bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporation of apical lymph node status into the seventh edition of the TNM classification improves prediction of prognosis in stage III colonic cancer
Authors: Kawada H , Kurita N , Nakamura F , Kawamura J , Hasegawa S , Kotake K , Sugihara K , Fukuhara S , Sakai Y
Published: June 2014

Background

The node classification outlined in the seventh edition of the TNM classification is based solely on the number of metastasized lymph nodes. This study examined the prognostic value of apical lymph node (ALN) metastasis and the additional value of incorporating ALN status into a risk model based on the seventh edition.

Methods

This was a cohort study of patients with stage III colonic cancer who underwent tumour resection with dissection of regional (including apical) lymph nodes at 71 hospitals across Japan between 2000 and 2002. The main exposure was pathologically confirmed ALN metastasis, and the primary endpoint was cancer-specific death.

Results

ALN metastasis was present in 113 (8·3 per cent) of 1355 patients. During 5356 patient-years of follow-up (median 5·0 years), 221 instances (16·3 per cent) of cancer-specific death were observed. After adjustment for tumour and node classification (as described in the seventh edition of the TNM classification) and other prognostic factors, ALN metastasis was found to be independently associated with cancer-specific death (hazard ratio 2·29, 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 1·49 to 3·52). Incorporation of ALN metastasis into the prognostic model based on the seventh edition of the TNM classification significantly improved discriminative performance for cancer-specific death (difference in concordance index 0·0146, 95 per cent c.i. 0·0030 to 0·0262) and risk reclassification for cancer-specific death at 5 years (category-free net reclassification improvement 19·4 (95 per cent c.i. 5·0 to 33·4) per cent).

Conclusion

Assessment of ALN metastasis provided independent prognostic information beyond that achievable with the seventh edition of the TNM classification in patients with stage III colonic cancer.
Determination of ASP3258, a novel phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor, in rat plasma by high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and its application to pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Ohtsu Yoshiaki , Takanuki Fumiyo , Fukunaga Yasuhisa , Noguchi Kiyoshi
Published: June 2014

The potent phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor ASP3258 contains a carboxylic acid moiety and a naphthyridine ring and is a novel therapeutic agent for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. To support the drug development of ASP3258, we developed and validated a simple method for its determination in rat plasma. Following the addition of the analog AS1406604‐00 as an internal standard, plasma samples were processed using C18‐bonded solid‐phase extraction cartridges under acidic conditions and injected into a high‐performance liquid chromatography system with fluorescence detection. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Shiseido Capcell Pak C18 UG120 column (3.0 × 150 mm, 5 µm) with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile–0.5% acetic acid (50:50, v/v). HPLC eluent was monitored with a fluorescence detector set at a wavelength of 315 nm for excitation and 365 nm for emission. The calibration curve was linear over a range of 2.5–250 ng/mL. Validation data demonstrated that the method is selective, sensitive and accurate. In addition, the present method was successfully applied to rat plasma samples from a pharmacokinetic study. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One‐step refolding and purification of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor‐α (rhTNF‐α) using ion‐exchange chromatography
Authors: Wang Yan , Ren Wenxuan , Gao Dong , Wang Lili , Yang Ying , Bai Quan
Published: June 2014

Protein refolding is a key step for the production of recombinant proteins, especially at large scales, and usually their yields are very low. Chromatographic‐based protein refolding techniques have proven to be superior to conventional dilution refolding methods. High refolding yield can be achieved using these methods compared with dilution refolding of proteins. In this work, recombinant human tumor necrosis factor‐α (rhTNF‐α) from inclusion bodies expressed in Escherichia coli was renatured with simultaneous purification by ion exchange chromatography with a DEAE Sepharose FF column. Several chromatographic parameters influencing the refolding yield of the denatured/reduced rhTNF‐α, such as the urea concentration, pH value and concentration ratio of glutathione/oxidized glutathione in the mobile phase, were investigated in detail. Under optimal conditions, rhTNF‐α can be renatured and purified simultaneously within 30 min by one step. Specific bioactivity of 2.18 × 108 IU/mg, purity of 95.2% and mass recovery of 76.8% of refolded rhTNF‐α were achieved. Compared with the usual dilution method, the ion exchange chromatography method developed here is simple and more effective for rhTNF‐α refolding in terms of specific bioactivity and mass recovery. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and validation of a HPLC‐PDA bioanalytical method for the simultaneous estimation of Aliskiren and Amlodipine in human plasma
Authors: Mannemala Sai Sandeep , Nagarajan Janaki Sankarachari Krishnan
Published: June 2014

A simple, unique and selective HPLC‐PDA method was developed and validated for the simultaneous estimation of aliskiren (ALS) and amlodipine (AML) in human plasma. Extraction of the sample was accomplished by protein precipitation. Plasma proteins were precipitated by employing acetonitrile containing hydrochlorothiazide as internal standard. The compounds were analyzed by HPLC by using PDA detector on a Hibar C18 (250 × 4.6 mm) column with a mobile phase comprising acetonitrile and phosphate buffer (pH 4.2 and 25 mm; 60:40 v/v) with a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. Different sample pretreatment techniques were evaluated but protein precipitation was found to be satisfactory, offering good recovery values of 97.11–98.45% for ALS and 97.5–99.12% for AML. The within‐day precisions for ALS were 96.66, 99.16 and 99.41% at 90, 240 and 480 ng/mL, respectively, and for AML they were 97.27, 99.54 and 99.31% at 3.3, 8.8 and 17.6 ng/mL, respectively. The between‐day precisions for ALS were 96.66, 99.16 and 99.41% at 90, 240 and 480 ng/mL, respectively and the between‐day precisions for AML were 98.18, 99.20 and 99.40% at 3.3, 8.8 and 17.6 ng/mL, respectively. The limit of quantitation was 30 and 1.0 ng/mL for ALS and AML respectively. Different constituents of plasma proteins did not interfere with the absolute recovery of ALS and AML. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interviews with SIG/III co‐founders: Reflections of Toni Carbo and Michel Menou
Authors: Alemneh Daniel Gelaw
Published: June 2014

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

The year 2012–2013 marked the 75th anniversary of ASIS&T and the 30th anniversary of Special Interest Group/International Information Issues (SIG/III), co‐founded by Toni Carbo and Michel Menou. Carbo's involvement with ASIS&T started as a student but was amplified when she realized through international projects how narrow her exposure had been. This prompted her to push the Association to promote a more international stance and to establish SIG/III in 1981. Carbo's vision for SIG/III is for it to continue to build a strong and broad global information community through high quality programs and publications. Michel Menou shares Carbo's pride in SIG/III, noting his involvement in the SIG strengthened his involvement in the information science field. Menou recognized the importance of information science on a global level but noted the dearth of contributors to Association meetings from outside North America, prompting his role in founding SIG/III. Menou is pleased to see the SIG's presence through international sessions, publications, the International Paper Contest and sponsoring membership for colleagues from emerging nations. Both Carbo and Menou note the ambiguous scope of information science as a critical obstacle for the field.
MOOCs – international information and education phenomenon?
Authors: Wilson Lee , Gruzd Anatoliy
Published: June 2014

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

Since the 1990s massive open online courses (MOOCs) have offered web‐based learning on a large scale and with open access. The leading MOOC providers in 2014 – Udemy, Coursera and edX – vary in detail but share the goal of facilitating learning for unlimited audiences at no cost or minimal charge, overcoming socioeconomic hurdles and opening education to all. The potential is strong, and data shows promising registration figures from India and economically developing countries. Yet MOOCs fall short of their goal of widespread and readily accessed education, impeded by technology challenges, lack of basic education and predominance of English as the language of instruction. Maintaining a high standard of educational quality is challenging, and attrition rates are very high. Those in library and information science can facilitate learning through MOOCs and also benefit by using the platform to build awareness of the professional field.
Carotid artery stenting and patient outcomes: The CABANA surveillance study
Authors: Hopkins L. Nelson , White Christopher J. , Foster Malcolm T. , Powell Richard J. , Zemel Gerald , Diaz‐Cartelle Juan
Published: June 2014

Objectives

The purpose of the prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized CABANA study was to evaluate periprocedural clinical outcomes in high surgical risk patients with carotid artery stenosis treated with the Carotid WALLSTENT plus FilterWire EZ Embolic Protection System by a diverse group of clinicians.

Background

There is a need for additional evidence evaluating carotid artery stenting (CAS) performed by operators with various experience and training levels.

Methods

The study enrolled symptomatic (≥50% carotid artery stenosis) and asymptomatic (≥80% carotid stenosis) patients at high risk for carotid endarterectomy. Study centers were grouped into three tiers based on previous CAS experience while individual operators were grouped by their CAS training. The primary endpoint was the 30‐day composite of major adverse events [MAEs; including stroke, death, and myocardial infarction (MI)]. Individual event rates were evaluated across the overall study, and by center experience and physician training tier.

Results

Of 1,097 enrolled patients, 1,025 were evaluable for 30‐day MAE rate. The stroke rate (3.3%) was a major contributing factor in the overall MAE rate (4.6%). Mortality was 1.3% and the MI rate was 0.5%. There was no statistically significant association between MAE rates among the center experience tiers (P = 0.61) nor among the operator training categories (P = 0.26).

Conclusions

CAS with the Carotid WALLSTENT and FilterWire EZ yielded a low 30‐day MAE rate that did not differ significantly across operator experience and training levels. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00741091. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photoelectrochemical Response of DSSCs Under Prolonged Reverse Bias and Conduction Band Lowering in Ru‐Complex‐Sensitized TiO2
Authors: Pumiglia Davide , Giustini Mauro , Dini Danilo , Decker Franco , Lanuti Alessandro , Mastroianni Simone , Veyres Sarah , Caprioli Fabrizio
Published: June 2014

TiO2‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) sensitized with the Ru‐dyes N719 and Z907, are subjected to prolonged reverse bias (RB) by imposing a constant current density of 25 mA cm−2 for up to 1000 h. The temporal changes of the DSSCs during the aging process are followed by the periodical recording of current–voltage curves, electrochemical impedance spectra, charge extraction measurements, and photovoltage decays at the various stages of cell aging. Beside the expected decrease in the concentration of ${{\rm{I}}_3^ - }$ during RB aging, the measurements show a surprising shift of the conduction band edge toward lower energies and a concomitant slowing down of the recombination process with the electrolyte for both DSSCs. This leads to a noticeable improvement in the energy conversion efficiency under low illumination conditions. These unexpected results are discussed on the basis of recent literature reports and attributed tentatively to the adsorption of H+ ions, which are produced during the RB aging, onto the TiO2 surface.
Enantiospecific Analysis of 8‐Prenylnaringenin in Biological Fluids by Liquid‐Chromatography‐Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry: Application to Preclinical Pharmacokinetic Investigations
Authors: Martinez Stephanie E. , Lakowski Ted M. , Davies Neal M.
Published: June 2014

8‐Prenylnaringenin (8PN) is a naturally occurring bioactive chiral prenylflavonoid found most commonly in the female flowers of hops (Humulus lupulusL.). A stereospecific method of analysis for 8PN in biological fluids is necessary to study the pharmacokinetic disposition of each enantiomer. A novel and simple liquid chromatographic‐electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS) method was developed for the simultaneous determination ofR‐ andS‐8PN in rat serum and urine. Carbamazepine was used as the internal standard (IS). Enantiomeric resolution of 8PN was achieved on a Chiralpak®AD‐RH column with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of 2‐propanol and 10 mM ammonium formate (pH 8.5) (40:60, v/v) and a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min. Detection was achieved using negative selective ion monitoring (SIM) of 8PN at m/z 339.15 for both enantiomers and positive SIM m/z at 237.15 for the IS. The calibration curves for urine were linear over a range of 0.01–75 µg/mL and 0.05–75 µg/mL for serum with a limit of quantification of 0.05 µg/mL in serum and 0.01 µg/mL in urine. The method was successfully validated showing that it was sensitive, reproducible, and accurate for enantiospecific quantification of 8PN in biological matrices. The assay was successfully applied to a preliminary study of 8PN enantiomers in rat.Chirality 26:419–426, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NMR Structure of an Ethylene Interstrand Cross‐Linked DNA which Mimics the Lesion Formed by 1,3‐Bis(2‐chloroethyl)‐1‐nitrosourea
Authors: O'Flaherty Derek K. , Denisov Alexey Y. , Noronha Anne M. , Wilds Christopher J.
Published: June 2014

The bisalkylating agent 1,3‐bis(2‐chloroethyl)‐1‐nitrosourea (BCNU), used in cancer chemotherapy to hinder cellular proliferation, forms lethal interstrand cross‐links (ICLs) in DNA. BCNU generates an ethylene linkage connecting the two DNA strands at the N1 atom of 2′‐deoxyguanosine and N3 atom of 2′‐deoxycytidine, which is a synthetically challenging probe to prepare. To this end, an ICL duplex linking the N1 atom of 2′‐deoxyinosine to the N3 atom of thymidine via an ethylene linker was devised as a mimic. We have solved the structure of this ICL duplex by a combination of molecular dynamics and high‐field NMR experiments. The ethylene linker is well‐accommodated in the duplex with minimal global and local perturbations relative to the unmodified duplex. These results may account for the substantial stabilization of the ICL duplex observed by UV thermal denaturation experiments and provides structural insights of a probe that may be useful for DNA repair studies.
The MAPK pathway across different malignancies: A new perspective
Authors: Burotto Mauricio , Chiou Victoria L. , Lee Jung‐Min , Kohn Elise C.
Published: June 2014

The mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated (MAPK/ERK) pathway is activated by upstream genomic events and/or activation of multiple signaling events in which information coalesces at this important nodal pathway point. This pathway is tightly regulated under normal conditions by phosphatases and bidirectional communication with other pathways, like the protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (AKT/m‐TOR) pathway. Recent evidence indicates that the MAPK/ERK signaling node can function as a tumor suppressor as well as the more common pro‐oncogenic signal. The effect that predominates depends on the intensity of the signal and the context or tissue in which the signal is aberrantly activated. Genomic profiling of tumors has revealed common mutations in MAPK/ERK pathway components, such as v‐raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF). Currently approved for the treatment of melanoma, inhibitors of BRAF kinase are being studied alone and in combination with inhibitors of the MAPK and other pathways to optimize the treatment of many tumor types. Therapies targeted toward MAPK/ERK components have various response rates when used in different solid tumors, such as colorectal cancer and ovarian cancer. Understanding the differential nature of activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway in each tumor type is critical in developing single and combination regimens, because different tumors have unique mechanisms of primary and secondary signaling and subsequent sensitivity to drugs. Cancer 2014;120:3446–3456. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Early adoption of the human papillomavirus vaccine among Hispanic adolescent males in the United States
Authors: Reiter Paul L. , Brewer Noel T. , Gilkey Melissa B. , Katz Mira L. , Paskett Electra D. , Smith Jennifer S.
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is common among Hispanic males, but to the authors' knowledge little is known regarding HPV vaccination in this population. The authors examined the early adoption of the HPV vaccine among a national sample of Hispanic adolescent males.

METHODS

The authors analyzed provider‐verified HPV vaccination data from the 2010 through 2012 National Immunization Survey‐Teen (NIS‐Teen) for Hispanic males aged 13 years to 17 years (n = 4238). Weighted logistic regression identified correlates of HPV vaccine initiation (receipt of ≥1 doses).

RESULTS

HPV vaccine initiation was 17.1% overall, increasing from 2.8% in 2010 to 31.7% in 2012 (P<.0001). Initiation was higher among sons whose parents had received a provider recommendation to vaccinate compared with those whose parents had not (53.3% vs 9.0%; odds ratio, 8.77 [95% confidence interval, 6.05‐12.70]). Initiation was also higher among sons who had visited a health care provider within the previous year (odds ratio, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.39‐4.23). Among parents with unvaccinated sons, Spanish‐speaking parents reported much higher intent to vaccinate compared with English‐speaking parents (means: 3.52 vs 2.54; P<.0001). Spanish‐speaking parents were more likely to indicate lack of knowledge (32.9% vs 19.9%) and not having received a provider recommendation (32.2% vs 17.7%) as the main reasons for not intending to vaccinate (both P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HPV vaccination among Hispanic adolescent males has increased substantially in recent years. Ensuring health care visits and provider recommendation will be key for continuing this trend. Preferred language may also be important for increasing HPV vaccination and addressing potential barriers to vaccination. Cancer 2014;120:3200–3207. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Do the short‐wave cones signal blueness?
Authors: Oh Sungmi , Sakata Katsuaki
Published: June 2014

A simple correspondence between S‐cone response and the sensation of blueness has long been questioned. We measured color appearance using a series of S‐cone isolating stimuli and a paired comparison paradigm to identify a direct correspondence between S‐cone response and perceived hue strength. The results revealed a non‐monotonic reversal in perceived blueness at the unique‐blue line: The S‐cone increment initially increased blueness, but as S‐cone excitation grew past the pure‐blue line, blueness decreased and redness increased. It is difficult to account for this pattern of results by supposing that the sensation of blueness is mediated by a conventional linear channel that extracts (S+M)/L: If the ratio L:M is held constant, the output of such a channel should always increase with increasing S, and so inhibition from a second channel would be needed to account for our result. We also consider another category of explanation: The appearance of a given chromaticity may depend on its position relative to the fundamental axis of daylight locus, which serves as an internalized reference. In an account of the latter kind, there is a systematic mapping between chromaticities and sensations, but there does not need to be a distinct neural signal that represents “blueness.” © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 40, 323–328, 2015
Differential reparative phenotypes between zebrafish and medaka after cardiac injury
Authors: Ito Kohei , Morioka Mai , Kimura Shun , Tasaki Mai , Inohaya Keiji , Kudo Akira
Published: June 2014

Background: Zebrafish have the ability for heart regeneration. However, another teleost animal model, the medaka, had not yet been investigated for this capacity. Results: Compared with zebrafish, the medaka heart responded differently to an injury: An excessive fibrotic response occurred in the medaka heart, and existing cardiomyocytes or cardiac progenitor cells remained dormant, resulting in no numerical difference between the uncut and injured heart with respect to the number of EdU‐incorporated cardiomyocytes. The results obtained from the analysis of the medaka raldh2‐GFP transgenic line showed a lack of raldh2 expression in the endocardium. Regarding periostin expression, the localization of medaka periostin‐b, a marker of fibrillogenesis, in the medaka heart remained at the wound site at 30 dpa; whereas zebrafish periostin‐b was no longer localized at the wound but was detected in the epicardium at that time. Conclusions: Compared with zebrafish heart regeneration, the medaka heart phenotypes suggest the possibility that the medaka could hardly regenerate its heart tissue or that these phenotypes for heart regeneration showed a delay. Developmental Dynamics 243:1106–1115, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prenatal and perinatal factors in eating disorders: A descriptive review
Authors: Raevuori Anu , Linna Milla S. , Keski‐Rahkonen Anna
Published: June 2014

Objective

The objective of this descriptive review is to summarize the current scientific evidence on various prenatal and perinatal exposures affecting later development of eating disorders among offspring.

Method

Studies were searched from PubMed database with the following keywords: eating disorders and disordered eating and anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder and prenatal exposure delayed effects and maternal exposure and perinatology. A comprehensive manual search, including search from the reference list of included articles, was also performed.

Results

The attributable risk for prenatal and perinatal factors in anorexia nervosa (AN) is 3.6%. Numerous prenatal and perinatal factors have been associated with offspring AN, but only prematurity has been replicated in different samples. The risk of bulimia nervosa (BN) in offspring has attracted less study, and despite varying positive associations, there are no replicated findings. Higher prenatal testosterone may protect against the development of a range of disordered eating symptoms, although studies are not consistent.

Discussion

Evidence in support of an effect of prenatal and perinatal factors on eating disorders or disordered eating in offspring is conflicting. If present, the overall effect appears to be relatively small, and it is likely that the early risk factors operate in conjunction with other biological, genetic, and/or environmental risk factors to bring on eating pathology. Genetically sensitive designs, such as sibling and twin studies, are needed to disentangle the different types of risk factors and ensure that prenatal/perinatal effects are “causal” rather than indications of genetic risk. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:676–685)
Different degree of paternal mtDNA leakage between male and female progeny in interspecific Drosophila crosses
Authors: Dokianakis Emmanouil , Ladoukakis Emmanuel D.
Published: June 2014

Maternal transmission of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in animals is thought to prevent the spread of selfish deleterious mtDNA mutations in the population. Various mechanisms have been evolved independently to prevent the entry of sperm mitochondria in the embryo. However, the increasing number of instances of paternal mtDNA leakage suggests that these mechanisms are not very effective. The destruction of sperm mitochondria in mammalian embryos is mediated by nuclear factors. Also, the destruction of paternal mitochondria in intraspecific crosses is more effective than in interspecific ones. These observations have led to the hypothesis that leakage of paternal mtDNA (and consequently mtDNA recombination owing to ensuing heteroplasmy) might be more common in inter‐ than in intraspecific crosses and that it should increase with phylogenetic distance of hybridizing species. We checked paternal leakage in inter‐ and intraspecific crosses in Drosophila and found little evidence for this hypothesis. In addition, we have observed a higher level of leakage among male than among female progeny from the same cross. This is the first report of sex‐specific leakage of paternal mtDNA. It suggests that paternal mtDNA leakage might not be a stochastic result of an error‐prone mechanism, but rather, it may be under complex genetic control.
Novel chemistry of invasive plants: exotic species have more unique metabolomic profiles than native congeners
Authors: Macel Mirka , de Vos Ric C. H. , Jansen Jeroen J. , van der Putten Wim H. , van Dam Nicole M.
Published: June 2014

It is often assumed that exotic plants can become invasive when they possess novel secondary chemistry compared with native plants in the introduced range. Using untargeted metabolomic fingerprinting, we compared a broad range of metabolites of six successful exotic plant species and their native congeners of the family Asteraceae. Our results showed that plant chemistry is highly species‐specific and diverse among both exotic and native species. Nonetheless, the exotic species had on average a higher total number of metabolites and more species‐unique metabolites compared with their native congeners. Herbivory led to an overall increase in metabolites in all plant species. Generalist herbivore performance was lower on most of the exotic species compared with the native species. We conclude that high chemical diversity and large phytochemical uniqueness of the exotic species could be indicative of biological invasion potential.
Improved high‐speed capillary electrophoresis system using a short capillary and picoliter‐scale translational spontaneous injection
Authors: Zhang Ting , Fu Jinglin , Fang Qun
Published: June 2014

Here, we describe an improved high‐speed CE (HSCE) system using a short capillary and translational spontaneous sample injection. Several important factors for consideration in system design as well as various factors influencing the performance of the HSCE system were investigated in detail. The performance of this HSCE system was demonstrated in electrophoretic separation of FITC‐labeled amino acids. Under optimized conditions, baseline separation of eight amino acids and FITC were achieved in 21 s with the plate heights ranging from 0.20 to 0.31 μm, corresponding to a separation rate up to 20 700 theoretical plates per second. The separation speed and efficiency of the optimized high‐speed CE system are comparable to or even better than those reported in microchip‐based CE systems.
Chiral analysis of amino acid neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in mouse brain by CE‐LIF
Authors: Jakó Tamás , Szabó Eszter , Tábi Tamás , Zachar Gergely , Csillag András , Szökő Éva
Published: June 2014

Chiral CE method has been developed for quantitative determination of d‐amino acid modulators of NMDA glutamate receptor; d‐serine and d‐aspartate along with l‐glutamate and l‐aspartate in biological samples. These ligands are suggested to be involved in regulation of NMDA receptor related brain functions, such as neurogenesis, neuronal plasticity, and memory formation. For sensitive determination of the amino acids LIF detection was chosen, and a fluorogenic reagent, 7‐fluoro‐4‐nitro‐2,1,3‐benzoxadiazole was used for derivatization. An amino‐modified β‐CD, 6‐monodeoxy‐6‐mono(3‐hydroxy)propylamino‐β‐CD (HPA‐β‐CD) was applied as chiral selector. Determinations were accomplished in a polyacrylamide coated capillary and reverse polarity was used for the analysis of the negatively charged analytes. The method was optimized and validated; 6 mM HPA‐β‐CD in 50 mM HEPES buffer, pH 7 was appropriate to achieve baseline separation of the analytes. The limit of quantification with acceptable accuracy is 0.05 μM for both d‐amino acids. The method was used for the determination of d‐aspartate and d‐serine content in various brain regions of adult mice.
Lithium‐Ion Batteries with a Wide Temperature Range Operability Enabled by Highly Conductive sp3 Boron‐Based Single Ion Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Zhang Yunfeng , Sun Yubao , Xu Guodong , Cai Weiwei , Rohan Rupesh , Lin An , Cheng Hansong
Published: June 2014

We report excellent operability of Li‐ion batteries equipped with selected sp3 boron‐based single‐ion polymer electrolyte membranes (SIPEs) in the temperature range of 25–100 °C. The high performance of the batteries is attributed to the high ionic conductivity of the SIPEs, superior interfacial contacts between the SIPE membranes and the electrodes, and the sizes of the mesopores in the membranes being appropriate for ion transport. It is demonstrated that the use of organic solvents in the SIPE membranes does not lead to apparent molecular decomposition in the batteries even at temperatures as high as 100 °C, which underscores the exceptional performance of the SIPE membranes for safe operation of Li‐ion batteries with excellent thermal and electrochemical stability. The intrinsic flexibility of the membranes enables this class of materials to be used in thin and flexible battery devices.
Seismic design and testing of the bottom vertical boundary elements in steel plate shear walls. Part 2: experimental studies
Authors: Li Chao‐Hsien , Tsai Keh‐Chyuan , Lee Hung‐Chi
Published: June 2014

This paper describes an experiment to investigate the seismic design and responses of the bottom column, also called the bottom vertical boundary element (VBE), in steel plate shear walls (SPSWs). The main objectives of this experiment include validating the effectiveness of the design method developed in the companion paper, investigating the experimental performance of VBEs under large interstory drifts, and calibrating analytical models for earthquake engineering of SPSWs. Three full‐scale two‐story SPSWs were cyclically tested at the Taiwan National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering in 2011. Test results and numerical simulations confirm that the proposed design procedures are effective in predicting the plastic zone forming elevation in the lower half of the bottom VBE and the occurrence of yielding at the VBE's top end. Test results show that the premature yielding occurring at the top end of a bottom VBE would result in a deformation concentration at the bottom of SPSWs. In addition, lateral torsional buckling could take place on the bottom VBE after significant plastic rotations have developed at the top end. Test results suggest that preventing the VBE's top end from yielding is the key issue in the seismic design of SPSWs, and the proposed method can be effectively adopted to achieve this objective. Furthermore, the inelastic responses of the SPSW specimens were satisfactorily simulated by using detailed finite shell elements or simplified frame response analysis models. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantifying submerged fluvial topography using hyperspatial resolution UAS imagery and structure from motion photogrammetry
Authors: Woodget A. S. , Carbonneau P. E. , Visser F. , Maddock I. P.
Published: June 2014

Quantifying the topography of rivers and their associated bedforms has been a fundamental concern of fluvial geomorphology for decades. Such data, acquired at high temporal and spatial resolutions, are increasingly in demand for process‐oriented investigations of flow hydraulics, sediment dynamics and in‐stream habitat. In these riverine environments, the most challenging region for topographic measurement is the wetted, submerged channel. Generally, dry bed topography and submerged bathymetry are measured using different methods and technology. This adds to the costs, logistical challenges and data processing requirements of comprehensive river surveys. However, some technologies are capable of measuring the submerged topography. Through‐water photogrammetry and bathymetric LiDAR are capable of reasonably accurate measurements of channel beds in clear water. While the cost of bathymetric LiDAR remains high and its resolution relatively coarse, the recent developments in photogrammetry using Structure from Motion (SfM) algorithms promise a fundamental shift in the accessibility of topographic data for a wide range of settings. Here we present results demonstrating the potential of so called SfM‐photogrammetry for quantifying both exposed and submerged fluvial topography at the mesohabitat scale. We show that imagery acquired from a rotary‐winged Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) can be processed in order to produce digital elevation models (DEMs) with hyperspatial resolutions (c. 0.02 m) for two different river systems over channel lengths of 50–100 m. Errors in submerged areas range from 0.016 m to 0.089 m, which can be reduced to between 0.008 m and 0.053 m with the application of a simple refraction correction. This work therefore demonstrates the potential of UAS platforms and SfM‐photogrammetry as a single technique for surveying fluvial topography at the mesoscale (defined as lengths of channel from c.10 m to a few hundred metres). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autoethnography: Inquiry Into Identity
Authors: Hoppes Steve
Published: June 2014

This chapter provides guidelines and suggestions for assessing student development using autoethnography, a qualitative research method. Autoethnography guides students in examining the nexus between personal and professional identities, including skills, challenges, values, histories, and hopes for the future.
Education for Making Meaning
Authors: Nash Robert J. , Jang Jennifer J. J.
Published: June 2014

This chapter explains the meaning of meaning‐making for the quarterlife generation. It describes what is called the meaning‐quest—consisting of nine core meaning‐making questions—and offers two examples of the pedagogy that the authors use in working with students.
Content vs. Process in the HRM‐Performance Relationship: An Empirical Examination
Authors: Katou Anastasia A. , Budhwar Pawan S. , Patel Charmi
Published: June 2014

This study investigates the impact of a human resource management (HRM) system, which integrates both content and process of human resource (HR) practices, on organizational performance, through collective employee reactions. The analysis is based on a sample of 1,250 Greek employees working in 133 public‐ and private‐sector organizations, which operate in the present context of severe financial and economic crises. The findings of the structural equation modeling suggest that content and process are two inseparable faces of an HRM system that help to reveal a comprehensive picture of the HRM–organizational performance relationship. Based on the findings that collective employee reactions mediate the HRM content (i.e., organizational performance relationship) and HRM process moderates the HRM content (i.e., employee reactions relationship), the study has several theoretical and practice implications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Multiple‐Group Analysis of Associations Between Emotional Exhaustion and Supervisor‐Rated Individual Performance: Temporary Versus Permanent Call‐Center Workers
Authors: De Cuyper Nele , Castanheira Filipa , De Witte Hans , Chambel Maria José
Published: June 2014

This study investigates whether contract type (temporary versus permanent employment) moderates the relationship between emotional exhaustion and supervisor‐rated individual performance. Most temporary workers desire permanent employment, and this may drive them to uphold performance also when strained. This hypothesis was tested with multiple‐group analysis in a sample of 430 call‐center operators from five Portuguese organizations from different sectors. The results show that emotional exhaustion related negatively to supervisor‐rated individual performance among permanent workers, but not among temporary workers. Our conclusion is that the relationship between emotional exhaustion and supervisor‐rated individual performance is conditional upon contract type. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two (or three) is not equal to one: Multiple jobholding as a neglected topic in organizational research
Authors: Sliter Michael T. , Boyd Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2014

The objective of this Incubator is to stimulate research in the area of multiple jobholding (MJH), a long‐neglected topic in organizational behavior. We first discuss the prevalence of, and motivation for, MJH and then discuss possible dangers and benefits of MJH. Throughout, we discuss ideas for future research. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasonic nebulization extraction assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction followed by gas chromatography for the simultaneous determination of six parabens in cosmetic products
Authors: Wei Hongmin , Yang Jinjuan , Zhang Hanqi , Shi Yuhua
Published: June 2014

A simple, rapid, and efficient method of ultrasonic nebulization extraction assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction was developed for the simultaneous determination of six parabens in cosmetic products. The analysis was carried out by gas chromatography. Water was used as the dispersive solvent instead of traditional organic disperser. The experimental factors affecting the extraction yield, such as the extraction solvent and volume, extraction time, dispersive solvent and volume, ionic strength, and centrifuging condition were studied and optimized in detail. The limit of detections for the target analytes were in the range of 2.0–9.5 μg/g. Good linear ranges were obtained with the coefficients ranging from 0.9934 to 0.9969. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of six parabens in 16 cosmetic products. The recoveries of the target analytes in real samples ranged from 81.9 to 108.7%, and the relative standard deviations were <5.3%.
Integrated Solutions for Combating Gully Erosion in Areas Prone to Soil Piping: Innovations from the Drylands of Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Frankl Amaury , Deckers Jozef , Moulaert Lys , Van Damme Alexander , Haile Mitiku , Poesen Jean , Nyssen Jan
Published: June 2014

Multiple on‐site and off‐site effects of gully erosion threaten sustainable development, which is especially evident in dryland environments. To control soil erosion by gullying, various soil and water conservation measures have been developed, of which check dams are the most common. Where soil piping occurs, soil and water conservation measures have a limited effect on gully stabilisation, and check dams easily collapse. Therefore, new integrated approaches are needed to control gully erosion induced by soil piping. Here, a subsurface geomembrane dam is proposed as an innovative measure to reduce subsurface flow in soil pipes near gullies. Application of such a dam in Northern Ethiopia resulted in a decrease of gully erosion rates in vertisols and a rising water table in the intergully areas near the gully channel. The consequence of this effect for agriculture near gully channels is the reduction of soil desiccation and, hence, increased crop yields in the intergully areas near the gully channels. In addition, runoff flow diversions into infiltration sites can increase off‐site benefits by strengthening economic activities or fasten environmental rehabilitation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of the Branching Pattern of Hydrophobic Dendrons on the Core Structure of Linear‐Dendritic Copolymer Micelles
Authors: Kalva Nagendra , Aswal Vinod K. , Ambade Ashootosh V.
Published: June 2014

Hydrophobic dendrons based on different branching patterns, viz. 3,5‐di‐ and 3,4,5‐trisubstituted phenyl rings, consist of the same backbone but exhibit different sizes, shapes, and hydrophobic densities. These dendrons are attached to poly(ethylene glycol) and the core pro­perties of the copolymer micelles are investigated in tetrahydrofuran (THF)/water mixtures by neutron scattering. Two polymers with intermediate hydrophobicity are studied further with variations in the solvent composition and the temperature. The aggregation numbers for 3,4,5‐based dendron copolymers are lower, with more THF molecules of solvation compared with the 3,5‐based dendron copolymer, the difference being greater at higher generations due to different molecular shapes. The micellar core size increases in small steps with dendron size so that dye encapsulation is tuned.

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Interface‐Strengthened Polyimide/Carbon Nanofibers Nanocomposites with Superior Mechanical and Tribological Properties
Authors: Zhu Jiahua , Mu Liwen , Chen Long , Shi Yijun , Wang Huaiyuan , Feng Xin , Lu Xiaohua
Published: June 2014

A self‐assembling molecule, n‐octadecane phosphate, is successfully synthesized and used to modify the surface property of carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Both untreated CNFs (CNFs(u)) and treated CNFs (CNFs(t)) are incorporated in polyimide (PI) as filler to study the interfacial­property‐determined thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties of their corresponding nanocomposites. At room temperature, the mechanical properties of PI/CNFs(t) including elongation‐to‐break, tensile strength, bending strength, and impact strength are remarkably improved by 150%, 29.4%, 26.7%, and 183%, respectively, in comparison with the PI/CNFs(u) composites. At 150 °C, the enhancement of the elongation‐to‐break reaches 250%, while the tensile and flexural‐strength enhancement reduce to 2.8% and 20.4%. In addition, the tribological properties of PI/CNFs(t) composite are also improved due to the better interfacial interaction between the filler and the matrix. Microstructure analysis of the fracture surface directly reveals the better dispersion quality of CNFs(t) in PI and superior interfacial adhesion with the introduced assembling layer.

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Projected explicit lawson methods for the integration of Schrödinger equation
Authors: Cano Begoña , González‐Pachón Adolfo
Published: June 2014

In this article, it is proved that explicit Lawson methods, when projected onto one of the invariants of nonlinear Schrödinger equation (norm) are also automatically projected onto another invariant (momentum) for many solutions. As this procedure is very cheap and geometric because two invariants are conserved, it offers an efficient tool to integrate some solutions of this equation till long times. On the other hand, we show a detailed study on the numerical performance of these methods against splitting ones, with fixed and variable stepsize implementation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq31: 78–104, 2015
Interactions of dietary protein and adiposity measures in relation to subsequent changes in body weight and waist circumference
Authors: Ankarfeldt Mikkel Z. , Ängquist Lars , Jakobsen Marianne Uhre , Overvad Kim , Tjønneland Anne , Halkjær Jytte , Astrup Arne , Sørensen Thorkild I.A.
Published: June 2014

Objective

To investigate if dietary protein and degree of adiposity interacts in relation to change in body weight and waist circumference (WC) in the general population.

Methods

In total 22,433 middle‐aged individuals with dietary assessment at baseline and anthropometry at baseline and at follow‐up about 5 years later were analyzed with multiple linear regression and dietary macronutrient substitution models. Interactions between dietary protein and baseline body mass index (BMI) and baseline WC adjusted for BMI (WCBMI) (divided in tertiles; nine groups total), were analyzed in relation to changes in body weight (BW) and changes WC adjusted for change in BW.

Results

Baseline intake of protein was not significantly associated with changes in weight or waist circumference. Across the nine groups of baseline BMI and WCBMI there were no distinct trends in the associations between dietary protein, whether replacing carbohydrate or fat, and weight change. However, individuals in the highest tertile of baseline BMI (irrespective of baseline WCBMI) had significantly inverse change in waist circumference when protein replaced carbohydrate, but not when protein replaced fat.

Conclusion

Replacing carbohydrate with protein in the diet may prevent a relative increase in WC in individuals with a greater BMI.
In situ sequencing identifies TMPRSS2–ERG fusion transcripts, somatic point mutations and gene expression levels in prostate cancers
Authors: Kiflemariam Sara , Mignardi Marco , Ali Muhammad Akhtar , Bergh Anders , Nilsson Mats , Sjöblom Tobias
Published: June 2014

Translocations contribute to the genesis and progression of epithelial tumours and in particular to prostate cancer development. To better understand the contribution of fusion transcripts and visualize the clonal composition of multifocal tumours, we have developed a technology for multiplex in situ detection and identification of expressed fusion transcripts. When compared to immunohistochemistry, TMPRSS2–ERG fusion‐negative and fusion‐positive prostate tumours were correctly classified. The most prevalent TMPRSS2–ERG fusion variants were visualized, identified, and quantitated in human prostate cancer tissues, and the ratio of the variant fusion transcripts could for the first time be directly determined by in situ sequencing. Further, we demonstrate concurrent in situ detection of gene expression, point mutations, and gene fusions of the prostate cancer relevant targets AMACR, AR, TP53, and TMPRSS2–ERG. This unified approach to in situ analyses of somatic mutations can empower studies of intra‐tumoural heterogeneity and future tissue‐based diagnostics of mutations and translocations. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Statistical considerations associated with a comprehensive regulatory framework to address the unmet need for new antibacterial therapies
Authors: Dane Aaron , Wetherington Jeffrey D.
Published: June 2014

At present, there are situations in antibiotic drug development where the low number of enrollable patients with key problem pathogens makes it impossible to conduct fully powered non‐inferiority trials in the traditional way. Recent regulatory changes have begun to address this situation. In parallel, statistical issues regarding the application of alternative techniques, balancing the unmet need with the level of certainty in the approval process, and the use of additional sources of data are critical areas to increase development feasibility. Although such approaches increase uncertainty compared with a traditional development program, this will be necessary to allow new agents to be made available. Identification of these risks and explicit discussion around requirements in these areas should help clarify the situation, and hence, the feasibility of developing drugs to treat the most concerning pathogens before the unmet need becomes even more acute than at present. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.