bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concurrent Phosphorus Doping and Reduction of Graphene Oxide
Authors: Poh Hwee Ling , Sofer Zdeněk , Nováček Michal , Pumera Martin
Published: March 2014

Doped graphene materials are of huge importance because doping with electron‐donating or electron‐withdrawing groups can significantly change the electronic structure and impact the electronic and electrochemical properties of these materials. It is highly important to be able to produce these materials in large quantities for practical applications. The only method capable of large‐scale production is the oxidative treatment of graphite to graphene oxide, followed by its consequent reduction. We describe a scalable method for a one‐step doping of graphene with phosphorus, with a simultaneous reduction of graphene oxide. Such a method is able to introduce significant amount of dopant (3.65 at. %). Phosphorus‐doped graphene is characterized in detail and shows important electronic and electrochemical properties. The electrical conductivity of phosphorus‐doped graphene is much higher than that of undoped graphene, owing to a large concentration of free carriers. Such a graphene material is expected to find useful applications in electronic, energy storage, and sensing devices.
Cross‐Coupling Reaction of Saccharide‐Based Alkenyl Boronic Acids with Aryl Halides: The Synthesis of Bergenin
Authors: Parkan Kamil , Pohl Radek , Kotora Martin
Published: March 2014

A convenient synthetic pathway enabling D‐glucal and D‐galactal pinacol boronates to be prepared in good isolated yields was achieved. Both pinacol boronates were tested in a series of cross‐coupling reactions under Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling conditions to obtain the corresponding aryl, heteroaryl, and alkenyl derivatives in high isolated yields. This methodology was applied to the formal synthesis of the glucopyranoside moiety of papulacandin D and the first total synthesis of bergenin.
An Examination of the Scope and Stereochemistry of the Ireland–Claisen Rearrangement of Boron Ketene Acetals
Authors: Seizert Curtis A. , Ferreira Eric M.
Published: March 2014

The Ireland–Claisen rearrangement of boron ketene acetals is described. The boron ketene acetal intermediates are formed through a soft enolization that obviates the use of strong bases and the intermediacy of alkali metal enolates. Yields and diastereoselectivities of these rearrangements are very sensitive to the choice of boron reagent, even among those that have been shown to effect quantitative formation of boron ketene acetals from esters. The rearrangement occurs at room temperature for all substrates with generally high levels of stereoselectivity. In contrast to previous reports using boron triflates, the use of a commercially available boron iodide reagent allows for a wider substrate scope that extends to propionates and arylacetates, as well as the previously described α‐oxygenated esters. This work also provides insight into the dynamic nature of boron ketene acetals and the ramifications of this behavior for reactions in which they are intermediates.
Understanding Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence Efficiency in Blue‐Shifted Iridium(III)‐Complexes: An Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Barbante Gregory J. , Doeven Egan H. , Kerr Emily , Connell Timothy U. , Donnelly Paul S. , White Jonathan M. , Lópes Thais , Laird Sarah , Wilson David J. D. , Barnard Peter J. , Hogan Conor F. , Francis Paul S.
Published: March 2014

Compared to tris(2‐phenylpyridine)iridium(III) ([Ir(ppy)3]), iridium(III) complexes containing difluorophenylpyridine (df‐ppy) and/or an ancillary triazolylpyridine ligand [3‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐ylpyridinato (ptp) or 1‐benzyl‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐ylpyridine (ptb)] exhibit considerable hypsochromic shifts (ca. 25–60 nm), due to the significant stabilising effect of these ligands on the HOMO energy, whilst having relatively little effect on the LUMO. Despite their lower photoluminescence quantum yields compared with [Ir(ppy)3] and [Ir(df‐ppy)3], the iridium(III) complexes containing triazolylpyridine ligands gave greater electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) intensities (using tri‐n‐propylamine (TPA) as a co‐reactant), which can in part be ascribed to the more energetically favourable reactions of the oxidised complex (M+) with both TPA and its neutral radical oxidation product. The calculated iridium(III) complex LUMO energies were shown to be a good predictor of the corresponding M+ LUMO energies, and both HOMO and LUMO levels are related to ECL efficiency. The theoretical and experimental data together show that the best strategy for the design of efficient new blue‐shifted electrochemiluminophores is to aim to stabilise the HOMO, while only moderately stabilising the LUMO, thereby increasing the energy gap but ensuring favourable thermodynamics and kinetics for the ECL reaction. Of the iridium(III) complexes examined, [Ir(df‐ppy)2(ptb)]+ was most attractive as a blue‐emitter for ECL detection, featuring a large hypsochromic shift (λmax=454 and 484 nm), superior co‐reactant ECL intensity than the archetypal homoleptic green and blue emitters: [Ir(ppy)3] and [Ir(df‐ppy)3] (by over 16‐fold and threefold, respectively), and greater solubility in polar solvents.
Metal‐Catalyzed Annulation Reactions for π‐Conjugated Polycycles
Authors: Jin Tienan , Zhao Jian , Asao Naoki , Yamamoto Yoshinori
Published: March 2014

The progress of the metal‐catalyzed annulation reactions toward construction of various π‐conjugated polycyclic cores with high conjugation extension is described. This article gives a brief overview of various annulation reactions promoted by metal catalysts including CH bond functionalization, [2+2+2] cycloaddition, cascade processes, ring closing metathesis, electrophilic aromatization, and various cross‐coupling reactions. A variety of conjugated polycycles with planar, bowl‐shaped, and helical structures have been constructed in high efficiency and selectivity.
Hydrodynamic and Water Quality Modeling of Lake Eğirdir
Authors: Kaçıkoç Meltem , Beyhan Mehmet
Published: March 2014

The main objective of this study was to determine the impact of current point and nonpoint pollution loads on the water quality of Lake Eğirdir. For this purpose, hydrodynamics and water quality status of Lake Eğirdir were investigated by using the Delft3D model. The monthly monitoring of pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), chlorophyll‐a (Chl‐a), and forms of nitrogen and phosphorus was carried out, as was the seasonal monitoring of total organic carbon. In all, seven different sampling points were chosen from the lake and influent streams in order to monitor the lake during the period from December 2010 to November 2011, with the aim of calibrating the model. The performance of the dynamic water quality model was evaluated using the relative root mean square error (RRMSE) values for both the calibration and the validation periods. The results of the model showed that the DO had the lowest, and Chl‐a had highest associated RRMSE value. The simulation results showed that Segments 1 and 7 of the system had relatively high concentrations of almost all the pollutants. It was also found that increasing the nonpoint nutrient loads from agricultural sources has a greater effect than increasing the nonpoint nutrient loads from the inhabited areas around the lake.
Using Stressor–Response Models to Derive Numeric Nutrient Criteria for Lakes in the Eastern Plain Ecoregion, China
Authors: Zhang Yali , Huo Shouliang , Ma Chunzi , Xi Beidou , Li Xiang , Liu Hongliang
Published: March 2014

Lakes in the Eastern Plain ecoregion of China are typically shallow, experience large disturbances, and are hydrologically connected to rivers. In recent years, lake eutrophication in this ecoregion has intensified due to human activities. To determine important regional nutrient criteria, the effects of hydrologic features and disturbances should be taken into account. In this paper, annual average data were used to construct stressor–response models for each hydrological lake type identified for lakes in the Eastern Plain ecoregion. In these models, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) criteria were obtained from a chlorophyll a (Chl‐a, response variable) threshold value. A Chl‐a concentration of 4.73 μg L−1 was identified as this threshold value, which was based on the cyanotoxin limits associated with drinking water supply. The three lake types, which differed in hydrological structure, had significantly different TN and TP criteria. For example, lakes connected to the Yangtze River (T1) had a TN criterion ranging from 0.594 to 0.838 mg L−1, which was substantially higher than those for lakes that were never connected to the river (T3, 0.234–0.422 mg L−1). The exception to this trend occurred for lakes that were historically but not currently connected to the river (T2) due to P‐limitation in this lake type. However, there was little variability in the TP criterion among T1, T2, and T3 lakes, the values of which ranged from 0.021 to 0.037, 0.023 to 0.042, and 0.028 to 0.041 mg L−1, respectively.
Binding Kinetics of ZM241385 Derivatives at the Human Adenosine A2A Receptor
Authors: Guo Dong , Xia Lizi , van Veldhoven Jacobus P. D. , Hazeu Marc , Mocking Tamara , Brussee Johannes , IJzerman Adriaan P. , Heitman Laura H.
Published: March 2014

Classical drug design and development rely mostly on affinity‐ or potency‐driven structure–activity relationships (SAR). Thus far, a given compound’s binding kinetics have been largely ignored, the importance of which is now being increasingly recognized. In the present study, we performed an extensive structure–kinetics relationship (SKR) study in addition to a traditional SAR analysis at the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR). The ensemble of 24 A2AR compounds, all triazolotriazine derivatives resembling the prototypic antagonist ZM241385 (4‐(2‐((7‐amino‐2‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a][1,3,5]triazin‐5‐yl)amino)ethyl)phenol), displayed only minor differences in affinity, although they varied substantially in their dissociation rates from the receptor. We believe that such a combination of SKR and SAR analyses, as we have done with the A2AR, will have general importance for the superfamily of G protein‐coupled receptors, as it can serve as a new strategy to tailor the interaction between ligand and receptor.
Bis(dipyridophenazine)(2‐(2′‐pyridyl)pyrimidine‐4‐carboxylic acid)ruthenium(II) Hexafluorophosphate: A Lesson in Stubbornness
Authors: Joshi Tanmaya , Pierroz Vanessa , Ferrari Stefano , Gasser Gilles
Published: March 2014

Ruthenium complexes are currently considered to be among the most promising alternatives to platinum anticancer drugs. In this work, thirteen structural analogues and organelle/receptor‐targeting peptide bioconjugates of a cytotoxic bis(dppz)‐RuII complex [Ru(dppz)2(CppH)](PF6)2 (1) were prepared, characterized, and assessed for their cytotoxicity and cellular localization (CppH=2‐(2′‐pyridyl)pyrimidine‐4‐carboxylic acid; dppz=dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine). It was observed that structural modifications (lipophilicity, charge, and size‐based) result in the cytotoxic potency of 1 being compromised. Confocal microscopy studies revealed that unlike 1, the screened complexes/bioconjugates do not have a preferential accumulation in mitochondria. The results of this important structure–activity relationship strongly support our initial hypothesis that accumulation in mitochondria is crucial for 1 to exert its cytotoxic action.
Bis(pentafluorosulfanyl)phenyl Azide as an Expeditious Tool for Click Chemistry toward Antitumor Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Yang Yu‐Dong , Tokunaga Etsuko , Akiyama Hidehiko , Saito Norimichi , Shibata Norio
Published: March 2014

The inclusion of fluorine in pharmaceutical agents is a well‐ established means of improving their druglike properties. Different substituents have been used to introduce fluorine, including trifluoromethyl and trifluoromethylthio groups; however, the pentafluorosulfanyl remains relatively underutilized although it is considered to be a “super” trifluoromethyl group. Here, a series of pentafluorosulfanyl‐containing 1,4‐disubstituted‐1,2,3‐triazoles were synthesized by click reaction from alkynes and 3,5‐bis(pentafluorosulfanyl)phenyl azide in excellent yields. Their biological activities were evaluated against human leukemic monocyte lymphoma U937 cells. In particular, 1‐(3,5‐bis(pentafluorosulfanyl)phenyl)‐4‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole exhibited potent efficacy in cell viability assays at a concentration of 60 μM and was shown to activate caspase‐3 activity, indicating induction of apoptosis. An analogous fluorenol‐substituted triazole also exhibited promising cytotoxic effects against U937 cells, with an IC50 value of 6.29 μM. Given these preliminary results, these pentafluorosulfanyl‐containing triazoles represent useful building blocks for the further development of novel antitumor agents.
Prediagnostic lifestyle factors and survival after colon and rectal cancer diagnosis in the National Institutes of Health (NIH)‐AARP Diet and Health Study
Authors: Pelser Colleen , Arem Hannah , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Elena Joanne W. , Alfano Catherine M. , Hollenbeck Albert R. , Park Yikyung
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined the relationship of lifestyle factors with mortality among patients with colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Among NIH‐AARP Diet and Health study participants, 4213 colon and 1514 rectal cancer cases were identified through linkage to state cancer registries and determined date and cause of death using the National Death Index. Lifestyle factors were assessed at baseline and included: healthy diet (measured by Healthy Eating Index 2005 [HEI‐2005]), body mass index (BMI), physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking. The association of factors was examined individually and combined into a lifestyle score with 5‐year mortality from all‐causes, colorectal cancer, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Among colon cancer survivors, smokers had increased risk of total mortality (RR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.45‐2.08) and colorectal cancer mortality (RR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.17‐1.82), compared to never smokers. Obese (BMI, ≥ 30) individuals had increased risk of all death (RR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.02‐1.39) and CVD death (RR = 1.84; 95% CI = 1.05‐3.23), compared to normal weight (BMI, 18.5 to < 25) individuals. Compared to those with the lowest lifestyle score, those with the highest score had a 34% lower risk of all‐cause mortality (RR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.50‐0.87). Among rectal cancer survivors, individuals in the highest quintile of HEI‐2005 scores had reduced all‐cause mortality (RR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.42‐0.86) compared to those in the lowest. Higher combined lifestyle scores were associated with a 46% lower risk of total mortality (0.54; 0.32‐0.91).

CONCLUSIONS

Healthier lifestyle before cancer diagnosis was associated with improved overall survival after diagnosis with colorectal cancer. Cancer 2014;120:1540–1547 2014.
Current trends for the use of androgen deprivation therapy in conjunction with radiotherapy for patients with unfavorable intermediate‐risk, high‐risk, localized, and locally advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Roach Mack
Published: March 2014

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is now a well‐established standard of care in combination with definitive radiotherapy for patients with unfavorable intermediate‐risk to high‐risk locally advanced prostate cancer. It is also well established that combination modality treatment with ADT and radiotherapy is superior to either of these modalities alone for the treatment of patients with high‐risk locally advanced disease. Current treatment guidelines for prostate cancer in the United States are based on the estimated risk of recurrence and death. This review examines the clinical evidence underpinning the use of ADT and radiotherapy among patients with high‐risk localized and locally advanced disease in the United States. This review also considers the rationale for moving from traditional luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone agonists to more recently developed gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone antagonists. Cancer 2014;120:1620–1629. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Approximately one‐half of patients with early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma meeting Milan criteria did not receive local tumor destructive or curative surgery in the post‐MELD exception era
Authors: Devaki Pardha , Wong Robert J. , Marupakula Vidyasagargoud , Nangia Sharad , Nguyen Long , Ditah Ivo C. , Ehrinpreis Murray N. , Nguyen Mindie H.
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Since 2002, priority Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD) exception status has been given to patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who meet the Milan criteria. Since then, the number of liver transplantations performed in patients with HCC has increased, but to the authors' knowledge, few studies to date have examined the effect of MELD exception recommendations on therapy use and survival rates in a nationwide sample. The current study examines therapy use and long‐term survival rates among patients with HCC tumors meeting the Milan criteria in the post‐MELD exception era.

METHODS

The current study is a retrospective cohort study of 2179 patients with localized HCC meeting the Milan criteria who were registered between 2004 and 2007 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database.

