bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capillary electrophoresis for the analysis of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins in shellfish: Comparison of detection methods
Authors: Keyon Aemi S. Abdul , Guijt Rosanne M. , Gaspar Andras , Kazarian Artaches A. , Nesterenko Pavel N. , Bolch Christopher J. , Breadmore Michael C.
Published: March 2014

Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) are produced by marine and freshwater microalgae and accumulate in shellfish including mussels, oysters, and scallops, causing possible fatalities when inadvertently consumed. Monitoring of PST content of shellfish is therefore important for food safety, with currently approved methods based on HPLC, using pre‐ or postcolumn oxidation for fluorescence detection (HPLC‐FLD). CE is an attractive alternative for screening and detection of PSTs as it is compatible with miniaturization and could be implemented in portable instrumentation for on‐site monitoring. In this study, CE methods were developed for C4D, FLD, UV absorption detection, and MS—making this first report of C4D and FLD for PSTs detection. Because most oxidized toxins are neutral, MEKC was used in combination with FLD. The developed CZE‐UV and CZE‐C4D methods provide better resolution, selectivity, and separation efficiency compared to CZE‐MS and MEKC‐FLD. The sensitivity of the CZE‐C4D and MEKC‐FLD methods was superior to UV and MS, with LOD values ranging from 140 to 715 ng/mL for CZE‐C4D and 60.9 to 104 ng/mL for MEKC‐FLD. With the regulatory limit for shellfish samples of 800 ng/mL, the CZE‐C4D and MEKC‐FLD methods were evaluated for the screening and detection of PSTs in shellfish samples. While the CZE‐C4D method suffered from significant interferences from the shellfish matrix, MEKC‐FLD was successfully used for PST screening of a periodate‐oxidized mussel sample, with results confirmed by HPLC‐FLD. This confirms the potential of MEKC‐FLD for screening of PSTs in shellfish samples.
Improved conditions for periodate/Schiff's base‐based fluorescent staining of glycoproteins with dansylhydrazine in SDS‐PAGE
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Hong Guo‐Ying , Huang Bin‐Bin , Duan Yuan‐Meng , Shen Jia‐Yi , Ni Mao‐Wei , Cong Wei‐Tao , Jin Li‐Tai
Published: March 2014

An improved periodate/Schiff's base based fluorescent stain with dansylhydrazine (DH) for glycoproteins in 1D and 2D SDS‐PAGE was described. Down to 4–8 ng of glycoproteins can be selectively detected within 2 h, which is approximately 16‐fold higher than that of original protocol, but similar to that of Pro‐Q Emerald 488 stain (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, USA). Furthermore, subsequent study of deglycosylation, glycoprotein affinity isolation, and LC‐MS/MS analysis were performed to confirm the specificity of the improved method. As a result, improved DH stain may provide a new choice for selective, economic, MS compatible, and convenient visualization of gel‐separated glycoproteins.
How Informative are the Subjective Density Forecasts of Macroeconomists?
Authors: Kenny Geoff , Kostka Thomas , Masera Federico
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we propose a framework to evaluate the subjective density forecasts of macroeconomists using micro data from the euro area Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF). A key aspect of our analysis is the use of evaluation measures which take account of the entire predictive densities, and not just the probability assigned to the outcome that occurs. Overall, we find considerable heterogeneity in the performance of the surveyed densities at the individual level. However, it is hard to exploit this heterogeneity and improve aggregate performance by trimming poorly performing forecasters in real time. Relative to a set of simple benchmarks, density performance is somewhat better for GDP growth than for inflation, although in the former case it diminishes substantially with the forecast horizon. In addition, we report evidence of an improvement in the relative performance of expert densities during the recent period of macroeconomic volatility. However, our analysis also reveals clear evidence of overconfidence or neglected risks in expert probability assessments, as reflected in frequent occurrences of events which are assigned a zero probability. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forecasting Mixed‐Frequency Time Series with ECM‐MIDAS Models
Authors: Götz Thomas B. , Hecq Alain , Urbain Jean‐Pierre
Published: March 2014

This paper proposes a mixed‐frequency error correction model for possibly cointegrated non‐stationary time series sampled at different frequencies. We highlight the impact, in terms of model specification, of the choice of the particular high‐frequency explanatory variable to be included in the cointegrating relationship, which we call a dynamic mixed‐frequency cointegrating relationship. The forecasting performance of aggregated models and several mixed‐frequency regressions are compared in a set of Monte Carlo experiments. In particular, we look at both the unrestricted mixed‐frequency model and at a more parsimonious MIDAS regression. Whereas the existing literature has only investigated the potential improvements of the MIDAS framework for stationary time series, our study emphasizes the need to include the relevant cointegrating vectors in the non‐stationary case. Furthermore, it is illustrated that the choice of dynamic mixed‐frequency cointegrating relationship does not matter as long as the short‐run dynamics are adapted accordingly. Finally, the unrestricted model is shown to suffer from parameter proliferation for samples of relatively small size, whereas MIDAS forecasts are robust to over‐parameterization. We illustrate our results for the US inflation rate. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance Improvement by Temperature Control of an Open‐Cathode PEM Fuel Cell System
Authors: Strahl S. , Husar A. , Puleston P. , Riera J.
Published: March 2014

The work presented in this article combines experimental analysis and theoretical studies of temperature effects on the performance of an open‐cathode, self‐humidified PEM fuel cell system for the design of optimal control strategies. The experimental analysis shows the great potential of improving the system performance by proper thermal management. The most significant temperature dependent parameter of the system under study is the exchange current density. On the one hand it is influenced positively by a temperature increase as this lowers the activation barrier. On the other hand a higher temperature causes a reduction of the electrochemical active sites in the cathode catalyst layer due to lower water content in the ionomer and primary pores. Dynamic models for fuel cell temperature, liquid water transport and the related electrochemistry have been developed and validated against the experiment. A cascaded Extremum Seeking control algorithm with a local PI controller is proposed to regulate the temperature to a fuel cell voltage maximum. However, the slow dynamics of the temperature related catalyst‐drying effect on performance complicate the optimal thermal management with model‐free control strategies.
Influence of the Interaction Between Phosphoric Acid and Catalyst Layers on the Properties of HT‐PEFCs
Authors: Liu F. , Mohajeri S. , Di Y. , Wippermann K. , Lehnert W.
Published: March 2014

The performance of high‐temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells is influenced by the components in the cell. In order to determine the effects of the platinum loading and the thickness of the anode and the cathode as well as of the phosphoric acid content on the cell performance, a three‐level factorial plan encompassing 15 experimental points was designed and carried out. The experimental results were analyzed statistically and expressed as graphic cubes in the range studied. It was found that each factor and their interactions have strong effects on the cell performance. The interactions are attributed to the distribution of phosphoric acid and gases in the membrane electrode assembly. The water vapor transport influences the concentration of phosphoric acid, which modifies not only the proton conductivity but also the cathode kinetics. The optimized cell performance was obtained with an acid amount of 20 mg cm–2, a cathode thickness of 125 μm (platinum loading of 1.0 mg cm–2), and an anode thickness of 75 μm (platinum loading of 0.6 mg cm–2).
Comprehensive cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic analysis of 44 Burkitt lymphoma cell lines: Secondary chromosomal changes characterization, karyotypic evolution, and comparison with primary samples
Authors: Maria Murga Penas Eva , Schilling Georgia , Behrmann Petra , Klokow Marianne , Vettorazzi Eik , Bokemeyer Carsten , Dierlamm Judith
Published: March 2014

Burkitt lymphoma cell lines (BL‐CL) are used extensively as in vitro models in genetic studies; however, cytogenetic information is not always available or updated. We provide a comprehensive cytogenetic resource of 44 BL‐CL, assessed by G‐banding, multicolor‐FISH, and FISH with 1q, 3p, 7q, and 13q region‐specific probes, including the first cytogenetic characterization of 22 BL‐CL and the revision of further 22 commonly used BL‐CL. Based on these data, we determined a consensus karyotype, evaluated in detail the secondary chromosomal changes (SCC), and the karyotypic stability of these cell lines. An individual karyotype was identified in all investigated BL‐CL, confirming their unique origin. Most of the BL‐CL remained cytogenetically relative stable after years of intensive cultivation. The most frequent structural SCC were dup(1q), del(13q) and the most frequent numerical SCC were +7, +13. Common breakpoints were located on 1q12, 7q11, and 13q31. The most common gains were in 1q and 7q and the most common losses were in 11q and 13q. Interestingly, the frequency of 1q gains and 13q losses was significantly higher in the EBV‐negative than in the EBV‐positive BL‐CL. Furthermore, by reviewing karyotypes of 221 primary BL listed in the Mitelman database, we observed similarities between BL‐CL and primary BL regarding the frequency of numerical and structural SCC and breakpoint distribution. In BL‐CL and in primary BL two SCC, dup(1q), and +12, always occurred mutually exclusive of each other. These findings validate BL‐CL as appropriate model for in vitro studies on the significance of SCC in the pathogenesis of BL. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dialkylation of Diethyl Ethoxycarbonylmethylphosphonate under Microwave and Solventless Conditions
Authors: Grün Alajos , Blastik Zsófia , Drahos László , Keglevich György
Published: March 2014

To further broaden the methods for the heterogeneous phase alkylation of CH acidic compounds, the dialkylation of diethyl ethoxycarbonylmethylphosphonate was studied in the presence of Cs2CO3 under microwave and solvent‐free conditions. It was found that after repeating the alkylations by the addition of newer portions of the alkylating agent and the base on a few occasions, the dialkylation was quite efficient. Even dialkyl derivatives with different alkyl groups could be synthesized. The presence of a phase‐transfer catalyst was harmful, as prevented the formation of the dialkyl products.
Implications of Utilization Shifts on Medical‐care Price Measurement
Authors: Dunn Abe , Liebman Eli , Shapiro Adam Hale
Published: March 2014

The medical‐care sector often experiences changes in medical protocols and technologies that cause shifts in treatments. However, the commonly used medical‐care price indexes reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics hold the mix of medical services fixed. In contrast, episode expenditure indexes, advocated by many health economists, track the full cost of disease treatment, even as treatments shift across service categories (e.g., inpatient to outpatient hospital). In our data, we find that these two conceptually different measures of price growth show similar aggregate rates of inflation over the 2003–2007 period. Although aggregate trends are similar, we observe differences when looking at specific disease categories. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fatally invasive actinomycosis masquerading as a tonsillar carcinoma
Authors: Pézier Thomas F. , Kastrinidis Nikos , Widmer Gian‐Marco , Huber Gerhard F. , Probst Rudolf
Published: March 2014

Background

Actinomyces is a bacterial rod found in the normal oral flora. It can gain entry to the submucosa via trivial wounds and ultimately lead to slow growing lesions which may mimic cancerous lesions.

