bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient-reported outcomes in long-term survivors of metastatic colorectal cancer needing liver resection
Authors: Rees J R , Blazeby J M , Brookes S T , John T , Welsh F K , Rees M
Published: August 2014

Background

Five-year survival after hepatic resection for colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases is good, but data on patient-reported outcomes are lacking. This study describes the long-term impact of liver surgery for CRC metastases on patient-reported outcomes.

Methods

The study used the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) C30 and the disease-specific module, EORTC QLQ-LMC21. For functional scales, mean scores out of 100 with 95 per cent c.i. were calculated; differences of 10 points or more were considered clinically significant. Responses to symptom scales and items were categorized as ‘minimal’ or ‘severe’. Proportions and 95 per cent c.i. for symptoms were calculated.

Results

A total of 241 patients were recruited; nine (3·7 per cent) had unresectable disease and were excluded. Some 68 (42 men) of 80 long-term survivors participated; their mean age was 69·5 years and median follow-up was 8·0 (range 6·9–9·2) years. Values for baseline and 1-year patient-reported outcome data were similar. Scores for functional scales were excellent (emotional function: 92, 95 per cent c.i. 87 to 96; social function: 94, 89 to 99; role function: 94, 90 to 98), reflecting clinically significant improvements from baseline values of 17 (10 to 24), 12 (3 to 21) and 12 (3 to 20) respectively. Severe symptoms were uncommon (affected less than 5 per cent of patients) for most patient-reported outcome scales or items, but persistent severe symptoms were noted for sexual function (2 per cent increase from baseline), peripheral neuropathy (2 per cent increase), constipation (10 per cent increase) and diarrhoea (5 per cent increase).

Conclusion

Long-term survivors of metastatic colorectal cancer who have undergone liver surgery have excellent global quality of life, high levels of function and few symptoms.
Amino acids as chiral auxiliaries in cyanuric chloride‐based chiral derivatizing agents for enantioseparation by liquid chromatography
Authors: Batra Sonika , Bhushan Ravi
Published: August 2014

This review summarizes and critically evaluates the recent research on application of amino acids and amino acid amides as chiral auxiliaries in cyanuric chloride (CC) based chiral derivatizing agents (CDRs), used in the indirect approach for enantiomeric resolution. Methods of synthesis of such CDRs, methods for synthesis of diastereomers of a variety of racemic compounds and parameters of liquid chromatographic separation, along with their prospects and their limitations in indirect enantioresolution, are discussed. Application of the said CDR(s) and the technical approach to be used that are discussed should be beneficial for control of enantiomeric purity in pharmaceutical industry, verification of enantiomeric ratio of commercial formulations and the development of methods for indirect resolution of a variety of chiral compounds. Derivatization methods are particularly required when a chromophore is to be introduced in low UV absorbing molecules, for their detection. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of mass transfer and mixing in rigid lab‐scale disposable bioreactors at low power input levels
Authors: van Eikenhorst Gerco , Thomassen Yvonne E. , van der Pol Leo A. , Bakker Wilfried A. M.
Published: August 2014

Mass transfer, mixing times and power consumption were measured in rigid disposable stirred tank bioreactors and compared to those of a traditional glass bioreactor. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient and mixing times are usually determined at high agitation speeds in combination with sparged aeration as used for single cell suspension and most bacterial cultures. In contrast, here low agitation speeds combined with headspace aeration were applied. These settings are generally used for cultivation of mammalian cells growing adherent to microcarriers. The rigid disposable vessels showed similar engineering characteristics compared to a traditional glass bioreactor. On the basis of the presented results appropriate settings for adherent cell culture, normally operated at a maximum power input level of 5 W m−3, can be selected. Depending on the disposable bioreactor used, a stirrer speed ranging from 38 to 147 rpm will result in such a power input of 5 W m−3. This power input will mix the fluid to a degree of 95% in 22 ± 1 s and produce a volumetric mass transfer coefficient of 0.46 ± 0.07 h−1. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:1269–1276, 2014
Photobleaching Reveals Heterogeneous Stoichiometry for Equinatoxin II Oligomers
Authors: Baker Matthew A. B. , Rojko Nejc , Cronin Bríd , Anderluh Gregor , Wallace Mark I.
Published: August 2014

Equinatoxin II (EqtII), a sea anemone cytolysin, is known to oligomerize to form pores that spontaneously insert into membranes. Crystallographic and cryo‐EM studies of structurally similar cytolysins offer contradictory evidence for pore stoichiometry. Here we used single‐molecule photobleaching of fluorescently labeled EqtII to determine the stoichiometry of EqtII oligomers in supported lipid bilayers. A frequency analysis of photobleaching steps revealed a log‐normal distribution of stoichiometries with a mean of 3.4±2.3 standard deviations. Comparison of our experimental data with simulations of fixed stoichiometries supports our observation of a heterogeneous distribution of EqtII oligomerization. These data are consistent with a model of EqtII stoichiometry where pores are on average tetrameric, but with large variation in the number of subunits in individual pores.
Low‐Resolution Structures of OmpA⋅DDM Protein–Detergent Complexes
Authors: Døvling Kaspersen Jørn , Moestrup Jessen Christian , Stougaard Vad Brian , Skipper Sørensen Esben , Kleiner Andersen Kell , Glasius Marianne , Pinto Oliveira Cristiano Luis , Otzen Daniel Erik , Pedersen Jan Skov
Published: August 2014

We have used SAXS to determine the low‐resolution structure of the outer‐membrane protein OmpA from E. coli solubilized by the surfactant dodecyl maltoside (DDM). We have studied three variants of the transmembrane domain of OmpA—namely monomers, self‐associated dimers, and covalently linked dimers—as well as the monomeric species of the full‐length protein with the periplasmic domain. We can successfully model the structures of the monomeric and covalently linked dimer as one and two natively folded proteins in a DDM micelle, respectively, whereas the noncovalently linked dimer presents a more complicated structure, possibly due to higher‐order species. We have determined the structure of the full‐length protein to be that of a globular periplasmic domain attached through a flexible linker to the transmembrane domain. This approach provides valuable information about how membrane proteins are embedded in amphiphilic environments.
Selective Hydrogenolysis of Xylitol to Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol over Silica Dispersed Copper Catalysts Prepared by a Precipitation–Gel Method
Authors: Liu Hailong , Huang Zhiwei , Xia Chungu , Jia Yuqing , Chen Jing , Liu Haichao
Published: August 2014

The selective hydrogenolysis of biomass‐derived xylitol to ethylene glycol and propylene glycol was performed on Cu–SiO2 catalysts prepared by a precipitation–gel method with different Cu contents and pretreatment temperatures. As a result of the uniform distribution of Cu particles on these catalysts, their activities and combined selectivities to ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and glycerol increased consistently with the increasing Cu particle size and reached maximum values at around 11 nm in the range of 4.0–38.0 nm. After the reaction conditions and catalyst pretreatment temperatures were optimized, a high combined yield to the target glycols of up to 70.4 % was achieved on 90 %Cu–SiO2 catalyst at ≈100 % xylitol conversion. The 90 %Cu–SiO2 catalyst can be recycled in successive runs without a significant loss of activity and selectivity by recalcination and reduction treatment after each run.
Copper‐mediated 1,4‐Conjugate Addition of Boronic Acids and Indoles to Vinylidenebisphosphonate leading to gem‐Bisphosphonates as Potential Antiresorption Bone Drugs
Authors: Chiminazzo Andrea , Sperni Laura , Damuzzo Martina , Strukul Giorgio , Scarso Alessandro
Published: August 2014

A wide range of gem‐bisphosphonate tetraethyl esters as precursors for bisphosphonic acids, which are potent inhibitors of bone resorption, bearing alkyl, aryl, and indole substituents in the β position were prepared through the CuII‐catalyzed 1,4‐conjugate addition of boronic acids and indoles to vinylidenebisphosphonate tetraethyl ester.
Multifunctional Ag‐Decorated Porous TiO2 Nanofibers in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells: Efficient Light Harvesting, Light Scattering, and Electrolyte Contact
Authors: Hwang Sun Hye , Song Hee , Lee Jungsup , Jang Jyongsik
Published: August 2014

Designing the photoanode structure in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is vital to realizing enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE). Herein, novel multifunctional silver‐decorated porous titanium dioxide nanofibers (Ag/pTiO2 NFs) made by simple electrospinning, etching, and chemical reduction processes are introduced. The Ag/pTiO2 NFs with a high surface area of 163 m2 g−1 provided sufficient dye adsorption for light harvesting. Moreover, the approximately 200 nm diameter and rough surface of the Ag/pTiO2 NFs offered enough light scattering, and the enlarged interpores among the NFs in the photoanode also permitted electrolyte circulation. Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were well dispersed on the surface of the TiO2 NFs, which prevented aggregation of the Ag NPs after calcination. Furthermore, a localized surface plasmon resonance effect by the Ag NPs served to increase the light absorption at visible wavelengths. The surface area and amount of Ag NPs was optimized. The PCE of pTiO2 NF‐based DSSCs was 27 % higher (from 6.2 to 7.9 %) than for pure TiO2 NFs, whereas the PCE of Ag/pTiO2 NF‐based DSSCs increased by about 12 % (from 7.9 to 8.8 %). Thus, the PCE of the multifunctional pTiO2 NFs was improved by 42 %, that is, from 6.2 to 8.8 %.
Correlation of static aging effects on automotive catalysts
Authors: Blades Luke , Douglas Roy , McCullough Geoffrey , Woods Andrew
Published: August 2014

This study identifies and analyzes the effect that aging time and temperature have on the CO light‐off activity of three‐way catalyst samples, aged in a static air (oxidizing) atmosphere. The bench aging time (BAT) equation proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which describes aging as dependent upon time at temperature, was used to calculate a range of oven aging times and temperatures based on a RAT‐A engine bench aging cycle.

CO light‐off tests carried out on cores aged between 800 and 900 °C have shown that it is the aging temperature that has the greatest effect on catalyst deterioration for static aging testing, with aging time having little effect. These results were in contradiction to the BAT equation, an industry norm for the aging of catalysts. This demonstrates that static aging, whilst showing how temperature affects aging, gives little or no time effects. The results have shown that static aging is not representative of actual aging on a vehicle.

Progressive aging conducted at a temperature of 1000 °C was shown to cause a decrease in catalyst activity as the aging time increased. However, even in these extreme conditions, static aging gave a slower rate of aging with time when compared to engine aging as defined by the BAT equation. Overall, static aging in air has been shown to produce a greater increase in aging due to temperature than predicted by the BAT equation, but less aging due to aging time.
Removal of Lead and Chromium from Synthetic Wastewater Using Vetiveria zizanioides
Authors: Singh Veralika , Thakur Lokendra , Mondal Prasenjit
Published: August 2014

The present study deals with the removal of Pb and Cr from synthetic wastewater using Vetiveria zizanioides in a batch scale floating platform unit. The effect of pH, initial concentration of metals, and time on the removal of Pb and Cr has been studied. Vetiveria zizanioides has shown optimum growth at a pH 6–9 and good removal conditions for 5–20 mg/L Pb and Cr. The described process showed good uptake ability for both Pb and Cr, ranging from 80 to 94% for Pb and about 77–78% for Cr, respectively. The uptake of Cr is found to be faster than the Pb uptake process. The removal of Pb has shown an inductive effect whereas Cr removal is found to be non‐inductive. Most of Cr is found to be stored in the stem (28.3 g/kg) of the plant whereas most of Pb is found to be stored in the roots (57.015 g/kg). The performance of the present process seems to be more efficient compared with other phytoremediation methods.
Changes of Phytoplankton and Water Quality under the Regulation of Filter‐Feeding Fishes and Submerged Aquatic Plants in a Large‐Scale Experiment
Authors: Wang Qing , Xia Lu , Xu Xia , Fu Jie , An Shuqing , Wang Baozhong
Published: August 2014

Biological regulation means to inhibit proliferation of harmful phytoplankton by adjusting the community structure of the lake ecosystem and to rebuild a stable and healthy one using the self‐regulating ability of the lake; but its effectiveness is still controversial. Two ways of biological control (i.e., a combination of filter‐feeding fishes plus submerged plants and submerged plants alone) were tested in a large‐scale in situ enclosure experiment, carried out at Gonghu Bay of Taihu Lake, China. Changes of both phytoplankton flora and water quality under two experimental conditions were dynamically monitored. The results showed that (1) filter‐feeding fishes decreased the phytoplankton density and promoted phytoplankton biodiversity, while submerged plants inhibited phytoplankton only in spring and showed no significant effect on phytoplankton biodiversity. (2) Submerged plants improved the water quality, however, filter‐feeding fishes had adverse impact on it. Thus, we tentatively concluded that filter‐feeding fishes is more effective than submerged plants in regulating phytoplankton flora, while submerged plants play an important role in improving water quality.
Scale‐Related Contribution of Environmental and Spatial Processes to Structuring Phytoplankton Assemblages
Authors: Wan Yun , Hu Jing , Xu Lili , Xu Chi , Wan An , Chen Yushun
Published: August 2014

To understand whether the relative roles of environmental control and spatial processes on phytoplankton community structure vary spatially, we collected species and environmental data in August 2010 from three hierarchical spatial scales (basin, region, and sub‐region) from the Huai River Basin, China. We assessed the importance of environmental control and spatial processes in structuring phytoplankton community at the three scales, respectively. Using the method of variation partitioning, we partitioned the community variation into fractions attributable to pure environment variables, pure spatial variables (constructed by Moran's eigenvector maps), and both space and environment. We found that the importance of pure environmental control in phytoplankton community increased with decreasing spatial scales, while the importance of pure spatial processes increased with increasing spatial scales. There was no clear relationship between spatial scale and the variation that related to both space and environment. The relative importance of environmental control and spatial processes is not only related to spatial scale, but also to region context. To predict the importance of spatial and environmental variables in structuring phytoplankton communities in streams, the spatial scale needs to be considered.
Novel Hinge‐Binding Motifs for Janus Kinase 3 Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Structure–Activity Relationship Study on Tofacitinib Bioisosteres
Authors: Gehringer Matthias , Forster Michael , Pfaffenrot Ellen , Bauer Silke M. , Laufer Stefan A.
Published: August 2014

The Janus kinases (JAKs) are a family of cytosolic tyrosine kinases crucially involved in cytokine signaling. JAKs have been demonstrated to be valid targets in the treatment of inflammatory and myeloproliferative disorders, and two inhibitors, tofacitinib and ruxolitinib, recently received their marketing authorization. Despite this success, selectivity within the JAK family remains a major issue. Both approved compounds share a common 7H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidine hinge binding motif, and little is known about modifications tolerated at this heterocyclic core. In the current study, a library of tofacitinib bioisosteres was prepared and tested against JAK3. The compounds possessed the tofacitinib piperidinyl side chain, whereas the hinge binding motif was replaced by a variety of heterocycles mimicking its pharmacophore. In view of the promising expectations obtained from molecular modeling, most of the compounds proved to be poorly active. However, strategies for restoring activity within this series of novel chemotypes were discovered and crucial structure–activity relationships were deduced. The compounds presented may serve as starting point for developing novel JAK inhibitors and as a valuable training set for in silico models.
Photoinduced Energy Transfer from Poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) to Tricarbonylchloro‐(2,2′‐bipyridyl)rhenium(I)
Authors: Portenkirchner Engelbert , Apaydin Dogukan , Aufischer Gottfried , Havlicek Marek , White Matthew , Scharber Markus Clark , Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar
Published: August 2014

This work investigates the photoinduced energy transfer from poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK), as a donor material, to fac‐(2,2′‐bipyridyl)Re(CO)3Cl, as a catalyst acceptor, for its potential application towards CO2 reduction. Photoluminescence quenching experiments reveal dynamic quenching through resonance energy transfer in solid donor/acceptor mixtures and in solid/liquid systems. The bimolecular reaction rate constant at solution–film interfaces for the elementary reaction of the excited state with the quencher material could be determined as 8.8(±1.4)×1011 L mol−1 s−1 by using Stern–Volmer analysis. This work shows that PVK is an effective and cheap absorber material that can act efficiently as a redox photosensitizer in combination with fac‐(2,2′‐bipyridyl)Re(CO)3Cl as a catalyst acceptor, which might lead to possible applications in photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Substrate Based on Large‐Area Well‐Defined Gold Nanoparticle Arrays with High SERS Uniformity and Stability
Authors: Zheng Yan , Wang Wenxin , Fu Qun , Wu Minghong , Shayan Kamran , Wong Kin Mun , Singh Sukhdeep , Schober Andreas , Schaaf Peter , Lei Yong
Published: August 2014

A fabrication process that combines an ultrathin alumina membrane (UTAM) surface nanopatterning technique and a physical vapor deposition method has been designed for realizing well‐defined Au nanoparticle arrays for sensitive, uniform, and stable surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)‐active substrates. High Raman signals are obtained by adjusting the structural parameters of the metallic nanoparticles when rhodamine 6G (R6G) and 4‐mercaptopyridine (4‐MP) are used as the probe molecules. The corresponding estimated enhancement factors (EFs) are 6.5×106 (R6G) and 6.8×105 (4‐MP), respectively. The simulated distributions of the electric field of SERS substrates coincide with the experimental results. Raman measurements at randomly selected spots on a substrate show a standard EF deviation of about 5 %, which indicates a desirable SERS uniformity. An advantageous feature of our SERS substrate is its long‐term stability of enhanced Raman signals. Raman measurements on a substrate after one year show almost the same magnitude of Raman signal (106 for R6G and 105 for 4‐MP) as that of the original measurement. Such substrates with good SERS sensitivity, uniformity, and stability should have high potential for SERS‐related applications.
On the eigenvalue and Shannon's entropy of finite length random sequences
Authors: Liu Lingfeng , Miao Suoxia , Hu Hanping , Deng Yashuang
Published: August 2014

Pseudorandom binary sequences play a significant role in many fields, such as spread spectrum communications, stochastic computation, and cryptography. The complexity measures of sequences and their relationship still remain an interesting open problem. In this article, we study on the eigenvalue of random sequences, deduce its theoretical expectation and variance of random sequences with length N, and establish the relationship between eigenvalue and Shannon's entropy. The results show that these two measures are consistent. Furthermore, the eigenvalue of random n‐block sequences and its relation to Shannon's entropy are also been studied. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 154–161, 2015
Effect of Mn doping on the growth and properties of enstatite single crystals
Authors: Catalano Manuela , Bloise Andrea , Pingitore Valentino , Miriello Domenico , Cazzanelli Enzo , Giarola Marco , Mariotto Gino , Barrese Eugenio
Published: August 2014

Millimetric Mn‐doped enstatite (MgSiO3) crystals have been grown by slow cooling in MoO3, V2O5, and Li2CO3 flux. Six starting mixture with different amount of manganese were slowly cooled from 1350 °C, 1050 °C and 950 °C down to 750 °C, 650 °C and 600 °C respectively. The enstatite crystals were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS). Mn‐doped enstatite crystals were reddish in color, euhedral and elongate parallel to c‐axis. The largest enstatite crystal obtained is 8.5 mm in length. The effects of growth parameters on yield and size of crystals were studied. Variations observed in crystal size were attributed to the amount of Mn doping. Further characterizations by μ‐Raman spectroscopy (μ‐R) and cathodoluminescence (CL) allowed to study the effect of Mn doping on some chemical/physical characteristics of the enstatite and to assess its potential in advanced technological applications.
Carbon Nanofibers Modified with Heteroatoms as Metal‐Free Catalysts for the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane
Authors: Marco Yanila , Roldán Laura , Muñoz Edgar , García‐Bordejé Enrique
Published: August 2014

Carbon nanofibres (CNFs) were modified with B and P by an ex situ approach. In addition, CNFs doped with N were prepared in situ using ethylenediamine as the N and C source. After calcination, the doped CNFs were used as catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane. For B‐CNFs, the effects of boron loading and calcination temperature on B speciation and catalytic conversion were studied. For the same reaction temperatures and conversions, B‐ and P‐doped CNFs exhibited higher selectivities to propene than pristine CNFs. The N‐CNFs were the most active but the least selective of the catalysts tested here. Our results also show that the type of P precursor affects the selectivity to propene and that CNFs modified using triphenylphosphine as the precursor provided the highest selectivity at isoconversion.
Iron Oxide Encapsulated by Ruthenium Hydroxyapatite as Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Synthesis of 2,5‐Diformylfuran
Authors: Zhang Zehui , Yuan Ziliang , Tang Dingguo , Ren Yongshen , Lv Kangle , Liu Bing
Published: August 2014

Magnetic γ‐Fe2O3 nanocrystallites encapsulated by hydroxyapatite (HAP), HAP@γ‐Fe2O3, were prepared followed by cation exchange of Ca2+ on the external HAP surface with Ru3+ to give the γ‐Fe2O3@HAP‐Ru catalyst. The structure of the as‐prepared catalyst was characterized, and its catalytic activity was studied in the aerobic oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). γ‐Fe2O3@HAP‐Ru showed a high catalytic activity for the aerobic oxidation of HMF into 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF). A high DFF yield of 89.1 % with an HMF conversion of 100 % was obtained after 4 h at 90 °C. Importantly, the synthesis of DFF from fructose was realized by two consecutive steps. The dehydration of fructose in the presence of a magnetic acid catalyst (Fe3O4@SiO2SO3H) produced HMF in a yield of 90.1 %. Then the Fe3O4@SiO2SO3H catalyst was removed from the reaction solution with a permanent magnet, and HMF in the resulting solution was further oxidized to DFF with a yield of 79.1 % based on fructose. The synthesis of DFF from fructose by two steps avoids the tedious separation of the intermediate HMF, which saves time and energy.
Enabling LiTFSI‐based Electrolytes for Safer Lithium‐Ion Batteries by Using Linear Fluorinated Carbonates as (Co)Solvent
Authors: Kalhoff Julian , Bresser Dominic , Bolloli Marco , Alloin Fannie , Sanchez Jean‐Yves , Passerini Stefano
Published: August 2014

In this Full Paper we show that the use of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) as conducting salt in commercial lithium‐ion batteries is made possible by introducing fluorinated linear carbonates as electrolyte (co)solvents. Electrolyte compositions based on LiTFSI and fluorinated carbonates were characterized regarding their ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability towards oxidation and with respect to their ability to form a protective film of aluminum fluoride on the aluminum surface. Moreover, the investigation of the electrochemical performance of standard lithium‐ion anodes (graphite) and cathodes (Li[Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3]O2, NMC) in half‐cell configuration showed stable cycle life and good rate capability. Finally, an NMC/graphite full‐cell confirmed the suitability of such electrolyte compositions for practical lithium‐ion cells, thus enabling the complete replacement of LiPF6 and allowing the realization of substantially safer lithium‐ion batteries.
Energy and Chemicals from the Selective Electrooxidation of Renewable Diols by Organometallic Fuel Cells
Authors: Bellini Marco , Bevilacqua Manuela , Filippi Jonathan , Lavacchi Alessandro , Marchionni Andrea , Miller Hamish A. , Oberhauser Werner , Vizza Francesco , Annen Samuel P. , Grützmacher H.
Published: August 2014

Invited for this month’s cover are the groups of Hansjörg Grützmacher at ETH in Zürich and Francesco Vizza at ICCOM‐CNR in Florence. The image shows in an allegoric form an organometallic fuel cell releasing energy and fine chemicals produced through the electrooxidation of renewable diols. The Communication itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201402316
I want it all and i want it now: Delay of gratification in preschool children
Authors: Imuta Kana , Hayne Harlene , Scarf Damian
Published: August 2014

On the delay‐of‐gratification choice paradigm, 4‐year‐olds typically choose the larger, delayed reward, exhibiting delay of gratification, whereas 3‐year‐olds typically choose the small, immediate reward. Despite this highly replicated finding, the cognitive mechanism(s) underlying 3‐year‐olds' failure on the choice paradigm remain unclear. Recently, several researchers have proposed the involvement of the “hot” affective system and the “cool” cognitive system in pre‐schoolers' performance on the choice paradigm. Using this “hot” and “cool” systems framework, we tested 112 3‐ and 4‐year‐olds on a modified choice paradigm that was designed to help young children better utilize their “cool” system, allowing them to make more mindful and future‐oriented decisions. In the modified paradigm, 3‐year‐olds made choices consistent with those of 4‐year‐olds, exhibiting delay of gratification. These findings have important implications for previous theoretical accounts of 3‐year‐old children's failure to delay gratification. Additionally, they highlight the critical role that the method plays in young children's performance on cognitive paradigms. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 1541–1552, 2014.
A content analysis of weight stigmatization in popular television programming for adolescents
Authors: Eisenberg Marla E. , Carlson‐McGuire Ashley , Gollust Sarah E. , Neumark‐Sztainer Dianne
Published: August 2014

Objective

This study provides updated information regarding the prevalence and characteristics of weight stigma in popular adolescent television programming, using a sample of favorite shows named by diverse adolescents.

Method

Participants in a large, population‐based study of Minnesota adolescents (N = 2,793, mean age = 14.4) listed their top three favorite television shows. A coding instrument was developed to analyze randomly selected episodes from the most popular 10 programs. Weight‐stigmatizing incidents were compared across television show characteristics and characters' gender and weight status.

Results

Half (50%) of the 30 episodes analyzed contained at least one weight‐stigmatizing incident. Both youth‐ and adult‐targeted shows contained weight‐stigmatizing comments, but the percent of these comments was much higher for youth‐targeted (55.6%) than general audience‐targeted shows (8.3%). Male characters were more likely than females to engage in (72.7% vs. 27.3%), and be the targets of, weight stigma (63.6% vs. 36.4%), and there was no difference in the amount of weight stigmatizing directed at average weight females compared to overweight females. Targets of these instances showed a negative response in only about one‐third of cases, but audience laughter followed 40.9% of cases.

Discussion

The portrayal of weight stigmatization on popular television shows—including targeting women of average weight—sends signals to adolescents about the wide acceptability of this behavior and the expected response, which may be harmful. Prevention of weight stigmatization should take a multi‐faceted approach and include the media. Future research should explore the impact that weight‐related stigma in television content has on viewers. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, (Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:759–766)
Globalization and eating disorder risk: Peer influence, perceived social norms, and adolescent disordered eating in Fiji
Authors: Gerbasi Margaret E. , Richards Lauren K. , Thomas Jennifer J. , Agnew‐Blais Jessica C. , Thompson‐Brenner Heather , Gilman Stephen E. , Becker Anne E.
Published: August 2014

Objective

The increasing global health burden imposed by eating disorders warrants close examination of social exposures associated with globalization that potentially elevate risk during the critical developmental period of adolescence in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). The study aim was to investigate the association of peer influence and perceived social norms with adolescent eating pathology in Fiji, a LMIC undergoing rapid social change.

Method

We measured peer influence on eating concerns (with the Inventory of Peer Influence on Eating Concerns; IPIEC), perceived peer norms associated with disordered eating and body concerns, perceived community cultural norms, and individual cultural orientations in a representative sample of school‐going ethnic Fijian adolescent girls (n = 523). We then developed a multivariable linear regression model to examine their relation to eating pathology (measured by the Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire; EDE‐Q).

Results

We found independent and statistically significant associations between both IPIEC scores and our proxy for perceived social norms specific to disordered eating (both p < .001) and EDE‐Q global scores in a fully adjusted linear regression model.

Discussion

Study findings support the possibility that peer influence as well as perceived social norms relevant to disordered eating may elevate risk for disordered eating in Fiji, during the critical developmental period of adolescence. Replication and extension of these research findings in other populations undergoing rapid social transition—and where globalization is also influencing local social norms—may enrich etiologic models and inform strategies to mitigate risk. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:727–737)
Impaired left atrial function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Santos Angela B.S. , Kraigher‐Krainer Elisabeth , Gupta Deepak K. , Claggett Brian , Zile Michael R. , Pieske Burkert , Voors Adriaan A. , Lefkowitz Marty , Bransford Toni , Shi Victor , Packer Milton , McMurray John J.V. , Shah Amil M. , Solomon Scott D. ,   for the PARAMOUNT Investigators
Published: August 2014

Aims

Left atrial (LA) enlargement is present in the majority of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients and is a marker of risk. However, the importance of LA function in HFpEF is less well understood.

Methods and results

The PARAMOUNT trial enrolled HFpEF patients (LVEF ≥45%, NT‐proBNP >400 pg/mL). We assessed LA reservoir, conduit, and pump function using two‐dimensional volume indices and speckle tracking echocardiography in 135 HFpEF patients in sinus rhythm at the time of echocardiography and 40 healthy controls of similar age and gender. Systolic LA strain was related to clinical characteristics and measures of cardiac structure and function. Compared with controls, HFpEF patients had worse LA reservoir, conduit, and pump function. The differences in systolic LA strain (controls 39.2 ± 6.6% vs. HFpEF 24.6 ± 7.3%) between groups remained significant after adjustments and even in the subsets of HFpEF patients with normal LA size or without a history of AF. Among HFpEF patients, lower systolic LA strain was associated with higher prevalence of prior HF hospitalization and history of AF, as well as worse LV systolic function, and higher LV mass and LA volume. However, NT‐proBNP and E/E′ were similar across the quartiles of LA function.

Conclusions

In this HFpEF cohort, we observed impairment in all phases of LA function, and systolic LA strain was decreased independent of LA size or history of AF. LA dysfunction may be a marker of severity and play a pathophysiological role in HFpEF.

Trial registration: NCT00887588.
Super‐responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy remain at risk for ventricular arrhythmias and benefit from defibrillator treatment
Authors: van der Heijden Aafke C. , Höke Ulas , Thijssen Joep , Borleffs C. Jan Willem , van Rees Johannes B. , van der Velde Enno T. , Schalij Martin J. , van Erven Lieselot
Published: August 2014

Aims

Mortality and ventricular arrhythmias are reduced in patients responding to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). This response is accompanied by improvement in LVEF, and some patients even outgrow original eligibility criteria for implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) implantation. It is however unclear if these patients still benefit from ICD treatment. The current study aimed to evaluate if the incidence of ICD therapy is related to the extent of CRT response.

Methods and results

All patients who underwent primary prevention CRT‐defibrillator implantation were included. They were divided into subgroups according to the reduction in LV end‐systolic volume (LVESV) 6 months after implantation. Pre‐defined subgroups were: negative responders (increased LVESV), non‐responders (decreased LVESV 0–14%), responders (decreased LVESV 15–29%), and super‐responders (decreased LVESV ≥30%). During a median follow‐up of 57 months (25th–75th percentile 39–84), 512 patients were studied [101 (20%) negative responders, 101 (20%) non‐responders, 149 (29%) responders, and 161 (31%) super‐responders]. In the first year of follow‐up super‐responders received significantly less appropriate ICD therapy (3% vs. 12%; P < 0.001). The 5‐year cumulative incidence of appropriate ICD therapy was 31% [95% confidence interval (CI) 19–43] in negative responders, 39% (95% CI 25–53) in non‐responders, 34% (95% CI 25–43) in responders, and 27% (95% CI 18–35) in super‐responders, respectively (p = 0.13).

Conclusions

The extent of CRT response was associated with a parallel reduction of appropriate device therapy during the first year of follow‐up. Thereafter, no association was observed. Furthermore, 23% of super‐responders were treated for potentially life‐threatening arrhythmias and benefit from ICD treatment.
Properties and Reactivity of Conformationally Constrained Bicyclic Diarylprolinol Silyl Ethers as Organocatalysts
Authors: Lombardo Marco , Cerisoli Lucia , Manoni Elisabetta , Montroni Elisa , Quintavalla Arianna , Trombini Claudio
Published: August 2014

Bicyclic silyl ether derivatives 1, which are derived from simple chemical manipulations of trans‐4‐L‐hydroxyproline, were recently proposed, by us, as conformationally constrained analogues of Jørgensen–Hayashi's catalysts 2. Despite the structural similarities, 1 displays remarkable performance in iminium chemistry with respect to 2, but much lower reactivity in enamine chemistry. The peculiar structural features of 1 confer a pattern of reactivity between Jørgensen–Hayashi's catalysts and MacMillan's imidazolidinones.
More ubiquitous effects from non‐pharmacologic than from pharmacologic treatments for fibromyalgia syndrome: A meta‐analysis examining six core symptoms
Authors: Perrot S. , Russell I.J.
Published: August 2014

This study aimed to characterize and compare the efficacy profile on six fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) core symptoms associated with pharmacologic and non‐pharmacologic treatments. We screened PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library for FM articles from 1990 to September 2012 to analyse randomized controlled trials comparing pharmacologic or non‐pharmacologic treatments to placebo or sham. Papers including assessments of at least 2 of the 6 main FM symptom domains – pain, sleep disturbance, fatigue, affective symptoms (depression/anxiety), functional deficit and cognitive impairment – were selected for analysis. Studies exploring pharmacologic approaches (n = 21) were mainly dedicated to treating a small number of dimensions, mostly pain. They were of good quality but were not prospectively designed to simultaneously document efficacy for the management of multiple core FM symptom domains. Only amitriptyline demonstrated a significant effect on as many as three core FM symptoms, but it exhibited many adverse effects and was subject to early tachyphylaxis. Studies involving non‐pharmacologic approaches (n = 64) were typically of poorer quality but were more often dedicated to multidimensional targets. Pool therapy demonstrated significant effects on five symptom domains, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on four domains, balneotherapy on three domains and exercise, cognitive behaviour therapy and massage on two domains each. Differences between pharmacologic and non‐pharmacologic approaches may be related to different modes of action, tolerability profiles and study designs. Very few drugs in well‐designed clinical trials have demonstrated significant relief for multiple FM symptom domains, whereas non‐pharmacologic treatments with weaker study designs have demonstrated multidimensional effects. Future therapeutic trials for FM should prospectively examine each of the core domains and should attempt to combine pharmacologic and non‐pharmacologic therapies in well‐designed clinical trials.
Surface Changes at Platinized Platinum Based Hydrogen Gas Electrodes Following Use in Highly Saline Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Camões M. F. , Anes B. , Oliveira C. S. , Jorge M. E. Melo
Published: August 2014

Platinized platinum based hydrogen gas electrodes, Pt(Pt)|H2(g)|H+(aq), and silver‐silver chloride electrodes, Ag|AgCl|Cl− (aq), make up the Harned cell, without transfer, working in the potentiometric mode at Cl− concentrations and ionic strengths, I, below 0.1 mol kg−1, for assigning primary pH values to reference pH buffer solutions. This work reports on experiments performed at higher I and Cl− solutions up to 0.7 mol kg−1, aiming at addressing seawater conditions with results of equally high quality. In the course of measurements, the occasional occurrence of highly unstable potentials denoted electrode malfunction; Pt metal surfaces observed by SEM/EDS and XRD exhibit strong Ag and Cl peaks corresponding to the presence of AgCl crystals deposited at both surfaces.
Electrocatalytic Determination of Traces of Hydrazine by a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Palladium‐Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Shamsipur Mojtaba , Karimi Ziba , Tabrizi Mahmoud Amouzadeh , Shamsipur Ali
Published: August 2014

A glassy carbon electrode modified with palladium/gold nanoparticles was successfully prepared by an electrodeposition process. It efficiently oxidizes hydrazine at a low overpotential of −0.26 V versus SCE. The Pd‐AuNPs with an average size of 50–80 nm are uniformly dispersed at the GCE. The Pd‐AuNPs/GCE was used for determination of hydrazine in phosphate buffer solution of pH 7.0. The amperometric current response of the electrode was increased linearly over a hydrazine concentration of 0.1–500 µM with a limit of detection of 0.07 µM .The prepared hydrazine sensor exhibited high sensitivity, good selectivity reproducibility and long term stability.
Lead Film Electrode Prepared with the Use of a Reversibly Deposited Mediator Metal in Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry of Nickel
Authors: Tyszczuk‐Rotko Katarzyna , Metelka Radovan , Vytřas Karel , Barczak Mariusz
Published: August 2014

The paper presents the first report on application of a “hybrid” lead film electrode for the adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination of Ni(II) in the presence of nioxime as a complexing agent. The strategy to create a “hybrid” electrode is based on the combination of ex situ and in situ plating methods and the use of a reversibly deposited mediator metal (Zn) for the lead film formation. The surface morphology of a new sensor was characterized by atomic force microscopy. The detection limit for Ni(II) obtained at 120 s of accumulation time was 3.9×10−11 mol L−1. The proposed method was validated for the determination of nickel in water certified reference materials with good results.
Metabolomic profiling of serum in the progression of Alzheimer's disease by capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry
Authors: González‐Domínguez Raúl , García Antonia , García‐Barrera Tamara , Barbas Coral , Gómez‐Ariza José Luis
Published: August 2014

There is high interest in the discovery of early diagnostic biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease, for which metabolomics exhibits a great potential. In this work, a metabolomic approach based on ultrafiltration and analysis by CE‐MS has been used to obtain representative fingerprints of polar metabolites from serum samples in order to distinguish between patients with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, and healthy controls. By the use of partial least squares discriminant analysis it was possible to classify patients according to the disease stage and then identify potential markers. Significant increase was observed with progression of disease in levels of choline, creatinine, asymmetric dimethyl‐arginine, homocysteine‐cysteine disulfide, phenylalanyl‐phenylalanine, and different medium chain acylcarnitines. On the other hand, asparagine, methionine, histidine, carnitine, acetyl‐spermidine, and C5‐carnitine were reduced in these serum samples. In this way, multiple essential pathways were found implicated in the underlying pathology, such as oxidative stress or defects in energy metabolism. However, the most interesting results are related to the association of several vascular risk factors with Alzheimer's disease.
Carbonic anhydrase promoted absorption of CO2 into potassium carbonate solutions
Authors: Thee Hendy , Smith Kathryn H. , da Silva Gabriel , Kentish Sandra E. , Stevens Geoffrey W.
Published: August 2014

The effect of adding relatively small quantities of Novozymes NS81239 (NCA) carbonic anhydrase enzyme on the absorption of CO2 into a 30 wt% potassium carbonate solution has been investigated. Results demonstrated that at 40°C the addition of 2 μM NCA enhances the pseudo‐first‐order rate coefficient and thus the overall absorption process of CO2 into potassium carbonate solvents by around 30%. As the enzyme concentration is increased in the range of about 0 to 2 μM the enhancement increases according to a first order relationship, although further increasing the NCA concentration to 9 μM presented no greater catalytic effect than that from 2 μM. The rate coefficient for NCA catalyzed CO2 hydration measured in 30 wt% K2CO3 solution at 40°C in a wetted wall column is similar to that measured in dilute, neutral pH media at room temperature using stopped flow spectrophotometry. This work also demonstrates that, at a constant enzyme concentration, the overall absorption of CO2 into carbonate solvents increases with temperature from 40°C to 60°C, whereas above this range an increase in temperature proves to be counter‐productive.
Life‐cycle performance of natural gas power plants with pre‐combustion CO2 capture
Authors: Petrakopoulou Fontina , Iribarren Diego , Dufour Javier
Published: August 2014

CO2 capture and storage involves technologies that separate, capture, and store CO2 from large facilities, such as fossil fuel power plants. Although it is a promising measure to meet environmental standards on carbon pollution, proposed technologies in power plants are energy demanding and decrease the energy generated per unit of input fuel when compared to business‐as‐usual scenarios. In this paper, we evaluate the environmental performance of two similarly structured combined‐cycle power plants with pre‐combustion capture. The first power plant performs methane steam reforming in an autothermal reformer, while the second plant uses a reactor that includes a hydrogen‐separating membrane. The two plants are compared both to one another and to a business‐as‐usual scenario using six environmental impact potentials (abiotic depletion, global warming, ozone layer depletion, photochemical oxidant formation, acidification, and eutrophication). The goal is to pinpoint environmental weaknesses and strengths of the two capture technologies. We find that the two plants result in similar impacts, decreasing the contribution to global warming of conventional operation but, at the same time, increasing other impacts, such as ozone layer depletion and photochemical oxidant formation. Additionally, the two capture plants result in higher cumulative non‐renewable and total energy demands, as well as in lower life‐cycle energy balances and efficiencies. The most direct measure to decrease the environmental impacts of the examined techniques would be to increase their efficiency, by decreasing the requirements of the processes in natural and energy resources.© 2014 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Exceptional preservation of Upper Carboniferous (lower Westphalian) fossils from Edlington, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK
Authors: Lomax Dean R. , Robinson Peter , Cleal Christopher J. , Bowden Alistair , Larkin Nigel R.
Published: August 2014

A new fossil‐bearing, Upper Carboniferous (lower Westphalian) locality in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK, is reported and an account of the fossils is presented. The diverse flora and fauna consists of plants, bivalves, arthropods (primarily xiphosurans), tentaculitids (microconchids), fish scales, shark egg capsules and coprolites. Fossils are preserved in siderite nodules and shales, and display excellent preservation and detail. Previous collecting of Carboniferous fossils in the Doncaster area has been minimal. The discovery of this locality addresses this deficit and is of further importance as such localities in the UK are diminishing in number with the cessation of coal‐mining and the reclamation of mine dumps, further demonstrating the importance and recognition of the Edlington site. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.