bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of p16 immunohistochemistry in FNA biopsies with corresponding tissue specimens in HPV‐related squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx
Authors: Jalaly Jalal B. , Lewis James S. , Collins Brian T. , Wu Xingyong , Ma Xiao‐Jun , Luo Yuling , Bernadt Cory T.
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a unique form of carcinoma that is important to identify for prognosis and treatment. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p16 (also known as cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A, multiple tumor suppressor 1) is used as a surrogate marker for transcriptionally active, high‐risk HPV. The primary objective of this study was to correlate p16 IHC of cell blocks from fine‐needle aspirations (FNAs) with surgical pathology specimens of HPV‐related oropharyngeal SCC.

METHODS

In total, 48 patients who had a diagnosis of oropharyngeal or nonoropharyngeal SCC and also had an FNA that demonstrated metastatic SCC with available cell block material were identified. IHC for p16 was evaluated on both FNA cell blocks and surgical pathology specimens. In situ hybridization for high‐risk HPV messenger RNA was performed on 31 of the FNA cell blocks.

RESULTS

Although partial p16 staining was observed in the majority of cell blocks, there was concordance in 47 of 48 FNAs (98%) with surgical pathology specimens when strong positive p16 staining of at least 15% of tumor cells in FNA cell block material was present. In addition, high‐risk HPV RNA in situ hybridization demonstrated a high correlation with p16 staining in surgical pathology specimens (96%) and FNAs (93%).

CONCLUSIONS

There was excellent correlation between p16 IHC of FNA cell blocks and surgical pathology specimens using a cutoff of at least 15% positive staining in cell blocks. The recommended threshold (70% positive staining) for surgical pathology specimens may yield a high rate of false‐negative results if applied to FNA cell blocks. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015;123:723–731. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Radicals and Dormant Species in Biology and Polymer Chemistry
Authors: Chatgilialoglu Chryssostomos , Ferreri Carla , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: August 2015

This Review is focused on radicals and dormant species in biology and polymer chemistry. The past two decades have witnessed significant advances in understanding the role, and methods of creation and control, of free radicals in biology and polymer chemistry. The progress reached in both areas has been enabled by the mechanistic understanding and fine‐tuning of the reactivity, selectivity, and persistency of the radical species in multistep processes. The multidisciplinary scientific scenario described in this Review can be useful not only to create bridges and networks between biologists and chemists, but also to provide science with diversity, thereby highlighting aspects of biology and chemical synthesis that are only apparently far from each other. This should also result in widened scientific horizons, thus triggering a transfer from research to innovation.
Linking hydrologic regime, rainfall and leaf litter fall in a riverine forest within the Ramsar Site Humedales Chaco (Argentina)
Authors: Casco Sylvina L. , Galassi María E. , Mari Eliana K. A. , Poi Alicia S. G. , Neiff Juan J.
Published: August 2015

The input of leaf litter from riparian vegetation could be affected by changes in precipitation and modifications to the hydrological regime. We analyse the pattern of leaf litterfall at the community scale as well as the breakdown rate in a mixed gallery forest that covers the levees of the Paraná River oxbow lake. Litterfall was collected biweekly for 4 years that represents different rainfall and hydrologic regimes of the Paraná River including flood and prolonged drought: 1996–1997 (PA), 1999–2000 (PB), 2005–2006 (PC) and 2007–2008 (PD). To analyse leaf breakdown, litter bags were incubated on the forest floor during flooding conditions (FFo) and dry conditions (DFo) and in the oxbow lake (FOx). The total annual leaf litterfall were 8.97, 11.15, 10.42 and 14.43 tn ha−1 yr−1 for PA, PB, PC and PD, respectively. Our results suggest that with the increasing severity of the dry season and decreasing hydrologic connectivity, the annual leaf litterfall increases, whereas its seasonal pattern does not change. Regardless of the seasonal pattern of rainfall and hydrological regime in each study period, leaf fall occurred throughout the year, and the peak was recorded between August and October. Leaves decomposed fastest in FOx, and the leaf breakdown on the forest floor was slower during flooding conditions than in dry conditions. Regular floods are natural occurrences that do not affect the leaf production of the Paraná mixed forest, and the leaf processing depends on the oxygen concentrations. Prolonged droughts led to high annual leaf production, which is mainly processed within this forest. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
S–S Bond Activation in Multi‐Copper ­Aggregates Containing Perthiocarboxylato Ligands
Authors: Troyano Javier , Corral Inés , Castillo Oscar , Zamora Félix , Mas‐Ballesté Rubén , Delgado Salomé
Published: August 2015

