bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cascading use: a systematic approach to biomass beyond the energy sector
Authors: Keegan Dearbhla , Kretschmer Bettina , Elbersen Berien , Panoutsou Calliope
Published: February 2013

Growing demand for biomass for energy in Europe and beyond, alongside growing interest in the use of biomass to replace petroleum and other conventional materials in the production of industrial products and chemicals, necessitates consideration of how the limited supplies of biomass can be used most efficiently. This paper presents the concept of cascading the use of biomass (i.e. a mechanism for prioritizing its use for socially preferable products, notably materials over its use for energy). Such a mechanism would be an opportunity to maximize the efficiency of biomass use. Currently, barriers to the wider adoption of cascading persist in the form of underdeveloped supply chains to facilitate the reuse of biomass resources and a regulatory framework that focuses support on the energy use of biomass. This paper discusses policy mechanisms and instruments that could help lift these barriers, including measures under the EU Renewable Energy Directive to introduce more encompassing sustainability criteria and incentives for the use of end‐of‐life biomass. We further argue for more research to better understand the environmental and economic impacts of increased industrial biomass uses and to link any support for biomaterials closely to the outcome of such research. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
DNA meter: Energy tunable, quantitative hybridization assay
Authors: Braunlin William , Völker Jens , Plum G. Eric , Breslauer Kenneth J.
Published: February 2013

We describe a novel hybridization assay that employs a unique class of energy tunable, bulge loop‐containing competitor strands (C*) that hybridize to a probe strand (P). Such initial "pre‐binding" of a probe strand modulates its effective "availability" for hybridizing to a target site (T). More generally, the assay described here is based on competitive binding equilibria for a common probe strand (P) between such tunable competitor strands (C*) and a target strand (T).

We demonstrate that loop variable, energy tunable families of C*P complexes exhibit enhanced discrimination between targets and mismatched targets, thereby reducing false positives/negatives. We refer to a C*P complex between a C* competitor single strand and the probe strand as a “tuning fork,” since the C* strand exhibits branch points (forks) at the duplex‐bulge interfaces within the complex. By varying the loop to create families of such “tuning forks,” one can construct C*P “energy ladders” capable of resolving small differences within the target that may be of biological/functional consequence. The methodology further allows quantification of target strand concentrations, a determination heretofore not readily available by conventional hybridization assays. The dual ability of this tunable assay to discriminate and quantitate targets provides the basis for developing a technology we refer to as a “DNA Meter.” Here we present data that establish proof‐of‐principle for an in solution version of such a DNA Meter. We envision future applications of this tunable assay that incorporate surface bound/spatially resolved DNA arrays to yield enhanced discrimination and sensitivity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 408–417, 2013.
Cyclic sample pooling using two‐dimensional liquid chromatography system enhances coverage in shotgun proteomics
Authors: Kawashima Yusuke , Satoh Mamoru , Saito Tatsuya , Matsui Takashi , Nomura Fumio , Matsumoto Hiroyuki , Kodera Yoshio
Published: February 2013

We report a cyclic sample pooling technique devised in two‐dimensional liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS) shotgun proteomics that renders deeper proteome coverage; we combined low pH reversed‐phase (RP) LC in trifluoroacetic acid in the first dimension, followed by cyclic sample pooling of the eluate and low‐pH RP‐LC in formic acid in the second dimension. The new protocol has a significantly higher resolving power suitable for LC‐ESI‐MS/MS shotgun proteomics. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of the Interphases Formation Degree in Co3O4/ZnO Catalysts
Authors: Rubio‐Marcos Fernando , Calvino‐Casilda Vanesa , Bañares Miguel A. , Fernandez José F.
Published: February 2013

ZnO supported Co3O4 nanoparticles are highly active in the transformation of renewable materials through carbonylation of glycerol with urea. The activity of the nanoparticles is modulated by their interaction with the ZnO support, which remarkably depends on the impregnation method. One catalyst series was impregnated by conventional impregnation of a ZnO support with an aqueous solution of Co(NO3)2⋅6 (H2O), while the second set was obtained using a novel room‐temperature low‐energy dry nanodispersion method. This work focuses on the characterization and catalytic activity of both series of catalysts and describes the nature of the active sites required for the carbonylation of glycerol with urea. Raman spectroscopy and HRTEM were used to proof the nature of the interphase interaction between ZnO and Co3O4 particles in both catalyst series. Thus, it was verified such interphases are present in the catalysts prepared through the dry mixing method. Co3O4/ZnO system prepared with the dry mixing method at room temperature exhibited a catalytic behavior in the production of glycerol carbonate reaching conversion values up to 69 % in 4 h affording nearly total selectivity. There was a clear correlation between the amount of the phase and the catalytic activity. Therefore, the catalytic activity can be tuned by controlling interphase formation in Co3O4/ZnO catalysts. Upon thermal treatment, both series rearranged into inactive phases such as ZnxCo1−xCo2O4, decreasing the number of free Co3O4 related sites, which decreased the catalytic activity. Therefore, the preparation stage of the Co3O4/ZnO catalysts played an important role in the formation of this phase.
Industrial RuO2‐Based Deacon Catalysts: Carrier Stabilization and Active Phase Content Optimization
Authors: Amrute Amol P. , Mondelli Cecilia , Schmidt Timm , Hauert Roland , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: February 2013

