bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of the surface layer diurnal cycle in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean (0°, 23°W)
Authors: Wenegrat Jacob O. , McPhaden Michael J.
Published: December 2014

A 15 year time series (1999–2014) from the 0°, 23°W Prediction and Research Moored Array in the Tropical Atlantic (PIRATA) mooring, which includes an 8 month record (October 2008 to June 2009) of high‐resolution near‐surface velocity data, is used to analyze the diurnal variability of sea surface temperature, shear, and stratification in the central equatorial Atlantic. The ocean diurnal cycle exhibits pronounced seasonality that is linked to seasonal variations in the surface wind field. In boreal summer and fall, steady trade winds and clear skies dominate, with limited diurnal variability in sea surface temperature. Diurnal shear layers, with reduced Richardson numbers, are regularly observed descending into the marginally unstable equatorial undercurrent below the mixed layer, conditions favorable for the generation of deep‐cycle turbulence. In contrast, in boreal winter and spring, winds are lighter and more variable, mixed layers are shallow, and diurnal variability of sea surface temperature is large. During these conditions, diurnal shear layers are less prominent, and the stability of the undercurrent increases, suggesting seasonal covariance between diurnal near‐surface shear and deep‐cycle turbulence. Modulation of the ocean diurnal cycle by tropical instability waves is also identified. This work provides the first observational assessment of the diurnal cycle of near‐surface shear, stratification, and marginal instability in the equatorial Atlantic, confirming previous modeling results and offering a complementary perspective on similar work in the equatorial Pacific.
Observational study of surface spectral radiation and corresponding albedo over Gobi, desert, and bare loess surfaces in northwestern China
Authors: Zheng Zhiyuan , Dong Wenjie , Li Zhenchao , Zhao Wei , Hu Shanshan , Yan Xiaodong , Zhao Jiaqi , Wei Zhigang
Published: December 2014

In this paper, the field experiments on ground surface spectral broadband solar radiation (SR) and corresponding albedo were introduced at three man‐made sites at Gobi, desert, and bare loess zones during three different intensive observational periods (IOP) from 2010 to 2013 in Gansu Province, respectively. The continuous and high temporal resolution records of ground surface solar radiation are presented, including global (GR), ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), and near‐infrared radiation (NIR). The corresponding albedos are analyzed over three typical nonvegetated underlying surfaces in arid and semiarid and semihumid regions of northwestern China. The preliminary investigations were carried out. The results show that the variation trends of UV, VIS, and NIR are coincident with the GR, and the irradiances are gradually decreasing throughout the IOP at each site; the energy ratios of VIS/GR are all approximately 40.2%, and the ratios of NIR/GR are all approximately 54.4% at the Gobi, desert, and bare loess zones; and the averaged albedos of the soil for VIS are 0.231, 0.211, and 0.142 and for the NIR are 0.266, 0.252, and 0.255 over the Gobi, desert, and bare loess land surfaces, respectively. The energy ratios of VIS/GR and NIR/GR are not 50% as prescribed for all of the soil color classes in most of land surface models (LSMs). The observational soil albedo values for NIR are not twice to that of the VIS as predicted in some LSMs for the underlying surface at the three sites. GR albedo is determined by the energy ratios of SR/GR and SR albedos.
Shear stability of inverse latexes during their polymerization process
Authors: Lazzari Stefano , Jaquet Baptiste , Wu Hua , Morbidelli Massimo
Published: December 2014

The shear‐stability of inverse latexes (IL) during their polymerization process is studied. The IL is made of water droplets containing a copolymer of acrylamide and dimethyl‐aminoethyl‐methylenechloride emulsified in a paraffin oil. It is found for the first time that the shear stability of the ILs is a nonmonotonic function of the monomer conversion. At low conversions the shear stability increases as the conversion increases, but at a certain conversion value it reaches a local maximum and then decreases with conversion. Moreover, at the final stage of the conversion, the shear stability can increase again. A proper interpretation of this behavior is proposed and related to the combined effects of the polymer properties, fractal aggregation, and coalescence. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 1380–1384, 2015
G‐CSF Priming, clofarabine, and high dose cytarabine (GCLAC) for upfront treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, advanced myelodysplastic syndrome or advanced myeloproliferative neoplasm
Authors: Becker Pamela S. , Medeiros Bruno C. , Stein Anthony S. , Othus Megan , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Forman Stephen J. , Scott Bart L. , Hendrie Paul C. , Gardner Kelda M. , Pagel John M. , Walter Roland B. , Parks Cynthia , Wood Brent L. , Abkowitz Janis L. , Estey Elihu H.
Published: December 2014

Prior study of the combination of clofarabine and high dose cytarabine with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) priming (GCLAC) in relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia resulted in a 46% rate of complete remission despite unfavorable risk cytogenetics. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the remission rate and survival with GCLAC were superior to FLAG (fludarabine, cytarabine, G‐CSF) in the relapsed setting. We therefore initiated a study of the GCLAC regimen in the upfront setting in a multicenter trial. The objectives were to evaluate the rates of complete remission (CR), overall and relapse‐free survival (OS and RFS), and toxicity of GCLAC. Clofarabine was administered at 30 mg m−2 day−1 × 5 and cytarabine at 2 g m−2 day−1 × 5 after G‐CSF priming in 50 newly‐diagnosed patients ages 18–64 with AML or advanced myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or advanced myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). Responses were assessed in the different cytogenetic risk groups and in patients with antecedent hematologic disorder. The overall CR rate was 76% (95% confidence interval [CI] 64–88%) and the CR + CRp (CR with incomplete platelet count recovery) was 82% (95% CI 71–93%). The CR rate was 100% for patients with favorable, 84% for those with intermediate, and 62% for those with unfavorable risk cytogenetics. For patients with an antecedent hematologic disorder (AHD), the CR rate was 65%, compared to 85% for those without an AHD. The 60 day mortality was 2%. Thus, front line GCLAC is a well‐tolerated, effective induction regimen for AML and advanced myelodysplastic or myeloproliferative disorders. Am. J. Hematol. 90:295–300, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Triarylamine‐Free Pyrenoimidazole‐Containing Organic Dyes with Different π‐Linkers for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Kumar Dhirendra , Thomas K. R. Justin , Lee Chuan‐Pei , Ho Kuo‐Chuan
Published: December 2014

A series of arylamine‐free organic dyes that have a pyrenoimidazole donor, a cyanoacrylic acid acceptor, and different π‐linkers were synthesized and characterized by optical, electrochemical, and theoretical investigations. The nature of the π‐spacer exerts a significant effect on electronic properties of these dyes. The absorption maxima red‐shifts on progressive addition of thiophene units in the conjugation pathway. All the dyes displayed negative solvatochromism indicative of effective solvation of the dyes by polar solvents in the ground state. The oxidation potential of the dyes shifted negatively on introduction of electron rich spacer. TDDFT computations were also performed to explain the optical and electrochemical properties of the dyes. They were demonstrated as sensitizers in dye‐sensitized solar cells, the efficiency of which is promising.
The Phosphinoboration Reaction
Authors: Daley Erika N. , Vogels Christopher M. , Geier Stephen J. , Decken Andreas , Doherty Simon , Westcott Stephen A.
Published: December 2014

The synthesis of phosphinoboronate esters containing a single PB bond is reported, together with preliminary reactivity studies towards a range of organic substrates. These compounds add readily to aldehydes, ketones, aldimines, and α,β‐unsaturated enones to give primarily the corresponding 1,2‐addition products containing a new PC bond. The first examples of transition‐metal‐catalyzed phosphinoborations of C‐C multiple bonds in which PC and BC bonds are formed in a single step are also disclosed; allenes react by a highly regioselective 1,2‐addition whereas terminal alkynes undergo a formal 1,1‐addition.
Unraveling the Intrinsic Color of Chlorophyll
Authors: Milne Bruce F. , Toker Yoni , Rubio Angel , Nielsen Steen Brøndsted
Published: December 2014

The exact color of light absorbed by chlorophyll (Chl) pigments, the light‐harvesters in photosynthesis, is tuned by the protein microenvironment, but without knowledge of the intrinsic color of Chl it remains unclear how large this effect is. Experimental first absorption energies of Chl a and b isolated in vacuo and tagged with quaternary ammonium cations are reported. The energies are largely insensitive to details of the tag structure, a finding supported by first‐principles calculations using time‐dependent density functional theory. Absorption is significantly blue‐shifted compared to that of Chl‐containing proteins (by 30–70 nm). A single red‐shifting perturbation, such as axial ligation or the protein medium, is insufficient to account even for the smallest shift; the largest requires pigment–pigment interactions.
Compression molding and melt‐spinning of the blends of poly(lactic acid) and poly(butylene succinate‐co‐adipate)
Authors: Pivsa‐Art Weraporn , Pivsa‐Art Sommai , Fujii Kazunori , Nomura Keiichiro , Ishimoto Kiyoaki , Aso Yuji , Yamane Hideki , Ohara Hitomi
Published: December 2014

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biobased polymer made from biomass having high mechanical properties for engineering materials applications. However, PLA has certain limited properties such as its brittleness and low heat distortion temperature. Thus, the aim of this study is to improve toughness of PLA by blending with poly(butylene succinate‐co‐adipate) (PBSA), the biodegradable polymer having high toughness. Polymer blends of PLA and PBSA were prepared using a twin screw extruder. The melt rheology and the thermal property of the blends were examined. Further the blends were fabricated into compression molded parts and melt‐spun fiber and were subjected to tensile and impact tests. When the PBSA content was low, PBSA phase was finely dispersed in the PLA matrix. On the other hand, when the PBSA content was high, this minor phase dispersed as a large droplet. Mechanical properties of the compression molded parts were affected by the dispersion state of PBSA minor component in PLA matrix. Impact strength of the compression molded parts was also improved by the addition of soft PBSA. The improvement was pronounced when the PBSA phase was finely dispersed in PLA matrix. However, the mechanical property of the blend fibers was affected by the postdrawing condition as well as the PBSA content. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41856.
Synthesis and performance of a novel nitrogen‐containing cyclic phosphate for intumescent flame retardant and its application in epoxy resin
Authors: You Geyun , Cheng Zhiquan , Peng Hao , He Hongwu
Published: December 2014

A novel nitrogen‐containing cyclic phosphate (NDP) was synthesized and well characterized by 1H, 13C, 31P NMR, mass spectra and elemental analysis. NDP was used as an additive intumescent flame retardant (AIFR) to impart flame retardancy and dripping resistance for diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A epoxy resin (DGEBA) curied by 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS) with different phosphorus content. The flammability, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of NDP modified DGEBA/DDS thermosets were investigated by UL‐94 vertical burning test, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Izod impact strength and flexural property tests. The results showed that NDP modified DGEBA/DDS thermosets exhibited excellent flame retardancy, moderate changes in glass transition temperature and thermal stability. When the phosphorus content reached only 1.5 wt %, the NDP modified DGEBA/DDS thermoset could result in satisfied flame retardancy (UL‐94, V‐0). The TGA curves under nitrogen and air atmosphere suggested that NDP had good ability of char formation, and there existed a distinct synergistic effect between phosphorus and nitrogen. The flame retardant mechanism was further realized by studying the structure and morphology of char residues using FT‐IR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It indicated that NDP as phosphorus‐nitrogen containing flame retardant worked by both of the condensed phase action and the vapor phase action. Additionally, the addition of NDP decreased slightly the flexural strength of the flame retarded DGEBA epoxy resins, and increased the Izod impact strength of these thermosets. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41859.
The Regioselective Homocoupling of meta‐Hydroxypyridines with Hypervalent Iodine(III)
Authors: Yang Ping Syun , Tsai Mi Ting , Tsai Meng Han , Ong Chi Wi
Published: December 2014

The CH homocoupling of meta‐hydroxypyridines with phenyliodine(III) diacetate (PIDA) was carried out in dichloromethane at room temperature in the presence of cesium carbonate. The coupling reaction is highly regioselective with respect to the hydroxy group at the pyridine ring. Comparative control experiments with meta‐alkoxypyridine suggest that the meta‐hydroxy group at the pyridine ring plays a key role during the homocoupling reaction.
Comparison of primary and secondary breast cancers in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Sadler Claire , Goldfarb Melanie
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients (ages 15‐39) and may develop de novo or in patients previously treated for cancer. This study compares the demographic, tumor, treatment characteristics, and overall survival (OS) of primary versus secondary (SMN) breast cancer in female AYAs.

METHODS

All cases of invasive female AYA breast cancer in the 1998‐2010 American College of Surgeons National Cancer Database were divided into 2 cohorts according to primary or secondary occurrence. Comparisons using appropriate statistical methods were performed.

RESULTS

Of 106,771 patients, 6241 (5.8%) had experienced a prior, histologically distinct malignancy. Breast SMNs were more likely ER‐/PR‐ (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.15‐1.34), <1 cm (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.73‐1.99) tumors and present at a lower T, N (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.34‐1.52), and summary stage but with more distant metastases (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.21‐1.67) compared with primary cancers. Adjusted by stage, SMN patients underwent more total mastectomies and received less chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy. However, SMN patients received definitive surgical treatment almost twice as fast compared with primary cancers (36.12 vs 67.26 days, P < .001). Patients with SMNs had a significantly decreased 3‐year OS (79% vs 88.5%, P < .001), with SMN status an independent risk factor for increased mortality (HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.41‐1.77).

CONCLUSIONS

Nonprimary breast cancer in AYAs has different tumor characteristics, presents at a lower stage, and receives less adjuvant therapy than primary cancers. SMN status is an independent risk factor for decreased OS, with an almost 10% decrease at 3 years. Whether the outcome disparity results from previous cancer treatment or differences in biology, environment, or access to care needs further investigation. Cancer 2015;121:1295–1302. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Evidence for limited D1 and D2 receptor coexpression and colocalization within the dorsal striatum of the neonatal mouse
Authors: Biezonski Dominik K. , Trifilieff Pierre , Meszaros Jozsef , Javitch Jonathan A. , Kellendonk Christoph
Published: December 2014

The striatum is the major input nucleus of the basal ganglia involved in reward processing, goal‐directed behaviors, habit learning, and motor control. The striatum projects to the basal ganglia output nuclei via the "direct" and "indirect" pathways, which can be distinguished by their projection fields and their opposing effects on behavior. In adult animals, the functional opposition is modulated by the differential actions of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors (D1R, D2R), the expression of which is largely separated between these pathways. To determine whether a similar degree of separation exists earlier in development, we used dual‐label immunohistochemistry to map dorsal‐striatal D1R and D2R expression at the promoter level in postnatal day 0 (PD0) Drd1a‐tdTomato/Drd2‐GFP BAC transgenic mice, and at the receptor level by costaining for native D1R and D2R in wildtype (WT) PD0 animals. To assess for potential molecular interactions between D1R and D2R we also employed a recently developed proximity‐ligation assay (PLA). Limited coexpression and colocalization of the D1R and D2R proteins was found in clusters of neurons endemic to the "patch" compartment as identified by costaining with tyrosine hydroxylase, but not outside these clusters. Moreover, in contrast to our recent findings where we failed to detect a D1R‐D2R PLA signal in the adult striatum, in PD0 striatum we did identify a clear PLA signal for this pair of receptors. This colocalization at close proximity points to a possible role for D1R/D2R‐mediated crosstalk in early striatal ontogeny. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:1175–1189, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cortical and thalamic projections to cytoarchitectural areas 6Va and 8C of the marmoset monkey: Connectionally distinct subdivisions of the lateral premotor cortex
Authors: Burman Kathleen J. , Bakola Sophia , Richardson Karyn E. , Yu Hsin‐Hao , Reser David H. , Rosa Marcello G.P.
Published: December 2014

We studied the afferent connections of two cytoarchitectural subdivisions of the caudolateral frontal cortex, areas 6Va and 8C, in marmoset monkeys. These areas received connections from the same set of thalamic nuclei, including main inputs from the ventral lateral and ventral anterior complexes, but differed in their patterns of corticocortical connections. Areas 8C and 6Va had reciprocal interconnections, and received similar proportions of afferents from premotor areas 6M and 6DC, and from the prefrontal cortex. However, area 8C received stronger inputs from frontal areas that have been implicated in oculomotor functions, whereas area 6Va received stronger projections from the primary motor area. Somatosensory projections to area 6Va were generally stronger than those to area 8C, and originated from several areas; in contrast, only the second somatosensory area (S2) sent major inputs to area 8C. Finally, although both 6Va and 8C received major inputs from the rostral posterior parietal cortex (putative homologs of areas PE, PF, and PFG), area 8C also received a variety of smaller connections from posterior midline, caudal posterior parietal, and extrastriate areas. Statistical analyses revealed that the pattern of connections of area 8C is more akin to that characterizing a premotor area, rather than a prefrontal area. We conclude that cytoarchitectural area 6Va in the marmoset is similar to ventral premotor areas identified in other simian primates, and that area 8C corresponds to a specialized subdivision of the caudal premotor complex where visual information for the guidance of movements is likely to be emphasized. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:1222–1247, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low circulating levels of bisphenol‐A induce cognitive deficits and loss of asymmetric spine synapses in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of adult male monkeys
Authors: Elsworth John D. , Jentsch James D. , Groman Stephanie M. , Roth Robert H. , Redmond Eugene D. , Leranth Csaba
Published: December 2014

Bisphenol‐A (BPA) is widely used in the manufacture of plastics, epoxy resins, and certain paper products. A majority of the population in the developed world is routinely exposed to BPA from multiple sources and has significant circulating levels of BPA. Although BPA is categorized as an endocrine disruptor with a growing literature on adverse effects, it is uncertain whether cognitive dysfunction is induced in humans by exposure to BPA. The present study examined the impact of BPA in primate brain by exposing adult male vervet monkeys for 4 weeks continuously to circulating levels of BPA that were in the range measured in studies of humans environmentally exposed to BPA. This regimen of exposure to BPA decreased both working memory accuracy and the number of excitatory synaptic inputs on dendritic spines of pyramidal neurons in two brain regions that are necessary for working memory (prefrontal cortex and hippocampus). These observed behavioral and synaptic effects were ameliorated following withdrawal from BPA. As Old World monkeys (e.g., vervets) and humans share some uniquely primate morphological, endocrine, and cognitive traits, this study indicates the potential for significant cognitive disruption following exposure of humans to BPA. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:1248–1257, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Topographic organization and possible function of the posterior optic tubercles in the brain of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria
Authors: Beetz M. Jerome , el Jundi Basil , Heinze Stanley , Homberg Uwe
Published: December 2014

Migrating desert locusts, Schistocerca gregaria, are able to use the skylight polarization pattern for navigation. They detect polarized light with a specialized dorsal rim area in their compound eye. After multistage processing, polarization signals are transferred to the central complex, a midline‐spanning brain area involved in locomotor control. Polarization‐sensitive tangential neurons (TB‐neurons) of the protocerebral bridge, a part of the central complex, give rise to a topographic arrangement of preferred polarization angles in the bridge, suggesting that the central complex acts as an internal sky compass. TB‐neurons connect the protocerebral bridge with two adjacent brain areas, the posterior optic tubercles. To analyze the polarotopic organization of the central complex further, we investigated the number and morphologies of TB‐neurons and the presence and colocalization of three neuroactive substances in these neurons. Triple immunostaining with antisera against Diploptera punctata allatostatin (Dip‐AST), Manduca sexta allatotropin (Mas‐AT), and serotonin (5HT) raised in the same host species revealed three spatially distinct TB‐neuron clusters, each consisting of 10 neurons per hemisphere: cluster 1 and 3 showed Dip‐AST/5HT immunostaining, whereas cluster 2 showed Dip‐AST/Mas‐AT immunostaining. Five subtypes of TB‐neuron could be distinguished based on ramification patterns. Corresponding to ramification domains in the protocerebral bridge, the neurons invaded distinct but overlapping layers within the posterior optic tubercle. Similarly, neurons interconnecting the tubercles of the two hemispheres also targeted distinct layers of these neuropils. From these data we propose a neuronal circuit that may be suited to stabilize the internal sky compass in the central complex of the locust. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:1589–1607, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gas‐Phase Infrared Spectra of Three Compounds of Astrochemical Interest: Vinyl, Allenyl, and Propargyl Isocyanides
Authors: Benidar Abdessamad , Bégué Didier , Richter Falk , Pouchan Claude , Lahcini Mohammed , Guillemin Jean‐Claude
Published: December 2014

Isocyanides, isomers of the cyanides detected in the interstellar medium, are also possible components of this medium. The infrared spectra (5000–500 cm−1) of gaseous vinyl isocyanide, allenyl isocyanide, and propargyl isocyanide have been recorded at 0.1 cm−1 resolution. When prepared on a gram scale to produce a partial pressure of 10 mbar after evaporation in the cell, these three isocyanides, which have previously been reported to be kinetically unstable, do not display any sign of decomposition when recording the spectra. Geometry optimizations and harmonic and anharmonic vibrational frequencies were calculated using the LCCSD(T) method with the cc‐pVTZ basis set. Anharmonic frequencies of fundamental, overtone, and combination transitions were calculated using a variational approach implemented in the P Anhar.v2.0 code, to assign the experimental data for each compound. These results improve our knowledge of these under‐investigated compounds and pave the way for other physicochemical studies on functionalized isocyanides.
Stability criteria for stochastic Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy Cohen‐Grossberg BAM neural networks with mixed time‐varying delays
Authors: Syed Ali Muhammed , Balasubramaniam Pagavathigounder , Rihan Fathalla A. , Lakshmanan Shanmugam
Published: December 2014

This article is concerned with the asymptotic stability analysis of Takagi–Sugeno stochastic fuzzy Cohen–Grossberg neural networks with discrete and distributed time‐varying delays. Based on the Lyapunov functional and linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique, sufficient conditions are derived to ensure the global convergence of the equilibrium point. The proposed conditions can be checked easily by LMI Control Toolbox in Matlab. It has been shown that the results are less restrictive than previously known criteria. They are obtained under mild conditions, assuming neither differentiability nor strict monotonicity for activation function. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of our results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 143–154, 2016
The usefulness of biomarkers of alcohol abuse in hair and serum carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin: a case report.
Authors: De Giovanni Nadia , Cittadini Francesca , Martello Simona
Published: December 2014

The detection of carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin (CDT) in serum is widely accepted to identify chronic alcohol consumption over the previous two weeks, but minor ethanol metabolites detected in hair often complete the information obtained. In particular, ethylglucuronide and cocaethylene (a marker of simultaneous intake of cocaine and alcohol) allow correct interpretation of data obtained in forensic cases. We refer to a negative CDT value obtained from a serum sample collected during hospitalization of a man admitted for cardiac arrest who died about 14 h later. Clinical analysis performed on admission showed a high ethanol level and a positive urinary screening for cocaine. The toxicological analyses of post‐mortem samples found cocaine metabolites in his urine and blood. The negative CDT level suggested the ethanol concentration at admission to be an acute episode. Cocaine and cocaethylene well above the cut‐off suggested by the literature were found in hair analyzed for the entire length (about 1 cm). Ethylglucuronide detected on the same hair sample confirmed chronic abuse of ethanol in the previous month, at least. The present report suggests caution in the interpretation of biomarkers of alcohol abuse, encouraging the detection of more than one marker to avoid misinterpretation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of outcomes after hospitalization for worsening heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke in patients with heart failure and reduced and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Kristensen Søren L. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Køber Lars , Preiss David , Kjekshus John , McKelvie Robert S. , Zile Michael R. , Anand Inder S. , Wikstrand John , Wedel Hans , Komajda Michel , Carson Peter E. , Cleland John G.F. , McMurray John J.V.
Published: December 2014

Aims

To investigate the prognostic significance of hospitalization for worsening heart failure (WHF), myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke in patients with chronic heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

We studied 5011 patients with HF and reduced EF (HF‐REF) in the CORONA trial and 4128 patients with HF and preserved EF (HF‐PEF) in the I‐Preserve trial. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for death were estimated for 0–30 days and ≥31 days after first post‐randomization WHF, MI, or stroke used as a time‐dependent variable, compared with patients with none of these events. In CORONA, 1616 patients (32%) had post‐randomization first events (1223 WHF, 216 MI, 177 stroke), and the adjusted HR for mortality ≤30 days after an event was: WHF 7.21 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.05–25.40], MI 23.08 (95% CI 6.44–82.71), and stroke 32.15 (95% CI 8.93–115.83). The HR for mortality at >30 days was: WHF 3.62 (95% CI 3.11–4.21), MI 4.41 (95% CI 3.23–6.02), and stroke 3.19 (95% CI 2.21–4.61). In I‐Preserve, 896 patients (22%) experienced a post‐randomization event (638 WHF, 111 MI, 147 stroke). The HR for mortality ≤30 days was WHF 31.77 (95% CI 7.60–132.81), MI 154.77 (95% CI 34.21–700.17), and stroke 223.30 (95% CI 51.42–969.78); for >30 days it was WHF 3.36 (95% CI 2.79–4.05), MI 3.29 (95% CI 2.14–5.06), and stroke 5.13 (95% CI 3.61–7.29).

Conclusions

In patients with both HF‐REF and HF‐PEF, hospitalization for WHF was associated with high early and late mortality. The early relative risk of death was not as great as following MI or stroke, but the longer term relative risk of death was similar following all three types of event. Numerically, more deaths occurred following WHF because it was a much more common event.
Reduced inotropic reserve is predictive of further degradation in left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Goudot François‐Xavier , Wahbi Karim , Aïssou Linda , Sorbets Emmanuel , Siam‐Tsieu Valérie , Eymard Bruno , Themar Noel Christine , Devaux Jean‐Yves , Dessault Odile , Duboc Denis , Meune Christophe
Published: December 2014

Aims

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), an inherited X‐linked muscular disease, is associated with dilated cardiomyopathy that is responsible for death in 40% of patients. Our objective was to determine whether inotropic reserve is predictive of LV trend over time.

Methods and results

A total of 69 DMD patients (age 12.2 ± 2.3 years) were investigated. At baseline, LVEF and the presence of inotropic reserve (defined as an increase in LVEF >10% during dobutamine infusion) were investigated using radionuclide ventriculography. During follow‐up (FU), LVEF was remeasured after a mean 29 ± 19 months delay. In the whole population, mean LVEF was 58 ± 8% at baseline and declined to 54 ± 11% during FU (P = 0.004). At baseline, 21 patients (30.4%) had LVEF <55% and 38 had no LV inotropic reserve. LVEF declined in the 38 patients (55.1%) without LV inotropic reserve (58 ± 8% to 52 ± 10%, P = 0.001), and not in the other patients (58 ± 8% to 57 ± 11%, P = 0.516) (P = 0.042 for trends in LVEF between groups after adjustment for age, FU duration, and baseline LVEF). Fewer patients with vs. without inotropropic reserve at baseline show a depressed LVEF <55% during follow‐up (35.5% vs. 63.2%, respectively, P = 0.030). Similar findings were observed in the subgroups of patients with LVEF >45% or 55% at baseline.

Conclusion

Inotropic reserve assessment allows the distinction of DMD patients who will vs. those who will not show a deterioration in LVEF, thus offering a sensitive approach for delineating the presence and progression of cardiovascular disease in these patients.
Volatile yields and solid grindability after torrefaction of various biomass types
Authors: Commandré J.M. , Leboeuf A.
Published: December 2014

Raw biomass grinding is a highly energy‐intensive step due to the fibrous structure of the material. Torrefaction, which enables the partial destruction of this fibrous structure through mild thermal treatment, appears as an attractive option. In this work, a complete quantification of species released during torrefaction was performed on four various biomass types: softwood, a perennial crop, an agricultural residue, and a short rotation coppice. A specially designed fixed‐bed reactor was used to characterize the different products released during torrefaction under controlled conditions. The mass balance was evaluated by quantification of the biomass weight loss and species released. For each sample of torrefied biomass, weight loss, a proximate analysis, and lower heating value were quantified, and detailed mass balances including an analysis of condensable species were performed. The results showed that, under the explored torrefaction conditions, the nature of the feedstock had a significant effect on solid weight loss and compositions, and on the yields of volatile and condensable species.

A specific grinding protocol was used to evaluate torrefied biomass grindability. The grindability of torrefied biomass was significantly improved compared to raw biomass, but this tendency was less marked in the case of the agricultural residue than for the other biomasses. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1180–1186, 2015
The interactive toxicity of cadmium, copper, and zinc to Ceriodaphnia dubia and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Naddy Rami B. , Cohen Adam S. , Stubblefield William A.
Published: December 2014

Traditionally, aquatic toxicity studies examine the toxicity of a single chemical to an organism. Organisms in nature, however, may be exposed to multiple toxicants. Given this is a more realistic exposure scenario in situ, the authors sought to understand the interactive toxicity of multiple metals to aquatic organisms. The authors performed a series of studies using equitoxic mixtures of cadmium, copper, and zinc to 2 aquatic organisms, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and the waterflea, Ceriodaphnia dubia. Single metal toxicity tests were conducted to determine the acute median lethal concentration (LC50) values for O. mykiss and short-term, chronic median effective concentration (EC50) values for C. dubia. All 3 metals were then combined in equitoxic concentrations for subsequent mixture studies using a toxic unit (TU) approach (i.e., 1 TU = EC50 or LC50). For C. dubia, the mixture study showed greater-than-additive effects in hard water (TU-based EC50 = 0.74 TU), but less-than-additive effects in soft water (TU-based EC50 = 1.93 TU). The mixture effects for O. mykiss showed less-than-additive effects in both hard and soft waters, with TU-based LC50 values of 2.33 total TU and 2.22 total TU, respectively. These data are useful in helping understand metal mixture toxicity in aquatic systems and indicate that although in most situations the assumption of additivity of metal mixture toxicity is valid, under certain conditions it may not be sufficiently protective. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:809–815. © 2014 SETAC
Implications of in vitro bioaccessibility differences for the assessment of risks of metals to bats
Authors: Hernout Béatrice V. , Bowman Sarah R. , Weaver Robert J. , Jayasinghe Channaka J. , Boxall Alistair B.A.
Published: December 2014

Food chain modeling is often used to assess the risks of chemical contaminants to wildlife. In modeling efforts, bioaccessibility from different dietary components is assumed to be similar. The present study explored potential differences in the in vitro bioaccessibility of metals from a range of insect orders, which are common components of the diet of insectivorous bats, and assessed the implications of this for environmental exposure assessment. Bioaccessibility of metals was assessed using an in vitro gastric model simulating gastric and intestinal conditions of insectivorous bats. In vitro–derived metal bioaccessibility was found to differ significantly across insect orders. Bioaccessibility was found to be greatest in Coleoptera, followed by Lepidoptera and Diptera. To establish the implications for risk assessment, a spatially explicit risk model was employed that included and excluded in vitro bioaccessibility data; to examine the daily oral exposure of metals to 14 bat species. The results show that when bioaccessibility data are included in the model, metal exposure predictions across species are changed and that the ranking of bat species, in terms of metal exposure, are altered. The authors recommend that in vitro bioaccessibility data begin to be employed when establishing the risks of contaminants to wildlife species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:898–906. © 2014 SETAC
Lethal and sublethal effects of selected PPCPs on the freshwater rotifer, Plationus patulus
Authors: Martinez Gomez Diana A. , Baca Sarah , Walsh Elizabeth J.
Published: December 2014

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have been reported in surface waters around the world. The continuous input of these pollutants into freshwaters and their potential effects on aquatic life are of increasing concern. The rotifer Plationus patulus, a basal member of riverine food webs, was used to test acute and chronic toxicity of 4 PPCPs (acetamidophenol, caffeine, fluoxetine, triclosan). A population from a remote site in Mexico (reference population) and one from an urbanized stretch of the Rio Grande were exposed. Acute toxicity tests show that both populations were more sensitive to fluoxetine. Chronic exposure to acetamidophenol (10 mg/L, 15 mg/L, and 20 mg/L) inhibited reference population growth, whereas Rio Grande population growth was inhibited only at 15 mg/L and 20 mg/L. Population growth was inhibited at 200 mg/L and 300 mg/L of caffeine for both populations. Chronic exposure to fluoxetine (0.020 mg/L) significantly inhibited population growth for the Rio Grande population only. Triclosan (0.05 mg/L, 0.075 mg/L, 0.10 mg/L) had the most deleterious effects, significantly reducing both populations' growth rates. Sublethal effects of chronic exposure to PPCPs included decreased egg production and increased egg detachment. A mixed exposure (6 PPCPs, environmentally relevant concentrations) did not affect population growth in either population. However, the continuous introduction of a broad suite of PPCPs to aquatic ecosystems still may present a risk to aquatic communities. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:913–922. © 2014 SETAC
Long‐term prospective evaluation comparing robotic parathyroidectomy with minimally invasive open parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Tolley Neil , Garas George , Palazzo Fausto , Prichard Alexa , Chaidas Konstantinos , Cox Jeremy , Darzi Ara , Arora Asit
Published: December 2014

Background

Targeted parathyroidectomy is a popular technique for localized pathology. No single technique is established as superior. The purpose of this study was to compare robotic‐assisted parathyroidectomy (RAP) with the most common approach.

Methods

This was a prospective, nonrandomized study. Fifteen consecutive patients who underwent RAP were compared to 15 matched controls undergoing focused lateral parathyroidectomy (FLP).

Results

Biochemical cure occurred in 29 of 30 patients (97%). No major complications occurred, although there was 1 robotic conversion. RAP demonstrated a significant time reduction (R2 = 0.436; p = .01) but took much longer to perform than FLP (119 minutes vs 34 minutes; p = .001). RAP was associated with less initial postoperative pain (p = .036) and higher satisfaction with scar cosmesis (p = .002) until 6 months. Quality of life (QOL) improved in both groups (p = .007).

Conclusion

RAP provides superior early cosmesis with equivalent global health improvement compared to FLP. The high cost and learning curve may preclude widespread adoption. Further evaluation is necessary to establish its clinical efficacy regarding scar cosmesis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E300–E7, 2016
drd2‐cre:ribotag mouse line unravels the possible diversity of dopamine d2 receptor‐expressing cells of the dorsal mouse hippocampus
Authors: Puighermanal Emma , Biever Anne , Espallergues Julie , Gangarossa Giuseppe , De Bundel Dimitri , Valjent Emmanuel
Published: December 2014

Increasing evidences suggest that dopamine facilitates the encoding of novel memories by the hippocampus. However, the role of dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) in such regulations remains elusive due to the lack of the precise identification of hippocampal D2R‐expressing cells. To address this issue, mice expressing the ribosomal protein Rpl22 tagged with the hemagglutinin (HA) epitope were crossed with Drd2‐Cre mice allowing the selective expression of HA in D2R‐containing cells (Drd2‐Cre:RiboTag mice). This new transgenic model revealed a more widespread pattern of D2R‐expressing cells identified by HA immunoreactivity than the one initially reported in Drd2‐EGFP mice, in which the hilar mossy cells were the main neuronal population detectable. In Drd2‐Cre:RiboTag mice, scattered HA/GAD67‐positive neurons were detected throughout the CA1/CA3 subfields, being preferentially localized in stratum oriens and stratum lacunosum‐moleculare. At the cellular level, HA‐labeled cells located in CA1/CA3 subfields co‐localized with calcium‐binding proteins (parvalbumin, calbindin, and calretinin), neuropeptides (neuropeptide Y, somatostatin), and other markers (neuronal nitric oxide synthase, mGluR1α, reelin, coupTFII, and potassium channel‐interacting protein 1). These results suggest that in addition to the glutamatergic hilar mossy cells, D2R‐expressing cells constitute a subpopulation of GABAergic hippocampal interneurons. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A tiered assessment framework to evaluate human health risk of contaminated sediment
Authors: Greenfield Ben K , Melwani Aroon R , Bay Steven M
Published: December 2014

For sediment contaminated with bioaccumulative pollutants (e.g., PCBs and organochorine pesticides), human consumption of seafood that contain bioaccumulated sediment-derived contaminants is a well-established exposure pathway. Historically, regulation and management of this bioaccumulation pathway has focused on site-specific risk assessment. The state of California (United States) is supporting the development of a consistent and quantitative sediment assessment framework to aid in interpreting a narrative objective to protect human health. The conceptual basis of this framework focuses on 2 key questions: 1) do observed pollutant concentrations in seafood from a given site pose unacceptable health risks to human consumers? and 2) is sediment contamination at a site a significant contributor to seafood contamination? The first question is evaluated by interpreting seafood tissue concentrations at the site, based on health risk calculations. The second question is evaluated by interpreting site-specific sediment chemistry data using a food web bioaccumulation model. The assessment framework includes 3 tiers (screening assessment, site assessment, and refined site assessment), which enables the assessment to match variations in data availability, site complexity, and study objectives. The second and third tiers use a stochastic simulation approach, incorporating information on variability and uncertainty of key parameters, such as seafood contaminant concentration and consumption rate by humans. The framework incorporates site-specific values for sensitive parameters and statewide values for difficult to obtain or less sensitive parameters. The proposed approach advances risk assessment policy by incorporating local data into a consistent region-wide problem formulation, applying best available science in a streamlined fashion. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;11:459–473. © 2015 SETAC

Key Points

We present a sediment quality assessment framework that is focused on protecting people that consume seafood. The framework meets the indirect effects narrative objective for California's Sediment Quality Objectives Program for enclosed bays and estuaries. The approach advances policy for sediment bioaccumulation risk assessment by incorporating local data into a consistent, region-wide problem formulation.
Accurate characterization of delay discounting: A multiple model approach using approximate bayesian model selection and a unified discounting measure
Authors: Franck Christopher T. , Koffarnus Mikhail N. , House Leanna L. , Bickel Warren K.
Published: December 2014

The study of delay discounting, or valuation of future rewards as a function of delay, has contributed to understanding the behavioral economics of addiction. Accurate characterization of discounting can be furthered by statistical model selection given that many functions have been proposed to measure future valuation of rewards. The present study provides a convenient Bayesian model selection algorithm that selects the most probable discounting model among a set of candidate models chosen by the researcher. The approach assigns the most probable model for each individual subject. Importantly, effective delay 50 (ED50) functions as a suitable unifying measure that is computable for and comparable between a number of popular functions, including both one‐ and two‐parameter models. The combined model selection/ED50 approach is illustrated using empirical discounting data collected from a sample of 111 undergraduate students with models proposed by Laibson (1997); Mazur (1987); Myerson & Green (1995); Rachlin (2006); and Samuelson (1937). Computer simulation suggests that the proposed Bayesian model selection approach outperforms the single model approach when data truly arise from multiple models. When a single model underlies all participant data, the simulation suggests that the proposed approach fares no worse than the single model approach.
PINK1 phosphorylates transglutaminase 2 and blocks its proteasomal degradation
Authors: Min Boram , Kwon Young‐Chang , Choe Kwang‐Min , Chung Kwang Chul
Published: December 2014

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive dopaminergic neuronal loss and the formation of abnormal protein aggregates, referred to as Lewy bodies (LBs). PINK1 is a serine/threonine protein kinase that protects cells from stress‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction. PINK1 gene mutations cause one form of autosomal recessive early‐onset PD. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is an intracellular protein cross‐linking enzyme that has an important role in LB formation during PD pathogenesis. This study identifies PINK1 as a novel TG2 binding partner and shows that PINK1 stabilizes the half‐life of TG2 via inhibition of TG2 ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation. PINK1 affects TG2 stability in a kinase‐dependent manner. In addition, PINK1 directly phosphorylates TG2 in carbonyl cyanide m‐chlorophenyl hydrazine‐induced mitochondrial damaged states, thereby enhancing TG2 accumulation and intracellular protein cross‐linking products. This study further confirms the functional link between upstream PINK1 and downstream TG2 in Drosophila melanogaster. These data suggest that PINK1 positively regulates TG2 activity, which may be closely associated with aggresome formation in neuronal cells. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.