bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive behavior in infants and toddlers with Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome
Authors: Will Elizabeth A. , Caravella Kelly E. , Hahn Laura J. , Fidler Deborah J. , Roberts Jane E.
Published: February 2018

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) experience deficits across all domains of adaptive functioning, however little is known about the emergence and age‐related changes of these impairments compared to other neurogenetic disorders with similar intellectual disability impairments, such as fragile X syndrome (FXS). Adaptive behavior is key for optimal functioning in these populations. Participants aged 5–45 months comprised three age‐matched groups, DS (n = 64), FXS (n = 69), and typically developing controls (TD; n = 69). Adaptive behavior was measured on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales‐II. Regressions were used to examine adaptive behavior in a cross‐sectional design across age. DS infants and toddlers evidenced deficits across all areas of adaptive behaviors compared to the age‐matched TD group, with clear impairments present in the first year of life. Motor skills were the area of greatest weakness in children with DS with significant impairment evident at 12 months of age that remained low through 3 years. Compared to age‐matched children with FXS, children with DS showed initially lower standard scores at 12 months of age, but slower declines in standard scores across age, resulting in less impaired functioning at 36 months. This is the first study to compare adaptive behavior in infants and toddlers with DS to FXS, and demonstrate the phenotypic specificity of adaptive profiles in this diagnostic group. These findings provide evidence that adaptive behavior should be a major target of intervention in children with FXS and DS, and that these differences are potentially driven by unique etiologies attributable to each disorder.
Wasser‐Hochflussmembranen auf Basis der kovalenten organischen Gerüststruktur COF‐LZU1 für die Farbstoffabtrennung durch Nanofiltration
Authors: Fan Hongwei , Gu Jiahui , Meng Hong , Knebel Alexander , Caro Jürgen
Published: February 2018

Kovalente organische Gerüststrukturen (COFs) sind aufgrund ihrer hohen Porosität und der kristallographisch bestimmten Molekularsiebstruktur attraktive Materialien für die Wasserbehandlung mit Membranen. Hier wurde eine kontinuierliche zweidimensionale Imin‐verknüpfte COF‐LZU1‐Membran mit einer Dicke von nur 400 nm auf Aluminiumoxidröhren als Träger durch ein In‐situ‐Solvothermal‐Syntheseverfahren entwickelt. Die Membran zeigt eine ausgezeichnete Wasserpermeanz (760 L m−2 h−1 MPa−1) und einen guten Rückhalt von über 90 % für wasserlösliche Farbstoffe mit einer Größe >1.2 nm. Die Wasserdurchlässigkeit der COF‐LZU1‐Membran ist viel höher als die der meisten Membranen mit ähnlichem Rückhalt. Im Langzeitbetrieb zeigt sich die herausragende Stabilität der COF‐LZU1‐Membran. Da die Membran keine Selektivität für hydratisierte Salzionen aufweist (Selektivität <12 %), ist sie auch zur Abtrennung von makromolekularen Farbstoffen aus salzhaltigem Wasser geeignet. Diese sehr guten Nanofiltrationsleistungen kombiniert mit hoher Stabilität machen die COF‐LZU1‐Membran interessant für die Wasserreinigung.
Materialkennwerte einer historischen Stahlbetonbrücke
Authors: Steinbock Oliver , Curbach Manfred
Published: February 2018

Die Bestimmung und Festlegung der Materialfestigkeiten von Baustoffen beim Bauen im Bestand sind seit längerer Zeit ein Forschungsschwerpunkt Prof. Schnells, dem dieser Beitrag gewidmet ist. Mit den jüngst erschienenen Heften der Schriftenreihe des Deutschen Ausschusses für Stahlbeton (Hefte 616 und 619) wurde dem praktizierenden Ingenieur das notwendige Material zur Bestimmung von Materialfestigkeiten und somit für die ingenieurmäßige Bewertung von Bestandsbauten bereitgestellt. Im Rahmen eines bautechnikhistorischen Forschungsvorhabens zum Bauingenieur und Hochschullehrer Willy Gehler wurde u. a. die bis dato vermutlich älteste Eisenbetonbrücke Mitteldeutschlands nach der Bauweise Hennebique ausfindig gemacht. Die Brücke wurde im Jahr 2016 aufgrund eines zu kleinen Durchflussquerschnitts abgerissen, bot in diesem Zusammenhang aber zumindest die Möglichkeit, umfangreiches Probenmaterial zu erhalten. Folgender Beitrag stellt einerseits die Ergebnisse der Untersuchungen zu den Materialfestigkeiten dar und diskutiert andererseits die Schwierigkeit bei der Festlegung von Eingangswerten für die Nachrechnung.
Structural Diversity and Anticancer Activity of Marine‐Derived Elastase Inhibitors: Key Features and Mechanisms Mediating the Antimetastatic Effects in Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Al‐Awadhi Fatma H. , Paul Valerie J. , Luesch Hendrik
Published: February 2018

