bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Functional Use of Human NKT Cells
Authors: Exley Mark A. , Wilson S. Brian , Balk Steven P.
Published: November 2017

This unit details methods for the isolation, in vitro expansion, and functional characterization of human iNKT cells. The term ‘iNKT’ derives from the fact that a large fraction of murine and some human NK marker+ T cells (‘NKT’) recognize the MHC class I–like CD1d protein and use an identical ‘invariant’ TCRα chain, which is generated in humans by precise Vα24 and Jα18 rearrangements with either no N‐region diversity or subsequent trimming to identical or nearly identical amino acid sequence (hence, ‘iNKT’ cells). iNKT are mostly CD4+ or CD4–CD8– (‘double negative’), although a few CD8+ iNKT can be found in some humans. Basic Protocol 1 and Alternate Protocol 1 use multi‐color FACS analysis to identify and quantitate rare iNKT cells from human samples. Basic Protocol 2 describes iNKT cell purification. Alternate Protocol 2 describes a method for high‐speed FACS sorting of iNKT cells. Basic Protocol 3 explains functional analysis of iNKT. Alternate Protocol 3 employs a cell sorting approach to isolate iNKT cell clones. A support protocol for secondary stimulation and rapid expansion of iNKT cells is also included. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Novel Microscopic Analyzing System for Characterizing Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes Using EFISHG and LBIC Measurements
Authors: SADAKATA ATSUO , TAGUCHI DAI , MANAKA TAKAAKI , IWAMOTO MITSUMASA
Published: November 2017

For analyzing carrier behaviors in organic light‐emitting diodes, we have developed a novel microscopic analyzing system using electric‐field‐induced optical second‐harmonic generation measurement and laser‐beam‐induced current measurement. Distributions of electric fields, interfacial accumulated charges, electroluminescence (EL) intensity, and photocurrent are microscopically probed. Our developed analyzing system showed a strong relationship between EL intensity distribution and photocurrent distribution, and thus is found helpful for improvement of organic devices.
A pH‐Sensitive Composite with Controlled Multistage Drug Release for Synergetic Photothermal Therapy and Chemotherapy
Authors: Yang Zheng , Xu Wanghua , Ji Mingxiang , Xie Anjian , Shen Yuhua , Zhu Manzhou
Published: October 2017

Multifunctional core–shell nanocomposites are excellent platforms for effective drug delivery, and controlled release is attracting increasing attention from researchers owing to its advantages in cancer therapy. Here, a new nanocomposite containing nitrogen‐doped carbon dots (N‐CDs) embedded in ferromagnetic Fe3O4 cores and a pH‐sensitive shell constituted by hydroxyapatite (HA) with loaded 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) was successfully synthesized. The nanocomposite can be used for near‐infrared laser‐induced photothermal cancer therapy and synergetic chemotherapy. The pH‐sensitive HA shell exhibits a high drug‐loading capability and achieves a pH‐controlled and multistage drug release. As a result, this multifunctional core–shell N‐CDs@Fe3O4@HA‐5FU nanocomposite is an excellent and promising candidate with significant potential for targeted and synergetic cancer treatment.
Impact of flow diversion by run-of-river dams on American dipper diet and mercury exposure
Authors: Silverthorn Veronica M. , Bishop Christine A. , Jardine Timothy , Elliott John E. , Morrissey Christy A.
Published: November 2017

Run-of-river dams produce lower greenhouse gas emissions than large hydropower projects, but there is a paucity of research on their potential ecotoxicological impacts through disruption of natural flow regimes. We used stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) to reconstruct diet and trace methylmercury in a predatory river-resident passerine, the American dipper (Cinclus mexicanus), at 7 regulated and 6 free-flowing mountain streams in coastal British Columbia, Canada. Assimilated diets were comparable among regulated and unregulated streams, dominated by benthic macroinvertebrates and resident freshwater fish, with negligible contributions from anadromous Pacific salmon. Although invertebrates at unregulated streams were isotopically similar along their gradient, dippers and invertebrates sampled below dams on regulated streams had 34S-depleted tissues, suggesting increased activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria and more Hg methylation below the dams. Mercury concentrations in dipper blood (417.6 ± 74.1 standard error [SE] ng/g wet wt at regulated streams, 340.7 ± 42.7 SE ng/g wet wt at unregulated streams) and feathers (1564 .6 ± 367.2 SE ng/g dry wt regulated, 1149.0 ± 152.1 SE ng/g dry wt unregulated), however, were not significantly different between stream types. Relative to other passerines across western North America, dippers in these densely forested mountain streams experienced high mercury exposure; and one recently regulated stream supported dippers with mercury concentrations of potential toxicity concern (up to 8459.5 ng/g dry wt in feathers and 1824.6 ng/g wet wt in whole blood). Elevated mercury in dippers is likely attributable to the birds’ relatively high trophic position and high regional inorganic mercury deposition; however, biogeochemical conditions in reservoirs of some regulated streams may be contributing to methylmercury production. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:411–426. © 2017 SETAC
FeminizingWolbachiaendosymbiont disrupts maternal sex chromosome inheritance in a butterfly species
Authors: Kageyama Daisuke , Ohno Mizuki , Sasaki Tatsushi , Yoshido Atsuo , Konagaya Tatsuro , Jouraku Akiya , Kuwazaki Seigo , Kanamori Hiroyuki , Katayose Yuichi , Narita Satoko , Miyata Mai , Riegler Markus , Sahara Ken
Published: October 2017

Wolbachia is a maternally inherited ubiquitous endosymbiotic bacterium of arthropods that displays a diverse repertoire of host reproductive manipulations. For the first time, we demonstrate that Wolbachia manipulates sex chromosome inheritance in a sexually reproducing insect. Eurema mandarina butterfly females on Tanegashima Island, Japan, are infected with the wFem Wolbachia strain and produce all-female offspring, while antibiotic treatment results in male offspring. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed that wFem-positive and wFem-negative females have Z0 and WZ sex chromosome sets, respectively, demonstrating the predicted absence of the W chromosome in wFem-infected lineages. Genomic quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis showed that wFem-positive females lay only Z0 eggs that carry a paternal Z, whereas females from lineages that are naturally wFem-negative lay both WZ and ZZ eggs. In contrast, antibiotic treatment of adult wFem females resulted in the production of Z0 and ZZ eggs, suggesting that this Wolbachia strain can disrupt the maternal inheritance of Z chromosomes. Moreover, most male offspring produced by antibiotic-treated wFem females had a ZZ karyotype, implying reduced survival of Z0 individuals in the absence of feminizing effects of Wolbachia. Antibiotic treatment of wFem-infected larvae induced male-specific splicing of the doublesex (dsx) gene transcript, causing an intersex phenotype. Thus, the absence of the female-determining W chromosome in Z0 individuals is functionally compensated by Wolbachia-mediated conversion of sex determination. We discuss how Wolbachia may manipulate the host chromosome inheritance and that Wolbachia may have acquired this coordinated dual mode of reproductive manipulation first by the evolution of female-determining function and then cytoplasmically induced disruption of sex chromosome inheritance.
Characteristic‐based inlet and outlet boundary conditions for incompressible flows
Authors: Mohammadi Seyyed Keivan , Zamzamian Kamiar
Published: October 2017

Determining boundary conditions (BCs) for incompressible flows is such a delicate matter that affects the accuracy of the results. In this research, a new characteristic‐based BC for incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations is introduced. Discretization of equations has been done via finite volume. Additionally, artificial compressibility correction has been employed to deal with equations. Ordinary extrapolation from inner cells of a domain was used as a traditional way to estimate pressure and velocities on solid wall and inlet/outlet boundaries. Here, this method was substituted by the newly proposed BCs based on the characteristics of artificial compressibility equations. To follow this purpose, a computer code has been developed to carry out series of numerical tests for a flow over a backward‐facing step and was applied to a wide range of Reynolds numbers and grid combinations. Calculation of convective and viscous fluxes was done using Jameson's averaging scheme. Employing the characteristic‐based method for determining BCs has shown an improved convergence rate and reduced calculation time comparing with those of traditional ones. Furthermore, with the reduction of domain and computational cells, a similar accuracy was achieved for the results in comparison with the ones obtained from the traditional extrapolation method, and these results were in good agreement with the ones in the literature.
Effects of different fluids on microcrack propagation in sandstone under true triaxial loading conditions
Authors: Hu Shaobin , Li Xiaochun , Bai Bing
Published: October 2017

The mechanical behavior of rock under conditions of multiphase fluids is currently a key scientific issue in the field of geotechnical engineering. In this work, we conducted triaxial compression experiments of initially water‐saturated samples, which were flooded with CO2using the semipermeable separator method; comparatively investigated the mechanical behaviors of sandstone under the conditions of mono‐phase fluids CO2/N2/H2O and biphase fluid CO2‐H2O; and analyzed the stress‐strain characteristics, internal crack expansion, and macrocrack failure patterns of sandstones. Compared with H2O, CO2and N2could lead sandstone cracks to show a pattern of multiple fractures, displaying a double shear failure mode and multiple branch cracks along principal fractures. Moreover, the cracking effect of supercritical CO2was more evident. Under the conditions of pore pressure of 10 MPa and temperature of 323 K, the ratio of work done by CO2, N2and H2O during crack expansion was 23.5:24.1:1, with transient pressure drops to 7.82 MPa, 9.25 MPa, and 0.1 MPa, respectively. Overall, the study analyzed the mechanisms of physicochemical interactions of fluid types and the number of phases in sandstone minerals at the microscale and revealed the mechanical mechanism between fluids and rock minerals, as well as the impacts of these fluids on the strength, internal crack expansion and deformation of sandstone. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of family‐wise error rates in statistical parametric mapping using random field theory
Authors: Flandin Guillaume , Friston Karl J.
Published: November 2017

