bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Other specified and unspecified feeding or eating disorders among women in the community
Authors: Mustelin Linda , Lehtokari Vilma‐Lotta , Keski‐Rahkonen Anna
Published: July 2016

Objective

To examine the occurrence, course, and clinical picture of the DSM‐5 residual categories ‘Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder’ (OSFED) and ‘Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder’ (UFED), to describe potential subtypes, and to evaluate whether the subdivision of the residual category appears meaningful.

Method

We screened women from the 1975–79 birth cohorts of Finnish twins (N = 2825) for lifetime eating disorders using questionnaires and the SCID interview. This analysis characterizes women who reported clinically significant eating disorder symptoms but did not fulfill diagnostic criteria for DSM‐5 anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), or binge eating disorder (BED).

Results

Thirty‐eight women (21% of those with an eating disorder) fell in the residual OSFED/UFED category. A third of them (N = 14) fulfilled OSFED criteria, whereas two thirds (N = 24) fell in the UFED category. The lifetime prevalence of OSFED/UFED was 1.5% (95% CI 1.1–2.0%), less than half of the prevalence of DSM‐IV eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS). The mean age of onset of OSFED/UFED was 18 years, median duration of symptoms was two years, and the 5‐year probability of recovery was 60%. Over a third of women with OSFED/UFED suffered from comorbid psychiatric disorders. Both residual categories were clinically heterogeneous and included atypical forms of AN, BN, and BED.

Conclusions

Applying the DSM‐5 criteria in a community sample of young women more than halved the occurrence of residual eating disorder diagnoses, but resulted in two instead of one clinically heterogeneous residual categories. Nevertheless, residual eating disorders were associated with considerable clinical severity. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:1010–1017)
Cost‐utility of an internet‐based intervention with or without therapist support in comparison with a waiting list for individuals with eating disorder symptoms: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Aardoom J.J. , Dingemans A.E. , van Ginkel J.R. , Spinhoven P. , Van Furth E.F. , Van den Akker‐van Marle M.E.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To investigate the cost‐utility of the internet‐based intervention “Featback” provided with different levels of therapist support, in comparison to a waiting list.

Method

This economic evaluation was conducted from a societal perspective and was part of a randomized controlled trial in which participants (N = 354) with self‐reported ED symptoms were randomized to: (1) 8 weeks of Featback, consisting of psychoeducation and a fully automated monitoring‐ and feedback system, (2) Featback with low‐intensity (weekly) therapist support, (3) Featback with high‐intensity (three times a week) therapist support, and (4) a waiting list. Participants were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and 3‐month follow‐up. Cost‐utility acceptability curves were constructed.

Results

No significant differences between the study conditions were found regarding quality‐adjusted life‐years (P = 0.55) and societal costs (P = 0.45), although the mean costs per participant were lowest in the Featback condition with low‐intensity therapist support (€1951), followed by Featback with high‐intensity therapist support (€2032), Featback without therapist support (€2102), and the waiting list (€2582). Featback seemed to be cost‐effective as compared to the waiting list. No clear preference was found for Featback with or without therapist support.

Discussion

A fully automated Internet‐based intervention for ED symptoms with no, low‐, or high‐intensity therapist support represented good value for money when compared to a waiting list. This finding may have important implications for clinical practice, as both the unguided‐ and guided intervention could allow for more efficient care and widespread dissemination, potentially increasing the accessibility and availability of mental health care services for individuals with ED symptoms. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:1068–1076)
Synthesis and Characterization of Squaraine‐Based Photocrosslinkable Resists for Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Turrisi Riccardo , Mascheroni Luca , Sassi Mauro , Rooney Myles , Buccheri Nunzio , Ruffo Riccardo , Facchetti Antonio , Beverina Luca
Published: July 2016

Organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs) are rapidly approaching the commercialization threshold thanks to continuous advances in conversion efficiencies and device durability. Even though the design of high performing active dyes (polymeric and molecular) has dominated the literature, the formulation of strategies improving stability and processability is at least as important as the achievement of record efficiencies. This paper proposes the use of functional photoresists based on acrylic end‐capped squaraines as the photoactive layer of OPV devices. Our results show that the post‐deposition photopolymerization process leads to insoluble photoactive layers that retain sizeable power conversion efficiencies, improved with respect to those of the parent unexposed materials.
Metal‐Free Oxidative Cross‐Coupling Reaction of Thiophene Iodonium Salts with Pyrroles
Authors: Morimoto Koji , Nakamura Akira , Dohi Toshifumi , Kita Yasuyuki
Published: July 2016

The hypervalent‐iodine‐mediated oxidative metal‐free cross‐coupling reaction of thiophenes with various pyrroles was developed. The corresponding thiophene–pyrrole derivatives were obtained in moderate to high yields (up to 85 %). This method features high efficiency and regioselectivity and broad functional group tolerance. We further determined the highly planar characteristics of the 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene–pyrrole biaryls caused by intramolecular hydrogen bonding.
Electrocatalytic Activity of Nanocomposites of Sulphur Doped Graphene Oxide and Nanosized Cobalt Phthalocyanines
Authors: Shumba Munyaradzi , Nyokong Tebello
Published: July 2016

