver inflammation and injury through the elevation of hepatic or serum free fatty acids and subsequent up‐regulation of hepatic CXCL1 expression and promotion of hepatic neutrophil infiltration. (Hepatology 2015;62:1070‐1085)
Assessing the hierarchical structure of titanium implant surfaces
Authors: Matteson Jesse L. , Greenspan David C. , Tighe Timothy B. , Gilfoy Nathan , Stapleton Joshua J.
Published: May 2015

The physical texture of implant surfaces are known to be one important factor in creating a stable bone‐implant interface. Simple roughness parameters (for e.g., Sa or Sz) are not entirely adequate when characterizing surfaces possessing hierarchical structure (macro, micro, and nano scales). The aim of this study was to develop an analytical approach to quantify hierarchical surface structure of implant surfaces possessing nearly identical simple roughness. Titanium alloys with macro/micro texture (MM) and macro/micro/nano texture (MMN) were chosen as model surfaces to be evaluated. There was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) in either Sa (13.56 vs. 13.43 µm) or Sz (91.74 vs. 92.39 µm) for the MM and MMN surfaces, respectively. However, when advanced filtering algorithms were applied to these datasets, a statistical difference in roughness was found between MM (Sa = 0.54 µm) and MMN (Sa = 1.06 µm; p < 0.05). Additionally, a method was developed to specifically quantify the density of surface features appearing similar in geometry to natural osteoclastic pits. This analysis revealed a significantly greater numbers of these features (i.e., valleys) on the MMN surface as compared to the MM surface. Finally, atomic force microscopy showed a rougher nano‐texture on the MMN surface compared with the MM surface (p < 0.05). The results support recent published studies that show a combination of appropriate micron and nano surface results in a more robust cellular response and increased osteoblast differentiation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1083–1090, 2016.
Implant design and its effects on osseointegration over time within cortical and trabecular bone
Authors: Beutel Bryan G. , Danna Natalie R. , Granato Rodrigo , Bonfante Estevam A. , Marin Charles , Tovar Nick , Suzuki Marcelo , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: May 2015

Healing chambers present at the interface between implant and bone have become a target for improving osseointegration. The objective of the present study was to compare osseointegration of several implant healing chamber configurations at early time points and regions of interest within bone using an in vivo animal femur model. Six implants, each with a different healing chamber configuration, were surgically implanted into each femur of six skeletally mature beagle dogs (n = 12 implants per dog, total n = 72). The implants were harvested at 3 and 5 weeks post‐implantation, non‐decalcified processed to slides, and underwent histomorphometry with measurement of bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) and bone area fraction occupied (BAFO) within healing chambers at both cortical and trabecular bone sites. Microscopy demonstrated predominantly woven bone at 3 weeks and initial replacement of woven bone by lamellar bone by 5 weeks. BIC and BAFO were both significantly increased by 5 weeks (p < 0.001), and significantly higher in cortical than trabecular bone (p < 0.001). The trapezoidal healing chamber design demonstrated a higher BIC than other configurations. Overall, a strong temporal and region‐specific dependence of implant osseointegration in femurs was noted. Moreover, the findings suggest that a trapezoidal healing chamber configuration may facilitate the best osseointegration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1091–1097, 2016.
Effect of extracorporeal photopheresis on lung function decline for severe bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome following allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Brownback Kyle R. , Simpson Steven Q. , Pitts Lucas R. , Polineni Deepika , McGuirk Joseph P. , Ganguly Siddhartha , Aljitawi Omar S. , Lin Tara L. , Singh Anurag , Abhyankar Sunil
Published: May 2015

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a commonly used treatment for severe graft‐versus‐host‐disease (GVHD). We sought to evaluate the effects of ECP over a prolonged period on forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in patients with pulmonary GVHD. We identified eight patients who developed new airflow obstruction following allogeneic stem cell transplantation and a substantial decline in FEV1 despite receiving corticosteroids and standard therapy for pulmonary GVHD. Those eight patients were treated with ECP for a period of 1 year, with a primary endpoint of FEV1 change during this treatment period. Over the first 3 months of ECP, there was no further decline in FEV1 in seven of the eight patients. However, over the 1 year period, only two of the eight patients had stability in FEV1. The rate of FEV1 decline was substantially less once ECP was initiated, though the median FEV1 continued to decline over 1 year of therapy. All patients survived through the first year of ECP therapy. There was a significant decrease in the median dose of prednisone per patient throughout the 12 months of ECP treatment. ECP shows promise in slowing rate of decline of FEV1 in pulmonary GVHD, though the effects may not be long lived. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:347–352, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of immobilisation materials on viability and fermentation activity of dairy starter culture in whey‐based substrate
Authors: Krunić Tanja Ž , Bulatović Maja LJ , Obradović Nataša S , Vukašinović‐Sekulić Maja S , Rakin Marica B
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

The main objectives of the paper were to study influence of immobilisation of dairy starter culture ‘Lactoferm ABY 6’ on fermentation and probiotic potential of fermented whey‐based substrate.

RESULTS

Fermentation with free cells takes 1.5 h less than fermentation with encapsulated cells, but samples with encapsulated cells have better characteristics after 28 days of storage. Chitosan coating provides additional protection of cells in bile salt solution (95.86% of viable cells compared to the initial number) and simulated gastric juice (37.8% for pH 2.5) compared to the alginate beads (94.54% in bile salt solution and 36.18% in simulated gastric juice for pH 2.5). Free cells had a drastic reduction in the number of viable cells (83.0% in bile salt solution and no viable cells in simulated gastric juice for pH 2.5).

CONCLUSION

Samples with alginate beads and chitosan‐coated alginate beads have significantly (P < 0.05) higher viable cell count than samples with free cells, during 4 h monitoring survival at pH 2.5, pH 3.0 and 0.3% bovine bile solution. These beads can be used to improve survival of probiotic cells in fermented whey‐based beverage during storage and consummation, which improves the quality of the product. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Transfer printing of fully formed thin‐film microscale GaAs lasers on silicon with a thermally conductive interface material
Authors: Sheng Xing , Robert Cedric , Wang Shuodao , Pakeltis Grace , Corbett Brian , Rogers John A.
Published: May 2015

High performance semiconductor lasers on silicon are critical elements of next generation photonic integrated circuits. Transfer printing methods provide promising paths to achieve hybrid integration of III‐V devices on Si platforms. This paper presents materials and procedures for epitaxially releasing thin‐film microscale GaAs based lasers after their full fabrication on GaAs native substrates, and for subsequently transfer printing arrays of them onto Si wafers. An indium‐silver based alloy serves as a thermally conductive bonding interface between the lasers and the Si, for enhanced performance. Numerical calculations provide comparative insights into thermal properties for devices with metallic, organic and semiconductor interfaces. Under current injection, the first of these three interfaces provides, by far, the lowest operating temperatures. Such devices exhibit continuous‐wave lasing in the near‐infrared range under electrical pumping, with performance comparable to unreleased devices on their native substrates.

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Fractional CO2 laser assisted delivery of topical anesthetics: A randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Meesters Arne A. , Bakker Myrna M. , de Rie Menno A. , Wolkerstorfer Albert
Published: May 2015

Background and Objectives

Many dermatological procedures are performed under local anesthesia. Topical anesthesia requires prolonged occlusion and is often insufficient. Infiltration anesthesia is associated with discomfort. Pretreatment with an ablative fractional laser (AFXL) may enhance penetration of topical drugs, including lidocaine. Primary aim of this study was to assess whether AFXL pretreatment enhances the efficacy of two regularly used anesthetics: (i) articain hydrochloride 40 mg/ml + epinephrine 10 μg/ml solution (AHES); (ii) lidocaine 25 mg/g + prilocaine 25 mg/g cream (EMLA cream). Secondary aim was to assess which anesthetic is superior on AFXL pretreated skin.

Materials and Methods

In 10 healthy subjects, four 1 cm2 test regions on the back were randomized to [A] AFXL pretreatment (fractional CO2 laser, 5% density, 2.5 mJ/microbeam) + topical application of AHES, [B] AFXL pretreatment + EMLA cream, [C] sham AFXL + AHES, and [D] sham AFXL + EMLA cream. After ten minutes, an AFXL pass (35 mJ/microbeam) was given as pain stimulus at each test region. Pain was scored on a 0–10 visual analogue scale (VAS) after each stimulus.

Results

AFXL pretreatment was not considered painful. Median VAS scores for the pain stimulus were [A] 2.35, [B] 3.15, [C] 4.55, and [D] 4.35. VAS scores were significantly lower for region [A] (AFXL + AHES) versus region [B] (AFXL + EMLA; P < 0.01) and versus region [C] (sham AFXL + AHES ; P < 0.01). VAS scores were not significantly different for region [B] (AFXL + EMLA) versus region [D] (sham AFXL + EMLA, P = 0.15).

Conclusion

AFXL pretreatment at very low settings gives significant pain reduction already within ten minutes when AHES is used as topical anesthetic. AHES is clearly superior to EMLA cream on AFXL pretreated skin. Possibly, a liquid solution penetrates more easily into the AFXL channels than a cream. Further research should determine the clinical efficacy of laser assisted topical anesthesia and the exact role of the type of anesthetic, its vehicle and the laser settings. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:208–211, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiband multislab 3D time‐of‐flight magnetic resonance angiography for reduced acquisition time and improved sensitivity
Authors: Schulz Jenni , Boyacioğlu Rasim , Norris David G
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To explore the use of multiband (MB) imaging in multislab (MS) 3D time‐of‐flight‐magnetic resonance angiography (TOF‐MRA) and to improve acquisition time efficiency (TA), inflow contrast and sensitivity in vessel detection.

Theory and Methods

TOF‐MRA is commonly used for imaging intracranial vessels. A MB‐MS 3D‐TOF‐MRA sequence was implemented to excite and acquire multiple slabs simultaneously. Controlled aliasing in parallel imaging results in higher acceleration was used in addition to improve the quality of image reconstruction. Compared to a standard protocol which acquired three slabs in total the MB‐MS protocol reduced the thickness by 3 while simultaneously acquiring data from 3 slabs. The total TA was also reduced by a factor 3.

Results

This technique maintains contrast‐to‐noise ratio while reducing TA, compared to standard single‐band/MOTSA acquisitions, leading to an increase in
of 1.65 compared to the standard protocol. Furthermore, the strong inflow contrast and increased magnetization transfer contrast caused by the MB excitation pulses improves the sharpness of the vessel borders which is reflected by a 5% higher full width at half maximum of the vessel size and a 17% higher slope of the vessel borders compared to the standard single‐band acquisition.

Conclusion

MB‐MS 3D‐TOF‐MRA can appreciably accelerate image acquisition and combines the high spatial resolution of 3D imaging with the additional inflow contrast advantage of thinner slab acquisitions without introducing excessive noise arising from the MB reconstruction. Magn Reson Med 75:1662–1668, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Advanced Developments in Cyclic Polymers: Synthesis, Applications, and Perspectives
Authors: Zhu Yinghuai , Hosmane Narayan S.
Published: May 2015

Due to the topological effect, cyclic polymers demonstrate different and unique physical and biological properties in comparison with linear counterparts having the same molecular‐weight range. With advanced synthetic and analytic technologies, cyclic polymers with different topologies, e.g. multicyclic polymers, have been reported and well characterized. For example, various cyclic DNA and related structures, such as cyclic duplexes, have been prepared conveniently by click chemistry. These types of DNA have increased resistance to enzymatic degradation and have high thermodynamic stability, and thus, have potential therapeutic applications. In addition, cyclic polymers have also been used to prepare organic–inorganic hybrids for applications in catalysis, e.g. catalyst supports. Due to developments in synthetic technology, highly pure cyclic polymers could now be produced in large scale. Therefore, we anticipate discovering more applications in the near future. Despite their promise, cyclic polymers are still less explored than linear polymers like polyolefins and polycarbonates, which are widely used in daily life. Some critical issues, including controlling the molecular weight and finding suitable applications, remain big challenges in the cyclic‐polymer field. This review briefly summarizes the commonly used synthetic methodologies and focuses more on the attractive functional materials and their biological properties and potential applications.
Electrospun poly(vinylidene‐fluoride)/POSS nanofiber membrane‐based polymer electrolytes for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Song Xiaoyan , Ding Wanqing , Cheng Bowen , Xing Jinfeng
Published: May 2015

In this study, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) nanofibrous membranes are prepared through electrospun process. Field emission scanning electron microscope images clearly show that PVDF/POSS membranes have interconnected multi fibrous layers with ultrafine porous structures. The average fiber diameter and crystallinity of PVDF/POSS membranes are lesser than that of pure PVDF membrane. Thermal stability and electrolyte uptake of blend membranes increase with increasing POSS content. Finally, PVDF/POSS membranes are soaked in a liquid electrolyte to form the polymer electrolytes and are assembled in coin cells to test their electrochemical properties such as ionic conductivity, interfacial characteristics, and electrochemical stability windows. The ionic conductivity improves with increasing POSS content and the highest ionic conductivity reaches 2.91 × 10−3 S/cm at room temperature. It is also worth mention that the composite polymer electrolytes show low interfacial resistance and high electrochemical stability window of 5.6 V (vs. Li+ /Li) with storage time. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:629–636, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Molecular dynamics study on folding and allostery in RfaH
Authors: Xiong Liqin , Liu Zhenxing
Published: May 2015

Upon being released from the N‐terminal domain (NTD), the C‐terminal domain (CTD) switches from α‐helix conformation to β‐barrel conformation, which converts RfaH from a transcription factor into an activator of translation. The
conformational change may be viewed as allosteric transition. We use molecular dynamics simulations of coarse‐grained off‐lattice model to study the thermal folding of NTD, CTD, RfaH and the allosteric transition in CTD. The melting temperatures from the specific heat profiles indicate that the β‐barrel conformation is much more stable than the α‐helix conformation. Two helices in α‐helix conformation have similar thermodynamic stabilities and the melting temperatures for β sheets show slight dispersion. Under the interaction with NTD, CTD is greatly stabilized and the cooperativity for thermal folding is also significantly improved. The
allosteric transition can be approximately described by a two‐state model and three parallel pathways are identified. The transition state ensemble, quantified by a Tanford β‐like parameter, resembles the α‐helix and β‐barrel conformations almost to the same extent. Proteins 2015; 83:1582–1592. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Topological surface states of infinitely adaptive series (BiSe)(Bi): A first‐principles study
Authors: Zhang JunJie , Liu Xia , Huang GuiQin
Published: May 2015

The surface electron structures of infinitely adaptive series (BiSe)(Bi) films with various thicknesses and different terminated terraces are calculated from density‐functional theory by including spin–orbit coupling. Our calculations show that the evolution of the surface states from hybridization gaps for thin films to robust topological surface states for thicker films. However, the topological surface states show different Kramers point energies and dispersions for different terminations and different ratio of m:n, suggesting that the topological surface state in infinitely adaptive series (BiSe)(Bi) can be tuned by changing the ratio of m:n or by changing termination.
Serial clustering of extratropical cyclones in a multi‐model ensemble of historical and future simulations
Authors: Economou T. , Stephenson D. B. , Pinto J. G. , Shaffrey L. C. , Zappa G.
Published: May 2015

This study has investigated serial (temporal) clustering of extratropical cyclones simulated by 17 climate models participating in CMIP5. Clustering was estimated by calculating the dispersion (ratio of variance to mean) of 30 December–February counts of Atlantic storm tracks passing near each grid point. Results from single historical simulations of 1975–2005 were compared to those from historical ERA40 reanalyses from 1958 to 2001 and single future model projections of 2069–2099 under the RCP4.5 climate change scenario.

Models were generally able to capture the broad features in reanalyses reported previously: underdispersion/regularity (i.e. variance less than mean) in the western core of the Atlantic storm track surrounded by overdispersion/clustering (i.e. variance greater than mean) to the north and south and over Western Europe. Regression of counts onto North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) indices revealed that much of the overdispersion in the historical reanalyses and model simulations can be accounted for by NAO variability.

Future changes in dispersion were generally found to be small and not consistent across models. The overdispersion statistic, for any 30‐year sample, is prone to large amounts of sampling uncertainty which obscures the climate change signal. For example, the projected increase in dispersion for storm counts near London in the CNRMCM5 model is 0.1 compared to a standard deviation of 0.25. Projected changes in the mean and variance of NAO are insufficient to create changes in overdispersion that are discernible above natural sampling variations.
Sensitivity of Caspian sea‐ice to air temperature
Authors: Tamura‐Wicks Helen , Toumi Ralf , Budgell W. Paul
Published: May 2015

Caspian sea ice concentration from satellite passive microwave data and surface daily air temperatures are analysed from 1978 to 2009. Relationships between mean winter air temperatures, cumulative freezing degree days (CFDD) and the sum of daily ice area (cumulative ice area) are found. These show that mean monthly air temperature of less than 5.5–9.5 °C, and a minimum CFDD of 3.6 ± 11.2 °C, are required for ice formation in the northern Caspian. Examination of climate projections from multi‐model ensembles of monthly mean air temperatures suggest that the northern Caspian may be largely ice‐free by 2100 for the highest emission scenario. An ocean–ice–atmosphere model of the Caspian shows weak sensitivities of the minimum CFDD to varied sea ice albedo and ice compressive strength. Sea level decline is found to reduce the minimum CFDD as well as promote the formation of higher concentration or ‘closed ice’.
The Effects of Improved Water Quality on Fish Assemblages in a Heavily Modified Large River System
Authors: Parker J. , Epifanio J. , Casper A. , Cao Y.
Published: May 2015

A long history of human alterations has affected the hydrology, physical habitat and water quality of most large river ecosystems. For more than a century, the Illinois River Waterway has been subject to channelization, damming, dredging, agricultural runoff and industrial and municipal effluents. This study evaluates how subsequent improvements in water quality have influenced long‐term changes in fish assemblages (1983–2010). We used five metrics to characterize the changes in fish assemblages. These metrics depicted shifts in the abundance and biomass of predatory and native fishes and species richness. Random forests (RF) and multiple linear regressions (MLRs) were used to relate the fish metrics to individual water quality and weather variables, with weather primarily used to account for inter‐annual variation. Model performances varied spatially and among fish metrics (0 ≤ pseudo‐R2 ≤ 0.73 for RF; 0.10 ≤ adjR2 ≤ 0.88 for MLR), but dissolved oxygen, un‐ionized ammonia and water clarity were often the best predictors. As the distance downstream of major pollutant sources increased, water quality became less important for explaining the changes in fish metrics and weather more important. These results indicate that water quality improvement largely accounts for fish assemblage recovery in the river system, although within some reaches we examined, weather had substantial compounding effects. The results could be used to prioritize water quality variables for long‐term monitoring and aid in predicting fish assemblage responses to future changes in water quality and climate. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical Modelling of Braided Rivers with Structure‐from‐Motion‐Derived Terrain Models
Authors: Javernick L. , Hicks D. M. , Measures R. , Caruso B. , Brasington J.
Published: May 2015

The development of three‐dimensional reconstructions of channel morphology has historically been limited by the high costs of geospatial data collection and software modelling. Advances in image processing, sensor technology and portable remote‐sensing platforms, however, now offer the opportunity to derive survey quality terrain models at significantly reduced cost and without traditional deployment and logistical constraints. There is a pressing need to establish whether new geospatial technologies such as structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry can be used to deliver topographic data products that are suitable for higher‐dimensional hydrodynamic modelling. To address this question, we evaluate the results of simulations using Delft3D that were designed to model distributed, depth‐averaged flows in a wide, shallow, gravel‐bed braided river. The topography for these simulations was derived from digital elevation models (DEMs) generated using structure‐from‐motion and optical bathymetric mapping of two linked reaches of the Ahuriri River, New Zealand. The DEM quality achieved vertical surface errors of 0.10 m in non‐vegetated areas and 0.20 m in inundated areas. Simulations with 1.5 m and 2.5 m resolution grids for low‐flow, medium‐flow and high‐flow conditions were calibrated and tested against field real‐time kinematic‐global navigation satellite system observations. Results revealed that modelled depth errors were comparable to the DEM uncertainty, while simulated and observed inundation patterns achieve a maximum of 81% agreement. Given the complexity of the braided network and shallow flow depths, these simulations provide a powerful demonstration of the suitability of these terrain models for hydrodynamic applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.