bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined effects of road salt and an insecticide on wetland communities
Authors: Stoler Aaron B. , Walker Brent M. , Hintz William D. , Jones Devin K. , Lind Lovisa , Mattes Brian M. , Schuler Matthew S. , Relyea Rick A.
Published: October 2016

As the numbers of chemical contaminants in freshwater ecosystems increase, it is important to understand whether contaminants interact in ecologically important ways. The present study investigated the independent and interactive effects of 2 contaminants that frequently co-occur in freshwater environments among higher latitudes, including a commonly applied insecticide (carbaryl) and road salt (NaCl). The hypothesis was that the addition of either contaminant would result in a decline in zooplankton, an algal bloom, and the subsequent decline of both periphyton and periphyton consumers. Another hypothesis was that combining the contaminants would result in synergistic effects on community responses. Outdoor mesocosms were used with communities that included phytoplankton, periphyton, zooplankton, amphipods, clams, snails, and tadpoles. Communities were exposed to 4 environmentally relevant concentrations of salt (27 mg Cl– L−1, 77 mg Cl– L−1, 277 mg Cl– L−1, and 727 mg Cl– L−1) fully crossed with 4 carbaryl treatments (ethanol, 0 µg L−1, 5 µg L−1, and 50 µg L−1) over 57 d. Contaminants induced declines in rotifer and cladoceran zooplankton, but only carbaryl induced an algal bloom. Consumers exhibited both positive and negative responses to contaminants, which were likely the result of both indirect community interactions and direct toxicity. In contrast to the hypothesis, no synergistic effects were found, although copepod densities declined when high concentrations of both chemicals were combined. The results suggest that low concentrations of salt and carbaryl are likely to have mostly independent effects on aquatic communities. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:771–779. © 2016 SETAC
Improved quantification of collagen anisotropy with polarization‐resolved second harmonic generation microscopy
Authors: Hristu Radu , Stanciu Stefan G. , Tranca Denis E. , Stanciu George A.
Published: October 2016

Imaging tissue samples by polarization‐resolved second harmonic generation microscopy provides both qualitative and quantitative insights into collagen organization in a label‐free manner. Polarization‐resolved second harmonic generation microscopy goes beyond simple intensity‐based imaging by adding the laser beam polarization component and applying different quantitative metrics such as the anisotropy factor. It thus provides valuable information on collagen arrangement not available with intensity measurements alone. Current established approaches are limited to calculating the anisotropy factor for only a particular laser beam polarization and no general guidelines on how to select the best laser beam polarization have yet been defined. Here, we introduce a novel methodology for selecting the optimal laser beam polarization for characterizing tissues using the anisotropy in the purpose of identifying cancer signatures. We show that the anisotropy factor exhibits a similar laser beam polarization dependence to the second harmonic intensity and we combine it with the collagen orientation index computed by Fast Fourier Transform analysis of the recorded images to establish a framework for choosing the laser beam polarization that is optimal for an accurate interpretation of polarization‐resolved second harmonic generation microscopy images and anisotropy maps, and hence a better differentiation between healthy and dysplastic areas.

SHG image of skin tissue (a) and a selected area of interest for which we compute the SHG intensity (b) and anisotropy factor (c) dependence on the laser beam polarization and also the FFT spectrum (d) to evaluate the collagen orientation index.

magnified image

SHG image of skin tissue (a) and a selected area of interest for which we compute the SHG intensity (b) and anisotropy factor (c) dependence on the laser beam polarization and also the FFT spectrum (d) to evaluate the collagen orientation index.
Reference‐independent wide field fluorescence lifetime measurements using Frequency‐Domain (FD) technique based on phase and amplitude crossing point
Authors: Yahav Gilad , Barnoy Eran , Roth Nir , Turgeman Lior , Fixler Dror
Published: October 2016

Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) is an essential tool in many scientific fields such as biology and medicine thanks to the known advantages of the fluorescence lifetime (FLT) over the classical fluorescence intensity (FI). However, the frequency domain (FD) FLIM technique suffers from its strong dependence on the reference and its compliance to the sample. In this paper, we suggest a new way to calculate the FLT by using the crossing point (CRPO) between the modulation and phase FLTs measured over several light emitting diode (LED) DC currents values instead of either method alone.

This new technique was validated by measuring homogeneous substances with known FLT, where the CRPO appears to be the optimal measuring point. Furthermore, the CRPO method was applied in heterogeneous samples. It was found that the CRPO in known mixed solutions is the weighted average of the used solutions. While measuring B16 and lymphocyte cells, the CRPO of the DAPI compound in single FLT regions was measured at 3.5 ± 0.06 ns and at 2.83 ± 0.07 ns, respectively, both of which match previous reports and multi‐frequency analyses. This paper suggests the CRPO as a new method to extract the FLT in problematic cases such as high MCP gains and heterogeneous environments.

In traditional FD FLIM measurements, the variation in phase angle and modulation are measured. By measuring over varying DC currents, another variation is detected in the FLT determined through the phase and modulation methods, with the CRPO indicating the true FLT.

magnified image

In traditional FD FLIM measurements, the variation in phase angle and modulation are measured. By measuring over varying DC currents, another variation is detected in the FLT determined through the phase and modulation methods, with the CRPO indicating the true FLT.
Differential magnesium implant corrosion coat formation and contribution to bone bonding
Authors: Rahim Muhammad Imran , Weizbauer Andreas , Evertz Florian , Hoffmann Andrea , Rohde Manfred , Glasmacher Birgit , Windhagen Henning , Gross Gerhard , Seitz Jan‐Marten , Mueller Peter P.
Published: October 2016

Magnesium alloys are presently under investigation as promising biodegradable implant materials with osteoconductive properties. To study the molecular mechanisms involved, the potential contribution of soluble magnesium corrosion products to the stimulation of osteoblastic cell differentiation was examined. However, no evidence for the stimulation of osteoblast differentiation could be obtained when cultured mesenchymal precursor cells were differentiated in the presence of metallic magnesium or in cell culture medium containing elevated magnesium ion levels. Similarly, in soft tissue no bone induction by metallic magnesium or by the corrosion product magnesium hydroxide could be observed in a mouse model. Motivated by the comparatively rapid accumulation solid corrosion products physicochemical processes were examined as an alternative mechanism to explain the stimulation of bone growth by magnesium‐based implants. During exposure to physiological solutions a structured corrosion coat formed on magnesium whereby the elements calcium and phosphate were enriched in the outermost layer which could play a role in the established biocompatible behavior of magnesium implants. When magnesium pins were inserted into avital bones, corrosion lead to increases in the pull out force, suggesting that the expanding corrosion layer was interlocking with the surrounding bone. Since mechanical stress is a well‐established inducer of bone growth, volume increases caused by the rapid accumulation of corrosion products and the resulting force development could be a key mechanism and provide an explanation for the observed stimulatory effects of magnesium‐based implants in hard tissue. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 697–709, 2017.
Biocompatibility and toxicology effects of graphene oxide in cancer, normal, and primary immune cells
Authors: Martinez Paino Iêda Maria , Santos Fabrício , Zucolotto Valtencir
Published: October 2016

Graphene oxide (GO) has received enormous attention regarding its possible applications in medical areas including cancer treatment. Nevertheless, graphene biocompatibility and its interactions with cancer, normal and immune system cells still remain a major issue. In the current study, we focused on the immunological impact of GO in the oxidative burst by GO produced in fresh isolated primary human neutrophils, the most abundant leukocyte of immune system. We also studied the GO cytotoxicity, cell uptake, and genotoxicity in fresh isolated primary human monocyte, neutrophil, human carcinoma cervical (HeLa) and L929 cells. GO biocompatibility was also analyzed in human red blood cell (hemocompatibility) and in primary human T lymphocytes (T cell). We observed that GO can interact with HeLa in vitro and immune system cells, but in major extension with cancer cells. The latter opened the way for further studies on the effects of GO on immune system pathways and treatments for human cancer at lower concentrations. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 728–736, 2017.
Clinically Relevant Concentrations of Ketamine Inhibit Osteoclast Formation In Vitro in Mouse Bone Marrow Cultures
Authors: Du Erxia , McAllister Patrick , Venna Venugopal Reddy , Xiao Liping
Published: October 2016

Ketamine has been used safely in clinics for decades for analgesia and anesthesia. It is increasingly popular in clinical practice due to its new uses and importance for emergency procedures. It is known that ketamine is sequestered in the bone marrow and the major receptors for ketamine, noncompetitive N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs), are expressed in osteoclasts (OCs) and osteoblasts. However, the impact of ketamine on OCs or osteoblasts is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of ketamine on osteoclastogenesis and regulation of NMDARs expression in vitro. Bone marrows (BMs) or bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) were cultured in the presence of macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL) with or without ketamine for up to 6 days. OC formation peaked at day 5. On day 5 of culture, ketamine inhibited OC formation from both BM and BMM cultures at clinically relevant concentrations (3–200 µM). Ketamine inhibited RANKL‐induced expression of nuclear factor of activated T‐cells, cytoplasmic, calcineurin‐dependent 1 (NFATc1) in BMM cultures. Inhibition of ketamine on RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis is associated with down‐regulation of NMDARs. In addition, ketamine significantly inhibited the M‐CSF induced migration of BMMs, inhibited cell fusion and significantly increased mature OC apoptosis. We conclude that clinically relevant concentrations of ketamine inhibit OC formation in both BM and BMM cultures in vitro through inhibiting migration and fusion process and enhancing mature OC apoptosis. It is likely that ketamine regulates osteoclastogenesis, at least in part, via its effects on NMDAR expression. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 914–923, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of bonding, electron affinity, and optical properties of M@C28 (M = Zr, Hf, Th, and U): Role of d‐ and f‐orbitals in endohedral fullerenes from relativistic DFT calculations
Authors: Muñoz‐Castro Alvaro , Bruce King R.
Published: October 2016

The experimentally characterized endohedral metallic fullerenes involving the small C28 cage, has shown to be able to encapsulate zirconium, hafnium, and uranium atoms, among other elements. Here, we explore the formation and nature of concentric bonds from purely d‐ to f‐block elements, given by Zr, Hf, and uranium, along a borderline metal between such blocks, thorium. We explore the interplay of d‐ and f‐orbitals in the chemistry of the early actinides, where the features of a d‐ or f‐block metal can be mixed. Our results indicate that the bonding of Th@C28 involves contributions from both d‐ and f‐type bonds, as characteristic of this early actinide element. Even uranium in U@C28, also exhibits a contribution from d‐type bonds in addition to its relevant f‐block character. Electron affinity and optical properties were evaluated to gain more insights into the variation of these molecular properties in this small endohedral fullerene, along Zr, Hf, Th, and U. The current results, allows to unravel the role of (n − 1)d and (n − 2)f orbitals in confined elements ranging from d‐ to f‐blocks, which can be useful to gain a deeper understanding of the bonding situation in other endohedral species. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extracellular Matrix and Colorectal Cancer: How Surrounding Microenvironment Affects Cancer Cell Behavior?
Authors: Crotti Sara , Piccoli Martina , Rizzolio Flavio , Giordano Antonio , Nitti Donato , Agostini Marco
Published: October 2016

Colorectal cancer (CRC) whit more than a million of new cases per year is one of the most common registered cancers worldwide with few treatment options especially for advanced and metastatic patients.The tumor microenvironment is composed by extracellular matrix (ECM), cells, and interstitial fluids. Among all these constituents, in the last years an increased interest around the ECM and its potential role in cancer tumorigenesis is arisen. During cancer progression the ECM structure and composition became disorganized, allowing cellular transformation and metastasis. Up to now, the focus has mainly been on the characterization of CRC microenvironment analyzing separately structural ECM components or cell secretome modifications. A more extensive view that interconnects these aspects should be addressed. In this review, biochemical (secretome) and biomechanical (structure and architecture) changes of tumor microenvironment will be discussed, giving suggestions on how these changes can affect cancer cell behavior. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 967–975, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabrication of recyclable carbonized asphalt‐melamine sponges with high oil‐absorption capability
Authors: Yao Qian , Zhao Pinhui , Li Ru , Li Chenze , Luo Yi , Zhou Guizhong , Yang Menglong
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Selective absorption of oils by macroporous solid absorbents has been regarded as an easy, environment‐friendly and economical way to gather oils for oil–water separation, oil contamination cleanup and easy transport/storage. Cheap absorbent material with high oil‐absorption performance is a key factor to promote its large‐scale application.

RESULTS

Highly oil‐absorptive and water‐repellent carbonized asphalt‐melamine sponges (AMS) have been prepared via a dip‐coated sponge carbonization process, using deoiled asphalt (DOA) as dip‐coating reagent and melamine sponge (MS) as template. By the combination of DOA‐derived surface modification and mild carbonization at 600°C, the AMS products obtained such key properties as low density, highly selective absorption of oils against water, flexibility, good fire‐resistance and thermal stability, and good recyclability.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that AMS can be a promising oil‐absorbent material applicable to oil pollution control on a water surface. Benefiting from both cheap raw materials and facile economical manufacturing process, the approach proposed can contribute to the mass manufacturing of cheap oil‐absorbent products with high oil‐absorption performance. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Engineering Literacy and Engagement in Kindergarten Classrooms
Authors: Aguirre‐Muñoz Zenaida , Pantoya Michelle L.
Published: October 2016

Background

Little is understood about how kindergarten students respond to literacy‐enriched engineering activities and how engineering‐centered literature (picture and story books) can be used to support engineering engagement and content understanding.

Purpose

This study sought to understand the effect of engineering‐centered literature and academic conversations to enhance linguistically diverse kindergarten students' engagement with engineering content.

Design/Method

A withdrawal single‐case study with multiple measures was conducted to document the effects of the literacy‐enriched engineering intervention program. The frequencies of three types of engagement were recorded: behavioral, affective, and cognitive engagement. Participation in discussions was also recorded to monitor academic conversations. Six female kindergarten students whose first language was not English, representing three ability levels, were targeted for data collection.

Results

The relative value of the types of engagement and discussion participation increased. These increases generally declined when the intervention was withdrawn. All ability levels showed significant increase during intervention. Engagement peaked during hands‐on engineering design activities for all students. A second peak occurred during the engineering picture book read‐aloud with active engagement activities.

Conclusion

The combination of activities in the intervention is effective for English language learners and can improve engagement for all ability levels. Academic conversations enhanced all lessons by increasing discussion participation. Results show a functional relationship between enjoying the learning activities and being motivated to participate in discussion. Taken together, engineering‐centered literature and academic conversations are effective tools for broadening meaningful participation in engineering education.
SANIST: optimization of a technology for compound identification based on the European Union directive with applications in forensic, pharmaceutical and food analyses
Authors: Cristoni Simone , Dusi Guglielmo , Brambilla Paolo , Albini Adriana , Conti Matteo , Brambilla Maura , Bruno Antonino , Di Gaudio Francesca , Ferlin Luca , Tazzari Valeria , Mengozzi Silvia , Barera Simone , Sialer Carlos , Trenti Tommaso , Cantu Marco , Rossi Bernardi Luigi , Noonan Douglas M.
Published: October 2016

Electrospray Ionization and collision induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry are usually employed to obtain compound identification through a mass spectra match. Different algorithms have been developed for this purpose (for example the nist match algorithm). These approaches compare the tandem mass spectra of the unknown analyte with the tandem mass spectra spectra of known compounds inserted in a database. The compounds are usually identified on the basis of spectral match value associated with a probability of recognition. However, this approach is not usually applied to multiple reaction monitoring transition spectra achieved by means of triple quadrupole apparatus, mainly due to the lack of a transition spectra database. The Surface Activated Chemical Ionization‐Electrospray‐NIST Bayesian model database search (SANIST) platform has been recently developed for new potential metabolite biomarker discovery, to confirm their identity and to use them for clinical and diagnostic applications. Here, we present an improved version of the SANIST platform that extends its application to forensic, pharmaceutical, and food analysis studies, where the compound identification rules are strict. The European Union (EU) has set directives for compound identification (EU directive 2002/657/EC). We have applied the SANIST method to identification of 11‐nor‐9‐carboxytetrahydro‐cannabinol in urine samples (an example of a forensic application), circulating levels of the immunosuppressive drug tacrolimus in blood (an example of a pharmaceutical application) and glyphosate in fruit juice (an example of a food analysis application) that meet the EU directive requirements. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate receptors mediate the modulation of acetylcholine release at the frog neuromuscular junction
Authors: Tsentsevitsky Andrei , Nurullin Leniz , Nikolsky Evgeny , Malomouzh Artem
Published: October 2016

There is some evidence that glutamate (Glu) acts as a signaling molecule at vertebrate neuromuscular junctions where acetylcholine (ACh) serves as a neurotransmitter. In this study, performed on the cutaneous pectoris muscle of the frog Rana ridibunda, Glu receptor mechanisms that modulate ACh release processes were analyzed. Electrophysiological experiments showed that Glu reduces both spontaneous and evoked quantal secretion of ACh and synchronizes its release in response to electrical stimulation. Quisqualate, an agonist of ionotropic α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic receptors and metabotropic Group I mGlu receptors, also exerted Glu‐like inhibitory effects on the secretion of ACh but had no effect on the kinetics of quantal release. Quisqualate's inhibitory effect did not occur when a blocker of Group I mGlu receptors (LY 367385) or an inhibitor of phospholipase C (U73122) was present. An increase in the degree of synchrony of ACh quantal release, such as that produced by Glu, was obtained after application of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid (NMDA). The presence of Group I mGlu and NMDA receptors in the neuromuscular synapse was confirmed by immunocytochemistry. Thus, the data suggest that both metabotropic Group I mGlu receptors and ionotropic NMDA receptors are present at the neuromuscular synapse of amphibians, and that the activation of these receptors initiates different mechanisms for the regulation of ACh release from motor nerve terminals. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mycoestrogen determination in cow milk: Magnetic solid‐phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Capriotti Anna Laura , Cavaliere Chiara , Foglia Patrizia , La Barbera Giorgia , Samperi Roberto , Ventura Salvatore , Laganà Aldo
Published: October 2016

Recently, magnetic solid‐phase extraction has gained interest because it presents various operational advantages over classical solid‐phase extraction. Furthermore, magnetic nanoparticles are easy to prepare, and various materials can be used in their synthesis.

In the literature, there are only few studies on the determination of mycoestrogens in milk, although their carryover in milk has occurred. In this work, we wanted to develop the first (to the best of our knowledge) magnetic solid‐phase extraction protocol for six mycoestrogens from milk, followed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Magnetic graphitized carbon black was chosen as the adsorbent, as this carbonaceous material, which is very different from the most diffuse graphene and carbon nanotubes, had already shown selectivity towards estrogenic compounds in milk. The graphitized carbon black was decorated with Fe3O4, which was confirmed by the characterization analyses. A milk deproteinization step was avoided, using only a suitable dilution in phosphate buffer as sample pretreatment. The overall process efficiency ranged between 52 and 102%, whereas the matrix effect considered as signal suppression was below 33% for all the analytes even at the lowest spiking level. The obtained method limits of quantification were below those of other published methods that employ classical solid‐phase extraction protocols.
Enantioselective comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography of lavender essential oil
Authors: Krupčík Ján , Gorovenko Roman , Špánik Ivan , Armstrong Daniel W. , Sandra Pat
Published: October 2016

The enantiomeric composition of several chiral markers in lavender essential oil was studied by flow modulated comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography operated in the reverse flow mode and hyphenated to flame ionization and quadrupole mass spectrometric detection. Two capillary column series were used in this study, 2,3‐di‐O‐ethyl‐6‐O‐tert‐butyldimethylsilyl‐β‐cyclodextrin or 2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, as the chiral column in the first dimension and α polyethylene glycol column in the second dimension.

Combining the chromatographic data obtained on these column series, the enantiomeric and excess ratios for α‐pinene, β‐pinene, camphor, lavandulol, borneol, and terpinen‐4‐ol were determined. This maybe a possible route to assess the authenticity of lavender essential oil.
Performance Assessment of Bench‐Terraces Through 2‐D Modelling
Authors: Perlotto Chiara , D'Agostino Vincenzo
Published: October 2016

The use of dry‐stone walls to build bench‐terraces has traditionally played a key role in the management of hilly and mountainous agricultural areas. They are typically built to increase suitable crop areas, provide safe working conditions and improve terrain stability during rainfall events. Because the mean gradient is greatly reduced by the presence of bench‐terraces, the hydrological response of a terraced slope should result in a reduction of peak runoff at the toe of a hillslope and a delay in the passage of peak flows. This research develops and quantifies this hypothesis. The FLO‐2D model is used to analyse the runoff propagation mechanism of a terraced slope (sequence of dry‐stone walls) by varying number and spacing of terraces and assuming two hydrological soil setting scenarios in terms of antecedent moisture conditions within the Soil Conservation Service‐Curve Number method. The model analysis shows that the majority of runoff modifications at the outlet of a terraced system result from topographical modifications rather than local hydrological variations at the dry‐stone wall zone. Repeated modelling applications show that, given a quite‐typical scenario of a 20°‐sloped hillslope and a reference intense rainstorm, the peak discharge reduction at the hillslope outlet depends on the percentage of the area managed with terraces. The reduction can be calculated with a logarithmic‐type function (for example, an increase of terraced area from 10% to 30% might bring to runoff peak reduction of almost 45%). This information can help determine where terrace additions are more effective in terms of hydrological benefit. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ice cover, winter circulation, and exchange in Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron
Authors: Nguyen Tuan D. , Hawley Nathan , Phanikumar Mantha S.
Published: October 2016

Winter circulation exerts a strong control on the release and timing of nutrients and contaminants from bays into the adjoining lakes. To estimate winter residence times of solutes in the presence of ice cover, we used an ice model coupled to hydrodynamic, thermal and solute transport models of Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron for two low (2010 and 2013) and two high (2009 and 2014) ice years. The models were tested using temperature data from thermistor chains and current data from ADCP moorings deployed during the wintertime. Simulated water temperatures compared favorably to lake‐wide average surface temperatures derived from NOAA's AVHRR satellite imagery. Simulated results of ice cover are in agreement with observed data from the Great Lakes Ice Atlas. Our results indicate that ice cover significantly dampens water movement producing almost stagnant conditions around February. Estimates of residence times for Saginaw Bay (defined as the e‐folding flushing time based on vertically integrated dye concentrations) show that the mean residence times in a low ice year (2013) are 2.2 months for the inner bay, and 3.5 months for the entire bay. The corresponding numbers for a high ice year (2014) are 4.9 and 5.3 months, respectively. Considering the entire bay, solutes stored in the bay can be expected to be released into the lake between March (low ice year) and April (high ice year). These results are expected to aid in understanding the behavior of contaminants in the Great Lakes during the winter months and in early spring.
Photoinhibition on natural ammonia oxidizers biofilm populations and implications for nitrogen uptake in stream biofilms
Authors: Merbt Stephanie N. , Bernal Susana , Proia Lorenzo , Martí Eugenia , Casamayor Emilio O.
Published: October 2016

We investigated photoinhibition on natural communities of ammonia oxidizing (AO) archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) embedded in complex stream biofilms, and its implications on nitrogen uptake at biofilm scale. Based on the strong photoinhibition previously exhibited by free living and cultured AOA and AOB, we expected AO activity to decrease in biofilms experimentally exposed to light, reducing the contribution of microbial nitrification to ammonium uptake. To test it, we conducted light manipulation experiments in mesocosms using biofilms naturally developed on stream cobbles sides both exposed to light (light‐side) and facing the sediment (dark‐side). We observed a strong AO photoinhibition in dark‐side biofilms, accompanied by either biofilm‐scale decreases in nitrification or increases in nitrogen uptake likely by heterotrophic activity. Conversely, in light‐side biofilms photoinhibition was not observed suggesting that photoautotrophic layers may protect AO in situ by a sunshade effect. Experimental light and dark alternation cycles stimulated AO, enhancing both nitrification and ammonium uptake. These results support photoinhibition effects on natural AO communities, especially in biofilms developed under ambient dark conditions, whereas this effect seems to be buffered in biofilms developed under light conditions. Therefore, the contribution of nitrification to ammonium uptake at biofilm scale should consider not only the physiological study of AOA and AOB, but also the environmental conditions and community structure at the habitat microscale, since they may counterbalance, among others, the damaging light effects under natural conditions.
BCL2L10 inhibits growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Bai Yun , Wang Jia , Han Jing , Xie Xiao‐Li , Ji Cheng‐Guang , Yin Jie , Chen Lei , Wang Cun‐Kai , Jiang Xiao‐Yu , Qi Wei , Jiang Hui‐Qing
Published: October 2016

