bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decadal variability of surface incident solar radiation over China: Observations, satellite retrievals, and reanalyses
Authors: Wang Kaicun , Ma Qian , Li Zhijun , Wang Jiankai
Published: June 2015

Existing studies have shown that observed surface incident solar radiation (Rs) over China may have important inhomogeneity issues. This study provides metadata and reference data to homogenize observed Rs, from which the decadal variability of Rs over China can be accurately derived. From 1958 to 1990, diffuse solar radiation (Rsdif) and direct solar radiation (Rsdir) were measured separately, and Rs was calculated as their sum. The pyranometers used to measure Rsdif had a strong sensitivity drift problem, which introduced a spurious decreasing trend into the observed Rsdif and Rs data, whereas the observed Rsdir did not suffer from this sensitivity drift problem. From 1990 to 1993, instruments and measurement methods were replaced and measuring stations were restructured in China, which introduced an abrupt increase in the observed Rs. Intercomparisons between observation‐based and model‐based Rs performed in this research show that sunshine duration (SunDu)‐derived Rs is of high quality and can be used as reference data to homogenize observed Rs data. The homogenized and adjusted data of observed Rs combines the advantages of observed Rs in quantifying hourly to monthly variability and SunDu‐derived Rs in depicting decadal variability and trend. Rs averaged over 105 stations in China decreased at −2.9 W m−2 per decade from 1961 to 1990 and remained stable afterward. This decadal variability is confirmed by the observed Rsdir and diurnal temperature ranges, and can be reproduced by high‐quality Earth System Models. However, neither satellite retrievals nor reanalyses can accurately reproduce such decadal variability over China.
The relationship between environmental change and the extinction of the nannoplankton Discoaster in the early Pleistocene
Authors: Schueth Jonathan D. , Bralower Timothy J.
Published: June 2015

The long‐ranging nannoplankton genus Discoaster went extinct in the early Pleistocene, one of the most significant events in the Cenozoic nannofossil record. The causal factors of this extinction are poorly constrained, at least partially because the ecology of Discoaster is not well understood. We investigate the relationship between the extinction and environmental changes by comparing a suite of high‐resolution nannofossil assemblage data at four Ocean Drilling Program sites to published environmental proxy records. Through the use of multivariate analysis, we determine Discoaster shared environmental preferences with the extant species Florisphaera profunda which thrives in the lower photic zone near the nutricline in locations where the water column is stratified. We show that the last occurrence of Discoaster was globally diachronous, rather than synchronous as previously thought, and likely took place in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean. We propose that the demise of Discoaster was a two‐stage process. A decrease in sea surface temperatures and increase in climate variability led to a global decline in Discoaster abundance. The extinction event itself correlates to shoaling of the nutricline as signified by a decrease in the carbon isotopic gradient between surface and thermocline foraminifera. We hypothesize that the combination of global cooling and a shoaling of the nutricline greatly reduced Discoaster's deepwater niche and contributed to its extinction. This may suggest that ocean stratification and the depth of the nutricline are important contributors to overall nannoplankton diversity.
Early cytotoxic lymphocyte expansion contributes to a deep molecular response to dasatinib in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia in the chronic phase: results of the D‐first study
Authors: Iriyama Noriyoshi , Fujisawa Shin , Yoshida Chikashi , Wakita Hisashi , Chiba Shigeru , Okamoto Shinichiro , Kawakami Kimihiro , Takezako Naoki , Kumagai Takashi , Inokuchi Koiti , Ohyashiki Kazuma , Taguchi Jun , Yano Shingo , Igarashi Tadahiko , Kouzai Yasuji , Morita Satoshi , Sakamoto Junichi , Sakamaki Hisashi
Published: June 2015

Dasatinib is one of the key treatment options for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. Increase in lymphocyte counts has been known to be predictive of a good treatment response under dasatinib treatment as a second line therapy. However, clinical significance of lymphocyte dynamics in the upfront setting has yet to be clarified. To investigate the significance of lymphocyte dynamics in newly diagnosed chronic phase (CP)‐CML, patient data of D‐First study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01464411) were analyzed. Fifty‐two CML‐CP patients enrolled to this study were treated with dasatinib (100 mg day−1) and all were followed‐up for 18 months. The incidence of lymphocyosis was observed in 14 (27%), but it was not associated with deep molecular response achievement. However, natural killer (NK) cell or cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) counts at 1 month were significantly higher in patients with deep molecular response (DMR) by 18 months compared to those without DMR. When the patients were divided into two groups according to those calculated thresholds by receiver operating characteristic curve (407/μL for NK cells and 347/μL for CTLs), the cumulative DMR rates by 18 months were significantly better in higher value group compared to lower value group. In contrast, regulatory T cell counts were significantly lower at 12 and 15 months in patients achieved DMR. These results suggest the presence of dual effects of dasatinib on immune system through the cytotoxic lymphocytes activation and Treg deregulation in different periods in newly diagnosed CML‐CP. Am. J. Hematol. 90:819–824, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective Synthesis of Acenaphtho[1,2‐b]indole Derivatives via Tandem Regioselective Aza‐Ene Addition/N‐Cyclization/SN1 Type Reaction
Authors: Chen Xue‐Bing , Luo Ting‐Bi , Gou Gao‐Zhang , Wang Jing , Liu Wei , Lin Jun
Published: June 2015

A concise and efficient synthesis of acenaphtho[1,2‐b]indoles with different substitution patterns from a [3+2] condensation of enaminones with acenaphthoquinone has been developed. During the first pathway, products 3 were synthesized in the presence of Et3N, while a second reaction in the presence of p‐toluenesulfonic acid leads to compounds 5 via intramolecular cyclization and highly regioselective SN1‐type reaction with alcohols under solvent‐free conditions. Both procedures give excellent yields and are highly eco‐benign, are convenient one‐pot operations, are highly regioselectivity, and use environmentally friendly solvent systems or operate under solvent‐free conditions. This method offers an alternative to regioselective construction of biologically meaningful polycyclic indoles.
1,5‐Di(nitramino)tetrazol – hochenergetisch und äußerst empfindlich
Authors: Fischer Dennis , Klapötke Thomas M. , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: June 2015

Das hochenergetische 1,5‐Di(nitramino)tetrazol wurde zusammen mit seinen Salzen hergestellt. Die neutrale Verbindung ist sehr empfindlich und einer der stärksten bekannten nichtnuklearen Sprengstoffe. Einige stickstoffreiche Salze und das Dikaliumsalz wurden untersucht. Das Dikaliumsalz könnte als Zusatz in Primermischungen anstelle von Tetrazen Anwendung finden. Alle Verbindungen wurden mittels Tieftemperatur‐Einkristallröntgendiffraktometrie, IR‐, Raman‐ und NMR‐Spektroskopie sowie Elementaranalyse und DSC charakterisiert. Die Leistungsdaten wurden mithilfe des EXPLO5‐Computercodes auf Basis berechneter (CBS‐4M) Bildungswärmen und experimenteller Einkristalldichten bestimmt und belegen die hochenergetische Natur dieser Verbindungsklasse. Die Schlag‐ und Reibeempfindlichkeiten sowie die Empfindlichkeit gegenüber elektrostatischer Entladung wurden ebenfalls untersucht.
Epoxy shape‐memory polymer reinforced by thermally reduced graphite oxide: Influence of processing techniques
Authors: Chen Lei , Li Wenbing , Liu Yanju , Leng Jinsong
Published: June 2015

In this article, epoxy shape‐memory polymer (ESMP) reinforced with 1 wt % thermally reduced graphite oxide (TrGO) was fabricated by solution blending and three‐roll mill (TRM) mixing, respectively. Both blending techniques allowed a uniform TrGO dispersion in ESMP matrix, and the TRM mixing lead to an exfoliation of the TrGO worms. Compared with pristine ESMP, the TrGO/ESMP composites showed 36.4–41.1% increase in Young's modulus and 38.1–44.1% improvement in tensile strength. The TrGO/ESMP composite fabricated by TRM mixing had a T5% (the temperature where the material lost 5% of its initial weight) 16.4°C higher than pure ESMP. Compared with pure ESMP, a significant improvement of recovery force by 84.4% and 311.1% was obtained by TrGO/ESMP composite fabricated by solution blending and TRM mixing, respectively. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42502.
Adjunctive intracardiac echocardiography imaging from the left ventricle to guide percutaneous mitral valve repair with the mitraclip in patients with failed prior surgical rings
Authors: Saji Mike , Rossi Ann M. , Ailawadi Gorav , Dent John , Ragosta Michael , Scott Lim D.
Published: June 2015

Objectives

We evaluated intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) for adjunctively guiding the MitraClip procedure in patients with prior surgical rings.

Background

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the standard imaging modality used to guide the MitraClip procedure (Abbott Vascular, CA). However, in patients with post‐surgical anatomy, clear imaging of the mitral valve leaflets may be complex because of shadowing from the surgical ring. In these patients, TEE may be suboptimal for guiding the procedure, even using three‐dimensional imaging.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included data from 121 consecutive patients with mitral regurgitation who underwent MitraClip procedures at the University of Virginia. ICE was used adjunctively when there was difficulty with TEE, particularly for assessing the insertion of the posterior leaflet into the MitraClip's arms. The ICE catheter was introduced transarterially into the left ventricle and flexed to obtain the short‐axis view.

Results

Six patients had prior surgical rings, and in five, we used adjunctive ICE. The etiology of the mitral regurgitation was prolapse of the posterior leaflet in one patient and restriction of the posterior leaflet due to ischemic tethering in the remainder. All images were obtained from the left ventricle, and were adequate for assessing posterior leaflet insertion and the perpendicularity of the MitraClip arms. The procedural success rate was 80%. There was no adverse event related to the ICE procedure.

Conclusions

Mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system assisted by ICE is feasible in patients with prior surgical rings, achieving an excellent risk profile and satisfactory procedural success. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Successful MitraClip® implantation after angioplasty of a chronic inferior vena cava filter thrombosis
Authors: Barbin Clay M. , Grayburn Paul A. , Choi James W.
Published: June 2015

The MitraClip® has increasing use for severe, high surgical risk mitral regurgitation (MR). The MitraClip® is implanted percutaneously across the interatrial septum. Given the large diameter of the device delivery system, the femoral vein is the best option for central venous access. This is the first reported case of successful MitraClip® implantation through a chronically occluded IVC filter. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Routine aspiration thrombectomy improves the diagnosis and management of embolic myocardial infarction
Authors: Huang Alex L , Murphy J. Conleth , Shaw Elizabeth , Kozor Rebecca , Yan Warren , Loxton Anne , Soo Hoo Soon Y. , Figtree Gemma A. , Rasmussen Helge H. , Hansen Peter S. , Nelson Gregory I.C. , Bhindi Ravinay , Ward Michael R.
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Assess the effect of aspiration thrombectomy on diagnosis and management of embolic acute myocardial infarction.

Background

Discrimination of embolic acute myocardial infarction from atherosclerotic plaque rupture/erosion prompts oral anticoagulation treatment of source of embolus, as well as avoiding unnecessary stenting and dual antiplatelet therapy. However, detection is difficult without aspiration.

Methods

We compared rates of diagnosis of embolic infarction for 2.5 years prior to (pre‐RAT) and 2.5 years post routine aspiration thrombectomy (post‐RAT). Baseline demographics, outcomes, and treatment strategies were also compared between the embolic infarction and atherosclerotic infarction.

Results

Diagnosed embolic infarction rose from 1.2% in the pre‐RAT era to 2.8% in the post‐RAT period (P < 0.05). In addition, more successful removal of thrombus by aspiration led to less stenting (20% vs. 55% P < 0.05) in the post‐RAT period thus avoiding the hazards of “triple therapy.” Embolic infarction was more frequently associated with atrial fibrillation (55% vs. 8%), had higher mortality (17% vs. 4%), and had higher rates of embolic stroke (13% vs. 0.3%) when compared with atherosclerotic MI (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Routine aspiration thrombectomy more readily identifies embolic infarction allowing more specific therapy and avoidance of stenting and triple anticoagulant therapy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Causes and hemodynamic findings in chronic severe pulmonary regurgitation
Authors: Rommel John J. , Yadav Pradeep K. , Stouffer George A.
Published: June 2015

Severe pulmonary regurgitation (PR) most commonly occurs as a sequelae of treatment of pulmonic stenosis or Tetralogy of Fallot with fewer cases of primary pulmonic valvular regurgitation. The amount of PR is influenced by valvular integrity, right ventricular (RV) size, and RV diastolic pressures. In chronic severe PR, the RV remodels to accommodate the regurgitant flow and RV stroke volume increases to maintain effective forward blood flow. Hemodynamic changes include a widened pulmonary artery (PA) pulse pressure and low PA diastolic pressures. As the amount of regurgitation increases, RV end diastolic pressure becomes elevated and systemic cardiac output is reduced, especially with exercise. “Ventricularization” of the PA pressure tracing, in which the contour of the PA pressure is similar to the contour of the RV pressure, is a specific but not sensitive finding in severe PR. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Viral Templated Palladium Nanocatalysts
Authors: Yang Cuixian , Yi Hyunmin
Published: June 2015

Palladium (Pd) nanocatalysis plays key roles in many areas from environmental remediation, energy utilization to chemical synthesis. Viruses offer exciting opportunities and advantages as promising nanoparticle synthesis templates due to their controlled dimensions and structures, and the ability to confer precisely spaced functionalities by genetic modification to permit improved and/or tunable metal nanoparticle formation. We have utilized tubular tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) as biologically derived nanotemplates for controlled synthesis of catalytically active Pd nanoparticles. Here we describe key findings and insights gained from our studies on the synthesis and characterization, as well as on both aqueous and organic phase catalytic reactions, dichromate reduction and the Suzuki‐coupling reaction. We hope that the methodologies and results summarized here can spur further interdisciplinary collaboration, and expect that more discoveries and improved performances can be realized with future endeavors.
Ion‐Transfer Voltammetry at the Interface between Organic and Salt‐Doped Ice Phases
Authors: Qu Hui , Harada Makoto , Okada Tetsuo
Published: June 2015

Ions play critical roles in reactions of biological, environmental, and industrial importance under frozen conditions. Transfer voltammetry of tetramethylammonium (TMA) and K+ ions is measured at the interface between frozen aqueous NaCl and dichloroethane to give an insight into chemistry in frozen aqueous phases. The ion‐transfer current of TMA initially increases as the temperature becomes lower from the freezing point, but the further decrease in temperature reduces the transfer current. The half‐wave potential of the TMA transfer shows a negative shift when the liquid phase volume is smaller than 10 % of the total volume of the frozen phase. Similarly, the half‐wave potential of the facilitated transfer of K+ by crown ether complexation also becomes negative with decreasing temperature, due to the freeze concentration of K+ in the liquid phase.
Influence of the Base on Pd@MIL‐101‐NH2(Cr) as Catalyst for the Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reaction
Authors: Carson Fabian , Pascanu Vlad , Bermejo Gómez Antonio , Zhang Yi , Platero‐Prats Ana E. , Zou Xiaodong , Martín‐Matute Belén
Published: June 2015

The chemical stability of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is a major factor preventing their use in industrial processes. Herein, it is shown that judicious choice of the base for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction can avoid decomposition of the MOF catalyst Pd@MIL‐101‐NH2(Cr). Four bases were compared for the reaction: K2CO3, KF, Cs2CO3 and CsF. The carbonates were the most active and achieved excellent yields in shorter reaction times than the fluorides. However, powder XRD and N2 sorption measurements showed that the MOF catalyst was degraded when carbonates were used but remained crystalline and porous with the fluorides. XANES measurements revealed that the trimeric chromium cluster of Pd@MIL‐101‐NH2(Cr) is still present in the degraded MOF. In addition, the different countercations of the base significantly affected the catalytic activity of the material. TEM revealed that after several catalytic runs many of the Pd nanoparticles (NPs) had migrated to the external surface of the MOF particles and formed larger aggregates. The Pd NPs were larger after catalysis with caesium bases compared to potassium bases.
CFD Process Modeling of the Industrial Calcination of Diatomite
Authors: Hajek Jiri , Jurena Tomas , Baier Bernhard , Bagherzadeh Arash , Schnick Tom , Smejkal Quido
Published: June 2015

Calcination of diatomite is an expensive process frequently resulting in products with unpredictable structure. Alternatively, calcination in swirling flow is an energy‐saving option. Computational fluid dynamics modeling of an experimental calcination process unit is presented. Experimental results and systematic collection of process data were used to define boundary condition for steady‐state and transient simulation runs. The comparison of experimental and simulation results shows the complexity of the calcination process. The results can be used for further process optimization.
Burden of First and Recurrent Cardiovascular Events Among Patients With Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Punekar Rajeshwari S. , Fox Kathleen M. , Richhariya Akshara , Fisher Maxine D. , Cziraky Mark , Gandra Shravanthi R. , Toth Peter P.
Published: June 2015

Background

Acute cardiovascular (CV) events have been evaluated in patients with specific comorbidities but have not focused on patients with hyperlipidemia or on the their long‐term costs.

Objectives

To evaluate
incidence of CV events, costs, and resource utilization among patients with hyperlipidemia and baseline risk of CV disease (CVD).

Methods

Patients (age 18 to 64 years) diagnosed with hyperlipidemia or using lipid‐modifying medications were identified from administrative claims. Patients were categorized into 3 cohorts based on pre‐index clinical characteristics—secondary prevention (SP; history of CV event, n = 15 613); high risk (HR; CVD, n = 47 600); and primary prevention (PP; no CV event history or CVD, n = 60 637)—and followed up to 2 years after the CV event.

Results

During follow‐up, ≥1 new CV event occurred in 43.0% of the SP cohort, 33.9% of HR, and 20.9% of PP; and ≥3 new events occurred in 19.8% of the SP cohort, 12.9% of HR, and 5.5% of PP. Incremental total costs were $19 320 for SP, $20 003 for HR, and $17 650 for PP. Compared with patients with only 1 CV event, the mean 2‐year cost was 30% higher in patients with 2 CV events and 48% higher in patients with 3 CV events. Only 50% of HR patients (with or without CV events) received statins.

Conclusions

Patients with recurrent CV events had higher total health care costs during 24‐month follow‐up for each type of CV event. Total health care costs among patients with a CV event were higher for the initial as well as subsequent events. Statins and lipid‐modifying medications were significantly underutilized in all cohorts, despite the presence of CVD.
Anatomical evidence of pruriceptive trigeminothalamic and trigeminoparabrachial projection neurons in mice
Authors: Akiyama Tasuku , Curtis Eric , Nguyen Tony , Carstens Mirela Iodi , Carstens E.
Published: June 2015

Itch is relayed to higher centers by projection neurons in the spinal and medullary dorsal horn. We employed a double‐label method to map the ascending projections of pruriceptive and nociceptive trigeminal and spinal neurons. The retrograde tracer fluorogold (FG) was stereotaxically injected into the right thalamus or lateral parabrachial area (LPb) in mice. Seven days later, mice received intradermal (id) microinjection of histamine, chloroquine, capsaicin, or vehicle into the left cheek. Histamine, chloroquine, and capsaicin intradermally elicited similar distributions of Fos‐positive neurons in the medial aspect of the superficial medullary and spinal dorsal horn from the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis to C2. Among neurons retrogradely labeled from the thalamus, 43%, 8%, and 22% were Fos‐positive following id histamine, chloroquine, or capsaicin. Among the Fos‐positive neurons following pruritic or capsaicin stimuli, ∼1–2% were retrogradely labeled with FG. Trigeminoparabrachial projection neurons exhibited a higher incidence of double labeling in the superficial dorsal horn. Among the neurons retrogradely labeled from LPb, 36%, 29%, and 33% were Fos positive following id injection of histamine, chloroquine, and capsaicin, respectively. Among Fos‐positive neurons elicited by id histamine, chloroquine, and capsaicin, respectively, 3.7%, 4.3%, and 4.1% were retrogradely labeled from LPb. The present results indicate that, overall, relatively small subpopulations of pruriceptive and/or nociceptive neurons innervating the cheek project to thalamus or LPb. These results imply that the vast majority of pruritogen‐ and algogen‐responsive spinal neurons are likely to function as interneurons relaying information to projection neurons and/or participating in segmental nocifensive circuits. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:244–256, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extraction of Intercalated O2 from Aligned Carbon Nanotubes: The Breaking of Intertube Paths and Exponential Changes in Resistance
Authors: Tsai Hsin Jung , Lin Wen Yi , Chin Wei , Tsai Tsung Ying , Hsu Wen Kuang
Published: June 2015

In carbon nanotube films, the alignment of carbon nanotubes creates Lennard–Jones potentials at intertube junctions and trapped O2 appears to oscillate at elevated temperatures. Electrical measurements reveal a low hopping barrier along the transverse direction and an underlying mechanism that involves intercalated molecules acting as charge carriers between tubes. Ab initio calculations support dynamic intercalation and charge transfer through O2 bouncing between tubes.
Influence of Family and Childhood Memories in the Development and Manifestation of Paranoid Ideation
Authors: Carvalho Célia Barreto , da Motta Carolina , Pinto‐Gouveia José , Peixoto Ermelindo
Published: June 2015

Several studies point out to the influence of social experiences on perceptions of the environment and others in cognitive functioning and different aspects of psychopathology. The current study aimed at studying the influence of the psychosocial risk factors in a mixed sample of participants from the general population and affected by paranoid schizophrenia. The extent to which the existence of negative life events and events that are threatening to the inner models of the self (i.e., history of maltreatment, physical, social or psychological abuse) or the memories of these traumatic events occurring during childhood are related to the existence of paranoid beliefs in adulthood was explored. Results suggested that memories of parental behaviours characterized by antipathy from both parental figures, submissiveness and bullying victimization were important predictors of paranoid ideation in adult life. This further emphasizes the need for understanding the family and social dynamics of people presenting paranoid ideations to the development of therapeutic interventions that can effectively reduce the invalidation caused by severe psychopathology, as is the case of schizophrenia. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Memories of family dynamics characterized by behaviours of antipathy from both parental figures, submissiveness and bullying victimization are important predictors of paranoid ideation in adult life.

The study highlights the importance of exploring subjective recalls of feelings and behaviours associated with early rearing experiences, peer relationships and themes related to social rank theory in the roots of internal models of relationship with the self and others in the general sample, patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and their first‐degree relatives.

Our findings indicate that schizophrenic patients in active phase differ regarding memories of threat and submission and are more likely to remember childhood experiences perceived as threatening during an active phase than when in remission.

It is possible that by changing these internal models and social interaction styles, patients may be able to get involved in more cooperating and affiliative interactions, disconfirming these early beliefs about others being rejecting, critical or hostile towards the self, and more effectively reducing the invalidation caused by positive and negative symptomatology of schizophrenia on social functioning.
Immunophenotype of normal vs. myeloma plasma cells: Toward antibody panel specifications forMRDdetection in multiple myeloma
Authors: Flores‐Montero Juan , de Tute Ruth , Paiva Bruno , Perez José Juan , Böttcher Sebastian , Wind Henk , Sanoja Luzalba , Puig Noemí , Lecrevisse Quentin , Vidriales María Belén , van Dongen Jacques J. M. , Orfao Alberto
Published: June 2015

In recent years, several studies on large series of multiple myeloma (MM) patients have demonstrated the clinical utility of flow cytometry monitoring of minimal residual disease (flow‐MRD) in bone marrow (BM), for improved assessment of response to therapy and prognostication. However, disturbing levels of variability exist regarding the specific protocols and antibody panels used in individual laboratories. Overall, consensus exists about the utility of combined assessment of CD38 and CD138 for the identification of BM plasma cells (PC); in contrast, more heterogeneous lists of markers are used to further distinguish between normal/reactive PCs and myeloma PCs in the MRD settings. Among the later markers, CD19, CD45, CD27, and CD81, together with CD56, CD117, CD200, and CD307, have emerged as particularly informative; however, no single marker provides enough specificity for clear discrimination between clonal PCs and normal PCs. Accordingly, multivariate analyses of single PCs from large series of normal/reactive vs. myeloma BM samples have shown that combined assessment of CD138 and CD38, together with CD45, CD19, CD56, CD27, CD81, and CD117 would be ideally suited for MRD monitoring in virtually every MM patient. However, the specific antibody clones, fluorochrome conjugates and sources of the individual markers determines its optimal (vs. suboptimal or poor) performance in an eight‐color staining. Assessment of clonality, via additional cytoplasmic immunoglobulin (CyIg) κ vs. CyIgλ evaluation, may contribute to further establish the normal/reactive vs. clonal nature of small suspicious PC populations at high sensitivity levels, provided that enough cells are evaluated. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Extremely Facile Transformations of Tris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)borate: a Bidentate Nitrogen Ligand and a C2‐Chiral Cation
Authors: Daryanavard Marzieh , Armstrong David , Lough Alan J. , Fekl Ulrich
Published: June 2015

Two novel transformations are reported for the well‐known hydridotris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)borate (Tp*–). The uncommon Lewis base abstractor aryldiazonium cation (ArN2+; Ar = p‐Br‐C6H4, p‐MeO‐C6H4) if used in equimolar amounts, removes a hydride from Tp*– in acetone to produce the formal acetone adduct of tris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)borane (pz*3B·C3H6O, compound 1). Frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) like behavior is thus found for a tris(pyrazolyl)borane. If 2 equiv. of ArN2+ are used, 3,5‐dimethylpyrazolate is now being abstracted from 1, and the resulting intermediate bifunctional borane adds another equivalent of acetone to form cation 2+ {[pz*2B·(C3H6O)2]+, obtained as 2‐BF4}, a boronium cation that is the formal addition product of 2 equiv. of acetone to the bis(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)borinium cation. Compounds 1 and 2+ are characterized by 1H, 13C, and 11B NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 1 is potentially useful as a charge‐neutral bidentate chelate ligand with controlled sterics, and 2+ is a C2‐chiral cation.
Research on drug–receptor interactions and prediction of drug activity via oriented immobilized receptor capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Liu Chunye , Zhang Xuejiao , Jing Hui , Miao Yanqing , Zhao Lingzhi , Han Yan , Cui Cuixia
Published: June 2015

Oriented covalent immobilized β2‐adrenergic receptor (β2‐AR) CE (OIRCE) was developed to determine the interactions between a set of natural extracts of Radix Paeoniae Rubra (NERPR) and β2‐AR, and to predict the activity of NERPR. The inner capillary surface is chemically bonded with stable β2‐AR coating via microwave‐assisted technical synthesis. The modified capillaries were characterized via infrared spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, the bonding amounts of β2‐AR were first obtained via fluorescence spectroscopy method. In determining the amount of bonded β2‐AR, the regression equation A  =  576 707C + 35.449 and the correlation coefficient 0.9995 were obtained. This result revealed an excellent linear relationship in the range of 2 × 10−4 mg/mL to 1 × 10−3 mg/mL. The normalized capacity factor (KRCE) was obtained using OIRCE in evaluating drug–receptor interactions. Related theories and equations were used to calculate KRCE values from apparent migration times of a solute and EOF. The order of KRCE and the binding constant (Kb) values between drugs and β2‐AR was well consistent. The results confirmed that the OIRCE and KRCE values can be effectually used to investigate drug‐receptor interactions, and OIRCE has the potential to predict drug activity and to select leading compounds from natural chemicals.
Proteome profile of salt gland‐rich epidermis extracted from a salt‐tolerant tree species
Authors: Tan Wee‐Kee , Ang Yiqian , Lim Teck‐Kwang , Lim Tit‐Meng , Kumar Prakash , Loh Chiang‐Shiong , Lin Qingsong
Published: June 2015

Preparation of proteins from salt‐gland‐rich tissues of mangrove plant is necessary for a systematic study of proteins involved in the plant's unique desalination mechanism. Extraction of high‐quality proteins from the leaves of mangrove tree species, however, is difficult due to the presence of high levels of endogenous phenolic compounds. In our study, preparation of proteins from only a part of the leaf tissues (i.e. salt gland‐rich epidermal layers) was required, rendering extraction even more challenging. By comparing several extraction methods, we developed a reliable procedure for obtaining proteins from salt gland‐rich tissues of the mangrove species Avicennia officinalis. Protein extraction was markedly improved using a phenol‐based extraction method. Greater resolution 1D protein gel profiles could be obtained. More promising proteome profiles could be obtained through 1D‐LC‐MS/MS. The number of proteins detected was twice as much as compared to TUTS extraction method. Focusing on proteins that were solely present in each extraction method, phenol‐based extracts contained nearly ten times more proteins than those in the extracts without using phenol. The approach could thus be applied for downstream high‐throughput proteomic analyses involving LC‐MS/MS or equivalent. The proteomics data presented herein are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001691.
Effects of medetomidine and its active enantiomer dexmedetomidine on N‐demethylation of ketamine in canines determined in vitro using enantioselective capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Sandbaumhüter Friederike A. , Theurillat Regula , Thormann Wolfgang
Published: June 2015

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes catalyze the metabolism of both, the analgesic and anesthetic drug ketamine and the α2‐adrenergic receptor‐agonist medetomidine that is used for sedation and analgesia. As racemic medetomidine or its active enantiomer dexmedetomidine are often coadministered with racemic or S‐ketamine in animals and dexmedetomidine together with S‐ or racemic ketamine in humans, drug–drug interactions are likely to occur and have to be characterized. Enantioselective CE with highly sulfated γ‐cyclodextrin as chiral selector was employed for analyzing in vitro (i) the kinetics of the N‐demethylation of ketamine mediated by canine CYP3A12 and (ii) interactions occurring with racemic medetomidine and dexmedetomidine during coincubation with ketamine and canine liver microsomes (CLM), canine CYP3A12, human liver microsomes (HLM), and human CYP3A4. For CYP3A12 without an inhibitor, Michaelis–Menten kinetics was determined for the single enantiomers of ketamine and substrate inhibition kinetics for racemic ketamine. Racemic medetomidine and dexmedetomidine showed an inhibition of the N‐demethylation reaction in the studied canine enzyme systems. Racemic medetomidine is the stronger inhibitor for CLM, whereas there is no difference for CYP3A12. For CLM and CYP3A12, the inhibition of dexmedetomidine is stronger for the R‐ compared to the S‐enantiomer of ketamine, a stereoselectivity that is not observed for CYP3A4. Induction is observed at a low dexmedetomidine concentration with CYP3A4 but not with CYP3A12, CLM, and HLM. Based on these results, S‐ketamine combined with dexmedetomidine should be the best option for canines. The enantioselective CE assay with highly sulfated γ‐cyclodextrin as chiral selector is an effective tool for determining kinetic and inhibition parameters of metabolic pathways.
Production of medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoates from waste oils by recombinant Escherichia coli
Authors: Vastano Marco , Casillo Angela , Corsaro Maria Michela , Sannia Giovanni , Pezzella Cinzia
Published: June 2015

Medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl‐PHAs) are attractive “green” alternatives to conventional petroleum‐based plastics, finding application in various fields. However, their sustainable exploitation is still hampered by the high production costs. In this work, an Escherichia coli recombinant system has been designed to allow accumulation of mcl‐type polymers through conversion of waste materials, such as spent cooking oils. The system has been engineered with a newly isolated PHAs biosynthetic operon from Bacillus cereus 6E/2 and tested for PHAs production on different carbon sources. Results have highlighted the peculiar specificity of the designed E. coli system to drive the incorporation of 3‐hydroxyhexanoate monomers (up to 99%) in produced PHAs, whatever is the related C‐source fed to the growth medium: fatty acids with different length, vegetable oils, or complex waste oils. The work also provides first clues about the role played by B. cereus PHA biosynthetic proteins in PHA production process, laying the basis for the development of ad hoc designed cell factories for the synthesis of polymers with defined composition.
Eating Disorders in Adolescents with Celiac Disease: Influence of Personality Characteristics and Coping
Authors: Wagner Gudrun , Zeiler Michael , Berger Gabriele , Huber Wolf‐Dietrich , Favaro Angela , Santonastaso Paolo , Karwautz Andreas
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Patients suffering from celiac disease (CD) have a higher risk of developing disturbed eating behaviour.

Method

In a multi‐centre study, 259 female adolescents with CD and without a chronic condition were analysed regarding their eating disorder (ED) status, depression, personality, coping strategies and quality of life.

Results

Patients with CD and comorbid EDs were older and more often non‐compliant with their diet and had a higher body mass index (BMI) and higher levels of depression. Differences in personality features disappear when controlling for age and depression. Higher ill‐being and lower joy in life were reported by patients with CD and ED compared with patients without EDs, even when controlling for age and depression levels. No differences between patients (with CD) with and without EDs in coping strategies were found. BMI and lower self‐directedness predicted ED status.

Conclusions

Early identification of EDs in patients with CD is suggested and should include BMI and personality factors. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
High Temperature Micro‐Fan for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Milewski J. , Miller A. , Mozer E. , Świercz T.
Published: June 2015

The possibility of using a μ‐fan in tubular solid oxide fuel cells module (SOFC‐M) is shown. The μ‐fan is placed instead of the ejector and fulfills its role. The main advantages of this solution are: lower power demanded by the fuel compressor (blower), more stable working characteristics, and the possibility of more accurate control of the recycled part of the anode gas during part load operation. A comparison of two SOFC‐Ms, with and without the ejector, is also shown and commented.
Multi‐temporal scale changes of streamflow and sediment load in a loess hilly watershed of China
Authors: Gao Guangyao , Ma Ying , Fu Bojie
Published: June 2015

Global climate change and diverse human activities have resulted in distinct temporal–spatial variability of watershed hydrological regimes, especially in water‐limited areas. This study presented a comprehensive investigation of streamflow and sediment load changes on multi‐temporal scales (annual, flood season, monthly and daily scales) during 1952–2011 in the Yanhe watershed, Loess Plateau. The results indicated that the decreasing trend of precipitation and increasing trend of potential evapotranspiration and aridity index were not significant. Significant decreasing trends (p < 0.01) were detected for both the annual and flood season streamflow, sediment load, sediment concentration and sediment coefficient. The runoff coefficient exhibited a significantly negative trend (p < 0.01) on the flood season scale, whereas the decreasing trend on the annual scale was not significant. The streamflow and sediment load during July–August contributed 46.7% and 86.2% to the annual total, respectively. The maximum daily streamflow and sediment load had the median occurrence date of July 31, and they accounted for 9.7% and 29.2% of the annual total, respectively. All of these monthly and daily hydrological characteristics exhibited remarkable decreasing trends (p < 0.01). However, the contribution of the maximum daily streamflow to the annual total progressively decreased (−0.07% year−1), while that of maximum daily sediment load increased over the last 60 years (0.08% year−1). The transfer of sloping cropland for afforestation and construction of check‐dams represented the dominant causes of streamflow and sediment load reductions, which also made the sediment grain finer. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CXCL12–CXCR7 axis is important for tumor endothelial cell angiogenic property
Authors: Yamada Kenji , Maishi Nako , Akiyama Kosuke , Towfik Alam Mohammad , Ohga Noritaka , Kawamoto Taisuke , Shindoh Masanobu , Takahashi Norihiko , Kamiyama Toshiya , Hida Yasuhiro , Taketomi Akinobu , Hida Kyoko
Published: June 2015

We reported that tumor endothelial cells (TECs) differ from normal endothelial cells (NECs) in many aspects, such as gene expression profiles. Although CXCR7 is reportedly highly expressed in blood vessels of several tumors, its function in TECs is still unknown. To investigate this role, we isolated TECs from mouse tumor A375SM xenografts, and compared them with NECs from normal mouse dermis. After confirming CXCR7 upregulation in TECs, we analyzed its function using CXCR7 siRNA and CXCR7 inhibitor; CCX771. CXCR7 siRNA and CCX771 inhibited migration, tube formation and resistance to serum starvation in TECs but not in NECs. ERK1/2 phosphorylation was inhibited by CXCR7 knockdown in TECs. These results suggest that CXCR7 promotes angiogenesis in TECs via ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Using ELISA, we also detected CXCL12, a ligand of CXCR7, in conditioned medium from TECs, but not from NECs. CXCL12 neutralizing antibody significantly inhibited TEC random motility. VEGF stimulation upregulated CXCR7 expression in NECs, implying that VEGF mediates CXCR7 expression in endothelial cells. A CXCR7 inhibitor, CCX771 also inhibited tumor growth, lung metastasis and tumor angiogenesis in vivo. Taken together, the CXCL12–CXCR7 autocrine loop affects TEC proangiogenic properties, and could be the basis for an antiangiogenic therapy that specifically targets tumor blood vessels rather than normal vessels.
Risk of cancer of unknown primary after hospitalization for autoimmune diseases
Authors: Hemminki Kari , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Ji Jianguang
Published: June 2015

Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a heterogeneous syndrome diagnosed at metastatic sites. The etiology is unknown but immune dysfunction may be a contributing factor. Patients with autoimmune diseases were identified from the Swedish Hospital Discharge Register and linked to the Swedish Cancer Registry. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated for subsequent CUP and compared with subjects without autoimmune diseases. A total of 789,681 patients were hospitalized for any of 32 autoimmune diseases during years 1964–2012; 2,658 developed subsequent CUP, giving an overall SIR of 1.27. A total of 16 autoimmune diseases were associated with an increased risk for CUP; polymyositis/dermatomyositis showed the highest SIR of 3.51, followed by primary biliary cirrhosis (1.81) and Addison's disease (1.77). CUP risk is known to be reduced in long‐time users of pain‐relieving nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin. For patients with ankylosing spondylitis and with some other autoimmune diseases, with assumed chronic medication by NSAIDSs, CUP risks decreased in long‐term follow‐up. The overall risk of CUP was increased among patients diagnosed with autoimmune diseases, which call for clinical attention and suggest a possible role of immune dysfunction in CUP. The associations with many autoimmune diseases were weak which may imply that autoimmunity may not synergize with CUP‐related immune dysfunction. However, long‐term NSAID medication probably helped to curtail risks in some autoimmune diseases and CUP risks were generally higher in autoimmune diseases for which NSAIDs are not used and for these CUP appears to be a serious side effect.
Efficient Host‐Guest Complexation of a Bisporphyrin Host with Electron Deficient Guests: Synthesis, Structure, and Photoinduced Electron Transfer
Authors: Mondal Pritam , Rath Sankar Prasad
Published: June 2015

The encapsulation of 1,8‐naphthalic anhydride (NAN), 9‐dicyanomethylenefluorene (9‐DCF), acenaphthenequinone (ANQ), and 4‐chloro‐7‐nitrobenzofurazan (NBD‐Cl) by diethylpyrrole‐bridged bisporphyrin (H4DEP) and its dizinc(II) analogue (Zn2DEP) are employed to investigate the structural and spectroscopic changes within the bisporphyrin cavity upon substrate binding. Synthesis and X‐ray structures of all four encapsulated host‐guest complexes (H4DEP⋅NAN, H4DEP⋅9‐DCF, Zn2DEP⋅ANQ, and Zn2DEP⋅NBD‐Cl) are reported here. The binding constant calculations show strong 1 : 1 binding between the hosts (H4DEP and Zn2DEP) and the guests (NAN/9‐DCF/ANQ/NBD‐Cl). 1H‐NMR spectra also support the retention of the host‐guest assemblies in solution. Negative and positive shifts of the reduction and oxidation potentials, respectively, indicate that it is difficult to reduce/oxidize the encapsulated complexes. The emission intensities of the bisporphyrins (H4DEP and Zn2DEP) are substantially quenched in all the complexes, owing to photoinduced electron transfer from the excited state of the bisporphyrins to guest molecules. All the experimental evidence is further substantiated by DFT calculations. Such an efficient electron transfer is only possible when the donor and the acceptor moieties are in close propinquity to each other, which eventually lowers the reorganization energy.
What is Systems Engineering and Who Should Do It?
Authors: Mar Emeritus Brian W.
Published: June 2015

INCOSE has developed a definition of systems engineering, yet the debate continues on what it is and who should do it. I have attempted to define basic concepts of systems engineering, that anyone can embrace. These basic concepts are:

Understanding problems before
seeking solutions

Recognizing that problem statements need to address functions as well as requirements that the solution must satisfy

Viewing the problem as well as the solution as systems

Verifying that solutions satisfy problem statements

Capturing all information developed in understanding and solving the problem
The Relationship Between Transformational Leadership Practices and Global Social Responsibility
Authors: Ewest Timothy
Published: June 2015

The present study explored whether there was a correlation between global social responsibility and transformational leadership using the Global Social Responsibility Inventory and the Student Leadership Practices Inventory existed. The findings showed a positive correlation between transformational leadership and global social responsibility. Specifically, four of five variables on the Student Leadership Practices Inventory, an instrument that measures transformational leadership, correlated with global social responsibility (prosocial behavior) as measured on the scale of Global Social Responsibility Inventory.
Unraveling the impact of workforce age diversity on labor productivity: The moderating role of firm size and job security
Authors: De Meulenaere Kim , Boone Christophe , Buyl Tine
Published: June 2015

Previous literature has suggested both positive and negative effects of age diversity on labor productivity: positive because of the potential knowledge complementarities between employees of different ages and negative because of the age‐related value differences that might reduce cohesion and cooperation, hampering firm performance. Using a Belgian sample of 5892 organizational observations (2008–2011), we unraveled these countervailing effects in two ways. First, we built on prior studies to suggest that the effect of age diversity depends on the particular shape of the age distribution: positive when it is heterogeneous (i.e., variety) and negative when it is polarized (i.e., polarization). This was supported by our findings. Second, we explored the moderating impact of two contextual contingencies, firm size and job security. As expected, the positive effect of age variety is reinforced in large firms and in firms where job security is high. Although firm size also emphasizes the negative effect of age polarization on productivity, job security, unexpectedly, does not moderate this relationship. Our study offers a valuable contribution to the literature as it reveals the boundary conditions of the competing implications of age diversity and, thus, allows one to account for the inconclusive findings reported in previous literature. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.