bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Decreased Immunosuppressive Potential of the IgG Glycome
Authors: Vučković Frano , Krištić Jasminka , Gudelj Ivan , Teruel Maria , Keser Toma , Pezer Marija , Pučić‐Baković Maja , Štambuk Jerko , Trbojević‐Akmačić Irena , Barrios Clara , Pavić Tamara , Menni Cristina , Wang Youxin , Zhou Yong , Cui Liufu , Song Haicheng , Zeng Qiang , Guo Xiuhua , Pons‐Estel Bernardo A. , McKeigue Paul , Leslie Patrick Alan , Gornik Olga , Spector Tim D. , Harjaček Miroslav , Alarcon‐Riquelme Marta , Molokhia Mariam , Wang Wei , Lauc Gordan
Published: July 2015

Objective

Glycans attached to the Fc portion of IgG are important modulators of IgG effector functions. Interindividual differences in IgG glycome composition are large and they associate strongly with different inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.IKZF1,HLA–DQ2A/B, andBACH2genetic loci that affect IgG glycome composition show pleiotropy with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), indicating a potentially causative role of aberrant IgG glycosylation in SLE. We undertook this large multicenter case–control study to determine whether SLE is associated with altered IgG glycosylation.

Methods

Using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography analysis of released glycans, we analyzed the composition of the IgG glycome in 261 SLE patients and 247 matched controls of Latin American Mestizo origin (the discovery cohort) and in 2 independent replication cohorts of different ethnicity (108 SLE patients and 193 controls from Trinidad, and 106 SLE patients and 105 controls from China).

Results

Multiple statistically significant differences in IgG glycome composition were observed between patients and controls. The most significant changes included decreased galactosylation and sialylation of IgG (which regulate proinflammatory and antiinflammatory actions of IgG) as well as decreased core fucose and increased bisectingN‐acetylglucosamine (which affect antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity).

Conclusion

The IgG glycome in SLE patients is significantly altered in a way that decreases immunosuppressive action of circulating immunoglobulins. The magnitude of observed changes is associated with the intensity of the disease, indicating that aberrant IgG glycome composition or changes in IgG glycosylation may be an important molecular mechanism in SLE.
Effects of Coulombic Interaction in Diffusion‐influenced Reversible Proton Transfer Kinetics of Photoexcited Acids
Authors: Yang Mino
Published: July 2015

A kinetic theory based on the memory equation approach is developed to predict the kinetics of photoexcited acid dissociation and diffusion‐influenced recombination reactions between ionic species. It is shown that the simple prescription introducing an effective reaction distance to represent the Coulombic interactions is applicable to the formalism of the kinetic theory. For geminate pairs, approximate analytic solutions for the time‐dependent concentrations of excited acids and basic anions are derived, and their long‐time asymptotic behavior is discussed. Kinetic behavior depending on the magnitude of the Coulombic interaction between excited anions and protons is also discussed.
Systematic evaluation of matrix effect and cross‐talk‐free method for simultaneous determination of zolmitriptan and N‐desmethyl zolmitriptan in human plasma: a sensitive LC‐MS/MS method validation and its application to a clinical pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Patel Bhargav , Suhagia B. N. , Jangid Arvind G. , Mistri Hiren N. , Desai Nirmal
Published: July 2015

The objective of the present work was to carry out systematic evaluation to eliminate matrix effect owing to plasma phospholipids as observed during sample preparation and to develop a cross‐talk‐free sensitive, selective and rapid bioanalytical method for the simultaneous determination of zolmitriptan (ZT) and N‐desmethyl zolmitriptan (DZT) in human plasma by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry using naratriptan as internal standard (IS). The analytes and IS were quantitatively extracted from 200 μL human plasma by solid phase extraction. No cross‐talk was found between ZT and DZT having identical product ions. Quantitation was performed on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer employing electrospray ionization technique, operating in multiple reaction monitoring and positive ion mode. The total chromatographic run time was 2.5 min. The method was fully validated for sensitivity, selectivity, specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, matrix effect, dilution integrity and stability studies. The method was validated over a dynamic concentration range of 0.1–15 ng/mL for ZT and DZT. The method was successfully applied to a bioequivalence study of 2.5 mg ZT tablet formulation in 18 healthy Indian male subjects under fasting conditions. Assay reproducibility was assessed by reanalysis of 62 incurred samples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of Heronamide Biosynthesis Reveals a Tailoring Hydroxylase and Indicates Migrated Double Bonds
Authors: Zhu Yiguang , Zhang Wenjun , Chen Yaolong , Yuan Chengshan , Zhang Haibo , Zhang Guangtao , Ma Liang , Zhang Qingbo , Tian Xinpeng , Zhang Si , Zhang Changsheng
Published: July 2015

Heronamides belong to a growing family of β‐amino acid polyketide macrolactams (βPMs) with an unsaturated side chain. The biosynthetic gene cluster for heronamide F was identified from the deep‐sea‐derived Streptomyces sp. SCSIO 03032. The involvement of the gene cluster in heronamide biosynthesis was confirmed by the functional characterization of the P450 enzyme HerO as an 8‐hydroxylase for tailoring heronamide biosynthesis. The presence of migrated double bonds in the conjugated diene‐containing side chain of heronamides was confirmed by feeding experiments with labeled small carboxylic acid molecules. This study is the first demonstration of migrated double bonds in βPMs with an unsaturated side chain.
Ductal stenting using side‐branch cell dilation for aortic coarctation in high‐risk patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: Kitano Masataka , Yazaki Satoshi , Kagisaki Koji
Published: July 2015

