bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of delivery of chemoimmunotherapy to patients with follicular lymphoma in the United States: Results of the National LymphoCare Study
Authors: Martin Peter , Byrtek Michelle , Dawson Keith , Ziemiecki Ryan , Friedberg Jonathan W. , Cerhan James R. , Flowers Christopher R. , Link Brian K.
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND

Drug choice and delivered dose of treatment potentially influence outcome in patients treated for follicular lymphoma (FL). Historically, observational studies have evaluated drug choice. The National LymphoCare Study (NLCS) is a prospective, observational study of patients with FL who were enrolled at academic and community practice sites in the United States between 2004 and 2007. In the current study, the authors report on measures of delivered dose and its impact on outcomes for the most common first‐line regimens.

METHODS

All evaluable patients with FL who were treated with initial rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R‐CHOP); rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (R‐CVP); or rituximab plus a fludarabine‐containing regimen (R‐Flu) were included. Associations between baseline factors, choice of treatment, number of cycles received, completion of therapy, and patient outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 646 patients received R‐CHOP, 297 received R‐CVP, and 222 received R‐Flu. Characteristics were similar between the 3 groups with the following exceptions. Patients receiving R‐CHOP were more often found to have grade 3 FL and patients receiving R‐CVP were older and had higher Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index scores. The majority of patients (80%) received ≥ 5 cycles of treatment. Toxicity, but not disease progression, was commonly cited as the reason for the early discontinuation of treatment (51% vs 6%). Time to retreatment was shorter for patients receiving ≤ 4 cycles, regardless of the treatment regimen used. The number of cycles was associated with overall survival, progression‐free survival, and lymphoma‐related mortality for patients receiving R‐CVP.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients with FL receiving chemoimmunotherapy in the NLCS completed ≥ 5 cycles of treatment. Strategies to improve dose delivery appear unlikely to impact outcomes, except possibly in patients receiving R‐CVP. Although early treatment discontinuation appears to be associated with survival, this analysis does not implicate causality. Cancer 2013;119:4129–4136. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Rosette patterns – a common description for both crystalline and quasicrystalline structures
Authors: Ruhnow M.
Published: September 2013

Crystalline structures are generally considered to be the normal case and quasicrystals a rare peculiarity. An attempt has been made to find a generalized view for both of these long range ordered atomic arrangements. It has been shown that they can be understood in terms of an angle‐periodic rosette pattern. The three‐dimensional wall paper design patterns, normally used to describe crystalline structures, are a large subgroup of this rosette pattern supergroup, which have the additional characteristics of translational periodicity. The topic is dealt with from a combined crystallographic and solid state physics point of view. The covalent bonding in the quasicrystals is an important prerequisite for their appearance.
The new JEOL JEM‐ARM200CF at the University of Illinois at Chicago
Authors: Klie R. F. , Gulec A. , Guo Z. , Paulauskas T. , Qiao Q. , Tao R. , Wang C. , Low K. B. , Nicholls A. W. , Phillips P. J.
Published: September 2013

A multitude of characterization techniques that can be applied across a wide range of length scales and to a variety of materials are available on modern scanning transmission electron microscopes (STEM). In 2011, such an instrument was installed at the University of Illinois at Chicago: the aberration‐corrected cold‐field emission JEOL JEM‐ARM200CF, capable of atomic‐resolution imaging and spectroscopy in a temperature range between 80–1300 K. This paper will review a number of studies focusing on both structural and chemical characterization of materials including NbH, SrTiO3, Pt catalysts and AlxGa1–xN nanowires. Microscope versatility, a central theme of this work, is realized through the ability to perform fine‐scale chemical characterization while retaining high spatial resolution. Of particular interest to many studies is the visualization of light elements, such as N, O or H, using simultaneous high‐angle annular dark‐field (HAADF) and annular bright‐field (ABF) imaging.
Phased arrays in communication system based on Taguchi‐neural networks
Authors: Smida A. , Ghayoula R. , Nemri N. , Trabelsi H. , Gharsallah A. , Grenier D.
Published: September 2013

Phased antenna array design is one of the most important electromagnetic optimization problems. This research combined the Taguchi method and artificial intelligence methods, used them as the prediction tool in designing parameters for the communication system, and then constructed a set of the optimal parameter analysis flow and steps. In this paper, we present an application of artificial neural networks in the electromagnetic domain. We particularly look at the multilayer perceptron network, which has been the most used of artificial neural networks architectures both in the electromagnetic domain and in the Taguchi optimization technique and describes the Taguchi method to optimize the excitations elements of the linear array to produce a radiation pattern with minimum side lobe level and null placement control. This paper investigates how the implementation of the signal processing in hardware affects the performance of the adaptive array antenna. The investigation is confined to uplink or receive antenna array only. Results of a prototype of antenna array with feeding values designed using the proposed techniques are also presented. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bemessung von Mauerwerk nach EC 6 – einfach und praxisnah
Authors: Graubner Carl‐Alexander , Schmitt Michael , Förster Valentin
Published: September 2013

Die zeitnah vorgesehene bauaufsichtliche Einführung der neuen europäischen Normengeneration DIN EN 1996 (Eurocode 6) stellt Planer und Bauausführende im Mauerwerksbau vor neue Herausforderungen, bietet aber auch vielfältige Chancen. Gegenüber der bisher gültigen DIN 1053‐1 müssen sich alle Beteiligten auf einige wenige, aber grundlegende Neuerungen im Sicherheitskonzept sowie in der Nachweisführung einstellen und diesbezügliche Erfahrungen sammeln. Nach kurzer Einarbeitung zeigt sich jedoch die Vorteilhaftigkeit der neuen Regelungen für einen einfachen und effizienten Nachweis von unbewehrten Mauerwerksbauteilen. Hinsichtlich der Bemessung von Mauerwerk sind größere Unterschiede in der Regelungsdichte sowie der Nachweisdetaillierung zwischen den einzelnen europäischen Staaten festzustellen, sodass bei der Erarbeitung der europäischen Vorschrift EN 1996 (EC 6) gewisse Kompromisse unvermeidlich waren. Der deutsche Nationale Anhang bot jedoch die Möglichkeit zur Ergänzung bzw. Zuschärfung des Normentextes, sodass das bisher in Deutschland übliche Anforderungsniveau weitestgehend erhalten werden konnte. Gleichzeitig ist es gelungen, die für übliche Bauwerke erforderlichen Nachweise deutlich zu vereinfachen und zu reduzieren. In diesem Beitrag werden die Neuerungen anhand von Diagrammen erläutert und die Nachweisführung in Form von Tabellen aufbereitet, um eine einfache und praxisnahe Anwendung von DIN EN 1996/NA zu ermöglichen.

Design of unreinforced Masonry Structures according to EC 6 – simple and practical. Concerning masonry structures the upcoming introduction of the new European standards DIN EN 1996 (Eurocode 6) with national annexes is a major challenge for civil engineers and building contractors but also implies great opportunities. In comparison with the current DIN 1053‐1 civil engineers and building contractors have to get used to a few but essential improvements as well as to gather experience with the new regulations. But after a short familiarization the practical engineers will realize the advantages of the new codes for a simple and efficient calculation. Especially in design and execution of masonry structures significant differences exist between the European countries and compromises for the harmonization had to be found. The German National Annex provides the possibility for amendments to keep the current performance level as far as possible and to ease the design for common unreinforced constructions. With this article the most important innovations are pointed out using diagrams, charts and tables in order to allow an easy and practical application of DIN EN 1996/NA.
Complexation Enhanced Excited‐State Deactivation by Lithium Ion Coordination to a Borondipyrromethene (Bodipy) Donor–Bridge–Acceptor Dyad
Authors: Benniston Andrew C. , Yang Songjie , Lemmetyinen Helge , Tkachenko Nikolai V.
Published: September 2013

A donor–acceptor dyad was prepared comprised of a borondipyrromethene (Bodipy) chromophore as the acceptor and a dimethylamino moiety as the donor. The two groups are separated by a 2,2′‐biphenol moiety. The excited state of the Bodipy is efficiently quenched by electron transfer involving donation from the dimethyl amino group. The rate constant for forward electron transfer in DMF was measured to be ca. 2 × 1010 s–1. The charge recombination process is ultrafast. Titration of aliquots of LiClO4 to a DMF solution of the dyad resulted in alterations to the absorption spectrum associated with the 2,2′‐biphenol unit. Changes were modelled as Li+ ions bound to the oxygen atoms of the 2,2′‐biphenol to produce 1:1 (Li+/ligand) and 2:1 (Li+/ligand) complexes. The rate constant for excited state quenching is enhanced upon lithium ion binding.
Review of Attentional Bias Modification: A Brain‐directed Treatment for Eating Disorders
Authors: Renwick Beth , Campbell Iain C. , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: September 2013

Objective

Psychological treatments for eating disorders (ED) rely on mastery of effortful attentional control to divert attention from anxiety provoking thoughts. This paper assesses the potential suitability of attentional bias modification treatment (ABMT) for EDs as a way to target early automatic attentional processes and implicitly retune threat perception that happens outside of conscious control.

Method

We review data on anxiety in EDs, the neurobiological and behavioural relationship between anxiety disorders and EDs, attentional biases (AB) in EDs and the use of ABMT.

Results

Co‐morbidities between EDs and anxiety disorders are common and negatively affect illness outcome. EDs and anxiety disorders share many underlying elements, including AB towards threatening and disorder‐relevant stimuli. AB has been modified across a range of anxiety disorders using ABMT. It is possible to modify AB in EDs.

Conclusion

There is evidence to suggest that ABMT has potential as a targeted, rapid and convenient treatment option for EDs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Hippocampal shape is predictive for the development of dementia in a normal, elderly population
Authors: Achterberg Hakim C. , van der Lijn Fedde , den Heijer Tom , Vernooij Meike W. , Ikram M. Arfan , Niessen Wiro J. , de Bruijne Marleen
Published: September 2013

Previous studies have shown that hippocampal volume is an early marker for dementia. We investigated whether hippocampal shape characteristics extracted from MRI scans are predictive for the development of dementia during follow up in subjects who were nondemented at baseline. Furthermore, we assessed whether hippocampal shape provides additional predictive value independent of hippocampal volume. Five hundred eleven brain MRI scans from elderly nondemented participants of a prospective population‐based imaging study were used. During the 10‐year follow‐up period, 52 of these subjects developed dementia. For training and evaluation independent of age and gender, a subset of 50 cases and 150 matched controls was selected. The hippocampus was segmented using an automated method. From the segmentation, the volume was determined and a statistical shape model was constructed. We trained a classifier to distinguish between subjects who developed dementia and subjects who stayed cognitively healthy. For all subjects the a posteriori probability to develop dementia was estimated using the classifier in a cross‐validation experiment. The area under the ROC curve for volume, shape, and the combination of both were, respectively, 0.724, 0.743, and 0.766. A logistic regression model showed that adding shape to a model using volume corrected for age and gender increased the global model‐fit significantly (P= 0.0063). We conclude that hippocampal shape derived from MRI scans is predictive for dementia before clinical symptoms arise, independent of age and gender. Furthermore, the results suggest that hippocampal shape provides additional predictive value over hippocampal volume and that combining shape and volume leads to better prediction.Hum Brain Mapp 35:2359–2371, 2014. ©2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
White matter microstructure correlates of mathematical giftedness and intelligence quotient
Authors: Navas‐Sánchez Francisco J. , Alemán‐Gómez Yasser , Sánchez‐Gonzalez Javier , Guzmán‐De‐Villoria Juan A. , Franco Carolina , Robles Olalla , Arango Celso , Desco Manuel
Published: September 2013

Recent functional neuroimaging studies have shown differences in brain activation between mathematically gifted adolescents and controls. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between mathematical giftedness, intelligent quotient (IQ), and the microstructure of white matter tracts in a sample composed of math‐gifted adolescents and aged‐matched controls. Math‐gifted subjects were selected through a national program based on detecting enhanced visuospatial abilities and creative thinking. We used diffusion tensor imaging to assess white matter microstructure in neuroanatomical connectivity. The processing included voxel‐wise and region of interest‐based analyses of the fractional anisotropy (FA), a parameter which is purportedly related to white matter microstructure. In a whole‐sample analysis, IQ showed a significant positive correlation with FA, mainly in the corpus callosum, supporting the idea that efficient information transfer between hemispheres is crucial for higher intellectual capabilities. In addition, math‐gifted adolescents showed increased FA (adjusted for IQ) in white matter tracts connecting frontal lobes with basal ganglia and parietal regions. The enhanced anatomical connectivity observed in the forceps minor and splenium may underlie the greater fluid reasoning, visuospatial working memory, and creative capabilities of these children. Hum Brain Mapp 35:2619–2631, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemotherapy-induced hepatitis B reactivation in lymphoma patients with resolved HBV infection: A prospective study
Authors: Hsu Chiun , Tsou Hsiao-Hui , Lin Shyh-Jer , Wang Ming-Chung , Yao Ming , Hwang Wen-Li , Kao Woei-Yau , Chiu Chang-Fang , Lin Sheng-Fung , Lin Johnson , Chang Cheng-Shyong , Tien Hwei-Fang , Liu Tsang-Wu , Chen Pei-Jer , Cheng Ann-Lii
Published: September 2013

Fatal hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in lymphoma patients with “resolved” HBV infection (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] negative and hepatitis B core antibody [anti-HBc] positive) can occur, but the true incidence and severity remain unclear. From June 2009 to December 2011, 150 newly diagnosed lymphoma patients with resolved HBV infection who were to receive rituximab-CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone)-based chemotherapy were prospectively followed. HBV DNA was checked at baseline, at the start of each cycle of chemotherapy, and every 4 weeks for 1 year after completion of rituximab-CHOP chemotherapy. Patients with documented HBV reactivation were treated with entecavir at a dosage of 0.5 mg/day for 48 weeks. HBV reactivation was defined as a greater than 10-fold increase in HBV DNA, compared with previous nadir levels, and hepatitis flare was defined as a greater than 3-fold increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) that exceeded 100 IU/L. Incidence of HBV reactivation and HBV-related hepatitis flares was 10.4 and 6.4 per 100 person-year, respectively. Severe HBV-related hepatitis (ALT >10-fold of upper limit of normal) occurred in 4 patients, despite entecavir treatment. Patients with hepatitis flare exhibited significantly higher incidence of reappearance of HBsAg after HBV reactivation (100% vs. 28.5%; P = 0.003). Conclusion: In lymphoma patients with resolved HBV infections, chemotherapy-induced HBV reactivation is not uncommon, but can be managed with regular monitoring of HBV DNA and prompt antiviral therapy. Serological breakthrough (i.e., reappearance of HBsAg) is the most important predictor of HBV-related hepatitis flare. (Hepatology 2014;59:2092–2100)
Role of adipose triglyceride lipase (PNPLA2) in protection from hepatic inflammation in mouse models of steatohepatitis and endotoxemia
Authors: Jha Pooja , Claudel Thierry , Baghdasaryan Anna , Mueller Michaela , Halilbasic Emina , Das Suman K. , Lass Achim , Zimmermann Robert , Zechner Rudolf , Hoefler Gerald , Trauner Michael
Published: September 2013

Hepatic inflammation is a key feature of progressive liver disease. Alterations of fatty acid (FA) metabolism and signaling may play an important role in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Moreover, FAs activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) as a key transcriptional regulator of hepatic FA metabolism and inflammation. Since adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL/PNPLA2) is the key enzyme for intracellular hydrolysis of stored triglycerides and determines FA signaling through PPARα, we explored the role of ATGL in hepatic inflammation in mouse models of NASH and endotoxemia. Mice lacking ATGL or hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) were challenged with a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet as a nutritional model of NASH or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a model of acute hepatic inflammation. We further tested whether a PPARα agonist (fenofibrate) treatment improves the hepatic phenotype in MCD- or LPS-challenged ATGL-knockout (KO) mice. MCD-fed ATGL-KO mice, although partially protected from peripheral lipolysis, showed exacerbated hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Moreover, ATGL-KO mice challenged by LPS showed enhanced hepatic inflammation, increased mortality, and torpor, findings which were attributed to impaired PPARα DNA binding activity due to reduced FABP1 protein levels, resulting in impaired nuclear FA import. Notably, liganding PPARα through fenofibrate attenuated hepatic inflammation in both MCD-fed and LPS-treated ATGL-KO mice. In contrast, mice lacking HSL had a phenotype similar to the WT mice on MCD and LPS challenge. Conclusion: These findings unravel a novel protective role of ATGL against hepatic inflammation which could have important implications for metabolic and inflammatory liver diseases. (HEPATOLOGY 2014;59:858–869)
Pin1‐Mediated Prolyl Isomerization of Runx1 Affects PU.1 Expression in Pre‐Monocytes
Authors: ISLAM RABIA , YOON WON‐JOON , WOO KYUNG‐MI , BAEK JEONG‐HWA , RYOO HYUN‐MO
Published: September 2013

Regulation of the hematopoietic transcription factor PU.1, a member of the ETS family, plays a critical role in the development of blood cells and in leukemia. The dosage of PU.1 has been shown to cause a shift in myelomonocytic progenitor fate. Pin1 is a unique substrate‐specific enzyme that can isomerize phospho‐Ser/Thr–Pro peptide bonds, accelerating the conformational change in its substrates between a cis and a trans form. Such activity has been demonstrated to be a tightly controlled mechanism regulating a wide variety of protein functions under both normal physiological and pathological conditions. We have previously reported that a conformational change in Runx2 induced by Pin1 is essential for its function in osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we show that the Pin1‐mediated conformational change in Runx1 enhances its acetylation and stabilization and, consequently, enhances its transacting activity. The increased acetylation of Runx1 represses PU.1 transcription in pre‐monocytes. Conversely, the lack of (or the inhibition of) Pin1 increases PU.1 transcription in vitro and in vivo in pre‐monocytes and in the spleen tissue. Pin1 KO mice have an increased CD11b+/F4/80+ cell population and F4/80 protein expression in spleen. From our data, we can conclude that the conformational change in Runx1 induced by Pin1 represses PU.1 transcription in pre‐monocytes and influences the commitment to the monocyte lineage. The dosage of PU.1 is a crucial factor in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and Pin1 may thus be a useful target for controlling PU.1‐dependent hematopoiesis, as well as leukemogenesis. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 443–452, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is it possible to implement N‐hydroxyphthalimide homogeneous catalysis for industrial applications? A case study of cumene aerobic oxidation
Authors: Melone Lucio , Prosperini Simona , Ercole Gabriele , Pastori Nadia , Punta Carlo
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND

In spite of its efficiency and versatility, examples of the use ofN‐hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) as catalyst for oxidations at industrial scale are scant, mainly due to the lack of methodologies for the recovery and reuse of the catalyst. This paper reports a step by step investigation of the aerobic oxidation of cumene (CU), in order to verify the usability of NHPI catalysis in industrial processes.

RESULTS

CU is oxidized to the corresponding cumyl hydroperoxide (CHP) at 70°C in the presence of a polar co‐solvent and 1% of NHPI with good conversion (>30%) and almost complete selectivity (>90%), without requiring the use of additional initiators. The catalyst is recovered at the end of the oxidation process by removal of polar co‐solvent, with consequent precipitation of NHPI. The resulting filtered mixture is treated with non‐basic supports, which are capable of adsorbing the residual NHPI by physical interaction. Finally, the adsorbing solids can be regenerated by washing with a polar solvent, allowing the recovery of residual catalyst.

CONCLUSION

We provide evidence for the feasibility of the use of NHPI catalysis for industrial applications by investigating the case study of CU oxidation. The process can be performed under mild conditions without requiring the use of sacrificial initiators. The effect of temperature and composition in the NHPI precipitation step is investigated. The performances of basic and non‐basic adsorbing beds during the recovery of residual NHPI are compared. The results obtained indicate that the recovery and recycling of the unaltered catalyst is possible without affecting, at the same time, the nature of cumyl hydroperoxide. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Stability, metastability, and elastic properties of a dense silica polymorph, seifertite
Authors: Grocholski B. , Shim S.‐H. , Prakapenka V. B.
Published: September 2013

Dense silica polymorphs with sixfold coordinated Si have been found in SNC and lunar meteorites and may be important minerals for silica‐rich components in the lower mantle. However, the stable crystal structure in the lower mantle and properties of dense silica remain controversial. Under stable heating and quasi‐hydrostatic stress conditions, we found that the CaCl2 type undergoes a phase transition to the α‐PbO2type (seifertite) at 130–140 GPa and 2500 K. Our data suggest that this phase transition occurs at a greater depth than the perovskite → postperovskite transition in the lowermost mantle. The molar volume measured at 1 bar is the smallest among the reported silica polymorphs, therefore having the highest calculated density and in excellent agreement with recent first‐principles calculations. The greater molar volume of seifertite found in the shergottite meteorite and previous experiments supports a metastable synthesis of the phase outside its stability field. Our data combined with the Hugoniots of silica polymorphs also rule out the possibility of the formation of seifertite in the meteorite within its stability field. We found very little change in bulk sound speed across the CaCl2‐type → seifertite transition. If shear wave velocity decreases at the transition to seifertite as suggested by some computational studies, this silica transition may provide an alternative explanation for the discontinuities with a shear wave velocity decrease found at depths greater than the D″discontinuity.
Infrasound pulses from lightning and electrostatic field changes: Observation and discussion
Authors: Chum J. , Diendorfer G. , Šindelářová T. , Baše J. , Hruška F.
Published: September 2013

Narrow (~1–2 s) infrasound pulses that followed, with ~11 to ~50 s delays, rapid changes of electrostatic field were observed by a microbarometer array in the Czech Republic during thunderstorm activity. A positive pressure fluctuation (compression phase) always preceded decompression; the compression was usually higher than the decompression. The angles of arrival (azimuth and elevation) were analyzed for selected distinct events. Comparisons of distances and azimuths of infrasound sources from the center of microbarometer array with lightning locations determined by the European Cooperation for Lighting Detection lightning detection network show that most of the selected events can be very likely associated with intracloud (IC) discharges. The preceding rapid changes of electrostatic field, their potential association with IC discharges, and high‐elevation angles of arrival for near infrasound sources indicate that an electrostatic mechanism is probably responsible for their generation. It is discussed that distinguishing the relative role of thermal and electrostatic mechanism is difficult and that none of the published models of electrostatic production of infrasound thunder can explain the presented observations precisely. A modification of the current models, based on consideration of at least two charged layers, is suggested. Further theoretical and experimental investigations are however needed to get a better description of the generation mechanism.
Effect of deuteration on the metabolism and clearance of some pharmacologically active compounds—synthesis and in vitro metabolism of deuterated derivatives of dronedadrone
Authors: Schofield Joseph , Brasseur Denis , de Bruin Béatrice , Vassal Thierry , Klieber Sylvie , Arabeyre Catherine , Bourrié Martine , Sadoun Freddy , Fabre Gérard
Published: September 2013

The synthesis and in vitro metabolism studies of a family of specifically deuterated derivatives of dronedarone are described. Metabolic stability and clearance of the parent compound are not sensitive to deuterium substitution, irrespective of the position of the heavy label.
Repeatability and sensitivity of high resolution blood volume mapping in mouse kidney disease
Authors: Wang Feng , Jiang Rosie T. , Tantawy Mohammed Noor , Borza Dorin B. , Takahashi Keiko , Gore John C. , Harris Raymond C. , Takahashi Takamune , Quarles C. Chad
Published: September 2013

Purpose

To evaluate the repeatability of MRI‐derived relative blood volume (RBV) measurements in mouse kidneys across subjects and days and to evaluate sensitivity of this approach to renal pathology.

Materials and Methods

A 7 Tesla MRI system and an intravascular iron‐oxide contrast agent were used to acquire spin‐echo–based renal RBV maps in 10 healthy mice on 2 consecutive days. Renal RBV maps were also acquired in the Alport and unilateral ureteral obstruction mouse models of renal disease.

Results

The average renal RBV measured on consecutive days was 19.97 ± 1.50 and 19.86 ± 1.62, yielding a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.94, indicating that this approach is highly repeatable. In the disease models, the RBV values were regionally dissimilar and substantially lower than those found in control mice.

Conclusion

In vivo renal iron‐oxide–based RBV mapping in mice complements the physiological information obtained from conventional assays of kidney function and could shed new insights into the pathological mechanisms of kidney disease. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:866–871. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved field post‐processing for a Stern–Gerlach magnetic deflection magnet
Authors: De Gersem H. , Masschaele B. , Roggen T. , Janssens E. , Tung N.T.
Published: September 2013

A Stern–Gerlach magnet applies a field gradient in order to deflect particles such that their magnetic moment can be determined. The design of such magnets is based on finite‐element (FE) simulations of the magnetic field and its gradient. However, inaccuracies arise when these quantities are calculated from an FE solution for the magnetic vector potential by numerical differentiation. For first‐order FE shape functions, the discretisation error for the field gradient may even fail to converge. An improved post‐processing approach marks a region in the magnet aperture where the field is post‐processed by matching a local analytical solution with the obtained FE solution. The local solution allows to derive values for the magnetic field and its gradient without reducing the convergence order of the discretisation error. The method is validated against the analytic solution for a two‐wire configuration and is applied for the design of a Rabi‐type Stern–Gerlach magnet. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Schneiden mit dem Laser MicroJet
Authors: Richmann Annika
Published: September 2013

Das Laser MicroJet‐Schneiden (LMJ) wird bereits in vielen industriellen Anwendungen zum Schneiden von Diamant, Halbleiter und Metallen eingesetzt. Vorteile des LMJs gegenüber anderen Technologien sind hohe Kantenqualität, keine Wärmeeinflusszone, große Abtragraten und große Aspektverhältnisse der Schnittfugen. Kürzlich ließ sich durch Prozessweiterentwicklung die Rauheit der Kanten, abhängig vom geschnittenen Material, auf Ra = 0,3 – 0,5 μm reduzieren.
Reverse Iodine Transfer Polymerization (RITP) of 1,1,2,2‐Tetrahydroperfluorodecyl Acrylate in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Bouilhac Cécile , Chirat Mathieu , Joly‐Duhamel Christine , Lacroix‐Desmazes Patrick
Published: September 2013

Reverse iodine transfer polymerization (RITP) of 1,1,2,2‐tetrahydroperfluorodecyl acrylate (FDA) is successfully performed in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) at 70 °C under a CO2 pressure of 300 bar. PolyFDA (PFDA) of increasing molecular weights (from 10 000 to 100 000 g mol−1) is synthesized with good agreement between theoretical, 1H NMR spectroscopy and and size exclusion chromatography/refractive index/right‐angle laser‐light scattering/differential viscometer (SEC/RI/RALLS/DV)‐estimated molecular weights (). Furthermore, the increase of goes with a decrease of the dispersity of the polymers (Đ from 2.06 to 1.33), which is consistent with a controlled radical polymerization (CRP). Lastly, the structure of final PFDA and therefore the RITP process are confirmed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) analyses.

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Effect of Operating Conditions on Dynamic Crystallization of Ethylene/1‐Octene Copolymers
Authors: Chokputtanawuttilerd Nuttawat , Anantawaraskul Siripon , Alghyamah Abdulaziz A. , Soares João B. P.
Published: September 2013

Dynamic crystallization (DC) is a new characterization technique for measuring the chemical composition distribution (CCD) of semicrystalline copolymers. This technique fractionates polymers based on chain crystallizabilities under a constant cooling rate; a solvent is also fed through the column at a constant flow rate during the crystallization to enhance the physical separation of the polymer fractions. In this work, a DC model for ethylene/1‐olefin copolymers on the basis of population balance, crystallization kinetics, and axial dispersion is proposed. This model is found to describe the experimental DC profiles of an ethylene/1‐octene copolymer at various operation conditions very well.

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Molecular Recognition: Influence of Para‐Versus‐Meta‐Substituted Phenyl Moieties on the Swelling Degree of Macroscopic Polymeric Gels in Aqueous Cyclodextrin Solutions
Authors: van Sloun Claudia , Peters Oliver , Tabatabai Monir , Ritter Helmut
Published: September 2013

Free radical terpolymerization of (N,N)‐dimethylacrylamide, ethylene‐glycol‐dimethacrylate and N‐(p‐ or m‐ethyl‐phenyl)acrylamide leads to para‐ and meta‐ethyl‐phenyl‐modified hydrophilic polymer networks. Polymeric networks of different molar ratios are prepared in special molds to give water swellable disc‐ shaped samples. The swelling behavior in water and aqueous cyclodextrin (CD) solution of the obtained samples is described while a distinctive differentiation between the para‐ and meta‐ethyl‐phenyl containing networks in CD solution can be found.

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A Facile Route to Viologen Functional Macromolecules through Azide–Alkyne [3+2] Cycloaddition
Authors: Janeček Emma‐Rose , Rauwald Urs , del Barrio Jesús , Cziferszky Monika , Scherman Oren A.
Published: September 2013

Viologen end and side‐chain functional macromolecules are synthesized through a high‐yielding, copper‐mediated azide–alkyne [3+2] cycloaddition reaction. Specifically, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and the C‐terminus of a model oligopeptide are quantitatively end‐coupled to a viologen moiety as confirmed by 1H NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and mass spectrometry (MS). Side‐chain functionalization of a styrene backbone is also readily achieved forming a polyelectrolyte species and demonstrating the applicability of this method across a range of macromolecular species. It is found that viologen itself slows the reaction and that careful choice of counter ions, the specific chelating ligand for the copper‐mediated reaction, solvent, as well as the amount of copper also play major roles in the time to completion of the reaction and hence the yield. Macromolecules formed through this route bind effectively with supramolecular host molecule cucurbit[8]uril allowing for controlled solution‐phase self‐assembly, for example of a supramolecular star polymer.

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Renewable Non‐Isocyanate Based Thermoplastic Polyurethanes via Polycondensation of Dimethyl Carbamate Monomers with Diols
Authors: Unverferth Maike , Kreye Oliver , Prohammer Alexander , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: September 2013

1,5,7‐Triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene (TBD)‐catalyzed polycondensation reactions of fatty acid derived dimethyl dicarbamates and diols are introduced as a versatile, non‐isocyanate route to renewable polyurethanes. The key step for the synthesis of dimethyl carbamate monomers from plant‐oil‐derived dicarboxylic acids is based on a sustainable base‐catalyzed Lossen rearrangement. The formed polyurethanes with molecular weights up to 25 kDa are characterized by SEC, DSC, and NMR analysis.

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Electrochromic Poly(acetylene)s with Switchable Visible/Near‐IR Absorption Characteristics
Authors: Pauly Anja C. , Varnado C. Daniel , Bielawski Christopher W. , Theato Patrick
Published: September 2013

Ferrocene is incorporated into a poly(acetylene) derivative via the postpolymerization amidation of a polymer precursor bearing pentafluorophenyl ester‐leaving groups with aminoferrocene. While the neutral polymer exhibits a strong absorbance at 553 nm due to its conjugated backbone, oxidation of the ferrocene moieties with silver tetrafluoroborate causes the material to absorb in the near‐IR (λmax ≈1215 nm). Subsequent reduction of the oxidized polymer with decamethylferrocene restores the initial absorbance profile, demonstrating that the material features switchable visible/near‐IR absorption characteristics.

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Vig r 6, the cytokinin‐specific binding protein from mung bean (Vigna radiata) sprouts, cross‐reacts with Bet v 1‐related allergens and binds IgE from birch pollen allergic patients’ sera
Authors: Guhsl Eva Elisabeth , Hofstetter Gerlinde , Hemmer Wolfgang , Ebner Christof , Vieths Stefan , Vogel Lothar , Breiteneder Heimo , Radauer Christian
Published: September 2013

Scope

Birch pollen associated allergy to mung bean sprouts is caused by cross‐reactivity between the birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 and the mung bean allergen Vig r 1. We aimed to determine the allergenicity of the cytokinin‐specific binding protein from mung bean (Vig r 6), another allergen related to Bet v 1 with only 31% sequence identity.

Methods and results

Bet v 1, Gly m 4, Vig r 1, and Vig r 6 were produced in Escherichia coli. In an ELISA, 73 and 32% of Bet v 1‐sensitized birch‐allergic patients’ sera (n = 60) showed IgE binding to Vig r 1 and Vig r 6, respectively. Of 19 patients who reported allergic reactions or had positive prick‐to‐prick tests to mung bean sprouts, 79% showed IgE binding to Vig r 1 and 63% showed IgE binding to Vig r 6. Bet v 1 completely inhibited IgE binding to both mung bean allergens. Vig r 6 showed partial cross‐reactivity with Vig r 1 and activated basophils sensitized with mung bean allergic patients’ sera.

Conclusion

We demonstrated IgE cross‐reactivity despite low sequence identity between Vig r 6 and other Bet v 1‐related allergens. Thus, IgE binding to Vig r 6 may contribute to birch pollinosis‐associated mung bean sprout allergy.
Nondigestible oligosaccharides exert nonprebiotic effects on intestinal epithelial cells enhancing the immune response via activation of TLR4‐NFκB
Authors: Ortega‐González Mercedes , Ocón Borja , Romero‐Calvo Isabel , Anzola Andrea , Guadix Emilia , Zarzuelo Antonio , Suárez Maria D. , Sánchez de Medina Fermin , Martínez‐Augustin Olga
Published: September 2013

Scope

Prebiotic effects of non absorbable glucids depend mainly on digestion by the colonic microbiota. Our aim was to assess nonprebiotic, direct effects of 4 prebiotics, namely fructooligosaccharides, inulin, galactooligosaccharides, and goat's milk oligosaccharides on intestinal epithelial cells.

Methods and results

Prebiotics were tested in intestinal epithelial cell 18 (IEC18), HT29, and Caco‐2 cells. Cytokine secretion was measured by ELISA and modulated with pharmacological probes and gene silencing. Prebiotics induced the production of growth‐related oncogene, (GROα), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1), and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP2) in IEC18 cells, with an efficacy that was 50–80% that of LPS. Prebiotics did not change RANTES expression, which was robustly induced by LPS in IEC18 cells. Cytokine secretion was suppressed by Bay11‐7082, an inhibitor of IκB‐α phosphorylation. The response was markedly decreased by Myd88 or TLR4 gene knockdown. Prebiotics also elicited cytokine production in HT29 but not in Caco‐2 cells, consistent with reduced and vestigial expression of TLR4 in these cell lines, respectively. Prebiotic‐induced MCP‐1 secretion was reduced also in colonic explants from TLR4 KO mice compared with the controls.

Conclusions

We conclude that prebiotics are TLR4 ligands in intestinal epithelial cells and that this may be a relevant mechanism for their in vivo effects.
Nonrigid autofocus motion correction for coronary MR angiography with a 3D cones trajectory
Authors: Ingle R. Reeve , Wu Holden H. , Addy Nii Okai , Cheng Joseph Y. , Yang Phillip C. , Hu Bob S. , Nishimura Dwight G.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

To implement a nonrigid autofocus motion correction technique to improve respiratory motion correction of free‐breathing whole‐heart coronary magnetic resonance angiography acquisitions using an image‐navigated 3D cones sequence.

Methods

2D image navigators acquired every heartbeat are used to measure superior‐inferior, anterior‐posterior, and right‐left translation of the heart during a free‐breathing coronary magnetic resonance angiography scan using a 3D cones readout trajectory. Various tidal respiratory motion patterns are modeled by independently scaling the three measured displacement trajectories. These scaled motion trajectories are used for 3D translational compensation of the acquired data, and a bank of motion‐compensated images is reconstructed. From this bank, a gradient entropy focusing metric is used to generate a nonrigid motion‐corrected image on a pixel‐by‐pixel basis. The performance of the autofocus motion correction technique is compared with rigid‐body translational correction and no correction in phantom, volunteer, and patient studies.

Results

Nonrigid autofocus motion correction yields improved image quality compared to rigid‐body‐corrected images and uncorrected images. Quantitative vessel sharpness measurements indicate superiority of the proposed technique in 14 out of 15 coronary segments from three patient and two volunteer studies.

Conclusion

The proposed technique corrects nonrigid motion artifacts in free‐breathing 3D cones acquisitions, improving image quality compared to rigid‐body motion correction. Magn Reson Med 72:347–361, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimized Synthetic Protocols for Preparation of Versatile Plasmonic Platform Based on Silver Nanoparticles with Pentagonal Symmetries
Authors: Murshid Nimer , Keogh Dilyn , Kitaev Vladimir
Published: September 2013

The key findings in the synthesis and transformation of silver nanoparticles with pentagonal symmetries arising from regular multiple twinning are reported, researched in the last 5 years. In a one‐stage photochemical synthesis of silver decahedral (pentagonal bipyramid, J13 solid) nanoparticles (AgDeNPs), oxidative etching by hydrogen peroxide is implemented to achieve complete conversion of the small silver platelet precursor NPs. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide is found to be optimal at 0.2 m. Such high peroxide concentration can be rationalized by its slow reactivity in a red‐ox equilibrium with borohydride and citrate. We have also adapted light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source and documented optimal exposure time, LED power, and wavelength range for convenient laboratory synthesis of high‐purity size‐selected AgDeNPs. In the absence of platelet impurities, AgDeNPs produce by the new‐generation procedure can be conveniently re‐grown into larger sizes using silver ions as a precursor. Thermal regrowth of new‐generation AgDeNPs into pentagonal silver nanorods (AgPRNPs, J15 solid) can be reliably accomplished with the precise variation in rod length (by varying amounts of added silver) and width (by using different seed AgDeNPs). With the reported reproducible synthetic protocols that can be readily implemented in any chemistry laboratory, AgDeNPs and AgPRNPs should serve as a versatile plasmonic platform with a precisely tunable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) from ca. 430 nm (rounded AgDeNPs) to 1100+ nm (longitudinal SPR of longer AgPRNPs). The plasmonic platform based on the reported AgNPs with pentagonal symmetries should be practical for a diverse range of applications, especially plasmonic sensing and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
Geometry motivated alternative view on local protein backbone structures
Authors: Zacharias Jan , Knapp Ernst Walter
Published: September 2013

We present an alternative to the classical Ramachandran plot (R‐plot) to display local protein backbone structure. Instead of the (φ, ψ)‐backbone angles relating to the chemical architecture of polypeptides generic helical parameters are used. These are the rotation or twist angle ϑ and the helical rise parameter d. Plots with these parameters provide a different view on the nature of local protein backbone structures. It allows to display the local structures in polar (d, ϑ)‐coordinates, which is not possible for an R‐plot, where structural regimes connected by periodicity appear disconnected. But there are other advantages, like a clear discrimination of the handedness of a local structure, a larger spread of the different local structure domains—the latter can yield a better separation of different local secondary structure motives—and many more. Compared to the R‐plot we are not aware of any major disadvantage to classify local polypeptide structures with the (d, ϑ)‐plot, except that it requires some elementary computations. To facilitate usage of the new (d, ϑ)‐plot for protein structures we provide a web application (http://agknapp.chemie.fu‐berlin.de/secsass), which shows the (d, ϑ)‐plot side‐by‐side with the R‐plot.
Equivalent public keys and a key substitution attack on the schemes from vector decomposition
Authors: Lim Seongan , Lee Eunjeong , Park Cheol‐Min
Published: September 2013

The vector decomposition problem has been considered as a hard problem, which is applicable to cryptography. Okamoto and Takashima proposed various types of public key cryptographic schemes based on the VDP. In this paper, we study the cryptographic implications of Okamoto‐Takashima schemes with respect to the properties of public keys. In the public key cryptography, one public key is associated to a unique private key, and an action using the public key implicitly assumes that the corresponding private action can be done only with the corresponding private key. We formalize this security issue by introducing the notion of equivalent public keys. We show that equivalent public keys exist in the Okamoto‐Takashima basic signature scheme and the homomorphic encryption scheme. We present a strong key substitution attack to their basic signature. We suggest how to prevent equivalent public keys and strong key substitution attack in their signature scheme. We point out that there are cases with no efficient methods to prevent equivalent public keys in their encryption scheme. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Re: Sotalol as first‐line treatment for fetal tachycardia and neonatal follow‐up. L. B. van der Heijden, M. A. Oudijk, G. Manten, H. ter Heide, L. Pistorius and M. W. Freund. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013; 42: 285–293
Authors: Strasburger J. F.
Published: September 2013

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013:42:285–293
Thermostabilization ofBacillus subtilislipase A by minimizing the structural deformation caused by packing enhancement
Authors: Yun Hong Seung , Park Hyun June , Joo Jeong Chan , Yoo Young Je
Published: September 2013

Enzyme thermostabilization is a critical research topic due to potential industrial benefits. Among the various reasons to increase enzyme thermostability, enhancement of residual packing at the core of the enzyme structure has been commonly accepted as a successful strategy. However, structural changes that occur with residual packing enhancement may decrease enzyme activity. In this study, a strategy to minimize structural deformation by calculating the overlapping packing volume of a single-point mutation followed by applying a double-point mutation was suggested. Four double mutants, A38V_K23A, A75V_T83A, G80A_N106A, and G172A_V100A, were selected for the in vitro experiment; three of the four showed enhancements in both thermostability and catalytic activity. In particular, G80A_N106A showed 2.78 times higher catalytic activity compared with wild type.
Academic and scientific education in medical curricula in the Netherlands: a
programme director’s view
Authors: De Beaufort Arnout Jan , De Goeij Anton F. P. M.
Published: September 2013

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