bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of AlN: Eu2+ green phosphors by a simple direct nitridation method
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhang Li , Li Junfeng , Zhao Kun
Published: February 2017

Eu‐doped aluminum nitride phosphors were successfully prepared using simple direct nitridation of a metallic aluminum and Eu2O3 powder mixture in flowing ammonia. AlN formed at reaction temperatures >900°C, and Eu3+ transformed into the secondary oxide phase EuAl2O4 in the nitridation condition. Phase pure AlN was obtained by post‐heat treatment of the nitridated product at 1600°C for 3 h in a nitrogen atmosphere, with an Eu2+ doping concentration < 0.5%. The phosphors exhibited broad green emission centered at 521 nm under 363 nm excitation. The luminescence of the phosphor was significantly influenced by the post‐heat treatment temperature, which affected the dissolution of Eu2+, phase purity, crystallinity, and particle size of the AlN host.
Antidiabetic effect of chitosan oligosaccharide (GO2KA1) is mediated via inhibition of intestinal alpha‐glucosidase and glucose transporters and PPARγ expression
Authors: Yu Seok‐Yeong , Kwon Young‐In , Lee Chan , Apostolidis Emmanouil , Kim Young‐Cheul
Published: February 2017

We have previously reported that administration of low molecular weight chitosan oligosaccharide (GO2KA1) significantly suppressed postprandial blood glucose rise with increased plasma adiponectin and HbA1c levels in animals and humans. However, the cellular mechanisms whereby GO2KA1 exerts antihyperglycemic effects still remain to be determined. Using intestinal Caco‐2 cells and 3T3‐L1 cells, here we show that GO2KA1 has dual modes of antidiabetic action by (1) inhibiting intestinal α‐glucosidase as well as glucose transporters SGLT1 and GLUT2 that were distinct from the acarbose effect; (2) enhancing adipocyte differentiation, PPARγ expression and its target genes, such as FABP4, adiponectin, and GLUT4, whereas the effects were abolished by co‐treatment with BADGE, a PPARγ antagonist. Moreover, GO2KA1 significantly increased glucose uptake, which was reduced in the presence of BADGE. Our data show that GO2KA1 may prevent hyperglycemia by inhibiting intestinal glucose digestion and transport and also enhance glucose uptake, at least in part, by upregulating adiponectin expression through PPARγ in adipocytes. These findings may provide potential molecular modes of action for the antidiabetic effects of chitosan oligosaccharide observed in clinical and animal studies. © 2016 BioFactors, 43(1):90–99, 2017
Determination of bifonazole and identification of its photocatalytic degradation products using UPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Kryczyk Agata , Żmudzki Paweł , Hubicka Urszula
Published: February 2017

The main goal of the presented work was to investigate the effect of ZnO or/and TiO2 on the stability of bifonazole in solutions under UVA irradiation. To this end, a simple and reproducible UPLC method for the determination of bifonazole in the presence of its photocatalytic degradation products was developed. Linearity was studied in the range of 0.0046–0.15 mg mL−1 with a determination coefficient of 0.9996. Bifonazole underwent a photocatalytic degradation process under the experimental conditions used. Comparative studies showed that combination of TiO2/ZnO (1:1 w/w) was a more effective catalyst than TiO2 or ZnO with a degradation rate of up to 67.57% after 24 h of irradiation. Further, kinetic analyses indicated that the photocatalytic degradation of bifonazole in the mixture of TiO2/ZnO can be described by a pseudo‐first order reaction. Statistical comparison clearly indicated that the presence of TiO2/ZnO also affected the stability of bifonazole from a cream preparation after 15 h of UVA exposure (p < 0.05). Ten photodegradation products of bifonazole were identified for the first time and their plausible fragmentation pathways, derived from MS/MS data, were proposed. The main pathway in the photocatalytic transformation of bifonazole in the presence of ZnO or/and TiO2 involves hydroxylation of the methanetriyl group and/or adjacent phenyl rings and cleavage of the imidazole moiety.
Effect of alprazolam on rat serum metabolic profiles
Authors: Li Yan , Lin Gaotong , Chen Bingbao , Zhang Jing , Wang Lingtian , Li Zixia , Cao Yungang , Wen Congcong , Yang Xuezhi , Cao Gaozhong , Wang Xianqin , Cao Guoquan
Published: February 2017

We developed a serum metabolomic method by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to evaluate the effect of alprazolam in rats. The GC–MS with HP‐5MS (0.25 μm × 30 m × 0.25 mm) mass was conducted in electron impact ionization (EI) mode with electron energy of 70 eV, and full‐scan mode with m/z 50–550. The rats were randomly divided to four groups, three alprazolam‐treated groups and a control group. The alprazolam‐treated rats were given 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg (low, medium, high) of alprazolam by intragastric administration each day for 14 days. The serum samples were corrected on the seventh and fourteenth days for metabolomic study. The blood was collected for biochemical tests. Then liver and brain were rapidly isolated and immersed for pathological study. Compared with the control group, on the seventh and fourteen days, the levels of d‐glucose, 9,12‐octadecadienoic acid, butanoic acid, l‐proline, d‐mannose and malic acid had changed, indicating that alprazolam induced energy metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and amino acid metabolism perturbations in rats. There was no significant difference for alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea and uric acid between controls and alprazolam groups. According to the pathological results, alprazolam is not hepatotoxic. Metabolomics could distinguish different alprazolam doses in rats.
To cut or not to cut, that is the question: A review of the anatomy, the technique, risks, and benefits of an episiotomy
Authors: Muhleman Mitchel Alan , Aly Islam , Walters Andrew , Topale Nitsa , Tubbs R. Shane , Loukas Marios
Published: February 2017

Childbirth can be a traumatic experience on the female body. Some techniques may be implemented to make the process smoother and decrease the potential lacerations that can occur. Episiotomies have been used by obstetricians and midwives to help make the fetal decent down the vaginal canal less turbulent. A physician must use his best judgment on when it is necessary to make this incision and what form of incision to make. Before making an incision one must understand the female external and internal anatomy and thoroughly comprehend the stages of birth to understand how and what complications can occur. Even though an episiotomy is a minor incision, it is still a surgical incision nonetheless and as with any form of surgery there are both risks and benefits that are to be considered. Nevertheless, episiotomies have proven to help ease births that are complicated by shoulder dystocia, prevent severe lacerations, and decrease the second stage of labor. The following comprehensive review provides a description of the female anatomy, as well as an extensive description of why, when, and how an episiotomy is done. Clin. Anat. 30:362–372, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Premedical anatomy experience and student performance in medical gross anatomy
Authors: Kondrashov Peter , McDaniel Dalton J. , Jordan Rebecca M.
Published: February 2017

Gross anatomy is considered one of the most important basic science courses in medical education, yet few medical schools require its completion prior to matriculation. The effect of taking anatomy courses before entering medical school on performance in medical gross anatomy has been previously studied with inconsistent results. The effect of premedical anatomy coursework on performance in medical gross anatomy, overall medical school grade point average (GPA), and Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination Level 1 (COMLEX 1) score was evaluated in 456 first‐year osteopathic medical students along with a survey on its perceived benefits on success in medical gross anatomy course. No significant differences were found in gross anatomy grade, GPA, or COMLEX 1 score between students with premedical anatomy coursework and those without. However, significant differences and higher scores were observed in students who had taken three or more undergraduate anatomy courses including at least one with cadaveric laboratory. There was significantly lower perceived benefit for academic success in the medical gross anatomy course (P<.001) from those students who had taken premedical anatomy courses (5.9 of 10) compared with those who had not (8.2 of 10). Results suggest that requiring any anatomy course as a prerequisite for medical school would not have significant effect on student performance in the medical gross anatomy course. However, requiring more specific anatomy coursework including taking three or more undergraduate anatomy courses, one with cadaveric laboratory component, may result in higher medical gross anatomy grades, medical school GPA, and COMLEX 1 scores. Clin. Anat. 30:303–311, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Left main coronary angioplasty of a 9‐year‐old child with bioresorable vascular scaffold
Authors: Ravat Hasmukh , Garekar Swati , Changela Vishal
Published: February 2017

Familial hypercholesterolemia is an autosomal dominant disorder due to mutations in the low‐density lipoprotein receptor gene, characterized by skin and tendon xanthomas, xanthelasmas, and increased risk of premature coronary artery disease. Here, we report a case of 9‐year‐old girl who presented with angina and dyspnoea on exertion with xanthomas and an elevated serum cholesterol and triglyceride. She had severe stenosis of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) requiring angioplasty and placement of Bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS). This is the first case report in literature of the use of BVS for LMCA stenosis in a 9‐year‐old child. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carbon Dioxide Oversolubility in Nanoconfined Liquids for the Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Zakharova Maria V. , Kleitz Freddy , Fontaine Frédéric‐Georges
Published: February 2017

The physical phenomenon of gas oversolubility in nanoconfined liquids was successfully applied for the catalytic cycloaddition of carbon dioxide to epoxides to generate organic cyclic carbonates. Hybrid adsorbents based on MCM‐41 and SBA‐15 mesoporous silica materials were synthesized, and efficient nucleophile deposition on the surface of the support was achieved through a grafting procedure, which allowed for an effective and durable metal‐free catalytic system. Room‐temperature transformation of styrene and hexene oxides to the corresponding organic carbonates at atmospheric pressure of carbon dioxide was explored.
Crosslinked Network with Rotatable Binding Sites Based on Monocarboxylated α‐Cyclodextrin [2]Rotaxane Capable of Angiotensin III Recognition
Authors: Ohmori Ko‐hei , Ooya Tooru , Takeuchi Toshifumi
Published: February 2017

Synthetic receptors selective for target peptides or proteins have received attention because of their potential applications in the separation of biomolecules and biomedical diagnostics. Herein, a [2]rotaxane‐based functional monomer containing monocarboxylated α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) was synthesized, and its crosslinked polymers were evaluated to determine their binding ability to a model peptide, angiotensin III (Arg‐Val‐Tyr‐Ile‐His‐Pro‐Phe), containing an arginine (Arg) residue. The binding ability of the resulting polymers toward angiotensin III, angiotensin IV (Val‐Tyr‐Ile‐His‐Pro‐Phe), and FMRF‐amide (Phe‐Met‐Arg‐Phe) was examined by the batch‐binding assay and compared with that of control polymers, in which maleic acid‐introduced α‐CD was chemically crosslinked. The results suggest that the [2]rotaxane‐based functional monomer in the crosslinked polymer contributes to the high affinity toward angiotensin III. The α‐CD motion and rotation within the [2]rotaxane‐based crosslinked polymer may be applicable for designing molecular recognition materials.
Optically Active Cubic Liquid Crystalline Phase Made of Achiral Polycatenar Stilbene Derivatives
Authors: Wolska Joanna Maria , Wilk Joanna , Pociecha Damian , Mieczkowski Jozef , Gorecka Ewa
Published: February 2017

Achiral stilbene polycatenars forming smectic, columnar or cubic phase depending on the terminal chains length, were studied. The cubic Im3m phase exhibited optical activity originating in twisted face‐to‐face molecular aggregates. The optical activity of the phase is preserved upon sample crystallization, providing evidence of a transfer of chirality on a molecular level.
Colorimetric Detection of Thiophenol Based on a Phenolphthalein Derivative and Its Application as a Molecular Logic Gate
Authors: Kim Hyunsu , Swamy K. M. K , Kwon Nahyun , Kim Yonghee , Park Sungsu , Yoon Juyoung
Published: February 2017

A phenolphthalein‐based colorimetric probe bearing a dinitrobenzene group is reported as a thiophenol (PhSH)‐selective chemodosimeter. PhSH can react with chemodosimeter 1 to afford phenolphthalein. The addition of PhSH to the aqueous solution of 1 followed by a change in pH of the resulting solution to basic induces a selective color change from colorless to pink. Furthermore, using PhSH and base as inputs and color change of 1 by naked eye as an output, leads to the construction of an AND logic gate.
A Sustainable One‐Pot, Two‐Enzyme Synthesis of Naturally Occurring Arylalkyl Glucosides
Authors: Bassanini Ivan , Krejzová Jana , Panzeri Walter , Monti Daniela , Křen Vladimir , Riva Sergio
Published: February 2017

A sustainable, convenient, scalable, one‐pot, two‐enzyme method for the glucosylation of arylalkyl alcohols was developed. The reaction scheme is based on a transrutinosylation catalyzed by a rutinosidase from A. niger using the cheap commercially available natural flavonoid rutin as glycosyl donor, followed by selective “trimming” of the rutinoside unit catalyzed by a rhamnosidase from A. terreus. The process was validated with the syntheses of several natural bioactive glucosides, which could be isolated in up to 75 % yield without silica‐gel chromatography.
AIEOP‐BFMConsensus Guidelines 2016 for Flow Cytometric Immunophenotyping of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Dworzak Michael N. , Buldini Barbara , Gaipa Giuseppe , Ratei Richard , Hrusak Ondrej , Luria Drorit , Rosenthal Eti , Bourquin Jean‐Pierre , Sartor Mary , Schumich Angela , Karawajew Leonid , Mejstrikova Ester , Maglia Oscar , Mann Georg , Ludwig Wolf‐Dieter , Biondi Andrea , Schrappe Martin , Basso Giuseppe ,   on behalf of the International‐BFM‐FLOW‐network
Published: February 2017

Immunophenotyping by flow cytometry (FCM) is a worldwide mainstay in leukemia diagnostics. For concordant multicentric application, however, a gap exists between available classification systems, technologic standardization, and clinical needs. The AIEOP‐BFM consortium induced an extensive standardization and validation effort between its nine national reference laboratories collaborating in immunophenotyping of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We elaborated common guidelines which take advantage of the possibilities of multi‐color FCM: marker panel requirements, immunological blast gating, in‐sample controls, tri‐partite antigen expression rating (negative vs. weak or strong positive) with capturing of blast cell heterogeneities and subclone formation, refined ALL subclassification, and a dominant lineage assignment algorithm able to distinguish “simple” from bilineal/“complex” mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) cases, which is essential for choice of treatment. These guidelines are a first step toward necessary inter‐laboratory standardization of pediatric leukemia immunophenotyping for a concordant multicentric application. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Revisiting the phylogeny ofWolbachiain Collembola
Authors: Ma Yao , Chen Wan‐Jun , Li Zhao‐Hui , Zhang Feng , Gao Yan , Luan Yun‐Xia
Published: February 2017

The endosymbiontWolbachiahas been detected in a few parthenogenetic collembolans sampled in Europe and America, including three species of Poduromorpha, two species of Entomobryomorpha, and two species of Neelipleona. Based on 16SrRNAandftsZgene sequences, most of theWolbachiainfecting parthenogenetic collembolans were characterized as members of supergroup E and showed concordant phylogeny with their hosts. However, the two neelipleonan symbionts form another unique group, indicating thatWolbachiahas infected parthenogenetic collembolans multiple times. In this study, five parthenogenetic collembolan species were identified as hosts ofWolbachia, and four newWolbachiastrains were reported for four collembolan species sampled in China, respectively, including a neelipleonan strain fromMegalothorax incertus(wMinc). Our results demonstrated that theWolbachiamultilocus sequence typing (MLST) system is superior to the 16SrRNA + ftsZapproach for phylogenetic analyses of collembolanWolbachia. TheMLSTsystem assigned theseWolbachiaof parthenogenetic collembolans to supergroup E as a unique clade, which includedwMinc, supporting the monophyletic origin ofWolbachiain parthenogenetic collembolan species. Moreover, our data suggested supergroup E as one of the most divergent lineages inWolbachiaand revealed the discrepancy between the phylogenies ofWolbachiafrom parthenogenetic collembolans and their hosts, which may result from the high level of genetic divergence between collembolanWolbachia, in association with the geographic differentiation of their hosts, or the possible horizontal transmission ofWolbachiabetween different collembolan species.
Mastering gut permeability: New roles for old friends
Authors: Bramhall Michael , Zaph Colby
Published: February 2017

Mast cells are innate immune cells that respond rapidly to infection in barrier tissues such as the skin and intestinal mucosa. Expulsion of parasitic worms in the gut involves a robust type 2 host response, and an acute mastocytosis is often generated at the site of infection. However, the role of mast cells in resistance to worm infections appears to be parasite specific. Mast cells are also involved in tissue repair, but the long‐term contribution of mast cell activation after worm expulsion has not been definitively studied. In this issue of European Journal of Immunology, Sorobetea et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2017. 47: 257–268] demonstrate that activated mast cells persist in the large intestinal lamina propria and intraepithelial compartment long after worm expulsion, resulting in continued local and systemic presence of the mast cell protease mast cell protease 1 (MCPt‐1) and enhanced intestinal permeability. In this commentary, we discuss these findings in the wider context of mast cell function in health and disease.
Unique Zinc Germanium Oxynitride Hyperbranched Nanostructures with Enhanced Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Activity for CO2 Reduction
Authors: Liu Qi , Xu Miao , Zhou Beibei , Liu Rongmei , Tao Feng , Mao Guobing
Published: February 2017

Unique (Zn1+xGe)(N2Ox) hyperbranched nanostructures with rough surfaces were prepared by nitriding Zn2GeO4 bundles at 700 °C. In this process, the constituent smooth nanobelts of the Zn2GeO4 bundles are transformed into chains composed of nanoparticles; therefore, the (Zn1+xGe)(N2Ox) hyperbranched nanostructures have a lager specific surface area, which is twice that of the Zn2GeO4 precursor. Compared to reference (Zn1+xGe)(N2Ox) particles synthesized by a solid‐state reaction approach as well as (Zn1+xGe)(N2Ox) prepared by nitriding Zn2GeO4 nanorods at 700 °C for 6 h, the optimal hyperbranched (Zn1+xGe)(N2Ox) particles exhibit enhanced activity for the photoreduction of CO2 to CH4 under visible light due to their unique 3D hyperbranched nanostructure. A GaN–ZnO solid solution with a 3D microsphere structure can be obtained by a similar process. This work provides valuable information for the preparation of oxynitrides with high specific surface areas.
Effect of Unsaturated Expansive Soils on Canal Linings: A Case Study on the Tabriz Plain Canal, Iran
Authors: Sarand Fariba Behrooz , Hajialilue‐Bonab Masoud
Published: February 2017

Because of the linear nature of water conveyance projects, they include various geological formations and are usually in contact with water. For these reasons, most constructed irrigation and drainage networks are subject to deformation and displacement due to problematic soils. One of these problematic beds is unsaturated expansive soil. Unreinforced trapezoidal canals are damaged when constructed on these types of soils. In the present study, this phenomenon has been studied using field observations and numerical modelling. In practice, a filter layer is used to reduce soil swelling effects on the canal lining in the Tabriz plain project. To investigate the performance of this layer, the amount of soil swelling and relative displacement of the canal section panels are measured by recording of surveying points. This phenomenon is also modelled numerically. Using the results obtained, the swelling of the bed soil is calculated at different parts of the canal section with the filter and without it and the locations of maximum movements are determined. In order to predict the interaction behaviour between unsaturated expansive soil and concrete lining under different moisture conditions, a special constitutive unsaturated soil behaviour model has been selected in the software. The results of analysis show the location of maximum deformation and stress concentration on the canal section. Using these results, the effect of joint locations to reduce the destructive interaction force can be obtained. In addition, comparison between the results of numerical modelling and field data illustrates acceptable accuracy of the numerical modelling. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of freeze‐drying and cryopreservation protocols for long‐term storage of biomaterials based on decellularized intestine
Authors: Díaz‐Moreno Eloísa , Durand‐Herrera Daniel , Carriel Víctor , Martín‐Piedra Miguel‐Ángel , Sánchez‐Quevedo María‐del‐Carmen , Garzón Ingrid , Campos Antonio , Fernández‐Valadés Ricardo , Alaminos Miguel
Published: February 2017

We evaluated the efficiency of several protocols to preserve the main components of decellularized tissue scaffolds for delayed use. Decellularized rat intestine scaffolds were generated by using SDS and triton X‐100 and preserved for 3 months subjected to eight freeze‐drying (F1 to F8) and 14 cryopreservation protocols (C1 to C14). Morphological analysis showed that cryopreservation tended to preserve the tissue morphostructure more efficiently than freeze‐drying. Histological analysis showed that the content of proteoglycans and glycoproteins was efficiently preserved by most methods. The protocols that most efficiently preserved collagen fibers were those using trehalose and saccharose for freeze‐drying (F2, F3, and F7 protocols) and DMSO, albumin, and saccharose (C3, C5, C6, C12) for cryopreservation. Most freeze‐drying protocols and cryopreservation protocols with DMSO, albumin, and maltose (C6, C7, C13, and C14) efficiently preserved reticular fibers. For the elastic fibers, freeze‐drying methods with trehalose and maltose (F2, F4, F6, and F8) properly preserved these fibers, with the results of most cryopreservation methods comparable to controls. These results suggest that freeze‐drying using 0.1M trehalose and cryopreservation in the presence of 8% DMSO and 4.6% albumin are more efficient than other protocols in preserving the scaffold morphostructure and histological composition. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 488–500, 2018.
The role of 5‐HT2c receptor on corticosterone‐mediated food intake
Authors: Ge Tongtong , Zhang Zhuo , Lv Jiayin , Song Yunong , Fan Jie , Liu Wei , Wang Xuefeng , Hall F. Scott , Li Bingjin , Cui Ranji
Published: February 2017

Corticosterone plays an important role in feeding behavior. However, its mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of corticosterone on feeding behavior. In this study, cumulative food intake was increased by acute corticosterone administration in a dose‐dependent manner. Administration of the 5‐HT2c receptor agonist m‐chlorophenylpiperazin (mCPP) reversed the effect of corticosterone on food intake. The anorectic effects of mCPP were also blocked by the 5‐HT2c receptor antagonist RS102221 in corticosterone‐treated mice. Both corticosterone and mCPP increased c‐Fos expression in hypothalamic nuclei, but not the nucleus of the solitary tract. RS102221 inhibited c‐Fos expression induced by mCPP, but not corticosterone. In addition, mCPP had little effect on TH and POMC levels in the hypothalamus. Furthermore, mCPP antagonized decreasing effect of the leptin produced by corticosterone. Taken together, our findings suggest that 5‐HT2c receptors and leptin may be involved in the effects of corticosterone‐induced hyperphagia.
Feasibility of CYFRA 21‐1 as a serum biomarker for the detection of colorectal adenoma and advanced colorectal adenoma in people over the age of 45
Authors: Lim Do Hyoung , Lee Jai Hyuen , Kim Jong Wan
Published: February 2017

Background

Colon adenoma (CA) is a premalignant lesion of colorectal cancer, and its early removal is closely associated with more prolonged survival in the general population. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between diverse biologic markers and a newly diagnosed CA and to predict the clinical possibility of cytokeratin‐19 soluble in serum fragment (CYFRA 21‐1) as a screening tool in asymptomatic adults aged over 45 years.

Methods

Four hundred and seventy‐nine patients with a histologically confirmed CA or benign colon polyp (BCP), 76 patients with only benign colorectal diseases and 223 negative controls with no CA or BCP detected on colonofibroscopy were investigated. Multiple tumor markers and biochemical markers were simultaneously checked by radioimmunoassay and enzyme immunoassay.

Results

The CYFRA 21‐1 alone showed significant stepwise contrastive potential among the three groups (P<.001). Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, Area under the curve (AUC) for CYFRA 21‐1, with a value of 0.732 (95% confidence interval, 0.656‐0.809, P<.001) for differentiating between negative controls and patients with advanced colon adenoma, was comparatively the highest among all analyzed factors. The sensitivity of CYFRA 21‐1 was significantly higher than that of the other tumor markers in the diagnosis of CA and advanced CA, respectively (P<.001).

Conclusions

Considering the results of our study, CYFRA 21‐1 showed a significant diagnostic performance and significant stepwise comparative potential in differentiating patients with CA from benign controls. CYFRA 21‐1 could be a simple and effective screening test for the diagnosis of CA.
Perceived Burdensomeness, Thwarted Belongingness, and Fearlessness about Death: Associations With Suicidal Ideation among Female Veterans Exposed to Military Sexual Trauma
Authors: Monteith Lindsey L. , Bahraini Nazanin H. , Menefee Deleene S.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Military sexual trauma (MST) is prevalent among female Veterans and is associated with increased risk for suicidal self‐directed violence. Yet research examining processes which contribute to suicidal ideation and attempts among MST survivors has been sparse, focusing primarily on psychiatric symptoms or diagnoses, rather than employing a theory‐driven approach. The interpersonal‐psychological theory (Joiner, 2005) is a leading theory of suicide that may be particularly relevant for understanding suicidal ideation among female Veterans who have experienced MST. We examined whether constructs derived from the interpersonal‐psychological theory of suicide (perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and fearlessness about death; Joiner, 2005) were associated with suicidal ideation among female Veterans who had experienced MST, when adjusting for known risk factors for suicide.

Method

Ninety‐two female Veterans with a history of MST completed the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale ‐ Fearlessness about Death Scale, and Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation.

Results

Perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and fearlessness about death were each associated with suicidal ideation in the past week, adjusting for prior suicide attempts, current depressive symptoms, and current symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. When including all three interpersonal‐psychological constructs in the model, only perceived burdensomeness and fearlessness about death were significantly associated with suicidal ideation.

Conclusion

These findings provide knowledge regarding interpersonal processes that may contribute to suicidal ideation among this high‐risk, yet understudied, population. These results also underscore the importance of assessing for interpersonal‐psychological constructs–particularly perceived burdensomeness and fearlessness about death–when working with female Veterans who have experienced MST.
Reducing fine particle emissions by heterogeneous vapor condensation after wet desulfurization process
Authors: Wu Hao , Pan Danping , Zhang Rui , Yang Linjun , Peng Ziming , Yang Bing
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

The fine particles emitted from coal‐fired power plants has caused many health and environmental problems. Reducing the fine particle emissions from coal‐fired power plants is of great significance. In this work, a novel process of heterogeneous vapor condensation after wet desulfurization was investigated to reduce the emission of fine particles.

RESULTS

The proposed novel process was realized via three different methods, and numerical calculation indicated that it was feasible. The experimental results showed that the temperature drop of desulfurized flue gas due to the added steam and cold air had a positive effect on the improvement in reduction of fine particles. The experimental results also showed that the heat exchange method was applicable to desulfurized flue gas at different temperatures. However, the steam addition method was more suitable for original desulfurized flue gas at lower temperatures while the cold air addition method has more advantages in the case of original desulfurized flue gas at higher temperatures.

CONCLUSION

The novel process proposed in this paper was feasible for industrial application. Under typical conditions, the fine particle emissions in the final discharged flue gas were reduced by 30–40% using this process. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐resolution magnetic‐field exposure simulations of automotive inductive power‐transfer systems using a scaled‐frequency finite difference time domain approach with multi‐GPU acceleration
Authors: Cimala C. , Clemens M. , Streckert J. , Schmuelling B.
Published: February 2017

Inductive power transfer technology enables, eg, wireless charging of electric and hybrid vehicles. Proposed systems generally consist of at least 2 geometrically separated loosely coupled air‐cored coils. The charging process at operating frequencies from 80 to 140 kHz potentially exposes humans. The computational simulation of low frequency fields combined with lossy dielectric distributions in such scenarios requires nonstandard numerical approaches. As long as quasi‐static assumptions are valid, the scaled‐frequency finite difference time domain method is suitable for such problems. With additional considerations to the original approach from Gandhi and Chen, based on work from Kaune and Gilles, simulations may include anatomical body models as well as thin metallic sheets, which are quite common in automotive scenarios with thicknesses of 1 to 1.2 mm.
Irreversible electroporation for the ablation of pancreatic malignancies: A patient‐specific methodology
Authors: Latouche Eduardo L. , Sano Michael B. , Lorenzo Melvin F. , Davalos Rafael V. , Martin Robert C. G.
Published: February 2017

Background and Objectives

Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) is a focal ablation technique highly attractive to surgical oncologists due to its non‐thermal nature that allows for eradication of unresectable tumors in a minimally invasive procedure. In this study, our group sought to address the challenge of predicting the ablation volume with IRE for pancreatic procedures.

Methods

In compliance with HIPAA and hospital IRB approval, we established a pre‐treatment planning methodology for IRE procedures in pancreas, which optimized treatment protocols for individual cases of locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). A new method for confirming treatment plans through intraoperative monitoring of tissue resistance was also proved feasible in three patients.

Results

Results from computational models showed good correlation with experimental data available in the literature. By implementing the proposed resistance measurement system 210 ± 26.1 (mean ± standard deviation) fewer pulses were delivered per electrode‐pair.

Conclusion

The proposed physics‐based pre‐treatment plan through finite element analysis and system for actively monitoring resistance changes can be paired to significantly reduce ablation times and risk of thermal effects during IRE procedures for LAPC.
Metformin effects on head and neck squamous carcinoma microenvironment: Window of opportunity trial
Authors: Curry Joseph , Johnson Jennifer , Tassone Patrick , Vidal Marina Domingo , Menezes Diana Whitaker , Sprandio John , Mollaee Mehri , Cotzia Paolo , Birbe Ruth , Lin Zhao , Gill Kurren , Duddy Elizabeth , Zhan Tingting , Leiby Benjamin , Reyzer Michelle , Cognetti David , Luginbuhl Adam , Tuluc Madalina , Martinez‐Outschoorn Ubaldo
Published: February 2017

Objective

The tumor microenvironment frequently displays abnormal cellular metabolism, which contributes to aggressive behavior. Metformin inhibits mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, altering metabolism. Though the mechanism is unclear, epidemiologic studies show an association between metformin use and improved outcomes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We sought to determine if metformin alters metabolism and apoptosis in HNSCC tumors.

Study Design

Window of opportunity trial of metformin between diagnostic biopsy and resection. Participants were patients with newly diagnosed HNSCC. Fifty patients were enrolled, and 39 completed a full‐treatment course. Metformin was titrated to standard diabetic dose (2,000 mg/day) for a course of 9 or more days prior to surgery.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the metabolic markers caveolin‐1 (CAV1), B‐galactosidase (GALB), and monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), as well as the Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) apoptosis assay and Ki‐67 IHC, were performed in pre‐ and postmetformin specimens. Exploratory mass spectroscopy imaging (MSI) to assess lactate levels also was performed in three subjects.

Results

Metformin was well tolerated. The average treatment course was 13.6 days. Posttreatment specimens showed a significant increase in stromal CAV1 (P < 0.001) and GALB (P < 0.005), as well as tumor cell apoptosis by TUNEL assay (P < 0.001). There was no significant change in stromal MCT4 expression or proliferation measured by Ki67. Lactate levels in carcinoma cells were increased 2.4‐fold postmetformin (P < 0.05), as measured by MSI.

Conclusion

Metformin increases markers of reduced catabolism and increases senescence in stromal cells as well as carcinoma cell apoptosis. This study demonstrates that metformin modulates metabolism in the HNSCC microenvironment.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1808–1815, 2017
Exploring the Role of Attitudinal Functions in Counterfeit Purchase Behavior via an Extended Conceptual Framework
Authors: Sharma Piyush , Chan Ricky Y. K.
Published: February 2017

Prior research on counterfeit purchase behavior focuses on two attitudinal functions (social‐adjustive and value‐expressive) and ignores the others (e.g., ego‐defensive, knowledge, and utilitarian), despite growing evidence that consumers’ attitudes toward a product category may serve multiple functions. We address this research gap with an extended conceptual framework that incorporates all the five attitudinal functions and explores their direct and indirect effects on counterfeit product evaluation and purchase intention. A field study with 890 shoppers in Hong Kong, a popular market for both genuine and counterfeit brands, supports most hypotheses and provides useful insights into the complex sociopsychological mechanism driving counterfeit purchase behavior.
Phenotype‐ and genotype‐specific structural alterations in spasmodic dysphonia
Authors: Bianchi Serena , Battistella Giovanni , Huddleston Hailey , Scharf Rebecca , Fleysher Lazar , Rumbach Anna F. , Frucht Steven J. , Blitzer Andrew , Ozelius Laurie J. , Simonyan Kristina
Published: February 2017

Background: Spasmodic dysphonia is a focal dystonia characterized by involuntary spasms in the laryngeal muscles that occur selectively during speaking. Although hereditary trends have been reported in up to 16% of patients, the causative etiology of spasmodic dysphonia is unclear, and the influences of various phenotypes and genotypes on disorder pathophysiology are poorly understood. In this study, we examined structural alterations in cortical gray matter and white matter integrity in relationship to different phenotypes and putative genotypes of spasmodic dysphonia to elucidate the structural component of its complex pathophysiology.

Methods: Eighty‐nine patients with spasmodic dysphonia underwent high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion‐weighted imaging to examine cortical thickness and white matter fractional anisotropy in adductor versus abductor forms (distinct phenotypes) and in sporadic versus familial cases (distinct genotypes).

Results: Phenotype‐specific abnormalities were localized in the left sensorimotor cortex and angular gyrus and the white matter bundle of the right superior corona radiata. Genotype‐specific alterations were found in the left superior temporal gyrus, supplementary motor area, and the arcuate portion of the left superior longitudinal fasciculus.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that phenotypic differences in spasmodic dysphonia arise at the level of the primary and associative areas of motor control, whereas genotype‐related pathophysiological mechanisms may be associated with dysfunction of regions regulating phonological and sensory processing. Identification of structural alterations specific to disorder phenotype and putative genotype provides an important step toward future delineation of imaging markers and potential targets for novel therapeutic interventions for spasmodic dysphonia. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Restless legs syndrome and periodic leg movements in patients with movement disorders: Specific considerations
Authors: Högl Birgit , Stefani Ambra
Published: February 2017

Restless legs syndrome is a frequent neurological disorder with potentially serious and highly distressing treatment complications. The role and potential implications of periodic leg movements during sleep range from being a genetic risk marker for restless legs syndrome to being a cardiovascular risk factor. The diagnosis of restless legs syndrome in patients with daytime movement disorders is challenging and restless legs syndrome needs to be differentiated from other sleep‐related movement disorders. This article provides an update on the diagnosis of restless legs syndrome as an independent disorder and the role of periodic leg movements and reviews the association of restless legs syndrome with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Bioinformatic screening and detection of allergen cross‐reactive IgE‐binding epitopes
Authors: McClain Scott
Published: February 2017

Protein allergens can be related by cross‐reactivity. Allergens that share relevant sequence can cross‐react, those lacking sufficient similarity in their IgE antibody‐binding epitopes do not cross‐react. Cross‐reactivity is based on shared epitopes that is based on shared sequence and higher level structure (charge and shape). Epitopes are important in predicting cross‐reactivity potential and may provide the potential to establish criteria that identify homology among allergens. Selected allergen's IgE‐binding epitope sequences were used to determine how the FASTA algorithm could be used to identify a threshold of significance. A statistical measure (expectation value, E‐value) was used to identify a threshold specific to identifying cross‐reactivity potential. Peanut Ara h 1 and Ara h 2, shrimp tropomyosin Pen a 1, and birch tree pollen allergen, Bet v 1 were sources of known epitopes. Each epitope or set of epitopes was inserted into random amino acid sequence to create hypothetical proteins used as queries to an allergen database. Alignments with allergens were noted for the ability to match the epitope's source allergen as well as any cross‐reactive or other homologous allergens. A FASTA expectation value range (1 × 10−5–1 × 10−6) was identified that could act as a threshold to help identify cross‐reactivity potential.
Multifrequency reconstruction for frequency‐modulated bSSFP
Authors: Slawig Anne , Wech Tobias , Ratz Valentin , Tran‐Gia Johannes , Neubauer Henning , Bley Thorsten , Köstler Herbert
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Banding artifacts in images acquired by balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) remain a challenge in MRI as they considerably reduce image quality, and diagnostic value deteriorates accordingly. As the steady‐state tolerates small shifts in frequency, it is possible to acquire frequency‐modulated bSSFP. Unfortunately, standard reconstructions of such measurements suffer from signal loss. Our study proposes a multifrequency reconstruction and demonstrates its capability of suppressing banding artifacts while retaining the high signal level of standard bSSFP.

Methods

Numerical simulations in vitro and in vivo measurements were performed using both standard bSSFP and frequency‐modulated bSSFP. The modulated data were reconstructed using a multifrequency approach consisting of three steps: phase correction, multiple reconstructions for different assumed frequencies, and maximum intensity projection.

Results

Although standard bSSFP measurements showed banding artifacts that compromised the image quality, standard reconstructions of frequency‐modulated acquisitions suffered from signal loss. In contrast, images reconstructed from frequency‐modulated data using the proposed multifrequency reconstruction showed no visual bandings and featured a higher signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). The SNR gain for phantom and in vivo measurements ranged from 1.23 to 1.49.

Conclusions

The presented multifrequency reconstruction for frequency‐modulated bSSFP provides images showing no bandings and featuring high SNR in short scan times. Magn Reson Med 78:2226–2235, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Static postural stability in women with stress urinary incontinence: Effects of vision and bladder filling
Authors: Chmielewska Daria , Stania Magdalena , Słomka Kajetan , Błaszczak Edward , Taradaj Jakub , Dolibog Patrycja , Juras Grzegorz
Published: February 2017

AIMS

This case‐control study was designed to compare static postural stability between women with stress urinary incontinence and continent women and it was hypothesized that women with incontinence aged around 50 years also have balance disorders.

METHODS

Eighteen women with incontinence and twelve women without incontinence aged 50‐55 years participated in two 60‐s trials of each of four different testing conditions: eyes open/full bladder, eyes open/empty bladder, eyes closed/full bladder, eyes closed/empty bladder. The center of foot pressure (COP): sway range, root mean square, velocity (in the antero‐posterior and medio‐lateral directions), and COP area were recorded. The stabilograms were decomposed into rambling and trembling components.

RESULTS

The groups of women with and without incontinence differed during the full bladder condition in antero‐posterior COP sway range, COP area, and rambling trajectory (range in the antero‐posterior and medio‐lateral directions, root mean square in the antero‐posterior and medio‐lateral directions and velocity in the antero‐posterior direction).

CONCLUSION

The women with incontinence had more difficulty controlling their postural balance than continent women while standing with a full bladder. Therefore, developing therapeutic management focused on strengthening the women's core muscles and improving their postural balance seems advisable.
US Military Service Members’ Reasons for Deciding to Participate in Health Research
Authors: Cook Wendy A. , Melvin Kristal C. , Doorenbos Ardith Z.
Published: February 2017

Researchers have reported challenges in recruiting US military service members as research participants. We explored their reasons for participating. Eighteen US military service members who had participated in at least one health‐related research study within the previous 3 years completed semi‐structured individual interviews in person or by telephone, focused on the service members’ past decisions regarding research participation. Service members described participation decisions for 34 individual research experiences in 27 separate studies. Service members’ reasons for participation in research clustered in three themes: others‐, self‐, and fit‐focused. Each decision included reasons characterized by at least two themes. Reasons from all three themes were apparent in two‐thirds of individual participation decisions. Reasons described by at least half of the service members included a desire to make things better for others, to improve an organization, to help researchers, and to improve one's health; understanding how they fit in studies; and convenience of participation. Findings may help researchers, study sponsors, ethicists, military leaders, and military decision‐makers better understand service members’ reasons for participating in research and improve future recruitment of service members in health research. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
UV‐Curing: New Option for Light Transmission
Authors: Bäuerle Holger , Hracek Bronislav
Published: February 2017

UV‐curing of adhesive areas often requires planar light exposure. Users of UV‐light sources, e.g. deuterium lamps, often use liquid light guides or optical fiber bundles for that purpose, but had to accept drawbacks in either case previously. End‐fused fiber bundles now provide a component solution which opens the entire spectrum for UV‐curing.
Micromechanical modeling of plain woven polymer composites via 3D finite‐volume homogenization
Authors: Chen Qiang , Chen Xuefeng , Yang Zhibo , Zhai Zhi , Gao Jiajia
Published: February 2017

In this article, an anisotropic version of 3D finite‐volume direct averaging micromechanics (FVDAM) has been developed, enabling efficient and accurate analysis of composites with woven reinforcements. The formulation is based on a local/global stiffness matrix procedure, with the equilibrium equations in conjunction with continuity of displacements and tractions imposed in an average sense. The present 3D FVDAM admits arbitrary anisotropic constituent materials, whereas the 2D FVDAM permits orthotropic subvolume materials at most. On this basis, an FVDAM‐based two‐step approach, which is expected to provide more accurate predictions than the traditional one‐step homogenization, is employed to homogenize the repeating unit cell of a plain weave. The performance of the proposed method is assessed by comparison with other analytical, numerical, and experimental data found in literature. The generated results demonstrate that the FVDAM is capable of modeling plain woven polymer composites reasonably, making FVDAM an attractive alternative to other numerical and analytical techniques for analysis of composites with periodic internal microstructures. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3022–3032, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers