bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New potential humic acid stationary phase toward drug components: Development of a chemometric‐assisted RP‐HPLC method for the determination of paracetamol and caffeine in tablet formulations
Authors: Topkafa Mustafa , Ayyildiz Hamide Filiz , Memon Fakhar N. , Kara Huseyin
Published: May 2016

A new humic acid based stationary phase has been used, for the first time, to achieve the separation and quantification of paracetamol and caffeine in pharmaceutical preparations under reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography conditions. Central composite design was applied as a powerful tool to optimize the most dominant parameters that influence the resolution of reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography, that is, mobile phase composition (acetonitrile percentage in water), flow rate, and column temperature. The optimum conditions were obtained as 21.69%, 1.5 mL/min, and 15°C, respectively, with the aid of a second‐order quadratic model and desirability function. Under the optimum conditions, the peaks could be baseline separated within 10 min. For the developed reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method, the linearity was investigated in the concentration ranges of 2–160 mg/mL (R2= 0.999) for paracetamol and 2–9.9 mg/mL (R2= 0.991) for caffeine. Mean recoveries for paracetamol and caffeine were 95.90 and 95.68%, respectively. The limits of detection and quantification were 4.1 × 10‐4and 1.3 × 10‐3mg/mL for paracetamol and 1.6 × 10‐4and 5.0 × 10‐4mg/mL for caffeine. The results showed that the new humic acid based stationary phase is very suitable for the separation of paracetamol and caffeine in pharmaceutical preparations and, thus it can be used effectively in the pharmaceutical industry.
Electromembrane extraction of tartrazine from food samples: Effects of nano‐sorbents on membrane performance
Authors: Yaripour Saeid , Mohammadi Ali , Nojavan Saeed
Published: May 2016

In the present study, for the first time electromembrane extraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet detection was developed and validated for the determination of tartrazine in some food samples. The parameters influencing electromembrane extraction were evaluated and optimized. The membrane consists of 1‐octanol immobilized in the pores of a hollow fiber. As a driving force, a 30 V electrical field was applied to make the analyte migrate from sample solution with pH 3, through the supported liquid membrane into an acceptor solution with pH 10. Best preconcentration (enrichment factor >21) was obtained in extraction duration of 15 min. Effects of some solid nano‐sorbents like carbon nanotubes and molecularly imprinted polymers on membrane performance and electromembrane extraction efficiency were evaluated. The method provided the linearity in the range 25–1000 ng/mL for tartrazine (R2 > 0.9996) with repeatability range (RSD) between 3.8 and 8.5% (n = 3). The limits of detection and quantitation were 7.5 and 25 ng/mL, respectively. Finally, the method was applied to the determination and quantification of tartrazine from some food samples with relative recoveries in the range between 90 and 98%.
FRET Imaging of Enzyme‐Responsive HPMA Copolymer Conjugate
Authors: Zhang Rui , Yang Jiyuan , Radford D. Christopher , Fang Yixin , Kopeček Jindřich
Published: May 2016

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) is applied to investigate the enzyme‐responsive payload release from a macromolecular therapeutic. The donor Cy5 is attached to the N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer backbone and the acceptor Cy7 is bound to the termini of enzyme‐sensitive peptide side chains. Upon exposure to an enzyme, the bond between the peptide and Cy7 is cleaved, thereby leading to the loss of FRET signal. This enzyme response is visualized at the cell, tissue and whole‐body levels. The in vitro results demonstrate that high expression of cathepsin B in tumor cells induces effective release of the drug model from conjugates resulting in a high concentration of payload inside tumor cells. The in vivo and ex vivo images show that the conjugate releases drug model faster in the ovarian tumor than in the normal tissues. The information will enhance the understanding of enzyme‐responsive polymer carriers and help to shape their design.

image
Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Patients With Different Types of Central Lines
Authors: Hord Jeffrey D. , Lawlor John , Werner Eric , Billett Amy L. , Bundy David G. , Winkle Cindi , Gaur Aditya H. ,   Children's Hospital Association Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders Network
Published: May 2016

Background

Central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric hematology/oncology (PHO) patients. Understanding the differences in CLABSI rates by central line (CL) type is important to inform clinical decisions.

Procedure

CLABSI, using similar definitions, noted with three commonly used CL types (totally implanted catheter [port], tunneled externalized catheter [TEC], peripherally inserted central catheter [PICC]) and CL‐specific line days were prospectively tracked across 15 US PHO centers from May 2012 until April 2015 and CLABSI rates (CLABSI per 1,000 CL‐specific line days) were calculated. Host and organism characterstics associated with the CLABSI events were analyzed.

Results

Over the course of 2.8 million line days, 1,113 CLABSI events (397 in inpatients and 716 in ambulatory patients) were noted. The inpatient CLABSI rate was higher than the ambulatory CLABSI rate for each of the CL types: 1.48 versus 0.16 for ports, 3.51 versus 1.38 for TECs, and 3.07 versus 1.16 for PICCs, respectively. TECs and PICCs were associated with higher CLABSI rates than ports, inpatient and ambulatory.

Conclusions

We found that CLABSI rates were significantly higher for inpatients compared to ambulatory PHO patients for all CL types. Among ambulatory patients, TECs had the highest CLABSI rate and ports the lowest. Among inpatients, TECs and PICCs had higher CLABSI rates than ports but were not statistically different from one another. Cognizant that host and underlying disease attributes may contribute to these differences, these results can still inform CL choice in clinical practice.
Coping and resiliency enhancement program (CARE): a pilot study for interpreters in cancer care
Authors: Park Elyse R. , Mutchler Jan E. , Perez Giselle , Goldman Roberta E. , Niles Halsey , Haime Vivian , Tree‐McGrath Cheyenne Fox , Yang Mai See , Woolridge Daniel , Suarez July , Donelan Karen , Pirl William F.
Published: May 2016

Objective

There is a growing demand for interpreters in the cancer setting. Interpreters, the link to quality care for limited English proficiency patients, face many psychosocial stressors in their work. This project assessed interpreters' experiences of stress and piloted a resiliency program to help interpreters cope with stressors.

Methods

From 2013 to 2014, we pilot tested a targeted resiliency program with interpreters from three Boston‐based hospitals. In Phase 1, we conducted five focus groups (n = 31) to identify interpreters' psychosocial needs. In Phase 2, we developed and tested a 4‐h group program with 29 interpreters (response rate = 90%; 69% female, 54% Hispanic, 85% born outside of the U.S.).

Results

Phase 1. Stressors were patient‐based (seeing young patients decline), interactions with medical team (unsure of role), and systems‐based (appointment unpredictability). Phase 2. At baseline interpreters reported low abilities to cope with stress (measured by the Measure of Current Status (MOCS‐A)). At 4‐week follow‐up we found improvements in job satisfaction (p = .02; Cohen's d = .41) and declines in sick days (p = .08; Cohen's d = .38). Stress reactivity (MOCS‐A) improved; specifically participants reported feeling more assertive about their needs (p = .10; Cohen's d = .30) and more able to relax at will (p = .10; Cohen's d = .35)—important mechanisms to lower distress.

Conclusions

We piloted a resiliency program for medical interpreters in cancer care. We found that interpreters experience distress and have low coping skills. This program resulted in improved work factors and stress reactivity. Future research should include further implementation and testing in a larger, randomized trial.Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Language learning, socioeconomic status, and child‐directed speech
Authors: Schwab Jessica F. , Lew‐Williams Casey
Published: May 2016

Young children's language experiences and language outcomes are highly variable. Research in recent decades has focused on understanding the extent to which family socioeconomic status (SES) relates to parents’ language input to their children and, subsequently, children's language learning. Here, we first review research demonstrating differences in the quantity and quality of language that children hear across low‐, mid‐, and high‐SESgroups, but also—and perhaps more importantly—research showing that differences in input and learning also exist withinSESgroups. Second, in order to better understand the defining features of ‘high‐quality’ input, we highlight findings from laboratory studies examining specific characteristics of the sounds, words, sentences, and social contexts of child‐directed speech (CDS) that influence children's learning. Finally, after narrowing in on these particular features ofCDS, we broaden our discussion by considering family and community factors that may constrain parents’ ability to participate in high‐quality interactions with their young children. A unification of research onSESandCDSwill facilitate a more complete understanding of the specific means by which input shapes learning, as well as generate ideas for crafting policies and programs designed to promote children's language outcomes.WIREs Cogn Sci2016, 7:264–275. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1393

This article is categorized under:

Linguistics > Language Acquisition

Psychology > Language
Malunion of the distal radius in children: Accurate prediction of the expected remodeling
Authors: van der Sluijs J. A. , Bron J. L.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Malunions of fractures in children have a natural tendency to remodel. However, quantitative data of this well-known process are scarce. The extent of the correction depends inter alia on the type of bone and the location of the deformity and growth remaining. The aim of this study was to quantify the remodeling process of distal radius malunions in children to allow better future prediction.

Methods

Data were derived from two published patient series. Analysis included 63 malunions of distal radius fractures in 62 children (38 boys), with a mean age of 8.5 years (range 2–14.5 years).

Results

The mean initial dorsovolar angulation was 25° [standard deviation (SD) 7.8°], remodeling time 22 (SD 18) months, and angulation at follow-up 6.7° (SD 5.8°). Based on these findings, the remodeling process can be described as an exponential function with angulation ( A0) as a factor and the remodeling time (RT) as a negative exponent of e ( R2 = 0.47). The function allows accurate prediction of the expected correction in over 76 % of the malunions. From this model, a formula was derived for calculation of the time needed for complete remodeling, but this formula lacked precision when compared to findings in the literature and needs to be validated.

Conclusions

The remodeling of distal radius malunions can be described as an exponential function with starting speed dependent on the initial angulation. The current model proves to be more accurate than models described previously in the literature. These findings allow for better patient information and optimal planning of eventual surgical intervention. The postulated model could serve as a basis for the description of correction of other malunions by adaptation of the coefficients in this model.
Validation of specific questionnaires to assess nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in a French population
Authors: Dochez Vincent , Dimet Jérôme , David‐Gruselle Aurélie , Le Thuaut Aurélie , Ducarme Guillaume
Published: May 2016

Objective

To validate the modified Pregnancy‐Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea (PUQE) score and the Health‐Related Quality of Life for Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (NVP‐QOL) score in a French population.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted of data for women who delivered at a tertiary care hospital in La Roche sur Yon, France, between November 1, 2012, and April 1, 2013. Only women who reported nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) in the first trimester were invited to respond to the two questionnaires.

Results

Overall, complete questionnaires were available from 399 women, 238 (59.6%) of whom reported NVP in the first trimester. The modified‐PUQE score was associated with the self‐reported symptom severity (P< 0.001). A relationship was also noted when either the NVP‐QOL score or the modified‐PUQE score was compared with the symptom intensity (P< 0.001 for both comparisons). Furthermore, a high NVP‐QOL score was associated with a high modified‐PUQE score (P< 0.001).

Conclusion

The modified‐PUQE and NVP‐QOL scores provided valid indices for assessing NVP severity and alterations in quality of life. Owing to its simplicity, the modified‐PUQE score might be used routinely among women experiencing NVP in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Combinational effects of prebiotic oligosaccharides on bifidobacterial growth and host gene expression in a simplified mixed culture model and neonatal mice
Authors: Ehara Tatsuya , Izumi Hirohisa , Tsuda Muneya , Nakazato Yuki , Iwamoto Hiroshi , Namba Kazuyoshi , Takeda Yasuhiro
Published: May 2016

It is important to provide formula-fed infants with a bifidobacteria-enriched gut microbiota similar to those of breastfed infants to ensure intestinal health. Prebiotics, such as certain oligosaccharides, are a useful solution to this problem, but the combinational benefits of these oligosaccharides have not been evaluated. This study investigated the benefits of oligosaccharide combinations and screened for an optimal combination of oligosaccharides to promote healthy gut microbiota of formula-fed infants. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to assess the bifidogenic effects of lactulose (LAC) alone and LAC combined with raffinose (RAF) and/or galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS), using a mixed culture model and neonatal mice orally administered with these oligosaccharides and Bifidobacterium breve. In the in vitro culture model, the combination of the three oligosaccharides (LAC–RAF–GOS) significantly increased cell numbers of B. breve and Bifidobacterium longum (P<0·05) compared with either LAC alone or the combination of two oligosaccharides, and resulted in the production of SCFA under anaerobic conditions. In the in vivo experiment, the LAC–RAF–GOS combination significantly increased cell numbers of B. breve and Bacteroidetes in the large intestinal content (P<0·05) and increased acetate concentrations in the caecal content and serum of neonatal mice. Genes related to metabolism and immune responses were differentially expressed in the liver and large intestine of mice administered with LAC–RAF–GOS. These results indicate a synergistic effect of the LAC–RAF–GOS combination on the growth of bifidobacteria and reveal possible benefits of this combination to the gut microbiota and health of infants.
THE EFFECT OF OSMOTIC STRESS ON ANTI-OXIDATIVE CAPACITY OF BLACK GRAM (VIGNA MUNGOL.)
Authors: BAROOWA BHASWATEE , GOGOI NIRMALI
Published: May 2016

In order to assess the response of four popularly grown black gram (Vigna mungoL.) genotypes (T9, PU 19, USJD 113, KU 301) under osmotic stress, the present study was carried out by monitoring the changes in relative leaf water content (RLWC), carotenoid, total soluble protein (TSP), membrane lipid peroxidation (MDA), H2O2scavenging capacity, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Osmotic stress was applied by withholding irrigation for 15 consecutive days at vegetative, flowering and pod filling stages. Under stress condition, several fold increase in the content of MDA, H2O2scavenging activity and antioxidant enzyme activity was recorded while, RLWC, carotenoid and TSP were found to decrease. Flowering stage was found to be most sensitive in terms of economic yield. The genotype T9 experienced lowest reduction in yield (12.10–33.91%) with maximum value of drought tolerance index (DTI) (7.48) which can be attributed to its higher tolerance capacity to drought. On the other hand, USJD 113 had the highest yield loss (26.48–60.99%) and lowest DTI (6.07) value, indicating its susceptibility towards osmotic stress.
Increase the feasible step region of biped robots through active vertical flexion and extension motions
Authors: Gao Wei , Jia Zhenzhong , Fu Chenglong
Published: May 2016

This paper investigates the active vertical motion of biped systems and its significance to the balance of biped robots, which have been commonly neglected by the use of a well-known model called the Linear Inverted Pendulum Model. The feasible step location is theoretically estimated by considering the active vertical movement on a simple point mass model. Based on the estimation, we present two new strategies, namely the flexion strategy and the extension strategy, to enable biped robots to restore balance through active upward and downward motions. The analytical results demonstrate that the robot is able to recover from much larger disturbances using our proposed methods. Simulations of the simple point mass model validate our analysis. Besides, prototype controllers that incorporate our proposed strategies have also been implemented on a simulated humanoid robot. Numerical simulations on both the simple point mass model and the realistic humanoid model prove the effectiveness of proposed strategies.
EROL GELENBE: A CAREER IN MULTI-DISCIPLINARY PROBABILITY MODELS
Authors: Çag̃layan M. Ufuk
Published: May 2016

We focus on Erol Gelenbe's scientific and technical contributions to probability models in the computer and information sciences, but limit our survey to the last fifteen years. We start with a brief overview of his work as a single author, as well as his work in collaboration with over 200 co-authors. We discuss some of his recent and innovative work regarding a new probability model that represents Intermittent Energy Sources for Computing and Communications, introducingEnergy Packet Networkswhich are a probabilistic representation of the flow, storage and consumption of electrical energy at the microscopic level (in electronic chips), and at the macroscopic level (e.g. in buildings or data centers) and for its routing and dynamic usage by consuming units (such as computer elements, chips or machines). We next discuss his work on designing computer and communication systems that parsimoniously use energy in order to achieve a satisfactory level of quality of service (QoS). Trade-offs between system QoS and energy consumption are also considered. Then we turn to Prof. Gelenbe's pioneering work on Autonomic Communications and the design and implementation of CPN, the Cognitive Packet Network, and we also briefly review his spiking random neural network that was used in CPN. This is followed by a brief review of work that he conducted since 1999 on human evacuation from dangerous or catastrophic environments, and the design of technology driven Emergency Management Systems. His research since the late 2000s on Gene Regulatory Networks is then covered together with its application to the detecting possible disease from microarray data. Finally, we briefly discuss some novel analytical models that he developed in this period with publications appearing in journals of physics and applied mathematics.
The genus of regular languages
Authors: BONFANTE GUILLAUME , DELOUP FLORIAN
Published: May 2016

The paper defines and studies the genus of finite state deterministic automata (FSA) and regular languages. Indeed, an FSA can be seen as a graph for which the notion of genus arises. At the same time, an FSA has a semantics via its underlying language. It is then natural to make a connection between the languages and the notion of genus. After we introduce and justify the the notion of the genus for regular languages, the following questions are addressed. First, depending on the size of the alphabet, we provide upper and lower bounds on the genus of regular languages: we show that under a relatively generic condition on the alphabet and the geometry of the automata, the genus grows at least linearly in terms of the size of the automata. Second, we show that the topological cost of the powerset determinization procedure is exponential. Third, we prove that the notion of minimization is orthogonal to the notion of genus. Fourth, we build regular languages of arbitrary large genus: the notion of genus defines a proper hierarchy of regular languages.
To renegotiate heritage and citizenship beyond essentialism
Authors: Högberg Anders
Published: May 2016

The heritage sector all through Europe and beyond is historically linked to the task of providing nations with glorious myths of origin within a metaphysical framework of essentialism. This is now shifting. With ambitions to pluralize the past, archaeology and the heritage sector are transforming within the nation state. Heritage in present-day societies has increasingly come to serve citizens with a range of cultural identities to chose from. But what is actually new in the way archaeology and the heritage sector address issues of heritage and citizenship? This text discusses how the heritage sector tends to renegotiate the essentialism of the nation state in theory, but at the same time maintain essentialism as the driving force in professional practices and interpretative frameworks. I suggest a new way for archaeology to work within another framework than essentialism. This suggestion does not go beyond the nation state, but inspires archaeology to rethink its narratives on how heritage links to citizenship.
Tsunami waves extensively resurfaced the shorelines of an early Martian ocean
Authors: Rodriguez J. Alexis P. , Fairén Alberto G. , Tanaka Kenneth L. , Zarroca Mario , Linares Rogelio , Platz Thomas , Komatsu Goro , Miyamoto Hideaki , Kargel Jeffrey S. , Yan Jianguo , Gulick Virginia , Higuchi Kana , Baker Victor R. , Glines Natalie
Published: May 2016

It has been proposed that ~3.4 billion years ago an ocean fed by enormous catastrophic floods covered most of the Martian northern lowlands. However, a persistent problem with this hypothesis is the lack of definitive paleoshoreline features. Here, based on geomorphic and thermal image mapping in the circum-Chryse and northwestern Arabia Terra regions of the northern plains, in combination with numerical analyses, we show evidence for two enormous tsunami events possibly triggered by bolide impacts, resulting in craters ~30 km in diameter and occurring perhaps a few million years apart. The tsunamis produced widespread littoral landforms, including run-up water-ice-rich and bouldery lobes, which extended tens to hundreds of kilometers over gently sloping plains and boundary cratered highlands, as well as backwash channels where wave retreat occurred on highland-boundary surfaces. The ice-rich lobes formed in association with the younger tsunami, showing that their emplacement took place following a transition into a colder global climatic regime that occurred after the older tsunami event. We conclude that, on early Mars, tsunamis played a major role in generating and resurfacing coastal terrains.
Large-Scale and Defect-Free Silicon Metamaterials with Magnetic Response
Authors: Yi Ningbo , Sun Shang , Gao Yisheng , Wang Kaiyang , Gu Zhiyuan , Sun Siwu , Song Qinghai , Xiao Shumin
Published: May 2016

All-dielectric metamaterials offer a potential low-loss alternative to plasmonic metamaterials at optical frequencies. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a silicon based large-scale magnetic metamaterial, which is fabricated with standard photolithography and conventional reactive ion etching process. The periodically arrayed silicon sub-wavelength structures possess electric and magnetic responses with low loss in mid-infrared wavelength range. We investigate the electric and magnetic resonances dependencies on the structural parameters and demonstrate the possibility of obtaining strong dielectric-based magnetic resonance through a broad band range. The optical responses are quite uniform over a large area about 2 × 2 cm2. The scalability of this design and compatibility fabrication method with highly developed semiconductor devices process could lead to new avenues of manipulating light for low-loss, large-area and real integrated photonic applications.
Targeting human respiratory syncytial virus transcription anti-termination factor M2-1 to inhibit in vivo viral replication
Authors: Bailly B. , Richard C.-A. , Sharma G. , Wang L. , Johansen L. , Cao J. , Pendharkar V. , Sharma D.-C. , Galloux M. , Wang Y. , Cui R. , Zou G. , Guillon P. , von Itzstein M. , Eléouët J.-F. , Altmeyer R.
Published: May 2016

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection in infants, elderly and immunocompromised individuals. To date, no specific antiviral drug is available to treat or prevent this disease. Here, we report that the Smoothened receptor (Smo) antagonist cyclopamine acts as a potent and selective inhibitor of in vitro and in vivo hRSV replication. Cyclopamine inhibits hRSV through a novel, Smo-independent mechanism. It specifically impairs the function of the hRSV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complex notably by reducing expression levels of the viral anti-termination factor M2-1. The relevance of these findings is corroborated by the demonstration that a single R151K mutation in M2-1 is sufficient to confer virus resistance to cyclopamine in vitro and that cyclopamine is able to reduce virus titers in a mouse model of hRSV infection. The results of our study open a novel avenue for the development of future therapies against hRSV infection.
Liposome production by microfluidics: potential and limiting factors
Authors: Carugo Dario , Bottaro Elisabetta , Owen Joshua , Stride Eleanor , Nastruzzi Claudio
Published: May 2016

This paper provides an analysis of microfluidic techniques for the production of nanoscale lipid-based vesicular systems. In particular we focus on the key issues associated with the microfluidic production of liposomes. These include, but are not limited to, the role of lipid formulation, lipid concentration, residual amount of solvent, production method (including microchannel architecture), and drug loading in determining liposome characteristics. Furthermore, we propose microfluidic architectures for the mass production of liposomes with a view to potential industrial translation of this technology.
A first report of hydroxylated apatite as structural biomineral in Loasaceae – plants’ teeth against herbivores
Authors: Ensikat Hans-Jürgen , Geisler Thorsten , Weigend Maximilian
Published: May 2016

Biomineralization provides living organisms with various materials for the formation of resilient structures. Calcium phosphate is the main component of teeth and bones in vertebrates, whereas especially silica serves for the protection against herbivores on many plant surfaces. Functional calcium phosphate structures are well-known from the animal kingdom, but had not so far been reported from higher plants. Here, we document the occurrence of calcium phosphate biomineralization in the South-American plant group Loasaceae (rock nettle family), which have stinging trichomes similar to those of the well-known stinging nettles (Urtica). Stinging hairs and the smaller, glochidiate trichomes contained nanocrystalline hydroxylated apatite, especially in their distal portions, replacing the silica found in analogous structures of other flowering plants. This could be demonstrated by chemical, spectroscopic and diffraction analyses. Some species of Loasaceae contained both calcium phosphate and silica in addition to calcium carbonate. The intriguing discovery of structural hydroxylated apatite in plants invites further studies, e.g., on its systematic distribution across the family, the genetic and cellular control of plant biomineralization, the properties and ultrastructure of calcium phosphate. It may prove the starting point for the development of biomimetic calcium phosphate composites based on a cellulose matrix.
Oxidation-Based Continuous Laser Writing in Vertical Nano-Crystalline Graphite Thin Films
Authors: Loisel Loïc , Florea Ileana , Cojocaru Costel-Sorin , Tay Beng Kang , Lebental Bérengère
Published: May 2016

Nano and femtosecond laser writing are becoming very popular techniques for patterning carbon-based materials, as they are single-step processes enabling the drawing of complex shapes without photoresist. However, pulsed laser writing requires costly laser sources and is known to cause damages to the surrounding material. By comparison, continuous-wave lasers are cheap, stable and provide energy at a more moderate rate. Here, we show that a continuous-wave laser may be used to pattern vertical nano-crystalline graphite thin films with very few macroscale defects. Moreover, a spatially resolved study of the impact of the annealing to the crystalline structure and to the oxygen ingress in the film is provided: amorphization, matter removal and high oxygen content at the center of the beam; sp2 clustering and low oxygen content at its periphery. These data strongly suggest that amorphization and matter removal are controlled by carbon oxidation. The simultaneous occurrence of oxidation and amorphization results in a unique evolution of the Raman spectra as a function of annealing time, with a decrease of the I(D)/I(G) values but an upshift of the G peak frequency.
Surface modification of nanoparticles enables selective evasion of phagocytic clearance by distinct macrophage phenotypes
Authors: Qie Yaqing , Yuan Hengfeng , von Roemeling Christina A. , Chen Yuanxin , Liu Xiujie , Shih Kevin D. , Knight Joshua A. , Tun Han W. , Wharen Robert E. , Jiang Wen , Kim Betty Y.S.
Published: May 2016

Nanomedicine is a burgeoning industry but an understanding of the interaction of nanomaterials with the immune system is critical for clinical translation. Macrophages play a fundamental role in the immune system by engulfing foreign particulates such as nanoparticles. When activated, macrophages form distinct phenotypic populations with unique immune functions, however the mechanism by which these polarized macrophages react to nanoparticles is unclear. Furthermore, strategies to selectively evade activated macrophage subpopulations are lacking. Here we demonstrate that stimulated macrophages possess higher phagocytic activities and that classically activated (M1) macrophages exhibit greater phagocytic capacity than alternatively activated (M2) macrophages. We show that modification of nanoparticles with polyethylene-glycol results in decreased clearance by all macrophage phenotypes, but importantly, coating nanoparticles with CD47 preferentially lowers phagocytic activity by the M1 phenotype. These results suggest that bio-inspired nanoparticle surface design may enable evasion of specific components of the immune system and provide a rational approach for developing immune tolerant nanomedicines.
What drives phenotypic divergence in Leymus chinensis (Poaceae) on large-scale gradient, climate or genetic differentiation?
Authors: Yuan Shan , Ma Linna , Guo Chengyuan , Wang Renzhong
Published: May 2016

Elucidating the driving factors among-population divergence is an important task in evolutionary biology, however the relative contribution from natural selection and neutral genetic differentiation has been less debated. A manipulation experiment was conducted to examine whether the phenotypic divergence of Leymus chinensis depended on climate variations or genetic differentiations at 18 wild sites along a longitudinal gradient from 114 to 124°E in northeast China and at common garden condition of transplantation. Demographical, morphological and physiological phenotypes of 18 L. chinensis populations exhibited significant divergence along the gradient, but these divergent variations narrowed significantly at the transplantation. Moreover, most of the phenotypes were significantly correlated with mean annual precipitation and temperature in wild sites, suggesting that climatic variables played vital roles in phenotypic divergence of the species. Relative greater heterozygosity (HE), genotype evenness (E) and Shannon-Wiener diversity (I) in western group of populations suggested that genetic differentiation also drove phenotypic divergence of the species. However, neutral genetic differentiation (FST = 0.041) was greatly lower than quantitative differentiation (QST = 0.199), indicating that divergent selection/climate variable was the main factor in determining the phenotypic divergence of the species along the large-scale gradient.
Functional dichotomy of Vδ2 γδ T cells in chronic hepatitis C virus infections: role in cytotoxicity but not for IFN-γ production
Authors: Yin Wenwei , Tong Shiwen , Zhang Qiongfang , shao Jianying , Liu Qian , Peng Hong , Hu Huaidong , Peng Mingli , Hu Peng , Ren Hong , Tian Zhigang , Zhang Dazhi
Published: May 2016

Vδ2 γδ (Vδ2) T cells, a major human γδ T cell subset, exhibit broad anti-tumor and anti-infective activity; however, their precise role in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the phenotype and function of Vδ2 T cells in 43 HCV-infected patients compared to 39 healthy controls (HCs). Vδ2 T cells from HCV-infected patients were activated and differentiated into effector cells. Vδ2 T cells in patients expressed significantly higher levels of natural killer (NK) cell markers CD56 and CD16 than in HCs, acquiring cytotoxic NK-like phenotype. The Vδ2 T cell phenotype was associated with increased cytolytic effector molecules expression in HCV-infected patients with elevated serum ALT levels. Surprisingly, Vδ2 T cells in patients had a markedly impaired capacity to produce IFN-γ. Further in vitro and in vivo analysis showed that interferon-α, which was induced during HCV infection, caused Vδ2 T cell function bias toward cytotoxicity. These results suggest a functional dichotomy for Vδ2 T cells in chronic HCV infections: a role in cytotoxicity but not for IFN-γ production, which may contribute to both the liver inflammation and HCV persistence.
Alteration of functional connectivity in autism spectrum disorder: effect of age and anatomical distance
Authors: Long Zhiliang , Duan Xujun , Mantini Dante , Chen Huafu
Published: May 2016

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with disruption of local- and long-range functional connectivity (FC). The direction of those changes in FC (increase or decrease), however, is inconsistent across studies. Further, age-dependent changes of distance-specific FC in ASD remain unclear. In this study, we used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from sixty-four typical controls (TC) and sixty-four patients with ASD, whom we further classified into child (<11 years), adolescent (11–18 years) and adult cohorts (>18 years). Functional connectivity (FC) analysis was conducted at voxel level. We employed a three-way analysis of covariance on FC to conduct statistical analyses. Results revealed that patients with ASD had lower FC than TC in cerebellum, fusiform gyrus, inferior occipital gyrus and posterior inferior temporal gyrus. Significant diagnosis-by-distance interaction was observed in ASD patients with reduced short-range and long-range FC in posterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex. Importantly, we found significant diagnosis-by-age-by-distance interaction in orbitofrontal cortex with short-range FC being lower in autistic children, but –to a less extent– higher in autistic adults. Our findings suggest a major role of connection length in development changes of FC in ASD. We hope our study will facilitate deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying ASD.
Tandem dissolution of UO3in amide-based acidic ionic liquid and in situ electrodeposition of UO2with regeneration of the ionic liquid: a closed cycle
Authors: Wanigasekara Eranda , Freiderich John W. , Sun Xiao-Guang , Meisner Roberta A. , Luo Huimin , Delmau Lætitia H. , Dai Sheng , Moyer Bruce A.
Published: May 2016

A closed cycle is demonstrated for the tandem dissolution and electroreduction of UO3to UO2with regeneration of the acidic ionic liquid.
Labs-on-a-chip meet self-propelled micromotors
Authors: Maria-Hormigos R. , Jurado-Sánchez B. , Escarpa A.
Published: May 2016

Labs-on-a-chip meet smart micromotors: towards “flow-free” chips.
Anionic polymerization of 1,3-pentadiene in toluene: homopolymer, alternating and block copolymers
Authors: Ren Lei , Liu Kun , He Qing , Ou Encai , Lu Yanbing , Xu Weijian
Published: May 2016

Well-defined alternating and amphiphilic diblock copolymers containing poly(1,3-pentadiene) were synthesized in toluene via living anionic polymerization.
Formation of nanoplate-based clew-like ZnO mesocrystals and their photocatalysis application
Authors: Song Xueling , Dong Dehua , Yang Ping
Published: May 2016

The formation mechanism of a nanoplate-based clew-like ZnO mesocrystal was found to be mainly by a nonclassical crystallization process.
Methoxycarbonylation of 1,6-hexanediamine with dimethyl carbonate to dimethylhexane-1,6-dicarbamate over Zn/SiO2 catalyst
Authors: Zhang Lina , Li Hongguang , Li Feng , Pu Yanfeng , Zhao Ning , Xiao Fukui
Published: May 2016

The activated Zn(OAc)2 in Zn/SiO2 catalysts facilitates the activation of DMC which leads to better catalytic performance.
Collective modes in two-dimensional one-component-plasma with logarithmic interaction
Authors: Khrapak Sergey A. , Klumov Boris A. , Khrapak Alexey G.
Published: May 2016

The collective modes of a familiar two-dimensional one-component-plasma with the repulsive logarithmic interaction between the particles are analysed using the quasi-crystalline approximation (QCA) combined with the molecular dynamic simulation of the equilibrium structural properties. It is found that the dispersion curves in the strongly coupled regime are virtually independent of the coupling strength. Arguments based on the excluded volume consideration for the radial distribution function allow us to derive very simple expressions for the dispersion relations, which show excellent agreement with the exact QCA dispersion over the entire domain of wavelengths. Comparison with the results of the conventional fluid analysis is performed, and the difference is explained.
Interface oxygen and heat sensitivity of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 and CuGaSe2 solar cells
Authors: Ishizuka Shogo , Fons Paul J. , Yamada Akimasa , Kamikawa-Shimizu Yukiko , Shibata Hajime
Published: May 2016

Combined oxygen and heat exposure processes after p-CuGaSe2/n-CdS junction formation degrade CuGaSe2 solar cell efficiency, whereas such annealing processes can improve high In content Cu(In,Ga)Se2 device performance. This result is chiefly attributable to different interface structures consisting of oxygen-sensitive CuGaSe2 or relatively oxygen-insensitive Cu(In,Ga)Se2. To reduce CuGaSe2 interfacial recombination, reduction of the process temperature of the front contact layer deposition process is found to be the key. In this work, fill factor values exceeding 0.7 are reproducibly obtained from CuGaSe2 solar cells, though such high fill factor values have been very challenging to demonstrate to date using CuGaSe2 photoabsorber layers.
Micro electrical impedance spectroscopy on a needle for ex vivo discrimination between human normal and cancer renal tissues
Authors: Yun Joho , Kim Hyeon Woo , Park Yangkyu , Cha Jung-Joon , Lee Jeong Zoo , Shin Dong Gil , Lee Jong-Hyun
Published: May 2016

The ex-vivo discrimination between human normal and cancer renal tissues was confirmed using μEoN (micro electrical impedance spectroscopy-on-a-needle) by measuring and comparing the electrical impedances in the frequency domain. To quantify the extent of discrimination between dissimilar tissues and to determine the optimal frequency at which the discrimination capability is at a maximum, discrimination index (DI) was employed for both magnitude and phase. The highest values of DI for the magnitude and phase were 5.15 at 1 MHz and 3.57 at 1 kHz, respectively. The mean magnitude and phase measured at the optimal frequency for normal tissues were 5013.40 ± 94.39 Ω and −68.54 ± 0.72°, respectively; those for cancer tissues were 4165.19 ± 70.32 Ω and −64.10 ± 0.52°, respectively. A statistically significant difference (p< 0.05) between the two tissues was observed at all the investigated frequencies. To extract the electrical properties (resistance and capacitance) of these bio-tissues through curve fitting with experimental results, an equivalent circuit was proposed based on the μEoN structure on the condition that the μEoN was immersed in the bio-tissues. The average and standard deviation of the extracted resistance and capacitance for the normal tissues were 6.22 ± 0.24 kΩ and 280.21 ± 32.25 pF, respectively, and those for the cancer tissues were 5.45 ± 0.22 kΩ and 376.32 ± 34.14 pF, respectively. The electrical impedance was higher in the normal tissues compared with the cancer tissues. The μEoN could clearly discriminate between normal and cancer tissues by comparing the results at the optimal frequency (magnitude and phase) and those of the curve fitting (extracted resistance and capacitance).
Highly Ordered Honeycomb Film Formation of Linear Polymers by the Breath Figure Technique
Authors: Gurr Paul A. , Zhang Zhou , Hao Xiaojuan , Hughes Timothy C. , Qiao Greg G.
Published: May 2016

Highly ordered, porous honeycomb (HC) films were prepared by the breath figure technique from linear polymers poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS). Typically HC films are difficult to form from such simple linear polymers. The addition of a novel fluorinated polymer (FP) additive with as little as 1 wt-% to PMMA or 5 wt-% to PS was required to obtain regular porous HC films. Through investigation of the influence of the additive on the polymer properties, three parameters based on interfacial tension, polymer solution viscosity, and polymer solidification rate were identified as key factors affecting the ability of polymer systems to form regular porous HC films. A new hypothesis was subsequently developed based on the relationships of these parameters to explain the unusual behaviour associated with HC film formation from linear PMMA and PS with addition of FP additive. This work will provide a new tool to guide the formation of HC films and will greatly broaden the range of polymers used to form HC films in the future.
Impact of Living With Scoliosis: A utility Outcome Score Assessment
Authors: Aldebeyan Sultan , Sinno Hani , Makhdom Asim , Ouellet Jean A. , Saran Neil
Published: May 2016

Study Design.

Survey.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to objectify the burden of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) to better advocate for scoliosis care in the future.

Summary of Background Data.

AIS is a common spinal deformity that can affect individuals on many levels. Patients with big curves usually seek medical advice for surgical correction of their deformity.

Methods.

Participants completed an online questionnaire to help measure the health burden of AIS. Three utility outcome measures were then calculated. These included the visual analog scale, time trade off, and standard gamble. Student t test and linear regression were used for statistical analysis.

Results.

One hundred and ten participants were included in the analysis. The mean visual analog scale, time trade off, and standard gamble scores for AIS were 0.77 ± 0.16, 0.90 ± 0.11, and 0.91 ± 0.13, respectively. Factors such as age, sex, income, and level of education were dependent predictors of utility scores for AIS.

Conclusion.

Our participants demonstrated a significant perceived burden of AIS. If faced with AIS, participants were willing to sacrifice 3.6 years of their lives and undergo a procedure with 9% mortality rate to gain perfect health. Such findings can guide future allocation of resources for better scoliosis care and management.

Level of Evidence: 4
The Management of Refractory Dry Eye With Semi-Scleral Contact Lens
Authors: Yuksel Erdem , Bilgihan Kamil , Novruzlu Şahin , Yuksel Nilay , Koksal Murat
Published: May 2016

We presented a case of refractory dry eye management with semi-scleral contact lens. Dry eye was associated with facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) palsy as a result of cerebellopontine angle tumor surgery. She was treated with several topical treatments and punctal plug. Despite the treatments, her symptoms still persisted. Her ophthalmic examination revealed scleral exposure because of lagophthalmos, conjunctival hyperemia, corneal debris, scar, and diffuse punctate epitheliopathy on her right eye. Lissamine green staining showed diffuse conjunctival and corneal staining. Therapeutic semi-scleral lenses were fitted. The corneal findings were resolved and the quality of patient life was improved with the aid of semi-scleral lens after 3 months.
Giant Chondroid Syringoma of the Lower Eyelid
Authors: Hudson Lauren E. , Craven Caroline M. , Wojno Ted H. , Grossniklaus Hans E.
Published: May 2016

Chondroid syringoma is a benign mixed tumor characterized by sweat gland elements in a cartilaginous stroma. This rare tumor accounts for only 0.01% of all primary skin tumors and occurs only rarely in the periorbital region. Usually between 0.5 cm and 3.0 cm, risk of malignancy increases in chondroid syringomas greater than 3.0 cm in size. Here, the authors report a rare case of giant chondroid syringoma arising in the lower eyelid, characterized by keratinized stratified epithelium in a cartilaginous stroma. This case illustrates the importance of considering a possible diagnosis of chondroid syringoma in the evaluation of eyelid masses.
Measles eradication in Morocco: molecular epidemiology of measles virus 1998–2014
Authors: Benamar Touria
Published: May 2016

The molecular characterization of measles is essential in a context of elimination. Indeed, it allows identifying the origin and transmission pathways to establish or reject the connections between cases and outbreaks, to observe the evolution of circulating strains and differentiate between indigenous strains, strains imported, or vaccine strains. Therefore, the molecular characterization of the measles virus is an essential element for the documentation of the interruption of endemic transmission.

The introduction of the measles molecular surveillance in Morocco has shown significant changes over time, including the disappearance of some genotypes and the emergence of new ones. This review aims to overview this evolution, between 1998 and 2015, with regard to the measles control/elimination strategy in Morocco. This analysis reveals the direct impact of the immunization activities undertaken in Morocco on the circulating genotypes. However, a well performing surveillance system providing comprehensive epidemiological data is needed to complement the contribution of the genetic characterization.