bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water‐Soluble Pillararene‐Functionalized Graphene Oxide for In Vitro Raman and Fluorescence Dual‐Mode Imaging
Authors: Zhang Huacheng , Ma Xing , Nguyen Kim Truc , Zeng Yongfei , Tai Shuhui , Zhao Yanli
Published: February 2014

This study provides a successful preparation of biocompatible hybrid materials (1‐GO and 2‐GO) by the integration of graphene oxide (GO) with water‐soluble pillararenes (bolaamphiphile 1 and tadpolelike amphiphile 2) for dual‐mode Raman and fluorescence bioimaging in vitro. The investigations show that pillararenes 1 and 2 were loaded onto the surface of GO through strong hydrogen‐bonding interactions. Aqueous suspensions of 1‐GO and 2‐GO are stable and can be kept for a long time. After confirming their good biocompatibility by using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the 1‐GO and 2‐GO hybrids were endocytosed by HeLa cells for in vitro Raman imaging. It was found that 1‐GO presents better Raman imaging than 2‐GO. When a fluorescent guest molecule, bipyridinium derivative 3, was added into the suspensions of the hybrids, the suspensions of 1‐GO and 2‐GO were as stable as the original. The suspensions of the inclusion complexes (1‐GO⋅3 and 2‐GO⋅3) formed from 1‐GO and 2‐GO with 3 can also be endocytosed by HeLa cells to enable in vitro fluorescence imaging to be performed. It was found that 1‐GO⋅3 performs better than 2‐GO⋅3. The current research has determined the capacities of pillararene‐modified GO for combined bioimaging, which paves the way for using these biocompatible materials towards dual‐mode diagnostics.
Interplay between Halogen Bonding and Lone Pair–π Interactions: A Computational and Crystal Packing Study
Authors: Berger Gilles , Soubhye Jalal , van der Lee Arie , Vande Velde Christophe , Wintjens René , Dubois Philippe , Clément Sébastien , Meyer Franck
Published: February 2014

The supramolecular organization of modified thiophenes resulting from N⋅⋅⋅I halogen bonding (XB) has been studied. X‐ray diffraction analyses of two polymorphs of the same supramolecular complex showed an arrangement controlled by halogen‐bonded pyridyl and tetrafluoroiodobenzene rings, one case with and the other without the presence of two different lone pair (lp)⋅⋅⋅π interactions, namely O⋅⋅⋅pyridyl and I⋅⋅⋅tetrafluoroiodobenzene contacts. To shed light on the interplay between these interactions, quantum mechanical calculations were performed at the ωB97X‐D/6‐31+G(d,p) level on both systems in the gas phase. The longer N⋅⋅⋅I distance observed in the crystal structure without lp⋅⋅⋅π interactions was also corroborated by dispersion‐corrected DFT. These results represent the first case in which a synergy between lp⋅⋅⋅π interactions and XB is observed experimentally and confirmed by calculations.
Tropomyosin is required for cardiac morphogenesis, myofibril assembly, and formation of adherens junctions in the developing mouse embryo
Authors: McKeown Caroline R. , Nowak Roberta B. , Gokhin David S. , Fowler Velia M.
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND: We explored a function for tropomyosin (TM) in mammalian myofibril assembly and cardiac development by analyzing a deletion in the mouse TPM1 gene targeting αTM1, the major striated muscle TM isoform. RESULTS: Mice lacking αTM1 are embryonic lethal at E9.5 with enlarged, misshapen, and non‐beating hearts characterized by an abnormally thin myocardium and reduced trabeculae. αTM1‐deficient cardiomyocytes do not assemble striated myofibrils, instead displaying aberrant non‐striated F‐actin fibrils with α‐actinin puncta dispersed irregularly along their lengths. αTM1's binding partner, tropomodulin1 (Tmod1), is also disorganized, and both myomesin‐containing thick filaments as well as titin Z1Z2 fail to assemble in a striated pattern. Adherens junctions are reduced in size in αTM1‐deficient cardiomyocytes, α‐actinin/F‐actin adherens belts fail to assemble at apical cell–cell contacts, and cell contours are highly irregular, resulting in abnormal cell shapes and a highly folded cardiac surface. In addition, Tmod1‐deficient cardiomyocytes exhibit failure of α‐actinin/F‐actin adherens belt assembly. CONCLUSIONS: Absence of αTM1 resulting in unstable F‐actin may preclude sarcomere formation and/or lead to degeneration of partially assembled sarcomeres due to unregulated actomyosin interactions. Our data also identify a novel αTM1/Tmod1‐based pathway stabilizing F‐actin at cell–cell junctions, which may be required for maintenance of cell shapes during embryonic cardiac morphogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 243:800–817, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Embryological manipulations in the developing Xenopus inner ear reveal an intrinsic role for Wnt signaling in dorsal–ventral patterning
Authors: Forristall Caryl A. , Stellabotte Frank , Castillo Aldo , Collazo Andres
Published: February 2014

Background: The inner ear develops from an ectodermal thickening known as the otic placode into a complex structure that is asymmetrical along both the anterior–posterior (A‐P) and dorsal–ventral (D‐V) axes. Embryological manipulations in Xenopus allow us to test regenerative potential along specific axes and timing of axis determination. We explore the role of Wnt signaling with gain and loss of function experiments. Results: In contrast to A or P half ablations, D or V half ablations almost never result in mirror duplications or normal ears. Instead there is a loss of structures, especially those associated with the ablated region. Rotation experiments inverting the D‐V axis reveal that it is determined by stage 24–26 which is just before expression of the dorsal otic marker Wnt3a. Conditional blocking of canonical Wnt signaling results in reductions in the number of sensory organs and semicircular canals which could be placed in one of three categories, the most common phenotypes being similar to those seen after dorsal ablations. Conclusions: There is less regenerative potential along the D‐V axis. Wnt3a protein alone is sufficient to rescue the severe loss of inner ear structures resulting from dorsal but not ventral half ablations. Developmental Dynamics 243:1262–1274, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dosage of X‐linked Toll‐like receptor 8 determines gender differences in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Umiker Benjamin R. , Andersson Shauna , Fernandez Luis , Korgaokar Parimal , Larbi Amma , Pilichowska Monika , Weinkauf Craig C. , Wortis Henry H. , Kearney John F. , Imanishi‐Kari Thereza
Published: February 2014

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with a high incidence in females and a complex phenotype. Using 564Igi mice, a model of SLE with knock‐in genes encoding an autoreactive anti‐RNA Ab, we investigated how expression of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) in B cells and neutrophils affects pathogenesis. We established that TLR signaling through MyD88 is necessary for disease. Autoantibody was produced in mice with single deletions of Tlr7, Tlr8, or Tlr9 or combined deletions of Tlr7 and Tlr9. Autoantibody was not produced in the combined absence of Tlr7 and Tlr8, indicating that TLR8 contributes to the break in tolerance. Furthermore, TLR8 was sufficient for the loss of B‐cell tolerance, the production of class‐switched autoantibody, heightened granulopoiesis, and increased production of type I IFN by neutrophils as well as glomerulonephritis and death. We show that dosage of X‐linked Tlr8 plays a major role in the high incidence of disease in females. In addition, we show that the negative regulation of disease by TLR9 is exerted primarily on granulopoiesis and type I IFN production by neutrophils. Collectively, we suggest that individual TLRs play unique roles in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus, suggesting new targets for treatment.
Renewed Geoarchaeological Investigations of Mwanganda's Village (Elephant Butchery Site), Karonga, Malawi
Authors: Wright David K. , Thompson Jessica , Mackay Alex , Welling Menno , Forman Steven L. , Price Gilbert , Zhao Jian‐xin , Cohen Andrew S. , Malijani Oris , Gomani‐Chindebvu Elizabeth
Published: February 2014

The site of Mwanganda's Village, located along a paleochannel in northern Malawi, is one of only a few sites that have characterized the Middle Stone Age (MSA) of Malawi for decades (Clark & Haynes, ; Clark et al., ; Kaufulu, ). The Malawi Earlier‐Middle Stone Age Project has re‐examined the site using new mapping and chronometric tools in order to reinterpret the site's significance within the context of current debates surrounding human origins and the potential role the environment played in shaping human behavior. The new data do not support the previous hypothesis that the site was an elephant butchery location (contra Clark & Haynes, ; Clark et al., ; Kaufulu, ). Instead, the evidence shows successive colonization of riparian corridors by MSA hunter‐gatherers focused on exploiting localized resources during periods of generally humid climates while other lakes desiccated across Africa. We challenge the hypothesis that stable and intermediately high lake levels within the African Rift Valley System (sensu Trauth et al., ) catalyzed the evolution of regional interaction networks between 42 and 22 ka. Instead, we interpret the evidence to suggest that regional variants of technology persist into the late MSA as foragers focused on exploiting resources from local catchments.
Fluid intake and risk of bladder cancer in the Nurses' Health Studies
Authors: Zhou Jiachen , Kelsey Karl T. , Giovannucci Edward , Michaud Dominique S.
Published: February 2014

Increase in fluid intake may reduce bladder cancer risk by decreasing the contact time between carcinogens in urine and bladder epithelium. However, this association has not been examined in a large cohort of women. The association between total fluid intake and bladder cancer risk in two large prospective women's cohorts with 427 incident bladder cancer cases was examined. Detailed information on total fluid intake was collected by repeated food frequency questionnaires over time. Multivariable relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated by using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results from the two cohorts were pooled together using the random‐effects model. Using the average values from the earliest two dietary assessments and lowest quartile as reference, a suggestive inverse association was observed between total fluid intake and overall bladder cancer risk (RR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.61–1.12, p‐value for trend: 0.08), and invasive bladder cancer risk (RR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.23–0.97, p‐value for trend: 0.04). Among heavy cigarette smokers, women with the highest quartile of total fluid intake had a 38% decrease in bladder cancer risk (RR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.41–0.93, p‐value for trend: 0.02). The findings suggested that total fluid intake may reduce bladder cancer risk for female smokers, as well as reduce the risk of invasive bladder cancer.
STAT3 and metabolism: How many ways to use a single molecule?
Authors: Demaria Marco , Camporeale Annalisa , Poli Valeria
Published: February 2014

The transcription factor Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT)3 has been considered as a potential anticancer target since its first description as an oncogene in 1999, recently leading to STAT3 inhibitors been brought to clinical trial for the treatment of solid tumors. However, the past 14 years of intense basic research have uncovered novel STAT3‐mediated pathways that could affect the outcome of the designed therapies while at the same time help designing function‐specific inhibitors. Particularly intriguing are the recent findings that suggest profound implications of STAT3 with the regulation of cellular metabolism in both canonical, that is transcriptional, and non‐canonical ways. Here, after a short description of the main known features of STAT3 signaling and function, we review the recent literature on the role of STAT3 in regulating cellular metabolism and discuss the potential consequences on the therapeutic approaches currently under clinical experimentation.
PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation in primary and corresponding metastatic breast tumors after adjuvant endocrine therapy
Authors: Beelen Karin , Hoefnagel Laurien D.C. , Opdam Mark , Wesseling Jelle , Sanders J. , Vincent Andrew D. , van Diest Paul J. , Linn Sabine C.
Published: February 2014

Both preclinical and clinical data suggest that activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in response to hormonal therapy results in acquired endocrine therapy resistance. We evaluated differences in activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in estrogen receptor α (ERα) positive primary and corresponding metastatic breast cancer tissues using immunohistochemistry for downstream activated proteins, like phosphorylated mTOR (p‐mTOR), phosphorylated 4E Binding Protein 1 (p‐4EBP1) and phosphorylated p70S6K (p‐p70S6K). For p‐mTOR and p‐4EBP1, the proportion of immunostained tumor cells (0–100%) was scored. Cytoplasmic intensity (0–3) was assessed for p‐p70S6K. The difference between expression of these activated PI3K/AKT/mTOR proteins‐ in primary and metastatic tumor was calculated and tested for an association with adjuvant endocrine therapy. In patients who had received endocrine therapy (N = 34), p‐mTOR expression increased in metastatic tumor lesions compared to the primary tumor (median difference 45%), while in patients who had not received adjuvant endocrine therapy (N = 37), no difference was found. Similar results were observed for p‐4EBP1 and p‐p70S6K expression. In multivariate analyses, adjuvant endocrine therapy was significantly associated with an increase in p‐mTOR (p = 0.01), p‐4EBP1 (p = 0.03) and p‐p70S6K (p = 0.001), indicating that compensatory activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway might indeed be a clinically relevant resistance mechanism resulting in acquired endocrine therapy resistance.
A Magic‐Angle‐Spinning NMR Spectroscopy Method for the Site‐Specific Measurement of Proton Chemical‐Shift Anisotropy in Biological and Organic Solids
Authors: Hou Guangjin , Gupta Rupal , Polenova Tatyana , Vega Alexander J.
Published: February 2014

Proton chemical shifts are a rich probe of structure and hydrogen‐bonding environments in organic and biological molecules. Until recently, measurements of 1H chemical‐shift tensors have been restricted to either solid systems with sparse proton sites or were based on the indirect determination of anisotropic tensor components from cross‐relaxation and liquid‐crystal experiments. We have introduced a magic‐angle‐spinning approach that permits site‐resolved determination of chemical‐shift‐anisotropy tensors of protons forming chemical bonds with labeled spin 1/2 nuclei in fully protonated solids with multiple sites, including organic molecules and proteins. This approach, originally introduced for the measurements of chemical‐shift tensors of amide protons, is based on three RN‐symmetry‐based experiments, from which the principal components of the 1H chemical‐shift tensor can be reliably extracted by simultaneous triple fit of the data. Herein, we expand our approach to a much more challenging system involving aliphatic and aromatic protons. We start with a review of prior work on experimental NMR spectroscopy and computational quantum chemical approaches for measurements of 1H chemical‐shift tensors and relating these to the electronic structures. We then present our experimental results on U‐13C,15N‐labeled histidine and demonstrate that 1H chemical‐shift tensors can be reliably determined for the 1H15N and 1H13C spin pairs in cationic and neutral forms of histidine. Finally, we demonstrate that the experimental 1H(C) and 1H(N) chemical‐shift tensors are in agreement with DFT calculations; therefore, establishing the usefulness of our method for the characterization of structures and hydrogen‐bonding environments in organic and biological solids.
UV/H2O2, O3 and (photo‐) Fenton as treatment prior to granular activated carbon filtration of biologically stabilized landfill leachate
Authors: Chys Michael , Declerck Wesley , Audenaert Wim T.M. , Van Hulle Stijn W.H.
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND

Landfill leachate requires rigorous treatment to limit environmental impact. Often, granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration is part of the treatment train. Little is known on how a preceding (advanced) oxidation process (AOP) could modify the adsorption properties. As such, different AOPs were compared as preceding step to GAC filtration for treatment of biologically stabilized landfill leachate.

RESULTS

Column tests showed that the GAC filters could be used substantially longer (> 14 times compared with untreated leachate) after Fenton treatment. This is in contrast to leachate treated by UV/H2O2 (no improvement) and ozone. For UV/H2O2, most likely, the significant UV absorption of the leachate hindered the production of hydroxyl radicals. Ozonation (65% BOD increase), on the other hand, showed that there might be the potential to reduce costs related to external carbon source dosing by recycling part of the oxidized stream to the biological treatment unit.

CONCLUSIONS

The lifetime increase was mostly due to higher removal of COD (up to 63%) as it was clearly indicated that the oxidation processes did not alter the adsorption properties to any great extent. A clear overview of the operational expenses indicated that using a coupled treatment (oxidation + GAC) could lead to a significant cost reduction. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Biorefinery of paulownia by autohydrolysis and soda‐anthraquinone delignification process. Characterization and application of lignin
Authors: Zamudio Minerva A.M. , Alfaro Ascensión , de Alva Hugo E. , García Juan Carlos , García‐Morales Moisés , López Francisco
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND

Lignin is one of the most abundant polymers in nature. Its physical and chemical properties confer it a high potential for various uses including the production of thermoplastic matrices. This work characterized various types of lignin obtained by alkaline delignification of paulownia with soda–anthraquinone. The delignification process was carried out with or without previous autohydrolysis. The products obtained after evaporation or acidification were used to produce polylactic acid–lignin composites.

RESULTS

Subjecting the raw material to autohydrolysis prior to alkaline delignification provided a spent liquor (black liquor) containing an increased amount of extracted lignin (11.9% more than without autohydrolysis) and possessing a higher calorific value (14 822 kJ kg−1) than in the absence of an autohydrolysis stage. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed a strong impact of the autohydrolysis process, which provided residual delignification fractions containing abundant lignin and no degradation products of polysaccharides or other constituents of the raw material. Mechanical dynamics analysis of composites with lignin contents from 12.5 to 30% revealed an increased elastic (storage) modulus (E').

CONCLUSIONS

Soda lignin has appropriate interaction with the polylactic acid, which allows it to be used for obtaining a composite with adequate physical strength characteristics. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Treatment of secondary effluent from a petrochemical wastewater treatment plant by ozonation‐biological aerated filter
Authors: Wu Changyong , Gao Zhen , Zhou Yuexi , Liu Mingguo , Song Jiamei , Yu Yin
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUD

Secondary effluent collected from a petrochemical wastewater treatment plant was treated by ozone–biological aerated filter (O3‐BAF) to investigate and evaluate the performance, organics and genotoxicity removal characteristics of this combined advanced treatment process.

RESULTS

The average dissolved organic carbon (DOC) of the secondary effluent was approximately 23 mg L−1. When the ozone dosage was 10 mg L−1 and the contact time was 4 min, the DOC removed by O3‐BAF was approximately 9 mg L−1 during which 37% was removed by ozonation and 63% by BAF. The ozonation changed the percentage of the small molecular size organics (< 1 k) increasing from 54% to 67%, and the high molecular size organics (> 100 k) decreasing from 26% to 8%. More than 85% of the genotoxicity of the chemical secondary effluent was removed in the ozonation unit. The genotoxicity of the BAF effluent was less than 0.71 µg‐4‐nitroquinoline‐N‐oxide L−1.

CONCLUSION

Ozonation can change the organics molecular size, increase the biodegradability and obviously reduce the genotoxicity of petrochemical secondary effluent. The O3–BAF process is suitable for the advanced treatment of petrochemical secondary effluent. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Factors contributing to emergency department care within 30 days of hospital discharge and potential ways to prevent it: Differences in perspectives of patients, caregivers, and emergency physicians
Authors: Suffoletto Brian , Hu Jennifer , Guyette Maria , Callaway Clifton
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND

Identifying needs in patients who utilize the emergency department (ED) soon after being discharged from inpatient care is essential for planning appropriate care‐transition interventions.

OBJECTIVE

To examine differences in stakeholder perspectives on reasons for ED care soon after hospital discharge and interventions that could be useful to prevent these ED visits.

DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS

A convenience sample of 135 patients who presented to an urban teaching hospital ED <30 days after last hospital discharge, their caregivers (when present), and emergency physicians were administered identical structured surveys. Concordance and agreement rates between patient‐physician and patient‐caregiver dyads were calculated.

RESULTS

Concordances between stakeholders were poor, with weighted kappas ranging from 0.02 to 0.34 for patient‐physician dyads and 0.03 to 0.68 for patient‐caregiver dyads. Emergency physicians and caregivers identified factors between 1% and 42% of the time the patients did not. Less than half of any stakeholder could identify an intervention to potentially prevent the ED visit.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest the difficulty in forming unified definitions for root cause of ED visits soon after hospital discharge and support the use of multiple stakeholders in identifying appropriate targets for care‐transition interventions. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:315–319. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Playing in the first Baire class
Authors: Carroy Raphaël
Published: February 2014

We present a self‐contained analysis of some reduction games, which characterise various natural subclasses of the first Baire class of functions ranging from and into 0‐dimensional Polish spaces. We prove that these games are determined, without using Martin's Borel determinacy, and give precise descriptions of the winning strategies for Player I. As an application of this analysis, we get a new proof of the Baire's lemma on pointwise convergence.
Synthesis of Biocompatible Glycodendrimer based on Fluorescent Perylene Bisimides and Its Bioimaging
Authors: Wang Ke‐Rang , An Hong‐Wei , Rong Rui‐Xue , Cao Zhi‐Ran , Li Xiao‐Liu
Published: February 2014

A novel water‐soluble fluorescent glycodendrimer based on perylene bisimides is synthesized, which exhibits high fluorescence quantum yield of 54%. While the binding interactions of PBI‐Man with Concanavalin A (Con A) are studied by fluorescence spectra and CD spectra, which show strong binding affinity for Con A with the binding constant of 3.8 × 107m−1 for monomeric mannose, nearly four orders of magnitude higher affinity than the monovalent mannose ligand. Furthermore, the fluorescence imaging of macrophage cell with PBI‐Man is investigated, and shows selectively binding interaction with the mannose receptor‐medicated cell entry. Moreover, the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) activities of PBI‐Man show that PBI‐Man as a biocompatible agent is noncytotoxic to living cells.

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Stem‐Cell Challenges in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: A Long Way from Bench to Bedside
Authors: Fan Xiaotang , Sun Dayu , Tang Xiaotong , Cai Yulong , Yin Zheng Qin , Xu Haiwei
Published: February 2014

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of dementia, and its neuropathology is characterized by deposition of insoluble β‐amyloid peptides, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, and the loss of diverse neurons. Current pharmacological treatments for AD relieve symptoms without affecting the major pathological characteristics of the disease. Therefore, it is essential to develop new and effective therapies. Stem‐cell types include tissue‐specific stem cells, such as neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic stem cells derived from blastocysts, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) reprogrammed from somatic cells. Recent preclinical evidence suggests that stem cells can be used to treat or model AD. The mechanisms of stem cell based therapies for AD include stem cell mediated neuroprotection and trophic actions, antiamyloidogenesis, beneficial immune modulation, and the replacement of the lost neurons. iPSCs have been recently used to model AD, investigate sporadic and familial AD pathogenesis, and screen for anti‐AD drugs. Although considerable progress has been achieved, a series of challenges must be overcome before stem cell based cell therapies are used clinically for AD patients. This review highlights the recent experimental and preclinical progress of stem‐cell therapies for AD, and discusses the translational challenges of their clinical application.
Accelerating parameter mapping with a locally low rank constraint
Authors: Zhang Tao , Pauly John M. , Levesque Ives R.
Published: February 2014

Purpose

To accelerate MR parameter mapping using a locally low rank (LLR) constraint, and the combination of parallel imaging and the LLR constraint.

Theory and Methods

An LLR method is developed for MR parameter mapping and compared with a globally low rank method in a multiecho spin‐echo T2 mapping experiment. For acquisition with coil arrays, a combined LLR and parallel imaging method is proposed. The proposed method is evaluated in a variable flip angle T1 mapping experiment and compared with the LLR method and parallel imaging alone.

Results

In the multiecho spin‐echo T2 mapping experiment, the LLR method is more accurate than the globally low rank method for acceleration factors 2 and 3, especially for tissues with high T2 values. Variable flip angle T1 mapping is achieved by acquiring datasets with 10 flip angles, each dataset accelerated by a factor of 6, and reconstructed by the proposed method with a small normalized root mean square error of 0.025.

Conclusions

The LLR method is likely superior to the globally low rank method for MR parameter mapping. The proposed combined LLR and parallel imaging method has better performance than the two methods alone, especially with highly accelerated acquisition. Magn Reson Med 73:655–661, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The development of Moyamoya syndrome after proton beam therapy
Authors: Zwagerman Nathan T. , Foster Kimberly , Jakacki Regina , Khan Fazal H. , Yock Torunn I. , Greene Stephanie
Published: February 2014

The development of Moyamoya syndrome (MMS) after cranial irradiation for pediatric tumors has been well established. However, information on the development of MMS after proton beam radiotherapy is sparse. We present the case of a 2‐year‐old child who developed radiation‐induced MMS after treatment with proton beam therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:1490–1492. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Successful endovascular treatment of bilateral intralobar pulmonary sequestration with a bridging isthmus in a child
Authors: Ahn Su Joa , Kim Eun Young , Kim Jeong Ho , Byun Sung Su , Kim Hyung Sik , Choi Hye‐Young , Sun Yong Han
Published: February 2014

Pulmonary sequestration refers to aberrant formation of segmental lung tissue that has no connection with the bronchial tree and receives a blood supply from a systemic artery. Bilateral pulmonary sequestration, especially with a bridging isthmus is extremely rare. Although endovascular treatment is regarded as the less invasive alternative for the treatment of pulmonary sequestration, all previously reported bilateral pulmonary sequestrations have been treated surgically. We report the case of a 13‐year‐old girl who underwent successful endovascular treatment for bilateral pulmonary sequestration with a bridging isthmus. Thoracic CT angiography showed a heterogeneous mass‐like consolidation in the both lower lobes connected each other via a bridging isthmus behind the heart. CT also demonstrated an aberrant artery, which originated from the celiac trunk, supplied the sequestration of the left lower lobe, and that a branch from the aberrant artery traversed to the sequestration in the right lower lobe. After percutaneous endovascular embolization using microcoils and gelfoam, the patient had no complications and the bilateral sequestration showed markedly decrease in the size. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:E126–E129. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PIKO‐6® vs. forced spirometry in asthmatic children
Authors: Gochicoa‐Rangel Laura , Larios‐Castañeda Pablo José , Miguel‐Reyes José Luis , Martínez Briseño David , Flores‐Campos Roberto , Sáenz‐López Juan Arturo , Torre‐Bouscoulet Luis
Published: February 2014

Background

The PIKO‐6® is an electronic device that measures forced expiratory volume at seconds 1 (FEV1) and 6 (FEV6) of a forced vital capacity (FVC) maneuver. This device could aid in diagnosing obstructive respiratory diseases.

Objectives

To determine the concordance of FEV1, FEV6, and the FEV1/FEV6 quotient achieved with PIKO‐6® versus spirometric values from asthmatic patients, and compare results with measures from healthy children.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study with asthmatic and healthy 6‐to‐14‐year‐old children, all of whom performed a forced spirometry as well as a PIKO‐6® test.

Results

The study included 82 subjects (58 asthmatics, 24 healthy children). Except for the functional parameters, the basal characteristics of the two groups were similar. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) for FEV1 was 0.938 (P < 0.001), with 95% limits of agreement of −0.591 to 0.512 L, and an average of differences of −0.040 L. For FEV6, CCC was 0.927 (P < 0.001), and the 95% limits of agreement were −0.751 to 0.598 L with an average of differences of −0.077 L. The concordance analysis and the FEV1 and FEV6 associations were better in children with controlled asthma and healthy subjects, as well as in the post‐bronchodilator results.

Conclusions

The concordance between PIKO‐6® and spirometry was lower in patients with partially controlled or uncontrolled asthma compared to controlled or healthy children. The broad limits of agreement show that the FEV1, FEV6, and FEV1/FEV6 obtained with the PIKO‐6® are not interchangeable with spirometry results. Longitudinal evaluations of asthma patients are necessary to assess the utility of PIKO‐6®. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:1170–1176. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Proteomic analysis as a means to approach limbal stem cell biology in a search for stem cell markers
Authors: Honoré Bent , Vorum Henrik
Published: February 2014

The cornea consists of three main layers: an outer surface epithelium, the stroma, and the endothelium. A clear cornea is necessary for optimal vision and is maintained and repaired from limbal epithelial stem cells located in the limbus between the cornea and the sclera. Diseases and injury may result in deficiency of the stem cells impairing their ability to renew the corneal epithelium. Patients with limbal stem cell deficiency experience chronic pain and ultimately blindness. Attempts to treat the disease are based on replacement of the stem cells by transplantation or by culturing the stem cells. We here review the proteomic techniques that so far have been used to approach characterization of limbal stem cells and markers to identify them. It is apparent that the field is in a rather inchoate state due to the scarcity and relative inaccessibility of the stem cells. However, the importance of revealing limbal stem cell biology and identifying stem cell biomarkers calls for greater use of emerging methodology. Strategies for future studies are discussed.
The In Vivo Radiosensitizing Effect of Gold Nanoparticles Based MRI Contrast Agents
Authors: Miladi Imen , Alric Christophe , Dufort Sandrine , Mowat Pierre , Dutour Aurélie , Mandon Céline , Laurent Gautier , Bräuer‐Krisch Elke , Herath Nirmitha , Coll Jean‐Luc , Dutreix Marie , Lux François , Bazzi Rana , Billotey Claire , Janier Marc , Perriat Pascal , Le Duc Géraldine , Roux Stéphane , Tillement Olivier
Published: February 2014

Owing to the high atomic number (Z) of gold element, the gold nanoparticles appear as very promising radiosensitizing agents. This character can be exploited for improving the selectivity of radiotherapy. However, such an improvement is possible only if irradiation is performed when the gold content is high in the tumor and low in the surrounding healthy tissue. As a result, the beneficial action of irradiation (the eradication of the tumor) should occur while the deleterious side effects of radiotherapy should be limited by sparing the healthy tissue. The location of the radiosensitizers is therefore required to initiate the radiotherapy. Designing gold nanoparticles for monitoring their distribution by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an asset due to the high resolution of MRI which permits the accurate location of particles and therefore the determination of the optimal time for the irradiation. We recently demonstrated that ultrasmall gold nanoparticles coated by gadolinium chelates (Au@DTDTPA‐Gd) can be followed up by MRI after intravenous injection. Herein, Au@DTDTPA and Au@DTDTPA‐Gd were prepared in order to evaluate their potential for radiosensitization. Comet assays and in vivo experiments suggest that these particles appear well suited for improving the selectivity of the radiotherapy. The dose which is used for inducing similar levels of DNA alteration is divided by two when cells are incubated with the gold nanoparticles prior to the irradiation. Moreover, the increase in the lifespan of tumor bearing rats is more important when the irradiation is performed after the injection of the gold nanoparticles. In the case of treatment of rats with a brain tumor (9L gliosarcoma, a radio‐resistant tumor in a radiosensitive organ), the delay between the intravenous injection and the irradiation was determined by MRI.
Fluorescent Nanodiamonds Embedded in Biocompatible Translucent Shells
Authors: Rehor Ivan , Slegerova Jitka , Kucka Jan , Proks Vladimir , Petrakova Vladimira , Adam Marie‐Pierre , Treussart François , Turner Stuart , Bals Sara , Sacha Pavel , Ledvina Miroslav , Wen Amy M. , Steinmetz Nicole F. , Cigler Petr
Published: February 2014

High pressure high temperature (HPHT) nanodiamonds (NDs) represent extremely promising materials for construction of fluorescent nanoprobes and nanosensors. However, some properties of bare NDs limit their direct use in these applications: they precipitate in biological solutions, only a limited set of bio‐orthogonal conjugation techniques is available and the accessible material is greatly polydisperse in shape. In this work, we encapsulate bright 30‐nm fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) in 10–20‐nm thick translucent (i.e., not altering FND fluorescence) silica shells, yielding monodisperse near‐spherical particles of mean diameter 66 nm. High yield modification of the shells with PEG chains stabilizes the particles in ionic solutions, making them applicable in biological environments. We further modify the opposite ends of PEG chains with fluorescent dyes or vectoring peptide using click chemistry. High conversion of this bio‐orthogonal coupling yielded circa 2000 dye or peptide molecules on a single FND. We demonstrate the superior properties of these particles by in vitro interaction with human prostate cancer cells: while bare nanodiamonds strongly aggregate in the buffer and adsorb onto the cell membrane, the shell encapsulated NDs do not adsorb nonspecifically and they penetrate inside the cells.
Making abstract mathematics concrete in and out of school
Authors: Swanson David , Williams Julian
Published: February 2014

