bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraction and isolation of flavonoid glycosides from Flos Sophorae Immaturus using ultrasonic‐assisted extraction followed by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography
Authors: Xie Zhisheng , Sun Yongjiang , Lam Shingchung , Zhao Mingqian , Liang Zhikun , Yu Xiaoxue , Yang Depo , Xu Xinjun
Published: February 2014

A method of ultrasonic‐assisted extraction followed by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography was established for the extraction and isolation of three flavonoid glycosides, i.e. rutin, narcissin, and nicotiflorin from Flos Sophorae Immaturus. The effects of ultrasonic‐assisted extraction factors for the main flavonoid compound (rutin) from Flos Sophorae Immaturus were optimized using Box–Behnken design combined with response surface methodology. The optimum conditions were determined as ultrasonic power 83% (600 W), solvent‐to‐material ratio 56:1, methanol concentration 82% v/v, and extraction time 60 min. Three bioactive flavonol glucosides, rutin, narcissin, and nicotiflorin were isolated from Flos Sophorae Immaturus using high‐speed countercurrent chromatography. The separation was performed with a two‐phase solvent system containing ethyl acetate/n‐butanol/methanol/water (4:0.9:0.2:5, v/v). Amounts of 87 mg of rutin, 10.8 mg of narcissin, and 1.8 mg of nicotiflorin were isolated from 302 mg of crude extract of Flos Sophorae Immaturus in a one‐step separation within 160 min with purities of 99.3, 98.0, and 95.1%, respectively, as determined by HPLC with diode array detection. Their structures were characterized by UV, MS, and NMR spectroscopy. It was demonstrated that the established method was simple, fast, and convenient, which was feasible to extract and isolate active flavonoid glycosides from Flos Sophorae Immaturus.
Simultaneous determination of sesquiterpene lactones isoalantolactone and alantolactone isomers in rat plasma by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry: Application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Guo Chunjie , Zhang Sixi , Teng Shiyong , Niu Kai
Published: February 2014

A selective, sensitive, and accurate LC–MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of isoalantolactone and alantolactone in rat plasma has been developed using psoralen as the internal standard. LC–MS/MS analysis was carried out on a Triple Quadrupole mass spectrometer using positive ion ESI and the selected reaction monitoring mode. The assays were linear in the range of 7.5–750 ng/mL for isoalantolactone and 5.5–550 ng/mL for alantolactone. The average recoveries in plasma samples both were better than 85%. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision and accuracy values were found to be within the assay variability criteria limits according to the US FDA guidelines. The method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic studies of the two structural isomers after an intravenous injection of Inula helenium formulation to rats.
The Implication of 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of Azomethine Ylides to the Synthesis of Main‐Chain Porphyrin Oligomers
Authors: Konev Alexander S. , Lukyanov Daniil A. , Vlasov Petr S. , Levin Oleg V. , Virtsev Alexander A. , Kislyakov Ivan M. , Khlebnikov Alexander F.
Published: February 2014

The polycycloaddition of azomethine ylides to dipolarophiles is described for the first time. Use of (cis,cis)‐bis‐aziridines as a source of azomethine ylides allows selective polyaddition to be realized, which leads to oligomers exclusively with trans‐substituted pyrrolidine rings and modest molecular weights (ca. 5–10 kDa). The fluorescent, electrochemical, electrochromic, and non‐linear optical properties of the main‐chain free‐base porphyrin oligomer, synthesized by the developed procedure, are studied. An enhancement of the optical power limiting effect in a porphyrin oligomer solution is registered against that of the monomer.

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Structure of node polynomials for curves on surfaces
Authors: Qviller Nikolay
Published: February 2014

We provide a structural generalization of a theorem by Kleiman–Piene, concerning the enumerative geometry of nodal curves in a complete linear system on a smooth projective surface S. Provided that r, the number of nodes, is sufficiently small compared to the ampleness of the linear system, we show that, under certain assumptions, the number of r‐nodal curves passing through points in general position on S is given by a Bell polynomial in universally defined integers which we identify, using classical intersection theory, as linear, integral polynomials evaluated in four basic Chern numbers. Furthermore, we provide a decomposition of the as a sum of three terms with distinct geometric interpretations, and discuss the relationship between these polynomials and Kazarian's Thom polynomials for multisingularities of maps.
Linear measure functional differential equations with infinite delay
Authors: Monteiro Giselle Antunes , Slavík Antonín
Published: February 2014

We use the theory of generalized linear ordinary differential equations in Banach spaces to study linear measure functional differential equations with infinite delay. We obtain new results concerning the existence, uniqueness, and continuous dependence of solutions. Even for equations with a finite delay, our results are stronger than the existing ones. Finally, we present an application to functional differential equations with impulses.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Glycopolymer‐Functionalized Silver Nanoclusters: Combining the Bioactivity of Sugar with the Fluorescence and Cytotoxicity of Silver
Authors: Lu Wei , Ma Wenjuan , Lu Jiawei , Li Xiao , Zhao Yun , Chen Gaojian
Published: February 2014

Copolymers of 2‐(methacrylamido)glucopyranose (MAG) and methacrylic acid (MAA) are synthesized by RAFT polymerization and then used as templates to prepare glycopolymer‐functionalized Ag nanoclusters (Gly‐Ag NCs) through microwave irradiation. Polymers and the resulting nanoclusters are characterized by NMR, GPC, UV‐Vis, SEM, TEM, AAS and fluorescence spectroscopy. The bio‐activity of the fluorescent Gly‐Ag NCs are further examined using GLUT‐1 over‐expressing cancer cells K562. Gly‐Ag NCs show efficient binding ability toward K562 cells and inhibit the cell viability in a dose dependent manner (IC50 = 0.65 μg mL–1), indicating their potential biological applications for both cancer imaging and targeted cancer therapy.

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Explaining Firm Emergence: Specialization, Transaction Costs, and the Integration Process
Authors: Bylund Per L.
Published: February 2014

This article explains firm emergence and the role of firms in the market structure using the productive power of specialization. Based on productivity efficiencies through technological specialization, a model for firm emergence is drafted alongside Coasean transaction cost theory. I find that transaction costs cannot explain firm emergence, but the entrepreneurial specialization perspective here adopted provides a promising approach to understanding the firm's function to the entrepreneur and its internal organization and capabilities. It suggests a foundational framework for studying the creation of capabilities and the interplay between markets, firms, and entrepreneurs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cross‐talk Between Host, Microbiome and Probiotics: A Systems Biology Approach for Analyzing the Effects of Probiotic Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415 in Piglets
Authors: Twardziok S. O. , Pieper R. , Aschenbach J. R. , Bednorz C. , Brockmann G. A. , Fromm M. , Klingspor S. , Kreuzer S. , Lodemann U. , Martens H. , Martin L. , Richter J. F. , Scharek‐Tedin L. , Siepert B. F. , Starke I. C. , Tedin K. , Vahjen W. , Wieler L. H. , Zakrzewski S. S. , Zentek J. , Wrede P.
Published: February 2014

A comprehensive data‐set from a multidisciplinary feeding experiment with the probiotic Enterococcus faecium was analyzed to elucidate effects of the probiotic on growing piglets. Sixty‐two piglets were randomly assigned to a control (no probiotic treatment) and a treatment group (E. faecium supplementation). Piglets were weaned at 26 d. Age‐matched piglets were sacrificed for the collection of tissue samples at 12, 26, 34 and 54 d. In addition to zootechnical data, the composition and activity of intestinal microbiota, immune cell types, and intestinal responses were determined. Our systems analysis revealed clear effects on several measured variables in 26 and 34 days old animals, while response patterns varied between piglets from different age groups. Correlation analyses identified reduced associations between intestinal microbial communities and immune system reactions in the probiotic group. In conclusion, the developed model is useful for comparative analyses to unravel systems effects of dietary components and their time resolution. The model identified that effects of E. faecium supplementation most prominently affected the interplay between intestinal microbiota and the intestinal immune system. These effects, as well as effects in other subsystems, clustered around weaning, which is the age where piglets are most prone to diarrhea.
Gadofosveset‐based biomarker of tissue albumin concentration: Technical validation in vitro and feasibility in vivo
Authors: Richardson Owen C. , Bane Octavia , Scott Marietta L.J. , Tanner Steven F. , Waterton John C. , Sourbron Steven P. , Carroll Timothy J. , Buckley David L.
Published: February 2014

Purpose

There is currently no adequate method of mapping physiologic and pathophysiologic tissue albumin concentrations in human subjects. The objective of this study was to devise and evaluate a biomarker of regional albumin concentration using gadofosveset‐enhanced MRI.

Theory and Methods

A binding and relaxation model was devised and evaluated in vitro in solutions of albumin at 3.0 Tesla (T) and 4.7T. The method was evaluated in the heart in seven volunteers at 3.0T.

Results

MRI‐derived estimates of albumin concentration were in good agreement with true values over the range 0.1–1.0 mM (Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.85 and 0.88 for 3.0T and 4.7T, respectively). The mean calculated albumin concentration in the myocardium for the volunteers was 0.02 mM (range, 0.01–0.03 mM).

Conclusion

Accurate estimates of albumin concentration in vitro suggest this may be a viable noninvasive alternative to existing techniques. In the myocardium the MRI‐derived estimates of albumin concentration indicate the practical feasibility of the technique but were below expected values. Gadofosveset‐enhanced MR relaxometry has potential in providing biomarkers of regional albumin concentration; further evaluation is required before it can be used reliably in vivo. Magn Reson Med 73:244–253, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cross‐sectional area reference values of nerves in the lower extremities using ultrasonography
Authors: Seok Hung Youl , Jang Jae Hong , Won Sun Jae , Yoon Joon Shik , Park Kyung Seok , Kim Byung-Jo
Published: February 2014

Introduction: Cross‐sectional area (CSA) reference values of lower extremity nerves using ultrasonography have only been reported in a few studies and have been limited to white populations. Methods: For this study, 94 healthy Korean volunteers were recruited for measurement of the CSA at 7 sites of lower extremity nerves. The side‐to‐side difference in CSA was calculated for each nerve, and reference ranges were derived. External validity evaluation for the reference values was performed with 10 newly recruited volunteers at a different institution. Results: Nerve CSA was correlated significantly with body mass index, weight, and height; however, the absolute value of the side‐to‐side difference had no significant correlation with demographic factors. The external validity was adequate for all sites, ranging from 80% to 100%. Conclusions: The lower extremity nerve CSA values obtained in this study may provide normal reference values for the Asian population. Muscle Nerve 50: 564–570, 2014
Effects of electrical stimulation pattern on quadriceps force production and fatigue
Authors: Deley Gaelle , Laroche Davy , Babault Nicolas
Published: February 2014

Introduction: Mixed stimulation programs (MIX) that switch from constant frequency trains (CFT) to variable frequency trains have been proposed to offset the rapid fatigue induced by CFT during electrical stimulation. However, this has never been confirmed with long stimulation patterns, such as those used to evoke functional contractions. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that MIX programs were less fatiguing than CFTs in strength training‐like conditions (6‐s contractions, 30‐min). Methods: Thirteen healthy subjects underwent 2 sessions corresponding to MIX and CFT programs. Measurements included maximal voluntary isometric torque and torque evoked by each contraction. Results: There were greater decreases of voluntary and evoked torque (P < 0.05) after CFT than MIX, and mean torque was 13 ± 1% higher during the MIX session (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings confirm that combining train types might be a useful strategy to offset rapid fatigue during electrical stimulation sessions with long‐duration contractions. Muscle Nerve 49: 760–763, 2014
Multigrid with FFT smoother for a simplified 2D frictional contact problem
Authors: Zhao Jing , Vollebregt Edwin A. H. , Oosterlee Cornelis W.
Published: February 2014

This paper aims to develop a fast multigrid (MG) solver for a Fredholm integral equation of the first kind, arising from the 2D elastic frictional contact problem. After discretization on a rectangular contact area, the integral equation gives rise to a linear system with the coefficient matrix being dense, symmetric positive definite and Toeplitz. A so‐called fast Fourier transform (FFT) smoother is proposed. This is based on a preconditioner M that approximates the inverse of the original coefficient matrix, and that is determined using the FFT technique. The iterates are then updated by Richardson iteration: adding the current residuals preconditioned with the Toeplitz preconditioner M. The FFT smoother significantly reduces most components of the error but enlarges several smooth components. This causes divergence of the MG method. Two approaches are studied to remedy this feature: subdomain deflation (SD) and row sum modification (RSM). MG with the FFT + RSM smoother appears to be more efficient than using the FFT + SD smoother. Moreover, the FFT + RSM smoother can be applied as an efficient iterative solver itself. The two methods related to RSM also show rapid convergence in a test with a wavy surface, where the Toeplitz structure is lost. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Smoothed aggregation algebraic multigrid for stochastic PDE problems with layered materials
Authors: Brezina Marian , Doostan Alireza , Manteuffel Tom , McCormick Steve , Ruge John
Published: February 2014

We consider two algebraic multilevel solvers for the solution of discrete problems arising from PDEs with random inputs. Our focus is on problems with large jumps in material coefficients. The model problem considered is that of a diffusion problem with uncertainties in the diffusion coefficients and realization values differing dramatically between different layers in the spatial domain, with the location of the interfaces between the layers assumed to be known. The stochastic discretization is based on the generalized polynomial chaos, and the spatial problem is discretized using conforming finite elements. A multigrid solver based on smoothed aggregation is presented, and numerical experiments are provided demonstrating convergence properties of the multigrid solver. The observed convergence is shown to depend only weakly on the stochastic discretization and, for the discretized stochastic PDE problem, generally mimics that of the corresponding deterministic problem. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reducing communication in algebraic multigrid using additive variants
Authors: Vassilevski Panayot S. , Yang Ulrike Meier
Published: February 2014

Algebraic multigrid (AMG) has proven to be an effective scalable solver on many high performance computers; however, its increasing communication complexity on coarser levels has shown to seriously impact its performance on computers with high communication cost. Additive AMG variants provide not only increased parallelism as well as decreased numbers of messages per cycle but also generally exhibit slower convergence. We present various new additive variants with convergence rates that are significantly improved compared to the classical additive algebraic multigrid method and investigate their potential for decreased communication, and improved communication‐computation overlap, features that are essential for good performance on future exascale architectures. Published 2014. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
A Bioarchaeological and Biogeochemical Study of Warfare and Mobility in Andahuaylas, Peru (ca. ad 1160–1260)
Authors: Kurin D. S. , Lofaro E. M. , Gómez Choque D. E. , Krigbaum J.
Published: February 2014

Warfare impacts how people and populations can move about the landscape. Ethnographers have posited that internal warfare, conflict that takes place within a single society, is strongly associated with female abduction. In contrast, external warfare, combat between different societies, is often accompanied by the in‐migration of men for purposes of defence. To test this assertion, we evaluate human remains from one of the most violent eras in Andean prehistory, the Late Intermediate Period (ad 1000–1400). In the south‐central highlands of Andahuaylas, Peru, this era witnessed the coalescence of two formidable polities, the Chanka and the Quichua. Ethnohistoric accounts describe internal warfare among the Chanka and external warfare between the Quichua and their neighbours. In this study, bioarchaeological and biogeochemical methods are marshalled to elucidate ancient patterns of violence and mobility with greater nuance. We employ strontium isotope analysis of tooth enamel apatite to inform on residential origin, and we reconstruct patterns of violent conflict through analysis of cranial trauma. In all, 265 crania were excavated from 17 cave ossuaries at two Chanka sites and one Quichua site. Data were collected on age, sex and cranial modification—an indicator of social identity and cranial trauma. A representative subsample of molars from 34 individuals subjected to strontium isotope analysis demonstrates that among the Chanka, violence was significantly directed towards social groups within society, marked by modified crania. The presence of two nonlocal women with signs of increased morbidity and mistreatment points to possible mobility‐by‐abduction. In contrast, among the Quichua, men have significantly more trauma, and wounds are concentrated on the anterior. Trauma on women is lower, nonlethal, and concentrated on the posterior. This divergent pattern is commonly observed in external warfare (raids and community defence), where men face attackers and women escape them. The presence of two nonlocal men supports a mobility model of strategic in‐migration. In sum, osteological and isotopic data sets are shown to reveal divergent life‐course experiences not captured by the archaeological data or historic records alone. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ambient air pollution and the prevalence of obesity in chinese children: The seven northeastern cities study
Authors: Dong Guang‐Hui , Qian Zhengmin (Min) , Liu Miao‐Miao , Wang Da , Ren Wan‐Hui , Flick Louise H. , Fu John , Wang Jing , Chen Weiqing , Simckes Maayan , Trevathan Edwin
Published: February 2014

Objective

The association between air pollution and the prevalence of overweight and obesity is evaluated.

Methods

The population consisted of 30,056 children (aged 2‐14 years), randomly selected from 25 districts in Northeast China. Child weight and height were measured, and exposures to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxides (NO2), and Ozone (O3) were estimated from the data collected at monitoring stations in the 25 districts. Using two‐level logistic models, we examined the association between the exposure and the prevalence of overweight and obesity.

Results

Among the study children, 12.3% (3,704) were overweight and 14.1% (4,233) were obese. After adjusting for confounding factors, an increased prevalence of obesity was associated with an interquartile range increase in PM10 (31 μg/m3 ; odds ratio [ORs] = 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11‐1.26), SO2 (7.4 ppb; ORs = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.03‐1.20), NO2 (5.3 ppb; ORs = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.04‐1.22), and O3 (11.5 ppb; ORs = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.04‐1.24). Prevalence of overweight increased with an interquartile range increase in O3 (11.5 ppb; ORs = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03‐1.15).

Conclusions

This study suggests that air pollution is positively associated with an increased likelihood of obesity or overweight in children.
Pilot trial of risk‐adapted cyclophosphamide intensity based conditioning and HLA matched sibling and unrelated cord blood stem cell transplantation in newly diagnosed pediatric and adolescent recipients with acquired severe aplastic anemia
Authors: McGuinn Catherine , Geyer Mark B. , Jin Zhezhen , Garvin James H. , Satwani Prakash , Bradley M. Brigid , Bhatia Monica , George Diane , Duffy Deirdre , Morris Erin , van de Ven Carmella , Schwartz Joseph , Baxter‐Lowe Lee Ann , Cairo Mitchell S.
Published: February 2014

Background

Cyclophosphamide‐based conditioning regimens and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AlloHSCT) from matched related donors (MRD) has resulted in the highest survival rates in children and adolescents with acquired severe aplastic anemia (SAA). Time to transplant has consistently been associated with decreased overall survival. Reduced toxicity conditioning and AlloHSCT has been used successfully in other pediatric non‐malignant diseases.

Procedure

We piloted a risk‐adapted AlloHSCT approach, using fludarabine and anti‐thymocyte globulin based conditioning with high (200 mg/kg) and low (60 mg/kg) dose cyclophosphamide as upfront treatment in newly diagnosed pediatric patients with acquired SAA incorporating alternative donor sources, including cord blood. Average risk for non‐engraftment patients with <10 transfusions received low dose cyclophosphamide (60 mg/kg); High Risk, those with ≥10 transfusions received conditioning regimen with higher intensity cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg).

Results

Seventeen patients were enrolled and underwent AlloHSCT including 12 males and 5 females with mean age of 8 years (range 3–16), and median follow‐up time of 39 months (range 1–135). Donor sources included MRD BM (6/6 [n = 9], 5/6 [n = 2]) and unrelated CB (5/6 [n = 4], 4/6 [n = 2]). Five year OS was 67.6% (37.9–85.4). Three secondary graft failures (17.6%) occurred in the low dose cyclophosphamide arm.

Conclusions

Upfront treatment with risk‐adapted cyclophosphamide conditioning AlloSCT is well tolerated for the management of newly diagnosed pediatric and adolescent patients with acquired SAA. However, the increased risk of graft rejection in the lower dose arm warrants additional research regarding the optimal intensity of cyclophosphamide‐based conditioning regimen to reduce toxicity without increasing graft failure. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:1289–1294. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical features and early treatment response of central nervous system involvement in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Levinsen Mette , Taskinen Mervi , Abrahamsson Jonas , Forestier Erik , Frandsen Thomas L. , Harila‐Saari Arja , Heyman Mats , Jonsson Olafur G. , Lähteenmäki Päivi M. , Lausen Birgitte , Vaitkevičienė Goda , Åsberg Ann , Schmiegelow Kjeld ,   on behalf of the Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (NOPHO)
Published: February 2014

Background

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains a therapeutic challenge.

Procedure

To explore leukemia characteristics of patients with CNS involvement at ALL diagnosis, we analyzed clinical features and early treatment response of 744 patients on Nordic‐Baltic trials. CNS status was classified as CNS1 (no CSF blasts), CNS2 (<5 leukocytes/µl CSF with blasts), CNS3 (≥5 leukocytes/µl with blasts or signs of CNS involvement), TLP+ (traumatic lumbar puncture with blasts), and TLP− (TLP with no blasts).

Results

Patients with CNS involvement had higher leukocyte count compared with patients with CNS1 (P < 0.002). Patients with CNS3 more often had T‐ALL (P < 0.001) and t(9;22)(q34;q11)[BCR‐ABL1] (P < 0.004) compared with patients with CNS1. Among patients with CNS involvement headache (17%) and vomiting (14%) were most common symptoms. Symptoms or clinical findings were present among 27 of 54 patients with CNS3 versus only 7 of 39 patients with CNS2 and 15 of 75 patients with TLP+ (P < 0.001). The majority of patients with CNS involvement received additional induction therapy. The post induction bone marrow residual disease level did not differ between patients with CNS involvement and patients with CNS1 (P > 0.15). The 12‐year event‐free survival for patients with leukemic mass on neuroimaging did not differ from patients with negative or no scan (0.50 vs. 0.60; P = 0.7) or between patients with symptoms or signs suggestive of CNS leukemia and patients without such characteristics (0.50 vs. 0.61; P = 0.2).

Conclusion

CNS involvement at diagnosis is associated with adverse prognostic features but does not indicate a less chemosensitive leukemia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:1416–1421. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabrication and mechanical properties of phenolic foam reinforced with graphene oxide
Authors: Zhou Jintang , Yao Zhengjun , Chen Yongxin , Wei Dongbo , Xu Tishou
Published: February 2014

In this article, samples of phenolic foam reinforced with graphene oxide were prepared. Gel time of resole was tested to choose the appropriate foaming agent. Friability and Mechanical properties of the composite were tested. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was employed to study the mechanical properties in varied temperatures. The results show that gel time is increased 68.2% by using of 0.5% graphene oxide; n‐hexane is more fitting as blowing agent for graphene oxide reinforced phenolic foam; Impact toughness increase along with the graphene oxide content. It is not obvious when the amount is lower than 0.3% and there is a sudden enhancement when the amount reaches 0.5%. There is a 26.7% reduction in mass loss by reinforcing with 0.5% graphene oxide. Ester bonds between graphene oxide and phenolic foam matrix may be considered as “nails,” while graphene oxide may be considered as a “net.” The “net” mantle up the matrix tightly with those “nails” and stops separating of particles whose size is smaller than the “net.” POLYM. COMPOS., 35:581–586, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of Al2O3 addition on thermo‐electrical properties of polymer composites: An experimental investigation
Authors: Agrawal Alok , Satapathy Alok
Published: February 2014

To develop a new class of composites with adequately high thermal conductivity and suitably controlled dielectric constant for electronic packages and printed circuit board applications, polymer composites are prepared with microsized Al2O3 particle as filler having an average particle size of 80–100 μm. Epoxy and polypropylene (PP) are chosen as matrix materials for this study. Fabrication of epoxy‐based composite is done by hand lay‐up technique and its counterpart PP‐based composite are fabricated by compression molding technique with filler content ranging from 2.5–25 vol%. Effects of filler loading on various thermal properties like effective thermal conductivity (keff), glass transition temperature (Tg), coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and electrical property like dielectric constant (εc) of composites are investigated experimentally. In addition, physical properties like density and void fraction of the composites along with there morphological features are also studied. The experimental findings obtained under controlled laboratory conditions are interpreted using appropriate theoretical models. Results show that with addition of 25 vol% of Al2O3, keff of epoxy and PP improve by 482% and 498% respectively, Tg of epoxy increases from 98°C to 116°C and that of PP increases from −14.9°C to 3.4°C. For maximum filler loading of 25 vol% the CTE decreases by 14.8% and 26.4% for epoxy and PP respectively whereas the dielectric constants of the composites get suitably controlled simultaneously. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:102–112, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Study on secondary structural transition of nano‐TiO2 modified silk fibroin composite films by two‐dimensional Raman correlation spectroscopy and solid‐state 13C‐NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Zhu Hailin , Zhang Fangfang , Feng Xinxing , Zhang Jianchun , Chen Jianyong
Published: February 2014

By a sol–gel processing, the nano‐TiO2/silk fibroin (SF) composite films were prepared. One‐dimensional (1D) Raman, two‐dimensional (2D) correlation Raman spectroscopy, and 13C cross‐polarization magic‐angle‐spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (13C CP‐MAS NMR) were used to characterize the structural evolution of SF as the nano‐TiO2 content increased from 0 to 0.4 wt%. The experimental data demonstrated that the secondary structures in the pure SF film and nano‐TiO2/silk fibroin (SF) composite films were random coil, α‐helix and β‐sheet structures. The nano‐TiO2 particles formed in the SF films might induce partial structural transitions from random coil and Silk I (α‐helix) to Silk II (β‐sheet). The transition identified by 2D‐Raman correlation spectra was the following order: silk I‐like structure, silk I (α‐helical structure), Silk II‐like structure, and Silk II (β‐sheet structure). POLYM. COMPOS., 36:121–127, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Structure–property relationships in nylon 6 nanocomposites based on octaphenyl‐, dodecaphenyl–POSS, montmorillonite, and their combinations
Authors: Magniez Kevin , Bafekrpour Ehsan , Fox Bronwyn L. , Looney Mark G.
Published: February 2014

Binary and ternary nanocomposites were produced by incorporating, via melt compounding, two types of octa‐ and dodecaphenyl substituted polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS), montmorillonite (MMT), and combinations of POSS with MMT into nylon 6. The tensile, flexural, and dynamic thermo‐mechanical properties of these materials were characterized and their structure–property relationships discussed. The results show that the losses in ductility and toughness experienced after inclusion of MMT into nylon 6 can be balanced out by co‐mixing MMT with the dodecaphenyl–POSS to produce a ternary nanocomposite. This trend however was less pronounced in the ternary MMT/octaphenyl–POSS system. Analysis of the microstructure organization in these materials using XRD and SEM sheds some light on understanding the differences in behavior. Both types of POSS particles mixed alone in nylon 6 were found to be polydisperse (500 nm to a few microns in size) and locally aggregated, yielding materials with similar mechanical performance. The co‐mixing of MMT with the octaphenyl–POSS served to break down the POSS crystal aggregates, enhancing their micro‐mechanical reinforcing action. On the other hand, the POSS crystals were not affected in the MMT/dodecaphenyl–POSS system, which led to improving their toughening ability. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:153–160, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Antibody‐based proteomics and biomarker research—Current status and limitations
Authors: Solier Corinne , Langen Hanno
Published: February 2014

Antibody‐based proteomics play a very important role in biomarker discovery and validation, facilitating the high‐throughput evaluation of candidate markers. Most proteomics‐driven discovery is nowadays based on the use of MS. MS has many advantages, including its suitability for hypothesis‐free biomarker discovery, since information on protein content of a sample is not required prior to analysis. However, MS presents one main caveat which is the limited sensitivity in complex samples, especially for body fluids, where protein expression covers a huge dynamic range. Antibody‐based technologies remain the main solution to address this challenge since they reach higher sensitivity. In this article, we review the benefits and limitations of antibody‐based proteomics in preclinical and clinical biomarker research for discovery and validation in body fluids and tissue. The combination of antibodies and MS, utilizing the best of both worlds, opens new avenues in biomarker research.
Tumoral heterogeneity of hepatic cholangiocarcinomas revealed by MALDI imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Le Faouder Julie , Laouirem Samira , Alexandrov Theodore , Ben‐Harzallah Soundes , Léger Thibaut , Albuquerque Miguel , Bedossa Pierre , Paradis Valérie
Published: February 2014

Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is the second most common primary malignancy of the liver. Although all CC derive from biliary epithelial cells, two main subtypes, hilar (H), and peripheral (P) CC are described. The objective of the study was to compare, using MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS), in situ proteomic profiles of H‐ and P‐CC in order to assess whether these subtypes may express different markers and to describe their respective localizations. Twenty‐seven CC (16 P‐CC and 11 H‐CC) were subjected to MALDI IMS. Proteomic data were submitted to a dedicated cross‐classification comparative design, enabling comparison of the entire generated spectra. Immunohistochemistry was performed for validation. Comparative analysis yielded a list of 19 differential protein peaks for the two subtypes, 14 of which were overexpressed in H‐CC and five in P‐CC. Among H‐CC protein markers, most discriminant were human neutrophil peptides 1–3 that were expressed mainly by tumor cells and S100 proteins (A6 and A11) that were restricted to the stromal area. In P‐CC, thymosin β4 was diffusely overexpressed. These results highlight the potential of MALDI IMS to discover new relevant biomarkers of CC and to characterize the heterogeneity of the two different subtypes.
Terpolymerization kinetics of amino acid N‐carboxy anhydrides
Authors: Zelzer Mischa , Heise Andreas
Published: February 2014

Based on their versatility with respect to amino acid type and sequence, polypeptides have become attractive for a number of biological applications such as drug delivery, biomineralization, and drugs. N‐carboxy anhydride (NCA) polymerization is a convenient way to rapidly prepare high‐molecular weight polypeptides with good control over molecular weight and polydispersity. However, the kinetics of the incorporation of NCA monomers into copolypeptides during random copolymerization are poorly understood. Here, kinetic data is presented that allows insight into the NCA polymerization of a terpolymer composed of three commercially relevant amino acids, namely, glutamic acid, lysine, and tyrosine. Furthermore, kinetic data and copolymerization parameters from the copolymerization of binary mixtures of these three amino acid NCAs is used to make predictions of the terpolymer composition. This study provides access to the information necessary to prepare functional copolypeptides with better‐defined sequence architecture that will be essential for the future development of polypeptide‐based materials. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1228–1236
Patient and health professional's perceived barriers to the delivery of psychosocial care to adults with cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Dilworth Sophie , Higgins Isabel , Parker Vicki , Kelly Brian , Turner Jane
Published: February 2014

Objective

To explore the barriers experienced and perceived by health professionals and patients in the delivery of psychosocial care to adults with cancer.

Methods

Systematic searches were undertaken using the PsychInfo, Medline and CINAHL electronic databases, up to October 2013. Research reporting health professional or patient experiences and perceptions of barriers to psychosocial care are included in the review. The systematic review includes studies that have non‐experimental, exploratory and observational designs, as is appropriate to answer the review question. Included studies were critically appraised. The results of individual quantitative studies were aggregated. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative results.

Results

Twenty‐five papers met the pre‐specified inclusion criteria for the final review. The most commonly perceived barrier for patients relates to receiving adequate support from elsewhere and a lack of perceived need for psychosocial care. Health professionals report barriers at an organisational level most frequently followed by cultural and then individual clinician‐related barriers.

Conclusions

Barriers exist on a variety of levels. People with cancer need clear appropriate information and communication about psychosocial services, including information about the role of psychosocial care in addition to existing supports. Interventions that target the complex interplay of individual, organisational and cultural factors need to be developed. Strategies that improve health professional communication skills, identify clear referral pathways, improve acceptability of interventions and clearly identify the need for services could address many of the barriers identified in this review. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tracking CF disease progression with CT and respiratory symptoms in a cohort of children aged 6–19 years
Authors: Tepper Leonie A. , Caudri Daan , Utens Elisabeth M.W.J. , van der Wiel Els C. , Quittner Alexandra L. , Tiddens Harm A.W.M.
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterized by bronchiectasis and trapped air on chest computed tomography (CT).

Objective

We aim to validate bronchiectasis and trapped air as outcome measures by evaluating associations between changes in bronchiectasis, trapped air and patient‐reported respiratory symptoms.

Methods

A longitudinal cohort study has been conducted. CF patients (aged 6–19 years) who had two routine CTs and completed twice a Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire‐Revised within 2 years (referred to as T1 and T2), in the period of July 2007 to January 2012 were included. Bronchiectasis and trapped air were scored using the CF‐CT scoring system. Correlation coefficients and student's paired t tests were performed.

Results

In total 40 patients were included with a median age at T1 of 12.6 years (range 6–17 years), and at T2 14.5 years (range 8–19 years). At T1, bronchiectasis (r = −0.49, P < 0.01) and trapped air (r = −0.34, P = 0.04) correlated with CFQ‐R Respiratory Symptoms Scores (CFQ‐R RSS). At T2 similar correlations were found with the CFQ‐R RSS. Over 2 years, there was significant progression in bronchiectasis (P = 0.03) and trapped air (P = 0.03), but not in CFQ‐R RSS. Changes in bronchiectasis and trapped air were not associated with changes in CFQ‐R RSS.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that bronchiectasis and trapped are sensitive outcome measures in CF lung disease, showing a significant association with CFQ‐R RSS at two‐time points. However, progression of bronchiectasis and trapped air over 2 year does not necessarily correlate to changes in quality of life. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:1182–1189. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of hydrophobic and electrostatic residues on SARS‐coronavirus S2 protein stability: Insights into mechanisms of general viral fusion and inhibitor design
Authors: Aydin Halil , Al‐Khooly Dina , Lee Jeffrey E.
Published: February 2014

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is an acute respiratory disease caused by the SARS‐coronavirus (SARS‐CoV). SARS‐CoV entry is facilitated by the spike protein (S), which consists of an N‐terminal domain (S1) responsible for cellular attachment and a C‐terminal domain (S2) that mediates viral and host cell membrane fusion. The SARS‐CoV S2 is a potential drug target, as peptidomimetics against S2 act as potent fusion inhibitors. In this study, site‐directed mutagenesis and thermal stability experiments on electrostatic, hydrophobic, and polar residues to dissect their roles in stabilizing the S2 postfusion conformation was performed. It was shown that unlike the pH‐independent retroviral fusion proteins, SARS‐CoV S2 is stable over a wide pH range, supporting its ability to fuse at both the plasma membrane and endosome. A comprehensive SARS‐CoV S2 analysis showed that specific hydrophobic positions at the C‐terminal end of the HR2, rather than electrostatics are critical for fusion protein stabilization. Disruption of the conserved C‐terminal hydrophobic residues destabilized the fusion core and reduced the melting temperature by 30°C. The importance of the C‐terminal hydrophobic residues led us to identify a 42‐residue substructure on the central core that is structurally conserved in all existing CoV S2 fusion proteins (root mean squared deviation = 0.4 Å). This is the first study to identify such a conserved substructure and likely represents a common foundation to facilitate viral fusion. We have discussed the role of key residues in the design of fusion inhibitors and the potential of the substructure as a general target for the development of novel therapeutics against CoV infections.
CD44 variant 6 is associated with prostate cancer metastasis and chemo‐/radioresistance
Authors: Ni Jie , Cozzi Paul J. , Hao Jing L. , Beretov Julia , Chang Lei , Duan Wei , Shigdar Sarah , Delprado Warick J. , Graham Peter H. , Bucci Joseph , Kearsley John H. , Li Yong
Published: February 2014

INTRODUCTION

Prostate cancer (CaP) is the second leading malignancy in older men in Western countries. The role of CD44 variant 6 (CD44v6) in CaP progression and therapeutic resistance is still uncertain. Here, we investigated the roles of CD44v6 in CaP metastasis and chemo/radioresistance. Expression of CD44v6 in metastatic CaP cell lines, human primary CaP tissues and lymph node metastases was assessed using immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

METHODS

Knock down (KD) of CD44v6 was performed in PC‐3M, DU145, and LNCaP cells using small interfering RNA (siRNA), and confirmed by confocal microscope, Western blot and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Cell growth was evaluated by proliferation and colony formation assays. The adhesive ability and invasive potential were assessed using a hyaluronic acid (HA) adhesion and a matrigel chamber assay, respectively. Tumorigenesis potential and chemo‐/radiosensitivity were measured by a sphere formation assay and a colony assay, respectively.

RESULTS

Over‐expression of CD44v6 was found in primary CaP tissues and lymph node metastases including cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells. KD of CD44v6 suppressed CaP proliferative, invasive and adhesive abilities, reduced sphere formation, enhanced chemo‐/radiosensitivity, and down‐regulated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway proteins in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that CD44v6 is an important cancer stem cell‐like marker associated with CaP proliferation, invasion, adhesion, metastasis, chemo‐/radioresistance, and the induction of EMT as well as the activation PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Wnt signaling pathways, suggesting that CD44v6 is a novel therapeutic target to sensitize CaP cells to chemo/radiotherapy. Prostate 74:602–617, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blind prediction performance of RosettaAntibody 3.0: Grafting, relaxation, kinematic loop modeling, and full CDR optimization
Authors: Weitzner Brian D. , Kuroda Daisuke , Marze Nicholas , Xu Jianqing , Gray Jeffrey J.
Published: February 2014

Antibody Modeling Assessment II (AMA‐II) provided an opportunity to benchmark RosettaAntibody on a set of 11 unpublished antibody structures. RosettaAntibody produced accurate, physically realistic models, with all framework regions and 42 of the 55 non‐H3 CDR loops predicted to under an Ångström. The performance is notable when modeling H3 on a homology framework, where RosettaAntibody produced the best model among all participants for four of the 11 targets, two of which were predicted with sub‐Ångström accuracy. To improve RosettaAntibody, we pursued the causes of model errors. The most common limitation was template unavailability, underscoring the need for more antibody structures and/or better de novo loop methods. In some cases, better templates could have been found by considering residues outside of the CDRs. De novo CDR H3 modeling remains challenging at long loop lengths, but constraining the C‐terminal end of H3 to a kinked conformation allows near‐native conformations to be sampled more frequently. We also found that incorrect VL–VH orientations caused models with low H3 RMSDs to score poorly, suggesting that correct VL–VH orientations will improve discrimination between near‐native and incorrect conformations. These observations will guide the future development of RosettaAntibody. Proteins 2014; 82:1611–1623. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective effects of a therapeutic protein targeting tumor necrosis factor‐alpha on cytochrome P450 regulation during infectious colitis: implications for disease‐dependent drug–drug interactions
Authors: Nyagode Beatrice A. , Jahangardi Roya , Merrell Matthew D. , Tansey Malú G. , Morgan Edward T.
Published: February 2014

We studied the impact of administering XPro1595, a novel antagonist of soluble tumor necrosis factor‐α(TNFα), on the regulation of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes in the Citrobacter rodentium model of infectious colitis. XPro1595 was administered subcutaneously every 3 days throughout the infection, or as a single injection near the peak of infection. When given throughout the infection, XPro1595 selectively blocked the downregulation of Cyp3a11 and 3a25 mRNAs, as well as the induction of Cyp2a4/5, without affecting the downregulation of Cyp4a10, Cyp4a14, Cyp2b10, or flavin‐mooxygenase‐3. Induction of Cyp3a11, Cyp3a25, Cyp2c29, and Cyp3a13 mRNAs were observed only in XPro1595‐treated mice. Administration of a single dose of XPro1595 was relatively ineffective. These results (1) confirm the role of soluble TNFα in hepatic Cyp3a regulation during infectious colitis deduced from studies in TNFα receptor‐1 knockout mice; (2) indicate the potential for soluble TNFα ‐specific antagonists to cause disease‐dependent drug–drug interactions; and (3) suggest a novel mechanism by which an anti‐inflammatory therapeutic protein can produce an opposite effect to that of the disease by selectively neutralizing one of multiple signals regulating drug‐metabolizing enzyme expression. More research is needed to determine whether or not this is applicable to other diseases or disease models.
Lessons learned from fire in air supply ducts
Authors: Waller Al , Brown Michelle
Published: February 2014

In 2012, loss of air flow caused activation of interlocks to shut off steam and electrical heat inputs to an air heating system that was part of a drying/milling operation. Shortly thereafter, upstream filters and air ducts ignited causing more than US$500K in damage and business interruption. Investigations concluded that the interlocks functioned as designed on loss‐of‐airflow but were not sufficient to prevent overheating the inlet air filters (including HEPA filters) by the residual heat in the air heaters. The two main lessons learned from this fire incident apply to a broad range of operations in the chemical process industries (CPI):

Mundane unit operations such as air filters that have combustible components must be evaluated as thoroughly as the rest of the chemical process.

Designers and PHA leaders must recognize the potential of thermal inertia of heaters (and coolers) to heat (or cool) a stagnant volume of fluid when flow is interrupted. Gas streams are particularly susceptible due to the low heat capacity relative to the heat capacity of a metallic heat exchanger. Interlocking the supplies (to steam and electrical heaters in this incident) is often necessary but may not be sufficient.

Other lessons “relearned” include the importance of learning from a previous near miss, the importance of limiting escalation aspects of this fire, and the importance of preventative maintenance. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2014