bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular Internalisation of an Inositol Phosphate Visualised by Using Fluorescent InsP5
Authors: Riley Andrew M. , Windhorst Sabine , Lin Hong‐Yin , Potter Barry V. L.
Published: December 2013

When applied extracellularly, myo‐inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) and myo‐inositol pentakisphosphate (InsP5) can inhibit the growth and proliferation of tumour cells. There is debate about whether these effects result from interactions of InsP6 and InsP5 with intracellular or extracellular targets. We synthesised FAM‐InsP5, a fluorescent conjugate of InsP5 that allows direct visualisation of its interaction with cells. FAM‐InsP5 was internalised by H1229 tumour cells, a finding that supports earlier reports that externally applied inositol phosphates can—perhaps surprisingly—enter into cells. Close examination of the process of FAM‐InsP5 uptake suggests a mechanism of non‐receptor‐mediated endocytosis, which is blocked at 4 °C and probably involves interaction of the ligand with the glycocalyx. However, our results are difficult to reconcile with antiproliferative mechanisms that require direct interactions of externally applied InsP5 or InsP6 with cytosolic proteins, because internalised FAM‐InsP5 appears in lysosomes and apparently does not enter the cytoplasm. Studies using FAM‐InsP5 are less difficult and time‐consuming than experiments using InsP5 or InsP6, a factor that allowed us to analyse cellular uptake across a range of human cell types, identifying strong cell‐specific differences.
Wie Vögel nach Hause finden
Authors: Schweiß Vanessa
Published: December 2013

Um sich zu orientieren, machen sich Vögel das Magnetfeld der Erde zu Nutze. Als mögliches Rezeptormolekül dieses Magnetsinns gilt Cryptochrom. Nun gelang es Wissenschaftlern erstmals, die Aktivierung von Cryptochrom in vivo im natürlichen Umfeld des Moleküls zu untersuchen.
Nichtklassisches Carbokation bewiesen
Authors: Feil Sylvia
Published: December 2013

Ein Streitfall in der Chemie wurde aufgeklärt: Es gibt nichtklassische Carbokationen mit einem fünffach koordinierten Kohlenstoffatom. Die Existenz dieser Carbonium‐Ionen wurde seit Langem vermutet und zugleich heftig angezweifelt. Eine Röntgenstruktur‐Analyse bestätigt nun ihr Vorkommen.
Ringschluss durch Aminierung von C‐H‐Bindungen
Authors: Jaenicke Lothar
Published: December 2013

N‐Heterocyclen, wie Pyrrolidine, Acetidine oder Piperazine, sind häufig kritische und charakteristische Bestandteile von Natur‐ und Wirkstoffen. Ihre Synthese ist daher nicht nur eine herausfordernde, sondern eine sehr praktische Aufgabe.
Top‐Hat and Asymmetric Gaussian‐Based Fitting Functions for Quantifying Directional Single‐Molecule Motion
Authors: Rowland David J. , Biteen Julie S.
Published: December 2013

Single‐molecule fluorescence permits super‐resolution imaging, but traditional algorithms for localizing these isolated fluorescent emitters assume stationary point light sources. Proposed here are two fitting functions that achieve similar nanometer‐scale localization precision as the traditional symmetric Gaussian function, while allowing, and explicitly accounting for, directed motion. The precision of these methods is investigated through Fisher information analysis, simulation and experiments, and the new fitting functions are then used to measure, for the first time, the instantaneous velocity and direction of motion of live bacteria cells. These new methods increase the information content of single‐molecule images of fast‐moving molecules without sacrificing localization precision, thus permitting slower imaging speeds, and our new fitting functions promise to improve tracking algorithms by calculating velocity and direction during each image acquisition.
Analysis and design of voltage‐controlled current sources for a grounded load
Authors: Pandiev Ivailo M.
Published: December 2013

The paper presents the structure and the principle of operation of the ‘improved’ Howland current pumps (or voltage‐controlled current sources (VCCSs) for a grounded load). In particular, under review is the VCCS employing power operational amplifier (op amp) and the VCCS using low power op amp and an additional power transistor, extending working dynamic range. On the basis of analysis of the operational principle, the equations for transfer functions of both circuits and formulas for the related dynamic electrical parameters are obtained. Moreover, using these formulas, a design procedure is developed, and recommendations for simulation modelling are given. The efficiency of the proposed procedure is verified by simulation modelling and experimental testing of sample electronic circuits of VCCSs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolism of aildenafil in vivo in rats and in vitro in mouse, rat, dog, and human liver microsomes
Authors: Li Yan , Wu Linan , Gu Yuan , Si Duanyun , Liu Changxiao
Published: December 2013

Aildenafil, 1‐{[3‐(6, 7‐dihydro‐1‐methyl‐7‐oxo‐3‐propyl‐1H‐pyrazolo [4, 3‐d] primidin‐5‐yl)‐4‐ethoxyphenyl] sulfonyl}‐cis‐3, 5‐dimethylpiperazine, a phosphodiesterase type V enzyme inhibitor (PDE5I), is under development for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The purpose of this study was to elucidate metabolism of aildenafil in vivo in rats and in vitro in mouse, rat, dog, and human liver microsomes. Thirty‐one phase I metabolites have been found by LTQ/Orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometry in rat urine, faeces, and bile after oral administration. Major biotransformation pathways of aildenafil included N‐dealkylation of the piperazine ring, hydroxylation and dehydrogenation, aliphatic hydroxylation and loss of alkyl group of piperazine ring. Minor pathways involved hydroxylation on the phenyl ring, pyrazole N‐demethylation, O‐deethylation, loss of piperazine ring (cleavage of N‐S bond) and dehydrogenation on the piperazine ring. Similar metabolic pathways of aildenafil were observed in the incubations of liver microsomes from mouse, rat, and dog as well as from human. The depletion rate of parent drug in mouse and rat liver microsomes was significantly different from that in human liver microsomes. The cytochrome P450 reaction phenotyping analysis was conducted using isozyme‐specific inhibitors. The results indicated that CYP3A was the main isoenzyme involved in oxidative metabolism of aildenafil. Overall, these in vitro and in vivo findings should provide valuable information on possible metabolic behaviours of aildenafil in humans. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of fire on ant trophic assemblage and sex allocation
Authors: Caut Stephane , Jowers Michael J. , Arnan Xavier , Pearce‐Duvet Jessica , Rodrigo Anselm , Cerda Xim , Boulay Raphaël R.
Published: December 2013

Fire plays a key role in ecosystem dynamics worldwide, altering energy flows and species community structure and composition. However, the functional mechanisms underlying these effects are not well understood. Many ground‐dwelling animal species can shelter themselves from exposure to heat and therefore rarely suffer direct mortality. However, fire‐induced alterations to the environment may change a species' relative trophic level within a food web and its mode of foraging. We assessed how fire could affect ant resource utilization at different scales in a Mediterranean forest. First, we conducted isotopic analyses on entire ant species assemblages and their potential food resources, which included plants and other arthropods, in burned and unburned plots 1 year postfire. Second, we measured the production of males and females by nests of a fire‐resilient species,Aphaenogaster gibbosa,and analyzed the differences in isotopic values among workers, males, and females to test whether fire constrained resource allocation. We found that, in spite of major modifications in biotic and abiotic conditions, fire had little impact on the relative trophic position of ant species. The studied assemblage was composed of species with a wide array of diets. They ranged from being mostly herbivorous to completely omnivorous, and a given species' trophic level was the same in burned and unburned plots. InA. gibbosanests, sexuals had greater δ15N values than workers in both burned and unburned plots, which suggests that the former had a more protein‐rich diet than the latter. Fire also appeared to have a major effect onA. gibbosasex allocation: The proportion of nests that produced male brood was greater on burned zones, as was the mean number of males produced per nest with the same reproductive investment.Our results show that generalist ants with relatively broad diets maintained a constant trophic position, even following a major disturbance like fire. However, the dramatically reduced production of females on burned zones compared to unburned zones 1 year postfire may result in considerably reduced recruitment of new colonies in the mid to long term, which could yield genetic bottlenecks and founder effects. Our study paves the way for future functional analyses of fire‐induced modifications in ant populations and communities.
High Accuracy of Call Triage Decision by Bayesian Network
Authors: Yunoki Shota , Hamagami Tomoki , Oshige Kenji , Kawakami Chihiro , Suzuki Noriyuki
Published: December 2013

A new call triage system, a key part of an emergency support system with a stochastic network model, is examined. Call triage is an operation that allows efficient choice of service grade and dispatching of a suitable rescue team service based on information obtained from a phone call. Call triage is now being tested in a few cities and is showing some benefit. However, there is the issue that if under‐triage, in which the condition of the patient is underestimated, is eliminated, then the efficiency is degraded in the form of over‐triage. In this report, in order to overcome the issue, a Bayesian network scheme is evaluated for a call triage system. The results of experiments with a real call triage data set show that the Bayesian network improves accuracy. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 97(1): 62–69, 2014; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11439
T‐cell receptor signaling induces proximal Runx1 transactivation via a calcineurin–NFAT pathway
Authors: Wong Won Fen , Looi Chung Yeng , Kon Shunsuke , Movahed Elaheh , Funaki Tomo , Chang Li Yen , Satake Masanobu , Kohu Kazuyoshi
Published: December 2013

Runx1 transcription factor is a key player in the development and function of T cells. Runx1 transcripts consist of two closely related isoforms (proximal and distal Runx1) whose expressions are regulated by different promoters. Which Runx1 isoform is expressed appears to be tightly regulated. The regulatory mechanism for differential transcription is, however, not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the regulation of the proximal Runx1 promoter in T cells. We showed that proximal Runx1 was expressed at a low level in naïve T cells from C57BL/6 mice, but its expression was remarkably induced upon T‐cell activation. In the promoter of proximal Runx1, a highly conserved region was identified which spans from −412 to the transcription start site and harbors a NFAT binding site. In a luciferase reporter assay, this region was found to be responsive to T‐cell activation through Lck and calcineurin pathways. Mutagenesis studies and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay indicated that the NFAT site was essential for NFAT binding and transactivation of the proximal Runx1 promoter. Furthermore, TCR signaling‐induced expression of proximal Runx1 was blocked by treatment of cells with cyclosporin A. Together, these results demonstrate that the calcineurin–NFAT pathway regulates proximal Runx1 transcription upon TCR stimulation.
Heteroleptic Germanium(II) and Tin(II) Chlorides Supported by Anionic Ligands Derived from 2,3‐Dimethyl‐1,4‐diaza‐1,3‐butadiene
Authors: Chia Siew‐Peng , Li Yongxin , Ganguly Rakesh , So Cheuk‐Wai
Published: December 2013

The syntheses and structures of heteroleptic germanium(II) and tin(II) chlorides supported by anionic ligands derived from 2,3‐dimethyl‐1,4‐diaza‐1,3‐butadiene are described. The reaction of ArN=C(Me)C(Me)=NAr (L, Ar = 2,6‐iPr2C6H3) with MeLi in Et2O, followed by treatment with GeCl2·dioxane or SnCl2, afforded [L1ECl] [L1 = ArN=C(Me)C(Me)2NAr; E = Ge (1), Sn (2)]. Moreover, L2Li [L2 = ArN=C(Me)C(=CH2)NAr] reacted with GeCl2·dioxane in Et2O to form [{C(=CH)NAr}{C(Me)=NAr}]2(GeCl)2 (3). The byproducts are [{C(CH2)NAr}{C(Me)=NAr}Ge]2 (4) and L2H (5). Furthermore, the reaction of L with LiNiPr2 in Et2O, followed by treatment with SnCl2, afforded [L2SnCl] (6). Compounds 1–4 and 6 have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography.
Comparison of Different PLS Algorithms for Simultaneous Determination of Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry at Bismuth Film Electrode
Authors: Pinto Licarion , Lemos Sherlan G.
Published: December 2013

In this work we evaluated the use of different variable selection techniques combined with partial least‐squares regression (PLS) – genetic algorithm PLS (GA‐PLS), interval PLS (iPLS), and synergy interval PLS (siPLS) – in the simultaneous determination of Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) by anodic stripping voltammetry at a bismuth film. Generally, variable selection provided an improvement in prediction results when compared to full‐voltammogram PLS. The use of interval selection based algorithms have shown to be most adequate than the selection of discrete variables by GA. Excellent analytical performances were obtained despite the inherent complexity of the simultaneous determination.
Development of a multiplex system to assess DNA persistence in taphonomic studies
Authors: Nazir Muhammad S. , Iyavoo Sasitaran , Alimat Sharizah , Zahra Nathalie , Sanqoor Sheikha H. , Smith Judith A. , Moffatt Colin , Goodwin Will
Published: December 2013

In this study, we have developed a PCR multiplex that can be used to assess DNA degradation and at the same time monitor for inhibition: primers have been designed to amplify human, pig, and rabbit DNA, allowing pig and rabbit to be used as experimental models for taphonomic research, but also enabling studies on human DNA persistence in forensic evidence. Internal amplified controls have been added to monitor for inhibition, allowing the effects of degradation and inhibition to be differentiated. Sequence data for single‐copy nuclear recombination activation gene (RAG‐1) from human, pig, and rabbit were aligned to identify conserved regions and primers were designed that targeted amplicons of 70, 194, 305, and 384 bp. Robust amplification in all three species was possible using as little as 0.3 ng of template DNA. These have been combined with primers that will amplify a bacterial DNA template within the PCR. The multiplex has been evaluated in a series of experiments to gain more knowledge of DNA persistence in soft tissues, which can be important when assessing what material to collect following events such as mass disasters or conflict, when muscle or bone material can be used to aid with the identification of human remains. The experiments used pigs as a model species. When whole pig bodies were exposed to the environment in Northwest England, DNA in muscle tissue persisted for over 24 days in the summer and over 77 days in the winter, with full profiles generated from these samples. In addition to time, accumulated degree days (ADD) were also used as a measure that combines both time and temperature—24 days was in summer equivalent to 295 ADD whereas 77 days in winter was equivalent to 494 ADD.
Seismic performance evaluation of high‐voltage disconnect switches using real‐time hybrid simulation: II. Parametric study
Authors: Günay Selim , Mosalam Khalid M.
Published: December 2013

This paper presents the results of a parametric study that consists of real‐time hybrid simulation tests of electrical insulator posts on a smart shaking table. A companion paper presents the details of the development and validation of the real‐time hybrid simulation system used for conducting the tests of this parametric study. The purpose of the parametric study presented in this paper is to evaluate the effect of support structure damping and stiffness on the response of disconnect switches with two different insulator materials, namely porcelain and polymer insulator posts. Various global and local response parameters including accelerations, forces, displacements, and strains are considered in this evaluation. The data obtained from the conducted tests show that the maximum insulator response corresponds to the case where the support structure frequency is close to the insulator frequency. An incorporated evaluation of all the response parameters indicates that the stiff support structures constitute the most suitable configuration for both material types of the tested insulator posts. It is also observed that support structure damping has an effect on the response of both insulator types. However, this effect is secondary compared with the effect of support structure stiffness. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of Contamination with Inorganic Impurities on the Durability of a 1 kW DMFC System
Authors: Kimiaie N. , Trappmann C. , Janßen H. , Hehemann M. , Echsler H. , Müller M.
Published: December 2013

IEK‐3 at Forschungszentrum Jülich successfully replaced the battery tray of a horizontal order picker (ECE 220, Jungheinrich) with a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) hybrid system in the kilowatt class. The DMFC combined with a lithium‐ion battery forms the hybrid drive for electrically driven horizontal order pickers. Such vehicles are used to transport and collect goods for orders in warehouses. The order picker is fueled by pure methanol to achieve a maximum range with the smallest possible space for the battery tray. An advantage of such energy systems is that there is no need for the relatively complicated and time‐consuming recharging of the conventional lead‐acid batteries, nor are spare batteries required for multishift operation. This study focuses on the influence of contamination with inorganic impurities on the durability of the 1 kW DMFC system V3.3‐1. The data from a long‐term test will be presented, in which the DMFC system was subjected to a realistic dynamic load profile for 3,000 h. The impurities identified in the post‐mortem analysis of the membrane electrode assembly will be outlined as well the influence of selected impurities, the sources of these impurities and how the DMFC V3.3‐2 system was modified on the basis of these findings.
The Effect of Plasma Spraying Power on La0.58Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3–δ–La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3–δ Composite Cathode Interlayer Microstructure and Cell Performance
Authors: Tsai C. H. , Hwang C. S. , Chang C. L. , Nien S. H. , Chuang C. M. , Chuang Shie Z. Y.
Published: December 2013

The metal‐supported intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells with a porous nickel substrate, a nano‐structured LDC (Ce0.55La0.45O2–δ)–Ni composite anode, an LDC diffusion barrier layer, an LSGM (La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3–δ) electrolyte, an LSCF (La0.58Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3–δ)–LSGM composite cathode interlayer and an LSCF cathode current collector are fabricated by atmospheric plasma spraying. Four different plasma spraying powers of 26, 28, 30, and 34 kW are used to fabricate the LSCF–LSGM composite cathode interlayers. Each cell with a prepared LSCF–LSGM composite cathode interlayer has been post‐heat treated at 960 °C for 2 h in air with an applied pressure of 450 g cm–2. The current‐voltage‐power and AC impedance measurements indicate that the LSCF–LSGM composite cathode interlayer formed at 28 kW plasma spraying power has the best power performance and the smallest polarization resistance at temperatures from 600 to 800 °C. The microstructure of the LSCF–LSGM composite cathode interlayer shows to be less dense and composed of smaller dense regions as the plasma spraying power decreases to 28 kW. The durability test of the cell with an optimized LSCF–LSGM composite cathode interlayer gives a degradation rate of 1.1% kh–1 at the 0.3 A cm–2 constant current density and 750 °C test temperature.
Pr Doped Barium Cerate as the Cathode Material for Proton‐Conducting SOFCs
Authors: Tao Z. , Hou G. , Xu N. , Chen X. , Zhang Q.
Published: December 2013

BaCe0.8Pr0.2O3 (BCP20) and BaCe0.6Pr0.4O3 (BCP40) powders are successfully synthesized through the Pechini method and used as the cathode materials for proton‐conducting solid state oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The prepared cells consisting of the structure of a BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3–δ (BZCY7)‐NiO anode substrate, a BZCY7 anode functional layer, a BZCY7 electrolyte membrane, and a cathode layer, are measured from 600 to 700 °C with humidified hydrogen (∼3% H2O) as the fuel and static air as the oxidant. The electricity results show that the cell with BCP40 cathode has a higher power density, which could obtain an open‐circuit potential of 0.99 V and a maximum power density of 378 mW cm–2 at 700 °C. The polarization resistance measured at the open‐circuit condition of BCP40 is only 0.16 Ω cm2 at 700 °C, which was less than BCP20.
Continuous tissue microarray based identification of cancers with homogeneous target expression for successful targeted therapy in clinical routine practice
Authors: Burandt Eike , Schreiber Melanie , Stein Alexander , Minner Sarah , Clauditz Till S. , Bokemeyer Carsten , Jänicke Fritz , Fisch Margit , Izbicki Jakob R. , Knecht Rainald , Sauter Guido , Stahl Phillip R.
Published: December 2013

In cancer therapy, the number of drugs targeting cells with characteristic molecular aberrations is continuously rising. However, application of these new drugs still is limited to a few tumor entities. The aim of this study was to test the concept of routinely identifying all possible cancer patients who might eventually benefit from targeted therapy. Therefore, all malignant tumors routinely submitted to our Institute of Pathology over a period of 4 months were brought into a tissue microarray format. Using “in situ” methods, tumors were analyzed for HER2, EGFR, and KIT status as examples for potential therapeutic target genes. In positive cases, target heterogeneity was excluded by analyzing all available large sections. Outside of tumor entities for which targeted drugs are already approved, the study revealed six tumors with homogeneously distributed HER2 overexpression/amplification (bladder, esophageal and colorectal) and seven tumors with homogeneous EGFR amplification (vulvar, ovarian, breast, esophageal and laryngeal, and adenocarcinoma of unknown primary). A total of 151 tumors showed KIT overexpression but none of seven sequenced cases showed KIT mutations. We furthermore report on a 69‐year‐old patient with homogeneously HER2‐amplified metastatic colorectal cancer who is successfully treated by trastuzumab monotherapy. This study demonstrates that tissue microarray based screening for therapeutic target genes in tumors outside established indications represents a feasible approach suitable for routine application. The successful treatment of one patient with homogeneously HER2 positive metastatic colorectal cancer argues for the clinical utility of this approach at least in carefully selected, homogeneous cancers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A3 Adenosine receptors mediate oligodendrocyte death and ischemic damage to optic nerve
Authors: González‐Fernández Estíbaliz , Sánchez‐Gómez María Victoria , Pérez‐Samartín Alberto , Arellano Rogelio O. , Matute Carlos
Published: December 2013

Adenosine receptor activation is involved in myelination and in apoptotic pathways linked to neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of adenosine receptor activation in the viability of oligodendrocytes of the rat optic nerve. Selective activation of A3 receptors in pure cultures of oligodendrocytes caused concentration‐dependent apoptotic and necrotic death which was preceded by oxidative stress and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Oligodendrocyte apoptosis induced by A3 receptor activation was caspase‐dependent and caspase‐independent. In addition to dissociated cultures, incubation of optic nerves ex vivo with adenosine and the A3 receptor agonist 2‐CI‐IB‐MECA(1‐[2‐Chloro‐6‐[[(3‐iodophenyl)methyl]amino]‐9H‐purin‐9‐yl]‐1‐deoxy‐N‐methyl‐b‐D‐ribofuranuronamide)‐induced caspase‐3 activation, oligodendrocyte damage, and myelin loss, effects which were prevented by the presence of caffeine and the A3 receptor antagonist MRS 1220 (N‐[9‐Chloro‐2‐(2‐furanyl)[1,2,4]‐triazolo [1,5‐c]quinazolin‐5‐yl]benzene acetamide). Finally, ischemia‐induced injury and functional loss to the optic nerve was attenuated by blocking A3 receptors. Together, these results indicate that adenosine may trigger oligodendrocyte death via activation of A3 receptors and suggest that this mechanism contributes to optic nerve and white matter ischemic damage. GLIA 2014;62:199–216
Three‐Component Uncatalyzed Eco‐Friendly Reactions for One‐Pot Synthesis of 4,7‐Dihydro[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: El Rady Eman A.
Published: December 2013

A three‐component system of one‐pot synthesis of [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine derivatives using condensation of 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds, aldehydes, and 5‐amino[1,2,4]triazole in ethanol without any catalyst was reported in high yields via simple, efficient, and environmentally friendly process. The method reported herein considered a green process; this method has significant advantages of simple workup procedure, excellent yield, minimal environmental pollution, and short reaction time over classical reported methods.
A population‐level analysis of 5620 recipients of multiple in‐hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempts
Authors: Kazaure Hadiza S. , Roman Sanziana A. , Sosa Julie A.
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of data examining the epidemiology of recipients of multiple in‐hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) attempts, and their outcomes.

METHODS

Data source: Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 2000 to 2009. Patient characteristics, survival to discharge, discharge disposition, and cost of hospitalization of patients who had 1 versus multiple (>1) CPR attempts were compared using bivariate and multivariate methods.

RESULTS

Of 166,519 hospitalized CPR recipients, 3.4% had multiple CPR attempts. Compared with 1‐time CPR recipients, those undergoing multiple CPR were younger (age <65 years; 37.3% vs 42.5%, respectively), more often nonwhite (34.2% vs 41.4%), and commonly treated in nonteaching hospitals (58.0% vs 64.5%; all P < 0.001). Survival to discharge decreased by >40% for each additional CPR attempt (23.4% vs 11.9%, and 6.7% for 1, 2, and ≥3 CPR attempts, respectively; P < 0.001). After multivariate adjustment, multiple CPR was independently associated with a lower survival to discharge (odds ratio: 0.41, 95% confidence interval: 0.37‐0.44, P < 0.001). Recipients of multiple CPR were more likely to be discharged to destinations other than home (80.7% vs 70.1%, P < 0.001); 1 in 15 survivors of multiple CPR were discharged to hospice (6.8%), compared with 1 in 23 patients (4.3%) who had 1 CPR (P = 0.002). The average cost per day of hospitalization was higher for patients who had multiple CPR versus 1 CPR ($4484.60 vs $3581.40, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Recipients of multiple in‐hospital CPR attempts are more likely to be younger, nonwhite, and treated in nonteaching hospitals. Survival to discharge is significantly worse, and the cost of hospitalization is considerably higher for these patients. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:29–34. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Alternative two‐step matrix application method for imaging mass spectrometry to avoid tissue shrinkage and improve ionization efficiency
Authors: Shimma Shuichi , Takashima Yuki , Hashimoto Jun , Yonemori Kan , Tamura Kenji , Hamada Akinobu
Published: December 2013

Mass spectrometry (MS) was used to measure the concentrations of drug and biological compounds in plasma and tissues. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging MS (IMS) has recently been applied to the analysis of localized drugs on biological tissue surfaces. In MALDI‐IMS, matrix application process is crucial for successful results. However, it is difficult to obtain homogeneous matrix crystals on the tissue surface due to endogenous salts and tissue surface heterogeneity. Consequently, the non‐uniform crystals degrade the quality of the spectrum and likely cause surface imaging artifacts. Furthermore, the direct application of matrix solution can cause tissue shrinkage due to the organic solvents. Here, we report an alternative two‐step matrix application protocol which combines the vacuum deposition of matrix crystals and the spraying of matrix solution to produce a homogeneous matrix layer on the tissue surface. Our proposed technique can also prevent cracking or shrinking of the tissue samples and improve the ionization efficiency of the distributed exogenous material. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dehydrogenation and dehalogenation of amines in MALDI‐TOF MS investigated by isotopic labeling
Authors: Kang Chuanqing , Zhou Yihan , Du Zhijun , Bian Zheng , Wang Jianwei , Qiu Xuepeng , Gao Lianxun , Sun Yuequan
Published: December 2013

Secondary and tertiary amines have been reported to form [M–H]+ that correspond to dehydrogenation in matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). In this investigation, we studied the dehydrogenation of amines in MALDI‐TOF MS by isotopic labeling. Aliphatic amines were labeled with deuterium on the methylene of an N‐benzyl group, which resulted in the formation of [M–D]+ and [M–H]+ ions by dedeuteration and dehydrogenation, respectively. This method revealed the proton that was removed. The spectra of most tertiary amines with an N‐benzyl group showed high‐intensity [M–D]+ and [M–H]+ ion peaks, whereas those of secondary amines showed low‐intensity ion peaks. Ratios between the peak intensities of [M–D]+ and [M–H]+ greater than 1 suggested chemoselective dehydrogenation at the N‐benzyl groups. The presence of an electron donor group on the N‐benzyl groups enhanced the selectivity. The dehalogenation of amines with an N‐(4‐halobenzyl) group was also observed alongside dehydrogenation. The amino ions from dehalogenation can undergo second dehydrogenation. These results provide the first direct evidence about the position at which dehydrogenation of an amine occurs and the first example of dehalogenation of haloaromatic compounds in MALDI‐TOF MS. These results should be helpful in the structural identification and elucidation of synthetic and natural molecules. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How Well Does Your Leadership Team Really Work?
Authors: Schwarz Roger
Published: December 2013

Why is your leadership team not as effective as it should be? The answer, Schwarz believes, often has to do with mind‐set, rather than talent. Teams need solid results in performance, working relationships, and individual well‐being. But people with a “unilateral control” mind‐set are overly focused on winning. This leads to counterproductive assumptions, such as the belief that when one understands a situation, people who disagree do not understand. Or that one's motives are pure, but those who disagree probably have questionable motives. More productive is the mind‐set and values of “mutual learning,” such as “Each of us sees things others don't.”
Quadrangular Prism: A Unique Self‐Assembly from Amphiphilic Hyperbranched PMA‐b‐PAA
Authors: Xue Xiaoqiang , Li Fang , Huang Wenyan , Yang Hongjun , Jiang Bibiao , Zheng Yiliang , Zhang Dongliang , Fang Jianbo , Kong Lizhi , Zhai Guangqun , Chen Jianhai
Published: December 2013

The novel hyperbranched poly(methyl acrylate)‐block‐poly(acrylic acid)s (HBPMA‐b‐PAAs) are successfully synthesized via single‐electron transfer‐living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP), followed with hydrolysis reaction. The copolymer solution could spontaneously form unimolecular micelles composed of the hydrophobic core (PMA) and the hydrophilic shell (PAA) in water. Results show that the size of spherical particles increases from 8.18 to 19.18 nm with increased pH from 3.0 to 12.0. Most interestingly, the unique regular quadrangular prisms with the large microstructure (5.70 μm in length, and 0.47 μm in width) are observed by the self‐assembly of unimolecular micelles when pH value is below 2. Such self‐assembly behavior of HBPMA‐b‐PAA in solution is significantly influenced by the pH cycle times and concentration, which show that increased polymer concentration favors aggregate growth.

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Divergent Dendrimer Synthesis via the Passerini Three‐Component Reaction and Olefin Cross‐Metathesis
Authors: Kreye Oliver , Kugele Dennis , Faust Lorenz , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: December 2013

The combination of the Passerini reaction and olefin cross‐metathesis is shown to be a very useful approach for the divergent synthesis of dendrimers. Castor oil‐derived platform chemicals, such as 10‐undecenoic acid and 10‐undecenal, are reacted in a Passerini reaction with an unsaturated isocyanide to obtain a core unit having three terminal double bonds. Subsequent olefin cross‐metathesis with tert‐butyl acrylate, followed by hydrogenation of the double bonds and hydrolysis of the tert‐butyl ester, leads to an active core unit bearing three carboxylic acid groups as reactive sites. Iterative steps of the Passerini reaction with 10‐undecenal and 10‐isocyanodec‐1‐ene for branching, and olefin cross‐metathesis with tert‐butyl acrylate, followed by hydrogenation and hydrolysis allow the synthesis of a third‐generation dendrimer. All steps of the synthesis are carefully characterized by NMR, GPC, MS, and IR.

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Impact of excess phosphorus doping and Si crystalline defects on Ag crystallite nucleation and growth in silver screen‐printed Si solar cells
Authors: Cabrera Enrique , Olibet Sara , Rudolph Dominik , Vullum Per Erik , Kopecek Radovan , Reinke Daniel , Herzog Carmen , Schwaderer Daniel , Schubert Gunnar
Published: December 2013

Good quality contacts between metal and silicon emitter are crucial for high crystalline solar cell efficiencies. We investigate the impact of defects originating from electrically inactive phosphorus on contact formation within silver thick film metallized silicon solar cells. For this purpose, emitters with varying sheet resistance, depth, and dead layer were metallized with silver pastes from different generations. Macroscopic contact resistivity measurements were compared with the microscopic contact configurations studied by scanning electron microscopy. The density of direct contacts between Ag crystallites grown into Si and the Ag finger bulk is essential for low contact resistivity. The presence of glass‐free regions needed for such direct contacts depends on the paste composition and on the surface texture, and does not vary with the Si emitter properties. Indeed, the decrease in contact resistivity correlates with increasing density of Ag crystallites embedded in the Si surface. Furthermore, the density of Si surface‐embedded Ag crystallites scales proportional to the electrically inactive P and is independent of the sheet resistance. Using the newest silver paste, the Ag crystallite density is independent of the emitter doping, but the Ag crystallite size increases as a function of the thickness of the dead layer. Transmission electron microscopy characterization of the excess P‐doped Si crystal lattice shows that significant strain and Si bond weakening may play a major role for both Ag crystallite nucleation and growth. Finally, we studied Si crystal defects by metallizing nanocracks, dislocations, and grain boundaries and found that Ag crystallite nucleation is defect‐property dependent. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management of herbicide resistance in wheat cropping systems: learning from the Australian experience
Authors: Walsh Michael J , Powles Stephen B
Published: December 2013

Herbicide resistance continues to escalate in weed populations infesting global wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crops, threatening grain production and thereby food supply. Conservation wheat production systems are reliant on the use of efficient herbicides providing low‐cost, selective weed control in intensive cropping systems. The resistance‐driven loss of herbicide resources combined with limited potential for new herbicide molecules means greater emphasis must be placed on preserving existing herbicides. For more than two decades, since the initial recognition of the dramatic consequences of herbicide resistance, the challenge of introducing additional weed control strategies into herbicide‐based weed management programmes has been formidable. Throughout this period, herbicide resistance has expanded unabated across the world's wheat production regions. However, in Australia, where herbicide resources have become desperately depleted, the adoption of harvest weed seed control is evidence, at last, of a successful approach to sustainable weed management in wheat production systems. Growers routinely including strategies to target weed seeds during crop harvest, as part of herbicide‐based weed management programmes, are now realising significant weed control and crop production benefits. When combined with an attitude of zero weed tolerance, there is evidence of a sustainable weed control future for wheat production systems. The hard‐learned lessons of Australian growers can now be viewed by global wheat producers as an example of how to stop the continual loss of herbicide resources in productive cropping systems. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Parts as counterparts
Authors: Cotnoir A. J. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2013

Mereological nihilists are faced with a difficult challenge: explaining ordinary talk about material objects. Popular paraphrase strategies involve plurals, arrangements of particles, or fictions. In this paper, a new paraphrase strategy is put forward that has distinct advantages over its rivals: it is compatible with gunk and emergent properties of macro-objects. The only assumption is a commitment to a liberal view of the nature of simples; the nihilist must be willing to accept the possibility of heterogeneous extended simples. The author suggests reinterpreting the parthood and composition relations as modal. According to this paraphrase, composition is a kind of counterpart relation. The author shows that one can accept that mereological nihilism is metaphysically necessary, while endorsing all the claims of classical mereology. As a result, the nihilists are in exactly the same position as the classical mereologist when it comes to explaining talk about ordinary objects, but without the additional ontology.
Against Radical Credal Imprecision
Authors: Rinard Susanna ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2013

A number of Bayesians claim that, if one has no evidence relevant to a proposition P, then one’s credence in P should be spread over the interval [0, 1]. Against this, I argue: first, that it is inconsistent with plausible claims about comparative levels of confidence; second, that it precludes inductive learning in certain cases. Two motivations for the view are considered and rejected. A discussion of alternatives leads to the conjecture that there is an in-principle limitation on formal representations of belief: they cannot be both fully accurate and maximally specific.
Knowing-‘wh’, Mention-Some Readings, and Non-Reducibility
Authors: George B. R. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2013

This article presents a new criticisms of reductive approaches to knowledge-‘wh’ (i.e., those approaches on which whether one stands in the knowledge-‘wh’ relation to a question is determined by whether one stands in the knowledge-‘that’ relation to some answer(s) to the question). It argues in particular that the truth of a knowledge-‘wh’ attribution like ‘Janna knows where she can buy an Italian newspaper’ depends not only on what Janna knows about the availability of Italian newspapers, but on what she believes about the matter. This dependence of Janna’s knowledge-‘wh’ on her (possibly false) beliefs is incompatible with the reductive approach.
Advances in modeling ventricular arrhythmias: from mechanisms to the clinic
Authors: Trayanova Natalia A. , Boyle Patrick M.
Published: December 2013

Modern cardiovascular research has increasingly recognized that heart models and simulation can help interpret an array of experimental data and dissect important mechanisms and interrelationships, with developments rooted in the iterative interaction between modeling and experimentation. This article reviews the progress made in simulating cardiac electrical behavior at the level of the organ and, specifically, in the development of models of ventricular arrhythmias and fibrillation, as well as their termination (defibrillation). The ability to construct multiscale models of ventricular arrhythmias, representing integrative behavior from the molecule to the entire organ, has enabled mechanistic inquiry into the dynamics of ventricular arrhythmias in the diseased myocardium, in understanding drug‐induced proarrhythmia, and in the development of new modalities for defibrillation, to name a few. In this article, we also review the initial use of ventricular models of arrhythmia in personalized diagnosis, treatment planning, and prevention of sudden cardiac death. Implementing individualized cardiac simulations at the patient bedside is poised to become one of the most thrilling examples of computational science and engineering approaches in translational medicine. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2014, 6:209–224. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1256

This article is categorized under:

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Organ, Tissue, and Physiological Models

Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Translational Medicine
Ruptured AAA: Suitability for Endovascular Repair is Associated with Lower Mortality Following Open Repair
Authors: Barnes R. , Kassianides X. , Barakat H. , Mironska E. , Lakshminarayan R. , Chetter I. C.
Published: December 2013

Objectives

Perioperative mortality of open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA) remains unacceptably high: 30‐day mortality ≈40 %. This study aimed to assess, quantify, and determine the consequences of anatomic suitability for endovascular repair of rAAA.

Design

A retrospective analysis of the prospectively maintained database identified patients with rAAA.

Methods

Preoperative CT scans were assessed for anatomic suitability for emergency EVAR and precluding factors recorded. Demographic information was collected and analysed for all patients.

Results

A total of 141 patients underwent open surgical repair of rAAA. Forty‐six patients had preoperative CT scans suitable for reconstruction. Morphological measurements indicated that 41 % would have been anatomically suitable for EVAR. Suitability was associated with lower mortality rates than unsuitability: 0, 11, and 20 % (24 h, 30 days, and 1 year respectively) versus 11, 33, and 59 % (statistically significant at 1 year; p = 0.02). The groups were comparable excepting diabetes incidence, which was higher in those suitable for EVAR (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

A minority of patients with ruptured AAA are anatomically suitable for EVAR. Anatomical suitability appears to identify patients at low risk from open surgery. Whether this is due to technically less demanding open surgery is unknown. This may be resolved by the IMPROVE trial results, which are eagerly awaited.
Continuous Absorbable Intradermal Sutures Yield Better Cosmetic Results than Nonabsorbable Interrupted Sutures in Open Appendectomy Wounds: A Prospective, Randomized Trial
Authors: Koskela Anne , Kotaluoto Sannamari , Kaartinen Ilkka , Pauniaho Satu‐Liisa , Rantanen Tuomo , Kuokkanen Hannu
Published: December 2013

Background

Acute appendicitis is the most common reason for abdominal surgery in young adults and children. Open appendectomy is still the treatment often chosen because it is simple, safe, and effective. Our aim was to study whether cosmetic results of appendectomy wounds are better after using continuous absorbable intradermal (A) sutures compared with wound closure with interrupted nonabsorbable (NA) sutures.

Methods

A total of 206 adult patients with clinically suspected appendicitis were allocated to the study and prospectively randomized into two wound‐closure groups: the interrupted NA suture group and the A suture group. Of these, 193 patients with sufficient data were invited to the outpatient clinic for cosmetic analysis. Cosmetic results were evaluated after a median of 14 months. For subjective scar assessment, the Vancouver scar scale, the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS), and a visual analog scale (VAS) were used. Objective evaluation was carried out by measuring surface area, average width, and estimated concentration change (ECC) of hemoglobin and melanin in the scar using spectrocutometry. For statistical analyses we used the Mann–Whitney test and Student’s t test.

Results

Both objective and subjective analyses showed better cosmetic results for absorbable intradermal suturing. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant as regards POSAS in both patient (p = 0.032) and observer scales (p = 0.001), and VAS (p = 0.002). Scar surface area was significantly smaller in group A than in group NA (p = 0.002). ECC measurements showed higher values for melanin in group NA than in group A (p = 0.034).

Conclusion

Continuous intradermal absorbable suturing yields a better cosmetic result than interrupted nonabsorbable suturing in lower abdominal transverse appendectomy.
Robust optima and tolerance ranges of biological indicators: a new method to identify sentinels of global warming
Authors: Cristóbal Elena , Ayuso Sergio Velasco , Justel Ana , Toro Manuel
Published: December 2013

This study aims to introduce the robust optimum (RO) method as an alternative to the classical weighted averaging (WA) method for estimating the ecological optimum as well as the optimum and tolerance ranges of a taxon with respect to an environmental variable in limnological studies. The RO method is based on robust location and scale estimates rather than on the mean and the standard deviation used by the WA method. The results of our study support the well‐known fact that the presence of outliers and the asymmetry of the distribution of the environmental variable might cause a significant effect on the WA‐calculated ecological optimum as well as on tolerance ranges. We compared both methods through the identification of potential biological indicators of global warming. Biological data included several benthic, oligostenotherm macroinvertebrate families inhabiting the Júcar River Basin (JRB, eastern Spain). The results of this comparison suggest that the RO method is more appropriate for estimating the distribution of taxa and, consequently, that it provides more realistic information for identifying potential sentinels of global warming in running aquatic systems. Currently, the identification of such sentinels is a goal for several environmental protection laws, such as the European Union Water Framework Directive.