bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sciatic endometriosis induces mechanical hypersensitivity, segmental nerve damage, and robust local inflammation in rats
Authors: Chen S. , Xie W. , Strong J.A. , Jiang J. , Zhang J.‐M.
Published: December 2015

Background

Endometriosis is a common cause of pain including radicular pain. Ectopic endometrial tissue may directly affect peripheral nerves including the sciatic, which has not been modelled in animals.

Methods

We developed a rat model for sciatic endometriosis by grafting a piece of autologous uterine tissue around the sciatic nerve. Control animals underwent a similar surgery but received a graft of pelvic fat tissue.

Results

The uterine grafts survived and developed fluid‐filled cysts; the adjacent nerve showed signs of swelling and damage. Mechanical and cold hypersensitivity and allodynia of the ipsilateral hindpaw developed gradually over the first 2 weeks after the surgery, peaked at 2–5 weeks, and was almost resolved by 7 weeks. Control animals showed only minor changes in these pain behaviours. Histological signs of inflammation in the uterine graft and in the adjacent nerve were observed at 3 weeks but were resolving by 7 weeks. In vivo fibre recording showed increased spontaneous activity, especially of C‐fibres, in sciatic nerve proximal to the uterine graft. Several pro‐inflammatory cytokines including interluekin‐18, VEGF, fractalkine, and MIP‐1α, were elevated in the uterine graft plus sciatic nerve samples, compared to samples from normal nerve or nerve plus fat graft. Growth associated protein 43 (GAP43), a marker of regenerating nerve fibres, was observed in the adjacent sciatic nerve as well as in the uterine graft.

Conclusions

This model shared many features with other rat models of endometriosis, but also had some unique features more closely related to neuropathic pain models.

What does this study/review add

Some especially painful forms of endometriosis are essentially neuropathic, because peripheral nerves are directly affected by nearby ectopic endometrial tissue. We modelled endometriosis by implanting autologous uterine tissue around rat sciatic nerve. We observed mechanical and cold pain behaviours along with signs of inflammation and nerve damage and increased pro‐inflammatory cytokines at the implant site. Pain behaviours correlated with signs of nerve inflammation and damage rather than with cyst survival.
Practical likelihood analysis for spatial generalized linear mixed models
Authors: Bonat Wagner Hugo , Ribeiro Paulo Justiniano
Published: December 2015

We investigate an algorithm for maximum likelihood estimation of spatial generalized linear mixed models based on the Laplace approximation. We compare our algorithm with a set of alternative approaches for two datasets from the literature. TheRhizoctonia root rotand theRongelapare, respectively, examples of binomial and count datasets modeled by spatial generalized linear mixed models. Our results show that the Laplace approximation provides similar estimates to Markov Chain Monte Carlo likelihood, Monte Carlo expectation maximization, and modified Laplace approximation. Some advantages of Laplace approximation include the computation of the maximized log‐likelihood value, which can be used for model selection and tests, and the possibility to obtain realistic confidence intervals for model parameters based on profile likelihoods. The Laplace approximation also avoids the tuning of algorithms and convergence analysis, commonly required by simulation‐based methods. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urbanization and environmental degradation: Evidence from four SAARC Countries—Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka
Authors: Azam Muhammad , Khan Abdul Qayyum
Published: December 2015

The broad aim of this study is to evaluate empirically the impacts of urbanization along with some other explanatory variables on environmental degradation measured by carbon dioxide emissions for four countries from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region namely India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Annual time series data over the period of 1982–2013 are used. After, employing various relevant and required statistical tests, the method of least squares has been employed as an analytical technique for parameters estimation. The least squares estimate reveals that the impact of urbanization on the environment found is blended. In cases of Bangladesh and India, the relationship between urbanization growth and environment found is significantly negative, while, the impact of urbanization on environment is significantly positive in case of Sri Lanka and insignificantly positive for Pakistan during the period under the study. The findings of the study suggest that policy makers need to formulate appropriate policy for long term urban planning which can certainly help to mitigate largely CO2 emissions/environmental pollution. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 823–832, 2016
Development and assessment of damage‐to‐loss models for moment‐frame reinforced concrete buildings
Authors: Martins Luís , Silva Vítor , Marques Mário , Crowley Helen , Delgado Raimundo
Published: December 2015

The assessment of earthquake loss often requires the definition of a relation between a measure of damage and a quantity of loss, usually achieved through the employment of a damage‐to‐loss model. These models are frequently characterized by a large variability, which inevitably increases the uncertainty in the vulnerability assessment and earthquake loss estimation. This study provides an insight on the development of damage‐to‐loss functions for moment‐frame reinforced concrete buildings through an analytical methodology. Tri‐dimensional finite element models of existing reinforced concrete buildings were subjected to a number of ground motion records compatible with the seismicity in the region of interest, through nonlinear dynamic analysis. These results were used to assess, for a number of damage states, the probability distribution of loss ratio, taking into consideration member damage and different repair techniques, as well as to derive sets of fragility functions. Then, a vulnerability model (in terms of the ratio of cost of repair to cost of replacement, conditional on the level of ground shaking intensity) was derived and compared with the vulnerability functions obtained through the combination of various damage‐to‐loss models with the set of fragility functions developed herein. In order to provide realistic estimates of economic losses due to seismic action, a comprehensive study on repair costs using current Portuguese market values was also carried out. The results of this study highlight important issues in the derivation of vulnerability functions, which are a fundamental component for an adequate seismic risk assessment. © 2015 The Authors. Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Anticipating College Enrollment: Adapting SuccessNavigator® for High School Students
Authors: Rikoon Samuel H. , Liebtag Travis , Olivera‐Aguilar Margarita , Steinberg Jonathan , Robbins Steven B.
Published: December 2015

In this report, we describe the development of an extension of the SuccessNavigator® assessment for late high school settings. We discuss the assessment's conceptualization and support its application with psychometric studies detailing scale development in terms of structural analyses, reliability, and several other aspects of validity. High School SuccessNavigator (HSSN) is an assessment of students' noncognitive and academic skills important to their preparation for transitioning to higher education. The assessment provides a holistic review of students' strengths and potential areas for improvement, and it was designed for use by counselors and administrators to aid their work in engaging students to facilitate skill development. The primary aim of HSSN is to provide a standardized metric by which to direct individualized support to students as they ready themselves for postsecondary enrollment.
Study of phase behavior and physical properties of a natural gas reservoir with high carbon dioxide content
Authors: Chen Hao , Yang Shenglai , Zhang Xiansong , Ren Shuangshuang , Dong Kai , Li Ying , Meng Zhan , Wang Lu , Lei Hao , Ma Quanzheng
Published: December 2015

The discovery of natural gas reservoirs with high and varying CO2 content (5% to 98%) in China has attracted worldwide attention. In this paper, the phase diagram of natural gas with different CO2 content was calculated and drawn by PVT Sim 100 which was fitted by experimental data based on the Ruska PVT 2730 apparatus. Both the real critical parameters and the pseudo‐critical para­meters were calculated and compared. Also, the phase state of natural gas along the wellbore in a representative well under both shut‐in and flowing conditions was analyzed. In addition, to clarifying the phase transition process, videos of a gas sample showed variation between supercritical state to gas‐liquid state with isobaric cooling and heating up between 35°C and 25°C. Moreover, the compressibility factor (Z‐factor) of the natural gas with different CO2 content was chosen as one of the key physical parameters of natural gas to measure at pressures ranging from atmospheric pressure to 45 MPa and temperatures ranging from 40°C to 140°C experimentally. Results show that the Z factor decreases with the increase of CO2 content in natural gas at isothermal conditions, and increases with the increase of temperature. Furthermore, a new model is proposed to predict pressure and Z factor. The varying CO2‐CH4 concentrations of this reservoir are relevant to gas compositions which may arise in depleted natural gas reservoirs used for geologic carbon sequestration. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Lifespan anxiety is reflected in human amygdala cortical connectivity
Authors: He Ye , Xu Ting , Zhang Wei , Zuo Xi‐Nian
Published: December 2015

The amygdala plays a pivotal role in processing anxiety and connects to large‐scale brain networks. However, intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC) between amygdala and these networks has rarely been examined in relation to anxiety, especially across the lifespan. We employed resting‐state functional MRI data from 280 healthy adults (18–83.5 yrs) to elucidate the relationship between anxiety and amygdala iFC with common cortical networks including the visual network, somatomotor network, dorsal attention network, ventral attention network, limbic network, frontoparietal network, and default network. Global and network‐specific iFC were separately computed as mean iFC of amygdala with the entire cerebral cortex and each cortical network. We detected negative correlation between global positive amygdala iFC and trait anxiety. Network‐specific associations between amygdala iFC and anxiety were also detectable. Specifically, the higher iFC strength between the left amygdala and the limbic network predicted lower state anxiety. For the trait anxiety, left amygdala anxiety–connectivity correlation was observed in both somatomotor and dorsal attention networks, whereas the right amygdala anxiety–connectivity correlation was primarily distributed in the frontoparietal and ventral attention networks. Ventral attention network exhibited significant anxiety–gender interactions on its iFC with amygdala. Together with findings from additional vertex‐wise analysis, these data clearly indicated that both low‐level sensory networks and high‐level associative networks could contribute to detectable predictions of anxiety behaviors by their iFC profiles with the amygdala. This set of systems neuroscience findings could lead to novel functional network models on neural correlates of human anxiety and provide targets for novel treatment strategies on anxiety disorders. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1178–1193, 2016. © 2015 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Greater loss of object than spatial mnemonic discrimination in aged adults
Authors: Reagh Zachariah M. , Ho Huy D. , Leal Stephanie L. , Noche Jessica A. , Chun Amanda , Murray Elizabeth A. , Yassa Michael A.
Published: December 2015

Previous studies across species have established that the aging process adversely affects certain memory‐related brain regions earlier than others. Behavioral tasks targeted at the function of vulnerable regions can provide noninvasive methods for assessing the integrity of particular components of memory throughout the lifespan. The present study modified a previous task designed to separately but concurrently test detailed memory for object identity and spatial location. Memory for objects or items is thought to rely on perirhinal and lateral entorhinal cortices, among the first targets of Alzheimer's related neurodegeneration. In line with prior work, we split an aged adult sample into “impaired” and “unimpaired” groups on the basis of a standardized word‐learning task. The “impaired” group showed widespread difficulty with memory discrimination, whereas the “unimpaired” group showed difficulty with object, but not spatial memory discrimination. These findings support the hypothesized greater age‐related impacts on memory for objects or items in older adults, perhaps even with healthy aging. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimating rainfall erosivity by aggregated drop size distributions
Authors: Carollo Francesco Giuseppe , Ferro Vito , Serio Maria Angela
Published: December 2015

Rainfall erosivity is defined as the potential of the rain to cause erosion, and it can be represented by rainfall kinetic power.

At first in this paper, the raindrop size distributions (DSD) measured by an optical disdrometer located at Palermo in the period June 2006–March 2014 and aggregated for intensity classes, are presented.

Then an analysis of raindrop size characteristics is carried out, and the reliability of Ulbrich's distribution, using both the maximum likelihood and momentum estimate parameter methods, is tested. The raindrop size measurements are used to determine the experimental rainfall kinetic power values, which are compared with the ones calculated by a theoretically deduced relationship. This analysis demonstrates that the kinetic power is strictly related to the median volume diameter of DSD.

Finally, the reliability of the simplest Marshall and Palmer exponential DSD for estimating the rainfall kinetic power is demonstrated. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immigrants' adaptation to different cultural settings: A contextual perspective on acculturation
Authors: Titzmann Peter F. , Fuligni Andrew J.
Published: December 2015

In modern multicultural societies more and more individuals deal with 2 or more cultures due to the unprecedented increase in international migration. This special section brings together research about immigrants' adaptation to various life domains, about the demands of dealing with different cultural scripts and about how immigrants can successfully bridge different cultural demands. This introduction to the special section provides a broader theoretical framework that links the different studies of the special section and demonstrates areas for further research. It also clearly illustrates the growing necessity for research in increasingly diverse societies.
Currents of Liquidity Flows Created by the Different Type of Payments: the Case of SPEI
Authors: Alexandrova‐Kabadjova Biliana
Published: December 2015

In the present study we examine through network model and transactional analysis the structure of participants’ funds assigned to cover their own payments and payments initiated by their clients (third party) in the Mexican Real Time Payment system SPEI. First we build two networks by splitting the number of transactions in two sets of operations, namely payments initiated by third parties and by participants. Our main finding in this regards is that both networks have a core‐periphery structure and third party payments help to increase connectivity at the core. From the transactional analysis, we found that third party payments use 47% of the total amount of funds ‐ an indication that participants have strong interest to settle third party payment on real time. Further, in the case of third parties’ payments the ratio of external funds vs. funds formed with incoming payments, is 15%‐85%, whereas for transactions initiated by participants this ratio is 19%‐81%. This finding is an evidence that with third party payments banks are able to increase the overall level of recycling in the system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Near‐infrared fluorescent peptide probes for imaging of tumor in vivo and their biotoxicity evaluation
Authors: Liu Liwei , Lin Guimiao , Yin Feng , Law Wing‐Cheung , Yong Ken‐Tye
Published: December 2015

Optical imaging techniques are becoming increasingly urgent for the early detection and monitoring the progression of tumor development. However, tumor vasculature imaging has so far been largely unexplored because of the lack of suitable optical probes. In this study, we demonstrated the preparation of near‐infrared (NIR) florescent RGD peptide probes for noninvasive imaging of tumor vasculature during tumor angiogenesis. The peptide optical probes combined the advantages of NIR emission and RGD peptide, which possesses minimal biological absorption and specially targets the integrin, which highly expressed on activated tumor endothelial cells. In vivo optical imaging of nude mice bearing pancreatic tumor showed that systemically delivered NIR probes enabled us to visualize the tumors at 24 hours post‐injection. In addition, we have performed in vivo toxicity study on the prepared fluorescent RGD peptide probes formulation. The blood test results and histological analysis demonstrated that no obvious toxicity was found for the mice treated with RGD peptide probes for two weeks. These studies suggest that the NIR fluorescent peptide probes can be further designed and employed for ultrasensitive fluorescence imaging of angiogenic tumor vasculature, as well as imaging of other pathophysiological processes accompanied by activation of endothelial cells. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 910–916, 2016.
Hydrolytic charge‐reversal of PEGylated polyplexes enhances intracellular un‐packaging and activity of siRNA
Authors: Werfel Thomas A. , Swain Corban , Nelson Christopher E. , Kilchrist Kameron V. , Evans Brian C. , Miteva Martina , Duvall Craig L.
Published: December 2015