In this work we explore the electrocatalytic activity of nanocomposites of reduced sulphur doped graphene oxide nanosheets (rSDGONS) and cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) or cobalt tetra amino phthalocyanine (CoTAPc) towards hydrogen peroxide. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photon spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, chronoamperometry, linear scan voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry were used to characterize the nanocomposites. Nanosized CoPc showed superior (in terms of currents) electrocatalytic oxidation and reduction of hydrogen peroxide compared to CoTAPc nanoparticles (CoTAPcNP). The lowest detection limit was obtained for hydrogen peroxide oxidation on electrodes modified with CoPcNP‐rSDGONS at 1.49 µM. The same electrode gave a high adsorption equilibrium constant of 1.27×103 mol−1 and a Gibbs free energy of −17.71 kJ/mol, indicative of a spontaneous reaction on the electrode surface.
Electrochemical Biosensors Based on Enzymatic Reactors Filled by Various Types of Silica and Amalgam Powders for Measurements in Flow Systems
Authors: Josypčuk Oksana , Barek Jiří , Josypčuk Bohdan
Published: July 2016

Two enzymatic biosensors with amalgam powder reactors and twelve enzymatic biosensors with various silica powder reactors were fabricated and tested in this work. The enzymatic reactors based on silver amalgam powder provide high sensitivity and they are convenient for faster flow rates. Experiments with six silica materials showed that mesoporous silica SBA‐15 was the best one in terms of covering by enzymes, sensitivity and lifetime of biosensors. The current response of the SBA15‐glucose oxidase (GOx) sensor started to decrease only after 200 day testing and after 406 days the peak current was still 35.9 % of the initial value. The used amalgam tubular detector in a flow system allowed working at highly negative potentials, which significantly increased the sensitivity of determinations. Statistical results of parallel measurement of model solutions with the fabricated biosensors show their high accuracy (RSD=0.28–1.81 %) and sensitivity (6.2–14.3 µmol L−1). The proposed SBA15‐GOx biosensor was successfully used for determination of glucose in commercial honey.
Conductivity as a Sensor for Monitoring Relative Magnesium Corrosion Rates in Real‐time, in Serum‐containing Media under Cell Culture Conditions
Authors: Ojo Kolade , Hopkins Tracy , Joshi Madhura , Salunke Pravahan , Zhang Guangqi , Nahan Keaton , Zhang Zhannping , Zhao Daoli , Pixley Sarah K. , Shanov Vesselin , Heineman William R.
Published: July 2016

Because controlling the corrosion rate of magnesium metal will be crucial to the success of biomedical implants containing pure magnesium or magnesium alloys, many ways have been sought to improve in vitro tests to analyze corrosion rates, and also to identify new methods of preparing or post‐processing magnesium. In this work, for an in vitro assay, we explored the use of a commercially available conductivity sensor to study magnesium corrosion under cell culture conditions that duplicate many physiologically appropriate parameters. With this sensor, we studied the corrosion of two previously untested magnesium single crystal samples that differed in surface treatments that could alter corrosion rates. The results show that the relative conductivity changes in (mS/cm) over the total time of immersion were proportional to the corrosion rates in (mm/y) and also to the total magnesium released, as detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS).
Nanoparticle‐Stabilized Foam for Mobility Control in Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Sun Qian , Zhang Na , Li Zhaomin , Wang Yuhe
Published: July 2016

Foam stabilized by a surfactant has been used successfully for mobility control during enhanced oil recovery processes, but the stability of the foam limits its application. Aqueous foams prepared from dispersions of partially hydrophobic silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) anionic surfactant were studied and the injection behavior of foams stabilized by a solution of SDS or dispersion of SiO2/SDS were analyzed for comparison. Foam stability increased with increasing nanoparticle concentration although the feasibility of producing a foam (foamability) followed the opposite trend. The surface tension and interfacial dilatational rheological properties were affected by the addition of SiO2 nanoparticles. When 0.05 wt % SiO2 was added to the solution of SDS, the system's dilatational elasticity increased significantly, but not the dilatational viscosity. The sweep efficiency to dead end was very small, and the SiO2/SDS foam could displace more residual oil in the dead end than that in the SDS foam. The differential pressure could increase to 0.58 MPa when SDS foam was injected, but for the SiO2/SDS foam it could increase to 1.7 MPa. The SiO2/SDS foam exhibited better profile control performance than that of the SDS foam. When subsequent water was injected for 3.5 pore volumes, the flow rate of the high‐permeability sand pack could still be maintained at 1.0 mL min−1, which suggested that the SiO2/SDS foam had a better resistance to water flushing. Additionally, the foam volume should also be considered, especially for a SiO2 concentration of >1.5 wt %. SiO2/SDS foam can reduce the residual oil saturation clearly, and the enhanced oil recovery and final oil recovery can reach 36.90 and 69.57 %, respectively.
Effective Macroporous Core–Shell Structure of Alumina‐Supported Spinel Ferrite for Carbon Dioxide Splitting Based on Chemical Looping
Authors: Fu Yu , Li Shenggang , Zhang Jun , Sun Yuhan
Published: July 2016

Spinel ferrite (NiFe2O4) supported on spherical Al2O3 was used to split CO2 based on chemical looping. The NiFe2O4/Al2O3 material, which had a macroporous core–shell structure, was obtained by pretreating the Al2O3 support at 1200 °C. It displays the highest redox capacity and the best reproducibility during the chemical looping amongst all the samples tested. However, the pretreatment of the Al2O3 support at other temperatures leads to structures that are unfavorable for the diffusion of CO2 and oxygen, which thus reduces the reactivity. N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, XRD, field‐emission SEM, TEM, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to elucidate the formation of the macroporous core–shell structure and the other unfavorable structures. The initial structure, phase of the Al2O3 support, and the process of spinel formation in solid solutions influence the structural evolution of the NiFe2O4/Al2O3 materials significantly.
Photocatalytic degradation of disulfine blue using titanium dioxide nanoparticles under ultraviolet light irradiation: A response surface methodology approach
Authors: Bagheri A.R. , Ghaedi M. , Hajati S. , Montazerozohori M.
Published: July 2016

Disulfine blue (DSB) was photodegraded under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation catalyzed by titanium dioxide (TiO2). To study this photodegradation, central composite design (CCD) under response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to design a systematic set of experiments. The pH was individually optimized and found to be 6.0. Variables such as initial dye concentration, photocatalyst dosage, and irradiation time were involved in the experiments while the dye photodegradation percentage was considered as response. The effects of variables on the response were studied and optimized. The optimum response (>90%) was obtained at condition 20 mg/L, 0.015 g and 35 min corresponding to DSB concentration, photocatalyst amount and irradiation time, respectively. The fact that the maximum DSB decomposition has been performed at neutral pH by using small amount of photocatalyst is an advantage of the procedure applied. From kinetics study of DSB photocatalytic degradation, the rate constant was found to be 0.0748 min−1. The Langmuir–Hinshelwood rate constant and adsorption constant were found to be 3.68 mg/min L and 0.00933 L/mg, respectively. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1657–1663, 2016
Gas Recirculation at the Hydrogen Electrode of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell and Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell Systems
Authors: Henke M. , Hillius S. , Riedel M. , Kallo J. , Friedrich K. A.
Published: July 2016

In this study it is theoretically analyzed how flue gas recirculation at the hydrogen electrode of solid oxide cells (SOC) systems effects fuel utilization and carbon formation. Interdepence between cell fuel utilization, system fuel utilization and gas recirculation is investigated numerically. Tendency towards carbon deposits is evaluated via thermodynamic equilibrium calculations. It is quantified which gas recirculation rates are necessary to achieve high values of system fuel utilization even if the cell fuel utilization is kept at a moderate level. Furthermore, tendency towards carbon deposition strongly depends on temperature, pressure and feed gas composition and can be reduced by adequate recirculation rates. The presented results can be used for the configuration of gas recirculation in SOC systems.
A Practical Guide to High‐resolution X‐ray Spectroscopic Measurements and their Applications in Bioinorganic Chemistry
Authors: Kowalska Joanna K. , Lima Frederico A. , Pollock Christopher J. , Rees Julian A. , DeBeer Serena
Published: July 2016

The bioinorganic chemistry community has had a long history of utilizing a diverse range of spectroscopic techniques to obtain detailed geometric and electronic structural insights into metalloprotein active sites. In recent years, the development of beamlines optimized for high‐resolution X‐ray spectroscopy has provided novel tools for the elucidation of biological active site structures. These methods include both non‐resonant and resonant X‐ray emission spectroscopy. Herein, we briefly introduce both X‐ray absorption and X‐ray emission spectroscopy, and the added information that can be obtained through high‐resolution measurements. The information content of each spectroscopic approach, as well as the required instrumentation, is discussed. Applications of these methods in bioinorganic chemistry are highlighted.
Oxygen, water, and sodium chloride transport in soft contact lenses materials
Authors: Gavara Rafael , Compañ Vicente
Published: July 2016

Oxygen permeability, diffusion coefficient of the sodium ions and water flux and permeability in different conventional hydrogel (Hy) and silicone‐hydrogel (Si‐Hy) contact lenses have been measured experimentally. The results showed that oxygen permeability and transmissibility requirements of the lens have been addressed through the use of siloxane containing hydrogels. In general, oxygen and sodium chloride permeability values increased with the water content of the lens but there was a percolation phenomenon from a given value of water uptake mainly in the Si‐Hy lenses which appeared to be related with the differences between free water and bound water contents. The increase of ion permeability with water content did not follow a unique trend indicating a possible dependence of the chemical structure of the polymer and character ionic and non‐ionic of the lens. Indeed, the salt permeability values for silicone hydrogel contact lenses were one order of magnitude below those of conventional hydrogel contact lenses, which can be explained by a diffusion of sodium ions occurring only through the hydrophilic channels. The increase of the ionic permeability in Si‐Hy materials may be due to the confinement of ions in nanoscale water channels involving possible decreased degrees of freedom for diffusion of both water and ions. In general, ionic lenses presented values of ionic permeability and diffusivity higher than most non‐ionic lenses. The tortuosity of the ionic lenses is lower than the non‐ionic Si‐Hy lenses. Frequency 55 and PureVision exhibited the highest water permeability and flux values and, these parameters were greater for ionic Si‐Hy lenses than for ionic conventional hydrogel lenses. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2218–2231, 2017.
Design of [2]rotaxane through image threshold segmentation of electrostatic potential image
Authors: Liu Pingying , Chen Qiufeng , Ma Jing
Published: July 2016