The direct reaction between [Cu(OAc)2·(H2O)]2andn‐butyldithiocarboxylic acid affords two copper(I) aggregates with dithiocarboxylato, [Cu(S2C‐n‐butyl)]4(1), and perthiocarboxylato ligands, [Cu(S3C‐n‐butyl)]4(2), in which the oxidation of dithiocarboxylato ligand is triggered by the CuIIcenters. The activation of the S–S bond in2by two reducing agents, PPh3and NaBH4, has been investigated both experimentally and by DFT calculations. The successive S–S activation in2by reaction with 4 equiv. of PPh3is a cooperative process, which implies that the intermediate species remain elusive. Such intermediates have been analyzed by DFT calculations, which established that the reactivity of the multi‐copper structures depends on the balance between the interactions in the different coordination spheres imposed on the copper centers and the Cu···Cu distances. Furthermore, weak cuprophilic interactions are conditioned by the orbital orientation imposed by the structure. This implies that these metal–metal interactions are not always found between the pairs of Cu atoms with the shortest distances. Although different products have been isolated depending on the reducing agent, the overall theoretical data indicate that the reagent always attacks the terminal sulfur atom of the perthio group.
Simultaneous Application of Arylmethyl­ene Acetal and Butane Diacetal Groups for Protection of Hexopyranosides: Synthesis and Chemoselective Ring‐Opening Reactions
Authors: Herczeg Mihály , Demeter Fruzsina , Mező Erika , Pap Máté , Borbás Anikó
Published: August 2015

The reductive cleavage of 4,6‐O‐arylmethylene acetals of hexopyranosides is an effective method for the regioselective formation of a benzyl‐type ether at either the C‐4 or the C‐6 hydroxyl group. The compatibility of this method with Ley's butane diacetal (BDA) protection was studied. 4,6‐O‐(2‐Naphthyl)methylene, benzylidene, and p‐methoxybenzylidene acetals were introduced to 2,3‐O‐BDA‐protected gluco‐ and galactosides, and the bis‐acetalated products were subjected to reductive acetal openings with different reagents. LiAlH4–AlCl3 reduced the 4,6‐acetals with complete chemo‐ and regioselectivity to give the corresponding 4‐O‐ethers. The use of Et3SiH–BF3·Et2O led to a mixture of differently reduced products, because transformation of the 4,6‐acetal into the related 6‐O‐ether and reduction of the BDA system into a butane‐2,3‐diyl group took place competitively. BH3·NMe3–AlCl3 selectively cleaved the 4,6‐acetal ring to give the 6‐O‐ethers as the major or exclusive products.
Mathematical modeling of drying of potato slices in a forced convective dryer based on important parameters
Authors: Naderinezhad Samira , Etesami Nasrin , Poormalek Najafabady Arefe , Ghasemi Falavarjani Majid
Published: August 2015

The effect of air temperature, air velocity, and sample shapes (circle and square with the same cross‐sectional area) on kinetic drying of potato slices in a tunnel dryer was investigated experimentally and a suitable drying model was developed. The experiments of drying of potato slices were conducted at an air temperature of 45–70°C with an air velocity 1.60 and 1.81 m sec−1. Results showed that drying temperature was the most effective parameter in the drying rate. The influence of air velocity was more profound in low temperature. The time for drying square slices was lower compared to the circle ones. Furthermore, drying data were fitted to different empirical models. Among the models, Midilli–Kucuk was the best to explain the single layer drying of potato slices. The parameters of this model were determined as functions of air velocity and temperature by multiple regression analysis for circle and square slices. Various statistical parameters were examined for evaluating the model.
The changing role of health‐oriented international organizations and nongovernmental organizations
Authors: Okma Kieke G.H. , Kay Adrian , Hockenberry Shelby , Liu Joanne , Watkins Susan
Published: August 2015

Apart from governments, there are many other actors active in the health policy arena, including a wide array of international organizations (IOs), public‐private partnerships and non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) that state as their main mission to improve the health of (low‐income) populations of low‐income countries. Despite the steady rise in numbers and prominence of NGOs, however, there is lack of empirical knowledge about their functioning in the international policy arena, and most studies focus on the larger organizations. This has also caused a somewhat narrow focus of theoretical studies. Some scholars applied the ‘principal‐agent’ theory to study the origins of IOs, for example, other focus on changing power relations. Most of those studies implicitly assume that IOs, public‐private partnerships and large NGOs act as unified and rational actors, ignoring internal fragmentation and external pressure to change directions. We assert that the classic analytical instruments for understanding the shaping and outcome of public policy: ideas, interests and institutions apply well to the study of IOs. As we will show, changing ideas about the proper role of state and non‐state actors, changing positions and activities of major stakeholders in the (international) health policy arena, and shifts in political institutions that channel the voice of diverging interests resulted in (and reflected) the changing positions of the health‐oriented organizations‐and also affect their future outlook. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attitude towards technology, social media usage and grade‐point average as predictors of global citizenship identification in Filipino University Students
Authors: Lee Romeo B. , Baring Rito , Maria Madelene Sta , Reysen Stephen
Published: August 2015

We examine the influence of a positive attitude towards technology, number of social media network memberships and grade‐point average (GPA) on global citizenship identification antecedents and outcomes. Students (N = 3628) at a university in the Philippines completed a survey assessing the above constructs. The results showed that attitude towards technology, number of social network site memberships and GPA‐predicted global citizenship identification, and subsequent prosocial outcomes (e.g. intergroup helping, responsibility to act for the betterment of the world), through the perception that valued others prescribe a global citizen identity (normative environment) and perceived knowledge of the world and felt interconnectedness with others (global awareness). The results highlight the associations between technology and academic performance with a global identity and associated values.
Pharmacokinetics of serelaxin in patients with severe renal impairment or end‐stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis: A single‐dose, open‐label, parallel‐group study
Authors: Dahlke Marion , Halabi Atef , Canadi Jasna , Tsubouchi Chiaki , Machineni Surendra , Pang Yinuo
Published: August 2015

Serelaxin, a recombinant human relaxin‐2 hormone, is in clinical development for treating acute heart failure. This open‐label, parallel‐group study investigated serelaxin pharmacokinetics (PK) after a single 4‐hour intravenous infusion (10 µg/kg) in patients with severe renal impairment (n = 6) or end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis (PK on the day of dialysis [n = 6] or during dialysis‐free interval [n = 6]), compared with matched healthy subjects (n = 18). In all participants, serum serelaxin concentration peaked at the end of infusion and subsequently declined with mean terminal elimination half‐life of 6.5–8.8 hours. Compared with healthy subjects, a moderate decrease in serelaxin systemic clearance (37%–52%) and increase in its exposure (30%–115%) were observed in all patients. During the 4‐hour hemodialysis in ESRD patients, 30% serelaxin was removed, with hemodialysis clearance constituting approximately 52% of total systemic clearance. Serelaxin was well tolerated with no deaths, serious adverse events (AE), or AE‐related discontinuations. Antiserelaxin antibodies were not detected in any participant. Given the shallow dose‐response relationship observed with serelaxin in clinical studies and its wide therapeutic window, the observed PK differences in patients with severe renal impairment compared with healthy subjects are unlikely to pose a safety risk and do not warrant a predefined dosage adjustment in such patients.
Platelet response to increased aspirin dose in patients with persistent platelet aggregation while treated with aspirin 81 mg
Authors: Gengo Fran , Westphal Erica S. , Rainka Michelle M. , Janda Maria , Robson Matthew J. , Hourihane J. Maurice , Bates Vernice
Published: August 2015

This study demonstrates that patients who are taking 81 mg of aspirin and are nonresponsive benefit from a dose of 162 mg or greater vs a different antiplatelet therapy. We identified 100 patients who were nonresponsive to aspirin 81 mg via whole blood aggregometry and observed how many patients became responsive at a dose of 162 mg or greater. Platelet nonresponsiveness was defined as >10 Ω of resistance to collagen 1 µg/mL and/or an ohms ratio of collagen 1 µg/mL to collagen 5 µg/mL >0.5 and/or >6 Ω to arachidonate. Borderline response was defined as an improvement in 1 but not both of the above criteria. Of the initial 100 patients who were nonresponsive to an aspirin dose of 81 mg, 79% became responsive at a dose of 162 mg or >162 mg. Only 6% did not respond to any increase in dose. We believe that patients treated with low‐dose aspirin who have significant risk for secondary vascular events should be individually assessed to determine their antiplatelet response. Those found to have persistent platelet aggregation despite treatment with 81 mg of aspirin have a higher likelihood of obtaining an adequate antiplatelet response at a higher aspirin dose.
The estimation of prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus infection among blood donors in Chengdu, China
Authors: Zhong Li , Xi Guangxiang , Zhang Lanjiang , Liu Shuangli , Wan Like , Yu Lian , Zhou Min , Zhang Jie , He Yi
Published: August 2015

The reported positive rates of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) among Chinese blood donors generally do not include data from pre‐donation rapid tests. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of serologic markers for HBsAg and risk factors among blood donors from Chengdu, China. From April 2010 to March 2011, a total of 16,875 blood donors were enrolled. Data from HBsAg tests before and after donations were collected to estimate the prevalence of HBsAg. A case–control study was conducted in 265 unique HBsAg‐positive blood donors and 530 seronegative donors between January 2011 and October 2012. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using conditional logistic regression. The population attributable risk (PAR) was estimated. The prevalence of HBsAg was 3.17% (95%CI, 2.91–3.43%). The following risk factors were associated with HBV infection: non‐vaccination for HBV (OR = 4.236; 95%CI, 2.72–6.60%), razor sharing (OR = 2.370; 95%CI, 1.46–3.84%), dental treatment (OR = 1.714; 95%CI, 1.21–2.43%), acupuncture (OR = 1.983; 95%CI, 1.20–3.28%), a family history of HBV infection (OR = 2.257; 95%CI, 1.32–3.86%), and endoscopy (OR = 2.17; 95%CI, 1.04–4.51%). The PAR values of the risk factors were 42.77%, 31.78%, 13.68%, 6.18%, 6.09%, and 2.85%, respectively, and the total PAR was 68.78%. The prevalence of HBsAg among Chinese blood donors is still high. HBV vaccinations can provide protection. Blood contact from sharing instruments is still a high risk route of transmission for HBV. Immunization programs and behavioral interventions should be used to prevent blood donation infections and improve blood safety.J. Med. Virol. 88:260–267, 2016.© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of positive work reflection during leisure time on affective well‐being: Results from three diary studies
Authors: Meier Laurenz L. , Cho Eunae , Dumani Soner
Published: August 2015

Previous research showed that psychological detachment from work during leisure time is beneficial and that reflecting on negative aspects of work is detrimental for employees' well‐being. However, little is known about the role of positive reflection about work during leisure time. In the present research, we examined the effects of positive work reflection on affective well‐being. Additionally, we tested the effectiveness of an intervention to increase positive work reflection and to improve well‐being with a randomized controlled field experiment. Findings from three diary studies showed that positive work reflection was related to an increase in affective well‐being with regard to both positive and negative moods. The results further indicated that the benefits of positive work reflection were incremental to that of psychological detachment and the absence of negative work reflection. Contrary to our expectation, no evidence was found for the effectiveness of the intervention. Theoretical implications of main findings as well as supplementary findings are further discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel measure of articular instability based on contact stress confirms that the anterior cruciate ligament is a critical stabilizer of the lateral compartment
Authors: Imhauser Carl W. , Sheikh Saad , Choi Daniel S. , Nguyen Joseph T. , Mauro Craig S. , Wickiewicz Thomas L.
Published: August 2015

Knee instability following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is common, compromising function, and causing cartilage and meniscal damage. In this study, instability at the level of the articular surfaces was characterized with a new measure: articular instability. Articular instability was defined as the change in location of the center of contact stress per unit of applied load. The effect of ACL‐deficiency on articular instability was quantified in response to combined abduction and internal rotation moments simulating the clinical pivot shift, which recreates the sensation of instability. Eleven cadaver knees were loaded using a robotic manipulator and tibiofemoral contact stress was measured using a stress transducer. Sectioning the ACL led to pronounced articular instability on the lateral compartment in 4 of 11 knees. In these 4 knees articular instability increased posteriorly up to 403% and increased laterally up to 754%. Factors driving inter‐specimen variations in articular instability might include articular morphology, ligamentous laxity, and the applied loads. This novel description of contact mechanics confirms that the ACL prevents sudden changes in the relative position of the lateral articular surfaces. It is applicable to any loading conditions and provides a unique measure to quantify the effects of ACL injury and reconstruction. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:478–488, 2016.
Auxiliary proteins that facilitate formation of collagen‐rich deposits in the posterior knee capsule in a rabbit‐based joint contracture model
Authors: Steplewski Andrzej , Fertala Jolanta , Beredjiklian Pedro K. , Abboud Joseph A. , Wang Mark L. Y. , Namdari Surena , Barlow Jonathan , Rivlin Michael , Arnold William V. , Kostas James , Hou Cheryl , Fertala Andrzej
Published: August 2015

Post‐traumatic joint contracture is a debilitating consequence of trauma or surgical procedures. It is associated with fibrosis that develops regardless of the nature of initial trauma and results from complex biological processes associated with inflammation and cell activation. These processes accelerate production of structural elements of the extracellular matrix, particularly collagen fibrils. Although the increased production of collagenous proteins has been demonstrated in tissues of contracted joints, researchers have not yet determined the complex protein machinery needed for the biosynthesis of collagen molecules and for their assembly into fibrils. Consequently, the purpose of our study was to investigate key enzymes and protein chaperones needed to produce collagen‐rich deposits. Using a rabbit model of joint contracture, our biochemical and histological assays indicated changes in the expression patterns of heat shock protein 47 and the α‐subunit of prolyl 4‐hydroxylase, key proteins in processing nascent collagen chains. Moreover, our study shows that the abnormal organization of collagen fibrils in the posterior capsules of injured knees, rather than excessive formation of fibril‐stabilizing cross‐links, may be a key reason for observed changes in the mechanical characteristics of injured joints. This result sheds new light on pathomechanisms of joint contraction, and identifies potentially attractive anti‐fibrotic targets. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:489–501, 2016.
Analysis of perioperative radiation therapy in the surgical treatment of primary and recurrent retroperitoneal sarcoma
Authors: Lane Whitney O. , Cramer Christina K. , Nussbaum Daniel P. , Speicher Paul J. , Gulack Brian C. , Czito Brian G. , Kirsch David G. , Tyler Douglas S. , Blazer Dan G.
Published: August 2015

Background

Radiation therapy (RT) is increasingly utilized in conjunction with surgery for the treatment of retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas (RPS). Despite multiple theoretical advantages of RT, its role in the surgical management of this disease remains ill defined.

Methods

Patients undergoing surgery for RPS from 1990 to 2011 were identified. Patients were classified as having primary or recurrent disease, and then further stratified by the use of perioperative RT. Primary outcomes, including overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS), were estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method with comparisons based on the log rank test. Cox‐proportional hazards modeling was used to estimate the independent effect of RT on survival.

Results

Ninety‐four patients met final inclusion criteria. After adjusting for confounding variables, perioperative RT remained independently associated with a reduced risk of recurrence (HR 0.34, P < 0.01) and death (HR 0.30, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

In this retrospective series, perioperative RT is an independent predictor of improved OS and RFS. These results provide additional support for the use of RT in the multimodality treatment of retroperitoneal sarcoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015; 112:352–358. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Symptoms of PTSD Associated With Painful and Nonpainful Vicarious Reactivity Following Amputation
Authors: Giummarra Melita J. , Fitzgibbon Bernadette M. , Tsao Jack W. , Gibson Stephen J. , Rich Anina N. , Georgiou‐Karistianis Nellie , Chou Michael , Bradshaw John L. , Alphonso Aimee L. , Tung Monica L. , Drastal Carol A. , Hanling Steven , Pasquina Paul F. , Enticott Peter G.
Published: August 2015

Although the experience of vicarious sensations when observing another in pain have been described postamputation, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We investigated whether vicarious sensations are related to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and chronic pain. In Study 1, 236 amputees completed questionnaires about phantom limb phenomena and vicarious sensations to both innocuous and painful sensory experiences of others. There was a 10.2% incidence of vicarious sensations, which was significantly more prevalent in amputees reporting PTSD‐like experiences, particularly increased arousal and reexperiencing the event that led to amputation (φ = .16). In Study 2, 63 amputees completed the Empathy for Pain Scale and PTSD Checklist‐Civilian Version. Cluster analyses revealed 3 groups: 1 group did not experience vicarious pain or PTSD symptoms, and 2 groups were vicarious pain responders, but only 1 had increased PTSD symptoms. Only the latter group showed increased chronic pain severity compared with the nonresponder group (p = .025) with a moderate effect size (r = .35). The findings from both studies implicated an overlap, but also divergence, between PTSD symptoms and vicarious pain reactivity postamputation. Maladaptive mechanisms implicated in severe chronic pain and physical reactivity posttrauma may increase the incidence of vicarious reactivity to the pain of others.
Management implications for releasing orphaned, captive‐reared bears back to the wild
Authors: Beecham John J. , De Gabriel Hernando Miguel , Karamanlidis Alexandros A. , Beausoleil Richard A. , Burguess Kelcey , Jeong Dong‐Hyuk , Binks Mathew , Bereczky Leonardo , Ashraf N. V. K. , Skripova Kira , Rhodin Lisa , Auger Janene , Lee Bae‐Keun
Published: August 2015

Orphaned bears have been captive‐reared and released back to the wild for more than 3 decades, often without a clear understanding of their fates because post‐release monitoring is not a common practice. As a result, management agencies lack efficacy data on post‐release success rates and are often reluctant to encourage increased use of this technique. We evaluated the potential management and conservation implications of releasing captive‐reared bears by documenting post‐release survival, cause‐specific mortality, human conflict activity, movements, and reproduction for 550 American black, brown and Asiatic black bears reared in 12 captive‐rearing programs around the world. Survival rates in these programs ranged from 0.50 to 1.00 and were similar among the 3 species. The primary causes of mortality were sport hunting and road kills for American black bears, intra‐specific predation and illegal kills for brown bears, and natural mortalities and illegal kills for Asiatic black bears. Although American and Asiatic black bears were involved in conflicts post‐release, the majority of released bears (94%) were not documented in conflict situations. Movement patterns of captive‐reared American black and brown bears showed no homing tendencies toward their rearing facility. Twenty captive‐reared bears produced 21 litters. Our analyses reduce many of the uncertainties surrounding the fate of bears released as yearlings and provide evidence that releasing captive‐reared bears is a defensible management alternative. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Nontoxic, Hydrophilic Cationic Polymers—Identified as Class of Antimicrobial Polymers
Authors: Strassburg Arne , Kracke Frauke , Wenners Julia , Jemeljanova Anna , Kuepper Jannis , Petersen Hanne , Tiller Joerg C.
Published: August 2015

Amphiphilic polycations are an alternative to biocides but also toxic to mammalian cells. Antimicrobially active hydrophilic polycations based on 1,4‐dibromo‐2‐butene and tetramethyl‐1,3‐propanediamine named PBI are not hemotoxic for porcine red blood cells with a hemocytotoxicity (HC50) of more than 40 000 μg · mL−1. They are quickly killing bacterial cells at their MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration). The highest found selectivity HC50/MIC is more than 20 000 for S. epidermidis. Investigations on sequentially prepared PBIs with defined molecular weight Mn and tailored end groups revealed that there is a dependence of antimicrobial activity and selectivity on Mn and nature of the end groups.
Naphthalimide Derivatives: Substituent Effects on the Photoinitiating Ability in Polymerizations under Near UV, Purple, White and Blue LEDs (385, 395, 405, 455, or 470 nm)
Authors: Xiao Pu , Dumur Frédéric , Zhang Jing , Graff Bernadette , Gigmes Didier , Fouassier Jean Pierre , Lalevée Jacques
Published: August 2015

Naphthalimide derivatives (NDAs) with amino‐ or alkylthio‐substituents have been synthesized and combined in photoinitiating systems (PIS) with an iodonium salt, N‐vinylcarbazole, an amine, or 2,4,6‐tris(trichloromethyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine to produce radicals, cation radicals, or cations. The photochemical mechanisms are investigated by fluorescence, cyclic voltammetry, laser flash photolysis, electron spin resonance spin trapping, and steady state photolysis techniques. The generated reactive species are capable of initiating the cationic polymerization (CP) of epoxides under air or the free radical polymerization (FRP) of acrylates in laminate upon exposure to visible lights delivered by a halogen lamp, a cold white light‐emitting diode (LED), or LEDs at 385, 395, 405, 455, or 470 nm. Compared to the well‐known camphorquinone based systems, the novel NDA containing PISs exhibit higher efficiencies both for CP and FRP. Remarkably, the photo­bleaching of some NDAs is significant, and colorless final polymer coatings are obtained. The structure/photochemical property relationships of NDAs are discussed in detail (redox potentials, fluorescence, rate constants of reactions, etc.) to shed some light on their respective photoinitiating ability.

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Planktonic and sedimentary bacterial diversity of Lake Sayram in summer
Authors: Fang Lei , Chen Lei , Liu Yuan , Tao Wei , Zhang Zhongzhe , Liu Haiying , Tang Yong
Published: August 2015

Lake Sayram is an ancient cold water lake locating at a mountain basin in Xinjiang, China. The lake water is brackish, alkaline, unpolluted, and abundant in SO42− and Mg2+. The lacustrine ecosystem of Lake Sayram has been intensely investigated. However, profiles of the microbial communities in the lake remain largely unknown. In this study, taxonomic compositions of the planktonic and sedimentary bacterial communities in Lake Sayram were investigated using 16S rRNA metagenomics. The lacustrine bacterial communities were generally structured by environmental conditions, including the hydrological and physicochemical parameters. Proteobacteria was the dominating phylum. In the lake water, the genera Acinetobacter and Ilumatobacter held an absolute predominance, implying their metabolic significance. In the bottom sediment, biogeochemically significant bacteria and thermophilic or acidothermophilic extremophiles were recovered. In contrast to the planktonic bacteria, an appreciable portion of the sedimentary bacteria could not be classified into any known taxonomic unit, indicating the largely unknown bacteriosphere hiding in the bottom sediment of Lake Sayram.
Segmented golden ratio radial reordering with variable temporal resolution for dynamic cardiac MRI
Authors: Han Fei , Zhou Ziwu , Rapacchi Stanislas , Nguyen Kim‐Lien , Finn J. Paul , Hu Peng
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Golden ratio (GR) radial reordering allows for retrospective choice of temporal resolution by providing a near‐uniform k‐space sampling within any reconstruction window. However, when applying GR to electrocardiogram (ECG)‐gated cardiac imaging, the k‐space coverage may not be as uniform because a single reconstruction window is broken into several temporally isolated ones. The goal of this study was to investigate the image artifacts caused by applying GR to ECG‐gated cardiac imaging and to propose a segmented GR method to address this issue.

Methods

Computer simulation and phantom experiments were used to evaluate the image artifacts resulting from three k‐space sampling patterns (ie, uniform radial, conventional GR, and segmented GR). Two‐ and three‐dimensional cardiac cine images were acquired in seven healthy subjects. Imaging artifacts due to k‐space sampling nonuniformity were graded on a 5‐point scale by an experienced cardiac imaging reader.

Results

Segmented GR provides more uniform k‐space sampling that is independent of heart‐rate variation than conventional GR. Cardiac cine images using segmented GR have significantly higher and more reliable image quality than conventional GR.

Conclusion

Segmented GR successfully addresses the nonuniform sampling that occurs with combining conventional GR with ECG gating. This technique can potentially be applied to any ECG‐gated cardiac imaging application to allow for retrospective selection of a reconstruction window. Magn Reson Med 76:94–103, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prospective associations of eating behaviors with weight gain in infants
Authors: Shepard Desti N. , Chandler‐Laney Paula C.
Published: August 2015

Objective

To examine whether maternal reports of infant eating behaviors are stable over time and whether eating behaviors are prospectively associated with weight gain.

Methods

In an ongoing study of infant growth, weight and length were measured at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 5 months of age. Food responsiveness (FR), satiety responsiveness (SR), enjoyment of feeding (EF), and slow eating (SE) were assessed with the Baby Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine changes in eating behaviors from 2 weeks to 5 months. Simple Pearson correlations examined associations among eating behaviors across time and associations of eating behaviors with subsequent change in weight‐for‐length z‐scores.

Results

Among 31 infants studied from 2 weeks to 3 months, FR and SR remained consistent (P < 0.05), and among 21 infants studied from 3 to 5 months, FR, EF, and SE were consistent (P < 0.01). Infants ate more quickly (P < 0.01) and tended to have greater SR with age (P = 0.09). Only SE at 3 months was associated with subsequent gain in weight‐for‐length (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Consistent with previous research, SE was predictive of weight gain during infancy. Given that eating behaviors were largely consistent after 3 months of age, it may be important to encourage the development of healthy eating behaviors during early infancy.
Tributyltin differentially promotes development of a phenotypically distinct adipocyte
Authors: Regnier Shane M. , El‐Hashani Essam , Kamau Wakanene , Zhang Xiaojie , Massad Nicole L. , Sargis Robert M.
Published: August 2015

Objective

Environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity. Evidence implicates various EDCs as being proadipogenic, including tributyltin (TBT), which activates the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ). However, the conditions required for TBT‐induced adipogenesis and its functional consequences are incompletely known.

Methods

The costimulatory conditions necessary for preadipocyte‐to‐adipocyte differentiation were compared between TBT and the pharmacological PPARγ agonist troglitazone (Trog) in the 3T3‐L1 cell line; basal and insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake were assessed using radiolabeled 2‐deoxyglucose.

Results

TBT enhanced expression of the adipocyte marker C/EBPα with coexposure to either isobutylmethylxanthine or insulin in the absence of other adipogenic stimuli. Examination of several adipocyte‐specific proteins revealed that TBT and Trog differentially affected protein expression despite comparable PPARγ stimulation. In particular, TBT reduced adiponectin expression upon maximal adipogenic stimulation. Under submaximal stimulation, TBT and Trog differentially promoted adipocyte‐specific gene expression despite similar lipid accumulation. Moreover, TBT attenuated Trog‐induced adipocyte gene expression under conditions of cotreatment. Finally, TBT‐induced adipocytes exhibited altered glucose metabolism, with increased basal glucose uptake.

Conclusions

TBT‐induced adipocytes are functionally distinct from those generated by a pharmacological PPARγ agonist, suggesting that obesogen‐induced adipogenesis may generate dysfunctional adipocytes with the capacity to deleteriously affect global energy homeostasis.
Validation of a semiconductor next‐generation sequencing‐based protocol for preimplantation genetic diagnosis of reciprocal translocations
Authors: Bono S. , Biricik A. , Spizzichino L. , Nuccitelli A. , Minasi M. G. , Greco E. , Spinella F. , Fiorentino F.
Published: August 2015

Objective

We aim to validate a semiconductor next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐based method to detect unbalanced chromosome translocation in preimplantation embryos.

Methods

The study consisted of a blinded retrospective evaluation with NGS of 145 whole‐genome amplification products obtained from biopsy of cleavage‐stage embryos or blastocysts, derived from 33 couples carrying different balanced translocations. Consistency of NGS‐based copy number assignments was evaluated and compared with the results obtained by array‐comparative genomic hybridization.

Results

Reliably identified with the NGS‐based protocol were 162 segmental imbalances derived from 33 different chromosomal translocations, with the smallest detectable chromosomal segment being 5 Mb in size. Of the 145 embryos analysed, 20 (13.8%) were balanced, 43 (29.6%) were unbalanced, 53 (36.5%) were unbalanced and aneuploid, and 29 (20%) were balanced but aneuploid. NGS sensitivity for unbalanced/aneuploid chromosomal call (consistency of chromosome copy number assignment) was 99.75% (402/403), with a specificity of 100% (3077/3077). NGS specificity and sensitivity for unbalanced/aneuploid embryo call were 100%.

Conclusions

Next‐generation sequencing can detect chromosome imbalances in embryos with the added benefit of simultaneous comprehensive aneuploidy screening. Given the high level of consistency with array‐comparative genomic hybridization, NGS has been demonstrated to be a robust high‐throughput technique ready for clinical application in preimplantation genetic diagnosis for chromosomal translocations, with potential advantages of automation, increased throughput and reduced cost. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature‐dependent coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of injection molded, short‐glass‐fiber‐reinforced polymers
Authors: Heinle Martina , Drummer Dietmar
Published: August 2015

A deep understanding of the anisotropic, composite‐, geometry‐, and temperature‐dependent coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of short‐fiber‐reinforced polymers is often needed in material development and at early stages of the design process of injection molded parts. Usually, the data available does not reflect the complex behavior and the knowledge about the influences and interactions are missing. This paper deals with a method for calculating the composite‐, geometry‐, and temperature‐dependent anisotropic CTE of parts made from short‐fiber reinforced polymers without respectively low preload to create an understanding of its origins and influential factors. Here, a good accordance between the measurements and calculations was achieved. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2661–2668, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of magnetic field input cycle and peptizer on the MR effect of magneto‐rheological elastomer based on natural rubber
Authors: Chung Kyungho , Jeong Unchang , Oh Jae‐Eung
Published: August 2015

The magneto‐rheological (MR) effect of magneto‐rheological elastomers (MREs) depends on the degree of orientation of carbonyl iron particles, which are dispersed in the elastomeric matrix. In this study, viscosity and molecular weight of NR matrix decreased with the addition of peptizer, and resulted in an increase of MR effect because of the efficient orientation of carbonyl iron particles. Also, the optimum conditions for applying a magnetic field to orient carbonyl iron particles were defined by the input duration time of the magnetic field, rather than the number of input times. Ideal input duration time to induce the orientation of carbonyl iron particles on the elastomeric matrix was 15 minutes. In this system, the MR effect of MRE decreased significantly above 20,000 cycles of cyclic deformation because of interfacial failure between the carbonyl iron particles and the matrix. It was expected that the dynamic property of MRE would increase if the interfacial interaction between carbonyl iron particles and the matrix improved. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2669–2675, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Applying the Macroscopic Kinetic Approach to Plasma Polymerization to the Plasma Surface Modification of Micropowders: Attempt of Correlating Powder Flowability and Plasma Process Parameters
Authors: Giampietro Vito Roberto , Roth Christian , Gulas Michal , Wood Vanessa , Rudolf von Rohr Philipp
Published: August 2015

The flowability of micropowders can be improved by depositing a non‐continuous coating on the micropowder surface, which reduces the interparticle van der Waals forces causing cohesion of the native powder. Such a coating can be achieved via a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition in a tubular, inductively‐coupled RF glow‐discharge‐plasma reactor fed by plasma‐polymerizable gases. Here we systematically study the influence of user‐set plasma parameters of feed gas flow rate and plasma power on the resulting powder flowability. We find a quasi‐Arrhenius relation between flowability factor and energy delivered per mass of monomer W/FM. These findings demonstrate that flowability measurements can be used to study the plasma polymerization processes and as a metric to assess surface coatings of powders that are otherwise difficult to characterize by standard metrologies.
Good till the last drop: How much is too much valve leakage?
Authors: Study Karen , Allan Peter , Cozat Adam , Meliefste Kees , Roche Eloise , Wagner Tim
Published: August 2015

Validating the effectiveness of safety instrumented systems (SISs) is an integral and vitally important part of maintaining protection layers and preventing a hazardous condition. However, deciding on the basis for what constitutes “sufficiently safe” can be difficult. For example, when considering valves used as the final element in SISs, many in industry are basing the Maximum Allowable Leakage Rate (MALR) on the valve tightness specification instead of the hazardous condition that is being prevented when these valves are closed. This article will review a pilot conducted at The Dow Chemical Company to compare using the valve tightness class as a basis for MALR versus a safety‐based calculated MALR. Economics and safety aspects are evaluated and the general types of safety based calculations used are reviewed. Key questions answered include: (1) what exactly is the requirement for estimating MALR, (2) how is MALR calculated using a safety basis, (3) are there differences in cost when basing MALR on valve tightness class versus a safety based calculation, (4) are time efficiencies realized when basing MALR on the safety case versus on the valve tightness class, and (5) which is usually more conservative, a valve tightness class‐based MALR or a safety‐based MALR? © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 35: 26–31, 2016
Life‐history attributes and resource dynamics determine intraspecific home‐range sizes in Carnivora
Authors: Duncan Clare , Nilsen Erlend B. , Linnell John D. C. , Pettorelli Nathalie
Published: August 2015

Home ranges capture a fundamental aspect of animal ecology, resulting from interactions between metabolic demands and resource availability. Yet, the understanding of their emergence is currently limited by lack of consideration of the covariation between intrinsic and extrinsic drivers. We analysed intraspecific home‐range size (HRS) variation with respect to life histories and remotely sensed proxies of resource dynamics for 21 Carnivora species. Our best model explained over half of the observed variability in intraspecificHRSacross populations of multiple species. At the species level, medianHRSwas smaller for omnivorous species and increased with increasing body mass (modelR2 = 0.66). Here,HRSscaled with body mass at 0.80, a value much closer to the expected allometric scaling of 0.75 than previously reported. At the intraspecific level, while much variation was driven by intrinsic factors (body mass, diet, social organization and sex;R2 = 0.39), inclusion of spatiotemporal variation in extrinsic factors (average resource availability and seasonality) enabled explanation of a further 13% of observed variability inHRS. We found no evidence for interactions between intrinsic and extrinsicHRSdrivers, suggesting a generally ubiquitous influence of resource availability on space‐use. Our findings illustrate how spatial and temporal information on resource dynamics as derived by satellite data can significantly improve our understanding ofHRSvariation at the interspecific and intraspecific levels, and urge caution in interpretingHRSallometry in the face of large intraspecific variation. Moreover, our results highlight the importance of considering life‐history constraints in modelling intraspecific space‐use andHRS.
Moving towards best practice when using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) using the propensity score to estimate causal treatment effects in observational studies
Authors: Austin Peter C. , Stuart Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2015

The propensity score is defined as a subject's probability of treatment selection, conditional on observed baseline covariates. Weighting subjects by the inverse probability of treatment received creates a synthetic sample in which treatment assignment is independent of measured baseline covariates. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) using the propensity score allows one to obtain unbiased estimates of average treatment effects. However, these estimates are only valid if there are no residual systematic differences in observed baseline characteristics between treated and control subjects in the sample weighted by the estimated inverse probability of treatment. We report on a systematic literature review, in which we found that the use of IPTW has increased rapidly in recent years, but that in the most recent year, a majority of studies did not formally examine whether weighting balanced measured covariates between treatment groups. We then proceed to describe a suite of quantitative and qualitative methods that allow one to assess whether measured baseline covariates are balanced between treatment groups in the weighted sample. The quantitative methods use the weighted standardized difference to compare means, prevalences, higher‐order moments, and interactions. The qualitative methods employ graphical methods to compare the distribution of continuous baseline covariates between treated and control subjects in the weighted sample. Finally, we illustrate the application of these methods in an empirical case study. We propose a formal set of balance diagnostics that contribute towards an evolving concept of ‘best practice’ when using IPTW to estimate causal treatment effects using observational data. © 2015 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.