bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Cefalothin and Cefazolin in Human Plasma, Urine and Peritoneal Dialysate by UHPLC‐MS/MS: application to a pilot pharmacokinetic study in humans
Authors: Parker Suzanne L. , Guerra Valero Yarmarly C. , Roberts Darren M. , Lipman Jeffrey , Roberts Jason A. , Wallis Steven C.
Published: September 2015

An ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS/MS) method for the analysis of cefazolin and cefalothin in human plasma (total and unbound), urine and peritoneal dialysate has been developed and validated. Total plasma concentrations are measured following protein precipitation and are suitable for the concentration range of 1–500 µg/mL. Unbound concentrations are measured from ultra‐filtered plasma acquired using Centrifree® devices and are suitable for the concentration range of 0.1–500 µg/mL for cefazolin and 1–500 µg/mL for cefalothin. The urine method is suitable for a concentration range of 0.1–20 mg/mL for cefazolin and 0.2–20 mg/mL for cefalothin. Peritoneal dialysate concentrations are measured using direct injection, and are suitable for the concentration range of 0.2–100 µg/mL for both cefazolin and cefalothin. The cefazolin and cefalothin plasma (total and unbound), urine and peritoneal dialysate results are reported for recovery, inter‐assay precision and accuracy, and the lower limit of quantification, linearity, stability and matrix effects, with all results meeting acceptance criteria. The method was used successfully in a pilot pharmacokinetic study with patients with peritoneal dialysis‐associated peritonitis, receiving either intraperitoneal cefazolin or cefalothin. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to improve outcome in acute ischemic stroke: possible mechanisms and clinical evidence
Authors: Siepmann Timo , Penzlin Ana Isabel , Kepplinger Jessica , Illigens Ben Min‐Woo , Weidner Kerstin , Reichmann Heinz , Barlinn Kristian
Published: September 2015

Background

Several clinical studies have indicated that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) administered in patients after acute ischemic stroke can improve clinical recovery independently of depression. Due to small sample sizes and heterogeneous study designs interpretability was limited in these studies. The mechanisms of action whereby SSRI might improve recovery from acute ischemic stroke are not fully elucidated.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE using the PubMed interface to identify evidence of SSRI mediated improvement of recovery from acute ischemic stroke and reviewed the literature on the potential underlying mechanisms of action.

Results

Among identified clinical studies, a well‐designed randomized, double‐blind, and placebo‐controlled study (FLAME ‐ fluoxetine for motor recovery after acute ischemic stroke) demonstrated improved recovery of motor function in stroke patients receiving fluoxetine. The positive effects of SSRIs on stroke recovery were further supported by a meta‐analysis of 52 trials in a total of 4060 participants published by the Cochrane collaboration. Based on animal models, the mechanisms whereby SSRIs might ameliorate functional and structural ischemic‐brain damage were suggested to include stimulation of neurogenesis with migration of newly generated cells toward ischemic‐brain regions, anti‐inflammatory neuroprotection, improved regulation of cerebral blood flow, and modulation of the adrenergic neurohormonal system. However, to date, it remains speculative if and to what degree these mechanisms convert into humans and randomized controlled trials in large populations of stroke patients comparing different SSRIs are still lacking.

Conclusion

In addition to the need of comprehensive‐clinical evidence, further elucidation of the beneficial mechanisms whereby SSRIs may improve structural and functional recovery from ischemic‐brain damage is needed to form a basis for translation into clinical practice.
Polydopamine as a Catalyst for Thiol Coupling
Authors: Du Yong , Yang Hao‐Cheng , Xu Xiao‐Ling , Wu Jian , Xu Zhi‐Kang
Published: September 2015

In biological systems, disulfide bonds are formed efficiently under mild conditions without the release of harmful byproducts. Inspired by nature, we report a biomimetic polydopamine (PDA) catalyst for oxidative thiol coupling. This reaction was accelerated with only a small amount of PDA particles in neutral, weakly alkaline, and even weakly acidic aqueous media at room temperature under an air atmosphere. The catalytic particles were facilely separated and were reused without a decrease in activity. The entire process is totally biofriendly, including the synthesis of the PDA particles. This route is especially useful for the synthesis of pharmaceutical molecules.
Facile Construction of Mesoporous N‐Doped Carbons as Highly Efficient 4‐Nitrophenol Reduction Catalysts
Authors: Yang Ying , Zhang Wen , Ma Xiaohui , Zhao Hairui , Zhang Xin
Published: September 2015

Herein we propose a novel in situ N‐doping method to develop a new type of mesoporous N‐doped carbons constructed by direct pyrolysis of properly rigid strut N‐rich metal–organic frameworks at 950 °C. This facile fabrication method creates doped N that is evenly dispersed on mesoporous carbons (≈4.0 nm) formed simultaneously without the need for a second carbon precursor, external nitrogen supplier, or pore‐forming agent. The resulting mesoporous N‐doped carbons bear a low N content but a high proportion of graphitic N species and exhibit superior catalytic performance toward the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol relative to that shown by previously reported metal catalysts and N‐doped graphene. The ensemble effect of the mesostructured framework and effective N doping is responsible for the excellent performance, as better diffusion, adsorption, and activation of 4‐nitrophenol in wastewaters are achieved through the elaborately fabricated mesoporous N‐doped carbons.
Solid‐State NMR and DFT Combined for the Surface Study of Functionalized Silicon Nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Daniel , Kaushik Monu , Coustel Romain , Chenavier Yves , Chanal Myriam , Bardet Michel , Dubois Lionel , Okuno Hanako , Rochat Névine , Duclairoir Florence , Mouesca Jean‐Marie , De Paëpe Gaël
Published: September 2015

Silicon nanoparticles (NPs) serve a wide range of optical, electronic, and biological applications. Chemical grafting of various molecules to Si NPs can help to passivate their reactive surfaces, “fine‐tune” their properties, or even give them further interesting features. In this work, 1H, 13C, and 29Si solid‐state NMR spectroscopy has been combined with density functional theory calculations to study the surface chemistry of hydride‐terminated and alkyl‐functionalized Si NPs. This combination of techniques yields assignments for the observed chemical shifts, including the contributions resulting from different surface planes, and highlights the presence of physisorbed water. Resonances from near‐surface 13C nuclei were shown to be substantially broadened due to surface disorder and it is demonstrated that in an ambient environment hydride‐terminated Si NPs undergo fast back‐bond oxidation, whereas long‐chain alkyl‐functionalized Si NPs undergo slow oxidation. Furthermore, the combination of NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations showed that the employed hydrosilylation reaction involves anti‐Markovnikov addition of the 1‐alkene to the surface of the Si NPs.
Investigations of the Vicarious C‐Aminations of 5,7‐Dinitrobenzotriazole and 4,6‐Dinitrobenzotriazol‐3‐ium‐1‐oxide and Their Energetic Properties
Authors: Ehlers Dieter , Klapötke Thomas M. , Pflüger Carolin
Published: September 2015

This combined experimental and theoretical study details the vicarious nucleophilic substitution by amination of 5,7‐dinitrobenzotriazol (1) and 4,6‐dinitrobenzotriazole‐3‐ium‐1‐oxide (4) with trimethylhydrazinium iodide to afford the new corresponding one‐ and two‐time aminated compounds and investigations of its mechanism by EPR spectroscopy. The preferred position for the first amination is computed by spin density population and verified by X‐ray crystallography. The zwitterionic structure of 4 is investigated in solution by 1H NMR spectroscopy and in solid state by X‐ray diffraction. Furthermore, the crystal structure of 1 is presented. The energetic behavior of the aminated products as well as the starting materials 1 and 4 was investigated, regarding sensitivities and performance.
Dynamics of Excess‐Electron Transfer through Alternating Adenine:Thymine Sequences in DNA
Authors: Lin Shih‐Hsun , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Majima Tetsuro
Published: September 2015

This paper presents the results of an investigation into the sequence‐dependent excess‐electron transfer (EET) dynamics in DNA, which plays an important role in DNA damage/repair. There are many published studies on EET in consecutive adenine:thymine (A:T) sequences (Tn), but those in alternating A:T sequences (ATn) remain limited. Here, two series of functionalized DNA oligomers, Tn and ATn, were synthesized with a strongly electron‐donating photosensitizer, a trimer of ethylenedioxythiophene (3 E), and an electron acceptor, diphenylacetylene (DPA). Laser flash photolysis experiments showed that the EET rate constant of AT3 is two times lower than that of T3 due to the lack of π‐stacking of Ts in AT3. Thus, it was indicated that excess‐electron hopping is affected by the interaction between LUMOs of nucleotides.
Sensing Protein Surfaces with Targeted Fluorescent Receptors
Authors: Nissinkorn Yael , Lahav‐Mankovski Naama , Rabinkov Aharon , Albeck Shira , Motiei Leila , Margulies David
Published: September 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of David Margulies at the Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel). The image highlights the analogy between fluorescent molecular sensors and a miniaturized camera that can capture changes that occur at the nanoscale and shed light on the structural state of proteins. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201502069.
Immersion Calorimetry: Molecular Packing Effects in Micropores
Authors: Madani S. Hadi , Silvestre‐Albero Ana , Biggs Mark J. , Rodríguez‐Reinoso Francisco , Pendleton Phillip
Published: September 2015

Repeated and controlled immersion calorimetry experiments were performed to determine the specific surface area and pore‐size distribution (PSD) of a well‐characterized, microporous poly(furfuryl alcohol)‐based activated carbon. The PSD derived from nitrogen gas adsorption indicated a narrow distribution centered at 0.57±0.05 nm. Immersion into liquids of increasing molecular sizes ranging from 0.33 nm (dichloromethane) to 0.70 nm (α‐pinene) showed a decreasing enthalpy of immersion at a critical probe size (0.43–0.48 nm), followed by an increase at 0.48–0.56 nm, and a second decrease at 0.56–0.60 nm. This maximum has not been reported previously. After consideration of possible reasons for this new observation, it is concluded that the effect arises from molecular packing inside the micropores, interpreted in terms of 2D packing. The immersion enthalpy PSD was consistent with that from quenched solid density functional theory (QSDFT) analysis of the nitrogen adsorption isotherm.
Spontaneous Chiral Symmetry Breaking for Finite Systems
Authors: Boscheto Emerson , López‐Castillo Alejandro
Published: September 2015

Theoretical clues are desirable to help uncover the origin of bio‐homochirality in life, as well as the mechanisms for the asymmetric production of functional chiral substances. Here, an open‐to‐matter reaction network based on a model proposed by Plasson et al. is studied. In the extended model, the statistical fluctuations lead the system to break chiral symmetry autonomously, that is, without any initial enantiomeric excess or external influence. In the stability diagrams, we observe regions of parameter space that correspond to racemic, homochiral, chiral oscillatory, and, to our knowledge, for the first time in a chiral model, chaotic regimes. The dependencies of the final concentrations of chiral substances on the parameters are determined analytically and discussed for both the racemic and homochiral regimes.
Pressure—A Gateway to Fundamental Insights into Protein Solvation, Dynamics, and Function
Authors: Luong Trung Quan , Kapoor Shobhna , Winter Roland
Published: September 2015

Now that the centennial anniversary of the first report on pressure denaturation of proteins by Nobel Laureate P. W. Bridgman can be celebrated, this Review on the application of high pressure as a key variable for studying the energetics and interactions of proteins appears. We demonstrate that combined temperature–pressure‐dependent studies help delineate the free‐energy landscape of proteins and elucidate which features are essential in determining their stability. Pressure perturbation also serves as an important tool to explore fluctuations in proteins and reveal their conformational substates. From shaping the free‐energy landscape of proteins themselves to that of their interactions, conformational fluctuations not only dictate a plethora of biological processes, but are also implicated in a number of debilitating diseases. Finally, the advantages of using pressure to explore biomolecular assemblies and modulate enzymatic reactions are discussed.
A Hybrid‐Type CVD System for Graphene Growth
Authors: Skoblin Grigory , Lindvall Niclas , Sun Jie , Yurgens August
Published: September 2015

A cold‐wall CVD system for graphene growth on metal foils is converted to an effectively hot‐wall one by merely adding another heater, sandwiching the foil in between the heaters. This simple design demonstrates both an improved temperature uniformity characteristic for hot‐wall systems, and a high responsivity distinctive for cold‐wall ones. This beneficial combination allows for a much better control of graphene growth kinetics.
Preparation of Highly Flexible SiC Nanowires by Fluidized Bed Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Liu Rongzheng , Liu Malin , Chang Jiaxing , Shao Youlin , Liu Bing
Published: September 2015

High flexible SiC nanowires with diameters in the range of 10 to 50 nm and lengths of several hundred micrometers to several millimeters are synthesized using a novel catalyst‐assisted fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition method. Methyltrichlorosilane (MTS) is used as source material and particles containing cobalt were used as catalyst. The fluidized bed is specially designed to form a perpendicular uneven temperature distribution. Suspended nanosized liquid catalyst droplets are produced at middle high temperature zone and SiC nanowires are formed in situ on the catalyst droplets then accumulated at the upper part of fluidized bed. The nanowires exhibit a single crystal feature with some stacking faults. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis verifies a growth direction along the <111> axis of the nanowires. A blue shift optical emission band at about 420 nm is detected using photoluminescence spectroscopy. From the high‐resolution TEM investigation, a nanoscale smooth plane between the nanowire and the catalyst tip is observed and the two phases exhibit highly epitaxial growth interface. The growth process of the nanowires is discussed and a possible formation mechanism is proposed.
Changes in dam and pup behavior following repeated postnatal exposure to a predator odor (TMT): A preliminary investigation in long‐evans rats
Authors: Ayers Luke W. , Asok Arun , Blaze Jennifer , Roth Tania L. , Rosen Jeffrey B.
Published: September 2015

The present study investigated whether repeated early postnatal exposure to the predator odor 2,5‐dihydro‐2,4,5‐trimethylthiazoline (TMT) alters behavioral responses to the stimulus later in life, at postnatal day (PN30). Long‐Evans rat pups with their mothers were exposed for 20 min daily to TMT, water, or a noxious odor, butyric acid (BTA), during the first three weeks of life. Mothers exposed to TMT displayed more crouching and nursing behavior than those exposed to BTA, and TMT exposed pups emitted more ultrasonic vocalizations than BTA exposed pups. At PN30, rats were tested for freezing to TMT, water, or BTA. Rats exposed to TMT during the postnatal period displayed less freezing to TMT than rats exposed postnatally to water or BTA. Our data indicate that early‐life experience with a predator cue has a significant impact on later fear responses to that same cue, highlighting the programming capacity of the postnatal environment on the development of behavior. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 58: 176–184, 2016.
Third‐Generation Scorpionates [RBpz3]– – How Influential Is the Nondonor Substituent R?
Authors: Vitze Hannes , Bolte Michael , Lerner Hans‐Wolfram , Wagner Matthias
Published: September 2015

Five pairs of perfluorophenyl‐ and phenyl‐substituted tris(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borate complexes have been prepared and thoroughly investigated, namely, [(C6R′5Bpz3)2Fe], [(C6R′5Bpz3)2Cu], [(C6R′5Bpz3)Mn(CO)3], K[(C6R′5Bpz3)Mo(CO)3], and [(C6R′5Bpz3)Mo(CO)2(2‐methallyl)] (R′ = F, H; pz = pyrazol‐1‐yl). X‐ray crystal structure analyses and IR spectroscopical measurements reveal only a minor influence of the spectator substituents on the corresponding parameters. In contrast, significant differences between the redox potentials of the fluorinated and non‐fluorinated species are evident in their cyclic voltammograms. Large differences have been found between the crystal packings of the complexes with perfluorinated and non‐fluorinated phenyl rings.
Manual‐slide‐engaged paper chip for parallel SERS‐immunoassay measurement of clenbuterol from swine hair
Authors: Zheng Tingting , Gao Zhigang , Luo Yong , Liu Xianming , Zhao Weijie , Lin Bingcheng
Published: September 2015

Clenbuterol (CL), as a feed additive, has been banned in many countries due to its potential threat to human health. In detection of CL, a fast, low‐cost technique with high accuracy and specificity would be ideal for its administrative on‐field inspections. Among the attempts to pursue a reliable detection tool of CL, a technique that combines surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and immunoassay, is close to meet the requirements as above. However, multiple steps of interactions between CL analyte, antibody, and antigen are involved in this method, and under conventional setup, the operation of SERS/immunoassay were unwieldy. In this paper, to facilitate a more manageable sample manipulation for SERS‐immunoassay measurement, a 3D paper chip was suggested. A switch‐on‐chip multilayered (abbreviated as SoCM‐) microfluidic paper‐based analysis device (μPad) was fabricated to provide operators with manual switches on the interactions between different microfluids. Besides, on a detection slip we made on the main body of our SoCM‐μPad, antigen was anchored in pattern. With this architecture, multistep interactions between the CL analyte in swine hair extract and the SERS probe‐modified antibody and antigen, were managed for on‐chip SERS‐immunoassay detection. This would be very attractive for fast, cheap, accurate, and on‐site specific detection of CL from real samples.
Food security through translational biology between wheat and rice
Authors: Valluru Ravi , Reynolds Matthew P. , Lafarge Tanguy
Published: September 2015

Wheat and rice are the most important food crops in agriculture providing around 50% of all calories consumed in the human diet. While both are C3 species, the evolution and domestication of wheat and rice occurred in very different environments, resulting in diverse anatomical and metabolic adaptation. This review focuses on the current understanding of their adaptation in an agronomic context. The similarities and differences between wheat and rice are discussed, focusing on traits related to phenology, photosynthesis, assimilate partitioning, and lodging resistance, these being the main abiotic drivers of yield expression in most agro‐ecosystems. Currently, there are significant knowledge gaps in the major biological processes that account not only for differential adaption among cultivars within each species, but even between the two species. By addressing what is known as well as where gaps exist in a comparative context, this review aims to highlight translational research approaches that could provide insights into the genetic improvement of both crops.
Factors controlling the deterioration of spray dried flavourings and unsaturated lipids
Authors: Reineccius G. A. , Yan C.
Published: September 2015

Despite many years of research, the industry still struggles with improving the shelf‐life of oxidizable food components (e.g. flavourings, polyunsaturated triglycerides, natural pigments, vitamins, flavourings etc.) or highly volatile components (e.g. aroma components in flavourings). Microencapsulation has been serving as an effective way to preserve flavour and other active ingredients, to control their release rate, and/or to mask their unpleasant odour or taste. Among a variety of microencapsulation methods, spray drying is the most widely used process in the food and beverage industries, due to its ease of processing and low operating cost. Unfortunately, most food encapsulating materials (hereafter called ‘wall materials’) are not the best barriers so the desired shelf‐life of encapsulated flavourings and other active ingredients is difficult to achieve. However, significant progress has been made through research on encapsulation formulations, processes, and evaluation technologies. This review summarizes the information in the scientific literature on how to optimize both the encapsulation matrix and the process to maximize product shelf‐life. This review presents literature from both the ‘oil’ and flavour areas. While there are some different issues in preserving highly unstable oils vs. flavourings, there is significant overlap. It is worthwhile to summarize, analyse and critique the literature in these two domains so both industries and academia can benefit from the sharing of this knowledge. First, factors that influence permeability of wall materials and microcapsules are discussed. Then, deterioration of flavourings or unsaturated lipids microencapsulated by spray drying is reviewed. The final section offers thoughts as to ways to improve upon the current practices. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential role for inhibition of protein phosphatase 2A tumor suppressor in salivary gland malignancies
Authors: Routila Johannes , Mäkelä Juho‐Antti , Luukkaa Heikki , Leivo Ilmo , Irjala Heikki , Westermarck Jukka , Mäkitie Antti , Ventelä Sami
Published: September 2015

The aetiology and pathogenesis of salivary gland malignancies remain unknown. To reveal novel molecular factors behind the development of salivary gland cancer, we performed gene expression analyses from Smgb‐Tag mouse salivary gland samples. The overall purpose was to apply these results for clinical use to find new approaches for both possible therapeutic targets and more accurate diagnostic tools. Smgb‐Tag mouse strain, in which salivary neoplasms arise through a dysplastic phase in submandibular glands, was investigated using genome‐wide microarray expression analysis, ingenuity pathway analysis, RT‐PCR, and immunohistochemistry. Thirty‐eight human salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma samples were investigated using immunohistochemistry for validation purposes. Our genome‐wide study showed that Ppp2r1b, a PP2A subunit encoding tumor suppressor gene, is underexpressed in submandibular gland tumors of Smgb‐Tag mice. mTOR signaling pathway was significantly enriched and mTOR linked PP2A subunit gene B55 gamma was significantly underexpressed in the analyses. Furthermore, parallel immunohistochemical analysis of three PP2A inhibitors demonstrated that two PP2A inhibitors, CIP2A and SET, are highly expressed in both dysplastic and adenocarcinomatous tumors of the Smgb‐Tag mice. In addition, all 38 investigated human salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma samples stained positively for CIP2A and most for SET. Finally, p‐S6 staining showed activation of mTOR pathway in human adenoid cystic carcinoma samples. Our results suggest that PP2A inhibition either via PP2A subunit underexpression or PP2A inhibitor overexpression play an important role in the formation of salivary gland malignancy, potentially due to mTOR signaling activation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemical and morphological changes in human dentin after Er:YAGlaser irradiation: EDS and SEM analysis
Authors: Contreras‐Arriaga Belinda , Rodríguez‐Vilchis Laura Emma , Contreras‐Bulnes Rosalía , Olea‐Mejìa Oscar Fernando , Scougall‐Vilchis Rogelio José , Centeno‐Pedraza Claudia
Published: September 2015

Sixty samples of human dentin were divided into six groups (n = 10) and were irradiated with Er:YAG laser at 100 mJ–19.9 J/cm2, 150 mJ–29.8 J/cm2, 100 mJ–35.3 J/cm2, 150 mJ–53.0 J/cm2, 200 mJ–70.7 J/cm2, and 250 mJ–88.5 J/cm2, respectively, at 7 Hz under a water spray. The atomic percentages of carbon, oxygen, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus and the Ca‐to‐P molar ratio on the dentin were determined by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The morphological changes were observed using scanning electron microscopy. A paired t‐test was used in statistical analysis before and after irradiation, and a one‐way ANOVA was performed (P ≤ 0.05). The atomic percent of C tended to decrease in all of the groups after irradiation with statistically significant differences, O and Mg increased with significant differences in all of the groups, and the Ca‐to‐P molar ratio increased in groups IV, V, and VI, with statistically significant differences between groups II and VI. All the irradiated samples showed morphological changes. Major changes in the chemical composition of dentin were observed in trace elements. A significant increase in the Ca‐to‐P ratio was observed in the higher energy density groups. Morphological changes included loss of smear layer with exposed dentinal tubules. The changes produced by the different energy densities employed could have clinical implications, additional studies are required to clarify them. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:1019–1025, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The prognostic value of residual nodal disease following neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal cancer in patients with complete primary tumor response
Authors: Blackham Aaron U. , Yue Binglin , Almhanna Khaldoun , Saeed Nadia , Fontaine Jacques P. , Hoffe Sarah , Shridhar Ravi , Frakes Jessica , Coppola Domenico , Pimiento Jose M.
Published: September 2015

Background

The prognostic significance of residual nodal disease in otherwise complete pathologic responders (ypT0N+) to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) for esophageal cancer is unknown.

Methods

ypT0N+ responders were identified from a single institution database of esophageal cancer patients undergoing esophagectomy and were compared to patients without locoregional disease (ypT0N0) and to non‐complete responders (ypT+).

Results

Out of 487 patients, 196 ypT0N0 and 14 ypT0N+ patients were identified. Pre‐treatment stage was similar between ypT0N0 and ypT0N+ patients: 66% versus 73% of patients had uT3 disease (P = 0.50) and 76% versus 55% had nodal involvement (P = 0.49), respectively. Locoregional recurrence (43%) was more common in ypT0N+ patients. Median overall survival (OS) was worse in ypT0N+ patients (14.8 months) compared to ypT0N0 patients (92.2 months) and ypT+ patients (38.0 months, P < 0.001). Median OS of ypT0N+ patients was similar to ypT+ stage II (29.6 months, P = 0.84) and stage III (27.5 months, P = 0.95) disease. No difference in median OS existed in patients with residual nodal disease (n = 163) based on local response (14.8 months in ypT0N+ and 22.5 months in ypT+N+ patients, P = 0.55).

Conclusions

Residual nodal disease in esophageal cancer patients with complete response in the primary tumor following nCRT portends a poor prognosis and behaves similar to pathologic stage II/III disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:597–602. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the Ambrosetti‐Prodi problem for a system involving p‐Laplacian operator
Authors: Junges Miotto T.
Published: September 2015

In this work we study an Ambrosetti‐Prodi type problem for an elliptic system involving p‐Laplacian operator. The sub and supersolution method and the Leray‐Schauder Degree Theory are used in order to prove our result.
A conformal mapping algorithm for the Bernoulli free boundary value problem
Authors: Haddar Houssem , Kress Rainer
Published: September 2015

We propose a new numerical method for the solution of the Bernoulli free boundary value problem for harmonic functions in a doubly connected domain D in
where an unknown free boundary Γ0 is determined by prescribed Cauchy data on Γ0 in addition to a Dirichlet condition on the known boundary Γ1. Our main idea is to involve the conformal mapping method as proposed and analyzed by Akduman, Haddar, and Kress for the solution of a related inverse boundary value problem. For this, we interpret the free boundary Γ0 as the unknown boundary in the inverse problem to construct Γ0 from the Dirichlet condition on Γ0 and Cauchy data on the known boundary Γ1. Our method for the Bernoulli problem iterates on the missing normal derivative on Γ1 by alternating between the application of the conformal mapping method for the inverse problem and solving a mixed Dirichlet–Neumann boundary value problem in D. We present the mathematical foundations of our algorithm and prove a convergence result. Some numerical examples will serve as proof of concept of our approach. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability of non‐constant steady‐state solutions for non‐isentropic Euler–Maxwell system with a temperature damping term
Authors: Feng Yue‐Hong , Wang Shu , Li Xin
Published: September 2015

This work is concerned with the periodic problem for compressible non‐isentropic Euler–Maxwell systems with a temperature damping term arising in plasmas. For this problem, we prove the global in time existence of a smooth solution around a given non‐constant steady state with the help of an induction argument on the order of the mixed time‐space derivatives of solutions in energy estimates. Moreover, we also show the convergence of the solution to this steady state as the time goes to the infinity. This phenomenon on the charge transport shows the essential relation of the systems with the non‐isentropic Euler–Maxwell and the isentropic Euler–Maxwell systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arabinoxylan activates Dectin‐1 and modulates particulate β‐glucan‐induced Dectin‐1 activation
Authors: Sahasrabudhe Neha M. , Schols Henk A. , Faas Marijke M. , de Vos Paul
Published: September 2015

Scope

Arabinoxylan is one of the most commonly consumed dietary fiber. Immunomodulation by arabinoxylan is documented but the mechanisms by which these immune‐effects are accomplished are unknown.

Methods and results

By applying reporter cell lines for Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and Dectin‐1, we demonstrated that arabinoxylan interacts with Dectin‐1 receptors and not with TLRs. Arabinoxylan activates Dectin‐1 to a similar magnitude as soluble β‐glucans. Soluble β‐glucans are known to inhibit the particulate β‐glucan‐induced activation of Dectin‐1. As arabinoxylan is also soluble, the inhibiting capacity of arabinoxylan on particulate β‐glucan‐activated Dectin‐1 cell lines was studied. It was found that this inhibition was similar to that of soluble β‐glucan and was caused predominantly by inhibition of the Dectin‐1A transcript variant. The Dectin‐1 inhibitory function of arabinoxylan was further confirmed in human dendritic cells that demonstrated reduced production of IL‐10 and TNF‐α. The production of the antifungal cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐23 were increased in dendritic cells stimulated with arabinoxylan and particulate β‐glucan. In contrast to soluble β‐glucan, arabinoxylan did not enhance production of IL‐10, TNF‐α, and IL‐23.

Conclusion

Arabinoxylan activates Dectin‐1 and supports antifungal immune responses in human dendritic cells. The mode of action of arabinoxylan is similar but not identical to that of soluble β‐glucans.
Urological disturbance and its neuroanatomical correlate in patients with chronic brainstem stroke
Authors: Lee Hye‐Sun , Choi Jeong Gue , Shin Joon‐Ho
Published: September 2015

Aims

Few studies have depicted urological disturbances among patients with chronic brainstem stroke, and little is known about the exact location of the micturition center or its role in humans. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively investigate urological disturbances and their neuroanatomical correlates among consecutively admitted patients with chronic brainstem stroke.

Methods

Urodynamic studies, brain images, and urological symptoms questionnaires were reviewed from consecutive patients suffering from brainstem stroke, who had been admitted to a stroke unit at a rehabilitation hospital between June 1, 2013 and January 31, 2015. For further comparison, consecutive data from urodynamic studies of patients with upper cervical spinal cord injury (admitted to a hospital between January 1, 2008 and January 31, 2015) were reviewed.

Results

Patients with chronic pontine stroke manifested more frequent detrusor underactivity, lower maximal detrusor pressure, and higher compliance than patients with upper cervical spinal cord injury. The most frequently involved lesions associated with detrusor underactivity were located around the central portion of the bilateral pons along the entire sagittal level. Urinary incontinence and symptoms associated with lower urinary tract dysfunction were reported in 10% and 95% of patients with brainstem stroke, respectively. No difference was found between genders or stroke subtypes in patients with brainstem stroke.

Conclusions

The present study identified a relationship between chronic pontine stroke and detrusor underactivity. Thus, detrusor underactivity might be associated with lesions localized to central portions of the bilateral pons. The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms was also revealed to be high among patients with chronic brainstem stroke. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:136–141, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Balance legal, PR aspects of managing crises on your campus
Authors: Prywes Daniel I. , Sobel Scott
Published: September 2015

Bad things can happen at colleges and universities. When they do, the institution's legal interests aren't the only things at stake. Issues of liability and damages often pale in comparison to the college's or university's reputational interests.
Apply business‐world techniques to student affairs leadership
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: September 2015

Student affairs professionals often talk about how much time they spend in meetings.
Review lessons learned from leading during difficult times
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2015

Everybody needs a crisis management plan. But nothing compares to insight from a student affairs professional who led his university community through a natural disaster.
Social Capital or Ethnic Enclave Location? A Multilevel Explanation of Immigrant Business Growth
Authors: Zolin Roxanne , Chang Artemis , Yang Xiaohua , Ho Elly Yi‐Hsuan
Published: September 2015

The rapid increase in migration into host countries and the growth of immigrant‐owned business enterprises has revitalized research on ethnic business. Does micro (individual)‐level social capital, or meso (group)‐level location within the ethnic enclave lead to immigrant business growth? Or do you need both? We analyze quantitative data collected from 110 Chinese restaurants in Australia, a major host country. At the micro level we find that coethnic (same ethnic group) networks are critical to the growth of an immigrant entrepreneur's business, particularly in the early years. But non‐coethnic (different ethnic group) social capital only has a positive impact on business growth for immigrant businesses outside the ethnic enclave. Our findings are relevant, not only to host‐country policymakers, but also for future immigrant business owners and ethnic community leaders trying to better understand how to promote healthy communities and sustainable economic growth. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synergistic effect of styrene and zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate on the properties of high melt strength polypropylene
Authors: He Ying , Wu Bin , Shao Huiju , Zhang Kaizhou , Lou Jinfen , Qin Shuhao
Published: September 2015

High melt strength polypropylene was successfully prepared by a reactive extrusion method, in which pure polypropylene without any additives was used as a basic resin; trimethylolpropane triacrylate was used as a grafting monomer, and styrene and zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate (ZDMC) were used as trapping radicals. The synergistic effects of styrene and ZDMC on melt strength and melt flow rate of modified polypropylene were investigated. When the additions of styrene and ZDMC were 3.5 parts by weight per hundred parts of resin (phr) and 0.3 phr, respectively, the melt strength of modified polypropylene (PP5) was about 21 cN, which was much higher than that of modified polypropylene without styrene (PP0, 4.6 cN). Moreover, crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of modified polypropylene were also investigated. The results showed that the melt and crystallization temperatures of modified polypropylene with styrene were higher than those without styrene, and the size of crystal was smaller. Moreover, the mechanical properties of modified polypropylene were greatly improved in the presence of styrene. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:13–17, 2018. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
A History of Marxian Economics
Authors: Howard M. C. , King J. E.
Published: September 2015

Howard and King have done an excellent job … scholarly without being partisan or polemical.' - Meghnad Desai, The Times Higher Education Supplement
The use of remote sensing to characterise hydromorphological properties of European rivers
Authors: Bizzi S. , Demarchi L. , Grabowski R. C. , Weissteiner C. J. , Van de Bund W.
Published: September 2015

Remote sensing (RS) technology offers unparalleled opportunities to explore river systems using RADAR, multispectral, hyper spectral, and LiDAR data. The accuracy reached by these technologies recently has started to satisfy the spatial and spectral resolutions required to properly analyse the hydromorphological character of river systems at multiple scales. Using the River Hierarchical Framework (RHF) as a reference we describe the state-of-the-art RS technologies that can be implemented to quantify hydromorphological characteristics at each of the spatial scales incorporated in the RHF (i.e. catchment, landscape unit, river segment, river reach, sub-reach—geomorphic and hydraulic units). We also report the results of a survey on RS data availability in EU member states that shows the current potential to derive RHF hydromorphological indicators from high-resolution multispectral images and topographic LiDAR at the national scale across Europe. This paper shows that many of the assessment indicators proposed by the RHF can be derived by different RS sources and existing methodologies, and that EU countries have sufficient RS data at present to already begin their incorporation into hydromorphological assessment and monitoring, as mandated by WFD. With cooperation and planning, RS data can form a fundamental component of hydromorphological assessment and monitoring in the future to help support the effective and sustainable management of rivers, and this would be done most effectively through the establishment of multi-purpose RS acquisition campaigns and the development of shared and standardized hydromorphological RS databases updated regularly through planned resurveyed campaigns.
Evidence for different drivers behind long‐term decline and depression of density in cyclic voles
Authors: Magnusson Magnus , Hörnfeldt Birger , Ecke Frauke
Published: September 2015

Decline and long‐term depression of mean densities of the grey‐sided vole (Myodes rufocanus) and the field vole (Microtus agrestis) have occurred in managed forest landscapes of Sweden since the 1970s. Generally poor over‐winter survival during a period with mild winters suggested a common climatic driver, but other explanations exist. Here we explore the response of the grey‐sided vole, preferring forested habitats, and the field vole, preferring open habitats, to clear‐cutting of old forest in Sweden. The cumulated impact from long‐term clear‐cutting explained local disappearances of the grey‐sided vole. Maintained connectivity of old forest to stone fields was important for local population survival, since no such populations disappeared. For the grey‐sided vole, it is probable that climate is not the dominating driver due to different timing of the decline in our study area. Instead, habitat loss is concluded as being a potential cause of the decline in mean density and depression of grey‐sided vole densities. The long‐lasting depression of field vole densities, despite favourable landscape changes, suggests action of another strong driver. A recent field vole recovery, essentially back to pre‐decline densities and distribution, coincided with favourable winter/snow conditions, suggesting a climatic driver in this case.
Team Roles and Hierarchic System in Group Discussion
Authors: Fujimoto Manabu
Published: September 2015

Conventional systems for classifying team roles refer only to the function criterion and two categories, task and social; in addition, roles and behaviors are unspecialized, a one-to-one correspondence being assumed between them. These theoretical problems have resulted in overly fragmented roles as well as oversimplified categories. Therefore, this article aims to reveal essential roles and a unified system to classify them. In order to elucidate the team roles essential for discussion, a questionnaire survey was administered for Study 1, with the result that just ten discussant-roles were identified. For Study 2, in order to verify a classification system for the discussant-roles, participant groups were asked to discuss itineraries for an overnight group trip during the winter holiday. The results showed that a three-criterion model based on the deep roles is superior to the traditional model. In this hierarchical system, characteristic behaviors are expressed according to ten discussant-roles, which are divided into six categories, using a combination of three criteria. This system not only solves the theoretical issues but also contributes to improving members’ discussion behaviors.
Revisiting the 4-Parameter Item Response Model: Bayesian Estimation and Application
Authors: Culpepper Steven Andrew
Published: September 2015

There has been renewed interest in Barton and Lord’s (An upper asymptote for the three-parameter logistic item response model (Tech. Rep. No. 80-20). Educational Testing Service, 1981) four-parameter item response model. This paper presents a Bayesian formulation that extends Béguin and Glas (MCMC estimation and some model fit analysis of multidimensional IRT models. Psychometrika, 66 (4):541–561, 2001) and proposes a model for the four-parameter normal ogive (4PNO) model. Monte Carlo evidence is presented concerning the accuracy of parameter recovery. The simulation results support the use of less informative uniform priors for the lower and upper asymptotes, which is an advantage to prior research. Monte Carlo results provide some support for using the deviance information criterion and <mml:math xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content">χ2\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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Preliminary Investigation of Ba-rich Sanidine in Phonolites of Badmer, Rajasthan
Authors: Viladkar Shrinivas G.
Published: September 2015

In melaphonolite of the Sarnu-Dandali, Badmer alkaline complex, high Ba- K-feldspar (sanidine) occurs as phenocrysts. Ba concentration ranges between 2% and 10% by weigth from core to rim. Many BSE images of this Ba-rich sanidine were examined. Large numbers of zoned Ba-rich sanidine phenocrysts were analysed using electron microprobe. BaO shows positive correlation with Al2O3 while there is negative correlation between BaO and K2O suggesting substitution of K by Ba. Petrographic evidence is clear that K-feldspar phenocrysts reacted with the melt which was getting richer in Ba during fractionation of melanephelinite to melaphonolite and subsequently this Ba deposited on the rims of K-feldspar. This short note reports results of preliminary investigation of number of Ba-rich sanidine grains from melaphonolite of Badmer and suggests incompatible behaviour Ba and that it was getting enriched in the melt during crystallization of magma.
Study of Radium and Radon Exhalation Rate in Soil Samples from Areas of Northern Rajasthan
Authors: Duggal Vikas , Mehra Rohit , Rani Asha
Published: September 2015

The health hazards of the radioactive gas radon on the humans are well known. Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. The “can technique” using LR-115 type II plastic track detectors have been used for the measurement of radon exhalation rate in soil samples from areas of northern Rajasthan, India. The radon exhalation values were calculated in terms of mass (EM) and area (EA). The mass exhalation rate in these samples vary from 8.27 to 23.19 mBq kg-1 h-1 with an average of 14.96 mBq kg-1 h-1, whereas, surface exhalation rate vary from 273.80 to 768.04 mBq m-2 h-1 with an average of 495.32 mBq m-2 h-1. The radium concentration ranges from 6.88 to 19.31 Bq kg-1 with an average value of 12.45 Bq kg-1. The observed values of effective radium concentration in all the soil samples are less than the permissible value of 370 Bq kg-1 as recommended by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Hence, the result shows that this area is safe as for as the health hazard effects of radium and radon exhalation rate are concerned.
Evaluating clinicians’ teaching performance
Authors: Benjamin C.M. Boerebach Benjamin C.M.
Published: September 2015

Evaluations of clinicians’ teaching performance are usually a preliminary, although essential, activity in quality management and improvement activities. This PhD project focused on testing the validity, reliability and impact of a performance evaluation system named the System of Evaluation of Teaching Qualities (SETQ) across specialities and centres in the Netherlands. The results of this project show that the SETQ questionnaires can provide clinicians with valid and reliable performance feedback that can enhance their teaching performance. Also, we tried to investigate the predictive validity of the SETQ. In conclusion, the SETQ appears to be a helpful tool for improving clinicians’ teaching performance.