RESULTS

A total of 43% of patients did not receive any specific therapy. Overall, the 5‐year relative survival rate for patients receiving only supportive care was dismal at 24% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 21%‐27%), whereas that for patients undergoing liver transplantation was 77% (95% CI, 71%‐82%). Long‐term survival was found to be dependent on age, race/ethnicity, and type of therapy received. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, and type of therapy received demonstrated that, compared with white patients, black patients had significantly poorer survival outcomes (hazards ratio, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.47 [P = .02]), whereas Asian/Pacific Islander patients had significantly better survival rates when compared with white patients (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.57‐0.77 [P < .001]).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite having localized disease that met transplantation criteria, nearly 50% of the large nationwide cohort of patients with HCC in the current study received only supportive care and had dismal 5‐year relative survival rates, especially among black patients.Cancer2014;120:1725–1732. ©2014 American Cancer Society.
Measurement of fine‐needle aspiration thyroglobulin levels increases the detection of metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma in cystic neck lesions
Authors: Holmes Brittany J. , Sokoll Lori J. , Li Qing Kay
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Patients with previously resected papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are monitored for disease recurrence/metastasis by ultrasound surveillance and fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. However, accurate diagnosis in lesions with cystic degeneration may be difficult due to scant cellularity. In the current study, the authors evaluated thyroglobulin in FNA (Tg‐FNA) for detecting metastatic and/or recurrent PTC in patients with cystic neck lesions after thyroidectomy.

METHODS

The pathology records were retrospectively searched for patients with previously resected PTC and subsequent Tg‐FNA on a cystic neck mass. Tg‐FNA was measured in needle rinses using a Tg assay. The ultrasound findings, Tg‐FNA concentrations, and cytological and follow‐up histological diagnoses were correlated.

RESULTS

A total of 21 FNA specimens of cystic lesions from 19 patients were identified. Of 7 cases with cytologic and subsequent histologic diagnoses of metastatic PTC, the median Tg‐FNA level was 100,982 ng/mL. Of 8 cytologically benign cases, 7 cases had Tg‐FNA levels < 0.2 ng/mL, and 1 aberrant case demonstrated elevated Tg‐FNA of > 1000 ng/mL. For 6 cytologically equivocal cases, including 3 classified as atypical/suspicious for carcinoma, 2 classified as insufficient/acellular debris, and 1 classified as spindle cell neoplasm, 4 patients demonstrated markedly elevated Tg‐FNA levels (> 150 ng/mL) with subsequent surgical confirmation of metastatic PTC, whereas 2 patients had Tg‐FNA levels of < 0.2 ng/mL with negative follow‐up. Using a cutoff value of 0.2 ng/mL, Tg‐FNA demonstrated a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 87.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Tg‐FNA is a useful ancillary test that improves the detection of cystic PTC metastases. Particularly in cytologically nondiagnostic cases, the measurement of Tg‐FNA helps to distinguish benign from malignant cystic lesions. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2014;122:521–526. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Feedforward and feedback connections and their relation to the cytox modules of V2 in Cebus monkeys
Authors: Nascimento‐Silva Sheila , Pinõn Carmen , Soares Juliana G.M. , Gattass Ricardo
Published: March 2014

To study the circuitry related to the ventral stream of visual information processing and its relation to the cytochrome oxidase (CytOx) modules in visual area V2, we injected anterograde and retrograde cholera toxin subunit B (CTb) tracer into nine sites in area V4 in five Cebus apella monkeys. The injection site locations ranged from 2° to 10° eccentricity in the lower visual field representation of V4. Alternate cortical sections, cut tangentially to the pial surface or in the coronal plane, were stained for CTb immunocytochemistry or for CytOx histochemistry or for Nissl. Our results indicate that the V4‐projecting cells and terminal‐like labeling were located in interstripes and thin CytOx‐rich stripes and avoided the CytOx‐rich thick stripes in V2. The feedforward projecting cell bodies in V2 were primarily located in the supragranular layers and sparsely located in the infragranular layers, whereas the feedback projections (i.e., the terminal‐like labels) were located in the supra‐ and infragranular layers. V4 injections of CTb resulted in labeling of the thin stripes and interstripes of V2 and provided an efficient method of distinguishing the V2 modules that were related to the ventral stream from the CytOx‐rich thick stripes, related to the dorsal stream. In V2, there was a significant heterogeneity in the distribution of projections: feedforward projections were located in CytOx‐rich thin stripes and in the CytOx‐poor interstripes, whereas the feedback projections were more abundant in the thin stripes than in the interstripes. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:3091–3105, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inversion of layer‐specific cadherin expression profiles and maintenance of cytoarchitectonic areas in the allocortex of the reeler mutant mouse
Authors: Stoya Gudrun , Redies Christoph , Schmid‐Hertel Nicole
Published: March 2014

Cadherins are calcium‐depending cell adhesion proteins that play critical roles in brain morphogenesis and wiring. They provide an adhesive code for the development of cortical layers, due to their homophilic interactions and their restricted spatiotemporal expression patterns. In the adult organism, cadherins are involved in the maintenance and plasticity of neuronal circuits that play a role in learning. A well‐known model for studying corticogenesis is the reeler mouse model. Numerous investigations of neocortical development suggest that, in the reeler mutant mouse, the lack of the protein Reelin results in cell‐type and region‐dependent changes of the neocortical layers. To investigate in detail how layer formation and regionalization is perturbed in the phylogenetically older archicortex of the adult reeler mutant mouse, we studied the expression of 11 different cadherins (Cdh4, Cdh7, Cdh8, Cdh11, Pcdh1, Pcdh7, Pcdh8, Pcdh9, Pcdh10, Pcdh17, and Pcdh19) and of the transcription factors ER81 and Cux2 by in situ hybridization in the (peri‐)archicortex. All cadherins studied show a layer‐specific expression in the (peri‐)archicortex of the wildtype brain. In the archicortex of the reeler mutant, the cadherin‐expressing cell layers are dispersed in the radial dimension, whereas in the periarchicortex the superficial and deep layers are inverted, both in the adult and during development. Possibly, this inversion relates to the histoarchitectural division of the reeler entorhinal cortex into an external and an internal zone. The regionalized, gradient‐like expression of the cadherins is preserved in the reeler mutant mouse. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:3106–3119, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Porosity‐Controlled Eggshell Membrane as 3D SERS‐Active Substrate
Authors: Lin Pei‐Ying , Hsieh Chiung‐Wen , Tsai Pei‐Chuan , Hsieh Shuchen
Published: March 2014

We report on the fabrication of a surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platform, comprised of a three‐dimensional (3D) porous eggshell membrane (ESM) scaffold decorated with Ag nanoparticles (NPs). Both native and treated ESM were used, where the treated ESM pore size and fiber crossing density was controlled by timed exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Ag NPs were synthesized in situ by reduction of silver nitrate with ascorbic acid. Our results demonstrate that H2O2‐treated Ag‐ESM provides a more densely packed 3D network of active material, which leads to consistently higher SERS enhancement than untreated Ag‐ESM substrates.
Composite Materials for Thermal Energy Storage: Enhancing Performance through Microstructures
Authors: Ge Zhiwei , Ye Feng , Ding Yulong
Published: March 2014

Chemical incompatibility and low thermal conductivity issues of molten‐salt‐based thermal energy storage materials can be addressed by using microstructured composites. Using a eutectic mixture of lithium and sodium carbonates as molten salt, magnesium oxide as supporting material, and graphite as thermal conductivity enhancer, the microstructural development, chemical compatibility, thermal stability, thermal conductivity, and thermal energy storage performance of composite materials are investigated. The ceramic supporting material is essential for preventing salt leakage and hence provides a solution to the chemical incompatibility issue. The use of graphite gives a significant enhancement on the thermal conductivity of the composite. Analyses suggest that the experimentally observed microstructural development of the composite is associated with the wettability of the salt on the ceramic substrate and that on the thermal conduction enhancer.
Ant‐based interactive workflow management: a case study on RMI
Authors: Sayar Ahmet
Published: March 2014

This paper proposes a web‐based interactive workflow definition and invocation system assisting users in orchestrating a set of distributed services‐activities and expressing complex dependencies between them in XML. We use Ant, which is a Java‐based and freely distributed commodity tool, for workflow definitions and workflow engine. Adopting Ant as a workflow engine provides platform independence and immediate integration into the Grid services framework. Sometimes, workflow scripts need to be used repeatedly with a little change; framework enables reusable scripts to be created, stored and edited for later use. This allows sharing and dynamic modifications of workflows between multiple participants. The practicality and usefulness of the system is demonstrated through a concrete case study on Remote Method Invocation (RMI) jobs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A burst loss probability model with impatient customer feature for optical burst switching networks
Authors: To Hoang‐Linh , Lee Suk‐Hwan , Hwang Won‐Joo
Published: March 2014

We consider optical delay line buffer as a solution to reduce the number of lost burst in optical burst switching, one of the promising candidates for future networks. Such network takes burst loss as an important performance criteria in the design step. Network performance, however, cannot be captured efficiently using traditional queueing models, because they often ignore the impatience of messages traveling through optical switches which is one of the popular issues in communication networks. In this paper, we develop an analytic model for this system using queueing theory and considering special impatience features. Simulation results show that (i) the developed model with impatience features can decrease burst loss probability ( ≃ 10%) compared with other approaches, and (ii) applying that model, we demonstrate that shared buffer architecture in optical burst switching network with optical buffer often achieves lower burst loss probability than dedicated buffer way in several different scenarios. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytological features of mammary analogue secretory carcinoma of salivary gland: Fine‐needle aspiration of seven cases
Authors: Higuchi Kayoko , Urano Makoto , Takahashi Reisuke H. , Oshiro Hisashi , Matsubayashi Jun , Nagai Takeshi , Obikane Hiyo , Shimojo Hisashi , Nagao Toshitaka
Published: March 2014

Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) is a recently described salivary gland neoplasm that is defined by ETV6‐NTRK3 gene fusion. There have been few case reports on the cytopathologic features of MASC to date. We examined the clinicopathological and cytological features of seven cases of MASC defined by RT‐PCR analysis of the ETV6‐NTRK3 fusion gene. The cases occurred in three men and four women aged between 39 and 68 years, with a mean of 51.6 years. In five of these seven cases, the tumor involved the parotid gland. Histologically, all cases displayed predominantly microcystic patterns, often a mixture of follicular and papillary‐cystic structures. All tumors were immunoreactive for mammaglobin, S‐100 protein, and vimentin. Available fine‐needle aspiration cytology smears were cellular and exhibited many loosely cohesive syncytial clusters or isolated cells. Many histiocytes, some of which contained hemosiderin pigments, and variously shaped mucinous material were evident in the background or within the epithelial clusters. The majority of cases showed small to medium‐sized follicular structures with secreted materials. Papillary clusters were occasionally found. Tumor cells exhibited small to medium‐sized round to oval nuclei, with a smooth contour and indistinct or small nucleoli, and vacuolated cytoplasm. No tumor cells had obvious intracytoplasmic zymogen granules. It appeared that clusters of small to medium‐sized follicular and papillary configurations consisting of bland tumor cells with vacuolated cytoplasm, but lack of intracytoplasmic zymogen granules, in a mucinous or hemosiderin‐laden histiocyte‐rich background, were a characteristic cytological feature highly suggestive of MASC. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:846–855. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lefetamine‐derived designer drugs N‐ethyl‐1,2‐diphenylethylamine (NEDPA) and N‐iso‐propyl‐1,2‐diphenylethylamine (NPDPA): Metabolism and detectability in rat urine using GC‐MS, LC‐MSn and LC‐HR‐MS/MS
Authors: Wink Carina S. D. , Meyer Golo M. J. , Wissenbach Dirk K. , Jacobsen‐Bauer Andrea , Meyer Markus R. , Maurer Hans H.
Published: March 2014

N‐Ethyl‐1,2‐diphenylethylamine (NEDPA) and N‐iso‐propyl‐1,2‐diphenylethylamine (NPDPA) are two designer drugs, which were confiscated in Germany in 2008. Lefetamine (N,N‐dimethyl‐1,2‐diphenylethylamine, also named L‐SPA), the pharmaceutical lead of these designer drugs, is a controlled substance in many countries. The aim of the present work was to study the phase I and phase II metabolism of these drugs in rats and to check for their detectability in urine using the authors’ standard urine screening approaches (SUSA). For the elucidation of the metabolism, rat urine samples were worked up with and without enzymatic cleavage, separated and analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and liquid chromatography‐high resolution‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐HR‐MS/MS). According to the identified metabolites, the following metabolic pathways for NEDPA and NPDPA could be proposed: N‐dealkylation, mono‐ and bis‐hydroxylation of the benzyl ring followed by methylation of one of the two hydroxy groups, combinations of these steps, hydroxylation of the phenyl ring after N‐dealkylation, glucuronidation and sulfation of all hydroxylated metabolites. Application of a 0.3 mg/kg BW dose of NEDPA or NPDPA, corresponding to a common lefetamine single dose, could be monitored in rat urine using the authors’ GC‐MS and LC‐MSn SUSA. However, only the metabolites could be detected, namely N‐deethyl‐NEDPA, N‐deethyl‐hydroxy‐NEDPA, hydroxy‐NEDPA, and hydroxy‐methoxy‐NEDPA or N‐de‐iso‐propyl‐NPDPA, N‐de‐iso‐propyl‐hydroxy‐NPDPA, and hydroxy‐NPDPA. Assuming similar kinetics, an intake of these drugs should also be detectable in human urine. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eda/Edar signaling guides fin ray formation with preceding osteoblast differentiation, as revealed by analyses of the medaka all‐fin less mutant afl
Authors: Iida Yuuki , Hibiya Kenta , Inohaya Keiji , Kudo Akira
Published: March 2014

Background: Ectodysplasin (Eda) signaling is essential for the morphogenesis of several ectodermal appendages. Results: Here, we report a medaka mutant, all‐fin less (afl), which has a nonsense mutation in its eda gene. The adult afl fish displayed various abnormalities of its dermal skeleton, such as short and twisted fin rays, missing and abnormally shaped scales and teeth, and skull deformation. Focusing on the developing fin rays in the caudal region of afl larvae, we found that the fin rays did not elongate; although the initial formation of fin rays proceeded normally. Additionally, eda expression was lost, and the expression pattern of edar, the gene for the receptor of Eda, was different from wild‐type one. In vivo imaging of the double‐transgenic medaka expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein under control of the edar promoter and DsRed under control of the osterix promoter revealed that edar expression preceded that of osterix and that the edar‐expressing cells migrated in the direction of fin ray elongation, indicating that the Eda/Edar signaling event precedes osteoblast differentiation. Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence that Eda signaling accompanied with the binding of Eda to Edar are essential for fin ray formation guided by cell migration. Developmental Dynamics 243:765–777, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sonic hedgehog–expressing basal cells are general post‐mitotic precursors of functional taste receptor cells
Authors: Miura Hirohito , Scott Jennifer K. , Harada Shuitsu , Barlow Linda A.
Published: March 2014

Background: Taste buds contain ∼60 elongate cells and several basal cells. Elongate cells comprise three functional taste cell types: I, glial cells; II, bitter/sweet/umami receptor cells; and III, sour detectors. Although taste cells are continuously renewed, lineage relationships among cell types are ill‐defined. Basal cells have been proposed as taste bud stem cells, a subset of which express Sonic hedgehog (Shh). However, Shh+ basal cells turn over rapidly suggesting that Shh+ cells are post‐mitotic precursors of some or all taste cell types. Results: To fate map Shh‐expressing cells, mice carrying ShhCreERT2 and a high (CAG‐CAT‐EGFP) or low (R26RLacZ) efficiency reporter allele were given tamoxifen to activate Cre in Shh+ cells. Using R26RLacZ, lineage‐labeled cells occur singly within buds, supporting a post‐mitotic state for Shh+ cells. Using either reporter, we show that Shh+ cells differentiate into all three taste cell types, in proportions reflecting cell type ratios in taste buds (I > II > III). Conclusions: Shh+ cells are not stem cells, but are post‐mitotic, immediate precursors of taste cells. Shh+ cells differentiate into each of the three taste cell types, and the choice of a specific taste cell fate is regulated to maintain the proper ratio within buds. Developmental Dynamics 243:1286–1297, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk‐sensitive reproductive allocation: fitness consequences of body mass losses in two contrasting environments
Authors: Bårdsen Bård‐Jørgen , Næss Marius Warg , Tveraa Torkild , Langeland Knut , Fauchald Per
Published: March 2014

For long‐lived organisms, the fitness value of survival is greater than that of current reproduction. Asymmetric fitness rewards suggest that organisms inhabiting unpredictable environments should adopt a risk‐sensitive life history, predicting that it is adaptive to allocate resources to increase their own body reserves at the expense of reproduction. We tested this using data from reindeer populations inhabiting contrasting environments and using winter body mass development as a proxy for the combined effect of winter severity and density dependence. Individuals in good and harsh environments responded similarly: Females who lost large amounts of winter body mass gained more body mass the coming summer compared with females losing less mass during winter. Additionally, females experienced a cost of reproduction: On average, barren females gained more body mass than lactating females. Winter body mass development positively affected both the females' reproductive success and offspring body mass. Finally, we discuss the relevance of our findings with respect to scenarios for future climate change.
The relationship between left ventricular ejection fraction and mortality in patients with acute heart failure: insights from the ASCEND‐HF Trial
Authors: Toma Mustafa , Ezekowitz Justin A. , Bakal Jeffrey A. , O'Connor Christopher M. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Sardar Muhammad Rizwan , Zolty Ronald , Massie Barry M. , Swedberg Karl , Armstrong Paul W. , Starling Randall C.
Published: March 2014

Aim

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality but the relationship between LVEF and outcomes is unclear. We explored the association between LVEF and 30 and 180 day mortality in 7007 ADHF patients enrolled in the Acute Studies of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure (ASCEND‐HF) trial.

Methods and results

We explored the association between LVEF and 30 and 180 day mortality in 7007 ADHF patients enrolled in the Acute Studies of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure (ASCEND‐HF) trial. LVEF was analysed both as a continuous variable and according to three categories: < 40% (LowEF), 40–50% [intermediate EF (IntEF)], and > 50% [preserved ejection fraction (PresEF)]. Of the patients in the trial, 4474 (78.7%) had LowEF, 674 (11.9%) had IntEF, and 539 (9.5%) had PresEF. The unadjusted 30 and 180 day mortality was similar for LowEF (3.7%, 12.3%), IntEF (3.4%, 13.1%), and PresEF (4.3%, 14.1%), respectively (P > 0.05). After multivariable adjustment, the hazard ratio (HR) for 180 day mortality remained similar for the LowEF [HR 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75–1.24; P = 0.77] and IntEF (0.91, 95% CI 0.66–1.3; P = 0.58) compared to PresEF patients. By contrast, when LVEF was evaluated as a continuous measure, it exhibited a U‐shaped pattern with mortality. After matching for age and sex, the mortality risk attributed to LVEF was attenuated, as the LVEF increased as a continuous variable over 35%. However, in patients with EF < 35%, the mortality risk continue to increase as the LVEF declined.

Conclusions

Among patients with ADHF, the unadjusted mortality rates are similar across LVEF strata. However, after accounting for key patient variables, the mortality risk increases as EF falls below 35%. These data will be useful in planning future studies of ADHF.

Clinical Trial Registration

www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00475852
Levosimendan improves renal function in acute decompensated heart failure: possible underlying mechanisms
Authors: Fedele Francesco , Bruno Noemi , Brasolin Bruno , Caira Carmen , D'Ambrosi Alessandra , Mancone Massimo
Published: March 2014

Aims

The cardio‐renal syndrome plays a critical role in acute heart failure (HF). Levosimendan, an inodilator drug, has a positive but controversial effect on kidney. Our aim was to evaluate its effects on both renal and systemic haemodynamic parameters as well as on renal function, explaining the possible mechanisms involved.

Methods and results

Patients with acute decompensated HF, moderate renal impairment, wedge pressure >20 mmHg and EF <40% were eligible. Twenty‐one patients were randomized to infusion of levosimendan or placebo, on top of standard therapy. Systemic haemodynamic parameters (wedge and cardiac output) were evaluated at baseline and at 8, 16, 24, 48, and 72 h. An intravascular renal artery Doppler exam was performed at baseline, after levosimendan bolus, and 1 h thereafter. Renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), cystatin C, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urinary output, sodium excretion, and plasma sodium were measured. The effect of levosimendan was beneficial and significantly different from placebo on several renal and cardiac parameters. Specifically, the levosimendan and placebo group exhibited significantly different changes over time in GFR (P = 0.037), renal blood flow (P = 0.037), and renal artery diameter (P = 0.033), with ensuing improvements in serum levels of BUN (P = 0.014), creatinine (P = 0.042), and cystatin C (P = 0.05). Concomitantly, levosimendan provided a significant increase in urine output up to 72 h (P = 0.02). These beneficial results on renal parameters were accompanied by similarly significant and favourable changes in cardiac index (P = 0.029) and PCWP (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Levosimendan, in acute decompensated HF, has an immediate renoprotective effect, mediated by an increase in renal blood flow, due to a selective renal arterial and venous vasodilating action.

Trial registration

NCT00527059.
The Sensitized Solid‐Phase Electrochemiluminescence of Electrodeposited Poly‐Luminol/Aniline on AuAg/TiO2 Nanohybrid Functionalized Electrode for Flow Injection Analysis
Authors: Wei Xiuhua , Xiao Changbin , Liu Chao , Wang Ke , Tu Yifeng
Published: March 2014

In this study, a copolymer of luminol with aniline is electrochemically deposited onto the AuAg/TiO2 nanohybrid functionalized indium tin oxide coated glass. It is used as a reagentless electrochemiluminescent (ECL) electrode for flow‐injection‐analysis (FIA). The properties of this solid phase ECL electrode are characterized by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy etc. It has stronger ECL emission, sensitive response for target analytes and excellent stability. The so‐prepared ECL electrode shows sensitive response to reactive oxygen species thereafter to be applied for determination of hydrogen peroxide with FIA mode. Under optimized conditions, a mass detection limit of 0.822 pg of hydrogen peroxide was obtained. Thus the hydrogen peroxide residues in samples were detected with satisfactory result.
A statistical overview and perspectives on data assimilation for marine biogeochemical models
Authors: Dowd Michael , Jones Emlyn , Parslow John
Published: March 2014

Marine biogeochemistry refers to the processes associated with the planktonic ecosystem of the ocean. These are central to nutrient, carbon, and energy cycling, as well as providing the basis of the marine food chain. The field is being revolutionized by new data types and observing platforms, as well as by improvements in ocean modelling brought about by increasing computer power. To further our understanding of these systems, statistical estimation and inference are needed to combine the information in these data with dynamic models to provide improved estimates for the ocean's biogeochemical (BGC) state and its parameters. Such methodologies are termed data assimilation (DA). This paper seeks to provide an overview of DA for the emerging area of marine BGC modelling. A statistical framework is offered, and DA methods that are applicable to the spatio‐temporal dynamic models and data that define the BGC problem are reviewed. In addition to this primer on current BGC DA approaches, we offer our perspectives on the challenges and future work necessary to advance this field. This work emerged from a symposium on marine BGC DA that took place in Hobart, Australia, on 28–30 May 2013. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Space‐time areal mixture model: relabeling algorithm and model selection issues
Authors: Hossain M. M. , Lawson A. B. , Cai B. , Choi J. , Liu J. , Kirby R. S.
Published: March 2014

With the growing popularity of spatial mixture models in cluster analysis, model selection criteria have become an established tool in the search for parsimony. However, the label‐switching problem is often inherent in Bayesian implementation of mixture models, and a variety of relabeling algorithms have been proposed. We use a space‐time mixture of Poisson regression models with homogeneous covariate effects to illustrate that the best model selected by using model selection criteria does not always support the model that is chosen by the optimal relabeling algorithm. The results are illustrated for real and simulated datasets. The objective is to make the reader aware that if the purpose of statistical modeling is to identify clusters, applying a relabeling algorithm to the model with the best fit may not generate the optimal relabeling. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temporal changes in the sensitivity of coastal Antarctic zooplankton communities to diesel fuel: A comparison between single- and multi-species toxicity tests
Authors: Payne Sarah J. , King Catherine K. , Zamora Lara Marcus , Virtue Patti
Published: March 2014

Despite increasing human activity and risk of fuel spills in Antarctica, little is known about the impact of fuel on Antarctic marine fauna. The authors performed both single- and multi-species (whole community) acute toxicity tests to assess the sensitivity of an Antarctic coastal zooplankton community to the water-accommodated fraction of Special Antarctic Blend diesel. Single-species tests using abundant copepods Oncaea curvata, Oithona similis, and Stephos longipes allowed comparisons of sensitivity of key taxa and of sensitivity estimates obtained from traditional single-species and more novel multi-species tests. Special Antarctic Blend diesel caused significant mortality and species compositional change in the zooplankton community within 4 d to 7 d. The sensitivity of the community also increased across the summer sampling period, with decreasing 7-d median lethal concentration (LC50) values for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH): 1091 µg TPH/L in early January 2011, 353 µg TPH/L in mid January 2011, and 186 µg TPH/L in early February 2011. Copepods showed similar sensitivities to Special Antarctic Blend diesel in single-species tests (7-d LC50s: O. curvata, 158 µg TPH/L; O. similis, 176 µg TPH/L; S. longipes, 188 µg TPH/L). The combined use of single- and multi-species toxicity tests is a holistic approach to assessing the sensitivity of key species and the interactions and interdependence between species, enabling a broader understanding of the effects of fuel exposure on the whole zooplankton community. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:882–890. © 2014 SETAC