An electrostatic potential (ESP)‐based image segmentation method has been used to estimate the ability of proton donation and acceptance involved in ring‐rod recognition. The relative binding strength of [2]rotaxane has also been further estimated from the difference of the characteristic image‐segmentation derived ESP between proton donor and proton acceptor. The size and electrostatic compatibility criteria are introduced to guide the design of interlocked [2]rotaxane. A library of 75 thermodynamically stable [2]rotaxane candidates has been generated, including 16 experimentally known systems. The theoretical results for 16 experimentally known [2]rotaxanes are in good agreement with both the experimental association constants and density functional theory‐calculated binding energies. Our ESP‐based image segmentation model is also applicable to the tristable [2]rotaxane molecular shuttle as well as [1]rotaxane with self‐inclusion function, indicating this simple method is generic in the field of constructing other supramolecular architectures formed with donor/acceptor molecular recognition. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
3‐Methylcholanthrene/Aryl‐Hydrocarbon Receptor‐Mediated Hypertension Through eNOS Inactivation
Authors: Chang Chih‐Cheng , Hsu Yung‐Ho , Chou Hsiu‐Chu , Lee Yuan‐Chii G. , Juan Shu‐Hui
Published: July 2016

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) modulates vascular blood pressure and is predominantly expressed in endothelial cells and activated through the protein kinase B (Akt/PKB)‐dependent pathway. We previously reported that 3‐methylcholanthrene (3MC) activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and reduces PI3K/Akt phosphorylation. This study investigated the mechanism underlying the downregulatory effects of 3‐MC on nitric oxide (NO) production occurring through the AhR/RhoA/Akt‐mediated mechanism. The mechanism underlying the effects of 3‐MC on eNOS activity and blood pressure was examined in vitro and in vivo through genetic and pharmacological approaches. Results indicated that 3‐MC modified heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), caveolin‐1, dynein, and eNOS mRNA and protein expression through the AhR/RhoA‐dependent mechanism in mouse cerebral vascular endothelial cells (MCVECs) and that 3‐MC reduced eNOS phosphorylation through the AhR/RhoA‐mediated inactivation of Akt1. The upregulation of dynein expression was associated with decreased eNOS dimer formation (eNOS dimer; an activated form of the enzyme). Coimmunoprecipitation assay results indicated that 3‐MC significantly reduced the interaction between eNOS and its regulatory proteins, including Akt1 and HSP90, but increased the interaction between eNOS and caveolin‐1. Immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis revealed that 3‐MC reduced the amount of membrane‐bound activated eNOS, and a modified Griess assay revealed that 3‐MC concomitantly reduced NO production. However, simvastatin reduced 3‐MC‐mediated murine hypertension. Our study results indicate that AhR, RhoA, and eNOS have major roles in blood pressure regulation. Statin intervention might provide a potential therapeutic approach for reducing hypertension caused by 3‐MC. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1020–1029, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Observed changes in extreme temperature and precipitation over Indonesia
Authors: Supari  , Tangang Fredolin , Juneng Liew , Aldrian Edvin
Published: July 2016

This paper documents the changes in climate extremes over Indonesia during the past three decades (1983–2012) based on a subset of extreme indices recommended by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI). The extreme indices were calculated based on the quality controlled daily observational data (minimum and maximum temperature and precipitation) from 88 weather stations. Overall, we found significant and spatially coherent trends of warming in the temperature indices over Indonesia, consistent with other studies conducted at different countries within the Southeast Asia. The frequency of cool days (TX10p) and cools nights (TN10p) had decreased whereas warm days (TX90p) and warm nights (TN90p) were observed more frequently. Averaged over the country, the annual mean of daily maximum (TXmean) and minimum temperature (TNmean) had increased significantly by 0.18 and 0.30 °C decade−1, respectively. Other temperature indices also showed significant warming trends. In contrast, trends in the precipitation extremes indices were generally not significant and less spatially coherent. However, a tendency towards wetter conditions was observed, in agreement with the results at the global scale. The daily precipitation intensity (SDII) had increased significantly over the country by 0.21 mm day−1 decade−1 during the period studied. At the regional scale, we observed a significant wetting trend in the annual highest daily amount (RX1day) and the rainfall amount contributed by the extremely very wet days (R99p) in the northern part of the country. The wetting trends of a number of extreme precipitation indices were depicted prominently in December–January–February (DJF) and/or March–April–May (MAM) seasons, both at country and regional levels. However, for the southern region of Indonesia, a drying tendency was observed for June–July–August (JJA), September–October–November (SON) and MAM.
A head‐to‐head comparison among donor site morbidity after vascularized lymph node transfer: Pearls and pitfalls of a 6‐year single center experience
Authors: Ciudad Pedro , Manrique Oscar J. , Date Shivprasad , Sacak Bulent , Chang Wei‐Ling , Kiranantawat Kidakorn , Lim Seong Yoon , Chen Hung‐Chi
Published: July 2016

Between 2010 and 2016, 110 patients with extremity lymphedema underwent vascularized lymph node (VLN) transfer: groin (G‐VLN = 20), supraclavicular (SC‐VLN = 54), and right gastroepiploic (RGE‐VLN = 36) open and laparoscopic approach. Herein, we discuss the pearls and pitfalls for VLN harvest and compare donor site morbidity and complications. Lymphatic leakage: G‐VLN (n = 1) and SC‐VLN (n = 1) and one hematoma: SC‐VLN were found. Laparoscopic harvest of the RGE‐VLN reduces donor site morbidity. However, surgeons experience is imperative to minimize donor site morbidity and complications. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:37–42. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cost utility analysis of endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyposis
Authors: Scangas George A. , Remenschneider Aaron K. , Su Brooke M. , Shrime Mark G. , Metson Ralph
Published: July 2016

Objective

To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) compared to medical therapy for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with and without nasal polyposis (NP).

Study Design

Cohort‐style Markov decision‐tree economic model with a 36‐year time horizon.

Methods

Two cohorts of 229 CRS patients with and without NP who underwent ESS were compared with a matched cohort of 229 CRS patients from the Medical Expenditures Survey Panel database (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD) who underwent medical management. Utility scores were calculated from sequential patient responses to the EuroQol five‐dimensions questionnaire. Decision‐tree analysis and a 10‐state Markov model utilized published event probabilities and primary data to calculate long‐term costs and utility. The primary outcome was the incremental cost per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY). Thorough sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

The reference case for CRS with NP yielded an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) for ESS versus medical therapy of $5,687.41/QALY. The reference case for CRS without NP yielded an ICER of $5,405.44/QALY. The cost‐effectiveness acceptability curve in both cases demonstrated 95% certainty that the ESS strategy was the most cost‐effective option at a willingness‐to‐pay threshold of $20,000/QALY or higher. These results were robust to one‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the cost‐effectiveness of ESS compared to medical therapy alone for the management of CRS patients both with and without NP. The presence of nasal polyps was not found to affect the overall cost‐effectiveness of ESS.

Level of Evidence

2C. Laryngoscope, 127:29–37, 2017
Transient processes of MoS2 tribofilm formation under boundary lubrication
Authors: Rai Y. , Neville A. , Morina A.
Published: July 2016

A tribochemistry study that involves the application of Raman spectroscopy surface analysis has been undertaken to understand the time‐dependent tribochemical reactions, for lubrication by Molybdenum dialkyl‐dithiocarbamate (MoDTC) occurring in boundary lubricated conditions. Under the conditions of rubbing and high temperature, time‐resolved Raman spectroscopy results show the intermediate steps that lead to the MoDTC additive to be tribochemically structured on the wear scar of the contacting surface. A MoS2 tribofilm with a lattice layer structure is observed on the wear scar whenever the lowest friction was achieved. An apparent shift of the A1g and E2g Raman modes, indicating qualitative and quantitative information on the MoS2 tribofilm formed, is observed to be related to low friction. Detailed analyses of Raman spectra obtained on wear scars at different test durations and temperatures indicate that both temperature and rubbing are needed for the formation of low friction MoS2 tribofilm. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation of a novel alginate lyase‐producing Bacillus litoralis strain and its potential to ferment Sargassum horneri for biofertilizer
Authors: Wang Mingpeng , Chen Lei , Liu Zhengyi , Zhang Zhaojie , Qin Song , Yan Peisheng
Published: July 2016

Algae have long been used to augment plant productivity through their beneficial effects. Alginate oligosaccharide is believed to be one of the important components to enhance growth and crop yield. In this study, we isolated and characterized a Bacillus litoralis strain, named Bacillus M3, from decayed kelps. We further demonstrated that the M3 strain could secrete alginate lyase to degrade alginate. The crude enzyme exhibited the highest activity (33.74 U/mg) at pH 7.0 and 50°C. The M3 strain was also able to ferment the brown alga Sargassum horneri. Fermentation results revealed that a fermentation period of 8–12 hr was the best harvest time with the highest level of alginate oligosaccharides. Plant growth assay showed that the seaweed fermentation extract had an obvious promotion effect on root and seedling growth of Lycopersicon eseulentum L. Our results suggest that fermentation extract of Sargassum horneri by the novel strain of Bacillus litoralis M3 has significant development potential for biofertilizer production and agriculture application.
Stem Cell‐Based Therapies for Ischemic Stroke: Preclinical Results and the Potential of Imaging‐Assisted Evaluation of Donor Cell Fate and Mechanisms of Brain Regeneration
Authors: Gervois Pascal , Wolfs Esther , Ratajczak Jessica , Dillen Yörg , Vangansewinkel Tim , Hilkens Petra , Bronckaers Annelies , Lambrichts Ivo , Struys Tom
Published: July 2016

Stroke is the second most common cause of death and is a major cause of permanent disability. Given the current demographic trend of an ageing population and associated increased risk, the prevalence of and socioeconomic burden caused by stroke will continue to rise. Current therapies are unable to sufficiently ameliorate the disease outcome and are not applicable to all patients. Therefore, strategies such as cell‐based therapies with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) or induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) pave the way for new treatment options for stroke. These cells showed great preclinical promise despite the fact that the precise mechanism of action and the optimal administration route are unknown. To gain dynamic insights into the underlying repair processes after stem cell engraftment, noninvasive imaging modalities were developed to provide detailed spatial and functional information on the donor cell fate and host microenvironment. This review will focus on MSCs and iPSCs as types of widely used stem cell sources in current (bio)medical research and compare their efficacy and potential to ameliorate the disease outcome in animal stroke models. In addition, novel noninvasive imaging strategies allowing temporospatial in vivo tracking of transplanted cells and coinciding evaluation of neuronal repair following stroke will be discussed.
Single and multidimensional measurements underestimate neuroblastoma response to therapy
Authors: Trout Andrew T. , Towbin Alexander J. , Klingbeil Lindsey , Weiss Brian D. , von Allmen Daniel
Published: July 2016

Background

Changes in three‐dimensional (3D) measurements of neuroblastoma are used to assess response. Linear measurements may not accurately characterize tumor size due to the infiltrative character of these tumors. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of one‐dimensional (1D), two‐dimensional (2D), and 3D measurements in characterizing neuroblastoma response compared to a reference standard of tumor volume.

Procedure

We retrospectively reviewed imaging for 34 patients with stage 3 or 4 neuroblastoma. Blinded readers contoured or made linear measurements of tumors. Correlation coefficients were used to compare linear measurements to volumetric and 3D measurements. Bland–Altman analyses were used to assess bias between measurements. Sensitivity and specificity for patient events and survival were calculated for each measurement technique.

Results

Mean patient age was 2.9 ± 3.0 years (range 0–15 years). There was strong correlation between volumetric and 1D (r = 0.78, P < 0.0001), 2D (r = 0.86, P < 0.0001), and 3D (r = 0.88, P < 0.0001) measurements. Mean bias between volumetric measurements and 1D, 2D, and 3D measurements was 37.1% (95% limits: 6.2–67.9%), 16.1% (95% limits: –11.7–43.8%), and 7.7% (95% limits: –19.7–35.1%), respectively. 1D and 2D measurements undercategorized response versus volumetric change in 88.2% (30/34) and 29.4% (10/34) of cases. 3D measurements incorrectly characterized response in 16.7% (4/24) of cases versus volumetric change. 3D measurements were highly sensitive for patient events and survival, but all measurement techniques had poor specificity.

Conclusions

3D measurements most accurately quantify neuroblastoma size response versus volumetric change in patients with stage 3 and 4 neuroblastoma. 1D and 2D measurements underrepresent tumor response.
Effect of cordocentesis on fetal myocardial performance
Authors: Srisupundit Kasemsri , Tongprasert Fuanglada , Luewan Suchaya , Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Jatavan Phudit , Tongsong Theera
Published: July 2016

Objective

To compare fetal Tei index before, immediately after and 30 min after cordocentesis for prenatal diagnosis.

Patients and methods

Pregnant women undergoing prenatal diagnostic cordocentesis in the early mid‐trimester underwent measurement of the fetal Tei index of both right and left ventricles just before cordocentesis, immediately after and at 30 min after the procedure.

Results

A total of 143 singleton women underwent cordocentesis at a median gestational age of 19 weeks (range 16–23). The most common indication was fetal risk of beta‐thalassemia/hemoglobin E disease (42%, 60 cases). Immediately after cordocentesis, fetal Tei index and all its components at both ventricles were significantly altered when compared with the baseline values (p < 0.001). At 30 min after cordocentesis, components of the Tei index had significantly improved but 5/6 had not completely recovered. No serious procedure‐related short‐term complications were observed in the study.

Conclusion

Cordocentesis has a negative impact on fetal hemodynamics as indicated by worsening of the Tei index. Although the adverse effect seems to be temporary, the recovery time may be longer than 30 min. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomics and molecular tools for unveiling missing links in the biochemical understanding of schizophrenia
Authors: Nascimento Juliana M. , Garcia Sheila , Saia‐Cereda Verônica M. , Santana Aline G. , Brandao‐Teles Caroline , Zuccoli Giuliana S. , Junqueira Danielle G. , Reis‐de‐Oliveira Guilherme , Baldasso Paulo A. , Cassoli Juliana S. , Martins‐de‐Souza Daniel
Published: July 2016

Psychiatric disorders are one of the biggest burdens to society, with significant personal and economical costs. Schizophrenia (SCZ), among them, is still poorly understood, and its molecular characterization is crucial to improve patients’ diagnosis and treatment. The combination of genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors leads to systemic alterations, which are yet to be fully comprehended. Thus, understanding those missing links by connecting some molecular reports of SCZ is essential. From postmortem brain to animal models and cell culture, new tools are emerging, including recent advances in proteomics, and there is a need to apply them to solve these problems. Here, we review some of those features, mainly related to where proteomics could help, and discuss whether those new technologies could and should be applied to psychiatric disorder studies.
Proteomic discovery of host kinase signaling in bacterial infections
Authors: Richter Erik , Mostertz Jörg , Hochgräfe Falko
Published: July 2016

Protein phosphorylation catalyzed by protein kinases acts as a reversible molecular switch in signal transduction, providing a mechanism for the control of protein function in cellular processes. During microbial infection, cellular signaling essentially contributes to immune control to restrict the dissemination of invading pathogens within the host organism. However, pathogenic microbes compete for the control of host signaling to create a beneficial environment for successful invasion and infection. Although efforts to achieve a better understanding of the host–pathogen interaction and its molecular consequences have been made, there is urgent need for a comprehensive characterization of infection‐related host signaling processes. System‐wide and hypothesis‐free analysis of phosphorylation‐mediated host signaling during host–microbe interactions by mass spectrometry (MS)‐based methods is not only promising in view of a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of the infection but also may result in the identification of novel host targets for preventive or therapeutic intervention. Here, we review state‐of‐the‐art MS‐based techniques for the system‐wide identification and quantitation of protein phosphorylation and compare them to array‐based phosphoprotein analyses. We also provide an overview of how phosphoproteomics and kinomics have contributed to our understanding of protein kinase‐driven phosphorylation networks that operate during host–microbe interactions.
Chemically synthesized peptide libraries as a new source of BBB shuttles. Use of mass spectrometry for peptide identification
Authors: Guixer B. , Arroyo X. , Belda I. , Sabidó E. , Teixidó M. , Giralt E.
Published: July 2016

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a biological barrier that protects the brain from neurotoxic agents and regulates the influx and efflux of molecules required for its correct function. This stringent regulation hampers the passage of brain parenchyma‐targeting drugs across the BBB. BBB shuttles have been proposed as a way to overcome this hurdle because these peptides can not only cross the BBB but also carry molecules which would otherwise be unable to cross the barrier unaided. Here we developed a new high‐throughput screening methodology to identify new peptide BBB shuttles in a broadly unexplored chemical space. By introducing d‐amino acids, this approach screens only protease‐resistant peptides. This methodology combines combinatorial chemistry for peptide library synthesis, in vitro models mimicking the BBB for library evaluation and state‐of‐the‐art mass spectrometry techniques to identify those peptides able to cross the in vitro assays. BBB shuttle synthesis was performed by the mix‐and‐split technique to generate a library based on the following: Ac‐d‐Arg‐XXXXX‐NH2, where X were: d‐Ala (a), d‐Arg (r), d‐Ile (i), d‐Glu (e), d‐Ser (s), d‐Trp (w) or d‐Pro (p). The assays used comprised the in vitro cell‐based BBB assay (mimicking both active and passive transport) and the PAMPA (mimicking only passive diffusion). The identification of candidates was determined using a two‐step mass spectrometry approach combining LTQ‐Orbitrap and Q‐trap mass spectrometers. Identified sequences were postulated to cross the BBB models. We hypothesized that some sequences cross the BBB through passive diffusion mechanisms and others through other mechanisms, including paracellular flux and active transport. These results provide a new set of BBB shuttle peptide families. Furthermore, the methodology described is proposed as a consistent approach to search for protease‐resistant therapeutic peptides. Copyright © 2016 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using semi‐Markov processes to study timeliness and tests used in the diagnostic evaluation of suspected breast cancer
Authors: Hubbard R. A. , Lange J. , Zhang Y. , Salim B. A. , Stroud J. R. , Inoue L. Y. T.
Published: July 2016

Diagnostic evaluation of suspected breast cancer due to abnormal screening mammography results is common, creates anxiety for women and is costly for the healthcare system. Timely evaluation with minimal use of additional diagnostic testing is key to minimizing anxiety and cost. In this paper, we propose a Bayesian semi‐Markov model that allows for flexible, semi‐parametric specification of the sojourn time distributions and apply our model to an investigation of the process of diagnostic evaluation with mammography, ultrasound and biopsy following an abnormal screening mammogram. We also investigate risk factors associated with the sojourn time between diagnostic tests. By utilizing semi‐Markov processes, we expand on prior work that described the timing of the first test received by providing additional information such as the mean time to resolution and proportion of women with unresolved mammograms after 90 days for women requiring different sequences of tests in order to reach a definitive diagnosis. Overall, we found that older women were more likely to have unresolved positive mammograms after 90 days. Differences in the timing of imaging evaluation and biopsy were generally on the order of days and thus did not represent clinically important differences in diagnostic delay. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic toxicity of zno nanoparticles and dimethoate in mice: Enhancing their biodistribution by synergistic binding of serum albumin and dimethoate to zno nanoparticles
Authors: Yan Xincheng , Xu Xiaolong , Guo Mingchun , Wang Shasha , Gao Shang , Zhu Shanshan , Rong Rui
Published: July 2016

The extensive applications of ZnO nanoparticles (nano ZnO) and dimethoate (DM) have increased the risk of humans' co‐exposure to nano ZnO and DM. Here, we report the synergistic effect of nano ZnO and DM on their biodistribution and subacute toxicity in mice. Nano ZnO and DM had a synergistic toxicity in mice. In contrast, bulk ZnO and DM did not cause an obvious synergistic toxicity in mice. Although nano ZnO was low toxic to mice, coexposure to nano ZnO and DM significantly enhanced DM‐induced oxidative damage in the liver. Coadministration of nano ZnO with DM significantly increased Zn accumulation by 30.9 ± 1.9% and DM accumulation by 45.6 ± 2.2% in the liver, respectively. The increased accumulations of DM and Zn in the liver reduced its cholinesterase activity from 5.65 ± 0.32 to 4.37 ± 0.49 U/mg protein and induced hepatic oxidative stress. Nano ZnO had 3‐fold or 2.4‐fold higher binding capability for serum albumin or DM, respectively, than bulk ZnO. In addition, serum albumin significantly increased the binding capability of nano ZnO for DM by approximately four times via the interaction of serum albumin and DM. The uptake of serum albumin‐ and DM‐bound nano ZnO by the macrophages significantly increased DM accumulation in mice. Serum albumins play an important role in the synergistic toxicity of nano ZnO and DM. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1202–1212, 2017.
A review of synchrophasor applications in smart electric grid
Authors: Lee H. , Tushar  , Cui B. , Mallikeswaran A. , Banerjee P. , Srivastava A. K.
Published: July 2016

The adoption of synchrophasor technology with ongoing smart grid activities has resulted in a transformation of the power system monitoring and control practices. Phasor measurement units (PMUs) synchronized by the global positioning system (GPS) provide time‐stamped voltage and current phasors at faster rate for enhanced situational awareness and decision support compared to existing legacy technology and help in improving the reliability of the power system. The measurements from PMU can be used for number of possible applications and can be classified based on the time criticality requirements (e.g., adaptive protection vs state estimation (SE)), control center versus engineering analysis (e.g., state estimation vs model validation), monitoring versus control (e.g., angle monitoring vs stability control), and existing versus evolving (e.g., state estimation vs transient stability) applications. Some of these synchrophasor applications like monitoring and postmortem studies have been already adopted by power industry, some of the synchrophasor‐based control applications are still being investigated. In this study, various power system applications supported by synchrophasor technology are reviewed and discussed. WIREs Energy Environ 2017, 6:e223. doi: 10.1002/wene.223

This article is categorized under:

Energy Systems Economics > Systems and Infrastructure
Precious coral non‐destructive characterization by Raman and XRF spectroscopy
Authors: Macchia Maria , Resta Vincenzo , Quarta Gianluca , Calcagnile Lucio
Published: July 2016

Precious corals are some of the most valuable living marine resources, growing and commercially exploited only in limited areas of the world, namely the Mediterranean Sea and the Northern Pacific Ocean. Their skeleton is formed by calcium carbonate crystallized in the form of calcite whereas their color is because of the presence of partially demethylated polyene pigments. Recently, Pacific corals have been included in the appendix II of CITES list, while Mediterranean corals are still excluded. Different Corallium species of Corallidae family (e.g. Corallium rubrum, Corallium elatius and Corallium secundum) collected from different locations of the Mediterranean Sea and the Pacific Ocean were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy for the characterization of the reddish pigment and by X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) for the determination of the chemical composition of their skeletons, in order to obtain molecular and elemental data with two relatively easy and non‐destructive techniques, which can be used quite steadily for authentication purposes. Raman analysis demonstrated the presence of specific vibrational bands useful to identify the colored pigments as a mixture involving methylated and demethylated polyenes such as carotenoids and parrodienes, characterized by the presence of ―CH3 groups along the polyene chain. The ratio between the Raman signal and fluorescence background was found to vary as a function of the macroscopic color of the coral, but Raman analyses resulted inadequate for distinguishing between corals having similar color but different origins. On the other side, XRF data provided reliable information for an appropriate separation between Pacific and Mediterranean corals at the elemental level. The results of this study will be of great relevance for the authentication and identification of the origin of corals in trade market by means of completely non‐destructive techniques. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of paliperidone palmitate on hospitalisation in a naturalistic cohort – a four-year mirror image study
Authors: Taylor D.M. , Sparshatt A. , O’Hagan M. , Dzahini O.
Published: July 2016

Background

Clinical trial outcomes are heavily influenced by the non-naturalistic clinical trial process. Observations of outcomes in clinical practice are a valuable adjunct to clinical trial results.

Hypothesis

Our null hypothesis was that clinically indicated switching to paliperidone palmitate had no effect on hospital admissions or hospital bed days.

Method

This was a part-prospective mirror image study examining outcomes 2 years before starting paliperidone palmitate and 2 years after. Sensitivity analyses examined the effect of different placings of the mirror in the mirror image design.

Results

We prospectively followed-up 225 patients prescribed paliperidone palmitate in clinical practice. At 2 years, 41.8% of patients were still receiving paliperidone palmitate. In the primary analysis, the mean number of admissions fell from 1.80 in the two years before starting paliperidone palmitate to 0.81 in two years following the drug’s initiation (outpatients) or two years following hospital discharge (inpatients) (P < 0.001). More than half of patients were not admitted to hospital during two years follow-up. Mean total bed days was reduced from 79.6 in the two years before to 46.2 in the two years after paliperidone palmitate initiation or discharge (P < 0.001). Sensitivity analyses gave broadly similar outcomes. Continuers demonstrated better outcomes than discontinuers in sensitivity analyses but not in the primary analysis.

Conclusion

Paliperidone palmitate initiation is associated with a substantial reduction in hospital admissions and days spent in hospital. The reduction in costs associated with reduced use of health care facilities is likely to exceed the purchase and administration costs of the drug.