bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two New Alkaloids from the Roots of Aconitum sinomontanumNakai
Authors: Xu Bin , Xue Jiehua , Tan Junjie , Jiang Shanhao , Guo Fujiang , Li Yiming
Published: May 2014

Two new alkaloids, ranaconidine (=20‐ethyl‐1α,14α,16β‐trimethoxyaconitane‐4,7,8,10‐tetrol; 1) and N‐(chloromethyl)taspine (=1‐[2‐(N‐(chloromethyl)‐N,N‐dimethylaminium)ethyl]‐3,8‐dimethoxybenzopyrano[5,4,3‐cde]benzopyran‐5,10‐dione; 2), together with two known compounds, i.e., benzethonium chloride (3) and ranaconine (4) were isolated from the roots of Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai. The structures of the compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectral evidences and in the comparison with previously published data.
Reduction of 3‐Aminoquinoline‐2,4(1H,3H)‐diones and Deamination of the Reaction Products
Authors: Klásek Antonín , Lyčka Antonín , Rouchal Michal , Rudolf Ondřej , Růžička Aleš
Published: May 2014

3‐Aminoquinoline‐2,4‐diones were stereoselectively reduced with NaBH4 to give cis‐3‐amino‐3,4‐dihydro‐4‐hydroxyquinolin‐2(1H)‐ones. Using triphosgene (=bis(trichloromethyl) carbonate), these compounds were converted to 3,3a‐dihydrooxazolo[4,5‐c]quinoline‐2,4(5H,9bH)‐diones. The deamination of the reduction products using HNO2 afforded mixtures of several compounds, from which 3‐alkyl/aryl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indol‐2‐ones and their 3‐hydroxy and 3‐nitro derivatives were isolated as the products of the molecular rearrangement.
I2‐Catalyzed Divergent Regioselective Addition of Methoxybenzenes with Ethenylbenzenes under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Nageswara Rao Nalajala , Raghavender Reddy Maddi , Ramakrishna Konakalla , Mitaram Meshram Harshadas
Published: May 2014

A highly efficient synthesis of 1,2,2‐triarylethanones has been developed from simple and commercially available electron‐rich arenes and styrenes (ethenylbenzenes).
Synthesis of Z‐Protected Aib‐ and Phe(2Me)‐Containing Pentapeptides and Their Crystal Structures
Authors: Arnhold Franziska S. , Linden Anthony , Heimgartner Heinz
Published: May 2014

A series of pentapeptide derivatives containing α,α‐disubstituted α‐amino acids have been prepared by a combination of the ‘azirine/oxazolone method’ and segment condensations. X‐Ray crystal‐structure determinations of the molecular structures confirmed the presence of helical conformations stabilized by β‐turns of type III or III′. Pentapeptides containing (R)‐Phe(2Me) form a right‐handed helix, whereas those containing (S)‐Phe(2Me) adopt a left‐handed helical structure.
Effects of decentralisation and health system reform on health workforce and quality‐of‐care in Indonesia, 1993–2007
Authors: Diana Aly , Hollingworth Samantha A. , Marks Geoffrey C.
Published: May 2014

The impact of decentralisation, socioeconomic changes and healthcare reforms in Indonesia on type and distribution of healthcare providers and quality‐of‐care has been unclear. We examined workforce trends for healthcare facilities from 1993 to 2007 using the Indonesian Family Life Surveys. Each included a sample of public and private healthcare facilities, used standardised interviews for numbers and composition of staffing, and quality‐of‐care vignettes. There was an increase in multiprovider facilities and shift in profile of solo providers—increasing proportions of midwives and drop in doctors in rural areas (including facilities with doctors) and nurses in urban areas. Quality‐of‐care scores were low, particularly for nurses as solo providers. Despite increased numbers of healthcare workers and growth of the private sector, outer Java‐Bali and rural areas continued to be disadvantaged in workforce capacity and quality‐of‐care. The results have implications for accreditation and in‐service training requirements, the legal status of nurses and private sector regulation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arginine Vasopressin Gene Variation and Behavioural Inhibition in Children: an Exploratory Study
Authors: Bisceglia Rossana , Jenkins Jennifer , Barr Cathy L. , Wigg Karen G. , Schmidt Louis A.
Published: May 2014

Behavioural inhibition (BI) refers to a temperamental style of responding to unfamiliar people, objects, contexts and challenging situations with cautious, avoidant and restrained behaviour. Several lines of evidence suggest that variation in the genes of the arginine vasopressin system may be candidate genes for BI. We examined associations between BI and a total of eight single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the arginine vasopressin (AVP) gene, the arginine vasopressin 1a (AVPR1A) receptor gene, and the arginine vasopressin 1b (AVPR1B) receptor gene. The sample consisted of 337 families from whom BI was coded from direct observation with two typically developing children per family. We performed single‐marker analysis, and we also tested the combination of alleles, the haplotypes, for each gene for association with BI. Results revealed that SNP rs3761249 in the AVP gene region showed a significant association between allele C and BI measures. No other significant associations were found between BI and the other seven SNPs and haplotypes. The present exploratory study provides the first empirical evidence of a possible association between behavioural inhibition and variation in the AVP gene in humans. Findings are discussed within the context of vasopressin's influence on individual differences in social behaviour. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An evaluation of the generalization and maintenance of functional communication and self‐control skills with preschoolers
Authors: Luczynski Kevin C. , Hanley Gregory P. , Rodriguez Nicole M.
Published: May 2014

The preschool life skills (PLS) program (Hanley, Heal, Tiger, & Ingvarsson, 2007; Luczynski & Hanley, 2013) involves teaching social skills as a means of decreasing and preventing problem behavior. However, achieving durable outcomes as children transition across educational settings depend on the generalization and long‐term maintenance of those skills. The purpose of this study was to evaluate procedures for promoting generalization and long‐term maintenance of functional communication and self‐control skills for 6 preschool children. When the children's social skills decreased across repeated observations during a generalization assessment, we incorporated modifications to the teaching procedures. However, the effects of the modifications were variable across skills and children. Satisfactory generalization was observed only after the teacher was informed of the target skills and teaching strategies. Maintenance of most social skills was observed 3 months after teaching was discontinued. We discuss the importance of improving child and teacher behavior to promote generalization and maintenance of important social skills.
Effects of reinforcer magnitude and distribution on preference for work schedules
Authors: Ward‐Horner John C. , Pittenger Alexis , Pace Gary , Fienup Daniel M.
Published: May 2014

When the overall magnitude of reinforcement is matched between 2 alternative work schedules, some students prefer to complete all of their work for continuous access to a reinforcer (continuous work) rather than distributed access to a reinforcer while they work (discontinuous work). We evaluated a student's preference for continuous work by manipulating the overall magnitude of reinforcement associated with continuous work. Preference for continuous work persisted despite a 20% decrease in reinforcer magnitude; however, a 40% decrease in reinforcer magnitude produced a shift in preference to discontinuous work.
A three‐dimensional multiporous fibrous scaffold fabricated with regenerated spider silk protein/poly(l‐lactic acid) for tissue engineering
Authors: Yu Qiaozhen , Sun Chengjun
Published: May 2014

An axially aligned three‐dimensional (3‐D) fibrous scaffold was fabricated with regenerated spider silk protein (RSSP)/poly (l–lactic acid) (PLLA) through electrospinning and post treatment. The morphology, mechanical and degradation properties of the scaffold were controlled through the weight ratio of RSSP to PLLA, the thickness of the scaffold and the treatment time. The scaffold with a weight ratio of 2:3 (RSSP:PLLA) had a nanoleaves‐on‐nanofibers hierarchical nanostructure; the length and thickness of the nanoleaves were about 400 and 30 nm, respectively. The holes of the scaffolds ranged from hundreds of nanometers to several microns. The scaffold showed an ideal mechanical property that it was stiff when dry, but became soft once hydrated in the culture medium. Its degradation rate was very slow in the first 2 months, and then accelerated in the following 2 months. The pH values of the degradation mediums of all the samples remained in the range of 7.40–7.12 during degradation for 6 months. It had good biocompatibility with PC 12 cells. The aligned hierarchical nanostructure could guide the directions of the axon extension. This scaffold has a potential application in Tissue Engineering and controlled release. This study provides a method to produce synthetic or natural biodegradable polymer scaffold with tailored morphology, mechanical, and degradation properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 721–729, 2015.
Extended fatigue life of a catalyst free self‐healing acrylic bone cement using microencapsulated 2‐octyl cyanoacrylate
Authors: Brochu Alice B. W. , Matthys Oriane B. , Craig Stephen L. , Reichert William M.
Published: May 2014

The tissue adhesive 2‐octyl cyanoacrylate (OCA) was encapsulated in polyurethane microshells and incorporated into bone cement to form a catalyst free, self‐healing bone cement comprised of all clinically approved components. The bending strength, modulus, and fatigue lifetime were investigated in accordance with ASTM and ISO standards for the testing of PMMA bone cement. The bending strength of bone cement specimens decreased with increasing wt % capsules content for capsules without or with OCA, with specimens of <5 wt % capsule content showing minimal effect. In contrast, bone cement bending modulus was insensitive to capsule content. Load controlled fatigue testing was performed in air at room temperature on capsule free bone cement (0 wt %), bone cement with 5 wt % OCA‐free capsules (5 wt % No OCA), and 5 wt % OCA‐containing capsules (5 wt % OCA). Specimens were tested at a frequency of 5 Hz at maximum stresses of 90%, 80%, 70%, and 50% of each specimen's bending strength until failure. The 5 wt % OCA exhibited significant self‐healing at 70% and 50% of its reference strength (p < 0.05). Fatigue testing of all three specimen types in air at 22 MPa (50% of reference strength of the 5 wt % OCA specimens) showed that the cycles to failure of OCA‐containing specimens was increased by two‐fold compared with the OCA‐free and capsule‐free specimens. This study represents the first demonstration of dynamic, catalyst free self‐healing in a biomaterial formulation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 305–312, 2015.
Out with the bad and in with the good; red cell exchange, white cell reduction, and platelet reduction
Authors: Marques Marisa B. , Singh Nirupama , Reddy Vishnu V.B.
Published: May 2014

