bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disease‐related costs of care and survival among Medicare‐enrolled patients with myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Zeidan Amer M. , Wang Rong , Davidoff Amy J. , Ma Shuangge , Zhao Yinjun , Gore Steven D. , Gross Cary P. , Ma Xiaomei
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Although newer treatments for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), particularly hypomethylating agents (HMAs), are expensive, it is unclear whether MDS‐related costs of care are associated with overall survival. This study evaluated the relation between MDS‐related costs and survival among Medicare beneficiaries with MDS.

METHODS

Eligible patients were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare database with codes for MDS from International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, 3rd edition. The patients were diagnosed between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2011, were 66 years old or older, and were followed through death or the end of study (December 31, 2012). Medicare payments were used to estimate costs. Cumulative costs in a propensity score–matched group of cancer‐free Medicare beneficiaries were subtracted from costs in the MDS cohort in each registry to estimate MDS‐related costs. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from multivariate Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for patient and disease characteristics.

RESULTS

There were 8580 eligible patients, and 1,267 (14.7%) received HMAs. The overall 2‐year survival rate was 48.7%, and the 2‐year registry‐specific MDS‐related cost per patient ranged from $40,793 to $78,156 across 16 registries. The 2‐year MDS‐related cost was not associated with survival in the overall study population (first tertile, reference; second tertile, HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.89‐1.04; P = .29; third tertile, HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.91‐1.06; P = .64) or in subgroups of patients who did or did not receive HMAs.

CONCLUSIONS

Medicare expenditures for elderly patients with MDS varied across registries but were not associated with survival. A lack of an association between costs and outcomes warrants additional research because it may help to identify potential areas for cost‐saving interventions without compromising patient outcomes. Cancer 2016;122:1598–607. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Patient preferences regarding incidental genomic findings discovered during tumor profiling
Authors: Yushak Melinda L. , Han Gang , Bouberhan Sara , Epstein Lianne , DiGiovanna Michael P. , Mougalian Sarah S. , Sanft Tara B. , Abu‐Khalaf Maysa M. , Chung Gina G. , Stein Stacey M. , Goldberg Sarah B. , Pusztai Lajos , Hofstatter Erin W.
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

During the process of tumor profiling, there is the potential to detect germline variants. To the authors' knowledge, there currently is no accepted standard of care for how to deal with these incidental findings. The goal of the current study was to assess disclosure preferences among patients with cancer regarding incidental genomic variants that may be discovered during tumor profiling.

METHODS

A 45‐item questionnaire was administered to 413 patients in ambulatory oncology clinics. The survey captured demographic and disease variables and personal and family history, and presented case scenarios for different types of incidental germline variants that could theoretically be detected during genomic analysis of a patient's tumor.

RESULTS

The possibility of discovering non‐cancer‐related, germline variants did not deter patients from tumor profiling: 77% wanted to be informed concerning variants that could increase their risk of a serious but preventable illness, 56% wanted to know about variants that cause a serious but unpreventable illness, and 49% wanted to know about variants of uncertain significance. The majority of patients (75%) indicated they would share hereditary information regarding predisposition to preventable diseases with family and 62% would share information concerning unpreventable diseases. The most frequent concerns about incidental findings were ability to obtain health (48%) or life (41%) insurance. Only 21% of patients were concerned about privacy of information.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with cancer appear to prefer to receive information regarding incidental germline variants, but there is substantial variability with regard to what information patients wish to learn. The authors recommend that personal preferences for the disclosure of different types of incidental findings be clarified before a tumor profiling test is ordered. Cancer 2016;122:1588–97. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
National trends and determinants of proton therapy use for prostate cancer: A National Cancer Data Base study
Authors: Mahal Brandon A. , Chen Yu‐Wei , Efstathiou Jason A. , Muralidhar Vinayak , Hoffman Karen E. , Yu James B. , Feng Felix Y. , Beard Clair J. , Martin Neil E. , Orio Peter F. , Nguyen Paul L.
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

In the current study, the authors sought to both characterize the national trends in proton therapy use for prostate cancer and determine the factors associated with receipt of this limited resource, using what to the best of their knowledge is the largest nationwide cancer registry.

METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base was used to identify 187,730 patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic prostate cancer from 2004 through 2012 who received external beam radiotherapy as their initial form of definitive therapy. Multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical factors was used to identify independent determinants of proton therapy use.

RESULTS

The rate of proton therapy use increased significantly from 2.3% in 2004 to 5.2% in 2011 and 4.8% in 2012 (P value for trend <.0001). Proton therapy for prostate cancer was much more likely to be delivered at an academic compared with nonacademic center and to patients who were white, younger, healthier, from metropolitan areas, from zip codes with higher median household incomes, and who did not have an advanced stage of or high‐grade disease (all P<.0001). Compared with white patients, those who were black and Hispanic were found to be significantly less likely to receive proton therapy even after robust multivariable adjustments (adjusted odds ratio, 0.20 [95% confidence interval, 0.18‐0.22; P<.0001] and adjusted odds ratio, 0.57 [95% confidence interval, 0.48‐0.66; P<.0001], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of proton therapy to treat patients with prostate cancer more than doubled from 2004 to 2012, with striking racial disparities in its use noted despite robust multivariable adjustments. Long‐term follow‐up is needed to determine whether the increased use of proton therapy for prostate cancer is justified, and ongoing efforts should be made to ensure equal access to resource‐limited oncologic therapies. Cancer 2016;122:1505–12. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Time consumed by microscopic and nonmicroscopic tasks in image‐assisted gynecologic screening: Implications for workload assessment
Authors: Renshaw Andrew A. , Underwood Dawn , Aramoni Ghada , Cash Beverly , Croyle Maureen , Deeds Dave , Dolar Sandra , Gmitro Stephen , Ray Nancy , Sabo Debbie , Shorie Julie A. , Springer Bridgette , Weber Moffsinger Dana , Elsheikh Tarik M.
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Gynecologic screening cytology is a complex task that includes microscopic activities and nonmicroscopic activities. The authors sought to determine the amount and percentage of time that cytotechnologists spend on those activities using the ThinPrep imaging system.

METHODS

In arm 1, a total of 550 consecutive unselected slides were reviewed by 11 cytotechnologists, and the time used for individual subtasks of the screening process was recorded. In arm 2, a total of 20 unselected slides were each screened by 10 different cytotechnologists (200 slides in total) and total screening times and full manual review (FMR) times were recorded.

RESULTS

In arm 1, cases with and without FMR required an average of 5.6 minutes and 3.0 minutes, respectively, to screen. Overall, review of fields of view (FOVs) took 95 seconds. FMR took an average of 2.6 minutes. The average screening times for FOV‐only cases was significantly longer than the US Food and Drug Administration/Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (FDA/CMS) workload limit of 2.4 minutes (P = .005). However, in arm 2, the time needed to screen a case increased by an average of 1 minute compared with arm 1, including 1.1 minute for FOV‐only cases and >2 minutes for FMR plus FOV cases. Approximately 100% of cases screened as FOV only exceeded the FDA/CMS workload limit of 2.4 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

The FDA/CMS workload limits for FOV‐only cases appears to significantly underestimate the time needed to screen those cases, but seems to be appropriate for the majority of FMR plus FOV cases. Approximately 60% and 30% of the time designated to screening slides was spent on nonmicroscopic activities for FOV‐only cases and FMR cases, respectively. Cancer Cytopathol 2016;124:501–7. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Evaluation of brain tissue responses because of the underwash overpressure of helmet and faceshield under blast loading
Authors: Sarvghad‐Moghaddam Hesam , Rezaei Asghar , Ziejewski Mariusz , Karami Ghodrat
Published: March 2016

Head protective tools such as helmets and faceshields can induce a localized high pressure region on the skull because of the underwash of the blast waves. Whether this underwash overpressure can affect the brain tissue response is still unknown. Accordingly, a computational approach was taken to confirm the incidence of underwash with regards to blast direction, as well as examine the influence of this effect on the mechanical responses of the brain. The variation of intracranial pressure (ICP) as one of the major injury predictors, as well as the maximum shear stress were mainly addressed in this study. Using a nonlinear finite element (FE) approach, generation and interaction of blast waves with the unprotected, helmeted, and fully protected (helmet and faceshield protected) FE head models were modeled using a multi‐material arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) method and a fluid–structure interaction (FSI) coupling algorithm. The underwash incidence overpressure was found to greatly change with the blast direction. Moreover, while underwash induced ICP (U‐ICP) did not exceed the peak ICP of the unprotected head, it was comparable and even more than the peak ICP imposed on the protected heads by the primary shockwaves (Coup‐ICP). It was concluded that while both helmet and faceshield protected the head against blast waves, the underwash overpressure affected the brain tissue response and altered the dynamic load experienced by the brain as it led to increased ICP levels at the countercoup site, imparted elevated skull flexure, and induced high negative pressure regions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of ceramic thickness and cement shade on the final shade after bonding using the 3D master system: a laboratory study
Authors: Montero Javier , Gómez‐Polo Cristina
Published: March 2016

The final color of a ceramic restoration is influenced by both the ceramic thickness and the cement shade. This study aims to evaluate the color stability according to the 3D Master System of e.max ceramic discs after bonding with different shades of luting agents. A total of 120 e.max.Press 2M1 HT ceramic discs (60 discs of 1‐mm thick and 60 discs of 0.5 mm thick) and three different values of Variolink Veneer cement were used (−3, 0, +3) for the cementation process. An Easyshade compact device was used to measure color shade tabs, according to the 3D Master System, on the discs both before and after the cementation protocols. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out with the spss v.21. After bonding with the different luting agents, only 30% remained as 2M1: specifically, 22% of the thinner discs and 37.3% of the thicker discs. In general, the effect of bonding increased the value and the chroma of the shade to a significant extent. Regression analyses revealed that the most significant predictor for all color parameters was cement shade, the thinner disc group bonded with −3 cement being the most unstable subgroup. According to the 3D Master System, the shade of the luting agent was the main predictor of the final color. However, the final color seems to be somewhat unpredictable, at least according to the modulating factors evaluated in the present study.
Flow Synthesis of Silver Nanowires for Semitransparent Solar Cell Electrodes: A Life Cycle Perspective
Authors: Espinosa Nieves , Søndergaard Roar R. , Jørgensen Mikkel , Krebs Frederik C.
Published: March 2016

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) were prepared on a 5 g scale using either the well‐known batch synthesis following the polyol method or a new flow synthesis method. The AgNWs were employed as semitransparent electrode materials in organic photovoltaics and compared to traditional printed silver electrodes based on micron sized silver flakes using life cycle analysis and environmental impact analysis methods. The life cycle analysis of AgNWs confirms that they provide an avenue to low‐impact semitransparent electrodes. We find that the benefit of AgNWs in terms of embodied energy is less pronounced than generally assumed but that the toxicological and environmental benefits are significant.
Graphene Porous Foam Loaded with Molybdenum Carbide Nanoparticulate Electrocatalyst for Effective Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Wang Jie , Xia Han , Peng Zhen , Lv Cuncai , Jin Lihuang , Zhao Yaoxing , Huang Zhipeng , Zhang Chi
Published: March 2016

A facile method is developed for the synthesis of graphene porous foam (Gr PF) loaded with dispersed molybdenum carbide (Mo2C) nanoparticles; the material exhibits effective catalytic activity in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Mo2C/Gr PF is synthesized by the carbonization of glucose and the carbothermal reduction of hexaammonium molybdate in a confined space defined by the intervals between sodium chloride nanoparticles. The synthesis in the confined space results in thin Gr PF (≈8 nm) loaded with aggregation‐free small Mo2C nanoparticles [(13±2) nm]. The overpotential required for a current density of 20 mA cm−2 in the electrochemical hydrogen generation is as small as 199 mV in acidic solution and 380 mV in basic solution. The performance is superior to that of a Mo2C/C composite and compares favorably to those reported for Mo2C nanostructures. The Mo2C/Gr PF affords stable water electrolysis in both acidic and basic solution and exhibits nearly 100 % faradaic efficiency. The prominent performance, long‐term stability, and high faradic efficiency make Mo2C/Gr PF a promising HER catalyst for practical hydrogen generation from water electrolysis.
Carbon Nanofiber/3D Nanoporous Silicon Hybrids as High Capacity Lithium Storage Materials
Authors: Park Hyeong‐Il , Sohn Myungbeom , Kim Dae Sik , Park Cheolho , Choi Jeong‐Hee , Kim Hansu
Published: March 2016

Carbon nanofiber (CNF)/3D nanoporous (3DNP) Si hybrid materials were prepared by chemical etching of melt‐spun Si/Al–Cu–Fe alloy nanocomposites, followed by carbonization using a pitch. CNFs were successfully grown on the surface of 3DNP Si particles using residual Fe impurities after acidic etching, which acted as a catalyst for the growth of CNFs. The resulting CNF/3DNP Si hybrid materials showed an enhanced cycle performance up to 100 cycles compared to that of the pristine Si/Al–Cu–Fe alloy nanocomposite as well as that of bare 3DNP Si particles. These results indicate that CNFs and the carbon coating layer have a beneficial effect on the capacity retention characteristics of 3DNP Si particles by providing continuous electron‐conduction pathways in the electrode during cycling. The approach presented here provides another way to improve the electrochemical performances of porous Si‐based high capacity anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries.
On blocking time in multi‐class optical burst switching nodes
Authors: Tang Shengda , Tan Liansheng , Chan Sammy
Published: March 2016

Recently, there has been an increasing research interest being directed to optical burst switching (OBS) networks because of its mature electronic processing capability and high‐capacity optical transport capability. The blocking time for an OBS node, representing the time duration in which a certain channel is occupied by some class of bursts, plays an important role in characterizing the performance of an OBS network. In this paper, we analyze this important metric for an OBS node with a horizonal and a single channel theoretically and numerically. On the basis of that, the burst arrivals are assumed to follow the Poisson process and the burst lengths have a phase‐type distribution, we are able to formulate a working mechanism of an OBS node into a multilayer stochastic fluid model. Using a level crossing arguments method, we are able to obtain the Laplace–Stieltjes transforms of the blocking time, from which n‐order moments and the probability density functions of the blocking time can be further derived. We provide a numerical example to illustrate the theoretical analyses, and we further discuss the effects of the offset time and the arrival density on the blocking time through this numerical example. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Event‐related potential study of intentional and incidental retrieval of item and source memory during early childhood
Authors: Robey Alison , Riggins Tracy
Published: March 2016

The event related potential (ERP) technique is a useful methodology for studying neural changes underlying memory development during childhood. However, systematic comparisons of differences in memory tasks and retrieval demands are lacking. To address this gap, the present study explored the effects of memory task (i.e., item versus source) and retrieval paradigm (i.e., intentional versus incidental) on 4‐ to 5‐year‐old children's memory performance and associated electrophysiological responses. Children were familiarized with items in a play‐like setting and then asked to retrieve item or source memory details while their brain activity was recorded (intentional retrieval) or while they passively viewed images of the items with no explicit task (incidental retrieval). Memory assessments for the incidental groups followed ERP recording. Analyses of the ERP data suggested that the brain's response during intentional retrieval of source information differed from the other three conditions. These results are discussed within a two‐component framework of memory development (e.g., Shing et al., 2010), and implications for future methodological decisions are presented. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 58: 556–567, 2016.
Cocaine and benzoylecgonine oral fluid on‐site screening and confirmation
Authors: Ellefsen Kayla N. , Concheiro Marta , Pirard Sandrine , Gorelick David A. , Huestis Marilyn A.
Published: March 2016

Accurate on‐site devices to screen for drug intake are critical for establishing whether an individual is driving under the influence of drugs (DUID); however, on‐site oral fluid (OF) cocaine device performance is variable. We evaluated the performance of a newly developed benzoylecgonine (BE) test‐strip for the Draeger® DrugTest 5000 device (20 µg/L cut‐off) with equivalent cross reactivity for cocaine and BE. Ten cocaine users provided OF, collected with the Draeger cassette and Oral‐Eze® and StatSure Saliva SamplerTM devices, up to 69 h following 25 mg intravenous cocaine administration. All screening results were confirmed by a validated two‐dimensional‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (2D‐GC‐MS) method for cocaine and/or BE. Cocaine test‐strip median Tlast for screening only results was 6.5 h, and 6.5 h with Oral‐Eze® and 4 h for StatSure OF confirmation for cocaine and/or BE at 1, 8, and 10 µg/L; sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency ranged from 85.5 to 100% and 83.3 to 100% for cocaine only confirmation at 8 and 10 µg/L. For the BE test‐strip, median Tlast was 12.5 h for screening only and confirmation for cocaine and/or BE at all three cut‐offs; sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency ranged from 85.5 to 97.5% and 78.4 to 97.4% with cocaine and/or BE confirmation at 8 and 10 µg/L cut‐offs, respectively. The Draeger cocaine test‐strip with cocaine only confirmation offers a useful option for monitoring the acute intoxication phase of DUID; additionally the BE test‐strip with cocaine and/or BE confirmation increases the length of detection of cocaine intake for workplace drug testing, drug court, parole, pain management, drug treatment programs and both the acute cocaine intoxication and cocaine crash/fatigue phase of DUID. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impairment due to eating disorder pathology: Identifying the cut‐off score on the Clinical Impairment Assessment in a clinical and community sample
Authors: Reas Deborah Lynn , Stedal Kristin , Lindvall Dahlgren Camilla , Rø Øyvind
Published: March 2016

Objective

The Clinical Impairment Assessment (CIA) is a self‐report measure of impairment secondary to eating disorder (ED) features. The purpose of this study was to identify the global CIA cut‐off score that maximized sensitivity and specificity to discriminate impairment due to eating disorder pathology in a community versus clinical ED sample using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses.

Method

Participants were 1,468 female community participants and 552 eating disorder patients.

Results

Mean global CIA scores were 5.17 (SD 7.61) and 32.50 (SD 10.20). The ROC analysis demonstrated excellent accuracy of the global CIA score (AUC = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.96–0.98). A cut‐off score of 16.0 yielded a sensitivity of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.88–0.93) and a specificity of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.89–0.93).

Discussion

This study is the first to replicate findings from the original development study of the CIA and lends support to initial recommendations. Data provide strong evidence of the discriminant validity of the CIA and suggest the utility of assessing eating‐disorder related impairment for classification purposes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:635–638)
Mismatch between fishway operation and timing of fish movements: a risk for cascading effects in partial migration systems
Authors: van Leeuwen Casper H. A. , Museth Jon , Sandlund Odd T. , Qvenild Tore , Vøllestad L. Asbjørn
Published: March 2016

Habitat fragmentation is a growing problem worldwide. Particularly in river systems, numerous dams and weirs hamper the movement of a wide variety of species. With the aim to preserve connectivity for fish, many barriers in river systems are equipped with fishways (also called fish passages or fish ladders). However, few fishways provide full connectivity. Here we hypothesized that restricted seasonal opening times of fishways can importantly reduce their effectiveness by interfering with the timing of fish migration, for both spring‐ and autumn‐spawning species. We empirically tested our hypothesis, and discuss the possible eco‐evolutionary consequences of affected migration timing. We analyzed movements of two salmonid fishes, spring‐spawning European grayling (Thymallus thymallus) and autumn‐spawning brown trout (Salmo trutta), in Norway's two largest river systems. We compared their timing of upstream passage through four fishways collected over 28 years with the timing of fish movements in unfragmented river sections as monitored by radiotelemetry. Confirming our hypothesis, late opening of fishways delayed the migration of European grayling in spring, and early closure of fishways blocked migration for brown trout on their way to spawning locations during late autumn. We show in a theoretical framework how restricted opening times of fishways can induce shifts from migratory to resident behavior in potamodromous partial migration systems, and propose that this can induce density‐dependent effects among fish accumulating in lower regions of rivers. Hence, fragmentation may not only directly affect the migratory individuals in the population, but may also have effects that cascade downstream and alter circumstances for resident fish. Fishway functionality is inadequate if there is a mismatch between natural fish movements and fishway opening times in the same river system, with ecological and possibly evolutionary consequences for fish populations.
Fungal disease incidence along tree diversity gradients depends on latitude in European forests
Authors: Nguyen Diem , Castagneyrol Bastien , Bruelheide Helge , Bussotti Filippo , Guyot Virginie , Jactel Hervé , Jaroszewicz Bogdan , Valladares Fernando , Stenlid Jan , Boberg Johanna
Published: March 2016

European forests host a diversity of tree species that are increasingly threatened by fungal pathogens, which may have cascading consequences for forest ecosystems and their functioning. Previous experimental studies suggest that foliar and root pathogen abundance and disease severity decrease with increasing tree species diversity, but evidences from natural forests are rare. Here, we tested whether foliar fungal disease incidence was negatively affected by tree species diversity in different forest types across Europe. We measured the foliar fungal disease incidence on 16 different tree species in 209 plots in six European countries, representing a forest‐type gradient from the Mediterranean to boreal forests. Forest plots of single species (monoculture plots) and those with different combinations of two to five tree species (mixed species plots) were compared. Specifically, we analyzed the influence of tree species richness, functional type (conifer vs. broadleaved) and phylogenetic diversity on overall fungal disease incidence. The effect of tree species richness on disease incidence varied with latitude and functional type. Disease incidence tended to increase with tree diversity, in particular in northern latitudes. Disease incidence decreased with tree species richness in conifers, but not in broadleaved trees. However, for specific damage symptoms, no tree species richness effects were observed. Although the patterns were weak, susceptibility of forests to disease appears to depend on the forest site and tree type.
Incongruence between mtDNA and nuclear data in the freshwater mussel genus Cyprogenia (Bivalvia: Unionidae) and its impact on species delineation
Authors: Chong Jer Pin , Harris John L. , Roe Kevin J.
Published: March 2016

Accurately identifying species is a crucial step for developing conservation strategies for freshwater mussels, one of the most imperiled faunas in North America. This study uses genetic data to re‐examine species delineation in the genus Cyprogenia. Historically, Cyprogenia found west of the Mississippi River have been ascribed to Cyprogenia aberti (Conrad ), and those east of the Mississippi River were classified as Cyprogenia stegaria (Rafinesque 1820). Previous studies using mitochondrial DNA sequences indicated that C. aberti and C. stegaria were not reciprocally monophyletic groups, suggesting the need for systematic revision. We generated a novel dataset consisting of 10 microsatellite loci and combined it with sequence data from the mitochondrial ND1 gene for 223 Cyprogenia specimens. Bayesian analysis of the ND1 nucleotide sequences identified two divergent clades that differ by 15.9%. Members of these two clades occur sympatrically across most sampling locations. In contrast, microsatellite genotypes support recognition of three allopatric clusters defined by major hydrologic basins. The divergent mitochondrial lineages are highly correlated with the color of the conglutinate lures used by mussels to attract and infest host fishes, and tests for selection at the ND1 locus were positive. We infer that the incongruence between mtDNA and microsatellite data in Cyprogenia may be the result of a combination of incomplete lineage sorting and balancing selection on lure color. Our results provide further evidence that mitochondrial markers are not always neutral with respect to selection, and highlight the potential problems of relying on a single‐locus‐marker for delineating species.
Innate immune memory: Implications for host responses to damage‐associated molecular patterns
Authors: Crișan Tania O. , Netea Mihai G. , Joosten Leo A. B.
Published: March 2016

Cells of the innate immune system build immunological memory via epigenetic reprogramming after stimulations with microbial ligands. This functional readjustment allows for enhanced nonspecific inflammatory responses upon secondary challenges, a process termed “trained immunity.” The epigenomic blueprint of trained monocytes has been recently reported, which revealed several important immunologic and metabolic mechanisms that underlie these changes. Interestingly, similar long‐term reprogramming of cytokine production has also been described to be induced by endogenous damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Here, we present an overview of the novel data showing that endogenous alarm signals associated with tissue damage and sterile inflammation can induce trained immunity through epigenetic regulation of transcriptional programs. We describe new and old evidence of persistent effects of DAMPs in driving inflammation and enforce the concept that the influence of tissue‐derived signals is critical in adjusting the magnitude and type of immune response built by the host. The better characterization of trained immunity for the persistence of inflammation induced by DAMPs would provide new possibilities for intervention in aging and autoinflammatory disorders.
Cardiomyocytes display low mitochondrial priming and are highly resistant toward cytotoxic T‐cell killing
Authors: Zheng Xiang , Halle Stephan , Yu Kai , Mishra Pooja , Scherr Michaela , Pietzsch Stefan , Willenzon Stefanie , Janssen Anika , Boelter Jasmin , Hilfiker‐Kleiner Denise , Eder Matthias , Förster Reinhold
Published: March 2016

Following heart transplantation, alloimmune responses can cause graft rejection by damaging donor vascular and parenchymal cells. However, it remains unclear whether cardiomyocytes are also directly killed by immune cells. Here, we used two‐photon microscopy to investigate how graft‐specific effector CD8+ T cells interact with cardiomyocytes in a mouse heart transplantation model. Surprisingly, we observed that CD8+ T cells are completely impaired in killing cardiomyocytes. Even after virus‐mediated preactivation, antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells largely fail to lyse these cells although both cell types engage in dynamic interactions. Furthermore, we established a two‐photon microscopy‐based assay using intact myocardium to determine the susceptibility of cardiomyocytes to undergo apoptosis. This feature, also known as mitochondrial priming reveals an unexpected weak predisposition of cardiomyocytes to undergo apoptosis in situ. These observations together with the early exhaustion phenotype of graft‐infiltrating specific T cells provide an explanation why cardiomyocytes are largely protected from direct CD8+ T‐cell‐mediated killing.
Long‐Term Cycling Performance of Nitrogen‐Doped Hollow Carbon Nanospheres as Anode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wen Yanfen , Wang Bei , Luo Bin , Wang Lianzhou
Published: March 2016

Nitrogen‐doped hollow carbon nanospheres (N‐HCSs) were prepared by a facile template method with dopamine as the precursor and subsequently used as the anode material for sodium‐ion batteries. The N‐HCSs demonstrated high reversible capacities with a retained capacity of 162.2 mA h g–1 over 100 cycles at 0.1 A g–1 and an excellent rate capability with an attainable capacity of 90 mA h g–1 at a high current density of 5 A g–1. Detailed characterization revealed that nitrogen doping introduces defects into the carbon wall structure and enables the storage of additional Na ions in the walls of the carbon spheres. We then show that the addition of an electrolyte additive [fluorinated ethylene carbonate (FEC)] also effectively enhances the cyclability of the N‐HCSs anode; a capacity of 136.4 mA h g–1 was obtained after 2500 charge–discharge cycles at a current rate of 0.2 A g–1.
Layered Transition Metal Nitroprussides – Their Preparation, Crystal Structure, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Gil Diego Mauricio , Osiry Hernandez , Rodriguez Alejandro , Lemus‐Santana Ana Adela , Carbonio Raúl Ernesto , Reguera Edilso
Published: March 2016

Divalent transition metal (T) nitroprussides form a series of insoluble coordination compounds, which generally crystallize in 3D frameworks, except for a layered (2D) phase of copper. In this contribution, the preparation of layered phases for T = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, and Cd is reported. The incorporation of imidazole (Im) during their preparation by the precipitation method inhibits the coordination of the axial CN groups to the metal T, and layered (2D) structures of formula unit T(Im)2[Fe(CN)5NO] result. The metal T is found coordinated to the N end of the equatorial CN groups. Imidazole molecules occupy its axial coordination sites. In the interlayer region, imidazole molecules from neighboring layers interact through their dipole and quadrupole moments. The stacking of the aromatic rings from neighboring molecules deviates from the sandwich‐type configuration, which in turn weakens the magnetic interactions between T2+ cations located in neighboring layers. Axial unbridged CN and NO groups play a steric hindrance role, thus causing a deviation from the sandwich configuration for the aromatic rings. This series of 2D transition metal nitroprussides can be exfoliated by using appropriate solvents, for example, 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone.
Lanthanum‐Doped TiO2 Nanosheet Film with Highly Reactive {001} Facets and Its Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Zhang Qijun , Fu Yu , Wu Yufeng , Zuo Tieyong
Published: March 2016

Lanthanum‐doped anatase TiO2 nanosheet films with exposed high‐reactivity {001} facets were synthesized directly on transparent conductive fluorine‐doped tin dioxide (FTO) substrates by a facile one‐pot solvothermal method. The surface morphological structure and crystal facets of the TiO2 nanosheets could be facilely controlled under appropriate conditions. The photocatalytic activities of the La‐doped TiO2 nanosheet films were evaluated for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB). The results demonstrated that the photocatalytic activities of the La‐doped TiO2 nanosheet films are higher than those of the pure TiO2 film; this is ascribed mainly to the synergistic effect of the La doping and the high percentage of exposed {001} facets. A possible mechanism for the photocatalytic degradation of MO and MB has also been proposed.
Exchange Method Using Acid‐Solvent Synergy for Metal–Organic Framework Synthesis (EASY‐MOFs) Based on a Typical Pillar‐Layered Parent Structure
Authors: He Yingdian , Shang Jin , Gu Qinfen , Zhao Qinghu , Xie Ke , Li Gang , Singh Ranjeet , Xiao Penny , Webley Paul A.
Published: March 2016

We report an advanced synthesis strategy, termed “exchange method using acid‐solvent synergy for metal–organic framework synthesis” (EASY‐MOFs), which can generally be applied to pillar‐layered MOFs to generate new structures. Superior to de novo synthesis, EASY‐MOFs provides an alternative synthesis route with advantages of high product purity, structural versatility and controllability. In addition, high product yield is possible without the need for tedious optimization of the synthetic conditions, which is often the case for de novo synthesis. More importantly, novel structures that are not obtainable by direct synthesis or conventional ligand‐exchange strategies can be achieved by EASY‐MOFs. Based on our experimental observations, we attribute the unique advantages of EASY‐MOFs to the nucleation rate control during the disassembly–exchange–reassembly process and the seeding effect of the parent crystals promoted by the acid.
Diverse Molecular Architectures of Si and Sn [4.4.3.01,6]Tridecane Cages Derived from a Mannich Base Possessing Semi‐Rigid Unsymmetrical Podands
Authors: Srivastav Neha , Mutneja Ruchi , Singh Navjot , Singh Raghubir , Kaur Varinder , Wagler Jörg , Kroke Edwin
Published: March 2016

Three novel atrane‐like pentacoordinate silicon and hexa‐ and mixed penta‐ and hexacoordinate tin compounds containing [4.4.3.0]tridecane cages have been synthesized. In the present work, the bis‐phenol amine tetradentate ligand, N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethylbenzyl)‐2‐aminoethanol (H3L), was treated with phenyltrichlorosilane, butyltrichlorostannane and phenyltrichlorostannane to give the mononuclear pseudo‐silatrane 1, dinuclear pseudo‐stannatrane 2 and tetranuclear pseudo‐stannatrane 3, respectively. These compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques (1H, 13C and 119Sn NMR, FTIR and MS). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies revealed 1 to be a discrete molecule and 2 to be a non‐centrosymmetric dimer, whereas compound 3 is a “ladder”‐like architecture bearing two types of Sn coordination spheres arranged in a centrosymmetric fashion. Thus, a broad range of molecular architectures are accessible with this tripodal ligand H3L. Pseudo‐atranes 1–3 are structurally characterized representatives of the hitherto very scarcely explored class of tricyclic group 14 metal compounds bearing mixed ring systems in an atrane cage.
Oxidative and hydrolytic stability of alimentary poultry fats under refrigeration and freezing
Authors: Pop Flavia , Semeniuc Cristina Anamaria , Mihalescu Lucia
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to establish the quality of three alimentary poultry fats: goose, duck, and chicken fat, stored under refrigeration (+2°C) and freezing (−18°C). Peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances test (TBARS), refractive index value (RIV), iodine value (IV), and saponification value (SV) were determined to measure the degree of oxidative rancidity. Additionally, fatty acid content (FA content) and acidity value (AV) were determined to measure the degree of hydrolytic rancidity. Chemical parameters were significantly influenced by the type of fat, storage time, and storage temperature (except RIV). Samples of fats stored at +2°C maintained acceptable characteristics for 180 days in chicken fat, 210 days in goose fat, and 240 days in duck fat, while acceptability tolerance was found to be 300 days for duck and goose fat and 240 days for chicken fat stored at −18°C. The total content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after 300 days of storage at +2°C in chicken fat samples, while the total fatty acid content was not significantly affected by storage temperature in all types of fats. Lipid oxidation in poultry fats varies with the temperature and the length of storage; the lower temperature had a greater retardation effect on rancidity during storage time.

Practical applications: Animal fats can be used as an ingredient in meat products or for soap manufacturing. It could also be alternative feedstocks for biodiesel production because their cost is substantially lower than the cost of vegetable oil. The storage of animal poultry fats in proper conditions influences their stability and extends the shelf‐life.

Peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances test, and acid value were significantly influenced by all treatments: the type of fat, storage temperature, and storage time. In chicken fat was found the highest level of acid value followed by the duck and goose fat. Regardless of the type of fat, the highest level of acid value was found in fat stored at +2°C. Regardless of the type of fat and storage temperature, the highest acid value level was found at 300 days of storage. At both storage temperatures, duck fat was the most stable followed by the goose and chicken fat.
Arylcalixarenyl Phosphines in Palladium‐Catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Elaieb Fethi , Hedhli Ahmed , Sémeril David , Matt Dominique
Published: March 2016

Two electron‐rich arylcalixarenylphosphines have been synthesized in three steps from the appropriate 5‐bromocalix[4]arene precursor 1. The combination of 5‐(2‐diisopropylphosphinophenyl)‐25,26,27,28‐tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene (5) and 5‐(2‐dicyclohexylphosphinophenyl)‐25,26,27,28‐tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene (6), respectively, with [Pd2(dba)3] (dba = dibenzylideneacetone) generated effective catalysts for the cross‐coupling reactions of hindered aryl chlorides and arylboronic acids. Dicyclohexylphosphino‐substituted ligand 6 had a higher activity that that of 5, and the structures of ligand 5 and [AuCl·5] were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. The solid‐state structure of [AuCl·5] revealed that the gold atom lies above the outer face of the calixarene unit, with distances of 3.08 and 3.28 Å between the gold atom and the two closest aromatic carbon atoms of the calixarene moiety.
Nucleophilic Reactivities of 2‐Substituted Malonates
Authors: Puente Ángel , He Shanshan , Corral‐Bautista Francisco , Ofial Armin R. , Mayr Herbert
Published: March 2016

Kinetics of the reactions of 2‐substituted malonate anions and 5‐substituted Meldrum's acid anions with benzhydrylium ions and structurally related quinone methides have been monitored in dimethyl sulfoxide solution at 20 °C. The resulting second‐order rate constants followed the correlation lg k(20 °C) = sN(E + N), which allowed the nucleophile‐specific parameters N and sN to be calculated for these highly stabilized carbanions and to integrate them in our comprehensive nucleophilicity scale. Given that the reactions of the benzhydrylium ions with the anions derived from 5‐aryl‐substituted Meldrum's acids did not proceed to completion, the corresponding equilibrium constants could be determined. In combination with available data for pyridines and benzoate ions, these equilibrium constants provide a direct comparison of the strengths of C‐, N‐, and O‐centered Lewis bases with respect to C‐centered Lewis acids.
Simple and Robust Green Synthesis of Au NPs on Reduced Graphene Oxide for the Simultaneous Detection of Toxic Heavy Metal Ions and Bioremediation Using Bacterium as the Scavenger
Authors: Gnanaprakasam Periyasami , Jeena Soban Easow , Premnath Dhanaraj , Selvaraju Thangavelu
Published: March 2016

In order to detect the heavy metal contamination in the water bodies, we have demonstrated a high sensitive and simultaneous detection of Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II) ions using the reduced graphene oxide supported spongy Au nanoparticles (rGO−Au NPs) modified electrode by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The rGO−Au NPs were prepared by green approach utilizing Abelmoschus esculentus vegetable extract as reducing agent. The as synthesized material has been characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The rGO−Au NPs modified electrode exhibits superior selectivity and sensitivity towards the heavy metal ions, where the sensitivity is 19.05 µA µM−1 cm−2, 47.76 µA µM−1 cm−2, 22.10 µA µM−1 cm−2 and 29.28 µA µM−1 cm−2 and the limits of detection (LOD) are 31.81 nM, 12.69 nM, 27.42 nM and 20.70 nM for Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+ and Hg2+, respectively. The selectivity was intensely studied and confirmed by analyzing the respective heavy metal ions in the presence of interfering anions and cations at 100 times higher concentrations. In addition to the simultaneous sensing, the bioremediation method has attempted for the removal of toxic heavy metal ions using bacterium species. Owing to the tremendous adsorption property, the bacterium Pseudomonas aeriginosa, Rizobium gallium, Staphylococus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis were acted as the scavenger for the heavy metal ions contamination. In addition, the proposed remediation process using bacterium would further reveal the work as green approach and claim that the entire steps involved in this work would support the green technologies.
Electrochemical Pretreatment of Graphene Composite CNT Encapsulated Au Nanoparticles for H2O2 Sensor
Authors: Abdelwahab Adel A.
Published: March 2016

A new analytical strategy based on potentiostatically pretreated graphene/CNT nanocomposite encapsulated Au nanoparticles (AuNPs/PPG/CNT) for the fabrication of H2O2 sensor was developed. The PPG/CNT nanocomposite was obtained through the potentiostatical of G and CNT mixture solution at an applied potential of −1.8 V, while AuNPs were immobilized on the PPG/CNT film via the produced active sites in the nanocomposite structure. The morphology and structure of the AuNPs/PPG/CNT nanocomposite were investigated by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), UV‐visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The nanocomposite displays intensive electrocatalytic activity towards the reduction of H2O2 by enhancing the cathodic peak current and completely eliminating the interference of other species. The AuNPs/PPG/CNT sensor showed an excellent amperometric response to H2O2 reduction with linear range from 1.0–150 µM and detection limit of 0.017 µM. Moreover, the sensor showed good reproducibility as well as anti‐interfering ability and long term stability. In addition, the proposed sensor was further applied for analytical determination of H2O2 in human urine real samples.
Exploring the glycosaminoglycan–protein interaction network by glycan‐mediated pull‐down proteomics
Authors: Gesslbauer Bernd , Derler Rupert , Handwerker Claudia , Seles Elisabeth , Kungl Andreas J.
Published: March 2016

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are linear, highly sulfated polysaccharides expressed by almost all animal cells. They occur as soluble molecules, or form proteoglycans by being O‐linked to different core proteins on the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix. Due to their ability to interact with diverse proteins and to modulate their biologic functions, GAGs are main drivers of mammalian biology. However, to the present day, the human GAG binding proteome has only been insufficiently explored. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the human GAG binding proteome of different sources by using the major GAG classes as ligands, and to explore the GAG‐binding selectivity of the human plasma proteome. For this purpose, proteins were pulled down from immobilized low molecular weight heparin, heparan sulfate, and dermatan sulfate under different conditions and were identified by nano‐LC/MS². Four hundred and fifty eight human GAG binding proteins have been identified, whereas plasma proteins showed clear differences in their GAG‐binding specificity/selectivity and affinity. We were able to differentiate between proteins that bound to all three glycan ligands and proteins that showed selective binding to one or two glycan ligands. Moreover, step‐gradient salt elution revealed different binding affinities toward different GAG ligands. On top of proteins with well‐known GAG‐binding properties we have identified formerly unknown GAG binders. Functional annotation of the identified GAG‐binding proteins showed clusters of proteins that are involved in a variety of biological processes. The method described here is well suited for identifying GAG‐binding proteins and for comparing human subproteomes with respect to binding to different GAG classes.