bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐performing dye‐sensitized solar cells based on reduced graphene oxide/PEDOT‐PSScounter electrodes with sulfuric acid post‐treatment
Authors: Lan Zhang , Gao Suwen , Wu Jihuai , Lin Jianming
Published: July 2015

Four kinds of counter electrodes are prepared with polystyrene‐sulfonate doped poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT‐PSS) as basic material, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets as additives and H2SO4as treating agent. The cyclic voltammetry and Tafel polarization are measured to evaluate catalytic activity of these counter electrodes for/I−redox couple. It is found that H2SO4treated rGO and PEDOT‐PSS hybrid counter electrode (S/rGO/PEDOT‐PSS counter electrode) has the highest catalytic activity among these counter electrodes. Power conversion efficiency of the dye‐sensitized solar cell with S/rGO/PEDOT‐PSS counter electrode can attain to 7.065%, distinctly higher than that of the cells with the other three ones, owing to the great enhanced fill factor and short‐circuit current density. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 42648.
Preparation and kinetic analysis of room‐temperature vulcanized methylethylsilicone rubbers
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Zhida , Ma Depeng , Zhai Qianqian , Feng Shengyu , Zhang Jie
Published: July 2015

Random copolymer poly(dimethylsiloxane‐co‐diethylsiloxane) is synthesized through anionic ring‐opening polymerization. Two‐component room‐temperature vulcanization (RTV‐2) silicone rubbers with excellent low‐temperature resistance are prepared using the poly(dimethylsiloxane‐co‐diethylsiloxane) and hydrosilicone. The mechanical properties of RTV‐2 rubbers with different formulas are investigated, and the optimized formula is obtained. Moreover, the curing kinetic analysis of RTV‐2 silicone rubber with optimized formula is conducted using in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The obtained kinetic equations are used to forecast the tack‐free time at different temperatures. The results converge with the actually measured tack‐free time. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42656.
A comparative study on electrosprayed, layer‐by‐layer, and chemically grafted nanomembranes loaded with iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Trejo Nidia K. , Frey Margaret
Published: July 2015

In this study, carboxylic acid coated iron oxide nanoparticles (CA‐Fe3O4NPs) were applied to Nylon 6 nanomembranes by three different techniques: (1) simultaneous electrospinning/electrospraying, (2) layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly, and (3) chemical grafting. These membranes have potential use toward clean‐up of polluted rivers due to the multi‐functional properties of the NPs. However, it is critical to evaluate particle retention and stability on fibers to reduce human health and environmental concerns. This study evaluates the NP treatment uniformity, and particle retention of the membranes based on knowledge of the preparation process. Electron microscopy and CIELAB spectrophotometry revealed that the NPs were uniformly dispersed via the electrospun/electrosprayed and grafted methods while non‐uniformity was observed on LbL treated membranes. The membranes were washed in solutions of various pH levels (pH = 4, 7, 10) to investigate NP release and retention. Inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectroscopy results indicate particle release is driven by pH‐dependent, bonding interactions between the NPs and the Nylon 6 fibers. Over 97% of NPs were retained on all treated membranes after washing for 60 min. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 42657.
A reassessment of settlement patterns and subsistence at Point Durham, Chatham Island
Authors: Maxwell Justin J. , Smith Ian W.G.
Published: July 2015

Orthodox reconstructions of subsistence and settlement patterns on Chatham Island proposed that throughout the pre‐contact period, Moriori lived within small home ranges and relied for food predominantly on fur seals, with plant foods being of little importance. Reassessment of the Point Durham sites on which these reconstructions were based demonstrates that they were not contemporary, which undermines the orthodox model. Chronological evidence indicates two phases of pre‐contact occupation and that the largest fur seal midden probably derives from the early historical period. During both pre‐contact phases, settlement patterns involved residential mobility between sites of different function along with the transporting of resources over wider territories than the orthodox model allowed. Subsistence evidence shows a shift from initial reliance on fur seals to a broader spectrum of smaller marine animals. Furthermore, new palaeobotanical data indicate that plants, in particular kōpi (Corynocarpus laevigatus), were an important component of diet.
Who is repeating anatomy? Trends in an undergraduate anatomy course
Authors: Schutte Audra F.
Published: July 2015

Anatomy courses frequently serve as prerequisites or requirements for health sciences programs. Due to the challenging nature of anatomy, each semester there are students remediating the course (enrolled in the course for a second time), attempting to earn a grade competitive for admissions into a program of study. In this retrospective study, remediation rates and trends in an undergraduate anatomy course with over 400 students enrolled each semester at a large Midwestern university were identified. Demographic data was collected from spring 2004 to spring 2010, including students’ age, ethnicity, major of study, class standing, college admission tests (ACT and SAT®) scores, anatomy laboratory and lecture examination scores, and final anatomy grades for each semester. Eleven percent of the students repeated the course at least once. Gender, ethnicity, major of study and SAT scores were all shown to be associated with whether or not a student would need to repeat the course. On average, students who repeated anatomy demonstrated significant improvements in lecture and laboratory scores when comparing first and second enrollments in anatomy, and therefore also saw improved final course grades in their second enrollment. These findings will aid future instructors to identify and assist at‐risk students to succeed in anatomy. Instructors from other institutions may also find the results to be useful for identifying students at risk for struggling. Anat Sci Educ 9: 171–178. © 2015 American Association of Anatomists.
DNA Aptamer Based Nanodrugs: Molecular Engineering for Efficiency
Authors: Cansiz Sena , Zhang Liqin , Wu Cuichen , Wu Yuan , Teng I‐Ting , Hou Weijia , Wang Yanyue , Wan Shuo , Cai Ren , Jin Chen , Liu Qiaoling , Tan Weihong
Published: July 2015

In the past two decades, the study of cancer therapy has gradually advanced to the “nano” era. Numerous novel nanomaterials armed with unique physical properties have been introduced into biomedical research. At the same time, functional nucleic acid molecules, especially aptamers, have aroused broad attention from the biomedical community. Benefiting from the advancement of molecular engineering strategies, it is now feasible to combine the cancer‐specific recognition capability of aptamers with various other special functions of nanomaterials to develop cancer‐specific drugs at the nanoscale. Nanodrugs are now offering an unprecedented opportunity to achieve the goal of efficient targeted delivery as well as controlled release. This review highlights some achievements made in multiple aptamer‐based nanodrug systems that have emerged in recent years, including studies in the infant stage of “proof‐of‐concept”.
Structural Variety of Cobalt(II), Nickel(II), Zinc(II), and Cadmium(II) Complexes with 4,4′‐Azopyridine: Synthesis, Structure and Luminescence Properties
Authors: Pladzyk Agnieszka , Ponikiewski Łukasz , Dołęga Anna , Słowy Klaudia , Sokołowska Agata , Dziubińska Katarzyna , Hnatejko Zbigniew
Published: July 2015

Self‐assembled bi‐ and polymetallic complexes of CoII, NiII, ZnII, and CdII were obtained by the reaction of 4,4′‐azopyridine (azpy) with metal tri‐tert‐butoxysilanethiolates (Co, 1; Cd, 2), acetylacetonates (Ni, 3; Zn, 4), and acetates (Cd, 5). All compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis, elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry. Complexes 1, 2 and 4, 5 exhibit diverse structural conformations: 1 is bimetallic, 2 and 4 are 1D coordination polymers, and 5 is a 2D coordination framework formed from bimetallic units. The obtained complexes contain metal atoms bridged by a molecule of azpy. The luminescent properties of 1–5 were investigated in the solid state.
Catalytic Hairpin Assembly‐Programmed DNA Three‐Way Junction for Enzyme‐Free and Amplified Electrochemical Detection of Target DNA
Authors: Liu Shufeng , Wei Wenji , Liu Tao , Wang Li
Published: July 2015

DNA three‐way junctions (DNA 3WJ) have been widely used as important building blocks for the construction of DNA architectures and dynamic assemblies. Herein, we describe for the first time a catalytic hairpin assembly‐programmed DNA three‐way junction (CHA‐3WJ) strategy for the enzyme‐free and amplified electrochemical detection of target DNA. It takes full advantage of the target‐catalyzed hairpin assembly‐induced proximity effect of toehold and branch‐migration domains for the ingenious execution of the strand displacement reaction to form the DNA 3WJ on the electrode surface. A low detection limit of 0.5 pM with an excellent selectivity was achieved for target DNA detection. The developed CHA‐3WJ strategy also offers distinct advantages of simplicity in probe design and biosensor fabrication, as well as enzyme‐free operation. Thus, it opens a promising avenue for applications in bioanalysis, design of DNA‐responsive devices, and dynamic DNA assemblies.
Using a Two‐Level Structure to Manage the Point Location Problem in Explicit Model Predictive Control
Authors: Zhang Ju , Xiu Xiaojie , Xie Zuozhang , Hu Biaobiao
Published: July 2015

The problem of determining the state region in which the current state point lies is referred to as the point location problem in the explicit model predictive control. In this paper, a two‐level structure to store the state regions is proposed and two efficient methods for solving the point‐location problem are developed; these are the two‐level grid (TLG) method and the grid‐BST method. The TLG method uses a tow‐level hash table. Before building the two‐level structure, the synonymy partitions are merged to reduce the memory storage demand. By setting each parameter in a triplet, the two‐level hash table can reach its optimal state and balance the complexity among the memory storage, reprocessing (offline computation) and the online computation. The grid‐BST method uses hash table as the first‐level structure and builds the binary search tree in the hash grid in which there are many partitions. This two‐level structure reduces reprocessing time significantly especially when the state partitions and the piecewise affine control laws (PWA control laws) are in a large number. Using the hyperplane (HP) as the node (not leaf node) of the tree, the method only stores all the different PWA control laws instead of the state partitions. The two proposed methods overcome the quick complexity growth when the number of polyhedral partitions increases and 2 numerical examples show the advantages of the proposed two methods.
Distributed MPC for Tracking and Formation of Homogeneous Multi‐agent System with Time‐Varying Communication Topology
Authors: Ding Baocang , Ge Liang , Pan Hongguang , Wang Peng
Published: July 2015

The distributed model predictive control (MPC) is studied for the tracking and formation problem of multi‐agent system with time‐varying communication topology. At each sampling instant, each agent solves an optimization problem respecting input and state constraints, to obtain its optimal control input. In the cost function for the optimization problem of each agent, the formation weighting coefficient is properly updated so that the adverse effect of the time‐varying communication topology on the closed‐loop stability can be counteracted. It is shown that the overall multi‐agent system can achieve the desired tracking and formation objectives. The effectiveness of the results is demonstrated through two examples.
Robust State Feedback Formulation for High Order Repetitive Controllers
Authors: Flores Jeferson V. , Salton Aurelio T.
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a robust state feedback formulation for high order repetitive controllers (HORC) able to track references and/or reject disturbances with uncertain period. We propose a modified structure of the HORC with low‐pass filter in series with the delay element, allowing us to work in the state‐space framework. The filter cut‐off frequency effects and the controller sensitiveness to harmonic and intermediary components are analyzed. A methodology based on the solution of an optimization problem subject to linear matrix inequality constraints is presented for robust synthesis of feedback gains. The advantages regarding the proposed control scheme are discussed with a simulated example of a DC motor driving an eccentric mass.
The age and interior rotation of stars from asteroseismology
Authors: Aerts C.
Published: July 2015

We provide a status report on the determination of stellar ages from asteroseismology for stars of various masses and evolutionary stages. The ability to deduce the ages of stars with a relative precision of typically 10 to 20% is a unique opportunity for stellar evolution and also of great value for both galactic and exoplanet studies. Further, a major uncalibrated ingredient that makes stellar evolution models uncertain, is the stellar interior rotation frequency Ω(r) and its evolution during stellar life. We summarize the recent achievements in the derivation of Ω(r) for different types stars, offering stringent observational constraints on theoretical models. Core‐to‐envelope rotation rates during the red‐giant stage are far lower than theoretical predictions, pointing towards the need to include new physical ingredients that allow strong and efficient coupling between the core and the envelope in the models of low‐mass stars in the evolutionary phase prior to core helium burning. Stars are subject to efficient mixing phenomena, even at low rotation rates. Young massive stars with seismically determined interior rotation frequency reveal low core‐to‐envelope rotation values. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Atypical Cross‐Modal Profiles and Longitudinal Associations Between Vocabulary Scores in Initially Minimally Verbal Children With ASD
Authors: Woynaroski Tiffany , Yoder Paul , Watson Linda R.
Published: July 2015

We tested the relative levels (i.e., age equivalencies) of concurrent cross‐modality (receptive and expressive) vocabulary and the relative strength of the longitudinal, cross‐modality associations between early and later vocabulary sizes in minimally verbal preschoolers with ASD. Eighty‐seven children participated. Parent‐reported vocabulary was assessed at four periods separated by 4 months each. Expressive age equivalent scores were higher than receptive age equivalent scores at all four periods. Cross‐lagged panel analysis was used to rule out common, but trivial, explanations for differences between the longitudinal associations of interest. Key associations were tested across intervals that varied from 8 to 12 months. In two of the three tested panels, the associations between early expressive vocabulary size and later receptive vocabulary size were stronger than the associations between early receptive vocabulary size and later expressive vocabulary size, providing evidence that is consistent with the hypothesis that expressive vocabulary size drives receptive vocabulary size in minimally verbal preschoolers with ASD. Autism Res 2016, 9: 301–310. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maternal Vocal Feedback to 9‐Month‐Old Infant Siblings of Children with ASD
Authors: Talbott Meagan R. , Nelson Charles A. , Tager‐Flusberg Helen
Published: July 2015

Infant siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder display differences in early language and social communication skills beginning as early as the first year of life. While environmental influences on early language development are well documented in other infant populations, they have received relatively little attention inside of the infant sibling context.

In this study, we analyzed home video diaries collected prospectively as part of a longitudinal study of infant siblings. Infant vowel and consonant‐vowel vocalizations and maternal language‐promoting and non‐promoting verbal responses were scored for 30 infant siblings and 30 low risk control infants at 9 months of age. Analyses evaluated whether infant siblings or their mothers exhibited differences from low risk dyads in vocalization frequency or distribution, and whether mothers' responses were associated with other features of the high risk context. Analyses were conducted with respect to both initial risk group and preliminary outcome classification.

Overall, we found no differences in infants' consonant‐vowel vocalizations, the frequency of overall maternal utterances, or the distribution of mothers' response types. Both groups of infants produced more vowel than consonant‐vowel vocalizations, and both groups of mothers responded to consonant‐vowel vocalizations with more language‐promoting than non‐promoting responses. These results indicate that as a group, mothers of high risk infants provide equally high quality linguistic input to their infants in the first year of life and suggest that impoverished maternal linguistic input does not contribute to high risk infants' initial language difficulties. Implications for intervention strategies are also discussed. Autism Res 2016, 9: 460–470. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developments and challenges in biodiesel production from microalgae: A review
Authors: Taparia Tanvi , MVSS Manjari , Mehrotra Rajesh , Shukla Paritosh , Mehrotra Sandhya
Published: July 2015

The imminent depletion of fossil fuels and the surging global demand for renewable energy have led to the search for nonconventional energy sources. After a few decades of trial and error, the world is now testing the sources of the third generation of fossil fuels, which contain for most parts microalgae. With more than 80% oil content, being adaptable in growth parameters and highly versatile, microalgae are highly promising sources of biofuels in the present time. The present article makes a sweeping attempt to highlight the various methods employed for cultivation of microalgae, techniques to harvest and extract biomass from huge algal cultures, as well as their downstream production and processing procedures. The advantages, limitations, and challenges faced by each of them have been described to some extent. Major concerns pertaining to biofuels are supposed to be their environmental sustainability and economic viability along with their cost effectiveness. This would require a great deal of empirical data on existing systems and a great deal of optimization to generate a more robust one. We have concluded our article with a SWOT analysis of using algae for biodiesel production in a tabulated form.
Stimulation of the activity of a novel tannase produced in white‐rot fungi Phellinus pini, Fomes fomentarius, and Tyromyces pubescens by medium supplementation
Authors: Prendecka Monika , Jaszek Magdalena , Grąz Marcin , Głuszak Natalia , Małysz Katarzyna , Nowak Agata , Żuchowski Jerzy , Małecka‐Massalska Teresa
Published: July 2015

In recent years, tannase has gained increasing interest mainly because of its potential applications. One of the most important functions of tannic acid (TA) hydrolase is the release of gallic acid (GA) from complex tannins. The aim of the study was to determine the dynamic changes in tannase activity depending on the carbon source in the culture medium. An extracellular and intracellular tannase activity analysis was carried out with the use of spectrophotometric analysis and confirmed by capillary electrophoresis in cultures of white‐rot fungi: Phellinus pini, Fomes fomentarius, and Tyromyces pubescens. The inducible potential of TA and rapeseed meal on the activity of tannin acyl hydrolase was confirmed during 14 days of culturing. Different effects of the tested compounds on stimulation of tannase activity in selected fungal strains have been demonstrated. We concluded that rapeseed meal was the best inducer of tannase activity in the case of P. pini. However, the highest concentrations of GA were observed after stimulation by the TA in the cultures of F. fomentarius and T. pubescens.
Relational Mobility Increases Social (but Not Other) Risk Propensity
Authors: Li Liman Man Wai , Hamamura Takeshi , Adams Glenn
Published: July 2015

In recent years, we have witnessed a resurgent focus on ecological features, especially various forms of mobility that afford social psychological processes. Extending this work, the current research examined whether relational mobility affects risk propensity. We conducted three studies using both correlational (Studies 1 and 3) and experimental (Study 2) methods. Results provide support for the hypothesis that perceptions of relational mobility are associated with risk propensity in the domain of interpersonal behaviors but not other risk domains (health, financial, etc.). Findings in Study 3 suggested that the association between relational mobility and propensity for risky interpersonal behaviors may stem from the effect of relational mobility in lowering subjective risk (but not in increasing expected benefits) of such behaviors. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In utero nicotine exposure epigenetically alters fetal chromatin structure and differentially regulates transcription of the glucocorticoid receptor in a rat model
Authors: Suter Melissa A. , Abramovici Adi R. , Griffin Emily , Branch D. Ware , Lane Robert H. , Mastrobattista Joan , Rehan Virender K. , Aagaard Kjersti
Published: July 2015

Background

Fetal exposure to nicotine is not limited to maternal tobacco smoke, as electronic cigarettes have an increased prevalence of use among reproductive aged women. Animal models have shown that nicotine exposure in utero is associated with increased risk of asthma and cognitive deficits, as well as increased expression of the hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor. We hypothesized that in utero nicotine exposure is associated with epigenetic changes in the offspring lung and brain which may contribute to a memory of this exposure

Methods

Sprague‐Dawley rat dams received either saline or 2 mg/kg of nicotine by intraperitoneal injection once daily from embryonic day 6 (e6) to e22. Pups were killed on day 1 of life, and brain and lung tissues were harvested (N = 3/ group).

Results

We found that nicotine exposed offspring have altered histone modifications in the brain. Dimethylation of lysine 9 of histone H3 is decreased (0.43‐fold; p = 0.03) while acetylation is increased (1.79‐fold; p = 0.031). Histone deacetylase activity is significantly decreased with nicotine exposure in brain and lung (0.11‐fold; p < 0.001; 0.12‐fold; p < 0.001, respectively). Expression of splice variant 1.7 of the glucocorticoid receptor is reduced in the nicotine exposed offspring lung (0.25‐fold; p = 0.038).

Conclusion

We conclude that nicotine exposure is associated with epigenetic alterations in the offspring and may lead to susceptibility to adult disease,. Our finding that in utero exposure to nicotine is associated with inhibition of histone deacetylase activity in the brain of offspring is of importance as a similar inhibition has been suggested as a mechanism for the potentiation of addiction. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:583–588, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence is more common than generally accepted
Authors: van Gemert Martin J.C. , van den Wijngaard Jeroen P.H.M. , Vandenbussche Frank P.H.A.
Published: July 2015

Background

Approximately 75% of monozygotic twin pregnancies share one monochorionic placenta where placental anastomoses are virtually always present to connect the two fetoplacental circulations. These anastomoses cause several serious complications such as acardiac twinning. Acardiac twins lack a functional heart but nevertheless show fetal growth because the normal pump twin perfuses the acardiac body through arterioarterial (AA) and venovenous (VV) anastomoses. The widely accepted 1% monochorionic acardiac incidence dates back to 1944 and the associated 1:35,000 pregnancies to 1953. Our aim was to update this analysis.

Methods

We accepted the 1% (actually 1.1%) monochorionic acardiac incidence due to lack of more precise data, included the recently observed 58% early cessation of acardiac development as well as consequences of assisted reproductive technology, and assessed the incidence of acardiac twinning under conditions of AA‐VV anastomoses.

Results

Early acardiac monochorionic twinning increased from 1.1% to 1.1/(1–0.58) = 2.6%, from 1:35,000 to 1:9,500 to 11,000 pregnancies, depending on number and method of assisted reproductive technology, and occurs in approximately 1:8 AA‐VV anastomoses‐containing monochorionic placentas.

Conclusion

Early acardiac twinning is not a rare event. The 1944‐based 1% acardiac monochorionic incidence has a weak basis and could therefore be (much) larger. Knowing this incidence more precisely may contribute to our knowledge of embryonic splitting in unequal cell masses. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:641–643, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What we don't know can hurt us: Nonresponse bias assessment in birth defects research
Authors: Strassle Paula D. , Cassell Cynthia H. , Shapira Stuart K. , Tinker Sarah C. , Meyer Robert E. , Grosse Scott D.
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Nonresponse bias assessment is an important and underutilized tool in survey research to assess potential bias due to incomplete participation. This study illustrates a nonresponse bias sensitivity assessment using a survey on perceived barriers to care for children with orofacial clefts in North Carolina.

METHODS

Children born in North Carolina between 2001 and 2004 with an orofacial cleft were eligible for inclusion. Vital statistics data, including maternal and child characteristics, were available on all eligible subjects. Missing ‘responses’ from nonparticipants were imputed using assumptions based on the distribution of responses, survey method (mail or phone), and participant maternal demographics.

RESULTS

Overall, 245 of 475 subjects (51.6%) responded to either a mail or phone survey. Cost as a barrier to care was reported by 25.0% of participants. When stratified by survey type, 28.3% of mail respondents and 17.2% of phone respondents reported cost as a barrier. Under various assumptions, the bias‐adjusted estimated prevalence of cost as barrier to care ranged from 16.1% to 30.0%. Maternal age, education, race, and marital status at time of birth were not associated with subjects reporting cost as a barrier.

CONCLUSION

As survey response rates continue to decline, the importance of assessing the potential impact of nonresponse bias has become more critical. Birth defects research is particularly conducive to nonresponse bias analysis, especially when birth defect registries and birth certificate records are used. Future birth defect studies which use population‐based surveillance data and have incomplete participation could benefit from this type of nonresponse bias assessment. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:603–609, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The CCA‐adding enzyme: A central scrutinizer in tRNA quality control
Authors: Betat Heike , Mörl Mario
Published: July 2015

tRNA nucleotidyltransferase adds the invariant CCA‐terminus to the tRNA 3′‐end, a central step in tRNA maturation. This CCA‐adding enzyme is a specialized RNA polymerase that synthesizes the CCA sequence at high fidelity in all kingdoms of life. Recently, an additional function of this enzyme was identified, where it generates a specific degradation tag on structurally unstable tRNAs. This tag consists of an additional repeat of the CCA triplet, leading to a 3′‐terminal CCACCA sequence. In order to explain how the enzyme catalyzes this extended polymerization reaction, Kuhn et al. solved a series of co‐crystal structures of the CCA‐adding enzyme from Archaeoglobus fulgidus in complex with different tRNA substrates. They show that the enzyme forces a bound unstable tRNA to refold the acceptor stem for a second round of CCA‐addition, while stable transcripts are robust enough to resist this isomerization. In this review, we discuss how the CCA‐adding enzyme uses a simple yet very elegant way to scrutinize its substrates for sufficient structural stability and, consequently, functionality.
Toxic effects of chrysoidine on human serum albumin: isothermal titration calorimetry and spectroscopic investigations
Authors: Sun Haoyu , Liu Yingxue , Li Meng , Han Songlin , Yang Xudan , Liu Rutao
Published: July 2015

Chrysoidine is widely used in industry as a type of azo dye, and is sometimes used illegally as a food additive despite its potential toxicity. Human serum albumin (HSA) is one of the most important proteins in blood plasma and possesses major physiological functions. In the present study, the conformational and functional effects of chrysoidine on HSA were investigated by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), multiple spectroscopic methods, a molecular docking study and an esterase activity assay. Based on the ITC results, the binding stoichiometry of chrysoidine to HSA was estimated to be 1.5:1, and was a spontaneous process via a single hydrogen bond. The binding of chrysoidine to HSA induced dynamic quenching in fluorescence, and changes in secondary structure and in the microenvironment of the Trp‐214 residue. In addition, the hydrogen bond (1.80 Å) formed between the chrysoidine molecule and the Gln‐211 residue. The esterase activity of HSA decreased following the addition chrysoidine due to the change in protein structure. This study details the direct interaction between chrysoidine and HSA at the molecular level and the mechanism for toxicity as a result of the functional changes induced by HSA structural variation upon binding to chrysoidine in vitro. This study provides useful information towards detailing the transportation mechanism and toxicity of chrysoidine in vivo. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transforming conotoxins into cyclotides: Backbone cyclization of P‐superfamily conotoxins
Authors: Akcan Muharrem , Clark Richard J. , Daly Norelle L. , Conibear Anne C. , de Faoite Andrew , Heghinian Mari D. , Sahil Talwar , Adams David J. , Marí Frank , Craik David J.
Published: July 2015

Peptide backbone cyclization is a widely used approach to improve the activity and stability of small peptides but until recently it had not been applied to peptides with multiple disulfide bonds. Conotoxins are disulfide‐rich conopeptides derived from the venoms of cone snails that have applications in drug design and development. However, because of their peptidic nature, they can suffer from poor bioavailability and poor stability in vivo. In this study two P‐superfamily conotoxins, gm9a and bru9a, were backbone cyclized by joining the N‐ and C‐termini with short peptide linkers using intramolecular native chemical ligation chemistry. The cyclized derivatives had conformations similar to the native peptides showing that backbone cyclization can be applied to three disulfide‐bonded peptides with cystine knot motifs. Cyclic gm9a was more potent at high voltage‐activated (HVA) calcium channels than its acyclic counterpart, highlighting the value of this approach in developing active and stable conotoxins containing cyclic cystine knot motifs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 682–692, 2015.
Breast-conserving surgery in patients with Paget's disease
Authors: Helme S , Harvey K , Agrawal A
Published: July 2015

Background

Paget's disease of the breast is a rare condition that is associated with underlying breast cancer in the majority of patients. The conventional treatment for Paget's disease has been mastectomy, but there is an increasing trend to consider breast-conserving surgery (BCS) in selected patients. Owing to the uncommon nature of the disease, research studies tend to be small and retrospective. This systematic review presents the published evidence regarding BCS for patients with Paget's disease with a focus on patient selection and oncological safety.

Methods

A search of Ovid and PubMed databases was conducted to identify all papers published regarding BCS for Paget's disease.

Results

The search identified 172 papers of which 43 were clinically relevant. BCS is a safe alternative to mastectomy, provided a clear surgical margin is achieved and adjuvant radiotherapy used. However, patients with Paget's disease should be assumed to have underlying breast cancer, and these cancers tend to have poor biological profiles. When BCS is considered, careful preoperative investigation should be undertaken to identify the presence and extent of an underlying cancer. These cancers can be mammographically occult, multifocal or multicentric. Although the evidence is limited, there may be a role for MRI in selecting patients with Paget's disease for BCS.

Conclusion

Patients with Paget's disease are candidates for breast conservation with appropriate preoperative investigations. Oncological outcomes are equivalent to those of mastectomy if surgical margins are achieved and adjuvant radiotherapy is given.
Effect of a ward-based pharmacy team on preventable adverse drug events in surgical patients (SUREPILL study)
Authors:   Surgery and Pharmacy in Liaison (SUREPILL) Study Group, Boer M , Boeker E B , Ramrattan M A , Kiewiet J J S , Ram K , Gombert-Handoko K B , Lent-Evers N A E M , Kuks P F M , Mulder W M C , Breslau P J , Oostenbroek R J , Dijkgraaf M G W , Lie-A-Huen L , Boermeester M A
Published: July 2015

Background

Surgical patients are at risk of adverse drug events (ADEs) causing morbidity and mortality. Much harm is preventable. Ward-based pharmacy interventions to reduce medication-related harm have not been evaluated in surgical patients.

Methods

This multicentre prospective clinical trial evaluated a protocolled, ward-based pharmacy method compared with standard pharmaceutical care in surgical patients. Allocation of study group was done by one-time randomization at ward level. Consecutive patients admitted for elective surgery with an expected hospital stay longer than 48 h were included. Pharmacy practitioners performed bedside medication reconciliation at admission and discharge, and hospital pharmacists undertook regular medication reviews in the study wards. Preventable ADEs and clinical outcomes were assessed.

Results

A total of 1094 surgical patients were studied. Some 880 specific interventions were made by the hospital pharmacist to improve pharmacotherapy in 309 of 547 patients on study wards. A further 547 patients were included on control wards. A crude non-significant reduction in incidence of preventable ADEs was seen on intervention wards in comparison with control wards (2·74 versus 3·84 preventable ADEs per 100 admissions; incidence rate ratio 0·71, 95 per cent c.i. 0·37 to 1·39; P = 0·324). After adjustment for differences in treatment groups and for potential confounding, the incidence rate ratio remained non-significant (0·82, 0·39 to 1·72; P = 0·598). No differences were seen for other outcomes, such as duration of hospital stay, number of complications and quality of life.

Conclusion

The present prospective controlled trial showed no significant reduction in medication-related harm or changes in clinical outcomes when surgical patients received protocolled ward-based pharmacy interventions.
A Governance Revolution: Growing Results for Students through Policy Governance
Authors: West Airick Leonard
Published: July 2015

Airick Leonard West is a Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) board member and served as board chair from 2010–2014. During that time, he led the implementation of Policy Governance® in KCPS and currently consults with other urban school boards throughout the United States looking to effectively implement Policy Governance. Here he tells us about KCPS's journey.
Serum metabolomics analysis reveals changes in signaling lipids in breast cancer patients
Authors: Cui Min , Wang Qiaolian , Chen Guang
Published: July 2015

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer death among women worldwide. It is a biologically variable disease with different molecular subtypes, risk factors, clinical behaviors and responses to treatment. Better understanding of the molecular changes associated with each subtype is essential for identifying new therapeutic targets and markers for the monitoring of treatment responses. In this pilot study, mass spectrometry‐based metabolic profiling was performed to characterize the changes in serum profiles of patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) – the most common type of breast cancer. Serum samples from 20 IDC patients and 20 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy subjects were analyzed and 15 differentially expressed metabolites were identified. These metabolites are involved in several metabolic pathways such as sphingolipid metabolism, phospholipid metabolism and fatty acid β‐oxidation. Among these, two classes of signaling lipids, lysophosphatidylethanolamine and ceramide, may play an important role in IDC development and progression. This study demonstrates metabolic profiling as a promising tool for finding disease biomarkers and our findings provide new directions for further mechanistic studies on the pathology of IDC. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative pharmacokinetics and brain distribution of magnolol and honokiol after oral administration of Magnolia officinalis cortex extract and its compatibility with other herbal medicines in Zhi‐Zi‐Hou‐Po Decoction to rats
Authors: Liu Yuan , Wang Dan , Yang Gongjun , Shi Qingshui , Feng Fang
Published: July 2015

Zhi‐Zi‐Hou‐Po decoction (ZZHPD) is one of the famous antidepressant Chinese formulas and is composed of Magnolia officinalis cortex (HP), Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (ZZ) and Citrus aurantium L. (ZS). Magnolol (MN) and honokiol (HN) from HP are the major active ingredients responsible for the therapeutic effects of ZZHPD. The aim of this study is to compare the pharmacokinetics and rat brain distribution of MN and HN after oral administration of HP extract and its compatibility with other herbal medicines in ZZHPD by HPLC‐FLD. Compared with the HP group, Tmax (time to reach peak drug concentration in plasma) and AUC(0–τ) significantly increased in the ZZHPD and HP–ZZ groups. There was little change in the HP–ZS group in comparison with the HP group, which indicated that ZZ promotes absorption extent and defers the absorption rate of MN. The different compatibility of ZZHPD had a different degree of impact on the concentration of MN and HN in brain. The concentration of MN significantly increased in the HP–ZZ group while it decreased in the HP–ZS group compared with the HP group, which explained the concentration of compounds being slightly greater in the ZZHPD group than in the HP group. HP mixed with other medicines resulted in a decrease in HN concentration in the brain, particularly HP compatible with ZS. The results could be helpful for revealing the compatibility mechanism and providing clinical medication guidance for ZZHPD. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A high‐performance liquid chromatography assay with a triazole‐bonded column for evaluation of d‐amino acid oxidase activity
Authors: Iwasaki Megumi , Kashiwaguma Yoshiyuki , Nagashima Chihiro , Izumi Mao , Uekusa Ayano , Iwasa Sumiko , Onozato Mayu , Ichiba Hideaki , Fukushima Takeshi
Published: July 2015

Elution profiles of kynurenic acid (KYNA) and 7‐chlorokynurenic acid (Cl‐KYNA) were examined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a triazole‐bonded stationary phase column (Cosmosil® HILIC) under isocratic elution of a mobile phase consisting of CH3CN–aqueous 10 mm ammonium formate between pH 3.0 and 6.0. The capacity factors of KYNA and Cl‐KYNA varied with both the CH3CN content and the pH of the mobile phase. The elution order of KYNA and Cl‐KYNA was reversed between the CH3CN‐ and H2O‐rich mobile phases, suggesting that hydrophilic interactions and anion‐exchange interactions caused retention of KYNA and Cl‐KYNA in the CH3CN‐ and H2O‐rich mobile phases, respectively. The present HPLC method using a triazole‐bonded column and fluorescence detection (excitation 250 nm, emission 398 nm) was applied to monitor in vitro production of KYNA from d‐kynurenine (d‐KYN) by d‐amino acid oxidase (DAO) using Cl‐KYNA as an internal standard. A single KYNA peak was clearly observed after enzymatic reaction of d‐KYN with DAO. Production of KYNA from d‐KYN was suppressed by the addition of commercial DAO inhibitors. The present HPLC method can be used to evaluate DAO activity and DAO inhibitory effects in candidate drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of fully automated quantitative capillary electrophoresis with high accuracy and repeatability
Authors: Xu Yuan , Ling Bang‐zan , Zhu Wen‐jun , Yao Dong , Zhang Lin , Wang Yan , Yan Chao
Published: July 2015

A quantitative capillary electrophoresis (qCE) was developed by utilizing a rotary type of nano‐volume injector, an autosampler, and a thermostat with cooling capacity. The accuracy and precision were greatly improved compared with conventional capillary electrophoresis. The 10 nL volume accuracy was guaranteed by the carefully designed nano‐injector with an accurate internal loop. The system repeatability (precision) in terms of RSD <0.5% for migration time and 1% for peak area were achieved by using DMSO as a test sample. We believe that this fully automated qCE system has the potential to be employed broadly in quality control and quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevent, address burnout among your athletics department staff members, coaches
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: July 2015

When your staff members suffer from burnout, it can have far‐reaching, long‐term impact. Productivity and morale decline. Stress‐related illnesses, injuries and sick days increase. Departmental and institutional liability climbs. It all adds up to an unhealthy work environment and a poor example for student‐athletes, coaches and staff members alike.
A comparison of offending trajectories in violent youth according to violence type
Authors: Ching Hannah , Daffern Michael , Thomas Stuart
Published: July 2015

Background

Widespread public concern about youth violence persists, particularly the so‐called acts of appetitive violence characterised by positive affect and exemplified in modern trends such as ‘happy slapping’. Empirical research into this phenomenon is scant.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine whether perpetration of appetitive violence signals a specific offending trajectory.

Method

We reviewed reports and related material from 105 violent young offenders referred to court mental health services in the state of Victoria, Australia. Index violent offences were categorised as appetitive or not. Official police records were used to determine rearrest during the 12 months following mental health assessment.

Results

The nine young people whose offence was classified as appetitive were male and did not reoffend, generally or violently, at different rates than the other youths.

Conclusion

The offending trajectories of young people with appetitively violent index offences were indistinguishable from other violent youths. There is thus insufficient information here to recommend distinctive intervention for this subgroup, but their high reoffending rate (7/9) suggests that they are worthy of more research attention. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ChemInform Abstract: Characterization of New Aluminides Found in the ThT2Al20 Alloys (where T: Ti, V, Mn).
Authors: Bram Avraham I. , Venkert Arie , Meshi Louisa
Published: July 2015

ThV2Al20, ThTi2Al20, ThMn2Al10, and pseudo‐binary Th3Al11(containing V traces) are discovered during the investigations on the Al‐rich corner of the Th‐M‐Al system (M: Ti, V, Mn) by arc melting, chill casting, and final annealing (800 °C, 3 weeks).
ChemInform Abstract: Optical Properties and Visible Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Activity of Bi11VO19 Nanoparticles with δ‐Bi2O3‐Structure.
Authors: Lu Yuting , Chen Luyang , Huang Yanlin , Cheng Han , Kim Sun Il , Seo Hyo Jin
Published: July 2015

Bi11VO19 particles with an average size of ≈70 nm are fabricated by the Pechini method employing citrate complexation of Bi(NO3)3 and NH4VO3 neutralized by NH4OH (70 °C, 2 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Hg5AsS2I3 — A Narrow‐Band‐Gap 2D Layered Compound with Different Trapped I‐Anions.
Authors: Liu Yong , Zeng Hui‐Yi , Liu Bin‐Wen , Wang Geng‐E , Guo Guo‐Cong
Published: July 2015

Hg5AsS2I3 is prepared by solid‐state reaction of a 3:1:1 molar mixture of Hg2I2, As, and S (pressed pellet, evacuated glass tube; 1.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper(I)‐Catalyzed (Z)‐β‐(Tosyloxy)alkenyl Iodide Synthesis from (Aryl)[(E)‐β‐(tosyloxy)alkenyl]iodonium Tosylates: Diversity‐Oriented Synthesis of Trisubstituted Alkenes.
Authors: Mondal Keshab , Pan Subhas Chandra
Published: July 2015

The treatment of iodonium tosylates (I) with a catalytic amount of CuCl leads to desired (Z)‐β‐(tosyloxy)alkenyl iodides (II), which are converted into tamoxifen intermediate (IV) and other trisubstituted alkenes (VII) and (X).
ChemInform Abstract: Enantioselective Synthesis of cis‐Fused Cyclooctanoids via Rhodium(I)‐Catalyzed [4 + 2 + 2] Cycloadditions.
Authors: Lainhart Brendan C. , Alexanian Erik J.
Published: July 2015

[4 + 2] Cycloadducts are formed as sideproducts in 23‐47% yield.
ChemInform Abstract: Heterogeneous Gold‐Catalyzed Selective Reductive Transformation of Quinolines with Formic Acid.
Authors: Tao Lei , Zhang Qi , Li Shu‐Shuang , Liu Xiang , Liu Yong‐Mei , Cao Yong
Published: July 2015

Depending on conditions (solvent system, temperature), either site‐selective reduction or regioselective reductive formylation of quinolines and isoquinoline can be achieved using rutil‐supported gold nanoparticles.
ChemInform Abstract: Iron‐Catalyzed Arylsulfonylation of Activated Alkenes.
Authors: Shi Liangliang , Wang Hui , Yang Haijun , Fu Hua
Published: July 2015

A simple and efficient method for the arylsulfonylation of N‐acryl‐N‐substituted benzenesulfonamides with arylsulfonic acids is developed using environmentally friendly oxygen in air as the oxidant.
ChemInform Abstract: Room‐Temperature Copper‐Catalyzed Arylation of Dimethylamine and Methylamine in Neat Water.
Authors: Wang Deping , Kuang Daizhi , Zhang Fuxing , Yang Chunlin , Zhu Xiaoming
Published: July 2015

The arylation of methylamine exclusively gives monoarylated products.
ChemInform Abstract: Potassium Thiocyanate as Source of Cyanide for the Oxidative α‐Cyanation of Tertiary Amines.
Authors: Wagner Alexander , Ofial Armin R.
Published: July 2015

KSCN is oxidized at the sulfur to produce a cyanide unit which is trapped by the co‐oxidized amines with formation of α‐aminonitriles.
ChemInform Abstract: Rh(III)‐Catalyzed Direct C—H/C—H Cross‐Coupling of Quinones with Arenes Assisted by a Directing Group: Identification of Carbazole Quinones as GSKβ Inhibitors.
Authors: Moon Youngtaek , Jeong Yujeong , Kook Daehyuk , Hong Sungwoo
Published: July 2015

The coupling products are useful precursors of carbazole quinones possessing GSKβ inhibitory activity.
ChemInform Abstract: Enantioselective Suzuki Cross‐Couplings of Unactivated 1‐Fluoro‐1‐haloalkanes: Synthesis of Chiral β‐, γ‐, δ‐, and ε‐Fluoroalkanes.
Authors: Jiang Xiaojian , Gandelman Mark
Published: July 2015

A general Ni‐catalyzed method for the asymmetric synthesis of fluoroalkanes from substituted 1‐fluoro‐1‐haloalkanes and 9‐alkyl‐BBN derivatives using a chiral 2,2′‐bipyrrolidine ligand is presented.