bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Terpy(Pt–salphen)2 Switchable Luminescent Molecular Tweezers
Authors: Doistau Benjamin , Tron Arnaud , Denisov Sergey A. , Jonusauskas Gediminas , McClenaghan Nathan D. , Gontard Geoffrey , Marvaud Valérie , Hasenknopf Bernold , Vives Guillaume
Published: October 2014

The design and synthesis of switchable molecular tweezers based on a luminescent terpy(Pt‐salphen)2 (1; terpy=terpyridine) complex is reported. Upon metal coordination, the tweezers can switch from an open “W”‐shaped conformation to a closed “U”‐shaped form that is adapted for selective recognition of cations. Closing of the tweezers by metal coordination (M=Zn2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, Fe2+, Hg2+) was monitored by 1H NMR and/or UV/Vis titrations. During the titration, exclusive formation of the 1:1 complex [M(1)] was observed, without appearance of an intermediate 1:2 complex [M(1)2]. The crystallographic structure of the 1:1 complex was obtained with Pb2+ and showed a distorted helical structure. Selective intercalation of Hg2+ cations by the closed “U” form was observed. The tweezers were reopened by selective metal decoordination of the terpyridine ligand by using tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine (tren) as a competitive ligand without modification of the Pt–salphen complex. Detailed photophysical studies were performed on the open and closed tweezers. Structured emission was observed in the open form from the Pt–salphen moieties, with a high quantum yield and a long lifetime. The emission is slightly modified upon closing with 1 equivalent of Zn2+ or Hg2+, whereas a dramatic quenching was obtained upon intercalation of additional Hg2+.
Terminal Alkenes as Versatile Chemical Reporter Groups for Metabolic Oligosaccharide Engineering
Authors: Späte Anne‐Katrin , Schart Verena F. , Schöllkopf Sophie , Niederwieser Andrea , Wittmann Valentin
Published: October 2014

The Diels–Alder reaction with inverse electron demand (DAinv reaction) of 1,2,4,5‐tetrazines with electron rich or strained alkenes was proven to be a bioorthogonal ligation reaction that proceeds fast and with high yields. An important application of the DAinv reaction is metabolic oligosaccharide engineering (MOE) which allows the visualization of glycoconjugates in living cells. In this approach, a sugar derivative bearing a chemical reporter group is metabolically incorporated into cellular glycoconjugates and subsequently derivatized with a probe by means of a bioorthogonal ligation reaction. Here, we investigated a series of new mannosamine and glucosamine derivatives with carbamate‐linked side chains of varying length terminated by alkene groups and their suitability for labeling cell‐surface glycans. Kinetic investigations showed that the reactivity of the alkenes in DAinv reactions increases with growing chain length. When applied to MOE, one of the compounds, peracetylated N‐butenyloxycarbonylmannosamine, was especially well suited for labeling cell‐surface glycans. Obviously, the length of its side chain represents the optimal balance between incorporation efficiency and speed of the labeling reaction. Sialidase treatment of the cells before the bioorthogonal labeling reaction showed that this sugar derivative is attached to the glycans in form of the corresponding sialic acid derivative and not epimerized to another hexosamine derivative to a considerable extent.
Imaging of the axilla before preoperative chemotherapy: Implications for postmastectomy radiation
Authors: Bazan Jose G. , White Julia
Published: October 2014

Postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) improves breast cancer survival in many women with lymph node‐positive disease who undergo surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. The role of PMRT after women receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is less clear. The available data suggest that clinical extent of disease at presentation before NAC, pathologic residual disease (especially pathologically involved lymph nodes) after NAC, and response to NAC are key prognostic factors for locoregional recurrence. Therefore, accurate axillary staging before the initiation of NAC and assessment of response to chemotherapy are critically important. Here, the authors review the literature addressing the radiotherapy management of patients with breast cancer who received NAC and underwent mastectomy with a special focus on the imaging modalities used to assess axillary lymph node status. Cancer 2015;121:1187–1194. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
A multi‐institution pooled analysis of gastrostomy tube dependence in patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated with definitive intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Setton Jeremy , Lee Nancy Y. , Riaz Nadeem , Huang Shao‐Hui , Waldron John , O'Sullivan Brian , Zhang Zhigang , Shi Weij , Rosenthal David I. , Hutcheson Katherine A. , Garden Adam S.
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

Severe swallowing dysfunction necessitating enteral support is a well known late sequela of nonsurgical therapy for oropharyngeal cancer, but its incidence after intensity‐modulated radiotherapy has not been quantified comprehensively outside of small single‐institution series.

METHODS

This was a multi‐institution, institutional review board‐approved, retrospective study. Consecutive patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who had received definitive intensity‐modulated radiotherapy from 1998 to 2011 were identified from 3 academic centers.

RESULTS

In total, 2315 patients were included. The American Joint Committee on Cancer staging distribution was as follows: stage I, 2.1%; stage II, 4.4%; stage III, 14.7%; and stage IV, 77.3%. Among 1459 patients (63%) who received a gastrostomy tube (g‐tube), placement was prophylactic in 52% and reactive in 48%. Among patients with stage III and IV disease, 58% received concurrent chemotherapy. The median follow‐up was 43.7 months (range, 0.1‐164 months). The g‐tube dependence rate was 7% at 1 year and 3.7% at 2 years. Among 1238 patients with stage III and IV disease who received concurrent chemotherapy, the 1‐year and 2‐year rates of g‐tube dependence were 8.6% and 4.4%, respectively. The 1‐year g‐tube dependence rate was 5% for patients with stage I and II disease; 5.2% for patients with stage III and IV, T1‐T2/N0‐N2 disease; and 10.1% for patients with stage III and IV, T3‐T4 or N3 disease. On multivariate analysis, advanced age (odds ratio [OR], 1.066; P<.001), greater number of smoking pack‐years (OR, 1.008; P=.04), advanced N‐category (OR, 1.13; P=.049), and receipt of cytotoxic chemotherapy (OR, 2.26; P=.02) were predictive of g‐tube dependence at 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

This multi‐institution series of 2315 patients treated at 3 institutions demonstrates that modern nonsurgical therapy for oropharyngeal cancer is associated with a low rate of long‐term g‐tube dependence. Cancer 2015;121:294–301. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Influence of emulsion types on nucleation kinetics and growth habit in the cooling crystallization
Authors: Kim Jun‐Woo , Koo Kee‐Kahb
Published: October 2014

Experiments on unseeded batch cooling crystallization were made to investigate the influence of emulsion [solution in non‐solvent (S/NS) emulsion and non‐solvent in solution (NS/S) emulsion] on crystal size and growth habit of various materials such as hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine, ammonium sulfate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP), and γ‐glycine. Size of crystals obtained from the S/NS emulsions was found to be significantly larger than that obtained from the NS/S emulsions. Those results were explained by broad induction time distribution of nucleation in the isolated solution droplets and subsequent seeding effect by free movement of early‐induced crystals by vigorous agitation. As a result, the population density of crystals was shown to be smaller in the S/NS emulsions than that in the NS/S emulsions. In the S/NS emulsions, desupersaturation rate should be slow and high supersaturation is subsequently generated during crystal growth stage. Therefore, it may be concluded that crystal morphology of the materials with supersaturation dependent growth habit, such as ammonium sulfate, KDP and γ‐glycine, can be controlled by selection of emulsion type.
A subthreshold current‐sensing ΣΔ modulator for low‐voltage and low‐power sensor interfaces
Authors: Katic Nikola , Kazi Ibrahim , Tajalli Armin , Schmid Alexandre , Leblebici Yusuf
Published: October 2014

A continuous‐time (CT) ΣΔ modulator for sensing and direct analog‐to‐digital conversion of nA‐range (subthreshold) currents is presented in this work. The presented modulator uses a subthreshold technique based on subthreshold source‐coupled logic cells to efficiently convert subthreshold current to digital code without performing current‐to‐voltage conversion. As a benefit of this technique, the current‐sensing CT ΣΔ modulator operates at low voltage and consumes very low power, which makes it convenient for low‐power and low‐voltage current‐mode sensor interfaces. The prototype design is implemented in a 0.18 µm standard complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor technology. The modulator operates with a supply voltage of 0.8 V and consumes 5.43 μW of power at the maximum bandwidth of 20 kHz. The obtainable current‐sensing resolution ranges from effective number of bits (ENOB) = 7.1 bits at a 5 kHz bandwidth to ENOB = 6.5 bits at a 20 kHz bandwidth (ENOB). The obtained power efficiency (peak FoM = 1.5 pJ/conv) outperforms existing current‐mode analog‐to‐digital converter designs and is comparable with the voltage‐mode CT ΣΔ modulators. The modulator generates very low levels of switching noise thanks to CT operation and subthreshold current‐mode circuits that draw a constant subthreshold current from the voltage supply. The presented modulator is used as a readout interface for sensors with current‐mode output in ultra low‐power conditions and is also suitable to perform on‐chip current measurements in power management circuits. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Traffic diversity and code coverage: a preliminary analysis
Authors: Lin Ying‐Dar , Lai Yuan‐Cheng , Lu Chun‐Nan , Hung Jui‐Tsun , Shao Chun‐Pin
Published: October 2014

It is generally assumed that using more diverse traffic to test network devices could achieve larger code coverage. However, how to describe the diversity of traffic traces and the relationship between the traffic diversity and code coverage is still an issue. In this paper, the traffic diversity is defined using the number of packets and the size of the subnets involved, and traces having various diversity are used to evaluate the corresponding code coverage for the programs in a network device. Experiment results show that more number of packets or larger size of network segments can generate larger diversity indices and thus larger code coverage. For Snort, as the number of packets increases from 1 to 10,000,000, representative diversity index and the code coverage can increase from 0 to 0.95 on the basis of Simpson's index and from 19.1% to 32.2%, respectively. As the size of network segments increases, representative diversity index and the code coverage can increase from 0.41 to 0.82 and from 28.2% to 32.2%, respectively. Similar results can be obtained in the case of Linux kernel. If the mappings among different diversity indices and the corresponding code coverage can be built beforehand, the quality of the tests can improved. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geometry‐based statistical channel model and performance for MIMO antennas
Authors: Zhou Jie , Jiang Hao , Kikuchi Hisakazu
Published: October 2014

To test an adaptive array algorithm in cellular communications, we developed a geometry‐based statistical channel model for radio propagation environments, which provides the statistics of the angle of arrival and time of arrival of the multipath components. This channel model assumes that each multipath component of the propagating signal undergoes only one bounce traveling from the transmitter to the receiver and that scattering objects are located according to Gaussian and exponential spatial distributions, and a new scatterer distribution is proposed as a trade‐off between the outdoor and the indoor propagation environments. Using the channel model, we analyze the effects of directional antennas at the base station on the Doppler spectrum of a mobile station due to its motion and the performance of its MIMO systems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Inclusion of Students with Dyslexia in Higher Education: A Systematic Review Using Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Pino Marco , Mortari Luigina
Published: October 2014

This article reports on a study focusing on the inclusion of students with dyslexia in higher education (HE). A systematic review was carried out to retrieve, critically appraise and synthesize the available evidence on how the inclusion of students with dyslexia can be fostered in HE. The 15 studies included in the final synthesis employed descriptive designs and overwhelmingly used qualitative methods to explore dyslexic students' perceptions on the impact of teaching, support and accommodation in their own learning experience. A critical appraisal of these studies revealed a landscape of significant gaps in the available stock of evidence on the inclusion of students with dyslexia in HE. The synthesis of the available evidence is presented in a narrative of five cross‐study thematic areas: student coping strategies, being identified as dyslexic, interaction with academic staff, accessibility and accommodations, and using assistive technologies and information and communication technologies. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. ©2014 The Authors. Dyslexia published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
β‐Lactam Bioconjugates Bearing Luminescent Platinum(II) Tags: Synthesis and Photophysical Characterization
Authors: Soldati Roberto , Aliprandi Alessandro , Mauro Matteo , De Cola Luisa , Giacomini Daria
Published: October 2014

Two novel neutral complexes based on platinum metal ions, a tridentate ligand, and a pyridine bearing a β‐lactam unit have been synthesized and their photophysical properties investigated. The complexes show interesting emission properties that, in the solid state, are dominated by the formation of aggregates due to the square‐planar geometry of the PtII species. Importantly, the formation of closed‐shell metal···metal interactions in such aggregates leads to new excited states that conveniently allow excitation in the visible region. The combination of the biologically active azetidinone agent and the intense and long‐lived emission are of particular interest for developing efficient multifunctional biomedical systems.
Composed analytical models for seismic assessment of reinforced concrete bridge columns
Authors: Liu Kuang‐Yen , Witarto Witarto , Chang Kuo‐Chun
Published: October 2014

This paper presents general composed analytical models to predict the behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge columns. The analytical models were developed in OpenSees to represent the common hysteretic behavior of RC bridge columns. The proposed composed models can accommodate flexure failure, flexure‐shear failure, and pure shear failure, which are observed in existing RC bridge piers. The accuracy of the models was verified using data from the static cyclic‐loading experiments of 16 single columns and one multi‐column bent and dynamical experiment from two pseudo‐dynamic tests. The results showed that the analytical models could simulate the nonlinear behavior until the post‐failure behavior, including the strength degradation, the buckling of the reinforcement, and the pinching effect. Therefore, a global view of the behavior of reinforcement concrete is prescribed as simply as possible from the academic perspective, and these models are expected to provide sufficient accuracy when applied in engineering practice. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Sm‐Doped Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6
Authors: Wang Y. , Li P. , Li H. , Zhao Y. , Li Y.
Published: October 2014

Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6 (SFM) is a mixed ionic and electronic conductor which can be used as both anode and cathode materials in intermediate‐temperature solid oxide fuel cell. By doping Sm into the Sr‐site, the electrical conductivity of SFM is enhanced effectively. The single cell with a configuration of Sr1.8Sm0.2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6|La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.83Mg0.17O2.815| Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3 obtained maximum power densities of 459, 594, and 742 mW cm−2 with H2 as the fuel at 750, 800, and 850 °C, respectively. The results suggest that doping with Sm is a very promising way in enhancing the electrical conductivity of SFM and consequently can greatly improve its anode performance.
Composite Cathode Based on Redox‐Reversible NbTi0.5Ni0.5O4 Decorated with In Situ Grown Ni Particles for Direct Carbon Dioxide Electrolysis
Authors: Xie K. , Zhang J. , Xu S. , Ding B. , Wu G. , Xie T. , Wu Y.
Published: October 2014

In this work, ceramic NbTi0.5Ni0.5O4 is reversibly transformed to nickel‐anchored electronic‐conducting Nb1.33Ti0.67O4 composite for the use of direct carbon dioxide electrolysis at intermediate temperatures. The reduced composites Nb1.33Ti0.67O4 + Ni demonstrate excellent electrical properties, which have been accordingly correlated to electrochemical performance of the composite cathode. The direct electrolysis of 100% CO2 is then performed and the maximum Faraday current efficiency reaches as high as 65%. It is found that adding 3% H2O to CO2 remarkably improves the electrolysis performances and the current efficiency is accordingly enhanced by approximately 20%. The reversible transformation between NbTi0.5Ni0.5O4 and Nb1.33Ti0.67O4 + Ni sample significantly contributes to the promising thermal and redox cycling performance while the anchored interface between Ni and Nb1.33Ti0.67O4 improves cathode stability.
Forecasting Volatility in the Presence of Limits to Arbitrage
Authors: Hong Lu , Nohel Tom , Todd Steven
Published: October 2014

In this article, we develop a novel model to forecast the volatility of S&P 500 futures returns by considering measures of limits to arbitrage. When arbitrageurs face constraints on their trading strategies, option prices can become disconnected from fundamentals, resulting in a distortion that reflects the limits to arbitrage. The corresponding market based implied volatility will therefore also contain these distortions. Our contributions are both conceptual and empirical. Conceptually, the limits to arbitrage framework can shed light on relative asset prices as exemplified by this particular study. Empirically, our volatility forecasting model explains 71% of the variation in realized volatility, a substantial improvement over a naive forecast based only on lagged realized volatility, which produces an R2 of 53%. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 35:987–1002, 2015
Multicenter randomized controlled trial of percutaneous cryoablation versus radiofrequency ablation in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Chunping , Wang Huaming , Yang Wuwei , Hu Kaiwen , Xie Hui , Hu Ke‐Qin , Bai Wenlin , Dong Zheng , Lu Yinying , Zeng Zhen , Lou Min , Wang Hong , Gao Xudong , Chang Xiujuan , An Linjing , Qu Jianhui , Li Jin , Yang Yongping
Published: October 2014

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is considered a curative treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Growing data have demonstrated that cryoablation represents a safe and effective alternative therapy for HCC, but no randomized controlled trial (RCT) has been reported to compare cryoablation with RFA in HCC treatment. The present study was a multicenter RCT aimed to compare the outcomes of percutaneous cryoablation with RFA for the treatment of HCC. In all, 360 patients with Child‐Pugh class A or B cirrhosis and one or two HCC lesions ≤ 4 cm, treatment‐naïve, without metastasis were randomly assigned to cryoablation (n = 180) or RFA (n = 180). The primary endpoints were local tumor progression at 3 years after treatment and safety. Local tumor progression rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 3%, 7%, and 7% for cryoablation and 9%, 11%, and 11% for RFA, respectively (P = 0.043). For lesions >3 cm in diameter, the local tumor progression rate was significantly lower in the cryoablation group versus the RFA group (7.7% versus 18.2%, P = 0.041). The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall survival rates were 97%, 67%, and 40% for cryoablation and 97%, 66%, and 38% for RFA, respectively (P = 0.747). The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year tumor‐free survival rates were 89%, 54%, and 35% in the cryoablation group and 84%, 50%, and 34% in the RFA group, respectively (P = 0.628). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that Child‐Pugh class B and distant intrahepatic recurrence were significant negative predictors for overall survival. Major complications occurred in seven patients (3.9%) following cryoablation and in six patients (3.3%) following RFA (P = 0.776). Conclusion: Cryoablation resulted in a significantly lower local tumor progression than RFA, although both cryoablation and RFA were equally safe and effective, with similar 5‐year survival rates. (Hepatology 2015;61:1579–1590)
Invitation to the Barbecue: Political Correctness, Social Criticism and Family Therapy
Authors: Relph Andrew , Lohyn Marta
Published: October 2014

Marta Lohyn and Andrew Relph were asked to read and comment on two recent works by Australian‐born social commentators: Germaine Greer's The Whole Woman and Robert Hughes Culture of Complaint: The Fraying of America. As they searched for what relevance these two books could have to family therapy practice, Andrew and Marta found themselves discussing political correctness, the fear of voicing an opinion that differs from the dominant one, attitudes to the personal and the political, and the state of male‐female relationships in 2000.
A Comparison between the Nephrotoxic Profile of Gentamicin and Gentamicin Nanoparticles in Mice
Authors: Jamshidzadeh Akram , Heidari Reza , Mohammadi‐Samani Soliman , Azarpira Negar , Najbi Asma , Jahani Parisa , Abdoli Narges
Published: October 2014

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are widely used against Gram‐negative infections. On the other hand, nephrotoxicity is a deleterious side effect associated with aminoglycoside therapy. Gentamicin is the most nephrotoxic aminoglycoside. Because of serious health complications ensue the nephrotoxicity induced by aminoglycosides, finding new therapeutic strategies against this problem has a great clinical value. This study has attempted to compare the nephrotoxic properties of gentamicin and a new nanosized formulation of this drug in a mice model. Animals were treated with gentamicin (100 mg/kg, i.p. for eight consecutive days) and nanogentamicin (100 mg/kg, i.p. for eight consecutive days). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), plasma creatinine levels, and histopathological changes of kidney proximal tubule were monitored. It was found that gentamicin caused severe degeneration of kidney proximal tubule cells and an increase in serum creatinine and BUN. No severe injury was observed after nanogentamicin administration. This study proved that nanosized gentamicin is less nephrotoxic.
Development of a resonant‐type microwave reactor and its application to the synthesis of positron emission tomography radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Kimura Hiroyuki , Yagi Yusuke , Ohneda Noriyuki , Odajima Hiro , Ono Masahiro , Saji Hideo
Published: October 2014

Microwave technology has been successfully applied to enhance the effectiveness of radiolabeling reactions. The use of a microwave as a source of heat energy can allow chemical reactions to proceed over much shorter reaction times and in higher yields than they would do under conventional thermal conditions. A microwave reactor developed by Resonance Instrument Inc. (Model 520/521) and CEM (PETWave) has been used exclusively for the synthesis of radiolabeled agents for positron emission tomography by numerous groups throughout the world. In this study, we have developed a novel resonant‐type microwave reactor powered by a solid‐state device and confirmed that this system can focus microwave power on a small amount of reaction solution. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the rapid and facile radiosynthesis of 16α‐[18F]fluoroestradiol, 4‐[18F]fluoro‐N‐[2‐(1‐methoxyphenyl)‐1‐piperazinyl]ethyl‐N‐2‐pyridinylbenzamide, and N‐succinimidyl 4‐[18F]fluorobenzoate using our newly developed microwave reactor.
The geometry of taking flight: Limb morphometrics in Mesozoic theropods
Authors: Hedrick Brandon P. , Manning Phillip L. , Lynch Eric R. , Cordero Samantha A. , Dodson Peter
Published: October 2014

Theropoda was one of the most successful dinosaurian clades during the Mesozoic and has remained a dominant component of faunas throughout the Cenozoic, with nearly 10,000 extant representatives. The discovery of Archaeopteryx provides evidence that avian theropods evolved at least 155 million years ago and that more than half of the tenure of avian theropods on Earth was during the Mesozoic. Considering the major changes in niche occupation for theropods resulting from the evolution of arboreal and flight capabilities, we have analyzed forelimb and hindlimb proportions among nonmaniraptoriform theropods, nonavian maniraptoriforms, and basal avialans using reduced major axis regressions, principal components analysis, canonical variates analysis, and discriminant function analysis. Our study is the first analysis on theropod limb proportions to apply phylogenetic independent contrasts and size corrections to the data to ensure that all the data are statistically independent and amenable to statistical analyses. The three ordination analyses we performed did not show any significant groupings or deviations between nonavian theropods and Mesozoic avian forms when including all limb elements. However, the bivariate regression analyses did show some significant trends between individual elements that suggested evolutionary trends of increased forelimb length relative to hindlimb length from nonmaniraptoriform theropods to nonavian maniraptoriforms to basal avialans. The increase in disparity and divergence away from the nonavian theropod body plan is well documented within Cenozoic forms. The lack of significant groupings among Mesozoic forms when examining the entire theropod body plan concurrently suggests that nonavian theropods and avian theropods did not substantially diverge in limb proportions until the Cenozoic. J. Morphol. 276:152–166, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of high temperature on grain filling period, yield, amylose content and activity of starch biosynthesis enzymes in endosperm of basmati rice
Authors: Ahmed Nisar , Tetlow Ian J , Nawaz Sehar , Iqbal Ahsan , Mubin Muhammad , Nawaz ul Rehman Muhammad Shah , Butt Aisha , Lightfoot David A , Maekawa Masahiko
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

High temperature during grain filling affects yield, starch amylose content and activity of starch biosynthesis enzymes in basmati rice. To investigate the physiological mechanisms underpinning the effects of high temperature on rice grain, basmati rice was grown under two temperature conditions – 32 and 22 °C – during grain filling.

RESULTS

High temperature decreased the grain filling period from 32 to 26 days, reducing yield by 6%, and caused a reduction in total starch (3.1%) and amylose content (22%). Measurable activities of key enzymes involved in sucrose to starch conversion, sucrose synthase, ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase, starch phosphorylase and soluble starch synthase in endosperms developed at 32 °C were lower than those at 22 °C compared with similar ripening stage on an endosperm basis. In particular, granule‐bound starch synthase (GBSS) activity was significantly lower than corresponding activity in endosperms developing at 22 °C during all developmental stages analyzed.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest changes in amylose/amylopectin ratio observed in plants grown at 32 °C was attributable to a reduction in activity of GBSS, the sole enzyme responsible for amylose biosynthesis. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Prognostic role of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing liver transplantation
Authors: Zhang Wei , Kim Richard , Quintini Cristiano , Hashimoto Koji , Fujiki Masato , Diago Teresa , Eghtesad Bijan , Miller Charles , Fung John , Tan Ann , Menon K. V. Narayanan , Aucejo Federico
Published: October 2014

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is pivotal in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Studies have demonstrated the prognostic value of circulating VEGF levels in patients undergoing liver resection or locoregional therapy (LRT) for HCC. We investigated the significance of preoperative plasma VEGF levels in patients with HCC undergoing liver transplantation (LT) at a Western transplant center. Pre‐LT plasma VEGF levels were measured with an enzyme‐linked immunoassay for 164 patients with HCC undergoing LT. The preoperative plasma VEGF level was correlated with clinicopathological variables and overall and recurrence‐free post‐LT survival. A higher pre‐LT plasma VEGF level was significantly associated with pre‐LT LRT (P = 0.01), multiple tumors (P = 0.02), a total tumor diameter ≥ 5 cm (P = 0.01), bilobar tumor distribution (P = 0.03), tumor vascular invasion (VI; P < 0.001), and HCC beyond the Milan criteria (P < 0.001). Patients with a plasma VEGF level > 44 pg/mL had significantly worse overall and disease‐free survival than those with VEGF levels ≤ 44 pg/mL (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively). In a multivariate analysis, a plasma VEGF level > 44 pg/mL was independently associated with tumor VI (P < 0.001) and recurrence‐free survival (hazard ratio = 2.12, 95% confidence interval = 1.08‐4.14, P = 0.03). In conclusion, in patients with chronic end‐stage liver disease and HCC, a pre‐LT plasma VEGF level > 44 pg/mL may be a predictor of tumor VI and recurrence‐free post‐LT survival. Liver Transpl 21:101‐111, 2015. © 2014 AASLD.
Post‐Polymerization of Urease‐Induced Calcified, Polymer Hydrogels
Authors: Rauner Nicolas , Buenger Lea , Schuller Stefanie , Tiller Joerg C.
Published: October 2014

Urease‐induced calcification is an innovative method to artificially produce highly filled CaCO3‐based composite materials by intrinsic mineralization of hydrogels. The mechanical properties of these hybrid materials based on poly(2‐hydroxyethylacrylate) cross‐linked by triethylene glycol dimethacrylate are poor. Increasing the degree of calcification to up to 94 wt% improves the Young's moduli (YM) of the materials from some 40 MPa to more than 300 MPa. The introduction of calcium carbonate affine groups to the hydrogel matrix by copolymerizing acrylic acid and [2‐(methacryloyloxy) ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride, respectively, does not increase the stiffness of the composites. A Young's modulus of more than 1 GPa is achieved by post‐polymerization (PP) of the calcified hydrogels, which proves that the size of the contact area between the matrix and calcium carbonate crystals is the most crucial parameter for controlling the stiffness of hybrid materials. Switching from low Tg to high Tg hydrogel matrices (based on poly(N,N‐dimethyl acrylamide)) results in a YM of up to 3.5 GPa after PP.

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Characterization of nucleic acids by tandem mass spectrometry ‐ The second decade (2004–2013): From DNA to RNA and modified sequences
Authors: Schürch Stefan
Published: October 2014

Nucleic acids play key roles in the storage and processing of genetic information, as well as in the regulation of cellular processes. Consequently, they represent attractive targets for drugs against gene‐related diseases. On the other hand, synthetic oligonucleotide analogues have found application as chemotherapeutic agents targeting cellular DNA and RNA. The development of effective nucleic acid‐based chemotherapeutic strategies requires adequate analytical techniques capable of providing detailed information about the nucleotide sequences, the presence of structural modifications, the formation of higher‐order structures, as well as the interaction of nucleic acids with other cellular components and chemotherapeutic agents. Due to the impressive technical and methodological developments of the past years, tandem mass spectrometry has evolved to one of the most powerful tools supporting research related to nucleic acids. This review covers the literature of the past decade devoted to the tandem mass spectrometric investigation of nucleic acids, with the main focus on the fundamental mechanistic aspects governing the gas‐phase dissociation of DNA, RNA, modified oligonucleotide analogues, and their adducts with metal ions. Additionally, recent findings on the elucidation of nucleic acid higher‐order structures by tandem mass spectrometry are reviewed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 35:483–523, 2016
Principles of hydrogen radical mediated peptide/protein fragmentation during matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Asakawa Daiki
Published: October 2014

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization in‐source decay (MALDI‐ISD) is a very easy way to obtain large sequence tags and, thereby, reliable identification of peptides and proteins. Recently discovered new matrices have enhanced the MALDI‐ISD yield and opened new research avenues. The use of reducing and oxidizing matrices for MALDI‐ISD of peptides and proteins favors the production of fragmentation pathways involving “hydrogen‐abundant” and “hydrogen‐deficient” radical precursors, respectively. Since an oxidizing matrix provides information on peptide/protein sequences complementary to that obtained with a reducing matrix, MALDI‐ISD employing both reducing and oxidizing matrices is a potentially useful strategy for de novo peptide sequencing. Moreover, a pseudo‐MS3 method provides sequence information about N‐ and C‐terminus extremities in proteins and allows N‐ and C‐terminal side fragments to be discriminated within the complex MALDI‐ISD mass spectrum. The combination of high mass resolution of a Fourier transform‐ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) analyzer and the software suitable for MALDI‐ISD facilitates the interpretation of MALDI‐ISD mass spectra. A deeper understanding of the MALDI‐ISD process is necessary to fully exploit this method. Thus, this review focuses first on the mechanisms underlying MALDI‐ISD processes, followed by a discussion of MALDI‐ISD applications in the field of proteomics. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 35:535–556, 2016
Direct comparison of postoperative monitoring of free flaps with microdialysis, implantable cook‐swartz Doppler probe, and clinical monitoring in 20 consecutive patients
Authors: Frost Markus Winther , Niumsawatt Vachara , Rozen Warren Matthew , Eschen Gete Ester Toft , Damsgaard Tine Engberg , Kiil Birgitte Jul
Published: October 2014

Background

There is an increasing demand for successful free tissue transfer, with postoperative monitoring of flaps a key to early salvage. Monitoring methods have ranged from clinical techniques to invasive options, of which two are particularly applicable to buried flaps (Cook‐Swartz Doppler probe and microdialysis). The evidence for these options has been represented largely in separate cohort studies, with no single study comparing these three techniques. We aim to perform this comparison in a single cohort of patients.

Methods

A prospective, consecutive cohort study comparing clinical monitoring, microdialysis and the implantable Doppler probe was undertaken. In 20 patients receiving 22 flaps, 21 flaps were monitored with microdialysis, 18 flaps with clinical observation, and 21 flaps with the Cook‐Swartz Implantable Doppler probe. Exclusion was based on applicability and availability intra‐operatively. Efficacy was assessed through sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values.

Results

Nineteen of 22 flaps had no suspected anastomotic problems; 3 of 22 flaps were explored for anastomotic problems, with two salvaged and one lost. The implantable Doppler and microdialysis were found to detect flap statistically earlier than clinical assessment, with microdialysis better at detecting flap compromise: 100% specificity (confidence interval 31–100%) when compared to the implantable probe and clinical assessment (67%: 13–98% and 33%: 2–87%, respectively).

Conclusions

Each of the Cook‐Swartz Doppler probe, microdialysis and clinical assessment was found suitable for monitoring in free tissue transfer. The implantable Doppler and microdialysis offer the potential for earlier detection of flap compromise. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:262–271, 2015.
Suppression of LPS‐induced transcription and cytokine secretion by the dietary isothiocyanate sulforaphane
Authors: Folkard Danielle L. , Melchini Antonietta , Traka Maria H. , Al‐Bakheit Ala'a , Saha Shikha , Mulholland Francis , Watson Andrew , Mithen Richard F.
Published: October 2014

Scope

Diets rich in cruciferous vegetables are associated with lower levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, which may contribute to potential health‐promoting properties of these vegetables. We investigate whether sulforaphane (SF), an isothiocyanate (ITC) obtained from broccoli, could suppress LPS‐induced transcription and subsequent pro‐inflammatory cytokine secretion at a physiologically relevant concentration using in vitro models of chronic inflammation.

Methods and results

We find that exposure of the LPS receptor Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR4) to physiologically appropriate concentrations of SF under non‐reducing conditions results in covalent modification of cysteine residues 246 and 609. We further demonstrate that the changes in expression of 1210 genes (p ≤ 0.01) in THP‐1 monocytes and the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in both human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and THP‐1 monocytes induced by LPS exposure can be completely suppressed through exposure with physiologically appropriate concentrations of SF. Finally, we show that in vivo exposure of human PBMCs to ITCs within human circulation reduces secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines following subsequent ex vivo LPS challenge (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Covalent modification of TLR4 by ITCs and resultant suppression of LPS‐induced cell signalling could lead to reductions in levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in people with chronic diseases who consume diets rich in cruciferous vegetables.
The Epstein–Barr virus and the pathogenesis of lymphoma
Authors: Vockerodt Martina , Yap Lee‐Fah , Shannon‐Lowe Claire , Curley Helen , Wei Wenbin , Vrzalikova Katerina , Murray Paul G
Published: October 2014

Since the discovery in 1964 of the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in African Burkitt lymphoma, this virus has been associated with a remarkably diverse range of cancer types. Because EBV persists in the B cells of the asymptomatic host, it can easily be envisaged how it contributes to the development of B‐cell lymphomas. However, EBV is also found in other cancers, including T‐cell/natural killer cell lymphomas and several epithelial malignancies. Explaining the aetiological role of EBV is challenging, partly because the virus probably contributes differently to each tumour and partly because the available disease models cannot adequately recapitulate the subtle variations in the virus–host balance that exist between the different EBV‐associated cancers. A further challenge is to identify the co‐factors involved; because most persistently infected individuals will never develop an EBV‐associated cancer, the virus cannot be working alone. This article will review what is known about the contribution of EBV to lymphoma development. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From planes to cluster: The design of polynitrogen molecules
Authors: Tan Bisheng , Huang Ming , Long Xinping , Li Jinshan , Yuan Xiaodong , Xu Ruijuan
Published: October 2014

Polynitrogen compounds are a class of promising green high‐energy‐density materials. Using three‐membered to six‐memberd nitrogen rings, called all‐nitrogen building blocks, a series of two dimensional (planar) to three dimensional (cluster) polynitrogen molecules can be built. Small‐angle strain of small nitrogen rings and noncovalent interaction between neighboring nitrogen atoms leads to cage strain, and cage strain energy can be used to describe the stability of polynitrogen molecules theoretically. Density functional theory B3LYP/6‐31g(d,p) was used to optimize geometrical configurations and second‐order perturbation theory MP2/6‐311g(d,p) was applied to calculate single point energies of polynitrogen and other related compounds. Homodesmotic reactions were designed to compute cage strain energies of polynitrogen molecules and average bond energies of their NN bonds. Some strategies were proposed to enhance the stability of polynitrogen molecules. This work provides theoretical evidence for the stability prediction of some nanomaterials (e.g., nanotube). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new method of formalizing anonymity based on protocol composition logic
Authors: Feng Tao , Han Shining , Guo Xian , Ma Donglin
Published: October 2014

In order to make protocol composition logic (PCL) model satisfy the special needs of anonymous analysis, based on observational equivalence theory, this paper extended PCL to be anonymity PCL (APCL). In anonymity PCL, equivalent messages and equivalent traces were proposed. On the basis of equivalent traces, three kinds of anonymity were defined: sender anonymity, recipient anonymity, and relation anonymity. Finally, taking direct anonymous attestation (DAA) as an example, we formalized the anonymity of DAA by the new framework, the result of which demonstrates that DAA satisfies anonymity and verifies the correctness and feasibility of the new framework. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organic Nanowire Fabrication and Device Applications
Authors: Min Sung‐Yong , Kim Tae‐Sik , Lee Yeongjun , Cho Himchan , Xu Wentao , Lee Tae‐Woo
Published: October 2014

Organic nanowires (ONWs) are flexible, stretchable, and have good electrical properties, and therefore have great potential for use in next‐generation textile and wearable electronics. Analysis of trends in ONWs supports their great potential for various stretchable and flexible electronic applications such as flexible displays and flexible photovoltaics. Numerous methods can be used to prepare ONWs, but the practical industrial application of ONWs has not been achieved because of the lack of reliable techniques for controlling and patterning of individual nanowires. Therefore, an “individually controllable” technique to fabricate ONWs is essential for practical device applications. In this paper, three types of fabrication methods of ONWs are reviewed: non‐alignment methods, massive‐alignment methods, and individual‐alignment methods. Recent research on electronic and photonic device applications of ONWs is then reviewed. Finally, suggestions for future research are put forward.
DO‐Fast: a round‐robin opportunistic scheduling protocol for device‐to‐device communications
Authors: Liu Junyu , Shi Yan , Zhang Yan , Wang Xijun , Sun Hongguang , Sheng Min
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we consider the distributed opportunistic scheduling problem for the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing OFDM‐based device‐to‐device (D2D) communications, where D2D links contend for access to the dedicated spectrum with limited assistance from cellular infrastructures. Particularly, a synchronous distributed opportunistic scheduling protocol under fairness constraints (DO‐Fast) is prompted. In DO‐Fast, a round‐robin strategy is integrated with the opportunistic scheduling to tackle the trade‐off between system throughput and access fairness. Moreover, without instantaneous channel state information at receivers, we incorporate a priority allocation scheme, where access priorities are assigned randomly in a local fashion. Consequently, DO‐Fast is robust against imperfect channel estimates and inaccurate channel state information ordering. In addition, the opportunistic strategy in DO‐Fast is distinguished from the existing ones in that efficient spatial reuse is exploited by allowing concurrent transmissions based on the signal‐to‐interference ratio scheduling criterion. Meanwhile, access opportunities are moderately granted for poor quality links by the round‐robin strategy for fairness considerations. We analyze and compare three practical scheduling strategies in terms of the access probability. We also evaluate access fairness through Jain's Index. It is shown via numerical and simulation results that DO‐Fast could achieve efficient spectrum utilization and guarantee the short‐term fairness. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrating multi‐scale knowledge on cardiac development into a computational model of ventricular trabeculation
Authors: de Boer Bouke A. , Le Garrec Jean‐François , Christoffels Vincent M. , Meilhac Sigolène M. , Ruijter Jan M.
Published: October 2014

Insights into the mechanisms of development of the mammalian four‐chambered heart are based on biological observations at organ, tissue, cell, and molecular levels, but the full integration of these experimental data awaits a systems biology approach. Such an approach can be employed to formulate and test conceptual models in a computational simulation. To illustrate how this can be applied to heart development, we used the process of trabeculation, which is the formation of muscular strands during chamber development. We selected this process because it is localized, involves a restricted number of cell types, and a range of experimental data is available. Trabeculation of the ventricles is based on the interplay between endocardial and myocardial cells and involves molecular pathways underlying cell–cell interactions and tissue‐specific cell behavior. A cellular Potts model was used for the simulation of these multi‐scale processes. With fairly simple inputs, of which the relative contributions are unknown, an iterative exploration achieved an outcome that resembles the trabeculation process and allows further investigation of contributing factors. The systems biology pipeline from biological observations and conceptual modeling to a mathematical model and computational algorithms is described and discussed. The multi‐level biological observations provide the components and their connections of the conceptual model. However, the true strength of systems biology must be found in the biological test of the predictions that result from an experimental change in the computational model. These validated predictions will ultimately elucidate the functional role of a component or interaction in the process of heart development. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2014, 6:389–397. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1285

This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Organ, Tissue, and Physiological Models
Molybdenum(0)‐N2 Complexes Supported by the Tripod Ligand 1,1,1‐Tris(Diphenyl‐Phosphinomethyl)Ethane: Steric Influence on the Coordination of Mono‐ and Diphosphine Coligands
Authors: Krahmer Jan , Peters Gerhard , Tuczek Felix
Published: October 2014

The syntheses and physicochemical properties of the three dinitrogen complexes [Mo(N2)2(tdppme)(PMe3)], [Mo(N2)(tdppme)(PMe3)2] and [Mo(N2)2(tdppme)(PMe2Ph)] supported by the tripodal ligand 1,1,1‐tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl)ethane (tdppme) are reported. The complexes are characterized by 31P NMR‐, IR‐ and Raman spectroscopy. The influence of the ligand tdppme on the coordination of PMe3, PMe2Ph, PMePh2, PPh3 and dcpm (bis(dicyclohexylphosphine) is investigated and compared to earlier results involving dppm and dmpm as co‐ligands.