BCL2L10 is an apoptosis‐related member of the BCL‐2 protein family. The role of BCL2L10 in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly understood. This study was aimed to investigate the function and underlying mechanisms of BCL2L10 in HCC. BCL2L10 expression in human HCC and corresponding adjacent normal tissues was investigated by quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blot. The biological functions of BCL2L10 in HCC cell lines were determined by cell viability, colony formation, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, and cell metastasis assays, and in vivo by tumorigenicity and lung metastasis assays in nude mice. Human cancer pathway PCR array was employed to explore the genes regulated by BCL2L10 in HCC. BCL2L10 was down‐regulated in human HCC tissues compared to their adjacent non‐tumor tissues. Ectopic expression of BCL2L10 in HepG2 and Huh7 cells suppressed cell growth as evidenced by cell viability and colony formation assay, and induced cell apoptosis. HCC cells transfected with BCL2L10 revealed an increased cell proportion arrested at G2/M phase, concomitant with a reduction in the cell proportion in S‐phase as compared with control cells. Additional, BCL2L10 repressed cell migration and angiogenesis. Over‐expression of BCL2L10 also restrained the tumorigenecity and lung metastasis capacity in nude mice. The activation of JAK‐STAT3 signaling was suppressed by BCL2L10 in HCC. BCL2L10 was down‐regulated in human HCC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. BCL2L10 suppressed HCC progression through inhibiting cell growth and metastasis. Thus, BCL2L10 functions as a tumor‐suppressor in HCC. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Approved and Experimental Small‐Molecule Oncology Kinase Inhibitor Drugs: A Mid‐2016 Overview
Authors: Fischer Peter M.
Published: October 2016

Kinase inhibitor research is a comparatively recent branch of medicinal chemistry and pharmacology and the first small‐molecule kinase inhibitor, imatinib, was approved for clinical use only 15 years ago. Since then, 33 more kinase inhibitor drugs have received regulatory approval for the treatment of a variety of cancers and the volume of reports on the discovery and development of kinase inhibitors has increased to an extent where it is now difficult—even for those working in the field—easily to keep an overview of the compounds that are being developed, as currently there are 231 such compounds, targeting 38 different protein and lipid kinases (not counting isoforms), in clinical use or under clinical investigation. The purpose of this review is thus to provide an overview of the biomedical rationales for the kinases being targeted on the one hand, and the design principles, as well as chemical, pharmacological, pharmaceutical, and toxicological kinase inhibitor properties, on the other hand. Two issues that are especially important in kinase inhibitor research, target selectivity and drug resistance, as well as the underlying structural concepts, are discussed in general terms and in the context of relevant kinases and their inhibitors.
Improved pocket control in immediate microsurgical breast reconstruction with simultaneous implant placement through the use of mesh
Authors: Momeni Arash , Kanchwala Suhail K.
Published: October 2016

Background

Autologous breast reconstruction is associated with long‐term patient satisfaction that is superior to implant‐based approaches. Occasionally, however, patients who desire autologous reconstruction present with inadequate donor‐site volume. A hybrid approach, combining free flap reconstruction with simultaneous implant placement, is a solution. We present our experience with the use of mesh for improved pocket control using this reconstructive modality.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction was performed. Patients who underwent bilateral immediate breast reconstruction with free microsurgical abdominal tissue transfer with simultaneous implant placement were included for analysis.

Results

A total of 19 patients (38 breasts) with a mean age of 42.7 years (range, 31–57 years) and mean BMI of 26.3 (range, 23.6–30.8) were included in the study. No flap loss or implant‐related complications were encountered during a mean follow‐up of 14.2 months. The most common implant volume was 150 cc (N = 15; [78.9%]). No patient requested an implant change due to malposition or insufficient volume. Secondary fat grafting was performed in 5 patients (26.3%), 4 of which had undergone adjuvant radiotherapy. Three cases of red breast syndrome were observed following acellular dermal matrix placement. This prompted a transition to using polyglactin mesh thereafter without any untoward sequelae.

Conclusions

Abdominal flap transfer with simultaneous implant placement is a safe reconstructive option in select patients. Improved implant pocket control is achieved through the use of mesh, thus, minimizing problems related to implant malposition. Adjuvant radiotherapy does not appear to put the reconstruction at risk with the occasional flap volume loss being easily remedied by secondary fat grafting.
Toward imaging the body at 10.5 tesla
Authors: Ertürk M. Arcan , Wu Xiaoping , Eryaman Yiğitcan , Van de Moortele Pierre‐François , Auerbach Edward J. , Lagore Russell L. , DelaBarre Lance , Vaughan J. Thomas , Uğurbil Kâmil , Adriany Gregor , Metzger Gregory J.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To explore the potential of performing body imaging at 10.5 Tesla (T) compared with 7.0T through evaluating the transmit/receive performance of similarly configured dipole antenna arrays.

Methods

Fractionated dipole antenna elements for 10.5T body imaging were designed and evaluated using numerical simulations. Transmit performance of antenna arrays inside the prostate, kidneys and heart were investigated and compared with those at 7.0T using both phase‐only radiofrequency (RF) shimming and multi‐spoke pulses. Signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) comparisons were also performed. A 10‐channel antenna array was constructed to image the abdomen of a swine at 10.5T. Numerical methods were validated with phantom studies at both field strengths.

Results

Similar power efficiencies were observed inside target organs with phase‐only shimming, but RF nonuniformity was significantly higher at 10.5T. Spokes RF pulses allowed similar transmit performance with accompanying local specific absorption rate increases of 25–90% compared with 7.0T. Relative SNR gains inside the target anatomies were calculated to be >two‐fold higher at 10.5T, and 2.2‐fold SNR gain was measured in a phantom. Gradient echo and fast spin echo imaging demonstrated the feasibility of body imaging at 10.5T with the designed array.

Conclusion

While comparable power efficiencies can be achieved using dipole antenna arrays with static shimming at 10.5T; increasing RF nonuniformities underscore the need for efficient, robust, and safe parallel transmission methods. Magn Reson Med 77:434–443, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Single‐shot spiral imaging enabled by an expanded encoding model: Demonstration in diffusion MRI
Authors: Wilm Bertram J. , Barmet Christoph , Gross Simon , Kasper Lars , Vannesjo S. Johanna , Haeberlin Max , Dietrich Benjamin E. , Brunner David O. , Schmid Thomas , Pruessmann Klaas P.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to improve the quality of single‐shot spiral MRI and demonstrate its application for diffusion‐weighted imaging.

Methods

Image formation is based on an expanded encoding model that accounts for dynamic magnetic fields up to third order in space, nonuniform static B0, and coil sensitivity encoding. The encoding model is determined by B0 mapping, sensitivity mapping, and concurrent field monitoring. Reconstruction is performed by iterative inversion of the expanded signal equations.

Diffusion‐tensor imaging with single‐shot spiral readouts is performed in a phantom and in vivo, using a clinical 3T instrument. Image quality is assessed in terms of artefact levels, image congruence, and the influence of the different encoding factors.

Results

Using the full encoding model, diffusion‐weighted single‐shot spiral imaging of high quality is accomplished both in vitro and in vivo. Accounting for actual field dynamics, including higher orders, is found to be critical to suppress blurring, aliasing, and distortion. Enhanced image congruence permitted data fusion and diffusion tensor analysis without coregistration.

Conclusion

Use of an expanded signal model largely overcomes the traditional vulnerability of spiral imaging with long readouts. It renders single‐shot spirals competitive with echo‐planar readouts and thus deploys shorter echo times and superior readout efficiency for diffusion imaging and further prospective applications. Magn Reson Med 77:83–91, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
MRI with phaseless encoding
Authors: Hennel Franciszek , Pruessmann Klaas P.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Fourier encoded MRI signal is complex and, therefore, sensitive to uncontrolled phase variations caused, e.g., by object motion. An alternative encoding is proposed which leads to phaseless (positive real) signals and allows the phase fluctuations to be removed by simple magnitude calculation before the Fourier transform.

Theory and Methods

Phaseless encoding uses harmonic modulation of the longitudinal magnetization with different frequencies and phases before excitation. It can be combined with Fourier encoding of complementary dimensions to produce, e.g., a 3D version of echo planar imaging insensitive to intershot phase variations. It can also be mixed with Fourier encoding of the same dimension allowing a high‐resolution image to be obtained from magnitude‐reconstructed low‐resolution components. The latter is a generalization of the super‐resolution MRI with microscopic tagging proposed recently. Improved reconstruction for this technique was adopted from its optical analogue, harmonic excitation light microscopy (HELM).

Results

Artifact free images were obtained despite phase fluctuations caused by random receiver reference and object motion during diffusion weighting. Proposed reconstruction of mixed‐encoded data reaches higher resolution than the original super‐resolution method.

Conclusion

Spatial information can be encoded in the magnitude of the MR signal rendering the experiment insensitive to phase fluctuations. Magn Reson Med 78:1029–1037, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Autocalibrated wave‐CAIPI reconstruction; Joint optimization of k‐space trajectory and parallel imaging reconstruction
Authors: Cauley Stephen F. , Setsompop Kawin , Bilgic Berkin , Bhat Himanshu , Gagoski Borjan , Wald Lawrence L.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Fast MRI acquisitions often rely on efficient traversal of k‐space and hardware limitations, or other physical effects can cause the k‐space trajectory to deviate from a theoretical path in a manner dependent on the image prescription and protocol parameters. Additional measurements or generalized calibrations are typically needed to characterize the discrepancies. We propose an autocalibrated technique to determine these discrepancies.

Methods

A joint optimization is used to estimate the trajectory simultaneously with the parallel imaging reconstruction, without the need for additional measurements. Model reduction is introduced to make this optimization computationally efficient, and to ensure final image quality.

