bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell Transplantation and “Stem Cell Therapy” in the Treatment of Myopathies: Many Promises in Mice, Few Realities in Humans
Authors: Skuk Daniel
Published: October 2013

Myopathies produce deficits in skeletal muscle function and, in some cases, progressive and irreversible loss of skeletal muscles. The transplantation of myogenic cells, that is, cells able to differentiate into myofibers, is an experimental strategy for the potential treatment of some of these diseases. The objectives pursued by the transplantation of these cells are essentially three: (a) the fusion with the patient’s myofibers to obtain the expression of therapeutic proteins into them, (b) the neoformation of new functional myofibers in skeletal muscles that were too degenerated by the progressive degeneration, and (c) the formation of a new pool of healthy donor-derived satellite cells. Although the repertoire of myogenic cells appears to have expanded in recent years, myoblasts are the only cells that have been demonstrated to engraft in humans. The present work aims to make a comprehensive review of the subject, from its beginnings to recent advances, including the preclinical experience in different animal models and recent clinical findings.
Mayores que viven solos: una panorámica a partir de los censos de 1991 y 2001
Authors: Zueras Castillo Pilar , Miret-Gamundi Pau
Published: October 2013

El artículo analiza la evolución de la vida en solitario de las personas de 65 a 84años no casadas y que no cohabitan en pareja entre 1991 y 2001 en sietepaíses europeos (España, Francia, Grecia, Hungría, Portugal, Rumanía y Suiza).Para ello se utilizan microdatos censales procedentes de IPUMS (IntegratedPublic Use Microdata Series). Se examina el papel de cinco variables en laprobabilidad de vivir solo frente a la de corresidir con otras personas y seinvestiga si la evolución observada se debe a cambios en la composición de lapoblación. Adoptamos la regresión logística como técnica de estandarizacióncon los datos censales. Los resultados muestran que los patrones regionalesobservados permanecen cuando se controla por todas las variables y que seda un aumento generalizado de la vida en solitario en 2001 en todos los paísessalvo en Rumanía, donde hubiera disminuido de no ser por los cambios en lacomposición de la población. La estructura demográfi ca (sexo, edad y estadocivil) no modifi ca signifi cativamente las proporciones observadas a niveltemporal o regional. En contraste, las variaciones de estructura en cuanto a lasvariables socioeconómicas (nivel educativo y relación con la actividad) sonclave para la explicación de una parte del cambio observado.
Ingresos y satisfacción laboral de los trabajadores españoles con título de doctor
Authors: Canal Domínguez Juan Francisco
Published: October 2013

La creciente demanda de trabajadores altamente cualifi cados en los paísesdesarrollados ha generado en Europa un reciente interés por analizar si laform ación adquirida en los cursos de doctorado es adecuada a lasnecesidades del mercado de trabajo. La satisfacción laboral permiteaproximar tanto la relación entre formación y puesto de trabajo como laacertada gestión por parte de la empresa de sus relaciones laborales conlos doctores. Los resultados indican que el análisis por niveles deganancias son relevantes, ya que permite identifi car dos claroscomportamientos de la satisfacción laboral: por una parte, a medida queaumentan los ingresos aumenta la satisfacción, pero en menor medida enla parte alta de la distribución de ganancias; por otra, a medida queavanzamos por la distribución de ganancias cambia tanto la valoraciónrelativa de los componentes de la satisfacción laboral como su importanciaa la hora de explicar las variaciones de dicha satisfacción.
Diferencias socioeconómicas en el bajo peso al nacer revisitando enfoques epidemiológicos
Authors: Juárez Sol , Revuelta Eugercios Bárbara A.
Published: October 2013

El enfoque epidemiológico aplicado al estudio de las desigualdadessociales en salud se caracteriza por una aproximación unidimensional ala realidad social, utilizando indistintamente la información sobreingresos, ocupación y educación para identifi car las diferenciassociales. Este trabajo cuestiona dicha asunción; analiza el impacto de laeducación y la ocupación de los padres en la salud de sus hijos,utilizando el indicador del bajo peso al nacer. Demostramos que laocupación y la educación, aunque relacionadas, no deben ser utilizadasde manera intercambiable. Asimismo, este trabajo cuestiona el enfoquetradicional de la epidemiología, que considera exclusivamente lainformación materna en el estudio de la salud perinatal. Comprobamosque, aunque infl uya ligeramente más la información socioeconómica dela madre, ambos padres tienen un papel fundamental en el peso alnacer de sus hijos.
Mini-publics et démocratie délibérative
Authors: Pourtois Hervé
Published: October 2013

La légitimité du recours aux mini-publics est souvent justifiée par les défenseurs de la théorie délibérative de la démocratie par le fait que ceux-ci seraient unanalogonde la délibération publique par le grand public. Cet article analyse cette justification et identifie quatre défis qui se posent à elle : l’autonomie interne des mini-publics, le risque de fragmentation des enjeux sociaux, l’ontologie sociale individualiste et surtout le défi de la démocratie de masse. Il conclut sur la nécessité de considérer plutôt les mini-publics comme des moyens visant à stimuler le débat au sein du grand public.
Global view of inner magnetosphere composition during storm time
Authors: Ilie R. , Skoug R. M. , Valek P. , Funsten H. O. , Glocer A.
Published: October 2013

