bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gradual diffusion and punctuated phase space density enhancements of highly relativistic electrons: Van Allen Probes observations
Authors: Baker D. N. , Jaynes A. N. , Li X. , Henderson M. G. , Kanekal S. G. , Reeves G. D. , Spence H. E. , Claudepierre S. G. , Fennell J. F. , Hudson M. K. , Thorne R. M. , Foster J. C. , Erickson P. J. , Malaspina D. M. , Wygant J. R. , Boyd A. , Kletzing C. A. , Drozdov A. , Shprits Y. Y.
Published: January 2014

The dual‐spacecraft Van Allen Probes mission has provided a new window into mega electron volt (MeV) particle dynamics in the Earth's radiation belts. Observations (up to E ~10 MeV) show clearly the behavior of the outer electron radiation belt at different timescales: months‐long periods of gradual inward radial diffusive transport and weak loss being punctuated by dramatic flux changes driven by strong solar wind transient events. We present analysis of multi‐MeV electron flux and phase space density (PSD) changes during March 2013 in the context of the first year of Van Allen Probes operation. This March period demonstrates the classic signatures both of inward radial diffusive energization and abrupt localized acceleration deep within the outer Van Allen zone (L ~4.0 ± 0.5). This reveals graphically that both “competing” mechanisms of multi‐MeV electron energization are at play in the radiation belts, often acting almost concurrently or at least in rapid succession.
How does solar eclipse influence the complex behavior of midlatitude ionosphere? Two case studies
Authors: Unnikrishnan K. , Richards Phil
Published: January 2014

This paper investigates the influence of two solar eclipses on the ionosphere complexity measures: Tsallis entropy, Rényi entropy, Hurst exponent, beta exponent, and fractal dimension. The study used GPS TEC measured at three locations in Japan during the solar eclipses of 22 July 2009 and 21 May 2012.This is the first effort to compare the complexity measures by comparing TEC time series of the eclipse day with those from the day before and the day after the eclipse. It was found from analysis of the TEC observations that there were no abnormal variations of the complexity parameters from their expected values for either eclipse. Model calculations also show that TEC deviations during the eclipses are small.
Interferometry of infragravity waves off New Zealand
Authors: Godin Oleg A. , Zabotin Nikolay A. , Sheehan Anne F. , Collins John A.
Published: January 2014

Wave interferometry is a remote sensing technique, which is increasingly employed in helioseismology, seismology, and acoustics to retrieve parameters of the propagation medium from two‐point cross‐correlation functions of random wavefields. Here we apply interferometry to yearlong records of seafloor pressure at 28 locations off New Zealand's South Island to investigate propagation and directivity properties of infragravity waves away from shore. A compressed cross‐correlation function technique is proposed to make the interferometry of dispersive waves more robust, decrease the necessary noise averaging time, and simplify retrieval of quantitative information from noise cross correlations. The emergence of deterministic wave arrivals from cross correlations of random wavefields is observed up to the maximum range of 692 km between the pressure sensors in the array. Free, linear waves with a strongly anisotropic distribution of power flux density are found to be dominant in the infragravity wavefield. Lowest‐frequency components of the infragravity wavefield are largely isotropic. The anisotropy has its maximum in the middle of the spectral band and decreases at the high‐frequency end of the spectrum. Highest anisotropy peaks correspond to waves coming from portions of the New Zealand's shoreline. Significant contributions are also observed from waves propagating along the coastline and probably coming from powerful sources in the northeast Pacific. Infragravity wave directivity is markedly different to the east and to the west of the South Island. The northwest coast of the South Island is found to be a net source of the infragravity wave energy.
Protozoa
Authors: Warren Alan
Published: January 2014

Protozoa may be considered as (mostly) microscopic, essentially single‐celled, eukaryotic organisms whose food is obtained by eating other organisms or their products. Some contain algal endosymbionts, or enslave plastids from their prey, and thus gain additional nutritional benefit from photosynthesis. Protozoa are no longer recognised as a taxonomic group and representatives can be found in all but one of the eukaryote supergroups. Protozoa play important roles in the ecology of aquatic habitats and soils, for example, by controlling bacterial populations and releasing nutrients for use by other organisms. As parasites, protozoa have very profound effects on humans, both directly and through their effects on domesticated animals. Some protozoa have shells or skeletal structures that can fossilise and certain types, particularly the foraminifera, are used in biostratigraphy and in locating oil deposits.

Key Concepts:

Protozoa are single‐celled eukaryotes that obtain their food by eating other organisms or their products.

Protozoa are not a taxonomic group but rather a diverse assemblage of distantly related lineages, with representatives in all but one of the eukaryote supergroups.

The identification of protozoa is based mainly on morphology as revealed by light microscopy.

The main functional groups of protozoa are the amoebae, flagellates, ciliates (all of which are characterised by their organelles of locomotion and food capture) and sporozoa (obligate parasites).

Protozoa are found in almost every habitat where there is sufficient water for them to move and feed, and may survive adverse environmental conditions by the production of cysts or spores.

Protozoa play key roles in nutrient cycling and soil fertility, and are the main predators of bacteria in many environments.

A wide range of human and animal diseases are caused by protozoa.

Fossil protozoa are used to help locate oil deposits and to reconstruct past climate change.
Adventitious Roots
Authors: Bellini Catherine
Published: January 2014

The root system of a plant is composed of the primary, lateral and adventitious roots (ARs). Lateral roots always develop from roots, whereas ARs form from stem or leaf‐derived cells. AR formation is part of the normal development of the plant and occurs naturally, like in most monocotyledonous for which they constitute the main root system or in many dicotyledonous species that propagate vegetatively. Adventitious rooting is an essential step for vegetative propagation of economically important horticultural and woody species as it allows clonal propagation and rapid fixation of superior genotypes prior to their introduction into production or breeding programmes. Development of ARs is a complex process that is affected by multiple endogenous and environmental factors, including phytohormones; light; nutritional status; associated stress responses, such as wounding; and genetic characteristics.

Key Concepts:

ARs are the main root system for monocots.

ARs are an adaptative response to environmental changes.

ARs are required for vegetative propagation of plants.

ARs arise from any organ of the plant but the root.

ARs originate from different cell types depending on the organ or the species.

ARs can be induced by ECMs or
Agrobacterium rhizogenes
.

ARdevelopment is controlled by environmental factors.

Adventitious rooting is an age‐dependant process.

Auxin cross talks with other hormones to control adventitious rooting.

Adventitious rooting is a complex quantitative genetic trait.
Biological Warfare: From History to Current Affairs
Authors: Frischknecht Friedrich
Published: January 2014

Biological warfare or terrorism is the deliberate distribution of biological agents in order to inflict harm on humans or animals or to damage plants. The biological agent used often causes an infectious disease. Throughout history there are examples of armies spreading diseases or using the natural presence of diseases to their own advantage. The most hideous example of biological warfare was the attacks of the Imperial Japanese army on Chinese civilians during the Second World War. Today, with little interstate conflict, organised or individual terrorism is feared to use disease‐causing agents to cause havoc. Defending ourselves against this threat will call on new types of technological ingenuity combining rapid detection of the causing agents with rapid public health response. In this article, examples of biological warfare and terrorism are discussed and current debates on dual‐use research are highlighted.

Key Concepts:

Infectious disease research can lead to a dual‐use dilemma.

Stronger public health systems might be required for rapid responses against natural as well as deliberate spread of infections.

State‐sponsored biological weapon or biodefence research can lead to individual biological terrorism.

Terrorists will not sign international treaties banning biological weapons.

International scientific collaborations will help in diminishing threats.

There will not ever be a 100% guarantee against getting sick from deliberate spread of infectious disease agents.

International treaties can help in diminishing threats from weapons of mass destructions; however, they take time, patience and money to implement.
Analysis of Gene–Gene Interactions Underlying Human Disease
Authors: Wen Yalu , Lu Qing
Published: January 2014

Following the identification of disease‐susceptibility variants in genome‐wide association studies by using the standard single‐locus analyses, the discovery process is shifting towards gene–gene interactions of functional importance in the pathophysiology and aetiology of complex diseases. The results from these gene–gene interaction analyses could lead to new genetic findings that account for the heritability of human diseases as well as novel insights about underlying genetic aetiology through later bench science research and clinical applications. To facilitate gene–gene interaction analyses, various statistical methods have been proposed, each of which is applicable for certain study designs and has its own advantages under certain conditions. In this article, the authors provide a survey of the statistical methods and software packages that are currently available for population‐based and family‐based gene–gene interaction studies. The strength of each method is discussed and the difficulties in determining the relationship between biological and statistical interactions are laid out.

Key Concepts:

A biological interaction describes a scenario in which two or more genes jointly affect a disease.

A statistical interaction describes the nonadditive effect in generalised linear models.

The heritability of a phenotype is defined as the proportion of phenotypic variations between individuals due to their genetic differences.

Population based case‐control study recruits individuals with a disease of interest along with the unrelated healthy individuals, and compares the allele/genotype distributions between cases and controls to determine whether a statistical interaction exists.

Family based study design avoids the potential confounding effect due to population stratification and admixture by recruiting the parents and/or siblings of the cases.
Genetics of Adult Antisocial Behaviour
Authors: Beaver Kevin M
Published: January 2014

A large body of empirical research has estimated the extent to which genetic factors account for variance in antisocial behaviours, such as adulthood criminal involvement. The results of these studies have consistently revealed that approximately 50% of the variance is the result of genetic influences, with most of the remaining variance being attributable to nonshared environmental influences. Moreover, there is emerging evidence that has identified specific genetic polymorphisms as contributing to criminal involvement across the life course. More recently, researchers have examined the various ways that genetic and environmental influences interact to predict variation in crime and delinquency. Using these bodies of research as a springboard, this article will review the current state of knowledge on the genetic underpinnings to adult criminal behaviour.

Key Concepts:

Genetic influences account for approximately 50% of the variance in adulthood criminal behaviour.

Gene–environment interactions appear to be integral to the aetiology of criminal behaviour across the life course.

Specific genetic polymorphisms have been identified as the predisposing factors for criminal behaviour.

The effectiveness of treatment and prevention programmes can likely be enhanced through research examining gene–environment interactions.

Nonshared environmental influences account for about 50–60% of the variance in adulthood criminal behaviour, while shared environmental influences typically account for about 0–10% of the variance.
Molecular Genetics of Analbuminaemia
Authors: Minchiotti Lorenzo , Caridi Gianluca , Campagnoli Monica , Galliano Monica , Kragh‐Hansen Ulrich , Peters Theodore
Published: January 2014

Congenital analbuminaemia (CAA) is a very rare condition manifested by the near complete absence of albumin, the major blood protein, because of defects in the albumin (ALB) gene. It is generally regarded as relatively benign in adults, but analbuminaemic individuals may be at risk during the perinatal and childhood period. Twenty‐one different molecular lesions in theALBare now known as cause of the trait. These include one mutation in the start codon, one frameshift/insertion, five frameshift/deletions, seven nonsense mutations and seven mutations affecting splicing. Thus, nonsense mutations, mutations affecting splicing and frameshift/deletions seem to be the most common causes of CAA. These results indicate that the trait is an allelic heterogeneous disorder caused by homozygous or, in a single case, compound heterozygous inheritance of defects. Most mutations are unique, but one, named Kayseri, is responsible for about half of the known cases.

Key Concepts:

CAA is an autosomal recessive disorder.

Apart from the possibility of premature atherosclerotic complications, the phenotype seems to be benign in adults.

Analbuminaemic individuals may be at risk during the perinatal and the childhood period.

CAA is caused by homozygous or, in a single case, compound heterozygous inheritance of abnormal albumin alleles from both parents.

Twenty‐one different molecular defects in theALBare known as cause of the trait.

Nonsense mutations, mutations affecting splicing and frameshift/deletions are the most common causes of CAA.

No evidence has so far been found for the presence in serum of the putative protein products produced as a consequence of the above 21 mutations.

The molecular defects are located in nine different exons and in four different introns.

This distribution seems to suggest that CAA is the result of widely scattered random sequence variations.

The increasing knowledge of the causative defects seems to reveal the presence of regions in theALBthat are prone to mutations.
Cross‐Coupling of Heteroarenes by CH Functionalization: Recent Progress towards Direct Arylation and Heteroarylation Reactions Involving Heteroarenes Containing One Heteroatom
Authors: Rossi Renzo , Bellina Fabio , Lessi Marco , Manzini Chiara
Published: January 2014

In recent years, transition metal‐catalyzed direct (hetero)arylation reactions of heteroarenes with (hetero)aryl halides and pseudohalides have received significant attention as eco‐friendly and economic alternatives to classical methods for the construction of heteroaryl‐(hetero)aryl CC bonds by transition metal‐catalyzed cross‐couplings involving the use of stoichiometric amounts of organometallic reagents. This critical review with 430 references covers the results obtained in the period January 2009 to February 2013 in the area of the transition metal‐catalyzed direct inter‐ and intramolecular (hetero)arylation reactions of heteroarenes containing one heteroatom. Particular attention has been given to illustrate chemo‐ and site selectivity aspects of these reactions as well applications of these CC bond forming reactions in the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant compounds, natural products and their analogues and precursors. The most recent advancements into the mechanism(s) of these reactions have also been briefly reported.

magnified image
Colloidal silver: a novel treatment for Staphylococcus aureus biofilms?
Authors: Goggin Rachel , Jardeleza Camille , Wormald Peter‐John , Vreugde Sarah
Published: January 2014

Background

Colloidal silver is an alternative medicine consisting of silver particles suspended in water. After using this solution as a nasal spray, the symptoms of a previously recalcitrant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)‐infected chronic rhinosinusitis patient were observed to have improved markedly. The aim of this study was to determine whether colloidal silver has any direct bactericidal effects on these biofilms in vitro.

Methods

S. aureus biofilms were grown from the ATCC 25923 reference strain on Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) device pegs, and treated with colloidal silver. Concentrations tested ranged from 10 to 150 μL colloidal silver diluted to 200 μL with sterile water in 50 μL cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) broth. Control pegs were exposed to equivalent volumes of CSF broth and sterile water. The sample size was 4 biomass values per treatment or control group. Confocal scanning laser microscopy and COMSTAT software were used to quantify biofilms 24 hours after treatment.

Results

Significant differences from control were found for all concentrations tested bar the lowest of 10 μL colloidal silver in 200 μL. At 20 μL colloidal silver, the reduction in biomass was 98.9% (mean difference between control and treatment = −4.0317 μm3/μm2, p < 0.0001). A maximum biomass reduction of 99.8% was reached at both 100 and 150 μL colloidal silver (mean differences = −4.0681 and −4.0675μm3/μm2, respectively, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Colloidal silver directly attenuates in vitro S. aureus biofilms.
A pooling‐based genomewide association study identifies genetic variants associated with Staphylococcus aureus colonization in chronic rhinosinusitis patients
Authors: Cormier Chantale , Mfuna Endam Léandra , Filali‐Mouhim Abdelali , Boisvert Pierre , Boulet Louis‐Philippe , Boulay Marie‐Eve , Vallée‐Smedja Sophie , Bossé Yohan , Desrosiers Martin
Published: January 2014

Background

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, host factors contributing to susceptibility to S. aureus colonization in CRS remain unknown. We wish to investigate, using a pooled genomewide association study (pGWAS), single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with S. aureus carriage in CRS patients.

Methods

An existing population of 408 CRS patients and 190 controls was prospectively recruited for genetic association studies. All CRS patients had an endoscopic swab culture as part of phenotyping. A pGWAS compared DNA pools from patients with and without S. aureus colonization using the Illumina HumanHap 1M BeadChip, which interrogates 1 million SNPs. Top‐ranked SNPs associated with S. aureus colonization were selected according to biallelic differences and silhouette rank, and confirmed by individual genotyping using the Sequenom platform. PLINK software was used for genetic association tests. Ingenuity pathway analysis was used to identify canonical and signaling pathways enriched for genes neighboring associated SNPs, as well as identification of the underlying biological mechanisms.

Results

Thirty‐nine top priority SNPs were selected for individual genotyping. Out of 39 SNPs, 23 were associated (p < 0.05) with S. aureus colonization in CRS patients. These SNPs are located within or near 21 genes reported to be implicated in several diseases, endocytic internalization, and bacterial recognition.

Conclusion

These results suggest novel host genetic factors influencing susceptibility to S. aureus colonization in CRS. Identifying implicated mechanisms may offer new insights into pathogenesis of CRS.
Outpatient endoscopic sinus surgery in cystic fibrosis patients: predictive factors for admission
Authors: Soudry Ethan , Mohabir Paul K. , Miglani Amar , Chen Justin , Nayak Jayakar V. , Hwang Peter H.
Published: January 2014

Background

An increasing number of adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are becoming candidates for elective endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). We sought to identify perioperative factors in this patient population that were predictive of postoperative admission.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of CF patients who underwent ESS during the years 2005 through 2012. Multiple preoperative, intraoperative, and immediate postoperative variables were analyzed.

Results

Thirty‐three patients who underwent 37 outpatient ESSs were identified. Successful same‐day discharge was observed in 54%. In 46% of cases, postoperative admission was necessary, with a mean postoperative stay of 1.4 days. Pulmonary function, CF‐related comorbidities, and history of lung transplant were not predictors of postoperative admission. Univariate analysis demonstrated that patients were more likely to be admitted if they had 1 of the following conditions: history of ≥4 prior ESS; procedure duration >2.5 hours; intraoperative blood loss greater than 150 mL; increased immediate postoperative pain scores; or larger narcotic requirements for pain control. On logistic regression analysis, a maximum pain score ≥ 7 out of 10 in the postanesthesia recovery unit was the only significant predisposing factor for postoperative admission.

Conclusion

Although over 50% of adult CF patients can successfully undergo ESS on a same‐day discharge basis, it is prudent to have contingent plans for potential inpatient observation postoperatively. Multivariate analysis suggests that preoperative demographics and pulmonary status cannot predict the need for postoperative admission, whereas higher pain scores in the postanesthesia care unit are predictive of the necessity for inpatient observation.
Understanding the retrieval effectiveness of collaborative tags and author keywords in different retrieval environments: An experimental study on medical collections
Authors: Lu Kun , Kipp Margaret E.I.
Published: January 2014

This study investigates the retrieval effectiveness of collaborative tags and author keywords in different environments through controlled experiments. Three test collections were built. The first collection tests the impact of tags on retrieval performance when only the title and abstract are available (the abstract environment). The second tests the impact of tags when the full text is available (the full‐text environment). The third compares the retrieval effectiveness of tags and author keywords in the abstract environment. In addition, both single‐word queries and phrase queries are tested to understand the impact of different query types. Our findings suggest that including tags and author keywords in indexes can enhance recall but may improve or worsen average precision depending on retrieval environments and query types. Indexing tags and author keywords for searching using phrase queries in the abstract environment showed improved average precision, whereas indexing tags for searching using single‐word queries in the full‐text environment led to a significant drop in average precision. The comparison between tags and author keywords in the abstract environment indicates that they have comparable impact on average precision, but author keywords are more advantageous in enhancing recall. The findings from this study provide useful implications for designing retrieval systems that incorporate tags and author keywords.
Adjustable properties of visual representations: Improving the quality of human‐information interaction
Authors: Parsons Paul , Sedig Kamran
Published: January 2014

Complex cognitive activities, such as analytical reasoning, problem solving, and sense making, are often performed through the mediation of interactive computational tools. Examples include visual analytics, decision support, and educational tools. Through interaction with visual representations of information at the visual interface of these tools, a joint, coordinated cognitive system is formed. This partnership results in a number of relational properties—those depending on both humans and tools—that researchers and designers must be aware of if such tools are to effectively support the performance of complex cognitive activities. This article presents 10 properties of interactive visual representations that are essential and relational and whose values can be adjusted through interaction. By adjusting the values of these properties, better coordination between humans and tools can be effected, leading to higher quality performance of complex cognitive activities. This article examines how the values of these properties affect cognitive processing and visual reasoning and demonstrates the necessity of making their values adjustable—all of which is situated within a broader theoretical framework concerned with human‐information interaction in complex cognitive activities. This framework can facilitate systematic research, design, and evaluation in numerous fields including information visualization, health informatics, visual analytics, and educational technology.
Waste to energy: communication is the key
Authors: Morgan Nina
Published: January 2014

What to do with waste is always an emotive problem. While recycling schemes are often welcomed in principle by the public, in practice the search for suitable sites for anaerobic digestion plants to handle food waste often evokes a very strong ‘not in my backyard’ response. As Nina Morgan discovers, an open and honest communications policy can be the key to overcoming objections. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Marginalized transition shared random effects models for longitudinal binary data with nonignorable dropout
Authors: Lee Myungok , Lee Keunbaik , Lee JungBok
Published: January 2014

In longitudinal studies investigators frequently have to assess and address potential biases introduced by missing data. New methods are proposed for modeling longitudinal categorical data with nonignorable dropout using marginalized transition models and shared random effects models. Random effects are introduced for both serial dependence of outcomes and nonignorable missingness. Fisher‐scoring and Quasi–Newton algorithms are developed for parameter estimation. Methods are illustrated with a real dataset.
USING LAG SCHEDULES TO INCREASE TOY PLAY VARIABILITY FOR CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
Authors: Baruni Rasha R. , Rapp John T. , Lipe Star L. , Novotny Marissa A.
Published: January 2014

Relatively few studies have evaluated procedures for increasing play skills in children with intellectual disabilities. To address this limitation, this study evaluated the extent to which lag schedules increased novel toy play responses for three children who exhibited little or no appropriate toy play. Results show that the lag 1 schedule increased toy play variability for all three participants and the lag 2 schedule produced very little additional variability for the two participants exposed to this condition. The results of a social validity assessment suggest that classroom paraprofessionals (i) perceived the participants' toy play as typical and (ii) were satisfied with the outcomes produced by the lag schedules. We discuss the clinical implications and the potential limitations of the findings. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of β‐aminopropionitrile, an inhibitor of lysyl oxidase activity, in plasma and tumor of mice by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Machon Christelle , Le Calve Benjamin , Coste Sylvie , Riviere Mirella , Payen Léa , Bernard David , Guitton Jérôme
Published: January 2014

Lysyl oxidase enzymes are reported to be involved in patho‐physiological process such as tumorigenesis. β‐Aminopropionitrile (BAPN) is an irreversible inhibitor of lysyl oxidase activity, suggesting a potentially useful therapeutic of interest in oncology. This paper describes the first assay concerning the quantification of BAPN by mass spectrometry. A high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) assay was developed for the quantification of BAPN in plasma and tumor of mice. This method combines dansyl chloride (Dns) derivatization and extraction using a solid‐phase extraction Oasis© Max column. Deuterated BAPN was used as internal standard (IS). Separation was achieved using an C18 column HypersylGold, (ThermoElectron), 3.0 µm (100 × 2.1 mm i.d.). Gradient elution with water containing 0.1% acetic acid (A) and acetonitrile containing 0.1% acetic acid (B) was applied. Detection was performed with an electrospray ionization interface operating in negative ion mode. Selected reaction monitoring was used with ion transitions m/z 302 → 249 for BAPN–Dns and m/z 306 → 250 for the IS. The method was fully validated in plasma and was linear and sensitive in the range of 10–500 ng/mL. The lower limit of quantification in plasma was 2.5 ng/mL. This validated assay was successfully applied to a kinetic study of BAPN in mouse plasma and demonstrates that BAPN reaches the tumoral tissue. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative determination of enzalutamide, an anti‐prostate cancer drug, in rat plasma using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Song Ji‐Hye , Kim Tae‐Heon , Jung Jong‐Woo , Kim Nakjeong , Ahn Sung Hoon , Hwang Sung‐Ook , Kang Nam Sook , Yoo Sung‐Eun , Koo Tae‐Sung
Published: January 2014

This report details a method using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) that allows one to determine the concentration of an atypical anticancer drug, enzalutamide, in rat plasma. Specifically, this method involves the addition of an acetonitrile and bicalutamide (internal standard) solution to plasma samples. Following centrifugation of this mixture, an aliquot of the supernatant was directly injected into the LC‐MS/MS system. Separation was achieved using a column packed with octadecylsilica (5 µm, 2.1 × 50 mm) with 10 mM ammonium acetate in acetonitrile as the mobile phase; detection was accomplished using MS/MS by multiple‐reaction monitoring via an electrospray ionization source. This method demonstrated a linear standard curve (r = 0.997) over a concentration range of 0.001–1 µg/mL, as well as an intra‐ and inter‐assay precision of 2.7 and 5.1%, respectively, and an accuracy range from 100.8 to 105.6%. The lower limit of quantification was 1.0 ng/mL in 50 μL of rat plasma sample. We also demonstrated that this analytical method could be successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of enzalutamide in rats. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Get With the Program … and Finish It: Building Guided Pathways to Accelerate Student Completion
Authors: Jenkins Davis , Cho Sung‐Woo
Published: January 2014

In this chapter, we describe efforts by growing number of colleges and universities to redesign academic programs and support services to create “guided pathways” designed to increase the rate at which students enter and complete a program of study.
ACEF and clinical SYNTAX score in the risk stratification of patients with heavily calcified coronary stenosis undergoing rotational atherectomy with stent implantation
Authors: Pyxaras Stylianos A. , Mangiacapra Fabio , Wijns William , Di Serafino Luigi , De Vroey Frederic , Toth Gabor , Sinagra Gianfranco , De Bruyne Bernard , Heyndrickx Guy R. , Barbato Emanuele
Published: January 2014

Aim

To assess ACEF (age, creatinine, and ejection fraction) and Clinical SYNTAX (CSS) score in the risk stratification of patients with heavily calcified stenosis undergoing rotational atherectomy with stent implantation (rota‐stenting). Methods and Results. ACEF and CSS were calculated in 221 consecutive patients with stable angina undergoing rota‐stenting. Mean age of the patients was 74 ± 10 years, left ventricular ejection fraction was 61 ± 18%, and final burr size 1.78 ± 0.24 mm, with 2.6 ± 0.9 burrs used for each patient. Primary end‐point was MACE at one‐year defined as the composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization. Post‐hoc analysis was performed by stratifying the clinical outcome according to ACEF and CSS tertiles. At 1 year there was a significantly higher MACE rate in the high tertile of ACEF (24% for ACEFHigh vs. 13% for ACEFMid vs. 9% for ACEFLow; P = 0.017) and CSS (25% for CSSHigh vs. 12% for CSSMid vs. 8% for CSSLow; P = 0.008). The predictive accuracy for both ACEF and CSS was moderate (c‐statistics, 0.629 and 0.638, respectively).

Conclusion

Both ACEF and CSS predict with moderate accuracy MACE at 1‐year in patients with heavily calcified coronary stenosis undergoing rotational atherectomy with stent implantation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Artificial Nucleobase–Amino Acid Conjugates: A New Class of TAR RNA Binding Agents
Authors: Joly Jean‐Patrick , Mata Guillaume , Eldin Patrick , Briant Laurence , Fontaine‐Vive Fabien , Duca Maria , Benhida Rachid
Published: January 2014

The human immunodeficiency virus type‐1 (HIV‐1) Tat protein stimulates transcriptional elongation. Tat is involved in the transcription machinery by binding to the transactivation response region (TAR) RNA stem‐loop structure, which is encoded by the 5′ leader sequence found in all HIV‐1 mRNAs. Herein, we report the rational design, synthesis, and in vitro evaluation of new RNA binding agents that were conceived in order to bind strongly and selectively to the stem‐loop structure of TAR RNA and, thus, inhibit the Tat/TAR interaction. We have demonstrated that the conjugation of modified nucleobases, able to interact specifically with an RNA base pair, and various amino acids allows these motifs to bind the target RNA selectively and in a cooperative manner that leads to the inhibition of viral replication in HIV‐infected cells.
Acetylenic Homocoupling Methodology Towards the Synthesis of 1,3‐Butadiynyl Macrocycles: [142]‐Alleno‐Acetylenic Cyclophanes
Authors: Lahoz Inmaculada R. , Navarro‐Vázquez Armando , Alonso‐Gómez José Lorenzo , Cid M. Magdalena
Published: January 2014

[142]‐Alleno‐acetylenic cyclophanes were synthesized through two different approaches: an intermolecular coupling between two alkynyl fragments, and an intramolecular ring‐closure of a linear acyclic bisalkynyl oligomer. The symmetry of the target dictates the choice of the most suitable method. To illustrate these approaches we have used 1,3‐diethynyl‐substituted allenes as building blocks. Due to the stereogenic character of the allene moiety, the alleno‐acetylenic cyclophanes were obtained as a mixture of diastereoisomers, and the major twist isomers were resolved by preparative HPLC. The different symmetry of the isomers allowed the assignment of the relative configuration of the major twist isomers by taking into consideration the number of nonequivalent groups in the respective NMR spectra.
Chip electrophoretic separation of highly homologous ammodytoxin isoforms: Three neurotoxic phospholipases A2 of Vipera ammodytes ammodytes venom
Authors: Weiss Victor U. , Reitschmidt Sonja , Friesz Victoria , Križaj Igor , Günter Allmaier  , Marchetti‐Deschmann Martina
Published: January 2014

Ammodytoxins (Atxs), a group of Ca2+‐dependent neurotoxic phospholipases A2 of Vipera ammodytes ammodytes venom, are mainly responsible for venom toxicity. Within the Atx group, LD50 values between three isoforms, A, B, and C are differing with AtxA exhibiting an LD50 value by an order of magnitude lower (more toxic) than the other two isoforms. This difference in toxicity justifies the necessity to prepare suitable antibodies and thus isoform separation to characterize the Atx content of Vipera ammodytes ammodytes venom is of importance. However, a high homology between the three Atx isoforms (differences in only two, respectively, three residues within the last 18 amino acids at the C‐terminus, total length 122 residues) hindered the successful separation of isoforms to date. As the investigated phospholipases A2 were reported to exhibit differences in pI values, we concentrate with the current work on the separation of Atx isoforms after fluorescence labeling via chip electrophoresis on a commercially available instrument to build the basis for a fast and easy to handle screening method. In the course of our work, we were able to show that samples of AtxA, AtxB, and AtxC declared to be homogenous by standard analytical techniques consisted indeed of more than one isoform of which the relative amounts were calculated by using the newly developed method.
Development of an optoelectronic integrated circuit for indoor optical wireless communication systems
Authors: Brandl P. , Zimmermann H.
Published: January 2014

Indoor optical wireless communication systems use in most cases discrete built receivers. The analogue part of receivers consists of a photodetector and an amplifier. In this paper, we present a fully integrated optoelectronic integrated circuit that combines a photodetector and an amplifier into one single receiver chip. We show the evolution of such receivers and examine the benefits of their production as standard semiconductor chip. We developed a fully integrated receiver for a 3Gbit/s communication in standard BiCMOS technology. We expanded the receiver by additional photodetectors to have the possibility of implementing an automatic alignment system. To demonstrate the performance of this receiver, we built a complete indoor optical wireless communication system. We increased the working area of the system by applying two strategies at the transmitter side. First, we used an adaptive optical system to influence the laser spot diameter. Second, to steer the laser beam, we included a micro‐electro‐mechanical system. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outage probability analysis of optimal and suboptimal interference aware routing protocols for multihop underlay cognitive radio networks
Authors: Touati Sami , Boujemaa Hatem , Abed Nazha
Published: January 2014

In this paper, optimal and suboptimal routing protocols are proposed for cognitive radio networks. We first investigate optimal routing protocol that consists in searching among all available paths, the one that minimises the end‐to‐end outage while verifying interference constraint to primary receiver. A suboptimal one‐hop routing protocol is proposed where the best relay is selected in each hop. The last routing protocol consists in decomposing the network in many subnetworks composed of K hops. Then, the best route is determined in each of these subnetworks so that the K‐hops outage probability is minimised. The proposed K‐hops routing protocol allows a good compromise between complexity and performance. The outage probability of the different routing protocols is evaluated theoretically and through simulation results.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of the finite point method to high‐Reynolds number compressible flow problems
Authors: Ortega Enrique , Oñate Eugenio , Idelsohn Sergio , Flores Roberto
Published: January 2014

In this work, the finite point method is applied to the solution of high‐Reynolds compressible viscous flows. The aim is to explore this important field of applications focusing on two main aspects: the easiness and automation of the meshless discretization of viscous layers and the construction of a robust numerical approximation in the highly stretched clouds of points resulting in such domain areas. The flow solution scheme adopts an upwind‐biased scheme to solve the averaged Navier–Stokes equations in conjunction with an algebraic turbulence model. The numerical applications presented involve different attached boundary layer flows and are intended to show the performance of the numerical technique. The results obtained are satisfactory and indicative of the possibilities to extend the present meshless technique to more complex flow problems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved Quality Output through Computer‐Based Training: An Automotive Assembly Field Study
Authors: Malmsköld Lennart , Örtengren Roland , Svensson Lars
Published: January 2014

In this article, two field experiments, conducted in an automotive assembly plant, evaluate how computer‐based training of operational sequences and related quality information can support the assembly performance of the operators. The experiments were performed during the launch of a new vehicle. A comparison was made of learning progress and quality performance between a reference group of operators that only had regular training and a test group for which some of the regular training was replaced with individual computer‐based training. Both quantitative measures of the quality output and questionnaires and observations were used to evaluate the effects of computer‐based training. The results show a clear positive difference in learning progress and improvements in quality output for the test group compared with the reference group. This combined with positive attitudes expressed by the operators and their team leaders shows that this type of training is an effective way to train operators during launches of new vehicles in automotive production.
A naturalistic comparison study of the efficacy and safety of intramuscular olanzapine, intramuscular haloperidol, and intramuscular levomepromazine in acute agitated patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Suzuki Hidenobu , Gen Keishi , Takahashi Yuki
Published: January 2014

Objective

This study was a comparative investigation of the clinical efficacy and safety of intramuscular (IM) olanzapine, IM haloperidol, and IM levomepromazine in acute agitated patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

The subjects were 122 inpatients. Their clinical symptoms were assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale Excited Component (PANSS‐EC), PANSS, and Agitation–Calmness Evaluation Scale, and their safety were assessed using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale, Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS), and Drug‐induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms Scale (DIEPSS).

Results

The mean changes from baseline on the PANSS‐EC, Agitation–Calmness Evaluation Scale, Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale, BARS, and DIEPSS scores were significantly better in both IM olanzapine and IM levomepromazine than in IM haloperidol. Of these, the mean changes from baseline on the BARS and DIEPSS scores were significantly better in IM olanzapine than in IM levomepromazine. The mean change from baseline on the PANSS positive score was significantly better in both IM olanzapine and IM haloperidol than in IM levomepromazine.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest the possibility that the anti‐agitation effects of IM olanzapine and IM levomepromazine are more rapid than those of IM haloperidol. No worsening of EPS was observed. Our results also suggest that compared with IM levomepromazine, IM olanzapine is safer and affords greater improvement in symptoms. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crosslinking of saphenous vein ECM by procyanidins for small diameter blood vessel replacement
Authors: Zhai Wanyin , Zhang Hongxia , Wu Chengtie , Zhang Jiamin , Sun Xiaoning , Zhang Hongfeng , Zhu Ziyan , Chang Jiang
Published: January 2014

Xenogenic decellularized vessels, mainly composed of extracellular matrices (ECMs), are thought to be one of the alternative resources of small‐diameter blood vessels due to abundant source, tubular configuration, vascular microstructure, and good cytocompatibility. However, the main shortcomings of ECM vessels are their low chemical stability, easy calcification, immunogenicity, and high risk of thrombogenicity. Previous studies have shown that, glutaraldehyde (GA), as a crosslinking agent, led to significant calcification and cytotoxicity for the prepared ECM substitutes. To overcome the drawbacks of pure and GA‐crosslinked vascular alternatives of small‐diameter blood vessels, procyanidins (PC), a naturally derived polyphenol with anti‐inflammatory and platelet aggregation inhibiting bioactivities, was applied to crosslink the decellularized bovine saphenous vein ECM (svECM). After crosslinking, the obtained svECM substitutes exhibited natural tubular configuration with significantly improved mechanical properties, proper resistance to proteolysis, high chemical stability, and excellent anticalcification property. The PC‐crosslinked svECM substitutes were cytocompatible for cells adhesion and proliferation, and blood compatible for erythrocytes with far less hemolysis than that of safety standard. Furthermore, the PC‐crosslinked svECM substitutes showed distinct antithrombosis and anti‐immunogenicity potential. With these advantages, it is suggested that the PC‐crosslinked svECM may be used as a practical substitutes of small diameter blood vessels. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1190–1198, 2014.
An introduction to ASL labeling techniques
Authors: Wong Eric C.
Published: January 2014

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) methods allow for quantitative mapping of tissue perfusion in absolute units, without the use of contrast agents. In this technique, the magnetization of arterial blood water is labeled by magnetic inversion or saturation, and the delivery of labeled blood water to tissues is observed. In this review three classes of labeling methods for ASL are described and compared: continuous, pulsed, and velocity‐selective. The quantification of perfusion from ASL data is discussed, and methods for the extraction of new types of information using ASL and related techniques, such as mapping of vascular territories or venous oxygenation, are described. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1–10. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TP53 and CDKN2a mutations in never‐smoker oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Heaton Chase M. , Durr Megan L. , Tetsu Osamu , van Zante Annemieke , Wang Steven J.
Published: January 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the incidence and clinical significance of TP53 and CDKN2a somatic mutations in never smokers with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC).

Study Design

Case series.

Methods

Fifty‐one paraffin‐embedded tumors from never smokers with OTSCC were obtained. p53 and p16 expression was determined by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Tumor DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and direct sequencing and mutation analysis was performed. Statistical relationships among p53 and p16 IHC findings, TP53 and CDKN2a mutation status, and clinicopathologic characteristics were determined. Univariate and multivariate Cox models for survival were performed.

Results

Sixteen tumors (31.4%) showed strong expression of p53 by IHC. There was no correlation between p53 status and clinicopathologic variables or survival outcomes. TP53 mutations were seen in 10 tumors (19.6%). Patients with TP53 mutations had higher tumor‐node‐metastasis (TNM) stage (P = 0.049), worse tumor differentiation (P = 0.025), earlier recurrence (P = 0.024), and more often died from their disease (P = 0.043) than those without mutations. Five tumors (9.8%) showed p16 positivity by IHC. There was no correlation between p16 status and clinicopathologic variables or survival. CDKN2a mutations were seen in four tumors (7.8%). Patients with CDKN2a mutations had earlier recurrence (P = 0.019) and more often died from their disease (P = 0.010) than those without mutations. Kaplan‐Meier curves show worse disease‐free survival (P = 0.0162, P = 0.0025) and overall survival (P = 0.0095, P = 0.0001) for TP53 and CDKN2a mutations, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that TP53 and CDKN2a mutations were independent predictors of disease‐free survival (P = 0.038 and P = 0.039, respectively).

Conclusions

TP53 and CDKN2a mutations in never‐smoker OTSCC are associated with worse clinicopathologic characteristics and poorer survival outcomes.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 124:E267–E273, 2014