bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing the sexual and reproductive health and human rights of women living with HIV: a review of UN, regional and national human rights norms and standards
Authors: Khosla Rajat , Van Belle Nuna , Temmerman Marleen
Published: December 2015

Introduction

The right to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is an essential part of the right to health and is dependent upon substantive equality, including freedom from multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination that result in exclusion in both law and practice. Nonetheless, general and specific SRH needs of women living with HIV are often not adequately addressed. For example, services that women living with HIV need may not be available or may have multiple barriers, in particular stigma and discrimination. This study was conducted to review United Nations Human Rights Council, Treaty Monitoring Bodies and Special Rapporteur reports and regional and national mechanisms regarding SRH issues of women living with HIV. The objective is to assess areas of progress, as well as gaps, in relation to health and human rights considerations in the work of these normative bodies on health and human rights.

Methods

The review was done using keywords of international, regional and national jurisprudence on findings covering the 2000 to 2014 period for documents in English; searches for the Inter‐American Commission on Human Rights and national judgments were also conducted in Spanish. Jurisprudence of UN Treaty Monitoring Bodies, regional mechanisms and national bodies was considered in this regard.

Results and discussion

In total, 236 findings were identified using the search strategy, and of these 129 were selected for review based on the inclusion criteria. The results highlight that while jurisprudence from international, regional and national bodies reflects consideration of some health and human rights issues related to women living with HIV and SRH, the approach of these bodies has been largely ad hoc and lacks a systematic integration of human rights concerns of women living with HIV in relation to SRH. Most findings relate to non‐discrimination, accessibility, informed decision‐making and accountability. There are critical gaps on normative standards regarding the human rights of women living with HIV in relation to SRH.

Conclusions

A systematic approach to health and human rights considerations related to women living with HIV and SRH by international, regional and national bodies is needed to advance the agenda and ensure that policies and programmes related to SRH systematically take into account the health and human rights of women living with HIV.
Mechanical stress contributes to the expression of the STM homeobox gene in Arabidopsis shoot meristems
Authors: Landrein Benoît , Kiss Annamaria , Sassi Massimiliano , Chauvet Aurélie , Das Pradeep , Cortizo Millan , Laufs Patrick , Takeda Seiji , Aida Mitsuhiro , Traas Jan , Vernoux Teva , Boudaoud Arezki , Hamant Olivier
Published: December 2015

The role of mechanical signals in cell identity determination remains poorly explored in tissues. Furthermore, because mechanical stress is widespread, mechanical signals are difficult to uncouple from biochemical-based transduction pathways. Here we focus on the homeobox gene SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM), a master regulator and marker of meristematic identity in Arabidopsis. We found that STM expression is quantitatively correlated to curvature in the saddle-shaped boundary domain of the shoot apical meristem. As tissue folding reflects the presence of mechanical stress, we test and demonstrate that STM expression is induced after micromechanical perturbations. We also show that STM expression in the boundary domain is required for organ separation. While STM expression correlates with auxin depletion in this domain, auxin distribution and STM expression can also be uncoupled. STM expression and boundary identity are thus strengthened through a synergy between auxin depletion and an auxin-independent mechanotransduction pathway at the shoot apical meristem.
La gramática académica y los problemas del aspecto en la descripción del verbo español
Authors: Veiga Alexandre
Published: December 2015

Se revisan en este artículo diversas interpretaciones y descripciones presentes en gramáticas académicas publicadas desde el siglo xx sobre ciertos contenidos temporales y aspectuales asignados a las formas del verbo español. Se observa que las descripciones gramaticales no resultan siempre adecuadas y que todavía en la más reciente gramática académica se propondrán unas caracterizaciones aspectuales que, por un lado, desatienden la realidad de usos concretos de determinadas formas y, por otro, resultan concomitantes con caracterizaciones temporales, lo que no constituye prueba en favor de la funcionalidad independiente del aspecto en el núcleo del sistema verbal español.
Study on ozone treatment of soil for agricultural application of surface dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: Nagatomo Takuya , Abiru Tomoya , Mitsugi Fumiaki , Ebihara Kenji , Nagahama Kazuhiro
Published: December 2015

Recently, application of plasma technologies to the agricultural field has attracted much interest because residual pesticides and excessive nitrogen oxides contained in plants, soil, and groundwater have become a serious issue worldwide. Since almost all of the atmospheric discharge plasma generates ozone, the effects of ozone are among the key factors for their agricultural applications. We have proposed the use of ozone generated using surface barrier discharge plasma for soil disinfection or sterilization. In this work, the ozone consumption coefficient and diffusion coefficient in soil were measured by the ultraviolet absorption method. The pH(H2O) and amount of nitrogen nutrient in soil after ozone diffusion treatment were studied and plant growth was observed simultaneously. The effect of ozone treatment on the amount of DNA in soil was also investigated and compared with that determined from the obtained ozone consumption coefficient.
Immobilization of Ag-deposited Au nanoprisms by thiol-coupling and oil-coating methods
Authors: Noda Yuta , Hayakawa Tomokatsu
Published: December 2015

We have demonstrated the immobilization of Ag-deposited Au (Au@Ag) nanoprisms on glass substrates by two different methods: self-assembly on a thiol-modified glass (thiol-coupling method) and evaporation of the Au@Ag nanoprism colloidal solution in silicone oil (oil-coating method). In the thiol-coupling method, the Au@Ag nanoprisms were well dispersed and accumulated on the substrates as single or stacked layers. On the other hand, the oil-coating method allowed Au@Ag nanoprisms to accumulate as multilayers without excessive agglomeration. The multilayers of Au@Ag nanoprisms were subjected to surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and a very low concentration (2.1 × 10−5 M) of rhodamine 6G molecules was sensitively detected.
Upright or inverted, entire or exploded: right-hemispheric superiority in face recognition withstands multiple spatial manipulations
Authors: Prete Giulia , Marzoli Daniele , Tommasi Luca
Published: December 2015

Background.The ability to identify faces has been interpreted as a cerebral specialization based on the evolutionary importance of these social stimuli, and a number of studies have shown that this function is mainly lateralized in the right hemisphere. The aim of this study was to assess the right-hemispheric specialization in face recognition in unfamiliar circumstances.

Methods.Using a divided visual field paradigm, we investigated hemispheric asymmetries in the matching of two subsequent faces, using two types of transformation hindering identity recognition, namely upside-down rotation and spatial “explosion” (female and male faces were fractured into parts so that their mutual spatial relations were left intact), as well as their combination.

Results.We confirmed the right-hemispheric superiority in face processing. Moreover, we found a decrease of the identity recognition for more extreme “levels of explosion” and for faces presented upside-down (either as sample or target stimuli) than for faces presented upright, as well as an advantage in the matching of female compared to male faces.

Discussion.We conclude that the right-hemispheric superiority for face processing is not an epiphenomenon of our expertise, because we are not often exposed to inverted and “exploded” faces, but rather a robust hemispheric lateralization. We speculate that these results could be attributable to the prevalence of right-handedness in humans and/or to early biases in social interactions.
Non-inferiority of retrospective data collection for assessing perioperative morbidity
Authors: Patel Amour B.U. , Reyes Anna , Ackland Gareth L.
Published: December 2015

Background.Postoperative morbidity has immediate and delayed consequences for surgical patients, including excess risk of premature death. Capturing these data objectively and routinely in large electronic databases using tools such as the Postoperative Morbidity Survey (POMS) would offer tremendous clinical and translational potential. However, POMS has thus far only utilised prospective data collection by research staff. We hypothesised that retrospective data collection from routinely collated hospital data from paper and electronic charts, medical and nursing notes was non-inferior to prospective data collection requiring research staff capturing POMS-defined morbidity in real-time.

Methods.Morbidity was recorded by a trained investigator as defined by POMS prospectively on postoperative days 3 and 7. Separately, an independent investigator blinded to prospectively acquired data retrospectively assessed the same patients’ morbidity as defined by POMS criteria, using medical charts, nursing summaries and electronic data. Equivalence was accepted when the confidence limits for both modes of data collection fell completely inside the equivalence bounds, with the maximum equivalence difference (i.e., the largest value of the difference in sensitivities deemed to reach a conclusion of equivalence) set a priori at 0.2. Differences for confidence limits between retrospective and prospective data collection were based on Nam’s RMLE method. The relationship between morbidity on postoperative day 3 as recorded by each data collection method on time to become morbidity free and length of hospital stay was compared using the log-rank test.

Results.POMS data from 85 patients undergoing elective or emergency surgery were analyzed. At postoperative day 3, POMS-defined morbidity was similar regardless of whether data were collected prospectively or retrospectively (95% CI [−0.13–0.013];p< 0.001). Non-inferiority for sensitivity was observed for all other POMS domains and timepoints. Time to become morbidity free Kaplan–Meier plots were indistinguishable between POMS obtained prospectively or retrospectively (hazard ratio: 1.09 (95% CI [0.76–1.57]);p= 0.33, log rank test). Similarly, the mode of data collection did not alter the association between early postoperative morbidity on postoperative day 3 and delayed hospital discharge.

Conclusions.Postoperative morbidity as defined by the Post Operative Morbidity Survey can be assessed retrospectively. These data may therefore be easily captured using electronic patient record systems, thereby expanding the potential for bioinformatics approaches to generate new clinical and translational insights into recovery from surgery.
A quick and robust method for quantification of the hypersensitive response in plants
Authors: Johansson Oskar N. , Nilsson Anders K. , Gustavsson Mikael B. , Backhaus Thomas , Andersson Mats X. , Ellerström Mats
Published: December 2015

One of the most studied defense reactions of plants against microbial pathogens is the hypersensitive response (HR). The HR is a complex multicellular process that involves programmed cell death at the site of infection. A standard method to quantify plant defense and the HR is to measure the release of cellular electrolytes into water after infiltration with pathogenic bacteria. In this type of experiment, the bacteria are typically delivered into the plant tissue through syringe infiltration. Here we report the development of a vacuum infiltration protocol that allows multiple plant lines to be infiltrated simultaneously and assayed for defense responses. Vacuum infiltration did not induce more wounding response in Arabidopsis leaf tissue than syringe inoculation, whereas throughput and reproducibility were improved. The method was used to study HR-induced electrolyte loss after treatment with the bacteriumPseudomonas syringaepv.tomatoDC3000 harboring the effector AvrRpm1, AvrRpt2 or AvrRps4. Specifically, the influence of bacterial titer on AvrRpm1-induced HR was investigated. Not only the amplitude, but also the timing of the maximum rate of the HR reaction was found to be dose-dependent. Finally, using vacuum infiltration, we were able quantify induction of phospholipase D activity after AvrRpm1 recognition in leaves labeled with33PO4.
Pyrrole‐Imidazole Polyamides: Manual Solid‐Phase Synthesis
Authors: Pauff Steven M. , Fallows Andrew J. , Mackay Simon P. , Su Wu , Cullis Paul M. , Burley Glenn A.
Published: December 2015

Pyrrole‐imidazole polyamides (PAs) are a family of DNA‐binding peptides that bind in the minor groove of double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) in a sequence‐selective, programmable fashion. This protocol describes a detailed manual procedure for the solid‐phase synthesis of this family of compounds. The protocol entails solution‐phase synthesis of the Boc‐protected pyrrole (Py) and imidazole (Im) carboxylic acid building blocks. This unit also describes the importance of choosing the appropriate condensing agent to form the amide linkages between each building block. Finally, a monomeric coupling protocol and a fragment‐based approach are described that delivers PAs in 13% to 30% yield in 8 days. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Novel Assay to Identify the Trafficking Proteins that Bind to Specific Vesicle Populations
Authors: Bentley Marvin , Banker Gary
Published: December 2015

Here we describe a method capable of identifying interactions between candidate trafficking proteins and a defined vesicle population in intact cells. The assay involves the expression of an FKBP12‐rapamycin binding domain (FRB)–tagged candidate vesicle‐binding protein that can be inducibly linked to an FKBP‐tagged molecular motor. If the FRB‐tagged candidate protein binds the labeled vesicles, then linking the FRB and FKBP domains recruits motors to the vesicles and causes a predictable, highly distinctive change in vesicle trafficking. We describe two versions of the assay: a general protocol for use in cells with a typical microtubule‐organizing center and a specialized protocol designed to detect protein‐vesicle interactions in cultured neurons. We have successfully used this assay to identify kinesins and Rabs that bind to a variety of different vesicle populations. In principle, this assay could be used to investigate interactions between any category of vesicle trafficking proteins and any vesicle population that can be specifically labeled. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Geomorphic and biophysical factors affecting water tracks in northern Alaska
Authors: Trochim E. D. , Jorgenson M. T. , Prakash A. , Kane D. L.
Published: November 2015

A better understanding of water movement on hillslopes in Arctic environments is necessary for evaluating the effects of climate variability. Drainage networks include a range of features that vary in transport capacity from rills to water tracks to rivers. This research focuses on describing and classifying water tracks, which are saturated linear‐curvilinear stripes that act as first‐order pathways for transporting water off of hillslopes into valley bottoms and streams. Multiple factor analysis was used to develop five water tracks classes based on their geomorphic, soil, and vegetation characteristics. The water track classes were then validated using conditional inference trees, to verify that the classes were repeatable. Analysis of the classes and their characteristics indicate that water tracks cover a broad spectrum of patterns and processes primarily driven by surficial geology. This research demonstrates an improved approach to quantifying water track characteristics for specific areas, which is a major step toward understanding hydrological processes and feedbacks within a region.
Remote sensing of water tracks
Authors: Trochim E. D. , Prakash A. , Kane D. L. , Romanovsky V. E.
Published: November 2015

Water tracks are an intrinsic part of the surficial drainage network in the foothills of the Brooks Range, Alaska. They preferentially transport water off hillslopes and represent the interplay between hydrology, vegetation, geomorphology, and permafrost characteristics. This research on mapping the location of water tracks builds on previous work which demonstrated that different types of water tracks exist due to difference primarily driven by geomorphology. We used a combination method where spectral classifications, texture, and topography were fed into random forests to identify the water track classes. The most accurate distributions were obtained for the organic‐rich and wide water track classes. The distinct linear shapes of the water tracks could also be visualized for many of the classes, especially in areas where the water tracks were particularly discrete. The biggest challenges to mapping the water tracks were due to class imbalances and high variability within and overlapping between classes. This research presents a significant step forward in understanding periglacial landscape dynamics.
Simulation of cooling and pressure effects on inflated pahoehoe lava flows
Authors: Glaze Lori S. , Baloga Stephen M.
Published: November 2015

Pahoehoe lobes are often emplaced by the advance of discrete toes accompanied by inflation of the lobe surface. Many random effects complicate modeling lobe emplacement, such as the location and orientation of toe breakouts, their dimensions, mechanical strength of the crust, microtopography, and a host of other factors. Models that treat the movement of lava parcels as a random walk have explained some of the overall features of emplacement. However, cooling of the surface and internal pressurization of the fluid interior have not been modeled. This work reports lobe simulations that explicitly incorporate (1) cooling of surface lava parcels, (2) the propensity of breakouts to occur at warmer margins that are mechanically weaker than cooler ones, and (3) the influence of internal pressurization associated with inflation. The surface temperature is interpreted as a surrogate for the mechanic strength of the crust at each location and is used to determine the probability of a lava parcel transfer from that location. When only surface temperature is considered, the morphology and dimensions of simulated lobes are indistinguishable from equiprobable simulations. However, inflation within a lobe transmits pressure to all connected fluid locations with the warmer margins being most susceptible to breakouts and expansion. Simulations accounting for internal pressurization feature morphologies and dimensions that are dramatically different from the equiprobable and temperature‐dependent models. Even on flat subsurfaces the pressure‐dependent model produces elongate lobes with distinct directionality. Observables such as topographic profiles, aspect ratios, and maximum extents should be readily distinguishable in the field.
Tests for Anxiety‐Related Behavior in Mice
Authors: Hölter Sabine M. , Einicke Jan , Sperling Bettina , Zimprich Annemarie , Garrett Lillian , Fuchs Helmut , Gailus‐Durner Valerie , Hrabé de Angelis Martin , Wurst Wolfgang
Published: December 2015

Phenotyping of inbred mouse strains and genetically modified mouse models for characteristics related to neuropsychiatric diseases includes assessing their anxiety‐related behavior. A variety of tests have been developed to measure anxiety in laboratory rodents and these tests have been placed under scrutiny over the years concerning their validity. Here we describe the most widely used tests for anxiety in mice. The protocols we present are established methods used in the German Mouse Clinic (GMC), with which alterations in anxiety could successfully be discovered in mouse mutants. Moreover, since baseline anxiety levels in mice are easily influenced by a great variety of disturbances, we carefully outline the critical parameters that need to be considered. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Teacher Immediacy in the Classroom
Authors: Mazer Joseph P.
Published: December 2015

Teacher immediacy is among the most widely researched constructs in classroom communication research. Most studies have drawn on the work of Mehrabian to explain the construct, manifest behaviors, and how students might approach or avoid a teacher who utilizes or does not utilize immediacy behaviors in the classroom. Mehrabian indicated that the effects of immediacy on a receiver in an interaction might be best understood through a proximity metaphor. Immediacy behaviors can produce a sense of liking, which might lead the receiver to approach the speaker. Conversely, nonimmediate behaviors typically do not produce feelings of liking, which lead the receiver to avoid the speaker. For more than 30 years and in as many as 200 studies, scholars have explored the effects of teacher immediacy on a host of classroom variables. Considerable controversy exists pertaining to the theoretical underpinnings, measurement of, and findings related to teacher immediacy.
Direct adaptive neural control of nonlinear strict‐feedback systems with unmodeled dynamics using small‐gain approach
Authors: Wang Huanqing , Yang Hongyan , Liu Xiaoping , Liu Liang , Li Shuai
Published: December 2015

In this paper, a novel direct adaptive neural control approach is presented for a class of single‐input and single‐output strict‐feedback nonlinear systems with nonlinear uncertainties, unmodeled dynamics, and dynamic disturbances. Radial basis function neural networks are used to approximate the unknown and desired control signals, and a direct adaptive neural controller is constructed by combining the backstepping technique and the property of hyperbolic tangent function. It is shown that the proposed control scheme can guarantee that all signals in the closed‐loop system are semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded in mean square. The main advantage of this paper is that a novel adaptive neural control scheme with only one adaptive law is developed for uncertain strict‐feedback nonlinear systems with unmodeled dynamics. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The apportionment of human diversity revisited
Authors: Hunley Keith L. , Cabana Graciela S. , Long Jeffrey C.
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Studies of the apportionment of human genetic diversity have found that local populations harbor nearly as much diversity as the species as a whole. These studies have been a valuable cornerstone in rejecting race as a biological framework in anthropology. The current study presents new analyses that use updated statistical methods based on bifurcating trees to assess the structure of human genetic diversity and its implications for the existence of canonical biological races.

Materials and Methods

We examine patterns of both goodness‐of‐fit and lack‐of‐fit of two bifurcating trees to patterns of diversity determined from autosomal short tandem repeat genotypes in 1,037 people representing 52 populations with worldwide distribution.

Results

From goodness‐of‐fit, we infer a root for the tree within Africa, and we recapitulate a pattern of decreasing genetic diversity with increasing geographic distance from Africa. From lack‐of‐fit, we present tentative evidence for admixture events with archaic hominins. We do not find evidence that long‐range migration or local gene flow have contributed appreciably to the lack of fit at a global scale.

Conclusion

This is the first study to find a root for a tree of human populations without comparison to a nonhuman out‐group, and it is one of the first studies to identify a signature of admixture with archaic hominins without reference to ancient DNA. Our findings complement previous studies of the apportionment of human diversity and provide a more solid evolutionary foundation for the rejection of biological race. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:561–569, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two parametric cell cycle analyses of plant cell suspension cultures with fragile, isolated nuclei to investigate heterogeneity in growth of batch cultivations
Authors: Haas Christiane , Hegner Richard , Helbig Karsten , Bartels Kristin , Bley Thomas , Weber Jost
Published: November 2015

Plant cell suspensions are frequently considered to be heterogeneous with respect to growth in terms of progression of the cells through the cell cycle and biomass accumulation. Thus, segregated data of fractions in different cycle phases during cultivation is needed to develop robust production processes. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and BrdU‐antibodies or 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) click‐it chemistry are frequently used to acquire such information. However, their use requires centrifugation steps that cannot be readily applied to sensitive cells, particularly if nuclei have to be extracted from the protective cellular milieu and envelopes for DNA analysis. Therefore, we have established a BrdU‐Hoechst stain quenching protocol for analyzing nuclei directly isolated from delicate plant cell suspension cultures. After adding BrdU to test Harpagophytum procumbens cell suspension cultures the cell cycle distribution could be adequately resolved using its incorporation for the following 72 h (after which BrdU slowed biomass accumulation). Despite this limitation, the protocol allows resolution of the cell cycle distribution of cultures that cannot be analyzed using commonly applied methods due to the cells’ fragility. The presented protocol enabled analysis of cycling heterogeneities in H. procumbens batch cultivations, and thus should facilitate process control of secondary metabolite production from fragile plant in vitro cultures. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1244–1250. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Co‐registration of angiography and intravascular ultrasound images through image‐based device tracking
Authors: Prasad Megha , Cassar Andrew , Fetterly Kenneth A. , Bell Malcolm , Theessen Heike , Ecabert Olivier , Bresnahan John F. , Lerman Amir
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To determine the feasibility of automated co‐registration of angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to facilitate integration of these two imaging modalities in a synchronous manner.

Background

IVUS provides cross‐sectional imaging of coronary arteries but lacks overview of the vascular territory provided by angiography. Co‐registration of angiography and IVUS would increase utility of IVUS in the clinical setting.

Methods

Forty‐nine consecutive patients undergoing surveillance for cardiac allograft vasculopathy with angiography and IVUS of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) were enrolled. A pre‐IVUS angiogram of the LAD was performed followed by an ECG‐triggered fluoroscopy (ECGTF) during IVUS pullback at 0.5 mm/s using an automatic pullback device. ECGTF was used to track the IVUS catheter during pullback and establish a spatial relationship to the pre‐IVUS angiogram. Angio‐IVUS co‐registration was performed with a research prototype (Siemens Healthcare, Germany) and accuracy was evaluated by distance mismatch between angiography and IVUS images at vessel bifurcations.

Results

Median age was 54 (44.5, 67) years. The population was 82.6% male with minimal risk factors. The median (IQR) co‐registration distance mismatch measured at 108 bifurcations in 42 (85%) patients was 0.35 (0.00–1.16) mm. Seven patients were excluded due to inappropriate data acquisition (n = 3) and failure of tracking (n = 4), e.g., due to overlapping sternal wires. Estimated effective radiation dose for ECGTF was 0.09 mSv.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the feasibility of angio‐IVUS co‐registration which may be used as a clinical tool for localizing IVUS cross‐sections along an angiographic roadmap. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insulin detemir may be less efficacious in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Whyte Martin , Quaglia Alberto , Hopkins David
Published: December 2015

Key Clinical Message

Insulin detemir is commonly used in obese patients with diabetes mellitus as it is considered hepatoselective and causes less weight gain. We describe a relative lack of effectiveness of detemir in patients with significant NAFLD and hypertriglyceridemia, compared to isophane insulin. This may affect how such patients are managed with insulin.
Using Embeddedness Theory to Understand and Promote Persistence in STEM Majors
Authors: Morganson Valerie J. , Major Debra A. , Streets Valerie N. , Litano Michael L. , Myers Dante P.
Published: December 2015

Student retention in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors is a national concern. Research typically emphasizes attrition in STEM fields by examining factors driving students to switch career paths. This study used embeddedness theory to instead focus on factors that better anchor students within their majors. Focus groups were conducted with 21 junior and senior students majoring in STEM to contextualize the 3 tenets of embeddedness: fit, links, and sacrifice. Results supported embeddedness theory as a viable framework for understanding and promoting STEM student retention because fit, links, and sacrifice were all cited as factors that enriched the student experience. Gender differences suggested a heightened sense of pride for women as compared with men who pursue STEM degrees. Results inform ways to contextualize quantitative measures of STEM embeddedness. To facilitate retention, career counselors, instructors, and others may assist students to frame challenge as normal among persisting STEM upperclassmen.
Controllable Switching of Enzyme Activity by Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐Based Microgels Through Mineralization of Calcium Carbonate in High Pressure CO2
Authors: Yang Xiaoxi , Zhang Xiaogang , Shang Wenting , Zhang Shujuan
Published: November 2015

Stimuli‐responsive hydrogels with high strength and toughness have received great interest in recent years. In this study, temperature‐responsive composite hydrogels involved the Candida antarctica lipase B were prepared by using sodium alginate and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide), and were evaluated as catalysts using the model reaction of hydrolysis of p‐nitrophenol butyrate. The experimental results demonstrated that enzymatic catalyst immobilized in the thermoresponsive carriers offered possibilities for external switching and manipulation for objective reaction system. The mechanical properties of the enzyme–polymer composites pretreated by high pressure carbon dioxide could be significantly improved. The number of recycling use was significantly increased. This work provided a new approach to smart regulation for enzymatic reaction.
Optimizing 3D noncartesian gridding reconstruction for hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI—focus on preclinical applications
Authors: Robertson Scott H. , Virgincar Rohan S. , He Mu , Freeman Matthew S. , Kaushik Suryanarayanan S. , Driehuys Bastiaan
Published: November 2015

The goal of this work is to characterize and optimize gridding reconstruction of 3D radial hyperpolarized (HP) 129Xe MRI. In support of this objective, we developed a flexible, open source reconstruction software package in MATLAB to optimally reconstruct radially acquired, undersampled HP 129Xe MRI. Using this framework, we demonstrate the effects of 5 key reconstruction parameters: overgridding, gridding kernel function, kernel sharpness, kernel extent, and the density compensation algorithm. We further demonstrate how each parameter can be tuned to optimize a high‐resolution 3D radially acquired HP 129Xe image of a ventilated mouse. Specifically, wrap‐around artifact, caused by non‐selective RF excitation of signal in the trachea, was eliminated by overgridding onto a finely spaced k‐space grid; high‐frequency aliasing was reduced using iterative density compensation; image SNR and sharpness were optimized by tuning kernel sharpness; and computational burden was minimized by defining an appropriate kernel extent. Compared to our previous reconstruction methods, this optimized method extended visualization from the 5th to 6th generation of mouse airway, while maintaining comparable SNR. Although optimized here for preclinical mouse MRI, this work suggests that 3D radial acquisition offers many broader advantages to undersampled HP gas MRI. Using the methods presented here, we maintained image quality across datasets acquired with various degrees of undersampling and differing SNR by adjusting only a single parameter. These methods are now available to optimize radially acquired hyperpolarized gas images in both the clinical and preclinical arena. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 44A: 190–202, 2015.
Molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases using cytological specimens
Authors: Canberk Sule , Longatto‐Filho Adhemar , Schmitt Fernando
Published: December 2015

Pathologists have an important role in the diagnosis of infectious disease (ID). In many cases, a definitive diagnosis can be made using cytopathology alone. However, several ancillary techniques can be used on cytological material to reach a specific diagnosis by identifying the causative agent and consequently defining the management of the patient. This review aims to present the effectiveness of the application of molecular studies on cytological material to diagnose IDs and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the various molecular techniques according to the type of cytological specimen and the infectious agents. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:156–164. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aging affects B‐cell antigen receptor repertoire diversity in primary and secondary lymphoid tissues
Authors: Tabibian‐Keissar Hilla , Hazanov Lena , Schiby Ginette , Rosenthal Noemie , Rakovsky Aviya , Michaeli Miri , Shahaf Gitit Lavy , Pickman Yishai , Rosenblatt Kinneret , Melamed Doron , Dunn‐Walters Deborah , Mehr Ramit , Barshack Iris
Published: November 2015

The elderly immune system is characterized by reduced responses to infections and vaccines, and an increase in the incidence of autoimmune diseases and cancer. Age‐related deficits in the immune system may be caused by peripheral homeostatic pressures that limit bone marrow B‐cell production or migration to the peripheral lymphoid tissues. Studies of peripheral blood B‐cell receptor spectratypes have shown that those of the elderly are characterized by reduced diversity, which is correlated with poor health status. In the present study, we performed for the first time high‐throughput sequencing of immunoglobulin genes from archived biopsy samples of primary and secondary lymphoid tissues in old (74 ± 7 years old, range 61—89) versus young (24 ± 5 years old, range 18–45) individuals, analyzed repertoire diversities and compared these to results in peripheral blood. We found reduced repertoire diversity in peripheral blood and lymph node repertoires from old people, while in the old spleen samples the diversity was larger than in the young. There were no differences in somatic hypermutation characteristics between age groups. These results support the hypothesis that age‐related immune frailty stems from altered B‐cell homeostasis leading to narrower memory B‐cell repertoires, rather than changes in somatic hypermutation mechanisms.
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in lupus: Activation and involvement in SLE pathogenesis
Authors: Blanco Patrick , Ueno Hideki , Schmitt Nathalie
Published: November 2015

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by a breakdown of tolerance to self. The autoantibodies generated in SLE are directed against nuclear components, with which they form immune complexes (ICs). ICs play key roles in organ and tissue damage, as well as in the activation of the innate and adaptive immune system during the disease course. Therefore, it is of prime importance to understand the mechanisms responsible for the development of B cells producing these pathogenic autoantibodies. There is compelling evidence that T follicular helper (Tfh) cells play a fundamental role in this process. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge regarding the involvement of Tfh cells in SLE pathogenesis, and discuss potential strategies to target Tfh cells and/or molecules as a therapeutic modality of SLE.
Synthesis of fatty acid conjugates with phenols, carbohydrates, amines, and CH‐acidic compounds by Pd(0)‐catalyzed allylic substitution
Authors: Zobel Michael , Schäfer Hans J.
Published: November 2015

The efficiency of a pharmaceutical can be increased by connecting it to a fatty acid. Nucleophilic allylic substitution of methyl 10‐undecenoate and methyl oleate with palladium(0) as catalyst is explored to see, whether this reaction is useful for such connections with regard to yield and selectivity. For that purpose the allylic CH‐bonds in methyl 10‐undecenoate and methyl oleate were oxidized with selenium dioxide and tert‐butylhydroperoxide. The obtained allylic alcohols were then activated by conversion into their methyl carbonates. Allylic substitution was performed with O‐nucleophiles as methanol, carbohydrates, and different phenols as α‐tocopherol and estradiol; furthermore N‐ and C‐nucleophiles were applied. The yields of substitution products were in the range of 37–98%. High yields of conjugates were obtained with phenols, even when the hydroxy group was sterically shielded. These conjugates have an ether bond, a CN or a CC bond as link. They should have the advantage to be more stable in body fluids than the frequently applied conjugates being connected by the less inert ester bond. Triesters and dicyanoesters obtained with C‐nucleophiles can be possibly used as cross linkers for polyesters and polyamides.

Practical applications: These conjugates should be more stable in cells and body fluids than the frequently applied conjugates being connected by the less inert ester bond. Triesters and dicyanoesters obtained with C‐nucleophiles can be possibly used as cross linkers for polyesters and polyamides.

Methyl 9‐hydroxy‐10‐undecenoate is prepared by allylic oxidation from methyl 10‐undecenoate. After esterification to the methyl carbonate this leaving group is substituted via Pd(0)‐catalysis by O‐, N‐, and C‐nucleophiles to afford fatty acid conjugates. Similarly methyl oleate is converted.
An SPH pressure correction algorithm for multiphase flows with large density ratio
Authors: Zhou L. , Cai Z. W. , Zong Z. , Chen Z.
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we propose an interfacial pressure correction algorithm for smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) simulation of multiphase flows with large density ratios. This correction term is based on the assumption of small deformation of the interface, and derived from perturbation expansion analysis. It is also proven to be applicable in cases with complex interfaces. This correction algorithm helps to overcome the discontinuities of the pressure gradient over the interfaces, which may cause unphysical gap between different phases. This proposed correction algorithm is implemented on a recent multiphase SPH model, which is based on the assumption of pressure continuity over the interfaces. The coupled dynamic solid boundary treatment is used to simulate solid walls; and a cut‐off pressure is applied to avoid negative particle pressure, which may cause computational instabilities in SPH. Three numerical examples of air–water flows, including sloshing, dam breaking, and water entry, are presented and compared with experimental data, indicating the robustness of our pressure correction algorithm in multiphase simulations with large density ratios. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pretreatment serum xanthophyll concentrations as predictors of head and neck cancer recurrence and survival
Authors: Arthur Anna E. , Bellile Emily L. , Rozek Laura S. , Peterson Karen E. , Ren Jianwei , Harris Ethan , Mueller Christie , Jolly Shruti , Peterson Lisa A. , Wolf Gregory T. , Djuric Zora
Published: November 2015

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine associations of pretreatment serum carotenoids, tocopherols, and quercetin with prognosis in 154 patients newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

Methods

Pretreatment blood and health surveys were collected. Serum micronutrients were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Data on recurrence and death were collected annually. Cox proportional hazards models measured associations of serum nutrient concentrations with recurrence and overall survival.

Results

During a median follow‐up time of 37 months, there were 32 recurrences and 27 deaths. After controlling for covariates, subjects with high versus low serum xanthophyll and total carotenoid concentrations had significantly longer recurrence‐free time (p = .002 and p = .02, respectively). Overall survival time was significantly longer in patients with high versus low serum xanthophyll concentrations (p = .02).

Conclusion

Future research should evaluate the possible benefits of interventions to increase intakes of rich food sources of xanthophylls in this patient population. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1591–E1597, 2016
Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the posterior pharyngeal wall: Radiotherapy versus surgery
Authors: De Felice Francesca , Blanchard Pierre , Levy Antonin , Nguyen France , Gorphe Philippe , Janot François , Temam Stéphane , Tao Yungan
Published: November 2015

Background

Treatment strategy in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the posterior pharyngeal wall is still being debated.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis according to delivered treatment.

Results

One hundred eighty patients were treated between 1997 and 2011. Eighty‐nine patients (49.4%) received surgery +/‐ radiotherapy (RT), whereas 91 (50.6%) received definitive RT +/‐ chemoradiotherapy (RT/CRT). Five‐year overall survival (OS) was 33.4%. There was a significant 5‐year OS benefit in surgical treatment versus RT/CRT (43% vs 24.1%; p = .002). Multivariate analysis showed that current smokers, T3 to T4 classification, well‐differentiated SCC, and nonsurgical treatment were associated with reduced OS. Subgroup analysis showed significant survival benefit of surgical treatment compared with RT/CRT in patients with T1 to T2 but not in T3 to T4 disease.

Conclusion

Surgical management translated into a survival benefit, even in early T classification. These results should be interpreted with caution for selection bias. Surgery remains the standard of care in localized posterior pharyngeal wall SCC. Primary CRT should be considered for nonoperable disease. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1722–E1729,
Agent Perception in Children with and Without Imaginary Companions
Authors: Moriguchi Yusuke , Shinohara Ikuko , Ishibashi Mikako
Published: December 2015

This study examined whether children with and without imaginary companions differed in their attributions of agency to inanimate objects. In Study 1, preschool children were shown animation movies in which two geometric figures moved with systematic interaction or randomly. Then, children were asked about biological, emotional and cognitive properties of the figures. The results revealed that children with imaginary companions were more likely to attribute biological properties to the geometric figures that moved randomly compared to children without imaginary companions, but children with and without imaginary companions did not differ in their attributions of cognitive and emotional properties. In Study 2, children were asked about the biological, psychological and perceptual properties of a puppet and a human. Results showed that children with and without imaginary companions did not show the differences in the biological and psychological attributions. Results are discussed in terms of children's agent perception systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The minipig as a new model for the evaluation of doxorubicin‐induced chronic toxicity
Authors: Manno Rosa Anna , Grassetti Andrea , Oberto Germano , Nyska Abraham , Ramot Yuval
Published: November 2015

Doxorubicin can cause life‐threatening toxic effects in several organs, with cardiotoxicity being the major concern. Although a large number of animal models have been utilized to study doxorubicin toxicity, several restrictions limit their use. Since the Göttingen minipig is an accepted species for non‐clinical safety assessment and translation to man, we aimed at exploring its use as a non‐rodent animal model for safety assessment and regulatory toxicity studies using doxorubicin. Three groups of three males and three females adult Göttingen minipigs received 1.5 mg kg−1, 3/2.3 mg kg−1 or vehicle at intervals of 3 weeks for 7 cycles. Doxorubicin treatment resulted in a dose‐related decrease in the erythrocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit count, accompanied by leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow smears revealed dose‐related hypocellularity. Urea and creatinine levels were elevated in treated animals, associated with proteinuria and hematuria. Histopathological evaluation detected nephropathy and atrophy of hematopoietic tissues/organs, mucosa of the intestinal tract and male genital tract. Cardiac lesions including chronic inflammation, endocardial hyperplasia, hemorrhage and myxomatous changes were evident in hematoxylin and eosin stains, and evaluation of semi‐thin sections showed the presence of dose‐related vacuolation in the atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes. Cardiac troponin levels were increased in the high‐dose group, but there was no direct correlation to the severity of the histopathological lesions. This study confirms that the Göttingen minipig has a comparable toxicity profile to humans and considering its anatomical, physiological, genetic and biochemical resemblance to humans, it should be considered as the non‐rodent species of choice for studies on doxorubicin toxicity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.