bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Quantitative Real‐Time PCR as a Hepatitis C Virus Supplementary Test After RIBA Discontinuation
Authors: Gong Shunyou , Schmotzer Christine L. , Zhou Lan
Published: October 2015

Laboratory testing plays a major role in hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnosis and patient follow‐up. The high false positive rates of HCV screening tests require confirmation through a supplementary test. According to the 2003 CDC guidelines, recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) is indispensible to confirm positive screening results and differentiate biologic false positivity from true HCV exposure. However, RIBA has been permanently discontinued since 2011. In the 2013 update of its guidelines, CDC called for further studies on HCV laboratory testing without RIBA. In this study, we analyzed the applicability of quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) as a supplementary HCV diagnostic test. By comparing our HCV testing performances before and after RIBA discontinuation, we found that omitting RIBA has no significant effect on the accurate and efficient identification of HCV infection, provided that HCV antibody signal‐to‐cutoff ratio is considered. Furthermore, we proposed a new HCV testing algorithm that incorporates semiquantitative assessment of HCV antibody positivity and HCV viral load measurement by qPCR. By following the algorithm, we were able to address confirmation of positive HCV screening results and to provide useful information generally required by clinicians, including the needs of further laboratory testing or clinical follow‐up, as well as HCV viral titers.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Novel β‐Lactam Derivatives Bearing Quinoline Moiety via [2 + 2] Cycloaddition
Authors: Lin Hui , Yang Peng , Fei Tinghong , Liu Fangming
Published: October 2015

A series of new β‐lactam derivatives 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k, 4l were synthesized from [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of imines containing quinoline moiety 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f with ketene generated in situ from chloroacetyl chloride in dry Et3N. The structures of the prepared compounds were characterized by IR, MS, 1H NMR, and elemental analysis. In addition, the structure of (4i) was determined by single crystal X‐ray crystallography.
Chromatographic methods enabling the characterization of stationary phases and retention prediction in high‐performance liquid chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography
Authors: Sykora David , Vozka Jiri , Tesarova Eva
Published: October 2015

In the scope of the present review, the current status of high‐performance liquid chromatography/ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography is briefly provided. These techniques and their retention mechanisms are compared. Various alternative approaches utilized for the determination and description of the retention processes in these two systems are mapped. Two frequently used concepts, linear‐free energy relationships, and hydrophobic subtraction models, used for the characterization of the retention interactions, are discussed. Principles and selected applications of the both methods are also covered. Then the models applied for the prediction of retention behavior of solutes on stationary phases are outlined. The procedures utilized for the sorbent/column classification are also covered. Simple chromatographic tests frequently used for the basic characterization and mutual comparison of stationary phases are summarized and briefly commented on. The importance of a statistical evaluation of complex retention data obtained from the chromatographic measurements is outlined. Finally, computer simulations aiming at the facilitation of the quest to optimize separation conditions for a given mixture of analytes are touched upon.
Posterior fontanelle approach for uncinectomy and middle meatal antrostomy in endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Kim Hong Joong , Ahn Jae‐Cheul , Hong Seung‐No , Lee Woo Hyun , Kim Jeong‐Whun
Published: October 2015

Laryngoscope, 126:1311–1314, 2016
Solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations with mixed boundary conditions in two‐dimensional bounded domains
Authors: Beneš Michal , Kučera Petr
Published: October 2015

In this paper we consider the system of the non‐steady Navier–Stokes equations with mixed boundary conditions. We study the existence and uniqueness of a solution of this system. We define Banach spaces X and Y, respectively, to be the space of “possible” solutions of this problem and the space of its data. We define the operator and formulate our problem in terms of operator equations. Let and be the Fréchet derivative of at . We prove that is one‐to‐one and onto Y. Consequently, suppose that the system is solvable with some given data (the initial velocity and the right hand side). Then there exists a unique solution of this system for data which are small perturbations of the previous ones. The next result proved in the Appendix of this paper is W2, 2‐regularity of solutions of steady Stokes system with mixed boundary condition for sufficiently smooth data.
Variational and Perron–Wiener solutions in stratified Lie groups
Authors: Abbondanza Beatrice
Published: October 2015

We consider sub‐Laplacians in stratified Lie groups and we compare Perron–Wiener and weak‐variational solutions of the Dirichlet problem , where Ω is a bounded open set in and φ is the restriction to the boundary of a function such that . The result we obtained extends a previous theorem by Arendt and Daners, related to the classial Laplacian in .
Regularity of spectral fractional Dirichlet and Neumann problems
Authors: Grubb Gerd
Published: October 2015

Consider the fractional powers and of the Dirichlet and Neumann realizations of a second‐order strongly elliptic differential operator A on a smooth bounded subset Ω of . Recalling the results on complex powers and complex interpolation of domains of elliptic boundary value problems by Seeley in the 1970's, we demonstrate how they imply regularity properties in full scales of ‐Sobolev spaces and Hölder spaces, for the solutions of the associated equations. Extensions to nonsmooth situations for low values of s are derived by use of recent results on ‐calculus. We also include an overview of the various Dirichlet‐ and Neumann‐type boundary problems associated with the fractional Laplacian.
Asymptotic stability and blowup of solutions for a class of viscoelastic inverse problem with boundary feedback
Authors: Shahrouzi Mohammad
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we consider a nonlinear viscoelastic inverse problem with memory in the boundary. Under some suitable conditions on the coefficients, relaxation function, and initial data, we proved stability of solutions when the integral overdetermination tends to zero as time goes to infinity. Furthermore, we show that there are solutions under some conditions on initial data that blow up in finite time. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolutes of dual spherical curves for ruled surfaces
Authors: Li Yanlin , Pei Donghe
Published: October 2015

E. Study found that there is a one‐to‐one correspondence between the oriented lines in Euclidean three space and the dual points of the dual unit sphere in dual three space, and it has wide applications in Engineering. In this paper, we investigate a ruled surface as a curve on the dual unit sphere by using E. Study's theory. Then we define the notion of evolutes of dual spherical curves for ruled surfaces and establish the relationships between singularities of these subjects and geometric invariants of dual spherical curves. Finally, we give an example to illustrate our findings. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inverse coefficient problem for a second‐order elliptic equation with nonlocal boundary conditions
Authors: Kanca Fatma
Published: October 2015

In this research article, the inverse problem of finding a time‐dependent coefficient in a second‐order elliptic equation is investigated. The existence and the uniqueness of the classical solution of the problem under consideration are established. Numerical tests using the finite‐difference scheme combined with an iteration method are presented, and the sensitivity of this scheme with respect to noisy overdetermination data is illustrated. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Test‐retest reproducibility of neurochemical profiles with short‐echo, single‐voxel MR spectroscopy at 3T and 7T
Authors: Terpstra Melissa , Cheong Ian , Lyu Tianmeng , Deelchand Dinesh K. , Emir Uzay E. , Bednařík Petr , Eberly Lynn E. , Öz Gülin
Published: October 2015

Purpose

To determine the test‐retest reproducibility of neurochemical concentrations obtained with a highly optimized, short‐echo, single‐voxel proton MR spectroscopy (MRS) pulse sequence at 3T and 7T using state‐of‐the‐art hardware.

Methods

A semi‐LASER sequence (echo time = 26–28 ms) was used to acquire spectra from the posterior cingulate and cerebellum at 3T and 7T from six healthy volunteers who were scanned four times weekly on both scanners. Spectra were quantified with LCModel.

Results

More neurochemicals were quantified with mean Cramér‐Rao lower bounds (CRLBs) ≤20% at 7T than at 3T despite comparable frequency‐domain signal‐to‐noise ratio. Whereas CRLBs were lower at 7T (P < 0.05), between‐session coefficients of variance (CVs) were comparable at the two fields with 64 transients. Five metabolites were quantified with between‐session CVs ≤5% at both fields. Analysis of subspectra showed that a minimum achievable CV was reached with a lower number of transients at 7T for multiple metabolites and that between‐session CVs were lower at 7T than at 3T with fewer than 64 transients.

Conclusion

State‐of‐the‐art MRS methodology allows excellent reproducibility for many metabolites with 5‐min data averaging on clinical 3T hardware. Sensitivity and resolution advantages at 7T are important for weakly represented metabolites, short acquisitions, and small volumes of interest. Magn Reson Med 76:1083–1091, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A robust sensor covering and communication problem
Authors: Romich Andrew , Lan Guanghui , Smith J. Cole
Published: October 2015

We consider the problem of placing sensors across some area of interest. The sensors must be placed so that they cover a fixed set of targets in the region, and should be deployed in a manner that allows sensors to communicate with one another. In particular, there exists a measure of communication effectiveness for each sensor pair, which is determined by a concave function of distance between the sensors. Complicating the sensor location problem are uncertainties related to sensor placement, for example, as caused by drifting due to air or water currents to which the sensors may be subjected. Our problem thus seeks to maximize a metric regarding intrasensor communication effectiveness, subject to the condition that all targets must be covered by some sensor, where sensor drift occurs according to a robust (worst‐case) mechanism. We formulate an approximation approach and develop a cutting‐plane algorithm to solve this problem, comparing the effectiveness of two different classes of inequalities. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 62: 582–594, 2015
The geometric mean of two matrices from a computational viewpoint
Authors: Iannazzo Bruno
Published: October 2015

The geometric mean of two matrices is considered from a computational viewpoint. Several numerical algorithms based on different properties and representations of the geometric mean are discussed and analyzed. It is shown that most of the algorithms can be classified in terms of the rational approximations of the inverse square root function. A review of relevant applications is given. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isocaloric fructose restriction and metabolic improvement in children with obesity and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Lustig Robert H. , Mulligan Kathleen , Noworolski Susan M. , Tai Viva W. , Wen Michael J. , Erkin‐Cakmak Ayca , Gugliucci Alejandro , Schwarz Jean‐Marc
Published: October 2015

Objective

Dietary fructose is implicated in metabolic syndrome, but intervention studies are confounded by positive caloric balance, changes in adiposity, or artifactually high amounts. This study determined whether isocaloric substitution of starch for sugar would improve metabolic parameters in Latino (n = 27) and African‐American (n = 16) children with obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Methods

Participants consumed a diet for 9 days to deliver comparable percentages of protein, fat, and carbohydrate as their self‐reported diet; however, dietary sugar was reduced from 28% to 10% and substituted with starch. Participants recorded daily weights, with calories adjusted for weight maintenance. Participants underwent dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and oral glucose tolerance testing on Days 0 and 10. Biochemical analyses were controlled for weight change by repeated measures ANCOVA.

Results

Reductions in diastolic blood pressure (−5 mmHg;P = 0.002), lactate (−0.3 mmol/L;P < 0.001), triglyceride, and LDL‐cholesterol (−46% and −0.3 mmol/L;P < 0.001) were noted. Glucose tolerance and hyperinsulinemia improved (P < 0.001). Weight reduced by 0.9 ± 0.2 kg (P < 0.001) and fat‐free mass by 0.6 kg (P = 0.04).Post hocsensitivity analysis demonstrates that results in the subcohort that did not lose weight (n = 10) were directionally consistent.

Conclusions

Isocaloric fructose restriction improved surrogate metabolic parameters in children with obesity and metabolic syndrome irrespective of weight change.
PDLIM2 suppression efficiently reduces tumor growth and invasiveness of human castration‐resistant prostate cancer‐like cells
Authors: Kang Minyong , Lee Kyoung‐Hwa , Lee Hye Sun , Park Yong Hyun , Jeong Chang Wook , Ku Ja Hyeon , Kim Hyeon Hoe , Kwak Cheol
Published: October 2015

Background

Although PDLIM2 gene may have a context‐dependent role in various human malignancies and can be a potential therapeutic target, only a limited number of in vitro studies addressed the molecular functions of PDLIM2 in prostate cancer. Here, we aimed to explore the role of PDLIM2 and the effect of the PDLIM2 gene suppression on oncogenic phenotypes of human castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)‐like cells.

Methods

We used human CRPC‐like cell lines (PC3, DU145, and C4‐2B) for our experiments. Transcription levels of PDLIM2 and relevant genes were measured by real time‐PCR and protein expression was analyzed by western blot. Cell viability, proliferation, clonogenic growth, and tumor sphere formation were examined after a specific inhibition of PDLIM2 using RNA interference. Flow cytometry was used to examine apoptotic cell death and cell cycle disturbances. Wound healing and transwell migration assays were performed to investigate the invasion capabilities of CRPC‐like cells. Additionally, key oncogenic signaling pathways were examined using western blot. Lastly, we evaluated the in vivo efficacy of PDLIM2 suppression on tumor growth of human CRPC xenografts in mice.

Results

We observed a significant enhancement of PDLIM2 expression in human CRPC‐like cell lines, while a specific inhibition of PDLIM2 reduced cell viability and proliferation due to apoptotic cell death. Conversely, PDLIM2 overexpression significantly reduced cell proliferation compared to the negative control in androgen‐sensitive LNCaP cells. Moreover, PDLIM2 suppression led to a decrease of clonogenic growth and tumor sphere formation in three‐dimensional cultures with the G2/M cell cycle arrest in human CRPC‐like cells. PDLIM2 inhibition also attenuated cellular migration and invasion capabilities of human CRPC‐like cells, and reduced the expression of mesenchymal marker. Among several oncogenic signaling pathways, only the MAPK/ERK signaling cascade was decreased by PDLIM2 inhibition and reciprocally, ERK inhibition down‐regulated PDLIM2 expression. Importantly, PDLIM2 inhibition remarkably compromised tumor growth in a human CRPC xenograft model.

Conclusion

In summary, the suppression of PDLIM2 significantly reduced such oncogenic phenotypes as proliferation, clonogenicity, invasiveness, and tumor cell growth in human CRPC‐like cells both in vitro and in vivo, indicating that PDLIM2 may be considered a novel therapeutic target gene for treating human CRPC. Prostate 76:273–285, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On mechanisms of domain switching in amorphous glass‐coated wires
Authors: Chizhik Alexander , Stupakiewicz Andrzej , Zhukov Arcady , Gonzalez Julian
Published: October 2015

The study of the magnetic properties of amorphous wires is a topic of great interest because of their outstanding properties, such as the giant magnetoimpedance effect. The domain structure of the amorphous wire consists of an axially magnetized inner core and the outer shell. Taking into account that the giant magnetoimpedance effect is mainly a surface effect, the investigation of surface magnetic structure in the outer shell becomes a special topic. Discovering earlier the basic domain structures, here we demonstrate the original domain structures and mechanisms of magnetization reversal in Co‐ and Fe‐rich glass‐covered microwires. In particular, we focused on the temperature dependence of the magnetization reversal process. The original effect – the rearrangement of domain structure without the domain walls movement – was found.
Annealing and sintering effects in thermoelectric skutterudites synthesized by gas atomization
Authors: Schmitz Andreas , Schmid Carolin , Stiewe Christian , de Boor Johannes , Müller Eckhard
Published: October 2015

Skutterudites on the basis of CoSb3 are among the best thermoelectric materials for generator applications in the intermediate temperature range. Still, to be suitable for a wide range of applications methods for low cost fabrication of large amounts of this material are needed. A process potentially fulfilling these requirements is gas atomization plus consecutive short‐term sintering. As the powder produced by atomization is usually not single phase skutterudite material, the subsequent processes of sintering and eventually annealing prior to sintering play an important role for the resulting material's thermoelectric properties. In this work, we investigate the influence of powder annealing and sintering on the properties of indium‐filled skutterudites synthesized by gas atomization. The phase composition and thermoelectric properties are investigated as functions of the sintering temperature. Furthermore, the influence of an intermediate annealing step prior to sintering is investigated. It is shown short sintering times at temperatures around 450 °C are sufficient to achieve dense single phase skutterudite material from atomized powder whereas for annealed skutterudite powder sintering temperatures higher than 550 °C are needed for dense samples. Furthermore, sintering temperature and annealing are shown to have strong influences on the microstructure and thermoelectric properties of the material.
Electronic structure and transport properties of filled skutterudites by first principles
Authors: Hammerschmidt Lukas , Paulus Beate
Published: October 2015

The skutterudite is a promising thermoelectric material with favorable electronic transport properties. Filling of the voids of skutterudites bears the possibility to reduce the thermal conductivity often without deteriorating much the good electronic transport properties. In this work, we present a systematic comparison of with Y = Ga, In, Tl by first principles. We perform this analysis by computing the lattice structure, the electronic structure and the electronic transport properties and by comparing to experimental values. Our results indicate that while In and Tl occupy the vacant 2a Wyckoff positions, Ga tends to substitute Sb atoms. We show that the gradual filling leads to a gradual n‐type doping as well as a gradual change in the shape of the electronic band structure. Most of the change in the electronic structure is due to the increasing lattice parameter. However, for filling fractions that exceed the rigid band structure model becomes increasingly inaccurate. This indicates an additional interaction of the rings with the filling elements. The latter is reflected in the atom projected band structure computations.
Ab initio phonon‐coupled nonadiabatic relaxation dynamics of [Au25(SH)18]− clusters
Authors: Chen Xue , Prezhdo Oleg V. , Ma Zeyao , Hou Tingjun , Guo Zhenyu , Li Youyong
Published: October 2015

Nanoscale gold clusters exhibit unique electronic and optical properties. Here, we study the excited state dynamics and electron–phonon coupling of [Au25(SH)18]– nanoclusters by using quantum‐classical molecular dynamics combined with time‐dependent density‐functional theory. Our result reproduces the experimental measurements and provides further insights into the relaxation dynamics of ligand protected gold clusters. We examine the ultrafast electronic dynamics induced by specific phonon modes. The roles of the Au13 core and Au12 ring in the optical process are investigated. We find that the LUMO–HOMO transition is dominated by AuAu stretching of the Au13 core, whereas the LUMO + 1 − HOMO transition is induced by breathing vibrations of the Au core as well as AuS stretching. We clarify the interplay between electron–phonon couplings and specific energy‐transfer processes in [Au25(SH)18]– nanoclusters.
Strong anisotropic transport of vortices in superconductors
Authors: Yetis Hakan , Uluer Merve
Published: October 2015

Anisotropic transport of multiple vortices is investigated by a numerical simulation method in superconductors with triangular pinning arrays. The results are discussed by means of V(I) curves, structure factor, vortex flows, and velocity noise spectrum. The dynamical phase diagram as a function of the pinning strength is obtained to characterize the motion of the vortices. The results reveal the existence of a strong transport anisotropy when the multiple vortices (dimer state) are driven in two perpendicular directions. The anisotropic behavior is interpreted in terms of the triangular geometry of the pinning arrays and the nature of the competitive interactions of vortices with periodic arrays of the pinning centers.
Visible range plasmonic effect produced by aluminium nanoparticles embedded in amorphous silicon
Authors: Fantoni Alessandro , Fernandes Miguel , Vygranenko Yury , Louro Paula , Vieira Manuela
Published: October 2015

We present results, obtained by means of an analytic study and a numerical simulation, about the resonant condition necessary to produce a Localized Surface Plasmonic Resonance (LSPR) effect at the surface of metal nanospheres embedded in an amorphous silicon matrix. The study is based on a Lorentz dispersive model for a‐Si:H permittivity and a Drude model for the metals. Considering the absorption spectra of a‐Si:H, the best choice for the metal nanoparticles appears to be aluminium, indium or magnesium. No difference has been observed when considering a‐SiC:H. Finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) simulation of an Al nanosphere embedded into an amorphous silicon matrix shows an increased scattering radius and the presence of LSPR induced by the metal/semiconductor interaction under green light (560 nm) illumination.

Further results include the effect of the nanoparticles shape (nano‐ellipsoids) in controlling the wavelength suitable to produce LSPR. It has been shown that is possible to produce LSPR in the red part of the visible spectrum (the most critical for a‐Si:H solar cells applications in terms of light absorption enhancement) with aluminium nano‐ellipsoids. As an additional results we may conclude that the double Lorentz‐Lorenz model for the optical functions of a‐Si:H is numerically stable in 3D simulations and can be used safely in the FDTD algorithm. A further simulation study is directed to determine an optimal spatial distribution of Al nanoparticles, with variable shapes, capable to enhance light absorption in the red part of the visible spectrum, exploiting light trapping and plasmonic effects. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Static response and stiction analysis of MEMS micromembranes for optical applications
Authors: Pustan Marius , Dudescu Cristian , Birleanu Corina
Published: October 2015

The scope of this paper is to investigate the designing, manufacturing and testing of MEMS micromembranes with high mobility. The implementation field of micromembranes is in the optical applications. The mobility of MEMS membranes is provided by the geometry of hinges and their reliability depends on geometrical dimensions and the material behavior. Deformation in different planes of a micromembrane gives the rise to the occurrence of complex efforts that can reduce the operation time especially if one takes into account that, in optical applications, an additional stress state is also given by the thermal effects. Experimental investigations to determine the response of the micromembranes fabricated from gold and with different geometric dimensions are performed by atomic force microscope and nanoindentation. The study of the micromembranes behavior under a mechanical force and different thermal gradients are performed. The temperature is increases from 20 °C to 100 °C. The thermal effect on bending stiffness is observed. Tribological investigations are orientated to adhesion force measurement when the micromembrane is directly deflected to substrate. The results in terms of stiffness agreed with numerical simulation. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An adaptive security protocol for a wireless sensor‐based monitoring network in smart grid transmission lines
Authors: Zhang Xuping , Ye Feng , Fan Sucheng , Guo Jinghong , Xu Guoliang , Qian Yi
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we propose a new security protocol for a wireless sensor network, which is designed for monitoring long range power transmission lines in smart grid. Part of the monitoring network is composed of optical fiber composite over head ground wire (OPGW), thus it can be secured with conventional security protocol. However, the wireless sensor network between two neighboring OPGW gateways remains vulnerable. Our proposed security protocol focuses on the wireless sensor network part, it provides mutual authentication, data integrity, and data confidentiality for both uplink and downlink transmissions between the sensor nodes and the OPGW gateway. Besides, our proposed protocol is adaptive to the dynamic node changes of the monitoring sensor network; for example, new sensors are added to the network, or some of the sensors are malfunctioning. We further propose a self‐healing process using an “i‐neighboring nodes” public key structure and an asymmetric algorithm. We also conduct energy consumption analysis for both general and extreme conditions to show that our security protocol improves the availability of the monitoring sensor network. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between ultrasound features of adenomyosis and severity of menstrual pain
Authors: Naftalin J. , Hoo W. , Nunes N. , Holland T. , Mavrelos D. , Jurkovic D.
Published: October 2015

Objective

To investigate the association between the ultrasound features of adenomyosis and the severity of menstrual pain.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study set in the general gynecology clinic of a university teaching hospital between January 2009 and January 2010. A total of 718 consecutive premenopausal women aged between 17 and 55 years attended the clinic and underwent structured clinical and transvaginal ultrasound examinations in accordance with the study protocol. Morphological features of adenomyosis on ultrasound scan were recorded systematically. A quantitative assessment of menstrual pain was made by completion of a numerical rating scale (NRS).

Results

One hundred and fifty‐seven (21.9% (95% CI, 18.8–24.9%)) women were diagnosed with adenomyosis on ultrasound. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that an ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis and ultrasound and laparoscopic diagnoses of endometriosis were significantly associated with menstrual pain when measured by an NRS. In addition, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the severity of menstrual pain and the number of ultrasound features of adenomyosis seen.

Conclusions

Women with ultrasound features of adenomyosis have more severe menstrual pain than do women without these features. The positive correlation between the number of ultrasound features of adenomyosis and the severity of menstrual pain could form the basis of a clinically relevant grading system for adenomyosis. A classification of severity of adenomyosis based on the number of ultrasound features present is a novel concept that should be evaluated prospectively in different populations. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Synthetic pathway optimization for improved 1,2,4-butanetriol production
Authors: Sun Lei , Yang Fan , Sun Hongbing , Zhu Taicheng , Li Xinghua , Li Yin , Xu Zhenghong , Zhang Yanping
Published: October 2015

1,2,4-Butanetriol (BT) is an important non-natural chemical with a variety of industrial applications. Identifying the bottlenecks for BT biosynthesis is expected to contribute to improving the efficiency of this process. In this work, we first constructed a prototype strain for BT production by assembling a four-step synthetic pathway and disrupting the competing pathways for xylose in Escherichia coli BW25113. Using this prototype strain, we conducted systematic fine-tuning of the pathway enzyme expression level to identify the potential bottlenecks and optimize the BT biosynthesis. Production conditions were also optimized by exploring the effects of temperature, pH and cell density on BT titer. BT production was increased by 4.3-fold from the prototype strain, achieved a final titer of 1.58 g/L with a yield of 7.9 % after 72-h biotransformation.
Response of 33 UK patients with infantile‐onset Pompe disease to enzyme replacement therapy
Authors: Broomfield A. , Fletcher J. , Davison J. , Finnegan N. , Fenton M. , Chikermane A. , Beesley C. , Harvey K. , Cullen E. , Stewart C. , Santra S. , Vijay S. , Champion M. , Abulhoul L. , Grunewald S. , Chakrapani A. , Cleary M. A. , Jones S. A. , Vellodi A.
Published: October 2015

Background

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for infantile‐onset Pompe disease has been commercially available for almost 10 years. We report the experience of its use in a cohort treated at three specialist lysosomal treatment centres in the UK.

Methods

A retrospective case‐note review was performed, with additional data being gathered from two national audits on all such patients treated with ERT. The impact on the outcome of various characteristics, measured just prior to the initiation of ERT (baseline), was evaluated using logistic regression.

Results

Thirty‐three patients were identified; 13/29 (45 %) were cross‐reactive immunological material (CRIM) negative, and nine were immunomodulated. At baseline assessment, 79 % were in heart failure, 66 % had failure to thrive and 70 % had radiological signs of focal pulmonary collapse. The overall survival rate was 60 %, ventilation‐free survival was 40 % and 30 % of patients were ambulatory. Median follow‐up of survivors was 4 years, 1.5 months (range 6 months to 13.5 years). As with previous studies, the CRIM status impacted on all outcome measures. However, in this cohort, baseline failure to thrive was related to death and lack of ambulation, and left ventricular dilatation was a risk factor for non‐ventilator‐free survival.

Conclusion

The outcome of treated patients remains heterogeneous despite attempts at immunomodulation. Failure to thrive at baseline and left ventricular dilation appear to be associated with poorer outcomes.
An Ester of β‐Hydroxybutyrate Regulates Cholesterol Biosynthesis in Rats and a Cholesterol Biomarker in Humans
Authors: Kemper Martin F. , Srivastava Shireesh , Todd King M. , Clarke Kieran , Veech Richard L. , Pawlosky Robert J.
Published: October 2015

In response to carbohydrate deprivation or prolonged fasting the ketone bodies, β‐hydroxybutyrate (βHB) and acetoacetate (AcAc), are produced from the incomplete β‐oxidation of fatty acids in the liver. Neither βHB nor AcAc are well utilized for synthesis of sterols or fatty acids in human or rat liver. To study the effects of ketones on cholesterol homeostasis a novel βHB ester (KE) ((R)‐3‐hydroxybutyl (R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate) was synthesized and given orally to rats and humans as a partial dietary carbohydrate replacement. Rats maintained on a diet containing 30‐energy % as KE with a concomitant reduction in carbohydrate had lower plasma cholesterol and mevalonate (−40 and −27 %, respectively) and in the liver had lower levels of the mevalonate precursors acetoacetyl‐CoA and HMG‐CoA (−33 and −54 %) compared to controls. Whole liver and membrane LDL‐R as well as SREBP‐2 protein levels were higher (+24, +67, and +91 %, respectively). When formulated into a beverage for human consumption subjects consuming a KE drink (30‐energy %) had elevated plasma βHB which correlated with decreased mevalonate, a liver cholesterol synthesis biomarker. Partial replacement of dietary carbohydrate with KE induced ketosis and altered cholesterol homeostasis in rats. In healthy individuals an elevated plasma βHB correlated with lower plasma mevalonate.
Influence of Brazilian Geographic Region and Organic Agriculture on the Composition and Crystallization Properties of Cocoa Butter
Authors: Vieira Luana Reis , Efraim Priscilla , Van de Walle Davy , De Clercq Nathalie , Dewettinck Koen
Published: October 2015

Cocoa butter (CB) is the most important ingredient in chocolate and represents the biggest share in the continuous phase of this product. The accurate composition of CB depends, among other factors, on the genetic characteristics of the cocoa tree, its agricultural handling and the farming region's climate. The influences of the cocoa‐producing region in Brazil and the agricultural cultivation method on the composition and crystallization properties of CB are presented in this article. Raw CB was extracted from fruits cultivated in six main Brazilian states using two agricultural methods, organic and conventional. The samples were evaluated according to fatty acids, triacylglycerol composition, solid fat content, consistency, melting behavior and isothermal crystallization. The wide range of cocoa‐producing regions in Brazil causes the distinct characteristics of the chemical composition and crystallization behavior of the CB, attributes that affect the quality of products using this raw material. Differences in consistency, hardness and crystallization parameters, among others, were observed. The results showed the great potential of using Brazilian CB with similar features to those of African and Asian origin, considered more appropriate for use in chocolates. However, no clear tendency concerning the agricultural method was found.
Seasonal Variation of the Chemical Content and Fatty Acid Composition of Mantle and Tentacle of Male and Female Sepia officinalis
Authors: Tir Meriam , Rebeh Imen , Telahigue Khaoula , Hajji Tarek , Mejri Hssan , El Cafsi Mhamed
Published: October 2015

The goal of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and the fatty acid profile of mantle and tentacle of male and female Sepia officinalis, sampled at four seasons from the Mediterranean sea of Tunisia. S. officinalis were found to be rich in glycogen, protein and oil, and significant differences were observed between samples. The level of saturated fatty acid and unsaturated fatty acid showed significant variability among sex and during seasons. DHA and EPA, as polyunsaturated fatty acids, were the most abundant in all samples (14.8–27.8 % and 10.4–18.3 %, respectively). Oleic acid was the most abundant monounsaturated fatty acids (1.63–4.52 %). Σn3 and Σn6 was remarkably different between seasons and among sex. This study could be suitable for the development of reliable guide of fatty acid accumulation in cephalopod.
Effect of temperature and atmosphere on the tribological behavior of a polyether ether ketone composite
Authors: Rzatki Felipe Darabas , Barboza Diego Vinicius Dalevedo , Schroeder Renan Muller , de Oliveira Barra Guilherme Mariz , Binder Cristiano , Klein Aloisio Nelmo , De Mello José Daniel Biasoli
Published: October 2015

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a high-performance thermoplastic, which is often selected for hightemperature tribological applications under chemically aggressive environments. The present work investigates the tribological behavior of a high-performance PEEK composite under conditions that are often found inside hermetic compressors. Therefore, an AMTI tribometer equipped with a hermetic chamber and a heating system was used to conduct sliding tests of PEEK cylinders on AISI 304 stainless steel polished discs (S
q <10 nm) with reciprocating movement and a normal force of 175 N. The tribological behavior of the PEEK/AISI 304 stainless steel system was investigated as a function of ambient temperature (30 °C and 80 °C) and atmosphere (atmospheric air and tetrafluoroethane). Wear and surface roughness analyses were performed with white light interferometry and optical microscopy. Raman spectroscopy was used to investigate transfer films on the counter body surface. Temperature was observed to have a strong influence on the tribological behavior of the samples tested under atmospheric air, with a 25% decrease in the friction coefficient associated with a 100% increase in the wear rate. However, the friction measured from the samples tested under a tetrafluoroethane atmosphere showed no significant temperature dependence.
Brief report: Academic amotivation in light of the dark side of identity formation
Authors: Cannard Christine , Lannegrand‐Willems Lyda , Safont‐Mottay Claire , Zimmermann Grégoire
Published: October 2015

The study intended to determine motivational profiles of first‐year undergraduates and aimed their characterization in terms of identity processes. First, a cluster analysis revealed five motivational profiles: combined (i.e., high quantity of motivation, low amotivation); intrinsic (i.e., high intrinsic, low introjected and external regulation, low amotivation); “demotivated” (i.e., very low quantity of motivation and amotivation); extrinsic (i.e., high extrinsic and identified regulation and low intrinsic and amotivation); and “amotivated” (i.e., low intrinsic and identified, very high amotivation). Second, using Lebart's (2000) methodology, the most characteristic identity processes were listed for each motivational cluster. Demotivated and amotivated profiles were refined in terms of adaptive and maladaptive forms of exploration. Notably, exploration in breadth and in depth were underrepresented in demotivated students compared to the total sample; commitment and ruminative exploration were under and overrepresented respectively in amotivated students. Educational and clinical implications are proposedand future research is suggested.
Vocational identity and psychological adjustment: A study in French adolescents and emerging adults
Authors: Lannegrand‐Willems Lyda , Perchec Cyrille , Marchal Clotilde
Published: October 2015

The aim of the present research was to study vocational identity in French adolescent and emerging adult students by using a French adaptation of the Vocational Identity Status Assessment (VISA), and to analyze the links between vocational identity formation and negative and positive psychological adjustment. Participants were 1077 French students who completed self‐report scales about vocational identity, depression and satisfaction with life. The French version of the VISA showed good psychometric properties and six identity statuses were derived by means of cluster analysis: achievement, foreclosure, moratorium, searching moratorium, diffused diffusion and carefree diffusion. The main findings show that diffused diffusion and moratorium represent the dark sides of identity because of their negative psychological adjustment, and that the two processes of reconsideration of commitment were differently associated with psychological adjustment. These findings demonstrate that clinical interventions should be adapted to the individual's identity profile.
Enhanced Recovery in a Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery Program
Authors: Schatz Christy
Published: October 2015

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) is a strategy that seeks to reduce patients’ perioperative stress response, thereby reducing potential complications, decreasing hospital length of stay, and enabling patients to return more quickly to their baseline functional status. The concept was introduced in the late 1990s and was first adopted for use with patients undergoing open colorectal surgery. Since that time, the concept of ERAS has spread to multiple surgical specialties. This article explores the changes in patient care using an ERAS framework in a minimally invasive thoracic surgery program, barriers to implementation, and patient outcomes.
Homoiterons and expansion in ribosomal RNAs
Authors: Parker Michael S. , Sallee Floyd R. , Park Edwards A. , Parker Steven L.
Published: October 2015

Ribosomal RNAs in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes feature numerous repeats of three or more nucleotides with the same nucleobase (homoiterons). In prokaryotes these repeats are much more frequent in thermophile compared to mesophile or psychrophile species, and have similar frequency in both large RNAs. These features point to use of prokaryotic homoiterons in stabilization of both ribosomal subunits. The two large RNAs of eukaryotic cytoplasmic ribosomes have expanded to a different degree across the evolutionary ladder. The big RNA of the larger subunit (60S LSU) evolved expansion segments of up to 2400 nucleotides, and the smaller subunit (40S SSU) RNA acquired expansion segments of not more than 700 nucleotides. In the examined eukaryotes abundance of rRNA homoiterons generally follows size and nucleotide bias of the expansion segments, and increases with GC content and especially with phylogenetic rank. Both the nucleotide bias and frequency of homoiterons are much larger in metazoan and angiosperm LSU compared to the respective SSU RNAs. This is especially pronounced in the tetrapod vertebrates and seems to culminate in the hominid mammals. The stability of secondary structure in polyribonucleotides would significantly connect to GC content, and should also relate to G and C homoiteron content. RNA modeling points to considerable presence of homoiteron‐rich double‐stranded segments especially in vertebrate LSU RNAs, and homoiterons with four or more nucleotides in the vertebrate and angiosperm LSU RNAs are largely confined to the expansion segments. These features could mainly relate to protein export function and attachment of LSU to endoplasmic reticulum and other subcellular networks.
Disperse Orange 3 as a resonance Raman probe for measuring membrane order
Authors: Numakura Yuki , Miura Takashi
Published: October 2015

Resonance Raman spectra of azobenzene derivatives were examined in the presence of lipid membranes to find a probe that can distinguish different membrane phases. The NO2 symmetric stretching band of 4‐(4‐nitrophenylazo)aniline, also known as Disperse Orange 3 (DO3), is downshifted by about 4 cm−1 on the phase transition of phosphatidylcholine membranes from the liquid crystalline to the gel phase. A comparable downshift also occurs when DO3 is bound to cholesterol‐containing membranes in the liquid‐ordered phase. Our results demonstrate that Raman spectrum of DO3 is a unique tool for measuring the molecular order of lipids in membranes.
The Nature of Imagination in Education for Sustainability
Authors: Jensen Sally
Published: October 2015

The importance of imagination in education has a significant history (Egan, 1986, 2001; Eisner, 1976; Greene, 1988; Steiner, 1954; Warnock, 1976); however, scholarship is often theoretical, and the involvement of imagination in understanding sustainability is often overlooked (Jones, 1995; Judson, 2010; Stewart, 2009). Imagination has rarely been the subject of Environmental Education (EE) and research. Its nature is contested, and its workings can be concealed by formal notions of knowing and learning. Contemporary environmental philosophies argue that education can often contradict its aims through limited understandings of environment and knowledge (Orr, 1991, 1992; Weir, 2008; Whitehouse, 2011). This thesis reconceptualises imagination as a way of knowing and learning in environmental terms. The study investigates the role of imagination in Education for Sustainability (EfS) contexts and critically analyses how imagination is involved in understanding sustainability for teachers and learners. The possibility of imaginationasenvironmental knowledge, and as essential to resolving environmental problems, is applied in this research.
Young People with Complex Needs Leaving Out-of-Home Care: Service Issues and the Need to Enhance Practice and Policy
Authors: Malvaso Catia , Delfabbro Paul
Published: October 2015

Leaving statutory out-of-home care (OOHC) is a challenging time for many young people; however, certain groups have greater difficulty transitioning to independence. This includes young people with multiple and complex needs, such as those suffering from mental health problems and disabilities, as well as young people with borderline conditions or who disengage from services. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the service issues pertaining to these vulnerable groups in South Australia, as well as to identify ways that policy and practice can be enhanced to better facilitate service engagement. Twenty-nine individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with people working in organisations who have knowledge of, or contact with, young people leaving care (N = 66). Thematic analysis was used to organise responses according to two overarching themes: (1) Issues with current leaving care services and preparation, and (2) Enhancing policy and practice. The principal challenges related to difficulties in matching the structure of formal services to a population with highly unstructured living arrangements, a history of problematic engagement with the care system, and difficulties arising due to service ineligibility issues. Potential improvements to the current system and program delivery are discussed.
Healthcare-Associated Transmission of Plasmodium falciparum in New York City
Authors: Lee Ellen H. , Adams Eleanor H. , Madison-Antenucci Susan , Lee Lillian , Barnwell John W. , Whitehouse Joan , Clement Ernest , Bajwa Waheed , Jones Lucretia E. , Lutterloh Emily , Weiss Don , Ackelsberg Joel
Published: October 2015

A patient with no risk factors for malaria was hospitalized in New York City with Plasmodium falciparum infection. After investigating all potential sources of infection, we concluded the patient had been exposed to malaria while hospitalized less than 3 weeks earlier. Molecular genotyping implicated patient-to-patient transmission in a hospital setting.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;37(1):113–115
Atypical social cognitive processing in premotor Huntington’s disease: a single case study
Authors: Burke T. , Healy D. , Casey P. , Hardiman O. , Pender N.
Published: October 2015

Background

We report the case of a 52-year-old male with pre-motor Huntington’s disease (HD) who has undergone detailed clinical and neuropsychological examination. This patient’s negative symptomatology and behavioural change are having a detrimental impact on his social, occupational and interpersonal life, in the absence of motor symptoms.

Methods

The patient has undergone repeat neuropsychological testing (T1 aged 50; T2 aged 52) with particular focus on executive function and social cognition on repeat testing.

Results

This case details a specific manifestation of HD relating to behavioural, psychiatric and social affective deficits.

Conclusions

This case illustrates how social cognitive changes can occur in HD, months and even years prior to the onset of motor features and how such unrecognized deficits can have a deleterious impact on an individual’s functional ability and lifestyle, before the disease is traditionally considered to have become manifest.