bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous transapical transcatheter aortic valve replacement and transcatheter mitral valve replacement for native valvular stenosis
Authors: Elkharbotly Ali , Delago Augustin , El‐Hajjar Mohammad
Published: June 2015

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is well established for patients who cannot undergo surgery (Leon et al., N Engl J Med 2010;363:1597) or are high risk for surgery (Smith et al., N Engl J Med 2011;364:2187–2198). Experience with the TAVR procedure has led to recent reports of successful transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) procedures (Cheung et al., J Am Coll Cardiol 2014;64:1814; Seiffert et al., J Am Coll Cardiol Interv 2012;5:341–349) separately or simultaneously with the TAVR. However, these reports were of simultaneous valve‐in‐valve procedures (Cheung Anson, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2013;61:1759–1766). A recent report from Portugal also reported simultaneous transpical implantation of an inverted transcatheter aortic valve‐in‐ring in the mitral position and transcatheter aortic valve (Hasan et al., Circulation 2013;128:e74–e76). There has been an experience of TMVR only in native mitral valve for mitral valve stenosis, but none in both aortic and mitral valves. We report the first in human case of simultaneous transapical TAVR and TMVR in native valves secondary to valvular stenosis. Our patient was not a candidate for percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty secondary to a high Wilkins Score. Sizing of the aortic valve was based on the transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), whereas sizing of the mitral valve was based on TEE measurements and balloon inflation during left ventriculography. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of a γ‐Fe2O3/Ag Nanowire Coaxial Nanocable for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Geng Hongbo , Ge Danhua , Lu Shuanglong , Wang Jiaqing , Ye Zhengmao , Yang Yonggang , Zheng Junwei , Gu Hongwei
Published: June 2015

In this study, we report the design and synthesis of a silver nanowire‐γ‐Fe2O3 coaxial nanocable architecture (Ag NWs@γ‐Fe2O3 nanocable) through mild oxidation of [Fe(CO)5] on the surface of silver nanowires followed by a calcination process. After optimization of the structural design, the Ag NWs@γ‐Fe2O3 nanocable could deliver superior lithium storage performance in terms of high reversible capacity, good rate performance, and excellent stability, such as a high reversible capacity of about 890 mA h g−1 after 60 cycles at a current rate of 0.1 C (1.0 C=1005 mA g−1). The reversible capacity remains as high as about 550 mA h g−1 even at a high current rate of 2.0 C. This dramatic performance is mainly attributed to the smart coaxial design, which can not only alleviate the large volume change and prevent the aggregation of γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles, but also enables good conductivity and thus enhances fast charge transfer. The unique structural features of the Ag NWs@γ‐Fe2O3 nanocable represent a promising anode material in lithium‐ion battery applications.
Total Synthesis and Structural Reassignment of Lyngbyaloside C Highlighted by Intermolecular Ketene Esterification
Authors: Chang Chia‐Fu , Stefan Eric , Taylor Richard E.
Published: June 2015

Lyngbyaloside C, a classic macrolide, isolated from Lyngbya bouilloni, has shown moderate anticancer activity against several cancer cell lines. Here, we report the first total synthesis and stereochemical configuration reassignment of lyngbyaloside C. The synthesis highlights a one‐pot intermolecular ketene esterification reaction to form the crucial tertiary ester and tetrahydropyran. In addition, a novel and concise synthetic pathway towards the 1,3‐syn secondary, tertiary diol fragment is described using a regio‐ and stereospecific electrophilic ether transfer reaction.
Entrer sur un marché dominé par une plateforme : Vertu d'une stratégie ouverte sur le marché du calcul numérique
Authors: Blondel Frédérique , Edouard Serge
Published: June 2015

Strategic and industrial analysis reveals that it is extremely hard for a new entrant to break into a market dominated by an existing platform. In fact, direct or indirect network effects give the established company's platform a considerable competitive edge. This is true of the numerical computation market and the Matlab + Simulik platform by MathWorks. The case study of Scilab Enterprises helps identify conditions of viability for breaking into such a market. We find that alone, the platform strategy is doomed to fail, but accompanied by an open strategy, entering a platform market becomes possible. We hypothesize that a platform strategy is successful when associated with an open innovation process (integration of the open source community) supported by a business ecosystem (a huge community made up of developers, users, and allies). Copyright © 2015 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Localization of CGRP receptor components and receptor binding sites in rhesus monkey brainstem: A detailed study using in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, and autoradiography
Authors: Eftekhari Sajedeh , Gaspar Renee C. , Roberts Rhonda , Chen Tsing‐Bau , Zeng Zhizhen , Villarreal Stephanie , Edvinsson Lars , Salvatore Christopher A.
Published: June 2015

Functional imaging studies have revealed that certain brainstem areas are activated during migraine attacks. The neuropeptide calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) is associated with activation of the trigeminovascular system and transmission of nociceptive information and plays a key role in migraine pathophysiology. Therefore, to elucidate the role of CGRP, it is critical to identify the regions within the brainstem that process CGRP signaling. In situ hybridization and immunofluorescence were performed to detect mRNA expression and define cellular localization of calcitonin receptor–like receptor (CLR) and receptor activity–modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), respectively. To define CGRP receptor binding sites, in vitro autoradiography was performed with [3H]MK‐3207 (a CGRP receptor antagonist). CLR and RAMP1 mRNA and protein expression were detected in the pineal gland, medial mammillary nucleus, median eminence, infundibular stem, periaqueductal gray, area postrema, pontine raphe nucleus, gracile nucleus, spinal trigeminal nucleus, and spinal cord. RAMP1 mRNA expression was also detected in the posterior hypothalamic area, trochlear nucleus, dorsal raphe nucleus, medial lemniscus, pontine nuclei, vagus nerve, inferior olive, abducens nucleus, and motor trigeminal nucleus; protein coexpression of CLR and RAMP1 was observed in these areas via immunofluorescence. [3H]MK‐3207 showed high binding densities concordant with mRNA and protein expression. The present study suggests that several regions in the brainstem may be involved in CGRP signaling. Interestingly, we found receptor expression and antagonist binding in some areas that are not protected by the blood–brain barrier, which suggests that drugs inhibiting CGRP signaling may not be able to penetrate the central nervous system to antagonize receptors in these brain regions. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:90–118, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distribution of histaminergic neurons and their modulatory effects on oscillatory activity in the olfactory center of the terrestrial slug Limax
Authors: Matsuo Ryota , Fukata Rena , Kumagai Moeko , Kobayashi Asuka , Kobayashi Suguru , Matsuo Yuko
Published: June 2015

Terrestrial mollusks can form an odor aversion memory following the simultaneous presentation of a food odor and an aversive stimulus. The local field potential oscillation recorded on the surface of the procerebrum (PC; the higher olfactory center) exhibits a frequency change in response to the detection of a learned odor; such a change is thus considered to reflect the internal state of the brain during memory recall. Thus far, dopamine and serotonin have been demonstrated to change the oscillatory frequency. Other monoamines, however, have not yet been studied. In the present study, we investigated the possible involvement of histamine (HA). Immunohistochemical staining of HA and in situ hybridization against histidine decarboxylase revealed the location of the cell bodies of HAergic neurons in all ganglia of the brain. The majority of them were located at the medial aspect of the pedal ganglia, and the cerebral ganglia also contained numerous HAergic neurons in their posterior regions. The neuropil layers of the PC received HAergic innervation from the neurons in the cerebral ganglion, as well as from a few neurons located in the dorsomedial part of the cell mass layer of the PC. The HAergic fibers, however, innervated spatially limited regions of the PC, and seemed to affect a small fraction of the PC neurons. HA exerted accelerating effects on the LFP oscillation in a dose‐dependent manner, and this effect was suppressed by an H2 blocker, cimetidine. Our results support the involvement of HA in the functioning of the PC. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:119–135, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of neuromuscular organization in the ctenophore Pleurobrachia bachei
Authors: Norekian Tigran P. , Moroz Leonid L.
Published: June 2015

The phylogenetic position of the phylum Ctenophora and the nature of ctenphore nervous systems are highly debated topics in modern evolutionary biology. However, very little is known about the organization of ctenophore neural and muscular systems, and virtually nothing has been reported about their embryogenesis. Here we have characterized the neural and muscular development of the sea gooseberry, Pleurobrachia bachei, starting from the cleavage stages to posthatching larvae. Scanning electron microscopy and immunochemistry were used to describe the formation of the embryonic mouth, tentacles, combs, aboral organ, and putative sensory cells. The muscles started their specification at the end of the first day of Pleurobrachia development. In contrast, neurons appeared 2 days after myogenesis, just before the hatching of fully formed cydippid larvae. The first tubulin‐immunoreactive neurons, a small group of four to six cells with neuronal processes, was initially recognized at the aboral pole during the third day of development. Surprisingly, this observed neurogenesis occurred after the emergence of distinct behavioral patterns in the embryos. Thus, the embryonic behavior associated with comb cilia beatings and initial muscle organization does not require morphologically defined neurons and their elongated neurites. This study provides the first description of neuromuscular development in the enigmatic ctenophores and establishes the foundation for future research using emerging genomic tools and resources. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:136–151, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptations for nocturnal and diurnal vision in the hawkmoth lamina
Authors: Stöckl Anna L. , Ribi Willi A. , Warrant Eric J.
Published: June 2015

