bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Active Functionalities on Few‐Layered Graphene Catalysts for Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Isobutane
Authors: Dathar Gopi Krishna Phani , Tsai Yu‐Tung , Gierszal Kamil , Xu Ye , Liang Chengdu , Rondinone Adam J. , Overbury Steven H. , Schwartz Viviane
Published: January 2014

The general consensus in the studies of nanostructured carbon catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of alkanes to olefins is that the oxygen functionalities generated during synthesis and reaction are responsible for the catalytic activity of these nanostructured carbons. Identification of the highly active oxygen functionalities would enable engineering of nanocarbons for ODH of alkanes. Few‐layered graphenes were used as model catalysts in experiments to synthesize reduced graphene oxide samples with varying oxygen concentrations, to characterize oxygen functionalities, and to measure the activation energies for ODH of isobutane. Periodic density functional theory calculations were performed on graphene nanoribbon models with a variety of oxygen functionalities at the edges to calculate their thermal stability and to model reaction mechanisms for ODH of isobutane. Comparing measured and calculated thermal stability and activation energies leads to the conclusion that dicarbonyls at the zigzag edges and quinones at armchair edges are appropriately balanced for high activity, relative to other model functionalities considered herein. In the ODH of isobutane, both dehydrogenation and regeneration of catalytic sites are relevant at the dicarbonyls, whereas regeneration is facile compared with dehydrogenation at quinones. The catalytic mechanism involves weakly adsorbed isobutane reducing functional oxygen and leaving as isobutene, and O2 in the feed, weakly adsorbed on the hydrogenated functionality, reacting with that hydrogen and regenerating the catalytic sites.
Growth inhibition and differences in protein profiles in azadirachtin‐treated Drosophila melanogaster larvae
Authors: Wang Hao , Lai Duo , Yuan Mei , Xu Hanhong
Published: January 2014

Azadirachtin A is a very effective biopesticide widely used in insect pest control. It has strong antifeeding and growth inhibitory activity against most insects, however, its mode of action is still unclear. Proteomic experiments using 2DE indicate significant effects of Azadirachtin A on the amount of proteins related to growth inhibition in Drosophila melanogaster larvae. Twenty‐one spots with different intensity in azadirachtin‐treated larvae were identified. These proteins are involved in cytoskeletal organization, transcription and translation, hormonal regulation, and energy metabolism. Protein network analysis reveals heat shock protein 23 to be a potential target of azadirachtin. These results provide new insights into understanding the mechanism of growth inhibition in insects in response to azadirachtin.
County‐level analysis of the impact of temperature and population increases on California wildfire data
Authors: Baltar M. , Keeley J. E. , Schoenberg F. P.
Published: January 2014

The extent to which the apparent increase in wildfire incidence and burn area in California from 1990 to 2006 is affected by population and temperature increases is examined. Using generalized linear models with random effects, we focus on the estimated impacts of increases in mean daily temperatures and populations in different counties on wildfire in those counties, after essentially controlling for the overall differences between counties in their overall mean temperatures and populations. We find that temperature increase appears to have a significant positive impact on both total burn area and number of observed wildfires. Population growth appears to have a much less pronounced impact on total burn area than do annual temperature increases, and population growth appears to be negatively correlated with the total number of observed wildfires. These effects are especially pronounced in the winter season and in Southern California counties. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Process Evaluation of the Maudsley Model for Treatment of Adults with Anorexia Nervosa Trial. Part II: Patient Experiences of Two Psychological Therapies for Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Lose Anna , Davies Charlotte , Renwick Beth , Kenyon Martha , Treasure Janet , Schmidt Ulrike ,   on behalf of the MOSAIC trial group
Published: January 2014

Objective

This study is the second part of a process evaluation, embedded in the MOSAIC study, a large randomised controlled trial comparing two different psychological therapies, the Maudsley Model for Treatment of Adults with Anorexia Nervosa (MANTRA) and Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM). The study adopted a qualitative approach to examine patient experiences of the two treatments.

Method

Seventeen semi‐structured interviews were conducted with Anorexia Nervosa and Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified‐Anorexia Nervosa type patients, and transcripts were analysed thematically.

Results

Patient responses yielded five main themes: positive and helpful aspects, beneficial outcomes, less helpful aspects, possible improvements to the treatments, and the therapeutic and external environment. The findings show clear differences and some overlaps between patients' views on MANTRA and SSCM.

Discussion

Both therapies were experienced by patients as credible and largely helpful, albeit in different ways. These results are in agreement with those of therapists' views on these treatments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Synthesis of Mesoporous Carbon from Okara and Application as Electrocatalyst Support
Authors: Zhou T. , Wang H. , Ji S. , Feng H. , Wang R.
Published: January 2014

Carbon materials derived from biomass are economical and simple. Here, a okara‐derived carbon (ODC) was prepared by carbonized cheap and abundant okara at 800 °C in N2 atmosphere. A high degree of graphitization, mesoporous structure and large specific surface area of ODC were proved by Raman spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra and scanning electron microscope. The ODC can be used as support of platinum nanoparticles, and the catalytic performance for methanol electro‐oxidation of its was measured by cyclic voltammetry and CO stripping voltammetry. The results showed that Pt/ODC catalyst had higher electrocatalytic activity and the resistance to poisoning ability toward methanol electrooxidation than the Pt/C catalyst prepared under the same conditions.
FERC Sees Positive Conditions for US Natural Gas and Electricity
Authors:   FERC Staff
Published: January 2014

Market conditions going into the winter are generally positive for natural gas and electricity markets. Current spot and futures market natural gas prices remain relatively low in most regions of the country, and natural gas storage levels are in line with the five‐year average. Electricity prices are expected to track the natural gas market prices.
Public health guidance to facilitate timely diagnosis of dementia: ALzheimer's COoperative Valuation in Europe recommendations
Authors: Brooker Dawn , Fontaine Jenny La , Evans Simon , Bray Jennifer , Saad Karim
Published: January 2014

Objective

ALzheimer's COoperative Valuation in Europe (ALCOVE) was a Joint Action co‐financed by the European Commission to produce a set of evidence‐based recommendations for policymakers on dementia. This paper reports on timely diagnosis.

Methods

Evidence was reviewed from scientific, policy and qualitative research. An online questionnaire was completed by experts from 24 European Union countries detailing current practice. An iterative process with people with dementia, family carers and professionals was utilised to develop recommendations.

Results

Advances in the technical aspects of diagnosis have changed what is understood by early diagnosis. Although research into preclinical stages is crucial, diagnosing at these very earliest stages is not recommended as regular practice. On balance, it is suggested that citizens should have access to accurate diagnosis at a time in the disease process when it can be of most benefit to them. The term timely diagnosis is used to reflect this. The diagnosis can help citizens and their families make sense of what is happening and make lifestyle changes and plans for the future. The central principles identified to maximise benefit and to reduce harm associated with diagnosis at an earlier stage included reducing stigma about dementia; respecting the rights of the individual; recognising that how the diagnosis is given will impact on subsequent adjustment and that post diagnostic support are required for the person and their family. Detailed recommendations are provided for timely detection, the diagnostic process, complex diagnoses, response to early cognitive changes and workforce.

Conclusions

The recommendations can be utilised at a local, national and European level to benchmark progress. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The cortical and cerebellar representation of the lumbar spine
Authors: Boendermaker Bart , Meier Michael L. , Luechinger Roger , Humphreys B. Kim , Hotz‐Boendermaker Sabina
Published: January 2014

Eight decades after Penfield's discovery of the homunculus only sparse evidence exists on the cortical representation of the lumbar spine. The aim of our investigation was the description of the lumbar spine's cortical representation in healthy subjects during the application of measured manual pressure. Twenty participants in the prone position were investigated during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). An experienced manual therapist applied non‐painful, posterior‐to‐anterior (PA) pressure on three lumbar spinous processes (L1, L3, and L5). The pressure (30 N) was monitored and controlled by sensors. The randomized stimulation protocol consisted of 68 pressure stimuli of 5 s duration. Blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) responses were analyzed in relation to the lumbar stimulations. The results demonstrate that controlled PA pressure on the lumbar spine induced significant activation patterns. The major new finding was a strong and consistent activation bilaterally in the somatosensory cortices (S1 and S2). In addition, bilateral activation was located medially in the anterior cerebellum. The activation pattern also included other cortical areas probably related to anticipatory postural adjustments. These revealed stable somatosensory maps of the lumbar spine in healthy subjects can subsequently be used as a baseline to investigate cortical and subcortical reorganization in low back pain patients. Hum Brain Mapp 35:3962–3971, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Magnesium biomaterials for orthopedic application: A review from a biological perspective
Authors: Walker Jemimah , Shadanbaz Shaylin , Woodfield Timothy B. F. , Staiger Mark P. , Dias George J.
Published: January 2014

Magnesium (Mg) has a long history of investigation as a degradable biomaterial. Physicians first began using Mg for biomedical applications in the late 19th century. Experimentation continued with varying levels of success until the mid‐20th century when interest in the metal waned. In recent years the field of Mg‐based biomaterials has once again become popular, likely due to advancements in technology allowing improved control of corrosion. Although this has led to success in vascular applications, continued difficulties in predicting and controlling the corrosion rate of Mg in an intraosseous environment has impeded the development of Mg‐based biomaterials for orthopedic applications. In this review, an initial summary of the basic properties and the physiological role of Mg are followed by a discussion of the physical characteristics of the metal which lend it to use as a degradable biomaterial. A description of the historical and modern applications for Mg in the medical field is followed by a discussion of the methods used to control and assess Mg corrosion, with an emphasis on alloying. The second part of this review concentrates on the methods used to assess the corrosion and biocompatibility of Mg‐based orthopedic biomaterials. This review provides a summary of Mg as a biomaterial from a biological perspective. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1316–1331, 2014.
COMMUNITY NEEDS AMONG SERVICE MEMBERS AFTER RETURN FROM COMBAT DEPLOYMENT
Authors: Wright Kathleen M. , Foran Heather M. , Wood Michael D.
Published: January 2014

To build on research concerning the development of postdeployment community‐based programs, we surveyed active duty soldiers from two Brigade Combat Teams (N = 693; N = 1,385) after return from a combat deployment. The Brigade Combat Teams were located on different installations in rural areas representing 2 large military communities. The survey included an assessment about a range of community services (social events, cultural integration opportunities, family, chaplain, and mental health services, etc.). We also examined whether ratings of services varied as a function of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms, deployment experiences, organizational leadership and support, and attitudinal variables related to mental health. Differences in ratings between the 2 communities suggest the measure detected perceptions of community needs that are idiosyncratic to the particular community, and may be useful for informing program planning and service needs.
CHILDREN'S POSITIVE SCHOOL BEHAVIORS AND SOCIAL PREFERENCE IN URBAN ELEMENTARY CLASSROOMS
Authors: Torrente Catalina E. , Cappella Elise , Watling Neal Jennifer
Published: January 2014

This study examined the associations between prosocial and academically oriented behaviors and social preference as a function of individual (i.e., gender), developmental (i.e., grade) and contextual factors (i.e., group descriptive norms). Data were gathered from a sample of 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade children (51% male, 97.5% African American) in 34 classrooms from high‐poverty inner‐city neighborhoods. Multilevel analyses indicated that individual, developmental, and contextual factors moderated the association between children's prosocial and academically oriented behaviors and social preference. Taken together, results from this study support theoretical models emphasizing the relational and contextual nature of children's social preference in the peer group.
EFFECTS OF AN OUT‐OF‐SCHOOL PROGRAM ON URBAN HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH'S ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Authors: O'Donnell Julie , Kirkner Sandra L.
Published: January 2014

Research strongly indicates that low‐income youth, particularly those of color who are overrepresented in poverty, have lower levels of academic performance than their higher‐income peers. It has been suggested that community‐based out‐of‐school programs can play an important role in reducing these academic differences. This study examined the effect of the YMCA High School Youth Institute on the grades, test scores, and school attendance of urban high school youth using a randomly selected matched comparison group. Those involved in the program had significantly higher English‐language art and math standardized test scores and somewhat fewer absences than the comparison group. Active program participants had significantly higher academic grade‐point averages (GPAs) and math test scores as well as somewhat higher total GPA. The findings suggest that high‐quality out‐of‐school programs can positively influence the academic performance of low‐income youth. Implications for practice are discussed.
Wnt5a Suppresses Colon Cancer by Inhibiting Cell Proliferation and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Cheng Runfen , Sun Baocun , Liu Zhiyong , Zhao Xiulan , Qi Lisha , Li Yixian , Gu Qiang
Published: January 2014

Colon cancer remains one of the lethal malignancies in the world. Aberrant activation of canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway has been observed in colon cancer. In contrast, the non‐canonical Wnt signaling functions remain obscure. Wnt5a is a representative non‐canonical Wnt ligand which has gained extensive attention nowadays. Wnt5a has been shown to play an important role in EMT in prostate cancer and melanoma, but its role in colon cancer is still ambiguous. Here we have evaluated Wnt5a expression in a large cohort of 217 colon cancers by immunohistochemistry and analyzed its correlation with clinicopathologic characteristics. We found that expression of Wnt5a was diminished significantly in majority of primary colon cancers and negatively related with EMT biomarkers. To further enlighten the mechanism which Wnt5a regulates EMT in vitro, we established ectopic Wnt5a expression models. Protein analysis demonstrated that Wnt5a inhibited EMT and antagonized canonical Wnt signaling in colon cancer cells. Overexpression of Wnt5a impaired cell motility and invasion and inhibited cell proliferation by manipulating Bax. Moreover, Wnt5a suppressed the tumor growth in nude mice and impaired tumorigenicity in vivo. Wnt5a also induced intracellular calcium and activated non‐canonical Wnt/Ca2+ signaling in colon cancer. In summary, although Wnt5a was down‐regulated in majority of colon cancers, enhanced Wnt5a expression predict preferable outcome in colon cancer patients. Our findings indicate that Wnt5a might act as tumor suppressor by inhibiting cell proliferation and attenuating EMT in colon cancer cells. Wnt5a could be used as a novel prognostic marker and/or therapeutic target for colon cancer in the future. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1908–1917, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase–producing organisms on clinical and economic outcomes in patients with urinary tract infection
Authors: MacVane Shawn H. , Tuttle Lindsay O. , Nicolau David P.
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVE

To compare clinical and economic outcomes between patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) due to extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase–producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species (ESBL‐EK) versus patients with non‐ESBL‐EK UTI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighty‐four (3.6%) of 2345 patients admitted between September 1, 2011 and August 31, 2012 with UTI were positive for ESBL‐EK. Fifty‐five ESBL‐EK UTI (cases) and matched controls (non–ESBL‐EK UTI) were included in the analysis. Clinical and economic outcomes were compared between cases and controls for statistical significance.

RESULTS

Cases were more likely to have diabetes mellitus, a history of recurrent UTIs, recently received antibiotics, recently been hospitalized, and had previous isolation of an ESBL‐producing organism compared with controls. Failure of initial antibiotic regimen (62% vs 6%; P < 0.001) and time to appropriate antibiotic therapy (51 vs 2.5 hours; P < 0.001) were greater in cases. The median cost of care was greater (additional $3658; P = 0.02) and the median length of stay (LOS) prolonged for cases (6 vs 4 days; P = 0.02) despite similar hospital reimbursement (additional $469; P = 0.56). Although not significant, infection‐related mortality (7.2% vs 1.8%) and 30‐day UTI readmission (7.2% vs 3.6%) were higher in ESBL‐EK cases.

CONCLUSIONS

UTI caused by ESBL‐EK is associated with significant clinical and economic burden. The cost of care and LOS of patients with ESBL‐EK UTI were 1.5 times those caused by non–ESBL‐EK. Importantly, the additional cost of care is a liability to the hospital, as this is not offset by reimbursement. Appropriate and timely initial antibiotics may minimize the ESBL‐EK impact on outcomes of patients with UTI. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:232–238. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Comparison of 10 brain tissue segmentation methods using revisited IBSR annotations
Authors: Valverde Sergi , Oliver Arnau , Cabezas Mariano , Roura Eloy , Lladó Xavier
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Ground‐truth annotations from the well‐known Internet Brain Segmentation Repository (IBSR) datasets consider Sulcal cerebrospinal fluid (SCSF) voxels as gray matter. This can lead to bias when evaluating the performance of tissue segmentation methods. In this work we compare the accuracy of 10 brain tissue segmentation methods analyzing the effects of SCSF ground‐truth voxels on accuracy estimations.

Materials and Methods

The set of methods is composed by FAST, SPM5, SPM8, GAMIXTURE, ANN, FCM, KNN, SVPASEG, FANTASM, and PVC. Methods are evaluated using original IBSR ground‐truth and ranked by means of their performance on pairwise comparisons using permutation tests. Afterward, the evaluation is repeated using IBSR ground‐truth without considering SCSF.

Results

The Dice coefficient of all methods is affected by changes in SCSF annotations, especially on SPM5, SPM8 and FAST. When not considering SCSF voxels, SVPASEG (0.90 ± 0.01) and SPM8 (0.91 ± 0.01) are the methods from our study that appear more suitable for gray matter tissue segmentation, while FAST (0.89 ± 0.02) is the best tool for segmenting white matter tissue.

Conclusion

The performance and the accuracy of methods on IBSR images vary notably when not considering SCSF voxels. The fact that three of the most common methods (FAST, SPM5, and SPM8) report an important change in their accuracy suggest to consider these differences in labeling for new comparative studies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:93–101. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The early inflammatory response after flexor tendon healing: A gene expression and histological analysis
Authors: Manning Cionne N. , Havlioglu Necat , Knutsen Elisa , Sakiyama‐Elbert Shelly E. , Silva Matthew J. , Thomopoulos Stavros , Gelberman Richard H.
Published: January 2014

Despite advances in surgical techniques over the past three decades, tendon repairs remain prone to poor clinical outcomes. Previous attempts to improve tendon healing have focused on the later stages of healing (i.e., proliferation and matrix synthesis). The early inflammatory phase of tendon healing, however, is not fully understood and its modulation during healing has not yet been studied. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to characterize the early inflammatory phase of flexor tendon healing with the goal of identifying inflammation‐related targets for future treatments. Canine flexor tendons were transected and repaired using techniques identical to those used clinically. The inflammatory response was monitored for 9 days. Temporal changes in immune cell populations and gene expression of inflammation‐, matrix degradation‐, and extracellular matrix‐related factors were examined. Gene expression patterns paralleled changes in repair‐site cell populations. Of the observed changes, the most dramatic effect was a greater than 4,000‐fold up‐regulation in the expression of the pro‐inflammatory factor IL‐1β. While an inflammatory response is likely necessary for healing to occur, high levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines may result in collateral tissue damage and impaired tendon healing. These findings suggest that future tendon treatment approaches consider modulation of the inflammatory phase of healing. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:645–652, 2014.
Effects of ZnO nanoparticles and microwave heating on the sterilization and product quality of vacuum‐packaged Caixin
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhang Min , Fang Zhong‐xiang , Rong Xiao‐hong
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

The sterilization of vacuum‐packaged Caixin (Brassica chinensis L.), which is a green‐leafy vegetable and also a low‐acid food, remains a difficult problem. In this study, effects of ZnO nanoparticles and microwave heating on the sterilization and product quality of vacuum‐packaged Caixin were investigated.

RESULTS

Addition of ZnO nanoparticle suspension at 0.01–0.02 g kg−1 reduced the number of bacterial colonies. The antibacterial activity was enhanced with the increased amount of ZnO nanoparticles. Microwave heating (915 and 2450 MHz) was used to sterilize Caixin samples. Samples had good product quality (better greenness, chroma and hue angle values, lower browning index and acceptable texture) and the lowest total colony number under the microwave heating condition of 400 W 150 s (2450 MHz).

CONCLUSION

The best sterilization condition was observed under 2450 MHz microwave (400 W 150 s) heating combined with 0.02 g kg−1 ZnO nanoparticle addition, which led to a total colony number of <1 log CFU g−1 in Caixin samples within 7 days. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Duct-to-duct reconstruction in liver transplantation for primary sclerosing cholangitis is associated with fewer biliary complications in comparison with hepaticojejunostomy
Authors: Sutton Michael E. , Bense Rico D. , Lisman Ton , van der Jagt Eric J. , van den Berg Aad P. , Porte Robert J.
Published: January 2014

There is no consensus on the preferred type of biliary reconstruction for patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The aim of this study was to compare long-term outcomes after OLT for PSC using either duct-to-duct anastomosis or Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy for biliary reconstruction. In a consecutive series of 98 adult patients undergoing OLT for PSC, 45 underwent duct-to-duct reconstruction, and 53 underwent Roux-en-Y biliary reconstruction. The median follow-up was 8.2 years (interquartile range = 3.9-14.5 years). The outcomes of the 2 groups were compared. There were no significant differences in patient demographics or general surgical variables between the groups. The overall patient and graft survival rates were similar for the 2 groups. The incidence of biliary strictures and biliary leakage within the first year after transplantation did not differ between the 2 groups. However, significantly more patients in the Roux-en-Y group suffered at least 1 episode of cholangitis within the first year (9% in the duct-to-duct group versus 25% in the Roux-en-Y group, P = 0.04). In addition, Roux-en-Y reconstruction was associated with a significantly higher rate of late-onset (>1 year after transplantation) nonanastomotic biliary strictures (NAS) in comparison with duct-to-duct reconstruction (24% versus 7% at 5 years and 30% versus 7% at 10 years, P = 0.01). In conclusion, duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction in patients with PSC is associated with lower rates of posttransplant cholangitis and late-onset NAS in comparison with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. If technically and anatomically feasible, duct-to-duct anastomosis can be performed safely in patients undergoing OLT for PSC. Liver Transpl 20:457-463, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Oxa‐ and Thiazolidine‐Containing Polymers Derived via the Asinger Four‐Component Reaction: the Ring Matters
Authors: Sehlinger Ansgar , Stalling Timo , Martens Jürgen , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: January 2014

Novel structural motifs in macromolecular chemistry are introduced by the use of the Asinger multicomponent reaction. The combination of ammonia, acetone, α‐chloroisobutyraldehyde, and either water or sodium hydrosulfide, leads to an oxazoline or thiazoline scaffold, respectively, which is subsequently modified with 10‐undecenol and 10‐undecenoyl chloride to obtain heterocycle‐functionalized α,ω‐dienes. These substrates are used as monomers in an acylic diene metathesis (ADMET) or thiol‐ene step‐growth polymerization. The thus‐obtained polymers are studied in post‐polymerization modifications, like hydrogenation and oxidation. Here, the thiazolidine‐ and oxazolidine‐containing polymers show dramatically different chemical stability due to the heterocyclic moieties.

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Investigating the stability of mcDESPOT myelin water fraction values derived using a stochastic region contraction approach
Authors: Deoni Sean C.L. , Kolind Shannon H.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Multicomponent driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1 and T2 (mcDESPOT) is an alternative to established multiecho T2‐based approaches for quantifying myelin water fraction, affording increased volumetric coverage and spatial resolution. A concern with mcDESPOT, however, is the large number of model parameters that must be estimated, which may lead to nonunique solutions and sensitivity to fitting constraints. Here we explore mcDESPOT performance under different experimental conditions to better understand the method's sensitivity and reliability.

Methods

To obtain parameter estimates, mcDESPOT uses a stochastic region contraction (SRC) approach to iteratively contract a predefined solution search‐space around a global optimum. The sensitivity of mcDESPOT estimates to SRC boundary conditions, and tissue parameters, was examined using numerical phantoms and acquired in vivo human data.

Results

The SRC approach is described and shown to return robust myelin water estimates in both numerical phantoms and in vivo data under a range of experimental conditions. However, care must be taken in choosing the initial SRC boundary conditions, ensuring they are broad enough to encompass the “true” solution.

Conclusion

Results suggest that under the range of conditions examined, mcDESPOT can provide stabile and precise values. Magn Reson Med 73:161–169, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of decreased heparin dose for flush‐lock of implanted venous access ports in pediatric oncology patients
Authors: Rosenbluth Glenn , Tsang Lisa , Vittinghoff Eric , Wilson Stephen , Wilson‐Ganz Julie , Auerbach Andrew
Published: January 2014

Background

Faced with a lack of evidence, institutions often develop local protocols for use of heparin to flush‐lock venous access ports. Our objective was to evaluate catheter‐related complications in patients after introduction of a lower‐concentration heparin flush protocol.

Procedure

Patients with implanted vascular access devices followed by a Pediatric Oncology service were exposed to a practice change in which heparin dose for flush‐lock was decreased from 5 ml of 100 units/ml to 5 ml of 10 units/ml. Outcome measures included port malfunctions leading to use of intra‐port tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and positive blood cultures.

Results

Rates of tPA usage were statistically similar before and after the practice change (0.82 compared to 0.59 per 100 line days absolute change −0.23, 95% CI −0.66, 0.20). Positive blood culture rates were also statistically similar before and after the practice change.

Conclusions

Children with implanted ports had similar complication rates and care safety measures whether their ports were flushed with 10 units/ml of heparin or 100 units/ml. Standardizing flush‐locks to lower doses of heparin may be a promising approach to maintaining port patency without compromising patient safety. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:855–858. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative effectiveness of monotherapy with mood stabilizers versus second generation (atypical) antipsychotics for the treatment of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents
Authors: Chen Hua , Mehta Sonam , Aparasu Rajender , Patel Ayush , Ochoa‐Perez Melissa
Published: January 2014

Objective

This study compared the effectiveness and safety of second generation (atypical) antipsychotic (SGA) versus traditional mood stabilizers (MS) in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder.

Methods

The study was a retrospective cohort study on 5 years (2003–2007) of Medicaid claims data from four geographically diversified states. Children and adolescents aged 6–18 years who initiated a new treatment episode for bipolar disorder on either an SGA or an MS were followed for 12 months to compare the effectiveness and safety between the two therapeutic categories for pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD). The outcome measures were psychiatric hospital admission, all cause medication discontinuation and treatment augmentation. Potential selection bias caused by unobserved confounding was addressed with instrumental variable methods, using physician prescribing preference and year of cohort entry as the instruments. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to test the robustness of findings against the uncertainties on PBD diagnosis.

Results

Of the 7423 bipolar children and adolescents identified, 66.60% started treatment on SGA, whereas 33.40% initiated on MS. Patients who initiated on MS and SGA had comparable risk of psychiatric hospital admission (HR = 1.172, 95%CI: 0.827–1.660). However, as compared with those who initiated on MS, patients who initiated on SGA were less likely to discontinue the treatment (HR = 0.634, 95%CI: 0.419–0.961) and less likely to receive treatment augmentation (HR = 0.223, 95%CI: 0.103–0.484).

Conclusion

As compared with MS monotherapy, SGA monotherapy could be a more effective and safer treatment option for PBD. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
UV‐cured epoxy/graphene nanocomposite films: preparation, structure and electric heating performance
Authors: Jeong Young Gyu , An Ji‐Eun
Published: January 2014

UV‐cured epoxy/graphene nanocomposite films with ca 100 µm thickness were manufactured by a facile cationic photopolymerization of 3,4‐epoxycyclohexylmethyl‐3′,4′‐epoxycyclohexane carboxylate mixtures including graphene sheets of 0.3 − 10.0 wt%, which was initiated by triarylsulfonium hexafluoroantimonate salts. The microstructure and thermal and electrical properties of the UV‐cured epoxy/graphene nanocomposite films were investigated as a function of the graphene content. X‐ray diffraction patterns and TEM images confirm that graphene sheets are well dispersed in the UV‐cured epoxy resin matrix even with a high graphene content of 10.0 wt%. The electrical resistance of the nanocomposite films decreased dramatically from ca 1012 Ω to ca 102 Ω with increasing graphene content, especially at a percolation threshold of 2.0 − 3.0 wt%. Accordingly, the UV‐cured nanocomposite films including 5.0 − 10.0 wt% graphene showed excellent electric heating performance in terms of temperature response as well as electric power efficiency at a given applied voltage. For a nanocomposite film with 10.0 wt% graphene, the maximum temperature of ca 138 °C was attained at an applied voltage of 15 V and a high electric power efficiency of ca 3.0 ± 0.3 mW °C−1 was achieved. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Cationic brush‐like terpolymer with pH responsive thickening behavior in a surfactant system
Authors: Zhang Zhong‐Xing , Ni Xiping , Li Jun
Published: January 2014

A new kind of cationic brush‐like terpolymer was synthesized by copper(I)‐mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl ether poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (mPEGMA), poly(propylene glycol) methacrylate (PPGMA) and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) in the presence of ethyl α‐bromoisobutyrate as ATRP initiator. The poly(PEG/PPG/DMAEMA) terpolymer was featured with a cationic backbone containing PDMAEMA segments and amphiphilic side chains composed of hydrophilic PEG and hydrophobic PPG short branches. The copolymer was characterized by 1H NMR, Fourier transform IR and gel permeation chromatography. The thickening behavior of this copolymer in a surfactant system (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS) was extensively investigated by a rheological study. It was found that the copolymer can effectively thicken the SDS surfactant system at low concentrations of both copolymer and surfactant. More interestingly, the thickened SDS system by this copolymer showed dramatic pH responsive rheological behavior in the pH range 4–10. Thus the rheological behavior of the thickened SDS system was tunable by pH value. Based on our findings, a novel thickening mechanism is proposed for this kind of cationic brush‐like terpolymer. This kind of cationic brush‐like copolymer would be a new type of rheology modifier for advanced hair/skin care systems. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Complete posttranslational modification mapping of pathogenic Neisseria meningitidis pilins requires top‐down mass spectrometry
Authors: Gault Joseph , Malosse Christian , Machata Silke , Millien Corinne , Podglajen Isabelle , Ploy Marie‐Cécile , Costello Catherine E. , Duménil Guillaume , Chamot‐Rooke Julia
Published: January 2014

In pathogenic bacteria, posttranslationally modified proteins have been found to promote bacterial survival, replication, and evasion from the host immune system. In the human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis, the protein PilE (15–18 kDa) is the major building block of type IV pili, extracellular filamentous organelles that play a major role in mediating pathogenesis. Previous reports have shown that PilE can be expressed as a number of different proteoforms, each harboring its own set of PTMs and that specific proteoforms are key in promoting bacterial virulence. Efficient tools that allow complete PTM mapping of proteins involved in bacterial infection are therefore strongly needed. As we show in this study, a simple combination of mass profiling and bottom‐up proteomics is fundamentally unable to achieve this goal when more than two proteoforms are present simultaneously. In a N. meningitidis strain isolated from a patient with meningitis, mass profiling revealed the presence of four major proteoforms of PilE, in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. Due to the complexity of the sample, a top‐down approach was required to achieve complete PTM mapping for all four proteoforms, highlighting an unprecedented extent of glycosylation. Top‐down MS therefore appears to be a promising tool for the analysis of highly posttranslationally modified proteins involved in bacterial virulence.
Proteomic identification of potential prognostic biomarkers in resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Iuga Cristina , Seicean Andrada , Iancu Cornel , Buiga Rareş , Sappa Praveen K. , Völker Uwe , Hammer Elke
Published: January 2014

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with a mortality rate almost identical with its incidence. In this context, the investigation of the pancreatic cancer proteome has gained considerable attention because profiles of proteins may be able to identify disease states and progression more accurately. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the changes in the proteome of patients suffering from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) by a comprehensive quantitative approach. Comparative proteomic profiling by label‐free LC‐MS/MS analysis of nine matched pairs of tumor and nontumor pancreas samples was used to identify differences in protein levels characteristic for PDAC. In this analysis, 488 proteins were quantified by at least two peptides of which 99 proteins displayed altered levels in PDAC (p < 0.01, fold change >1.3). Screening of data revealed a number of molecules that had already been related to PDAC such as galectin‐1 (LEG1), major vault protein, adenylyl cyclase‐associated protein 1 (CAP1), but also a potential new prognostic biomarker prolargin (PRELP). The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed a significant correlation of protein abundance of PRELP with postoperative survival of patients with PDAC. For selected proteins the findings were verified by targeted proteomics (SRM), validated by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting and their value as candidate biomarkers is discussed.
Systematic screening for distress in oncology practice using the Distress Barometer: the impact on referrals to psychosocial care
Authors: Bauwens Sabien , Baillon Catherine , Distelmans Willem , Theuns Peter
Published: January 2014

Purpose

This study evaluates how patterns of psychosocial referral of patients with elevated distress differ in a ‘systematic screening for distress’ condition versus a ‘usual practice’ condition in ambulatory oncology practice.

Methods

The psychosocial referral process in a 2‐week usual practice (N = 278) condition was compared with a 2‐week ‘using the Distress Barometer as a screening instrument’ (N = 304) condition in an outpatient clinic with seven consulting oncologists.

Results

Out of all distressed patients in the usual practice condition, only 5.5% of patients detected with distress were actually referred to psychosocial counselling, compared with 69.1% of patients detected with distress in the condition with systematic screening using the Distress Barometer. Only 3.7% of patients detected with distress in the usual practice condition finally accepted this referral, compared with 27.6% of patients detected with distress in the screening condition.

Conclusions

Using the Distress Barometer as a self‐report screening instrument prior to oncological consultation optimises detection of elevated distress in patients, and this results in a higher number of performed and accepted referrals, but cannot by itself guarantee actual psychosocial referral or acceptance of referral. There is not only a problem of poor detection of distress in cancer patients but also a need for better decision‐making and communication between oncologists and patients about this issue. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Old proteins and the Achilles heel of mass spectrometry. The role of proteomics in the etiology of human cataract
Authors: Truscott Roger J. W. , Friedrich Michael G.
Published: January 2014

Proteomics may have enabled the root cause of a major human‐blinding condition, age‐related cataract, to be established. Cataract appears to result from the spontaneous decomposition of long‐lived macromolecules in the human lens, and recent proteomic analysis has enabled both the particular crystallins, and the specific sites of amino acid modification within each polypeptide, to be identified. Analysis of proteins from cataract lenses has demonstrated that there are key sites on some structural proteins that show a consistently greater degree of deterioration than age‐matched normal lenses. Proteomic analysis, using MS, revealed that the most abundant posttranslational modification of aged lens proteins is racemization. This is somewhat ironic, since structural isomers can be viewed as the “Achilles heel” of MS and there are typically few, if any, differences in the MS/MS spectra of tryptic peptides containing one d‐amino acid. It is proposed that once a certain level of spontaneous PTM at key sites occurs, that protein–protein interactions are disrupted, and binding of complexes to cell membranes takes place that impairs cell‐to‐cell communication. These findings may apply more widely to age‐related human diseases, in particular where the deterioration of long‐lived proteins is a crucial component in the etiology.
Chemical class rotations for control of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on poinsettia and their effect on cryptic species population composition
Authors: McKenzie Cindy L , Kumar Vivek , Palmer Cristi L , Oetting Ronald D , Osborne Lance S
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

Bemisia tabaci, a polyphagous insect with over 900 host plants, is an effective vector of more than 100 plant viruses. Being highly fecund, B. tabaci has the potential to develop insecticide resistance rapidly, as demonstrated by reports of use failures with MEAM1 and MED cryptic species (commonly known as biotypes B and Q respectively). Insecticide resistance management is a key component of pest management practices. The research herein studied season‐long rotational management programs on poinsettia and their impact on the ratio of MEAM1:MED cryptic species in the surviving treated populations.

RESULTS

In all four experiments, only three of the treatments completely eliminated the adult or immature whiteflies, but all significantly reduced the populations. Out of 18 active ingredients tested, dinotefuran (applied as a soil drench) was the most efficacious against both MEAM1 and MED cryptic species compared with the other chemical or biorational insecticides evaluated. Reduced susceptibility of MED was reported against a variety of treatment regimes.

CONCLUSION

Rotations can be used to manage MEAM1 and MED cryptic species and maintain a very low population level or completely eliminate Bemisia on poinsettia. It is imperative to continue to emphasize the importance of rotating among different modes of action in pest management programs in order to retain effective chemistries for as long as possible in the market place. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Degradation mechanisms of the Tomato yellow leaf curl virus coat protein following inoculation of tomato plants by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Gorovits Rena , Moshe Adi , Ghanim Murad , Czosnek Henryk
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is a begomovirus infecting tomato cultures worldwide. TYLCV is transmitted to plants by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. Once in the plant, the virus is subjected to attack by the host‐plant defences, which may include sequestration in aggregates, proteolysis, ubiquitination, 26S proteasome degradation and autophagy. Elucidating how the virus avoids destruction will make it possible to understand infection and possibly devise countermeasures.

RESULTS

The accumulation of viral coat protein (CP) and of viral DNA in plants is a marker of a successful virus transmission by B. tabaci. In response to infection, tomato tissues display multiple ways of degrading TYLCV proteins and DNA. In this study it is shown that CP (in soluble and insoluble states) is the target of protease digestion, 26S proteasome degradation and autophagy. The highest degradation capacity was detected among soluble proteins and proteins in large aggregates/inclusion bodies; cytoplasmic extracts displayed higher activity than nuclear fractions. The very same fractions possessed the highest capacity to degrade viral genomic DNA. Separately, 26S proteasome degradation was associated with large aggregates (more pronounced in the nuclear than in the cytoplasmic fractions), which are indicators of a successful abduction of plants by viruses. Autophagy/lysosome/vacuole degradation was a characteristic of intermediate aggregates, sequestering the CP in the cytoplasm and retarding the development of large aggregates. Chloroplast proteases were active in soluble as well as in insoluble protein extracts.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first attempt to identify elements of the virus‐targeted degradation machinery, which is a part of the plant response to virus invasion. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Adaptation to nicotine in the facultative tobacco‐feeding hemipteran Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Kliot Adi , Kontsedalov Svetlana , Ramsey John S , Jander Georg , Ghanim Murad
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

Plant defensive metabolites such as nicotine can provide barriers to host‐range expansion by generalist herbivores. Nicotine is one of the most abundant and toxic plant secondary metabolites in nature and is defined by high toxicity to plant‐feeding insects. There is significant variation in nicotine tolerance among Bemisia tabaci (tobacco whitefly) isolates. Some nicotine‐tolerant B. tabaci strains can consume 40‐fold higher nicotine levels than susceptible strains, and also show cross‐resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides. In this study, biological and molecular assays were used to investigate the responses of B. tabaci strains that differ in their ability to tolerate dietary nicotine.

RESULTS

Egg laying and honeydew secretion bioassays as well as gene expression microarrays were used to measure B. tabaci biological parameters and gene transcripts misregulated in response to nicotine in resistant and susceptible strains. The resistant B. tabaci strain laid significantly fewer eggs and excreted more honeydew on a tobacco strain with high levels of nicotine, suggesting a fitness cost effect. The molecular response was drastic in the susceptible strain, while the resistant strain exhibited moderate response. Higher expression of the previously identified CYP6CM1 P450 monooxygenase gene related to the resistance to neonicotinoids, as well as other P450s and metabolic genes, was identified in the resistant and susceptible strains after exposure to nicotine.

CONCLUSIONS

Nicotine is a very toxic plant natural compound, and its mode of action resembles that of synthetic neonicotinoids. The biological and molecular responses observed in this study suggest that nicotine may play an important role in providing barriers for host‐plant expansion by generalists, and may act as a natural factor that contributes to the development of insect populations resistant to synthetic pesticides. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry