bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of clinically significant portal hypertension on surgical outcomes and survival following hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Choi Sae Byeol , Kim Hyun Jung , Song Tae Jin , Ahn Hyeong Sik , Choi Sang Yong
Published: May 2014

Surgical resection is not indicated in patients with portal hypertension in the current guideline of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage. We report a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the impact of clinically significant portal hypertension on survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following hepatectomy. Searched data in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were reviewed and 11 publications were included in the meta‐analysis. The inclusion criteria of clinically significant portal hypertension were esophageal varices and/or thrombocytopenia with splenomegaly. Pooled data were extracted and computed into odds ratios (ORs) for clinical outcome and hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival. The final pooled data were composed of 2,285 patients. There were 775 patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (PHT group) and 1,510 patients without clinically significant portal hypertension (non‐PHT group). Pooled proportion of mortality was 6.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.032–0.116) in PHT group and 2.8% (95% CI 0.014–0.054) in the non‐PHT group. The pooled proportion of morbidity was 41.7% (95% CI 0.274–0.575) in PHT group and 34.7% (95% CI 0.243–0.467) in non‐PHT group. Pooled data confirmed a significantly higher postoperative mortality in the PHT group, with OR 3.02 (P < 0.001). The PHT group also demonstrated significantly higher occurrence of postoperative complications (OR 1.39, P = 0.008), liver‐related morbidity (OR 3.10, P < 0.00001), and liver failure (OR 2.14, P = 0.0005) compared to the non‐PHT group. According to the overall survival, pooled analysis demonstrated that the PHT group demonstrated poorer survival than the non‐PHT group (HR 1.48, P = 0.007). The analyses support significantly higher rates of postoperative mortality, complications, liver‐related morbidity, liver failure, and poorer overall survival in PHT group compared with the non‐PHT group. Surgical resection should be selected carefully with strict surgical strategy in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension when surgical resection is planned.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α modulates epithelial mesenchymal transition mediators ZEB2 and S100A4 to promote cholangiocarcinoma progression
Authors: Techasen Anchalee , Namwat Nisana , Loilome Watcharin , Duangkumpha Kassaporn , Puapairoj Anucha , Saya Hideyuki , Yongvanit Puangrat
Published: May 2014

Background

The epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process strongly contributes to cancer metastasis. This study was to investigate the alteration of EMT‐related proteins (ZEB1, ZEB2 and S100A4) in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) tissues. The effect of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) on the expression of those molecules in CCA cells was investigated.

Methods

The quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) assay was used to quantify ZEB1, ZEB2 and S100A4 mRNA levels in 50 CCA tissues and related its expression to clinicopathological data. ZEB2 protein immunostaining was investigated in 165 CCA tissues. The effect of TNF‐α on EMT‐related CCA cell migration was evaluated using qRT‐PCR, immunofluorescence and transwell migration assays.

Results

ZEB2 and S100A4 mRNA levels were found to be higher in CCA tissues. High levels of S100A4 mRNA and ZEB2 protein were significantly associated with CCA metastasis (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03). Moreover, a trend toward statistical association was found with high levels of both ZEB2 mRNA and protein with shorter survival time (P = 0.10 and P = 0.19). In addition, TNF‐α induced CCA cell migration by the induction of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) resulting in ZEB2 and S100A4 mRNA and protein activation.

Conclusions

These studies demonstrate that TNF‐α plays crucial role in the progression of CCA by activating TGF‐β signaling and the induction of ZEB2 and S100A4, EMT‐related proteins expression.
Highly Regioselective and Diastereoselective, One‐Pot, Four‐Component Synthesis of Novel Spiroindenoquinoxalineindolizidine Derivatives
Authors: Moemeni Mehdi , Arvinnezhad Hamid , Samadi Saadi , Salahi Farbod , Jadidi Khosrow , Notash Behrouz
Published: May 2014

A one‐pot, four‐component procedure for the synthesis of novel spiroindenoquinoxalineindolizidines with high regioselectivity and diastereoselectivity from the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides, generated from indenoquinoxalines and pipecolinic acid, and chalcones is described. The reaction occurs under reflux of ethanol as a green solvent and in the absence of any catalyst. The cycloadducts are obtained purely without future purification. The regiochemistry and stereochemistry of resultant cycloadducts have been determined by several 2D‐NMR spectroscopic techniques and X‐ray single crystal diffraction.
Hypothermia attenuates apoptosis and protects contact between myelin basic protein‐expressing oligodendroglial‐lineage cells and neurons against hypoxia–Ischemia
Authors: Ichinose Mari , Kamei Yoshimasa , Iriyama Takayuki , Imada Shinya , Seyama Takahiro , Toshimitsu Masatake , Asou Hiroaki , Yamamoto Masahiro , Fujii Tomoyuki
Published: May 2014

