bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sulfur‐Infiltrated Three‐Dimensionally Ordered Mesoporous Polypyrrole Cathode for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Battery
Authors: Zhang Yongguang , Ren Jun , Wang Daorui , Zhang Chengwei , Yin Fuxing , Mukanova Aliya , Bakenov Zhumabay
Published: April 2018

A novel three‐dimensionally (3D) ordered mesoporous polypyrrole (OMPPy) is successfully synthesized through a facile chemical polymerization using silica nanosphere arrays as hard templates. The resulting OMPPy possesses a large BET surface area (270.9 m2 g−1), 3D interconnected large mesopores (∼32 nm), and small mesopores (2‐4 nm) on the large mesopore walls. The OMPPy is then applied as a host to form a kind of sulfur/OMPPy (S/OMPPy) composite cathode through a solution method followed by a heat‐treatment process. Electrochemical test results show that the developed S/OMPPy cathode containing 51.1 wt% sulfur is able to deliver a high and stable specific discharge capacity of 908 mAh g−1 at 0.1C after 100 cycles. At higher discharge rates of 1C, the S/OMPPy exhibits a discharge capacity of 673.7 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles and 462.2 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles. The exceptional electrochemical performance of the S/OMPPy is attributed to the large surface area and the commendable pore size distribution of OMPPy for trapping polysulfides as well as the ordered large mesopores for excellent electrolyte accessibility and fast Li‐ion transport.
3D Graphene Network Encapsulating Mesoporous ZnS Nanospheres as High‐Performance Anode Material in Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hu Liang , Hu Xiang , Lin Zhoubin , Wen Zhenhai
Published: April 2018

Here, we reported the synthesis of a three‐dimensional (3D) interconnected network nanostructure of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), enwrapping mesoporous ZnS nanospheres (m‐ZnS NSs@rGO). The synthesis is implemented by a simple gelatin‐assisted hydrothermal reaction followed by self‐assembly between mesoporous ZnS NSs and rGO. As a result of the synergic effect of the special nanostructure of ZnS nanospheres and rGO enwrapping, the m‐ZnS NSs@rGO composite exhibits favorable features as anode material in sodium‐ion batteries. These features include good cycling stability (513 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 80 cycles) and good rate capability (320 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1). The 3D conductive structure, in conjunction with the mesoporous ZnS nanoparticles, provide advantageous features to the hybrids to buffer volume expansion/contraction upon the sodiation/desodiation process and facilitate mass (ions and electron) transportation and electron transfer.
Optimised ARID1A immunohistochemistry is an accurate predictor of ARID1A mutational status in gynaecological cancers
Authors: Khalique Saira , Naidoo Kalnisha , Attygalle Ayoma D , Kriplani Divya , Daley Frances , Lowe Anne , Campbell James , Jones Thomas , Hubank Michael , Fenwick Kerry , Matthews Nicholas , Rust Alistair G , Lord Christopher J , Banerjee Susana , Natrajan Rachael
Published: April 2018

ARID1A is a tumour suppressor gene that is frequently mutated in clear cell and endometrioid carcinomas of the ovary and endometrium and is an important clinical biomarker for novel treatment approaches for patients with ARID1A defects. However, the accuracy of ARID1A immunohistochemistry (IHC) as a surrogate for mutation status has not fully been established for patient stratification in clinical trials. Here we tested whether ARID1A IHC could reliably predict ARID1A mutations identified by next‐generation sequencing. Three commercially available antibodies – EPR13501 (Abcam), D2A8U (Cell Signaling), and HPA005456 (Sigma) – were optimised for IHC using cell line models and human tissue, and screened across a cohort of 45 gynaecological tumours. IHC was scored independently by three pathologists using an immunoreactive score. ARID1A mutation status was assessed using two independent sequencing platforms and the concordance between ARID1A mutation and protein expression was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic statistics. Overall, 21 ARID1A mutations were identified in 14/43 assessable tumours (33%), the majority of which were predicted to be deleterious. Mutations were identified in 6/17 (35%) ovarian clear cell carcinomas, 5/8 (63%) ovarian endometrioid carcinomas, 2/5 (40%) endometrial carcinomas, and 1/7 (14%) carcinosarcomas. ROC analysis identified greater than 95% concordance between mutation status and IHC using a modified immunoreactive score for all three antibodies allowing a definitive cut‐point for ARID1A mutant status to be calculated. Comprehensive assessment of concordance of ARID1A IHC and mutation status identified EPR13501 as an optimal antibody, with 100% concordance between ARID1A mutation status and protein expression, across different gynaecological histological subtypes. It delivered the best inter‐rater agreement between all pathologists, as well as a clear cost‐benefit advantage. This could allow patients to be accurately stratified based on their ARID1A IHC status into early phase clinical trials.
Impact of psychiatric illness on decreased survival in elderly patients with bladder cancer in the United States
Authors: Jazzar Usama , Yong Shan , Klaassen Zachary , Huo Jinhai , Hughes Byron D. , Esparza Edgar , Mehta Hemalkumar B. , Kim Simon P. , Tyler Douglas S. , Freedland Stephen J. , Kamat Ashish M. , Wolf Dwight V. , Williams Stephen B.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Treatments for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer are multimodal, complex, and often carry significant risks of physical and psychological morbidity. The objectives of this study were to define the incidence and types of psychiatric illnesses diagnosed after treatment and to determine their impact on survival outcomes.

METHODS

In total, 3709 patients who were diagnosed with clinical stage T2 through T4a bladder cancer from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2011, from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare were analyzed. Multivariable analysis and Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to determine the predictors associated with psychiatric diagnosis and impact on survival outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 3709 patients, 1870 (50.4%) were diagnosed with posttreatment psychiatric disorders. Patients who underwent radical cystectomy were identified as being at significantly greater risk of having a posttreatment psychiatric illness compared with those who received radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR], 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07‐1.31; P = .001). In adjusted analyses, diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder resulted in significantly worse overall survival (HR, 2.80; 95% CI, 2.47‐3.17; P < .001) and cancer‐specific survival (HR, 2.39; 95% CI, 2.05‐2.78; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

One‐half of patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer who underwent treatment were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, which resulted in worse survival outcomes compared with patients who did not have a posttreatment psychiatric diagnosis. This information can be used to inform interventions to educate patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer regarding the impact of different treatments on mental health. Cancer 2018. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Evaluation of Eluxadoline Effect on Cardiac Repolarization
Authors: Bonifacio Laura , Hunt Thomas L. , McIntyre Gail , Dove Leonard S. , Covington Paul S.
Published: April 2018

This study evaluated the effects of eluxadoline, a mixed μ‐opioid receptor (OR) and κ‐OR agonist and δ‐OR antagonist, on cardiac repolarization. This evaluator‐blinded, placebo‐ and positive‐controlled, 4‐period crossover study randomized healthy men and women to single oral doses of eluxadoline (therapeutic dose 100 mg or supratherapeutic dose 1000 mg), moxifloxacin 400 mg, or placebo. QT data were corrected using individual custom correction (QTcI). The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in QTcI intervals (ΔQTcI) between eluxadoline and placebo (ΔΔQTcI). An upper bound of the 95% confidence interval around ΔΔQTcI of 10 milliseconds was considered clinically significant. Concentration–QTc data were analyzed using a repeated‐measures, mixed‐effects linear model. Sixty‐four volunteers were treated, and 58 completed the study. Assay sensitivity was demonstrated with moxifloxacin (noted by ΔΔQTcI of 11.94 milliseconds). The maximum ΔΔQTcI for eluxadoline 1000 mg was 4.10 milliseconds 1 hour postdose (1‐sided 95% upper confidence bound, 5.81 milliseconds), and for eluxadoline 100 mg was 1.20 milliseconds at 0.5 hours postdose (1‐sided 95% upper confidence bound, 2.91 milliseconds). Primary ΔΔQTcI results were confirmed using Fridericia's formula for QTc. Categorical, morphological, and concentration–QTc analyses were consistent with the primary and secondary findings. There were no significant gender effects on ΔΔQTcI values. The most common adverse events were contact dermatitis and nausea (12.5% each) and dizziness (10.9%); adverse events were more frequent in the eluxadoline 1000 mg group. In conclusion, eluxadoline, at therapeutic or supratherapeutic doses, did not significantly prolong QT intervals, and was safe and generally well tolerated in this study population.
Pharmacologic and Pharmacodynamic Equivalence of 2 Formulations of Orlistat
Authors: Johnson Steven , Schwartz Susan M.
Published: April 2018

We sought to establish the bioequivalence of 2 weight‐loss aids: orlistat 27‐mg chewable tablet and orlistat 60‐mg capsule, measured pharmacodynamically as percentage fecal fat excretion. Two open‐label, single‐center, randomized, 3‐period, 3‐treatment crossover studies were conducted in adults with body mass index 25‐33 kg/m2. For each 9‐day treatment period, subjects received orlistat 27‐mg chewable tablet, 60‐mg capsule, or 120‐mg capsules (2 60‐mg capsules) 3 times daily; a 2‐day washout separated treatments. Primary bioequivalence analyses were based on 2 1‐sided tests of the 90% CI of the ratio of geometric means using log‐transformed data (study 1) and by the dose‐scale method to calculate bias‐corrected and accelerated 90% CI of relative bioavailability (f) using nontransformed data (study 2). Bioequivalence was established if 90% CIs fell within 0.80‐1.25. In total, 48 and 144 subjects were randomized in study 1 and study 2, respectively. Bioequivalence between the formulations was established in both studies: study 1 ratio of geometric means of percentage fecal fat excretion was 0.96 (2 1‐sided tests, 90% CI 0.87‐1.06); study 2‐point estimate of f was 1.09 (bias‐corrected and accelerated 90% CI 0.98‐1.22). Tolerability of the 27‐mg tablet was consistent with the 60‐mg capsule; mild gastrointestinal effects were most common.
Meningeal Whole Mount Preparation and Characterization of Neural Cells by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Louveau Antoine , Filiano Anthony J. , Kipnis Jonathan
Published: April 2018

Neuroimmunologists aim to understand the interactions between the central nervous system and the immune system under both homeostatic and pathological conditions. The meninges, contrary to the brain parenchyma, are populated by numerous immune cells. Soluble factors produced by these cells are capable of diffusing into the brain parenchyma and influencing the brain cells within the parenchyma, including neurons. In this unit, we describe two protocols: the analysis of the meningeal compartment of rodents and the use flow cytometry to study the cells of the brain parenchyma (particularly neurons). © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Introduction to Single‐Cell RNA Sequencing
Authors: Olsen Thale Kristin , Baryawno Ninib
Published: April 2018

During the last decade, high‐throughput sequencing methods have revolutionized the entire field of biology. The opportunity to study entire transcriptomes in great detail using RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) has fueled many important discoveries and is now a routine method in biomedical research. However, RNA‐seq is typically performed in “bulk,” and the data represent an average of gene expression patterns across thousands to millions of cells; this might obscure biologically relevant differences between cells. Single‐cell RNA‐seq (scRNA‐seq) represents an approach to overcome this problem. By isolating single cells, capturing their transcripts, and generating sequencing libraries in which the transcripts are mapped to individual cells, scRNA‐seq allows assessment of fundamental biological properties of cell populations and biological systems at unprecedented resolution. Here, we present the most common scRNA‐seq protocols in use today and the basics of data analysis and discuss factors that are important to consider before planning and designing an scRNA‐seq project. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Overview of Next‐Generation Sequencing Technologies
Authors: Slatko Barton E. , Gardner Andrew F. , Ausubel Frederick M.
Published: April 2018

High throughput DNA sequencing methodology (next generation sequencing; NGS) has rapidly evolved over the past 15 years and new methods are continually being commercialized. As the technology develops, so do increases in the number of corresponding applications for basic and applied science. The purpose of this review is to provide a compendium of NGS methodologies and associated applications. Each brief discussion is followed by web links to the manufacturer and/or web‐based visualizations. Keyword searches, such as with Google, may also provide helpful internet links and information. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Making a Bacterial Thermophilic Enzyme in a Fungal Expression System
Authors: Nevalainen Helena , Bergquist Peter , Te'o Valentino Setoa Junior
Published: April 2018

This unit describes production of a bacterial thermophilic xylanase enzyme in an industrially exploited filamentous fungus, Trichoderma reesei. Successful expression of a gene of interest in a heterologous host involves front‐end design of the expression constructs using bioinformatics tools, making the constructs in the laboratory, and introducing them into the expression host. This is followed by synthesis and characterization of the gene product on a laboratory scale and optimization of the cultivation parameters in a controlled, scaled‐up fermentation. The thermophilic xylanase B (XynB) enzyme from the bacterium Dictyoglomus thermophilum discussed here can be easily purified by heat‐precipitation from the culture supernatant of the mesophilic host. A functional XynB can also be produced in Escherichia coli, but at a lower yield compared to that obtained in T. reesei. The protocol provided here can be adapted to various other proteins and filamentous fungal hosts. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Solubilization, Folding, and Purification of a Recombinant Peptidoglycan‐Associated Lipoprotein (PAL) Expressed in Escherichia coli
Authors: Santos Clelton A. , Souza Anete P.
Published: April 2018

Studies aiming at heterologous expression of highly hydrophobic proteins, such as outer membrane proteins in general and peptidoglycan‐associated lipoprotein (PAL) in particular, are not trivial due to difficulties in obtaining recombinant protein in a soluble state, which is desired because it allows purification by traditional chromatographic methods. PAL is associated with the integrity of the cellular envelope in Gram‐negative bacteria and interacts strongly with the peptidoglycan layer. However, it is incorporated into inclusion bodies in studies focusing on its heterologous production. This protocol describes an efficient protein refolding method to solubilize and purify a recombinant PAL. Initially, recombinant PAL–enriched inclusion bodies obtained after the induction of PAL expression in Escherichia coli are treated with 8 M urea and then undergo buffer exchange via dialysis. Afterward, the soluble, recombinant PAL is purified using standard chromatographic methods. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Measurement of Homocitrulline, A Carbamylation‐derived Product, in Serum and Tissues by LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Jaisson Stéphane , Desmons Aurore , Doué Manon , Gorisse Laëtitia , Pietrement Christine , Gillery Philippe
Published: April 2018

Carbamylation corresponds to the non‐enzymatic binding of isocyanic acid to protein amino groups and participates in protein molecular aging, characterized by the alteration of their structural and functional properties. Carbamylated proteins exert deleterious effects in vivo and are involved in the progression of various diseases, including atherosclerosis and chronic kidney disease. Therefore, there is a growing interest to evaluate the carbamylation rate of blood or tissue proteins, since carbamylation‐derived products (CDPs) constitute valuable biomarkers in these contexts. Homocitrulline, formed by isocyanic acid covalently attaches to the ε‐NH2 group of lysine residue side chain, is the most characteristic CDP. Sensitive and specific quantification of homocitrulline requires mass spectrometry‐based methods. This unit describes a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method for the quantification of homocitrulline, with special emphasis on pre‐analytical steps that allow quantification of total or protein‐bound homocitrulline in serum or tissue samples. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Understand and promote use of Universal Design for Learning in higher education
Authors: Bedrossian Louise
Published: April 2018

The concept of universal design is well‐understood by higher education disability services professionals but is most commonly thought of in terms of physical access or barrier removal. However, we are also charged with ensuring programmatic/learning access.
The limited contribution of large trees to annual biomass production in an old‐growth tropical forest
Authors: Ligot Gauthier , Gourlet‐Fleury Sylvie , Ouédraogo Dakis‐Yaoba , Morin Xavier , Bauwens Sébastien , Baya Fidele , Brostaux Yves , Doucet Jean‐Louis , Fayolle Adeline
Published: April 2018

Although the importance of large trees regarding biodiversity and carbon stock in old‐growth forests is undeniable, their annual contribution to biomass production and carbon uptake remains poorly studied at the stand level. To clarify the role of large trees in biomass production, we used data of tree growth, mortality, and recruitment monitored during 20 yr in 10 4‐ha plots in a species‐rich tropical forest (Central African Republic). Using a random block design, three different silvicultural treatments, control, logged, and logged + thinned, were applied in the 10 plots. Annual biomass gains and losses were analyzed in relation to the relative biomass abundance of large trees and by tree size classes using a spatial bootstrap procedure. Although large trees had high individual growth rates and constituted a substantial amount of biomass, stand‐level biomass production decreased with the abundance of large trees in all treatments and plots. The contribution of large trees to annual stand‐level biomass production appeared limited in comparison to that of small trees. This pattern did not only originate from differences in abundance of small vs. large trees or differences in initial biomass stocks among tree size classes, but also from a reduced relative growth rate of large trees and a relatively constant mortality rate among tree size classes. In a context in which large trees are increasingly gaining attention as being a valuable and a key structural characteristic of natural forests, the present study brought key insights to better gauge the relatively limited role of large trees in annual stand‐level biomass production. In terms of carbon uptake, these results suggest, as already demonstrated, a low net carbon uptake of old‐growth forests in comparison to that of logged forests. Tropical forests that reach a successional stage with relatively high density of large trees progressively cease to be carbon sinks as large trees contribute sparsely or even negatively to the carbon uptake at the stand level.
Circular‐shaped microfluidic device to study the effect of shear stress on cellular orientation
Authors: Park Da Yeon , Kim Tae Hyeon , Lee Jong Min , Ahrberg Christian D. , Chung Bong Geun
Published: April 2018

Understanding the effects of shear stress on mammalian cells is a crucial factor for understanding a number of biological processes and diseases. Here, we show the development of a circular‐shaped microfluidic device for the facile generation of shear stress gradients. With this microfluidic device, the effect of shear stress on orientation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells was studied. This microfluidic device, which enables to control the alignment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells within a microchannel, can be a valuable tool to mimic blood vessels.
Characterizing the fluid dynamics in the flow fields of cylindrical orbitally shaken bioreactors with different geometry sizes
Authors: Zhu Likuan , Han Wang , Song Boyan , Wang Zhenlong
Published: April 2018

Orbitally shaken bioreactors (OSRs) are commonly used for the cultivation of mammalian cells in suspension. To aid the geometry designing and optimizing of OSRs, we conducted a three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation to characterize the flow fields in a 10 L cylindrical OSR with different vessel diameters. The liquid wave shape captured by a camera experimentally validated the CFD models established for the cylindrical OSR. The geometry size effect on volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) and hydromechanical stress was analyzed by varying the ratio of vessel diameter (d) to liquid height at static (hL), d/hL. The highest value of kLa about 30 h−1 was observed in the cylindrical vessel with the d/hL of 6.35. Moreover, the magnitudes of shear stress and energy dissipation rate in all the vessels tested were below their minimum values causing cells damage separately, which indicated that the hydromechanical‐stress environment in OSRs is suitable for cells cultivation in suspension. Finally, the CFD results suggested that the d/hL higher than 8.80 should not be adopted for the 10 L cylindrical OSR at the shaking speed of 180 rpm because the “out of phase” state probably will happen there.
Impact of nozzle operation on mass transfer in jet aerated loop reactors. Characterization and comparison to an aerated stirred tank reactor
Authors: Weber Sebastian , Schaepe Sebastian , Freyer Stephan , Kopf Michael‐Helmut , Dietzsch Christian
Published: April 2018

The impact of mass transfer on productivity can become a crucial aspect in the fermentative production of bulk chemicals. For highly aerobic bioprocesses the oxygen transfer rate
(OTR) and productivity are coupled. The achievable space time yields can often be correlated to the mass transfer performance of the respective bioreactor. The oxygen mass transfer capability of a jet aerated loop reactor is discussed in terms of the volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficient kLa [h−1] and the energetic oxygen transfer efficiency E [kgO2 kW−1 h−1]. The jet aerated loop reactor (JLR) is compared to the frequently deployed aerated stirred tank reactor. In jet aerated reactors high local power densities in the mixing zone allow higher mass transfer rates, compared to aerated stirred tank reactors. When both reactors are operated at identical volumetric power input and aeration rates, local kLa values up to 1.5 times higher are possible with the JLR. High dispersion efficiencies in the JLR can be maintained even if the nozzle is supplied with pressurized gas. For increased oxygen demands (above 120 mmol L−1 h−1) improved energetic oxygen transfer efficiencies of up to 100 % were found for a JLR compared to an aerated stirred tank reactor operating with Rushton turbines.
The Critically Reflective Evaluator: Adult Education's Contributions to Evaluation for Social Justice
Authors: Archibald Thomas , Neubauer Leah C. , Brookfield Stephen D.
Published: April 2018

In this chapter, we suggest that current conversations about evaluative thinking would be enriched by the addition of insights from critical adult education rooted in critically reflective practice and critical theory. From our perspective situated in the praxis of adult education, we first review a sampling of literature on critical theory and critical reflection in evaluation, framed in terms of how evaluation theorists conceptualize the role of values and valuing in evaluation and how they envision the role of evaluation in society. Then, we explore some conceptual and practical overlaps between evaluative thinking, critical thinking, and critically reflective practice. Finally, we elucidate some implications of critical evaluative thinking for social justice evaluation, touching also on what implications this work might have even for those evaluators who do not perceive linkages and overlap between evaluative thinking and social justice. In doing so, we highlight new directions for the foundational training and continuing professional development of evaluation practitioners and scholars based on an examination of oneself and of one's paradigmatic assumptions through constant critical reflection, investigation, and action.
Baseline urine metabolic phenotype in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis and its association with outcome
Authors: Maras Jaswinder Singh , Das Sukanta , Sharma Shvetank , Shasthry Saggere M. , Colsch Benoit , Junot Christophe , Moreau Richard , Sarin Shiv Kumar
Published: April 2018

Severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) has a high mortality rate, and corticosteroid therapy is effective in 60% patients. This study aimed to investigate a baseline metabolic phenotype that could help stratify patients not likely to respond to steroid therapy and to have an unfavorable outcome. Baseline urine metabolome was studied in patients with SAH using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Patients were categorized as responders (Rs, n = 52) and nonresponders (NRs, n = 8) at day 7 according to the Lille score. Multivariate projection analysis identified metabolites in the discovery cohort (n = 60) and assessed these in a validation cohort of 80 patients (60 Rs, 20 NRs). A total of 212 features were annotated by using metabolomic/biochemical/spectral databases for metabolite identification. After a stringent selection procedure, a total of nine urinary metabolites linked to mitochondrial functions significantly discriminated nonresponders, most importantly by increased acetyl‐L‐carnitine (12‐fold), octanoylcarnitine (4‐fold), decanoylcarnitine (4‐fold), and alpha‐ketoglutaric acid (2‐fold) levels. Additionally, urinary acetyl‐L‐carnitine and 3‐hydroxysebasic acid discriminated nonsurvivors (P <0.01). These urinary metabolites significantly correlated to severity indices and mortality (r >0.3;P <0.01) and were associated with nonresponse (odds ratio >3.0;P <0.001). In the validation cohort, baseline urinary acetyl‐L‐carnitine documented an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.96 (0.85‐0.99) for nonresponse prediction and a hazard ratio of 3.5 (1.5‐8.3) for the prediction of mortality in patients with SAH. Acetyl‐L‐carnitine at a level of >2,500 ng/mL reliably segregated survivors from nonsurvivors (P <0.01, log‐rank test) in our study cohort.Conclusion:Urinary metabolome signatures related to mitochondrial functions can predict pretherapy steroid response and disease outcome in patients with SAH. (Hepatology Communications2018;2:628‐643)
Argument as Conversation: Students Responding Through Writing to Significant Conversations Across Time and Place
Authors: VanDerHeide Jennifer , Juzwik Mary M.
Published: April 2018

How can social change become possible when secondary teachers approach argument as participation in ongoing conversations? The authors illustrate how—through writing, speaking, and reading to develop a letter to their principal arguing for a school policy change—secondary students participated in multiple conversational spheres across time and place. Although neither collaborative “letter writing to the principal” tasks nor “argument as conversation” stances are new, the approach presented is novel in its commitment to braiding oral and written language together within the framework of argument as conversation. This approach contrasts to more common practices of seeing conversation as preparation for writing. This approach is valuable not only for fostering students’ learning about processes, structures, and technical skills of argumentative writing but also, and more importantly, for experiencing what it feels like to become empowered disputants who affect social change in response to ongoing conversations that matter to students.
Three dimensional extrusion printing induces polymer molecule alignment and cell organization within engineered cartilage
Authors: Guo Ting , Ringel Julia P. , Lim Casey G. , Bracaglia Laura G. , Noshin Maeesha , Baker Hannah B. , Powell Douglas A. , Fisher John P.
Published: April 2018

Proper cell–material interactions are critical to remain cell function and thus successful tissue regeneration. Many fabrication processes have been developed to create microenvironments to control cell attachment and organization on a three‐dimensional (3D) scaffold. However, these approaches often involve heavy engineering and only the surface layer can be patterned. We found that 3D extrusion based printing at high temperature and pressure will result an aligned effect on the polymer molecules, and this molecular arrangement will further induce the cell alignment and different differentiation capacities. In particular, articular cartilage tissue is known to have zonal collagen fiber and cell orientation to support different functions, where collagen fibers and chondrocytes align parallel, randomly, and perpendicular, respectively, to the surface of the joint. Therefore, cell alignment was evaluated in a cartilage model in this study. We used small angle X‐ray scattering analysis to substantiate the polymer molecule alignment phenomenon. The cellular response was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Seeded mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) showed different morphology and orientation on scaffolds, as a combined result of polymer molecule alignment and printed scaffold patterns. Gene expression results showed improved superficial zonal chondrogenic marker expression in parallel‐aligned group. The cell alignment was successfully maintained in the animal model after 7 days with distinct MSC morphology between the casted and parallel printed scaffolds. This 3D printing induced polymer and cell alignment will have a significant impact on developing scaffold with controlled cell–material interactions for complex tissue engineering while avoiding complicated surface treatment, and therefore provides new concept for effective tissue repairing in future clinical applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2190‐2199, 2018.
Comparing the reproducibility of commonly used magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques to quantify cerebral glutathione
Authors: Wijtenburg S. Andrea , Near Jamie , Korenic Stephanie A. , Gaston Frank E. , Chen Hongji , Mikkelsen Mark , Chen Shuo , Kochunov Peter , Hong L. Elliot , Rowland Laura M.
Published: April 2018

Background

Cerebral glutathione (GSH), a marker of oxidative stress, has been quantified in neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Using a reproducible MRS technique is important, as it minimizes the impact of measurement technique variability on the study results and ensures that other studies can replicate the results.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that very short echo time (TE) acquisitions would have comparable reproducibility to a long TE MEGA‐PRESS acquisition, and that the short TE PRESS acquisition would have the poorest reproducibility.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects/Phantoms

Ten healthy adults were scanned during two visits, and six metabolite phantoms containing varying concentrations of GSH and metabolites with resonances that overlap with GSH were scanned once.

Field Strength/Sequence

At 3T we acquired MRS data using four different sequences: PRESS, SPECIAL, PR‐STEAM, and MEGA‐PRESS.

Assessment

Reproducibility of each MRS sequence across two visits was assessed.

Statistical Tests

Mean coefficients of variation (CV) and mean absolute difference (AD) were used to assess reproducibility. Linear regressions were performed on data collected from phantoms to examine the agreement between known and quantified levels of GSH.

Results

Of the four techniques, PR‐STEAM had the lowest mean CV and AD (5.4% and 7.5%, respectively), implying excellent reproducibility, followed closely by PRESS (5.8% and 8.2%) and SPECIAL (8.0 and 10.1%), and finally by MEGA‐PRESS (13.5% and 17.1%). Phantom data revealed excellent fits (R2 ≥ 0.98 or higher) using all methods.

Data Conclusion

Our data suggest that GSH can be quantified reproducibly without the use of spectral editing.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:176–183.
Detection of a new KCNQ1 frameshift mutation associated with Jervell and Lange‐Nielsen syndrome in 2 Iranian families
Authors: Amirian Azam , Zafari Zahra , Dalili Mohammad , Saber Siamak , Karimipoor Morteza , Dabbagh Bagheri Samira , Fazelifar Amir Farjam , Zeinali Sirous
Published: April 2018

Jervell‐Lange Nielsen syndrome (JLNS) with autosomal recessive inheritance is a congenital cardiovascular disorder characterized by prolongation of QT interval on the ECG and deafness. We have performed molecular investigation by haplotype analysis and DNA Sanger sequencing in 2 unrelated Iranian families with a history of syncope. Mutational screening of KCNQ1 gene revealed the novel homozygous frameshift mutation c.733‐734delGG (p.G245Rfs*39) in 2 obviously unrelated cases of JLNS which is probably a founder mutation in Iran. The novel mutation detected in this study is the first time reported among Iranian population and will be beneficial in the tribe and region‐specific cascade screening of LQTS in Iran.
Preparation, Surface Activities, and Biodegradability of a Bola‐Type Collagen Hydrolysate‐Based Siloxane Surfactant
Authors: Wang Baochuan , Liu Jun , Han Xiaona , Li Fengdi , Li Zhengjun , Yang Qinhuan
Published: April 2018

2 bola‐type collagen hydrolysate‐based siloxane surfactants (CBES) were prepared via grafting of an epoxy‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane oligomer onto 2 collagen hydrolysates with different molecular weights. Their structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, and the degree of grafting was determined by calculating the free amino content, which confirmed the successful synthesis of CBES. Subsequently, their physicochemical properties, such as particle size and isoelectric point, were evaluated. Besides, surface activities, application functionalities, and biodegradability of CBES were investigated. The results showed that CBES‐1, prepared with the lower‐molecular‐weight collagen hydrolysate, possessed superior surface activity, excellent foaming ability, and good emulsifying capacity comparable to those of a typical emulsifier such as the fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (AEO‐9). In addition, their BOD5/CODCr value and CO2 evolution demonstrated that the CBES are readily biodegradable. There is, therefore, great potential for the bola‐type CBES to be applied in fields such as leather treatment and textile industries.
Highly efficient fluorescent blue materials and their applications for top‐emission OLEDs
Authors: Masuda Tetsuya , Nakano Yuki , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Ito Hirokatsu , Okinaka Keiji , Kambe Emiko , Kawamura Yuichiro , Kuma Hitoshi
Published: April 2018

We developed new fluorescent blue dopants (BDs) for achieving high‐efficient blue organic light‐emitting diode. A new BD showed both high photoluminescent quantum yield >0.9 and highly horizontal orientation (S′ > 0.9) in doped film with keeping a chemical stability by introducing suitable substituents. We developed hole transporting materials and optimized the combination of hole transporting layers to decrease a carrier accumulation at the interface between electron blocking layer and emission layer. We found that the external quantum efficiency dependency from low to high current density was turned flat by promoting hole injection into emission layer. The top‐emission organic light‐emitting diode using the new BD and the optimized device architecture exhibited high efficiency of L/J/CIEy around 200 at CIEy = 0.043.
Earfold: A New Technique for Correction of the Shape of the Antihelix
Authors: Kang Norbert V. , Sabbagh Walid , O'Toole Greg , Silberberg Michael
Published: April 2018

An absent or poorly defined antihelix often plays a central role in the perception of the prominent ear. A wide variety of otoplasty techniques have been described over the last 50 years that aim to reshape, create, or enhance the definition of the antihelix, which can, in turn, help to reduce the prominence of an ear. In addition to conventional suture and cartilage‐scoring techniques, a permanent implantable clip system (Earfold®) has recently become available that is placed using a minimally invasive approach performed under local anesthesia. In this review, we summarize conventional otoplasty techniques to correct the antihelix and compare these with the Earfold implantable clip system. Laryngoscope, 128:2282–2290, 2018
Comparison of the seventh and eighth edition american joint committee on cancer oral cavity staging systems
Authors: Cramer John D. , Reddy Abhita , Ferris Robert L. , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Samant Sandeep
Published: April 2018

Objective

For the first time in 30 years, the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Staging Manual offers major changes in the staging of oral cavity cancer. We evaluated the predictive ability of the new staging system for oral cavity cancer to validate these changes and hypothesized that the new system would improve prognostic accuracy.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma in the National Cancer Data Base from 2009 to 2013 and applied the seventh and eighth edition staging AJCC staging systems to all patients. Stage‐specific overall survival was calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier method and concordance indices to measure the system's prognostic accuracy.

Results

We identified 39,361 patients with a median follow‐up of 27.1 months (range 0.1–80.4 months). In the seventh edition, there were 43.0%, 15.0%, 10.6%, and 25.7% of patients with pathologic stage I, II, III, and IV disease, respectively. After restaging based on eighth edition pathological guidelines, 10.0% of patients were upstaged (38.1%, 18.1%, 14.2%, and 25.2%, respectively, with stage I, II, III, and IV disease, respectively). The survival concordance index improved from the seventh to eighth edition for pathological staging (concordance index 0.699 and 0.704, respectively) and for clinical staging (concordance index 0.714 and 0.715, respectively).

Conclusion

We provide validation of the new AJCC staging system for oral cavity cancer. Eighth edition AJCC staging guidelines upstage a substantial number of patients with greater depth of invasion or extranodal extension. This resulted in slightly improved prognostication.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 128:2351–2360, 2018
Laryngeal stenosis among hospitalized children: Results from a nationwide cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Johnson Romaine F. , Isaiah Amal
Published: April 2018

Objectives

We aimed to study laryngeal stenosis among hospitalized children in the United States from 2003–2012. We hypothesized that the prevalence of laryngeal stenosis differs by race even when controlling for age, gender, and commonly associated disease conditions.

Methods

We report the results of a cross‐sectional survey of hospitalized patients with laryngeal stenosis. We utilized the Kids Inpatient Database (KID) to estimate the odds of laryngeal stenosis as a function of race using regression analysis. The effects of age, gender, and commonly associated conditions were controlled.

Results

There were 13,910 estimated discharges of patients with laryngeal stenosis (95% CI 13,715–14,105) within the study period. This accounts for 55 cases of laryngeal stenosis per 100,000 discharges (overall prevalence = 0.22%). After controlling for age and gender, Black children had the highest likelihood of laryngeal stenosis with OR of 1.9 (95% CI 1.8–2.0, P < .001) along with children classified as Other (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.0–1.3, P = .03). White (OR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.83–0.89, P < .001), Hispanic (OR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.80– 0.92, P < .001), and Asian (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.43–0.64, P < .001) children were less likely to be diagnosed with laryngeal stenosis while Native Americans (OR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.63–1.45, P = .51) were equally likely.

Conclusions

Laryngeal stenosis is more common among hospitalized Black children, while other racial groups appear to have lower risk. This elevated risk remained when controlling for age, gender, and commonly associated conditions with laryngeal stenosis.

Level of Evidence

4
Detection of Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Virus Using a Polydiacetylene Immunosensor on Solid‐Liquid Phase
Authors: Jeong Jae‐Pil , Cho Eunae , Lee Soo‐Chan , Kim Taejoon , Song Bokyeong , Lee Im‐Soon , Jung Seunho
Published: April 2018

The rapid detection of foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV) is vital for the prevention of foot‐and‐mouth disease outbreaks. In this study, a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF)‐supported polydiacetylene (PDA) immunosensor is developed to detect FMDV, in which a polyclonal antibody against the FMDV VP1 antigen is conjugated as a specific virus‐binding module without a linker. First, a liposome‐based immunosensor is generated for the FMDV VP1 protein in the form of photopolymerized PDA colloids. Then, the VP1‐specific PDA immunosensors are modified onto PVDF strip to enable the rapid and portable detection of FMDV. Detailed analyses are performed using ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. A blue‐to‐red color transition is observed in the presence of FMDV particles, indicating the potential applications of FMDV‐specific PDA immunosensors for use in solid‐phase detection as well as via liquid‐phase liposome platforms. Thus, this work provides a rapid and simple detection for FMDV.
We share; we connect: how shared brand consumption influences relational brand connections
Authors: Kara Selcan , Vredeveld Anna J. , Ross William T.
Published: April 2018

This research examines how married consumers form relational brand connections. Findings from two studies contribute to research on identity‐related brand consumption by showcasing how shared brand consumption and marital satisfaction influence relational brand connections and the perceived importance of the brand to the marital relationship. This research has important theoretical contributions and managerial implications. From a theoretical perspective, the authors show how consumers incorporate brands into their interpersonal relationships through shared brand consumption and that relational brand connections influence brand‐related outcomes, such as brand attitudes, purchase intentions, brand affect, and brand separation distress. From a managerial perspective, the findings highlight the importance of considering relational aspects of brand consumption when designing branding strategy and advertising appeals.
Empirical evidence of the effect of colorism on customer evaluations
Authors: Cowart Kelly O. , Lehnert Kevin D.
Published: April 2018

Skin tone is a known influencer of earnings and social status. Its role in marketing has been primarily studied within the context of advertising while focusing on differences between Whites and Blacks. Three experiments were conducted to determine the effect of skin tone on customer evaluations of Black, Hispanic, and White males and females across two industries. In Studies 1 and 2, the Hispanic male was deemed less competent, professional, and worthy of repatronage compared to other service providers. In Study 3, the Hispanic male received higher evaluations when portrayed with a darker skin tone than lighter skin tone. Skin tone identity, ethnic identity, and colorism are found to influence the observed relationship. The research demonstrates that ethnicity matters, gender matters, and skin tone matters when evaluating service providers.
Assessment of Short-Term Mortality of Wild-Caught Female Walleye Broodstock
Authors: Blackwell Brian G. , Ermer Mark J. , Kaufman Todd M. , Moos Tyrel S. , Kennedy Steven J. , Braun Ryan J.
Published: April 2018

The collection of Walleye Sander vitreus eggs to meet stocking needs is an essential part of Walleye management for many state and provincial agencies. The stress of capture, holding, and stripping gametes from wild broodstock can potentially lead to Walleye mortality. In waters < 1,200 ha, high levels of mortality could alter population size structure and affect angler success, future egg collections, and survival of stocked Walleyes. We quantified short-term (i.e., 5 d) mortality of female Walleyes during artificial spawning operations during 2015 to 2017 in four eastern South Dakota natural lakes (Swan Lake in 2015, Long Lake in 2016, and Antelope Lake and Reid Lake in 2017). Each year 25 female Walleyes were stripped of their eggs and 25 additional female Walleyes were included as reference fish. No Walleyes died in 2015, four fish that were stripped of eggs at Long Lake died in 2016, and one stripped of eggs at Reid Lake died in 2017. Overall short-term mortality was low (5 of 73 fish, 6.8%) during the study. No reference fish expired during the 3 years. Contusions were apparent on ovaries of both egg-stripped and reference fish. We believe that if fisheries personnel follow standard artificial spawning procedures for Walleye the amount of mortality will be low and should not impact populations of mature female Walleyes.
Determining the Accuracy and Reliability of Indirect Calorimeters Utilizing the Methanol Combustion Technique
Authors: Kaviani Sepideh , Schoeller Dale A. , Ravussin Eric , Melanson Edward L. , Henes Sarah T. , Dugas Lara R. , Dechert Ronald E. , Mitri George , Schoffelen Paul F.M. , Gubbels Pim , Tornberg Asa , Garland Stephen , Akkermans Marco , Cooper Jamie A.
Published: April 2018

Background

Several indirect calorimetry (IC) instruments are commercially available, but comparative validity and reliability data are lacking. Existing data are limited by inconsistencies in protocols, subject characteristics, or single‐instrument validation comparisons. The aim of this study was to compare accuracy and reliability of metabolic carts using methanol combustion as the cross‐laboratory criterion.

Methods

Eight 20‐minute methanol burn trials were completed on 12 metabolic carts. Respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and percent O2 and CO2 recovery were calculated.

Results

For accuracy, 1 Omnical, Cosmed Quark CPET (Cosmed), and both Parvos (Parvo Medics trueOne 2400) measured all 3 variables within 2% of the true value; both DeltaTracs and the Vmax Encore System (Vmax) showed similar accuracy in measuring 1 or 2, but not all, variables. For reliability, 8 instruments were shown to be reliable, with the 2 Omnicals ranking best (coefficient of variation [CV] < 1.26%). Both Cosmeds, Parvos, DeltaTracs, 1 Jaeger Oxycon Pro (Oxycon), Max‐II Metabolic Systems (Max‐II), and Vmax were reliable for at least 1 variable (CV ≤ 3%). For multiple regression, humidity and amount of combusted methanol were significant predictors of RER (R2 = 0.33, P < .001). Temperature and amount of burned methanol were significant predictors of O2 recovery (R2 = 0.18, P < .001); only humidity was a predictor for CO2 recovery (R2 = 0.15, P < .001).

Conclusions

Omnical, Parvo, Cosmed, and DeltaTrac had greater accuracy and reliability. The small number of instruments tested and expected differences in gas calibration variability limits the generalizability of conclusions. Finally, humidity and temperature could be modified in the laboratory to optimize IC conditions.