bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Conductors
Authors: Ouahab Lahcène , Mori Takehiko
Published: January 2015

An overview of the papers in this cluster issue is presented.
“We are delighted to present this Cluster Issue on “Molecular Conductors.” This research field dates back to the discovery of an organic charge‐transfer complex by Akamatsu, Inokuchi, and Matsunaga in 1954, followed by the discovery of an organic superconductor by Jérome and Bechgaard in 1970...”
Randomized controlled trial to compare the effect of simple distraction interventions on pain and anxiety experienced during conscious surgery
Authors: Hudson B.F. , Ogden J. , Whiteley M.S.
Published: January 2015

Background

High levels of anxiety during surgery are associated with poorer post‐surgical outcomes. This prospective, non‐blinded randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of four intraoperative distraction interventions for anxiety and pain management during minimally invasive venous surgery under local anaesthetic.

Methods

407 patients presenting with varicose veins at a private clinic, were randomized to one of four intraoperative distraction interventions or treatment as usual. All participants received endovenous thermoablation and/or phlebectomies of varicose veins. After losses to follow‐up, 398 participants were entered into the analysis. Participants were randomly allocated to one of the following intraoperative distraction techniques: patient selected music (n = 85), patient selected DVD (n = 85), interaction with nurses (n = 81), touch (stress balls) (n = 80) or treatment as usual (TAU, n = 76). The state scale of the STAI, the Short‐form McGill pain questionnaire and numeric rating scales were used to assess intraoperative pain and anxiety.

Results

Intraoperative anxiety ratings were significantly lower when participants interacted with nurses, used stress balls or watched a DVD during surgery compared to treatment as usual. Intraoperative pain ratings were significantly lower than treatment as usual when participants interacted with nurses or used stress balls during surgery. Patients' satisfaction was not significantly impacted by intraoperative distractions.

Conclusions

The use of simple intraoperative distraction techniques, particularly interacting with nurses, using stress balls or watching a DVD during surgery conducted under local anaesthetic can significantly improve patients' experiences.
Droplet‐based microfluidics for microtoxicological studies
Authors: Cao Jialan , Köhler Johann Michael
Published: January 2015

The specific sensitivity of different organisms, cells, and tissues against chemicals, the huge number of produced and applied substances, and the combinatorial explosion of effects by the combination of substances demand new concepts for the efficient determination of toxicological dose/response relations. The generation, processing, and characterization of microdroplets of different chemical compositions enable microfluidic approaches to offer a very promising strategy for strongly miniaturized toxicological screenings. Over the last decade, several developments demonstrated the applicability of droplet‐based microfluidic systems for toxicological studies. We review the current state of developments in microfluidics for toxicological applications. These have become powerful alternatives to microtiter plates and are very promising for replacing the standard methods in many fields. This article will focus on toxicological dose/response screenings with the variation of droplet composition, particularly on the possibility of generating “concentration spaces,” as well as on the applied sensing principles of organisms and cells inside the microdroplets.
Development of microscopic time‐domain dual lifetime referencing luminescence detection for pH monitoring in microfluidic free‐flow isoelectric focusing
Authors: Poehler Elisabeth , Herzog Christin , Suendermann Madeleine , Pfeiffer Simon A. , Nagl Stefan
Published: January 2015

A lifetime‐based ratiometric microscale pH sensor system and a fluorescence microscopic setup was developed for the in‐line observation of pH in free‐flow isoelectric focusing based on the principle of time‐domain dual lifetime referencing (t‐DLR). The t‐DLR method has been developed for pH monitoring and various other applications in the fields of environmental monitoring and biotechnology. Here, we introduce the integration of pH sensor microstructures for t‐DLR in microfluidic channels and the application of the t‐DLR scheme for pH sensing in miniaturized electrophoretic procedures. The pH sensor was inkjet‐printed on glass in rows with a length of 10 mm, a height of 404 ± 18 nm, and a width of 371 ± 28 μm and integrated into a microfluidic chip generated by a laser cutting and lamination technique. It had a working range from pH 4 to 8 with a pKa of 6.10 ± 0.01 and fast response times under 500 ms. The sensor was used for the in‐line observation of the pH gradient during isoelectric focusing of the proteins β‐lactoglobulin A, conalbumin, and myoglobin and their identification by their pI. The obtained pIs were in good agreement with literature data demonstrating the applicability of the pH sensor in microfluidic continuous separations.
Acetate‐containing substrate mixtures improve recombinant protein secretion in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Klein Tobias , Heinzle Elmar , Schneider Konstantin
Published: January 2015

