bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic and Computational Characterizations of Alkaline‐Earth‐ and Heavy‐Metal‐Exchanged Natrolites
Authors: Liu Dan , Chen Xin , Ma Yanming , Liu Zhenxian , Vogt Thomas , Lee Yongjae
Published: July 2014

Invited for this month’s cover features the collaboration between four different research groups at Yonsei University, Jilin University, Geophysical Laboratory, and the NanoCentre of the University of South Carolina. The image shows the framework of the small pore zeolite natrolite made up of alternating SiO4 and AlO4 tetrahedral 4‐rings and helical 8‐rings, which can accommodate, by structural relaxations, diverse alkali, alkaline‐earth as well as some heavy metals as charge‐balancing extra‐framework cations (EFC). Systematic structural changes have now been linked to the spectroscopic data. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201402114
Stochastic interactions increase cooperation in a spatial Prisoner's Dilemma
Authors: Bausch Andrew W.
Published: July 2014

This article implements the spatial Prisoner's Dilemma (PD) as an agent‐based model. Many previous models have assumed that agents in a spatial PD interaction exclusively and deterministically within their von Neumann neighborhood. The model presented here introduces stochastic interactions within a subset of the von Neumann neighborhood. This implementation allows a direct comparison of the effect of stochastic interactions relative to deterministic interactions on the level of cooperation that emerges in the system. The results show that when holding the total number of interactions agents participate in each round constant, allowing agents to interact stochastically increases cooperation in the system relative to deterministic interactions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 82–92, 2015
On stability of equilibrium points in nonlinear fractional differential equations and fractional Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Keshtkar Fatemeh , Erjaee Gholamhussian , Boutefnouchet Mahmoud
Published: July 2014

In this article, a brief stability analysis of equilibrium points in nonlinear fractional order dynamical systems is given. Then, based on the first integral concept, a definition of planar Hamiltonian systems with fractional order introduced. Some interesting properties of these fractional Hamiltonian systems are also presented. Finally, we illustrate two examples to see the differences between fractional Hamiltonian systems with their classical order counterparts.© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 93–99, 2015
Compositional Insights and Valorization Pathways for Carbonaceous Material Deposited During Bio‐Oil Thermal Treatment
Authors: Ochoa Aitor , Aramburu Borja , Ibáñez María , Valle Beatriz , Bilbao Javier , Gayubo Ana G. , Castaño Pedro
Published: July 2014

This work analyses the composition, morphology, and thermal behavior of the carbonaceous materials deposited during the thermal treatment of bio‐oil (thermal pyrolytic lignin—TPL). The bio‐oil was obtained by flash pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass (pine sawdust), and the TPLs were obtained in the 400–700 °C range. The TPLs were characterized by performing elemental analysis; 13C NMR, Raman, FTIR, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy; SEM; and temperature‐programmed oxidation analyzed by differential thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. The results are compared to a commercial lignin (CL). The TPLs have lower oxygen and hydrogen contents and a greater aromaticity and structural order than the CL material. Based on these features, different valorization routes are proposed: the TPL obtained at 500 °C is suitable for use as a fuel, and the TPL obtained at 700 °C has a suitable morphology and composition for use as an adsorbent or catalyst support.
Cytologic features of stratified mucin producing intraepithelial lesion of the cervix—A case report
Authors: Goyal Abha , Yang Bin
Published: July 2014

Stratified mucin‐producing intraepithelial lesion (SMILE) of the cervix is a human papilloma virus (HPV) associated high grade intraepithelial columnar cell neoplasm that is thought to arise from the reserve cells of the transformation zone. It is composed of immature stratified cells that display intracytoplasmic mucin and is commonly associated with high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), and invasive carcinoma. Here, we describe the cytologic features of SMILE and discuss its pitfalls in cervical cytology. A 51‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with SMILE on a cervical biopsy. Histologically, the dysplastic epithelium showed enlarged nuclei with increased nuclear density and presence of mucin‐producing columnar cells throughout its thickness. The slides from the last two Pap tests (ThinPrep) performed on the patient were reviewed and compared with the histology. Cytologically, groups of atypical endocervical glandular cells were seen on both Pap tests. These groups showed mild nuclear crowding, slightly enlarged nuclei, nuclear hyperchromasia, and indistinct nucleoli. The borders of these cell groups were relatively smooth. Original cytologic diagnosis was atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US) in both instances. HPV (Hybrid Capture 2) testing was positive on both occasions. Similar to the histology, cytologic features of SMILE are subtle. The features are not typical for AIS or for HSIL and could easily be misinterpreted as reactive. This report emphasizes that careful review of crowded groups of glandular cells in HPV positive women is absolutely critical. Based on our knowledge, this is the first description of the cytologic features of these lesions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:792–797. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stage‐dependent responses to emergent habitat heterogeneity: consequences for a predatory insect population in a coffee agroecosystem
Authors: Liere Heidi , Perfecto Ivette , Vandermeer John
Published: July 2014

