bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polypyrrole–vinyl aniline modified cyclohexanone formaldehyde resin copolymers: a comparative study of the resin preparation
Authors: Ateş Güvel Esin , Kızılcan Nilgün
Published: September 2015

In this study, the synthesis of polypyrrole‐b‐vinyl aniline modified cyclohexanone formaldehyde resin (PPy‐b‐CFVAnR) block copolymers by a combination of condensation polymerization and chemical oxidative polymerization processes was examined. First, a cyclohexanone formaldehyde resin containing vinyl aniline units [4‐ vinyl aniline modified cyclşohexanone formaldehyde resin (CFVAnR)] was prepared by a direct condensation reaction of 4‐vinyl aniline and cyclohexanone with formaldehyde in an in situ modification reaction. CFVAnR and pyrrole (Py) were then used with a conventional method of in situ chemical oxidative polymerization. The reactions were carried out with heat‐activated potassium persulfate salt in the presence of p‐toluene sulfonic acid in a dimethyl sulfoxide–water binary solvent system; this led to the formation of desired block copolymers. The effects of the oxidant–monomer molar ratio, dopant existence, addition order of the reactants, and reaction temperature on the yield, conductivity, and morphology of the resulting products were investigated. PPy‐b‐CFVAnR copolymers prepared with a resin‐to‐Py molar ratio of 1:40 showed conductivity in the range 3.7 × 10−1 to 3.8 × 10−2 S/cm. Oxidant‐to‐Py molar ratios of 0.5 and 1.0 were proposed to be the optimum stoichiometries for higher conductivity and yield, respectively, of the copolymer. The morphology of the copolymer (PPy‐b‐CFVAnR) was investigated with environmental scanning electron microscopy analyses. The results indicate that the surface of the copolymer was composed of well‐distributed nanospheres with average particle diameters of 60–85 nm. Also, the synthesized PPy‐b‐CFVAnR had a higher thermal stability than the pure CFVAnR. The chemical composition and structure of the PPy‐b‐CFVAnR copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and measurement. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 132, 42841.
Observer‐Based Consensus Tracking for Nonlinear Multi‐Agent Systems With Intermittent Communications
Authors: Chu Hongjun , Gao Lixin , Zhang Weidong , Ou Linlin
Published: September 2015

This paper addresses the observer‐based consensus tracking problem of multi‐agent systems with intermittent communications. The agent dynamics are modeled as general linear systems with Lipschitz nonlinearity. Under the assumption that each agent can intermittently share its relative output with neighbors, a class of an observer‐type protocol is proposed, and the consensus tracking problem can be converted further into the stability problem of the nonlinear switching systems. Using a combined tool from M matrix theory, switching theory and the averaging approach, a multi‐step algorithm is presented to construct the observer gains and protocol parameters, and the sufficient criteria established not only can ensure the state estimates convergence to the real values but also can guarantee the follower states synchronize to those of the leader. The obtained results reveal the relationships among the communication rate, the convergence rate, and the dwell time of switching topologies. Finally, the theoretical findings are validated by a numerical example.
Passing the baton: Mentoring for adoption of active‐learning pedagogies by research‐active junior faculty
Authors: Grimes Catherine Leimkuhler , White Harold B.
Published: September 2015

There are barriers to adoption of research‐based teaching methods. Professional development workshops may inform faculty of these methods, but effective adoption often does not follow. In addition, newly‐minted research‐active faculty are often overwhelmed by the many new responsibilities (grant writing, group management, laboratory setup, teaching) that accompany the position and normally do not have the time to consider novel teaching approaches. This case study documents how over a three‐year period, the responsibility for teaching a nontraditional “Introduction to Biochemistry” course in a problem‐based learning format was successfully transferred from a senior faculty member nearing retirement (HBW) to a newly‐hired research‐active assistant professor (CLG). We describe our apprenticeship project involving modeling, scaffolding, fading, and coaching. We suggest that involving faculty in active‐learning pedagogy early in their career with mentoring by senior faculty overcomes barriers to adopting these methods. This case describes a specific example from which potentially useful elements can be adopted and adapted wherever biochemistry is taught. © 2015 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 43(5):345–357, 2015.
Near‐peer driven dissection selective: A primer to the medical school anatomy course
Authors: Cantwell Sean , Bonadurer George F. , Pawlina Wojciech , Lachman Nirusha
Published: September 2015

In the anatomy laboratory, skill remains a critical component to unlocking the true value of learning from cadaveric dissection. However, there is little if any room for provision of instruction in proper dissection technique. We describe how near‐peer instructors designed a supplemental learning activity to enhance the dissection experience for first‐year medical students. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this curriculum in improving participants' understanding of dissection technique and its impact on perceived challenges associated with the anatomy course. Curriculum was designed under faculty guidance and included didactic sessions, low‐fidelity models, dissection, student presentations, and clinical correlations. Participants' (n = 13) knowledge of basic dissection techniques and concepts were assessed before the selective, and both participants' and nonparticipants' (n = 39) knowledge was assessed at the end of week one and week seven of the anatomy course. Scores were compared using repeated measures ANOVA followed by post hoc t‐tests. Thirteen deidentified reflective essays were reviewed by four independent reviewers for themes that aligned with learning objectives. Participants in the selective course scored higher on assessment of dissection techniques and concepts one week after the selective compared to both nonparticipants and their own baseline scores before the selective. Analysis of student reflections resulted in four themes: confidence with dissection skill, sharing resources and transfer of knowledge, learning environment, and psychological impact of perceived challenges of the anatomy course. Near‐peer driven supplemental exercises are effective in facilitating dissection skills. This dissection primer increases student confidence and alleviates apprehension associated with anatomy courses. Clin. Anat. 28:985–993, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Incorporating hardware and software features into a prediction model for processor‐system throughput
Authors: Beg Azam , Prasad PWC
Published: September 2015

The cycle‐accurate simulation is a method for design space study of a processor system before it goes for the hardware implementation. Even though the simulations provide precise results about the system performance, the simulation times are exorbitantly high for practical systems. Therefore, an alternative is to use experimentally‐ developed models that tend to be faster than the aforementioned simulations. This is an extension to our previous work done in the area of neural network models for assessing the processor system throughput. In addition to hardware‐related parameters, the current work includes multiple software‐related parameters to better represent the dynamic behavior of programs. Consequently, the model provides higher accuracy estimates of a widely used performance metric (instructions per cycle) when tested with industry standard CPU benchmark programs. Potential uses of the model are compiler design and computer architecture research and teaching. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 24:169–179, 2016; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21681.
Download 7 cheap or free apps to transform your office
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: September 2015

CHICAGO — In a packed session at the annual conference of the Society of College and University Planning, Beth Ziesenis, consultant, author and technology expert, demonstrated a handful of free or cheap apps designed to increase personal efficiency and work‐life balance. Here are six apps to download now for increased productivity and safety.
Use social media to reduce on‐campus drinking and support at‐risk students
Authors: Christensen Sarah
Published: September 2015

A report released by Boston University's School of Public Health explores the potential uses of social media and mobile or Web interventions as methods for reducing student drinking and encouraging better habits. Alcohol consumption at colleges and universities is associated with the majority of student injuries and deaths on campuses. Heavy drinking in college is also commonly linked to alcohol dependence later in life, making early intervention a primary goal for administrators and health professionals. The study examines the benefits of using various forms of new media to educate and communicate with students to prevent the short‐term dangers of heavy drinking as well as the long‐term risk of alcohol dependence.
Investigation of a 6‐MSA Synthase Gene Cluster in Aspergillus aculeatus Reveals 6‐MSA‐derived Aculinic Acid, Aculins A–B and Epi‐Aculin A
Authors: Petersen Lene M. , Holm Dorte K. , Gotfredsen Charlotte H. , Mortensen Uffe H. , Larsen Thomas O.
Published: September 2015

Aspergillus aculeatus, a filamentous fungus belonging to the Aspergillus clade Nigri, is an industrial workhorse in enzyme production. Recently we reported a number of secondary metabolites from this fungus; however, its genetic potential for the production of secondary metabolites is vast. In this study we identified a 6‐methylsalicylic acid (6‐MSA) synthase from A. aculeatus, and verified its functionality by episomal expression in A. aculeatus and heterologous expression in A. nidulans. Feeding studies with fully 13C‐labeled 6‐MSA revealed that 6‐MSA is incorporated into aculinic acid, which further incorporates into three compounds that we name aculins A and B, and epi‐aculin A, described here for the first time. Based on NMR data and bioinformatic studies we propose the structures of the compounds as well as a biosynthetic pathway leading to formation of aculins from 6‐MSA.
Highly Asymmetric Cyclopropanation With Two Sulfinyl Auxiliaries as a Way to a Useful Synthetic Intermediate
Authors: Midura Wanda H. , Krysiak Jerzy
Published: September 2015

The asymmetric cyclopropanation using double sulfinyl auxiliary gave bis‐sulfoxide with full diastereoselectivity and very high enantioselectivity. One of the sulfinyl substituents can be removed by sulfinyl metal exchange. Differentiation of sulfinyl substituents made it possible to assign the place of attack of the Grignard reagent. Chirality 27:816–819, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recycling von nickelhaltigen Katalysatoren
Authors: Ehrig Jan , Stelter Michael , Scheel Michael , Morgenstern Gunter
Published: September 2015

Verbrauchte nickelhaltige Nichtedelmetallkatalysatoren aus der chemischen Industrie, der Erdölraffination, der Lebensmittel‐ und Pharmaindustrie sind potenzielle Sekundärrohstoffe für das Recycling von Nickel. Im Rahmen der Forschungsarbeit wurde ein Badschmelzverfahren für nickelhaltige Katalysatoren entwickelt, die organische Reste der Fetthärtung sowie Erdölraffination enthalten. Bei diesem Verfahren wird Nickelstein gebildet und weitere Wertmetalle wie Molybdän und Wolfram werden in eine verwertbare Schlacke überführt. Der Energiegehalt der organischen Verbindungen wird für den Schmelzprozess genutzt. Damit wird eine erhebliche Energieeinsparung und Verringerung von CO2‐Emissionen erreicht.
Young investigator challenge: The accuracy of the nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic ratio estimation among trained morphologists
Authors: Vaickus Louis J. , Tambouret Rosemary H.
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

The estimation of the nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic ratio (N:C ratio) is an important factor in diagnosing atypia and malignancy in pathological specimens, particularly in cytology. Many algorithms for determining malignant potential make reference to specific, decimal N:C ratios without specifying how the ratio should be measured, with the implication that the observer is intended to estimate this ratio by eye. The authors wanted to determine how accurate trained morphologists (including attending pathologists, pathology residents, and cytotechnologists) are at estimating the N:C ratio without a measuring device.

METHODS

Two surveys were prepared containing ideal and real cell images of various N:C ratios. Participants were instructed to select their best estimate from a list of decimal ratios. The data were tabulated and analyzed to determine how accurate the estimates were and whether there was any performance difference between ideal and real images.

RESULTS

The absolute and percentage deviation from the actual N:C ratio decreased steadily with increasing N:C ratio. Aggregate performance was found to be closely correlated between real and ideal images, although interobserver variation was not significantly different among participants in the real images quiz, but was significantly different on the ideal images quiz.

CONCLUSIONS

Trained morphologists make relatively accurate estimations of the N:C ratio and become increasingly more accurate as the depicted N:C ratio increases. This suggests that including N:C ratio decimals as a criteria for the diagnosis of atypia is valid for high N:C ratios. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015;123:524–530. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Fe‐, Co‐, and Ni‐Loaded Porous Activated Carbon Balls as Lightweight Microwave Absorbents
Authors: Li Guomin , Wang Liancheng , Li Wanxi , Xu Yao
Published: September 2015

Porous activated carbon ball (PACB) composites impregnated with iron, cobalt, nickel and/or their oxides were synthesized through a wet chemistry method involving PACBs as the carrier to load Fe3+, Co2+, and Ni2+ ions and a subsequent carbothermal reduction at different annealing temperatures. The results show that the pyrolysis products of nitrates and/or the products from the carbothermal reduction are embedded in the pores of the PACBs, with different distributions, resulting in different crystalline phases. The as‐prepared PACB composites possessed high specific surface areas of 791.2–901.5 m2 g−1 and low densities of 1.1–1.3 g cm−3. Minimum reflection loss (RL) values of −50.1, −20.6, and −20.4 dB were achieved for Fe–PACB (annealed at 500 °C), Co–PACB (annealed at 800 °C), and Ni–PACB (annealed at 800 °C) composites, respectively. Moreover, the influence of the amount of the magnetic components in the PACB composites on the microwave‐absorbing performances was investigated, further confirming that the dielectric loss was the primary contributor to microwave absorption.
Missing value imputation strategies for metabolomics data
Authors: Armitage Emily Grace , Godzien Joanna , Alonso‐Herranz Vanesa , López‐Gonzálvez Ángeles , Barbas Coral
Published: September 2015

The origin of missing values can be caused by different reasons and depending on these origins missing values should be considered differently and dealt with in different ways. In this research, four methods of imputation have been compared with respect to revealing their effects on the normality and variance of data, on statistical significance and on the approximation of a suitable threshold to accept missing data as truly missing. Additionally, the effects of different strategies for controlling familywise error rate or false discovery and how they work with the different strategies for missing value imputation have been evaluated. Missing values were found to affect normality and variance of data and k‐means nearest neighbour imputation was the best method tested for restoring this. Bonferroni correction was the best method for maximizing true positives and minimizing false positives and it was observed that as low as 40% missing data could be truly missing. The range between 40 and 70% missing values was defined as a “gray area” and therefore a strategy has been proposed that provides a balance between the optimal imputation strategy that was k‐means nearest neighbor and the best approximation of positioning real zeros.
Response surface methodology used for characterization and optimization of photocatalytic and oxidant for the treatment of municipal wastewater
Authors: Singh Chandan , Chaudhary Rubina
Published: September 2015

In this study, municipal wastewater was treated by two types of advanced oxidation processes—photocatalytic (solar radiation/TiO2) and photocatalytic with oxidation (solar radiation/TiO2/H2O2). Response Surface Method (RSM) was used for characterization and optimization of both the processes in which a response of interest is influenced by several variables. The factors study includes pH, catalyst dose, and amount of oxidant. The performance of photocatalytic and oxidant process was investigated in terms of percentage degradation of wastewater. The result shows that catalyst dose and amount of oxidant have significant effect on the degradation process of municipal wastewater. Photocatalytic degradation efficiency was found to be dependent on optimized catalyst dose (1 g/L) and amount of oxidant (30 mL/L). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) exhibited a high coefficient (r2 = 0.912–0.996), thereby indicating a satisfactory fit between the experimental results. The statistical model of solar radiation/TiO2/H2O2 has shown excellent performance. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1629–1639, 2015
Evaluating Climate Change Adaptation: Learning From Methods in International Development
Authors: Fisher Susannah , Dinshaw Ayesha , McGray Heather , Rai Neha , Schaar Johan
Published: September 2015

This article reviews evaluation methods used in the field of international development to draw lessons for the specific challenges of evaluating climate change adaptation. The three specific challenges identified in climate change and resilience monitoring and evaluation are: assessing attribution, creating baselines, and monitoring over long time horizons. This article highlights a range of methods that can be used in climate change adaptation and concludes that, although the methods are available, it is how they are applied that can help address these particular challenges. Methods used within an overarching conceptual framework that emphasizes mixed methods, participatory methodologies, and an iterative, learning focus can start to address the inherent challenges in evaluating responses to an uncertain future climate. This type of approach and application of a set of methods can also be useful in other areas of evaluation, where the outcomes are very long term and socioeconomic trends are extremely uncertain.
Tracking Adaptation and Measuring Development in Isiolo County, Kenya
Authors: Karani Irene , Mayhew John , Anderson Simon
Published: September 2015

This article highlights the utility of Tracking Adaptation and Measuring Development (TAMD) in Isiolo County, Kenya. TAMD is a new adaptation monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework that was tested in Kenya for the first time from April 2013 to March 2014. The article outlines the experiences of testing the feasibility of the framework and its use in assisting policy makers at sub‐national level in adaptation planning, monitoring, and evaluation. It draws out the experiences and lessons of using an ex ante approach in adaptation M&E in a situation where adaptation actions are in the planning phase, using a scorecard and theories of change to measure climate risk management processes, and potential adaptation/development benefits. It also highlights how climate change adaptation M&E approaches can be simplified in order to get buy‐in from sub‐national governments and communities so as to mainstream M&E in planning approaches for sustainability in developing countries.
The Effect of Clamping Pressure on Gas Diffusion Layer Performance in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: El‐kharouf A. , Steinberger‐Wilckens R.
Published: September 2015

Clamping pressure applied in polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) assembly is known to have a significant effect on performance. Compression applied on the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) deforms the gas diffusion layer (GDL) and causes a decrease in the GDL thickness, porosity and electrical resistance. These changes in the GDL properties have a significant influence on the MEA performance. In this study, three sets of GDL samples were tested in situ under varied clamping pressure levels to demonstrate the difference in the GDL behaviour with compression, and to optimize the MEA clamping pressure.

The paper focuses on the change in the performance of MEAs with various types of GDLs, and relates the properties of the GDL to the behaviour of the MEA under compression. The study discusses the change in GDL compression behaviour with the change in the GDL thickness, density and structure.
Acrylamide and glycidamide hemoglobin adduct levels and endometrial cancer risk: A nested case‐control study in nonsmoking postmenopausal women from the EPIC cohort
Authors: Obón‐Santacana Mireia , Freisling Heinz , Peeters Petra H. , Lujan‐Barroso Leila , Ferrari Pietro , Boutron‐Ruault Marie‐Christine , Mesrine Sylvie , Baglietto Laura , Turzanski‐Fortner Renee , Katzke Verena A. , Boeing Heiner , Quirós J. Ramón , Molina‐Portillo Elena , Larrañaga Nerea , Chirlaque María‐Dolores , Barricarte Aurelio , Khaw Kay‐Tee , Wareham Nick , Travis Ruth C. , Merritt Melissa A. , Gunter Marc J. , Trichopoulou Antonia , Lagiou Pagona , Naska Androniki , Palli Domenico , Sieri Sabina , Tumino Rosario , Fiano Valentina , Galassom Rocco , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita H. B(as) , Onland‐Moret N. Charlotte , Idahl Annika , Lundin Eva , Weiderpass Elisabete , Vesper Hubert , Riboli Elio , Duell Eric J.
Published: September 2015

Acrylamide, classified in 1994 by IARC as “probably carcinogenic to humans,” was discovered in 2002 in some heat‐treated, carbohydrate‐rich foods. Four prospective studies have evaluated the association between dietary acrylamide intake and endometrial cancer (EC) risk with inconsistent results. The purpose of this nested case‐control study, based on the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort, was to evaluate, for the first time, the association between hemoglobin adducts of acrylamide (HbAA) and glycidamide (HbGA) and the risk of developing EC in non‐smoking postmenopausal women. Hemoglobin adducts were measured in red blood cells by HPLC/MS/MS. Four exposure variables were evaluated: HbAA, HbGA, their sum (HbAA+HbGA), and their ratio (HbGA/HbAA). The association between hemoglobin adducts and EC was evaluated using unconditional multivariable logistic regression models, and included 383 EC cases (171 were type‐I EC), and 385 controls. Exposure variables were analyzed in quintiles based on control distributions. None of the biomarker variables had an effect on overall EC (HRHbAA;Q5vsQ1: 0.84, 95%CI: 0.49–1.48; HRHbGA;Q5vsQ1: 0.94, 95%CI: 0.54–1.63) or type‐I EC risk. Additionally, none of the subgroups investigated (BMI < 25 vs. ≥25 kg m−2, alcohol drinkers vs. never drinkers, oral contraceptive users vs. non‐users) demonstrated effect measure modification. Hemoglobin adducts of acrylamide or glycidamide were not associated with EC or type‐I EC risk in 768 nonsmoking postmenopausal women from the EPIC cohort.
Patient‐individualized CD8+ cytolytic T‐cell therapy effectively combats minimal residual leukemia in immunodeficient mice
Authors: Distler Eva , Albrecht Jana , Brunk Ariane , Khan Shamsul , Schnürer Elke , Frey Michaela , Mottok Anja , Jordán‐Garrote Ana‐Laura , Brede Christian , Beilhack Andreas , Mades Andreas , Tomsitz Dirk , Theobald Matthias , Herr Wolfgang , Hartwig Udo F.
Published: September 2015

Adoptive transfer of donor‐derived cytolytic T‐lymphocytes (CTL) has evolved as a promising strategy to improve graft‐versus‐leukemia (GvL) effects in allogeneic hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation. However, durable clinical responses are often hampered by limited capability of transferred T cells to establish effective and sustained antitumor immunity in vivo. We therefore analyzed GvL responses of acute myeloid leukemia (AML)‐reactive CD8+ CTL with central and effector memory phenotype in a new allogeneic donor‐patient specific humanized mouse model. CTL lines and clones obtained upon stimulation of naive CD45RA+ donor CD8+ T cells with either single HLA antigen‐mismatched or HLA‐matched primary AML blasts, respectively, elicited strong leukemia reactivity during cytokine‐optimized short to intermediate (i.e., 2–8 weeks) culture periods. Single doses of CTL were intravenously infused into NOD/scidIL2Rcgnull mice when engraftment with patient AML reached bone marrow infiltration of 1–5%, clinically defining minimal residual disease status. This treatment resulted in complete regression of HLA‐mismatched and strong reduction of HLA‐matched AML infiltration, respectively. Most importantly, mice receiving AML‐reactive CTL showed significantly prolonged survival. Transferred CTL were detectable in murine bone marrow and spleen and demonstrated sustained AML‐reactivity ex vivo. Moreover, injections with human IL‐15 clearly promoted CTL persistence. In summary, we show that naive donor‐derived CD8+ CTL effectively combat patient AML blasts in immunodeficient mice. The donor‐patient specific humanized mouse model appears suitable to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of AML‐reactive CTL before adoptive transfer into patients. It may further help to identify powerful leukemia rejection antigens and T‐cell receptors for redirecting immunity to leukemias even in a patient‐individualized manner.
Prognostic value of BRAF and KRAS mutation status in stage II and III microsatellite instable colon cancers
Authors: de Cuba E.M.V. , Snaebjornsson P. , Heideman D.A.M. , van Grieken N.C.T. , Bosch L.J.W. , Fijneman R.J.A. , Belt E. , Bril H. , Stockmann H.B.A.C. , Hooijberg E. , Punt C.J.A. , Koopman M. , Nagtegaal I.D. , Coupé V.H.M. , Carvalho B. , Meijer G.A.
Published: September 2015

Microsatellite instability (MSI) has been associated with favourable survival in early stage colorectal cancer (CRC) compared to microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC. The BRAF V600E mutation has been associated with worse survival in MSS CRC. This mutation occurs in 40% of MSI CRC and it is unclear whether it confers worse survival in this setting. The prognostic value of KRAS mutations in both MSS and MSI CRC remains unclear. We examined the effect of BRAF and KRAS mutations on survival in stage II and III MSI colon cancer patients. BRAF exon 15 and KRAS exon 2–3 mutation status was assessed in 143 stage II (n = 85) and III (n = 58) MSI colon cancers by high resolution melting analysis and sequencing. The relation between mutation status and cancer‐specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis. BRAF V600E mutations were observed in 51% (n = 73) and KRAS mutations in 16% of cases (n = 23). Patients with double wild‐type cancers (dWT; i.e., BRAF and KRAS wild‐type) had a highly favourable survival with 5‐year CSS of 93% (95% CI 84–100%), while patients with cancers harbouring mutations in either BRAF or KRAS, had 5‐year CSS of 76% (95% CI 67–85%). In the subgroup of stage II patients with dWT cancers no cancer‐specific deaths were observed. On multivariate analysis, mutation in either BRAF or KRAS vs. dWT remained significantly prognostic. Mutations in BRAF as well as KRAS should be analyzed when considering these genes as prognostic markers in MSI colon cancers.
Cell‐Peptide Specific Interaction Can Inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv Infection
Authors: Rodríguez Deisy Carolina , Ocampo Marisol , Reyes Cesar , Arévalo‐Pinzón Gabriela , Munoz Marina , Patarroyo Manuel Alfonso , Patarroyo Manuel Elkin
Published: September 2015

Studying proteins from the M. tuberculosis H37Rv envelop is important for understanding host‐pathogen interaction regarding bacterial infection and survival within a host; such knowledge is indispensable regarding studies aimed at developing drugs or vaccines against tuberculosis, a disease which continues to cause more than one million deaths worldwide every year. The present work presents a study of the Rv3705c protein which has been described as being an outer protein. Several servers and bioinformatics' tools were used for predicting its location on mycobacterial surface and a 3D model of the protein was obtained which was then compared to experimental circular dichroism results for its peptides. PCR assays were used for corroborating rv3705c gene presence and transcription in a laboratory strain and immunoblotting and electron microscopy were used for confirming protein localisation on cell envelop. Receptor‐ligand assays revealed two peptides having high specific binding (HABPs); peptide 38485 (121DRAFHRVVDRTVGTSGQTTA140) bound to both cell lines used as infection target (U937 and A549 epithelial cell line‐derived macrophages) and 38488 (181RLRENVLLQAKVTQSGNAGP200) bound to U937 cells. It was found that peptide 38485 provided significant inhibition regarding mycobacterial entry to both cell lines in in vitro assays. These results led to proposing peptide 38485 as one of the epitopes to be used in future studies aimed at characterising the immune response of functionally important synthetic peptides which could be included in developing a synthetic anti‐tuberculosis vaccine. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 946–958, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of mental‐status scales for predicting mortality on the general wards
Authors: Zadravecz Frank J. , Tien Linda , Robertson‐Dick Brian J. , Yuen Trevor C. , Twu Nicole M. , Churpek Matthew M. , Edelson Dana P.
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Altered mental status is a significant predictor of mortality in inpatients. Several scales exist to characterize mental status, including the AVPU (Alert, responds to Voice, responds to Pain, Unresponsive) scale, which is used in many early‐warning scores in the general‐ward setting. The use of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) is not well established in this population.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the accuracies of AVPU, GCS, and RASS for predicting inpatient mortality.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Single, urban, academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult inpatients on the general wards.

MEASUREMENTS

Nurses recorded GCS and RASS on consecutive adult hospitalizations. AVPU was extracted from the eye subscale of the GCS. We compared the accuracies of each scale for predicting in‐hospital mortality within 24 hours of a mental‐status observation using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC).

RESULTS

There were 295,974 paired observations of GCS and RASS obtained from 26,873 admissions; 417 (1.6%) resulted in in‐hospital death. GCS and RASS more accurately predicted mortality than AVPU (AUC 0.80 and 0.82, respectively, vs 0.73; P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Simultaneous use of GCS and RASS produced an AUC of 0.85 (95% confidence interval: 0.82‐0.87, P < 0.001 when compared to all 3 scales).

CONCLUSIONS

In ward patients, both GCS and RASS were significantly more accurate predictors of mortality than AVPU. In addition, combining GCS and RASS was more accurate than any scale alone. Routine tracking of GCS and/or RASS on general wards may improve the accuracy of detecting clinical deterioration. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:658–663. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
‘Laba’ garlic processed by dense phase carbon dioxide: the relation between green colour generation and cellular structure, alliin consumption and alliinase activity
Authors: Tao Dandan , Zhou Bing , Zhang Luyao , Hu Xiaosong , Liao Xiaojun , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

‘Laba’ garlic is usually processed by soaking garlic in vinegar for more than 1 week during winter. It is popular for its unique green colour and tasty flavour. Greening is desirable and required for this product as its characteristic. Dense phase carbon dioxide (DPCD) had a significant effect on the greening of intact garlic (Allium sativum L.) cloves. The relation between green colour generation and alliin consumption, alliinase activity and the cellular structure of garlic, respectively, were investigated in this work. The effects of treatment time, pressure and temperature of DPCD were also analysed and discussed.

RESULTS

DPCD had a significant effect on the cellular structure of garlic cells. Garlic protoplast underwent greater morphological change after DPCD treatments at higher temperatures while the amount of precipitate increased with greater treatment time and temperature. Common trends on garlic greening and alliin consumption were observed except for DPCD treatment at 10 MPa and 65 °C. The alliinase activity decreased with increasing treatment time, pressure and temperature. It reached the lowest level at 13 MPa and 55 °C.

CONCLUSION

The formation of the green colour was a comprehensive result of DPCD on changing cellular structure, alliin consumption and alliinase activity. DPCD treatment at 10 MPa and 55 °C was the optimum condition for the greening of ‘Laba’ garlic. This work further facilitated the application of DPCD in the industrial production of ‘Laba’ garlic. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Dielectric properties of liquid crystals for display and sensor applications
Authors: Belyaev Victor V. , Chausov Denis N. , Kurilov Alexander D. , Rybakov Dmitriy O. , Solomatin Alexey S. , Murauski Anatoli A. , Muravsky Alexander A. , Chigrinov Vladimir G. , Fan Fan
Published: September 2015

Temperature dependence of dielectric properties of nematic liquid crystals are investigated for two types of devices: wide temperature range liquid crystal (LC) displays and capacitor temperature sensor. Both real and imaginary components of the dielectric constant have been measured in wide frequency and temperature range including t < 0 °C as well as versus the angle θ between the directions of both magnetic and electric field in the measuring scheme. Some physical parameters of the nematic LC (NLC) dielectric relaxation have been determined. Effective values of the LC dielectric permittivity with different values of the LC pretilt angles in different parts of a complex LC cell have been simulated.
Comparison of the PTSD Checklist (PCL) Administered via a Mobile Device Relative to a Paper Form
Authors: Price Matthew , Kuhn Eric , Hoffman Julia E. , Ruzek Josef , Acierno Ron
Published: September 2015

Mobile devices are increasingly used to administer self‐report measures of mental health symptoms. There are significant differences, however, in the way that information is presented on mobile devices compared to the traditional paper forms that were used to administer such measures. Such differences may systematically alter responses. The present study evaluated if and how responses differed for a self‐report measure, the PTSD Checklist (PCL), administered via mobile device relative to paper and pencil. Participants were 153 trauma‐exposed individuals who completed counterbalanced administrations of the PCL on a mobile device and on paper. PCL total scores (d = 0.07) and item responses did not meaningfully or significantly differ across administrations. Power was sufficient to detect a difference in total score between administrations determined by prior work of 3.46 with a d = 0.23. The magnitude of differences between administration formats was unrelated to prior use of mobile devices or participant age. These findings suggest that responses to self‐report measures administered via mobile device are equivalent to those obtained via paper and they can be used with experienced as well as naïve users of mobile devices.
Synthesis of Amphiphilic Hyperbranched AIE‐active Fluorescent Organic Nanoparticles and Their Application in Biological Application
Authors: Lv Qiulan , Wang Ke , Xu Dazhuang , Liu Meiying , Wan Qing , Huang Hongye , Liang Shangdong , Zhang Xiaoyong , Wei Yen
Published: September 2015

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) dyes have recently attracted much attention for biomedical applications for their remarkable AIE properties. However, the hydrophobic nature of AIE dyes made them difficult to be dispersed in physiological solution and problematic for biomedical application directly. Great efforts have been made to overcome this problem, and different strategies for preparation of water dispersible AIE based nanoprobes had been explored previously. However, a facile and effective strategy is still highly desirable and of great importance for the biomedical applications of AIE dye based on nanoprobes. In this work, the fabrication of amphiphilic hyperbranched fluorescent organic nanoparticles with a core–shell structure based on an AIE dye [tetraphenylethene acrylate (TPE‐O‐E)] and a hyperbranched polyamino compound [polyethylene imine (PEI)] through Michael addition reaction is described for the first time. The AIE dye as well as the final product PEI‐TPE‐O‐E was characterized in detail by a number of techniques. To test their biomedical application potential, the cell viability as well as cell imaging properties of the PEI‐TPE‐O‐E was also examined. The results showed that the PEI‐TPE‐O‐E organic nanoparticles presented high water dispersiblity, ultrabright fluroerescence, low cytotoxicity and excellent biocompatibility, making them promising for biological imaging and gene delivery applications.
Enhanced Wettability Changes by Synergistic Effect of Micro/Nanoimprinted Substrates and Grafted Thermoresponsive Polymer Brushes
Authors: Nagase Kenichi , Onuma Takahiro , Yamato Masayuki , Takeda Naoya , Okano Teruo
Published: September 2015

Thermoresponsive polymer brushes are grafted on micro/nanostructured polymer substrates as new intelligent interfaces that synergistically enhance wettability changes in response to external temperature stimuli. Thermoplastic poly(styrene‐co‐4‐vinylbenzyl chloride) [P(St‐co‐VBC)] is synthesized using radical polymerization and spin‐coated on a glass substrate. Micro/nanopillar and hole patterns are imprinted on the P(St‐co‐VBC) layer using thermal nanoimprint lithography. Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PIPAAm) brushes are grafted on the micro/nanostructured P(St‐co‐VBC) layer through surface‐initiated atom‐transfer radical polymerization using 4‐vinylbenzyl chloride as the initiator. The imprinted micro/nanostructures and grafted PIPAAm brush chain lengths affect the surface wettability. Combinations of nanopillars or nanoholes (diameter 500 nm) and longer PIPAAm brushes enhance hydrophobic/hydrophilic changes in response to temperature changes, compared with the flat substrate. The thermoresponsive hydrophobic/hydrophilic transition is synergistically enhanced by the nanostructured surface changing from Cassie–Baxter to Wenzel states. This PIPAAm‐brush‐modified micro/nanostructured P(St‐co‐VBC) is a new intelligent interface that effectively changes wettability in response to external temperature changes.

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Autophagy levels are elevated in barrett's esophagus and promote cell survival from acid and oxidative stress
Authors: Kong Jianping , Whelan Kelly A. , Laczkó Dorottya , Dang Brendan , Caro Monroig Angeliz , Soroush Ali , Falcone John , Amaravadi Ravi K. , Rustgi Anil K. , Ginsberg Gregory G. , Falk Gary W. , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Lynch John P.
Published: September 2015

Autophagy is a highly conserved mechanism that is activated during cellular stress. We hypothesized that autophagy may be induced by acid reflux, which causes injury, and inflammation, and therefore, contributes to the pathogenesis of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Currently, the role of autophagy in BE and EAC is poorly studied. We quantitatively define autophagy levels in human BE cell lines, a transgenic mouse model of BE, and human BE, and EAC biopsies. Human non‐dysplastic BE had the highest basal number of autophagic vesicles (AVs), while AVs were reduced in normal squamous cells and dysplastic BE cells, and nearly absent in EAC. To demonstrate a functional role for autophagy in BE pathogenesis, normal squamous (STR), non‐dysplastic BE (CPA), dysplastic BE (CPD), and EAC (OE19) cell lines were exposed to an acid pulse (pH 3.5) followed by incubation in the presence or absence of chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor. Acid exposure increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in STR and CPA cells. Chloroquine alone had a small impact on intracellular ROS or cell survival. However, combination of chloroquine with the acid pulse resulted in a significant increase in ROS levels at 6 h in STR and CPA cells, and increased cell death in all cell lines. These findings establish increased numbers of AVs in human BE compared to normal squamous or EAC, and suggest that autophagy functions to improve cell survival after acid reflux injury. Autophagy may thus play a critical role in BE pathogenesis and progression. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
AMP‐activated protein kinase couples 3‐bromopyruvate‐induced energy depletion to apoptosis via activation of FoxO3a and upregulation of proapoptotic Bcl‐2 proteins
Authors: Bodur Cagri , Karakas Bahriye , Timucin Ahmet Can , Tezil Tugsan , Basaga Huveyda
Published: September 2015

Most tumors primarily rely on glycolysis rather than mitochondrial respiration for ATP production. This phenomenon, also known as Warburg effect, renders tumors more sensitive to glycolytic disturbances compared to normal cells. 3‐bromopyruvate is a potent inhibitor of glycolysis that shows promise as an anticancer drug candidate. Although investigations revealed that 3‐BP triggers apoptosis through ATP depletion and subsequent AMPK activation, the underlying molecular mechanisms coupling AMPK to apoptosis are poorly understood. We showed that 3‐BP leads to a rapid ATP depletion which was followed by growth inhibition and Bax‐dependent apoptosis in HCT116 cells. Apoptosis was accompanied with activation of caspase‐9 and ‐3 while pretreatment with a general caspase inhibitor attenuated cell death. AMPK, p38, JNK, and Akt were phosphorylated immediately upon treatment. Pharmacological inhibition and silencing of AMPK largely inhibited 3‐BP‐induced apoptosis and reversed phosphorylation of JNK. Transcriptional activity of FoxO3a was dramatically increased subsequent to AMPK‐mediated phosphorylation of FoxO3a at Ser413. Cell death analysis of cells transiently transfected with wt or AMPK‐phosphorylation‐deficient FoxO3 expression plasmids verified the contributory role of AMPK‐FoxO3a axis in 3‐BP‐induced apoptosis. In addition, expression of proapoptotic Bcl‐2 proteins Bim and Bax were upregulated in an AMPK‐dependent manner. Bim was transcriptionally activated in association with FoxO3a activity, while Bax upregulation was abolished in p53‐null cells. Together, these data suggest that AMPK couples 3‐BP‐induced metabolic disruption to intrinsic apoptosis via modulation of FoxO3a‐Bim axis and Bax expression. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cystic Lesions as a Rare Complication of Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Sharma Vibhash D. , Bona Alberto R. , Mantovani Alessandra , Miocinovic Svjetlana , Khemani Pravin , Goldberg Mark P. , Foote Kelly D. , Whitworth Louis A. , Chitnis Shilpa , Okun Michael S.
Published: September 2015

DBS is a typically well‐tolerated operation for treatment of Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and essential tremor (ET). Complications related to the surgical procedure and implanted hardware may occur. More commonly reported complications include hemorrhage, seizure, confusion, and infection. In this article, we report on a rare, but important, complication of DBS surgery, a brain cyst formation at the tip of the implanted ventralis intermedius nucleus (VIM) DBS lead in 2 patients who underwent the procedure at 2 different centers. The indication for surgery was debilitating ET, and in both cases, there was development of a delayed‐onset neurological deficit associated with an internal capsule/thalamic cystic lesion formation located at the tip of the DBS lead. Case 1 presented within a few months post‐DBS, whereas case 2 had a 10‐mo delay to onset of symptoms. No clinical and radiological signs of infection were observed and both DBS systems were explanted with uneventful recovery.
The Verbal Fluency Decline After Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease: Is There an Influence of Age?
Authors: Cozac Vitalii V. , Schwarz Nadine , Bousleiman Habib , Chaturvedi Menorca , Ehrensperger Michael M. , Gschwandtner Ute , Hatz Florian , Meyer Antonia , Monsch Andreas U. , Taub Ethan , Fuhr Peter
Published: September 2015

Background

DBS is commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD). DBS is not considered to cause major cognitive side effects, but some research groups have reported that it can cause decreased verbal fluency. The influence of age on DBS cognitive outcome is unclear. We investigated the possible influence of patients' age, level of education, disease duration, disease progression, depression, and levodopa equivalent dose (LED) on verbal fluency performance in patients with PD who underwent DBS of the subthalamic nucleus (STN‐DBS). In this article, we investigated the influence of demographic and clinical parameters, especially age, on cognitive performance post‐DBS in PD patients.

Methods

Forty‐three patients with PD and without major psychiatric illness (according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disroders, Fourth Edition) were enrolled in the study. Median age was 64.0 years (range, 46–77). In 21 patients, the indication for DBS was established on clinical grounds in keeping with international guidelines; these patients underwent STN‐DBS, and the remaining 22 did not. Cognitive performance in both groups was assessed by standard neuropsychological test batteries at baseline and after median follow‐up of 7 months.

Results

A statistically significant decline in the semantic category of verbal fluency task was found in the STN‐DBS group (P < 0.01). Linear regression model revealed an influence of age (P < 0.01) and disease duration (P < 0.01) in relation to this decline.

Conclusions

This study confirms previous findings that verbal fluency declines after STN‐DBS in PD patients in comparison to PD patients without DBS. This decline is related to age and disease duration.
In Silico Investigation of the Neurotensin Receptor 1 Binding Site: Overlapping Binding Modes for Small Molecule Antagonists and the Endogenous Peptide Agonist
Authors: Lückmann Michael , Holst Birgitte , Schwartz Thue W. , Frimurer Thomas M.
Published: September 2015

The neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) belongs to the family of 7TM, G protein‐coupled receptors, and is activated by the 13‐amino‐acid peptide neurotensin (NTS) that has been shown to play important roles in neurological disorders and the promotion of cancer cells. Recently, a high‐resolution x‐ray crystal structure of NTSR1 in complex with NTS8–13 has been determined, providing novel insights into peptide ligand recognition by 7TM receptors. SR48692, a potent and selective small molecule antagonist has previously been used extensively as a tool compound to study NTSR1 receptor signaling properties. To investigate the binding mode of SR48692 and other small molecule compounds to NTSR1, we applied an Automated Ligand‐guided Backbone Ensemble Receptor Optimization protocol (ALiBERO), taking receptor flexibility and ligand knowledge into account. Structurally overlapping binding poses for SR48692 and NTS8–13 were observed, despite their distinct chemical nature and inverse pharmacological profiles. The optimized models showed significantly improved ligand recognition in a large‐scale virtual screening assessment compared to the crystal structure. Our models provide new insights into small molecule ligand binding to NTSR1 and could facilitate the structure‐based design of non‐peptide ligands for the evaluation of the pharmacological potential of NTSR1 in neurological disorders and cancer.