bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and physiological effects of two different doses of elosulfase alfa in patients with morquio a syndrome: A randomized, double‐blind, pilot study
Authors: Burton Barbara K. , Berger Kenneth I. , Lewis Gregory D. , Tarnopolsky Mark , Treadwell Marsha , Mitchell John J. , Muschol Nicole , Jones Simon A. , Sutton V. Reid , Pastores Gregory M. , Lau Heather , Sparkes Rebecca , Genter Fred , Shaywitz Adam J. , Harmatz Paul
Published: June 2015

The primary treatment outcomes of a phase 2, randomized, double‐blind, pilot study evaluating safety, physiological, and pharmacological effects of elosulfase alfa in patients with Morquio A syndrome are herewith presented. Patients aged ≥7 years and able to walk ≥200 m in the 6‐min walk test (6MWT) were randomized to elosulfase alfa 2.0 or 4.0 mg/kg/week for 27 weeks. The primary objective was to evaluate the safety of both doses. Secondary objectives were to evaluate effects on endurance (6MWT and 3‐min stair climb test [3MSCT]), exercise capacity (cardio‐pulmonary exercise test [CPET]), respiratory function, muscle strength, cardiac function, pain, and urine keratan sulfate (uKS) levels, and to determine pharmacokinetic parameters. Twenty‐five patients were enrolled (15 randomized to 2.0 mg/kg/week and 10 to 4.0 mg/kg/week). No new or unexpected safety signals were observed. After 24 weeks, there were no improvements versus baseline in the 6MWT, yet numerical improvements were seen in the 3MSCT with 4.0 mg/kg/week. uKS and pharmacokinetic data suggested no linear relationship over the 2.0–4.0 mg/kg dose range. Overall, an abnormal exercise capacity (evaluated in 10 and 5 patients in the 2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg/week groups, respectively), impaired muscle strength, and considerable pain were observed at baseline, and there were trends towards improvements in all domains after treatment. In conclusion, preliminary data of this small study in a Morquio A population with relatively good endurance confirmed the acceptable safety profile of elosulfase alfa and showed a trend of increased exercise capacity and muscle strength and decreased pain. © 2015 The Authors. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Catalytically Active and Spectator Ce3+ in Ceria‐Supported Metal Catalysts
Authors: Kopelent René , van Bokhoven Jeroen A. , Szlachetko Jakub , Edebeli Jacinta , Paun Cristina , Nachtegaal Maarten , Safonova Olga V.
Published: June 2015

Identification of active species and the rate‐determining reaction steps are crucial for optimizing the performance of oxygen‐storage materials, which play an important role in catalysts lowering automotive emissions, as electrode materials for fuel cells, and as antioxidants in biomedicine. We demonstrated that active Ce3+ species in a ceria‐supported platinum catalyst during CO oxidation are short‐lived and therefore cannot be observed under steady‐state conditions. Using time‐resolved resonant X‐ray emission spectroscopy, we quantitatively correlated the initial rate of Ce3+ formation under transient conditions to the overall rate of CO oxidation under steady‐state conditions and showed that ceria reduction is a kinetically relevant step in CO oxidation, whereas a fraction of Ce3+ was present as spectators. This approach can be applied to various catalytic processes involving oxygen‐storage materials and reducible oxides to distinguish between redox and nonredox catalytic mechanisms.
Versatile In Situ Generated N‐Boc‐Imines: Application to Phase‐Transfer‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Mannich‐Type Reactions
Authors: Kano Taichi , Kobayashi Ryohei , Maruoka Keiji
Published: June 2015

The efficient construction of nitrogen‐containing organic compounds is a major challenge in chemical synthesis. Imines are one of the most important classes of electrophiles for this transformation. However, both the available imines and applicable nucleophiles for them are quite limited given the existing preparative methods. Described herein are imine precursors which generate reactive imines with a wide variety of substituents under mild basic conditions. This approach enables the construction of various nitrogen‐containing molecules which cannot be accessed by the traditional approach. The utility of the novel imine precursor was demonstrated in the asymmetric Mannich‐type reaction under phase‐transfer conditions.
Companions around the nearest luminous galaxies: Segregation and selection effects
Authors: Karachentsev I. D. , Kudrya Y. N.
Published: June 2015

Using the “Updated Nearby Galaxy Catalog”, we consider different properties of companion galaxies around luminous hosts in the Local Volume. The data on stellar masses, linear diameters, surface brightnesses, HI‐richness, specific star formation rate (sSFR), and morphological types are discussed for members of the nearest groups, including the Milky Way and M 31 groups, as a function of their separation from the hosts. Companion galaxies in groups tend to have lower stellar masses, smaller linear diameters, and fainter mean surface brightnesses as the distance to their host decreases. The hydrogen‐to‐stellar mass ratio of the companions increases with their linear projected separation from the dominant luminous galaxy. This tendency is more expressed around the bulge‐dominated hosts. While linear separation of the companions decreases, their mean sSFR becomes lower, accompanied with the increasing sSFR scatter. the typical linear projected separation of dSphs around the bulge‐dominated hosts, 350 kpc, is substantially larger than that around the disk‐dominated ones, 130 kpc. This difference probably indicates the presence of larger hot/warm gas haloes around the early‐type host galaxies. The mean fraction of dSph (quenched) companions in the 11 nearest groups as a function of their projected separation Rp can be expressed as ƒ(E) = (0.55–0.69)×Rp. The fraction of dSphs around the Milky Way and M 31 looks much higher than in other nearby groups because the quenching efficiency dramatically increases towards the ultra‐low mass companions. We emphasize that the observed properties of the Local Group are not typical for other groups in the Local Volume due to the role of selection effects caused by our location inside the Local Group. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Inherited metabolic disorders inTurkish patients with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Kiykim Ertugrul , Zeybek Cigdem Aktuglu , Zubarioglu Tanyel , Cansever Serif , Yalcinkaya Cengiz , Soyucen Erdogan , Aydin Ahmet
Published: June 2015

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a major health problem because of their high prevalence in the general population. The pathophysiology of ASD remains unclear, although genetic defects may be detected in 10–20% of affected patients. Among these cases, the prevalence of inherited metabolic disorders (IMD) has not been extensively evaluated. IMDs responsible for ASDs are usually identified via clinical manifestations such as microcephaly, dysmorphic features, convulsions, and hepatosplenomegaly. Infrequently, patients with no additional clinical symptoms suggestive of an IMD may be diagnosed as having an idiopathic ASD. High consanguinity rates have resulted in an increased prevalence of IMDs in the Turkish population. The aim of this study was to explore the benefits of systematic screening for IMD among Turkish patients with ASDs. In our study, data were retrospectively collected for 778 children with ASDs. In all cases, the metabolic investigations included an arterial blood gas analysis, serum ammonia and lactate levels, a quantitative plasma amino acid analysis, a whole blood acylcarnitine profile via tandem mass spectrometry and a urine organic acid profile. Urinary glycosaminoglycan levels and homocysteine levels were screened in selected cases; 300 of the 778 patients with ASDs whose physical and metabolic investigations were complete and met this study's criteria were enrolled. Among the 300 children with autism, IMD were diagnosed in nine patients as follows: two patients were diagnosed with phenylketonuria, and one patient was diagnosed with partial biotinidase deficiency; one patient was diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidosis type III, and one patient was diagnosed with classical homocystinuria; one patient was diagnosed with glutaric acidemia type 1, and one patient was diagnosed with short chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency; one patient was diagnosed with argininemia, and one patient was diagnosed with L‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria.Autism Res2016, 9: 217–223. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Studies on metabolism of total glucosides of paeony from Paeoniae Radix Alba in rats by UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS
Authors: Cao Wenli , Wang Xinguo , Li Haojie , Shi Xuliang , Fan Wencheng , Zhao Shaohua , Liu Minyan , Niu Liying
Published: June 2015

Total glucosides of paeony are the active constituents of Paeoniae Radix Alba. In this study, a novel strategy was proposed to find more metabolites and the differences between paeoniflorin, albiflorin and total glucosides of paeony (TGP). This strategy was characterized as follows: firstly, the animals were divided into three groups (paeoniflorin, albiflorin and TGP) to identify the source of TGP metabolites from paeoniflorin or albiflorin; secondly, a generic information‐dependent acquisition scan for the low‐level metabolites was triggered by the multiple mass defect filter and dynamic background subtraction; thirdly, the metabolites were identified with a combination of data‐processing methods including mass defect filtering, neutral loss filtering and product ion filtering; finally, a comparative study was used in the metabolism of paeoniflorin, albiflorin and TGP. Based on the strategy, 18 metabolites of TGP, 10 metabolites of paeoniflorin and 13 metabolites of albiflorin were identified respectively. The results indicated that the hydrolysis, conjugation reaction and oxidization were the major metabolic pathways, and the metabolic sites were the glycosidic linkage, the ester bond and the benzene ring. This study is first to explore the metabolism of TGP, and these findings enhance our understanding of the metabolism and the interactions of paeoniflrin and albiflorin in TGP. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brand image and brand loyalty: Do they show the same deviations from a common underlying pattern?
Authors: Stocchi Lara , Driesener Carl , Nenycz‐Thiel Magda
Published: June 2015

The aim of the paper is to investigate whether deviations from the double jeopardy pattern observed in brand buying (panel) data such as niche brands (brands with few users, but high levels of brand loyalty) and change‐of‐pace brands (brands with many users, but low levels of brand loyalty) correspond with deviations from the same pattern in brand image data (i.e. brand image associations gathered through consumer surveys). The analysis of a unique data set in three product categories including brand purchases and brand image associations from the same consumers and for the same brands shows that such deviations in brand buying data and in brand image data seldom correspond. Moreover, deviations from the double jeopardy pattern in brand image data are rare and imply the existence of an underlying impact of a brand's associative rate (i.e. the average number of associations a brand obtains in a brand image consumer survey) on brand loyalty (measured as the frequency of brand buying). These findings provide contribution to buyer behaviour theory and have practical implications for branding strategies. For instance, to obtain any impact on brand loyalty, marketers may need to develop branding strategies aimed at increasing a brand's associative rate, whilst maintaining or enlarging its level of market penetration. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Bed Depth on Granular Flow and Homogenization in a Vertical Bladed Mixer via Discrete Element Method
Authors: Barczi Tomas , Travnickova Tereza , Havlica Jaromir , Kohout Martin
Published: June 2015

The mixing of powders and granular materials is decisive for the quality of a final product. Simulations of granular mixing via discrete element method are performed. Mixing was done in a vertical cylindrical mixer with two opposed flat blades with 90° rake angle. The effects of packed‐bed depth and blade rotational speed on the process of homogenization and on the development of flow patterns were evaluated. The process of homogenization was analyzed at macroscopic scale by global mixing indexes and at microscopic scale by the complex flow patterns with different nature. Macroscopic and microscopic approaches were connected and from flow pattern observation optimal conditions for the best homogenization were predicted.
Effects of Ranolazine in Patients With Chronic Angina in Patients With and Without Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Coronary Syndrome: Observations From the MERLIN‐TIMI 36 Trial
Authors: Gutierrez Jorge A. , Karwatowska‐Prokopczuk Ewa , Murphy Sabina A. , Belardinelli Luiz , Farzaneh‐Far Ramin , Walker Gennyne , Morrow David A. , Scirica Benjamin M.
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

Background

Ranolazine, a piperazine derivative with anti‐ischemic effects, reduces the frequency of angina and improves exercise performance in patients with chronic angina. The effects of ranolazine in patients with established ischemic heart disease and chronic angina undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is not well described. We hypothesized that ranolazine would reduce ischemic events, regardless of revascularization.

Methods

We examined the 1‐year incidence of recurrent cardiovascular (CV) events in the subgroup of patients with prior chronic angina (n = 3565) enrolled in the randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled Metabolic Efficiency with Ranolazine for Less Ischemia in Non‐ST‐Elevation ACS (MERLIN)–Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 36 trial who did or did not have a PCI within 30 days of the index event.

Results

Ranolazine reduced the risk of recurrent ischemia following admission regardless of whether patients had (hazard ratio [HR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51‐0.92] or did not have PCI (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.66‐0.99; P interaction = 0.39). CV death, myocardial infarction, and recurrent ischemia were similarly lower with ranolazine in the PCI group (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55‐0.91) vs the non‐PCI group (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.78‐1.06; P interaction = 0.10), with a nominally significant decrease in CV death (HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.16‐0.93) in the PCI group vs no difference in the non‐PCI group (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.89‐1.59; P interaction = 0.02).

Conclusions

In patients with chronic angina, ranolazine reduced recurrent ischemic events, regardless of whether patients did or did not receive PCI within 30 days of a non‐ST‐segment ACS.
Disparities in survival by insurance status in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Parikh Rahul R. , Grossbard Michael L. , Green B. Lee , Harrison Louis B. , Yahalom Joachim
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

The association between insurance status and outcomes has not been well established for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). The purpose of this study was to examine the disparities in overall survival (OS) by insurance status in a large cohort of patients with HL.

METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was used to evaluate patients with stage I to IV HL from 1998 to 2011. The association between insurance status, covariables, and outcomes was assessed in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Survival was estimated with the Kaplan‐Meier method.

RESULTS

Among the 76,681 patients within the NCDB, 45,777 patients with stage I to IV HL were eligible for this study (median follow‐up, 6.0 years). The median age was 39 years (range, 18‐90 years). The insurance status was as follows: 3247 (7.1%) were uninsured, 7962 (17.4%) had Medicaid, 30,334 (66.3%) had private insurance, 3746 (8.2%) had managed care, and 488 (1.1%) had Medicare. Patients with an unfavorable insurance status (Medicaid/uninsured) were at a more advanced stage, had higher comorbidity scores, had B symptoms, and were in a lower income/education quartile (all P < .01). These patients were less likely to receive radiotherapy and start chemotherapy promptly and were less commonly treated at academic/research centers (all P < .01). Patients with unfavorable insurance had a 5‐year OS of 54% versus 87% for those favorably insured (P < .01). When adjustments were made for covariates, an unfavorable insurance status was associated with significantly decreased OS (hazard ratio, 1.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.34‐1.91; P < .01). The unfavorable insurance status rate increased from 22.8% to 28.8% between 1998 and 2011.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals that HL patients with Medicaid and uninsured patients have outcomes inferior to those of patients with more favorable insurance. Targeting this subset of patients with limited access to care may help to improve outcomes. Cancer 2015;121:3435–43. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Zeolitic Core@Shell Adsorbents for the Selective Removal of Free Glycerol from Crude Biodiesel
Authors: Masoumifard Nima , Arnal Pablo M. , Kaliaguine Serge , Kleitz Freddy
Published: June 2015

