bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding and dealing with implicit bias and discipline in early care and education
Authors: Westerberg Diana
Published: September 2016

The term “implicit bias” is now commonly used in mainstream media as the public tries to make sense of recent, widely publicized shootings of unarmed black men. Although most public attention currently focuses on implicit bias within police departments, the effects of implicit bias are pervasive, potentially affecting some of the youngest in our society, children who have yet to enter kindergarten.
AAP issues guidance to EDs on acute pediatric mental health conditions
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2016

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) last month issued a call for emergency department (ED) clinicians to pay attention to pediatric patients with acute mental health or behavioral problems. The report came in two parts, one devoted to common clinical challenges and the other to side effects of psychiatric medications that may not be known to ED clinicians, as well as problems with diagnosis of somatic conditions.
Keep your eye on…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2016

The risk of pain in the development of prescription opioid use disorders

Changing diagnostic criteria for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
NSDUH shows increase in some SUDs and depression, especially among youth
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2016

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) for 2015 shows a steady continued increase in substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental illness, especially depression, among some age groups. The annual report is issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and has been conducted since 1979 by survey. This year, a second NSDUH focuses on abusable prescription drugs only.
Sensitised LnIII Emission and Excited‐State Dynamics of Cofacial ‘Pacman’ Porphyrin Terpyridine Complexes
Authors: Liew Jane Y. , Brown Joshua J. , Moore Evan G. , Schwalbe Matthias
Published: September 2016

An asymmetric ‘Pacman’ metalloligand, [Zn(PXT)], which features a cofacial ZnII–porphyrin unit (P) covalently attached to a terpyridine (T) chelating group via a rigid xanthene (X) moiety has been prepared, and its interactions with several different trivalent LnIII cations (NdIII, GdIII, YbIII and LuIII) have been examined. The formation of 1:1 metal–ligand complexes was monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy and corroborated by HRMS data. Solution‐stability constants were determined by UV/Vis titration, and the resulting complexes with NdIII or YbIII demonstrated sensitised emission in the NIR region due to energy transfer from the ZnII–porphyrin donor to LnIII acceptor. The energy transfer was investigated by transient absorption techniques, which provided insight into the kinetics and efficiency of the antenna effect.
Prenucleation Self‐Assembly and Chiral Discrimination Mechanisms during Solution Crystallisation of Racemic Diprophylline
Authors: Brandel Clément , Cartigny Yohann , Coquerel Gérard , ter Horst Joop H. , Petit Samuel
Published: September 2016

The crystallisation behaviour of (RS)‐diprophylline (DPL) in two different solvents is investigated to assess the incidence of solvated pre‐associations on nucleation, crystal growth and chiral discrimination. In the solvated state, Raman spectroscopy shows that dimeric associations similar to those depicted in the crystalline solid solution (ssRII) predominate in isopropanol (IPA), which may account for the systematic spontaneous nucleation of this crystal form from this solvent. By contrast, spontaneous nucleation in DMF yields the stable racemic compound RI, consistently with the distinct features of the Raman spectrum collected in this solvent. A crystal growth study of ssRII in IPA reveals that the crystal habitus is impacted by the solution enantiomeric excess; this is explained by increased competition between homo‐ and heterochiral pre‐associations. This is supported by a molecular modelling study on the enantiomeric selectivity of the DPL crystal lattices. The combination of assessment methods on solution chemistry, nucleation and chiral discrimination provides methodological tools from which the occurrence of solid solutions can be rationalised.
Understanding the Subtleties of Frustrated Lewis Pair Activation of Carbonyl Compounds by N‐Heterocyclic Carbene/Alkyl Gallium Pairings
Authors: Uzelac Marina , Armstrong David R. , Kennedy Alan R. , Hevia Eva
Published: September 2016

This study reports the use of the trisalkylgallium GaR3 (R=CH2SiMe3), containing sterically demanding monosilyl groups, as an effective Lewis‐acid component for frustrated Lewis pair activation of carbonyl compounds, when combined with the bulky N‐heterocyclic carbene 1,3‐bis(tert‐butyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene (ItBu) or 1,3‐bis(tert‐butyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene (SItBu). The reduction of aldehydes can be achieved by insertion into the C=O functionality at the C2 (so‐called normal) position of the carbene affording zwitterionic products [ItBuCH2OGaR3] (1) or [ItBuCH(p‐Br‐C6H4)OGaR3] (2), or alternatively, at its abnormal (C4) site yielding [aItBuCH(p‐Br‐C6H4)OGaR3] (3). As evidence of the cooperative behaviour of both components, ItBu and GaR3, neither of them alone are able to activate any of the carbonyl‐containing substrates included in this study NMR spectroscopic studies of the new compounds point to complex equilibria involving the formation of kinetic and thermodynamic species as implicated through DFT calculations. Extension to ketones proved successful for electrophilic α,α,α‐trifluoroacetophenone, yielding [aItBuC(Ph)(CF3)OGaR3] (7). However, in the case of ketones and nitriles bearing acidic hydrogen atoms, C−H bond activation takes place preferentially, affording novel imidazolium gallate salts such as [{ItBuH}+{(p‐I‐C6H4)C(CH2)OGaR3}−] (8) or [{ItBuH}+{Ph2C=C=NGaR3}−] (12).
Optimization of mixing parameters for a cold model system by CFD for aluminum matrix composites synthesis process
Authors: Sun Ze , Hu Chongjing , Liu Chenglin , Lu Guimin , Yu Jianguo
Published: September 2016

Stir casting process is the most important method in the aluminum matrix composites synthesis industry. In the stir casting process, the stability of the liquid aluminum surface and the highest shear force induced by the impellers are the two main factors for high quality of aluminum matrix composites synthesis. In this paper, a three‐dimensional CFD model validated on a water and air two‐phase flow system in a cold model was used to optimize the mixing string tank for aluminum matrix composites synthesis, coupling the volume of fluid (VOF) model, the k‐ϵ turbulence model, and the multiple reference frames (MRF) model. Important mixing parameters of the gas‐liquid two‐phase stirred tank such as rotation speed, type of baffles, and angle of rotating impellers were simulated and analyzed in detail. Varieties of speed were investigated to choose the best one. The best stirrer was chosen through analyzing the stability of liquid aluminum and shear force induced by impellers. The results showed that the optimal stirring speed was 180 rpm during studying the surface between liquid and gas. The best baffles with the lowest vortex were obtained through simulation, with dimensions of 50 mm × 20 mm × 350 mm. In order to get the lowest vortex between water and air and the strongest shear force, the blades should be installed at 15° with vertical direction.
Different cardiometabolic effects of atorvastatin in men with normal vitamin D status and vitamin D insufficiency
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Gilowska Małgorzata , Okopień Bogusław
Published: September 2016

Background

Vitamin D is suggested to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Hypothesis

Circulating levels of plasma lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors may differ between statin‐treated patients with different vitamin D status.

Methods

We studied 3 age‐ and weight‐matched groups of men with elevated low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels: vitamin D–naïve men with vitamin D insufficiency (group A, n = 18), men with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency effectively treated with vitamin D preparations (group B, n = 16), and vitamin D–naïve men with normal vitamin D status (group C, n = 16). All patients were then treated with atorvastatin (20 mg daily) for 4 months. Plasma lipids, glucose homeostasis markers, and plasma levels of uric acid, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), homocysteine, and fibrinogen were assessed before and at the end of atorvastatin therapy.

Results

Study groups did not differ in baseline levels of plasma lipids. Men with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency effectively treated with vitamin D preparations were characterized by decreased insulin sensitivity and higher circulating levels of hsCRP, homocysteine, and fibrinogen in comparison with the remaining groups of patients. Although atorvastatin decreased plasma levels of total cholesterol and LDL‐C to a similar extent in all study groups, its effect on uric acid, hsCRP, homocysteine, and fibrinogen was more pronounced in patients from groups B and C than in men from group A. Moreover, in patients with vitamin D insufficiency, atorvastatin impaired insulin sensitivity.

Conclusions

The obtained results indicate that the strength of pleiotropic effects of atorvastatin depends on vitamin D status.
A study of motivations and expectations of patients seen in phase 1 oncology clinics
Authors: Dolly Saoirse O. , Kalaitzaki Eleftheria , Puglisi Martina , Stimpson Sarah , Hanwell Janet , Fandos Sonia Serrano , Stapleton Sarah , Ansari Thushara , Peckitt Clare , Kaye Stan , Lopez Juanita , Yap Timothy A. , van der Graaf Winette , de Bono Johann , Banerji Udai
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

To better inform clinical practice, this study was aimed at capturing patients' motivations for enrolling in phase 1 trials and at quantifying their expectations of the benefits, risks, and commitment associated with clinical trials and the impact of the initial consultation on their expectations.

METHODS

This was a single‐center, prospective, quantitative study of newly referred adult patients considering their first phase 1 oncology trial. Participants completed questionnaires before they were seen and an abbreviated follow‐up version after their consultation.

RESULTS

Questionnaires were completed by 396 (99%) and 301 (76%) before and after the clinic, respectively. Participants ranked the possibility of tumor shrinkage (84%) as the most important motivation for considering a phase 1 trial; this was followed by no alternative treatments (56%), their physician's recommendation (44%), and the fact that the research might benefit others (38%). When they were asked about the potential personal benefit, 43% predicted tumor shrinkage initially. After the consultation, this increased to 47%. Fourteen percent of patients expected a cure. When asked about risks, 71% of the participants expected moderate side effects. When asked about expectations of time commitments, a majority of patients did not anticipate weekly visits, although this was understood by 93% of patients after the consultation. Overall, patients were keen to consider trials and when asked before and after the consultation 72% and 84% were willing to enroll in studies, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports that more than 80% of patients enroll in early‐phase clinical oncology trials motivated by the potential of a clinical benefit, with approximately half expecting tumor shrinkage and approximately a tenth anticipating a cure. The typical phase 1 response rate is 4% to 20%, and this discrepancy exemplifies the challenges faced by patients and healthcare professionals during their interactions for phase 1 studies. Cancer 2016;122:3501–3508. © 2016 American Cancer Society
Young investigator challenge: Can the Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 be used for next‐generation sequencing of thyroid FNA samples?
Authors: Bellevicine Claudio , Sgariglia Roberta , Malapelle Umberto , Vigliar Elena , Nacchio Mariantonia , Ciancia Giuseppe , Eszlinger Markus , Paschke Ralf , Troncone Giancarlo
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is accurate and cost‐effective in the evaluation of thyroid nodules. Molecular techniques may contribute to risk stratification in indeterminate cases. Although next‐generation sequencing (NGS) is a promising technique for the molecular testing of thyroid FNA specimens, thyroid‐specific cancer gene panels are not commercially available. Conversely, the Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 (CHPv2), which includes the genes most frequently mutated in thyroid neoplasms, is commercially available and may represent an alternative to thyroid‐specific panels. To the authors’ knowledge to date, CHPv2 has performed well only on “ideal” cytological samples featuring abundant, high‐quality DNA and satisfactory postsequencing metrics. The objective of the current study was to extend NGS to less‐than‐ideal samples, which represent a large percentage of routine clinical specimens.

METHODS

A total of 37 thyroid smears were retrospectively analyzed using CHPv2, regardless of any preanalytical and postsequencing metric thresholds. Specifically, the authors evaluated the performance of CHPv2 on the BRAF, NRAS, HRAS, KRAS, and RET genes. Results were verified by pyrosequencing.

RESULTS

Of the 37 thyroid FNA specimens, 34 (91.8%) were successfully processed. BRAF, NRAS, and RET somatic variants were detected in 22 of these 34 specimens (64.7%). NGS was found to have a high sensitivity (89.4%), specificity (85.7%), and accuracy (88.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

CHPv2 is a valid option for the molecular evaluation of thyroid FNA specimens by NGS. It is interesting to note that this approach is accurate and effective even when applied to routine cytology samples that usually do not have optimal preanalytical and postsequencing requirements. Cancer Cytopathol 2016;124:776‐84. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Hierarchically Templated Synthesis of Hollow Nanoporous Gold Rods and TiO2‐Coated Gold Rods
Authors: Gao Lei , Liang Chen‐Nan , Li Hui‐Hui , Lu Zhe‐Xue
Published: September 2016

Gold nanomaterials have shown promising applications in catalysis and sensing. Among the current directions in the research and development of gold catalysts, the exploration of new forms is one of the major priorities. Using bacteria as the supporting template and polystyrene spheres as the pore‐generation template, a hierarchical‐template synthesis strategy was developed in the present study to synthesize hollow nanoporous gold rods. The pore size can be easily adjusted by using polystyrene spheres (PSS) with different diameters as the template (the pore size is about 160 nm and 70 nm when using 200 nm and 110 nm PSS, respectively, as the template). Moreover, with the simple sol–gel method, different amounts of TiO2 can be coated on these nanoporous gold rods. The results showed the thermal stability and catalytic activity of the nanoporous gold rods were improved dramatically with moderate TiO2 coating. Using reduction of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol with sodium borohydride as the model reaction, excellent catalytic properties (reaction rate constant k=0.246 min−1) of the prepared TiO2‐coated gold rods catalysts were confirmed.
A Complex Catalytic Reaction Caught in the Act: Intermediates and Products Sampling Online by Liquid μ‐Beam Mass Spectrometry and Theoretical Modeling
Authors: Stolz Ferdinand , Appun Johannes , Naumov Sergej , Schneider Christoph , Abel Bernd
Published: September 2016

Liquid‐beam IR–laser desorption mass spectrometry has been used to monitor the reactants, intermediates, and products of a complex organic signature reaction in real time on multiple timescales directly from the liquid phase. The reaction was chosen because it has advantages in medicinal chemistry applications, and the three‐component, modular construction provides a means to generate molecular diversity rapidly. Under Lewis acid catalysis, a vinylogous Mannich reaction was monitored as it generated a δ‐amino‐α‐silyloxy‐α,β‐unsaturated ester, which upon hydrolysis to the corresponding α‐keto ester spontaneously reacted in a [3+2] cycloannulation to the final pyrrolo[2,1‐b]benzoxazole. The kinetic data were compared with predictions of quantum chemical calculations to elucidate and verify or exclude reaction pathways and mechanisms for a possible rational optimization of the reaction. The simplicity and rapid response of this approach make it a very powerful technique for online characterization of chemical reactions on timescales spanning several orders of magnitude. This enables full control over chemical reactions, thereby maximizing the product yield. This combined experimental and theoretical approach opens up a new route for the study of novel chemistry in liquid‐phase reactions.
Insights into the Ligand Shell, Coordination Mode, and Reactivity of Carboxylic Acid Capped Metal Oxide Nanocrystals
Authors: De Roo Jonathan , Baquero Edwin A. , Coppel Yannick , De Keukeleere Katrien , Van Driessche Isabel , Nayral Céline , Hens Zeger , Delpech Fabien
Published: September 2016

A detailed knowledge of surface chemistry is necessary to bridge the gap between nanocrystal synthesis and applications. Although it has been proposed that carboxylic acids bind to metal oxides in a dissociative NC(X)2 binding motif, this surface chemistry was inferred from indirect evidence on HfO2 nanocrystals (NCs). Here, a more detailed picture of the coordination mode of carboxylate ligands on HfO2 and ZrO2 NC surfaces is shown by direct observation through solid‐state NMR techniques. Surface‐adsorbed protons are clearly distinguished and two coordination modes of the carboxylic acid are noted: chelating and bridging. It is also found that secondary ligands penetrate the ligand shell and have the same orientation with respect to the surface as the primary ligands, indicating that the ionic or hydrogen‐bonding interactions with the surface are more important than the van der Waals interactions with neighboring ligands. During ligand exchange with amines, the chelating carboxylate is removed preferentially. Finally, it is shown that the HfO2 and ZrO2 NCs catalyze imine formation from acetone and oleylamine. Together with the previously reported catalytic activity of HfO2, these results put colloidal metal oxide nanocrystals squarely in the focus of catalysis research.
Metastatic breast carcinoma in pleural fluid: Correlation of receptor and HER2 status with the primary carcinoma—a pilot study
Authors: Francis Issam M. , Alath Preeta , George Sara S. , Jaragh Mohammed , Al Jassar Ayesha , Kapila Kusum
Published: September 2016

Background

Documenting the four molecular subtypes of breast carcinoma is significant as they determine response to therapy, disease free interval and survival. Our aim was to document the subtypes defined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2): namely ER + PR+ HER2+; ER + PR + HER2−; ER−PR−HER2+; and ER−PR−HER2− in metastatic breast carcinoma in pleural fluid and compare them with their expression in the primary breast tumor.

Methods

Over a period of 18 months, 13 cases of invasive breast carcinoma with metastases to the pleural cavity were studied for subtypes. ER, PR, and HER2 were determined by IHC in the primary breast tumor and the cell blocks of the pleural fluid with metastatic carcinoma.

Results

Age ranged from 33 to 75 years. The primary tumor was ER + PR + HER2+; ER + PR + HER2−; ER−PR−HER2+ and ER−PR−HER2− in 2,9,0 and two cases, respectively while the metastatic tumor in pleural fluid was ER + PR + HER2+; ER + PR + HER2−; ER−PR− HER2+ and ER−PR−HER2− in 6, 3, 3, and 1, respectively. In five cases there was complete correlation between the primary and metastatic tumor. In 7 cases with HER2‐ primary tumor the metastases was HER2+. One from ER + PR+ HER2− primary tumor showed triple negative expression in the metastasis.

Conclusions

Determining the molecular subtype in metastatic breast carcinoma is of importance as it affects the management. In our series 63% of metastatic tumors to the pleural fluid became HER2 positive and would thus require appropriate therapy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:980–986. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conserved and divergent expression patterns of markers of axial development in the laboratory opossum,Monodelphis domestica
Authors: Yoshida Michio , Kajikawa Eriko , Yamamoto Daisuke , Kurokawa Daisuke , Yonemura Shigenobu , Kobayashi Kensaku , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Aizawa Shinichi
Published: September 2016

Background:Previous comparative studies suggest that the requirement forNodalin epiblast and hypoblast development is unique to mammalians. Expression of anterior visceral endoderm (AVE) genes in the visceral endoderm and of their orthologs in the hypoblast may be unique to mammalians and avians, and is absent in the reptilian hypoblast. Axis formation in reptiles is signaled by the formation of the posterior marginal epiblast (PME), which expresses a series of primitive streak genes. To assess the phylogenetic origin ofNodaland AVE gene expression and axis formation in amniotes, we examined marker gene expression in gray short‐tailed opossum, a metatherian.Results:Nodalwas expressed in neither epiblast nor hypoblast of opossum embryos. No AVE genes were expressed in the opossum hypoblast. Attainment of polarity in the embryonic disk was signaled byNodal, Wnt3a, Fgf8, andBraexpression in the PME at 8.5 days post‐coitus.Conclusions:Nodalexpression in epiblast or hypoblast may be unique to eutherians. AVE gene expression in visceral endoderm and hypoblast may have been independently acquired in eutherian and avian lineages. PME formation appears to be the event that signals axis formation in reptilian and metatherian embryos, and thus may be an ancestral characteristic of basal amniotes.Developmental Dynamics 245:1176–1188, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fishing‐induced changes in adult length are mediated by skipped‐spawning
Authors: Wang Hui‐Yu , Chen Ying‐Shiuan , Hsu Chien‐Chung , Shen Sheng‐Feng
Published: September 2016

Elucidating fishing effects on fish population dynamics is a critical step toward sustainable fisheries management. Despite previous studies that have suggested age or size truncation in exploited fish populations, other aspects of fishing effects on population demography, e.g., via altering life histories and density, have received less attention. Here, we investigated the fishing effects altering adult demography via shifting reproductive trade‐offs in the iconic, overexploited, Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis. We found that, contrary to our expectation, mean lengths of catch increased over time in longline fisheries. On the other hand, mean catch lengths for purse seine fisheries did not show such increasing trends. We hypothesized that the size‐dependent energetic cost of the spawning migration and elevated fishing mortality on the spawning grounds potentially drive size‐dependent skipped spawning for adult tuna, mediating the observed changes in the catch lengths. Using eco‐genetic individual‐based modeling, we demonstrated that fishing‐induced evolution of skipped spawning and size truncation interacted to shape the observed temporal changes in mean catch lengths for tuna. Skipped spawning of the small adults led to increased mean catch lengths for the longline fisheries, while truncation of small adults by the purse seines could offset such a pattern. Our results highlight the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of fishing effects on population demography and caution against using demographic traits as a basis for fisheries management of the Pacific bluefin tuna as well as other migratory species.
Predator contributions to belowground responses to warming
Authors: Maran A. M. , Pelini S. L.
Published: September 2016

Identifying the factors that control soil CO2 emissions will improve our ability to predict the magnitude of climate change–soil ecosystem feedbacks. Despite the integral role of invertebrates in belowground systems, they are excluded from climate change models. Soil invertebrates have consumptive and nonconsumptive effects on microbes, whose respiration accounts for nearly half of soil CO2 emissions. By altering the behavior and abundance of invertebrates that interact with microbes, invertebrate predators may have indirect effects on soil respiration. We examined the effects of a generalist arthropod predator on belowground respiration under different warming scenarios. Based on research suggesting invertebrates may mediate soil CO2 emission responses to warming, we predicted that predator presence would result in increased emissions by negatively affecting these invertebrates. We altered the presence of wolf spiders (Pardosa spp.) in mesocosms containing a forest floor community. To simulate warming, we placed mesocosms of each treatment in ten open‐top warming chambers ranging from 1.5° to 5.5°C above ambient at Harvard Forest, Massachusetts, USA. As expected, CO2 emissions increased under warming and we found an interactive effect of predator presence and warming, although the effect was not consistent through time. The interaction between predator presence and warming was the inverse of our predictions: Mesocosms with predators had lower respiration at higher levels of warming than those without predators. Carbon dioxide emissions were not significantly associated with microbial biomass. We did not find evidence of consumptive effects of predators on the invertebrate community, suggesting that predator presence mediates response of microbial respiration to warming through nonconsumptive means. In our system, we found a significant interaction between warming and predator presence that warrants further research into mechanism and generality of this pattern to other systems.
Molecular profiling of naphthenic acids in technical mixtures and oil sands process‐affected water using polar reversed‐phase liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Han Jun , Yi Yi , Lin Karen , Birks S. Jean , Gibson John J. , Borchers Christoph H.
Published: September 2016

In this work, a reversed‐phase ultra‐HPLC (UHPLC) ultrahigh resolution MS (UHRMS) method was evaluated for the comprehensive profiling of NAs containing two O atoms in each molecule (O2NAs; general formula CnH2n + zO2, where n is the number of carbon atoms and z represents hydrogen deficiency). Using a polar cyanopropyl‐bonded phase column and negative‐ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection at 120,000 FWHM (m/z 400), 187 and 226 O2NA species were found in two naphthenic acid technical mixtures, and 424 and 198 species with molecular formulas corresponding to O2NAs were found in two oil sands process‐affected water samples (one from a surface mining operation and the other from a steam‐assisted gravity drainage operation), respectively. To our knowledge, these are the highest numbers of molecular compositions of O2NAs that have been profiled thus far in environmental samples. Assignments were based on accurate mass measurements (≤3 ppm) combined with rational molecular formula generation, correlation of chromatographic behavior of O2NA homologues with their elemental compositions, and confirmation with carboxyl group‐specific chemical derivatization using 3‐nitrophenylhydrazine. Application of this UHPLC–UHRMS method to the quantitation of O2NAs in the surface mining operation‐derived water sample showed excellent linearity (R2 = 0.9999) with external calibration, a linear range of 256‐fold in concentration, and quantitation accuracies of 64.9 and 69.4% at two “standard substance” spiking levels.
Standardization of capillary electrophoresis for diagnosis of fragile X syndrome in the Brazilian public health system
Authors: Gigonzac Marc Alexandre Duarte , Teodoro Lilian Souza , Minasi Lysa Bernardes , Vieira Thaís Cidália , da Cruz Aparecido Divino
Published: September 2016

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability. The most common etiology of the syndrome is expansion and methylation of a CGG trinucleotide at chromosome region Xq27.3 involving FMR1 (fragile X mental retardation 1 gene). This disorder is commonly underdiagnosed in children and adolescents, given the high clinical variability. In Brazil, molecular diagnosis of FXS by CE does not exist in the public health system. The current standard for separation and identification of DNA fragment sizes is 50 cm CE, which is uncommon in public genotyping laboratories. This study describes the standardization of 36 cm CE for fragment analysis of samples from patients with intellectual disability suggestive of FXS. Genomic dsDNA was isolated from patients and amplified by PCR using the FMR1 AmplideX® Kit. It was then possible to detect changes in repeat length of FMR1, such as full mutation and premutation. Thus, the proposed standardization proved to be effective for the diagnosis of FXS, permitting suitable genetic counseling for families. Inclusion of molecular testing such as this in the Brazilian public health service bridges the gap between available technologies and effective diagnosis, universalizing access to genetic testing in central Brazil.
Zero‐growth bioprocesses: A challenge for microbial production strains and bioprocess engineering
Authors: Lange Julian , Takors Ralf , Blombach Bastian
Published: September 2016

Microbial fermentation of renewable feedstocks is an established technology in industrial biotechnology. Besides strict aerobic or anaerobic modes of operation, novel innovative and industrially applicable fermentation processes were developed connecting the advantages of aerobic and anaerobic conditions in a combined production approach. As a consequence, rapid aerobic biomass formation to high cell densities and subsequent anaerobic high‐yield and zero‐growth production is realized. Following this strategy, bioprocesses operating with substantial overall yield and productivity can be obtained. Here, we summarize the current knowledge and achievements in such microbial zero‐growth production processes and pinpoint to challenges due to the complex adaptation of the cellular metabolism during the cell's passage from aerobiosis to anaerobiosis.
One health—Transdisciplinary opportunities for SETAC leadership in integrating and improving the health of people, animals, and the environment
Authors: Aguirre A. Alonso , Beasley Val R. , Augspurger Tom , Benson William H. , Whaley Janet , Basu Niladri
Published: September 2016

One Health is a collaborative, transdisciplinary effort working locally, nationally, and globally to improve health for people, animals, plants, and the environment. The term is relatively new (from ∼2003), and it is increasingly common to see One Health included by name in interinstitutional research partnerships, conferences, communications, and organizational frameworks, particularly those championed by the human health and veterinary medical communities. Environmental quality is arguably the least developed component within the One Health framework, but can be guided by expertise within the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC). Despite SETAC's long history of tripartite (academic, government, business) interdisciplinary environmental science activities, the term “One Health” is seldom used in SETAC communications (i.e., many of SETAC's activities are guided by One Health, but it is called by other names in SETAC's journals, newsletters, and presentations). Accordingly, the objective of this Focus article is to introduce the One Health concept to the SETAC membership. The article discusses the origins, evolution, and utility of the One Health approach as an organizational framework and provides key examples of ways in which SETAC expertise can benefit the One Health community. The authors assert that One Health needs SETAC and, to be most effective, SETAC needs One Health. Given that One Health to date has focused too little on the environment, on ecosystems, and on contaminants, SETAC's constructive involvement in One Health presents an opportunity to accelerate actions that will ultimately better protect human and ecosystem health. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2383–2391. © 2016 SETAC
Novel network coding approaches for diffusion‐based molecular nanonetworks
Authors: Akdeniz Bayram Cevdet , Tepekule Burcu , Pusane Ali Emre , Tuğcu Tuna
Published: September 2016

This paper proposes 2 novel network coding approaches for diffusion‐based nanonetworks. In these 2 methods, messages from nanomachines are jointly decoded at the receiver, and in one of the methods multiple molecule types are simultaneously employed to provide simultaneous communications over both nanomachine‐to‐relay and relay‐to‐nanomachine channels. As a result of the simultaneous use of the channel, each communication channel is allowed to use longer symbol intervals. This, in turn, results in a drastically reduced intersymbol interference component in all channels and enables communicating over longer ranges with higher data rates. The performance of the proposed communication system is investigated both analytically and via computer simulations.
A nonrandomized, prospective, clinical study on the impact of circulating tumor cells on outcomes of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder patients treated with radical cystectomy with or without adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Soave Armin , Riethdorf Sabine , Dahlem Roland , von Amsberg Gunhild , Minner Sarah , Weisbach Lars , Engel Oliver , Fisch Margit , Pantel Klaus , Rink Michael
Published: September 2016

To investigate outcomes of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) patients treated with radical cystectomy (RC) according to the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTC) and the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC). We prospectively enrolled 226 UCB patients treated with RC without neoadjuvant chemotherapy at our institution between 2007 and 2013. Blood samples were obtained from all patients preoperatively and analyzed for CTC using the CellSearch® system. Platinum‐based AC was administered in 50 patients (27.0%). Cox regression models evaluated the association of CTC with disease recurrence, cancer‐specific and overall mortality according to AC administration. 185 patients were available for analyses. CTC were present in 41 patients (22.2%). Patients with presence of CTC received AC more frequently, compared to patients without CTC (p = 0.027). At a median follow‐up of 31 months, the presence of CTC was associated with disease recurrence, cancer‐specific and overall mortality (p‐values < 0.001) in patients without AC administration. In patients who received AC, there was no difference in either endpoint between patients with or without presence of CTC. In multivariable analysis of patients without AC administration, the presence of CTC was an independent predictor for disease recurrence (HR: 4.9; p < 0.001), cancer‐specific (HR: 4.2; p = 0.003) and overall mortality (HR: 4.2; p = 0.001). The CTC status may be implemented in decision‐making regarding AC administration in UCB patients following RC. CTC measurement should be implemented in future UCB studies on systemic chemotherapy to validate our findings.
Chinese children's imaginary companions: Relations with peer relationships and social competence
Authors: Lin Qiyi , Fu Hong , Wan Yingjia , Zhou Nan , Xu Hui
Published: September 2016

We investigated relationships between Chinese children's imaginary companions (ICs) and peer relationships and social competence in 160 children, aged 5–6 years old. Children and their mothers participated in the interviews regarding the details of the children's ICs, including the type of the companion and the quality of the child–IC relationship. Peer relationships were assessed using sociometric nomination and perceived popularity nomination. Teachers rated children's social competence. Here, 55 children (34.3%) were deemed to have engaged in imaginary companion play. There was no relationship between imaginary companion types and child–IC relationship qualities. Children with invisible friends received more positive nominations than children with personified objects. Children with egalitarian relationships received more positive nominations and popularity nominations, but fewer negative nominations and unpopularity nominations than children with hierarchical relationships. Compared with children with hierarchical relationships, teachers rated the children with egalitarian relationships higher in social competence. The results suggest that imaginary companion types and relationship qualities may represent different dimensions of imaginary companions, calling attentions to the different mechanisms underlying imaginary companion types and relationship qualities with respect to social functioning.
Evaluation of the sacral nerve plexus in pelvic endometriosis by three‐dimensional MR neurography
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Li Meizhi , Guan Jian , Wang Huanjun , Li Shurong , Guo Yan , Liu Mingjuan
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of three‐dimensional MR neurography (3D MRN) for the sacral plexus using sampling perfection with application‐optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution (SPACE) sequences, and to demonstrate structural abnormalities in the pelvic nerve of women with pelvic endometriosis.

Materials and Methods

Twenty patients with pelvic endometriosis and 20 healthy controls were examined by contrast‐enhanced 3D short time inversion recovery T2‐weighted imaging (CE 3D STIR T2WI) SPACE sequences on 3 Tesla MRI. Image quality and diagnostic confidence of the sequences in identifying abnormalities of the sacral plexus were analyzed and compared with conventional three‐plane images of 2D turbo‐spin echo T2‐weighted images (2D TSE T2WI). The changes in the sacral plexus caused by endometrial lesions were evaluated.

Results

The sacral plexus was clearly revealed in both healthy controls and patients with endometriosis on 3D STIR SPACE images. A good agreement was reached in the evaluation of both imaging quality (Kappa value [κ] = 0.73–1.00) and diagnostic confidence (κ = 0.66–0.81) when compared between the two independent readers. Abnormalities caused by endometriosis were identified in 17 patients, unilaterally in 10 patients, and bilaterally in 7 patients. Nerve fiber abnormalities of lumbar 5 (L5) were detected in 11 patients, of sacral 1 (S1) in 14 patients and of sacral 2 (S2) in 9 patients.

Conclusion

CE 3D STIR SPACE sequences demonstrate its significant capacity to investigate and map the sacral plexus, and reveal the compression and adhesion of the sacral plexus nerve as a result of ectopic lesions.

Level of Evidence: 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:1225–1231
Sex and gender affect the social brain: Beyond simplicity
Authors: Pavlova Marina A.
Published: September 2016

As the most fascinating, complex, and dynamic part of our organism, the human brain is shaped by many interacting factors that not only are of neurobiological (including sex hormones) and environmental origin but are also sociocultural in their very nature (such as social roles). Gender is one of these factors. Most neurological, neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and psychosomatic disorders are characterized by impairments in visual social cognition (primarily body language reading and face perception) and a skewed sex ratio: females and males are affected differently in terms of clinical picture, prevalence, and severity. Is the social brain sex specific? This is still an open question. For a long time and for many reasons, sex differences have been overlooked or entirely ignored in neuroscience and biomedical research: there is a paucity of neuroimaging work examining sex differences in the social brain. However, the pattern of experimental behavioral data in both healthy, typically developing individuals and patients with deficient social cognition is beyond simple interpretation: contrary to popular wisdom, females are not always more proficient in understanding social signals, and their social abilities may be particularly affected by disease. Clarification of how neurobiological sex and sociocultural gender affect the social brain would provide novel insights into understanding gender‐specific vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders. This interaction is far beyond simplicity. Although sex differences represent a rather delicate topic, underestimation or exaggeration of possible effects retards progress in the field. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dopamine D3 receptor knockout mice exhibit abnormal nociception in a sex‐different manner
Authors: Liu Peng , Xing Bo , Chu Zheng , Liu Fei , Lei Gang , Zhu Li , Gao Ya , Chen Teng , Dang Yong‐hui
Published: September 2016

Pain is a complex and subjective experience. Previous studies have shown that mice lacking the dopamine D3 receptor (D3RKO) exhibit hypoalgesia, indicating a role of the D3 receptor in modulation of nociception. Given that there are sex differences in pain perception, there may be differences in responses to nociceptive stimuli between male and female D3RKO mice. In the current study, we examined the role of the D3 receptor in modulating nociception in male and female D3RKO mice. Acute thermal pain was modeled by hot‐plate test. This test was performed at different temperatures including 52°C, 55°C, and 58°C. The von Frey hair test was applied to evaluate mechanical pain. And persistent pain produced by peripheral tissue injury and inflammation was modeled by formalin test. In the hot‐plate test, compared with wild‐type (WT) mice, D3RKO mice generally exhibited longer latencies at each of the three temperatures. Specially, male D3RKO mice showed hypoalgesia compared with male WT mice when the temperature was 55°C, while for the female mice, there was a statistical difference between genotypes when the test condition was 52°C. In the von Frey hair test, both male and female D3RKO mice exhibited hypoalgesia. In the formalin test, the male D3RKO mice displayed a similar nociceptive behavior as their sex‐matched WT littermates, whereas significantly depressed late‐phase formalin‐induced nociceptive behaviors were observed in the female mutants. These findings indicated that the D3 receptor affects nociceptive behaviors in a sex‐specific manner and that its absence induces more analgesic behavior in the female knockout mice. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Auditory brainstem implant program development
Authors: Schwartz Marc S. , Wilkinson Eric P.
Published: September 2016

Objective

Auditory brainstem implants (ABIs), which have previously been used to restore auditory perception to deaf patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), are now being utilized in other situations, including treatment of congenitally deaf children with cochlear malformations or cochlear nerve deficiencies. Concurrent with this expansion of indications, the number of centers placing and expressing interest in placing ABIs has proliferated. Because ABI placement involves posterior fossa craniotomy in order to access the site of implantation on the cochlear nucleus complex of the brainstem and is not without significant risk, we aim to highlight issues important in developing and maintaining successful ABI programs that would be in the best interests of patients.

Data Sources

Especially with pediatric patients, the ultimate benefits of implantation will be known only after years of growth and development. These benefits have yet to be fully elucidated and continue to be an area of controversy. The limited number of publications in this area were reviewed.

Review Methods

Review of the current literature was performed.

Results

Disease processes, risk/benefit analyses, degrees of evidence, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals differ among various categories of patients in whom auditory brainstem implantation could be considered for use.

Conclusion

We suggest sets of criteria necessary for the development of successful and sustaining ABI programs, including programs for NF2 patients, postlingually deafened adult nonneurofibromatosis type 2 patients, and congenitally deaf pediatric patients. Laryngoscope, 127:1909–1915, 2017
Upbeat nystagmus after bilateral superior canal plugging: A peripheral cause of vertical nystagmus
Authors: Sharon Jeffrey D. , Carey John P. , Schubert Michael C.
Published: September 2016

Vertical nystagmus without a torsional component is generally considered a finding indicative of central nervous system pathology. We report two cases of purely upbeat nystagmus elicited with mastoid vibration after bilateral superior canal plugging, to highlight the vestibular pathophysiology involved in this unusual peripheral cause for upbeat nystagmus. Laryngoscope, 127:1698–1700, 2017
Critically Evaluated Rate Coefficients in Radical Polymerization – 8. Propagation Rate Coefficients for Vinyl Acetate in Bulk
Authors: Barner‐Kowollik Christopher , Beuermann Sabine , Buback Michael , Hutchinson Robin A. , Junkers Tanja , Kattner Hendrik , Manders Bart , Nikitin Anatoly N. , Russell Gregory T. , van Herk Alex M.
Published: September 2016

Propagation rate coefficient values, kp, reported by several groups for radical polymerization of bulk vinyl acetate are critically evaluated. All data are obtained by the combination of pulsed‐laser polymerization and subsequent polymer analysis by size exclusion chromatography, as recommended by the IUPAC Working Party on Modeling of Polymerization Kinetics and Processes. Although a small (≈15%) increase in kp is observed as laser pulse repetition rate is increased from low (25–100 Hz) to high (300–500 Hz) values, all of the data fulfill the required consistency criteria and thus are combined into a benchmark set covering the temperature range of 5–70 °C. The data are fitted well by an Arrhenius relation resulting in a pre‐exponential factor of 1.35 × 107 L mol−1 s−1 and an activation energy of 20.4 kJ mol−1, with 95% confidence ellipsoids for the parameters also presented.

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Very High Solid State Photoluminescence Quantum Yields of Poly(tetraphenylethylene) Derivatives
Authors: Baysec Sebnem , Preis Eduard , Allard Sybille , Scherf Ullrich
Published: September 2016

Five different poly(arylene‐diarylvinylene)s have been synthesized by reductive polyolefination starting from the corresponding bis(α,α‐dichlorobenzyl)‐substituted monomers and dicobaltoctacarbonyl as reducing agent. The resulting polymers all contain main chain tetraphenylethylene units. Thanks to the aggregation‐induced emission effect, the corresponding polymer films show remarkably high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of 32%–73%. The polymer with the highest PLQY is tested as solid state sensing material for the PL‐quenching‐based detection of nitroaromatic analytes (1,3,5‐trinitrobenzene as prototypical analyte).

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Nanoparticle Translocation through Conical Nanopores: A Finite Element Study of Electrokinetic Transport
Authors: Rempfer Georg , Ehrhardt Sascha , Holm Christian , de Graaf Joost
Published: September 2016

Recent years have seen a surge of interest in nanopores because such structures show a strong potential for characterizing macromolecules, e.g., DNA. Here, the authors theoretically investigate the translocation of a spherical nanoparticle through a conical nanocapillary, by numerically solving the coupled system of electrokinetic continuum equations. Based on their findings, the authors formulate simple guidelines for obtaining the maximum current signal during the translocation event, which should be transferable to other nanopore geometries. In addition, the dependence of the signal strength on particle properties, such as surface charge and size, is evaluated. Finally, the authors identify conditions under which the translocation is prevented by the formation of a strong electroosmotic barrier and show that the particle may even become trapped at the pore orifice, without imposing an external hydrostatic pressure difference.

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