bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Further evidence of a mutation in CDC42 as a cause of a recognizable syndromic form of thrombocytopenia
Authors: Takenouchi Toshiki , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Ida Shinobu , Uehara Tomoko , Kosaki Kenjiro
Published: December 2015

We previously documented a girl with macrothrombocytopenia and developmental delay who carried a de novo mutation in CDC42, which plays pivotal roles in the cell cycle and the formation of the actin cytoskeleton. The phenotype of mice lacking Cdc42 was strikingly similar to that of the reported patient, indicating that the mutation in CDC42 causes a new syndromic form of thrombocytopenia. We, herein, report another unrelated female patient with a similar phenotype and a de novo mutation in the same CDC42. The present observation provides further evidence supporting the notion that a mutation in CDC42 causes a recognizable syndromic form of thrombocytopenia. The cardinal features of this entity include macrothrombocytopenia, developmental delay, lymphedema in the lower extremities, camptodactyly, and distinctive facial features. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Palladium supported on modified magnetic nanoparticles: a phosphine‐free and heterogeneous catalyst for Suzuki and Stille reactions
Authors: Ghorbani‐Choghamarani Arash , Norouzi Masoomeh
Published: December 2015

An efficient magnetic nanoparticle‐supported palladium (Fe3O4/SiO2‐PAP‐Pd) catalyst is reported for the Suzuki cross‐coupling and Stille reactions. This method provides a novel and much improved modification of the Suzuki and Stille coupling reactions in terms of phosphine‐free catalyst, short reaction time, clean reaction and small quantity of catalyst. Another important feature of this method is that the catalyst can be easily recovered from the reaction mixture and reused with no loss of its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solubility behavior of amphiphilic sulfonated copolymers based on styrene–stearyl methacrylate and styrene–stearyl cinnamate
Authors: Palermo Luiz Carlos Magalhães , Souza Nelson Francisco , Silvino Alexandre Carneiro , Nunes Denise Gentili , Lucas Elizabete Fernandes
Published: December 2015

Amphiphilic polymers have found many applications, so many types of these copolymers have been prepared. Specifically, sulfonated polystyrene acts, for example, as a flocullant or dispersant of petroleum asphaltenes as a function of its hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance. However, when changing the sulfonation degree, looking for the best performance, the solubility also changes, and sometimes it is responsible for making the polymer unsuitable for any application. Therefor, this work investigates in detail the changes in the solubility range of copolymers based on styrene–stearyl methacrylate and styrene–stearyl cinnamate with different molar compositions and different sulfonation degrees. The copolymers were synthesized and characterized by1H‐NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. In the range of compositions analyzed, with increasing content of long hydrocarbon chains, not only the displacement of the solubility in solvents with lower solubility parameter (δ), but also the broadening of the solubility range was observed. In general, the solubility was directly related to the sulfonic group content, but there appeared to be an influence of the randomness of the sulfonation reactions along the chains. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,133, 43112.
Improvement in mechanical properties and thermal stability of solvent‐based pressure‐sensitive adhesives based on triazine heterocyclic monomer
Authors: Chen Jun Hua , Zhao Qiang , Wang Ying , Luo Fubin , Shen Lu , Wu Kun , Liang Li Yan , Lu ManGeng
Published: December 2015

A heat‐resistance monomer denoted as triazine heterocyclic compound (TGIC‐AA) was synthesized and applied into improving the thermal stability of solvent‐based acrylic pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) through copolymerization. The modified acrylic PSAs tapes possessed longer holding time at temperature up to 150°C and no large areas of residues could be seen when peeled off on the substrate while the temperature of test was cooled down to room temperature. The thermal stability could be significantly enhanced in PSAs as the content of triazine heterocyclic compounds increased due to the extensive crosslinking networks. This indicated a worthy method to prepared heat resistant acrylic PSAs. An obvious reduction in peel adhesion occurred at the content of crosslinkers range 5 wt %‐7 wt %, while beyond 7 wt % adhesion failure occurred. The influences of crosslinking density on the molecular weight, glass transition temperature and viscosity, etc. for PSAs were also studied. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43281.
Degradation of PLA and PLA in composites with triacetin and buriti fiber after 600 days in a simulated marine environment
Authors: Pelegrini Kauê , Donazzolo Indianara , Brambilla Vanessa , Coulon Grisa Ana Maria , Piazza Diego , Zattera Ademir José , Brandalise Rosmary Nichele
Published: December 2015

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), the polymer object of this study, degrades by a biotic process after an abiotic hydrolysis process. Its degradation was evaluated after 600 days of exposure in a simulated marine environment (SME), as buriti fiber‐reinforced composites having triacetin as coupling agent. Composites were obtained by extrusion and films were produced by compression molding. After between 60 and 600 days of exposure, PLA had a weight loss of 2.5%, PLA/T of 1.5%, and 10–12% of weight loss for PLA/B and PLA/B/T, respectively. PLA intercalates reduction, increase, and decrease of its crystallinity attributed to hydrolysis (up to 15 days), impairment of amorphous segments (45 days), and loss of integrity of the matrix (100–600 days), respectively. In the PLA/T composites, triacetin inhibited the diatom colonization process, having its crystallinity values increased after nearly 100 days of exposure with subsequent reduction. For samples with buriti fiber, changes in crystallinity were attributed to absorption of water and exposure of matrix amorphous segments. PLA degradation in a SME is evidently favored by the use of natural fibers since they make easier water access to the matrix and colonization by the protists group, diatoms, showing that the polymer can have reduced post‐use shelf life as composites, with benefits while in use and at the same time post‐use environmental benefits. Triacetin inhibits PLA colonization and degradation up to 45 days after exposure, after which it no longer influences the degradation process. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43290.
The use of liposomes in the modification of polycaprolactone fibers
Authors: Batory Mirella , Adamus‐Grabicka Angelika , Sobczyk‐Guzenda Anna , Bartoszek Nina , Komorowski Piotr , Vyslouzilova Lucie , Rozek Zbigniew , Budzisz Elzbieta
Published: December 2015

Polycaprolactone is fully bioresorbable and biocompatible material. Liposomes containing nanocopper, nanosilver, and nanogold are known to have antifungal and antibacterial properties and to further aid in the synthesis of collagen and elastin in the skin. It is possible to combine the properties of polycaprolactone fibers and liposomes in new approaches to deliver active substances through cosmetics and medicines. The aim of the research was to examine the possibility of simple modification of PCL fibers with use of nanocopper, nanogold, and nanosilver incorporated liposomes. The size and the type of the liposomes were examined using optical microscopy and DLS techniques. The fibres modified with liposomes were investigated using SEM and FTIR techniques. Additionally the contact angle measurements were performed. The study shows an innovative method of modifying polycaprolactone nonwoven textiles. This combination of PCL fibers and liposomes allows easy and efficient preparation and delivery of active substances to a particular location. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43299.
Glucose‐based microbial production of the hormone melatonin in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Germann Susanne M. , Baallal Jacobsen Simo A. , Schneider Konstantin , Harrison Scott J. , Jensen Niels B. , Chen Xiao , Stahlhut Steen G. , Borodina Irina , Luo Hao , Zhu Jiangfeng , Maury Jérôme , Forster Jochen
Published: December 2015

Melatonin is a natural mammalian hormone that plays an important role in regulating the circadian cycle in humans. It is a clinically effective drug exhibiting positive effects as a sleep aid and a powerful antioxidant used as a dietary supplement. Commercial melatonin production is predominantly performed by complex chemical synthesis. In this study, we demonstrate microbial production of melatonin and related compounds, such as serotonin and N‐acetylserotonin. We generated Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains that comprise heterologous genes encoding one or more variants of an L‐tryptophan hydroxylase, a 5‐hydroxy‐L‐tryptophan decarboxylase, a serotonin acetyltransferase, an acetylserotonin O‐methyltransferase, and means for providing the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin via heterologous biosynthesis and recycling pathways. We thereby achieved de novo melatonin biosynthesis from glucose. We furthermore accomplished increased product titers by altering expression levels of selected pathway enzymes and boosting co‐factor supply. The final yeast strain produced melatonin at a titer of 14.50 ± 0.57 mg L−1 in a 76h fermentation using simulated fed‐batch medium with glucose as sole carbon source. Our study lays the basis for further developing a yeast cell factory for biological production of melatonin.
High‐titer biosynthesis of hyaluronic acid by recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Cheng Fangyu , Gong Qianying , Yu Huimin , Stephanopoulos Gregory
Published: December 2015

Hyaluronic acid (HA) plays important roles in human tissue system, thus it is highly desirable for various applications, such as in medical, clinic and cosmetic fields. The wild microbial producer of HA, streptococcus, was restricted by its potential pathogens, hence different recombinant hosts are being explored. In this work, we engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum, a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) organism free of exotoxins and endotoxins to produce HA with high titer and satisfied Mw. The ssehasA gene encoding hyaluronan synthase (HasA) was artificially synthesized with codon preference of C. glutamicum. Other genes involved in the HA synthetic pathway were directly cloned from the C. glutamicum genome. The operon structures and constitutive or inducible promoters were particularly compared and the preferred environmental conditions were also optimized. Using glucose and corn syrup powder as carbon and nitrogen sources, batch cultures of the engineered C.glutamicum with operon ssehasA‐hasB driven by Ptac promoter were performed in a 5 L fermentor. The maximal HA titer, productivity and yield reached 8.3 g/L, 0.24 g/L/h and 0.22 gHA/gGlucose, respectively; meanwhile the maximal Mw was 1.30 MDa. This work provides a safe and efficient novel producer of HA with huge industrial prospects.
Investigating Deformylase and Deacylase Activity of Mammalian and Bacterial Sirtuins
Authors: Seidel Julian , Klockenbusch Cordula , Schwarzer Dirk
Published: December 2015

Lysine acylation constitutes a major group of post‐translational modifications of proteins, and is found in the proteomes of organisms from all kingdoms of life. Sirtuins are considered the main erasers of these modification marks, and thus contribute to acylation‐dependent regulation of enzyme activity, and potentially of protein quality control. We have established a substrate scaffold to enable the analysis of sirtuin activity with a broad range of acyl‐lysine modifications, including hydrophobic fatty acids. Characterization of the deacylase activity of the bacterial SrtN, which is encoded by the yhdZ gene of Bacillus subtilis, showed that this enzyme is capable of removing a broad range of acyl groups. These investigations further showed that SrtN and human SIRT1 are efficient lysine‐deformylases, thereby providing a first clue as to how this nonenzymatic modification might be removed from affected proteins.
Determinants of operator and patient radiation exposure during cardiac catheterization: Insights from the RadiCure (RADIation reduction during cardiac catheterization using real‐timE monitoring) trial
Authors: Christopoulos Georgios , Papayannis Aristotelis C. , Alomar Mohammed , Christakopoulos Georgios E. , Kotsia Anna , Michael Tesfaldet T. , Rangan Bavana V. , Roesle Michele , Shorrock Deborah , Makke Lorenza , Maragkoudakis Spyros , Mohammad Atif , Sarode Karan , Chambers Charles E. , Banerjee Subhash , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: December 2015

Background

In the RadiCure study 505 catheterization procedures were 1:1 randomized to use or no use of real‐time radiation monitoring. Use of the Bleeper Sv monitor resulted in a significant reduction in operator radiation exposure.

Methods

We examined the association between several baseline and procedural parameters with operator and patient radiation exposure using univariable and multivariable analysis in the 505 patients that were enrolled in RadiCure. All baseline demographic and procedure characteristics recorded were included in the univariable analysis.

Results

Median fluoroscopy time was 6.2 (2.5–12.5) minutes, median patient air kerma dose was 0.908 (0.602–1.636) Gray and median first operator exposure was 10 (5–22) μSv. For analysis purposes, the 505 procedures were dichotomized based on the median operator exposure (10 μSv) and median patient radiation dose (0.908 Gray). On multivariable analysis, factors associated with high (above median or >10 μSv) first operator radiation exposure included radial access (odds ratio [OR] 5.44, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 2.88–10.76), chronic total occlusion (CTO) intervention (OR 12.78, 95% CI 4.42–43.60), real‐time radiation monitoring (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.26–0.66), and use of a radioabsorbent drape (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.28–0.96). High patient radiation dose (above median or >0.908 Gray) was associated with body mass index>30 kg/m2 (OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.99–5.29), prior MI (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.29–4.04), prior cerebrovascular disease (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.15–0.75), hypertension (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.05–5.82), prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.40–4.39) and CTO intervention (OR 12.93, 95% CI 3.28–87.31), but was not associated with real‐time radiation monitoring and use of a radioabsorbent drape.

Conclusions

Several clinical and procedural factors are associated with higher patient and operator radiation exposure. Real‐time radiation monitoring and use of disposable radiation shields were associated with lower operator, but not patient, radiation dose. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection
Authors: Rogowski Sebastian , Maeder Micha T. , Weilenmann Daniel , Haager Philipp K. , Ammann Peter , Rohner Franziska , Joerg Lucas , Rickli Hans
Published: December 2015

Objective

We sought to assess the angiographic and long‐term clinical outcomes in a predominantly medically treated population with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD).

Background

There are little data on the angiographic and long‐term outcome in patients with SCAD.

Methods

We studied 64 patients with SCAD (mean age 53 years, 94% females, three peripartum) with acute coronary syndrome who were treated using coronary bypass grafting (n = 1), percutaneous coronary intervention (n = 7), or medical therapy (n = 56). A repeat angiogram was performed in 40/64 (63%) patients. The median clinical follow‐up was 4.5 years.

Results

Five (8%) patients had a major cardiac event. One patient with peripartum left main SCAD and cardiogenic shock died during PCI. One patient with conservatively treated SCAD of the posterior descending artery suffered out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest 16 days after the initial angiogram but survived. Three patients experienced a second SCAD in another vessel 3.7, 4.7, and 7.9 years after the index event while the initial dissection had healed. Thirty medically treated patients underwent a scheduled repeat angiogram showing healing of the dissection in all but one patient. After a median follow‐up of 4.5 (1.8–8.4) years, all 63 patients surviving the index event were alive and free of symptoms suggestive of myocardial ischemia.

Conclusions

In general, the long‐term outcome of patients with SCAD is excellent, and medical therapy can be safely applied in the majority of patients. However, SCAD can be a life‐threatening and sometimes catastrophic event, and some patients experience early or late complications including SCAD of another vessel. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monomer relative affinity in a copolymer
Authors: Kadane Joseph B.
Published: December 2015

This paper analyzes data from experiments on simple polymer chains. It measures the extent to which a particular monomer prefers to link with another of the same type. To analyze the data, it derives the likelihood function for a two‐state Markov model in which only the number in each state, but not the order, is observed. This technology is applied to a data set on which experimenters mixed lactic‐glycolic monomers with a known proportion of a contaminant consisting of an extra lactic acid. The resulting copolymers were subjected to matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. This records the number of copolymers at each atomic weight, which can be associated with a given length of copolymer and number of contaminant monomers. Analysis of the data shows that the proportion of contaminant monomers exceeded the proportion of experimentally induced contaminant. Maximum likelihood estimates using the data show that lactic‐glycolic monomers show a positive affinity for the contaminant. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical and Molecular Docking Study of Ketoconazole on Heptakis(2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin as Chiral Selector
Authors: Arsad Siti Rosilah , Maarof Hasmerya , Wan Ibrahim Wan Aini , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y.
Published: December 2015