Hydrolytically degrading nano‐polyplexes (HDG‐NPs) that reverse charge through conversion of tertiary amines to carboxylic acids were investigated to improve intracellular un‐packaging of siRNA and target gene silencing compared to a non‐degradable analog (non‐HDG‐NPs). Both NP types comprised reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) synthesized diblock copolymers of a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) corona‐forming block and a cationic block for nucleic acid packaging that incorporated butyl methacrylate (BMA) and either dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA, non‐HDG‐NPs) or dimethylaminoethyl acrylate (DMAEA, HDG‐NPs). HDG‐NPs decreased significantly in size and released significantly more siRNA (∼40%) than non‐HDG‐NPs after 24 h in aqueous solution. While both HDG‐NPs and non‐HDG‐NPs had comparable uptake and cytotoxicity up to 150 nM siRNA doses, HDG‐NPs achieved significantly higher target gene silencing of the model gene luciferase in vitro. High resolution FRET confocal microscopy was used to monitor the intracellular un‐packaging of siRNA. Non‐HDG‐NPs had significantly higher FRET efficiency than HDG‐NPs, indicating that siRNA delivered from HDG‐NPs was more fully un‐packaged and therefore had improved intracellular bioavailability. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 917–927, 2016.
A pH‐responsive carboxymethyl dextran‐based conjugate as a carrier of docetaxel for cancer therapy
Authors: Han Hwa Seung , Lee Minchang , An Jae Yoon , Son Soyoung , Ko Hyewon , Lee Hansang , Chae Yee Soo , Kang Young Mo , Park Jae Hyung
Published: December 2015

Although docetaxel is available for the treatment of various cancers, its clinical applications are limited by its poor water solubility and toxicity to normal cells, resulting in severe adverse effects. In this study, we synthesized a polymeric conjugate with an acid‐labile ester linkage, consisting of carboxymethyl dextran (CMD) and docetaxel (DTX), as a potential anticancer drug delivery system. The conjugate exhibited sustained release of DTX in physiological buffer (pH 7.4), whereas its release rate increased remarkably under mildly acidic conditions (pH < 6.5), mimicking the intracellular environment. Cytotoxicity tests conducted in vitro demonstrated that the conjugate exhibited much higher toxicity to cancer cells under mildly acidic conditions than at physiological buffer (pH 7.4). These results implied that the ester linkage in the conjugate allowed for selective release of biologically active DTX under mildly acidic conditions. The in vivo biodistribution of a Cy5.5‐labeled conjugate was observed using the noninvasive optical imaging technique after its systemic administration into tumor‐bearing mice. The conjugate was effectively accumulated into the tumor site, which may have been because of an enhanced permeability and retention effect. In addition, in vivo antitumor efficacy of the conjugate was significantly higher than that of free DTX. Overall, the CMD‐based conjugate might have promising potential as a carrier of DTX for cancer therapy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 789–796, 2016.
Long‐Term Storage at −80°C: Effect on Rate of Recovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis From Direct Acid‐Fast Bacilli Smear‐Positive Sputum Samples
Authors: Shinu Pottathil , AshokKumar Singh Varsha , Nair Anroop , Farooq Rumana , Ishaq Sheikh
Published: December 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in the rate of recovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) from routinely cultured sputum and long‐term stored sputum specimens (at −80°C) using Löwenstein–Jensen (LJ) media, Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube (BBL MGITTM), and Middlebrook 7H11 (MB 7H11) agar.

Methods

Direct acid‐fast bacilli smear‐positive sputum specimens (both before and after storage [n = 136]) were studied (after culturing on LJ media, BBL MGITTM, and MB 7H11 agar) and the performances were compared.

Results

For the detection of MTB, BBL MGITTM and MB 7H11 agar (before storage) demonstrated a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) of 98.28%, 30.77%, 92.68%, 66.67%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.41%, 30.77%, 92.62%, 57.14%, respectively, when compared to LJ media (before storage). Similarly, BBL MGITTM and MB 7H11 agar (after storage) demonstrated a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 95.5%, 38.89%, 90.6%, 58.33%, and 95.5%, 66.67 %, 94.64%, 70.59%, respectively, when compared to LJ media (after storage) for the detection of MTB.

Conclusion

None of the culture techniques independently (both before and after storage) detected growth of MTB from all the sputum specimens studied. However, BBL MGITTM system and LJ media combination (both before and after storage) effectively detected the growth of MTB from sputum specimens when compared to other culture technique combinations.
Dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI: Study of inter‐software accuracy and reproducibility using simulated and clinical data
Authors: Beuzit Luc , Eliat Pierre‐Antoine , Brun Vanessa , Ferré Jean‐Christophe , Gandon Yves , Bannier Elise , Saint‐Jalmes Hervé
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To test the reproducibility and accuracy of pharmacokinetic parameter measurements on five analysis software packages (SPs) for dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI), using simulated and clinical data.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study was Institutional Review Board‐approved. Simulated tissues consisted of pixel clusters of calculated dynamic signal changes for combinations of Tofts model pharmacokinetic parameters (volume transfer constant [Ktrans], extravascular extracellular volume fraction [ve]), longitudinal relaxation time (T1). The clinical group comprised 27 patients treated for rectal cancer, with 36 3T DCE‐MR scans performed between November 2012 and February 2014, including dual‐flip‐angle T1 mapping and a dynamic postcontrast T1‐weighted, 3D spoiled gradient‐echo sequence. The clinical and simulated images were postprocessed with five SPs to measure Ktrans, ve, and the initial area under the gadolinium curve (iAUGC). Modified Bland–Altman analysis was conducted, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and within‐subject coefficients of variation were calculated.

Results

Thirty‐one examinations from 23 patients were of sufficient technical quality and postprocessed. Measurement errors were observed on the simulated data for all the pharmacokinetic parameters and SPs, with a bias ranging from −0.19 min−1 to 0.09 min−1 for Ktrans, −0.15 to 0.01 for ve, and −0.65 to 1.66 mmol.L−1.min for iAUGC. The ICC between SPs revealed moderate agreement for the simulated data (Ktrans: 0.50; ve: 0.67; iAUGC: 0.77) and very poor agreement for the clinical data (Ktrans: 0.10; ve: 0.16; iAUGC: 0.21).

Conclusion

Significant errors were found in the calculated DCE‐MRI pharmacokinetic parameters for the perfusion analysis SPs, resulting in poor inter‐software reproducibility. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:1288–1300.
Wave approach for noise modeling of gallium nitride high electron‐mobility transistors
Authors: Đorđević Vladica , Marinković Zlatica , Crupi Giovanni , Pronić‐Rančić Olivera , Marković Vera , Caddemi Alina
Published: December 2015

The wave approach has appeared as a very efficient tool for modeling as well as for measurements of noise parameters of microwave transistors. Having in mind the attractiveness of transistors in gallium nitride technology in modern communication systems, where it is very important to keep the noise on a low level and, thus, to have accurate transistor noise models, in this paper, the wave approach is applied for the noise modeling of high electron‐mobility transistor in gallium nitride technology. The noise wave representation of the transistor intrinsic circuit noise is used, where the noise wave parameters are modeled by exploiting the artificial neural networks. The modeling results, compared with the measured data and with those obtained by the conventional noise equivalent circuit model, provide a verification of the developed model accuracy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of silver nanoparticles from two acidophilic strains of Pilimelia columellifera subsp. pallida and their antibacterial activities
Authors: Golińska Patrycja , Wypij Magdalena , Rathod Dnyaneshwar , Tikar Sagar , Dahm Hanna , Rai Mahendra
Published: December 2015

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is an eco‐friendly approach by using different biological sources; for example, plants and microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and actinobacteria. In this report, we present the biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by acidophilic actinomycetes SL19 and SL24 strains isolated from pine forest soil (pH < 4.0). The isolates based on 16S rRNA gene sequence were identified as Pilimelia columellifera subsp. pallida. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by visual observations of colour change from light‐yellow to dark‐brown. The UV‐vis spectra of AgNPs were recorded at 425 and 430 nm. The AgNPs were further characterized by Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), Zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FTIR analysis revealed the presence of proteins as a capping agent. TEM analysis confirmed the formation of spherical and polydispersed NPs of 12.7 and 15.9 nm sizes. The in vitro antibacterial activity of AgNPs alone and in combination with antibiotics was evaluated against clinical bacteria viz., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and uropathogens such as Enterobacter, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and E. coli. The lowest MIC (40 μg ml−1) was demonstrated by AgNPs synthesized from SL24 against E. coli. However, the AgNPs of SL19 showed lowest MIC (70 μg ml−1) against S. aureus. The activity of antibiotic was enhanced, when tested in combination with silver nanoparticles synthesized from both actinobacterial strains.
The morphological affinities of the Middle Pleistocene hominin teeth from Pontnewydd Cave, Wales
Authors: Compton Tim , Stringer Chris
Published: December 2015

Seventeen Middle Pleistocene hominin teeth were excavated at Pontnewydd Cave in North Wales between 1980 and 1995 with a probable age of ∼225 ka, associated with handaxe and levallois artefacts. Their Neanderthal characteristics and their affinities with other European Middle Pleistocene teeth and the major sites of Atapuerca‐SH in Spain and Krapina in Croatia are explored. The Pontnewydd teeth are shown to have a marked similarity to those of Atapuerca‐SH, more pronounced than similarities to teeth from other European Middle Pleistocene sites, and to belong in the pre‐Neanderthal stage of Neanderthal evolution. Distinct dental morphological differences between later European Middle Pleistocene specimens, together with those from Atapuerca‐SH, and European Middle Pleistocene Homo heidelbergensis specimens are identified, contradicting the view that both the Pontnewydd and the Atapuerca‐SH fossils belong in that species. Additionally, the similarities in dental morphology between European and non‐European H. heidelbergensis specimens are demonstrated. We argue that when sites are grouped together for comparative purposes this should be done on morphological grounds, and not by apparent date, in view of the possible contemporaneity of European Middle Pleistocene sites that exhibit different degrees of Neanderthal affinities.
Fast switching and high‐contrast polymer‐stabilized IPS liquid crystal display
Authors: Zhou Xiaochen , Qin Guangkui , Dong Youmei , Yang Deng‐Ke
Published: December 2015

We demonstrated that polymer stabilization can significantly improve the response time of in‐plane‐switching liquid crystal display. We carried out a systematic study of the effect of polymer networks on the performance of in‐plane‐switching liquid crystal display. The polymer network has a strong aligning effect on the liquid crystal and has the advantage of reducing the switching time of the display but may have the disadvantage of ruining the contrast ratio because of its scattering effect. Through optimization, we successfully improve the switching time (less than 6 ms) and reduce the scattering and thus retain high contrast ratio (higher than 1000:1).
Nanocomposite based on a liquid crystal doped with aluminum nitride nanotubes for optical sensor of sulfur dioxide
Authors: Prystay Taras Vitaliyovych , Mykytyuk Zinoviy Matviyovych , Sushynskyi Orest Yevgenovych , Fechan Andriy Vasylyovych , Vistak Maria Volodymyrivna
Published: December 2015

It has been demonstrated the possibilities of designing the material for optical sensor primary transducer. The nanocomposites based on a cholesteric liquid crystal with aluminum nitride for material of primary transducer of sulfur dioxide optical sensor were studied. The spectral characteristics of studied nanocomposite under the influence of sulfur dioxide were studied. The shift of central wavelength of selective reflection under the sulfur dioxide concentrations was observed.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Oxidation of S2O32− by a Co‐Bound μ‐Amido‐μ‐Superoxo Complex
Authors: Singh Bula , Das Ranendu Sekhar , Banerjee Rupendranath , Mukhopadhyay Subrata
Published: December 2015

In acetate buffer media (pH 4.5–5.4) thiosulfate ion (S2O32−) reduces the bridged superoxo complex, [(NH3)4CoIII(μ‐NH2,μ‐O2)CoIII(NH3)4]4+ (1) to its corresponding μ‐peroxo product, [(NH3)4CoIII(μ‐NH2,μ‐O2)CoIII(NH3)4]3+ (2) and along a parallel reaction path, simultaneously S2O32− reacts with 1 to produce the substituted μ‐thiosulfato‐μ‐superoxo complex, [(NH3)4CoIII(μ‐S2O3,μ‐O2)CoIII(NH3)4]3+ (3). The formation of μ‐thiosulfato‐μ‐superoxo complex (3) appears as a precipitate which on being subjected to FTIR shows absorption peaks that support the presence of Co(III)‐bound S‐coordinated S2O32− group. In reaction media, 3 readily dissolves to further react with S2O32− to produce μ‐thiosulfato‐μ‐peroxo product, [(NH3)4CoIII(μ‐S2O3,μ‐O2)CoIII(NH3)4]2+ (4). The observed rate (k0) increases with an increase in [TThio] ([TThio] is the analytical concentration of S2O32−) and temperature (T), but it decreases with an increase in [H+] and the ionic strength (I). Analysis of the log At versus time data (A is the absorbance of 1 at time t) reveals that overall the reaction follows a biphasic consecutive reaction path with rate constants k1 and k2 and the change of absorbance is equal to {a1 exp(–k1t) + a2 exp(–k2t)}, where k1 > k2.
Effects of peritumoral nanoconjugated cisplatin on laryngeal cancer stem cells
Authors: Sim Michael W. , Grogan Patrick T. , Subramanian Chitra , Bradford Carol R. , Carey Thomas E. , Forrest M. Laird , Prince Mark E. , Cohen Mark S.
Published: December 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the efficacy of peritumoral hyaluronic acid (HA)‐cisplatin therapy in a murine model of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and to evaluate its effect on cancer stem cells (CSCs).

Study Design

An orthotopic murine study utilizing University of Michigan squamous cell carcinoma‐12 (UMSCC‐12) laryngeal cancer cells was conducted in randomized controlled fashion with three treatment arms: saline, systemic cisplatin, and peritumoral HA‐cisplatin.

Methods

UMSCC‐12 laryngeal cancer cells were inoculated into the buccal mucosa of athymic nude mice followed by weekly treatment with saline, systemic cisplatin, or peritumoral HA‐cisplatin for 3 weeks. Tumor response and animal weight was monitored and change in CD44 proportion was analyzed ex vivo.

Results

HA‐cisplatin demonstrated superior antitumor efficacy and greater reduction in CD44 positivity on ex vivo analysis.

Conclusions

Peritumoral nanoconjugated HA‐cisplatin provides superior antitumor efficacy compared to standard cisplatin therapy in an in vivo laryngeal cancer model. There was also selective targeting of CD44+ cancer cells with HA‐cisplatin. This therapeutic strategy could represent the first selective laryngeal CSC‐targeted therapy. Further preclinical investigation is warranted to evaluate its role for locally advanced head and neck cancer treatment.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:E184–E190, 2016
Voice problems and depression among adults in the United States
Authors: Marmor Schelomo , Horvath Keith J. , Lim Kelvin O. , Misono Stephanie
Published: December 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Prior studies have observed a high prevalence of psychosocial distress, including depression, in patients with voice problems. However, these studies have largely been performed in care‐seeking patients identified in tertiary care voice clinics. The objective of this study was to examine the association between depression and voice problems in the U.S. population.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data.

Methods

We identified adult cases reporting a voice problem in the preceding 12 months in the 2012 NHIS. Self‐reported demographics and data regarding healthcare visits for voice problems, diagnoses given, severity of the voice problem, and depression symptoms were analyzed.

Results

The total weighted sample size was 52,816,364. The presence of depressive symptoms was associated with a nearly two‐fold increase (odds ratio = 1.89, 95% confidence interval = 1.21–2.96) in the likelihood of reporting a voice problem in the past year. Patients who reported feeling depressed were less likely to receive care for the voice problem and less likely to report that treatment had helped than those who did not feel depressed.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that the co‐occurrence of voice problems and depressive symptoms is observed in the general population, not only in care‐seeking patients, and that depressive symptoms may influence reported likelihood of receiving voice treatment and effectiveness. This suggests that voice care providers should take mental health symptoms into account when treating patients, and also indicates a need for further investigation.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 126:1859–1864, 2016
A population‐based study investigating chronic rhinosinusitis and the incidence of asthma
Authors: Habib Al‐Rahim R. , Javer Amin R. , Buxton Jane A.
Published: December 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinuses, associated with reduced health‐related quality of life and increased utilization of healthcare services. Chronic upper and lower respiratory diseases often coexist, although the extent to which CRS is associated with developing asthma remains unclear. To investigate the effect of CRS on receiving a subsequent diagnosis of asthma, we used data from a previously conducted national, longitudinal survey.

Methods

Respondents from the Canadian National Population Health Survey from 1998/1999 to 2010/2011 were used. Data were analyzed from 11,555 (66.9%) subjects, ≥ 19 years of age and reporting no asthma at baseline. Respondents were reviewed for 12 years to determine the cumulative incidence of asthma. Logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of CRS on the development of asthma, adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, cigarette smoking, and food‐ or nonfood‐related allergies.

Results

During the 12‐year study period, 6.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] [95% CI]: 5.4%–6.7%) of respondents developed asthma. Baseline CRS (odds ratio [OR]: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.9–3.9), female gender (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–1.8), and allergies (OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 2.1 – 3.3) were significantly associated with developing asthma. After adjustment, respondents with CRS were significantly more likely to develop asthma than non‐CRS counterparts (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.4–2.9).

Conclusion

Results indicate that one in 13 individuals with CRS will be subsequently diagnosed with asthma. Given the economic burden and use of healthcare services associated with asthma, providers managing CRS may consider increased awareness and subsequent treatment for asthma.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:1296–1302, 2016
Alpha‐synuclein in gastric and colonic mucosa in Parkinson's disease: Limited role as a biomarker
Authors: Chung Sun Ju , Kim Juyeon , Lee Hyo Jeong , Ryu Ho‐Sung , Kim Kiju , Lee Jeong Hoon , Jung Kee Wook , Kim Mi Jung , Kim Mi‐Jung , Kim Young Jin , Yun Sung‐Cheol , Lee Joo‐Yong , Hong Seung‐Mo , Myung Seung‐Jae
Published: December 2015

Background

Gastric and colonic alpha‐synuclein immunoreactivity has been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, enteric alpha‐synuclein also has been reported in healthy individuals.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the utility of alpha‐synuclein immunoreactivity from gastric and colonic mucosal tissues obtained by routine endoscopy to detect PD, and to correlate the pathological burden of alpha‐synuclein with motor and nonmotor features of PD.

Methods

We recruited 104 study subjects, consisting of 38 patients with PD, 13 patients with probable multiple system atrophy (MSA), and 53 healthy controls. Gastric and colonic mucosal tissues obtained by endoscopic gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy were assessed using alpha‐synuclein immunohistochemistry. Detailed motor and nonmotor features of PD were correlated with enteric alpha‐synuclein immunoreactivity.

Results

No difference was seen in the enteric α‐SYN immunoreactivity among patients with PD (31.6% for stomach and 10.4% for colon), patients with MSA (40.0% for stomach and 8.0% for colon), and healthy controls (33.3% for stomach and 18.5% for colon). The frequency of positive alpha‐synuclein immunoreactivity was higher in gastric biopsy tissues than in colonic biopsy tissues in all of the study groups (P < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between the presence of alpha‐synuclein immunoreactivity and the motor and nonmotor features of PD.

Conclusions

The presence of alpha‐synuclein immunoreactivity in gastric and colonic mucosa was detected in a similar manner in patients with PD, patients with MSA, and controls, thus suggesting a limited role of enteric mucosal alpha‐synuclein as a diagnostic biomarker for PD. Future studies are warranted to detect pathological alpha‐synuclein strains. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A randomized trial testing the efficacy of a novel approach to weight loss among men with overweight and obesity
Authors: Crane Melissa M. , Lutes Lesley D. , Ward Dianne S. , Bowling J. Michael , Tate Deborah F.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To test the efficacy of a weight loss intervention designed to appeal to men.

Methods

A randomized trial tested the efficacy of the Rethinking Eating and FITness (REFIT) weight loss program compared to a wait‐list control. The 6‐month intervention was delivered via two face‐to‐face sessions followed by Internet contacts. REFIT encouraged participants to create calorie deficits by making six 100‐calorie changes to their eating daily while increasing physical activity, and the program encouraged customization through selection of specific diet strategies evaluated each week.

Results

Participants (N = 107, 44.2 years, 31.4 kg/m2, 76.6% white) were randomized into the study, and 90.6% provided data at 6 months. REFIT participants lost −5.0 kg (95% CI: −6.1, −3.9) at 3 months, which was maintained through 6 months (−5.3 kg, 95% CI: −6.5, −4.2); this was greater than the control group (p < 0.001; 6 months: −0.6, 95% CI: −1.8, 0.5). More REFIT participants (49%) achieved a 5% weight loss than control participants (19%; OR 9.4; 95% CI: 3.2, 27.4). An average of 11.2 (±2.7) of 13 of the online intervention contacts were completed.

Conclusions

The novel REFIT intervention produced clinically significant weight losses. This approach holds promise as an alternative to traditional behavioral therapy for men.
Psychosocial oncology care resources in Europe: a study under the European Partnership for Action Against Cancer (EPAAC)
Authors: Travado Luzia , Reis Joaquim C. , Watson Maggie , Borràs Josep
Published: December 2015

Background

Cancer is a complex health problem requiring multidisciplinary care. There are clinical guidelines available in order to improve the process and outcomes of cancer care within Europe. However, strategic action is still needed in many European Union (EU) Member States to develop or improve national cancer control plans (NCCPs), which play a key role in cancer control and care. The current study clarifies the extent of implementation of psychosocial oncology care (PSOC) in the EU.

Method

A survey methodology was used to cover four dimensions: (1) inclusion of PSOC in NCCPs; (2) structure and resources of PSOC delivery; (3) use of NCCP clinical guidelines; and (4) education and training resources available along with determination of training needs in PSOC.

Results

Twenty‐seven (90%) countries returned questionnaires of which 21 (78%) include PSOC in their NCCP. However, only 10 (37%) reported having specific budgets for PSOC, 8 (30%) having nationally recommended PSOC clinical guidelines, and 6 countries (22%) reported having an official certification for PSOC education.

Conclusion

Although many countries seem to have integrated PSOC into their NCCP, there is still much to do in terms of allocating resources and delivering psychosocial care equitably. Also, there is a need for improving training and certification in PSOC. The findings indicate the need to develop national policies concerning PSOC with clear targets for deliverables in an appropriate timetable in order that psychosocial services and existing clinical guidelines are implemented and fully integrated into EU NCCPs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring the effects of thiamethoxam applied as a seed treatment to winter oilseed rape on the development of bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) colonies
Authors: Thompson Helen , Coulson Mike , Ruddle Natalie , Wilkins Selwyn , Harrington Paul , Harkin Sarah
Published: December 2015

Background

The development of bumblebee (Bombus terrestris audax) colonies that had foraged for 5 weeks on flowering winter oilseed rape grown from seed treated with thiamethoxam (as Cruiser OSR) was assessed (two control, one treated field). Colony development was evaluated by monitoring the colony mass, forager activity was assessed, both at the hive and within the crop, and the contribution of oilseed rape to the pollen stored within the colony was analysed.

Results

Pollen collected from the treated crop contained residues of 1.0 µg thiamethoxam kg−1 and 3.0 µg CGA322704 (metabolite likely equivalent to clothiandin) kg−1, and nectar contained residues of 1.8 µg thiamethoxam kg−1 and no metabolite. No residues of thiamethoxam or CGA322704 were detected in samples from the control fields. Up to 93% of bumblebee collected pollen sampled from within the colonies originated from oilseed rape, and B. terrestris were observed actively foraging on all the fields. Colonies on all three fields showed similar rates of mass gain during the exposure phase and comparable production of gynes and drones.

Conclusions

B. terrestris colonies placed adjacent to a field of flowering oilseed rape grown from thiamethoxam‐treated seed developed at a comparable rate with colonies placed adjacent to oilseed rape grown from untreated seed. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Practical synthesis of novel phosphonopeptides containing AibP
Authors: Cervera‐Villanueva Juan Manuel Junior , Viveros‐Ceballos José Luis , Linzaga‐Elizalde Irma , Ordóñez Mario
Published: December 2015

Practical and convenient method for the synthesis of novel phosphonopeptides 8a–h and 10a–f incorporating the quaternary α‐aminophosphonate 6 is reported. The target compounds were prepared in moderate to good yield based on the preparation of the quaternary α‐aminophosphonate 6 followed by the formation of the α‐bromoamide 7 and subsequent nucleophilic substitution reaction with several amines or by peptide bond formation with several amino acids and with the quaternary α‐aminophosphonate 6, using isobutyl chloroformate as activating agent under racemization‐free condition.
Anomalous temperature dependence of the open‐circuit voltage of InS‐buffered Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S) solar cells simulated in broad temperature range
Authors: Schubbert Christian , Eraerds Patrick , Richter Michael , Parisi Jürgen , Riedel Ingo , Dalibor Thomas , Palm Jörg
Published: December 2015

We investigated an open‐circuit voltage phenomenon of Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S) thin‐film solar cells observed by device simulations which is manifested in an anomalous temperature dependence (meaning deviating from the linear dependence caused by the temperature dependence of the saturation current) induced by a variation of the buffer electron affinity. In order to study the origin of this effect, we performed simulations of temperature‐dependent current–voltage characteristics while we separately consider thermionic emission and the classical drift‐diffusion model as the decisive charge carrier transport across the hetero‐interfaces. The anomalous open‐circuit voltage phenomenon is in general an electrostatic effect caused by accumulated negative charge at the window/buffer interface created by photo‐generated electrons within the buffer, which partially reach the i‐ZnO layer. This results from a suppress electron transport from the window to the buffer layer. This electron accumulation induces an additional electric field which hinders the elevation of the hole quasi‐Fermi energy within buffer and absorber layer and therefore increases the quasi‐Fermi level splitting which finally leads to an increased open‐circuit voltage. In total, we identified three different temperature regimes for the open‐circuit voltage and will explain its origin in this work.