bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of fine‐needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of breast cancer a single‐center retrospective study from Turkey with cytohistological correlation in 733 cases
Authors: Aker Fügen , Gümrükçü Gülistan , Onomay Burcu Çelik , Erkan Murat , Gürleyik Günay , Kiliçoğlu Gamze , Karagüllü Hikmet
Published: October 2015

Background

The triple test, i.e., cytology combined with clinical and radiological findings, is the goal for accurate assessment of palpable breast lesions. Because of the limitations of fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), its utility has somewhat decreased nationwide. We have been using a combination of physical examination, radiological modalities, and FNAC for the diagnosis of palpable/nonpalpable breast mass lesions for the last 23 years. Our institutional experience of the last 10 years is presented here, using FNAC of breast lesions along with an analysis of the diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

4956 breast aspirates in 4860 cases were collected from the computer database of Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. Most of the FNACs were performed under ultrasound guidance and FNAC procedures were performed by radiologists and pathologists who used 22 gauge needles. Cytological diagnoses were classified as “unsatisfactory”, “benign”, “malignant”, “atypical/probably benign”, “atypical/probably malignant”, and “atypical/NOS” (not otherwise specified) and were compared to the histopathological diagnoses obtained from core needle biopsy, lumpectomy or mastectomy to give an assessment of the diagnostic performance of FNAC in 733 aspirates.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive value, false positive, and false negative rates of FNAC were 98.02, 90.58, 95.97, 96.48, 94.54, 2.6, and 1.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

This study once again shows that FNAC is a reliable method for the initial evaluation and diagnosis of breast masses. In case of any suspicious conditions, FNAC, and core biopsy are considered complementary to one another. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:978–986. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retracted: Screening of candidate genes and fine mapping of drought tolerance quantitative trait loci on chromosome 4 in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under drought stress
Authors: Nie Yuan‐Yuan , Zhang Lin , Wu Yun‐Hua , Liu Hao‐Jie , Mao Wei‐Wei , Du Juan , Xiu Hai‐Lin , Wu Xiao‐Yu , Li Xia , Yan Yu‐Wei , Liu Guo‐Lan , Liu Hong‐Yan , Hu Song‐Ping
Published: October 2015

Due to severe water resource shortage, genetics of and breeding for DT (drought tolerance) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) have become one of the hot research topics. Identification of grain yield QTLs (quantitative trait loci) directly related to the DT trait of rice can provide useful information for breeding new drought‐resistant and water‐saving rice varieties via marker‐assisted selection. A population of 105 advanced BILs (backcross introgression lines) derived from a cross between Zhenshan97B and IRAT109 in Zhenshan97B background were grown under drought stress in a field experiment and phenotypic traits were investigated. The results showed that in the target interval of RM273‐RM255 on chromosome 4, three main‐effect QTLs related to panicle length, panicle number, and spikelet number per panicle were identified (LOD [logarithm of the odds] > 2.0). The panicle length‐related QTL had two loci located in the neighboring intervals of RM17308‐RM17305 and RM17349‐RM17190, which explained 18.80% and 20.42%, respectively, of the phenotypic variation, while the panicle number‐related QTL was identified in the interval of RM1354‐RM17308, explaining 11.47% of the phenotypic variation. As far as the spikelet number per panicle‐related QTL was concerned, it was found to be located in the interval of RM17308‐RM17305, which explained 28.08% of the phenotypic variation. Using the online Plant‐GE query system, a total of 13 matched ESTs (expressed sequence tags) were found in the target region, and of the 13 ESTs, 12 had corresponding predicted genes. For instance, the two ESTs CB096766 and CA765747 were corresponded to the same predicted gene LOC_Os04g46370, while the other four ESTs, CA754286, CB000011, CX056247, and CX056240, were corresponded to the same predicted gene LOC_Os04g46390.
Exceptional avian herbivores: multiple transitions toward herbivory in the bird order Anseriformes and its correlation with body mass
Authors: Olsen Aaron M.
Published: October 2015

Herbivory is rare among birds and is usually thought to have evolved predominately among large, flightless birds due to energetic constraints or an association with increased body mass. Nearly all members of the bird order Anseriformes, which includes ducks, geese, and swans, are flighted and many are predominately herbivorous. However, it is unknown whether herbivory represents a derived state for the order and how many times a predominately herbivorous diet may have evolved. Compiling data from over 200 published diet studies to create a continuous character for herbivory, models of trait evolution support at least five independent transitions toward a predominately herbivorous diet in Anseriformes. Although a nonphylogenetic correlation test recovers a significant positive correlation between herbivory and body mass, this correlation is not significant when accounting for phylogeny. These results indicate a lack of support for the hypothesis that a larger body mass confers an advantage in the digestion of low‐quality diets but does not exclude the possibility that shifts to a more abundant food source have driven shifts toward herbivory in other bird lineages. The exceptional number of transitions toward a more herbivorous diet in Anseriformes and lack of correlation with body mass prompts a reinterpretation of the relatively infrequent origination of herbivory among flighted birds.
Biomarkers and low risk in heart failure. Data from COACH and TRIUMPH
Authors: Meijers Wouter C. , de Boer Rudolf A. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Jaarsma Tiny , Hillege Hans L. , Maisel Alan S. , Di Somma Salvatore , Voors Adriaan A. , Peacock W. Frank
Published: October 2015

Aim

Traditionally, risk stratification in heart failure (HF) emphasizes assessment of high risk. We aimed to determine if biomarkers could identify patients with HF at low risk for death or HF rehospitalization.

Methods and results

This analysis was a substudy of The Coordinating Study Evaluating Outcomes of Advising and Counselling in Heart Failure (COACH) trial. Enrolment of HF patients occurred before discharge. We defined low risk as the absence of death and/or HF rehospitalizations at 180 days. We tested a diverse group of 29 biomarkers on top of a clinical risk model, with and without N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), and defined the low risk biomarker cut‐off at the 10th percentile associated with high positive predictive value. The best performing biomarkers together with NT‐proBNP and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were re‐evaluated in a validation cohort of 285 HF patients. Of 592 eligible COACH patients, the mean (± SD) age was 71 (± 11) years and median (IQR) NT‐proBNP was 2521 (1301–5634) pg/mL. Logistic regression analysis showed that only galectin‐3, fully adjusted, was significantly associated with the absence of events at 180 days (OR 8.1, 95% confidence interval 1.06–50.0, P = 0.039). Galectin‐3, showed incremental value when added to the clinical risk model without NT‐proBNP (increase in area under the curve from 0.712 to 0.745, P = 0.04). However, no biomarker showed significant improvement by net reclassification improvement on top of the clinical risk model, with or without NT‐proBNP. We confirmed our results regarding galectin‐3, NT‐proBNP, and cTnI in the independent validation cohort.

Conclusion

We describe the value of various biomarkers to define low risk, and demonstrate that galectin‐3 identifies HF patients at (very) low risk for 30‐day and 180‐day mortality and HF rehospitalizations after an episode of acute HF. Such patients might be safely discharged.
The role of ordinary conversation and shared activity in the main effect between perceived support and affect
Authors: Woods William C. , Lakey Brian , Sain Travis
Published: October 2015

People with high perceived support have better mental health, but how this occurs is not well understood. We tested hypotheses from relational regulation theory that the main effect between perceived support and affect primarily reflects ordinary conversation and shared activity. In two studies (n = 193; n = 149), students rated three important network members and psychological reactions to each. In a third study (n = 72) strangers shared an activity in a round‐robin design. Affect was strongly determined by with who participants were interacting or thinking about. Perceived support, ordinary conversation, and shared activity were strongly linked, and each was related to high positive affect, low negative affect, perceived similarity, and few negative thoughts. Perceived support's link to affect emerged when strangers shared a brief activity. Thus, much of perceived support's main effect with affect could be explained as resulting from ordinary conversation and shared activity.
Chronic effects of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin on reproduction in the American flagfish (Jordanella floridae) over one complete life cycle
Authors: Anderson Jordan C. , Beyger Lindsay , Guchardi John , Holdway Douglas
Published: October 2015

Understanding the environmental risks of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) has become very important in the field of aquatic toxicology. Hydroxylpropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) is an amphiphilic, toroidal shaped molecule with the ability to form noncovalent inclusion complexes with a variety of guest molecules. The molecule can reduce volatility as well as improve the aqueous solubility of apolar guest compounds and is an emerging PPCP. As such, HPβCD is the active ingredient in Febreze (Procter & Gamble) and is extensively used as an excipient in the pharmaceutical industry. With the potential for entering the environment through waste-water treatment plant (WWTP) effluent, HPβCD poses an unknown risk to nontarget aquatic biota. A 145-d chronic full life-cycle exposure using American flagfish (Jordanella floridae) was completed using flow-through nominal concentrations of 0 µg/L (control), 5 µg/L, 16 µg/L, 50 µg/L, 160 µg/L, 500 µg/L, and 1600 μg/L of HPβCD maintained via a peristaltic pump. Fecundity, growth, and liver somatic index were all monitored, and no significant difference was found between treatments and controls (p > 0.05). However, a significant increase in the gonadosomatic index was observed in females exposed to HPβCD (p ≤ 0.05). Reduced offspring growth was observed after exposure in the same manner as the parental generation (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, an acute copper toxicity challenge assay was conducted on second-generation flagfish larvae, and a decrease in copper tolerance was observed in larval progeny from parents exposed to HPβCD. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1358–1363. © 2015 SETAC
Mutation of ataxia–telangiectasia mutated is associated with dysfunctional glutathione homeostasis in cerebellar astroglia
Authors: Campbell Andrew , Bushman Jared , Munger Joshua , Noble Mark , Pröschel Christoph , Mayer‐Pröschel Margot
Published: October 2015

Astroglial dysfunction plays an important role in neurodegenerative diseases otherwise attributed to neuronal loss of function. Here we focus on the role of astroglia in ataxia–telangiectasia (A–T), a disease caused by mutations in the ataxia–telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene. A hallmark of A–T pathology is progressive loss of cerebellar neurons, but the mechanisms that impact neuronal survival are unclear. We now provide a possible mechanism by which A–T astroglia affect the survival of cerebellar neurons. As astroglial functions are difficult to study in an in vivo setting, particularly in the cerebellum where these cells are intertwined with the far more numerous neurons, we conducted in vitro coculture experiments that allow for the generation and pharmacological manipulation of purified cell populations. Our analyses revealed that cerebellar astroglia isolated from Atm mutant mice show decreased expression of the cystine/glutamate exchanger subunit xCT, glutathione (GSH) reductase, and glutathione‐S‐transferase. We also found decreased levels of intercellular and secreted GSH in A–T astroglia. Metabolic labeling of l‐cystine, the major precursor for GSH, revealed that a key component of the defect in A–T astroglia is an impaired ability to import this rate‐limiting precursor for the production of GSH. This impairment resulted in suboptimal extracellular GSH supply, which in turn impaired survival of cerebellar neurons. We show that by circumventing the xCT‐dependent import of l‐cystine through addition of N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC) as an alternative cysteine source, we were able to restore GSH levels in A–T mutant astroglia providing a possible future avenue for targeted therapeutic intervention. GLIA 2016;64:227–239
Assessment of drone‐based surface flow observations
Authors: Tauro Flavia , Petroselli Andrea , Arcangeletti Ettore
Published: October 2015

Remote surface flow observations are crucial for improving the comprehension of hydrological phenomena. A recent advancement in remote hydrological measurements involves the use of drones for generating surface flow‐velocity field maps through large‐scale particle image velocimetry (LSPIV). In this work, we perform a comparative analysis of drone‐based LSPIV with fixed implementations. Quantitative indices are introduced to test the efficiency of the techniques with regards to measurement accuracy, sensitivity to the transit of tracers, and platform mobility. Experimental findings support drone‐based observations in outdoor settings. Specifically, measurements from the aerial platform are more sensitive to the transit of tracers and closer to benchmark values than traditional LSPIV implementations. Future work should aim at improving the stability of the aerial platform and mitigating the effects of tracer scarcity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of climate change on floodplain inundation and hydrological connectivity between wetlands and rivers in a tropical river catchment
Authors: Karim Fazlul , Petheram Cuan , Marvanek Steve , Ticehurst Catherine , Wallace Jim , Hasan Masud
Published: October 2015

Surface water connectivity between waterbodies in a river–floodplain system is considered one of the key determinants of habitat quality, biodiversity and ecological integrity. This manuscript presents results from an investigation into the potential changes in floodplain inundation and connectivity between wetlands and rivers under projected future climates, in a large river catchment in Western Australia. The study was conducted using a two‐dimensional hydrodynamic model (MIKE 21), and the modelling domain included the floodplain reaches encompassing the ecologically important wetlands. A lumped rainfall–runoff model (SIMHYD) was used to estimate local runoff and inflows from ungauged catchments. A SRTM derived 30‐m elevation data was used to parameterize land topography and stream networks in the hydrodynamic model. Hydraulic roughness parameters were estimated using a land cover map, which was developed using a combination of aerial photography, topographic maps and Google Earth imagery. The hydrodynamic model was calibrated using stream gauge data and flood inundation maps derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer imagery. Model simulated stage heights were combined with land topography to identify floodplain pathways that connect wetlands with rivers.

The connectivity of 30 off‐stream wetlands was evaluated under present and future climates. The duration of connection of the individual wetlands to the main river channel varied from 1 to 40 days depending on flood magnitude and duration. Topographic relief, location on the floodplain and magnitude and duration of the flood were found to be key factors governing the level of connectivity, and the relationship between return period of flood and inundated area was found to be non‐linear. Modelling under a drier future climate indicated that the duration of connectivity of wetlands could be up to 20% less than under the current climate, whilst under a wetter climate the connectivity could be 5% longer. The results of this study provide potential use for future studies on movement and recruitment patterns of aquatic biota, wetland habitat characteristics and water quality and wetland biodiversity assessment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accelerometer‐determined physical activity, muscle mass, and leg strength in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Foong Yi Chao , Chherawala Nabil , Aitken Dawn , Scott David , Winzenberg Tania , Jones Graeme
Published: October 2015

Introduction

The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between accelerometer‐determined physical activity (PA), muscle mass, and lower‐limb strength in community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

Six hundred thirty‐six community‐dwelling older adults (66 ± 7 years) were studied. Muscle mass was measured using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry, whilst lower limb strength was measured via dynamometry. We measured minutes/day spent in sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous intensity activity using Actigraph GT1M accelerometers.

Results

Participants spent a median of 583(Interquartile ratio (IQR) 522–646), 225(176–271), 27(12–45) and 0(0–0) min in sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous activity, respectively. PA intensity was positively associated with both lean mass percentage and lower limb strength in a dose–response fashion. Sedentary activity was negatively associated with lean mass percentage, but not lower‐limb strength. There was a positive association between PA and appendicular lean mass in men only. There was an interaction between age and activity; as age increased, the magnitude of the association of PA with lean mass percentage decreased. Those who adhered to the Australian Department of Health PA guidelines (moderate/vigorous PA >/=150 min/week) had greater lean mass percentage, appendicular lean mass, and lower limb strength.

Conclusions

Using accelerometer technology, both the amount and intensity of accelerometer‐determined PA had an independent, dose–response relationship with lean mass percentage and lower limb strength, with the largest effect for vigorous activity. Time spent in sedentary activity was negatively associated with lean mass percentage, but was not associated with lower limb strength. The magnitude of the association between PA and lean mass percentage decreased with age, suggesting that PA programmes may need to be modified with increasing age.
Collagen‐containing scaffolds enhance attachment and proliferation of non‐cultured bone marrow multipotential stromal cells
Authors: El‐Jawhari Jehan J. , Sanjurjo‐Rodríguez Clara , Jones Elena , Giannoudis Peter V.
Published: October 2015

Large bone defects are ideally treated with autografts, which have many limitations. Therefore, osteoconductive scaffolds loaded with autologous bone marrow (BM) aspirate are increasingly used as alternatives. The purpose of this study was to compare the growth of multipotential stromal cells (MSCs) from unprocessed BM on a collagen‐containing bovine bone scaffold (Orthoss® Collagen) with a non‐collagen‐containing bovine bone scaffold, Orthoss®. Another collagen‐containing synthetic scaffold, Vitoss® was included in the comparison. Colonization of scaffolds by BM MSCs (n = 23 donors) was evaluated using microscopy, colony forming unit‐fibroblast assay and flow‐cytometry. The number of BM MSCs initially attached to Orthoss® Collagen and Vitoss® was similar but greater than Orthoss® (p = 0.001 and p = 0.041, respectively). Furthermore, the number of MSCs released from Orthoss® Collagen and Vitoss® after 2‐week culture was also higher compared to Orthoss® (p = 0.010 and p = 0.023, respectively). Interestingly, collagen‐containing scaffolds accommodated larger numbers of lymphocytic and myelomonocytic cells. Additionally, the proliferation of culture‐expanded MSCs on Orthoss® collagen and Vitoss® was greater compared to Orthoss® (p = 0.047 and p = 0.004, respectively). Collectively, collagen‐containing scaffolds were superior in supporting the attachment and proliferation of MSCs when they were loaded with unprocessed BM aspirates. This highlights the benefit of collagen incorporation into bone scaffolds for use with autologous bone marrow aspirates as autograft substitutes. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 34:597–606, 2016.
Botulinum toxin treatment of false vocal folds in adductor spasmodic dysphonia: Functional outcomes
Authors: Simpson C. Blake , Lee Christopher T. , Hatcher Jeanne L. , Michalek Joel
Published: October 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Supraglottic injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) has been described as an effective treatment for adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD). Anecdotal evidence suggests that the patients have little to no breathiness after injection, but no formal longitudinal studies have been carried out to date. The purpose of this study was to examine the voice outcomes in patients with ADSD after supraglottic Botox injection.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Patients with ADSD who were treated with supraglottic Botox injections completed a qualitative self‐evaluation of voice function after injection using the percentage of normal function (PNF) scale, a validated, quantitative scale from 0% (no function) to 100% (normal function). Posttreatment voice improvement after injection was determined using a Voice Handicap Index‐10 (VHI‐10) questionnaire.

Results

A total of 198 supraglottic injections were performed between July 2011 and October 2014. Twenty‐five questionnaires were completed. Mean postinjection PNF was 95.0% ± 8.4% and was significantly increased from the preinjection mean PNF (62.5%) ± 22.6% (P < 0.001). The mean best VHI‐10 for all injections was 7.23. In 19 of 25 patients (76%), there was no reduction in PNF in the early postinjection period. In the remaining six patients (24%), the decline in mean vocal function was 9.2%.

Conclusions

Supraglottic Botox injection is an effective treatment for ADSD. Postinjection voice is significantly improved, and the majority of patients do not experience breathy voice/decline in vocal function after injection.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:118–121, 2016
Safety and effectiveness of the Vibrant Soundbridge in treating conductive and mixed hearing loss: A systematic review
Authors: Ernst Arne , Todt Ingo , Wagner Jan
Published: October 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

For many years, the therapeutic approach for conductive and/or mixed hearing loss has consisted of middle ear surgery with replacement of defect ossicles, and if possible the application of a hearing aid. Advances in technology have led to the introduction of electronmagnetic active implantable devices such as the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB). With its various coupling techniques for different pathophysiological situations in the middle ear, the VSB offers greater improvement in the hearing performance of affected persons.

Data Source

PubMed, OvidSP (MEDLINE), EMBASE (DIMDI), the National Institue for Health research (NIHR) Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (including the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and Health Technology Assessment), and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify articles published between January 2006 and April 2014 that evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the VSB in comparison to no intervention, bone conduction hearing implants (BCHI), and middle ear surgery plus hearing aids for adults and children with conductive or mixed hearing loss.

Methods

Study selection and data extraction was carried out by multiple reviewers. Study quality was assessed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine levels of evidence (2011); and a checklist available from the Evidence Analysis Library, Academy of Nutrition and Diabetics.

Results

Thirty‐six publications were identified: 19 on VSB outcomes in 294 individuals, 13 on BCHI outcomes in 666 individuals, and four on middle ear surgery plus hearing aid outcomes in 43 individuals. Two systematic reviews were also identified. Heterogeneous outcome measures made it difficult to summarize data. In general, the VSB proved to be safe and effective when compared to no intervention and BCHI, and provided more and consistent hearing gain compared to middle ear surgery plus conventional hearing aids.

Conclusion

As demonstrated in the literature, the VSB as an active device offers an effective alternative for patients with various middle ear pathologies, particularly with mixed hearing loss and failed previous tympanoplasties when classical ossiculoplasty could not provide enough functional gain. This new strategy in hearing rehabilitation has led to an improved quality of hearing and life. Laryngoscope, 126:1451–1457, 2016
Reeb parallel Ricci tensor for homogeneous real hypersurfaces in complex hyperbolic two‐plane Grassmannians
Authors: Lee Hyunjin , Suh Young Jin , Woo Changhwa
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we introduce the notion of Reeb parallel Ricci tensor for homogeneous real hypersurfaces in complex hyperbolic two‐plane Grassmannians which has a remarkable geometric structure as a Hermitian symmetric space of rank 2. By using a new method of simultaneous diagonalizations, we give a complete classification for real hypersurfaces in complex hyperbolic two‐plane Grassmannians with the Reeb parallel Ricci tensor.
D–π–A–π–A Strategy to Design Benzothiadiazole–carbazole‐based Conjugated Polymer with High Solar Cell Voltage and Enhanced Photocurrent
Authors: Zhou Manxi , Wang Min , Zhu Lei , Yang Zhenqing , Jiang Chao , Cao Dapeng , Li Qifang
Published: October 2015

The theoretical calculations are used to find that D–π–A–π–A style conjugated polymer PC‐TBTBT is more efficient for solar cells application than the D–π–A analog PC‐TBT because the D–π–A–π–A structure has a narrower band gap and higher molar absorption coefficient and redshift spectrum. Motivated by the theoretical prediction, 5,6‐bis(octyloxy)‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole and 2,7‐carbazole are adopted to synthesize the D–π–A–π–A style PC‐TBTBT (Mw = 31.1 kDa) and D–π–A analog PC‐TBT (Mw = 87.5 kDa) by Suzuki coupling reaction. Experimental results confirm that D–π–A–π–A PC‐TBTBT‐based solar cell shows a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.74% with high VOC of 0.99 V and enhanced JSC of 9.70 mA cm−2. The PCE and JSC achieve improvements of 17% and 26%, respectively, compared to the D–π–A PC‐TBT‐based solar cell.

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Mathematical Modeling of Multiple Crystallization Elution Fractionation (m‐CEF) of Polyethylene and Ethylene/1‐Olefin Copolymer
Authors: Buncharoen Pattawut , Anantawaraskul Siripon , Chokputtanawuttilerd Nuttawat
Published: October 2015

Multiple crystallization elution fractionation (m‐CEF) is a new approach for operating CEF using multiple cooling/heating cycles to enhance physical separation of polymers with different chain crystallizabilities. In this work, an m‐CEF model was developed based on the concept of population balance with crystallization and dissolution kinetics. The model was found to describe the previously reported trend of experimental m‐CEF profiles well. Effect of m‐CEF operating cycles and column length was also examined.
High Temperature Thermal Gradient Interaction Chromatography (HT‐TGIC) of Ethylene/1‐Octene Copolymers: Model Development and Validation
Authors: Inwong Nantiya , Anantawaraskul Siripon , Soares João B. P. , Al‐ Khazaal Abdulaal Z.
Published: October 2015

High temperature thermal gradient interaction chromatography (HT‐TGIC) is a new polymer characterization technique developed to characterize the chemical composition distribution (CCD) of ethylene/1‐olefin copolymers based on interactions between polymer chains and the graphitic surface. In this work, a mathematical model was developed to describe HT‐TGIC fractionation using population balances and a non‐equilibrium, multi‐stage adsorption/desorption model. The proposed model was validated with HT‐TGIC experimental profiles of ethylene/1‐octene copolymers with various comonomer contents. Good agreement between experiments and model results was observed.
Analysis of Propylene‐1‐Butene Copolymer Composition by GPC with Online Detectors
Authors: Honghong Huang , Meifang Guo , Juan Li , Ortín Alberto , Yau Wallace W.
Published: October 2015

The use of High Temperature Gel Permeation Chromatography (HT‐GPC) with online infrared (IR) detector to analyze copolymer composition of propylene‐1‐butene (P‐B) copolymer is investigated in this study. This technique is based on the measurement of the methyl to methylene ratio by an online infrared detector. This measurement is made possible by the highly discriminating power of a modern multiple band filter‐based IR detector (IR5 MCT) to detect the P–B copolymer chemical structure. Also discussed is an alternative method, based on the application of the triple‐detector GPC (GPC with IR, viscometer and light scattering coupled detectors) approach and Mark–Houwink plot.
Separation of Ethylene‐Propylene Copolymers by Crystallization and Adsorption Mechanisms. A Journey Inside the Analytical Techniques
Authors: Monrabal Benjamin
Published: October 2015

The separation of polyolefin copolymers in terms of composition has been typically performed by crystallization techniques. In the last years, a new liquid chromatography approach has become available that extends the range of composition analysis applicable towards higher comonomer content. Every technique has its capabilities and limitations, and the use of multiple hyphenated techniques is often required to provide unequivocal results for characterizing the microstructure of complex copolymers like high impact polypropylene. A good understanding of the individual separation mechanisms is essential to interpreting the obtained results properly, and this becomes a challenging task when dealing with ethylene‐propylene copolymers or homopolymer blends. The separation of these resins by the existing techniques is discussed. The role of solvent and the adsorbent in the separation mechanisms is investigated and a comparison of crystallization and liquid adsorption chromatography with various types of adsorbents is presented.
The latissimus dorsi‐groin‐lymph node compound flap: A comprehensive technique with three features including skin coverage, restoration of motor function, and prevention of upper limb lymphedema
Authors: Nicoli Fabio , Orfaniotis Georgios , Lazzeri Davide , Lim Seong Yoon , Kiranantawat Kidakorn , Chen Pei‐Yu , Ciudad Pedro , Chilgar Ram M. , Sapountzis Stamatis , Sacak Bulent , Chen Hung‐Chi
Published: October 2015

Reconstruction of complex upper extremity defects requires a need for multiple tissue components. The supercharged latissimus dorsi (LD)‐groin compound flap is an option that can provide a large skin paddle with simultaneous functional muscle transfer. It is necessary to supercharge the flap with the superficial circumflex iliac pedicle to ensure the viability of its groin extension. In this report, we present a case of a supercharged LD‐groin flap in combination with vascularized inguinal lymph nodes, which was used for upper limb reconstruction in a young male patient, following excision of high‐grade liposarcoma. Resection resulted in a 28 cm × 15 cm skin defect extending from the upper arm to the proximal forearm, also involving the triceps muscle, a segment of the ulnar nerve and the axillary lymph nodes. Restoration of triceps function was achieved with transfer of the innervated LD muscle. Part of the ulnar nerve was resected and repaired with sural nerve grafts. Post‐operatively, the flap survived fully with no partial necrosis, and no complications at both the recipient and donor sites. At 1‐year follow up, the patient had a well‐healed wound with good elbow extension (against resistance), no tumor recurrence, and no signs of lymphedema. We believe this comprehensive approach may represent a valuable technique, for not only the oncological reconstruction of upper extremity, but also for the prevention of lymphedema. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:689–694, 2016.
Determining the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) behavior of citrate and spermine under in vivo conditions
Authors: Basharat Meer , deSouza Nandita M. , Parkes Harold G. , Payne Geoffrey S.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

To estimate the exchange rates of labile 1H in citrate and spermine, metabolites present in prostatic secretions, to predict the size of the citrate and spermine CEST effects in vivo.

Methods

CEST z‐spectra were acquired at high‐field [11.7 Tesla (T)] from citrate and spermine solutions at physiological pH (6.5) using saturation power 6 μT. CEST was performed at different temperatures to determine exchange regimes (slow, intermediate or fast). For low pH solutions of spermine, exchange rates were estimated from resonance line width, fitting z‐spectra using the Bloch equations incorporating exchange, and using quantifying exchange using saturation time experiments (QUEST). These rates were extrapolated to physiological pH.

Results

Citrate showed little CEST effect at pH 6.5 and temperature (T) = 310 K (maximum 0.001% mM‐1), indicating fast exchange, whereas spermine showed greater CEST effects (maximum 0.2% mM‐1) indicating intermediate‐to‐fast exchange. Extrapolating data acquired from low pH spermine solutions predicts exchange rates at pH 6.5 and T of 310 K of at least 2 × 104s‐1.

Conclusion

Citrate and spermine show minimal CEST effects at 11.7T even using high saturation power. These effects would be much less than 2% at clinical field‐strengths due to relatively faster exchange and would be masked by CEST from proteins. Magn Reson Med 76:742–746, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Intramuscular nerve distribution pattern of ankle invertor muscles in human cadaver using sihler stain
Authors: Yi Kyu‐Ho , Rha Dong‐Wook , Lee Sang Chul , Cong Liyao , Lee Hyung‐Jin , Lee Yong‐Woong , Kim Hee‐Jin , Hu Kyung‐Seok
Published: October 2015

Introduction: We sought to the ideal sites for botulinum toxin injection by examining the intramuscular nerve patterns of the ankle invertors. Methods: A modified Sihler method was performed on the flexor hallucis longus, tibialis posterior, and flexor digitorum longus muscles (10 specimens each). The muscle origins, nerve entry points, and intramuscular arborization areas were measured as a percentage of the total distance from the most prominent point of the lateral malleolus (0%) to the fibular head (100%). Results: Intramuscular arborization patterns were observed at 20–50% for the flexor hallucis longus, 70–80% for the tibialis posterior, and 30–40% for the flexor digitorum longus. Conclusions: These findings suggest that treatment of muscle spasticity of the ankle invertors involves botulinum toxin injections in specific areas. These areas, corresponding to the areas of maximum arborization, are recommended as the most effective and safest points for injection. Muscle Nerve 53: 742–747, 2016
Sensory neuronopathies
Authors: Gwathmey Kelly Graham
Published: October 2015

The sensory neuronopathies (or ganglionopathies) are a small subcategory of neuropathies characterized by primary degeneration of the dorsal root ganglia and trigeminal ganglion sensory neurons, resulting in a distinctive clinical presentation. Patients typically have subacute onset of asymmetric, non–length‐dependent sensory impairment and early ataxia. The etiologies of acquired sensory neuronopathies are rather limited. Early identification is imperative, as they may herald an underlying malignancy or an autoimmune condition such as Sjögren syndrome. This review addresses the various causes of acquired sensory neuronopathies, the recommended diagnostic approach, and treatment options. Finally, I will briefly discuss a select few hereditary and degenerative sensory neuronopathies, which, in contrast to the acquired disorders, are slowly progressive and are usually associated with additional neurological symptoms. Muscle Nerve 53: 8–19, 2016
What advice can you give women to encourage them in their careers?
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: October 2015

You mentor several younger women at your institution who are considering administrative positions or who are new to administration. They have observed that there aren't as many women as men in high‐level positions, and they know from statistics that's true across the country. You want to give them concrete advice that can help them succeed. What would you do?
Elevated ghrelin predicts food intake during experimental sleep restriction
Authors: Broussard Josiane L. , Kilkus Jennifer M. , Delebecque Fanny , Abraham Varghese , Day Andrew , Whitmore Harry R. , Tasali Esra
Published: October 2015

Objective

Sleep curtailment has been linked to obesity, but underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. This study assessed whether sleep restriction alters 24‐h profiles of appetite‐regulating hormones ghrelin, leptin, and pancreatic polypeptide during a standardized diet and whether these hormonal alterations predict food intake during ad libitum feeding.

Methods

Nineteen healthy, lean men were studied under normal sleep and sleep restriction in a randomized crossover design. Blood samples were collected for 24 h during standardized meals. Subsequently, participants had an ad libitum feeding opportunity (buffet meals and snacks) and caloric intake was measured.

Results

Ghrelin levels were increased after sleep restriction as compared with normal sleep (P < 0.01). Overall, sleep restriction did not alter leptin or pancreatic polypeptide profiles. Sleep restriction was associated with an increase in total calories from snacks by 328 ± 140 kcal (P = 0.03), primarily from carbohydrates (P = 0.02). The increase in evening ghrelin during sleep restriction was correlated with higher consumption of calories from sweets (r = 0.48, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Sleep restriction as compared with normal sleep significantly increases ghrelin levels. The increase in ghrelin is associated with higher consumption of calories. Elevated ghrelin may be a mechanism by which sleep loss leads to increased food intake and the development of obesity.
Nonlinear model predictive control based on constraint transformation
Authors: Käpernick Bartosz , Graichen Knut
Published: October 2015

The paper presents a constraint transformation approach for nonlinear model predictive control (MPC) subject to a class of state and control constraints. The approach uses a two‐stage transformation technique to incorporate the constraints into a new unconstrained MPC formulation with new variables. As part of the stability analysis, the relationship of the new unconstrained MPC scheme to an interior penalty formulation in the original variables is discussed. The approach is combined with an unconstrained gradient method that allows for computing the single MPC iterations in a real‐time manner. The applicability of the approach, for example, to fast mechatronic systems, is demonstrated by numerical as well as experimental results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility of Cancer Immunotherapy with WT1 Peptide Vaccination for Solid and Hematological Malignancies in Children
Authors: Sawada Akihisa , Inoue Masami , Kondo Osamu , Yamada‐Nakata Kayo , Ishihara Takashi , Kuwae Yuko , Nishikawa Masanori , Ammori Yasuhiro , Tsuboi Akihiro , Oji Yusuke , Koyama‐Sato Maho , Oka Yoshihiro , Yasui Masahiro , Sugiyama Haruo , Kawa Keisei
Published: October 2015

Background

Advances in cancer immunotherapy in the pediatric field are needed in order to improve the prognosis of children with malignancies. We conducted a prospective phase I/II study of WT1 peptide vaccination for children with relapsed or refractory malignancies.

Methods

The main eligibility criteria were affected tissues or leukemic cells expressing the WT1 gene, and patients (and donors for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation) having HLA‐A*24:02. Vaccination using the WT1 peptide (CYTWNQMNL), which was modified for higher affinity to this HLA‐type molecule with the adjuvant Montanide ISA51, was performed weekly 12 times.

Results

Twenty‐six patients were enrolled and 13 (50.0%) completed the vaccination 12 times. Evidence for the induction of WT1‐specific cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte (CTL) responses without severe systemic side effects was obtained. Two out of 12 patients with bulky disease exhibited a transient clinical effect (one mixed response and one stable disease), three out of six patients with minimal residual disease achieved transient molecular remission, and five out of eight patients without a detectable level of the molecular marker, but with a high risk of relapse, had the best outcome of long‐term continuous complete remission.

Conclusions

WT1 vaccination is a safe immunotherapy and induced WT1‐specific CTL responses in children; however, as a single agent, vaccination only provided patients in remission, but with a high risk of relapse, with “long‐term benefits” in the context of its use for relapse prevention. WT1 peptide‐based treatments in combination with other modalities, such as anti‐tumor drugs or immunomodulating agents, need to be planned.
Non‐isothermal crystallization behavior of PLA/acetylated cellulose nanocrystal/silica nanocomposites
Authors: Myoung Seok Han , Im Seung Soon , Kim Seong Hun
Published: October 2015

Poly(lactide) (PLA)/acetylated cellulose nanocrystals (ACN)/silica nanocomposites were prepared by solution casting. Surface modification of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) was performed to prepare the ACN. The ACN and silica were expected to act as a mechanical reinforcement of PLA and a nucleation agent, respectively, to increase the crystallization rate. Introduction of acetyl groups on the surface of the cellulose nanocrystals was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A combined Avrami − Ozawa analysis described the non‐isothermal crystallization effectively. The activation energy for the crystallization was calculated from the Kissinger and the Takhor equations. Spherulite growth behavior was observed by polarizing optical microscope and spherulite growth rate, the number of spherulite versus crystallization time have investigated. The development of PLA crystals and the thermal stability had a tendency to improve with increasing silica content. Increased tensile strength was observed due to the reinforcement effect of ACN and the morphology of the nanocomposites was investigated. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of base‐deposited graphene oxide on the thermal stabilization of poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Hao Yong‐Bo , Hou Pang , Li Guo‐Xing , Li Ping , Qiu Feng , He Hong , Zeng Jian‐Bing , Wang Ming
Published: October 2015

Graphene oxide was deposited in a base solution to form base‐deposited graphene oxide (bd‐GO) particles. The structure and properties of the bd‐GOparticles were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron, Fourier transform infrared,UV‐visible and fluorescence spectroscopies. The effect of the bd‐GOparticles on the thermal stabilization of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was investigated using the Congo red test and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that the thermal stability ofPVCwas greatly improved by the bd‐GOparticles. Furthermore, this stabilization mechanism was investigated usingUV‐visible spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm analysis. It was found that the improvement of thermal stability was mainly related to the deactivation of thermally labile structural defects in thePVCchains by the carboxylate and alkoxide moieties of the basic groups in the bd‐GOparticles, and the highly efficient adsorption of the bd‐GOparticles with hydrogen chloride produced duringPVCdegradation. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
An in situ GISAXS study of selective solvent vapor annealing in thin block copolymer films: Symmetry breaking of in‐plane sphere order upon deswelling
Authors: Gunkel Ilja , Gu Xiaodan , Sun Zhiwei , Schaible Eric , Hexemer Alexander , Russell Thomas P.
Published: October 2015

Thin films of asymmetric poly(styrene‐b‐4‐vinylpyridine) (PS‐b‐P4VP) block copolymers are studied by means of in situ grazing‐incidence small‐angle X‐ray scattering (GISAXS) during solvent vapor annealing in tetrahydrofuran, a solvent selective for the PS majority block of the copolymer. Upon swelling, PS‐b‐P4VP block copolymers form hexagonal arrays of spherical P4VP microdomains in a PS matrix in films 7–9 layers thick. Deswelling the films induces a transition from hexagonal to face‐centered orthorhombic (fco) symmetry, which is stable only at ∼7 layers of spherical microdomains. Dry films show co‐existing hexagonal and orthorhombic symmetries when the solvent is removed slowly, whereas instantaneous solvent removal suppresses the fco structure, resulting in films with only hexagonal structure. The in‐plane order of microdomains is significantly deteriorated in dry films independent of the solvent removal rate.Spherical block copolymer microdomains are known to undergo a transition from hexagonal to orthorhombic packing in isothermally annealed thin films when the number of sphere layers is increased from 4 to 5. In this paper, in situ GISAXS experiments reveal that a similar transition occurs during solvent vapor annealing in a selective solvent. Interestingly, the transition from hexagonal to orthorhombic packing of spheres occurs as solvent is removed from a thin block copolymer film. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 331–338
Exploring interaction mechanisms of the inhibitor binding to the VP35 IID region of Ebola virus by all atom molecular dynamics simulation method
Authors: Zhang Yan‐Jun , Ding Jing‐Na , Feng Ting‐Ting , Han Ju‐Guang
Published: October 2015

Ebola viruses (EBOVs) cause an acute and serious illness which is often fatal if untreated, and there is no effective vaccine until now. Multifunctional VP35 is critical for viral replication, RNA silencing suppression and nucleocapsid formation, and it is considered as a future target for the molecular biology technique. In the present work, the binding of inhibitor pyrrole‐based compounds (GA017) to wild‐type (WT), single (K248A, K251A, and I295A), and double (K248A/I295A) mutant VP35 were investigated by all‐atom molecular dynamic (MD) simulations and Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) energy calculation. The calculated results indicate that the binding with GA017 makes the binding pocket more stable and reduces the space of the binding pocket. Moreover, the electrostatic interactions (ΔEele) and VDW energy (ΔEvdw) provide the major forces for affinity binding, and single mutation I295A and double mutation K248A/I295A have great influence on the conformation of the VP35 binding pocket. Interestingly, the residues R300‐G301‐D302 of I295A form a new helix and the sheet formed by the residues V294‐I295‐H296‐I297 disappears in the double mutation K248A/I295A as compared with WT. Moreover, the binding free energy calculations show that I295A and K248A/I295A mutations decrease of absolute binding free energies while K248A and K251A mutations increase absolute binding free energy. Our calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental results that K248A/I295A double mutant results in near‐complete loss of compound binding. The obtained information will be useful for design effective inhibitors for treating Ebola virus. Proteins 2015; 83:2263–2278. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.