bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comminution process modeling based on the monovariate and bivariate direct quadrature method of moments
Authors: Frances Christine , Liné Alain
Published: January 2014

Population balance equations (PBE) applied to comminution processes are commonly based on selection and breakage functions, which allow the description of changes of particle‐size distributions vs. time. However, other properties, such as the particle strength, also influence the grinding kinetics. A bivariate PBE was developed and resolved by the direct quadrature method of moments. This equation includes both the particle size and strength, the latter of which is defined as the minimum energy required for breakage. The monovariate case was first validated by comparing the predicted moments with those calculated from the size distributions given by an analytical solution of the PBE derived for specific selection and breakage functions. The bivariate model was then compared with a discretized model to evaluate its validity. Finally, the benefit of the bivariate model was proven by analyzing the sensitivity of some parameters and comparing the results of the monovariate and bivariate cases. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 1621–1631, 2014
Moving horizon approach of integrating scheduling and control for sequential batch processes
Authors: Chu Yunfei , You Fengqi
Published: January 2014

Online integration of scheduling and control is crucial to cope with process uncertainties. We propose a new online integrated method for sequential batch processes, where the integrated problem is solved to determine controller references rather than process inputs. Under a two‐level feedback loop structure, the integrated problem is solved in a frequency lower than that of the control loops. To achieve the goal of computational efficiency and rescheduling stability, a moving horizon approach is developed. A reduced integrated problem in a resolving horizon is formulated, which can be solved efficiently online. Solving the reduced problem only changes a small part of the initial solution, guaranteeing rescheduling stability. The integrated method is demonstrated in a simulated case study. Under uncertainties of the control system disruption and the processing unit breakdown, the integrated method prevents a large loss in the production profit compared with the simple shifted rescheduling solution. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 1654–1671, 2014
Synthesis and Optimization of a Bifunctional Hyaluronan‐Based Camptothecin Prodrug
Authors: Xu Zaiyang , Zheng Wenyi , Yin Zongning
Published: January 2014

Aiming to overcome the low solubility and poor targeting ability of camptothecin (CPT), two hyaluronan (HA)‐based polymeric prodrugs with different molecular weights (MW) were synthesized and characterized. The structure of HA–CPT was thoroughly verified by ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The conjugation of CPT to HA successfully improved the solubility of CPT from 2.08 to 420–620 µg/mL and enhanced tumor targeting, as shown by the in vitro uptake and cytotoxicity results. Moreover, it was found that the high MW conjugate exhibited higher drug loading, higher stability but lower solubility compared with the low MW conjugate. Both HA–CPT conjugates exhibited similar uptake efficiency and antitumor activity. The results demonstrated that HA could act as an effective solubilization carrier and targeting molecule in a HA‐based CPT prodrug.
Randomized clinical trial of the effect of perioperative synbiotics versus no synbiotics on bacterial translocation after oesophagectomy
Authors: Yokoyama Y , Nishigaki E , Abe T , Fukaya M , Asahara T , Nomoto K , Nagino M
Published: January 2014

Background

The impact of perioperative synbiotics on bacterial translocation and subsequent bacteraemia after oesophagectomy is unclear. This study investigated the effect of perioperative synbiotic administration on the incidence of bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and the occurrence of postoperative bacteraemia.

Methods

Patients with oesophageal cancer were randomized to receive perioperative synbiotics or no synbiotics (control group). MLNs were harvested from the jejunal mesentery before dissection (MLN-1) and after the restoration of digestive tract continuity (MLN-2). Blood and faeces samples were taken before and after operation. Microorganisms in each sample were detected using a bacterium-specific ribosomal RNA-targeted reverse transcriptase–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method.

Results

Some 42 patients were included. There was a significant difference between the two groups in detection levels of microorganisms in the MLN-1 samples. Microorganisms were more frequently detected in MLN-2 samples in the control group than in the synbiotics group (10 of 18 versus 3 of 18; P = 0·035). In addition, bacteraemia detected using RT-qPCR 1 day after surgery was more prevalent in the control group than in the synbiotics group (12 of 21 versus 4 of 21; P = 0·025). Neutrophil counts on postoperative days 1, 2 and 7 after surgery were all significantly higher in the control group than in the synbiotics group.

Conclusion

Perioperative use of synbiotics reduces the incidence of bacteria in the MLNs and blood. These beneficial effects probably contribute to a reduction in the inflammatory response after oesophagectomy. Registration number: ID 000003262 (University Hospital Medical Information Network, http://www.umin.ac.jp).
Integrated Service Areas: An Innovative Approach to Housing, Services and Supports for Older Persons Ageing in Place
Authors: Singelenberg Jeroen , Stolarz Holger , McCall Mary E.
Published: January 2014

As the number of older people increases, the need for housing and services grows. A unique project, started in northern Europe, provides a platform for sharing best practices, within appropriate cultural contexts, for supportive local housing for a range of needs. These Integrated Service Areas (ISAs) provide a range of co‐located and locally integrated services in small communities. This paper presents preliminary research that points towards greater satisfaction, feelings of security and longer housing independence among those living in ISAs compared with other elders. We argue that ISAs represent a useful example of possible housing arrangement for older people and that similar projects in different cultures could be implemented in order to improve the quality of life and housing for older persons. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expansion and malapposition characteristics after bioresorbable vascular scaffold implantation
Authors: Brown Adam J. , McCormick Liam M. , Braganza Denise M. , Bennett Martin R. , Hoole Stephen P. , West Nick E.J.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

This study sought to investigate the postdeployment expansion and malapposition characteristics of the bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) in real‐world practice.

Background

The material construct of the BVS precludes overexpansion, with consequent potential for scaffold underexpansion and malapposition. In metallic stents, these features are associated with an increased risk of adverse events, including stent thrombosis. The postdeployment characteristics of the BVS are yet to be described outside clinical trials, where implantation occurred in straightforward lesion subsets.

Methods

Data from 25 patients undergoing BVS implantation were analyzed. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed both before and after intervention to assess plaque composition, scaffold expansion and strut apposition. Manufacturer's compliance charts were used to predict expected minimal scaffold diameter and area.

Results

OCT pullback (522.2 mm) was analyzed. Overall, BVS achieved 82.5 ± 8.7 and 79.8 ± 12.3% of predicted minimal stent diameter and cross‐sectional area (SCA), respectively, with expansion reduced in middle third of the scaffold (central SCA 76.7 ± 10.9% vs. noncentral SCA 81.5 ± 12.7%, P < 0.0001). Improved measures of SCA were observed with 1:1 balloon:vessel predilatation (1:1 PreD 82.8 ± 9.5% vs. No 1:1 PredD 78.6 ± 13.0%, P < 0.0001). Seven thousand six hundred scaffold struts were identified, of which 470 (6.18%) were malapposed. In fibrocalcific (FCa) plaques, malapposition was observed more frequently (FCa 44.4% vs. Other plaques 7.5%, P < 0.001) and at a greater distance from the vessel wall (FCa 0.17 ± 0.10 mm vs. Other plaques 0.14 ± 0.08 mm, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

In this study, BVS expansion was significantly improved by 1:1 PreD, while increased rates of malapposition was associated with FCa plaques. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fast track occlusion of aorta with atrial septal defect sizing balloon
Authors: Çakır Hakan , Acar Göksel , Pala Selçuk
Published: January 2014

We describe the case of a 57‐year‐old woman referred to our emergency service with ruptured abdominal aneurysm. We placed a 34‐mm Amplatzer sizing balloon II into the suprarenal level of aorta to immediately control the active massive bleeding and to get the patient out of hemorrhage shock into the stable condition. After the bleeding control, endovascular repair was successfully performed. This is the first case report, to our knowledge, of atrial septal defect (ASD) sizing balloon use for blocking the blood flow through aorta to control the bleeding. ASD sizing balloon has some different properties compared to aortic occlusion balloon catheter (AOBC). Due to availability of sheathless usage, ASD sizing balloon may be preferred over AOBC for some of patient groups with peripheral artery diseases and small femoral artery diameters. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A semi‐mechanistic model to characterize the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of brodalumab in healthy volunteers and subjects with psoriasis in a first‐in‐human single ascending dose study
Authors: Salinger David H. , Endres Christopher J. , Martin David A. , Gibbs Megan A.
Published: January 2014

Pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic (PK‐PD) modeling can provide a framework for quantitative “learning and confirming” from studies in all phases of drug development. Brodalumab is a human monoclonal antibody (IgG2) targeting the IL‐17 receptor A that blocks signaling by cytokines thought to play a central role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis (IL‐17A, IL‐17F, and IL‐17A/F). We used semi‐mechanistic modeling of single dose, first‐in‐human data to characterize the exposure‐response relationship between brodalumab and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) in a Phase 1 clinical trial. Fifty‐seven healthy volunteers and 25 subjects with moderate to severe psoriasis received single intravenous or subcutaneous administration of placebo or brodalumab (7–700 mg). A two‐compartment model with parallel linear and nonlinear (Michaelis–Menten) elimination pathways described brodalumab PK. The PK‐PASI relationship was characterized by linking a signaling compartment with an indirect response model of psoriatic plaques, where signaling suppressed plaque formation. The concentration of half‐maximal inhibition IC50 was 2.86 µg/mL (SE: 50%). The endogenous psoriatic plaque formation rate of 0.862 (SE: 40%) PASI units/day was comparable with literature precedent. Despite the small sample size and single administration data, this semi‐mechanistic modeling approach provided a quantitative framework to inform design of dose‐ranging Phase 2 studies of brodalumab in psoriasis.
GPU implementation of a parallel two‐list algorithm for the subset‐sum problem
Authors: Wan Lanjun , Li Kenli , Liu Jing , Li Keqin
Published: January 2014

The subset‐sum problem is a well‐known non‐deterministic polynomial‐time complete (NP‐complete) decision problem. This paper proposes a novel and efficient implementation of a parallel two‐list algorithm for solving the problem on a graphics processing unit (GPU) using Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA). The algorithm is composed of a generation stage, a pruning stage, and a search stage. It is not easy to effectively implement the three stages of the algorithm on a GPU. Ways to achieve better performance, reasonable task distribution between CPU and GPU, effective GPU memory management, and CPU–GPU communication cost minimization are discussed. The generation stage of the algorithm adopts a typical recursive divide‐and‐conquer strategy. Because recursion cannot be well supported by current GPUs with compute capability less than 3.5, a new vector‐based iterative implementation mechanism is designed to replace the explicit recursion. Furthermore, to optimize the performance of the GPU implementation, this paper improves the three stages of the algorithm. The experimental results show that the GPU implementation has much better performance than the CPU implementation and can achieve high speedup on different GPU cards. The experimental results also illustrate that the improved algorithm can bring significant performance benefits for the GPU implementation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trace and rare earth element geochemistry of the Upper Triassic mudstones in the southern Ordos Basin, Central China
Authors: Qiu Xin‐Wei , Liu Chi‐Yang , Wang Fei‐Fei , Deng Yu , Mao Guang‐Zhou
Published: January 2014

Oil‐source correlation studies have demonstrated that the crude oils in the Ordos Basin were mainly derived from organic‐rich lacustrine mudstones of the Yanchang Formation. The sedimentology, petrology and organic geochemistry of these mudstones have been studied intensively, but their trace and rare earth element (REE) characteristics have received little attention. In this paper, we present trace and rare earth element data of the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation mudstones in the southern Ordos Basin to constrain the palaeoenvironment, provenance and depositional setting. Our results show that the REE and trace element concentrations of the Yanchang Formation mudstones are higher than those of the upper continental crust (UCC). The Sr contents and Sr/Ba and Y/Ho ratios of these mudstones indicate the absence of a marine transgression during the sedimentation of the Upper Triassic mudstones. The depositional environment of the Upper Triassic mudstones was slightly oxic as evidenced by the values of Eu/Eu*, Ce/Ce*, Ceanom, δU, U/Th, V/Cr and Ni/Co. The UCC‐normalized distribution pattern of REEs, spider diagrams, the ratios of related elements, the bivariate diagrams of Th/Sc–Zr/Sc and La/Th–Hf and the ternary plots of La–Th–Sc and Th–Sc–Zr/10 signify that the provenances of the Chang9–7 mudstones were mainly derived from a continental island arc, whereas the provenances of the Chang6–3 mudstones were mainly derived from a mixture of continental island arc and active continental margin, and the latter contain less recycled materials. Combined with the previous studies of detrital zircon dating and petrography of the Yanchang Formation sandstones in the southern Ordos basin, we propose that the Qinling orogenic belt served as one of the primary source regions occurring between the Chang7 and Chang6 periods, corresponding to the initial uplift of the west Qinling Mountains due to the collision between the Yangtze and North China blocks. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HIF‐1α Expression as a Protective Strategy of HepG2 Cells Against Fatty Acid‐Induced Toxicity
Authors: Yoo Wonbaek , Noh Kyung Hee , Ahn Jae Hee , Yu Ji Hee , Seo Ji A. , Kim Sin Gon , Choi Kyung Mook , Baik Sei Hyun , Choi Dong Seop , Kim Tae Woo , Kim Hyo Joon , Kim Nan Hee
Published: January 2014

Free fatty acid‐induced lipotoxicity via increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and hepatocyte apoptosis is a key pathological mechanism of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. A role of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) in this process has been suggested, but direct evidence is lacking. Here, we used HepG2 cells as a model to study whether HIF‐1α can reduce palmitic acid‐induced lipotoxicity and ER stress. In HepG2 cells treated with 500 µM palmitic acid, HIF‐1α expression increased transiently, the decline was associated with increased cleaved caspase‐3 expression. Overexpression and knockdown of HIF‐1α decreased and exacerbated, respectively, palmitic acid‐induced lipoapoptosis. The overexpression also blunted upregulation of the ER stress markers, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and chaperone immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (Bip), while the knockdown increased the level of CHOP. In line with this, CHOP promoter activity decreased following HIF‐1α binding to the CHOP promoter hypoxia response element. These results indicate that hepatocyte lipotoxicity is associated with decreased HIF‐1α expression. It also suggests that upregulation of HIF‐1α can be a possible strategy to reduce lipotoxicity in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1147–1158, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Removal of fumaric acid from simulated and real fermentation broth
Authors: Staszak Katarzyna , Woźniak Marta , Sottek Magdalena , Karaś Zofia , Prochaska Krystyna
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

One of the most popular methods of glycerol utilisation involves its bioconversion to low‐molecular organic compounds such as polyoles or organic acids. Because of the presence of contaminants in the post‐fermentation broth, including left‐over glycerol, small amounts of proteins, inorganic salts and some organic acids formed in the process of fermentation (mainly acetate, formic and lactic acids), the success of bioconversion is determined by the process of purification. In the study presented the usefulness of nanofiltration with the use of ceramic membranes for concentration and separation of fumaric acid from glycerol was evaluated.

RESULTS

It was found that the retention of fumaric salt increased strongly with increasing pH of the feed solution (depending on the degree of dissociation). The retentions of uncharged compounds, i.e. fumaric acid or glycerol were lower than 2%, irrespective of the initial concentration of the solution to be filtered.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained showed that nanofiltration can be considered as one of the purification steps in the process of recovery of salts of organic acids from a fermentation broth containing glycerol. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of cultivation line and peeling on food composition, taste characteristic, aroma profile, and antioxidant activity of Shiikuwasha (Citrus depressa Hayata) juice
Authors: Asikin Yonathan , Fukunaga Hibiki , Yamano Yoshimasa , Hou De‐Xing , Maeda Goki , Wada Koji
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

Shiikuwasha (Citrus depressa Hayata) juice from four main cultivation lines subjected to two peeling practices (with or without peeling) were discriminated in terms of quality attributes, represented by sugar and organic acid composition, taste characteristic, aroma profile, and antioxidant activity.

RESULTS

Shiikuwasha juice from these lines had diverse food compositions; ‘Izumi kugani’ juice had lower acidity but contained more ascorbic acid than that of other cultivation lines. The composition of volatile aroma components was influenced by fruit cultivation line, whereas its content was affected by peeling process (20.26–53.73 mg L−1 in whole juice versus 0.82–1.58 mg L−1 in flesh juice). Peeling also caused Shiikuwasha juice to be less astringent and acidic bitter and to lose its antioxidant activity. Moreover, the total phenolic and ascorbic acid content of Shiikuwasha juice positively influenced its antioxidant activity.

Conclusion

Each fruit cultivation line had a distinct food composition, taste characteristic, and aroma profile. Peeling in Shiikuwasha juice production might reduce aftertaste, and thus might improve its palatability. Comprehensive information on the effect of cultivation line and peeling on quality attributes will be useful for Shiikuwasha juice production, and can be applied to juice production of similar small citrus fruits. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Isolated limb perfusion for in‐transit melanoma metastases: Melphalan or TNF‐melphalan perfusion?
Authors: Hoekstra Harald J. , Veerman Kelly , van Ginkel Robert J.
Published: January 2014

Indications for treatment of melanoma in‐transit metastases (ITMs) confined to the limb with isolated limb perfusion (ILP) are not well defined. This study reports the Groningen regional therapeutic perfusion experience with melphalan (M‐ILP) and TNF‐melphalan (TM‐ILP) for ITMs, and reviews of the melanoma TNF‐melphalan ILP literature. Between 1991 and 2012, 60 patients were treated with ILP. Patients with “small” ITMs received M‐ILP (10–13 mg melphalan/L limb volume) and patients with “bulky” disease TM‐ILP (1–4 mg TNF); 19 M‐ILPs and 41 TM‐ILPs were performed, 26 Stage IIIB, 31 Stage IIIB and 1 stage IV disease. Overall response after 57 ILPs was 90%; CR 27 (45%), PR 27 (45%), no response 3 (5%); after 9 M‐ILPs CR 6 (32%) and 41 TM‐ILPs CR 21 (51%, P = 0.124). For younger patients (<65 years) CR was 69% and for elderly patients 29% (P = 0.003). For low volume disease (<5 ITMs) CR was 75% and for high volume disease (≥5 ITMs) 41% (P = 0.038). After median follow‐up of 15 months (range, 1–144) there was local recurrence or disease progression in 36 patients (60%). Positive lymph node status was associated with local progression, absence of CR and Stage IIIC disease; these were independent prognostic factors for progression to systemic disease. M‐ILP is an effective regional treatment for melanoma ITMs, whereas for bulky disease TM‐ILP should be the first choice. In‐field progression‐free survival after ILP is determined by the biological behavior of the ITMs and the patient's immune system. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:338–347. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of appalachian region pediatric hearing healthcare disparities and delays
Authors: Bush Matthew L. , Osetinsky Mariel , Shinn Jennifer B. , Gal Thomas J. , Ding Xiuhua , Fardo David W. , Schoenberg Nancy
Published: January 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to examine the timing of diagnostic and therapeutic services in cochlear implant recipients from a rural Appalachian region with healthcare disparity.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis.

Methods

Cochlear implant recipients from a tertiary referral center born with severe congenital sensorineural hearing loss were examined. Rural status and Appalachian status of their county of origin were recorded. A log‐rank test was used to examine differences in the distributions of time to definitive diagnosis of hearing loss, initial amplification fitting, and cochlear implantation in these children. Correlation analysis of the rural status of each county and the timing of services was assessed.

Results

A total of 53 children born with congenital hearing loss were included in the study (36 from rural counties and 17 from urban/suburban counties). The distribution of weeks after birth to diagnosis (P = .006), amplification (P = .030), and cochlear implantation(P = .002) was delayed in rural children compared with urban children. An analysis factoring in the effect of implementation of mandatory infant hearing screening in 2000 demonstrated a similar delay in rural children for weeks to diagnosis (P = .028), amplification (P=.087), and cochlear implantation (P < .0001).

Conclusions

Children with severe hearing loss in very rural areas, such as Appalachia, may have significant delays in diagnostic and rehabilitative services. Further investigation is warranted to assess causative factors in delays of cochlear implantation and to develop interventions to promote timely diagnosis and care.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 124:1713–1717, 2014
Screening of mutations in GNAL in sporadic dystonia patients
Authors: Dufke Claudia , Sturm Marc , Schroeder Christopher , Moll Susanne , Ott Thomas , Riess Olaf , Bauer Peter , Grundmann Kathrin
Published: January 2014

Background

GNAL mutations have been shown to cause adult‐onset isolated dystonia, a disabling movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions causing twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures.

Methods

To test the frequency of GNAL mutations in a series of 137 German patients with sporadic dystonia patients we used next‐generation sequencing of amplicon‐derived barcoded NexteraXT libraries for the coding exons and adjacent intronic sequences of GNAL.

Results

In our cohort we identified 1 pathogenic nonsense mutation (c.733C>T, p.R245*) in a patient with cervical dystonia. In a second patient a synonymous coding nonsynonymous variant (c.G252A, p.E84E) was detected, which is predicted to alter a splice site.

Conclusions

Our findings further support GNAL as causative gene in adult‐onset isolated dystonia. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
MicroRNA‐542‐3p inhibits tumour angiogenesis by targeting Angiopoietin‐2
Authors: He Ting , Qi Feifei , Jia Lin , Wang Shan , Song Nan , Guo Lifang , Fu Yan , Luo Yongzhang
Published: January 2014

Angiopoietin‐2 (Angpt2) plays a critical role in angiogenesis and tumour progression. Therapeutic targeting of Angpt2 has been implicated as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Whereas miRNAs are emerging as important modulators of angiogenesis, regulation of Angpt2 by miRNAs has not been established. Here we firstly report that Ang2 is targeted by a microRNA, miRNA‐542‐3p, which inhibits tumour progression by impairing Ang2's pro‐angiogenic activity. In cultured endothelial cells, miR‐542‐3p inhibited translation of Angpt2 mRNA by binding to its 3′ UTR, and addition of miR‐542‐3p to cultured endothelial cells attenuated angiogenesis. Administration of miR‐542‐3p to tumour‐bearing mice reduced tumour growth, angiogenesis and metastasis. Furthermore, the level of miR‐542‐3p in primary breast carcinomas correlated inversely with clinical progression in primary tumour samples from stage III and IV patients. Together, these findings uncover a novel regulatory pathway whereby an anti‐angiogenic miR‐542‐3p directly targets the key angiogenesis‐promoting protein Angpt2, suggesting that miR‐542‐3p may represent a promising target for anti‐angiogenic therapy and a potential marker for monitoring disease progression. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Influence of crosslinking on crystallization, rheological, and mechanical behaviors of high density polyethylene/ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer blends
Authors: Zhang Xiaohu , Yang Hongmei , Song Yihu , Zheng Qiang
Published: January 2014

High density polyethylene (HDPE)/ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) blends with selective crosslinking the EVA phase were prepared and the crystallization, rheological, and mechanical behaviors were studied. Selective crosslinking of EVA component could greatly improve both tensile and impact strengths of the HDPE‐rich blends and influence melting enthalpy at different annealing temperature in successive self‐nucleation and annealing procedure. Dynamic mechanical analysis reveals that glass transition temperatures of both the HDPE and EVA components are lowered upon blending and are raised upon crosslinking. The uncrosslinked HDPE/EVA blends are unstable in the melt and show increment in storage modulus (G′) and decay in loss tangent (tanδ) with annealing time associated with phase coarsening. However, morphology of selectively crosslinked blends in the melt state is highly unstable, characterized by a fast migration of uncrosslinked HDPE component out of the crosslinked EVA phase to the surface resulting in a rapid decay in G′ and an increment in tanδ at the early stage of annealing. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2848–2858, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Assembly and Catalytic Properties of Cobalt(II) and Copper(II) Coordination Polymers Based on Bis(imidazole) and Carboxylic Acid Mixed Ligands
Authors: Xiao Shu‐Lin , Liu Li , Ma Pei‐Juan , Cui Guang‐Hua
Published: January 2014

Two CoII/CuII coordination polymers, [Co(bim)(ip)]n (1) and [Cu3(nip)2(OH)(bim)(H2O)]n (2) [bim = bis(imidazol‐1‐yl)methane, H2ip = isophthalic acid and H2nip = 5‐nitroisophthalic acid], were synthesized by reactions of metal acetate with H2ip or H2nip in the presence of bim ligand under hydrothermal conditions. The polymers were characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, TGA, XRPD, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 1 shows a 2D (4, 4) layer structure with CoII ions at the nodes, which is further extended in to a 3D supramolecular network through C–H···π interactions. Compound 2 manifests a four‐connected {Cu5(OH)2}8+ pentameric kernel, which is bridged by bim ligand molecules and two kinds of nip ligands with different coordination modes. This complex also displays a 2D (4, 4) network, which is constructed from pentanuclear CuII clusters as secondary building unit (SBU). In addition, the catalytic properties of the title compounds for the degradation of congo red were investigated.
High Pressure Synthesis of the Cation‐ordered Perovskite 3C1:2‐Ba3NaRu2O9
Authors: Arevalo‐Lopez Angel M. , Senn Mark S. , Skedd Lauren , Attfield J. Paul
Published: January 2014

The new phase 3C1:2‐Ba3NaRu2O9 was synthesized by heating the hexagonal perovskite 6H‐Ba3NaRu2O9 at 900 °C under a pressure of 9 GPa. 3C1:2‐Ba3NaRu2O9 adopts the 1:2 B site‐ordered cubic perovskite type structure [space group P$\bar{3}$m1, cell parameters a = 5.8068(3) and c = 7.0652(5) Å] but a significant cation inversion between Na and Ru sites is found. No magnetic ordering transition is observed down to 2 K and 3C1:2‐Ba3NaRu2O9 displays Pauli paramagnetism indicative of a metallic oxide with strong electron‐electron correlations.
Designing Molecular Flip‐Flops – DFT‐Investigations on the Enantiomerization of Hetero Helicenes
Authors: Alzoubi Basam M.
Published: January 2014

Enantiomerization of the heterocyclic compounds PyPhXPhPy, PyXXPhPy, PyXPhXPy and PyXXXPy with furan (X = O), thiophene (X = S), and selenophene (X = Se), were studied by quantum chemical calculations [B3LYP/6‐31G* and MP2(full)/6‐311+G**//B3LYP/6‐31G*]. The activation barriers for the helicene compounds and twist angle decrease in the order PyPhSePhPy > PyPhSPhPy > PySePhSePy > PySeSePhPy > PySPhSPy. Electronic and steric factors of the helicene compounds affect the enantiomerization process and activation energy barrier.
Surgical Task‐Shifting in a Low‐Resource Setting: Outcomes After Major Surgery Performed by Nonphysician Clinicians in Tanzania
Authors: Beard Jessica H. , Oresanya Lawrence B. , Akoko Larry , Mwanga Ally , Mkony Charles A. , Dicker Rochelle A.
Published: January 2014

Background

Little is known about the breadth and quality of nonobstetric surgical care delivered by nonphysician clinicians (NPCs) in low‐resource settings. We aimed to document the scope of NPC surgical practice and characterize outcomes after major surgery performed by nonphysicians in Tanzania.

Methods

A retrospective records review of major surgical procedures (MSPs) performed in 2012 was conducted at seven hospitals in Pwani Region, Tanzania. Patient and procedure characteristics and level of surgical care provider were documented for each procedure. Rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality after nonobstetric MSPs performed by NPCs and physicians were compared using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

There were 6.5 surgical care providers per 100,000 population performing a mean rate of 461 procedures per 100,000 population during the study period. Of these cases, 1,698 (34.7 %) were nonobstetric MSPs. NPCs performed 55.8 % of nonobstetric MSPs followed by surgical specialists (28.7 %) and medical officers (15.5 %). The most common nonobstetric MSPs performed by NPCs were elective groin hernia repair, prostatectomy, exploratory laparotomy, and hydrocelectomy. Postoperative mortality was 1.7 % and 1.5 % in cases done by NPCs and physicians respectively. There was no significant difference in outcomes after procedures performed by NPCs compared with physicians.

Conclusions

Surgical output is low and the workforce is limited in Tanzania. NPCs performed the majority of major surgical procedures during the study period. Outcomes after nonobstetric major surgical procedures done by NPCs and physicians were similar. Task‐shifting of surgical care to nonphysicians may be a safe and sustainable way to address the global surgical workforce crisis.
Several distinct wet periods since 420 ka in the Namib Desert inferred from U-series dates of speleothems
Authors: Geyh Mebus A. , Heine Klaus
Published: January 2014

The scarcity of numerical dates of the arid areas in southern Africa is a challenge for reconstructing paleoclimate. This paper presents a chronological reconstruction in the central part of the Namib Desert, Namibia, for the last 420,000 yr. It is based on 230Th/U dates (TIMS) from a large stalagmite and a thick flowstone layer in a small cave located in the hyper-arid central Namib Desert. The results provide for the first time evidence of three or possibly four succeeding wet periods of decreasing intensity since 420 ka through which speleothem deposited at approximately 420–385 ka, 230–207 ka and 120–117 ka following the 100-ka Milankovitch cycle. Speleothem growth was not recorded for the Holocene. These wet periods interrupted the predominantly dry climate of the Namib Desert and coincided with wet phases in deserts of the northern hemisphere in the Murzuq Basin, Sahara, the Negev, Israel, the Nafud Desert, Saudi Arabia, and the arid northern Oman, Arabian Peninsula.
Three new species ofGraphis(Ascomycota:Ostropales:Graphidaceae) from Mexico, with updates to taxonomic key entries for 41 species described between 2009 and 2013
Authors: BARCENAS PEÑA Alejandrina , LÜCKING Robert , MIRANDA-GONZÁLEZ Ricardo , HERRERA-CAMPOS María de los Angeles
Published: January 2014

Three species ofGraphis(Graphidaceae) are described from Mexico from two research stations of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM): Chamela Biological Station in the Cuixmala-Chamela Biosphere Reserve, Jalisco, and Los Tuxtlas Tropical Biological Station in the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Veracruz. The new speciesGraphis bungartziiBarcenas-Peña, Lücking, Herrera-Campos & R. Miranda is characterized by erumpent lirellae with a lateral thalline margin, striate labia and laterally carbonized exciple, transversely septate ascospores, and norstictic and connorstictic acids.Graphis chamelensisBarcenas-Peña & Lücking has prominent lirellae with a basal to lateral thalline margin, entire labia and completely carbonized exciple, transversely septate ascospores, and norstictic acid. Finally,Graphis rosae-emiliaeBarcenas-Peña & Lücking is characterized by erumpent lirellae with lateral thalline margin, striate labia and completely carbonized exciple, transversely septate ascospores, and no substances detected by TLC. We present updates to the world key toGraphisfor 41 newly described or reinstated species since the world key was published in 2009. The following new combination is proposed:Pallidogramme parvicarpum(B. O. Sharma & Khadilkar) Lücking comb. nov., based onGraphis parvicarpaB. O. Sharma & Khadilkar.
Social capital and self-rated health among older adults: a comparative analysis of Finland, Poland and Spain
Authors: KOUTSOGEORGOU ELENI , NYQVIST FREDRICA , NYGÅRD MIKAEL , CERNIAUSKAITE MILDA , QUINTAS RUI , RAGGI ALBERTO , LEONARDI MATILDE
Published: January 2014

The aim of this paper is to investigate the association between structural and cognitive aspects of social capital and self-rated health among adults aged 50 or more, living in three countries: Finland, Poland and Spain. The study, which was based on data from the European Social Survey (2008/09), was a part of the EU research project COURAGE in Europe. More specifically the paper assesses the association between social capital indicators – informal social network and general trust – and good self-rated health through single-level and joint effects analyses. The results showed that Finland was a country of high social capital, in terms of both social networks and general trust, while Spain showed low levels of general trust and Poland low levels of informal social networks. As to the association between social capital and self-rated health, high levels of general trust and high networks were found to be associated with good health among all countries' respondents. Older persons living in partnerships, with higher education, higher levels of engagement in informal networks and general trust, were found to be more likely to show good self-rated health. Our comparative analyses revealed different associations between social capital and health according to country.
Heart transplant after the Fontan operation
Authors: Rossano Joseph W. , Shaddy Robert E.
Published: January 2014

Although the Fontan operation may provide a durable circulation for some patients with functionally univentricular hearts for several decades, circulatory failure becomes more common over time. Medical and/or surgical interventions can improve the circulation for some period of time; however, many patients will experience end-stage circulatory failure. Heart transplantation may be considered in these patients. This review will cover the indications and evaluation for heart transplantation, management of patients while waiting for heart transplantation and the current outcomes of transplantation in this population.
Longitudinal study of murine microbiota activity and interactions with the host during acute inflammation and recovery
Authors: Schwab Clarissa , Berry David , Rauch Isabella , Rennisch Ina , Ramesmayer Julia , Hainzl Eva , Heider Susanne , Decker Thomas , Kenner Lukas , Müller Mathias , Strobl Birgit , Wagner Michael , Schleper Christa , Loy Alexander , Urich Tim
Published: January 2014

Although alterations in gut microbiota composition during acute colitis have been repeatedly observed, associated functional changes and the recovery from dysbiosis received little attention. In this study, we investigated structure and function of the gut microbiota during acute inflammation and recovery in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-colitis mouse model using metatranscriptomics, bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and monitoring of selected host markers. Parallel to an increase of host markers of inflammation during acute colitis, we observed relative abundance shifts and alterations in phylotype composition of the dominant bacterial orders Clostridiales and Bacteroidales, and an increase of the low abundant Enterobacteriales, Deferribacterales, Verrucomicrobiales and Erysipelotrichales. During recovery, the microbiota began to resume, but did not reach its original composition until the end of the experiment. Microbial gene expression was more resilient to disturbance, with pre-perturbation-type transcript profiles appearing quickly after acute colitis. The decrease of Clostridiales during inflammation correlated with a reduction of transcripts related to butyrate formation, suggesting a disturbance in host-microbe signalling and mucosal nutrient provision. The impact of acute inflammation on the Clostridiales was also characterized by a significant downregulation of their flagellin-encoding genes. In contrast, the abundance of members of the Bacteroidales increased along with an increase in transcripts related to mucin degradation. We propose that acute inflammation triggered a selective reaction of the immune system against flagella of commensals and temporarily altered murine microbiota composition and functions relevant for the host. Despite changes in specific interactions, the host–microbiota homeostasis revealed a remarkable ability for recovery.
New catalytic model systems of tyrosinase: fine tuning of the reactivity with pyrazole-based N-donor ligands
Authors: Hamann Jessica Nadine , Tuczek Felix
Published: January 2014

Two models of tyrosinase containing bidentate ligands with pyrazole moieties are synthesized and characterized with respect to their catalytic activity.
Enantioselective synthesis of helical polydiacetylenes in the visible light region
Authors: Yang Guang , Han Lu , Jiang Hao , Zou Gang , Zhang Qijin , Zhang Douguo , Wang Pei , Ming Hai
Published: January 2014

The interaction between CPVL and the PDA oligomer was assumed to play a dominant role in the enantio-selective polymerization process.
Circular permutation of E. coli EPSP synthase: increased inhibitor resistance, improved catalytic activity, and an indicator for protein fragment complementation
Authors: Dai Xiongfeng , Zhu Manlu , Wang Yi-Ping
Published: January 2014

Circular permutation can increase an enzyme's inhibitor resistance and is a good indicator for establishing protein fragment complementation.
Storage of serum peptide information in nanoporous silicon microparticles
Authors: Tan Jie , Li Xiao , Du Guansheng , Pan Aiwu , Wu Jianmin
Published: January 2014

Nanoporous silicon microparticles can effectively protect the serum peptide from degradation, avoiding the alteration of peptide information during storage.
Bacopamonnieri (L.) exerts anti-inflammatory effects on cells of the innate immune system in vitro
Authors: Williams Roderick , Münch Gerald , Gyengesi Erika , Bennett Louise
Published: January 2014

Bacopa monnieri(L., BM) is a traditional Ayurvedic medicinal herb recognised for its efficacy in relieving acute pain and inflammation, as related to selective inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme and consequent reduction in COX-2-mediated prostanoid mediators. Anti-inflammatory activity of BM might also account for its benefits in cognition.
Ab initio and classical simulations of the temperature dependence of zeolite pore sizes
Authors: Shi Hongbo , Migues Angela N. , Auerbach Scott M.
Published: January 2014

Maximum pore size (pore size + vibrational amplitude), which is roughly independent of temperature, predicts zeolite pore size for bulky molecules.
Bioactive prenylated phenyl derivatives derived from marine natural products: novel scaffolds for the design of BACE inhibitors
Authors: López-Ogalla Javier , García-Palomero Esther , Sánchez-Quesada Jorge , Rubio Laura , Delgado Elena , García Pablo , Medina Miguel , Castro Ana , Muñoz Pilar
Published: January 2014

Bioassay guided-fractionation of active extracts from the sponge Sarcotragus sp. led to the isolation biochemical characterization and development of a chemistry program of bioactive prenylated phenyl derivatives.
SIG 2 Perspectives Vol. 23, No. 1, May 2013
Authors: Roth Carol
Published: January 2014

Sorry, this activity is no longer available for CEUs. Visit the SIG 2 page on the
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Use the CE questions PDF here as study questions to guide your Perspectives reading.
Initiation of multicellular differentiation inDictyostelium discoideumis regulated by coronin A
Authors: Vinet Adrien F. , Fiedler Thomas , Studer Vera , Froquet Romain , Dardel Anna , Cosson Pierre , Pieters Jean
Published: January 2014

Many biological systems respond to environmental changes by activating intracellular signaling cascades, resulting in an appropriate response. One such system is represented by the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. When food sources become scarce, these unicellular cells can initiate a cAMP-driven multicellular aggregation program to ensure long-term survival. On starvation, the cells secrete conditioned medium factors that initiate cAMP signal transduction by inducing expression of genes such as cAMP receptors and adenylate cyclase. The mechanisms involved in the activation of the first pulses of cAMP release have been unclear. We here show a crucial role for the evolutionarily conserved protein coronin A in the initiation of the cAMP response. On starvation, coronin A–deficient cells failed to up-regulate the expression of cAMP-regulated genes, thereby failing to initiate development, despite a normal prestarvation response. Of importance, external addition of cAMP to coronin A–deficient cells resulted in normal chemotaxis and aggregate formation, thereby restoring the developmental program and suggesting a functional cAMP relay in the absence of coronin A. These results suggest that coronin A is dispensable for cAMP sensing, chemotaxis, and development per se but is part of a signal transduction cascade essential for system initiation leading to multicellular development in Dictyostelium.
A phosphatidylinositol transfer protein integrates phosphoinositide signaling with lipid droplet metabolism to regulate a developmental program of nutrient stress–induced membrane biogenesis
Authors: Ren Jihui , Pei-Chen Lin Coney , Pathak Manish C. , Temple Brenda R. S. , Nile Aaron H. , Mousley Carl J. , Duncan Mara C. , Eckert Debra M. , Leiker Thomas J. , Ivanova Pavlina T. , Myers David S. , Murphy Robert C. , Brown H. Alex , Verdaasdonk Jolien , Bloom Kerry S. , Ortlund Eric A. , Neiman Aaron M. , Bankaitis Vytas A.
Published: January 2014

Lipid droplet (LD) utilization is an important cellular activity that regulates energy balance and release of lipid second messengers. Because fatty acids exhibit both beneficial and toxic properties, their release from LDs must be controlled. Here we demonstrate that yeast Sfh3, an unusual Sec14-like phosphatidylinositol transfer protein, is an LD-associated protein that inhibits lipid mobilization from these particles. We further document a complex biochemical diversification of LDs during sporulation in which Sfh3 and select other LD proteins redistribute into discrete LD subpopulations. The data show that Sfh3 modulates the efficiency with which a neutral lipid hydrolase-rich LD subclass is consumed during biogenesis of specialized membrane envelopes that package replicated haploid meiotic genomes. These results present novel insights into the interface between phosphoinositide signaling and developmental regulation of LD metabolism and unveil meiosis-specific aspects of Sfh3 (and phosphoinositide) biology that are invisible to contemporary haploid-centric cell biological, proteomic, and functional genomics approaches.
Integrative analysis of histone ChIP-seq and transcription data using Bayesian mixture models
Authors: Klein Hans-Ulrich , Schäfer Martin , Porse Bo T. , Hasemann Marie S. , Ickstadt Katja , Dugas Martin
Published: January 2014

Motivation: Histone modifications are a key epigenetic mechanism to activate or repress the transcription of genes. Datasets of matched transcription data and histone modification data obtained by ChIP-seq exist, but methods for integrative analysis of both data types are still rare. Here, we present a novel bioinformatics approach to detect genes that show different transcript abundances between two conditions putatively caused by alterations in histone modification.

Results: We introduce a correlation measure for integrative analysis of ChIP-seq and gene transcription data measured by RNA sequencing or microarrays and demonstrate that a proper normalization of ChIP-seq data is crucial. We suggest applying Bayesian mixture models of different types of distributions to further study the distribution of the correlation measure. The implicit classification of the mixture models is used to detect genes with differences between two conditions in both gene transcription and histone modification. The method is applied to different datasets, and its superiority to a naive separate analysis of both data types is demonstrated.

Availability and implementation: R/Bioconductor package epigenomix.

Contact:  h.klein@uni-muenster.de

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.