bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal Engineering of a Two‐Dimensional Lead‐Free Perovskite with Functional Organic Cations by Second‐Sphere Coordination
Authors: Cortecchia Daniele , Soci Cesare , Cametti Massimo , Petrozza Annamaria , Martí‐Rujas Javier
Published: October 2016

Hybrid lead halide perovskite semiconductors are attracting increasing attention for applications in optoelectronics. However, the high lead content calls for the development of greener and smarter alternatives through crystal engineering. This is extremely challenging since the use of functional cations often results in the disruption of the metal halide framework. Here we show the rational design of a new lead‐free, copper‐based hybrid perovskite following a second‐sphere coordination approach. Our synthetic strategy allows the incorporation of an organic cationic fluorophore within the two‐dimensional Cu−Cl framework of a layered copper perovskite. The functionalization results in a moisture‐stable and near‐UV/blue‐emitting copper perovskite. Along with the possibility of extending the emission in the visible range by further synthetic design, our approach paves the way for the development of a new class of Pb‐free perovskites with potential applications in solid‐state lighting.
Catalytic Upstream Biorefining through Hydrogen Transfer Reactions: Understanding the Process from the Pulp Perspective
Authors: Ferrini Paola , Rezende Camila A. , Rinaldi Roberto
Published: October 2016

Catalytic upstream biorefining (CUB) encompasses processes for plant biomass deconstruction through the early‐stage conversion of lignin by the action of a hydrogenation catalyst. CUB processes produce lignin as an extensively depolymerised product (i.e., a viscous lignin oil) and render highly delignified pulps. In this report, we examine CUB from the pulp perspective. Notably, Raney Ni plays an indirect role in the processes that occur within the lignocellulose matrix. As there are negligible points of contact between the poplar wood chips and Raney Ni, the catalyst action is limited to the species leached from the matrix into the liquor. Nevertheless, the substantial changes in the liquor composition (through the decomposition of carboxylic acids and H‐transfer reductive processes on the lignin fragments) have significant implications for the pulp composition, degree of polymerisation and morphology. Compared with organosolv pulps, CUB pulps show higher xylan retention, higher delignification, and higher polymerisation degree. Moreover, the correlation between these properties and the performance of the enzymatic hydrolyses of CUB and organosolv pulps reveals that the high susceptibility of CUB pulps is mostly caused by their lower residual lignin contents.
Effective Release of Lignin Fragments from Lignocellulose by Lewis Acid Metal Triflates in the Lignin‐First Approach
Authors: Huang Xiaoming , Zhu Jiadong , Korányi Tamás I. , Boot Michael D. , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: October 2016

Adding value to lignin, the most complex and recalcitrant fraction in lignocellulosic biomass, is highly relevant to costefficient operation of biorefineries. We report the use of homogeneous metal triflates to rapidly release lignin from biomass. Combined with metal‐catalyzed hydrogenolysis, the process separates woody biomass into few lignin‐derived alkylmethoxyphenols and cellulose under mild conditions. Model compound studies show the unique catalytic properties of metal triflates in cleaving lignin–carbohydrate interlinkages. The lignin fragments can then be disassembled by hydrogenolysis. The tandem process is flexible and allows obtaining good aromatic monomer yields from different woods (36–48 wt %, lignin base). The cellulose‐rich residue is an ideal feedstock for established biorefining processes. The highly productive strategy is characterized by short reaction times, low metal triflate catalyst requirement, and leaving cellulose largely untouched.
Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of prostate synovial sarcoma: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Maleki Sara , Cajigas Antonio , Moss Jason , Ramesh K. H. , Khader Samer
Published: October 2016

We describe a case of synovial sarcoma originating from prostate gland. The diagnosis was confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis (FISH) for SYT rearrangement on the cell block. Synovial sarcoma is a high grade soft tissue malignancy with exceedingly rare involvement of genitourinary tract. However this entity should be considered in the differential diagnosis when dealing with aspiration biopsies of particularly deep seated lesions with spindle cell or small round blue cell cytomorphology. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:168–172. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cortisol stress responses and children's behavioral functioning at school
Authors: Simons Sterre S.H. , Cillessen Antonius H.N. , de Weerth Carolina
Published: October 2016

The present study investigated whether cortisol stress responses of 6‐year‐olds were associated with their behavioral functioning at school. Additionally, the moderating role of stress in the family environment was examined. To this end, 149 healthy children (Mage = 6.09 years; 70 girls) participated in an age‐appropriate innovative social evaluative stress test. Saliva cortisol samples were collected six times during the stress test to calculate two indices of the cortisol stress response: cortisol stress reactivity and total stress cortisol. Teachers assessed children's internalizing, externalizing, and prosocial behaviors. Stress in the family environment was operationalized as maternally reported parenting stress. Results indicated a significant increase in cortisol concentrations in response to the stressor. No significant associations were found between cortisol stress responses and behavioral functioning at school and there was no evidence for moderation by maternal parenting stress. Potential theoretical and methodological explanations for these results are discussed.
Understand legal remedies for disability discrimination
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: October 2016

A student with a disability who alleges disability discrimination or wins a case wants to know. A college or university that may want to settle a case or that is on the losing side of a court decision wants to know. What are the remedies available under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. 794; Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. 12131‐65; and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. 12181‐89? It is important to know the substantive law and equally important to know what remedies to expect when filing and defending a court case.
Accommodating standardized patient exams: The OSCEs
Authors: Meeks Lisa M. , Jain Neera R.
Published: October 2016

We are often asked whether students should receive accommodations on standardized patient or “practical” exams, sometimes referred to as OSCEs, or Objective Structured Clinical Examinations. Programs are often concerned about the reasonable nature of these requests and transferability of accommodations in the clinical setting. However, it is important to engage in the interactive process for all disability requests — including those with a clinical component.
Phylogenetic relationships of freshwater fishes of the genus Capoeta (Actinopterygii, Cyprinidae) in Iran
Authors: Ghanavi Hamid Reza , Gonzalez Elena G. , Doadrio Ignacio
Published: October 2016

The Middle East contains a great diversity of Capoeta species, but their taxonomy remains poorly described. We used mitochondrial history to examine diversity of the algae‐scraping cyprinid Capoeta in Iran, applying the species‐delimiting approaches General Mixed Yule‐Coalescent (GMYC) and Poisson Tree Process (PTP) as well as haplotype network analyses. Using the BEAST program, we also examined temporal divergence patterns of Capoeta. The monophyly of the genus and the existence of three previously described main clades (Mesopotamian, Anatolian‐Iranian, and Aralo‐Caspian) were confirmed. However, the phylogeny proposed novel taxonomic findings within Capoeta. Results of GMYC, bPTP, and phylogenetic analyses were similar and suggested that species diversity in Iran is currently underestimated. At least four candidate species, Capoeta sp4, Capoeta sp5, Capoeta sp6, and Capoeta sp7, are awaiting description. Capoeta capoeta comprises a species complex with distinct genetic lineages. The divergence times of the three main Capoeta clades are estimated to have occurred around 15.6–12.4 Mya, consistent with a Mio‐Pleistocene origin of the diversity of Capoeta in Iran. The changes in Caspian Sea levels associated with climate fluctuations and geomorphological events such as the uplift of the Zagros and Alborz Mountains may account for the complex speciation patterns in Capoeta in Iran.
Effects of environmental factors on genetic diversity ofCaragana microphyllain Horqin Sandy Land, northeast China
Authors: Huang Wenda , Zhao Xueyong , Zhao Xin , Li Yulin , Lian Jie
Published: October 2016

Caragana microphylla(Leguminosae) is a dominant climax semishrub species in northern China. We evaluated genetic variation within and among populations sampled from three different environmental gradients in Horqin Sandy Land in northern China using intersimple sequence repeats markers and investigated the possible existence of relationships between genetic diversity and environmental factors. The results showed thatC. microphyllahave high genetic diversity, and environmental gradients affected genetic diversity ofC. microphyllapopulations. Genetic diversity of all populations was affected by many environmental factors and as well correlated with warm index and soil Olsen phosphorus (SOP) concentration. These results have important implications for restoration and management of these degraded ecosystems in arid and semi‐arid areas.
The effect of induced mutations on quantitative traits in Arabidopsis thaliana: Natural versus artificial conditions
Authors: Stearns Frank W. , Fenster Charles B.
Published: October 2016

Mutations are the ultimate source of all genetic variations. New mutations are expected to affect quantitative traits differently depending on the extent to which traits contribute to fitness and the environment in which they are tested. The dogma is that the preponderance of mutations affecting fitness will be skewed toward deleterious while their effects on nonfitness traits will be bidirectionally distributed. There are mixed views on the role of stress in modulating these effects. We quantify mutation effects by inducing mutations in Arabidopsis thaliana (Columbia accession) using the chemical ethylmethane sulfonate. We measured the effects of new mutations relative to a premutation founder for fitness components under both natural (field) and artificial (growth room) conditions. Additionally, we measured three other quantitative traits, not expected to contribute directly to fitness, under artificial conditions. We found that induced mutations were equally as likely to increase as decrease a trait when that trait was not closely related to fitness (traits that were neither survivorship nor reproduction). We also found that new mutations were more likely to decrease fitness or fitness‐related traits under more stressful field conditions than under relatively benign artificial conditions. In the benign condition, the effect of new mutations on fitness components was similar to traits not as closely related to fitness. These results highlight the importance of measuring the effects of new mutations on fitness and other traits under a range of conditions.
Diversity maintenance mechanism changes with vegetation type and the community size in a tropical nature reserve
Authors: Zhang Shuzi , Zang Runguo , Huang Yunfeng , Ding Yi , Huang Jihong , Lu Xinghui , Liu Wande , Long Wenxing , Zhang Junyan , Jiang Yong
Published: October 2016

Species‐abundance distribution (SAD) is an essential tool to explain the mechanism of diversity maintenance in ecological communities. Most of the studies on diversity maintenance in a specific forest dynamics plot just consider stems with a certain minimum size class to include into the tree community to be examined. However, the species in the juvenile stage are easily disturbed by a variety of factors; here, we define the minimum stem size to tag trees in a community as the community size (DBHmintag), which implies that the communities with different minimum diameter at breast height (DBH) sizes to tag trees are tree assemblages containing tree populations of different minimum DBH. We used data from 17 1‐ha forest dynamics plots across six old‐growth forest types in a tropical nature reserve to explore diversity maintenance mechanism by SAD curves (at three levels of DBHmintag) fitting to neutral model and niche preemption model. We found that the SADs of the two zonal vegetation types (tropical montane rain forest and tropical lowland rain forest) were best fitted by neutral model at each level of DBHmintag; meanwhile, the best fitted models for the four azonal vegetation types (tropical coniferous forest, tropical deciduous monsoon rain forest, tropical montane evergreen forest, and tropical montane dwarf forest) varied with DBHmintag levels, for communities with DBHmintag ≥ 1 cm and DBHmintag ≥ 5 cm, the fitting effect of neutral model was better than niche preemption model's for the forest dynamics plots in the four azonal vegetation types, and for communities with DBHmintag ≥ 10 cm, the four azonal vegetation types were all best fitted by the niche model. Our results suggest that species diversity maintenance mechanisms of the two zonal vegetation types derived from the neutral model increased the predictive accuracy at each level of DBHmintag, and meanwhile, the four azonal vegetation types derived from the neutral model increased the predictive accuracy at smaller community size; however, with the increase in DBHmintag, these communities derived from the niche theory model increased the predictive accuracy. Habitat heterogeneity might be the major constraints in determining the neutral or niche process for diversity maintenance of a specific forest community.
Progress in the Synthesis and Bioactivity of Hexacoordinate Silicon(IV) Complexes
Authors: Henker Jens , Wirmer‐Bartoschek Julia , Bendel Lars Erik , Xiang Yonggang , Fu Chen , Harms Klaus , Schwalbe Harald , Meggers Eric
Published: October 2016

(Arenediolato)bis(polypyridyl)silicon(IV) complexes contain hexacoordinate silicon and are surprisingly stable against hydrolysis in water. In an ongoing research program, we are aiming to exploit them as new structural templates for the design of bioactive compounds. As a follow‐up to previous work, here we present our progress in the synthesis of hexacoordinate silicon complexes by selective ortho‐double nitration of the electron‐rich catecholato ligand, followed by reduction to diamines and condensation either with 1,2‐diketones or with aldehydes. Binding epitopes of some representative complexes to G‐quadruplex DNA as determined by NMR spectroscopic titration are presented.
Development of a method for reliable power input measurements in conventional and single‐use stirred bioreactors at laboratory scale
Authors: Kaiser Stephan C. , Werner Sören , Jossen Valentin , Kraume Matthias , Eibl Dieter
Published: October 2016

Power input is an important engineering and scale‐up/down criterion in stirred bioreactors. However, reliably measuring power input in laboratory‐scale systems is still challenging. Even though torque measurements have proven to be suitable in pilot scale systems, sensor accuracy, resolution, and errors from relatively high levels of friction inside bearings can become limiting factors at smaller scales. An experimental setup for power input measurements was developed in this study by focusing on stainless steel and single‐use bioreactors in the single‐digit volume range. The friction losses inside the air bearings were effectively reduced to less than 0.5% of the measurement range of the torque meter. A comparison of dimensionless power numbers determined for a reference Rushton turbine stirrer (NP= 4.17 ± 0.14 for fully turbulent conditions) revealed good agreement with literature data. Hence, the power numbers of several reusable and single‐use bioreactors could be determined over a wide range of Reynolds numbers between 100 and >104. Power numbers of between 0.3 and 4.5 (for Re = 104) were determined for the different systems. The rigid plastic vessels showed similar power characteristics to their reusable counterparts. Thus, it was demonstrated that the torque‐based technique can be used to reliably measure power input in stirred reusable and single‐use bioreactors at the laboratory scale.
A somatosensory‐to‐motor cascade of cortical areas engaged in perceptual decision making during tactile pattern discrimination
Authors: Hegner Yiwen Li , Lindner Axel , Braun Christoph
Published: October 2016

The processes underlying perceptual decision making are diverse and typically engage a distributed network of brain areas. It is a particular challenge to establish a sensory‐to‐motor functional hierarchy in such networks. This is because single‐cell recordings mainly study the nodes of decision networks in isolation but seldom simultaneously. Moreover, imaging methods, which allow simultaneously accessing information from overall networks, typically suffer from either the temporal or the spatial resolution necessary to establish a detailed functional hierarchy in terms of a sequential recruitment of areas during a decision process. Here we report a novel analytical approach to work around these latter limitations: using temporal differences in human fMRI activation profiles during a tactile discrimination task with immediate versus experimentally delayed behavioral responses, we could derive a linear functional gradient across task‐related brain areas in terms of their relative dependence on sensory input versus motor output. The gradient was established by comparing peak latencies of activation between the two response conditions. The resulting time differences described a continuum that ranged from zero time difference, indicative for areas that process information related to the sensory input and, thus, are invariant to the response delay instruction, to time differences corresponding to the delayed response onset, thus indicating motor‐related processing. Taken together with our previous findings (Li Hegner et al. []: Hum Brain Mapp 36:3339–3350), our results suggest that the anterior insula reflects the ultimate perceptual stage within the uncovered sensory‐to‐motor gradient, likely translating sensory information into a categorical abstract (non‐motor) decision. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1172–1181, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
METTL14 suppresses the metastatic potential of hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating N 6‐methyladenosine‐dependent primary MicroRNA processing
Authors: Ma Jin‐zhao , Yang Fu , Zhou Chuan‐chuan , Liu Feng , Yuan Ji‐hang , Wang Fang , Wang Tian‐tian , Xu Qing‐guo , Zhou Wei‐ping , Sun Shu‐han
Published: October 2016

N
6‐Methyladenosine (m6A) modification has been implicated in many biological processes. However, its role in cancer has not been well studied. Here, we demonstrate that m6A modifications are decreased in hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma, and that methyltransferase‐like 14 (METTL14) is the main factor involved in aberrant m6A modification. Moreover, METTL14 down‐regulation acts as an adverse prognosis factor for recurrence‐free survival of hepatocellular carcinoma and is significantly associated with tumor metastasis in vitro and in vivo. We confirm that METTL14 interacts with the microprocessor protein DGCR8 and positively modulates the primary microRNA 126 process in an m6A‐dependent manner. Further experiments show that microRNA 126 inhibits the repressing effect of METTL14 in tumor metastasis. Conclusion: These studies reveal an important role of METTL14 in tumor metastasis and provide a fresh view on m6A modification in tumor progression. (Hepatology 2017;65:529‐543).
The effects of coal gangue and fly ash on the hydraulic properties and water content distribution in reconstructed soil profiles of coal‐mined land with a high groundwater table
Authors: Wang Jinman , Li Xinfeng , Bai Zhongke , Huang Longbin
Published: October 2016

Soil water systems have been severely degraded in coal‐mined and subsiding land, where a shallow groundwater table is also present. The present paper discussed the effects of fly ash (FA) and coal gangue (CG) as filling materials on the hydraulic properties and water content distribution in a profile for the purpose of rehabilitating subsided lands. The saturated water content, water characteristic curve, and water diffusivity of local soil, FA, CG, and a mixture of FA and CG (“mixed filling”) were characterized. A column experiment was conducted to investigate the changes of water content in profiles reconstructed from the combination of soil and filling materials, including soil only, FA, CG, and a mixture of FA and CG, which were used to fill the lower part of the reconstructed profile. The mixture of FA and CG was found to possess similar hydraulic properties to those of the soil, particularly high water‐holding capacity and permeability. Moreover, the volumetric water contents in the whole profile containing the mixture of FA and CG were consistent with those of the profile reconstructed with soil only. As a result, it is recommended to adopt the mixture of FA and CG for reconstructing the lower profile of the land to alleviate or rehabilitate subsided land in coal mines.
Ab initio potential energy surface and vibration‐rotation energy levels of beryllium monohydroxide
Authors: Koput Jacek
Published: October 2016

The accurate potential energy surface of beryllium monohydroxide, BeOH, in its ground electronic state
has been determined from ab initio calculations using the coupled‐cluster approach in conjunction with the correlation‐consistent core‐valence basis sets up to septuple‐zeta quality. The higher‐order electron correlation, scalar relativistic, and adiabatic effects were taken into account. The BeOH molecule was confirmed to be bent at equilibrium, with the BeOH angle of 141.2° and the barrier to linearity of 129 cm−1. The vibration‐rotation energy levels of the BeOH and BeOD isotopologues were predicted using a variational approach and compared with recent experimental data. The results can be useful in a further analysis of high‐resolution vibration‐rotation spectra of these interesting species. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimal allosteric stabilization sites using contact stabilization analysis
Authors: Dickson Alex , Bailey Christopher T. , Karanicolas John
Published: October 2016

Proteins can be destabilized by a number of environmental factors such as temperature, pH, and mutation. The ability to subsequently restore function under these conditions by adding small molecule stabilizers, or by introducing disulfide bonds, would be a very powerful tool, but the physical principles that drive this stabilization are not well understood. The first problem lies is in choosing an appropriate binding site or disulfide bond location to best confer stability to the active site and restore function. Here, we present a general framework for predicting which allosteric binding sites correlate with stability in the active site. Using the Karanicolas–Brooks Gō‐like model, we examine the dynamics of the enzyme β‐glucuronidase using an Umbrella Sampling method to thoroughly sample the conformational landscape. Each intramolecular contact is assigned a score termed a “stabilization factor” that measures its correlation with structural changes in the active site. We have carried out this analysis for three different scaling strengths for the intramolecular contacts, and we examine how the calculated stabilization factors depend on the ensemble of destabilized conformations. We further examine a locally destabilized mutant of β‐glucuronidase that has been characterized experimentally, and show that this brings about local changes in the stabilization factors. We find that the proximity to the active site is not sufficient to determine which contacts can confer active site stability. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Monodispersed BaGdF5:Yb/Er Nanoparticles for CT and MR Imaging
Authors: Sun Rongjin , Yin Ting , Huang Peng , Gao Guo , Shapter Joseph George , Shen Yulan , Zhang Jingjing , Cui Daxiang
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we report the development of a facile one‐pot hydrothermal method for the controlled synthesis of monodispersed BaGdF5
:Yb/Er nanoparticles for computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The as‐prepared nanoparticles have uniform size with a diameter of 20–25 nm. MTT tests show that the cell viability surpasses 90% even with a concentration of nanoparticles of 500 µg/mL, suggesting that the as‐prepared BaGdF5
:Yb/Er nanoparticles possess low toxicity. For both BaGdF5
:Yb/Er nanoparticles and iopromide, the Hounsfield unit (HU) values increase with the their concentration. The slope of BaGdF5
:Yb/Er nanoparticles is about 26.47, which is much higher than that of iopromide (16.98), indicating a better CT imaging effect. Interestingly, we find that the synthesized BaGdF5
:Yb/Er nanoparticles exhibit paramagnetism. Our in vitro and in vivo imaging experiments demonstrate that the synthesized monodispersed BaGdF5
:Yb/Er nanoparticles can serve as effective contrast agents for CT and MR imaging.
Solid‐state solubilization of bones by B. megaterium in spent mushroom substrate as a medium for a phosphate enriched substrate
Authors: Wyciszkiewicz Małgorzata , Saeid Agnieszka , Samoraj Mateusz , Chojnacka Katarzyna
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

This paper details the results of solubilization of phosphates in spent mushroom substrate (SMS). As a substrate for the process, bones as a source of phosphates and SMS as medium were used.

RESULTS

The process was conducted for 9 months and at the end of the process the substrate obtained was characterized as having a two times higher amount of available phosphorus (express as P2O5), which was confirmed by FTIR and SEM‐EDX analysis. A decrease in pH was observed. Strong correlation was found between temperature and the effectiveness of the process (P=0.000, r = 0.772). Solubilization combined with the degradation process lowered the C/N ratio from 13.6:1 to 11.7:1. The utilitarian properties of the substrate obtained were evaluated in germination tests.

CONCLUSION

The substrate obtained was characterized as having two times more available phosphorus and can serve as a biofertilizer for the cultivation of plants. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Isolation and partial characterization of 3 nontoxic d‐galactose–specific isolectins from seeds of Momordica balsamina
Authors: Awadallah Amna K.E. , Osman Makarim Elfadil M. , Ibrahim Mariam A. , Bernardes Emerson S. , Dias‐Baruffi Marcelo , Konozy Emadeldin Hassan E.
Published: October 2016

Three isolectins denoted hereforth MBaL‐30, MBaL‐60, and MBaL‐80 were isolated from seeds extract of Momordica balsamina by 30%, 60%, and 80% ammonium sulfate saturations, respectively. The native molecular weights of these lectins, as judged by gel filtration, were 108, 56, and 160 kDa, respectively. On SDS‐PAGE, under reduced condition, 27 kDa band was obtained for all isolectins. The lectins hemagglutinating activities were variably inhibited by d‐galactose (minimum inhibitory concentrations = 12.5mM, 50mM, and 0.391mM, respectively). MBaL‐30 and ‐60 could agglutinate all human blood types with slight preference for the A and O blood groups, whereas MBaL‐80 did not agglutinate B and AB blood types. The 3 isolectins were purified from crude seeds extract, collectively, in a single step on the affinity matrix Lactamyl‐Seralose 4B; this purified lectin fraction, which contains all isolectins, is termed MBaL. The N‐terminal of MBaL till the 25th amino acid was NLSLSELDFSADTYKSFIKNLRKQL, which shares 88% sequence identity with Momordica charantia lectin type‐2 ribosomal inactivating protein from Momordica charantia and 50% with momordin II from Momordica balsamina. MBaL retained 100% activity at up to 50°C for 30 minutes. MBaL‐30 and MBaL‐60 exhibited maximum activities in the pH range between 4 and 8, while MBaL‐80 was showing maximum activity in the pH range between 3 and 5. Treatment of MBaL‐30 and MBaL‐60 with EDTA completely abolished their hemagglutinating activities. Addition of Zn and Fe ions to the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid–treated MBaL‐30 and MBaL‐60 lectins did not only regained the loss of activity but also resulted in 200% to 300% increase in activity, respectively. MBaL‐30 and ‐60 agglutinated gram positive Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, whereas MBaL‐30 could merely agglutinate Escherichia coli. None of these lectins could arrest bacterial growth. Addition of MBaL to cancer cell lines (Gastric cancer cell line (AGS) and Gastric cencer cell line (MKN45), Glioblastoma (ECV‐304), and Human urinary bladder cancer cell line (U87‐MG)) at varying concentrations did not cause statistically significant changes on cell growth and viability.
The geographic distribution of the otolaryngology workforce in the United States
Authors: Lango Miriam N. , Handorf Elizabeth , Arjmand Ellis
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To describe the deployment of otolaryngologists and evaluate factors associated with the geographic distribution of otolaryngologists in the United States.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The otolaryngology physician supply was defined as the number of otolaryngologists per 100,000 in the hospital referral region (HRR). The otolaryngology physician supply was derived from the American Medical Association Masterfile or from the Medicare Enrollment and Provider Utilization Files. Multiple linear regression tested the association of population, physician, and hospital factors on the supply of Medicare‐enrolled otolaryngologists/HRR.

Results

Two methods of measuring the otolaryngology workforce were moderately correlated across hospital referral regions (Pearson coefficient 0.513, P = .0001); regardless, the supply of otolaryngology providers varies greatly over different geographic regions. Otolaryngologists concentrate in regions with many other physicians, particularly specialist physicians. The otolaryngology supply also increases with regional population income and education levels. Using AMA‐derived data, there was no association between the supply of otolaryngologists and staffed acute‐care hospital beds and the presence of an otolaryngology residency‐training program. In contrast, the supply of otolaryngology providers enrolled in Medicare independently increases for each HRR by 0.8 per 100,000 for each unit increase in supply of hospital beds (P < .0001) and by 0.49 per 100,000 in regions with an otolaryngology residency‐training program (P = .006), accounting for all other factors.

Conclusion

Irrespective of methodology, the supply of otolaryngologists varies widely across geographic regions in the United States. For Medicare beneficiaries, regional hospital factors—including the presence of an otolaryngology residency program—may improve access to otolaryngology services.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 127:95–101, 2017
Stabilization of a type III thermoelastic Timoshenko system in the presence of a time‐distributed delay
Authors: Fareh Abdelfeteh , Messaoudi Salim A.
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we investigate a Timoshenko‐type system of thermoelasticity of type III in the presence of a distributed delay. We prove the well‐posedness and two exponential stability results in the presence as well as in the absence of an extra frictional damping.

In case of absence of the frictional damping, our stability result is obtained under the equal‐speed of propagation and a smallness condition on the weight of delay.
Robust water fat separated dual‐echo MRI by phase‐sensitive reconstruction
Authors: Romu Thobias , Dahlström Nils , Leinhard Olof Dahlqvist , Borga Magnus
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to develop and evaluate a robust water‐fat separation method for T1‐weighted symmetric two‐point Dixon data.

Theory and Methods

A method for water‐fat separation by phase unwrapping of the opposite‐phase images by phase‐sensitive reconstruction (PSR) is introduced. PSR consists of three steps; (1), identification of clusters of tissue voxels; (2), unwrapping of the phase in each cluster by solving Poisson's equation; and (3), finding the correct sign of each unwrapped opposite‐phase cluster, so that the water‐fat images are assigned the correct identities. Robustness was evaluated by counting the number of water‐fat swap artifacts in a total of 733 image volumes. The method was also compared to commercial software.

Results

In the water‐fat separated image volumes, the PSR method failed to unwrap the phase of one cluster and misclassified 10. One swap was observed in areas affected by motion and was constricted to the affected area. Twenty swaps were observed surrounding susceptibility artifacts, none of which spread outside the artifact affected regions. The PSR method had fewer swaps when compared to commercial software.

Conclusion

The PSR method can robustly produce water‐fat separated whole‐body images based on symmetric two‐echo spoiled gradient echo images, under both ideal conditions and in the presence of common artifacts. Magn Reson Med 78:1208–1216, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
In vivo demonstration of whole‐brain multislice multispoke parallel transmit radiofrequency pulse design in the small and large flip angle regimes at 7 Tesla
Authors: Gras Vincent , Vignaud Alexandre , Amadon Alexis , Mauconduit Franck , Le Bihan Denis , Boulant Nicolas
Published: October 2016

Purpose

A multispoke specific absorption rate (SAR) ‐aware pulse design approach for homogeneous multiple‐slice small and large flip angle (FA) excitations with parallel transmission is proposed. The approach aims at optimizing in a slice‐specific manner the spokes locations and radiofrequency pulses.

Methods

The problem is posed as a set of slice‐specific magnitude‐least‐squares problems, linked together by hardware and SAR constraints, and solved jointly using an active‐set algorithm. Average Hamiltonian theory is exploited in the large FA case to greatly reduce the computational burden. The approach is validated numerically by means of simulations and experimentally on two volunteers at 7 Tesla through application of a high‐resolution
‐weighted brain imaging protocol.

Results

The optimization of up to 1300 variables under 745 explicit constraints could be performed in less than 1 and 4 min for the small and large FA cases, respectively. The joint design proves valuable for SAR demanding protocols. Compared with the conventional circularly polarized mode, the designed pulses increased the signal by more than 40% in 70% of the voxels.

Conclusion

The
inhomogeneity problem was mitigated efficiently in a multislice near whole‐brain coverage protocol in the small and large FA regimes using a rapid slice‐specific pulse design algorithm where the pulses were optimized jointly. Magn Reson Med 78:1009–1019, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Three‐dimensional ultrashort echo‐time imaging using a FLORET trajectory
Authors: Robison Ryan K. , Anderson Ashley G. , Pipe James G.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Three‐dimensional ultrashort echo‐time (UTE) imaging commonly makes use of an isotropic 3D radial projection acquisition. The FLORET sequence is proposed and evaluated as a more efficient alternative. Methods: The properties of the FLORET trajectory are contrasted with those of a 3D radial projection trajectory. The theoretical advantages of FLORET, including greater sampling and SNR efficiency, are evaluated based upon experimental data. The effect of
decay on FLORET is analyzed in comparison to the 3D radial, Cones, and Density Adapted Radial trajectories. FLORET UTE image quality is compared with 3D radial UTE image quality.

Results

FLORET is shown to have several advantages over 3D radial acquisitions with respect to image quality, scan time, signal‐to‐noise, and off‐resonance blurring for UTE data. The signal and resolution losses from
decay for a FLORET acquisition are shown to be comparable to those of Density Adapted Radial and Density Compensated Cones trajectories.

Conclusion

The FLORET sequence is recommended as an alternative to 3D radial projection sequences for musculoskeletal UTE imaging as well as other UTE applications that accommodate modest to long per shot sampling times. FLORET is not recommended for imaging extremely short T2 species such as dentin. Magn Reson Med 78:1038–1049, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Reduced expression of chemerin in visceral adipose tissue associates with hepatic steatosis in patients with obesity
Authors: Bekaert Marlies , Ouwens D. Margriet , Hörbelt Tina , Van de Velde Frederique , Fahlbusch Pia , Herzfeld de Wiza Daniella , Van Nieuwenhove Yves , Calders Patrick , Praet Marleen , Hoorens Anne , Geerts Anja , Verhelst Xavier , Kaufman Jean‐Marc , Lapauw Bruno
Published: October 2016

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate whether circulating levels and/or visceral adipose tissue (VAT) expression of recently described adipokines associate with histopathological severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), independent of obesity and insulin resistance.

Methods

Serum levels of adiponectin, omentin, chemerin, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, and secreted frizzled‐related protein 4 were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 81 patients with obesity and NAFLD and 18 lean control subjects. Expression in VAT was measured using real‐time PCR and histopathological grading was scored using the NAFLD activity score (NAS).

Results

When NAFLD patients were subdivided into groups with simple steatosis, borderline nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and NASH, adiponectin serum levels and omentin expression were lower in NASH versus simple steatosis patients. Serum adiponectin was generally lower with higher histopathological grading. Chemerin VAT expression was negatively associated with NAS (r = −0.331, P = 0.022) and steatosis score (r = −0.335, P = 0.020), independent of age, BMI, and HOMA‐IR. In addition, adjusting for chemerin VAT expression in a multivariate model explained part of the association between NAS and HOMA‐IR.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that lower VAT expression of chemerin in patients with obesity may be involved in the pathophysiology of hepatic steatosis, potentially by modulating the link between insulin resistance and NAFLD.
Towards comprehensive and quantitative proteomics for diagnosis and therapy of human disease
Authors: Cifani Paolo , Kentsis Alex
Published: October 2016

Given superior analytical features, MS proteomics is well suited for the basic investigation and clinical diagnosis of human disease. Modern MS enables detailed functional characterization of the pathogenic biochemical processes, as achieved by accurate and comprehensive quantification of proteins and their regulatory chemical modifications. Here, we describe how high‐accuracy MS in combination with high‐resolution chromatographic separations can be leveraged to meet these analytical requirements in a mechanism‐focused manner. We review the quantification methods capable of producing accurate measurements of protein abundance and posttranslational modification stoichiometries. We then discuss how experimental design and chromatographic resolution can be leveraged to achieve comprehensive functional characterization of biochemical processes in complex biological proteomes. Finally, we describe current approaches for quantitative analysis of a common functional protein modification: reversible phosphorylation. In all, current instrumentation and methods of high‐resolution chromatography and MS proteomics are poised for immediate translation into improved diagnostic strategies for pediatric and adult diseases.
Effects of cold atmospheric plasma generated in deionized water in cell cancer therapy
Authors: Chen Zhitong , Lin Li , Cheng Xiaoqian , Gjika Eda , Keidar Michael
Published: October 2016

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) was shown to affect cells not only directly, but also indirectly by means of plasma pre‐treated solution. This study investigated a new application of CAP generated in deionized (DI) water for the cancer therapy. In our experiments, the CAP solution was generated in DI water using helium as carrier gas. We report on the effects of this plasma solution in breast (MDA‐MD‐231) and gastric (NCI‐N87) cancer cells. The results revealed that apoptosis efficiency was dependent on the plasma exposure time and on the levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS). The plasma solution that resulted from 30‐min treatment of DI water had the most significant effect in the rate of apoptosis.
High–Yield Production of Uniform Gold Nanoparticles with Sizes from 31 to 577 nm via One‐Pot Seeded Growth and Size‐Dependent SERS Property
Authors: Zhang Peina , Li Yijing , Wang Dayang , Xia Haibing
Published: October 2016

In this work, uniform, quasi‐spherical gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with sizes of 31–577 nm are prepared via one‐pot seeded growth with the aid of tris‐base (TB). Distinct from the seeded growth methods available in literature, the present method can be simply implemented by subsequently adding the aqueous dispersion of the 17 nm Au‐NP seeds and the aqueous solution of HAuCl4 into the boiling aqueous TB solution. It is found that at the optimal pH range, the sizes of the final Au NPs and their concentrations are simply controlled by either the particle number of the Au seed dispersion or the concentration of the HAuCl4 solution, while the latter enables us to produce large Au NPs at very high concentration. Moreover, as‐prepared Au NPs of various sizes are coated on glass substrates to test their surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activities by using 4‐aminothiophenol (4‐ATP) molecules as probes, which exhibit “volcano type” dependence on the Au NP sizes at fixed excitation wavelength. Furthermore, the Au NPs with sizes of ≈97 and 408 nm exhibit the largest SERS enhancement at the excitation wavelength of 633 and 785 nm, respectively.
The macro domain as fusion tag for carrier‐driven crystallization
Authors: Wild Rebekka , Hothorn Michael
Published: October 2016

Obtaining well‐ordered crystals remains a significant challenge in protein X‐ray crystallography. Carrier‐driven crystallization can facilitate crystal formation and structure solution of difficult target proteins. We obtained crystals of the small and highly flexible SPX domain from the yeast vacuolar transporter chaperone 4 (Vtc4) when fused to a C‐terminal, non‐cleavable macro tag derived from human histone macroH2A1.1. Initial crystals diffracted to 3.3 Å resolution. Reductive protein methylation of the fusion protein yielded a new crystal form diffracting to 2.1 Å. The structures were solved by molecular replacement, using isolated macro domain structures as search models. Our findings suggest that macro domain tags can be employed in recombinant protein expression in E. coli, and in carrier‐driven crystallization.
The Effectiveness of Discharge Training for Patients After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Coskun Halise , Senture Cicek , Ustunsoz Ayfer
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of written and verbal discharge training given to patients who underwent cardiac surgery.

Design and Methods:

It was conducted on 180 patients between November 2011 and June 2012. The patients were divided into two groups. The first 90 patients were given verbal discharge training, whereas the others were provided with both written and verbal trainings. Using pretest and posttest questionnaires, knowledge levels of the patients were evaluated before training and 1 month after discharge. Patients given verbal discharge training had a success rate of 10.2% pretest, 48.1% posttest, whereas the success rate of patients who received both written and verbal discharge training was 6.35% pretest, 90.7% posttest.

Findings:

The findings show that both written and verbal discharge training increased the knowledge levels.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance:

The findings imply that written–verbal discharge training may help patients to solve the problems after discharge, which may reduce the number of patients presenting at hospital and, in turn, related healthcare costs.
Deterring Rearrests for Drinking and Driving
Authors: Sloan Frank , Eldred Lindsey , McCutchan Sabrina , Platt Alyssa
Published: October 2016

This study assesses why some individuals are rearrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI). Using longitudinal data from North Carolina containing information on arrests and arrest outcomes, we test hypotheses that individuals prosecuted and convicted of DWI are less likely to be rearrested for DWI. We allow for possible endogeneity of prosecution and conviction outcomes by using instrumental variables for the prosecutor's prosecution rate and the judge's conviction rate. With a three‐year follow‐up, the probability of DWI rearrest was reduced by 6.6% if the person was prosecuted for DWI and, for those prosecuted, by 24.5% if convicted on this charge. Prosecution and conviction for DWI deters rearrest for DWI.
Does Manufacturer Advertising Crowd‐in or Crowd‐out Retailer Advertising? An Application of an Endogenous Prize Contest with Asymmetric Players
Authors: Ridlon Robert
Published: October 2016

When a manufacturer advertises, what is the impact on retailer advertising? I analyze a contest model of advertising where total advertising by the manufacturer and by retailers determines market size, and the relative level of advertising by each retailer determines market share. If retailers are symmetric I show that there is a crowding‐in effect so increased manufacturer advertising increases retail advertising. But if one retailer is stronger, then marginal increases in manufacturer advertising have a crowding‐out effect on retailer advertising, while sufficiently large increases have a crowding‐in effect by “jump‐starting” competition between retailers for the larger market. Furthermore, asymmetric abilities in such contests can lead the weaker player to effectively drop out of the contest, thereby undermining the ability of increased prizes to increase effort by intensifying competition.
The Impact of SNAP on Material Hardships: Evidence From Broad‐Based Categorical Eligibility Expansions
Authors: Han Jeehoon
Published: October 2016

This article examines whether expanding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility reduces material hardships of low‐income households. During the Great Recession, many states expanded the income threshold of eligibility for SNAP. I show that expansions in eligibility increased the SNAP participation rate by 3–5 percentage points. I also find that the expansion leads to a modest decrease in nonfood hardships, such as rent and utility delinquencies. However, the increase in SNAP enrollment does not lead to greater food spending or a reduction in food insecurity except for households with children.