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a major form of brain injury among preterm infants, which is characterized by extensive loss and dysfunction of premyelinating oligodendrocytes (pre‐OLs) induced by hypoxia–ischemia (HI). Therapeutic hypothermia, which is a standard treatment for term infants with HI encephalopathy, is not indicated for preterm infants because its safety and effect have not been established. Here we investigate the effectiveness and mechanism of hypothermia for the inhibition of pre‐OLs damage in PVL. For in vivo studies, 6‐day‐old rats underwent left carotid artery ligation, followed by exposure to 6% oxygen for 1 hr under hypothermic or normothermic conditions. The loss of myelin basic protein (MBP) was inhibited by hypothermia. For in vitro studies, primary pre‐OLs cultures were subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) under normothermic or hypothermic conditions, and dorsal root ganglion neurons were subsequently added. Hypothermia inhibited apoptosis of pre‐OLs, and, despite specific downregulation of 21.5‐ and 17‐kDa MBP mRNA expression during hypothermia, recovery of the expression after OGD was superior compared with normothermia. OGD caused disarrangement of MBP distribution, decreased the levels of phosphorylated 21.5‐kDa MBP, and disturbed the capacity to contact with neurons, all of which were restored by hypothermia. Pharmacological inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation with U0126 during and after OGD significantly reduced the protective effects of hypothermia on apoptosis and myelination, respectively. These data suggest that phosphorylated exon 2‐containing (21.5‐ and possibly 17‐kDa) MBP isoforms may play critical roles in myelination and that hypothermia attenuates apoptosis and preserves the contact between OLs and neurons via ERK1/2 phosphorylation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variable characteristics of the wintertime net heat flux along the Kuroshio system and its association with climate in China
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Guan Yuping , Li Zhijin , Chao Yi , Huang Jianping
Published: May 2014

On the basis of the datasets obtained for the monthly turbulent heat flux (1984–2009) from the Objectively Analyzed Air–Sea Heat Flux (OAFlux), the radiation flux from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP), the variability characteristics of the net heat flux (Qnet) over the Kuroshio System (KS) and its relationship with the climate in China were studied. The results reveal that except for a steady enhancement in the period 1984–2009, the boreal winter Qnet over the KS is characterized by obvious interannual variation of the period quasi‐5 year as well as decadal variability shifting from negative to positive anomalies in the mid‐1990s. In the wintertime, the increasing KS Qnet is primarily responsible for the intensification of the East Asia winter monsoon (EAWM) via a deepening of the Aleutian low and an enhancement of the Siberia high and has a correlation coefficient of 0.72 with a 1‐month delay. The enhanced‐EAWM induces colder winters in Northeast China and higher Qnet over the KS by carrying significantly greater amounts of cold air mass. During the low Qnet winter, the EAWM is weakened, and the southwesterly wind that contains abundant water vapour enhances and pushes toward southern China, thereby bringing heavier rainfall. The anomalous Qnet over the KS in the wintertime lasts until the following spring with a weaker relative intensity. In the spring after the low KS Qnet winter, the anomalous easterly wind transfers colder air masses from the Sea of Japan to the North China and Yellow–Huaihe regions and then cools these regions. The warmer and wetter southwesterlies along the northwestern flank of the anomalous anticyclone east of Taiwan Island meet these colder easterlies accompanied by an anomalous upward motion, thereby inducing an anomalous northwest–southeast precipitation band in the central and eastern region of China, especially in the Yangtze‐Huaihe region.
System dynamics approach for modeling of sugar beet yield considering the effects of climatic variables
Authors: Pervin Lia , Islam Md Saiful
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to develop a system dynamics model for computation of yields and to investigate the dependency of yields on some major climatic parameters, i.e. temperature and rainfall, for Beta vulgaris subsp. (sugar beet crops) under future climate change scenarios.

RESULTS

A system dynamics model was developed which takes account of the effects of rainfall and temperature on sugar beet yields under limited irrigation conditions. A relationship was also developed between the seasonal evapotranspiration and seasonal growing degree days for sugar beet crops. The proposed model was set to run for the present time period of 1993–2012 and for the future period 2013–2040 for Lethbridge region (Alberta, Canada). The model provides sugar beet yields on a yearly basis which are comparable to the present field data. It was found that the future average yield will be increased at about 14% with respect to the present average yield.

CONCLUSION

The proposed model can help to improve the understanding of soil water conditions and irrigation water requirements of an area under certain climatic conditions and can be used for future prediction of yields for any crops in any region (with the required information to be provided). The developed system dynamics model can be used as a supporting tool for decision making, for improvement of agricultural management practice of any region. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Multi‐functional MBIT for peptide tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Yoon Hye‐Joo , Seo Jongcheol , Shin Seung Koo
Published: May 2014

Isobaric tags have been widely used for the identification and quantification of proteins in mass spectrometry‐based proteomics. The mass‐balanced, 1H/2H isotope‐coded dipeptide tag (MBIT) is a multifunctional isobaric tag based on N‐acetyl‐Ala‐Ala dipeptide containing an amine‐reactive linker that conjugates the tag to the primary amines of proteolytic peptides. MBITs provide a pair of isotope‐coded quantitation signals separated by 3 Da, which enables 2‐plex quantification and identification of proteins in the 15–250 fmol range. Various MBITs diversified at the N‐acetyl group or at the side chain of the first alanine provide a pair of bs ions as low‐mass quantitation signals in a distinct mass window. Thus, a combination of different MBITs allows multiplex quantification of proteins in a single liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry experiment. Unlike other isobaric tags, MBITs also offer a pair of ys ions as high‐mass quantitation signals in a noise‐free region, facilitating protein quantification in quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometers. Uniquely, bS ions, forming N‐protonated oxazolone, undergo unimolecular dissociation and generate the secondary low‐mass quantitation signals, aS ions. The yield of aS ions derived from bS ions can be used to measure the temperature of bS ions, which enables a reproducible acquisition of the peptide tandem mass spectra. Thus, MBITs enable multiplexed quantitation of proteins and the concurrent measurement of ion temperature using bS and aS signal ions as well as the isobaric protein quantitation in resonance‐type ion trap using yS (complement of bS) signal ions. This review provides an overview of MBITs with a focus on the multi‐functionality that has been successfully demonstrated in the peptide tandem mass spectrometry. © 2014 The Authors. Mass Spectrometry Reviews published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 34: 209–218, 2015.
Lipopeptides from Bacillus and Paenibacillus spp.: A Gold Mine of Antibiotic Candidates
Authors: Cochrane Stephen A. , Vederas John C.
Published: May 2014

