bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frontometaphyseal dysplasia and keloid formation without FLNA mutations
Authors: Basart Hanneke , van de Kar Annekatrien , Adès Lesley , Cho Tae‐Joon , Carter Erin , Maas Saskia M. , Wilson Louise C. , van der Horst Chantal M. A. M. , Wade Emma M. , Robertson Stephen P. , Hennekam Raoul C.
Published: April 2015

Frontometaphyseal dysplasia (FMD) is a distinctive sclerosing skeletal dysplasia associated with a number of non‐skeletal manifestations including hearing loss, cardiac malformations, and stenosis, particularly of the upper airway and urinary tract. Some, but not all, patients have mutations in FLNA causing the condition. Consonant with the X chromosomal location of FLNA males are generally more severely affected than females. FLNA mutations can be detected in 82% of affected males. We describe seven patients (one male, six females) all of whom have the major clinical and radiological features of FMD, but without detectable mutations in FLNA. The females in our cohort are affected to a similar degree as is usually found in males. In addition, all patients have marked keloid formation at various body sites, including the eye, from an early age. Other features that may indicate a different etiology in these patients are the increased frequency of cleft palate, Robin sequence, tracheal stenosis, and mild intellectual disability, which all occur in three of more patients in the present group. All patients are isolated. We hypothesize that the presently reported patients represent further evidence that phenotypes strongly resembling FMD exist that are not accounted for by mutations in FLNA. Since the frequency of several of the manifestations, their sporadic presentations, and the presence of keloid formation differ from the X‐linked form of this condition we propose de novo autosomal dominant acting mutations in a gene functionally related to FLNA, underpin this disorder. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical, developmental and molecular update on Cornelia de Lange syndrome and the cohesin complex: Abstracts from the 2014 Scientific and Educational Symposium
Authors: Kline Antonie D. , Calof Anne L. , Lander Arthur D. , Gerton Jennifer L. , Krantz Ian D. , Dorsett Dale , Deardorff Matthew A. , Blagowidow Natalie , Yokomori Kyoko , Shirahige Katsuhiko , Santos Rosaysela , Woodman Julie , Megee Paul C. , O'Connor Julia T. , Egense Alena , Noon Sarah , Belote Maurice , Goodban Marjorie T. , Hansen Blake D. , Timmons Jenni Glad , Musio Antonio , Ishman Stacey L. , Bryan Yvon , Wu Yaning , Bettini Laura R. , Mehta Devanshi , Zakari Musinu , Mills Jason A. , Srivastava Siddharth , Haaland Richard E.
Published: April 2015

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) is the most common example of disorders of the cohesin complex, or cohesinopathies. There are a myriad of clinical issues facing individuals with CdLS, particularly in the neurodevelopmental system, which also have implications for the parents and caretakers, involved professionals, therapists, and schools. Basic research in developmental and cell biology on cohesin is showing significant progress, with improved understanding of the mechanisms and the possibility of potential therapeutics. The following abstracts are presentations from the 6th Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Scientific and Educational Symposium, which took place on June 25–26, 2014, in conjunction with the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation National Meeting in Costa Mesa, CA. The Research Committee of the CdLS Foundation organizes the meeting, reviews and accepts abstracts, and subsequently disseminates the information to the families through members of the Clinical Advisory Board. In addition to the scientific and clinical discussions, there were educationally focused talks related to practical aspects of behavior and development. AMA CME credits were provided by Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Electron‐Accepting Chromophore Based on Fluorene and Naphthalenediimide Building Blocks for Solution‐Processable Bulk Heterojunction Devices
Authors: Gupta Akhil , Wang Xizu , Srivani Doli , Alford Ben , Chellappan Vijila , Bilic Ante , Patil Hemlata , Jones Lathe A. , Bhosale Sidhanath V. , Sonar Prashant , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: April 2015

We have designed, synthesized and utilized a new non‐fullerene electron acceptor, 9,9′‐(9,9‐dioctyl‐9H‐fluorene‐2,7‐diyl)bis(2,7‐dioctyl‐4‐(octylamino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline‐1,3,6,8(2H,7H)‐tetraone) (B2), for use in solution‐processable bulk‐heterojunction devices. B2 is based on a central fluorene moiety, which was capped at both ends with an electron‐accepting naphthalenediimide functionality. B2 exhibited excellent solubility (>30 mg mL−1 in chloroform), high thermal and photochemical stability, and appropriate energy levels for use with the classical polymer donor regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene). A power conversion efficiency of 1.16 % was achieved for primitive bulk‐heterojunction devices with a high fill factor of approximately 54 %.
Different clinical factors associated with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Zhang Zi , Adappa Nithin D. , Doghramji Laurel J. , Chiu Alexander G. , Cohen Noam A. , Palmer James N.
Published: April 2015

Background

Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are common culture isolates in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). We aimed to determine whether they were associated with different clinical factors of CRS.

Methods

Adult CRS patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) between October 1, 2007 and December 31, 2011 were recruited. Patient demographics, Lund‐Mackay computed tomography (CT) scores, 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) scores, disease characteristics, and medication use were collected prior to FESS. Intraoperative culture was obtained in a standard manner. We compared patients with isolates of S. aureus or P. aeruginosa to patients with other culture results and no bacterial growth, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was performed.

Results

A total of 376 patients met criteria; 104 patients (28%) had S. aureus, 32 (9%) had P. aeruginosa, and 10 patients (3%) had no bacterial growth. After adjusting for all clinical factors, compared to patients with positive culture other than S. aureus, patients with S. aureus had 1.9 times increased odds of having nasal polyps (odds ratio [OR] = 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0 to 3.3; p = 0.036); when compared to patients with positive culture other than P. aeruginosa, patients with P. aeruginosa had 7.8 times increased odds of having prior FESS (OR = 7.8; 95% CI, 2.1 to 28.9; p = 0.002) (91% vs 58%; p < 0.001) and 3.6 times increased odds of having diabetes with marginal significance (OR = 3.6; 95% CI, 1.0 to 13.2; p = 0.053). The sample size in the no bacterial growth group was too small to draw firm conclusions.

Conclusion

S. aureus was more common in CRS patients with nasal polyps, whereas P. aeruginosa was more common in CRS patients with prior FESS history and possibly diabetes.
Direct synthesis of highly reactive polyisobutylenes via cationic polymerization of isobutylene co‐initiated with TiCl4 in nonpolar hydrocarbon media
Authors: Yang Xiao‐jian , Guo An‐ru , Xu Hui‐chao , Wu Yi‐xian
Published: April 2015

Living cationic polymerization of isobutylene (IB) with 1‐chlorine‐2,4,4‐trimethyl pentane (TMPCl)/TiCl4/isopropanol (iPrOH) or isoamylol (iAmOH) has been achieved in the presence of 2,6‐di‐tert‐butylpyridine (DtBP) at −80°C. Polyisobutylenes with nearly theoretical Mn based on TMPCl molecules and more than 90% of tert‐chlorine‐end groups could be obtained at high [TMPCl]. The β‐proton elimination from CH3 in growing chain ends increased with increasing polymerization temperature and decreasing solvent polarity. A chain‐transfer‐dominated cationic polymerization process with H2O/TiCl4/iAmOH could be achieved in n‐hexane at −30°C. The monomer conversion and content of exo‐olefin end groups increased while molecular weight decreased with increasing [iAmOH]. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example to achieve the direct synthesis of highly reactive polyisobutylene with low Mn of 1200∼1600, carrying more than 80% of exo‐olefin terminals by a single‐step process via cationic polymerization co‐initiated by TiCl4 in nonpolar hydrocarbon. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42232.
Oriented polyvinyl alcohol films using short cellulose nanofibrils as a reinforcement
Authors: Peng Jun , Ellingham Thomas , Sabo Ronald , Clemons Craig M. , Turng Lih‐Sheng
Published: April 2015

Short cellulose nanofibrils (SCNF) were investigated as a new kind of reinforcement for polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films. SCNF were mechanically isolated from hardwood pulp after enzymatic pretreatment. Various concentrations of SCNF were added to an aqueous PVA solution, which were cast into composite films and then hot drawn with various draw ratios at 200°C. SCNF were effective in improving PVA film tensile properties (i.e., ultimate strength and elastic modulus), which depended on SCNF loading, PVA crystal orientation, and the draw ratio. For example, the ultimate strength and modulus of a composite film with a SCNF weight ratio of 3% and a draw ratio of 7.5 were nearly 46 and 61% higher than that of the neat PVA. The PVA crystal orientation increased when small amounts of SCNF were added but decreased as the SCNF content increased above about 6%, likely due to SCNF percolation resulting in network formation that inhibited alignment. Stress‐induced crystallization during hot drawing increased the crystallinity of PVA in both the PVA and its composites. Cryogenic and tensile‐fractured SEM images of PVA/SCNF composite films showed a uniform SCNF dispersion in the PVA matrix. Young's moduli of drawn composite films were predicted surprisingly well by the rule of mixtures except at intermediate levels of SCNF where the increased orientation of the matrix was not considered in the model. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42283.
Structure‐property relationship of substituted pyrrolidine functionalized CNT epoxy nanocomposite
Authors: Zewde Berhanu , Pitliya Praveen , Gaskell Karen J. , Raghavan Dharmaraj
Published: April 2015

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) based polymer nanocomposites hold the promise of delivering exceptional mechanical properties and multifunctional characteristics. However, the realization of exceptional properties of CNT based nanocomposites is dependent on CNT dispersion and CNT‐matrix adhesion. To this end, we modified MWCNTs by Prato reaction to yield aromatic (phenyl and 2‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxyphenyl) substituted pyrrolidine functionalized CNTs (fCNT1 and fCNT2) and aliphatic (2‐ethylbutyl and n‐octyl) substituted pyrrolidine functionalized CNTs (fCNT3 and fCNT4). The functionalization of CNTs was established by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman Spectroscopy, and XPS techniques. Optical micrographs of fCNT epoxy mixture showed smaller aggregates compared to pristine CNT epoxy mixture. A comparison of the tensile results and onset decomposition temperature of fCNT/epoxy nanocomposite showed that aliphatic substituted pyrrolidine fCNT epoxy nanocomposites have higher onset decomposition temperature and higher tensile toughness than aromatic substituted pyrrolidine fCNT epoxy nanocomposites, which is consistent with the dispersion results of fCNTs in the epoxy matrix. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42284.
Conductive and electroactive composite paper reinforced by coating of polyaniline on lignocelluloses fibers
Authors: Razaq Aamir , Asif M. H. , Kalsoom Riffat , Khan Ather Farooq , Awan M. S. , Ishrat S. , Ramay Shahid M.
Published: April 2015

Direct use of lignocelluloses fibers as substrate for fabrication of conductive, electroactive, biodegradable, and low‐cost electrode materials are in demand for high‐tech applications of ion‐exchange and energy storage devices. This article presents the preparation and characterizations of conductive and electroactive lignocelluloses‐polyaniline (cellulose/PANI) composite paper. Lignocelluloses fibers were directly collected from the stem of self‐growing plant, Typha Angusitfolia, and subsequently coated with the conductive and electroactive layer of PANI through chemical synthesis. Individual PANI‐coated lignocelluloses fibers were converted into sheet and further characterized with Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared, Thermogravimetric Analysis, electronic conductivity, and Cyclic Voltammetry. Cellulose/PANI composite paper revealed superior thermal characteristics and used as a working electrode in three different electrolytes for ion‐exchange properties. Conductive composite paper (CCP) showed the charge storage capacity of ∼52 C/g at scan rate of 5 mV/s in 2M HCl solution. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42293.
A new continuous planar fit method for calculating fluxes in complex, forested terrain
Authors: Ross Andrew. N. , Grant Eleanor R.
Published: April 2015

The planar fit (PF) method is often recommended for long‐term eddy covariance flux measurements because it offers a number of advantages over rotating into streamwise coordinates. For sites over complex, forested terrain a single PF may not account for complex variations in slope and canopy cover with wind direction. An alternative to the PF method is presented where the tilt angle is fitted as a continuous function of the wind direction. This retains many of the benefits of the PF method, while at the same time better representing local variations in tilt with wind direction.
Explained variation for recurrent event data
Authors: Alotaibi Refah , Fiaccone Rosemeire , Henderson Robin , Stare Janez
Published: April 2015

Although there are many suggested measures of explained variation for single‐event survival data, there has been little attention to explained variation for recurrent event data. We describe an existing rank‐based measure and we investigate a new statistic based on observed and expected event count processes. Both methods can be used for all models. Adjustments for missing data are proposed and demonstrated through simulation to be effective. We compare the population values of the two statistics and illustrate their use in comparing an array of non‐nested models for data on recurrent episodes of infant diarrhoea.
California Firearms Law and Mental Illness
Authors: Barnhorst Amy
Published: April 2015

California provides numerous pathways by which people with mental illness can qualify for a state‐level firearm prohibition. The state's involuntary detention for psychiatric treatment, or “5150” (CA W&I Code 5150) process, is often cited as one potential mechanism for reducing violence by dangerous people, though its use is limited to people whose dangerousness is due to a mental illness. Additionally, California has taken legislative steps to prohibit firearm ownership among other people who have an increased risk of violence, regardless of whether or not mental illness is a factor. This article compares the California firearm ownership disqualification system for mental illness with the federal system and those of other states, examines the strengths and weaknesses of this system, and reviews alternatives. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Biaryls by Decarboxylative Hiyama Coupling
Authors: Katayev Dmitry , Exner Benjamin , Gooßen Lukas J.
Published: April 2015

A trimetallic palladium/copper/silver system has been developed that allows the decarboxylative Hiyama coupling of ortho‐substituted aryl carboxylates with trialkoxyarylsilanes to give the corresponding biaryls. The cross‐coupling is catalyzed by a Pd/N‐heterocyclic carbene complex with silver carbonate aiding its reoxidation. Copper(II) fluoride acts as decarboxylation catalyst, stoichiometric oxidant, and fluoride source. The scope of the protocol is demonstrated by 22 examples, among them aryl halides suitable for further coupling, and the synthetic utility of the products is illustrated by their conversion into carbazoles and 1H‐indazoles.
Determining the Effect of Plasma Pre‐Treatment on Antimony Tin Oxide to Support Pt@Pd and the Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity
Authors: Liu Xiaoteng , Zhang Kui , Lu Jianwei , Luo Kun , Gong Jinlong , Puthiyapura Vinod K. , Scott Keith
Published: April 2015

This article reveals the effect of plasma pre‐treatment on antimony tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles. The effect is to allow Pt@Pd to be deposited homogeneously on the ATO surface with high dispersion and narrow particle size distribution. The Pt@Pd core–shell catalyst was prepared using the polyol method and shows a dramatic improvement towards ORR activity and durability.
Palladium‐Catalyzed [3+3] Annulation between Diarylamines and α,β‐Unsaturated Acids through CH Activation: Direct Access to 4‐Substituted 2‐Quinolinones
Authors: Kancherla Rajesh , Naveen Togati , Maiti Debabrata
Published: April 2015

A CH activation strategy has been successfully employed for the high‐yielding synthesis of a diverse array of 4‐substituted 2‐quinolinone species by a palladium‐catalyzed dehydrogenative coupling involving diarylamines. This intermolecular annulation approach incorporates readily available α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids as the coupling partner by suppressing the facile decarboxylation. Based on preliminary mechanistic studies, a reaction sequence is proposed, involving ortho palladation, π‐coordination, β‐migratory insertion, and β‐hydride elimination.
Catalytic CH Bond Addition of Pyridines to Allenes by a Rare‐Earth Catalyst
Authors: Song Guoyong , Wang Baoli , Nishiura Masayoshi , Hou Zhaomin
Published: April 2015

The catalytic CH addition of pyridines to allenes has been achieved for the first time by using a half‐sandwich scandium catalyst, thus constituting a straightforward and atom‐economical route for the synthesis of alkenylated pyridine derivatives. The reaction proceeded regio‐ and stereoselectively, affording a new family of alkenylated pyridine compounds which are otherwise difficult to synthesize. A cationic Sc‐η2‐pyridyl species was isolated and confirmed to be a key catalyst species in this transformation.
Comparison of Performances of Different Types of Clarifiers for the Treatment of Oily Wastewater Produced from Polymer Flooding
Authors: Zhang Jian , Jing Bo , Tan Guorong , Zhai Lei , Fang Shenwen , Ma Yongzhang
Published: April 2015

In this paper, oily wastewater produced from polymer flooding (OWPF) was treated with two different types of clarifiers. One was a cationic polymer (copolymer of acrylamide and acryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride) PAM‐DAC, the other was the non‐ionic polymer (polyoxyalkylated polyethyleneimine) PEI11. The effects of operating conditions on the performances of PAM‐DAC and PEI11 were compared. The performance of PAM‐DAC was not affected by temperature, while temperature had a great influence on that of PEI11. In the same conditions, to obtain the same oil removal performance, PEI11 needed more stirring time, higher dosage, and stronger stirring than PAM‐DAC. The flocs of PAM‐DAC and PEI11 were also different. The PAM‐DAC flocs were viscous and could adhere to the beaker, while the flocs of PEI11 could not. These performance differences were related to their flocculation mechanisms. The results of zeta potential, interfacial tension, and interfacial dilational rheology showed that the flocculation mechanisms of PAM‐DAC were electrostatic charge neutralization and bridging, while the mechanism of PEI11 was demulsification. This comparison is useful for the selection of clarifiers for the treatment of OWPF.
Prevention of hepatic encephalopathy recurrence
Authors: Sharma Barjesh Chander , Maharshi Sudhir
Published: April 2015

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Nomenclature and definition of hepatic encephalopathy — An update
Authors: Allampati Sanath , Mullen Kevin D.
Published: April 2015

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Impact of minimal/covert hepatic encephalopathy on patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Dhiman Radha K.
Published: April 2015

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Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy
Authors: Ahmed Rizwan , Walsh Christi M. , Makary Martin A.
Published: April 2015

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Photochemical Bleaching of an Elaborate Artificial Light‐Harvesting Antenna
Authors: Alamiry Mohammed A. H. , Harriman Anthony , Haefele Alexandre , Ziessel Raymond
Published: April 2015

The target artificial light‐harvesting antenna, comprising 21 discrete chromophores arranged in a logical order, undergoes photochemical bleaching when dispersed in a thin plastic film. The lowest‐energy component, which has an absorption maximum at 660 nm, bleaches through first‐order kinetics at a relatively fast rate. The other components bleach more slowly, in part, because their excited‐state lifetimes are rendered relatively short by virtue of fast intramolecular electronic energy transfer to the terminal acceptor. Two of the dyes, these being close to the terminal acceptor but interconnected through a reversible energy‐transfer step, bleach by way of an autocatalytic step. Loss of the terminal acceptor, thereby switching off the energy‐transfer route, escalates the rate of bleaching of these ancillary dyes. The opposite terminal, formed by a series of eight pyrene‐based chromophores, does not bleach to any significant degree. Confirmation of the various bleaching steps is obtained by examination of an antenna lacking the terminal acceptor, where the autocatalytic route does not exist and bleaching is very slow.
Targeted Delivery of Fluorescent High‐Mannose‐Type Oligosaccharide Cathepsin Inhibitor Conjugates
Authors: Wong Chung S. , Hoogendoorn Sascha , van der Marel Gijs A. , Overkleeft Herman S. , Codée Jeroen D. C.
Published: April 2015

Three fluorescent cathepsin inhibitor glycoconjugates have been designed, synthesized, and evaluated in terms of their cell internalization and cathepsin inhibitory properties. The conjugates are composed of a peptide epoxysuccinate, capable of covalent and irreversible binding to cysteine proteases, coupled to a fluorescent BODIPY dye and functionalized with a mono‐, tri‐, or heptamannoside. Mannose‐receptor‐dependent uptake of the probes in live dendritic cells is shown to depend on the type of carbohydrate attached. Where uptake of the monomannoside is poor and mannose‐receptor‐independent, the intracellular labeling of cathepsins by the probes equipped with a tri‐ or heptamannoside conjugate appeared concentration‐ and mannose‐receptor‐dependent.
Luminescent Mesoporous Silica Built through Self‐Assembly of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane and Europium(III) Ions
Authors: Marchesi Stefano , Carniato Fabio , Marchese Leonardo , Boccaleri Enrico
Published: April 2015

The chemical combination of completely condensed polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxanes and Eu3+ ions has allowed the preparation of a novel robust mesoporous silica (Eu‐MesoPOSS) with interesting luminescent properties and good hydrothermal and photobleaching stability. These properties make Eu‐MesoPOSS a potential candidate for the fabrication of stable and efficient luminescent devices, and a multifunctional platform for bio‐imaging applications.
Lung adenocarcinoma and its thyroid metastasis characterized on fine‐needle aspirates by cytomorphology, immunocytochemistry, and next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Bellevicine Claudio , Vigliar Elena , Malapelle Umberto , Carelli Emanuele , Fiorelli Alfonso , Vicidomini Giovanni , Cappabianca Salvatore , Santini Mario , Troncone Giancarlo
Published: April 2015

Lung adenocarcinoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) share a number of microscopic and immunophenotypical features. Thus, patients presenting with thyroid and lung synchronous neoplasms may be difficult on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) samples to define the site of origin of the malignancy. In the case reported here, inherent to a 57‐years‐old man presenting with a right lung mass and a large (44 mm) thyroid nodule, an integrated cytological, immunocytochemical and molecular approach enabled to clarify the primary nature of the neoplasm. FNA cytology showed in both sites papillary structures and nuclear changes reminiscent of PTC. The lung origin of the neoplasm was suggested on cell‐block immunocytochemistry showing thyroid transcription factor‐1 positive and PAX8 and TGB negative neoplastic cells. Next generation sequencing performed on the Ion Torrent platforms by the Ion Ampliseq Colon and Lung Cancer panel showed a similar genomic profile in both neoplastic sites with a concurrent KRAS G12C mutation. An integrated approach on FNA biospecimen is safe, cost effective, and may be coupled effectively with modern ancillary molecular techniques that may be useful, besides their predictive value, as a adjunctive diagnostic tool when the synchronous occurrence of lesions featuring overlapping morphologies challenge the cytopathologist. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:585–589. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of changeable hydro‐meteorological conditions on dissolved organic carbon and bacterioplankton abundance in a hypertrophic reservoir and downstream river
Authors: Zieliński Piotr , Grabowska Magdalena , Jekatierynczuk‐Rudczyk Elżbieta
Published: April 2015

The variability of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and bacterioplankton abundance (BA) in a lowland humic reservoir and downstream river were studied in an attempt to find out whether meteorological and hydrological parameters influenced the studied factors during drier and wetter conditions. The study was carried out in two consecutive years (from June to October) that significantly differed in precipitation and hydrological parameters. Despite the observed consistently high values of DOC concentration in the studied waters (on average >20 mg l−1), DOC concentration range and dynamics differed significantly between the two compared periods; in the period of 20% lower accumulated precipitation, concentrations of DOC on all the analysed sites were 30% lower, on average. The observed hydrological changes caused by meteorological differences between the two studied periods significantly influenced DOC concentration, both in the dam and the downstream river. BA was much less variable and less dependent on meteorological factors; however, our study demonstrated that hydrological conditions exerted an important influence on DOC concentration, mostly in river. The other finding is the greater influence of hydrological conditions on BA in the reservoir than in the river, regardless of the period. No evident relations between DOC concentration and BA were observed. Water quality, together with hydrology, influences both DOC and BA changes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The hypervariable region 4 (HV4) and position 93 of the α chain modulate CD1d‐glycolipid binding of iNKT TCRs
Authors: Paletta Daniel , Fichtner Alina Suzann , Hahn Anne Maria , Starick Lisa , Beyersdorf Niklas , Monzon‐Casanova Elisa , Mueller Thomas D , Herrmann Thomas
Published: April 2015

TCRs of invariant NKT (iNKT) cells bind α‐galactosylceramide (αGC) loaded CD1d in a highly conserved fashion and show a characteristic TCR gene usage: An “invariant” α chain with a canonical AV14/AJ18 rearrangement in mice (AV24/AJ18 in humans) is paired with β chains containing characteristic Vβ segments. In the rat, a multimember AV14 gene family increases the variability within this system. This study characterizes CD1d binding of rat AV14 gene segments in TCR transductants as well as CD1d binding and iNKT TCR expression of expanded polyclonal F344 rat iNKT populations. It defines an important role of position 93 at the V‐J transition for TCR avidity and species cross‐reactivity of the rat iNKT TCR. Furthermore, for the first time we identified variability within the fourth hypervariable loop (HV4) of the α chain as a modulator of CD1d:αGC binding in rat and mouse. Additionally, we confirmed the importance of the CDR2β for CD1d:αGC binding, but also show that the CDR3β may even have opposite effects on binding depending on the pairing α chain. Altogether, we characterized naturally occurring sources of variability for the iNKT TCR and speculate that they rather level than increase the largely germline encoded differences of iNKT TCR ligand avidity.
A Facile One‐Pot Metal‐Free Synthesis of 1,4‐Disubstituted 1,2,3‐Triazoles
Authors: Jia Qianfa , Yang Gongming , Chen Lei , Du Zhiyun , Wei Jia , Zhong Yanqiong , Wang Jian
Published: April 2015

A 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of commercially available aldehydes with azides and secondary amines through a one‐pot strategy has been developed. This method furnishes 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles in good to excellent yields and high levels of regioselectivity.
Nigrostriatal dopaminergic depletion produces orofacial static mechanical allodynia
Authors: Dieb W. , Ouachikh O. , Durif F. , Hafidi A.
Published: April 2015

Background

Dopamine is implicated in different orofacial pain‐related diseases. The mechanisms underlying this invalidating pain are not yet understood. Therefore, the present study investigated if unilateral or bilateral lesions of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) could induce a trigeminal static mechanical allodynia (SMA) comparable to that obtained after chronic construction injury of the infraorbital nerve (CCI‐IoN) in rats.

Methods

Unilateral and bilateral nigrostriatal lesions were obtained by injecting 6‐hydroxydopamine into the MFB, and peripheral lesion was obtained by CCI‐IoN. Static allodynia behaviour was tested by a mild non‐noxious static von Frey filament stimulus. The analgesic effects of bromocriptine (D2R agonist) were assessed by both intraperitoneal and intracisternal injections. Finally, immunohistochemical study was done to investigate the implication of the protein kinase c isoform gamma (PKCγ) and the phosphorylated form of extracellular signal‐related kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) in pain sensitization at segmental level.

Results

6‐OHDA‐lesioned animals developed SMA in the orofacial region as assessed by non‐noxious stimuli. Intraperitoneal and intracisternal injections of bromocriptine alleviated this allodynic behaviour. Investigations within the medullary dorsal horn revealed an increase in PKCγ expression, a protein implicated in the chronicity of pain, within superficial laminae in 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats. Also static mechanical stimulations of the orofacial region evoked increased expression of the molecular pain marker pERK1/2 in 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats.

Conclusion

Our data show that unilateral and bilateral dopamine depletion promoted trigeminal SMA comparable to that obtained after CCI‐IoN. This allodynia can be alleviated by D2R activation, making D2R agonist a potential analgesic for orofacial neuropathic pain.
Varietal differences in the growth of rice seedlings exposed to perchlorate and their antioxidative defense mechanisms
Authors: Chen Gui-Kui , Li Xiao-Bing , He Hong-Zhi , Li Hua-Shou , Zhang Ze-Min
Published: April 2015

A hydroponic experiment was conducted to investigate perchlorate (ClO4–) phytotoxicity in different rice varieties. Considerable variations were observed when 24 rice varieties were treated with ClO4–. The shoot height, root length, and biomass of most varieties were significantly reduced by ClO4–. The roots were more sensitive than the shoots. Hierarchical clustering analysis demonstrated primarily 4 groups: ClO4–-sensitive, medium ClO4–-sensitive, medium ClO4– tolerant, and ClO4–-tolerant. Gannuoxiang (a ClO4–-tolerant variety) and IR65598-112-2 (a ClO4–-sensitive variety) were chosen to explore their antioxidant response when exposed to 0.2 mmol/L, 2.0 mmol/L, and 4.0 mmol/L ClO4–. The results showed that the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase increased in the shoots and roots of gannuoxiang with increasing doses of ClO4–, but both of them decreased at higher concentrations of ClO4– in IR65598-112-2. The addition of ClO4– led to a significant increase in peroxidase activities for both of the varieties, whereas the increase was more pronounced in gannuoxiang than in IR65598-112-2. No significant difference was found in malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in gannuoxiang, whereas the addition of ClO4– increased the MDA level significantly in IR65598-112-2. The results indicated that gannuoxiang has higher activities of antioxidant enzymes than IR65598-112-2 to cope with oxidative damage caused by ClO4– stress, which may be the main cause of its high tolerance. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1926–1933. © 2015 SETAC
Assessment of flow paths and confluences for saltwater intrusion in a deltaic river network
Authors: Cui Baoshan , Shao Xiaojing , Zhang Zhiming
Published: April 2015

Saltwater intrusion is a serious issue in estuarine deltas all over the world due to rapid urban sprawl and water shortage. Therefore, detecting the major flow paths or locations at risk of saltwater intrusion in estuarine ecosystems is important for mitigating saltwater intrusion. In this paper, we introduce a centrality index, the betweenness centrality (BC), to address this problem. Using the BC as the weighted attribute of the river network, we identify the critical confluences for saltwater intrusion and detect the preferential flow paths for saltwater intrusion through the least‐cost‐path algorithm from a graph theory approach. Moreover, we analyse the responses of the BC values of confluences calculated in the river network to salinity. Our results show that the major flow paths and critical confluences for saltwater intrusion in a deltaic river network can be represented by the least cost paths and the BC values of confluences, respectively. In addition, a significant positive correlation between the BC values of confluences and salinity is determined in the Pearl River Delta. Changes in the salinity can produce significant variation in the BC values of confluences. Therefore, freshwater can be diverted into these major flow paths and critical confluences to improve river network management under saltwater intrusion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perspectives on the South African Responsible Lending Regime and the Duty to Conduct Pre‐agreement Assessment as a Responsible Lending Practice
Authors: Van Heerden Corlia , Renke Stéfan
Published: April 2015

In the 2001 INSOL International Consumer Debt Report: Report of Findings and Recommendations, the view was held that the solution to overspending and over‐indebtedness is inter alia to be found in the idea that prevention is better than cure. Ex ante responsible lending practices as preventative measures to avoid reckless credit granting and over‐indebtedness are arguably more important tools in establishing a healthy credit market than ex post measures. The focus of this contribution, is therefore, to provide a detailed overview of the South African reckless credit regime as a debt‐ prevention measure aimed at promoting responsible lending, with specific focus on the aspect of pre‐agreement assessment as a core mechanism to avoid reckless credit granting and over‐indebtedness. The main features of the reckless credit regime are highlighted, and afterwards, a detailed exposition of the evolution and extensive recent development of the pre‐agreement assessment component in South Africa is undertaken. Finally, observations are made regarding the South African reckless regime in general and with regard to affordability assessment specifically and its ability, benchmarked against the essential features of a responsible lending regime as advocated by Wilson in the book ‘International responses to issues of credit and over‐indebtedness in the wake of crisis’, to promote responsible lending. The conclusion is reached that benchmarked against the four characteristics of an effective responsible lending regime as identified by Wilson, it is apparent that the South African reckless lending regime is no ‘toothless tiger’, and that it attaches the necessary amount of significance to the credit provider's duty to take reasonable steps to do a proper pre‐agreement assessment in order to avoid reckless credit granting. Copyright © 2015 INSOL International and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role and Regulation of Myeloid Zinc Finger Protein 1 in Cancer
Authors: Eguchi Taka , Prince Thomas , Wegiel Barbara , Calderwood Stuart K
Published: April 2015

Myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF1) belongs to the SCAN‐Zinc Finger (SCAN‐ZF) transcription factor family that has recently been implicated in a number of types of cancer. Although the initial studies concentrated on the role of MZF1 in myeloid differentiation and leukemia, the factor now appears to be involved in the etiology of major solid tumors such as lung, cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer. Here we discuss the regulation of MZF1 that mediated its recruitment and activation in cancer, concentrating on posttranslational modification by phosphorylation, and sumoylation, formation of promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies and its association with co‐activators and co‐repressors. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2146–2154, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ab initio calculations of the ground and excited states of the ZrN molecule including spin‐orbit effects
Authors: Farhat Ayman , Abdul‐Al Saleh N.
Published: April 2015

The electronic structures with spin‐orbit effects of the zirconium nitride ZrN molecule are investigated by the methods of multireference single and double configuration interaction. The potential energy curves are calculated along with the spectroscopic constants for the lowest‐lying 34 spin‐orbit states Ω in ZrN. A good agreement is displayed by comparing the calculated spectroscopic constants with those available experimentally. The permanent dipole moments are calculated along with the vibrational energies. New results are obtained in this work for 29 spin‐orbit states and their spectroscopic constants calculated. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of the orexin receptor antagonist suvorexant on respiration during sleep in healthy subjects
Authors: Uemura Naoto , McCrea Jacqueline , Sun Hong , Donikyan Mardik , Zammit Gary , Liu Rong , Louridas Bonnie , Marsilio Sabrina , Lines Christopher , Troyer Matthew D. , Wagner John
Published: April 2015

Suvorexant is an orexin receptor antagonist for treating insomnia. The maximum approved dose in the United States and Japan is 20 mg. We evaluated suvorexant effects on respiration during sleep in a randomized, double‐blind, 3‐period crossover study of healthy adult men (n = 8) and women (n = 4) ≤ 50 years old who received single‐dose suvorexant 40 mg, 150 mg, and placebo. Respiration during sleep was measured by oxygen saturation (SpO2, primary end point) and the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI). The study was powered to detect a reduction greater than 5% in SpO2. There was no effect of suvorexant on mean SpO2 during sleep. The mean (90%CI) treatment differences versus placebo were ‐0.3 (‐1.2–0.6) for 40 mg and 0.0 (‐0.9–0.9) for 150 mg. There were no dose‐related trends in individual SpO2 values. Mean SpO2 was >96% for all treatments during total sleep time and during both non‐REM and REM sleep. There was no effect of either suvorexant dose on AHI. The mean (90%CI) treatment differences versus placebo were 0.8 (‐0.7–2.3) for 40 mg and ‐0.2 (‐1.7–1.3) for 150 mg. Suvorexant was generally well tolerated; there were no serious adverse experiences or discontinuations. These data from healthy subjects suggest that suvorexant lacks clinically important respiratory effects during sleep at doses greater than the maximum recommended dose for treating insomnia.
Design, Synthesis, and in vitroAntimicrobial Activity of New Furan/Thiophene‐1,3‐Benzothiazin‐4‐one Hybrids
Authors: Popiołek Łukasz , Biernasiuk Anna , Malm Anna
Published: April 2015

This study presents the design, synthesis, spectral analysis, and in vitro antimicrobial evaluation of a new series of furan/thiophene‐1,3‐benzothiazin‐4‐one hybrids (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32). New compounds were obtained by cyclization reaction of N‐substituted furan/thiophene‐2‐carboxamide derivatives (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) with thiosalicylic acid. All synthesized compounds were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activities using the broth microdilution method. Nine of the synthesized compounds showed good activity against Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative bacteria, and yeasts belonging to Candida spp. (MIC = 7.81–500 μg/mL), especially against Staphylococcus spp. (MIC = 15.62–62.5 μg/ml), Bacillus spp. (MIC = 7.81–62.5 μg/mL), Bordetella bronchiseptica ATCC 4617 (MIC = 62.5–125 μg/mL), and fungistatic activity against Candida spp. (MIC = 62.5–125 μg/mL).
Millimetric LNAs for astronomy: characterization at cryogenic temperature
Authors: Zannoni M.
Published: April 2015

Radioastronomy receivers employ several stages of amplification to reach an overall gain in the range 80–120dB. Usually, a cascade of different stand‐alone amplifiers is adopted in order to obtain a high gain and low‐noise front‐end, which is responsible for the most part of the noise figure. The assembly of the low‐noise amplifiers (LNAs) is a critical process because it can degrade the overall performance (S parameters and noise) because of non‐idealities in the connections among the various radio frequency components. In the millimeter domain, this is particularly severe because of the physical dimensions of the devices inside the LNAs and because of the cryogenic working temperature. To assemble a high‐performance receiver, an a priori characterization and selection of the best LNAs are mandatory. In this paper, with the help of some practical examples, I discuss the features of a cryogenic millimeter test set aimed at full characterization of LNAs for astronomy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prolonged dry spells in recent decades over north‐central China and their association with a northward shift in planetary waves
Authors: Zhang Jie , Li Laurent , Wu Zhiwei , Li Xingmin
Published: April 2015

Summer rainfall in north‐central China, accounted for 70% of the annual rainfall, is sensitive to anomalies in the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) and westerlies due to lying in the EASM marginal belt. Summer rainfall and the durations and frequency of dry spells were investigated using daily rainfall data from 332 weather stations, the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) re‐analysis data and Climate Research Unit (CRU) surface temperature data. The results demonstrate that summer rainfall exhibits an ‘early wetting later drying’ pattern with a weak increasing in June and a dramatic decreasing trend in July and August (JA). Decreased rainfall in JA is associated with prolonged dry spells; the frequency and durations of dry spells exceeding 7 days increase, especially for dry spells exceeding 15 days. This increase in dry spell duration is positively correlated with a northward shift in planetary waves expressed by the 5700‐gpm isoline at 500 hPa and the westerly jet at 200 hPa, which lead north‐central China to close to the left of jet entrance and a positive vorticity convergence region on the high level, it is helpful to downward movements and less rainfall. The northward shift in planetary waves is affected by boundary forcing. Dramatic increases in temperature over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) result in a large temperature gradient and thermal contrast between the TP and mid‐high latitude, and likely strengthening and widening the South Asian High (SAH) pattern and pressure gradient. These conditions contribute to the northward shift in planetary waves and prolonging dry spells.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors: Treatment patterns of a population‐based sample
Authors: Harlan Linda C. , Eisenstein Jana , Russell Maria C. , Stevens Jennifer L. , Cardona Kenneth
Published: April 2015

Objectives

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) annually confirms therapy with treating physicians on a sample of patients diagnosed with a specific cancer.

Methods

Using the NCI Patterns of Care data, treatment patterns were examined on a population‐based sample of patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) in 2008.

Results

A random sample of 323 of 405 GIST patients registered in SEER was selected. Most patients had gastric GISTs, were ≥65 years, white, had private insurance, and treated in a hospital with a residency program. Surgery was primarily performed in patients with non‐metastatic disease (94%), in which: 26, 12, and 36% were at low, intermediate, and high‐risk of recurrence, respectively. Amongst low‐risk patients, ∼30% received adjuvant therapy. Amongst patients at higher risk, 26–40% did not receive adjuvant therapy. Imatinib was the most common targeted therapy administered. On multivariate analysis, age and risk‐group were associated with receipt of adjuvant targeted therapy.

Conclusions

Our study shows that in 2008, the majority of patients diagnosed with GIST received appropriate surgical and adjuvant therapies. However, a considerable subset may have been overtreated and undertreated. Future studies identifying factors that impact the delivery of adjuvant therapy should be conducted. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:702–707. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxidation of Carbamazepine by Lipopathic Mn(VII), Cetyltrimethylammonium Permanganate: A Mechanistic Study
Authors: Garnayak Sarita , Patel Sabita
Published: April 2015

In this contribution, we report the oxidation of an established anticonvulsant and antiepileptic drug, carbamazepine, by a lipopathic oxidant, cetyltrimethylammonium permanganate (CTAP), in a nonpolar medium. 1H‐Dibenzo[b,f]azepine‐4,5‐dione is found to be the major product of the oxidation reaction. The kinetics of the reaction is studied in organic media spectrophotometrically by monitoring the disappearance of Mn(VII) at 530 nm. The reaction is found to be fractional order with respect to carbamazepine and first order with respect to CTAP. Based on the experimental findings, a suitable ionic mechanism is proposed where carbamazepine reacts with CTAP in a slow rate‐determining step to form a hypomanganate ester intermediate through a nonpolar cyclic transition state. Subsequently, the intermediate decomposes and hydrolyzes in fast steps to the dicarbonyl product. The proposed reaction mechanism is also supported by the effect of solvent and temperature on the rate of the reaction. The addition of ionic surfactants increases the rate of reaction, and the catalyzing effect is explained through the possible formation of mixed reverse micellar aggregates where carbamazepine is partitioned more to the interfacial region in the vicinity of the permanganate anion.