bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐Step Synthesis of Collagen Hybrid Gold Nanoparticles and Formation on Egyptian‐like Gold‐Plated Archaeological Ivory
Authors: Spadavecchia Jolanda , Apchain Emilande , Albéric Marie , Fontan Elisabeth , Reiche Ina
Published: June 2014

A one‐step method is reported to synthesize hybrid gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by reduction of HAuCl4 in acetic solution in the presence of collagen (Col), dicarboxylic acid‐terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG), and cetyltetrammonium bromide (CTAB) mixed with hydoxyapatite (HAP) as surfactants. Such formation process of AuNPs was shown to be responsible for purple stains naturally formed on Egyptianizing archaeological gilded ivories from 8th BC Syria. The understanding of this formation mechanism, which most likely involves a step with hybrid AuNPs, allows the establishing of an authenticity marker of ancient gold‐plated ivories.
Bio‐plastics and elastomers from polylactic acid/thermoplastic polyurethane blends
Authors: Jašo Vladislav , Cvetinov Miroslav , Rakić Srđan , Petrović Zoran S.
Published: June 2014

Blends of two biocompatible polymers: thermoplastic polyester‐urethane (TPU) and polylactic acid (PLA) were studied. The effect of the blending ratio on blend morphology and properties was examined by running a series of blends from 10 to 80 wt % of PLA. Increasing TPU concentration in the blends lowered the glass transition and melting point of PLA indicating that the components were compatible and partially miscible. The blends with 10–40 wt % PLA are hard, reinforced elastomers, while those with 60–80 wt % PLA are tough plastics. Cocontinuous morphology was suggested in samples with 40 and 50 wt % PLA. Inversion points between 30 and 40 wt % PLA (from globular phase is dispersed in the matrix to a cocontinuous morphology) and between 50 and 60 wt % PLA (a transition from cocontinuous to TPU dispersed in the PLA matrix) were observed. Elastomers with higher PLA content and intermediate morphology displayed a combination of high tensile strength, hardness, relatively high elongation and modulus. New materials have potential applications in the medical field. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41104.
Relative Performance of Commonly Used Physical Function Questionnaires in Rheumatoid Arthritis and a Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Computerized Adaptive Test
Authors: Oude Voshaar Martijn A. H. , ten Klooster Peter M. , Glas Cees A. W. , Vonkeman Harald E. , Krishnan Eswar , van de Laar Mart A. F. J.
Published: June 2014

Objective

To evaluate and compare the measurement precision and sensitivity to change of the Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index (HAQ DI), the Short Form 36 physical functioning scale (PF‐10), and simulated Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical function computer adaptive tests (CATs) with 5, 10, and 15 items, using item response theory–based simulation studies.

Methods

The measurement precision of the various physical function instruments was evaluated by calculating root mean square errors (RMSEs) between true physical function levels (latent physical function score) and estimated physical function levels. Measurement precision was evaluated at 9 levels of physical function, with 5,000 simulated response patterns per level. Sensitivity to change was evaluated by the ability of a simple statistical test to detect simulated change scores of small to moderate magnitude (standardized effect sizes 0.20, 0.35, and 0.50).

Results

RMSEs were smaller for the PROMIS physical function 15‐item CAT (CAT‐15) and CAT‐10 than for the HAQ DI and PF‐10 across all levels of the latent physical function scale. Only marginal improvement in performance was observed for the CAT‐15 compared with the CAT‐10, and the CAT‐5 performed quite similarly to the HAQ DI and PF‐10 across most levels of the latent physical function scale. Substantially improved sensitivity to change was observed for the CAT‐10 compared with the HAQ DI and PF‐10, particularly in detecting moderate effect sizes.

Conclusion

Clearly higher measurement precision was observed for the PROMIS CAT compared with the HAQ DI and PF‐10. Higher reliability also translated into lower sample size requirements for detecting changes in clinical status.
Cell sheet engineering for regenerative medicine: Current challenges and strategies
Authors: Owaki Toshiyuki , Shimizu Tatsuya , Yamato Masayuki , Okano Teruo
Published: June 2014

Substantial progress made in the areas of stem cell research and regenerative medicine has provided a number of innovative methods to repair or regenerate defective tissues and organs. Although previous studies regarding regenerative medicine, especially those involving induced pluripotent stem cells, have been actively promoted in the past decade, there remain some challenges that need to be addressed in order to enable clinical applications. Designed for use in clinical applications, cell sheet engineering has been developed as a unique, scaffold‐free method of cell processing utilizing temperature‐responsive cell culture vessels. Clinical studies using cell sheets have shown positive outcomes and will be translated into clinical practice in the near future. However, several challenges stand in the way of the industrialization of cell sheet products and the widespread acceptance of regenerative medicine based on cell sheet engineering. This review describes current strategies geared towards the realization of the regenerative medicine approach.
Peerwise provides significant academic benefits to biological science students across diverse learning tasks, but with minimal instructor intervention
Authors: McQueen H. A. , Shields C. , Finnegan D. J. , Higham J. , Simmen M. W.
Published: June 2014

We demonstrate that student engagement with PeerWise, an online tool that allows students to author and answer multiple‐choice questions (MCQs), is associated with enhanced academic performance across diverse assessment types on a second year Genetics course. Benefits were consistent over three course deliveries, with differential benefits bestowed on groups of different prior ability. A rating scheme, to assess the educational quality of students' questions, is presented and demonstrates that our students are able intuitively to make such quality assessments, and that the process of authoring high quality questions alone does not explain the academic benefits. We further test the benefits of providing additional PeerWise support and conclude that PeerWise works efficiently with minimal intervention, and can be reliably assessed using automatically generated PeerWise scores. © 2014 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 42(5):371–381, 2014.
Do cutaneous nerves cross the midline?
Authors: Capek Stepan , Tubbs R. Shane , Spinner Robert J.
Published: June 2014

Standard cutaneous innervation maps show strict midline demarcation. Although authors of these maps accept variability of peripheral nerve distribution or occasionally even the midline overlap of cutaneous nerves, this concept seems to be neglected by many other anatomists. To support the statement that such transmedian overlap exists, we performed an extensive literature search and found ample evidence for all regions (head/neck, thorax/abdomen, back, perineum, and genitalia) that peripheral nerves cross the midline or communicate across the midline. This concept has substantial clinical implications, most notably in anesthesia and perineural tumor spread. This article serves as a springboard for future anatomical, clinical, and experimental research. Clin. Anat. 28:96–100, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of (Poly)fluorobiphenyls through Metal‐catalyzed CH Bond Activation/Arylation of (Poly)fluorobenzene Derivatives
Authors: He Mian , Soulé Jean‐François , Doucet Henri
Published: June 2014

In recent years, palladium‐catalyzed direct arylation of (hetero)aromatics with aryl halides through a CH bond activation has become a popular method for generating carbon–carbon bonds. A wide variety of heteroaromatics such as furans, thiophenes, thiazoles, or even pyridines can be employed to prepare arylated heterocycles. Conversely, the formation of biphenyl derivatives through CH bond activation has attracted less attention, owing to the lower reactivity of CH bonds of most benzene derivatives. However, over the last few years several new results using modified and improved catalysts and reaction conditions, especially using polyfluorobenzene derivatives, have been reported permitting the synthesis of fluoro‐containing biphenyl derivatives at synthetically useful yields. As fluoro‐substituents on benzene rings appear to present a very specific effect, which promote such couplings, we summarize here the various methods allowing the synthesis of fluoro‐containing biaryls by metal‐catalyzed so called “direct arylation” of (poly)fluorobenzene derivatives. For most of these reactions, aryl halides have been used as the coupling partners, though a several examples employing other coupling partners, such as tosylates or boronic acids, are also known. Moreover, the reaction can be performed with several metal catalysts. This methodology allows the synthesis of complex molecules containing fluorine atoms in only a few steps, and will certainly give the access to a very wide variety of new fluorinated biphenyls useful to both material and biochemists.
The Electron Transfer Series [MoIII(bpy)3]n (n=3+, 2+, 1+, 0, 1−), and the Dinuclear Species [{MoIIICl(Mebpy)2}2(μ2‐O)]Cl2 and [{MoIV(tpy.)2}2(μ2‐MoO4)](PF6)2⋅4 MeCN
Authors: Wang Mei , Weyhermüller Thomas , Wieghardt Karl
Published: June 2014

The electronic structures of the five members of the electron transfer series [Mo(bpy)3]n (n=3+, 2+, 1+, 0, 1−) are determined through a combination of techniques: electro‐ and magnetochemistry, UV/Vis and EPR spectroscopies, and X‐ray crystallography. The mono‐ and dication are prepared and isolated as PF6 salts for the first time. It is shown that all species contain a central MoIII ion (4d3). The successive one‐electron reductions/oxidations within the series are all ligand‐based, involving neutral (bpy0), the π‐radical anion (bpy.)1−, and the diamagnetic dianion (bpy2−)2−: [MoIII(bpy0)3]3+ (S=3/2), [MoIII(bpy.)(bpy0)2]2+ (S=1), [MoIII(bpy.)2(bpy0)]1+ (S=1/2), [MoIII(bpy.)3] (S=0), and [MoIII(bpy.)2(bpy2−)]1− (S=1/2). The previously described diamagnetic dication “[MoII(bpy0)3](BF4)2” is proposed to be a diamagnetic dinuclear species [{Mo(bpy)3}2(μ2‐O)](BF4)4. Two new polynuclear complexes are prepared and structurally characterized: [{MoIIICl(Mebpy0)2}2(μ2‐O)]Cl2 and [{MoIV(tpy.)2}2(μ2‐MoVIO4)](PF6)2⋅4 MeCN.
ChemInform Abstract: Polymorphism in Li2MSiO4 (M: Fe, Mn): A Variable Temperature Diffraction Study.
Authors: Armstrong A. Robert , Sirisopanaporn Chutchamon , Adamson Paul , Billaud Juliette , Dominko Robert , Masquelier Christian , Bruce Peter G.
Published: June 2014

Li2FeSiO4 (I) is prepared by hydrothermal synthesis using stoichiometric quantities of SiO2, FeCl2, and LiOH (autoclave, 200 °C, 6 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Ag1+xTlO2 (0.03 ≤ x ≤ 0.18), Novel Adaptations of the Delafossite Structure Type Featuring Subvalent Silver.
Authors: Nuss Juergen , Dietrich Volker , Curda Jan , Jansen Martin
Published: June 2014

Phase‐pure Ag1+xTlO2 (x: 0.18 (I), 0.09 (II), 0.03 (III)) are prepared by reacting Ag2O and TlNO3 or Tl2O3 in autoclaves (Au tube, 420 °C, O2 pressure of 135 MPa for (I), 400 °C, 200 h, 48 MPa for (II), and 200 °C, 14 d for (III)).
ChemInform Abstract: A Simple, Rapid, and Efficient N‐Boc Protection of Amines under Ultrasound Irradiation and Catalyst‐Free Conditions.
Authors: Amira Aicha , K'tir Hacene , Berredjem Malika , Aouf Nour‐Eddine
Published: June 2014

A green and fast method for the N‐Boc protection of structurally diverse amines under mild conditions is described.
ChemInform Abstract: Cytochrome P450‐Catalyzed Insertion of Carbenoids into N—H Bonds.
Authors: Wang Z. Jane , Peck Nicole E. , Renata Hans , Arnold Frances H.
Published: June 2014

The reaction is conducted under environmentally benign conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Catalyzed Ullmann‐Type Synthesis of Diaryl Ethers Assisted by Salicylaldimine Ligands.
Authors: Qian Cun‐Wei , Lv Wen‐Lin , Zong Qian‐Shou , Wang Mao‐Yuan , Fang Dong
Published: June 2014

2‐[(2‐Isopropylphenylimino)methyl]phenol is found to be an efficient, cheap, and facile ligand for the CuX‐catalyzed O‐arylation of phenols with aryl iodides and bromides.
ChemInform Abstract: One‐Pot Synthesis of Aryl Alkyl Thioethers and Diaryl Disulfides Using Carbon Disulfide as a Sulfur Surrogate in the Presence of Diethylamine Catalyzed by Copper(I) Iodide in Polyethylene Glycol (PEG200).
Authors: Firouzabadi Habib , Iranpoor Nasser , Samadi Arash
Published: June 2014

Sodium N,N‐diethyldithiocarbamate which serves as sulfur source is prepared in situ using CS2 in combination with NaOH and diethylamine.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper—Schiff Base Complex Catalyzed Oxidation of Sulfides with Hydrogen Peroxide.
Authors: Gogoi Prasanta , Kalita Mukul , Bhattacharjee Tirtha , Barman Pranjit
Published: June 2014

A facile protocol including a copper—Schiff base catalyst allows the selective oxidation of aryl and alkyl sulfides to the corresponding sulfoxides.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of New Mixed Phenol/Heterocyclic Derivatives and Studies of Their Activity as Inhibitors of Bax/Bcl‐xL Interaction.
Authors: Vo Duc Duy , Gautier Fabien , Barille‐Nion Sophie , Juin Philippe , Levoin Nicolas , Gree Rene
Published: June 2014

The syntheses of a variety of mixed phenol/heterocyclic compounds is described, including triazole (IV), which exhibits very promising activity in the inhibition of Bax/Bcl‐xL interaction (more than selected reference compound ABT 737).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Benzofuran‐Containing Spirolactones from Diarylcyclopropenones.
Authors: Syu Jia‐Ru , Lin Chi‐Hui , Kuo Chiao‐Wen , Yang Ding‐Yah
Published: June 2014

Benzofuran‐containing spirolactones are formed by a copper‐catalyzed heterodimerization of 1,2‐diarylcyclopropenones followed by stepwise BBr3‐promoted demethylation.
ChemInform Abstract: Efficient Synthesis of Pyrazole Fused [6‐7‐5] Tricyclic Frameworks via Intramolecular Friedel—Crafts Reaction of Morita—Baylis—Hillman Adducts.
Authors: Zhong Weihui , Tu Aiping , Chen Kai , Liu Yanbin , Hu Weibo , Chen Xiao
Published: June 2014

A prolonged reaction time leads to the formation of isomers.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Bicyclic N‐Methylpyrazoline and Pyrazole Derivatives from α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones and N,N‐Dimethylhydrazine: An Illustration of Reductive Cyclization.
Authors: Panda A. K. , Das U. , Quail J. W. , Dimmock J. R.
Published: June 2014

The reaction of N,N‐dimethylhydrazine with arylideneketones gives rise to the formation of bicyclic pyrazoline and N‐methylpyrazole derivatives instead of hydrazones or Michael addition products.
ChemInform Abstract: Highly Efficient One‐Pot Synthesis of Dihydropyran Heterocycles
Authors: Ameen Mohamed A. , Motamed Sara M. , Abdel‐latif Fathy F.
Published: June 2014

via three‐component cyclocondensation reactions of aldehydes, malononitrile and appropriate nucleophiles in aqueous medium
ChemInform Abstract: Synthetic Studies on Polymaxenolides: Model Studies for Constructing Dihydropyran Portion and Synthesis of Lower Portion.
Authors: Matsuda Yutaka , Kato Masaya , Kawaguchi Tomonori , Koyama Takayuki , Saikawa Yoko , Nakata Masaya
Published: June 2014

Key building blocks of polymaxenolide (I) are prepared.
ChemInform Abstract: Efficient Synthesis of Some Novel Symmetrical and Unsymmetrical Pyridine Bis‐1,2,4‐triazoles and Bis‐1,3,4‐thiadiazoles.
Authors: Foroughifar Naser , Mobinikhaledi Akbar , Rafiee Abdolhossein
Published: June 2014

All products are purified by recrystallization.
ChemInform Abstract: Iridium‐Catalyzed Diborylation of Benzylic C—H Bonds Directed by a Hydrosilyl Group: Synthesis of 1,1‐Benzyldiboronate Esters.
Authors: Cho Seung Hwan , Hartwig John F.
Published: June 2014

The C—H activation is achieved with ‐SiHMe2 as a traceless directing group, which can be easily removed under standard conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Cembranoid Diterpenes from the Soft Coral Lobophytum crassum and Their Antiinflammatory Activities
Authors: Cuong Nguyen Xuan , Thao Nguyen Phuong , Luyen Bui Thi Thuy , Ngan Nguyen Thi Thanh , Thuy Dinh Thi Thu , Song Seok Bean , Nam Nguyen Hoai , Kiem Phan Van , Kim Young Ho , Minh Chau Van
Published: June 2014

isolation, structure determination and antiinflammatory effects of nine cembranoid diterpenes including four new compounds, crassumols D—G (I)—(IV), respectively
ChemInform Abstract: Nortriterpenoids from Schisandra chinensis and Their Absolute Configurational Assignments by Electronic Circular Dichroism Study.
Authors: Sun Han‐Dong , et al. et al.
Published: June 2014

Twelve new nortriterpenoids, namely wuweizidilactones J‐P [e.g. O (II)], schindilactones I‐K [e.g. I (I)], preschisanartanin N (III) and schisdilactone J, are isolated together with 23 known analogs.
ChemInform Abstract: Biphenyls from Aerial Parts of Ribes takare.
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Zhen , Lu Sheng‐Ming , Li Guo‐You , Jiao Wei , Huang Tian‐Fang , Yang Tao , Fang Dong‐Mei
Published: June 2014

Three new biphenyls are isolated together with 18 already known compounds.
ChemInform Abstract: Advances in Organoelement Chemistry for the Development of New Materials
Authors: Storozhenko Pavel A. , Shcherbakova Galina I.
Published: June 2014

Review: 56 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Reactions of Nucleophiles with Nitroarenes: Multifacial and Versatile Electrophiles
Authors: Makosza Mieczyslaw
Published: June 2014

Review: [54 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Functional Group Directed C—H Borylation
Authors: Ros A. , Fernandez R. , Lassaletta J. M.
Published: June 2014

Review: 51 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Oxidative Allylic Amination Reactions of Unactivated Olefins — At the Frontiers of Palladium and Selenium Catalysis
Authors: Breder Alexander
Published: June 2014

Review: [27 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Fischer—Tropsch Reaction on a Thermally Conductive and Reusable Silicon Carbide Support
Authors: Liu Yuefeng , Ersen Ovidiu , Meny Christian , Luck Francis , Pham‐Huu Cuong
Published: June 2014

Review: 199 refs
ChemInform Abstract: CO2 Recycling: A Key Strategy to Introduce Green Energy in the Chemical Production Chain
Authors: Perathoner Siglinda , Centi Gabriele
Published: June 2014

Review: [80 refs.
Simulation of gas–solid flow in rectangular spouted bed by coupling CFD–DEM and LES
Authors: Wang Chunhua , Zhong Zhaoping , Wang Xiaoyi , Alting Siti Aisyah
Published: June 2014

For a better understanding of the dynamics of spouted beds, the gas–solid flow in a three‐dimensional rectangular spouted bed was simulated using coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the discrete element method (DEM), and the anisotropic turbulent flow was solved by large eddy simulation (LES). The distributions of gas velocity, particle velocity, subgrid‐scale eddy viscosity, gas turbulent intensity and particle turbulent intensity in the simulation results were analysed in detail. In comparison with particle trajectory velocimetry (PTV) analysis, it was found that the particle velocity distributions in the simulation results agree well with those in the experimental results, which also verify the efficiency of the simulation model.
Study of Different Diurnal Variations of Summer Long‐Duration Rainfall Between the Southern and Northern Parts of the Huai River
Authors: Wei‐Hua YUAN , Ru‐Cong YU , Yun‐Fei FU
Published: June 2014

Using the hourly rain gauge data of 285 stations from 1961–2006, the diurnal variations of rainfall with different duration time over the eastern China were studied. The short‐duration rainfall over the whole eastern China peaks around 17 Beijing Time (BJT), but the peak time of long‐duration rainfall exhibits significant regional differences. Long‐duration rainfall over the northern (southern) parts of the Huai River presents the peaks during 02–06 (06–10) BJT. The regional differences exist in rainfall amount, frequency and intensity, but they are more obvious in the rainfall intensity and heavy long‐duration rainfall. Further analysis shows that the differences in rainfall peaks are contributed by the mean start time and the time between the start and peak of rainfall events jointly. Besides, the possible reasons, accounting for the different diurnal peaks of long‐duration rainfall over the southern and northern parts of the Huai River, have also been discussed.
Study on the Effect of Zipingpu Reservoir on the Occurrence of 2008 Wenchuan MS7.9 Earthquake Based on a 3D‐Poroelastic Model
Authors: Yu‐Jun SUN , Huai ZHANG , Shu‐Wen DONG , Liang ZHENG , Bei ZHANG , Hui‐Hong CHENG , Yao‐Lin SHI
Published: June 2014

It has been well recognized that large reservoir may induce earthquake. After May 12th, 2012 Wenchuan MS7.9 earthquake, people turn to think that it might be triggered by the impoundment of Zipingpu reservoir, which is located a few kilometers away from the epicenter of this devastating event. This scientific issue is still under hot debating to date in both geodynamics and seismology communities. In this paper, we first propose a 3D finite element numerical model of Zipingpu reservoir region based on the poroelastic scenario. Based on the water level fluctuation record of Zipingpu reservoir from the very beginning of impoundment to the occurrence of 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, we calculate the pore pressure and the change of Coulomb stress on the fault plane. Then, we discuss the effects of elastic modulus and diffusivity of fault gouge and materials around the faults. Our primary results indicate that the elastic modulus of fault gouge and the materials around the faults have relatively neglectable effect, compared to that of the diffusive coefficient, on the Coulomb stress change at the hypocenter of this earthquake. The Coulomb stress change at the hypocenter increases coherently with the increasing diffusivity of the faults and their neighboring areas. Given the values of elastic modulus and diffusivity in our model, the change of Coulomb stress at the hypocenter obtained is around 1 kPa when Wenchuan MS7.9 earthquake happened. From the local earthquake catalog after the impoundment of the reservoir, the seismicity activities around Zipingpu reservoir regions does intensified, although the magnitudes of them are almost no more than MS2.2. However, we find that most of the small events happened before Wenchuan MS7.9 earthquake are located in the region of Coulomb stress increases, which indicates that most of the small earthquakes could have direct relationship with the impoundment of Zipingpu reservoir.
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy among Department of Defense beneficiaries by race
Authors: Enewold Lindsey R. , McGlynn Katherine A. , Zahm Shelia H. , Poudrier Jill , Anderson William F. , Shriver Craig D. , Zhu Kangmin
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

Postmastectomy breast reconstruction increased approximately 20% between 1998 and 2008 in the United States and has been found to improve body image, self‐esteem, and quality of life. These procedures, however, tend to be less common among minority women, which may be due to variations in health care access. The Department of Defense provides equal health care access, thereby affording an exceptional environment in which to assess whether racial variations persist when access to care is equal.

METHODS

Linked Department of Defense cancer registry and medical claims data were used. The receipt of reconstruction was compared between white women (n = 2974) and black women (n = 708) who underwent mastectomies to treat incident histologically confirmed breast cancer diagnosed from 1998 through 2007.

RESULTS

During the study period, postmastectomy reconstruction increased among both black (27.3% to 40.0%) and white (21.8% to 40.6%) female patients with breast cancer. Receipt of reconstruction did not vary significantly by race (odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.76‐1.15). Reconstruction decreased significantly with increasing age, tumor stage, and receipt of radiotherapy and was significantly more common in more recent years and among active servicewomen, TRICARE Prime (health maintenance organization) beneficiaries, and women whose sponsor was an officer.

CONCLUSIONS

The receipt of breast reconstruction did not vary by race within this equal‐access health system, indicating that the racial disparities reported in previous studies may have been due in part to variations in access to health care. Additional research to determine why a large percentage of patients with breast cancer do not undergo reconstruction might be beneficial, particularly because these procedures have been associated with noncosmetic benefits. Cancer 2014;120:3033–3039. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Under‐representation of racial minorities in prostate cancer studies submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration to support potential marketing approval, 1993‐2013
Authors: Wissing Michel D. , Kluetz Paul G. , Ning Yang‐Min , Bull Jonca , Merenda Christine , Murgo Anthony J. , Pazdur Richard
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of new drugs depends on results from clinical trials that must be generalized to the US population. However, racial minorities are frequently under‐represented in clinical studies. The enrollment of racial minorities was compared in key clinical studies submitted to the FDA in the last 10 years in support of potential marketing approval for prostate cancer (PCa) prevention or treatment.

METHODS

Patient demographic data were obtained from archival data sets of large registration trials submitted to the FDA to support proposed PCa indications. Six countries/regions were analyzed: the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Eastern Europe. Background racial demographics were collected from national census data.

RESULTS

Seventeen key PCa clinical trials were analyzed. These trials were conducted in the past 20 years, comprising 39,574 patients with known racial information. Most patients were enrolled in the United States, but there appeared to be a trend toward increased non‐US enrollment over time. In all countries, racial minorities were generally under‐represented. There was no significant improvement in racial minority enrollment over time. The United States enrolled the largest nonwhite population (7.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Over the past 20 years, racial minorities were consistently under‐represented in key PCa trials. There is a need for effective measures that will improve enrollment of racial minorities. With increased global enrollment, drug developers should aim to recruit a patient population that resembles the racial demographics of the patient population to which drug use will be generalized upon approval. Cancer 2014;120:3025–3032. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Pancreatic hepatoid carcinoma: A rare form of pancreatic neoplasm
Authors: Soofi Yousef , Kanehira Kazunori , Abbas Ali , Aranez Jose , Bain Andrew , Ylagan Lourdes
Published: June 2014

Primary pancreatic hepatoid carcinoma (PHC) is extremely rare, resembling hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in terms of morphology and immunohistochemical features. Hepatoid carcinoma can present in other organs, most noticeably in the stomach. PHC is present in two forms either a pure form like HCC or admixed with other histologic tumor components characteristic of the underlying primary site (endocrine tumors, ductal, or acinar adenocarcinomas). Here, we report a 69‐year‐old male patient with distal pancreatic mass incidentally found during a CT scan workup for a pulmonary nodule suspicious for metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. We described the clinical, cytological, and histological finding and conducted a literature review. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:251–256. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maturation of membrane properties of neurons in the rat deep cerebellar nuclei
Authors: Wang Desheng , Schreurs Bernard G.
Published: June 2014

Patch clamp recordings of neurons in the adult rat deep cerebellar nuclei have been limited by the availability of viable brain slices. Using a new slicing technique, this study was designed to explore the maturation of membrane properties of neurons in the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN)—an area involved in rat eyeblink conditioning. Compared to whole‐cell current–clamp recordings in DCN in rat pups at postnatal day 16 (P16) to P21, recordings from weanling rats at P22–P40 revealed a number of significant changes including an increase in the amplitude of the afterhyperpolarization (AHP)—an index of membrane excitability which has been shown to be important for eyeblink conditioning—a prolonged interval between the first and second evoked action potential, and an increase in AHP amplitude for hyperpolarization‐induced rebound spikes. This is the first report of developmental changes in membrane properties of DCN which may contribute to the ontogeny of eyeblink conditioning in the rat. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 1268–1276, 2014
Synthesis of N,N‐Disubstituted 3‐Amino‐1,4‐diynes and 3‐Amino‐1‐ynes by Addition of Alkynyldimethylaluminum Reagents to N,N‐Disubstituted Formamides and N,O‐Acetals
Authors: Korbad Balaji L. , Lee Sang‐Hyeup
Published: June 2014

A wide range of alkynyldimethylaluminum reagents, which were derived from terminal alkynes and trimethylaluminum, underwent a double addition to N,N‐disubstituted formamides and their acetals to provide the corresponding N,N‐disubstituted 3‐amino‐1,4‐diynes in moderate to excellent yields. Also, these reagents smoothly underwent the addition to N,O‐acetals to give the corresponding N,N‐disubstituted 3‐amino‐1‐ynes in excellent yields.
Nonparametric estimation of wave dispersion in high‐rise buildings by seismic interferometry
Authors: Ebrahimian Mahdi , Rahmani Mohammadtaghi , Todorovska Maria I.
Published: June 2014

Interferometric identification and health monitoring of high‐rise buildings has been gaining increasing interest in recent years. The wave dispersion in the structure has been largely ignored in these efforts but needs to be considered to further develop these methods. In this paper, (i) the goodness of estimation of vertical wave velocity in buildings, as function of frequency, by two nonparametric interferometric techniques is examined, using realistic fixed‐base Timoshenko beam benchmark models. Such models are convenient because the variation of phase and group velocities with frequency can be derived theoretically. The models are those of the NS and EW responses of Millikan Library. One of the techniques, deconvolution interferometry, estimates the phase velocity on a frequency band from phase difference between motions at two locations in the structure, while the other one estimates it approximately at the resonant frequencies based on standing wave patterns. The paper also (ii) examines the modeling error in wave velocity profiles identified by fitting layered shear beam in broader band impulse response functions of buildings with significant bending flexibility. This error may affect inferences on the spatial distribution of damage from detected changes in such velocity profiles. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of novel ALK rearrangement A2M–ALK in a neonate with fetal lung interstitial tumor
Authors: Onoda Tadashi , Kanno Miyako , Sato Hiroko , Takahashi Noriyuki , Izumino Hiroko , Ohta Hiroshi , Emura Takaki , Katoh Hirohisa , Ohizumi Hiroyuki , Ohtake Hiroya , Asao Hironobu , Dehner Louis P. , Hill Ashley D. , Hayasaka Kiyoshi , Mitsui Tetsuo
Published: June 2014

Fetal lung interstitial tumor (FLIT) is a recently reported type of congenital lung lesion comprising solid and cystic components. The pathological features include unique interstitial mesenchyme‐based cell proliferation, and differ from other neoplasms represented by pleuropulmonary blastoma or congenital peribronchial myofibroblastic tumor. FLIT is extremely rare and its gene expression profile has not yet been reported. We provide the first report of a novel chromosomal rearrangement resulting in α‐2‐macroglobulin (A2M) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene fusion in a patient with FLIT. The tumor cells contained a t(2;12)(p23;p13) and were mesenchymal in origin (e.g., inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors), suggesting the involvement of ALK in this case of FLIT. Break apart fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated chromosomal rearrangement at ALK 2p23. Using 5′‐rapid amplification of cDNA ends, we further identified a novel transcript fusing exon 22 of A2M to exon 19 of ALK, which was confirmed by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. The corresponding chimeric gene was subsequently confirmed by sequencing, including the genomic break point between intron 22 and 18 of A2M and ALK, respectively. Discovery of A2M as a novel ALK fusion partner, together with the involvement of ALK, provides new insights into the pathogenesis of FLIT, and suggests the potential for new therapeutic strategies based on ALK inhibitors. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bioresorbable ureteral stents from natural origin polymers
Authors: Barros Alexandre A. , Rita Ana , Duarte C. , Pires Ricardo A. , Sampaio‐Marques Belém , Ludovico Paula , Lima Estevão , Mano João F. , Reis Rui L.
Published: June 2014

In this work, stents were produced from natural origin polysaccharides. Alginate, gellan gum, and a blend of these with gelatin were used to produce hollow tube (stents) following a combination of templated gelation and critical point carbon dioxide drying. Morphological analysis of the surface of the stents was carried out by scanning electron microscopy. Indwelling time, encrustation, and stability of the stents in artificial urine solution was carried out up to 60 days of immersion.In vitrostudies carried out with simulated urine demonstrated that the tubes present a high fluid uptake ability, about 1000%. Despite this, the materials are able to maintain their shape and do not present an extensive swelling behavior. The bioresorption profile was observed to be highly dependent on the composition of the stent and it can be tuned. Complete dissolution of the materials may occur between 14 and 60 days. Additionally, no encrustation was observed within the tested timeframe. The ability to resist bacterial adherence was evaluated with Gram‐positiveStaphylococcus aureusand two Gram‐negativesEscherichia coliDH5 alpha andKlebsiella oxytoca. ForK. oxytoca, no differences were observed in comparison with a commercial stent (Biosoft®duo, Porges), although, forS. aureusall tested compositions had a higher inhibition of bacterial adhesion compared to the commercial stents. In case ofE. coli, the addition of gelatin to the formulations reduced the bacterial adhesion in a highly significant manner compared to the commercial stents. The stents produced by the developed technology fulfill the requirements for ureteral stents and will contribute in the development of biocompatible and bioresorbable urinary stents. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 608–617, 2015.
Biological effects of electromagnetic fields
Authors: Adey W. Ross
Published: June 2014

Life on earth has evolved in a sea of natural electromagnetic (EM) fields. Over the past century, this natural environment has sharply changed with introduction of a vast and growing spectrum of man‐made EM fields. From models based on equilibrium thermodynamics and thermal effects, these fields were initially considered too weak to interact with biomolecular systems, and thus incapable of influencing physiological functions. Laboratory studies have tested a spectrum of EM fields for bioeffects at cell and molecular levels, focusing on exposures at athermal levels. A clear emergent conclusion is that many observed interactions are not based on tissue heating. Modulation of cell surface chemical events by weak EM fields indicates a major amplification of initial weak triggers associated with binding of hormones, antibodies, and neurotransmitters to their specific binding sites. Calcium ions play a key role in this amplification. These studies support new concepts of communication between cells across the barriers of cell membranes; and point with increasing certainty to an essential physical organization in living matter, at a far finer level than the structural and functional image defined in the chemistry of molecules. New collaborations between physical and biological scientists define common goals, seeking solutions to the physical nature of matter through a strong focus on biological matter. The evidence indicates mediation by highly nonlinear, nonequilibrium processes at critical steps in signal coupling across cell membranes. There is increasing evidence that these events relate to quantum states and resonant responses in biomolecular systems, and not to equilibrium thermodynamics associated with thermal energy exchanges and tissue heating.
Diffuse angiomatosis of the breast—Sonographic appearance
Authors: Ciurea Anca , Dudea Sorin M. , Lebovici Andrei , Fodor Lucian , Crisan Doinita
Published: June 2014

Angiomatosis or diffuse hemangioma is a very rare benign vascular tumor, consisting of blood and lymphatic channels growing diffusely in the breast parenchyma. We report a case of diffuse breast angiomatosis in a 34‐year‐old woman with pubertal anisomastia. Ultrasound raised the suspicion of vascular tumor, by showing large cystic spaces separated by septae with moderate blood flow, similar to those found in cystic lymphangioma. We discuss the imaging (mammography, ultrasound, and MRI) and pathologic findings, with a brief review of the literature. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:498–501, 2014
Tips and tricks of surgical technique for pancreatic cancer: portal vein resection and reconstruction (with videos)
Authors: Yoshitomi Hideyuki , Kato Atsushi , Shimizu Hiroaki , Ohtsuka Masayuki , Furukawa Katsunori , Takayashiki Tsukasa , Kuboki Satoshi , Takano Shigetsugu , Okamura Daiki , Suzuki Daisuke , Sakai Nozomu , Kagawa Shingo , Miyazaki Masaru
Published: June 2014

Surgical resection is the only hope for cure in patients with pancreatic cancer. To improve the resectability and achieve better prognosis of this lethal disease, extended resection for pancreatic cancer has been applied. We have performed portal vein resection aggressively for pancreatic cancer with portal vein invasion. We also established a method of portal vein reconstruction using the left renal vein graft for tumors widely extended to the portal vein. Our data show similar survival between patients with portal vein obstruction and those without invasion. We also show that portal vein reconstruction using the left renal vein graft can be performed safely without severe liver damage. With video, we introduce our surgical technique for portal vein resection and reconstruction, especially focusing on the usage of the left renal vein graft, providing several tips for a safe and successful procedure.
Interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist promotes survival of ventral horn neurons and suppresses microglial activation in mouse spinal cord slice cultures
Authors: Schizas N. , Andersson B. , Hilborn J. , Hailer N.P.
Published: June 2014

Secondary damage after spinal cord injury (SCI) induces neuronal demise through neurotoxicity and inflammation, and interleukin (IL)‐1β is a key inflammatory mediator. We hypothesized that IL‐1β is released in spinal cord slice cultures (SCSC) and aimed at preventing the potentially neurotoxic effects of IL‐1β by using interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL1RA). We hypothesized that IL1RA treatment enhances neuronal survival and suppresses microglial activation. SCSC were cultured up to 8 days in vitro (DIV) in the presence of IL1RA or without, either combined with trophic support using neurotrophin (NT)‐3 or not. Four groups were studied: negative control, IL1RA, NT‐3, and IL1RA + NT‐3. IL‐1β concentrations in supernatants were measured by ELISA. SCSC were immunohistochemically stained for NeuN and α‐neurofilament, and microglial cells were visualized with isolectin B4. After 8 DIV, ventral horn neurons were significantly more numerous in the IL1RA, NT‐3, and IL1RA + NT‐3 groups compared with negative controls. Activated microglial cells were significantly less numerous in the IL1RA, NT‐3, and IL1RA + NT‐3 groups compared with negative controls. Axons expanded into the collagen matrix after treatment with IL1RA, NT‐3, or IL1RA + NT‐3, but not in negative controls. IL‐1β release from cultures peaked after 6 hr and was lowest in the IL1RA + NT‐3 group. We conclude that IL‐1β is released in traumatized spinal cord tissue and that IL1RA could exert its neuroprotective actions by blocking IL‐1‐receptors. IL1RA thereby sustains neuronal survival irrespective of the presence of additional trophic support. Microglial activation is suppressed in the presence of IL1RA, suggesting decreased inflammatory activity. IL1RA treatment approaches may have substantial impact following SCI. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of weather research and forecasting model for the assessment of wind resource over Gharo, Pakistan
Authors: Amjad Muhammad , Zafar Qudsia , Khan Firdos , Sheikh Muhammad Munir
Published: June 2014

Weather research and forecasting (WRF) model is the state‐of‐the‐art mesoscale model that could be used as a guideline to effectively assess the wind resource of Gharo wind station lying in the coastal belt of Pakistan. The anemometer heights of 10 and 30 m for the year 2005 have been used to study the wind profile of the region for summer (June, July, August, September) and winter (December, January, February, March). The study uses an innovative approach for model comparisons, i.e. an eta‐half level is added in the model on 60 m height and is interpolated to 30 m height by using well known power law. This is done by studying the diurnal variation of wind shear for the whole year of 2005 in order to reduce maximum possible interpolation error. For both seasons, the error measures of mean bias error (MBE), mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) of 30 m interpolated data were found lower than 10 m height data with increased correlation (r). A bias correction methodology (best easy systematic estimator) was further applied over the model output showing a significant improvement toward MBE, MAE and RMSE reduction, i.e. up to 99%, 73% and 68% on 10 m height and 99%, 51% and 46% on 30 m height. Errors were reduced more for summer than winter. The selected bias correction methodology was thus found to be highly applicable for both model heights. The wind energy assessment of Gharo wind station from the corrected model simulation showed summer having more potential for wind energy than winter with an estimated energy of up to 1000 MWh.
Characterizing image quality of autostereoscopic displays by using the maximum luminance at each viewing position
Authors: Horikoshi Tsutomu , Kimura Shinji
Published: June 2014

A metric of the 3D image quality of autostereoscopic displays based on optical measurements is proposed. This metric uses each view's luminance contrast, which is defined as the ratio of maximum luminance at each viewing position to total luminance at that position. Conventional metrics of the autostereoscopic display based on crosstalk, which uses “wanted” and “unwanted” lights. However, in case of the multiple‐views‐type autostereoscopic displays, it is difficult to distinguish exactly which lights are wanted lights and which are unwanted lights. This paper assumes that the wanted light has a maximum luminance at the good stereoscopic viewing position, and the unwanted light also has a maximum luminance at the worst pseudo‐stereoscopic viewing position. By using the maximum luminance that is indexed by view number of the autostereoscopic display, the proposed method enables characterizing stereoscopic viewing conditions without using wanted/unwanted light. A 3D image quality metric called “stereo luminance contrast,” the average of both eyes' contrast, is proposed. The effectiveness of the proposed metric is confirmed by the results of optical measurement analyses of different types of autostereoscopic displays, such as the two‐view, scan‐backlight, multi‐view, and integral.
The role of surgeons in building a personalized medicine program
Authors: Boland Genevieve M. , Meric‐Bernstam Funda
Published: June 2014

Changes in technology, with decreases in the cost of molecular profiling, has expanded the interest in creating institution‐wide personalized medicine platforms to allow selective assessment of a given patient's tumor in real time, with the ability to utilize that information for patient‐care decisions. In order for this approach to function adequately, a multidisciplinary team must be created in an environment with dedicated support at an institutional level. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:3–8. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐performance liquid chromatography enantioseparation of polyhalogenated 4,4′‐bipyridines on polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phases under multimodal elution
Authors: Peluso Paola , Mamane Victor , Aubert Emmanuel , Cossu Sergio
Published: June 2014

An investigation on the high‐performance liquid chromatography enantioseparation of 12 polyhalogenated 4,4′‐bipyridines on polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phases is described. The overall study was directed toward the generation of efficient separations in order to obtain pure atropisomers that will serve as ligands for building homochiral metal organic frameworks. Four coated columns—namely, Lux Cellulose‐1, Lux Cellulose‐2, Lux Cellulose‐4, and Lux Amylose‐2—and two immobilized columns—namely, Chiralpak IC and IA—were used under normal, polar organic, and reversed‐phase elution modes. Moreover, Chiralcel OJ was considered under normal‐phase and polar organic conditions. The effect of the chiral selector and mobile phase composition on the enantioseparation, the enantiomer elution order and the beneficial effect of nonstandard solvents were studied. The effect of water in the mobile phase on the enantioselectivity and retention was investigated and retention profiles typical of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography were observed. Interesting phenomena of solvent‐induced enantiomer elution order reversal occurred under normal‐phase mode. All the considered 4,4′‐bipyridines were enantioseparated at the multimilligram level.
Quality assessment of Cinnamomi Ramulus by the simultaneous analysis of multiple active components using high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Wu Xiaoxue , He Jiao , Xu Huarong , Bi Kaishun , Li Qing
Published: June 2014

A novel and improved method for the quality assessment of Cinnamomi Ramulus was developed and completely validated. The method was established using fingerprint technology and simultaneous quantitative determination of six main marker compounds including coumarin, cinnamic alcohol, cinnamic acid, 2‐methoxy cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde, and 2‐methoxy cinnamaldehyde in the herbal medicine for the first time. A newly developed high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography method, which achieved simultaneous definition of five marker components by comparing the colors and retardation factor values of the bands in high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography, was first used for the authentication of Cinnamomi Ramulus. The fingerprints of 26 batches of herbal samples from different regions of China showed very similar chromatographic patterns that were evaluated by similarity analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis. In addition, six marker compounds were simultaneously determined using single standard to determine multiple components by the relative response factors. Compared with the external standard method, the new quantitative method was validated to determine multiple compounds in 26 batches of Cinnamomi Ramulus samples. All results demonstrated that the simple and rapid method could be effectively utilized for the quality control of Cinnamomi Ramulus.