Recombinant protein secretion in yeasts poses a burden to the metabolism of the host cell. Consequently, unfavorable cultivation conditions during strain screening or process development can lead to limitations in the energy and carbon metabolism of the cell, constraining the cell's ability to secrete the protein of interest. Recently, we demonstrated that improving cultivation conditions by using substrate mixtures of glycerol and acetate strongly elevated secretion of the homologous model protein maltase in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In this work, we investigated if these previous findings were also applicable to the expression of recombinant proteins. Strains were constructed secreting either green fluorescent protein or a fluorescent single‐chain antibody fragment. These strains were cultivated under fermentative and respiratory growth conditions on glucose as sole carbon source and on mixtures of glucose/acetate and glycerol/acetate. We observed an increase in the specific secretion of both recombinant proteins by 1.8‐ and 3.8‐fold, respectively. This clearly demonstrates that the proper choice of process conditions and the applied carbon sources have a significant impact on the secretion of at least two recombinant proteins in S. pombe allowing an improved production of the protein of interest.
Galanin is an autocrine myelin and oligodendrocyte trophic signal induced by leukemia inhibitory factor
Authors: Gresle Melissa M. , Butzkueven Helmut , Perreau Victoria M. , Jonas Anna , Xiao Junhua , Thiem Stefan , Holmes Fiona E. , Doherty William , Soo Pik‐Ying , Binder Michele D. , Akkermann Rainer , Jokubaitis Vilija G. , Cate Holly S. , Marriott Mark P. , Gundlach Andrew L. , Wynick David , Kilpatrick Trevor J.
Published: January 2015

In order to further investigate the molecular mechanisms that regulate oligodendrocyte (OC) survival, we utilized microarrays to characterize changes in OC gene expression after exposure to the cytokines neurotrophin3, insulin, or leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in vitro. We identified and validated the induction and secretion of the neuropeptide galanin in OCs, specifically in response to LIF. We next established that galanin is an OC survival factor and showed that autocrine or paracrine galanin secretion mediates LIF‐induced OC survival in vitro. We also revealed that galanin is up‐regulated in OCs in the cuprizone model of central demyelination, and that oligodendroglial galanin expression is significantly regulated by endogenous LIF in this context. We also showed that knock‐out of galanin reduces OC survival and exacerbates callosal demyelination in the cuprizone model. These findings suggest a potential role for the use of galanin agonists in the treatment of human demyelinating diseases. GLIA 2015;63:1005–1020
Resting state functional connectivity of the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson's disease assessed using arterial spin‐labeled perfusion fMRI
Authors: Fernández‐Seara María A. , Mengual Elisa , Vidorreta Marta , Castellanos Gabriel , Irigoyen Jaione , Erro Elena , Pastor María A.
Published: January 2015

Neurophysiological changes within the cortico‐basal ganglia‐thalamocortical circuits appear to be a characteristic of Parkinson's disease (PD) pathophysiology. The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is one of the basal ganglia components showing pathological neural activity patterns in PD. In this study, perfusion imaging data, acquired noninvasively using arterial spin‐labeled (ASL) perfusion MRI, were used to assess the resting state functional connectivity (FC) of the STN in 24 early‐to‐moderate PD patients and 34 age‐matched healthy controls, to determine whether altered FC in the very low frequency range of the perfusion time signal occurs as a result of the disease. Our results showed that the healthy STN was functionally connected with other nuclei of the basal ganglia and the thalamus, as well as with discrete cortical areas including the insular cortex and the hippocampus. In PD patients, connectivity of the STN was increased with two cortical areas involved in motor and cognitive processes. These findings suggest that hyperconnectivity of the STN could underlie some of the motor and cognitive deficits often present even at early stages of the disease. The FC measures provided good discrimination between controls and patients, suggesting that ASL‐derived FC metrics could be a putative PD biomarker. Hum Brain Mapp 36:1937–1950, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Convergence and divergence across construction methods for human brain white matter networks: An assessment based on individual differences
Authors: Zhong Suyu , He Yong , Gong Gaolang
Published: January 2015

Using diffusion MRI, a number of studies have investigated the properties of whole‐brain white matter (WM) networks with differing network construction methods (node/edge definition). However, how the construction methods affect individual differences of WM networks and, particularly, if distinct methods can provide convergent or divergent patterns of individual differences remain largely unknown. Here, we applied 10 frequently used methods to construct whole‐brain WM networks in a healthy young adult population (57 subjects), which involves two node definitions (low‐resolution and high‐resolution) and five edge definitions (binary, FA weighted, fiber‐density weighted, length‐corrected fiber‐density weighted, and connectivity‐probability weighted). For these WM networks, individual differences were systematically analyzed in three network aspects: (1) a spatial pattern of WM connections, (2) a spatial pattern of nodal efficiency, and (3) network global and local efficiencies. Intriguingly, we found that some of the network construction methods converged in terms of individual difference patterns, but diverged with other methods. Furthermore, the convergence/divergence between methods differed among network properties that were adopted to assess individual differences. Particularly, high‐resolution WM networks with differing edge definitions showed convergent individual differences in the spatial pattern of both WM connections and nodal efficiency. For the network global and local efficiencies, low‐resolution and high‐resolution WM networks for most edge definitions consistently exhibited a highly convergent pattern in individual differences. Finally, the test–retest analysis revealed a decent temporal reproducibility for the patterns of between‐method convergence/divergence. Together, the results of the present study demonstrated a measure‐dependent effect of network construction methods on the individual difference of WM network properties. Hum Brain Mapp 36:1995–2013, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetic Stabilization of Highly Reactive Species Bearing Heteroatoms
Authors: Okazaki Renji
Published: January 2015

