bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelet-activating factor activates mitogen-activated protein kinases through the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and tyrosine kinase in human eosinophils
Authors: Miike Satoshi , Kurasawa Kazuhiro , Saito Yasushi , Iwamoto Itsuo
Published: January 2018

We determined whether platelet-activating factor (PAF) activates mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in human eosinophils, and if so, which signaling pathways are utilized for the MAP kinase activation. PAF activated 42-and 44-kDa MAP kinases (ERK1/ERK2) in eosinophils, which became maximal at 1 min after stimulation. The PAF receptor antagonist E6123 and pertussis toxin inhibited the PAF-induced MAP kinase activation in eosinophils. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) inhibitor wortmannin, tyrosine kinase inhibitors herbimycin A and genistein, and an intracellular Ca2+ chelator BAPTA/AM inhibited PAF-induced MAP kinase activation in eosinophils, whereas protein kinase C inhibitors staurosporine and calphostin C had no effect. Furthermore, wortmannin as well as herbimycin A and genistein, but not BAPTA/AM, prevented PAF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc adapter protein in eosinophils. Finally, the specific MEK inhibitor PD98059 inhibited PAF-induced chemotaxis in eosinophils. Taken together, these results indicate that PAF activates MAP kinases in eosinophils through the activation of PI 3-kinase and a tyrosine kinase and the increase in intracellular Ca2+ and that PAF-induced MAP kinase activation mediates chemotaxis in eosinophils. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 117–126; 2000.
A novel lysophosphatidic acid analog, LXR-1035, inhibits leukocyte-endothelium interaction via inhibition of cell adhesion molecules
Authors: Scalia Rosario , Pruefer Diethard , Lefer Allan M
Published: January 2018

A novel synthetic phosphorothioate analog of oleoyl lysophosphatidic acid LXR-1035 was studied for its ability to modulate leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions using intravital microscopy of the rat mesentery. Superfusion of the rat mesentery with 50 μM l-NAME elicited a significant, time-dependent increase in leukocyte rolling, adherence, and transmigration compared to control rats superfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution. However, superfusion of the rat mesentery with 300 nM LXR-1035 consistently attenuated 65–87% of the l-NAME-induced leukocyte rolling, adherence, and transmigration, without altering systemic blood pressure or mesenteric venular shear rate. Similar results were also obtained in rats subjected to 90 min of hemorrhage followed by 90 min of reperfusion. Resuscitation from hemorrhage increased significantly the number of rolling, adherent, and transmigrated leukocytes in the rat mesenteric microcirculation. However, superfusion of the rat mesentery with LXR-1035 markedly attenuated the leukocyte-endothelium interaction occurring after hemorrhage and reinfusion by 75 ± 12%. Immunohistochemical localization of P-selectin expression on mesenteric venular endothelium was significantly increased after exposure to l-NAME and after hemorrhage-reinfusion, which was significantly attenuated by LXR-1035 (P < 0.05). In addition, treatment of isolated rat neutrophils with 300 nM LXR-1035 significantly attenuated leukotriene B4-induced up-regulation of CD18 (P < 0.05). Our data clearly demonstrate that LXR-1035 can potently inhibit the recruitment of leukocytes in the mesenteric rat microvasculature by attenuating cell-surface expression of adhesion molecules. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 26–33; 2000.
Human monocytic U937 cells transfected with human hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase exhibit leishmanicidal activity
Authors: Bertholet Sylvie , Mauël Jacques
Published: January 2018

In mice, the high inducible synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) resulting from inducible NO synthase (iNOS, NOS2) expression by macrophages (M) is considered an essential component of the protective immune response against infection by intracellular pathogens. Conversely, in humans, the question of a role for NO as an antimicrobial defense mechanism has been the subject of much debate. Recently, however, iNOS expression by human M and formation of NO or its derivatives have been reported both in vivo and in vitro, strongly suggesting that human M are indeed capable of inducible NO synthesis. However, the conditions allowing NO production by human M in culture remain poorly defined, rendering more difficult the study of the effector functions of NO in these cells. To alleviate this problem, cells of the U937 monocytoid line were engineered to express iNOS by transfection with human hepatic iNOS (DFGiNOS), leading to production of NO on supplementation with the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin. We report that U937 cells, when differentiated with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and retinoic acid, acquire a phenotype allowing infection by Leishmania parasites and maintain viable intracellular microorganisms up to 72 h post-infection. Leishmania survival in DFGiNOS cells is strongly decreased when the cells are treated with tetrahydrobiopterin. Intracellular killing is evident by 24 h and increases up to 72 h post-infection, and is inhibited by L-N  5-(1-iminoethyl)ornithine, an inhibitor of NO synthesis. In contrast, superoxide anion does not appear to play a role in the killing of Leishmania by DGFiNOS U937 cells. The relevance of this model to the study of the mechanisms of intracellular killing by human macrophages is discussed. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 34–39; 2000.
TNF-α release by monocytic THP-1 cells through cross-linking of the extended V-region of the oral streptococcal protein I/II
Authors: Chatenay-Rivauday Christian , Yamodo Innocent , Sciotti Michel-Angelo , Troffer-Charlier Nathalie , Klein Jean-Paul , Ogier Joelle A
Published: January 2018

We tested the hypothesis of a conserved activation mode of monocytic THP-1 cells by proteins I/II expressed by several species of oral streptococci through the specific role of the extended V-region. We studied the binding and modulating activities of six proteins I/II purified from strains representing four different species of oral streptococci, and of expression products of polymerase chain reaction-amplified sequences encoding corresponding extended V-regions. We found that the different proteins I/II bound to THP-1 cells in a sugar-dependent mode involving the extended V-region. Furthermore, all the proteins I/II stimulated THP-1 cells to produce tumor necrosis factor α, indicating that these properties are not strain- or species-specific. Despite the weak stimulation of THP-1 cells by the extended V-region alone, we obtained evidence that cross-linking of this region can be one of the mechanisms involved in monocytic cell activation by proteins I/II. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 81–89; 2000.
Serglycin secreted by leukocytes is efficiently eliminated from the circulation by sinusoidal scavenger endothelial cells in the liver
Authors: øynebråten Inger , Hansen Berit , Smedsrød Bård , Uhlin-Hansen Lars
Published: January 2018

This study was undertaken to determine the fate of the circulating chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan serglycin. The human monocytic cell line THP-1 was cultured under serum-free conditions in the presence of [35S]sulfate. The conditioned medium was harvested and S-macromolecules were purified by Q-Sepharose anion-exchange chromatography and Superose 6 gel chromatography. After labeling with 12I, the purified material was treated with chondroitinase ABC and subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A major band with mr of approximately 14 kDa appeared, consistent with the core protein of serglycin. The identity of the proteoglycan was confirmed by amino-terminal amino acid sequencing. Purified serglycin, labeled either with [35S]sulfate or 125I and fluorescein isothiocyanate, was injected intravenously into rats. The blood content of radiolabeled serglycin fell by 50% from 1 to 2.4 min after injection, indicating an initial t1/2 of 1.4 min or shorter. Approximately 90% of the recovered radioactivity was localized in the liver, 5% in the blood, and 5% altogether in urine, kidneys, and spleen about 30 min after injection. Isolation of liver cells at the same time point showed that 70% of the radioactivity was taken up by the sinusoidal scavenger endothelial cells, and 23 and 7% by the hepatocytes and Kupffer cells, respectively. When excess amounts of unlabeled hyaluronan was co-injected with radiolabeled serglycin, the elimination of serglycin was significantly inhibited, indicating that the hyaluronan receptor on the sinusoidal scavenger endothelial cells is responsible for the elimination of serglycin. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 183–188; 2000.
Expression of serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase (sgk) mRNA is up-regulated by GM-CSF and other proinflammatory mediators in human granulocytes
Authors: Cowling R T , Birnboim H C
Published: January 2018

Stimulation of human peripheral blood granulocytes with the proinflammatory cytokine, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), increases incorporation of [3H]uridine into RNA. We investigated the nature of the RNA synthesized under these conditions. Using transcription inhibitors, gel electrophoresis, and high-salt precipitation, it was concluded that as much as 90% of this radiolabeled RNA represents polymerase II transcripts. Differential display reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to identify and clone GM-CSF-responsive mRNAs. Serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase (sgk) mRNA was identified that could be up-regulated 10- to 20-fold by ≥0.1 ng/mL recombinant human GM-CSF. The 2.6-kb sgk mRNA was induced rapidly (within 30 min) by GM-CSF and remained at high levels for at least 12 h. Up-regulation was blocked completely by the transcription inhibitor, actinomycin D, but not by the translation inhibitor, cycloheximide, nor by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein. Up-regulation did not appear to be caused by enhanced mRNA stability. Other inflammatory mediators could also increase sgk mRNA levels (GM-CSF > > lipopolysaccharide > fMLP = tumor necrosis factor α). The function of sgk in granulocytes remains unknown. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 240–248; 2000.
Nitric oxide regulates nucleoside transport in activated B lymphocytes
Authors: Soler Concepció , Felipe Antonio , Casado F Javier , Celada Antonio , Pastor-Anglada Marçal
Published: January 2018

Activation of human B lymphocytes by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) results in the differential regulation of nucleoside uptake [Soler, C., Felipe, A., Mata, J. F., Casado, F. J., Celada, A., Pastor-Anglada, M. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 26939–26945]. Because nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the modulation of the apoptotic response of B cells, the effects of NO on the regulatory responses of these transport systems to phorbol esters has been studied in Raji cells by a combination of approaches that involve arginine depletion, inhibition of nitric oxide synthase, and non-enzymatic production of NO using a donor. Human B lymphocytes express three transport systems involved in nucleoside uptake: N1 and N5, which are concentrative and Na+-dependent, and the nitrobenzylthioinosine-sensitive equilibrative system es. Raji cells do not express significant amounts of iNOS mRNA or protein; thus, NO production is presumably constitutive. The data are consistent with a role of NO in maintaining the basal transport activities of the three systems: N1, N5, and es. However, the up-regulatory effect of PMA on N1 and N5 does not require NO, whereas the inhibition of es transport activity does. In summary, NO differentially modulates nucleoside transport systems in activated human B lymphocytes and thus, NO may also be involved in the regulation of nucleoside (i.e., adenosine) disposal by activated B cells. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 345–349; 2000.
Toll-like receptors: a growing family of immune receptors that are differentially expressed and regulated by different leukocytes
Authors: Muzio Marta , Polentarutti Nadia , Bosisio Daniela , Prahladan Manoj Kumar Panatt , Mantovani Alberto
Published: January 2018

Toll is a Drosophila gene essential for ontogenesis and antimicrobial resistance. Several hortologues of Toll have been identified and cloned in vertebrates, namely Toll-like receptors (TLR). Human TLR are a growing family of molecules involved in innate immunity. TLR are structurally characterized by a cytoplasmic Toll/interleukin-1R (TIR) domain and by extracellular leucine-rich repeats. TLR characterized so far activate the My D88/IRAK signaling cascade, which bifurcates and leads to NF-κB and c-Jun/ATF2/TCF activation. Genetic, gene transfer, and dominant-negative approaches have involved TLR family members (TLR2 and TLR4) in lipopolysaccharide recognition and signaling. Accumulating evidence suggests that some TLR molecules are also involved in signaling receptor complexes that recognize components of gram-positive bacteria and mycobacteria. However, the definitive role of other TLR is still lacking. A systematic approach has been used to determine whether different human leukocyte populations selectively or specifically expressed TLR mRNA. Based on expression pattern, TLR can be classified as ubiquitous (TLR1), restricted (TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5), and specific (TLR3). Expression and regulation of distinct though overlapping ligand recognition patterns may underlie the existence of a numerous, seemingly redundant, TLR family. Alternately, the expression of a TLR in a single cell type may indicate a specific role for this molecule in a restricted setting. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 450–456; 2000.
Hydrogen peroxide-induced phospholipase D2 activation in lymphocytic leukemic L1210 cells
Authors: Lee Byoung Dae , Kim Jae Ho , Lee Sang Do , Kim Yong , Suh Pann-Ghill , Ryu Sung Ho
Published: January 2018

Extracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been implicated in the activation of phospholipase D (PLD). However, it was still unclear how this activation occurs and what the molecular identity of the H2O2-stimulated PLD isozyme is. This study shows that H2O2 potently increases the PLD activity in mouse lymphocytic leukemic L1210 cells, which contain exclusively PLD2. In addition, H2O2 increased PLD activity only in PLD2-transfected COS-7 cells and not in PLD1-transfected cells. This suggests that PLD2 is selectively activated by H2O2. Depletion of extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA completely blocked the H2O2-induced PLD activation, indicating that Ca2+ influx is required. Moreover, pretreatment of the cells with the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors GF-109203X and RO-31-8220 and down-regulation of PKCct by prolonged treatment with 4β-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate inhibited the H2O2-stimulated PLD2 activity, which points to the involvement of PKCα. Based on these new findings we suggest that PLD2 activity is specifically up-regulated by H2O2 and that the H2O2-induced PLD2 activation is mediated by Ca2+ influx and PKCα activation. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 630–636; 2000.
Activation of TNF-α transcription utilizes distinct MAP kinase pathways in different macrophage populations
Authors: Means Terry K , Pavlovich Ryan P , Roca Dominic , Vermeulen Mary W , Fenton Matthew J
Published: January 2018

Stimulation of macrophages by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leads to the rapid activation of MAP kinases (MAPK) and the subsequent induction of cytokine gene expression. We sought to determine whether LPS-inducible cytokine genes were differentially regulated in macrophages derived from different tissues. Our studies revealed that PD98059, an inhibitor of the extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, blocked LPS-induced activation of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) gene expression in a murine cell line derived from alveolar macrophages but not in a nonpulmonary macrophage cell line. These findings were confirmed using primary murine alveolar and peritoneal macrophages. This suggests that the TNF-α promoter contains MAPK-dependent and -independent regulatory elements that are used in a cell type-specific manner. We also found that differences in MAPK-regulated signaling were not mediated by NF-κB, LITAF, Egr-1, CREB, or ATF2/c-Jun. Together, these studies demonstrate that transcriptional activation of the TNF-α gene requires the ERK signaling cascade in selected macrophage populations. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 885–893; 2000.
cAMP induces CD14 expression in murine macrophages via increased transcription
Authors: Liu Shubing , Morris Sidney M , Nie Suhua , Shapiro Richard A , Billiar Timothy R
Published: January 2018

CD14, a glycoprotein that binds bacterial lipopolysaccharide, plays a critical role in the inflammatory response to infection by gram-negative bacteria. Studies were undertaken to determine whether cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) regulates CD14 expression in macrophages. Incubation of RAW 264.7 cells with 8-Br-cAMP resulted in a significant increase in steady-state CD14 mRNA levels. The increase in mRNA levels was also associated with both cell-associated and soluble CD14 protein. H89 completely blocked the 8-Br-cAMP-induced CD14 mRNA up-regulation. There was no change in CD14 mRNA half-life in the presence of 8-Br-cAMP. The CD14 gene transcription rate was increased about twofold after exposure to 8-Br-cAMP. cAMP-dependent increases in CD14 mRNA were also observed in rat peritoneal macrophages, demonstrating that this is an authentic response of mature macrophages. This study provides evidence that cAMP and protein kinase A are important regulators of CD14 expression in macrophages. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 894–901; 2000.
Kinetics and Mechanism of the Thermal and Hydrolytic Decomposition Reaction of Rosocyanin
Authors: John Jeena , Rugmini Sudha Devi , Nair Balachandran Sreedharan
Published: January 2018

Spiroborate esters of curcumin find applications in the field of medicinal and analytical chemistry. The present paper reports the hydrolytic and thermal stability of rosocyanin, a 1:2 spiroborate ester of curcumin used for the photometric estimation of boron in different matrices. The effect of temperature, pH, and solvents was monitored spectrophotometrically for the hydrolysis of rosocyanin. The reaction followed first‐order kinetics, and the reaction rate enhanced with an increase in the percentage of water in an aqueous organic mixture, temperature, and pH. 11B NMR and UV–visible spectra were used to identify the hydrolysis product. The possible mechanistic route for the hydrolysis of rosocyanin was proposed. Solid‐state stability of rosocyanin was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, and the data were analyzed using different solid‐state reaction models to find the suitable reaction model. Kinetic parameters associated with its thermal decomposition were calculated using Flynn–Wall–Ozawa and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose isoconversional methods and were compared.
Effective carbon sequestration in Italian agricultural soils by in situ polymerization of soil organic matter under biomimetic photocatalysis
Authors: Piccolo Alessandro , Spaccini Riccardo , Cozzolino Vincenza , Nuzzo Assunta , Drosos Marios , Zavattaro Laura , Grignani Carlo , Puglisi Edoardo , Trevisan Marco
Published: January 2018

Facing an exploding population growth with consequent increase of agriculture intensification, new chemical technologies are being sought to limit organic matter losses and reduce land degradation. Here, we report that an effective organic carbon sequestration in different cropped soils of Italy is obtained by an in situ photo‐oxidative coupling among soil humic molecules, when catalyzed under solar irradiation by a water‐soluble biomimetic iron‐porphyrin catalyst amended to field soils. A 3‐year long field study showed that the catalyst‐assisted in situ photochemical polymerization of humic matter enabled a yearly sequestration of soil organic carbon that ranged from 2.2 to 3.9 t ha−1 y−1, despite the periodical soil disturbance due to a conventional tillage management. This significant stabilization of organic matter was observed not only in bulk soils but also in water‐stable aggregates, whose loss of organic carbon during separation was limited in catalyst‐treated soils. Although crop yields were the same in treated and control soils, measurements of phospholipids fatty acids and soil enzyme activities indicated that the catalyzed in situ photo‐oxidative coupling of humic molecules did not alter the structure and activity of microbial communities and the biological functions of soils. This innovative and ecologically safe catalytic technology may be developed as a useful soil management practice to stabilize organic matter in situ in arable soils, while concomitantly ensuring soil functions and sustainability of crop production.
Climate‐induced hydrological variation controls the transformation of dissolved organic matter in a subalpine lake
Authors: Ejarque Elisabet , Khan Samiullah , Steniczka Gertraud , Schelker Jakob , Kainz Martin J. , Battin Tom J.
Published: January 2018

Lakes are an inherent component of the global carbon cycle. They receive dissolved organic matter (DOM) from the catchment, which is stored, transformed and respired, or delivered downstream. In this study, we show that a subalpine lake shifts its role from DOM “transporter” to “transformer” depending on season and climate. We monitored dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration and DOM optical properties at the inlet and outlet of subalpine Lake Lunz (Austria) at high frequency during two contrasting years: an extreme drought in 2015, and regular precipitation regime in 2016. During both years, the DOC mass balance revealed that inflowing and outflowing DOC loads were nearly balanced (+6.57% and +1.70% DOC production in 2015 and 2016, respectively). However, DOM optical properties revealed an in‐lake turnover of DOM compounds, so that the terrestrial and aromatic signature of inflowing DOM was modified into autochthonous, protein‐like DOM. The magnitude of this transformation varied seasonally, being maximal in summer and minimal in winter, presumably following periods of high and low primary production and photo‐degradation. Inter‐annually, we found that drought further increased DOM transformation during summer by extending the lake water residence time. Finally, our results demonstrate a rapid response of DOM dynamics to hydrological and meteorological changes at both seasonal and inter‐annual scales, suggesting that carbon cycling in clear‐water mountain lakes may be highly sensitive to hydrological variation.
A new type of closed spaces and continuous functions
Authors: Nasef A. A. , El‐Sharkasy M. M.
Published: January 2018

This paper introduces and studies a new class of functions between topological spaces, namely, Γ‐continuous functions, which properly contains the class of s‐continuous functions. Finally, we study some of its properties.
Measurement of residual chemical shift anisotropies in compressed polymethylmethacrylate gels. Automatic compensation of gel isotropic shift contribution
Authors: Hallwass Fernando , Teles Rubens R. , Hellemann Erich , Griesinger Christian , Gil Roberto R. , Navarro‐Vázquez Armando
Published: January 2018

Mechanical compression of polymer gels provides a simple way for the measurement of residual chemical shift anisotropies, which then can be employed, on its own, or in combination with residual dipolar couplings, for structural elucidation purposes. Residual chemical shift anisotropies measured using compression devices needed a posteriori correction to account for the increase of the polymer to solvent ratio inside the swollen gel. This correction has been cast before in terms of a single‐free parameter which, as shown here, can be simultaneously optimized along with the components of the alignment tensor while still retaining discriminating power of the different relative configurations as illustrated in the stereochemical analysis of α‐santonin and 10‐epi‐8‐deoxycumambrin B.
High resolution hyperpolarized 13C MRSI using SPICE at 9.4T
Authors: Lee Hansol , Song Jae Eun , Shin Jaewook , Joe Eunhae , Joo Chan Gyu , Choi Young‐Suk , Song Ho‐Taek , Kim Dong‐Hyun
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To test the feasibility of using the SPICE (SPectroscopic Imaging by exploiting spatiospectral CorrElation) technique, which uses the partial separability of spectroscopic data, for high resolution hyperpolarized (HP) 13C spectroscopic imaging.

Methods

Numerical simulations were performed to investigate the impact of transient HP signals on SPICE reconstruction. Furthermore, spectroscopic imaging exams from SPICE and conventional EPSI (echo‐planar spectroscopic imaging) were simulated for comparison. For in vivo experiments, HP 13C SPICE was performed in a mouse kidney by means of the injection of HP [1‐13C] pyruvate at 9.4T.

Results

The variation of lactate/pyruvate from the simulated SPICE was less than 4% under various factors that affect the transient HP signal, suggesting that the impact is negligible. We found that while HP 13C EPSI was limited to the low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of lactate, these limitations were mitigated through HP 13C SPICE, facilitating the improved SNR of lactate and the distinction of tissues. Acquisition of a high resolution HP 13C spectroscopic image was possible for the in vivo experiments. With the fine structural information, the acquired image showed higher signal of pyruvate and lactate in the renal cortices than in the medullas, which is known to be attributed to higher activity of lactate dehydrogenase.

Conclusion

The feasibility of HP 13C SPICE was investigated. Simulation studies were conducted and in vivo experiments were performed in the mouse kidney at 9.4T. Results confirmed that a high resolution HP 13C spectroscopic image with adequate spectral resolution can be obtained. Magn Reson Med 80:703–710, 2018. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Ultrasonographic demonstration of intraneural neovascularization after penetrating nerve injury
Authors: Arányi Zsuzsanna , Csillik Anita , Dévay Katalin , Rosero Maja
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Hypervascularization of nerves has been shown to be a pathological sign in some peripheral nerve disorders, but has not been investigated in nerve trauma. Methods: An observational cohort study was performed of the intraneural blood flow of 30 patients (34 nerves) with penetrating nerve injuries, before or after nerve reconstruction. All patients underwent electrophysiological assessment, and B‐mode and color Doppler ultrasonography. Results: Intraneural hypervascularization proximal to the site of injury was found in all nerves, which was typically marked and had a longitudinal extension of several centimeters. In 6 nerves, some blood flow was also present within the injury site or immediately distal to the injury. No correlation was found between the degree of vascularization and age, size of the scar / neuroma, or degree of reinnervation. Discussion: Neovascularization of nerves proximal to injury sites appears to be an essential element of nerve regeneration after penetrating nerve injuries. Muscle Nerve 57: 994–999, 2018
Multi‐budgeted matching problems
Authors: Büsing Christina , Comis Martin
Published: January 2018

The multi‐budgeted matching problem (mBM) is a weighted matching problem with independent edge cost functions. For each cost function, a budget constraint requires the accumulated cost not to exceed a corresponding budget. We show that the mBM is strongly NP‐hard on paths with uniform edge weights and budgets by a reduction from 3‐SAT. Subsequently, we propose a dynamic program for series‐parallel graphs with pseudo‐polynomial run time for a fixed number of budget constraints. As an extension we show how this algorithm can be used to solve the mBM on trees using a graph transformation. Realizing that both these graph classes have a bounded treewidth in common, we introduce a dynamic program based on tree decompositions. This approach leads to a pseudo‐polynomial algorithm for the mBM with fixed on graphs of bounded treewidth.
Factors associated with healthy and unhealthy workplace eating behaviours in individuals with overweight/obesity with and without binge eating disorder
Authors: Leung S. L. , Barber J. A. , Burger A. , Barnes R. D.
Published: January 2018

Objective

Most Americans spend an average of 8 hours per day in the workplace. Current understanding of eating behaviours in the workplace and their association with overweight, obesity and binge eating disorder (BED) is limited. Workplace eating behaviours and weight‐related self‐efficacy were examined in a sample of 98 individuals with overweight or obesity, with or without BED.

Design

Participants completed the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire, Work and Social Adjustment Scale, Worker's Perception of Environmental Factors, and a Workplace Questionnaire.

Results

Eating unplanned food occurred on average 2.43 times per week (SD = 3.37), and eating unplanned food even when meals were brought from home occurred on average 1.28 times per week (SD = 1.84). Individuals with BED purchased lunch even when they brought food from home significantly more frequently than did individuals without BED. Those with BED also reported significantly poorer work and social adjustment related to binge eating as compared with those without BED. The most significant barriers to healthy eating in the workplace were coworker influence, eating more food in general and more junk food in response to stress, eating unplanned food at work and time constraints.

Conclusions

These factors may be important to target in weight‐loss treatment to increase individuals' weight loss success. As individuals with BED may be the most vulnerable to eating unplanned foods, clinicians may want to focus on this potential barrier in BED treatment.
Myocardial injury in fetal aortic stenosis: Insights from amniotic fluid analysis
Authors: Friedman Kevin G. , Sleeper Lynn A. , Fichorova Raina N. , Weilnau Taylor , Tworetzky Wayne , Wilkins‐Haug Louise E.
Published: January 2018

Objective

Fetal aortic stenosis (AS) imposes pressure load on the developing left ventricle (LV) and leads to derangements in myocardial structure and function via mechanisms that are not well characterized.

Methods

We compared amniotic fluid NT‐BNP and troponin levels in fetuses with AS prior to fetal valvuloplasty and controls. We estimated correlations between NT‐BNP and fetal echo parameters and identify NT‐BNP cutoff associated with biventricular outcome

Results

Median NT‐BNP level was higher in fetal AS than controls (3858 vs 1737 pg/mL, P < 0.012). By contrast, troponin levels were lower in fetal AS, with troponin > detectable in 0/25 (0%) AS cases compared with 22/85 (26%) controls (P = 0.03). Of 25 fetal AS cases, 12 (48%) had biventricular outcome. Fetuses with NT‐BNP < 910 pg/mL were more likely to have biventricular (OR =10) compared with those ≥910 pg/mL (P = 0.045). Higher NT‐BNP correlated with earlier gestational age and measures of larger left heart size.

Conclusion

NT‐BNP is elevated in fetal AS, suggesting that LV pressure load and increased wall stress lead to maladaptive stretch‐related myocardial remodeling. Troponin is normal in mid‐gestation fetal AS, suggesting that ischemia is not the primary factor in fetal response to LV pressure load.
Thermal and Rheological Properties of PGN, PNIMMO and P(GN/NIMMO) Synthesized via Mesylate Precursors
Authors: Dong Qingfeng , Li Houbin , Liu Xinghai , Huang Chi
Published: January 2018

Glycidyl nitrate and 3‐nitratomethyl‐3‐methyloxetane were synthesized by the nucleophilic substitution reaction using tetrabutylammonium nitrate as a solid‐liquid phase‐transfer catalyst, then poly(glycidyl nitrate) (PGN), poly(3‐nitratomethyl‐3‐methyloxetane) (PNIMMO) and poly(glycidyl nitrate‐r‐3‐nitratomethyl‐3‐methyloxetane) (P(GN/NIMMO)) were synthesized via cationic polymerization. The synthesized monomers and polymers were characterized by fourier transform infrared and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. Thermal properties of polymers were characterized by differential scanning calorimeter and thermal gravimetric analyzer. The rheological properties of polymers were measured by rotational rheometer. The results indicated that PGN, PNIMMO and P(GN/NIMMO) had low Tg (−35.6 °C, −30.2 °C and −37.9 °C) and good thermal stability (exothermic peaks above 200 °C), the energy level of PGN (1461 J/g) was the highest comparing with the other two, and the zero‐shear viscosity of PGN and P(GN/NIMMO) was lower than that of PNIMMO.
Antibody side chain conformations are position‐dependent
Authors: Leem Jinwoo , Georges Guy , Shi Jiye , Deane Charlotte M.
Published: January 2018

Side chain prediction is an integral component of computational antibody design and structure prediction. Current antibody modelling tools use backbone‐dependent rotamer libraries with conformations taken from general proteins. Here we present our antibody‐specific rotamer library, where rotamers are binned according to their immunogenetics (IMGT) position, rather than their local backbone geometry. We find that for some amino acid types at certain positions, only a restricted number of side chain conformations are ever observed. Using this information, we are able to reduce the breadth of the rotamer sampling space. Based on our rotamer library, we built a side chain predictor, position‐dependent antibody rotamer swapper (PEARS). On a blind test set of 95 antibody model structures, PEARS had the highest average χ1 and
accuracy (78.7% and 64.8%) compared to three leading backbone‐dependent side chain predictors. Our use of IMGT position, rather than backbone ϕ/ψ, meant that PEARS was more robust to errors in the backbone of the model structure. PEARS also achieved the lowest number of side chain–side chain clashes. PEARS is freely available as a web application at http://opig.stats.ox.ac.uk/webapps/pears.
An exposure assessment approach for potential thermal degradation compounds in 2‐phase immersion cooling operations
Authors: Tuma Phillip , Schulz Jay , Bonk Jason , Roy Robert , DeLorme Michael , Logan Perry
Published: January 2018

Passive 2‐phase immersion cooling (P2PIC) is a technique for cooling computers with the potential to reduce capital and operating costs within datacenters. Computers cooled by P2PIC are submerged in a fluorochemical liquid that boils (hence 2‐phase) from the heat generating components. Although the tanks in which this is done are normally sealed and vented outdoors, they are opened periodically for maintenance. The volatility of the liquids suggests the need for risk assessments relating to inhalation of the liquids' vapor under these normal operating conditions. Fourier transfer infrared vapor concentration measurements gathered during spill and transfer simulation and at two proof‐of‐concept P2PIC installations show inhalation concentrations substantially below exposure guidelines.

Liquids can be thermally decomposed under certain failure scenarios to create decomposition products with greater hazard and risk profiles. A methodology is presented for estimating possible human exposure to such products. The exposure levels that result are interpreted in the context of the most toxic of the thermal decomposition products known to form and suggest employee exposure substantially below published occupational exposure and emergency response guidelines. Fluid conditioning systems and gas monitoring equipment further reduce the risk of human exposure to fluid vapor and thermal decomposition products. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Process Saf Prog 37:369–375, 2018
Operator dynamics for stability condition in haptic and teleoperation system: A survey
Authors: Li Hongbing , Zhang Lei , Kawashima Kenji
Published: January 2018

Background

Currently, haptic systems ignore the varying impedance of the human hand with its countless configurations and thus cannot recreate the complex haptic interactions. The literature does not reveal a comprehensive survey on the methods proposed and this study is an attempt to bridge this gap.

Methods

The paper includes an extensive review of human arm impedance modeling and control deployed to address inherent stability and transparency issues in haptic interaction and teleoperation systems.

Results

Detailed classification and comparative study of various contributions in human arm modeling are presented and summarized in tables and diagrams.

Conclusion

The main challenges in modeling human arm impedance for haptic robotic applications are identified. The possible future research directions are outlined based on the gaps identified in the survey.
A novel planning solution for semi‐autonomous aspiration of Baker's cysts
Authors: Ciszkiewicz Adam , Lorkowski Jacek , Milewski Grzegorz
Published: January 2018

Background

A Baker's cyst is a pathological structure located near a kneepit, which causes discomfort and reduces mobility of the knee. It is commonly treated with aspiration, which often requires MRI scanning and US guidance. The aim of this study was to propose a novel planning solution for semi‐autonomous aspiration of the Baker's cyst using only MRI imaging.

Methods

The proposed method requires minimal user input and offers automatic cyst segmentation with collision‐free path planning for the assumed robotic structure with four degrees of freedom.

Results

The prepared software was tested on four image sets obtained from patients eligible for cyst aspiration. It was possible to accurately segment the cyst in the considered cases. The collision‐free path planning method was investigated in numerical scenarios.

Conclusions

The simulations verified the proposed software solution. Future work will be devoted to experimental verification of the path planning procedure.
Using optical tracking for kinematic testing of medical robots
Authors: Jun Changhan , Decker Ryan , Stoianovici Dan
Published: January 2018

Background

In image‐guided robotic interventions, an error component is related to the positioning error of the manipulator. Therefore, measuring the kinematic error is required during robot development. However, no specialized measurement device exists for this task. This study explores the possibility of using optical tracking for robot measurement.

Methods

A CNC machine is used to position an optical marker, generating a gold standard reference. Repeated position measurements are acquired with an NDI Polaris Hybrid® optical tracker at each static location, and averaged. These measurements are compared to the reference set.

Results

Averaging repeated static position measurements improves precision (200–500 samples). Measurement accuracy ranges between 44 μm and 137 μm in close proximity of the tracker.

Conclusions

Repeated static position measurements in the near field of view enable the optical tracker to outperform its general‐purpose accuracy specification. Optical tracking may be used to test robot kinematics with a high degree of accuracy.
A critical review of the literature on the relationship between school quality and health inequalities
Authors: Garcy Anthony M. , Berliner David C.
Published: January 2018

Robust evidence suggesting a strong association between greater educational attainment, better health and lower mortality, has led to speculation that the quality of schooling can also have effects on health. This review critically summarises findings from 15 studies in a growing area of research concerning the effects of school quality on health. Findings suggested positive, long‐term benefits of high‐quality pre‐school. Other findings suggested that higher teacher wages, lower pupil–teacher ratios, a longer school year, and higher college selectivity had mostly positive long‐term effects on health and mortality. Several studies found that school quality modified the effect of years of completed education on various health outcomes. Some measures of school quality including smaller class size in relation to mortality, and higher college selectivity in the case of smoking were not consistently related to better health. While studies varied in their consistency and significance, the weight of the evidence together, suggests that some health inequalities over the life course were explained partly by differences in school quality. This may be related to improved cognition, occupational characteristics, and the incomes of those exposed to better quality schooling. Direct health knowledge and behaviour may also play a role.
Jonckheere‐Terpstra test for nonclassical error versus log‐sensitivity relationship of quantum spin network controllers
Authors: Jonckheere E. , Schirmer S. , Langbein F.
Published: January 2018

The selective information transfer in spin ring networks by energy landscape shaping control has the property that the error, 1‐prob, where prob is the transfer success probability, and the sensitivity of the error to spin coupling uncertainties are statistically increasing across a family of controllers of increasing error. The need for a statistical hypothesis testing of a concordant trend is made necessary by the noisy behavior of the sensitivity versus the error as a consequence of the optimization of the controllers in a challenging error landscape. Here, we examine the concordant trend between the error and another measure of performance, ie, the logarithmic sensitivity, used in robust control to formulate a well‐known fundamental limitation. Contrary to error versus sensitivity, the error‐versus‐logarithmic‐sensitivity trend is less obvious because of the amplification of the noise due to the logarithmic normalization. This results in the Kendall τ test for rank correlation between the error and the log sensitivity to be somewhat pessimistic with marginal significance level. Here, it is shown that the Jonckheere‐Terpstra test, because it tests the alternative hypothesis of an ordering of the medians of some groups of log sensitivity data, alleviates this statistical problem. This identifies cases of concordant trend between the error and the logarithmic sensitivity, ie, a highly anticlassical feature that goes against the well‐known sensitivity versus the complementary sensitivity limitation.
Controllability of discrete‐time multiagent systems with switching topology
Authors: Lu Zehuan , Zhang Lin , Wang Long
Published: January 2018

The current theoretical investigation on the controllability of switched multiagent systems mainly focuses on fixed connected topology or union graph without nonaccessible nodes. However, for discrete‐time multiagent systems with switching topology, it is still unknown whether the existing results are valid or not under the condition of arbitrary topology. Based on graph distance partitions and Wonham's geometric approach, we provide the lower and upper bounds for the dimension of controllable subspaces of discrete‐time multiagent systems. Unlike the existing results of controllability with switching topology, the proposed results have the advantage of being applicable to multiagent systems with arbitrary graphic topologies, union graph (strongly connected or not), and coupling weights. We also provide 2 algorithms for computing the lower and upper bounds for the dimension of controllable subspaces, respectively. Furthermore, as a remarkable application, we present how the proposed lower bound can be utilized for achieving the targeted controllability if the dimension of the controllable subspace of the switched system satisfies certain conditions.
Sparse estimation of multivariate Poisson log‐normal models from count data
Authors: Wu Hao , Deng Xinwei , Ramakrishnan Naren
Published: January 2018

Modeling data with multivariate count responses is a challenging problem because of the discrete nature of the responses. Existing methods for univariate count response cannot be easily extended to the multivariate case since the dependence among multiple responses needs to be properly accommodated. In this paper, we propose a multivariate Poisson log‐normal regression model for multivariate count responses by using latent variables. By simultaneously estimating the regression coefficients and inverse covariance matrix over the latent variables with an efficient Monte Carlo EM algorithm, the proposed model takes advantage of the association among multiple count responses to improve the model prediction accuracy. Simulation studies and applications to real‐world data are conducted to systematically evaluate the performance of the proposed method in comparison with conventional methods.
Challenge and hindrance demands lead to employees' health and behaviours through intrinsic motivation
Authors: Kim Minseo , Beehr Terry A.
Published: January 2018

Based on the job demand‐resource theory, this study examined the differential relationships of two types of job demands, challenge and hindrance stressors, with three outcomes: ill health, organizational citizenship behaviour, and work engagement. These relationships were mediated by two personal resources: psychological empowerment and organization‐based self‐esteem (OBSE). Data were collected at two separate points, 2 weeks apart. With 336 full‐time U.S. employees, results from path analysis indicated that the challenge stressor, workload, was positively related to psychological empowerment and OBSE, both of which were in turn positively related to good work behaviours as well as negatively related to ill health, an indication that employees experienced physical symptoms and psychological strains. In contrast, hindrance stressors (role stressors and interpersonal conflict) showed the opposite patterns of relationships with these intermediate outcomes, resulting in less empowerment and OBSE. Overall, findings suggested that psychological empowerment and OBSE were important intrinsic motivational mechanisms through which some stressors (especially hindrance demands) can promote employees' favourable work behaviours as well as alleviate the negative health outcomes.
Designing Novel Nonsymmetric Ag/AgI Nanoplates for Superior Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Khan Misbah Ullah , You Hongjun , Liu Xiaotong , Zhang Lingling , Fang Jixiang
Published: January 2018

Precisely engineering the decoration of metal nanoparticles on the special surface of semiconductor represents a promising strategy to design efficient metal–semiconductor heterostructured photocatalysts. This study demonstrates a versatile soft‐template method to fabricate a novel nonsymmetrical heterostructured Ag/AgI nanoplate, in which only one side surface of the nanoplate is covered with uniform 2D Ag nanoweb. Compared with symmetrical heterostructure, the nonsymmetrical heterostructure may further facilitate the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and shows a greatly enhanced photocatalytic activity. This study may open up a new way to improve the photocatalytic property by synthesizing nonsymmetrical metal–semiconductor composites.
Fabry–Pérot Oscillation and Room Temperature Lasing in Perovskite Cube‐Corner Pyramid Cavities
Authors: Mi Yang , Liu Zhixiong , Shang Qiuyu , Niu Xinxiang , Shi Jia , Zhang Shuai , Chen Jie , Du Wenna , Wu Zhiyong , Wang Rui , Qiu Xiaohui , Hu Xiaoyong , Zhang Qing , Wu Tom , Liu Xinfeng
Published: January 2018

Recently, organometal halide perovskite‐based optoelectronics, particularly lasers, have attracted intensive attentions because of its outstanding spectral coherence, low threshold, and wideband tunability. In this work, high‐quality CH3NH3PbBr3 single crystals with a unique shape of cube‐corner pyramids are synthesized on mica substrates using chemical vapor deposition method. These micropyramids naturally form cube‐corner cavities, which are eminent candidates for small‐sized resonators and retroreflectors. The as‐grown perovskites show strong emission ≈530 nm in the vertical direction at room temperature. A special Fabry–Pérot (F–P) mode is employed to interpret the light confinement in the cavity. Lasing from the perovskite pyramids is observed from 80 to 200 K, with threshold ranging from ≈92 µJ cm−2 to 2.2 mJ cm−2, yielding a characteristic temperature of T0 = 35 K. By coating a thin layer of Ag film, the threshold is reduced from ≈92 to 26 µJ cm−2, which is accompanied by room temperature lasing with a threshold of ≈75 µJ cm−2. This work advocates the prospect of shape‐engineered perovskite crystals toward developing micro‐sized optoelectronic devices and potentially investigating light–matter coupling in quantum optics.