bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Baltic amber leafhoppers representing the oldest Aphrodinae and Megophthalminae (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae)
Authors: Dietrich Christopher H. , Gonçalves Ana Clara
Published: February 2014

Three fossil leafhopper inclusions from Eocene Baltic amber, representing three new extinct genera and species, are described and illustrated. Eomegophthalmus lithuaniensis gen. et sp. nov. is tentatively placed in Megophthalminae, although it may represent the stem group from which Megophthalminae, Ulopinae, and Membracidae arose. Xestocephalites balticus gen. et sp. nov. and Brevaphrodella nigra gen. et sp. nov. are placed in Aphrodinae: Xestocephalini based on the structure of the head, leg chaetotaxy, and male genital capsule. These new genera and species represent the oldest known representatives of their respective subfamilies and the latter is the oldest known brachypterous adult leafhopper.
Vascular Disease and Prostate Cancer: A Conflicting Association
Authors: Simona Di Francesco  , Raffaele L. Tenaglia
Published: February 2014

Background: To date, only a few studies have explored the relationship between vascular disease and Prostate Cancer (PCa), with conflicting results. The Aim of the research was to investigate the association of carotid vascular disease (CVD) or Coronary Artery disease (CAD) with PCa hormone-naive at initial diagnosis.
Methods: Retrospective analysis of 266 patients undergoing prostate biopsy at our institution between 2006 and 2009 was conducted. We examined associations of CVD or CAD in 133 patients with PCa diagnosis versus 133 age-matched controls. Men with incomplete data available, history of hormone therapy or chemotherapy, prostate or bladder surgery were excluded.
Results: CVD was significantly linked to PCa in all cases versus controls at initial diagnosis of PCa (OR 2.42, p < 0.05). Similarly CAD was significantly related to PCa at initial diagnosis (OR 1.88, p < 0.05).
Conclusions: In our study a significant relation was found between vascular damage and PCa hormone-naive at initial diagnosis. Further research should elucidate these associations in larger samples to confirm these relationships and to stabilize future prevention strategies.
A Bayes Study of Bile Acid Constituents on Cholelithiasis and Carcinoma of the Gallbladder
Authors: Srivastava Richa , Upadhyay Satyanshu K. , Shukla Vijay K.
Published: February 2014

Background: Significantly high concentration of secondary bile acids and low concentration of primary acids are reported by the surgeons in patients with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) compared to control and cholelithiasis groups.
Aim: To examine the effect of primary and secondary bile acids on the development of cholelithiasis and GBC and to investigate the association, if any, among the two groups of bile acids.
Methods: The study uses two groups of patients at a time selected in accordance with some pre-fixed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. The demographic characteristics such as mean age, sex ratio and body mass index, etc. are obtained for the selected groups of patients. The study defines dichotomous responses and the four bile acid constituents, namely cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), deoxycholic acid (DCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA), as the predictors. It then assumes logistic regression model to associate the binary responses with the predictors by using probability scores. Bayes analysis is developed using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) pack in R software for the posterior simulation.
Results: Twenty one cholelithiasis patients and twenty patients in each of control and GBC groups are studied. It is seen that a unit decrement in the level of CA (CDCA) increases the log (odds ratio) for cholelithiasis by an amount of 0.49 (0.14) and odds ratio by almost 1.5 (1.12). Similarly, a unit increment in the level of DCA (LCA) provides the log (odds ratio) for cholelithiasis as 0.18 (1.3) and odds ratio as 1.16 (2.95). Comparing GBC with control population, it is noted that a unit decrease in the level of CA (CDCA) in the control population increases the log (odds ratio) for GBC by an amount of 1.16(0.26) and odds ratio by almost 2.63 (1.24) times. Similarly, the log(odds ratio) for GBC increases by 0.77(1.94) and the odds ratio increases by 1.9 (5.0) for the unit increment in the level of DCA(LCA).
Conclusions: The study observes relatively high variations in the primary and secondary bile acids in the cholelithiasis and GBC groups as compared with the control group. It, in turn, reflects strong association among the two categories of bile acids in gallbladder diseases.
« La grande épinettière » d’Alex Michelet : une lecture postcoloniale
Authors: Lacroix Denis , Rao Sathya
Published: February 2014

Récit composé par Alex Michelet (1886-1979) à l’aube de sa vie, « La grande épinettière » raconte l’histoire d’une jeune institutrice d’ascendance française, Jeanne, qui se trouve affectée dans un petit village de l’Ouest canadien au tournant des années 1915-1920. En apparence anodin, ce récit inédit est remarquable à plusieurs égards : 1) il propose une description précise de la francophonie albertaine que l’auteur connaît bien pour avoir vécu en Alberta entre 1915-1919; 2) à travers le personnage de Jeanne, ce roman met en scène le conflit identitaire – éminemment actuel – qui tiraille les Français de la deuxième génération vivant dans l’Ouest; 3) à la différence des récits traditionnels de pionniers (Durieux, Giscard, Maturié), qui font état du combat épique contre la nature, « La grande épinettière » se focalise sur l’intériorité des personnages (qui apparaît alors dans toute sa complexité). De fait, c’est toute l’esthétique romanesque qui s’en trouve modifiée et n’a plus grand-chose à voir avec les récits coloniaux de pionniers. L’objet de cet article est d’explorer ces trois axes de lecture tout en réfléchissant en filigrane à la question de l’héritage laissée par la présence française dans l’Ouest canadien en général et en Alberta en particulier.
Les mots patrimoniaux au Manitoba (Canada) entre 1963 et 2006 : déclin des mots religieux, maintien des mots de coutumes
Authors: Rodriguez Liliane
Published: February 2014

La langue maternelle, vecteur d’identité sans pareil, véhicule le souvenir individuel et collectif, le préserve et le transmet, tout en évoluant pour accueillir dans sa forme (ses accents, ses vocabulaires, sa syntaxe) les nouvelles donnes du temps présent. La langue, dans son ensemble, est au coeur du patrimoine vivant d’une communauté linguistique, mais sa composante lexicale, en particulier, contient des éléments chargés d’histoire et de culture qui, au delà des dénotations et des nuances de sens répertoriées dans les dictionnaires, sont hautement symboliques d’une appartenance. Ces éléments sont d’autant plus symboliques que la communauté à laquelle ils sont liés est minoritaire. Nous présenterons un corpus de ces mots « patrimoniaux ». Ils sont extraits de corpus lexicométriques établis d’après les données de terrain de quatre enquêtes lexicales réalisées au Manitoba entre 1963 et 2006. Nous suivrons l’évolution quantitative et qualitative de ces mots particuliers dans le vocabulaire de jeunes francophones. Qu’ils appartiennent au français transnational ou régional, les exemples choisis sont représentatifs de champs lexicaux de coutumes manitobaines (bâtir, chasser, etc.) et de celui de la religion (prière, catéchèse, crucifix, etc.). Nous montrerons que le vocabulaire de la religion a perdu de sa disponibilité, contrairement à ceux d’autres activités traditionnelles (comme la construction ou la pêche). Nous soulignerons la pertinence patrimoniale de ces mots et nous nous interrogerons sur la signification que le maintien, la hausse ou le déclin de leurs indices de disponibilité peuvent avoir dans une perspective identitaire.
Maillardville (Colombie-Britannique), du village au coeur symbolique d’un (fragile) réseau francophone
Authors: Chignier-Riboulon Franck
Published: February 2014

Dans les ouvrages de géographie, Maillardville (quartier de Coquitlam) apparaît bien souvent comme l’implantation ultime d’un extrême Ouest canadien. Cette communauté, essentiellement bâtie autour d’une scierie, prend forme, au début du XXe siècle, avec l’arrivée de travailleurs, principalement venus du Québec puis, par la suite, des Prairies. La logique d’urbanisation in situ conforte pendant plusieurs décennies la communauté et sa spécificité. Cependant, la croissance et l’étalement de Vancouver, l’immigration, mais aussi la recherche d’autres emplois et les mariages mixtes ont déstructuré une communauté fragile. En 1979, Paul Villeneuve insiste déjà sur l’importance de l’assimilation. Aujourd’hui, la situation est quelque peu paradoxale puisque les francophones sont minoritaires dans le quartier, qu’ils sont même éclatés entre plusieurs municipalités (où ils sont aussi très minoritaires), et que, par ailleurs, l’école de Maillardville a été délocalisée dans la municipalité voisine; pourtant, « l’esprit de communauté demeure », selon Lionel Daneault, interrogé par Florence Debeugny (2009).
La représentation des identités francophones de l’Ouest canadien : illusion d’optique ou exemplarité?
Authors: Mocquais Pierre-Yves
Published: February 2014

Au début des années quatre-vingt-dix, Radio-Canada (Saskatchewan) a produit une série de vingt-trois capsules télévisuelles dont l’objectif était de célébrer (et de donner à célébrer) la mémoire de vingt-trois familles qui ont contribué à donner à la communauté fransaskoise son identité actuelle. En novembre 2011, j’ai publié Histoire(s) de famille(s) : mémoire et construction identitaire en Fransaskoisie, ouvrage qui consiste en une analyse de ces vingt-trois récits de mémoire et de la manière dont une identité a pu être construite par leur diffusion. Dans un autre article, « Images (télévisuelles) d’“images-souvenirs“ », j’ai posé la question de savoir si une entreprise telle que ces capsules diffusées par Radio-Canada ne contribuait pas à la création d’une mémoire artificielle, et donc à son institutionalisation, la mémoire de vingt-trois familles se trouvant ainsi manipulée et réduite à un certain nombre de thèmes ou de traits communs, et mise au service d’une visée idéologique qui s’inscrirait elle-même dans le cadre de la vision institutionnelle du Canada. Cet article s’inscrit dans la lignée de cette vision. En m’appuyant sur les travaux de Todorov, de Ricoeur et de Méchoulan, je pose la question de savoir comment se forment les identités francophones de l’Ouest canadien et comment la recherche universitaire y joue un rôle central. Autrement dit, les identités francophones dans l’Ouest canadien sont-elles construites de toutes pièces par l’entremise de démarches institutionnelles?
« Traduttore, Traditore » ? La réception contextualisée des valeurs d’entreprise dans les filiales françaises et allemandes d’une entreprise multinationale américaine
Authors: Barmeyer Christoph I. , Davoine Eric
Published: February 2014

Dans l’entreprise multinationale, les valeurs d’entreprise, instruments de la culture d’entreprise normative, sont « transférées » de la maison-mère vers les filiales pour partager un cadre de référence commun mais la signification de ces valeurs est en partie spécifique à la langue et au contexte dans lesquels elles sont formulées. Notre contribution présente le processus de réception et d’interprétation de valeurs d’entreprise de manière comparative dans les filiales françaises et allemandes d’une entreprise multinationale américaine. L’analyse comparée nous permet de mettre en évidence les interprétations différenciées des valeurs au sein des filiales ainsi que les éléments de la « recontextualisation » locale des valeurs.
Effet de la corruption sur la survie des filiales de multinationales dans un pays Émergent : le cas de l’Indonésie
Authors: Vial Virginie , Prévot Frédéric
Published: February 2014

Dans cet article, nous analysons l’influence de la corruption sur la survie des filiales de multinationales dans un pays émergent en utilisant une approche permettant de prendre en considération le paiement effectif de pots-de-vin au niveau des firmes. Sur la base d’une étude de survie menée sur 3 483 filiales de multinationales en Indonésie sur une période de 33 ans, nous testons l’influence du paiement de pots-de-vin et de taxes indirectes. Les résultats montrent que la corruption a un effet modérateur sur le taux de mortalité des filiales étrangères récentes, mais cet effet disparait pour les plus anciennes.
L’influence du risque pays et de la distance culturelle sur les modes de présence et de contrôle des PME à l’étranger
Authors: Jean-Amans Carole , Abdellatif Mahamat
Published: February 2014

Cette recherche vise à analyser l’influence du risque pays et de la distance culturelle sur les modes de présence et de contrôle des PME sur leurs filiales. Deux variables relatives à la stratégie d’implantation à l’étranger ont été retenues : le type d’implantation (filiale détenue à 100 % ou coentreprise internationale) et les pratiques d’expatriation. Pour conduire cette étude, une enquête en ligne a été menée par le biais d’une base de données entièrement élaborée et constituée de 2526 PME françaises implantées à l’étranger sous la forme de filiales. Notre contribution montre que le risque pays et la distance culturelle sont associés à la forme de la filiale implantée à l’étranger, mais n’influencent pas les pratiques d’expatriation mobilisées.
Innovation and Internationalization of Young Entrepreneurial Firms
Authors: Lamotte Olivier , Colovic Ana
Published: February 2014

This article investigates the relationship between innovation and internationalization in young entrepreneurial firms. Based on data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor and the World Bank for 64 countries during the 2001-2008 period, this study demonstrates that young entrepreneurial firms involved in product and/or process innovation are more likely to be internationalized. Moreover, the results of our study reveal that the impact of innovation is greater for product innovation than for process innovation and for high-income countries than for low- or middle-income countries.
Le rôle des pôles de compétitivité dans l’internationalisation des PME : une étude exploratoire
Authors: Colovic Ana
Published: February 2014

Cet article explore le rôle d’un pôle de compétitivité, que l’on peut considérer comme unclusterformel, dans l’internationalisation des petites et moyennes entreprises (PME). Sur la base d’une étude de cas multiples, nous mettons en évidence la manière par laquelle les pôles de compétitivité facilitent le développement international des PME. De plus, nous identifions les avantages perçus de l’internationalisation à travers les pôles et les caractéristiques des PME les plus à même de tirer des bénéfices de ce mode d’internationalisation.
Effect of annealing and hydrogen radical treatment on the structure of solution-processed hydrogenated amorphous silicon films
Authors: Sakuma Yoo , Ohdaira Keisuke , Masuda Takashi , Takagishi Hideyuki , Shen Zhongrong , Shimoda Tatsuya
Published: February 2014

We investigate the structure distribution of solution-processed (Sol. P) hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) films along the thickness direction and the effect of hydrogen-radical treatment (H-treatment) by Raman spectroscopy. Sol. P a-Si:H films have a stress distribution along the thickness direction, and the degree of such distribution depends on annealing temperature and duration. H-treatment affects the stress and short-range order (SRO) of a-Si:H films. The results suggest a formation mechanism for Sol. P a-Si:H films through network reconstruction and H-treatment.
Broadband Spectroscopy of Nanoporous-Gold Promoter
Authors: Nakatani S. K. , Han Y.-H. , Takahashi T. , Awano T.
Published: February 2014

The efficiency of UV photocatalysis on TiO2 particles was increased by mixing TiO2 particles with nanoporous gold (NPG) with pore diameters of 10–40 nm. This means that NPG acts as a promoter in the photocatalytic reaction of TiO2. Broadband spectroscopic results from millimeter wave to ultra violet of NPG membrane are discussed to estimate plasmonic effect on the catalysis.
Resonance of High Tc Superconducting Microstrip Patch in a Substrate-Superstrate Configuration
Authors: Benkouda S. , Fortaki T. , Amir M. , Benghalia A.
Published: February 2014

The effect of a protecting dielectric superstrate on the resonance of a high Tc superconducting microstrip patch is investigated. The analysis approach is based on the spectral-domain method of moments in conjunction with the complex resistive boundary condition. The complex surface impedance of the superconducting thin film is determined using London’s equation and the two-fluid model of Gorter and Casimir. Numerical results show that the resonant frequency of the high Tc superconducting rectangular patch decreases monotonically with increasing superstrate thickness, the decrease being greater for high permittivity loading.
Sex differences in aggression among children of low and high gender inequality backgrounds: A comparison of gender role and sexual selection theories
Authors: Nivette Amy E. , Eisner Manuel , Malti Tina , Ribeaud Denis
Published: February 2014

It is well understood in aggression research that males tend to exhibit higher levels of physical aggression than females. Yet there are still a number of gaps in our understanding of variation in sex differences in children's aggression, particularly in contexts outside North America. A key assumption of social role theory is that sex differences vary according to gender polarization, whereas sexual selection theory accords variation to the ecological environment that consequently affects male competition [Archer, J. (2009). Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 32, 249–311; Kenrick, D., & Griskevicious, V. (2009). More holes in social roles [Comment]. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 32, 283–285]. In the present paper, we explore these contradicting theoretical frameworks by examining data from a longitudinal study of a culturally diverse sample of 863 children at ages 7–13 in Zurich, Switzerland. Making use of the large proportion of children from highly diverse immigrant background we compare the size of the sex difference in aggression between children whose parents were born in countries with low and with high levels of gender inequality. The results show that sex differences in aggression are generally larger among children with parents from high gender inequality backgrounds. However, this effect is small in comparison to the direct effect of a child's biological sex. We discuss implications for future research on sex differences in children's aggression. Aggr. Behav. 40:451–464, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Water‐Dispersible, Ligand‐Free, and Extra‐Small (<10 nm) Titania Nanoparticles: Control Over Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Agglomeration Through a Modified “Non‐Aqueous” Route
Authors: Cadman Christopher J. , Pucci Andrea , Cellesi Francesco , Tirelli Nicola
Published: February 2014

Non‐aqueous routes to inorganic nanoparticles are supposedly based on the absence of water; here, this view is partially challenged, showing that the presence of water (or moisture) is probably necessary, and is surely useful to achieve a precise control over the growth/aggregation phenomena leading to titanium dioxide nanoparticles. This study is focused on the preparation of size‐controlled and ligand‐free titania (anatase) nanoparticles in water dispersion. This is achieved through a three‐step process: 1) production of primary (3–4 nm) nanoparticles from titanium alkoxides (Ti(OnPr)4, Ti(OnBu)4 or Ti(OiPr)4) in benzyl alcohol through the controlled addition of water; 2) thermal growth phase, where the aggregation of primary nanoparticles at 80 °C leads to secondary nanoparticles with a typical fractal dimension of 2.2–2.4; the primary particles are still identifiable as the individual crystallites composing the secondary nanoparticles; 3) precipitation/re‐dispersion in water, where secondary nanoparticles further agglomerate to yield tertiary nanoparticles. The size of the latter and their photocatalytic efficiency is primarily controlled by the nature of residual alkoxide chains; in particular, isopropoxide groups allow to produce anatase nanoparticles with an average size of 7–8 nm in water dispersion and in the absence of any stabilizing ligand, which is an unprecedented result.
High‐Ampacity Power Cables of Tightly‐Packed and Aligned Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Wang Xuan , Behabtu Natnael , Young Colin C. , Tsentalovich Dmitri E. , Pasquali Matteo , Kono Junichiro
Published: February 2014

The current‐carrying capacity (CCC), or ampacity, of highly‐conductive, light, and strong carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers is characterized by measuring their failure current density (FCD) and continuous current rating (CCR) values. It is shown, both experimentally and theoretically, that the CCC of these fibers is determined by the balance between current‐induced Joule heating and heat exchange with the surroundings. The measured FCD values of the fibers range from 107 to 109 A m−2 and are generally higher than the previously reported values for aligned buckypapers, carbon fibers, and CNT fibers. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time the CCR for a CNT fiber has been reported. The specific CCC value (i.e., normalized by the linear mass density) of these CNT fibers are demonstrated to be higher than those of copper.
Click Hybridization of Immune Cells and Polyamidoamine Dendrimers
Authors: Xu Leyuan , Zolotarskaya Olga Yu. , Yeudall W. Andrew , Yang Hu
Published: February 2014

Immobilizing highly branched polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers to the cell surface represents an innovative method of enhancing cell surface loading capacity to deliver therapeutic and imaging agents. In this work, hybridized immune cells, that is, macrophage RAW264.7 (RAW), with PAMAM dendrimer G4.0 (DEN) on the basis of bioorthogonal chemistry are clicked. Efficient and selective cell surface immobilization of dendrimers is confirmed by confocal microscopy. Viability and motility of RAW‐DEN hybrids remain the same as untreated RAW cells according to WST‐1 assay and wound closure assay. Furthermore, Western blot analysis reveals that there are no significant alterations in the expression levels of signaling molecules AKT, p38, and NFκB (p65) and their corresponding activated (phosphorylated) forms in RAW cells treated with azido sugar and dendrimer, indicating that the hybridization process neither induced cell stress response nor altered normal signaling pathways. Taken together, this work shows the feasibility of applying bioorthogonal chemistry to create cell‐nanoparticle hybrids and demonstrates the noninvasiveness of this cell surface engineering approach.
Third Harmonic Generation of Optical Vortices Using Holography‐Based Gold‐Fork Microstructure
Authors: Li Gui Xin , Chen Shu Mei , Cai Yuan , Zhang Shuang , Cheah Kok Wai
Published: February 2014

Light with orbital angular momentum has found novel applications in macro‐manipulation, quantum optics, and optical communication, etc. The generation of orbital angular momentum in nonlinear media, such as second harmonic generation and high harmonic generation, is demonstrated using an optical superlattice and a gas medium. Here, by combining a gold‐fork microstructure with a conjugated polymer thin film with strong nonlinearity, both second‐ and third‐order harmonic generation of vortex beams with orbital angular momentum are created. Compared to the previously reported medium to generate nonlinear optical vortex, this approach brings great advantages in device miniaturization and provides a promising strategy for realizing on‐chip nonlinear optical vortex devices.
Impact of hospital Type II violent events: Use of psychotropic drugs and mental health services
Authors: Dement John M. , Lipscomb Hester J. , Schoenfisch Ashley L. , Pompeii Lisa A.
Published: February 2014

Background

While violence can adversely affect mental health of victims, repercussions of violence against workers is not as well characterized.

Materials and Methods

We explored relationships between workplace violent events perpetrated by patients or visitors (Type II) against hospital employees and the employee use of psychotropic medications or mental health services using a data system that linked violent events with health claims.

Results

Significant associations were observed between reported Type II workplace violent events and employee prescription claims for anti‐depressants and anxiolytics combined (RR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.01–2.33) and anti‐depressants alone (RR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.10–2.48). No significant association between reported violent events and health claims for treatment of depression or anxiety was observed.

Conclusions

Type II violence experienced by hospital workers may lead to increased use of psychotropic drugs, particularly anti‐depressants but also anxiolytics. Our results suggest an important role of employee assistance programs in mitigating the psychological consequences of workplace violent events. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:627–639, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Green tobacco sickness among tobacco farmers in southern Brazil
Authors: Fassa Anaclaudia G. , Faria Neice M.X. , Meucci Rodrigo D. , Fiori Nadia Spada , Miranda Vanessa Iribarrem , Facchini Luiz Augusto
Published: February 2014

Background

Despite being the second largest tobacco producer in the world, Brazil does not have prevalence studies about green tobacco sickness (GTS).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out on a sample of Brazilian tobacco workers. The sample was described according to socio‐demographic, behavioral, and occupational variables. Gender‐stratified multivariate analyses examined variables associated with GTS.

Results

GTS prevalence among men in the previous month was 6.6%, while among women it was 11.9%. Among men, age, being a non‐smoker, hanging tobacco sticks in the barn, harvesting wet leaves, and exposure to physical exertion were risk factors for GTS. Among women, tying hands of tobacco, transporting bales, harvesting wet leaves, having had contact with pesticides, and exposure to physical exertion were positively associated with GTS.

Conclusion

Research is required to improve methods for GTS screening, as well as the ability to distinguish GTS from pesticide poisoning. Health professionals should be trained to diagnose and treat GTS. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:726–735, 2014. © 2014 The Authors. American Journal of Industrial Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanism‐based selection of a potent kallikrein‐related peptidase 7 inhibitor from a versatile library based on the sunflower trypsin inhibitor SFTI‐1
Authors: de Veer Simon J. , Ukolova Svetlana S. , Munro Christopher A. , Swedberg Joakim E. , Buckle Ashley M. , Harris Jonathan M.
Published: February 2014

Potent and specific enzyme inhibition is a key goal in the development of therapeutic inhibitors targeting proteolytic activity. The backbone‐cyclized peptide, Sunflower Trypsin Inhibitor (SFTI‐1) affords a scaffold that can be engineered to achieve both these aims. SFTI‐1's mechanism of inhibition is unusual in that it shows fast‐on/slow‐off kinetics driven by cleavage and religation of a scissile bond. This phenomenon was used to select a nanomolar inhibitor of kallikrein‐related peptidase 7 (KLK7) from a versatile library of SFTI variants with diversity tailored to exploit distinctive surfaces present in the active site of serine proteases. Inhibitor selection was achieved through the use of size exclusion chromatography to separate protease/inhibitor complexes from unbound inhibitors followed by inhibitor identification according to molecular mass ascertained by mass spectrometry. This approach identified a single dominant inhibitor species with molecular weight of 1562.4 Da, which is consistent with the SFTI variant SFTI‐WCTF. Once synthesized individually this inhibitor showed an IC50 of 173.9 ± 7.6 nM against chromogenic substrates and could block protein proteolysis. Molecular modeling analysis suggested that selection of SFTI‐WCTF was driven by specific aromatic interactions and stabilized by an enhanced internal hydrogen bonding network. This approach provides a robust and rapid route to inhibitor selection and design. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 100: 510–518, 2013.
Single stage hydroprocessing of pyrolysis oil in a continuous packed‐bed reactor
Authors: Parapati Divya R. , Guda Vamshi K. , Penmetsa Venkata K. , Steele Philip H. , Tanneru Sathish K.
Published: February 2014

Raw bio‐oil cannot be combusted as transportation fuel directly because of its high acidity, high water content, lower heating value, and variable viscosity over time. Therefore, bio‐oil should be chemically converted to a more stable liquid product before subjecting it to hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) conditions. This research article focuses on catalytic hydroprocessing of pretreated bio‐oil (PTBO) in a single stage reaction using various catalyst compositions in a packed‐bed reactor. Four catalysts, a conventional hydrotreating catalyst (CoMo/γ‐Al2O3), an Fe‐Cr based mixed oxide catalyst, an FeW/Si‐Al catalyst, and a 1:2 mixture of Ru/γ‐Al2O3 and Ni/Si‐Al catalyst, were tested for conversion of the PTBO to mixed liquid hydrocarbons at 350–400°C, 1500 psig hydrogen pressure, and at a liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) of 0.2–0.3 h−1. Liquid products produced from the HDO treatments were analyzed for properties such as acid value, heating value, elemental analysis, water content, and chemical characterization. The conventional hydrotreating catalyst, CoMo/γ‐Al2O3, performed the best among the four catalysts employed to reduced the acid value to 2 mg KOH/g and oxygen content to 0.1% while improving the heating value to 43 MJ/kg of the liquid product. The detailed hydrocarbon analysis of the reduced CoMo/γ‐Al2O3 upgraded hydrocarbon mixture showed the presence of olefins, iso‐paraffins, followed by naphthenes and aromatics. Simulated distillation results indicated that the liquid fuel had a boiling point range of 69–304°C, indicating the presence of petroleum equivalents of 50% gasoline (38–170°C), 30% jet fuel (170–250°C), and 20% diesel (250–304°C) range hydrocarbons. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 726–731, 2014
Can Doppler study of the ovarian artery predict the fertility outcome of intrauterine insemination?
Authors: Giugliano Emilio , Cagnazzo Elisa , Giugliano Brunella , Vesce Fortunato , Caserta Donatella , Moscarini Massimo , Marci Roberto
Published: February 2014

Background

To test the velocimetric pattern of the ovarian artery as a routine ovarian reserve test.

Methods

We enrolled 317 consecutive patients from January 2011 to June 2012. At the second day of the menstrual cycle, a transvaginal ultrasound was performed to evaluate the antral follicle count and ovarian volume, and Doppler of both ovarian arteries was also performed. Controlled ovarian stimulation was performed and the patients were divided in two groups according to the result of the intrauterine insemination: group A (nonpregnant women) and group B (pregnant women).

Results

Ovarian velocimetric pattern was similar between the two groups. Follicle stimulating hormone value had a significant correlation with the ultrasound markers; however, the multiple regression linear analysis showed that the only independent variables were the antral follicle count (t = −2.74, p = 0.008) and the systolic/diastolic ratio (t = 3.95, p = 0.0005). The best parameters in predicting the pregnancy were the mean ovarian volume, total and partial antral follicle count between 7 and 10 mm, and the mean resistance index (area under the curve: 0.744, 0.671, 0.667, 0.573, respectively).

Conclusions

The Doppler study of the ovarian arteries did not add significant information about the ovarian reserve status. Only the mean resistance index had a significant diagnostic accuracy, but its specificity (53%) is too low to consider it a screening test. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:331–335, 2014
Optically transparent magnetic and electrically conductive Fe–Cr–Zr ultra‐thin films
Authors: Louzguine‐Luzgin D. V. , Ketov S. V. , Orava J. , Mizukami S.
Published: February 2014

The transparent magnetic thin films having a nominal composition of Fe75Cr15Zr10 and containing nanocrystalline BCC Fe particles embedded in a metallic glassy matrix were deposited by a magnetron sputtering technique. The nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed in the glassy matrix, which results in the appearance of ferromagnetic properties. The phase composition and microstructure of the films were examined by X‐ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy equipped with EDX spectroscopy. The magneto‐optical properties of the obtained films were also studied by magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) method. The material obtained possesses three key properties: it is optically transparent in the visible‐light range as well as electrically conductive and it shows ferromagnetism, which all of these are often mutually alternative.
Infrared multiple‐photon dissociation spectroscopy of deprotonated 6‐hydroxynicotinic acid
Authors: van Stipdonk Michael J. , Kullman Michael J. , Berden Giel , Oomens Jos
Published: February 2014

RATIONALE

Hydroxynicotinic acids (2‐, 4‐, 5‐ and 6‐hydroxy) are widely used in the manufacture of industrial products, and hydroxypyridines are important model systems for study of the tautomerization of N‐heterocyclic compounds. Here we determined the gas‐phase structure of deprotonated 6‐hydroxynicotinic acid (6OHNic).

METHODS

Anions were generated by electrospray ionization, and isolated and stored in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. Infrared (action) spectra were collected by monitoring photodissociation yield versus photon energy. Experimental spectra were then compared with those predicted by density functional theory (DFT) and second‐order Møller‐Plesset (MP2) perturbation theory calculations.

RESULTS

For neutral 6OHNic, DFT and MP2 calculations strongly suggest that the 6‐pyridone tautomer is favored when solvent effects are included. The lowest energy isomer of deprotonated 6OHNic, in the aqueous or gas phase, is predicted to be the 6‐pyridone structure deprotonated by the carboxylic acid group.

CONCLUSIONS

The deprotonated, 6‐pyridone structure is confirmed by comparison of the infrared multiple‐photon photodissociation (IRMPD) spectrum in the region of 1100–1900 cm–1 with those predicted using DFT and MP2 calculations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospray ionization collision‐induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry of amoxicillin and ampicillin and their degradation products
Authors: Frański Rafał , Czerniel Joanna , Kowalska Marta , Frańska Magdalena
Published: February 2014

RATIONALE

Detailed analysis of the literature results on the electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) fragmentation of amoxicillin and ampicillin, and their comparison with our results, have revealed some incorrect suggestions or incomplete interpretations of mass spectra of these compounds. Therefore, this paper contains a comprehensive discussion devoted to the ESI‐MS/MS of ampicillin and amoxicillin as well as their degradation products, namely products of hydrolysis and methanolysis.

METHODS

Electrospray ionization collision‐induced dissociation tandem mass (ESI‐CID‐MS/MS) spectra and accurate mass measurements were made on a quadrupole time‐of‐flight (Q‐tof) mass spectrometer. Hydrolysis of the antibiotics was performed by heating, for a few hours, their aqueous solutions adjusted to pH 10. Methanolysis of the antibiotics was performed by heating their methanol solutions for a few minutes. Additionally, mass spectra of isotope‐labeled compounds were also obtained.

RESULTS

A number of fragment ions, previously wrongly interpreted or not interpreted, have been rationalized. For example, formation of an abundant fragment at m/z 208 originating from the protonated amoxicillin molecule (ion [Amox + H]+) was previously rationalized as a result of breaking of two bonds of the β‐lactam ring. We found that this fragment ion had to be formed by the loss of ammonia and breaking of three bonds of the bicyclic system.

CONCLUSIONS

The discussion presented enables a better understanding of the MS decompositions of amoxicillin and ampicillin as well as their degradation products. MS decomposition is used for the determinations of these compounds, when the so‐called multiple‐reaction monitoring is applied during liquid chromatography (LC)/ESI‐MS analysis. Thus, better understanding of MS decompositions of the above compounds seems to be important. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility assessment of a novel selective peptide derivatization strategy for sensitivity enhancement for the liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry bioanalysis of protein therapeutics in serum
Authors: Yuan Long , Mai Anna , Aubry Anne‐Françoise , Arnold Mark E. , Ji Qin C.
Published: February 2014

RATIONALE

Sensitivity is one major challenge limiting the application of liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) methods for bioanalysis of proteins. A novel selective peptide derivatization (SPD) strategy was proposed to improve assay sensitivity. The main concept of the SPD strategy is to selectively derivatize surrogate peptides of the target protein in the digests, while not derivatizing the abundant background peptides, thereby improving the separation of target peptides during sample extraction and chromatography, and increasing the sensitivity. Additional benefits may help improve sensitivity include (1) increased ionization efficiency; (2) improved fragmentation pattern; and (3) increased sample extraction recovery of target peptides.

METHODS

Feasibility assessment of the SPD strategy was conducted using BMS‐986012, a monoclonal antibody, as the model protein, and with malondialdehyde (MDA) to selectively derivatize the arginine‐containing surrogate peptide SLIY in tryptic‐digested monkey serum samples.

RESULTS

The decreased polarity and basicity of the MDA‐derivatized peptide SLIY (MDA‐SLIY) helped improve its separation from the background peptides during solid‐phase extraction (SPE) and chromatography. The recovery of MDA‐SLIY was 36.1–44.2%, which was ~3‐fold higher than the recovery of peptide SLIY (11.9–16.1%). There was no significant ion suppression for MDA‐SLIY. Overall, SPD improved the sensitivity ~5‐fold. SPD methodology was then successfully applied to the development of a sensitive LC/MS/MS assay for BMS‐986012 in monkey serum.

CONCLUSIONS

This work demonstrates the feasibility of the SPD strategy for sensitivity enhancement. SPD can provide a simple, cost‐efficient, and antibody‐free sample preparation approach to improve sensitivity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isotope‐dilution mass spectrometric quantification of the prodrug lisdexamfetamine in human urine in doping control analysis
Authors: Thevis Mario , Sigmund Gerd , Thomas Andreas , Vogel Matthias , Walpurgis Katja , Kwiatkowska Dorota , Geyer Hans , Schänzer Wilhelm
Published: February 2014

RATIONALE

Therapeutic approaches concerning attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) commonly include the administration of drugs amplifying cerebral dopamine and norepinephrine signals. Among these, compounds belonging to the Prohibited List as established by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) are present such as amfetamine or methylphenidate, and abuse of these can result in sanctions for athletes. The recently approved therapeutic lisdexamfetamine represents a slow‐release prodrug of amfetamine for ADHD treatment. In order to support doping control laboratories in differentiating the abuse of amfetamine from a therapeutic administration of lisdexamfetamine, the determination of the prodrug from urine is desirable. Since approximately 2% of lisdexamfetamine are eliminated intact into urine, a liquid chromatography/high‐resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometric method was developed, allowing the target analyte and one of its metabolites (4‐hydroxyamfetamine sulfate) to be accurately quantified.

METHODS

Urine samples were fortified with fourfold deuterated lisdexamfetamine and analyzed directly using ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) interfaced via electrospray ionization to a second‐generation quadrupole‐orbitrap mass spectrometer. The assay was characterized concerning specificity, limits of quantification (0.15–5 ng/mL), intraday and interday imprecision (4–22%), accuracy (90–120%), linearity, and ion suppression/enhancement effects. A patient's urine samples were analyzed to provide proof‐of‐principle data demonstrating that the intact prodrug lisdexamfetamine is detectable in urine up to 11 h post‐administration at concentrations up to 80 ng/mL. Moreover, amfetamine and sulfoconjugated 4‐hydroxyamfetamine were measured, yielding up to 1146 and 56 ng/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the observed comparably low urinary concentrations of lisdexamfetamine and 4‐hydroxyamfetamine sulfate, the preferred minimally labor‐intense sample preparation, and the necessity of fast and robust result generation, the employed instrumental setup proved fit‐for‐purpose in sports drug testing. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual track time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for peptide quantification with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization
Authors: Bae Yong Jin , Moon Jeong Hee , Kim Myung Soo
Published: February 2014

RATIONALE

Previously, we reported a method (Anal. Chem. 2012, 84, 10332) for peptide quantification based on matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). In the method, the peptide‐to‐matrix ion abundance ratio was utilized. Implementation of the method with a commercial MALDI‐TOF can be somewhat inconvenient because matrix‐derived ions are routinely deflected away to avoid detector saturation. A solution for this inconvenience is required.

METHODS

We installed a detector to acquire the TOF spectrum of the ions thrown away to avoid detector saturation. By sending the matrix‐ and peptide‐derived ions along two different tracks and detecting them with different detectors, the inconvenience mentioned above could be avoided.

RESULTS

Excellent linearity of the calibration curves obtained by the dual track TOF spectrometry is demonstrated. The method also allows for the acquisition of the tandem mass spectrum of a selected peptide, which can be useful for its identification.

CONCLUSIONS

We devised the dual track MALDI‐TOF MS method to avoid detector saturation and demonstrated that the quantification and identification of peptides can be performed simultaneously. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Superlensing using complementary media
Authors: Nguyen Hoai-Minh
Published: February 2014

This paper studies magnifying superlens using complementary media. Superlensing using complementary media was suggested by Veselago in [16] and innovated by Nicorovici et al. in [9] and Pendry in [10]. The study of this problem is difficult due to two facts. Firstly, this problem is unstable since the equations describing the phenomena have sign changing coefficients; hence the ellipticity is lost. Secondly, the phenomena associated might be localized resonant, i.e., the field explodes in some regions and remains bounded in some others. This makes the problem difficult to analyze. In this paper, we develop the technique of removing of localized singularity introduced in [6] and make use of the reflecting technique in [5] to overcome these two difficulties. More precisely, we suggest a class of lenses which has root from [9] and [14] and inspired from [6] and give a proof of superlensing for this class. To our knowledge, this is the first rigorous proof on the magnification of an
arbitrary inhomogeneous
object using complementary media.
Rethinking Validation: Efficient Search of the Space of Parameters for an Agent-Based Model
Authors: Olaru Doina , Purchase Sharon
Published: February 2014

This paper shows how sensitivity analysis can be used as part of model verification and validation Sensitivity analysis provides insights on where future data validation processes should focus and which inputs may be considered for model reduction. We compared two approaches, one using a systematic variation of parameter values, another using an optimised algorithm to make more efficient the search of their space. Analysis was conducted on an agent-based model that explores the emergence of innovation within business networks, where successful innovation is considered an increase in knowledge and financial resources within the network. The two sensitivity analysis approaches differed both on their time efficiency and on the type of information provided. While the systematic individual sensitivity analysis assisted us in identifying inputs with substantial impact upon the results and suggest solutions for model simplification, the optimised search provided insights on the network resources likely to achieve higher levels of innovation. Genetic algorithms found parameter values that produced different results in the agent-based model.
Fixation‐induced cell blebbing on spread cells inversely correlates with phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate level in the plasma membrane
Authors: Zhao Siyuan , Liao Huanhuan , Ao Meiying , Wu Li , Zhang Xiaojun , Chen Yong
Published: February 2014

While most attention has been focused on physiologically generated blebs, the molecular mechanisms for fixation‐induced cell blebbing are less investigated. We show that protein‐fixing (e.g. aldehydes and picric acid) but not lipid‐stabilizing (e.g. OsO4 and KMnO4) fixatives induce blebbing on spread cells. We also show that aldehyde fixation may induce the loss or delocalization of phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) in the plasma membrane and that the asymmetric distribution of fixation‐induced blebs on spread/migrating cells coincides with that of PIP2 on the cells prefixed by lipid‐stabilizing fixatives (e.g., OsO4). Moreover, fixation induces blebbing less readily on PIP2‐elevated spread cells but more readily on PIP2‐lowered or lipid raft‐disrupted spread cells. Our data suggest that fixation‐induced lowering of PIP2 level at cytoskeleton‐attaching membrane sites causes bleb formation via local breakdown of the membrane–cytoskeleton coupling.
Creation of the Argentina‐Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Authors: Russo María Julieta , Gustafson Deborah , Vázquez Silvia , Surace Ezequiel , Guinjoan Salvador , Allegri Ricardo F. , Sevlever Gustavo ,   members of the Argentina-Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2014

The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is a multisite, longitudinal study that assesses clinical, imaging, genetic, and biospecimen biomarkers through the process of normal aging to mild cognitive impairment and dementia. We present the creation of the Argentina‐ADNI—the first South American ADNI—and its effort to acquire data comparable with those gathered in other worldwide ADNI centers.
How does brain insulin resistance develop in Alzheimer's disease?
Authors: De Felice Fernanda G. , Lourenco Mychael V. , Ferreira Sergio T.
Published: February 2014

Compelling preclinical and clinical evidence supports a pathophysiological connection between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and diabetes. Altered metabolism, inflammation, and insulin resistance are key pathological features of both diseases. For many years, it was generally considered that the brain was insensitive to insulin, but it is now accepted that this hormone has central neuromodulatory functions, including roles in learning and memory, that are impaired in AD. However, until recently, the molecular mechanisms accounting for brain insulin resistance in AD have remained elusive. Here, we review recent evidence that sheds light on how brain insulin dysfunction is initiated at a molecular level and why abnormal insulin signaling culminates in synaptic failure and memory decline. We also discuss the cellular basis underlying the beneficial effects of stimulation of brain insulin signaling on cognition. Discoveries summarized here provide pathophysiological background for identification of novel molecular targets and for development of alternative therapeutic approaches in AD.