Plasma dynamics in the inner magnetosphere are greatly affected by variations in the ion composition. The ratio of hydrogen to oxygen has been shown to be highly dependent on geomagnetic activity. To investigate this dependence, we examine the timing of the injection and subsequent evolution of O+ in the ring current during the storm of 6 August 2011 as observed by Two Wide‐angle Imaging Neutral‐atom Spectrometers (TWINS) instruments. To help interpret magnetospheric evolution using the global O Energetic Neutral Atom (ENA) emission measured by TWINS, we have employed a multidomain modeling of the global magnetosphere using the Space Weather Modeling Framework. TWINS Energetic Neutral Atom (ENA) imagers have the capability to distinguish between H and O emission and thus the major ion constituents of the ring current. Global composition measurements from TWINS spacecraft show intensifications of the oxygen ENA emission and thus an increase in the transport of ionospheric oxygen into the ring current that occur during the main phase of the storm. Both the observations and the simulation suggests that the peak in O ENA emission is correlated with the substorm injections that occurred during this time. The model also shows a very dynamic magnetosphere that allows for loss of oxygen from the Earth‐magnetosphere system through plasmoids capable of transporting oxygen down the tail throughout the magnetic storm. This can possibly be a predominant pathway for loss of oxygen from the magnetosphere.
Case studies of the impact of high‐speed solar wind streams on the electron radiation belt at geosynchronous orbit: Flux, magnetic field, and phase space density
Authors: Hartley D. P. , Denton M. H. , Green J. C. , Onsager T. G. , Rodriguez J. V. , Singer H. J.
Published: October 2013

Investigation of electron radiation belt dropouts has revealed the importance of a number of loss processes, yet there remains a lack of quantitative detail as to how these processes wax and wane between events. The overarching aim of this study is to address the issue of electron radiation belt dropouts. This is achieved using in situ observations at geostationary orbit from GOES‐13 (pitch angle‐resolved electron data and magnetic field measurements) to examine the outer electron radiation belt during three high‐speed stream‐driven storms. Analysis and interpretation are aided by calculation of the phase space density (PSD) as a function of the three adiabatic invariants. Our results confirm the importance of outward adiabatic transport as a mechanism for causing electron dropouts at geosynchronous orbit; however, study of the pitch angle distributions indicates that other loss mechanisms are also likely to be occurring during these high‐speed solar wind stream (HSS)‐driven storms. Two of the studied events exhibit similar evolutionary structure in their pitch angle distributions: (i) highly peaked distributions immediately prior to the dropout (ii) sharp transitions between peaked and isotropic and then subsequent butterfly distributions, and (iii) isotropic distributions at minimum flux shortly afterwards (dusk). We also address the difficulty in interpreting PSD calculations by comparing the T96 model magnetic field with that measured by GOES‐13. Our results are intended as a first step in quantifying the timeline of events that occur in the radiation belts following the arrival of a HSS—particularly timely given the increase in HSS occurrence expected in the declining phase of the current solar cycle.
Energetic electron precipitation characteristics observed from Antarctica during a flux dropout event
Authors: Clilverd Mark A. , Cobbett Neil , Rodger Craig J. , Brundell James B. , Denton Michael H. , Hartley David P. , Rodriguez Juan V. , Danskin Donald , Raita Tero , Spanswick Emma L.
Published: October 2013

Data from two autonomous VLF radio receiver systems installed in a remote region of the Antarctic in 2012 is used to take advantage of the juxtaposition of the L = 4.6 contour, and the Hawaii‐Halley, Antarctica, great circle path as it passes over thick Antarctic ice shelf. The ice sheet conductivity leads to high sensitivity to changing D region conditions, and the quasi constant L shell highlights outer radiation belt processes. The ground‐based instruments observed several energetic electron precipitation events over a moderately active 24 h period, during which the outer radiation belt electron flux declined at most energies and subsequently recovered. Combining the ground‐based data with low and geosynchronous orbiting satellite observations on 27 February 2012, different driving mechanisms were observed for three precipitation events with clear signatures in phase space density and electron anisotropy. Comparison between flux measurements made by Polar‐orbiting Operational Environmental Satellites (POES) in low Earth orbit and by the Antarctic instrumentation provides evidence of different cases of weak and strong diffusion into the bounce loss cone, helping to understand the physical mechanisms controlling the precipitation of energetic electrons into the atmosphere. Strong diffusion events occurred as the <600 keV fluxes began to recover as a result of adiabatic transport of electrons. One event appeared to have a factor of about 10 to 100 times more flux than was reported by POES, consistent with weak diffusion into the bounce loss cone. Two events had a factor of about 3 to 10 times more >30 keV flux than was reported by POES, more consistent with strong diffusion conditions.
Imaging magnetospheric boundaries at ionospheric heights
Authors: Mendillo Michael , Baumgardner Jeffrey , Wroten Joei , Martinis Carlos , Smith Steven , Merenda Kevin‐Druis , Fritz Theodore , Hairston Marc , Heelis Rod , Barbieri Cesare
Published: October 2013

An all‐sky imager (ASI) records atmospheric emissions from zenith to low on the horizon at all azimuths, a region typically spanning millions of square kilometers. Each pixel (with its unique elevation, azimuth, and emission height) can be mapped along B‐field lines to the equatorial plane of the magnetosphere. Auroral and subauroral structures and boundaries seen in emission within the ionosphere‐thermosphere (I‐T) system can thus be related to source regions. For a midlatitude site, this I‐T to inner magnetosphere connection typically falls within the L = 2–5 earth radii domain. In this study, we present the first case of a stable auroral red (SAR) arc observed from three widely spaced ASI sites (Europe, North America, New Zealand). SAR arcs are produced during the main and recovery phases of a geomagnetic storm, with emission driven by heat conduction from a very specific location in the magnetosphere—the L value where the plasmapause and the inner edge of the ring current overlap. Using three‐site observations, we show that this boundary can be followed for 24 consecutive hours. Simultaneous observations made by three satellites in the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) show that the lowest latitude peak in electron temperature can be used to map the same boundary. A key structure of the inner magnetosphere that cannot be observed continuously from sensors orbiting within the magnetosphere is made continuously visible to ground‐based optical systems via effects caused by the drainage of small amounts of ring current energy into the I‐T system.
High‐speed video observations of a natural negative stepped leader and subsequent dart‐stepped leader
Authors: Petersen Danyal A. , Beasley William H.
Published: October 2013

We present new high‐speed video observations of a natural negative stepped leader and a subsequent negative dart‐stepped leader. Observations were made at a distance of 770 m using a high‐speed video camera at 10,000 frames per second, a microwave‐frequency radio receiver, a broadband electric field antenna, and an avalanche photodiode array. Lightning leader breakdown was observed in detail for both the negative stepped leader and the subsequent dart‐stepped leader. During the negative stepped leader breakdown, detailed images were captured of the discharge structures near the leader tips. These structures bear a remarkable resemblance to the corona streamer zone and space leader discharges that have been observed in laboratory‐generated negative stepped leaders. During the dart‐stepped leader breakdown, no corona streamer zone was observed outside of the decaying return stroke channel, but small luminous structures that are suggestive of space leaders were observed just ahead of the main dart leader tip. Two distinct low‐luminosity zones were observed just ahead of the dart leader tip, suggestive of two distinct breakdown regimes. A multipath junction was observed in the main channel to ground following the first return stroke but was not observed following the second return stroke. Finally, microwave‐frequency radio emissions for both leader types and their return strokes were recorded, and their time domain behavior is compared and discussed.
Re–envisioning Student Learning in a Digital Age
Authors: Brown Paul Gordon
Published: October 2013

Definition, delivery, and certification.
Defining Enthesitis in Spondyloarthritis by Ultrasound: Results of a Delphi Process and of a Reliability Reading Exercise
Authors: Terslev L. , Naredo E. , Iagnocco A. , Balint P. V. , Wakefield R. J. , Aegerter P. , Aydin S. Z. , Bachta A. , Hammer H. B. , Bruyn G. A. W. , Filippucci E. , Gandjbakhch F. , Mandl P. , Pineda C. , Schmidt W. A. , D'Agostino M. A. ,   on behalf of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Ultrasound Task Force
Published: October 2013

Objective

To standardize ultrasound (US) in enthesitis.

Methods

An initial Delphi exercise was undertaken to define US‐detected enthesitis and its core components. These definitions were subsequently tested on static images taken from spondyloarthritis patients in order to evaluate their reliability.

Results

Excellent agreement (>80%) was obtained for including hypoechogenicity, increased thickness of the tendon insertion, calcifications, enthesophytes, erosions, and Doppler activity as core elementary lesions of US‐detected enthesitis. US definitions were subsequently obtained for each elementary component. On static images, the intraobserver reliability showed a high degree of variability for the detection of elementary lesions, with kappa coefficients ranging from 0.13–1. The interobserver kappa values were variable, with the lowest kappa coefficient for enthesophytes (0.24) and the highest coefficient for Doppler activity at the enthesis (0.63).

Conclusion

This is the first consensus‐based US definition of enthesitis and its elementary components and the first step performed to ensure a higher degree of homogeneity and comparability of results between studies and in daily clinical work.
Towards the non‐invasive assessment of MHC genotype in wild primates: Analysis of wild assamese macaque MHC‐DRB from fecal samples
Authors: Müller Nadine , Ostner Julia , Schülke Oliver , Walter Lutz
Published: October 2013

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays an important role in the immune response and may thus crucially affect an individual's fitness, relevant also for studies on evolutionary ecology and wildlife conservation. Detailed knowledge on the genomic organization, polymorphism and diversity of the MHC has a narrow taxonomic focus though and among macaques is only available for rhesus and long‐tailed macaques—the species most commonly kept for biomedical research. The lack of data on wild populations is largely due to the difficulty of obtaining blood or tissue samples necessary for genotyping approaches. Here, we aimed at analyzing MHC‐DRB from non‐invasively collected fecal samples in wild Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis), utilizing the MHC‐DRB‐STR (D6S2878) microsatellite marker. Due to the fecal DNA source incomplete genotypes occurred, which may be improved in the future by method refinement. We detected 28 distinct DRB‐STR lengths in 43 individuals with individual genotypes containing 1–9 MHC‐DRB‐STRs and defined four haplotypes segregating between families in Mendelian fashion. Our results indicate that variability and diversity of MHC‐DRB in Assamese macaques is comparable to that of other macaque species and importantly, that fecal samples can be used for non‐invasive analysis of MHC genes after refinement of the applied methods, opening a number of opportunities for MHC research on natural populations. Am. J. Primatol. 9999:1–9, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Encapsulation of oil in silk fibroin biomaterials
Authors: Pritchard Eleanor M. , Normand Valery , Hu Xiao , Budijono Stephanie , Benczédi Daniel , Omenetto Fiorenzo , Kaplan David L.
Published: October 2013

Microencapsulation is becoming increasingly important in the food, cosmetics, and medicinal industries due to its potential for stabilization and delivery of volatile and delicate compounds. Novel food‐safe techniques for encapsulating oil in silk biomaterials using emulsion‐based processes that exploit silk's unique properties (including amphiphilicity, biocompatibility, aqueous and ambient processing, and tunable physical crosslinking behavior) are described. The sonication‐induced self‐assembly of silk previously applied to hydrogel fabrication replaced the use of the thermal or chemical suspension crosslinking traditionally used to stabilize the aqueous protein phase in emulsions. Stable, physically crosslinked silk micro‐ and macro‐particles loaded with oil or water‐soluble dye were produced by aliquoting sonicated silk solutions into an oil bath. Oil micro‐droplets emulsified in aqueous silk solutions did not impede the self‐assembly of silk into films or hydrogel networks. In O/W/O emulsions, particle morphology and silk permeability to a model lipophilic dye in the interior phase were controllable via processing. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39990.
Synthesis and spectroscopic and photoconduction characteristics of coaxial poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)−1,4‐phenylene vinylene] single‐walled carbon nanotube films with ohmic‐like transport attributes
Authors: Hosseini Tahereh , Kouklin Nikolai A.
Published: October 2013

Highly luminescent, core–shell, single‐walled carbon nanotube–poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)−1,4‐phenylene vinylene] (MEH‐PPV) one‐dimensional networks were synthesized by a multicycle unstable micellization method. The current–voltage data indicated that the charge transport within the nanowire network remained Ohmic, with the differential conductance scaling linearly with temperature in the temperature range of about 120 to 300 K. Further analysis based on the comparative study involving photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopic tests pointed to interchain interactions and nanotube–polymer interface as primary factors influencing the electronic characteristics of the processed samples. Likewise, steady‐state photoconduction tests confirmed that the heterointerface played a dominant role behind the increased photoresponse induced by exciton annihilation at a low bias regime. The study helped us identify the underlying physical mechanisms that controlled the optical, electrical, and photoconduction properties of the MEH‐PPV–carbon nanotube heteronetworks. Potentially, this will open a door to the development of next generation, low‐cost, all‐organic nanooptoelectronic devices and systems. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 40029.
Optimization of thermoelectric properties of metal‐oxide‐based polymer composites
Authors: Plochmann Bastian , Lang Steffen , Rüger Reinhold , Moos Ralf
Published: October 2013

Thermoelectric modules can be used for thermal energy harvesting. Common rigid thermoelectric stacks usually contain heavy metal alloys such as Bi2Te3. In order to substitute conventional materials and to reduce manufacturing costs, nontoxic, inexpensive and abundant materials using low‐cost processes are first choice. This study deals with polymer composites consisting of a polysiloxane matrix filled with thermoelectric Sn0.85Sb0.15O2 particles in micrometer scale. Thin composite sheets have been prepared by doctor blade technique and the Seebeck coefficient, the electrical and thermal conductivity, and the porosity were measured. Platelet‐type particles, consisting of Sn0.85Sb0.15O2‐coated insulating mica substrate and globular Sn0.85Sb0.15O2 particles have been varied in size, coating thickness and were mixed with each other in different ratios. The filler content was varied in order to maximize the figure of merit, ZT, to 1.9 × 10−5 ± 4 × 10−6. Owing to their low raw material costs and the high degree of design freedom of polymer composites, one may use these materials in thermoelectric generators for remote low‐power demanding applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 40038.
Prevalence of Anti–RNA Polymerase III Antibodies in Systemic Sclerosis: New Data From a French Cohort and a Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Sobanski Vincent , Dauchet Luc , Lefèvre Guillaume , Lambert Marc , Morell‐Dubois Sandrine , Sy Thierno , Hachulla Eric , Hatron Pierre‐Yves , Launay David , Dubucquoi Sylvain
Published: October 2013

Objective

Studies assessing the prevalence of anti–RNA polymerase III (anti–RNAP III) antibodies in systemic sclerosis (SSc) have yielded a wide range of results. The aim of the present study was to describe a new SSc cohort tested for presence of anti–RNAP III and perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the prevalence of anti–RNAP III in patients worldwide and the potential factors of variability.

Methods

Seropositivity for anti–RNAP III was evaluated in a French cohort of SSc patients. A systematic review of the literature was carried out in PubMed and EMBase. Meta‐analysis was performed using available data on prevalence, clinical characteristics of SSc patients, and the types of assays used for anti–RNAP III testing.

Results

One hundred thirty‐three French SSc patients were tested for anti–RNAP III, and a prevalence of 6–9% was found in these patients. Thirty studies representing a total population of 8,437 SSc patients were included in the meta‐analysis. Prevalence of anti–RNAP III in this population was highly variable (range 0–41%). The overall pooled prevalence of anti–RNAP III was 11% (95% confidence interval 8–14), but heterogeneity was high among studies (I2 = 93%, P < 0.0001). Geographic factors such as continent or country of study origin partially explained this heterogeneity and correlated with the prevalence. No other baseline SSc characteristics were significantly correlated with the prevalence of anti–RNAP III.

Conclusion

Data on our new cohort and our meta‐analysis of the literature confirmed that anti–RNAP III prevalence in SSc varies among centers. Geographic factors were significantly associated with prevalence, which underscores the probable implication that genetic background and environmental factors play a role. Heterogeneity among studies remained largely unexplained.
A Single Functional Group Substitution in C5a Breaks B Cell and T Cell Tolerance and Protects Against Experimental Arthritis
Authors: Kessel Christoph , Nandakumar Kutty S. , Peters Francis B. , Gauba Varun , Schultz Peter G. , Holmdahl Rikard
Published: October 2013

Objective

A deficiency in C5 protects against arthritis development. However, there is currently no approach successfully translating these findings into arthritis therapy, as by targeting the key component, C5a. The aim of this study was to develop a vaccination strategy targeting C5a as therapy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

An anti‐C5a vaccine was generated by incorporating the unnatural amino acid p‐nitrophenylalanine (4NPA) into selected sites in the murine C5a molecule. C5a‐4NPA variants were screened for their immunogenicity in mice on different arthritis‐susceptible class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) backgrounds. A candidate vaccine was tested for its impact on disease in a murine model of collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). Immunity toward endogenous C5a as well as type II collagen was monitored and characterized.

Results

Replacing a single tyrosine residue in position 35 (Y35) with 4NPA allowed the generation of an anti‐C5a vaccine, which partly protected mice against the development of CIA while strongly ameliorating the severity of clinical disease. Although differing in just 3 atoms from wild‐type C5a (wtC5a), C5aY354NPA induced loss of T cell and B cell tolerance toward the endogenous protein in mice expressing class II MHC H‐2q molecules. Despite differential B cell epitope recognition, antibodies induced by both wtC5a and C5aY354NPA neutralized C5a. Thus, anti–wtC5a IgG titers during arthritis priming were potentially of critical importance for disease protection, because high titers of C5a‐neutralizing antibodies after disease onset were unable to reverse the course of arthritis.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that the most effective anti‐C5a treatment in arthritis can be accomplished using a preventive vaccination strategy, and that treatment using conventional biologic or small molecule strategies targeting the C5a/C5aR axis may miss the optimal window for therapeutic intervention during the subclinical priming phase of the disease.
The “Hands Together” method of nonsterile scalpel blade mounting and removal
Authors: Cornwall Jon
Published: October 2013

Scalpels are utilized by many different user groups for such purposes as medical procedures and dissection. Injuries caused by scalpels are a potential risk for scalpel users, and include injuries that may occur while mounting and removing the scalpel blade. Between 10% and 20% of all scalpel injuries in education and healthcare settings are reported to occur while scalpel blades are being mounted or removed. At present there are few published or “best practice” demonstrations of safe technique for scalpel blade mounting and removal. This brief article outlines a variation of the procedure for scalpel blade mounting and removal. It includes strategies developed to minimize risk or injury for the scalpel user, including providing a stable base for the hands and arms so as to prevent unnecessary large amplitude movements that may lead to injury of the scalpel user or a third party. Such a technique may promote scalpel safety, contribute to the development of “best practice” scalpel use, and help decrease injuries that may be caused while mounting or removing scalpel blades. Anat Sci Educ 7: 161–166. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.
Education journals: Two decades of change and implications for the field
Authors: Hardré Patricia , Mortensen Chad
Published: October 2013

The authors sought to systematically examine patterns of change over time, as well as current variations, in educational journal specifications and publishing, including higher education. The 100 journals in this sample included research and practitioner venues across a range of subdomains and specializations. The authors gathered data for 3 points in time, at 10‐year intervals during a 20‐year period, from 1989–2009. They examined the following in detail: journal profiles for publishing characteristics, submission specifications for manuscript parameters, and full‐text published manuscripts for compliance with specifications. All were analyzed as point‐in‐time comparisons as well as trajectories of change over time. Journal profiles demonstrated patterns of increased centralization and digitization, inclusiveness of readership, increased frequency of issues, and increased length of articles. Key findings for manuscript parameter trends included increased specificity of detail, range of manuscript types and research designs accepted, and average manuscript length. In addition, journals have more explicitly specified elements previously left implicit, such as professional and ethical standards. Criteria for submission procedures and manuscript quality are consistent with university faculty performance standards for productivity and technological advancement. Findings carry implications for publishing, journal management, faculty work, and performance evaluation.
Highly Emissive Luminogens Based on Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine for Electroluminescent Applications
Authors: Nagarajan Natarajan , Velmurugan Gunasekaran , Prakash Asit , Shakti Nanda , Katiyar Monica , Venuvanalingam Ponnambalam , Renganathan Rajalingam
Published: October 2013

A search for novel organic luminogens led us to design and synthesize some N‐fused imidazole derivatives based on imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine as the core and arylamine and imidazole as the peripheral groups. The fluorophores were synthesized through a multicomponent cascade reaction (A3 coupling) of a heterocyclic azine with an aldehyde and alkyne, followed by Suzuki coupling and a multicomponent cyclization reaction. All of the compounds exhibited interesting photophysical responses, especially arylamine‐containing derivatives, which displayed strong positive solvatochromism in the emission spectra that indicated a more polar excited state owing to an efficient charge migration from the donor arylamine to the imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine acceptor. The quantum yields ranged from 0.2 to 0.7 and depended on the substitution pattern, most notably that based on the donor group at the C2 position. Moreover, the influence of general and specific solvent effects on the photophysical properties of the fluorophores was discussed with four‐parameter Catalán and Kamlet–Taft solvent scales. The excellent thermal, electrochemical, and morphological stability of the compounds was explored by cyclic voltammetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and AFM methods. Furthermore, to understand the structure, bonding, and band gap of the molecules, DFT calculations were performed. The performance of the electroluminescence behavior of the imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine derivative was investigated by fabricating a multilayer organic light‐emitting diode with a configuration of ITO/NPB (60 nm)/EML (40 nm)/BCP (15 nm)/Alq3 (20 nm)/LiF (0.5 nm)/Al(100 nm) (ITO=indium tin oxide, EML=emissive layer, BCP=2,9‐dimethyl‐4,7‐diphenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline, Alq3=tris(8‐hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum), which exhibited white emission with a turn‐on voltage of 8 V and a brightness of 22 cd m−2.
Reversible Layer‐by‐Layer Deposition on Solid Substrates Inspired by Mussel Byssus Cuticle
Authors: Kim Suyeob , Kim Dong Soo , Kang Sung Min
Published: October 2013

The protective coating on mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) byssus has attracted considerable research interest because of its excellent mechanical properties such as hardness and extensibility. These special properties are known to be highly related with specific interactions between mussel foot protein‐1 and metal ions. In particular, the complexation between catechols in mfp‐1 and iron(III) has been identified as a key interaction. This finding has given opportunities for pursuing promising applications. Herein, we report that emulating the properties of the mussel byssus cuticle provides an important platform for developing reversible layer‐by‐layer (LbL) deposition, an advanced technique for surface modification. LbL films were constructed on solid substrates by sequential immersion of substrates into solutions containing iron(III) and catecholic compounds. The thickness of the LbL films was effectively controlled by increasing the immersion steps, and the reversibility of the LbL deposition was demonstrated by addition of a chelating agent.
Application of liquid chromatographic method with fluorescence detection for the determination of triclabendazole in tablets and biological fluids
Authors: Belal F. , Sharaf El‐Din Mohie K. , Elenany N. , Saad S.
Published: October 2013

A simple and rapid liquid chromatographic method was developed and validated for the determination of triclabendazole with high accuracy and precision within 6 min. Good chromatographic separation was achieved using a CLC Shim‐pack C8 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm particle size) using the mobile phase containing a mixture of 0.02 m phosphate buffer and methanol with a ratio of (20 : 80 v/v) at pH 4.0 was pumped at a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min with fluorescence detection for the first time at 338 nm after excitation at 298 nm. Losartan potassium was used as an internal standard. The method showed good linearity in the ranges of 0.05–2.0 µg/mL with limits of detection and quantification of 14.1 and 42.6 ng/mL, respectively. The suggested method was successfully applied for the analysis of triclabendazole in tablets. The high sensitivity of the method enabled the determination of the studied drug in spiked human plasma with mean percentage of recoveries of 99.79 ± 5.09. Statistical evaluation of the data was performed according to ICH Guidelines. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Addition of Organometallic Reagents to Chiral N‐Methoxylactams: Enantioselective Syntheses of Pyrrolidines and Piperidines
Authors: Jäkel Mascha , Qu Jianping , Schnitzer Tobias , Helmchen Günter
Published: October 2013

Enantioselective iridium‐catalyzed allylic substitutions were used to prepare N‐allyl hydroxamic acid derivatives that were suitable for ring‐closing metathesis, giving N‐methoxylactams. Reactions of these derivatives with Grignard or organolithium compounds gave hemiaminals, which could be reduced diastereoselectively via acyliminium intermediates to give cis‐piperidines or cis‐pyrrolidines with substituents in the 2,6‐ or 2,5‐positions, respectively. In addition, compounds with a quaternary carbon center could be synthesized by corresponding reactions with potassium cyanide/AcOH. The procedures were applied in the syntheses of alkaloids (−)‐209D and (+)‐prosophylline.
The Family of Ferrocene‐Stabilized Silylium Ions: Synthesis, 29Si NMR Characterization, Lewis Acidity, Substituent Scrambling, and Quantum‐Chemical Analyses
Authors: Müther Kristine , Hrobárik Peter , Hrobáriková Veronika , Kaupp Martin , Oestreich Martin
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this systematic experimental and theoretical study is to deeply understand the unique bonding situation in ferrocene‐stabilized silylium ions as a function of the substituents at the silicon atom and to learn about the structure parameters that determine the 29Si NMR chemical shift and electrophilicity of these strong Lewis acids. For this, ten new members of the family of ferrocene‐stabilized silicon cations were prepared by a hydride abstraction reaction from silanes with the trityl cation and characterized by multinuclear 1H and 29Si NMR spectroscopy. A closer look at the NMR spectra revealed that additional minor sets of signals were not impurities but silylium ions with substitution patterns different from that of the initially formed cation. Careful assignment of these signals furnished experimental proof that sterically less hindered silylium ions are capable of exchanging substituents with unreacted silane precursors. Density functional theory calculations provided mechanistic insight into that substituent transfer in which the migrating group is exchanged between two silicon fragments in a concerted process involving a ferrocene‐bridged intermediate. Moreover, the quantum‐chemical analysis of the 29Si NMR chemical shifts revealed a linear relationship between δ(29Si) values and the Fe⋅⋅⋅Si distance for subsets of silicon cations. An electron localization function and electron localizability indicator analysis shows a three‐center two‐electron bonding attractor between the iron, silicon, and C′ipso atoms, clearly distinguishing the silicon cations from the corresponding carbenium ions and boranes. Correlations between 29Si NMR chemical shifts and Lewis acidity, evaluated in terms of fluoride ion affinities, are seen only for subsets of silylium ions, sometimes with non‐intuitive trends, indicating a complicated interplay of steric and electronic effects on the degree of the Fe⋅⋅⋅Si interaction.
Cause Analysis of the Non‐Linear Variations of the IGS Reference Station Coordinate Time Series in China
Authors: Wei‐Ping JIANG , Zhao LI , Hong‐Fei LIU , Qian ZHAO
Published: October 2013

GPS position time series exhibit dramatic seasonal variations. It is generally considered that atmospheric pressure loading, nontidal ocean loading snow depth and soil moisture loading account for these seasonal changes. Focusing on the 11 IGS reference stations in China, this paper calculates station displacements caused by the above four kinds of surface mass loadings to correct the coordinate time series of these 11 stations during period of 1995–2010 under ITRF2005. We establish a preliminary numerical link among certain geophysical phenomena, seasonal variations and noise characteristics, finding that the calculated four kinds of surface mass loadings could produce variations in station's noise features, mainly exhibiting characteristics of band pass noise and random walk noise, and could reduce the annual amplitude of station's Up component. However, it could not well interpret station's semi‐annual and horizontal annual movement. We investigate the possible factors that could cause non‐linear variations of IGS stations, taking emphasis on the contributions of diurnal (S1) and semi‐diurnal (S2) atmospheric tides to the annual amplitude of the 11 stations, and propose that the S1–S2 atmospheric tides could be one of the main factors for annual motion of IGS stations in China, especially for the vertical annual motion of stations in central and southern regions.
Circulation Variation Over the Western North Pacific and Its Association with Tropical Ssta Over the Indian Ocean and the Pacific
Authors: Hong‐Ming YAN , Qin‐Quan LI , Yuan YUAN , Chong‐Yin LI
Published: October 2013

The circulation variation over the western North Pacific and its relationship between circulation and tropical SSTA were investigated in this paper. The results show that western North Pacific (WNP) anticyclone/cyclone are two significantly anomalous phenomena at mid‐low troposphere over WNP, and their variation is related to PJ wave line and zonal wave line at mid‐high latitudes of Eurasia. Owing to this interrelation, WNP anticyclone/cyclone can influence the climate over East Asia and Eurasia. The results also show that the relationship between WNP anticyclone/cyclone in summer and SSTA is obviously asymmetric. Generally, evident WNP anticyclone occurs in summer of feeble El Niño years, related with warm SSTA in winter of mature El Niño years over the equatorial east Pacific and warm SSTA in spring and summer of weakening El Niño years over the Indian Ocean, which further displays that the WNP anticyclone plays an important bridge role in El Niño event influence on summer climate over East Asia. But the relationship between the obvious WNP cyclone and SSTA in the Indian Ocean is not steady. The formation and maintain of WNP anticyclone are mainly related to anomalous westerlies resulting from thermal contrast between SSTA over the Indian Ocean and SSTA over the Pacific. The possible cause of asymmetry is further investigated. The results show that the thermal contrasts between Indo‐Pacific in El Niño and La Niña summer are accordant, which possibly results in asymmetric relationship between WNP anticyclone/cyclone and SSTA.
The Transformed Hessian Operator in Seismic Inversion Imaging
Authors: Hao‐Ran REN , Hua‐Min ZHOU , Guo‐Xin CHEN , Hua‐Zhong WANG , Sheng‐Chang CHEN
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we summarize the influence of the Hessian operator in seismic inversion methods and review the mathematical and physical meanings of the Hessian operator in the seismic inversion imaging. The Hessian operator is the second derivation of the misfit function to the seismic model parameters. Its Green's function formulation under the acoustic wave approximation shows that the Hessian operator reflects the effects of the seismic acquisition system and wavelet frequency band during the projection of information from the data spaces to the model space. We propose two pseudo‐Hessian forms for the least‐squares migration and the full waveform inversion separately. The application of the plane‐wave Hessian operator can lead to an amplitude‐preserved migration result. The sub‐offset Hessian can be used to the full waveform inversion to enhance the efficiency of inversion. At last, we discuss and evaluate the Hessian operator in seismic inversion imaging.
C‐Met in invasive breast cancer
Authors: Ho‐Yen Colan M. , Green Andrew R. , Rakha Emad A. , Brentnall Adam R. , Ellis Ian O. , Kermorgant Stephanie , Jones J. L.
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Basal‐like (BL) breast cancer is an aggressive form of breast cancer with limited treatment options. Recent work has identified BL breast cancer as a biologically distinct form of triple‐negative breast cancer, with a worse outlook. The receptor tyrosine kinase c‐Met is a novel therapeutic target associated with reduced survival in breast cancer. Few studies have specifically addressed the association between c‐Met and molecular subtype of breast cancer, yet this is a key consideration when selecting patients for clinical trials. The aim of this study is to evaluate c‐Met expression in a large cohort of invasive breast cancers and in particular, its correlation with molecular subtype.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry for c‐Met was performed and evaluated on 1274 invasive breast cancers using tissue microarray technology. The c‐Met scores were correlated with molecular subtype, survival, and other standard clinicopathological prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression showed c‐Met was independently associated with BL status (odds ratio = 6.44, 95% confidence interval = 1.74‐23.78, P = .005). There was a positive correlation between c‐Met and Her2 (P = .005) and an inverse correlation with tumor size (P < .001). C‐Met was an independent poor prognostic factor at Cox regression analysis in all subtypes (hazard ratio = 1.85, 95% confidence interval = 1.07‐3.19, P = .027) and there was a trend toward reduced survival in BL tumors overexpressing c‐Met, but this was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

C‐Met is independently associated with BL breast cancer. In the future, patients with BL tumors should be included in clinical trials of anti‐c‐Met therapy. Cancer 2014;120:163–171. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Predictors of significant worsening of patient‐reported fatigue over a 1‐month timeframe in ambulatory patients with common solid tumors
Authors: Fisch Michael J. , Zhao Fengmin , O'Mara Ann M. , Wang Xin Shelley , Cella David , Cleeland Charles S.
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Understanding the determinants of fatigue worsening may help distinguish between different fatigue phenotypes and inform clinical trial designs.

METHODS

Patients with invasive cancer of the breast, prostate, colon/rectum, or lung were enrolled from multiple sites. At enrollment during an outpatient visit and 4 or 5 weeks later, patients rated their symptoms on a numerical rating scale from zero to 10. A 2‐point change on that scale was considered clinically significant for a change in fatigue. Effects of demographic and clinical factors on patient‐reported fatigue were examined using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

In total, 3123 patients were enrolled at baseline, and 3032 patients could be analyzed for fatigue change. At baseline, 23% of patients had no fatigue, 35% had mild fatigue, 25% had moderate fatigue, and 17% had severe fatigue. Key parameters in a model of fatigue worsening included fatigue at baseline (odds ratio [OR], 0.75), disease status (OR, 1.99), performance status (OR, 1.38), history of depression (OR, 1.28), patient perception of bother because of comorbidity (OR, 1.26), and treatment exposures, including recent cancer treatment (OR, 1.77) and receipt of corticosteroids (OR, 1.37). The impact of sex was examined only in patients with colorectal and lung cancer, and it was a significant factor, with men most likely to experience worsening of fatigue (OR, 1.46).

CONCLUSIONS

Predictors of fatigue worsening included multiple factors that were difficult to modify, including the baseline fatigue level, sex, disease status, performance status, recent cancer treatment, bother because of comorbidity, and history of depression. Future fatigue prevention and treatment trial designs should account for key predictors of worsening fatigue. Cancer 2014;120:442–450 © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Efficacy of Antiplatelet Treatment in Stroke Prevention: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Lukasik Maria , Owecki Michal K.
Published: October 2013

Clinical Development Phases I‐III Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing

Pharmacological stroke prevention with antithrombotic drugs has evolved since the 1970s. The mechanism of action of the classical antiplatelet drugs is based on the inhibition of one of three strategic platelet activation pathways related to cyclooxygenase action (aspirin), activation of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa by adenosine‐diphosphate via the P2Y12 receptor (thienopyridines), and inhibition of platelet phosphodiesterase (dipyridamole). The effectiveness of antiplatelet drugs was proved in multiple large clinical trials that became the basis for current recommendations. However, the efficacy and especially safety of these drugs are not satisfactory, and research on novel treatment modalities is ongoing. Recently completed or continuing clinical trials dedicated to secondary stroke prevention manifest two directions. One of them involves the search for new antiplatelet drugs and evaluation of their efficacy. The other one is targeted at evaluation of efficacy and safety of dual or even triple antiplatelet therapy. The future of antithrombotic treatment involves platelet function modulation through interactions with the platelet signal transduction pathways. The most advanced studies pertain to inhibitors of platelet kinases: spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), phosphotidylinositol 3‐kinase, protein kinase C delta and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase. Another new therapeutic target may be platelet microRNA particles because their abnormal expression may cause disturbed hemostasis. In the future, it seems that targeted and individualized therapy based on modification of genetically and environmentally conditioned factors that are crucial for prothrombotic properties of platelets might bring definite benefits. Hence, further activities should be focused on designing tools that allow the selection of the antiplatelet therapy balancing benefits and risks as well as cost.