bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvements in the early death rate among 9380 patients with acute myeloid leukemia after initial therapy: A SEER database analysis
Authors: Percival Mary‐Elizabeth M. , Tao Li , Medeiros Bruno C. , Clarke Christina A.
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is treated with conventional induction chemotherapy shortly after diagnosis for the majority of patients aged ≤65 years. A recent report suggested a substantial decline in the early, or 1‐month, mortality rate in patients treated on clinical trials over the past 2 decades. It is unknown whether a similar improvement has been observed in the general population.

METHODS

The authors examined the 1‐month mortality rate in a large population‐based series of 9380 patients with AML who were aged ≤65 years and were diagnosed and treated with chemotherapy between 1973 and 2010.

RESULTS

A significant decline was observed in the 1‐month mortality rate from 18.7% among patients diagnosed from 1973 through 1977 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 16.4%‐21.2%) to 5.8% for those diagnosed between 2008 and 2010 (95% CI, 4.5%‐7.6%) (P <.001). The median overall survival improved significantly from 6 months (95% CI, 5 months‐7 months) in 1973 to 1977 to 23 months (95% CI, 16 months‐20 months) in 2008 to 2010 (P <.001). Although age and geographic variation were found to significantly influence the 1‐month mortality for the period between 1973 and 1977, these differences in 1‐month mortality were no longer significant among patients with AML who were treated more recently (2008‐2010).

CONCLUSIONS

Over the past 4 decades, early mortality has become uncommon in younger patients (aged ≤65 years) with newly diagnosed AML undergoing induction chemotherapy. It is encouraging that the improvements noted in 1‐month mortality rate among a selective cohort of patients in clinical trials have also been observed in a population‐based analysis. Cancer 2015;121:2004–2012. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Cancer stage at diagnosis in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus and transplant recipients
Authors: Shiels Meredith S. , Copeland Glenn , Goodman Marc T. , Harrell Janna , Lynch Charles F. , Pawlish Karen , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Engels Eric A.
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

It is unknown whether immunosuppression results in more aggressive, advanced stage cancers. Because cancer stage is influenced both by tumor biology and medical surveillance, the authors assessed cancer stage in individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and solid organ transplant recipients, 2 immunosuppressed groups with differences in their health care use.

METHODS

The authors used data on all cases of 15 cancer types diagnosed during 1996 through 2010 in 2 studies that linked US cancer registries with HIV and transplant registries. Odds ratios (ORs) for advanced (vs local) disease were estimated comparing HIV and transplant populations with immunocompetent individuals in polytomous logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, race, registry, and year.

RESULTS

A total of 8411 of 4.5 million cancer cases occurred in HIV‐infected individuals and 7322 of 6.4 million cancer cases occurred in transplant recipients. Compared with immunocompetent patients with cancer, those infected with HIV were more likely to be diagnosed with distant stage lung (OR, 1.13), female breast (OR, 1.99), and prostate (OR, 1.57) cancers, whereas transplant recipients had fewer distant stage lung (OR, 0.54), female breast (OR, 0.75), and prostate (OR, 0.72) cancers. Both immunosuppressed populations had a shift toward advanced stage melanoma (ORs of 1.97 for HIV‐infected individuals and 1.82 for transplant recipients) and bladder cancer (ORs of 1.42 for HIV‐infected individuals and 1.54 for transplant recipients).

CONCLUSIONS

Bladder cancer and melanoma were more likely to be diagnosed at a nonlocal stage in both HIV‐infected individuals and transplant recipients, suggesting a role for immunosuppression in their progression. In addition, we observed a shift for some common cancers toward later stages in HIV‐infected individuals and toward earlier stages in transplant recipients, which is consistent with differential access to medical care or surveillance. Cancer 2015;121:2063–2071. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Bifunctional Metal‐Free Catalysis of Mesoporous Noble Carbons for Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Reactions
Authors: Sakaushi Ken , Fellinger Tim‐Patrick , Antonietti Markus
Published: March 2015

Electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are key reactions in lithium–oxygen batteries (LOBs) being a promising candidate to store renewable energies due to their high specific energy. However current development on LOBs is suffering from unsuitable catalysts. In particular, carbon‐based catalysts were found to perform poorly in this system. Here, we show that metal‐free mesoporous nitrogen‐doped carbons (meso‐NdCs) offer highly promising performances in both ORR and OER; they act as bifunctional catalysts, and can be synthesized by a very simple method. The efficient electrocatalytic activity of ORR and OER was used in a LOB cell during discharge and charge, respectively, and the present system showed a lower overpotential comparable to metal‐based catalysts in LOB system. Thus, we demonstrate that meso‐NdCs act as a new and affordable candidate for the efficient bifunctional oxygen catalysis, therefore can be applied to many energy‐related applications.
Generalization of the jump postulate and Brayton‐Moser's mixed potential for the analysis of RTD circuits
Authors: Thiessen Tina , Popp Michael , Zorn Christoph , Mathis Wolfgang
Published: March 2015

In this paper, the series connection of resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs) will be analyzed with respect to their stability properties. An alternative approach to the commonly used loadline construction for the analysis of circuits utilizing the series connection of RTDs is presented. Furthermore, the basins of attraction of multiple operating points will be determined analytically by Brayton‐Moser's mixed potential function. Therewith, the jump postulate by Andronov et al. will be generalized for series connected N‐type nonlinearities. In addition, the numerical results will be verified by measurements. At the end, the discussed method is applied to the monostable‐bistable transition logic element, which today is one of the most promising logic circuits in nanoelectronics. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Life history and biology of Fascioloides magna (Trematoda) and its native and exotic hosts
Authors: Malcicka Miriama
Published: March 2015

Host–parasite interactions are model systems in a wide range of ecological and evolutionary fields and may be utilized for testing numerous theories and hypotheses in terms of both applied and fundamental research. For instance, they are important in terms of studying coevolutionary arms races, species invasions, and in economic terms the health of livestock and humans. Here, I present a comprehensive description of the life history, biogeography, and biology of the giant liver fluke, Fascioloides magna, and both its intermediate and definitive hosts. F. magna is native to North America where it uses several species of freshwater snails (Lymnaeidae) as intermediate hosts and four main species of ungulates as definitive hosts. The fluke has also been introduced into parts of Europe where it is now established in two lymnaeid snail species and three ungulate species. This study gives a comprehensive description of different developmental stages of the fluke in its two host classes, as well as detailed notes on historical and present distributions of F. magna in North America and Europe as well as in its snail and deer hosts (with range maps provided). Aberrant and dead‐end hosts are also discussed in detail, and descriptive phylogenies are provided for all of the organisms. I briefly discuss how F. magna represents a model example of multiple‐level ecological fitting, a phenomenon not yet described in the empirical literature. Lastly, I explore possible future scenarios for fluke invasion in Europe, where it is currently expanding its range.
Evidence for inbreeding depression in a species with limited opportunity for maternal effects
Authors: Vega‐Trejo Regina , Head Megan L. , Jennions Michael D.
Published: March 2015

It is often assumed that mating with close relatives reduces offspring fitness. In such cases, reduced offspring fitness may arise from inbreeding depression (i.e., genetic effects of elevated homozygosity) or from post‐mating maternal investment. This can be due to a reduction in female investment after mating with genetically incompatible males (“differential allocation”) or compensation for incompatibility (“reproductive compensation”). Here, we looked at the effects of mating with relatives on offspring fitness in mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki. In this species, females are assumed to be nonplacental and to allocate resources to eggs before fertilization, limiting differential allocation. We looked at the effects of mating with a brother or with an unrelated male on brood size, offspring size, gestation period, and early offspring growth. Mating with a relative reduced the number of offspring at birth, but there was no difference in the likelihood of breeding, gestation time, nor in the size or growth of these offspring. We suggest that due to limited potential for maternal effects to influence these traits that any reduction in offspring fitness, or lack thereof, can be explained by inbreeding depression rather than by maternal effects. We highlight the importance of considering the potential role of maternal effects when studying inbreeding depression and encourage further studies in other Poeciliid species with different degrees of placentation to test whether maternal effects mask or amplify any genetic effects of mating with relatives.
Heterogeneous and homogenous catalysts for hydrogen generation by hydrolysis of aqueous sodium borohydride (NaBH4) solutions
Authors: Brack Paul , Dann Sandie E. , Wijayantha K. G. Upul
Published: March 2015

It is clear that in order to satisfy global energy demands whilst maintaining sustainable levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases, alternative energy sources are required. Due to its high chemical energy density and the benign by‐product of its combustion reactions, hydrogen is one of the most promising of these. However, methods of hydrogen storage such as gas compression or liquefaction are not suitable for portable or automotive applications due to their low hydrogen storage densities. Accordingly, much research activity has been focused on finding higher density hydrogen storage methods. One such method is to generate hydrogen via the hydrolysis of aqueous sodium borohydride (NaBH4) solutions, and this has been heavily studied since the turn of the century due to its high theoretical hydrogen storage capacity (10.8 wt%) and relatively safe operation in comparison to other chemical hydrides. This makes it very attractive for use as a hydrogen generator, in particular for portable applications. Major factors affecting the hydrolysis reaction of aqueous NaBH4 include the performance of the catalyst, reaction temperature, NaBH4 concentration, stabilizer concentration, and the volume of the reaction solution. Catalysts based on noble metals, in particular ruthenium (Ru) and platinum (Pt), have been shown to be particularly efficient at rapid generation of hydrogen from aqueous NaBH4 solutions. However, given the scarcity and expense of such metals, a transition metal‐based catalyst would be a desirable alternative, and thus much work has been conducted using cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni)‐based materials to attempt to source a practical option. “Metal free” NaBH4 hydrolysis can also be achieved by the addition of aqueous acids such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) to solid NaBH4. This review summarizes the various catalysts which have been reported in the literature for the hydrolysis of NaBH4.
Multilayer diffusion‐based molecular communication
Authors: Mustam Saizalmursidi Md , Syed Yusof Sharifah Kamilah , Nejatian Samad
Published: March 2015

Diffusion‐based molecular communication (DBMC) has emerged as a promising communication option, particularly for biomedical and healthcare applications. Although, numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate and analyse DBMC system, investigation on DBMC through multilayer channels has had less attention. In this paper, a closed‐form expression is derived for the mean molecular concentration over an n‐layer channel. An averaged diffusion coefficient for thin, dissimilar and multilayer propagation channels is determined through the addition of a diffusion resistance for each medium analogously to the sum of series resistors in circuit theory. The channel characteristics such as impulse response, time delay and attenuation are analytically obtained using amplitude detection technique. The effects of layer thickness and the distance between a transmitter nanomachine and a receiver nanomachine on the channel time delay and channel attenuation under the pulse modulation scheme are evaluated and discussed. The results show that increasing the diffusion coefficient leads to time delay decrements; however, the channel attenuation remains unchanged. Moreover, lengthening the transmission distance increases the time delay and decreases the channel attenuation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization by response surface methodology of supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of flavour compounds from Chinese liquor vinasse
Authors: Xu Honggao , Xu Xiang , Tao Yidi , Yuan Fang , Gao Yanxiang
Published: March 2015

Liquor vinasse is of interest under the biorefinery context and the aim of the present study was the recovery of flavour compounds. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) extraction is an optimal method for liquor vinasse flavour compounds recovery. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry analysis showed that more than 50 compounds were identified in the SC‐CO2 extract. The predominant compounds were esters and acids, and ethyl (9Z)‐9‐octadecenoate was the major ester. The effects of different extraction parameters, including pressure (8.2–41.8 MPa), temperature (32.8–67.2 °C) and CO2 rate (6.4–23.6 l/h), on the yield of volatile compounds with SC‐CO2 extraction were furthermore investigated. The most efficient extraction parameters for the maximum flavour compounds yield and better selection for ethyl (9Z)‐9‐octadecenoate were the following: pressure of 24.98 MPa, temperature of 51.28 °C and a CO2 rate of 13.48 l/h. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methods for Association Analysis and Meta‐Analysis of Rare Variants in Families
Authors: Feng Shuang , Pistis Giorgio , Zhang He , Zawistowski Matthew , Mulas Antonella , Zoledziewska Magdalena , Holmen Oddgeir L. , Busonero Fabio , Sanna Serena , Hveem Kristian , Willer Cristen , Cucca Francesco , Liu Dajiang J. , Abecasis Gonçalo R.
Published: March 2015

Advances in exome sequencing and the development of exome genotyping arrays are enabling explorations of association between rare coding variants and complex traits. To ensure power for these rare variant analyses, a variety of association tests that group variants by gene or functional unit have been proposed. Here, we extend these tests to family‐based studies. We develop family‐based burden tests, variable frequency threshold tests and sequence kernel association tests. Through simulations, we compare the performance of different tests. We describe situations where family‐based studies provide greater power than studies of unrelated individuals to detect rare variants associated with moderate to large changes in trait values. Broadly speaking, we find that when sample sizes are limited and only a modest fraction of all trait‐associated variants can be identified, family samples are more powerful. Finally, we illustrate our approach by analyzing the relationship between coding variants and levels of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in 11,556 individuals from the HUNT and SardiNIA studies, demonstrating association for coding variants in the APOC3, CETP, LIPC, LIPG, and LPL genes and illustrating the value of family samples, meta‐analysis, and gene‐level tests. Our methods are implemented in freely available C++ code.
Compassionate Imagining
Authors: Jack Chelsea A.
Published: March 2015

I will always remember my first months at The Hastings Center as set against a backdrop of calls for social justice and the protection of vulnerable populations. Following weeks of civil unrest sparked by police brutality in Ferguson, Missouri, the fatal strangulation of Eric Garner, a black man, by a white New York police officer gave rise to “die‐ins” across the country. I blogged for Bioethics Forum on the Ebola outbreaks in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, with a focus on retrofitting governance systems that ignored a dangerous lack of health infrastructure and created populations vulnerable to public health emergencies. Back home in Virginia, I celebrated with family and friends the legalization of same‐sex marriage after the Supreme Court let stand rulings in favor of it in five states. Voices of protest have focused our attention on the injustices faced by populations made vulnerable, particularly people of color, the poor, victims of public health crises, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities.
What Counts? Justifications, Not Labels
Authors: Herington Jonathan , Dawson Angus , Draper Heather
Published: March 2015

A commentary on “Public Health Emergencies: What Counts?” by Lawrence O. Gostin, in the November‐December 2014 issue.
Realizing Student, Faculty, and Institutional Outcomes at Scale: Institutionalizing Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Within Systems and Consortia
Authors: Malachowski Mitchell , Osborn Jeffrey M. , Karukstis Kerry K. , Ambos Elizabeth L.
Published: March 2015

This chapter reviews the evidence for the effectiveness of undergraduate research as a student, faculty, and institutional success pathway, and provides the context for the Council on Undergraduate Research's support for developing and enhancing undergraduate research in systems and consortia. The chapter also provides brief introductions to each of the chapters in the theme volume.
Undergraduate Research and Economic Development: A Systems Approach in Wisconsin
Authors: Van Galen Dean , Schneider‐Rebozo Lissa , Havholm Karen , Andrews Kris
Published: March 2015

This chapter presents the state of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin System as an ongoing case study for best practices in systematic, intentional, statewide programming and initiatives connecting undergraduate research and economic development.
Faculty Workload Issues Connected to Undergraduate Research
Authors: Free Rhona , Griffith Suzanne , Spellman Bill
Published: March 2015

This chapter delineates the consortial activities of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) to explore models of undergraduate research and to address the impact of undergraduate research on faculty workload. The significant progress made on the member campus of the University of Wisconsin‐Superior over the last 10 years is highlighted as an example of the fortuitous impact of several concurrent factors in advancing undergraduate research.
Making Undergraduate Research a Central Strategy in High‐Impact Practice Reform: The PASSHE Journey
Authors: Moran III James D. , Wells Marilyn J. , Smith‐Aumen Angela
Published: March 2015

This chapter describes undergraduate research expansion in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) in the context of both fiscal and student enrollment challenges.
Fostering Resources for Undergraduate Research at the City University of New York
Authors: MacLachlan Effie S. , Caplan Avrom J.
Published: March 2015

Securing funding for undergraduate research activities is critical to a vibrant program. Strategies for obtaining funding are described in this chapter.
When Do Employees Cyberloaf? An Interactionist Perspective Examining Personality, Justice, and Empowerment
Authors: Kim Kwanghyun , del Carmen Triana María , Chung Kwiyoung , Oh Nahyun
Published: March 2015

Cyberloafing—using the Internet for non‐work‐related activities—is a prevalent counterproductive work behavior in the workplace, but researchers have not yet paid sufficient attention to this issue, especially related to the role of personality in cyberloafing. Recognizing such a research gap, and using a trait activation theory framework, this study examines whether conscientiousness and emotional stability negatively relate to cyberloafing. We further investigate how organizational justice perceptions and psychological empowerment moderate the negative relationship between these personality traits and cyberloafing. Based on a sample of 247 employees, we find that those high in conscientiousness cyberloaf less when they perceive greater levels of organizational justice. In addition, highly conscientious individuals cyberloaf less when they have low, rather than high, levels of psychological empowerment. Implications for research and practice as well as future research directions are discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Growth Hormone Induces Transforming Growth Factor‐Beta‐Induced Protein in Podocytes: Implications for Podocyte Depletion and Proteinuria
Authors: Swathi Chitra P. , Swathi T. , Sahay Rakesh , Reddy G. Bhanuprakash , Menon Ram K. , Kumar P. Anil
Published: March 2015

The glomerular podocytes form a major size selective barrier for the filtration of serum proteins and reduced podocyte number is a critical event in the pathogenesis of proteinuria during diabetic nephropathy (DN). An elevated level of growth hormone (GH) is implicated as a causative factor in the development of nephropathy in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. We have previously shown that podocytes express GH receptor and are a target for GH action. To elucidate the molecular basis for the effects of GH on podocyte depletion, we conducted PCR‐array analyses for extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules in podocytes. Our studies reveal that GH increases expression of a gene that encodes transforming growth factor‐beta‐induced protein (TGFBIp) expression. Similarly, microarray data retrieved from the Nephromine database revealed elevation of TGFBIp in patients with DN. Treatment with GH results in increased secretion of extracellular TGFBIp by podocytes. Both GH and TGFBIp induced apoptosis and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of podocytes. Exposure of podocytes to GH and TGFBIp resulted in increased migration of cells and altered podocyte permeability to albumin across podocyte monolayer. Administration of GH to rats induced EMT and apoptosis in the glomerular fraction of the kidney. Therefore, we conclude that the GH‐dependent increase in TGFBIp in the podocyte is one of the mechanisms responsible for podocyte depletion in DN. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1947–1956, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of structural, thermodynamic, kinetic and mass transport properties of Mg2+ ion models commonly used in biomolecular simulations
Authors: Panteva Maria T. , Giambaşu George M. , York Darrin M.
Published: March 2015

The prevalence of Mg2+ ions in biology and their essential role in nucleic acid structure and function has motivated the development of various Mg2+ ion models for use in molecular simulations. Currently, the most widely used models in biomolecular simulations represent a nonbonded metal ion as an ion‐centered point charge surrounded by a nonelectrostatic pairwise potential that takes into account dispersion interactions and exchange effects that give rise to the ion's excluded volume. One strategy toward developing improved models for biomolecular simulations is to first identify a Mg2+ model that is consistent with the simulation force fields that closely reproduces a range of properties in aqueous solution, and then, in a second step, balance the ion–water and ion–solute interactions by tuning parameters in a pairwise fashion where necessary. The present work addresses the first step in which we compare 17 different nonbonded single‐site Mg2+ ion models with respect to their ability to simultaneously reproduce structural, thermodynamic, kinetic and mass transport properties in aqueous solution. None of the models based on a 12‐6 nonelectrostatic nonbonded potential was able to reproduce the experimental radial distribution function, solvation free energy, exchange barrier and diffusion constant. The models based on a 12‐6‐4 potential offered improvement, and one model in particular, in conjunction with the SPC/E water model, performed exceptionally well for all properties. The results reported here establish useful benchmark calculations for Mg2+ ion models that provide insight into the origin of the behavior in aqueous solution, and may aid in the development of next‐generation models that target specific binding sites in biomolecules. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic Architecture of Sexual Dimorphism in Humans
Authors: Rigby Nichole , Kulathinal Rob J.
Published: March 2015

Males and females differ across a broad spectrum of morphological, physiological, and behavioral characters. In fact, sexually dimorphic traits typically contribute the largest component of phenotypic variance in most taxa that use sex to reproduce. However, we know very little about the mechanisms that maintain these dimorphic states and how these sexually dimorphic traits evolve. Here, we review our current knowledge of the underlying genetic basis of sexual dimorphism in humans. First, we briefly review the etiology of sex differences starting from sex determination's initial switch early in embryogenesis. We then survey recent sex‐biased transcriptomic expression literature in order to provide additional insight into the landscape of sex‐biased gene expression in both gonadal and non‐gonadal tissues: from overall prevalence to tissue specificity to conservation across species. Finally, we discuss implications of sex‐biased genetic architecture to human health and disease in light of the National Institute of Health's recently proposed initiative to promote study samples from both sexes. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 2304–2310, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population pharmacokinetic analysis of raltegravir pediatric formulations in HIV‐infected children 4 weeks to 18 years of age
Authors: Rizk Matthew L. , Du Lihong , Bennetto‐Hood Chantelle , Wenning Larissa , Teppler Hedy , Homony Brenda , Graham Bobbie , Fry Carrie , Nachman Sharon , Wiznia Andrew , Worrell Carol , Smith Betsy , Acosta Edward P.
Published: March 2015

P1066 is an open‐label study of raltegravir in HIV positive youth, ages 4 weeks–18 years. Here we summarize P1066 pharmacokinetic (PK) data and a population PK model for the pediatric chewable tablet and oral granules. Raltegravir PK parameters were calculated using noncompartmental analysis. A 2‐compartment model was developed using data from P1066 and an adult study of the pediatric formulations. Interindividual variability was described by an exponential error model, and residual variability was captured by an additive/proportional error model. Twelve‐hour concentrations (C12h) were calculated from the model‐derived elimination rate constant and 8‐hour observed concentration. Simulated steady‐state concentrations were analyzed by noncompartmental analysis. Target area under the curve (AUC0–12h) and C12h were achieved in each cohort. For the pediatric formulations, geometric mean AUC0–12h values were 18.0–22.6 μM‐hr across cohorts, and C12h values were 71–130 nM, with lower coefficients of variation versus the film‐coated tablet. A 2‐compartment model with first‐order absorption adequately described raltegravir plasma PK in pediatric and adult patients. Weight was a covariate on clearance and central volume and was incorporated using allometric scaling. Raltegravir chewable tablets and oral granules exhibited PK parameters consistent with those from prior adult studies and older children in P1066, as well as lower variability than the film‐coated tablet.
Evaluation of surface alterations in different retreatment nickel‐titanium files: AFM and SEM study
Authors: Sağlam Baran Can , Görgül Güliz
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface changes of nickel titanium (Ni‐Ti) rotary retreatment files after three and five uses. Furthermore, the effects of 2% sodium hypochlorite and chloroform solutions and sterilization procedures on the NiTi rotary retreatment surfaces were investigated. ProTaper Retreatment files, R‐endo files, and Mtwo retreatment files were used for this study. The palatinal roots of maxillary molar teeth were obturated with gutta percha and Ah26. Retreatment procedures were performed with these retreatment file systems. The surface changes of untreated NiTi rotary files that were used three and five times, immersed in NaOCl and chloroform and subjected to sterilization procedures were investigated with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The RMS values, three dimensional images and SEM images at various magnifications were obtained. RMS values showed that all three NiTi rotary retreatment file systems showed significant deteriorations after three and five uses. Cracks, damages and spiral construction deteriorations were detected in the SEM images after three and five uses. Furthermore, the Mtwo 15 file was broken off after five uses. AFM data indicated that 2% NaOCl caused significant surface deteriorations on NiTi rotary files and both AFM and SEM evaluation showed that chloroform solution and sterilization procedures did not cause significant surface deteriorations. In conclusion, ProTaper retreatment, R‐endo, and Mtwo retreatment files showed surface damages depending on retreatment procedures. Clinicians have to consider that retreatment files always have a tendency to break off after the third time they have been used. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:356–362, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interactions of a few azole derivatives with a transport protein: role of heteroatoms
Authors: Mishra Anasuya , Malakar Ashim , Biswal Himadree T. , Barman Monoj K. , Krishnamoorthy G.
Published: March 2015

The interaction of a few azole derivatives, 2‐(4′‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)benzimidazole, 2‐(4′‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)benzoxazole, 2‐(4′‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)oxazolo[4,5‐b]pyridine with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were examined by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results were compared with the previously studied imidazopyridine derivative 2‐(4′‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine. Displacement studies were carried out with site selective probes to locate the binding site of these ligands. The spectral shifts and the binding constant vary depending on the nature of the ligand. The fluorescence intensity of both oxazole derivatives 2‐(4′‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)benzoxazole and 2‐(4′‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl) oxazolo[4,5‐b]pyridine increases substantially in the presence of BSA, whereas the intensity of 2‐(4′‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)benzimidazole decreases. However, hypsochromic shift is observed in presence of BSA. The results obtained from the docking studies are also in good agreement with the experimental results. The location and orientation of binding depend upon the nature of the ligand. The studies revealed that apart from hydrophobic interaction, hydrogen bonding also plays a vital role in the molecular binding. Oxazoles have higher binding affinity than imidazoles and substitution of extra nitrogen further increases the binding affinity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The change of climate and terrestrial carbon cycle over Tibetan Plateau in CMIP5 models
Authors: Li Suosuo , Lü Shihua , Gao Yanhong , Ao Yinhuan
Published: March 2015

Six earth system models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Inter‐comparison Project (CMIP5) are evaluated over Tibetan Plateau (TP) by comparing the modelled temperature (Tas), precipitation (Pr), net primary production (NPP) and leaf area index (LAI) with the observed Tas, Pr, International Geosphere Biosphere Program (IGBP) NPP and Max–Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPIM) LAI in the historical, and then we analysed the change of climate and carbon cycle and explored the relationship between the carbon cycle and main climatic drivers in the historical and representative concentration pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) simulation over TP. While model results differ, their region spatial distributions from 1971 to 2000 agree reasonably with observed Tas, Pr and proxy LAI and NPP. The climatic variables, LAI and carbon flux vary between two simulations, the ration of NPP to gross primary production (GPP) does not change much in the historical and RCP4.5 scenarios. The linear trends of LAI and carbon flux show an obvious continuous increase from historical climatic period (1971–2000) to the first two climatic periods (2011–2040; 2041–2700) of RCP4.5, then the trends decrease in the third climatic period (2071–2100) of RCP4.5. The cumulative multi‐model ensemble (MME) net biome production (NBP) is 0.32 kg C m−2 year−1 during 1850–2005 and 1.43 kg C m−2 year−1 during 2006–2100, the TP is a carbon sink during the historical scenario, and TP will uptake more carbon from atmosphere during 2006–2100 than 1850–2005 under RCP4.5 scenario. LAI, GPP, NPP, Ra and Rh appear more related to the Tas than Pr and Rsds, and the Tas is the primary climatic driver for the plant growth and carbon cycle. With the climate change in 21st century under RCP4.5 scenario, Tas still is the primary climate driver for the plant growth and carbon cycle, but the effect of temperature on plant growth and carbon cycle gets weaker.
Poly(ornithine‐co‐arginine‐co‐glycine‐co‐aspartic Acid): Preparation via NCA Polymerization and its Potential as a Polymeric Tumor‐Penetrating Agent
Authors: Yu Haiyang , Tang Zhaohui , Zhang Dawei , Song Wantong , Duan Taicheng , Gu Jingkai , Chen Xuesi
Published: March 2015

A novel random copolypeptide of ornithine, arginine, glycine, and aspartic acid [Poly(ornithine‐co‐arginine‐co‐glycine‐co‐aspartic acid), Poly(O,R,G,D)] has been prepared through ring‐opening polymerization of N‐δ‐carbobenzoxy‐l‐ornithine N‐carboxyanhydride [Orn(Cbz)‐NCA)], l‐glycine N‐carboxyanhydride (Gly‐NCA) and β‐benzyl l‐aspartate N‐carboxyanhydride [Asp(Bn)‐NCA], following by subsequent deprotection and guanidization. The structure of Poly(O,R,G,D) was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Low cytotoxicity of Poly(O,R,G,D) was confirmed from MTT assay. The Poly(O,R,G,D) contain some internal sequences of RXXR (X = O, R, G, or D) that could be proteolytically cleaved to expose the cryptic CendR element and bind to Neuropilin‐1. This would lead to vascular and tissue permeabilization. Therefore trypsin‐cleaved Poly(O,R,G,D) increase the vascular leakage of Evans blue from dermal microvessels at the injection site in vivo skin permeability assay. The intratumoral injection of the Poly(O,R,G,D) significantly enhanced the concentration of cisplatin‐loaded nanoparticles in MCF‐7 solid tumors. These results show that Poly(O,R,G,D) could increase the vascular leakage and tissue penetration of nanoparticles in a solid tumor and can be used as a potential polymeric tumor‐penetrating agent.
First Water‐Soluble Backbone Ru–Ru–Ni Heterometallic Organometallic Polymer
Authors: Scalambra Franco , Serrano‐Ruiz Manuel , Romerosa Antonio
Published: March 2015

The water‐soluble backbone heterometallic polymer {[(PTA)2CpRu‐μ‐CN–RuCp(PTA)2‐μ‐NiCl3]}n (2) is synthesized using a reproducible and robust method and fully characterized by X‐ray single crystal diffraction. The Ru–Ru–Ni polymer is found to be stable in the solid state and soluble in water. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and light scattering studies show that the polymer is stable in water for several days in air.

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mTOR is involved in 17β‐estradiol‐induced, cultured immature boar Sertoli cell proliferation via regulating the expression of SKP2, CCND1, and CCNE1
Authors: Yang Wei‐Rong , Wang Yong , Wang Yi , Zhang Jiao‐Jiao , Zhang Jia‐Hua , Lu Cheng , Wang Xian‐Zhong
Published: March 2015

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is known to be involved in mammalian cell proliferation, while S‐phase kinase‐associated protein 2 (SKP2) plays a vital role in the cell cycle. Within the testis, estrogen also plays an important role in Sertoli cell proliferation, although it is not clear how. The present study asked if mTOR is involved in 17β‐estradiol‐dependent Sertoli cell proliferation. We specifically assessed if extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and/or phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) exert convergent effects toward the activation of mTOR signaling, and if this signaling regulates the expression of SKP2 through retinoblastoma (RB) and early mitotic inhibitor 1 (EMI1) protein and on CCNE1 and CCND1 mRNA levels. Treatment with 17β‐estradiol for 15–90 min activated mTOR, with mTOR phosphorylation peaking after 30 min. U0126 (5 μM), a specific inhibitor of (MEK1/2), and 10‐DEBC (2 μM), a selective inhibitor of AKT, both significantly reduced 17β‐estradiol‐induced phosphorylation of mTOR. Rapamycin suppressed 17β‐estradiol‐induced Sertoli cell proliferation, appearing to act by reducing the abundance of SKP2, CCND1, and CCNE1 mRNA as well as RB and EMI1 protein. These data indicated that 17β‐estradiol enhances Sertoli cell proliferation via mTOR activation, which involves both ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT signaling. Activated mTOR subsequently increases SKP2 mRNA and protein expression by enhancing the expression of CCND1 and CCNE1, and inhibits SKP2 protein degradation by increasing EMI1 abundance. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 305–314, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Less Adaptive or More Maladaptive? A Meta–analytic Investigation of Procrastination and Coping
Authors: Sirois Fuschia M. , Kitner Ryan
Published: March 2015

Despite the theoretical and empirical accounts of trait procrastination as reflecting avoidance of aversive tasks as a means of mood repair, research documenting its links to coping is scarce and inconsistent. There is also little if any research to date examining whether coping strategies might explain the procrastination–stress relationship. The current research aimed to address these issues by integrating current research on procrastination and coping with our own data into a first meta–analysis of the associations of procrastination with adaptive and maladaptive coping and then testing the potential role of coping for understanding the procrastination–stress relationship. In Study 1, a literature search yielded five published papers and three theses, which were supplemented by seven unpublished data sets comprising 15 samples ( N = 4357). Meta–analyses revealed that procrastination was positively associated with maladaptive coping (average r = .31) and negatively associated with adaptive coping (average r = −.24). In Study 2, a meta–analysis of the indirect effects through coping across four samples revealed that the average indirect effects for maladaptive but not adaptive coping explained the link between procrastination and stress. These findings expand the nomological network of procrastination and highlight the role of maladaptive coping for understanding procrastinators‘ stress. Copyright © 2015 European Association of Personality Psychology
Synthesis and optical properties of σ–π conjugated organic–inorganic hybrid gels
Authors: Naga Naofumi , Nagino Hitomi , Iwashita Midori , Miyanaga Tomoharu , Furukawa Hidemitsu
Published: March 2015

Organic–inorganic hybrid gels containing Si‐vinylene units have been synthesized by a hydrosilylation reaction of tri‐ or tetra‐ethynyl aryl compounds, 1,3,5‐triethynylbenzene (TEB), 3,3′,5,5′‐tetraethynylbiphenyl (TEBP), or tetrakis(4‐ethynylphenyl)methane (TEPM), and bisdimethylsilyl compounds, 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane (TMDS) or 1,4‐bisdimetylsilylbenzene (BDMSB), in toluene. Network structure of the resulting gels was quantitatively characterized by a scanning microscopic light scattering. The reactions yielded the gels having homogeneous network structure of 1.5–2.9 nm mesh size under the monomer concentrations that were relatively higher than the critical gelation concentration. The gels obtained from TEB showed broad absorption in the range from 340 to 370 nm, and emission in the range from 440 to 490 nm. The TEB–BDMSB gels showed remarkable red shift of the emission in comparison with that of the corresponding reaction solutions derived from the network formed by σ–π conjugation. The TEPM–TMDS, BDMSB gels exited by 280 nm showed not only the emission peak at around 360 nm derived from TEPM, but the broad peak at around 420 nm, which should be derived from interaction between phenyl groups of TEPM in the gels. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1360–1368
Interolog interfaces in protein–protein docking
Authors: Alsop James D. , Mitchell Julie C.
Published: March 2015

Proteins are essential elements of biological systems, and their function typically relies on their ability to successfully bind to specific partners. Recently, an emphasis of study into protein interactions has been on hot spots, or residues in the binding interface that make a significant contribution to the binding energetics. In this study, we investigate how conservation of hot spots can be used to guide docking prediction. We show that the use of evolutionary data combined with hot spot prediction highlights near‐native structures across a range of benchmark examples. Our approach explores various strategies for using hot spots and evolutionary data to score protein complexes, using both absolute and chemical definitions of conservation along with refinements to these strategies that look at windowed conservation and filtering to ensure a minimum number of hot spots in each binding partner. Finally, structure‐based models of orthologs were generated for comparison with sequence‐based scoring. Using two data sets of 22 and 85 examples, a high rate of top 10 and top 1 predictions are observed, with up to 82% of examples returning a top 10 hit and 35% returning top 1 hit depending on the data set and strategy applied; upon inclusion of the native structure among the decoys, up to 55% of examples yielded a top 1 hit. The 20 common examples between data sets show that more carefully curated interolog data yields better predictions, particularly in achieving top 1 hits. Proteins 2015; 83:1940–1946. © 2015 The Authors. Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Layered MoS2 grown on c ‐sapphire by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Ho Yen‐Teng , Ma Chun‐Hao , Luong Tien‐Tung , Wei Lin‐Lung , Yen Tzu‐Chun , Hsu Wei‐Ting , Chang Wen‐Hao , Chu Yung‐Ching , Tu Yung‐Yi , Pande Krishna Prasad , Chang Edward Yi
Published: March 2015

Layered growth of molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) was successfully achieved by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method on c ‐plane sapphire substrate. Growth of monolayer to a few monolayer MoS2, dependent on the pulsed number of excimer laser in PLD is demonstrated, indicating the promising controllability of layer growth. Among the samples with various pulse number deposition, the frequency difference (A1g–E12g) in Raman analysis of the 70 pulse sample is estimated as 20.11 cm–1, suggesting a monolayer MoS2 was obtained. Two‐dimensional (2D) layer growth of MoS2 is confirmed by the streaky reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) patterns during growth and the cross‐sectional view of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The in‐plane relationship, (0006) sapphire//(0002)MoS2and sapphire//MoS2 is determined. The results imply that PLD is suitable for layered MoS2 growth. Additionally, the oxide states of Mo 3d core level spectra of PLD grown MoS2, analysed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), can be effectively reduced by adopting a post sulfurization process. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The effect of the temperature changes of EDTA and MTAD on the removal of the smear layer: a scanning electron microscopy study
Authors: Çiçek Ersan , Keskin Özgür
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of EDTA and MTAD at different temperatures as a final irrigant to remove the smear layer after the use of 5.25% NaOCl. Seventy‐eight human mandibular premolars with single straight canal were prepared by a crown‐down technique using rotary 0.06 taper nickel‐titanium files. Final irrigation was performed with EDTA and MTAD at different temperatures. The removal of the smear layer in the coronal, middle and apical level of each canal was examined under scanning electron microscope. No difference was found between the EDTA and MTAD at 4°C, 25°C, and 37°C temperatures regardless of the canal level (coronal, middle and apical) (P = 0.286). In EDTA‐25, EDTA‐37, MTAD‐25, and MTAD‐37 groups, the difference among the coronal, middle, and apical levels were statistically no significant (P > 0.05). Our findings showed that EDTA and MTAD at 25°C and 37°C are more effective than EDTA and MTAD at 4°C even in the apical level. SCANNING 37:193–196, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of TH‐UWB interference on MB‐OFDM UWB systems: interference modeling and performance analysis
Authors: Sarabchi Farshad , Nerguizian Chahé
Published: March 2015

In this paper, the coexistence issue between multiband‐orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (MB‐OFDM) and time‐hopping ultra‐wideband (TH‐UWB) networks is widely analyzed. For this purpose, to study and model the TH‐UWB interference, an analytical framework which describes key features of the interference distribution is provided. The interference distribution is studied in the context of TH‐UWB's signaling parameters. Our results reveal that the interference distribution highly depends on its time‐hopping parameters. Therefore, choosing proper time‐hopping parameters leads to less destructive interferences. The Generalized Gaussian and the Symmetric‐α‐Stable (SαS) distributions are used to model the interference‐plus‐noise signal. The maximum likelihood and a characteristic function‐based regression‐type methods are adopted to estimate parameters of Generalized Gaussian and SαS distributions, respectively. Moreover, the interference channel effects on the impulsive behavior of the TH‐UWB signal is studied. It is shown that impulsive behavior of the faded interference signals highly depends on the channel time‐dispersiveness. Furthermore, an exact performance of a multiband‐orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing system impaired by a TH‐UWB system is derived. The comparison of the analytical performance, the empirical simulation, and the approximation results show that both approximation methods are valid for low interference‐to‐noise‐ratio, while SαS provides a more accurate approximation for high interference‐to‐noise‐ratio. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.