Interactions among members of biological communities can create spatial patterns that effectively generate habitat heterogeneity for other members in the community, and this heterogeneity might be crucial for their persistence. For example, stage‐dependent vulnerability of a predatory lady beetle to aggression of the ant, Azteca instabilis, creates two habitat types that are utilized differently by the immature and adult life stages of the beetle. Due to a mutualistic association between A. instabilis and the hemipteran Coccus viridis – which is A. orbigera main prey in the area – only plants around ant nests have high C. viridis populations. Here, we report on a series of surveys at three different scales aimed at detecting how the presence and clustered distribution of ant nests affect the distribution of the different life stages of this predatory lady beetle in a coffee farm in Chiapas, Mexico. Both beetle adults and larvae were more abundant in areas with ant nests, but adults were restricted to the peripheries of highest ant activity and outside the reach of coffee bushes containing the highest densities of lady beetle larvae. The abundance of adult beetles located around trees with ants increased with the size of the ant nest clusters but the relationship is not significant for larvae. Thus, we suggest that A. orbigera undergoes an ontogenetic niche shift, not through shifting prey species, but through stage‐specific vulnerability differences against a competitor that renders areas of abundant prey populations inaccessible for adults but not for larvae. Together with evidence presented elsewhere, this study shows how an important predator is not only dependent on the existence of two qualitatively distinct habitat types, but also on the spatial distribution of these habitats. We suggest that this dependency arises due to the different responses that the predator's life stages have to this emergent spatial pattern.
Blood parasite infection differentially relates to carotenoid‐based plumage and bill color in the American goldfinch
Authors: Lumpkin David C. , Murphy Troy G. , Tarvin Keith A.
Published: July 2014

Male and female American goldfinches (Spinus tristis) express condition‐dependent carotenoid‐based plumage and bill coloration. Plumage color is relatively static, as pigments incorporated into feathers during the spring molt cannot be mobilized thereafter. In contrast, bill color is dynamic, reflecting changes in condition over short time periods. Previous studies have shown that male and female ornaments, though similar in expression, are differentially related to measures of immunocompetence, suggesting that the relationship between ornamentation and parasite infection may differ between the sexes. In this study, we evaluate the relationship between condition‐dependent ornamentation (plumage and bill color) and blood parasite infection in male and female American goldfinches. We captured goldfinches after completion of the pre‐alternate molt and prior to the onset of nesting and assessed prevalence of Trypanosoma parasites via blood smears. Plumage color strongly predicted trypanosome infection: Birds with more colorful plumage were less likely to present infections. In contrast, we detected no relationship between infection and bill color, which in other studies has been shown to dynamically reflect current condition. Sex did not affect the relationship between infection status and either ornament. Together, these results suggest that physiological pathways linking carotenoid ornamentation and infection may vary even within a single species.
Enzymatic degumming: Degumming efficiency versus yield increase
Authors: Sampaio Klicia A. , Zyaykina Nadezhda , Wozniak Bogumila , Tsukamoto Junko , Greyt Wim De , Stevens Christian V.
Published: July 2014

Enzymatic degumming trials were performed on crude extracted soybean (SBO) and rapeseed oils (RSO) with a microbial phospholipase A1 (Lecitase Ultra®). We obtained a degummed oil with a phosphorus content < 10 mg/kg when applying an enzyme dosage of 30 mg/kg and (feedstock dependent) a contact time of 10–120 min. While a good degumming efficiency can already be obtained after a relative short reaction time, it was observed that a longer reaction time (1–2 h) is required for complete degradation of the phospholipids (PL), which results in a yield increase. We demonstrated that Lecitase Ultra® has no specificity for a given PL, but that the rate of conversion depends on the PL composition of the crude oil. After 60 min, 80% of phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE) was degraded to its lyso‐form while only 40% of phosphatidyl inositol (PI) was converted in the same time interval. The formation of glycerophospholipids (GPL) was only observed after 60 min reaction.

Practical applications: Practical advantages and disadvantages of the use of Lecithase Ultra for enzymatic degumming of oils is described, focusing on soybean oil and rapeseed oil. The information will be valuable and important for the oil refining industry.

Degumming of soybean and rapeseed oils with phospholipase A1 (Lecithase Ultra) was performed and it was demonstrated that there is no specificity for a given phospholipid. However, the conversion rate depends on the phospholipid composition of the crude oils.
Convenient Access to Carbohydrate–BODIPY Hybrids by Two Complementary Methods Involving One‐Pot Assembly of “Clickable” BODIPY Dyes
Authors: Martinez‐Gonzalez Mayra R. , Urías‐Benavides Arlette , Alvarado‐Martínez Enrique , Lopez J. Cristobal , Gómez Ana M. , del Rio Mayca , Garcia Inmaculada , Costela Angel , Bañuelos Jorge , Arbeloa Teresa , Lopez Arbeloa Iñigo , Peña‐Cabrera Eduardo
Published: July 2014

Two complementary one‐pot, three component synthetic strategies based on copper(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloadditions (CuAAC) have been developed, which allow the efficient assembly of glycosyl‐derived alkynes or azides with highly fluorescent boron–dipyrromethene (BODIPY) cores containing azido or alkyne moieties, respectively. The resulting carbohydrate–BODIPY derivatives display excellent photophysical and laser properties that relate to the spacer (amino group or aromatic ring) employed in each of the synthetic protocols.
A Polyamide Single‐Ion Electrolyte Membrane for Application in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sun Yubao , Rohan Rupesh , Cai Weiwei , Wan Xifei , Pareek Kapil , Lin An , Yunfeng Zhang , Cheng Hansong
Published: July 2014

A bis(sulfonyl)imide incorporated, high‐molecular‐weight gel single‐ion polyamide polymer electrolyte (LiPA) is designed and synthesized by using a polycondensation reaction followed by exchange of H+ with Li+ ions. All the bis(sulfonyl)imide anions are immobilized in the polymer chains, which gives rise to a substantially higher lithium cation transference number of 0.88 than the corresponding values of conventional liquid‐based electrolytes or dual‐ion gel polymer electrolytes of inorganic salts, and also provides smooth channels for Li+ ion transport in the polymer matrix. A gel single‐ion polymer electrolyte membrane, comprised of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and LiPA, is successfully prepared with an ionic conductivity of 3.8×10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature, well suited for applications in lithium‐ion batteries. Good battery performance of the membrane is demonstrated in an assembled Li‐ion battery cell at both room temperature and at elevated temperature.
Effect of viscous damping devices on the response of seismically isolated structures
Authors: Wolff E. D. , Ipek C. , Constantinou M. C. , Tapan M.
Published: July 2014

Viscous and other damping devices are often used as elements of seismic isolation systems. Despite the widespread application of nonlinear viscous systems particularly in Japan (with fewer applications in the USA and Taiwan), the application of viscous damping devices in isolation systems in the USA progressed intentionally toward the use of supplementary linear viscous devices due to the advantages offered by these devices. This paper presents experimental results on the behavior of seismically isolated structures with low damping elastomeric (LDE) and single friction pendulum (SFP) bearings with and without linear and nonlinear viscous dampers. The isolation systems are tested within a six‐story structure configured as moment frame and then again as braced frame. Emphasis is placed both on the acquisition of data related to the structural system (drifts, story shear forces, and isolator displacements) and on non‐structural systems (floor accelerations, floor spectral accelerations, and floor velocities). Moreover, the accuracy of analytical prediction of response is investigated based on the results of a total of 227 experiments, using 14 historic ground motions of far‐fault and near‐fault characteristics, on flexible moment frame and stiff braced frame structures isolated with LDE or SFP bearings and linear or nonlinear viscous dampers. It is concluded that when damping is needed to reduce displacement demands in the isolation system, linear viscous damping results in the least detrimental effect on the isolated structure. Moreover, the study concludes that the analytical prediction of peak floor accelerations and floor response spectra may contain errors that need to be considered when designing secondary systems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening of a new cadmium hyperaccumulator, Galinsoga parviflora, from winter farmland weeds using the artificially high soil cadmium concentration method
Authors: Lin Lijin , Jin Qian , Liu Yingjie , Ning Bo , Liao Ming'an , Luo Li
Published: July 2014

A new method, the artificially high soil cadmium (Cd) concentration method, was used to screen for Cd hyperaccumulators among winter farmland weeds. Galinsoga parviflora was the most promising remedial plant among 5 Cd accumulators or hyperaccumulators. In Cd concentration gradient experiments, as soil Cd concentration increased, root and shoot biomass decreased, and their Cd contents increased. In additional concentration gradient experiments, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities increased with soil Cd concentrations up to 75 mg kg−1, while expression of their isoenzymes strengthened. Catalase (CAT) activity declined and CAT isoenzyme expression weakened at soil Cd concentrations less than 50 mg kg−1. The maxima of Cd contents in shoots and roots were 137.63 mg kg−1 and 105.70 mg kg−1, respectively, at 100 mg kg−1 Cd in soil. The root and shoot bioconcentration factors exceeded 1.0, as did the translocation factor. In a field experiment, total extraction of Cd by shoots was 1.35 mg m−2 to 1.43 mg m−2 at soil Cd levels of 2.04 mg kg−1 to 2.89 mg kg−1. Therefore, the artificially high soil Cd concentration method was effective for screening Cd hyperaccumulators. Galinsoga parviflora is a Cd hyperaccumulator that could be used to efficiently remediate Cd-contaminated farmland soil. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2422–2428. © 2014 SETAC
Runx2–smad signaling impacts the progression of tumor‐induced bone disease
Authors: Zhang Xuhui , Akech Jacqueline , Browne Gillian , Russell Stacey , Wixted John J. , Stein Janet L. , Stein Gary S. , Lian Jane B.
Published: July 2014

Runx2, a master regulator of osteogenesis, is abnormally expressed in advanced prostate cancer. Here, we addressed Runx2 contribution to formation of prostate cancer‐related osteolytic and osteoblastic bone lesions by mediating TGFβ/BMP signaling through direct interaction with Smads. Further, we examined involvement of the Runx2–Smad complex in mediating tumor growth and distal metastasis. To identify Runx2–Smad‐specific mechanisms of prostate tumor activity in bone, we generated PC3 prostate cancer cell lines expressing Runx2‐WT or one of two mutant proteins (Runx2‐HTY and Runx2‐ΔC) that each disrupt the Runx2–Smad interaction, either directly through a point mutation or by deletion of the functional C‐terminus, respectively. Intratibial tumors generated from these cells revealed that Runx2‐WT‐expressing cells resulted in predominantly osteolytic disease, whereas cells expressing mutant proteins exhibited tumors with mixed osteolytic/osteoblastic lesions. Extent of bone loss and woven bone formation was assessed by radiography and micro‐computed tomography. Bioluminescent imaging showed the presence of labeled prostate cancer cells in the lung at the latest time point examined, with Runx2‐WT group exhibiting increased incidence of tumor cells in lung. Notably, disruption of the Runx2–Smad interaction significantly reduced incidence and size of lung tumors. Altered expression of Runx2 target genes involved in invasion, growth, adhesion and metastasis supported our findings. Thus, our studies demonstrate that Runx2 in prostate cancer cells plays a significant role in intratibial prostate cancer‐related tumor growth and bone loss through mechanisms mediated by the Runx2–Smad signaling pathway. This work expands upon the potential importance of Runx2 as a therapeutic target in cancer.
Inhibition of glioma progression by a newly discovered CD38 inhibitor
Authors: Blacher Eran , Ben Baruch Bar , Levy Ayelet , Geva Nurit , Green Keith D. , Garneau‐Tsodikova Sylvie , Fridman Micha , Stein Reuven
Published: July 2014

Glioma, the most common cancer of the central nervous system, has very poor prognosis and no effective treatment. It has been shown that activated microglia/macrophages in the glioma tumor microenvironment support progression. Hence, inhibition of the supporting effect of these cells may constitute a useful therapeutic approach. Recently, using a syngeneic mouse glioma progression model, we showed that the ectoenzyme CD38 regulated microglia activation and, in addition, that the loss of CD38 from the tumor microenvironment attenuated glioma progression and prolonged the life span of the tumor‐bearing mice. These studies, which employed wild‐type (WT) and Cd38−/− C57BL/6J mice, suggest that inhibition of CD38 in glioma microenvironment may be used as a new therapeutic approach to treat glioma. Our study tested this hypothesis. Initially, we found that the natural anthranoid, 4,5‐dihydroxyanthraquinone‐2‐carboxylic acid (rhein), and its highly water‐soluble tri‐potassium salt form (K‐rhein) are inhibitors of CD38 enzymatic (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide glycohydrolase) activity (IC50 = 1.24 and 0.84 μM, respectively, for recombinant mouse CD38). Treatment of WT, but not Cd38−/− microglia with rhein and K‐rhein inhibited microglia activation features known to be regulated by CD38 (lipopolysaccharide/IFN‐γ‐induced activation, induced cell death and NO production). Furthermore, nasal administration of K‐rhein into WT, but not Cd38−/− C57BL/6J, mice intracranially injected with GL261 cells substantially and significantly inhibited glioma progression. Hence, these results serve as a proof of concept, demonstrating that targeting CD38 at the tumor microenvironment by small‐molecule inhibitors of CD38, for example, K‐rhein, may serve as a useful therapeutic approach to treat glioma.
Assessment of skeletal muscle proteolysis and the regulatory response to nutrition and exercise
Authors: Pasiakos Stefan M. , Carbone John W.
Published: July 2014

Skeletal muscle proteolysis is highly regulated, involving complex intramuscular proteolytic systems that recognize and degrade muscle proteins, and recycle free amino acid precursors for protein synthesis and energy production. Autophagy‐lysosomal, calpain, and caspase systems are contributors to muscle proteolysis, although the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) is the primary mechanism by which actomyosin fragments are degraded in healthy muscle. The UPS is sensitive to mechanical force and nutritional deprivation, as recent reports have demonstrated increased proteolytic gene expression and activity of the UPS in response to resistance and endurance exercise, and short‐term negative energy balance. However, consuming dietary protein alone (or free amino acids), or as a primary component of a mixed meal, may attenuate intramuscular protein loss by down‐regulating proteolytic gene expression and the catabolic activity of the UPS. Although these studies provide novel insight regarding the intramuscular regulation of skeletal muscle mass, the role of proteolysis in the regulation of skeletal muscle protein turnover in healthy human muscle is not well described. This article provides a contemporary review of the intramuscular regulation of skeletal muscle proteolysis in healthy muscle, methodological approaches to assess proteolysis, and highlights the effects of nutrition and exercise on skeletal muscle proteolysis. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(7):478–484, 2014
Characterization of Oryzias latipes glucocorticoid receptors and their unique response to progestins
Authors: Miyagawa Shinichi , Lange Anke , Tohyama Saki , Ogino Yukiko , Mizutani Takeshi , Kobayashi Tohru , Tatarazako Norihisa , Tyler Charles R. , Iguchi Taisen
Published: July 2014

Various receptor bioassays, including estrogens, androgens and thyroid hormones, have been developed and applied successfully for assessing hormone function in a wide range of animal species, including fish. In fish, corticosteroids play a pivotal role in physiology as they do in mammals, but far less is known about the corticosteroid receptor system in fish compared with in mammals. Here we established a transient transactivation assay using the Japanese medaka, Oryzias latipes, glucocorticoid receptors (olGRs) and mineralocorticoid receptor to analyse their functional properties in a fish. We found that olGR2 was highly responsive to glucocorticoids, similar to the human GR, whereas the olGR1 subtype was minimally responsive. Thus, olGR2 most likely mediates glucocorticoid signaling in medaka. We further tested crosstalk between GRs and other steroid hormones, and found that progestins could activate or inactivate olGR2‐mediating transcription, depending on the presence or absence of cortisol. The transactivation assays developed for medaka GRs provide tools to gain useful insights into corticosteroid signaling in fish and for in vitro screening of environmental substances activating GRs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro evaluation of the effects of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on IL‐2 production in human T‐cells
Authors: Midgett Kristin , Peden‐Adams Margie M. , Gilkeson Gary S. , Kamen Diane L.
Published: July 2014

Perfluorinated compounds, such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), have been shown to alter various immune functions suggesting they are immunotoxic. This study assessed the effects of PFOS and PFOA on interleukin (IL)‐2 production in the human Jurkat T‐cell line and PFOS in healthy human primary T cells. Jurkat cells were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA)/phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), anti CD‐3/anti CD‐28, or anti CD‐3, and dosed with 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 50, 75, or 100 µg ml−1 PFOS or 0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, or 10 µg ml−1 PFOA. Jurkat cells stimulated with PHA/PMA or anti CD‐3 exhibited decreased IL‐2 production beginning at 50 µg PFOS ml−1 and 5 µg PFOS ml−1 respectively, but stimulation with anti‐CD3/anti‐CD28 resulted in no changes compared with the control. Addition of the PPAR‐alpha antagonist GW6471 to PFOS‐dosed cells stimulated with PHA/PMA resulted in decreases in IL‐2 production starting at 50 µg PFOS ml−1, which suggests PFOS affected T‐cell IL‐2 production via PPAR‐alpha‐independent mechanisms. Exposure to PFOA, PFOA + GW6471, or PFOS + PFOA in Jurkat cells resulted in no significant differences in IL‐2 production. In vitro dosing studies using healthy primary human CD4+ T cells were consistent with the Jurkat results. These data demonstrated that PFOA did not impact IL‐2 production, but PFOS suppressed IL‐2 production in both a human cell line and human primary cells at dose levels within the high end of the human exposure range. A decrease in IL‐2 production is characteristic of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and should be further investigated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time in situ monitoring of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) coating of coronary stents using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Zhong Qi , Mao Qunlong , Yan Jin , Liu Wenming , Zhang Tao , Liu Jianguo
Published: July 2014

Monitoring erosion progress of biodegradable drug carrying polymer coated on coronary drug eluting stents (DES) is largely hindered because of the small amount of coating material as well as the irregular profile of coating, both of which make the monitoring using traditional methods highly challenging. In our study, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), a widely used method in the study of metal corrosion, was used to address the challenges traditional methods face. In vitro, remained mass and molecular weight drop data of film‐like poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) samples due to degradation were monitored using traditional mass loss measurement and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) methods. The obtained data were compared to the changes of capacitance and impedance measured by EIS from PLGA‐coated stainless slices with an equivalent electrical circuit model. The results showed that the changes of the resistance and capacitance obtained by EIS, which indicates transformations of PLGA coating, can be correlated to the degradation measured by traditional methods, such as SEC. Furthermore, EIS method was applied to monitor and evaluate the erosion progress of a real stent with PLGA coating. Our results suggested that EIS method can accurately monitor real‐time erosion process of thin polymer coatings on DES in situ. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 691–699, 2015.
Platelet‐Activating Factor Mediates the Cytotoxicity Induced by W7FW14F Apomyoglobin Amyloid Aggregates in Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Sirangelo Ivana , Giovane Alfonso , Maritato Rosa , Nunzia D'Onofrio , Iannuzzi Clara , Giordano Antonio , Irace Gaetano , Balestrieri Maria Luisa
Published: July 2014

W7FW14F apomyoglobin (W7FW14F ApoMb) amyloid aggregates induce cytotoxicity in SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells through a mechanism not fully elucidated. Amyloid neurotoxicity process involves calcium dyshomeostasis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Another key mediator of the amyloid neurotoxicity is Platelet‐Activating Factor (PAF), an inflammatory phospholipid implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, with the aim at evaluating the possible involvement of PAF signaling in the W7FW14F ApoMb‐induced cytotoxicity, we show that the presence of CV3899, a PAF receptor (PAF‐R) antagonist, prevented the detrimental effect of W7FW14F ApoMb aggregates on SH‐SY5Y cell viability. Noticeably, we found that the activation of PAF signaling, following treatment with W7FW14F ApoMb, involves a decreased expression of the PAF acetylhydroase II (PAF‐AH II). Interestingly, the reduced PAF‐AH II expression was associated with a decreased acetylhydrolase (AH) activity and to an increased sphingosine‐transacetylase activity (TAS) with production of N‐acetylsphingosine (C2‐ceramide), a well known mediator of neuronal caspase‐dependent apoptosis. These findings suggest that an altered PAF catabolism takes part to the molecular events leading to W7FW14F ApoMb amyloid aggregates‐induced cell death. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 2116–2122, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
To be or not to be butterfly: New mechanistic insights in the Aza‐Michael asymmetric addition of lithium (R)‐N‐benzyl‐N‐(α‐methylbenzyl)amide
Authors: Nieto Carlos T. , Díez David , Garrido Narciso M.
Published: July 2014

The asymmetric Aza‐Michael addition of homochiral lithium benzylamides to α,β‐unsaturated esters represents an extended protocol to obtain enantioenriched β‐amino esters. An exhaustive mechanistic revision of the originally proposed mechanism is reported, developing a quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics protocol for the asymmetric Aza‐Michael reaction of homochiral lithium benzylamides. Explicit and implicit solvent schemes were considered, together with a proper account of long‐range dispersion forces, evaluated through a density functional theory benchmark of different functionals. Theoretical results showed that the diastereoselectivity is mainly controlled by the N‐α‐methylbenzyl moiety placing, deriving a Si/Re 99:1 diastereoselective ratio, in good agreement with reported experimental results. The main transition state geometries are two transition state conformers in a “V‐stacked” orientation of the amide's phenyl rings, differing in the tetrahydrofuran molecule arrangement coordinated to the metal center. Extensive conformational sampling and quantum‐level refinement give reasonable good speed/accuracy results, allowing this protocol to be extended to other similar Aza‐Michael reaction systems. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study on active coke‐based adsorbents for SO2 removal in flue gas
Authors: Zuo Yanran , Yi Honghong , Tang Xiaolong , Zhao Shunzheng , Zhang Bowen , Wang Zhixiang , Gao Fengyu
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

A series of active coke‐based adsorbents from different sources, treated with acid‐base, modified by metal compounds and calcined at different temperatures were investigated for SO2 removal from flue gas.

RESULTS

The desulfurization performance of the pure active coke was low, but it was improved after treatment with acid‐base, especially HNO3. The active coke loaded with 8% Na2CO3 and 7% Cu(NO3)2 and calcined at 250–350 °C was best for SO2 removal. Compared with the untreated active coke, the time for which A‐H‐8‐7 maintained DE at 90% increased from 4 min to 40 min and the value of DE of A‐H‐8‐7 increased from 0.131 mmol g‐1 to 0.526 mmol g‐1. The acid‐base treatment was effective in forming rich pore structures and HNO3 treatment formed carbonyl groups which favored desulfurization. Sodium and copper modification made a large number of unsaturated groups and chelating bonds formed and sodium and copper elements were dispersed adequately and existed as different compounds in the active coke. The active ingredients for desulfurization were different at different calcination temperatures. Cu(NO3)2 tended to break down into Cu2O at higher temperatures. Most adsorption products were sulfate species (SO42‐) which combined with supported copper and sodium and then formed Na2Cu(SO4)2.

CONCLUSION

Active coke loaded with 8% Na2CO3 and 7% Cu(NO3)2 and calcined at 250–350 °C showed good performance for SO2 removal. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of electronic health records on the patient experience in a hospital setting
Authors: Migdal Christopher W. , Namavar Aram A. , Mosley Virgie N. , Afsar‐manesh Nasim
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

The impact of electronic health records (EHRs) and their effects on optimizing the patient experience has been debated nationally. Currently, there is a paucity of data in this area, and existing research offers conflicting results. Since 2006, the Assessing Residents' CI‐CARE (ARC) program has evaluated the physician‐patient interaction of resident physicians at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Health utilizing a 20‐item questionnaire administered through facilitator‐patient interviews.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of EHR implementation on the patient experience.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Two academic medical campuses: Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica.

METHODS

A total of 3417 surveys, spanning December 1, 2012 to May 30, 2013, were assessed. This included patient representation from 9 departments within UCLA Health. Surveys were analyzed to assess physician‐patient communication. Statistical comparisons were made using χ analysis.

RESULTS

All 16 questions assessing physician‐patient communication received better responses in the 3 months following EHR implementation, compared to the 3 months prior to implementation. Of these, 9 questions illustrated statistically significant improvement, whereas the improvement in the remaining 7 questions was not statistically significant.

DISCUSSION

These results suggest that EHRs may improve physician‐patient communication. The ARC infrastructure allowed for observation of this trend; however, future research should aim to further validate and understand the etiologies of this improvement. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:627–633. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Ovipositor morphology of cosmetid harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones, Laniatores): A new source of informative characters
Authors: Walker Eric A. , Townsend Victor R.
Published: July 2014

The external morphology of the penis is an important source of systematic characters in phylogenetic studies of harvestmen. Modern taxonomic studies generally include micrographs generated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to illustrate penis morphology. In contrast, the external morphology of the ovipositor has largely been ignored for harvestmen belonging to the suborder Laniatores. Comparative studies of ovipositor microanatomy using SEM are especially lacking for species belonging to the superfamily Gonyleptoidea. In an effort to determine if the ovipositor could be a useful source of informative characters for these harvestmen, we investigated interspecific variation in the external morphology of the ovipositor for 14 species from the family Cosmetidae. Our SEM‐based study revealed that the external surface of the distal tips of the ovipositors of most species was generally divided into four symmetrical lobes, although we observed a bilobed condition in Erginulus clavotibialis and Erginulus subserialis. The distal surfaces were also generally smooth, with the exception of the ovipositor of Erginulus weyerensis, which featured small surface setae. In addition, we observed considerable interspecific variation in the morphology of the peripheral setae on the distal tip, especially with respect to relative size, morphology of the shaft, and number, symmetry, and shapes of the distal tips. The functional significance, if any, of variation in the structure of the peripheral setae is unclear. Additional behavioral studies of copulation and oviposition are needed to determine the functional relationships between reproductive morphology and behavior. The morphological variation that we observed suggests that future taxonomic studies of cosmetid harvestmen, and potentially other gonyleptoidean taxa, would benefit from the inclusion of descriptions of ovipositor morphology. J. Morphol. 275:1376–1385, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Portuguese 16th century tiles from Santo António da Charneca's kiln: a spectroscopic characterization of pigments, glazes and pastes
Authors: Vieira Ferreira L. F. , Conceição D. S. , Ferreira D. P. , Santos L. F. , Casimiro T. M. , Ferreira Machado I.
Published: July 2014

The first archaeological evidence reported for tile production in Portugal was discovered in Santo António da Charneca (SAC), late 15th or early 16th centuries' pottery kiln, south riverside of Tagus River. Samples from this kiln were studied with the use of non‐invasive spectroscopies, namely, μ‐Raman, ground‐state diffuse reflectance absorption, Fourier transform infrared and particle‐induced X‐ray or X‐ray fluorescence emission. These results were compared with the ones obtained for coeval tiles produced in Seville, Spain, originated from Portuguese archaeological sites, because it is well know that the Portuguese King Manuel the First imported in 1498 significant quantities of those tiles to decorate several palaces. The obtained results provided new spectroscopic insights, used to establish similarities but also clear differences regarding the SAC and the coeval Seville tiles found in Portugal. White glaze from both tiles gave evidence about the use of tin oxide as whitening agent and lead oxide as glassy agent. Cobalt oxides were also used as blue pigments in the two production centres. The brown and amber pigments in the samples from SAC derive from the manganese oxides dispersed in the lead–tin glaze, and kentrolite crystals were identified by μ‐Raman in these tiles. In the arista and cuerda‐seca tiles from Seville, diopside was detected. Divalent copper also exists in the green glaze matrix but in small amounts, which did not allow the Raman detection of the copper compound's microcrystals. However, diffuse reflectance measurements point to malachite green as responsible of green coloration. The Seville pastes contain calcium carbonate, although the SAC pastes do not evidence significant amounts of that compound in its composition. All the SAC pastes evidenced a high silica level, and quartz and anatase were clearly detected in the paste and possibly kaolinite. The Raman signals of orthoclase and calcium carbonate were detected in the Seville tiles. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current treatment of head and neck squamous cell cancer
Authors: Belcher Ryan , Hayes Katherine , Fedewa Stacey , Chen Amy Y.
Published: July 2014

Head and neck cancer is a heterogenous group of cancers involving the upper aerodigestive tract. In this review article, the most common sites will be discussed, including the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. Etiology and epidemiology will be discussed followed by staging, treatment, and survival. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:551–574. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measurement of proton resonance frequency shift coefficient during MR‐guided focused ultrasound on Thiel embalmed tissue
Authors: Karakitsios Ioannis , Dogadkin Osnat , Le Nhan , Melzer Andreas
Published: July 2014

Purpose

To estimate the value of proton resonance frequency (PRF) shift coefficient of explanted Thiel embalmed animal and human tissue used as a preclinical model for treatment with MR‐guided focused ultrasound (FUS).

Methods

Thiel embalmed human liver, ovine liver, and porcine muscle were heated using two methods: bulk heating and FUS‐induced heating. Phase‐referenced PRF thermometry was applied during cooling of the tissue to obtain a series of phase difference,
, maps. A fiber‐optic thermocouple was inserted in the tissue to measure the temperature difference,
. The PRF shift coefficient was calculated from the measured
.

Results

In the case of bulk heating, the mean values (±SD) of the PRF coefficient for Thiel embalmed ovine liver, porcine muscle, and human liver were: 0.017 (5 × 10−4) ppm/°C, 0.015 (6 × 10−4) ppm/°C, and 0.012 (6 × 10−4) ppm/°C, respectively. Similar values were found in tissues heated with FUS.

Conclusion

The values of PRF coefficient measured for the Thiel embalmed tissue were higher than the values for fresh tissue, suggesting that embalming a tissue with Thiel fluid can affect PRF thermometry. The chemical composition of the Thiel fluid and the electrical conductivity may explain these results. Magn Reson Med 74:260–265, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural characterization, thermal properties, and density functional theory studies of PMMA‐maghemite hybrid material
Authors: Rocha Marcus V.J. , de Carvalho Hudson W.P. , Sarmento Victor H.V. , Craievich Aldo F. , Ramalho Teodorico C.
Published: July 2014

Maghemite (γ‐Fe2O3)‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites were prepared by grafting 3‐(trimethoxy‐silyl) propyl methacrylate on the surface of maghemite nanoparticles, this process being followed by methyl methacrylate radical polymerization. Three different hybrids with 0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 wt% of maghemite nanoparticles were studied. The results indicate that these nanocomposites consist of a homogeneous PMMA matrix in which maghemite nanoparticles with a bimodal size distribution are embedded. The existence of covalent bonding between silane monomers and atoms on the maghemite surface was evidenced. AFM images showed a clear increase in surface roughness for increasing maghemite content. The thermal stability of PMMA‐maghemite nanocomposites is higher than that of pure PMMA and increases for increasing maghemite content. The results of our theoretical studies indicate that the electron density in the maghemite nanoparticle is not homogenous, the low electron density volumes being supposed to be radical trappers during PMMA decomposition, thus acting as a thermal stabilizer. POLYM. COMPOS., 51–60, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
A collection of open source applications for mass spectrometry data mining
Authors: Gallardo Óscar , Ovelleiro David , Gay Marina , Carrascal Montserrat , Abian Joaquin
Published: July 2014

We present several bioinformatics applications for the identification and quantification of phosphoproteome components by MS. These applications include a front‐end graphical user interface that combines several Thermo RAW formats to MASCOT™ Generic Format extractors (EasierMgf), two graphical user interfaces for search engines OMSSA and SEQUEST (OmssaGui and SequestGui), and three applications, one for the management of databases in FASTA format (FastaTools), another for the integration of search results from up to three search engines (Integrator), and another one for the visualization of mass spectra and their corresponding database search results (JsonVisor). These applications were developed to solve some of the common problems found in proteomic and phosphoproteomic data analysis and were integrated in the workflow for data processing and feeding on our LymPHOS database. Applications were designed modularly and can be used standalone. These tools are written in Perl and Python programming languages and are supported on Windows platforms. They are all released under an Open Source Software license and can be freely downloaded from our software repository hosted at GoogleCode.
Synthesis of degradable molecular brushes via a combination of ring‐opening polymerization and click chemistry
Authors: Shi Yi , Wang Xiaofeng , Graff Robert W. , Phillip William A. , Gao Haifeng
Published: July 2014

Acid‐degradable molecular brushes with polycarbonate backbone and densely grafted side chains (∼1.9 SCs per backbone repeating unit) were synthesized for the first time using the grafting‐onto method. Extremely efficient copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition click reactions between the polycarbonate backbone containing two pendant azido groups per backbone unit and alkynyl‐terminated poly (methyl acrylate) (ay‐PMA72, average degree of polymerization DP = 72) SCs were demonstrated to finish in 10 min with a quantitative conversion of the azido groups. Similar grafting efficiencies were also achieved when using alkynyl‐terminated polystyrene (ay‐PS), poly(ethylene oxide) (ay‐PEO), and poly (t‐butyl acrylate)‐b‐polystyrene (ay‐PtBA‐b‐PS) to successfully prepare molecular brushes with high grafting density (>1.8 SCs per backbone repeating unit). Under acidic condition, the polycarbonate backbones were completely degradable and the final degraded product of the molecular brushes was a linear polymer chain with molecular weight two times of the SCs. When a mixture of hydrophobic ay‐PS and hydrophilic ay‐PEO chains was used, amphiphilic heterobrushes PC‐g‐(PS‐co‐PEO) were synthesized, which could self‐assemble into micelles or vesicles in selective solvents, depending on the ratio of the two SCs in the brush. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 239–248
Financial hardship and the intensity of medical care received near death
Authors: Tucker‐Seeley Reginald D. , Abel Gregory A. , Uno Hajime , Prigerson Holly
Published: July 2014

Background

Although end‐of‐life (EOL) care can present a substantial financial burden for the household, the influence of this burden on the intensity of care received at the EOL remains unknown. The goal of this study was to determine the association between financial hardship and intensive care in the last week of life.

Methods

The Coping with Cancer (CwC) Study is a longitudinal, multisite cohort study of terminally ill cancer patients and their informal caregivers, September 2002–February 2008. Patients (N = 281) were followed from baseline to death, a median of 4.4 months after baseline assessment. Intensive care was defined as the use of resuscitation and/or ventilation in the patient's last week of life. Financial hardship was measured at study baseline as a positive response to whether the household had to use all or most of their savings because of the family member's illness.

Results

Twenty‐nine percent reported financial hardship, and 9% received intensive EOL care. Patients reporting financial hardship had a 3.22 (95% CI: 1.38, 7.53) higher likelihood of receiving intensive EOL care compared with patients not reporting financial hardship. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and patient preferences, patients reporting financial hardship had a 3.05 (95% CI: 1.22, 7.62) higher likelihood of receiving intensive EOL care.

Conclusion

The depletion of a family's financial resources is a significant predictor of intensive EOL care, over and above the influence of sociodemographic characteristics and patient preferences. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of time, temperature, and pH on the stability of PDU bacterial microcompartments
Authors: Kim Edward Y. , Slininger Marilyn F. , Tullman‐Ercek Danielle
Published: July 2014

Bacterial microcompartments (MCPs) are subcellular organelles that are composed of a protein shell and encapsulated metabolic enzymes. It has been suggested that MCPs can be engineered to encapsulate protein cargo for use as in vivo nanobioreactors or carriers for drug delivery. Understanding the stability of the MCP shell is critical for such applications. Here, we investigate the integrity of the propanediol utilization (Pdu) MCP shell of Salmonella enterica over time, in buffers with various pH, and at elevated temperatures. The results show that MCPs are remarkably stable. When stored at 4°C or at room temperature, Pdu MCPs retain their structure for several days, both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, Pdu MCPs can tolerate temperatures up to 60°C without apparent structural degradation. MCPs are, however, sensitive to pH and require conditions between pH 6 and pH 10. In nonoptimal conditions, MCPs form aggregates. However, within the aggregated protein mass, MCPs often retain their polyhedral outlines. These results show that MCPs are highly robust, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.