Bulky substituents, i.e., 2,4,6‐tri‐t‐butylphenyl, 1,1,3,3‐tetramethylindane‐2,2‐diyl, and 2,4,6‐tris[bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl]phenyl, the last of which was developed in our laboratory, were successfully utilized to provide kinetic stabilization to novel types of highly reactive chemical species such as N‐thiosulfinylaniline, thioaldehyde, selenoaldehyde, telluroketone, heavy ketone (a heavier element congener of a ketone), distibene, dibismuthene, disilene, digermene, and silaaromatic compounds (silabenzene and 2‐silanaphthalene). Bowl‐ and capsule‐shaped molecules having a functional group in their cavities were synthesized and applied to the stabilization of highly reactive species such as sulfenic acid, selenenic acid, sulfenyl iodide, nitrosothiol, and a simple enol.
A Case Study on the Resolution of the 1‐i‐Butyl‐3‐methyl‐3‐phospholene 1‐Oxide via Diastereomeric Complex Formation Using TADDOL Derivatives and via Diastereomeric Coordination Complexes Formed from the Calcium Salts of O,O′‐Diaroyl‐(2R,3R)‐tartaric Acids
Authors: Bagi Péter , Fekete András , Kállay Mihály , Hessz Dóra , Kubinyi Miklós , Holczbauer Tamás , Czugler Mátyás , Fogassy Elemér , Keglevich György
Published: January 2015

The resolution of 1‐i‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐3‐phospholene 1‐oxide was studied applying TADDOL [(−)‐(4R,5R)‐4,5‐bis(diphenylhydroxymethyl)‐2,2‐dimethyldioxolane], spiro‐TADDOL [(−)‐(2R,3R)‐α,α,α′,α′‐tetraphenyl‐1,4‐dioxaspiro[4.5]decan‐2,3‐dimethanol], or the acidic and neutral Ca2+ salts of (−)‐O,O′‐dibenzoyl‐ and (−)‐O,O′‐di‐p‐toluoyl‐(2R,3R)‐tartaric acid as the resolving agent. The absolute configuration of the P‐asymmetric center was determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy and related quantum chemical calculations. In one instance, the single crystal of the diastereomeric complex incorporating i‐butyl‐3‐phospholene oxide and spiro‐TADDOL was subjected to X‐ray analysis, which suggested a feasible hypothesis for the efficiency of the resolution process under discussion that may be an example for the “solvent‐inhibited” resolution.
Great Places to Work®: Resilience in Times of Crisis
Authors: Carvalho Ana , Areal Nelson
Published: January 2015

We study the resilience of the “100 Best Companies to Work for in America” in times of financial crisis by analyzing their long‐term financial performance. Apart from implementing methods that tackle the statistical problems of stock returns, we use a conditional model to measure financial performance in periods of market growth (bull markets) and market downturn (bear markets). We find that best places to work are indeed resilient in times of crisis since neither their financial performance nor their systematic risk are affected during bear markets: top companies continue to outperform the market during periods of crisis, and the performance of lower‐ranked great workplaces does not deteriorate. Moreover, we find that previous studies were overestimating performance, and only great workplaces on the top half of the rankings exhibit positive excessive returns. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of fixed versus escalating reinforcement schedules on smoking abstinence
Authors: Romanowich Paul , Lamb R. J.
Published: January 2015

Studies indicate that when abstinence is initiated, escalating reinforcement schedules maintain continuous abstinence longer than fixed reinforcement schedules. However, these studies were conducted for shorter durations than most clinical trials and also resulted in larger reinforcer value for escalating participants during the 1st week of the experiment. We tested whether escalating reinforcement schedules maintained abstinence longer than fixed reinforcement schedules in a 12‐week clinical trial. Smokers (146) were randomized to an escalating reinforcement schedule, a fixed reinforcement schedule, or a control condition. Escalating reinforcement participants received $5.00 for their first breath carbon monoxide (CO) sample <3 ppm, with a $0.50 increase for each consecutive sample. Fixed reinforcement participants received $19.75 for each breath CO sample <3 ppm. Control participants received payments only for delivering a breath CO sample. Similar proportions of escalating and fixed reinforcement participants met the breath CO criterion at least once. Escalating reinforcement participants maintained criterion breath CO levels longer than fixed reinforcement and control participants. Similar to previous short‐term studies, escalating reinforcement schedules maintained longer durations of abstinence than fixed reinforcement schedules during a clinical trial.
A Theoretical Study on Hydrogen‐Bonded Complex of Proflavine Cation and Water: The Site‐dependent Feature of Hydrogen Bond Strengthening and Weakening
Authors: Qin Zhen , Li Xiang , Zhou Minghui
Published: January 2015

The intermolecular hydrogen‐bonds between proflavine cation (PC) and water molecules are investigated by density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods. The ground‐state geometry optimizations, electronic excitation energies and corresponding oscillation strengths of the low‐lying electronically excited states for the isolated proflavine cation, the hydrogen‐bonded PC–H2O dimer and PC–(H2O)2 trimer are calculated. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds at the central site of proflavine molecule are found to be stronger than the peripheral site. The hydrogen bond N–H⋅⋅⋅O for the hydrogen‐bonded dimer are indicated to be weakened in the excited states, since the excitation energy is increased slightly comparing to the monomer. Hydrogen bonds of PC–(H2O)2 trimer with the same type as the dimer are strengthened in the excited state, which is demonstrated by the decrease of the excited energies. Thus, hydrogen bond strengthening and weakening are observed to reveal site dependent feature in proflavine molecule. Furthermore, the hydrogen bond at central site induces the blue‐shift of the absorption spectrum, while the ones at peripheral site induce red‐shift. Hydrogen bonds with the same type at peripheral and central sites of proflavine molecule provide different effects on the photochemical and photophysical properties of proflavine.
Homomorphisms of Signed Graphs
Authors: Naserasr Reza , Rollová Edita , Sopena Éric
Published: January 2015

