bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pearls for Piggyback IOL Implantation
Authors: Pandey Suresh K , Sharma Vidushi
Published: February 2014

Today’s cataract patients expect refractive results near emmetropia and relative independence from spectacles. The surgeon therefore needs to be skilled at multiple surgical methods for correcting residual ametropia after the cataract procedure. One useful method is to implant a piggyback IOL in the ciliary sulcus over the existing lens implant. In this issue we discuss the indications, contraindications, surgical technique, and complications involved with piggyback IOL implantation procedure. Piggyback technique of IOL Implantation was first described by Gayton and Sanders in 1993, this technique was initially developed to correct high hyperopic errors and as a secondary procedure to correct postoperative refractive errors. Implanting a second IOL in the posterior chamber is a relatively easy and atraumatic procedure that is not associated with the risk of potential complications seen with IOL exchange. Additionally, the accuracy of IOL power calculation is theoretically higher than in IOL exchange. Piggybacking with PMMA, silicone, or acrylic IOLs has been successful in myopic, hyperopic, and overcorrected pseudophakic patients. With the original IOL placed in the capsular bag, the piggyback IOL is traditionally placed in the sulcus in a brief procedure that takes just few minutes. Calculating the piggyback IOL power can be done quite accurately with the Holladay vergence formula. It is also easily estimated based upon the patient’s refraction. For myopic refractions, multiply the spherical equivalent by 1.2 to determine the piggyback IOL power. For hyperopic refractions, multiply the spherical equivalent by 1.5 to determine the piggyback IOL power. It is important to use an appropriate IOL for piggyback placement; these are three-piece IOLs that are made of hydrophobic acrylic, silicone or collamer material. Note that single-piece hydrophobic acrylic IOLs should not be placed into the sulcus because they may induce uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome.
Enhanced Depth Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging - A Review
Authors: Rajendran Anand , Ramteke Pushpanjali , Rathinam SR
Published: February 2014

The choroid remained till date an unexplored entity due to difficulty in visualization of deeper structures in vivo. The choroid being the vascular inner layer receives maximum blood that flows to the eye. The retina derives its blood supply from the choroid hence any choroidal abnormality ultimately affects the retina. The role of choroid in the pathogenesis of retinal diseases has not been studied in detail. OCT has been a revolution in the field of ocular imaging. Now, Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography (EDI OCT), a new investigative modality with its deeper penetration has made the study of the choroid an easy task. Choroidal thickness plays a vital role in the determination of the pathogenesis of various disorders. EDI OCT has been studied in many diseases like myopia, CSCR, DR, ARMD, PCV, age related choroidal atrophy, macular hole and tumors. The exact calculation of choroidal thickness is difficult even in normal eyes as the boundaries of choroid are ill-defined. Measurements are done manually which are subject to interindividual variation. Automated software are still not validated till date. Choroidal thickness varies according to the age, location in relation to the macula and axial length. The choroid is found to be thickest underneath the fovea and thinnest nasally. The choroidal thickness decreases with increasing age and the degree of myopia. Even diurnal variations in choroidal thickness have been extensively studied. Diseases with choroidal hyperpermeability like CSCR, PCV show increased choroidal thickness. Those with chorioretinal atrophy like myopia, macular hole, ARMD, age related choroidal atrophy and inherited retinal dystrophies show reduced choroidal thickness. Choroidal thickness measurement aids in differentiation of ARMD from PCV and CSCR and also has an important role in judging response to different treatment modalities like PDT, lasers and anti VEGF agents. A new terminology age related choroidal atrophy was assigned to those patients with decreased choroidal thickness and without typical features of ARMD. In many of the pathologies not only the affected eye but the fellow eye shows changes suggestive of bilateral nature of these pathologies. Tumors which are posteriorly located and small and undetectable by ultrasonography can be easily visualized with the help of this technique. EDI OCT has a wide variety of implications in the diagnosis of a large number of not only retinal but uveal pathologies too like VKH syndrome. EDI OCT, with improved visualization of deeper retinal tissues and precise measurement of choroidal thickness has enhanced our acumen in the management of many of these pathologies.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Strabismus
Authors: Chaudhuri Zia , Demer Joseph L
Published: February 2014

Diagnostic imaging of the orbit, extraocular muscles (EOM) and ocular adnexa in complex strabismus often provides insight into its etiology. High resolution dynamic MRI has demonstrated that the direction of action of each rectus EOM is directed towards an anteriorly located connective tissue sleeve containing elastin, collagen and richly innervated smooth muscle tissue called a pulley. Anatomically, global layer of rectus EOM passes through the pulley and the orbital layer inserts on the pulley and not on the globe. Pulley heterotopy thus is an important parameter in the genesis of different forms of complex strabismus previously classified as being idiopathic. Evaluation of these changes in vivo with dynamic high resolution MRI aids planning of appropriate corrective measures, focused on amelioration of the primary anomaly, which can often not be clinically assessed. Target fixation while performing MRI in different gazes with the orbital surface coil aids evaluation of the dynamic contractility of the EOMs, thus demonstrating objective parameters of EOM function. The detailed anatomical and functional parameters thus determined by this non-invasive modality not only provides unique insights into the etiopathogenesis of the strabismus, especially complex strabismus but also provides objective evidence based guidelines for their management. This review elaborates on the concept of pulleys and the diagnostic importance of dynamic high resolution surface coil MRI in the diagnosis and management of complex strabismus with specific emphasis on disorders of pulley heterotopy, cranial nerve palsy, extraocular muscle trauma and the genesis and management of the sagging eye syndrome.
Juxtapapillary Hemangioblastoma: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Narula Anurag , Guliani BP , Sethi HS , Ranjan Pratyush , Shastri Aniket , Gupta Vishnu
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

To report a case of retinal vascular tumor and to review literature pertaining to management of retinal vascular tumors of the eye.