Animals use vision over a wide range of light intensities, from dim starlight to bright sunshine. For animals active in very dim light the visual system is challenged by several sources of visual noise. Adaptations in the eyes, as well as in the neural circuitry, have evolved to suppress the noise and enhance the visual signal, thereby improving vision in dim light. Among neural adaptations, spatial summation of visual signals from neighboring processing units is suggested to increase the reliability of signal detection and thus visual sensitivity. In insects, the likely neural candidates for carrying out spatial summation are the lamina monopolar cells (LMCs) of the first visual processing area of the insect brain (the lamina). We have classified LMCs in three species of hawkmoths with considerably different activity periods but very similar ecology—the diurnal Macroglossum stellatarum, the nocturnal Deilephila elpenor and the crepuscular‐nocturnal Manduca sexta. Using this classification, we investigated the anatomical adaptations of hawkmoth LMCs suited for spatial summation. We found that specific types of LMCs have dendrites extending to significantly more neighboring cartridges in the two nocturnal and crepuscular species than in the diurnal species, making these LMC types strong candidates for spatial summation. Moreover, while the absolute number of cartridges visited by the LMCs differed between the two dim‐light species, their dendritic extents were very similar in terms of visual angle, possibly indicating a limiting spatial acuity. The overall size of the lamina neuropil did not correlate with the size of its LMCs. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:160–175, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
LPXRFa peptide system in the European sea bass: A molecular and immunohistochemical approach
Authors: Paullada‐Salmerón José A. , Cowan Mairi , Aliaga‐Guerrero María , Gómez Ana , Zanuy Silvia , Mañanos Evaristo , Muñoz‐Cueto José A.
Published: June 2015

Gonadotropin‐inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is a neuropeptide that suppresses reproduction in birds and mammals by inhibiting GnRH and gonadotropin secretion. GnIH orthologs with a C‐terminal LPXRFamide (LPXRFa) motif have been identified in teleost fish. Although recent work also suggests its role in fish reproduction, studies are scarce and controversial, and have mainly focused on cyprinids. In this work we cloned a full‐length cDNA encoding an LPXRFa precursor in the European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax. In contrast to other teleosts, the sea bass LPXRFa precursor contains only two putative RFamide peptides, termed sbLPXRFa1 and sbLPXRFa2. sblpxrfa transcripts were expressed predominantly in the olfactory bulbs/telencephalon, diencephalon, midbrain tegmentum, retina, and gonads. We also developed a specific antiserum against sbLPXRFa2, which revealed sbLPXRFa‐immunoreactive (ir) perikarya in the olfactory bulbs‐terminal nerve, ventral telencephalon, caudal preoptic area, dorsal mesencephalic tegmentum, and rostral rhombencephalon. These sbLPXRFa‐ir cells profusely innervated the preoptic area, hypothalamus, optic tectum, semicircular torus, and caudal midbrain tegmentum, but conspicuous projections also reached the olfactory bulbs, ventral/dorsal telencephalon, habenula, ventral thalamus, pretectum, rostral midbrain tegmentum, posterior tuberculum, reticular formation, and viscerosensory lobe. The retina, pineal, vascular sac, and pituitary were also targets of sbLPXRFa‐ir cells. In the pituitary, this innervation was observed close to follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and growth hormone (GH) cells. Tract‐tracing retrograde labeling suggests that telencephalic and preoptic sbLPXRFa cells might represent the source of pituitary innervation. The immunohistochemical distribution of sbLPXRFa cells and fibers suggest that LPXRFa peptides might be involved in some functions as well as reproduction, such as feeding, growth, and behavior. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:176–198, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evolution of posterior parietal cortex and parietal‐frontal networks for specific actions in primates
Authors: Kaas Jon H. , Stepniewska Iwona
Published: June 2015

Posterior parietal cortex (PPC) is an extensive region of the human brain that develops relatively late and is proportionally large compared with that of monkeys and prosimian primates. Our ongoing comparative studies have led to several conclusions about the evolution of this posterior parietal region. In early placental mammals, PPC likely was a small multisensory region much like PPC of extant rodents and tree shrews. In early primates, PPC likely resembled that of prosimian galagos, in which caudal PPC (PPCc) is visual and rostral PPC (PPCr) has eight or more multisensory domains where electrical stimulation evokes different complex motor behaviors, including reaching, hand‐to‐mouth, looking, protecting the face or body, and grasping. These evoked behaviors depend on connections with functionally matched domains in premotor cortex (PMC) and motor cortex (M1). Domains in each region compete with each other, and a serial arrangement of domains allows different factors to influence motor outcomes successively. Similar arrangements of domains have been retained in New and Old World monkeys, and humans appear to have at least some of these domains. The great expansion and prolonged development of PPC in humans suggest the addition of functionally distinct territories. We propose that, across primates, PMC and M1 domains are second and third levels in a number of parallel, interacting networks for mediating and selecting one type of action over others. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:595–608, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A benchmark study of numerical schemes for one‐dimensional arterial blood flow modelling
Authors: Boileau Etienne , Nithiarasu Perumal , Blanco Pablo J. , Müller Lucas O. , Fossan Fredrik Eikeland , Hellevik Leif Rune , Donders Wouter P. , Huberts Wouter , Willemet Marie , Alastruey Jordi
Published: June 2015

Hæmodynamical simulations using one‐dimensional (1D) computational models exhibit many of the features of the systemic circulation under normal and diseased conditions. Recent interest in verifying 1D numerical schemes has led to the development of alternative experimental setups and the use of three‐dimensional numerical models to acquire data not easily measured in vivo. In most studies to date, only one particular 1D scheme is tested. In this paper, we present a systematic comparison of six commonly used numerical schemes for 1D blood flow modelling: discontinuous Galerkin, locally conservative Galerkin, Galerkin least‐squares finite element method, finite volume method, finite difference MacCormack method and a simplified trapezium rule method. Comparisons are made in a series of six benchmark test cases with an increasing degree of complexity. The accuracy of the numerical schemes is assessed by comparison with theoretical results, three‐dimensional numerical data in compatible domains with distensible walls or experimental data in a network of silicone tubes. Results show a good agreement among all numerical schemes and their ability to capture the main features of pressure, flow and area waveforms in large arteries. All the information used in this study, including the input data for all benchmark cases, experimental data where available and numerical solutions for each scheme, is made publicly available online, providing a comprehensive reference data set to support the development of 1D models and numerical schemes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Color matching experiment for highlighting interobserver variability
Authors: Asano Yuta , Fairchild Mark D. , Blondé Laurent , Morvan Patrick
Published: June 2015

Human color vision differs from person to person, not only when color deficiencies occur but also within color‐normal populations. Investigating individual variability in normal color vision is beneficial both for clinical purposes and for quantifying observer metamerism. Researchers have used color matches such as Rayleigh matches, Moreland matches, the D&H color rule, and various combinations of different media for such investigations. However, none of them were originally aimed at investigating the interobserver variability in color‐normal populations, but rather were aimed at screening for color‐deficiencies. The objective of this study was, therefore, to design and carry out a color matching experiment where observer variability appeared as large as possible to detect the interobserver differences in the color‐normal population. Color matching was simulated under different combinations of reference spectrum and matching primaries using ColorChecker patches, different display/projector primaries, and the Stiles and Burch 49 observers. The simulation results showed: (1) The choice of spectra for the matching primaries had a significant effect on observer variability, (2) observer variability was large for near‐neutral reference colors, and (3) observer variability in the lightness direction was small relative to chromatic variability. The color matching experiment highlighting interobserver variability was designed based on these three findings and carried out for 61 color‐normal observers. Typical interobserver variability was 9.2 mean color difference from the mean (MCDM) using CIEDE2000 (spanning about 40 CIELAB units), which was much larger than any previous experiment. The obtained color matching data are useful for derivation, validation, and analysis of color matching functions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 530–539, 2016
Expression of the immunoglobulin superfamily cell membrane adhesion molecule Cd146 in acute leukemia
Authors: Cavazzini Francesco , Campioni Diana , Ferrari Luisa , Buldini Barbara , Bardi Maria Antonella , Michielotto Barbara , Lazzari Maria Cristina , Ongari Manuele , Dabusti Melissa , Daghia Giulia , Sofritti Olga , Basso Giuseppe , Lanza Francesco , Cuneo Antonio
Published: June 2015

Background

The expression of the immunoglobulin superfamily cell membrane adhesion molecule CD146 has been reported on several normal and pathological cell types in human. The aim of this study was to investigate CD146 expression in acute leukemia using a multiparametric cytofluorimetric approach.

Methods

Cytofluorimetric and cytogenetic studies were performed on peripheral blood and bone marrow samples from 162 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML,n = 121) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL,n = 41). ALL patients were subdivided in B‐ALL (n = 38) and T‐ALL (n = 3). Adult (n = 18) and pediatric (n = 20) B‐ALL were considered as a whole group.

Results

Four out of 121 (3.3%) AML cases, 14/38 (36.8%) B‐ALL, and 2/3 (66.6%) T‐ALL expressed CD146 on 12–98% of blasts (p < 0.001). CD146 expression was not observed in 10 healthy controls. Among B‐ALL CD146‐positive cases, 78.6% were associated with a “common”/BII‐ALL and 21.4% with a pre‐B/BIII‐ALL immunophenotype while pro‐B/BI‐ALL and mature‐B/BIV‐ALL cases were CD146‐negative. Statistical analysis showed CD146 expression strongly associated with Ph+ positivity in B‐ALL with the highest percentage of CD146‐positive blasts in all Ph‐positive B‐ALL cases (84 ± 22% Ph‐positive B‐ALL SD vs. 40 ± 24% SD in Ph‐negative B‐ALL;p < 0,001).

Conclusion

In our series, CD146 was expressed in all cases of Ph‐positive B‐ALL and in the vast majority of T‐ALL, whereas it was rarely expressed by AML blasts. We suggest that CD146 may be considered as an additional marker for acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosis and monitoring of minimal residual disease in those cases which are CD146‐positive at diagnosis. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Directional antennas MAC protocol for energy‐efficient wireless sensor networks with mobile sink
Authors: Ajofoyinbo Abayomi M. , Li Wei W.
Published: June 2015

Using mobile sink with directional antennas (DAs) is one of the major efforts in the literature to improve energy efficiency in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). However, there are three important concerns that have remained unresolved when utilizing this method: namely, (i) packets may be lost because of the continuous motion of the mobile sink; (ii) energy may be wasted when the mobile sink is transiting from one point to another; and (iii) the antennas may not completely scan the entire vicinity of the mobile sink because of continuous directional motion. Our research for this paper targeted these three concerns. For this purpose, a novel semi‐Markov decision process‐based model is constructed for energy‐efficient WSNs with a mobile sink using DAs. Optimal results in terms of the average optimal value of the sum of expected total discounted energy consumption is achieved. Through this optimal analysis, the conclusion is reached that packet loss due to the continuous directional motion of the mobile sink will be eliminated, energy will be preserved, and the mobile sink will completely scan its vicinity using the four DAs. Our results may provide guidelines for using mobile sinks with DAs to further improve energy efficiency in WSNs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selection of cholesterol esterase aptamers using a dual‐partitioning approach
Authors: Ashley Jon , Ji Kaili , Li Sam F. Y.
Published: June 2015

Non‐systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment and other capillary‐based methods have grown in popularity for selection of aptamers since they provide a fast and efficient partitioning method when compared to classical techniques. Despite promising developments in these techniques, a major obstacle needs to be overcome for capillary‐based selections to be widely accepted. Due to the small injection volumes associated with CE, only a small proportion of the nucleic acid library can be partitioned at any one time. In this paper, we propose a new two‐step method for the selection of aptamers which firstly incorporates a nitrocellulose membrane filter followed by CE. This technique allows for nonbinding sequences to be eliminated, reducing the library size before subsequent capillary‐based partitioning, while still reducing the time taken for aptamers to be selected. We demonstrated this technique on the selection of aptamers for cholesterol esterase and the highest binding truncated aptamer CES 4T displayed a KD of 203 ± 14 nM. In addition, an increase in the number of sequences partitioned was estimated using spectrophotometry and capillary injection volumes. The results suggested that for successful selection a two‐step approach is needed. This hybrid technique could be used to select aptamers that bind to targets both in solution and immobilized onto a stationary phase, allowing the aptamers to be used in different binding environments.
Microchip with an open tubular immobilized ph gradient for UV whole column imaging detection
Authors: Zeng Hulie , Glawdel Tomasz , Ren Carolyn L.
Published: June 2015

This study reports a new method for establishing an open tubular IPG in a microchip coupled with a whole column image detection (WCID) system for protein separation applications. This method allows a wider range of immobilized pH (2.6–9.5) to be established in a PDMS/quartz channel by controlling the diffusion of acidic and basic polymer solutions into the channel through well‐designed channel dimensions. The developed pH gradient was experimentally validated by performing the separation of a mixture of standard pI markers. It was further validated by the separation of the hemoglobin control AFSC sample. This method is advantageous over existing IPG methods because it has a wider range of pH and maintains the open tubular feature that matches the UV WCID to improve the sensitivity.
Capillary electrophoresis for fast detection of heterogeneous population in colistin‐resistant Gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Sautrey Guillaume , Duval Raphaël E. , Chevalley Alicia , Fontanay Stéphane , Clarot Igor
Published: June 2015

It has been shown that diverse strains of bacteria can be separated according to their characteristic surface properties by means of CE. We employed here this analytical technique to the study of colistin‐resistance in Gram‐negative bacteria, which involves the selection of mutants with modified outer membrane composition resulting in changes of surface cell properties. In the same way as with molecular entities, we performed firstly the validation of an ITP‐based CE method for three common pathogenic Gram‐negative bacteria namely Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Secondly, we compared the electrophoretic profiles of bacterial samples from a colistin‐susceptible clinical isolate of K. pneumoniae and from the corresponding colistin‐resistant derivative. By a simple CE run taking a few minutes, the coexistence of several bacterial subpopulations in the colistin‐resistant derivative was clearly evidenced. This work encourages further research that would allow applications of CE in clinical laboratory for a daily monitoring of bacterial population in cared patients when “last‐chance” colistin treatment is initiated against multidrug‐resistant bacteria.
Synthesis of New Phosphonoamide and Phosphonocaprolactam Derivatives via the Diethyl Chlorophosphate‐Promoted Beckmann Rearrangement of γ‐Phosphonyloximes
Authors: Wahbi Aymen , Touil Soufiane
Published: June 2015

Herein, we report an efficient and straightforward synthesis of new phosphonoamide and phosphonocaprolactam derivatives, via the Beckmann rearrangement of γ‐phosphonyloximes. The reaction proceeded smoothly in the presence of diethyl chlorophosphate as a promoter, to afford the title compounds in satisfactory yields. A mechanistic rationalization for this reaction is provided allowing for the prediction of its regiochemistry.
New mapping techniques to estimate the preferential loss of small wetlands on prairie landscapes
Authors: Serran J. N. , Creed I. F.
Published: June 2015

Reliable estimates of wetland loss require improved wetland inventories and effective monitoring programmes. The Prairie Pothole Region of North America is experiencing rapid urban, agricultural and economic development, which places wetlands at risk, especially small geographically isolated wetlands. This loss is concomitant with a loss of ecosystem services. To improve upon current wetland inventories, a method for mapping wetlands using an automated object‐based approach was developed for a regional watershed in Alberta. The method improves upon existing wetland mapping methods by effectively mapping small wetlands and better capturing the convolution of wetland edges. This approach uses digital terrain objects derived from light detection and ranging data, from which 130 157 wetlands were identified. Wetland loss estimates (% number and % area) were obtained by applying a wetland area versus frequency power‐law function to the wetland inventory. We estimated a 16.2% historic loss of wetland number and a 2.6% loss of wetland area, with the size of these lost wetlands <0.04 ha. The improved techniques for mapping wetland loss and estimating wetland loss provide a more accurate representation of the magnitude of wetland loss in the Prairie Pothole Region. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating aquifer properties using groundwater hydrograph modelling
Authors: Shapoori V. , Peterson T. J. , Western A. W. , Costelloe J. F.
Published: June 2015

Estimation of aquifer hydraulic properties is essential for predicting the response of an aquifer to extractions and hence estimating the availability of the groundwater resources. Aquifer tests are commonly used for the estimation of aquifer properties; however, they can be expensive and often only characterize the short‐term response of the aquifer. This paper presents a time series modelling approach to estimating aquifer hydraulic properties. It is applied to 42 bores monitoring an unconfined aquifer within an irrigation region of south‐eastern Australia, and the resulting probabilistic estimate of hydraulic properties are evaluated against pumping test estimates. It is demonstrated that the time series modelling can provide a reliable estimate of the hydraulic properties that are typical of a very long‐term pumping test. Furthermore, the application of the time series modelling to 42 bores provided novel insights into the aquifer heterogeneity. We encourage others to further test the approach and the source code is available from: http://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/48546‐peterson‐tim‐j‐groundwater‐statistics‐toolbox Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Snowpack sensitivity to perturbed climate in a cool mid‐latitude mountain catchment
Authors: Rasouli Kabir , Pomeroy John W. , Marks Danny G.
Published: June 2015

There is great interest in ascertaining the degree of climate change necessary to induce substantial changes in snow accumulation and ablation processes in mountain headwater catchments. Therefore, the response of mountain snow hydrology to changes in air temperature and precipitation was examined by simulating a perturbed climate in Reynolds Mountain East (RME), a headwater catchment with a cool mountain climate in Idaho, USA. The cold regions hydrological model was used to calculate snow accumulation, wind redistribution by blowing snow, interception by forest canopies, sublimation and melt for 25 seasons in RME. The uncalibrated simulations of the highly redistributed snow water equivalent compared well to measurements. Results showed that with concomitant occurrence of warming (5 °C) and precipitation change (±20%) in RME, the peak seasonal snow accumulation decreased by 84–90%, snowmelt decreased 51–79%, rainfall to total precipitation ratio increased from 30% to 78%, and overwinter blowing snow transport and sublimation losses from intercepted snow, the snow surface and blowing snow decreased dramatically. Warming causes an increase in inter‐water year snowcover variability but a decrease in spatial snow accumulation variability. When warming exceeded 1 °C and a precipitation increased by less than 20%, the peak snow accumulation declined dramatically. The results contrast with those from further north along the North American Cordillera in Yukon, Canada, where the impacts of similar warming on alpine snow can be partly compensated for by concomitant increases in precipitation of less than 20%. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of magnesium alloys and poly‐l‐lactide screws as degradable implants in a canine fracture model
Authors: Marukawa Eriko , Tamai Masato , Takahashi Yukinobu , Hatakeyama Ichiro , Sato Masaru , Higuchi Yusuke , Kakidachi Hiroshi , Taniguchi Hirofumi , Sakamoto Takamitsu , Honda Jun , Omura Ken , Harada Hiroyuki
Published: June 2015

The aims of this study were to evaluatein vivothe biological responses to implants composed of biodegradable anodized WE43 (containing magnesium yttrium, rare earth elements and zirconium; Elektron SynerMag®) magnesium alloy, monolithic WE43 magnesium alloy and poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA), which are commonly used materials in clinic settings, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the materials as bone screws. The effectiveness of the magnesium alloy implants in osteosynthesis was evaluated using a bone fracture model involving the tibia of beagle dogs. For the monolithic WE43 implants, radiological, and histological evaluation revealed that bone trabeculae around the implanted monolithic WE43 decreased because of an inflammatory response. However, there was no damage due to hydrogen gas or inflammatory response in the bone tissue around the anodized WE43 implants. After 4 weeks, all the PLLA implants (n = 3) had broken but the WE43 implants had not (n = 6). These results suggest that the WE43 implants had sufficient strength to fix bone fractures at load‐bearing sites in orthopedic and oral maxillofacial surgery. Therefore, these biodegradable magnesium alloys are good candidates for replacing biodegradable polymers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1282–1289, 2016.
Chemical Transformations of Chromone‐3‐carbonitrile with Cyclohexanediones: Synthesis of Bis[1]chromenophenanthrolines
Authors: Ibrahim Magdy A. , El‐Gohary Nasser M.
Published: June 2015

The chemical reactivity of chromone‐3‐carbonitrile (1) toward 1,2‐cyclohexanedione, 1,3‐cyclohexanedione, and 1,4‐cyclohexanedione was studied under different molar ratios. Three isomeric products of angular bis[1]chromenophenanthrolines were isolated. Structures of the new synthesized products were deduced on the basis of their analytical and spectral data.
Analysis of genetic and aflatoxin diversity among Aspergillus flavus isolates collected from sorghum seeds
Authors: Divakara S. T. , Aiyaz M. , Moore G. G. , Venkataramana M. , Hariprasad P. , Nayaka S. Chandra , Niranjana S. R.
Published: June 2015

Thirty‐four Aspergillus flavus isolates were recovered from sorghum seeds sampled across five states in India. Our study included (1) species confirmation through PCR assay, (2) quantification of total aflatoxin concentrations by the indirect competitive‐ELISA (ic‐ELISA) method, and (3) analysis of molecular diversity among the A. flavus isolates using β‐tubulin, ITS, and ISSR markers. Among the isolates studied, 28 were found to be positive for the production of aflatoxins. ITS and β‐tubulin phylogenetic analysis segregated the A. flavus sample population into two major groups or clades with little to no subdivision based on geography. In contrast, ISSR analysis also separated the A. flavus isolates into two main clusters, showing a distance of 0.0–0.5, with one cluster exhibiting a high level of diversity though no geographic or chemotype subdivision could be observed. The majority of sampled A. flavus isolates were highly toxigenic, and also highly diversified in terms of toxin‐producing potential in‐vitro. Genetic diversity among the sorghum isolates of A. flavus further warrants the development of appropriate farming management practices as well as improved aflatoxin detection measures in India.
Update of the Spain02 gridded observational dataset for EURO‐CORDEX evaluation: assessing the effect of the interpolation methodology
Authors: Herrera S. , Fernández J. , Gutiérrez J. M.
Published: June 2015

Observational gridded products are commonly used to evaluate the performance of regional climate models. To this aim, gridded datasets should be comparable to the output of these models and, thus, should represent grid‐cell area‐averaged values and, whenever possible, they should be defined on the same spatial domains as the models, in order to avoid re‐gridding or re‐projection. In this study, we present an update of the Spain02 gridded observational dataset for daily precipitation and mean temperature building on the grids defined for the EURO‐CORDEX initiative. In order to assess and intercompare different interpolation approaches, we analysed (1) two standard methodologies (ordinary kriging and thin plate splines), (2) three horizontal resolutions: 0.11°, 0.22° and 0.44° (matching the rotated EURO‐CORDEX and ENSEMBLES grids), (3) two different approaches to guarantee either area‐averaged or point representativity of the resulting grid values and (4) including/excluding orography as a covariable in the interpolation procedure. Besides introducing the new gridded datasets, in this work we also present some preliminary results on the sensitivity of temperature and precipitation (both mean and extreme regimes) to all these factors.
Optimization of microwave‐assisted extraction for six inorganic and organic arsenic species in chicken tissues using response surface methodology
Authors: Zhang Wenfeng , Hu Yuanan , Cheng Hefa
Published: June 2015

Response surface methodology was applied to optimize the parameters for microwave‐assisted extraction of six major inorganic and organic arsenic species (As(III), As(V), dimethyl arsenic acid, monomethyl arsenic acid, p‐arsanilic acid, and roxarsone) from chicken tissues, followed by detection using a high‐performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled mass spectrometry detection method, which allows the simultaneous analysis of both inorganic and organic arsenic species in the extract in a single run. Effects of extraction medium, solution pH, liquid‐to‐solid ratio, and the temperature and time of microwave‐assisted extraction on the extraction of the targeted arsenic species were studied. The optimum microwave‐assisted extraction conditions were: 100 mg of chicken tissue, extracted by 5 mL of 22% v/v methanol, 90 mmol/L (NH4)2HPO4, and 0.07% v/v trifluoroacetic acid (with pH adjusted to 10.0 by ammonium hydroxide solution), ramping for 10 min to 71°C, and holding for 11 min. The method has good extraction performance for total arsenic in the spiked and nonspiked chicken tissues (104.0 ± 13.8% and 91.6 ± 7.8%, respectively), except for the ones with arsenic contents close to the quantitation limits. Limits of quantitation (S/N = 10) for As(III), As(V), dimethyl arsenic acid, monomethyl arsenic acid, p‐arsanilic acid, and roxarsone in chicken tissues using this method were 0.012, 0.058, 0.039, 0.061, 0.102, and 0.240 mg/kg (dry weight), respectively.
Thermal desorption gas chromatography with mass spectrometry study of outgassing from polymethacrylimide foam (Rohacell®)
Authors: Carrasco‐Correa Enrique J. , Herrero‐Martínez José M. , Consuegra Lina , Ramis‐Ramos Guillermo , Sanz Rafael Mata , Martínez Benito Gimeno , Esbert Vicente E. Boria , García‐Baquero David Raboso
Published: June 2015

Polymethacrylimide foams are used as light structural materials in outer‐space devices; however, the foam closed cells contain volatile compounds that are outgassed even at low temperatures. These compounds ignite as plasmas under outer‐space radiation and the intense radio‐frequency fields used in communications. Since plasmas may cause spacecraft fatal events, the conditions in which they are ignited should be investigated. Therefore, qualitative and quantitative knowledge about polymethacrylimide foam outgassing should be established. Using thermogravimetric analysis, weight losses reached 3% at ca. 200°C. Thermal desorption gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection was used to study the offgassed compounds. Using successive 4 min heating cycles at 125°C, each one corresponding to an injection, significant amounts of nitrogen (25.3%), water (2.6%), isobutylene (11.3%), tert‐butanol (2.9%), 1‐propanol (11.9%), hexane (25.3%), propyl methacrylate (1.4%), higher hydrocarbons (11.3%), fatty acids (2.2%) and their esters (1.3%), and other compounds were outgassed. Other compounds were observed during the main stage of thermal destruction (220–280°C). A similar study at 175°C revealed the extreme difficulty in fully outgassing polar compounds from polymethacrylimide foams by baking and showed the different compositions of the offgassed atmosphere that can be expected in the long term.
In Silico Predictions of Drug – Drug Interactions Caused by CYP1A2, 2C9 and 3A4 Inhibition – a Comparative Study of Virtual Screening Performance
Authors: Kaserer Teresa , Höferl Martina , Müller Klara , Elmer Sebastian , Ganzera Markus , Jäger Walter , Schuster Daniela
Published: June 2015

The cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily represents the major enzyme class responsible for the metabolism of exogenous compounds. Investigation of clearance pathways is therefore an integral part in early drug development, as any alteration of metabolic enzymes may markedly influence the toxicological profile and efficacy of novel compounds. In silico methods are widely applied in drug development to complement experimental approaches. Several different tools are available for that purpose, however, for CYP enzymes they have only been applied retrospectively so far. Within this study, pharmacophore‐ and shape‐based models and a docking protocol were generated for the prediction of CYP1A2, 2C9, and 3A4 inhibition. All theoretically validated models, the validated docking workflow, and additional external bioactivity profiling tools were applied independently and in parallel to predict the CYP inhibition of 29 compounds from synthetic and natural origin. After subsequent experimental assessment of the in silico predictions, we analyzed and compared the prospective performance of all methods, thereby defining the suitability of the applied techniques for CYP enzymes. We observed quite substantial differences in the performances of the applied tools, suggesting that the rational selection of that virtual screening method that proved to perform best can largely improve the success rates when it comes to CYP inhibition prediction.
Chemoinformatics at the University of Sheffield 2002–2014
Authors: Gillet Valerie J. , Holliday John D. , Willett Peter
Published: June 2015

This paper summarises work in chemoinformatics carried out in the Information School of the University of Sheffield during the period 2002–2014. Research studies are described on fingerprint‐based similarity searching, data fusion, applications of reduced graphs and pharmacophore mapping, and on the School’s teaching in chemoinformatics.
Method for Systematic Assessment of Chemical Changes in Molecular Scaffolds with Conserved Topology and Application to the Analysis of Scaffold‐Activity Relationships
Authors: Hu Ye , Zhang Bijun , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: June 2015

Sets of scaffolds with conserved molecular topology are abundant among drugs and bioactive compounds. Core structure topology is one of the determinants of biological activity. Heteroatom replacements and/or bond order variation render topologically equivalent scaffolds chemically distinct and also contribute to differences in the biological activity of compounds containing these scaffolds. Relationships between core structure topology, chemical modifications, and observed activity profiles are difficult to analyze. A computational method is introduced to consistently assess chemical transformations that distinguish scaffolds with conserved topology. The methodology is applied to quantify chemical differences in conserved topological environments and systematically relate chemical changes in topologically equivalent scaffolds to associated activity profiles.
Novel organic–inorganic composites with high thermal conductivity for electronic packaging applications: A key issue review
Authors: Zhou Yongcun , Liu Feng , Wang Hong
Published: June 2015

Significant progress has been made recently in developing the organic–inorganic composites with high thermal conductivity, low dielectric constant, and dielectric loss, for applications in the electronic packaging and substrates. Many studies have shown that some polymers filled with high thermal conductivity and low dielectric loss ceramics are suitable for electronic packaging for device encapsulation. Until now, extensive attentions have been paid to the preparation of polymeric composites with high thermal conductivity and low dielectric loss for the application in electronic packaging. In contrast, the thermal conductivities of these dielectric materials are still not high enough and that might restrict their serviceable range. Herein, we briefly reviewed recent progress in this field and introduced a kind of novel composites with surface insulation modified metal aluminum cores to form multilayer coating structures as fillers in polyimide matrix for electronic applications. This structure can significantly improve the thermal conductivity and dielectric properties of composites and give some insights into the effects of modified fillers of composite materials. Such multilayer core–shell structures should have great potentials for the improvement of nanoparticle‐based fillers and applications of electronic packaging. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:803–813, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers