bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thyme and basil essential oils included in edible coatings as a natural preserving method of oilseed kernels
Authors: Riveros Cecilia G , Nepote Valeria , Grosso Nelson R
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Sunflower seeds are susceptible to developing rancidity and off‐flavours through lipid oxidation. Edible coatings and essential oils have proven antioxidant properties in different food products. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of using an edible coating and thyme and basil essential oils to preserve the chemical and sensory quality parameters of roasted sunflower seeds during storage.

RESULTS

50% DPPH inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.278 and 0.0997 µg mL−1 were observed for thyme and basil, respectively. On storage day 40, peroxide values were 80.68, 70.28, 68.43, 49.31 and 33.87 mEq O2 kg−1 in roasted sunflower seeds (RS), roasted sunflower seeds coated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (RS‐CMC), roasted sunflower seeds coated with CMC added with basil (RS‐CMC‐A), thyme (RS‐CMC‐T) and butylated hydroxytoluene (RS‐CMC‐BHT), respectively. RS‐CMC‐T and RS‐CMC‐BHT presented the lowest peroxide values, conjugated dienes and p‐anisidine values during storage. RS‐CMC‐BHT, RS‐CMC‐T, and RS‐CMC‐A showed the lowest oxidized and cardboard flavour intensity ratings. On storage day 40, roasted sunflower flavour intensity ratings were higher in RS‐CMC‐T and RS‐CMC‐A.

CONCLUSIONS

Thyme and basil essential oils added to the CMC coating improved the sensory stability of this product during storage, but only thyme essential oil increased their chemical stability. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Artificial neural networks to model the production of blood protein hydrolysates for plant fertilisation
Authors: Gálvez Raúl Pérez , Carpio Francisco Javier Espejo , Guadix Emilia M , Guadix Antonio
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Amino acid‐based fertilisers increase the bioavailability of nitrogen in plants and help withstand stress conditions. Additionally, porcine blood protein hydrolysates are able to supply iron, which is involved in chlorophyll synthesis and improves the availability of nutrients in soil. A high degree of hydrolysis is desirable when producing a protein hydrolysate intended for fertilisation, since it assures a high supply of free amino acids. Given the complexity of enzyme reactions, empirical approaches such as artificial neural networks (ANNs) are preferred for modelisation.

RESULTS

Porcine blood meal was hydrolysed for 3 h with subtilisin. The time evolution of the degree of hydrolysis was successfully modelled by means of a feedforward ANN comprising 10 neurons in the hidden layer and trained by the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. The ANN model described adequately the influence of pH, temperature, enzyme concentration and reaction time upon the degree of hydrolysis, and was used to estimate the optimal operation conditions (pH 6.67, 56.9 °C, enzyme to substrate ratio of 10 g kg−1 and 3 h of reaction) leading to the maximum degree of hydrolysis (35.12%).

CONCLUSIONS

ANN modelling was a useful tool to model enzymatic reactions and was successfully employed to optimise the degree of hydrolysis. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimizing and evaluating new automotive HMI image enhancement algorithms under bright light conditions using display reflectance characteristics
Authors: Blankenbach Karlheinz , Sycev Andrej , Kurbatfinski Sascha , Zobl Martin
Published: January 2015

We have developed and investigated new image enhancement (tone mapping) algorithms for automotive Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) so that displays can be better read in bright light. Our ‘ΔL/L’ approach with adaptive color rendering (CR) is based on Weber's fraction and is easy to use with various displays and illumination variables. In tests with automotive HMIs under different lighting conditions—including driver glare—the ‘ΔL/L + CR’ image enhancement method proved to be a good choice. First, reflective, transflective, and transmissive displays were tested and their image quality compared with and without new tone mapping. It was found that enhancing improved the gray scale perception, even on reflective (e‐paper by dithering) displays. A transmissive LCD, which only reflects monochrome, is highly suitable for mostly monochrome content as it maintains a high contrast ratio under bright light; however, its gamut is degraded at large extent. Transmissive matte LCDs perform best with image enhancement for automotive color HMIs.
Discrimination of non‐melanoma skin lesions from non‐tumor human skin tissues in vivo using Raman spectroscopy and multivariate statistics
Authors: Silveira Fabricio L. , Pacheco Marcos T.T. , Bodanese Benito , Pasqualucci Carlos A. , Zângaro Renato A. , Silveira Landulfo
Published: January 2015

Background and Objective

Raman spectroscopy was used to discriminate human non‐melanoma skin lesions from non‐tumor tissues in vivo. This work proposed the discrimination between non‐melanoma (basal cell carcinoma, BCC; squamous cell carcinoma, SCC) and pre‐cancerous lesions (actinic keratosis, AK) from benign lesions and normal (non‐tumor group, NT) tissues, using near‐infrared Raman spectroscopy with a Raman probe.

Materials and Methods

Prior to surgery, the spectra of suspicious lesions were obtained in situ. The spectra of adjacent, clinically normal skin were also obtained. Lesions were resectioned and submitted for histopathology. The Raman spectra were measured using a Raman spectrometer (830 nm). Two types of discrimination models were developed to distinguish the different histopathological groups. The principal components analysis discriminant analysis (PCA/DA) and the partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS/DA) were based on Euclidean, quadratic and Mahalanobis distances.