Three new 3‐amino‐6‐hydroxy‐2‐piperidone (Ahp)‐containing cyclic depsipeptides, named loggerpeptins A–C (1–3), along with molassamide (4), were discovered from a marine cyanobacterium, extending the structural diversity of this prevalent scaffold of cyanobacterial serine protease inhibitors. Molassamide, which contains a 2‐amino‐butenoic (Abu) unit in the cyclic core, was the most potent and selective analogue against human neutrophil elastase (HNE). Given the growing evidence supporting the role of HNE in breast cancer progression and metastasis, we assessed the cellular effects of compounds 3 and 4 in the context of targeting invasive breast cancer. Both compounds inhibited cleavage of the elastase substrate CD40 in biochemical assays; however, only 4 exhibited significant cellular activity. As CD40 and other receptor proteolytic processing culminates in NFκB activation, we assessed the effects of 4 on the expression of target genes, including ICAM‐1. ICAM‐1 is also a direct target of elastase and, in our studies, compound 4 attenuated both elastase‐induced ICAM‐1 gene expression and ICAM‐1 proteolytic processing by elastase, revealing a potential dual effect on migration through modulation of gene expression and proteolytic processing. Molassamide also specifically inhibited the elastase‐mediated migration of highly invasive triple‐negative breast cancer cells.
Metal Catalysts for the Efficient Transformation of Biomass‐derived HMF and Furfural to Value Added Chemicals
Authors: Gupta Kavita , Rai Rohit K. , Singh Sanjay K.
Published: February 2018

Catalytic transformation of biomass‐derived compounds to different platform chemicals and liquid fuel is a prominent way to reduce the global dependence on fossil resources. In past few decades, biomass‐derived furans such as 2‐furfuraldehyde (furfural) and 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furfural (HMF) have received outstanding attention because of their wide applications in the production of various industrially important value‐added chemicals and fuel components. Various catalytic systems and methodologies have been extensively explored for the transformation of these furans to a wide range of products including open ring diketones, ketoacids, alcohols and long chain alkanes. This Review is aimed to provide an extensive overview of the recent developments of several high‐performing heterogeneous catalysts for the catalytic upgradation of the key biomass‐derived furans (furfural and HMF) to value‐added chemicals. Moreover, the role of these catalysts in the catalytic transformations including hydrogenation, decarbonylation, oxidation, hydrogenolysis and ring opening reactions, and the mechanistic pathways are also highlighted in this Review.
Microfabricated Probes for Studying Brain Chemistry: A Review
Authors: Ngernsutivorakul Thitaphat , White Thomas S. , Kennedy Robert T.
Published: February 2018

Probe techniques for monitoring in vivo chemistry (e.g., electrochemical sensors and microdialysis sampling probes) have significantly contributed to a better understanding of neurotransmission in correlation to behaviors and neurological disorders. Microfabrication allows construction of neural probes with high reproducibility, scalability, design flexibility, and multiplexed features. This technology has translated well into fabricating miniaturized neurochemical probes for electrochemical detection and sampling. Microfabricated electrochemical probes provide a better control of spatial resolution with multisite detection on a single compact platform. This development allows the observation of heterogeneity of neurochemical activity precisely within the brain region. Microfabricated sampling probes are starting to emerge that enable chemical measurements at high spatial resolution and potential for reducing tissue damage. Recent advancement in analytical methods also facilitates neurochemical monitoring at high temporal resolution. Furthermore, a positive feature of microfabricated probes is that they can be feasibly built with other sensing and stimulating platforms including optogenetics. Such integrated probes will empower researchers to precisely elucidate brain function and develop novel treatments for neurological disorders.
Size‐Dependent Phase Separation in Emulsion Droplets
Authors: Man Jia , Chien Steven , Liang Shuaishuai , Li Jiang , Chen Haosheng
Published: February 2018

Phase separation occurs in emulsion droplets containing poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), glycerol, and ethanol to form a glycerol‐in‐PEGDA structure, and the phase separation process is found to depend on the droplet size. The mechanism of this size‐dependent phase separation is dependent on the droplet sizes changing the phase separation time by changing the evaporation speed of mutual solvent ethanol, and the relationship between the separation time T and the droplet diameter D is derived as T≈D2, which has been validated by experiment results. According to this finding, the structures of the droplets can be designed by applying UV curing at different stages of the phase separation, and the monodispersity of droplets is necessary to achieve polymerized particles with the same structure.
Online Electrochemical Monitoring of Glucose in Rat Brain with Acanthosphere‐like CuOOH Nanospheres‐based Electrochemical Sensor as Non‐enzymatic and O2‐independent Detector
Authors: Li Bo , Fan Yongzhao , Li Changqing , Zhao Xu , Liu Kun , Lin Yuqing
Published: February 2018

This study for the first time establishes a reliable non‐enzymatic online electrochemical system (OECS) for selective and continuous measuring glucose in animal cerebral system. We proposed a one‐step electrochemical method to synthetize a Cu nanostructure directly onto electrode, and over‐oxidize it in NaOH to form acanthosphere‐like CuOOH nanospheres (denoted as AN‐CuOOH), which can serve as an excellent electrochemical catalyst for glucose oxidation and thus for simple and reproducible non‐enzymatic glucose detection in strong alkaline solution. To validate the AN‐CuOOH‐based sensors for in vivo applications, we connect the sensors to a merged solution of in vivo microdialysis and 0.4 M NaOH to set up an OECS for in vivo glucose monitoring in rat brain. The response of this system has strong tolerance to the oxygen and pH fluctuation which may happen in the cerebral brain system during some physiological and pathological processes. The fabricated non‐enzymatic OECS has a good linear current response to glucose within a concentration range from 10 to 1000 μΜ with sensitivity of 130.22 nA ⋅ μΜ−1 cm−2. Additionally, the OECS is stable and does not suffer from the interference coexisting in the cerebral system. With the fabricated non‐enzymatic OECS for glucose measurement, the basal level of glucose in the microdialysate from rats striatum was determined to be 248.63 μΜ (n=3). Furthermore, the glucose was clearly decreased to 26.37 % of the basal level when the rat was undergone by 20 min ischemia, and the glucose concentration was gradually restored to 99.15 % during 40 min of reperfusion. Our work propose a technically simple strategy for the fabrication of a highly reproducible non‐enzymatic OECS system free from oxygen and pH interference, which is promising in exploring the molecular mechanism associated with brain functions.
Effects of osmotic pressure and pH on citric acid and erythritol production from waste cooking oil by Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Lv Jinshun , Xu Jiaxing , Xia Jun , He Aiyong , Zhang Tong , Li Xiangqian , Xu Jiming
Published: February 2018

Erythritol and citric acid could be produced from waste cooking oil (WCO) by Yarrowia lipolytica under different medium conditions, and osmotic pressure together with pH were considered to be the critical factors in this process. High osmotic pressure (2.76 osmol/L) combined with low pH (pH 3.0) promoted the highest yield of erythritol (21.8 g/L) accompanied by low‐producing citric acid (2.5 g/L). By contrast, the highest citric acid biosynthesis (12.6 g/L) was detected under a pH of 6.0 and an osmotic pressure of 0.75 osmol/L, when only 4.0 g/L of erythritol was yielded. Moreover, lipase activities in these two media were also detected, and pH 3.0–OP 2.76 was supposed to be more beneficial to lipase activity. Biochemical pathways involved in the biosynthesis of erythritol and citric acid were subsequently investigated, and the products yielded from WCO were assumed to be correlated with the activities of transketolase, erythrose reductase, citrate synthase, and glycerol kinase. However, RT‐PCR analysis revealed that mRNA levels of these enzymes did not significantly differ, confirming that metabolic flux regulations of erythritol and citric acid mostly took place at the post‐transcriptional level.
Toxicity of dissolved and precipitated forms of barium to a freshwater alga (Chlorella sp. 12) and water flea (Ceriodaphnia dubia)
Authors: Golding Lisa A. , McKnight Kitty , Binet Monique , Adams Merrin , Apte Simon C.
Published: February 2018

Barium is present at elevated concentrations in oil and gas produced waters, and there is no international water quality guideline value to assess the potential risk of adverse effects to aquatic biota. Sulfate concentration largely controls the solubility of barium in aquatic systems, with insoluble barium sulfate (barite) assumed to be less bioavailable and less toxic than dissolved barium. We exposed aquatic biota to dissolved barium only and to a mixture of dissolved and precipitated barium. The chronic dissolved barium 48-h growth rate inhibition effect concentrations, (EC10 and EC50) for the tropical freshwater alga Chlorella sp. 12 were 40 mg/L (27–54 mg/L 95% confidence limits [CL]), and 240 mg/L (200–280 mg/L 95% CL), respectively. The acute EC10 and EC50 values for 48-h immobilization of the water flea (Ceriodaphnia dubia) by dissolved barium were 14 mg/L (13–15 mg/L 95% CL) and 17 mg/L (16–18 mg/L 95% CL), respectively. Chlorella sp. 12 was significantly more sensitive to precipitated barium than to dissolved barium, whereas the opposite seemed likely for C. dubia. Ceriodaphnia dubia was predicted to be chronically sensitive to dissolved barium at concentrations measured in produced waters and receiving waters, based on a predicted chronic EC10 of 1.7 mg/L derived from the acute EC50/10. Further chronic toxicity data that account for barium toxicity in dissolved and precipitated forms are required to derive a barium guideline for freshwater biota. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1632–1642. © 2018 SETAC

Abstract

Sulfate controls the bioavailability of dissolved barium by precipitation of barium sulfate. However, barium sulfate precipitate can also be toxic to some aquatic biota and water quality guidelines need to account for dissolved and precipitated barium when assessing ecological impacts of oil and gas produced waters with high barium concentration.
The Quest for Osteoporosis Mechanisms and Rational Therapies: How Far We've Come, How Much Further We Need to Go
Authors: Manolagas Stavros C
Published: February 2018

During the last 40 years, understanding of bone biology and the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, the most common and impactful bone disease of old age, has improved dramatically thanks to basic and clinical research advances, genetic insights from humans and rodents, and newer imaging technologies. Culprits of osteoporosis are no longer a matter of speculation based on in vitro observations. Instead, they can be identified and dissected at the cellular and molecular level using genetic approaches; and their effect on distinct bone envelopes and anatomic regions can be functionally assessed in vivo. The landscape of pharmacotherapies for osteoporosis has also changed profoundly with the emergence of several potent antiresorptive drugs as well as anabolic agents, displacing estrogen replacement as the treatment of choice. In spite of these major positive developments, the optimal duration of the available therapies and their long-term safety remain matters of conjecture and some concern. Moreover, antiresorptive therapies are used indiscriminately for patients of all ages on the assumption that suppressing remodeling is always beneficial for bone, but rebound remodeling upon their discontinuation suggests otherwise. In this invited perspective, I highlight the latest state of knowledge of bone-intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms responsible for the development of osteoporosis in both sexes; differences between the mechanisms responsible for the effects of aging and estrogen deficiency; and the role of old osteocytes in the development of cortical porosity. In addition, I highlight advances toward the goal of developing drugs for several degenerative diseases of old age at once, including osteoporosis, by targeting shared mechanisms of aging. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Interpretation of ANN‐based QSAR models for prediction of antioxidant activity of flavonoids
Authors: Žuvela Petar , David Jonathan , Wong Ming Wah
Published: February 2018

Quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSARs) built using machine learning methods, such as artificial neural networks (ANNs) are powerful in prediction of (antioxidant) activity from quantum mechanical (QM) parameters describing the molecular structure, but are usually not interpretable. This obvious difficulty is one of the most common obstacles in application of ANN‐based QSAR models for design of potent antioxidants or elucidating the underlying mechanism. Interpreting the resulting models is often omitted or performed erroneously altogether. In this work, a comprehensive comparative study of six methods (PaD, PaD2, weights, stepwise, perturbation and profile) for exploration and interpretation of ANN models built for prediction of Trolox‐equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) QM descriptors, is presented. Sum of ranking differences (SRD) was used for ranking of the six methods with respect to the contributions of the calculated QM molecular descriptors toward TEAC. The results show that the PaD, PaD2 and profile methods are the most stable and give rise to realistic interpretation of the observed correlations. Therefore, they are safely applicable for future interpretations without the opinion of an experienced chemist or bio‐analyst. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Science‐based interviewing: Information elicitation
Authors: Brandon Susan E. , Wells Simon , Seale Colton
Published: February 2018

This article describes an ethical and effective science‐based model of interviewing. An initial planning phase assists the investigative team in separating facts from inferences, decreases the likelihood of errors based on cognitive biases, and prompts careful preparation of the environment. The interview begins with an explanation of why the subject is being questioned. The interviewer then metaphorically hands the interview over to the subject, making him the talker and the interviewer the listener. The interviewer engages in active listening, soliciting as much information from the subject as possible by deploying tactics that enhance memory based on science, including elements of the cognitive interview. Cues to deception are found in the details of the story, rather than in signs of anxiety or nonverbal behaviours, and by deploying Strategic Use of Evidence. This model has been shown to increase cooperation, decrease resistance, and provoke useful information in real‐world criminal interviews.
Heterochrony in fringeheads (Neoclinus) and amplification of an extraordinary aggressive display in the Sarcastic Fringehead (Teleostei: Blenniiformes)
Authors: Hongjamrassilp Watcharapong , Summers Adam P. , Hastings Philip A.
Published: February 2018

The Sarcastic Fringehead (Neoclinus blanchardi, Teleostei) exhibits an extreme version of a common aggressive display, the “gaping display,” in which an open mouth is presented toward an opponent. Males of this species have extremely long jaws that extend posteriorly well past the posterior margin of the head and are flared laterally during the gaping display. In this study, we explored morphological traits related to this extraordinary display in this and related species of blennies. Morphological modifications include enlargement of the buccopalatal membrane, elongation of the maxilla via an uncalcified posterior extension, and evolution of a novel hinge between the anterior maxilla and lacrimal bones permitting lateral movement of the upper jaw. Geometric morphometry using the truss network system, thin‐plate spline, and PCA of three closely related species ofNeoclinusindicate that the elongate maxilla ofN. blanchardimost likely evolved via acceleration (faster growth compared to outgroups) and hypermorphosis (continued growth to a larger body size), both forms of peramorphic heterochrony. Coloration and fluorescence of the buccopalatal membrane may also serve to amplify the extraordinary gaping display of the Sarcastic Fringehead.
Expression and characterization of the processive exo‐β‐1,4‐cellobiohydrolase SCO6546 from Streptomyces coelicolor A(3)
Authors: Lee Chang‐Ro , Chi Won‐Jae , Lim Ju‐Hyeon , Dhakshnamoorthy Vijayalakshmi , Hong Soon‐Kwang
Published: February 2018

The sco6546 gene of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) was annotated as a putative glycosyl hydrolase belonging to family 48. It is predicted to encode a 973‐amino acid polypeptide (103.4 kDa) with a 39‐amino acid secretion signal. Here, the SCO6546 protein was overexpressed in Streptomyces lividans TK24, and the purified protein showed the expected molecular weight of the mature secreted form (934 aa, 99.4 kDa) on sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. SCO6546 showed high activity toward Avicel and carboxymethyl cellulose, but low activity toward filter paper and β‐glucan. SCO6546 showed maximum cellulase activity toward Avicel at pH 5.0 and 50 °C, which is similar to the conditions for maximum activity toward cellotetraose and cellopentaose substrates. The kinetic parameters kcat and KM, for cellotetraose at pH 5.0 and 50 °C were 13.3 s−1 and 2.7 mM, respectively. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) of the Avicel hydrolyzed products generated by SCO6546 showed cellobiose only, which was confirmed by mass spectral analysis. TLC analysis of the cello‐oligosaccharide and chromogenic substrate hydrolysates generated by SCO6546 revealed that it can hydrolyze cellodextrins mainly from the non‐reducing end into cellobiose. These data clearly demonstrated that SCO6546 is an exo‐β‐1,4‐cellobiohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.91), acting on nonreducing end of cellulose.
Causes of the active typhoon season in 2016 following a strong El Niño with a comparison to 1998
Authors: Huangfu Jingliang , Huang Ronghui , Chen Wen , Feng Tao
Published: February 2018

This article analysed two typhoon seasons (1998 and 2016) over the western North Pacific (WNP) with similar preceding background conditions of the tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST). Following the strong El Niño event in the preceding winter, the typhoon season was inactive in 1998 while active in 2016. Compared with 1998, the monsoon trough (MT) in 2016 shifted more eastwards, leading to an increase of the mid‐level water vapour, lower‐tropospheric relative vorticity and upper‐tropospheric divergence, and a decrease of the vertical wind shear. Additionally, the eastwards extension of the MT in 2016 induced more active tropical depression (TD)‐type waves than those in 1998. The analysis of the energy budget suggested that the eastwards shift of the MT during the 2016 typhoon season provided increased eddy kinetic energy for typhoon genesis, due to the joint contributions of the meridional shear of the mean zonal winds and the zonal wind convergence over the WNP. Moreover, the WNP entered a La Niña‐like SST pattern after July 2016. The relatively slower developing process of this pattern sustained the warmer SST anomalies and the anomalous cyclonic circulation, which the eastwards extension of the MT can be attributed. Hence, compared to 1998, the active typhoon season in 2016 is attributed to the eastwards extension of the MT, more active TD‐type wave activities, and slow developing process of a La Niña‐like SST pattern in 2016 typhoon season.
Three resampling approaches based on method of fragments for daily‐to‐subdaily precipitation disaggregation
Authors: Li Xin , Meshgi Ali , Wang Xuan , Zhang Jingjie , Tay Serene Hui Xin , Pijcke Gerard , Manocha Nishtha , Ong Matthias , Nguyen Manh Tuan , Babovic Vladan
Published: February 2018

Precipitation data of finer timescale and higher spatial density are crucial for continuous hydrological modelling and flood risk assessment. Disaggregation methods are often used to transform the coarser‐timescale precipitation data into finer resolutions. The nonparametric approach based on method of fragments (MOF) has received broad attention in precipitation disaggregation literature, given its superiority in reproducing the at‐site statistical attributes. However, a detailed literature review has shown that the MOF‐based resampling approaches are mainly focused in the single‐site precipitation disaggregation context, which may subject to limitations such as the unavailability of at‐site precipitation records and the incapability to preserve the inter‐site correlation structure. To address these issues, we propose three resampling approaches based on MOF. The first approach is a single‐site interval‐based resampling approach which only draws subdaily fragment vectors from at‐site record. The second one extends the first one to a regionalized version where subdaily fragment vectors are drawn from both the at‐site and neighbouring stations. The third one is a multi‐site approach developed to preserve the observed inter‐site correlation. The performances of the three methods are evaluated with applications to daily‐to‐hourly precipitation disaggregation at six rain gauges in Singapore and eight precipitation stations in Wangkuai reservoir catchment in northern China. An elaborate list of performance measures, including standard validation statistics, spatial correlation, inter‐day connectivity, annual extreme analysis, and intra‐day dry and wet spell characteristics are used to assess the performance. The proposed three methods are shown to be effective in reproducing the at‐site attributes, and no significant deterioration of performance is observed when moving from the single‐site method to the regionalized and multi‐site versions. As expected, the multi‐site approach is the only one method that is able to reconstruct the spatial correlation in the disaggregated precipitation field. The approaches can be applied for daily‐to‐subdaily precipitation disaggregation in different regions.
Stem cells enhance reperfusion following ischemia: Validation using laser speckle imaging in predicting tissue repair
Authors: Tang Ya Hui , Thompson R. Will , Nathan Cherie‐Ann , Alexander Jonathan Steven , Lian Timothy
Published: February 2018

Objectives

The lack of real‐time assessment of vascular perfusion changes remains a major weakness in assessing the efficacy of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) therapeutic ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. This study provides for the first time the real‐time in vivo perfusion monitoring in I/R mice with BMSC therapy.

Study Design

Animal model.

Methods

Surgically created cutaneous flaps perfused by the inferior epigastric vessels were subjected to 3.5 hours of ischemia/reperfusion. Wound healing and vascular perfusion were assessed by Image‐J and laser speckle contrast analysis (LSCA) in three groups (sham, I/R, and I/R + BMSC). BMSC tracking was quantified in an additional two groups (with/without I/R) using intravital fluorescent microscopy. The histopathology of skin flaps was examined by hematoxylin and eosin stain. Infiltrated macrophages were analyzed by confocal immunofluorescent microscopy.

Results

Postischemic tissues treated with BMSC demonstrated significantly greater survival than I/R control. On days 3 to 7 postreperfusion, both proximal and distal areas in BMSC‐treated flaps demonstrated greater levels of perfusion than untreated I/R flaps (P < 0.05). Intravital fluorescent microscopy revealed that numbers of labeled BMSC were significantly increased in the distal area compared to the proximal area in both with and without ischemic mice. Histological examination showed lower necrosis and infiltrated inflammatory cells in I/R + BMSC‐treated mice versus I/R controls.

Conclusion

BMSC accumulated in I/R flaps and exerted beneficial effects including: 1) improving vascular perfusion and 2) attenuating inflammatory cell infiltration. LSCA facilitates monitoring of the real‐time restitution of perfusion during flap wound healing in experimental animals and could also similarly applied in clinical investigations.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E198–E205, 2018
Systematic review of the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging for early glottic carcinoma
Authors: van Egmond Sylvia L. , Stegeman Inge , Pameijer Frank A. , Bluemink Johanna J. , Terhaard Chris H. , Janssen Luuk M.
Published: February 2018

Objective

In early glottic cancer, accurate assessment of tumor extension, including depth infiltration, is of great importance for both staging, therapeutic approach and systematic comparison of data. Our goal was to assess the diagnostic value of MRI in pre‐therapeutic staging of primary early stage (T1 and T2) glottic carcinoma.

Study design

Systematic review of literature.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search in Pubmed, Embase, and Scopus up to September 23, 2016. Included studies were selected and critically appraised for relevance and validity.

Results

Seven out of 938 unique articles were selected, including 64 cases. MRI over‐staged 6% and under‐staged 13% of cT1 and cT2 tumors. However, available data is heterogeneous, very limited and mainly based on subanalysis of a small amount of patients. Reported MRI protocols appear to be suboptimal for small laryngeal lesions. Diagnostic value of MRI for subtle depth infiltration or laryngeal anatomical subsites (eg, laryngeal ventricle, vocal cord, etc.) could not be assessed.

Conclusions

More studies are needed to assess the diagnostic value of MRI for small glottic tumors.
Tuned Surface and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Film Prepared by Random Copolymers Consisting of Methacrylate‐POSS and 2‐(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl Phosphorylcholine
Authors: Chatterjee Suchismita , Matsumoto Takuya , Nishino Takashi , Ooya Tooru
Published: February 2018

Poly(2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) is known as a biocompatible polymers. Copolymerization of 2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) and hydrophobic monomers is a general approach that gives bioinert functions to solid materials via the surface coating. However, due to the amorphous nature and super hydrophilicity of the MPC‐based copolymers, both the surface and the mechanical properties are not controlled for biomedical applications. Here, the modulated mechanical property and the surface wettability of the MPC‐based copolymers are shown by using a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) methacrylate. MPC is copolymerized with POSS methacrylates bearing different vertex groups of ethyl (C2H5), hexayl (C6H13), and octayl (C8H17) via radical polymerization. It is found that only the C2H5‐POSS induces the increased mechanical strength, low surface wettability, and cellular attachment, suggesting that the C2H5‐POSS moiety restricts the motion of PMPC chain. The finding is anticipated to be tuned for both surface and bulk functions of PMPC for biomedical applications.
Challenges in PD Patient Management After DBS: A Pragmatic Review
Authors: Rossi Malco , Bruno Verónica , Arena Julieta , Cammarota Ángel , Merello Marcelo
Published: February 2018

Background

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or internal globus pallidus (GPi) represents an effective and universally applied therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD) motor complications. However, certain procedure‐related problems and unrealistic patient expectations may detract specialists from indicating DBS more widely despite significant clinical effects.

Methods

This review provides a pragmatic educational summary of the most conflicting postoperative management issues in patients undergoing DBS for PD.

Results

DBS in PD has been associated with certain complications and post‐procedural management issues, which can complicate surgical outcome interpretation. Many PD patients consider DBS outcomes negative due to unfulfilled expectations, even when significant motor symptom improvement is achieved. Speech, gait, postural stability, and cognition may worsen after DBS and body weight may increase. Although DBS may induce impulse control disorders in some cases, in others, it may actually improve them when dopamine agonist dosage is reduced after surgery. However, apathy may also arise, especially when dopaminergic medication tapering is rapid. Gradual loss of response with time suggests disease progression, rather than the wearing off of DBS effects. Furthermore, implantable pulse generator expiration is considered a movement disorder emergency, as it may worsen parkinsonian symptoms or cause life‐threatening akinetic crises due to malignant DBS withdrawal syndrome.

Conclusion

Major unsolved issues occurring after DBS therapy preclude complete patient satisfaction. Multidisciplinary management at experienced centers, as well as careful and comprehensive delivery of information to patients, should contribute to make DBS outcome expectations more realistic and allow post procedural complications to be better accepted.
Dual respiratory and cardiac motion estimation in PET imaging: Methods design and quantitative evaluation
Authors: Feng Tao , Wang Jizhe , Tsui Benjamin M. W.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The goal of this study was to develop and evaluate four post‐reconstruction respiratory and cardiac (R&C) motion vector field (MVF) estimation methods for cardiac 4D PET data.

Method

In Method 1, the dual R&C motions were estimated directly from the dual R&C gated images. In Method 2, respiratory motion (RM) and cardiac motion (CM) were separately estimated from the respiratory gated only and cardiac gated only images. The effects of RM on CM estimation were modeled in Method 3 by applying an image‐based RM correction on the cardiac gated images before CM estimation, the effects of CM on RM estimation were neglected. Method 4 iteratively models the mutual effects of RM and CM during dual R&C motion estimations. Realistic simulation data were generated for quantitative evaluation of four methods. Almost noise‐free PET projection data were generated from the 4D XCAT phantom with realistic R&C MVF using Monte Carlo simulation. Poisson noise was added to the scaled projection data to generate additional datasets of two more different noise levels. All the projection data were reconstructed using a 4D image reconstruction method to obtain dual R&C gated images. The four dual R&C MVF estimation methods were applied to the dual R&C gated images and the accuracy of motion estimation was quantitatively evaluated using the root mean square error (RMSE) of the estimated MVFs.

Results

Results show that among the four estimation methods, Methods 2 performed the worst for noise‐free case while Method 1 performed the worst for noisy cases in terms of quantitative accuracy of the estimated MVF. Methods 4 and 3 showed comparable results and achieved RMSE lower by up to 35% than that in Method 1 for noisy cases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have developed and evaluated 4 different post‐reconstruction R&C MVF estimation methods for use in 4D PET imaging. Comparison of the performance of four methods on simulated data indicates separate R&C estimation with modeling of RM before CM estimation (Method 3) to be the best option for accurate estimation of dual R&C motion in clinical situation.
Spirituality, infertility‐related stress, and quality of life in Brazilian infertile couples: Analysis using the actor‐partner interdependence mediation model
Authors: Casu Giulia , Ulivi Giulia , Zaia Victor , Fernandes Martins Maria do Carmo , Parente Barbosa Caio , Gremigni Paola
Published: February 2018

Infertility has a stressful impact on both partners, with adverse effects on the quality of life of infertile couples. Spirituality is a meaning‐based strategy that can protect couples against infertility's negative impact on quality of life, but analysis of this mediator relationship in infertile couples has not been reported. We adopted a dyadic approach and used the actor‐partner interdependence mediation model to examine whether and how women's and men's spirituality was associated with their own and their partners’ infertility‐related stress and quality of life. In 2014, 152 infertile couples starting their first fertility treatment at a private clinic in Brazil were recruited and completed self‐reports of spirituality, infertility‐related stress, and quality of life. Results indicated that women's and men's level of spirituality was positively associated with their own quality of life directly and indirectly, by reducing their own infertility‐related stress. Their spirituality was associated with an increase in their partners’ quality of life only indirectly, by reducing their partners’ infertility‐related stress. Findings highlight the importance of assessing and promoting spirituality as a coping resource that infertile women and men might use to deal with the stress of infertility and reduce its adverse effects on quality of life.
Ruthenium counterstaining for imaging mass cytometry
Authors: Catena Raúl , Montuenga Luis M , Bodenmiller Bernd
Published: February 2018

Imaging mass cytometry is a novel imaging modality that enables simultaneous antibody‐based detection of >40 epitopes and molecules in tissue sections at subcellular resolution by the use of isotopically pure metal tags. Essential for any imaging approach in which antigen detection is performed is counterstaining, which reveals the overall structure of the tissue. Counterstaining is necessary because antigens of interest are often present in only a small subset of cells, and the rest of the tissue structures are not visible. As most biological tissues are nearly transparent or non‐fluorescent, chromogenic reagents such as haematoxylin (for immunohistochemistry) or fluorescent dyes such as 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (which stains nuclei for epifluorescence and confocal microscopy) are utilized. Here, we describe a metal‐based counterstain for imaging mass cytometry based on simple oxidation and subsequent covalent binding of the tissue components to ruthenium tetroxide (RuO4). RuO4 counterstaining reveals general tissue structure both in areas with high cell content and in stromal areas with low cellularity and fibrous or hyaline material in a manner analogous to haematoxylin in immunohistochemical counterstaining or eosin or other anionic dyes in conventional histology. Our new counterstain approach is applicable to any metal‐based imaging technique, and will facilitate the adaptation of imaging mass cytometry for routine applications in clinical and research laboratories. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
H+ Intercalation into Molybdenum Oxide Nanosheets Under AFM Tip Bias
Authors: Zou Jian , Zeng Huarong , Wang Yichao , Li Yongxiang
Published: February 2018

The local hydrogen ions intercalation behavior in α‐MoO3 nanoflakes is explored under the electric field of an atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip. Protons are excited by AFM tip bias‐induced electrolyzation of absorbed water molecules on the surface of α‐MoO3 nanosheets in ambient environment, and then intercalated into α‐MoO3 lattice. The formed HxMoO3 is shown to have a 0.2 eV reduction in the bandgap and also altered electric behaviors and surface morphologies. This research provides a unique approach for understanding the relationship between nanoscale hydrogen intercalation and the surface morphology and bandgap of two‐dimensional (2D) α‐MoO3 nanosheets. This investigation of ionic intercalation in 2D‐layered materials will help in future nanoscale engineering of batteries, electrochromism, photocatalysis, and supercapacitors.
Impulsive second‐order sliding mode control in reduced information environment
Authors: Aldukali Fathi M. , Shtessel Yuri B. , Plestan Franck
Published: February 2018

The perturbed system with input‐output dynamics of arbitrary and well‐defined relative degree is considered in a reduced information environment. A novel impulsive second‐order sliding mode control in the reduced information environment is proposed. The almost instantaneous convergence to the origin is achieved via impulsive control acting in a concert with second‐order sliding mode control, specifically supertwisting and twisting algorithms. The impulsive actions are implemented in a piecewise constant format. Numerical examples illustrate the efficiency of the proposed control algorithms.
Rapid Osteogenic Enhancement of Stem Cells in Human Bone Marrow Using a Glycogen-Synthease-Kinase-3-Beta Inhibitor Improves Osteogenic Efficacy In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Clough Bret H. , Zeitouni Suzanne , Krause Ulf , Chaput Christopher D. , Cross Lauren M. , Gaharwar Akhilesh K. , Gregory Carl A.
Published: February 2018

Non-union defects of bone are a major problem in orthopedics, especially for patients with a low healing capacity. Fixation devices and osteoconductive materials are used to provide a stable environment for osteogenesis and an osteogenic component such as autologous human bone marrow (hBM) is then used, but robust bone formation is contingent on the healing capacity of the patients. A safe and rapid procedure for improvement of the osteoanabolic properties of hBM is, therefore, sought after in the field of orthopedics, especially if it can be performed within the temporal limitations of the surgical procedure, with minimal manipulation, and at point-of-care. One way to achieve this goal is to stimulate canonical Wingless (cWnt) signaling in bone marrow-resident human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), the presumptive precursors of osteoblasts in bone marrow. Herein, we report that the effects of cWnt stimulation can be achieved by transient (1–2 hours) exposure of osteoprogenitors to the GSK3β-inhibitor (2′Z,3′E)-6-bromoindirubin-3′-oxime (BIO) at a concentration of 800 nM. Very-rapid-exposure-to-BIO (VRE-BIO) on either hMSCs or whole hBM resulted in the long-term establishment of an osteogenic phenotype associated with accelerated alkaline phosphatase activity and enhanced transcription of the master regulator of osteogenesis, Runx2. When VRE-BIO treated hBM was tested in a rat spinal fusion model, VRE-BIO caused the formation of a denser, stiffer, fusion mass as compared with vehicle treated hBM. Collectively, these data indicate that the VRE-BIO procedure may represent a rapid, safe, and point-of-care strategy for the osteogenic enhancement of autologous hBM for use in clinical orthopedic procedures.
Copper(II) Complex Supported on Fe3O4@SiO2 Coated by Polyvinyl Alcohol as Reusable Nanocatalyst in N‐Arylation of Amines and N(H)‐ Heterocycles and Green Synthesis of 1H‐Tetrazoles
Authors: Sardarian Ali Reza , Eslahi Hassan , Esmaeilpour Mohsen
Published: February 2018

In this paper, copper(II) based catalyst bearing polyvinyl alcohol immobilized on Fe3O4@SiO2 was synthesized and fully characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, TEM, FE‐SEM, DLS, UV‐Vis, XPS, EDX, TGA, VSM, NMR, ICP and elemental analysis techniques. Then, the performance of this magnetic heterogeneous system was investigated in the N‐arylation of nitrogen heterocycles and alkyl amines with aryl halides to produce the desired coupled products in good to excellent yields without using external ligands or additives as promoters. Also, this reusable copper based magnetic nanocatalyst was employed in one‐pot three component and green synthesis of 5‐substituted 1H‐tetrazoles in excellent yields through the click reaction of aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes with hydroxylamine hydrochloride and azide salt. This catalytic system was easily recovered by a magnetic field and reused for at least 7 times without distinct deterioration in catalytic activity. Also, the analysis of the reaction mixture by the ICP technique showed that the leaching of the catalyst was negligible.
Role of Electronegative Atom Present on Ligand Backbone and Substrate Binding Mode on Catecholase‐ and Phosphatase‐Like Activities of Dinuclear NiII Complexes: A Theoretical Support
Authors: Adhikary Jaydeep , Majumdar Ishani , Kundu Priyanka , Kornweitz Haya , Kara Hulya , Das Debasis
Published: February 2018

The reaction of two pentadentate compartmental ligands HL1 and HL2 [ HL1=2,6‐bis((E)‐(2‐morpholinoethylimino)methyl)‐4‐tert‐butylphenol; HL2=2,6‐bis((E)‐(2‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)ethylimino)methyl)‐4‐tert‐butylphenol] with nickel acetate followed by addition of NaSCN afforded two discrete dinuclear complexes, [Ni2L1(CH3COO)2(SCN)].(H2O)2.(0.5CH3OH) (1) and [Ni2L2(CH3COO)(SCN)2(CH3OH)].(CH3OH) (2). Single crystal structure reveals that the complexes are NiII dimer with triple‐mixed phenoxo and acetate/isothiocyanate bridges. Variable‐temperature (3‐300 K) magnetic studies have been performed and data analyses reveal that the dinuclear nickel(II) units show a weak ferromagnetic coupling in complex 1 (J=+ 3.70) and a weak antiferromagnetic coupling in complex 2 (J=‐ 0.87 cm– 1). The catalytic promiscuity of the complexes in terms of two different bio‐relevant catalytic activities like oxidation (catecholase) and hydroxylation (phosphatase) has been thoroughly explored. Role of an auxiliary electronegative atom present on the ligand backbone and binding approach of the substrate to the metal centres during the catalytic activities have been scrutinized by DFT calculation. Several experimental techniques have been utilised to evaluate the mechanistic interpretation of catecholase like activity. And finally, mechanistic pathway of both the bio activities are demonstrated.
Synthesis, Structure and Configuration of Streptanoate
Authors: Li Mei‐Mei , Xu Ze‐Jun , Wu Yikang , Liu Bo
Published: February 2018

Diastereomers (of different relative configurations) of the reported gross structure and all its possible alternatives were synthesized. However, none of them showed NMR and optical rotation consistent with those in the literature. The very confusing data discrepancies and the unavoidable doubt about the identity of the natural sample caused by the deficiencies (e. g. inadequate sample purity, unsatisfactory quality of NMR spectra and human errors) hidden in the previous work were eventually resolved through reveal of a so far unnoticed effect of CDCl3 on the NMR of streptanoate in DMSO‐d6. The new systematic spectral data show that streptanoate should have a hydroxybutanoylamino acid gross structure with a (2R,2’R) absolute configuration.