bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression, correlation, and prognostic value of TRAF2 and TRAF4 expression in malignant plural effusion cells in human breast cancer
Authors: Zhao Zhi‐Juan , Ren Hua‐Yan , Yang Fan , Wang Jian , Wu Guang‐Ping , Mi Xiao‐Yi
Published: September 2015

Background

TRAF2 and TRAF4, members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor‐ associated factor family of intracellular signal transduction proteins, are associated with breast cancer progression and metastasis.

Methods

We collected malignant serous effusion cells from the patients with breast cancer (n = 46). Cell blocks prepared from plural effusions (n = 46) and primary breast cancer (n = 50), lymph node metastases (n = 50), and normal breast tissue specimens (n = 30). The immunohistochemistry was performed for the detection of TRAF2 and TRAF4 expression with the correlation of their expression with clinicopathological parameters and survival rate analyzed.

Results

Compared with normal breast tissues, TRAF2 expression was upregulated, and nuclear TRAF4 expression was downregulated in malignant pleural effusion cells, primary tumors, and lymph node metastases (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed TRAF2 expression in pleural effusions was associated with the molecular/pathological type, venous invasion, and lymph node metastasis, while nuclear TRAF4 expression was associated with age, tumor size, venous invasion, and lymph node metastasis, clinical staging, molecular/pathological subtype and p53 status (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between TRAF2 and TRAF4 expression levels in malignant pleural effusion cells (r = 0.937; P < 0.01). Kaplan‐Meire analysis demonstrated a close correlation of TRAF2 and TRAF4 expression in malignant pleural effusion cells with cumulative overall survival (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

TRAF2 and nuclear TRAF4 expression in malignant pleural effusion cells may represent potential prognostic factors and biomarkers of invasion and metastasis in breast cancer. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:897–903. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MicroRNA dysregulation in response to RARβ2 inhibition reveals a negative feedback loop between MicroRNAs 1, 133a, and RARβ2 during tail and spinal cord regeneration in the adult newt
Authors: Lepp Amanda C. , Carlone Robert L.
Published: September 2015

Background: The molecular events underlying epimorphic regeneration of the adult urodele amphibian tail and caudal spinal cord are undetermined. Given the dynamic nature of gene expression control by retinoic acid (RA) signaling and the pleiotropic effects of microRNAs (miRNAs) on multiple mRNA targets in this complex system, we examined whether RA signaling through a specific receptor, RARβ2, alters expression of select miRNAs during spinal cord regeneration. Results: An initial screen identified 18 highly conserved miRNAs dysregulated in regenerating tail and spinal cord tissues after inhibition of RARβ2 signaling with a selective antagonist, LE135. miRNAs let‐7c, miR‐1, and miR‐223 were expressed within the ependymoglial cells, coincident spatially with the expression of RARβ2. Altering the expression pattern of these three miRNAs led to a significant inhibition of caudal ependymal tube outgrowth by 21 days post tail amputation. We demonstrated that miR‐1 targets the 3′‐untranslated region of RARβ2 mRNA in vitro; and in vivo, up‐regulation of miR‐1 led to a significant decrease in RARβ2 protein. Conclusions: These and previous data suggest that miR‐1 and miR‐133a, both members of the same miRNA gene cluster, may participate with RARβ2 in a negative feedback loop contributing to the regulation of the ependymal response after tail amputation. Developmental Dynamics 244:1519–1537, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anorexia nervosa, emotional go/no‐go, and the distinct effect of testosterone
Authors: Hildebrandt Tom , Grotzinger Andrew , Schulz Kurt
Published: September 2015

Objective

Behavioral disinhibition in the context of negative emotion (e.g., disgust, fear, etc.) may promote the core psychopathology of anorexia nervosa (AN). Affective models of AN position a number of clinical behaviors as functioning to reduce negative affect. Gonadal hormone dysregulation, in particular testosterone, likely plays some role in this process.

Method

Adolescent and young adult AN (n = 32) and healthy control (HC; n = 20) participants completed an emotional go/no‐go task—a valenced measure of behavioral disinhibition—and had blood drawn to assess gonadal steroid hormone concentrations.

Results

Analyses indicated that patients with AN committed significantly more commission errors, which measures the tendency to respond to nontarget stimuli. This effect was qualified by the valence of the stimulus; the higher relative level of error was true for disgust and happy stimuli, but not neutral stimuli. Hormone analyses revealed a testosterone by group interaction. Testosterone was associated with decreased commission errors for patients with AN, but had no discernible relationship with task outcome for HCs. These effects were not confounded by weight, pubertal status, or self‐reported anxiety or depression.

Discussion

These findings suggest patients with AN have difficulty inhibiting behavior in the context of emotional stimuli, and that this disinhibition is negatively related to levels of circulating androgens. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:69–76).
Lipocalin‐2 ensures host defense against Salmonella Typhimurium by controlling macrophage iron homeostasis and immune response
Authors: Nairz Manfred , Schroll Andrea , Haschka David , Dichtl Stefanie , Sonnweber Thomas , Theurl Igor , Theurl Milan , Lindner Ewald , Demetz Egon , Aßhoff Malte , Bellmann‐Weiler Rosa , Müller Raphael , Gerner Romana R. , Moschen Alexander R. , Baumgartner Nadja , Moser Patrizia L. , Talasz Heribert , Tilg Herbert , Fang Ferric C. , Weiss Günter
Published: September 2015

Lipocalin‐2 (Lcn2) is an innate immune peptide with pleiotropic effects. Lcn2 binds iron‐laden bacterial siderophores, chemo‐attracts neutrophils and has immunomodulatory and apoptosis‐regulating effects.

In this study, we show that upon infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Lcn2 promotes iron export from Salmonella‐infected macrophages, which reduces cellular iron content and enhances the generation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Lcn2 represses IL‐10 production while augmenting Nos2, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 expression. Lcn2−/− macrophages have elevated IL‐10 levels as a consequence of increased iron content. The crucial role of Lcn‐2/IL‐10 interactions was further demonstrated by the greater ability of Lcn2−/− IL‐10−/− macrophages and mice to control intracellular Salmonella proliferation in comparison to Lcn2−/− counterparts. Overexpression of the iron exporter ferroportin‐1 in Lcn2−/− macrophages represses IL‐10 and restores TNF‐α and IL‐6 production to the levels found in wild‐type macrophages, so that killing and clearance of intracellular Salmonella is promoted.

Our observations suggest that Lcn2 promotes host resistance to Salmonella Typhimurium infection by binding bacterial siderophores and suppressing IL‐10 production, and that both functions are linked to its ability to shuttle iron from macrophages.
Adoptive transfer of helminth antigen‐pulsed dendritic cells protects against the development of experimental colitis in mice
Authors: Matisz Chelsea E. , Leung Gabriella , Reyes Jose Luis , Wang Arthur , Sharkey Keith A. , McKay Derek M.
Published: September 2015

Infection with helminth parasites and treatment with worm extracts can suppress inflammatory disease, including colitis. Postulating that dendritic cells (DCs) participated in the suppression of inflammation and seeking to move beyond the use of helminths per se, we tested the ability of Hymenolepis diminuta antigen‐pulsed DCs to suppress colitis as a novel cell‐based immunotherapy. Bone marrow derived DCs pulsed with H. diminuta antigen (HD‐DCs), or PBS‐, BSA‐, or LPS‐DCs as controls, were transferred into wild‐type (WT), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) knock‐out (KO), and RAG‐1 KO mice, and the impact on dinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (DNBS)‐induced colitis and splenic cytokine production assessed 72 h later. Mice receiving HD‐DCs were significantly protected from DNBS‐induced colitis and of the experimental groups only these mice displayed increased Th2 cytokines and IL‐10 production. Adoptive transfer of HD‐DCs protected neither RAG‐1 nor IL‐10 KO mice from DNBS‐colitis. Furthermore, the transfer of CD4+ splenocytes from recipients of HD‐DCs protected naïve mice against DNBS‐colitis, in an IL‐10 dependent manner. Thus, HD‐DCs are a novel anti‐colitic immunotherapy that can educate anti‐colitic CD4+ T cells: mechanistically, the anti‐colitic effect of HD‐DCs requires that the host has an adaptive immune response and the ability to mobilize IL‐10.
Dermal IL‐17‐producing γδ T cells establish long‐lived memory in the skin
Authors: Hartwig Tom , Pantelyushin Stanislav , Croxford Andrew L. , Kulig Paulina , Becher Burkhard
Published: September 2015

Conventional αβ T cells have the ability to form a long‐lasting resident memory T‐cell (TRM) population in nonlymphoid tissues after encountering foreign antigen. Conversely, the concept of ‘innate memory’, where the ability of nonadaptive branches of the immune system to deliver a rapid, strengthened immune response upon reinfection or rechallenge, is just emerging. Using the αβ T‐cell‐independent Aldara psoriasis mouse model in combination with genetic fate‐mapping and reporter systems, we identified a subset of γδ T cells in mice that is capable of establishing a long‐lived memory population in the skin. IL‐17A/F‐producing Vγ4+Vδ4+ T cells populate and persist in the dermis for long periods of time after initial stimulation with Aldara. Experienced Vγ4+Vδ4+ cells show enhanced effector functions and mediate an exacerbated secondary inflammatory response. In addition to identifying a unique feature of γδ T cells during inflammation, our results have direct relevance to the human disease as this quasi‐innate memory provides a mechanistic insight into relapses and chronification of psoriasis.
Electroanalysis of Pyridoxine at Copper Nanoparticles Modified Polycrystalline Gold Electrode
Authors: Kassem Mohammed A. , Hazazi Omar A. , Ohsaka T. , Awad M. I.
Published: September 2015

Pyridoxine is analyzed using square wave voltammetry (SWV) at copper nanoparticles (nano‐Cu) modified poly‐crystalline gold electrode (nano‐Cu/Au). Nano‐Cu/Au is fabricated by a potential scan electrodeosition technique. Nano‐Cu/Au electrode has been characterized morphologically and electrochemically. The analysis of pyridoxine at nano‐Cu/Au electrode is achieved utilizing the quenching of copper voltammetric response due to the complexation with pyridoxine forming an electroinactive complex. Pyridoxine selectively forms complex with copper ions (modifier), but not with Au (underlying substrate) as supported by UV/Vis spectrophotometry. Using SWV the calibration curve for pyridoxine analysis was obtained in the concentration range of 0.3–2.7 µM with high correlation coefficient. The proposed method has been successfully applied for the determination of pyridoxine in two dosage forms.
Electrochemiluminescence Quenching by Halide Ions at Bipolar Electrodes
Authors: Fan Sanjun , Shannon Curtis
Published: September 2015

Quenching of Ru(bpy)32+ electrochemiluminescence (ECL) by Cl−, Br−, and I− ions was studied as a function of halide concentration in a bipolar electrochemical cell. All of the halides investigated showed similar qualitative behavior: above a critical concentration, ECL intensity was found to decrease linearly as the halide ion concentration was increased, due to dynamic quenching of Ru(bpy)32+ ECL. Stern‐Volmer slopes (KSV) of 0.111±0.003, 4.2±0.3, and 6.2±0.3 mM−1 were measured for Cl−, Br− and I−, respectively. The magnitude of KSV correlates with halide ion oxidation potential, consistent with an electron transfer quenching mechanism. Using the bipolar platform described herein, aqueous, halide‐containing solutions could be quantified rapidly using the sequential standard addition method. The lower detection limit is determined by a complex mechanism involving the competitive electrooxidation of halide ions and the ECL co‐reactants, as well as the passivation of the surface of the bipolar electrode, and was found to be 0.20±0.01, 0.08±0.01 and 10±1 mM, respectively, for I−, Br−, and Cl−. The performance of the bipolar ECL quenching assay is comparable to previously published fluorescence quenching methods for the determination of halide ions, while being much simpler and less expensive to implement.
Electro‐oxidation and Determination of Tripelennamine Hydrochloride at MWCNT‐CTAB Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Gowda Jayant I. , Nandibewoor Sharanappa T.
Published: September 2015

An electrochemical method for the determination of tripelennamine hydrochloride (TPA) using cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide‐multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified glassy carbon electrode (MWCNT‐CTAB/GCE) was developed. Because of good electrical conductivity of MWCNT and catalytic behavior of CTAB, new electrode significantly enhances the sensitivity for the detection of TPA. Parameters such as amount of modifier suspension, scan rate, pH of measure solution, heterogeneous rate constant were investigated. The electrode exhibits a linear potential response in the range of 1.0×10−8 M to 3.0×10−6 M with a detection limit of 2.38× 10−9 M. The modified electrode was successfully applied to the determination of TPA in pharmaceutical and real samples.
Electroosmotic pump‐supported molecularly imprinted monolithic column for capillary chromatographic separation of nitrophenol isomers
Authors: Wu Yue , Zhang Wenpeng , Chen Ying , Chen Zilin
Published: September 2015

In this work, a novel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) monolithic column with integrated in‐column electroosmotic pump (EOP) was designed and successfully prepared to facilitate the capillary chromatography with MIP column. A silica‐based EOP was synthesized at the detection end of the MIP monolithic capillary column by so‐gel to provide the hydrodynamic driven force for the capillary chromatography. Because of large surface area and low fluidic resistance of the silica monolith,a strong and steady EOF was generated by silica‐based EOP, indicating that the EOP was quite compatible with MIP capillary column. With the sufficient EOF provided by EOP, the electro‐driven based capillary chromatographic separation of nitrophenol isomers was achieved in 4‐vinylpyridine‐based MIP monolithic capillary, which was originally proved infeasible because of the EOF shortage. No significant influence upon the specific recognition of the MIP was found due to the setting of EOP after the detection window of the column. The influence of experimental parameters on the EOF such as voltage and pH value of running buffer was investigated. The column was also evaluated by capillary liquid chromatographic mode to compare with EOP‐driven capillary chromatography. Higher column efficiency was obtained by EOP‐driven separation with improved peak shape. The results suggested that EOP‐supported technique would be a good way to solve the problem of weak EOF generation in electro‐driven capillary chromatography.
Identification of novel microsatellite markers <1 Mb from the HBB gene and development of a single‐tube pentadecaplex PCR panel of highly polymorphic markers for preimplantation genetic diagnosis of beta‐thalassemia
Authors: Chen Min , Tan Arnold S. C. , Cheah Felicia S. H. , Saw Eugene E. L. , Chong Samuel S.
Published: September 2015

Beta (β)‐thalassemia is one of the most common monogenic diseases worldwide. Affected pregnancies can be avoided through preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), which commonly involves customized assays to detect the different combinations of β‐globin (HBB) gene mutations present in couples, in conjunction with linkage analysis of flanking microsatellite markers. Currently, the limited number of reported closely linked markers hampers their utility in indirect linkage‐based PGD for this disorder. To increase the available markers closely flanking the HBB gene, an in silico search was performed to identify all markers within 1 Mb flanking the HBB gene. Fifteen markers with potentially high polymorphism information content (PIC) and heterozygosity values were selected and optimized into a single‐tube pentadecaplex PCR panel. Allele frequencies and polymorphism and heterozygosity indices of each marker were assessed in five populations. A total of 238 alleles were observed from the 15 markers. PIC was >0.7 for all markers, with expected heterozygosity and observed heterozygosity values ranging from 0.74 to 0.90 and 0.72 to 0.88, respectively. Greater than 99% of individuals were heterozygous for at least seven markers, with at least two heterozygous markers on either side of the HBB gene. The pentadecaplex marker assay also performed reliably on single cells either directly or after whole genome amplification, thus validating its use in standalone linkage‐based β‐thalassemia PGD or in conjunction with HBB mutation detection.
Two‐photon excitation in chip electrophoresis enabling label‐free fluorescence detection in non‐UV transparent full‐body polymer chips
Authors: Geissler David , Belder Detlev
Published: September 2015

One of the most commonly employed detection methods in microfluidic research is fluorescence detection, due to its ease of integration and excellent sensitivity. Many analytes though do not show luminescence when excited in the visible light spectrum, require suitable dyes. Deep‐ultraviolet (UV) excitation (<300 nm) allows label‐free detection of a broader range of analytes but also mandates the use of expensive fused silica glass, which is transparent to UV light. Herein, we report the first application of label‐free deep UV fluorescence detection in non‐UV transparent full‐body polymer microfluidic devices. This was achieved by means of two‐photon excitation in the visible range (λex = 532 nm). Issues associated with the low optical transmittance of plastics in the UV range were successfully circumvented in this way. The technique was investigated by application to microchip electrophoresis of small aromatic compounds. Various polymers, such as poly(methyl methacrylate), cyclic olefin polymer, and copolymer as well as poly(dimethylsiloxane) were investigated and compared with respect to achievable LOD and ruggedness against photodamage. To demonstrate the applicability of the technique, the method was also applied to the determination of serotonin and tryptamine in fruit samples.
Quantitative analysis of DNA methylation in the promoter region of the methylguanine‐O6‐DNA‐methyltransferase gene by COBRA and subsequent native capillary gel electrophoresis
Authors: Goedecke Simon , Mühlisch Jörg , Hempel Georg , Frühwald Michael C. , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: September 2015

Along with histone modifications, RNA interference and delayed replication timing, DNA methylation belongs to the key processes in epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Therefore, reliable information about the methylation level of particular DNA fragments is of major interest. Herein the methylation level at two positions of the promoter region of the gene methylguanine‐O6‐DNA‐Methyltransferase (MGMT) was investigated. Previously, it was demonstrated that the epigenetic status of this DNA region correlates with response to alkylating anticancer agents. An automated CGE method with LIF detection was established to separate the six DNA fragments resulting from combined bisulfite restriction analysis of the methylated and non‐methylated MGMT promoter. In COBRA, the DNA was treated with bisulfite converting cytosine into uracil. During PCR uracil pairs with adenine, which changes the original recognition site of the restriction enzyme Taql. Artificial probes generated by mixing appropriate amounts of DNA after bisulfite treatment and PCR amplification were used for validation of the method. The methylation levels of these samples could be determined with high accuracy and precision. DNA samples prepared by mixing the corresponding clones first and then performing PCR amplification led to non‐linear correlation between the corrected peak areas and the methylation levels. This effect is explained by slightly different PCR amplification of DNA with different sequences present in the mixture. The superiority of CGE over PAGE was clearly demonstrated. Finally, the established method was used to analyze the methylation levels of human brain tumor tissue samples.
An integrated robotic system for high‐throughput process development of cell and virus culture conditions: Application to biosafety level 2 live virus vaccines
Authors: Daniels Christopher , Rodriguez Jason , Lim Esther , Wenger Marc
Published: September 2015

Live virus vaccines are a critical component of worldwide vaccination strategy for reducing disease burden but often require complex biological production processes that are sensitive to many different factors, both known and often unknown. Prior application of high‐throughput process development (HTPD) approaches to these processes has been hampered by a complex design space, low‐throughput analytics, and challenges inherent in biosafety level 2 containment and asepsis in laboratory automation. In 2013, we initiated a project with HighRes Biosolutions to design and install an integrated high‐throughput screening platform to enable HTPD for biosafety level 2 upstream process development studies. The system incorporates the necessary tools for performing cell and virus culture studies in microplates, as well as advanced analytical capabilities necessary for assessment of cell phenotype, product quality, and antigen yield. To date, we have applied this system to screen optimal media formulations and viral production conditions in support of two viral vaccine programs, with phenotypic assays performed as an integrated part of the workflow. This case study illustrates the power of HTPD in addressing large‐scale biological screening challenges by narrowing a vast design space and identifying parameter interactions in live virus production processes.
Estimation of blood cellular heterogeneity in newborns and children for epigenome‐wide association studies
Authors: Yousefi Paul , Huen Karen , Quach Hong , Motwani Girish , Hubbard Alan , Eskenazi Brenda , Holland Nina
Published: September 2015

Confounding by cellular heterogeneity has become a major concern for epigenome‐wide association studies (EWAS) in peripheral blood samples from population and clinical studies. Adjusting for white blood cell percentage estimates produced by the minfi implementation of the Houseman algorithm (minfi) during statistical analysis is now an established method to account for this bias in adults. However, minfi has not been benchmarked against white blood cell counts in children that may differ substantially from the reference dataset used in its estimation. We compared estimates of white blood cell type percentages produced by two methods, minfi and differential cell count (DCC), in a birth cohort at two time points (birth and 12 years of age). We found that both minfi and DCC had similar trends as children aged, and neither count method differed by sex among newborns (P > 0.10). However, minfi estimates did not correlate well with DCC in samples from newborns (ρ = −0.05 for granulocytes; ρ = −0.03 for lymphocytes). In older children, correlation improved substantially (ρ = 0.77 for granulocytes; ρ = 0.75 for lymphocytes), likely due to increasing similarity with minfi's adult reference data as children aged. Our findings suggest that the minfi method may provide suitable estimates of white blood cell composition for samples from adults and older children, but may not currently be appropriate for EWAS involving newborns or young children. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:751–758, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Likelihood ratio tests for comparing several gamma distributions
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Kalimuthu , Lee Meesook , Xiao Wang
Published: September 2015

Likelihood ratio tests (LRTs) for comparing several independent gamma distributions with respect to shape parameters, scale parameters, and means are derived. The LRT for testing homogeneity of several gamma distributions is also derived. Extensive simulation studies indicate that the null distributions of the LRT statistics for all four problems depend on the parameters only weakly, and for practical purposes, they are independent of the parameters. Furthermore, our simulation studies suggest that the null distribution of the LRT statistic for testing the equality of shape parameters and that of the LRT statistic for testing the equality of scale parameters are essentially the same. Numerical algorithms to compute the maximum likelihood estimates and p‐values are given. Percentiles of the null distributions are tabulated for some selected sample sizes to compare three and five gamma distributions. The methods are illustrated using two practical examples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modification of activated carbon by 4‐(8‐hydroxyquinoline‐Azo)benzamidine for removal of Hg2+ from aqueous solutions
Authors: Hatami Fatemeh , Faghihian Hossein
Published: September 2015

In this research, the activated carbon prepared from walnut shells was chemically activated by ZnCl2 and modified by 4‐(8‐hydroxyquinoline‐azo)benzamidine. The synthesized adsorbent was used for the removal of Hg2+ from aqueous solutions. The effect of different parameters including pH, initial concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time, and temperature was studied and optimized. At optimized conditions, pH = 2, contact time of 20 min, initial concentration of 600 mg/L, and 0.01 g sorbent, the adsorption capacity of 118 mg/g was obtained which was higher than the reported values. The adsorbent was highly selective for Hg2+. The results showed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. Regeneration of the modified activated carbon by acid treatment showed that the adsorbent retained more than 84% of its initial adsorption capacity after four consecutive regeneration cycles. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1562–1567, 2015
Liquinert quartz crucible for the growth of multicrystalline Si ingots
Authors: Fujiwara Kozo , Horioka Yukichi , Sakuragi Shiro
Published: September 2015

The growth of a multicrystalline silicon (mc‐Si) ingot for solar cell applications was attempted using a Liquinert quartz crucible. A mc‐Si ingot was also grown in a quartz crucible coated with Si3N4 powder for comparison with that from the Liquinert quartz crucible. The mc‐Si ingot grown in the Liquinert quartz crucible had a shinier surface which has few impurity particles and higher minority carrier lifetime than the mc‐Si ingot grown in a quartz crucible coated with Si3N4 powder. These results indicate that contamination with impurities was reduced with the Liquinert quartz crucible; therefore, this crucible has the potential to be a powerful tool for the production of high‐quality mc‐Si ingots for solar cell applications.
Evaluating the capabilities of the CASI hyperspectral imaging system and Aquarius bathymetric LiDAR for measuring channel morphology in two distinct river environments
Authors: Legleiter Carl J. , Overstreet Brandon T. , Glennie Craig L. , Pan Zhigang , Fernandez‐Diaz Juan Carlos , Singhania Abhinav
Published: September 2015

Remote sensing is a powerful tool for examining river morphology. This study used detailed field surveys to assess the capability of the CASI hyperspectral imaging system and Aquarius bathymetric LiDAR to measure bed elevations in rivers with disparate optical characteristics. Field measurements of water column optical properties in the clear Snake River, the more complex Blue and Colorado, and highly turbid Muddy Creek were used to calculate depth retrieval precision and dynamic range. Differences in depth of a few centimeters were detectable via passive optical techniques in the clearest stream, but precision was greatly reduced under turbid conditions. The bathymetric LiDAR evaluated in this study could not detect shallow depths or differences in depth smaller than 11 cm owing to the difficulty of distinguishing water surface and bottom returns in laser waveforms. In clear water and with high radiometric resolution, hyperspectral systems such as CASI could detect depths approaching 10 m, but semi‐empirical analysis of the Aquarius LiDAR indicated that maximum detectable depths were of the order of 2–3 m in the clear‐flowing Snake River, and closer to 1 m in the more turbid streams. Turbidity also constrained spectrally based depth retrieval, and depth estimates from the Blue/Colorado were far less reliable than on the Snake. Both sensors yielded positively biased (0.03 m for CASI, 0.08 m for Aquarius) bed elevations on the Snake, with precisions of 0.16–0.17 m. For the Blue/Colorado, mean errors were of the order of 0.2 m, biased shallow for optical data and biased deep for LiDAR, although no Aquarius laser returns were recorded from the deepest parts of these channels; precisions were reduced to 0.29–0.32 m. Both approaches have advantages and limitations, and prospective users must understand the capabilities and constraints associated with various types of remote sensing to ensure efficient use of these evolving technologies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicokinetics of perfluorooctane sulfonate in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Consoer Daniel M. , Hoffman Alex D. , Fitzsimmons Patrick N. , Kosian Patricia A. , Nichols John W.
Published: September 2015

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) confined to respirometer-metabolism chambers were dosed with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) by intra-arterial injection and sampled to obtain concentration time-course data for plasma and either urine or expired water. The data were then analyzed using a 2-compartment clearance-volume model. Renal and branchial clearance rates (mL/d/kg) determined for all experiments averaged 19% and 81% of total clearance, respectively. Expressed as mean values for all experiments, the steady-state volume of distribution was 277 mL/kg and the terminal half-life was 86.8 d. Additional animals were exposed to PFOS in water, resulting in an average calculated branchial uptake efficiency of 0.36%. The renal clearance rate determined in the present study is approximately 75 times lower than that determined in earlier studies with perfluorooctanoate (PFOA). Previously, it was suggested that PFOA is a substrate for membrane transporters in the trout kidney. The present study suggests that glomerular filtration may be sufficient to explain the observed renal clearance rate for PFOS, although a role for membrane transporters cannot be ruled out. These findings demonstrate that models developed to predict the bioaccumulation of perfluoroalkyl acids by fish must account for differences in renal clearance of individual compounds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:717–727. Published 2015 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US Government work and as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Development of new finite volume schemes on unstructured triangular grid for simulating the gas–liquid two‐phase flow
Authors: Zhou Wen , Ouyang Jie , Zhang Lin , Su Jin , Wang Xiaodong , Yang Binxin
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a coupled finite volume inner doubly iterative efficient algorithm for linked equations (IDEAL) with level set method to simulate the incompressible gas–liquid two‐phase flows with moving interfaces on unstructured triangular grid. The finite volume IDEAL method on a collocated grid is employed to solve the incompressible two‐phase Navier–Stokes equations, and the level set method is used to capture the moving interfaces. For the sake of mass conservation, an effective second‐order accurate finite volume scheme is developed to solve the level set equation on triangular grid, which can be implemented much easier than the classical high‐order level set solvers. In this scheme, the value of level set function on the boundary of control volume is approximated using a linear combination of a high‐order Larangian interpolation and a second‐order upwind interpolation. By the rotating slotted disk and stretching and shrinking of a circular fluid element benchmark cases, the mass conservation and accuracy of the new scheme is verified. Then the coupled method is applied to two‐phase flows, including a 2D bubble rising problem and a 2D dam breaking problem. The computational results agree well with those reported in literatures and experimental data. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of protein isolates and hydrocolloids complexes on dough rheology, physicochemical properties and qualities of gluten‐free crackers
Authors: Nammakuna Natthakarn , Barringer Sheryl A. , Ratanatriwong Puntarika
Published: September 2015

To understand the suitability of protein‐hydrocolloid complexes as replacement for wheat protein in rice crackers, and the effect of protein source, carboxylmethylcellulose (CMC) and hydroxylpropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) at 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% w/w, and 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% w/w of xanthan gum (XN) were added to flour‐blendedrice crackers (FF). A variety of protein isolates was added to 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10% w/w combinations of protein isolates and hydrocolloids were investigated. The controls were FF, 100% rice crackers (RF), and wheat crackers (WF). About 1.5% CMC samples had the closest hardness to WF, followed by 0.5%XN and 1.5%HPMC, and 0.5%XN crackers had the highest moisture content and water activities followed by 0.75%XN, 1.5%CMC, and 1.5%HPMC. Increasing % of hydrocolloids also increased puffiness. Protein isolate crackers had higher moisture content and water activity. Protein isolates improved puffiness. Whey protein improved elasticity, while hydrocolloids added to leguminous protein increased loss tangent.
SOLIDARITY in the Moral Imagination of Bioethics
Authors: Jennings Bruce , Dawson Angus
Published: September 2015

How important is the concept of solidarity in our society's calculus of consent as regards the legitimacy and ethical and political support for public health, health policy, and health services? By the term “calculus of consent,” we refer to the answer that people give to rationalize and justify their obedience to laws, rules, and policies that benefit others. The calculus of consent answers questions such as, Why should I care? Why should I help? Why should I contribute to the public provision of others? Consent here does not have to be a deliberate, explicit act of informed agreement. And a calculus does not have to be a quantifiable, quasimathematical operation; more often, such a calculus takes narrative form in stories that a society tells about itself and that individuals tell about their place in it.

One vital function of bioethics is to inform and shape those stories. Bioethics has the potential to offer society a keener insight into and perception of what is ethically at stake in controversies concerning health, science, and society. This insight is what we shall refer to as a “moral imagination,” by which we do not mean make‐believe or fantasy but, rather, the capacity to take a critical distance from the given, to think reality otherwise. The moral imagination enables one to see connections between factors at work in history, in large social and communal structures, and in the shape of one's own life, thoughts, and feelings. Here we are especially concerned with the contribution that the concept of solidarity can make to the moral imagination of bioethics. We contend that solidarity must become more widely active and explicit in bioethics analysis and argumentation as it endeavors to shape reasons for obeying norms and rules of common benefit in an open, diverse society.
A geometric correction scheme for spatial leakage effects in MEG/EEG seed‐based functional connectivity mapping
Authors: Wens Vincent , Marty Brice , Mary Alison , Bourguignon Mathieu , Op de Beeck Marc , Goldman Serge , Van Bogaert Patrick , Peigneux Philippe , De Tiège Xavier
Published: September 2015

Spatial leakage effects are particularly confounding for seed‐based investigations of brain networks using source‐level electroencephalography (EEG) or magnetoencephalography (MEG). Various methods designed to avoid this issue have been introduced but are limited to particular assumptions about its temporal characteristics. Here, we investigate the usefulness of a model‐based geometric correction scheme (GCS) to suppress spatial leakage emanating from the seed location. We analyze its properties theoretically and then assess potential advantages and limitations with simulated and experimental MEG data (resting state and auditory‐motor task). To do so, we apply Minimum Norm Estimation (MNE) for source reconstruction and use variation of error parameters, statistical gauging of spatial leakage correction and comparison with signal orthogonalization. Results show that the GCS has a local (i.e., near the seed) effect only, in line with the geometry of MNE spatial leakage, and is able to map spatially all types of brain interactions, including linear correlations eliminated after signal orthogonalization. Furthermore, it is robust against the introduction of forward model errors. On the other hand, the GCS can be affected by local overcorrection effects and seed mislocation. These issues arise with signal orthogonalization too, although significantly less extensively, so the two approaches complement each other. The GCS thus appears to be a valuable addition to the spatial leakage correction toolkits for seed‐based FC analyses in source‐projected MEG/EEG data. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4604–4621, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of swallowing disorders by use of transnasal esophagoscopy in patients treated for head and neck cancer
Authors: Lin Pei‐Hsuan , Wang Cheng‐Ping , Lou Pei‐Jen , Ko Jeng‐Yuh , Hsiao Tzu‐Yu , Chen Tseng‐Cheng
Published: September 2015

Background

The purposes of this study were to identify an index of symptoms and signs of swallowing disorders that indicate the occurrence of local recurrence or second primary malignancy and to evaluate the application of transnasal esophagoscopy in patients treated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

Patients treated for HNSCC with swallowing disorders who received transnasal esophagoscopy examinations between January 2010 and June 2014 were included in this study. Local recurrence and second primary malignancy were pathologically diagnosed.

Results

In total, 136 patients were examined and one‐third of them had local recurrence or second primary malignancy. Thirty‐two patients had local recurrence and 14 patients had second primary malignancy. Common swallowing disorders and objective transnasal esophagoscopy findings were similar between the patients with and without local recurrence or second primary malignancy.

Conclusion

No definite index of symptoms and signs was an indicator of local recurrence or second primary malignancy in the patients treated for HNSCC. Routine transnasal esophagoscopy examination of patients treated for HNSCC with swallowing disorders is strongly recommended. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1137–E1143, 2016
Dynamics of loss and recovery of the nerve monitoring signal during thyroidectomy predict early postoperative vocal fold function
Authors: Schneider Rick , Sekulla Carsten , Machens Andreas , Lorenz Kerstin , Thanh Phuong Nguyen , Dralle Henning
Published: September 2015

Background

The characteristics of segmental type 1 and global type 2 injuries to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and the extent and dynamics of nerve recovery are poorly understood.

Methods

This investigation of 785 patients who underwent thyroidectomy under continuous intraoperative nerve monitoring aimed at exploring the dynamics of loss and recovery of the nerve monitoring signal and its relationship to early postoperative vocal fold palsy.

Results

Persistent complete loss of signal and signal recovery <50% identified all (based on 12 and 4 patients with type 1 injuries) or most (based on 9 of 12 and 4 of 6 patients with global type 2 injuries) early unilateral vocal fold palsies. Signal recovery ≥50% (based on 7 patients) always signified normal vocal fold function.

Conclusion

These data, including the observation that global type 2 injuries may entail less severe nerve injury, require validation in independent series before being adopted more widely. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1144–E1151, 2016
Impaired monocyte‐macrophage functions and defective toll‐like receptor signaling in hepatitis E virus‐infected pregnant women with acute liver failure
Authors: Sehgal Rashi , Patra Sharda , David Paul , Vyas Ashish , Khanam Arshi , Hissar Syed , Gupta Ekta , Kumar Guresh , Kottilil Shyam , Maiwall Rakhi , Sarin Shiv Kumar , Trehanpati Nirupama
Published: September 2015

Acute viral hepatitis resulting due to hepatitis E viral infection (AVH‐E) is often serious in pregnancy and could result in acute liver failure (ALF). The role of monocytes and macrophages (mono‐macs) in the pathogenesis of AVH‐E and development of ALF‐E in pregnancy is unclear. We investigated the functions of mono‐macs in pregnant (P), AVH‐E (n = 44), ALF‐E (n = 12), healthy controls (HC; n = 20) and compared with nonpregnant (NP) AVH‐E (n = 10), ALF‐E (n = 5), and HC (n = 10). We also recruited non‐hepatitis E virus‐related pregnant (P), ALF‐NE (n = 5) and non‐pregnant (NP), ALF‐NE (n = 12) patients with ALF. Mono‐macs, dendritic cell (DC) phenotypes, and Toll‐like receptor (TLR) expressions were studied by flow cytometry and reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Mono‐macs functionality was determined by analyzing their phagocytic activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by using flow cytometry. Frequency of mono‐macs and DCs was increased during HEV infection compared to HC (P < 0.001). Macrophages were increased (P < 0.002) in ALF‐E(P) compared to ALF‐NE(P). The macrophage phagocytic activity and Escherichia coli‐induced ROS production was significantly impaired in ALF‐E(P) compared to AVH‐E(P) (P < 0.001), ALF‐E(NP), and ALF‐NE(P) patients (P < 0.02). TLR3 and TLR9 expression and downstream MYD88 signalling molecules IRF3 and IRF7 were significantly down‐regulated in ALF‐E(P) (P < 0.00) compared to AVH‐E(P) and ALF‐NE(P). Conclusion: Functionality of mono‐macs is impaired in pregnant ALF‐E patients compared to AVH‐E(P). Reduced TLR3 and TLR7 expression and TLR downstream‐signaling molecules in pregnant ALF‐E patients suggests inadequate triggers for the innate immune responses contributing to development and severity of ALF‐E. Studies using TLR agonists to activate mono‐macs may be of use and in vitro studies should be undertaken using patient samples.(Hepatology 2015;62:1683–1696)
The dynamic nature of systems consolidation: Stress during learning as a switch guiding the rate of the hippocampal dependency and memory quality
Authors: Pedraza Lizeth K. , Sierra Rodrigo O. , Boos Flávia Z. , Haubrich Josué , Quillfeldt Jorge A. , de Oliveira Alvares Lucas
Published: September 2015

Memory fades over time, becoming more schematic or abstract. The loss of contextual detail in memory may reflect a time‐dependent change in the brain structures supporting memory. It has been well established that contextual fear memory relies on the hippocampus for expression shortly after learning, but it becomes hippocampus‐independent at a later time point, a process called systems consolidation. This time‐dependent process correlates with the loss of memory precision. Here, we investigated whether training intensity predicts the gradual decay of hippocampal dependency to retrieve memory, and the quality of the contextual memory representation over time. We have found that training intensity modulates the progressive decay of hippocampal dependency and memory precision. Strong training intensity accelerates systems consolidation and memory generalization in a remarkable timeframe match. The mechanisms underpinning such process are triggered by glucocorticoid and noradrenaline released during training. These results suggest that the stress levels during emotional learning act as a switch, determining the fate of memory quality. Moderate stress will create a detailed memory, whereas a highly stressful training will develop a generic gist‐like memory. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling fish production for southern California's petroleum platforms
Authors: Pondella Daniel J , Zahn Laurel A , Love Milton S , Siegel David , Bernstein Brock B
Published: September 2015

California's oil platforms are nearing the end of their productive lives and therefore will be decommissioned in the near future. These structures have been shown to be important habitats for both settlement and growth for reef fishes. Important information on the biological effects (i.e., loss of biomass and production) of different decommissioning options has not yet been explored in detail. An important step in the assessment of these different decommissioning options is to look at the potential loss of fish production and habitat under the different alternatives. Using the large amount of information available on fish abundances at these structures, we have created a model to estimate the standing stock of fishes and production that would be lost because of both partial (removal from surface to 85 ft) and complete removal (the 2 decommissioning options being considered). Complete removal of a platform will likely eliminate most of its fish biomass; however, this study has shown that for rockfishes, which settle predominantly below 85 feet (26 m) and move deeper as they age, partial removal through topping would leave more than 90% of the fish biomass at the deeper platforms. Modeling of larval dispersal suggests that platforms provide an important opportunity for recruitment of fish larvae and that many larvae produced near the platforms would settle elsewhere in the region. The results presented here indicate that, even if topped, the potential contribution of platform habitat to biological resources (e.g., fish production) in this region is significant. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;X:000–000. ©2015 SETAC

Key Points

When compared to natural reefs nearby, platforms appear to perform as well as or better than natural reefs in terms of producing biomass and providing habitat for settlement and growth for reef fishes. Rockfish appear to settle predominantly below 85 ft (26 m) and move deeper as they age, which indicates that since the platform would be cut at a depth of 85 ft under the partial removal option, partial removal would not eliminate its potential nursery function. Complete removal of decommissioned platform structures will result in a loss of all previous biogenic habitat and associated fish and invertebrate communities, yet partial removal at 85 ft will leave much of the biomass and potential for future recruitment to the remaining structure. Modeling of larval dispersal suggests that platforms provide an important opportunity for recruitment of fish larvae, and that many larvae from the platforms would settle elsewhere in the southern California bight.