bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of solar cycle 24 activity on WAAS navigation
Authors: Datta‐Barua Seebany , Walter Todd , Bust Gary S. , Wanner William
Published: December 2013

This paper reviews the effects of geomagnetic activity of solar cycle 24 from 2011 through mid‐2013 on the Federal Aviation Administration's Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) navigation service in the U.S., to identify (a) major impacts and their severity compared with the previous cycle and (b) effects in new service regions of North America added since last solar cycle. We examine two cases: a storm that reduced service coverage for several hours and ionospheric scintillation that led to anomalous receiver tracking. Using the 24–25 October 2011 storm as an example, we examine WAAS operational system coverage for the conterminous U.S. (CONUS). The WAAS algorithm upgrade to ionospheric estimation, in effect since late 2011, is able to mitigate the daytime coverage loss but not the nighttime loss. We correlate WAAS availability to maps of the storm plasma generated with the data assimilative model Ionospheric Data Assimilation 4‐D, which show a local nighttime corotating persistent plume of plasma extending from Florida across central CONUS. We study the effect of scintillation on 9 October 2012 on the WAAS reference station at Fairbanks, Alaska. Data from a nearby scintillation monitor in Gakona and all‐sky imaging of aurora at Poker Flat corroborate the event. Anomalous receiver processing triggered by scintillation reduces accuracy at Fairbanks for a few minutes. Users experiencing similar effects would have their confidence bounds inflated, possibly trading off service continuity for safety. The activity to date in solar cycle 24 has had minor effects on WAAS service coverage, mainly occurring in Alaska and Canada.
A statistic study of ionospheric solar flare activity indicator
Authors: Xiong Bo , Wan Weixing , Ning Baiqi , Ding Feng , Hu Lianhuan , Yu You
Published: December 2013

According to the Chapman ionization theory, an ionospheric solar flare activity indicator (ISFAI) is given by the solar zenith angle and the variation rate of ionospheric vertical total electron content, which is measured from a global network of dual‐frequency GPS receivers. The ISFAI is utilized to statistically analyze the ionospheric responses to 1439 M‐class and 126 X‐class solar flares during solar cycle 23 (1996–2008). The statistical results show that the occurrence of ISFAI peak increases obviously at 3.2 total electron content unit (TECU)/h (1 TECU = 1016 el m−2) and reaches the maximum at 10 TECU/h during M‐class flares and 10 TECU/h and 40 TECU/h for X‐class flares. ISFAI is closely correlated with the 26–34 nm extreme ultraviolet flux but poorly related to the 0.1–0.8 nm X‐ray flux. The central meridian distance (CMD) of flare location is an important reason for depressing relationship between ISFAI and X‐ray Flux. Through the CMD effect modification, the ISFAI has a significant dependence on the X‐ray flux with a correlation coefficient of 0.76. The ISFAI sensitivity enables to detect the extreme X‐class flares, as well as the variations of one order of magnitude or even smaller (such as for C‐class flares). Meanwhile, ISFAI is helpful to the calibration of the X‐ray flux at 0.1–0.8 nm observed by GOES during some flares. In addition, the statistical results demonstrate that ISFAI can detect 80% of all M‐class flares and 92% for all X‐class ones during 1996–2008.
Closing the Gap between College Entry and Employment
Authors: Kennedy Kirsten , Purdie John R.
Published: December 2013

Developing “soft” skills.
Sinonasal extramedullary plasmacytoma: a systematic review of 175 patients
Authors: D'Aguillo Christine , Soni Resha S. , Gordhan Chirag , Liu James K. , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: December 2013

Background

This study reviews the published literature related to extramedullary sinonasal plasmacytomas. Clinical presentation, demographics, treatment, and outcomes of this uncommon disease are reported.

Methods

A systematic review of studies for sinonasal plasmacytomas from 1950 to 2012 was conducted. A PubMed database search, both for articles related to this condition along with bibliographies of those selected articles, was performed. Articles were examined for patient data that reported disease outcome.

Results

Sixty‐seven journal articles were included in this analysis, comprising a total of 175 cases. Radiotherapy was the most common treatment modality, used in 89 cases, followed by a combination of surgery and radiotherapy, and surgery alone. A total of 71.8% of patients were alive after a median follow‐up of 39 months, independent of treatment modality. A combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy was rarely used but had the best treatment outcome, with 88.9% of patients (8/9 patients) alive. Of the 3 most common treatment modalities, a combination of radiotherapy and surgery had the most favorable outcomes. Sixteen patients (9.1%) converted to multiple myeloma, with the majority of these patients (75.0%) receiving radiotherapy alone as their treatment modality.

Conclusion

This review contains the largest pool of sinonasal plasmacytoma patients to date and suggests aggressive radiotherapy is the most common treatment modality for this condition. Of the 3 most common treatment modalities, a combination of surgery and radiotherapy was shown to have the best survival outcomes.
Sensing Acetylcholine and Anticholinesterase Compounds
Authors: Schena Alberto , Johnsson Kai
Published: December 2013

Acetylcholine is a key neurotransmitter, and anticholinesterase agents are essential compounds used as medical drugs, pesticides, and chemical warfare agents. A semisynthetic fluorescence‐based probe for the direct, real‐time detection of acetylcholine and anticholinesterase compounds is introduced. The probe possesses good sensitivity, tunable detection range, and can be selectively targeted to cell surfaces, thereby making it an attractive tool for applications in analytical chemistry and quantitative biology.
Highly Efficient Platinum Group Metal Free Based Membrane‐Electrode Assembly for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis
Authors: Pavel Claudiu C. , Cecconi Franco , Emiliani Chiara , Santiccioli Serena , Scaffidi Adriana , Catanorchi Stefano , Comotti Massimiliano
Published: December 2013

Low‐temperature electricity‐driven water splitting is an established technology for hydrogen production. However, the two main types, namely proton exchange membrane (PEM) and liquid alkaline electrolysis, have limitations. For instance, PEM electrolysis requires a high amount of costly platinum‐group‐metal (PGM) catalysts, and liquid alkaline electrolysis is not well suited for intermittent operation. Herein we report a highly efficient alkaline polymer electrolysis design, which uses a membrane‐electrode assembly (MEA) based on low‐cost transition‐metal catalysts and an anion exchange membrane (AEM). This system exhibited similar performance to the one achievable with PGM catalysts. Moreover, it is very suitable for intermittent power operation, durable, and able to efficiently operate at differential pressure up to 3 MPa. This system combines the benefits of PEM and liquid alkaline technologies allowing the scalable production of low‐cost hydrogen from renewable sources.
Sequential mixing as effective method in the reduction of percolation threshold of multiwall carbon nanotube in poly(methyl methacrylate)/high‐density poly(ethylene)/MWCNT nanocomposites
Authors: Patra Rajat , Suin Supratim , Mandal Dipankar , Khatua B. B.
Published: December 2013

This work demonstrates sequential heating protocol to be an effective method in the reduction of percolation threshold of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) in (70/30 w/w) poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/high‐density poly(ethylene) (HDPE)/MWCNT nanocomposites. Here, the percolation threshold (Pc) value was reduced to 0.08 wt % of MWCNT, which is the lowest among the ever reported values of Pc for the PMMA system. Moreover, a co‐continuous morphology of the minor HDPE phase was evident throughout the major PMMA phase in a highly asymmetric composition (70/30 w/w) of the blend constituents. The AC conductivity as well as the dielectric permittivity values were increased with increase in loading of MWCNT in the nanocomposites. The detailed analysis of electrical and morphological properties is discussed in depth in the article. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40235.
Effect of silica nanoparticles on microbial biomass and silica availability in maize rhizosphere
Authors: Rangaraj Suriyaprabha , Gopalu Karunakaran , Rathinam Yuvakkumar , Periasamy Prabu , Venkatachalam Rajendran , Narayanasamy Kannan
Published: December 2013

The effect of silica nanoparticles and conventional silica sources on the changes in microbial biomass and silica availability to pure soil and maize rhizosphere was studied. Nanosilica (20–40 nm) was synthesized from rice husk and comprehensively characterized. The efficiency of nanosilica was evaluated in terms of its effects on beneficial microbial population such as phosphate solubilizers, nitrogen fixers, silicate solubilizers, microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen content, and silica content in comparison with other silica sources such as microsilica, sodium silicate, and silicic acid. Nanosilica significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced microbial populations, total biomass content (C = 1508 μg g−1 and N = 178 μg g−1), and silica content (14.75 mg mL−1). Although microsilica sources enhanced factors associated with soil fertility, their use by maize roots and silicification in soil was found to be less. The results show that nanosilica plays a vital role in influencing soil nutrient content and microbial biota and, hence, may promote the growth of maize crop.
High‐Throughput Mapping of the Electrochemical Properties of (Ni‐Fe‐Co‐Ce)Ox Oxygen‐Evolution Catalysts
Authors: Haber Joel A. , Xiang Chengxiang , Guevarra Dan , Jung Suho , Jin Jian , Gregoire John M.
Published: December 2013

Discovering improved electrocatalysts is critical for many technologically important processes and for the development of new clean‐energy technologies. High‐throughput methods for measuring fundamental electrochemical properties are demonstrated through the investigation of oxygen‐evolution catalysis by using 665 oxide compositions containing nickel, iron, cobalt, and cerium. The behavior of each composition is characterized in 1.0 M NaOH(aq) by using a scanning drop three‐electrode cell to perform chronopotentiometry (CP) and cyclic voltammetry experiments. CP measurements at different current densities identify different composition–performance trends, owing to underlying variations in fundamental electrochemical behavior. We report systematic, coincident, composition‐dependent trends in the Tafel slopes and the reversible redox potentials of the catalysts. Applying high‐throughput electrochemical methods provides insight into composition–property–performance relationships and motivates new directions for the study of catalyst mechanisms by using informatics and theory.
ChemInform Abstract: Alkyl Transfer from C—C Cleavage.
Authors: Li Guangxun , Chen Rong , Wu Lei , Fu Qingquan , Zhang Xiaomei , Tang Zhuo
Published: December 2013

This method yields amines from imines under mild conditions using substituted dihydropyridines as alkylating agents.
ChemInform Abstract: A Review on Combustion Synthesis Intensification by Means of Microwave Energy
Authors: Rosa Roberto , Veronesi Paolo , Leonelli Cristina
Published: December 2013

Review: 140 refs.
Monovinyl Sulfone β‐Cyclodextrin. A Flexible Drug Carrier System
Authors: del Castillo Teresa , Marales‐Sanfrutos Julia , Santoyo‐González Francisco , Magez Stefan , Lopez‐Jaramillo F. Javier , Garcia‐Salcedo Jose A.
Published: December 2013

Cyclodextrins have been conjugated to target various receptors and have also been functionalized with carbohydrates for targeting specific organs. However, this approach is based on a rigid design that implies the ad hoc synthesis of each cyclodextrin‐targeting agent conjugate. We hypothesized that: 1) a modular design that decouples the carrier function from the targeting function leads to a flexible system, 2) combining the reactivity of the vinyl sulfone group toward biomolecules that act as targeting agents with the ability of cyclodextrin to form complexes with a wide range of drugs may yield a versatile system that allows the targeting of different organs with different drugs, and 3) the higher reactivity of histidine residues toward the vinyl sulfone group can be exploited to couple the cyclodextrin to the targeting system with a degree of regioselectivity. As a proof of concept, we synthesized a monovinyl sulfone β‐cyclodextrin (module responsible for the payload), which, after coupling to recombinant antibody fragments raised against Trypanosoma brucei (module responsible for targeting) and loading with nitrofurazone (module responsible for therapeutic action) resulted in an effective delivery system that targets the surface of the parasites and shows trypanocidal activity.
Detailed and simultaneous power and performance analysis
Authors: Servat Harald , Llort Germán , Giménez Judit , Labarta Jesús
Published: December 2013

On the road to Exascale computing, both performance and power areas are meant to be tackled at different levels, from system to processor level. The processor itself is the main responsible for the serial node performance and also for the most of the energy consumed by the system. Thus, it is important to have tools to simultaneously analyze both performance and energy efficiency at processor level.

Performance tools have allowed analysts to understand, and even improve, the performance of an application that runs in a system. With the advent of recent processor capabilities to measure its own power consumption, performance tools can increase their collection of metrics by adding those related to energy consumption and provide a correlation between the source code, its performance and its energy efficiency. In this paper, we present a performance tool that has been extended to gather such energy metrics. The results of this tool are passed to a mechanism called folding that produces detailed metrics and source code references by using coarse grain sampling. We have used the tool with multiple serial benchmarks as well as parallel applications to demonstrate its usefulness by locating hot spots in terms of performance and power drained. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Two‐Stage Stochastic Mixed‐Integer Programming Approach to the Smart House Scheduling Problem
Authors: Ozoe Shunsuke , Tanaka Yoichi , Fukushima Masao
Published: December 2013

A “smart house” is a highly energy‐optimized house equipped with photovoltaic (PV) systems, electric battery systems, fuel cell (FC) cogeneration systems, electric vehicles (EVs), and so on. Smart houses are attracting much attention recently because of their enhanced ability to save energy by making full use of renewable energy and by achieving power grid stability despite an increased power draw for installedPVsystems. Yet running a smart house's power system, with its multiple power sources and power storages, is no simple task. In this paper, we consider the problem of power scheduling for a smart house with aPVsystem, anFCcogeneration system, and anEV. We formulate the problem as a mixed‐integer programming problem, and then extend it to a stochastic programming problem involving recourse costs to cope with uncertain electricity demand, heat demand, andPVpower generation. Using our method, we seek to achieve the optimal power schedule running at the minimum expected operation cost. We present some results of numerical experiments with data on real‐life demands andPVpower generation to show the effectiveness of our method. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 186(4): 48–58, 2014; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22336
Microsphere priming facilitates induction of potent therapeutic T‐cell immune responses against autochthonous liver cancers
Authors: Brinkhoff Benjamin , Ostroumov Dmitrij , Heemcke Jessica , Woller Norman , Gürlevik Engin , Manns Michael P. , Longerich Thomas , Zender Lars , Harty John T. , Kubicka Stefan , Kühnel Florian , Wirth Thomas C.
Published: December 2013

Immunotherapy of solid tumors is often hampered by the low frequency of tumor‐specific T cells elicited by current vaccination strategies. Here, we describe a prime‐boost vaccination protocol based on the administration of antigen conjugated to poly‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) microspheres followed by booster vaccination with Listeria monocytogenes vectors, which rapidly generates potent immune responses within two weeks. Compared with conventional vaccination with antigen‐pulsed dendritic cells, the use of PLGA microspheres resulted in immune responses of significantly higher magnitude, which could be further enhanced via coinjection of TLR 3 agonists. In an immunocompetent model of subcutaneous hepatocellular carcinoma, PLGA/Listeria vaccination resulted in complete remission of established tumors and prolonged survival. To further test the efficacy of the novel vaccination for the treatment of solid tumors, we developed an orthotopic liver cancer model based on the injection of transposon‐flanked plasmids expressing oncogenes and model antigens. In this transgenic mouse model of liver cancer, PLGA/Listeria vaccination resulted in eradication of liver tumors, long‐term survival of animals and establishment of stable cancer‐specific memory CD8+ T‐cell populations. Therefore, combined PLGA/Listeria vaccination holds promise as a novel immunotherapeutic option for the treatment of solid cancers and as a means to boost the therapeutic efficacy of established cancer vaccines.
Self‐priming determines high type I IFN production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Kim Sarah , Kaiser Vera , Beier Esther , Bechheim Matthias , Guenthner‐Biller Margit , Ablasser Andrea , Berger Michael , Endres Stefan , Hartmann Gunther , Hornung Veit
Published: December 2013

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are responsible for the robust and immediate production of type I IFNs during viral infection. pDCs employ TLR7 and TLR9 to detect RNA and CpG motifs present in microbial genomes. CpG‐A was the first synthetic stimulus available that induced large amounts of IFN‐α (type I IFN) in pDCs. CpG‐B, however, only weakly activates pDCs to produce IFN‐α. Here, we demonstrate that differences in the kinetics of TLR9 activation in human pDCs are essential for the understanding of the functional difference between CpG‐A and CpG‐B. While CpG‐B quickly induces IFN‐α production in pDCs, CpG‐A stimulation results in delayed yet maximal IFN‐α induction. Constitutive production of low levels of type I IFN in pDCs, acting in a paracrine and autocrine fashion, turned out to be the key mechanism responsible for this phenomenon. At high cell density, pDC‐derived, constitutive type I IFN production primes pDCs for maximal TLR responsiveness. This accounts for the high activity of higher structured TLR agonists that trigger type I IFN production in a delayed fashion. Altogether, these data demonstrate that high type I IFN production by pDCs cannot be simply ascribed to cell‐autonomous mechanisms, yet critically depends on the local immune context.
Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein deficiency in natural killer and dendritic cells affects antitumor immunity
Authors: Catucci Marco , Zanoni Ivan , Draghici Elena , Bosticardo Marita , Castiello Maria C. , Venturini Massimo , Cesana Daniela , Montini Eugenio , Ponzoni Maurilio , Granucci Francesca , Villa Anna
Published: December 2013

Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a primary immunodeficiency caused by reduced or absent expression of the WAS protein (WASP). WAS patients are affected by microthrombocytopenia, recurrent infections, eczema, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies. Although immune deficiency has been proposed to play a role in tumor pathogenesis, there is little evidence on the correlation between immune cell defects and tumor susceptibility. Taking advantage of a tumor‐prone model, we show that the lack of WASP induces early tumor onset because of defective immune surveillance. Consistently, the B16 melanoma model shows that tumor growth and the number of lung metastases are increased in the absence of WASP. We then investigated the in vivo contribution of Was−/− NK cells and DCs in controlling B16 melanoma development. We found fewer B16 metastases developed in the lungs of Was−/− mice that had received WT NK cells as compared with mice bearing Was−/− NK cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Was−/− DCs were less efficient in inducing NK‐cell activation in vitro and in vivo. In summary, for the first time, we demonstrate in in vivo models that WASP deficiency affects resistance to tumor and causes impairment in the antitumor capacity of NK cells and DCs.
Breaking bad: Manipulation of the host response by Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Hajishengallis George , Lamont Richard J.
Published: December 2013

Recent metagenomic and mechanistic studies are consistent with a new model of periodontal pathogenesis. This model proposes that periodontal disease is initiated by a synergistic and dysbiotic microbial community rather than by a select few bacteria traditionally known as “periopathogens.” Low‐abundance bacteria with community‐wide effects that are critical for the development of dysbiosis are now known as keystone pathogens, the best‐documented example of which is Porphyromonas gingivalis. Here, we review established mechanisms by which P. gingivalis interferes with host immunity and enables the emergence of dysbiotic communities. We integrate the role of P. gingivalis with that of other bacteria acting upstream and downstream in pathogenesis. Accessory pathogens act upstream to facilitate P. gingivalis colonization and co‐ordinate metabolic activities, whereas commensals‐turned pathobionts act downstream and contribute to destructive inflammation. The recent concepts of keystone pathogens, along with polymicrobial synergy and dysbiosis, have profound implications for the development of therapeutic options for periodontal disease.
tBu3P‐Coordinated 2‐Phenylaniline‐Based Palladacycle Complexes as Precatalyst for Pd‐Catalyzed Coupling Reactions of Aryl Halides with Polyfluoroarenes by a C–H Activation Strategy
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Hai , Dong Jie , Hu Qiao‐Sheng
Published: December 2013

A tBu3P‐coordinated 2‐phenylaniline‐based palladacycle complex was demonstrated to be an efficient precatalyst for Pd‐catalyzed coupling reactions of aryl halides with polyfluoroarenes that operates through a C–H activation strategy. The ready accessibility and ease of handling of the complex and the high yields of the reaction makes this palladacycle complex an attractive precatalyst for the cross‐coupling reaction of aryl halides with polyfluoroarenes.
Heteronuclear Spin Decoupling in Solid‐State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: Overview and Outlook
Authors: Madhu P. K.
Published: December 2013

Heteronuclear spin decoupling is a vital element in most of the solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance experiments for resolution and sensitivity reasons. The field has seen remarkable advancement in ideas, pulse schemes, and theoretical understanding. This review will take a look at a few such developments in the last two decades and the current perspectives. We expect and hope that the reader will get an overall idea of the decoupling field without getting into the rigour of the design and understanding of the pulse schemes.
The assessment of stat laboratory test ordering practice and impact of targeted individual feedback in an urban teaching hospital
Authors: Sorita Atsushi , Steinberg Daniel I. , Leitman Michael , Burger Alfred , Husk Gregg , Sivaprasad Latha
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

Overuse of inpatient stat laboratory orders (“stat” is an abbreviation of the Latin word “statim,” meaning immediately, without delay) is a major problem in the modern healthcare system.

OBJECTIVE

To understand patterns of stat laboratory ordering practices at our institution and to assess the effectiveness of individual feedback in reducing these orders.

INTERVENTION

Medicine and General Surgery residents were given a teaching session about appropriate stat ordering practice in January 2010. Individual feedback was given to providers who were the highest utilizers of stat laboratory orders by their direct supervisors from February through June of 2010.

MEASUREMENTS

The proportion of stat orders out of total laboratory orders per provider was the main outcome measure. All inpatient laboratory orders from September 2009 to June 2010 were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median proportion of stat orders out of total laboratory orders was 41.6% for nontrainee providers (N = 500), 38.7% for Medicine residents (N = 125), 80.2% for General Surgery residents (N = 32), and 24.2% for other trainee providers (N = 150). Among 27 providers who received feedback (7 nontrainees, 16 Medicine residents, and 4 General Surgery residents), the proportion of stat laboratory orders per provider decreased by 15.7% (95% confidence interval: 5.6%‐25.9%, P = 0.004) after feedback, whereas the decrease among providers who were high utilizers but did not receive feedback (N = 39) was not significant (4.5%; 95% confidence interval: 2.1%‐11.0%, P = 0.18). Monthly trends showed reduction in the proportion of stat orders among Medicine and General Surgery residents, but not among other trainee providers.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of stat ordering was highly variable among providers. Individual feedback to the highest utilizers of stat orders was effective in decreasing these orders. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:13–18. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Correlation of apparent diffusion coefficient value with prognostic parameters of endometrioid carcinoma
Authors: Inoue Chie , Fujii Shinya , Kaneda Sachi , Fukunaga Takeru , Kaminou Toshio , Kigawa Junzo , Harada Tasuku , Ogawa Toshihide
Published: December 2013

Purpose

To correlate the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of endometrioid carcinoma with histological tumor grade and degree of myometrial invasion.

Materials and Methods

3T diffusion‐weighted (DW) magnetic resonance (MR) images of 63 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Two readers measured tumor ADC according to a freehand region of interest (ROI) and a round ROI. Mean and minimum ADCs were correlated with prognostic parameters.

Results

The minimum ADC was 0.64 × 10−3mm2/s for grade 1 (G1, n = 42), 0.62 for grade 2 (G2, n = 14), 0.46 for grade 3 (G3, n = 7) on freehand ROI. There were significant differences between G1 and G3 (P = 0.007), and G2 and G3 (P = 0.038). No significant correlation was found between tumor grade and mean ADC (0.85 for G1, 0.82 for G2, and 0.72 for G3, P = 0.166). The minimum ADC was significantly lower for patients with deep (n = 21, 0.54) than for those with superficial (n = 39, 0.65) myometrial invasion. Conversely, mean ADC did not differ significantly (0.84 for superficial and 0.78 for deep myometrial invasion, P = 0.081). The same tendency was shown on round ROI.

Conclusion

The minimum ADC correlates with prognostic parameters of endometrial carcinoma more strongly than mean ADC. Lower minimum ADC is associated with higher histological tumor grade and higher degree of myometrial invasion. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:213–219. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Versatile online SPE–HPLC method for the analysis of Irinotecan and its clinically relevant metabolites in biomaterials
Authors: Prijovich Zeljko M. , Burnouf Pierre‐Alain , Roffler Steve R.
Published: December 2013

Monitoring levels of Irinotecan and its metabolites during cancer therapy could help link broad interpatient variations in antitumor activity and toxicity to the patient's metabolic status. We have developed and validated a versatile and highly sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of Irinotecan and its clinically relevant metabolites 7‐ethyl‐10‐hydroxy‐camptothecin (SN‐38) and SN‐38 glucuronide. Sample clean‐up involves precipitation by acetone/methanol/0.5 M trichloroacetic acid at 4:4:2 v/v followed by extraction of the metabolites on an SPE column by 20% methanol in 25 mM KH2PO4 pH 2.9. Online transfer to an analytical μBondapak C18 column, elution with 24% acetonitrile (ACN) in 0.1 M KH2PO4 pH 2.9 and fluorescence detection with excitation at 375 nm and emission at 430 nm for SN‐38 glucuronide and Irinotecan or 540 nm for SN‐38 results in high sensitivity (1–2 pg) and short (∼10 min) run times. The method was used to determine the degree of SN‐38 glucuronidation in mice after Irinotecan administration and in cultured cancer cells exposed to SN‐38. The method may be used to better understand Irinotecan metabolism, personalize therapy, and develop Irinotecan‐based tumor targeting therapies.
Bio‐Based Aliphatic Polyurethanes Through ADMET Polymerization in Bulk and Green Solvent
Authors: Lebarbé Thomas , More Arvind Sudhakar , Sane Prakash Sudhir , Grau Etienne , Alfos Carine , Cramail Henri
Published: December 2013

A new route to α,ω‐diene urethane monomer is proposed by converting 10‐undecenoic acid into the corresponding acyl azide, followed by urethanization with 10‐undecenol. ADMET polymerizations of this α,ω‐diene urethane monomer as well as other bio‐based α,ω‐dienes bearing various organic functions (ester, carbonate, ether, amide) were carried out in bulk and solution conditions. A screening of the most commonly used metathesis catalysts allows to evaluate their tolerance toward the urethane function as well as toward Polarclean, a “green” and nontoxic high boiling point solvent. The influence of the nature of the central organic function in these α,ω‐diene monomers on the thermomechanical properties is investigated.

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Bioreducible Nanocapsules Prepared from the Self‐assembly of Branched Polymer in Nanodroplet
Authors: Wang Long‐Hai , Ding Sheng‐Gang , Yan Jun‐Jie , You Ye‐Zi
Published: December 2013

Though great attention has been paid in constructing well‐defined nano‐structures via the self‐assembly of amphiphilic macromolecules, the self‐assembly of non‐amphiphilic macromolecules in nanodroplet has drawn less attention up to now. Recently, we prepared a temperature‐responsive PEG‐based branched polymer with disulfide bonds in its backbone via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of 2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy) ethyl methacrylate, oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate, and N,N′‐cystamine bisacrylamide. Subsequently, we loaded the branched polymer into nanodroplets, and have found that the self‐assembly behaviors of this branched poly­mer in the nanodroplet are different from those in common solution. Bioreducible nanocapsules with tunable size can easily formed in nanodroplet even at high concentration.

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Bio‐Inspired Dopamine Functionalization of Polypyrrole for Improved Adhesion and Conductivity
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yang Fut K. , Pan Zihe , Zhang Jian , Zhao Boxin
Published: December 2013

We report the functionalization of polypyrrole (PPy) with a “sticky” biomolecule dopamine (DA), which mimics the essential component of mussel adhesive protein. PPy is one of the most promising electrically conductive polymers with good biocompatibility. The research findings reveal that the DA functionalization enhances the dispersibility and stability of PPy in water and its film adhesion to substrate surface significantly. The electrical conductivity of PPy increases to a maximum value and then decreases with the increasing DA concentration. An optimal DA to pyrrole (Py) mole ratio is found to be between 0.1 and 0.2, at which both conductivity and adhesion of DA‐functionalized PPy has been improved.

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Precision Synthesis of Poly(Ionic Liquid)‐Based Block Copolymers by Cobalt‐Mediated Radical Polymerization and Preliminary Study of Their Self‐Assembling Properties
Authors: Coupillaud Paul , Fèvre Maréva , Wirotius Anne‐Laure , Aissou Karim , Fleury Guillaume , Debuigne Antoine , Detrembleur Christophe , Mecerreyes David , Vignolle Joan , Taton Daniel
Published: December 2013

A poly(ionic liquid)‐based block copolymer (PIL BCP), namely, poly(vinyl acetate)‐b‐poly(N‐vinyl‐3‐butylimidazolium bromide), PVAc‐b‐PVBuImBr, is synthesized by sequential cobalt‐mediated radical polymerization (CMRP). A PVAc precursor is first prepared at 30 °C in bulk by CMRP of VAc, using bis(acetylacetonato)cobalt(II), Co(acac)2, and a radical source (V‐70). Growth of PVBuImBr from PVAc‐Co(acac)2 is accomplished by CMRP in DMF/MeOH (2:1, v/v). This PIL BCP self‐assembles in the sub‐micron size range into aggregated core–shell micelles in THF, whereas polymeric vesicles are observed in water, as evidenced by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thin‐solid sample cut from raw materials analyzed by TEM shows an ordered lamellar organization by temperature‐dependent synchrotron small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). Anion exchange can be accomplished to achieve the corresponding PIL BCP with bis(trifluorosulfonyl)imide (Tf2N−) anions, which also gives rise to an ordered lamellar phase in bulk samples. A complete suppression of SAXS second‐order reflection suggests that this compound has a symmetric volume fraction (f ≈ 0.5). SAXS characterization of both di‐ and triblock PIL BCP analogues previously reported also shows a lamellar phase of very similar behavior, with only an increase of the period by about 8% at 60 °C.

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Nitroxide‐Mediated Radical Ring‐Opening Copolymerization: Chain‐End Investigation and Block Copolymer Synthesis
Authors: Delplace Vianney , Harrisson Simon , Tardy Antoine , Gigmes Didier , Guillaneuf Yohann , Nicolas Julien
Published: December 2013

Well‐defined, degradable copolymers are successfully prepared by nitroxide‐mediated radical ring opening polymerization (NMrROP) of oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA) or methyl methacrylate (MMA), a small amount of acrylonitrile (AN) and cyclic ketene acetals (CKAs) of different structures. Phosphorous nuclear magnetic resonance allows in‐depth chain‐end characterization and gives crucial insights into the nature of the copoly­mer terminal sequences and the living chain fractions. By using a small library of P(OEGMA‐co‐AN‐co‐CKA) and P(MMA‐co‐AN‐co‐CKA) as macroinitiators, chain extensions with styrene are performed to furnish (amphiphilic) block copolymers comprising a degradable segment.

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Kinase‐Kernel Models: Accurate Chemogenomic Method for the Entire Human Kinome
Authors: Tian Li , Mukherjee Prasenjit , Martin Eric
Published: December 2013

Chemogenomic kinase‐kernel virtual screening models interpolate between very accurate, empirically‐trained Profile‐QSAR models of the nearest binding‐site homologues with IC50 assay data. Between them, activity has been predicted for the entire human kinome.
Bird Remains from 5th – 17th Century AD Archaeological Sites in the Middle Volga Region of Russia
Authors: Galimova D. N. , Askeyev I. V. , Askeyev O. V.
Published: December 2013

This article presents research findings of bird remains from 22 archaeological sites of the 5th–17th centuries AD from the Middle Volga region of Russia. We identified 53 species: 50 wild species and three domestic. Remains of domestic chickens were most numerous. The predominance of bones of domestic birds and the variety of sizes at most archaeological sites of the 10th–17th centuries AD demonstrated that the people of the Middle Volga region had already developed domestic poultry keeping. Both domestic and wild birds were diverse and played an important role in the economy of the human populations in historic times in the Middle Volga region. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Diverse Origins of Bird Bones from Scottish Coastal Sites
Authors: Serjeantson D.
Published: December 2013

Bird bone assemblages from coastal sites in the north and west of Scotland are very diverse. Here, bird bones from 25 assemblages from 15 sites are compared. Many birds were caught for food, but there are also up to 50 incidental species, some of which are represented by one or two bones only. While the principal origin of the birds is seabird fowling, some were also obtained as a bycatch of fishing and others were collected casually. Some may have been collected accidentally with seaweed. Many are non‐anthropogenic, from raptor discards and bird pellets, but possibly also from other predators. These diverse origins of the bird bones have important implications for interpreting former avian distributions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reductions in prescription opioid diversion following recent legislative interventions in Florida
Authors: Surratt Hilary L. , O'Grady Catherine , Kurtz Steven P. , Stivers Yamilka , Cicero Theodore J. , Dart Richard C. , Chen Minxing
Published: December 2013

Purpose

Florida has been at the center of the nation's ongoing prescription opioid epidemic, with largely unregulated pain clinics and lax prescribing oversight cited as significant contributors to the opioid problem in the state.

Methods

In an effort to mitigate prescription opioid abuse and diversion in Florida, legislative interventions were implemented during 2010 and 2011, which included two primary elements: (i) comprehensive legislation to better regulate the operation of pain clinics; and (ii) a statewide prescription drug monitoring program to promote safer prescribing practices. Using systematic longitudinal data collected on a quarterly basis from law enforcement agencies across Florida, this report examined changes in prescription opioid diversion rates following implementation of these regulatory initiatives. Quarterly diversion rates for buprenorphine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and tramadol were calculated, and subsequently, hierarchical linear models were fit to test for differences in diversion rates over the 15 quarter period of interest.

Results

Significant declines in diversion rates were observed for oxycodone, methadone, and morphine; hydrocodone displayed a marginally significant decline.

Conclusions

This study documented reductions in statewide opioid diversion rates following implementation of Florida's pain clinic and prescription drug monitoring program legislative interventions. Although these initial findings appear promising, continued surveillance of diversion is clearly warranted. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomics of aluminum tolerance in plants
Authors: Zheng Lu , Lan Ping , Shen Ren Fang , Li Wen Feng
Published: December 2013

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a major constraint for plant root development and growth as well as crop yield in acidic soils, which constitute approximately 40% of the potentially arable lands worldwide. The mechanisms of Al tolerance in plants are not well understood. As a whole systems approach, proteomic techniques have proven to be crucial as a complementary strategy to explore the mechanism in Al toxicity. Review here focuses on the potential of proteomics to unravel the common and plant species‐specific changes at proteome level under Al stress, via comparative analysis of the Al‐responsive proteins uncovered by recent proteomic studies using 2DE. Understanding the mechanisms of Al tolerance in plants is critical to generate Al resistance crops for developing sustainable agriculture practices, thereby contributing to food security worldwide.
Dynamic protein interaction network construction and applications
Authors: Wang Jianxin , Peng Xiaoqing , Peng Wei , Wu Fang‐Xiang
Published: December 2013

With more dynamic information available, researchers’ attention has recently shifted from static properties to dynamic properties of protein–protein interaction networks. To compensate the limited ability of technologies of detecting dynamic protein–protein interactions, dynamic protein interaction networks (DPINs) can be constructed by involving proteomic, genomic, and transcriptome analyses. Two groups of DPIN construction methods are classified based on the different focuses on dynamic information extracted from gene expression data. The dynamics of one kind of DPINs is reflected by the changes in protein presence varying with time, while that of the other kind of DPINs is reflected by the differences of coexpression under different conditions. In this review, the applications on DPINs will be discussed, including protein complexes/functional modules and network organization analysis, biomarkers detection in the progression or prognosis of the disease, and network medicine. We also point out the challenges in DPINs construction and future directions in the research of DPINs at the end of this review.
Understanding the complex nature of salinity and drought‐stress response in cereals using proteomics technologies
Authors: Ngara Rudo , Ndimba Bongani K.
Published: December 2013

Worldwide, crop productivity is drastically reduced by drought and salinity stresses. In order to develop food crops with increased productivity in marginal areas, it is important to first understand the nature of plant stress response mechanisms. In the past decade, proteomics tools have been extensively used in the study of plants’ proteome responses under experimental conditions mimicking drought and salinity stresses. A lot of proteomic data have been generated using different experimental designs. However, the precise roles of these proteins in stress tolerance are yet to be elucidated. This review summarises the applications of proteomics in understanding the complex nature of drought and salinity stress effects on plants, particularly cereals and also highlights the usefulness of sorghum as the next logical model crop for use in understanding drought and salinity tolerance in cereals. With the vast amount of proteomic data that have been generated to date, a call for integrated efforts across the agricultural, biotechnology, and molecular biology sectors is also highlighted in an effort to translate proteomics data into increased food productivity for the world's growing population.
Inflammatory response of prostate epithelial cells to stimulation by Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Seo Min‐Young , Im Su‐Jeong , Gu Na‐Young , Kim Jung‐Hyun , Chung Yong‐Hoon , Ahn Myoung‐Hee , Ryu Jae‐Sook
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

Trichomonas vaginalis is known as the most common cause of sexually transmitted infection. However, its prevalence may have been underestimated. Trichomonads are detected in prostatic tissue in benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and prostate cancer. Our objective was to investigate whether T. vaginalis could induce an inflammatory response in prostate epithelium.

METHODS

The cytokine production by human prostate epithelial cell (RWPE‐1) activated with T. vaginalis was determined by ELISA and real‐time PCR. Intracellular ROS was evaluated by flow cytometry or spectrofluorometry. The protein levels of MAP kinase, NF‐κB were analyzed by Western blot. The migration of neutrophil and monocyte were performed in 24‐well microplates with filter insert.

RESULTS

Incubation of cells of a human prostate epithelial cell line with a live T. vaginalis T016 isolate increased expression of the inflammatory mediators IL‐1β, CCL2, and CXCL8. In addition, ROS, MAPK, and NF‐κB activities increased, while inhibitors of ROS, ERK, and NF‐κB reduced IL‐1β production. Medium conditioned by incubation of RWPE‐1 cells with T. vaginalis contained IL‐1β and stimulated the migration of human neutrophils and monocytes (THP‐1 cell line).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that T. vaginalis may increase IL‐1β expression in human prostate epithelium through activation of ROS, ERK, and NF‐κB, and this in turn may induce the migration of neutrophils and monocytes and lead to an inflammatory response. This research is the first attempt to confirm inflammatory reaction caused by T. vaginalis in prostate epithelial cell. Prostate 74:441–449, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Advanced CMOS devices: Challenges and implant solutions
Authors: Colombeau Benjamin , Guo Baonian , Gossmann Hans‐Joachim , Khaja Fareen , Pradhan Nilay , Waite Andrew , Rao K. V. , Thomidis Christos , Shim Kyu‐Ha , Henry Todd , Variam Naushad
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we first review the trends for advanced CMOS devices in terms of architectures and scalability. The paper highlights the key process challenges for planar MOSFET and FinFET device technologies. We emphasize the need for advanced implant solutions to enable device scaling and performance as well as variability improvement. Especially, we discuss the latest damage engineering solutions as well as materials modification techniques (e.g., contact and strain engineering) to reduce leakage, improve drive current and process margin with reduced variability. Finally, we briefly discuss the implications and new challenges coming from novel channel material devices (e.g., silicon‐germanium, germanium, and III–V).
Effect of Fucoxanthin Alone and in Combination with D‐glucosamine Hydrochloride on Carrageenan/kaolin‐induced Experimental Arthritis in Rats
Authors: Gong Dezheng , Chu Wanjiang , Jiang Liping , Geng Chengyan , Li Jing , Ishikawa Nobuyuki , Kajima Koji , Zhong Laifu
Published: December 2013

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of the fucoxanthin (FUCO) alone and in combination with glucosamine hydrochloride (GAH) on carrageenan/kaolin‐induced inflammatory arthritis model in rats and to explore its underlying mechanisms. Joint swelling, muscle weight ratio (%), histopathological examination and scoring, and proteoglycan degradation were examined. Pro‐inflammatory interleukin (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis (TNF‐α) levels, cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) protein expression and nitric oxide (NO) level in knee synovial tissue extract were analyzed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting analysis, and Griess reagent assay, respectively. FUCO and FUCO + GAH not only may significantly reduce degrees of knee joint swelling and prevent against muscle atrophy, but also may significantly attenuate inflammation in synovial tissue, cartilage erosion, and proteoglycan loss. The efficacies of FUCO + GAH were stronger than that of GAH or FUCO. FUCO alone and FUCO + GAH can significantly inhibit upregulation of COX‐2 and iNOS protein expressions, decrease of IL‐1β and TNF‐α levels, and reduce NO production in knee synovial tissue extract. These results indicated that FUCO is an effective anti‐arthritis agent through an antiinflammation mechanism. FUCO may enhance therapeutic effect of GAH on rat arthritis through mechanism of antiinflammation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Antidepressant Effects of Ginseng Total Saponins in Male C57BL/6 N Mice by Enhancing Hippocampal Inhibitory Phosphorylation of GSK‐3β
Authors: Chen Lin , Dai Jianguo , Wang Zhongli , Zhang Huiyu , Huang Yufang , Zhao Yunan
Published: December 2013

Ginseng total saponins (GTS) are principal bioactive ingredients of Panax ginseng. In this study, we investigated the antidepressant effect of GTS on the corticosterone‐induced mouse depression model and explored the underlying mechanism. Corticosterone (20 mg kg−1 d−1) was subcutaneously administered for 22 d to induce the model, before doses of GTS (12.5, 25, and 50 mg kg−1 d−1) or fluoxetine (10 mg kg−1 d−1) were subsequently given by gavage. On day 20 and 21, depression‐like behavior was observed via a forced swimming test and a tail suspension test respectively. At 6 h after the last dose of corticosterone (day 22), all mice were sacrificed followed by serum corticosterone assays and Western blot analysis. The results showed that GTS (25 and 50 mg kg−1 d−1) treatments relieved depression‐like behavior without altering the elevated serum corticosterone levels. Furthermore, GTS treatments raised the down‐regulated levels of hippocampal glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) inhibitory phosphorylation. In contrast, fluoxetine (10 mg kg−1 d−1) treatment reversed the increased corticosterone level and had no effect on the decreased GSK‐3β inhibitory phosphorylation. These findings confirmed the antidepressant effect of GTS in the corticosterone‐induced mouse depression model. Enhancing GSK‐3β inhibitory phosphorylation may be one of the underlying mechanisms. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.