bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodological considerations of electron spin resonance spin trapping techniques for measuring reactive oxygen species generated from metal oxide nanomaterials
Authors: Jeong Min Sook , Yu Kyeong-Nam , Chung Hyun Hoon , Park Soo Jin , Lee Ah Young , Song Mi Ryoung , Cho Myung-Haing , Kim Jun Sung
Published: May 2016

Qualitative and quantitative analyses of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated on the surfaces of nanomaterials are important for understanding their toxicity and toxic mechanisms, which are in turn beneficial for manufacturing more biocompatible nanomaterials in many industrial fields. Electron spin resonance (ESR) is a useful tool for detecting ROS formation. However, using this technique without first considering the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials and proper conditions of the spin trapping agent (such as incubation time) may lead to misinterpretation of the resulting data. In this report, we suggest methodological considerations for ESR as pertains to magnetism, sample preparation and proper incubation time with spin trapping agents. Based on our results, each spin trapping agent should be given the proper incubation time. For nanomaterials having magnetic properties, it is useful to remove these nanomaterials via centrifugation after reacting with spin trapping agents. Sonication for the purpose of sample dispersion and sample light exposure should be controlled during ESR in order to enhance the obtained ROS signal. This report will allow researchers to better design ESR spin trapping applications involving nanomaterials.
Lanthanide-Connecting and Lone-Electron-Pair Active Trigonal-Pyramidal-AsO3 Inducing Nanosized Poly(polyoxotungstate) Aggregates and Their Anticancer Activities
Authors: Zhao Jun-Wei , Li Hai-Lou , Ma Xing , Xie Zhigang , Chen Li-Juan , Zhu Yongsheng
Published: May 2016

By virtue of the stereochemical effect of the lone-electron pair located on the trigonal-pyramidal-AsO3 groups and the one-pot self-assembly strategy in the conventional aqueous solution, a series of novel lanthanide-bridging and lone-electron-pair active trigonal-pyramidal-AsO3 inducing nanosized poly(polyoxotungstate) aggregates [H2N(CH3)2]6 Na24H16{[Ln10W16(H2O)30O50](B-α-AsW9O33)8}·97H2O [Ln = EuIII (1), SmIII (2), GdIII (3), TbIII (4), DyIII (5), HoIII (6), ErIII (7), TmIII (8)] were prepared and further characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, UV spectra, thermogravimetric (TG) analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The most remarkable structural feature is that the polyanionic skeleton of {[Ln10W16(H2O)30O50](B-α-AsW9O33)8}46− is constructed from eight trivacant Keggin [B-α-AsW9O33]9− fragments through ten Ln centers and sixteen bridging W atoms in the participation of fifty extraneous oxygen atoms. Notably, 4 and 8 can be stable in the aqueous solution not only for eight days but also in the range of pH = 3.9–7.5. Moreover, the cytotoxicity tests of 4 and 8 toward human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells, human breast cancer (MCF–7) cells and mouse fibroblast (L929) cells were performed by the 3-(4,5-cimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the cell apoptosis processes were characterized by calcein AM/PI staining experiments, annexin V-FITC/PI staining experiments and morphological changes.
A Modified Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (mTI-RADS) For Thyroid Nodules in Coexisting Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Authors: Zhou Hang , Yue Wen-Wen , Du Lin-Yao , Xu Jun-Mei , Liu Bo-Ji , Li Xiao-Long , Wang Dan , Zhou Xian-Li , Xu Hui-Xiong
Published: May 2016

To develop a conventional ultrasound (US) modified Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (mTI-RADS) to stratify the malignancy risk of thyroid nodule in coexisting Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT). The study included 138 malignant and 292 benign thyroid nodules confirmed by cytological or histopathological results. The risk score (RS) for each significant US feature was estimated by multiplying corresponding regression coefficient and the total score for each nodule was defined as the sum of these individual scores. The mTI-RADS was established according to the total RS and divided into category 3, 4a, 4b, 4c and 5. Marked hypoechogenicity, taller-than-wide shape, poorly-defined margin, microcalcification or macrocalcification and halo sign absence were statistically significant US features in prediction of thyroid malignancy (all p < 0.05). The total RS for each nodule was defined as following: RS = 2.1× (if marked hypoechogenicity) + 1.2× (if taller-than-wide shape) + 1.7× (if no halo sign) + 0.6× (if poorly-defined margin) + 1.2× (if microcalcification or macrocalcification). The malignancy rates in mTI-RADS category 3, 4a, 4b, 4c and 5 nodules were 3.7%, 19.3%, 38.1%, 62.7% and 94.1%, respectively, with significant differences among different categories (P < 0.001). The mTI-RADS category may facilitate subsequent treatment management in HT patients.
Characterisation of gold catalysts
Authors: Villa Alberto , Dimitratos Nikolaos , Chan-Thaw Carine E. , Hammond Ceri , Veith Gabriel M. , Wang Di , Manzoli Maela , Prati Laura , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: May 2016

Au-based catalysts have established a new important field of catalysis, revealing specific properties in terms of both high activity and selectivity for many reactions.
Hydrosilane-B(C6F5)3 adducts as activators in zirconocene catalyzed ethylene polymerization
Authors: Varga Vojtech , Lamač Martin , Horáček Michal , Gyepes Róbert , Pinkas Jiří
Published: May 2016

Hydrosilane-B(C6F5)3 adducts were found to activate zirconocene dihalides and generate ternary catalytic systems possessing moderate to high activity in ethylene polymerization to high density polyethylene (HDPE).
Food-grade Pickering emulsions stabilised with solid lipid particles
Authors: Pawlik Aleksandra , Kurukji Daniel , Norton Ian , Spyropoulos Fotis
Published: May 2016

Aqueous dispersions of tripalmitin particles (with a minimum size of 130 nm) were produced, via a hot sonication method, with and without the addition of food-grade emulsifiers.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of acylated oligorhamnoside derivatives structurally related to mezzettiaside-6 with cytotoxic activity
Authors: Song Gaopeng , Li Sumei , Lei Zhiwei , Li Yibin , Li Junhua , Liao Yixian , Cui Zi-Ning
Published: May 2016

Two partially acylated oligorhamnoside derivatives 1 and 2 structurally related to the natural product mezzettiaside-6 were synthesized via a ‘2 + 1 + 1’ convergent strategy.
Effective incorporation of rhBMP-2 on implantable titanium disks with microstructures by using electrostatic spraying deposition
Authors: Qin Jiankang , He Hongyan , Zhang Wenjing , Chen Fangping , Liu Changsheng
Published: May 2016

Electrostatic spraying deposition was applied to construct a biodegradable coating loaded with rhBMP-2 on hydrophilic SLA-treated titanium disks.
Electronic metal–support interactions enhance the ammonia synthesis activity over ruthenium supported on Zr-modified CeO2 catalysts
Authors: Ma Zhanwei , Xiong Xumao , Song Chengli , Hu Bin , Zhang Weiqiang
Published: May 2016

Doping Zr4+ alters the electronic properties of the support. The electronic metal–support interaction produces the upshift of d-band center of Ru nanoparticles, which further influences the catalytic activity of ammonia synthesis.
One cycle controlled grid‐tied differential boost inverter
Authors: Purnama Irwan , Chi Pei‐Chin , Hsieh Yao‐Ching , Lin Jing‐Yuan , Chiu Huang‐Jen
Published: May 2016

A differential boost inverter (DBI) consists of two bidirectional boost converters and has a differential sinusoidal output voltage. This output voltage is obtained because each bidirectional boost converters generates a dc‐biased sinusoidal voltage. Owing to this characteristic, this inverter topology requires a controller that can track a dc‐biased sinusoidal voltage as the control reference. One cycle control (OCC) is a non‐linear control approach that can meet the requirements and be easily implemented in a simple circuit with constant switching frequency. The controller must be capable of achieving a unity power factor (PF) because the inverter is designed to deliver maximum active power to the grid. Therefore, the sinusoidal reference signal of the OCC is formed by the scaled grid voltage and its derivation. Given this reference signal, the inverter output voltage represents the grid voltage with a small variation phase and amplitude. Furthermore, this strategy will guarantee that the output current and the grid voltage are in phase. An experimental prototype of DBI is implemented to verify that the control approach can achieve PF close to unity such that the maximum active power can be delivered to the grid with minimum current total harmonic distortion.
Formation mechanism for the nanoscale amorphous interface in pulse-welded Al/Fe bimetallic systems
Authors: Li Jingjing , Yu Qian , Zhang Zijiao , Xu Wei , Sun Xin
Published: May 2016

Pulse or impact welding traditionally has been referred to as “solid-state” welding. By integrating advanced interface characterizations and diffusion calculations, we report that the nanoscale amorphous interface in the pulse-welded Al/Fe bimetallic system is formed by rapid heating and melting of a thin Al layer at the interface, diffusion of iron atoms in the liquid aluminum, and subsequent rapid quenching with diffused iron atoms in solution. This finding challenges the commonly held belief regarding the solid-state nature of the impact-based welding process for dissimilar metals. Elongated ultra-fine grains with high dislocation density and ultra-fine equiaxed grains also are observed in the weld interface vicinity on the steel and aluminum sides, respectively, which further confirms that melting and the subsequent recrystallization occurred on the aluminum side of the interface.
Magnetic domain wall motion in Co/Ni nanowires induced by a sloped electric field
Authors: Yamada Keisuke , Murayama Soh , Nakatani Yoshinobu
Published: May 2016

We report the sloped-electric-field (SEF)-driven motion of a magnetic domain wall (DW) in a Co/Ni nanowire with a perpendicular anisotropy using micromagnetic simulations. The results show that the DW velocity increases in proportion to the modulation ratio of the SEF, and rapidly decreases above a threshold ratio of SEF (i.e., the breakdown). We derived the analytical equation of the effective magnetic field caused by the SEF, and show the resultant DW velocity. Also, we found that the maximum DW velocity is three times faster when the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction is 0.06 erg/cm2. The results presented here offer a promising route for the design of non-volatile memory and logic devices using only the electric-field.
Optimal sizing of a stand-alone hybrid photovoltaic/wind system using new grey wolf optimizer considering reliability
Authors: Hadidian-Moghaddam M. J. , Arabi-Nowdeh S. , Bigdeli M.
Published: May 2016

In this paper, a methodology of sizing optimization of a stand-alone hybrid PV/wind/battery power generation system (HPWGS) is proposed. The main objective of this optimization is to minimize the total annual cost (TAC) of the hybrid system considering power balanced constraint and determination of the optimal number of wind turbines, PV panels, and batteries. For this purpose, a new meta-heuristic nature-inspired algorithm, called Grey Wolf Optimizer is utilized. The obtained results show that the proposed methodology finds optimal sizing of the HPWGS easily with fast convergence and lower cost. Comparing the results of this new method with the well-known published works in the literature, the superior capabilities of this proposed method are demonstrated. Moreover, the results show that the reliability characteristics are weakened with decreasing the component availability, and the supply reliability of the HPWGS is improved by increasing the inverter efficiency while the TAC is decreased. Furthermore, the HPWGS can cover the load demand variations with high reliability.
Polyaniline modified flexible conducting paper for cancer detection
Authors: Kumar Saurabh , Sen Anindita , Kumar Suveen , Augustine Shine , Yadav Birendra K. , Mishra Sandeep , Malhotra Bansi D.
Published: May 2016

We report results of studies relating to the fabrication of a flexible, disposable, and label free biosensing platform for detection of the cancer biomarker (carcinoembryonic antigen, CEA). Polyaniline (PANI) has been electrochemically deposited over gold sputtered paper (Au@paper) for covalent immobilization of monoclonal carcinoembryonic antibodies (anti-CEA). The bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been used for blocking nonspecific binding sites at the anti-CEA conjugated PANI/Au@Paper. The PANI/Au@Paper, anti-CEA/PANI/Au@Paper, and BSA/anti-CEA/PANI/Au@Paper platforms have been characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance techniques. The results of the electrochemical response studies indicate that this BSA/anti-CEA/PANI/Au@paper electrode has sensitivity of 13.9 μA ng−1 ml cm2, shelf life of 22 days, and can be used to estimate CEA in the range of 2–20 ng ml−1. This paper sensor has been validated by detection of CEA in serum samples of cancer patients via immunoassay technique.
Hf thickness dependence of spin-orbit torques in Hf/CoFeB/MgO heterostructures
Authors: Ramaswamy Rajagopalan , Qiu Xuepeng , Dutta Tanmay , Pollard Shawn David , Yang Hyunsoo
Published: May 2016

We have studied the spin-orbit torques in perpendicularly magnetized Hf/CoFeB/MgO system, by systematically varying the thickness of Hf underlayer. We have observed a sign change of effective fields between Hf thicknesses of 1.75 and 2 nm, indicating that competing mechanisms, such as the Rashba and spin Hall effects, contribute to spin-orbit torques in our system. For larger Hf thicknesses (>2 nm), both the components of spin-orbit torques arise predominantly from the bulk spin Hall effect. We have also confirmed these results using spin-orbit torque induced magnetization switching measurements. Our results could be helpful in designing Hf based SOT devices.
Thermalization calorimetry: A simple method for investigating glass transition and crystallization of supercooled liquids
Authors: Jakobsen Bo , Sanz Alejandro , Niss Kristine , Hecksher Tina , Pedersen Ib H. , Rasmussen Torben , Christensen Tage , Olsen Niels Boye , Dyre Jeppe C.
Published: May 2016

We present a simple method for fast and cheap thermal analysis on supercooled glass-forming liquids. This “Thermalization Calorimetry” technique is based on monitoring the temperature and its rate of change during heating or cooling of a sample for which the thermal power input comes from heat conduction through an insulating material, i.e., is proportional to the temperature difference between sample and surroundings. The monitored signal reflects the sample’s specific heat and is sensitive to exo- and endothermic processes. The technique is useful for studying supercooled liquids and their crystallization, e.g., for locating the glass transition and melting point(s), as well as for investigating the stability against crystallization and estimating the relative change in specific heat between the solid and liquid phases at the glass transition.
The effects of different protein levels in laying hens under hot summer conditions
Authors: Torki Mehran , Nasiroleslami Masoomeh , Ghasemi Hossein Ali
Published: May 2016

The objectives of the present study were (1) to determine the extent to which the crude protein (CP) content of laying hen diets can be reduced, based on performance criteria, and (2) to determine how egg quality traits and blood biochemical parameters are affected by changes in dietary CP under hot summer conditions. The requirements for egg mass (EM) and feed utilisation (FU) were estimated using quadratic equations and broken-line regression models. Laying hens were raised for a 12-week period (42–54 weeks) in wire cages under a high ambient temperature in an open-sided housing system. A total of 144 Lohmann LSL laying hens were assigned to four treatments with six replicates of six birds each. The four experimental diets (11.51 MJ ME/kg) varied according to four CP levels: normal-CP diet (Control, 16% CP) and low-CP diets containing 13%, 14%, or 15% CP. All diets were fortified with DL-methionine, L-lysine, L-threonine and L-tryptophan at levels sufficient to meet dietary requirements. The results showed that under high ambient temperature conditions, all productive performance traits of birds fed 15% and 14% CP diets were similar to those of birds fed a Control diet (16% CP), whereas feeding a 13% CP diet negatively affected (P < 0.05) EM and FU. Estimations of requirements were of 15.13% and 14.56% CP for EM, and 14.86% and 14.38% CP for FU using quadratic and broken-line models, respectively. Haugh units, blood uric acid levels and albumin levels were significantly lower in birds fed a 13% CP diet compared with the Control group. In contrast, yolk colour index and blood triglyceride level were higher (P < 0.05) for the hens fed the 14% and 13% CP diets than for birds fed the Control diet. Overall, hens consuming 14% and 15% CP diets performed equally as well as the high protein diet group under hot summer conditions.
MerTK cleavage limits proresolving mediator biosynthesis and exacerbates tissue inflammation
Authors: Cai Bishuang , Thorp Edward B. , Doran Amanda C. , Subramanian Manikandan , Sansbury Brian E. , Lin Chyuan-Sheng , Spite Matthew , Fredman Gabrielle , Tabas Ira
Published: May 2016

Significance

Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) are lipids that temper inflammation, enhance efferocytosis, and repair tissue damage after inflammation. However, the upstream regulators of SPM production are not completely identified. We show here that Mer proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase (MerTK) signaling in macrophages promotes the production of SPMs both in vitro and in vivo, and thereby contributes to the resolution process. Moreover, inflammation-induced MerTK cleavage can limit this response, as shown by the improvement in resolution in a new MerTK-cleavage resistant mouse model. These findings increase our knowledge of the regulation of SPM biosynthesis and suggest new ideas for improving resolution in chronic inflammatory diseases.
Atomic-scale control of magnetic anisotropy via novel spin–orbit coupling effect in La
2/3
Sr
1/3
MnO
3
/SrIrO
3
superlattices
Authors: Yi Di , Liu Jian , Hsu Shang-Lin , Zhang Lipeng , Choi Yongseong , Kim Jong-Woo , Chen Zuhuang , Clarkson James D. , Serrao Claudy R. , Arenholz Elke , Ryan Philip J. , Xu Haixuan , Birgeneau Robert J. , Ramesh Ramamoorthy
Published: May 2016

Significance

Interfaces of transition-metal oxides (TMOs) offer a fertile platform to uncover emergent states, which has been extensively explored in 3
d
TMOs with strong electron correlations. Recently research on 5
d
TMOs with pronounced spin–orbit coupling (SOC) is flourishing due to the emergence of new topological states and potential application in spintronics. Interfaces between 3
d
and 5
d
TMOs provide a unique test bed to combine the merits of these two fundamental interactions. However, so far research is limited. Here we present results on one model system comprising the ferromagnet La
2/3
Sr
1/3
MnO
3
and the strong SOC paramagnet SrIrO
3
. We observe a manipulation of the magnetic anisotropy by tuning the SrIrO
3
dimensionality, which is accompanied by a novel SOC state in SrIrO
3
.
Bacterial β-Kdo glycosyltransferases represent a new glycosyltransferase family (GT99)
Authors: Ovchinnikova Olga G. , Mallette Evan , Koizumi Akihiko , Lowary Todd L. , Kimber Matthew S. , Whitfield Chris
Published: May 2016

Significance

Glycosyltransferase enzymes synthesize complex sugar-containing macromolecules that play pivotal roles in the biology of all cells. Bacteria produce a remarkable range of these glycoconjugate structures, often containing unusual sugars. For example, Gram-negative bacteria exploit an unusual eight-carbon sugar (Kdo) as a linkage point between diverse glycan structures and conserved lipid termini in LPS and (some) capsules. Here, we describe the distribution and phylogenetic relationships of a new family of β-Kdo glycosyltransferases. Although these enzymes resemble some other glycosyltransferases, including those forming α-Kdo linkages, they are not readily identified as glycosyltransferases by bioinformatics approaches. The structure of a prototypical enzyme reveals extensive insertions, deletions, and rearrangements in the normally highly conserved GT-B–fold, highlighting the unusual structure of this glycosyltransferase family.
Francisella Infection in Cultured Tilapia in Thailand and the Inflammatory Cytokine Response
Authors: Jantrakajorn Sasibha , Wongtavatchai Janenuj
Published: May 2016

Francisella infections developed in freshwater Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and red tilapia Oreochromis spp. farms in Thailand during 2012–2014. The diseased fish were lethargic and pale in color and showed numerous white nodules in their enlarged spleens. Histopathological examination and electron microscopy suggested that the white nodules were multifocal granulomas consisting of coccobacilli within vacuolated cells. Isolation of Francisella-like bacteria was achieved from 42 of 100 samples, while polymerase chain reaction confirmed Francisella infections in all samples. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene from samples obtained from three different geographical culture areas revealed more than 99% similarity with F. noatunensis subsp. orientalis. The influence of Francisella infection on inflammatory cytokines was determined on splenic cells of fish intraperitoneally injected with the bacteria (0.8 × 105 colony-forming units per fish). Infected tilapia showed significantly greater expression of the pro-inflammatory genes interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α) within 24 h postinjection (hpi) and for up to 96 hpi. However, down-regulation of an anti-inflammatory gene, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) was observed as early as 24 hpi. This investigation demonstrates that an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in response to the infection may account for the substantial number of granulomas in fish hematopoietic tissues that was found in the later stage of the disease.

Received September 9, 2015; accepted December 13, 2015
Infected Donor Biomass and Active Feeding Increase Waterborne Transmission of Ichthyophonus sp. to Rainbow Trout Sentinels
Authors: LaPatra S. E. , Kocan R. M.
Published: May 2016

The precise nature of Ichthyophonus sp. transmission among wild fishes has eluded description for over a century. Transmission among piscivores is direct, via ingestion of infected prey, but there is also evidence for waterborne transmission between infected and uninfected individuals. Transmission among planktivores is believed to be via a waterborne infectious cell, but definitive proof of this mechanism has not been forthcoming. To explore possible mechanisms of transmission we used Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss as a model system and examined the consequence of housing infected donor fish with uninfected (sentinel) fish, without physical contact. We examined two variables linked to transmission: (1) feeding and nonfeeding sentinel fish, and (2) biomass of infected donor fish. Specific-pathogen free sentinel trout were placed in fine-mesh baskets suspended in tanks containing varying numbers of larger Ichthyophonus-infected donor fish and held for 10 weeks, during which time they were examined by in vitro explant culture for the presence of Ichthyophonus. Treatment groups consisted of fed and unfed sentinels housed with infected donors of increasing biomass. After 10 weeks infection prevalence in fed sentinels was significantly higher than in unfed sentinels, and Ichthyophonus was detected earlier in fed fish than in unfed fish. There was no correlation between infection prevalence and donor biomass in fed sentinels, but there was a strong correlation between infection prevalence and increasing donor biomass in unfed sentinels. These data suggest that Ichthyophonus is maintained in wild fish populations by two distinct mechanisms: (1) waterborne infectious cells ingested directly from the water by planktivores, and (2) both infected prey and waterborne infectious cells ingested by piscivores.

Received November 13, 2015; accepted February 13, 2016
Potential for a Simple GPS-Based Binary Logit Model to Predict Fishing Effort in a Vertical Hook-and-Line Reef Fish Fishery
Authors: Baker M. Scott , Sciance Marc Benjamin , Halls Joanne N.
Published: May 2016

Accurate fishing effort information is fundamental to the successful management of fisheries resources. Automated, independent, and reliable methods for quantifying fishing effort are needed. The use of vessel speed from Global Positioning System (GPS) data to identify fishing activity has worked well for trawl fisheries but has been less successful in stationary fisheries. Therefore, five trips on four vessels from a vertical hook-and-line reef fish fishery were used to examine the efficacy of GPS (speed and time) and electronic video monitoring (EVM) sensor (drum and video) data to corroborate an observer's account of effort using binary logistic regression classification (logit) models as well as a simple speed and time filter (filter). One minute was the minimum data collection interval examined that documented 100% of fishing events. As no fishing occurred at night, opportunistically defined as the 7 h between 2200 and 0500 hours, these records were excluded from analyses. During the day, vessels spent on average 45.2% of the time fishing. Classification success of the approaches examined ranged from 82.4% to 89.5%. Models that included both GPS and EVM sensor data outperformed the filter and GPS-only models. In general, the filter and most model results can be used as a proxy for observer effort data, at least for the trips examined here. The GPS-based speed + time logit model was chosen as the preferred approach because of its discriminatory power compared with the filter and the existing widespread use and lower costs of GPS data collection relative to EVM systems and sensors. The speed + time logit model outlined here may have broad utility in this and similar vertical-line fisheries, including the offshore marine recreational fishing sector.

Received September 9, 2015; accepted December 15, 2015
The Gastric Remnant in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Authors: Mala Tom
Published: May 2016

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is widely applied in the treatment of morbid obesity. Health personnel meeting these patients should thus be familiar with the potential clinical consequences of the modified anatomy induced by the surgery. After a RYGB, the stomach is left in situ after the closure of the upper part of the organ. This blind-ended gastric remnant may cause complications and surgical emergencies, but also opportunities for diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. The present review focuses on complications related to the gastric remnant including bleeding and acute dilatation in the early postoperative period and later adverse events such as gastroduodenal peptic disease, tumors, gastrogastric fistulas, and late dilatation. Opportunities offered by the remnant, including minimal invasive or open access for enteral nutrition, and therapeutic and diagnostic access to the bile ducts, the duodenum, and the gastric remnant, which is challenged by the modified anatomy, are discussed. Reversal of the gastric bypass and gastrointestinal reconstruction after esophageal resection have been commented on. The review aims to improve the awareness of issues related to the gastric remnant for physicians involved in the treatment and the follow-up of patients after a RYGB.
Teaching basic life support with an automated external defibrillator using the two-stage or the four-stage teaching technique
Authors: Bjørnshave Katrine , Krogh Lise Q. , Hansen Svend B. , Nebsbjerg Mette A. , Thim Troels , Løfgren Bo
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Laypersons often hesitate to perform basic life support (BLS) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) because of self-perceived lack of knowledge and skills. Training may reduce the barrier to intervene. Reduced training time and costs may allow training of more laypersons. The aim of this study was to compare BLS/AED skills’ acquisition and self-evaluated BLS/AED skills after instructor-led training with a two-stage versus a four-stage teaching technique.

Methods

Laypersons were randomized to either two-stage or four-stage teaching technique courses. Immediately after training, the participants were tested in a simulated cardiac arrest scenario to assess their BLS/AED skills. Skills were assessed using the European Resuscitation Council BLS/AED assessment form. The primary endpoint was passing the test (17 of 17 skills adequately performed). A prespecified noninferiority margin of 20% was used.

Results

The two-stage teaching technique (n=72, pass rate 57%) was noninferior to the four-stage technique (n=70, pass rate 59%), with a difference in pass rates of −2%; 95% confidence interval: −18 to 15%. Neither were there significant differences between the two-stage and four-stage groups in the chest compression rate (114±12 vs. 115±14/min), chest compression depth (47±9 vs. 48±9 mm) and number of sufficient rescue breaths between compression cycles (1.7±0.5 vs. 1.6±0.7). In both groups, all participants believed that their training had improved their skills.

Conclusion

Teaching laypersons BLS/AED using the two-stage teaching technique was noninferior to the four-stage teaching technique, although the pass rate was −2% (95% confidence interval: −18 to 15%) lower with the two-stage teaching technique.
Characterizing the Mechanistic Pathways of the Instant Blood-Mediated Inflammatory Reaction in Xenogeneic Neonatal Islet Cell Transplantation
Authors: Liuwantara David , Chew Yi Vee , Favaloro Emmanuel J. , Hawkes Joanne M. , Burns Heather L. , O'Connell Philip J. , Hawthorne Wayne J.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

The instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR) causes major loss of islets after transplantation and consequently represents the initial barrier to survival of porcine neonatal islet cell clusters (NICC) after xenotransplantation.

Methods

This study used novel assays designed to characterize the various immunologic components responsible for xenogeneic IBMIR to identify initiators and investigate processes of IBMIR-associated coagulation, complement activation and neutrophil infiltration. The IBMIR was induced in vitro by exposing NICC to platelet-poor or platelet-rich human plasma or isolated neutrophils.

Results

We found that xenogeneic IBMIR was characterized by rapid, platelet-independent thrombin generation, with addition of platelets both accelerating and exacerbating this response. Platelet-independent complement activation was observed as early as 30 minutes after NICC exposure to plasma. However, membrane attack complex formation was not observed in NICC histopathology sections until after 60 minutes. We demonstrated for the first time that NICC-mediated complement activation was necessary for neutrophil activation in the xenogeneic IBMIR setting. Finally, using the Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer, we identified substantial loss of islet function (up to 40%) after IBMIR with surviving NICC showing evidence of mitochondrial damage.

Conclusions

This study used novel assays to describe multiple key pathways by which xenogeneic IBMIR causes islet destruction, allowing further refinement of future interventions aimed at resolving the issue of IBMIR in xenotransplantation.
Top-down beta enhances bottom-up gamma
Authors: Richter Craig G. , Thompson William H. , Bosman Conrado A. , Fries Pascal
Published: May 2016

Several recent studies have demonstrated that the bottom-up signaling of a visual stimulus is subserved by interareal gamma-band synchronization, whereas top-down influences are mediated by alpha-beta band synchronization. These processes may implement top-down control of stimulus processing if top-down and bottom-up mediating rhythms are coupled via cross-frequency interaction. To test this possibility, we investigated Granger-causal influences among awake male macaque primary visual area V1, higher visual area V4 and parietal control area 7a during attentional task performance. Top-down 7a-to-V1 beta-band influences enhanced visually driven V1-to-V4 gamma-band influences. This enhancement was spatially specific and largest when beta-band activity preceded gamma-band activity by ∼0.1 s, suggesting a causal effect of top-down processes on bottom-up processes. We propose that this cross-frequency interaction mechanistically subserves the attentional control of stimulus selection.

Significance Statement

Contemporary research indicates that the alpha-beta frequency band underlies top-down control, while the gamma-band mediates bottom-up stimulus processing. This arrangement inspires an attractive hypothesis, which posits that top-down beta-band influences directly modulate bottom-up gamma band influences via cross-frequency interaction. We evaluate this hypothesis determining that beta-band top-down influences from parietal area 7a to visual area V1 are correlated with bottom-up gamma frequency oscillations from V1 to area V4, in a spatially specific manner, and that this correlation is maximal when top-down activity precedes bottom-up activity. These results show that for top-down processes such as spatial attention, elevated top-down beta-band influences directly enhance feedforward stimulus induced gamma-band processing, leading to enhancement of the selected stimulus.
Parent-of-origin effectrough endospermmutants in maize
Authors: Bai Fang , Daliberti Mary , Bagadion Alyssa , Xu Miaoyun , Li Yubing , Baier John , Tseung Chi Wah , Evans Matthew M. S. , Settles A. Mark
Published: May 2016

Parent-of-origin effect loci have non-Mendelian inheritance in which phenotypes are determined by either the maternal or paternal allele alone. In angiosperms, parent-of-origin effects can be caused by loci required for gametophyte development or by imprinted genes needed for seed development. Few parent-of-origin effect loci have been identified in maize (Zea mays) even though there are a large number of imprinted genes known from transcriptomics. We screenedrough endosperm(rgh) mutants for parent-of-origin effects using reciprocal crosses with inbred parents. Sixmaternal rough endosperm(mre) and threepaternal rough endosperm(pre) mutants were identified with threemreloci mapped. When inherited from the female parent,mre/+ seeds reduce grain-fill with a rough, etched, or pitted endosperm surface. Pollen transmission ofpremutants results inrghendosperm as well as embryo lethality. Eight of the loci had significant distortion from the expected one-to-one ratio for parent-of-origin effects. Linked markers formre1,mre2, andmre3indicated that the mutant alleles have no bias in transmission. Histological analysis ofmre1,mre2,mre3, andpre*-949showed altered timing of starch grain accumulation and basal endosperm transfer cell layer (BETL) development. Themre1locus delays BETL and starchy endosperm development, whilemre2andpre*-949cause ectopic starchy endosperm differentiation. We conclude that many parent-of-origin effects in maize have incomplete penetrance of kernel phenotypes and that there is a large diversity of endosperm developmental roles for parent-of-origin effect loci.
Clonal assessment of functional mutations in cancer based on a genotype-aware method for clonal reconstruction
Authors: Deveau Paul , Colmet Daage Leo , Oldridge Derek , Bernard Virginie , Bellini Angela , Chicard Mathieu , Clement Nathalie , Lapouble Eve , Combaret Valérie , Boland Anne , Meyer Vincent , Deleuze Jean-François , Janoueix-Lerosey Isabelle , Barillot Emmanuel , Delattre Olivier , Maris John , Schleiermacher Gudrun , Boeva Valentina
Published: May 2016

In cancer, clonal evolution is characterized based on single nucleotide variants and copy number alterations. Nonetheless, previous methods failed to combine information from both sources to accurately reconstruct clonal populations in a given tumor sample or in a set of tumor samples coming from the same patient. Moreover, previous methods accepted as input all variants predicted by variant-callers, regardless of differences in dispersion of variant allele frequencies (VAFs) due to uneven depth of coverage and possible presence of strand bias, prohibiting accurate inference of clonal architecture. We present a general framework for assignment of functional mutations to specific cancer clones, which is based on distinction between passenger variants with expected low dispersion of VAF versus putative functional variants, which may not be used for the reconstruction of cancer clonal architecture but can be assigned to inferred clones at the final stage. The key element of our framework is QuantumClone, a method to cluster variants into clones, which we have thoroughly tested on simulated data. QuantumClone takes into account VAFs and genotypes of corresponding regions together with information about normal cell contamination. We applied our framework to whole genome sequencing data for 19 neuroblastoma trios each including constitutional, diagnosis and relapse samples. We discovered specific pathways recurrently altered by deleterious mutations in different clonal populations. Some such pathways were previously reported (e.g., MAPK and neuritogenesis) while some were novel (e.g., epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell survival and DNA repair). Most pathways and their modules had more mutations at relapse compared to diagnosis.
Elaboration, étude structurale et analyse CHARDI et BVS d'une nouvelle variété β-Na9Cr(MoO4)6de type alluaudite
Authors: Sonni Manel , Marzouki Riadh , Zid Mohamed Faouzi , Souilem Amira
Published: May 2016

The title compound, nonasodium chromium(III) hexakis[molybdate(VI)], β-Na9CrMo6O24, was prepared by solid-state reactions. This alluaudite-type structure is constituted of infinite layers formed by links betweenM2O10(M= C/Na) dimers and MoO4tetrahedra. The Na+and Cr3+cations are located in the same site with, respectively, 0.25 and 0.75 occupancies. The layers are connected to each other through MoO4sharing corners, resulting an in open three-dimensional framework with hexagonal-form cavities occupied by Na+cations. The proposed structural model is supported by charge-distribution (CHARDI) and bond-valence-sum (BVS) analysis. All atoms are on general positions except for one Mo, two Na (site symmetry 2) and another Na site (site symmetry -1). A comparison is made with the similar structures Na4Co(MoO4)3, Na2Ni(MoO4)2, Cu1.35Fe3(PO4)3and NaAgFeMn2(PO4)3.
5-Methyl-N′-[(Z)-4-methylbenzylidene]-1H-pyrazole-3-carbohydrazide
Authors: Karrouchi Khalid , Ramli Youssef , Taoufik Jamal , Radi Smaail , Ansar Mhammed , Mague Joel T.
Published: May 2016

The title 1-H-pyrazole-3-carbohydrazide molecule, C13H14N4O, shows a slight twist from end to end. The packing features N—H...N and bifurcated N—H...(N,O) hydrogen bonds, which generate (010) sheets.
4-Methyl-N-(4-methylpyridin-2-yl)-N-(3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)pyridin-2-amine
Authors: El-Gokha Ahmed , Schollmeyer Dieter , Koch Pierre
Published: May 2016

In the title compound, C17H21N3O, the pyridine rings make a dihedral angle of 84.44 (5)°. In the crystal, a C—H...N interaction forms a chain of molecules propagating along the twofold screw axis.
The Open Innovation – Strategy nexus: findings from the Mobile Telecommunications Industry
Authors: Ghezzi Antonio , Balocco Raffaello , Rangone Andrea
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This study aims to recognize the growing importance of Open Innovation (OI) theory and practice in the broader fields of Management and Information Systems, and focuse on the relationship existing between OI and a firm’s Business Strategy. Hence, the study aims at investigating the multifaceted OI – Strategy nexus at a business level, assessing how OI initiatives influence Strategy within the Mobile Telecommunications Industry and thus contributing to framing and classifying such inherent relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A data-driven research approach is used, based on 45 qualitative interviews on firms operating in the Mobile Industry and involved in OI initiatives.

Findings

Six cross-themes the OI–Strategy relationship in the Mobile Industry revolves around are identified, i.e. OI and Competitive Advantage; OI and Strategic Positioning; OI and Business Models; OI in Networks; OI and Co-opetition; and OI and Resilient Business Advantages. For each theme, examples from the sample of interviewed Mobile firms are organized and reported. The key managerial issues emerging in the attempt to relate OI initiatives and the firm’s overarching Strategy are also underscored and organized in three streams, namely, designing an open business model; achieving competitive advantage through value capture; and nurturing OI as a dynamic capability.

Originality/value

The proposed reorganization of real-world OI and strategic initiatives in the Mobile Industry, together with the underscoring of key managerial issues, constitutes a comprehensive research agenda or roadmap, with value for both academics and practitioners.
Characteristics Associated with Home Health Care Referrals at Hospital Discharge: Results from the 2012 National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Jones Christine D. , Wald Heidi L. , Boxer Rebecca S. , Masoudi Frederick A. , Burke Robert E. , Capp Roberta , Coleman Eric A. , Ginde Adit A.
Published: May 2016

Objective

To assess patient‐ and hospital‐level factors associated with home health care (HHC) referrals following nonelective U.S. patient hospitalizations in 2012.

Data Source

The 2012 National Inpatient Sample (NIS).

Study Design

Retrospective, cross‐sectional multivariable logistic regression modeling to assess patient‐ and hospital‐level variables in patient discharges with versus without HHC referrals.

Data Collection

Analysis included 1,109,905 discharges in patients ≥65 years with Medicare.

Principal Findings

About 29.2 percent of discharges were referred to HHC, which were more likely with older age, female sex, urban location, low income, longer length of stay, higher severity of illness scores, diagnoses of heart failure or sepsis, and hospital location in New England (referent: Pacific).

Conclusions

As health policy changes influence postacute HHC, defining specific diagnoses and regional patterns associated with HHC is a first step to optimize postacute HHC services.
The Effect of Physician and Hospital Market Structure on Medical Technology Diffusion
Authors: Karaca‐Mandic Pinar , Town Robert J. , Wilcock Andrew
Published: May 2016

Objective

To examine the influence of physician and hospital market structures on medical technology diffusion, studying the diffusion of drug‐eluting stents (DESs), which became available in April 2003.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Medicare claims linked to physician demographic data from the American Medical Association and to hospital characteristics from the American Hospital Association Survey.

Study Design

Retrospective claims data analyses.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

All fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries who received a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a cardiac stent in 2003 or 2004. Each PCI record was joined to characteristics on the patient, the procedure, the cardiologist, and the hospital where the PCI was delivered. We accounted for the endogeneity of physician and hospital market structure using exogenous variation in the distances between patient, physician, and hospital locations. We estimated multivariate linear probability models that related the use of a DES in the PCI on market structure while controlling for patient, physician, and hospital characteristics.

Principal Findings

DESs diffused faster in markets where cardiology practices faced more competition. Conversely, we found no evidence that the structure of the hospital market mattered.

Conclusions

Competitive pressure to maintain or expand PCI volume shares compelled cardiologists to adopt DESs more quickly.
Recommendations for genetic testing to reduce the incidence of anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Aminkeng Folefac , Ross Colin J. D. , Rassekh Shahrad R. , Hwang Soomi , Rieder Michael J. , Bhavsar Amit P. , Smith Anne , Sanatani Shubhayan , Gelmon Karen A. , Bernstein Daniel , Hayden Michael R. , Amstutz Ursula , Carleton Bruce C. ,   CPNDS Clinical Practice Recommendations Group
Published: May 2016

Aims

Anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity (ACT) occurs in 57% of treated patients and remains an important limitation of anthracycline‐based chemotherapy. In various genetic association studies, potential genetic risk markers for ACT have been identified. Therefore, we developed evidence‐based clinical practice recommendations for pharmacogenomic testing to further individualize therapy based on ACT risk.

Methods

We followed a standard guideline development process, including a systematic literature search, evidence synthesis and critical appraisal, and the development of clinical practice recommendations with an international expert group.

Results

RARG rs2229774, SLC28A3 rs7853758 and UGT1A6 rs17863783 variants currently have the strongest and the most consistent evidence for association with ACT. Genetic variants in ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC5, ABCB1, ABCB4, CBR3, RAC2, NCF4, CYBA, GSTP1, CAT, SULT2B1, POR, HAS3, SLC22A7, SCL22A17, HFE and NOS3 have also been associated with ACT, but require additional validation. We recommend pharmacogenomic testing for the RARG rs2229774 (S427L), SLC28A3 rs7853758 (L461L) and UGT1A6*4 rs17863783 (V209V) variants in childhood cancer patients with an indication for doxorubicin or daunorubicin therapy (Level B – moderate). Based on an overall risk stratification, taking into account genetic and clinical risk factors, we recommend a number of management options including increased frequency of echocardiogram monitoring, follow‐up, as well as therapeutic options within the current standard of clinical practice.

Conclusions

Existing evidence demonstrates that genetic factors have the potential to improve the discrimination between individuals at higher and lower risk of ACT. Genetic testing may therefore support both patient care decisions and evidence development for an improved prevention of ACT.