Results

We demonstrate our approach for the wave‐CAIPI fast acquisition method that uses a corkscrew k‐space path to efficiently encode k‐space and spread the voxel aliasing. Model reduction allows for the 3D trajectory to be automatically calculated in fewer than 30 s on standard vendor hardware. The method achieves equivalent accuracy to full‐gradient calibration scans.

Conclusions

The proposed method allows for high‐quality wave‐CAIPI reconstruction across wide ranges of protocol parameters, such as field of view (FOV) location/orientation, bandwidth, echo time (TE), resolution, and sinusoidal amplitude/frequency. Our framework should allow for the autocalibration of gradient trajectories from many other fast MRI techniques in clinically relevant time. Magn Reson Med 78:1093–1099, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Rapid 3D in vivo 1H human lung respiratory imaging at 1.5 T using ultra‐fast balanced steady‐state free precession
Authors: Pusterla Orso , Bauman Grzegorz , Wielpütz Mark O. , Nyilas Sylvia , Latzin Philipp , Heussel Claus P. , Bieri Oliver
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To introduce a reproducible, nonenhanced 1H MRI method for rapid in vivo functional assessment of the whole lung at 1.5 Tesla (T).

Methods

At different respiratory volumes, the pulmonary signal of ultra‐fast steady‐state free precession (ufSSFP) follows an adapted sponge model, characterized by a respiratory index α. From the model, α reflects local ventilation‐related information, is virtually independent from the lung density and thus from the inspiratory phase and breathing amplitude. Respiratory α‐mapping is evaluated for healthy volunteers and patients with obstructive lung disease from a set of five consecutive 3D ultra‐fast steady‐state free precession (ufSSFP) scans performed in breath‐hold and at different inspiratory volumes. For the patients, α‐maps were compared with CT, dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI), and Fourier decomposition (FD).

Results

In healthy volunteers, respiratory α‐maps showed good reproducibility and were homogeneous on iso‐gravitational planes, but showed a gravity‐dependent respiratory gradient. In patients with obstructive pulmonary disease, the functional impairment observed in respiratory α‐maps was associated with emphysematous regions present on CT images, perfusion defects observable on DCE‐MRI, and impairments visualized on FD ventilation and perfusion maps.

Conclusion

Respiratory α‐mapping derived from multivolumetric ufSSFP provides insights into functional lung impairment and may serve as a reproducible and normative measure for clinical studies. Magn Reson Med 78:1059–1069, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Valosin‐containing Protein is a Target of 5′‐l Fuligocandin B and Enhances TRAIL Resistance in Cancer Cells
Authors: Arai Midori A. , Taguchi Shota , Komatsuzaki Kazuhiro , Uchiyama Kento , Masuda Ayaka , Sampei Mana , Satoh Mamoru , Kado Sayaka , Ishibashi Masami
Published: October 2016

Fuligocandin B (2) is a novel natural product that can overcome TRAIL resistance. We synthesized enatiomerically pure fuligocandin B (2) and its derivative 5′‐I fuligocandin B (4), and found that the latter had an improved biological activity against the human gastric cancer cell line, AGS. We attached a biotin linker and photoactivatable aryl diazirine group to 5′‐I fuligocandin B (4), and employed a pull‐down assay to identify valosin‐containing protein (VCP/p97), an AAA ATPase, as a 5′‐I fuligocandin B (4) target protein. Knock‐down of VCP by siRNA enhanced sensitivity to TRAIL in AGS cells. In addition, 4 enhanced CHOP and DR5 protein expression, and overall intracellular levels of ubiquitinated protein. These data suggest that endoplasmic reticulum stress caused through VCP inhibition by 4 increases CHOP‐mediated DR5 up‐regulation, which enhances TRAIL‐induced cell death in AGS cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example to show a relationship between VCP and TRAIL‐resistance‐overcoming activity in cancer cells.
The Pass‐Through of Taxes on Sugar‐Sweetened Beverages to Retail Prices: The Case of Berkeley, California
Authors: Cawley John , Frisvold David E.
Published: October 2016

Obesity and diet‐related chronic disease are increasing problems worldwide. In response, many governments have enacted or are considering taxes on energy‐dense foods. Perhaps the most commonly recommended policy is a tax on sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs). This paper estimates the extent to which a tax on SSBs is passed through to consumers in the form of higher prices. We examine the first city‐level tax on SSBs in the United States, which was enacted by the voters of Berkeley, California, in November 2014. We collected the prices of various brands and sizes of SSBs and other beverages before and after the implementation of the tax from a near‐census of convenience stores and supermarkets in Berkeley, California. We also collected prices from stores in a control city: San Francisco, where a similar voter referendum failed despite majority support. Estimates from difference‐in‐differences models indicate that, across all brands and sizes of products examined, 43.1 percent (95 percent confidence interval: 27.7 to 58.4 percent) of the Berkeley tax was passed on to consumers. The estimates also are consistent with cross‐border shopping. For each mile of distance between the store and the closest store selling untaxed SSBs, pass‐through rose 33.3 percent for 2 L bottles and 25.8 percent for 12‐packs of 12 ounce cans.