bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical evaluation and modeling of algal harvesting using dissolved air flotation
Authors: Zhang Xuezhi , Hewson John C. , Amendola Pasquale , Reynoso Monica , Sommerfeld Milton , Chen Yongsheng , Hu Qiang
Published: May 2014

In this study, Chlorella zofingiensis harvesting by dissolved air flotation (DAF) was critically evaluated with regard to algal concentration, culture conditions, type and dosage of coagulants, and recycle ratio. Harvesting efficiency increased with coagulant dosage and leveled off at 81%, 86%, 91%, and 87% when chitosan, Al3+, Fe3+, and cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) were used at dosages of 70, 180, 250, and 500 mg g−1, respectively. The DAF efficiency‐coagulant dosage relationship changed with algal culture conditions. Evaluation of the influence of the initial algal concentration and recycle ratio revealed that, under conditions typical for algal harvesting, it is possible that the number of bubbles is insufficient. A DAF algal harvesting model was developed to explain this observation by introducing mass‐based floc size distributions and a bubble limitation into the white water blanket model. The model revealed the importance of coagulation to increase floc‐bubble collision and attachment, and the preferential interaction of bubbles with larger flocs, which limited the availability of bubbles to the smaller sized flocs. The harvesting efficiencies predicted by the model agree reasonably with experimental data obtained at different Al3+ dosages, algal concentrations, and recycle ratios. Based on this modeling, critical parameters for efficient algal harvesting were identified. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 2477–2485. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Highly efficient enzymatic synthesis of an ascorbyl unstaturated fatty acid ester with ecofriendly biomass‐derived 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran as cosolvent
Authors: Hu Ying‐Dan , Qin Ye‐Zhi , Li Ning , Zong Min‐Hua
Published: May 2014

Enzymatic synthesis of ascorbyl undecylenate, an unsaturated fatty acid ester of ascorbic acid, was reported with biomass‐derived 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) as the cosolvent. Of the immobilized lipases tested, Candida antarctica lipase B (CAL‐B) showed the highest activity for enzymatic synthesis of ascorbyl undecylenate. Effect of reaction media on the enzymatic reaction was studied. The cosolvent mixture, t‐butanol‐MeTHF (1:4, v/v) proved to be the optimal medium, in which not only ascorbic acid had moderate solubility, but also CAL‐B showed a high activity, thus addressing the major problem of the solvent conflict for dissolving substrate and keeping satisfactory enzyme activity. In addition, the enzyme was much more stable in MeTHF and t‐butanol‐MeTHF (1:4) than in previously widely used organic solvents, t‐butanol, 2‐methyl‐2‐butanol, and acetone. The much higher initial reaction rate in this cosolvent mixture may be rationalized by the much lower apparent activation energy of this enzymatic reaction (26.6 vs. 38.1–39.1 kJ/mol) and higher enzyme catalytic efficiency (Vmax/Km, 8.4 vs. 1.3–1.4 h−1). Ascorbyl undecylenate was obtained with the yields of 84–89% and 6‐regioselectivity of >99% in t‐butanol‐MeTHF (1:4) at supersaturated substrate concentrations (60 and 100 mM) after 5–8 h. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:1005–1011, 2014
Interventions for caregivers of someone with an eating disorder: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Hibbs Rebecca , Rhind Charlotte , Leppanen Jenni , Treasure Janet
Published: May 2014

Objective

A variety of interventions have been developed for caregivers of people with an eating disorder either to help them cope with the burden and distress that commonly accompanies this role or to make them more effective at providing support. The aim of the study is to perform a meta‐analysis of quantitative studies that have described the impact of these interventions on caregivers.

Method

Electronic databases were searched between September 2001 and September 2013. Thirteen studies were finally selected for inclusion. Pooled effect size estimates were summarized. Meta‐regressions were used to determine whether type of intervention, team, measure used or risk of bias were effect modifiers of the relationship. We also summarized the content and form (amount of professional help) of the interventions.

Results

Most interventions produced a moderate sized reduction in carer distress and a small/moderate reduction in carer burden and expressed emotion post treatment and these changes were maintained over follow‐up.

Discussion

Carer distress, burden and expressed emotion can be reduced by a variety of psychoeducational interventions and these changes are sustainable over time. The interventions themselves are easy to disseminate and deliver. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:349–361)
Vγ9Vδ2 TCR‐activation by phosphorylated antigens requires butyrophilin 3 A1 (BTN3A1) and additional genes on human chromosome 6
Authors: Riaño Felipe , Karunakaran Mohindar M. , Starick Lisa , Li Jianqiang , Scholz Claus J. , Kunzmann Volker , Olive Daniel , Amslinger Sabine , Herrmann Thomas
Published: May 2014

Pyrophosphorylated metabolites of isoprenoid‐biosynthesis (phosphoantigens, PAgs) activate Vγ9Vδ2 T cells during infections and trigger antitumor activity. This activation depends on expression of butyrophilin 3 A1 (BTN3A1) by antigen‐presenting cells. This report defines the minimal genetic requirements for activation of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells by PAgs and mAb 20.1. We compared PAg‐presentation by BTN3A1‐transduced CHO hamster cells with that of CHO cells containing the complete human chromosome 6 (Chr6). BTN3A1 expression alone was sufficient for activation of Vγ9Vδ2 T‐cell receptor transductants by mAb 20.1., while activation by PAgs also required the presence of Chr6. We take this finding as evidence that gene(s) on Chr6 in addition to BTN3A1 are mandatory for PAg‐mediated activation of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. This observation is important for the design of animal models for PAg‐mediated immune responses and provokes speculations about the analogy between genes controlling PAg presentation and MHC‐localized genes controlling peptide‐antigen presentation.
Two Heterometallic Ionic Compounds with Isolated [3d] and [4f] Complex Units: Field‐Induced Single‐Ion Magnet (SIM) Behavior Observed from a Mononuclear Dysprosium(III) Complex
Authors: Nayak Sanjit , Novitchi Ghenadie , Hołyńska Małgorzata , Dehnen Stefanie
Published: June 2014

Two new complexes, [Fe3(μ3‐O)(inicH)6(H2O)3][Gd(NO3)6]·(NO3)4·nH2O (1) and [Fe3(μ3‐O)(inicH)6(H2O)3][Dy(NO3)5 (H2O)]·(NO3)5·n(H2O) (2) with two isolated complex moieties, were generated when isonicotinic acid was treated with iron(III) nitrate and the corresponding lanthanide(III) nitrate in water. The structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. In these compounds, the anionic lanthanide complexes are encapsulated by trinuclear [Fe3(μ3‐O)(inicH)6(H2O)3]7+ cationic cluster units, which is facilitated by hydrogen‐bonding interactions. Investigation of the magnetic properties reveals that 2 shows slow relaxation of magnetization at low magnetic field (Hdc = 1.0 kOe), with an energy barrier of 23 K originating from a single [Dy(NO3)5(H2O)]2– anion.
Chip‐based capillary electrophoresis profiling of olive pollen extracts used for allergy diagnosis and immunotherapy
Authors: Zienkiewicz Agnieszka , Zienkiewicz Krzysztof , Florido Fernando , Marco Francisco Manuel , Romero Pedro José , Castro Antonio Jesus , de Dios Alché Juan
Published: May 2014

Standardization of protein extracts for clinical purposes represents an important task in order to maintain adequate reactivity, presence of the relevant allergens, and safety among other factors. The main objective of this work was to explore the potential use of a chip‐based automated CE system commercially available to analyze several of the most common forms of allergenic extracts from olive pollen used in allergy clinics. These include experimental extracts prepared from olive pollens, in‐house reference extracts, extracts designed for skin prick test assays, and a panel of vaccine variants aimed to specific immunotherapy. As a major conclusion of the study, chip‐based CE allowed in all cases to determine accurate protein profiles with different degrees of sensitivity, where several allergens (particularly the major olive pollen allergen Ole e 1) were easily recognized. Moreover, several purified allergens were also analyzed by this method, and proposed as specific standards for different purposes. In the present condition, the method can only provide the protein profile of the extracts with respect to a preestablished standard extract, but not allergen identification. However, these and other future developments and applications are discussed.
Macroporous reversed‐phase separation of proteins combined with reversed‐phase separation of phosphopeptides and tandem mass spectrometry for profiling the phosphoproteome of MDA‐MB‐231 cells
Authors: Ye Xiaoxia , Li Liang
Published: May 2014

A new method of combining macroporous RP (mRP) protein fractionation with RPLC peptide separation MS/MS is reported for profiling the phosphoproteome of a complex sample. In this method, an mRP‐C18 column was used to fractionate the proteins from a whole cell lysate of a breast cancer cell line, MDA‐MB‐231, into 38 fractions. Each fraction was subjected to tryptic digestion, sequential phosphopeptide enrichment by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography and titanium dioxide (TiO2), followed by capillary RPLC‐MS/MS analysis. For comparison, the conventional method of using strong cation exchange RPLC separation of peptides combined with MS/MS was also used for analyzing the phosphoproteome. Replicate experiments by the mRP‐RPLC method identified 1585 distinct phosphoproteins with 4519 phosphopeptides, compared to 1585 phosphoproteins with 4297 phosphopeptides by strong cation exchange RPLC, with a total of 1947 phosphoproteins and 6278 phosphopeptides identified from the combined results. While the two methods have similar ability in the identification of the phosphoproteome, they produce complementary information. The phosphoproteins identified in this study, including 67 novel phosphorylation sites from 56 breast cancer related proteins, can serve as the entry point for future validation with biological implications in breast cancer. The MS proteomics data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE partner repository with the dataset identifier PXD000948 and DOI 10.6019/PXD000948.
Anions in pre‐ and post‐blast consumer fireworks by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Martín‐Alberca Carlos , de la Ossa Ma Ángeles Fernández , Sáiz Jorge , Ferrando José Luis , García‐Ruiz Carmen
Published: May 2014

Consumer fireworks are a heterogeneous group of pyrotechnic items widely used by citizens around the world. There are a wide number of forensic cases related to consumer fireworks that require knowing their chemical composition and variety of designs to conduct accurate and comprehensive analyses. In this research paper, a selection of six consumer firework types (firecracker, rocket, pyrotechnic fountain, pyrotechnic battery, sparkler, and smoke bomb) is physically described and their anionic compositions are determined. Preblast (fuses and charges) samples and postblast residues of the different consumer fireworks were analyzed by CE in order to determine their anionic composition. Different types of chemical compositions in fuses and pyrotechnic charges were determined, although they were not related to any type of item. Additionally, several discrepancies were found between the analytical results and the declared item compositions. Regarding postblast residues, a huge variety of anions were identified and attributed to some unconsumed starting materials and different chemical reactions occurring during combustion.
Velocity gap mode of capillary electrophoresis developed for high‐resolution chiral separations
Authors: Li Xue , Li Youxin , Zhao Lumeng , Shen Jianguo , Zhang Yong , Bao James J.
Published: May 2014

A new CE method based on velocity gap (VG) theory has been developed for high‐resolution chiral separations. In VG, two consecutive electric fields are adopted to drive analytes passing through two capillaries, which are linked together through a joint. The joint is immersed inside another buffer vial which has conductivity communication with the buffer inside the capillary. By adjusting the field strengths onto the two capillaries, it is possible to observe different velocities of an analyte when it passes through those two capillaries and there would be a net velocity change (NVC) for the same analyte. Different analytes may have different NVC which may be specifically meaningful for enantioseparations because enantiomers are usually hard to resolve. By taking advantage of this NVC, it is possible to enhance the resolution of a chiral separation if a proper voltage program is applied. The feasibility of using NVC to enhance chiral separation was demonstrated in the separations of three pairs of enantiomers: terbutaline, chlorpheniramine, and promethazine. All separations started with partial separation in a conventional CE and were significantly improved under the same experimental conditions. The results indicated that VG has the potential to be used to improve the resolving power of CE in chiral separations.
“New turns from old STaRs”: Enhancing the capabilities of forensic short tandem repeat analysis
Authors: Phillips Christopher , Gelabert‐Besada Miguel , Fernandez‐Formoso Luis , García‐Magariños Manuel , Santos Carla , Fondevila Manuel , Ballard David , Syndercombe Court Denise , Carracedo Ángel , Victoria Lareu Maria
Published: May 2014

The field of research and development of forensic STR genotyping remains active, innovative, and focused on continuous improvements. A series of recent developments including the introduction of a sixth dye have brought expanded STR multiplex sizes while maintaining sensitivity to typical forensic DNA. New supplementary kits complimenting the core STRs have also helped improve analysis of challenging identification cases such as distant pairwise relationships in deficient pedigrees. This article gives an overview of several recent key developments in forensic STR analysis: availability of expanded core STR kits and supplementary STRs, short‐amplicon mini‐STRs offering practical options for highly degraded DNA, Y‐STR enhancements made from the identification of rapidly mutating loci, and enhanced analysis of genetic ancestry by analyzing 32‐STR profiles with a Bayesian forensic classifier originally developed for SNP population data. As well as providing scope for genotyping larger numbers of STRs optimized for forensic applications, the launch of compact next‐generation sequencing systems provides considerable potential for genotyping the sizeable proportion of nucleotide variation existing in forensic STRs, which currently escapes detection with CE.
Profiling of the secretome of human cancer cells: Preparation of supernatant for proteomic analysis
Authors: Rogers Linda Joanne , Suchowerska Natalka , Khan Alamgir , Polaskova Veronika , McKenzie David Robert
Published: May 2014

Secretomic analysis requires removal of serum proteins from cell‐culture media. We evaluate the proteins washed from cells prepared in bovine serum‐supplemented medium. PBS and serum‐free‐medium (SFM) were the washing solutions. A Bradford assay was used for total protein concentration and a 1D gel and LC‐MS/MS, to assign the protein to human or bovine origin. For both wash solutions, all bovine protein had been removed by the third wash, without compromising the number of living cells. Further washes reduced the number of living cells, especially when using PBS. Proteomic analysis of wash supernatant showed that SFM induced greater lysis of dead cells. Three washes were sufficient to minimize the effects on cell viability, while still removing serum proteins. Washing in SFM resulted in contamination of the wash supernatant with lysed dead cell proteins. Washed cells were incubated in SFM and exposed to ionizing radiation. Analysis of the supernatant showed an increase in human cytoplasmic, plasma membrane, and nuclear protein following irradiation. Secreted proteins were also detected, but in smaller quantities. The significance of these findings extend to in vitro studies of bystander phenomena, since the proteins of lysed dead cells may participate in driving bystander responses.
Enhanced detection for determination of enantiomeric purity of novel agomelatine analogs byEKCusing single and dual cyclodextrin systems
Authors: Lipka Emmanuelle , Landagaray Elodie , Ettaoussi Mohamed , Yous Saïd , Vaccher Claude
Published: May 2014

PerformingCD‐EKC, baseline separation of five agomelatine analogs, potential antidepressant compounds, was achieved. A method for the enantioresolution and determination of enantiomeric purity of these naphthalene derivatives was developed using capillaries dynamically coated with polyethylene oxide and anionic cyclodextrins (highly sulfatedCD) as chiral selectors. Operational parameters such as the nature and concentration of the cyclodextrins were investigated. In a second step the implementation of a dual cyclodextrin system was found to strongly enhance theLODof the analytes. After optimization, best conditions were a 25 mM phosphate buffer at pH 2.5 containing 5% w/v (i.e. 19.7 mM) of highly sulfated‐γ‐CDand 10 mM of 6‐monodeoxy‐6‐monoamino‐β‐CDdual system, leading to resolution of, at least, 3.6 in 35 min. A preliminary validation of the developed method was undertaken: linearity, precision, andLODandLOQwere evaluated. The latest ones were found equal to 0.25 and 0.82 μM and to 0.31 and 0.96 μM respectively for the first and the second enantiomer of compound 1.
Analytical challenges translating mass spectrometry‐based phosphoproteomics from discovery to clinical applications
Authors: Iliuk Anton B. , Arrington Justine V. , Tao Weiguo Andy
Published: May 2014

Phosphoproteomics is the systematic study of one of the most common protein modifications in high throughput with the aim of providing detailed information of the control, response, and communication of biological systems in health and disease. Advances in analytical technologies and strategies, in particular the contributions of high‐resolution mass spectrometers, efficient enrichments of phosphopeptides, and fast data acquisition and annotation, have catalyzed dramatic expansion of signaling landscapes in multiple systems during the past decade. While phosphoproteomics is an essential inquiry to map high‐resolution signaling networks and to find relevant events among the apparently ubiquitous and widespread modifications of proteome, it presents tremendous challenges in separation sciences to translate it from discovery to clinical practice. In this mini‐review, we summarize the analytical tools currently utilized for phosphoproteomic analysis (with focus on MS), progresses made on deciphering clinically relevant kinase‐substrate networks, MS uses for biomarker discovery and validation, and the potential of phosphoproteomics for disease diagnostics and personalized medicine.
The formation of beaches on shore platforms in microtidal environments
Authors: Kennedy David M. , Milkins Jemima
Published: May 2014

Beaches are common features of many rocky shorelines and can be considered to be constrained by the underlying geology. In mesotidal to macrotidal areas the slope of the substrate and sediment supply are the primary factors in constraining the size and development of beaches on shore platforms. In microtidal settings it is not known if these factors are wholly responsible for determining the presence of beaches on shore platforms, nor the contribution of other factors such as hydrodynamics. The microtidal coast of Victoria, Australia, is surveyed in this study in order to quantify the morphological boundary conditions that constrain beach development on semi‐horizontal shore platforms. An ample sediment supply indicates that the underlying geology is controlling the presence and absence of beaches. Where beaches occur they always overlie a rock ramp which is the steepest part of the platform. The two most important morphological constraints were platform width and height both of which significantly correlated with beach volume. An elevational threshold exists at just over +1.0 m where beaches cannot accumulate. Below this threshold, platform width appears to be the principle constraining factor in beach accumulation. An evolutionary model is inferred which suggests that dissipation of wave energy associated with platform widening plays an important role in allowing beaches to accumulate. The model suggests beaches on platforms will be particularly sensitive to sea level rise. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute photo-induced toxicity and toxicokinetics of single compounds and mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in zebrafish
Authors: Willis Alison M. , Oris James T.
Published: May 2014

The present study examined photo-induced toxicity and toxicokinetics for acute exposure to selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in zebrafish. Photo-enhanced toxicity from co-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and PAHs enhanced the toxicity and exhibited toxic effects at PAH concentrations orders of magnitude below effects observed in the absence of UV. Because environmental exposure to PAHs is usually in the form of complex mixtures, the present study examined the photo-induced toxicity of both single compounds and mixtures of PAHs. In a sensitive larval life stage of zebrafish, acute photo-induced median lethal concentrations (LC50s) were derived for 4 PAHs (anthracene, pyrene, carbazole, and phenanthrene) to examine the hypothesis that phototoxic (anthracene and pyrene) and nonphototoxic (carbazole and phenanthrene) pathways of mixtures could be predicted from single exposures. Anthracene and pyrene were phototoxic as predicted; however, carbazole exhibited moderate photo-induced toxicity and phenanthrene exhibited weak photo-induced toxicity. The toxicity of each chemical alone was used to compare the toxicity of mixtures in binary, tertiary, and quaternary combinations of these PAHs, and a predictive model for environmental mixtures was generated. The results indicated that the acute toxicity of PAH mixtures was additive in phototoxic scenarios, regardless of the magnitude of photo-enhancement. Based on PAH concentrations found in water and circumstances of high UV dose to aquatic systems, there exists potential risk of photo-induced toxicity to aquatic organisms. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014; 33:2028–2037. © 2014 SETAC
Inorganic elements in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas): Relationships among external and internal tissues
Authors: Faust Derek R. , Hooper Michael J. , Cobb George P. , Barnes Melanie , Shaver Donna , Ertolacci Shauna , Smith Philip N.
Published: May 2014

Inorganic elements from anthropogenic sources have entered marine environments worldwide and are detectable in marine organisms, including sea turtles. Threatened and endangered classifications of sea turtles have heretofore made assessments of contaminant concentrations difficult because of regulatory restrictions on obtaining samples using nonlethal techniques. In the present study, claw and skin biopsy samples were examined as potential indicators of internal tissue burdens in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). Significant relationships were observed between claw and liver, and claw and muscle concentrations of mercury, nickel, arsenic, and selenium (p < 0.05). Similarly, significant relationships were observed between skin biopsy concentrations and those in liver, kidney, and muscle tissues for mercury, arsenic, selenium, and vanadium (p < 0.05). Concentrations of arsenic, barium, chromium, nickel, strontium, vanadium, and zinc in claws and skin biopsies were substantially elevated when compared with all other tissues, indicating that these highly keratinized tissues may represent sequestration or excretion pathways. Correlations between standard carapace length and cobalt, lead, and manganese concentrations were observed (p < 0.05), indicating that tissue concentrations of these elements may be related to age and size. Results suggest that claws may indeed be useful indicators of mercury and nickel concentrations in liver and muscle tissues, whereas skin biopsy inorganic element concentrations may be better suited as indicators of mercury, selenium, and vanadium concentrations in liver, kidney, and muscle tissues of green sea turtles. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014; 33:2020–2027. © 2014 SETAC
Focal bird species and risk assessment approach for nonagricultural grassland scenarios in Central Europe
Authors: Schabacker Jens , Gerlach Jochen , Münderle Marcel , Dietzen Christian , Ludwigs Jan-Dieter
Published: May 2014

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guideline on risk assessment identifies pesticide exposure scenarios for nontarget wildlife; however, this scheme is not applicable to nonagricultural grassland. For example, different habitats and human utilization on golf courses attract bird communities that differ from those found in agricultural fields with annual crop cycles. The present study determined focal bird species for amenity grasslands such as golf courses following the EFSA guideline. Based on published data and bird surveys, a total of 102 species were found on 13 golf courses in Central Europe. Approximately 58% of the species were recorded on >20% of the golf course and were classified as focal species candidates. Common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), common linnet (Carduelis cannabina), wood pigeon (Columba palumbus), yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella), white wagtail (Motacilla alba), and gray heron (Ardea cinerea) are the most adequate candidate focal species for exposure scenarios of carnivorous, granivorous, herbivorous, omnivorous, insectivorous, and piscivorous birds, respectively. Candidate species were verified on 3 golf courses in southwestern Germany in spring 2012. Observations on feeding behavior identified the main foraging areas of focal species. The results of the field work combined with data from the literature identified reliable exposure scenarios to assess the risk of pesticides to birds found on golf courses. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014; 33:2055–2061. © 2014 SETAC
Mercury bioaccumulation in dragonflies (Odonata: Anisoptera): Examination of life stages and body regions
Authors: Buckland-Nicks Amy , Hillier Kirk Neil , Avery Trevor S. , O'Driscoll Nelson J.
Published: May 2014

Dragonflies (Odonata: Anisoptera) are an important component of both aquatic and terrestrial food webs and are vectors for methylmercury (MeHg) biomagnification. Variations in mercury content with life stage and body regions may affect the relative transfer of mercury to aquatic or terrestrial food webs; however, there has been little research on this subject. Also, little is known about mercury bioaccumulation in different body regions of dragonflies. To address these knowledge gaps, dragonfly naiads, adults, and exuviae were collected at 2 lakes in Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia, Canada, and mercury concentrations in different life stages and body regions were quantified. Mean whole body concentrations of MeHg were substantial in naiads (232 ± 112 ng g−1 dry wt, n = 66), emerging adults (236 ± 50 ng g−1 dry wt, n = 10), and mature adults (231 ± 74 ng g−1 dry wt, n = 20). Mean MeHg concentrations in exuviae (5.6 ± 4.3 ng g−1, n = 32) were 40-fold lower than in naiads and adults. Emerging adults had 2-fold to 2.5-fold higher Hg(II) concentrations than naiads, mature adults, and exuviae. In body regions of both naiads and adults, some abdomens contained significantly higher concentrations of Hg(II) than heads or thoraces, and this trend was consistent across families. Across families, Aeshnidae had significantly higher concentrations of MeHg and total Hg than Gomphidae and Libellulidae, but not higher than Cordulidae. The Hg(II) concentrations were lower in Aeshnidae and Libellulidae than in Gomphidae and Cordulidae. Shedding of exuviae presents a possible mechanism for mercury detoxification, but mercury concentrations and burdens in exuviae are low in comparison with naiads and adults. Dragonfly adults retain a high potential for transferring substantial amounts of MeHg to their predators. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014; 33:2047–2054. © 2014 SETAC
Temporal trends in head and neck cancer surgery reconstruction
Authors: Gooi Zhen , Gourin Christine G. , Boahene Kofi D. O. , Byrne Patrick J. , Richmon Jeremy D.
Published: May 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to analyze changing trends in head and neck cancer reconstructive surgery and analyze the effect of surgeon and hospital volume.

Methods

Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for 133,850 patients who underwent a major ablative procedure for a malignant oral cavity, laryngeal, hypopharyngeal, or oropharyngeal neoplasm in 1993 to 2010 were analyzed using cross‐tabulations and multivariate regression.

Results

Reconstructive surgery in 2001 to 2010 was significantly associated with prior radiation (odds ratio [OR] = 2.6; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.4–4.9), comorbidity (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.1–2.2), laryngeal cancer (OR = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.6–0.9), oropharyngeal cancer (OR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.4–0.7), high‐volume hospitals (OR = 3.9; 95% CI = 1.5–10.2), and high‐volume surgeons (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.1–3.9), compared to 1993–2000. Reconstruction by high‐volume surgeons was significantly associated with prior radiation (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.1–3.1) and lower in‐hospital mortality (OR = 0.3; 95% CI = 0.1–1.0). A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between high‐volume surgeons and length of hospitalization and hospital‐related costs.

Conclusion

These data reflect changing trends in head and neck cancer reconstructive surgery, with meaningful differences in the type of surgical care provided by high‐volume surgeons. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1509–1517, 2015
Prospective study of ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology and sentinel node biopsy in the staging of clinically negative T1 and T2 oral cancer
Authors: Chaturvedi Pankaj , Datta Sourav , Arya Supreeta , Rangarajan Venkatesh , Kane Shubhada V. , Nair Deepa , Nair Sudhir , Chaukar Devendra A. , Pai Prathamesh S. , Pantvaidya Gouri , Deshmukh Anuja D. , Agrawal Archi , D'Cruz Anil K.
Published: May 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare sentinel node biopsy (SNB) and ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for preoperative evaluation of the N0 neck in T1 to T2 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods

Fifty‐one consecutive patients with T1 to T2 N0 oral cavity SCC were included in this study. Preoperative ultrasound was performed in all patients. Ultrasound‐guided FNAC was performed in patients in whom the ultrasound result was reported as indeterminate or positive. SNB was done in all patients followed by elective neck dissection (END). Histopathology of END was considered as the gold standard for all statistical analysis.

Results

The incidence of occult metastasis was 26.4%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were 71.4%, 100%, 100%, and 90.2% for SNB and 14.3%, 100%, 100%, and 76.5% for ultrasound‐guided FNAC.

Conclusion

Ultrasound‐guided FNAC lacked sufficient accuracy to detect occult metastases. SNB is a reliable method to detect occult metastasis that has potential to replace END. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1504–1508, 2015
Transoral laser microsurgery ± adjuvant therapy versus chemoradiotherapy for stage III and IVA oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Preliminary comparison of early swallowing outcomes
Authors: O'Hara James , Cosway Benjamin , Muirhead Colin , Leonard Nicola , Goff Diane , Patterson Joanne
Published: May 2014

Background

Observational data suggests transoral surgery may offer benefit in swallowing over chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

In this preliminary, non‐randomized study, patients with stage III and IVA oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) were assessed pretreatment and 3 months after treatment using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), the Performance Status Scale (PSS), and a timed Water Swallow Test (WST). Comparisons were made with a historical chemoradiotherapy (CRT) cohort.

Results

Based on patients with measurements at both times, the decrease in score between baseline and 3 months was greater for CRT patients (n = 26–28) than for TLM (n = 20–21) patients for each of MDADI, PSS, and WST. A repeated measures analysis that looked at all 3 scores simultaneously and allowed for missing values gave mostly similar results (except for MDADI).

Conclusion

TLM was associated with good early swallowing outcomes at 3 months and may offer a benefit over CRT. The results should be viewed as preliminary data, providing useful reference for any proposed controlled trial. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1488–1494, 2015
Analysis of the Competitive Intelligence Activities of Small and Medium‐Sized Enterprises from the Industrial Sector
Authors: Cantonnet María Luisa , Aldasoro Juan Carlos , Cilleruelo Ernesto
Published: May 2014

The aim of this research is to analyze competitive intelligence (CI) activities in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) from the industrial sector in Spain. Specifically, an attempt is made to identify why these companies carry out CI activities, the types of activity they carry out, and the influence that a company's features and the environment in which it operates have on developing CI activities. An ad hoc questionnaire was put together comprising 124 items distributed among a sample of 425 SMEs from the industrial sector. The results show that a company's features and environment have a significant influence on the CI activities developed by them.
Neurologic indications for therapeutic plasma exchange: 2013 update
Authors: Gwathmey Kelly , Balogun Rasheed A. , Burns Ted
Published: May 2014

Neurologists commonly use therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) to treat a number of conditions. This concise review considers the most common neurologic indications for TPE. It focuses on Guillain–Barré syndrome and myasthenia gravis and also the role of TPE in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, Lambert–Eaton syndrome, multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, paraproteinemic polyneuropathy, Sydenham's chorea, and natalizumab‐associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. As with any treatment, the proven efficacy, cost, side effects, and availability must be considered before initiation of therapy. J. Clin. Apheresis 29:211–219, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microwave‐Assisted Three‐Component Reactions Leading to Pyrano‐Fused Pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridines
Authors: Xu Bi‐Hui , Tu Man‐Su , Liu Yin‐Ping , Jiang Bo , Wang Xing‐Hang , Tu Shu‐Jiang
Published: May 2014

A series of pyrano‐fused pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine derivatives with an aryl group presenting the 2‐position of the pyridine nucleus have been synthesized by microwave‐assisted three‐component reactions of aldehydes, tetrahydropyran‐4‐one, and 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐amine in HOAc. This method is very efficient because of short reaction times and easy work‐up, and it provides an efficient and promising synthetic strategy for the construction of the tricyclic pyrano‐fused pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine skeleton.
One‐pot Synthesis of a 3,4,5‐Triaryltriazole from the Subsitituted 1,3,4‐Oxadiazole: Crystal Structures Characterization
Authors: Jiang Jing‐Jing , Shen Guo‐Ping , He Xin , Shen Xuan , Zhu Dun‐Ru
Published: May 2014

Two heterocyclic compounds, 2‐(p‐bromophenyl)‐5‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (1) and 3‐(p‐bromophenyl)‐4‐phenyl‐5‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1,2,4‐triazole (2) were successfully synthesized and characterized by UV–vis, FTIR, 1H NMR, ESI‐MS spectra, elemental analysis, and single crystal X‐ray crystallography. The structural analysis indicates that 1 is almost a planar molecule but 2 not. The crystal structure of 1 is stabilized by two kinds of intermolecular π–π interactions and two types of intermolecular C–H···N hydrogen bonds, whereas 2 by three kinds of C–H···π interactions and three types of intermolecular C–H···N hydrogen bonds. Additional, 2 can be prepared directly from 1 in an aniline solution at 190°C in a yield of 70%.
Synthesis of (E)‐1,1‐Diethoxy‐3‐(3‐hydroxy‐3‐arylfuro[2,3‐b]quinoxalin‐2(3H)‐ylidene)propan‐2‐ones via Acid‐Catalyzed, Stereoselective 5‐Exo‐Dig Cyclization
Authors: Isanov Rustem , Holmelid Bjarte , Törnroos Karl W. , Sydnes Leiv K.
Published: May 2014

A number of 3‐(4,4,5,5‐tetraethoxy‐1‐hydroxy‐1‐arylpent‐2‐ynyl)quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones, obtained by reacting the lithium acetylide of 3,3,4,4‐tetraethoxybut‐1‐yne (TEB) with 3‐aroylquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones, appeared to undergo stereoselective cyclization in the 5‐exo‐Dig manner when heated at reflux in acidic, aqueous THF. In each case, the products were the corresponding (E)‐1,1‐diethoxy‐3‐(3‐hydroxy‐3‐arylfuro[2,3‐b]quinoxalin‐2(3H)‐ylidene)propan‐2‐ones and 1,1‐diethoxy‐3‐hydroxy‐3‐(3‐arylfuro[2,3‐b]quinoxalin‐2‐yl)propan‐2‐one, which were isolated in an approximate ratio of 2:1 in high total yield. Irrespective of the structure of the aryl group, both compounds were stable solids when kept in a refridgerator (3 °C), but when the latter product was dissolved in chloroform and stored at room temperature, it rearranged smoothly and quantitatively to the former compound within a few days.
[4 + 2] Heterocyclization for Efficient Formation of Substituted Quinoxalines through Carbon–Oxygen Bonds Cleavage
Authors: Tu Man‐Su , Xu Hai‐Wei , Fan Wei , Jiang Bo , Tu Shu‐Jiang
Published: May 2014

A new domino strategy for efficient synthesis of highly functionalized quinoxaline derivatives via [4 + 2] heterocyclization involving ring‐opening of oxirane process has been developed. The reaction promoted by Cs2CO3was easy to perform in a simple operation from common and inexpensive starting materials. The bisfunctionalization of quinoxaline framework including C2 benzylation and C3 arylation was readily achieved in domino fashion that involved the cleavage of three C–O bonds of 1,3‐diaryl‐2,3‐epoxypropan‐1‐one.
Three‐Component One‐Pot Synthesis of 2,4,6‐Triarylpyridines without Catalyst and Solvent
Authors: Wang Min , Yang Zhongyong , Song Zhiguo , Wang Qinglin
Published: May 2014

An efficient and green synthesis of 2,4,6‐triarylpyridines by a one‐pot three‐component condensation of aromatic aldehydes, substituted acetophenones, and ammonium acetate without catalyst at 130°C under solvent‐free conditions is described. This method offers several advantages such as simple procedure, easy work‐up, short reaction time, low cost, environmentally friendly conditions, and moderate to high yields.
Synthesis of Amido‐linked Oxazolyl/Thiazolyl/Imidazolyl Pyrazoles and Isoxazoles
Authors: Venkatapuram Padmavathi , Tumma Sreelatha , Dandu Seenaiah , Chokkappagari Premakumari
Published: May 2014

The amido‐linked oxazolyl/thiazolyl/imidazolyl pyrazoles and isoxazoles were prepared from the synthetic intermediates oxazolyl/thiazolyl/imidazolyl acrylamides adpoting1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile imines and nitrile oxides.
Polycyclic N‐Heterocyclic Compounds. Part 86: Synthesis and Evaluation of Antiplatelet Aggregation Activity of 2,4‐Disubstituted 9‐Chloro‐5,6‐dihydropyrimido[5,4‐d]benzazepine and Related Compounds
Authors: Okuda Kensuke , Takarada Shigeki , Hirota Takashi , Sasaki Kenji
Published: May 2014

Libraries of tricyclic 2‐substituted 4‐alkylamino‐9‐chloro‐5,6‐dihydropyrimido[5,4‐d]benzazepines and tetracyclic 12‐substituted 8‐chloro‐1,2,5,6‐tetrahydro‐4H‐imidazo[1′,2′:1,6]pyrimido[5,4‐d]benzazepines were synthesized as part of our research to develop new effective antiplatelet drugs. Several alkyl and aryl groups were used as substituents at the 2‐position. Evaluation of the effects of the newly synthesized compounds on collagen‐induced platelet aggregation revealed several promising antiplatelet candidates with potencies superior to aspirin.
Synthesis and Herbicidal Activities of 3‐(4‐Chloro‐2‐fluoro‐5‐substituted phenyl)benzo[d][1,2,3]triazin‐4(3H)‐one Derivatives
Authors: Hu Fangzhong , Cheng Xinxin , Niu Zixia , Yang Xiaobing , Li Dan , Wan Lei , Li Junxiao , Liu Bin , Zou Xiaomao , Yang Huazheng , Li Bin
Published: May 2014

A series of 3‐phenyl benzo[d][1,2,3]triazin‐4(3H)‐one derivatives were synthesized through the condensation of phenol E and alkyl (alkenyl, alkynyl) chlorides (bromides, iodide) or alkyl chloroacetates or N‐alkyl chloroacetamides using K2CO3 as the acid acceptor in N,N‐dimethylformamide. Phenol E was prepared from starting material, 5‐amino‐2‐chloro‐4‐fluorophenyl ethyl carbonate, in four steps involving in amidation, reduction, diazotization, and deprotecting‐group reaction. The herbicidal activities of the title compounds were tested against two dicotyledonous plants and two monocotyledonous plants, in which some of them exhibited high herbicidal activities against two dicotyledonous plants in preemergence and postemergence treatments. Moreover, when the dosage was decreased to 180 and 90 g/ha, compounds F1, F8, and F9 showed highly selective inhibitory activities against amaranth pigweed, alfalfa, asteraceae, field sowthistle, morning glory, purslane, and velvetleaf in postemergence treatment but had no herbicidal efficacy on rape except F1, suggesting that it be possible to find a kind of herbicides to inhibit dicotyledonous weeds in the field of dicotyledonous crops with the same genus as aforementioned weeds.
Synthesis and Characterization of New Helical Coumarins
Authors: Talele Harish R. , Hussain Firasat , Bedekar Ashutosh V.
Published: May 2014

The phenomenon of peri interaction of 1,8‐disubstituted naphthalene has been utilized to construct small molecules with internal twist resulting in helical isomers. A series of new naphthalene‐attached coumarins have been synthesized and characterized. The helical conformational twist in thiophene–coumarin capped naphthalene was established by H‐NMR and single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.
Synthesis, Characterization, and DGAT1 Inhibition of New 5‐Piperazinethiazole and 5‐Piperidinethiazole Analogs
Authors: Kadam Kishorkumar S. , Gandhi Thirumanavelan , Reddy M. Maheshkumar , Gupte Amol , Sharma Rajiv
Published: May 2014

In this study, a novel series of 5‐piperazinethiazole 2,2‐dimethylbutanoic acid and 5‐piperidinethiazole 2,2‐dimethylbutanoic acid derivatives have been synthesized. Structures of the newly synthesized compounds have been elucidated using 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, high‐resolution mass spectroscopy, and high‐performance liquid chromatographic analysis. The synthesized derivatives have been evaluated in vitro for their ability to inhibit the enzyme diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 responsible for triglyceride biosynthesis.
Studies on the Chemical Reactivity of 6,8‐dibromo‐7‐hydroxychromone‐3‐carboxaldehyde Towards Some Nitrogen Nucleophilic Reagents
Authors: Ibrahim Magdy A. , Ali Tarik E. , El‐Kazak Azza M. , Mohamed Amira M.
Published: May 2014

The chemical reactivity of 6,8‐dibromo‐7‐hydroxychromone‐3‐carboxaldehyde (1) was studied towards some nitrogen nucleophilic reagents such as heterocyclic amines, 1,2‐N,N‐binucleophiles, 1,2‐N,O‐binucleophiles, 1,3‐N,N‐binucleophiles, 1,4‐N,N‐binucleophiles, 1,4‐N,O‐binucleophiles, and 1,4‐N,S‐binucleophiles under different reaction conditions.
One‐pot Regioselective Synthesis of Novel 1‐N‐Methyl‐spiro[2,3′]oxindole‐spiro[3,3″]‐1″‐N‐arylpyrrolidine‐2″,5″‐dione‐4‐arylpyrrolidines through Multicomponent 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Reaction of Azomethine Ylide
Authors: Kaur Anjandeep , Kaur Manpreet , Singh Baldev
Published: May 2014

An atom economic and facile synthesis of novel dispiro–oxindole–pyrrolidines has been achieved via a three‐component tandem cycloaddition of azomethine ylide generated in situ from isatin and sarcosine by decarboxylative condensation with N‐aryl‐3‐benzylidene‐pyrrolidine‐2,5‐dione derivatives as dipolarophiles. The salient features of synthetic procedure are characterized by the mild reaction conditions, high yields, high regioselectivity and stereoselectivity, one‐pot procedure, and operational simplicity. This regioselectivity was assumed to be under the influence of π–π stacking interactions between the aromatic rings of azomethine ylide and N‐aryl‐3‐benzylidene‐pyrrolidine‐2,5‐diones that further control the exo–endo selectivity of the reaction 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition. The regiochemistry and structures of the cycloadducts were determined with spectroscopic data.
Label‐free quantitative proteomic analysis of human plasma‐derived microvesicles to find protein signatures of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Martinez‐Pinna Roxana , de Peredo Anne Gonzalez , Monsarrat Bernard , Burlet‐Schiltz Odile , Martin‐Ventura Jose Luis
Published: May 2014

Purpose

To find potential biomarkers of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), we performed a differential proteomic study based on human plasma‐derived microvesicles.

Experimental design

Exosomes and microparticles isolated from plasma of AAA patients and control subjects (n = 10 each group) were analyzed by a label‐free quantitative MS‐based strategy. Homemade and publicly available software packages have been used for MS data analysis.

Results

The application of two kinds of bioinformatic tools allowed us to find differential protein profiles from AAA patients. Some of these proteins found by the two analysis methods belong to main pathological mechanisms of AAA such as oxidative stress, immune‐inflammation, and thrombosis.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Data analysis from label‐free MS‐based experiments requires the use of sophisticated bioinformatic approaches to perform quantitative studies from complex protein mixtures. The application of two of these bioinformatic tools provided us a preliminary list of differential proteins found in plasma‐derived microvesicles not previously associated to AAA, which could help us to understand the pathological mechanisms related to this disease.
STAT3 Signaling Is Activated Preferentially in Tumor-Initiating Cells in Claudin-Low Models of Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Wei Wei , Tweardy David J. , Zhang Mei , Zhang Xiaomei , Landua John , Petrovic Ivana , Bu Wen , Roarty Kevin , Hilsenbeck Susan G. , Rosen Jeffrey M. , Lewis Michael T.
Published: May 2014

In breast cancer, a subset of tumor-initiating cells (TIC) or “cancer stem cells” are thought to be responsible for tumor maintenance, treatment resistance, and disease recurrence. While current breast cancer stem cell markers (e.g., CD44high/CD24low/neg, ALDH positive) have allowed enrichment for such cells, they are not universally expressed and may actually identify distinct TIC subpopulations in the same tumor. Thus, additional markers of functional stem cells are needed. The STAT3 pathway is a critical regulator of the function of normal stem cells, and evidence is accumulating for its important role in breast cancer stem cells. However, due to the lack of a method for separating live cells based on their level of STAT3 activity, it remains unknown whether STAT3 functions in the cancer stem cells themselves, or in surrounding niche cells, or in both. To approach this question, we constructed a series of lentiviral fluorescent (enhanced green fluorescent protein, EGFP) reporters that enabled flow cytometric enrichment of cells differing in STAT3-mediated transcriptional activity, as well as in vivo/in situ localization of STAT3 responsive cells. Using in vivo claudin-low cell line xenograft models of human breast cancer, we found that STAT3 signaling reporter activity (EGFP+) is associated with a subpopulation of cancer cells enriched for mammosphere-forming efficiency, as well as TIC function in limiting dilution transplantation assays compared to negative or unsorted populations. Our results support STAT3 signaling activity as another functional marker for human breast cancer stem cells thus making it an attractive therapeutic target for stem-cell-directed therapy in some breast cancer subtypes. STEM CELLS  2014;32:2571–2582