bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field‐amplified sample injection in capillary electrophoresis with amperometric detection for the ultratrace analysis of diastereomeric ephedrine alkaloids
Authors: Chen Xiaoyan , Tang Yanxia , Wang Shaoyun , Song Yunping , Tang Fengxiang , Wu Xiaoping
Published: April 2015

A coupling method of field‐amplified sample injection (FASI) CE with amperometric detection is developed for ultratrace analysis of ephedrine alkaloids stereoisomers. FASI was introduced by injecting electrokinetically the sample solution for 10 s into the capillary filled with highly conductive background electrolyte (BGE). The diastereomeric selectivity and the detection sensitivity were improved by using borate buffer of high ionic strength as BGE. Parameters affecting FASI and CE separation were investigated to achieve the optimal conditions. Four analytes were separated within 15 min using 200 mmol/L borate buffer (pH 9.5) and separation voltage of +18 kV, with detection potential at +1.0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and carbon disc electrode as working electrode. Excellent linearity was observed between peak current and concentration of analytes in the range of 0.1–100 ng/mL. The LODs (S/N = 3) for (−)‐ephedrine, (+)‐pseudoephedrine, (−)‐N‐methylephedrine and (+)‐N‐methylpseudoephedrine were 39.3, 54.9, 30.8, and 44.1 pg/mL, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of alkaloids in Ephedra sinica, with results agreed well with HPLC method. Mean recoveries of 102.1–109.7% and RSDs less than 6% were found. And the merits of high sensitivity and selectivity, as well as a simple and stable operation, have been demonstrated.
Electromagnetohydrodynamic (EMHD) flow between two transversely wavy microparallel plates
Authors: Buren Mandula , Jian Yongjun
Published: April 2015

In this paper, 2D electromagnetohydrodynamic (EMHD) flow in a microparallel channel with slightly transverse corrugated walls is investigated using perturbation method. The corrugations of the two walls are presented by periodic sinusoidal waves with small amplitudes. The perturbation solutions of the stream function and a relation between flow rate and roughness are obtained. It is shown that the flow rate always decreases due to the wall corrugations irrespective of the phase difference. For prescribed Hartmann number and wave number of the wavy walls, the flow resistance increases as the phase difference between the wall corrugations increases. The effect of corrugation on the flow rate decreases with Hartmann number. With the increase of wave number, the effects of corrugations on the flow rate increase. The phase difference of wall corrugations becomes unimportant when the wave number is greater than 4. The obtained results for the flow rates as a function of the applied current are in qualitative agreement with the existing experimental results.
Evaluation of gene expression changes in human primary lung epithelial cells following 24‐hr exposures to inorganic arsenic and its methylated metabolites and to arsenic trioxide
Authors: Efremenko Alina Y. , Seagrave JeanClare , Clewell Harvey J. , Van Landingham Cynthia , Gentry P. Robinan , Yager Janice W.
Published: April 2015

The concentration response for altered gene expression in primary lung epithelial cells was determined following two treatments with arsenicals: (1) a mixture of trivalent arsenic compounds representative of urinary arsenic concentrations in exposed human populations, and (2) arsenite (As2O3) a common form of inhaled arsenic dust that is frequently used in both in vivo and in vitro experimental exposures. Biochemical assays did not detect any evidence of cytotoxicity at the concentrations used, apart from a concentration‐related increase in cellular heme oxygenase that was also indicated by the genomic analysis. Cell signal pathway enrichment analysis indicated similar responses to both treatments, with concentration‐related responses in pathways related to cell adhesion, cytoskeleton remodeling, development (morphogenesis), cell cycle control, and to a lesser extent inflammatory responses. These cellular responses to arsenic were consistent with those observed in a previous study with primary uroepithelial cells. Benchmark dose analysis also demonstrated similar potency of the two treatments as well as comparable sensitivity of the two cell types. A number of genes showing similar concentration‐dependent expression across individuals in both bladder and lung cells were identified, including heme oxygenase 1, thioredoxin reductase, DNA damage binding protein 2, and thrombomodulin. The data on human primary lung cells from this study, together with the data from human primary uroepithelial cells, support a conclusion that biological responses to arsenic by human cells under study conditions are unlikely to occur at concentrations below 0.1 µM. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:477–490, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A coupled discrete element and finite element model for multiscale simulation of geological carbon sequestration
Authors: Bao Jie , Xu Zhijie , Fang Yilin
Published: April 2015

We present a numerical study using a discrete element method (DEM) coupled with a finite element method (FEM) at the boundary to simulate the fluid flow, geomechanical deformation, and dynamic fracturing together to enhance the sustainability analysis for geological sequestration of CO2. The fluid flow, geomechanical deformation, and fracturing due to the injection of fluid are all modeled by the bonded DEM (bonded‐DEM), where fluid flow is modeled by solving the Darcy flow directly on the Lagrangian particles. Because of the high computational expense, the bonded‐DEM is only used in the domain where fracturing is highly possible, namely the area near to the injection well and around the pre‐existing fault. For the area far away from the high risky domain, the deformation and pressure solutions are obtained by a standard finite element method (FEM). The stress, deformation, and pressure obtained from FEM are fed back into the bonded‐DEM simulations as boundary conditions that were applied to the DEM boundary particles. The proposed model has the potential to be used to evaluate the safety and sustainability of a sequestration site. By predicting the critical time when the fault is reactivated and the time when CO2 breaks through the caprock through the reactivated fault. The model also shows that the ground surface displacement can be used as an effective monitoring indicator for fracturing, fault reactivation, and CO2 breakthrough in aquifer and caprock, implying a very useful monitoring method for the safety of any sequestration site.
The neural basis of the abnormal self‐referential processing and its impact on cognitive control in depressed patients
Authors: Wagner Gerd , Schachtzabel Claudia , Peikert Gregor , Bär Karl‐Jürgen
Published: April 2015

Persistent pondering over negative self‐related thoughts is a central feature of depressive psychopathology. In this study, we sought to investigate the neural correlates of abnormal negative self‐referential processing (SRP) in patients with Major Depressive Disorder and its impact on subsequent cognitive control‐related neuronal activation. We hypothesized aberrant activation dynamics during the period of negative and neutral SRP in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) and in the amygdala in patients with major depressive disorder. Additionally, we assumed abnormal activation in the fronto‐cingulate network during Stroop task execution. 19 depressed patients and 20 healthy controls participated in the study. Using an event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) design, negative, positive and neutral self‐referential statements were displayed for 6.5 s and followed by incongruent or congruent Stroop conditions. The data were analyzed with SPM8. In contrast to controls, patients exhibited no significant valence‐dependent rACC activation differences during SRP. A novel finding was the significant activation of the amygdala and the reward‐processing network during presentation of neutral self‐referential stimuli relative to baseline and to affective stimuli in patients. The fMRI analysis of the Stroop task revealed a reduced BOLD activation in the right fronto‐parietal network of patients in the incongruent condition after negative SRP only. Thus, the inflexible activation in the rACC may correspond to the inability of depressed patients to shift their attention away from negative self‐related stimuli. The accompanying negative affect and task‐irrelevant emotional processing may compete for neuronal resources with cognitive control processes and lead thereby to deficient cognitive performance associated with decreased fronto‐parietal activation. Hum Brain Mapp 36:2781–2794, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tree traits and meteorological factors influencing the initiation and rate of stemflow from isolated deciduous trees
Authors: Carlyle‐Moses D. E. , Schooling J. T.
Published: April 2015

Tree canopy processes affect the volume and biogeochemistry of inputs to the hydrological cycle in cities. From June 2012 to November 2013, we studied stemflow production from 37 isolated deciduous park trees in a semi‐arid climate dominated by small precipitation events. To clarify the effects of canopy traits on stemflow metrics, we analysed branch angles, bark relief (one component of roughness), tree size, canopy and wood cover fraction, median leaf size, and branch and leader counts. High branch angles contributed to stemflow production in both single‐leader and multi‐leader trees. While bark relief was negatively correlated with stemflow rates in multi‐leader trees, it was positively correlated with rates for single‐leader trees, possibly reflecting the conducive role of linear furrows once bark of single‐leader trees is saturated. The association between numerous leaders, low stemflow initiation thresholds, and high rates deserves further study. Among meteorological variables, rain depth was strongly correlated with stemflow yields; rainfall inclination angle and wind speed were positively correlated with yields, while total intra‐storm break duration and vapour pressure deficit were inversely related. For rain depths <3 mm, greater stemflow was generally associated with leafless canopies. In support of integrated stormwater management, our results can inform climate‐sensitive selection and siting of urban trees with traits that tend to either promote or minimize stemflow, depending on infiltration potential. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TEMPERAMENT AND THE MOTHER–INFANT DYAD: ASSOCIATIONS WITH BREASTFEEDING AND FORMULA FEEDING WITH A BOTTLE
Authors: Kielbratowska Bogumila , Kazmierczak Maria , Michalek Justyna , Preis Krzysztof
Published: April 2015

Breastfeeding supports the formation of an emotional bond between mothers and their children. The feeding method is associated with both the child's temperament and the mother's perception of herself and the child. Therefore, the present study focuses on the feeding method, mothers’ reaction during feeding, and infants’ temperament traits. Ninety‐eight mothers with children aged 3 to 5 months participated in the study. Children were assessed with the Children Development Scale (A. Matczak et al., 2007) to measure their temperament. Mothers completed the Mother and Baby Scale (D. Wolke & I. St James‐Roberts, 1987, as cited in T.B. Brazelton & K. Nugent, 1995), which measures mothers’ evaluation of their children's behaviors during feeding and their overall experiences with their children's care. The results show that breastfed newborns, as compared to bottle‐fed newborns, demonstrate higher vigor, which includes activity and the intensity of reaction. Bottle‐fed children demonstrate higher regularity than do breastfed children. Mothers who bottle‐feed their children perceive themselves to be less confident in the feeding domain than do mothers who breastfeed. Our results indicate that children's temperament might be an important factor in the decision regarding the feeding method. The study supports the idea of promoting knowledge of children's behaviors during feeding among mothers even before their children are born, such as during antenatal classes.
Forgiveness in the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder: A Quasi‐Experimental Study
Authors: Sandage Steven J. , Long Beverly , Moen Richelle , Jankowski Peter J. , Worthington Everett L. , Wade Nathaniel G. , Rye Mark S.
Published: April 2015

Objective

This pilot study evaluated a manualized group forgiveness module within dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

Method

The study utilized a quasi‐experimental double pretest design with adults (N = 40; 88.1% female, 11.9% male) diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in outpatient DBT. Measures of forgiveness, attachment, and psychiatric symptoms were completed at 4 time points.

Results

Participants showed increases in all measures of forgiveness and decreases in attachment insecurity and psychiatric symptoms during the forgiveness module and maintained to the 6‐week follow‐up. These effects were not observed during the prior distress tolerance module. Latent change score modeling showed reductions in anxious attachment mediated the effect of changes in benevolent motivations to forgive and trait forgiveness scores on reductions in psychiatric symptoms.

Conclusions

Effect sizes were similar to meta‐analytic findings on (a) forgiveness interventions and (b) reductions in psychiatric symptoms in DBT. Participant feedback suggested elements for further development. A randomized controlled trial is needed.
Preserved muscle oxidative metabolic phenotype in newly diagnosed non‐small cell lung cancer cachexia
Authors: Op den Kamp Celine M. , Gosker Harry R. , Lagarde Suzanne , Tan Daniel Y. , Snepvangers Frank J. , Dingemans Anne‐Marie C. , Langen Ramon C.J. , Schols Annemie M.W.J.
Published: April 2015

Background

Cachexia augments cancer‐related mortality and has devastating effects on quality of life. Pre‐clinical studies indicate that systemic inflammation‐induced loss of muscle oxidative phenotype (OXPHEN) stimulates cancer‐induced muscle wasting. The aim of the current proof of concept study is to validate the presence of muscle OXPHEN loss in newly diagnosed patients with lung cancer, especially in those with cachexia.

Methods

Quadriceps muscle biopsies of comprehensively phenotyped pre‐cachectic (n = 10) and cachectic (n = 16) patients with non‐small cell lung cancer prior to treatment were compared with healthy age‐matched controls (n = 22). OXPHEN was determined by assessing muscle fibre type distribution (immunohistochemistry), enzyme activity (spectrophotometry), and protein expression levels of mitochondrial complexes (western blot) as well as transcript levels of (regulatory) oxidative genes (quantitative real‐time PCR). Additionally, muscle fibre cross‐sectional area (immunohistochemistry) and systemic inflammation (multiplex analysis) were assessed.

Results

Muscle fibre cross‐sectional area was smaller, and plasma levels of interleukin 6 were significantly higher in cachectic patients compared with non‐cachectic patients and healthy controls. No differences in muscle fibre type distribution or oxidative and glycolytic enzyme activities were observed between the groups. Mitochondrial protein expression and gene expression levels of their regulators were also not different.

Conclusion

Muscle OXPHEN is preserved in newly diagnosed non‐small cell lung cancer and therefore not a primary trigger of cachexia in these patients.
Performance polybenzoxazine membrane and mixed matrix membrane for ethanol purification via pervaporation applications
Authors: Chuntanalerg Panupong , Kulprathipanja Santi , Chaisuwan Thanyalak , Aungkavattana P , Hemra K , Wongkasemjit Sujitra
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

Polybenzoxazine (PBZ) membranes have received increasing attention for serving as a high performance membrane for pervaporation processes owing to their good mechanical properties, high chemical resistance, high thermal stability, and low synthesis cost. This study aims to develop PBZ membrane and NaA‐PBZ mixed matrix membrane (MMM) for purification of ethanol/water mixtures using a pervaporation process and to investigate the effects of preparation parameters on the membrane performance, including precursor concentrations, number of dippings, amount of NaA zeolite loading, temperature, and ethanol concentration.

RESULTS

It was found that PBZ membrane and NaA‐PBZ MMM exhibited excellent stability in all feed ethanol concentrations tested, with a low degree of swelling. The highest separation factor of the pure PBZ membrane was more than 10 000 while the NaA‐PBZ MMM was even higher, up to and, in some cases, higher than 100 000 with the highest permeation flux of 1071 g m−2 h−1 when using 25 wt% PBZ precursor with 15 wt% NaA zeolite loading. The permeation flux of MMM increased with increase in temperature or a decrease in the feed ethanol concentration. Swelling increased when the ethanol concentration was increased, revealing the hydrophobic behavior of NaA‐PBZ MMM.

CONCLUSION

The membranes are capable of purifying ethanol over a wide feed ethanol concentration range with excellent performance and properties that promise great potential for use in bioethanol purifying applications. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Association between exposure to nonactionable physiologic monitor alarms and response time in a children's hospital
Authors: Bonafide Christopher P. , Lin Richard , Zander Miriam , Graham Christian Sarkis , Paine Christine W. , Rock Whitney , Rich Andrew , Roberts Kathryn E. , Fortino Margaret , Nadkarni Vinay M. , Localio A. Russell , Keren Ron
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

Alarm fatigue is reported to be a major threat to patient safety, yet little empirical data support its existence in the hospital.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if nurses exposed to high rates of nonactionable physiologic monitor alarms respond more slowly to subsequent alarms that could represent life‐threatening conditions.

DESIGN

Observational study using video.

SETTING

Freestanding children's hospital.

PATIENTS

Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients requiring inotropic support and/or mechanical ventilation, and medical ward patients.

INTERVENTION

None.

MEASUREMENTS

Actionable alarms were defined as correctly identifying physiologic status and warranting clinical intervention or consultation. We measured response time to alarms occurring while there were no clinicians in the patient's room. We evaluated the association between the number of nonactionable alarms the patient had in the preceding 120 minutes (categorized as 0–29, 30–79, or 80+ alarms) and response time to subsequent alarms in the same patient using a log‐rank test that accounts for within‐nurse clustering.

RESULTS

We observed 36 nurses for 210 hours with 5070 alarms; 87.1% of PICU and 99.0% of ward clinical alarms were nonactionable. Kaplan‐Meier plots showed incremental increases in response time as the number of nonactionable alarms in the preceding 120 minutes increased (log‐rank test stratified by nurse P < 0.001 in PICU, P = 0.009 in the ward).

CONCLUSIONS

Most alarms were nonactionable, and response time increased as nonactionable alarm exposure increased. Alarm fatigue could explain these findings. Future studies should evaluate the simultaneous influence of workload and other factors that can impact response time. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:345–351. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Fusarinine C, a novel siderophore‐based bifunctional chelator for radiolabeling with Gallium‐68
Authors: Zhai Chuangyan , Summer Dominik , Rangger Christine , Haas Hubertus , Haubner Roland , Decristoforo Clemens
Published: April 2015

Fusarinine C (FSC), a siderophore‐based chelator coupled with the model peptide c(RGDfK) (FSC(succ‐RGD)3), revealed excellent targeting properties in vivo using positron emission tomography (PET). Here, we report the details of radiolabeling conditions and specific activity as well as selectivity for 68Ga.

68Ga labeling of FSC(succ‐RGD)3 was optimized regarding peptide concentration, pH, temperature, reaction time, and buffer system. Specific activity (SA) of [68Ga]FSC(succ‐RGD)3 was compared with 68Ga‐1,4,7‐triazacyclononane, 1‐glutaric acid‐4,7 acetic acid RGD ([68Ga]NODAGA‐RGD). Stability was evaluated in 1000‐fold ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution (pH 7) and phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). Metal competition tests (Fe, Cu, Zn, Al, and Ni) were carried out using [68Ga]‐triacetylfusarinine C.

High radiochemical yield was achieved within 5 min at room temperature, in particular allowing labeling with 68Ga up to pH 8 with excellent stability in 1000‐fold EDTA solution and PBS. The 10‐fold to 20‐fold lower concentrations of FSC(succ‐RGD)3 led to the same radiochemical yield compared with [68Ga]NODAGA‐RGD with SA up to 1.8 TBq/µmol. Metal competition tests showed high selective binding of 68Ga to FSC.

FSC is a multivalent siderophore‐based bifunctional chelator allowing fast and highly selective labeling with 68Ga in a wide pH range and results in stable complexes with high SA. Thus it is exceptionally well suited for the development of new 68Ga‐tracers for in vivo molecular imaging with PET.
Understanding the Raman spectral features of phyllosilicates
Authors: Wang Alian , Freeman John J. , Jolliff Bradley L.
Published: April 2015

Phyllosilicates, one of the five major structural types of silicates, have highly variable structures and very complex chemistry. This manuscript reports the first comprehensive Raman spectroscopic study of the five major groups of phyllosilicates. We first demonstrate that phyllosilicates have a unique Raman spectral pattern that can be used to distinguish them from orthosilicate, chain silicate, ring silicate, and framework silicate with different degrees of silicate polymerization. Second, we distinguish characteristics of Raman spectral features associated with phyllosilicates of the different stacking sequences and show how minor changes in chemical compositions and structural details in some phyllosilicates can affect their Raman spectral patterns, peak positions, and peak widths. From this study, we extract several empirical rules that can help to identify and characterize phyllosilicates based on in situ Raman spectroscopic measurements. These results are significant for planetary surface exploration, especially Mars, where the existence of phyllosilicates as a result of alteration of primary minerals has been indicated by Vis‐Near IR spectroscopy used in orbital remote sensing and recently by X‐ray diffraction in surface exploration. The spectral data collected from this study are also useful for laboratory study of terrestrial phyllosilicate samples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time‐resolved femtosecond CARS of the ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ethylsulfate
Authors: Kiefer Johannes , Namboodiri Mahesh , Kazemi Mehdi M. , Materny Arnulf
Published: April 2015

The ultrafast vibrational dynamics of the room‐temperature ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ethylsulfate, [EMIm][EtSO4] are studied using time‐resolved femtosecond coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy. Raman coherences are excited around 1040 and 1400 cm−1, the vibrational dephasing of the modes in the fingerprint region is monitored as a function of time. The results indicate that beating pairs of Raman modes typically correspond to either the cation or the anion. The assignment of mixed mode pairs is not unambiguous and, moreover, the beating patterns of such possible mixed pairs are very weak. Interestingly, no evidence for interionic vibrational energy transfer is found despite the fact that the interactions in the ion pair are characterized by strong hydrogen bonds. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micro‐Raman mapping of the polymorphs of serpentine
Authors: Petriglieri J. R. , Salvioli‐Mariani E. , Mantovani L. , Tribaudino M. , Lottici P. P. , Laporte‐Magoni C. , Bersani D.
Published: April 2015

Serpentinites are rocks, often used in buildings, formed in large extent by minerals of the serpentine group: chrysotile, antigorite, lizardite, and polygonal serpentine. The fibrous type (e.g. chrysotile) of serpentine group minerals, along with several amphibole varieties (e.g. actinolite and tremolite), are the major components of asbestos family. The exposure to fine fibrous asbestos powder is linked to diseases such as pleural mesothelioma and asbestosis. The identification of the main varieties of the serpentine group, laminated or fibrous, becomes an issue of great interest for public health. This work introduces an analytical strategy able to distinguish the different serpentine polymorphs directly on the sample, allowing the analysis within their textural environment, evidencing at the micrometer scale the mineral reactions of the phases. Samples coming from the Koniambo massif (Grande Terre Island, New Caledonia) were studied by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Raman peaks observed in the high wavenumber spectral range of 3550–3850 cm−1, associated with OH stretching vibrations, allow the discrimination of the all four serpentine varieties. The relationship between the different varieties of serpentine, at a micrometric scale, in complex samples, has been investigated by two‐dimensional Raman mapping. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gamma‐irradiated β‐glucan induces immunomodulation and anticancer activity through MAPK and NF‐κB pathways
Authors: Byun Eui‐Baek , Park Sang‐Hyun , Jang Beom‐Su , Sung Nak‐Yun , Byun Eui‐Hong
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to evaluate the antitumor activity of low‐molecular‐weight β‐glucan (LMBG) produced by gamma irradiation (50 kGy), using in vivo and in vitro models.

RESULTS

The results indicate that treatment with LMBG increased the proliferation of murine peritoneal macrophages, and their production of tumor necrosis factor α and nitric oxide, to a greater extent than treatment with high‐molecular‐weight β‐glucan (HMBG). The activation of peritoneal macrophages by LMBG was mediated by both mitogen‐activated protein kinases and nuclear factor‐κB signaling. Interestingly, when administered prophylactically, LMBG significantly inhibited tumor growth and lung metastasis in mice injected with B16BL6 melanoma cells compared with the HMBG‐treated group. In comparison with HMBG treatment, LMBG treatment also elevated cell proliferation, cytokine (interferon‐γ and interleukin‐2) production, and CD8+ T cell populations in splenocytes from tumor‐bearing mice.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate that LMBG is important in eliciting antitumor activity through a non‐specific immune response and may play a major role as a value‐added product in the medical industry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Kinetics and equilibria of the chromatographic separation of maltose and trehalose
Authors: He Dengjun , Zhou Jiachun , Xia Quanming , Jiang Lihua , Qiu Yongjun , Zhao Liming
Published: April 2015

Trehalose, a nonreducing disaccharide, has been extensively applied to food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical goods. The resultant solution of trehalose prepared by enzymatic methods includes high amounts of maltose. However, it is quite difficult to separate maltose and trehalose on an industrial scale because of their similar properties. In this paper, a high‐performance resin was selected as a stationary phase to separate trehalose and maltose, and the resolution of these sugars was 0.59. The potential of a cation exchange resin was investigated as the stationary phase in separating trehalose and maltose using deionized water as the mobile phase. Based on the equilibrium dispersive model, the axial dispersion coefficients and overall mass transfer coefficients of maltose and trehalose were determined by moment analysis at two different temperatures, 50 and 70°C. Other parameters, including the column void and the adsorption isotherms, were also determined and applied to simulate the elution curves of trehalose and maltose. The simulated results matched the experimental data, validating the parameters. The optimized parameters are critical to the chromatographic separation of trehalose and maltose on an industrial scale.
Determination of organophosphate esters in water samples by mixed‐mode liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Gao Lihong , Shi Yali , Li Wenhui , Ren Wenli , Liu Jiemin , Cai Yaqi
Published: April 2015

A simple and sensitive method for the determination of organophosphate esters in water samples by mixed‐mode liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry coupled with solid‐phase extraction is developed. Using seven alkyl phosphates, three chlorinated alkyl phosphates, and four aryl phosphates as the targets, the developed method was systematically evaluated on the basis of the influence of the solid‐phase extraction cartridge, eluting solvent, sample‐loading volume, mobile phase condition, and the separation of reversed‐phase chromatography and mixed‐mode liquid chromatography. Under the optimal conditions, these organophosphate esters can be extracted by ENVI‐18 cartridge, eluted by 6 mL of 25% dichloromethane in acetonitrile, and then qualified and quantified by mixed‐mode liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction‐monitoring mode. The application of mixed‐mode liquid chromatography endows the separation with reasonable retention for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic organophosphate esters regardless of their polarity, which is hardly achieved by reversed‐phase chromatography. Good linearity (from 0.9877 to 0.9969), low quantification limits (1–35 ng/L after extraction of 100 mL of river water), and acceptable recovery rates (58.6–116.2%, with the relative standard deviation <18.0%) were obtained. Finally, the established method was used for analyzing surface water samples, and the good applicability of this method was demonstrated.
Bony cochlear nerve canal stenosis and speech discrimination in pediatric unilateral hearing loss
Authors: Purcell Patricia L. , Iwata Ayaka J. , Phillips Grace S. , Paladin Angelisa M. , Sie Kathleen C. Y. , Horn David L.
Published: April 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To examine the relationship between bony cochlear nerve canal (BCNC) width, degree of hearing loss, and speech discrimination in children with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (USNHL).

Study Design

Retrospective chart review (case‐control study).

Methods

Audiometric database was cross‐referenced with radiologic database at pediatric tertiary care facility to identify children with USNHL and temporal bone computed tomography. BCNC widths were measured independently by two radiologists blinded to affected ear. Regression analyses investigated associations among variables.

Results

One hundred and sixty children with USNHL had temporal bone imaging. Mean BCNC width was significantly smaller in affected ears, P = 0.0001. Narrower width was associated with more severe hearing loss, P = 0.01. Among children who had narrower cochlear nerve canals in affected ears compared to unaffected ears, smaller width was associated with lower speech discrimination score, P = 0.03. Increasing asymmetry in BCNC width between affected and unaffected ears was associated with poorer discrimination scores, P = 0.02. Among ears with asymmetrically smaller cochlear nerve canals, a 1‐mm reduction in cochlear canal width between the normal and affected ear was associated with 30.4% lower word recognition score percentage in the affected ear, P = <0.001.

Conclusion

There is a significant association between BCNC stenosis and impaired speech discrimination, independent of degree of hearing loss. Further investigation is needed to determine whether BCNC stenosis is a poor prognostic factor for auditory rehabilitation.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 125:1691–1696, 2015
Microdebrider‐assisted intracapsular Tonsillectomy in adults with chronic or recurrent tonsillitis
Authors: Bender Birte , Blassnigg Elisabeth Constanze , Bechthold Jana , Kral Florian , Riccabona Ursula , Steinbichler Teresa , Riechelmann Herbert
Published: April 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

We compared the effectiveness and morbidity of microdebrider‐assisted total intracapsular tonsillectomy (ICTE) with conventional extracapsular tonsillectomy (ECTE) in adults with chronic or recurrent tonsillitis.

Study Design

Prospective randomized surgical trial.

Methods

Adult patients with recurrent or chronic tonsillitis who underwent tonsillectomy between July 2010 and July 2012 in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria, were consecutively included. Patients were randomized to receive either ICTE or ECTE. Patients and examiners were blinded to the surgical procedure. Effectiveness was assessed with the Tonsil and Adenoid Health Status Instrument (TAHSI). Various parameters of perioperative morbidity and the occurrence of tonsillar remnants were recorded.

Results

In the 104 randomized patients, the average TAHSI score was 34.6 ± 11.7 before and 2.2 ± 5.7 after 6 months following tonsillectomy (P < 0.001). TAHSI scores improved equally in patients receiving conventional ECTE (33.6 points; 95% confidence interval (CI), 29.5 to 37.6) and in patients with ICTE (31.8 points; 95% CI, 27.7 to 35.9; between groups P = 0.6). Posttonsillectomy hemorrhage was more frequent following conventional ECTE (P = 0.03). Following ECTE, patients required more pain medication then following ICTE (P < 0.05). Tonsillar remnants were significantly more frequent after ICTE (P < 0,001). However, presence of tonsillar remnants had no influence on postoperative THASI scores (P > 0.5).

Conclusion

Tonsillectomy reduced symptoms of chronic or recurrent tonsillitis in adults with remarkable effectiveness. Microdebrider‐assisted ICTE reduced symptoms as effectively as conventional ECTE. ICTE was associated with lower morbidity, but residual tonsils occurred in almost half of patients, costs were higher, and the intracapsular approach was more intricate and time‐consuming.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope, 125:2284–2290, 2015
Retrospective correction of involuntary microscopic head movement using highly accelerated fat image navigators (3D FatNavs) at 7T
Authors: Gallichan Daniel , Marques José P. , Gruetter Rolf
Published: April 2015

Purpose

The goal of the present study was to use a three‐dimensional (3D) gradient echo volume in combination with a fat‐selective excitation as a 3D motion navigator (3D FatNav) for retrospective correction of microscopic head motion during high‐resolution 3D structural scans of extended duration. The fat excitation leads to a 3D image that is itself sparse, allowing high parallel imaging acceleration factors – with the additional advantage of a minimal disturbance of the water signal used for the host sequence.

Methods

A 3D FatNav was inserted into two structural protocols: an inversion‐prepared gradient echo at 0.33 × 0.33 × 1.00 mm resolution and a turbo spin echo at 600 μm isotropic resolution.

Results

Motion estimation was possible with high precision, allowing retrospective motion correction to yield clear improvements in image quality, especially in the conspicuity of very small blood vessels.

Conclusion

The highly accelerated 3D FatNav allowed motion correction with noticeable improvements in image quality, even for head motion which was small compared with the voxel dimensions of the host sequence. Magn Reson Med 75:1030–1039, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A railroad maintenance problem solved with a cut and column generation matheuristic
Authors: Lannez Sébastien , Artigues Christian , Damay Jean , Gendreau Michel
Published: April 2015

In this article, we address a real life optimization problem, the rail track inspection scheduling problem. This problem consists of scheduling railway network inspection tasks. The objective is to minimize the total deadhead distance while performing all inspection tasks. Different 0–1 integer formulations for the problem are presented. A heuristic based on both Benders and Dantzig‐Wolfe decompositions is proposed to solve this rich arc routing problem. Its performance is analyzed on a real life dataset provided by the French national railway company. The proposed algorithm is compared to a dynamic programming‐based heuristic. Its ability to schedule the inspection tasks of 1 year on a sparse graph with thousand nodes and arcs is assessed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 66(1), 40–56 2015
Targeting the Gremlin–VEGFR2 axis – a promising strategy for multiple diseases?
Authors: Erdmann Robert , Ozden Cansu , Weidmann Jens , Schultze Alexander
Published: April 2015

Published recently in the Journal of Pathology, Lavoz et al. show that Gremlin promotes renal inflammation directly via VEGFR2. As Gremlin has been implicated in many other diseases, such as heart, lung and liver fibrosis, osteogenesis, angiogenesis and cancer, the new findings provide a rationale for novel concepts to investigate and potentially treat several pathologies. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High nitric oxide production, secondary to inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, is essential for regulation of the tumour‐initiating properties of colon cancer stem cells
Authors: Puglisi Maria Ausiliatrice , Cenciarelli Carlo , Tesori Valentina , Cappellari Marianna , Martini Maurizio , Di Francesco Angela Maria , Giorda Ezio , Carsetti Rita , Ricci‐Vitiani Lucia , Gasbarrini Antonio
Published: April 2015

Chronic inflammation is a leading cause of neoplastic transformation in many human cancers and especially in colon cancer (CC), in part due to tumour promotion by nitric oxide (NO) generated at inflammatory sites. It has also been suggested that high NO synthesis, secondary to inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression, is a distinctive feature of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of tumour cells with self‐renewal capacity. In this study we explored the contribution of NO to the development of colon CSC features and evaluated potential strategies to treat CC by modulating NO production. Our data show an integral role for endogenous NO and iNOS activity in the biology of colon CSCs. Indeed, colon CSCs with high endogenous NO production (NOhigh) displayed higher tumourigenic abilities than NOlow fractions. The blockade of endogenous NO availability, using either a specific iNOS inhibitor or a genetic knock‐down of iNOS, resulted in a significant reduction of colon CSC tumourigenic capacities in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, analysis of genes altered by iNOS‐directed shRNA showed that the knockdown of iNOS expression was associated with a significant down‐regulation of signalling pathways involved in stemness and tumour progression in colon CSCs. These findings confirm that endogenous NO plays an important role in defining the stemness properties of colon CSCs through cross‐regulation of several cellular signalling pathways. This discovery could shed light on the mechanisms by which NO induces the growth and invasiveness of CC, providing new insights into the link between inflammation and colon tumourigenesis. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A glycolytic phenotype is associated with prostate cancer progression and aggressiveness: a role for monocarboxylate transporters as metabolic targets for therapy
Authors: Pertega‐Gomes Nelma , Felisbino Sergio , Massie Charlie E , Vizcaino Jose R , Coelho Ricardo , Sandi Chiranjeevi , Simoes‐Sousa Susana , Jurmeister Sarah , Ramos‐Montoya Antonio , Asim Mohammad , Tran Maxine , Oliveira Elsa , Lobo da Cunha Alexandre , Maximo Valdemar , Baltazar Fatima , Neal David E , Fryer Lee GD
Published: April 2015

Metabolic adaptation is considered an emerging hallmark of cancer, whereby cancer cells exhibit high rates of glucose consumption with consequent lactate production. To ensure rapid efflux of lactate, most cancer cells express high levels of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs), which therefore may constitute suitable therapeutic targets. The impact of MCT inhibition, along with the clinical impact of altered cellular metabolism during prostate cancer (PCa) initiation and progression, has not been described. Using a large cohort of human prostate tissues of different grades, in silico data, in vitro and ex vivo studies, we demonstrate the metabolic heterogeneity of PCa and its clinical relevance. We show an increased glycolytic phenotype in advanced stages of PCa and its correlation with poor prognosis. Finally, we present evidence supporting MCTs as suitable targets in PCa, affecting not only cancer cell proliferation and survival but also the expression of a number of hypoxia‐inducible factor target genes associated with poor prognosis. Herein, we suggest that patients with highly glycolytic tumours have poorer outcome, supporting the notion of targeting glycolytic tumour cells in prostate cancer through the use of MCT inhibitors. © 2015 Authors. Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Macrophage PPARγ and impaired wound healing in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Mirza Rita E , Fang Milie M , Novak Margaret L , Urao Norifumi , Sui Audrey , Ennis William J , Koh Timothy J
Published: April 2015

Macrophages undergo a transition from pro‐inflammatory to healing‐associated phenotypes that is critical for efficient wound healing. However, the regulation of this transition during normal and impaired healing remains to be elucidated. In our studies, the switch in macrophage phenotypes during skin wound healing was associated with up‐regulation of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ and its downstream targets, along with increased mitochondrial content. In the setting of diabetes, up‐regulation of PPARγ activity was impaired by sustained expression of IL‐1β in both mouse and human wounds. In addition, experiments with myeloid‐specific PPARγ knockout mice indicated that loss of PPARγ in macrophages is sufficient to prolong wound inflammation and delay healing. Furthermore, PPARγ agonists promoted a healing‐associated macrophage phenotype both in vitro and in vivo, even in the diabetic wound environment. Importantly, topical administration of PPARγ agonists improved healing in diabetic mice, suggesting an appealing strategy for down‐regulating inflammation and improving the healing of chronic wounds. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions by radiation‐induced chitosan/(acrylamidoglycolic acid‐co‐acrylic acid) magnetic nanopolymer
Authors: Abou El‐Fadl F.I. , Abd El‐Mohdy H.L.
Published: April 2015

An effective method was developed to isolate toxic heavy metal ions from the aqueous solution by the magnetic nanopolymers. The magnetic sorbent was prepared with radiation‐induced crosslinking polymerization of chitosan (CS), 2‐acrylamido‐glycolic acid (AMGA), and acrylic acid (AAc), which stabilized by magnetite (Fe3O4) as nanoparticles. The formation of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into the hydrogel networks was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Scanning electron microscopy, which revealed the formation of MNPs throughout the hydrogel networks. The swelling behavior of the hydrogels and magnetic ones was evaluated at different pH values. The adsorption activity for heavy metals such as Cu2+ and Co2+ by nonmagnetic and magnetic hydrogels, Fe3O4/CS/(AMGA‐co‐AAc), in terms of adsorption amount was studied. It was revealed that hydrogel networks with magnetic properties can effectively be used in the removal of heavy metal ions pollutants and provide advantageous over conventional ones. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1441–1449, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Lysine‐based functional blocked isocyanates for the preparation of polyurethanes provided with pendant side groups
Authors: Yin Jie , Wildeman Jur , Loontjens Ton
Published: April 2015

This article describes a methodology to prepare polyurethanes (PUs), decorated with pendant (bio)functional side groups, by polymerizing (bio)functionalized blocked diisocyanates with polyols. Caprolactam blocked lysine diisocyanate methyl ester (BLDI‐OMe) was prepared in high yields, by reacting the methyl ester of lysine with carbonyl biscaprolactam. In the absence of a catalyst, the polymerization of BLDI‐OMe with polycaprolactone and polytetrahydrofuran resulted in strictly linear PUs due to the high selective reactivity of the blocked isocyanates (BIs). Although the ester appeared to be less reactive, we found hydrolyzing conditions for the ester, without affecting the BIs. The free acid groups were converted into a N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) activated ester, which was a versatile intermediate for further functionalization. After having demonstrated that model amines were able to substitute NHS without effecting the BIs groups, the same chemistry was used to couple biotin, giving a biotin functional caprolactam blocked lysine diisocyanate. The polymerization with polyols afforded the corresponding biotin‐functional PUs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 2036–2049
Adiponectin as a potential tumor suppressor inhibiting epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition but frequently silenced in prostate cancer by promoter methylation
Authors: Tan Weiwei , Wang Lin , Ma Quanping , Qi Mei , Lu Ning , Zhang Lili , Han Bo
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence suggests a particular role for obesity in prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Adiponectin (ADN) is a hormone secreted by adipose tissue and has a variety of functions including the inhibition of PCa cell proliferation. Although serum ADN levels have been identified to be related with carcinogenesis in a tissue‐specific context, the exact role of endogenous ADN in PCa cells remains largely unknown.

METHODS

Two tissue microarrays were constructed and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was utilized to detect ADN's expression in a cohort of 96 Chinese PCa patients with radical prostatectomy as well as 15 cases with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). MTS and transwell assays were applied to validate the effects of ADN on proliferation and invasive capacity of PCa cells. Real‐time PCR and Western blot were performed to evaluate the expression at transcript and protein levels. Epigenetic modifications of ADN's promoter after TGF‐β1 treatment in 22RV1 cells was monitored by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Methylation‐Specific PCR (MSP) was performed to determine the methylation status of ADN's promoter.

RESULTS

IHC showed decreased levels of ADN in 1 of 15 (6.7%) BPH cases, 6 of 27 (22.2%) PCa cases with low Gleason score (<7), 18 of 26 (69.2%) cases with Gleason score 7, but 32 of 43 (74.4%) cases with high Gleason score (>7). Silencing endogenous ADN could promote proliferation and invasion of 22RV1 cells via orchestrating Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal Transition (EMT) process. TGF‐β1, a potent EMT inducer, could decrease levels of chromatin markers associated with active genes (H3K4me3, H4acetylK16), and increase levels of repressive marker (H3K27me3) at ADN promoter in 22RV1 cells. Additionally, 5‐aza and TSA treatment restored ADN expression in LNCaP cells in which the ADN expression was almost absent. MSP analysis revealed that methylation in the promoter might be involved in decreased expression of ADN in PCa tissues.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that endogenous ADN may function as a tumor suppressor gene through inhibiting EMT of PCa cells but is down‐regulated in PCa via promoter hypermethylation. Prostate 75: 1197–1205, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.