We adopt a neo-Vygotskian view that a fully concretescientificconcept can only emerge from engaging in practice with systems of theoretical concepts, such as when mathematics is used to make sense of outside school or vocational practices. From this perspective, the literature on mathematics outside school tends to dichotomise in- and out-of-school practice and glamorises the latter as more authentic and situated than academic mathematics. We then examine case study ethnographies of mathematics in which this picture seemed to break down in moments of mathematical problem solving and modelling in practice: (1) when amateur or professional players decided to investigate the mathematics of darts scoring to develop their “outing” strategies and (2) when a prevocational mathematics course task challenged would-be mathematics teachers’ concept of fractions. These examples are used to develop the Vygotskian framework in relation to vocational and workplace mathematics. Finally, we propose that a unified view of mathematics, outside and inside school, on the basis of Vygotsky’s approach to everyday and scientific thought, can usefully orientate further research in vocational mathematics education.
Using Agent-Based Models to Design Social Marketing Campaign
Authors: Perez-Mujica Luisa , Duncan Roderick , Bossomaier Terry
Published: February 2014

Community-based social marketing (CBSM) involves members of the community as active participants in the marketing campaign for a social good. However behaviour of community members in CBSM is not well simulated using the standard tools available to marketers. We show how agent-based models (ABMs) can be used to simulate the behaviour of community members at the individual level to determine how sensitive the outcome of a CBSM campaign is to assumptions around the effectiveness of marketing within the community. We develop an ABM for wetlands managers to use to simulate the outcome of a marketing plan for promotion of environmental tourism in a wetlands area. The wetlands managers must trade off the costs of marketing and the damage done by the tourism activities with the value of ecotourism for the wetland. We find evidence from the simulations that wetlands’ ecological health is sensitive to the design of the social marketing campaign.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in the presence of right ventricular apical pacing: A case report
Authors: Matsumoto Manabu , Ohga Masanobu , Uemura Shumpo , Node Koichi
Published: February 2014

In Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), ST‐segment elevation, T‐wave inversion, and QTc prolongation are the most common electrocardiography (ECG) findings during acute and subacute periods. Right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing produces a left ventricular electrical activation sequence resembling a left bundle‐branch block, and the ST–T segment changes are usually discordant from the QRS complex. Several cases have reported that abnormal ECG manifestations in TCM could be detected even in patients with a paced ventricular rhythm. However, ECG manifestations in TCM have not been well characterized in patients with RVA pacing. Here, we report a case of a 76‐year‐old woman with RVA pacing who was diagnosed with TCM after she experienced acute bronchitis. To the best of our knowledge, this is a rare case, showing that significant QTc prolongation and concordant T‐wave inversions during full RVA pacing were longer and deeper when compared with ECG findings in past reports. The ECG findings eventually improved with a similar course as those in TCM patients without RVA pacing.
Saphenous Neuropathy Secondary to Extraneural Ganglion Cyst 15 Years After Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Sole Joshua S. , Pingree Matthew J. , Spinner Robert J. , Murthy Naveen S. , Sellon Jacob L.
Published: February 2014

This case report describes a 43‐year‐old woman with a previous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and medial meniscectomy who presented with right knee dysesthesias radiating into her medial ankle with associated allodynia. An extensive work‐up was pursued, without a definitive diagnosis found or improvement in the patient's symptoms. Eventually, she was referred to Pain Medicine for an ultrasound‐guided saphenous nerve (SN) block, where a scan before the injection revealed a large cyst anteromedial to the sartorius in the expected location of the SN. Magnetic resonance imaging and surgical pathology confirmed a juxta‐articular ganglion cyst compressing the main SN, just above the take‐off of the infrapatellar branch. The cyst was successfully resected, with improvement noted in the patient's neuropathic symptoms postoperatively. Saphenous neuropathy is a rare condition, and to our knowledge this case is the first reported of saphenous neuropathy caused by a knee joint capsule−derived ganglion cyst.
Interspinous Ligament Calcification in a Collegiate Gymnast
Authors: Simpson Scott , Krabak Brian J.
Published: February 2014

A 21‐year‐old collegiate gymnast presented with midline pain at the thoracolumbar junction upon back extension and a “gritty” sensation at that level. Ultrasound revealed an area of hyperechogenicity, representing a calcification, within the interspinous ligament at the area of maximal tenderness at the T12‐L1 level. Under ultrasound guidance, multiple fenestrations were made into the calcification and a mixture of lidocaine and triamcinolone was injected. The patient experienced immediate improvement in her symptoms, and resolution occurred during the subsequent 6 weeks; she was able to make a gradual return to gymnastics. Interspinous ligament calcification in a young athlete has not been previously reported.
Long-term efficacy of spironolactone on pain, mood, and quality of life in women with fibromyalgia: An observational case series
Authors: Wernze Heinrich , Herdegen Thomas
Published: February 2014

Objective

No single drug is broadly efficacious in the long-term treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Spironolactone is known to ameliorate mood and tension headache or migraine in women with premenstrual syndrome or clinical signs of hyperandrogenism. In a case series of women with treatment resistant FMS spironolactone was therefore added to their medication, and they were observed for at least 12 months.

Methods

31 women with treatment-resistant FMS received spironolactone as add-on medication to various pain modulating drugs. 15 women responded to spironolactone and baseline data were compared with assessments over 12–14 months on treatment with spironolactone (ALDACTONE®) in dose range 100–200 mg/day. The efficacy was evaluated by the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) total score and 8 FIQ subtests, a German mood inventory (BSKE-EWL), and further assessments of changes in relevant psychological and physical complaints. 16 women had no effect and stopped the treatment early.

Results

The subsequent data refer to the 15 responders. The FIQ total score (maximal score = 80) decreased from 56.6 ± 10.0 at baseline to 17.1 ± 11.9 (mean ± SD) 12–14 months later, and pain intensity on an 11 point numeric rating scale (NRS) decreased from 8.8 ± 1.6 to 2.6 ± 1.9 (mean ± SD). Similar changes in FIQ subscores were found for fatigue, morning tiredness, stiffness, anxiety, and depression. Emotional functioning consistently improved: positive mood from 20.0 ± 5.4 to 37.7 ± 5.4 (maximal score = 48), and negative mood from 35.4 ± 5.3 to 10.0 ± 4.4 (maximal score = 60) (each mean ± SD) as well as other mental and physical dysfunctions including non-restorative sleep. All these changes at 4–6 weeks remained on this level for 11–13 months. The drug was well-tolerated and safe, no serious adverse effects were observed. Regular monitoring of serum potassium did not reveal hyperkalemia. All 15 women were able to reduce or discontinue concomitant drugs.

Conclusion

Fifteen of 31 women with otherwise treatment-resistant FMS experienced a number of prolonged beneficial effects from spironolactone on their complex pain-condition.

Implications and discussion

We hypothesise that spironolactone affects several central and peripheral neurotransmitter systems such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity and dopaminergic transmission. The high rate of non-responsive patients underlines that FMS may represent several subgroups. Pain relief and improvement of associated FHS-symptoms and positive effects on additional diseases or dysfunctions give reasons for marked and sustained improvement in the quality of life.

Well-controlled, double-blind, and randomised trials are necessary to confirm our potentially very important observations.
The concentration of strontium and other minerals in animal feed ingredients
Authors: Browning L.C. , Cowieson A.J.
Published: February 2014

Variance in macro- and micro-mineral concentration in feed ingredients for farmed livestock contributes to sub-optimal performance and may compromise health and welfare. Although routine quality assurance and quality control procedures in feed mills or integrated poultry or swine businesses may track variance in the concentration of minerals of immediate nutritional importance, such as phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca) and sodium (Na), micro-minerals such as strontium (Sr) attract less attention. In order to create a framework for further study, the mineral concentration in more than 130 animal feed ingredients commonly used in Australia were analysed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Due to a dearth of information, the principal focus of the survey was Sr, but the concentration of Ca, P, magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), potassium (K), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), sulphur (S) and Na were analysed concurrently. Generally the minerals present at the highest concentrations in the various feed ingredients examined were Ca, P and Mg. As anticipated, the ingredients with the highest concentrations of Ca and P were inorganic phosphates, limestone and meat and bone meal. The average Ca concentration in limestone was 393 g/kg but a range of 376–415 g/kg was observed which may be nutritionally important. Furthermore, the Mg concentration in limestone ranged from 7–535 mg/kg suggesting some contamination by dolomite lime sources. A total of 24 meat and bone meal samples were included in the analysis and mean Ca and P concentrations were 109 and 54 g/kg respectively. However, the range of Ca and P in meat and bone meal was considerable with Ca concentrations from 51–148 g/kg and P concentrations from 26–66 g/kg. A total of 81 cereal, grain legume and cereal by-product samples were included as part of the survey and these vegetable feed ingredients contained relatively low concentrations of most minerals with Ca, P, Mg and K dominating. The K concentration of soybean meal was found to be around 23 g/kg and ranged from approximately 22–27 g/kg. In comparison, the Sr concentration in the feed ingredients was low relative to other minerals, with limestone having the highest level of strontium at 329 mg/kg. Overall those feed ingredients from a mineral origin had the highest level of Sr. In addition, meat and bone meal had a relatively high concentration of Sr (around 159 mg/kg).
A New 1.4 GHz Radio Continuum Map of the Sky South of Declination +25°
Authors: Calabretta Mark R. , Staveley-Smith Lister , Barnes David G.
Published: February 2014

Archival data from the HI Parkes All-Sky Survey (HIPASS) and the HI Zone of Avoidance (HIZOA) survey have been carefully reprocessed into a new 1.4 GHz continuum map of the sky south of δ = +25°. The wide sky coverage, high sensitivity of 40 mK (limited by confusion), resolution of 14.4 arcmin (compared to 51 arcmin for the Haslam et al. 408 MHz and 35 arcmin for the Reich et al. 1.4 GHz surveys), and low level of artefacts make this map ideal for numerous studies, including: merging into interferometer maps to complete large-scale structures; decomposition of thermal and non-thermal emission components from Galactic and extragalactic sources; and comparison of emission regions with other frequencies. The new map is available for download.