bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histone deacetylase 11 suppresses p53 expression in pituitary tumor cells
Authors: Wang Weimin , Fu Li , Li Shengli , Xu Zhiming , Li Xingang
Published: August 2017

The pathogenesis of pituitary tumors (PT) is unclear. Deregulation of apoptosis is one of the factors involving tumor growth. Histone deacetylases (HDAC) have an active role in multiple cellular activities. This study aims to investigate the role of HDAC in the interference with apoptosis in PT. In this study, PT samples were collected from 20 patients after surgery. The expression of HDAC and p53 was analyzed in the PT samples. PT cell line, AtT‐20 cells, was cultured to test the role of HDAC in the regulation of apoptosis in PT cells. The results showed that the high levels of HDAC11 and lower levels of p53 were detected in PT. A negative correlation was detected between the data of HDAC11 and p53. A complex of HDAC11 and HEY1, the gene transcription factor of p53, was detected in the PT cells. Less acetylated HEY1 was found in the PT cells. In addition, lower levels of HEY1 and the gene transcription activities were detected at the PT53 promoter locus. This phenomenon was mimicked by overexpression of HDAC11 in AtT‐20 cells. Knockdown of HDAC11 enhanced the p53 expression in AtT‐20 cells. In conclusion, HDAC11 interferes with p53 expression in PT cells. The fact suggests that inhibition of HDAC11 has therapeutic potential in the treatment of PT.
Differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells into neuronal by resveratrol
Authors: Geng Ya‐Wei , Zhang Zhen , Liu Ming‐Yue , Hu Wei‐Ping
Published: August 2017

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have been proposed as a promising source of stem cells in nerve regeneration due to their close embryonic origin and ease of harvest. Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenolic and possesses many biological functions such as anti‐inflammatory activity and protection against atherosclerosis and neuroprotective activities. There is increasing evidence showing that RSV plays a pivotal role in neuron protection and neuronal differentiation. In this study, we isolated DPSCs from impacted third molars and investigated whether RSV induces neuronal differentiation of DPSCs. To avoid loss of DPSCs multipotency, all the experiments were conducted on cells at early passages. RT‐PCR results showed that RSV‐treated DPSCs (RSV‐DPSCs) significantly increased the expression of the neuroprogenitor marker Nestin. When RSV‐DPSCs were differentiated with neuronal induction media (RSV‐dDPSCs), they showed a cell morphology similar to neurons. The expression of neuronal‐specific marker genes Nestin, Musashi, and NF‐M in RSV‐dDPSCs was significantly increased. Immunocytochemical staining and Western blot analysis showed that the expression of neuronal marker proteins, Nestin, and NF‐M, was significantly increased in RSV‐dDPSCs. Therefore, we have shown that RSV treatment, along with the use of neuronal induction media, effectively promotes neuronal cell differentiation of DPSCs.
Mesoporous and Skeletal Molybdenum Carbide for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction: Diatomite‐type Structure and Formation Mechanism
Authors: Wang Yangxia , Shi Zhangping , Mo Qijie , Gao Boxu , Liu Bolun , Wang Lei , Zhang Yahong , Gao Qingsheng , Tang Yi
Published: August 2017

The front cover artwork is provided by the groups of Yi Tang from Fudan University (China) and Qingsheng Gao from Jinan University (China). The image shows the mesoporous and skeletal molybdenum carbide composed of Mo2C–MoC for an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.201700378.
Structural Characterization of PEGylated Hexaphenylalanine Nanostructures Exhibiting Green Photoluminescence Emission
Authors: Diaferia Carlo , Sibillano Teresa , Altamura Davide , Roviello Valentina , Vitagliano Luigi , Giannini Cinzia , Morelli Giancarlo , Accardo Antonella
Published: August 2017

Peptides containing aromatic residues are known to exhibit spontaneous phenomena of supramolecular organization into ordered nanostructures (NSs). In this work we studied the structural behavior and optoelectronic properties of new biocompatible materials obtained by the self‐assembly of a series of hexaphenylalanines (F6) modified at the N terminus by a PEG chain of different lengths. PEG12‐F6, PEG18‐F6, and PEG24‐F6 peptides were synthesized by coupling sequentially two, three, or four units of amino‐carboxy‐PEG6 blocks, each one containing six oxyethylene repetitions. Changes in the length and composition of the PEG chain were found to modulate the structural organization of the phenylalanine‐based nanostructures. An increase in the self‐aggregation tendency was observed with longer PEG chains, whereas, independently of the PEG length, the peptide NSs display cross‐β‐like secondary structures with an antiparallel β‐strand arrangement. WAXS/GIWAXS diffraction patterns indicate a progressive decrease in fiber order along the series. All the PEG‐F6 derivatives present blue photoluminescent (PL) emission at 460 nm, with the adduct with the longest PEG chain (PEG24‐F6) showing an additional green emission at 530 nm.
Cancer survivorship and opioid prescribing rates: A population‐based matched cohort study among individuals with and without a history of cancer
Authors: Sutradhar Rinku , Lokku Armend , Barbera Lisa
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Little is known about opioid prescribing among individuals who have survived cancer. Our aim is to examine a predominantly socio‐economically disadvantaged population for differences in opioid prescribing rates among cancer survivors compared with matched controls without a prior diagnosis of cancer.

METHODS

This was a retrospective population‐wide matched cohort study. Starting in 2010, individuals residing in Ontario, Canada, who were 18 to 64 years of age and at least 5 years past their cancer diagnosis were matched to controls without a prior cancer diagnosis based on sex and calendar year of birth. Follow‐up was terminated at any indication of cancer recurrence, second malignancy, or new cancer diagnosis. To examine the association between survivorship and the rate of opioid prescriptions, an Andersen‐Gill recurrent event regression model was implemented, adjusting for numerous individual‐level characteristics and also accounting for the matched design.

RESULTS

The rate of opioid prescribing was 1.22 times higher among survivors than among their corresponding matched controls (adjusted relative rate, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.11‐1.34). Individuals from lower income quintiles who were younger, were from rural neighborhoods, and had more comorbidities had significantly higher prescribing rates. Sex was not associated with prescribing rates. This increased rate of opioid prescribing was also seen among survivors who were 10 or more years past their cancer diagnosis (compared with their controls).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates substantially higher opioid prescribing rates among cancer survivors, even long after attaining survivorship. This raises concerns about the diagnosis and management of chronic pain problems among survivors stemming from their cancer diagnosis or treatment. Cancer 2017;123:4286–4293. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Is There a Renaissance of Glucocorticoids in Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Authors: Kirwan JR , Gunasekera WMA
Published: August 2017

The first therapeutic use of glucocorticoids was in a patient with severe rheumatoid arthritis and the symptomatic benefit was astounding. Adverse effects from increasingly large doses led to them being overshadowed, dismissed as inappropriate treatment, and ignored for 20 years – but in the last 2 decades, the accumulating evidence and clinical practice suggest there is a justified renaissance in their use as a first‐line treatment.
Iron‐Doped BaMnO3 for Hybrid Water Splitting and Syngas Generation
Authors: Haribal Vasudev Pralhad , He Feng , Mishra Amit , Li Fanxing
Published: August 2017

A rationalized strategy to optimize transition‐metal‐oxide‐based redox catalysts for water splitting and syngas generation through a hybrid solar‐redox process is proposed and validated. Monometallic transition metal oxides do not possess desirable properties for water splitting; however, density functional theory calculations indicate that the redox properties of perovskite‐structured BaMnxFe1−xO3−δ can be varied by changing the B‐site cation compositions. Specifically, BaMn0.5Fe0.5O3−δ is projected to be suitable for the hybrid solar‐redox process. Experimental studies confirm such predictions, demonstrating 90 % steam‐to‐hydrogen conversion in water splitting and over 90 % syngas yield in the methane partial‐oxidation step after repeated redox cycles. Compared to state‐of‐the‐art solar‐thermal water‐splitting catalysts, the rationally designed redox catalyst reported is capable of splitting water at a significantly lower temperature and with ten‐fold increase in steam‐to‐hydrogen conversion. Process simulations indicate the potential to operate the hybrid solar‐redox process at a higher efficiency than state‐of‐the‐art hydrogen and liquid‐fuel production processes with 70 % lower CO2 emissions for hydrogen production
A novel organizing scheme of single topic user group based on trust chain model in social network
Authors: Li Meizi , Xiang Yang , Zhang Bo , Wei Fazhuan , Song Qianqian
Published: August 2017

Social network sites (SNS) presently face the task of grouping users into small subsets within themselves. In this study, an organizing scheme for single‐topic user groups is proposed for facilitating user sharing and communicating under common interests. The main rationales of the proposed scheme are (1) only an influential single topic is selected through its impact evaluation to attract users; (2) only the users having high degree of interest, explicit or implicit, on the topic should be grouped; and (3) trustworthy relationships among users are taken into consideration to enlarge the scale of user group. The proposed organizing scheme comprises 3 features: topic impact evaluation, interest degree measurement, and trust chain‐based organizing. The main structure of our proposed scheme is (1) an overview of the proposed scheme and its formal related definitions; (2) a topic impact evaluation method, ie, an importance evaluation and a popularity calculation; (3) a user interest degree measurement method, ie, explicit and implicit interest evaluation with dynamic factors included; (4) a trust chain calculation method based on the topology features of the trust chain; (5) an organizing algorithm for single topic user group, and finally, some experimental results and discussions to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of our scheme.
Community identity and collective efficacy: A social cure for traumatic stress in post‐earthquake Nepal
Authors: Muldoon Orla T. , Acharya Khagendra , Jay Sarah , Adhikari Kamal , Pettigrew Judith , Lowe Robert D.
Published: August 2017

Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was initially conceptualized as a psychopathology that arose as a consequence of war time experiences. More recently, available evidence has demonstrated that post‐traumatic stress (PTS) as a consequence of war is buffered by social identity processes. In such contexts, identity resources are arguably more readily accessible given the integral relationship between social identities and intergroup violence. There is no evidence as yet to suggest that social identity processes may act to reduce PTS responses to naturally occurring disasters such as earthquakes and even less data pertaining to non‐Western contexts where the impact of such disasters tends to be particularly catastrophic. This article reports on a study undertaken in earthquake‐affected regions in Nepal devastated by the April 2015 quake and its major aftershock a month later. Participants (n=399) completed measures of their earthquake experience, Post‐Traumatic Stress and Post Traumatic growth (PTG), as well as measures of community identification and collective efficacy. In total 399 people completed the measures approximately six months after the quakes. Results of the study indicated that consistent with tenets of the social identity framework, ethnic and gender group memberships impacted on reported experiences during the earthquake. Reported experience during the quakes and ethnic group membership were both related to increased symptoms of PTS. Ethnicity was also linked to the proportion of respondents reporting clinical levels of PTSD symptoms. The relationship between earthquake experience and PTG was mediated by community identification and collective efficacy. Earthquake experience also had an indirect effect on PTS through collective efficacy. Implications of these findings for those working with traumatized groups are discussed.
Aspirin and incident depressive symptoms: A longitudinal cohort study over 8 years
Authors: Veronese Nicola , Koyanagi Ai , Stubbs Brendon , Solmi Marco , Fornaro Michele , Fernandes Brisa S. , Muller Christoph , Thompson Trevor , Carvalho André F. , Maggi Stefania
Published: August 2017

Objective

Aspirin exhibits anti‐atherosclerotic and anti‐inflammatory properties—two potential risk factors for depression. The relationship between aspirin use and depression, however, remains unclear. We investigated whether the aspirin use is associated with a decreased incidence of depressive symptoms in a large North American cohort.

Methods

Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative dataset, a multicenter, longitudinal study on community‐dwelling adults was analyzed. Aspirin use was defined through self‐report in the past 30 days and confirmed by a trained interviewer. Incident depressive symptoms were defined as a score of ≥16 in the 20‐item Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression scale.

Results

A total of 137 participants (mean age 65 y, 55.5% female) were using aspirin at baseline. Compared with 4003 participants not taking aspirin, no differences in Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression at baseline were evident (P = .65). After a median follow‐up time of 8 years, the incidence of depressive symptoms was similar in those taking aspirin at baseline (43; 95% CI, 3‐60) and in aspirin nonusers (38; 95% CI, 36‐41) per 1000 y; log‐rank test = 0.63). Based on Cox's regression analysis adjusted for 11 potential confounders, aspirin use was not significantly associated with the development of depressive symptoms (hazard ratio = 1.12; 95% CI, 0.78‐1.62; P = .54). Adjustment for propensity scores or the use of propensity score matching did not alter the results.

Conclusion

Our study found that prescription of aspirin offered no significant protection against incident depressive symptoms. Whether aspirin is beneficial in a subgroup of depression with high levels of inflammation remains to be investigated in future studies.
Transoral robotic surgery for tonsillar cancer: Addressing the contralateral tonsil
Authors: Dziegielewski Peter T. , Boyce Brian J. , Old Matthew , Teknos Theodoros N. , Agrawal Amit , Patwa Hafiz , Ozer Enver
Published: August 2017

Background

The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence and risk factors for bilateral tonsillar cancers treated with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and to determine the morbidity of the procedure.

Methods

Patients undergoing TORS for known tonsillar cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Perioperative variables and surgical outcomes were analyzed to determine predictive factors for bilateral disease and morbidity rates.

Results

Seventy‐nine consecutive patients with tonsillar cancers underwent primary TORS radical tonsillectomy. Thirty of these patients also underwent contralateral tonsillectomy. Three patients (10%) were found to have contralateral tonsillar cancers on final pathology. These were not identified on preoperative positron emission tomography (PET)‐CT or clinical examination. There were no differences in complications, gastrostomy tube (G‐tube) rates, or length of stay (P > .05). Blood loss was 11.5 cc more in the contralateral tonsillectomy group (P = .001).

Conclusion

All patients undergoing primary TORS for tonsillar cancers should also undergo contralateral tonsillectomy to optimize oncologic outcomes with no increase in morbidity.
Time to Slow Down for High‐Frequency Trading? Lessons from Artificial Markets
Authors: Veryzhenko Iryna , Arena Lise , Harb Etienne , Oriol Nathalie
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we focus on the French cancel order tax implemented on 1 August 2012. We question the effectiveness of the modified tax with no exemptions and we analyze its impact on market quality, measured by liquidity, volatility and efficiency. Additionally, this paper raises the question whether this tax leads to a reduction of high‐frequency trading (HFT) activities and a decline in trading volume. Based on our findings we report that introduction of cancel order tax only slightly reduces HFT activities, but it significantly affects market liquidity, increases market volatility and leads to deteriorating market efficiency. We conclude that it is difficult to dissuade investors from entering into unproductive trades and eliminate negative outputs of HFT (such as price manipulations) through tax, without altering the benefits of HFT like liquidity provision and efficient price discovery.
Orthopaedic wear particle‐induced bone loss and exogenous macrophage infiltration is mitigated by local infusion of NF‐κB decoy oligodeoxynucleotide
Authors: Lin Tzuhua , Pajarinen Jukka , Nabeshima Akira , Córdova Luis A. , Loi Florence , Gibon Emmanuel , Lu Laura , Nathan Karthik , Jämsen Eemeli , Yao Zhenyu , Goodman Stuart B.
Published: August 2017

Excessive production of wear particles from total joint replacements induces chronic inflammation, macrophage infiltration, and consequent bone loss (periprosthetic osteolysis). This inflammation and bone remodeling are critically regulated by the transcription factor NF‐κB. We previously demonstrated that inhibition of NF‐κB signaling by using the decoy oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) mitigates polyethylene wear particle‐induced bone loss using in vitro and in vivo models. However, the mechanisms of NF‐κB decoy ODN action, and in particular its impact on systemic macrophage recruitment, remain unknown. In the current study, this systemic macrophage infiltration was examined in our established murine femoral continuous particle infusion model. RAW264.7 murine macrophages expressing a luciferase reporter gene were injected into the systemic circulation. Quantification of bioluminescence showed that NF‐κB decoy ODN reduced the homing of these reporter macrophages into the distal femurs exposed to continuous particle delivery. Particle‐induced reduction in bone mineral density at the distal diaphysis of the femur was also mitigated by infusion of decoy ODN. Histological staining showed that the decoy ODN infusion decreased osteoclast and macrophage numbers, but had no significant effects on osteoblasts. Local infusion of NF‐κB decoy ODN reduced systemic macrophage infiltration and mitigated particle‐induced bone loss, thus providing a potential strategy to treat periprosthetic osteolysis. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3169–3175, 2017.
Pectin nanocoating reduces proinflammatory fibroblast response to bacteria
Authors: Mieszkowska A. , Folkert J. , Gaber T. , Miksch K. , Gurzawska K.
Published: August 2017

Implant failures are primarily related to bacterial infections and inflammation. Nanocoating of implant devices with organic molecules is a method used for improving their integration into host tissues and limiting inflammation. Bioengineered plant‐derived rhamnogalacturonan‐Is (RG‐Is) from pectins improve tissue regeneration and exhibit anti‐inflammatory properties. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro effect of RG‐I nanocoating on human gingival primary fibroblast (HGF) activity and proinflammatory response following Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) infection. Infected HGFs were incubated on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) plates coated with unmodified RG‐I isolated from potato pectin (PU) and dearabinanated RG‐I (PA). HGF morphology, proliferation, metabolic activity, and expression of genes responsible for extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover and proinflammatory response were examined. Following the P. gingivalis infection, PU and PA significantly promoted HGF proliferation and metabolic activity. Moreover, gene expression levels of IL1B, IL8, TNFA, and MMP2 decreased in the infected cells cultured on PU and PA, whereas the expression of COL1A1, FN1, and FGFR1 was upregulated. The results indicate that RG‐Is are promising candidates for nanocoating of an implant surface, can reduce inflammation, and enhance implant integration, particularly in medically compromised patients with chronic inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3475–3481, 2017.
Structure, dissolution behavior, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial activity of silver‐containing calcium phosphate invert glasses
Authors: Lee Sungho , Nakano Takayoshi , Kasuga Toshihiro
Published: August 2017

Novel CaO‐P2O5‐Nb2O5‐Ag2O invert glasses with substitution Ag2O for Nb2O5 were successfully prepared using a melt‐quenching method. Ag2O in the glasses act as a network modifier oxide, playing the same role as Na2O, which breaks the phosphate chains. Analysis of the ultraviolet‐visible absorption spectra of the glasses showed that the glass matrix contained ionic silver species and silver nanoparticles. Approximately 0.05 mM of Nb5+ ions released from the glasses, which would be expected to stimulate osteoblast differentiation. A glass containing 1 mol % Ag2O showed a linear increase in the releasing amount of Ag+ ions with increasing soaking time, whereas glasses containing 3–5 mol % Ag2O showed Ag+ ion concentrations of around 13 μM at day 3, and then maintained similar values until day 7. When the solution was replaced with fresh solution every 2 days, the Ag+ ion dissolution amounts indicated almost constantly 13 μM due to AgCl formation. There were no differences in the numbers of primary osteoblast cells on silver‐free and silver‐containing glasses after cultivation for 1–7 days. The silver‐containing calcium phosphate invert glasses showed cytocompatibility with simultaneous antibacterial activity to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3127–3135, 2017.
Electrophoretic deposition of MgO nanoparticles imparts antibacterial properties to poly‐L‐lactic acid for orthopedic applications
Authors: Hickey Daniel J. , Muthusamy Divya , Webster Thomas J.
Published: August 2017

Bacterial infection of implanted biomaterials is a serious problem that increases health care costs and negatively affects a considerable fraction of orthopedic procedures. In this field, magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) have emerged as a promising material to combat bacterial infection while maintaining or improving bone cell functions. Here, MgO NPs were electrophoretically deposited onto poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) sheets to achieve a coating of highly exposed MgO NPs that directly influenced cell‐substrate interactions at short time scales. Samples were characterized for their surface chemistry, crystal structure, roughness, wettability, degradation characteristics, and their ability to support the growth of human fibroblasts and osteoblasts, as well as their resistance to colonization by Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In general, increasing the applied voltage during deposition increased the surface coverage of the coating and significantly decreased the colonization of all three bacterial strains (up to a 90% reduction). Furthermore, S. aureus cells that did attach onto substrates prepared at high voltages exhibited trademark signs of membrane damage and cell death. Importantly, MTS cell viability assays indicated that osteoblast adhesion increased with increasing deposition voltage, while fibroblast adhesion exhibited the opposite trend. Thus, although requiring more studies, this research provides the first evidence that MgO NP coatings prepared at relatively high voltages (120–150 V) may have the ability to resist bacterial colonization, promote bone cell attachment, and curb fibrous capsule formation. Therefore, it is recommended that this technology be further investigated and developed for numerous orthopedic applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3136–3147, 2017.
Regulation of synaptic scaling by action potential–independent miniature neurotransmission
Authors: Gonzalez‐Islas Carlos , Bülow Pernille , Wenner Peter
Published: August 2017

Synaptic scaling represents a homeostatic adjustment in synaptic strength that was first identified as a cell‐wide mechanism to achieve firing rate homeostasis after perturbations to spiking activity levels. In this review, we consider a form of synaptic scaling that is triggered by changes in action potential‐independent neurotransmitter release. This plasticity appears to be both triggered and expressed locally at the dendritic site of the synapse that experiences a perturbation. A discussion of different forms of scaling triggered by different perturbations is presented. We consider work from multiple groups supporting this form of scaling, which we call neurotransmission‐based scaling. This class of homeostatic synaptic plasticity is compared in studies using hippocampal and cortical cultures, as well as in vivo work in the embryonic chick spinal cord. Despite differences in the tissues examined, there are clear similarities in neurotransmission‐based scaling, which appear to be molecularly distinct from the originally described spike‐based scaling.
The surgical anatomy of the vascularized lateral thoracic artery lymph node flap—A cadaver study
Authors: Tinhofer Ines E. , Meng Stefan , Steinbacher Johannes , Roka‐Palkovits Julia , Györi Eva , Reissig Lukas F. , Cheng Ming‐Huei , Weninger Wolfgang J. , Tzou Chieh Han
Published: August 2017

Background

One promising surgical treatment of lymphedema is the VLNT. Lymph nodes can be harvested from different locations; inguinal, axillary, and supraclavicular ones are used most often. The aim of our study was to assess the surgical anatomy of the lateral thoracic artery lymph node flap.

Materials and Methods

In total, 16 lymph node flaps from nine cadavers were dissected. Flap markings were made between the anterior and posterior axillary line in dimensions of 10 × 5 cm. Axillary lymph nodes were analyzed using high‐resolution ultrasound and morphologically via dissection. The cutaneous vascular territory of the lateral thoracic artery was highlighted via dye injections, the pedicle recorded by length, and diameter and its location in a specific coordinate system.

Results

On average, 3.10 ± 1.6 lymph nodes were counted per flap via ultrasound. Macroscopic inspection showed on average 13.40 ± 3.13. Their mean dimensions were 3.76 ± 1.19 mm in width and 7.12 ± 0.98 mm in length by ultrasonography, and 3.83 ± 2.14 mm and 6.30 ± 4.43 mm via dissection. The external diameter of the lateral thoracic artery averaged 2.2 ± 0.40 mm with a mean pedicle length of 3.6 ± 0.82 cm. 87.5% of the specimens had a skin paddle.

Conclusions

The lateral thoracic artery‐based lymph node flap proved to be a suitable alternative to other VLNT donor sites.
Development and validation of an endoscopic ear surgery classification system
Authors: Cohen Michael S. , Basonbul Razan A. , Barber Samuel R. , Kozin Elliott D. , Rivas Alejandro C. , Lee Daniel J.
Published: August 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To design and validate a classification system for endoscopic ear surgery.

Study Design

Validation study.

Methods

A classification system was devised that quantifies use of the endoscope during middle ear surgery. Otologic operative reports were reviewed by attending surgeons and trainees. A power analysis was performed to determine number of cases needed to review. The following categories were used: class 0 is defined by using the microscope only; class 1 describes the use of endoscope for inspection without dissection; and class 2 describes mixed use of the endoscope and the microscope. It is further subdivided into 2a and 2b, where the endoscope is used for less than 50% of dissection and more than 50% of dissection, respectively. Class 3 describes the use of the endoscope for the entire surgery. Fifty cases were reviewed by three attending otologic surgeons, one resident, and one medical student.

Results

Weighted Cohen's Kappa for inter‐rater agreement between the two institutional surgeons was 0.79 (95% bias corrected [BC] confidence interval [CI]: 0.58‐0.93). Agreement between the external surgeon and the two institutional surgeons was 0.77 (95% BC CI: 0.58‐0.89) and 0.76 (95% BC CI: 0.57‐0.88). Weighted Kappa between institutional surgeons and a resident was 0.73 (95% BC CI: 0.53‐0.88) and 0.62 (95% BC CI: 0.38‐0.80), and between institutional surgeons and a medical student was 0.75 (95% BC CI: 0.56‐0.89) and 0.70 (95% BC CI: 0.49‐0.85).

Conclusions

There was substantial inter‐rater agreement. This classification system can be used as a simple and reliable tool to describe the extent to which an endoscope was used during ear surgery.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:967–970, 2018
Tracing Pb Pollution Penetration in Temperate Podzols
Authors: Ferro‐Vázquez Cruz , Pérez‐Rodríguez Marta , Nóvoa‐Muñoz Juan Carlos , Klaminder Jonatan , Bindler Richard , Martínez Cortizas Antonio
Published: August 2017

We combine high‐resolution soil sampling with lead (Pb) analyses (concentrations and stable isotopes) in two temperate podzols, together with previous data obtained with selective Al and Fe dissolution techniques. We aim to assess how atmospheric Pb is incorporated into the soils during pedogenesis. Partial least squares modelling for Pb concentrations shows that the podzolization process has the largest effect on Pb concentration (80·3% of the variance). The proportion of inorganic secondary compounds, the input of fresh organic matter from the soil surface and the relative abundance of Fe versus Al are responsible for a small part of the Pb concentration variance. Lead isotopic composition (206Pb/207Pb ratios) depends on soil organic matter content either fresh/poorly humified (57·3% of the variance) or humified (24·7% of the variance). The Pb linked to inorganic compounds and the overall podzolization process play a minor role in isotopic signature (5·3 and 3·7% of the variance respectively). Soil pH appears to be the controlling variable of the different transport and retention mechanisms. The relatively low isotopic ratios observed in spodic horizons result from geogenic Pb released through the preferential dissolution of the isotopically distinct most weatherable minerals of the parent material in the eluvial horizons, which undergoes downward mobilization. An accurate knowledge of soil reactive components and formation mechanisms is essential to a correct diagnose of the scope of Pb pollution and a more effective design of remediation strategies. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Initiating the Photopolymerization Behaviors of Water‐Soluble Polymerizable Polysiloxane–Polyether Block Imidazolium Ionic Liquids with Antibacterial Capability
Authors: Zhang Guowei , Jiang Shengling , Gao Yanjing , Sun Fang
Published: August 2017

Three water‐soluble polymerizable polysiloxane–polyether block imidazolium ionic liquids containing α‐hydroxy alkylphenone groups ([Si‐En‐2959Im‐A][TsO] (n = 1, 3, 5) are designed and synthesized as novel green photoinitiators. The photochemical properties and photoinitiation mechanism of the [Si‐En‐2959Im‐A][TsO] are investigated by ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy, real‐time infrared spectroscopy and electron spin resonance. [Si‐En‐2959Im‐A][TsO] exhibit good water solubility that reaches up to 12%. [Si‐En‐2959Im‐A][TsO] not only show desirable thermal properties and low saturated vapor pressure, but also effectively initiate photopolymerization. The initial weight loss of [Si‐En‐2959Im‐A][TsO] (n = 1, 3, 5) is at 256 °C and their saturated vapor pressures are less than 3.0 Pa. The migration of the photolysis fragments of [Si‐En‐2959Im‐A][TsO] from the cured material is mitigated significantly by their polymerizability and high molecular weights. Furthermore, biological tests involving Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains in contact with the UV‐cured films initiated by [Si‐En‐2959Im‐A][TsO] demonstrate that [Si‐En‐2959Im‐A][TsO] are effective antibacterial agents. Therefore, [Si‐En‐2959Im‐A][TsO] are promising components for the preparation of environmentally friendly materials and antibacterial coatings.
Spontaneous Self‐Assembly and Micellization of Random Copolymers in Organic Solvents
Authors: Sadeghi Ilin , Asatekin Ayse
Published: August 2017

Spontaneous self‐assembly of random and statistical copolymers in solution, especially in organic solvents, is unusual due to the structural irregularity of the copolymer chain and close proximity of short incompatible segments. This study describes the first observation of supramolecular structures such as micelles and vesicles formed by a random copolymer in organic solvents. Upon dissolution in methanol or tetrahydrofuran, the random copolymer poly(trifluoroethyl methacrylate‐random‐methacrylic acid) forms small spherical micelles, worm‐like assemblies, and large vesicles spontaneously. Self‐assembly is driven by the high incompatibility between the fluorinated and acidic repeat units. Micelle size can also be altered by the addition of metal ions, which interact with the carboxylic acid groups of methacrylic acid through complexation or Coulombic forces. These findings demonstrate an easy, single‐step approach to creating nanoscale structures with tunable size and morphologies in organic solvents from easily synthesized random copolymers, with potential applications in coatings, selective membranes, catalysis, and drug delivery.
Molecular evolution of acetohydroxyacid synthase in bacteria
Authors: Liu Yadi , Li Yanyan , Wang Xiaoyuan
Published: August 2017

Acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) is the key enzyme in the biosynthetic pathways of branched chain amino acids in bacteria. Since it does not exist in animal and plant cells, AHAS is an attractive target for developing antimicrobials and herbicides. In some bacteria, there is a single copy of AHAS, while in others there are multiple copies. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the origin and evolutionary pathway of various AHASs in bacteria. In this study, all the available protein sequences of AHAS in bacteria were investigated, and an evolutionary model of AHAS in bacteria is proposed, according to gene structure, organization and phylogeny. Multiple copies of AHAS in some bacteria might be evolved from the single copy of AHAS, the ancestor. Gene duplication, domain deletion and horizontal gene transfer might occur during the evolution of this enzyme. The results show the biological significance of AHAS, help to understand the functions of various AHASs in bacteria, and would be useful for developing industrial production strains of branched chain amino acids or novel antimicrobials.
A theoretical and NMR lanthanide‐induced shift (LIS) investigation of the conformations of lactams.
Authors: Abraham Raymond J. , Filippi Marco , Petrillo Giovanni , Piaggio Paola , Vladiskovic Chiara , Sancassan Fernando
Published: August 2017

Molecular mechanics (MM) with MMFF94 and MMX force fields and ab initio (RHF/6‐31G*,RHF/6‐311G**, and B3LYP/6‐311G**) calculations are used with lanthanide‐induced shift (LIS) to investigate the conformations of N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone 1, N‐methyl‐2‐piperidone 2, ε‐caprolactam 3, γ‐valerolactam (1,5‐dimethyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) 4, 2‐azetidinone 5, 4‐methyl azetidinone 6, 4‐phenyl azetidinone 7, and N‐methyl‐4‐phenyl azetidinone 8. The Yb(fod)3 paramagnetic induced shifts of all the 1H and 13C nuclei are measured and the corresponding diamagnetic complexation shifts obtained by the addition of Lu(fod)3. The complexation model (two‐, three‐, or four‐site) used depends on the relative rates of the processes involved. The amide inversion is the same order as that of the 5‐ and 6‐membered lactam rings and much faster than the lanthanide complexation and the inversion of the 7‐membered ring.

Both MM and ab initio calculations give an envelope conformation for 1 with C‐4 out of the ring plane in agreement with the LIS analysis. For the piperidone ring of 2, the half‐chair is calculated as the most stable form. The LIS analysis confirms this but cannot exclude a small amount (<2%) of the boat conformation. For 3, the LIS analysis gives a minimum for 90:10% chair to boat conformation, and 4 exists in two envelope conformations with the C5‐Me ps‐eq and ps‐ax in an eq/ax ratio of 94:6%. In 2‐azetidinone 5, the ab initio calculations gave both ring and nitrogen planar, but the MMFF94 calculations give a butterfly ring and pyramidal nitrogen. The LIS analysis for 5 gave good agreement (Rcryst 0.46%) for the MMFF94 geometry with endo NH but the planar ab initio geometries worse agreement (Rcryst = 1.1%). For 4‐methyl‐2‐azetidinone 6, the MMFF94 geometry gave good agreement (Rcryst 0.96%) with two butterfly conformations with axial and equatorial methyl groups in 1:1 ratio. All the planar geometries gave worse agreement (Rcryst >1.5%). In 4‐phenyl azetidinone 7, the MMFF94 geometry with 60% of the axial conformer gave Rcryst 1.2% but the other geometries Rcryst >1.5%. In contrast the N‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐2‐azetidinone 8 gave good agreement for all the geometries. The butterfly conformation gave Rcryst 1.1% for 80% of the axial conformer and the planar geometries Rcryst 0.98%. The LIS results confirm the ab initio and MM optimised geometries, but the conformer energies at times differ from the calculated values. They also differ considerably from the corresponding values for the lactones studied previously, and possible reasons for this are discussed.
Silent navigator–triggered silent MRI of the abdomen
Authors: Iwadate Yuji , Nozaki Atsushi , Nunokawa Yoshinobu , Okuda Shigeo , Jinzaki Masahiro , Kabasawa Hiroyuki
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To develop and demonstrate the feasibility of a silent respiratory navigator technique for prospective triggering, which was incorporated into a three‐dimensional radial zero‐echo‐time sequence for respiratory navigated silent abdominal imaging.

Methods

A nonselective hard excitation radiofrequency pulse was used for the navigator sequence with a derated readout gradient, to avoid generation of high levels of acoustic noise. The acquired navigator signals were processed in real time and used for prospective triggering of the zero‐echo‐time sequence. Ten healthy volunteers were scanned using the proposed and conventional techniques at 1.5 T. An acoustic noise measurement with A‐weighted continuous equivalent sound pressure level was also performed.

Results

The sound pressure–level values of the background noise, zero‐echo‐time imaging, conventional, and silent navigators were 68.3, 68.4, 102.5, and 69.4 dBA, respectively. Excellent correlation with correlation coefficients greater than 0.9 was observed between the bellows signals and displacement values calculated from the navigators. Sharpness of the portal vein of both conventional and silent navigator–triggered images was significantly higher than those of nontriggered images.

Conclusions

The silent navigator–triggered zero‐echo‐time technique is feasible and might improve image quality and workflow of abdominal MRI of patients who are prone to acoustic noise. Magn Reson Med 79:2170–2175, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Minimally invasive measurement of vesical pressure for diagnosis of infravesical obstruction
Authors: de Almeida João C. M. , D'Ancona Carlos A. L. , Bassani José W. M.
Published: August 2017

Aims

This study was focused on the clinical test of an improved and portable version of a previously described urethral connector (UC), designed for minimally invasive measurement of vesical pressure and diagnosis of infravesical obstruction in men.

Methods

The conventional pressure‐flow study (PFS) and the test with the new version of UC were applied to individuals reporting lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), who were then classified as obstructed or non‐obstructed/equivocal based on the bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI) from PFS data. Two‐way analysis of variance was used to compare the values of urine flow rate and vesical pressure between methods and diagnoses.

Results

Vesical pressure and urine flow values were not significantly different between methods (P > 0.05), while the former was greater in the group classified as obstructed.

Conclusion

The present results showed that the UC test can support the diagnosis of infravesical obstruction in a comparable way as that of the conventional urodynamic method, however with the advantages of simplicity and minimal invasiveness, having thus the potential to be an alternative method for long term follow‐up of individuals reporting LUTS.
A weighted singular value decomposition for the discrete inverse problems
Authors: Jozi Meisam , Karimi Saeed
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we introduce and analyze a new singular value decomposition (SVD) called weighted SVD (WSVD) using a new inner product instead of the Euclidean one. We use the WSVD to approximate the singular values and the singular functions of the Fredholm integral operators. In this case, the new inner product arises from the numerical integration used to discretize the operator. Then, the truncated WSVD (TWSVD) is used to regularize the Nyström discretization of the first‐kind Fredholm integral equations. Also, we consider the weighted LSQR (WLSQR) to approximate the solution obtained by the TWSVD method for large problems. Numerical experiments on a few problems are used to illustrate that the TWSVD can perform better than the TSVD.
Voltage Oscillations in a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell with Pd‐Pt/C and Pd/C Anodes
Authors: Nogueira Jéssica Alves , Varela Hamilton
Published: August 2017

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) fed with H2contaminated with CO may exhibit oscillatory behavior when operated galvanostatically. The self‐organization of the anodic overpotential is interesting because it can be accompanied by an increase in the average performance. Herein we report experimental studies of voltage oscillations that emerge in a PEMFC equipped with a Pd/C or PdPt/C anode and fed with H2contaminated with CO (100 ppm). We used on‐line mass spectrometry to investigate how the mass fragments associated with CO2and CO (m/z44 and 28, respectively) varied with the voltage oscillations. Overall, we observed that oscillations in the anodic overpotential are in phase with that of the CO and CO2signals. This fact is consistent with an autonomous adsorption–oxidation cyclic process. For both anodes, it has been observed that, in general, an increase in current density implies an increase in oscillatory frequency. By using CO stripping, we also discuss how the onset of CO oxidation is related to the maximum overpotential reached during a cycle, whereas the minimum overpotential can be associated with the catalytic activity of the electrode for H2oxidation.
Internalizing and externalizing in adolescence: the roles of academic self‐efficacy and gender
Authors: Rocchino Gabrielle H. , Dever Bridget V. , Telesford Alana , Fletcher Kristen
Published: August 2017

This study examines academic self‐efficacy and gender as predictors of internalizing and externalizing behaviors in adolescence. In addition, the role of gender was considered as a moderator in the relationship between academic self‐efficacy and internalizing/externalizing difficulties. Participants were 4,318 predominantly African American, low‐income high school students who completed self‐report measures on the constructs of interest. Academic self‐efficacy and gender were both significant predictors of risk for internalizing problems, whereas only academic self‐efficacy predicted risk for externalizing (hyperactivity/distractibility) problems. Gender did not predict externalizing difficulties, nor did gender serve as a moderator in any analysis. Implications include focusing on academic self‐efficacy in the development of strategies for prevention and intervention of internalizing and externalizing problems.
From Peptide Masses to Pregnancy Maintenance: A Comprehensive Proteomic Analysis of The Early Equine Embryo Secretome, Blastocoel Fluid, and Capsule
Authors: Swegen Aleona , Grupen Christopher G. , Gibb Zamira , Baker Mark A. , de Ruijter‐Villani Marta , Smith Nathan D. , Stout Tom A. E. , Aitken R. John
Published: August 2017

Early pregnancy in the mare is a poorly understood, high risk period during which the embryo communicates its presence to the maternal endometrium. Remarkably, the maternal recognition of pregnancy signal is unknown in the horse. This study aimed to profile the proteins secreted by equine blastocysts into their immediate environment, along with proteins contained in the blastocoel and within the acellular embryo capsule. Embryos were recovered on day 8 after ovulation and cultured for 48 hours. Secretomes of day 9 and day 10 embryos were analyzed by LC‐MS/MS and supported by analysis of blastocoel fluid and embryo capsule. Analyses revealed 72 (24 h) and 97 (48 h) unique protein IDs in the embryo secretome, 732 protein IDs in blastocoel fluid, and 11 proteins IDs in the embryo capsule. Novel findings of interest include secretion of a pregnancy specific proteinase (PAG) by the equine embryo at day 10, along with detection of a prostaglandin receptor inhibiting protein (PTGFRN) and a progesterone potentiating factor (FKBP4) in blastocoel fluid. This is the first comprehensive proteomic analysis of the equine embryo secretome, and provides new insights into the unique physiology of early pregnancy in this species.
Preparation and characterization of layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly membrane based on sulfonated polyetheretherketone and polyurethane for high‐temperature proton exchange membrane
Authors: Yu Jinming , Cheng Shicheng , Che Quantong
Published: August 2017

A concept of preparing high‐temperature proton exchange membranes with layer‐by‐layer (LBL) self‐assembly technique was proposed and the sulfonated polyetheretherketone (SPEEK) and polyurethane (PU) with 200 LBL deposition cycles denoting (SPEEK/PU)200membrane was prepared in this research. Owing to the strong electrostatic interaction between group in SPEEK and CN+group in PU, (SPEEK/PU)200membrane with LBL self‐assembly structure showed a favorable structural stability. The phosphoric acid (PA)‐doped (SPEEK/PU)200membrane showed a higher proton conductivity relative to PA doped SPEEK/PU membrane by solution casting method (SPEEK/PU)200/40%PA membrane possessed a proton conductivity value of 2.90 × 10−2S/cm at 150 °C under anhydrous conditions. The LBL self‐assembly structure provided a possibility to reduce the negative effect from polymer skeleton blocking charge carrier species even immobilizing protons. Moreover, the (SPEEK/PU)200membrane presented the particularly noteworthy mechanical property even with PA doping. The tensile stress values at break were 72.8 and 24.1 MPa, respectively, for (SPEEK/PU)200and (SPEEK/PU)200/40%PA membrane at room temperature, which were obviously higher than the reported values of 15.9 and 2.81 MPa for SPEEK/PU and SPEEK/PU/60%PA membrane. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem.2017,55, 3446–3454