For high‐risk neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) undergoing Norwood operation, the strategy of bilateral pulmonary artery banding and ductal stenting is risky in case of coarctation of the aorta (CoA), often resulting in death. Therefore, we devised a new method of ductal stenting with side‐branch cell dilation, which could overcome the constriction of the ductal arch with CoA in two HLHS patients. This is the first report that presents this method and the results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrocatalytic Interface Based on Novel Carbon Nanomaterials for Advanced Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Zhou Ming , Guo Shaojun
Published: July 2015

The rapid development of nanoscience and nanotechnology provides new opportunities for the sustainable progress of nanoscale catalysts (i.e., nanocatalysts). The introduction of nanocatalysts into electronic devices implants their novel functions into electronic sensing systems, resulting in the testing of many advanced electrochemical sensors and the fabrication of some highly sensitive, selective, and stable sensing platforms. In this Review, we will summarize recent significant progress on exploring advanced carbon nanomaterials (such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, highly ordered mesoporous carbons, and electron cyclotron resonance sputtered nanocarbon film) as nanoscale electrocatalysts (i.e., nanoelectrocatalysts) for constructing the catalytic nanointerfaces of electronic devices to achieve high‐sensitivity and high‐selectivity electrochemical sensors. Furthermore, different mechanisms for the extraordinary and unique electrocatalytic activities of these carbon nanomaterials will be also highlighted, compared and discussed. An outlook on the future trends and developments in this area will be provided at the end. Notably, to elaborate the nature of carbon nanomaterial, we will mainly focus on the electrocatalysis of single kind of carbon materials rather than their hybrid composite materials. We expect that advanced carbon nanomaterials with unique electrocatalytic activities will continue to attract increasing research interest and lead to new opportunities in various fields of research.
A modified fuzzy C‐means algorithm using scale control spatial information for MRI image segmentation in the presence of noise
Authors: Sing Jamuna Kanta , Adhikari Sudip Kumar , Basu Dipak Kumar
Published: July 2015

The fuzzy C‐means (FCM) algorithm does not fully utilize the spatial information for image segmentation and is sensitive to the presence of noise and intensity inhomogeneity in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. The underlying reason is that using a single fuzzy membership function the FCM algorithm cannot properly represent pattern associations to all clusters. In this paper, we present a modified FCM (mFCM) algorithm by incorporating scale control spatial information for segmentation of MRI images in the presence of high levels of noise and intensity inhomogeneity. The algorithm utilizes scale controlled spatial information from the neighbourhood of each pixel under consideration in the form of a probability function. Using this probability function, a local membership function is introduced for each pixel. Finally, new clustering centre and weighted joint membership functions are introduced based on the local membership and global membership functions. The resulting mFCM algorithm is robust to the noise and intensity inhomogeneity in MRI image data and thereby improves the segmentation results. The experimental results on a synthetic image, four volumes of simulated and one volume of real‐patient MRI brain images show that the mFCM algorithm outperforms k‐means, FCM and some other recently proposed FCM‐based algorithms for image segmentation in terms of qualitative and quantitative studies such as cluster validity functions, segmentation accuracy and tissue segmentation accuracy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NMR Signal Enhancement by Effective SABRE Labeling of Oligopeptides
Authors: Ratajczyk Tomasz , Gutmann Torsten , Bernatowicz Piotr , Buntkowsky Gerd , Frydel Jaroslaw , Fedorczyk Bartlomiej
Published: July 2015

Signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) can enhance nuclear magnetic resonance signals by several orders of magnitude. However, until now this was limited to a small number of model target molecules. Here, a new convenient method for SABRE activation applicable to a variety of synthetic model oligopeptides is demonstrated. For the first time, a highly SABRE‐active pyridine‐based biocompatible molecular framework is incorporated into synthetic oligopeptides. The SABRE activity is preserved, demonstrating the importance of such earmarking. Finally, a crucial exchange process responsible for SABRE activity is identified and discussed.
Enhanced Charge Transport in Tantalum Nitride Nanotube Photoanodes for Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Lei , Nguyen Nhat Truong , Zhou Xuemei , Hwang Imgon , Killian Manuela S. , Schmuki Patrik
Published: July 2015

In the present work we grow anodic self‐organized Ta2O5 nanotube layers, which are converted by ammonolysis to Ta3N5 nanotubes, and then are used as photoanodes for photoanalytic water splitting. We introduce a two‐step anodization process that not only improves order (reduced growth defects) and overall light absorption in the nanotube layers, but also provides a significantly reduced interface charge resistance at the nitride/metal interface due to subnitride (TaNx) formation. As a result, such nanotube anodes afford a 15‐fold increase of the photocurrent compared with conventional nanotubular Ta3N5 electrodes under AM 1.5 G simulated sunlight (100 mW cm−2) conditions.
Deployment of regulatory genes during gastrulation and germ layer specification in a model spiralian molluscCrepidula
Authors: Perry Kimberly J. , Lyons Deirdre C. , Truchado‐Garcia Marta , Fischer Antje H. L. , Helfrich Lily W. , Johansson Kimberly B. , Diamond Julie C. , Grande Cristina , Henry Jonathan Q.
Published: July 2015

Background:During gastrulation, endoderm and mesoderm are specified from a bipotential precursor (endomesoderm) that is argued to be homologous across bilaterians. Spiralians also generate mesoderm from ectodermal precursors (ectomesoderm), which arises near the blastopore. While a conserved gene regulatory network controls specification of endomesoderm in deuterostomes and ecdysozoans, little is known about genes controlling specification or behavior of either source of spiralian mesoderm or the digestive tract.Results: Using the molluscCrepidula, we examined conserved regulatory factors and compared their expression to fate maps to score expression in the germ layers, blastopore lip, and digestive tract. Many genes were expressed in both ecto‐ and endomesoderm, but only five were expressed in ectomesoderm exclusively. The latter may contribute to epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition seen in ectomesoderm.Conclusions: We present the first comparison of genes expressed during spiralian gastrulation in the context of high‐resolution fate maps. We found variation of genes expressed in the blastopore lip, mouth, and cells that will form the anus. Shared expression of many genes in both mesodermal sources suggests that components of the conserved endomesoderm program were either co‐opted for ectomesoderm formation or that ecto‐ and endomesoderm are derived from a common mesodermal precursor that became subdivided into distinct domains during evolution.Developmental Dynamics 244:1215–1248, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Studies on the Reaction of Reduced Vitamin B12 Derivatives with the Nitrosyl ­Hydride (HNO) Donor Angeli's Salt: HNO Oxidizes the Transition‐Metal Center of Cob(I)alamin
Authors: Subedi Harishchandra , Brasch Nicola E.
Published: July 2015

Although it is well established that nitrosyl hydride (nitroxyl, HNO) reduces transition metals including transition‐metal centers of porphyrins and metalloproteins, oxidation of a metal center by HNO has yet to be reported. Kinetic and mechanistic studies on the CoII vitamin B12 form, cob(II)alamin [Cbl(II)], with the widely used HNO donor Angeli's salt (AS) have been carried out. The stoichiometry of the reaction is Cbl(II)/AS = 1:2, and AS decomposition to give HNO and nitrite is the rate‐determining step. Separate studies on the reaction between cob(I)alamin [Cbl(I)–] and AS and experiments in the presence of excess nitrite or the efficient cob(III)alamin trapping agent cyanide support a mechanism in which HNO reduces Cbl(II) to Cbl(I)–, being itself oxidized to NO·. A second molecule of HNO then oxidizes Cbl(I)– back to Cbl(II), which reacts rapidly with NO· to form nitroxylcobalamin [nitrosylcobalamin, NO––Cbl(III), NOCbl].
Divergent and Concise Syntheses of Spiroisoxazolines: First Total Synthesis of 11‐Deoxyfistularin‐3
Authors: Das Prasanta , Hamme II Ashton T.
Published: July 2015

A divergent and concise base‐promoted Dieckmann‐type keto‐ester condensation strategy is demonstrated to generate two unique spiro[cyclohexadiene‐isoxazoline] moieties. The consecutive di‐bromination–elimination–bromination of the corresponding spiro moiety has been successfully utilized to furnish the desired core structure of many bromotyrosine derived spiroisoxazoline natural products. The spiroisoxazoline acid was further coupled with the desired diamine to accomplish the first total synthesis of 11‐deoxyfistularin‐3. This strategy could serve as an efficient alternative to previously developed oxidative dearomatizing spirocyclization of phenol as the essential step to synthesize this class of natural products.
Electrochemical Properties of Ag@iron Oxide Nanocomposite for Application as Nitrate Sensor
Authors: Bonyani Maryam , Mirzaei Ali , Leonardi Salvatore G. , Bonavita Anna , Neri Giovanni
Published: July 2015

Ag@iron oxide nanocomposite powders were synthesized via a two‐step chemical method. Characterization by UV‐Vis, XRD, SEM‐EDX and TEM revealed they are composed of nanosized crystalline silver particles in strict contact with amorphous iron oxide(s). The electrochemical behavior of the synthesized Ag@iron oxide composite was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Compared with the single phase‐modified electrodes, the Ag@iron oxide/SPCE electrode exhibits an enhanced cathodic current in response to the target analyte, due to a synergistic effect between Ag crystallites and amorphous iron oxide nanoparticles. An amperometric sensor for detection of nitrate based on Ag@iron oxide modified screen‐printed electrode (Ag@iron oxide/SPCE) has been fabricated, showing a good sensitivity (663 µA mM−1 cm−2) and a detection limit of 30 µM.
Functional knockout of FUT8 in Chinese hamster ovary cells using CRISPR/Cas9 to produce a defucosylated antibody
Authors: Sun Tao , Li Chaodong , Han Lei , Jiang Hua , Xie Yueqing , Zhang Baohong , Qian Xiuping , Lu Huili , Zhu Jianwei
Published: July 2015

We report the adaptation of the new CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR‐associated protein 9) system to disrupt the gene encoding fucosyltransferase 8 (FUT8), an α1,6‐fucosyltransferase that directs fucose addition to derived antibody Fc region asparagine 297, in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Compared to previously reported homologous recombination or zinc‐finger nucleases (ZFNs) applications in CHO cells, CRISPR/Cas9 demonstrated higher targeting efficiency and easier customization. FUT8 disruptive clones (FUT8−/−) were obtained within 3 weeks at indel frequencies ranging from 9 to 25%, which could be enhanced to 52% with Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA) selection. Based on the lectin blot method, the derived FUT8−/− clone had the ability to produce defucosylated therapeutic mAb with no detrimental effects on cell growth, viability, or product quality. The clone had the potential of industrial application for therapeutic antibodies manufacturing. We have demonstrated functionally that a gene related to product synthesis could be mutated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and consequently the glycan profile of expressed mAb was alternated. We believe that with its robustness and effectiveness, CRISPR/Cas9 can be widely applicable in cell line development leading to higher productivity and better quality of mAbs and other biological therapeutics.
Comprehensive evaluation of two different inoculums in MFC with a new tin‐coated copper mesh anode electrode for producing electricity from a cottonseed oil industry effluent
Authors: Taşkan Ergin , Özkaya Bestamin , Hasar Halil
Published: July 2015

We evaluated a new electrode material for its capacity to generate electricity by using a cottonseed effluent in two microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Tin‐coated copper (Sn‐coating Cu) mesh and platinum‐coated titanium were used as anode and cathode electrode materials, respectively. For a startup period that allowed slow‐growing electro‐active bacteria to form biofilms on the anode electrode, inoculums were supplied from anaerobic digester sludge (ADS) and estuary sediment (ES). The ADS‐inoculated MFC successfully achieved maximum power density of 160 mW/m2, whereas ES‐inoculated MFC had a maximum power density of 59 mW/m2. Maximum columbic efficiencies for ADS and ES were 12.8% and 5.6% and the corresponding COD removal efficiencies were 66.6% and 53.6%, respectively. A PCR‐DGGE analysis showed that the anode surface in ADS‐inoculated MFC has more groups of bacteria than that in ES‐inoculated MFC. The kinetic performances of MFCs evaluated by using the Nernst–Monod equation showed that maximum current density (Jmax) increased to around 1.62 A/m2 in the ADS‐inoculated MFC and 1.06 A/m2 in the ES‐inoculated MFC. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 110–116, 2016
Expressed Emotion, Family Functioning, and Treatment Outcome for Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Rienecke Renee D. , Accurso Erin C. , Lock James , Le Grange Daniel
Published: July 2015

The current study examined the relation between parental expressed emotion (EE) and treatment outcome among adolescents participating in a treatment study for adolescent anorexia nervosa, as well as its impact on family functioning. One hundred and twenty‐one families were assigned to family‐based treatment or adolescent‐focused therapy. Paternal criticism predicted lesser improvement in eating disorder psychopathology at end of treatment. There was also a significant interaction between maternal hostility and treatment, indicating that adolescents whose mothers displayed hostility had greater increases in percent of expected body weight in adolescent‐focused therapy than family‐based treatment. In addition, maternal hostility predicted less improvement in general family functioning and family communication at the end of treatment. Findings suggest that maternal and paternal EE may differentially impact treatment outcome and should be directly attended to in clinical settings. Future research is needed to further explore ways in which parental EE can be effectively modified in treatment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Photo-induced toxicity of Deepwater Horizon slick oil to blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) larvae
Authors: Alloy Matthew M. , Boube Idrissa , Griffitt Robert J. , Oris James T. , Roberts Aaron P.
Published: July 2015

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill resulted in the accidental release of approximately 700 million L of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Photo-induced toxicity after co-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is 1 mechanism by which polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from oil spills may exert toxicity. Blue crab are an important commercial and ecological resource in the Gulf of Mexico, and their largely transparent larvae may make them sensitive to PAH photo-induced toxicity. The goal of the present study was to examine the sensitivity of early lifestage blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) zoea to slick oil collected during the Deepwater Horizon spill. Blue crab zoea were exposed to 1 of several dilutions of water accommodated fractions from 1 of 2 sources of oil and gradations of natural sunlight in a factorial design. Two 7-h solar exposures were carried out with a recovery period (dark) in between. Survival was found to be UV- and PAH-dependent. Toxicity was observed within the range of surface PAH concentrations reported in the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon spill. These findings indicate that early lifestage blue crab are sensitive to photo-induced toxicity from Deepwater Horizon slick oil. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2061–2066. © 2015 SETAC
Compressive advection and multi‐component methods for interface‐capturing
Authors: Pavlidis Dimitrios , Gomes Jefferson L. M. A. , Xie Zhihua , Percival James R. , Pain Christopher C. , Matar Omar K.
Published: July 2015

