bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inpatient Preanalytic Process Improvements
Authors: Wagar Elizabeth A. , Phipps Ron , Del Guidice Robert , Middleton Lavinia P. , Bingham John , Prejean Cheryl , Johnson-Hamilton Martha , Philip Pheba , Le Ngoc Han , Muses Waheed
Published: November 2013

Context.—Phlebotomy services are a common target for preanalytic improvements. Many new, quality engineering tools have recently been applied in clinical laboratories. However, data on relatively few projects have been published. This example describes a complete application of current, quality engineering tools to improve preanalytic phlebotomy services.

Objectives.—To decrease the response time in the preanalytic inpatient laboratory by 25%, to reduce the number of incident reports related to preanalytic phlebotomy, and to make systematic process changes that satisfied the stakeholders.

Design.—The Department of Laboratory Medicine, General Services Section, at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston) is responsible for inpatient phlebotomy in a 24-hour operation, which serves 689 inpatient beds. The study director was project director of the Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine's Quality Improvement Section and was assisted by 2 quality technologists and an industrial engineer from MD Anderson Office of Performance Improvement.

Results.—After implementing each solution, using well-recognized, quality tools and metrics, the response time for blood collection decreased by 23%, which was close to meeting the original responsiveness goal of 25%. The response time between collection and arrival in the laboratory decreased by 8%. Applicable laboratory-related incident reports were reduced by 43%.

Conclusions.—Comprehensive application of quality tools, such as statistical control charts, Pareto diagrams, value-stream maps, process failure modes and effects analyses, fishbone diagrams, solution prioritization matrices, and customer satisfaction surveys can significantly improve preset goals for inpatient phlebotomy.
How to Evaluate a Potential Merger or Acquisition
Authors: Horowitz Richard E. , Provizer Harold , Barry Michael J.
Published: November 2013

Economic imperatives in health care financing are compelling a variety of mergers, acquisitions, integrations, and other forms of amalgamation. As hospitals merge, their pathology practices are merging. Physicians are forming clinically integrated groups, both with and without hospitals. Universities, commercial laboratories, and even insurance companies are acquiring laboratories and pathology practices. There are few standards or guidelines to help the practicing pathologist respond to such new undertakings. In the present study, we present a “how-to” guide or template to assist pathologists in evaluating proposals to amalgamate and in managing the alliance. The procedure begins with an articulation of the cons and pros, followed by a series of assessments of the cultures, the market, the organization, and operations, as well as a legal and financial assessment and human resources appraisal of each of the entities. We then outline the method for developing an organizational and operational model for the new merged entity and for performing the feasibility analysis, making a final decision, drafting a contract, and developing the business plan for the new venture.
Palynological data on a holocene peat deposit in tropical Brasil: preliminary paleoclimatic and paleoecological interpretations
Authors: Modenesi May Christine , Melhem Therezinha S
Published: November 2013

A evolução das vertentes do planalto de Campos do Jordão durante o Pleistoceno é documentada por três gerações de anfiteatros de erosão, que refletem uma seqüência de importantes movimentos de massa relacionados a fases de incisão de caráter tectônico e a flutuações climáticas - provavelmente na transição para os climas mais secos contemporâneos das duas últimas glaciações do hemisfério norte. No Holoceno, processos com menor ação erosiva teriam depositado os colúvios das vertentes, evidenciando diminuição do ritmo de levantamento do planalto e da intensidade das flutuações do clima de montanha. O acentuado contraste ambiental criado pelo aparecimento dos anfiteatros teria condicionado a distribuição da vegetação e a organização do mosaico mata-campo. O estudo palinológico de um depósito turfoso de base de anfiteatro permitiu detectar mudanças na cobertura vegetal do planalto durante o Holoceno Superior. Variações das associações vegetais das matas e dos campos seriam explicadas pelo ajustamento das formações vegetais a variações das condições de temperatura e umidade. Estas modificações refletiriam a transição dos climas mais quentes e provavelmente mais secos do Holoceno Médio para o clima atual do planalto, caracterizado por temperaturas mais baixas e por distribuição mais homogênea das chuvas.
Análise estatística dos dados de furos de sondagem da jazida de cobre de Chapada, Goiás
Authors: Yamamoto Jorge Kazuo
Published: November 2013

Este trabalho apresenta os resultados do tratamento estatístico e análise dos dados de litologia e teores de cobre e ouro de amostras da Jazida de Cobre de Chapada. As informações extraídas das descrições dos furos de sondagem foram confrontadas com os teores de cobre e ouro, com o fim de verificar a relação existente entre a rocha hospedeira e a mineralização. Para os teores de cobre e ouro, o tratamento estatístico foi efetuado com o objetivo de obter uma estimativa global das populações amostradas, como uma primeira aproximação do teor médio do depósito. Como a futura lavra desta jazida se daria pelo método tradicional de bancadas a céu aberto, procedeu-se à composição das amostras originais para um intervalo igual à altura das bancadas. Para aferir a qualidade da composição foi efetuado um tratamento estatístico dos teores compostos. As distribuições assim obtidas, comparadas com aquelas originais (antes da composição), revelaram uma pequena suavização e maior aproximação para a distribuição normal introduzida pela composição.
Sugestões para padronização da metodologia empregada em estudos palinológicos do Quaternário
Authors: Ybert Jean-Pierre , Salgado-Labouriau Maria Léa , Barth Ortrud Monika , Lorscheitter Maria Luísa , Barros Márcia Aguiar de , Chaves Sérgio Augusto de Miranda , Luz Cynthia Fernandes Pinto da , Ribeiro Maira , Scheel Rita , Vicentini Kátia Ferraz
Published: November 2013

A metodologia detalhada a seguir foi definida pelos autores durante reuniões organizadas em Belo Horizonte por ocasião do 3f? Congresso da Associação Brasileira de Estudos do Quatemário (ABEQUA) em 1991. Consiste na padronização dos métodos de coleta e dos tratamentos físico-quúnicos a serem aplicados na preparação das amostras destinadas a estudos em Palinologia. É recomendada para estudos palinológicos relacionados com o Quatemário e deverá ser utilizada sempre que for possível, com a finalidade de permitir uma comparação entre os trabalhos dos diversos autores e a utilização dos dados publicados pela comunidade científica. Caso as condições de conservação ou a natureza do material não permitirem o uso desta metodologia, o autor deverá descrever detalhadamente o seu procedimento.
Sn propagation in the Western United States from common midpoint stacks of USArray data
Authors: Buehler J. S. , Shearer P. M.
Published: November 2013

The regional seismic phase Sn propagates horizontally in the uppermost mantle and is sensitive to lateral variations in mantle lid thickness, temperature, and melt. Sn is therefore often used as an indicator for physical properties of the lithosphere. It has previously been noticed that Sn is not observed at many stations in the Western United States and Sn seems especially highly attenuated for paths across the Basin and Range. Here we apply stacking methods to USArray data to identify highly attenuating regions in the uppermost mantle and increase the spatial resolution of the Sn propagation image. We find evidence for Sn propagation at short ranges in the central Great Basin and the northeastern part of the Colorado Plateau, both regions where lithospheric stability and thickness is debated, and observe strong Sn attenuation around the perimeter of the central Great Basin.
Quantification of fuel moisture effects on biomass consumed derived from fire radiative energy retrievals
Authors: Smith Alistair M. S. , Tinkham Wade T. , Roy David P. , Boschetti Luigi , Kremens Robert L. , Kumar Sanath S. , Sparks Aaron M. , Falkowski Michael J.
Published: November 2013

Satellite based fire radiant energy retrievals are widely applied to assess biomass consumed and emissions at regional to global scales. A known potential source of uncertainty in biomass burning estimates arises from fuel moisture but this impact has not been quantified in previous studies. Controlled fire laboratory experiments are used in this study to examine the biomass consumed and the radiant energy release (Fire Radiative Energy, FRE, (MJ)) for western white pine needle fuels burned with water content (WC, unitless) from 0.01 to 0.14. Results indicate a significant relationship: FRE per kilogram of fuel consumed = −5.32 WC + 3.025 (r2 = 0.83, n = 24, P < 0.001) and imply that not taking into account fuel moisture variations in the assumed relationship between FRE and fuel consumed can lead to systematic biases. A methodological framework to derive a revised formula that enables the estimation of biomass consumed from FRE, which explicitly takes into account fuel water content, is presented.
The role of the oceans in shaping the tropospheric response to the 11 year solar cycle
Authors: Misios Stergios , Schmidt Hauke
Published: November 2013

Observational data indicate a weakening and poleward shift of the subtropical tropospheric jets in the maximum phase of the 11 year solar cycle, commonly explained in terms of a direct “top‐down” propagation of solar signals from the stratosphere to the troposphere. We here demonstrate possible linkages to oceanic variability, instead. The observed response of the jets is qualitatively and quantitatively reproduced in an ensemble of simulations with a global model forced only at the lower boundary by the observed sea surface temperatures and sea ice concentrations, while keeping solar cycle forcing constant. The twentieth century reanalysis, in which only surface observations are assimilated, is characterized by a similar shift of the jets. These findings suggest that changes at the ocean surface could contribute considerably to the poleward shift of the subtropical tropospheric jets, although a top‐down influence on the oceans and hence indirectly on the jets cannot be excluded.
Asymmetries in bidirectional leader development of lightning flashes
Authors: van der Velde Oscar A. , Montanyà Joan
Published: November 2013

Lightning flashes develop as a bidirectional tree, with a negative and a positive end propagating simultaneously into cloud charges of the opposite polarity. In recent years, this process has been modeled assuming that the bidirectional channel remains a zero‐net‐charge perfect conductor starting at the electric potential of its initial location. So far, both leader ends were treated identically. We summarize characteristics of bidirectional leader development of various lightning flashes registered by the Ebro 3‐D Lightning Mapping Array at the east coast of Spain, supplemented by high‐speed camera records. In order to follow the horizontal development of positive and negative leaders over time, a time‐distance‐altitude graph was designed, using the flash origin or a cloud‐to‐ground stroke as reference. The examples confirm that negative and positive leaders propagate at characteristic horizontal speeds (105 and 2 · 104 m s−1). The positive leader's low apparent speed corresponds to the phase when recoil processes are active. Very fast negative leaders (up to 8 · 105 m s−1) are detected in association with positive cloud‐to‐ground strokes. Negative leaders respawn repeatedly from the origin or as a retrograde negative leader at the positive branch. Positive leaders remain propagating throughout the flash or until reaching ground. We show that the velocity difference shifts the potential of the leader, increasing the gradient with cloud charge at the positive end while reducing it at the negative end. The positive section lowers its potential through retrograde negative leaders, eventually making it possible to emit a new negative leader into the upper positive potential well.
Intercomparison of surface energy flux measurement systems used during the HiWATER‐MUSOEXE
Authors: Xu Ziwei , Liu Shaomin , Li Xin , Shi Shengjin , Wang Jiemin , Zhu Zhongli , Xu Tongren , Wang Weizhen , Ma Mingguo
Published: November 2013

Agreement among instruments is very important for the Multi‐Scale Observation Experiment on Evapotranspiration over heterogeneous land surfaces of The Heihe Watershed Allied Telemetry Experimental Research (HiWATER‐MUSOEXE), particularly in regard to radiation and turbulent flux measurements. Before HiWATER‐MUSOEXE was conducted, 20 eddy covariance (EC) system sets, 18 radiometer sets, and seven large aperture scintillometers (LASs) sets were intercompared over the Gobi desert between 14 and 24 May 2012. For radiometers, the four‐component radiation measurements exhibited good agreement—the average root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) and mean relative error (MRE) for the net radiation were 10.38 W m−2 and 1.24%, respectively. With regard to the EC systems, the best consistency for sensible heat fluxes was found among CSAT3 sonic anemometers and Li7500A/Li7500/EC150 combinations (average RMSE, 12.30 W m−2 and MRE, −1.36%), followed by Gill sonic anemometers and Li7500A/Li7500 combinations when a proper angle of attack correction method was applied (average RMSE, 16.75 W m−2 and MRE, −5.52%). The sensible heat flux measured using different LASs agreed well with high correlation coefficients—the average RMSE and MRE values were 10.26 W m−2 and 5.48% for boundary layer scintillometer (BLS) 900, 16.32 W m−2 and 10.47% for BLS450, and 14.38 W m−2 and −3.72% for ZZLAS, respectively. The EC and LAS measurements were compared and agreed well over homogeneous underlying surfaces, which also indicated that the EC and LAS measurements would be comparable in the follow‐up experiment. The intercomparison results can be used to determine instrument placement and are very helpful for subsequent data analysis.
Metabolizable Bi2Se3 Nanoplates: Biodistribution, Toxicity, and Uses for Cancer Radiation Therapy and Imaging
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Dong , Chen Jie , Min Yuho , Park Gyeong Bae , Shen Xiu , Song Sha‐Sha , Sun Yuan‐Ming , Wang Hao , Long Wei , Xie Jianping , Gao Kai , Zhang Lianfeng , Fan Saijun , Fan Feiyue , Jeong Unyong
Published: November 2013

Bi, a high atomic number element, has a high photoelectric absorption coefficient, and Se has anticancer activity. Hence, their compound chalcogenide (Bi2Se3) deserves a thorough investigation for biomedical applications. This study reveals that Bi2Se3 nanoplates (54 nm wide) protected with poly(vinylpyrollidone) (PVP) could be presumed to have low toxicity even at a high dose of 20 mg/kg in mice. This conclusion is made through studies on the biodistribution and 90‐day long term in vivo clearance of the nanoplates. The liver and spleen are dominant organs for accumulation of the nanoplates, which is mainly due to RES absorption. 93% of the nanoplates are cleared after 90 days of treatment. Concentrations of Bi and Se in tumor tissue continuously increased until 72 h after intraperitoneal injection into mice. Such selective accumulation of Bi is utilized to enhance the contrast of X‐ray computerized tomography (CT) images. Bi element concentrated in a tumor leads to damage on the tumor cells when exposed to gamma radiation. Growth of the tumor is significantly delayed and stopped in 16 days after the tumor is treated by radiation with Bi2Se3 nanoplates. This work clearly shows that Bi2Se3 nanoplates may be used for cancer radiation therapy and CT imaging. The nanoplates deserve further study for biological and medical applications.
Graphene‐Conducting Polymer Hybrid Transparent Electrodes for Efficient Organic Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Lee Byoung Hoon , Lee Jong‐Hoon , Kahng Yung Ho , Kim Nara , Kim Yong Jae , Lee Jongjin , Lee Takhee , Lee Kwanghee
Published: November 2013

To achieve the broad utilization of the full functionality of graphene (GR) in devices, a transfer method should be developed that can simplify the process without leaving residue of the insulating supporting layer on the surface of GR. Furthermore, stable GR doping without the use of an insulating polymer is required. Here, a new GR transfer method that uses a popular conducting polymer, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), is reported as a new supporting layer for the transfer of GR films that are synthesized by chemical vapor deposition. The GR/PEDOT:PSS bilayer can be directly utilized without the removal process. Therefore, this transfer method simplifies the transfer process and solves the residue problem of conventional transfer methods. The stable doping of GR films is simultaneously achieved by using the PEDOT:PSS layer. The new GR/PEDOT:PSS hybrid electrodes are fully functional in polymer solar cells and polymer light‐emitting diodes, outperforming the conventionally transferred GR electrodes and indium tin oxide electrodes.
Asymmetric Organocatalytic Tandem Cyclization/Transfer Hydrogenation: A Synthetic Strategy for Enantioenriched Nitrogen Heterocycles
Authors: Shi Feng , Tan Wei , Zhang Hong‐Hao , Li Mei , Ye Qin , Ma Guan‐Hua , Tu Shu‐Jiang , Li Guigen
Published: November 2013

An asymmetric organocatalytic tandem reaction comprising cyclization/transfer hydrogenation has been established in a compatible and synergistic way, leading to the step‐economical synthesis of enantioenriched tetrahydroquinoxalines and dihydroquinoxalinones from readily accessible materials in excellent enantioselectivity of up to >99% ee. This protocol of a one‐operation tandem reaction combines the merits of both tandem reactions and asymmetric organocatalysis, providing an efficient strategy for concisely and enantioselectively synthesizing nitrogen heterocycles with biological relevance.

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Organocatalytic Enantioselective Cascade Aza‐Michael/Michael Addition for the Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Tetrahydroquinolines and Tetrahydrochromanoquinolines
Authors: Yang Wen , He Hai‐Xiao , Gao Yu , Du Da‐Ming
Published: November 2013

An efficient organocatalytic highly asymmetric cascade aza‐Michael/Michael addition reaction for the synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines and tetrahydrochromanoquinolines has been developed. This cascade reaction proceeds well at low catalyst loading with a broad substrate scope, furnishing the desired products in excellent yields with excellent diastereoselectivities and enantioselectivities (up to >99:1 dr, 99% ee) under mild conditions. Importantly, it is the first catalytic asymmetric method for tetrahydrochromanoquinolines. This protocol provides a straightforward entry to highly functionalized chiral tetrahydroquinoline and tetrahydrochromanoquinoline derivatives from simple starting materials.

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Stereoselective Heck Reactions with Vinyl Sulfoxides, Sulfides and Sulfones
Authors: Bachmann Daniel G. , Wittwer Christopher C. , Gillingham Dennis G.
Published: November 2013

We report the Heck cross‐coupling of notoriously unreactive, but synthetically valuable olefins: vinyl sulfoxides, vinyl sulfones, and vinyl sulfides. Key findings include the importance of the sterically hindered (tri‐tert‐butyl)phosphine ligand and the unique effectiveness of triethylamine as the base. The method is general, E‐selective, and can be used to synthesize disubstituted or trisubstituted olefins through simple adjustments of stoichiometry.

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Copper‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Inverse Electron‐Demand Hetero‐Diels–Alder Reactions of Diazadienes with Enol Ethers: Efficient Synthesis of Chiral Pyridazines
Authors: Gao Shuang , Chen Jia‐Rong , Hu Xiao‐Qiang , Cheng Hong‐Gang , Lu Liang‐Qiu , Xiao Wen‐Jing
Published: November 2013

A highly efficient and enantioselective inverse electron‐demand hetero‐Diels–Alder reaction of in situ generated 1,2‐diaza‐1,3‐dienes with enol ethers has been developed with the use of a chiral copper/bisoxazoline complex as the catalyst. The reaction exhibits high enantioselectivity (up to 90% ee) and provides a robust and powerful method to synthesize a variety of structurally diverse and densely substituted chiral pyridazine derivatives in good to excellent yields.

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Silver(I)‐Catalyzed Conia‐Ene Reaction: Synthesis of 3‐Pyrrolines via a 5‐endo‐dig Cyclization
Authors: Boominathan Siva Senthil Kumar , Hu Wan‐Ping , Senadi Gopal Chandru , Wang Jeh‐Jeng
Published: November 2013

A novel method has been developed for the synthesis of 3‐pyrrolines from β‐ketopropargylamines via a 5‐endo‐dig carbocyclization. This transformation involves a silver‐catalyzed Conia‐ene type reaction tolerating broad substrate scope with good to excellent yields. Furthermore, this methodology has been extended for the construction of 2‐substituted pyrroles under base‐mediated conditions.

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Extended π‐Bridge in Organic Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells: the Longer, the Better?
Authors: Gao Peng , Tsao Hoi Nok , Yi Chenyi , Grätzel Michael , Nazeeruddin Mohammad K.
Published: November 2013

The elongation of π‐conjugated bridges between the donor (D) and the acceptor (A) represents a feasible strategy towards enhancement of light‐harvesting in both breadth and depth of organic D‐π‐A dyes suitable for nanocrystalline TiO2‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Here, a series of organic dyes with elongating conjugated bridges is synthesized and characterized. DSSC devices employing a cobalt (II/III) redox electrolyte are fabricated using these dyes as light‐harvesting sensitizers. Compared to a dye with the 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) linker (G188), the three counterparts with further extended π‐bridges present gradually red‐shifted electronic absorption spectra and a persistent decrease in oxidation potential. The photocurrent action spectra show that the extension of π‐conjugated bridges decreases the open‐circuit photovoltage. The best performance is shown in G268 with a short‐circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) of 16.27 mA cm2, an open‐circuit photovoltage (Voc) of 0.83 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 0.67, corresponding to an overall conversion efficiency of 9.24%. Unexpectedly, G270, which has with the longest π‐bridge, showed the lowest Jsc, Voc, and efficiency.
In Vivo Imaging of Matrix Metalloproteinase 12 and Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 Activities in the Mouse Model of Collagen‐Induced Arthritis
Authors: Lim Ngee Han , Meinjohanns Ernst , Bou‐Gharios George , Gompels Luke L. , Nuti Elisa , Rossello Armando , Devel Laurent , Dive Vincent , Meldal Morten , Nagase Hideaki
Published: November 2013

Objective

To develop enzyme‐activatable Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) substrate probes to detect matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP‐12) and MMP‐13 activities in vivo in mouse models of inflammatory arthritis.

Methods

Peptidic FRET probes activated by MMP‐12 and MMP‐13 were reverse designed from inhibitors selected from a phosphinic peptide inhibitor library. Selectivity of the probes was demonstrated in vitro using MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐3, MMP‐12, and MMP‐13. In vivo activation of the probes was tested in the zymosan‐induced mouse model of inflammation, and probe specificity was evaluated by the MMP inhibitor GM6001 and specific synthetic inhibitors of MMP‐12 and MMP‐13. The probes were used to monitor these enzyme activities in the collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) model in vivo.

Results

The MMP‐12 and MMP‐13 activity probes (MMP12ap and MMP13ap, respectively) discriminated between the activities of the 2 enzymes. The in vivo activation of these probes was inhibited by GM6001 and by their respective specific inhibitors. In the CIA model, MMP12ap activation peaked 5 days after disease onset and showed strong correlation with disease severity during this time (r = 0.85, P < 0.0001). MMP13ap activation increased gradually after disease onset and correlated with disease severity over a longer period of 15 days (r = 0.58, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

We generated two selective FRET probes that can be used to monitor MMP‐12 and MMP‐13 activities in live animals. MMP12ap follows the initial stage of inflammation in CIA, while MMP13ap follows the progression of the disease. The specificity of these probes is useful in monitoring the efficacy of MMP inhibitors.
Social Learning in Networks with Time‐Varying Topologies
Authors: Liu Qipeng , Wang Xiaofan
Published: November 2013

Recently, Jadbabaie et al. presented a social learning model, where agents update beliefs by combining Bayesian posterior beliefs based on personal observations and weighted averages of the beliefs of neighbors. For a network with a fixed topology, they provided sufficient conditions for all of the agents in the network to learn the true state almost surely. In this paper, we extend the model to networks with time‐varying topologies. Under certain assumptions on weights and connectivity, we prove that agents eventually have correct forecasts for upcoming signals and all the beliefs of agents reach a consensus. In addition, if there is no state that is observationally equivalent to the true state from the point of view of all agents, we show that the consensus belief of agents eventually reflects the true state.
Separating the Drift from Affine Control Systems via Feedbacks
Authors: Xia Qianqian , Geng Zhiyong
Published: November 2013

This paper investigates the use of state feedbacks to transform an affine control system into a special form with a driftless property. First, we consider the regular dynamic state feedback for an affine control system. Both local and global sufficient and necessary conditions are given on the affine control system such that it admits the driftless property. An algorithm is provided to compute explicitly the desired coordinate transformation. Then, the nonregular cases are studied. Some necessary conditions, as well as sufficient conditions, for nonregular feedback are presented. We illustrate with some examples.
Joint model of recurrent events and a terminal event with time‐varying coefficients
Authors: Yu Zhangsheng , Liu Lei , Bravata Dawn M. , Williams Linda S.
Published: November 2013

Joint modeling of recurrent events and a terminal event has been studied extensively in the past decade. However, most of the previous works assumed constant regression coefficients. This paper proposes a joint model with time‐varying coefficients in both event components. The proposed model not only accommodates the correlation between the two type of events, but also characterizes the potential time‐varying covariate effects. It is especially useful for evaluating long‐term risk factors' effect that could vary with time. A Gaussian frailty is used to model the correlation between event times. The nonparametric time‐varying coefficients are modeled using cubic splines with penalty terms. A simulation study shows that the proposed estimators perform well. The model is used to analyze the readmission rate and mortality jointly for stroke patients admitted to Veterans Administration (VA) Hospitals.
Shape readout of AT‐rich DNA by carbohydrates
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Newby Spano Meredith , Arya Dev P.
Published: November 2013

Gene expression can be altered by small molecules that target DNA; sequence as well as shape selectivities are both extremely important for DNA recognition by intercalating and groove‐binding ligands. We have characterized a carbohydrate scaffold (1) exhibiting DNA “shape readout” properties. Thermodynamic studies with 1 and model duplex DNAs demonstrate the molecule's high affinity and selectivity towards B* form (continuous AT‐rich) DNA. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), circular dichroism (CD) titration, ultraviolet (UV) thermal denaturation, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry were used to characterize the binding of 1 with a B* form AT‐rich DNA duplex d[5′‐G2A6T6C2‐3′]. The binding constant was determined using ITC at various temperatures, salt concentrations, and pH. ITC titrations were fit using a two‐binding site model. The first binding event was shown to have a 1:1 binding stoichiometry and was predominantly entropy‐driven with a binding constant of approximately 108 M−1. ITC‐derived binding enthalpies were used to obtain the binding‐induced change in heat capacity (ΔCp) of −225 ± 19 cal/mol·K. The ionic strength dependence of the binding constant indicated a significant electrolytic contribution in ligand:DNA binding, with approximately four to five ion pairs involved in binding. Ligand 1 displayed a significantly higher affinity towards AT‐tract DNA over sequences containing GC inserts, and binding experiments revealed the order of binding affinity for 1 with DNA duplexes: contiguous B* form AT‐rich DNA (d[5′‐G2A6T6C2‐3′]) >B form alternate AT‐rich DNA (d[5′‐G2(AT)6C2‐3′]) > A form GC‐rich DNA (d[5′‐A2G6C6T2‐3′]), demonstrating the preference of ligand 1 for B* form DNA. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 720–732, 2014.
Vinculin‐p130Cas interaction is critical for focal adhesion dynamics and mechano‐transduction
Authors: Goldmann Wolfgang H.
Published: November 2013

Adherent cells, when mechanically stressed, show a wide range of responses including large‐scale changes in their mechanical behaviour and gene expression pattern. This is in part facilitated by activating the focal adhesion (FA) protein p130Cas through force‐induced conformational changes that lead to the phosphorylation by src family kinases. Janostiak et al. [Janostiak et al. Cell Mol Life Sci (2013) DOI 10.1007/s00018‐013‐1450‐x] have reported that the phosphorylation site Y12 on the SH3 domain of p130Cas modulates the binding with vinculin, a prominent mechano‐coupling protein in FAs. Tension changes in FAs (due to the anchorage of the SH3 domain and C‐terminal) bring about an extension of the substrate domain of p130Cas by unmasking the phosphorylation sites. These observations demonstrate that vinculin is an important modulator of the p130Cas‐mediated mechano‐transduction pathway in cells. The central aim should be now to test that vinculin is critical for p130Cas incorporation into the focal adhesion complex and for transmitting forces to the p130Cas molecule.
Supramolecular Assembly of Bis(benzimidazole)pyridine: An Extended Anisotropic Ligand For Highly Birefringent Materials
Authors: Thompson John R. , Ovens Jeffrey S. , Williams Vance E. , Leznoff Daniel B.
Published: November 2013

Four new bis(benzimidazole)pyridine (BBP)‐containing compounds Zn(BBP)Cl[Au(CN)2], Mn(BBP)[Au(CN)2]2⋅H2O, Mn(BBP)Br2(MeOH) and Mn(BBP)Cl2(MeOH)⋅MeOH have been synthesized and structurally characterized and their birefringence values (Δn) determined. The structure of Zn(BBP)Cl[Au(CN)2] contains a hydrogen‐bonded dimer of Zn(BBP)Cl[Au(CN)2] units which propagate into a 1D chain through Au–Au interactions, although the crystals are of poor optical quality. The supramolecular structure of Mn(BBP)[Au(CN)2]2⋅H2O forms a 1D coordination polymer through chains of Mn(BBP)[Au(CN)2]2 units, each containing one bridging Au(CN)2 and one forming a 2D sheet through Au–Au interactions. The supramolecular structures of Mn(BBP)Br2(MeOH) and Mn(BBP)Cl2(MeOH)⋅MeOH are very similar, consisting of a complex hydrogen‐bonded network between NH imidazole, methanol and halide groups to align BBP building blocks. In the plane of the primary crystal growth direction, the birefringence values of the three Mn‐containing materials were Δn=0.08(1), 0.538(3) and 0.69(3), respectively. The latter two birefringence values are larger than in the related 2,2′;6′2′′‐terpyridine systems, placing them among the most birefringent solids reported. These compounds illustrate the utility of extending the π‐system of the building block and incorporating hydrogen‐bonding sites as design elements for highly birefringent materials and also illustrates the effect on the measurable birefringence of the crystal quality, growth direction and structural alignment of the anisotropic BBP building blocks.
An evaluation of the systemic bioavailability of mometasone furoate (MF) after oral inhalation from a MF/formoterol fumarate metered‐dose inhaler versus an MF dry‐powder inhaler in healthy subjects
Authors: Kosoglou Teddy , Hubbell James , Kantesaria Bhavna , Hanson Mary E. , Cutler David L.
Published: November 2013

Purpose

This randomized, open‐label, multiple‐dose, two‐period, crossover study compared the systemic bioavailability of mometasone furoate (MF) administered from a metered‐dose inhaler containing MF and formoterol fumarate (F) (MF/F‐MDI) versus MF administered from a single‐ingredient dry‐powder inhaler (MF‐DPI).

Methods

Healthy, non‐smoking adults, 18–65 years with body mass index 18–29 kg/m2 (N = 12) received MF 800 µg/F 20 µg via MF/F‐MDI or MF 800 µg via MF‐DPI twice daily for 5 days separated by a 7‐day period. MF pharmacokinetics (AUC(0–12 hour), Cmax, and Tmax) were measured at Day 1 and 5 after each treatment. Safety and tolerability were assessed.

Results

Systemic exposure to MF based on AUC(0–12 hour) was ∼25% lower following MDI versus DPI administration. The Day 5 geometric mean ratio (MDI/DPI) estimates (90% confidence intervals [CI]) for AUC(0–12 hour) and Cmax were 0.747 (0.61, 0.91) and 0.606 (0.49, 0.75), respectively. The accumulation index (R) value for MF was higher following MDI (3.81‐fold) versus DPI administration (2.34‐fold) indicative of prolonged absorption. The most common adverse events were tremor, headache, and catheter site pain.

Conclusions

Systemic exposure to MF was lower following multiple‐dose MF/F‐MDI administration versus MF‐DPI administration. The magnitude of this difference is not considered to be clinically important. MF/F‐MDI was safe and generally well tolerated.
Three‐stage inrush current suppressed circuit for BCM boost converter
Authors: Wang Yijie , Zhang Xiangjun , Wang Wei , Xu Dianguo
Published: November 2013

A three‐stage inrush‐current suppression circuit is proposed for the boundary conduction mode boost circuit, which not only can suppress the first inrush current when powered on in the boost topology but also can suppress the secondary inrush current caused by the working of the boost circuit; the inrush current caused by the electromagnetic interference filter can also be suppressed. The simulations are performed to prove the rightness and feasibility of the circuit, and the circuit is used in a 1000‐W two‐stage electronic ballast for the metal halide lamp. In the experiment, the first inrush current is nearly 0 A, and the second inrush current is less than 12 A. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Annual banned‐substance review: analytical approaches in human sports drug testing
Authors: Thevis Mario , Kuuranne Tiia , Geyer Hans , Schänzer Wilhelm
Published: November 2013

Monitoring the misuse of drugs and the abuse of substances and methods potentially or evidently improving athletic performance by analytical chemistry strategies is one of the main pillars of modern anti‐doping efforts. Owing to the continuously growing knowledge in medicine, pharmacology, and (bio)chemistry, new chemical entities are frequently established and developed, various of which present a temptation for sportsmen and women due to assumed/attributed beneficial effects of such substances and preparations on, for example, endurance, strength, and regeneration. By means of new technologies, expanded existing test protocols, new insights into metabolism, distribution, and elimination of compounds prohibited by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA), analytical assays have been further improved in agreement with the content of the 2013 Prohibited List. In this annual banned‐substance review, literature concerning human sports drug testing that was published between October 2012 and September 2013 is summarized and reviewed with particular emphasis on analytical approaches and their contribution to enhanced doping controls. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of an allelic series in the MONOPTEROS gene of arabidopsis
Authors: Odat Osama , Gardiner Jason , Sawchuk Megan G. , Verna Carla , Donner Tyler J. , Scarpella Enrico
Published: November 2013

Patterning of numerous features of plants depends on transduction of the auxin signal. Auxin signaling is mediated by several pathways, the best understood of which relies on the function of the MONOPTEROS (MP) gene. Seven mp mutant alleles have been described in the widely used Columbia background of Arabidopsis: two extensively characterized and five only partially characterized. One of these five mp alleles appears to be extinct and thus unavailable for analysis. We show that two of the four remaining, partially characterized mp alleles reported to be in the Columbia background are in fact not in this background. We extend characterization of the remaining two Columbia alleles of mp, and we identify and characterize four new alleles of mp in the Columbia background, among which the first low‐expression allele of mp and the strongest Columbia allele of mp. These genetic resources provide the research community with new experimental opportunities for insight into the function of MP‐dependent auxin signaling in plant development. genesis 52:127–133. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bulimia nervosa‐nonpurging subtype: Closer to the bulimia nervosa‐purging subtype or to binge eating disorder?
Authors: Jordan Jennifer , McIntosh Virginia V.W. , Carter Janet D. , Rowe Sarah , Taylor Kathryn , Frampton Christopher M.A. , McKenzie Janice M. , Latner Janet , Joyce Peter R.
Published: November 2013

Objective

DSM‐5 has dropped subtyping of bulimia nervosa (BN), opting to continue inclusion of the somewhat contentious diagnosis of BN‐nonpurging subtype (BN‐NP) within a broad BN category. Some contend however that BN‐NP is more like binge eating disorder (BED) than BN‐P. This study examines clinical characteristics, eating disorder symptomatology, and Axis I comorbidity in BN‐NP, BN‐P, and BED groups to establish whether BN‐NP more closely resembles BN‐P or BED.

Method

Women with BN‐P (n = 29), BN‐NP (n = 29), and BED (n = 54) were assessed at baseline in an outpatient psychotherapy trial for those with binge eating. Measures included the Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM‐IV, Eating Disorder Examination, and Eating Disorder Inventory‐2.

Results

The BN‐NP subtype had BMIs between those with BN‐P and BED. Both BN subtypes had higher Restraint and Drive for Thinness scores than BED. Body Dissatisfaction was highest in BN‐NP and predicted BN‐NP compared to BN‐P. Higher Restraint and lower BMI predicted BN‐NP relative to BED. BN‐NP resembled BED with higher lifetime BMIs; and weight‐loss clinic than eating disorder clinic attendances relative to the BN‐P subtype. Psychiatric comorbidity was comparable except for higher lifetime cannabis use disorder in the BN‐NP than BN‐P subtype

Discussion

These results suggest that BN‐NP sits between BN‐P and BED however the high distress driving inappropriate compensatory behaviors in BN‐P requires specialist eating disorder treatment. These results support retaining the BN‐NP group within the BN category. Further research is needed to determine whether there are meaningful differences in outcome over follow‐up. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:231–238)
Association study of the estrogen receptor I gene (ESR1) in anorexia nervosa and eating disorders: No replication found
Authors: Slof‐Op 't Landt Margarita C.T. , van Furth Eric F. , Meulenbelt Ingrid , Bartels Meike , Hottenga Jouke Jan , Slagboom P. Eline , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: November 2013

Objective

The female preponderance and onset around puberty in the majority of eating disorders (EDs) suggest that sex hormones, like estrogens, may be involved in the onset of these disorders. An eight‐SNP haplotype at the estrogen receptor I (ESR1) gene was found to be associated with anorexia nervosa (AN) (Versini et al., Neuropsychopharmacology, 35, 1818–1825, 2010) and three SNPs from this haplotype (rs726281, rs2295193, and rs3798577) were associated with AN and/or EDs. Our objective was to replicate these findings in an independent cohort of 520 patients with an eating disorder, of whom 244 had AN (142 restricting type) from the GenED study and 2,810 random women from the Netherlands Twin Registry.

Method

The frequencies of the eight‐SNP haplotype and three ESR1 SNPs were compared between patients with an eating disorder, with AN (restricting type), with bulimia nervosa (BN), and the control women.

Results

Neither the haplotype nor the three ESR1 SNPs were associated with EDs, BN, AN, or restricting type AN.

Discussion

Despite sufficient statistical power, the associations reported by Versini et al. (Neuropsychopharmacology, 35, 1818–1825, 2010) were not replicated. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:211–214)
Soil–vegetation interaction on slopes with bush encroachment in the central Alps – adapting slope stability measurements to shifting process domains
Authors: Caviezel C. , Hunziker M. , Schaffner M. , Kuhn N. J.
Published: November 2013

In the European Alps many high mountain grasslands which were traditionally used for summer pasturing and haying have been abandoned during recent decades. Abandonment of mown or grazed grasslands causes a shift in vegetation composition and thus a change in landscape ecology and geomorphology. Alpine areas are very fragile ecosystems and are highly sensitive to changing environmental conditions, which can affect the geomorphic regime of these high energy environments. The effect of land use intensification on erosion rates is well documented, whereas the effect of land abandonment on erosion rates is still discussed controversially, particularly in relation to its short‐term and long‐term consequences. Generally, an established perennial vegetation cover improves the mechanical anchoring of the soil and the regulation of the soil water budget, including run‐off generation and erosion. However, changing vegetation composition affects many other above‐ and below‐ground properties like root density, diversity and geometry, soil structure, pore volume and acidity. Each combination of these properties can lead to a distinct scenario of dominating surface processes. The study of soil properties along a chronosequence of green alder (alnus viridis) encroachment on the Unteralptal in central Switzerland revealed that shrub encroachment changes soil and vegetation properties towards an increase of resistance to run‐off related erosion processes, but a decrease of slope stability against shallow landslides. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental study of CO2 injection in a simulated injection well: the MIRAGES experiment
Authors: Sterpenich Jérôme , Jobard Emmanuel , El Hajj Hicham , Pironon Jacques , Randi Aurélien , Caumon Marie‐Camille
Published: November 2013

The MIRAGES experiment mimics an injection well at the lab scale (1/20). This experiment allows the injection of supercritical CO2 under geological conditions of pressure and temperature. The injection flow rate, confinement and injection pressures and temperatures are recorded during the 30 days of the experiment. Chemical parameters (pH, major element contents) are also monitored. The reservoir is represented by a core sampled in the formation of Lavoux limestone. The core is drilled to form an injection well in which an injection tube (made of stainless steel) is sealed with class G Portland cement together with two discs of Callovo‐Oxfordian clay representing the caprock. After the experiment, the core sample is studied to follow the petrophysical changes of the well materials and rocks. The interfaces between the reservoir, caprock, cement, and steel are investigated using scanning electron microscopy, cathodoluminescence, and Raman spectrometry. The main results suggest (i) good cohesion of the different interfaces despite the carbonation of the cement, (ii) the precipitation of different carbonate phases relating the changes in the chemistry of solution as a function of time, (iii) the enrichment in silica of the cement phase subjected to the action of CO2 providing evidence of new mechanisms of in situ silica re‐condensation, and (iv) the very good mechanical and chemical behavior of the caprock clay despite the alkaline flux from the cement and the acidic attack from the dissolved CO2.
Carotid stent deformation: Sonographic findings and CT correlation
Authors: Millet John D. , Stilp Erik , Kirsch Jonathan D. , Gunabushanam Gowthaman , Mena Carlos , Pollak Jeffrey , Scoutt Leslie M.
Published: November 2013

Carotid artery dissection is a rare but potentially serious complication of endovascular procedures in the carotid arteries. Stent deformation or incomplete expansion may occur following endovascular repair of an iatrogenic carotid artery dissection and may mimic stent fracture. We report an unusual case of deformation of a common carotid artery open cell design stent following endovascular repair of an iatrogenic dissection, which resulted in persistent blood flow between the stent and the wall of the common carotid artery. Sonographic features are described and correlation with intravascular ultrasound and CT is provided. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:313–317, 2014
Team Effectiveness Theory from Industrial and Organizational Psychology Applied to Engineering Student Project Teams: A Research Review
Authors: Borrego Maura , Karlin Jennifer , McNair Lisa D. , Beddoes Kacey
Published: November 2013

Background

Engineering student team projects are frequently used to meet professional learning outcomes. Industrial and organizational psychologists study teams in the industry settings for which we prepare students, yet this research does not effectively inform engineering education.

Purpose

This research review sought to demonstrate the relevance of literature on teams literature from industrial and organizational psychology to engineering education and to identify implications for practice and future directions for research.

Scope/Method

Phase 1 systematically reviewed 104 articles published from 2007 to 2012 describing engineering and computer science student team projects and sought to answer the following questions: What professional learning outcomes have been met by team projects? What negative student team behaviors have faculty sought to minimize? What literature has been used to inform development of teamwork outcomes? Phase 2 reviewed five team effectiveness constructs selected according to the results of Phase 1: social loafing, interdependence, conflict, trust, and shared mental models. Examples from Phase 1 articles and our own work explain how this research informs facilitation and assessment of engineering student teams.

Conclusions

Engineering faculty sought to achieve a variety of outcomes through team projects, including teamwork, communication, sustainability, and consideration of global/societal design context. They sought to avoid social loafing and conflict while building trust to ensure equal team effort. That few Phase 1 articles engaged the literature about team effectiveness indicates there is great opportunity to apply industrial and organizational psychology research to engineering education.