This technical report revisits the analysis of family‐wise error rates in statistical parametric mapping—using random field theory—reported in (Eklund et al. []: arXiv 1511.01863). Contrary to the understandable spin that these sorts of analyses attract, a review of their results suggests that they endorse the use of parametric assumptions—and random field theory—in the analysis of functional neuroimaging data. We briefly rehearse the advantages parametric analyses offer over nonparametric alternatives and then unpack the implications of (Eklund et al. []: arXiv 1511.01863) for parametric procedures. Hum Brain Mapp, 40:2052–2054, 2019. © 2017 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reliability of an fMRI paradigm for emotional processing in a multisite longitudinal study: Clarification and implications for statistical power
Authors: Cannon Tyrone D. , Cao Hengyi , Mathalon Daniel H. , Gee Dylan G. ,   on behalf of the NAPLS consortium
Published: October 2017

In this commentary, we clarify the meaning of the generalizability‐theory‐based coefficients reported in our multisite reliability study of fMRI measures of regional brain activation during an emotion processing task (Gee et al., Human Brain Mapping 2015;36:2558–2579). While the original paper reported generalizability and dependability coefficients based on the design of our traveling subjects study (in which each subject was scanned twice at each of eight sites), those coefficients are of limited applicability outside of the reliability study context. Here we report generalizability and dependability coefficients that represent the reliability one can expect for a multisite study, in which a given subject is scanned once on a scanner drawn randomly from the pool of available scanners (i.e., analogous to the more typical multisite study design). We also characterize the implications of a multisite versus single‐site study design for statistical power, including Figure 1 that shows sample size requirements to detect activation in two key nodes of the emotion processing circuitry given observed differences in reliability of measurement between single‐site and multisite designs.
A risk score to predict the development of hepatic encephalopathy in a population‐based cohort of patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Tapper Elliot B. , Parikh Neehar D. , Sengupta Neil , Mellinger Jessica , Ratz David , Lok Anna S.‐F. , Su Grace L.
Published: November 2017

Over 40% of patients with cirrhosis will develop hepatic encephalopathy (HE). HE is associated with decreased survival, falls, motor vehicle accidents, and frequent hospitalization. Accordingly, we aimed to develop a tool to risk‐stratify patients for HE development. We studied a population‐based cohort of all patients with cirrhosis without baseline HE (n = 1,979) from the Veterans Administration from Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio (January 1, 2005‐December 31, 2010) using demographic, clinical, laboratory, and pharmacy data. The primary outcome was the development of HE. Risk scores were constructed with both baseline and longitudinal data (annually updated parameters) and validated using bootstrapping. The cohort had a mean age of 58.0 ± 8.3 years, 36% had hepatitis C, and 17% had ascites. Opiates, benzodiazepines, statins, and nonselective beta‐blockers were taken at baseline by 24%, 13%, 17%, and 12%, respectively. Overall, 863 (43.7%) developed HE within 5 years. In multivariable models, risk factors (hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval) for HE included higher bilirubin (1.07, 1.05‐1.09) and nonselective beta‐blocker use (1.34, 1.09‐1.64), while higher albumin (0.54, 0.48‐0.59) and statin use (0.80, 0.65‐0.98) were protective. Other clinical factors, including opiate and benzodiazepine use, were not predictive. The areas under the receiver operating characteristics curve for HE using the four significant variables in baseline and longitudinal models were 0.68 (0.66‐0.70) and 0.73 (0.71‐0.75), respectively. Model effects were validated and converted into a risk score. A score ≤0 in our longitudinal model assigns a 6% 1‐year probability of HE, while a score >20 assigns a 38% 1‐year risk. Conclusion: Patients with cirrhosis can be stratified by a simple risk score for HE that accounts for changing clinical data; our data also highlight a role for statins in reducing cirrhosis complications including HE. (Hepatology 2017).
Fibrogenic and angiogenic commitments of human induced pluripotent stem cells derived mesenchymal stem cells in connective tissue growth factor‐delivering scaffold in an immune‐deficient mice model
Authors: Xu Ruodan , Dagnaes‐Hansen Frederik , Wogensen Lise , Axelsen Susanne Maigaard , Seliktar Dror , Chen Menglin
Published: October 2017

Compared to terminal differentiated cells, stem cells play important roles in the maintenance and regeneration, and thus have been intensively researched as the most promising cell based therapy. In order to maximize the effectiveness of stem cell based therapies, it is essential to understand the environmental (niche) signals that regulate stem cell behavior. Recent findings suggest that fibroblasts have a mesenchymal origin and that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) demonstrate proangiogenic function, where both fibrogenic and angiogenic activities are associated with connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a matricellular protein that serves as an essential mediator of skeletogenesis in development and vascular remodeling. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate that upon local delivery of CTGF from a three dimensional (3D) nanocomposite scaffold, human induced pluripotent stem cells derived MSCs can be directed to differentiate toward fibroblasts in a 3D nanocomposite scaffold in female nonobese diabetic CB‐17/Icr‐severe combined immunodeficient mice. The stem cell‐scaffold constructs present not only intriguingly strong fibroblastic commitments but also angiogenic induction in vivo. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2266–2274, 2018.
Relationships between family structure, adolescent health status and substance use: Does ethnicity matter?
Authors: Areba Eunice M. , Eisenberg Marla E. , McMorris Barbara J.
Published: November 2017

We examined the variations of adolescent health status and risk involvement– prevalence of mental health disabilities, chronic health conditions, substance use, and exposure to tobacco–between 6 family structures in a school‐based sample of Latino, Somali, Hmong, and White students and whether ethnicity moderated these associations. Data were collected from the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey, comprising a sample of 29,345 from 8th, 9th, and 11th grades. Logistic regression investigated relationships between family structure and health variables. Adolescents in nuclear families reported better health outcomes in most models; odds of mental disabilities were 1.64 for single parent and 2.45 for other family structures. Significant effect modification was noted for all health outcomes; extended families were consistently protective for Hmong youth and offered some protection for Latino and Somali youth. Policies and programs that support parents and guardians are essential, and may be especially beneficial for ethnic minority youth in single‐parent, grandparent‐only, and other family structures.
Referrals to a tertiary hospital: A window into clinical management issues in functional gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Linedale Ecushla C , Shahzad Muhammad A , Kellie Andrew R , Mikocka‐Walus Antonina , Gibson Peter R , Andrews Jane M
Published: October 2017

Background and Aim

To investigate the quality of and reasons for referrals of patients with likely functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) and explore patients’ experience of clinical management.

Methods

A cross sectional, mixed‐methods study was undertaken. Referrals (July 2013–2015) to one gastroenterology outpatient department triaged as “likely FGID”, the referred patients and their referring primary healthcare providers were examined.

Results

A total of 69% of patients reported not yet receiving an initial diagnosis, 52% reported persistent/distressing symptoms or reduced quality of life, 24% feared missed or worsening pathology, and 35% were seeking repeat specialist consultation. Most patients were dissatisfied (40%) or only partially satisfied (36%) with current management. Dissatisfaction was significantly related to the lack of provision of a diagnosis and effective treatment options (P < 0.001). Referral quality was poor and with the reason for referral clearly communicated in only 25%. Common referral reasons included repeat presentations (n = 32), diagnostic uncertainty (n = 19), to ensure nothing is missed (n = 19), patient request (n = 17), no response to treatment (n = 16), and to allay patient fears (n = 14). A total of 28/60 primary healthcare providers were confident that their patient had a FGID, yet sought confirmation (n = 16), second opinion (n = 8), or advice (n = 4).

Conclusion

Current management of FGID in usual care is suboptimal, as evidenced by the tertiary referral load, patient dissatisfaction, and the lack of provision of diagnoses and effective treatment options. Some clinicians lack confidence in effectively identifying and managing these conditions. Resources and supports to equip and assist clinicians to identify and manage FGID successfully may enhance patient care.
Brief counselling after home‐based HIV counselling and testing strongly increases linkage to care: a cluster‐randomized trial in Uganda
Authors: Ruzagira Eugene , Grosskurth Heiner , Kamali Anatoli , Baisley Kathy
Published: October 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine whether counselling provided subsequent to HIV testing and referral for care increases linkage to care among HIV‐positive persons identified through home‐based HIV counselling and testing (HBHCT) in Masaka, Uganda.

Methods

The study was an open‐label cluster‐randomized trial. 28 rural communities were randomly allocated (1:1) to intervention (HBHCT, referral and counselling at one and two months) or control (HBHCT and referral only). HIV‐positive care‐naïve adults (≥18 years) were enrolled. To conceal participants’ HIV status, one HIV‐negative person was recruited for every three HIV‐positive participants. Primary outcomes were linkage to care (clinic‐verified registration for care) status at six months, and time to linkage. Primary analyses were intention‐to‐treat using random effects logistic regression or Cox regression with shared frailty, as appropriate.

Results

Three hundred and two(intervention, n = 149; control, n = 153) HIV‐positive participants were enrolled. Except for travel time to the nearest HIV clinic, baseline participant characteristics were generally balanced between trial arms. Retention was similar across trial arms (92% overall). One hundred and twenty‐seven (42.1%) participants linked to care: 76 (51.0%) in the intervention arm versus 51 (33.3%) in the control arm [odds ratio = 2.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26–3.78; p = 0.008)]. There was evidence of interaction between trial arm and follow‐up time (p = 0.009). The probability of linkage to care, did not differ between arms in the first two months of follow‐up, but was subsequently higher in the intervention arm versus the control arm [hazard ratio = 4.87, 95% CI = 1.79–13.27, p = 0.002].

Conclusions

Counselling substantially increases linkage to care among HIV‐positive adults identified through HBHCT and may enhance efforts to increase antiretroviral therapy coverage in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Ultrastructural immunolocalization of hyaluronate in regenerating tail of lizards and amphibians supports an immune‐suppressive role to favor regeneration
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: October 2017

Hyaluronate is produced in high amount during the initial stages of regeneration of the tail and limbs of lizards, newts, and frog tadpoles. The fine distribution of hyaluronate in the regenerating tail blastemas has been assessed by ultrastructural immunolocalization of the Hyaluronate Binding Protein (HABP), a protein that indirectly reveals the presence of hyaluronate in tissues. The present electron microscopic study shows that HABP is detected in the cytoplasm but this proteins is mainly localized on the surfaces of cells in the wound epidermis and mesenchymal cells of the blastema. HABP appears, therefore, accumulated along the cell surface, indicating that hyaluronate coats these embryonic‐like cells and their antigens. The high level of hyaluronate in the blastema, aside favoring tissue hydration, cell movements, and remodeling for blastema formation and growth, likely elicits a protection from the possible immune‐reaction of lymphocytes and macrophages to embryonic‐fetal‐like antigens present on the surface of blastema and epidermal cells. Their survival, therefore, allows the continuous multiplication of these cells in regions rich in hyaluronate, promoting the regeneration of a new tail or limbs. The study suggests that organ regeneration in vertebrates is only possible in the presence of high hyaluronate content and hydration. These two conditions facilitate cell movement, immune‐protection, and activate the Wnt signaling pathway, like during development.
Five‐minute knee MRI for simultaneous morphometry and T2 relaxometry of cartilage and meniscus and for semiquantitative radiological assessment using double‐echo in steady‐state at 3T
Authors: Chaudhari Akshay S. , Black Marianne S. , Eijgenraam Susanne , Wirth Wolfgang , Maschek Susanne , Sveinsson Bragi , Eckstein Felix , Oei Edwin H.G. , Gold Garry E. , Hargreaves Brian A.
Published: November 2017

Background

Biomarkers for assessing osteoarthritis activity necessitate multiple MRI sequences with long acquisition times.

Purpose

To perform 5‐minute simultaneous morphometry (thickness/volume measurements) and T2 relaxometry of both cartilage and meniscus, and semiquantitative MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Scoring (MOAKS).

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Fifteen healthy volunteers for morphometry and T2 measurements, and 15 patients (five each Kellgren–Lawrence grades 0/2/3) for MOAKS assessment.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 5‐minute double‐echo steady‐state (DESS) sequence was evaluated for generating quantitative and semiquantitative osteoarthritis biomarkers at 3T.

Assessment

Flip angle simulations evaluated tissue signals and sensitivity of T2 measurements. Morphometry and T2 reproducibility was compared against morphometry‐optimized and relaxometry‐optimized sequences. Repeatability was assessed by scanning five volunteers twice. MOAKS reproducibility was compared to MOAKS derived from a clinical knee MRI protocol by two readers.

Statistical Tests

Coefficients of variation (CVs), concordance confidence intervals (CCI), and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests compared morphometry and relaxometry measurements with their reference standards. DESS MOAKS positive percent agreement (PPA), negative percentage agreement (NPA), and interreader agreement was calculated using the clinical protocol as a reference. Biomarker variations between Kellgren–Lawrence groups were evaluated using Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests.

Results

Cartilage thickness (P = 0.65), cartilage T2 (P = 0.69), and meniscus T2 (P = 0.06) did not significantly differ from their reference standard (with a 20° DESS flip angle). DESS slightly overestimated meniscus volume (P < 0.001). Accuracy and repeatability CVs were <3.3%, except the meniscus T2 accuracy (7.6%). DESS MOAKS had substantial interreader agreement and high PPA/NPA values of 87%/90%. Bone marrow lesions and menisci had slightly lower PPAs. Cartilage and meniscus T2, and MOAKS (cartilage surface area, osteophytes, cysts, and total score) was higher in Kellgren–Lawrence groups 2 and 3 than group 0 (P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

The 5‐minute DESS sequence permits MOAKS assessment for a majority of tissues, along with repeatable and reproducible simultaneous cartilage and meniscus T2 relaxometry and morphometry measurements.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1328–1341.
Quaternary ammonium isobaric tag for a relative and absolute quantification of peptides
Authors: Setner Bartosz , Stefanowicz Piotr , Szewczuk Zbigniew
Published: October 2017

Isobaric labeling quantification of peptides has become a method of choice for mass spectrometry‐based proteomics studies. However, despite of wide variety of commercially available isobaric tags, none of the currently available methods offers significant improvement of sensitivity of detection during MS experiment. Recently, many strategies were applied to increase the ionization efficiency of peptides involving chemical modifications introducing quaternary ammonium fixed charge. Here, we present a novel quaternary ammonium–based isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification of peptides (QAS‐iTRAQ 2‐plex). Upon collisional activation, the new stable benzylic‐type cationic reporter ion is liberated from the tag. Deuterium atoms were used to offset the differential masses of a reporter group. We tested the applicability of QAS‐iTRAQ 2‐plex reagent on a series of model peptides as well as bovine serum albumin tryptic digest. Obtained results suggest usefulness of this isobaric ionization tag for relative and absolute quantification of peptides.
Identifying Fetal Growth Disorders Using Ultrasonography in Women With Diabetes
Authors: Dude Annie M. , Yee Lynn M.
Published: October 2017

Objectives

We evaluated the ability of third‐trimester ultrasonography (US) to diagnose disorders of fetal growth among women with diabetes mellitus.

Methods

This work was a retrospective cohort study of women with diabetes who delivered term singleton neonates at a single academic medical center and who had a US examination within 5 weeks of delivery. We characterized the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of US to detect large‐for‐gestational age (LGA) and small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) infants. Large and small for gestational age were defined as a US estimated fetal weight of greater than 90% and less than 10%, respectively, based on the Hadlock formula (Radiology 1991; 181:129–133); US estimates of LGA or SGA were compared with postnatal findings of LGA or SGA based on gestational age–based weight percentiles. Test characteristics were analyzed for the total cohort and by the type of diabetes. We compared the areas under the curve for receiver operating characteristic curves for different types of diabetes.

Results

Of 521 women, 3 (0.6%) screened positive for SGA, and 64 (12.3%) delivered an SGA neonate. In contrast, 129 (24.8%) screened positive for LGA, and 61 (11.7%) delivered an LGA neonate. The receiver operating characteristic curves did not differ significantly for different types of diabetes (P = .68).

Conclusions

Ultrasonography in women with diabetes and term or late preterm pregnancies has high specificity but poor sensitivity for SGA and a low positive predictive value for LGA. The diagnostic capability of US to detect fetal growth abnormalities did not differ significantly by the type of diabetes.
Noninvasive Prediction of Renal Stone Surface Irregularities by Numerical Analysis of the Color Doppler Twinkling Artifact: An Ex Vivo Study
Authors: Jamzad Amoon , Setarehdan Seyed Kamaledin
Published: October 2017

Objectives

The physical structures of renal stones are highly correlated with their breakability. Noninvasive estimation of stone roughness will be beneficial for management. The intensity of the twinkling artifact appearing at the site of renal stones on Doppler ultrasound imaging is also influenced by the stone's roughness level. This article proposes a quantitative method for roughness prediction of ex vivo renal stones based on a twinkling analysis of their color Doppler images.

Methods

Twenty surgically removed renal stones were first spatially modeled by an optical method, and 12 standard roughness measures were extracted from them. Stones were then embedded in an agar‐based phantom and Doppler imaged with a calibrated ultrasound system. The images were preprocessed, and 11 twinkling intensities were measured numerically. The twinkling data along with the roughness labels were then analyzed by multiple linear regressions, and finally, a linear roughness predictor was trained for renal stones.

Results

The core height measure of roughness had the best linear fit to the twinkling data among other roughness parameters. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis indicated a strong linear relationship between twinkling data and stones' roughness, with an R2 value of 83.29% and high statistical significance of F(11,868) = 393.36 and P < .001.

Conclusions

It was possible to predict the core roughness of renal stones using the proposed method and the twinkling artifact data acquired from the color Doppler images ex vivo.
A Yolk Sac Larger Than 5 mm Suggests an Abnormal Fetal Karyotype, Whereas an Absent Embryo Indicates a Normal Fetal Karyotype
Authors: Yoneda Satoshi , Shiozaki Arihiro , Yoneda Noriko , Sameshima Azusa , Ito Mika , Shima Tomoko , Nakashima Akitoshi , Yoshino Osamu , Kigawa Mika , Takamori Ryosuke , Shinagawa Yasuhiro , Saito Shigeru
Published: November 2017

Objectives

It is very hard to estimate an abnormal or normal fetal karyotype in miscarriage before surgery. We investigated whether the abnormal fetal karyotype in early miscarriage could be estimated by comprehensive ultrasonographic findings by a multivariate analysis.

Methods

One hundred fifty‐one patients with early miscarriage (<12 weeks' gestation) were selected in our hospital. The clinical characteristics were compared between pregnant women carrying a fetus with an abnormal karyotype and those with a normal one, and the size and configuration of the gestational sac, yolk sac, and embryo at diagnosis of early miscarriage were also evaluated.

Results

The rate of abnormal fetal karyotypes was 66.2 % (100 of 151). A maternal age older than 35 years (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.4–7.4; P = .005), yolk sac larger than 5 mm (odds ratio, 6.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.2–22.7, P < .001), and absent embryo (odds ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.16–0.95; P = .038) were independent markers for predicting an abnormal fetal karyotype by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions

At the point of early miscarriage diagnosis, a yolk sac larger than 5 mm suggests an abnormal fetal karyotype, whereas an absent embryo indicates a normal fetal karyotype.
MRSA chronic bacterial laryngitis: A growing problem
Authors: Carpenter Patrick S. , Kendall Katherine A.
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Chronic bacterial infection of the larynx is characterized by long‐standing hoarseness and exudative laryngitis. Prolonged antibiotic therapy is required to clear the infection, and methicillin‐resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may be the responsible pathogen. The objective of this study was to describe the presentation, comorbidities, treatment response, and underlying etiology— including the incidence of MRSA—in our patient population with chronic bacterial laryngitis.

Methods

A review of patients with a diagnosis of chronic bacterial laryngitis from 2012 to 2016 was performed. Diagnosis of chronic bacterial laryngitis was based on clinical history and findings on flexible laryngoscopy. In selected cases, the diagnosis of bacterial laryngitis was confirmed by operative biopsy. Information regarding clinical presentation and course was collected.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients were included in the study. Twenty‐three were treated empirically with Amoxicillin‐clavulonic acid for a minimum of 21 days. Twelve of the 23 (52%) had recurrence or nonresolution of infection. Seven of the 12 nonresponders (58%) were found to have MRSA by laryngeal tissue culture. Five patients were treated initially with Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, and all resolved the infection without the need for further treatment. There was a nonstatistically significant increase in smoking and reflux in the MRSA population compared to the non‐MRSA group.

Conclusion

MRSA infection was documented in 30% of patients overall with chronic bacterial laryngitis. Based on the results of the study, a treatment algorithm for management of this unusual patient population is suggested.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:921–925, 2018
Utility of intraoperative imaging in cochlear implantation: A systematic review
Authors: Appachi Swathi , Schwartz Seth , Ishman Stacey , Anne Samantha
Published: October 2017

Background

Many institutions routinely perform intraoperative imaging during cochlear implant (CI) surgery to determine accurate electrode placement. Different modalities exist; however, there remains some controversy regarding the usefulness of intraoperative imaging.

Objective

Systematically review the utility of intraoperative imaging in CI surgery and implications for management.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL, and Cochrane library were searched from inception to April 2017. Studies analyzing the use of intraoperative imaging during CI surgery were included. Outcome measures included unsatisfactory placement and change in management. Two independent evaluators reviewed each abstract and article.

Results

Two hundred and sixty‐seven articles were identified. Of those, 17 met inclusion criteria. There were no randomized controlled trials. Intraoperative X‐rays were performed in 917 CIs in eight studies. Placement was unsatisfactory on radiograph in 19 implants (3.5%), and management was changed in 18 of 19 (94.7%). Intraoperative computed tomography (CT) was performed in 69 CIs in seven studies. Placement was unsatisfactory on CT in two implants (3.0%), and management was changed in both (100%). Intraoperative real‐time fluoroscopy was performed in 20 CIs in two studies to help guide correct placement. Twenty‐two of these patients had abnormal cochleas. Fifteen out of 17 studies concluded that intraoperative imaging is useful, especially with challenging anatomy or when the surgeon questions placement.

Conclusion

Intraoperative imaging detects unsatisfactory placement of electrodes during CI surgery at a low, but not negligible, rate. The current literature is not conclusive regarding the utility of routine imaging, but it appears to be most useful with abnormal cochlear anatomy or when the surgeon questions placement.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 1914–1921, 2018
Open the SterivexTM casing: An easy and effective way to improve DNA extraction yields
Authors: Cruaud Perrine , Vigneron Adrien , Fradette Marie‐Stéphanie , Charette Steve J. , Rodriguez Manuel J. , Dorea Caetano C. , Culley Alexander I.
Published: October 2017

We describe an inexpensive, reliable, and easily executed improvement for the extraction of DNA from SterivexTM filter units, that involves the separation of the SterivexTM filter from its casing. Our study demonstrates that our modification of the original extraction protocol significantly increased DNA yields, with an average increase of 4.1‐fold more DNA than with the standard approach. A comparison of the diversity after Illumina MiSeq sequencing of bacterial communities extracted with both the standard approach and the proposed one indicated that our modified protocol has no or little impact on the results. This protocol provides a relatively straight forward means to achieve higher yields of DNA from the extraction of SterivexTM cartridges without altering the community composition and will likely be of interest to a wide range of scientists that use techniques based on the recovery of DNA from filters.
Transaktionen: von Ost nach West
Authors: Kofler Florian , Mehran Benjamin , Schneider Bernd
Published: November 2017

Megadeals, hohe Unternehmensbewertungen und gut verfügbare Finanzierungsquellen führen zu Höchstständen bei Zusammenschlüssen und Akquisitionen. Dies zeigt sich nicht nur in den USA.
Benzol dearomatisieren mit Licht
Authors: Teichert Johannes F.
Published: November 2017

Benzolderivate zu dearomatisieren, ist schwierig und lässt nur selten zu, zusätzliche funktionelle Gruppen aufzubauen. Eine neue Möglichkeit zur Benzoldearomatisierung ist die lichtinduzierte Cycloaddition. Schlüsselreagenzien hierfür sind Triazolindione.
Poor Health and Experiences of Being Bullied in Adolescents: Self‐Perceived Overweight and Frustration with Appearance Matter
Authors: Lin Yi‐Ching , Latner Janet D. , Fung Xavier C. C. , Lin Chung‐Ying
Published: November 2017

Objective

To examine the associations between body image (actual and self‐perceived weight status; feelings about appearance) and health outcomes (overall health, life satisfaction, and mental health) and between body image and experiences of being bullied.

Methods

Participants included 8,303 children from 7th to 10th grade in the Health Behavior of School‐Aged Children (HBSC) 2009‐2010 data set, a large‐scale sample in the United States. Several multiple linear regressions (with health outcomes as dependent variables) and multivariate logistic regressions (with being bullied or not as dependent variable) were conducted to investigate the associations between each dependent variable and the following independent variables: relationship with parents, frustration with appearance, and actual and self‐perceived weight status.

Results

Self‐perceived underweight, self‐perceived overweight (OW), and frustration with appearance were positively associated with being bullied. Frustration with appearance was a risk factor, while good relationship with parents was a protective factor, especially for psychological health outcomes. Self‐perceived OW had a stronger association with the experience of being bullied than actual OW. The relationship between actual OW and being bullied might be attenuated when self‐perceived OW is simultaneously considered.

Conclusions

Body image may be an important factor in the association between weight status and the experience of being bullied.
Theoretical prediction for thermal expansion coefficients of unidirectional fiber‐reinforced composites with variable elliptical cross‐sections
Authors: Guo Fangliang , Yan Ying , Hong Yang , Li Xin , Ye Jinxin
Published: November 2017

A three‐dimensional theoretical model is established to predict the coefficients of thermal expansion for unidirectional fiber‐reinforced composites. Based on ellipse cross‐sections to approach to the actual state of transversely isotropic fibers, this thermo‐elastic mechanics analysis reveals the influence of fiber azimuth angular variation, which is superior to other known theoretical solutions. Taking different material systems and some other theoretical solutions into consideration, we could find the theoretical predictions are consistent with the results of the finite element method and existing experiments and the proposed model offers better agreements. Particularly, we focus on the overflow phenomenon of the transverse coefficient at low fiber volume fractions, contributing to developing fiber‐reinforced composite designability. For adapting to irregular fiber shape, this article is innovative with the fiber shape factor concept as the main point of cross‐section shape effect. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:187–201, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
On the reproducibility of the September 2002 vortex splitting event in the Antarctic stratosphere achieved without satellite observations
Authors: Noguchi Shunsuke , Kobayashi Chiaki
Published: November 2017

To highlight the impact of satellite measurements, a comparison between the Japanese 55‐year reanalysis (JRA‐55) and its equivalent without the assimilation of satellite observations (JRA‐55C; C stands for ‘conventional’ observations) was conducted. As an illustrative example of the detectability problem of extreme events, we report on the reproducibility of a stratospheric sudden warming (SSW) event that occurred in late September 2002; this event represents the first observed unique vortex splitting event in the Antarctic stratosphere. Through the data assimilation system ofJRA‐55, the initial tendency of this warming event and the following recovery process were well captured even when no satellite observations were used. However, the warming inJRA‐55Cdoes not satisfy the criteria for a majorSSWevent besides the lack of splitting behaviour in the polar vortex. A prominent difference betweenJRA‐55 andJRA‐55Cduring theSSWevent, which was characterized by the sudden appearance of a nearly barotropic structure from the upper stratosphere to the troposphere, was found over the Western Hemisphere reflecting the geographic distribution of observational sites. Moreover, several differences in the precursory state of the polar vortex and the observational anchoring effect are consistent with the proposal that thisSSWwas caused by the catastrophic breakdown of a highly deformed polar vortex as suggested by some recent works.
Passive Stretch Induces Structural and Functional Maturation of Engineered Heart Muscle as Predicted by Computational Modeling
Authors: Abilez Oscar J. , Tzatzalos Evangeline , Yang Huaxiao , Zhao Ming-Tao , Jung Gwanghyun , Zöllner Alexander M. , Tiburcy Malte , Riegler Johannes , Matsa Elena , Shukla Praveen , Zhuge Yan , Chour Tony , Chen Vincent C. , Burridge Paul W. , Karakikes Ioannis , Kuhl Ellen , Bernstein Daniel , Couture Larry A. , Gold Joseph D. , Zimmermann Wolfram H. , Wu Joseph C.
Published: October 2017

The ability to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into cardiomyocytes (CMs) makes them an attractive source for repairing injured myocardium, disease modeling, and drug testing. Although current differentiation protocols yield hPSC-CMs to >90% efficiency, hPSC-CMs exhibit immature characteristics. With the goal of overcoming this limitation, we tested the effects of varying passive stretch on engineered heart muscle (EHM) structural and functional maturation, guided by computational modeling. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs, H7 line) or human induced pluripotent stem cells (IMR-90 line) were differentiated to hPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) in vitro using a small molecule based protocol. hPSC-CMs were characterized by troponin+ flow cytometry as well as electrophysiological measurements. Afterwards, 1.2 × 106 hPSC-CMs were mixed with 0.4 × 106 human fibroblasts (IMR-90 line) (3:1 ratio) and type-I collagen. The blend was cast into custom-made 12-mm long polydimethylsiloxane reservoirs to vary nominal passive stretch of EHMs to 5, 7, or 9 mm. EHM characteristics were monitored for up to 50 days, with EHMs having a passive stretch of 7 mm giving the most consistent formation. Based on our initial macroscopic observations of EHM formation, we created a computational model that predicts the stress distribution throughout EHMs, which is a function of cellular composition, cellular ratio, and geometry. Based on this predictive modeling, we show cell alignment by immunohistochemistry and coordinated calcium waves by calcium imaging. Furthermore, coordinated calcium waves and mechanical contractions were apparent throughout entire EHMs. The stiffness and active forces of hPSC-derived EHMs are comparable with rat neonatal cardiomyocyte-derived EHMs. Three-dimensional EHMs display increased expression of mature cardiomyocyte genes including sarcomeric protein troponin-T, calcium and potassium ion channels, β-adrenergic receptors, and t-tubule protein caveolin-3. Passive stretch affects the structural and functional maturation of EHMs. Based on our predictive computational modeling, we show how to optimize cell alignment and calcium dynamics within EHMs. These findings provide a basis for the rational design of EHMs, which enables future scale-up productions for clinical use in cardiovascular tissue engineering.