Results

PCA and PLS spectral vectors showed spectral features of skin constituents, such as lipids (between 1,250 cm−1 and 1,300 cm−1 and at 1,450 cm−1) and proteins (between 870 cm−1 and 940 cm−1, 1,240 cm−1 and 1,271 cm−1, and at 1,000 cm−1 and 1,450 cm−1). Despite the small spectral differences between malignant lesions and benign tissues, the algorithms discriminated the spectra of non‐melanoma skin and pre‐cancerous lesions from benign and normal tissues, with an overall accuracy of 82.8% and 91.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

PCA and PLS could discriminate Raman spectra of skin tissues, opening the way for an in vivo optical diagnosis. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:6–16, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fluence plays a critical role on the subsequent distribution of chemotherapy and tumor growth delay in murine mesothelioma xenografts pre‐treated by photodynamic therapy
Authors: Wang Yabo , Wang Xingyu , Le Bitoux Marie‐Aude , Wagnieres Georges , Vandenbergh Hubert , Gonzalez Michel , Ris Hans‐Beat , Perentes Jean Y , Krueger Thorsten
Published: January 2015

Background

The pre‐conditioning of tumor vessels by low‐dose photodynamic therapy (L‐PDT) was shown to enhance the distribution of chemotherapy in different tumor types. However, how light dose affects drug distribution and tumor response is unknown. Here we determined the effect of L‐PDT fluence on vascular transport in human mesothelioma xenografts. The best L‐PDT conditions regarding drug transport were then combined with Lipoplatin® to determine tumor response. in vivo. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:323–330, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Methods

Nude mice bearing dorsal skinfold chambers were implanted with H‐Meso1 cells. Tumors were treated by Visudyne®‐mediated photodynamic therapy with 100 mW/cm2 fluence rate and a variable fluence (5, 10, 30, and 50 J/cm2). FITC‐Dextran (FITC‐D) distribution was assessed in real time in tumor and normal tissues. Tumor response was then determined with best L‐PDT conditions combined to Lipoplatin® and compared to controls in luciferase expressing H‐Meso1 tumors by size and whole body bioluminescence assessment (n = 7/group).

Results

Tumor uptake of FITC‐D following L‐PDT was significantly enhanced by 10‐fold in the 10 J/cm2 but not in the 5, 30, and 50 J/cm2 groups compared to controls. Normal surrounding tissue uptake of FITC‐D following L‐PDT was significantly enhanced in the 30 J/cm2 and 50 J/cm2 groups compared to controls. Altogether, the FITC‐D tumor to normal tissue ratio was significantly higher in the 10 J/cm2 group compared others. Tumor growth was significantly delayed in animals treated by 10 J/cm2‐L‐PDT combined to Lipoplatin® compared to controls.

Conclusions

Fluence of L‐PDT is critical for the optimal distribution and effect of subsequently administered chemotherapy. These findings have an importance for the clinical translation of the vascular L‐PDT concept in the clinics. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:323–330, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Triptycene‐Based Microporous Organic Polymer Bearing Tridentate Ligands and Its Application in Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reaction
Authors: Wen Qiang , Zhou Tian‐You , Zhao Qiao‐Ling , Fu Jie , Ma Zhi , Zhao Xin
Published: January 2015

A triptycene‐based microporous organic polymer (MOP) in which 2,6‐bis(benzimidazol‐2‐yl)pyridine (bbp) is incorporated as linkage and coordination site is designed and synthesized. Pd(II) ions are further immobilized in this MOP through the coordination interactions between Pd(II) ion and nitrogen atoms of bbp. The resulting material shows high stability and exhibits excellent heterogeneously catalytic activity for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction. Its high efficiency can be maintained after being reused for a number of cycles.

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Long‐Lived Phosphorescent Iridium(III) Complexes Conjugated with Cationic Polyfluorenes for Heparin Sensing and Cellular Imaging
Authors: Jiang Jiayang , Zhang Chuanqi , Lin Wenpeng , Liu Yahong , Liu Shujuan , Xu Yunjian , Zhao Qiang , Huang Wei
Published: January 2015

The applications of conjugated polyelectrolytes in biosensing and bioimaging have attracted more and more research interests due to their excellent photophysical properties. In this work, a new series of conjugated polyelectrolytes containing long‐lived phosphorescent Ir(III) complexes is designed and synthesized, which can be used for ratiometric and lifetime‐based sensing of heparin utilizing the electrostatic interaction between cationic polymers and anionic heparin. By changing the ligand structures of Ir(III) complexes, the sensing performances of phosphorescent‐conjugated polyelectrolytes (PCPEs) are optimized. In addition, the application of PCPEs in cellular imaging is carried out. These polymers can be applied for specific staining of cell membrane. Importantly, utilizing the long emission lifetime of phosphorescent signal of Ir(III) complexes, time‐gated luminescent imaging is carried out, which can eliminate the short‐lived background fluorescence interferences from the environment or biological samples.