A signed graph is a graph G together with an assignment of signs + and − to all the edges of G where Σ is the set of negative edges. Furthermore and are considered to be equivalent if the symmetric difference of Σ1 and Σ2 is an edge cut of G. Naturally arising from matroid theory, several notions of graph theory, such as the theory of minors and the theory of nowhere‐zero flows, have been already extended to signed graphs. In an unpublished manuscript, B. Guenin introduced the notion of signed graph homomorphisms where he showed how some well‐known conjectures can be captured using this notion. A signed graph is said to map to if there is an equivalent signed graph of and a mapping such that (i) if then and if and only if . The chromatic number of a signed graph can then be defined as the smallest order of a homomorphic image of . Capturing the notion of graph homomorphism order, signed graph homomorphisms provide room for extensions and strengthenings of most homomorphism and coloring theories on graphs. Thus this paper is the first general study of signed graph homomorphisms. In this work, our focus would be on the relation of homomorphisms of signed graphs with minors of signed graphs. After a thorough introduction to the concept we show that the notion of signed graph homomorphism on the set of signed graphs whose underlying graph is bipartite already captures the standard notion of graph homomorphism. We prove that the largest planar signed clique is of order 8. For the maximum chromatic number of planar signed graphs we give the lower bound of 10 and the upper bound of 48. We determine this maximum for some other families such as outerplanar signed graphs. Finally, reformulating Hadwiger's conjecture in the language of homomorphism of signed graphs whose underlying graph is bipartite, we show that while some stronger form of the conjecture holds for small chromatic number, such strengthening of the conjecture would not hold for large chromatic numbers. This could be regarded as a first indication that perhaps Hadwiger's conjecture only holds for small chromatic numbers.
Savings Groups, Livelihoods and Education: Two Case Studies in Ghana
Authors: Cameron Stuart , Ananga Eric Daniel
Published: January 2015

Does access to better village‐level facilities for saving and borrowing improve educational outcomes and expenditure? Based on a literature review and case studies in Ghana commissioned by Plan UK, this paper finds that savings groups programmes, such as village savings and loans associations, help poor rural households pay for education in some contexts but not others. Households use loans directly to pay school expenses and also invest in income‐generating activities that allow them to raise educational expenditure in the longer term. There are additional indirect effects on education through health care, nutrition and household decision‐making. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reductions in kinesin expression are associated with nitric oxide‐induced axonal damage
Authors: Redondo Juliana , Hares Kelly , Wilkins Alastair , Scolding Neil , Kemp Kevin
Published: January 2015

Axonal injury is often characterized by axonal transport defects and abnormal accumulation of intra‐axonal components. Nitric oxide (NO) has a key role in mediating inflammatory axonopathy in many neurodegenerative diseases, but little is known about how nitrosative/oxidative stress affects axonal transport or whether reductions in kinesin superfamily protein (KIF) expression correlate with axon pathology. KIFs are molecular motors that have a key role in axonal and dendritic transport, and impairment of these mechanisms has been associated with a number of neurological disorders. This study shows that rat cortical neurons exposed to NO display both a time‐dependent decrease in KIF gene/protein expression and neurofilament phosphorylation in addition to a reduction in axonal length and neuronal survival. Because mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising therapeutic candidate for neuronal/axonal repair, this study analyzes the capacity of MSCs to protect neurons and axonal transport mechanisms from NO damage. Results show that coculture of MSCs with NO‐exposed neurons results in the preservation of KIF expression, axonal length, and neuronal survival. Altogether, these results suggest a potential mechanism involved in the disruption of axonal transport and abnormal accumulation of proteins in axons during nitrosative insult. We hypothesize that impaired axonal transport contributes, per se, to progression of injury and provide further evidence of the therapeutic potential of MSCs for neurodegenerative disorders. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Neuroscience Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early leptin intervention reverses perturbed energy balance regulating hypothalamic neuropeptides in the pre‐ and postnatal calorie‐restricted female rat offspring
Authors: Gibson Leena Caroline , Shin Bo‐Chul , Dai Yun , Freije William , Kositamongkol Sudatip , Cho John , Devaskar Sherin U.
Published: January 2015

Pre‐ and postnatal calorie restriction is associated with postnatal growth restriction, reduced circulating leptin concentrations, and perturbed energy balance. Hypothalamic regulation of energy balance demonstrates enhanced orexigenic (NPY, AgRP) and diminished anorexigenic (POMC, CART) neuropeptide expression (PN21), setting the stage for subsequent development of obesity in female Sprague‐Dawley rats. Leptin replenishment during the early postnatal period (PN2‐PN8) led to reversal of the hypothalamic orexigenic:anorexigenic neuropeptide ratio at PN21 by reducing only the orexigenic (NPY, AgRP), without affecting the anorexigenic (POMC, CART) neuropeptide expression. This hypothalamic effect was mediated via enhanced leptin receptor (ObRb) signaling that involved increased pSTAT3/STAT3 but reduced PTP1B. This was further confirmed by an increase in body weight at PN21 in response to intracerebroventricular administration of antisense ObRb oligonucleotides (PN2‐PN8). The change in the hypothalamic neuropeptide balance in response to leptin administration was associated with increased oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and physical activity, which resulted in increased milk intake (PN14) with no change in body weight. This is in contrast to the reduction in milk intake with no effect on energy expenditure and physical activity observed in controls. We conclude that pre‐ and postnatal calorie restriction perturbs hypothalamic neuropeptide regulation of energy balance, setting the stage for hyperphagia and reduced energy expenditure, hallmarks of obesity. Leptin in turn reverses this phenotype by increasing hypothalamic ObRb signaling (sensitivity) and affecting only the orexigenic arm of the neuropeptide balance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mating type genes and genetic markers to decipher intraspecific variability among Fusarium udum isolates from pigeonpea
Authors: Kashyap Prem Lal , Rai Shalini , Kumar Sudheer , Srivastava Alok Kumar , Anandaraj M. , Sharma Arun Kumar
Published: January 2015

To ascertain the variability in Fusarium udum (Fu) isolates associated with pigeonpea wilt is a difficult task, if based solely on morphological and cultural characters. In this respect, the robustness of five different genetic marker viz., random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC), BOX elements, mating type locus, and microsatellite markers were employed to decipher intra‐specific variability in Fu isolates. All techniques yielded intra‐specific polymorphism, but different levels of discrimination were obtained. RAPD‐PCR was more discriminatory, enabling the detection of thirteen variants among twenty Fu isolates. By microsatellite, ERIC‐ and BOX‐PCR fingerprinting, the isolates were categorized in seven, five, and two clusters, respectively. Cluster analysis of the combined data also showed that the Fu isolates were grouped into ten clusters, sharing 50–100% similarity. The occurrence of both mating types in Fu isolates is reported for the first time in this study. All examined isolates harbored one of the two mating‐type idiomorphs, but never both, which suggests a heterothallic mating system of sexual reproduction among them. Information obtained from comparing results of different molecular marker systems should be useful to organize the genetic variability and ideally, will improve disease management practices by identifying sources of inoculum and isolate characteristics.
The masquelet induced membrane technique with BMP and a synthetic scaffold can heal a rat femoral critical size defect
Authors: Bosemark Per , Perdikouri Christina , Pelkonen Mea , Isaksson Hanna , Tägil Magnus
Published: January 2015

Long bone defects can be managed by the induced membrane technique together with autologous bone graft. However, graft harvest is associated with donor site morbidity. This study investigates if a tricalcium phosphate hydroxyapatite scaffold can be used alone or in combination with bone active drugs to improve healing. Sprague Dawley rats (n = 40) were randomized into four groups. (A) scaffold, (B) BMP‐7, (C) BMP‐7 + scaffold, and (D) BMP‐7 + scaffold + systemic bisphosphonate at 2 weeks. Locked femoral nailing was followed by 6 mm segment removal and implantation of an epoxy spacer. At 4 weeks, the spacers were removed and the defects grafted. Eleven weeks later, the bones were explanted for evaluation with radiography, manual assessment, micro‐CT, histology, and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Isolated scaffolds (A) did not heal any defects, whereas the other treatments led to healing in 7/10 (B), 10/10 (C), and 9/10 (D) rats. Group D had greater volume of highly mineralized bone (p < 0.01) and higher bone volume fraction (p < 0.01) compared to all other groups. A synthetic scaffold + BMP‐7 combined with a bisphosphonate improved the callus properties in a rat femoral critical size defect, compared to both BMP‐7 and scaffold alone or the two combined. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:488–495, 2015.
Tendon Functional Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Screen Hazel R. C. , Berk David E. , Kadler Karl E. , Ramirez Francesco , Young Marian F.
Published: January 2015

This article is one of a series, summarizing views expressed at the Orthopaedic Research Society New Frontiers in Tendon Research Conference. This particular article reviews the three workshops held under the “Functional Extracellular Matrix” stream. The workshops focused on the roles of the tendon extracellular matrix, such as performing the mechanical functions of tendon, creating the local cell environment, and providing cellular cues. Tendon is a complex network of matrix and cells, and its biological functions are influenced by widely varying extrinsic and intrinsic factors such as age, nutrition, exercise levels, and biomechanics. Consequently, tendon adapts dynamically during development, aging, and injury. The workshop discussions identified research directions associated with understanding cell–matrix interactions to be of prime importance for developing novel strategies to target tendon healing or repair. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:793–799, 2015.
Hypoxic regulation of functional extracellular matrix elaboration by nucleus pulposus cells in long‐term agarose culture
Authors: Gorth Deborah J , Lothstein Katherine E , Chiaro Joseph A , Farrell Megan J , Dodge George R , Elliott Dawn M , Malhotra Neil R , Mauck Robert L , Smith Lachlan J
Published: January 2015

