bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of primary microglia from post‐natal murine brain tissues: a comparison of two methods
Authors: Jose Shinsmon , Tan Shi Wei , Tong Chih Kong , Vidyadaran Sharmili
Published: July 2015

Microglia are resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS). Apart from playing vital roles as sentinel cells, they are crucial in physiological processes such as synaptic pruning during brain development. CNS disorders require an understanding of the contribution of each cellular compartment to the pathogenesis. Elucidating the role of microglia in disease development and progression in the intricate CNS environment is technically challenging and requires the establishment of reliable, reproducible techniques to isolate and culture microglia. A number of different protocols have been developed for isolation of neonatal microglia and here we compare two widely used methods, namely, mild trypsinization and EasySep® magnetic separation. EasySep® magnetic separation provided higher microglia yield, and flow cytometric evaluation of CD11b and F4/80 markers revealed that EasySep® separation method also produced significantly higher purity compared to mild trypsinization. Microglia isolated using EasySep® separation method were functional, as demonstrated by the generation of nitric oxide, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and MCP‐1 in response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation. In summary, this study has revealed that magnetic separation is superior to mild trypsinization in terms of yield and purity of microglia.
Angiographic appearance of spontaneous coronary artery dissection with intramural hematoma proven on intracoronary imaging
Authors: Saw Jacqueline , Mancini G.B. John , Humphries Karin , Fung Anthony , Boone Robert , Starovoytov Andrew , Aymong Eve
Published: July 2015

Background

The pathognomonic appearance of multiple radiolucent lumen on angiography is used to diagnose spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). However, this finding is absent in >70% of SCAD, in which case optical coherence tomography (OCT) or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is useful to assess arterial wall integrity.

Methods

We report the angiographic appearance of SCAD that were proven on intracoronary imaging with OCT or IVUS. Our angiographic classification and algorithm for SCAD diagnosis was previously reported. Patients with type 1 SCAD (multiple radiolucent lumen) do not require OCT/IVUS, whereas, it was recommended for those with suspected type 2 (diffuse stenosis) or 3 (mimic atherosclerosis) SCAD.

Results

Twenty‐two consecutive patients with non‐type 1 angiographic SCAD in 25 coronary arteries (22 OCT and 4 IVUS) were studied. Mean age was 52.9 ± 9.9 years, 89.5% were women, and 16/22 (72.7%) had underlying fibromuscular dysplasia. Sixteen SCAD arteries were type 2 SCAD, and nine were type 3. All 25 SCAD arteries had intramural hematoma and intimomedial membrane separation with double lumen on OCT or IVUS. The mean visual angiographic stenosis was 74.6 ± 17.5% (range 40–100%). Dissected segments were long with mean qualitative coronary analysis (QCA) length 45.2 ± 29.2 mm, especially in patients with type 2 SCAD (mean QCA length 58.3 ± 29.0 mm). The mean QCA length in type 3 SCAD lesions was 22.1 ± 5.7 mm.

Conclusions

Intracoronary imaging confirms that SCAD may appear angiographically without multiple radiolucent lumen. Angiographers should be familiar with angiographic SCAD variants to improve SCAD diagnosis, and utilize intracoronary imaging when the diagnosis is uncertain. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Time to consider a STEMI sleepover?: Measuring the “value” of an in‐house STEMI team
Authors: Sharma Rahul , Henry Timothy D.
Published: July 2015

Key Points

This study demonstrates that the presence of an in‐hospital STEMI team significantly reduces D2B times

PCI centers should consider the “value” (outcomes relative to cost) of an in‐house STEMI team

Larger studies are required to assess the cost effectiveness and clinical effectiveness attributable to an in‐house STEMI team
Unusual origin for the right coronary artery: One center's observations on diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Gilchrist Ian C
Published: July 2015

Key Points

Right coronary arteries that originate from the left Sinus of Valsalva and course intramurally along the aortic wall in their proximal position are a variant of anomalous coronary arteries that can be associated with ischemic symptoms.

Stenting of the proximal portion of these right coronary arteries along the intramural course can improve symptoms in those who clearly have anatomic distortion of the proximal artery.

Long‐term outcomes and durability of this approach when applied to symptomatic patients is unknown and future work with follow up IVUS is needed.
Targeting clinical outcomes: Endovascular simulation improves diagnostic coronary angiography skills
Authors: Schimmel Daniel R. , Sweis Ranya , Cohen Elaine R. , Davidson Charles , Wayne Diane B.
Published: July 2015

Objective

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of simulation‐based medical education (SBME) on the skills required to perform coronary angiography in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Background

Cardiovascular fellows commonly learn invasive procedures on patients. Because this approach is not standardized, it can result in inconsistent skill acquisition through exclusion of concepts and skills. Also, the learning curve varies between trainees yielding variability in skill acquisition. Therefore, coronary angiography skills are an excellent target for SBME in an environment in which direct patient care is not jeopardized.