RuO2/SnO2–Al2O3 has been recently reported as an industrial catalyst for Cl2 production through HCl oxidation. The stabilizing role of the alumina binder in the material, essential for its durable performance, is elucidated here. Al2O3 prevents chlorination of the SnO2 carrier under relevant reaction conditions, whereas, in its absence, SnO2 losses exceed 80 wt % in very short times owing to volatilization as SnCl4. Characterization by using X‐ray diffraction, temperature‐programmed reduction with hydrogen, and high‐resolution TEM indicates expansion of the cassiterite cell in the SnO2–Al2O3 composite with respect to pure SnO2, which suggests the insertion of certain Al species upon mechanochemical and thermal activation of the oxide mixture. 27Al magic‐angle spinning NMR and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies reveal that the pentahedrally coordinated Al3+ cations interact with SnO2, generating an electron‐depleted region near the surface of SnO2 particles. This induces some acidic character in cassiterite, which possibly makes it inert toward HCl. Besides this electronic effect, the presence of thin porous amorphous alumina films, partly covering the SnO2 surface, can offer additional geometric protection of the support. Mechanical mixing followed by calcination is essential to attain stabilization, and maximized effects are achieved with a high‐surface area alumina. Other oxides such as SiO2 are ineffective in preventing tin losses during HCl oxidation. The practical implications of these findings are very important. The metal loading (fourfold decrease) and, thus, the cost of the catalyst can be significantly lowered without compromising its long‐term stability.
Kinetic Modeling of Reactive Absorption of Carbon Dioxide in a Spray Dryer
Authors: Kavoshi L. , Hatamipour M. S. , Rahimi A.
Published: February 2013

A semi‐empirical kinetic correlation was obtained through a shrinking core model assumption for reactive absorption of CO2 with NaOH solution by applying response surface method analogy in a laboratory‐scale spray‐dryer absorber. The effect of approach temperature, absorbent concentration, nozzle diameter, and L/G ratio on the kinetic coefficient was studied and the optimum operating conditions to reach the maximum absorption were determined.
Computational Simulation for Transport of Priority Organic Pollutants through Nanoporous Membranes
Authors: Ghadiri M. , Ghasemi Darehnaei M. , Sabbaghian S. , Shirazian S.
Published: February 2013

Modeling and simulation of membrane‐based solvent extraction is conducted by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The process is used for removal of priority organic pollutants from aqueous waste streams in nanoporous membranes. The pollutants include phenol, nitrobenzene, and acrylonitrile extracted by organic solvents. The mathematical model commonly applied to predict the performance of membrane‐based solvent extraction is the conventional resistance‐in‐series model. Here, a comprehensive mathematical model is developed to predict the transport of pollutants through nanoporous media. In order to predict the performance of the separation process, conservation equations for pollutants in the membrane module are derived and solved numerically. The model is then validated through comparing with experimental data reported in the literature. The simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental data for different values of feed flow rates.
Performance Comparison of Different Separation Systems for H2 Recovery from Catalytic Reforming Unit Off‐Gas Streams
Authors: Mivechian A. , Pakizeh M.
Published: February 2013

The performance of pressure swing adsorption (PSA), membrane separation, and gas absorption systems for H2 recovery from refinery off‐gas stream was studied by simulation‐based data. The PSA process was simulated using adsorbents of silica gel and activated carbon for removing heavy and light hydrocarbons. The mole fraction profiles of all components and the relationship between hydrogen purity and recovery as a function of feed pressure were examined. The solution‐diffusion model was applied for modeling and simulation of a one‐stage membrane process. The gas absorption process with a tower tray was simulated at sub‐zero temperature and the correlation between hydrogen purity and recovery as a function of tower pressure and temperature was evaluated at different solvent flow rates.
Optimization of Oxygen Transfer through Membrane Diffusers for Biological Sweetening of Biogas
Authors: Rodriguez G. , Dorado A. D. , Bonsfills A. , Gabriel D. , Gamisans X.
Published: February 2013

Biological techniques for the removal of gaseous pollutants such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) have proved to be effective, environmentally friendly, and economically viable. However, when high concentrations of H2S are treated, the process is severely restricted by the oxygen deficit in the liquid phase. The oxygen transfer efficiency provided by a membrane diffuser is evaluated under typical pressure and salinity conditions used for the biological treatment of H2S in biogas. The optimal operating parameters for enhanced oxygen transfer were determined. The addition of pure oxygen with a membrane diffuser to increase the oxygen transfer rate and the use of a nonaqueous phase to improve oxygen transfer in a bioscrubber system are also evaluated.
D‐optimal minimax fractional factorial designs
Authors: Lin Dennis K. J. , Zhou Julie
Published: February 2013

The D‐optimal minimax criterion is proposed to construct fractional factorial designs. The resulting designs are very efficient, and robust against misspecification of the effects in the linear model. The criterion was first proposed by Wilmut & Zhou (2011); their work is limited to two‐level factorial designs, however. In this paper we extend this criterion to designs with factors having any levels (including mixed levels) and explore several important properties of this criterion. Theoretical results are obtained for construction of fractional factorial designs in general. This minimax criterion is not only scale invariant, but also invariant under level permutations. Moreover, it can be applied to any run size. This is an advantage over some other existing criteria. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 41: 325–340; 2013 © 2013 Statistical Society of Canada
The impact of having a sister diagnosed with breast cancer on cancer‐related distress and breast cancer risk perception
Authors: Metcalfe Kelly A. , Quan May‐Lynn , Eisen Andrea , Cil Tulin , Sun Ping , Narod Steven A.
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND:

A family history of breast cancer has been shown to affect psychosocial functioning. However, the majority of research has focused on the daughters of patients with breast cancer and families with multiple relatives with the disease. The purpose of the current study was to examine cancer‐related distress and breast cancer risk perception, and further examine the predictors of these outcomes, in the sisters of newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer without a previous family history of the disease.

METHODS:

Sisters of newly diagnosed index breast cancer patients were identified and asked to complete a study‐specific questionnaire (demographics and cancer risk perception) and the Impact of Events Scale. Pathological information was abstracted from the medical chart for the index breast cancer patients.

RESULTS:

A total of 205 sisters completed the questionnaires. The mean time between breast cancer diagnosis and the sisters' completion of the questionnaire was 9.8 months. Approximately one‐half of the women scored in the moderate or severe distress range. The most significant predictor of cancer‐related distress was perceived lifetime breast cancer risk (P = .04). Women with a lifetime risk of breast cancer > 20% were more than twice as likely to have moderate or severe distress compared with those with a lifetime risk of < 20%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Cancer‐related distress is high in the sisters of newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer in whom there is no other family history of breast cancer. Specifically, women with a perceived lifetime risk of breast cancer of > 20% experienced the highest levels of distress. Future interventions that target this group should be considered. Cancer 2013. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
The impact of radiation therapy sequencing on survival and cardiopulmonary mortality in the combined modality treatment of patients with esophageal cancer
Authors: Wojcieszynski Andrzej P. , Berman Abigail T. , Wan Fei , Plastaras John P. , Metz James M. , Mitra Nandita , Apisarnthanarax Smith
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND

The addition of chemoradiation (CRT) to surgery has been shown to improve survival in patients with esophageal cancer. In the current study, the authors determined whether the sequencing of CRT has an effect on survival and cardiopulmonary mortality in patients with esophageal cancer.

METHODS

Patients with the following inclusion criteria were identified within 17 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries from 1988 through 2007: adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus and having undergone esophagectomy. Patients who died within 90 days of surgery were excluded. Demographic, tumor, and survival data were compared between patients receiving preoperative and postoperative RT. Cox proportional hazards regression models were calculated to identify parameters associated with cause‐specific survival and overall survival. A competing risk analysis was performed to account for death due to esophageal cancer in the calculation of cardiopulmonary mortality.

RESULTS

Of 5512 patients, 1881 received preoperative RT, 901 received postoperative RT, and 2730 did not receive RT. Patients receiving preoperative RT had improved 5‐year cause‐specific survival (41% vs 31%; P < .0001) and overall survival (33% vs 23%; P < .0001) compared with those receiving postoperative RT. No differences in adjusted cardiopulmonary mortality were found between patients who received RT versus those who did not (8% vs 10% at 10 years; hazards ratio [HR], 0.84 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.64‐1.12] [P = .24]) or between those treated with preoperative RT versus those treated with postoperative RT (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.46‐1.08 [P = .11]).

CONCLUSIONS

These population‐based data support the use of preoperative RT in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer. RT should not be withheld out of concern for cardiopulmonary mortality. Cancer 2013;119:1976–1984. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Antidepressant use and new‐onset diabetes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bhattacharjee Sandipan , Bhattacharya Rituparna , Kelley George A. , Sambamoorthi Usha
Published: February 2013

Antidepressant use has been linked to new‐onset diabetes. However, the existing literature on this relationship has yielded inconsistent findings. The primary objective of this study was to systematically synthesize the literature on the relationship between antidepressant use and new‐onset diabetes using meta‐analysis.

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies in seven electronic databases. Two independent reviewers identified the final list of studies to be included in the meta‐analysis using a priori selection criteria. Results for the primary outcome of interest, that is, odds and hazards of developing new‐onset diabetes, were pooled using a random‐effects model. Egger's regression test and the Trim and Fill method were utilized to detect the presence of any potential publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the leave‐one‐out method as well as individual categories of antidepressant drugs.

Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Random effects models revealed that adults with any use of antidepressants were more likely to develop new‐onset diabetes compared with those without any use of antidepressants [odd ratios = 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08–2.10; hazards ratio = 1.19, 95% CI, 1.08–1.32]. Sensitivity analyses revealed fair robustness; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants were more likely to be associated with the development of new‐onset diabetes. Results from the Egger's regression test and Trim and Fill method revealed no evidence of publication bias.

Among adults, antidepressant use was associated with higher chances of new‐onset diabetes. However, because a cause‐and‐effect relationship cannot be established by observational studies, future randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm this association. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Common mechanisms of dysfunctional adipose tissue and obesity‐related cancers
Authors: Matafome P. , Santos‐Silva D. , Sena C. M. , Seiça R.
Published: February 2013

The relation between cancer and metabolic disorders was recognized several decades ago, but the underlying mechanisms involved in cancer development and progression remain obscure. In the last years, many groups have been studying systemic adipose tissue markers in cancer patients. However, few consistent results were obtained. On the other hand, several studies revealed many aspects of adipose tissue physiology in obesity. Nowadays, it is recognized that excessive lipid uptake in adipocytes leads to hypertrophy and consequently to metabolic dysregulation, hypoxia, inflammation, impaired adipocytokine expression and angiogenesis, insulin resistance and macrophage recruitment. In obese patients, tumours commonly colocalize with excessive adipose tissue accumulation, and most of the features of hypertrophic adipose tissue are observed in cancer patients, namely breast and colon. This review aimed to summarize pathological adipose tissue alterations that may contribute to cancer aetiology and development. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zinc transporter 8 autoantibody (ZnT8A) could help differentiate latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) from phenotypic type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Huang Gan , Xiang Yufei , Pan Lingling , Li Xia , Luo Shuoming , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: February 2013

Background

The ZnT8A is an independent marker for diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. We investigated the distribution and clinical features of ZnT8A positive latent autoimmune diabetes in adult (LADA) patients to explore the potential diagnostic application.

Methods

A total of 3062 phenotypic T2DM patients were randomly selected from a national multicenter study – the LADA China Study. Radioligand binding assays were applied to detect the presence of ZnT8A, GADA and IA‐2A. HbA1c, fasting C‐peptide and serum lipid levels were followed up with ZnT8A positive patients.

Results

The positive prevalence of ZnT8A, GADA and IA‐2A in phenotypic T2DM patients was 1.99%(61/3062), 6.43% (197/3062) and 1.96% (60/3062), respectively. The ZnT8A positivity was lower than that of GADA(x2 = 74.8, p < 0.001) but was comparable with that of IA‐2A(p > 0.05). The positivity of ZnT8A in IA‐2A positive patients was higher than that in GADA positive patients(38.3% vs. 10.7%, x2 = 24.8, p < 0.001). On the basis of GADA and IA‐2A positivity, the ZnT8A assay enhanced the diagnostic prevalence of LADA from 7.58 to 8.62%. The LADA patients who were positive for ZnT8A had higher systolic blood pressure when compared with GADA positive cases(p = 0.049) and higher total cholesterol levels when compared with antibody‐negative T2DM patients(p = 0.035).

Conclusion

The detection of ZnT8A at the basis of GADA and IA‐2A can improve diagnostic sensitivity of Chinese LADA. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Both autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell and peripheral blood progenitor cell therapies similarly improve ischaemia in patients with diabetic foot in comparison with control treatment
Authors: Dubsky M. , Jirkovska A. , Bem R. , Fejfarova V. , Pagacova L. , Sixta B. , Varga M. , Langkramer S. , Sykova E. , Jude E. B.
Published: February 2013

Background

The aim of our study was to compare the effect of bone marrow mononuclear cell and peripheral blood progenitor cell therapies in patients with diabetic foot disease and critical limb ischaemia unresponsive to revascularization with conservative therapy.

Methods

Twenty‐eight patients with diabetic foot disease (17 treated by bone marrow cells and 11 by peripheral blood cell) were included into an active group and 22 patients into a control group without cell treatment. Transcutaneous oxygen pressure and rate of major amputation, as the main outcome measures, were compared between bone marrow cells, peripheral blood cell and control groups over 6 months; both cell therapy methods were also compared by the characteristics of cell suspensions. Possible adverse events were evaluated by changes of serum levels of angiogenic cytokines and retinal fundoscopic examination.

Results

The transcutaneous oxygen pressure increased significantly (p < 0.05) compared with baseline in both active groups after 6 months, with no significant differences between bone marrow cells and peripheral blood cell groups; however, no change of transcutaneous oxygen pressure in the control group was observed. The rate of major amputation by 6 months was significantly lower in the active cell therapy group compared with that in the control group (11.1% vs. 50%, p = 0.0032), with no difference between bone marrow cells and peripheral blood cell. A number of injected CD34+ cells and serum levels of angiogenic cytokines after treatment did not significantly differ between bone marrow cells and peripheral blood cell.

Conclusions

Our study showed a superior benefit of bone marrow cells and peripheral blood cell treatments of critical limb ischaemia in patients with diabetic foot disease when compared with conservative therapy. There was no difference between both cell therapy groups, and no patient demonstrated signs of systemic vasculogenesis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unexpected One‐Electron Oxidation of a Secondary Phosphite Selenide Cp(CO)2FeP(Se)(OiPr)2 by GaCl3 and InCl3 – Rare Examples of Di‐ and Triselenide Formation
Authors: Kuimov Vladimir A. , Liao Ping‐Kuei , Chiou Ling‐Song , You Hong‐Chih , Fang Ching‐Shiang , Liu C. W.
Published: February 2013

The reactions of the neutral phosphonoselenoate [Cp(CO)2FeP(Se)(OiPr)2] (1) with Lewis acids (GaCl3, InCl3) produce dicationic complexes [{Cp(CO)2FeP(OiPr)2}2Sen][GaCl4]2, [n = 2 (2), 3 (3)] and [{Cp(CO)2FeP(OiPr)2}2Sen][InCl4]2 [n = 2 (4), 3 (5)] in good yields; the complexes comprise an Se3 (or Se2) chain that bridges two FpP(OiPr)2 groups [Fp = Cp(CO)2Fe]. These compounds are the one‐electron oxidation products of secondary phosphite selenide 1 by group 13 (Ga, In) trichlorides. On the other hand, the reaction of GaCl3 with (iPrO)2PSe2– (dsep) yields only the Lewis adduct tris(O,O‐diisopropyldiselenophosphate)gallium (6). The 31P NMR spectrum of 6 at 183 K reveals that the gallium(III) center is surrounded by one chelating and two pendant dsep ligands, which is in line with the obtained X‐ray structure. In addition, the two‐electron oxidation of 1 leads to phosphite [Cp(CO)2FeP(O)(OiPr)2] formation.
Cage Metal Complexes: Synthesis, X‐ray Structure, and Spectral and Redox Behavior of the First Hybrid Iron(II) Clathrochelatoscorpionate and Its Pyrazoloxime‐Armed Macrocyclic Intermediate
Authors: Varzatskii Oleg A. , Kats (Menkach) Svitlana V. , Penkova Larysa V. , Volkov Sergey V. , Dolganov Alexander V. , Vologzhanina Anna V. , Bubnov Yurii N. , Voloshin Yan Z.
Published: February 2013

Cycloaddition of a new pyrazoloxime to macrocyclic iron(II) bis(α‐benzyldioximate) unexpectedly gave a mixture of the first hybrid clathrochelatoscorpionate and its pyrazoloxime‐armed macrocyclic intermediate, which were characterized by X‐ray crystallography, spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry.
Synthesis of Isoxazoline Derivatives through Boulton–Katritzky Rearrangement of 1,2,4‐Oxadiazoles
Authors: Palumbo Piccionello Antonio , Guarcello Annalisa , Pace Andrea , Buscemi Silvestre
Published: February 2013

The base‐induced rearrangement of 1,2,4‐oxadiazoles into isoxazoline derivatives is reported. This represents the first example of a three‐atom side‐chain rearrangement that involves a saturated CCO side chain at C‐3 of the oxadiazole. Nonaromatic 3‐amino‐isoxazoline derivatives are obtained in good yields. Interestingly, this reaction occurs through the rearrangement of aromatic oxadiazoles to form less stable bonds than those that are broken.
On simulations investigating droplet diameter–charge distributions in electrostatically atomized dielectric liquid sprays
Authors: Amine‐Eddine G. H. , Shrimpton J. S.
Published: February 2013

A general procedure has been developed for the simulation of charged liquid and electrostatically atomized sprays. The procedure follows a Lagrangian approach for simulation of spray droplets and a Eulerian approach for gas‐phase variables, including the electric field generated by the charge presence on droplets. Validation of the procedure was examined through simulations of previously published charged spray experiments. Results showed that for the specification of initial droplet charge, modelling the droplet charge–diameter relationship through a scaling law is as reliable a method as using a directly obtained charge–diameter relationship from experimental measurements. The normalized root‐mean‐square errors for sprays using the two methods were shown to be within 12% of one another, for the prediction of spatially averaged profiles of mean droplet diameters, mean axial velocities and mean radial droplet velocities. Results showed that the general spatial characteristics and dynamics of a charged liquid spray can successfully be reproduced, including the axial and radial dispersal pattern of droplets and the distribution of mean droplet diameters throughout the spray plume. For all sprays with droplet charges defined through a scaling law relationship, the normalized root‐mean‐square errors range from 9.0% to 31.6% for mean droplet diameters, 10.4% to 67.9% for mean axial droplet velocities and 16.8% to 38.6% for mean radial droplet velocities. Lastly, we present a brief set of general recommendations for simulating electrostatically atomized dielectric liquid sprays.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hafnium isotope fractionation during continental weathering: Implications for the generation of the seawater Nd‐Hf isotope relationships
Authors: Chen Tian‐Yu , Li Gaojun , Frank Martin , Ling Hong‐Fei
Published: February 2013

To investigate the mechanisms of the offset of seawater radiogenic Nd‐Hf isotope compositions from those of the upper continental crust rocks, combined Nd‐Hf isotope compositions of desert and loess samples from northern China (which integrate a wide range of lithologies and ages of continental rocks) are presented in this study. The results show significant and systematic fractionation of Hf isotopes between fine‐grained detritals/leachates (<5 µm) and coarser fractions (<75 µm) of the same samples. A small but systematic difference of Nd isotope compositions between leachates and detrital silicates is also revealed. Overall, the leaching data either plot along or slightly above the Nd‐Hf seawater array, providing strong direct support that the seawater Nd‐Hf isotope relationship is predominantly generated by weathering of upper continental crust. Our study supports the application of dissolved Hf isotopes as a proxy for different modes of weathering regimes rather than for continental source provenances.
A CONSISTENT DECOMPOSITION OF THE REDISTRIBUTIVE, VERTICAL, AND HORIZONTAL EFFECTS OF HEALTH CARE FINANCE BY FACTOR COMPONENTS
Authors: Hierro Luis A. , Gómez‐Álvarez Rosario , Atienza Pedro
Published: February 2013

In studies on the redistributive, vertical, and horizontal effects of health care financing, the sum of the contributions calculated for each financial instrument does not equal the total effects. As a consequence, the final calculations tend to be overestimated or underestimated. The solution proposed here involves the adaptation of the Shapley value to achieve additive results for all the effects and reveals the relative contributions of different instruments to the change of whole‐system equity. An understanding of this change would help policy makers attain equitable health care financing. We test the method with the public finance and private payments of health care systems in Denmark and the Netherlands. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of procoagulant microparticles in mediating complications and outcome of acute liver injury/acute liver failure
Authors: Stravitz Todd R. , Bowling Regina , Bradford Robert L. , Key Nigel S. , Glover Sam , Thacker Leroy R. , Gabriel Don A.
Published: February 2013

Microparticles (MPs), membrane fragments of 0.1-1.0 μm, are derived from many cell types in response to systemic inflammation. Acute liver failure (ALF) is a prototypical syndrome of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) associated with a procoagulant state. We hypothesized that patients with ALF develop increased procoagulant MPs in proportion to the severity of systemic complications and adverse outcome. Fifty patients with acute liver injury (ALI), 78% of whom also had hepatic encephalopathy (HE; ALF), were followed until day 21 after admission. MPs were characterized by Invitrox Sizing, Antigen Detection and Enumeration, a light-scattering technology that can enumerate MPs as small as 0.15 μm, and by flow cytometry. Procoagulant activity was assessed by a functional MP-tissue factor (MP-TF) assay. Sixteen patients (32%) died and 27 (54%) recovered without liver transplantation (LT). Total MPs (0.15-1.0 μm) were present in nearly 19-fold higher concentrations in ALI/ALF patients, compared to healthy controls (P < 0.0001). MP-TF assays revealed high procoagulant activity (9.05 ± 8.82 versus 0.24 ± 0.14 pg/mL in controls; P = 0.0008). MP concentrations (0.28-0.64 μm) were higher in patients with the SIRS and high-grade HE, and MPs in the 0.36-0.64-μm size range increased in direct proportion to SIRS severity (P < 0.001) and grade of HE (P < 0.002). Day 1 MPs (0.28-0.64 μm) correlated with laboratory predictors of death/LT (higher phosphate and creatinine; lower bicarbonate), and day 1 and 3 MPs were higher in patients who died or underwent LT, compared to spontaneous survivors (P ≤ 0.01). By flow cytometry, 87% of patients had circulating CD41+ MPs, indicating platelet origin. Conclusion: Highly procoagulant MPs of specific size ranges are associated with the SIRS, systemic complications, and adverse outcome of ALI/ALF. MPs may contribute to the multiorgan system failure and high mortality of ALF. (HEPATOLOGY 2013;)
Notching up on the cellular origins of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Sirica Alphonse E. , Groszmann Roberto J. , Iwakiri Yasuko , Taddei Tamar H.
Published: February 2013

Abstract 1

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ICCs) are primary liver tumors with a poor prognosis. The development of effective therapies has been hampered by a limited understanding of the biology of ICCs. Although ICCs exhibit heterogeneity in location, histology, and marker expression, they are currently thought to derive invariably from the cells lining the bile ducts, biliary epithelial cells (BECs), or liver progenitor cells (LPCs). Despite lack of experimental evidence establishing BECs or LPCs as the origin of ICCs, other liver cell types have not been considered. Here we show that ICCs can originate from fully differentiated hepatocytes. Using a mouse model of hepatocyte fate tracing, we found that activated NOTCH and AKT signaling cooperate to convert normal hepatocytes into biliary cells that act as precursors of rapidly progressing, lethal ICCs. Our findings suggest a previously overlooked mechanism of human ICC formation that may be targetable for anti-ICC therapy.

Abstract 2

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primary malignancy in the liver. ICC has been classified as a malignant tumor arising from cholangiocytes; however, the co-occurrence of ICC and viral hepatitis suggests that ICC originates in hepatocytes. In order to determine the cellular origin of ICC, we used a mouse model of ICC in which hepatocytes and cholangiocytes were labeled with heritable, cell type–specific reporters. Our studies reveal that ICC is generated by biliary lineage cells derived from hepatocytes, rather than cholangiocytes. Additionally, we found that Notch activation is critical for hepatocyte conversion into biliary lineage cells during the onset of ICC and its subsequent malignancy and progression. These findings will help to elucidate the pathogenic mechanism of ICC and to develop therapeutic strategies for this refractory disease.
Breast cancer‐derived transforming growth factor‐β and tumor necrosis factor‐α compromise interferon‐α production by tumor‐associated plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Sisirak Vanja , Vey Nelly , Goutagny Nadège , Renaudineau Sarah , Malfroy Marine , Thys Sandra , Treilleux Isabelle , Labidi‐Galy Sana Intidhar , Bachelot Thomas , Dezutter‐Dambuyant Colette , Ménétrier‐Caux Christine , Blay Jean‐Yves , Caux Christophe , Bendriss‐Vermare Nathalie
Published: February 2013

We previously reported that plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) infiltrating breast tumors are impaired for their interferon‐α (IFN‐α) production, resulting in local regulatory T cells amplification. We designed our study to decipher molecular mechanisms of such functional defect of tumor‐associated pDC (TApDC) in breast cancer. We demonstrate that besides IFN‐α, the production by Toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐activated healthy pDC of IFN‐β and TNF‐α but not IP‐10/CXCL10 nor MIP1‐α/CCL3 is impaired by the breast tumor environment. Importantly, we identified TGF‐β and TNF‐α as major soluble factors involved in TApDC functional alteration. Indeed, recombinant TGF‐β1 and TNF‐α synergistically blocked IFN‐α production of TLR‐activated pDC, and neutralization of TGF‐β and TNF‐α in tumor‐derived supernatants restored pDCs' IFN‐α production. The involvment of tumor‐derived TGF‐β was further confirmed in situ by the detection of phosphorylated Smad2 in the nuclei of TApDC in breast tumor tissues. Mechanisms of type I IFN inhibition did not involve TLR downregulation but the inhibition of IRF‐7 expression and nuclear translocation in pDC after their exposure to tumor‐derived supernatants or recombinant TGF‐β1 and TNF‐α. Our findings indicate that targeting TApDC to restore their IFN‐α production might be an achievable strategy to induce antitumor immunity in breast cancer by combining TLR7/9‐based immunotherapy with TGF‐β and TNF‐α antagonists.
Determining the profiles and parameters for gene amplification testing of growth factor receptors in lung cancer
Authors: Pros Eva , Lantuejoul Sylvie , Sanchez‐Verde Lydia , Castillo Sandra D , Bonastre Ester , Suarez‐Gauthier Ana , Conde Esther , Cigudosa Juan C , Lopez‐Rios Fernando , Torres‐Lanzas Juan , Castellví Josep , Cajal Santiago Ramon y , Brambilla Elisabeth , Sanchez‐Cespedes Montse
Published: February 2013

Growth factor receptors (GFRs) are amenable to therapeutic intervention in cancer and it is important to select patients appropriately. One of the mechanisms for activation of GFRs is gene amplification (GA) but discrepancies arising from the difficulties associated with data interpretation and the lack of agreed parameters confound the comparison of results from different laboratories. Here, we attempt to establish appropriate conditions for standardization of the determination of GA in a panel of GFRs. A NSCLC tissue microarray panel containing 302 samples was screened for alterations at ALK, FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, ERBB2, IGF1R, KIT, MET and PDGFRA by FISH, immunostaining and/or real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR. Strong amplification was found for FGFR1, ERBB2, KIT/PDFGRA and MET, with frequencies ranging from 1 to 6%. Thresholds for overexpression and GA were established. Strong immunostaining was found in most tumors with ERBB2, MET and KIT amplification, although some tumors underwent strong immunostaining in the absence of GA. KIT and PDFGRA were always coamplified, but only one tumor showed PDGFRA overexpression, indicating that KIT is the main target. Amplification of FGFR1 predominated in squamous cell carcinomas, although the association with overexpression was inconclusive. Interestingly, alterations at ALK, MET, EGFR, ERBB2 and KRAS correlated with augmented levels of phospho‐S6 protein, suggesting activation of the mTOR pathway, which may prove useful to pre‐select tumors for testing. Overall, here, we provide with parameters for the determination of GA at ERBB2, MET, KIT and PDGFRA which could be implemented in the clinic to stratify lung cancer patients for specific treatments.
MiR‐137 functions as a tumor suppressor in neuroblastoma by downregulating KDM1A
Authors: Althoff Kristina , Beckers Anneleen , Odersky Andrea , Mestdagh Pieter , Köster Johannes , Bray Isabella M. , Bryan Kenneth , Vandesompele Jo , Speleman Frank , Stallings Raymond L. , Schramm Alexander , Eggert Angelika , Sprüssel Annika , Schulte Johannes H.
Published: February 2013

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood, and accounts for ∼15% of all childhood cancer deaths. The histone demethylase, lysine‐specific demethylase 1 (KDM1A, previously known as LSD1), is strongly expressed in neuroblastomas, and overexpression correlates with poor patient prognosis. Inducing differentiation in neuroblastoma cells has previously been shown to down regulate KDM1A, and siRNA‐mediated KDM1A knockdown inhibited neuroblastoma cell viability. The microRNA, miR‐137, has been reported to be downregulated in several human cancers, and KDM1A mRNA was reported as a putative target of miR‐137 in colon cancer. We hypothesized that miR‐137 might have a tumor‐suppressive role in neuroblastoma mediated via downregulation of KDM1A. Indeed, low levels of miR‐137 expression in primary neuroblastomas correlated with poor patient prognosis. Re‐expressing miR‐137 in neuroblastoma cell lines increased apoptosis and decreased cell viability and proliferation. KDM1A mRNA was repressed by miR‐137 in neuroblastoma cells, and was validated as a direct target of miR‐137 using reporter assays in SHEP and HEK293 cells. Furthermore, siRNA‐mediated KDM1A knockdown phenocopied the miR‐137 re‐expression phenotype in neuroblastoma cells. We conclude that miR‐137 directly targets KDM1A mRNA in neuroblastoma cells, and activates cell properties consistent with tumor suppression. Therapeutic strategies to re‐express miR‐137 in neuroblastomas could be useful to reduce tumor aggressiveness.
Tuning Gas‐Diffusion through Dynameric Membranes: Toward Rubbery Organic Frameworks (ROFs)
Authors: Nasr Gihane , Gilles Arnauld , Macron Thomas , Charmette Christophe , Sanchez Jose , Barboiu Mihail
Published: February 2013

Obtaining high permeability whilst keeping a reasonable selectivity is the most important challenge in the development of membrane systems for gas separation. Satisfactory performance is usually obtained with polymeric membranes through which gas transport is controlled by gas‐diffusivity in glassy polymers and by gas‐solubility in rubbery polymers. During the last decade, important advances in this field have been made possible by molecular control of gas separation properties. The combination or replacement of classical glassy polymers with metal‐organic crystalline frameworks (crystalline MOFs), such as zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) or other zeolites, provides reasonable permeability through the porous networks formed, and high selectivity, due to so‐called ‘selectivity centers’, which interact specifically with the gas molecules. Despite impressive progress, difficulties in obtaining homogeneous, mechanically stable, thin layer MOFs on various supports have been encountered. Given the observed high permeabilities of rubbery polymers and their flexible casting properties, it should be very interesting to build rubbery organic frameworks (ROFs), as alternative materials for gas membrane separation systems. Here we use low macromolecular constituents and dialdehyde core connectors, in order to constitutionally generate ROFs. Distinct from rubbery polymeric membranes, the performance of the ROFs depends univocally on diffusional behaviors of gas molecules through the network. For all gases, a precise molecular composition of linear and star‐type macromonomers generates an optimal free volume for a maximal diffusion through the matrix. These results should initiate new interdisciplinary discussions about highly competitive systems for gas separation, which are constitutionally controlled on a molecular scale.
Confocal scanning laser microscopy with complementary 3D image analysis allows quantitative studies of functional state of ionoregulatory cells in the nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) following salinity challenge
Authors: Fridman Sophie , Rana Krishen J. , Bron James E.
Published: February 2013

The development of a novel three‐dimensional image analysis technique of stacks generated by confocal laser scanning microscopy is described allowing visualization of mitochondria‐rich cells (MRCs) in the seawater‐adapted Nile tilapia in relation to their spatial location. This method permits the assessment and classification of both active and nonactive MRCs based on the distance of the top of the immunopositive cell from the epithelial surface. In addition, this technique offers the potential for informative and quantitative studies, for example, densitometric and morphometric measurements based on MRC functional state. Confocal scanning laser microscopy used with triple staining whole‐mount immunohistochemistry was used to detect integumental MRCs in the yolk‐sac larvae tail of the Nile tilapia following transfer from freshwater to elevated salinities, that is, 12.5 and 20 ppt. Mean active MRC volume was always significantly larger and displayed a greater staining intensity (GLM; P<0.05) than nonactive MRCs. Following transfer, the percentage of active MRCs was seen to increase as did MRC volume (GLM; P<0.05). Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:412–418, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An effective device design for thermal management of multifinger InGaP/GaAs collector‐up HBTs
Authors: Tseng H. C. , Chen J. Y. , Chou J. H.
Published: February 2013

An effective device structure for thermal management of multifinger InGaP/GaAs collector‐up heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs), compelling active components in high‐efficiency handset power amplifiers, is presented for the first time. From the unique 3‐D thickness‐adjusting numerical analysis, based on a finite element model, the miniaturized device can lead to a greater than 40% reduction in the thickness of plated gold layer. Above all, this is quite different from previous attempts, in which the thermal resistance was reduced by increasing the thickness of plated gold layer. Compared with literature works, the thermally stable design with an innovative heat‐spread configuration shows a 50% reduction in thermal resistance and demonstrates favorable power performance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dispersive TLM Z‐transform model of left‐handed metamaterials
Authors: Asenov Tatjana , Dončov Nebojša , Milovanović Bratislav , Paul John
Published: February 2013

In this paper, a numerical model of electromagnetic left‐handed metamaterials is proposed. The dispersive properties of these materials are accounted for in the time domain by using the transmission‐line matrix method based on Z‐transforms. The close agreements obtained between the analytic and numerical results verify the validity, accuracy and stability of the approach. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Albusin B, mass‐produced by the Saccharomyces cerevisiae suppression system, enhances lipid utilisation and antioxidant capacity in mice
Authors: Hsieh Ya‐Hui , Wang Han‐Tsung , Hsu Jih‐Tay , Chen Ching‐Yi
Published: February 2013

Background

Albusin B (bacteriocin), isolated from Ruminococcus albus 7 and mass‐produced by the Saccharomyces cerevisiae expression system, has previously been shown to have a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism in broiler chickens. The present study was focused on the effect of albusin B on lipid metabolism in mice and the potential of albusin B‐expressing yeast product (albusin B) as a food supplement. Forty‐five BALB/c male mice at 6 weeks of age were each orally administered normal saline (control), yeast (0.125 mg kg−1) or albusin B (0.125 mg kg−1) for 14 days and then euthanised.

Results

Compared with the control group, albusin B‐fed mice exhibited decreased body weight and plasma levels of triglycerides and free fatty acids but increased plasma high‐density lipoprotein. Albusin B‐fed mice showed higher mRNA expression of fatty acid oxidation in the ileum, heart and liver than control mice. Compared with the control treatment, both yeast and albusin B treatments caused a decrease in mRNA expression of fatty acid synthesis in the heart and liver. Moreover, albusin B suppressed mRNA levels of lipogenesis in the ileum and liver. Albusin B‐fed mice exhibited more favourable adenosine triphosphate production and antioxidant capacity in the heart and liver. Albusin B treatment led to a significantly lower respiratory quotient than that of the control, whereas yeast treatment did not.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated a beneficial effect of albusin B on lipid utilisation and anti‐atherosclerotic and antioxidant capacities in mice. However, more comprehensive studies are required to elucidate the exact mechanism behind the effect of albusin B. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry