bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modification and Single-Laboratory Validation of AOAC Official Method 977.13 for Histamine in Seafood to Improve Sample Throughput
Authors: Bjornsdottir-Butler Kristin , Bencsath F. Aladar , Benner, Jr Ronald A.
Published: May 2015

Histamine is the main causative agent in scombrotoxin fish poisoning, the most frequently reported illness related to fish consumption. The AOAC official method for histamine determination in fish is the fluorometric method AOAC 977.13, which is sensitive and reproducible but somewhat
labor intensive and time consuming. We investigated multiple modifications to this method in an attempt to reduce assay time and increase sample throughput while maintaining the performance of the original method. Some of the attempted modifications negatively affected the performance characteristics
of the method. However, omitting the heating step during extraction and replacing the cuvette style fluorometer with a microplate reader retained method performance while increasing sample throughput. Therefore, we adopted these modifications and conducted a single-laboratory validation. The
recovery, precision (RSD), and LOD of the modified method assessed by the single-laboratory validation ranged from 92 to 105%, 1 to 3%, and 0.2 to 0.5 ppm, respectively, in tuna, mahi-mahi, and Spanish mackerel samples. We conclude that the AOAC 977.13 fluorometric method, modified as described,
will improve assay time and sample throughput efficiency cumulatively, as the number of sample units analyzed increases. We anticipate that this modified method could be used by regulatory agencies and other laboratories following successful multilaboratory validation.
Determination of Triphenylmethane Dyes and Their Metabolites in Salmon, Catfish, and Shrimp by LC-MS/MS Using AOAC First Action Method 2012.25: Collaborative Study
Authors: Schneider Marilyn J , Andersen Wendy C ,   Collaborators:, An H , Baker C , Burger R , Cai Y T , Conway M , Couëdor P , Crosswhite M , Cumming M , Filigenzi M , Fong A , Hammack W , Harris A , Hawkins A , Hurtaud-Pessel D , Kibbey J , Lam C K , Lehotay S J , Lightfield A R , Lissemore L , Lupton S , Noonan R , Potter R , Prakash S , Ruiz S R , Smith J , Stephenson C D , Verdon E
Published: May 2015

A collaborative study was conducted to evaluate the AOAC First Action 2012.25 LC-MS/MS analytical method for the determination of residues of three triphenylmethane dyes (malachite green, crystal violet, and brilliant green) and their metabolites (leucomalachite green and leucocrystal violet) in seafood. Fourteen laboratories from the United States, Canada, and the European Union member states participated in the study including national and state regulatory laboratories, university and national research laboratories, and private analytical testing laboratories. A variety of LC-MS/MS instruments were used for the analysis. Each participating laboratory received blinded test samples in duplicate of salmon, catfish, and shrimp consisting of negative control matrix; matrix fortified with residues at 0.42, 0.90, and 1.75 μg/kg; and samples of incurred matrix. The analytical results from each participating laboratory were evaluated for both quantitative residue determination and qualitative identification of targeted analytes. Results from statistical analysis showed that this method provided excellent trueness (generally ≥90% recovery) and precision (RSDr generally ≤10%, HorRat <1). The Study Directors recommend Method 2012.25 for Final Action status.
The Development and Single-Laboratory Validation of a Method for the Determination of Steroid Residues in Fish and Fish Products
Authors: Watson Lynn , Potter Ross , Murphy Cory , Gibbs Ryan
Published: May 2015

Due to potential use in aquacultured fish products, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has identified residue testing for steroids as a priority. These compounds are used in aquaculture primarily to direct sexual differentiation with both androgens and estrogens applied depending on the desired outcome. Published research is lacking with respect to steroid residue testing in fish; however, recent studies in other matrixes provided transferable cleanup techniques. A simple, rapid, and sensitive method was developed and validated for use in monitoring aquacultured fish products for the presence of methyltestosterone, nandrolone, epi-nandrolone, boldenone, and epi-boldenone residues. The developed method consists of solvent extraction followed by cleanup using hexane and dual cartridge SPE with analysis by ultra-HPLC-MS/MS. The method is capable of detecting and confirming steroid residue levels ranging from 0.05 to 25 ng/g in salmon and tilapia, depending on the analyte. Recoveries ranged from 88 to 130% for the analytes. Instrument repeatability was less than 13% for all compounds, while intermediate precision ranged from 5 to 25% RSD. HorRat values were within acceptable ranges.
A Review of Aquaculture Practices and Their Impacts on Chemical Food Safety from a Regulatory Perspective
Authors: Boison Joe O , Turnipseed Sherri B
Published: May 2015

Aquaculture is currently one of the most rapidly growing food production industries in the world. The increasing global importance for this industry stems primarily from the fact that it is reducing the gap between the supply and demand for fish products. Commercial aquaculture contributes significantly to the economies of many countries since high-value fish species are a major source of foreign exchange. This review looks at the aquaculture industry, the issues raised by the production of fish through aquaculture for food security, the sustainability of the practice to agriculture, what the future holds for the industry in the next 10-20 years, and why there is a need to have available analytical procedures to regulate the safe use of chemicals and veterinary drugs in aquaculture.
The Relationship Between Gratitude and Loneliness: The Potential Benefits of Gratitude for Promoting Social Bonds
Authors: Caputo Andrea
Published: May 2015

This paper explores the potential role of gratitude on the reduction of loneliness feelings, even controlling for several variables related to social desirability, well-being (subjective happiness and life satisfaction) and socio-demographic characteristics. Through a web-based survey a convenience sample of 197 participants completed an online questionnaire including these measures. Correlation analyses and four-step hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted. The results show a negative correlation between gratitude and loneliness; specifically, gratitude succeeds in accounting for up to almost one-fifth of the total variability of loneliness even controlling for further variables. Being female, not having a stable and consolidated relationship and not participating in the labor force represent some risk factors affecting loneliness which should be taken into account in further research.
Authority Relationship From a Societal Perspective: Social Representations of Obedience and Disobedience in Austrian Young Adults
Authors: Fattori Francesco , Curly Simone , Jörchel Amrei C. , Pozzi Maura , Mihalits Dominik , Alfieri Sara
Published: May 2015

Obedience and disobedience have always been salient issues for both civil society and social psychologists. Since Milgram’s first studies on destructive obedience there has not been a bottom-up definition of what obedience and disobedience mean. The current study aimed at investigating the social representations young adults use to define and to co-construct knowledge about obedience and disobedience in Austria. One hundred fifty four (106 females, 68.8%) Austrian young adults (Mean age = 22.9; SD = 3.5) completed a mixed-method questionnaire comprising open-ended questions and free word associations. Overall obedience and disobedience are respectively defined as conformity and non-conformity to regulations, ranging from implicit social norms to explicit formal laws. Authority is multi-faceted and has a central role in orienting obedience and disobedience. Further fundamental determinants of the authority relationship and relevant application of the results are discussed in this paper.
Coping Strategies of Southern Italian Women Predict Distress Following Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: De Feudis Rossana , Lanciano Tiziana , Rinaldi Stefano
Published: May 2015

The present study was aimed at investigating the role of coping strategies in predicting emotional distress following breast cancer, over and above the illness severity, operationalized in terms of the type of surgery performed. In order to achieve this goal, two groups of newly diagnosed breast cancer women were selected and compared on the basis of the type of surgical treatment received. A subsample of 30 women with quadrantectomy and sentinel lymph-node biopsy (SLNB) and a subsample of 31 patients with mastectomy and axillary dissection (MAD) filled in the Brief Cope scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Summarizing, results showed that emotional support, venting, and humor explained a statistically significant increment of variance in psychological distress indices. Implication for clinical practice and future research were discussed.
Disadvantageous Deck Selection in the Iowa Gambling Task: The Effect of Cognitive Load
Authors: Hawthorne Melissa J. , Pierce Benton H.
Published: May 2015

Research has shown that cognitive load affects overall Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) performance, but it is unknown whether such load impacts the selection of the individual decks that correspond to gains or losses. Here, participants performed the IGT either in a full attention condition or while engaged in a number monitoring task to divide attention. Results showed that the full attention group was more aware of the magnitude of gains or losses for each draw (i.e., payoff awareness) than was the divided attention group. However, the divided attention group was more sensitive to the frequency of the losses (i.e., frequency awareness), as evidenced by their increased preference for Deck B, which is the large but infrequent loss deck. An analysis across blocks showed that the number monitoring group was consistently more aware of loss frequency, whereas the full attention group shifted between awareness of loss frequency and awareness of payoff amount. Furthermore, the full attention group was better able to weigh loss frequency and payoff amount when making deck selections. These findings support the notion that diminished cognitive resources may result in greater selection of Deck B, otherwise known as the prominent Deck B phenomenon.
The Situational Version of the Brief COPE: Dimensionality and Relationships With Goal-Related Variables
Authors: Monzani Dario , Steca Patrizia , Greco Andrea , D’Addario Marco , Cappelletti Erika , Pancani Luca
Published: May 2015

This study is aimed at investigating the dimensionality of the situational version of the Brief COPE, a questionnaire that is frequently used to assess a broad range of coping responses to specific difficulties, by comparing five different factor models highlighted in previous studies. It also aimed at exploring the relationships among coping responses, personal goal commitment and progress. The study involved 606 adults (male = 289) ranging in age from 19 to 71. Using confirmatory factor analysis, we compared five models and assessed relationships of coping responses with goal commitment and progress. The results confirmed the theoretical factor structure of the situational Brief COPE. All the 14 dimensions showed acceptable reliability and relationships with goal commitment and progress, attesting the reliability and usefulness of this measure to evaluate coping responses to specific events.
Anti-State Fantasy and the Fiction of the 1940s
Authors: MacKay Marina
Published: May 2015

This essay argues that the wartime institutionalisation of emergency governmental powers and the expectation of their continuance under a post-war socialist administration led to a pervasive anti-statism indistinguishable from anti-Communism in the mid-century British novel. Focusing on less-read dystopias of the period, Rex Warner's The Aerodrome (1941) and C. S. Lewis's That Hideous Strength (1945), I argue that these conservative novels are best understood as extreme iterations of a more widespread anxiety about the potentially totalitarian elements of a centralising and technocratic democracy at war.
Excellent clinical outcomes and retention in care for adults with HIV‐associated Kaposi sarcoma treated with systemic chemotherapy and integrated antiretroviral therapy in rural Malawi
Authors: Herce Michael E , Kalanga Noel , Wroe Emily B , Keck James W , Chingoli Felix , Tengatenga Listern , Gopal Satish , Phiri Atupere , Mailosi Bright , Bazile Junior , Beste Jason A , Elmore Shekinah N , Crocker Jonathan T , Rigodon Jonas
Published: May 2015

Introduction

HIV‐associated Kaposi sarcoma (HIV‐KS) is the most common cancer in Malawi. In 2008, the non‐governmental organization, Partners In Health, and the Ministry of Health established the Neno Kaposi Sarcoma Clinic (NKSC) to treat HIV‐KS in rural Neno district. We aimed to evaluate 12‐month clinical outcomes and retention in care for HIV‐KS patients in the NKSC, and to describe our implementation model, which featured protocol‐guided chemotherapy, integrated antiretroviral therapy (ART) and psychosocial support delivered by community health workers.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using routine clinical data from 114 adult HIV‐KS patients who received ART and ≥1 chemotherapy cycle in the NKSC between March 2008 and February 2012.

Results

At enrolment 97% of patients (n/N=103/106) had advanced HIV‐KS (stage T1). Most patients were male (n/N=85/114, 75%) with median age 36 years (interquartile range, IQR: 29–42). Patients started ART a median of 77 days prior to chemotherapy (IQR: 36–252), with 97% (n/N=105/108) receiving nevirapine/lamivudine/stavudine. Following standardized protocols, we treated 20 patients (18%) with first‐line paclitaxel and 94 patients (82%) with bleomycin plus vincristine (BV). Of the 94 BV patients, 24 (26%) failed to respond to BV requiring change to second‐line paclitaxel. A Division of AIDS grade 3/4 adverse event occurred in 29% of patients (n/N=30/102). Neutropenia was the most common grade 3/4 event (n/N=17/102, 17%). Twelve months after chemotherapy initiation, 83% of patients (95% CI: 74–89%) were alive, including 88 (77%) retained in care. Overall survival (OS) at 12 months did not differ by initial chemotherapy regimen (p=0.6). Among patients with T1 disease, low body mass index (BMI) (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR=4.10, 95% CI: 1.06–15.89) and 1 g/dL decrease in baseline haemoglobin (aHR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.03–2.25) were associated with increased death or loss to follow‐up at 12 months.

Conclusions

The NKSC model resulted in infrequent adverse events, low loss to follow‐up and excellent OS. Our results suggest it is safe, effective and feasible to provide standard‐of‐care chemotherapy regimens from the developed world, integrated with ART, to treat HIV‐KS in rural Malawi. Baseline BMI and haemoglobin may represent important patient characteristics associated with HIV‐KS survival in rural sub‐Saharan Africa.
Measuring the optimal exposure for single particle cryo-EM using a 2.6 Å reconstruction of rotavirus VP6
Authors: Grant Timothy , Grigorieff Nikolaus
Published: May 2015

Biological specimens suffer radiation damage when imaged in an electron microscope, ultimately limiting the attainable resolution. At a given resolution, an optimal exposure can be defined that maximizes the signal-to-noise ratio in the image. Using a 2.6 Å resolution single particle cryo-EM reconstruction of rotavirus VP6, determined from movies recorded with a total exposure of 100 electrons/Å2, we obtained accurate measurements of optimal exposure values over a wide range of resolutions. At low and intermediate resolutions, our measured values are considerably higher than obtained previously for crystalline specimens, indicating that both images and movies should be collected with higher exposures than are generally used. We demonstrate a method of using our optimal exposure values to filter movie frames, yielding images with improved contrast that lead to higher resolution reconstructions. This ‘high-exposure’ technique should benefit cryo-EM work on all types of samples, especially those of relatively low-molecular mass.
The Caenorhabditis elegans protein SAS-5 forms large oligomeric assemblies critical for centriole formation
Authors: Rogala Kacper B , Dynes Nicola J , Hatzopoulos Georgios N , Yan Jun , Pong Sheng Kai , Robinson Carol V , Deane Charlotte M , Gönczy Pierre , Vakonakis Ioannis
Published: May 2015

Centrioles are microtubule-based organelles crucial for cell division, sensing and motility. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the onset of centriole formation requires notably the proteins SAS-5 and SAS-6, which have functional equivalents across eukaryotic evolution. Whereas the molecular architecture of SAS-6 and its role in initiating centriole formation are well understood, the mechanisms by which SAS-5 and its relatives function is unclear. Here, we combine biophysical and structural analysis to uncover the architecture of SAS-5 and examine its functional implications in vivo. Our work reveals that two distinct self-associating domains are necessary to form higher-order oligomers of SAS-5: a trimeric coiled coil and a novel globular dimeric Implico domain. Disruption of either domain leads to centriole duplication failure in worm embryos, indicating that large SAS-5 assemblies are necessary for function in vivo.
Perceptions of Physicians in Civilian Medical Practice on Veterans’ Issues Related to Health Care
Authors: Fredricks Todd Robert , Nakazawa Masato
Published: May 2015

Context: The percentage of total US residents in the military is lower than ever before. Many civilians, including civilian physicians, have little knowledge of US military actions or the day-to-day experiences and working environments of veterans.

Objective: To assess civilian physician knowledge of veterans’ issues using a survey.

Methods: A 10-item survey was distributed to physicians at 2 primary care–focused medical conferences in Ohio to determine self-reported levels of comfort and familiarity with veteran-oriented topics.

Results: Of 350 surveys that were distributed, 141 surveys were returned. Of the 141 respondents, 101 practiced primary care, 19 practiced internal medicine, 16 practiced other specialties, and 5 did not report a specialty affiliation and were excluded from final analysis. A single respondent reported pediatrics as a specialty but indicated “not applicable“ for all answers. This individual was excluded from final analysis. Overall, physicians reported feeling moderately comfortable with military terminology and uncomfortable with the diagnosis and management of traumatic brain injury. More than half of the respondents indicated that they were not comfortable discussing health-related exposures and associated risks that veterans might experience and that they were unfamiliar with referral and consultation services for veterans. The data collected had a high degree of reliability (Cronbach α=0.88). Respondents of both primary care and internal medicine specialties scored statistically significantly higher than the other respondents in questions on veterans’ medical conditions, military terminology, and military health risks (P<.05), although these 2 groups scored similarly (P>.05). Specialty orientation did not affect responses for questions on other topics (P>.05).

Conclusion: The data indicated an overall moderate level of familiarity among civilian physicians with veterans’ issues. The results did not reveal an overall high level of comfort with any issues included in the survey. More research is needed to determine reasons behind the findings and methods to improve civilian physician comfort with various veterans’ issues.
Screening for At-Risk Drinking Behavior in Trauma Patients
Authors: Plackett Timothy P. , Ton-That Hieu H. , Mueller Jeanne , Grimley Karen M. , Kovacs Elizabeth J. , Esposito Thomas J.
Published: May 2015

Context: A blood alcohol level above 0 g/dL is found in up to 50% of patients presenting with traumatic injuries. The presence of alcohol in the blood not only increases the risk of traumatic injury, but it is also associated with worse outcomes and trauma recidivism. In light of these risks, the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma advocates screening for at-risk drinking. Although many institutions use blood alcohol levels to determine at-risk drinking in trauma patients, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) offers a cheap and easy alternative. Few direct comparisons have been made between these 2 tests in trauma patients.

Objective: To compare the utility of blood alcohol level and AUDIT score as indicators of at-risk drinking in trauma patients.

Methods: Records for all trauma patients aged 18 years or older who were admitted to a level I trauma center from May 2013 through June 2014 were reviewed in this retrospective cohort study. Inclusion criteria required patients to have undergone both blood alcohol level testing and AUDIT on admission. A blood alcohol level greater than 0 g/dL and an AUDIT score equal to or above 8 were considered positive for at-risk drinking. Performance of both tests was indexed against the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) criteria for at-risk drinking.

Results: Of 750 patients admitted for trauma, 222 records (30%) contained data on both blood alcohol level and AUDIT score. The patients were predominantly male (178 [80%]) and had a mean (SD) age of 40.1 (16.7) years. Most patients (178 [80%]) had sustained blunt trauma. Ninety-seven patients (44%) had a positive blood alcohol level, 70 (35%) had a positive AUDIT score, and 54 (24%) met NIAAA criteria for at-risk drinking. The sensitivity and specificity of having a positive blood alcohol level identify at-risk drinking were 61% and 62%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of having a positive AUDIT score identify at-risk drinking were 83% and 81%, respectively.

Conclusion: As a stand-alone indicator of at-risk drinking behavior in trauma patients, the AUDIT score was shown to be superior to blood alcohol level. The utility of obtaining routine blood alcohol levels in trauma patients as a screening tool for at-risk drinking should be reexamined.
A new Eulerian method to estimate “spicy” Agulhas leakage in climate models
Authors: Putrasahan D. A. , Beal Lisa M. , Kirtman Ben P. , Cheng Yu
Published: May 2015

The Agulhas leakage brings warm and saline water from the Indian Ocean into the South Atlantic, forming part of the returning branch of the global thermohaline circulation, an important component of climate. We develop a new method using the passive tracer spice, to estimate Agulhas leakage transport in an ocean eddy‐resolving climate model that properly captures Agulhas Retroflection and leakage. We identify Agulhas leakage waters as positive spice anomalies (≥ +0.1) and are able to trace leakage to depths greater than 1000 m. Spice‐based Eulerian Agulhas leakage captures spikes in Lagrangian leakage transport which coincide with the passage of Agulhas rings, yielding a statistically significant correlation (0.47). On interannual times scales, differences between Eulerian and Lagrangian transports are reduced and correlation increases to 0.77. We obtain a mean spice‐based Eulerian Agulhas leakage of 17 ± 4 sverdrup (Sv) and Lagrangian Agulhas leakage of 18 ± 2 Sv, which are within the range of observational estimates.
Extreme geomagnetic disturbances due to shocks within CMEs
Authors: Lugaz N. , Farrugia C. J. , Huang C.‐L. , Spence H. E.
Published: May 2015

We report on features of solar wind‐magnetosphere coupling elicited by shocks propagating through coronal mass ejections (CMEs) by analyzing the intense geomagnetic storm of 6 August 1998. During this event, the dynamic pressure enhancement at the shock combined with a simultaneous increase in the southward component of the magnetic field resulted in a large earthward retreat of Earth's magnetopause, which remained close to geosynchronous orbit for more than 4 h. This occurred despite the fact that both shock and CME were weak and relatively slow. Another similar example of a weak shock inside a slow CME resulting in an intense geomagnetic storm is the 30 September 2012 event, which strongly depleted the outer radiation belt. We discuss the potential of shocks inside CMEs to cause large geomagnetic effects at Earth, including magnetopause shadowing.
Oscillations of energetic ions flux near the Earth's bow shock
Authors: Petrukovich A. A. , Inamori T. , Balaz J. , Kudela K. , Slivka M. , Strharsky I. , Gladyshev V. A. , Sarris T. , Sarris E.
Published: May 2015

A new type of variability in the foreshock and magnetosheath is revealed with the recent energetic particle experiments monitor of electrons and protons (MEP) onboard Spectr‐R spacecraft and solid‐state telescope onboard Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms spacecraft, which have high time resolution. Oscillations of energetic ion fluxes are observed in the broad energy range ∼4–400 keV, with periods 10–30 s, often rather monochromatic waveform and accompanied with magnetic oscillations. Such events are not so rare (∼100 cases are found for 2007–2012) but are associated mostly with high‐speed solar wind.
Effect of Intraarticular Corticosteroid Foot Injections on Walking Function in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Esbjörnsson Anna‐Clara , Iversen Maura D. , André Marie , Hagelberg Stefan , Schwartz Michael H. , Broström Eva W.
Published: May 2015

Objective

To evaluate gait dynamics and self‐reported foot‐related disability before and after treatment with intraarticular corticosteroid injections (IACI) in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and foot involvement, and determined whether children with polyarticular and oligoarticular disease responded similarly to IACI treatment.

Methods

Forty‐three children (35 girls and 8 boys) with JIA were consecutively recruited (mean ± SD age 11.1 ± 4.2 years, mean disease duration 4.5 ± 3.6 years). Sixty‐five percent were diagnosed with polyarthritis. All children received IACI treatment for ankle and/or foot joint synovitis. Fifty‐eight percent received additional injections in the knee and/or hip joint. Forty healthy children, matched by age and sex, comprised the control group. Gait dynamics and foot‐related disability were assessed before IACI treatment and at 3 weeks and 3 months following the injections.

Results

Foot‐related disability and inflammatory joint symptoms improved following treatment. Gait dynamics were compromised before treatment and did not improve following treatment (mean ± SD nondimensional walking speed 0.49 ± 0.05 in the control group; 0.44 ± 0.07 in the JIA group pretreatment; 0.43 ± 0.10 in the JIA group 3 weeks following treatment; and 0.43 ± 0.07 in the JIA group 3 months following treatment) (P = 0.001 in controls versus pretreatment JIA group, P = 0.45 JIA over time). Mean ± SD ankle power was 3.81 ± 0.67 in the control group; 3.01 ± 1.19 in the JIA group pretreatment; 3.19 ± 1.30 in the JIA group 3 weeks after treatment; and 3.22 ± 1.03 in the JIA group 3 months after treatment (P < 0.001 in controls versus pretreatment JIA group, P = 0.51 JIA over time). The ankle power to hip power ratio was reduced (P = 0.01 in controls versus pretreatment JIA group), indicating a power shift from the ankles to the hips, which was more prominent in children with polyarthritis.

Conclusion

As a result of IACI treatment, improvements were found in self‐reported foot‐related disability and inflammatory joint symptoms, but gait dynamics were unchanged. Children with polyarticular disease and those with greater self‐reported walking difficulties prior to IACI treatment demonstrated worse outcomes, and children in these groups should be monitored carefully after treatment.
Further Evidence Supporting a Parent‐of‐Origin Effect in Psoriatic Disease
Authors: Pollock Remy A. , Thavaneswaran Arane , Pellett Fawnda , Chandran Vinod , Petronis Art , Rahman Proton , Gladman Dafna D.
Published: May 2015

Objective

To further explore the “parent‐of‐origin” effect in a large cohort of well‐phenotyped patients with cutaneous psoriasis without arthritis (PsC) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

Self‐reported family history was obtained from PsA patients from Toronto and Newfoundland satisfying the Classification of Psoriatic Arthritis criteria, and PsC patients from Toronto, who were examined by a rheumatologist to exclude PsA. Proportions of probands with paternally and maternally transmitted psoriatic disease were compared by McNemar's and chi‐square tests. Baseline clinical and genetic characteristics of probands with paternally and maternally transmitted disease were compared using logistic regression.

Results

A total of 849 probands reported a first‐degree relative affected with psoriatic disease (PsC or PsA), of which 532 (63%) reported an affected parent. A significantly larger proportion of probands reported an affected father compared to an affected mother with psoriatic disease (289 [57%] versus 220 [43%], respectively; P = 0.003). This paternal transmission bias was evident in PsA (P = 0.006) and PsC probands, although it did not reach statistical significance in PsC probands (P = 0.20). Furthermore, the proportion of paternal PsC–proband PsA pairs (161 of 214 paternal transmissions [75%]) was significantly larger than maternal PsC–proband PsA pairs (103 of 161 maternal transmissions [64%]) (P = 0.02). Newfoundland probands with paternally transmitted disease had higher HLA–B*08 carriage (P = 0.04) and lower MICA–129Met carriage (P = 0.03). Males had higher HLA–B*38 carriage (P = 0.05) and a higher prevalence of nail lesions (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

We have provided further epidemiologic evidence of a paternal transmission bias in psoriatic disease.
Minimax control of Markov jump linear systems
Authors: Geromel José C. , Deaecto Grace S. , Colaneri Patrizio
Published: May 2015

This paper introduces and focuses on a new control strategy for continuous‐time Markov jump linear systems denominated minimax control. It generalizes switching and linear parameter varying control strategies and is determined such as to preserve stochastic stability and guaranteed
performance. The special classes of Markov mode‐dependent and mode‐independent control are considered. The design methodology is characterized by minimax problems for which the existence of a saddle point is the central issue to be taken into account. As a natural application, Markov jump linear systems state feedback control design is discussed under this framework. A numerical example illustrates the theoretical results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A parallel prefiltering approach for the identification of a biased sinusoidal signal: Theory and experiments
Authors: Chen Boli , Pin Gilberto , Ng Wai M. , Hui S. Y. Ron , Parisini Thomas
Published: May 2015

The problem of estimating the amplitude, frequency, and phase of an unknown sinusoidal signal from a noisy‐biased measurement is addressed in this paper by a family of parallel prefiltering schemes. The proposed methodology consists in using a pair of linear filters of specified order to generate a suitable number of auxiliary signals that are used to estimate—in an adaptive way—the frequency, the amplitude, and the phase of the sinusoid. Increasing the order of the prefilters improves the noise immunity of the estimator, at the cost of an increase of the computational complexity. Among the whole family of estimators realizable by varying the order of the filters, the simple parallel prefilters of orders 2 + 2 and 3 + 3 are discussed in detail, being the most attractive from the implementability point of view. The behavior of the two algorithms with respect to bounded external disturbances is characterized by input‐to‐state stability arguments. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed technique is shown both by comparative numerical simulations and by a real experiment addressing the estimation of the frequency of the electrical mains from a noisy voltage measurement. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Continuously Tunable Emission in Inverted Type‐I CdS/CdSe Core/Crown Semiconductor Nanoplatelets
Authors: Delikanli Savas , Guzelturk Burak , Hernández‐Martínez Pedro L. , Erdem Talha , Kelestemur Yusuf , Olutas Murat , Akgul Mehmet Zafer , Demir Hilmi V.
Published: May 2015

The synthesis and unique tunable optical properties of core/crown nanoplatelets having an inverted Type‐I heterostructure are presented. Here, colloidal 2D CdS/CdSe heteronanoplatelets are grown with thickness of four monolayers using seed‐mediated method. In this work, it is shown that the emission peak of the resulting CdS/CdSe heteronanoplatelets can be continuously spectrally tuned between the peak emission wavelengths of the core only CdS nanoplatelets (421 nm) and CdSe nanoplatelets (515 nm) having the same vertical thickness. In these inverted Type‐I nanoplatelets, the unique continuous tunable emission is enabled by adjusting the lateral width of the CdSe crown, having a narrower bandgap, around the core CdS nanoplatelet, having a wider bandgap, as a result of the controlled lateral quantum confinement in the crown region additional to the pure vertical confinement. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, a white light generation is shown by using color conversion with these CdS/CdSe heteronanoplatelets having finely tuned thin crowns, resulting in a color rendering index of 80. The robust control of the electronic structure in such inverted Type‐I heteronanoplatelets achieved by tailoring the lateral extent of the crown coating around the core template presents a new enabling pathway for bandgap engineering in solution‐processed quantum wells.
Polymicrogyria in a 10‐month‐old boy with Mowat–Wilson syndrome
Authors: Murray Susan B. , Spangler Brooke B. , Helm Benjamin M. , Vergano Samantha Schrier
Published: May 2015

Mowat‐Wilson syndrome (MWS, OMIM# 235730) is a multiple congenital anomaly disorder characterized by intellectual disability, seizures, microcephaly, and distinct facial features. Additional findings include structural brain abnormalities, eye defects, congenital heart defects, Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), and genitourinary anomalies. It is caused by de novo heterozygous mutations or deletions of the ZEB2 gene on chromosome 2q21–q23. We report here on a 10‐month‐old boy with typical features of MWS who presented with the novel finding of polymicrogyria on brain magnetic resonance imaging. We also review the current literature regarding central nervous system anomalies in MWS. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CIC inactivating mutations identify aggressive subset of 1p19q codeleted gliomas
Authors: Gleize Vincent , Alentorn Agusti , Connen de Kérillis Léa , Labussière Marianne , Nadaradjane Aravidan A , Mundwiller Emeline , Ottolenghi Chris , Mangesius Stephanie , Rahimian Amithys , Ducray François ,   on behalf of the POLA network, Mokhtari Karima , Villa Chiara , Sanson Marc
Published: May 2015

Objective

CIC gene is frequently mutated in oligodendroglial tumors with 1p19q codeletion. However, clinical and biological impact remain poorly understood.

Methods

We sequenced the CIC gene on 127 oligodendroglial tumors (109 with the 1p19q codeletion) and analyzed patients' outcome. We compared magnetic resonance imaging, transcriptomic profile, and CIC protein expression of CIC wild‐type (WT) and mutant gliomas. We compared the level of expression of CIC target genes on Hs683‐IDH1R132H cells transfected with lentivirus encoding mutant and WT CIC.

Results

We found 63 mutations affecting 60 of 127 patients, virtually all 1p19q codeleted and IDH mutated (59 of 60). In the 1p19q codeleted gliomas, CIC mutations were associated with a poorer outcome by uni‐ (p = 0.001) and multivariate analysis (p < 0.016). CIC mutation prognostic impact was validated on the TCGA cohort. CIC mutant grade II codeleted gliomas spontaneously grew faster than WTs. Transcriptomic analysis revealed an enrichment of proliferative pathways and oligodendrocyte precursor cell gene expression profile in CIC mutant gliomas, with upregulation of normally CIC repressed genes ETV1, ETV4, ETV5, and CCND1. Various missense mutations resulted in CIC protein expression loss. Moreover, a truncating CIC mutation resulted in a defect of nuclear targeting of CIC protein to the nucleus in a human glioma cell line expressing IDH1R132H and overexpression of CCND1 and other new target genes of CIC, such as DUSP4 and SPRED1.

Interpretation

CIC mutations result in protein inactivation with upregulation of CIC target genes, activation of proliferative pathways, inhibition of differentiation, and poorer outcome in patients with a 1p19q codeleted glioma. Ann Neurol 2015;78:355–374
An Efficient Halogen‐Free Electrolyte for Use in Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries
Authors: Tutusaus Oscar , Mohtadi Rana , Arthur Timothy S. , Mizuno Fuminori , Nelson Emily G. , Sevryugina Yulia V.
Published: May 2015

Unlocking the full potential of rechargeable magnesium batteries has been partially hindered by the reliance on chloride‐based complex systems. Despite the high anodic stability of these electrolytes, they are corrosive toward metallic battery components, which reduce their practical electrochemical window. Following on our new design concept involving boron cluster anions, monocarborane CB11H12− produced the first halogen‐free, simple‐type Mg salt that is compatible with Mg metal and displays an oxidative stability surpassing that of ether solvents. Owing to its inertness and non‐corrosive nature, the Mg(CB11H12)2/tetraglyme (MMC/G4) electrolyte system permits standardized methods of high‐voltage cathode testing that uses a typical coin cell. This achievement is a turning point in the research and development of Mg electrolytes that has deep implications on realizing practical rechargeable Mg batteries.
Extraordinary Supercapacitor Performance of a Multicomponent and Mixed‐Valence Oxyhydroxide
Authors: Kang Jianli , Hirata Akihiko , Chen Luyang , Zhu Shengli , Fujita Takeshi , Chen Mingwei
Published: May 2015

We report a novel multicomponent mixed‐valence oxyhydroxide‐based electrode synthesized by electrochemical polarization of a de‐alloyed nanoporous NiCuMn alloy. The multicomponent oxyhydroxide has a high specific capacitance larger than 627 F cm−3 (1097±95 F g−1) at a current density of 0.25 A cm−3, originating from multiple redox reactions. More importantly, the oxyhydroxide electrode possesses an extraordinarily wide working‐potential window of 1.8 V in an aqueous electrolyte, which far exceeds the theoretically stable window of water. The realization of both high specific capacitance and high working‐potential windows gives rise to a high energy density, 51 mWh cm−3, of the multicomponent oxyhydroxide‐based supercapacitor for high‐energy and high‐power applications.
Halogen‐Bond‐Assisted Guest Inclusion in a Synthetic Cavity
Authors: Takezawa Hiroki , Murase Takashi , Resnati Giuseppe , Metrangolo Pierangelo , Fujita Makoto
Published: May 2015

The confined space inside a self‐assembled cage enhanced halogen bonding (XB) between iodoperfluorocarbons (XB donors) and NO3− anions or H2O molecules (XB acceptors), as confirmed by NMR spectroscopy in solution and by X‐ray crystallography in the solid state. The cavity also bound an XB donor–acceptor pair, C6F3I3 and C6H5NMe2, in a selective pairwise fashion.
An Operationally Simple Method for Separating the Rare‐Earth Elements Neodymium and Dysprosium
Authors: Bogart Justin A. , Lippincott Connor A. , Carroll Patrick J. , Schelter Eric J.
Published: May 2015

Rare‐earth metals are critical components of electronic materials and permanent magnets. Recycling of consumer materials is a promising new source of rare earths. To incentivize recycling there is a clear need for simple methods for targeted separations of mixtures of rare‐earth metal salts. Metal complexes of a tripodal nitroxide ligand [{(2‐tBuNO)C6H4CH2}3N]3− (TriNOx3−), feature a size‐sensitive aperture formed of its three η2‐(N,O) ligand arms. Exposure of metal cations in the aperture induces a self‐associative equilibrium comprising [M(TriNOx)thf]/ [M(TriNOx)]2 (M=rare‐earth metal). Differences in the equilibrium constants (Keq) for early and late metals enables simple Nd/Dy separations through leaching with a separation ratio SNd/Dy=359.
Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydroamination of Alkenes: Synthesis of Pyrrolidines Bearing a Tetrasubstituted Carbon Stereocenter
Authors: Lin Jin‐Shun , Yu Peng , Huang Lin , Zhang Pan , Tan Bin , Liu Xin‐Yuan
Published: May 2015

The first highly enantioselective Brønsted acid catalyzed intramolecular hydroamination of alkenes enables the efficient construction of a series of chiral (spirocyclic) pyrrolidines with an α‐tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenter with excellent functional group tolerance. A unique feature of this strategy is the use of a thiourea group acting as both the activating and the directing group through cooperative multiple hydrogen bonding with a Brønsted acid and the double bond. The utility of this method is highlighted by the facile construction of chiral synthetic intermediates and important structural motifs that are widely found in organic synthesis.
Chemical Synthesis of O‐Glycosylated Human Interleukin‐2 by the Reverse Polarity Protection Strategy
Authors: Asahina Yuya , Komiya Shinobu , Ohagi Ami , Fujimoto Rina , Tamagaki Hiroko , Nakagawa Katsuhiro , Sato Takashi , Akira Shizuo , Takao Toshifumi , Ishii Akira , Nakahara Yoshiaki , Hojo Hironobu
Published: May 2015

The chemical synthesis of human interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) , having a core 1 sugar, by a ligation method is reported. Although IL‐2 is a globular glycoprotein, its C‐terminal region, in particular (99‐133), is extremely insoluble when synthesized by solid‐phase method. To overcome this problem, the side‐chain carboxylic acid of the Glu residues was protected by a picolyl ester, thus reversing its polarity from negative to positive. This reverse polarity protection significantly increased the isoelectric point of the peptide segment and made it positive under acidic conditions and facilitated the purification. An efficient method to prepare the prolyl peptide thioester required for the synthesis of the (28‐65) segment was also developed. These efforts resulted in the total synthesis of the glycosylated IL‐2 having full biological activity.
Controlling the Structure and Length of Self‐Synthesizing Supramolecular Polymers through Nucleated Growth and Disassembly
Authors: Pal Asish , Malakoutikhah Morteza , Leonetti Giulia , Tezcan Meniz , Colomb‐Delsuc Mathieu , Nguyen Van Duc , van der Gucht Jasper , Otto Sijbren
Published: May 2015

Directing self‐assembly processes out‐of‐equilibrium to yield kinetically trapped materials with well‐defined dimensions remains a considerable challenge. Kinetically controlled assembly of self‐synthesizing peptide‐functionalized macrocycles through a nucleation–growth mechanism is reported. Spontaneous fiber formation in this system is effectively shut down as most of the material is diverted into metastable non‐assembling trimeric and tetrameric macrocycles. However, upon adding seeds to this mixture, well‐defined fibers with controllable lengths and narrow polydispersities are obtained. This seeded growth strategy also allows access to supramolecular triblock copolymers. The resulting noncovalent assemblies can be further stabilized through covalent capture. Taken together, these results show that self‐synthesizing materials, through their interplay between dynamic covalent bonds and noncovalent interactions, are uniquely suited for out‐of‐equilibrium self‐assembly.
Copper‐Catalyzed Oxy‐Alkenylation of Homoallylic Alcohols to Generate Functional syn‐1,3‐Diol Derivatives
Authors: Holt Dean , Gaunt Matthew J.
Published: May 2015

A novel method for the synthesis of a wide range of functionalized 1,3‐diol derivatives is reported. Employing a copper‐catalyzed oxy‐alkenylation strategy, a range of readily available, substituted homoallylic alcohol derivatives and alkenyl(aryl) iodonium salts combine to form syn‐1,3‐carbonates in excellent yield and with high selectivity. Furthermore, the products formed are amenable to an iterative reaction sequence, thus affording highly complex polyketide‐like fragments.
Multistimuli‐Responsive, Moldable Supramolecular Hydrogels Cross‐Linked by Ultrafast Complexation of Metal Ions and Biopolymers
Authors: Sun Zhifang , Lv Fucong , Cao Lujie , Liu Lin , Zhang Yi , Lu Zhouguang
Published: May 2015

A new type of multistimuli‐responsive hydrogels cross‐linked by metal ions and biopolymers is reported. By mixing the biopolymer chitosan (CS) with a variety of metal ions at the appropriate pH values, we obtained a series of transparent and stable hydrogels within a few seconds through supramolecular complexation. In particular, the CS–Ag hydrogel was chosen as the model and the gelation mechanism was revealed by various measurements. It was found that the facile association of Ag+ ions with amino and hydroxy groups in CS chains promoted rapid gel‐network formation. Interestingly, the CS–Ag hydrogel exhibits sharp phase transitions in response to multiple external stimuli, including pH value, chemical redox reactions, cations, anions, and neutral species. Furthermore, this soft matter showed a remarkable moldability to form shape‐persistent, free‐standing objects by a fast in situ gelation procedure.
Gold‐Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization of 2‐Alkynyl‐N‐Propargylanilines by Rearrangement of a Propargyl Group
Authors: Tokimizu Yusuke , Oishi Shinya , Fujii Nobutaka , Ohno Hiroaki
Published: May 2015

Gold catalysis enables direct construction of tetracyclic fused indolines through the migration of a propargyl substituent from an aniline nitrogen atom to the C3‐position of an indole from 2‐alkynyl‐N‐propargylanilines. This reaction provides rapid access to fused three‐dimensional indolines in a single operation with the formation of four bonds and three rings.
Dual Hypervalent Iodine(III) Reagents and Photoredox Catalysis Enable Decarboxylative Ynonylation under Mild Conditions
Authors: Huang Hanchu , Zhang Guojin , Chen Yiyun
Published: May 2015

A combination of hypervalent iodine(III) reagents (HIR) and photoredox catalysis with visible light has enabled chemoselective decarboxylative ynonylation to construct ynones, ynamides, and ynoates. This ynonylation occurs effectively under mild reaction conditions at room temperature and on substrates with various sensitive and reactive functional groups. The reaction represents the first HIR/photoredox dual catalysis to form acyl radicals from α‐ketoacids, followed by an unprecedented acyl radical addition to HIR‐bound alkynes. Its efficient construction of an mGlu5 receptor inhibitor under neutral aqueous conditions suggests future visible‐light‐induced biological applications.
Tetrabenzoperipentacene: Stable Five‐Electron Donating Ability and a Discrete Triple‐Layered β‐Graphite Form in the Solid State
Authors: Matsumoto Akinobu , Suzuki Mitsuharu , Kuzuhara Daiki , Hayashi Hironobu , Aratani Naoki , Yamada Hiroko
Published: May 2015

An oxidative ring‐closure reaction of a tetranaphthylpyrene derivative led to the synthesis of a 56 all‐carbon conjugated tetrabenzoperipentacene. In the single‐crystal X‐ray structure, three molecules make a triple‐layered cluster by π‐stacking, wherein each layer rotates by 120°, and is thus considered a petit β‐graphite. As for the optical properties, the Stokes shift is extremely small (10 cm−1), thus indicating its remarkably rigid framework. The tetrabenzoperipentacene exhibits reversible five‐electron oxidation waves in cyclic voltammetry, and is regarded as a counterpart to the fullerene C60 in terms of stable multicharge‐storage nanocarbon materials.