Methods

From January 2013 to June 2013, 14 cardiovascular fellows entering the cardiac catheterization laboratory at a tertiary care teaching hospital were tested on an endovascular simulator to assess baseline skills. All fellows subsequently underwent didactic teaching and preceptor‐lead training on the endovascular simulator. Topics included basic catheterization skills and a review of catheterization laboratory systems. Following training, all fellows underwent a post‐training assessment on the endovascular simulator. Paired t tests were used to compare items on the skills checklist and simulator defined variables.

Results

Cardiovascular fellows scored significantly higher on a diagnostic coronary angiography skills checklist following SBME using an endovascular simulator. The mean pretest score was 66.6% (SD = 9.7%) compared to 86.0% (SD = 6.3%) following simulator training (P < 0.001). Additional findings include significant reduction in procedure time and use of cine‐fluoroscopy at posttest.

Conclusions

SBME significantly improved cardiovascular fellows' performance of simulated coronary angiography skills. Standardized simulation‐based education is a valuable adjunct to traditional clinical education for cardiovascular fellows. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of the Microstructure Formation Process and Its Influence on the Performance of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel‐Cell Catalyst Layers
Authors: Takahashi Shinichi , Mashio Tetsuya , Horibe Norifumi , Akizuki Ken , Ohma Atsushi
Published: July 2015

To understand the formation process of the microstructure of the catalyst layer of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), we tried to observe the “real” structure of the catalyst ink by cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryo‐SEM). Catalyst inks with different water/alcohol compositions were successfully visualized, and they correlated well with the particle‐size distribution obtained by laser diffraction of the ink and the structures of the catalyst layers obtained by typical SEM. On the basis of other electrochemical characterization results, including current–voltage performance, oxygen reduction reaction kinetics, and mass‐transport properties, the microstructures of the catalyst inks and the catalyst layers were proposed. The proposed microstructures can explain the relationship between the catalyst materials and the performance of the cathode catalyst layer of the membrane electrode assembly through its formation and apparent properties. It was also found that the microstructure of the catalyst ink plays an important role in performance.
A Multifunctional Bimetallic Molecular Device for Ultrasensitive Detection, Naked‐Eye Recognition, and Elimination of Cyanide Ions
Authors: Chow Cheuk‐Fai , Ho Pui‐Yu , Wong Wing‐Leung , Gong Cheng‐Bin
Published: July 2015

A new bimetallic FeII–CuII complex was synthesized, characterized, and applied as a selective and sensitive sensor for cyanide detection in water. This complex is the first multifunctional device that can simultaneously detect cyanide ions in real water samples, amplify the colorimetric signal upon detection for naked‐eye recognition at the parts‐per‐million (ppb) level, and convert the toxic cyanide ion into the much safer cyanate ion in situ. The mechanism of the bimetallic complex for high‐selectivity recognition and signaling toward cyanide ions was investigated through a series of binding kinetics of the complex with different analytes, including CN−, SO42−, HCO3−, HPO42−, N3−, CH3COO−, NCS−, NO3−, and Cl− ions. In addition, the use of the indicator/catalyst displacement assay (ICDA) is demonstrated in the present system in which one metal center acts as a receptor and inhibitor and is bridged to another metal center that is responsible for signal transduction and catalysis, thus showing a versatile approach to the design of new multifunctional devices.
Development of Micro Separation Technology Modules. Part 2: Distillation
Authors: Stanisch Benjamin , Wellsandt Tim , Strube Jochen
Published: July 2015

The subject of previous work on liquid‐liquid extraction is complemented in this paper through the research activities in micro distillation. After a detailed literature study comparing the performance, strengths, and weaknesses of published micro distillation methods, critical process parameters based on model studies will be discussed. Apparative approaches to micro distillation are presented, where the capillary module used for distillation can provide a successful phase separation of gas‐liquid mixtures up to volume feeds of 10 mL min−1.
Online behavior classification for anomaly detection in self‐x real‐time systems
Authors: Rammig Franz , Stahl Katharina
Published: July 2015

Autonomous adaptation in self‐adapting embedded real‐time systems introduces novel risks as it may lead to unforeseen system behavior. An anomaly detection framework integrated in a real‐time operating system can ease the identification of such suspicious novel behavior and, thereby, offers the potential to enhance the reliability of the considered self‐x system. However, anomaly detection is based on knowledge about normal behavior. When dealing with self‐reconfiguring applications, normal behavior changes. Hence, knowledge base requires adaptation or even re‐construction at runtime. The stringent restrictions of real‐time systems considering runtime and memory consumption make this task to a really challenging problem. We present our idea for online construction of application behavior knowledge that does not rely on training phase. The applications' behavior is defined by the application's system call invocations. For the knowledge base, we exploit suffix trees as they offer potentials to represent application behavior patterns and associated information in a compact manner. The online algorithm provided by suffix trees is a basis to construct the knowledge base with low computational effort. Anomaly detection and classification is integrated into the online construction method. New behavioral patterns do not unconditionally update the behavior knowledge base. They are evaluated in a context‐related manner inspired by Danger Theory, a special discipline of artificial immune systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kruppel‐like factor family genes are expressed during Xenopus embryogenesis and involved in germ layer formation and body axis patterning
Authors: Gao Yan , Cao Qing , Lu Lei , Zhang Xuena , Zhang Zan , Dong Xiaohua , Jia Wenshuang , Cao Ying
Published: July 2015

Background: Kruppel‐like factors (Klfs) are a family of transcription factors consisting of 17 members in mammals, Klf1–Klf17, which are involved in fundamental cellular physiological procedures, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. However, their functions in embryonic development have been poorly understood. Our previous study has demonstrated that the pluripotency factor Klf4 participates in germ layer formation and axis patterning of Xenopus embryos by means of the regulation of key developmental signals. In the present study, we further investigated comprehensively the expression and functions of the klf family genes, klf2, klf5, klf6, klf7, klf8, klf11, klf15, and klf17, during the embryogenesis of Xenopus laevis. Results: Spatio‐temporal expression analyses demonstrate that these genes are transcribed both maternally and zygotically in Xenopus embryos, and during organogenesis and tissue differentiation, they are localized to a variety of placodes and tissues. Gain and loss of function studies manifest that Klf factors play different roles in germ layer formation and body axis patterning. Moreover, each Klf factor exhibits distinct regulatory effects on the expression of genes that are essential for germ layer formation and body axis patterning. Conclusions: These results suggest that Klf factors are involved in the fine‐tuning of these genes during early embryogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 244:1328–1346, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
T‐cell receptor activation of human CD4+ T cells shifts the innate TLR response from CXCL8hiIFN‐γnull to CXCL8loIFN‐γhi
Authors: Akhade Ajay S. , Qadri Ayub
Published: July 2015

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play a major part in providing innate immunity against pathogenic microorganisms. Recent studies show that these receptors are also expressed on T cells, which are the sentinels of adaptive immunity. Here, we have investigated the regulatory role of the T‐cell receptor in the functioning of these innate receptors in T cells. We show that freshly isolated human CD4+ T cells readily secrete the neutrophil chemoattractant CXCL8 upon activation with the TLR ligands Pam3CSK and flagellin. In contrast, TCR‐activated cells secrete considerably less CXCL8 but start producing IFN‐γ upon stimulation with TLR agonists in the absence of concomitant TCR engagement. These T cells show increased activation of p38 and JNK MAP‐kinases in response to TLR stimulation, and inhibition of p38 abrogates TLR‐induced IFN‐γ secretion. The shifting of the T‐cell innate immune response from CXCL8hiIFN‐γnull in freshly isolated to CXCL8loIFN‐γhi in activated T cells is also observed in response to endogenous innate stimulus, IL‐1. These results suggest that the innate immune response of human CD4+ T cells switches from a proinflammatory to an effector type following activation of these cells through the antigen receptor.
Ferrocenoyl‐Substituted Pyrimidine Nucleobases: An Experimental and Computational Study of Regioselective Acylation of Uracil, Thymine, and 5‐Fluorouracil
Authors: Lapić Jasmina , Havaić Valentina , Šakić Davor , Sanković Krešimir , Djaković Senka , Vrček Valerije
Published: July 2015

Uracil, thymine, and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) have been ferrocenoylated selectively at the N1 position. Deprotonated pyrimidine nucleobases, prepared with sodium hydride (NaH) in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), reacted with either ferrocenoyl chloride (FcCOCl) or ferrocenoyl ethyl carbonate (FcCOOCOOEt), in DMF to give a single product. The regioselectivity of these reactions were analyzed in detail by using NMR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. The 1H and 19F NMR spectra of reaction mixtures, and 13C NMR and 2D NOESY spectra of products, confirmed the formation of the N1‐isomer only. The calculated energy barrier for acetylation at the N3‐position is significantly higher (> 40 kJ/mol), which suggests that the analogous reaction at the N1‐position is kinetically controlled. The nucleophilic addition of pyrimidine bases to the carbonyl group of FcCOCl proceeds through a concerted SN2‐like mechanism with the absence of the generally assumed tetrahedral intermediate.
Time‐lapse electrical resistivity imaging of solute transport in a karst conduit
Authors: Sawyer Audrey H. , Zhu Junfeng , Currens James C. , Atcher Clay , Binley Andrew
Published: July 2015

The use of electrical resistivity surveys to locate karst conduits has shown mixed success. However, time‐lapse electrical resistivity imaging combined with salt injection improves conduit detection and can yield valuable insight into solute transport behaviour. We present a proof of concept above a known karst conduit in the Kentucky Horse Park (Lexington, Kentucky). A salt tracer solution was injected into a karst window over a 45‐min interval, and repeat resistivity surveys were collected every 20 min along a 125‐m transect near a monitoring well approximately 750 m downgradient from the injection site. In situ fluid conductivity measurements in the well peaked at approximately 25% of the initial value about 3 h after salt injection. Time‐lapse electrical resistivity inversions show two broad zones at the approximate conduit depth where resistivity decreased and then recovered in general agreement with in situ measurements. Combined salt injection and electrical resistivity imaging are a promising tool for locating karst conduits. The method is also useful for gaining insight into conduit geometry and could be expanded to include multiple electrical resistivity transects. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An improved model of predicting hepatocarcinogenic potential in rats by using gene expression data
Authors: Yamada Fumihiro , Sumida Kayo , Saito Koichi
Published: July 2015

Carcinogenicity studies using animals are expensive and time consuming. Therefore, the development of a highly accurate carcinogenicity prediction system to interpret short‐term test results would be beneficial. The Ames test is popular for mutagens; however, it cannot detect non‐genotoxic carcinogens. Previously, we reported a prediction system using gene expression data obtained from a short‐term (28‐day) study that screened candidate compounds for testing in long‐term carcinogenicity studies. In this study, our system was improved by adding more gene expression data. To establish our new system, we used the data of 93 test compounds (41 hepatocarcinogens and 52 non‐hepatocarcinogens). Analysis of liver gene expression data by dividing compounds into ‘for training’ and ‘for test’ categories (20 cases assigned randomly) using Support Vector Machine (SVM) identified a set of marker probe sets that could be used to predict hepatocarcinogenicity. The assigned 42 probe sets have included the cancer‐ orc‐Myc‐related genes such as Hsp90, Pink1, Hspc111, Fbx29, Hepsin, Syndecan2 and Synbindin. Compared with the older version, the improved system had a higher concordance rate with the training data and a good performance with the external test data. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automated swimming activity monitor for examining temporal patterns of toxicant effects on individual Daphnia magna
Authors: Bahrndorff Simon , Michaelsen Thomas Yssing , Jensen Anne , Marcussen Laurits Faarup , Nielsen Majken Elley , Roslev Peter
Published: July 2015

Aquatic pollutants are often biologically active at low concentrations and impact on biota in combination with other abiotic stressors. Traditional toxicity tests may not detect these effects, and there is a need for sensitive high‐throughput methods for detecting sublethal effects. We have evaluated an automated infra‐red (IR) light‐based monitor for recording the swimming activity of Daphnia magna to establish temporal patterns of toxicant effects on an individual level. Activity was recorded for 48 h and the sensitivity of the monitor was evaluated by exposing D. magna to the reference chemicals K2Cr2O7 at 15, 20 and 25 °C and 2,4‐dichlorophenol at 20 °C. Significant effects (P < 0.001) of toxicant concentrations, exposure time and incubation temperatures were observed. At 15 °C, the swimming activity remained unchanged for 48 h at sublethal concentrations of K2Cr2O7 whereas activity at 20 and 25 °C was more biphasic with decreases in activity occurring after 12–18 h. A similar biphasic pattern was observed after 2,4‐dichlorophenol exposure at 20 °C. EC50 values for 2,4‐dichlorophenol and K2Cr2O7 determined from automated recording of swimming activity showed increasing toxicity with time corresponding to decreases in EC50 of 0.03–0.07 mg l–1 h–1. EC50 values determined after 48 h were comparable or lower than EC50 values based on visual inspection according to ISO 6341. The results demonstrated that the swimming activity monitor is capable of detecting sublethal behavioural effects that are toxicant and temperature dependent. The method allows EC values to be established at different time points and can serve as a high‐throughput screening tool in toxicity testing. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell perforation mediated by plasmonic bubbles generated by a single near infrared femtosecond laser pulse
Authors: Boutopoulos Christos , Bergeron Eric , Meunier Michel
Published: July 2015

We report on transient membrane perforation of living cancer cells using plasmonic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) enhanced single near infrared (NIR) femtosecond (fs) laser pulse. Under optimized laser energy fluence, single pulse treatment (τ = 45 fs, λ = 800 nm) resulted in 77% cell perforation efficiency and 90% cell viability. Using dark field and ultrafast imaging, we demonstrated that the generation of submicron bubbles around the AuNPs is the necessary condition for the cell membrane perforation. AuNP clustering increased drastically the bubble generation efficiency, thus enabling an effective laser treatment using low energy dose in the NIR optical therapeutical window.

Schematic representation of single femtosecond laser pulse plasmonic bubble generation in the vicinity of a cell.

magnified image

Schematic representation of single femtosecond laser pulse plasmonic bubble generation in the vicinity of a cell.
Hirshfeld‐based intrinsic polarizability density representations as a tool to analyze molecular polarizability
Authors: Otero Nicolás , Van Alsenoy Christian , Pouchan Claude , Karamanis Panaghiotis
Published: July 2015

In this work, a general scheme to visualize polarizability density distributions is proposed and implemented in a Hirshfeld‐based partitioning scheme. This allows us to obtain easy‐to‐interpret pictorial representations of both total and intrinsic polarizabilities where each point of the density is formed by the contribution of any atom or group of atoms in the molecule. In addition, the procedure used here permits the possibility of removing the size dependence of the electric‐dipole polarizability. Such a development opens new horizons in exploring new applications for the analysis of the molecular polarizability tensor. For instance, this visualization shows which atoms or regions are more polarizable distinguishing, moreover, the fine structure of atoms affected by the vicinity, and might extend the dipole polarizability as a tool for aromaticity studies in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Additionally, this approach can serve us to assess the methods performance in describing the interaction of electric fields with a molecule and local electron correlation effects in intrinsic polarizabilities. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functionalization of Graphene Oxide with 3‐Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane and Its Electrocatalytic Activity in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Chekin Fereshteh , Bagheri Samira , Abd Hamid Sharifah Bee
Published: July 2015

In this work, a highly dispersed graphene oxide (GO) was successfully functionalized with 3‐mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS) molecule by silanization method. The chemically generated GO and MPTS functionalized GO (MPTS‐GO) were structurally characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDAX), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV‐Vis) techniques. The MPTS‐GO is highly suspensable in water. The thermal and conductivity results for MPTS‐GO are significantly increased compared to GO. Moreover, glassy carbon electrode modified with MPTS‐GO hybrid (MPTS‐GO/GCE) was prepared by casting of the MPTS‐GO solution on GCE. The MPTS‐GO/GCE showed an excellent electrocatalytic activity towards methionine (Met). This was understood from the observed less positive oxidation potential and higher oxidation current when compared to bare GC electrode. The MPTS‐GO has excellent electrocatalytic activity, making it an ideal candidate for sensor applications.
Remediation of diesel‐contaminated soil using in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) and the effects of common oxidants on the indigenous microbial community: a comparison study
Authors: Chen Ku‐Fan , Chang Yu‐Chen , Chiou Wan‐Ting
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

In this study, batch experiments were conducted using diesel‐contaminated soil collected from a former gas station to evaluate the efficiency of diesel removal by in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) and the effects of different oxidants on the indigenous microbial community.

RESULTS

Diesel removal efficiencies by persulfate, permanganate, and hydrogen peroxide under different concentrations (1, 3, 5, and 10%) ranged from 48 to 93% during a 120‐day reaction. The performance of diesel removal in the oxidant‐alone systems was persulfate > permanganate > hydrogen peroxide. Oxidant persistence was positively correlated with diesel removal performance. Higher diesel removal efficiencies were observed in the chemical oxidation systems with the presence of microbes. The adverse effects of the oxidants on intrinsic microbes followed the sequence persulfate > permanganate ≈ hydrogen peroxide. The addition of hydrogen peroxide and permanganate caused increased microbial diversity while more serious destruction to the microbial community was observed in the persulfate solution due to low pH (<3.5).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest 1 to 3% of oxidant addition was more suitable for the application of ISCO coupled with intrinsic bioremediation. The addition of 5% oxidants could also be considered. However, pH should be controlled when persulfate is applied. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
A Straightforward Approach for the Synthesis of Novel Derivatives of Benzo[b]pyrazolo[5′,1′:2,3]pyrimido[4,5‐e][1,4]thiazine
Authors: Sheikhi‐Mohammareh Seddigheh , Shiri Ali , Bakavoli Mehdi , Mague Joel
Published: July 2015

Several derivatives of the novel benzo[b]pyrazolo[5′,1′:2,3]pyrimido[4,5‐e][1,4]thiazine ring system have been synthesized through the one‐pot cyclocondensation of 6‐bromo‐7‐chloro‐2‐(ethylthio)‐5‐methylpyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine‐3‐carbonitrile (4) with o‐aminothiophenol in the presence of Et3N in CH3CN. The true regio isomer (5) was also determined by X‐ray crystallographic analysis. The N‐alkylation of the synthesized compound (5) was also accomplished.
Allergic reaction to ortho‐phthalaldehyde following flexible laryngoscopy
Authors: Atiyeh Kimberly , Chitkara Ajay , Achlatis Stratos , Branski Ryan C. , Amin Milan R.
Published: July 2015

Flexible laryngoscopes are common outpatient surveillance tools. Cleansing of these scopes between patients must be quick, effective, and safe. One sterilant that largely meets these criteria is ortho‐phthalaldehyde (OPA); however, infrequently, patients may develop allergic reactions to it. We present three cases of patients who developed significant allergic reactions following repeated laryngoscopic examinations. Subsequent intradermal allergy testing confirmed sensitivity to OPA. In addition, we reviewed the current literature, which includes 17 similar reactions reported in nine patients across disciplines. Allergic reaction to OPA is uncommon, but a potentially under‐reported severe complication of repeated endoscopy. Laryngoscope, 125:2349–2352, 2015
Investigation of Functionalized Poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide)‐block‐polystyrene Nanoparticles As Novel Drug Delivery System to Overcome the Blood–Brain Barrier In Vitro
Authors: Gregori Maria , Bertani Daniela , Cazzaniga Emanuela , Orlando Antonina , Mauri Michele , Bianchi Alberto , Re Francesca , Sesana Silvia , Minniti Stefania , Francolini Maura , Cagnotto Alfredo , Salmona Mario , Nardo Luca , Salerno Domenico , Mantegazza Francesco , Masserini Massimo , Simonutti Roberto
Published: July 2015

In the search of new drug delivery carriers for the brain, self‐assembled nanoparticles (NP) were prepared from poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide)‐block‐polystyrene polymer. NP displayed biocompatibility on cultured endothelial cells, macrophages and differentiated SH‐SY5Y neuronal‐like cells. The surface‐functionalization of NP with a modified fragment of human Apolipoprotein E (mApoE) enhanced the uptake of NP by cultured human brain capillary endothelial cells, as assessed by confocal microscopy, and their permeability through a Transwell Blood Brain Barrier model made with the same cells, as assessed by fluorescence. Finally, mApoE‐NP embedding doxorubicin displayed an enhanced release of drug at low pH, suggesting the potential use of these NP for the treatment of brain tumors.
Microfluidic Production of Alginate Hydrogel Particles for Antibody Encapsulation and Release
Authors: Mazutis Linas , Vasiliauskas Remigijus , Weitz David A.
Published: July 2015

Owing to their biocompatibility and reduced side effects, natural polymers represent an attractive choice for producing drug delivery systems. Despite few successful examples, however, the production of monodisperse biopolymer‐based particles is often hindered by high viscosity of polymer fluids. In this work, we present a microfluidic approach for production of alginate‐based particles carrying encapsulated antibodies. We use a triple‐flow micro‐device to induce hydrogel formation inside droplets before their collection off‐chip. The fast mixing and gelation process produced alginate particles with a unique biconcave shape and dimensions of the mammalian cells. We show slow and fast dissolution of particles in different buffers and evaluate antibody release over time.
Whole‐body continuously moving table fat–water MRI with dynamic B0 shimming at 3 Tesla
Authors: Sengupta Saikat , Smith David S. , Gifford Aliya , Welch E. Brian
Published: July 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to develop a rapid and robust whole‐body fat–water MRI (FWMRI) method using a continuously moving table (CMT) with dynamic field corrections at 3 Tesla.

Methods

CMT FWMRI was developed at 3 Tesla with a multiecho golden angle (GA) radial trajectory and dynamic B0 field shimming. Whole‐body imaging was performed with 4 echoes and superior–inferior coverage of 1.8 meters without shims in 90 s. 716 axial images were reconstructed with GA profile binning followed by B0 field map generation using fast three‐point seeded region growing fat–water separation and slice‐specific 0th and 1st order shim calculation. Slice‐specific shims were applied dynamically in a repeated CMT FWMRI scan in the same session. The resulting images were evaluated for field homogeneity improvements and quality of fat–water separation with a whole‐image energy optimized algorithm.

Results

GA sampling allowed high quality whole‐body FWMRI from multiecho CMT data. Dynamic B0 shimming greatly improved field homogeneity in the body and produced high quality water and fat only images as well as fat signal fraction and R2* relaxivity maps.

Conclusion

A rapid and robust technique for whole‐body fat–water quantification has been developed with CMT MRI with dynamic B0 field correction. Magn Reson Med 76:183–190, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis reveals γ‐bisabolene inducing p53‐mediated apoptosis of human oral squamous cell carcinoma via HDAC2 inhibition and ERK1/2 activation
Authors: Jou Yu‐Jen , Chen Chao‐Jung , Liu Yu‐Ching , Way Tzong‐Der , Lai Chih‐Ho , Hua Chun‐Hung , Wang Ching‐Ying , Huang Su‐Hua , Kao Jung‐Yie , Lin Cheng‐Wen
Published: July 2015

γ‐Bisabolene, one of main components in cardamom, showed potent in vitro and in vivo anti‐proliferative activities against human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). γ‐Bisabolene activated caspases‐3/9 and decreased mitochondrial memebrane potential, leading to apoptosis of OSCC cell lines (Ca9‐22 and SAS), but not normal oral fibroblast cells. Phosphoproteome profiling of OSCC cells treated with γ‐bisabolene was identified using TiO2‐PDMS plate and LC‐MS/MS, then confirmed using Western blotting and real‐time RT‐PCR assays. Phosphoproteome profiling revealed that γ‐bisabolene increased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, protein phosphatases 1 (PP1), and p53, as well as decreased the phosphorylation of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) in the process of apoptosis induction. Protein–protein interaction network analysis proposed the involvement of PP1‐HDAC2‐p53 and ERK1/2‐p53 pathways in γ‐bisabolene‐induced apoptosis. Subsequent assays indicated γ‐bisabolene eliciting p53 acetylation that enhanced the expression of p53‐regulated apoptotic genes. PP1 inhibitor‐2 restored the status of HDAC2 phosphorylation, reducing p53 acetylation and PUMA mRNA expression in γ‐bisabolene‐treated Ca9‐22 and SAS cells. Meanwhile, MEK and ERK inhibitors significantly decreased γ‐bisabolene‐induced PUMA expression in both cancer cell lines. Notably, the results ascertained the involvement of PP1‐HDAC2‐p53 and ERK1/2‐p53 pathways in mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis of γ‐bisabolene‐treated cells. This study demonstrated γ‐bisabolene displaying potent anti‐proliferative and apoptosis‐inducing activities against OSCC in vitro and in vivo, elucidating molecular mechanisms of γ‐bisabolene‐induced apoptosis. The novel insight could be useful for developing anti‐cancer drugs.
On the dislocation core structures associated to point defect cluster formation in diamond and silicon
Authors: Rabier Jacques , Pailloux Frédéric , Pizzagalli Laurent
Published: July 2015

This paper focuses on the dislocation configurations that show up during the annihilation of a perfect dislocation vacancy dipole. Indeed unexpected transient dislocation core structures can be evidenced out of the atomistic structures computed during this annihilation process. Using the Geometric Phase Analysis these dislocation configurations can be analysed as partial dislocations, resulting from the dissociation of a perfect dislocation with ½[110] Burgers vector, bounding a nano crack (or a point defect cluster) along a (111) shuffle plane. Those partial dislocations appear as to be associated with an incipient dissociation/crack present in the core of perfect shuffle dislocations. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Vortex–vortex interaction between Hurricane Nadine (2012) and an Atlantic cut‐off dropping the predictability over the Mediterranean
Authors: Pantillon Florian , Chaboureau Jean‐Pierre , Richard Evelyne
Published: July 2015

Operational ensemble forecasts for the western Mediterranean exhibited high uncertainty while Hurricane Nadine was moving slowly over the eastern North Atlantic in September 2012. The forecasts showed a bifurcation in the track of Nadine—a significant fraction predicting its landfall over the Iberian Peninsula—and a high spread in the synoptic conditions downstream. The forecast uncertainty was a major issue for planning observations during the first special observation period (SOP1) of the Hydrological cycle in the Mediterranean eXperiment (HyMeX). Clustering the ensemble forecast of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts reveals two scenarios for interaction between Nadine and an Atlantic cut‐off, which controls both the track of Nadine and the synoptic conditions downstream. The observed scenario of weak interaction is characterized by Nadine moving westward and the cut‐off moving eastward. The cut‐off then triggers precipitation over the Cévennes in southeastern France. The contrasting scenario of strong interaction is characterized by Nadine and the cut‐off rotating around each other over the Atlantic. Nadine then either merges with the cut‐off or makes landfall over the Iberian Peninsula. The interaction between Nadine and the cut‐off mimics the vortex–vortex interaction previously observed between two tropical cyclones or two upper‐level vortices. It differs from the usual interaction between a tropical cyclone and a larger trough during extratropical transition. A critical distance of about 1000 km between Nadine and the cut‐off distinguishes between the cases of weak and strong interaction in the ensemble forecast. Shifting the initial position of Nadine in Meso‐NH numerical experiments confirms the critical distance and suggests a bifurcation point in the relative position of Nadine and the cut‐off. The high forecast sensitivity to the vortex–vortex interaction resulted in the lowest predictability over the Mediterranean during the whole HyMeX SOP1.
Factor shares, inequality, and capital flows
Authors: Zuleta Hernando
Published: July 2015

I present an endogenous growth model where innovations are factor saving and model the choice of technologies in an Overlapping Generations framework. Markets are competitive and factor prices are determined by marginal productivity of factors; therefore, the income share of reproducible factors increases with the stage of development. Beyond the standard results of this type of model I find that (i) without bequests long‐run growth is not possible, (ii) if the economy presents long‐run growth then intrageneration inequality may last forever but if the economy does not present long‐run growth then in steady state, there is no intrageneration inequality, (iii) when the economy is open, the pattern of capital flows depends not only on the relative abundance of factors but also on the technologies and, for this reason, capital may not flow from rich to poor economies, and (iv) consistently, capital flows may not help to break poverty traps.
Sharing a Reading Technique With Families
Authors: Irish Christy K. , Parsons Seth A.
Published: July 2015

Sharing reading techniques with families is an important responsibility of teachers. Dialogic reading is one way to improve young students’ expressive vocabulary skills, which are important for later reading success. Dialogic reading also supports students’ understanding of story structure and content. This well researched technique has not been disseminated to families as well as it has been to classroom teachers. The purpose of this article is to provide ways that teachers may share this technique with families.
Mapping genes in barley for resistance to Puccinia coronata from couch grass and to P. striiformis from brome, wheat and barley
Authors: Niks Rients E. , Alemu Sisay K. , Marcel Thierry C. , van Heyzen Skye
Published: July 2015

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) mapping populations have been developed that are useful to study the inheritance of quantitative resistance to adapted and unadapted rust fungi. In a recent host range study, we found that the parents of those mapping populations also differed in their resistance to the crown rust Puccinia coronata (PcE) of couch grass (Elymus repens), as well as three isolates of P. striiformis, representing formae speciales hordei (Psh), tritici (Pst) and bromi (Psb). Available mapping populations were phenotyped at the seedling stage to map the genes conferring resistance to these rust isolates. Resistances to PcE, Psb and Pst inherit quantitatively. This contrasted with reports that barley nonhost resistance to unadapted formae speciales of P. striiformis is based on major genes. We mapped QTLs effective against PcE using relative latency period and relative infection frequency. Some QTLs for resistance were contributed by ‘Vada’ and ‘Cebada Capa’, others by SusPtrit. One PcE-resistance QTL on 3H, contributed by ‘Cebada Capa’, co-localised with a QTL effective against four unadapted grass rust species, indicating either a single gene with broad-spectrum effectiveness or a cluster of rather specific genes. Chromosome arm 7HL from Vada seems particularly rich in genes for resistance to rust fungi. Resistance to Pst and Psb, measured as the number of uredinia, tended to co-localise with each other and mapped to 1HS, 2HL and 7HL. The nearly complete resistance of Ethiopian line L94 to Psh was due to a major gene mapped on chromosome 4H. That gene is likely the recessive gene rpsGZ, which was previously reported in the Ethiopian line Grannenlose Zweizeilige.
Funktioniert die Informationsweitergabe in Familien mit erblichem Brust- und Eierstockkrebs?
Authors: Scholl Eva , Grimm Tiemo , Krockenberger Mathias , Kunstmann Erdmute
Published: July 2015

Die hier vorgestellte Pilotstudie, die 80 Trägerinnen und Träger einer pathogenen Mutation in den Genen BRCA1 oder 2 befragte, sollte ermitteln, ob den Befragten das Risiko ihrer Verwandten ebenso Mutationsträger zu sein, bewusst war und ob sie diese darüber informierten. Die Befragung ergab, dass sich die meisten Befragten des familiären Risikos bewusst waren. Bei einigen Personen schien jedoch Unklarheit zu herrschen, welche Verwandten als „Risikopersonen“ zählen; vor allem die Möglichkeit, dass auch Männer die Mutation tragen und sogar an Brustkrebs erkranken können, war nicht allen Befragten bewusst. Des Weiteren gaben über ein Viertel der Befragten an, mindestens ein Familienmitglied nicht informiert zu haben, obwohl ihnen dessen Risiko bekannt war. Der häufigste Grund hierfür war mangelnder Kontakt.
A NOTE ON THRESHOLD FACTOR LEVEL(S) AND STONE-GEARY TECHNOLOGY
Authors: BEATTIE BRUCE R. , ARADHYULA SATHEESH
Published: July 2015

This article proposes the parsimonious Stone-Geary utility function from consumer choice theory as a production function model. The viability of the threshold input idea is empirically demonstrated for irrigation water (and in the case of nitrogen, a “gratis” threshold) using two field trials from the famous Hexem-Heady data sets. The implications of the Stone-Geary model for tractable U-shaped average variable cost and for factor demand and product supply are explored.
Making the World Safe for our Children: Down-regulating Defence and Up-regulating Social Engagement to ‘Optimise’ the Human Experience
Authors: Porges Stephen W.
Published: July 2015

The Polyvagal Theory helps us understand how cues of risk and safety, which are continuously monitored by our nervous system, influence our physiological and behavioral states. The theory emphasizes that humans are on a quest to calm neural defense systems by detecting features of safety. This quest is initiated at birth when the infant needs for being soothed are dependent on the caregiver. The quest continues throughout the lifespan with needs for trusting friendships and loving partnerships to effectively co-regulate each other. The Polyvagal Theory proposes that through the process of evolution, social connectedness evolved as the primary biological imperative for mammals in their quest for survival. Functionally, social connectedness enabled proximity and co-regulation of physiological state between conspecifics starting with the mother-infant relationship and extending through the lifespan with other significant partners. The theory explains why feeling safe requires a unique set of cues to the nervous system that are not equivalent to physical safety or the removal of threat. The theory emphasizes the importance of safety cues emanating through reciprocal social interactions that dampen defense and how these cues can be distorted or optimized by environmental and bodily cues.
Poly-time computability of the Feigenbaum Julia set
Authors: DUDKO ARTEM , YAMPOLSKY MICHAEL
Published: July 2015

We present the first example of a poly-time computable Julia set with a recurrent critical point: we prove that the Julia set of the Feigenbaum map is computable in polynomial time.
Computing dynamical degrees of rational maps on moduli space
Authors: KOCH SARAH , ROEDER ROLAND K. W.
Published: July 2015

The dynamical degrees of a rational map$f:X{\dashrightarrow}X$are fundamental invariants describing the rate of growth of the action of iterates of$f$on the cohomology of$X$. When$f$has non-empty indeterminacy set, these quantities can be very difficult to determine. We study rational maps$f:X^{N}{\dashrightarrow}X^{N}$, where$X^{N}$is isomorphic to the Deligne–Mumford compactification$\overline{{\mathcal{M}}}_{0,N+3}$. We exploit the stratified structure of$X^{N}$to provide new examples of rational maps, in arbitrary dimension, for which the action on cohomology behaves functorially under iteration. From this, all dynamical degrees can be readily computed (given enough book-keeping and computing time). In this paper, we explicitly compute all of the dynamical degrees for all such maps$f:X^{N}{\dashrightarrow}X^{N}$, where$\text{dim}(X^{N})\leq 3$and the first dynamical degrees for the mappings where$\text{dim}(X^{N})\leq 5$. These examples naturally arise in the setting of Thurston’s topological characterization of rational maps.
Complex dynamics with focus on the real part
Authors: FORNÆSS JOHN ERIK , PETERS HAN
Published: July 2015

We consider the dynamics of holomorphic polynomials in$\mathbb{C}$. We show that the ergodic properties of the map can be seen already from the real parts of the orbits.