bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opportunities and Challenges for taking a Distributed Perspective: Novice School Principals’ Emerging Sense of their New Position
Authors: Spillane James P. , Harris Alma , Jones Michelle , Mertz Katie
Published: December 2015

This article examines how novice principals think about and understand their new leadership role, exploring the ways in which their understanding enables or constrains taking a distributed perspective to school leadership. The article analyses the work of the school principal through the eyes of the novice principal, identifying aspects of their emerging sense of the job that appear to enable and constrain them taking a distributed approach to leadership. The analysis shows that a novice school principal's work involves certain tensions, which are not only a function of the individual choices of those who assume the principal position, but also are inherent in the principal's position itself. The article concludes by showing that novice principals experience the nature and intensity of these tensions differently depending on how the school in which novices assume their leadership posts is situated in the institutional sector.
A novel screening system based on VanX‐mediated autolysis—Application to Gaussia luciferase
Authors: Wu Nan , Kamioka Tetsuya , Kuroda Yutaka
Published: December 2015

We report a novel bacterial screening protocol based on co‐expressing the target protein with VanX, an enzyme which mediates Escherichia coli's autolysis and the release of the target protein into the culture medium, thereby facilitating activity measurement and screening from crude medium. This protocol as assessed with 19 Gaussia luciferase (GLuc) expressing colonies, was able to detect bioluminescence wavelength shift as small as 1.5 nm. We demonstrate the performance and versatility of this protocol by applying it to a semi‐rational search for GLuc variants with red‐shifted bioluminescence. Six GLuc's sites, F113, I114, W143, L144, A149, and F151, were randomly mutated, and for each site, 50 colonies were cultivated in 3 mL samples, from which bioluminescence was measured without purification. We identified two GLuc single mutation red‐shifted variants: W143V and L144A. Their red shifted bioluminescence and biophysical/biochemical properties were confirmed using HPLC purified variants. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1413–1420. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pooled long-term outcomes from two randomized trials of axillary node sampling with axillary radiotherapy versus axillary node clearance in patients with operable node-positive breast cancer
Authors: Bing A U , Kerr G R , Jack W , Chetty U , Williams L J , Rodger A , Dixon J M
Published: December 2015

Background

The aim was to determine long-term overall, breast cancer-specific and metastasis-free survival as well as axillary relapse rate from a pooled analysis of two randomized trials in women with operable breast cancer. These trials compared axillary node sampling (ANS), combined with axillary radiotherapy (AXRT) if the sampled nodes were involved, with axillary node clearance (ANC).

Methods

Data from two clinical trials at the Edinburgh Breast Unit that randomized patients between 1980 and 1995 were pooled. Long-term survival was analysed using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression, with separate analyses for patients with node-positive (ANS + AXRT versus ANC) and node-negative (ANS versus ANC) disease.

Results

Of 855 women randomized, 799 were included in the present analysis after a median follow-up of 19·4 years. Some 301 patients (37·7 per cent) had node-positive disease. There was no evidence of a breast cancer survival advantage for ANS versus ANC in patients with node-negative disease (hazard ratio (HR) 0·88, 95 per cent c.i. 0·58 to 1·34; P = 0·557), or for ANS + AXRT versus ANC in those with node-positive breast cancer (HR 1·07, 0·77 to 1·50; P = 0·688). There was no metastasis-free survival advantage for ANS versus ANC in patients with node-negative tumours (HR 1·03, 0·70 to 1·51; P = 0·877), or ANS + AXRT versus ANC in those with node-positive disease (HR 1·03, 0·75 to 1·43; P = 0·847). Node-negative patients who underwent ANS had a higher risk of axillary recurrence than those who had ANC (HR 3·53, 1·29 to 9·63; P = 0·014). Similarly, among women with node-positive tumours, the risk of axillary recurrence was greater after ANS + AXRT than ANC (HR 2·64, 1·00 to 6·95; P = 0·049).

Conclusion

Despite a higher rate of axillary recurrence with ANS combined with radiotherapy to the axilla, ANC did not improve overall, breast cancer-specific or metastasis-free survival. Axillary recurrence is thus not a satisfactory endpoint when comparing axillary treatments.
Mutating a Highly Conserved Residue in Diverse Cytochrome P450s Facilitates Diastereoselective Olefin Cyclopropanation
Authors: Gober Joshua G. , Rydeen Amy E. , Gibson‐O'Grady Evan J. , Leuthaeuser Janelle B. , Fetrow Jacquelyn S. , Brustad Eric M.
Published: December 2015

Cytochrome P450s and other heme‐containing proteins have recently been shown to have promiscuous activity for the cyclopropanation of olefins using diazoacetate reagents. Despite the progress made thus far, engineering selective catalysts for all possible stereoisomers for the cyclopropanation reaction remains a considerable challenge. Previous investigations of a model P450 (P450BM3) revealed that mutation of a conserved active site threonine (Thr268) to alanine transformed the enzyme into a highly active and selective cyclopropanation catalyst. By incorporating this mutation into a diverse panel of P450 scaffolds, we were able to quickly identify enantioselective catalysts for all possible diastereomers in the model reaction of styrene with ethyl diazoacetate. Some alanine variants exhibited selectivities that were markedly different from the wild‐type enzyme, with a few possessing moderate to high diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivities up to 97 % for synthetically challenging cis‐cyclopropane diastereomers.
Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation by a Highly Active and Robust α‐Mn2O3 Thin Film Sintered on a Fluorine‐Doped Tin Oxide Electrode
Authors: Zahran Zaki N. , Mohamed Eman A. , Ohta Takehiro , Naruta Yoshinori
Published: December 2015

As a water oxidation catalyst, α‐Mn2O3 has higher activity than other manganese oxides. However, the robustness of the catalyst supported on conducting electrodes has only been tested for a short time (1 h) and it shows a gradual decrease in activity. Furthermore, the turnover number (TON) and turnover frequency (TOF) have not been reported. Herein, we optimized the preparation of transparent nanocrystalline α‐Mn2O3 on a fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) electrode, and this resulting catalyst shows, in neutral aqueous 0.1 m potassium phosphate buffer solution, a high electrocatalytic water oxidation activity with a TON of 230, a TOF of 5.3×10−3 s−1 based on the all‐Mn content, and a TOF of 2.1 s−1 based on the amount of surface‐active Mn with a Faradic efficiency of 96.7 % at an overpotential of 470 mV. The robustness of the α‐Mn2O3/FTO electrocatalyst was tested for a long time (80 h) without a decrease in activity.
A Three‐Component Assembly Promoted by Boronic Acids Delivers a Modular Fluorophore Platform (BASHY Dyes)
Authors: Santos Fábio M. F. , Rosa João N. , Candeias Nuno R. , Carvalho Cátia Parente , Matos Ana I. , Ventura Ana E. , Florindo Helena F. , Silva Liana C. , Pischel Uwe , Gois Pedro M. P.
Published: December 2015

The modular assembly of boronic acids with Schiff‐base ligands enabled the construction of innovative fluorescent dyes [boronic acid salicylidenehydrazone (BASHY)] with suitable structural and photophysical properties for live cell bioimaging applications. This reaction enabled the straightforward synthesis (yields up to 99 %) of structurally diverse and photostable dyes that exhibit a polarity‐sensitive green‐to‐yellow emission with high quantum yields of up to 0.6 in nonpolar environments. These dyes displayed a high brightness (up to 54 000 m−1 cm−1). The promising structural and fluorescence properties of BASHY dyes fostered the preparation of non‐cytotoxic, stable, and highly fluorescent poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) nanoparticles that were effectively internalized by dendritic cells. The dyes were also shown to selectively stain lipid droplets in HeLa cells, without inducing any appreciable cytotoxicity or competing plasma membrane labeling; this confirmed their potential as fluorescent stains.
High‐Level Incorporation of Silver in Gold Nanoclusters: Fluorescence Redshift upon Interaction with Hydrogen Peroxide and Fluorescence Enhancement with Herbicide
Authors: Guan Guijian , Cai Yongqing , Liu Shuhua , Yu Haidong , Bai Shiqiang , Cheng Yuan , Tang Tao , Bharathi M. S. , Zhang Yong‐Wei , Han Ming‐Yong
Published: December 2015

High‐level incorporation of Ag in Au nanoclusters (NCs) is conveniently achieved by controlling the concentration of Ag+ in the synthesis of bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐protected Au NCs, and the resulting structure is determined to be bimetallic Ag28Au10‐BSA NCs through a series of characterizations including energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, together with density functional theory simulations. Interestingly, the Ag28Au10 NCs exhibit a significant fluorescence redshift rather than quenching upon interaction with hydrogen peroxide, providing a new approach to the detection of hydrogen peroxide through direct comparison of their fluorescence peaks. Furthermore, the Ag28Au10 NCs are also used for the sensitive and selective detection of herbicide through fluorescence enhancement. The detection limit for herbicide (0.1 nm) is far below the health value established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; such sensitive detection was not achieved by using AuAg NCs with low‐level incorporation of Ag or by using the individual metal NCs.
In Situ Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(aryleneethynylene)‐Grafted Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Sun Sai , Zhuang Xiaodong , Liu Bo , Wang Luxing , Gu Linfeng , Song Sannian , Zhang Bin , Chen Yu
Published: December 2015

Using highly soluble bromo‐functionalized reduced graphene oxide (RGBr) as a key graphene template for surface‐directing Sonogashira–Hagihara polymerization, a novel soluble poly(arylene‐ethynylene)‐grafted reduced graphene oxide, hereafter abbreviated as PAE‐g‐RGO, was prepared in situ. The entirely different electron distribution of LUMO and HOMO of PAE‐g‐RGO suggested the existence of a charge‐transfer (CT) state (PAE.−–RGO.+). The negative ΔGCS value (−2.57 eV) indicates that the occurrence of the charge separation via 1RGO* in o‐DCB is exothermic and favorable. Upon irradiation with 365 nm light, the light‐induced electron paramagnetic resonance (LEPR) spectrum of PAE‐g‐RGO showed a decrease in the spin‐state density owing to photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer events in this system. A sandwich‐type Al/PAE‐g‐RGO/ITO device showed representative bistable electrical switching behavior. The nonvolatile memory performance was attributed to the CT‐induced conductance changes, which was supported by molecular computation results and conductive atomic force microscopy (C‐AFM) images.
Impact of a Developing Velocity Profile on Heat and Mass Transfer in Absorbing Laminar Falling Films
Authors: Mittermaier Martin , Ziegler Felix
Published: December 2015

This study describes a developing laminar falling film over a vertical plate while heat and mass transfer occurs. The model accounts for a developing film thickness and uni‐directional diffusion. The fluid properties are assumed to be constant, and latent heat, which is relatively large in comparison to the sensible heat, is set free at the liquid‐vapor interface. Temperature and concentration profiles in the film, the development of the interface velocity, as well as the absorbed mass fluxes are presented and two different boundary conditions have been applied to the inlet of the film.
Effects of Irrigation and Drainage Modes on the Residual Characteristics of Heavy Metals in Soil
Authors: Zhao Zhenhua , Zhang Yunyun , Lei Xiuming , Xia Liling , Jiang Xin , Hussain Javid , Fawundu Elchico
Published: December 2015

Effects of irrigation and drainage modes on the residual characteristics of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Pb) in soil were investigated. The results showed that different water‐saving modes in farmland had a notable effect on the residual concentration of heavy metals: Water‐saving irrigation > flooding irrigation > dry field. As for bioavailability fractions (exchangeable and carbonate fractions) of heavy metals, the difference under water‐saving modes was unobvious. The bioavailability fractions of Cd showed the most significant difference between water‐saving irrigation (8.55%) and flooding irrigation (6.16%), and for bioavailability fractions of non‐rhizosphere (10.53–10.78%) it was higher compared with rhizosphere fractions (3.26–7.10%). Therefore, bioavailability fractions of heavy metals in soil were closely associated with the input intensity of pollutants and the leaching intensity of different water‐saving modes. The potential bioavailability fractions (Fe/Mn oxide fraction and organic matter fraction) of heavy metals in paddy fields (28.89%) were lesser than in dry fields (30.37%), the potential bioavailability fractions of heavy metals in flooding irrigation (30.14%) were greater than in water‐saving irrigation (27.64%), and for rhizosphere soils (25.73–37.64%) it was greater compared with non‐rhizosphere soils (27.64–31.18%); the most significant response on different water‐saving modes showed Cu. Thus, the increase of crystalline forms of Fe/Mn oxide induced by a high redox potential and dissolved oxygen in dry fields and the rhizosphere soils played an important role for the high percentage of potential bioavailability fractions of heavy metals.
Unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Systemic plus hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy is associated with longer survival in comparison with systemic chemotherapy alone
Authors: Konstantinidis Ioannis T. , Koerkamp Bas Groot , Do Richard K. G. , Gönen Mithat , Fong Yuman , Allen Peter J. , D'Angelica Michael I. , Kingham T. Peter , DeMatteo Ronald P. , Klimstra David S. , Kemeny Nancy E. , Jarnagin William R.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is associated with poor survival. This study compared the outcomes of patients with unresectable ICC treated with hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) plus systemic chemotherapy (SYS) with the outcomes of patients treated with SYS alone.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with ICC were retrospectively reviewed. Clinicopathologic data were reviewed. Survival rates were compared by Kaplan‐Meier analysis and log‐rank testing.

RESULTS

Between January 2000 and August 2012, 525 patients with ICC were evaluated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and 236 patients with unresectable tumors (locally advanced or metastatic) were analyzed. Disease was confined to the liver in 104 patients, who underwent treatment with combined HAI and SYS (n = 78 or 75%) or SYS alone (n = 26 or 25%). The response rate in the combined group was better than the rate in the group receiving SYS alone, although this did not reach statistical significance (59% vs 39%, P = .11). Overall survival for the combined group was longer than overall survival for the patients who received SYS alone (30.8 vs 18.4 months, P < .001), and this difference was maintained when patients with portal lymph node disease were included in the survival analysis (29.6 months with HAI and SYS [n = 93] vs 15.9 months with SYS [n = 74], P < .001). Eight patients who initially presented with unresectable tumors responded enough to undergo complete resection and had a median overall survival of 37 months (range, 10.4‐92.3 months).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with unresectable ICC confined to the liver or with limited regional nodal disease, a combination of SYS and HAI chemotherapy is associated with greater survival than SYS alone. Cancer 2016;122:758–765. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Performance of fixed‐gain amplify‐and‐forward nonlinear relaying with hardware impairments
Authors: Maletić N. , Čabarkapa M. , Nešković N.
Published: December 2015

In this paper, a fixed‐gain amplify‐and‐forward relaying under non‐ideal hardware is analyzed. The relaying system is impaired because of relay's power amplifier (PA) nonlinearity and in‐phase and quadrature‐phase (IQ) imbalance at a destination. Closed‐form expressions for outage probability as well as ergodic capacity approximation and its upper bound are derived. Also, the outage probability and the ergodic capacity asymptotic expressions in the high signal‐to‐noise ratio are deduced. For the first time, the joint influence of PA nonlinearity and IQ imbalance on the system in terms of outage probability, symbol error rate, and ergodic capacity is investigated. The results are compared with the respect to soft envelope limiter and traveling‐wave tube amplifier at the relay. Based on the analytical and the numerical results, important insights into the impact of IQ imbalance and nonlinearity of the aforementioned PA models on the system performance are gained as well as valuable information on the performance of practically deployed fixed‐gain amplify‐and‐forward relaying system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ease implementation of revenue‐generating noncredit, competency‐based courses
Authors: Elliott Jeff
Published: December 2015

Many colleges and universities are gaining a competitive advantage by making the leap into online noncredit, competency‐based courses to attract new students and generate additional revenue. However, there can be a host of seemingly insurmountable technological, financial and even political barriers that can arise when moving outside the realm of traditional degree‐oriented programs and into online noncredit course offerings that range from professional development and continuing education to certification programs.
Make student success central as you spearhead change
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2015

HOLLYWOOD, FLA. — At community colleges, external drivers such as the K–20 concept and the completion agenda impact the work that needs to be done. College officials are asked to prove, using data, that learning is happening. One‐third of all students transferred at least once in five years. And those are just a few of the factors that influence campus initiatives, said Kevin Pollock, president of St. Clair County Community College in Michigan. He spoke at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers Strategic Enrollment Management conference.
Disruption of the RAG2 zinc finger motif impairs protein stability and causes immunodeficiency
Authors: Xu Ke , Liu Haifeng , Shi Zhubing , Song Guangrong , Zhu Xiaoyan , Jiang Yuzhang , Zhou Zhaocai , Liu Xiaolong
Published: December 2015

Although the RAG2 core domain is the minimal region required for V(D)J recombination, the noncore region also plays important roles in the regulation of recombination, and mutations in this region are often related to severe combined immunodeficiency. A complete understanding of the functions of the RAG2 noncore region and the potential contributions of its individual residues has not yet been achieved. Here, we show that the zinc finger motif within the noncore region of RAG2 is indispensable for maintaining the stability of the RAG2 protein. The zinc finger motif in the noncore region of RAG2 is highly conserved from zebrafish to humans. Knock‐in mice carrying a zinc finger mutation (C478Y) exhibit decreased V(D)J recombination efficiency and serious impairment in T/B‐cell development due to RAG2 instability. Further studies also reveal the importance of the zinc finger motif for RAG2 stability. Moreover, mice harboring a RAG2 noncore region mutation (N474S), which is located near C478 but is not zinc‐binding, exhibit no impairment in either RAG2 stability or T/B‐cell development. Taken together, our findings contribute to defining critical functions of the RAG2 zinc finger motif and provide insights into the relationships between the mutations within this motif and immunodeficiency diseases.
Synthesis of a novel cross‐linked organophosphorus‐nitrogen containing polymer and its application in flame retardant epoxy resins
Authors: Xu Miaojun , Li Xu , Li Bin
Published: December 2015

A novel cross‐linked organophosphorus–nitrogen polymetric flame retardant additive poly(urea tetramethylene phosphonium sulfate) defined as PUTMPS was synthesized by the condensation polymerization between urea and tetrahydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate. Its chemical structure was well characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, 13C and 31P solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance. The synthesized PUTMPS and curing agent m‐phenylenediamine were blended into epoxy resins to prepare flame retardant epoxy resin thermosets. The effects of PUTMPS on fire retardancy and thermal degradation behavior of EP/PUTMPS thermosets were investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL‐94), cone calorimeter measurement, and thermalgravimetric analysis (TGA) tests. The surface morphologies and chemical compositions of char residues for cured epoxy resins were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. Water resistant properties of epoxy resin thermosets were evaluated by putting the samples into distilled water at 70°C for 168 h. The results demonstrated that the EP/12 wt% PUTMPS thermosets successfully passed UL‐94 V‐0 flammability rating and the LOI value reached 31.3%. The TGA results indicated that the incorporation of PUTMPS promoted epoxy resin matrix decomposed and char forming ahead of time, which led to a higher char yield and thermal stability for epoxy resin thermosets at high temperature. The morphological structures and analysis of XPS for the char residues of the epoxy resin thermosets shown that PUTMPS benefited to the formation of a sufficient, more compact, and homogeneous char layer with rich flame retardant elements on the materials surface during burning, which prevented the heat transmission and diffusion, limited the production of combustible gases, inhibited the emission of smoke, and then led to the reduction of the heat release rate and smoke produce rate. After water resistance tests, EP/12 wt% PUTMPS thermosets still remained excellent flame retardancy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prognostic impact of chromosomal translocations in myelodysplastic syndromes and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia patients. A study by the spanish group of myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Nomdedeu Meritxell , Calvo Xavier , Pereira Arturo , Carrió Anna , Solé Francesc , Luño Elisa , Cervera José , Vallespí Teresa , Muñoz Concha , Gómez Cándida , Arias Amparo , Such Esperanza , Sanz Guillermo , Grau Javier , Insunza Andrés , Calasanz María‐José , Ardanaz María‐Teresa , Hernández‐Rivas Jesús‐María , Azaceta Gemma , Álvarez Sara , Sánchez Joaquín , Martín María‐Luisa , Bargay Joan , Gómez Valle , Cervero Carlos‐Javier , Allegue María‐José , Collado Rosa , Campo Elías , Esteve Jordi , Nomdedeu Benet , Costa Dolors ,   on behalf of the Spanish Group of Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Published: December 2015

Chromosomal translocations are rare in the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). With the exception of t(3q), translocations are not explicitly considered in the cytogenetic classification of the IPSS‐R and their impact on disease progression and patient survival is unknown. The present study was aimed at determining the prognostic impact of translocations in the context of the cytogenetic classification of the IPSS‐R. We evaluated 1,653 patients from the Spanish Registry of MDS diagnosed with MDS or CMML and an abnormal karyotype by conventional cytogenetic analysis. Translocations were identified in 168 patients (T group). Compared with the 1,485 patients with abnormal karyotype without translocations (non‐T group), the T group had a larger proportion of patients with refractory anemia with excess of blasts and higher scores in both the cytogenetic and global IPSS‐R. Translocations were associated with a significantly shorter survival and higher incidence of transformation into AML at univariate analysis but both features disapeared after multivariate adjustment for the IPSS‐R cytogenetic category. Patients with single or double translocations other than t(3q) had an outcome similar to those in the non‐T group in the intermediate cytogenetic risk category of the IPSS‐R. In conclusion, the presence of translocations identifies a subgroup of MDS/CMML patients with a more aggressive clinical presentation that can be explained by a higher incidence of complex karyotypes. Single or double translocations other than t(3q) should be explicitly considered into the intermediate risk category of cytogenetic IPSS‐R classification. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Current Account Reversals in Industrial Countries: does the Exchange Rate Regime Matter?
Authors: Pancaro Cosimo , Saborowski Christian
Published: December 2015

This paper studies current account reversals in industrial countries across different exchange rate regimes. There are two major findings which have important implications for industrial economies with external imbalances: first, triggers of current account reversals differ between exchange rate regimes. While the current account deficit and the output gap are significant predictors of reversals across all regimes, reserve coverage, credit booms, openness to trade and the US short term interest rate determine the likelihood of reversals only under more rigid regimes. Conversely, the real exchange rate affects the probability of experiencing a reversal only under flexible arrangements. Second, current account reversals in advanced economies do not have an independent effect on growth. This result holds not only for industrial economies in general but also for countries with fixed exchange rate regimes in particular. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015
Authors: Mayumi Toshihiko , Yoshida Masahiro , Tazuma Susumu , Furukawa Akira , Nishii Osamu , Shigematsu Kunihiro , Azuhata Takeo , Itakura Atsuo , Kamei Seiji , Kondo Hiroshi , Maeda Shigenobu , Mihara Hiroshi , Mizooka Masafumi , Nishidate Toshihiko , Obara Hideaki , Sato Norio , Takayama Yuichi , Tsujikawa Tomoyuki , Fujii Tomoyuki , Miyata Tetsuro , Maruyama Izumi , Honda Hiroshi , Hirata Koichi
Published: December 2015

Since acute abdomen requires accurate diagnosis and treatment within a particular time limit to prevent mortality, the Japanese Society for Abdominal Emergency Medicine, in collaboration with four other medical societies, launched the Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen that were the first English guidelines in the world for the management of acute abdomen. Here we provide the highlights of these guidelines (all clinical questions and recommendations were shown in supplementary information). A systematic and comprehensive evaluation of the evidence for epidemiology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and primary treatment for acute abdomen was performed to develop the Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015. Because many types of pathophysiological events underlie acute abdomen, these guidelines cover the primary care of adult patients with nontraumatic acute abdomen. A total of 108 questions based on nine subject areas were used to compile 113 recommendations. The subject areas included definition, epidemiology, history taking, physical examination, laboratory test, imaging studies, differential diagnosis, initial treatment, and education. Japanese medical circumstances were considered for grading the recommendations to assure useful information. The two‐step methods for the initial management of acute abdomen were proposed. Early use of transfusion and analgesia, particularly intravenous acetaminophen, were recommended. The Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015 have been prepared as the first evidence‐based guidelines for the management of acute abdomen. We hope that these guidelines contribute to clinical practice and improve the primary care and prognosis of patients with acute abdomen.
Synthesis, Structure, and Energetic Properties of 1,5‐Diaminotetrazolium Sulfate Salts
Authors: Qian Yao , Han Zhiyue , Zhang Yinghao , Du Zhiming , Zhao Yan , Yang Yuezhen , Zhang Jingchang
Published: December 2015

1,5‐diaminotetrazolium chloride (DATC) and 1,5‐diaminotetrazolium sulfate (DATS) were synthesized in this work. The structures of DATS and DATC were characterized. The single crystal of DATS was first cultured, and its structure was analyzed. The thermal behavior of DATS was investigated. The activation energy and pro‐exponential factor were calculated, Ek = 120.86 KJ/mol, Ak = 1012.96 s−1. The density, heat of formation, detonation pressure, and detonation velocity of DATS were first calculated. The detonation pressure and detonation velocity of DATS are P = 11.877 GPa, D = 5.617 km s−1, which are smaller than those of 1,5‐diaminotetrazolium nitrate (DATN) (P = 33.3GPa, D = 8.77 km s−1).
Novel human intervertebral disc strain template to quantify regional three‐dimensional strains in a population and compare to internal strains predicted by a finite element model
Authors: Showalter Brent L. , DeLucca John F. , Peloquin John M. , Cortes Daniel H. , Yoder Jonathon H. , Jacobs Nathan T. , Wright Alexander C. , Gee James C. , Vresilovic Edward J. , Elliott Dawn M.
Published: December 2015

Tissue strain is an important indicator of mechanical function, but is difficult to noninvasively measure in the intervertebral disc. The objective of this study was to generate a disc strain template, a 3D average of disc strain, of a group of human L4–L5 discs loaded in axial compression. To do so, magnetic resonance images of uncompressed discs were used to create an average disc shape. Next, the strain tensors were calculated pixel‐wise by using a previously developed registration algorithm. Individual disc strain tensor components were then transformed to the template space and averaged to create the disc strain template. The strain template reduced individual variability while highlighting group trends. For example, higher axial and circumferential strains were present in the lateral and posterolateral regions of the disc, which may lead to annular tears. This quantification of group‐level trends in local 3D strain is a significant step forward in the study of disc biomechanics. These trends were compared to a finite element model that had been previously validated against the disc‐level mechanical response. Depending on the strain component, 81–99% of the regions within the finite element model had calculated strains within one standard deviation of the template strain results. The template creation technique provides a new measurement technique useful for a wide range of studies, including more complex loading conditions, the effect of disc pathologies and degeneration, damage mechanisms, and design and evaluation of treatments. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1264–1273, 2016.
Holocene freshwater wetland and mangrove dynamics in the eastern Kimberley, Australia
Authors: Proske Ulrike
Published: December 2015

In 1990, the freshwater wetlands and mangroves near Wyndham, north‐west Australia, were Ramsar‐listed due to their ecological importance. To understand wetland formation and stability over time, two sediment cores from the King River and one from the Parry Lagoons wetlands were analysed using sedimentological and palynological techniques. During postglacial sea‐level rise, mangroves extended across all sites and were supported by enhanced freshwater input. Between 7.4 and 6.3k cal a BP the mangrove forest contracted, probably driven by sea‐level stabilization, and hypersaline mudflats, reflecting the onset of drier climatic conditions, developed along the King River. After 6.3k cal a BP mangrove diversity declined, probably linked to peak dryness around 4k cal a BP. The Parry Lagoons wetlands are at least approx. 600 years old and their development is probably related to an increase in effective precipitation since approx. 1k cal a BP. The region's mangroves could be considered relatively stable under changing climate as they are still present today, although reduced in biodiversity and areal extent. The early phases of development of the Parry Lagoons freshwater systems cannot be resolved but given the character of these wetlands, freshwater input appears to be the vital driver of ecosystem functioning.
Predictors of costs associated with radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: A population‐based retrospective cohort study in the province of Quebec, Canada
Authors: Santos Fabiano , Dragomir Alice , Zakaria Ahmed S. , Kassouf Wassim , Aprikian Armen
Published: December 2015

Background and Objectives

There is paucity of studies on the predictors of bladder cancer (BC) management costs. We aimed to determine predictors of costs associated with radical cystectomy (RC) for BC.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis in a cohort of 2,759 patients who underwent RC for BC between 2000 and 2009. We analyzed predictors of pre‐surgery, RC, post‐surgery, and total costs. The following variables were considered as potential predictors: age, gender, hospital/surgeon case load, academic hospital, and geo‐administrative region. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine predictors.

Results

Predictors of pre‐surgery costs were: age (β = 808.64, P < 0.0001) and having surgery in an academic hospital (β = 511.42, P = 0.003). Increased RC costs were associated with age (β = 196.73, P = 0.0006), hospital/surgeon annual load (β = 484.45 and β = 254.21, P < 0.0001, respectively). Having surgery in academic hospitals and geographic region were significant predictors of low RC costs (β = −1085.82 and β = −449.31, P < 0.0001, respectively). Increasing age and the presence of post‐operative complications were predictors of high post‐operative costs (β = 623.48, β = 5781.44, P = 0.01, respectively), while hospital load was associated with low post‐surgery costs (β = −949.79, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Patients’ age and surgery performed by high‐volume health providers were predictive factors of high RC costs. Low RC costs were associated with surgeries performed in academic hospitals. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:223–228. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure elucidation of uniformly 13C labeled small molecule natural products
Authors: Reibarkh Mikhail , Wyche Thomas P. , Saurí Josep , Bugni Tim S. , Martin Gary E. , Thomas Williamson R.
Published: December 2015

Utilization of 2H, 13C, and 15N isotopically labeled proteins and peptides is now routine in biomolecular NMR investigations. The widespread availability of inexpensive, uniformly 13C enriched glucose now makes it possible to isolate uniformly 13C labeled natural products from microbial fermentation. We now wish to describe an approach for the rapid structural characterization of uniformly 13C labeled natural products that avoids the pitfalls of relying on parameters typically employed in biomolecular NMR studies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zero TEMR bone imaging in the head
Authors: Wiesinger Florian , Sacolick Laura I. , Menini Anne , Kaushik Sandeep S. , Ahn Sangtae , Veit‐Haibach Patrick , Delso Gaspar , Shanbhag Dattesh D.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To investigate proton density (PD)‐weighted zero TE (ZT) imaging for morphological depiction and segmentation of cranial bone structures.

Methods

A rotating ultra‐fast imaging sequence (RUFIS) type ZT pulse sequence was developed and optimized for 1) efficient capture of short T2 bone signals and 2) flat PD response for soft‐tissues. An inverse logarithmic image scaling (i.e., −log(image)) was used to highlight bone and differentiate it from surrounding soft‐tissue and air. Furthermore, a histogram‐based bias‐correction method was developed for subsequent threshold‐based air, soft‐tissue, and bone segmentation.

Results

PD‐weighted ZT imaging in combination with an inverse logarithmic scaling was found to provide excellent depiction of cranial bone structures. In combination with bias correction, also excellent segmentation results were achieved. A two‐dimensional histogram analysis demonstrates a strong, approximately linear correlation between inverse log‐scaled ZT and low‐dose CT for Hounsfield units (HU) between −300 HU and 1,500 HU (corresponding to soft‐tissue and bone).

Conclusions

PD‐weighted ZT imaging provides robust and efficient depiction of bone structures in the head, with an excellent contrast between air, soft‐tissue, and bone. Besides structural bone imaging, the presented method is expected to be of relevance for attenuation correction in positron emission tomography (PET)/MR and MR‐based radiation therapy planning. Magn Reson Med 75:107–114, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Formation of parametric images using mixed‐effects models: a feasibility study
Authors: Huang Husan‐Ming , Shih Yi‐Yu , Lin Chieh
Published: December 2015

Mixed‐effects models have been widely used in the analysis of longitudinal data. By presenting the parameters as a combination of fixed effects and random effects, mixed‐effects models incorporating both within‐ and between‐subject variations are capable of improving parameter estimation. In this work, we demonstrate the feasibility of using a non‐linear mixed‐effects (NLME) approach for generating parametric images from medical imaging data of a single study. By assuming that all voxels in the image are independent, we used simulation and animal data to evaluate whether NLME can improve the voxel‐wise parameter estimation. For testing purposes, intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion parameters including perfusion fraction, pseudo‐diffusion coefficient and true diffusion coefficient were estimated using diffusion‐weighted MR images and NLME through fitting the IVIM model. The conventional method of non‐linear least squares (NLLS) was used as the standard approach for comparison of the resulted parametric images. In the simulated data, NLME provides more accurate and precise estimates of diffusion parameters compared with NLLS. Similarly, we found that NLME has the ability to improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio of parametric images obtained from rat brain data. These data have shown that it is feasible to apply NLME in parametric image generation, and the parametric image quality can be accordingly improved with the use of NLME. With the flexibility to be adapted to other models or modalities, NLME may become a useful tool to improve the parametric image quality in the future. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐grade inflammatory polarization of monocytes impairs wound healing
Authors: Yuan Ruoxi , Geng Shuo , Chen Keqiang , Diao Na , Chu Hong Wei , Li Liwu
Published: December 2015

Impaired wound healing often accompanies low‐grade inflammatory conditions, during which circulating levels of subclinical super‐low‐dose endotoxin may persist. Low‐grade inflammatory monocyte polarization may occur during chronic inflammation and deter effective wound repair. However, little is understood about the potential mechanisms of monocyte polarization by sustained insult of subclinical super‐low‐dose endotoxin. We observed that super‐low‐dose endotoxin preferentially programmes a low‐grade inflammatory monocyte state in vitro and in vivo, as represented by the elevated population of CD11b+ Ly6Chigh monocytes and sustained expression of CCR5. Mechanistically, super‐low‐dose endotoxin caused cellular stress, altered lysosome function and increased the transcription factor IRF5. TUDCA, a potent inhibitor of cellular stress, effectively blocked monocyte polarization and improved wound healing in mice injected with super‐low‐dose endotoxin. Our data revealed the polarization of low‐grade inflammatory monocytes by sustained endotoxin challenge, its underlying mechanisms and a potential intervention strategy. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RECQL4 helicase has oncogenic potential in sporadic breast cancers
Authors: Arora Arvind , Agarwal Devika , Abdel‐Fatah Tarek MA , Lu Huiming , Croteau Deborah L , Moseley Paul , Aleskandarany Mohammed A , Green Andrew R , Ball Graham , Rakha Emad A , Chan Stephen YT , Ellis Ian O , Wang Lisa L , Zhao Yongliang , Balajee Adayabalam S , Bohr Vilhelm A , Madhusudan Srinivasan
Published: December 2015

RECQL4 helicase is a molecular motor that unwinds DNA, a process essential during DNA replication and DNA repair. Germ‐line mutations in RECQL4 cause type II Rothmund–Thomson syndrome (RTS), characterized by a premature ageing phenotype and cancer predisposition. RECQL4 is widely considered to be a tumour suppressor, although its role in human breast cancer is largely unknown. As the RECQL4 gene is localized to chromosome 8q24, a site frequently amplified in sporadic breast cancers, we hypothesized that it may play an oncogenic role in breast tumourigenesis. To address this, we analysed large cohorts for gene copy number changes (n = 1977), mRNA expression (n = 1977) and protein level (n = 1902). Breast cancer incidence was also explored in 58 patients with type II RTS. DNA replication dynamics and chemosensitivity was evaluated in RECQL4‐depleted breast cancer cells in vitro. Amplification or gain in gene copy number (30.6%), high‐level mRNA expression (51%) and high levels of protein (23%) significantly associated with aggressive tumour behaviour, including lymph node positivity, larger tumour size, HER2 overexpression, ER‐negativity, triple‐negative phenotypes and poor survival. RECQL4 depletion impaired the DNA replication rate and increased chemosensitivity in cultured breast cancer cells. Thus, although recognized as a 'safe guardian of the genome', our data provide compelling evidence that RECQL4 is tumour promoting in established breast cancers. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost Overruns in Hydrocarbon Megaprojects: A Critical Review and Implications for Research
Authors: Olaniran Olugbenga Jide , Love Peter E. D. , Edwards David , Olatunji Oluwole Alfred , Matthews Jane
Published: December 2015

Cost overruns are prevalent in hydrocarbon (oil and gas) megaprojects. A recent report indicates that 64% of ongoing megaprojects globally are facing cost overruns. Despite their increasing occurrence, there has been limited published research in the mainstream literature that has specifically examined why and how they occur. Consequently, suggestions regarding how to constructively address cost overruns in hydrocarbon megaprojects are scant. To better understand the causal nature of cost overruns in hydrocarbon mega-projects, this article provides a critical review of the extant literature. Findings from the research indicate that complex interactions between project characteristics, people, technology, and structure and culture contribute to cost overruns occurring. As a result, it is suggested that chaos theory can be used to explain how cost overruns arise in hydrocarbon megaprojects. This article provides a reference point for engendering future research in this pervasive and fertile area.
Proton transfer reactions in apolar aprotic solvents
Authors: Sen Gupta Susanta K.
Published: December 2015

Proton transfer reactions are advantageously investigated in low‐dielectric‐constant apolar aprotic solvents where specific solute–solvent interactions are greatly minimized, if not eliminated, and proton transfer occurs directly. An intriguing feature of these reactions is their general acid/base‐catalyzed kinetics with a timescale over microseconds to minutes. Proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET), a great promise in the development of renewable energy sources, is an emerging application of the reactions. This article is an updated review of the post‐1980 developments in understanding the mechanism of proton transfer reactions, quantitative structure–reactivity relationships, acid/base‐catalyzed molecular rearrangements, reverse trends between acidity parameters and 13C δco (a measure of electron population at the carboxyl carbon) in aromatic carboxylic acids, coupling of proton transfer with electron transfer, and PCET reactions in suitably designed model systems in apolar aprotic solvents for renewable energy devices. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regioselectivity and stereoselectivity of nucleophilic addition to glycal and imino‐glycal vinyl epoxides and their carba analogs: a rationalization based on HSAB theory and MEP
Authors: Favero Lucilla , Crotti Paolo , Di Bussolo Valeria , Napolitano Elio
Published: December 2015

Besides the usual parameters forsoftness(Fukui indexes) andhardness(atomic charges), novel parameters, obtained from the molecular electrostatic potential on the van der Waals surface (ESP‐indexes), were considered as stereochemical and possiblehardnessdescriptors. The effect of oxirane ring activation by electrophiles was modeled by scanning the aforementioned parameters over the epoxide ring opening in the neutral substrates and in two corresponding protonated derivatives. C(1) is asoftercenter than C(3), but oxirane activation rapidly levelssoftnessand shiftshardnessfrom C(3) to C(1); with carbocycles, C(1) and C(3)hardnessare leveled, and with heterocycles, C(1) becomesharderthan C(3). ESP‐indexes are suitable parameters to account for stereoselectivity and more reliablehardnessdescriptors than the atomic charges. An explanation for the prevailingsyn‐C(1)‐selectivity observed with glycals and iminoglycals epoxides versus theanti‐C(3)‐selectivity observed with carba analogs is given. A rationalization of Ferrier rearrangement is also provided. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrosynthesis and electrochromic properties of free‐standing copolymer based on oligo(oxyethylene) cross‐linked 2,2’‐bithiophene and 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene
Authors: Hu Yongjing , Wang Zhipeng , Lin Kaiwen , Xu Jingkun , Duan Xuemin , Zhao Feng , Hou Jian , Jiang Fengxing
Published: December 2015

Oligo(oxyethylene) chains cross‐linked 2,2’‐bithiophene (BT‐E5‐BT) has been synthesized successfully. A free‐standing copolymer film based on BT‐E5‐BT and 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (P(BT‐E5‐BT‐co‐EDOT)) has been synthesized by electrochemical polymerization. The electrical conductivity of P(BT‐E5‐BT‐co‐EDOT) copolymer (16 S m−1) has improved by four orders of magnitude compared to the homopolymer of BT‐E5‐BT (P(BT‐E5‐BT), 5 × 10−3 S m−1) at room temperature. Both homopolymer and copolymer films exhibit well‐defined redox and satisfied coloration efficiency. Spectroelectrochemistry studies indicate that the P(BT‐E5‐BT‐co‐EDOT) has a lower band gap in the range of 1.83–1.90 eV and shows more plentiful electrochromic colours (green, blue, purple and salmon pink) compared with the homopolymer P(BT‐E5‐BT). The Copolymer P(BT‐E5‐BT‐co‐EDOT) shows the moderate optical contrast (26% of 480 nm) and coloration efficiency (205.41 cm−1 C−2). The copolymer method provides a novel way to fabricate a free‐standing organic electrochromic device. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 1583–1592