bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biophysical characterization of layer‐by‐layer synthesis of aptamer‐drug microparticles for enhanced cell targeting
Authors: Tan Kei X. , Danquah Michael K. , Sidhu Amandeep , Lau Sie Yon , Ongkudon Clarence M.
Published: July 2017

Targeted delivery of drug molecules to specific cells in mammalian systems demonstrates a great potential to enhance the efficacy of current pharmaceutical therapies. Conventional strategies for pharmaceutical delivery are often associated with poor therapeutic indices and high systemic cytotoxicity, and this result in poor disease suppression, low surviving rates, and potential contraindication of drug formulation. The emergence of aptamers has elicited new research interests into enhanced targeted drug delivery due to their unique characteristics as targeting elements. Aptamers can be engineered to bind to their cognate cellular targets with high affinity and specificity, and this is important to navigate active drug molecules and deliver sufficient dosage to targeted malignant cells. However, the targeting performance of aptamers can be impacted by several factors including endonuclease‐mediated degradation, rapid renal filtration, biochemical complexation, and cell membrane electrostatic repulsion. This has subsequently led to the development of smart aptamer‐immobilized biopolymer systems as delivery vehicles for controlled and sustained drug release to specific cells at effective therapeutic dosage and minimal systemic cytotoxicity. This article reports the synthesis and in vitro characterization of a novel multi‐layer co‐polymeric targeted drug delivery system based on drug‐loaded PLGA‐Aptamer‐PEI (DPAP) formulation with a stage‐wise delivery mechanism. A thrombin‐specific DNA aptamer was used to develop the DPAP system while Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) was used as a biopharmaceutical drug in the synthesis process by ultrasonication. Biophysical characterization of the DPAP system showed a spherical shaped particulate formulation with a unimodal particle size distribution of average size ∼0.685 µm and a zeta potential of +0.82 mV. The DPAP formulation showed a high encapsulation efficiency of 89.4 ± 3.6%, a loading capacity of 17.89 ± 0.72 mg BSA protein/100 mg PLGA polymeric particles, low cytotoxicity and a controlled drug release characteristics in 43 days. The results demonstrate a great promise in the development of DPAP formulation for enhanced in vivo cell targeting. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:249–261, 2018
Clinical anatomy of fecal incontinence in women
Authors: Kadam‐Halani Priyanka K. , Arya Lily A. , Andy Uduak U.
Published: July 2017

Fecal incontinence is a devastating condition that has a severe impact on quality of life. This condition disproportionately affects women and its incidence is increasing with the aging United States population. Fecal continence is maintained by coordination of a functioning anal sphincter complex, intact sensation of the anorectum, rectal compliance, and the ability to consciously control defecation. Particularly important are the puborectalis sling of the levator ani muscle complex and intact innervation of the central and peripheral nervous systems. An understanding of the intricate anatomy required to maintain continence and regulate defecation will help clinicians to provide appropriate medical and surgical management and diminish the negative impact of fecal incontinence. In this article, we describe the anatomic and neural basis of fecal continence and normal defecation as well as changes that occur with fecal incontinence in women. Clin. Anat. 30:901–911, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
AR‐based value‐added visualization of infographic for enhancing learning performance
Authors: Mahmoudi Maryam Tayefeh , Mojtahedi Sara , Shams Sepideh
Published: July 2017

Augmented reality‐based infographic is an edutainment media that can play a significant role in transferring complicated issues for learning purposes. It has the potential to draw participant's attention to visualize various kinds of information including text, image, animation, 3D objects, etc. on infographic using smatphones and tablets. This paper discusses the effect of AR‐based infographic on improving learning performance via T‐Paired test and in the meantime the correlation between participants’ learning style based on Felder–Silverman model with their quadratic Bloom‐based knowledge. Experimental results confirm the usability of AR‐based infographic in improving learning performance and its impact on visual type participants no matter which kinds of knowledge they are equipped with.
Aminopyridine‐Borane Complexes as Hydrogen Atom Donor Reagents: Reaction Mechanism and Substrate Selectivity
Authors: Barth Florian , Achrainer Florian , Pütz Alexander M. , Zipse Hendrik
Published: July 2017

Lewis base‐borane complexes are shown to be potent hydrogen atom donors in radical chain reduction reactions. Results obtained in 1H, 11B, and 13C NMR measurements and kinetic experiments support a complex reaction mechanism involving the parent borane as well as its initial reaction products as active hydrogen atom donors. Efficient reduction reactions of iodides, bromides, and xanthates in apolar solvents rely on initiator systems generating oxygen‐centered radicals under thermal conditions and pyridine‐borane complexes carrying solubilizing substituents. In contrast to tin hydride reagents, the pyridine‐boranes reduce xanthates faster than the corresponding iodides.
A Combined Experimental/Computational Study of the Mechanism of a Palladium‐Catalyzed Bora‐Negishi Reaction
Authors: Campos Jesús , Nova Ainara , Kolychev Eugene L. , Aldridge Simon
Published: July 2017

Experimental and computational efforts are reported which illuminate the mechanism of a novel boron version of the widespread Negishi coupling reaction that offers a new protocol for the formation of aryl/acyl C−B bonds using a bulky boryl fragment. The role of nucleophilic borylzinc reagents in the reduction of the PdII pre‐catalysts to Pd0 active species has been demonstrated. The non‐innocent behavior of the PPh3 ligands of the [Pd(PPh3)2Cl2] pre‐catalyst under activation conditions has been probed both experimentally and computationally, revealing the formation of a trimetallic Pd species bearing bridging phosphide (PPh2−) ligands. Our studies also reveal the monoligated formulation of the Pd0 active species, which led us to synthesize related (η3‐indenyl)Pd‐monophosphine catalysts which show improved catalytic performances under mild conditions. A complete mechanistic proposal to aid future catalyst developments is provided.
Infection Risk With Biologic Therapy in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Hindryckx Pieter , Novak Gregor , Bonovas Stefanos , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent , Danese Silvio
Published: July 2017

The development of biologic drugs revolutionized the management of inflammatory bowel diseases: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. However, while their efficacy has been well established, it remains uncertain to what extent biologic treatments may be associated with important safety risks, such as serious infections, opportunistic infections, or tuberculosis reactivation. Herein, we review and discuss the current evidence on the infection risk associated with biologic therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Development of a bead‐based multiplexed assay for simultaneous quantification of five bovine cytokines by flow cytometry
Authors: Rodrigues Valérie , Baudier Jean Baptiste , Chantal Isabelle
Published: July 2017

Quantifying cytokines is extremely important in studies of host–pathogen interactions. Multiplex assays are commercially available but only for human and mouse cytokines. Here a method for the simultaneous quantification of five important bovine cytokines IFNγ, IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐12, and TNFα in cell culture supernatants, using flow cytometry was reported. Functional beads from BD Biosciences expressing specific APC intensity were used. Commercially available antibodies against bovine cytokines were covalently coupled to beads as capture antibodies. Fixed recombinant cytokines were revealed with a second monoclonal antibody coupled with biotin, then revealed with streptavidin–PE. This complex was analyzed using a standard flow cytometer. Experiments were performed to check no cross reactions had occurred. The limits of detection ranged between 0.08 and 0.4 ng/ml depending on the cytokine, and the linearity between the lower and higher limits was remarkable (R2 > 99.8%). Finally, native cytokines from cell culture supernatants were tested. Results were compared using the standard ELISA test and showed that concentrations of native cytokine in cell culture supernatants were comparable with the two methods, with a wider dynamic range using beads and flow cytometry than with ELISA assays. Bovine IFNγ, IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐12, and TNFα in culture supernatants can be now simultaneously detected in a single assay, using a standard flow cytometer for both basic and high‐throughput analyses. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
A Consideration on Appropriate Parameters for Identifying Electron Density Profile in the Lower Ionosphere by using VLF Wave Propagation in the Earth‐Ionosphere Waveguide
Authors: ANDO YOSHIAKI , ITO HITOSHI
Published: July 2017

We consider a problem identifying electron density profile in the lower ionosphere by observing electric fields at the Earth's surface in very‐low‐frequency (VLF) band. The identification problem is one of nonlinear inverse problems, and we solve the problem numerically by using the genetic algorithm in this study. The focus of this study is on appropriate parameters to solve the identification problem by using the VLF (22.2 kHz) wave propagating in the earth‐ionosphere waveguide. Numerical results show that the range of the electron density which can be identified is from 107 m‐3 to 108 m‐3, appropriate discretization of the solution space along the altitude is 10 km, and a sufficient number of observation points are necessary to mitigate the effect of noise.
Seasonal increases in fish trophic niche plasticity within a flood‐pulse river ecosystem (Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia)
Authors: Pool Thomas , Holtgrieve Gordon , Elliott Vittoria , McCann Kevin , McMeans Bailey , Rooney Neil , Smits Adrianne , Phanara Thach , Cooperman Michael , Clark Sydney , Phen Chheng , Chhuoy Samol
Published: July 2017

Species’ responses to seasonal environmental variation can influence trophic interactions and food web structure within an ecosystem. However, our ability to predict how species’ interactions will vary spatially and temporally in response to seasonal variation unfortunately remains inadequate within most ecosystems. Fish assemblages in the Tonle Sap Lake (TSL) of Cambodia—a dynamic flood‐pulse ecosystem—were studied for five years (2010–2014) using stable isotope and Bayesian statistical approaches to explore both within‐ and among‐species isotopic niche variation associated with seasonal flooding. Roughly 600 individual fish specimens were collected during 19 sampling events within the lake. We found that fishes within the same species tended to have a broader isotopic niche during the wet season, likely reflecting assimilation of resources from either a wider range of isotopically distinct prey items or a variety of habitats, or both. Furthermore, among‐species isotopic niches tended to overlap and range more broadly during the wet season, suggesting that floodplain inundation promotes exploitation of more diverse and similar resources by different species in the fish community. Our study highlights that the flood‐pulse dynamic that is typical of tropical aquatic ecosystems may be an essential element supporting freshwater fish community structure and the fish diversity that underpins the TSL food web. This flow regime is currently threatened by regional dam development, which may in turn impact the natural function and structure of the fishery food web.
Riding down the Bay: Space‐time clustering of ecological trends
Authors: Huang Xin , Iliev Iliyan R. , Lyubchich Vyacheslav , Gel Yulia R.
Published: July 2017

The Chesapeake Bay Program, initiated in 1983, is a regional partnership between several state governments, federal agencies, and advisory groups that is involved in the cleanup and restoration of the Bay. To study the ecological trends in the area, we propose a new data‐driven procedure for optimal selection of tuning parameters in dynamic clustering algorithms, using the notion of a stability probe. We refer to the new procedure as Downhill Riding (DR) because of the dynamics of the clustering stability probe. We study the finite sample performance of DR when clustering benchmark Iris data and synthetic times series, and illustrate the methods using data on water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.
Managing Family Members: How Monitoring and Collaboration Affect Extra‐Role Behavior in Family Firms
Authors: Eddleston Kimberly A. , Kellermanns Franz W. , Kidwell Roland E.
Published: July 2017

In a study of family firms that included survey responses from both family CEOs and family member employees, we examined the roles that collaboration and CEO monitoring play regarding the prevalence of extra‐role behavior, an important human resource outcome that can impact job performance and firm performance. Results indicated that an integration of stewardship and agency theories (manifested through interactions between family harmony and adaptability with monitoring) helps explain the level of extra‐role behavior displayed by family employees. The findings lend some support for the argument that effective human resource practices in family firms should be balanced between instrumental governance mechanisms that reflect a monitoring approach and normative mechanisms that focus on collaborative efforts among family employees. When this balance is achieved, an environment of fairness and accountability rather than a tone of distrust and forced compliance may prevail in family firms, thus addressing a key human resource issue in this hybrid form of organization. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inherited variation in circadian rhythm genes and risks of prostate cancer and three other cancer sites in combined cancer consortia
Authors: Gu Fangyi , Zhang Han , Hyland Paula L. , Berndt Sonja , Gapstur Susan M. , Wheeler William , ELLIPSE consortium* the , Amos Christopher I. , Bezieau Stephane , Bickeböller Heike , Brenner Hermann , Brennan Paul , Chang‐Claude Jenny , Conti David V , Doherty Jennifer Anne , Gruber Stephen B , Harrison Tabitha A , Hayes Richard B , Hoffmeister Michael , Houlston Richard S , Hung Rayjean J. , Jenkins Mark A. , Kraft Peter , Lawrenson Kate , McKay James , Markt Sarah , Mucci Lorelei , Phelan Catherine M. , Qu Conghui , Risch Angela , Rossing Mary Anne , Wichmann H.‐Erich , Shi Jianxin , Schernhammer Eva , Yu Kai , Landi Maria Teresa , Caporaso Neil E.
Published: July 2017

Circadian disruption has been linked to carcinogenesis in animal models, but the evidence in humans is inconclusive. Genetic variation in circadian rhythm genes provides a tool to investigate such associations. We examined associations of genetic variation in nine core circadian rhythm genes and six melatonin pathway genes with risk of colorectal, lung, ovarian and prostate cancers using data from the Genetic Associations and Mechanisms in Oncology (GAME‐ON) network. The major results for prostate cancer were replicated in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening trial, and for colorectal cancer in the Genetics and Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer Consortium (GECCO). The total number of cancer cases and controls was 15,838/18,159 for colorectal, 14,818/14,227 for prostate, 12,537/17,285 for lung and 4,369/9,123 for ovary. For each cancer site, we conducted gene‐based and pathway‐based analyses by applying the summary‐based Adaptive Rank Truncated Product method (sARTP) on the summary association statistics for each SNP within the candidate gene regions. Aggregate genetic variation in circadian rhythm and melatonin pathways were significantly associated with the risk of prostate cancer in data combining GAME‐ON and PLCO, after Bonferroni correction (ppathway < 0.00625). The two most significant genes were NPAS2 (pgene = 0.0062) and AANAT (pgene = 0.00078); the latter being significant after Bonferroni correction. For colorectal cancer, we observed a suggestive association with the circadian rhythm pathway in GAME‐ON (ppathway = 0.021); this association was not confirmed in GECCO (ppathway = 0.76) or the combined data (ppathway = 0.17). No significant association was observed for ovarian and lung cancer. These findings support a potential role for circadian rhythm and melatonin pathways in prostate carcinogenesis. Further functional studies are needed to better understand the underlying biologic mechanisms.
EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT PREPARATION FOR THE UNFORESEEABLE
Authors: Hinsley S. W. , Henshaw M. J. , Siemieniuch C. E.
Published: July 2017

This paper hypothesizes that a system‐of‐systems (SoS) that is not fit for purpose is so because it cannot implement the correct, timely, and complete transfers of material, energy, and information (MEI) between its constituents and with its external environment that are necessary to achieve a particular result. This research addresses the problem of maintaining a SoS fit for purpose after unpredictable changes in operation, composition, or external factors by creating a method, implemented as an engineering process, and supported by an analysis technique to enhance the affordance {“Features that provide the potential for interaction by affording the ability to do something” (Norman 1999)} of SoS constituents for MEI transfer and reveal potential undesirable transfers.
In vivo full‐field functional optical hemocytometer
Authors: Zhang Fuli , Wang Mingyi , Han Dingan , Tan Haishu , Yang Guojian , Zeng Yaguang
Published: July 2017

We present an in vivo lab‐free full‐field functional optical hemocytometer (FFOH) for application to the capillaries of a live biological specimen, based on the absorption intensity fluctuation modulation (AIFM) effect. Because of the absorption difference between the red blood cells (RBCs) and background tissue under low‐coherence light illumination, an endogenous instantaneous intensity fluctuation is generated by the AIFM effect when RBCs discontinuously traverse the capillary. The AIFM effect is used to highlight the RBC signal relative to the background tissue by computing the real‐time modulation depth. FFOH can simultaneously provide a flow video, the flow velocity and the RBC count. Ourexperimental results can potentially be applied to study the physiological mechanisms of the blood circulation systems of near‐transparent live biological samples.
A possible Fourier transform infrared‐based plasma fingerprint of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor‐induced reversal of endothelial dysfunction in diabetic mice
Authors: Staniszewska‐Slezak Emilia , Wiercigroch Ewelina , Fedorowicz Andrzej , Buczek Elżbieta , Mateuszuk Lukasz , Baranska Malgorzata , Chlopicki Stefan , Malek Kamilla
Published: July 2017

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐I) display vasoprotective activity and represent the cornerstone in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we tested whether Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)‐based analysis of blood plasma is sensitive to detect vasoprotective effects of treatment with perindopril including reversal of endothelial dysfunction in diabetes. For this purpose, plasma samples were collected from untreated db/db mice, db/db mice treated with 2 or 10 mg/kg perindopril and db+ mice. The effect of perindopril on endothelial function was examined in ex vivo aortic rings; 10 mg/kg but not 2 mg/kg of perindopril reversed endothelial dysfunction. In plasma of db/db mice, the balance between conformations of plasma proteins was noted, and treatment with perindopril at a high dose but not at a low dose reversed this effect. This was revealed by amide II/amide I ratio attributed to increased β‐sheet formation. Spectral markers at 3010, 1520/1238 cm−1, representative for unsaturation degree of lipids and phosphorylation of tyrosine, respectively, were also affected by perindopril treatment. In conclusion, although metabolic abnormalities associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus such as hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia strongly affected spectral FTIR profile of diabetic plasma, we identified FTIR features that seem to be associated with the vasoprotective activity of ACE‐I.
Combination of thresholding and fitting methods for measuring nanoparticle sizes and size distributions in (S)TEM
Authors: Shvedchenko Dmitry O. , Suvorova Elena I.
Published: July 2017

The practical need for a simple and reliable tool for routine size analysis of nanoparticles with diameters down to a few nm embedded in a polymer matrix motivated the development of a new approach. The idea underlying the method proposed in this work is to combine intensity thresholding and contrast fitting procedures in the same software for particle recognition and measurements of sizes and size distributions of nanoparticles in transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy images. Particle recognition in images is performed in an interactive process of manual setting the numerical threshold level after image preprocessing. We show that fitting the calculated gray level distribution to the real images is able to provide a maximum accuracy in measurements of the particle diameters in contrast to thresholding approaches. The fitting procedure is applied in the vicinity of nanoparticle images with the mass‐thickness, diffraction, and chemical contrast. The grayscale function associated to the nanoparticle thickness is described using polynomial
with degree ⩾ 2 and undetermined coefficients. The program for particle detection and size measurement—Analyzer of Nanoparticles (AnNa)—has been written and is described here. It was successfully tested on systems containing Ag nanoparticles grown and stabilized in aqueous solutions of different polymers for biomedical use and is available from the authors.
Task‐based changes in proton MR spectroscopy signal during configural working memory in human medial temporal lobe
Authors: Shattuck Kyle F. , VanMeter John W.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To detect local cholinergic changes in human medial temporal lobe during configural working memory performance.

Materials and Methods

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) measurements were acquired at 3T from a 2 × 2 × 3 cm voxel in right medial temporal lobe from 36 subjects during performance of a configural visual working memory task (cWMT). In order to compensate for expected task‐based blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) T2* effects, resonance signal changes of unbound choline‐containing metabolites (Cho) were referenced to an internal standard of creatine + phosphocreatine metabolites (Cre) and compared between four task blocks: rest, memorization, active memory maintenance, and recognition. An unannounced memory retention test was conducted in 21 subjects. Quality assurance analyses examined task‐based Cho and Cre individually as well as referenced to resonance signal from N‐acetylaspartate (NAA).

Results

Increases from a resting baseline in the Cho/Cre ratio were observed during 60‐second blocks of active memory maintenance across the group (P = 0.0042). Behavioral accuracy during task performance correlated with memory retention (r = 0.48, P = 0.027). Quality assurance measures showed task‐based changes in Cre resonance signal both individually (P = 0.00099) and when utilized as a noncholinergic internal reference (NAA/Cre, P = 0.00079).

Conclusion

Increases in human medial temporal lobe 1H‐MRS Cho/Cre ratio occur during the maintenance of configural working memory information. However, interpretation of these results as driven by cholinergic activity cannot be assumed, as NAA, a noncholinergic metabolite, shows similar results when utilizing Cre as a reference. Caution is advised when considering Cre as an internal standard for task‐based 1H‐MRS measurements.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:682–691.
Photoionization and ionic dissociation of the C3H3NS molecule induced by soft X‐ray near the C1s edge
Authors: Lago A.F. , Januário R.D. , Cavasso Filho R.L. , Simon M. , Dávalos J.Z.
Published: July 2017

Time of flight mass spectrometry, electron‐ion coincidence, and ion yield spectroscopy were employed to investigate for the first time the thiazole (C3H3NS) molecule in the gas phase excited by synchrotron radiation in the soft X‐ray domain. Total ion yield (TIY) and photoelectron‐photoion coincidence (PEPICO) spectra were recorded as a function of the photon energy in the vicinity of the carbon K edge (C1s). The C1s resonant transitions as well as the core ionization thresholds have been determined from the profile of TIY spectrum, and the features were discussed. The corresponding partial ion yields were determined from the PEPICO spectra for the cation species produced upon the molecular photodissociation. Additional ab initio calculations have also been performed from where relevant structural and electronic configuration parameters were obtained for this molecule.
When Problems Lead to Ideas: The Roles of Daily Vigor and Social Interactions
Authors: Groenewoudt Aleid C. , Rooks Gerrit , van Gool Piet J. R.
Published: July 2017

In this study, we investigate idea generation by conducting a diary study. We hypothesized that idea generation depends on problem identification, and that this relation is moderated by two factors: (a) the number of social interactions an individual has with “non‐redundant” network connections, and (b) an individual's level of vigor. The hypotheses were tested by making use of a diary study among 31 employees of a Dutch applied university over a period of 2 weeks. Results showed that idea generation results from the identification of problems that require new ideas to solve them. An individual's number of social interactions and the level of redundancy of these social interactions moderated this relation. The level of vigor of an individual did not predict idea generation, but results suggest that vigor is needed for interacting with others. Furthermore, this study contributes to the creativity research using a new approach to look at the effects of social interactions by relating them to the overall structure of social networks.
The Indirect Effect of Teachers’ Creative Mindsets on Teaching Creativity
Authors: Paek Sue Hyeon , Sumners Sarah E.
Published: July 2017

Understanding how teachers’ implicit beliefs promote and inhibit students’ creativity has important implications for fostering creativity in the classroom. This study investigated whether the effect of teachers’ fixed creative mindset on their self‐efficacy for teaching creativity was mediated by their perceptions of students’ potential and the degree to which this indirect effect varied by level of growth creative mindset. A sample of educators (N = 119) completed an online survey containing questions regarding creative mindsets, perceptions of students’ potential, self‐efficacy for teaching creativity, and a set of relevant covariates. A moderated mediation analysis indicated that the more teachers believed creativity to be innate, the less teachers tended to perceive every student to possess creative potential. Consequently, teachers’ confidence in their ability to teach for creativity was diminished. Results from the corresponding tests of simple indirect effects indicated that this negative indirect effect of a fixed creative mindset was lessened by teachers’ growth creative mindset. Taken together, the findings suggest the likely significant role of teachers’ fixed and growth creative mindsets for fostering creativity in classroom.
Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Alcohol‐Related Outcomes Among Municipal Firefighters
Authors: Tomaka Joe , Magoc Dejan , Morales‐Monks Stormy M. , Reyes Anabel C.
Published: July 2017

This study examined levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and relationships between PTSS and alcohol‐related outcomes in a near census of municipal firefighters. The study also assessed substance‐use coping and drinking to cope as potential mediators of such outcomes. Firefighters (N = 740) completed measures that assessed PTSS, alcohol risk behaviors, alcohol problems, drinking motives, and coping with stress. Results showed that 32.4% of firefighters reported significant levels of PTSS using National Center for PTSD (2014) screening cutoff scores. Correlational analysis showed that PTSS was related to at‐risk drinking (r = .18) and alcohol‐related problems (r = .33), as well as use of maladaptive coping strategies (r = .58) and substance use coping (r = .40). Structural analyses comparing multiple alternative models suggested that a model that included substance use coping and drinking to cope as mediators of the association between PTSS and problem drinking provided the best fit to the data. Tests of multigroup invariance confirmed this model. Overall, PTSS were common in this population and they predicted maladaptive coping patterns and alcohol‐related consequences. One implication of these findings is that fire departments might consider adding or enhancing screening and treatment options for PTS, alcohol misuse, or both.
Inverted schneiderian papilloma of the supraglottis: Case report
Authors: Saddawi‐Konefka Robert , Hariri Nosaibah , Shabaik Ahmed , Weissbrod Philip A.
Published: July 2017

Inverted schneiderian papillomas are rare benign tumors, most often arising from the sinonasal mucosa. We describe a case of a 59‐year‐old female with an inverted papilloma of the supraglottis. This is the first reported case of a supraglottic‐presenting inverted papilloma. Although rare, this case demonstrates that these tumors should be considered during workup of supraglottic laryngeal masses. Laryngoscope, 127:2830–2832, 2017
Ultrasound‐guided core needle biopsy in salivary glands: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Hee Joon , Kim Jong Seung
Published: July 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Core needle biopsy is an effective diagnostic tool widely used in many oncological diagnostic approaches. It provides an adequate tissue sample for histological evaluation of architecture, which allows tumor grading and classification of malignant and benign tumors. This study aimed to provide an updated meta‐analysis and systematic review of core needle biopsy in the salivary glands.

Study Design

A literature search using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library through December 2016.

Methods

Data on true positives, true negatives, false positives, and false negatives were extracted from the relevant articles. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool. We calculated accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random‐effects models that considered both within‐ and between‐study variations.

Results

Our search included 10 observational studies. For core needle biopsy, the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of salivary glands were 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92‐0.96, I2 = 18.7%, χ2 P = .27) and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97‐0.99, I2 = 79.6%, χ2 P = .00), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97‐0.99). Seven hematomas, one case of temporary facial paralysis caused by local anesthesia, and no tumor seeding were reported from a total of 1,315 procedures.

Conclusions

Ultrasound core needle biopsy of salivary glands is an excellent diagnostic tool in terms of accuracy, technical performance, and safety profile.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:118–125, 2018
Binding of indocyanine green in polycaprolactone fibers using blend electrospinning for in vivo laser‐assisted vascular anastomosis
Authors: Schönfeld Annemarie , Kabra Zacharia Mbäıdjol , Constantinescu Mihai , Bosshardt Dieter , Stoffel Michael H. , Peters Kirsten , Frenz Martin
Published: July 2017

Background and Objective

The clinical application of laser‐assisted vascular anastomosis is afflicted by unreliable and low bonding strengths as well as tedious handling during microvascular surgery. The challenge to be met arises from the flow‐off of the chromophore during soldering that changes the absorption and stains the surrounding tissue, leading to an uncontrollable thermal damage zone. In this study, we investigated the feasibility to produce an indocyanine green (ICG)‐loaded patch by electrospinning and tested its applicability to both in vitro and in vivo microvascular laser soldering.

Materials and Methods

A blend of polycaprolactone and ICG was electrospun to produce a pliable patch. Prior to soldering, the patch was soaked in 40% wt. bovine serum albumin solution. The solder patch was wrapped in vitro around blood vessel stumps of rabbit aortas. An intraluminal balloon catheter enabled an easy alignment and held the setup in place. The soldering energy was delivered via a diffusor fiber from the vessel lumen using a diode laser at 810 nm. During the procedure, the surface temperature was observed with an infrared camera. Afterward, samples were embedded in methylmethacrylate and epon to study thermal damage. The quality of the fusion was assessed by measuring the tensile strength. After in vitro tests with rabbit aortas, eight large white pigs were subjected to an acute in vivo experiment, and the artery of the latissimus dorsi flap was anastomosed to the distal femoral artery.

Results

The ICG‐loaded patch, produced by electrospinning, has a thickness of 279 ± 62 μm, a fiber diameter of 1.20 ± 0.19 μm, and an attenuation coefficient of 1,119 ± 183 cm−1 at a wavelength of 790 nm. The patch was pliable and easy to handle during surgery. No leakage of the chromophore was observed. Thermal damage was restricted to the Tunica adventitia and Tunica media and the area of the vessel wall that was covered with the patch. Six pigs were successfully treated, without any bleeding and with a continuous blood flow. The in vivo flap model yielded a similar tensile strength compared to in vitro laser‐assisted vascular anastomoses (138 ± 52 vs. 117 ± 30 mN/mm2).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated the applicability of the ICG‐loaded patch for laser‐assisted vascular anastomosis. By using electrospinning, ICG could be bound to polymer fibers, avoiding its flow‐off and the staining of the surrounding tissue. This patch demonstrated several advantages over liquid solder as it was easier to apply, ensured a high and reliable bonding strength while maintaining a constant concentration of ICG concentration during the surgery. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:928–939, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Self‐Assembly of Amphiphilic Random Copolyacrylamides into Uniform and Necklace Micelles in Water
Authors: Kimura Yoshihiko , Terashima Takaya , Sawamoto Mitsuo
Published: July 2017

Amphiphilic random copolyacrylamides bearing hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and hydrophobic dodecyl pendants induce precision self‐assembly to produce quite small uniform and/or necklace micelles (≈10 nm) in water. The size, structure, and thermoresponsive properties of the micelles are controlled by the primary structure (composition and chain length) of the copolymers. For this, random copolymers with different composition, chain length, and molecular weight distribution are synthesized by iron‐catalyzed living or free radical copolymerization of PEG acrylamide and dodecyl acrylamide (DAAm). The copolymers with controlled molecular weight (degree of polymerization: ≈40) intermolecularly self‐assemble and/or self‐fold to form uniform (multichain or unimer) micelles in water; the size increases with increasing hydrophobic DAAm content (19–57 mol%: Mw = 43 900–191 000). In contrast, random copolymers with relatively small DAAm content (<35 mol%) and broad molecular weight distribution provide both uniform and necklace micelles in water.
A case study on the sensitivity of downstream development to typhoon intensity and its initial location
Authors: Chen H. , Wang K. , Wang J. M. , Zhang X. T. , Wang Y. F. , Wang W. L.
Published: July 2017

In this study, the sensitivity of downstream baroclinic development to a tropical cyclone's (TC's) intensity and its initial location relative to the upstream trough during the extratropical transition (ET) of Typhoon Malakas were examined. The downstream development intensity at the mid‐latitudes was mainly determined by two factors under the effect of ET, i.e. the strength of transporting low potential vorticity (PV) air downstream by the TC outflow and the strength of the PV gradient being disturbed in the mid‐latitude jet. The intensified TC had a stronger upper‐level outflow, and the intensified circulations associated with it could disturb the mid‐latitude PV gradient more strongly. Therefore, downstream development intensified, i.e. the trough‐ridge became more pronounced, and the jet became stronger. Downstream development seemed to be more sensitive to the TC location than its intensity. The TC, being closer to the trough, interacted with the mid‐latitude flow more strongly because the trough advanced and strengthened the process that the TC outflow transported low PV air to the mid‐latitudes in this situation. Moreover, the TC disturbed the PV gradient earlier and more strongly. The two effects intensified the downstream development. If the TC were weakened or moved away from the upstream trough, the outcome would be the opposite.
Mechanical properties of hybrid sisal/coir fibers reinforced polylactide biocomposites
Authors: Duan Junpeng , Wu Hongwu , Fu Wuchang , Hao Mingyang
Published: July 2017

Untreated sisal and coir fibers (USF and UCF), alkali‐treated sisal and coir fibers (ASF and ACF), and alkali‐treated sisal/coir hybrid fibers (ASF/ACF) reinforced polylactide (PLA) composites were prepared by compression molding technique. The materials were characterized in terms of tensile, flexural, and impact properties. While all mechanical tests showed that the composites reinforced by alkali‐treated fibers could withstand more fracture strain than untreated fibers reinforced composites which could be attributed to the improved interfacial adhesion between alkali‐treated fibers and matrix related to the remove of lignin, hemicellulose and pectin by the alkali treatment, the addition of ACF in PLA/ASF composites improved the impact strength of PLA/ASF/ACF composites and showed a positive effect. More fibers tended to be torn apart or fractured, but less pulled out with the increase of coir fiber content. Compared to other composites, the ASF/ACF‐reinforced PLA composites offered superior mechanical properties when the ratio of sisal to coir was 7:3. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E188–E199, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Pharmacogenomics Implementation: Considerations for Selecting a Reference Laboratory
Authors: Vo Teresa T. , Bell Gillian C. , Owusu Obeng Aniwaa , Hicks J. Kevin , Dunnenberger Henry M.
Published: July 2017

One of the initial steps for implementing pharmacogenomics into routine patient care is selecting an appropriate clinical laboratory to perform the testing. With the rapid advances in genotyping technologies, many clinical laboratories are now performing pharmacogenomic testing. Selection of a reference laboratory depends on whether a particular genotype assay is already performed by an internal health care organization laboratory or only available externally. Other factors for consideration are coverage of genomic variants important for the patient population, technical support, and cost. In some instances, the decision to select a particular reference laboratory may be the responsibility of the clinician who is recommending genomic interrogation. Only limited guidance is available that describes the laboratory characteristics to consider when selecting a reference laboratory. We provide practical considerations for selecting a clinical laboratory for pharmacogenomic testing broadly categorized into four domains: pharmacogene and variant selection; logistics; reporting of results; and test costs along with reimbursement.
Review of Opioid Pharmacogenetics and Considerations for Pain Management
Authors: Owusu Obeng Aniwaa , Hamadeh Issam , Smith Michael
Published: July 2017

Opioid analgesics are the standards of care for the treatment of moderate to severe nociceptive pain, particularly in the setting of cancer and surgery. Their analgesic properties mainly emanate from stimulation of the μ receptors, which are encoded by the OPRM1 gene. Hepatic metabolism represents the major route of elimination, which, for some opioids, namely codeine and tramadol, is necessary for their bioactivation into more potent analgesics. The highly polymorphic nature of the genes coding for phase I and phase II enzymes (pharmacokinetics genes) that are involved in the metabolism and bioactivation of opioids suggests a potential interindividual variation in their disposition and, most likely, response. In fact, such an association has been substantiated in several pharmacokinetic studies described in this review, in which drug exposure and/or metabolism differed significantly based on the presence of polymorphisms in these pharmacokinetics genes. Furthermore, in some studies, the observed variability in drug exposure translated into differences in the incidence of opioid‐related adverse effects, particularly nausea, vomiting, constipation, and respiratory depression. Although the influence of polymorphisms in pharmacokinetics genes, as well as pharmacodynamics genes (OPRM1 and COMT) on response to opioids has been a subject of intense research, the results have been somehow conflicting, with some evidence insinuating for a potential role for OPRM1. The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium guidelines provide CYP2D6‐guided therapeutic recommendations to individualize treatment with tramadol and codeine. However, implementation guidelines for other opioids, which are more commonly used in real‐world settings for pain management, are currently lacking. Hence, further studies are warranted to bridge this gap in our knowledge base and ultimately ascertain the role of pharmacogenetic markers as predictors of response to opioid analgesics.
Preparation and properties of sodium bicarbonate‐incorporated LDPE films with deodorizing function for kimchi packaging
Authors: Jeong Suyeon , Yoo Seungran
Published: July 2017

Volatile compounds produced during the fermentation of kimchi result in a sour taste and unpleasant odor. Here, we evaluated the utility of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) as a natural deodorant in kimchi packaging. Baking soda decomposed into sodium carbonate, which showed superior deodorizing effects at 180°C, and aroma patterns were altered after deodorizing treatment with baking soda and heat‐treated baking soda. Moreover, the numbers of off‐odor compounds were decreased when using baking soda or heat‐treated baking soda. In addition, the acetic acid removal rate increased with heat treatment of baking soda. Notably, the external shape and color of baking soda particles were not affected by heating. It was observed that an increase in the content of baking soda in the low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)/baking soda composite films enhanced deodorizing effects. Finally, sensory evaluation confirmed that odor decreased with increased baking soda content. The findings demonstrate the potential value of baking soda and LDPE/baking soda composite films in kimchi packaging and reduction of off‐odors.
Output tracking of stochastic nonlinear systems with unstable linearization
Authors: Li Wuquan , Liu Lu , Feng Gang
Published: July 2017

This paper studies the output tracking problem for a class of stochastic nonlinear systems whose linearization parts may have unstable modes via output‐feedback control. This is in contrast with most of the existing results where only state‐feedback control is considered. On the basis of the homogeneous domination technique, an output tracking controller is designed. It is shown that the expectation of tracking error can be made arbitrarily small while all the states of the closed‐loop system remain to be bounded in probability. Finally, a simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the tracking controller.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Interleukin-6 Promotes Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Acquisition of Epithelial Stem-Like Cell Properties in Ameloblastoma Epithelial Cells
Authors: Jiang Chunmiao , Zhang Qunzhou , Shanti Rabie M. , Shi Shihong , Chang Ting-Han , Carrasco Lee , Alawi Faizan , Le Anh D.
Published: July 2017

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a biological process associated with cancer stem-like or cancer-initiating cell formation, contributes to the invasiveness, metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence of the malignant tumors; it remains to be determined whether similar processes contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of ameloblastoma (AM), a benign but locally invasive odontogenic neoplasm. Here, we demonstrated that EMT- and stem cell-related genes were expressed in the epithelial islands of the most common histologic variant subtype, the follicular AM. Our results revealed elevated interleukin (IL)-6 signals that were differentially expressed in the stromal compartment of the follicular AM. To explore the stromal effect on tumor pathogenesis, we isolated and characterized both mesenchymal stromal cells (AM-MSCs) and epithelial cells (AM-EpiCs) from follicular AM and demonstrated that, in in vitro culture, AM-MSCs secreted a significantly higher level of IL-6 as compared to the counterpart AM-EpiCs. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that exogenous and AM-MSC-derived IL-6 induced the expression of EMT- and stem cell-related genes in AM-EpiCs, whereas such effects were significantly abrogated either by a specific inhibitor of STAT3 or ERK1/2, or by knockdown of Slug gene expression. These findings suggest that AM-MSC-derived IL-6 promotes tumor-stem like cell formation by inducing EMT process in AM-EpiCs through STAT3 and ERK1/2-mediated signaling pathways, implying a role in the etiology and progression of the benign but locally invasive neoplasm.
Posterior dopamine D2/3 receptors and brain network functional connectivity
Authors: Nagano‐Saito Atsuko , Lissemore Jennifer I. , Gravel Paul , Leyton Marco , Carbonell Felix , Benkelfat Chawki
Published: July 2017

Recent studies suggest that dopaminergic tone influences resting state activity in multiple brain networks. Although dopamine receptors and transporters have been identified in the posteromedial and parietal cortices, which are linked to functional networks such as the default mode network (DMN), the relationship between dopamine receptor distribution in these posterior regions and resting‐state connectivity has yet to be explored. Here, we used a multi‐modal neuroimaging strategy, combining resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) and [18 F]‐fallypride high‐resolution positron emission tomography (PET), to examine the association between within‐network functional connectivity and the dopamine D2/3 receptor distribution in the posterior portion of the brain in 13 healthy adults. Our results indicate that the posterior distribution of D2/3 receptors coincides primarily with the posterior portion of the DMN. Furthermore, in the posterior portion of the brain, the level of [18 F]‐fallypride binding in the posteromedial cortex correlated positively with the functional connectivity strength of the DMN and sensorimotor network, and negatively with the functional connectivity strength of the dorsal attention network, the salience network, and a network that included the anterior part of the temporo‐parietal junction. On the basis of these findings, we propose that posterior brain dopamine influences the configuration of the posterior DMN and several other functional brain networks. The posterior distribution of D2/3 receptors binding (hot colour spectrum) coincides with the functional connectivity of the posterior portion of the default mode network (green colour spectrum). The mean BPND in a posteromedial cortex and the mean ICA‐Z score in the precuneus showed significant positive correlation.