bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GUcal: An integrated application for capillary electrophoresis based glycan analysis
Authors: Jarvas Gabor , Szigeti Marton , Guttman Andras
Published: September 2015

Recent emergence in the use of monoclonal antibody therapeutics and other glycoprotein biopharmaceuticals requires high‐throughput, robust, and automated techniques for their glycosylation analysis. Capillary electrophoresis is one of the high‐performance methods of choice; however, while the necessary instrumentation is well developed, the related bioinformatics tools are lacked behind. In this paper, we introduce an integrated toolset dubbed as GUcal, to automatically calculate the glucose unit (GU) values for all sample components of interest in an electropherogram with a concomitant database search for structural assignment. The database comprises CE GUs and suggested structures of N‐glycans released from human IgG. The app is freely available online (www.lendulet.uni‐pannon.hu/gucal) and readily facilitates CE‐based glycan analysis.
SARAReading Components Tests,RISEForms: Technical Adequacy and Test Design, 2nd Edition
Authors: Sabatini John , Bruce Kelly , Steinberg Jonathan , Weeks Jonathan
Published: September 2015

This technical report describes the conceptual foundation and measurement properties of the Reading Inventory and Scholastic Evaluation (RISE). TheRISEis a 6‐subtest, Web‐administered reading skills components battery. The theoretical and empirical foundations of each subtest in the battery are reviewed, as well as item designs. The results included in this report feature a vertical extension of theRISEto span Grades 5–10, psychometric analysis of parallel forms of each subtest, results of item response theory (IRT) scaling studies for each of the subtests across the entire grade span, and evaluation of differential item functioning (DIF) for gender and race/ethnicity.
Information Flow Between Forward and Spot Markets: Evidence From the Chinese Renminbi
Authors: Tong Jiadong , Wang Zijun , Yang Jian
Published: September 2015

We apply a new model selection approach that allows for the joint determination of structural breaks and cointegration to examine the term structure of Chinese Renminbi (RMB)‐U.S. dollar spot and forward exchange rates during the managed‐floating period of 2005–2013. We find that the RMB market has exhibited different dynamic relationships between spot and forward exchange rates over time, apparently due to significant policy changes. Offshore forward rates with either shorter or longer maturities can substantially explain the in‐sample variation of the onshore spot exchange rate at longer horizons, while only the offshore forward rate with a shorter maturity can significantly predict RMB onshore spot rate changes out‐of‐sample. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 36:695–718, 2016
Ships’ logbooks from the Arctic in the pre‐instrumental period
Authors: Ayre Matthew , Nicholls John , Ward Catharine , Wheeler Dennis
Published: September 2015

Ships’ logbooks are now an accepted part of the repertoire of data sources in climate change studies. This article examines some of the particular issues surrounding logbooks from the Arctic region in the so‐called pre‐instrumental period. Attention is given to the means by which narrative descriptions of wind, weather and sea ice cover can be reliably expressed in index form. Consideration is also given to the various means by which these data can be most effectively managed for scientific analysis as in most cases they were not recorded for such purposes. Many such logbooks remain yet to be digitized and the methods described here can be applied with equal confidence in future through such undertakings using English language documents.
Individual prediction of chronic motor outcome in the acute post‐stroke stage: Behavioral parameters versus functional imaging
Authors: Rehme Anne K. , Volz Lukas J. , Feis Delia‐Lisa , Eickhoff Simon B. , Fink Gereon R. , Grefkes Christian
Published: September 2015

Several neurobiological factors have been found to correlate with functional recovery after brain lesions. However, predicting the individual potential of recovery remains difficult. Here we used multivariate support vector machine (SVM) classification to explore the prognostic value of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to predict individual motor outcome at 4–6 months post‐stroke. To this end, 21 first‐ever stroke patients with hand motor deficits participated in an fMRI hand motor task in the first few days post‐stroke. Motor impairment was quantified assessing grip force and the Action Research Arm Test. Linear SVM classifiers were trained to predict good versus poor motor outcome of unseen new patients. We found that fMRI activity acquired in the first week post‐stroke correctly predicted the outcome for 86% of all patients. In contrast, the concurrent assessment of motor function provided 76% accuracy with low sensitivity (<60%). Furthermore, the outcome of patients with initially moderate impairment and high outcome variability could not be predicted based on motor tests. In contrast, fMRI provided 87.5% prediction accuracy in these patients. Classifications were driven by activity in ipsilesional motor areas and contralesional cerebellum. The accuracy of subacute fMRI data (two weeks post‐stroke), age, time post‐stroke, lesion volume, and location were at 50%‐chance‐level. In conclusion, multivariate decoding of fMRI data with SVM early after stroke enables a robust prediction of motor recovery. The potential for recovery is influenced by the initial dysfunction of the active motor system, particularly in those patients whose outcome cannot be predicted by behavioral tests. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4553–4565, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hyponatremia and perioperative complications in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Feinstein Aaron J. , Davis John , Gonzalez Lyndon , Blackwell Keith E. , Abemayor Elliot , Mendelsohn Abie H.
Published: September 2015

Background

Recent studies suggest that hyponatremia is associated with perioperative morbidity and mortality after general surgical procedures, as well as mortality among medical inpatients. We investigated the association of hyponatremia with perioperative complications in patients undergoing surgical resection of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

All patients with pathologically confirmed HNSCC undergoing either primary or salvage surgical resection from March 1, 2013, until May 31, 2014, at a single tertiary care academic center were included in this retrospective review. The primary outcome was 30‐day mortality. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications (respiratory, cardiac, renal, and wound), hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, and need for blood transfusion.

Results

Two hundred fourteen surgical patients with HNSCC were identified for analysis. Patient ages ranged from 22 to 100 years (mean, 67 years). One hundred thirty‐eight men and 76 women were included. Primary tumor sites were oral cavity (47.7%), oropharynx (18.7%), larynx (12.6%), salivary glands (7.9%), cutaneous (7.5%), sinonasal (2.8%), and hypopharynx (2.3%). Surgical resections were balanced between primary (48.1%) and salvage (51.9%). Thirty‐five patients (16.4%) carried a presurgical diagnosis of diabetes. Fifteen patients (7.0%) demonstrated preoperative hyponatremia, and 46 (24.9%) had postoperative hyponatremia. Within the primary outcome measure, no difference in mortality was identified. Complications were noted in 58 patients (27.1%), and were more frequent in hyponatremic patients, both preoperatively and postoperatively (60.0% and 41.3%, respectively). Binomial logistic regression demonstrated risk of complications significantly associated with preoperative hyponatremia (odds ratio [OR] = 4.374; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.231–15.545; p = .023), increasing age (OR = 1.385; 95% CI = 1.032–1.857; p = .030), and increasing length of surgery (OR = 1.234; 95% CI = 1.046–1.455; p = .013). Postoperative hyponatremia was associated with increased hospital length of stay (p = .034).

Conclusion

Hyponatremia is a frequent electrolyte abnormality in patients with HNSCC. Both preoperative and postoperative hyponatremia are associated with perioperative morbidity, thus meriting intensive postoperative medical monitoring and treatment. Additional investigation is warranted to identify the pathophysiologic mechanisms behind this association. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1370–E1374, 2016
Changes in seasonality and timing of peak streamflow in snow and semi‐arid climates of the north‐central United States, 1910–2012
Authors: Ryberg Karen R. , Akyüz F. Adnan , Wiche Gregg J. , Lin Wei
Published: September 2015

Changes in the seasonality and timing of annual peak streamflow in the north‐central USA are likely because of changes in precipitation and temperature regimes. A source of long‐term information about flood events across the study area is the U.S. Geological Survey peak streamflow database. However, one challenge of answering climate‐related questions with this dataset is that even in snowmelt‐dominated areas, it is a mixed population of snowmelt/spring rain generated peaks and summer/fall rain generated peaks. Therefore, a process was developed to divide the annual peaks into two populations, or seasons, snowmelt/spring, and summer/fall. The two series were then tested for the hypotheses that because of changes in precipitation regimes, the odds of summer/fall peaks have increased and, because of temperature changes, snowmelt/spring peaks happen earlier. Over climatologically and geographically similar regions in the north‐central USA, logistic regression was used to model the odds of getting a summer/fall peak. When controlling for antecedent wet and dry conditions and geographical differences, the odds of summer/fall peaks occurring have increased across the study area. With respect to timing within the seasons, trend analysis showed that in northern portions of the study region, snowmelt/spring peaks are occurring earlier. The timing of snowmelt/spring peaks in three regions in the northern part of the study area is earlier by 8.7– 14.3 days. These changes have implications for water interests, such as potential changes in lead‐time for flood forecasting or changes in the operation of flood‐control dams. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serine 220 phosphorylation of the Merkel cell polyomavirus large T antigen crucially supports growth of Merkel cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Schrama David , Hesbacher Sonja , Angermeyer Sabrina , Schlosser Andreas , Haferkamp Sebastian , Aue Annemarie , Adam Christian , Weber Alexandra , Schmidt Marc , Houben Roland
Published: September 2015

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is regarded as a major causal factor for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Indeed, tumor cell growth of MCPyV‐positive MCC cells is dependent on the expression of a truncated viral Large T antigen (LT) with an intact retinoblastoma protein (RB)‐binding site. Here we determined the phosphorylation pattern of a truncated MCPyV‐LT characteristically for MCC by mass spectrometry revealing MCPyV‐LT as multi‐phospho‐protein phosphorylated at several serine and threonine residues. Remarkably, disruption of most of these phosphorylation sites did not affect its ability to rescue knockdown of endogenous T antigens in MCC cells indicating that phosphorylation of the respective amino acids is not essential for the growth promoting function of MCPyV‐LT. However, alteration of serine 220 to alanine completely abolished the ability of MCPyV‐LT to support proliferation of MCC cells. Conversely, mimicking the phosphorylated state by mutation of serine 220 to glutamic acid resulted in a fully functional LT. Moreover, MCPyV‐LTS220A demonstrated reduced binding to RB in co‐immunoprecipitation experiments as well as weaker induction of RB target genes in MCC cells. In conclusion, we provide evidence that phosphorylation of serine 220 is required for efficient RB inactivation in MCC and may therefore be a potential target for future therapeutic approaches.
Low level laser therapy reduces acute lung inflammation without impairing lung function
Authors: Cury Vivian , de Lima Thais Martins , Prado Carla Maximo , Pinheiro Nathalia , Ariga Suely K. K. , Barbeiro Denise F. , Moretti Ana I. , Souza Heraldo P.
Published: September 2015

Acute lung injury is a condition characterized by exacerbate inflammatory reaction in distal airways and lung dysfunction. Here we investigate the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI) by low level laser therapy (LLLT), an effective therapy used for the treatment of patients with inflammatory disorders or traumatic injuries, due to its ability to reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. However, studies in internal viscera remains unclear. C57BL/6 mice were treated with intratracheal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (5 mg/kg) or phosphate buffer saline (PBS). Six hours after instillation, two groups were irradiated with laser at 660 nm and radiant exposure of 10 J/cm2. Intratracheal LPS inoculation induced a marked increase in the number of inflammatory cells in perivascular and alveolar spaces. There was also an increase in the expression and secretion of cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6,) and chemokine (MCP‐1). The LLLT application induced a significant decrease in both inflammatory cells influx and inflammatory mediators secretion. These effects did not affect lung mechanical properties, since no change was observed in tissue resistance or elastance. In conclusion LLLT is able to reduce inflammatory reaction in lungs exposed to LPS without affecting the pulmonary function and recovery.

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The development of a micro‐shunt made from poly(styrene‐block‐isobutylene‐block‐styrene) to treat glaucoma
Authors: Pinchuk Leonard , Riss Isabelle , Batlle Juan F. , Kato Yasushi P. , Martin John B. , Arrieta Esdras , Palmberg Paul , Parrish Richard K. , Weber Bruce A. , Kwon Yongmoon , Parel Jean‐Marie
Published: September 2015

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness with ∼70 million people worldwide who are blind from this disease. The currently practiced trabeculectomy surgery, the gold standard treatment used to stop the progression of vision loss, is rather draconian, traumatic to the patient and requires much surgical skill to perform. This article summarizes the more than 10‐year development path of a novel device called the InnFocus MicroShunt®, which is a minimally invasive glaucoma drainage micro‐tube used to shunt aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye to a flap formed under the conjunctiva and Tenon's Capsule. The safety and clinical performance of this device approaches that of trabeculectomy. The impetus to develop this device stemmed from the invention of a new biomaterial called poly(styrene‐block‐isobutylene‐block‐styrene), or “SIBS.” SIBS is ultra‐stable with virtually no foreign body reaction in the body, which manifests in the eye as clinically insignificant inflammation and capsule formation. The quest for an easier, safer, and more effective method of treating glaucoma led to the marriage of SIBS with this glaucoma drainage micro‐tube. This article summarizes the development of SIBS and the subsequent three iterations of design and four clinical trials that drove the one‐year qualified success rate of the device from 43% to 100%. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 211–221, 2017.
Intramolecular Aza‐Diels‐Alder Cyclization of a Dimerized Citral with Anilines Catalyzed by InCl3
Authors: Chen Yijang , Ramanathan Mani , Liu Shiuh‐Tzung
Published: September 2015

A series of aza‐polycyles containing octahydroacridine core were prepared via an intramolecular aza‐Diels‐Alder reaction of a dimerized citral with various aromatic amines. This reaction is efficiently catalyzed by InCl3 at ambient temperature to afford the corresponding cyclized products in moderate to good yields.
Alternative Representations of the Correlation Energy in Density‐Functional Theory: A Kinetic‐Energy Based Adiabatic Connection
Authors: Teale Andrew M. , Helgaker Trygve , Savin Andreas
Published: September 2015

The adiabatic‐connection framework has been widely used to explore the properties of the correlation energy in density‐functional theory. The integrand in this formula may be expressed in terms of the electron–electron interactions directly, involving intrinsically two‐particle expectation values. Alternatively, it may be expressed in terms of the kinetic energy, involving only one‐particle quantities. In this work, we explore this alternative representation for the correlation energy and highlight some of its potential for the construction of new density functional approximations. The kinetic‐energy based integrand is effective in concentrating static correlation effects to the low interaction strength regime and approaches zero asymptotically, offering interesting new possibilities for modeling the correlation energy in density‐functional theory
Design Features of Drug–Drug Interaction Trials Between Antivirals and Oral Contraceptives
Authors: Ayala Ruben C. , Arya Vikram , Younis Islam R.
Published: September 2015

The aim of this work was to explore the major design features of drug–drug interaction trials between antiviral medications (AVs) and oral contraceptives (OCs). Information on these trials (n = 27) was collected from approved drug labels and clinical pharmacology reviews conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The primary objective of all trials was to evaluate changes in OC exposure following the coadministration of AVs. In addition, an evaluation of potential pharmacodynamic interaction was performed in 10 of these trials. Twenty‐two trials were open label with a fixed‐sequence design, and 5 trials used a double‐blind crossover design. The trials were conducted using one, two, or three 28‐day ovulatory cycles in 10, 8, and 9 trials, respectively. Only 1 trial enrolled HIV‐infected women. The median number of women in a trial was 20 (range, 12 to 52). Norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol (EE) combination was the most commonly used OC (n = 16, 59%) followed by norgestimate/EE (n = 9, 33%). Labeling recommendations were based on exposure changes in 25 cases and on safety observations in the trial in 2 cases. In conclusion, a wide variety of trial designs was used, and there is no preferred design. The answer to the exposure question can be achieved using multiple designs.
Lack of Pharmacokinetic Interactions Between Macitentan and a Combined Oral Contraceptive in Healthy Female Subjects
Authors: Hurst Noémie , Pellek Matthias , Dingemanse Jasper , Sidharta Patricia N.
Published: September 2015

Macitentan, a dual endothelin receptor antagonist used in pulmonary arterial hypertension, induces cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A at supratherapeutic concentrations in vitro. Most combined oral hormonal contraceptives (OCs) are CYP3A substrates and their efficacy can be affected by CYP3A inducers. This randomized crossover study assessed possible pharmacokinetic (PK) interactions between macitentan and an OC containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone (or norethisterone). Twenty‐six healthy women received a single oral dose of OC alone (reference) and concomitantly with 10 mg macitentan at steady state (test). No PK interaction was concluded if the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of geometric mean ratios (GMRs; test/reference) of the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and the exposure from 0 to infinity (AUC0–∞) to the OC components were within the equivalence limits of 0.8 to 1.25. Cmax and AUC0–∞ of the OC were within the equivalence limits. For ethinyl estradiol, GMRs (90%CIs) of Cmax and AUC0–∞ were 0.92 (0.85–0.99) and 0.95 (0.90–0.99). For norethindrone, these values were 1.02 (0.95–1.09) and 1.04 (0.98–1.09), respectively. Overall, study treatments were well tolerated. No major changes from baseline in safety parameters were reported in either treatment. Macitentan does not affect the PK of OCs.
An experimental field evaluation of winter carryover effects in semi‐anadromous brown trout (Salmo trutta)
Authors: Midwood Jonathan D. , Larsen Martin H. , Boel Mikkel , Aarestrup Kim , Cooke Steven J.
Published: September 2015

For semi‐anadromous brown trout, the decision whether or not to smoltify and migrate to the sea is believed to be made at the end of the preceding summer in response to both local environmental conditions and individual physiological status. Stressors experienced during the fall may therefore influence their propensity to migrate as well as carry over into the winter resulting in mortality when fish face challenging environmental conditions. To evaluate this possibility, we artificially elevated cortisol levels in juvenile trout (via intracoelomic injection of cortisol in the fall) and used passive integrated transponder tags to compare their overwinter and spring survival, growth, and migration success relative to a control group. Results suggest that overwinter mortality is high for individuals in this population regardless of treatment. However, survival rates were 2.5 times lower for cortisol‐treated fish and they experienced significantly greater loss in mass. In addition, less than half as many cortisol‐treated individuals made it downstream to a stationary antenna over the winter and also during the spring migration compared to the control treatment. These results suggest that a fall stressor can reduce overwinter survival of juvenile brown trout, negatively impact growth of individuals that survive, and ultimately result in a reduction in the number of migratory trout. Carryover effects such as those documented here reveal the cryptic manner in which natural and anthropogenic stressors can influence fish populations. J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 645–654, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Efficient Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Pyrido[2,3‐d]Pyrimidine, Chromeno[3,4‐c]Pyridine, Pyridine, Pyrimido[2,3‐c]Pyridazine, Enediamines, and Pyridazine Derivatives
Authors: Elagamey Abdel Ghani , Sattar Samah Abdel , El‐Taweel Fathy , Said Samy
Published: September 2015

A series of Pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidine have been synthesized through a reaction of cyanoacetylurea derivatives with aromatic aldehydes or Arylidines. Reaction of compound 1 with aromatic arylidine derivatives or arylhydrazones gave Chromeno[3,4‐c]pyridine, Pyridine, Pyrimido[2,3‐c]pyridazine, Enediamines, and Pyridazine derivatives. All the synthesized compounds were confirmed by spectral studies and screened for their in antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram negative) bacterial strains. All the compounds were weak to good active against the tested bacterial strains on comparing with the standard drug gentamicin.
Synthesis, Biological Activity of Pyrimidine Linked with Morpholinophenyl Derivatives
Authors: Gorle Sridevi , Maddila Suresh , Chokkakula Santosh , Lavanya Palakondu , Singh Moganavelli , Jonnalagadda Sreekanth B.
Published: September 2015

A new series of 5‐fluoro‐N4‐(3‐(4‐substitutedbenzylamino)phenyl)‐N2‐(4‐morpholinophenyl)pyrimidine‐2,4‐diamine derivatives (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7i, 7j) are prepared from using an intermediate compound 5‐fluoro‐N4‐(3‐(aminophenyl)‐N2‐(4‐morpholinophenyl)pyrimidine‐2,4‐diamine (5). The structures of the newly synthesized products are established from their spectral 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, 19F‐NMR, ESI‐MS, and analytical data. Here we report the synthesized compounds and larvicidal activity. All the compounds are screened for their significant larvicidal activity against third instar larvae at 24, 48, and 78‐h time exposure, and values were compared with standard drug Malathion. The Compounds 7i, 7a, 7c, 7f, and 7j exhibited significant activity. However the compounds 7b, 7e, 7d, and 7h showed excellent activity when compared to the above compounds and to standard drug malathion too because of the presence of mild electron withdrawing groups such as trifluoro, fluorine, hydroxy, nitro, and methoxy derivatives which are attached to the benzyl ring.
Synthesis and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Pyrrole Hetarylazoles Containing Benzimidazole/Pyrazolone/1,3,4‐Oxadiazole Motifs
Authors: Mochona Bereket , Jackson Timothy , McCauley DeCoria , Mazzio Elizabeth , Redda Kinfe K.
Published: September 2015

Azomethine‐linked pyrrole bishetarylazoles containing benzimidazole/pyrazolone/1,3,4‐oxadiazole were synthesized in satisfactory yields. Their structures were confirmed by IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and elemental analysis. Evaluation for the cytotoxic activities in vitro against a panel of breast cancer cell lines (MDA‐AB‐231, BT‐474, and Ishikawa cells) revealed that the pyrrole–benzimidazole hybrids are more potent than the pyrazolone and 1,3,4‐oxadiazole hybrids in all cell lines. Compound 9 displayed promising cytotoxicity against BT‐474 cell line with IC50 values, 7.7 µM.
Updates in perioperative medicine
Authors: Dutta Suparna , Cohn Steven L. , Pfeifer Kurt J. , Slawski Barbara A. , Smetana Gerald W. , Jaffer Amir K.
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

As our surgical population becomes older and more medically complex, knowledge of the most recent perioperative literature is necessary to optimize perioperative care. We aim to summarize and critique literature published over the past year with the highest potential to impact the clinical practice of perioperative medicine.

METHODS

We reviewed articles published between January 2014 and April 2015, identified via MEDLINE search. The final 10 articles selected were determined by consensus among all authors, with criteria for inclusion including scientific rigor and relevance to perioperative medicine practice.

RESULTS

Key findings include: long term β‐blockade should be continued prior to surgery, routine screening with postoperative troponin is not recommended, initiation/continuation of aspirin or clonidine in the perioperative period is not beneficial and may increase adverse outcomes, preoperative diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea may reduce risk of postoperative cardiovascular complications, new pulmonary risk indices are available that accurately estimate postoperative pulmonary complications, postoperative atrial fibrillation is associated with increased long‐term stroke risk, risk scores such as the CHADS2 (Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years, Diabetes Mellitus, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack) are superior to the Revised Cardiac Risk Index in predicting adverse postoperative outcomes for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, and utilization of bridging anticoagulation comes with a much higher risk of bleeding compared to patients who are not bridged.

CONCLUSIONS

The body of literature reviewed provides important information for clinicians caring for surgical patients across multiple fronts, including preoperative risk assessment, medication management, and postoperative medical care. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:231–236. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Site selective syntheses of [3H]omeprazole using hydrogen isotope exchange chemistry
Authors: Pollack Scott R. , Schenk David J.
Published: September 2015

Omeprazole (Prilosec®) is a selective and irreversible proton pump inhibitor used to treat various medical conditions related to the production of excess stomach acids. It functions by suppressing secretion of those acids. Radiolabeled compounds are commonly employed in the drug discovery and development process to support efforts including library screening, target identification, receptor binding, assay development and validation and safety assessment. Herein, we describe synthetic approaches to the controlled and selective labeling of omeprazole with tritium via hydrogen isotope exchange chemistry. The chemistry may also be used to prepare tritium labeled esomeprazole (Nexium®), the active pure (S)‐enantiomer of omeprazole.
Detection of human polyomaviruses MCPyV, HPyV6, and HPyV7 in malignant and non‐malignant tonsillar tissues
Authors: Saláková Martina , Košlabová Eva , Vojtěchová Zuzana , Tachezy Ruth , Šroller Vojtěch
Published: September 2015

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is associated with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare skin malignancy. Human polyomavirus six and seven (HPyV6 and HPyV7) were identified on a skin but have not been associated with any pathology. The serology data suggest that infection with polyomaviruses occurs in childhood and they are widespread in population. However, the site of persistent infection has not been identified. Altogether, 103 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) specimens and five fresh frozen tissues (FF) of non‐malignant tonsils and 97 FFPE and 15 FF samples of tonsillar carcinomas were analyzed by qPCR for the presence of MCPyV, HPyV6, and HPyV7 DNA. All MCPyV DNA positive FF tissues were screened for the expression of early viral transcripts. Overall prevalence of MCPyV, HPyV6, and HPyV7 in non‐malignant tonsillar tissues was 10.2%, 4.6%, and, 0.9%, respectively. The prevalence of MCPyV DNA in non‐malignant tonsils increased with age (P < 0.05). While the prevalence of MCPyV DNA was significantly higher in the tumors than non‐malignant tissues (35.7% vs. 10.2%) (P < 0.001), the prevalence of HPyV6 DNA (5.4% vs. 4.6%) and HPyV7 DNA (1.8% vs. 0.9%) were comparable. In all MCPyV DNA positive FF tissues early transcripts were detected. MCPyV, HPyV6, and HPyV7 DNAs were found in tonsils, suggesting that the tonsils may be a site of viral latency. The viral load was low indicating that only a fraction of cells are infected. The higher prevalence of MCPyV DNA was detected in tonsillar tumors but there was no difference in the viral load between tumor and healthy tissues. J. Med. Virol. 88:695–702, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mindless Learning versus Critical Thinking: Educators Must Teach How to Think
Authors: Shean Andrew
Published: September 2015

In a mindless learning situation, students are often treated as repositories to dump information and, over time, lose their love of learning. Even worse, they become automatons that just don't care and simply go through the motions and learn the game of school. Others drop out and lose a connection to learning altogether. The focus on mindless learning must change. We must move from learning what to think to learning how to think.
Moderate water stress prevents the postharvest decline of ascorbic acid in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) but not in spinach beet (Beta vulgaris L.)
Authors: Mogren Lars M , Beacham Andrew M , Reade John P H , Monaghan James M
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Babyleaf salads such as spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and spinach beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. cicla var. cicla) are an important dietary source of antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Such compounds may be important in disease prevention in consumers but the level of these compounds in leaves frequently declines after harvest. As such, methods to maintain antioxidant levels in fresh produce are being sought.

RESULTS

Irrigation deficits were used to apply water stress to S. oleracea and B. vulgaris plants. This treatment prevented postharvest decline of leaf ascorbic acid content in S. oleracea but not in B. vulgaris. Ascorbic acid levels in leaves at harvest were unaffected by the treatment in both species compared to well‐watered controls.

CONCLUSION

We have shown that restricted irrigation provides a viable means to maintain leaf vitamin content after harvest in S. oleracea, an important finding for producers, retailers and consumers alike. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and characterization of a stable humic–urease complex: application to barley seed encapsulation for improving N uptake
Authors: Mvila Beaufray G , Pilar‐Izquierdo María C , Busto María D , Perez‐Mateos Manuel , Ortega Natividad
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Most N fertilizers added to soil are not efficiently used by plants and are lost to the atmosphere or leached from the soil, causing environmental pollution and increasing cost. Barley seed encapsulation in calcium alginate gels containing free or immobilized urease to enhance plant utilization of soil N was investigated.

RESULTS

Urease was immobilized with soil humic acids (HA). A central composite face‐centered design was applied to optimize the immobilization process, reaching an immobilization yield of 127%. Soil stability of urease was enhanced after the immobilization. Seed encapsulation with free urease (FU) and humic–urease complex (HUC) resulted in a urease activity retention in the coating layer of 46% and 24%, and in germination rates of 87% and 92%, respectively. Under pot culture conditions, the pots planted with seeds encapsulated withFUandHUCshowed higher ammonium N (NH4+‐N) (26% and 64%, respectively) than the control soil at 28 days after planting (DAP). Moreover, the seed encapsulation withFUandHUCincreased the N uptake 83% and 97%, respectively, at 35DAP.

CONCLUSION

Seed encapsulation with urease could substantially contribute to enhancing plant N nutrition in the early stages of seedling establishment. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Pheochromocytoma diagnosed pathologically with previous negative serum markers
Authors: Heavner Matthew G. , Krane Louis S. , Winters Shira M. , Mirzazadeh Majid
Published: September 2015

Background and objectives

Patients presenting with adrenal masses require workup with catecholamine or metabolite measurements to rule out pheochromocytoma. There is a select portion of patients with marker negative pheochromocytoma. The aim of this study is to compare patient characteristics and presentations between marker positive and marker negative tumors.

Methods

We performed an IRB‐approved retrospective chart review of 88 cases of pheochromocytoma excised at our institution from 1995 to 2013. We considered any abnormal elevation in diagnostic test to be marker‐positive.

Results

Seventy‐eight cases had laboratory results available. Among these, seven had no elevations in laboratory testing. There was no difference in age or tumor size, but marker‐negative patients had higher BMI than marker‐positive patients. Marker negative patients were more likely to present with vertigo/dizziness (P = 0.003). Neither was more likely to have a genetic syndrome associated with risk of pheochromocytoma.

Conclusions

Marker‐negative pheochromocytoma is uncommon, representing 9% of cases in our series. Of patients with adrenal masses or presentation suggesting catecholamine excess with normal labs, those with vertigo/dizziness may warrant a metaiodobenzylguanidine scan or repeat testing to avoid missing pheochromocytoma. Clinicians may need a high degree of suspicion for pheochromocytoma in patients with negative testing and elevated BMI. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015; 112:492–495. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Northern bobwhite abundance in relation to precipitation and landscape structure
Authors: Parent Chad J. , Hernández Fidel , Brennan Leonard A. , Wester David B. , Bryant Fred C. , Schnupp Matthew J.
Published: September 2015

Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations have declined across their range. The decline is associated with broad‐scale losses of their habitats. Additionally, the presence of essential, structural features provided by vegetation in the remaining habitats is contingent on variable spatial and temporal trends in precipitation. This complicates the management of the bobwhite's habitats. We modeled counts of bobwhite coveys as a function of landscape structure and precipitation covariates from arid landscapes in southern Texas. Our results indicated that numbers of coveys in landscapes with greater amounts of woody cover were predicted to be highly independent of precipitation. This has important management implications because certain landscape structures associated with woody cover buffer bobwhite populations from drought. To facilitate management based on our results, we mapped our model predictions for covey counts. This allows managers to spatially prioritize where management interventions need to occur, and evaluate the potential efficacy for these interventions to create positive bobwhite population responses. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Rapid growth and concerted sexual transitions by a bloom of the harmful dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense (Dinophyceae)
Authors: Brosnahan Michael L. , Velo‐Suárez Lourdes , Ralston David K. , Fox Sophia E. , Sehein Taylor R. , Shalapyonok Alexi , Sosik Heidi M. , Olson Robert J. , Anderson Donald M.
Published: September 2015

Transitions between life cycle stages by the harmful dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense are critical for the initiation and termination of its blooms. To quantify these transitions in a single population, an Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB), was deployed in Salt Pond (Eastham, Massachusetts), a small, tidally flushed kettle pond that hosts near annual, localized A. fundyense blooms. Machine‐based image classifiers differentiating A. fundyense life cycle stages were developed and results were compared to manually corrected IFCB samples, manual microscopy‐based estimates of A. fundyense abundance, previously published data describing prevalence of the parasite Amoebophrya, and a continuous culture of A. fundyense infected with Amoebophrya. In Salt Pond, a development phase of sustained vegetative division lasted approximately 3 weeks and was followed by a rapid and near complete conversion to small, gamete cells. The gametic period (∼3 d) coincided with a spike in the frequency of fusing gametes (up to 5% of A. fundyense images) and was followed by a zygotic phase (∼4 d) during which cell sizes returned to their normal range but cell division and diel vertical migration ceased. Cell division during bloom development was strongly phased, enabling estimation of daily rates of division, which were more than twice those predicted from batch cultures grown at similar temperatures in replete medium. Data from the Salt Pond deployment provide the first continuous record of an A. fundyense population through its complete bloom cycle and demonstrate growth and sexual induction rates much higher than are typically observed in culture.
Improving estimates of ecosystem metabolism by reducing effects of tidal advection on dissolved oxygen time series
Authors: Beck Marcus W. , Hagy James D. , Murrell Michael C.
Published: September 2015

In aquatic systems, time series of dissolved oxygen (DO) have been used to compute estimates of ecosystem metabolism. Central to this open‐water method is the assumption that the DO time series is a Lagrangian specification of the flow field. However, most DO time series are collected at fixed locations, such that changes in DO are assumed to reflect metabolism and that effects of advection or mixing are negligible. A weighted regression model was applied to remove variability in DO time series from tides, thereby helping to partially relax this assumption and improve metabolism estimates. The method offers a distinct advantage over traditional deconvulution methods by targeting the periodicity of the tidal component while preserving the true biological signal. The model was first applied to simulated DO time series with specified biological and physical characteristics, and then applied to 1 yr of continuous monitoring data from four stations within the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. The correlation of DO and metabolism estimates with tides was greatly reduced after using weighted regression. The model was especially effective when the magnitude of tidal influence was high and correlations between tidal change and the solar cycle were low at the time scales of interest. The model was less robust when tides and the solar cycle were correlated for protracted periods. By reducing the effects of physical transport on metabolism estimates, there may be increased potential to empirically relate metabolic rates to causal factors on timescales of several days to several weeks.
Ramped hybrid encoding for improved ultrashort echo time imaging
Authors: Jang Hyungseok , Wiens Curtis N. , McMillan Alan B.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

We propose a new acquisition to minimize the per‐excitation encoding duration and improve the imaging capability for short T2* species.

Methods

In the proposed ramped hybrid encoding (RHE) technique, gradients are applied before the radiofrequency (RF) pulse as in pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA) and zero echo time (ZTE) imaging. However, in RHE, gradients are rapidly ramped after RF excitation to the maximum amplitude to minimize encoding duration. To acquire central k‐space data not measured during RF deadtime, RHE uses a hybrid encoding scheme similar to PETRA. A new gradient calibration method based on single‐point imaging was developed to estimate the k‐space trajectory and enable robust and high quality reconstruction.

Results

RHE enables a shorter per‐excitation encoding time and provides the highest spatial resolution among ultrashort T2* imaging methods. In phantom and in vivo experiments, RHE exhibited robust imaging with negligible chemical shift or blurriness caused by T2* decay and unwanted slice selection.

Conclusion

RHE allows the shortest per‐excitation encoding time for ultrashort T2* imaging, which alleviates the impact of fast T2* decay occurring during encoding, and enables improved spatial resolution. Magn Reson Med 76:814–825, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrically conductive composites of polyurethane derived from castor oil with polypyrrole‐coated peach palm fibers
Authors: Merlini Claudia , Barra Guilherme M.O. , da Cunha Matthäus D.P.P. , Ramôa Sílvia D.A.S. , Soares Bluma G. , Pegoretti Alessandro
Published: September 2015

Electrically conducting fibers were prepared through in situ oxidative polymerization of pyrrole (Py) in the presence of peach palm fibers (PPF) using iron (III) chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3·6H2O) as oxidant. The polypyrrole (PPy) coated PPF displayed a PPy layer on the fibers surface, which was responsible for an electrical conductivity of (2.2 ± 0.3) × 10−1 S cm−1, similar to the neat PPy. Electrically conductive composites were prepared by dispersing various amounts of PPy‐coated PPF in a polyurethane matrix derived from castor oil. The polyurethane/PPy‐coated PPF composites (PU/PPF–PPy) exhibited an electrical conductivity higher than PU/PPy blends with similar filler content. This behavior is attributed to the higher aspect ratio of PPF–PPy when compared with PPy particles, inducing a denser conductive network formation in the PU matrix. Electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) value in the X‐band (8.2–12.4 GHz) found for PU/PPF–PPy composites containing 25 wt% of PPF–PPy were in the range −12 dB, which corresponds to 93.2% of attenuation, indicating that these composites are promising candidates for EMI shielding applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2146–2155, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Halloysite nanotube reinforced polylactic acid composite
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Geever Luke M. , Killion John A. , Lyons John G. , Higginbotham Clement L. , Devine Declan M.
Published: September 2015

Polylactic acid (PLA) has a long history in medical applications. Reinforced PLA has the potential to be used in the medical applications that require high mechanical strength such as coronary stents and bone fixation devices. Halloysite nanotube (HNT) has received considerable attention recently due to its tubular structure, high aspect ratio, high mechanical strength, thermal stability, biocompatibility and sustained drug releasing properties. Halloysite has been investigated in compounding with many polymers. However, the research in compounding halloysite with biodegradable materials for use in biological applications is sparse. In this study various weight fractions of HNT was compounded with the biodegradable polymer PLA using a melt compounding method. Tensile test, Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), contact angle test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), void content and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were carried out to study the PLA/HNT composite. Tensile test results indicated that Young's modulus and stiffness of PLA were enhanced with the addition of HNT; FTIR spectra showed the interaction between the PLA and HNT; whereas contact angle measurements indicated that the wettability of the PLA/HNT composite was not affected by the addition of HNT. However, the thermal stability of PLA was adversely effected by the addition of HNT which may be related to the presence of voids between the polymer and matrix. Nevertheless, the reinforced PLA/HNT composite, which maintains the surface characteristics, may prove beneficial for use in biological applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2166–2173, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Enhancing the temperature stability of PLA by compounding strategies
Authors: Laske Stephan , Ziegler Wolfgang , Kainer Markus , Wuerfel Johannes , Holzer Clemens
Published: September 2015

The low thermal stability of polylactid acid (PLA) limits its use for various applications such as microwave‐ready dishes or hot beverage packaging. Furthermore, contained items might be damaged by occurring temperature peaks during transport (e.g., shipping container internal temperature exceeds 80°C) or other usage (e.g., car dashboard heated by sun). The aim of this study was the development of a PLA compound with an operating temperature above 100°C. Therefore, different formulations (e.g., stereocomplex of PLLA and PDLA, cross‐linking of PLA or use of commercial additives) were identified and compounds with varying conditions produced and tested regarding their thermal and mechanical properties. The results showed clearly possible routes for improving the thermal properties of PLA. Using such compounds respectively processing routes and additives helps to overcome one of the most significant problems when using PLA. The higher operating temperature of this biopolymer will lead to a wider field of application and will avoid shipping hazards. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2849–2858, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Acceptability and pilot efficacy trial of a web‐based breast reconstruction decision support aid for women considering mastectomy
Authors: Manne Sharon L. , Topham Neal , D'Agostino Thomas A. , Myers Virtue Shannon , Kirstein Laurie , Brill Kristin , Manning Cheryl , Grana Generosa , Schwartz Marc D. , Ohman‐Strickland Pamela
Published: September 2015

Objective

The study aim was to test the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a novel interactive web‐based breast reconstruction decision support aid (BRAID) for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients considering mastectomy.

Methods

Fifty‐five women considering mastectomy were randomly assigned to receive the BRAID versus the Cancer Support Community's Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Breast Reconstruction pamphlet. Participants completed measures of breast reconstruction (BR) knowledge, preparation to make a decision, decisional conflict, anxiety, and BR intentions before randomization and 2 weeks later.

Results

In terms of acceptability, enrollment into the study was satisfactory, but the rate of return for follow‐up surveys was lower among BRAID participants than pamphlet participants. Both interventions were evaluated favorably in terms of their value in facilitating the BR decision, and the majority of participants completing the follow‐up reported viewing the materials. In terms of preliminary efficacy, both interventions resulted in significant increases in BR knowledge and completeness and satisfaction with preparation to make a BR decision, and both interventions resulted in a significant reduction in decision conflict. However, there were no differences between interventions.

Conclusion

A widely available free pamphlet and a web‐based customized decision aid were highly utilized. The pamphlet was as effective in educating women about BR and prepared women equally as well to make the BR decision as compared with a more costly, customized web‐based decision support aid. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.