The emergence of multidrug‐resistant bacteria has placed a strain on health care systems and highlighted the need for new classes of antibiotics. Bacterial lipopeptides are secondary metabolites, generally produced by nonribosomal peptide synthetases that often exhibit broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity. Only two new structural types of antibiotics have entered the market in the last 40 years, linezolid and the bacterial lipopeptide daptomycin. A wide variety of bacteria produce lipopeptides, however Bacillus and Paenibacillus spp. in particular have yielded several potent antimicrobial lipopeptides. Many of the lipopeptides produced by these bacteria have been known for decades and represent a potential gold mine of antibiotic candidates. This list includes the polymyxins, octapeptins, polypeptins, iturins, surfactins, fengycins, fusaricidins, and tridecaptins, as well as some novel examples, including the kurstakins. These lipopeptides have a wide variety of activities, ranging from antibacterial and antifungal, to anticancer and antiviral. This review presents a reasonably comprehensive list of each class of lipopeptide and their known homologues. Emphasis has been placed on their antimicrobial activities, as well other potential applications for this interesting class of substances.
Maillard reaction products modulate gut microbiota composition in adolescents
Authors: Seiquer Isabel , Rubio Luis A. , Peinado M. Jesús , Delgado‐Andrade Cristina , Navarro María Pilar
Published: May 2014

Scope

Scarce data are available concerning effects of certain bioactive substances such as Maillard reaction products (MRP) on the gut microbiota composition, and the question of how a diet rich in MRP affects gut microbiota in humans is still open.

Methods and results

Two experiments were conducted. In expt. 1, adolescents consumed diets either high or low in MRP in a two‐period crossover trial; in expt. 2, rats were fed diets supplemented or not with MRP model‐systems. Intestinal microbiota composition in fecal (adolescents) or cecal (rat) samples was assessed by qPCR analysis. Negative correlations were found in the human assay between lactobacilli numbers and dietary advanced MRP (r = −0.418 and −0.387, for hydroxymethylfurfural and carboxymethyl‐lysine respectively, p < 0.05), whereas bifidobacteria counts were negatively correlated with Amadori compounds intake. In the rat assay, total bacteria and lactobacilli were negatively correlated with MRP intake (r = −0.674,−0.675 and −0.676, for Amadori compounds, hydroxymethylfurfural and carboxymethyl‐lysine respectively, p < 0.05), but no correlations were found with bifidobacteria.

Conclusions

Dietary MRP are able to modulate in vivo the intestinal microbiota composition both in humans and in rats, and the specific effects are likely to be linked to the chemical structure and dietary amounts of the different browning compounds.
Unfavorable effect of trigonelline, an alkaloid present in coffee and fenugreek, on bone mechanical properties in estrogen‐deficient rats
Authors: Folwarczna Joanna , Zych Maria , Nowińska Barbara , Pytlik Maria , Janas Aleksandra
Published: May 2014

Scope

Trigonelline (1‐methylpyridinium‐3‐carboxylate), an alkaloid present in coffee and fenugreek seed, has been reported to exhibit phytoestrogenic activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of trigonelline on bone mechanical properties of rats with normal estrogen level and estrogen deficiency (developing osteoporosis).

Methods and results

The experiments were performed on 3‐month‐old nonovariectomized and ovariectomized (estrogen‐deficient) Wistar rats, divided into control rats and rats receiving trigonelline (50 mg/kg p.o. daily) for 4 weeks. The ovariectomy was performed 7–8 days before the start of trigonelline administration. Serum bone turnover markers and bone mineralization, as well as mechanical properties of the tibial metaphysis, femoral diaphysis, and femoral neck were examined. Estrogen deficiency caused worsening of bone mineralization and mechanical properties of the tibial metaphysis, as well as increases in bone turnover markers. Administration of trigonelline did not affect the investigated parameters in nonovariectomized rats, but it worsened the mineralization and mechanical properties of cancellous bone in ovariectomized rats.

Conclusion

Unfavorable effects of trigonelline on the skeletal system depended on the estrogen status. They were observed only in cancellous bone of estrogen‐deficient rats.
In vivo T2 relaxation time measurement with echo‐time averaging
Authors: Prescot Andrew P. , Shi Xianfeng , Choi Changho , Renshaw Perry F.
Published: May 2014

The accuracy of metabolite concentrations measured using in vivo proton (1H) MRS is enhanced following correction for spin–spin (T2) relaxation effects. In addition, metabolite proton T2 relaxation times provide unique information regarding cellular environment and molecular mobility. Echo‐time (TE) averaging 1H MRS involves the collection and averaging of multiple TE steps, which greatly simplifies resulting spectra due to the attenuation of spin‐coupled and macromolecule resonances. Given the simplified spectral appearance and inherent metabolite T2 relaxation information, the aim of the present proof‐of‐concept study was to develop a novel data processing scheme to estimate metabolite T2 relaxation times from TE‐averaged 1H MRS data. Spectral simulations are used to validate the proposed TE‐averaging methods for estimating methyl proton T2 relaxation times for N‐acetyl aspartate, total creatine, and choline‐containing compounds. The utility of the technique and its reproducibility are demonstrated using data obtained in vivo from the posterior‐occipital cortex of 10 healthy control subjects. Compared with standard methods, distinct advantages of this approach include built‐in macromolecule resonance attenuation, in vivo T2 estimates closer to reported values when maximum TE ≈ T2, and the potential for T2 calculation of metabolite resonances otherwise inseparable in standard 1H MRS spectra recorded in vivo. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatic lipogenesis and a marker of hepatic lipid oxidation, predict postprandial responses of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins
Authors: Matikainen Niina , Adiels Martin , Söderlund Sanni , Stennabb Sanna , Ahola Tytti , Hakkarainen Antti , Borén Jan , Taskinen Marja‐Riitta
Published: May 2014

Objective

Postprandial hypertriglyceridemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms are still unclear. Here it was tested if hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and lipid oxidation influence the postprandial responses of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins (TRL) in humans.

Methods

The contribution of hepatic DNL to hepatic TRL production was analyzed in 67 men and women with a moderate range of BMI after a fat‐rich meal. Also, lipase activities, liver fat, and 3‐OH‐butyrate were quantitated as an indicator of β‐oxidation. Lipoproteins and metabolic markers were measured in fasting and postprandial blood samples.

Results

Postprandial DNL correlates with postprandial TG and apolipoprotein (apo) C‐III responses in plasma and with TG, apoB48 and apoB100 responses in TRLs and their larger remnant particles. Fasting and 8‐h postprandial DNL was inversely related to 3‐OH‐butyrate but not to liver fat content. Fasting apoC‐III and 3‐OH‐butyrate, but not liver fat, independently predicted fasting DNL.

Conclusions

The fasting and 8‐h postprandial rate of DNL was inversely associated with the hepatic lipid oxidation in humans. DNL contributes significantly to the TG content in TRLs but not to the amount of liver fat, suggesting that an imbalance between DNL and fat oxidation contributes to postprandial atherogenic dyslipidemia.
The impact of change in pregnancy body mass index on macrosomia
Authors: Swank Morgan L. , Caughey Aaron B. , Farinelli Christine K. , Main Elliott K. , Melsop Kathryn A. , Gilbert William M. , Chung Judith H.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To examine the impact of change in body mass index (BMI) during pregnancy on the incidence of macrosomia.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study using 2007 linked birth certificate and discharge diagnosis data from the state of California. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for the outcome of macrosomia, as a function of a categorical change in pregnancy BMI: BMI loss (<−0.5), no change (−0.5 to 0.5), minimal (0.6 to 5), moderate (5.1 to 10), and excessive (>10). The impact of pregnancy change in BMI was determined for the entire cohort and then stratified by prepregnancy BMI category. Minimal BMI change served as the reference group.

Results

The study population consisted of 436,414 women. Overall, women with moderate and excessive BMI changes had aORs of 1.66 and 3.21, respectively, for macrosomia, when compared with women with minimal BMI change. When stratified by prepregnancy BMI, normal (aOR 3.85) and overweight women (aOR 2.96) with antenatal BMI change greater than 10 had the highest odds of macrosomia.

Conclusions

Excessive change in pregnancy BMI results in an increased odds of macrosomia. This finding was most pronounced in the normal and overweight women.
Regional biases in mutation screening due to intratumoural heterogeneity of prostate cancer
Authors: Kim Tae‐Min , Jung Seung‐Hyun , Baek In‐Pyo , Lee Sung‐Hak , Choi Youn‐Jin , Lee Ji‐Youl , Chung Yeun‐Jun , Lee Sug‐Hyung
Published: May 2014

Intratumoural heterogeneity (ITH) leads to regional biases of the mutational landscape in a single tumour and may influence the single biopsy‐based clinical diagnosis and treatment decision. To evaluate the extent of ITH in unifocal prostate cancers (PCAs), we analysed multiple regional biopsies from three PCAs, using whole‐exome sequencing, DNA copy number and gene expression profiling analyses. A substantial level of ITH was identified, in that 0–61% and 18–71% of somatic variants were common or private, respectively, within a given cancer. The enhanced mutation detection rate in the combined sequencing dataset across intratumoural biopsies was demonstrated with respect to the total number of mutations identified in a given tumour. Allele frequencies of the mutations were positively correlated with the levels of intratumoural recurrence (private < shared < common), but some common mutations showed low allele frequency, suggesting that not all were clonally fixed. Regional biases in the presentation of a well‐known TMPRSS2–ERG fusion was noted in one PCA and the somatic mutation‐ and copy number‐based phylogenetic relationships between intratumoural biopsies were largely concordant. Genes showing intratumoural expression variability were commonly enriched in the molecular function of eicosanoid metabolism and PCA‐relevant clinical markers. Taken together, our analyses identified a substantial level of genetic ITH in unifocal PCAs at the mutation, copy number and expression levels, which should be taken into account for the identification of biomarkers in the clinical setting. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Breast cancer metastasis: demonstration that FOXP3 regulates CXCR4 expression and the response to CXCL12
Authors: Douglass Stephen , Meeson Annette P , Overbeck‐Zubrzycka Dorota , Brain John G , Bennett Miriam R , Lamb Christopher A , Lennard Thomas WJ , Browell David , Ali Simi , Kirby John A
Published: May 2014

The X‐linked transcription factor FOXP3 is expressed by epithelial cells of organs including the breast, where it is considered a tumour suppressor. The chemokine receptor CXCR4 also regulates the development of breast cancer by stimulating cell migration towards CXCL12‐expressing sites of metastatic spread. During activation, human T cells show reciprocal regulation of FOXP3 and CXCR4. This study was designed to examine the role FOXP3 plays in metastatic breast cancer, with a particular focus on its potential to regulate CXCR4. Human breast cancer samples showed significantly decreased FOXP3 protein expression but an increased number of CXCR4 transcripts. In comparison with normal primary breast epithelial cells, FOXP3 was down‐regulated at both transcript and protein levels in the breast cancer cell lines MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231. In the invasive MDA‐MB‐231 cells, the remaining FOXP3 was located predominately within the cytoplasm. Following stable FOXP3 overexpression in MDA‐MB‐231 cells, significant decreases were observed in the expression of ErbB2/HER2, SKP2, c‐MYC, and CXCR4. In contrast, an increase in p21 expression led to inhibition of cell proliferation, with a greater proportion in the G1 phase of the cell cycle suggesting the induction of senescence. Specific knockdown of FOXP3 in normal human breast epithelial cells with siRNA significantly increased ErbB2/HER2, SKP2, c‐MYC, and CXCR4, and decreased p21 expression. These cells also showed a significantly increased chemotactic response towards CXCL12, consistent with a role for FOXP3 in the regulation of cell migration. Results from this study are consistent with FOXP3 functioning as an important tumour suppressor in breast cancer. Indeed, the potential functions of FOXP3 in breast epithelium can now be extended to include regulation of CXCR4 expression and response to the pro‐metastatic chemokine CXCL12. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The mechanism of carbon–silica dual phase filler modified by ionic liquid and its reinforcing on natural rubber
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Jia Hongbing , Ding Lifeng , Xiong Xin , Gong Xuedong
Published: May 2014

The carbon–silica dual phase filler (CSDPF) was modified by ionic liquids (ILs): 1‐allyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium chloride (AMI) and 1‐butlyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMI). The modified CSDPF was then incorporated into natural rubber (NR) through mechanical mixing. The interactions between CSDPF and ILs were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. The bound rubber of NR compounds, the mechanical properties, and dynamic properties of NR vulcanizates filled with ILs modified CSDPF (ILs‐CSDPF/NR) were measured. The results showed that the AMI interacted with CSDPF through both hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces, while the interaction between BMI and CSDPF was merely weak van der Waals force. The modification of CSDPF by ILs could improve the tensile strength, tear resistance, and fatigue life of NR vulcanizates. The AMI‐CSDPF/NR gave the superior mechanical and dynamic properties among the NR vulcanizates with the highest bound rubber content and the most homogeneous filler dispersion, which was displayed in scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1721–1730, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Study on the processability of UHMWPE filled with different size distribution calcium carbonate particles
Authors: Han Bing , Zhang Jun , Zhang Shengchun , Zhang Chunxiang
Published: May 2014

Two kinds of different size distribution calcium carbonate (CaCO3) particles were blended and filled into ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The torque of UHMWPE/CaCO3 samples was measured with Haake torque rheometer. The results showed that the process torque of UHMWPE/CaCO3 samples was decreased by filling two different size CaCO3 particles (600 and 2500 mesh) into UHMWPE, compared with the samples filled with single size CaCO3 particles (600 or 2500 mesh). When the content of CaCO3 in the sample reaches 30 wt%, UHMWPE filled with different size distribution CaCO3 particles showed the largest decrease in torque compared with the samples filled with single size CaCO3 particles. We also studied the torque of UHMWPE samples at different temperatures. The results showed that flow activation energy and flow activation entropy of UHMWPE samples filled with different size distribution CaCO3 particles increase significantly. The result where flow activation entropy increased was used to explain the phenomenon that the process torque decreases when UHMWPE filled with different size distribution CaCO3 particles. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1807–1812, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Use of an active surveillance system by the FDA to observe patterns of quinine sulfate use and adverse hematologic outcomes in CMS Medicare data
Authors: Houstoun Monika , Reichman Marsha E. , Graham David J. , Nambiar Sumathi , Shamsuddin Hala , Jones S. Christopher , Cao Kelly , Wernecke Michael , Lam Chelsea , Worrall Chris M. , MaCurdy Thomas E. , Kelman Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

In 2005, the Food and Drug Administration approved Qualaquin (quinine) for treatment of malaria and later ordered unapproved quinine formulations off the market. In 2009, labeling for Qualaquin added a warning for use for leg cramps, as serious hematologic reactions could occur. We examined quinine use trends among Medicare beneficiaries focusing on indications for use and associations with adverse hematologic outcomes.

Methods

Medicare beneficiaries, aged 65 years and older, in 2006–2012, were included in incident quinine or comparator, diltiazem, cohorts if 183 days prior to dispensing, they were enrolled in Medicare, had no dispensing of quinine, diltiazem, ticlodipine, clopidogrel, and sulfonamide drugs, and had no diagnoses of thrombocytopenia, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), or hemolytic‐uremic syndrome (HUS). Diagnoses of malaria or leg cramps were observed during 183 days prior to index dispensing. Outcomes of ITP, TMA, or HUS in inpatient or emergency room settings were then observed during drug use.

Results

Prevalent use of quinine decreased by 99%, from 419 675 to 6036 users during 2006–2012. Of 88 066 quinine users, 9 had diagnoses of malaria and 36 218 had leg cramps. Incidence rates (per 1000 person‐years) for ITP were quinine 1.67 and diltiazem 0.40 [incidence rate ratio 4.2 (95% confidence interval 2.5, 6.5)], for TMA were quinine 0.23 and diltiazem 0.03 [incidence rate ratio 6.9 (95% confidence interval 1.3, 24.0)], and for HUS were quinine 0 and diltiazem 0.01.

Conclusions

Use of quinine decreased substantially, although diagnoses of leg cramps persist. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of an association for quinine and ITP and TMA in claims data. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd..
Observation stays in administrative claims databases: underestimation of hospitalized cases
Authors: Overman Robert A. , Freburger Janet K. , Assimon Magdalene M. , Li Xiaojuan , Brookhart M. Alan
Published: May 2014

Purpose

Recent policy changes in the USA have led to an increasing number of patients being placed into observation units rather than admitted directly to the hospital. Studies of administrative data that use inpatient diagnosis codes to identify cohorts, outcomes, or covariates may be affected by this change in practice. To understand the potential impact of observation stays on research using administrative healthcare data, we examine the trends of observation stays, short (≤2 days) inpatient admissions, and all inpatient admissions.

Methods

We examined a large administrative claims database of commercially insured individuals in the USA between 2002 and 2011. Observation stays were defined on the basis of the procedure codes reimbursable by Medicare or commercial insurers. We report monthly rates of observation stays and short inpatient admissions overall and by patient demographics.

Results

We identified 5 355 752 observation stays from 2002 to 2011. Over the course of study, the rate of observation stays increased, whereas the rate of short inpatient stays declined. The most common reason for observation stays was nonspecific chest pain, also the third most common reason for short inpatient stays. The increasing trend of observation stays related to circulatory diseases mirrors the decreasing trend of short inpatient stays.

Conclusions

The use of observation stays has increased in patients with commercial insurance. Failure to account for observation stays may lead to an under‐ascertainment of hospitalizations in contemporary administrative healthcare data from the USA. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differences in the Between–Person and Within–Person Structures of Affect Are A Matter of Degree
Authors: Brose Annette , Voelkle Manuel C. , Lövdén Martin , Lindenberger Ulman , Schmiedek Florian
Published: May 2014

This study tested whether the structure of affect observed on the basis of between–person (BP) differences is equivalent to the affect structures that organize the variability of affective states within persons (WP) over time. Further aims were to identify individual differences in the degree of divergence between the WP and BP structure and examine its association to dispositional and contextual variables (neuroticism, extraversion, well–being and stress). In 100 daily sessions, 101 younger adults rated their mood on the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Variability of five negative affect items across time was so low that they were excluded from the analyses. We thus worked with a modified negative affect subscale. WP affect structures diverged reliably from the BP structure, with individual differences in the degree of divergence. Differences in the WP structural characteristics and the degree of divergence could be predicted by well–being and stress. We conclude that BP and WP structures of affect are not equivalent and that BP and WP variation should be considered as distinct phenomena. It would be wrong, for example, to conceive of positive and negative affect as independent at the WP level, as suggested by BP findings. Yet, individual differences in WP structural characteristics are related to stable BP differences, and the degree to which individuals’ affect structures diverge from the BP structure can provide important insights into intraindividual functioning. Copyright © 2014 European Association of Personality Psychology
A comparative study on the heparin‐binding proteomes of Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Zhang Yan , Jiang Ning , Jia Boyin , Chang Zhiguang , Zhang Yana , Wei Xiaoyan , Zhou Jianhua , Wang Henan , Zhao Xin , Yu Shengchao , Song Meng , Tu Zhiwei , Lu Huijun , Yin Jigang , Wahlgren Mats , Chen Qijun
Published: May 2014

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligatory intracellular apicomplexan parasite which exploits host cell surface components in cell invasion and intracellular parasitization. Sulfated glycans such as heparin and heparan sulfate have been reported to inhibit cell invasion by T. gondii and other apicomplexan parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum. The aim of this study was to investigate the heparin‐binding proteome of T. gondii. The parasite‐derived components were affinity‐purified on the heparin moiety followed by MS fingerprinting of the proteins. The heparin‐binding proteins of T. gondii and P. falciparum were compared based on functionality and affinity to heparin. Among the proteins identified, the invasion‐related parasite ligands derived from tachyzoite/merozoite surface and the secretory organelles were prominent. However, the profiles of the proteins were different in terms of affinity to heparin. In T. gondii, the proteins with highest affinity to heparin were the intracellular components with functions of parasite development contrasted to that of P. falciparum, of which the rhoptry‐derived proteins were prominently identified. The profiling of the heparin‐binding proteins of the two apicomplexan parasites not only explained the mechanism of heparin‐mediated host cell invasion inhibition, but also, to a certain extent, revealed that the action of heparin on the parasite extended after endocytosis.
Potential vorticity in warm conveyor belt outflow
Authors: Methven John
Published: May 2014

Warm conveyor belts (WCBs) are the main ascending air masses within extratropical cyclones. They often exhibit strong condensation and precipitation, associated with ascent on large scales or embedded convection. Most of the air outflows into the upper troposphere as part of a ridge. Such ridges are an integral part of Rossby waves propagating along the tropopause and are identified with a negative potential vorticity (PV) anomaly and associated anticyclonic circulation. It has been argued that diabatic modification of PV in WCBs has an important influence on the extent of the ridge, propagation of Rossby waves and weather impacts downstream.

Following the coherent ensemble of trajectories defining a WCB, PV is expected to increase with time while below the level of maximum latent heating and then decrease as trajectories ascend above the heating maximum. In models, it is found that the net change is approximately zero, so that the average PV of the WCB outflow is almost equal to the PV of its inflow. Here, the conditions necessary for this evolution are explored analytically using constraints arising from the conservation of circulation. It is argued that the net PV change is insensitive to the details of diabatic processes and the PV maximum midway along a WCB depends primarily on the net diabatic transport of mass from the inflow to the outflow layer. The main effect of diabatic processes within a WCB is to raise the isentropic level of the outflow, rather than to modify PV.
Habitat Restoration in the Context of Watershed Prioritization: The Ecological Performance of Urban Stream Restoration Projects in Portland, Oregon
Authors: Rios‐Touma B. , Prescott C. , Axtell S. , Kondolf G. M.
Published: May 2014

In Portland (Oregon, USA), restoration actions have been undertaken at the watershed scale (e.g.  revegetation and stormwater management) to improve water quality and, where water quality and quantity are adequate at the reach scale, to increase habitat heterogeneity. Habitat enhancement in urban streams can be important for threatened species, but challenging, because of altered catchment hydrology and urban encroachment on floodplains and channel banks. To evaluate reach‐scale restoration projects in the Tryon Creek watershed, we sampled benthic macroinvertebrates and conducted habitat quality surveys pre‐project and over 4 years post‐project. Species sensitive to pollution and diversity of trophic groups increased after restoration. Taxonomic diversity increased after restoration but was still low compared with reference streams. We found no significant changes in trait proportions and functional diversity. Functional diversity, proportion of shredders and semivoltine invertebrates were significantly higher in reference streams than in the restored stream reaches. We hypothesized that inputs of coarse particulate organic matter and land use at watershed scale may explain the differences in biodiversity between restored and reference stream reaches. Habitat variables did not change from pre‐project to post‐project, so they could not explain community changes. This may have been partly attributable to insensitivity of the visual estimate methods used but likely also reflects the importance of watershed variables on aquatic biota—suggesting watershed actions may be more effective for the ecological recovery of streams. For future projects, we recommend multihabitat benthic sampling supported by studies of channel geomorphology to better understand stream response to restoration actions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiscale Patterning of a Biomimetic Scaffold Integrated with Composite Microspheres
Authors: Minardi Silvia , Sandri Monica , Martinez Jonathan O. , Yazdi Iman K. , Liu Xeuwu , Ferrari Mauro , Weiner Bradley K. , Tampieri Anna , Tasciotti Ennio
Published: May 2014

The ideal scaffold for regenerative medicine should concurrently mimic the structure of the original tissue from the nano‐ up to the macroscale and recapitulate the biochemical composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in space and time. In this study, a multiscale approach is followed to selectively integrate different types of nanostructured composite microspheres loaded with reporter proteins, in a multi‐compartment collagen scaffold. Through the preservation of the structural cues of the functionalized collagen scaffold at the nano‐ and microscale, its macroscopic features (pore size, porosity, and swelling) are not altered. Additionally, the spatial confinement of the microspheres allows the release of the reporter proteins in each of the layers of the scaffold. Finally, the staged and zero‐order release kinetics enables the temporal biochemical patterning of the scaffold. The versatile manufacturing of each component of the scaffold results in the ability to customize it to better mimic the architecture and composition of the tissues and biological systems.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Molybdenum‐Dinitrogen Complexes Bearing PNN‐Type Pincer Ligand
Authors: Arashiba Kazuya , Nakajima Kazunari , Nishibayashi Yoshiaki
Published: May 2014

Novel molybdenum‐dinitrogen complexes bearing a PNN‐type pincer ligand are designed, prepared, and characterized spectroscopically. Molecular structures of molybdenum trichloride and molybdenum‐dinitrogen complexes bearing trimethylphosphine are confirmed by X‐ray analysis. Stoichiometric and catalytic reactions are investigated, where only a stoichiometric amount of ammonia is produced based on the molybdenum atom of the complexes. These results indicate that reactive behaviors of molybdenum‐dinitrogen complexes are depending on the nature of the pincer ligands.
Two Ternary Mixed‐Anion Chlorides with Divalent Europium: Eu2H3Cl and Eu7F12Cl2
Authors: Reckeweg Olaf , DiSalvo Francis J. , Wolf Sarah , Schleid Thomas
Published: May 2014

Dark ruby‐red, transparent, triangular plate‐shaped single crystals of Eu2H3Cl and colorless, transparent, needle‐shaped single crystals of Eu7F12Cl2 were obtained by solid‐state reactions of Eu, NaH, NaCl, and Na (2:4:1:2 molar ratio) or Eu, EuCl3, and LiF (1:1:4 molar ratio), respectively, in silica‐jacketed tantalum ampoules at 900 °C for 13 h. Eu2H3Cl crystallizes isotypically to Ba2H3X (X = Cl, Br, I) in the trigonal space group P$\bar{3}$m1 (no. 164) with lattice parameters a = 409.67(4) and c = 696.18(7) pm, whereas Eu7F12Cl2 crystallizes isotypically to Ba7F12Cl2 or Sr7H12Cl2 in the hexagonal space group P$\bar{6}$ (no. 174) with lattice parameters a = 1002.31(5) and c = 392.54(2) pm. Both compounds contain Eu2+ cations with coordination numbers as high as nine (Eu7F12Cl2) and ten (Eu2H3Cl) with respect to the halide anions (F– or H– and Cl–). The structural results are corroborated by EUTAX and MAPLE calculations on both ternary mixed‐anion europium(II) chlorides in comparison to these for related binary and ternary compounds with divalent europium.
Solid Solution Formation between Vanadium(V) and ­Tungs­ten(V) Oxide Phosphate
Authors: Roy Subrata Chandra , Glaum Robert , Abdullin Dinar , Schiemann Olav , Quang Bac Nguyen , Lii Kwang‐Hwa
Published: May 2014

The solid solutions (V1–xWx)OPO4 with β‐VOPO4 structure type (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.01) and αII‐VOPO4 structure type (0.04 ≤ x ≤ 0.26) were obtained from mixtures of VVOPO4 and WVOPO4 by conventional solid state reactions and by solution combustion synthesis. Single crystals of up to 3 mm edge length were obtained by chemical vapor transport (CVT) (800 → 700 °C, Cl2 as a transporting agent). Single crystal structure refinements of crystals at x = 0.10 [a = 6.0503(2) Å, c = 4.3618(4) Å, R1 = 0.021, wR2 = 0.058, 21 parameters, 344 independent reflections] and x = 0.26 [a = 6.0979(2) Å, c = 4.2995(1) Å, R1 = 0.030, wR2 = 0.081, 21 parameters, 346 independent reflections] confirm the αII‐VOPO4 structure type (P4/n, Z = 2) with mixed occupancy V/W for the metal site. Due to the specific redox behavior of W5+ and V5+, solid solutions (V1–xWx)OPO4 should be formulated as (VIVxVV1–2xWVIx)OPO4. The valence states of vanadium and tungsten are confirmed by XPS measurements. V4+ with d1 configuration was identified by EPR spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. Electronic spectra of the solid solutions show the IVCT(V4+ → V5+) and the LMCT(O2– → V5+). (V0.74W0.26)OPO4 powders exhibit semi‐conducting behavior (Eg = 0.7 eV).
Synthesis and Investigation of Energetic Boron Compounds for Pyrotechnics
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Rusan Magdalena , Sproll Véronique
Published: May 2014

The energetic boron esters tris(1‐ethyl‐5‐aminotetrazolyl) borate, tris(2‐ethyl‐5‐aminotetrazolyl) borate, tris(1‐ethyltetrazolyl) borate, tris(2‐ethyltetrazolyl) borate, and tris(2‐(3‐nitro‐1, 2,4‐triazolyl)ethyl) borate were synthesized and analyzed by NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. Two tetracoordinate borates potassium tetrakis(3‐nitro‐1, 2,4‐triazolyl)borate and potassium bis(4, 4′,5, 5′‐tetranitro‐2, 2′‐bisimidazolyl)borate were synthesized and fully characterized as well. Moreover, the energetic and thermal properties of the energetic boron esters and tetracoordinate borates were determined. The 11B NMR chemical shifts of potassium tetrakis(3‐nitro‐1, 2,4‐triazolyl)borate and potassium bis(4, 4′,5, 5′‐tetranitro‐2, 2′‐bisimidazolyl)borate were calculated and compared to the experimental values. Tris(1‐ethyl‐5‐aminotetrazolyl) borate was tested as colorant in pyrotechnic formulations with respect to the combustion behavior and color properties as well as the energetic and thermal properties.
Rigorous upscaling of rough boundaries for reactive flows
Authors: Kumar K. , van Helvoort M. , Pop I.S.
Published: May 2014

We consider a mathematical model for reactive flow in a channel having a rough (periodically oscillating) boundary with both period and amplitude ε. The ions are being transported by the convection and diffusion processes. These ions can react at the rough boundaries and get attached to form the crystal (precipitation) and become immobile. The reverse process of dissolution is also possible. The model involves non‐linear and multi‐valued rates and is posed in a fixed geometry with rough boundaries. We provide a rigorous justification for the upscaling process in which we define an upscaled problem defined in a simpler domain with flat boundaries. To this aim, we use periodic unfolding techniques combined with translation estimates. Numerical experiments confirm the theoretical predictions and illustrate a practical application of this upscaling process.