bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Localization of the Sperm Protein SP22 and Inhibition of Fertility In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Klinefelter Gary R. , Welch Jeffrey E. , Perreault Sally D. , Moore Harry D. , Zucker Robert M. , Suarez Juan D. , Roberts Naomi L. , Bobseine Kathy , Jeffay Susan
Published: October 2016

We previously established that levels of the sperm membrane protein, SP22, are highly correlated with the fertility of sperm from the cauda epididymidis of rats exposed to both epididymal and testicular toxicants, and that a testis‐specific SP22 transcript is expressed in postmeiotic germ cells. In this study, polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies were generated to study the expression of SP22 in the testis and epididymis, and to determine whether SP22 plays a coincidental or causal role in fertility. Polyclonal antiserum was raised in sheep against full‐length recombinant rat SP22 (rSP22). Hybridoma clones were generated from mice immunized with rSP22 and boosted with native SP22; positive clones were used for ascites production. Immunoblots indicated that affinity‐purified anti‐rSP22 immunoglobulin (Ig) and ascites Ig recognized denatured and native SP22, respectively. Linear epitope mapping of the 189‐amino acid SP22 sequence revealed 3 distinct peptide sequences recognized by anti‐rSP22 Ig, and 1 sequence recognized by ascites Ig. Cytoplasm of round spermatids and heads of elongating/elongated spermatids immunostained with both anti‐rSP22 and ascites antibodies. Isolated rete testis sperm revealed discrete staining over the cytoplasmic droplet, whereas staining was apparent over the equatorial segment of the head by the time sperm reached the caput epididymidis. Clear cells were, interestingly, immunostained along the length of the epididymis. Ascites Ig and anti‐SP22 Ig each recognized the equatorial segment of sperm heads from rat, hamster, bull, rabbit, and human. Ascites Ig and affinity‐purified anti‐rSP22Ig each significantly inhibited the fertility of cauda epididymal sperm from the rat in vivo, as well as the fertilization rates of cauda epididymal sperm in vitro. Moreover, affinity‐purified anti‐rSP22 significantly inhibited in vitro fertilization of both zona‐intact and zona‐free hamster oocytes, suggesting that SP22 may play a role in both the zona penetration and membrane fusion steps of fertilization.
Training in hepato‐pancreato‐biliary surgery during residency: past, present and future perspectives
Authors: de Santibañes Martin , de Santibañes Eduardo , Pekolj Juan
Published: October 2016

The paradigm introduced by William Halsted for surgical residency training has been considered the most appropriate educational system to acquire the knowledge and surgical skills required to become a competent general surgeon. Hepato‐pancreato‐biliary (HPB) surgery is considered an important part of general surgery training because of its high prevalence and complexity. Nowadays, we are faced with a worldwide shortage of general surgeons candidates, restrictive working hours and less surgical exposure, situations that can undermine the objectives of training in HPB surgery during residency. Moreover, new generations of resident graduates are concerned about their lack of preparedness for independence. We cannot escape from this reality and therefore it justifies a reflection in our HPB surgical world community.
Separation of benign and malignant breast lesions using dynamic contrast enhanced MRI in a biopsy cohort
Authors: Kim Sungheon Gene , Freed Melanie , Leite Ana Paula Klautau , Zhang Jin , Seuss Claudia , Moy Linda
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic utility of contrast kinetic analysis for breast lesions and background parenchyma of women undergoing MRI‐guided biopsies, for whom standard clinical analysis had failed to separate benign and malignant lesions.

Materials and Methods

This study included 115 women who had indeterminate lesions based on routine diagnostic breast MRI exams and underwent an MRI (3 Tesla) ‐guided biopsy of one or more lesions suspicious for breast cancer. Breast dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI was performed using a radial stack‐of‐stars three‐dimensional spoiled gradient echo pulse sequence and modified k‐space weighted image contrast image reconstruction. Contrast kinetic model analysis was conducted to characterize the contrast enhancement patterns measured in lesions and background parenchyma (BP). The transfer rate (Ktrans), interstitial volume fraction (ve), and vascular volume fraction (vp) estimated from the lesion and BP were used to separate malignant from benign lesions.

Results

The patients with malignant lesions had significantly (P < 0.05) higher median lesion‐Ktrans (0.081 min−1), higher median BP‐Ktrans (0.032 min−1), and BP‐vp (0.020) than those without malignant lesions (0.056 min−1, 0.017 min−1 and 0.012, respectively). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the BP‐Ktrans (0.687) was highest among the single parameters and higher than that of the lesion‐Ktrans (0.664). The combined logistic regression model of lesion‐Ktrans, lesion‐ve, BP‐Ktrans, BP‐ve, and BP‐vp had the highest AUC of 0.730.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the contrast kinetic analysis of DCE‐MRI data can be used to differentiate the malignant lesions from the benign and high‐risk lesions among the indeterminate breast lesions recommended for MRI‐guided biopsy exams.

Level of Evidence: 3

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1385–1393
One‐month apparent diffusion coefficient correlates with response to radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Barat Maxime , Fohlen Audrey , Cassinotto Christophe , Jannot Anne Sophie , Dautry Raphael , Pelage Jean‐Pierre , Boudiaf Mourad , Pocard Marc , Eveno Clarisse , Taouli Bachir , Soyer Philippe , Dohan Anthony
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To assess whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values at 1 and 3 months after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be associated with a favorable response to therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver metastases.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐nine patients with HCC (n = 35) or liver metastases (n = 24) who underwent 1.5T diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWMRI) at 1 and 3 months post‐RFA were included. ADC values of patients with local tumor recurrence were compared to those without local recurrence. A subgroup analysis was performed for HCC and metastases.

Results

Thirty‐eight HCC and 27 metastases were evaluated. The ADC value of HCC at 1 month after RFA was lower in recurrent tumors (0.957 ± 0.229 [SD] × 10−3mm2) compared to tumors with complete response (1.414 ± 0.322 [SD] × 10−3 mm2/s, P = 0.006). At multivariate analysis, ADC at 1 month was the single independent variable associated with recurrence for HCC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.860). No significant association was observed for liver metastases (P = 0.089).

Conclusion

A low ADC value at 1 month after RFA is associated with an early local recurrence of HCC. This study does not confirm that such association exists for hepatic metastases.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1648–1658
Fibro markers for prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Mobarak Lamiaa , Omran Dalia , Nabeel Mohammed M. , Zakaria Zeinab
Published: October 2016

It is well known that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops as a consequence of hepatic fibrosis progression. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the inflammatory and fibrosis markers as predictors for HCC development among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) related chronic liver disease to help in early diagnosis and management of HCC. A total of 280 patients with chronic liver disease were included in this retrospective study, out of them 140 had liver cirrhosis with HCC and 140 had cirrhosis without HCC. Eight readily available blood indices King score, Fibro Q, AST‐ALT ratio (AAR), APRI, LOK index, Goteborg University Cirrhosis Index (GUCI), fibro alpha, and Biotechnology Research Center (BRC) were constructed to compare the accuracies of these non invasive scores in predicting HCC development. All fibrosis scores except APRI were significantly higher in HCC. We found that Fibro alpha and BRC had superior diagnostic performance in prediction of HCC based on area under curve of 0.91 and 0.93, respectively compared to other scores with area under curve ranged from poor to failure (0.59–0.66). Almost all cirrhotic cases were secondary to HCV (93.6%), while HBV was detected in 2.1% of cases only. Anti‐HCV positive was reported in 100% of HCC cases (P = 0.002). Fibro alpha and BRC scores can be used for prediction of HCC. J. Med. Virol. 89:1062–1068, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A 211‐year growing season temperature reconstruction using tree‐ring width in Zhangguangcai Mountains, Northeast China: linkages to the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
Authors: Zhu Liangjun , Li Zongshan , Zhang Yuandong , Wang Xiaochun
Published: October 2016

Northeast China is one of the most vulnerable areas to climate change in high latitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The past temperature variations are critical to reveal the driving mechanism of climate change and to reduce the uncertainty in predicting future climates. Pre‐instrument climatic variability is poorly understood, because of the scarcity of centuries‐long climatic data. Here, we present a 211‐year (1803–2013) growing season (May–July) temperature reconstruction based on tree‐ring width chronology of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) from Zhangguangcai Mountains in Northeast China. The reconstruction accounted for 41.3% of the temperature variance during the calibration period from 1959 to 2013. The temperature reconstruction was similar to other nearby temperature reconstructions and correlated well spatially to gridded land and ocean surface temperature data. We identified four major cold periods (1839–1846, 1884–1901, 1906–1908 and 1941–1958) and three major warm periods (1855–1880, 1918–1932 and 1998–2013) in the past 211 years. The multi‐taper method spectral analysis revealed significant cycles at 48.8, 11.5, 8.9, 3.9, 3.5 and 2–3 years, which might be associated with global climate oscillations and land‐sea thermal contrasts, such as the sea surface temperatures, El Niño‐Southern Oscillation, Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and solar activity.
What allows a health care system to become a learning health care system: Results from interviews with health system leaders
Authors: Morain Stephanie R. , Kass Nancy E. , Grossmann Claudia
Published: October 2016

Introduction

The US health care system faces pressure to improve quality while managing complexity, curbing costs, and reducing inefficiency. These shortcomings have sparked interest in the Learning Health Care System (LHCS) as an alternate approach to organizing research and clinical care. Although diverse stakeholders have expressed support for moving toward an LHCS model, limited guidance exists for institutions considering such a transition.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with institutional leaders from 25 health care systems considered to be at the forefront of LHCS. Interviews focused on the process of transitioning toward an LHCS, including motivations for change, key components, challenges encountered, and strategies for success, and on ethics and regulatory issues encountered. Qualitative analysis identified key themes across institutions.

Results

Respondents described 5 themes related to the origin of their LHCS transformation: (1) visionary leadership or influence of a key individual, (2) adaptation to a changing health care landscape, (3) external funding, (4) regulatory or legislative influence, and (5) mergers or expansions. They described 6 challenges: (1) organizational culture, (2) data systems and data sharing, (3) funding learning activities, (4) limited supply of skilled individuals, (5) managing competing priorities, and (6) regulatory challenges. Finally, they suggested 8 strategies to support transformation: (1) strong leadership, (2) setting a limited number of organizational priorities, (3) building on existing strengths, (4) training programs, (5) “purposeful” design of data systems, (6) internal transparency of quality metrics, (7) payer/provider integration, and, within academic medical centers, (8) academic/clinical integration.

Conclusions

Even institutions at the forefront of LHCS described the transition as difficult. Their experiences provide insight into other institutions considering similar transitions, including elements essential for success and likely challenges.
Properties of PVA Hydrogel Wound‐Care Dressings Containing UK Propolis
Authors: Oliveira Renata N. , McGuinness Garrett B. , Ramos Maria Eduarda T. , Kajiyama Carolina E. , Thiré Rossana M. S. M.
Published: October 2016

Burns pose a potential threat to health, and often require dressings. PVA hydrogels present many characteristics of ideal dressings, but do not have any intrinsic antimicrobial properties. Propolis is a natural antimicrobial substance that can be incorporated in materials intended for wound‐care. The goal of this work was to produce and characterize (in terms of swelling behaviour, microstructural and thermal analysis) PVA gels loaded with a UK propolis. Propolis was loaded in the gels and it altered the crystallinity of the PVA gels. The thermal profile of the PVA‐UK propolis gels was different from that of PVA gel alone. All gels presented at least ∼200% of swelling degree. Weight loss as well as propolis release was high for samples with high amount of propolis. Samples with the highest amount of propolis still presented mechanical properties adequate for the application.
Quantification of Oxaliplatin Encapsulated into PLGA Microspheres by TGA
Authors: Saez Vivian , Cerruti Renata , Ramón Jose A. , Santos Edson R.F. , Silva Dionisio Z. , Pinto José Carlos , Souza Fernando Gomes
Published: October 2016

Oxaliplatin (OP) is an anti‐tumor agent used for advanced colorectal cancer treatment. Therapies with OP produce side effects, which could be reduced by its encapsulation into PLGA microspheres (MS). The determination of OP content in MS is important for defining the exact quantity of loaded particles into final formulation and achieve correct dosage of this drug. This research focuses on determining OP through the Pt residue which is quantified by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It was demonstrated that there is no significant difference between the intrinsic residues for MS obtained with the PLA or PLGA. In turn, a statistically significant difference was detected between residue of tested polymers. The linearity was proved (R2 = 0.9998) by evaluating samples prepared from mixtures of empty PLGA MS and known quantities of OP. The detection limit was equal to 0.25% Pt residue while the quantitation limit was equal to 0.78%. Thus, TGA allows to quantify oxaliplatin loadings as small as 1.57 wt% in samples of 20 mg.
Influence of Carbon Nanoparticles on Thermal, Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Polypropylene Nanocomposites Modified with Vinyl Trimethoxysilane
Authors: Araújo Rafael S. , Oliveira Renato J. B. , Libório Patrícia , de Fátima V. Marques Maria
Published: October 2016

In the present study, masterbatch of polypropylene and graphene nanocomposite was obtained by in situ polymerization. Afterwards, this masterbatch was diluted in commercial PP matrix previously treated with dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and vinyl trimethoxysilane (VTMS), originating grafted and reinforced filaments. Then, this material was crosslinked in water at 90 °C through condensation of hydroxyl groups derived from grafted PP chains. These materials were evaluated according to their thermal, mechanical and rheological properties. The results showed that it was possible to graft and crosslink PP, however, crosslinking was hindered by the presence of graphene sheets in the polymer matrix. In non‐reinforced crosslinked polymer, an increase in complex viscosity was observed, showing that actually occurred crosslinking. Furthermore, the grafted sample has lower molecular weight compared to the commercial PP. The crosslinked sample reduced its Newtonian plateau.
Cancer‐associated fibroblasts mediated chemoresistance by a FOXO1/TGFβ1 signaling loop in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Hongfang , Xie Conghua , Yue Jing , Jiang Zhenzhen , Zhou Rongjing , Xie Ruifei , Wang Yan , Wu Shixiu
Published: October 2016

Previous studies on the mechanisms underlying ESCC (esophageal squamous cell carcinoma) chemoresistance only focused on tumor cells while tumor microenvironment has been completely ignored. Our study aimed to clarify the effect of CAFs (cancer‐associated fibroblasts), one major component of tumor microenvironment, on the chemoresistance of ESCC. By primary culture, two pairs of CAFs and matched NFs (normal fibroblasts) were isolated from tumor tissues of ESCC patients and matched normal esophageal epithelial tissues, respectively. The association of CAFs and chemoresistance was assessed in esophageal carcinoma cells, in xenograft tumor models and in clinical specimens of ESCC patients. We found CAFs conferred ESCC cells significant resistance to several common chemotherapeutic drugs including cisplatin, taxol, irinotecan (CPT‐11), 5‐fluorouracil (5‐Fu), carboplatin, docetaxel, pharmorubicin, and vincristine. Mechanism studies revealed that blockage of CAFs‐secreted TGFβ1 signaling by its receptor TGFβR1 inhibitor LY2157299 significantly reversed the chemoresistance in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the crosstalk of CAFs and ESCC cells enhanced the expression and activation of FOXO1, a member of the forkhead transcription factors in the O‐box sub‐family, inducing TGFβ1 expression in an autocrine/paracrine signaling loop. In 130 ESCC patients, the expression of TGFβ1 in CAFs was significantly associated with overall survival of patients treated with chemoradiotherapy. Together, our study highlighted TGFβ1 expressed in CAFs as an attractive target to reverse tumor chemoresistance, and can be used as an independent prognostic factor of ESCC patients treated with chemoradiotherapy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development and feasibility of the computerized Turkish edition of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview [DIA‐X/CIDI version 2.8(TR)]
Authors: Dingoyan Demet , Mösko Mike , Imamoğlu Yadigar , von Wolff Alessa , Strehle Jens , Wittchen Hans‐Ulrich , Schulz Holger , Koch‐Gromus Uwe , Heinz Andreas , Kluge Ulrike
Published: October 2016

The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), which has been widely applied in epidemiological research, is a standardized, clinically structured interview that enables the diagnosis of mental disorders based on DSM and ICD criteria. The computerized DIA‐X CIDI Version 2.8 investigated in this study is an adaptation of the German DIA‐X/Munich CIDI, which was translated in a multi‐step process into Turkish and used to survey the prevalence of mental disorders in individuals with Turkish migration backgrounds in Germany (N = 662). The bilingual lay interviewers were intensively trained and supervised during the data collection. The survey was accompanied by further quality measures, including editing and documenting. To investigate the instrument's feasibility, quality criteria were used based on the following data sources: (1) socio‐demographic sample characteristics; (2) interviewer assessments and (3) quantitative measures (interview duration, non‐response items, error items). The results indicated that quality differences between the German and Turkish DIA‐X/CIDI are associated with age, educational level and socio‐economic status and not with the CIDI version itself. In short, the Turkish DIA‐X/CIDI Version 2.8 has comparatively good quality and feasibility relative to its German counterpart.
Outpatient psychodynamic group psychotherapy – outcomes related to personality disorder, severity, age and gender
Authors: Kvarstein Elfrida Hartveit , Nordviste Ola , Dragland Lone , Wilberg Theresa
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Outpatient group psychotherapy is frequent within specialist services, recruits a mixed population, but effects are poorly documented. This study investigates long‐term outcomes for patients with personality disorder (PD) treated in outpatient, psychodynamic groups within secondary mental health service.

Methods

A naturalistic study (N = 103) with repeated assessments of process and clinical outcomes. Longitudinal statistics are linear mixed models.

Results

The main PDs were avoidant, borderline and NOS PD, mean number of PDs 1.4(SD0.7), 60% females and mean initial age 38(SD10) years. Mean treatment duration was 1.5(SD 0.9) years. Therapist alliance and experienced group climate was satisfactory and stable. Improvements were significant (symptom distress, interpersonal problems, occupational functioning and additional mental health services), irrespective of general PD‐severity, but not of PD‐type, age or gender. The study demonstrates PD NOS benefits across all outcomes, occupational improvements for avoidant PD, despite prevailing symptoms, but generally poorer outcomes for males and age >38 years. For borderline PD, experienced conflict was stronger, treatment duration shorter and outcomes poor for early drop‐outs (28%).

Conclusion

Psychodynamic group psychotherapy is a recommendable treatment for moderate PDs, which may address avoidant strategies, but may not meet clinical challenges of borderline PD. The outcome differences related to gender and age are noteworthy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlling supramolecular polymerization through multicomponent self‐assembly
Authors: Besenius Pol
Published: October 2016

The self‐assembly into supramolecular polymers is a process driven by reversible non‐covalent interactions between monomers, and gives access to materials applications incorporating mechanical, biological, optical or electronic functionalities. Compared to the achievements in precision polymer synthesis via living and controlled covalent polymerization processes, supramolecular chemists have only just learned how to developed strategies that allow similar control over polymer length, (co)monomer sequence and morphology (random, alternating or blocked ordering). This highlight article discusses the unique opportunities that arise when coassembling multicomponent supramolecular polymers, and focusses on four strategies in order to control the polymer architecture, size, stability and its stimuli‐responsive properties: (1) end‐capping of supramolecular polymers, (2) biomimetic templated polymerization, (3) controlled selectivity and reactivity in supramolecular copolymerization, and (4) living supramolecular polymerization. In contrast to the traditional focus on equilibrium systems, our emphasis is also on the manipulation of self‐assembly kinetics of synthetic supramolecular systems. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 34–78
Reduced absorption of glyphosate and decreased translocation of dicamba contribute to poor control of kochia (Kochia scoparia) at high temperature
Authors: Ou Junjun , Stahlman Phillip W , Jugulam Mithila
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Plant growth temperature is one of the important factors that can influence postemergent herbicide efficacy and impact weed control. Control of kochia (Kochia scoparia), a major broadleaf weed throughout the North American Great Plains, often is unsatisfactory when either glyphosate or dicamba are applied on hot summer days. We tested effects of plant growth temperature on glyphosate and dicamba phytotoxicity on two Kansas kochia populations (P1 and P2) grown under the following three day/night (d/n) temperature regimes: T1, 17.5/7.5°C; T2, 25/15°C; and T3, 32.5/22.5°C.

RESULTS

Visual injury and above‐ground dry biomass data from herbicide dose–response experiments indicated greater susceptibility to both glyphosate and dicamba when kochia was grown under the two cooler temperature regimes, i.e. T1 and T2. At T1, the ED50 of P1 and P2 kochia were 39 and 36 g ha−1 of glyphosate and 52 and 105 g ha−1 of dicamba, respectively. In comparison, at T3 the ED50 increased to 173 and 186 g ha−1 for glyphosate and 106 and 410 g ha−1 for dicamba, respectively, for P1 and P2. We also investigated the physiological basis of decreased glyphosate and dicamba efficacy under elevated temperatures. Kochia absorbed more glyphosate at T1 and T2 compared to T3. Conversely, there was more dicamba translocated towards meristems at T1 and T2, compared to T3.

CONCLUSION

Reduced efficacy of dicamba or glyphosate to control kochia under elevated temperatures can be attributed to decreased absorption and translocation of glyphosate and dicamba, respectively. Therefore, it is recommended to apply glyphosate or dicamba when the temperature is low (e.g. d/n temperature at 25/15°C) and seedlings are small (less than 12 cm) to maximize kochia control. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of ingestion and topical application of insecticides against the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)
Authors: Sierras Angela , Schal Coby
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

The global prevalence of Cimex lectularius infestations has challenged current intervention efforts, as pyrethroid resistance has become ubiquitous, availability of labeled insecticides for bed bugs is limited, and non‐chemical treatment options, such as heat, are often unaffordable. We evaluated representative insecticides toward the goal of developing a novel, ingestible liquid bait for hematophagous arthropods.

RESULTS

LC50 values were estimated for adult males and first instar nymphs of an insecticide‐susceptible strain for abamectin, clothianidin, fipronil and indoxacarb, after ingestion from an artificial feeder. LD50 values were calculated based on the ingested blood volume. Ingested abamectin, clothianidin and fipronil caused rapid mortality in both life stages. Fipronil was ∼43‐fold more effective by ingestion than by topical application. Indoxacarb and its bioactive metabolite decarbomethoxylated JW062 (DCJW) were ineffective at causing bed bug mortality even at concentrations as high as 1000 ng mL−1 blood.

CONCLUSIONS

Fipronil, clothianidin and abamectin have potential for being incorporated into a liquid bait for bed bug control; indoxacarb and DCJW were not effective. Bed bugs are a good candidate for an ingestible liquid bait because systemic formulations generally require less active ingredient than residual sprays, they remain contained and more effectively target hematophagous arthropods. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Static flexural modes and piezoelectricity in 2D and layered crystals
Authors: Michel Karl H. , Neek‐Amal Mehdi , Peeters Francois M.
Published: October 2016

Piezo‐ and flexoelectricity are manifestations of electromechanical coupling in solids with potential applications in nanoscale materials. Naumov et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 217601 (2009)] have shown by first principles calculations that a monolayer BN sheet becomes macroscopically polarized in‐plane when in a corrugated state. Here, we investigate the interplay of layer corrugation and in‐plane polarization by atomistic lattice dynamics. We treat the coupling between static flexural modes and in‐plane atomic ion displacements as an anharmonic effect, similar to the membrane effect that is at the origin of negative thermal expansion in layered crystals. We have derived analytical expressions for the corrugation‐induced static in‐plane strains and the optical displacements with the resulting polarization response functions. Beyond h‐BN, the theory applies to transition metal dichalcogenides and dioxides. Numerical calculations show that the effects are considerably stronger for 2D h‐BN than for .
Field‐ and irradiation‐induced phenomena in memristive nanomaterials
Authors: Mikhaylov A. N. , Gryaznov E. G. , Belov A. I. , Korolev D. S. , Sharapov A. N. , Guseinov D. V. , Tetelbaum D. I. , Tikhov S. V. , Malekhonova N. V. , Bobrov A. I. , Pavlov D. A. , Gerasimova S. A. , Kazantsev V. B. , Agudov N. V. , Dubkov A. A. , Rosário C. M. M. , Sobolev N. A. , Spagnolo B.
Published: October 2016

The breakthrough in electronics and information technology is anticipated by the development of emerging memory and logic devices, artificial neural networks and brain‐inspired systems on the basis of memristive nanomaterials represented, in a particular case, by a simple ‘metal–insulator–metal’ (MIM) thin‐film structure. The present article is focused on the comparative analysis of MIM devices based on oxides with dominating ionic (ZrOx, HfOx) and covalent (SiOx, GeOx) bonding of various composition and geometry deposited by magnetron sputtering. The studied memristive devices demonstrate reproducible change in their resistance (resistive switching – RS) originated from the formation and rupture of conductive pathways (filaments) in oxide films due to the electric‐field‐driven migration of oxygen vacancies and / or mobile oxygen ions. It is shown that, for both ionic and covalent oxides under study, the RS behaviour depends only weakly on the oxide film composition and thickness, device geometry (down to a device size of about 20×20 μm2). The devices under study are found to be tolerant to ion irradiation that reproduces the effect of extreme fluences of high‐energy protons and fast neutrons. This common behaviour of RS is explained by the localized nature of the redox processes in a nanoscale switching oxide volume. Adaptive (synaptic) change of resistive states of memristive devices is demonstrated under the action of single or repeated electrical pulses, as well as in a simple model of coupled (synchronized) neuron‐like generators. It is concluded that the noise‐induced phenomena cannot be neglected in the consideration of a memristive device as a nonlinear system. The dynamic response of a memristive device to periodic signals of complex waveform can be predicted and tailored from the viewpoint of stochastic resonance concept. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Topological transition in coated wire medium
Authors: Gorlach Maxim A. , Song Mingzhao , Slobozhanyuk Alexey P. , Bogdanov Andrey A. , Belov Pavel A.
Published: October 2016

Employing nonlocal homogenization approach, we investigate the properties of a metamaterial consisting of parallel metallic wires with dielectric coating. We demonstrate that manipulation of dielectric contrast between wire dielectric shell and host material at fixed frequency results in dynamic switching of metamaterial dispersion regime from elliptic to the hyperbolic one, i.e. the topological transition takes place. It is proved that such transition can be induced by the variation of the metamaterial temperature. Our findings thus pave a way to the implementation of a tunable ‘elliptic‐hyperbolic’ metamaterial.
Band edge smearing due to compositional disorder in multi‐component d ‐dimensional alloys
Authors: Wiemer M. , Jandieri K. , Koch M. , Gebhard F. , Baranovskii S. D.
Published: October 2016

Modern optoelectronic devices are usually based on multi‐component alloys. Local statistical fluctuations in the concentrations of chemically different components cause energy fluctuations experienced by charge carriers. So far the theory for compositional disorder has been developed for compounds, in which atoms of only two chemically different types can occupy sites in a given sublattice. We extend the theoretical consideration for multi‐compound alloys containing more than two chemically different semiconductor species occupying sites in the same sublattice. Different spatial dimensionalities are considered. A comparison between theoretical predictions and experimental data can be used to reveal compositional dependencies of such material parameters as the effective mass.
Accounting for uncertainty in the historical response rate of the standard treatment in single‐arm two‐stage designs based on Bayesian power functions
Authors: Matano Francesca , Sambucini Valeria
Published: October 2016

In phase II single‐arm studies, the response rate of the experimental treatment is typically compared with a fixed target value that should ideally represent the true response rate for the standard of care therapy. Generally, this target value is estimated through previous data, but the inherent variability in the historical response rate is not taken into account. In this paper, we present a Bayesian procedure to construct single‐arm two‐stage designs that allows to incorporate uncertainty in the response rate of the standard treatment. In both stages, the sample size determination criterion is based on the concepts of conditional and predictive Bayesian power functions. Different kinds of prior distributions, which play different roles in the designs, are introduced, and some guidelines for their elicitation are described. Finally, some numerical results about the performance of the designs are provided and a real data example is illustrated. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three simultaneous cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis and acute lung injury caused by dichloromethane
Authors: Takamura Kei , Ogi Takahiro , Yamamoto Makoto , Kikuchi Keisuke
Published: October 2016

Three middle‐aged male patients were admitted to our hospital complaining of dry cough, dyspnoea, and fever. All three of them had cleaned a refrigerator at a Chinese noodle mill using paint remover containing dichloromethane (90%) the previous day. Chest X‐rays revealed bilateral diffuse infiltrative shadows on the lungs. We performed transbronchial lung biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) via bronchoscopy for each patient. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed increased total cell count as well as lymphocyte and neutrophil fraction. Transbronchial lung biopsy revealed Masson bodies and slight lymphocyte infiltration into the alveolar septa. We diagnosed all three patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis and acute lung injury caused by exposure to the paint remover containing dichloromethane. Two of these patients ultimately went into respiratory failure, requiring the administration of a corticosteroid. The third patient improved without the need of steroid therapy.
Evaluation of Organoselenium Based Compounds as Co‐Catalysts in Rhodium‐Catalyzed Hydroformylation
Authors: Weilbeer Claudia , Selent Detlef , Dyballa Katrin Marie , Franke Robert , Spannenberg Anke , Börner Armin
Published: October 2016

Herein we report the synthesis of new organoselenium compounds and their evaluation as co‐catalysts in rhodium‐catalyzed hydroformylation. Simple low molecular weight selenium compounds as well as more complicated organoselenium phosphites with a high structural diversity were involved in the study. Some of the new structures (e. g. phosphites) were related to well established mono‐ and bi‐dendate phosphorus ligands commonly used in hydroformylation. In the catalytic trials in most cases serious inhibition effects were observed due to the presence of the selenium additive. Moreover, our results show that selena compounds may differ in the behavior in comparison to other chalcogenides such as oxygen or sulfur.
Water and Organic Solvent Dispersible Gold Nanorods that are pH Responsive
Authors: Imura Yoshiro , Fukuda Kunihiro , Morita‐Imura Clara , Kawai Takeshi
Published: October 2016

Shape‐controlled gold nanorods are prepared in the presence of a capping agent, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), which controls their morphology and dispersibility in water. To control their dispersibility between water and another organic solvent, a pH‐responsive amphiphile C18AA was introduced on gold nanorods instead of CTAB. The C18AA‐capped gold nanorods were dispersed in both water and chloroform. These gold nanorods were pH‐responsive depending on the extent of C18AA deprotonation observed: deprotonation of the terminal amine above pH 9.5 increases the hydrophobicity of the nanorods, resulting in them being more soluble in chloroform than in water. C18AA‐capped gold nanorods can transfer from the water phase to the organic phase by changing the pH from 9.0 to 12.5. The morphology of the nanorods did not change as a result of ligand‐exchange, or phase transfer, due to the stabilizing effect of the C18AA capping molecule. C18AA‐capped gold nanorods can also be transferred to the water phase by evaporating the chloroform.
Simulation-based camera navigation training in laparoscopy—a randomized trial
Authors: Nilsson Cecilia , Sorensen Jette Led , Konge Lars , Westen Mikkel , Stadeager Morten , Ottesen Bent , Bjerrum Flemming
Published: October 2016

Background

Inexperienced operating assistants are often tasked with the important role of handling camera navigation during laparoscopic surgery. Incorrect handling can lead to poor visualization, increased operating time, and frustration for the operating surgeon—all of which can compromise patient safety. The objectives of this trial were to examine how to train laparoscopic camera navigation and to explore the transfer of skills to the operating room.

Materials and methods

A randomized, single-center superiority trial with three groups: The first group practiced simulation-based camera navigation tasks (camera group), the second group practiced performing a simulation-based cholecystectomy (procedure group), and the third group received no training (control group). Participants were surgical novices without prior laparoscopic experience. The primary outcome was assessment of camera navigation skills during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The secondary outcome was technical skills after training, using a previously developed model for testing camera navigational skills. The exploratory outcome measured participants’ motivation toward the task as an operating assistant.

Results

Thirty-six participants were randomized. No significant difference was found in the primary outcome between the three groups (p = 0.279). The secondary outcome showed no significant difference between the interventions groups, total time 167 s (95% CI, 118–217) and 194 s (95% CI, 152–236) for the camera group and the procedure group, respectively (p = 0.369). Both interventions groups were significantly faster than the control group, 307 s (95% CI, 202–412), p = 0.018 and p = 0.045, respectively. On the exploratory outcome, the control group for two dimensions, interest/enjoyment (p = 0.030) and perceived choice (p = 0.033), had a higher score.

Conclusions

Simulation-based training improves the technical skills required for camera navigation, regardless of practicing camera navigation or the procedure itself. Transfer to the clinical setting could, however, not be demonstrated. The control group demonstrated higher interest/enjoyment and perceived choice than the camera group.
Vertical stratification of an avian community in New Guinean tropical rainforest
Authors: Chmel Kryštof , Riegert Jan , Paul Luda , Novotný Vojtěch
Published: October 2016

Vertical stratification of avian communities has been studied in both temperate and tropical forests; however, the majority of studies used ground‐based methods. In this study we used ground‐to‐canopy mist nets to collect detailed data on vertical bird distribution in primary rain forest in Wanang Conservation Area in Papua New Guinea (Madang Province). In total 850 birds from 86 species were caught. Bird abundance was highest in the canopy followed by the understory and lowest in the midstory. Overall bird diversity increased towards the canopy zone. Insectivorous birds represented the most abundant and species‐rich trophic guild and their abundances decreased from the ground to canopy. The highest diversity of frugivorous and omnivorous birds was confined to higher vertical strata. Insectivorous birds did not show any pattern of diversity along the vertical gradient. Further, insectivores preferred strata with thick vegetation, while abundance and diversity of frugivores increased with decreasing foliage density. Our ground‐to‐canopy (0–27 m) mist netting, when compared to standard ground mist netting (0–3 m), greatly improved bird diversity assessment and revealed interesting patterns of avian community stratification along vertical forest strata.
Regulation of crucial enzymes and transcription factors on 2-phenylethanol biosynthesis via Ehrlich pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Wang Zhaoyue , Bai Xuejing , Guo Xuena , He Xiuping
Published: October 2016

2-Phenylethanol (2-PE) is widely used in food, perfume and pharmaceutical industry, but lower production in microbes and less known regulatory mechanisms of 2-PE make further study necessary. In this study, crucial genes like ARO8 and ARO10 of Ehrlich pathway for 2-PE synthesis and key transcription factor ARO80 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae were re-regulated using constitutive promoter; in the meantime, the effect of nitrogen source in synthetic complete (SC) medium with l-phenylalanine (l-Phe) on Aro8/Aro9 and Aro10 was investigated. The results showed that aromatic aminotransferase activities of ARO8 over-expressing strains were seriously inhibited by ammonia sulfate in SC + Phe medium. Flask fermentation test demonstrated that over-expressing ARO8 or ARO10 led to about 42 % increase in 2-PE production when compared with the control strain. Furthermore, influence of transcription factors Cat8 and Mig1 on 2-PE biosynthesis was explored. CAT8 over-expression or MIG1 deletion increased in the transcription of ARO9 and ARO10. 2-PE production of CAT8 over-expressing strain was 62 % higher than that of control strain. Deletion of MIG1 also led to 2-PE biosynthesis enhancement. The strain of CAT8 over-expression and MIG1 deletion was most effective in regulating expression of ARO9 and ARO10. Analysis of mRNA levels and enzyme activities indicates that transaminase in Ehrlich pathway is the crucial target of Nitrogen Catabolize Repression (NCR). Among the engineering strains, the higher 3.73 g/L 2-PE production in CAT8 over-expressing strain without in situ product recovery suggests that the robust strain has potentiality for commercial exploitation.
Performance Comparison Between Internal Olefin Sulfonates and Alpha Olefin Sulfonates
Authors: Wang Yong , Liu Xiaochen , Jiao Tiliu , Niu Jinping
Published: October 2016

Comparison of surface and interfacial properties of internal olefin sulfonates (IOS) and alpha olefin sulfonates (AOS) shows that hydrocarbon chain branching has a significant influence on interfacial properties at the air–water, pentadecane–water and parafilm–water interfaces. The isomeric branched IOS shows a higher critical micelle concentration and are more effective in reducing the surface tension at the air–water interface by occupying a larger area per molecule. IOS exhibits better dynamic air–water interfacial properties due to a lower meso‐equilibrium surface tension. The equilibrium interfacial tensions for AOS and IOS have no remarkable difference at the pentadecane–water interface. The water wettability and electrolyte tolerance are enhanced with branched hydrocarbon chain olefin sulfonates.
Exosomal proteins as prognostic biomarkers in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sandfeld-Paulsen B. , Aggerholm-Pedersen N. , Bæk R. , Jakobsen K.R. , Meldgaard P. , Folkersen B.H. , Rasmussen T.R. , Varming K. , Jørgensen M.M. , Sorensen B.S.
Published: October 2016

Background

Use of exosomes as biomarkers in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an intriguing approach in the liquid‐biopsy era. Exosomes are nano‐sized vesicles with membrane‐bound proteins that reflect their originating cell. Prognostic biomarkers are needed to improve patient selection for optimal treatment. We here evaluate exosomes by protein phenotyping as a prognostic biomarker in NSCLC.

Methods

Exosomes from plasma of 276 NSCLC patients were phenotyped using the Extracellular Vesicle Array; 49 antibodies captured the proteins on the exosomes, and a cocktail of biotin‐conjugated antibodies binding the general exosome markers CD9, CD81 and CD63 was used to visualise the captured exosomes. For each individual membrane‐bound protein, results were analysed based on presence, in a concentration‐dependent manner, and correlated to overall survival (OS).

Results

The 49 proteins attached to the exosomal membrane were evaluated. NY‐ESO‐1, EGFR, PLAP, EpCam and Alix had a significant concentration‐dependent impact on inferior OS. Due to multiple testing, NY‐ESO‐1 was the only marker that maintained a significant impact on inferior survival (hazard rate (HR) 1.78 95% (1.78–2.44); p = 0.0001) after Bonferroni correction. Results were adjusted for clinico‐pathological characteristics, stage, histology, age, sex and performance status.

Conclusion

We illustrate the promising aspects associated with the use of exosomal membrane‐bound proteins as a biomarker and demonstrate that they are a strong prognostic biomarker in NSCLC.
Impact of Fibromyalgia in the Sit‐to‐Stand‐to‐Sit Performance Compared With Healthy Controls
Authors: Collado‐Mateo Daniel , Adsuar Jose C. , Dominguez‐Muñoz Francisco J. , Olivares Pedro R. , Gusi Narcis
Published: October 2016

Background

Fibromyalgia is associated with a reduction in the ability to perform activities of daily living. Sit‐to‐stand‐to‐sit performance is one of the most common activities of daily living and often is evaluated by counting the number of repetitions of the 30‐second chair‐stand test. No study, however, has examined the performance over the 30 seconds of this test of female patients with fibromyalgia on a phase‐by‐phase basis.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of fibromyalgia on performance of the 30‐second chair‐stand test and to analyze how the kinematic performance changed over the 30‐second test period.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Local association of fibromyalgia.

Participants

Fifteen females with fibromyalgia and nine healthy female controls.

Intervention

Participants performed the 30‐second chair‐stand test while wearing a motion capture device.

Main Outcome Measure

Duration of each sit‐to‐stand‐to‐sit phase within the 30‐second time limit was compared between groups using repeated measures analysis of variance. The association between duration of phases and scores from the revised version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was tested using bivariate correlations.

Results

The duration of impulse and sit‐to‐stand phases were gradually increased over the 30 seconds of the chair‐stand test for women with fibromyalgia compared with healthy controls (P = .04 and P = .02, respectively). The mean duration of these 2 phases was associated with symptom duration and the function domain of the revised version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (P < .05). Also, stiffness was directly associated with the duration of the stand‐up phase (P = .04).

Conclusion

Kinematic performance during the 30‐second chair‐stand test differed between women with fibromyalgia and healthy controls. Since sit‐to‐stand from a chair is a common daily activity, women with fibromyalgia may require specific exercises to improve performance of this task.

Level of Evidence

Not applicable.