Degeneration of the intervertebral discs is strongly implicated as a cause of low back pain. Since current treatments for discogenic low back pain show poor long‐term efficacy, a number of new biological strategies are being pursued. For such therapies to succeed, it is critical that they be validated in conditions that mimic the unique biochemical microenvironment of the nucleus pulposus (NP), which include low oxygen tension. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of oxygen tension on NP cell functional extracellular matrix elaboration in 3D culture. Bovine NP cells were encapsulated in agarose constructs and cultured for 14 or 42 days in either 20% or 2% oxygen in defined media containing transforming growth factor beta‐3. At each time point, extracellular matrix composition, biomechanics, and mRNA expression of key phenotypic markers were evaluated. Results showed that while bulk mechanics and composition were largely independent of oxygen level, low oxygen promoted improved restoration of the NP phenotype, higher mRNA expression of extracellular matrix and NP specific markers, and more uniform matrix elaboration. These findings indicate that culture under physiological oxygen levels is an important consideration for successful development of cell and growth factor‐based regenerative strategies for the disc. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:747–754, 2015.
Raman spectroscopic characterization of laminated glass and transparent sheet plastics to amplify a history of early aviation ‘glass’
Authors: Madden Odile , Cobb Kim Cullen , Spencer Alex M.
Published: January 2015

A novel, non‐invasive study of goggles, flight helmets, airplane windows, and canopies in Smithsonian collections is the first known large‐scale technical survey of historic aviation plastics and leverages the world's largest air and space collection as evidence of the materials and technologies used to create transparent plastic objects in the early‐20th century. Transparent windows in these artifacts were analyzed with Fourier transform and portable dispersive Raman spectrometers to identify polymers and plasticizers present. The study demonstrates the potential of Raman spectroscopy to objectively and non‐destructively measure historic plastic compositions, including formulations that have become obsolete. Data was interpreted in combination with archival research of historical documents to identify window materials including glass, laminated safety glass, and sheets of plasticized cellulose nitrate, plasticized cellulose acetate, and poly(methyl methacrylate). Results are contextualized into a coherent history of the role transparent plastics played in enclosing airplane cockpits. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Burns in the head and neck: A national representative analysis of emergency department visits
Authors: Heilbronn Cameron M. , Svider Peter F. , Folbe Adam J. , Shkoukani Mahdi A. , Carron Michael A. , Eloy Jean Anderson , Zuliani Giancarlo
Published: January 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Head and neck burns (HNBs) engender serious sequelae including airway edema, speech/swallowing dysfunction, sensory deficits, and scarring/disfigurement, often requiring significant reconstructive surgery. We used a nationally representative resource to estimate the number of visits to emergency departments (EDs), analyze burn types and demographic patterns, and identify specific consumer products involved.

Methods

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was evaluated for the most recent 5‐year period available. HNB ED visits were identified, and patient records were evaluated for consumer products facilitating injury, along with other ED visit and patient characteristics.

Results

From 2009 to 2013, 6,326 cases extrapolating to 233,431 ED visits nationally were identified. Males were predominantly impacted (64.1%). Although adults overall comprised the majority of patients (59.7%), children between 1 and 2 years of age had the highest incidence (21,544 ED visits nationally). The most common consumer products facilitating HNB included welding equipment, hot water, gasoline, bleaches, and cookware. Most injuries involved the face (55%), whereas the most common etiologies included thermal (40%), chemical (23%), and scald (22%) burns. Consumer products and injury patterns varied by patient age.

Conclusions

HNBs significantly impact healthcare delivery, as over 200,000 visits reportedly presented to EDs over the 5‐year period studied. Consumer products facilitating visits and associated patient demographics described may guide history, clinical examination, and identification of secondary injuries. In particular, age‐specific patterns detailed may be included in consumer education and patient counseling to facilitate injury prevention, as office visits provide an opportunity to counsel patients.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 125:1573–1578, 2015
Permanent transoral surgery of bilateral vocal fold paralysis: A prospective multi‐center trial
Authors: Nawka Tadeus , Sittel Christian , Gugatschka Markus , Arens Christoph , Lang‐Roth Ruth , Wittekindt Claus , Hagen Rudolf , Müller Andreas H. , Volk Gerd F. , Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando
Published: January 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To describe postoperative adverse events (AEs) and outcomes after transoral surgery for bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP).

Study Design

Prospective observational multicenter study.

Methods

Thirty‐six patients with BVFP underwent transoral surgery using standard surgical procedures to unilaterally widen the glottic area. Postoperative adverse events (AEs) including severe adverse events (SAEs) were registered continuously. Pre‐ and 6‐month postoperative evaluations included the 6‐Minute Walk Test, the 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36), the Glasgow Benefit Inventory, the 12‐Item Voice Handicap Index (VHI‐12), and a Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing graded according to the Penetration–Aspiration‐Scale.

Results

The patients underwent posterior cordotomy, partial arytenoidectomy, or permanent laterofixation as single procedures or in combination. Forty‐seven percent of the patients had postoperative AEs. Dyspnea was the most frequent AE (45%). In 40% of AEs, the events were severe (SAEs), and 72.5% were related to the study intervention. Revision surgery leading to prolonged hospitalization or rehospitalization was necessary in nine cases (25%). Laterofixation was correlated to a decreased risk of AEs (P = 0.042). Six months after surgery, a significant improvement was seen in the SF‐domains: Physical component score (P = 0.008), physical functioning (P = 0.001), physical role (P = 0.031), and vitality (P = 0.032). Concerning the voice handicap, only the VHI‐12 physical subscore showed a decrease (P = 0.005). The total score and other VHI‐12 subscores did not change significantly (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

BCVP patients profit from modern transoral surgery for unilateral glottic widening; quality of life is improved; and the voice is preserved. Nevertheless, postoperative complications are frequent.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 125:1401–1408, 2015
A prospective study on the role of Octreotide in management of chyle fistula neck
Authors: Jain Avani , Singh Shashank Nath , Singhal Pawan , Sharma Man Prakash , Grover Mohnish
Published: January 2015

Objective

To study the effectiveness of octreotide in managing chyle fistula neck and its effect on duration of hospitalization.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Methods

A total of 19 patients with chyle fistula following neck dissection over a period of 10 years were included in the study. All the patients first underwent conservative management of the chyle leak, including suction drainage, pressure dressings, bed rest, and nutritional modifications. In all of the cases, chyle leak persisted despite conservative management. Octreotide was started in a dose of 100 µg subcutaneously every 8 hours for 5 days in cases with low‐output leaks and for 7 days in cases with high‐output leaks. In all of the cases, the duration of chyle leak after starting treatment with octreotide and the duration of hospitalization was recorded.

Results

Chyle leak stopped in all the cases using octreotide. The mean duration of hospitalization was 13.8 days.

Conclusion

Chyle leak stopped within 5 days of starting octreotide in the low‐output cases and within 7 days in the high‐output cases. This permitted early resumption of a regular oral diet and reduced morbidity associated with chyle fistula. The rapid response and minimal side effect profile make octreotide a promising addition to the medical management of a chyle fistula.

Level of Evidence

4.Laryngoscope, 125:1624–1627, 2015
Safety and efficacy of office‐based transoral flexible laryngoscopy in infants
Authors: Wexler Sonya J. , Isaacson Glenn
Published: January 2015

Laryngoscope, 125:1682–1684, 2015
A new method for evaluating lateral semicircular canal cupulopathy
Authors: Kim Chang‐Hee , Shin Jung Eun , Kim Yong Won
Published: January 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Persistent direction‐changing positional nystagmus (DCPN) during the supine head‐roll test is a typical finding of cupulopathy. The aim of this study was to introduce a simple method of evaluating patients with cupulopathy (light cupula and heavy cupula), which is performed in a seated position, and investigate its diagnostic utility and use for lateralization.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Using video‐oculography, nystagmus during head roll in the leaning and bending head positions while seated upright was evaluated in 26 patients with cupulopathy (five light cupula and 21 heavy cupula). The diagnosis of cupulopathy was confirmed with the supine head‐roll test.

Results

Spontaneous nystagmus while seated upright was directed toward the ipsilesional side in heavy cupula and the contralesional side in light cupula. The first null point was identified when the head was slightly bent in the pitch plane in all 26 patients. Head rolling elicited a persistent geotropic DCPN in light cupula patients and persistent apogeotropic DCPN in heavy cupula patients during both leaning and bending head positions. In both light and heavy cupula, nystagmus disappeared when the head was turned slightly toward the affected side in both leaning (second null point) and bending (third null point) head positions.

Conclusions

Cupulopathy and its affected side can be diagnosed by identifying the three null points while seated upright.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:1921–1925, 2015
Enhanced Performance of Graphene–Epoxy Flexible Capacitors by Means of Ceramic Fillers
Authors: Sangermano Marco , Buzzerio Gianfranco , Rizzoli Rita , Ortolani Luca , Morandi Vittorio , Pirri Fabrizio , Chiolerio Alessandro
Published: January 2015

Graphene–epoxy flexible capacitors are obtained by graphene–polymer transfer and bonding via UV‐cured epoxy adhesive. Ceramic fillers are dispersed into the epoxy resin with the aim of enhancing the capacitive behavior of the final device. Parallel plate capacitors in which epoxy resin is filled with ceramic nanoparticles demonstrate superior performance, up to two orders of magnitude better than unfilled samples. Zirconia, showing the highest dielectric constant, fails to give a stable output in the whole frequency range, as some competing phenomena occur and reduce the overall polarization of the system. Boehmite appears to be a better choice and gives reasonable performances, better than gibbsite

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Thoracodorsal nerve transfer for triceps reinnervation in partial brachial plexus injuries
Authors: Soldado Francisco , Ghizoni Marcos F. , Bertelli Jayme
Published: January 2015

Purpose

To report the clinical outcomes of thoracodorsal nerve (TDN) transfers to the triceps motor branches for elbow extension restoration in patients with partial brachial plexus injuries (BPI).

Methods

Eight male patients of mean age 23 years and suffering from a partial BPI underwent direct coaptation of the TDN to the nerve of the upper medial and long heads of the triceps, an average 6 months after their accident.

Results

Seven patients achieved M4 elbow extension strength and one patient M3, according to the BMRC scale, after a mean follow‐up of 21 months.

Discussion

Direct TDN transfer might be a valid surgical procedure for the restoration of elbow extension in patients with partial BPI. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:191–197, 2016.
Molecular Determinants for the Binding Mode of Alkylphosphocholines in the C2 Domain of PKCα
Authors: de Sá Matheus M. , Rangel‐Yagui Carlota O.
Published: January 2015

Alkylphosphocholines (APCs) and alkyl‐lysophosphocholines (ALPs) are antineoplastic agents that interfere with cellular membranes and signaling proteins. Protein kinase Cα (PKCα) is a signaling protein composed by catalytic (C3, C4) and regulatory domains (C1, C2). The C2 needs calcium (Ca2+) and phosphatidylserine (PS) for activation. Miltefosine inhibits PKCα competitively with regard to PS and non‐competitively with regard to Ca2+, however, the mechanism of action is unknown. We employed molecular docking, molecular dynamics and chemometric methods to verify how 7 APCs and ALPs derivatives and PS interact with the C2 domain. All ligands except PS were grouped in 2 clusters according to their interactions inside the enzyme. The findings showed that PS’s phosphoryl oxygens interact with Ca2+, the serine moiety interacts with Asn189, and the carbonyl oxygen of the alkylic chain interacts with Arg249 and Thr251. On the other hand, ligands’ phosphoryl oxygens interact with Asn189, Arg249, Thr250, and one water molecule instead of Ca2+. Because of the different binding mode, we hypothesize that the ligands cause conformational changes in the calcium binding region. Moreover, the packing mismatch between bilayer‐forming lipids and ALP/APC chain impedes the C2 domain from docking to the internal leaflet of cellular membranes, interrupting PKCα activation.
Asymptotic transversal stability for synchronized attractors in a metapopulation model
Authors: Giordani Flávia T. , Silva Jacques A. L.
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we analyze the synchronization phenomenon for a discrete metapopulation model of multiple species with nonstationary and nonlinear coupling. The model is quite general, but we explore some particular situations of biological interest. In these cases, we obtain sufficient conditions for the transversal asymptotic stability of synchronized attractors. Some numerical results illustrate the theory. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Long time behavior of a damped generalized BBM equation in low regularity spaces
Authors: Wang Ming
Published: January 2015

Long‐time behavior of solutions of a damped, forced generalized Benjamin‐Bona‐Mahony equation with periodic boundary condition is studied. Assume that the force f∈L2 and the damping coefficient is a small perturbation of a positive constant, the existence of global attractor below H1 is proved. Moreover, we show the global attractor has finite fractal dimension in the sharp regularity space H2. Finally, we give a covering of the global attractor, which suggests that the attractor is even thinner than a general set with finite fractal dimension in H2. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advection of methane in the hydrate zone: model, analysis and examples
Authors: Peszynska Malgorzata , Showalter Ralph E. , Webster Justin T.
Published: January 2015

A two‐phase two‐component model is formulated for the advective–diffusive transport of methane in liquid phase through sediment with the accompanying formation and dissolution of methane hydrate. This free‐boundary problem has a unique generalized solution in L1; the proof combines analysis of the stationary semilinear elliptic Dirichlet problem with the nonlinear semigroup theory in Banach space for an m‐accretive multi‐valued operator. Additional estimates of maximum principle type are obtained, and these permit appropriate maximal extensions of the phase‐change relations. An example with pure advection indicates the limitations of these estimates and of the model developed here. We also consider and analyze the coupled pressure equation that determines the advective flux in the transport model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘I've Been Walking on Eggshells All My Life’: Fibromyalgia Patients' Narratives About Experienced Violence and Abuse
Authors: Sallinen Merja , Kukkurainen Marja Leena
Published: January 2015

According to earlier research, the prevalence of violence and abuse in the life history of patients with chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia seems to be high in comparison with other pain patients and healthy controls. The purpose of the present study was to explore how experiences of violence and abuse are expressed and reflected on and how the causes and consequences of violence are interpreted by female patients with a long history of fibromyalgia. The data were drawn from narrative interviews of 11 women who had earlier participated in a fibromyalgia‐specific rehabilitation course. The findings are presented through three main themes: loss of self‐esteem, physical and mental bruises, and loss of womanhood. The onset of fibromyalgia was perceived as an inevitable result of physical or mental trauma. In conclusion, the narrated life stories indicated that violence is still hidden behind a wall of silence and non‐interference in our society. The devastating mental and physical consequences of violence in different forms may be carried by the individual for years, even decades. Understanding any exposure to violence that a patient has endured may help healthcare professionals to understand the individual's health behaviour and any possible reluctance to undergo treatment and rehabilitation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Von der DC‐Platte direkt ins Massenspektrometer
Authors: Himmelsbach Markus , Kreisberger Georg , Klampfl Christian W. , Buchberger Wolfgang
Published: January 2015

Durch direkte Ionisierung lassen sich Analyten aus der Dünnschichtchromatographie massenspektrometrisch untersuchen. Der Mechanismus der Ionisierung folgt den typischen Elektrospray‐Prinzipien, eine spezielle Ionenquelle ist nicht erforderlich.