This paper develops methods for interface‐capturing in multiphase flows. The main novelties of these methods are as follows: (a) multi‐component modelling that embeds interface structures into the continuity equation; (b) a new family of triangle/tetrahedron finite elements, in particular, the P1DG‐P2(linear discontinuous between elements velocity and quadratic continuous pressure); (c) an interface‐capturing scheme based on compressive control volume advection methods and high‐order finite element interpolation methods; (d) a time stepping method that allows use of relatively large time step sizes; and (e) application of anisotropic mesh adaptivity to focus the numerical resolution around the interfaces and other areas of important dynamics. This modelling approach is applied to a series of pure advection problems with interfaces as well as to the simulation of the standard computational fluid dynamics benchmark test cases of a collapsing water column under gravitational forces (in two and three dimensions) and sloshing water in a tank. Two more test cases are undertaken in order to demonstrate the many‐material and compressibility modelling capabilities of the approach. Numerical simulations are performed on coarse unstructured meshes to demonstrate the potential of the methods described here to capture complex dynamics in multiphase flows. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative effectiveness of pharmacological interventions for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Singh Siddharth , Khera Rohan , Allen Alina M. , Murad M. Hassan , Loomba Rohit
Published: July 2015

We performed a Bayesian network meta‐analysis combining direct and indirect treatment comparisons to assess the comparative effectiveness of pharmacological agents for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Through systematic literature review, we identified nine randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) including 964 patients with biopsy‐proven NASH, comparing vitamin E, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), pentoxifylline, or obeticholic acid to one another or placebo. The primary outcome was improvement in fibrosis stage; secondary outcomes were improvement in ballooning degeneration, lobular inflammation, and steatosis. We reported relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from direct meta‐analysis and 95% credible intervals (CrIs) from Bayesian network meta‐analysis, and used Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria to appraise quality of evidence. Moderate‐quality evidence supports the use of pentoxifylline (RR, 0.26; 95% CrI: 0.05‐1.00) and obeticholic acid (RR, 0.81; 95% CI: 0.70‐0.95) over placebo in improving fibrosis. High‐quality evidence supports the effect of vitamin E, TZDs, and obeticholic acid over placebo in improving ballooning degeneration. All four interventions seemed to have at least moderate‐quality evidence over placebo to improve steatosis. Moderate‐quality evidence supports that TZDs, pentoxifylline, and obeticholic acid decrease lobular inflammation. All the head‐to‐head comparisons were supported by very‐low‐quality evidence except for superiority of TZDs over vitamin E on improving steatosis and lobular inflammation, which had moderate‐quality evidence. Conclusions: Based on direct and network meta‐analysis, pentoxifylline and obeticholic acid improve fibrosis, and vitamin E, TZDs, and obeticholic acid improve ballooning degeneration in patients with NASH. Future comparative trials of combination therapies targeting distinct histological features are warranted. (Hepatology 2015;62:1417–1432)
Prediction of groundwater‐induced flooding in a chalk aquifer for future climate change scenarios
Authors: Jimenez‐Martinez Joaquin , Smith Martin , Pope David
Published: July 2015

Current climate change models for the southeast UK predict changing rainfall patterns, with increased incidence of extreme events. The chalk aquifer in the UK and northern France is susceptible to groundwater‐induced flooding under such conditions. In this methodological study we apply a frequency domain analysis approach to the chalk aquifer to derive a transfer function between effective rainfall and groundwater level from 7 years of monitoring data from the North Heath Barn site, near Brighton. The derived transfer function was calibrated and validated against monitoring data and then used to predict groundwater level for rainfall models for high, medium and low emission scenarios from the UKCP09 database. The derived transfer function is most closely comparable to the linear aquifer model, despite evidence for both matrix and fracture or karst water flow in the chalk, with transmissivity and unconfined storativity at the catchment scale of 1548 m2 day−1and 1.6 × 10−2. The application of the transfer function to UKCP09 rainfall data suggests that groundwater‐induced flooding may be about four times more frequent by 2040–2069 compared with 1961–1990 and seven times more frequent by 2070–2099. The model data also suggest an increase in the duration of groundwater minima relative to the reference period. Compared to deterministic modelling which requires detailed knowledge of aquifer heterogeneity and processes, the transfer function approach, although with limitations, is simpler, incorporating these factors into the analysis through frequency and phase coefficients, and thus may have the potential for groundwater risk assessment in other areas. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What Does This Story Say About Females?
Authors: Hayik Rawia
Published: July 2015

Grounded in critical literacy theory, this teacher research in a Middle EasternEFLclassroom addresses the traditional female positioning in literature, media, and pop culture. Adolescent students are encouraged to challenge the traditional Cinderella fairy tale through various critical literacy engagements. A content analysis of sample written and oral responses against the four dimensions framework of critical literacy reveals emerging critical awareness of gender bias and eagerness to take action for change, basically on the part of female students who wrote challenging letters of critique to the author of a Disney‐fied version of the story. Scrutiny into the teacher's moves attempts to explore her role in the process.
Cytotoxicity and apoptosis induced by silver nanoparticles in human liver HepG2 cells in different dispersion media
Authors: Xue Yuying , Zhang Ting , Zhang Bangyong , Gong Fan , Huang Yanmei , Tang Meng
Published: July 2015

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been widely used in medical and healthcare products owing to their unique antibacterial activities. However, their safety for humans and the environment has not yet been established. This study evaluated the cellular proliferation and apoptosis of Ag NPs suspended in different solvents using human liver HepG2 cells. The ionization of Ag NPs in different dispersion media [deionized water, phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), saline and cell culture] was measured using an Ag ion selective electrode. The MTT assay was used to examine the cell proliferation activities. The effects of Ag NPs on cell cycle, induction of apoptosis, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were analyzed using flow cytometry. The degree of Ag NPs ionization differed with dispersion media, with the concentrations of silver ions in deionized water being the highest in all suspensions. Ag NPs could inhibit the viability of HepG2 cells in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. Ag NPs (40, 80 and 160 µg ml−1) exposure could cause cell‐cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, significantly increasing the apoptosis rate and ROS generation, and decreasing the MMP in HepG2 cells more sensitive to deionized water than in cell culture. These results suggested that the cellular toxicological mechanism of Ag NPs might be related to the oxidative stress of cells by the generation of ROS, leading to mitochondria injury and induction of apoptosis. It also implies that it is important to assess the physicochemical properties of NPs in the media where the biological toxicity tests are performed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Successful use of cryocrit for monitoring response to therapeutic plasma exchange in type 1 cryoglobulinemia
Authors: Olson Nicholas , Yerrabothala Swaroopa , Dunbar Nancy
Published: July 2015

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a clinical syndrome that is defined as lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma with bone marrow involvement and IgM monoclonal gammopathy of any level. In some instances WM can result in a type I cryoglobulinemia with very high cryocrits, which is unusual in type II and III cryoglobulinemia. We describe a case of an 80 year old male with WM, severe type I cryoglobulinemia, and an extremely elevated cryocrit (69%). Over the course of five weeks we performed nine therapeutic plasma exchanges (TPE), and after seven treatments his cryocrit had decreased to 6% with improvement in his symptoms. By monitoring his cryocrit throughout his TPE sessions, we were able to assess his response to treatment, determine the ideal length of treatment in addition to his symptomatic improvement. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:403–404, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Projected CAP/SAC‐CI method with smooth Voronoi potential for calculating resonance states
Authors: Ehara Masahiro , Fukuda Ryoichi , Sommerfeld Thomas
Published: July 2015

The complex absorbing potential (CAP)/symmetry‐adapted cluster‐configuration interaction (SAC‐CI) method has been combined with a smooth Voronoi potential, which was recently introduced in the extrapolation procedure, to locate π* resonance states of small‐ to medium‐size molecules. Here, the projected CAP/SAC‐CI method is combined with this potential and used to calculate the double‐bond and heteroaromatic π* resonances of acetaldehyde, butadiene, glyoxal, pyridine, pyrazine, and furan. As observed in the pilot applications, the corrected η‐trajectories provide a stable resonance energy and width or lifetime regardless of the size parameter (rcut) of the smooth Voronoi potential. However, in general, the stabilization behavior of the trajectories is clearer for larger rcut values, which implies that the interaction of the CAP with the valence electrons is more advantageously addressed by a larger “cavity” size. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel MBRs for the removal of organic priority pollutants from industrial wastewaters: a review
Authors: Yeo Bibianna JL , Goh Shuwen , Zhang Jinsong , Livingston Andrew G , Fane Anthony G
Published: July 2015

Organic pollutants which are commonly discharged by the 21 industrial groups identified by the US EPA are regulated under the toxic and priority pollutants list. Novel membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems developed in the last two decades, such as the high‐retention MBRs (HR‐MBRs) and extractive MBRs (EMBRs), could be applied in the retention/extraction of targeted organics from point‐source industrial wastewater to meet stringent regulatory requirements. This paper combines previous reviews and studies conducted on the individual novel MBRs to discuss the potential in applying these technologies in the removal of targeted organic pollutants from industrial wastewater by providing a summary of the technologies and discussing the research gaps that currently hamper their commercialization. Future research should focus on long‐term operation with real industrial wastewaters to identify membrane, operational and biodegradation limitations for further optimization. This includes advances in microbiology and the application of novel membranes to boost the biodegradation and removal capabilities of these novel MBR systems. Energy and economic analyses of the MBRs operated at the pilot/demo scale are required to compare their benefits with conventional treatment systems. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Gray‐scale and color Doppler sonographic features of complex fibroadenomas of the breast
Authors: Lee Kwang Hwi , Kim Suk Jung , Park Young Mi , Kim Woogyeong , Yoon Jung Hee , Song Jong Woon , Kim Seung Ho , Lim Yun‐Jung , Baek Hye Jin , Kim Seon‐Jeong , Lee Yedaun
Published: July 2015

Purpose

To investigate gray‐scale and color Doppler sonographic (US) features of complex fibroadenoma (FA), according to the Breast Imaging‐Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS) lexicon.

Methods

From 2010 through 2013, 586 women with FAs were seen; 101 (17%) of those lesions were diagnosed as complex FAs on percutaneous needle biopsy or surgery. Among the patients with complex FAs, 67 who had US examination results available were included in this study. In addition, the results from 98 women who had simple FAs were included as controls. US features were retrospectively analyzed by two breast radiologists in consensus for shape, margin, echogenicity, posterior acoustic pattern, boundary, orientation, and associated findings. They also reassessed the BI‐RADS category for FAs. Color Doppler US examination results were classified according to the amount of vascularity as absent, moderate, or marked.

Results

Complex FA were larger than simple FAs were (14.5 cm versus 12.1 cm, p > 0.05). On univariate analysis, a round to irregular shape, an uncircumscribed margin, the presence of associated findings, and BI‐RADS categorization as 4a and 4b were more frequently revealed in complex than in simple FAs (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that the tumor margin was a predictive factor for complex FA (odds ratio: 6.08; 95% confidence interval: 1.14–32.49, p < 0.05). On color Doppler US, the complex FAs had higher degrees of vascularity than simple FA (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Complex FAs, in comparison with simple FAs, tend to have more aggressive features and to be in higher BI‐RADS categories on US examination. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 43:556–562, 2015
Reactivity of 2‐Thiazolylhydrazonomalononitrile toward Carbon and Nitrogen Nucleophilic Reagents: Applications to the Synthesis of New Heterocycles
Authors: El‐Mekabaty Ahmed , Habib Osman M. O. , Moawad Evelin B. , Hasel Ali M.
Published: July 2015

2‐Thiazolylhydrazonomalononitrile (1) was used as key intermediate for the synthesis of polyfunctionally substituted heterocycles (e.g. pyridazine, tetrazole, pyrimidines, 1,5‐benzo diazepine, benzoimidazo[1,2‐a]pyrimidine, triazolo[4,3‐a]pyrimidine, pyrazole, pyrazolo[1,5‐a]triazines, pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine and 1,5‐benzoxazocine) incorporating thiazole moiety via its reactions with some carbon and nitrogen nucleophiles. Structures of the newly synthesized compounds were established by elemental analysis and spectral data. The mechanistic aspects for the formation of the new compounds were also discussed.
Train the Trainers: A First Step towards a Science‐Based Cognitive Lie Detection Training Workshop Delivered by a Practitioner
Authors: Vrij Aldert , Mann Samantha , Leal Sharon , Vernham Zarah , Vaughan Martin
Published: July 2015

A training workshop utilising recent research in cognitive lie detection was designed and evaluated. A unique future of the training was that a practitioner (retired police detective) instead of scientists (e.g. the training developers) introduced the techniques. To evaluate the training, 27 experienced police detectives each interviewed one mock suspect (a truth teller or liar) before training, and another group of 23 experienced police detectives interviewed one mock suspect (a truth teller or liar) after training. The police detectives were free to interview the mock suspect in any way they felt appropriate, but those who had received training were asked to try to incorporate (some of) the taught techniques in their interviews. The detectives made veracity judgements, and the interviews were transcribed and coded for the amount of detail elicited and the questions asked. Training had a modest effect on the ability to distinguish between truths and lies but resulted in a higher percentage of appropriate questions asked. Trainees did not implement the taught techniques to an equal extent, but when they did, the techniques enhanced the elicitation of information. The training study also revealed challenges, particularly difficulty in implementing the taught techniques into practice and asking the right questions to elicit differences in detail between truth tellers and liars. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating changes in season length, onset, and end dates across the United States (1948–2012)
Authors: Allen Michael J. , Sheridan Scott C.
Published: July 2015

Discussed in a global context, the issue of scale is important to consider as it relates to climate change. As climatological studies utilize temporally and spatially static definitions of seasonal definitions, the understanding of seasonal change may be limited by the way in which seasons are defined. This research serves as a challenge to this perspective by examining the changes in seasons by incorporating variability into the way in which seasons are defined. Temporally and spatially variable seasons were defined based on thresholds of apparent temperature and upper‐level circulation patterns for the period 1948–2012. Using 60 US surface stations, two apparent air temperature metrics were used to define seasons that vary spatially and temporally. Stations represented major cities found in the contiguous United States. A large‐scale circulation approach utilized synoptic categorizations based on 250‐mb geopotential heights from the NCEP‐NCAR reanalysis (NNR) as a metric of seasonal delineation. In this method, seasons varied temporally but not spatially. Despite the different methodological approaches, consistent trends were found. Since 1948, late starts of autumn and winter have been observed while earlier onsets of spring and summer have taken place. For the individual stations, the largest shifts occurred along coasts and in larger, more urbanized environments. Individual locations also showed increased variability in start date, and significant changes were found for all four seasons in the circulation approach. Seasons have been shown to be important for a variety of processes including phenological responses and human adaptation to extreme temperature environments; therefore, the consideration of season variability may be appropriate for future climatological research.
A Study of TV Drama Series, Cultural Proximity and Travel Motivation: Moderation Effect of Enduring Involvement
Authors: Chang David Y.
Published: July 2015

This paper empirically investigates the relationships of TV drama series, cultural proximity and travel motivation, especially examining the moderating effect of enduring involvement in this relationship. The findings reveal that only TV drama series, not cultural proximity, has positive effects on travel motivation. The viewer's enduring involvement with the drama shows its moderating effects on the drama–motivation relationship but only on the cultural proximity–motivation relationship for the high‐enduring‐involvement viewers. Overall, this study highlights a viewer's enduring involvement role in enhancing/changing the effects of TV dramas and cultural proximity on the viewer's travel motivation to the places depicted in the programs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of Anesthesia and opioids on the upper airway: A systematic review
Authors: Ehsan Zarmina , Mahmoud Mohamed , Shott Sally R. , Amin Raouf S. , Ishman Stacey L.
Published: July 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is used to determine surgical therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); however, the effects of anesthesia on the upper airway are poorly understood. Our aim was to systematically review existing literature on the effects of anesthetic agents on the upper airway.

Data Sources

PubMed, CINAHL, EBM reviews and Scopus (all indexed years).

Review Methods

Inclusion criteria included English language articles containing original human data. Two investigators independently reviewed all articles for outcomes related to upper airway morphology, dynamics, neuromuscular response, and respiratory control.

Results

The initial search yielded 180 abstracts; 56 articles were ultimately included (total population = 8,540). The anesthetic agents studied were: topical lidocaine, propofol, dexmedetomidine, midazolam, pentobarbital, sevoflurane, desflurane, ketamine, and opioids. Outcome measures were diverse and included imaging studies, genioglossus electromyography, endoscopic airway assessment, polysomnography, upper airway closing pressure, and clinical evidence of obstruction. All agents caused some degrees of airway collapse. Dexmedetomidine did not have dose‐dependent effects when evaluated using cine magnetic resonance imaging, unlike sevoflurane, isoflurane, and propofol, and caused less dynamic collapse than propofol.

Conclusions

Studies assessing the effect of anesthesia on the upper airway in patients with and without OSA are limited, and few compare effects between agents. Medications with minimal effect on respiratory control (e.g., dexmedetomidine) may work best for DISE. Laryngoscope, 126:270–284, 2016
Soot and house dust mite allergen cause eosinophilic laryngitis in an animal model
Authors: Belafsky Peter C. , Peake Janice , Smiley‐Jewell Suzette M. , Verma Sunil P. , Dworkin‐Valenti James , Pinkerton Kent E.
Published: July 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Chronic laryngitis (CL) is common and costly. One of the most common causes of CL is thought to be laryngopharyngeal reflux, although a significant percentage of individuals fail to get better with acid suppressive therapy. The role of other potential causes of CL such as allergy and environmental pollution has not been thoroughly investigated.

Purpose

To evaluate the association between iron soot, house dust mite allergen (HDMA), and CL in an established animal model.

Methods

Twenty‐four guinea pigs were separated into four 6‐week exposure groups: 1) saline (allergen control) + filtered air (pollution control); 2) HDMA (Dermatophygoides farinae) + filtered air; 3) saline + combustion particulates; or 4) HDMA + combustion particulates. The primary outcome measure was mean eosinophil profile (MEP) in glottic, subglottic, and trachea epithelium and submucosa.

Results

The combination of iron soot and HDMA caused eosinophilia (elevated MEP) in the glottic (P < 0.06), subglottic (P < 0.05), and trachea (P < 0.05) submucosa and epithelium (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The combination of HDMA and iron soot resulted in laryngeal eosinophilia in an established guinea pig model of CL. The data support the notion that factors other than reflux may cause CL. Further investigation into eosinophilic laryngitis as a distinct clinical entity caused by exposure to environmental allergen and pollution is warranted.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 126:108–112, 2016
Polylactide‐Based Nanoparticles with Tailor‐Made Functionalization
Authors: Beer Veronika , Koynov Kaloian , Steffen Werner , Landfester Katharina , Musyanovych Anna
Published: July 2015

Biocompatible polymer nanoparticles are of high interest in chemical, biological, and medical research as potential drug delivery systems. These nanoparticles must be nontoxic and metabolizable. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) meets these requirements and therefore is widely used for biomedical applications. The miniemulsion/solvent evaporation procedure is a very efficient approach to produce PLA nanoparticles with controlled size and morphology using preformed polymer. In this paper, the synthesis of PLA‐based nanoparticles functionalized with either carboxyl groups or fluorescent molecules is presented. Both functionalities are covalently attached to the particle, thus any physical desorption and leakage of the dye upon storage or experiments performed under physiological conditions, for example during uptake by living cells, can be avoided. The fluorescence properties and stability of the obtained nanoparticles in aqueous solutions with different ionic strength are studied by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering.

image
Some Factors Affecting the Molecular Weight Distribution (MWD) in Low Density Polyethylene Multizone Autoclave Polymerization Reactors
Authors: Saldívar‐Guerra Enrique , Ordaz‐Quintero Almendra , Infante‐Martínez Ramiro , Herrera‐Ordóñez Jorge , Villarreal‐Cárdenas Luis , Ramírez‐Wong Diana , Rivera‐Rodríguez Evelia , Flores‐Flores Rodolfo , Miramontes‐Vidal Luis
Published: July 2015

Due to its complexity, free‐radical polymerization of ethylene at high pressure still remains to be fully understood. This paper investigates factors that contribute to shape the MWD, one of the main features of LDPE, such as the structure of primary chains and the reactor operation in one/two phases. Using plant data and different models, it is found that chain transfer to small species is the controlling chain termination step and it is explained why one‐phase operation leads to more branched polymer. Simulations with the Polyred software package provide a set of kinetic parameters that reproduce the observed trends in number average molecular weight and MWD dispersity in the reactor.