Methods and Results

We present the case of an elderly, immunosuppressed woman who presented with a herald bleed from a tonsillar lesion. Despite initial operative arrest of the hemorrhage, she died of a carotid blowout. At autopsy, no sign of cancer was found, but rather an invasive actinomycosis.

Conclusion

Although actinomycosis of the tonsil is well known and has even been described as mimicking tonsillar cancer, this is, to our knowledge, the first report of a carotid blowout secondary to actinomycosis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: E129–E130, 2014
The rubber hand illusion increases heat pain threshold
Authors: Hegedüs G. , Darnai G. , Szolcsányi T. , Feldmann Á. , Janszky J. , Kállai J.
Published: March 2014

Background

Accumulating evidence shows that manipulations of cortical body representation, for example, by simply viewing one's own body, can relieve pain in healthy subjects. Despite the widespread use of the rubber hand illusion (RHI) as an effective experimental tool for the manipulation of bodily awareness, previous studies examining the analgesic effect of the RHI have produced conflicting results.

Method

We used noxious heat stimuli to induce finger pain in 29 healthy subjects, and we recorded the participants' pain thresholds and subjective pain ratings during the RHI and during the control conditions. Two control conditions were included in our experiment – a standard one with reduced illusion strength (asynchronous stroking control) and an additional one in which the participants viewed their own hand.

Results

Raw data showed that both the RHI and the vision of the own hand resulted in slightly higher pain thresholds than the asynchronous stroking control (illusion: 47.79 °C; own‐hand: 47.99 °C; asynchronous: 47.52 °C). After logarithmic transformation to achieve normality, paired t‐tests revealed that both increases in pain threshold were significant (illusion/asynchronous: p = 0.036; own‐hand/asynchronous: p = 0.007). In contrast, there was no significant difference in pain threshold between the illusion and the own‐hand conditions (p = 0.656). Pain rating scores were not log–normal, and Wilcoxon singed–rank tests found no significant differences in pain ratings between the study conditions.

Conclusion

The RHI increases heat pain threshold and the analgesic effect of the RHI is comparable with that of seeing one's own hand. The latter finding may have clinical implications.
Osteosarcoma Cells Enhance Angiogenesis Visualized by Color‐Coded Imaging in the In Vivo Gelfoam® Assay
Authors: Uehara Fuminari , Tome Yasunori , Miwa Shinji , Hiroshima Yukihiko , Yano Shuya , Yamamoto Mako , Mii Sumiyuki , Maehara Hiroki , Bouvet Michael , Kanaya Fuminori , Hoffman Robert M.
Published: March 2014

We previously described a color‐coded imaging model that can quantify the length of nascent blood vessels using Gelfoam® implanted in nestin‐driven green fluorescent protein (ND‐GFP) nude mice. In ND‐GFP mice, nascent blood vessels are labeled with GFP. We report here that osteosarcoma cells promote angiogenesis in the Gelfoam® angiogenesis assay in ND‐GFP mice. Gelfoam® was initially transplanted subcutaneously in the flank of transgenic ND‐GFP nude mice. Seven days after transplantation of Gelfoam®, skin flaps were made and human 143B osteosarcoma cells expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the nucleus and red fluorescent protein (RFP) in cytoplasm were injected into the transplanted Gelfoam®. The control‐group mice had only implanted Gelfoam®. Skin flaps were made at days 14, 21, and 28 after transplantation of the Gelfoam® to allow imaging of vascularization in the Gelfoam® using a variable‐magnification small animal imaging system and confocal fluorescence microscopy. ND‐GFP expressing nascent blood vessels penetrated and spread into the Gelfoam® in a time‐dependent manner in both control and osteosarcoma‐implanted mice. ND‐GFP expressing blood vessels in the Gelfoam® of the osteosarcoma‐implanted mice were associated with the cancer cells and larger and longer than in the Gelfoam®‐only implanted mice (P < 0.01). The results presented in this report demonstrate strong angiogenesis induction by osteosarcoma cells and suggest this process is a potential therapeutic target for this disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1490–1494, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differences in Nuclear DNA Organization Between Lymphocytes, Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg Cells Revealed by Structured Illumination Microscopy
Authors: Righolt Christiaan H. , Guffei Amanda , Knecht Hans , Young Ian T. , Stallinga Sjoerd , van Vliet Lucas J. , Mai Sabine
Published: March 2014

Advances in light microscopy have enabled the visualization of DNA in the interphase nucleus with more detail than is visible with conventional light microscopy. The nuclear architecture is assumed to be different in cancer cells compared to normal cells. In this paper we have studied, for the first time, the organization of nuclear DNA and that of DNA‐free space in control lymphocytes, Hodgkin cells and Reed–Sternberg cells using 3D structured illumination microscopy (SIM). We have observed detail in these SIM images that was not observed in conventional widefield images. We have measured the size distribution of the DNA structure using granulometry and noted a significant, progressive increase in the amount of sub‐micron structures from control lymphocytes to Hodgkin cells to Reed–Sternberg cells. The DNA‐free space changes as well; “holes” in the DNA distribution start to appear in the malignant cells. We have studied whether these “holes” are nucleoli by staining for upstream binding factor (UBF), a protein associated with the nucleolus. We have found that the relative UBF content progressively and significantly decreases—or is absent—in the DNA‐free space when measured as either the Pearson correlation coefficient with the DNA‐free space or as the number of “holes” that contain UBF. Similar differences exist within the population of Reed–Sternberg cells between binucleated and multinucleated cells with four or more subnuclei. To our knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the changes of the nuclear DNA structure in any disease with superresolution light microscopy. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1441–1448, 2014. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial‐NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non‐commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.
Glucosamine‐Induced Sp1 O‐GlcNAcylation Ameliorates Hypoxia‐Induced SGLT Dysfunction in Primary Cultured Renal Proximal Tubule Cells
Authors: Suh Han Na , Lee Yu Jin , Kim Mi Ok , Ryu Jung Min , Han Ho Jae
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study is to determine whether GlcN could recover the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐induced dysfunction of Na+/glucose cotransporter (SGLT) in renal proximal tubule cells (PTCs) under hypoxia. With the rabbit model, the renal ischemia induced tubulointerstitial abnormalities and decreased SGLTs expression in tubular brush‐border, which were recovered by GlcN. Thus, the protective mechanism of GlcN against renal ischemia was being examined by using PTCs. Hypoxia decreased the level of protein O‐GlcNAc and the expression of O‐GlcNAc transferase (OGT) while increased O‐GlcNAcase (OGA) and these were reversed by GlcN. Hypoxia also decreased the expression of SGLTs (SGLT1 and 2) and [14C]‐α‐methyl‐D‐glucopyranoside (α‐MG) uptake which were recovered by GlcN and PUGNAc (OGA inhibitor). Hypoxia enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and then ER stress proteins, glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78), and C/EBP‐homologous protein (CHOP). However, the expression of GRP78 increased till 6 h and then decreased whereas CHOP increased gradually. Moreover, decreased GRP78 and increased CHOP were reversed by NAC (antioxidant) and GlcN. GlcN ameliorated hypoxia‐induced decrease of O‐GlcNAc modification of Sp1 but OGT or Sp1 siRNAs blocked the recovery effect of GlcN on SGLT expression and α‐MG uptake. In addition, hypoxia‐decreased GRP78 and HIF‐1α expression was reversed by GlcN but OGT siRNA or Sp1 siRNA ameliorated the effect of GlcN. When PTCs were transfected with GRP78 siRNA or HIF‐1α siRNA, SGLT expression and α‐MG uptake was decreased. Taken together, these data suggest that GlcN‐induced O‐GlcNAc modified Sp1 with stimulating GRP78 and HIF‐1α activity ameliorate hypoxia‐induced SGLT dysfunction in renal PTCs. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1557–1568, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Research and publication trends in hospital medicine
Authors: Do An N. Dang , Munchhof Amy M. , Terry Colin , Emmett Thomas , Kara Areeba
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Research by hospitalists may aid the evolution of hospital medicine into an academic specialty.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the factors associated with research and publication activities among hospitalists and describe trends in hospitalist‐led publications.

METHODS

We surveyed members of the Society of Hospital Medicine in June 2012 and conducted univariate analyses on their responses to determine predictors of successful authorship and to describe factors associated with research engagement. We searched PubMed from the database inception to October 2013 for publications with “hospitalist” or “hospital medicine” affiliated authors. Original research articles were reviewed for methodology and funding sources.

RESULTS

Of the 645 respondents (5.8% response rate), 277 (43%) had authored peer‐reviewed publications, 126 (19%) had access to mentorship, and 68 (11%) reported funding support. There were 213 (33%) who were engaged in research, with the majority conducting quality improvement (QI) research (n = 152, 24%). Completion of a fellowship, pediatrics training, the presence of a mentor, funding, and >25% protected time for research were each individually associated with an increased likelihood of authoring publications. Hospitalist‐led publications in PubMed have been increasing from 36 in 2006 to 179 in the first 10 months of 2013. Of the original research publications (n = 317), the majority were clinical (n = 129, 41%), and 58 (18%) were QI. Thirty‐nine (22%) authors reported funding support.

CONCLUSIONS

Peer‐reviewed publications by hospitalists are increasing, suggesting the academic maturation of hospital medicine. Provision of mentorship for hospitalists specifically in QI and guidance toward funding resources may assist in supporting this trend. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:148–154. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Automatic model‐based semantic registration of multimodal MRI knee data
Authors: Xue Ning , Doellinger Michael , Fripp Jurgen , Ho Charles P. , Surowiec Rachel K. , Schwarz Raphael
Published: March 2014

Purpose

To propose a robust and automated model‐based semantic registration for the multimodal alignment of the knee bone and cartilage from three‐dimensional (3D) MR image data.

Materials and Methods

The movement of the knee joint can be semantically interpreted as a combination of movements of each bone. A semantic registration of the knee joint was implemented by separately reconstructing the rigid movements of the three bones. The proposed method was validated by registering 3D morphological MR datasets of 25 subjects into the corresponding T2 map datasets, and was compared with rigid and elastic methods using two criteria: the spatial overlap of the manually segmented cartilage and the distance between the same landmarks in the reference and target datasets.

Results

The mean Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) of the overlapped cartilage segmentation was increased to 0.68 ± 0.1 (mean ± SD) and the landmark distance was reduced to 1.3 ± 0.3 mm after the proposed registration method. Both metrics were statistically superior to using rigid (DSC: 0.59 ± 0.12; landmark distance: 2.1 ± 0.4 mm) and elastic (DSC: 0.64 ± 0.11; landmark distance: 1.5 ± 0.5 mm) registrations.

Conclusion

The proposed method is an efficient and robust approach for the automated registration between morphological knee datasets and T2 MRI relaxation maps. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:633–644. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Apparent diffusion coefficient as a potential surrogate marker for Ki‐67 index in mucinous breast carcinoma
Authors: Onishi Natsuko , Kanao Shotaro , Kataoka Masako , Iima Mami , Sakaguchi Rena , Kawai Makiko , Kataoka Tatsuki R. , Mikami Yoshiki , Toi Masakazu , Togashi Kaori
Published: March 2014

Purpose

To examine the association between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), cellularity, and Ki‐67 index in mucinous breast carcinoma (MBC) compared with invasive carcinoma of no special type (NST). ADC's ability to identify lesions with highly proliferating MBC was also examined.

Materials and Methods

Pathologically confirmed MBCs (mucinous group, n = 18) and NSTs (control group, n = 18) were retrospectively analyzed. ADC was calculated from signal intensity of diffusion‐weighted imaging at b values of 0 and 1000 sec/mm2. The Ki‐67 index and cellularity were histopathologically evaluated. The mucinous group was classified into high Ki‐67 mucinous group (Ki‐67 index ≥14%, highly proliferating) and low Ki‐67 mucinous group.

Results

In the mucinous group, minimum ADC (ADCmin) showed an inverse correlation with cellularity (r = −0.802, P < 0.0001) and Ki‐67 index (r = −0.825, P < 0.0001). In the control group, ADCmin showed inverse correlation with cellularity (r = −0.537 P = 0.022), but no correlation with Ki‐67 index (r = 0.035, P = 0.892). ADCmin of high Ki‐67 mucinous group was significantly lower than that of low Ki‐67 mucinous group (P = 0.005).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates an inverse correlation between ADC and Ki‐67 index in MBC and the ability of ADC to identify highly proliferating MBC. Considering that ADC can evaluate whole lesions noninvasively, ADC may be a promising noninvasive surrogate marker for Ki‐67 index in the risk stratification of MBC. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:610–615. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A surface‐potential‐based model for silicon nanowire junctionless field‐effect transistors including interface traps
Authors: Deng Ye , Fan Xiao‐ya , Han Ru , Li Cong
Published: March 2014

Interface trap is directly related to the electrical characteristics and reliability of the transistor, and it is an important factor affecting the performance of the device. This paper presents an analytic surface‐potential‐based model for cylindrical silicon nanowire junctionless field‐effect transistors (Si‐NW JLFET) including interface traps. In this paper, the proposed model is applicable to all Si‐NW JLFET working region including different interface trap charges with several nanowire radii and doping concentrations. Simulation results show that interface trap charges present two properties (positive or negative) depending on the different positions of the Fermi level in band gap, which have a significantly influence on the surface potential to cause junctionless transistor subthreshold degradation and flatband shifting. In addition, appropriate device parameters can effectively reduce the impact to the characteristic of the device made by the interface trap without degrading the performance of device. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diurnal variation of precipitation in central Amazon Basin
Authors: Tanaka L. M. d. S. , Satyamurty P. , Machado L. A. T.
Published: March 2014

The diurnal variation of precipitation at four stations in and around Manaus (03°S, 60°W) is studied using hourly observations for the period 2006–2011. The rainfall at midforest stations is 20% greater than that at the city stations, especially in the afternoon hours. The frequency of rain events varies substantially with the hour of the day, but the mean intensity of rain events does not. Daytime [06–18 local time (LT)] frequency is more than two times the nighttime (19–05 LT) frequency. The hours with highest frequency are 12–17 LT. The wet season November through May (NDJFMAM) frequency is approximately three times that of the dry season June through October (JJASO) frequency at all hours and at all stations. The diurnal frequency peak in the afternoon is more pronounced at the forest stations than at city stations. For smaller intensities of hourly rainfall the afternoon peaks are very pronounced while larger intensities of rainfall (15 mm h−1 and above) do not show preference for any hour of the day. Higher rainfall totals in the rainy season are due to more frequent rainfall rather than higher intensities of the rain events. Higher frequencies in the early morning hours close to the river are possibly due to the river breeze effect.
The transcription of nitrate transporters in upland rice varieties with contrasting nitrate‐uptake kinetics
Authors: Alberto Bucher Carlos , Azevedo Santos Leandro , de Matos Nogueira Eduardo , Passos Rangel Rafael , Regina de Souza Sonia , Silvestre Fernandes Manlio
Published: March 2014

Nitrogen (N) is one of the mineral elements required in the greatest quantity by plants and the one that most often limits productivity. In addition, the use of N fertilizers may be associated with environmental damage. The rational use of N fertilizers can be achieved by both better management techniques and the use of plant varieties that are more efficient in N use. Two rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties (Piauí and IAC‐47) with contrasting nitrate‐uptake kinetics (Km and Vmax) were studied through the evaluation of the transcription of genes encoding for the high and low‐affinity nitrate transporters (NRT2 and NRT1, respectively) and NAR2 partner protein needed for NRT2 functional nitrate transporter, as well as the assessment of N soluble fractions (amino‐N, NO$ _3^- $‐N, NH$ _4^+ $‐N) and soluble sugars. The Piauí variety presented higher transcription of the OsNAR2.1, OsNRT2.1, OsNRT2.2 and OsNRT2.3a and accumulated more NO$ _3^- $ in the shoots, sheath and roots when cultivated under low supply of nitrate. OsNRT2.1, OsNRT2.2 and OsNAR2.1 transcription correlated with nitrate concentration in roots, while OsNRT2.1, OsNRT2.2 and OsNRT2.3a correlated with nitrate concentration in leaves. The results of this study indicate that the Piauí variety is adapted to conditions of low natural fertility and seasonal nitrate flux, characteristics of the humid tropics. There is evidence that a portion of this adaptation process maybe due to the differential expression of genes encoding for the high‐affinity nitrate transport proteins, synchronizing plant metabolism with nitrate availability in the soil.
Characterization of olive mill wastewater fractions treatment by integrated membrane process
Authors: Di Lecce Giuseppe , Cassano Alfredo , Bendini Alessandra , Conidi Carmela , Giorno Lidietta , Toschi Tullia Gallina
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Up to now, the management of olive mill wastewaters, a three‐phase mill by‐product, remains an unsolved problem, in particular for those regions where huge quantities of vegetable water are produced. Olive mill wastewaters were therefore treated to evaluate the characteristics of permeate and retentate fractions produced by an integrated membrane system working at two different volume concentration factors.

RESULTS

The effect of two membrane‐based filtration steps (microfiltration and nanofiltration) on the content of chemical oxygen demand, dry matter, sensory quality, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of permeate and retentate samples was evaluated. Furthermore, the effect of two different volume concentration factors (VCF), in the nanofiltration step, were investigated. At high VCF values, the total phenolic content in the retentate fraction was found to be 3.7‐fold higher than the starting one, while the reduction of chemical oxygen demand in the permeate fraction was greater than 97% also at lower VCF values.

CONCLUSION

Each filtration step has provided useful information concerning the utility and appropriateness of the processes chosen, suggesting a sustainable hypothesis of ‘normal industrial practice’ that can be included in current processes of oil extraction, in order to purify water and recover phenolic compounds with high added value. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of water vapour on the high temperature nitridation of chromium
Authors: Michalik M. , Tobing S. L. , Hänsel M. , Shemet V. , Quadakkers W. J. , Young D. J.
Published: March 2014

High purity chromium was reacted at 950 °C in flowing mixtures of N2‐H2‐H2O, N2‐O2‐H2O and Ar‐O2. All gases produced an outer scale of Cr2O3. In addition, an underlying layer of Cr2N grew during reaction with N2‐O2. As a result, the overall chromium consumption rate was significantly faster in N2‐1O2 than in Ar‐1O2 (gas compositions in vol%). Additions of water vapour to N2‐1O2 slowed the rate of nitride growth, and nitridation was completely suppressed at a level of 10% H2O(g). Conversely, water vapour additions accelerated chromia growth rates. Reaction in N2‐H2‐H2O led to chromia scaling at rates faster than in dry N2‐O2, but no nitride formation occurred. The results are interpreted in terms of inward oxygen transport via a hydrogen bearing species, and uptake by the scale of this species in a way which excludes nitrogen.
Surface‐Initiated RAFT Polymerization of Clay Nanoparticles with Polystyrene: New Insights Using MALDI‐TOF MS and 1H NMR
Authors: Chirowodza Helen , Hartmann Patrice C. , Pasch Harald
Published: March 2014

Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)‐mediated grafting of polystyrene from clay is investigated using advanced analytical methods to elucidate the polymerization mechanism occurring at the clay surface and in solution. The chain‐end structures of the grafted polymer grown from a surface‐attached cationic functionalized RAFT agent, and the free polymer chains generated from a non‐functionalized RAFT agent are investigated using size exclusion chromatography, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry, MALDI‐TOF–collision‐induced dissociation mass spectrometry, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The results obtained show that free and surface‐confined polymer chains undergo significant conventional chain‐transfer reactions in addition to reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer. This information provides additional new insight into the polymerization mechanism.

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Electrochemical Post‐Functionalization of Conducting Polymers
Authors: Inagi Shinsuke , Fuchigami Toshio
Published: March 2014

This article summarizes recent progress in the post‐functionalization of conjugated polymers by electrochemical methods. These electrochemical polymer reactions typically proceed via electrochemical doping of a conjugated polymer film, followed by chemical transformation. Examples include the quantitative oxidative fluorination of polyfluorenes and oxidative halogenation of polythiophenes, as well as the reductive hydrogenation of polyfluorenones. The degree of functionalization, otherwise known as the reaction ratio, can be controlled by varying the charge passed through the polymer, allowing the optoelectronic properties of the conjugated polymers to be tailored. Wireless bipolar electrodes with an in‐plane potential distribution are also useful with regard to the electrochemical doping and reaction of conjugated polymers and allow the synthesis of films exhibiting composition gradients. Such bipolar electrochemistry can induce multiple reaction sites during electrochemical polymer reactions.

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A Bi‐Objective Inventory Routing Problem for Sustainable Waste Management Under Uncertainty
Authors: Nolz Pamela C. , Absi Nabil , Feillet Dominique
Published: March 2014

The fast increase in waste materials disposed of by home‐health and medical care services as well as by self‐attending patients leads to a major concern over the safe disposal of health care waste. In this paper, we consider the design of a collection system for infectious medical waste. These waste materials are produced by patients in self‐treatment, stored at pharmacies and picked up by local authorities for disposal.

The stochastic waste collection problem is formulated considering two conflicting objective functions. Social objectives, specifically the satisfaction of pharmacists and local authorities involved in the collection process, as well as the minimization of public health risks need to be traded off against distribution costs comprising routing costs and fixed costs incurred each time a tour is planned. We propose three heuristic solution approaches to solve the real‐world motivated inventory routing problem. The suggested methods are tested on real‐world data from the region of Provence‐Alpes‐Côte d'Azur, in France, and their performance is evaluated with several quality indicators. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A linearized Crank–Nicolson–Galerkin FEM for the time‐dependent Ginzburg–Landau equations under the temporal gauge
Authors: Yang Chaoxia
Published: March 2014

We propose a decoupled and linearized fully discrete finite element method (FEM) for the time‐dependent Ginzburg–Landau equations under the temporal gauge, where a Crank–Nicolson scheme is used for the time discretization. By carefully designing the time‐discretization scheme, we manage to prove the convergence rate , where τ is the time‐step size and r is the degree of the finite element space. Due to the degeneracy of the problem, the convergence rate in the spatial direction is one order lower than the optimal convergence rate of FEMs for parabolic equations. Numerical tests are provided to support our error analysis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 1279–1290, 2014
High performance modification of hyperbranched polyborate on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐a resin
Authors: Xu Peijun , Cong Peiliang , Gao Zhao , Du Ming , Wang Zhipeng , Chen Shuanfa
Published: March 2014

High performance epoxy resin was obtained by introducing hyperbranched polyborate (HBPB) into diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) resin to overcome the defects such as low char yield and poor toughness of DGEBA resin. By virtue of the massive functional end groups, hyperbranched and rigid boron‐containing structures of HBPB, the thermal resistance of DGEBA resin cured with diamino diphenyl sulfone (DDS) can be greatly improved. Moreover, with the toughening effect of hyperbranched structures of HBPB, the mechanical properties such as flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength of the carbon fiber reinforced DGEBA‐DDS composite could be greatly increased by HBPB without a decrease on modulus and glass transition temperature of DGEBA‐DDS resin. POLYM. COMPOS. 36:424–432, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
The impact of isolated single umbilical artery on labor and delivery outcome
Authors: Ashwal Eran , Melamed Nir , Hiersch Liran , Edel Sacha , Bardin Ron , Wiznitzer Arnon , Yogev Yariv
Published: March 2014

Objective

Data regarding the association between isolated single umbilical artery (SUA) and pregnancy outcome are inconsistent and mainly address the risk of pregnancy complications. Thus, we aimed to focus on the association between isolated SUA, and labor and delivery.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study of all singleton pregnancies diagnosed with isolated SUA (no known chromosomal/structural anomalies/fetal growth restriction) attempting vaginal delivery. Obstetric and neonatal outcome was compared with that of a control group of pregnancies with a three‐vessel cord in a 1:2 ratio matched by parity. Composite adverse outcome included the following: Cesarean section (CS) and/or operative delivery due to non‐reassuring fetal heart rate (NRFHR), prolonged neonatal admission, low Apgar score and umbilical artery pH < 7.2.

Results

Out of 34 196 deliveries, 162 (0.5%) were diagnosed with SUA, and 91 (0.27%) were diagnosed with isolated SUA. Isolated SUA was associated with a higher rate of CS due to NRFHR (5.5% vs 1%, p = 0.02), small for gestational age (SGA) (14.3% vs 4.9%, p = 0.009), lower birth weight, and a higher rate of composite adverse outcome (20.9% vs 8.8%, p = 0.005). On multivariable analysis, isolated SUA was independently associated with an increased risk for composite adverse outcome (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.05–5.21).

Conclusion

Isolated SUA is associated with increased risk for CS due to NRFHR and increased rate of SGA. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative analysis of human salivary gland‐derived intact proteome using top‐down mass spectrometry
Authors: Wu Si , Brown Joseph N. , Tolić Nikola , Meng Da , Liu Xiaowen , Zhang Haizhen , Zhao Rui , Moore Ronald J. , Pevzner Pavel , Smith Richard D. , Paša‐Tolić Ljiljana
Published: March 2014

There are several notable challenges inherent for fully characterizing the entirety of the human saliva proteome using bottom‐up approaches, including polymorphic isoforms, PTMs, unique splice variants, deletions, and truncations. To address these challenges, we have developed a top‐down based LC‐MS/MS approach, which cataloged 20 major human salivary proteins with a total of 83 proteoforms, containing a broad range of PTMs. Among these proteins, several previously reported disease biomarker proteins were identified at the intact protein level, such as beta‐2 microglobulin. In addition, intact glycosylated proteoforms of several saliva proteins were also characterized, including intact N‐glycosylated protein prolactin inducible protein and O‐glycosylated acidic protein rich protein. These characterized proteoforms constitute an intact saliva proteoform database, which was used for quantitative comparison of intact salivary proteoforms among six healthy individuals. Human parotid and submandibular/sublingual gland secretion samples (2 μg of protein each) from six healthy individuals were compared using RPLC coupled with the 12T FT‐ICR mass spectrometer. Significantly different proteoform profiles were resolved with high reproducibility between parotid secretion and submandibular/sublingual glands. The results from this study provide further insight into the potential mechanisms of PTM pathways in oral glandular secretion, expanding our knowledge of this complex yet easily accessible fluid. Intact protein LC‐MS approach presented herein can potentially be applied for rapid and accurate identification of biomarkers from only a few microliters of human glandular saliva.
Water‐Dispersible Silicon‐Quantum‐Dot‐Containing Micelles Self‐Assembled from an Amphiphilic Polymer
Authors: Pi Xiaodong , Yu Ting , Yang Deren
Published: March 2014

The dispersion of silicon quantum dots (Si QDs) in water has not been established as well as that in organic solvents. It is now demonstrated that the excellent dispersion of Si QDs in water with photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields (QYs) comparable to those for hydrophobic Si QDs can be realized by combining the processes of hydrosilylation and self‐assembly. Hydrogen‐passivated Si QDs are initially hydrosilylated with 1‐dodecence. The toluene solution of the resulting dodecyl‐passivated Si QDs is mixed with the water solution of the amphiphilic polymer of Pluronic F127 to form an emulsion. Dodecyl‐passivated Si QDs are encapsulated in the micelles self‐assembled from F127 in the emulsion. The size of the Si‐QD‐containing micelles may be tuned in the range from 10 to 100 nm. Although self‐assembly in the emulsion causes the PL QY of Si QDs to decrease, after a few days of storage in ambient conditions, Si QDs encapsulated in the water‐dispersible micelles exhibit recovered PL QYs of ≈24% at the PL wavelength of ≈680 nm. The intensity of the PL from Si QDs encapsulated in the water‐dispersible micelles is >90% of the original value after 60 min ultraviolet illumination, indicating excellent photostability.
Model organism proteomics as a tool for the study of host–microbiome interactions
Authors: Cassidy Liam , Tholey Andreas
Published: March 2014

All organisms live in constant contact with the microbial world. In recent years it has become evident that these microbial communities are not only responsible for the development of certain diseases, but are also an indispensable factor for homeostasis. The inherent complexity of meta‐organisms hampers a straightforward elucidation of the molecular processes regulating the interactions of the host and its microbiome, as well as the influence of exogenic factors, for example, nutrition. Modern approaches such as meta‐proteomics are now capable of deciphering the major processes in microbial communities, but the complete analysis of their interactions with their host is still in its infancy. In order to get easier access, the study of nonmammalian model organisms bears great potential. These organisms provide advantages such as reduced complexity, ease of cultivation in great numbers, and amenity to a range of genetic and biochemical manipulations. We highlight the potentials provided by model organism proteomics for the study of host–microbiome interactions and outline major challenges and demands for technological improvements that will be necessary for the understanding of the manifold interactions within meta‐organisms.
Aminopeptidase activities as prospective urinary biomarkers for bladder cancer
Authors: Taylor Jennifer M. , Yaneva Mariana , Velasco Kevin , Philip John , Erdjument‐Bromage Hediye , Ostrovnaya Irina , Lilja Hans G. , Bochner Bernard H. , Tempst Paul
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Proteases have been implicated in cancer progression and invasiveness. We have investigated the activities, as opposed to simple protein levels, of selected aminopeptidases in urine specimens to serve as potential novel biomarkers for urothelial cancer.

Experimental design

The unique urinary proteomes of males and females were profiled to establish the presence of a gender‐independent set of aminopeptidases. Samples were also collected from patients with urothelial cancer and matched controls. A SOP for urine processing was developed taking into account hydration variation. Five specific aminopeptidase activity assays, using fluorophoric substrates, were optimized for evaluation of marker potential.

Results

Nineteen exopeptidases and 21 other proteases were identified in urine and the top‐five most abundant aminopeptidases, identical in both genders, selected for functional studies. Depending on the enzyme, activities were consistently lower (p ≤ 0.05), higher or unchanged in the cancer samples as compared to controls. Two selected aminopeptidase activities used as a binary classifier resulted in a ROC curve with an AUC = 0.898.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

We have developed functional assays that characterize aminopeptidase activities in urine specimens with adequate technical and intraindividual reproducibility. With further testing, it could yield a reliable biomarker test for bladder cancer detection or prognostication.