bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure to cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes (cVMS) causes anchorage‐independent growth and reduction of BRCA1 in non‐transformed human breast epithelial cells
Authors: Farasani Abdullah , Darbre Philippa D.
Published: September 2016

Dermal absorption of components of personal care products (PCPs) may contribute to breast cancer development. Cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes (cVMS) are used widely in the formulation of PCPs, and their presence has been recently detected in human blood. The objectives of this study were to investigate any genotoxic effects after short‐ (1 week) or longer‐term (30 weeks) exposure to hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) or decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) in MCF‐10 A and MCF‐10F immortalized non‐transformed human breast epithelial cells. Genotoxic effects were assessed by an ability of cells to grow in suspension culture, from DNA damage measured by comet assays, and from a reduction in levels of DNA repair proteins measured by RT‐PCR and western immunoblotting. Dose‐dependent anchorage‐independent growth in methocel culture was observed after exposure to D3 (10−13 M–10−5 M) and D4/D5 (10−9 M–10−5 M). DNA damage was measured by the comet assay after 1‐h exposure to D3 (10−6 M–10−5 M) and D4 (10−5 M). BRCA1 mRNA and BRCA1 protein levels were reduced after 30‐week exposure to 10−5 M D4 and D5 in both cell lines. Reduced levels of mRNAs for other DNA repair proteins (BRCA2, ATM, ATR, CHK1 and CHK2) were also observed after exposure to 10−5 M D5 in both cell lines, and some reductions after exposure to D3 and D4. If cVMS can not only enable anchorage‐independent growth of non‐transformed breast epithelial cells and damage DNA, but also compromise DNA repair systems, then there is the potential for them to impact on breast carcinogenesis. Further risk assessment now requires information concerning the extent to which cVMS may be present in human breast tissues. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative genotoxicity of silver nanoparticles in human liver HepG2 and lung epithelial A549 cells
Authors: Wang J. , Che B. , Zhang L. W. , Dong G. , Luo Q. , Xin L.
Published: September 2016

With the rapid expanding of human exposure to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), genotoxicity screening of nanosilver is necessary to ensure consumer safety. Here, we assessed one key DNA damage responsive pathway activated by GADD45a gene after 24 h of AgNPs exposure in stable luciferase reporter cell systems based on two widely used in vitro cell models, human liver HepG2 and lung epithelial A549 cells. The comet assay and micronucleus test were also conducted to confirm the genetic damage induced by AgNPs. Our results showed that AgNPs produced a strong dose‐dependent increase in transcriptional activation of GADD45a promoter indicated by luciferase activity accompanying by the significant decreases in cell viability. Surprisingly, in HepG2‐luciferase cells, the relative luciferase activity was greater than 4.5× the control level after being treated with 200 μg ml–1 AgNPs. These results were generally in line with the positive and dose‐dependent responses in cytotoxicity, DNA strand breaks indicated by Olive tail moment, tail DNA (%) and tail length, and chromosome damage indicated by induction of micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges, and nuclear buds. Additionally, compared with the A549‐luciferase cells, the HepG2‐luciferase cells seemed to be more susceptible to AgNPs as higher levels of genotoxicity were induced. We concluded that our GADD45a promoter‐driven luciferase reporter gene cell system, together with the comet assay and micronucleus test, can be used as valuable tools for rapid screening of genotoxic potential of nanosilver. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shaping photomechanical effects in tissue ablation using 355 nm laser pulses
Authors: Herzog Amir , Steinberg Idan , Ishaaya Amiel A.
Published: September 2016

We investigate the influence of the cladding diameter of an optical delivery fiber on the ablation dynamics of porcine aorta immersed in tetracycline antibiotic solution using 355 nm nanosecond pulses. We manipulate the pressure transients by enforcing a rear rigid interface (applied by an enlargement of the cladding diameter) to the ablated area, which leads to enhanced ablation efficiency along with a reduction in tissue disruption effects. Numerical simulations, based on the finite elements method, are used to study the propagation of the pressure transients within the suggested scheme. Ultrasonic transducers are used for measuring the increased pressure in front of the fiber's facet and the reduced pressure at the fiber's circumference in the presence of large diameter cladding. The increase and decrease are both found to be by a factor of ˜1.8. The width of the cavitation bubble is measured by high‐speed photography. An enlargement of 13.8% is demonstrated, at the expense of backward expansion along the fiber's axis. A histopathological in vitro study demonstrates an average enhancement of 12.27% in the diameter of the ablated crater, as well as significant reduction in the disruption effects. Our study sheds light on the potential to improve the ablation efficiency without additional energy cost, along with attaining improved safety for interventional medical procedures.

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Solubilized extracellular matrix bioscaffolds derived from diverse source tissues differentially influence macrophage phenotype
Authors: Dziki Jenna L. , Wang Derek S. , Pineda Catalina , Sicari Brian M. , Rausch Theresa , Badylak Stephen F.
Published: September 2016

The host response to biomaterials is a critical determinant of their success or failure in tissue‐repair applications. Macrophages are among the first responders in the host response to biomaterials and have been shown to be predictors of downstream tissue remodeling events. Biomaterials composed of mammalian extracellular matrix (ECM) in particular have been shown to promote distinctive and constructive remodeling outcomes when compared to their synthetic counterparts, a property that has been largely attributed to their ability to modulate the host macrophage response. ECM bioscaffolds are prepared by decellularizing source tissues such as dermis and small intestinal submucosa. The differential ability of such scaffolds to influence macrophage behavior has not been determined. The present study determines the effects of ECM bioscaffolds derived from eight different source tissues upon macrophage surface marker expression, protein content, phagocytic capability, metabolism, and antimicrobial activity. The results show that macrophages exposed to small intestinal submucosa (SIS), urinary bladder matrix (UBM), brain ECM (bECM), esophageal ECM (eECM), and colonic ECM (coECM) express a predominant M2‐like macrophage phenotype, which is pro‐remodeling and anti‐inflammatory (iNOS−/Fizz1+/CD206+). In contrast, macrophage exposure to dermal ECM resulted in a predominant M1‐like, pro‐inflammatory phenotype (iNOS+/Fizz1−/CD206−), whereas liver ECM (LECM) and skeletal muscle ECM (mECM) did not significantly change the expression of these markers. All solubilized ECM bioscaffold treatments resulted in an increased macrophage antimicrobial activity, but no differences were evident in macrophage phagocytic capabilities, and macrophage metabolism was decreased following exposure to UBM, bECM, mECM, coECM, and dECM. The present work could have important implications when considering the macrophage response following ECM implantation for site‐appropriate tissue remodeling. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 138–147, 2017.
Reducing Undercarboxylated Osteocalcin With Vitamin K Supplementation Does Not Promote Lean Tissue Loss or Fat Gain Over 3 Years in Older Women and Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shea M Kyla , Dawson-Hughes Bess , Gundberg Caren M , Booth Sarah L
Published: September 2016

Osteocalcin (OC) is a vitamin K–dependent protein synthesized during bone formation. Mice injected with the undercarboxylated form of OC (ucOC) had more skeletal muscle mass and less fat mass than sham-treated controls, suggesting a unique metabolic role for ucOC. UcOC decreases in response to vitamin K supplementation. Our objective was to determine the effect of reducing ucOC on change in lean tissue and fat mass in older community-dwelling adults (n = 401, mean ± SD 69 ± 6 years) using data from a randomized controlled trial of vitamin K supplementation. Over 3 years, serum ucOC was reduced by 58% in women and by 61% in men randomized to vitamin K, whereas in the control group, ucOC decreased by 1% in women and 4% in men (supplementation*time p < 0.001 in men and women). However, there were no differences in the change in appendicular lean mass (calculated as arm lean mass + leg lean mass) or total body fat mass between women randomized to vitamin K and control over 3 years (supplementation*time p values all ≥ 0.18) or between men randomized to vitamin K and control (supplementation*time p values all ≥ 0.54). Consistent with these findings, ucOC was not associated cross-sectionally with appendicular lean mass or fat mass in men or women after adjustment for total OC at baseline (all p ≥ 0.12). These findings indicate the undercarboxylated form of OC is not implicated in age-related changes in skeletal muscle or adipose tissue mass in older community-dwelling adults. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Quantification and comparison of 4D‐flow MRI‐derived wall shear stress and MRE‐derived wall stiffness of the abdominal aorta
Authors: Kolipaka Arunark , Illapani Venkata Sita Priyanka , Kalra Prateek , Garcia Julio , Mo Xiaokui , Markl Michael , White Richard D
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Aortic wall shear stress (WSSFlow) alters endothelial function, which in‐turn changes aortic wall stiffness leading to remodeling in different disease states. Therefore, the aims of this study are to determine normal physiologic correlations between: (1) Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE)‐derived aortic wall stiffness (WSMRE) and WSSFlow; (2) WSMRE and mean velocity; (3) WSMRE and pulse wave velocity (PWV);( 4) WSMRE and mean peak flow; and (5) WSMRE, WSSFlow and age using MRE and 4D‐flow MRI in the abdominal aorta in healthy human subjects.

Materials and Methods

Cardiac‐gated aortic MRE and 4D‐flow MRI data were acquired in 24 healthy volunteers using a 3 Tesla scanner. For MRE, 70 Hz external motion was applied to obtain wave images in all spatial directions in a separate breathhold. Whereas, 4D‐flow data was acquired under free‐breathing. Wave images in all the directions were processed to obtain three‐dimensional‐weighted stiffness map at end‐systole (ES). WSSFlow, mean velocity, PWV and mean peak flow were obtained using 4D‐flow data. Pearson correlation was performed to determine association between all variables.

Results

A significant negative correlation was observed between: (1) ES WSMRE and WSSFlow in both axial (r = ‐0.62; P = 0.006) and circumferential (r = ‐0.52; P = 0.016) directions; (2) ES WSMRE and mean velocity (r = ‐0.58; P = 0.012); and (3) age and WSSFlow in both axial (r = ‐0.71; P < 0.0001) and circumferential (r = ‐0.58; P = 0.0012) directions. A significant positive correlation was observed between: (1) ES WSMRE and PWV (r = 0.69; P < 0.0001); (2) ES WSMRE and mean peak flow (r = 0.53; P = 0.016); and (3) ES WSMRE and age (r = 0.63;P = 0.006).

Conclusion

The negative significant correlation between aortic WSSFlow and WSMRE in normal volunteers demonstrates a relationship between WSMRE and WSSFlow.

Level of Evidence: 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:771–778.
The FAS‐670 AA genotype is associated with high proviral load in peruvian HAM/TSP patients
Authors: Rosado Jason , Morales Sandra , López Giovanni , Clark Daniel , Verdonck Kristien , Gotuzzo Eduardo , Van Camp Guy , Talledo Michael
Published: September 2016

Human T‐lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV‐1) is the etiologic agent of the HTLV‐1‐associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Apoptosis is a mechanism of defense elicited by many triggers, including cross‐linking of the FAS receptor expressed in viruses‐infected cells, and the ligand FASL presented by T‐cytotoxic cells. As HAM/TSP has been associated with high levels of proviral load (PVL), we hypothesized that certain genotypes of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with a decreased protein expression of FAS and FASL could be risk factors for this disease. Three SNPs: FAS‐670A/G (rs1800682), FAS‐1377G/A (rs2234767), and FASL‐844C/T (rs763110) were analyzed in 73 HAM/TSP patients and 143 HTLV‐1 asymptomatic carriers. Ancestry informative markers were used to adjust for ethnicity through a principal component analysis. Gender, age, PVL, and the first three principal components were used as covariates. The FAS/FASL genotype distribution was not associated with HAM/TSP presence (P–> 0.05). The FAS‐670 AA genotype was associated with high PVL in comparison to FAS‐670 GG in HAM/TSP patients (P = 0.015), while in asymptomatic carriers low levels of PVL were observed (P > 0.05). Our findings suggest that rs1800682, rs2234767, and rs763110 genotypes are not associated with the presence of HAM/TSP, but that the FAS‐670 AA genotype can promote higher PVL values in HAM/TSP patients.J. Med. Virol. 89:726–731, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seroprevalence of anti‐WNV IgG antibodies and WNV‐RNA in Egyptian blood donors
Authors: Youssef Soha R. , Eissa Doaa G. , Abo‐Shady Rania A. , Aly Fouad Nermeen Tayseer , Kattab Dina K. , Fathey Hanaa , Abdullaha Elewa Abeer Ahmed , Reda Doaa M.
Published: September 2016

Transmission of West Nile virus (WNV) from asymptomatic donors has been reported during blood transfusions and organ transplants in humans. In this work, we aimed to investigate the presence of WNV antibody and WNV RNA in blood donors to evaluate the sero‐prevalence of WNV and risk for WNV transmission. One hundred and sixty blood donors were tested for the presence of anti‐WNV IgG by ELISA and for WNVs 1 and 2 RNA by RT‐PCR. About 55% of blood donors were seropositive for WNV IgG antibodies, with significantly higher percentage of positive donors coming from rural areas and Nile Delta region compared to other donors. Using RT‐PCR all donors were negative for viral RNA of both WNV lineages 1 and 2. High sero‐prevelance of WNV antibodies in asymptomatic blood donors denotes endemicity of the WNV in Egypt and points to the importance of routine screening of blood donors for WNV RNA. On the other hand the absence of WNV RNA by RT‐PCR indicates apparent low risk of the blood products as regards WNV transmission. Further studies into significance of WNV seronegativity among Rh negative donors and into the use of WNV seropositive blood in prophylaxis or treatment of WNV neuroinvasive disease are recommended. J. Med. Virol. 89:1323–1329, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Guest editorial for the special issue on linear and nonlinear modeling of GaN transistors and circuits
Authors: Raffo Antonio
Published: September 2016

This Special Issue reviews the state‐of‐the‐art and new trends in modeling of Gallium Nitride transistors. Aspects of transistor characterization, simulation, and design all receive significant attention, highlighting the potential of this disruptive technology in the development of future communication systems.
Minicircle DNA purification using a CIM® DEAE‐1 monolithic support
Authors: Diamantino Tatiana , Pereira Patrícia , Queiroz João A. , Sousa Ângela , Sousa Fani
Published: September 2016

Minicircle DNA is a new biotechnological product with beneficial therapeutic perspectives for gene therapy because it is constituted only by the eukaryotic transcription unit. These features improve minicircle DNA safety and increase its therapeutic effect. However, being a recently developed product, there is a need to establish efficient purification methodologies, enabling the recovery of the supercoiled minicircle DNA isoform. Thus, this work describes the minicircle DNA purification using an anion exchange monolithic support. The results show that with this column it is possible to achieve a good selectivity, which allows the isolation of the supercoiled minicircle DNA isoform from impurities. Overall, this study shows a promising approach to obtain the minicircle DNA sample with adequate quality for future therapeutic applications.
The Impact of Interpersonal and Noninterpersonal Trauma on Psychological Symptoms in Refugees: The Moderating Role of Gender and Trauma Type
Authors: Haldane Joanne , Nickerson Angela
Published: September 2016

Research findings have documented a relationship between the number of types of traumatic events to which refugees were exposed and psychological disorders. It is unclear, however, if gender moderates the impact of trauma on refugee mental health. The participants in this study were 60 male and 31 female refugees and asylum‐seekers resettled in Australia. Participants had a mean age of 34.54 years (SD = 9.70), and were from a variety of countries including Iraq, Iran, and Sri Lanka. We conducted a multigroup path analysis to test if the relationship between psychological outcomes of exposure to trauma (posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms, symptoms of anxiety, and symptoms of depression) was different as a function of the type of traumatic exposure (interpersonal vs. noninterpersonal) or as a function of gender. We found a significant relationship between interpersonal trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms (β = .77) and anxiety symptoms (β = .32) in women, and a significant association between noninterpersonal trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms (β = .59), anxiety (β =.49), and depression symptoms (β = .32) in men. For men, the effect sizes of the relationship between exposure to specific types of noninterpersonal trauma and psychological symptoms ranged from d = 0.14 to 1.01; for exposure to interpersonal trauma, they ranged from d = −0.53 to 0.43. For women, the effect sizes of the relationship between exposure to specific types of noninterpersonal trauma and psychological symptoms ranged from d = −0.79 to 0.67; for exposure to interpersonal trauma, they ranged from d = −0.09 to 1.46. These results suggested supporting refugees in their efforts to overcome the psychological impact of trauma, including the allocation of resources in clinical services to support the psychological recovery of refugees.
Cost‐effectiveness of routine computed tomography in the evaluation of idiopathic unilateral vocal fold paralysis
Authors: Hojjat Houmehr , Svider Peter F. , Folbe Adam J. , Raza Syed N. , Carron Michael A. , Shkoukani Mahdi A. , Merati Albert L. , Mayerhoff Ross M.
Published: September 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of routine computed tomography (CT) in individuals with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP)

Study Design

Health Economics Decision Tree Analysis

Methods

A decision tree was constructed to determine the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of CT imaging in UVFP patients. Univariate sensitivity analysis was utilized to calculate what the probability of having an etiology of the paralysis discovered would have to be to make CT with contrast more cost‐effective than no imaging. We used two studies examining findings in UVFP patients. The decision pathways were utilizing CT neck with intravenous contrast after diagnostic laryngoscopy versus laryngoscopy alone. The probability of detecting an etiology for UVFP and associated costs were extracted to construct the decision tree. The only incorrect diagnosis was missing a mass in the no‐imaging decision branch, which rendered an effectiveness of 0.

Results

The ICER of using CT was $3,306, below most acceptable willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) thresholds. Additionally, univariate sensitivity analysis indicated that at the WTP threshold of $30,000, obtaining CT imaging was the most cost‐effective choice when the probability of having a lesion was above 1.7%. Multivariate probabilistic sensitivity analysis with Monte Carlo simulations also showed that at the WTP of $30,000, CT scanning is more cost‐effective, with 99.5% certainty.

Conclusions

Particularly in the current healthcare environment characterized by increasing consciousness of utilization defensive medicine, economic evaluations represent evidence‐based findings that can be employed to facilitate appropriate decision making and enhance physician‐patient communication. This economic evaluation strongly supports obtaining CT imaging in patients with newly diagnosed UVFP.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 2016 127:440–444, 2017
Pediatric otolaryngologic conditions: Racial and socioeconomic disparities in the United States
Authors: Shay Sophie , Shapiro Nina L. , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: September 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Determine the national incidence and disparities for common pediatric otolaryngologic conditions.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of a nationally representative database.

Methods

The National Health Interview Survey (2012) was analyzed, extracting children with frequent ear infections (FEI), nonstreptococcal sore throat (NSST), streptococcal pharyngitis (SP), hay fever, and sinusitis. Demographic data including age, sex, race, Hispanic ethnicity, geographic region, poverty level, and insurance status were extracted. The annual incidences of these conditions were determined. Disparities in the incidence of each condition was determined according to race and ethnicity, adjusting for other demographic variables.

Results

Among 73.3 million children (average age, 8.6 years; 51.1% male), the incidences were: FEI (4.0 million, 5.5% of children), NSST (11.9 million, 20.6% of children), SP (8.0 million, 13.8% of children), hay fever (6.6 million, 9.0% of children), and sinusitis (4.5 million, 7.9% of children). Black and Hispanic children were less likely to be diagnosed with FEI than white children (odds ratio: 0.503 [95% confidence interval: 0.369‐0.686] and odds ratio: 0.661 [95% confidence interval: 0.515‐0.848]), adjusting for all other demographic variables. Black and Hispanic children were also less likely to be diagnosed with SP than white children (odds ratio: 0.433 [95% confidence interval: 0.342‐0.547] and odds ratio: 0.487 [95% confidence interval: 0.401‐0.592], respectively). Similar decreased odds ratios for black and Hispanic children were evident for hay fever (odds ratio: 0.704 [95% confidence interval: 0.556‐0.890] and odds ratio: 0.708 [95% confidence interval: 0.565‐0.888], respectively) and for sinusitis (odds ratio: 0.701 [95% confidence interval: 0.543‐0.905] and odds ratio: 0.596 [95% confidence interval:0.459‐0.773], respectively).

Conclusions

Black and Hispanic children are consistently less likely to be identified or diagnosed with FEI, hay fever, SP, and sinusitis compared to white children. These data likely highlight a significant health care disparity according to race/ethnicity in otolaryngology.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 127:746–752, 2017
In situ measurement of the effective nonlinear absorption order in multiphoton photoresists
Authors: Tomova Zuleykhan , Liaros Nikolaos , Gutierrez Razo Sandra A. , Wolf Steven M. , Fourkas John T.
Published: September 2016

Knowledge of the order of the effective nonlinear absorption in multiphoton photoresists is a key element in the development of improved materials for multiphoton absorption polymerization (MAP). The direct measurement of this nonlinearity has proven challenging. A new technique called 2‐beam initiation threshold (2‐BIT) is presented that allows for the unambiguous, in situ measurement of the order of the effective nonlinear absorption using a simple optical arrangement that can be employed with virtually any MAP setup. This technique is benchmarked using three common commercial photoinitiators that have been used previously in MAP and one common dye that acts as a photoinitiator. The linear absorption spectrum is demonstrated to be a poor predictor of the effective order of nonlinear absorption at a given wavelength. Surprisingly, for two of these initiators the effective nonlinear absorption process is dominated by 3‐photon absorption in the 800 nm wavelength range, suggesting that 2‐BIT is a valuable means of identifying initiators that can improve the resolution of MAP.

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Computational methods and challenges in hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry
Authors: Claesen Jürgen , Burzykowski Tomasz
Published: September 2016

Hydrogen/Deuterium exchange (HDX) has been applied, since the 1930s, as an analytical tool to study the structure and dynamics of (small) biomolecules. The popularity of using HDX to study proteins increased drastically in the last two decades due to the successful combination with mass spectrometry (MS). Together with this growth in popularity, several technological advances have been made, such as improved quenching and fragmentation. As a consequence of these experimental improvements and the increased use of protein‐HDXMS, large amounts of complex data are generated, which require appropriate analysis. Computational analysis of HDXMS requires several steps. A typical workflow for proteins consists of identification of (non‐)deuterated peptides or fragments of the protein under study (local analysis), or identification of the deuterated protein as a whole (global analysis); determination of the deuteration level; estimation of the protection extent or exchange rates of the labile backbone amide hydrogen atoms; and a statistically sound interpretation of the estimated protection extent or exchange rates. Several algorithms, specifically designed for HDX analysis, have been proposed. They range from procedures that focus on one specific step in the analysis of HDX data to complete HDX workflow analysis tools. In this review, we provide an overview of the computational methods and discuss outstanding challenges. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 36:649–667, 2017
Application of diffusional kurtosis imaging to detect occult brain damage in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Qian Wenshu , Chan Koon Ho , Hui Edward S. , Lee Chi Yan , Hu Yong , Mak Henry Ka‐Fung
Published: September 2016

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) are two common types of inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Early distinction of NMO from MS is crucial but quite challenging. In this study, 13 NMO spectrum disorder patients (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of 3.0 ± 1.7, ranging from 2 to 6.5; disease duration of 5.3 ± 4.7 years), 17 relapsing–remitting MS patients (EDSS of 2.6 ± 1.4, ranging from 1 to 5.5; disease duration of 7.9 ± 7.8 years) and 18 healthy volunteers were recruited. Diffusional kurtosis imaging was employed to discriminate NMO and MS patients at the early or stable stage from each other, and from healthy volunteers. The presence of alterations in diffusion and diffusional kurtosis metrics in normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM) and diffusely increased mean diffusivity (MD) in the cortical normal‐appearing gray matter (NAGM) favors the diagnosis of MS rather than NMO. Meanwhile, normal diffusivities and kurtosis metrics in all NAWM as well as increases in MD in the frontal and temporal NAGM suggest NMO. Our results suggest that diffusion and diffusional kurtosis metrics may well aid in discriminating the two diseases.
OpenCAPWAP v2.0: the new open‐source implementation of the CAPWAP protocol
Authors: Agostini Elena , Bernaschi Massimo , Vellucci Massimo , Vollero Luca
Published: September 2016

We present the latest version of OpenCAPWAP, our open‐source implementation of the Internet Engineering Task Force control and provisioning of wireless access point (CAPWAP) protocol. The CAPWAP protocol is designed to support centralized management of large‐scale and heterogeneous wireless networks, with a special focus on IEEE 802.11‐based networks. The implementation presented in this paper improves substantially on the previous version, adding full support for the Split MAC architecture and decoupling completely the implementation from a specific driver solution. Although the main goal of the paper is to describe the technical solutions we adopted in the new implementation rather than present a complete performance analysis, we report, besides a wide set of experimental tests that validates the new implementation of OpenCAPWAP in terms of its functionalities and stability, also performance figures that show how OpenCAPWAP does not introduce any significant overhead with respect to commercial proprietary solutions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of prescription medications in the association of self‐reported sleep duration and obesity in U.S. adults, 2007‐2012
Authors: Lawman Hannah G. , D. Fryar Cheryl , Gu Qiuping , Ogden Cynthia L.
Published: September 2016

Objective

Previous research has not investigated the role of prescription medication in sleep‐obesity associations despite the fact that 56% of U.S. adults take at least one prescription medication.

Methods

Data from n = 16,622 adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007‐2012) were used to examine how the association between obesity and self‐reported sleep duration varied by total number of prescription medications used in the past 30 days and by select classes of prescription medications including anxiolytics/sedatives/hypnotics, antidepressants, sleep aids, anticonvulsants, thyroid agents, and metabolic agents.

Results

Logistic regression analyses showed a significant inverse linear association of sleep duration and obesity, regardless of the total number of prescription medications individuals were taking. Each additional hour of sleep was associated with a 10% decrease in the odds of obesity. Results suggest that increased sleep duration is associated with lower odds of having obesity overall, even for long‐duration sleepers (≥9 h), and this association does not differ for those taking antidepressants, thyroid agents, metabolic agents, and multiple prescription medications.

Conclusions

The relationship between sleep duration and obesity was similar among all prescription medication users and nonusers. The potential for a nonlinear association between sleep duration and obesity may be important to examine in some specific prescription medication classes.
Two arms hydrophilic photosensitizer conjugates with vitamin B for cancer‐selective photodynamic therapy
Authors: Kim Kyoung Sub , Song Cheol Jun , Jaung Jae Yun , Na Kun
Published: September 2016

Cancer‐selective internalization has a great potential for reducing the side effect of photodynamic therapy. Recently, various cancer‐targeted delivery carriers have provided enhanced cancer targeting efficiency. Despite significant advancements in cancer‐targeted carriers, side effects are still present because of non‐selective cellular uptake that occurs in the heterogeneous cancer environment. In this paper, we designed two types of cancer‐selectable two arm hydrophilic photosensitizer (CTAHP2K and CTAHP4K) with silicon‐tetrapyrazinoporphyrazines (ST), polyethylene glycol and the cancer‐specific ligand for cancer‐selective theranostics. The synthesized CTAHP4K exhibits a folate receptor‐mediated cancer‐selective cellular uptake and induces cancer‐selective death. The folate receptor‐mediated cancer‐selective internalization of CTAHP4K was confirmed by competitive interaction with vitamin B in MDA‐MB‐231 human breast carcinoma. The cancer‐selective cytotoxicity of CTAHP4K was confirmed using a 670‐nm laser to irradiate Chang Liver cells and MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Importance of feasibility assessments before implementing non‐interventional pharmacoepidemiologic studies of vaccines: lessons learned and recommendations for future studies
Authors: Willame Corinne , Baril Laurence , van den Bosch Judith , Ferreira Germano L. C. , Williams Rachael , Rosillon Dominique , Cohet Catherine
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Investigational and marketed vaccines are increasingly evaluated, and manufacturers are required to put in place mechanisms to monitor long‐term benefit–risk profiles. However, generating such evidence in real‐world settings remains challenging, especially when rare adverse events are assessed. Planning of an appropriate study design is key to conducting a valid study. The aim of this paper is to illustrate how feasibility assessments support the generation of robust pharmacoepidemiological data.

Methods

Following an initiative launched by the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology in May 2014, a working group including members of the private and public sectors, was formed to assess the value of conducting feasibility assessments as a necessary step before embarking on larger‐scale post‐licensure studies. Based on five real‐life examples of feasibility assessments, lessons learned and recommendations were issued by the working group to support scientific reasoning and decision making when designing pharmacoepidemiologic vaccine studies.

Results

The working group developed a toolbox to provide a pragmatic approach to conducting feasibility assessments. The toolbox contains two main components: the scientific feasibility and the operational feasibility. Both components comprise a series of specific questions aimed at overcoming methodological and operational challenges.

Conclusions

A feasibility assessment should be formalized as a necessary step prior to the actual start of any pharmacoepidemiologic study. It should remain a technical evaluation and not a hypothesis testing. The feasibility assessment report may facilitate communication with regulatory agencies toward improving the quality of study protocols and supporting the endorsement of study objectives and methods addressing regulatory commitments. © 2016 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Can social media data lead to earlier detection of drug‐related adverse events?
Authors: Duh Mei Sheng , Cremieux Pierre , Audenrode Marc Van , Vekeman Francis , Karner Paul , Zhang Haimin , Greenberg Paul
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To compare the patient characteristics and the inter‐temporal reporting patterns of adverse events (AEs) for atorvastatin (Lipitor®) and sibutramine (Meridia®) in social media (AskaPatient.com) versus the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Methods

We identified clinically important AEs associated with atorvastatin (muscle pain) and sibutramine (cardiovascular AEs), compared their patterns in social media postings versus FAERS and used Granger causality tests to assess whether social media postings were useful in forecasting FAERS reports.

Results

We analyzed 998 and 270 social media postings between 2001 and 2014, 69 003 and 7383 FAERS reports between 1997 and 2014 for atorvastatin and sibutramine, respectively. Social media reporters were younger (atorvastatin: 53.9 vs. 64.0 years, p < 0.001; sibutramine: 36.8 vs. 43.8 years, p < 0.001). Social media reviews contained fewer serious AEs (atorvastatin, pain: 2.5% vs. 38.2%; sibutramine, cardiovascular issues: 7.9% vs. 63.0%; p < 0.001 for both) and concentrated on fewer types of AEs (proportion comprising the top 20 AEs: atorvastatin, 88.7% vs. 55.4%; sibutramine, 86.3% vs. 65.4%) compared with FAERS. While social media sibutramine reviews mentioning cardiac issues helped predict those in FAERS 11 months later (p < 0.001), social media atorvastatin reviews did not help predict FAERS reports.

Conclusions

Social media AE reporters were younger and focused on less‐serious and fewer types of AEs than FAERS reporters. The potential for social media to provide earlier indications of AEs compared with FAERS is uncertain. Our findings highlight some of the promises and limitations of online social media versus conventional pharmacovigilance sources and the need for careful interpretation of the results. © 2016 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Cationic photopolymerization of 3‐benzyloxymethyl‐3‐ethyl‐oxetane
Authors: Zheng Kaijing , Zhu Xiaoqun , Qian Xiaochun , Li Jun , Yang Jinliang , Nie Jun
Published: September 2016

The cationic photopolymerization of 3‐benzyloxymethyl‐3‐ethyl‐oxetane (MOX104) initiated by triphenylsulfonium hexafluoroantimonate under UV light was conducted. The kinetics were investigated by real‐time Fourier transform IR spectroscopy and the mechanical and thermal properties of poly(MOX104) were examined by dynamic mechanical analysis and TGA. To adjust the properties of the polymer, different initiator concentrations and comonomer composition were applied. The results showed that the conversion of MOX104 was improved significantly from 17% to almost 90% by adding a certain amount of 3,4‐epoxycyclohexane carboxylate or diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resin, while not much effect was observed by adding 1,4‐butanediol diglycidyl ether. Moreover, the glass transition temperature, decomposition temperature and Young's modulus of poly(MOX104) were improved by adding different amounts of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resin. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Theoretical insight into the substituent effects on linear and nonlinear optical properties of azobenzene‐based chromophores
Authors: Liu Zeyu , Yan Xiufen , Li Long , Wu Guohua
Published: September 2016

The linear and nonlinear optical properties of 4 kinds of experimental synthesized azobenzene‐based chromophores were investigated by different density functional theories (DFTs) upon the electronic structures. The structure‐property relationship was studied on each single molecule either in the gas phase or in diethylether and tetrahydrofuran (THF) solutions. The substituent effect on optical properties was revealed by checking the positions of substituent groups, and the influence of dynamic perturbation to the optical nonlinearity was investigated by simulating the experimental excitation. The results revealed that the substituent in the meta‐position of the azobenzene group affects the optical properties more significantly than that in the ortho‐position, which is in agreement with the experimental finding. The modulation of molecular hyperpolarizability of bridge‐substituted azobenzene derived by dynamic perturbation is not recommended because of the reduced dynamic hyperpolarizability relative to the static one. The different functions of the DFT method hardly affect the calculated results, while solvent effects of diethylether and THF solutions are significant on the optical properties, especially for optical nonlinearity. The information derived from the single chromophore may be helpful in the design and preparation of high‐performance nonlinear optical materials in further.
Hydrogen bonding and excited state properties of the photoexcited hydrogen‐bonded (E)‐S‐(2‐aminopropyl) 3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)prop‐2‐enethioate complexes
Authors: Yang Dapeng , Zheng Rui , Lv Jian
Published: September 2016

The time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) method has been performed to investigate the excited state and hydrogen bonding dynamics of a series of photoinduced hydrogen‐bonded complexes formed by (E)‐S‐(2‐aminopropyl) 3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)prop‐2‐enethioate with water molecules in vacuum. The ground state geometric optimizations and electronic transition energies as well as corresponding oscillator strengths of the low‐lying electronic excited states of the (E)‐S‐(2‐aminopropyl) 3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)prop‐2‐enethioate monomer and its hydrogen‐bonded complexes O1‐H2O, O2‐H2O, and O1O2‐(H2O)2 were calculated by the density functional theory and TDDFT methods, respectively. It is found that in the excited states S1 and S2, the intermolecular hydrogen bond formed with carbonyl oxygen is strengthened and induces an excitation energy redshift, whereas the hydrogen bond formed with phenolate oxygen is weakened and results in an excitation energy blueshift. This can be confirmed based on the excited state geometric optimizations by the TDDFT method. Furthermore, the frontier molecular orbital analysis reveals that the states with the maximum oscillator strength are mainly contributed by the orbital transition from the highest occupied molecular orbital to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital. These states are of locally excited character, and they correspond to single‐bond isomerization while the double bond remains unchanged in vacuum.
Methionine sulfoxide and phosphonate containing double hydrophilic block copolypeptides and their mineralization of calcium carbonate
Authors: Captain Ilya , Deming Timothy J.
Published: September 2016

In effort to address challenges in the efficient synthesis of highly functional block copolypeptides, we report use of a combination of functional monomer polymerization and postpolymerization modification to obtain new double hydrophilic block copolypeptides with desirable properties. We prepared copolymers that contain discrete hydrophilic, nonionic poly(l‐methionine sulfoxide) and Ca2+ ion binding poly(l‐phosphonohomoalanine) segments. The facile and selective postpolymerization conversion of inexpensive, readily prepared poly(l‐methionine) segments into nonionic, hydrophilic poly(l‐methionine sulfoxide) segments reduces the need for use of combinations of protecting groups. The complex copolypeptides prepared using this strategy were able to promote formation of CaCO3 microspheres with tunable polymorphism. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 3707–3712
Parametric analysis of plasma‐assisted pulsed dry methane reforming over Ni/Al2O3 catalyst
Authors: Kameshima Seigo , Tamura Keishiro , Mizukami Ryo , Yamazaki Takumi , Nozaki Tomohiro
Published: September 2016

Pulsed dry methane reforming (DMR) with CH4/CO2 ratios of 0.5–2.0 was investigated in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and Ni/Al2O3 hybrid reaction. A pulsed CH4 supply allows alternating DMR and de‐coking reactions, thus enabling reaction diagnostics without serious catalyst deactivation by coking. Parametric changes in the CH4/CO2 ratio were used to probe the rate‐determining step and synergistic effect induced by DBD. Nonthermal plasma‐activated CO2 and H2O were found to be key factors for enhancing the H2 and CO yields and CO2 conversion. In contrast, CH4 conversion was not clearly enhanced by DBD at fixed temperatures near 550 °C. Moreover, based on experimental observations, a tentative mechanism was proposed wherein a trace amount of plasma‐excited H2O catalytically promoted solid carbon oxidation.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations for Plasma‐Surface Interactions
Authors: Neyts Erik C. , Brault Pascal
Published: September 2016

Plasma‐surface interactions are in general highly complex due to the interplay of many concurrent processes. Molecular dynamics simulations provide insight in some of these processes, subject to the accessible time and length scales, and the availability of suitable force fields. In this introductory tutorial‐style review, we aim to describe the current capabilities and limitations of molecular dynamics simulations in this field, restricting ourselves to low‐temperature non‐thermal plasmas. Attention is paid to the simulation of the various fundamental processes occurring, including sputtering, etching, implantation, and deposition, as well as to what extent the basic plasma components can be accounted for, including ground state and excited species, electric fields, ions, photons, and electrons. A number of examples is provided, giving an bird's eye overview of the current state of the field.
Probabilistic foundations of contextuality
Authors: Dzhafarov Ehtibar N. , Kujala Janne V.
Published: September 2016

Contextuality is usually defined as absence of a joint distribution for a set of measurements (random variables) with known joint distributions of some of its subsets. However, if these subsets of measurements are not disjoint, contextuality is mathematically impossible even if one generally allows (as one must) for random variables not to be jointly distributed. To avoid contradictions one has to adopt the Contextuality‐by‐Default approach: measurements made in different contexts are always distinct and stochastically unrelated to each other. Contextuality is reformulated then in terms of the (im)possibility of imposing on all the measurements in a system a joint distribution of a particular kind: such that any measurements of one and the same property made in different contexts satisfy a specified property, . In the traditional analysis of contextuality means “are equal to each other with probability 1”. However, if the system of measurements violates the “no‐disturbance principle”, due to signaling or experimental biases, then the meaning of has to be generalized, and the proposed generalization is “are equal to each other with maximal possible probability” (applied to any set of measurements of one and the same property). This approach is illustrated on arbitrary systems of binary measurements, including most of quantum systems of traditional interest in contextuality studies (irrespective of whether the “no‐disturbance” principle holds in them).
An object kinetic Monte Carlo model for the microstructure evolution of neutron‐irradiated reactor pressure vessel steels
Authors: Messina Luca , Chiapetto Monica , Olsson Pär , Becquart Charlotte S. , Malerba Lorenzo
Published: September 2016

This work presents a full object kinetic Monte Carlo framework for the simulation of the microstructure evolution of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels. The model pursues a “gray‐alloy” approach, where the effect of solute atoms is seen exclusively as a reduction of the mobility of defect clusters. The same set of parameters yields a satisfactory evolution for two different types of alloys, in very different irradiation conditions: an Fe–C–MnNi model alloy (high flux) and a high‐Mn, high‐Ni RPV steel (low flux). A satisfactory match with the experimental characterizations is obtained only if assuming a substantial immobilization of vacancy clusters due to solute atoms, which is here verified by means of independent atomistic kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. The microstructure evolution of the two alloys is strongly affected by the dose rate; a predominance of single defects and small defect clusters is observed at low dose rates, whereas larger defect clusters appear at high dose rates. In both cases, the predicted density of interstitial loops matches the experimental solute‐cluster density, suggesting that the MnNi‐rich nanofeatures might form as a consequence of solute enrichment on immobilized small interstitial loops, which are invisible to the electron microscope.
Enhanced thermoelectric properties in p‐type Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 alloy by combining incorporation and doping using multi‐scale CuAlO2 particles
Authors: Song Zijun , Zhang Qihao , Liu Yuan , Zhou Zhenxing , Lu Xiaofang , Wang Lianjun , Jiang Wan , Chen Lidong
Published: September 2016

Multi‐scale CuAlO2 particles are introduced into the Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 matrix to synergistically optimize the electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and the lattice thermal conductivity. Cu element originating from fine CuAlO2 grains diffuses into the Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 matrix and tunes the carrier concentration while the coarse CuAlO2 particles survive as the second phase within the matrix. The power factor is improved at the whole temperatures range due to the low‐energy electron filtering effect on Seebeck coefficient and enhanced electrical transport property by mild Cu doping. Meanwhile, the remaining CuAlO2 inclusions give rise to more boundaries and newly built interfaces scattering of heat‐carrying phonons, resulting in the reduced lattice thermal conductivity. Consequently, the maximum ZT is found to be enhanced by 150% arising from the multi‐scale microstructure regulation when the CuAlO2 content reaches 0.6 vol.%. Not only that, but the ZT curves get flat in the whole temperature range after introducing the multi‐scale CuAlO2 particles, which leads to a remarkable increase in the average ZT.