A molecular docking study, using molecular mechanics calculations with AutoDock and semi‐empirical PM3 calculations, was used to predict the enantiodiscrimination of heptakis(2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin (TMβCD) and ketoconazole (KTZ) enantiomers. A Density Functional Theory (DFT) single‐point calculation at the level of B3LYP/6‐311G (d,p) was performed for the PM3‐optimized complexes to obtain more accurate binding energy and the electronic structures of the complexes. The difference in energies of the inclusion complexes between the KTZ enantiomers and TMβCD is probably a measure of chiral discrimination, which results in the separation of the enantiomers as observed in the experimental studies. Chirality 28:209–214, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chiral Separation of Uncharged Pomalidomide Enantiomers Using Carboxymethyl‐β‐Cyclodextrin: A Validated Capillary Electrophoretic Method
Authors: Szabó Zoltán‐István , Szőcs Levente , Muntean Daniela‐Lucia , NoszáL Béla , Tóth Gergő
Published: December 2015

The racemic mixture of pomalidomide (POM), a second‐generation immunomodulatory uncharged drug, was separated into enantiomers by capillary zone electrophoresis for the first time. Seven different chargeable cyclodextrin (CD) derivatives were screened as complexing agents and chiral selectors, investigating the stability of the POM‐CD inclusion complexes and their enantiodiscriminating capacities. Based on preliminary experiments, carboxymethyl‐β‐CD (CM‐β‐CD) was found to be the most effective chiral selector. Factors influencing enantioseparation were systematically optimized, using an orthogonal experimental design. Optimal parameters (background electrolyte [BGE]: 50 mM Tris‐acetate buffer, pH 6.5, containing 15 mM CM‐β‐CD; capillary temperature: 20°C; voltage applied +15 kV) allowed baseline separation of POM enantiomers with a resolution as high as 4.87. The developed method was validated, in terms of sensitivity (limit of detection and limit of quantification), linearity, accuracy, repeatability, and intermediate precision. Chirality 28:199–203, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carbon Aerogels Derived from Bacterial Cellulose/Polyimide Composites as Versatile Adsorbents and Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Lai Feili , Miao Yue‐E , Zuo Lizeng , Zhang Youfang , Liu Tianxi
Published: December 2015

Hierarchically structured carbon aerogels consisting of one‐dimensional carbon nanofibers and a three‐dimensional carbon skeleton are prepared by sequential imidization and carbonization of bacterial cellulose/poly(amic acid) composite aerogels. The as‐obtained carbon aerogels show excellent compressive properties, and can be directly used as versatile adsorbents for various liquids with superior sorption capacity and extraordinary recycling performance. Interestingly, the recycled carbon aerogels can still be used as electrode materials for supercapacitors with a high specific capacitance of 194.7 F g−1 and excellent stability, which is attributed to the interconnected pores for fast ion diffusion, the maximized active site exposure for efficient charge adsorptions, and crosslinked carbon nanofibers for rapid electron transport. Therefore, this work provides a new strategy to develop multidimensional carbonaceous materials for both environmental and energy applications.
Type 1 diabetes associated HLA‐DQ2 and DQ8 molecules are relatively resistant to HLA‐DM mediated release of invariant chain‐derived CLIP peptides
Authors: Zhou Zemin , Reyes‐Vargas Eduardo , Escobar Hernando , Rudd Brant , Rockwood Alan L. , Delgado Julio C. , He Xiao , Jensen Peter E.
Published: December 2015

HLA‐DM is essential for editing peptides bound to MHC class II, thus influencing the repertoire of peptides mediating selection and activation of CD4+ T cells. Individuals expressing HLA‐DQ2 or DQ8, and DQ2/8 trans‐dimers, have elevated risk for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Cells coexpressing DM with these DQ molecules were observed to express elevated levels of CLIP (Class II associated invariant chain peptide). Relative resistance to DM‐mediated editing of CLIP was further confirmed by HPLC‐MS/MS analysis of eluted peptides, which also demonstrated peptides from known T1D‐associated autoantigens, including a shared epitope from ZnT8 that is presented by all four major T1D‐susceptible DQ molecules. Assays with purified recombinant soluble proteins confirmed that DQ2‐CLIP complexes are highly resistant to DM editing, whereas DQ8‐CLIP is partially sensitive to DM, but with an apparent reduction in catalytic potency. DM sensitivity was enhanced in mutant DQ8 molecules with disruption of hydrogen bonds that stabilize DQ8 near the DM‐binding region. Our findings show that T1D‐susceptible DQ2 and DQ8 share significant resistance to DM editing, compared with control DQ molecules. The relative resistance of the T1D‐susceptible DQ molecules to DM editing and preferential presentation of T1D‐associated autoantigenic peptides may contribute to the pathogenesis of T1D.
Regional extreme value index estimation and a test of tail homogeneity
Authors: Kinsvater Paul , Fried Roland , Lilienthal Jona
Published: December 2015

This paper deals with inference on extremes of heavy‐tailed distributions. We assume distribution functions F of Pareto‐type, where the right‐tail behavior of F is characterized by a strictly positive parameter γ, the so‐called extreme value index (EVI). In some applications, observations from closely related variables are available, with possibly identical EVI γ. If these variables are observed for the same time period, a procedure called BEAR estimator has recently been proposed. We modify this approach allowing for different observation periods and pairwise extreme value dependence of the variables. In addition, we present a new test for equality of the EVI. As an application, we discuss regional flood frequency analysis, where we want to combine rather short sequences of univariate observations with very different lengths measured at many gauges for joint inference. We illustrate our findings on peak discharges from 18 river gauges located at the Mulde basin in Germany, which is known for its severe summer floods, and identify relevant heterogeneous tail behavior, which is not detected by other popular methods. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Binary search routing equivalent (BSRE): a circular design for structured P2P networks
Authors: Naghizadeh A. , Shahbahrami A.
Published: December 2015

Peer‐to‐peer (P2P) solutions are powerful distributed networks that are used in different kinds of applications. An important challenge for these networks is how search queries take place among users. A prominent solution for efficient search queries with a reasonable time is to use distributed hash tables in a structured design. Current methodologies of structured networks either provide a network with O(logN) routing time or exclusively reach O(1) without the possibility of routing. Based on different situations, each of these infrastructures has its applicability. In this paper, we propose binary search routing equivalent, a circular design for structured P2P networks. Our main goal is to make a flexible network infrastructure for routing. By considering trade‐offs between the size of distributed hash tables, overheads over churn and routing time, binary search routing equivalent can find objects without routing or route for at worst case O(logN). For this purpose, we emulate the methodology of binary search for P2P networks. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Infiltration of SOFC Stacks: Evaluation of the Electrochemical Performance Enhancement and the Underlying Changes in the Microstructure
Authors: Kiebach R. , Zielke P. , Høgh J. V. T. , Thydén K. , Wang H.‐J. , Barford R. , Hendriksen P. V.
Published: December 2015

Experimental SOFC stacks with 10 SOFCs (LSM‐YSZ/YSZ/Ni‐YSZ) were infiltrated with CGO and Ni‐CGO on the air and fuel side, respectively in an attempt to counter degradation and improve the output. The electrochemical performance of each cell was characterized (i) before infiltration, (ii) after infiltration on the cathode side, and (iii) after the infiltration of the anode side. A significant performance enhancement was observed after the infiltration with CGO on the cathode, while the infiltration of the anode side with Ni‐CGO had no significant effect on the electrochemical performance. After testing the cells were characterized by SEM and TEM/EELS. A thin layer of CGO nanoparticles around the LSM‐YSZ back bone structure was found after infiltration. On the anode side nano sized Ni particles were found embedded in a CGO layer formed around the Ni‐YSZ structure. EELS analysis showed that the oxidation state of the Ce ions is identical on the air and the fuel side.
Modulatory role of 17β‐estradiol in the tumor microenvironment of thyroid cancer
Authors: Hima Sithul , Sreeja Sreeharshan
Published: December 2015

Thyroid cancer (TC) is an endocrine related cancer and is well coupled with the female reproductive hormone, 17β‐estradiol (estrogen). Plenty of articles have discussed the role of tumor microenvironment (TME) with different types of tumors in a broad‐spectrum but the role of female reproductive hormone, that is, involvement of estrogen in TME of TC have not been reviewed elsewhere. The aim of this review is to analyze how 17β‐estradiol affects the TME of TC and also that subsequently leads to progression of cancer. This review is given a new insight on: 1) the estrogen's involvement in TME of TC; 2) how it interferes with the complex cross talk of signaling pathways established between cancer cells, host cells, and their surrounding extracellular matrix; and 3) the important factors of microenvironment comprising inflammation, hypoxia, angiogenesis, metastasis, various growth factors and fibroblasts in stromal cells. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 68(2):85–96, 2016
Self‐assembling peptide nanofiber hydrogels in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: Progress, design guidelines, and applications
Authors: Koutsopoulos Sotirios
Published: December 2015

Until the mid‐1980s, mainly biologists were conducting peptide research. This changed with discoveries that opened new paths of research involving the use of peptides in bioengineering, biotechnology, biomedicine, nanotechnology, and bioelectronics. Peptide engineering and rational design of novel peptide sequences with unique and tailor‐made properties further expanded the field. The discovery of short self‐assembling peptides, which upon association form well‐defined supramolecular architectures, created new and exciting areas of research. Depending on the amino acid sequence, the pH, and the type of the electrolyte in the medium, peptide self‐assembly leads to the formation of nanofibers, which are further organized to form a hydrogel. In this review, the application of ionic complementary peptides which self‐assemble to form nanofiber hydrogels for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine will be discussed through a selective presentation of the most important work performed during the last 25 years. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1002–1016, 2016.
Customized hybrid biomimetic hydroxyapatite scaffold for bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Ciocca L. , Lesci I. G. , Mezini O. , Parrilli A. , Ragazzini S. , Rinnovati R. , Romagnoli N. , Roveri N. , Scotti R.
Published: December 2015

Three‐dimension (3D) scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration were produced combining three different phases: nanometric hydroxyapatite (HA) was synthesized by precipitation method and the crystals nucleation took place directly within collagen fibrils following a biologically inspired mineralization process; polycaprolactone was employed to give the material a 3D structure. The chemico‐physical analysis carried out to test the material's properties and composition revealed a high similarity in composition and morphology with biologically mineralized collagen fibrils and a scaffold degradation pattern suitable for physiological processes. The micro‐ computerized tomography (micro‐CT) showed 53.53% porosity and a 97.86% mean interconnected pores. Computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD‐CAM) technology was used for molding the scaffold's volume (design/shape) and for guiding the surgical procedure (cutting guides). The custom made scaffolds were implanted in sheep mandible using prototyped surgical guides and customized bone plates. After three months healing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the explanted scaffold revealed a massive cell seeding of the scaffold, with cell infiltration within the scaffold's interconnected pores. The micro‐CT of the explanted construct showed a good match between the scaffold and the adjacent host's bone, to shield the implant primary stability. Histology confirmed cell penetration and widely documented neoangiogenesis within the entire scaffold's volume. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 723–734, 2017.
Community Cultural Wealth: An Assets‐Based Approach to Persistence of Engineering Students of Color
Authors: Samuelson Cate C. , Litzler Elizabeth
Published: December 2015

Background

Community cultural wealth, or the types of cultural capital that students of color employ, has been used to understand the persistence of students of color in engineering. The assets‐based theory of community cultural wealth helps identify the cultural resources that these students develop in their families and communities and bring to engineering. This theory problematizes the experiences of students of color in the context of an educational system designed for White males.

Purpose

The study sought to answer four research questions: What types of community cultural wealth did African American and Latino students rely on through their engineering programs? How did the different types of capital contribute to student persistence? What differences emerged between African American and Latino students? What differences emerged at the intersection of race/ethnicity and gender?

Design/Method

We applied secondary qualitative analysis to interviews with 31 engineering undergraduates: 11 African American students and 20 Latino students from 11 universities.

Results

Each type of community cultural wealth took various forms and contributed to student persistence. Students alluded to navigational and aspirational capital most often. African American men and women activated particular types of capital differently. Women with different racial/ethnic backgrounds also relied on different forms of capital or methods of activation.

Conclusions

The types of capital are dynamic in how they interact with one another. Community cultural wealth is a useful assets‐based construct for the study of persistence of engineering students of color.
Optimization and synthesis of an 18F‐labeled dopamine D3 receptor ligand using [18F]fluorophenylazocarboxylic tert‐butylester
Authors: Nebel Natascha , Maschauer Simone , Hocke Carsten , Hübner Harald , Gmeiner Peter , Prante Olaf
Published: December 2015

There is still no efficient fluorine‐18‐labeled dopamine D3 subtype selective receptor ligand for studies with positron emission tomography. We aim at improving the D3 selectivity and hydrophilicity of a candidate ligand by changing the substitution pattern to a 2,3‐dichlorophenylpiperazine and hydroxylation of the butyl chain. The compound [18F]3 exhibited D3 affinity of Ki  = 3.6 nM, increased subtype selectivity (Ki(D2/D3) = 60), and low affinity to 5‐HT1A and α1 receptors (Ki (5‐HT1A/D3)  = 34; Ki (α1/D3) = 100). The two‐step radiosynthesis was optimized for analog [18F]4 by reducing the necessary concentration of the precursor amine (57 mM), which reacted with [18F]fluorophenylazocarboxylic tert‐butylester under basic conditions. The optimization of the base (Cs 2CO3, 23 mM) and the adjustment of reaction temperature led to the radiochemical yield of 63% after 5 min at 35°C. The optimized reaction conditions were transferred on to the synthesis of [18F]3 with an overall non‐decay corrected yield of 8‐12% in a specific activity of 32‐102 GBq/µmol after a total synthesis time of 30‐35 min. This provides a D 3 radioligand candidate with improved attributes concerning selectivity and radiosynthesis for further preclinical studies.
A new look at the psychological contract during organizational socialization: The role of newcomers' obligations at entry
Authors: Delobbe Nathalie , Cooper‐Thomas Helena D. , De Hoe Roxane
Published: December 2015

Previous studies have demonstrated that the psychological contract is largely shaped during socialization. This study adopts a complementary perspective and analyzes how the psychological contract at the start of employment shapes the subsequent socialization process. Drawing upon social exchange theory, we propose that newcomers with a higher sense of their personal obligations at entry will perceive orientation training as more useful and develop better relationships with their supervisors and peers, which in turn will facilitate their work adjustment. Results of a longitudinal survey on a sample of 144 recruits from a European Army show that newcomers with a higher initial sense of their employee obligations toward their employer report higher perceived training utility, higher leader–member exchange (LMX) with their instructors, and higher team–member exchange (TMX) with their platoon peers. Moreover, perceived training utility and LMX predict the fulfillment of employers' obligations; and training utility predicts the level of newcomers' employee obligations. Finally, training utility, LMX, and TMX predict some of three indicators of newcomers' adjustment, namely, role clarity (training utility and LMX), group integration (TMX), and organizational values understanding (training utility). These results highlight how newcomers' obligations at the start of employment contribute to the social exchange dynamic underlying organizational socialization. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The importance of surgical margins in retroperitoneal sarcoma
Authors: Kirane Amanda , Crago Aimee M.
Published: December 2015

Surgery is the “gold‐standard” treatment for retroperitoneal sarcomas, but local recurrence is common, and can cause disease‐related death. Complete gross resection is associated with improved survival, but debate exists as to whether resection of adjacent organs to improve margins or prescription of neoadjuvant radiation leads to better outcomes. This review summarizes data addressing prognostic value of margin, extent of surgery necessary to optimize treatment of retroperitoneal sarcomas, and role of histology in optimizing therapy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:270–276. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Price versus Quantity in a Duopolistic Market with Bargaining over Managerial Delegation Contracts
Authors: Nakamura Yasuhiko
Published: December 2015

This paper studies the endogenous choices of strategic contracts in a duopoly with bargaining between the owner and manager of each firm over the content of the managerial delegation contract. We show that when the bargaining power of the manager relative to that of the owner within each firm is sufficiently high, quantity competition based on the quantity contracts chosen by the owners of both firms can be uniquely observed in the equilibrium, whereas quantity competition and price competition can be observed in the equilibrium when this relative bargaining power is sufficiently low. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In the Absence of Leave: The Financial Coping Strategies of Disadvantaged New Mothers in the Great Recession
Authors: Monte Lindsay M.
Published: December 2015

Maternity leave is rare in the United States, while paid maternity leave is even more rare. Given this, the days and weeks following a birth often present a financial challenge for new mothers. In this analysis, I examine the social program use and labor force attachment of new mothers during the Great Recession. Using data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation's 2004 and 2008 panels, I examine differences in women's return to work following a birth, as well as rates (and durations) of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) uptake following a birth, comparing the period of the Great Recession and the years that preceded it. Controlling for demographic and socioeconomic predictors, I find reduced postpartum employment and heightened reliance on TANF during the Great Recession when compared to the years preceding the recession, suggesting that the financial coping strategies of new mothers shifted during the recession.
Generating Metallic Amorphous Core–Shell Nanoparticles by a Solid‐State Amorphization Process
Authors: Feng Tao , Wang Di , Wang Chaomin , Chen Na , Hahn Horst , Gleiter Herbert
Published: December 2015

Metallic crystalline/amorphous core–shell nanoparticles consisting of a crystalline Pd core (c‐Pd) surrounded by an amorphous Fe25Sc75 shell (a‐FeSc) are prepared by inert‐gas condensation. A phase transformation of the c‐Pd by a solid‐state diffusion process resulting in an amorphous core (a‐PdSc) surrounded by an amorphous FeSc shell is observed if the core–shell structure is irradiated at ambient temperature with 300 keV electrons. The amorphization process seems to involve the diffusion of irradiation‐induced defects and is presumably driven by the large negative heat of mixing of Pd and Sc, as well as by the excess enthalpy of the interfaces between the c‐Pd regions and the surrounding a‐FeSc. The structural transformation reported here opens a new way to producing metallic amorphous core–shell nanoparticles of different chemical compositions and probably novel properties.
Hollow Silica Spheres Embedded in a Porous Carbon Matrix and Its Superior Performance as the Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Cao Xi , Chuan Xiuyun , Li Shuang , Huang Dubin , Cao Guozhong
Published: December 2015

Silica (SiO2) is regarded as one of the most promising anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries due to the high theoretical specific capacity and extremely low cost. However, the low intrinsic electrical conductivity and the big volume change during charge/discharge cycles result in a poor electrochemical performance. Here, hollow silica spheres embedded in porous carbon (HSS–C) composites are synthesized and investigated as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries. The HSS–C composites demonstrate a high specific capacity of about 910 mA h g−1 at a rate of 200 mA g−1 after 150 cycles and exhibit good rate capability. The porous carbon with a large surface area and void space filled both inside and outside of the hollow silica spheres acts as an excellent conductive layer to enhance the overall conductivity of the electrode, shortens the diffusion path length for the transport of lithium ions, and also buffers the volume change accompanied with lithium‐ion insertion/extraction processes.
The role of ATP‐binding cassette transporter genes in the progression of prostate cancer
Authors: Karatas Omer F. , Guzel Esra , Duz Mehmet B. , Ittmann Michael , Ozen Mustafa
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed neoplasm and the second leading cause of cancer‐related death among men in developed countries. There is no clear evidence showing the success of current screening tests in reducing mortality of PCa. In this study, we aimed to profile expressions of nine ABC transporters, ABCA5, ABCB1, ABCB6, ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC3, ABCC5, ABCC10, and ABCF2, in recurrent, non‐recurrent PCa and normal prostate tissues.

METHODS

A total of 77 (39 recurrent, 38 non‐recurrent) radical prostatectomy and 20 normal prostate samples, obtained from Baylor College of Medicine Prostate Cancer program, were included into the study and divided into two independent groups as test and validation sample sets. Differential expression of selected ABC transporters was assessed using quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). Pearson's correlation test, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and Kaplan–Meier test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

QRT‐PCR results demonstrated the elevated expression of ABCA5, ABCB1, ABCB6, ABCC1, and ABCC2 as well as reduced expression of ABCC3 in PCa samples compared to normal prostate tissues. In addition, we found deregulation of ABCB1, ABCB6, ABCC3, and ABCC10 in recurrent PCa samples and validated differential expression of ABCB6, ABCC3, and ABCC10 in recurrent PCa compared to non‐recurrent PCa. Pearson's correlation, ROC and Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed the power of these three ABC transporters for estimating prognosis of PCa.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated differential expression of ABC transporters both in tumor versus normal and recurrent versus non‐recurrent comparisons. Our data suggest ABCB6, ABCC3, and ABCC10 as valuable predictors of PCa progression. Prostate 76:434–444, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cover Image, Volume 7, Issue 1
Authors: Ford James D. , Stephenson Ellie , Cunsolo Willox Ashlee , Edge Victoria , Farahbakhsh Khosrow , Furgal Christopher , Harper Sherilee , Chatwood Susan , Mauro Ian , Pearce Tristan , Austin Stephanie , Bunce Anna , Bussalleu Alejandra , Diaz Jahir , Finner Kaitlyn , Gordon Allan , Huet Catherine , Kitching Knut , Lardeau Marie‐Pierre , McDowell Graham , McDonald Ellen , Nakoneczny Lesya , Sherman Mya
Published: December 2015

The cover image, by James D. Ford et al., is based on the Overview “Community‐based adaptation research in the Canadian Arctic,” DOI 10.1002/wcc.376.

Lukie Airut, a seventy‐year‐old master carver and hunter from the Igloolik region of Nunavut, stands on an ice flow hunting walrus in the summer of 2012. Inuit in the Canadian Arctic are on the frontline of climate change adaptation as the region is warming double the global average which profoundly impacts social‐economic, cultural and biophysical systems.

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Evolution of a Lung‐Sparing Strategy with Sleeve Lobectomy and Induction Therapy for Non‐small Cell Lung Cancer: 20‐Year Experience at a Single Institution
Authors: Tagawa Tetsuzo , Iwata Takekazu , Nakajima Takahiro , Suzuki Hidemi , Yoshida Shigetoshi , Yoshino Ichiro
Published: December 2015

Background

To elucidate the evolution of a lung‐sparing strategy with sleeve lobectomy (SL) and induction therapy for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 205 patients with NSCLC who underwent pneumonectomy (PN, n = 54) or SL (n = 151) from 1994 to 2013. The study period was divided into four 5‐year periods, and surgical trends were analyzed, focusing on the PN:SL ratio.

Results

PN was associated with a significantly advanced pathological stage, a larger tumor size and less pulmonary function compared with SL. The PN group had higher 30‐day (3.7 vs. 0 %, p = 0.018) and 90‐day (13.0 vs. 1.3 %, p = 0.0003) mortality than the SL group. The overall 5‐year survival rate was significantly higher with SL (71.5 %) versus PN (42.8 %, p = 0.011) for patients with pN0–1. The ratio of PN among total surgeries decreased significantly over the four periods (1994–1998, 1999–2003, 2004–2008, and 2009–2013) from 5.63 % to 3.17, 1.40, and 1.38 %, respectively (p < 0.0001); in contrast, the PN:SL ratio increased significantly from 1.64 to 2.50, 3.71, and 5.44, respectively (p = 0.041). During the last period, when we introduced induction therapy, 38 of 651 who received surgery underwent induction therapy. The PN:SL ratios of those who did and did not undergo induction therapy were 15 (PN: 1, SL: 15) and 4.25 (PN: 8, SL: 34), respectively.

Conclusions

A lung‐sparing strategy with SL for NSCLC can decrease the PN rate to less than 2 % with less mortality. Induction therapy may facilitate SL and increase the PN:SL ratio.
Prioritisation of Surgery in the National Health Strategic Plans of Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Citron Isabelle , Chokotho Linda , Lavy Chris
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Disease amenable to surgical intervention accounts for 11–15 % of world disability and there is increasing interest in surgery as a global public health issue. National Health Strategic Plans (NHSPs) reflect countries’ long‐term health priorities, plans and targets. These plans were analysed to assess the prioritisation of surgery as a public health issue in Africa.

Methods

NHSPs of 43 independent Sub‐Saharan African countries available in the public domain in March 2014 in French or English were searched electronically for key terms: surg*, ortho*, trauma, cancer, appendic*, laparotomy, HIV, tuberculosis, malaria. They were then searched manually for disease prevalence, targets, and human resources.

Results

19 % of NHSPs had no mention of surgery or surgical conditions. 63 % had five or less mentions of surgery. HIV and malaria had 3772 mentions across all the policies, compared to surgery with only 376 mentions. Trauma had 239 mentions, while the common surgical conditions of appendicitis, laparotomy and hernia had no mentions at all. Over 95 % of NHSPs specifically mentioned the prevalence of HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, infant mortality and maternal mortality. Whereas, the most commonly mentioned surgical condition for which a prevalence was given was trauma, in only 47 % of policies. All NHSPs had plans and measurable targets for the reduction of HIV and tuberculosis. Of the total 4064 health targets, only 2 % were related to surgical conditions or surgical care. 33 % of policies had no surgical targets.

Discussion

NHSPs are the best available measure of health service and planning priorities. It is clear from our findings that surgery is poorly represented and that surgical conditions and surgical treatment are not widely recognised as a public health priority. Greater prioritisation of surgery in national health strategic policies is required to build resilient surgical systems.