bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Effects of Phenols, Amines and Alcohols on the Reactivity of Triphenyltin Hydride Towards Alkyl Cinnamates.
Authors: Kalita Pankaj , Choudhury Diganta , Deka Dibakar Chandra
Published: July 2012

The effect of alcohols, amines, or phenols on the reactivity of triphenylstannane towards alkyl cinnamates is studied in the presence of AIBN as radical initiator.
ChemInform Abstract: Triterpenes Possessing an Unprecedented Skeleton Isolated from Hydrolyzate of Total Saponins from Gynostemma pentaphyllum.
Authors: Li Ning , Wu Chun‐Fu , Xu Xin‐Yue , Liu Zhen‐Yang , Li Xian , Zhao Yu‐Qing
Published: July 2012

Isolation, structure determination and cytotoxicity of five novel triterpenes, gypensapogenins A—D, (I)—(IIb), as well as glucopyranoside of gypensapogenin D (IIc), are described.
ChemInform Abstract: Total Synthesis of Apigenin.
Authors: Wang Jin , Zhou Rong‐Guang , Wu Ting , Yang Tao , Qin Qi‐Xue , Li Ii , Yang Bo , Yang Jian
Published: July 2012

An efficient method for the synthesis of apigenin (VII), a trihydroxyflavone used as traditional medicine, is reported starting from commercially available phloroglucinol.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure of a Novel Furo‐Furan Lactone from Heliotropium eichwaldi.
Authors: Firdous Sadiqa , Ansari Nida Hassan , Ng Seik Weng , Yousuf Sammer , Malik Abdul
Published: July 2012

isolation and structure elucidation
ChemInform Abstract: Coupling of Sterically Hindered Aldehyde with Fluorinated Synthons: Stereoselective Synthesis of Fluorinated Analogues of Salinosporamide A.
Authors: Chen Zeng‐Hao , Wang Bing‐Lin , Kale Andrew J. , Moore Bradley S. , Wang Ruo‐Wen , Qing Feng‐Ling
Published: July 2012

The syntheses of three fluorinated analogues of salinosporamide A are carried out.
ChemInform Abstract: Direct Synthesis of Anatase TiO2 Nanowires with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Wu Hao Bin , Hng Huey Hoon , Lou Xiong Wen
Published: July 2012

Anatase TiO2 nanowires are solvothermally synthesized in a gram‐scale from Ti(OBu)4 and a solution of LiOAc in DMF and AcOH (autoclave, 200 °C, 20 h) and characterized by FESEM, TEM, and powder XRD.
ChemInform Abstract: Analyzing Hydrogen in Metals: Surface Techniques
Authors: Trocellier P.
Published: July 2012

Review: 50 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Adsorption of Organic Molecules on Rutile TiO2 and Anatase TiO2 Single Crystal Surfaces
Authors: Thomas Andrew G. , Syres Karen L.
Published: July 2012

Review: 78 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Making Expensive Dirhodium(II) Catalysts Cheaper: Ru(II) Recycling Methods
Authors: Candeias Nuno R. , Afonso Carlos A. M. , Gois Pedro M. P.
Published: July 2012

Review: ca. 150 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: “Tamed” Silylium Ions: Versatile in Catalysis
Authors: Schulz Axel , Villinger Alexander
Published: July 2012

Review: 31 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: The Chemistry of the Polycyclic Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinols
Authors: Richard Jean‐Alexandre , Pouwer Rebecca H. , Chen David Y.‐K.
Published: July 2012

Review: ca. 150 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Micro Reactors, Flow Reactors and Continuous Flow Synthesis
Authors: Watts Paul , Wiles Chralotte
Published: July 2012

Review: 62 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Six‐Membered Cyclic Nitronates in the Stereoselective Synthesis of Natural and Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Sukhorukov A. Yu , Dilman A. D. , Ioffe S. L.
Published: July 2012

Review: 25 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Heterocyclic Superbases: Retrospective and Current Trends
Authors: Pozharskii A. F. , Ozeryanskii V. A. , Filatova E. A.
Published: July 2012

Review: 94 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Biocatalytic Approaches to the Henry (Nitroaldol) Reaction
Authors: Milner Sinead E. , Moody Thomas S. , Maguire Anita R.
Published: July 2012

Review: 53 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Heterocycle Formation via Palladium‐Catalyzed C—H Functionalization
Authors: Mei Tian‐Sheng , Kou Lei , Ma Sandy , Engle Keary M. , Yu Jin‐Quan
Published: July 2012

Review: ca. 150 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Self‐Assembled Links: Catenanes
Authors: Evans Nicholas H. , Beer Paul D.
Published: July 2012

Review: 64 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Chiral Alkaline‐Earth Metal Catalysts for Asymmetric Bond‐Forming Reactions
Authors: Yamashita Yasuhiro , Tsubogo Tetsu , Kobayashi Shu
Published: July 2012

Review: 103 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Surface‐Grafted Polymer‐Assisted Electroless Deposition of Metals for Flexible and Stretchable Electronics.
Authors: Liu Xuqing , Zhou Xuechang , Li Yi , Zheng Zijian
Published: July 2012

Review: 74 refs.
Fundamentals and Recent Developments in Filter Cake Washing
Authors: Wilkens Markus , Peuker Urs A.
Published: July 2012

Die Filterkuchenwaschung ist ein Prozess zur Verbesserung der Qualität eines dispersen Feststoffs oder Erhöhung der Ausbeute an gelösten Wertstoffen während der Fest/Flüssig‐Trennung. Ziel hierbei ist es, die mit einer gelösten Substanz beladene Porenflüssigkeit durch eine möglichst reine Porenflüssigkeit auszutauschen. Als Waschmedien werden die reine Mutterflüssigkeit, eine zweite reine Flüssigkeit oder ein bei Prozessbedingungen kondensierbarer Dampf eingesetzt.
Synthesis, DNA and Photocleavage Studies of Ru(II) Polypyridyl Complexes: [Ru(dppz)(pyz)4](ClO4)2 and [Ru(dppz)(dmpyz)4](ClO4)2 Complexes
Authors: Pallavi Ponuganti , Nagababu Penumaka , Laxmareddy Kotha , Padmaja Naishadham , Satyanarayana Sirasani
Published: July 2012

In view of the growing interest for the synthesis of metal complexes and their interaction with DNA, we have synthesized and characterized two complexes containing ruthenium as metal center. The complexes are of the type [Ru(dppz)L4](ClO4)2 where L are biologically important ligands such as pyrazole and dimethylpyrazole. The characterization of these complexes is done by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, elemental analysis and mass spectroscopy. The interaction of these complexes with CT DNA was monitored and binding constants were determined using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The mode of binding was found to be intercalative for both complexes and was determined using hydrodynamic viscosity studies. The complexes were further studied for photocleavage studies with supercoiled plasmid pBR322 DNA.
A G‐Quadruplex/Hemin Complex with Switchable Peroxidase Activity by DNA Hybridization
Authors: Shao Congying , Lu Na , Sun Dengming
Published: July 2012

A hemin‐binding DNA G‐quadruplex (also known as a hemin aptamer or DNAzyme) has been previously reported to be able to enhance the peroxidase activity of hemin. In this work, we described a DNAzyme structure that had an effector‐recognizing part appearing as a single stranded DNA linkage flanked by two split G‐quadruplex halves. Hybridization of the single stranded part in the enzyme with a perfectly matched DNA strand (effector) formed a rigid DNA duplex between the two G‐quadruplex halves and thus efficiently suppressed the enzymatic activity of the G‐quadruplex/hemin complex, while the mismatched effector strand was not able to regulate the peroxidase activity effectively. With 2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline)‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS) as an oxidizable substrate, we were able to characterize the formation of the re‐engineered G‐quadruplex/hemin complex and verify its switchable peroxidase activity. Our results show that the split G‐quadruplex is an especially useful module to design low‐cost and label‐free sensors toward various biologically or environmentally interesting targets.
Differentiating between Models of Epothilone Binding to Microtubules Using Tubulin Mutagenesis, Cytotoxicity, and Molecular Modeling
Authors: Entwistle Ruth A. , Rizk Rania S. , Cheng Daniel M. , Lushington Gerald H. , Himes Richard H. , Gupta Mohan L.
Published: July 2012

Microtubule stabilizers are powerful antimitotic compounds and represent a proven cancer treatment strategy. Several classes of compounds in clinical use or trials, such as the taxanes and epothilones, bind to the same region of β‐tubulin. Determining how these molecules interact with tubulin and stabilize microtubules is important both for understanding the mechanism of action and enhancing chemotherapeutic potential, for example, minimizing side effects, increasing solubility, and overcoming resistance. Structural studies using non‐polymerized tubulin or stabilized polymers have produced different models of epothilone binding. In this study we used directed mutagenesis of the binding site on Saccharomyces cerevisiae β‐tubulin to analyze interactions between epothilone B and its biologically relevant substrate, dynamic microtubules. Five engineered amino acid changes contributed to a 125‐fold increase in epothilone B cytotoxicity independent of inherent microtubule stability. The mutagenesis of endogenous β‐tubulin was done in otherwise isogenic strains. This facilitated the correlation of amino acid substitutions with altered cytotoxicity using molecular mechanics simulations. The results, which are based on the interaction between epothilone B and dynamic microtubules, most strongly support the binding mode determined by NMR spectroscopy‐based studies. This work establishes a system for discriminating between potential binding modes and among various compounds and/or analogues using a sensitive biological activity‐based readout.
Patient decision aids for cancer treatment
Authors: Spiegle Gillian , Al‐Sukhni Eisar , Schmocker Selina , Gagliardi Anna R. , Victor J. Charles , Baxter Nancy N. , Kennedy Erin D.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND:

Although patient decision aids (pDAs) are effective, widespread use of pDAs for cancer treatment has not been achieved. The objectives of this study were to perform a systematic review to identify alternate types of decision support interventions (DSIs) for cancer treatment and a meta‐analysis to compare the effectiveness of these DSIs to pDAs.

METHODS:

The inclusion criteria for the study were: 1) all published studies using a randomized, controlled trial design, and 2) DSIs involving treatment decision‐making for breast, prostate, colorectal, and/or lung cancer. For this analysis, DSIs were classified as pDAs if: 1) one reported outcome measure mapped onto the International Patient Decision Aids Standards Collaboration effectiveness criterion, and 2) the DSI was evaluated relative to standard consultation. Random effects models were used to compare the effectiveness of pDAs relative to other identified DSIs for reported outcomes.

RESULTS:

A total of 71 studies were reviewed, and 24 met the inclusion criteria. Overall, there were no significant differences in knowledge, satisfaction, anxiety, or decisional conflict scores between pDAs and other DSIs.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study showed that the effectiveness of other DSIs, including question prompt lists and audiorecording of the consultation, is similar to pDAs. This is important because it may be that these less complex DSIs may be all that is necessary to achieve similar outcomes as pDAs for cancer treatment. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
The effect of treatment time in locally advanced cervical cancer in the era of concurrent chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Song Suisui , Rudra Sonali , Hasselle Michael D. , Dorn Paige L. , Mell Loren K. , Mundt Arno J. , Yamada S. Diane , Lee Nita K. , Hasan Yasmin
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND:

This study sought to determine if treatment time impacts pelvic failure (PF), distant failure (DF), or disease‐specific mortality (DSM) in patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

METHODS:

A retrospective review was performed of 113 consecutive eligible patients with stage IB2 to IIIB cervical cancer. All patients received whole‐pelvis radiation with concurrent chemotherapy and consolidative intracavitary brachytherapy (BT) to the cervix, followed by an external beam parametrial boost when appropriate. The effect of treatment time on PF, DF, and DSM was examined with univariate and multivariate analyses. Characteristics of patients with and without treatment prolongation were compared to explore reasons for treatment prolongation.

RESULTS:

The median time to completion of BT was 60 days, and the median time to complete all RT was 68 days. The 3‐year cumulative incidence of PF, DF, and DSM were 18%, 23%, and 26%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, time to completion of BT >56 days was associated with increased PF (hazard ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.2‐16; P = .02). The 3‐year PF for >56 days versus ≤56 days was 26% versus 9% (P = .04). Treatment time was not associated with DF or DSM. Treatment prolongation was found to be associated with delay in starting BT and higher incidence of acute grade 3/4 toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS:

In the setting of CCRT, treatment time >56 days is detrimental to pelvic control but is not associated with an increase in DF or DSM. To maximize pelvic control, we recommend completing BT in 8 weeks or less. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Association of KRAS and EGFR mutations with survival in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinomas
Authors: Johnson Melissa L. , Sima Camelia S. , Chaft Jamie , Paik Paul K. , Pao William , Kris Mark G. , Ladanyi Marc , Riely Gregory J.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND:

Lung adenocarcinomas can be distinguished by identifying mutated driver oncogenes, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and KRAS. Mutations in EGFR are associated with both improved survival as well as response to treatment with erlotinib and gefitinib. However, the prognostic significance of KRAS has not been evaluated in large numbers of patients and remains controversial. For the current report, the authors examined the association of EGFR and KRAS mutations with survival among patients with advanced lung adenocarcinomas.

METHODS:

Data were analyzed from patients with advanced lung adenocarcinomas who had known EGFR and KRAS mutation status evaluated between 2002 and 2009. The collected clinical variables included age, sex, Karnofsky performance status, smoking history, and treatment history. Overall survival from the diagnosis of advanced disease was analyzed using Kaplan‐Meier and Cox proportional hazard methods.

RESULTS:

In total, 1036 patients were evaluated, including 610 women (59%) and 344 never‐smokers (33%). The median patient age was 65 years (range, 25‐92 years), and the majority of patients (81%) had a Karnofsky performance status ≥80%. In multivariate analysis, EGFR mutations were associated with longer overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.6; P < .001), and KRAS mutations were associated with shorter survival (hazard ratio, 1.21; P = .048).

CONCLUSIONS:

KRAS mutations predicted shorter survival for patients with advanced lung adenocarcinomas. The presence of EGFR and KRAS mutations define distinct subsets of patients with lung adenocarcinomas and should be determined in patients when they are diagnosed with advanced disease. Clinical trial reports should include EGFR and KRAS mutation status along with other prognostic factors. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Human pancreatic cancer fusion 2 (HPC2) 1‐B3: A novel monoclonal antibody to screen for pancreatic ductal dysplasia
Authors: Morgan Terry K. , Hardiman Karin , Corless Christopher L. , White Sandra L. , Bonnah Robert , Van de Vrugt Henry , Sheppard Brett C. , Grompe Markus , Cosar Ediz F. , Streeter Philip R.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is rarely detected early enough for patients to be cured. The objective of the authors was to develop a monoclonal antibody to distinguish adenocarcinoma and precancerous intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia (IPMN) from benign epithelium.

METHODS.

Mice were immunized with human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells and monoclonal antibodies were screened against a panel of archived pancreatic tissue sections, including pancreatitis (23 cases), grade 1 IPMN (16 cases), grade 2 IPMN (9 cases), grade 3 IPMN (13 cases), and various grades of adenocarcinoma (17 cases). One monoclonal antibody, human pancreatic cancer fusion 2 (HPC2) 1‐B3, which specifically immunostained adenocarcinoma and all grades of IPMN, was isolated. Subsequently, HPC2 1‐B3 was evaluated in a retrospective series of 31 fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies from clinically suspicious pancreatic lesions that had long‐term clinical follow‐up.

RESULTS.

HPC2 1‐B3 was negative in all 31 cases of chronic pancreatitis that were tested. In contrast, HPC2 1‐B3 immunostained the cytoplasm and luminal surface of all 16 well‐ to moderately differentiated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. It demonstrated only weak focal staining of poorly differentiated carcinomas. All high‐grade IPMNs were found to be positive for HPC2 1‐B3. The majority of low‐grade to intermediate‐grade IPMNs were positive (66% of cases). Immunostaining a separate series of pancreatic FNA cell blocks for HPC2 1‐B3 demonstrated that the relative risk for detecting at least low‐grade dysplasia (2.0 [95% confidence interval, 1.23‐3.26]) was statistically significant (P = .002 by the Fisher exact test).

CONCLUSIONS.

To reduce the mortality of pancreatic cancer, more effective early screening methods are necessary. The data from the current study indicate that a novel monoclonal antibody, HPC2 1‐B3, may facilitate the diagnosis of early pancreatic dysplasia. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2013;121:37–46 © 2012 American Cancer Society.
A Reaction‐Based Colorimetric Fluoride Probe: Rapid “Naked‐Eye” Detection and Large Absorption Shift
Authors: Cheng Xiaohong , Li Shuang , Xu Guohua , Li Conggang , Qin Jingui , Li Zhen
Published: July 2012

Taking advantage of both the well‐known azobenzene structure and the special fluoride‐promoted cleavage reaction of the SiO bond, a new ratiometric colorimetric probe (F‐1) toward the fluoride anion was designed and synthesized by using intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) as a signal mechanism. Upon the addition of F− ions, the probe displayed apparent color changes from colorless to deep blue, with a dramatic shift of the maximum absorption wavelength (≈230 nm). With the aid of UV/Vis measurements, the detection limit could be as low as 15 μM. The probe possessed much higher selectivity for fluoride over other common anions. Excitingly, by virtue of a “dipstick” approach, F‐1 could serve as colorimetric probe for convenient measurements, without the requirement of any additional equipment.
Spectroscopy and Photophysics in Cyclometalated RuII–Bis(bipyridyl) Complexes
Authors: Muro‐Small Maria L. , Yarnell James E. , McCusker Catherine E. , Castellano Felix N.
Published: July 2012

A series of cyclometalated RuII coordination compounds of the general structural formula [Ru(bpy)2(C∧N)]PF6 {C∧N = 2‐phenylpyridine (1), 2‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl)pyridine (2), 2‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐5‐methylpyridine (3), benzo[h]quinoline (4); bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine} have been synthesized, structurally and electrochemically characterized, and examined by using a battery of spectroscopic techniques. The combination of static and dynamic photoluminescence at room temperature and 77 K, resonance Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, spectroelectrochemistry, and ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy reveal that – although the nature of the cyclometalating ligand substantially affects the oxidation potential at the metal center – the lowest‐energy metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer excited state always retains pure Ru→bpy character across this series of molecules, and the cyclometalating subunit plays the role of ancillary ligand.
Enantioseparation of α‐hydroxy acids by chiral ligand exchange CE with a dual central metal ion system
Authors: Kodama Shuji , Yamamoto Atsushi , Aizawa Sen‐ichi , Honda Yoshitaka , Suzuki Kentaro , Kemmei Tomoko , Taga Atsushi
Published: July 2012

Using two kinds of central metal ions in a background electrolyte, ligand exchange CE was investigated for the simultaneous enantioseparation of dl‐malic, dl‐tartaric, and dl‐isocitric acids. Ligand exchange CE with 100 mM d‐quinic acid as a chiral selector ligand and 10 mM Cu(II) ion as a central metal ion could enantioseparate dl‐tartaric acid but not dl‐malic acid or dl‐isocitric acid. A dual central metal ion system containing 0.5 mM Al(III) ion in addition to 10 mM Cu(II) ion in the background electrolyte enabled the simultaneous enantioseparation of the three α‐hydroxy acids. These results suggest that the use of a dual central metal ion system can be useful for enantioseparation by ligand exchange CE.
Combustion characteristics of cellulosic loose fibres
Authors: Ceylan Özgür , Alongi Jenny , Van Landuyt Lieve , Frache Alberto , De Clerck Karen
Published: July 2012

The aim of this paper is to study the combustion characteristics of loose fibrous cellulosic compounds through cone calorimeter measurements. The challenge in studying loose fibrous materials by cone calorimeter in a reproducible manner is met by optimizing various process parameters such as sample weight, heat flux and grid type. The method is validated using cotton fibres and fabrics with a range of flame retardant properties. Good correlations are obtained between the flame retardant content of samples and the heat release parameters for both the fibres and the fabrics. In addition, fibres from specific cotton cultivars showed statistically significant differences in heat release characteristics. This shows that valuable data concerning the combustion behaviour and the corresponding kinetics of loose fibrous compounds can be successfully gathered using a cone calorimeter. Thus, such data can be exploited to well define future fibre breeding programmes or fibre modification research. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WTC 9/11 twin towers research studies open panel discussion synopsis
Authors: Shields Jim
Published: July 2012

Lead researchers of the three major research studies into the evacuation of and occupant evacuation behaviours in the WTC 9/11 Twin Towers in 2001 presented the results of their extensive investigations at the 4th International Symposium on Human Behaviour in Fire in Cambridge, UK, in 2009. Delegates attending the 4th Symposium were afforded, in a full programme session, the opportunity to discuss the results of these three major studies and to raise issues they considered pertinent. The open panel and delegate discussions were, with the knowledge of the participants, audio recorded in order to capture their flavour and essential content. The audio tapes were listened to by the author several times in order to distill what is considered their most useful content. This paper is not a verbatim account of the open ended panel/delegate discussions. It is merely the authors attempt to capture, archive and present as comprehensively as possible the views expressed and issues raised. Readers may wish to ponder if the issues raised have been or are they being addressed at all. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Joint Association Testing of Common and Rare Genetic Variants Using Hierarchical Modeling
Authors: Cardin Niall J. , Mefford Joel A. , Witte John S.
Published: July 2012

New sequencing technologies provide an opportunity for assessing the impact of rare and common variants on complex diseases. Several methods have been developed for evaluating rare variants, many of which use weighted collapsing to combine rare variants. Some approaches require arbitrary frequency thresholds below which to collapse alleles, and most assume that effect sizes for each collapsed variant are either the same or a function of minor allele frequency. Some methods also further assume that all rare variants are deleterious rather than protective. We expect that such assumptions will not hold in general, and as a result performance of these tests will be adversely affected. We propose a hierarchical model, implemented in the new program CHARM, to detect the joint signal from rare and common variants within a genomic region while properly accounting for linkage disequilibrium between variants. Our model explores the scale, rather than the center of the odds ratio distribution, allowing for both causative and protective effects. We use cross‐validation to assess the evidence for association in a region. We use model averaging to widen the range of disease models under which we will have good power. To assess this approach, we simulate data under a range of disease models with effects at common and/or rare variants. Overall, our method had more power than other well‐known rare variant approaches; it performed well when either only rare, or only common variants were causal, and better than other approaches when both common and rare variants contributed to disease.
Changes in resting‐state functionally connected parietofrontal networks after videogame practice
Authors: Martínez Kenia , Solana Ana Beatriz , Burgaleta Miguel , Hernández‐Tamames Juan Antonio , Álvarez‐Linera Juan , Román Francisco J. , Alfayate Eva , Privado Jesús , Escorial Sergio , Quiroga María A. , Karama Sherif , Bellec Pierre , Colom Roberto
Published: July 2012

Neuroimaging studies provide evidence for organized intrinsic activity under task‐free conditions. This activity serves functionally relevant brain systems supporting cognition. Here, we analyze changes in resting‐state functional connectivity after videogame practice applying a test–retest design. Twenty young females were selected from a group of 100 participants tested on four standardized cognitive ability tests. The practice and control groups were carefully matched on their ability scores. The practice group played during two sessions per week across 4 weeks (16 h total) under strict supervision in the laboratory, showing systematic performance improvements in the game. A group independent component analysis (GICA) applying multisession temporal concatenation on test–retest resting‐state fMRI, jointly with a dual‐regression approach, was computed. Supporting the main hypothesis, the key finding reveals an increased correlated activity during rest in certain predefined resting state networks (albeit using uncorrected statistics) attributable to practice with the cognitively demanding tasks of the videogame. Observed changes were mainly concentrated on parietofrontal networks involved in heterogeneous cognitive functions. Hum Brain Mapp 34:3143–3157, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sustained attention is associated with right superior longitudinal fasciculus and superior parietal white matter microstructure in children
Authors: Klarborg Brith , Skak Madsen Kathrine , Vestergaard Martin , Skimminge Arnold , Jernigan Terry L. , Baaré William F.C.
Published: July 2012

Sustained attention develops during childhood and has been linked to the right fronto‐parietal cortices in functional imaging studies; however, less is known about its relation to white matter (WM) characteristics. Here we investigated whether the microstructure of the WM underlying and connecting the right fronto‐parietal cortices was associated with sustained attention performance in a group of 76 typically developing children aged 7–13 years. Sustained attention was assessed using a rapid visual information processing paradigm. The two behavioral measures of interest were the sensitivity index d′ and the coefficient of variation in reaction times (RTCV). Diffusion‐weighted imaging was performed. Mean fractional anisotropy (FA) was extracted from the WM underlying right dorsolateral prefrontal (DLPFC) and parietal cortex (PC), and the right superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), as well as equivalent anatomical regions‐of‐interest (ROIs) in the left hemisphere and mean global WM FA. When analyzed collectively, right hemisphere ROIs FA was significantly associated with d′ independently of age. Follow‐up analyses revealed that only FA of right SLF and the superior part of the right PC contributed significantly to this association. RTCV was significantly associated with right superior PC FA, but not with right SLF FA. Observed associations remained significant after controlling for FA of equivalent left hemisphere ROIs or global mean FA. In conclusion, better sustained attention performance was associated with higher FA of WM in regions connecting right frontal and parietal cortices. Further studies are needed to clarify to which extent these associations are driven by maturational processes, stable characteristics and/or experience. Hum Brain Mapp 34:3216–3232, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Memory performance and fMRI signal in presymptomatic familial Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Braskie Meredith N. , Medina Luis D. , Rodriguez‐Agudelo Yaneth , Geschwind Daniel H. , Macias‐Islas Miguel Angel , Thompson Paul M. , Cummings Jeffrey L. , Bookheimer Susan Y. , Ringman John M.
Published: July 2012

Rare autosomal dominant mutations result in familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) with a relatively consistent age of onset within families. This provides an estimate of years until disease onset (relative age) in mutation carriers. Increased AD risk has been associated with differences in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activity during memory tasks, but most of these studies have focused on possession of apolipoprotein E allele 4 (APOE4), a risk factor, but not causative variant, of late‐onset AD. Evaluation of fMRI activity in presymptomatic FAD mutation carriers versus noncarriers provides insight into preclinical changes in those who will certainly develop AD in a prescribed period of time. Adults from FAD mutation‐carrying families (nine mutation carriers, eight noncarriers) underwent fMRI scanning while performing a memory task. We examined fMRI signal differences between carriers and noncarriers, and how signal related to fMRI task performance within mutation status group, controlling for relative age and education. Mutation noncarriers had greater retrieval period activity than carriers in several AD‐relevant regions, including the left hippocampus. Better performing noncarriers showed greater encoding period activity including in the parahippocampal gyrus. Poorer performing carriers showed greater retrieval period signal, including in the frontal and temporal lobes, suggesting underlying pathological processes. Hum Brain Mapp 34:3308–3319, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
THE EFFECT OF MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY ON COVERAGE, UTILIZATION, AND CHILDREN'S HEALTH
Authors: De La Mata Dolores
Published: July 2012

I estimate the causal impact of Medicaid eligibility on take up, private health insurance coverage, healthcare utilization, and children's health by using a regression discontinuity design. In contrast to a standard regression discontinuity design, identification exploits multiple thresholds that arise from variation across states in income eligibility rules. Using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and its Child Development Study supplement, I find that Medicaid eligibility increases take up by 10–13 percentage points on average, rising to 24–29 percentage points at lower income eligibility thresholds. There are significant crowding out effects of the same magnitude as those on take up rates. Medicaid eligibility increases the use of preventive health care by 11–14 percentage points but only at low income thresholds. Finally, I find that Medicaid eligibility has no significant effects on health outcomes in the short and medium run. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma fluvoxamine levels and OCD symptoms/response in adult patients
Authors: Marazziti Donatella , Baroni Stefano , Giannaccini Gino , Piccinni Armando , Picchetti Michela , Massimetti Gabriele , Schiavi Elisa , Palego Lionella , Catena‐Dell'Osso Mario
Published: July 2012

Objective

In this study, we explored the possible relationships between plasma fluvoxamine levels and clinical features and/or response in adult obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) patients treated with this drug for 6 months.

Methods

Twenty OCD outpatients of both sexes who were already taking fluvoxamine (mean dose ± SD: 216.7 ±86.2) for at least 4 weeks were included in the study. The severity of OCD was assessed by means of the Yale–Brown obsessive–compulsive scale (Y‐BOCS). The fluvoxamine plasma levels were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. All evaluations were performed after 4 weeks (t1) and 6 months (t2) of fluvoxamine intake.

Results

The plasma levels of fluvoxamine remained stable at the two assessment times, with no sex‐related differences. Sixteen (80%) patients responded to treatment as shown by the significant (>35%) decrease of the Y‐BOCS total score. Men's compulsions improved more than those of women. Significant and positive correlations were detected between fluvoxamine plasma levels at t1 and t2 and the difference (delta) of the Y‐BOCS total and compulsion subscale scores between t1 and t2. Another significant, albeit negative, correlation was measured between the difference of the compulsion subscale score and the difference of fluvoxamine levels at t1 and t2.

Conclusions

These findings underline the potential importance of evaluating fluvoxamine plasma levels in OCD and their relationships with the clinical response that may be gender‐related on specific symptoms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human papillomavirus testing for triage of women with low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions
Authors: Cuzick Jack , Thomas Cox J. , Zhang Guili , Einstein Mark H. , Stoler Mark , Trupin Suzanne , Behrens Catherine M.
Published: July 2012

Low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) is a common cytologic finding in cervical screening, yet only about 10–20% have significant histologic abnormalities and these are almost always positive for high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV). This analysis aims to clarify the role of hrHPV DNA testing in the triage of women with LSIL cytology. In the ATHENA screening trial, we examined 1,084 cases of LSIL, of which 925 had an evaluable biopsy, to determine the extent to which hrHPV testing can identify those patients who have precursor lesions in need of immediate clinical referral and those who have changes more likely to regress spontaneously. Overall, 71.2% of LSIL cases were hrHPV positive, but the prevalence was age dependent, with only 56.1% in women ≥40 years. Among women with LSIL, 11.6% (107/925) had a cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) histologic diagnosis and, of these, only nine were hrHPV negative. For CIN3+, 91.7% (44/48) of women with LSIL were hrHPV positive. The negative predictive value of hrHPV testing for CIN3+ in LSIL was 100% for women aged ≥40 years. Women who were HPV16 positive had a higher positive predictive value for CIN2+ (25.4%) than those who were positive for 12 other pooled hrHPV types (11.5%). Testing for hrHPV in women with LSIL is effective in identifying high‐grade cervical lesions, thereby avoiding unnecessary referrals to colposcopy and potential over‐treatment of non‐progressive lesions, especially for women aged ≥40 years.
Fluorescent protein engineering by in vivo site‐directed mutagenesis
Authors: Valledor Melvys , Hu Qinghua , Schiller Paul , Myers Richard S.
Published: July 2012

In vivo site‐directed mutagenesis by single‐stranded deoxyribonucleic acid recombineering is a facile method to change the color of fluorescent proteins (FPs) without cloning. Two different starting alleles of GFP were targeted for mutagenesis: gfpmut3* residing in the Escherichia coli genome and egfp carried by a bacterial/mammalian dual expression lentiviral plasmid vector. Fluorescent protein spectra were shifted by subtle modification of the chromophore region and residues interacting with the chromophore of the FP. Eight different FPs (Violeta, Azure, Aqua, Mar, Celeste, Amarillo, Mostaza, and Bronze) were isolated and shown to be useful in multicolor imaging and flow cytometry of bacteria and transgenic human stem cells. To make in vivo site‐directed mutagenesis more efficient, the recombineering method was optimized using the fluorescence change as a sensitive quantitative assay for recombination. A set of rules to simplify mutant isolation by recombineering is provided. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 64(8): 684–689, 2012
The Wnt pathway and the roles for its antagonists, DKKS, in angiogenesis
Authors: Choi Hyun‐Jung , Park Hongryeol , Lee Heon‐Woo , Kwon Young‐Guen
Published: July 2012

The Wnt signaling pathway is involved in a wide range of developmental and physiological processes, such as cell fate specification, tissue morphogenesis, and homeostasis. Thus, its dysregulation has been found in multiple diseases, including some cardiovascular disorders. The loss or gain of function of Wnt pathway components results in abnormal vascular development and angiogenesis. Further study has revealed that Wnt signaling in endothelial cells appears to contribute to vascular morphogenesis and endothelial cell specification. Owing to the significance of Wnt signaling in angiogenesis, Wnt antagonists have been considered potential treatments for neovascular disorders. In line with this, members of the Dkk protein family (Dkks), well‐known Wnt antagonists, have been recently found to regulate angiogenesis. This review summarizes our present knowledge of the roles of Wnt signaling and Wnt antagonists, particularly Dkks, in angiogenic regulation and explores the therapeutic potential of Wnt antagonists. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 64(9): 724–731, 2012
Fluorescent protein engineering by in vivo site‐directed mutagenesis
Authors: Valledor Melvys , Hu Qinghua , Schiller Paul , Myers Richard S.
Published: July 2012

In vivo site‐directed mutagenesis by single‐stranded deoxyribonucleic acid recombineering is a facile method to change the color of fluorescent proteins (FPs) without cloning. Two different starting alleles of GFP were targeted for mutagenesis: gfpmut3* residing in the Escherichia coli genome and egfp carried by a bacterial/mammalian dual expression lentiviral plasmid vector. Fluorescent protein spectra were shifted by subtle modification of the chromophore region and residues interacting with the chromophore of the FP. Eight different FPs (Violeta, Azure, Aqua, Mar, Celeste, Amarillo, Mostaza, and Bronze) were isolated and shown to be useful in multicolor imaging and flow cytometry of bacteria and transgenic human stem cells. To make in vivo site‐directed mutagenesis more efficient, the recombineering method was optimized using the fluorescence change as a sensitive quantitative assay for recombination. A set of rules to simplify mutant isolation by recombineering is provided. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 2012
Multidimensional Perfectionism, Depression, and Satisfaction With Life: Differences Among Perfectionists and Tests of a Stress‐Mediation Model
Authors: Ashby Jeffrey S. , Noble Christina L. , Gnilka Philip B.
Published: July 2012

This study examined the relationship between adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism, stress, depression, and satisfaction with life in a sample of undergraduate women. The authors found that maladaptive perfectionists had lower satisfaction with life and higher stress and depression scores compared with adaptive perfectionists. Results also indicated that stress mediated the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and depression and between both maladaptive and adaptive perfectionism and satisfaction with life. Implications for college counselors are discussed.
The Relationship Between Active Coping and Trait Resilience Across U.S. and Taiwanese College Student Samples
Authors: Li Ming‐Hui , Nishikawa Takeshi
Published: July 2012

This study compared predictors of active coping (people's tendency to actively cope with stress) among college students in the United States and Taiwan. In both samples, trait resilience predicted active coping and mediated the effect of self‐efficacy on active coping. The findings indicate that trait resilience influences college students' active coping with stress, regardless of their cultural backgrounds. Implications on how to help college students enhance trait resilience are discussed.
Microencapsulation of 2‐octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive for self‐healing acrylic bone cement
Authors: Brochu Alice B. W. , Chyan William J. , Reichert William M.
Published: July 2012

Here, we report the first phase of developing self‐healing acrylic bone cement: the preparation and characterization of polyurethane (PUR) microcapsules containing a medical cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive. Capsules were prepared by interfacial polymerization of a toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate‐based polyurethane prepolymer with 1,4‐butanediol to encapsulate 2‐octylcyanoacrylate (OCA). Various capsule characteristics, including: resultant morphology, average size and size distribution, shell thickness, content and reactivity of encapsulated agent, and shelf life are investigated and their reliance on solvent type and amount, surfactant type and amount, temperature, pH, agitation rate, reaction time, and mode of addition of the oil phase to the aqueous phase are presented. Capsules had average diameters ranging from 74 to 222 μm and average shell thicknesses ranging from 1.5 to 6 μm. The capsule content was determined via thermogravimetric analysis and subsequent analysis of the capsules following up to 8 weeks storage revealed minimal loss of core contents. Mechanical testing of OCA‐containing capsules showed individual capsules withstood compressive forces up to a few tenths of Newtons, and the contents released from crushed capsules generated tensile adhesive forces of a few Newtons. Capsules were successfully mixed into the poly(methyl methacrylate) bone cement, surviving the mixing process, exposure to methyl methacrylate monomer, and the resulting exothermic matrix curing. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Evaluation of BMP‐2 tethered polyelectrolyte coatings on hydroxyapatite scaffolds in vivo
Authors: Shiels Stefanie , Oh Sunho , Bae Chunsik , Guda Teja , Singleton Brian , Dean David D. , Wenke Joseph C. , Appleford Mark R. , Ong Joo L.
Published: July 2012

The goal of this in vivo study was to evaluate the osteoinductive and angio‐inductive properties of a porous hydroxyapatite (HAp) scaffold with immobilized recombinant bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) on the surface. It was hypothesized in this study that the use of a rhBMP‐2 incorporated polyelectrolyte coating on the HAp scaffold would allow for controlled exposure of rhBMP‐2 into the tissue and would provide a sound platform for tissue growth. The scaffolds were characterized for porosity and interconnectivity using pycnometry, scanning electron microscopy and micro‐ct. These scaffolds were then divided into the following four groups: (a) HAp scaffold (n‐HAp group), (b) rhBMP‐2 physically adsorbed on HAp scaffold (HAp‐BMP‐2 Group), (c) polyelectrolyte coating on HAp scaffold without rhBMP‐2 (HAp‐PEI Scaffold Group), and (d) polyelectrolyte coating tethered with rhBMP‐2 on HAp scaffold (HAp‐PEI‐BMP‐2 Scaffold Group). Using 18 skeletally matured New Zealand white rabbits, these scaffolds were evaluated in a nonload bearing femoral condyle plug model. The negative controls for this study have defects that were left untreated and the positive controls have defects that were filled with autologous bone graft harvested from epsilateral iliac crest. Bone induction, vessel growth, and scaffold‐bone contact were analyzed after 8‐week implantation using micro‐CT and histomorphometry. It was concluded from this study that the use of scaffold with an attached rhBMP‐2 increased the vascularization around the implant when compared with the uncoated n‐HAp scaffold, a necessary step of bone regeneration. The open‐pore HAp scaffold was also concluded to provide a platform for tissue growth, drug loading, and tissue interaction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Poly (ε‐caprolactone) coating delays vancomycin delivery from porous chitosan/β‐tricalcium phosphate composites
Authors: Fang Taolin , Wen Jianchuan , Zhou Jian , Shao Zhengzhong , Dong Jian
Published: July 2012

The orthopedic infection, such as osteomyelitis, especially those caused by Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), remains a major complication of open fractures. Local vancomycin delivery is considered to provide better methods when avascular zones prevent the delivery of drugs from conventional routes of administration. Chitosan (CS) delivery system has been developed with the disadvantages, such as mechanically weakness, lacking osteoconductivity, and the initial burst of antibiotics into the environment. The aim of this study was to confirm that the prepared CS/β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) composites coated with poly (ε‐caprolactone) (PCL), similar to natural bone in components, had a three‐dimensional porous structure and could be used as drug carriers to deliver vancomycin in a sustained and controlled manner effectively for 6 weeks at levels to inhibit MRSA proliferation. We prepared porous CS/β‐TCP composites by incorporating β‐TCP into the system, and coated the composites with PCL of three different concentrations. The morphological structure of composites, including pore size and porosity, was examined. The result showed that CS/β‐TCP coated with 2.5w/v% PCL solution had the best coating effect and it retarded the release of vancomycin in a near zero‐order mechanism from 0 to 14 days. The drug delivery was significantly delayed after coated with 2.5w/v% PCL. The quantitative release of vancomycin was extended to 42 days. Therefore PCL coating could be used to retard the release of vancomycin from CS/β‐TCP composites in a sustained and controlled manner. Porous CS/β‐TCP coated with PCL might be one of the candidate vancomycin carriers for treating MRSA‐related osteomyelitis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Quantum monte carlo study of the retinal minimal model C5H6NH2+
Authors: Coccia Emanuele , Guidoni Leonardo
Published: July 2012

In this work, we study the electronic and geometrical properties of the ground state of the Retinal Minimal Model C5H6NH2+ using the variational Monte Carlo (VMC) method by means of the Jastrow antisymmetrized geminal power (JAGP) wavefunction. A full optimization of all wavefunction parameters, including coefficients, and exponents of the atomic basis, has been achieved, giving converged geometries with a compact and correlated wavefunction. The relaxed geometries of the cis and trans isomers present a pronounced bond length alternation pattern characterized by a CC central double bond slightly shorter than that reported by the CASPT2 structures. The comparison between different basis sets indicates converged values of geometrical parameters, energy differences, and dipole moments even when the smallest wavefunction is used. The compactness of the wavefunction as well as the scalability of VMC optimization algorithms on massively parallel computers opens the way to perform full structural optimizations of conjugated biomolecules of hundreds of electrons by correlated methods like Quantum Monte Carlo. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.