bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of α2‐adrenoceptors in inhibitory and facilitatory pain modulation processes
Authors: Vo L. , Drummond P.D.
Published: May 2015

Background

In healthy humans, high‐frequency electrical stimulation (HFS) of the forearm not only produces hyperalgesia at the site of stimulation but also reduces sensitivity to pressure‐pain on the ipsilateral side of the forehead. In addition, HFS augments the ipsilateral trigeminal nociceptive blink reflex and intensifies the ipsilateral component of conditioned pain modulation. The aim of this study was to determine whether α2‐adrenoceptors mediate these ipsilateral nociceptive influences.

Methods

The α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine was administered to 22 participants in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study. In each session, thermal and mechanical sensitivity in the forearms and forehead was assessed before and after HFS. In addition, the combined effect of HFS and yohimbine on the nociceptive blink reflex and on conditioned pain modulation was explored. In this paradigm, the conditioning stimulus was cold pain in the ipsilateral or contralateral temple, and the test stimulus was electrically evoked pain in the forearm.

Results

Blood pressure and electrodermal activity increased for several hours after yohimbine administration, consistent with blockade of central α2‐adrenoceptors. Yohimbine not only augmented the nociceptive blink reflex ipsilateral to HFS but also intensified the inhibitory influence of ipsilateral temple cooling on electrically evoked pain at the HFS‐treated site in the forearm. Yohimbine had no consistent effect on primary or secondary hyperalgesia in the forearm or on pressure‐pain in the ipsilateral forehead.

Conclusions

These findings imply involvement of α2‐adrenoceptors both in ipsilateral antinociceptive and pronociceptive pain modulation processes. However, a mechanism not involving α2‐adrenoceptors appears to mediate analgesia in the ipsilateral forehead after HFS.
The generalization of shared reality: When communication about one target shapes evaluations of other targets
Authors: Bebermeier Sarah , Echterhoff Gerald , Bohner Gerd , Hellmann Jens H.
Published: May 2015

Communicators often tune their message about a target to the audience's attitude toward that target. This tuning can shape a communicator's own evaluation of the target, which reflects the creation of a shared reality with the audience. So far, evidence for shared‐reality creation has been confined to one specific target. In two experiments, we examined whether and when a shared reality would generalize to other targets. In Experiment 1, shared‐reality creation about an ambiguous sexist target generalized to the evaluation of a new ambiguous sexist target for which no audience attitude was provided. However, this happened only when there was high (vs. low) commonality with the audience regarding previous judgments. In Experiment 2, we investigated conditions for the temporal persistence of generalization. One week after message tuning to a high‐commonality audience, a shared reality generalized to a new ambiguous sexist target when participants recalled the shared‐reality creation about the initial target, but it did not generalize in conditions without such recall. Also, no generalization occurred for non‐ambiguous or non‐sexist targets. Results suggest that shared reality generalization depends on perceived commonality with the audience, recollection of shared reality at time of judgment, and similarity between new and initial targets.
Label‐free bead‐based metallothionein electrochemical immunosensor
Authors: Nejdl Lukas , Nguyen Hoai Viet , Richtera Lukas , Krizkova Sona , Guran Roman , Masarik Michal , Hynek David , Heger Zbynek , Lundberg Karin , Erikson Kristofer , Adam Vojtech , Kizek Rene
Published: May 2015

A novel microfluidic label‐free bead‐based metallothionein immunosensors was designed. To the surface of superparamagnetic agarose beads coated with protein A, polyclonal chicken IgY specifically recognizing metallothionein (MT) were immobilized via rabbit IgG. The Brdicka reaction was used for metallothionein detection in a microfluidic printed 3D chip. The assembled chip consisted of a single copper wire coated with a thin layer of amalgam as working electrode. Optimization of MT detection using designed microfluidic chip was performed in stationary system as well as in the flow arrangement at various flow rates (0–1800 μL/min). In stationary arrangement it is possible to detect MT concentrations up to 30 ng/mL level, flow arrangement allows reliable detection of even lower concentration (12.5 ng/mL). The assembled miniature flow chip was subsequently tested for the detection of MT elevated levels (at approx. level 100 μg/mL) in samples of patients with cancer. The stability of constructed device for metallothionein detection in flow arrangement was found to be several days without any maintenance needed.
Contactless conductometric determination of methanol and ethanol in samples containing water after their electrophoretic desalination
Authors: Tůma Petr , Opekar František
Published: May 2015

Determination of the contents of methanol and ethanol in aqueous solutions was performed by measuring the permittivity of solutions using a contactless conductivity detector (C4D) normally used for detection in capillary electrophoresis. The detection cell is a section of a fused silica capillary with an internal diameter of 50 μm with a pair of conductivity electrodes on the external walls. The C4D response to samples of methanol/water and ethanol/water mixtures is linear in the concentration interval of approx. 40–100% v/v alcohol content. In the analysis of technical samples of methanol and ethanol, the determination is disturbed by the presence of even trace amounts of salts. This interference can be effectively eliminated by integrated electrophoretic desalination of the sample by the application of a direct current electric voltage with a magnitude of 10 kV to the capillary with the injected sample zone. Under these conditions, the ions migrate out of the sample zone and the detector response is controlled purely by the permittivity of the solvent/water zone. Desalinating is effective for NaCl contents in the range from 0 to 5 mmol/L NaCl. The effectiveness of the desalinating process has been verified on MeOH/water samples and in determination of the ethanol content in distilled beverages normally available in the retail network.
Legacy of road salt: Apparent positive larval effects counteracted by negative postmetamorphic effects in wood frogs
Authors: Dananay Kacey L. , Krynak Katherine L. , Krynak Timothy J. , Benard Michael F.
Published: May 2015

Road salt runoff has potentially large effects on wetland communities, but is typically investigated in short-term laboratory trials. The authors investigated effects of road salt contamination on wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) by combining a field survey with 2 separate experiments. The field survey tested whether wood frog larval traits were associated with road salt contamination in natural wetlands. As conductivity increased, wood frog larvae were less abundant, but those found were larger. In the first experiment of the present study, the authors raised larvae in outdoor artificial ponds under 4 salt concentrations and measured larval vital rates, algal biomass, and zooplankton abundance. Salt significantly increased larval growth, algal biomass, and decreased zooplankton abundance. In the second experiment, the authors raised larvae to metamorphosis in the presence and absence of salt contamination and followed resulting juvenile frogs in terrestrial pens at high and low densities. Exposure to road salt as larvae caused juvenile frogs to have greater mortality in low-density terrestrial environments, possibly because of altered energy allocation, changes in behavior, or reduced immune defenses. The present study suggests that low concentrations of road salt can have positive effects on larval growth yet negative effects on juvenile survival. These results emphasize the importance of testing for effects of contaminants acting through food webs and across multiple life stages as well as the potential for population-level consequences in natural environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2417–2424. © 2015 SETAC
Latent cognitive effects from low-level polychlorinated biphenyl exposure in juvenile European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)
Authors: Zahara Alexander R.D. , Michel Nicole L. , Flahr Leanne M. , Ejack Leanne E. , Morrissey Christy A.
Published: May 2015

Ecotoxicology research on polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixtures has focused principally on short-term effects on reproduction, growth, and other physiological endpoints. Latent cognitive effects from early life exposure to low-level PCBs were examined in an avian model, the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris). Thirty-six birds, divided equally among 4 treatment groups (control = 0 µg, low = 0.35 µg, intermediate = 0.70 µg, and high = 1.05 µg Aroclor 1254/g body weight), were dosed 1 d through 18 d posthatch, then tested 8 mo to 9 mo later in captivity in an analog to an open radial arm maze. Birds were subject to 4 sequential experiments: habituation, learning, cue selection, and memory. One-half of the birds did not habituate to the test cage; however, this was not linked to a treatment group. Although 11 of the remaining 18 birds successfully learned, only 1 was from the high-dosed group. Control and low-dosed birds were among the only treatment groups to improve trial times throughout the learning experiment. High-dosed birds were slower and more error-prone than controls. Cue selection (spatial or color cues) and memory retention were not affected by prior PCB exposure. The results indicate that a reduction in spatial learning ability persists among birds exposed to Aroclor 1254 during development. This may have implications for migration ability, resource acquisition, and other behaviors relevant for fitness. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2513–2522. © 2015 SETAC
Evaluation and comparison of the relationship between NOEC and EC10 or EC20 values in chronic Daphnia toxicity testing
Authors: Beasley Amy , Belanger Scott E. , Brill Jessica L. , Otter Ryan R.
Published: May 2015

Hypothesis-based no-effect-concentration (NOEC) and regression-based x% effect concentration (ECx) values are common statistical approaches used to summarize ecotoxicological effects. Controversy over the NOEC model has prompted a movement toward discontinuation of the NOEC in favor of ECx, but the best x% effect surrogate for NOEC has not yet been determined. Historically, 10% and 20% effect concentrations (EC10 and EC20) have been treated as NOEC analogs. Given these measurements' importance to ecotoxicology, further understanding of the relationships between NOEC and EC10 or EC20 is crucial. In the present study, a metadataset of daphnid chronic toxicity tests was compiled to analyze the strength and significance of NOEC:EC10 and NOEC:EC20 relationships. The impact of endpoint (e.g., mortality, reproduction) and test condition parameters (e.g., pH, temperature) on NOEC:EC10 and NOEC:EC20 was evaluated. Mortality endpoints were most sensitive 51% of the time, with growth and reproductive endpoints constituting the remainder, underscoring the value of using multiple endpoints to evaluate toxic effects rather than relying on reproduction as the a priori most sensitive endpoint. When test condition parameters were less restricted (e.g., pH, hardness), the NOEC:EC20 association was more robust, suggesting that variability introduced by test implementation increased variability in ECx calculation. The analysis revealed that, overall, EC10 was a more suitable analog than EC20 for NOEC. Recommendations include refinement and reporting of the test parameters pH and hardness to minimize variability in ECx calculation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2378–2384. © 2015 SETAC
Transflip mutations produce deletions in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Norris Alexis L. , Kamiyama Hirohiko , Makohon‐Moore Alvin , Pallavajjala Aparna , Morsberger Laura A. , Lee Kurt , Batista Denise , Iacobuzio‐Donahue Christine A. , Lin Ming‐Tseh , Klein Alison P. , Hruban Ralph H. , Wheelan Sarah J. , Eshleman James R.
Published: May 2015

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is driven by the inactivation of the tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), CDKN2A (P16) and SMAD4 (DPC4), commonly by homozygous deletions (HDs). Using a combination of high density single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray and whole genome sequencing (WGS), we fine‐mapped novel breakpoints surrounding deletions of CDKN2A and SMAD4 and characterized them by their underlying structural variants (SVs). Only one third of CDKN2A and SMAD4 deletions (6 of 18) were simple interstitial deletions, rather, the majority of deletions were caused by complex rearrangements, specifically, a translocation on one side of the TSG in combination with an inversion on the other side. We designate these as “TransFlip” mutations. Characteristics of TransFlip mutations are: (1) a propensity to target the TSGs CDKN2A and SMAD4 (P < 0.005), (2) not present in the germline of the examined samples, (3) non‐recurrent breakpoints, (4) relatively small (47 bp to 3.4 kb) inversions, (5) inversions can be either telomeric or centromeric to the TSG, and (6) non‐reciprocal, and non‐recurrent translocations. TransFlip mutations are novel complex genomic rearrangements with unique breakpoint signatures in pancreatic cancer. We hypothesize that they are a common but poorly understood mechanism of TSG inactivation in human cancer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of the mutant allele frequency in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 and somatic mosaicism by means of deep sequencing
Authors: Spyra Melanie , Otto Benjamin , Schön Gerhard , Kehrer‐Sawatzki Hildegard , Mautner Victor‐Felix
Published: May 2015

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) is an autosomal disorder caused by mutations of the NF2 gene. More than half of all NF2 patients have unaffected parents and carry de novo mutations, which may be of prezygotic or postzygotic origin. The latter can result in mosaicism, which is relatively common in NF2 patients. Previous studies indicated that, in 50% of patients with mosaic NF2 mutations, the mutant allele is only detectable by Sanger sequencing of PCR products amplified from tumor tissue but not from blood samples. In order to establish a highly sensitive method that has the power to detect low levels of NF2 mutant alleles from blood samples of mosaic NF2 patients, we performed ultra deep sequencing and calculated the percentage of mutant and wildtype NF2 alleles. The mutant allele frequencies detected ranged from 2.6% to 19.7%. In three patients, however, the NF2 mutation previously identified in tumor tissue was not identified in blood samples by means of deep sequencing, suggesting absence of mutant cells in the blood. Remarkably, we observed a correlation between the age at onset of the disease and the mutant allele frequency. Our study indicates that ultra deep sequencing is an effective and highly sensitive method to determine the mutant allele frequency in patients with mosaic NF2 gene mutations, which enables extended phenotype/correlations in these patients. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationship between metabolic and vascular conditions and cognitive decline among older Mexican Americans
Authors: Downer Brian , Raji Mukaila A. , Markides Kyriakos S.
Published: May 2015

Objective

Metabolic and vascular conditions have been independently associated with dementia and cognitive decline among older adults, but research on the combined effects that these conditions have on cognitive decline, especially among older Mexican Americans, is lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between metabolic and vascular conditions and cognitive decline among older Mexican Americans.

Methods

The final sample included 2767 participants of the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly. Linear mixed‐effects regression was used to model cognitive decline across six examinations (1993–2007) according to the number (zero, one, two, and three to four) of metabolic and vascular conditions (hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and heart attack).

Results

Of the 2767 participants included in the final sample, 777 had zero conditions, 1314 had one condition, 553 had two conditions, and 123 had three to four conditions. Participants with two or three to four conditions had significantly greater cognitive decline compared with participants with zero or one condition. Stroke had the largest effect size on cognitive decline based on the proportion of variance that stroke accounted for in the linear mixed‐effects model.

Conclusion

Mexican American older adults with multiple metabolic and vascular conditions exhibit greater cognitive decline than those with zero or one condition. Public health interventions designed to reduce the prevalence of chronic metabolic and vascular conditions, in particular stroke, may limit the severity of cognitive decline among older Mexican Americans. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon monoxide: A new player in the redox regulation of connexin hemichannels
Authors: Retamal Mauricio A. , León‐Paravic Carmen G. , Ezquer Marcelo , Ezquer Fernando , Rio Rodrigo Del , Pupo Amaury , Martínez Agustín D. , González Carlos
Published: May 2015

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gaseous transmitter that is known to be involved in several physiological processes, but surprisingly it is also becoming a promising molecule to treat several pathologies including stroke and cancer. CO can cross the plasma membrane and activate guanylate cyclase, increasing the cGMP concentration and activating some kinases, including PKG. The other mechanism of action involves induction of protein carbonylation. CO is known to directly and indirectly modulate the function of ion channels at the plasma membrane, which in turn have important repercussions in the cellular behavior. One group of these channels is hemichannels, which are formed by proteins known as connexins (Cxs). Hemichannel allows not only the flow of ions through their pore but also the release of molecules such as ATP and glutamate. Therefore, their modulation not only impacts cellular function but also cellular communication, having the capability to affect tissular behavior. Here, we review the most recent results regarding the effect of CO on Cx hemichannels and their possible repercussions on pathologies. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(6):428–437, 2015
Modelling Inflation Volatility
Authors: Eisenstat Eric , Strachan Rodney W.
Published: May 2015

This paper discusses estimation of US inflation volatility using time‐varying parameter models, in particular whether it should be modelled as a stationary or random walk stochastic process. Specifying inflation volatility as an unbounded process, as implied by the random walk, conflicts with priors beliefs, yet a stationary process cannot capture the low‐frequency behaviour commonly observed in estimates of volatility. We therefore propose an alternative model with a change‐point process in the volatility that allows for switches between stationary models to capture changes in the level and dynamics over the past 40 years. To accommodate the stationarity restriction, we develop a new representation that is equivalent to our model but is computationally more efficient. All models produce effectively identical estimates of volatility, but the change‐point model provides more information on the level and persistence of volatility and the probabilities of changes. For example, we find a few well‐defined switches in the volatility process and, interestingly, these switches line up well with economic slowdowns or changes of the Federal Reserve Chair. Moreover, a decomposition of inflation shocks into permanent and transitory components shows that a spike in volatility in the late 2000s was entirely on the transitory side and characterized by a rise above its long‐run mean level during a period of higher persistence. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oleic acid surfactant in polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite‐composites for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Cardoso Guinea B. C. , Maniglio Devid , Volpato Fabio Z. , Tondon Abhishek , Migliaresi Claudio , Kaunas Roland R. , Zavaglia Cecilia A. C.
Published: May 2015

Bone substitutes are required to repair osseous defects caused by a number of factors, such as traumas, degenerative diseases, and cancer. Autologous bone grafting is typically used to bridge bone defects, but suffers from chronic pain at the donor‐site and limited availability of graft material. Tissue engineering approaches are being investigated as viable alternatives, which ideal scaffold should be biocompatible, biodegradable, and promote cellular interactions and tissue development, need to present proper mechanical and physical properties. In this study, poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL), oleic acid (OA) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) were used to obtain films whose properties were investigated by contact angle, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, tensile mechanical tests, and in vitro tests with U2OS human osteosarcoma cells by direct contact. Our results indicate that by using OA as surfactant/dispersant, it was possible to obtain a homogenous film with HAp. The PCL/OA/Hap sample had twice the roughness of the control (PCL) and a lower contact angle, indicating increased hydrophilicity of the film. Furthermore, mechanical testing showed that the addition of HAp decreased the load at yield point and tensile strength and increased tensile modulus, indicating a more brittle composition vs. PCL matrix. Preliminary cell culture experiments carried out with the films demonstrated that U2OS cells adhered and proliferated on all surfaces. The data demonstrate the improved dispersion of HAp using OA and the important consequences of this addition on the composite, unveiling the potentially of this composition for bone growth support. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1076–1082, 2016.
Validation of the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ) Among Mainland Chinese Students in Hong Kong
Authors: Pan Jia‐Yan , Ye Shengquan , Ng Petrus
Published: May 2015

Objective

The present study validated the combined version of the 8‐item Automatic Thought Questionnaire (ATQ) and 10 positive items from the ATQ‐revised among Chinese university students.

Method

A total of 412 Mainland Chinese university students were recruited in Hong Kong by an online survey.

Results

A 14‐item Chinese ATQ was derived via item analysis. Satisfactory internal consistency reliability and good split‐half reliability were obtained. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis revealed a 3‐correlated‐factor solution for the Chinese ATQ: negative thought, positive thought (emotional), and positive thought (cognitive). The negative ATQ subscale score was positively correlated with negative affect, and negatively correlated with positive affect and life satisfaction. The two positive ATQ subscale scores were negatively correlated with negative affect, and positively correlated with positive affect and life satisfaction.

Conclusion

The 14‐item ATQ is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring automatic thoughts in the Chinese context of Hong Kong.
Acidosis Is a key regulator of osteoblast ecto‐nucleotidase pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (NPP1) expression and activity
Authors: Orriss Isabel R. , Key Michelle L. , Hajjawi Mark O.R. , Millán José L. , Arnett Timothy R.
Published: May 2015

Previous work has shown that acidosis prevents bone nodule formation by osteoblasts in vitro by inhibiting mineralisation of the collagenous matrix. The ratio of phosphate (Pi) to pyrophosphate (PPi) in the bone microenvironment is a fundamental regulator of bone mineralisation. Both Pi and PPi, a potent inhibitor of mineralisation, are generated from extracellular nucleotides by the actions of ecto‐nucleotidases. This study investigated the expression and activity of ecto‐nucleotidases by osteoblasts under normal and acid conditions. We found that osteoblasts express mRNA for a number of ecto‐nucleotidases including NTPdase 1–6 (ecto‐nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase) and NPP1‐3 (ecto‐nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase). The rank order of mRNA expression in differentiating rat osteoblasts (day 7) was Enpp1 > NTPdase 4 > NTPdase 6 > NTPdase 5 > alkaline phosphatase > ecto‐5‐nucleotidase > Enpp3 > NTPdase 1 > NTPdase 3 > Enpp2 > NTPdase 2. Acidosis (pH 6.9) upregulated NPP1 mRNA (2.8‐fold) and protein expression at all stages of osteoblast differentiation compared to physiological pH (pH 7.4); expression of other ecto‐nucleotidases was unaffected. Furthermore, total NPP activity was increased up to 53% in osteoblasts cultured in acid conditions (P < 0.001). Release of ATP, one of the key substrates for NPP1, from osteoblasts, was unaffected by acidosis. Further studies showed that mineralised bone formation by osteoblasts cultured from NPP1 knockout mice was increased compared with wildtypes (2.5‐fold, P < 0.001) and was partially resistant to the inhibitory effect of acidosis. These results indicate that increased NPP1 expression and activity might contribute to the decreased mineralisation observed when osteoblasts are exposed to acid conditions. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 3049–3056, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Physiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Son Taeil , Hyung Woo Jin
Published: May 2015

Robotic surgery for gastric cancer overcomes technical difficulties with laparoscopic gastrectomy. Its benefits include reduced intraoperative bleeding and shorter hospital stays; it is also easier to learn. Because accuracy increases during lymphadenectomy, a larger number of lymph nodes is likely to be retrieved using robotic gastrectomy. Higher costs and longer operation times have hindered the widespread adaptation and use of robotic surgery. In this review, we summarize the current status and issues regarding robotic gastrectomy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015; 112:271–278. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mental Health Among Adolescents Exposed to a Tornado: The Influence of Social Support and Its Interactions With Sociodemographic Characteristics and Disaster Exposure
Authors: Paul Lisa A. , Felton Julia W. , Adams Zachary W. , Welsh Kyleen , Miller Stephanie , Ruggiero Kenneth J.
Published: May 2015

Approximately 25% of youths experience a natural disaster and many experience disaster‐related distress, including symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. This study contributes to the literature by examining PTSD and depressive symptoms among 2,000 adolescents (50.9% female, 70.5% White) assessed after exposure to tornadoes in 2011. The authors hypothesized that greater tornado exposure, female sex, and younger age would be associated with distress, and that social support would interact with these associations. Analyses showed that PTSD symptoms were associated with lower levels of social support (β = −.28, p < .001), greater tornado exposure (β = .14, p < .001), lower household income (β = −.06, p = .013, female sex (β = −.10, p < .001), and older age (β = .07, p = .002), with a 3‐way interaction between tornado exposure, sex, and social support (β = −.06, p = .017). For boys, the influence of tornado exposure on PTSD symptoms increased as social support decreased. Regardless of level of tornado exposure, low social support was related to PTSD symptoms for girls; depressive symptom results were similar. These findings were generally consistent with the literature and provide guidance for intervention development focused on strengthening social support at the individual, family, and community levels.
Enhanced emission extraction and selective excitation of NV centers with all–dielectric nanoantennas
Authors: Krasnok Alexander E. , Maloshtan Alex , Chigrin Dmitry N. , Kivshar Yuri S. , Belov Pavel A.
Published: May 2015

A novel approach to facilitate excitation and readout processes of isolated negatively charged nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) centers is proposed. The approach is based on the concept of all‐dielectric nanoantennas. It is shown that the all‐dielectric nanoantenna can significantly enhance both the emission rate and emission extraction efficiency of a photoluminescence signal from a single NV center in a diamond nanoparticle on a dielectric substrate. The proposed approach provides high directivity, large Purcell factor, and efficient beam steering, thus allowing an efficient far‐field initialization and readout of several NV centers separated by subwavelength distances.

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Backscattering intensity measurements in optical coherence tomography as a method to identify parathyroid glands
Authors: Sommerey Sandra , Ladurner Roland , Al Arabi Norah , Mortensen Uwe , Hallfeldt Klaus , Gallwas Julia
Published: May 2015

Background and Objective

Previous studies have shown that the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) permits the differentiation between parathyroid tissue, thyroid tissue, lymph nodes and adipose tissue. We investigated the backscattering intensity profiles of OCT images in order to determine whether significant differences between these tissue types exist.

Methods

Mean backscattering intensity profiles were obtained from OCT images of parathyroid glands, thyroid tissue, lymph nodes and adipose tissue. The profiles were analyzed employing Fisher's Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). The results were cross validated employing improved parameter estimation techniques.

Results

Mean backscattering intensity profiles from 300 OCT images of 34 patients undergoing thyroid or parathyroid surgery were analyzed. The overall rate of correct classifications was 96.15%. The cross validation employing improved parameter estimation techniques yielded results identical to those derived from Fisher's LDA.

Conclusion

Besides the individual assessment of OCT images by interpreting morphological criteria, backscattering intensity measurements can reliably distinguish between different tissue entities. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:526–532, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Minimally symptomatic mcardle disease, expanding the genotype–phenotype spectrum
Authors: Petrou Petros , Pantzaris Marios , Dionysiou Maria , Drousiotou Anthi , Kyriakides Theodoros
Published: May 2015

Introduction: We report the clinical, biochemical, and molecular findings in a Cypriot family with minimally symptomatic McArdle disease. Methods: Myophosphorylase in muscle was assessed by histochemistry, quantitative spectrophotometry, and western blot analysis. Mutation identification was performed by PCR amplification of all PYGM exons, followed by bidirectional sequencing. Screening for the new mutation was performed by restriction enzyme analysis. Results: We found that a novel c.1151C>T transition in exon 10 of the myophosphorylase gene (PYGM) is associated with minimally symptomatic McArdle disease. Homozygous carriers displayed an ischemic exercise response characterized by a blunted increase in post‐exercise blood lactate levels in conjunction with an exaggerated increase in ammonia. Myophosphorylase activity in muscle was 3.75% of normal, whereas the size and abundance of the enzyme were unaffected. Conclusions: These findings expand the genotype–phenotype spectrum of McArdle disease and suggest that enzymatic activity as low as 4% may be sufficient to ameliorate the phenotype. Muscle Nerve 52: 891–895, 2015
Fabrication and applied investigation of a muscle‐like linear actuator using lonic polymer metal composites
Authors: Zhao Gang , Sun Zhuangzhi , Qiao Dongpan , Yang Junjie , Rachanne Chatto Ashleigh , Wang Haojun
Published: May 2015

Focusing on the existing issues of ionic polymer metal composites (IPMC), for example, little force output and swing motion, and the applied requirements in the biomimetic artificial muscles using as the actuators, under the current framework, a muscle‐like linear actuator based on the combination of Bi‐IPMC linear actuator unit, whose experimental characteristics have been discussed in our previous work, was fabricated. The performance investigation showed that it can generate a linear movement type like artificial muscle, and there is an prominent improvement of force output capabilities compared with Bi‐IPMC linear actuator unit. Also, based on the 3D printing technique, a bionic jumping robot was experimented using the fabricating muscle‐like linear actuator, and the experimental result was validated against the feasibility of muscle‐like linear actuator. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:147–156, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Conformational dynamics of a short antigenic peptide in its free and antibody bound forms gives insight into the role of β‐turns in peptide immunogenicity
Authors: Shukla Rashmi Tambe , Sasidhar Yellamraju U.
Published: May 2015

Earlier immunological experiments with a synthetic 36‐residue peptide (75‐110) from Influenza hemagglutinin have been shown to elicit anti‐peptide antibodies (Ab) which could cross‐react with the parent protein. In this article, we have studied the conformational features of a short antigenic (Ag) peptide (98YPYDVPDYASLRS110) from Influenza hemagglutinin in its free and antibody (Ab) bound forms with molecular dynamics simulations using GROMACS package and OPLS‐AA/L all‐atom force field at two different temperatures (293 K and 310 K). Multiple simulations for the free Ag peptide show sampling of ordered conformations and suggest different conformational preferences of the peptide at the two temperatures. The free Ag samples a conformation crucial for Ab binding (β‐turn formed by “DYAS” sequence) with greater preference at 310 K while, it samples a native‐like conformation with relatively greater propensity at 293 K. The sequence “DYAS” samples β‐turn conformation with greater propensity at 310 K as part of the hemagglutinin protein also. The bound Ag too samples the β‐turn involving “DYAS” sequence and in addition it also samples a β‐turn formed by the sequence “YPYD” at its N‐terminus, which seems to be induced upon binding to the Ab. Further, the bound Ag displays conformational flexibility at both 293 K and 310 K, particularly at terminal residues. The implications of these results for peptide immunogenicity and Ag–Ab recognition are discussed. Proteins 2015; 83:1352–1367. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of universal selectivity‐determining positions in cytochrome P450 monooxygenases by systematic sequence‐based literature mining
Authors: Gricman Łukasz , Vogel Constantin , Pleiss Jürgen
Published: May 2015

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) are a large, highly diverse protein family with a common fold. The sequences, structures, and functions of CYPs have been extensively studied resulting in more than 53,000 scientific articles. A sequence‐based literature mining algorithm was designed to systematically analyze this wealth of information on SNPs, designed mutations, structural interactions, or functional roles of individual residues. Structurally corresponding positions in different CYPs were compared and universal selectivity‐determining positions were identified. Based on the Cytochrome P450 Engineering Database (www.CYPED.BioCatNet.de) and a standard numbering scheme for all CYPs, 4000 residues in 168 CYPs mentioned in 2400 articles could be assigned to 440 structurally corresponding standard positions of the CYP fold, covering 96% of all standard positions. Seventeen individual standard positions were mentioned in the context of more than 32 different CYPs. The majority of these most frequently mentioned positions are located on the six substrate recognition sites and are involved in control of selectivity, such as the well‐studied position 87 in CYP102A1 (P450BM‐3) which was mentioned in the articles on 63 different CYPs. The recurrent citation of the 17 frequently mentioned positions for different CYPs suggests their universal functional relevance. Proteins 2015; 83:1593–1603. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The emergence of auxetic material as a result of optimal isotropic design
Authors: Czarnecki S. , Wawruch P.
Published: May 2015

Using both mathematical and numerical methods, the optimal distributions of material characterized by the Young modulus and Poisson ratio (as well as other moduli of isotropy) maximizing the overall stiffness of an inhomogeneous isotropic elastic 3D body transmitting a given surface loading to a given support are constructed. The overall stiffness of the body is defined as the inverse of the work of external forces on displacements, called here the compliance of the structure. The isoperimetric condition bounds the integral of the trace of the Hooke tensor. It is proved that isotropic composite materials forming the bodies of extremely high stiffness exhibit negative Poisson ratio in large subdomains, which points at the significance of the auxetic material in modern structural design. The obtained results show that the whole range of possible variation of the Poisson ratio is used, from −1 to 1/2, which proves usefulness of the auxetic materials.
Stacked and nanolaminated Al2O3/TiO2 for surface passivation and encapsulation of silicon
Authors: Suh Dongchul
Published: May 2015

Silicon solar cells passivated with Al2O3 require a capping layer that protects the passivation layer from humidity because of sensitivity of Al2O3 to moisture. Al2O3/TiO2 stacks obtained by atomic layer deposition have been known to provide a high level of passivation layers because of their excellent field‐effect passivation. In this work, degradation of this Al2O3/TiO2 stack, when exposed to humidity, is examined, and an attempt is made for a humidity‐resistant encapsulation layer by adding Al2O3/TiO2 nanolaminates that can be deposited in‐situ without breaking vacuum. Placing the nanolaminate on top of the TiO2 and Al2O3 stack is found to lead to almost no degradation even after 10 days of humidity exposure. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preparation and structure characterization of linear long‐chain dextrin obtained from pullulanase debranching of cassava starch
Authors: Ren Jiawei , Zhang Weizhou , Yu Yunan , Zhang Guixin , Guo Weihong
Published: May 2015

A relatively simple and economical method to prepare linear long‐chain dextrin (LLD) was created, with a resulting product that could act as a high‐amylose starch for a variety of downstream applications. Native cassava starch was chosen as the starting material due to its inexpensive price and low‐gelatinization temperature. A pretreatment with NaOH solution was applied to increase the susceptibility of cassava starch to pullulanase attack. The apparent amylose content of the final LLD product was extremely high (above 90%), as determined by the iodine binding colorimetric method. Using HPLC, the optimum amount of enzyme was determined to be 25 U pullulanase per gram of starch. The structure of the LLD was found to be a V6I crystalline type, and this was confirmed by multiple physical techniques, including X‐ray powder diffraction, solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance, and Fourier transform infrared. Overall, this study could promote further investigations into the efficient preparation and characterization of amylose products.
Effects of retrogradation and further acetylation on the digestibility and physicochemical properties of purple sweet potato flour and starch
Authors: Yu Shu‐Xi , Mu Tai‐Hua , Zhang Miao , Ma Meng‐Mei , Zhao Zhong‐Kai
Published: May 2015

Purple sweet potato flour and starch were treated by retrogradation and further acetylation. The digestibility, physicochemical, and morphological properties of native (NF and NS), retrograded (RF and RS), and acetylated retrograded (ARF and ARS) purple sweet potato flour and starch were investigated. The resistant starch content of RF, ARF, RS, and ARS were significantly increased to 18.72, 25.02, 37.24, and 48.02%, respectively. The soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and total dietary fiber (TDF) of RF and ARF were significantly increased from 10.51 and 27.67% to 20.72 and 40.45%, respectively. Compared with NF and NS, the water soluble index (WSI) of RF and NS were decreased after retrogradation, but increased by the further acetylation. On the contrary, both of retrogradation and further acetylation lead to the decreasing of water absorption index (WAI) and swelling capacity (SWC). The digestion resistibility, retrogradation degree, and particle size of RF, ARF, RS, and ARS were also significantly increased. After heating, the digestion resistibility of NF, RF, NS, and RS significantly decreased, although that of ARF and ARS was not changed obviously. The SEM images showed that the starch particles were melted and aggregated with each other and other components, and their particles became bigger and more compact. Furthermore, further acetylation dramatically decreased the viscosity of retrograded flour and starch.
Agreement between preoperative transvaginal ultrasound and intraoperative macroscopic examination for assessing myometrial infiltration in low‐risk endometrioid carcinoma
Authors: Pineda L. , Alcázar J. L. , Caparrós M. , Mínguez J. A. , Idoate M. A. , Quiceno H. , Solórzano J. L. , Jurado M.
Published: May 2015

Objective

To compare diagnostic performance of preoperative transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) and intraoperative macroscopic examination for determining myometrial infiltration in women with low‐risk endometrial cancer, and to estimate the agreement between the two methods.

Methods

This was a single‐center observational study comprising women with preoperative diagnosis of well‐ or moderately differentiated endometrioid carcinoma of the endometrium. All women underwent preoperative TVS by a single examiner. According to the examiner's subjective impression, myometrial infiltration was stated as ≥ 50% or < 50%. Surgical staging was performed in all cases. Intraoperative macroscopic examination of the removed uterus was performed by pathologists who were unaware of the ultrasound findings, and myometrial infiltration was stated as ≥ 50% or < 50%. Definitive histological diagnosis of myometrial infiltration was made by frozen section analysis and was used as the gold standard. Sensitivity and specificity with 95% CIs were calculated for TVS and intraoperative macroscopic inspection and compared using McNemar's test. Agreement between TVS and intraoperative macroscopic inspection was estimated using Cohen's kappa index (κ) and percentage of agreement.

Results

Of 209 eligible women, 152 were ultimately included. Mean (± SD) age was 60.9 ± 10.2 years, with a range of 32–91 years. Definitive histological diagnosis revealed that myometrial infiltration was < 50% in 114 women and ≥ 50% in 38 women. Sensitivity and specificity of TVS for detecting deep myometrial infiltration were 81.6% and 89.5%, respectively, whereas the respective values for intraoperative macroscopic examination were 78.9% and 90.4% (McNemar's test, P > 0.05 when comparing TVS and intraoperative macroscopic examination). Agreement between methods was moderate with κ = 0.54 (95% CI, 0.39–0.69) and percentage of agreement of 82%.

Conclusions

Although the agreement between preoperative TVS and intraoperative macroscopic examination for detecting deep myometrial infiltration was only moderate, both methods had similar accuracy when compared with frozen section histology. Preoperative TVS might reasonably be proposed as a method for assessing myometrial infiltration as an alternative to intraoperative macroscopic examination, especially when performed by an experienced examiner and image quality is not poor. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Transvaginal/transrectal ultrasound for preoperative identification of high‐risk cases in well‐ or moderately differentiated endometrioid carcinoma
Authors: Alcázar J. L. , Pineda L. , Caparrós M. , Utrilla‐Layna J. , Juez L. , Mínguez J. A. , Jurado M.
Published: May 2015

Objective

To evaluate the role of transvaginal/transrectal ultrasound for preoperative identification of high‐risk cases among women with well‐differentiated (G1) or moderately differentiated (G2) endometrioid carcinoma of the endometrium.

Methods

This was a single‐center prospective observational cohort study comprising a consecutive series of women with a preoperative diagnosis of G1/G2 endometrioid carcinoma of the endometrium. All women underwent transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound examination by a single examiner. According to the examiner's subjective impression, patients were considered high risk if myometrial infiltration was ≥ 50% and/or involvement of the cervix and/or adnexa was suspected. FIGO surgical staging was performed in all cases. According to definitive histological data regarding myometrial infiltration, cervical involvement and adnexal involvement, women were classified as low risk (no myometrial infiltration, no cervical involvement and no adnexal involvement) or high risk (myometrial infiltration ≥ 50% and/or cervical involvement and/or adnexal involvement). Sensitivity, specificity and positive (LR+) and negative (LR−) likelihood ratios, with 95% CIs, of transvaginal/transrectal ultrasound for detecting stage ≥ IB were calculated. Agreement between risk determined by transvaginal/transrectal ultrasound and postoperative definitive histology was calculated.

Results

Of 209 eligible women, 169 were included in the study. Mean (± SD) age of the study cohort was 60.7 ± 10.3 years, with a range of 32–91 years. Sensitivity, specificity, LR+ and LR− of transvaginal/transrectal ultrasound identifying high‐risk cases according to myometrial infiltration, cervical involvement and adnexal involvement were 78.0% (95% CI, 63.7–88.0%), 89.1% (95% CI, 81.7–93.8%), 7.14 (95% CI, 4.19–12.18) and 0.25 (95% CI, 0.15–0.42), respectively.

Conclusions

Preoperative transvaginal/transrectal ultrasound may play a significant role in identifying high‐risk cases among those with G1/G2 endometrioid carcinoma of the endometrium according to preoperative biopsy, and could be a useful test in this clinical setting. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Predictive accuracy of second‐trimester uterine artery Doppler indices for stillbirth: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Allen R. E. , Morlando M. , Thilaganathan B. , Zamora J. , Khan K. S. , Thangaratinam S. , Bhide A.
Published: May 2015

Objective

To assess the predictive accuracy for stillbirth of second‐trimester uterine artery Doppler.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library databases from inception until March 2015 without language restrictions. The included studies were those that assessed the association of abnormal uterine artery Doppler parameters and stillbirth. Two independent reviewers selected the studies, extracted data and assessed quality. Results for studies that were performed in the second trimester were pooled and summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were obtained. An overall summary of test accuracy was provided by the diagnostic odds ratio. Subgroup analysis was performed according to whether the study population was high risk or unselected.

Results

Literature searches returned 338 relevant citations with 32 considered in full. Thirteen studies met our search criteria (85 845 women, 508 stillbirths) and were included in the review. Bivariate pooled estimate for sensitivity was 65% (95% CI, 38–85%) and for specificity 82% (95% CI, 72–88%). The positive likelihood ratio was 3.5 (95% CI, 2.3–5.5) and negative likelihood ratio 0.43 (95% CI, 0.22–0.85). The diagnostic odds ratio was 8.3 (95% CI, 3.0–22.4). Heterogeneity was high in the studies of high‐risk women.

Conclusions

Abnormal uterine artery Doppler indices are associated with a three‐ to four‐fold increase in the risk of stillbirth. The heterogeneity was particularly high in the high‐risk group rendering it impossible to draw firm conclusions. In view of this, there is a role for individual patient data meta‐analysis to define which Doppler parameter and threshold value should be measured. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.