bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of varying protocols for high‐level disinfection of flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopes
Authors: Liming Bryan , Funnell Ian , Jones Anthony , Demons Samandra , Marshall Kathryn , Harsha Wayne 
Published: March 2014

Objectives/HypothesisThe use of flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopes (FFLs) is ubiquitous in otolaryngology practices. As with any medical device, there exists a small risk for transmission of pathogenic microorganisms between patients, necessitating high‐level decontamination between uses. Most of the literature to date has studied channeled scopes such as those used in esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy. A recent study of nonchanneled flexible laryngoscopes suggested that current high‐level decontamination practices in use at some institutions, including ours, may be overly aggressive. We sought to evaluate and compare the efficacy of varying techniques of high‐level disinfection of FFLs.Study DesignFFLs were used in routine clinical encounters and then disinfected with a variety of techniques. The FFLs were then cultured for bacteria and fungi, and the rates of positive cultures were compared between the techniques and the controls.MethodsIn this study, we took FFLs following use in routine clinical practice and disinfected them using one of eight decontamination protocols. We compared the bacterial and fungal culture results to positive and negative controls.ResultsWe demonstrated that each of the eight cleaning protocols was statistically efficacious at removing bacterial contamination. Our results for fungal cultures did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionsUsing in vitro inoculation of FFLs, this study demonstrated that quicker and more cost‐effective practices are equally efficacious to more time‐consuming and expensive techniques with regard to bacterial contamination of FFLs.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 124:2498–2501, 2014
Silk‐Pectin Hydrogel with Superior Mechanical Properties, Biodegradability, and Biocompatibility
Authors: Numata Keiji , Yamazaki Shoya , Katashima Takuya , Chuah Jo‐Ann , Naga Naofumi , Sakai Takamasa 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA new method is developed to prepare silk hydrogels and silk‐pectin hydrogels via dialysis against methanol to obtain hydrogels with high concentrations of silk fibroin. The relationship between the mechanical and biological properties and the structure of the silk‐pectin hydrogels is subsequently evaluated. The present results suggest that pectin associates with silk molecules when the silk concentration exceeds 15 wt%, suggesting that a silk concentration of over 15 wt% is critical to construct interacting silk‐pectin networks. The silk‐pectin hydrogel reported here is composed of a heterogeneous network, which is different from fiber‐reinforced, interpenetrated networks and double‐network hydrogels, as well as high‐stiffness hydrogels (elastic modulus of 4.7 ± 0.9 MPa, elastic stress limit of 3.9 ± 0.1 MPa, and elastic strain limit of 48.4 ± 0.5%) with regard to biocompatibility and biodegradability.
Hydrogen‐Bonded Supramolecular Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles for White Light‐Emitting Devices
Authors: Lin Jin‐Yi , Wong JenIt , Xie Ling‐Hai , Dong Xiao‐Chen , Yang Hui Ying , Huang Wei 
Published: March 2014

Supramolecular polyfluorenol enable assembly into conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs). Poly{9‐[4‐(octyloxy)phenyl]fluoren‐9‐ol‐2,7‐diyl} (PPFOH)‐based supramolecular nanoparticles are prepared via reprecipitation. PPFOH nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 40 to 200 nm are obtained by adding different amounts of water into DMF solution. Size‐dependent luminescence is observed in PPFOH‐based hydrogen‐bonded nanoparticles that is different from that of poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorenes). Finally, white light‐emitting devices using CPNs with a size of 80 nm exhibit white emission with the CIE coordinates (0.31, 0.34). Amphiphilic conjugated polymer nanoparticles are potential organic nano‐inks for the fabrication of organic devices in printed electronics.
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Combined fenobam and amantadine treatment promotes robust antidyskinetic effects in the 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐lesioned primate model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ko Wai Kin D. , Pioli Elsa , Li Qin , McGuire Steve , Dufour Audrey , Sherer Todd B. , Bezard Erwan , Facheris Maurizio F. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTAmantadine, an N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist, is currently the only pharmacological treatment for levodopa‐induced dyskinesia (LID) in Parkinson's disease (PD), but causes adverse effects on the central nervous system at therapeutic doses. Fenobam, a negative modulator of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5, has recently been reported to attenuate LID in MPTP‐treated macaques. The aim of the current study was to investigate the treatment interactions of fenobam and amantadine on LID in the MPTP‐treated macaque model of PD. The antidyskinetic and ‐parkinsonian effects were measured after administration of fenobam (10‐30 mg/kg) and amantadine (10‐30 mg/kg) alone and in combination. Fenobam (30 mg/kg) and amantadine (30 mg/kg) alone reduced LID, whereas lower doses of either drug did not cause any significant effects. A combined treatment of fenobam and amantadine at subthreshold doses (10 and 20 mg/kg) significantly reduced LID without worsening PD disability. These data suggest that a low‐dose combination of fenobam and amantadine can be used for alleviating dyskinesia without causing adverse motor effects. Such combined therapies may offer a new therapeutic strategy for treatment of LID in PD patients. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Finite heterogeneous element method using sliced microstructures for linear elastic analysis
Authors: Suzuki Yoshiro 
Published: March 2014

