bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imposex and novel mechanisms of reproductive failure induced by tributyltin (TBT) in the freshwater snail Pomacea canaliculata
Authors: Giraud-Billoud Maximiliano , Vega Israel A. , Wuilloud Rodolfo G. , Clément María E. , Castro-Vazquez Alfredo
Published: June 2013

The effects of tributyltin (TBT) on mortality and reproduction were studied in the invasive snail Pomacea canaliculata. The nominal median lethal concentration (LC50) was 9 µg TBT/L, after 28 d. The nominal no-observed effect on lethality concentration (NOECL) was 6 µg TBT/L after the same period. Male–female couples and females that had been group-mated but were isolated from males during the experiment (isolated females) were exposed (for 28 d) to either 0 µg/L or 6 µg/L of TBT (nominal NOECL-exposed). Copulation and oviposition frequencies, egg clutch mass, and percentage of egg fertility were recorded. Gonads (both sexes) and the seminal receptacle (females) were studied histologically at the end of the experiment. A significant decrease in copulation frequency was observed in mated-exposed females. Exposure also decreased oviposition frequency of mated-exposed and isolated-exposed females, but only the latter reached significance. No differences in either egg clutch mass or percentage of fertility were observed at first oviposition, but both parameters were drastically reduced in subsequent egg clutches of exposed females. No histological alterations were observed in gonads of TBT-exposed animals; however, sperm storage in the seminal receptacle was drastically decreased in exposed females. Imposex but no oviductal obstruction was observed in all exposed females. It is concluded that TBT induces reproductive failure in P. canaliculata by decreasing copulation frequency and by severely affecting sperm storage by the female. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2365–2371. © 2013 SETAC
A model for the viscous dissipation rate in stably stratified, sheared turbulence
Authors: Fossum H. E. , Wingstedt E. M. M. , Reif B. A. P.
Published: June 2013

A model for the turbulence dissipation rate in stably stratified shear turbulence is developed and validated. The functional dependence of the model is derived from first principles and it represents a conceptually new approach in that it depends on the background temperature field rather than on the fluctuating velocity field. This novel feature makes the proposed model a viable candidate for dissipation rate estimates in measured real‐life flows. Direct numerical simulation data are used for a priori assessment of the proposed model. It is demonstrated that the proposed model performs very well, particularly in cases where the background stratification becomes dynamically important. Also, a generalized expression for the mixing coefficient has been rigorously derived from first principles assuming local isotropy of incompressible turbulent flows. The mixing coefficient is shown to depend on the Prandtl number and values are in correspondence with previous studies.
PER‐PERIOD CO‐PAYMENTS AND THE DEMAND FOR HEALTH CARE: EVIDENCE FROM SURVEY AND CLAIMS DATA
Authors: Farbmacher Helmut , Winter Joachim
Published: June 2013

When health insurance reforms involve non‐linear price schedules tied to payment periods (for example, fees levied by quarter or year), the empirical analysis of its effects has to take the within‐period time structure of incentives into account. The analysis is further complicated when demand data are obtained from a survey in which the reporting period does not coincide with the payment period. We illustrate these issues using as an example a health care reform in Germany that imposed a per‐quarter fee of €10 for doctor visits and additionally set an out‐of‐pocket maximum. This co‐payment structure results in an effective ‘spot’ price for a doctor visit that decreases over time within each payment period. Taking this variation into account, we find a substantial reform effect—especially so for young adults. Overall, the number of doctor visits decreased by around 9% in the young population. The probability of visiting a physician in any given quarter decreased by around 4 to 8 percentage points. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MEDICARE SKILLED NURSING FACILITY REIMBURSEMENT AND UPCODING
Authors: Bowblis John R. , Brunt Christopher S.
Published: June 2013

Post‐acute care provided by skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) is reimbursed by Medicare under a prospective payment system using resource utilization groups (RUGs) that adjust payment intensity on the basis of predefined ranges of weekly therapy minutes provided and the functionality of the patient. Individual RUGs account for differences in the intensity of care provided, but there exists significant regional variation in the payments SNFs receive from Medicare due to the use of geographic adjustment factors. This paper is the first to use this geographic variation in the generosity of Medicare reimbursement to empirically test if SNFs respond to payment differences between RUG categories. The results are highly suggestive that SNFs upcode patients by providing additional therapy minutes to increase revenue, whereas we find no evidence of upcoding related to patient functionality scores. Simulating how different payment differentials affect RUG selection, we predict that reducing the financial incentive to upcode could result in significant savings to Medicare. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of 35 cell surface antigen levels in malignant pleural effusions identifies CD24 as a marker of disseminated tumor cells
Authors: Yao Xiaosai , Labelle Myriam , Lamb Carla R. , Dugan John M. , Williamson Christina A. , Spencer Donna R. , Christ Kimberly R. , Keating Ryan O. , Lee W. David , Paradis Glenn A. , Begum Shahinoor , Hynes Richard O. , Wittrup K. Dane
Published: June 2013

Many targets have been identified in solid tumors for antibody therapy but it is less clear what surface antigens may be most commonly expressed on disseminated tumor cells. Using malignant pleural effusions as a source of disseminated tumor cells, we compared a panel of 35 antigens for their cancer specificity, antigen abundance and functional significance. These antigens have been previously implicated in cancer metastasis and fall into four categories: (i) cancer stem cell, (ii) epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, (iii) metastatic signature of in vivo selection and (iv) tyrosine kinase receptors. We determined the antigen density of all 35 antigens on the cell surface by flow cytometry, which ranges from 3 × 103–7 × 106 copies per cell. Comparison between the malignant and benign pleural effusions enabled us to determine the antigens specific for cancer. We further chose six antigens and examined the correlation between their expression levels and tumor formation in immunocompromised mice. We concluded that CD24 is one of the few antigens that could simultaneously meet all three criteria of an ideal target. It was specifically and abundantly expressed in malignant pleural effusions; CD24high tumor cells formed tumors in mice at a faster rate than CD24low tumor cells, and shRNA‐mediated knockdown of CD24 in HT29 cells confirmed a functional requirement for CD24 in the colonization of the lung. Concomitant consideration of antigen abundance, specificity and functional importance can help identify potentially useful markers for disseminated tumor cells.
Association Between the Metabolome and Low Bone Mineral Density in Taiwanese Women Determined by 1H NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: You Ying-Shu , Lin Ching-Yu , Liang Hao-Jan , Lee Shen-Hung , Tsai Keh-Sung , Chiou Jeng-Min , Chen Yen-Ching , Tsao Chwen-Keng , Chen Jen-Hau
Published: June 2013

Osteoporosis is related to the alteration of specific circulating metabolites. However, previous studies on only a few metabolites inadequately explain the pathogenesis of this complex syndrome. To date, no study has related the metabolome to bone mineral density (BMD), which would provide an overview of metabolism status and may be useful in clinical practice. This cross-sectional study involved 601 healthy Taiwanese women aged 40 to 55 years recruited from MJ Health Management Institution between 2009 and 2010. Participants were classified according to high (2nd tertile plus 3rd tertile) and low (1st tertile) BMD groups. The plasma metabolome was evaluated by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). Principal components analysis (PCA), partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the association between the metabolome and BMD. The high and low BMD groups could be differentiated by PLS-DA but not PCA in postmenopausal women (Q2 = 0.05, ppermutation = 0.04). Among postmenopausal women, elevated glutamine was significantly associated with low BMD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.10); meanwhile, elevated lactate (AOR = 0.55), acetone (AOR = 0.51), lipids (AOR = 0.04), and very low-density lipoprotein (AOR = 0.49) protected against low BMD. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to identify a group of metabolites for characterizing low BMD in postmenopausal women using a 1H NMR–based metabolomic approach. The metabolic profile may be useful for predicting the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at an early age. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The effect of carbon source on extracellular polymeric substances production and its influence on sludge floc properties
Authors: Wang Hongwu , Deng Huanhuan , Ma Luming , Ge Liyun
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) play an essential role in the performance of biological wastewater treatment. It is necessary to understand the correlation between EPSs and the carbon sources and sludge‐retention time (SRT) of the activated‐sludge process to gain efficient operational strategies.

RESULTS

Polysaccharides (PSs) and proteins (PNs) were the main constituents in EPSs. The percentage of PSs and PNs in the loosely bound (LB‐) EPSs and tightly bound (TB‐) EPSs were 18–90% and 18–85%, respectively. The PS/PN ratios in the LB‐EPS and TB‐EPS were in the range 0.38–2.50 and 0.30–2.34, respectively. The contents of LB‐EPSs and TB‐EPSs were both slightly higher in sludge samples cultivated by starch than by those cultivated by glucose. Compared with the sludge samples grown in glucose, the PSs content of the LB‐EPS was higher than in other samples, whereas the PNs content was lower in the LB‐EPS from sludge flocs grown in starch than those grown in glucose. PSs yield of TB‐EPSs was almost equal in the two carbon sources, whereas PNs yield was slightly higher in TB‐EPSs from samples cultured with glucose than with starch.

CONCLUSION

Laboratory studies were performed to evaluate the effect of carbon sources on EPSs production. The total contents of LB‐EPSs and TB‐EPSs were affected by the kinds of carbon sources. PS and PN in LB‐EPSs and TB‐EPSs were both dependent on carbon sources. In addition, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) observations indicated that microbial cells were cross‐linked by EPS, forming a polymeric network with pores and channels. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Seabed corrugations beneath an Antarctic ice shelf revealed by autonomous underwater vehicle survey: Origin and implications for the history of Pine Island Glacier
Authors: Graham Alastair G. C. , Dutrieux Pierre , Vaughan David G. , Nitsche Frank O. , Gyllencreutz Richard , Greenwood Sarah L. , Larter Robert D. , Jenkins Adrian
Published: June 2013

Ice shelves are critical features in the debate about West Antarctic ice sheet change and sea level rise, both because they limit ice discharge and because they are sensitive to change in the surrounding ocean. The Pine Island Glacier ice shelf has been thinning rapidly since at least the early 1990s, which has caused its trunk to accelerate and retreat. Although the ice shelf front has remained stable for the past six decades, past periods of ice shelf collapse have been inferred from relict seabed “corrugations” (corrugated ridges), preserved 340 km from the glacier in Pine Island Trough. Here we present high‐resolution bathymetry gathered by an autonomous underwater vehicle operating beneath an Antarctic ice shelf, which provides evidence of long‐term change in Pine Island Glacier. Corrugations and ploughmarks on a sub‐ice shelf ridge that was a former grounding line closely resemble those observed offshore, interpreted previously as the result of iceberg grounding. The same interpretation here would indicate a significantly reduced ice shelf extent within the last 11 kyr, implying Holocene glacier retreat beyond present limits, or a past tidewater glacier regime different from today. The alternative, that corrugations were not formed in open water, would question ice shelf collapse events interpreted from the geological record, revealing detail of another bed‐shaping process occurring at glacier margins. We assess hypotheses for corrugation formation and suggest periodic grounding of ice shelf keels during glacier unpinning as a viable origin. This interpretation requires neither loss of the ice shelf nor glacier retreat and is consistent with a “stable” grounding‐line configuration throughout the Holocene.
Influence of sea ice decline, atmospheric warming, and glacier width on marine‐terminating outlet glacier behavior in northwest Greenland at seasonal to interannual timescales
Authors: Carr J. Rachel , Vieli Andreas , Stokes Chris
Published: June 2013

Discharge from marine‐terminating outlet glaciers represents a key component of the Greenland Ice Sheet mass budget and observations suggest that mass loss from northwest Greenland has recently accelerated. Despite this, the factors controlling outlet glacier dynamics within this region have been comparatively poorly studied. Here we use remotely sensed data to investigate the influence of atmospheric, oceanic, and glacier‐specific controls on the frontal position of Alison Glacier (AG), northwest Greenland, and nine surrounding outlet glaciers. AG retreated by 9.7 km between 2001 and 2005, following at least 25 years of minimal change. Results suggest that sea ice and air temperatures influence glacier frontal position at seasonal and interannual timescales. However, the response of individual outlet glaciers to forcing was strongly modified by factors specific to each glacier, specifically variations in fjord width and terminus type. Overall, our results underscore the need to consider these factors in order to interpret recent rapid changes and predict the dynamic response of marine‐terminating outlet glaciers to atmospheric and oceanic forcing.
Laser (U‐Th)/He thermochronology of detrital zircons as a tool for studying surface processes in modern catchments
Authors: Tripathy‐Lang Alka , Hodges Kip V. , Monteleone Brian D. , van Soest Matthijs C.
Published: June 2013

Detrital mineral thermochronology of modern sediments is a valuable tool for interrogating landscape evolution. Detrital zircon (U‐Th)/He thermochronology is of particular interest because zircons are durable and withstand transport in glacial and fluvial systems far better than, for example, apatite. However, because of the time‐intensive nature of conventional zircon (U‐Th)/He thermochronology, most previous studies of this kind have relied on data for a few tens of grains, even though conventional wisdom holds that a substantially larger number is necessary for a robust characterization of the population of cooling ages in a sample. Here, we introduce a microanalytical approach to detrital zircon (U‐Th)/He thermochronology that addresses many factors that can complicate the interpretation of conventional zircon (U‐Th)/He data, particularly with respect to alpha ejection and injection and U + Th zoning. In addition, this technique permits the effective dating of naturally abraded and broken grains, and, therefore, lessens the potential for sampling bias. We apply both conventional and laser microprobe techniques to a detrital sample from the Ladakh Range in the northwestern Indian Himalaya, showing that the two yield very similar principal modes of apparent ages. However, the laser microprobe data yield a broader spectrum of ages than that of the conventional data set, which we interpret to be caused by bias related to the selection requirements for zircons used for conventional dating. This method thus provides a time‐efficient route to obtaining a higher‐resolution distribution of dates from a single sample, which will, in turn, yield higher‐fidelity constraints regarding catchment‐wide erosion rates for surface process studies.
Acting professional: An exploration of culturally bounded norms against nonwork role referencing
Authors: Uhlmann Eric Luis , Heaphy Emily , Ashford Susan J. , Zhu Luke [Lei] , Sanchez‐Burks Jeffrey
Published: June 2013

This article presents three studies examining how cross‐cultural variation in assumptions about the appropriateness of referencing nonwork roles while in work settings creates consequential impressions that affect professional outcomes. Study 1 reveals a perceived norm limiting the referencing of nonwork roles at work and provides evidence that it is a U.S. norm by showing that awareness of it varies as a function of tenure living in the United States. Studies 2 and 3 examine the implications of the norm for evaluations of job candidates. Study 2 finds that U.S. but not Indian participants negatively evaluate job candidates who endorse nonwork role referencing as a strategy to create rapport and shows that this cultural difference is largest among participants most familiar with norms of professionalism, those with prior recruiting experience. Study 3 finds that corporate job recruiters from the United States negatively evaluate candidates who endorse nonwork role referencing as a means of building rapport with a potential business partner. This research underlines the importance of navigating initial interactions in culturally appropriate ways to facilitate the development of longer‐term collaborations and negotiation success. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silicon uptake by wheat: Effects of Si pools and pH
Authors: Gocke Martina , Liang Wu , Sommer Michael , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: June 2013

Silicon (Si), although not considered essential, has beneficial effects on plant growth which are mostly associated with the ability to accumulate amorphous (phytogenic) Si, e.g., as phytoliths. Phytogenic Si is the most active Si pool in the soil–plant system because of its great surface‐to‐volume ratio, amorphous structure, and high water solubility. Despite the high abundance of Si in terrestrial biogeosystems and its importance, e.g., for the global C cycle, little is known about Si fluxes between soil and plants and Si pools used by plants. This study aims at elucidating the contribution of various soil Si pools to Si uptake by wheat. As pH affects dissolution of Si pools and Si uptake by plants, the effect of pH (4.5 and 7) was evaluated. Wheat was grown on Si‐free pellets mixed with one of the following Si pools: quartz sand (crystalline), anorthite powder (crystalline), or silica gel (amorphous). Silicon content was measured in aboveground biomass, roots, and soil solution 4 times in intervals of 7 d. At pH 4.5, plants grew best on anorthite, but pH did not significantly affect Si‐uptake rates. Total Si contents in plant biomass were significantly higher in the silica‐gel treatment compared to all other treatments, with up to 26 mg g–1 in aboveground biomass and up to 17 mg g–1 in roots. Thus, Si uptake depends on the conversion of Si into plant‐available silicic acid. This conversion occurs too slowly for crystalline Si phases, therefore Si uptake from treatments with quartz sand and anorthite did not differ from the control. For plants grown on silica gel, real Si‐uptake rates were higher than the theoretical value calculated based on water transpiration. This implies that Si uptake by wheat is driven not only by passive water flux but also by active transporters, depending on Si concentration in the aqueous phase, thus on type of Si pool. These results show that Si uptake by plants as well as plant growth are significantly affected by the type of Si pool and factors controlling its solubility.
A validated high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography method for the identification and simultaneous quantification of six markers from Platanus orientalis and their cytotoxic profiles against skin cancer cell lines
Authors: Khan Imran , Sangwan Payare L. , Dar Alamgir A. , Rafiq Rather A. , Farrukh Mufti R. , Dhar Jagdish K. , Tasduq Sheikh A. , Koul Surrinder
Published: June 2013

Betulinic acid (1), betulinic acid‐3‐acetate (2), 3‐acetylbetulinaldehyde (3), oleanolic acid‐3‐acetate (4), 3‐β‐hydroxy‐28,19‐β‐olenolide (5), and β‐sitosterol (6) were isolated from Platanus orientalis and a high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography method was developed for their simultaneous quantification. The markers were first derivatized on the chromatogram with ceric ammonium sulfate and then high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography densitometry was carried out. Chromatographic separation of these markers was carried out on silica gel 60 plates using a ternary solvent system n‐hexane/toluene/acetone (6:3.5:1 v/v/v) as a mobile phase. For marker 1, a deuterium (D2) lamp and wavelength of 420 nm was used. A tungsten (W) lamp was used for markers 2 and 3 at 550 nm and for 4–6 at 500 nm. The method was validated for accuracy, precision, LOD, and LOQ. All calibration curves showed a good linear relationship (r > 0.9919). The precision evaluated by an intra‐ and interday study showed RSDs < 2.51% and accuracy validation recovery between 95.54 and 99.33% with RSDs < 1.55%. The successful application of the validated method showed 1 as the most abundant component (4.63%) and 5 (0.017%) the least. The markers displayed a significant cytotoxic effect against human keratinocyte, mouse melanoma, and human skin epithelial carcinoma cancer cells by using a 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay.
Simultaneous integrated boost–intensity‐modulated radiotherapy in head and neck cancer
Authors: Franceschini Davide , Paiar Fabiola , Meattini Icro , Agresti Benedetta , Pasquetti Eleonora Monteleone , Greto Daniela , Bonomo Pierluigi , Marrazzo Livia , Casati Marta , Livi Lorenzo , Biti Giampaolo
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To review toxicity and outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer treated with simultaneous integrated boost–intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (SIB‐IMRT).

Study Design

Review of experience with the SIB‐IMRT technique.

Methods

Fifty patients were treated with the SIB‐IMRT technique. Two possible schedules of radiation therapy (RT) were used: SIB 70 (70/60/54 in 33 fractions) and SIB 66 (66/60/54 in 33 fractions). Forty‐one patients also received chemotherapy.

Results

All but two patients completed treatment as prescribed. No G4 acute toxicity has been reported in our series. We did not observe any G3 to G4 chronic toxicity, apart from one case of cutaneous necrosis. After a median follow‐up of 23.3 months (range, 1–60 months), 41 patients (82%) were alive and negative for disease, and one patient (2%) was alive with distant metastases. Eight patients (16%) died, seven because of progressive disease and one for other causes.

Conclusions

SIB‐IMRT is a highly effective and safe technique of RT in the treatment of head and neck cancer.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 123:E97–E103, 2013
Hybrid submental flaps for reconstruction in the head and neck: Part pedicled, part free
Authors: Hayden Richard E. , Nagel Thomas H. , Donald Carrlene B.
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Evaluate feasibility and success of elongating only the venous pedicle of the submental flap to increase the superior arc of rotation for the “hybrid” flap allowing coverage of more distal defects.

Study Design

Retrospective evaluation of all submental flaps undergoing pedicle‐lengthening procedure at a single institution.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed for all patients undergoing reconstruction with submental flaps between 2002 and 2012. Information regarding demographics, etiology, location, size, and extent of defects, type of submental flap harvested, operative time, and outcomes were recorded. Special note was made of vascular pedicle length and any pedicle vessel manipulation to increase the superior arc of rotation.

Results

Nine patients (67% male) with a mean age of 61 years (range, 25–83 years) underwent hybrid submental flap procedures. Eight surgical defects resulted from cancer ablation and one from trauma. Five flaps were musculocutaneous, and four were osseomusculocutaneous. The divided pedicle vein was anastomosed to the external jugular vein (n = 6), retromandibular vein (n = 1), common facial vein (n = 1), and internal jugular vein (n = 1). Pedicle vessel elongation averaged 5 cm. Skin paddle size averaged 71 cm2 (range, 48–99 cm2). All donor sites were closed primarily with no further surgery required. One flap experienced venous thrombosis and was successfully salvaged. Overall flap survival was 100%. No local or regional cancer recurrence was detected in the cancer patients with a mean follow‐up of 20 months (range, 3–87 months).

Conclusions

The hybrid submental flap safely extends the arc of rotation 5 cm, allowing coverage of defects in the forehead, temporal‐parietal, and occipital regions.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:637–641, 2014
Bone morphogenetic protein 6 expression in oral cavity squamous cell cancer is associated with bone invasion
Authors: Kejner Alexandra E. , Burch M. Benjamin , Sweeny Larissa , Rosenthal Eben L.
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate bone invasion, survival, and expression of bone morphogenetic protein‐6 (BMP‐6) in oral cavity cancer in the context of known biomarkers indicative of poor prognosis.

Study Design

Molecular expression study combined with retrospective chart review of corresponding patients at a tertiary care center.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2009, a total of 197 patients underwent resection for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. Of these, 30 pathologic specimens were chosen for further molecular analysis. These 30 patients were separated into three groups (10 per group) based on American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging and staging based on size alone (TAJCC/SIZE). The first group consisted of tumors staged as T2/2 based on size less than 4 cm and that had no evidence of bone invasion. The T2/4 group consisted of tumors that were upstaged from T2 based on bone invasion. The T4/4 group consisted of tumors that were large with and without bone invasion. The expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), BMP‐6, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was examined using immunohistochemistry techniques. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, survival, and recurrence were compared.

Results

Average follow‐up was 21 months. Expression of BMP‐6 was significantly higher in the T2/4 cohort (tumor less than 4 cm with bony invasion) than the larger tumors without bone invasion (T4/4 cohort, P = .05). In addition, increased BMP‐6 expression correlated with aggressive behavior in the smaller tumors. Furthermore, increased EGFR expression positively correlated with increased levels of BMP‐6.

Conclusions

Increased expression of BMP‐6 in oral cavity cancer may affect bone invasion.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 123:3061–3065, 2013
The Influence of Matrix Degradation and Functionality on Cell Survival and Morphogenesis inPEG‐Based Hydrogels
Authors: Raza Asad , Lin Chien‐Chi
Published: June 2013

Two norbornene‐functionalized PEG macromers are synthesized to render hydrogels with different hydrolytic degradability. Dithiol‐containing linkers such as dithiothreitol or biscysteine‐containing peptides are used to control proteolytic degradability. The influence of thiol‐ene gel degradability on cell survival and morphogenesis in 3D is assessed using hMSCs and pancreatic MIN6 β cells. The initial cell viability can be negatively affected in highly crosslinked thiol‐ene hydrogels. When cells are encapsulated in thiol‐ene gels lacking cell‐adhesive motifs, their survival and proliferation are promoted in more hydrolytically labile hydrogels. The degree of 3D cell spreading in encapsulated hMSCs is enhanced when the matrices are immobilized with cell‐adhesive motifs.
Nonmotor and extracerebellar features in Machado‐Joseph disease: A review
Authors: Pedroso José Luiz , França Marcondes C. , Braga‐Neto Pedro , D'Abreu Anelyssa , Saraiva‐Pereira Maria Luiza , Saute Jonas A. , Teive Hélio A. , Caramelli Paulo , Jardim Laura Bannach , Lopes‐Cendes Iscia , Barsottini Orlando Graziani P.
Published: June 2013

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 or Machado‐Joseph disease is the most common spinocerebellar ataxia worldwide, and the high frequency of nonmotor manifestations in Machado‐Joseph disease demonstrates how variable is the clinical expression of this single genetic entity. Anatomical, physiological, clinical, and functional neuroimaging data reinforce the idea of a degenerative process involving extracerebellar regions of the nervous system in Machado‐Joseph disease. Brain imaging and neuropathologic studies have revealed atrophy of the pons, basal ganglia, midbrain, medulla oblongata, multiple cranial nerve nuclei, and thalamus and of the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, and limbic lobes. This review provides relevant information about nonmotor manifestations and extracerebellar symptoms in Machado‐Joseph disease. The main nonmotor manifestations of Machado‐Joseph disease described in previous data and discussed in this article are: sleep disorders, cognitive and affective disturbances, psychiatric symptoms, olfactory dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, pain, cramps, fatigue, nutritional problems, and dysautonomia. In addition, we conducted a brief discussion of noncerebellar motor manifestations, highlighting movement disorders. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Phloretin and phlorizin promote lipolysis and inhibit inflammation in mouse 3T3‐L1 cells and in macrophage‐adipocyte co‐cultures
Authors: Huang Wen‐Chung , Chang Wei‐Tien , Wu Shu‐Ju , Xu Pei‐Yin , Ting Nai‐Chun , Liou Chian‐Jiun
Published: June 2013

Scope

Previous studies found that phloretin (PT) and phlorizin (PZ) could inhibit glucose transport, with PT being a better inhibitor of lipid peroxidation. This study aimed to evaluate the antiobesity effects of PT and PZ in 3T3‐L1 cells and if they can modulate the relationship between adipocytes and macrophages.

Methods and results

Differentiated 3T3‐L1 cells were treated with PT or PZ. Subsequently, transcription factors of adipogenesis and lipolysis proteins were measured. In addition, RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with PT or PZ were cultured in differentiated media from 3T3‐L1 cells to analyze inflammatory mediators and signaling pathways. PT significantly enhanced glycerol release and inhibited the adipogenesis‐related transcription factors. PT also promoted phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase and increased activity of adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone‐sensitive lipase. PT suppressed the nuclear transcription factor kappa‐B and mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways when RAW 264.7 cells were cultured in differentiated media from 3T3‐L1 cells. PZ improved lipolysis and inhibited the macrophage inflammatory response less effectively than PT.

Conclusion

This study suggests that PT is more effective than PZ at increasing lipolysis in adipocytes. In addition, PT also suppresses inflammatory response in macrophage that is stimulated by differentiated media from 3T3‐L1 cells.
Urinary incontinence after ischemic stroke: Clinical and urodynamic studies
Authors: Pizzi Assunta , Falsini Catiuscia , Martini Monica , Rossetti Mario Alberto , Verdesca Sonia , Tosto Aldo
Published: June 2013

Aims

To investigate the frequency, the prognostic effect on functional status and the urodynamic patterns of post‐stroke urinary incontinence (UI) in a sample of in‐patients affected by ischemic stroke.

Methods

One hundred six patients with recent ischemic stroke admitted to a neurorehabilitation unit were enrolled. Stroke localization was made according to the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project (OCSP) stroke subtypes and assessment of stroke severity using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The presence of UI was associated with functional status, measured with Barthel Index and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). At admission, urodynamic studies were performed on all the patients and repeated in 63 patients after 30 days.

Results

Eighty‐four patients (79%) were incontinent. Incontinence was associated with age (P < 0.05) and functional disability (P = 0.01), but not with sex, side of stroke, or time from stroke to entry in the study. Urodynamic studies, performed on all 106 patients at admission, showed normal studies in 15%, detrusor overactivity (DO) in 56%, detrusor overactivity with impaired contractility (DOIC) in 14%, and detrusor underactivity (DU) in 15%. After 1 month urodynamic studies, repeated on 63 patients, showed normal studies in 30%, DO in 48%, DOIC in 6%, and DU in 16%.

Conclusions

Incontinent patients showed a worse functional outcome compared to continent patients. Post‐stroke incontinence may be associated with different urodynamic patterns, each of which may necessitate different treatment strategies. Urodynamic findings in patients with ischemic stroke vary depending upon timing of the study. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:420–425, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurotrophins in bladder function: What do we know and where do we go from here?
Authors: Cruz Célia Duarte
Published: June 2013

Aims

Neurotrophins (NTs) have attracted considerable attention in the urologic community. The reason for this resides in the recognition of their ability to induce plastic changes of the neuronal circuits that govern bladder function. In many pathologic states, urinary symptoms, including urgency and urinary frequency, reflect abnormal activity of bladder sensory afferents that results from neuroplastic changes. Accordingly, in pathologies associated with increased sensory input, such as the overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) or bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC), significant amounts of NTs have been found in the bladder wall.

Methods

Here, current knowledge about the importance of NTs in bladder function will be reviewed, with a focus on the most well‐studied NTs, nerve growth factor (NGF), and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Results

Both NTs are present in the bladder and regulate bladder sensory afferents and urothelial cells. Experimental models of bladder dysfunction show that upregulation of these NTs is strongly linked to bladder hyperactivity and, in some cases, pain. NT manipulation has been tested in animal models of bladder dysfunction, and recently, NGF downregulation, achieved by administration of a monoclonal antibody, has also been tested in patients with BPS/IC and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). NTs have also been found in high quantities in the urine of OAB and BPS/IC patients, raising the possibility of NTs serving as biomarkers.

Conclusions

Available data show that our knowledge of NTs has greatly increased in recent years and that some results may have future clinical application. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:39–45, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Positionieren im Sub‐Nanometerbereich
Authors: Hamann Gernot , Reiff Ellen‐Christine
Published: June 2013

Die Rasterkraftmikroskopie (Atomic Force Microscopy, AFM) ermöglicht Oberflächenmessungen höchster Auflösung bis auf atomare Level und dringt damit in Bereiche vor, die sich mit Lichtmikroskopie nicht mehr auflösen lassen. Das Verfahren arbeitet berührungslos und misst die Kraft zwischen einer sehr dünnen Messspitze und der Objektoberfläche, was Aufschluss über die Topografie, die chemische Oberflächenbeschaffenheit, Defekte etc. geben kann. Anwendungen für diese Methode finden sich sowohl in der Forschung als auch in der Produktion. Zu den typischen Einsatzbereichen gehören Life Science Technologien ebenso wie die Materialforschung oder die Halbleiterinspektion. Präzision bei der Positionierung von Messspitze und Probe sind obligatorisch, da sich nur so eine hohe Ortsauflösung erreichen lässt. Piezobasierte Positioniersysteme sind für diese Scan‐Anwendung gut geeignet, da sie nicht nur mit Auflösungen im Subnanometerbereich arbeiten, sondern auch eine hohe Dynamik bieten.
Flexibel und kostengünstig
Authors: Pulka Markus , Wang Jiayu
Published: June 2013

Die optische Leistung einer Glasfaser hängt nicht nur vom Design der Faser und ihrer inneren Dämpfung ab, sondern auch davon, wie effizient ein Laser‐ oder Lichtstrahl in die Faser eingekoppelt wird.
Comparison of organic (UK'37, TEXH86, LDI) and faunal proxies (foraminiferal assemblages) for reconstruction of late Quaternary sea surface temperature variability from offshore southeastern Australia
Authors: Lopes dos Santos Raquel A. , Spooner Michelle I. , Barrows Timothy T. , De Deckker Patrick , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Schouten Stefan
Published: June 2013

Several proxies have been developed to reconstruct past sea surface temperature (SST), but different proxies may reflect temperatures of different seasons and each proxy is characterized by certain uncertainties. Therefore, a multiproxy approach is preferred to precisely reconstruct SST. Here, we reconstruct SST of the ocean offshore southeastern Australia (Murray Canyons area) for the last ~135 ka using three independent organic proxies (TEXH86 based on glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs), UK'37 based on alkenones, and LDI based on long‐chain diols) in addition to foraminiferal faunal assemblages. The organic proxy records show similar trends, with the highest temperature (21°C for UK'37 and TEXH86, and 25°C for LDI) during the last interglacial and lowest temperature (8°C for TEXH86, 10°C for UK'37, and 12°C for LDI) during the Last Glacial Maximum. However, the differences in absolute SST estimates obtained by the organic proxies varied over time with differences of up to 9°C between LDI and TEXH86. The seasonal SST reconstructions based on the modern analogue of foraminiferal assemblages also show similar trends as the organic proxies with highest temperatures during the last interglacial (23°C for the warmest month SST, 20°C for mean annual, and 18°C for the coolest month) and lowest temperature during the Last Glacial Maximum (14°C for the warmest month, 11°C for mean annual, and 9°C for the coolest month). Down core comparison between the reconstructed SSTs of the organic and inorganic proxies shows that LDI‐inferred temperatures compare well with the temperature of the warmest month, TEXH86 with the temperature of the coolest month, and UK'37 with mean annual temperature. An increase in TEXH86 SST estimates relative to those of other proxies during deglaciations and interglacials suggests that either winter temperatures rapidly warmed, possibly due to an invigoration of the Leeuwin Current over the core site, or there was a change in the growth season of the Thaumarchaeota, the source organism of GDGTs. Our study shows the benefits of a multiproxy approach in the interpretation of SST proxies, leading to a more robust knowledge of past ocean temperature changes.
Clinically meaningful measurement of pain in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Myrvik Matthew P. , Brandow Amanda M. , Drendel Amy L. , Yan Ke , Hoffmann Raymond G. , Panepinto Julie A.
Published: June 2013

Background

Limited understanding of the interpretability of patient‐reported pain scores may impact pain management. The current study assessed the minimal clinically significant improvement in pain and pain scores signifying patient‐reported need for medication and treatment satisfaction in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Procedure

Patients, 8–18‐years‐old, with SCD were recruited while receiving treatment for pain. Patients completed initial pain severity ratings using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Serial assessments of pain severity, pain relief, perceived need for medication, and treatment satisfaction were completed in the emergency department and the hospitalization. Data were used to calculate the minimal clinically significant improvement in pain and pain scores associated with perceived need for pain medication and treatment satisfaction.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients completed 305 assessments during 37 total visits. A decrease in pain severity score of 0.97 cm for the VAS and 0.9 for the NRS was found to be the minimum clinically significant improvement in pain. Pain scores >7.45 cm on the VAS or 7.5 on the NRS were suggestive of patient‐reported need for pain medication. Pain scores <7.35 cm on the VAS or 8.5 on the NRS were suggestive of patient‐reported treatment satisfaction discrimination.

Conclusions

The minimal clinical significant improvement was defined for the VAS and NRS and both scales were able to discriminate between important clinical findings including pain relief, need for pain medication, and treatment satisfaction. Collectively, this study provides data to improve our understanding of pain ratings of pediatric patients with SCD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:1689–1695. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Amino acid treatment enhances protein recovery from sediment and soils for metaproteomic studies
Authors: Nicora Carrie D. , Anderson Brian J. , Callister Stephen J. , Norbeck Angela D. , Purvine Sam O. , Jansson Janet K. , Mason Olivia U. , David Maude M. , Jurelevicius Diogo , Smith Richard D. , Lipton Mary S.
Published: June 2013

Characterization of microbial protein expression provides information necessary to better understand the unique biological pathways that occur within soil microbial communities that contribute to atmospheric CO2 levels and the earth's changing climate. A significant challenge in studying the soil microbial community proteome is the initial dissociation of bacterial proteins from the complex mixture of particles found in natural soil. The differential extraction of intact bacterial cells limits the characterization of the complete representation of a microbial community. However, in situ lysis of bacterial cells in soil can lead to potentially high levels of protein adsorption to soil particles. Here, we investigated various amino acids for their ability to block soil protein adsorption sites prior to in situ lysis of bacterial cells, as well as their compatibility with both tryptic digestion and mass spectrometric analysis. The treatments were tested by adding proteins from lysed Escherichia coli cells to representative treated and untreated soil samples. The results show that it is possible to significantly increase protein identifications through blockage of binding sites on a variety of soil and sediment textures; use of an optimized desorption buffer further increases the number of identifications.
Plasma Synthesis of Hydrocarbon/Fluorocarbon Thin Films with Compositional Gradients
Authors: Tompkins Brendan D. , Fisher Ellen R.
Published: June 2013

Plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition is used to synthesize hydrocarbon/fluorocarbon thin films with compositional gradients by continuously changing the ratio of gases in a C3F8/H2 plasma. The films are characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, water contact angle, and scanning electron microscopy. Using these methods, along with gas‐phase diagnostics, film chemistry and the underlying deposition mechanisms are elucidated, leading to a model that accurately predicts film thickness.
Continuous infusion meropenem and ticarcillin‐clavulanate in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Zobell Jeffery T. , Ferdinand Christina , Young David C.
Published: June 2013

Aztreonam, cefepime, and ceftazidime are anti‐pseudomonal beta‐lactam antibiotics which have been previously reported to be administered by continuous infusion (CI) in pediatric CF patients. We present two cases administering intravenous (IV) meropenem and ticarcillin‐clavulanate by CI in pediatric CF patients. The delivery of beta‐lactam antibiotics via CI should be considered in order to optimize the pharmacodynamics (PD) of beta‐lactams in the treatment of acute pulmonary exacerbations (APE). Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:302–306. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic risk assessment and fault detection using a multivariate technique
Authors: Zadakbar O. , Imtiaz S. , Khan F.
Published: June 2013

In the context of process safety, significant improvements are needed in fault detection methods, especially, in the areas of early detection and warning. In this article, a multivariate risk‐based fault detection and diagnosis technique is proposed. The key elements of this technique are to eliminate faults that are not serious and to provide a dynamic process risk indication at each sampling instant. A multivariable residual generation process based on the Kalman filter has been combined with a risk assessment procedure. The use of the Kalman filter makes the method more robust to false alarms, which is an important aspect of any fault detection algorithm that targets the safety of a process. In addition, we consider significant differences in the severity of the faults associated with different process variables. We also take into account the varying intensity of damage caused by the increasing and decreasing rates of fault and the need to treat those cases differently. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 32: 365–375, 2013
Is the safe performance of flame gaps in flameproof electrical apparatus deteriorated by rusting and mechanical damage? Part 2: Group IIB and IIC gases
Authors: Arntzen Bjørn J. , Ringdal Linn , Steiner Marianne , Eckhoff Rolf K.
Published: June 2013

Electrical apparatus in industry for use in the presence of explosive gases must be specially designed to prevent the apparatus from igniting the gas. In the case of flameproof enclosures, any holes and gaps in the enclosure wall must be sufficiently long and narrow to prevent hot combustion products expelled by a gas explosion inside the enclosure from igniting an external explosive cloud. There are tight requirements as to the maximum permissible gap surface roughness. This article describes an experimental study of the influence of severe mechanical and corrosive damage of flame gap surfaces on gap performance for IIB and IIC gases in air, using ethylene and hydrogen as test gases. In agreement with previously published findings for propane (IIA gas), it appeared that even with ethylene and hydrogen gap surfaces can suffer considerable damage without this causing any reduction of gap performance. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 33: 49–55, 2014
Work Hardening Response of Transformation‐Induced Plasticity and Dual‐Phase Steels to Prestrain
Authors: Yu Hai‐Yan , Ai Chen‐Chen
Published: June 2013

Standard uniaxial tension and repetitive uniaxial tension at different prestrain levels have been conducted for cold‐rolled TRIP780 and DP590 steels. Scan electron microscope (SEM) was performed to observe the microstructures response to prestrain. The instantaneous work hardening rate and transient hardening behavior changing with the prestrain in repetitive tension were discussed in detail. The elastic modulus degradation with prestrain was also identified for the two steels. Results indicated that TRIP780 and DP590 had different work hardening responses to prestrain although they both have preferable work hardenability. When prestrain was small, DP steel had higher work hardening rate than TRIP steel had. While when the prestrain was larger than 2.5%, TRIP780 displayed higher work hardening rate than DP590 did. After each unloading in repetitive tension, the work hardening rate of TRIP780 and DP590 steels fell off and then tended to come back to the original level. The drop of work hardening rate decreased with the prestrain only for TRIP780. It was discerned that the max elastic modulus degradation could reach 18 and 10% for TRIP780 and DP590 steels, respectively.