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Molecular dynamics investigation of the ionic liquid/enzyme interface: Application to engineering enzyme surface charge
Authors: Burney Patrick R. , Nordwald Erik M. , Hickman Katie , Kaar Joel L. , Pfaendtner Jim
Published: January 2015

Molecular simulations of the enzymes Candida rugosa lipase and Bos taurus α‐chymotrypsin in aqueous ionic liquids 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ethyl sulfate were used to study the change in enzyme–solvent interactions induced by modification of the enzyme surface charge. The enzymes were altered by randomly mutating lysine surface residues to glutamate, effectively decreasing the net surface charge by two for each mutation. These mutations resemble succinylation of the enzyme by chemical modification, which has been shown to enhance the stability of both enzymes in ILs. After establishing that the enzymes were stable on the simulated time scales, we focused the analysis on the organization of the ionic liquid substituents about the enzyme surface. Calculated solvent charge densities show that for both enzymes and in both solvents that changing positively charged residues to negative charge does indeed increase the charge density of the solvent near the enzyme surface. The radial distribution of IL constituents with respect to the enzyme reveals decreased interactions with the anion are prevalent in the modified systems when compared to the wild type, which is largely accompanied by an increase in cation contact. Additionally, the radial dependence of the charge density and ion distribution indicates that the effect of altering enzyme charge is confined to short range (≤1 nm) ordering of the IL. Ultimately, these results, which are consistent with that from prior experiments, provide molecular insight into the effect of enzyme surface charge on enzyme stability in ILs. Proteins 2015; 83:670–680. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of conformational changes in diabetes‐associated mutation in insulin a chain: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Kim Yong Hwan , Kastner Kevin , Abdul‐Wahid Badi , Izaguirre Jesús A.
Published: January 2015

Insulin plays a central role in the regulation of metabolism in humans. Mutations in the insulin gene can impair the folding of its precursor protein, proinsulin, and cause permanent neonatal‐onset diabetes mellitus known as Mutant INS‐gene induced Diabetes of Youth (MIDY) with insulin deficiency. To gain insights into the molecular basis of this diabetes‐associated mutation, we perform molecular dynamics simulations in wild‐type and mutant (CysA7 to Tyr or C(A7)Y) insulin A chain in aqueous solutions. The C(A7)Y mutation is one of the identified mutations that impairs the protein folding by substituting the cysteine residue which is required for the disulfide bond formation. A comparative analysis reveals structural differences between the wild‐type and the mutant conformations. The analyzed mutant insulin A chain forms a metastable state with major effects on its N‐terminal region. This suggests that MIDY mutant involves formation of a partially folded intermediate with conformational change in N‐terminal region in A chain that generates flexible N‐terminal domain. This may lead to the abnormal interactions with other proinsulins in the aggregation process. Proteins 2015; 83:662–669. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of a polymyxin derivative for photolabeling studies in the gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli
Authors: van der Meijden Benjamin , Robinson John A.
Published: January 2015

The antimicrobial activity of polymyxins against Gram‐negative bacteria has been known for several decades, but the mechanism of action leading to cell death has not been fully explored. A key step after binding of the antibiotic to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposed at the cell surface is ‘self‐promoted uptake’ across the outer membrane (OM), in which the antibiotic traverses the asymmetric LPS–phospholipid bilayer before reaching the periplasm and finally targeting and disrupting the bacterial phospholipid inner membrane. The work described here was prompted by the hypothesis that polymyxins might interact with proteins in the OM, as part of their self‐promoted uptake and permeabilizing effects. One way to test this is through photolabeling experiments. We describe the design and synthesis of a photoprobe based upon polymyxin B, containing photoleucine and an N‐acyl group with a terminal alkyne suitable for coupling to a biotin tag using click chemistry. The resulting photoprobe retains potent antimicrobial activity, and in initial photolabeling experiments with Escherichia coli ATCC25922 is shown to photolabel several OM proteins. This photoprobe might be a valuable tool in more detailed studies on the mechanism of action of this family of antibiotics. Copyright © 2015 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epigenetic Regulation Contributes to Urocortin-Enhanced Midbrain Dopaminergic Neuron Differentiation
Authors: Huang Hsin-Yi , Chiu Tsung-Lang , Chang Hui-Fen , Hsu Hui-Ru , Pang Cheng-Yoong , Liew Hock-Kean , Wang Mei-Jen
Published: January 2015

The production of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons requires precise extrinsic inductive signals and intrinsic transcriptional cascade at a specific time point in development. Urocortin (UCN) is a peptide of the corticotropin-releasing hormone family that mediates various responses to stress. UCN was first cloned from adult rat midbrain. However, the contribution of UCN to the development of mDA neurons is poorly understood. Here, we show that UCN is endogenously expressed in the developing ventral midbrain (VM) and its receptors are exhibited in Nurr1+ postmitotic mDA precursors and TH+ neurons, suggesting possible roles in regulating their terminal differentiation. UCN treatment increased DA cell numbers in rat VM precursor cultures by promoting the conversion of Nurr1+ precursors into DA neurons. Furthermore, neutralization of secreted UCN with anti-UCN antibody resulted in a reduction in the number of DA neurons. UCN induced an abundance of acetylated histone H3 and enhanced late DA regulator Nurr1, Foxa2, and Pitx3 expressions. Using pharmacological and RNA interference approaches, we further demonstrated that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition and late transcriptional factors upregulation contribute to UCN-mediated DA neuron differentiation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that UCN promoted histone acetylation of chromatin surrounding the TH promoter by directly inhibiting HDAC and releasing of methyl CpG binding protein 2-CoREST-HDAC1 repressor complex from the promoter, ultimately leading to an increase in Nurr1/coactivators-mediated transcription of TH gene. Moreover, UCN treatment in vivo also resulted in increased DA neuron differentiation. These findings suggest that UCN might contribute to regulate late mDA neuron differentiation during VM development. Stem Cells  2015;33:1601–1617
Advances in the synthesis and application of nanoparticles for drug delivery
Authors: Park Wooram , Na Kun
Published: January 2015

The continuous development of drug delivery systems (DDSs) has been extensively researched by the need to maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing undesirable side effects. Nanoparticle technology was recently shown to hold great promise for drug delivery applications in nanomedicine due to its beneficial properties, such as better encapsulation, bioavailability, control release, and lower toxic effect. Despite the great progress in nanomedicine, there remain many limitations for clinical application. To overcome these limitations, advanced nanoparticles for drug delivery have been developed to enable the spatially and temporally controlled release of drugs in response to specific stimuli at disease sites. Furthermore, the controlled self‐assembly of organic and inorganic materials may enable their use in theranostic applications. This review presents an overview of a recent advanced nanoparticulate system that can be used as a potential drug delivery carrier and focuses on the potential applications of nanoparticles in various biomedical fields for human health care. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2015, 7:494–508. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1325

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide‐Guided Risk Assessment for Postoperative Complications in Lung Cancer Surgery
Authors: Nojiri Takashi , Inoue Masayoshi , Shintani Yasushi , Takeuchi Yukiyasu , Maeda Hajime , Hamasaki Toshimitsu , Okumura Meinoshin
Published: January 2015

Background

Since lung cancer surgery is still associated with a high complication rate, it is important to efficiently identify patients at high risk for postoperative complications following lung cancer surgery. We previously reported that elderly patients with elevated preoperative B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels (>30 pg/mL) have an increased risk for postoperative atrial fibrillation and cardiopulmonary complications following lung cancer surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of BNP‐guided risk classification for postoperative complications after lung cancer surgery.

Methods

A total of 675 consecutive patients who underwent curative surgery for lung cancer in two specialized thoracic centers between 2007 and 2011 were included in this retrospective study. We evaluated the association between the incidence of postoperative complications and preoperative BNP levels.

Results

Univariable and multivariable stepwise logistic regression analyses revealed that an elevated preoperative BNP level was the most significant predictor of postoperative complications. All patients were classified by their preoperative BNP levels into a normal group (<30 pg/mL), a mildly elevated group (30–100 pg/mL), and a severely elevated group (>100 pg/mL). The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly higher in the severely and mildly elevated groups than in the control group (85 % and 47 % vs. 11 %, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, there were more severe complications and a higher mortality rate in the severely elevated group.

Conclusions

Risk assessment using preoperative BNP levels was clinically useful for the identification of patients at high risk for postoperative complications.
The role of port authorities in the development of LNG bunkering facilities in North European ports
Authors: Wang Siyuan , Notteboom Theo
Published: January 2015

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) serves as an attractive fuel for ships to meet the upcoming stringent environmental regulations enacted by IMO, particularly at the level of emission control areas (ECA). The use of LNG promises a good environmental performance and a foreseeable economic viability. However, a general absence of bunkering infrastructure in seaports is a significant barrier currently preventing the breakthrough of the use of LNG as a ship fuel. Against this backdrop, we observe that public port authorities are playing a proactive role in facilitating the use of LNG as a marine fuel. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the role of port authorities in the development of LNG bunkering facilities and to investigate why and how port authorities promote this new application. A multiple-case study approach is adopted to examine the performance of eight North European port authorities in their LNG bunkering projects. The paper provides a deeper understanding of the current port practices in developing LNG bunkering facilities in North Europe and identifies the important role of the evolving port function beyond the tradition model in promoting innovations. The paper also proposes a set of port implementation policies on the facilitation and promotion of the use of LNG as a ship fuel.
Proper genomic profiling of (BRCA1‐mutated) basal‐like breast carcinomas requires prior removal of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes
Authors: Massink Maarten P.G. , Kooi Irsan E. , van Mil Saskia E. , Jordanova Ekaterina S. , Ameziane Najim , Dorsman Josephine C. , van Beek Daphne M. , van der Voorn J. Patrick , Sie Daoud , Ylstra Bauke , van Deurzen Carolien H.M. , Martens John W. , Smid Marcel , Sieuwerts Anieta M. , de Weerd Vanja , Foekens John A. , van den Ouweland Ans M.W. , van Dyk Ewald , Nederlof Petra M. , Waisfisz Quinten , Meijers-Heijboer Hanne
Published: January 2015

Introduction

BRCA1‐mutated breast carcinomas may have distinct biological features, suggesting the involvement of specific oncogenic pathways in tumor development. The identification of genomic aberrations characteristic for BRCA1‐mutated breast carcinomas could lead to a better understanding of BRCA1‐associated oncogenic events and could prove valuable in clinical testing for BRCA1‐involvement in patients.

Methods

For this purpose, genomic and gene expression profiles of basal‐like BRCA1‐mutated breast tumors (n = 27) were compared with basal‐like familial BRCAX (non‐BRCA1/2/CHEK2*1100delC) tumors (n = 14) in a familial cohort of 120 breast carcinomas.

Results

Genome wide copy number profiles of the BRCA1‐mutated breast carcinomas in our data appeared heterogeneous. Gene expression analyses identified varying amounts of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) as a major cause for this heterogeneity. Indeed, selecting tumors with relative low amounts of TILs, resulted in the identification of three known but also five previously unrecognized BRCA1‐associated copy number aberrations. Moreover, these aberrations occurred with high frequencies in the BRCA1‐mutated tumor samples. Using these regions it was possible to discriminate BRCA1‐mutated from BRCAX breast carcinomas, and they were validated in two independent cohorts. To further substantiate our findings, we used flow cytometry to isolate cancer cells from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded, BRCA1‐mutated triple negative breast carcinomas with estimated TIL percentages of 40% and higher. Genomic profiles of sorted and unsorted fractions were compared by shallow whole genome sequencing and confirm our findings.

Conclusion

This study shows that genomic profiling of in particular basal‐like, and thus BRCA1‐mutated, breast carcinomas is severely affected by the presence of high numbers of TILs. Previous reports on genomic profiling of BRCA1‐mutated breast carcinomas have largely neglected this. Therefore, our findings have direct consequences on the interpretation of published genomic data. Also, these findings could prove valuable in light of currently used genomic tools for assessing BRCA1‐involvement in breast cancer patients and pathogenicity assessment of BRCA1 variants of unknown significance. The BRCA1‐associated genomic aberrations identified in this study provide possible leads to a better understanding of BRCA1‐associated oncogenesis.
Femoral Neck Stress Fractures and Imaging Features of Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Goldin Michael , Anderson Christian N. , Fredericson Michael , Safran Marc R. , Stevens Kathryn J.
Published: January 2015

Background

Prior literature has suggested an association between the radiographic signs of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and femoral neck stress fractures (FNSF) or femoral neck stress reactions (FNSR). At the time of the writing of this article, no study has described the association of FAI and FNSF/FNSR along with the need for surgical intervention and outcomes.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of radiographic features of FAI in patients diagnosed with FNSF.

Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

Tertiary care, institutional setting.

Patients

A medical records search program (Stanford Translational Research Integrated Database Environment, Stanford University, California) was used to retrospectively search for patients 18‐40 years old with a history of FNSF or FNSR. The records were obtained from the period July 25, 2003, to September 23, 2011.

Methods

For assessment of risk factors, plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging studies were reviewed for features of cam or pincer FAI. Medical records were reviewed to determine whether patients required operative intervention.

Main Outcome Measures

Incidence of abnormal alpha (α) angle, abnormal anterior offset ratio, abnormal femoral head‐neck junction, coxa profunda, positive crossover sign, and abnormal lateral center‐to‐edge angle.

Results

Twenty‐one female and 3 male participants (mean age 27 years, range 19‐39 years) were identified with magnetic resonance imaging evidence of femoral neck stress injury. Cam morphology was seen in 10 patients (42%). Pincer morphology could be assessed in 18 patients, with coxa profunda in 14 (78%) and acetabular retroversion in 6 (14%). Features of combined pincer and cam impingement were observed in 4 patients (17%). Seven patients (29%) had operative intervention, with 3 (12%) requiring internal fixation of their femoral neck fractures, and all had radiographic evidence of fracture union after surgery. Four patients (17%) had persistent symptoms after healing of their FNSF with conservative treatment and eventually required surgery for FAI, 3 had no pain at final follow‐up 1 year post‐surgery, and one patient was lost to follow‐up.

Conclusion

The results of the current study suggest that patients in the general population with femoral neck stress injuries have a higher incidence of bony abnormalities associated with pincer impingement, including coxa profunda and acetabular retroversion, although it is unclear whether pincer FAI is a true risk factor in the development of FNSF.
Regional Infection Control Assessment of Antibiotic Resistance Knowledge and Practice
Authors: Black Stephanie R. , Weaver Kingsley N. , Weinstein Robert A. , Hayden Mary K. , Lin Michael Y. , Lavin Mary Alice , Gerber Susan I.
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are an increasing burden among healthcare facilities. We assessed facility-level perceived importance of and responses to various MDROs.

DESIGN

A pilot survey to assess staffing, knowledge, and the perceived importance of and response to various multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs)

SETTING

Acute care and long-term healthcare facilities

METHODS

In 2012, a survey was distributed to infection preventionists at ~300 healthcare facilities. Pathogens assessed were Clostridium difficile, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, multidrug-resistant (defined as bacterial resistance to ≥3 antibiotic classes) Pseudomonas, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli.

RESULTS

A total of 74 unique facilities responded, including 44 skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and 30 acute care facilities (ACFs). While ACFs consistently isolated patients with active infections or colonization due to these MDROs, SNFs had more variable responses. SNFs had more multi-occupancy rooms and reported less specialized training in infection control and prevention than did ACFs. Of all facilities with multi-occupancy rooms, 86% employed a cohorting practice for patients, compared with 50% of those without multi-occupancy rooms; 20% of ACFs and 7% of SNFs cohorted staff while caring for patients with the same MDRO. MRSA and C. difficile were identified as important pathogens in ACFs and SNFs, while CRE importance was unknown or was considered important in <50% of SNFs.

CONCLUSION

We identified stark differences in human resources, knowledge, policy, and practice between ACFs and SNFs. For regional control of emerging MDROs like CRE, there is an opportunity for public health officials to provide targeted education and interventions. Education campaigns must account for differences in audience resources and baseline knowledge.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–6
Unrecognised myocardial infarction in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Nielsen Jimmi , Juel Jacob , Al Zuhairi Karam Sadoon Majeed , Friis Rasmus , Graff Claus , Kanters Jørgen Kim , Jensen Svend Eggert
Published: January 2015

Objective

Schizophrenia is associated with a reduction of the lifespan by 20 years, with type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease contributing the most to the increased mortality. Unrecognised or silent myocardial infarction (MI) occurs in ~30% of the population, but the rates of unrecognised MI in patients with schizophrenia have only been sparsely investigated.

Method

Electrocardiograms (ECG) from three psychiatric hospitals in Denmark were manually interpreted for signs of previous MI. Subsequently, ECGs were linked to the National Patient Registry in order to determine whether patients had a diagnosis consistent with previous MI.

Results

A total of 937 ECGs were interpreted, 538 men (57.4%) and 399 women (42.6%). Mean age at the time of ECG acquisition was 40.6 years (95% CI: 39.7–41.5, range: 15.9–94.6). We identified 32 patients with positive ECG signs of MIs. Only two of these patients had a diagnosis of MI in the National Patient Registry. An additional number of eight patients had a diagnosis of MI in the Danish National Patient Registry, but with no ECG signs of previous MI. This means that 30 out of 40 (75%) MIs were unrecognised. Only increasing age was associated with unrecognised MI in a stepwise multiple logistic regression model compared with patients with no history of MI, OR: 1.03 per year of age, 95% CI: 1.00–1.06, p=0.021.

Conclusion

Unrecognised MI is common among patients with schizophrenia and may contribute to the increased mortality found in this patient group.
Postprandial plasma betaine and other methyl donor-related responses after consumption of minimally processed wheat bran or wheat aleurone, or wheat aleurone incorporated into bread
Authors: Keaveney Edel M. , Price Ruth K. , Hamill Lesley L. , Wallace Julie M. W. , McNulty Helene , Ward Mary , Strain J. J. , Ueland Per M. , Molloy Anne M. , Piironen Vieno , von Reding Walter , Shewry Peter R. , Ward Jane L. , Welch Robert W.
Published: January 2015

The bran and particularly the aleurone fraction of wheat are high in betaine and other physiological methyl donors, which may exert beneficial physiological effects. We conducted two randomised, controlled, cross-over postprandial studies to assess and compare plasma betaine and other methyl donor-related responses following the consumption of minimally processed bran and aleurone fractions (study A) and aleurone bread (study B). For both studies, standard pharmacokinetic parameters were derived for betaine, choline, folate, dimethylglycine (DMG), total homocysteine and methionine from plasma samples taken at 0, 0·5, 1, 2 and 3 h. In study A (n14), plasma betaine concentrations were significantly and substantially elevated from 0·5 to 3 h following the consumption of both bran and aleurone compared with the control; however, aleurone gave significantly higher responses than bran. Small, but significant, increases were also observed in DMG measures; however, no significant responses were observed in other analytes. In study B (n13), plasma betaine concentrations were significantly and substantially higher following consumption of the aleurone bread compared with the control bread; small, but significant, increases were also observed in DMG and folate measures in response to consumption of the aleurone bread; however, no significant responses were observed in other analytes. Peak plasma betaine concentrations, which were 1·7–1·8 times the baseline levels, were attained earlier following the consumption of minimally processed aleurone compared with the aleurone bread (time taken to reach peak concentration 1·2v.2·1 h). These results showed that the consumption of minimally processed wheat bran, and particularly the aleurone fraction, yielded substantial postprandial increases in plasma betaine concentrations. Furthermore, these effects appear to be maintained when aleurone was incorporated into bread.
Welcome to This Situation: Tino Sehgal's Impersonal Ethics
Authors: Pape Toni , Solomon Noémie , Thain Alanna
Published: January 2015

What of dance is welcomed in the museum, and what remains on the outside? Artist Tino Seghal's “constructed situations” redirect this question, reworking relations of inside and outside, participant and observer, subject and object through a collective bodily attending to the situation itself. This article explores the conspiratorial techniques activated by This Situation (2007) to consider how dance moves in and with the museum. These techniques, which are derived from or affiliated with those of performance (the intricate negotiation of bodies, movement, and time in relation), include repetition, remixing, distributed movement, conspiratorial breathing, the compliment, disjunctions between words and gestures, and more as part of the work's ecology of practices. As interpreters of the piece in Montréal (and, as such, embodied archivists), the three authors take up key issues such as tensions between ephemerality and preservation, dance's anarchival propensity, and the contagious corporeal techniques of the piece that pass between interpreters and visitors, human and object materialities, and which traverse heterochronicities of the event and its resonances. We propose that what is specific to Sehgal's work within the museum is a holding of movements and relations as a way of persistently making and unmaking its forms, contents, and relations—as a way of making art contemporary, so to speak, via dance's propensity to always begin again. This commitment to re-beginning is what we term Sehgal's impersonal ethics: how This Situation (re)activates and relies on the generation of intensive but ambiguous embodiments.
Re-Cyclings: Shifting Time, Changing Genre in the Moving Museum
Authors: Foellmer Susanne
Published: January 2015

This essay examines changes in apparatuses of visual and performing arts, taking as an example a museum presentation of Trisha Brown's project Floor of the Forest. The ontology of both the work of art and the dance exhibited in the museum, where presence and absence interact, is explored against criteria of temporality and theatricality. The position of the recipient is a focus of particular attention, undergoing transformations between the status of visitor (beholder) and audience (spectator) and as such actively involved in bringing forth art as such. Furthermore it is proposed, in particular in this example, that the interrelationships between recipients and actors or art objects can generate haunting choreographies which emphasize the indeterminate nature and progressive disintegration of artistic genres and attempt to intertwine divergent modes of presence in visual and performing arts.
Longevity-contingent deferred life annuities
Authors: DENUIT M. , HABERMAN S. , RENSHAW A. E.
Published: January 2015

Considering the substantial systematic longevity risk threatening annuity providers’ solvency, indexing benefits on actual mortality improvements appears to be an efficient risk management tool, as discussed in Denuitet al. (2011) and Richter and Weber (2011). Whereas these papers consider indexing annuity payments, the present work suggests that the length of the deferment period could also be subject to revision, providing longevity-contingent deferred life annuities.
STAT3 signaling contributes to the high effector activities of interleukin‐15‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Okada Starlyn , Han Shuhong , Patel Ekta S , Yang Li‐Jun , Chang Lung‐Ji
Published: January 2015

Dendritic cells (DCs) are important innate and adaptive immune effectors, and have a key role in antigen presentation and T‐cell activation. Different lineages of DCs can be developed from hematopoietic progenitors following cytokine signaling, and the various lineages of DCs display distinct morphology, phenotype and functions. There has been limited information on differential cytokine‐mediated molecular signaling in DCs. Analyses of surface molecules by flow cytometry and quantitative RNA profiling revealed differences between DCs derived from interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) versus IL‐15 signaling, yet both lineages of DCs exhibited similar levels of surface molecules key to immune activation. Functional assays confirmed that IL‐15‐derived DCs elicited greater antigen‐specific, primary and secondary CD8 and CD4 T‐cell responses than did IL‐4‐derived DCs. Importantly, IL‐15 DCs secreted substantial amounts of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL‐6, interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα), which helped polarize a strong T‐cell response. Assessment of signaling pathways revealed that IL‐15 DCs exhibited a lower levels of activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5), STAT6 and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 than IL‐4 DCs, but after lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/TNFα treatment, the STAT3 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) activities were significantly enhanced in the IL‐15 DCs. Surprisingly, contrary to the canonical IL‐15‐mediated STAT5 signaling pathway in lymphoid cells, IL‐15 did not mediate a strong STAT5 or STAT3 activation in DCs. Further analysis using specific inhibitors to STAT3 and p38 MAPK pathways revealed that the STAT3 signaling, but not p38 MAPK signaling, contributed to IFN‐γ production in DCs. Therefore, while IL‐15 does not promote the STAT signaling in DCs, the increased STAT3 activity after LPS/TNFα treatment of the IL‐15 DCs has a key role in their high IFN‐γ effector activities.
Coherent coupling of molecular resonators with a microcavity mode
Authors: Shalabney A. , George J. , Hutchison J. , Pupillo G. , Genet C. , Ebbesen T. W.
Published: January 2015

The optical hybridization of the electronic states in strongly coupled molecule–cavity systems have revealed unique properties, such as lasing, room temperature polariton condensation and the modification of excited electronic landscapes involved in molecular isomerization. Here we show that molecular vibrational modes of the electronic ground state can also be coherently coupled with a microcavity mode at room temperature, given the low vibrational thermal occupation factors associated with molecular vibrations, and the collective coupling of a large ensemble of molecules immersed within the cavity-mode volume. This enables the enhancement of the collective Rabi-exchange rate with respect to the single-oscillator coupling strength. The possibility of inducing large shifts in the vibrational frequency of selected molecular bonds should have immediate consequences for chemistry.
Interfacial charge-mediated non-volatile magnetoelectric coupling in Co0.3Fe0.7/Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3/Nb:SrTiO3 multiferroic heterostructures
Authors: Zhou Ziyao , Howe Brandon M. , Liu Ming , Nan Tianxiang , Chen Xing , Mahalingam Krishnamurthy , Sun Nian X. , Brown Gail J.
Published: January 2015

The central challenge in realizing non-volatile, E-field manipulation of magnetism lies in finding an energy efficient means to switch between the distinct magnetic states in a stable and reversible manner. In this work, we demonstrate using electrical polarization-induced charge screening to change the ground state of magnetic ordering in order to non-volatilely tune magnetic properties in ultra-thin Co0.3Fe0.7/Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3/Nb:SrTiO3 (001) multiferroic heterostructures. A robust, voltage-induced, non-volatile manipulation of out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy up to 40 Oe is demonstrated and confirmed by ferromagnetic resonance measurements. This discovery provides a framework for realizing charge-sensitive order parameter tuning in ultra-thin multiferroic heterostructures, demonstrating great potential for delivering compact, lightweight, reconfigurable and energy-efficient electronic devices.
No DNA damage response and negligible genome-wide transcriptional changes in human embryonic stem cells exposed to terahertz radiation
Authors: Bogomazova A. N. , Vassina E. M. , Goryachkovskaya T. N. , Popik V. M. , Sokolov A. S. , Kolchanov N. A. , Lagarkova M. A. , Kiselev S. L. , Peltek S. E.
Published: January 2015

Terahertz (THz) radiation was proposed recently for use in various applications, including medical imaging and security scanners. However, there are concerns regarding the possible biological effects of non-ionising electromagnetic radiation in the THz range on cells. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are extremely sensitive to environmental stimuli and we therefore utilised this cell model to investigate the non-thermal effects of THz irradiation. We studied DNA damage and transcriptome responses in hESCs exposed to narrow-band THz radiation (2.3 THz) under strict temperature control. The transcription of approximately 1% of genes was subtly increased following THz irradiation. Functional annotation enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed 15 functional classes, which were mostly related to mitochondria. Terahertz irradiation did not induce the formation of γH2AX foci or structural chromosomal aberrations in hESCs. We did not observe any effect on the mitotic index or morphology of the hESCs following THz exposure.
Hydrothermal synthesis and formation mechanism of photocatalytically active SrTiO3 nanocrystals using anatase TiO2 with different facets as a precursor
Authors: Peng Jingmiao , Zhou Ying , Wang Hao , Zhou Haoran , Cai Shiyi
Published: January 2015

The crystal facets of anatase TiO2 precursors could not only affect the hydrothermal crystallization of SrTiO3 but also have a significant influence on their photoelectrochemical performance as well as photocatalytic hydrogen production activities.
Synthesis and characteristics of ZnGa2O4 hollow nanostructures via carbon@Ga(OH)CO3@Zn(OH)2 by a hydrothermal method
Authors: Kang Bong Kyun , Lim Hyeong Dae , Mang Sung Ryul , Song Keun Man , Jung Mong Kwon , Yoon Dae Ho
Published: January 2015

Highly uniform and perfectly crystallized ZnGa2O4 hollow NSs were successfully fabricated via carbon@Ga(OH)CO3@Zn(OH)2 core–shell–shell nanostructures by a two step hydrothermal method.
Pd embedded in chitosan microspheres as tunable soft-materials for Sonogashira cross-coupling in water–ethanol mixture
Authors: Frindy Sana , Primo Ana , Lahcini Mohamed , Bousmina Mosto , Garcia Hermenegildo , El Kadib Abdelkrim
Published: January 2015

Easy shaping of chitosan (CS) as self-standing microspheres and functionalisation of its amino groups afford heterogeneous Pd-supported catalysts for Sonogashira cross-coupling.
Degradation mechanisms of reinforcing iron rebars in monuments: the role of multiscale porosity in the formation of corrosion products investigated by X-ray tomography
Authors: Jacot-Guillarmod Mathieu , Rozenbaum Olivier , L'Hostis Valérie , Dillmann Philippe , Neff Delphine , Gervais Claire
Published: January 2015

Laboratory and synchroton X-ray tomography highlights the role of multiscale porosity in the corrosion process of iron rebars from the Cathedral of Orléans.
Gigantic enhancement in the dielectric properties of polymer-based composites using core/shell MWCNT/amorphous carbon nanohybrids
Authors: Guo Qikai , Xue Qingzhong , Sun Jin , Dong Mingdong , Xia Fujun , Zhang Zhongyang
Published: January 2015

Novel core/shell structured multi-walled carbon nanotube/amorphous carbon nanohybrids were used as fillers to gigantically enhance the dielectric properties of polymer-based composites.
Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-(acrylic acid) microgel/Ag nanoparticle hybrids for the colorimetric sensing of H2O2
Authors: Han De-Man , Matthew Zhang Qiang , Serpe Michael J.
Published: January 2015

Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-(acrylic acid) (pNIPAm-co-AAc) microgels composed of Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been synthesized and employed for the colorimetric sensing of H2O2.
Controlled synthesis and assembly into anisotropic arrays of magnetic cobalt-substituted magnetite nanocubes
Authors: Yang Weiwei , Yu Yongsheng , Wang Liang , Yang Chunhui , Li Haibo
Published: January 2015

Cubic cobalt-substituted magnetite CoxFe3−xO4 nanocubes (NCs) with uniform composition distributions of Co, Fe and O in the NCs, obtained via solution synthesis, are reported in this paper.
Hybridization of an Aβ-specific antibody fragment with aminopyrazole-based β-sheet ligands displays striking enhancement of target affinity
Authors: Hellmert Marco , Müller-Schiffmann Andreas , Peters Max Sena , Korth Carsten , Schrader Thomas
Published: January 2015

A His-tagged antibody is combined with an NTA-β-sheet breaker and displays a striking increase in Aβ affinity.
Amphiphilic block copolymer terminated with pyrene group: from switchable CO2-temperature dual responses to tunable fluorescence
Authors: Yuan Weizhong , Shen Jin , Zou Hui
Published: January 2015

Py-PCL-b-P(NIPAM-co-DMAEMA) micelles can present switchable CO2-temperature dual responses and tunable fluorescence properties.
Regioselective synthesis and theoretical studies of an anti-neoplastic fluoro-substituted dispiro-oxindole
Authors: Girgis Adel S. , Panda Siva S. , Shalaby El-Sayed M. , Mabied Ahmed F. , Steel Peter J. , Hall C. Dennis , Katritzky Alan R.
Published: January 2015

An anti-neoplastic fluoro-substituted dispiro-oxindole is described along with theoretical studies and single crystal X-ray analysis.
Research on the tribological behavior of a nanocrystalline zinc coating prepared by pulse reverse electrodeposition
Authors: Li Qingyang , Feng Zhongbao , Liu Lihua , Sun Jie , Qu Yunteng , Li Fenghuan , An Maozhong
Published: January 2015

The change of tribological behavior of zinc coatings with the reduction of grain size from micro to nano-scale is investigated.