SUMMARYA new finite heterogeneous element consisting of sliced microstructures (FHES) is applied in a multi‒scale technique. The FHES represents a heterogeneous material with microscopic constituents without homogenization or microscopic finite element analysis. A representative volume element extracted from a heterogeneous structure is thinly sliced. Each slice is modeled as a combined spring to calculate properties of the FHES. Each FHES has the same number of nodes as an ordinary finite element, and the macroscopic analysis cost is the same as that for ordinary finite element analysis. However, the FHES retains information about the microscopic material layout (i.e., the distribution of a material's property) in itself that is lost during homogenization. In the proposed approach, materials are not homogenized. The FHES does not have a constant (homogenized) material property and can ‘change stiffness’ depending on its deformation behavior. This reduces error due to coarse‒graining and allows us to calculate the macroscopic deformation behavior with sufficient accuracy even if a large gradient of strain is generated in the macroscopic field. The novelty of the research is the development of rational heterogeneous finite elements. The paper presents the theory behind the FHES and its practical application to a linear elastic problem. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endothelial cells promote stem‐like phenotype of glioma cells through activating the Hedgehog pathway
Authors: Yan Guang‐Ning , Yang Lang , Lv Yang‐Fan , Shi Yu , Shen Li‐Li , Yao Xiao‐Hong , Guo Qiao‐Nan , Zhang Peng , Cui You‐Hong , Zhang Xia , Bian Xiu‐Wu , Guo De‐Yu 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMicroenvironmental regulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) strongly influences the onset and spread of cancer. The way in which glioma cells interact with their microenvironment and acquire the phenotypes of CSCs remains elusive. We investigated how communication between vascular endothelial cells and glioma cells promoted the properties of glioma stem cells (GSCs). We observed that CD133+ GSCs were located closely to Shh+ endothelial cells in specimens of human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In both in vitro and in vivo studies, we found that endothelial cells promoted the appearance of CSC‐like glioma cells, as demonstrated by increases in tumourigenicity and expression of stemness genes such as Sox2, Olig2, Bmi1 and CD133 in glioma cells that were co‐cultured with endothelial cells. Knockdown of Smo in glioma cells led to a significant reduction of their CSC‐like phenotype formation in vitro and in vivo. Endothelial cells with Shh knockdown failed to promote Hedgehog (HH) pathway activation and CSC‐like phenotype formation in co‐cultured glioma cells. By examination of glioma tissue specimens from 65 patients, we found that the survival of glioma patients was closely correlated with the expression of both Shh by endothelial cells and Gli1 by perivascular glioma cells. Taken together, our study demonstrates that endothelial cells in the tumour microenvironment provide Shh to activate the HH signalling pathway in glioma cells, thereby promoting GSC properties and glioma propagation. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Effect of small‐scale surface heterogeneities and buildings on radiation fog: Large‐eddy simulation study at Paris–Charles de Gaulle airport
Authors: Bergot Thierry , Escobar Juan , Masson Valery 
Published: March 2014

Large‐eddy simulations (LES) of radiation fog were performed over an airport area to study the effect of urban canopy on fog. These LES were performed with the Meso‐NH research model at very high resolution: 1.5 m in the horizontal and 1 m in the vertical and over a domain 4.5 km × 1.5 km.The blocking effect of the airport buildings led to strong wind shear and consequently to the production of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE). The airport buildings also had a strong effect on vertical velocity, with a subsidence region behind the buildings. The increase of both turbulence and vertical velocity strongly modified the fog formation. The fog layer took more time to form in the airport area, but the increase in turbulence facilitated the vertical development of the fog layer.The fog took 1.5 h to form over the whole simulated airport area. The fog height was heterogeneous during the formation phase, with the formation of very low clouds locally. The effect of airport buildings on vertical velocity could explain these heterogeneities of the fog height. During the mature phase of the fog, the buildings had little impact on the fog layer characteristics. The fog dynamics were mainly controlled by processes at its top.These results suggest that the inclusion of high levels of detail in the building representation remains important for the local forecasting of fog formation. Particularly, small‐scale heterogeneities can explain the spatial variability of fog formation. It seems necessary to take small‐scale variability of the urban canopy into account for local and accurate forecasts of fog formation over airport areas.
Characterization of N‐glycan heterogeneities of erythropoietin products by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and multivariate analysis
Authors: Hashii Noritaka , Harazono Akira , Kuribayashi Ryosuke , Takakura Daisuke , Kawasaki Nana 
Published: March 2014

RATIONALEGlycan heterogeneity on recombinant human erythropoietin (rEPO) product is considered to be one of the critical quality attributes, and similarity tests of glycan heterogeneities are required in the manufacturing process changes and developments of biosimilars. A method for differentiating highly complex and diverse glycosylations is needed to evaluate comparability and biosimilarity among rEPO batches and products manufactured by different processes.METHODSThe glycan heterogeneities of nine rEPO products (four innovator products and five biosimilar products) were distinguished by multivariate analysis (MVA) using the peak area ratios of each glycan to the total peak area of glycans in mass spectra obtained by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) of N‐glycans from rEPOs.RESULTSPrincipal component analysis (PCA) using glycan profiles obtained by LC/MS proved to be a useful method for differentiating glycan heterogeneities among nine rEPOs. Using PC values as indices, we were able to visualize and digitalize the glycan heterogeneities of each rEPO. The characteristic glycans of each rEPO were also successfully identified by orthogonal partial least‐squares discrimination analysis (OPLS‐DA), an MVA method, using the glycan profile data.CONCLUSIONSPCA values were useful for evaluating the relative differences among the glycan heterogeneities of rEPOs. The characteristic glycans that contributed to the differentiation were also successfully identified by OPLS‐DA. PCA and OPLS‐DA based on mass spectrometric data are applicable for distinguishing glycan heterogeneities, which are virtually indistinguishable on rEPO products. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Signal suppression can bias selected reaction monitoring ratios. Implications for the confirmation of positive findings in residue testing
Authors: Kaufmann Anton , Widmer Miryam , Maden Kathryn 
Published: March 2014

RATIONALESelected reaction monitoring (SRM) ratios based on two or more transitions are commonly used to confirm the identity of a suspected finding in residue testing. International norms like the EU directive commission decision 2002/657/EC (CD) require the use of such ratios to prove the unequivocal identification of a particular compound detected at trace level (confirmation of a suspected residue).METHODSIn this study, the relative abundances of different precursor ions (e.g. protonated molecule, solvent adducts, characteristic fragment ions or multiply charged ions) derived from the same analyte molecule were found to be differently (asymmetrically) affected by matrix‐related signal suppression effects. This observation was made when analyzing veterinary drug residues (colistin and amoxicillin) in animal tissue extracts.RESULTSThe term 'asymmetric signal suppression' was coined since different ionic species produced from the same analyte molecule are differently (asymmetrically) suppressed by co‐eluting matrix compounds. In the case of the colistin assay, the extent of asymmetric signal suppression is such that the measured SRM ratios lie beyond the defined (CD) tolerances. Hence, the compound present in a sample cannot be confirmed.CONCLUSIONSThe [M+H]+ ion may be the most commonly used precursor ion in liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray operated in the positive ionization mode. However, the absence of a sufficiently intensive confirmation transition frequently leads to the selection of another precursor ion to be utilized for the confirmation transition. The SRM ratio derived from such transitions should not be compared to the SRM ratio derived from pure standard solutions but spiked blank matrix extracts. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiviral drug resistance in herpesviruses other than cytomegalovirus
Authors: Piret Jocelyne , Boivin Guy 
Published: March 2014

SUMMARYThe discovery of acyclovir (ACV), a nucleoside analogue, more than 30 years ago, represents a milestone in the management of HSV and VZV infections. The modest activity of ACV against CMV prompted the development of another nucleoside analogue, ganciclovir, for the management of systemic and organ‐specific CMV diseases. Second‐line agents such as the pyrophosphate analogue foscarnet and the nucleotide analogue cidofovir have been approved subsequently. In contrast to ACV and ganciclovir, the latter drugs do not require selective phosphorylation by viral protein kinases to be converted into their active forms. Since the introduction of these antivirals, the emergence of drug‐resistant mutants has been constantly reported particularly in severely immunocompromised patients such as bone marrow and solid organ transplant recipients as well as HIV‐infected individuals. In this manuscript, we discuss the characteristics of the antiviral agents currently approved for the management of HSV, VZV and CMV diseases. In recent years, the resistance of CMV to antiviral drugs has been extensively reviewed. The emergence of antiviral drug resistance is also observed with other members of the Herpesviridae family, namely HSV‐1, HSV‐2, VZV and HHV‐6, which are the focus of this review. More specifically, we describe the laboratory methods for assessing drug susceptibilities, the frequency and clinical significance of drug‐resistant infections and their management. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polychlorinated biphenyl quinone induces mitochondrial‐mediated and caspase‐dependent apoptosis in HepG2 cells
Authors: Xu Demei , Li Lingrui , Liu Lichao , Dong Hui , Deng Qin , Yang Xiaojia , Song Erqun , Song Yang 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTPolychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) quinones are known to cause toxic effects, but their mechanisms are quite unclear. In this study, we examined whether 2,3,5‐trichloro‐6‐phenyl‐[1,4]benzoquinone, PCB29‐pQ, induces cell death via apoptosis pathway. Our result showed PCB29‐pQ exposure decreased HepG2 cell viability in a time‐dependent manner. Lactate dehydrogenase leakage assay also implied the cytotoxicity of PCB29‐pQ. 4′,6‐Diamidino‐2‐phenylindole dihydrochloride staining and flow cytometry assays both confirmed PCB29‐pQ caused dose‐dependent apoptotic cell death in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, we found that PCB29‐pQ exposure increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and induced the translocation of cytochrome c from mitochondria into cytosol in HepG2 cells. Moreover, PCB29‐pQ exposure induced B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) downregulation and Bcl‐2‐associated X (Bax) upregulation, poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase cleavage, accompanied with the increased caspase‐3/9 and p53 expressions. Taking together, these results suggested PCB29‐pQ induced HepG2 cells apoptosis through a ROS‐driven, mitochondrial‐mediated and caspase‐dependent pathway. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 1063–1072, 2015.
Corvid cognition
Authors: Taylor Alex H. 
Published: March 2014

Numerous myths and legends across the world have suggested that corvids are intelligent. However, it is only in the last two decades that their cognition has become the subject of serious scientific investigation. Here I review what we currently know about the temporal, social, and physical cognition of this group. I argue that, while the work to date establishes corvids as one of the most intelligent groups of animals on the planet, the real scientific potential of the Corvidae has yet to be realized. However, a novel ‘signature‐testing’ experimental approach is required if we want to unlock this group's promise and gain insights into the evolution of human and animal minds.This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition
Psychology > Comparative Psychology
Mono‐ and Di‐chloro‐bridged Discrete Dimers and Trimers and Mono‐Chloro‐Bridged 1D‐Coordination Polymer of Copper(II). Magneto‐structural Studies
Authors: Singh Ravindra , Lloret Francesc , Mukherjee Rabindranath 
Published: March 2014

Abstract The synthesis, structural characterization, and magnetic properties of three copper(II) complexes, a mono‐chloro‐bridged [Cu2II(L6)2(μ‐Cl)(Cl)(CuIICl4)] (1) and a dichloro‐bridged [CuII2(L7)2(μ‐Cl)2][ClO4]2 (3) discrete trimers and dimers, and a mono‐chloro‐bridged 1D‐coordination polymer [CuII(L6)(μ‐Cl)][ClO4]·CH3CN (2), are reported. Molecular structures were authenticated by X‐ray crystallography. Temperature‐dependent magnetic measurements carried out on powdered samples of 1–3 indicated a very weak antiferromagnetic exchange‐coupling within the {CuII(μ‐Cl)CuII(μ‐Cl)CuIICl3}+ units in 1 [Curie‐Weiss plot: θ = –0.19(1) K and g = 2.07(1)], a ferromagnetic behavior within {CuII(μ‐Cl)2CuII}2+ units in 3 [Ĥ = –JS1·S2: J = +6.0(1) cm–1, D (zero‐field splitting parameter) = 4.5(2) cm–1, and g = 2.11], and a weak intrachain antiferromagnetic behavior due to {CuII(μ‐Cl)CuII}3+ units in 2 [single‐chain polymer: J = –0.20(1) cm–1 and g = 2.11]. The square‐pyramidal stereochemistry of the central copper(II) atoms in 1–3 was identified by their absorption spectral properties in acetontrile. An attempt was made to rationalize the observed magneto‐structural behavior.
Revenue Management in Make-To-Order Manufacturing: Case Study of Capacity Control at ThyssenKrupp VDM
Authors: Hintsches André , Spengler Thomas S. , Volling Thomas , Wittek Kai , Priegnitz Gerald 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWhile revenue management (RM) is traditionally considered a tool of service operations, RM shows considerable potential for application in manufacturing operations. The typical challenges in make-to-order manufacturing are fixed manufacturing capacities and a great variety in offered products, going along with pronounced fluctuations in demand and profitability. Since Harris and Pinder in the mid-90s, numerous papers have furthered the understanding of RM theory in this environment. Nevertheless, results to be expected from applying the developed methods to a practical industry setting have yet to be reported. To this end, this paper investigates a possible application of RM at ThyssenKrupp VDM, leading to considerable improvements in several areas.
Early Versus Late Effort in Dynamic Agencies with Unverifiable Information
Authors: Schöndube Jens Robert 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn this paper we analyze a dynamic agency problem where contracting parties do not know the agent’s future productivity at the beginning of the relationship. We consider a two-period model where both the agent and the principal observe the agent’s second-period productivity at the end of the first period. This observation is assumed to be non-verifiable information. We compare long-term contracts with short-term contracts with respect to their suitability to motivate effort in both periods. On the one hand, short-term contracts allow for a better fine-tuning of second-period incentives as they can be aligned with the agent’s second-period productivity. On the other hand, in short-term contracts first-period effort incentives might be distorted as contracts have to be sequentially optimal. Hence, the difference between long-term and short-term contracts is characterized by a trade-off between inducing effort in the first and in the second period. We analyze the determinants of this trade-off and demonstrate its implications for performance measurement and information system design.
Insider Trading in Germany — Do Corporate Insiders Exploit Inside Information?
Authors: Dymke Björn M. , Walter Andreas 
Published: March 2014

AbstractOur study focuses on the question whether corporate insiders in Germany exploit inside information while trading in their company’s stock. In contrast to prior international studies, which are not able to link insider transactions to a formal definition of inside information, we relate insider transactions to subsequent releases of inside information via ad-hoc news disclosures. We find evidence that corporate insiders as a group seem to trade on inside information. Moreover, members of the supervisory board seem to be most active in exploiting inside information, since they realize exceptionally high profits with their frequent front-running transactions.