bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance of Very‐High‐Frequency Oscillations (Over 1,000Hz) in Epilepsy
Authors: Usui Naotaka , Terada Kiyohito , Baba Koichi , Matsuda Kazumi , Usui Keiko , Tottori Takayasu , Mihara Tadahiro , Inoue Yushi
Published: May 2015

Objective

We previously reported ictal very‐high‐frequency oscillations (VHFO) of 1,000 to 2,500Hz recorded by subdural macroelectrodes using a 10‐kHz sampling rate. The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinical significance of ictal VHFO in neocortical epilepsy.

Methods

This study included 13 patients with neocortical epilepsy who underwent subdural electrode implantation and had at least 1 seizure recorded at a 10‐kHz sampling rate and were followed for more than 2 years postoperatively. Extent of resection was determined considering the seizure onset zone (SOZ) and irritative zone, structural lesion, and functional areas. Areas showing VHFO and those with HFO were not taken into consideration. The presence or absence of VHFO (>1,000Hz), HFO (200–1,000Hz) and SOZ, and completeness of resection of these areas were compared with postoperative seizure outcome.

Results

Seven patients had favorable (Engel class Ia) and 6 had unfavorable outcomes (other classes). VHFO was recorded in 6 of 7 patients with a favorable outcome. On the contrary, VHFO was recorded in only 1 of 6 patients with unfavorable outcome. The presence of VHFO was significantly associated with favorable outcome. VHFO was recorded on a limited number of electrodes, and VHFO‐generating areas were resected completely, whereas HFO‐generating areas and/or SOZ were not always resected completely in both favorable and unfavorable outcome groups.

Interpretation

The presence of ictal VHFO may be predictive of favorable outcome. Ictal VHFO may be a more specific marker than ictal HFO or SOZ for identifying the core of epileptogenic zone. Ann Neurol 2015;78:295–302
Chemie frustrierter Lewis‐Paare: Entwicklung und Perspektiven
Authors: Stephan Douglas W. , Erker Gerhard
Published: May 2015

Der Begriff “frustrierte Lewis‐Paare” (FLPs) bezeichnet Kombinationen von Lewis‐Säuren und Lewis‐Basen in Lösung, die aufgrund sterischer oder elektronischer Faktoren an der Bildung eines stabilen Addukts gehindert werden. Die verbleibende Lewis‐Azidität und ‐Basizität ermöglicht den Zugang zu neuen kooperativen Reaktionen mit zugesetzten Substraten. Die Fixierung und Aktivierung von kleinen Molekülen durch FLPs führte zur Entdeckung einer Vielzahl von neuen Reaktionen und ungewöhnlichen Reaktionswegen. Die Aktivierung von Diwasserstoff und die anschließende Umsetzung in metallfreien katalytischen Hydrierungsreaktionen ist ein häufig beobachtetes Merkmal von FLPs. In diesem Aufsatz wird der aktuelle Stand dieses jungen Forschungsgebietes der Chemie beschrieben und die zukünftige Ausrichtung des sich rasch weiterentwickelnden Konzepts der frustrierten Lewis‐Paare betrachtet.
A review of experimental measurement and prediction models of crude oil fouling rate in crude refinery preheat trains
Authors: Wang Yong , Yuan Zongming , Liang Ying , Xie Ying , Chen Xingyi , Li Xiaoqing
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a review of the experimental measurement and prediction models of crude oil fouling rate in crude refinery preheat trains. Test apparatus of crude oil fouling can be classified as the stirred vessel unit and the recirculation system. The detailed structures, comparison, and applications of fouling apparatus have been summarized firstly. Subjected to the fact that the experimental data cannot be simply extrapolated to the field, the prediction models should be proposed. By analyzing the basis of prediction models, this paper reviews its development secondly, as well as the applications and limitations. There are many problems to be solved for better understanding the fouling mechanism and improving the prediction models. The research status of crude oil fouling in China is overviewed briefly at last in this paper. This paper aims at calling more attention on the research of crude oil fouling mechanism and relative prediction models for serving domestic crude oil industries. © 2015 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of nano‐tio2 on the performance of high‐amylose starch based antibacterial films
Authors: Liu Chao , Xiong Hanguo , Chen Xing , Lin Shun , Tu Yanhua
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this article is to investigate the effects of nano‐tianium dioxide (nano‐TiO2) on the high‐amylose starch/polyvingl alcohol (PVA) blend films prepared by a solution casting method. The results show that at the concentration of 0.6% of nano‐TiO2, the film demonstrated the best tensile strength at 9.53 MPa, and the elongation at break was noted as 49.50%. The optical transmittance of the film was decreased and the water resistance was improved with further increase of the concentration of nano‐TiO2. Using the techniques of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the molecular and the crystal structures of the films were characterized. The results indicate that the miscibility and compatibility between high‐amylose starch and PVA were increased with the addition of nano‐TiO2 into the films due to the formation of hydrogen and COTi bonds. The antimicrobial activities of the blend films were also explored. The results show that there were inhibitory zones around the circular film disc, which is attributable to the addition of nano‐TiO2. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42339.
Synthesis, characterization, and Pb2+ ion sensing application of hexa‐armed dansyl end‐capped poly(ε‐caprolactone) star polymer with phosphazene core
Authors: Gorur Mesut , Doganci Erdinc , Yilmaz Faruk , Isci Umit
Published: May 2015

