bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the medium conditions on enzymatic oxidation of bisphenol A
Authors: Yalçınkaya Zeki , Gün Selim , Şahan Tekin , Birhanlı Emre , Sahiner Nurettin , Aktaş Nahit , Yeşilada Özfer
Published: October 2013

A multistep response surface methodology (RSM) was successfully applied to optimise the medium conditions for the enzymatic polymerisation of bisphenol A (BPA). The laccase enzyme used as the catalyst was derived from Funalia trogii (ATCC 200800) yeast culture. The enzymatic polymerisation rate of BPA, based on the measurements of the initial dissolved oxygen (DO) consumption rate in a closed batch system, was studied through RSM. Initially the most effective medium factors, which are monomer concentration (mg/L), temperature (°C) and solvent content (% methanol), were determined through Plackett–Burman Design (PBD), then the steepest ascent combined with central composite design (CCD) steps were applied to evaluate the optimal reaction conditions for the enzymatic polymerisation. The optimal conditions were evaluated to be 748.46 mg/L, 32.24°C and 15.92% for monomer concentration, temperature and solvent content, respectively. A quadratic model was developed through RSM to represent DO consumption in the medium. The maximum DO consumption rate was calculated to be 0.093 mg DO/L min. Several repetitions were conducted at the optimal conditions to validate the system performance. The data evaluated from the quadratic model were in good agreement with those measured experimentally. The variations between the values did not exceed 10%. The correlation coefficient, R2, was calculated to be 0.95, which indicates that 95% of results can be explained by model.
Phosphine‐Catalyzed Annulations between Modified Allylic Derivatives and Polar Dienes and Substituent Effect on the Annulation Mode
Authors: Tian Junjun , Sun Haiyun , Zhou Rong , He Zhengjie
Published: October 2013

In this work, the phosphine‐catalyzed annulation reactions between modified allylic derivatives and polar 1,1‐dicyano‐1,3‐dienes have been studied. In the catalysis of PPh3 (20 mol%), a [4+1] annulation reaction is realized between a series of 1,1‐dicyano‐2,4‐diaryl‐1,3‐dienes and ethoxycarbonyl‐activated allylic acetate, producing polysubstituted cyclopentenes in modest to excellent yields. It is also observed that the substituents of both 1,3‐dienes and allylic derivatives have a significant influence on the annulation mode: under the catalysis of PPh3 or PBu3 (20 mol%), regioselective [3+2] annulation products are formed from differently substituted substrates.
Absolute Configuration of the Phenylpropanoid Isolated from Peperomia tetraphylla
Authors: Yu Yanchao , Lu Xiaowei , Wu Wenju , Wu Yikang , Liu Bo
Published: October 2013

A recently identified phenylpropanoid isolated from Peperomia tetraphylla was synthesized in enantiopure forms using an aldol condensation of enantiopure (R)‐N‐acetyl 4‐phenyl‐oxazolidin‐2‐one as the key step. With the aid of the single crystal X‐ray crystallographic analysis of the synthetic sample, the configuration for the natural product was unambiguously established. Corrected/updated 13C NMR and optical rotation are also presented.
Fast nonparametric estimation for convolutions of densities
Authors: Chesneau Christophe , Comte Fabienne , Navarro Fabien
Published: October 2013

This paper is concerned with the problem of estimating the convolution of densities. We propose an adaptive estimator based on kernel methods, Fourier analysis and the Lepski method. We study the ‐risk properties of the estimator. Fast and new rates of convergence are determined for a wide class of unknown functions. Numerical illustrations, on both simulated and real data, are provided to assess the performance of our procedure. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 41: 617–636; 2013 © 2013 Statistical Society of Canada
Techniques for the construction of robust regression designs
Authors: Daemi Maryam , Wiens Douglas P.
Published: October 2013

The authors review and extend the literature on robust regression designs. Even for straight line regression, there are cases in which the optimally robust designs—in a minimax mean squared error sense, with the maximum evaluated as the “true” model varies over a neighbourhood of that fitted by the experimenter—have not yet been constructed. They fill this gap in the literature, and in so doing introduce a method of construction that is conceptually and mathematically simpler than the sole competing method. The technique used injects additional insight into the structure of the solutions. In the cases that the optimality criteria employed result in designs that are not invariant under changes in the design space, their methods also allow for an investigation of the resulting changes in the designs. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 41: 679–695; 2013 © 2013 Statistical Society of Canada
Was ist bekannt über den bilingualen Unterricht in den Naturwissenschaften (Chemie)?
Authors: Aristov Natasha
Published: October 2013

Der aktuelle Forschungsstand zum bilingualen Unterricht in Chemie wird dargestellt. Studien (Leistungstests, Interviews) in diversen Ländern Asiens und Europas zeigen, dass die Fremdsprachenkompetenz von Schülerinnen und Schülern, die „bilingualen“ Sachfachunterricht (Unterricht in der Fremdsprache geführt, oder CLIL – content and language integrated learning) erhalten, höher als die von muttersprachlich Unterrichteten ist. Keine eindeutigen Aussagen können hingegen zu ihrer naturwissenschaftlichen Sachfachkompetenz gemacht werden. Ergebnisse der Forschung in bilingualem Chemieunterricht weisen auf mögliche Methoden hin, den muttersprachlichen Regelunterricht zu optimieren. Einige offene didaktische, erkenntnistheoretische und bildungspolitische Fragen bleiben allerdings: (unter anderem) ob bilingualer Unterricht Lernenden eine intensivere Beschäftigung mit Lerninhalten ermöglicht als der muttersprachliche Unterricht dies tut; ob Vorkenntnisse der Lerninhalte in der Muttersprache für den Erfolg des bilingualen Unterrichts notwendig sind; ob der bilinguale Chemieunterricht nur für bestimme Lerninhalte geeignet ist (und, wenn ja, für welche); ob der bilinguale Unterricht nachweisbare Vorteile für das spätere Studium und den Beruf bringt.
Comparison of Bivalirudin Versus Heparin(s) During Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Patients Receiving Prasugrel: A Propensity‐Matched Study
Authors: Hamon Martial , Bonello Laurent , Marso Steven , Rao Sunil V. , Valgimigli Marco , Verheugt Freek , Gershlick Anthony , Wang Yamei , Prats Jayne , Steg Gabriel P. , Deliargyris Efthymios
Published: October 2013

Background

Several percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) trials have established that the use of bivalirudin (BIV) is associated with improved patient outcomes and substantial hospital cost savings, relative to heparin (HEP)‐based regimens ± glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPIs). Whether these benefits persist with the use of prasugrel, a new third‐generation oral thienopyridine, has not been previously evaluated.

Methods

Using the Premier hospital database, 6986 patients treated with prasugrel who underwent elective, urgent, or primary PCI between quarter 3, 2009 and quarter 4, 2010 from 166 US hospitals were identified. These patients received either BIV (n = 3377) or HEP ± GPI (n = 3609) as procedural anticoagulation. Outcomes of interest included bleeding, transfusions, death, and hospital length of stay (LOS). To control for patient and hospital‐level characteristics, propensity score‐matching (PSM) analyses were performed.

Results

Mortality, clinically apparent bleeding, clinically apparent bleeding requiring transfusion, any transfusions, and LOS were all lower in patients treated with BIV as compared with patients treated with HEP ± GPI. After PSM, the rate of transfusion was significantly lower with BIV (odds ratio: 0.57, 95% confidence interval: 0.34‐0.96), and the hospital LOS was significantly shorter in patients treated with BIV compared with those treated with HEP ± GPI (0.9 ± 2.0 vs 1.2 ± 2.3 days, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In patients undergoing PCI and treated with prasugrel, the use of BIV rather than HEP ± GPI is associated with significantly lower transfusion rate and LOS. These results suggest that the previously documented safety and cost‐effectiveness benefits of BIV remain applicable when prasugrel is used.
Influence of Surfactants on Dye Removal and Growth of Aspergillus versicolor – an Effective Way to Decolorize Textile Dye
Authors: Gül Ülküye Dudu , Dönmez Gönül
Published: October 2013

This study examined the reactive dye decolorization activities of sodium dodecyl sulfate (anionic), cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate (CPC) (cationic) surfactants, and their influence on fungal growth. The effect of CPC on Remazol Blue (RB) bioremoval by Aspergillus versicolor was investigated in low‐cost molasses medium. The optimum pH (3–7) and CPC (0.1–1 mM) concentrations for fungal RB decolorization were achieved in molasses medium with 50 mg/L RB. It was observed that the CPC effectively removed RB due to electrostatic interactions and it was well tolerated by fungus. Maximum decolorization in the presence of CPC occured at pH 6. Increasing the toxic CPC concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1 mM) decreased fungal growth from 5.08 to 2.87, 1.40, 0.21, and 0.07 mg/L dry biomass, respectively, but enhanced fungal decolorization, respectively (63.2, 78.7, 92, 95.75, and 98.9%). As the augmentation of CPC concentration reduced energy costs by reducing effective decolorization period from 96 to 24 h, surfactant stimulated fungal decolorization method may provide highly efficient, inexpensive, and time‐saving procedure in treatment of textile effluents.
Characteristics and Potential Health Hazards of Organochlorine Pesticides in Shallow Groundwater of Two Cities in the Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Wu Chunfa , Luo Yongming , Gui Tong , Yan Shihong
Published: October 2013

A total of 52 shallow groundwater samples were collected from two cities, Shengzhou and Shangyu, in the Yangtze River Delta, to characterize the residues of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) isomers/metabolites present and estimate health risk of drinking groundwater. HCH and DDT residues occurred in the shallow groundwater of most of Shengzhou and partial area of Shangyu. Concentrations of total HCH (ΣHCHs) and total DDT (ΣDDTs) in the shallow groundwater ranged from below the detection limit (BDL) to 123.2 ng L−1 and BDL to 321.4 ng L−1 for Shengzhou and BDL to 46.40 ng L−1and BDL to 77.92 ng L−1 for Shangyu. The predominant HCH and DDT species in the shallow groundwater of Shengzhou were δ‐HCH and o,p′‐DDT, and the equivalent species in Shangyu were δ‐HCH and p,p′‐DDT. The low α‐HCH/γ‐HCH ratio, low (dichlorodiphenylethylene (DDE) + dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)/ΣDDTs ratio and o,p′‐DDE being the dominant DDT metabolite for the majority of samples collected from Shengzhou suggest that there are fresh inputs of lindane and dicofol mixtures in majority area of Shengzhou. The high ratios of p,p′‐DDT/ΣDDTs in half of the groundwater samples collected from Shangyu suggest that there are fresh inputs of DDT in partial area of Shangyu. α‐HCH, β‐HCH, and γ‐HCH in the shallow groundwater in majority area of Shengzhou are posing serious cancer risks to children (>10−6), and the three HCH isomers in the shallow groundwater of Shengzhou should be controlled urgently and effectively.
Biochemical Alteration in the Labeo rohita Tissues Following Exposure to the Effluent Generated during Extraction of Metals from Polymetallic Sea Nodules
Authors: Vaseem Huma , Banerjee Tarun K.
Published: October 2013

Effect of the effluent generated during extraction of precious metals from polymetallic sea nodules have been illustrated by analyzing the biochemical alterations in freshwater fish Labeo rohita. Increase or decrease in the different biomolecules in various tissues (skin, muscles, gills, liver, kidney, and brain) observed was discussed in the light of stress caused by exposures of this effluent. Decrease in concentration of glycogen, total lipids, cholesterol, and total protein in most of the tissues indicate their role in providing the continuous energy requirement under toxic stress in the exposed fish. Reduced DNA and RNA concentration in exposed fish showed effluent toxic effect on DNA synthesis and transcriptional level. With the prolongation of exposure, reduction in activities of aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, and alkaline phosphatase were observed in all the exposed tissues indicating their cellular degeneration. In conclusion, the sea nodule effluent was found to be very toxic and have negative health impact on the fish.
Optimization of Ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase Determination in the Microsomes of Earthworms and Its Induction by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Cao Xiufeng , Song Yufang , Fan Shihua , Kai Jianrong , Yang Xiaoxia , Chen Lang
Published: October 2013

In this study, a fluorometric method was established to measure the ethoxyresorufin‐O‐dealkylase (EROD) activity in the microsomes of earthworm after a series of parameter modification (including excitation wavelengths; kinds, pH, and volumes of buffer solutions; kinds and volumes of sensitizers). Earthworms were exposed to increasing concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) (0.009–90 µg cm−2) in filter papers to validate the modified method and to find out the possible effects of B[a]P to EROD activity. Results showed that 560 nm was the optimal excitation wavelength for detecting resorufin. The linear range was 0.05–20 pmol mL−1 with the correlation coefficient of 0.9996. The detection limit was 0.045 pmol mL−1 and the relative standard deviation was <1.3%. Based on the established method, we also found that EROD activity in earthworms was significantly induced by B[a]P at 0.009 and 0.09 µg cm−2, suggesting that the EROD activity in earthworms could be served as a sensitive biomarker in the monitoring of soil contamination within low dosage range.
Bi‐Doped TiO2 Electro‐Catalytic System as Fast‐Oxidizing Process for Hydrogen‐Bond Stabilized System
Authors: Huang Wu‐Jang , Hong Sheng‐Jhih , Lin Yaw‐Jian
Published: October 2013

A strong hydrogen bond (H‐bond) exists in a binary mixture of dye aqueous solution (e.g. methylene blue, MB) with a ketone (e.g. acetone, AC) contamination. According to the limited literature and our preliminiary results, the MB in an MB/AC binary solution is not degradable (the decolorization percentage is <10%) within 30–40 min of the initiated oxidation process. In this study, we use a Bi‐doped TiO2 electro‐catalytic system, Fenton system, photo‐Fenton, and Bi‐doped or non‐doped TiO2 photocatalytic systems as the oxidation systems for MB/AC binary aqueous solutions. The results show that highly Bi‐doped TiO2 can be used as an effective catalyst in electro‐catalytic systems to realize an H‐bond stabilized dye solution with ketones; the decolorization percentage of electro‐catalytic systems is almost 60% within 30 min, which is better than that of 20% for the Fenton and photo‐Fenton catalytic oxidation systems.
Vortex Assisted Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Using Triton X‐114 for Ultratrace Cadmium Prior to Analysis
Authors: Khan Sumaira , Yilmaz Erkan , Kazi Tasneem Gul , Soylak Mustafa
Published: October 2013

A vortex‐assisted liquid–liquid microextraction method coupled to micro‐sample injection flame atomic absorption spectrometry for cadmium (Cd) determination in water samples, phenomena was established through phase separation of ionic surfactant in aqueous samples. The ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [C4MIM][PF6] was used as an extractant, while using Triton X‐114 as dispersing medium. The chelate of Cd with ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC) was extracted into the fine droplets. The main factors affecting the recovery values of Cd, such as [C4MIM][PF6], pH, TX‐114, concentration of APDC, centrifugation time and rate were investigated in detail. At optimum experimental values of significant variables, preconcentration factor of 20 was obtained. The validity of developed method was checked by Cd determination in certified reference material of water (TMDA‐54.4 fortified lake water) and the results were found good agreement with the certified values. The relative standard deviation was 4.2% for 100 µg Cd/L. The method was applied satisfactorily for the preconcentration of Cd in real samples.
Phase 1b, multicenter, single blinded, placebo‐controlled, sequential dose escalation study to assess the safety and tolerability of topically applied AG013 in subjects with locally advanced head and neck cancer receiving induction chemotherapy
Authors: Limaye Sewanti Atul , Haddad Robert I. , Cilli Fiona , Sonis Stephen T. , Colevas A. Dimitrios , Brennan Michael T. , Hu Kenneth S. , Murphy Barbara A.
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Oral mucositis (OM) is a significant toxicity of induction chemotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC). The safety and tolerability of AG013, an oral rinse containing recombinant Lactococcus lactis secreting mucosal protectant human trefoil factor 1 (hTFF1), was evaluated in a phase 1b study in LAHNC subjects who received induction with cisplatin, 5‐fluorouracil, with or without docetaxel. Preliminary efficacy data were also obtained.

METHODS

A total of 25 of 52 LAHNC subjects who were followed during induction cycle 1 developed ulcerative oral mucositis (UOM; World Health Organization grade > 2) and were randomized to AG013:placebo (5:2 ratio) for cycle 2. Dosing schedules of 1, 3, or 6 times daily were evaluated (2 × 1011, 6 × 1011, and 1.2 × 1012 colony forming units per day, respectively). OM was evaluated daily from cycle 2, day 1 through 14, using World Health Organization criteria. Pharmacokinetic assessment was also conducted.

RESULTS

AG013 bacteria were not detected in blood. Oral live AG013 bacterial and hTFF1 levels in saliva and oral mucosa were equivalent among treatment groups. The most frequently occurring adverse events were nausea, oral pain, fatigue, diarrhea, and mucosal inflammation. Only 12% (3 of 25 adverse events), mainly nausea, were attributed to the investigational medicinal product: AG013 or placebo. Efficacy analysis showed a 35% reduction in percentage of days with UOM in AG013‐subjects versus placebo. All placebo subjects experienced ≥ 2 days of UOM, whereas 29% of AG013 subjects had UOM for 0 or 1 day. AG013 use resulted in fewer unscheduled office and emergency room visits. No differences were noted in mouth and throat soreness, opioid use, or gastrostomy tube placement.

CONCLUSIONS

AG013 was safe and well tolerated. Preliminary efficacy data support further study. Cancer 2013;119:4268–4276. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Prognostic value of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Analysis of 1301 patients from an endemic area in China
Authors: Liu Xu , Li Xing , Jiang Ning , Lei Ying , Tang Ling‐Long , Chen Lei , Zhou Guan‐Qun , Sun Ying , Yue Dan , Guo Rui , Mao Yan‐Ping , Li Wen‐Fei , Liu Li‐Zhi , Tian Li , Lin Ai‐Hua , Ma Jun
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

The current study investigated the prevalence and prognostic value of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) from an area in southern China in which HBV and NPC are endemic.

METHODS

A total of 1301 patients with nonmetastatic, histologically proven NPC who were treated with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

In this series, 142 of the 1301 patients (10.9%) had chronic HBV infection (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] seropositive). The percentages of non–cancer‐related deaths (15.0% vs 12.1%; P = .618) and severe hepatic adverse events (3.5% vs 0.9%; P = .145) were similar among patients with NPC with and without HBV infection. The 5‐year overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), and locoregional recurrence‐free survival (LRFS) rates for patients with NPC with or without HBV infection were 70.9% and 80.8% (P = .003), 63.7% and 73.0% (P = .016), and 81.7% and 88.2% (P = .035), respectively. Multivariate analysis identified chronic HBV infection in patients with NPC as an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for OS (hazards ratio [HR], 1.684; P = .003), PFS (HR, 1.451; P = .015), and LRFS (HR, 1.573; P = .048). Further analysis revealed that chronic HBV infection was an unfavorable, independent prognostic factor in patients with locoregionally advanced NPC, but not those with early‐stage disease. In patients with stage III/IV NPC, HBsAg‐positive patients had poorer OS (64.0% vs 77.2%; P = .003), PFS (56.2% vs 70.6%; P = .004), and LRFS (76.2% vs 88.3%; P = .002) compared with HBsAg‐negative patients. On multivariate analysis, chronic HBV infection was found to be an independent adverse prognostic predictor for OS (HR, 1.734; P = .004), PFS (HR, 1.644; P = .003), and LRFS (HR, 2.108; P = .003) in patients with stage III/IV NPC.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic HBV infection is an independent adverse prognostic factor in patients with locoregionally advanced NPC. Cancer 2014;120:68–76. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Second nonocular tumors among survivors of retinoblastoma treated with contemporary photon and proton radiotherapy
Authors: Sethi Roshan V. , Shih Helen A. , Yeap Beow Y. , Mouw Kent W. , Petersen Robert , Kim David Y. , Munzenrider John E. , Grabowski Eric , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Yock Torunn I. , Tarbell Nancy J. , Marcus Karen J. , Mukai Shizuo , MacDonald Shannon M.
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

The leading cause of death among patients with hereditary retinoblastoma is second malignancy. Despite its high rate of efficacy, radiotherapy (RT) is often avoided due to fear of inducing a secondary tumor. Proton RT allows for significant sparing of nontarget tissue. The current study compared the risk of second malignancy in patients with retinoblastoma who were treated with photon and proton RT.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of patients with retinoblastoma who were treated with proton RT at the Massachusetts General Hospital or photon RT at Boston Children's Hospital between 1986 and 2011.

RESULTS

A total of 86 patients were identified, 55 of whom received proton RT and 31 of whom received photon RT. Patients were followed for a median of 6.9 years (range, 1.0 years‐24.4 years) in the proton cohort and 13.1 years (range, 1.4 years‐23.9 years) in the photon cohort. The 10‐year cumulative incidence of RT‐induced or in‐field second malignancies was significantly different between radiation modalities (proton vs photon: 0% vs 14%; P = .015). The 10‐year cumulative incidence of all second malignancies was also different, although with borderline significance (5% vs 14%; P = .120).

CONCLUSIONS

Retinoblastoma is highly responsive to radiation. The central objection to the use of RT, the risk of second malignancy, is based on studies of patients treated with antiquated, relatively nonconformal techniques. The current study is, to the authors' knowledge, the first to present a series of patients treated with the most conformal of the currently available external‐beam RT modalities. Although longer follow‐up is necessary, the preliminary data from the current study suggest that proton RT significantly lowers the risk of RT‐induced malignancy. Cancer 2014;120:126–133. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Tumor suppressor activity and inactivation of galanin receptor type 2 by aberrant promoter methylation in head and neck cancer
Authors: Misawa Yuki , Misawa Kiyoshi , Kanazawa Takeharu , Uehara Takayuki , Endo Shori , Mochizuki Daiki , Yamatodani Takashi , Carey Thomas E. , Mineta Hiroyuki
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

There is accumulating evidence that galanin receptors (GALRs) may be tumor suppressors in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Promoter methylation status and gene expression were assessed in a large panel of head and neck primary tumors, based on the hypothesis that cytosine‐guanine dinucleotide (CpG) hypermethylation might silence the galanin receptor 2 (GALR2) gene.

METHODS

GALR2 expression was examined in a panel of cell lines by using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The methylation status of the GALR2 promoter was studied using quantitative methylation‐specific PCR (Q‐MSP). UM‐SCC‐1 was stably transfected to express GALR2.

RESULTS

GALR2 expression was suppressed in UM‐SCC cell lines, whereas nonmalignant cell lines exhibited stable expression. GALR2 methylation found in 31 of 100 (31.0%) tumor specimens was significantly correlated with the methylation status of both GALR1 and Galanin. The observed GALR2 promoter hypermethylation was statistically correlated with a decrease in disease‐free survival (log‐rank test, P = .045). A multivariate logistic‐regression analysis revealed a high odds ratio for recurring methylation of GALR2 and the gene pair GALR2 and Galanin, 8.95 (95% confidence interval, 2.29‐35.03; P = .024) and 9.05 (95% confidence interval, 1.76‐46.50; P = .008), respectively. In addition, exogenous expression of GALR2 suppressed cell proliferation in UM‐SCC‐1 cells with hypermethylated Galanin and GALR2‐proficient cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

Frequent promoter hypermethylation in association with prognosis, and growth suppression after re‐expression, supports the hypothesis that GALR2 may act to suppress tumor activity. GALR2 is a potentially significant therapeutic target and prognostic factor for this cancer type. Cancer 2014;120:205–213. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Early postnatal expression and localization of matrix metalloproteinases‐2 and ‐9 during establishment of rat hippocampal synaptic circuitry
Authors: Aujla Paven K. , Huntley George W.
Published: October 2013

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are extracellular proteolytic enzymes that contribute to pericellular remodeling in a variety of tissues, including brain, where they function in adult hippocampal synaptic structural and functional plasticity. Synaptic plasticity and remodeling are also important for development of connectivity, but it is unclear whether MMPs—particularly MMP‐2 and ‐9, the major MMPs operative in brain—contribute at these stages. Here, we use a combination of biochemical and anatomical methods to characterize expression and localization of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in early postnatal and adult rat hippocampus. Gene and protein expression of these MMPs were evident throughout hippocampus at all ages examined, but expression levels were highest during the first postnatal week. MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 immunolocalized to punctate structures within the neuropil that codistributed with foci of proteolytic activity, as well as with markers of growing axons and synapses. Taken together, discrete foci of MMP proteolysis are likely important for actively shaping and remodeling cellular and connectional architecture as hippocampal circuitry is becoming established during early postnatal life. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:1249–1263, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An analysis of entorhinal cortex projections to the dentate gyrus, hippocampus, and subiculum of the neonatal macaque monkey
Authors: Amaral David G. , Kondo Hideki , Lavenex Pierre
Published: October 2013

The entorhinal cortex is the primary interface between the hippocampal formation and neocortical sources of sensory information. Although much is known about the cells of origin, termination patterns, and topography of the entorhinal projections to other fields of the adult hippocampal formation, very little is known about the development of these pathways, particularly in the human or nonhuman primate. We have carried out experiments in which the anterograde tracers 3H‐amino acids, biotinylated dextran amine, and Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin were injected into the entorhinal cortex in 2‐week‐old rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). We found that the three fiber bundles originating from the entorhinal cortex (the perforant path, the alvear pathway, and the commissural connection) are all established by 2 weeks of age. Fundamental features of the laminar and topographic distribution of these pathways are also similar to those in adults. There is evidence, however, that some of these projections may be more extensive in the neonate than in the mature brain. The homotopic commissural projections from the entorhinal cortex, for example, originate from a larger region within the entorhinal cortex and terminate much more densely in layer I of the contralateral entorhinal cortex than in the adult. These findings indicate that the overall topographical organization of the main cortical afferent pathways to the dentate gyrus and hippocampus are established by birth. These findings add to the growing body of literature on the development of the primate hippocampal formation and will facilitate further investigations on the development of episodic memory. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:1485–1505, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preprodynorphin‐expressing neurons constitute a large subgroup of somatostatin‐expressing GABAergic interneurons in the mouse neocortex
Authors: Sohn Jaerin , Hioki Hiroyuki , