bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Le silence au service de la production juridictionnelle du droit : méthodes et politiques des juridictions ordinaires françaises
Authors: Ricou Benjamin
Published: January 2016

Bien qu’il intervienne dans un système légaliste, le juge ordinaire français dispose d’un pouvoir normatif important. Un tel pouvoir est légitimé par le silence du législateur : tout système juridique étant inévitablement lacunaire, le juge est contraint, pour éviter le déni de justice, de procéder au comblement des lacunes existantes malgré l’interdiction qui lui est faite de se prononcer par voie de disposition générale sur les causes qui lui sont soumises. La création juridictionnelle du droit se fait elle-même de façon plus ou moins silencieuse, qu’il s’agisse de combler une lacune ou non. Parfois mal à l’aise avec son pouvoir normatif, inquiet de trop empiéter sur les terres du législateur et soucieux d’une diffusion efficace de la règle, le juge utilise alors des méthodes et des politiques juridictionnelles de fabrication du droit plus ou moins silencieuses.
Étude pilote des effets du programme DéStresse et Progresse chez des élèves de 6e année du primaire intégrés dans une école secondaire
Authors: Plusquellec Pierrich , Trépanier Lyane , Juster Robert Paul , Marin Marie-France , Sindi Shireen , François Nathe , Wan Nathalie , Findlay Helen , Durand Nadia , Lupien Sonia
Published: January 2016

Selon des études précédentes, l’événement que représente la transition du primaire au secondaire suscite une augmentation significative de cortisol (hormone de stress) chez les adolescents. Le programme DéStresse et Progresse est un programme de prévention du stress et de ses troubles associés, issu des travaux réalisés ces dernières années dans le domaine de la biologie du stress. Ce programme, testé et validé auprès d’adolescents en première année de l’école secondaire, a montré des effets significatifs sur le niveau de cortisol et sur le niveau de symptômes dépressifs des jeunes les plus à risque. La présente étude a pour objectif d’évaluer les effets du programme sur un groupe restreint de sujets vivant leur dernière année du primaire, mais dans une structure particulière, puisque ce groupe est déjà intégré à une école secondaire. Quarante-neuf sujets, répartis dans deux classes, ont donc participé à une étude selon un devis prétest / post-test à mesures répétées. Contrairement à ce qui était attendu, les résultats montrent une augmentation moyenne significative de cortisol salivaire au cours de notre étude, augmentation qui pourrait être attribuée à la transition précoce résultant de l’intégration de notre échantillon à l’école secondaire. Par contre, une amélioration des performances cognitives et de l’estime de soi ainsi qu’une diminution des symptômes dépressifs pour l’ensemble des élèves peuvent être suggérés à la suite du programme.
Les programmes préventifs en milieu scolaire auprès des enfants et des adolescents présentant de l’anxiété
Authors: Turgeon Lyse , Gosselin Marie-Joëlle
Published: January 2016

L’objectif de cet article est de décrire les programmes de prévention de l’anxiété en milieu scolaire auprès des enfants et des adolescents. Nous rapportons d’abord quelques données sur l’épidémiologie des troubles anxieux, leurs conséquences et les coûts associés afin d’illustrer la pertinence d’intervenir de manière précoce. La section suivante présente le programme Coping Cat, qui a servi d’inspiration aux programmes de prévention. Nous distinguons ensuite les programmes de prévention en milieu scolaire selon leur nature : universelle, sélective et indiquée. L’accent est mis sur le programme FRIENDS, largement diffusé comme programme de prévention et reconnu par l’Organisation mondiale de la santé. Les résultats montrent de façon générale que les interventions sélectives et indiquées donnent des résultats plus importants, en particulier si elles sont animées par des spécialistes en santé mentale. Cependant, elles comportent certains désavantages, comme le fait de ne pas réussir à rejoindre les enfants qui pourraient le plus en bénéficier. Les programmes de prévention universelle rejoignent pour leur part tous les enfants et ils peuvent être implantés par les enseignantes. Les obstacles liés à l’implantation sont toutefois importants. La dernière partie de l’article contient quelques recommandations destinées à améliorer la prévention des troubles anxieux en milieu scolaire.
The impact of freeze-drying infant fecal samples on measures of their bacterial community profiles and milk-derived oligosaccharide content
Authors: Lewis Zachery T. , Davis Jasmine C.C. , Smilowitz Jennifer T. , German J. Bruce , Lebrilla Carlito B. , Mills David A.
Published: January 2016

Infant fecal samples are commonly studied to investigate the impacts of breastfeeding on the development of the microbiota and subsequent health effects. Comparisons of infants living in different geographic regions and environmental contexts are needed to aid our understanding of evolutionarily-selected milk adaptations. However, the preservation of fecal samples from individuals in remote locales until they can be processed can be a challenge. Freeze-drying (lyophilization) offers a cost-effective way to preserve some biological samples for transport and analysis at a later date. Currently, it is unknown what, if any, biases are introduced into various analyses by the freeze-drying process. Here, we investigated how freeze-drying affected analysis of two relevant and intertwined aspects of infant fecal samples, marker gene amplicon sequencing of the bacterial community and the fecal oligosaccharide profile (undigested human milk oligosaccharides). No differences were discovered between the fecal oligosaccharide profiles of wet and freeze-dried samples. The marker gene sequencing data showed an increase in proportional representation ofBacteriodesand a decrease in detection of bifidobacteria and members of class Bacilli after freeze-drying. This sample treatment bias may possibly be related to the cell morphology of these different taxa (Gram status). However, these effects did not overwhelm the natural variation among individuals, as the community data still strongly grouped by subject and not by freeze-drying status. We also found that compensating for sample concentration during freeze-drying, while not necessary, was also not detrimental. Freeze-drying may therefore be an acceptable method of sample preservation and mass reduction for some studies of microbial ecology and milk glycan analysis.
M.mode.ify: A Free Online Tool to Generate Post Hoc M‐Mode Images From Any Ultrasound Clip
Authors: Smith Benjamin C. , Avila Jacob
Published: January 2016

We present a software tool designed to generate an M‐mode image post hoc from any B‐mode ultrasound clip, along any possible axis. M.mode.ify works by breaking down an ultrasound clip into individual frames. It then rotates and crops these frames by using a user‐selected M‐mode line. The post hoc M‐mode image is created by splicing these frames together. Users can measure time and distance after proper calibration through the M.mode.ify interface. This tool opens up new possibilities for clinical application, quality assurance, and research. It is available free for public use at http://www.ultrasoundoftheweek.com/M.mode.ify/.
Ultrasound‐Guided Lower Cervical Nerve Root Injectate Volumes Associated With Dorsal Root Ganglion and Epidural Spread
Authors: Won Sun Jae , Rhee Won Ihl , Yoon Joon Shik , Lee U-Young , Ko Young Jin
Published: January 2016

Objectives

We aimed to estimate the spread of injections for ultrasound‐guided cervical nerve root blocks and to determine the optimal injectate volume required in this procedure.

Methods

A total of 32 ultrasound‐guided injections (C5–C8) were made in 4 fresh cadavers. The target on each cervical root was the space between the posterior tubercle and the cervical root at the most proximal location possible on the sonogram. After ultrasound‐guided needle insertion, 0.5 mL of a contrast medium was injected 4 times. The dye flow patterns were confirmed with fluoroscopy each time, and we recorded whether the contrast medium reached the dorsal root ganglion level or the epidural space. After the injections, the needle tip location was determined by computed tomography and image reconstruction.

Results

All injections produced typical neurograms. The contrast medium reached the dorsal root ganglion in 29 of 32 (90.6%) injections (mean ± SD, 0.84 ± 0.42 mL of contrast medium) and the epidural space in 10 of 32 (31.3%) injections (1.30 ± 0.54 mL of contrast medium). The mean distance between the needle tip and neural foramen was 9.64 ± 3.68 mm, and this distance correlated positively with the volume of contrast medium necessary to reach the dorsal root ganglion or the epidural space.

Conclusions

Ultrasound‐guided cervical nerve root blocks show potential utility for targeting an anesthetic into the cervical root area. This study may be helpful for deciding the most appropriate volume for the procedure.
Renal Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Sidhar Kunal , McGahan John P. , Early Heather M. , Corwin Michael , Fananapazir Ghaneh , Gerscovich Eugenio O.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Prior studies have demonstrated that approximately 10% of malignant renal cell carcinomas are as echogenic as angiomyolipomas on sonography. However, a recent presentation suggested that small (<1‐cm) echogenic renal masses are always angiomyolipomas or other benign entities. We therefore examined our own cases of renal cell carcinoma, with corresponding sonography, to confirm that some renal cell carcinomas may also be detected as hyperechoic masses on sonography.

Methods

Institutional Review Board approval and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance were maintained for this retrospective review of 91 pathologically proven cases of renal cell carcinoma, with corresponding sonography. Tumors were first differentiated by histologic cell type (clear cell, papillary, and chromophobe). Tumors were then stratified according to 2 size group parameters, falling into those that were 3 cm or larger and those that were smaller than 3 cm in diameter, with the less than 3‐cm group further subdivided into 2 cm or smaller and greater than 2 cm. Tumor echogenicity was graded on a 5‐point scale with respect to the renal parenchyma.

Results

Forty‐six tumors (51%) were 3 cm in diameter or smaller, and most were found to be either isoechoic (35%) or mildly hyperechoic (26%) to the surrounding renal parenchyma. Of tumors smaller than 2 cm, most were either mildly hyperechoic (29%) or as hyperechoic as renal sinus fat (very hyperechoic; 29%). Tumors larger than 3 cm were found most often to be either isoechoic (49%) or mildly hyperechoic (33%), with only 4% found to be very hyperechoic.

Conclusions

The sonographic appearances of renal cell carcinomas include a small population that are very hyperechoic on sonography and thus could potentially be misdiagnosed as angiomyolipomas.
Integration of Ultrasound in Undergraduate Medical Education at the California Medical Schools
Authors: Chiem Alan T. , Soucy Zachary , Dinh Vi Am , Chilstrom Mikaela , Gharahbaghian Laleh , Shah Virag , Medak Anthony , Nagdev Arun , Jang Timothy , Stark Elena , Hussain Aliasgher , Lobo Viveta , Pera Abraham , Fox J. Christian
Published: January 2016

Since the first medical student ultrasound electives became available more than a decade ago, ultrasound in undergraduate medical education has gained increasing popularity. More than a dozen medical schools have fully integrated ultrasound education in their curricula, with several dozen more institutions planning to follow suit. Starting in June 2012, a working group of emergency ultrasound faculty at the California medical schools began to meet to discuss barriers as well as innovative approaches to implementing ultrasound education in undergraduate medical education. It became clear that an ongoing collaborative could be formed to discuss barriers, exchange ideas, and lend support for this initiative. The group, termed Ultrasound in Medical Education, California (UMeCali), was formed with 2 main goals: to exchange ideas and resources in facilitating ultrasound education and to develop a white paper to discuss our experiences. Five common themes integral to successful ultrasound education in undergraduate medical education are discussed in this article: (1) initiating an ultrasound education program; (2) the role of medical student involvement; (3) integration of ultrasound in the preclinical years; (4) developing longitudinal ultrasound education; and (5) addressing competency.
New insights into the tectonic inversion of North Canterbury and the regional structural context of the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence, New Zealand
Authors: Barnes Philip M. , Ghisetti Francesca C. , Gorman Andrew R.
Published: January 2016

The 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence highlighted the existence of previously unknown active faults beneath the North Canterbury plains and Pegasus Bay, South Island, New Zealand. We provide new insights into the geometry and kinematics of ongoing deformation by analyzing marine seismic data to produce new maps of regional faults and cross‐sectional reconstructions of deformation history. Active faulting and folding extends up to 30 km offshore, and involves reactivation of sets of Late Cretaceous‐Paleogene normal faults under NW‐SE tectonic compression. The active faults consist predominantly of NE‐SW striking, SE‐dipping reverse faults, and less commonly E‐W to NW‐SE faults suitably oriented for strike‐slip reactivation. Additionally, newly developing reverse faults obliquely segment and overprint the inherited basement fabric and impose geometric and kinematic complexities revealed by mapping and reverse displacement profiles of markers. The Quaternary reverse slip rates decrease from 0.1–0.3 mm/yr beneath northern Pegasus Bay to <0.05 mm/yr approaching Banks Peninsula. Fault growth modeling involving trishear fault‐propagation folding mechanisms successfully restores an evolutionary sequence of progressive fault inversion, revealing a history of reactivated individual faults. Tectonic inversion and overprinting processes beneath Pegasus Bay are immature and <1.2 ± 0.4 Ma old, with no evidence of systematic spatial migration of deformation. Our marine data analyses give insights into the structural context of the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence, while the combined onshore to offshore data provide an excellent illustration of fault growth associated with immature inversion tectonics, in which selective fault reactivation results from compressive stress imposed across a complex network of inherited faults.
Target Serum Urate: Do Gout Patients Know Their Goal?
Authors: Coburn Brian W. , Bendlin Kayli A. , Sayles Harlan , Hentzen Kathryn S. , Hrdy Michaela M. , Mikuls Ted R.
Published: January 2016

Objective

To examine gout patients’ knowledge of their condition, including the central role of achieving and maintaining the serum urate (SU) goal with the use of urate‐lowering therapy (ULT).

Methods

This study of 612 gout patients was conducted at a Veterans Affairs medical center. Gout patients were included based on administrative diagnostic codes and receipt of at least 1 allopurinol prescription over a 1‐year period. Questionnaires were mailed to patients and linked to medical records data. The questionnaire included gout‐specific knowledge questions, the Patient Activation Measure, and self‐reported health outcomes. Knowledge was assessed descriptively. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of SU goal knowledge. Associations of knowledge with health outcomes were examined in exploratory analyses.

Results

The questionnaire had a 62% response rate. Only 14% of patients knew their SU goal, while the majority answered correctly for the other 5 gout‐specific knowledge questions. In adjusted analyses, having a rheumatologist as initial prescriber (odds ratio [OR] 3.0 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.4–6.2]) and knowing all of the other 5 gout‐specific knowledge questions (OR 2.1 [95% CI 1.3–3.4]) were associated with greater odds of knowing the SU goal. SU goal knowledge was associated with self‐reported global health status, but not with self‐reported health‐related quality of life or gout‐specific health status.

Conclusion

There is a knowledge deficit regarding the SU treatment goal among gout patients receiving ULT, despite generally high levels of other gout‐specific knowledge. SU goal information may be an important and underutilized concept among providers treating gout patients.
Remaining Pain in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated With Methotrexate
Authors: Altawil Reem , Saevarsdottir Saedis , Wedrén Sara , Alfredsson Lars , Klareskog Lars , Lampa Jon
Published: January 2016

Objective

To investigate the frequency of remaining pain in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after 3 months of treatment with methotrexate as the only disease modifying antirheumatic drug, with a special focus on patients with a good clinical response.

Methods

The study base was cases reported to a population‐based early RA cohort who had followup data from the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register (n = 1,241). The Disease Activity Score in 28 joints European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria were used to evaluate clinical response to treatment as good, moderate, and no response. The primary end point was remaining pain at the 3‐months followup visit, defined as pain >20 mm on a 100‐mm visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

Remaining pain in spite of a EULAR good response at followup was associated with higher baseline disability, using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.2 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.4–3.4] per unit increase), and less baseline inflammation, using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (adjusted OR 0.81 [95% CI 0.70–0.93] per 10‐mm increase). Similar associations were detected for remaining pain at followup in spite of low inflammatory activity, defined as a C‐reactive protein level <10. Increase in VAS pain during the treatment period was observed in 19% of the whole cohort, with frequencies in the EULAR response groups of 9% (good response), 15% (moderate response), and 45% (no response).

Conclusion

These results are in line with the hypothesis that a subgroup of early RA patients exhibits pain that is not inflammatory mediated, where alternative treatment strategies to traditional antiinflammatory medications need to be considered.
Is There a Dose‐Response Relationship Between Weight Loss and Symptom Improvement in Persons With Knee Osteoarthritis?
Authors: Atukorala Inoshi , Makovey Joanna , Lawler Luke , Messier Stephen P. , Bennell Kim , Hunter David J.
Published: January 2016

Objective

We examined the dose‐response relationship between weight reduction and pain/functional improvement in persons with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (KOA) participating in a community‐based weight loss program.

Methods

Consecutive participants with KOA and enrolled in the 18‐week Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life weight‐loss program were selected. In this completer‐type analysis, participants were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 18 weeks for body weight and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales. The dose‐response relationship between weight‐change categories (>10%, 7.6–10%, 5.1–7.5%, 2.6–5.0%, and <2.5% of body weight loss) and change in KOOS scores was assessed by repeated‐measures analysis of variance, controlling for sex and age, body mass index (BMI), and KOOS. The Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index function score derived from the KOOS was used to assess a meaningful clinical functional improvement.

Results

A total of 1,383 persons (71% females) were enrolled. Mean ± SD age, height, and weight were 64 ± 8.7 years, 1.66 ± 0.09 meters, and 95.1 ± 17.2 kg, respectively. Mean ± SD BMI was 34.4 ± 5.2 kg/m2 with 82% of participants obese at baseline. A total of 1,304 persons (94%) achieved a >2.5% reduction in body weight. There was a significant dose‐response relationship between all KOOS subscales and percentage of weight change across all weight‐change categories. Participants required ≥7.7% (95% confidence interval 5.2, 13.3) body weight loss to achieve a minimal clinically important improvement in function.

Conclusion

There is a significant dose‐response relationship between percentage of weight loss and symptomatic improvement. This study confirms the feasibility of weight loss as a therapeutic intervention in KOA in a community‐based setting.
Color‐Coded Batteries – Electro‐Photonic Inverse Opal Materials for Enhanced Electrochemical Energy Storage and Optically Encoded Diagnostics
Authors: O'Dwyer Colm
Published: January 2016

For consumer electronic devices, long‐life, stable, and reasonably fast charging Li‐ion batteries with good stable capacities are a necessity. For exciting and important advances in the materials that drive innovations in electrochemical energy storage (EES), modular thin‐film solar cells, and wearable, flexible technology of the future, real‐time analysis and indication of battery performance and health is crucial. Here, developments in color‐coded assessment of battery material performance and diagnostics are described, and a vision for using electro‐photonic inverse opal materials and all‐optical probes to assess, characterize, and monitor the processes non‐destructively in real time are outlined. By structuring any cathode or anode material in the form of a photonic crystal or as a 3D macroporous inverse opal, color‐coded “chameleon” battery‐strip electrodes may provide an amenable way to distinguish the type of process, the voltage, material and chemical phase changes, remaining capacity, cycle health, and state of charge or discharge of either existing or new materials in Li‐ion or emerging alternative battery types, simply by monitoring its color change.
Self‐Assembly of Single‐Crystal Silver Microflakes on Reduced Graphene Oxide and their Use in Ultrasensitive Sensors
Authors: Chen Ye , Tao Jing , Hammami Mohamed A. , Hoang Phoung , Khashab Niveen M.
Published: January 2016

Compared to 1D structures, 2D structures have higher specific and active surface, which drastically improves electron transfer and extensibility along 2D plane. Herein, 2D‐single crystal silver microflakes (AgMFs) are prepared for the first time in situ on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) by solvothermal synthesis with thickness around 100 nm and length around 10 μm. The oriented attachment mechanism is hypothesized to control the silver crystal growth and self‐assembly of reduced silver units to form single‐crystal AgMF structure on RGO sheets. Employing it as an electrode to fabricate reliable and extremely sensitive pressure sensors verifies the applicability of this novel 2D structure. Contrary to nanowires, 2D microflakes can intercalate better within the polymer matrix to provide an enhanced network for electron movement. The designed sensor can retain more than 4.7 MPa−1 after 10 000 cycles. The design proves functional for monitoring various actions such as wrist movement, squatting, walking, and delicate finger touch with high durability.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Synthesis of 2,3‐Disubstituted Chromones
Authors: Shen Chaoren , Li Wanfang , Yin Hongfei , Spannenberg Anke , Skrydstrup Troels , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: January 2016

An unexpected palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative synthesis of 2,3‐disubstituted chromones has been developed. Starting from 2‐bromofluorobenzenes and ketones, the corresponding chromones were produced in good yields. By control experiments, this transformation was found to proceed through a sequential carbonylation/Claisen–Hasse rearrangement/intramolecular nucleophilic aromatic substitution approach (SNAr). More specifically, the reaction sequence started with a palladium‐catalyzed carbonylation of the ketone with o‐bromofluorobenzene to give the vinyl benzoates, which subsequently transformed into 1,3‐diketones via a Claisen–Hasse rearrangement. The final products were produced after an intramolecular SNAr reaction of the in situ formed 1,3‐diketone.

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Enantioselective Organocatalytic Diels–Alder Trapping of Photochemically Generated Hydroxy‐o‐Quinodimethanes
Authors: Dell'Amico Luca , Vega‐Peñaloza Alberto , Cuadros Sara , Melchiorre Paolo
Published: January 2016

The photoenolization/Diels–Alder strategy offers straightforward access to synthetically valuable benzannulated carbocyclic products. This historical light‐triggered process has never before succumbed to efforts to develop an enantioselective catalytic approach. Herein, we demonstrate how asymmetric organocatalysis provides simple yet effective catalytic tools to intercept photochemically generated hydroxy‐o‐quinodimethanes with high stereoselectivity. We used a chiral organic catalyst, derived from natural cinchona alkaloids, to activate maleimides toward highly stereoselective Diels–Alder reactions. An unconventional mechanism of stereocontrol is operative, wherein the organocatalyst is actively involved in both the photochemical pathway, by leveraging the formation of the reactive photoenol, and the stereoselectivity‐defining event.
Radical Fluoroalkylation of Isocyanides with Fluorinated Sulfones by Visible‐Light Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Rong Jian , Deng Ling , Tan Ping , Ni Chuanfa , Gu Yucheng , Hu Jinbo
Published: January 2016

The radical fluoroalkylation of isocyanides with fluorinated sulfones is enabled by visible‐light photoredox catalysis. A wide range of readily available mono‐, di‐, and trifluoromethyl heteroaryl sulfones can thus be used as efficient radical fluoroalkylation reagents under mild conditions. This method not only describes a new synthetic application of fluorinated sulfones, but also provides a new route to fluoroalkyl radicals.
Rapid Access to 2‐Methylene Tetrahydrofurans and γ‐Lactones: A Tandem Four‐Step Process
Authors: Liang Renxiao , Chen Kai , Zhang Qiaohui , Zhang Jiantao , Jiang Huanfeng , Zhu Shifa
Published: January 2016

A one‐pot tandem process involving hydrolysis, Knoevenagel condensation, Michael addition, and Conia‐ene (HKMC) reactions has been developed for the rapid synthesis of indanone‐fused 2‐methylene tetrahydrofurans from the reaction of enynals and propynols. In this process, two rings and four bonds are generated with 100 % atom‐economy and high step‐efficiency. The resulting tetrahydrofurans were readily oxidized into α‐methylene γ‐lactones, which are one of the most important substructures in natural and bioactive compounds.
A simple and rapid resonance Rayleigh scattering method for detection of indigo carmine in soft drink
Authors: Li Qin , Yang Jidong , Tan Xuanping , Zhang Zhan , Hu Xiaomei , Yang Menghuan
Published: January 2016

A novel method that uses acridine orange (AO) to detect indigo carmine (IC) in soft drinks was developed. The method is highly sensitive and is based on a resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) technique. In Britton–Robinson (BR) buffer solution, pH 4.3, the weak RRS intensity of AO was greatly enhanced by the addition of IC, with the maximum peak located at 332 nm. Under optimum conditions, it was found that the enhanced RRS intensity was proportional to the concentration of IC over a range of 2–32 × 10−6 mol/L. A low detection limit of 2.4 × 10−8 mol/L was achieved. The sensitivity and selectivity of the method are high enough to permit the determination of trace amounts of IC without any significant interference from high levels of other components such as common anions and other amino acids. Finally, the concentration of IC in three different soft drinks was determined with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying causal networks linking cancer processes and anti‐tumor immunity using Bayesian network inference and metagene constructs
Authors: Kaiser Jacob L. , Bland Cassidy L. , Klinke David J.
Published: January 2016

Cancer arises from a deregulation of both intracellular and intercellular networks that maintain system homeostasis. Identifying the architecture of these networks and how they are changed in cancer is a pre‐requisite for designing drugs to restore homeostasis. Since intercellular networks only appear in intact systems, it is difficult to identify how these networks become altered in human cancer using many of the common experimental models. To overcome this, we used the diversity in normal and malignant human tissue samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database of human breast cancer to identify the topology associated with intercellular networks in vivo. To improve the underlying biological signals, we constructed Bayesian networks using metagene constructs, which represented groups of genes that are concomitantly associated with different immune and cancer states. We also used bootstrap resampling to establish the significance associated with the inferred networks. In short, we found opposing relationships between cell proliferation and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transformation (EMT) with regards to macrophage polarization. These results were consistent across multiple carcinomas in that proliferation was associated with a type 1 cell‐mediated anti‐tumor immune response and EMT was associated with a pro‐tumor anti‐inflammatory response. To address the identifiability of these networks from other datasets, we could identify the relationship between EMT and macrophage polarization with fewer samples when the Bayesian network was generated from malignant samples alone. However, the relationship between proliferation and macrophage polarization was identified with fewer samples when the samples were taken from a combination of the normal and malignant samples. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:470–479, 2016
Design and Synthesis of an Alkynyl Luciferin Analogue for Bioluminescence Imaging
Authors: Steinhardt Rachel C. , O'Neill Jessica M. , Rathbun Colin M. , McCutcheon David C. , Paley Miranda A. , Prescher Jennifer A.
Published: January 2016

Herein, the synthesis and characterization of an alkyne‐modified luciferin is reported. This bioluminescent probe was accessed using C−H activation methodology and was found to be stable in solution and capable of light production with firefly luciferase. The luciferin analogue was also cell permeant and emitted more redshifted light than d‐luciferin, the native luciferase substrate. Based on these features, the alkynyl luciferin will be useful for a variety of imaging applications.
Upconverting Nanoparticles Prompt Remote Near‐Infrared Photoactivation of Ru(II)–Arene Complexes
Authors: Ruggiero Emmanuel , Garino Claudio , Mareque‐Rivas Juan C. , Habtemariam Abraha , Salassa Luca
Published: January 2016

The synthesis and full characterisation (including X‐ray diffraction studies and DFT calculations) of two new piano‐stool RuII–arene complexes, namely [(η6‐p‐cym)Ru(bpy)(m‐CCH‐Py)][(PF)6]2 (1) and [(η6‐p‐cym)Ru(bpm)(m‐CCH‐Py)][(PF)6]2 (2; p‐cym=p‐cymene, bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, bpm=2,2′‐bipyrimidine, and m‐CCH‐Py=3‐ethynylpyridine), is described and discussed. The reaction of the m‐CCH‐Py ligand of 1 and 2 with diethyl‐3‐azidopropyl phosphonate by Cu‐catalysed click chemistry affords [(η6‐p‐cym)Ru(bpy)(P‐Trz‐Py)][(PF)6]2 (3) and [(η6‐p‐cym)Ru(bpm)(P‐Trz‐Py)][(PF)6]2 (4; P‐Trz‐Py=[3‐(1‐pyridin‐3‐yl‐[1,2,3]triazol‐4‐yl)‐propyl]phosphonic acid diethyl ester). Upon light excitation at λ=395 nm, complexes 1–4 photodissociate the monodentate pyridyl ligand and form the aqua adduct ions [(η6‐p‐cym)Ru(bpy)(H2O)]2+ and [(η6‐p‐cym)Ru(bpm)(H2O)]2+. Thulium ‐doped upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) are functionalised with 4, thus exploiting their surface affinity for the phosphonate group in the complex. The so‐obtained nanosystem UCNP@4 undergoes near‐infrared (NIR) photoactivation at λ=980 nm, thus producing the corresponding reactive aqua species that binds the DNA‐model base guanosine 5′‐monophosphate.
Organocatalytic Asymmetric Reactions of Epoxides: Recent Progress
Authors: Meninno Sara , Lattanzi Alessandra
Published: January 2016

In this Minireview recent advances in the asymmetric reactions of meso and racemic epoxides promoted by organocatalysts is reviewed. Organic promoters, such as chiral phosphoric acids, amino‐ and peptidyl thioureas, and sulfinamides, have been successfully used for a variety of enantioselective transformations of epoxides under catalytic conditions, involving direct nucleophilic attack at the oxirane ring, base‐catalysed β‐eliminations and Brønsted acid catalysed 1,2‐rearrangements. Accordingly, highly valuable enantioenriched 1,2‐functionalised alcohols, carbonyl compounds and nitroepoxides are attainable. Dual activation of the reagents, provided by the organocatalysts, appears to be the most recurrent strategy, potentially suitable to face other unmet challenges in asymmetric ring‐opening reactions of epoxides.
Rapid Synthesis of D‐A′‐π‐A Dyes through a One‐Pot Three‐Component Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling and an Evaluation of their Photovoltaic Properties for Use in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Irie Shunsuke , Fuse Shinichiro , Maitani Masato M. , Wada Yuji , Ogomi Yuhei , Hayase Shuzi , Kaiho Tatsuo , Masui Hisashi , Tanaka Hiroshi , Takahashi Takashi
Published: January 2016

Twenty‐four D‐A′–π‐A dyes were rapidly synthesized through a one‐pot three‐component Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction, which was assisted by microwave irradiation. We measured the absorption spectra, electrochemical properties, and solar‐cell performance of all the synthesized dyes. The D5 πA4 dye contained our originally designed rigid and nonplanar donor and exerted the highest efficiency at 5.4 %. The short‐circuit current (Jsc) was the most important parameter for the conversion efficiency (η) in the case of the organic D‐A′‐π‐A dyes. Optimal ranges for the D‐A′‐π‐A dyes were observed for high values of Jsc/λmax at λ=560–620 nm, an optical‐absorption edge of λ=690–790 nm, and EHOMO and ELUMO values of <1.14 and −0.56 to −0.76 V, respectively.
Highly Efficient Visible‐to‐NIR Luminescence of Lanthanide(III) Complexes with Zwitterionic Ligands Bearing Charge‐Transfer Character: Beyond Triplet Sensitization
Authors: Pan Mei , Du Bin‐Bin , Zhu Yi‐Xuan , Yue Mei‐Qin , Wei Zhang‐Wen , Su Cheng‐Yong
Published: January 2016

Two zwitterionic‐type ligands featuring π–π* and intraligand charge‐transfer (ILCT) excited states, namely 1,1′‐(2,3,5,6‐tetramethyl‐1,4‐phenylene)bis(methylene)dipyridinium‐4‐olate (TMPBPO) and 1‐dodecylpyridin‐4(1 H)‐one (DOPO), have been prepared and applied to the assembly of lanthanide coordination complexes in an effort to understand the ligand‐direction effect on the structure of the Ln complexes and the ligand sensitization effect on the luminescence of the Ln complexes. Due to the wide‐band triplet states plus additional ILCT excitation states extending into lower energy levels, broadly and strongly sensitized photoluminescence of f→f transitions from various Ln3+ ions were observed to cover the visible to near‐infrared (NIR) regions. Among which, the Pr, Sm, Dy, and Tm complexes simultaneously display both strong visible and NIR emissions. Based on the isostructural feature of the Ln complexes, color tuning and single‐component white light was achieved by preparation of solid solutions of the ternary systems Gd‐Eu‐Tb (for TMPBPO) and La‐Eu‐Tb and La‐Dy‐Sm (for DOPO). Moreover, the visible and NIR luminescence lifetimes of the Ln complexes with the TMPBPO ligand were investigated from 77 to 298 K, revealing a strong temperature dependence of the Tm3+ (3H4) and Yb3+ (2F5/2) decay dynamics, which has not been explored before for their coordination complexes.
Chondroitin Sulfate Tetrasaccharides: Synthesis, Three‐Dimensional Structure and Interaction with Midkine
Authors: Solera Cristina , Macchione Giuseppe , Maza Susana , Kayser M. Mar , Corzana Francisco , de Paz José L. , Nieto Pedro M.
Published: January 2016

The biological activity of midkine, a cytokine implicated in neuro‐ and tumourigenesis, is regulated by its binding to glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as heparin and chondroitin sulfate (CS). To better understand the molecular recognition of GAG sequences by this growth factor, the interactions between synthetic chondroitin sulfate‐like tetrasaccharides and midkine were studied by using different techniques. Firstly, a synthetic approach for the preparation of CS‐like oligosaccharides in the sequence GalNAc–GlcA was developed. A fluorescence polarisation competition assay was then employed to analyse the relative binding affinities of the synthetic compounds and revealed that midkine interacted with CS‐like tetrasaccharides in the micromolar range. The 3D structure of these tetramers was studied in detail by a combination of NMR spectroscopy experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. Saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR spectroscopy experiments indicate that the CS tetrasaccharides bind to midkine in an extended conformation, with similar saturation effects along the entire sugar chain. These results are compatible with docking studies that suggest an interaction of the tetrasaccharide with midkine in a folded structure. Overall, this study provides valuable information on the interaction between midkine and well‐defined, chemically synthesised CS oligosaccharides and these data can be useful for the design of more active compounds that modulate the biological function of this protein.
[32]π Fused Core‐Modified Heptaphyrin with Möbius Aromaticity
Authors: Ghosh Arindam , Chaudhary Arvind , Srinivasan A. , Suresh Cherumuttathu H. , Chandrashekar Tavarekere K.
Published: January 2016

A new fused core‐modified 32π heptaphyrin with Möbius aromatic character is reported. The 1H NMR data indicated a weak Möbius aromaticity at 298 K; however, at 213–183 K, the molecule predominates [4n]π Möbius conformation with strong diatropic ring current, which was further confirmed by X‐ray analysis. The protonation experiment led to preservation of the Möbius aromaticity at 298 K. Nevertheless, the experimental results were further supported by theoretical studies. Overall, this study represents the first example of Möbius aromatic fused core‐modified expanded porphyrin.
Assembly of an Achiral Chromophore into Light‐Responsive Helical Nanostructures in the Absence of Chiral Components
Authors: Han Mina , Cho Sung June , Norikane Yasuo , Shimizu Masaki , Seki Takahiro
Published: January 2016

The chirality found in living organisms is one of unsolved mysteries on Earth. It is crucial to understand the manner in which small achiral molecules evolve into helical superstructures in the absence of chiral components because this process can provide important insights regarding the origin of chirality in nature. 1) the uncommon helical assembly of an achiral trigonal chromophore into helical nanostructures with aggregation‐induced emission enhancement (AIEE) characteristics and 2) the tunability of the helical pitch and fluorescence intensity in response to light is reported. The Rietveld refinement of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and the growth process suggest that a striking transformation from an achiral to an asymmetric molecule can occur as a result of specific interactions with certain solvents, presumably leading to the unique helical assembly. More importantly, exposure to UV or visible light promoted not only the formation of irregular helical structures with a wide range of pitch lengths but also an increase in fluorescence intensity.
Selecting Resolving Agents with Respect to Their Eutectic Compositions
Authors: Szeleczky Zsolt , Semsey Sándor , Bagi Péter , Pálovics Emese , Faigl Ferenc , Fogassy Elemér
Published: January 2016

In order to develop a resolution procedure for a given racemic compound, the first and the most important step is finding the most suitable resolving agent. We studied 18 individual resolutions that were carried out with resolving agents having high eutectic composition. We found that very high enantiomeric excess values were obtained in all cases. We assume that the eutectic composition of a given resolving agent is one of the most important properties that should always be considered during the search for the most efficient resolving agent. Chirality 28:230–234, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enantiomeric Neolignans and a Sesquiterpene from Solanum erianthum and Their Absolute Configuration Assignment
Authors: Li Hang , Peng Shi‐Yi , Yang De‐Po , Bai Bai , Zhu Long‐Ping , Mu Chun‐You , Tian Yi‐Jing , Wang Dong‐Mei , Zhao Zhi‐Min
Published: January 2016

One pair of new C‐8–C‐3′/C‐7–O–C‐4′ linked neolignan enantiomers (1a/1b) and one new guaiane sesquiterpene (2) first featuring the 1(2),9(10)‐conjugated double bond were isolated from the stems of Solanum erianthum (Solanceae). Their structures were characterized on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses, especially from their 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. The absolute configurations of 1a/1b were rigorously elucidated by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) experiments combined with the reversed helicity rule for the 2,3‐dihydrobenzo[b]furan chromophore, and compound 2 is the first report on the sterochemical assignment of a guaiane sesquiterpene by using the allylic axial chirality rule for the conjugated diene chromophore in combination with the calculated ECD spectrum. Chirality 28:259–263, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Groundwater nitrate contamination: Assessment and treatment using Moringa oleifera Lam. seed extract and activated carbon filtration
Authors: Rezende Driano , Nishi Letícia , Coldebella Priscila F. , Silva Marcela F. , Vieira Marcelo F. , Vieira Angélica M. S. , Bergamasco Rosângela , Fagundes‐Klen Márcia R.
Published: January 2016

The present research evaluates the groundwater nitrate concentration of the Maringá region (Paraná State, Brazil) aiming at nitrate removal by coagulation/flocculation using a natural coagulant obtained from the seeds of the Moringa oleifera Lam. plant (MO) combined with an activated carbon filter. Groundwater samples were collected in Maringá City metropolitan area and characterized by physicochemical analyses. The results showed groundwater NO3− concentrations ranging from 0–60 mg NO3− L−1. Thus, the nitrate variation in the water used in the coagulation/flocculation assays lay between 10–60 mg · L−1 of NO3−. In these assays both aqueous and saline MO raw extracts were added (concentrations between 0.25–11 g · L−1). Coagulation/flocculation treatment with aqueous MO extract presents nitrate removal of 73.3 %, and saline MO extract presents 85.4 %. The source that presented the highest nitrate concentration along with the ideal MO concentration in the coagulation/flocculation process was used for the coagulation/flocculation process followed by activated carbon filtration. The treatment with MO combined with the filter met Brazilian, American, and international potability standards for nitrate and turbidity. The present study reveals the presence of nitrate in the groundwater of the area and also enables new procedures for treating this kind of water in small rural properties and needy communities.
Clinical Decision Support Tools: The Evolution of a Revolution
Authors: Mould DR , D'Haens G , Upton RN
Published: January 2016

Dashboard systems for clinical decision support integrate data from multiple sources. These systems, the newest in a long line of dose calculators and other decision support tools, utilize Bayesian approaches to fully individualize dosing using information gathered through therapeutic drug monitoring. In the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease patients with infliximab, dashboards may reduce therapeutic failures and treatment costs. The history and future development of modern Bayesian dashboard systems is described.
Continuous Preparation of Copper/Carbon Nanotube Composite Films and Application in Solar Cells
Authors: Luo Xiao Gang , Le Wu Min , Wang Xiao Xia , Zhong Xin Hua , Zhao Ke , Wang Jian Nong
Published: January 2016

Realizing the continuous and large scale preparation of particle/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites with enhanced functionalities, and broad applications in energy conversion, harvesting, and storage systems, remains as a big challenge. Here, we report a scalable strategy to continuously prepare particle/CNT composite films in which particles are confined by CNT films. This is achieved by the continuous condensation and deposition of a cylindrical assembly of CNTs on a paper strip and the in situ incorporation of particles during the layer‐by‐layer deposition process. A Cu/CNT composite film is prepared as an example; such a film exhibits very high power conversion efficiency when it is used as a counter electrode in a solar cell, compared with previous materials under otherwise identical conditions. The proposed method can be extended to other CNT‐based composite films with excellent functionalities for wide applications.
Beamforming‐based feature extraction and RVM‐based method for attacker node classification in CRN
Authors: S. Senthilkumar , C. Geetha Priya
Published: January 2016

Cognitive radio is a promising technology for the future wireless spectrum allocation to improve the utilization rate of the licensed bands. However, the cognitive radio network is susceptible to various attacks. Hence, there arises a need to develop a highly efficient security measure against the attacks. This paper presents a beamforming‐based feature extraction and relevance vector machine (RVM)‐based method for the classification of the attacker nodes in the cognitive radio network. Initially, the allocation of the Rayleigh channel is performed for the communication. The quaternary phase shift keying method is used for modulating the signals. After obtaining the modulated signal, the extraction of the beamforming‐based features is performed. The RVM classifier is used for predicting the normal nodes and attacker nodes. If the node is detected as an attacker node, then communication with that node is neglected. Particle swarm optimization is applied for predicting the optimal channel, based on the beamforming feature values. Then, signal communication with the normal nodes is started. Finally, the signal is demodulated. The signal‐to‐noise ratio and bit‐error rate values are computed to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the RVM classifier method are higher than the support vector machine classifier. The proposed method achieves better performance in terms of throughput, channel sensing/probing rate, and channel access delay. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced risk of heart failure in men
Authors: Tektonidis Thanasis G. , Åkesson Agneta , Gigante Bruna , Wolk Alicja , Larsson Susanna C.
Published: January 2016

Aims

We examined the hypothesis that high adherence to a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of developing heart failure (HF) as well as the risk of death from HF.

Methods and results

The study population comprised 37 308 men from the Cohort of Swedish Men who were free from cardiovascular disease at baseline. The modified Mediterranean diet (mMED) score was created from a self‐administered food frequency questionnaire, based on consumption of presumed beneficial/detrimental foods, on a 0–8 scale. Incident HF events were ascertained by linkage to the Swedish National Patient and the Cause of Death Registers. Relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for potential confounders, were estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression models. We identified 146 deaths from HF and 1269 incident HF events over a median follow‐up of 10.9 years (1998–2008). The mMED score was inversely associated with risk of HF (multivariable RR for the highest vs. lowest quartile 0.69, 95% CI 0.57, 0.83); the corresponding RR of HF mortality was 0.55 (95% CI 0.31, 0.98). The multivariable RR for every two‐point increment in the mMED score was 0.85 (95% CI 0.78, 0.91) for incidence of HF and 0.78 (95% CI 0.62, 0.98) for mortality from HF, respectively.

Conclusions

High adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with a lower risk of HF and mortality from HF in men. Further studies are needed to replicate these findings in other populations.