bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alpha‐Catulin Co‐Localizes With Vimentin Intermediate Filaments and Functions in Pulmonary Vascular Endothelial Cell Migration via ROCK
Authors: Bear Michael D. , Liu Tiegang , Abualkhair Shereen , Ghamloush Maher A. , Hill Nicholas S. , Preston Ioana , Fanburg Barry L. , Kayyali Usamah S. , Toksoz Deniz
Published: September 2015

The ubiquitous α‐catulin acts as a scaffold for distinct signalosomes including RhoA/ROCK; however, its function is not well understood. While α‐catulin has homology to the cytoskeletal linkers α‐catenin and vinculin, it appears to be functionally divergent. Here we further investigated α‐catulin function in pulmonary vascular endothelial cells (VEC) on the premise that α‐catulin has a unique cytoskeletal role. Examination of endogenous α‐catulin intracellular localization by immunofluorescence revealed a highly organized cytosolic filamentous network suggestive of a cytoskeletal system in a variety of cultured VEC. Double‐immunofluorescence analyses of VEC showed endogenous α‐catulin co‐localization with vimentin intermediate filaments. Similar to vimentin, α‐catulin was found to distribute into detergent‐soluble and ‐insoluble fractions. Treatment of VEC with withaferinA, an agent that targets vimentin filaments, disrupted the α‐catulin network distribution and altered α‐catulin solubility. Vimentin participates in cell migration, and withaferinA was found to inhibit VEC migration in vitro; similarly, α‐catulin knock‐down reduced VEC migration. Based on previous reports showing that ROCK modulates vimentin, we found that ROCK depletion attenuated VEC migration; furthermore, α‐catulin depletion was shown to reduce ROCK‐induced signaling. These findings indicate that α‐catulin has a unique function in co‐localization with vimentin filaments that contributes to VEC migration via a pathway that may involve ROCK signaling. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 934–943, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TRPV4 Channels in Human White Adipocytes: Electrophysiological Characterization and Regulation by Insulin
Authors: Sánchez Julio C. , Rivera Ricardo A. , Muñoz Laura V.
Published: September 2015

Intracellular calcium homeostasis in adipocytes is important for the regulation of several functions and is involved in pathological changes in obesity and other associated diseases. Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channels are an important route for calcium entry that operates in a variety of cells and intervenes in a number of functions. In this study, the expression and operation of TRPV4 channels in human cultured adipocytes was evaluated using RT‐PCR, Western blotting, the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique and fluorescence measurements to characterize these channels and determine intracellular calcium responses. Both the hypoosmolarity and 4alpha‐phorbol‐didecanoate (4αPDD), a specific TRPV4 agonist, induced a similar HC‐067047‐sensitive current, which was predominantly inward, and an intracellular Ca2+ concentration increase, which was exclusively dependent on extracellular calcium, and membrane depolarization. The current had a reverse potential of +31 ± 6 mV and exhibited preferential permeability to Ca2+. Insulin, which regulates metabolic homeostasis in adipocytes, attenuated the TRPV4‐mediated effects. These results confirm the function of TRPV4 in human cultured adipocytes and its regulation by insulin. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 954–963, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pharmacokinetics of metoprolol during pregnancy and lactation
Authors: Ryu Rachel J. , Eyal Sara , Easterling Thomas R. , Caritis Steve N. , Venkataraman Raman , Hankins Gary , Rytting Erik , Thummel Kenneth , Kelly Edward J. , Risler Linda , Phillips Brian , Honaker Matthew T. , Shen Danny D. , Hebert Mary F.
Published: September 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the steady‐state pharmacokinetics of metoprolol during pregnancy and lactation. Serial plasma, urine, and breast milk concentrations of metoprolol and its metabolite, α‐hydroxymetoprolol, were measured over 1 dosing interval in women treated with metoprolol (25–750 mg/day) during early pregnancy (n = 4), mid‐pregnancy (n = 14), and late pregnancy (n = 15), as well as postpartum (n = 9) with (n = 4) and without (n = 5) lactation. Subjects were genotyped for CYP2D6 loss‐of‐function allelic variants. Using paired analysis, mean metoprolol apparent oral clearance was significantly higher in mid‐pregnancy (361 ± 223 L/h, n = 5, P < .05) and late pregnancy (568 ± 273 L/h, n = 8, P < .05) compared with ≥3 months postpartum (200 ± 131 and 192 ± 98 L/h, respectively). When the comparison was limited to extensive metabolizers (EMs), metoprolol apparent oral clearance was significantly higher during both mid‐ and late pregnancy (P < .05). Relative infant exposure to metoprolol through breast milk was <1.0% of maternal weight‐adjusted dose (n = 3). Because of the large, pregnancy‐induced changes in metoprolol pharmacokinetics, if inadequate clinical responses are encountered, clinicians who prescribe metoprolol during pregnancy should be prepared to make aggressive changes in dosage (dose and frequency) or consider using an alternate beta‐blocker.
Synthesis and Bioassay of Novel Substituted Pyrano[2,3‐f]cinnoline‐2‐ones
Authors: Al‐zagameem Abla S. , El‐Abadelah Mustafa M. , Zihlif Malek A. , Naffa Randa G. , Al‐Smadi Musa L. , Mubarak Mohammad S.
Published: September 2015

A new series of 9‐substituted‐4,10‐dimethylpyrano[2,3‐f]cinnolin‐2‐ones (5a,5b,5c,5d,5e,5f,5g,5h,5i,5j,5k,5l,5m) were synthesizedviaintramolecular cyclization of the respective acyl amidrazone derivatives (4a,4b,4c,4d,4e,4f,4g,4h,4i,4j,4k,4l,4m), catalyzed by polyphosphoric acid. Compounds (4a,4b,4c,4d,4e,4f,4g,4h,4i,4j,4k,4l,4m) were synthesized through direct interaction of coumarin‐7‐yl hydrazonoyl chloride (3) with the corresponding cyclicsec‐amines in the presence of triethylamine. The structures of the new compounds were confirmed by elemental analyses, NMR, and MS spectral data. The antitumor activity of compounds5a,5b,5c,5d,5e,5f,5g,5h,5i,5j,5k,5l,5mwas evaluatedin vitroon breast cancer cell line (MCF‐7) by a cell viability assay utilizing the tetrazolium dye 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide. Among the compounds tested, compounds5d,5f,5k, and5hshowed potential anti‐MCF‐7 activity and were able to reduce the viability after 72 h to less than 50%.
Fecal microbiota transplantation for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: Rao Krishna , Safdar Nasia
Published: September 2015

Clostridium difficile, a major cause of healthcare‐associated diarrhea due to perturbation of the normal gastrointestinal microbiome, is responsible for significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures. The incidence and severity of C difficile infection (CDI) is increasing, and recurrent disease is common. Recurrent infection can be difficult to manage with conventional antibiotic therapy. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which involves instillation of stool from a healthy donor into the gastrointestinal tract of the patient, restores the gut microbiome to a healthy state. FMT has emerged as a promising new treatment for CDI. There are limited data on FMT for treatment of primary CDI, but FMT appears safe and effective for recurrent CDI. The safety and efficacy of FMT in patients with severe primary or severe recurrent CDI has not been established. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who undergo FMT for CDI may be at increased risk of IBD flare, and caution should be exercised with use of FMT in that population. The long‐term safety of FMT is unknown; thus, rigorously conducted prospective studies are needed. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:56–61. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Peer Effect on Students’ Creative Self‐Concept
Authors: Karwowski Maciej
Published: September 2015

Creative self‐concept has become a notable construct of interest in creativity literature in the last decade. The predictors, correlates, determinants, and consequences of self‐rated creativity, creative self‐efficacy, creative personal identity, and creative metacognition―as well as other self‐concept constructs―have been studied intensively, showing something more and something different about creativity than personal, cognitive, or motivational factors. This paper looks at creative self‐concept variables from both metatheoretical and empirical perspectives. The metatheoretical approach is shown through the adaption of predictions formulated outside creativity theory, especially in the field of educational psychology, for the creativity literature. Specifically, I examine hypotheses regarding peer influences on creative self‐concept. The findings show the somewhat restricted generalizability of theories developed within different traditions of psychology to creativity theory: specifically, there is no sign of the expected negative effect of peers’ creative abilities on an individual's creative self‐concept. Quite the opposite: creative peers in the classroom tend to strengthen an individual's creative self‐concept.
Aqueous two‐phase system based on natural quaternary ammonium compounds for the extraction of proteins
Authors: Zeng Chao‐Xi , Xin Rui‐Pu , Qi Sui‐Jian , Yang Bo , Wang Yong‐Hua
Published: September 2015

Aqueous two‐phase systems, based on the use of natural quaternary ammonium compounds, were developed to establish a benign biotechnological route for efficient protein separation. In this study, aqueous two‐phase systems of two natural resources betaine and choline with polyethyleneglycol (PEG400/600) or inorganic salts (K2HPO4/K3PO4) were formed. It was shown that in the K2HPO4‐containing aqueous two‐phase system, hydrophobic interactions were an important driving force of protein partitioning, while protein size played a vital role in aqueous two‐phase systems that contained polyethylene glycol. An extraction efficiency of more than 90% for bovine serum albumin in the betaine/K2HPO4 aqueous two‐phase system can be obtained, and this betaine‐based aqueous two‐phase system provided a gentle and stable environment for the protein. In addition, after investigation of the cluster phenomenon in the betaine/K2HPO4 aqueous two‐phase systems, it was suggested that this phenomenon also played a significant role for protein extraction in this system. The development of aqueous two‐phase systems based on natural quaternary ammonium compounds not only provided an effective and greener method of aqueous two‐phase system to meet the requirements of green chemistry but also may help to solve the mystery of the compartmentalization of biomolecules in cells.
Challenges in the Management of Inverted Papilloma: A Review of 72 Revision Cases
Authors: Adriaensen Gwijde F. J. P. M. , Lim Keng‐Hua , Georgalas Christos , Reinartz Susanne M. , Fokkens Wytske J.
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

We report on the treatment outcome of endoscopically managed sinonasal inverted papilloma, focusing on revision cases. Our aim was to identify the properties of revision cases that affect treatment outcome by comparing them to primary cases in a single center. We propose using 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in the postoperative management of inverted papilloma.

Study Design

A retrospective single‐center case series. This study met the criteria for approval by the local medical ethics committee.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review identifying patients operated on between January 2003 and September 2013. Data were collected about patient demographics, symptoms, tumor attachment site, imaging, intraoperative and pathological findings, surgical approaches, postoperative treatment, follow‐up, and recurrence.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐one (72 revision and 49 primary) cases were retrieved with a minimum follow‐up of 1 year. Revision cases have significantly higher Krouse staging (P = 0.003), different distribution of tumor attachment sites, and higher recurrence rates. The recurrence rate was 4.1% for primary cases (mean follow‐up 35.5 months) and 18.1% for revision cases (mean follow‐up 45 months). Eight of the recurrent cases recurred within the first year. 5‐fluorouracil was applied postoperatively in 18 (5 primary and 13 revision) cases, which included one (5.6%) recurrence and one minor complication (transient periorbital swelling).

Conclusion

The most important factors in preventing the recurrence of inverted papilloma are the determination of the location of the attachment and the completeness of resection in the primary endoscopic surgery. Revision cases have a higher recurrence rate, and the attachment sites are surgically more challenging. The use of 5‐FU might have a place in the postoperative treatment of surgically challenging inverted papilloma.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:322–328, 2016
Cochlear implantation in children with unilateral hearing loss: A systematic review
Authors: Peters Jeroen P. M. , Ramakers Geerte G. J. , Smit Adriana L. , Grolman Wilko
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To systematically review the literature on cochlear implantation (CI) for children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL).

Data Sources

PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Embase databases were searched for articles up to June 29, 2015 for UHL, children and CI, and all of their synonyms.

Methods

After screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts for eligible articles, directness of evidence (DoE) and risk of bias (RoB) were assessed for the included articles. Study characteristics and data on our outcomes of interest (speech perception in noise, sound localization, quality of life, and speech and language development) were extracted.

Results

In total, 296 unique articles were retrieved, of which five articles satisfied the eligibility criteria. All of these articles were case series or case reports and had a low to moderate DoE and a high RoB. In these studies, heterogeneous findings were reported in small patient samples. Speech perception in noise and localization ability improved in most patients. Although only measured in one study each, quality of life and speech and language development improved. Most of these results were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

No firm conclusions can be drawn on the effectiveness of CI in children with UHL, due to heterogeneous findings, small sample sizes, and the lack of high Level of Evidence studies. Based on the findings of this systematic review, cochlear implantation may be an effective treatment option in children with UHL. Laryngoscope, 126:713–721, 2016
Gene expression of NMDA and AMPA receptors in different facial motor neurons
Authors: Chen Pei , Song Jun , Luo Linghui , Cheng Qing , Xiao Hongjun , Gong Shusheng
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Facial motor neurons (FMNs) are involved in the remodeling of the facial nucleus in response to peripheral injury. This study aimed to examine the gene expression of alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptor (NMDAR) in reinnervating dormant FMNs after facial nerve axotomy.

Study Design

Animal study.

Methods

Rat models of facial‐facial anastomosis were set up and raised until the 90th day. By laser capture microdissection (LCM), the reinnervating neurons labeled by Fluoro‐Ruby (FR) were first captured, and the remaining (dormant) neurons identified by Nissl staining were captured in the facial nucleus of the operated side. The total RNA of two types of neurons were extracted, and the gene expressions of AMPAR and NMDAR were studied by real‐time quantitative reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR).

Results

Messenger RNA (mRNA) of AMPAR subunits (GluR1, GluR2, GluR3, and GluR4) and NMDAR subunits (NR1, NR2a, NR2b, NR2c, and NR2d) was detected in reinnervating and dormant neurons. The relative ratios exhibited that the expressions of GluR1, GluR4, NR2a, NR2b, NR2c, and NR2d mRNA were lower, whereas the expressions of GluR2, GluR3, and NR1 mRNA were higher in dormant FMNs than in reinnervating counterparts.

Conclusions

LCM in combination with real‐time qRT‐PCR can be employed for the examination of gene expression of different FMNs in a heterogeneous nucleus. The adaptive changes in AMPAR and NMDAR subunit mRNA might dictate the regenerative fate of FMNs in response to the peripheral axotomy and thereby play a unique role in the pathogenesis of facial nerve injury and regeneration.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:E6–E11, 2016
Prognostic implications of and audiometric evidence for hearing fluctuation in Meniere's disease
Authors: Hoa Michael , Friedman Rick A. , Fisher Laurel M. , Derebery M. Jennifer
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

1) To establish criteria for significant hearing fluctuation by assessing the range and occurrence of hearing fluctuations over the course of Meniere's disease; 2) to determine if audiometric evidence exists to support the notion that Meniere's disease is a pathophysiologic process involving the whole cochlea; and 3) to suggest prognostic implications for initial hearing fluctuation in patients with Meniere's disease.

Study Design

Retrospective case series review.

Methods

A total of 488 patients diagnosed by 1995 American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Meniere's disease criteria for whom audiometric data were prospectively collected (2 cohorts: 341 and 146 patients initially seen between April 2002 to July 2003 and between January to December 2010, respectively). Based on several definitions for significant hearing fluctuation, change in hearing was categorized as “same,” “worse,” or “better” between any two consecutive evaluations. The relationship of initial hearing fluctuation to future hearing fluctuation and future hearing loss was evaluated.

Results

Hearing fluctuation was evident in Meniere's disease patients with heterogeneous audiometric follow‐up; and the characteristics of these hearing fluctuations, including the mean incidence, is described. Audiometric data suggests that there is a high congruence in Meniere's disease between changes in low‐ and high‐frequency thresholds. Initial hearing fluctuation is associated with the occurrence of future and more frequent hearing fluctuations.

Conclusion

Understanding the range of hearing fluctuations establishes a basis for determining audiometric thresholds used in evaluating future therapeutic trials aimed at the prevention of hearing loss in Meniere's disease. This knowledge will also inform the counseling directed toward patients diagnosed with Meniere's disease.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:S1–S12, 2015
Vocal fold myofibroblast profile of scarring
Authors: Branco Anete , Bartley Stephanie M. , King Suzanne N. , Jetté Marie E. , Thibeault Susan L.
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Vocal fold fibroblasts (VFF) are responsible for extracellular matrix synthesis supporting lamina propria in normal and diseased conditions. When tissue is injured, VFF become activated and differentiate into myofibroblasts to facilitate wound healing response. We investigated if vocal fold myofibroblasts can be utilized as surrogate cells for scarred VFF.

Study Design

In vitro.

Methods

Normal VFF cell lines from a 21‐year‐old male (N21), 59‐year‐old female (N59), and a scar VFF cell line from a 56‐year‐old female (S56) were used in this study. 10 ng/mL of transforming growth factor (TGFβ1) was applied for 5 days to normal VFF. Myofibroblast differentiation was determined with immunocytochemistry and western blot, measuring alpha smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA). Cell growth, proliferation, contractile properties, and gene expression profiles were evaluated.

Results

N21, N59, and S56 VFF presented elongated configuration. N21+ and N21− VFF demonstrated significantly greater proliferation compared to N59+, N59−, and S56 VFF at 6 days. α‐SMA was expressed in all cells. Fibronectin, alpha smooth actin, connective tissue growth factor, and metallopeptidase inhibitor were the highest genes expression in VFF treated with transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1). At 24 hours, S56 VFF showed lower contraction compared to N21+ and N59+ VFF, but at 60 hours S56 VFF had lower collagen contraction compared to all cell groups. Highest collagen contraction matrices were measured with VFF treated with TGFβ1 at 24 hours and N59− VFF at 60 hours.

Conclusion

VFF treated with TGFβ1 (myofibroblasts) appear to have similar phenotypic characteristics but different genotypic behavior compared to scar VFF.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 126:E110–E117, 2016
Predictors and outcomes for chronic tracheostomy after chemoradiation for advanced laryngohypopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Jefferson Gina D. , Wenig Barry L. , Spiotto Michael T.
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

After concurrent chemoradiation for head and neck squamous cell cancer, patients with laryngeal incompetence may not recover function. We assessed variables predicting tracheostomy dependence as a measure of poor laryngeal function after chemoradiation.

Study Design

Retrospective

Methods

Analysis of 109 patients treated with chemoradiation for locoregionally advanced laryngohypopharyngeal squamous cell cancers between 1992 and 2013. Median follow‐up was 17.0 and 17.2 months for tracheostomy and nontracheostomy dependent patients, respectively.

Results

For all patients, multivariate analysis demonstrated persistent tracheostomy was associated with pretreatment tracheostomy, subglottic extension, three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) and postradiotherapy lymphadenectomy. When analyzed by primary site, tracheostomy dependence was associated with pretreatment tracheostomy, subglottic extension, and 3DCRT in larynx primaries, and with pretreatment tracheostomy and feeding tube dependency in hypopharynx primaries. Tracheostomy dependence did not impact local control, progression‐free survival or overall survival on univariate analysis.

Conclusion

After curative chemoradiation, long‐term tracheostomy was associated with pretreatment tracheostomy, subglottic extension, postradiotherapy lymphadenectomy, and 3DCRT but did not impact outcomes. These factors may inform treatment decision making regarding organ preservation approaches for locally advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:385–391, 2016
Outcome of thyroid gene expression classifier testing in clinical practice
Authors: Witt Robert L.
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Gene expression classifiers can safely reduce diagnostic thyroid surgery for fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) indeterminate thyroid nodules.

Study Design

Retrospective review, single‐institution, single‐practice surgeon.

Methods

Three‐year retrospective review of indeterminate FNAC that went on to gene expression classifier testing.

Results

A total of 520 patients met American Thyroid Association guideline criteria for surgeon‐performed ultrasound‐guided FNAC for a thyroid nodule with on‐site cytopathology. The indeterminate (Bethesda III or IV) FNAC rate was 9%. Prevalence of malignancy in FNAC indeterminate was 21%. Thirty‐two cases went on to gene expression classifier testing. Fourteen were benign, 15 suspicious, and three with no result.

Conclusions

Benign gene expression classifier testing had an estimated negative predictive value of 100% during the study period. These patients have been observed for a mean and median duration of 14 and 7 months, respectively. In this small series, 14 of 29 patients with indeterminate FNAC were spared diagnostic surgery.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 126:524–527, 2016
Memory Effects of Different Relational Links between Brands and Sponsored Events
Authors: Wolfsteiner Elisabeth , Grohs Reinhard , Wagner Udo
Published: September 2015

Sport sponsorship is an important marketing communication tool, and stakes in sponsorship deals are high. Therefore, sponsors strive to ensure that their investments are effective and protected from competitors—that is, ambusher marketers’ attacks. Still, little is known about how ambush marketing affects sponsor identification and misidentification of ambushers as sponsors. This study investigates levels of sponsor and ambusher identification in three experimental settings, controlling for the presence/absence of an ambusher, communication modality, and response formats. A field study in the context of a large sports event demonstrates the external validity of the findings. The results provide evidence of a nondestructive interference of ambush marketing, indicating that ambush marketing does not necessarily harm sponsor identification. Misidentification of nonsponsors as sponsors occurs because of the indirect link established between the event and the company through ambush marketing, but not as a consequence of other communication activities by a competitor with no link to the event. Finally, a combined sponsor–ambusher perspective indicates that sponsors do not necessarily have a consistent “official sponsor” advantage over ambushers. Findings are discussed with emphasis on implications for sponsors, ambushers, and marketing researchers.
Long non‐coding RNA regulation of reproduction and development
Authors: Taylor David H. , Chu Erin Tsi‐Jia , Spektor Roman , Soloway Paul D.
Published: September 2015

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have long been known to play vital roles in eukaryotic gene regulation. Studies conducted over a decade ago revealed that maturation of spliced, polyadenylated coding mRNA occurs by reactions involving small nuclear RNAs and small nucleolar RNAs; mRNA translation depends on activities mediated by transfer RNAs and ribosomal RNAs, subject to negative regulation by micro RNAs; transcriptional competence of sex chromosomes and some imprinted genes is regulated in cis by ncRNAs that vary by species; and both small‐interfering RNAs and piwi‐interacting RNAs bound to Argonaute‐family proteins regulate post‐translational modifications on chromatin and local gene expression states. More recently, gene‐regulating noncoding RNAs have been identified, such as long intergenic and long noncoding RNAs (collectively referred to as lncRNAs)—a class totaling more than 100,000 transcripts in humans, which include some of the previously mentioned RNAs that regulate dosage compensation and imprinted gene expression. Here, we provide an overview of lncRNA activities, and then review the role of lncRNAs in processes vital to reproduction, such as germ cell specification, sex determination and gonadogenesis, sex hormone responses, meiosis, gametogenesis, placentation, non‐genetic inheritance, and pathologies affecting reproductive tissues. Results from many species are presented to illustrate the evolutionarily conserved processes lncRNAs are involved in. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 932–956, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Supramolekulare Gele: einfach und funktionell
Authors: Mayr Judith , Häring Marleen , Schiller Jana , Díaz Díaz David
Published: September 2015

Das Phasengleichgewicht zwischen Gelbildung, Kristallisation und Lösen zu verstehen und zu

kontrollieren, ist der Schlüssel zu günstiger, einfacher und skalierbarer funktioneller weicher Materie.
Germanium spart Zeit beim Zahnarzt
Authors: Schirmer Johanna
Published: September 2015

Zahnfarbene Füllungen aus Kunststoff muss ein Zahnarzt Schicht für Schicht einsetzen. Ein neuer Photoinitiator verringert die Zahl der aufzutragenden Schichten.
Integriert digitalisiert — vom Plan bis zur Produktion
Authors: Keldenich Manuel
Published: September 2015

Ein gemeinsames Datenmodell vom Design über das Engineering bis in den Betrieb und für den Service ist die Basis, um die Produktion effektiver zu gestalten. Sie lässt sich mit vorkonfigurierten Betriebseinheiten und standardisierten Schnittstellen flexibler planen und modernisieren.
Zulassung unter Reach — ein Erfahrungsbericht
Authors: Schneider Klaus , Zarogiannis Panos , Persich Tom
Published: September 2015

Unter Reach erfordert ein Antrag auf die Zulassung eines als kritisch angesehenen Stoffs viel Zeit und Einsatz. Dabei sind der Stoffsicherheitsbericht und die Analyse von Alternativen ebenso zu berücksichtigen wie die sozioökonomische Analyse.
Ist der Reaktor sauber?
Authors: Hupach Sascha
Published: September 2015

Der Nachweis, dass Rückstände nach Reinigungsverfahren unterhalb einer Toleranzgrenze liegen, ist bei Geräten zur Medikamentenherstellung üblich. Mehr und mehr validiert auch die Lebensmittelindustrie die Reinigung ihrer Anlagen in Produktion und Verarbeitung.
Fast low‐rank approximations of multidimensional integrals in ion‐atomic collisions modelling
Authors: Litsarev M. S. , Oseledets I. V.
Published: September 2015

An efficient technique based on low‐rank separated approximations is proposed for computation of three‐dimensional integrals arising in the energy deposition model that describes ion‐atomic collisions. Direct tensor‐product quadrature requires grids of size 40003 that is unacceptable. Moreover, several of such integrals have to be computed simultaneously for different values of parameters. To reduce the complexity, we use the structure of the integrand and apply numerical linear algebra techniques for the construction of low‐rank approximation. The resulting algorithm is 103 faster than spectral quadratures in spherical coordinates used in the original DEPOSIT code. The approach can be generalized to other multidimensional problems in physics. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Advantages of Being Small
Authors: Arnold Steffen
Published: September 2015

The demand for the smallest possible positioners and manipulators is increasing. Industrial microassembly, photonics as well as laser and optical metrology or research institutes with ultra‐high vacuum conditions and strong magnetic fields need even smaller, high precision positioning systems. Commercial applications developed from research at universities also have similar requirements. Typical examples for this are measuring and medical technology devices, in particular when they are intended for mobile use. Positioning systems based on piezo inertia drives open up interesting possibilities here. In miniaturized design, they offer a high resolution at theoretically unlimited travel ranges, are self‐locking and on top of that, they are also inexpensive.
A More Neutral Measure for Sensitivity
Authors: Holst Gerhard
Published: September 2015

The quality of image recordings in research and industry depends significantly on the realness and accuracy of the depiction of reality that a given image sensor records. A number of key figures characterize this criterion of quality. Resolution and light sensitivity are often at the center of attention. Wrongly, less attention is usually paid to quantum efficiency since it happens to be the perfect parameter for describing the sensitivity of image sensors.
Leaving the Inspection Lab
Authors: Berggold Wolfgang
Published: September 2015

Although inspections in the inspection lab provide maximum precision, they cannot be integrated into production and thus can cost valuable time. The operator self‐inspection takes these circumstances into account: The organizational model for quality inspections, in which the operator himself measures the produced parts directly at the production line, is now becoming a big success among manufacturing companies, years after its first introduction. Optical methods in particular, such as white‐light interferometry, can be adapted to in‐line production requirements in an intelligent way.
Variations of antibacterial activity and silver characteristic of silver‐containing activated carbon fibers undergoing cyclic antibacterial tests
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Zhao Guangjie
Published: September 2015

Seven cycles of antibacterial tests were performed on silver‐containing activated carbon fibers derived from liquefied wood (WACF/Ag) to investigate the variations of their antibacterial activity and silver characteristics. The results showed that all the WACF/Ag had the excellent antibacterial durability. Less silver ions were released from WACF/Ag prepared at the soaking concentration of 0.2 mol/L. Both silver and silver ion content followed a decreasing trend with an increase in cycle number of antibacterial tests, and the significant drop occurred in the first cycle. The silver on the surface and in mesopores was almost removed in the first cycle of antibacterial tests, while that in micropores was released slowly with increasing cycle number of antibacterial tests. The schematic illustrations for WACF/Ag revealed that the number of silver nanoparticles in micropores had the determined effect on the antibacterial durability. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1404–1411, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Vancomycin Dosing Considerations in a Real‐World Cohort of Obese and Extremely Obese Patients
Authors: Morrill Haley J. , Caffrey Aisling R. , Noh Eunsun , LaPlante Kerry L.
Published: September 2015

Study Objective

To compare the effects of empiric vancomycin dosing regimens on attainment of optimal target trough concentrations in obese (body mass index [BMI] 30–40 kg/m2) and extremely obese (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) patients.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Data Source

National Veterans Affairs standardized databases.

Patients

A total of 263 obese and 71 extremely obese (actual body weight range 72–244 kg in both groups) inpatients from all Veterans Affairs facilities nationally who had suspected methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia and were treated with vancomycin between 2002 and 2012.

Measurements and Main Results

Patients with steady‐state trough concentrations (measured ≤ 2 hours before the next vancomycin dose) and no evidence of acute kidney injury before vancomycin initiation were included. Logistic regression models were used to measure the effect of various vancomycin dosing regimens on attainment of optimal target trough concentrations (15–20 mg/L). The mean total daily vancomycin dose was lower in obese versus extremely obese patients (2005 ± 736 vs 2306 ± 934 mg, p<0.05). The mean weight‐based daily dose was higher in obese patients (20 ± 7 vs 17 ± 7 mg/kg/day, p<0.05). In each group, ~ 20% of patients achieved optimal target trough concentrations. In obese patients, the standard dose of ~ 30 mg/kg/day was appropriate for target trough concentration attainment (odds ratio 5.15, 95% confidence interval 1.69–15.64). In extremely obese patients, a lower dosage of 20 to 25 mg/kg/day was appropriate for target trough concentration attainment (odds ratio 6.07, 95% confidence interval 1.01–36.51).

Conclusion

In this real‐world study, we offer additional consideration of vancomycin dosing in obese and extremely obese patients. Extremely obese patients may require a lower weight‐based daily dose than obese patients to reach target vancomycin trough concentrations.
Update on Treatment Options for Gonococcal Infections
Authors: Lancaster Jason W. , Mahoney Monica V. , Mandal Sana , Lawrence Kenneth R.
Published: September 2015

The incidence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in the United States has grown over the past decade. The most recent data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that reported cases have increased by almost 10% over the last 5 years. In conjunction with this rise, the presence of multidrug‐resistant strains of N. gonorrhoeae has also emerged. The 2015 CDC guidelines recommend dual therapy with intramuscular ceftriaxone and oral azithromycin as first‐line treatment, although components of this regimen are met with a high level of resistance. Although ceftriaxone resistance has not yet been reported in the United States, it is only a matter of time before such isolates are detected, thus ushering in a new era of difficult‐to‐manage uncomplicated gonococcal infection. The potential public health crisis and patient‐associated sequelae (e.g., pelvic inflammatory disease, epididymitis, and human immunodeficiency virus infection) linked with untreatable gonorrhea are cause for great concern. To try to stem this tide, a number of new agents targeted against N. gonorrhoeae are being investigated in clinical trials. In this article, we review the various agents, both currently available and under clinical investigation, and provide recommendations for the management of gonococcal infections.
(MS)SM‐like models on smooth Calabi‐Yau manifolds from all three heterotic string theories
Authors: Groot Nibbelink Stefan , Loukas Orestis , Ruehle Fabian
Published: September 2015

We perform model searches on smooth Calabi‐Yau compactifications for both the supersymmetric E8 × E8 and SO(32) as well as for the non‐supersymmetric SO(16) × SO(16) heterotic strings simultaneously. We consider line bundle backgrounds on both favorable CICYs with relatively small h11 and the Schoen manifold. Using Gram matrices we systematically analyze the combined consequences of the Bianchi identities and the tree‐level Donaldson‐Uhlenbeck‐Yau equations inside the Kähler cone. In order to evaluate the model building potential of the three heterotic theories on the various geometries, we perform computer‐aided scans. We have generated a large number of GUT‐like models (up to over a few hundred thousand on the various geometries for the three heterotic theories) which become (MS)SM‐like upon using a freely acting Wilson line. For all three heterotic theories we present tables and figures summarizing the potentially phenomenologically interesting models which were obtained during our model scans.
Methods of model accuracy estimation can help selecting the best models from decoy sets: Assessment of model accuracy estimations in CASP11
Authors: Kryshtafovych Andriy , Barbato Alessandro , Monastyrskyy Bohdan , Fidelis Krzysztof , Schwede Torsten , Tramontano Anna
Published: September 2015

The article presents assessment of the model accuracy estimation methods participating in CASP11. The results of the assessment are expected to be useful to both—developers of the methods and users who way too often are presented with structural models without annotations of accuracy. The main emphasis is placed on the ability of techniques to identify the best models from among several available. Bivariate descriptive statistics and ROC analysis are used to additionally assess the overall correctness of the predicted model accuracy scores, the correlation between the predicted and observed accuracy of models, the effectiveness in distinguishing between good and bad models, the ability to discriminate between reliable and unreliable regions in models, and the accuracy of the coordinate error self‐estimates. A rigid‐body measure (GDT_TS) and three local‐structure‐based scores (LDDT, CADaa, and SphereGrinder) are used as reference measures for evaluating methods' performance. Consensus methods, taking advantage of the availability of several models for the same target protein, perform well on the majority of tasks. Methods that predict accuracy on the basis of a single model perform comparably to consensus methods in picking the best models and in the estimation of how accurate is the local structure. More groups than in previous experiments submitted reasonable error estimates of their own models, most likely in response to a recommendation from CASP and the increasing demand from users. Proteins 2016; 84(Suppl 1):349–369. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recent trends in preclinical drug–drug interaction studies of flavonoids — Review of case studies, issues and perspectives
Authors: Srinivas Nuggehally R.
Published: September 2015

Because of health benefits that are manifested across various disease areas, the consumption of herbal products and/or health supplements containing different kinds of flavonoids has been on the rise. While the drug–drug interaction potential between flavonoids and co‐ingested drugs still remain an issue, opportunities exist for the combination of flavonoids with suitable anti‐cancer drugs to enhance the bioavailability of anti‐cancer drugs and thereby reduce the dose size of the anti‐cancer drugs and improve its therapeutic index. In recent years, scores of flavonoids have undergone preclinical investigation with variety of drugs encompassing therapeutic areas such as oncology (etoposide, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, tamoxifen etc.), immunosuppression (cyclosporine) and hypertension (losartan, felodipine, nitrendipine etc.). The review provides examples of the recent trends in the preclinical investigation of 14 flavonoids (morin, quercetin, silibinin, kaempferol etc.) with various co‐administered drugs. The relevance of combination of flavonoids with anti‐cancer drugs and a framework to help design the in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies to gain better mechanistic insights are discussed. Also, concise discussions on the various physiological factors that contribute for the reduced bioavailability of flavonoids along with the significant challenges in the data interpretation are provided. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reliability in ensemble data assimilation
Authors: Rodwell M. J. , Lang S. T. K. , Ingleby N. B. , Bormann N. , Hólm E. , Rabier F. , Richardson D. S. , Yamaguchi M.
Published: September 2015

A key attribute of a probabilistic forecast system is its reliability: the degree to which forecast probabilities agree with outcome frequencies. Here, we focus on short‐lead‐time (12 h) reliability in the nonlinear background forecasts of the Ensemble of Data Assimilations (EDA) from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). A ‘reliability budget’, derived from consistency arguments, is used to separate the mean‐squared departures of the ensemble mean (relative to observations) into bias, ensemble variance and observation‐error contributions, along with a residual that indicates a deficiency in reliability. At these short lead times, the residual is found to be sensitive, in a local manner, to the assignment of observation errors and to the parametrization of ‘stochastic physics’, which accounts for the deficit in a model's error growth rate. In particular, the results highlight the importance of the stochastic physics parametrization to represent error growth rates fully in convective regions and suggest that current stochastic physics may be too active in subtropical anticyclones, where the mid‐tropospheric meteorology is largely characterized by time‐mean descent and radiative cooling. Other results demonstrate how the reliability budget can be used to tune observation errors, which leads to an improvement in diagnosed background reliability. Although there remains some ambiguity in the attribution of deficiencies, the budget represents a useful additional tool that can help stimulate improvements in model stochastic error representation and observation‐error estimates. Such improvements should help facilitate the development of more reliable ensemble forecasts in future.
Data correlation‐based analysis methods for automatic memory forensic
Authors: Fu X. , Du X. , Luo B.
Published: September 2015

Memory forensics is an important technique for protecting network security and fighting against computer crimes. It has developed greatly in the past decade, because memory can provide more reliable information that other evidence sources do not contain. However, nowadays, when investigating network criminal cases, the Gigabyte (GB) and even Terabyte (TB) level memory and many such dumps have made memory analysis a difficult task. And investigators usually have to deal with complex operating system (OS) data structures, which they have little knowledge of. So how to analyze memory evidence automatically so as to find the hidden criminal behavior and reconstruct the scenario in an understandable way has become an important problem. This paper presents an automatic memory analysis methodology based on data correlation. Through analyzing key OS data structures and utilizing a clustering algorithm, this methodology can discover the relationships among processes, files, users, Dynamic‐link library (DLLs), and network connections. By describing these relationships as correlation graphs, our methods can reorganize these independent memory evidences and disclose their meanings in a high semantic level. Experiments have proved that these correlation graphs can help investigators find hidden criminal behavior and reconstruct the criminal scenarios. And as we know, now, little work is in this field. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of 2‐mercaptobenzothiazole, 8‐hydroxyquinoline and benzotriazole as corrosion inhibitors on AA 2024‐T3 assessed by electrochemical methods
Authors: Balaskas Andronikos C. , Curioni Michele , Thompson George E.
Published: September 2015

In this study, the effectiveness of 2‐mercaptobenzothiazole (2‐MBT), 8‐hydroxyquinoline and benzotriazole as corrosion inhibitors for AA 2024‐T3 aluminium alloy was evaluated. The corrosion behaviour in the presence of each compound was investigated by image‐assisted electrochemical noise analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization and the split cell technique. It was found that 2‐MBT has superior inhibition properties compared with the other inhibitors. In particular, the specimens immersed in 3.5% NaCl in the presence of 2‐MBT displayed high values of noise resistance that were maintained for over 400 h of testing, and high values of low‐frequency impedance, measured after immersion for 24 h. The split cell technique and potentiodynamic polarization tests indicated that only 2‐MBT decreases significantly both the anodic and the cathodic reaction rates. Scanning electron microscopy observations and energy dispersive X‐ray measurements complement the findings from electrochemical measurements indicating that only 2‐MBT protects the second phase particles, preventing dealloying, trenching and initiation of corrosion. © 2015 The Authors. Surface and Interface Analysis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A Unifying Theory of Systems Thinking with Psychosocial Applications
Authors: Cabrera Derek , Cabrera Laura , Powers Erin
Published: September 2015

Systems thinking is a field characterized by a baffling array of methods and approaches. We posit that underlying all, however, are four universal rules called DSRP (distinctions, systems, relationships, and perspectives; each containing two co‐implying elements). We make distinctions between and among things and ideas, each implying the existence of an other. We identify systems, which are composed of parts and wholes. We recognize relationships composed of actions and reactions. We take perspectives consisting of a point (from which we see) and a view (that which is seen). We argue that DSRP offers a unifying and organizing principle for the field of systems thinking and an indispensable analytical tool for solving complex problems. At the same time, the metacognitive practice of applying these rules has significant psychosocial implications, such as increasing self‐awareness, empathy, and a sense of belonging, while decreasing stereotyping and self‐harming and other‐harming orientations. As such, DSRP has the potential to create advanced analytical thinkers with prosocial orientations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.