Novel hexa‐armed dansyl end‐capped poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) star polymer with phosphazene core (P2) was prepared via ring opening polymerization (ROP) and esterification reactions. P2 showed dual fluorescence emission when excited at 328 nm in acetonitrile : water (6 : 4) due to twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) between dimethylamino and naphthalene units in the dansyl moiety. TICT emission band (A band) in the emission spectra red‐shifted with increasing solvent polarity. P2 responded to the addition of Pb2+, Hg2+, Co2+, Cd2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+ metal ions by decreasing TICT emission band with slight bathochromic shifts. The highest quenching efficiency was observed for Pb2+ ion with Stern–Volmer constant of 324.74M−1. The Stern–Volmer plot for Pb2+ was rather linear with the increasing concentration of the quencher, indicating a dynamic (collisional) quenching mechanism. Stern–Volmer constants for Hg2+, Co2+, Cd2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+ ions were found to be 212.33, 189.21, 36.24, 20.84, and 20.69, respectively. Besides, the highest quenching efficiency (94.24%) was attained in the presence of Pb2+, suggesting that P2 could be employed as a potential Pb2+ chemical probe. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42380.
Modification of surface properties of wool fabric with linde type a nano‐zeolite
Authors: Carran Richard S. , Ghosh Arun , Dyer Jolon M.
Published: May 2015

Wool is a naturally occurring composite fiber consisting of keratin and keratin‐associated proteins as the key molecular components. The outermost surface of wool comprises a lipid layer that renders the surface hydrophobic, which hinders certain fabric processing steps and moisture management properties of wool fabrics. In this study, Linde Type A (LTA) nano‐zeolite (a Na+‐, Ca2+‐, and K+‐exchanged type A zeolite) was integrated onto the surface of wool using 3‐mercaptopropyl trimethoxy silane as a bridging agent. The resultant surface morphology, hydrophilicity, and mechanical performance of the treated wool fabrics were evaluated. Notably, the surface hydrophilicity of wool increased dramatically. When wool was treated with a dispersion of 1 wt % zeolite and 0.2 wt % silane, the water contact angle decreased from an average value of 148° to 50° over a period of approximately 5 min. Scanning electron microscopic imaging indicated good coverage of the wool surface with zeolite particles, and infrared spectroscopic evaluation demonstrated strong bonding of the zeolite to wool keratins. The zeolite application showed no adverse effects on the tensile and other mechanical properties of the fabric. This study indicates that zeolite‐based treatment is potentially an efficient approach to increasing the surface hydrophilicity and modifying other key surface properties such as softness of wool and wool fabrics. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42392.
Poly(ethylene oxide)‐g‐gellan polysaccharide nanocarriers for controlled gastrointestinal delivery of simvastatin
Authors: Sadhukhan Sayantan , Bakshi Paromita , Datta Rana , Maiti Sabyasachi
Published: May 2015

Herein, a novel gellan polysaccharide‐based amphiphilic copolymer was synthesized for the development of simvastatin‐loaded micellar nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were explored for their controlled drug release and improved pharmacodynamic potentials. The copolymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and elemental analysis. The onset of copolymer micellization was detected by fluorescence spectroscopy. Simvastatin was loaded into micellar particles by solvent evaporation method and the particles were then characterized by microscopic and light scattering techniques. The physical state of drug was studied by X‐ray diffraction analysis. Pharmacodynamic assessment of the micellar preparations was done on rabbit models. The copolymer formed micellar nanoparticles in water. Critical micellar concentration was 9.12mg/l. The micellar particles (426.8–912.6nm) entrapped a maximum of 18.86% drug. Higher negative zeta potential indicated physical stability of micellar systems. A simple diffusion mechanism was operative in the event of comparatively faster drug release in pH6.8 phosphate buffer solution. No significant drug‐copolymer interaction was traced by FTIR spectroscopy. The amorphization of drug into micellar particles reduced LDL‐cholesterol level by ∼45% in hyperlipidemic rabbits and this was about 2.5 times higher than pure drug dispersion. Copolymer micellar nanoparticles of simvastatin could control cholesterol level in hyperlipidemic rabbits and thus had potential in drug delivery applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42399.
Effects of raw and poly(propylene oxide) grafted nanosilica on the morphology and thermal and mechanical properties of polyurethane foam
Authors: Gao Xia , Chen Keping , Liang Shuen , Fan Chunchun , Huang Yigang , Jia Xiaorong , Tian Chunrong , Wang Jianhua
Published: May 2015

Poly(propylene oxide) (PPO)‐grafted nanosilica (NS)/polyurethane foam (PUF) composites were synthesized by a ring‐opening polymerization catalytic process and reaction‐molding technology. The raw NS and PPO–NS were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, and compressive strength tests were used to compare the morphology and thermal and mechanical properties of the PPO–NS/PUF and raw NS/PUF composites with a series of filler contents. The PPO–NS/PUF composites generally exhibited better morphology, thermal and mechanical properties than raw NS/PUF composites. Moreover, the PPO–NS/PUF composites with lower contents (0.5, 1 php) of filler showed even higher mechanical reinforcement than that with higher contents (1.5, 2 php) of filler, which was caused by the interaction between additives and PUF matrix. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42400.
Investigation of effects of short‐term exposure to 50 HZ magnetic field on central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems in rats
Authors: Elmas Onur , Comlekci Selcuk
Published: May 2015

Although a large number of exposure studies have been carried out to investigate possible detrimental effects of a power‐line frequency magnetic field (PF‐MF; 50–60 Hz) on living organisms, there is no consensus in reported results. Recent research suggested that short‐term exposure to a 50 Hz PF‐MF can have a greater effect than long‐term exposure. In our study, we aimed to investigate the possible effect of short‐term 50 Hz PF‐MF exposure on central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems through electroencephalogram (EEG), nerve conduction velocity (NCV), and heart rate variability (HRV) measurements. To that end, Wistar albino rats and sciatic nerves gathered from the rats were exposed to a 50 Hz, 0.3 mT MF, and changes on EEG, NCV, and HRV were investigated. According to data we gathered, MF frequency and magnetic flux density that we applied did not affect EEG, NCV, or HRV. The reason for conflicting results gathered from MF exposure studies may be that the nervous system can be affected by a specific MF frequency and magnetic flux density, but that different MF exposures do not affect it. Moreover, exposure duration to MF may also have influenced results. Bioelectromagnetics. 36:420–429, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of intrinsic variability in time‐series metabolomic data of cultured mammalian cells
Authors: Le Huong , Jerums Matthew , Goudar Chetan T.
Published: May 2015

In an attempt to rigorously characterize the intrinsic variability associated with Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell metabolomics studies, supernatant and intracellular samples taken at 5 time points from duplicate lab‐scale bioreactors were analyzed using a combination of gas chromatography (GC)‐ and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) based metabolomics. The intrinsic variability between them was quantified using the relative standard deviation (RSD), and the median RSD was 9.4% and 12.4% for supernatant and intracellular samples, respectively. When exploring metabolic changes between lab‐ and pilot‐scale bioreactors, a high number of metabolites (65–105) were significantly different when no corrections were made for this intrinsic variability. This distinction also extended to principal component and metabolic pathway analysis. However, when intrinsic variability was taken into account, the number of metabolite with significant changes reduced substantially (20–25) as did the separation in principal component and metabolic pathway analysis, suggesting a much smaller change in physiology across bioreactor scale. Our results also suggested the contribution of biological variability to the total variability across replicates (∼0.4%) was significantly lower than that from technical variability (∼9–12%). Our study highlights the need for understanding and accounting for intrinsic variability in CHO cell metabolomics studies. Failure to do so can result in incorrect biological interpretation of the observations which could ultimately lead to the identification of a suboptimal set of targets for genetic engineering or process development considerations. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 2276–2283. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparative study on volatile metabolites profile of Dracaena cochinchinensis (Lour.) S.C. Chen xylem with and without resin using GC‐MS
Authors: Teng Zhongqiu , Zhang Mei , Meng Shiying , Dai Rongji , Meng Weiwei , Deng Yulin , Huang Luqi
Published: May 2015

Dragon's blood is a famous traditional Chinese medicine produced from source plants under bio‐ or abio‐stress. Dracaena cochinchinensis (Lour.) S.C. Chen xylem (DX) is one of the most important sources of the medicine. In this work, a GC‐MS method was developed for analysis of the n‐hexane extracts of DX with resin (DXR) and without resin (DXW). The repeatability of the method was also investigated for a metabolite comparative study of the different xylems. About 80 components were detected, 26 of which were identified in both DXR and DXN. Three sesquiterpenes (τ‐cadinol, τ‐muurolon and α‐cadinol) were first discovered in Dracaena cochinchinensis (Lour.) S.C. Chen. The chromatographs of the two plant materials were compared and differences of compounds were found. It showed that phytosterols showed a dramatic rise in content, and sesquiterpenes were found to be synthesized in DXR. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immobilizing Systems Biocatalysis for the Selective Oxidation of Glycerol Coupled to In Situ Cofactor Recycling and Hydrogen Peroxide Elimination
Authors: Rocha‐Martin Javier , Acosta Andreína , Guisan Jose M. , López‐Gallego Fernando
Published: May 2015

The combination of three different enzymes immobilized rationally on the same heterofunctional carrier allowed the selective oxidation of glycerol to 1,3‐dihydroxyacetone (DHA) coupled to in situ redox‐cofactor recycling and H2O2 elimination. In this cascade, engineered glycerol dehydrogenase with reduced product inhibition oxidized glycerol selectively to DHA with the concomitant reduction of NAD+ to NADH. NADH oxidase regenerated the NAD+ pool by oxidizing NADH to NAD+ to form H2O2 as the byproduct. Finally, catalase eliminated H2O2 to yield water and O2 as innocuous products, which avoided the spontaneous DHA oxidation triggered by H2O2. The co‐immobilization of the three enzymes on the same porous carrier allowed the in situ recycling and disproportionation of the redox cofactor and H2O2, respectively, to produce up to 9.5 mM DHA, which is 18‐ and 6‐fold higher than glycerol dehydrogenase itself and a soluble multienzyme system, respectively.
Increased Transforming Growth Factor‐β Levels Associated With Cardiac Adverse Events in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ayça Burak , Sahin Irfan , Kucuk Suat Hayri , Akin Fatih , Kafadar Didem , Avşar Murat , Avci Ilker Ilhan , Gungor Barış , Okuyan Ertugrul , Dinckal Mustafa Hakan
Published: May 2015

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common genetic heart disease characterized by ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, and impaired ventricular relaxation. The exact mechanisms by which fibrosis is caused remain unknown.

Hypothesis

Circulating TGF‐β is related to poor prognosis in HCM.

Methods

We compared TGF‐β levels of 49 HCM patients with those of 40 non‐HCM patients. We followed the patients with HCM for 18 months and divided them into 2 groups: low TGF‐β (≤4877 pg/mL) and high TGF‐β (>4877 pg/mL). We compared the 2 groups in terms of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), echocardiographic parameters, and clinical outcomes including myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator implantation, hospitalization, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, acute heart failure, and mortality.

Results

The HCM patients had higher TGF‐β levels than those in the control group (P = 0.005). In the follow‐up, those in the high TGF‐β group had higher BNP levels, larger left‐atrial size, thicker interventricular septum, NYHA class, more hospitalizations, and a greater number of clinical adverse events (P < 0.001, P = 0.01, P < 0.001, P = 0.002, P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). TGF‐β level of >4877 pg/mL can predict adverse events with a specificity of 75% and a sensitivity of 72% (P = 0.014). In multivariate regression analysis, TGF‐β, BNP, and interventricular septum thickness were significantly associated with adverse events (P = 0.028, P = 0.030, and P = 0.034, respectively).

Conclusions

The TGF‐β level is higher in HCM patients and associated with a poor prognosis in HCM.
Male‐female patient differences in the association between end‐of‐life discussions and receipt of intensive care near death
Authors: Sharma Rashmi K. , Prigerson Holly G. , Penedo Frank J. , Maciejewski Paul K.
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Patient gender plays a significant role in patient‐physician communication, patients’ understanding of illness, and the aggressiveness of end‐of‐life (EoL) care. However, little is known about the extent to which gender differences in the effects of EoL discussions on EoL care contribute to gender differences in EoL care. The current study was aimed at determining whether gender differences exist in the receipt of intensive care unit (ICU) care near death and in the association between EoL discussions and the receipt of EoL ICU care.

METHODS

This was a multisite, prospective cohort study of patients (n = 353) with metastatic cancers who were identified as terminally ill at study enrollment and were interviewed at a median of 4.1 months before their deaths. Postmortem chart reviews and caregiver interviews documented ICU stays in the last week of life.

RESULTS

Patients who received ICU care at the EoL were more likely to be male than those who did not (73% vs 52%, P = .02). After adjustments for potential confounders, male patients reporting an EoL discussion were less likely to have an ICU stay in the last week of life than male patients with no EoL discussion (adjusted odds ratio, 0.26, 95% confidence interval, 0.07‐0.91; P = .04). There was no association between EoL discussions and ICU stays near death among female patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Men with advanced cancers are more likely than women to receive aggressive, nonbeneficial ICU care near death. Gender differences in the effects of EoL discussions on EoL care likely contribute to and may even explain gender differences in the receipt of ICU care in the last week of life. Cancer 2015;121:2814‐2820. © 2015 American Cancer Society
Circulating tumor cells in prostate cancer: Does (nuclear) size matter?
Authors: Pal Sumanta K. , Agarwal Neeraj , Jones Jeremy O.
Published: May 2015

The enumeration of circulating tumor cells has established prognostic value in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer. Herein, the authors comment on a study examining the usefulness of evaluating the nuclear size of circulating tumor cells across various stages of prostate cancer.
A Survey of Neonatal Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Studies in Pediatric Drug Development
Authors: Wang J , Avant D , Green D , Seo S , Fisher J , Mulberg AE , McCune SK , Burckart GJ
Published: May 2015

Conducting clinical trials in neonates is challenging, and knowledge gaps in neonatal clinical pharmacology exist. We surveyed the US Food and Drug Administration databases and identified 43 drugs studied in neonates or referring to neonates between 1998 and 2014. Twenty drugs were approved in neonates. For 10 drugs, approval was based on efficacy data in neonates, supplemented by pharmacokinetic data for four drugs. Approval for neonates was based on full extrapolation from older patients for six drugs, and partial extrapolation was the basis of approval for four drugs. Dosing recommendations differed from older patients for most drugs, and used body‐size based adjustment in neonates. Trial failures were associated with various factors including inappropriate dose selection. Successful drug development in neonates could be facilitated by an improved understanding of the natural history and pathophysiology of neonatal diseases and identification and validation of clinically relevant biomarkers.
Detection of minimal residual disease in B lymphoblastic leukemia using viSNE
Authors: DiGiuseppe Joseph A. , Tadmor Michelle D. , Pe'er Dana
Published: May 2015

Background

Minimal residual disease (MRD) following treatment is a robust prognostic marker in B lymphoblastic leukemia. However, the detection of MRD by flow cytometric immunophenotyping is technically challenging, and an automated method to detect MRD is therefore desirable. viSNE, a recently developed computational tool based on the t‐Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t‐SNE) algorithm, has been shown to be capable of detecting synthetic “MRD‐like” populations of leukemic cells created in vitro, but whether viSNE can facilitate the immunophenotypic detection of MRD in clinical samples has not been evaluated.

Methods

We applied viSNE retrospectively to 8‐color flow cytometric immunophenotyping data from normal bone marrow samples, and samples from B lymphoblastic leukemia patients with or without suspected MRD on the basis of conventional manual gating.

Results

In each of 14 bone marrow specimens containing MRD or suspected MRD, viSNE identified a putative MRD population; an abnormal composite immunophenotype was confirmed for the putative MRD in each case. MRD populations were not identified by viSNE in control bone marrow samples from patients with increased normal B‐cell precursors, or in post‐treatment samples from B lymphoblastic leukemia patients who did not have detectable MRD by manual gating.

Conclusion

viSNE shows promise as an automated method to facilitate immunophenotypic MRD detection in patients treated for B lymphoblastic leukemia. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Toward accurate molecular identification of species in complex environmental samples: testing the performance of sequence filtering and clustering methods
Authors: Flynn Jullien M. , Brown Emily A. , Chain Frédéric J. J. , MacIsaac Hugh J. , Cristescu Melania E.
Published: May 2015

Metabarcoding has the potential to become a rapid, sensitive, and effective approach for identifying species in complex environmental samples. Accurate molecular identification of species depends on the ability to generate operational taxonomic units (OTUs) that correspond to biological species. Due to the sometimes enormous estimates of biodiversity using this method, there is a great need to test the efficacy of data analysis methods used to derive OTUs. Here, we evaluate the performance of various methods for clustering length variable 18S amplicons from complex samples into OTUs using a mock community and a natural community of zooplankton species. We compare analytic procedures consisting of a combination of (1) stringent and relaxed data filtering, (2) singleton sequences included and removed, (3) three commonly used clustering algorithms (mothur, UCLUST, and UPARSE), and (4) three methods of treating alignment gaps when calculating sequence divergence. Depending on the combination of methods used, the number of OTUs varied by nearly two orders of magnitude for the mock community (60–5068 OTUs) and three orders of magnitude for the natural community (22–22191 OTUs). The use of relaxed filtering and the inclusion of singletons greatly inflated OTU numbers without increasing the ability to recover species. Our results also suggest that the method used to treat gaps when calculating sequence divergence can have a great impact on the number of OTUs. Our findings are particularly relevant to studies that cover taxonomically diverse species and employ markers such as rRNA genes in which length variation is extensive.
4′‐O‐Methylnorbelladine feeding enhances galanthamine and lycorine production by Leucojum aestivum L. shoot cultures
Authors: Saliba Sahar , Ptak Agata , Laurain‐Mattar Dominique
Published: May 2015

Galanthamine and lycorine are Amaryllidaceae alkaloids that exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. Organic synthesis and plant extraction are the two main commercial sources of galanthamine. Since total organic synthesis is low yielding and complex, and the harvesting of plant biomass is causing wild plant depletion, in vitro cultures offer an alternative approach. Amaryllidaceae alkaloids can be regarded as derivatives of the common precursor 4′‐O‐methylnorbelladine via intramolecular oxidative phenol coupling. The aim of this work was to enhance the biosynthetic pathway of these alkaloids using in vitro techniques. The precursor 4′‐O‐methylnorbelladine was incorporated into the liquid medium of Leucojum aestivum shoot cultures at different concentrations (0, 0.05, 0.1, or 0.2 g/L). The cultures were conducted for various periods of time (15, 30, and 40 days). After alkaloid extraction and according to LC‐ESI‐MS analysis, the precursor highly stimulated the biosynthesis of both galanthamine (0.5 mg/g dry weight [DW], V/S 0.01 mg/g DW in the control sample, i.e. without precursor) and lycorine (0.2 mg/g DW, V/S 0.04 mg/g DW in the control sample) after its biotransformation by the shoot cultures. The optimal culture conditions for the production of both alkaloids were 0.1 g/L of precursor and 15 days of culture.
A shared neighbor conditional autoregressive model for small area spatial data
Authors: Lawson A.B. , Rotejanaprasert C. , Moraga P. , Choi J.
Published: May 2015

The use of conditional autoregressive (CAR) models for spatial effects is commonplace, especially when dealing with aggregated count data in health studies. CAR models are convenient and relatively easy to implement but suffer from the fact that they have limited flexibility in modeling correlation. We introduce a new CAR model that can accommodate different neighborhood features (including shared neighbors). Further, we examine via simulation how this model performs in comparison with standard CAR models. We also consider the application to a small area health data example. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Body‐related Sport and Exercise Motives and Disturbed Eating Attitudes and Behaviours in Adolescents
Authors: Maïano Christophe , Morin Alexandre J. S. , Lanfranchi Marie‐Christine , Therme Pierre
Published: May 2015

Motives underlying sport and exercise involvement have recently been hypothesized as potential factors influencing the positive association between sports/exercises involvement and disturbed eating attitudes and behaviours (DEAB) among adolescents. Nevertheless, very few studies have examined this hypothesis or the moderating role of gender, context of practice, performance levels and sport type on these relationships. In this study, these questions were addressed among 168 male and 167 female French adolescents involved in various types, contexts and performance levels of sport and exercise. Participants were asked to indicate their main motives for involvement in sport practice and to self‐report DEAB (generic DEAB, vomiting–purging behaviours, and eating‐related control) on a French adaptation of the Eating Attitudes Test‐26. The results shared positive associations between body‐related sport and exercise motives and most of the DEAB subscales. Furthermore, they show that the relationship between body‐related sport and exercise motives and Vomiting–Purging Behaviours differs according to involvement in individual and competitive sports and exercises. Copyright ©2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Performance analysis of spatial OFDM for pixelated optical wireless systems
Authors: Mondal M. Rubaiyat H. , Panta Kusha
Published: May 2015

Pixelated optical wireless systems can transmit at high speed by encoding data in transmitted images using spatial orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (spatial OFDM) but are susceptible to a number of limiting factors including defocus, linear fractional misalignment (LFM) and vignetting. This paper investigates the effects of these impairments on the performance of both forms of spatial OFDM: spatial DC‐biased optical OFDM (SDCO‐OFDM) and spatial asymmetrically clipped optical OFDM (SACO‐OFDM). The novelty of this paper is in the theoretical analysis of the effect of defocus on a spatial OFDM based pixelated system. The theoretical results for defocus are found to be in agreement with the simulation results reported in the literature. Furthermore, the joint effects of defocus, LFM and vignetting are mathematically described. Analytical and simulation results show that these three factors are largely independent of each other. Simulation results indicate that these impairments and their associated mitigation techniques influence the optimum choice of DC bias for SDCO‐OFDM. Finally, it is shown that for the case of the joint impairments and for a given data rate, the bit error rate performance of SDCO‐OFDM with the optimum bias is slightly better than that of SACO‐OFDM. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hybrid kinetic WENO scheme for inviscid and viscous flows
Authors: Liu Hongwei
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we propose a high‐order finite volume hybrid kinetic Weighted Essentially Non‐Oscillatory (WENO) scheme for inviscid and viscous flows. Based on the WENO reconstruction technique, a hybrid kinetic numerical flux is introduced for the present method, which includes the mechanisms of both the free transfer and the collision of gas molecules. The collisionless free transfer part of the hybrid numerical flux is constructed from the conventional kinetic flux vector splitting treatment, and the collision contribution is considered by constructing an equilibrium gas state and calculating the corresponding numerical flux at the cell interface. The total variation diminishing Runge–Kutta methods are used for the temporal integration. The high‐order accuracy and good shock‐capturing capability of the proposed hybrid kinetic WENO scheme are validated by many numerical examples in one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional cases. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term safety of oral nucleos(t)ide analogs for patients with chronic hepatitis B: A cohort study of 53,500 subjects
Authors: Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Tse Yee‐Kit , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Yip Terry Cheuk‐Fung , Tsoi Kelvin Kam‐Fai , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen
Published: May 2015

Widespread and long‐term use of oral nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) to treat chronic hepatitis B (CHB) brings about safety data in a real‐life setting. We aimed to determine the risks of renal and bone side effects in patients receiving or who have received NAs as CHB treatment. A territory‐wide cohort study using the database from Hospital Authority, the major provider of medical services in Hong Kong, was conducted. We identified CHB patients by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes, diagnosed between 2000 and 2012. The primary events were renal (incident renal failure and renal replacement therapy [RRT]) and bone events (incident hip, vertebral, and all fractures). A 3‐year landmark analysis was used to evaluate the relative risk of primary outcome in patients with or without NA treatment. A total of 53,500 CHB patients (46,454 untreated and 7,046 treated), who were event free for 3 years, were included in the analysis. At a median follow‐up of 4.9 years, chronic renal failure, RRT, all fractures, hip fractures, and vertebral fractures occurred in 0.6%, 0.2%, 0.7%, 0.1%, and 0.1% of untreated subjects and 1.4%, 0.7%, 1.3%, 0.2%, and 0.2% of treated subjects. After propensity score weighting, NA therapy did not increase the risk of any of the events (hazard ratios [HRs] ranged from 0.79 to 1.31; P = 0.225‐0.887). Exposure to nucleotide analogues, compared with nucleoside analogs, increased the risk of hip fracture (HR = 5.69; 95% confidence interval: 1.98‐16.39; P = 0.001), but not other events (HR = 0.58‐1.44; P = 0.202‐0.823). Conclusions: NA treatment does not increase the risk of renal and bone events in general. Nucleotide analogs may increase the risk of hip fracture, but the overall event rate is low. (Hepatology 2015;62:684–693)
Application of landscape metrics and a Markov chain model to assess land cover changes within a forested watershed, Taiwan
Authors: Yeh Chun‐Kuo , Liaw Shyue‐Cherng
Published: May 2015

Analysis of land cover changes is fundamental for providing information about watershed land management, monitoring, and planning. This study reveals large‐scale land cover transformation under the effects of frequent natural disturbances within the Taimali watershed in eastern Taiwan during 2005–2011. A landscape analysis approach combining landscape metrics and a Markov chain model is used to understand land cover changes with regard to natural disturbances. Results of the composition metrics analysis show that the landslide area within the region has expanded 7.5 times (15.5 km2), but the forested area has shrunk by 10.6% (20.9 km2). Spatial configuration metrics analysis indicates that patches of forest are becoming small, irregular, and spatially fragmented, while landslide patches are expanding and becoming spatially aggregated. Land cover changes in the area are considered to have occurred mainly through loss and fragmentation of forest cover, and an increase in the number and area of landslides. During 2005–2011, the most noticeable area changes related to transitions from forest cover to landslides (15.8 km2) and channels (6.7 km2). However, the greatest transition probabilities were for human‐made patches changing into forest cover and channel corridors over the study period. Through the Markov chain analysis, three projected proportions of land cover for the periods 2017–2035 are produced. These three predictive scenarios pose different risks to downstream life and property. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Interdependence of Adult Relationship Quality and Parenting Behaviours among African American and European Couples in Rural, Low‐Income Communities
Authors: Zvara Bharathi J. , Mills‐Koonce W. Roger , Heilbron Nicole , Clincy Amanda , Cox Martha J. ,   The Family Life Project Key Contributors
Published: May 2015

The present study extends the spillover and crossover hypotheses to more carefully model the potential interdependence between parent–parent interaction quality and parent–child interaction quality in family systems. Using propensity score matching, the present study attempted to isolate family processes that are unique across African American and European American couples that are independent of other socio‐demographic factors to further clarify how interparental relationships may be related to parenting in a rural, low‐income sample. The Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM), a statistical analysis technique that accounts for the interdependence of relationship data, was used with a sample of married and non‐married cohabiting African American and European American couples (n = 82 dyads) to evaluate whether mothers' and fathers' observed parenting behaviours are related to their behaviours and their partner's behaviours observed in a couple problem‐solving interaction. Findings revealed that interparental withdrawal behaviour, but not conflict behaviour, was associated with less optimal parenting for fathers but not mothers, and specifically so for African American fathers. Our findings support the notion of interdependence across subsystems within the family and suggest that African American fathers may be specifically responsive to variations in interparental relationship quality. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ecological risk assessment for mink and short-tailed shrew exposed to PCBs, dioxins, and furans in the Housatonic River area
Authors: Moore Dwayne RJ , Breton Roger L , DeLong Tod R , Ferson Scott , Lortie John P , MacDonald Drew B , McGrath Richard , Pawlisz Andrzej , Svirsky Susan C , Teed R Scott , Thompson Ryan P , Whitfield Aslund Melissa
Published: May 2015

A probabilistic risk assessment was conducted to characterize risks to a representative piscivorous mammal (mink, Mustela vison) and a representative carnivorous mammal (short-tailed shrew, Blarina brevicauda) exposed to PCBs, dioxins, and furans in the Housatonic River area downstream of the General Electric (GE) facility in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Contaminant exposure was estimated using a probabilistic total daily intake model and parameterized using life history information of each species and concentrations of PCBs, dioxins, and furans in prey collected in the Housatonic River study area. The effects assessment preferentially relied on dose–response curves but defaulted to benchmarks or other estimates of effect when there were insufficient toxicity data. The risk characterization used a weight of evidence approach. Up to 3 lines of evidence were used to estimate risks to the selected mammal species: 1) probabilistic exposure and effects modeling, 2) field surveys, and 3) species-specific feeding or field studies. The weight of evidence assessment indicated a high risk for mink and an intermediate risk for short-tailed shrew. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:174–184. © 2015 SETAC

Key Points

A probabilistic risk assessment was conducted to characterize risks to representative piscivorous and carnivorous mammals (mink and shrew, respectively) exposed to PCBs, dioxins and furans in the Housatonic River downstream of the General Electric (GE) facility in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Contaminant exposure was estimated using a probabilistic total daily intake model, and parameterized using life history information of each species and concentrations of PCBs, dioxins and furans in prey collected in the Housatonic River study area. Based on probabilistic exposure and effects modeling, field surveys, and species-specific feeding or field studies, the weight of evidence assessment indicated a high risk for mink and an intermediate risk for short-tailed shrew.
The VEGFR2, COX‐2 and MMP‐2 polymorphisms are associated with clinical outcome of patients with inoperable non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Butkiewicz Dorota , Krześniak Małgorzata , Drosik Anna , Giglok Monika , Gdowicz‐Kłosok Agnieszka , Kosarewicz Agata , Rusin Marek , Masłyk Barbara , Gawkowska‐Suwińska Marzena , Suwiński Rafał
Published: May 2015

Certain common inherited variations in genes involved in tumor angiogenesis, progression and metastasis may contribute to cancer therapy outcome and prognosis by altering the gene expression and protein activity. In this report, we examined the effect of functional polymorphisms in MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐3, VEGF, VEGFR2, FGFR4 and COX‐2 genes on overall (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) of 350 Caucasian patients with inoperable non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The results of multivariate analysis indicated that VEGFR2 ‐906C and COX‐2 ‐1195G alleles were strongly associated with poor OS and PFS (p = 0.002 and 0.015, respectively, for OS; p = 0.009 and 0.015, respectively, for PFS), while MMP‐2 ‐1306 T allele carriers had significantly reduced PFS (p = 0.010). Moreover, an increased risk of death and progression was significantly associated with the number of adverse alleles for VEGFR2/COX‐2 (p = 0.0005 for OS and 0.0006 for PFS in >1 adverse allele carriers) and VEGFR2/COX‐2/MMP‐2 combinations (p = 0.0003 for OS and 0.0001 for PFS in patients with >2 adverse alleles). Finally, VEGFR2 TC/CC, COX‐2 AG/GG and MMP‐2 CT/TT genotypes as well as “at risk” allele combinations were identified as independent predictors of unfavorable OS and PFS in the group. In conclusion, the data suggest that selected VEGFR2, COX‐2 and MMP‐2 polymorphisms may be potential prognostic markers in unresectable NSCLC treated with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy, although further validation studies are warranted to confirm our observations.
A Kinase‐Independent Function of c‐Src Mediates p130Cas Phosphorylation at the Serine‐639 Site in Pressure Overloaded Myocardium
Authors: Palanisamy Arun P. , Suryakumar Geetha , Panneerselvam Kavin , Willey Christopher D. , Kuppuswamy Dhandapani
Published: May 2015

Early work in pressure overloaded (PO) myocardium shows that integrins mediate focal adhesion complex formation by recruiting the adaptor protein p130Cas (Cas) and nonreceptor tyrosine kinase c‐Src. To explore c‐Src role in Cas‐associated changes during PO, we used a feline right ventricular in vivo PO model and a three‐dimensional (3D) collagen‐embedded adult cardiomyocyte in vitro model that utilizes a Gly‐Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐Ser (RGD) peptide for integrin stimulation. Cas showed slow electrophoretic mobility (band‐shifting), recruitment to the cytoskeleton, and tyrosine phosphorylation at 165, 249, and 410 sites in both 48 h PO myocardium and 1 h RGD‐stimulated cardiomyocytes. Adenoviral mediated expression of kinase inactive (negative) c‐Src mutant with intact scaffold domains (KN‐Src) in cardiomyocytes did not block the RGD stimulated changes in Cas. Furthermore, expression of KN‐Src or kinase active c‐Src mutant with intact scaffold function (A‐Src) in two‐dimensionally (2D) cultured cardiomyocytes was sufficient to cause Cas band‐shifting, although tyrosine phosphorylation required A‐Src. These data indicate that c‐Src's adaptor function, but not its kinase function, is required for a serine/threonine specific phosphorylation(s) responsible for Cas band‐shifting. To explore this possibility, Chinese hamster ovary cells that stably express Cas were infected with either β‐gal or KN‐Src adenoviruses and used for Cas immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry analysis. In the KN‐Src expressing cells, Cas showed phosphorylation at the serine‐639 (human numbering) site. A polyclonal antibody raised against phospho‐serine‐639 detected Cas phosphorylation in 24–48 h PO myocardium. Our studies indicate that c‐Src's adaptor function mediates serine‐639 phosphorylation of Cas during integrin activation in PO myocardium. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2793–2803, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantification of the impact of enzyme‐inducing antiepileptic drugs on irinotecan pharmacokinetics and SN‐38 exposure
Authors: Berg Alexander K. , Buckner Jan C. , Galanis Evanthia , Jaeckle Kurt A. , Ames Matthew M. , Reid Joel M.
Published: May 2015

The population pharmacokinetic model reported here was developed using data from 2 phase 2 trials of irinotecan for treatment of malignant glioma to quantify the impact of concomitant therapy with enzyme‐inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs) on irinotecan pharmacokinetics. Patients received weekly irinotecan doses of 100 to 400 mg/m2, and plasma samples were collected and analyzed for irinotecan and its APC, SN‐38, and SN‐38G metabolites. Nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling was employed for population pharmacokinetic analysis. Concomitant therapy with phenytoin, phenobarbital, or carbamazepine increased the clearances of irinotecan, SN‐38, and SN‐38G but not APC. SN‐38 clearance was 2‐fold higher with concomitant EIAED use, resulting in 40% lower SN‐38 exposure. Evaluation of additional covariates revealed no clinically relevant effects of sex or concomitant corticosteroid use. The population pharmacokinetic model suggests that a 1.7‐fold increase in irinotecan dose may compensate for decreases in SN‐38 exposure in the presence of concomitant EIAEDs. Although slightly more conservative, this dose adjustment is consistent with those recommended based on increases in the maximally tolerated dose for malignant glioma patients receiving EIAEDs and may be an appropriate starting point for further investigation when extrapolating to other cancer types or alternative regimens.
Population pharmacokinetic modeling of quetiapine after administration of seroquel and seroquel XR formulations to Western and Chinese patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder
Authors: Zhou Diansong , Bui Khanh H. , Li Jianguo , Al‐Huniti Nidal
Published: May 2015

A population model describing quetiapine pharmacokinetics (PK) in Western and Chinese patients following oral administration of immediate‐release (IR) and extended‐release (XR) formulations was developed using plasma concentrations in 127 patients from 5 studies with quetiapine IR and/or XR in Western patients and 1 study with quetiapine XR in Chinese patients. A 1‐compartmental model with first‐order absorption and first‐order elimination adequately described the quetiapine PK. The typical apparent volume of distribution and elimination rate constant of quetiapine were 574 L and 0.12 h−1, respectively. The estimated population absorption rate constants were 1.46 and 0.10 h−1 for quetiapine IR and XR, respectively. Covariate analysis revealed that race was not a significant covariate influencing the PK of quetiapine. Simulation conducted with the final quetiapine population PK model predicted that the administration of a 200‐mg twice‐daily dose of quetiapine IR in Chinese patients would achieve a steady‐state AUC (AUCss) ± standard deviation of 3087 ± 1480 ng · h/mL, which is in close agreement with the reported value (3538 ± 1728 ng · h/mL). The model also predicted that once‐daily administration of 300 mg quetiapine IR or XR would achieve similar exposure in terms of AUCss in Chinese patients.