Methods:

Clinical data including medical history, findings on physical examination, local examination, Fundus Fluorescein Angiography, USG B-Scan, MR Angiography of head and orbit was done for a 31 year old male, case of retinal juxtapapillary hemangioblastoma. Patient was given 2 injections of intravitreal Anti-VEGF at 4 weeks interval to reduce tumor vascularity, size and associated exudation, oedema and SRF to improve visual acuity. PDT was done following this for the residual tumor mass.

Results:

Visual acuity of the patient improved from finger counting at 3mts to 6/24 following intravitreal injections. Following PDT vision further improved to 6/18 and was maintained at that. No new tumor activity was observed over next 6 months.

Conclusions:

Combination of Anti-VEGF and PDT is an effective method of treatment of juxtrapapillary hemangioblastomas and of improving and preserving vision of the patient.
Isothermal magnetosheath electrons due to nonlocal electron cross talk
Authors: Mitchell J. J. , Schwartz S. J.
Published: February 2014

Heating of the various plasma species at the Earth's collisionless bow shock is not fully understood. Although the total amount of heating is constrained by the one‐fluid Rankine‐Hugoniot relations in terms of local plasma conditions, the partition of energy between, e.g., electrons and ions, is influenced by particle kinetics which are not considered in the Rankine‐Hugoniot approach. Additionally, in this paper we demonstrate the impact of nonlocal effects. Here we model the effects of shock‐heated electrons which traverse the magnetosheath to arrive at another point on the bow shock surface. We construct the distribution of electrons immediately downstream of each point on the bow shock from two populations: local solar wind electrons entering the magnetosheath for the first time and previously shocked electrons which have traversed the magnetosheath. We determine the self‐consistent cross‐shock potential at each point such that the resulting electron distribution gives a downstream plasma which is neutral and has zero parallel current. This leads to very little variation in the downstream electron temperature everywhere around the curved bow shock, in spite of large differences in the total (Rankine‐Hugoniot) downstream temperature. Consequently, the partition of heating between electrons and ions at the shock, i.e., the equation of state, contains nonlocal contributions. We show that heating properties at the point where the shock is exactly perpendicular controls electron heating throughout the rest of the shock surface.
Researchers Bring Local Science Into Classrooms
Authors: Theuerkauf Ethan J. , Ridge Justin T.
Published: February 2014

The need to communicate scientific research beyond academia is increasing concurrently with a growing emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in K–12 education [Breiner et al., 2012]. Connecting scientists with K–12 educators who will share research with students in their classrooms is an effective method for broadening the audience for scientific research. However, establishing connections with teachers can be difficult, as there are few networking opportunities between these two groups without one directly contacting the other.
Ambient tremors in a collisional orogenic belt
Authors: Chuang Lindsay Yuling , Chen Kate Huihsuan , Wech Aaron , Byrne Timothy , Peng Wei
Published: February 2014

Deep‐seated tectonic tremors have been regarded as an observation tied to interconnected fluids at depth, which have been well documented in worldwide subduction zones and transform faults but not in a collisional mountain belt. In this study we explore the general features of collisional tremors in Taiwan and discuss the possible generation mechanism. In the 4 year data, we find 231 ambient tremor episodes with durations ranging from 5 to 30 min. In addition to a coseismic slip‐induced stress change from nearby major earthquake, increased tremor rate is also highly correlated with the active, normal faulting earthquake swarms at the shallower depth. Both the tremor and earthquake swarm activities are confined in a small, area where the high attenuation, high thermal anomaly, the boundary between high and low resistivity, and localized veins on the surfaces distributed, suggesting the involvement of fluids from metamorphic dehydration within the orogen.
Preparation of Anti‐Inflammatory Mesenchymal Stem/Precursor Cells (MSCs) Through Sphere Formation Using Hanging‐Drop Culture Technique
Authors: Bartosh Thomas J. , Ylostalo Joni H.
Published: February 2014

Herein, we describe a protocol for preparation of pre‐activated anti‐inflammatory human mesenchymal stem/precursor cells (MSCs) in 3‐D culture without addition of exogenous chemicals or gene‐transfer approaches. MSCs are an easily procurable source of multipotent adult stem cells with therapeutic potential largely attributed to their paracrine regulation of inflammation and immunity. However, the culture conditions to prepare the ideal MSCs for cell therapy remain elusive. Furthermore, the reported lag time for activation in experimental models has prompted investigations on pre‐activating the cells prior to their administration. In this protocol, standard 2‐D culture‐expanded MSCs are activated by aggregation into 3‐D spheres using hanging‐drop cultures. MSC activation is evaluated by real‐time PCR and/or ELISA for anti‐inflammatory factors (TSG‐6, STC‐1, PGE2), and by a functional assay using lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated macrophage cultures. Further, we elucidate methods to prepare MSC‐sphere conditioned medium, intact spheres, and suspension of single cells from spheres for experimental and clinical applications. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 28:2B.06.1‐2B.06.23. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mesoporous Niobium Oxide Spheres as an Effective Catalyst for the Transamidation of Primary Amides with Amines
Authors: Ghosh Subhash Chandra , Li Cheng Chao , Zeng Hua Chun , Ngiam Joyce S. Y. , Seayad Abdul M. , Chen Anqi
Published: February 2014

Mesoporous niobium oxide spheres (MNOS), conveniently prepared by a novel antisolvent precipitation approach, have been shown to be an effective catalyst for the transamidation of primary amides with amines. This novel transamidation can be efficiently carried out under solvent‐free conditions and is applicable to a wide range of primary amides and amines to provide N‐alkyl amides in good to excellent yields. The catalyst is highly stable and reusable. The application of this transamidation reaction has been demonstrated in the synthesis of antidepressant drug moclobemide and other drug‐like compounds.

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Role of routine imaging in detecting recurrent lymphoma: A review of 258 patients with relapsed aggressive non‐Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: El‐Galaly TC , Mylam Karen Juul , Bøgsted Martin , Brown Peter , Rossing Maria , Gang Anne Ortved , Haglund Anne , Arboe Bente , Clausen Michael Roost , Jensen Paw , Pedersen Michael , Bukh Anne , Jensen Bo Amdi , Poulsen Christian Bjørn , d'Amore Francesco , Hutchings Martin
Published: February 2014

After first‐line therapy, patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and aggressive non‐HL are followed up closely for early signs of relapse. The current follow‐up practice with frequent use of surveillance imaging is highly controversial and warrants a critical evaluation. Therefore, a retrospective multicenter study of relapsed HL and aggressive non‐HL (nodal T‐cell and diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas) was conducted. All included patients had been diagnosed during the period 2002–2011 and relapsed after achieving complete remission on first‐line therapy. Characteristics and outcome of imaging‐detected relapses were compared with other relapses. A total of 258 patients with recurrent lymphoma were included in the study. Relapse investigations were initiated outside preplanned visits in 52% of the patients. Relapse detection could be attributed to patient‐reported symptoms alone or in combination with abnormal blood tests or physical examination in 64% of the patients. Routine imaging prompted relapse investigations in 27% of the patients. The estimated number of routine scans per relapse was 91–255 depending on the lymphoma subtype. Patients with imaging‐detected relapse had lower disease burden (P = 0.045) and reduced risk of death following relapse (hazard ratio = 0.62, P = 0.02 in multivariate analysis). Patient‐reported symptoms are still the most common factor for detecting lymphoma relapse and the high number of scans per relapse calls for improved criteria for use of surveillance imaging. However, imaging‐detected relapse was associated with lower disease burden and a possible survival advantage. The future role of routine surveillance imaging should be defined in a randomized trial. Am. J. Hematol. 89:575–580, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and Photoinduced Energy and Electron Transfer of Donor‐Silicon‐Acceptor Polymers
Authors: Ohshita Joji , Kaneko Fumiya , Tanaka Daiki , Ooyama Yousuke
Published: February 2014

Two organosilicon polymers with donor‐silicon‐acceptor (D‐Si‐A) repeating units were prepared and their optical properties were investigated. One with bithiophene and diethynylbenzothiadiazole units as the donor and acceptor exhibits clear photoinduced electron transfer even in nonpolar cyclohexane. In contrast, for the other D‐Si‐A polymer with more expanded π‐conjugated units, terthiophene and dithienylbenzothiadiazole, photoenergy transfer occurs efficiently in cyclohexane and electron transfer occurs only in polar benzonitrile. DFT calculations were performed to understand the different photoluminescence properties of these D‐Si‐A polymers.
Fluoride‐Bridged {GdIII3MIII2} (M=Cr, Fe, Ga) Molecular Magnetic Refrigerants
Authors: Pedersen Kasper S. , Lorusso Giulia , Morales Juan José , Weyhermüller Thomas , Piligkos Stergios , Singh Saurabh Kumar , Larsen Dennis , Schau‐Magnussen Magnus , Rajaraman Gopalan , Evangelisti Marco , Bendix Jesper
Published: February 2014

The reaction of fac‐[MIIIF3(Me3tacn)]⋅x H2O with Gd(NO3)3⋅5H2O affords a series of fluoride‐bridged, trigonal bipyramidal {GdIII3MIII2} (M=Cr (1), Fe (2), Ga (3)) complexes without signs of concomitant GdF3 formation, thereby demonstrating the applicability even of labile fluoride‐complexes as precursors for 3d–4f systems. Molecular geometry enforces weak exchange interactions, which is rationalized computationally. This, in conjunction with a lightweight ligand sphere, gives rise to large magnetic entropy changes of 38.3 J kg−1 K−1 (1) and 33.1 J kg−1 K−1 (2) for the field change 7 T→0 T. Interestingly, the entropy change, and the magnetocaloric effect, are smaller in 2 than in 1 despite the larger spin ground state of the former secured by intramolecular Fe–Gd ferromagnetic interactions. This observation underlines the necessity of controlling not only the ground state but also close‐lying excited states for successful design of molecular refrigerants.
Growth of Chlorella vulgaris using sodium bicarbonate under no mixing condition
Authors: Kim Jinsoo , Lee Joo‐Youp , Ahting Christina , Johnstone Rachel , Lu Ting
Published: February 2014

NaHCO3 was used to increase the concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) for autotrophic microalgal cultivation in open pond systems. The effects of DIC on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris were investigated under different initial DIC concentrations of 17, 33, 62, 123, and 361 mg carbon/L under no mixing condition. NaHCO3 was found to be an excellent buffer that can help increase DIC concentrations in the culture medium for open pond systems with an advantage of keeping the pH of the medium suitable for algal culture. The cell growth did not show any significant differences with respect to DIC concentrations available in the culture media under no mixing condition. A mass balance model for DIC shows that the external mass transfer resistance between the bulk culture media and the algal cell surface is not significant. The DIC consumption rate inside the algal cell is very likely to be a rate‐limiting step for the growth. Copyright © 2014 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural evolution of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ethylene oxide)/unmodified clay upon ambient ageing
Authors: Derho Joffrey , Soulestin Jérémie , Krawczak Patricia
Published: February 2014

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/unmodified clay masterbatches are compounded together in order to investigate the ambient ageing of the resulting PLA/PEO/clay ternary blends. Binary blends are miscible up to 20 wt PEO% and in ternary counterparts, clay is intercalated at a nanometric scale, similarly to the clay dispersion state in masterbatches. PEO/clay interactions are strong, as confirmed by the lower plasticization of ternary blends. Furthermore, structural modifications occurring over time are evidenced for all blends through the observation of changes in thermal responses. Over the 220‐day observation period, lower plasticized samples undergo physical ageing only whereas blends close to the miscibility limit know a rapid PLA/PEO phase separation without physical ageing. For blends with intermediate PEO concentrations, both phenomena are observed with slower PLA chain mobility transition. Remarkably clay appears to affect both phenomena, ternary blends having limited physical ageing and slower PLA/PEO segregation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40426.
Brief Report: Stress‐Inducible Nuclear Protein 1 Regulates Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 Expression in Human Articular Chondrocytes
Authors: Yammani Raghunatha R. , Loeser Richard F.
Published: February 2014

Objective

Nuclear protein 1 (Nupr1) is a stress‐inducible protein that is involved in gene transcription. The present study was undertaken to determine whether chondrocytes express Nupr1 and whether Nupr1 regulates matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP‐13) expression.

Methods

Paraffin‐embedded cartilage sections from normal human and osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage were immunostained using anti‐Nupr1 antibody. To measure Nupr1 expression, total RNA was isolated from joint tissue obtained 8 weeks after surgery from young (12‐week‐old) and older (12‐month‐old) mice that underwent destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) to induce OA. Human chondrocytes were stimulated with 1–10 ng/ml interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), 25 μM tert‐butyl‐hydroperoxide (tBHP), or 2 μM thapsigargin, and Nupr1 expression was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, chondrocytes were transfected with small interfering RNA to knock down Nupr1 expression and then stimulated overnight with IL‐1β. After incubation, the conditioned medium was collected and MMP levels measured.

Results

Increased Nupr1 immunostaining was noted in human OA cartilage compared to normal cartilage. Expression was also increased in joint tissue from 12‐month‐old mice that underwent DMM surgery compared to sham‐operated controls. Stimulation of chondrocytes with IL‐1β induced a 2‐fold increase in Nupr1 messenger RNA (mRNA) within 1 hour, with the increase peaking to 4‐fold at 6 hours. Treatment of chondrocytes with tBHP to induce oxidative stress increased Nupr1 mRNA expression by >2‐fold; treatment with thapsigargin to induce endoplasmic reticulum stress did not produce a similar effect. Knockdown of Nupr1 inhibited IL‐1β–mediated induction of MMP‐13.

Conclusion

Nupr1 is expressed in cartilage, and its levels are increased in OA. Nupr1 expression is required for IL‐1β–mediated expression of MMP‐13. These findings provide evidence of a novel pathway for regulation of IL‐1β–mediated production of MMPs in chondrocytes.
Optimal bi‐level Stackelberg strategies for supply chain financing with both capital‐constrained buyers and sellers
Authors: Yan Nina , Dai Hongyan , Sun Baowen
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we design a supply chain finance system with a manufacturer, a retailer and a commercial bank where both the retailer and manufacturer are capital constrained under demand uncertainties. We formulate a bi‐level Stackelberg game for the supply chain finance system in which the bank acts as the leader and the manufacturer as the subleader. Considering the bankruptcy risks of the manufacturer and the retailer, we analyze the optimal financing interest rate for the commercial bank, the optimal order for the retailer and the optimal wholesale price for the manufacturer, respectively. We compare our model with two benchmark cases, that is, no financing scheme and infinite‐credit‐line financing scheme, to find out the important interactions between the operational and financial decisions in the supply chain finance system. It concluded that the different interest rates and credit lines would affect the supply chain operations. Finally, we demonstrate the impacts of different capital levels and interest rates on the optimal decisions through numerical studies that validate our theoretical analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrating mitosis, toxicity, and transgene expression in a telecommunications packet‐switched network model of lipoplex‐mediated gene delivery
Authors: Martin Timothy M. , Wysocki Beata J. , Beyersdorf Jared P. , Wysocki Tadeusz A. , Pannier Angela K.
Published: February 2014

Gene delivery systems transport exogenous genetic information to cells or biological systems with the potential to directly alter endogenous gene expression and behavior with applications in functional genomics, tissue engineering, medical devices, and gene therapy. Nonviral systems offer advantages over viral systems because of their low immunogenicity, inexpensive synthesis, and easy modification but suffer from lower transfection levels. The representation of gene transfer using models offers perspective and interpretation of complex cellular mechanisms, including nonviral gene delivery where exact mechanisms are unknown. Here, we introduce a novel telecommunications model of the nonviral gene delivery process in which the delivery of the gene to a cell is synonymous with delivery of a packet of information to a destination computer within a packet‐switched computer network. Such a model uses nodes and layers to simplify the complexity of modeling the transfection process and to overcome several challenges of existing models. These challenges include a limited scope and limited time frame, which often does not incorporate biological effects known to affect transfection. The telecommunication model was constructed in MATLAB to model lipoplex delivery of the gene encoding the green fluorescent protein to HeLa cells. Mitosis and toxicity events were included in the model resulting in simulation outputs of nuclear internalization and transfection efficiency that correlated with experimental data. A priori predictions based on model sensitivity analysis suggest that increasing endosomal escape and decreasing lysosomal degradation, protein degradation, and GFP‐induced toxicity can improve transfection efficiency by three‐fold. Application of the telecommunications model to nonviral gene delivery offers insight into the development of new gene delivery systems with therapeutically relevant transfection levels. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1659–1671. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of a sensitive and accurate LC‐MS/MS method for determination of dryocrassin ABBA in rat plasma for a bioavailability study
Authors: Ding Ya‐Ming , Liu Zhuo , Li Fu‐Qiang
Published: February 2014

A sensitive and accurate liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the determination of dryocrassin ABBA, a potential active component isolated from Dryopteris crassirhizoma, in rat plasma. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Zorbax SB‐C18 column (50 × 2.1 mm, 1.8 µm), with elution consisting of eluent (A) 10 mm ammonium acetate in methanol containing 0.1% formic acid and (B) 10 mm ammonium acetate in water containing 0.1% formic acid (A:B = 99:1, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Multiple reaction monitoring mode was used to monitor the precursor–product ion transitions of m/z 819.3 → 403.4 for dryocrassin ABBA and m/z 426.2 → 409.2 for internal standard. This assay exhibited a good linearity with a correlation coefficient >0.99 and showed no endogenous interference with the analyte and internal standard. The lower limit of quantification of dryocrassin ABBA was 4 ng/mL in 50 μL of rat plasma. The method was successfully applied in the pharmacokinetic study of dryocrassin ABBA in rats after intravenous (2.35 mg/kg) and oral (23.5 mg/kg) doses of dryocrassin ABBA. The oral bioavailability (F) of dryocrassin ABBA was estimated to be 50.1%. Our study is the first to clarify the pharmacokinetic behaviors of dryocrassin ABBA in animals. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgical anatomy of the axillary nerve branches to the deltoid muscle
Authors: Leechavengvongs Somsak , Teerawutthichaikit Tanawit , Witoonchart Kiat , Uerpairojkit Chairoj , Malungpaishrope Kanchai , Suppauksorn Sunikom , Chareonwat Boonsong
Published: February 2014

Variations in the innervation of the posterior deltoid muscle by the anterior branch of the axillary nerve have been reported. The objective of this study is to clarify the anatomy of the axillary nerve branches to the deltoid muscle. One hundred and twenty‐nine arms (68 right and 61 left) from 88 embalmed cadavers (83 male and 46 female) were included in the study. The anterior and posterior branches of the axillary nerve were identified and their lengths were measured from the point of emergence from the axillary nerve to their terminations in the deltoid muscle. In all cases, the axillary nerves split into two branches (anterior and posterior) within the quadrangular space and none split within the deltoid muscle. In all specimens, the anterior and middle parts of the deltoid muscle received their nerve supplies from the anterior branch of the axillary nerve. The posterior part of the deltoid muscle was supplied only by the anterior branch of the axillary nerve in 2.3% of the specimens, from the posterior branch in 8.5%, and from both branches in 89.1%. There were two sub‐branches of the anterior branch in 4.7% of the specimens. The anterior branch of the axillary nerve supplied not only the anterior and middle parts of the deltoid muscle but also the posterior part in most cases (91.5%). Clin. Anat. 28:118–122, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bronchial airway gene expression in smokers with lung or head and neck cancer
Authors: Van Dyck Eric , Nazarov Petr V. , Muller Arnaud , Nicot Nathalie , Bosseler Manon , Pierson Sandrine , Van Moer Kris , Palissot Valérie , Mascaux Céline , Knolle Ulrich , Ninane Vincent , Nati Romain , Bremnes Roy M. , Vallar Laurent , Berchem Guy , Schlesser Marc
Published: February 2014

Cigarette smoking is the major cause of cancers of the respiratory tract, including non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and head and neck cancer (HNC). In order to better understand carcinogenesis of the lung and upper airways, we have compared the gene expression profiles of tumor‐distant, histologically normal bronchial biopsy specimens obtained from current smokers with NSCLC or HNC (SC, considered as a single group), as well as nonsmokers (NS) and smokers without cancer (SNC). RNA from a total of 97 biopsies was used for gene expression profiling (Affymetrix HG‐U133 Plus 2.0 array). Differentially expressed genes were used to compare NS, SNC, and SC, and functional analysis was carried out using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Smoking‐related cancer of the respiratory tract was found to affect the expression of genes encoding xenobiotic biotransformation proteins, as well as proteins associated with crucial inflammation/immunity pathways and other processes that protect the airway from the chemicals in cigarette smoke or contribute to carcinogenesis. Finally, we used the prediction analysis for microarray (PAM) method to identify gene signatures of cigarette smoking and cancer, and uncovered a 15‐gene signature that distinguished between SNC and SC with an accuracy of 83%. Thus, gene profiling of histologically normal bronchial biopsy specimens provided insight into cigarette‐induced carcinogenesis of the respiratory tract and gene signatures of cancer in smokers.
Separation of Tryptophan Enantiomers by Ligand‐Exchange Chromatography With Novel Chiral Ionic Liquids Ligand
Authors: Qing Haiqun , Jiang Xinyu , Yu Jingang
Published: February 2014

Chiral ionic liquids (CILs) with amino acids as cations have been applied as novel chiral ligands coordinated with Cu2+ to separate tryptophan enantiomers in ligand exchange chromatography. Four kinds of amino acid ionic liquids, including [L‐Pro][CF3COO], [L‐Pro][NO3], [L‐Pro]2[SO4], and [L‐Phe][CF3COO] were successfully synthesized and used for separation of tryptophan enantiomers. To optimize the separation conditions, [L‐Pro][CF3COO] was selected as the model ligand. Some factors influencing the efficiency of chiral separation, such as copper ion concentration, CILs concentration, methanol ratio (methanol/H2O, v/v), and pH, were investigated. The obtained optimal separation conditions were as follows: 8.0 mmol/L Cu(OAc)2, 4.0 mmol/L [L‐Pro][CF3COO] ,and 20% (v/v) methanol at pH 3.6. Under the optimum conditions, acceptable enantioseparation of tryptophan enantiomers could be observed with a resolution of 1.89. The results demonstrate the good applicability of CILs with amino acids as cations for chiral separation. Furthermore, a comparative study was also conducted for exploring the mechanism of the CILs as new ligands in ligand exchange chromatography. Chirality 26:160–165, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solid‐Liquid Separation of Carbon Nanotube Suspensions
Authors: Dresel Alexander , Teipel Ulrich
Published: February 2014

Kohlenstoffnanoröhren (carbon nanotubes, CNTs) sind röhrenförmige Partikel aus Kohlenstoff mit grafitähnlichen Strukturen der Hüllen und Durchmessern im Nanometerbereich (< 100 nm). Der Produktions‐ und Modifikationsprozess erfordert häufig neben deren Suspendierung auch die Entwässerung und Trocknung anfallender CNT‐Suspensionen. Herkömmliche thermisch unterstützte Entwässerungsverfahren führen häufig zur starken Agglomeration oder Schädigung der CNTs. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurde die Entwässerung von Suspensionen mehrwandiger CNTs mittels diskontinuierlicher druckgetriebener Filtration entwickelt und untersucht.
Membrane Emulsification of Liquid Metal for the Generation of Spherical Metal Particles
Authors: Hornig Nils , Fritsching Udo
Published: February 2014

Porous membrane structures are used in emulsification processes for the formulation of almost monodispersed emulsion droplets with focus on the melt emulsification of liquid metal melts. The melt is emulsified through nozzle plates and particulate sintered porous structures into a temperature controlled liquid where the liquid metal droplets solidify to form spherical shaped solid particles. Related to melt atomization techniques for powder production, the membrane emulsification processing route obtains an interesting alternative for the production of monodispersed spherical particles with low energy consumption.
In Silico Solid State Perturbation for Solubility Improvement
Authors: Briggner Lars‐Erik , Kloo Lars , Rosdahl Jan , Svensson Per H.
Published: February 2014

Solubility is a frequently recurring issue within pharmaceutical industry, and new methods to proactively resolve this are of fundamental importance. Here, a novel methodology is reported for intrinsic solubility improvement, using in silico prediction of crystal structures, by perturbing key interactions in the crystalline solid state. The methodology was evaluated with a set of benzodiazepine molecules, using the two‐dimensional molecular structure as the only a priori input. The overall trend in intrinsic solubility was correctly predicted for the entire set of benzodiazepines molecules. The results also indicate that, in drug compound series where the melting point is relatively high (i.e., “brick dust” compounds), the reported methodology should be very suitable for identifying strategically important molecular substitutions to improve solubility. As such, this approach could be a useful predictive tool for rational compound design in the early stages of drug development.
Platinum Compounds for High‐Resolution In Vivo Cancer Imaging
Authors: Miller Miles A. , Askevold Bjorn , Yang Katherine S. , Kohler Rainer H. , Weissleder Ralph
Published: February 2014

Platinum(II) compounds, principally cisplatin and carboplatin, are commonly used front‐line cancer therapeutics. Despite their widespread use and continued interest in the development of new derivatives, including nanoformulations with improved properties, it has been difficult to visualize platinum compounds in live subjects, in real time, and with subcellular resolution. Here, we present four novel cisplatin‐ and carboplatin‐derived fluorescent imaging compounds for quantitative intravital cancer imaging. We conjugated 4,4‐difluoro‐5,7‐dimethyl‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐daiza‐s‐indacene (BODIPY) to PtII complexes to generate derivatives with robust in vivo fluorescence and retained DNA‐damaging and cytotoxic properties. We successfully applied these compounds to image pharmacokinetics and tumor uptake in a xenograft cancer mouse model. By using a genetic reporter of single‐cell DNA damage for in vivo imaging, Pt drug accumulation and resultant DNA damage could be monitored in individual tumor cells, at subcellular resolution, and in real time in a live animal model of cancer. These derivatives represent promising imaging tools that will be useful in understanding further the distribution and interactions of platinum within tumors.
Fabrication of Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO)/Co3O4 Nanohybrid Particles and a RGO/Co3O4/Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Composite with Enhanced Wave‐Absorption Properties
Authors: Wang Guang‐Sheng , Wu Yun , Wei Yun‐Zhao , Zhang Xiao‐Juan , Li Yong , Li Li‐Dong , Wen Bo , Yin Peng‐Gang , Guo Lin , Cao Mao‐Sheng
Published: February 2014

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/Co3O4 nanohybrid particles, composed of reduced graphite oxide and Co3O4 particles, have been fabricated by an in situ growth method under mild wet‐chemical conditions (140 °C). A series of characterization results indicate that the as‐prepared Co3O4 particles with relatively uniform sizes are embedded in RGO layers to form unique core–shell nanostructures. The RGO/Co3O4/poly(vinylidene fluoride) composite was found to possess excellent absorption properties. Owing to the effect of the negative permeability, the position of the absorption peaks remains at the same frequency at different thicknesses without shifting to lower frequencies. For the composites with a filler loading of 10 wt %, the maximum peaks can reach −25.05 dB at 11.6 GHz with a thickness of 4.0 mm. These enhanced microwave absorbing properties can be explained based on the structures of the nanohybrid particles.
Facile Synthesis of [Cu(SCH3)]∞ Nanowires with High Charge Mobility
Authors: Zhang Yuliang , Xia Ting , Yu Kin Man , Zhang Fuhua , Yang Heng , Liu Boyang , An Yan , Yin Yansheng , Chen Xiaobo
Published: February 2014

[Cu(SCH3)]∞ nanowires with lengths on the order of hundreds of micrometers were obtained with a facile method from the reaction of Cu(NO3)2⋅3 H2O, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and water under hydrothermal conditions within a large range of DMSO/water ratios and at various temperatures. These highly crystalline, thermally stable (under vacuum) nanowires are p‐type conducting and have a hole mobility as high as 2 cm2 V−1 S−1, which is 102–105 times higher than previously reported values. The high hole mobility may demonstrate their promising future in various electronic‐device applications.
Acoustic Alignment of a Supramolecular Nanofiber in Harmony with the Sound of Music
Authors: Miura Ryosuke , Ando Yasunari , Hotta Yasuhisa , Nagatani Yoshiki , Tsuda Akihiko
Published: February 2014

Invited for this month’s cover is the group of Prof. Akihiko Tsuda from Kobe University and Kobe City Collage of Technology. The cover picture shows the alignment of a supramolecular nanofiber, composed of an anthracene derivative, while the Kobe University Symphony Orchestra was playing classical music. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201300400
Potential Formation in Front of an Electrode Close to the Plasma Potential Studied by PIC Simulation
Authors: Gyergyek T. , Kovačič J.
Published: February 2014

Potential formation in front of an electrode that has the potential which is close to the plasma potential is studied by particle‐in‐cell (PIC) simulations. The code BIT1 [D. Tskhakaya, R. Schneider, J. Comp. Phys., 225, 829 (2007)] is used for this purpose. It is shown that this code is very appropriate for our analysis because of its ability to create charged particles by uniform volume production in the entire system and to maintain in the same time the Maxwellian electron velocity distribution function prescribed in the input file. It turns out that some modifications of the code are necessary in order to achieve small sheath potential drops and to detect the cutoff in the electron velocity distribution function. The modifications of the code are described. The small sheath potential drop is achieved by introducing a finite reflectivity of the electrons at the left electrode, while the expected cutoffs of the electron velocity distribution function are found by tracking the reflected electrons as separate particle species. The simulation results are compared to the theoretical model of Jelić [N. Jelić, Phys. Plasmas, 18, 113504 (2011)]. The matching is very good and this is a sign that the PIC simulations are very appropriate tool for the analysis of this type of problems. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The new threat to internet: DNP attack with the attacking flows strategizing technology
Authors: Li Heshuai , Zhu Junhu , Qiu Han , Wang Qingxian , Zhou Tianyang , Li Hang
Published: February 2014

Distributed network paralyzing (DNP) attack, a kind of distributed denial‐of‐service attack that utilize botnet to congest and paralyze autonomous system level network, is a serious threat to network security. In this article, it is indicated that the most difficulty of DNP attack is strategizing DNP attacking flows automatically from the perspective of the attacker. For this outstanding issue, we introduce the DNP attacking flows strategizing technology, which can help an attacker to launch DNP attack efficiently through a series of attacking resources division–target links and attacking paths orientation–flux planning process. Through simulation, we demonstrate that the feasibility of attacking flows strategizing technology and prove that an attacker who controls a large‐scale botnet can utilize DNP attack to seriously threat the network security. At last, from the perspective of the defender, it is indicated that the network security researcher should strengthen the relevant research to defend the DNP attack. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental Evaluation of Characteristics of SR Motor Made of Permendur
Authors: Hasegawa Yu , Nakamura Kenji , Ichinokura Osamu
Published: February 2014

A switched reluctance (SR) motor has a doubly salient pole structure. The performance of the SR motor strongly depends on the magnetic properties of the core material, since it consists only of an iron core and copper windings. This study experimentally evaluates the performance of an SR motor made of permendur (Fe–49% Co alloy), which has very high saturation flux density and low core loss. Two types of SR motors that have the same dimensions but different core materials are used: one motor is made of the conventional nonoriented Si steel, and the other is made of permendur. Comparison of the characteristics of the two motors shows that the performance of the permendur SR motor surpasses that of the conventional one in terms of output power and efficiency. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 187(1): 51–57, 2014; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22431
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor is functionally upregulated early in the course of human T‐cell activation
Authors: Prigent Laurie , Robineau Marc , Jouneau Stéphane , Morzadec Claudie , Louarn Laetitia , Vernhet Laurent , Fardel Olivier , Sparfel Lydie
Published: February 2014

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand‐dependent transcription factor that mediates immunosuppression caused by a variety of environmental contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or dioxins. Recent evidence suggests that AhR plays an important role in T‐cell‐mediated immune responses by affecting the polarization and differentiation of activated T cells. However, the regulation of AhR expression in activated T cells remains poorly characterized. In the present study, we used purified human T cells stimulated with anti‐CD3 and anti‐CD28 Abs to investigate the effect of T‐cell activation on AhR mRNA and protein expression. The expression of AhR mRNA increased significantly and rapidly after T‐cell activation, identifying AhR as an immediate‐early activation gene. AhR upregulation occurred in all of the T‐cell subtypes, and is associated with its nuclear translocation and induction of the cytochromes P‐450 1A1 and 1B1 mRNA expression in the absence of exogenous signals. In addition, the use of an AhR antagonist or siRNA‐mediated AhR knockdown significantly inhibited IL‐22 expression, suggesting that expression and functional activation of AhR is necessary for the secretion of IL‐22 by activated T cells. In conclusion, our data support the idea that AhR is a major player in T‐cell physiology.
Recombinant Wnt3a and Wnt5a elicit macrophage cytokine production and tolerization to microbial stimulation via Toll‐like receptor 4
Authors: Yu Chien‐Hsiung , Nguyen Tam T. K. , Irvine Katharine M. , Sweet Matthew J. , Frazer Ian H. , Blumenthal Antje
Published: February 2014

An increasing number of studies address the roles of Wnt proteins in shaping leukocyte functions. Recombinant Wnt3a and Wnt5a, prototypical activators of β‐Catenin‑dependent and ‐independent Wnt signaling, respectively, are widely used to investigate the effects of Wnt proteins on myeloid cell functions. Recent reports describe both proinflammatory and immunemodulatory effects of Wnt3a and Wnt5a on macrophages, DCs, and microglia. The underlying molecular mechanisms for this divergence are unclear. We show here that recombinant Wnt3a‐ and Wnt5a‐induced cytokine production from murine C57BL/6 macrophages was dependent on TLR4 and inhibited by Polymyxin B. Similarly, impairment of TLR‐induced cytokine production upon preexposure to Wnt proteins was TLR4 dependent. The extent of Wnt3a‐ and Wnt5a‐induced inflammatory gene expression greatly varied between Wnt protein lots. We conclude that cytokine responses and TLR tolerization induced by recombinant Wnt proteins are likely explained by contaminating TLR4 agonists, although we cannot fully exclude that Wnt proteins have an intrinsic capacity to signal via TLR4. This study emphasizes the need for careful, independent verification of Wnt‐mediated cellular responses.
Sos1 regulates sustained TCR‐mediated Erk activation
Authors: Poltorak Mateusz , Meinert Ines , Stone James C. , Schraven Burkhart , Simeoni Luca
Published: February 2014

The duration and/or the magnitude of Ras‐Erk activation are known to be crucial for cell‐fate decisions. In T cells, sustained Erk activation correlates with differentiation/proliferation, whereas transient Erk activation parallels with unresponsiveness/apoptosis. The mechanism by which Son of sevenless (Sos) proteins and Ras guanyl‐releasing protein 1 (RasGRP1) contribute to dynamics of Erk activation in mature T cells is not yet known. Here, we have assessed this issue using stimuli inducing either transient or sustained TCR signaling and RNA interference mediated suppression of Sos1, Sos2, and RasGRP1 expression in primary human T cells. We found that transient Erk activation depends on RasGRP1 but not on Sos. Conversely, sustained Erk signaling and T‐cell activation depend on both Sos1 and RasGRP1. In summary, our data show for the first time that the two guanine nucleotide exchange factors expressed in T cells are differentially involved in the regulation of the duration of Erk phosphorylation and T‐cell activation.