bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is clinical stage T2c prostate cancer an intermediate‐ or high‐risk disease?
Authors: Klaassen Zachary , Singh Abhay A. , Howard Lauren E. , Feng Zhaoyong , Trock Bruce , Terris Martha K. , Aronson William J. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Amling Christopher L. , Kane Christopher J. , Partin Alan , Han Misop , Freedland Stephen J.
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Clinical stage T2c (cT2c) is an indeterminate factor in prostate cancer (PC) risk stratification. According to the D'Amico grouping and American Urological Association guidelines, cT2c is a high risk, whereas the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the European Urological Association classify cT2c as an intermediate risk. This study assessed whether cT2c tumors without other high‐risk factors (clinical stage T2c, not otherwise specified [cT2c‐NOS]) behaved as an intermediate or high risk through an analysis of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy.

METHODS

Two thousand seven hundred fifty‐nine men from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) Database and 12,900 men from Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH) from 1988‐2011 and 1982‐2012, respectively, were analyzed. Patients were grouped into low‐risk (prostate‐specific antigen [PSA] < 10 ng/mL, Gleason sum ≤ 6, and cT1‐T2a), intermediate‐risk (PSA = 10‐20 ng/mL, Gleason sum = 7, or cT2b), and high‐risk PC categories (PSA > 20 ng/mL, Gleason sum = 8‐10, or cT3). Men with cT2c tumors who were not otherwise at high risk (ie, PSA< 20 ng/mL and Gleason sum < 8) were placed into a separate category termed cT2c‐NOS. Associations between cT2c‐NOS and intermediate‐ and high‐risk patients and BCR were tested with the log‐rank test and Cox proportional analysis models.

RESULTS

Ninety‐nine men (4%) from SEARCH and 202 men (2%) from JHH had tumors classified as cT2c‐NOS. The cT2c‐NOS patients had a BCR risk similar to that of the intermediate‐risk patients (SEARCH, P = .27; JHH, P = .23) but a significantly lower BCR risk in comparison with the high‐risk patients (SEARCH, P < .001; JHH, P < .001). When they were specifically compared with intermediate‐ and high‐risk patients, after adjustments for year and center, cT2c‐NOS patients had outcomes comparable to those of intermediate‐risk patients (SEARCH, P = .53; JHH, P = .54) but significantly better than those of high‐risk patients (SEARCH, P = .003; JHH, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with cT2c disease without other high‐risk features had outcomes similar to the outcomes of patients with intermediate‐risk PC and significantly better than the outcomes of patients with high‐risk PC. These findings suggest that men with cT2c disease should be considered to be at intermediate risk. Cancer 2015;121:1414–1421. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Which are more correctly diagnosed: Conventional Papanicolaou smears or Thinprep samples? A comparative study of 9 years of external quality‐assurance testing
Authors: Cummings Margaret C. , Marquart Louise , Pelecanos Anita M. , Perkins Gail , Papadimos David , O'Rourke Peter , Ross Jennifer A.
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Cytopathology Quality Assurance Program offers external testing in gynecologic cytology to Australasian and international laboratories. Laboratory interpretation of conventional Papanicolaou (Pap) smears is compared with interpretation of liquid‐based cervical cytologic (ThinPrep) samples.

METHODS

Conventional Pap smears and ThinPrep samples were distributed to participating laboratories annually over 9 years (from 2004 to 2012), and a range of entities was tested. Target responses and major error rates and diagnostic trends over time were explored.

RESULTS

In total, 23,373 conventional Pap smears and 14,104 ThinPrep samples were reported. Both Australasian (P = .003) and international (P < .001) laboratories achieved a higher percentage of the target diagnosis of squamous dysplasia with ThinPrep samples. Australasian laboratories more accurately diagnosed endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ with conventional smears (P = .036), whereas international laboratories performed better with ThinPrep samples (P = .006). Sampling of the lower uterine segment was more accurately diagnosed by both Australasian (P < .001) and international (P = .001) laboratories using conventional Pap smears. Significant improvements in achieving the target diagnosis over time for squamous dysplasias using both modalities were observed for Australasian and international laboratories (P < .001 for both). There was improvement in diagnosing high sampling using ThinPrep for both groups (P = .001 and P = .015, respectively). Australasian performance declined over time in reaching the target of normal (no infections) for both conventional (P = .001) and ThinPrep (P < .001) techniques and for international laboratories with the ThinPrep technique (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Participation in external proficiency testing in cervical cytology allows an analysis of performance, the identification of areas of diagnostic difficulty, a review of trends over time, and the highlighting of topics for ongoing education. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015;123:108–116. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Ionic Fragmentation Mechanisms of 2,2,2‐Trifluoroethanol Following Excitation with Synchrotron Radiation
Authors: Bava Yanina B. , Berrueta Martínez Yanina , Moreno Betancourt Angélica , Erben Mauricio F. , Cavasso Filho Reinaldo L. , Della Védova Carlos O. , Romano Rosana M.
Published: December 2014