Selective adsorption of free glycerol from crude biodiesel was investigated by using mesoporous silica spheres coated with a thin shell of microporous silicalite‐1. A polycrystalline silicalite‐1 shell was formed upon first covering the external surfaces of various core templates with discrete silicalite‐1 nanocrystals, and this was followed by short hydrothermal treatment to ensure shell uniformity. Batch glycerol adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the ability of the sorbents to remove free glycerol selectively from crude biodiesel mixtures at various temperatures, also in comparison to that of conventional sorbents, for example, bare mesoporous silica gel spheres and zeolites. The silicalite‐1 shell provided a microporous membrane that hindered the diffusion of fatty acid methyl esters into the mesopores of the composite sorbent, whereas the large pore volume of the mesoporous core enabled multilayer glycerol adsorption; this ultimately substantially enhanced the performance in terms of purification yield and adsorption capacity.
A Computational Comparison of Oxygen Atom Transfer Catalyzed by Dimethyl Sulf­oxide Reductase with Mo and W
Authors: Li Jilai , Andrejić Milica , Mata Ricardo A. , Ryde Ulf
Published: June 2015

A thorough computational study has been performed to investigate oxygen atom transfer (OAT) reactions catalyzed by dimethyl sulfoxide reductase (DMSOR) with a catalytic molybdenum or tungsten ion. Thirteen different density functional theory (DFT) methods have been employed to obtain structural parameters along the reaction pathway, and single‐point energies were computed with local correlation coupled‐cluster methods [LCCSD(T0)]. For both Mo and W, most DFT methods indicate that the enzyme follows a two‐step mechanism with a stable intermediate in which a DMSO molecule coordinates to the metal ion in the +IV oxidation state, and this is also confirmed by the LCCSD(T0) energies. The W‐substituted models have a 26–30 kJ/mol lower activation barrier for the OAT reaction, and the reaction is 63–70 kJ/mol more exothermic than that with Mo. Different DFT methods give widely different activation and reaction energies, which roughly depend on the amount of exact exchange in the method; these differences are also reflected in the structures, especially for the rate‐limiting transition state. Consequently, there is quite a large variation in energies and various energy corrections (thermal, solvation, dispersion, and relativistic; up to 39 kJ/mol) depending on which DFT method is used to obtain the geometries. Therefore, a mechanism predicted by a single method should be viewed with caution.
Reduction of downlink delay time for heterogeneous users in Fi‐Wi indoor networks
Authors: DebBarma D.
Published: June 2015

Ubiquitous presence of umpteen WiFi access points (AP) in indoor locations leads to massive degradation in effective data rates acquired by users. Indoor space contributes approximately 80%  of the data generated in today's world. Thus, radio resource management in indoor environment calls for immediate attention. Hybrid Fibre‐Wireless (Fi‐Wi) architecture for indoor has been proposed to combine the benefits of a huge bandwidth availability of fibre with the mobility offered by wireless access. In this paper, we propose a managed hybrid Fi‐Wi indoor network. It consists of fibre infrastructure emanating from central home communication controller. Radio‐over‐fibre technology is used to distribute the radio signals throughout the indoor space using cell access nodes (CANs) to cover the immediate periphery inside rooms. The biggest advantage of such architecture is the ease of managing centrally the indoor radio resources for guaranteeing a better Quality of Service amongst heterogeneous user. In this paper, we model the problem of CAN to AP assignment based on downlink transmission delay experienced by users. We propose a centralised assignment method based on the reduction of overall network downlink transmission delay. Using MATLAB simulations, we show that a massive 66% reduction in the maximum downlink delay time for non‐uniform distribution of heterogeneous users can be achieved. Finally, we prove the optimality of the centralised assignment algorithm using coalition game theory. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of asphaltene deposition, carbonate precipitation, and their cementation in depleted reservoirs during CO2injection
Authors: Khurshid Ilyas , Choe Jonggeun
Published: June 2015

Carbon dioxide (CO2) injection in depleted oil reservoirs is a potential means of reducing CO2emissions. In this regard, CO2‐related formation damages are considered key technical and economical issues. When CO2is injected after water flooding, it can be stored by hydrodynamic trapping, dissolution, and mineral trapping. This process leads to the formation of carbonic acid, which may react and dissolve the carbonates. The precipitation of these carbonates can reduce oil productivity and CO2injectivity. In this study, we develop an analytical model to predict the amount of asphaltene deposition, rock dissolution, and their cementation. Primarily, we develop an analytical model that treats the asphaltene deposition and carbonate dissolution in radial geometry. Then, this model predicts cementation, which is evaluated to determine the effect of cementation on reservoir permeability. Finally the developed model is compared with experimental data and determined the factors affecting the cementation. From analyses of different cases, cementation is a few percent but its percentage increases with time. The results presented in this study indicate that the amount of cementation depends on asphaltene percentage, flow rate, flow period, and reservoir depth. The model assumes constant reservoir temperature and no capillary and gravity forces. However, these forces might increase asphaltene‐carbonate cementation in the reservoir.© 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
XI. Management of paediatric and adult non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: what lessons can each teach the other?
Authors: Burkhardt Birgit , Lenz Georg
Published: June 2015

Is there anything that we can learn from each other regarding paediatric and adult non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) management? Do we treat the same patients? Are there differences in lymphoma biology in the different age groups? Are the procedures of decision making and the infrastructure comparable? Is the weighing of toxicity and outcome aspects in the benefit and risk assessments prior to treatment decisions comparable? Interestingly, the proportional distribution of the NHL subtypes and the spectrum of NHL occurring in children and adolescents differs significantly from that in adults. This observation might motivate biological studies aiming to elucidate the pathomechanisms of lymphomagenesis. Concerning NHL diagnosis and staging, the comparison of outcome data reported for paediatric and adult patient series is often impaired by the use of different staging systems. However, the impact of reference laboratories supporting correct subtyping and the advantages of population‐based patient recruitment are experiences that might be transferable between paediatric and adult oncologists. Interestingly, the process of implementing new drugs into current treatment strategies and making these drugs available to patients varies substantially across patient's age groups. The far lower absolute number of patients, especially of relapsed patients, and the favorable outcome with current standard treatment may contribute to the marked differences in the kinetic of implementing new compounds comparing adult with paediatric NHL patients. Also, the basis for the conduction of cooperative clinical trials with pharmaceutical companies needs to be strengthened in paediatric clinical trial groups. In conclusion, both paediatric and adult oncologists benefit from the interdisciplinary discussion with each other, not only concerning results and experiences in clinical trials but also with respect to critical aspects of infrastructure.
Bisphenol A affects placental layers morphology and angiogenesis during early pregnancy phase in mice
Authors: Tait Sabrina , Tassinari Roberta , Maranghi Francesca , Mantovani Alberto
Published: June 2015

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread endocrine disrupter mainly used in food contact plastics. Much evidence supports the adverse effects of BPA, particularly on susceptible groups such as pregnant women. The present study considered placental development – relevant for pregnancy outcomes and fetal nutrition/programming – as a potential target of BPA. Pregnant CD‐1 mice were administered per os with vehicle, 0.5 (BPA05) or 50 mg kg−1 (BPA50) body weight day−1 of BPA, from gestational day (GD) 1 to GD11. At GD12, BPA50 induced significant degeneration and necrosis of giant cells, increased vacuolization in the junctional zone in the absence of glycogen accumulation and reduction of the spongiotrophoblast layer. In addition, BPA05 induced glycogen depletion as well as significant nuclear accumulation of β‐catenin in trophoblasts of labyrinthine and spongiotrophoblast layers, supporting the activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that BPA05 promoted and BPA50 inhibited blood vessel development and branching; morphologically, maternal vessels were narrower in BPA05 placentas, whereas embryonic and maternal vessels were irregularly dilated in the labyrinth of BPA50 placentas. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction evidenced an estrogen receptor β induction by BPA50, which did not correspond to downstream genes activation; indeed, the transcription factor binding sites analysis supported the AhR/Arnt complex as regulator of BPA50‐modulated genes. Conversely, Creb appeared as the main transcription factor regulating BPA05‐modulated genes. Embryonic structures (head, forelimb) showed divergent perturbations upon BPA05 or BPA50 exposure, potentially related to unbalanced embryonic nutrition and/or to modulation of genes involved in embryo development. Our findings support placenta as an important target of BPA, even at environmentally relevant dose levels. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differences in the behavior and ecology of wild type medaka (Oryzias latipes complex) and an orange commercial variety (himedaka)
Authors: Nakao Ryohei , Kitagawa Tadao
Published: June 2015

Genetic disturbance in wild populations of medaka (Oryzias latipes complex) has been mainly caused by the introduction of the orange–red commercial variety medaka (himedaka) in Japan. To examine whether survival, reproduction, and species recognition would be influenced by this difference in body coloration, we conducted three laboratory experiments (predatory pressure, mate choice, schooling behavior) using wild type medaka and himedaka. In the predation experiment using dark chub (Candidia temminckii) as a predator, himedaka were predated upon more often than wild type medaka. However, individuals did not choose mates or select schooling groups based on himedaka or wild type medaka phenotypes. The results indicate that himedaka receive higher predation pressure but are able to easily mate with wild type medaka in a natural environment. To conserve the genetic diversity of wild medaka populations, we need to control the risk of genetic disturbance caused by himedaka. J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 349–358, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carbonic anhydrase II is found in the placenta of a viviparous, matrotrophic lizard and likely facilitates embryo‐maternal CO2 transport
Authors: Van Dyke James U. , Lindsay Laura A. , Murphy Christopher R. , Thompson Michael B.
Published: June 2015

The evolution of viviparity requires the development of mechanisms that facilitate transport of respiratory gases between mother and developing embryo. Of particular importance is maternal excretion of embryonic carbon dioxide (CO2), which increases as the embryo grows in size during development. The carbonic anhydrases are a family of enzymes that convert CO2 to bicarbonate for transport throughout the cardiovascular system and which may also be important for CO2 transport from embryo to mother. We used immunohistochemistry to localize carbonic anhydrase II in the placental tissues of a viviparous and highly placentotrophic lizard, Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii. Carbonic anhydrase II is localized in the uterine component of the paraplacentome, presumably to facilitate transport of embryonic CO2 to the mother. Carbonic anhydrase II is also localized in both the uterine and embryonic components of the placentome, a region heavily involved in placental nutrient transport rather than respiratory gas exchange. In contrast, carbonic anhydrase II is not present in the uterine or embryonic components of the omphaloplacenta, another region responsible for nutrient transport. While carbonic anhydrase II in the paraplacentomal uterus is likely to be responsible for embryo‐maternal CO2 transport, the distribution of carbonic anhydrase II throughout the placentome indicates a different function. Instead of transporting embryonic CO2, placentomal carbonic anhydrase II appears to be responsible for transporting CO2 produced by energetically expensive nutrient transport mechanisms in both the uterus and the embryo, which implies that the mechanisms of nutrient transport in the omphaloplacenta may not be as energetically expensive. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 324B: 636–646, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Micro‐Raman analysis of pigments from hunter–gatherer archaeological sites of North Patagonia (Argentina)
Authors: Rousaki Anastasia , Bellelli Cristina , Carballido Calatayud Mariana , Aldazabal Veronica , Custo Graciella , Moens Luc , Vandenabeele Peter , Vázquez C.
Published: June 2015

In Northwestern Patagonia, many archaeological sites can be found that testify human occupation by hunter–gatherer groups during the Holocene period. The general purpose of archaeological research in this area is to obtain information on the movements of these groups between the dry steppe and the different sectors in the forests. This paper reports on the results of the first spectroscopic analysis of samples from the archaeological excavation of two hunter–gatherer regions in Northern Patagonia (Traful Lake and Manso River areas). Thirty samples of rock art fragments, grinding tools, shell, raw pigment material, as well as painted ceramics and beads were examined with micro‐Raman spectroscopy, complemented with X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. Micro‐Raman analysis revealed mostly the use of haematite (Fe2O3) as the red chromophore. The presence of associated minerals and silicates indicated that clay‐like material (ochre) was used, instead of pure haematite. Although not fully conclusive, Raman spectroscopic results tend to indicate that in some samples haematite might be formed by heating iron‐containing ochres. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference Raman spectra of synthesized CaCl2 · nH2O solids (n = 0, 2, 4, 6)
Authors: Uriarte Lucas M. , Dubessy Jean , Boulet Pascal , Baonza Valentin G. , Bihannic Isabelle , Robert Pascal
Published: June 2015

The CaCl2 · nH2O solids with n = 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 are of importance in fluid geochemistry in both the Earth and Mars. Their unambiguous identification is thus essential. Raman spectroscopy either in laboratory or in the robotic planet exploration with Raman spectrometer may provide such identification. Published Raman spectra of these minerals were from either unknown, or poorly known or simply wrong samples. The aim of this work is to provide Raman spectra over the 100–4000 cm−1 spectral range for these solids synthesized in capillary and unambiguously identified by X‐ray diffraction. Raman spectra were collected at room temperature and at −172 °C. First interpretations of the Raman spectra of the OH stretching and bending modes of water and of the low‐wavenumber bands (100–1000 cm−1) are given according to the knowledge of their structure. The main Raman bands are given for their identification and will be helpful for ExoMars surface exploration in the next ESA‐Exomars mission in 2016–2018. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wave forces limit the establishment of submerged macrophytes in large shallow lakes
Authors: Van Zuidam Bastiaan G. , Peeters Edwin T. H. M.
Published: June 2015

We studied the effect of waves on submerged macrophytes and hypothesized that exposure to large wave forces can hamper seedling establishment. In an indoor experiment in cylindrical mesocosms we tested whether large wave forces indeed inhibited the establishment of Chara globularis and Potamogeton pusillus from the propagule bank. We mimicked the effect of wave forces by generating a circular flow that caused resuspension of the sediment. Four treatments were applied, consisting of different repetition frequencies of resuspension events. Emergence and early growth of both species were monitored over 8 weeks. The resuspension treatments significantly reduced the emergence of both species, by 91% and 45% on average for Chara sp. and P. pusillus, respectively. We analysed field observations on the two species in the lakes of the IJsselmeer area in the Netherlands to evaluate whether wave forces may also inhibit establishment of macrophytes in the field. The field data seemed to support the hypothesis as both species hardly occurred in areas where a large bottom shear stress had occurred in spring, according to simulations with the SWAN wave model. The calculated maximum bottom shear stress correlated well with the occurrence of both Chara sp. and P. pusillus in the field. Regressions showed that this effect of wave forces was additional to the effect of light availability. Our study indicates that large wave forces may inhibit the establishment of macrophytes in large lakes. Reducing large wave forces can therefore potentially promote macrophyte development in these large lakes.
Monte Carlo Simulation Studies of Regular and Irregular Dendritic Polymers
Authors: Wawrzyńska Edyta , Sikorski Andrzej , Zifferer Gerhard
Published: June 2015

A dynamic Monte Carlo method was employed to study regular as well as irregular dendrimers with up to G = 8 generations with functionality F = 3 under athermal conditions. The size of dendrimers showed the same scaling law with respect to chain‐length n as linear chains, keeping G at a constant value. If n was varied via G at fixed spacer‐length m its scaling behavior was similar to that of collapsed globules, at least for large values of G. Asphericity strongly decreased with an increase of G. The composition of irregular dendrimers remained unchanged with respect to F and G but the spacer‐lengths were distributed according to several models. Quite generally, distributions became broader, size larger and shape less symmetric compared to the regular case. These effects increased with an increase of dispersity of the branches.
Effect of peanut shell content on mechanical, thermal, and biodegradable properties of peanut shell/polylactic acid biocomposites
Authors: Yamoum Chamaiporn , Magaraphan Rathanawan
Published: June 2015

Peanut shell (PNS) was combined with polylactic acid (PLA) to form biocomposites. The biocomposites, with up to 40 wt% PNS, were prepared using a twin–screw extruder. The effect of PNS content on the thermal, mechanical, thermomechanical, morphological, and biodegradable properties was studied. The results showed that the addition of PNS caused a reduction of the melting temperature and the decomposition temperature. Furthermore, the crystallinity of the biocomposites slightly increased with increasing PNS up to 30 wt%. The morphological study showed poor interfacial adhesion between the PNS and PLA matrix. Nevertheless, the mechanical properties revealed that the maximum tensile strength and Young's modulus were at a 30 wt% PNS loading and decreased as more PNS was incorporated into the PLA matrix. The impact strength decreased with an increase in PNS content. The addition of PNS showed significantly improvement of the storage modulus of PLA at high temperature (>80°C). Moreover, the presence of PNS enhanced the biodegradability of the biocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:682–690, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Investigation on mechanical and thermo‐mechanical properties of granite powder filled treated jute fiber reinforced epoxy composite
Authors: Pawar M. J. , Patnaik Amar , Nagar Ravindra
Published: June 2015

In the present study, two sets of jute epoxy composites are fabricated by varying first fiber loading from 10 to 50 wt% at an interval of 10 wt% and then granite powder incorporated from 0 to 24 wt% in an interval of 8 wt% in the composites. The initial study is to prepare polymeric composites for wind turbine blade application and study the following physical to thermo‐mechanical properties including fracture toughness of the composites. The void content of the unfilled composites show in decreasing order (from 6.37 to 3.07%) with the increasing in fiber loading which satisfied well with the increasing in tensile strength from 28.33 to 34.2 MPa and flexural strength from 44.2 to 97.8 MPa, respectively. As far as particulate filled composites the void content shows reverse in trend (from 2.99% to 9.68%) with the increasing in filler content and which justifies the mechanical properties i.e tensile strength decreases from 33.72 to 32.27 MPa and similarly in case of flexural strength also. Whereas, hardness shows a unique behavior both in fiber reinforced and particulate filled composites in an increasing order from 29 to 44 Hv, respectively. Fracture toughness is observed to be constant for all considered crack lengths however, its value significantly improved with both type of reinforcement. The dynamic mechanical analysis shows positive effect of both the reinforcement for mechanical performance under cyclic stresses. Finally, Cole–Cole plot is drawn from the dynamic mechanical analysis results to verify the homogeneity of the composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:736–748, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Combinatorial nanomedicines for colon cancer therapy
Authors: Anitha A. , Maya S. , Sivaram Amal J. , Mony U. , Jayakumar R.
Published: June 2015

Colon cancer is one of the major causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Even after surgical resection and aggressive chemotherapy, 50% of colorectal carcinoma patients develop recurrent disease. Thus, the rationale of developing new therapeutic approaches to improve the current chemotherapeutic regimen would be highly recommended. There are reports on the effectiveness of combination chemotherapy in colon cancer and it has been practiced in clinics for long time. These approaches are associated with toxic side effects. Later, the drug delivery research had shown the potential of nanoencapsulation techniques and active targeting as an effective method to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy with less toxicity. This current focus article provides a brief analysis of the ongoing research in the colon cancer area using the combinatorial nanomedicines and its outcome. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2015, 8:151–159. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1353

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
A novel high-throughput and quantitative method based on visible color shifts for screening Bacillus subtilis THY-15 for surfactin production
Authors: Yang Huan , Yu Huimin , Shen Zhongyao
Published: June 2015

A novel chromatic visible screening method using bromothymol blue (BTB) as a color indicator and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) as a mediator was constructed to obtain the high titer surfactin-producing strains. The reliability and quantification accuracy of color shift were also confirmed. Regular chromatic responses from faint yellow-green to dark green and bright blue reflected the different ranges of surfactin concentrations. Moreover, the quantitative accuracy of surfactin quantification in the range of 100–500 mg/L was verified by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) using different fermentation supernatant samples. Using this CPC–BTB method, a superior surfactin producer, Bacillus subtilis THY-15, was successfully screened. The producer’s surfactin (Srf) titer reached 1240 mg/L. RP-HPLC analysis of THY-15 revealed four surfactin isoforms. As identified by amino acid analysis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis, the isoforms of surfactin in fraction 1, 2 and 4 had the same circular peptide sequence of Glu-Leu-Leu-Val-Asp-Leu-Leu but different iso-C13, C14 and C15 fatty acid chains, but the isoform in fraction 3 possessed a special peptide sequence of Glu-Val-Leu-Leu-Asp-Leu-Val.
Concomitant immune‐related events in Wilson disease: implications for monitoring chelator therapy
Authors: Seessle Jessica , Gotthardt Daniel Nils , Schäfer Mark , Gohdes Annina , Pfeiffenberger Jan , Ferenci Peter , Stremmel Wolfgang , Weiss Karl Heinz
Published: June 2015

Background and Aims

Current guidelines favor the use of chelating agents (d‐penicillamine, trientine) in first line therapy of symptomatic Wilson disease patients. Development of chelator induced immunological adverse events are a concern especially under d‐penicillamine therapy. This study assessed the prevalence of co‐existing or therapy‐related immune‐mediated diseases in Wilson disease patients, and evaluated the role of antinuclear antibodies in therapy monitoring.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 235 Wilson disease patients. Medical regimens were classified and analyzed in relation to adverse events and antinuclear antibody courses.

Results

Coexisting immune‐mediated diseases were evident in 19/235 (8.1 %) patients, of which 13/235 (5.5 %) had pre‐existing autoimmune diseases. Six patients (2.6 %) developed an autoimmune disease under therapy, all of them under long‐term d‐penicillamine treatment. Data relating to antinuclear antibody courses during treatment and adverse events were available for patients treated with d‐penicillamine (n = 91), trientine (n = 58), and zinc salts (n = 58). No significant increase in antinuclear antibody titers in patients treated with d‐penicillamine (16/91; 17.6 %), trientine (12/58; 20.7 %), and zinc (7/58; 12.1 %) were found.

Conclusion

Under long‐term d‐penicillamine therapy a minority of patients developed immune‐mediated disease. Elevations in antinuclear antibodies were found frequently, but no correlations were evident between increases in antinuclear antibodies and the development of immune‐mediated diseases or medical regimes. Thus, the value of antinuclear antibodies for monitoring adverse events under chelator therapy seems to be limited.
The Role of Cardiac MRI in Patients with Troponin-Positive Chest Pain and Unobstructed Coronary Arteries
Authors: Dastidar Amardeep Ghosh , Rodrigues Jonathan C. L. , Ahmed Nauman , Baritussio Anna , Bucciarelli-Ducci Chiara
Published: June 2015

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) still remains one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Seven to fifteen percent of patients presenting with ACS have unobstructed coronary artery disease (CAD) on urgent angiography. Patients with ACS and unobstructed coronary arteries represent a clinical dilemma and their diagnosis and management is quite variable in current practice. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging with its unique non-invasive myocardial tissue characterization property has the potential to identify underlying etiologies and reach a final diagnosis. These include acute and chronic myocarditis, embolic/spontaneous recanalization myocardial infarction, and Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy, and other conditions. Establishing a final diagnosis has a direct implication on patient’s management and prognosis. In this article, we have reviewed the current evidence on the diagnostic role of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with ACS and unobstructed coronary arteries. We have also highlighted the potential role of CMR as a risk stratification or prognostication tool for this patient population.
National Survey of Emergency Physicians to Define Functional Decline in Elderly Patients with Minor Trauma
Authors: Abdulaziz Kasim , Brehaut Jamie , Taljaard Monica , Émond Marcel , Sirois Marie-Josée , Lee Jacques S. , Wilding Laura , Perry Jeffrey J.
Published: June 2015

Background

There are a number of screening tools to predict return to the emergency department (ED) in elderly trauma patients, but none exist to specifically screen for functional decline after a minor injury. The objective of this study was to identify outcome measures for a possible future clinical decision rule to be used in the ED to identify previously independent patients at high risk of functional decline at six months post minor injury.

Methods

After a rigorous development process, a survey instrument was administered to a random sample of 178 emergency physicians using the Dillman’s Tailored Design Method.

Results

Of 156 eligible surveys, we received 81 completed surveys (response rate 51.9%). Considering all 14 activities of daily living (ADL) items, 90% of physicians deemed a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in function to be at least three points on the 28-point Older Americans Resources and Services (OARS) ADL Scale as clinically significant. A tool with a sensitivity of 93% to detect patients at risk of functional decline at six months post injury would meet or exceed the sensitivity deemed to be required by 90% of physicians. The majority of emergency physicians do not assess elderly injured patients for the majority of the tasks.

Conclusions

A drop of three points on the 28-point OARS ADL Scale would be deemed clinically important by the vast majority of emergency physicians. Further, a sensitivity of 93% for a clinical decision tool would satisfy the MCID requirements of the vast majority of emergency physicians. There appears to be a gap between physician knowledge and actual practice. We intend to use these findings in the development of a clinical decision rule to identify high-risk elderly trauma patients.