bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper‐Catalyzed Aerobic Decarboxylation/Ketooxygenation of Electron‐Deficient Alkenes
Authors: Lu Qingquan , Peng Pan , Luo Yi , Zhao Ying , Zhou Minxian , Lei Aiwen
Published: October 2015

A copper‐catalyzed ketooxygenation of electron‐deficient alkenes was developed. This approach combines OH alkylation, aerobic decarboxylation, and oxygenation in one transformation. Mechanistic investigation of this reaction showed that the copper salt is responsible for both generating the amidoxyl radical and promoting aerobic decarboxylation.
Simultaneous CO2/SO2 adsorption performance of carbide slag in adsorption/desorption cycles
Authors: Wu Shuimu , Li Yingjie , Zhao Jianli , Lu Chunmei , Wang Zeyan
Published: October 2015

Simultaneous CO2/SO2 adsorption performance of CaO derived from carbide slag (an industrial waste product from a chlor‐alkali plant) in multiple adsorption/desorption cycles was investigated in a dual fixed‐bed reactor. The effects of adsorption duration, SO2 concentration, adsorption temperature, desorption conditions, and particle size on carbonation conversion, cumulative sulphation conversion, and total Ca utilization of the carbide slag over multiple cycles were discussed. SO2 presence appreciably impedes the cyclic CO2 adsorption capacity of the carbide slag. A longer adsorption duration causes a sharper drop in the carbonation conversion due to the adverse effect of SO2. The presence of SO2 intensifies the effect of adsorption temperature on the carbonation conversion of the carbide slag. The optimum adsorption temperature for cyclic simultaneous CO2/SO2 adsorption by the carbide slag is 700 °C. The high desorption temperature and CO2 concentration (950 °C, 0.9999 L/L CO2) are not beneficial to cyclic CO2/SO2 adsorption. Both the carbonation conversion and cumulative sulphation conversion of the carbide slag decrease with increasing sorbent particle size in the cycles. The compact CaSO4 product layer covers the surface of CaO derived from the carbide slag during the multiple cycles, which results in a sharp drop in the surface area and pore volume with the cycle number. Compared with limestone, the carbide slag exhibits higher SO2 adsorption capacity and similar CO2 adsorption capacity during the cyclic simultaneous CO2/SO2 adsorption.
Elucidating Interactions between DMSO and Chelate‐Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Chen Hang , Wang Xinyu , Yao Jia , Chen Kexian , Guo Yan , Zhang Pengfei , Li Haoran
Published: October 2015

The C−D bond stretching vibrations of deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide ([D6]DMSO) and the C2−H bond stretching vibrations of 1,1,1,5,5,5‐hexafluoropentane‐2,4‐dione (hfac) ligand in anion are chosen as probes to elucidate the solvent–solute interaction between chelate‐based ionic liquids (ILs) and DMSO by vibrational spectroscopic studies. The indirect effect from the interaction of the adjacent S=O functional group of DMSO with the cation [C10mim]+ and anion [Mn(hfac)3]− of the ILs leads to the blue‐shift of the C−D stretching vibrations of DMSO. The C2−H bond stretching vibrations in hfac ligand is closely related to the ionic hydrogen bond strength between the cation and anion of chelate‐based ILs. EPR studies reveal that the crystal field of the central metal is kept when the chelate‐based ILs are in different microstructure environment in the solution.
Surface‐Confined Supramolecular Self‐Assembly of Molecular Nanocranes for Chemically Lifting and Positioning C60 above a Conducting Substrate
Authors: Du Ping , Kreher David , Mathevet Fabrice , Maldivi Pascale , Charra Fabrice , Attias André‐Jean
Published: October 2015

2D supramolecular self‐assembly is a good way to form well‐defined nanostructures on various substrates. One of the current challenges is to extend this approach to 3D functional building blocks. Here, we address this issue by providing a strategy for the controlled lifting and positioning of functional units above a graphitic substrate. This is the first time that multistory cyclophane‐based 3D tectons incorporating C60 units have been designed and synthesized. Molecular modelling provides a description of the 3D geometries and evidences the flexible character of the building blocks. Despite this later feature, the supramolecular self‐assembly of Janus tectons on HOPG yields well‐ordered adlayers incorporating C60 arrays at well‐defined mean distances from the surface. As our approach is not limited to C60, the results reported here open‐up possibilities for applications where the topological and electronic interactions between the substrate and the functional unit are of prime importance.
Life Cycle Assessment of Titania Perovskite Solar Cell Technology for Sustainable Design and Manufacturing
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Gao Xianfeng , Deng Yelin , Li Bingbing , Yuan Chris
Published: October 2015

Perovskite solar cells have attracted enormous attention in recent years due to their low cost and superior technical performance. However, the use of toxic metals, such as lead, in the perovskite dye and toxic chemicals in perovskite solar cell manufacturing causes grave concerns for its environmental performance. To understand and facilitate the sustainable development of perovskite solar cell technology from its design to manufacturing, a comprehensive environmental impact assessment has been conducted on titanium dioxide nanotube based perovskite solar cells by using an attributional life cycle assessment approach, from cradle to gate, with manufacturing data from our laboratory‐scale experiments and upstream data collected from professional databases and the literature. The results indicate that the perovskite dye is the primary source of environmental impact, associated with 64.77 % total embodied energy and 31.38 % embodied materials consumption, contributing to more than 50 % of the life cycle impact in almost all impact categories, although lead used in the perovskite dye only contributes to about 1.14 % of the human toxicity potential. A comparison of perovskite solar cells with commercial silicon and cadmium–tellurium solar cells reveals that perovskite solar cells could be a promising alternative technology for future large‐scale industrial applications.
Synthesis of Easy‐to‐Functionalize Aza­bicycloalkane Scaffolds as Dipeptide Turn Mimics en Route to cRGD‐Based Bioconjugates
Authors: Serra Massimo , Tambini Simone Maria , Di Giacomo Marcello , Peviani Elena Giulia , Belvisi Laura , Colombo Lino
Published: October 2015

In this paper we report the synthesis of new azabicycloalkane scaffolds, which could be exploited to obtain cRGD‐based bioconjugates that may find promising application for targeted drug delivery, theranostic, and general cancer‐cell labeling. By exploiting a Hosomi–Sakurai intramolecular allylation reaction we efficiently converted a silylated aldehyde precursor into 7,5‐fused lactam scaffolds endowed with an exocyclic double bond. The presence of the vinyl function should make it possible to conjugate bioactive compounds to selectively carry them to tumor sites. The optimized synthetic sequence allows the gram‐scale preparation of the target scaffolds in a few steps and good 39 % overall yield from readily accessible materials. The high reactivity of the exocyclic olefin moiety was ascertained by performing a Heck coupling reaction with 1‐bromo‐4‐nitrobenzene, which gave the corresponding functionalized derivatives in good (80–91 %) yields.
One‐Step Direct Functionalization of Tetrahydroisoquinolines under Copper and Acid Catalysis
Authors: Yi Fengping , Su Juchao , Zhang Songxing , Yi Weiyin , Zhang Lirong
Published: October 2015

A facile, one‐step, direct functionalization of the C1 and N positions of tetrahydroisoquinolines was developed. Unprotected tetrahydroisoquinolines, indoles, and benzaldehydes could be used as starting materials. The different substituted indoles and benzaldehydes were investigated in detail and the scope proved to be broad.
Insights into rock avalanche emplacement processes from detailed morpho‐lithological studies of the Tschirgant deposit (Tyrol, Austria)
Authors: Dufresne Anja , Prager Christoph , Bösmeier Annette
Published: October 2015

Large, rapid rockslope failures generate deposits with complex morphologies due to a number of causal and influencing factors. To investigate these, we conducted a detailed case study at the carbonate Tschirgant deposit (Tyrol, Austria). It preserved evidence of simultaneous rock sliding (very large, coherent hummocks) and rock avalanche spreading (smaller, more scattered hummocks and ridges). Motion indicators, such as longitudinal ridges furthermore pinpoint the transition between linear sliding and radial spreading. The lithological distribution in the Tschirgant deposit shows that it retained source stratigraphy despite being split into two accumulation lobes by a high bedrock ridge. Furthermore, lithology had a very strong control on the final deposit morphology in that the different lithologic units form individual deposit surfaces. River erosion has created fortuitous outcrops that reveal the basal rock avalanche contact. The underlying valley‐fill sediments (substrates) have been intricately involved in shaping the rock avalanche morphology and, where entrained, highlight internal rock avalanche deformation features. This study shows that intrinsic dynamic properties of granular media (e.g. tendency for longitudinal alignments), emplacement mode, lithology (and source predisposition), runout path topography, and substrates form the quintet of causal factors that shape rock avalanche morphology. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conditions for feedbacks between geomorphic and vegetation dynamics on lateral moraine slopes: a biogeomorphic feedback window
Authors: Eichel Jana , Corenblit Dov , Dikau Richard
Published: October 2015

Little Ice Age lateral moraines represent one of the most important sediment storages and dynamic areas in glacier forelands. Following glacier retreat, simultaneous paraglacial adjustment and vegetation succession affect the moraine slopes. Geomorphic processes (e.g. debris flows, interrill erosion, gullying, solifluction) disturb and limit vegetation development, while increasing vegetation cover decreases geomorphic activity. Thus, feedbacks between geomorphic and vegetation dynamics strongly control moraine slope development. However, the conditions under which these biogeomorphic feedbacks can occur are insufficiently understood and major knowledge gaps remain. This study determines feedback conditions through the analysis of geomorphic and vegetation data from permanent plots in the Turtmann glacier foreland, Switzerland. Results from multivariate statistical analysis (i) confirm that Dryas octopetala L. is an alpine ecosystem engineer species which influences geomorphic processes on lateral moraines and thereby controls ecosystem structure and function, and (ii) demonstrate that biogeomorphic feedbacks can occur once geomorphic activity sufficiently decreases for D. octopetala to establish and cross a cover threshold. In the subsequent ecosystem engineering process, the dominant geomorphic processes change from flow and slide to bound solifluction. Increasing slope stabilization induces a decline in biogeomorphic feedbacks and the suppression of D. octopetala by shrubs. We conceptualize this relationship between process magnitude, frequency and species resilience and resistance to disturbances in a ‘biogeomorphic feedback window’ concept. Our approach enhances the understanding of feedbacks between geomorphic and alpine vegetation dynamics on lateral moraine slopes and highlights the importance of integrating geomorphic and ecological approaches for biogeomorphic research. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactions among osteoblastic cells, Staphylococcus aureus, and chitosan‐immobilized titanium implants in a postoperative coculture system: An in vitro study
Authors: Ghimire Niranjan , Foss Berit L. , Sun Yuyu , Deng Ying
Published: October 2015

Biomaterial‐related infections (BRIs) have become a major challenge in the field of orthopedic implants. In this study, we delved into the problem of BRI and attempted to reduce the possibility of BRI incidence via surface modification of titanium (Ti) with chitosan (SA‐CS‐Ti). To comprehensively evaluate the anti‐infection potential of SA‐CS‐Ti, we first constructed a postoperative infection (POI) model with varying concentrations of bacteria (102 CFU/sample and 104 CFU/sample) and a constant number of SaOS‐2 cells (105/sample). Then, we biologically characterized the interactions between the SaOS‐2 cells, bacteria, and different Ti implants using the POI model. The results from the osteoblastic cell and bacterial attachment tests demonstrated that the SA‐CS‐Ti surfaces exhibit superior osteogenic behavior relative to other Ti surfaces studied while showing significant anti‐infective activities in the POI model with a low infection ratio (bacteria: cell ratio of 0.001:1) 30 min after infection. Additionally, the SA‐CS‐Ti surfaces showed significantly reduced (p < 0.05) bacteria proliferation compared to the control Ti surfaces (UN‐Ti), demonstrating their antifouling property. The significantly increased (p < 0.05) sensitivity of Staphylococcus. aureus adhered to the SA‐CS‐Ti surfaces against cefazolin (1 mg/L treatment) and gentamicin (10 mg/L and 100 mg/L treatment) in the coculture system augmented potential of SA‐CS‐Ti to be used as orthopedic implants. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 586–594, 2016.
Coordinated Dynamics of RNA Splicing Speckles in the Nucleus
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Kota Krishna P. , Alam Samer G. , Nickerson Jeffrey A. , Dickinson Richard B. , Lele Tanmay P.
Published: October 2015

Despite being densely packed with chromatin, nuclear bodies and a nucleoskeletal network, the nucleus is a remarkably dynamic organelle. Chromatin loops form and relax, RNA transcripts and transcription factors move diffusively, and nuclear bodies move. We show here that RNA splicing speckled domains (splicing speckles) fluctuate in constrained nuclear volumes and remodel their shapes. Small speckles move in a directed way toward larger speckles with which they fuse. This directed movement is reduced upon decreasing cellular ATP levels or inhibiting RNA polymerase II activity. The random movement of speckles is reduced upon decreasing cellular ATP levels, moderately reduced after inhibition of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling and modestly increased upon inhibiting RNA polymerase II activity. To define the paths through which speckles can translocate in the nucleus, we generated a pressure gradient to create flows in the nucleus. In response to the pressure gradient, speckles moved along curvilinear paths in the nucleus. Collectively, our results demonstrate a new type of ATP‐dependent motion in the nucleus. We present a model where recycling splicing factors return as part of small sub‐speckles from distal sites of RNA processing to larger splicing speckles by a directed ATP‐driven mechanism through interchromatin spaces. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1269–1275, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HBV carriage in children born from HIV‐seropositive mothers in Senegal: The need of birth‐dose HBV vaccination
Authors: Gueye Sokhna Bousso , Diop‐Ndiaye Halimatou , Lo Gora , Mintsa Sandrine , Guindo Ibrahima , Dia Aminata , Sow‐Sall Amina , Gaye‐Diallo Aissatou , Mboup Souleymane , Touré‐Kane Coumba
Published: October 2015

Hepatitis B is a major public health problem in Senegal, a country with high prevalence and a transmission occurring mainly during infancy. Only, one 6–8 weeks vaccination campaign was initiated in 2005 and it was part of the expanded program of immunization. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBsAg in children born from HIV‐seropositive mothers by using dried blood specimens. Specimens were collected between July 2007 and November 2012 from children aged 2–48 weeks in Dakar and decentralized sites working on HIV mother‐to‐child transmission prevention. HBsAg detection was performed using Architect HBsAg Qualitative II kit (Abbott Diagnostics, Ireland) and for all reactive samples confirmation was done using Architect HBsAg Qualitative II Confirmatory kit (Abbott Diagnostics, Ireland). Nine hundred thirty samples were collected throughout the country with 66% out of Dakar, the capital city. The median age was 20 weeks and 88% of children were less than 1 year of age with a sex ratio of 1.27 in favor of boys. HBsAg was detected in 28 cases giving a global prevalence of 3%. According to age, HBsAg prevalences were 5.1% for children less than 6 weeks, 4.1% and 4.6%, respectively, for those aged 12–18 weeks and 18–24 weeks of age. The HIV prevalence was 2.6% with no HIV/HBV co‐infection. This study showed a high rate of HBV infection in children under 24 months, highlighting the need to promote birth‐dose HBV vaccination as recommended by WHO. J. Med. Virol. 88:815–819, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effective transmission constrained economic dispatch for production costing
Authors: Wu Yu‐Chi , Huang Wen‐Liang , Wang Sheng‐Ching , Lin Jin‐Yuan , Chang Wei‐Fu
Published: October 2015

In this paper, an effective Schur complement method is presented to solve transmission‐constrained dispatch (TCD) for Monte Carlo production costing. Several techniques for improving TCD performance are also proposed by taking the advantages of TCD special problem structures. Numerical testing on a real‐life large‐scale power system is presented to illustrate the performance of these proposed methodologies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential role of endogenous cathepsin and microorganism in texture softening of ice‐stored grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fillets
Authors: Ge Lihong , Xu Yanshun , Xia Wenshui , Jiang Qixing , Jiang Xiaoqing
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Texture deterioration often negatively affects sensory attributes and commercial values of ice‐stored fish fillets. The mechanism of softening of fish fillets during chilling storage is not fully resolved. Grass carp is a predominant freshwater fish species in China. The objective of the present study was to investigate the differential role of endogenous cathepsin and microorganisms in texture softening of ice‐stored grass carp fillets.

RESULTS

The fillets were immersed in either NaN3 solution to reduce microbial activity or in iodoacetic acid solution to exclude cathepsin activity before ice storage. Treatment with NaN3 reduced microbial load of fillets below 2 log CFU g−1 muscle during the entire storage period, and had no significant influence on the cathepsin activity and proteolysis. But the shear force of fillets treated with NaN3 decreased by 66% after 21 days of storage. Meanwhile, treatment with iodoacetic acid inactivated cathepsin B and B + L but did not significantly affect the microbial growth of fillets. Compared to NaN3 treatment, iodoacetic acid effectively alleviated softening and inhibited the increase in TCA‐soluble peptides during storage.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that proteolysis induced by endogenous cathepsins, rather than microorganisms, plays an important role in texture softening of ice‐stored grass carp fillets. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantifying regional variation in population trends using migrating counts
Authors: Crewe Tara L. , Taylor Philip D. , Lepage Denis , Smith Adam C. , Francis Charles M.
Published: October 2015

Quantification of regional or national variation in population trends is an integral component of assessing species conservation status, and ideally uses spatial and temporal replicate surveys across the breeding or wintering ranges. However, populations of boreal‐breeding birds are often monitored using site‐specific trends in the number of individuals counted migrating through more populated regions en route to or from their breeding grounds. Combining data across sites to quantify regional variation in a population trend has not occurred, and would rely on the success of model selection to choose the model that best describes the underlying pattern of regional population change. Using simulated daily counts of migrating birds with known regional rate(s) of population trend, we tested the utility of Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) for detecting regional variation in population trend by comparing a series of hierarchical models that estimated nationally or regionally varying trends. When trends varied regionally, AIC successfully ranked the model that best described the regional pattern of population trend as the top model 100% of the time using 40‐year time series, and with as few as 3 monitoring sites in each region. When trends did not vary among regions, the more highly parameterized (incorrect) model with regionally varying trends was ranked as the top model ≤20% of the time, regardless of the length of time series or number of sites in a region. In this case, the incorrect regional model resulted in less precise trends but also comparable or higher power and comparable or lower probability of drawing false inference from the data than did the correct model. Compared with sampling 10 sites/region over a 20‐year time period, sampling as few as 3 sites/region over a 40‐year time period can result in a lower probability of detecting a false trend. Promoting long‐term monitoring at fewer sites can also minimize the financial and logistical resources required to maintain migration monitoring programs, and allow more recent population change to be interpreted within the context of long‐term population fluctuations. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Density dependence, whitebark pine, and vital rates of grizzly bears
Authors: van Manen Frank T. , Haroldson Mark A. , Bjornlie Daniel D. , Ebinger Michael R. , Thompson Daniel J. , Costello Cecily M. , White Gary C.
Published: October 2015

Understanding factors influencing changes in population trajectory is important for effective wildlife management, particularly for populations of conservation concern. Annual population growth of the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) population in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, USA has slowed from 4.2–7.6% during 1983–2001 to 0.3–2.2% during 2002–2011. Substantial changes in availability of a key food source and bear population density have occurred. Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), the seeds of which are a valuable but variable fall food for grizzly bears, has experienced substantial mortality primarily due to a mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreak that started in the early 2000s. Positive growth rates of grizzly bears have resulted in populations reaching high densities in some areas and have contributed to continued range expansion. We tested research hypotheses to examine if changes in vital rates detected during the past decade were more associated with whitebark pine decline or, alternatively, increasing grizzly bear density. We focused our assessment on known‐fate data to estimate survival of cubs‐of‐the‐year (cubs), yearlings, and independent bears (≥2 yrs), and reproductive transition of females from having no offspring to having cubs. We used spatially and temporally explicit indices for grizzly bear density and whitebark pine mortality as individual covariates. Models indicated moderate support for an increase in survival of independent male bears over 1983–2012, whereas independent female survival did not change. Cub survival, yearling survival, and reproductive transition from no offspring to cubs all changed during the 30‐year study period, with lower rates evident during the last 10–15 years. Cub survival and reproductive transition were negatively associated with an index of grizzly bear density, indicating greater declines where bear densities were higher. Our analyses did not support a similar relationship for the index of whitebark pine mortality. The results of our study support the interpretation that slowing of population growth during the last decade was associated more with increasing grizzly bear density than the decline in whitebark pine. Grizzly bear density and its potential effect on vital rates and population trajectory warrant consideration for management of the grizzly bear population in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Combination of In Silico Analysis and In Vitro Assay to Investigate Drug Response to Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Mutations in Lung Cancer
Authors: Yu Xiyan , Wang Tong , Lou Ying , Li Yanwen
Published: October 2015

The epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) has been established as an important target of HER2‐positive lung cancer, but somatic mutations in HER2 kinase domain are frequently observed that may cause drug resistance and sensitivity for tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). In this study, the response profile of 14 small‐molecule TKIs upon 11 clinical HER2 mutations was investigated systematically using a synthetic strategy that integrated in silico analysis and in vitro assay to explore the structural basis, energetic property and biological implication underlying the intermolecular interactions of TKIs with wild‐type and variant HER2. It is found that most clinical mutations are far away from HER2 active site and thus can only address modest or moderate effect on inhibitor binding. However, few single‐point substations such as D769H and D769Y as well as the gatekeeper mutation T798 M were predicted to cause strong resistance for an array of TKIs by reshaping the geometric feature and physiochemical property of the active site. Furthermore, inhibitor response to the most common insertion mutation in HER2 exion 20 (HER2YVMA) was examined in detail; the response can be grouped into three classes: sensitization, resistance and insusceptibility. The Bcr‐Abl inhibitor bosutinib and EGFR inhibitor gefitinib were selected as the representatives of, respectively, sensitization and insusceptibility to perform kinase assay against the GST‐tagged, recombinant kinase domains of wild‐type HER2WT and HER2YVMA variant. As expected, the biological activity of bosutinib was improved by ∼160‐fold due to the insertion, while gefitinib exhibited low inhibitory potency on both HER2WT and HER2YVMA (IC50>100 μM). Structural analysis revealed an intensive network of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions in HER2YVMAbosutinib complex, whereas only few nonspecific van der Waals contacts were observed at the complex interface of HER2YVMA with gefitinib.
Effect of side chain length on the morphology of blends of 2,5‐bis(3‐alkylthiophen‐2‐yl)thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene oligomers and fullerene derivatives
Authors: Marsh Hilary S. , Jayaraman Arthi
Published: October 2015

Using molecular dynamics simulations we study blends of oligomers of 2,5‐bis(3‐alkylthiophen‐2‐yl)thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene, BTTT, and fullerene derivative based acceptors to understand the role of oligomer length and alkyl side chain (SC) length on the morphology of their blends. We use a validated coarse‐grained model of BTTT and fullerene derivatives presented in recent work along with direct comparison of morphology between simulations and experiments. In this article, we predict computationally that short alkyl SCs (6 alkyl groups) decrease the propensity of fullerene derivative acceptors to intercalate between SCs on the BTTT backbone compared to longer alkyl SCs (9 or 12 alkyl groups), and as a result increase acceptor aggregation. The decreasing acceptor intercalation and increasing acceptor aggregation do not significantly impact the positional or orientational order of the BTTT backbones. However, the BTTT oligomer backbones order better with increasing SC length in both neat systems and in blends, with the blends exhibiting higher positional order than neat systems. While these qualitative trends are similar both in 2mer blends and 4mer blends, we see a larger extent of acceptor intercalation and as a result, smaller acceptor cluster sizes in the 4mer blends. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 89–97
The relative importance of cancer‐related and general health worries and distress among older adult, long‐term cancer survivors
Authors: Deimling Gary T. , Brown Sherri P. , Albitz Casey , Burant Christopher J. , Mallick Nabeel
Published: October 2015

Objective

This research examines the relative importance that cancer‐related and non‐cancer illness factors play in generating general health worries and/or cancer‐related worries. The analysis also examines how these in turn impact anxiety and depression among older adult, long‐term cancer survivors.

Methods

Data from a longitudinal study of 245 older‐adult (age 60+ years), long‐term survivors (5 or more years after diagnosis) of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer are examined to identify the measurement properties and structure of general health and cancer‐related health worries. Based on that measurement analysis, structural equation models (SEM) are used to estimate the relative importance of cancer‐related and other illness predictors on cancer‐related worry and general health worry and how these two forms of worry affect both anxiety (POMS) and depression (CES‐D).

Results

The results from the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of health worries identify two relatively independent measures of health worry, one of general health worry and a second of cancer‐related worries that includes fears of recurrence, new cancers, and follow‐up testing. SEM analyses identified the importance of current cancer‐related symptoms and comorbidities on cancer‐related worry. It also documents the primacy of non‐cancer symptoms and general health worry as predictors of anxiety and depression among older survivors.

Conclusions

The fact that cancer‐related symptoms continue to be associated with cancer‐related worries years after diagnosis speaks to the significance of these continuing sequelae. While the findings suggest the relative independence of cancer‐related worries and general health worries, both are correlated with anxiety and depression. This may be particularly problematic as survivors age and symptoms related to new health problems increase, while cancer‐related symptoms persist. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Saracatinib as a metastasis inhibitor in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer: A University of Chicago Phase 2 Consortium and DOD/PCF Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium Study
Authors: Posadas Edwin M. , Ahmed Rafi S. , Karrison Theodore , Szmulewitz Russell Z. , O'Donnell Peter H. , Wade James L. , Shen James , Gururajan Murali , Sievert Margarit , Stadler Walter M.
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Fyn is a kinase that is upregulated in a subset of metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer. Saracatinib potently inhibits Fyn activation. We have noted a relationship between Fyn expression and directional motility, a cellular process related to metastasis. As such we hypothesized that treatment with saracatinib would increase the time required to develop new metastatic lesions.

METHODS

Patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer that had progressed after docetaxel were eligible for enrollment. This study was executed as a randomized discontinuation trial. During a lead‐in phase of two 28‐Day cycles, all patients received saracatinib. Afterward, patients with radiographically stable disease were randomized to either saracatinib or placebo. Patients continued treatment until evidence of new metastasis.

RESULTS

Thirty‐one patients were treated. Only 26% of patients had stable disease after 8 weeks and thus proceeded to randomization. This required early termination of the study for futility. The 70% of patients who progressed after the lead‐in phase exhibited expansion of existing lesions or decompensation due to clinical progression without new metastatic lesions. Fatigue was reported in more than 25% of patients (all grades) with only two patients experiencing grade 3 toxicity. Other grade 3 adverse events included dehydration, thrombocytopenia, and weakness.

CONCLUSIONS

This study was unable to determine if saracatinib had potential as metastasis inhibitor. Metastasis inhibition by saracatinib may still be viable in an earlier time in the disease history. Prostate 76:286–293, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermally‐activated post‐growth dewetting of fullerene C60 on mica
Authors: Bommel Sebastian , Spranger Holger , Weber C. , Kleppmann N. , Roth Stephan V. , Klapp S. H. L. , Kowarik Stefan
Published: October 2015

Understanding and controlling the growth and stability of molecular thin films on solid surfaces is necessary to develop nanomaterials with well‐defined physical properties. As a prominent model system in organic electronics, we investigate the post‐growth dewetting kinetics of the fullerene C60 on mica with real‐time and in situ X‐ray scattering. After layer‐by‐layer growth of C60, we find a thermally‐activated post‐growth dewetting, where the smooth C60‐layer breaks up into islands. This clearly shows that growth is kinetically limited before the system moves over an activation barrier into an energetically favored configuration. From the temperature‐dependent dewetting kinetics we find an effective activation barrier of 0.33 eV, which describes both the temperature‐dependent macroscopic changes in the surface morphology and the microscopic processes of inter‐ and intralayer diffusion during dewetting.

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(© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Efficacy of scent‐detection dogs for locating bat roosts in trees and snags
Authors: Chambers Carol L. , Vojta Christina D. , Mering Elisabeth D. , Davenport Barbara
Published: October 2015

Conservation efforts for tree‐ and snag‐roosting bats are challenging because roost sites are difficult and costly to locate. We assessed the ability of scent detection dogs to locate bat roosts using controlled field experiments conducted at 2 sites in northern Arizona, USA, during July and August of 2007, with small bags of bat guano and known bat roosts. Scent detection dogs correctly detected 79% of guano bags and 29% of known bat roosts; but, when searching during shorter time periods for roosts only, dogs correctly detected 77% of known roosts. Factors affecting detection of guano bags included bag height and mass. Factors affecting detection of roosts included height, size of the bat colony, and air temperature. Rest breaks and competition between dogs apparently increased their success rate in finding roosts. Using a scent detection dog to locate roosts was similar in cost to radiotelemetry; however, the use of a scent detection dog was less invasive because the use of dogs precluded the need to capture and radiotag bats. Important considerations influencing the efficacy of using scent detection dogs include training and transportation costs, and skill level of dog handlers. Although some factors limit the ability of scent detection dogs to accurately locate roosts, dogs in our study approximated the roost location to within a 30‐m radius, which may be sufficient to protect these areas during management activities. If managers have the ability within an area to retain all large‐diameter snags that have bat roost characteristics, then scent detection dogs will likely not provide adequate added value to warrant their survey costs. However, scent dogs could be important for locating roosts of species that are imperiled or of conservation concern. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Crystal Structure of Cesium Phenylacetylide, CsC2C6H5, Solved and Refined from Synchrotron Powder Diffraction Data
Authors: Grzesiak Ireneus , Ruschewitz Uwe
Published: October 2015

The crystal structure of cesium phenylacetylide, CsC2C6H5, was solved and refined from synchrotron powder diffraction data (Pbca, Z = 8). Each Cs+ cation is coordinated by five ligands: four acetylide groups coordinate side‐on and one end‐on. A similar arrangement is found in the crystal structure of NaC2H (P4/nmm, Z = 2). There is a group‐subgroup relationship between both structures. Most importantly, the crystal structure of CsC2C6H5 could only be solved with the help of synchrotron data, as the very good peak:noise ratio allowed the assignment of several very weak reflections, which finally led to the correct space group, in which a structural solution was possible using direct space methods.
Land use heterogeneity causes variation in demographic viability of a bioindicator of species‐richness in protected fen grasslands
Authors: Lemke Tristan , Salguero‐Gómez Roberto
Published: October 2015

Land use change is one of the main drivers of species extinction. In Europe, grasslands are under active conflict between conservation efforts and increasing agricultural pressures. Here, we examine the demographic effects of differential land use on the herbaceous perennial Trollius europaeus L. (Ranunculaceae), a bioindicator of species‐richness and ecosystem services in wet grasslands of Central Europe. Demographic data were collected in 2006–2009 from nine populations in seven protected sites of northeastern Germany representing four land use types. We constructed stage‐based matrix population models to explore the effects of various land management on demographic viability of focal populations. We show that most studied populations are declining (λ < 1), although the estimates of local extinction vary between ≤15 years for grazed and woodland populations, and 20–99 years for mown and abandoned populations. The joint information from our elasticity analyses and life table response experiments revealed that reproduction, growth of small vegetative individuals and survival of reproductive stages are most important for population viability. Our study shows that the current land uses in protected areas where T. europaeus is found is incompatible with its long‐term viability. We suggest that, when compatible with in situ practices, grasslands containing this species be mown after maturity in order to enhance seedling recruitment and to reduce competition for juveniles. Prolonged extinction times in abandoned populations offer a buffer to develop conservation schemes there. An improvement of conservation measures is urgently needed to maintain the populations of this important bioindicator and its associated community of moist species‐rich fen grasslands.
La mano diabética
Authors: Renart I.
Published: October 2015

La diabetes es una de las enfermedades con mayor prevalencia y repercusión sociosanitaria, no solo por su elevada frecuencia, sino también por el impacto de las complicaciones crónicas de la enfermedad y el papel que desempeña como factor de riesgo en la afección cardiovascular. Sin embargo, la diabetes también puede involucrar al sistema musculoesquelético y a los tejidos blandos de forma muy diversa, siendo la mano una de las regiones más afectadas. De hecho, se estima que el 40% de los pacientes diabéticos tienen problemas significativos de la mano que requieren una atención médica.

En el presente artículo se revisan las principales enfermedades de la mano que van asociadas a la diabetes, haciendo especial hincapié en el tratamiento y el pronóstico de cada una de ellas.
Rotura espontánea del aparato extensor secundaria a artrosis de la articulación radiocubital distal
Authors: Sánchez M. , Moli G. , Celma J.
Published: October 2015

Objetivo: Presentar los resultados funcionales de pacientes no reumáticos, intervenidos por roturas del aparato extensor con artrosis de la articulación radiocubital distal. Valorar la influencia de la varianza y la luxación dorsal del cúbito en estos pacientes.

Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo de los casos de rotura atraumática del aparato extensor a nivel de la articulación radio-cubital distal intervenidos en el periodo 2002-2012. Se recogen variables sociodemográficas, estudio radiológico centrado en análisis de factores desencadenantes: artropatía, morfología de la articulación, presencia de subluxación de la cabeza cubital y varianza cubital. Se descarta la enfermedad reumática mediante estudio analítico. Se detalla la técnica quirúrgica realizada según la presencia de factores desencadenantes y el número de tendones afectos. Se valora el resultado funcional por medio de la escala TAM, Quick-DASH y el dolor según la escala EVA.

Resultados: Se identifican 8 casos de rotura espontánea del aparato extensor por artrosis en la articulación radio-cubital distal. Media de edad 73 años (66-81). Seguimiento medio 5 años (212). En 7 casos se observa afectación tendinosa múltiple, principalmente los encargados de los dedos medio, anular y meñique. En el estudio radiológico destaca la presencia de una varianza cubital minus en 3 casos. Resultado funcional según escala TAM: bueno en 5 casos y regular en 3 casos. EVA media de 2. Quick-DASH 21.7.

Conclusiones: Los pacientes presentan a medio-largo plazo un resultado funcional aceptable utilizando la escala TAM y el cuestionario Quick-DASH, con un dolor residual leve según la escala EVA. Todos los pacientes mantienen o mejoran su TAM comparados con su exploración preoperatoria, obteniendo un resultado bueno en el 62.5% de los casos. No es necesaria la presencia de una varianza plus o subluxación de la cabeza para desencadenar la rotura puesto que se observan 3 casos con varianza minus y sin subluxación.
Tres siglos después. . . ¿Es vigente el arbitraje por pares en las publicaciones científicas?
Authors: Sepúlveda-Vildósola Ana Carolina
Published: October 2015

Introducción: Desde hace tres siglos, la divulgación de los resultados de la investigación se ha apoyado en la revisión por pares. Este proceso ha adquirido mayor importancia en las últimas décadas debido al número creciente de publicaciones científicas en temas cada vez más especializados, que requieren ser evaluados para determinar su calidad, originalidad, validez y creatividad científica, entre otras. Sin embargo, el proceso ha sido cuestionado por múltiples razones y recientemente se han planteado nuevas alternativas.
Objetivo: Realizar un análisis de la evolución histórica del proceso de arbitraje por pares en las publicaciones científicas, sus ventajas y desventajas, su situación actual y algunas perspectivas hacia el futuro.
Método: Revisión narrativa de la literatura y ensayo crítico sobre el tema.
Conclusiones: El proceso de arbitraje por pares es necesario. Sin embargo, se requiere evolucionar hacia nuevas formas de revisión de los trabajos de investigación, que involucren los avances tecnológicos y de comunicación presentes y futuros.
The critical dimension for -measures
Authors: MANSFIELD DANIEL F. , DOOLEY ANTHONY H.
Published: October 2015

The critical dimension of an ergodic non-singular dynamical system is the asymptotic growth rate of sums of consecutive Radon–Nikodým derivatives. This has been shown to equal the average coordinate entropy for product odometers when the size of individual factors is bounded. We extend this result to $G$-measures with an asymptotic bound on the size of individual factors. Furthermore, unlike von Neumann–Krieger type, the critical dimension is an invariant property on the class of ergodic $G$-measures.
Transmission of Clostridium difficile During Hospitalization for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant
Authors: Kamboj Mini , Sheahan Anna , Sun Janet , Taur Ying , Robilotti Elizabeth , Babady Esther , Papanicolaou Genovefa , Jakubowski Ann , Pamer Eric , Sepkowitz Kent
Published: October 2015

OBJECTIVE

To determine the role of unit-based transmission that accounts for cases of early Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) during hospitalization for allogeneic stem cell transplant.

SETTING

Stem cell transplant unit at a tertiary care cancer center.

METHODS

Serially collected stool from patients admitted for transplant was screened for toxigenic C. difficile through the hospital stay and genotyping was performed by multilocus sequence typing. In addition, isolates retrieved from cases of CDI that occurred in other patients hospitalized on the same unit were similarly characterized. Transmission links were established by time-space clustering of cases and carriers of shared toxigenic C. difficile strains.

RESULTS

During the 27-month period, 1,099 samples from 264 patients were screened, 69 of which had evidence of toxigenic C. difficile; 52 patients developed CDI and 17 were nonsymptomatic carriers. For the 52 cases, 41 had evidence of toxigenic C. difficile on the first study sample obtained within a week of admission, among which 22 were positive within the first 48 hours. A total of 24 sequence types were isolated from this group; 1 patient had infection with the NAP1 strain. A total of 11 patients had microbiologic evidence of acquisition; donor source could be established in half of these cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Most cases of CDI after stem cell transplant represent delayed onset disease in nonsymptomatic carriers. Transmission on stem cell transplant unit was confirmed in 19% of early CDI cases in our cohort with a probable donor source established in half of the cases.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;37(1):8–15
A Successful Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci Reduction Bundle at a Singapore Hospital
Authors: Fisher Dale , Pang Long , Salmon Sharon , Lin Raymond T.P. , Teo Cathrine , Tambyah Paul , Jureen Roland , Cook Alex R. , Otter Jonathan A.
Published: October 2015

We report a reduction in the vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) rate from a peak of 1.5 cases per 1,000 admissions (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0−2.1) in August 2012 to 0.5 per 1,000 admissions (95% CI: 0.3−1.0) by January 2015, associated with a bundle of interventions.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol.2015;37(1):107–109
A Multicenter Longitudinal Study of Hospital-Onset Bacteremia: Time for a New Quality Outcome Measure?
Authors: Rock Clare , Thom Kerri A. , Harris Anthony D. , Li Shanahan , Morgan Daniel , Milstone Aaron M. , Caffo Brian , Joshi Manjari , Leekha Surbhi
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Central-line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rate is an important quality measure, but it suffers from subjectivity and interrater variability, and decreasing national CLABSI rates may compromise its power to discriminate between hospitals. This study evaluates hospital-onset bacteremia (HOB, ie, any positive blood culture obtained 48 hours post admission) as a healthcare-associated infection–related outcome measure by assessing the association between HOB and CLABSI rates and comparing the power of each to discriminate quality among intensive care units (ICUs).

METHODS

In this multicenter study, ICUs provided monthly CLABSI and HOB rates for 2012 and 2013. A Poisson regression model was used to assess the association between these 2 rates. We compared the power of each measure to discriminate between ICUs using standardized infection ratios (SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A measure was defined as having greater power to discriminate if more of the SIRs (with surrounding CIs) were different from 1.

RESULTS

In 80 ICUs from 16 hospitals in the United States and Canada, a total of 663 CLABSIs, 475,420 central line days, 11,280 HOBs, and 966,757 patient days were reported. An absolute change in HOB of 1 per 1,000 patient days was associated with a 2.5% change in CLABSI rate (P<.001). Among the 80 ICUs, 20 (25%) had a CLABSI SIR and 60 (75%) had an HOB SIR that was different from 1 (P<.001).

CONCLUSION

Change in HOB rate is strongly associated with change in CLABSI rate and has greater power to discriminate between ICU performances. Consideration should be given to using HOB to replace CLABSI as an outcome measure in infection prevention quality assessments.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2016;37(2):143–148