Gaseous 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFE) is excited with synchrotron radiation between 10 and 1000 eV and the ejected electrons and positive ions are detected in coincidence. In the valence‐electron energy region, the most abundant species is CH2OH+. Other fragments, including ions produced by atomic rearrangements, are also detected; the most abundant are COH+, CFH2+ and CF2H2+. The energies of electronic transitions from C 1 s, O 1 s and F 1 s orbitals to vacant molecular orbitals are determined. A site‐specific C 1 s excitation is observed. The photofragmentation mechanisms after the excitation of core‐shell electrons are inferred from analysis of the shape and slope of the coincidence between two charged fragments in the bi‐dimensional coincidence spectra. The spectra are dominated by islands that correspond to the coincidence of H+ with several charged fragments. One of the most important channels leads to the formation of CH2OH+ and CF3+ in a concerted mechanism.
Controlled Tautomeric Switching in Azonaphthols Tuned by Substituents on the Phenyl Ring
Authors: Antonov Liudmil , Deneva Vera , Simeonov Svilen , Kurteva Vanya , Crochet Aurelien , Fromm Katharina M. , Shivachev Boris , Nikolova Rositsa , Savarese Marika , Adamo Carlo
Published: December 2014

A series of new tautomeric azonaphthols are synthesized and the possibilities for molecular switching are investigated using molecular spectroscopy, X‐ray analysis and density functional theory quantum chemical calculations. Two opposite effects that influence switching are studied: attaching a piperidine sidearm, and adding substituents to the phenyl ring. On the one hand, the attached piperidine moiety stabilizes the enol form leading to a controlled shift of the equilibrium upon protonation. On the other hand, the relative stability of the azonaphthol tautomers strongly depends on the effects of the substituents on the phenyl ring: electron donors tend to stabilize the enol tautomer, whereas electron acceptors lead to stabilization of the keto form. However, these effects do not shift fully the equilibrium towards either of the tautomers. Nevertheless, the effect of the substituents can be an additional tool to affect the switching between “on” and “off” states. Electron‐withdrawing substituents stabilize the keto form and impede switching to the off state, whereas electron donors stabilize the enol form. The effect of the piperidine unit is dominant overall, and with strongly electron‐withdrawing substituents at the phenyl ring, the enol form exists as a zwitterion.
Improved Sensitivity for Imaging Spin Trapped Hydroxyl Radical at 250 MHz
Authors: Biller Joshua R. , Tseitlin Mark , Mitchell Deborah G. , Yu Zhelin , Buchanan Laura A. , Elajaili Hanan , Rosen Gerald M. , Kao Joseph P. Y. , Eaton Sandra S. , Eaton Gareth R.
Published: December 2014

Radicals, including hydroxyl, superoxide, and nitric oxide, play key signaling roles in vivo. Reaction of these free radicals with a spin trap affords more stable paramagnetic nitroxides, but concentrations in vivo still are so low that detection by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is challenging. Three innovative enabling technologies have been combined to substantially improve sensitivity for imaging spin‐trapped radicals at 250 MHz. 1) Spin‐trapped adducts of BMPO have lifetimes that are long enough to make imaging by EPR at 250 MHz feasible. 2) The signal‐to‐noise ratio of rapid‐scan EPR is substantially higher than for conventional continuous‐wave EPR. 3) An improved algorithm permits image reconstruction with a spectral dimension that encompasses the full 50 G spectrum of the BMPO–OH spin adduct without requiring the wide sweeps that would be needed for filtered backprojection. A 2D spectral–spatial image is shown for a phantom containing ca. 5 μM BMPO–OH.
Analysis and design of a high‐compliance ultra‐high output resistance current mirror employing positive shunt feedback
Authors: Maghami Mohammad Hossein , Sodagar Amir M. , Sawan Mohamad
Published: December 2014

This paper reports a novel high‐compliance, very accurate and ultra‐high output resistance current mirror. These features are achieved by employing a combination of negative and positive feedbacks in the proposed circuit. This makes the proposed current mirror unique in gathering ultra‐high output resistance, high compliance, and high accuracy ever demanded merits. The principle of operation of this structure is discussed, its main formulas are derived and its outstanding performance is verified by Cadence post‐layout simulations. Designed in the IBM 130‐nm standard CMOS process, the circuit consumes 230 × 110 µm2 of silicon area. Post‐layout simulation results indicate that with a 3.3‐V power supply, output voltage compliance of 0.93VSupply is achieved at a maximum output current of 96 μA. Moreover, an extremely ultra‐high output resistance of 320 GΩ is achieved, which is one of the highest reported values of output resistance for current mirrors implemented using regular CMOS technology. The −3 dB upper cut‐off frequency of the proposed circuit is 100 MHz and the output/input current transfer error is 0.1%. The whole circuit, including bias circuitry, consumes 0.57 mW when delivering 96 μA to the load. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microfluidic device for a rapid immobilization of Zebrafish larvae in environmental scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Akagi Jin , Zhu Feng , Skommer Joanna , Hall Chris J. , Crosier Philip S. , Cialkowski Michal , Wlodkowic Donald
Published: December 2014

Small vertebrate model organisms have recently gained popularity as attractive experimental models that enhance our understanding of human tissue and organ development. Despite a large body of evidence using optical spectroscopy for the characterization of small model organism on chip‐based devices, no attempts have been so far made to interface microfabricated technologies with environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Conventional scanning electron microscopy requires high vacuum environments and biological samples must be, therefore, submitted to many preparative procedures to dehydrate, fix, and subsequently stain the sample with gold–palladium deposition. This process is inherently low‐throughput and can introduce many analytical artifacts. This work describes a proof‐of‐concept microfluidic chip‐based system for immobilizing zebrafish larvae for ESEM imaging that is performed in a gaseous atmosphere, under low vacuum mode and without any need for sample staining protocols. The microfabricated technology provides a user‐friendly and simple interface to perform ESEM imaging on zebrafish larvae. Presented lab‐on‐a‐chip device was fabricated using a high‐speed infrared laser micromachining in a biocompatible poly(methyl methacrylate) thermoplastic. It consisted of a reservoir with multiple semispherical microwells designed to hold the yolk of dechorionated zebrafish larvae. Immobilization of the larvae was achieved by a gentle suction generated during blotting of the medium. Trapping region allowed for multiple specimens to be conveniently positioned on the chip‐based device within few minutes for ESEM imaging. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Spatiotemporal integration of developmental cues in neural development
Authors: Borodinsky Laura N. , Belgacem Yesser H. , Swapna Immani , Visina Olesya , Balashova Olga A. , Sequerra Eduardo B. , Tu Michelle K. , Levin Jacqueline B. , Spencer Kira A. , Castro Patricio A. , Hamilton Andrew M. , Shim Sangwoo
Published: December 2014

Nervous system development relies on the generation of neurons, their differentiation and establishment of synaptic connections. These events exhibit remarkable plasticity and are regulated by many developmental cues. Here, we review the mechanisms of three classes of these cues: morphogenetic proteins, electrical activity, and the environment. We focus on second messenger dynamics and their role as integrators of the action of diverse cues, enabling plasticity in the process of neural development. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 349–359, 2015
CNS myelination requires cytoplasmic dynein function
Authors: Yang Michele L. , Shin Jimann , Kearns Christina A. , Langworthy Melissa M. , Snell Heather , Walker Macie B. , Appel Bruce
Published: December 2014

Background: Cytoplasmic dynein provides the main motor force for minus‐end‐directed transport of cargo on microtubules. Within the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS), proliferation, neuronal migration, and retrograde axon transport are among the cellular functions known to require dynein. Accordingly, mutations of DYNC1H1, which encodes the heavy chain subunit of cytoplasmic dynein, have been linked to developmental brain malformations and axonal pathologies. Oligodendrocytes, the myelinating glial cell type of the CNS, migrate from their origins to their target axons and subsequently extend multiple long processes that ensheath axons with specialized insulating membrane. These processes are filled with microtubules, which facilitate molecular transport of myelin components. However, whether oligodendrocytes require cytoplasmic dynein to ensheath axons with myelin is not known. Results: We identified a mutation of zebrafish dync1h1 in a forward genetic screen that caused a deficit of oligodendrocytes. Using in vivo imaging and gene expression analyses, we additionally found evidence that dync1h1 promotes axon ensheathment and myelin gene expression. Conclusions: In addition to its well known roles in axon transport and neuronal migration, cytoplasmic dynein contributes to neural development by promoting myelination. Developmental Dynamics 244:134–145, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo loss of function study reveals the short stature homeobox‐containing (shox) gene plays indispensable roles in early embryonic growth and bone formation in zebrafish
Authors: Sawada Rie , Kamei Hiroyasu , Hakuno Fumihiko , Takahashi Shin‐Ichiro , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: December 2014

Background: Congenital loss of the SHOX gene is considered to be a genetic cause of short stature phenotype in Turner syndrome and Leri‐Weill dyschondrosteosis patients. Though SHOX expression initiates during early fetal development, little is known about the embryonic roles of SHOX. The evolutionary conservation of the zebrafish shox gene and the convenience of the early developmental stages for analyses make zebrafish a preferred model. Here, we characterized structure, expression, and developmental roles of zebrafish shox through a loss‐of‐function approach. Results: We found a previously undiscovered Shox protein that has both a homeodomain and an OAR‐domain in zebrafish. The shox transcript emerged during the segmentation period and it increased in later stages. The predominant domains of shox expression were mandibular arch, pectoral fin, anterior notochord, rhombencephalon, and mesencephalon, suggesting that Shox is involved in bone and neural development. Translational blockade of Shox mRNA by an antisense morpholino oligo delayed embryonic growth, which was restored by the co‐overexpression of morpholino‐resistant Shox mRNA. At later stages, impaired Shox expression markedly delayed the calcification process in the anterior vertebral column and craniofacial bones. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate evolutionarily conserved Shox plays roles in early embryonic growth and in later bone formation. Developmental Dynamics 244:146–156, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MitochondrialDNAanalysis reveals hidden genetic diversity in captive populations of the threatened American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) in Colombia
Authors: Bloor Paul , Ibáñez Carolina , Viloria‐Lagares Thomas A.
Published: December 2014

Identification of units within species worthy of separate management consideration is an important area within conservation. MitochondrialDNA(mtDNA) surveys can potentially contribute to this by identifying phylogenetic and population structure below the species level. The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is broadly distributed throughout the Neotropics. Its numbers have been reduced severely with the species threatened throughout much of its distribution. In Colombia, the release of individuals from commercial captive populations has emerged as a possible conservation strategy that could contribute to species recovery. However, no studies have addressed levels of genetic differentiation or diversity withinC. acutusin Colombia, thus complicating conservation and management decisions. Here, sequence variation was studied in mtDNAcytochromeband cytochrome oxidase I gene sequences in three Colombian captive populations ofC. acutus. Two distinct lineages were identified:C. acutus‐I, corresponding to haplotypes from Colombia and closely related Central American haplotypes; andC. acutus‐II, corresponding to all remaining haplotypes from Colombia. Comparison with findings from other studies indicates the presence of a single “northern” lineage (corresponding toC. acutus‐I) distributed from North America (southern Florida), through Central America and into northern South America. The absence ofC. acutus‐IIhaplotypes from North and Central America indicates that theC. acutus‐IIlineage probably represents a separate South American lineage. There appears to be sufficient divergence between lineages to suggest that they could represent two distinct evolutionary units. We suggest that this differentiation needs to be recognized for conservation purposes because it clearly contributes to the overall genetic diversity of the species. All Colombian captive populations included in this study contained a mixture of representatives of both lineages. As such, we recommend against the use of captive‐bred individuals for conservation strategies until further genetic information is available.
Vegetation changes associated with a population irruption by Roosevelt elk
Authors: Starns Heath D. , Weckerly Floyd W. , Ricca Mark A. , Duarte Adam
Published: December 2014

Interactions between large herbivores and their food supply are central to the study of population dynamics. We assessed temporal and spatial patterns in meadow plant biomass over a 23‐year period for meadow complexes that were spatially linked to three distinct populations of Roosevelt elk (Cervus elaphus roosevelti) in northwestern California. Our objectives were to determine whether the plant community exhibited a tolerant or resistant response when elk population growth became irruptive. Plant biomass for the three meadow complexes inhabited by the elk populations was measured using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which was derived from Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper imagery. Elk populations exhibited different patterns of growth through the time series, whereby one population underwent a complete four‐stage irruptive growth pattern while the other two did not. Temporal changes in NDVI for the meadow complex used by the irruptive population suggested a decline in forage biomass during the end of the dry season and a temporal decline in spatial variation of NDVI at the peak of plant biomass in May. Conversely, no such patterns were detected in the meadow complexes inhabited by the nonirruptive populations. Our findings suggest that the meadow complex used by the irruptive elk population may have undergone changes in plant community composition favoring plants that were resistant to elk grazing.
Assessing CO2 sink/source strength of a degraded temperate peatland: atmospheric and hydrological drivers and responses to extreme events
Authors: Evrendilek Fatih
Published: December 2014

Monthly mean sink/source strength pattern of a degraded temperate peatland in northwestern Turkey was quantified using the eddy covariance technique between July 2010 and February 2014. Atmospheric and hydrological drivers and responses to extreme events of sink/source strength were analysed using multiple linear regression models, support vector machine, multilayer perceptron with principal component analysis and multiple comparisons following general linear models. On the basis of the three full‐year measurements, mean annual, growing season and maximum estimates of net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) were −0.22 mg CO2 m−2 s−1, −0.28 mg CO2 m−2 s−1 and −0.11 mg CO2 m−2 s−1 in July, respectively. The main driver of changes in monthly mean NEE pattern was found to be latent heat flux. Independent validation results showed a similar predictive performance (r2 = 74%) of multiple linear regression and support vector machine models as a function of month, total rainfall, water table depth, relative humidity, latent heat, atmospheric water vapour, wind direction and downwelling shortwave radiation. A shift in NEE from a net sink to a net source was observed in response to the deepest and shallowest water table depths due to drought and flooding, respectively. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Root uptake under non‐uniform root‐zone salinity
Authors: Coppola Antonio , Chaali Nesrine , Dragonetti Giovanna , Lamaddalena Nicola , Comegna Alessandro
Published: December 2014

Reliable parameterizations of water uptake under osmotic stresses depend on the appropriate description of the interacting effects of root distribution and activity over the root zone. These effects should be evaluated under transient salinity conditions. To show that, a crop was irrigated with three salinity inputs using a randomized block design. Root‐zone water storage and pressure heads measured at the bottom of the root zone allowed to calculate the evapotranspiration under the different salinity levels imposed. Root densities were measured by direct sampling twice during the growth season. Transpiration was distributed along the root zone according to a Feddes‐type sink term and a reduction function accounting for osmotic stress. These data allowed evaluating the effects on the reduction function of (1) the actual salinity and root distributions under different osmotic stress and (2) discontinuous osmotic stress conditions occurring locally in the root zone because of salt leaching. When considering the space–time salinity distribution and the specific root distribution, a unique reduction curve was found, independently of the salinity level of the irrigation water. The effect of discontinuous stress was modelled by introducing (1) a hysteretic behaviour in the salinity reduction function, to be applied only to root compartments actually experiencing discontinuous stress and (2) a scaling factor acting on the whole root zone, based on the ratio of the actual (induced by salinity) to the potential root density. Results suggested that the reduction of transpiration under salinity may be partly caused by irreversible physiological adaption of the roots to saline stress and partly by reduced root density. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exercise haemodynamics may unmask the diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction among patients with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Maor Elad , Grossman Yoni , Balmor Ronen Gingy , Segel Michael , Fefer Paul , Ben‐Zekry Sagit , Buber Jonathan , DiSegni Elio , Guetta Victor , Ben‐Dov Issahar , Segev Amit
Published: December 2014

Aims

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction can lead to pulmonary hypertension. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of exercise during right heart catheterization in the unmasking of diastolic dysfunction.

Methods and results

Between 2004 and 2012, 200 symptomatic patients with exertional dyspnoea, preserved left ventricular systolic function and suspected pulmonary hypertension, underwent right heart catheterization. Included in the study were 63 patients with resting pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP) ≤15 mmHg. Patients were divided to three tertiles based on their peak exercise PAWP. Mean age was 60 ± 20 years and 29% were males. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure was 31 ± 14 mmHg at rest and 42 ± 18 mmHg upon exercise. Mean change in PAWP between rest and exercise was 0.0 ± 4.3, 4.6 ± 2.4, and 16.6 ± 7.1 mmHg in the lower, middle, and upper tertiles, respectively (P < 0.001). Higher exercise PAWP tertiles were associated with reduced pulmonary vascular resistance (8.3 ± 6.7, 2.9 ± 2.7, and 5.8 ± 4.6 Woods units, respectively; P = 0.004). A multivariate linear regression model demonstrated that each 5 kg/m2 increase in body mass index was associated with 2.5 ± 1.0 mmHg increase in exercise PAWP (P = 0.017). A multivariate binary logistic model showed that subjects with borderline PAWP at rest (12–15 mmHg) were 4.5 times more likely to be in the upper tertile of exercise PAWP (P = 0.011).

Conclusions

In symptomatic patients with pulmonary hypertension, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and PAWP ≤15 mmHg, exercise during right heart catheterization may unmask diastolic dysfunction. This is especially true for obese patients and patients with borderline resting PAWP.
Enterocolitis causes profound lymphoid depletion in endothelin receptor B‐ and endothelin 3‐null mouse models of Hirschsprung‐associated enterocolitis
Authors: Frykman Philip K. , Cheng Zhi , Wang Xiao , Dhall Deepti
Published: December 2014

Potentially life‐threatening enterocolitis is the most frequent complication in children with colonic aganglionosis (Hirschsprung disease, HSCR), and little is known about the mechanisms leading to enterocolitis. Splenic lymphopenia has been reported in the Endothelin Receptor B (Ednrb)‐null mouse model of HSCR that develops enterocolitis. In this study, we sought to identify molecular mechanisms underlying this immune phenotype. We employed the Ednrb−/− mouse, and the knockout of its ligand, Edn3 (Edn3−/−). The major finding is that enterocolitis in the Ednrb−/− and Edn3−/− mice lead to thymic involution, splenic lymphopenia, and suppression of B lymphopoiesis as a consequence of colonic aganglionosis, not an intrinsic Edn3‐Ednrb signaling defect directly affecting the lymphoid organs. We showed that adoptive transfer of Ednrb−/− marrow repopulated the RAG2‐null mice marrow, thymus and spleen without development of enterocolitis. We identified the glucocorticoid corticosterone, as a potential mediator of the immune phenotype. This previously unrecognized pattern of immune abnormalities in mouse is nearly identical to lymphoid depletion in neonatal sepsis during severe physiological stress, suggesting that the mouse model used here could be also used for sepsis studies.
Alkaline‐Earth (Mg–Ba) Coordination Networks Built Around the Tris(dipicolinato)cerate(3–) Ion: Highly Hydrated Networks That Survive Dehydration
Authors: Elahi S. M. , Rajasekharan M. V.
Published: December 2014

Alkaline‐earth (AE)/cerium(III)‐based heterometallic coordination compounds of the biologically important ligand dipicolinic acid (dipicH2), namely [Mg(H2O)6]2[Ce(dipic)3][Ce(dipic)2(H2O)3]·2H2O (1), [Ca3(H2O)12Ce2(dipic)6]·6H2O (2), [Sr3(H2O)16Ce2(dipic)6]·4H2O (3) and [Ba2(H2O)7Ce(dipic)3NO3]·H2O (4), have been obtained by the reduction of an aqueous solution of (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6·6H2O in the presence of dipicH2 and alkaline‐earth oxides or carbonates. This series demonstrates the role of AE ions in controlling the topology of coordination networks based on the [Ce(dipic)3]3– anion. Compound 1 is a zero‐dimensional ionic compound, the crystal structure of compound 2 is based on a mixed four‐connected 3D network, compound 3 presents ladder‐shaped chains running along a crystallographic axis, and layers of squeezed CeBa6 pentagonal pyramids interconnected by nitrates generate a mixed five‐ and six‐connected network in 4. A thermal analysis showed that all four compounds exhibit reversible water‐uptake capacity and the basic nature of the frameworks could be intact up to at least 120 °C.
Antioxidant activities and interactions of α‐ and γ‐tocopherols within canola and soybean emulsions
Authors: Kamal‐Eldin Afaf , Budilarto Elizabeth
Published: December 2014

During the 1940s, basic theories addressing the chemistry of lipid oxidation were developed, namely the free radical theory of hydroperoxide formation and decomposition and its inhibition by antioxidants. Tocopherols, especially the α‐ and γ‐homologs, are the primary antioxidants in vegetable oils. α‐Tocopherol having a fully substituted phenolic ring has a stronger power than γ‐tocopherol in scavenging free radicals in solutions but this is not consistently the case in foods, including vegetable oils and their emulsions. Paradoxical results on the superiority of these two closely related antioxidants over each other are often found. The article by Moser et al. in this issue of the European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology presents a comprehensive study comparing the antioxidant activities of α‐ and γ‐tocopherols and their interactions in 10% canola and soybean oil‐in‐water emulsions incubated at 50°C. The oxidation of stripped oils, supplemented with known concentrations of α‐ and/or γ‐tocopherols, was followed by measuring the evolution of hydroperoxides and their decomposition product hexanal. The results were affected by the oil matrix. In canola oil emulsions, γ‐tocopherol was a stronger antioxidant than α‐tocopherol (at 200 or 600 µg/g oil) and their interaction was additive even at 600 + 600 µg/g oil level. In soybean oil emulsions, α‐tocopherol was the stronger antioxidant at concentrations up to 250 µg/g oil while γ‐tocopherol was the stronger antioxidant at the higher concentrations and the interaction between the two tocopherols was synergistic at the low concentrations (200 + 200 µg/g oil) but was either additive or antagonistic at higher concentrations. In both oils, α‐tocopherol lost antioxidant effectiveness at around 400 µg/g oil.
Synthesis, Characterisation, and Electroluminescence Properties of N‐Coumarin Derivatives Containing Peripheral Triphenylamine
Authors: Kotchapadist Palita , Prachumrak Narid , Sunonnam Thitiya , Namuangruk Supawadee , Sudyoadsuk Taweesak , Keawin Tinnagon , Jungsuttiwong Siriporn , Promarak Vinich
Published: December 2014

A series of N‐coumarin derivatives, namely CThnT and CThnCT (n = 1–2), containing triphenylamine or triphenylamine‐substituted carbazole as substituent were synthesised, and their structures were confirmed by MALDI‐TOF MS, and NMR and IR spectroscopy. Their optical, physical and electroluminescence properties as non‐doped solution‐processed light‐emitters for OLEDs were investigated. DSC, TGA, AFM and PL spectra revealed their good film‐forming properties, high thermal and morphological stability, and good photoluminescence characteristics. The double‐layer solution‐processed OLEDs (ITO/PEDOT:PSS/EML/BCP/LiF:Al) fabricated using CThnT and CThnCT as the emissive layer and BCP as the electron‐transporting and hole‐blocking layer, exhibited stable green to orange electroluminescence (λEL = 536–592 nm) with turn‐on voltages of 2.7–2.9 V and maximum luminance efficiencies up to 3.94 cd A–1 at 17.6 mA cm–2 (maximum power efficiency of 1.62 lm W–1).
Synthesis of Saturated Benzodioxepinone Analogues: Insight into the Importance of the Aromatic Ring Binding Motif for Marine Odorants
Authors: Plummer Christopher M. , Gericke Robert , Kraft Philip , Raynor Aaron , Froese Jordan , Hudlický Tomáš , Rook Trevor J. , Jones Oliver A. H. , Hügel Helmut M.
Published: December 2014

As part of our research exploring the influence of molecular variations of Calone 1951® on marine fragrance performance, we report the synthesis, crystal structures, and olfactory analysis of the first saturated benzodioxepinone analogues. By substitution of the aromatic moiety of the benzodioxepinone fragrance molecule with a saturated ring counterpart, we endeavoured to discover the molecular interactions of the aromatic and aliphatic rings with fragrance receptor sites, and also to shed light on any potential chiral interactions occurring within the receptor. Our results showed that an aromatic ring system is necessary for binding to the marine odour receptor(s), and that the addition of an alkene or methyl substituent has little effect on the low receptor affinity. However, a weak marine odour character was found for the 6‐methyl saturated derivatives, which could possibly be explained by superposition analysis of the respective structures, which were derived from X‐ray coordinates.
Isolation and Structure Elucidation of Hyperibine J [Revised Structure of Adhyperfirin (7‐Deprenyl‐13‐methylhyperforin)]: Synthesis of Hyperibone J
Authors: Mitsopoulou Kornilia P. , Vidali Veroniki P. , Maranti Anna , Couladouros Elias A.
Published: December 2014

Structure elucidation of hyperibine J, a new polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol isolated from Hypericum sp., was investigated. Molecular weight and spectroscopic data comparison with adhyperfirin (7‐deprenyl‐13‐methylhyperforin) declared a structure revision of the latter. Moreover, chemical transformation to hyperibone J confirmed its proposed structure and absolute configuration. Hyperibine J was found to be very similar to hyperforin and possesses a methyl substituent instead of a prenyl group at C‐1.
Copper‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Thiols, Alcohols, and Oxygen for the Synthesis of Esters
Authors: Lim Seungyeon , Ji Miran , Wang Xi , Lee Chan , Jang Hye‐Young
Published: December 2014

Copper‐catalyzed, one‐pot, three‐component coupling reactions using thiols, alcohols, and oxygen to form a variety of esters in good yields were studied. In the presence of easily oxidized benzylic and allylic alcohols, thiols were selectively oxidized to form thionoesters, which underwent facile S/O exchange to afford esters. Thiols may be used as an alternative benzoyl source under mild aerobic conditions.
Convenient Chemoenzymatic Route to Optically Active β‐Aryl‐δ‐iodo‐γ‐lactones and β‐Aryl‐γ‐iodo‐δ‐lactones with the Defined Configurations of Stereogenic Centers
Authors: Gładkowski Witold , Skrobiszewski Andrzej , Mazur Marcelina , Siepka Monika , Białońska Agata
Published: December 2014

Two δ‐iodo‐γ‐lactones and two γ‐iodo‐δ‐lactones substituted at the β‐position with phenyl or 4‐methylphenyl ring have been synthesized in both enantiomeric forms. The starting materials were enantiomerically enriched allyl alcohols with an (E)‐4‐phenylbut‐3‐en‐2‐ol system (ee in the range 88–99 %), which were obtained by lipase‐catalyzed transesterification. Alcohols were subjected to orthoacetate modification of the Claisen rearrangement. The high stereoselectivity of this reaction led to retention of (E)‐configuration of the double bond and complete transfer of chirality from the allyl alcohol to the benzylic position C‐3. As a result, chiral γ,δ‐unsaturated esters with retained configuration of the stereogenic center were produced. Their hydrolysis and iodolactonization afforded new enantiomers of iodolactones with high or excellent ee (97–99 %). Their configuration at C‐4 was a direct result of the configuration at C‐3 of the acid subjected to iodolactonization, whereas stereocenters at C‐5 and C‐6 were formed as a consequence of the reaction mechanism. For most of the synthesized isomers, the predicted configurations were established by X‐ray analysis. The presented chemoenzymatic pathway represents a useful strategy that can be applied in the asymmetric synthesis of variety of lactones from 4‐arylbut‐3‐en‐2‐ols.
Ceci n'est pas la mort: Evidence for the recruitment of self‐reference from surrealistic art under mortality salience
Authors: Silveira Sarita , Gutyrchik Evgeny , Wetherell Geoffrey , Bao Yan , Pöppel Ernst , Blautzik Janusch , Reiser Maximilian , Frey Dieter , Graupmann Verena
Published: December 2014

Previous research has demonstrated that death reminders influence how we perceive art. In the context of terror management theory, this has been explained by the death‐transcending quality of art to convey cultural meaning. In two studies, we examined psychological and neurocognitive responses to naturalistic and surrealistic art when death was primed. We found that naturalistic paintings were evaluated similarly in terms of personal reassurance in both mortality salience and control condition, whereas surrealistic paintings were evaluated as more reassuring in the mortality salience condition than in the control condition. Using high‐field functional magnetic resonance imaging in a second study, we found a similar pattern of results, showing specific activation in the precuneus, a brain area associated with self‐related operations, in all prime conditions for the viewing of naturalistic paintings, but only in the death and disgust prime conditions when viewing surrealistic paintings. Our results suggest motivated self‐reference when viewing both naturalistic and surrealistic artworks under mortality salience. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PENTEL Actin‐G Immunoelectrode: Immunoassay at the Tip of a Pencil
Authors: Rathod Dhanraj , Warren Susan , Seddon Brian , Singh Baljit , Dempsey Eithne
Published: December 2014

Here we present design and assay methodology of an actin‐G immunoelectrode for the quantitation of muscle protein, actin. The immunoelectrode was assembled using a proprietary pencil material composed of a polymer‐resin and graphite composite as an antibody support and electronic conductor. An effective immobilisation procedure for the capture antibody and surface blocking protein is cited based on a two‐step physisorption chemistry. BSA coverage was demonstrated to reduce non‐specific interactions to below 8 % of the base polymer‐graphite binding capacity. Immunoassays performed with the actin immunoelectrode utilise an o‐benzoquinone‐diimine electrochemistry which is formed in‐situ by interfacial peroxidase oxidation. Cyclic voltammetry data revealed the immunoelectrode surface to be porous to the diimine signalling molecule, while remaining inaccessible to macromolecules of the ELISA. The molecular structure and poly‐functional nature of the immunoelectrode was further investigated using an anti‐antibody peroxidase conjugate. The findings suggest that capture antibody is randomly dispersed over the surface, exposing both Fc and actin binding sites. A saturation current density – concentration curve was analysed by Langmuir adsorption theory and an estimate for the antibody binding affinity derived (Ka≈1×105 M−1). The actin immunoelectrode was applied as a peroxidase detector in a double‐antibody immunoassay. The electrode shows a dose‐response characteristic which is most sensitive to actin over the concentration range 1–100 ng mL−1. Immunoelectrode sensitivity for actin is of the order of 5 nA mm−2/ng mL−1 (10–100 ng mL−1) with a limit of detection estimated at 10 ng mL−1 and measurement precision RSD 7.1 % (100 ng mL−1 actin). At higher concentrations of actin, >100 ng mL−1 the immunoelectrode response is more complex. A high‐dose hook characteristic becomes evident which arises from macromolecular steric interactions and other binding site limitations at the electrode surface.
Proteomic profiling of human sera for discovery of potential biomarkers to monitor abstinence from alcohol abuse
Authors: Lai Xianyin , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Li Kaigang , Witzmann Frank A.
Published: December 2014

Although numerous biomarkers or biomarker candidates have been discovered to detect levels of drinking and intervals of time after last drinking episode, only a few biomarkers have been applied to monitor abstinence in a longer interval (≥6 wks) from alcohol abuse. Considering sample sources, sensitivity, and specificity, new biomarkers from blood with better accuracy are needed. To address this, serum proteomic profiles were compared between pre‐ and post‐ treatment samples from subjects seeking treatment for alcohol abuse and dependence in an intensive 6wk daily outpatient program using high‐abundance plasma protein immunodepletion and LC‐MS/MS techniques. Protein identification, quantification, candidate biomarker selection, and prioritization analyses were carried out. Among the 246 quantified serum proteins, abundance of 13 and 45 proteins in female and male subjects were significantly changed (p ≤ 0.05), respectively. Of these biomarker candidate proteins, 2 (female) and 8 (male) proteins were listed in category 1, with high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, and fold change. In summary, several new biomarker candidates have been identified to monitor abstinence from alcohol abuse.
Bipolar Janus particle assembly in microdevice
Authors: Hossan Mohammad R. , Gopmandal Partha P. , Dillon Robert , Dutta Prashanta
Published: December 2014

In recent years, there are significant interests in the manipulation of bipolar Janus particles. In this article, we investigate the transient behavior of the electro‐orientation process and particle–particle interaction of ellipsoidal bipolar Janus particles in the presence and absence of a DC electric field. The bipolar particle dynamics is modeled with a body force term in the fluid flow equations based on the Maxwell stress tensor. This force is due to presence of bipolar surface charges on the particles as well as their interactions with an imposed field. An interface resolved numerical scheme that consider the finite size of the particle is adopted for computation of the electric and flow fields. Our numerical results show that in the absence of an electric field, particles can undergo self‐orientation to reach an equilibrium position. The time taken to reach a stable orientation depends on the initial configuration and inter‐particle separation distance. Bipolar particles experience forces only on their polar ends, a phenomena that is difficult to capture with noninterface resolved methods. When bipolar particles are exposed to an external electric field, they rotate to align along the external electric field direction. Depending upon the initial configuration, particles orient via clockwise or counter clockwise rotations to form head to tail chains. The time required to form particle assembly strongly depends on particle size and bipolar charge density. The present numerical algorithm can be applied to a wider class of dual‐faced Janus particles.
Quantification of riboflavin, flavin mononucleotide, and flavin adenine dinucleotide in mammalian model cells by CE with LED‐induced fluorescence detection
Authors: Hühner Jens , Ingles‐Prieto Álvaro , Neusüß Christian , Lämmerhofer Michael , Janovjak Harald
Published: December 2014

Cultured mammalian cells essential are model systems in basic biology research, production platforms of proteins for medical use, and testbeds in synthetic biology. Flavin cofactors, in particular flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), are critical for cellular redox reactions and sense light in naturally occurring photoreceptors and optogenetic tools. Here, we quantified flavin contents of commonly used mammalian cell lines. We first compared three procedures for extraction of free and noncovalently protein‐bound flavins and verified extraction using fluorescence spectroscopy. For separation, two CE methods with different BGEs were established, and detection was performed by LED‐induced fluorescence with limit of detections (LODs 0.5–3.8 nM). We found that riboflavin (RF), FMN, and FAD contents varied significantly between cell lines. RF (3.1–14 amol/cell) and FAD (2.2–17.0 amol/cell) were the predominant flavins, while FMN (0.46–3.4 amol/cell) was found at markedly lower levels. Observed flavin contents agree with those previously extracted from mammalian tissues, yet reduced forms of RF were detected that were not described previously. Quantification of flavins in mammalian cell lines will allow a better understanding of cellular redox reactions and optogenetic tools.
An Item‐Driven Adaptive Design for Calibrating Pretest Items
Authors: Ali Usama S. , Chang Hua‐Hua
Published: December 2014

Adaptive testing is advantageous in that it provides more efficient ability estimates with fewer items than linear testing does. Item‐driven adaptive pretesting may also offer similar advantages, and verification of such a hypothesis about item calibration was the main objective of this study. A suitability index (SI) was introduced to adaptively select pretest items, by which an easy‐to‐implement calibration methodology—adaptive design—can be used. A simulation study was conducted to evaluate the proposed adaptive design as compared to existing methodologies. Results indicate that the adaptive design has many desired features in item calibration, including less bias and more accurate parameter estimates, than the existing methods do. The SI is promising and flexible enough to apply additional constraints on the calibration sample and on the pretest items, for example, constraints on response time. It can also be used to try out individual item modules such as those used in multistage testing. Study limitations and future research are also covered in this report.
Analysis of composite steel and concrete columns at high temperatures
Authors: Jacintho Ana Elisabete P. G. A. , Silva Valdir P. , Requena João A. V. , Lintz Rosa C. C. , Gachet‐Barbosa Luisa A. , Pimentel Lia L.
Published: December 2014

The growing demand for knowledge about the effect of fire on structures has stimulated research worldwide. This article presents experimental results of short, composite columns made of steel and concrete when submitted to high temperatures in furnaces, with and without axial compression loading, as well as a numerical analysis of the temperature distribution in these columns. The columns were modeled as concrete‐filled tubes with three thicknesses and two diameters considered. In addition, standard fire temperature–time curves were obtained experimentally for use in the numerical calculations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.