bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of microbial exopolymers in determining the fate of oil and chemical dispersants in the ocean
Authors: Quigg Antonietta , Passow Uta , Chin Wei‐Chun , Xu Chen , Doyle Shawn , Bretherton Laura , Kamalanathan Manoj , Williams Alicia K. , Sylvan Jason B. , Finkel Zoe V. , Knap Anthony H. , Schwehr Kathleen A. , Zhang Saijin , Sun Luni , Wade Terry L. , Obeid Wassim , Hatcher Patrick G. , Santschi Peter H.
Published: November 2016

The production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) by planktonic microbes can influence the fate of oil and chemical dispersants in the ocean through emulsification, degradation, dispersion, aggregation, and/or sedimentation. In turn, microbial community structure and function, including the production and character of EPS, is influenced by the concentration and chemical composition of oil and chemical dispersants. For example, the production of marine oil snow and its sedimentation and flocculent accumulation to the seafloor were observed on an expansive scale after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Northern Gulf of Mexico in 2010, but little is known about the underlying control of these processes. Here, we review what we do know about microbially produced EPS, how oil and chemical dispersant can influence the production rate and chemical and physical properties of EPS, and ultimately the fate of oil in the water column. To improve our response to future oil spills, we need a better understanding of the biological and physiochemical controls of EPS production by microbes under a range of environmental conditions, and in this paper, we provide the key knowledge gaps that need to be filled to do so.
Comparison of sampling methods for deep‐sea infauna
Authors: Montagna Paul A. , Baguley Jeffrey G. , Hsiang Chien‐Yi , Reuscher Michael G.
Published: November 2016

Sampling methods for benthic meiofauna and macrofauna assessments on the northern Gulf of Mexico continental slope and deep sea were compared. For meiofauna, a core with an inner diameter of 5.1 cm is recommended for yielding an appropriate sample size. Meiofauna are concentrated in the uppermost 2 cm sediment layer, so the top 3 cm are sufficient to sample. Macrofauna penetrate deeper and the top 10 cm are sufficient. Smaller sieves capture more organisms so 45 μm for meiofauna, and 300 μm for macrofauna, is recommended. On average, 88% of meiofauna were extracted in the Ludox fraction compared to the total of both Ludox and the sediment pellet. Box corers and multiple corers were compared for estimating macrofauna and meiofauna metrics. Multicorers are recommended for quantitative assessments, but box corers are useful for qualitative studies that require capturing more diversity. Box cores underestimate macrofauna abundance by 2.9 times. While the larger box core captures more species resulting in higher diversity estimates, it is low relative to the 24 times larger area sampled. The multicorer preserves vertical distribution. Because meiofauna are sampled from subcores, there is little difference between the two devices for estimating meiofauna metrics. Replicate multicore samples (i.e., deployments) do not add substantially to our understanding of the variance of species richness or abundance, thus to describe the spatial footprint of macrofauna community structure, it is recommended that resources should be used to sample more stations over a larger area rather than multiple replicates at fewer stations.
Lyotropic Supramolecular Polymer Systems with Anisotropic Functional Properties
Authors: Devaki Sudha J. , Sadanandhan Neethu K. , Narayanan Rohini K.
Published: November 2016

We have synthesized highly ordered nanostructured conducting PEDOT (poly (3,4ethylenedioxythiophene)) through chemical and electrochemical polymerization of bio based liquid crystalline templates and modified transducer used for the detection of ascorbic acid and nicotine.
Water Soluble Dual Responsive Star Copolymer for Encapsulation of Hydrophobic Dye Molecules
Authors: Das Sandip , Ghosh Radhakanta , Chatterjee Dhruba P. , Nandi Arun K.
Published: November 2016

Synthesis of water soluble thermo and pH responsive 3‐arm star shaped random copolymer of diethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate (DEGMEM) and N, N diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) is carried out by ATRP technique. The synthesized copolymer is characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The dual stimuli responsive behavior of the synthesized block copolymers is demonstrated using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The copolymer is insoluble in water at pH 9.2 which is attributed to the hydrophobicity of −NEt2 groups but at lower pH (pH 4 & 7) water solubility is observed due to protonation. Aggregation and dissociation behavior is only observed at pH 7 when the temperature is increased over 35 °C. Heating of the aqueous solution of the copolymer in presence of hydrophobic fluorescent molecule ‘Nile red’ over 35 °C shows a sharp increase in fluorescence intensity which again decreases with lowering of pH indicating temperature triggered encapsulation and pH triggered release of it. The increased hydrophobicity of −NEt2 groups ensure aggregated structure at pH 7 over 35 °C. This is very much important in view of loading of hydrophobic molecules within the polymer scaffold in the pH range that remains in blood stream at physiological conditions.
ATR FTIR Spectroscopic Study on Complexation of Sydiotactic Polystyrene with n‐Alkyl Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Sato Shuma , Kawaguchi Tatsuya , Kaneko Fumitoshi
Published: November 2016

Syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) forms the monoclinic δ clathrate cocrystal with n‐alkyl carboxylic acid (nCA). The sPS/nCA cocrystal is available not only by using the conventional guest exchange procedure but also by casting a chloroform (CHCl3) solution containing two solutes (sPS and nCA). When nCAs with carbon number of 3 to 6 are introduced into the sPS cocrystal, an appreciable amount of monomers are generated. In order to clarify how the monomeric state of the nCAs are generated by the solution casting method, the structural changes during the formation of sPS/n‐hexanoic acid (nHA) cocrystal were followed by means of ATR FTIR spectroscopy. The conditions of the host sPS, the guest nHA and the solvent CHCl3 were monitored, leading the following mechanism. The sPS/nHA cocrystallization was initiated with the conformational ordering of sPS chains; the (T2G2)2 helices appeared from the solution, which was accompanied with the formation of sPS cocrystal containing CHCl3 molecules as guests. The initial guest CHCl3 molecules were gradually substituted with nHA molecules, yielding the monomeric state of nHA in the cavies of the sPS cocrystal lattice.
­Polymeric Solid Foams: Mi­crostructure, Topology and Defects Determined by­ High Resolution X‐Ray Microtomography
Authors: Kékicheff Patrick , Dabo Mouhamadou , Dalongeville Gaëtan , Gauthier Christian , Roland Thierry
Published: November 2016

X‐ray microtomography was performed on polymeric solid foams over a large range in porosity (50–90%). Combining high flux and high spatial resolution of synchrotron radiations a complete 3D information of the inner microstructure was generated allowing physical parameters for the cells, walls, nodes, and defects (pits, holes in the cell walls, inclusions) to be determined quantitatively.
Solvent Assisted Room Temperature Synthesis of Magnetically Retrievable and Reusable Dipeptide Stabilized Nanocrystals for Suzuki‐Miyaura Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Sarkar Rajib , Sasmal Supriya , Podder Debasish , Haldar Debasish
Published: November 2016

The solvent assisted room temperature one pot in situ multiple oxidation reduction reaction between nitropeptide solution in ammonium hydroxide and FeCl2 leads to the formation of Fe3O4 nanocrystals stabilized by the resultant dipeptide. The Pd embedded dipeptide stabilized supramolecular nanocrystals exhibit excellent catalytic activity, magnetic recovery and reusability up to three cycles for Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction without significant loss of catalytic performance in aqueous media.
Bio‐Inspired Polymer Chemistry. Tuning the Structure and Properties of Self‐Assembled Polymers by Solvent Interactions
Authors: Nolte Roeland J.M. , Rowan Alan E.
Published: November 2016

Two examples of self‐assembled polymer systems of which the properties or functions can be tuned by solvent interactions are presented. The first involves polymers of isocyanopeptides with ethylene glycol side chains, which form gels with strain stiffening properties in water. The second deals with block copolymers of styrene and ethylene glycol, which self‐assemble in water to give polymersomes. Depending on the composition of the solvent mixture these nano‐objects can undergo shape transformations yielding bowl‐shaped architectures (stomatocytes). These stomatocytes can entrap platinum particles or enzymes and act as nanomotors.
Nanoclay Templated Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Gels
Authors: Yadav P. Jaya Prakash , Aswal Vinod K. , Maiti Pralay
Published: November 2016

Gelation of PVDF has been studies in presence of two‐dimensional layered silicate. Nanoclay crystallizes piezoelectric β‐phase in gel state as revealed through XRD and electron diffraction studies. Fibrilar morphology of both gel and nanogel is studied through scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The formation of compound of PVDF and solvent is evident while the fraction of PVDF required to form compound is less in nanogel as compared pure gel. The layered structure of assembly in gel and nanogel is revealed through small angle neutron scattering suggesting very small size blob of 7.4 nm for nanogel against the moderately larger size in pure gel of 30.7 nm. Epitaxial crystallization of PVDF in β‐phase has been suggested on top of layered silicate.
Self‐Assembly of Nanofillers in Improving the Performance of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane
Authors: Singha Shuvra , Jana Tushar
Published: November 2016

Understanding structure‐property relationship between polymer‐nanoparticle interface and the distribution of interfacial region and its properties is crucial in establishing the bulk properties of polymer like mechanical stability and conductivity. In this article we try to draw a comparison of the effect of silica nanoparticles modified with three different modifiers on the properties of oxy‐polybenzimidazole (OPBI) to understand the role played by the chemical structure of the organic modifying molecule. We highlight how small changes in the structure of the chosen molecule can bring about substantial improvements in polymer nanocomposites owing to the self‐assembly of nanofillers. We use aminopropyltriethoxysilane (AMS), N‐(3‐trimethoxysilylpropyl) diethylenetriamine (LAMS) and ionic liquid modified silica (ILMS) for the surface modification of silica nanoparticles. The extent of interfacial interaction between each of these silica nanoparticles with OPBI matrix was found to be in the order OPBI/AMS < OPBI/LAMS < OPBI/ILMS. The increased interaction from AMS to LAMS to ILMS manifests as stronger adhesion between the polymer and the nanofiller particles that reflects in three important properties i.e storage modulus, acid doping level and proton conductivity of the nanocomposite membranes. Using TEM microscopy we demonstrate the distinct morphological changes induced by the self‐assembly of differently modified silica nanoparticles and correlate the morphological features to the observed properties. This systematic study represents a significant step towards predicting desired/undesired nanocomposite properties.
Comparison of Electrospinning and Gas Jet Fiber Processes for Fabrication of Bi‐Component Polymer Nanofibers from Single Solutions
Authors: Rajgarhia Stuti S. , Jana Sadhan C.
Published: November 2016

In this study, the rates of nanofiber production are compared between single needle electrospinning and single nozzle gas jet fiber (GJF) processes by considering bi‐component nanofibers of two immiscible polymers. The spinning solutions consist of two immiscible polymers and two mutually miscible solvents. The solvent pairs with different vapor pressure are used to obtain three morphological forms − interpenetrating network (IPN), bi‐lobal, and core‐shell. As baseline for comparison, electrospinning conditions are chosen to produce the same equivalent liquid jet diameter as in the case of GJF process. It is observed that nanofibers of IPN, bi‐lobal, and core‐shell morphologies are easily produced in the GJF process at high rates while nanofibers of only the IPN and bi‐lobal morphologies are produced via electrospinning, although at much lower rates. The core‐shell nanofibers cannot be produced via electrospinning process for the combinations of polymers and the solvents chosen in this work.
Self‐Assessment of Disability in Parkinson's Disease: The MDS‐UPDRS Part II Versus Clinician‐Based Ratings
Authors: Rodríguez‐Blázquez Carmen , Alvarez Mario , Arakaki Tomoko , Campos Arillo Víctor , Chaná Pedro , Fernández William , Garretto Nélida , Martínez‐Castrillo Juan Carlos , Rodríguez‐Violante Mayela , Serrano‐Dueñas Marcos , Ballesteros Diego , Rojo‐Abuin Jose Manuel , Ray Chaudhuri Kallol , Merello Marcelo , Martínez‐Martín Pablo
Published: November 2016

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by motor and nonmotor symptoms that progress with time, causing disability. The performance of a disease‐specific, self‐applied tool for assessing disability, the MDS‐UPDRS Part II, is tested against generic and rater‐based rating scales.

Methods

An international, cross‐sectional, observational study was performed. Patients were assessed with the Hoehn and Yahr (HY) and five disability measures: MDS‐UPDRS Part II, Schwab and England Scale (S&E), Clinical Impression of Severity Index‐PD (CISI‐PD) Disability item, Barthel Index (BI), and Rapid Assessment of Disability Scale (RADS). Data analysis included correlation coefficients, Mann‐Whitney and Kruskal‐Wallis tests, and intraclass‐correlation coefficient for concordance.

Results

The sample was composed of 451 patients, 55.2% men, with a mean age of 65.06 years (SD = 10.71). Disability rating scales correlated from |0.75| (CISI‐PD Disability with BI) to 0.87 (MDS‐UPDRS Part II with RADS). In general, MDS‐UPDRS Part II showed high correlation coefficients with clinical variables and satisfactory concordance with the rest of disability measures, with ICC ranging from 0.83 (with BI) to 0.93 (with RADS). All disability rating scales showed statistical significant differences in the sample grouped by sex, age, disease duration, and severity level.

Conclusions

The MDS‐UPDRS Part II showed an appropriate performance to assess disability in PD, even better than some rater‐based, generic or specific, scales applied in this study.
Diagonal form fast multipole singular boundary method applied to the solution of high‐frequency acoustic radiation and scattering
Authors: Qu Wenzhen , Chen Wen , Zheng Changjun
Published: November 2016

The singular boundary method (SBM) is a recent strong‐form boundary collocation method that uses a linear combination of the fundamental solution of the governing equation to approximate the field variables. Because of its full interpolation matrix, the SBM solution encounters the high computational complexity and storage requirement that limit its applications to large‐scale engineering problems. This paper presents a way to overcome this drawback by introducing the diagonal form fast multipole method. A diagonal form fast multipole singular boundary method is then developed to reduce the computational operations of the SBM with direct solvers from O(N3) to O(NlogN), where N is the number of unknowns. The proposed method works well for acoustic radiation and scattering with nondimensional wave number kD<110 (k is the wave number and D the maximum diameter of the computational domain). Several numerical experiments are provided to show the efficiency and accuracy of the present strategy, including the radiation from a nuclear submarine and the scattering from an airplane. The numerical results clearly demonstrate that the present diagonal form fast multipole singular boundary method breaks the limitations of the SBM and successfully simulates the large‐scale acoustic problems with more than one million unknowns on a desktop computer. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of a hepatitis B virus pre‐S2 deletion mutant in the liver results in hepatomegaly and hepatocellular carcinoma in mice
Authors: Teng Yuan‐Chi , Neo Jenq Chyuan , Wu Jaw‐Ching , Chen Yi‐Fan , Kao Cheng‐Heng , Tsai Ting‐Fen
Published: November 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer and has a poor prognosis and a low survival rate; its incidence is on the rise. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the main causes of HCC. A high prevalence of pre‐S deletions of HBV surface antigen, which encompass T‐cell and/or B‐cell epitopes, is found in HBV carriers; antiviral therapy and viral immune escape may cause and select for these HBV mutants. In particular, the presence of pre‐S2 deletion mutants is an important risk factor associated with cirrhosis and HCC. We generated Alb‐preΔS2 transgenic mice that express a naturally occurring pre‐S2 mutant protein containing a 33‐nucleotide deletion (preΔS2); the aim was to investigate its effect on hepatocarcinogenesis. After 30 months of follow‐up, the liver pathology of the mice fell into four groups: G1, chronic inflammation solely; G2, chronic inflammation and fibrosis; G3, inflammation, fibrosis, and hepatomegaly accompanied by rectal prolapse (4–12%); and G4, hepatomegaly and spontaneous HCC (12–15%). Striking degeneration of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was present in the mouse livers at an early stage (4 months old). At 8 months, overt ER stress and the Atf6 pathway of the unfolded protein response (UPR) were induced; at the same time, metabolic pathways associated with mevalonate and cholesterol biogenesis, involving the peroxisomes and the ER, were disturbed. At 20 months and older, the protein kinase RNA‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) pathway of the UPR was induced and the Hippo transducer Yap was activated. Together, these ultrastructural aberrations and metabolic disturbance all seem to contribute to the molecular pathogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis present in the Alb‐preΔS2 mice. These findings may contribute to the development of therapies for the liver disorders and HCC associated with pre‐S2 deletion mutations among HBV carriers. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of submicroscopic chromosomal aberrations in fetuses with ventricular septal defects by chromosomal microarray‐based analysis
Authors: Du Liu , Xie Hong‐Ning , Huang Lin‐Huan , Xie Ying‐Jun , Wu Li‐Hong
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the usefulness of chromosomal microarray analysis in fetuses with ventricular septal defects (VSDs) with or without associated anomalies and normal karyotype.

Methods

Fetuses with VSDs and normal karyotypes were investigated by using an Affymetrix CytoScan HD array. The cases were classified as isolated or nonisolated VSDs.

Results

Among the 52 VSD fetuses, 22 (42.3%) had isolated defects and 30 (57.7%) had additional other ultrasound anomalies. Twenty‐six CNVs were identified in 18 fetuses (34.6%), 15 benign CNVs were detected in 11 (21.2%) fetuses, and 8 pathogenic CNVs were detected in 6 (11.5%) fetuses. After excluding 2 fetuses with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, the rate of pathogenic CNVs was 7.7%. The proportion of variants of unknown significance was 5.8% (3/52). In five cases, additional malformations were detected after birth or abortion, and one case had a prenatal isolated VSD. The detection rate of pathogenic CNVs in nonisolated VSDs was nonsignificantly higher than that in prenatal or postnatal isolated VSDs (4.5%, 1/22 vs 16.7%, 5/30, P = 0.226; 0/21 vs 19.4%, 6/31, P = 0.07).

Conclusions

The results demonstrated the value of chromosomal microarray analysis in the prenatal diagnosis of VSDs. The complexity of other defects enhanced the frequency of pathogenic CNVs, although the results were not significantly different. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring a novel cyclic monofunctional peroxide for curing of silicone rubber at elevated temperature
Authors: Chatterjee Tuhin , Wiessner Sven , Naskar Kinsuk , Heinrich Gert
Published: November 2016

The curing characteristics of silicone rubber (polydimethylsiloxane [PDMS]) in the presence of structurally different peroxides, namely dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and 3,3,5,7,7‐pentamethyl‐1,2,4‐trioxepane (PMTO), have been studied in details. At moderate temperature, DCP is more prominent for curing the silicone rubber but at high temperatures it suffers from low scorch safety. An inhibitor 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl (TEMPO) was added with DCP to stabilize the radicals in order to increase the scorch safety time. On the other hand, PMTO showed a prolonged scorch safety and better crosslinking efficiency rather than (DCP + TEMPO) mix at higher temperatures. PMTO‐crosslinked PDMS shows better crosslinking efficiency as indicated by a higher gel content and low swelling index value. Also the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and dynamic mechanical behavior of PMTO‐crosslinked PDMS are much superior than (DCP + TEMPO)‐crosslinked PDMS. Apart from thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) made from PMTO‐crosslinked PDMS show better physicomechanical behavior compared to the TPVs made from (DCP + TEMPO)‐crosslinked PDMS. Moreover, DCP undergoes decomposition reactions at a higher temperature and forms acetophenone, which leads to an unpleasant smell in the final products whereas no such phenomenon is observed for PMTO. Therefore, PMTO turns out to be the suitable peroxide for crosslinking of PDMS at higher temperature. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:1073–1082, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Clinical Experience with Daptomycin in Pediatrics
Authors: Namtu Katie C. , Crain Julianna C. , Messina Allison F. , Dumois Juan A. , Berman David M.
Published: November 2016

Introduction

The management of gram‐positive infections has been complicated in recent years by the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, leaving fewer options for therapy. Daptomycin is a lipopeptide antibiotic used for the systemic treatment of gram‐positive infections. It has a distinct mechanism of action and a favorable side effect profile, and it requires once/day dosing. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic data in neonatal and pediatric patients. The objective of this study was to review our experience with daptomycin use for the treatment of gram‐positive infections in these patient populations.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records of hospitalized children who received daptomycin between October 2008 and June 2014 for the treatment of proven gram‐positive infections.

Results

Of the 146 patients who received at least 3 days of daptomycin therapy, 109 patients had a proven gram‐positive infection and were included for further analysis. Of the 109 patients, 71 were males (65%) and the median age was 12 years (range: 2.5 mo to 24 yrs). The median duration of therapy was 12 days (range: 3–121 days; mean = 16 days). Catheter‐related bloodstream infections were the most common type of infections (n=81 patients) in those receiving daptomycin treatment. One hundred seven patients (98%) had documented improvement and resolution at the time of hospital discharge. One hundred four patients (95%) had a baseline creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level obtained. Of these 104 patients, 48 (46%) had at least one follow‐up CPK level after the start of therapy. Three patients’ charts showed laboratory evidence of elevated CPK values.

Conclusions

The majority of patients demonstrated clinical improvement after receiving daptomycin as primary therapy for proven gram‐positive infections. Larger randomized controlled trials focusing on safety and efficacy are necessary to assess these outcomes with daptomycin use in the pediatric population.
Polymer carbon dots—a highlight reviewing their unique structure, bright emission and probable photoluminescence mechanism
Authors: Song Yubin , Zhu Shoujun , Shao Jieren , Yang Bai
Published: November 2016

In recent years, a novel fluorescent material, carbon dots (CDs), is becoming a hot topic. Recent research works found that some types of CDs with high quantum yield are mainly composed of polymer structures or polymer/carbon hybrid structures rather than the pure carbon/graphite structure. These types of CDs, named as polymer carbon dots (PCDs) here, are drawing growing interests due to the designed hybrid structure and functional integration. Typically, PCDs are nano‐sized particles possessing abundant polymer structures with low carbonization degree, prepared from the monomers or non‐conjugated polymers by condensation, crosslinking, assembling, or slightly carbonization processes. In this highlight, we bring up the new concept of PCDs and discuss the relationships among non‐conjugated polymer, PCDs and CDs, demonstrating that the possible fluorescence mechanism of PCDs is inferred as crosslink enhanced emission effect. Furthermore, the structure, properties, and synthetic methods of the reported typical PCDs were summarized and prospected. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 610–615
The use of stable carbene‐CO2 adducts for the polymerization of trimethylene carbonate
Authors: Katharina Reitz Annika , Sun Qian , Wilhelm René , Kuckling Dirk
Published: November 2016

The synthesis of poly(trimethylene carbonate) via carbene catalyzed ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) was investigated. The N‐heterocyclic carbenes were protected as CO2‐adducts to improve their handling (e.g., carbene generation without base). The influence of catalyst structure, different solvents and microwave radiation on conversion, molecular weight and end groups was investigated to gain an insight into the reaction mechanism. Different NHC structures were investigated for their catalytic activity toward the ROP of trimethylene carbonate. The analytic studies were performed by using NMR spectroscopy, SEC and ESI‐IMS mass spectrometry. It was found that the reaction can be performed in acetonitrile, toluene, THF and CH2Cl2. Synthesis in CH2Cl2 allows the best control over the resulting polymer with regards to polydispersity and molecular weight. Microwave radiation accelerates the reaction at 80 °C. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 820–829
Therapy processes, progress, and outcomes for 2 therapies for gynecological cancer patients
Authors: Manne Sharon L. , Myers‐Virtue Shannon , Kashy Deborah A. , Ozga Melissa , Kissane David , Heckman Carolyn , Morgan Mark
Published: November 2016

Objective

Although a number of effective psychotherapies have been identified for cancer patients, little is known about therapy processes, as they unfold the course of treatment and the role of therapy processes in treatment outcome. We used growth curve modeling to evaluate the associations between therapy processes and outcomes among gynecological cancer patients participating in 2 types of therapy.

Methods

Two hundred twenty five women newly diagnosed with gynecological cancer were randomly assigned to receive 8 sessions of a coping and communication intervention or a client‐centered supportive therapy. Participants completed measures of preintervention and postintervention depression, working alliance after Session 2, and postsession progress and depressive symptoms after each session. Therapists completed measures of perceived patient progress.

Results

Both patients and therapists reported a steady increase in session progress and patients reported a steady decrease in depressive symptoms over the course of both the coping and communication intervention and client‐centered supportive sessions. Perceived progress in one session predicted progress in the subsequent session. Early working alliance predicted improved session progress and reductions in postsession depressive symptoms over sessions. Working alliance did not predict prepost treatment changes in depression. Patient‐rated session progress predicted greater reductions in pretreatment to posttreatment depression, but therapist‐rated progress did not.

Conclusions

For 2 types of treatment delivered to women diagnosed with gynecological cancer, patient‐rated session progress and depressive symptoms rated over therapy sessions may serve as a yardstick that can be useful to therapists to gauge patient's response to treatment.
Plasma nitrogenation of polymer surfaces with a new type of combinatorial plasma‐printing reactor
Authors: Kotula Stefan , Lüdemann Maik , Philipp Jens , Thomas Michael , Klages Claus‐Peter
Published: November 2016

A new method for combinatorial area‐selective polymer modification or deposition using DBD‐type plasmas at atmospheric pressure (“plasma‐printing”) is presented. Thereby a gradient of two gases perpendicular to the flow direction is established by triangular‐shaped overlapping gas inlets. Design of this reactor allows generation of spot arrays with controlled gradients of physicochemical surface properties which is first applied by investigating the influence of H2 admixtures to N2‐plasma‐treatment of polymers. Formation of functional groups is quantitatively characterized by ATR FT‐IR with preceding chemical derivatization using nucleophilic and electrophilic chemicals. It is shown that treatments using high gas flow velocities are more efficient than treatments with low gas speed. Also it is shown that direct plasma treatment leads to polymer surfaces with nucleophilic and electrophilic properties and that H2 content influences formation of both types of functionalities.
Critical remarks on chemical derivatization analysis of plasma‐treated polymer surfaces and plasma polymers
Authors: Klages Claus‐Peter , Kotula Stefan
Published: November 2016

The notion that individual functional groups on plasma‐modified polymer surfaces or in plasma polymers can be detected and quantified using selectively reacting derivatization reagents has dominated the field of plasma‐based surface technology since more than 30 years. For nitrogenated films and surfaces it has traditionally been believed that amino groups can be analyzed selectively using electrophilic reagents such as benzaldehydes or carboxylic acid anhydrides. This article presents arguments indicating that traditionally applied methodologies are partially based on myths. Presumed amino groups are – at least to a substantial extent – probably in fact other nitrogen‐bearing moieties. It is open to question if primary or secondary amino groups could “survive” the physico‐chemical environment typical of a plasma at all. Advancing the chemical understanding of N‐containing plasma‐generated films and surfaces, and plasma‐chemical formation mechanisms requires rethinking the interpretation of derivatization experiments.
Aspergillosis and the role of mucins in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Cowley Abigail C. , Thornton David J. , Denning David W. , Horsley Alexander
Published: November 2016

The prevalence of aspergillosis in CF patients has until recently been underestimated, but increasing evidence suggests that it may play an important role in the progression of CF lung disease. In healthy airways, Aspergillus fumigatus can be efficiently removed from the lung by mechanisms such as mucociliary clearance and cough. However, these mechanisms are defective in CF, allowing pathogens such as A. fumigatus to germinate and establish chronic infections within the airways. The precise means by which A. fumigatus contributes to CF lung disease remain largely unclear. As the first point of contact within the lung, and an important component of the innate immune system, it is likely that the mucus barrier plays an important role in this process. Study of the functional interplay between this vital protective barrier, and in particular its principal structural components, the polymeric gel‐forming mucins, and CF pathogens such as A. fumigatus, is at an early stage. A. fumigatus protease activity has been shown to upregulate mucus production by inducing mucin mRNA and protein expression, and A. fumigatus proteases and glycosidases are able to degrade mucins. This may allow A. fumigatus to alter mucus barrier properties to promote fungal colonization of the airways and/or utilize mucins as a nutrient source. Moreover, conidial surface lectin binding to mucin glycans is a key aspect of clearance of Aspergillus from the lung in health but may be an important aspect of colonization, where mucociliary clearance is compromised, as in the CF lung. Here we discuss the nature of the mucus barrier and its mucin components in CF, and how they may be implicated in A. fumigatus infection. Pediatr Pulmonol 2017;52:548–555. © 2016 The Authors. Pediatric Pulmonology. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New insights into interactions between the nucleotide‐binding domain of CFTR and keratin 8
Authors: Premchandar Aiswarya , Kupniewska Anna , Bonna Arkadiusz , Faure Grazyna , Fraczyk Tomasz , Roldan Ariel , Hoffmann Brice , Faria da Cunha Mélanie , Herrmann Harald , Lukacs Gergely L. , Edelman Aleksander , Dadlez Michał
Published: November 2016

The intermediate filament protein keratin 8 (K8) interacts with the nucleotide‐binding domain 1 (NBD1) of the cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane regulator (CFTR) with phenylalanine 508 deletion (ΔF508), and this interaction hampers the biogenesis of functional ΔF508‐CFTR and its insertion into the plasma membrane. Interruption of this interaction may constitute a new therapeutic target for CF patients bearing the ΔF508 mutation. Here, we aimed to determine the binding surface between these two proteins, to facilitate the design of the interaction inhibitors. To identify the NBD1 fragments perturbed by the ΔF508 mutation, we used hydrogen–deuterium exchange coupled with mass spectrometry (HDX‐MS) on recombinant wild‐type (wt) NBD1 and ΔF508‐NBD1 of CFTR. We then performed the same analysis in the presence of a peptide from the K8 head domain, and extended this investigation using bioinformatics procedures and surface plasmon resonance, which revealed regions affected by the peptide binding in both wt‐NBD1 and ΔF508‐NBD1. Finally, we performed HDX‐MS analysis of the NBD1 molecules and full‐length K8, revealing hydrogen‐bonding network changes accompanying complex formation. In conclusion, we have localized a region in the head segment of K8 that participates in its binding to NBD1. Our data also confirm the stronger binding of K8 to ΔF508‐NBD1, which is supported by an additional binding site located in the vicinity of the ΔF508 mutation in NBD1.
Use of restrained molecular dynamics to predict the conformations of phosphorylated receiver domains in two‐component signaling systems
Authors: Foster Clay A. , West Ann H.
Published: November 2016

Two‐component signaling (TCS) is the primary means by which bacteria, as well as certain plants and fungi, respond to external stimuli. Signal transduction involves stimulus‐dependent autophosphorylation of a sensor histidine kinase and phosphoryl transfer to the receiver domain of a downstream response regulator. Phosphorylation acts as an allosteric switch, inducing structural and functional changes in the pathway's components. Due to their transient nature, phosphorylated receiver domains are challenging to characterize structurally. In this work, we provide a methodology for simulating receiver domain phosphorylation to predict conformations that are nearly identical to experimental structures. Using restrained molecular dynamics, phosphorylated conformations of receiver domains can be reliably sampled on nanosecond timescales. These simulations also provide data on conformational dynamics that can be used to identify regions of functional significance related to phosphorylation. We first validated this approach on several well‐characterized receiver domains and then used it to compare the upstream and downstream components of the fungal Sln1 phosphorelay. Our results demonstrate that this technique provides structural insight, obtained in the absence of crystallographic or NMR information, regarding phosphorylation‐induced conformational changes in receiver domains that regulate the output of their associated signaling pathway. To our knowledge, this is the first time such a protocol has been described that can be broadly applied to TCS proteins for predictive purposes. Proteins 2016; 85:155–176. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cover Picture: Graphene screen‐printed radio‐frequency identification devices on flexible substrates (Phys. Status Solidi RRL 11/2016)
Authors: Arapov Kirill , Jaakkola Kaarle , Ermolov Vladimir , Bex Guy , Rubingh Eric , Haque Samiul , Sandberg Henrik , Abbel Robert , de With Gijsbertus , Friedrich Heiner
Published: November 2016

No abstract is available for this article.
Hyperkalemia associated with valproic acid
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: November 2016

Valproic acid is widely used for the management of symptoms in patients with mania. Although the drug has been reported to cause hyponatremia,1 its use as a mood stabilizer in general is well‐tolerated, and there has been no evidence in the literature of abnormalities in other electrolyte levels associated with its use.
ConoSurf: Open‐source 3D scanning system based on a conoscopic holography device for acquiring surgical surfaces
Authors: Brudfors Mikael , García‐Vázquez Verónica , Sesé‐Lucio Begoña , Marinetto Eugenio , Desco Manuel , Pascau Javier
Published: November 2016

Background

A difficulty in computer‐assisted interventions is acquiring the patient's anatomy intraoperatively. Standard modalities have several limitations: low image quality (ultrasound), radiation exposure (computed tomography) or high costs (magnetic resonance imaging). An alternative approach uses a tracked pointer; however, the pointer causes tissue deformation and requires sterilizing. Recent proposals, utilizing a tracked conoscopic holography device, have shown promising results without the previously mentioned drawbacks.

Methods

We have developed an open‐source software system that enables real‐time surface scanning using a conoscopic holography device and a wide variety of tracking systems, integrated into pre‐existing and well‐supported software solutions.

Results

The mean target registration error of point measurements was 1.46 mm. For a quick guidance scan, surface reconstruction improved the surface registration error compared with point‐set registration.

Conclusions

We have presented a system enabling real‐time surface scanning using a tracked conoscopic holography device. Results show that it can be useful for acquiring the patient's anatomy during surgery.
Power allocation design and optimization for secure transmission in cognitive relay networks
Authors: Zhang Pei , Liu Yi‐Liang , Zhang Jian‐ming , Wang Liang‐min
Published: November 2016

In this paper, physical layer security is investigated in the dual‐hop amplify‐and‐forward cognitive relay network with one secondary source, one secondary destination, multiple cognitive relays under the presence of multiple primary receivers and eavesdroppers which can be either primary receivers or secondary receivers. The power allocation method at secondary source and artificial noise at relays are utilized to secure the secondary source‐destination transmission. Two optimization problems, namely, to maximize the received signal‐to‐interference‐and‐noise ratio of secondary source in the lightly‐loaded relay cluster situation, and to minimize the relay cluster total power in the fully‐loaded relay cluster situation, are formulated. In addition, these two problems should ensure both physical‐layer security and lower interference temperature. The semi‐definite relaxation technique is used to solve the considered optimization problems. In the second problems, we further optimize the performance with the help of the bisection method. Complexity analysis shows that our proposed method is efficient and also can be solved in polynomial time. Theoretical analysis and the Monte‐Carlo simulation results validate the proposed method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experience report: implementing requirement traceability throughout the software development life cycle
Authors: Akman Suha , Özmut Mert , Aydın Burak , Göktürk Serhat
Published: November 2016

The developed traceability model is essential in helping project members, project managers and customers, all understand the product at all stages of the software development life cycle and maintain the integrity of the design information. Utilizing a well designed development environment and an environment support team is vital in maintaining the requirement traceability. With the requirement traceability, the customers' requirement status can be monitored and the relationships among requirements, design decisions, and code can be accessed to reuse already developed products or analyze the change impacts, which in turn benefits companies by lowering the development and maintenance cost. This paper describes how requirement traceability is supported in an information technology solution provider company, with the improvement of integrated tool infrastructure, the transformation of the tool infrastructure, and the challenges that were faced during the transformation. Throughout this improvement project, not only the tools and their capabilities were looked into but also the company culture and the already acquired know‐how in using many infrastructure tools such as Enterprise Project Management, JIRA, Team Foundation Server, Quality Center, Enterprise Architect, SVN, and Eclipse.
Phase Diagrams and Thermodynamic Properties of the FeO–SiO2–V2O3 Systems
Authors: Huang Weijun , Chen Min , Shen Xiang , Yu Shan , Wang Nan , Xu Lei
Published: November 2016

The phase diagrams of FeO–SiO2–V2O3 systems as the main components of vanadium slag are assessed on the basis of the existing literature models and experimental studies to modify partial parameters by FactSage thermodynamic software. The results show that the eutectic and peritectic reactions for the FeO–V2O3 system happen at about 1626 and 1985 K, respectively. The eutectic and monotectic reactions for the V2O3–SiO2 system happen at about 1935 and 1963 K, respectively. According to the actual blowing temperature of the vanadium‐extraction converter, the isothermal section at 1573, 1623, and 1672 K of the FeO–SiO2–V2O3 ternary system is calculated, and the isothermal section at 1573 and 1623 K has seven phase regions, which are the liquid + spinel + tridymite, liquid + wustite + spinel, spinel + tridymite + karelianite, liquid + tridymite, liquid + spinel, liquid + wustite, and liquid, respectively. But liquid + wustite and liquid + wustite + spinel regions disappear at 1673 K. Meanwhile, two ternary eutectic points are determined to be at 1470 and 1476 K, respectively. Peritectic reaction of phase wustite, karelianite, and silica (tridymite and cristobalite) occurs at 1702 and 1750 K, respectively.
Proteome and Secretome Characterization of Glioblastoma-Derived Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Okawa Satoshi , Gagrica Sladjana , Blin Carla , Ender Christine , Pollard Steven M. , Krijgsveld Jeroen
Published: November 2016

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (grade IV astrocytoma) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. GBM consists of heterogeneous cell types including a subset of stem cell-like cells thought to sustain tumor growth. These tumor-initiating glioblastoma multiforme-derived neural stem (GNS) cells as well as their genetically normal neural stem (NS) counterparts can be propagated in culture as relatively pure populations. Here, we perform quantitative proteomics to globally characterize and compare total proteome plus the secreted proteome (secretome) between GNS cells and NS cells. Proteins and pathways that distinguish malignant cancer (GNS) stem cells from their genetically normal counterparts (NS cells) might have value as new biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Our analysis identified and quantified ∼7,500 proteins in the proteome and ∼2,000 in the secretome, 447 and 138 of which were differentially expressed, respectively. Notable tumor-associated processes identified using gene set enrichment analysis included: extracellular matrix interactions, focal adhesion, cell motility, and cell signaling. We focused on differentially expressed surface proteins, and identified 26 that participate in ligand-receptor pairs that play a prominent role in tumorigenesis. Immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting confirmed that CD9, a recently identified marker of adult subventricular zone NS cells, was consistently enriched across a larger set of primary GNS cell lines. CD9 may, therefore, have value as a GNS-specific surface marker and a candidate therapeutic target. Altogether, these findings support the notion that increased cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion molecules play a crucial role in promoting the tumor initiating and infiltrative properties of GNS cells.
Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Biochemical Properties of Grape Seeds
Authors: Apaydin Demet , Demirci Ahmet Sukru , Gecgel Umit
Published: November 2016

In the present study, grape seed samples (Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Franc, Cinsault, Merlot, Shiraz) were treated with 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, and 7.0 kGy of gamma radiation. Effect of irradiation dose on free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), sterol, fatty acid composition, phenolic content, antioxidant activity of the seed oils, and chemical (dry matter, fat, ash, total sugar, invert sugar) changes of grape seeds were determined. Regarding fatty acid composition, oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2) levels decreased. β‐sitosterol content with a highest percentage among sterols in grape seed oils decreased due to gamma irradiation. Generally gamma irradiation increased free fatty acids and peroxide value of the oils; however, phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of grape seeds decreased.
Präimplantationsdiagnostik im Europavergleich
Authors: Geffroy Sandra , Zerres Klaus
Published: November 2016

Die rechtlichen Regelungen der Präimplantationsdiagnostik (PID) in Europa sind sehr heterogen. In der Folge unterscheidet sich die Praxis der PID erheblich. Während einzelne Länder wie England auf eine sehr lange Praxis zurückblicken können, sind die rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen in anderen Ländern wie Deutschland oder der Schweiz erst in den letzten Jahren geschaffen worden, sodass die Erfahrungen aus diesen Ländern sehr begrenzt sind. Das Präimplantationsdiagnostik Consortium der European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) hat die Erfahrungen mit der PID von fast 20 Jahren vorbildlich dokumentiert und regelmäßig ausgewertet, sodass umfassende Daten zur Praxis der PID verfügbar sind. Mit dem vorliegenden Beitrag soll für ausgewählte Aspekte ein Überblick über den Stand der PID in Europa gegeben werden, der aufgrund der sehr heterogenen Regelungen keinen Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit erheben kann.
3D Numerical simulations of elastomeric bearings for bridges
Authors: Forcellini Davide
Published: November 2016

Multilayer elastomeric isolation can be considered a well-known solution with many applications in the last 20 years in the infrastructure arena. In particular, isolation has been extensively applied for pier and abutment protection, in order to strengthen bridges against earthquakes. Elastomeric bearings can be subjected to large axial loads and lateral displacements during strong earthquakes, which induce potentially buckling effects. The recent Forcellini and Kelly (J Eng Mech 140(6):04014036, 2014) model allows to take into account large deformation response of a bearing when buckling occurs. This paper aims at verifying this theory using experimental results and numerical simulations. First of all, test results are taken from Nagarajaiah and Ferrell (J Struct Eng 125:946–954, 1999) and compared with the developed theory. Then, numerical simulations have been performed by applying OpenSees.