Automated techniques for red cell [red blood cell (RBC)] exchange or depletion of malignant cells from the peripheral blood have allowed patients with life‐threatening conditions to survive long enough to receive definitive treatment. Examples of such conditions include acute chest syndrome in sickle cell disease (SCD) or acute respiratory insufficiency due to leukostasis in acute leukemia. Conversely, other patients with SCD undergo RBC exchanges on a chronic basis to maintain a reasonable quality of life and prevent another stroke. In this review, we will discuss the techniques as well as indications for RBC exchange, leukocytapheresis, and thrombocytapheresis. To illustrate the uses of these therapeutic apheresis procedures, the authors included a summary of the most common diagnoses that comprise the indications for each technique, and the rationale behind their use. J. Clin. Apheresis 29:220–227, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HOPE, SELF‐ESTEEM, AND SELF‐REGULATION: POSITIVE CHARACTERISTICS AMONG MEN AND WOMEN IN RECOVERY
Authors: Ferrari Joseph R. , Stevens Edward B. , Legler Raymond , Jason Leonard A.
Published: May 2014

Hopefulness remains unclear in relation to aspects of self‐control and self‐esteem among adults in substance abuse recovery. The present study explored the relationship between dispositional hope (agency and pathway) with self‐esteem (self‐liking, self‐competency, and self‐confidence) and self‐regulation (impulse control and self‐discipline), using a latent variable measurement model and structural equation modeling among adults (n = 601) residing in a communal living setting for persons in substance abuse recovery. Results showed that multiple dimensions of these constructs were significant as individual predictors. With persons in recovery, self‐regulation included impulsivity control and self‐discipline, while self‐esteem reflected self‐liking, competence, and a sense of self‐confidence. Furthermore, both hope‐pathways and hope‐agency significantly related to self‐control/impulse control but not self‐control/discipline, and self‐esteem/competency was associated with hope‐pathways but not hope‐agency.
SEEKING HELP FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN URBAN CHINA
Authors: Chen Juan
Published: May 2014

Based on data gathered through a household survey of 1,474 urban residents in Beijing, this study examines Chinese help‐seeking behaviors in times of psychological distress and perceived barriers to seeking professional help. The results demonstrate that most respondents rely on informal means of seeking help whereas mental health and medical services are underused. The Internet has become a preferred alternative help‐seeking approach, particularly among the young educated migrant population. Respondents with higher socioeconomic status are more likely to utilize professional services. The tendency to seek help informally is associated with refusal to recognize the need of professional help, whereas embarrassment and stigma are significant factors in the use of alternative services, particularly the Internet. In addition to showing a general lack of trust in professional mental health services, the more psychologically distressed subgroup also expressed concerns about the affordability of professional treatment.
STRESS PROCESS OF ILLICIT DRUG USE AMONG U.S. IMMIGRANTS’ ADOLESCENT CHILDREN: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY
Authors: Choo Hyekyung
Published: May 2014

This study examined a full path model of stress process for predicting illicit drug use among Asian and Latino immigrants’ adolescent children. Using 2‐year longitudinal data (National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health) from a sample of adolescents with Asian or Latino immigrant parents (N = 2,353), the study explored structural relationships between 3 types of negative perceptions of school environment as acculturation‐related stressors (a feeling of isolation, perceived prejudice from students, and perceived unfair treatment from teachers), family support as a social resource, and drug use as an outcome among Asian and Latino immigrants’ adolescent children. Path analysis results supported the resource deterioration hypothesis of the stress process model and found a stronger direct effect of implicit isolation than explicit prejudice or unfairness perceived in school on drug use and mediating effects of family support on relationships between 2 of the stressors and drug use among these adolescents.
Hepatolithiasis: analysis of Japanese nationwide surveys over a period of 40 years
Authors: Suzuki Yutaka , Mori Toshiyuki , Yokoyama Masaaki , Nakazato Tetsuya , Abe Nobutsugu , Nakanuma Yasuni , Tsubouchi Hirohito , Sugiyama Masanori
Published: May 2014

The aims of the present study are to clarify the changes in clinicopathologic features, diagnosis and treatment for hepatolithiasis, and propose an appropriate management strategy in Japan. The research group conducted nationwide surveys seven times in the past over a period of 40 years. Furthermore, a cohort was followed up in 2010. We analyzed the clinical features, diagnosis tools, treatment procedures, outcomes, and predictive factors for cholangiocarcinoma. Surgery was the primary method for hepatolithiasis up to 1998, and the frequency of its use has decreased since then. In 2011, 66.7% of hepatolithiasis patients were treated using nonsurgical approaches. In addition, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) with stone extraction was the most frequently performed procedure (22.7%). However, the incidences of residual stone and recurrent stone after ERC with stone extraction were higher than those after percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotomy and surgery. Bile duct stricture and dilatation during follow up were significant risk factors for stone recurrences. In the cohort study, stone removal only and age >65 years were significant factors for the development of cholangiocarcinoma. In patients without a history of cholangioenterostomy, left‐lobe‐type stones were a risk factor, and hepatectomy reduced the risk of the development of cholangiocarcinoma significantly. Nonsurgical treatment may be performed as the first‐line treatment for hepatolithiasis. Surgery should be performed on patients who were treated incompletely after nonsurgical treatment. However, hepatectomy may be recommended for patients with left‐lobe‐type stones and without a history of cholangioenterostomy.
Comparison of hospital length of stay, costs, and readmissions of alteplase versus catheter replacement among patients with occluded central venous catheters
Authors: Ernst Frank R. , Chen Er , Lipkin Craig , Tayama Darren , Amin Alpesh N.
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

Central venous catheter (CVC) occlusion is common, affecting 30% of all CVCs.

OBJECTIVE

To compare length of stay (LOS), costs, and readmissions associated with the use of alteplase to clear catheter blockage to outcomes associated with catheter replacement.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study utilizing a large hospital database.

PARTICIPANTS

Hospitalized patients treated for catheter occlusion from January 2006 to December 2011.

MAIN MEASURES

Univariate analyses of patient characteristics and treatment patterns and multivariable regression analyses of postocclusion hospital costs, LOS, and 30‐ and 90‐day readmissions were conducted.

KEY RESULTS

We included 34,579 patients treated for a CVC occlusion by replacement (N = 1028) or by alteplase (2 mg) administration (N = 33,551). Patients receiving alteplase were somewhat younger than those having catheter replacement (60 ± 19 vs 62 ± 20 years old, P = 0.0002). After adjusting for patient and hospital factors via regression modeling, average daily postocclusion costs were $317 lower for alteplase recipients than for catheter replacement patients (95% confidence interval [CI]: 238.22–392.24; P < 0.0001). Adjusted total postocclusion costs were $1419 lower for alteplase recipients versus patients receiving catheter replacement (95% CI: 307.27–2458.12; P = 0.0121). Postocclusion operating room/surgery, radiology, and supply costs were significantly lower for alteplase recipients (P < 0.001). Average adjusted postocclusion LOS was similar for both groups (P > 0.05). Odds of readmission were not significantly different at 30 or 90 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients treated for an occluded CVC, alteplase‐treated patients had lower daily and total postocclusion costs than patients receiving catheter replacement. Cost differences were mainly driven by lower operating room/surgery, radiology, and supplier costs. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:490–496. © 2014 The Authors Journal of Hospital Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Hospital Medicine
Conversion of Aβ43 to Aβ40 by the successive action of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 and angiotensin‐converting enzyme
Authors: Liu Shuyu , Liu Junjun , Miura Yukie , Tanabe Chiaki , Maeda Tomoji , Terayama Yasuo , Turner Anthony J. , Zou Kun , Komano Hiroto
Published: May 2014

The longer and neurotoxic species of amyloid‐β protein (Aβ), Aβ42 and Aβ43, contribute to Aβ accumulation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis and are considered to be the primary cause of the disease. In contrast, the predominant secreted form of Aβ, Aβ40, inhibits amyloid deposition and may have neuroprotective effects. We have reported that angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) converts Aβ42 to Aβ40 and that Aβ43 is the earliest‐depositing Aβ species in the amyloid precursor protein transgenic mouse brain. Here we found that Aβ43 can be converted to Aβ42 and to Aβ40 in mouse brain lysate. We further identified the brain Aβ43‐to‐Aβ42‐converting enzyme as ACE2. The purified human ACE2 converted Aβ43 to Aβ42, and this activity was inhibited by a specific ACE2 inhibitor, DX600. Notably, the combination of ACE2 and ACE could convert Aβ43 to Aβ40. Our results indicate that the longer, neurotoxic forms of Aβ can be converted to the shorter, less toxic or neuroprotective forms of Aβ by ACE2 and ACE. Moreover, we found that ACE2 activity showed a tendency to decrease in the serum of AD patients compared with normal controls, suggesting an association between lower ACE2 activity and AD. Thus, maintaining brain ACE2 and ACE activities may be important for preventing brain amyloid neurotoxicity and deposition in Alzheimer's disease. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Contributions of precipitation, irrigation and soil water to evapotranspiration in (semi)‐arid regions
Authors: Moiwo Juana Paul , Tao Fulu
Published: May 2014

Evapotranspiration (ET) is the largest mode of water loss in cultivated (semi)‐arid regions. Isolating the fractions of ET contributed by various components of the water budget is critical not only for water resources management, but also for sustainable crop production, food security and social stability. This study quantifies the fractions of ET from precipitation, irrigation and soil water in the North China Plain (NCP) – a major crop production base in China. About 24 consecutive years (288 months) of hydroclimatic data (spanning from January 1985 to December 2008) are used in the study. The data are derived from Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) input/output products and field‐measured data in the region. Error analysis suggests that uncertainties/biases in the data products are low, with good correlations among the data products. In the NCP study area, precipitation is the highest contributor to ET (39.0%, 318.2 mm), followed by soil water (36.3%, 296.2 mm) and then irrigation (24.7%, 201.5 mm). This is respectively the equivalent of 29.7, 43.9 and 66.4% of average soil water, irrigation and precipitation in the region. Precipitation (as the highest contributor) drives the overall trend, amplitude and phase of ET in the study area. While the contribution of precipitation is highest in the wet summer cropping season, the contributions of irrigation and soil water are highest in the relatively dry spring cropping season. It is vital to devise more efficient ET‐reduction strategies to ensure sustainability in water use, food security, ecological protection and social stability in the region and beyond.
A locking‐free selective smoothed finite element method using tetrahedral and triangular elements with adaptive mesh rezoning for large deformation problems
Authors: Onishi Y. , Amaya K.
Published: May 2014

A novel finite element (FE) formulation with adaptive mesh rezoning for large deformation problems is proposed. The proposed method takes the advantage of the selective smoothed FE method (S‐FEM), which has been recently developed as a locking‐free FE formulation with strain smoothing technique. We adopt the selective face‐based smoothed/node‐based smoothed FEM (FS/NS‐FEM‐T4) and edge‐based smoothed/node‐based smoothed FEM (ES/NS‐FEM‐T3) basically but modify them partly so that our method can handle any kind of material constitutive models other than elastic models. We also present an adaptive mesh rezoning method specialized for our S‐FEM formulation with material constitutive models in total form. Because of the modification of the selective S‐FEMs and specialization of adaptive mesh rezoning, our method is locking‐free for severely large deformation problems even with the use of tetrahedral and triangular meshes. The formulation details for static implicit analysis and several examples of analysis of the proposed method are presented in this paper to demonstrate its efficiency. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High normal post‐load plasma glucose, cardiometabolic risk factors and signs of organ damage in obese children
Authors: Di Bonito Procolo , Licenziati Maria Rosaria , Baroni Marco Giorgio , Congiu Tiziana , Incani Michela , Iannuzzi Arcangelo , Maffeis Claudio , Perrone Laura , Valerio Giuliana , Del Giudice Emanuele Miraglia
Published: May 2014

Objective

To evaluate normoglycemic overweight/obese (Ow/Ob) children whose post‐load plasma glucose (2hPG) cut‐point may be significantly associated with cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) and whether this cut‐point predicts preclinical signs of organ damage.

Methods

One thousand seven hundred and thrity four normoglycemic Ow/Ob children were stratified into quintiles of 2hPG, the sixth group was constituted by 101 children with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

Results

Moving from the lower quintiles of 2hPG to IGT, the groups differed for Prepubertal stage, BMI, fasting PG, insulin levels, blood pressure, and lipids. To evaluate the best cut‐off of 2hPG related to CMRFs, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the Youden's index was calculated. Insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and high triglyceride/HDL‐C ratio were associated with a 2hPG cut‐off of 110 mg/dl. Children with 2hPG ≥110 mg/dl showed 1.3‐3.2 fold higher risk to have high levels of ALT (as surrogate of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) or increased carotid intima‐media thickness.

Conclusions

This study, performed in a large cohort of Ow/Ob children, shows that an atherogenic risk profile and preclinical signs of organ damage are associated with post‐challenge elevations in plasma glucose still considered in the high normal range.
SKA1 over‐expression promotes centriole over‐duplication, centrosome amplification and prostate tumourigenesis
Authors: Li Jia , Xuan Jim W , Khatamianfar Vida , Valiyeva Fatma , Moussa Madeleine , Sadek Andrew , Yang Burton B , Dong Bai‐Jun , Huang Yi‐Ran , Gao Wei‐Qiang
Published: May 2014

Although spindle‐ and kinetochore‐associated protein 1 (Ska1) has previously been identified as essential for proper chromosome segregation, it is unknown whether it plays a role in tumour development. Here, we report that Ska1 over‐expression promotes prostate tumourigenesis. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT–PCR analysis revealed that Ska1 was over‐expressed in human prostatic intra‐epithelial neoplasia (PIN), the most likely prostate cancer precursor, and adenocarcinomas. Up‐regulation of Ska1 protein was also found to be tumour‐specific in breast, lung and other common human cancers. Importantly, prostate‐specific up‐regulation of Ska1 in a transgenic mouse model resulted in spontaneous tumourigenesis. Furthermore, in addition to its abundance in spindle microtubules and the outer kinetochore interface during mitosis, Ska1 was enriched at centrosomes in cultured cells. Depletion of Ska1 caused a failure of centrosome duplication, whilst Ska1 over‐expression led to centrosome amplification in human prostate epithelial cells via the induction of centriole over‐duplication. These epithelial cells harbouring extra centrosomes switched from a non‐tumourigenic to a tumourigenic state in nude mice. Taken together, these data indicate that Ska1 over‐expression promotes tumourigenesis. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Processing, characterization, and erosion wear characteristics of borosilicate glass microspheres filled epoxy composites
Authors: Gupta Gaurav , Satapathy Alok
Published: May 2014

In spite of significant research done in the field of particulate filled polymeric composites, reports on polymers filled with glass microspheres have been extremely rare. In view of this, the present work includes the processing, characterization, and erosion wear response of a new class of epoxy composites filled with different proportions of borosilicate glass microspheres. Hand lay‐up technique is used for making these composites in a laboratory scale. Various physical and mechanical properties are evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions. It is found that while the tensile and flexural strength are marginally influenced, the impact strength is improved quite significantly. Besides, multifold enhancement in composite microhardness is also noticed. Erosion trials are made as per the experimental design based on Taguchi's L16 orthogonal array. Parametric appraisal of erosion process is made and influential parameters affecting the wear rate predominantly are identified. The results indicate that erosion wear rate of these composites is influenced more significantly by impact velocity and filler content respectively compared to others factors. The eroded composite samples are studied using scanning electron microscopy and possible wear mechanisms are discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1685–1692, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Association between calcium channel blockers and breast cancer: a meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Chen Qi , Zhang Qianwen , Zhong Fei , Guo Shiwei , Jin Zhichao , Shi Wentao , Chen Chen , He Jia
Published: May 2014

Objective

To investigate the association between calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and increased risk of breast cancer.

Methods

Using terms related to breast cancer and CCB, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies on CCB use and the associated risk of breast cancer published before July 2013. Two evaluators independently selected observational studies on the basis of predetermined selection criteria, and 11 studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Summary estimates were obtained using fixed‐effects or random‐effects models as appropriate, and subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias tests were performed.

Results

Our meta‐analysis consisted of 11 studies, including four case–controls, two nested case–controls, and five cohort studies. The odds ratios (ORs) of the association between CCB use and breast cancer were 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93–1.33) overall, 1.04 (95%CI 0.92–1.18) for prospective studies, and 1.33 (95%CI 0.79–2.25) for retrospective studies. There was a positive association between immediate‐release CCB use and risk of breast cancer (OR 1.88, 95%CI 1.37–2.60).

Conclusions

There is no evidence that CCB use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. However, there may be a positive association between immediate‐release CCB use and risk of breast cancer, but given the current preference for use of sustained‐release CCB, the potential clinical impact of this association is limited. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of empirical rule of linearly correlated peptide selection (ERLPS) for proteotypic peptide‐based quantitative proteomics
Authors: Liu Kehui , Zhang Jiyang , Fu Bin , Xie Hongwei , Wang Yingchun , Qian Xiaohong
Published: May 2014

Precise protein quantification is essential in comparative proteomics. Currently, quantification bias is inevitable when using proteotypic peptide‐based quantitative proteomics strategy for the differences in peptides measurability. To improve quantification accuracy, we proposed an “empirical rule for linearly correlated peptide selection (ERLPS)” in quantitative proteomics in our previous work. However, a systematic evaluation on general application of ERLPS in quantitative proteomics under diverse experimental conditions needs to be conducted. In this study, the practice workflow of ERLPS was explicitly illustrated; different experimental variables, such as, different MS systems, sample complexities, sample preparations, elution gradients, matrix effects, loading amounts, and other factors were comprehensively investigated to evaluate the applicability, reproducibility, and transferability of ERPLS. The results demonstrated that ERLPS was highly reproducible and transferable within appropriate loading amounts and linearly correlated response peptides should be selected for each specific experiment. ERLPS was used to proteome samples from yeast to mouse and human, and in quantitative methods from label‐free to O18/O16‐labeled and SILAC analysis, and enabled accurate measurements for all proteotypic peptide‐based quantitative proteomics over a large dynamic range.
Control of all‐conjugated block copolymer crystallization via thermal and solvent annealing
Authors: Smith Kendall A. , Stewart Bridget , Yager Kevin G. , Strzalka Joseph , Verduzco Rafael
Published: May 2014

Control of the crystallization of conjugated polymers is of critical importance to the performance of organic electronics, such as organic photovoltaic devices, due to the effect on charge separation and transport, particularly for all‐polymer devices. The block copolymer poly(3‐dodecylthiophene)‐block‐poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) (P3DDT‐b‐PF), which has matched crystallization temperatures for each block, is used to study the effects of processing history on resulting crystallization. For longer annealing times and rapid quenching to room temperature, P3DDT crystals are preferred whereas for shorter annealing times and slower quenching, PF crystals are preferred. Both crystal forms are evidenced for long annealing time and slow quenching. Additionally, for room temperature annealing in the presence of a chloroform vapor, PF crystals are found in the PF β phase with the predominant crystal peak oriented perpendicular to the thermally annealed case. These results will provide guidance for optimizing annealing strategies for future donor/acceptor block copolymer photovoltaic devices. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 900–906
Thermoelectric properties of Bi2Te3 microwires
Authors: Konopko L. A. , Nikolaeva A. A. , Huber T. E. , Meglei D. F.
Published: May 2014

We present here a study of electrical and thermoelectric properties of n ‐ and p ‐Bi2Te3 microwires (n ‐type Bi2Te2Se; p ‐type Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3) with different diameters (d =10–20 µm). Cylindrical Bi2Te3 crystals with glass coating were prepared by the liquid phase casting in a glass capillary. The X‐ray studies have shown that the microwire core is in general polycrystal consisting of big disoriented single crystal blocks. Measurements of resistance and thermopower were carried out over a wide range of temperatures (4.2–300 K) and magnetic fields (0–14 T). At 300 K for samples of n ‐ and p ‐type the thermopower S and power factor P.f. = S2σ were (100–140) µV/K, 1.6×10‐3 W/(K2m) and (150–300) µV/K, 4.5×10‐3 W/(K2m), respectively. Magnetic field dependences of Power factor were measured at various temperatures (T =35, 100, 270 K) and different magnetic field orientations. A broad maximum is the dominant feature of the magnetic field dependence of power factor for p‐ type samples, while power factor decreases for n‐ type samples. We have obtained maximum power factor P.f. =6.8×10‐3 W/(K2m) for p ‐type sample at longitudinal magnetic field B =3 T at T =100 K. Shubnikov de Haas oscillations with equal periods ΔB =0.038 T‐1 both in longitudinal and transverse magnetic fields for carriers with mc = 0.15m0 in p ‐type Bi2Te3 microwire were observed. These oscillations could arise from the topological surface states. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Self‐compensation limited conductivity of Cl‐doped CdTe crystals
Authors: Maslyanchuk O. L. , Kosyachenko L. A. , Melnychuk S. V. , Fochuk P. M. , Aoki T.
Published: May 2014

The conductivity of semi‐insulating Cl‐doped CdTe crystals produced by Acrorad Co. Ltd. with a resistivity ρ = (3‐6)×109 Ω·cm (300 K) was investigated. It is shown that the Fermi level in the band gap is located below the Fermi level in intrinsic CdTe which indicates the hole conductivity of the material. The concentration of holes in the studied crystals is determined to be 2‐3 orders of magnitude higher than the concentration of electrons. The statistics of electrons and holes in a semi‐insulating semiconductor containing self‐compensation complexes (centers) is considered bearing in mind that the effect of background impurities and defects in heavily Cl‐doped CdTe crystal is strongly reduced. A method for determining the ionization energy and the compensation degree of deep donors contained in the complexes was applied. It is shown that virtually intrinsic conductivity of the studied CdTe crystals is provided by the donors with ionization energy 0.68‐0.69 eV, whose level is located at 0.05‐0.06 eV above the middle of the band gap. Due to strong compensation, the Fermi level turns out below the middle of the band gap. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Flexible sequential designs for multi‐arm clinical trials
Authors: Magirr D. , Stallard N. , Jaki T.
Published: May 2014

Adaptive designs that are based on group‐sequential approaches have the benefit of being efficient as stopping boundaries can be found that lead to good operating characteristics with test decisions based solely on sufficient statistics. The drawback of these so called ‘pre‐planned adaptive’ designs is that unexpected design changes are not possible without impacting the error rates. ‘Flexible adaptive designs’ on the other hand can cope with a large number of contingencies at the cost of reduced efficiency. In this work, we focus on two different approaches for multi‐arm multi‐stage trials, which are based on group‐sequential ideas, and discuss how these ‘pre‐planned adaptive designs’ can be modified to allow for flexibility. We then show how the added flexibility can be used for treatment selection and sample size reassessment and evaluate the impact on the error rates in a simulation study. The results show that an impressive overall procedure can be found by combining a well chosen pre‐planned design with an application of the conditional error principle to allow flexible treatment selection. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A random testing approach using pushdown automata
Authors: Dreyfus Aloïs , Héam Pierre‐Cyrille , Kouchnarenko Olga , Masson Catherine
Published: May 2014

Developing efficient and automatic testing techniques is one of the major challenges faced by the software validation community. Recent work by A. Denise et al. shows how to draw traces uniformly at random for testing large systems modelled by finite automata. Because finite automata are strong abstractions of systems, many test cases generated following this approach may be unconcretizable, that is, they do not correspond to any concrete execution of the system under test. In this paper, this problem is tackled by extending the approach to pushdown systems that can encode either a stack data structure or the call stack. The method is based on context‐free grammars and related algorithms, and relies on combinatorial techniques to guarantee the uniformity of generated traces. In addition, the combination of coverage criteria with random testing is investigated to benefit from both approaches for evaluating the quality of the test suites. The application of the random approach is illustrated within both structural and model‐based testing contexts. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Post‐transcriptional regulation in root development
Authors: Stauffer Eva , Maizel Alexis
Published: May 2014

Plants constantly adapt their root system to the changing environmental conditions. This developmental plasticity is underpinned by changes in the profile of the mRNA expressed. Here we review how post‐transcriptional modulation of gene expression control root development and growth. In particular we focus on the role of small RNA‐mediated post‐transcriptional regulation processes. Small RNAs play an important role in fine tuning gene expression during root formation and patterning, development of lateral organs and symbiosis, nutrient homeostasis, and other stress‐related responses. We also highlight the impact of alternative splicing on root development and the establishment of symbiotic structures as well as the emerging role of long noncoding RNAs in root physiology. WIREs RNA 2014, 5:679–696. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1239

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Biogenesis of Effector Small RNAs

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Treatment Strategy to Improve Long‐Term Survival for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Smaller than 5 cm: Major Hepatectomy vs Minor Hepatectomy
Authors: Wong Tiffany Cho Lam , Cheung Tan To , Chok Kenneth S. H. , Chan Albert C. Y. , Dai Wing Chiu , Chan See Ching , Poon Ronnie T. P. , Lo Chung Mau
Published: May 2014

Background

The extent of hepatectomy for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) <5 cm is controversial.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of patients with solitary HCC <5 cm, who underwent liver resection in a tertiary referral centre in Hong Kong between January 1989 and December 2009. Baseline demographics, liver function, peri‐operative outcomes, and overall survival were compared.

Results

A total of 348 cirrhotic patients with a solitary HCC <5 cm underwent either major hepatectomy (n = 93) or minor hepatectomy (n = 255). Child‐Pugh status did not differ, 98.9 vs. 96.1 % (p = 0.319); all patients who underwent major and minor hepatectomy were classified as Child‐Pugh status A. Patients who underwent major hepatectomy had a larger median tumor size (4.0 vs. 2.5 cm, p < 0.001) and they also had more advanced stage of disease (stage I/II/IIIa: 10.8/55.9/33.3 vs. 26.7/52.9/20.4 %, p = 0.002). Median operative time for major hepatectomy was significantly longer (415 vs. 248 min, p < 0.001) and entailed greater blood loss (0.9 vs. 0.5 l, p < 0.001). Despite larger tumor size and more advanced stage of disease in the major hepatectomy group, hospital mortality (5.4 vs. 2.0 %, p = 0.185), complication rates (30.1 vs. 23.1 %, p = 0.234), and transfusion rate (10.8 vs. 11.4 %, p = 0.862) were the same between the two groups. Overall survival was significantly better for those who underwent major hepatectomy, with a median survival of 147.5 vs. 92.1 months (p = 0.043), and they had a better 5‐ and 10‐year disease‐free survival rate (57.3 vs. 40.2, 38.1 vs. 18.9 %, p = 0.003). In subgroup analysis, the 10‐year survival for patients with stage II HCC and tumor <5 cm was 68.6 vs. 36.6 % in those who received minor hepatectomy alone (p = 0.027).

Conclusions

Major hepatectomy provided better long‐term survival benefit in patients with HCC <5 cm, particularly in those with stage II disease.
Congenital disorders of glycosylation: new defects and still counting
Authors: Scott Kyle , Gadomski Therese , Kozicz Tamas , Morava Eva
Published: May 2014

Almost 50 inborn errors of metabolism have been described due to congenital defects in N‐linked glycosylation. These phenotypically diverse disorders typically present as clinical syndromes #Affecting multiple systems including the central nervous system, muscle function, transport, regulation, immunity, endocrine system, and coagulation. An increasing number of disorders have been discovered using novel techniques that combine glycobiology with next‐generation sequencing or use tandem mass spectrometry in combination with molecular gene‐hunting techniques. The number of “classic” congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs) due to N‐linked glycosylation defects is still rising. Eight novel CDGs affecting N‐linked glycans were discovered in 2013 alone. Newly discovered genes teach us about the significance of glycosylation in cell–cell interaction, signaling, organ development, cell survival, and mosaicism, in addition to the consequences of abnormal glycosylation for muscle function. We have learned how important glycosylation is in posttranslational modification and how glycosylation defects can imitate recognizable, previously described phenotypes. In many CDG subtypes, patients unexpectedly presented with long‐term survival, whereas some others presented with nonsyndromic intellectual disability. In this review, recently discovered N‐linked CDGs are described, with a focus on clinical presentations and therapeutic ideas. A diagnostic approach in unsolved N‐linked CDG cases with abnormal transferrin screening results is also suggested.
Route of delivery following successful external cephalic version
Authors: Policiano Catarina , Costa Ana , Valentim‐Lourenço Alexandre , Clode Nuno , Graça Luís M.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To evaluate the delivery route and the indications for cesarean delivery after successful external cephalic version (ECV).

Methods

A retrospective matched case–control study was conducted at a hospital in Lisbon, Portugal, between 2002 and 2012. Each woman who underwent successful ECV (n = 44) was compared with the previous and next women who presented for labor management and who had the same parity and a singleton vertex pregnancy at term (n = 88). The outcome measures were route of delivery, indications for cesarean delivery, and incidence of nonreassuring fetal status.

Results

Attempts at ECV were successful in 62 (46%) of 134 women, and 44 women whose fetuses remained in a cephalic presentation until delivery were included in the study. The rates of intrapartum cesarean delivery and operative vaginal delivery did not differ significantly between cases and controls (intrapartum cesarean delivery, 9 [20%] vs 16 [18%], P = 0.75; operative vaginal delivery, 14 [32%] vs 19 [22%], P = 0.20). The indications for cesarean delivery after successful ECV did not differ; in both groups, cesarean delivery was mainly performed for labor arrest disorders (cases, 6 [67%] vs controls, 13 [81%]; P = 0.63).

Conclusion

Successful ECV was not associated with increased rates of intrapartum cesarean delivery or operative vaginal delivery.
Electro-osmotic flow through a nanopore
Authors: Mao M. , Sherwood J. D. , Ghosal S.
Published: May 2014

Electro-osmotic pumping of fluid through a nanopore that traverses an insulating membrane is considered. The density of surface charge on the membrane is assumed to be uniform and sufficiently low for the Poisson–Boltzmann equation to be linearized. The reciprocal theorem gives the flow rate generated by an applied weak electric field, expressed as an integral over the fluid volume. For a circular hole in a membrane of zero thickness, an analytical result is possible up to quadrature. For a membrane of arbitrary thickness, the full Poisson–Nernst–Planck–Stokes system of equations is solved numerically using a finite volume method. The numerical solution agrees with the standard analytical result for electro-osmotic flux through a long cylindrical pore when the membrane thickness is large compared to the hole diameter. When the membrane thickness is small, the flow rate agrees with that calculated using the reciprocal theorem.
Asymptotic theory for a bathtub vortex in a rotating tank
Authors: Foster M. R.
Published: May 2014

Fluid entering the periphery of a cylindrical tank mounted on a rotating table is pumped inwards toward a central, floor drain by a potential vortex that is established in the fluid interior. We present here an asymptotic theory for small Rossby and Ekman numbers, including detailed solutions in the vortex core. Results for azimuthal velocity variation with radius agree quite well with the experiments of Andersen et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 556, 2006, pp. 121–146), in spite of their free upper boundary. Modifications of the flow are presented in the instance that a short cylinder is place on the tank axis as in the work of Chen et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 733, 2013, pp. 134–157). The overall flow structure found here is exactly that noted by both Andersen et al. and Chen et al.