bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of non‐traumatic truncal back pain in patients who visited an emergency room
Authors: Nagayama Masataka , Yanagawa Youichi , Aihara Koichiro , Watanabe Shin , Takemoto Masaaki , Nakazato Tomoko , Hashimoto Takashi , Takayama Toshio , Takazawa Yuuji , Iba Toshiaki , Kaneko Kazuo , Tanaka Hiroshi
Published: January 2014

Aim

To investigate epidemiology of acute non‐traumatic back pain using modern diagnostic methods in patients who visited an emergency room.

Methods

The medical charts were retrospectively reviewed for all patients with back pain who were treated in our hospital. In addition, the patients were divided into two groups based on whether they were treated at the hospital or as outpatients.

Results

There were 95 patients with non‐traumatic acute back pain. Leading cause of back pain was ureterolithiasis (53 cases), followed by pyelonephritis (10), orthopedic disease including two cases of purulent spondylitis (24), aortic disease (3), pancreatitis (1), renal bleeding (1), adrenal bleeding (1), psoas abscess (1), and torsion of an ovarian tumor (1). All cases of pyelonephritis, aortic disease, purulent spondylitis, renal bleeding, adrenal bleeding, psoas abscess, and torsion of an ovarian tumor were treated in admission. Using a multiple logistic regression analysis, blood pressure, age, and body temperature were the only factors that were independently associated with whether the patient was admitted or treated as an outpatient.

Conclusion

This study showed that urological diseases are the most common cause of back pain in patients who visit the emergency room, followed by orthopedic disease. Older age, low blood pressure, and high body temperature were independently associated with the decision to admit the patient who might have lethal disease.
Immune response to traumatic injury: harmony and discordance of immune system homeostasis
Authors: Osuka Akinori , Ogura Hiroshi , Ueyama Masashi , Shimazu Takeshi , Lederer James A.
Published: January 2014

Trauma remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Traumatic injury disrupts immune system homeostasis and may predispose patients to opportunistic infections and inflammatory complications. Prevention of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome due to septic complications following severe trauma is a challenging problem. Following severe injury, the immune system usually tends toward a pro‐inflammatory phenotype and then changes to a counter‐inflammatory phenotype. This immune system homeostasis is believed to be a protective response based on the balance between the innate and adaptive immune systems. We reported that injury activates inflammasomes and primes Toll‐like receptors. The primed innate immune system is prepared for a rapid and strong antimicrobial immune defense. However, trauma can also develop the “two‐hit” response phenotype. We also reported that injury augments regulatory T cell activity, which can control the “two‐hit” response phenotype in trauma. We discuss the current idea that traumatic injury induces a unique type of innate and adaptive immune response that may be triggered by damage‐associated molecular pattern molecules, which are a combination of endogenous danger signal molecules that include alarmins and pathogen‐associated molecular pattern molecules.
Leistungsstarkes Fluoralkoxy‐Molybdän(V)‐Reagens für die selektive oxidative Arenkupplung
Authors: Schubert Moritz , Leppin Jana , Wehming Kathrin , Schollmeyer Dieter , Heinze Katja , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: January 2014

Wir stellen ein neues Fluoralkoxy‐Molybdän(V)‐Reagens 1, mit im Vergleich zu MoCl5 oder MoCl5/TiCl4 höherer Reaktivität und Selektivität in der oxidativen Kupplung von Arenen vor. Häufige Nebenreaktionen wie Chlorierung und/oder Oligomerenbildung werden erheblich reduziert, sodass ein leistungsstarkes und nützliches Reagens für die oxidative Kupplung erhalten wird. Theoretische Untersuchungen der Wechselwirkung des Reagens mit 1,2‐Dimethoxybenzol‐artigen Substraten deuten auf einen Innensphären‐Elektronentransfer gefolgt von einem radikalkationischen Reaktionspfad für den oxidativen Kupplungsprozess hin. ESR‐spektroskopische und elektrochemische Untersuchungen, Röntgenkristallstrukturanalysen, computerchemische Studien sowie vergleichende Substratuntersuchungen ergeben ein hoch konsistentes Bild. Die Substitution von Chlorido‐ durch Hexafluorisopropoxido‐Liganden scheint sowohl die Reaktivität als auch die Selektivität des Metallzentrums zu erhöhen, weswegen diese Strategie auf andere Metallzentren übertragbar sein sollte.
Metal‐Free Aminosulfonylation of Aryldiazonium Tetrafluoroborates with DABCO⋅(SO2)2 and Hydrazines
Authors: Zheng Danqing , An Yuanyuan , Li Zhenhua , Wu Jie
Published: January 2014

The coupling of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, DABCO⋅(SO2)2, and hydrazines under metal‐free conditions leads to the formation of aryl N‐aminosulfonamides. The reaction proceeds smoothly at room temperature and shows broad functional‐group tolerance. A radical process is proposed for this transformation.
Chlorination of IPR C100 Fullerene Affords Unconventional C96Cl20 with a Nonclassical Cage Containing Three Heptagons
Authors: Yang Shangfeng , Wang Song , Kemnitz Erhard , Troyanov Sergey I.
Published: January 2014

Chlorination of C100 fullerene with a mixture of VCl4 and SbCl5 afforded C96Cl20 with a strongly unconventional structure. In contrast to the classical fullerenes containing only hexagonal and pentagonal rings, the C96 cage contains three heptagonal rings and, therefore, should be classified as a fullerene with a nonclassical cage (NCC). There are several types of pentagon fusions in the C96 cage including pentagon pairs and pentagon triples. The three‐step pathway from isolated‐pentagon‐rule (IPR) C100 to C96(NCC‐3hp) includes two C2 losses, which create two cage heptagons, and one Stone–Wales rotation under formation of the third heptagon. Structural reconstruction established C100 isomer no. 18 from 450 topologically possible IPR isomers as the starting C100 fullerene. Until now, no pristine C100 isomers have been confirmed based on the experimental results.
Radical Cyclization/ipso‐1,4‐Aryl Migration Cascade: Asymmetric Synthesis of 3,3‐Difluoro‐2‐propanoylbicyclo[3.3.0]octanes
Authors: Thaharn Watcharaporn , Soorukram Darunee , Kuhakarn Chutima , Tuchinda Patoomratana , Reutrakul Vichai , Pohmakotr Manat
Published: January 2014

A novel method for the asymmetric synthesis of 3,3‐difluoro‐2‐propanoylbicyclo‐[3.3.0]octanes involves an unprecedented intramolecular radical cyclization/ipso‐1,4‐aryl migration cascade.
Powerful Fluoroalkoxy Molybdenum(V) Reagent for Selective Oxidative Arene Coupling Reaction
Authors: Schubert Moritz , Leppin Jana , Wehming Kathrin , Schollmeyer Dieter , Heinze Katja , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: January 2014

We introduce the novel fluoroalkoxy molybdenum(V) reagent 1 which has superior reactivity and selectivity in comparison to MoCl5 or the MoCl5/TiCl4 reagent mixture in the oxidative coupling reactions of aryls. Common side reactions, such as chlorination and/or oligomer formation, are drastically diminished creating a powerful and useful reagent for oxidative coupling. Theoretical treatment of the reagent interaction with 1,2‐dimethoxybenzene‐type substrates indicates an inner‐sphere electron transfer followed by a radical cationic reaction pathway for the oxidative‐coupling process. EPR spectroscopic and electrochemical studies, X‐ray analyses, computational investigations, and the experimental scope provide a highly consistent picture. The substitution of chlorido ligands by hexafluoroisopropoxido moieties seems to boost both the reactivity and selectivity of the metal center which might be applied to other reagents as well.
Preparation, characterization, and properties of modified barium sulfate nanoparticles/polyethylene nanocomposites as T‐shaped copper intrauterine devices
Authors: Cao Xiuxiang , Zhang Han , Chen Minfang , Wang Liang
Published: January 2014

To improve the mechanical properties and shelf‐life of barium sulfate nanoparticles (BaSO4‐NPs)/polyethylene (PE) composites, which are used as the scaffold of T‐shaped copper intrauterine devices (Cu‐IUDs) in the clinic, an Al coupling agent was used to modify BaSO4‐NPs. The influence of the Al coupling agent on the microstructures, properties, and shelf‐life of the nanocomposites were investigated. The results showed that: (1) a chemical reaction occurred between the Al coupling agent and the hydroxyl groups adsorbed by BaSO4‐NPs. (2) BaSO4‐NPs modified by the Al coupling agent dispersed in the PE matrix were much better than unmodified NPs. The interface bonding between modified NPs and the PE matrix was better than unmodified NPs. (3) the maximum tensile strength of nanocomposites containing modified NPs was 11.87 MPa, flexural strength was 6.61 MPa, and the elongation rate was 66.78%. (4) After an accelerated aging experiment, the tensile strength of the nanocomposites only decreased 5–15%. All of these results indicate that m‐BaSO4‐NPs/PE nanocomposites are more clinically useful than unmodified nanocomposites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40393.
Effect of extruder elements on fiber dimensions and mechanical properties of bast natural fiber polypropylene composites
Authors: El‐Sabbagh Ahmed Mohammed Moneeb , Steuernagel Leif , Meiners Dieter , Ziegmann Gerhard
Published: January 2014

Illusions and facts about aspect ratio and the corresponding mechanical properties of the polypropylene flax are studied in this work. Selection of extruder elements controls significantly the fiber final dimensions. Hence, the load transfer efficiency can be improved. Different extruder layouts are tried. First and second trials investigate the mixing degree effect using kneading elements with eight and four kneading elements, respectively. The third and fourth trials keep four kneading blocks but differentiate in using multiprocessing element MPE and toothed elements, respectively. All the four configurations are tested at different shearing rates namely 100, 200, and 300 rpm and different fiber loadings 10, 20, and 30 wt %. Polypropylene (PP) with high flowing properties and slivers flax natural fibers are used. The output extruded strands are mechanically tested. The third and fourth configurations showed superiority to the normal kneading profiles regarding the mechanical properties. Samples of composites are withdrawn after each processing extruder element to study the effect of this element on the fiber dimension. Measurement of extracted fibers is carried out by two methods namely dynamic image analysis machine and secondly normal microscopic investigation. Weibull distributions are defined for fiber geometry distributions for the different locations on the extruder configuration. Also, the effect of the shear rate and the extruder configuration on the final dimensions of the fibers extracted from the composite. The results show the correlation between extruder configuration and fiber aspect ratio and hence the composite overall strength. However, further processing like injection molding erases the pre‐extrusion effect. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40435.
What influences online deliberation? A wikipedia study
Authors: Xiao Lu , Askin Nicole
Published: January 2014

In this paper we describe a study aimed at evaluating and improving the quality of online deliberation. We consider the rationales used by participants in deletion discussions on Wikipedia in terms of the literature on democratic and online deliberation and collaborative information quality. Our findings suggest that most participants in these discussions were concerned with the notability and credibility of the topics presented for deletion, and that most presented rationales rooted in established site policies. We found that factors like article topic and unanimity (or lack thereof) were among the factors that tended to affect the outcome of the debate. Our results also suggested that the blackout of the site in response to the proposed Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) law affected the decisions of deletion debates that occurred close to the event. We conclude by suggesting implications of this study for broader considerations of online information quality and democratic deliberation.
Modeling users' web search behavior and their cognitive styles
Authors: Kinley Khamsum , Tjondronegoro Dian , Partridge Helen , Edwards Sylvia
Published: January 2014

Previous studies have shown that users' cognitive styles play an important role during web searching. However, only a limited number of studies have showed the relationship between cognitive styles and web search behavior. Most importantly, it is not clear which components of web search behavior are influenced by cognitive styles. This article examines the relationships between users' cognitive styles and their web searching and develops a model that portrays the relationship. The study uses qualitative and quantitative analyses based on data gathered from 50 participants. A questionnaire was utilized to collect participants' demographic information, and Riding's (1991) Cognitive Styles Analysis (CSA) test to assess their cognitive styles. Results show that users' cognitive styles influenced their information‐searching strategies, query reformulation behavior, web navigational styles, and information‐processing approaches. The user model developed in this study depicts the fundamental relationships between users' web search behavior and their cognitive styles. Modeling web search behavior with a greater understanding of users' cognitive styles can help information science researchers and information systems designers to bridge the semantic gap between the user and the systems. Implications of the research for theory and practice, and future work, are discussed.
A Computing Approach for Delay Margin of Linear Fractional‐Order Retarded Systems with Commensurate Time Delays
Authors: Gao Zhe , Liao Xiaozhong
Published: January 2014

This paper proposes a computing approach for the delay margin of fractional‐order retarded systems with commensurate time delays. By the Orlando formula, a matrix constructed by the coefficients and commensurate fractional‐order of the characteristic function is defined. By calculating the eigenvalues of this matrix, the existence conditions and computing approach are proposed. If the matrix has some positive real eigenvalues, a finite delay margin exists. If the matrix has no positive real eigenvalue, the delay margin is infinity and the system is stable, independent of the delay margin. Finally, a numerical example and simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
Summarizing EC50 estimates from multiple dose‐response experiments: A comparison of a meta‐analysis strategy to a mixed‐effects model approach
Authors: Jiang Xiaoqi , Kopp‐Schneider Annette
Published: January 2014

Dose‐response studies are performed to investigate the potency of a compound. EC50 is the concentration of the compound that gives half‐maximal response. Dose‐response data are typically evaluated by using a log‐logistic model that includes EC50 as one of the model parameters. Often, more than one experiment is carried out to determine the EC50 value for a compound, requiring summarization of EC50 estimates from a series of experiments. In this context, mixed‐effects models are designed to estimate the average behavior of EC50 values over all experiments by considering the variabilities within and among experiments simultaneously. However, fitting nonlinear mixed‐effects models is more complicated than in a linear situation, and convergence problems are often encountered. An alternative strategy is the application of a meta‐analysis approach, which combines EC50 estimates obtained from separate log‐logistic model fitting. These two proposed strategies to summarize EC50 estimates from multiple experiments are compared in a simulation study and real data example. We conclude that the meta‐analysis strategy is a simple and robust method to summarize EC50 estimates from multiple experiments, especially suited in the case of a small number of experiments.
Assessing the environmental sustainability of ethanol from integrated biorefineries
Authors: Falano Temitope , Jeswani Harish K. , Azapagic Adisa
Published: January 2014

This paper considers the life cycle environmental sustainability of ethanol produced in integrated biorefineries together with chemicals and energy. Four types of second‐generation feedstocks are considered: wheat straw, forest residue, poplar, and miscanthus. Seven out of 11 environmental impacts from ethanol are negative, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, when the system is credited for the co‐products, indicating environmental savings. Ethanol from poplar is the best and straw the worst option for most impacts. Land use change from forest to miscanthus increases the GHG emissions several‐fold. For poplar, the effect is opposite: converting grassland to forest reduces the emissions by three‐fold. Compared to fossil and first‐generation ethanol, ethanol from integrated biorefineries is more sustainable for most impacts, with the exception of wheat straw. Pure ethanol saves up to 87% of GHG emissions compared to petrol per MJ of fuel. However, for the current 5% ethanol–petrol blends, the savings are much smaller (<3%). Therefore, unless much higher blends become widespread, the contribution of ethanol from integrated biorefineries to the reduction of GHG emissions will be insignificant. Yet, higher ethanol blends would lead to an increase in some impacts, notably terrestrial and freshwater toxicity as well as eutrophication for some feedstocks.
Generic chromatography‐based purification strategies accelerate the development of downstream processes for biopharmaceutical proteins produced in plants
Authors: Buyel Johannes F. , Fischer Rainer
Published: January 2014

Plants offer a valuable alternative to cultured mammalian cells for the production of recombinant biopharmaceutical proteins. However, the target protein typically represents only a minor fraction of the total protein in the initial plant extract, which means that the development of product‐specific chromatography‐based purification strategies is often laborious and expensive. To address this challenge, we designed a generic downstream process that is suitable for the purification of recombinant proteins with diverse properties from plant production platforms. This was achieved by focusing on the binding behavior of tobacco host cell proteins (HCPs) to a broad set of chromatography resins under different pH and conductivity conditions. Strong cation exchanger and salt‐tolerant anion exchanger resins exhibited the best resolution of tobacco HCPs among the 13 tested resins, and their selectivity was easy to manipulate through the adjustment of pH and conductivity. The advantages, such as direct capture of a target protein from leaf extract, and limitations, such as low binding capacity, of various chromatography ligands and resins are discussed. We also address the most useful applications of the chromatography ligands, namely recovery of proteins with a certain pI, in a downstream process that aims to purify diverse plant‐derived biopharmaceutical proteins. Based on these results, we describe generic purification schemes that are suitable for acidic, neutral, and basic target proteins, as a first step toward the development of industrial platform processes.
Phase III development of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire module for women undergoing breast reconstruction
Authors: Winters Z E , Balta V , Thomson H J , Brandberg Y , Oberguggenberger A , Sinove Y , Unukovych D , Nava M , Sandelin K , Johansson H , Dobbeleir J , Blondeel P , Bruno N , Catanuto G , Llewellyn-Bennett R
Published: January 2014

Background

Comprehensive outcome assessments after breast reconstruction (BRR) require surgery-specific patient-reported outcome measures. The aims of this study were to assess the relevance, acceptability and redundancy of questions/items (phase III pretesting) of a new BRR questionnaire evaluating patients' health-related quality of life before and after BRR. Phase III occurred in collaboration with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) following earlier development phases that identified 31 items.

Methods

The EORTC BRR subgroup applied decision-making rules to each question according to eight EORTC criteria. A total of 197 patients (from the UK, Austria, Belgium, Italy and Sweden) were recruited. Forty-seven patients completed pre- and post-BRR questionnaires prospectively, and 150 reported post-BRR questionnaires only retrospectively. Qualitative debriefing interviews were undertaken in 189 patients. Preliminary psychometric analyses were performed.

Results

Thirty-one items fulfilled ‘relevance’, with none producing ‘difficulties’. Ten items were not a priority for 10 per cent of respondents. Of these, two questions concerning muscle twitching in the affected breast and problem with donor-site swelling were deleted. Three redundant items were deleted: weakness in arm, which correlated significantly to the Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) BR23 breast questionnaire, and shape and colour of the affected nipple. Descriptive statistics reduced the module to 26 items conceptualized into three provisional scales (disease treatment/surgery-related symptoms, sexuality and cosmetic outcome) within the newly completed questionnaire, EORTC QLQ-BRR26.

Conclusion

The QLQ-BRR26 is available for psychometric validation in a large-field international sample. The intended use for QLQ-BRR26 is alongside EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23, in women treated by mastectomy for breast cancer and undergoing all types of BRR.
Intracystic concentrations of tumour markers for the diagnosis of cystic liver lesions
Authors: Fuks D , Voitot H , Paradis V , Belghiti J , Vilgrain V , Farges O
Published: January 2014

Background

Imaging occasionally fails to differentiate hepatic simple cysts from malignant or premalignant mucinous cystic lesions such as biliary cystadenomas. Hepatic simple cysts can be treated conservatively, whereas malignant or premalignant cysts require complete resection. This study assessed the ability of intracystic tumour marker concentrations to differentiate these disease entities.

Methods

Intracystic fluid was sampled in patients undergoing partial or complete resection of a cystic lesion of the liver. The indication for surgery in hepatic simple cysts was symptoms or suspicion of a biliary cystadenoma. Intracystic concentrations of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 and tumour-associated glycoprotein (TAG) 72 were measured to assess the diagnostic accuracy of these tumour markers. Cut-off values were defined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

The study population comprised 118 patients (94 women) with a median age of 59 years. There were 75 patients with hepatic simple cysts, 27 with mucinous cysts (19 biliary cystadenomas, 4 biliary cystadenocarcinomas, 4 intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the bile duct) and 16 with miscellaneous cysts. Unlike CEA and CA19-9, a TAG-72 concentration of more than 25 units/ml differentiated hepatic simple cysts from mucinous cysts with a sensitivity and a specificity of 0·79 and 0·97 respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0·98 for mucinous versus hepatic simple cysts.

Conclusion

The concentration of TAG-72 in cyst fluid accurately identified hepatic cysts that required complete resection.
Influence of co-morbidity on long-term quality of life after oesophagectomy for cancer
Authors: Djärv T , Derogar M , Lagergren P
Published: January 2014

Background

The extent to which co-morbidities affect recovery of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in long-term survivors of oesophageal cancer surgery is poorly understood.

Methods

This was a prospective, population-based, nationwide Swedish cohort study of patients who underwent surgery for oesophageal cancer between 2001 and 2005, and were alive 5 years after operation. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and the QLQ-OES18 questionnaires were used to assess HRQoL up to 5 years after surgery. Eight aspects from the questionnaires were selected. Matched reference values from the Swedish general population were used as a proxy for HRQoL before presentation of the cancer. Adjusted multivariable linear mixed-effect models were used to assess mean score differences (MDs) of each HRQoL aspect in patients with or without co-morbidities.

Results

Of 616 patients who underwent surgery, 153 (24·8 per cent) survived 5 years, of whom 141 (92·2 per cent) completed the questionnaires at 5 years. Among these, 79 (56·0 per cent) had co-morbidities. Patients with co-morbidity had clinically relevant (MD at least 10) and statistically significantly poorer global quality of life (MD −10, 95 per cent confidence interval −12 to −7), and more problems with dyspnoea (MD 10, 6 to 13) throughout the whole follow-up period than those without co-morbidity. Patients with co-morbidity had a clinically relevant worse level of fatigue at 6 months (MD 10, 1 to 19) and 5 years (14, 4 to 24). With regard to specific co-morbidities, only patients with diabetes reported more clinically relevant, but not statistically significant, problems with fatigue at 6 months (MD 16, 2 to 31) and 5 years (MD 13, –5 to 31) compared with patients without co-morbidity.

Conclusion

Among survivors of oesophageal cancer surgery, the presence of co-morbidity was associated with poor HRQoL over time and increasing symptoms of fatigue.
Comparative pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of schisandrin, deoxyschisandrin and schisandrin B in rats after combining acupuncture and herb medicine (schisandra chinensis)
Authors: Wu Xiaoyan , Zhou Yuan , Yin Fangzhou , Dai Guoliang , Li Lin , Xu Bin , Ji De , Sun Yong , Mao Chunqin , Lu Tulin
Published: January 2014

Recently, combination therapy with acupuncture and medicine as a practical strategy to treat diseases has gained increasing attention. The present study aimed to investigate whether acupuncture stimulation at ST.36 had a potential impact on the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of lignans. An HPLC‐ESI/MS analytical method was established and successfully applied to a comparative study of drug concentration in plasma and tissues of three lignans. The parameters area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to the final measurable point and from time zero to infinity, and peak concentration were significantly increased, with a prolonged mean residence time and a corresponding decrease in clearance in comparision with the Schisandra‐alone group. Additionally, tissue concentrations of three lignans were improved in the group with acupuncture, especially in liver. The results indicated that acupuncture has a synergistic effect on the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of the three lignans, which could postpone their elimination, resulting in a longer blood circulating time in rat plasma and prolonged residence time in target tissues, leading to higher tissue concentration. The findings provide some scientific evidence for the mechanism of the combined use of acupuncture and herbal medicine. Furthermore, we suggest that acupuncture and its combination with herbal medicine should be investigated further as a possible adjuvant therapy in clinical treatment for liver injury. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Active Efflux Influences the Potency of Quorum Sensing Inhibitors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Moore Joseph D. , Gerdt Joseph P. , Eibergen Nora R. , Blackwell Helen E.
Published: January 2014

Many bacteria regulate gene expression through a cell–cell signaling process called quorum sensing (QS). In proteobacteria, QS is largely mediated by signaling molecules known as N‐acylated L‐homoserine lactones (AHLs) and their associated intracellular LuxR‐type receptors. The design of non‐native small molecules capable of inhibiting LuxR‐type receptors (and thereby QS) in proteobacteria is an active area of research, and numerous lead compounds are AHL derivatives that mimic native AHL molecules. Much of this previous work has focused on the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which controls an arsenal of virulence factors and biofilm formation through QS. The MexAB‐OprM efflux pump has been shown to play a role in the secretion of the major AHL signal in P. aeruginosa, N‐(3‐oxododecanoyl) L‐homoserine lactone. In the current study, we show that a variety of non‐native AHLs and related derivatives capable of inhibiting LuxR‐type receptors in P. aeruginosa display significantly higher potency in a P. aeruginosa Δ(mexAB‐oprM) mutant, suggesting that MexAB‐OprM also recognizes these compounds as substrates. We also demonstrate that the potency of 5,6‐dimethyl‐2‐aminobenzimidazole, recently shown to be a QS and biofilm inhibitor in P. aeruginosa, is not affected by the presence/absence of the MexAB‐OprM pump. These results have implications for the use of non‐native AHLs and related derivatives as QS modulators in P. aeruginosa and other bacteria, and provide a potential design strategy for the development of new QS modulators that are resistant to active efflux.
Clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients undergoing entrapped guidewire retrieval in stent‐jailed side branch using a balloon catheter
Authors: Sakamoto Shingo , Taniguchi Norimasa , Mizuguchi Yukio , Yamada Takeshi , Nakajima Shunsuke , Hata Tetsuya , Takahashi Akihiko
Published: January 2014

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of method for retrieval of entrapped guidewire in stent‐jailed side branch using a balloon catheter.

Background

Guidewire entrapment in the side branch after main vessel stenting is an infrequent but potentially serious complication of bifurcation lesion treatment. Entrapped wire retrieval with device advancement over the wire is a previously reported bail‐out method, but its efficacy and impact on the proximal edge of the stent are unknown.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center, prospective study to evaluate the outcome of 28 consecutive patients who developed guidewire entrapment in a stent‐jailed side branch after drug‐eluting stent implantation, and underwent retrieval of entrapped wire using a balloon catheter. The primary objective was cumulative 12‐month major adverse cardiac events including death, non‐fatal myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, and stent thrombosis. Secondary objectives included binary restenosis and late lumen loss, evaluated in‐stent, 5‐mm proximal edge, and 5‐mm distal edge sites at 9‐month angiographic follow‐up.

Results

Entrapped guidewire retrieval was successfully achieved in all patients. Cumulative 12‐month major adverse cardiac events were not observed in any patient. At angiographic follow‐up, no significant differences were observed in late lumen loss between in‐stent, 5‐mm proximal edge, and 5‐mm distal edge sites (0.12 ± 0.38 mm vs. 0.09 ± 0.27 mm vs. 0.03 ± 0.3 mm, P = 0.57). None of the patients had binary in‐stent or in‐segment restenosis.

Conclusion

Although the decision to apply the present method for entrapped guidewire retrieval should be made with careful consideration, it appears effective for bail‐out. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Total Synthesis of (18S)‐ and (18R)‐Homolargazole by Rhodium‐Catalyzed Hydrocarboxylation
Authors: Schotes Christoph , Ostrovskyi Dmytro , Senger Johanna , Schmidtkunz Karin , Jung Manfred , Breit Bernhard
Published: January 2014

Homolargazole derivatives, in which the macrocycle of natural largazole is extended by one methylene group, were prepared by the recently developed rhodium‐catalyzed hydrocarboxylation reaction onto allenes. This strategy gives access to both the (18S)‐ and (18R)‐stereoisomers in high stereoselectivity under ligand control.
Cyclic Peptides as Inhibitors of Amyloid Fibrillation
Authors: Luo Jinghui , Abrahams Jan Pieter
Published: January 2014

Many neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or Huntington’s disease, occur as a result of amyloid protein fibril formation and cell death induced by this process. Cyclic peptides (CPs) and their derivatives form a new class of powerful inhibitors that prevent amyloid fibrillation and decrease the cytotoxicity of aggregates. The strategies for designing CPs are described, with respect to their amino acid sequence and/or conformational similarity to amyloid fibrils. The implications of CPs for the study and possible treatment of amyloid‐related diseases are discussed.
Separation of Electrical and Optical Energy Gaps: Selectively Adjusting the Electrical and Optical Properties for a Highly Efficient Blue Emitter
Authors: Liu He , Chen Ping , Hu Dehua , Tang Xiangyang , Pan Yuyu , Zhang Huanhuan , Zhang Wenqiang , Han Xiao , Bai Qing , Lu Ping , Ma Yuguang
Published: January 2014

The design concept of separation of optical and electrical bandgap for wide bandgap materials is further developed in DCzSiPI. The HOMO/LUMO levels can be tuned by incorporation of PI and DCz substituents. The tetraphenylsilane core avoids the intramolecular charge transfer from DCz to PI (DCz=dimer carbazole, PI=phenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazole). The allowed transitions are found to be from HOMO−1 to LUMO providing DCzSiPI with sufficient bandgap.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed [2+2+2] Cycloaddition of Diynes with Carbodiimides and Carbon Dioxide under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Ishii Masahiro , Mori Fumiya , Tanaka Ken
Published: January 2014

It has been established that a cationic rhodium(I)/H8‐binap complex is able to catalyze the [2+2+2] cycloaddition of diynes with carbodiimides and carbon dioxide under ambient conditions. Enantio‐ and/or regioselective variants of these reactions are also disclosed.
Design and Rationale of the GAUSS‐2 Study Trial: A Double‐Blind, Ezetimibe‐Controlled Phase 3 Study of the Efficacy and Tolerability of Evolocumab (AMG 145) in Subjects With Hypercholesterolemia Who Are Intolerant of Statin Therapy
Authors: Cho Leslie , Rocco Michael , Colquhoun David , Sullivan David , Rosenson Robert S. , Dent Ricardo , Xue Allen , Scott Rob , Wasserman Scott M , Stroes Erik
Published: January 2014

Statins effectively lower low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Most patients tolerate statins well, but approximately 10% to 20% experience side effects (primarily muscle‐related) contributing to diminished compliance or discontinuation of statin therapy and subsequent increase in cardiovascular risk. Statin‐intolerant patients require more effective therapies for lowering LDL‐C. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a compelling target for LDL‐C–lowering therapy. Evolocumab (AMG 145) is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds PCSK9, inhibiting its interaction with the LDL receptor to preserve LDL‐receptor recycling and reduce LDL‐C. Phase 2 studies have demonstrated the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of subcutaneous evolocumab in diverse populations, including statin‐intolerant patients. This article describes the rationale and design of the Goal Achievement After Utilizing an anti‐PCSK9 Antibody in Statin‐Intolerant Subjects 2 (GAUSS‐2) trial, a randomized, double‐blind, ezetimibe‐controlled, multicenter phase 3 study to evaluate the effects of 12 weeks of evolocumab 140 mg every 2 weeks or 420 mg every month in statin‐intolerant patients with hypercholesterolemia. Eligible subjects were unable to tolerate effective doses of ≥2 statins because of myalgia, myopathy, myositis, or rhabdomyolysis that resolved with statin discontinuation. The primary objective of the study is to assess the effects of evolocumab on percentage change from baseline in LDL‐C. Secondary objectives include evaluation of safety and tolerability, comparison of the effects of evolocumab vs ezetimibe on absolute change from baseline in LDL‐C, and percentage changes from baseline in other lipids. Recruitment of approximately 300 subjects was completed in August 2013.
GATA3 mutations define a unique subtype of luminal‐like breast cancer with improved survival
Authors: Jiang Yi‐Zhou , Yu Ke‐Da , Zuo Wen‐Jia , Peng Wen‐Ting , Shao Zhi‐Ming
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

The GATA3 gene (GATA‐binding protein 3) is one of the most frequently mutated genes in breast cancer. The objective of the current study was to determine the clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with breast cancer harboring GATA3 mutations.

METHODS

The authors examined the somatic mutation status of GATA3 and performed survival analysis in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort (n = 934) and the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC) cohort (n = 308). Patient characteristics, including age; menopausal status; tumor laterality; tumor size; lymph node status; tumor grade; molecular subtypes; adjuvant radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy; and prognosis, together with PIK3CA (phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase, catalytic subunit alpha) and TP53 (tumor protein p53) mutation status, were collected.

RESULTS

GATA3 mutations were detected in 8.8% of patients (82 of 934 patients) in the TCGA cohort and 14.9% of patients (46 of 308 patients) in the FUSCC cohort. GATA3 mutations were found to be significantly associated with luminal‐like breast cancer (P = .002 in the TCGA cohort and P < .001 in the FUSCC cohort), and were highly mutually exclusive to PIK3CA mutations (P = .001 in the TCGA cohort and P = .003 in the FUSCC cohort) and TP53 mutations (P < .001 in both cohorts). Furthermore, GATA3 mutations were correlated with improved overall survival in the entire population (P = .025 in the TCGA cohort and P = .043 in the FUSCC cohort) as well as in patients with luminal‐like disease who received adjuvant endocrine therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

GATA3 mutations mainly occur in patients with luminal‐like breast cancer and have identifiable clinicopathologic and genetic characteristics, highlighting a subgroup of patients with breast cancer in whom limited therapy may be appropriate. Cancer 2014;120:1329–1337. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Systematic analysis of neuronal wiring of the rodent deep cerebellar nuclei reveals differences reflecting adaptations at the neuronal circuit and internuclear levels
Authors: Hamodeh Salah , Baizer Joan , Sugihara Izumi , Sultan Fahad
Published: January 2014

A common view of the architecture of different brain regions is that, despite their heterogeneity, they have optimized their wiring schemes to make maximal use of space. Based on experimental findings, computational models have delineated how about two‐thirds of the neuropil is filled out with dendrites and axons optimizing cable costs and conduction time while keeping the connectivity at the highest level. However, whether this assumption can be generalized to all brain regions has not yet been tested. Here we quantified and charted the components of the neuropil in the four deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) of the rat's brain. We segmented and traced the neuropil stained with one of two antibodies, one antibody against dendritic microtubule‐associated proteins (MAP2a,b) and the second against the Purkinje cell axons (PCP2). We compared fiber length density, average fiber diameter, and volume fraction within different components of the DCN in a random, systematic fashion. We observed differences in dendritic and axonal fiber length density, average fiber diameters, and volume fraction within the four different nuclei that make up the DCN. We observe a relative increase in the length density of dendrites and Purkinje cell axons in two of the DCN, namely, the posterior interposed nucleus and the lateral nucleus. Furthermore, the DCN have a surprisingly low volume fraction of their dendritic length density, which we propose is related to their special circuitry. In summary, our results show previously unappreciated functional adaptations among these nuclei. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2481–2497, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Topography and architecture of visual and somatosensory areas of the agouti
Authors: Dias I.A. , Bahia C.P. , Franca J.G. , Houzel J.C. , Lent R. , Mayer A.O. , Santiago L.F. , Silveira L.C.L. , Picanço‐Diniz C.W. , Pereira Antonio
Published: January 2014

We analyzed the organization of the somatosensory and visual cortices of the agouti, a diurnal rodent with a relatively big brain, using a combination of multiunit microelectrode recordings and histological techniques including myelin and cytochrome oxidase staining. We found multiple representations of the sensory periphery in the parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes. While the agouti's primary (V1) and secondary visual areas seemed to lack any obvious modular arrangement, such as blobs or stripes, which are found in some primates and carnivores, the primary somatosensory area (S1) was internally subdivided in discrete regions, isomorphically associated with peripheral structures. Our results confirm and extend previous reports on this species, and provide additional data to understand how variations in lifestyle can influence brain organization in rodents. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2576–2593, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Concordant localization of functional urotensin II and urotensin II‐related peptide binding sites in the rat brain: Atypical occurrence close to the fourth ventricle
Authors: Bucharles Christine , Bizet Patrice , Arthaud Sébastien , Arabo Arnaud , Leprince Jérôme , Lefranc Benjamin , Cartier Dorthe , Anouar Youssef , Lihrmann Isabelle
Published: January 2014

Urotensin II (UII) and Urotensin II‐related peptide (URP) are structurally related paralog peptides that exert peripheral and central effects. UII binding sites have been partly described in brain, and those of URP have never been reported. We exhaustively compared [125I]‐UII and ‐URP binding site distributions in the adult rat brain, and found that they fully overlapped at the regional level. We observed UII/URP binding sites in structures lining ventricles, comprising the sphenoid nucleus and cell rafts scattered on a line joining the fourth ventricle and its lateral recess. After injection of UII and URP in the lateral ventricle, we observed c‐Fos‐positive cell nuclei in areas close to the fourth ventricle, indicating that these receptors are functional. Different c‐Fos‐containing cell populations were activated. They were all positive for vimentin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), excluding the possibility of an ependymal nature. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that UII and URP binding sites are totally overlapping and that these sites were functional in regions bordering the fourth ventricle. These data support a role for UII/URP at the interface between brain parenchyma and cerebrospinal fluid. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2634–2649, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Correlating habenular subnuclei in rat and mouse by using topographic, morphological, and cytochemical criteria
Authors: Wagner Franziska , Stroh Thomas , Veh Rüdiger W.
Published: January 2014

The mammalian habenulae consist of medial (MHb) and lateral (LHb) nuclear complexes. Especially the LHb has received much interest because it has been recognized as the potential center of an “anti‐reward system.” Subnuclear organization and connectivity of the LHb are well known. In contrast, criteria to classify habenular neurons into distinct groups with potentially different biological functions are missing, most likely as a result of the lack of appropriate marker proteins. Actually, a huge amount of data concerning the localization of more than 20,000 mouse protein genes is provided in the Allen Brain Atlas. Unfortunately, the immediate use of this information is prohibited by the fact that the subnuclear organization of the habenular complexes in mouse is not known so far. The present report, therefore, uses topographic, structural, and cytochemical information from the rat to recognize corresponding areas within the mouse habenulae. Taking advantage of the fact that the Klüver‐Barrera technique allows simultaneous observation of neuronal cell bodies and myelinated fibers, we were able to correlate subnuclear areas in the mouse habenula to subnuclei, which had been rigorously identified by several criteria in the rat. Our data suggest that the topographic localization of habenular subnuclei is rather similar between mouse and rat and that they may be homologous in these two species. Consequently, our data may allow using the Allen Brain Atlas as a source of basal information, which should be helpful to select candidate molecular markers for functionally different neurons in the mouse and potentially in higher mammalian species. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2650–2662, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synergic Exfoliation of Graphene with Organic Molecules and Inorganic Ions for the Electrochemical Production of Flexible Electrodes
Authors: Xia Zhen Yuan , Giambastiani Giuliano , Christodoulou Christos , Nardi Marco V. , Koch Norbert , Treossi Emanuele , Bellani Vittorio , Pezzini Sergio , Corticelli Franco , Morandi Vittorio , Zanelli Alberto , Palermo Vincenzo
Published: January 2014

A facile and efficient method based on electrochemistry for the production of graphene‐based materials for electronics is demonstrated. Uncharged acetonitrile molecules are intercalated in graphite by electrochemical treatment, owing to the synergic action of perchlorate ions dissolved in acetonitrile. Then, acetonitrile molecules are decomposed with microwave irradiation, which causes gas production and rapid graphite exfoliation, with an increase in the graphite volume of up to 600 %. Upon further processing and purification, highly dispersible nanosheets are obtained that can be processed into thin layers by roll‐to‐roll transfer or into thicker electrodes with excellent capacitance stability upon extensive charging/discharging cycles. The good exfoliation yield (>50 % of monolayers), minimal oxidation damage and good electrochemical stability of the nanosheets obtained were confirmed by scanning force and electron microscopy, as well as Raman spectroscopy and galvanostatic analyses.
Intercalation‐Controlled Cyclodehydration of Sorbitol in Water over Layered‐Niobium‐Molybdate Solid Acid
Authors: Morita Yuya , Furusato Shogo , Takagaki Atsushi , Hayashi Shigenobu , Kikuchi Ryuji , Oyama S. Ted
Published: January 2014

Layered niobium molybdate (HNbMoO6) was used in the aqueous‐phase dehydration of sorbitol and was found to exhibit remarkable selectivity toward its monomolecular‐dehydrated intermediate 1,4‐sorbitan. This was attributed to the selective intercalation of sorbitol within the interlayers with strong Brønsted acid sites.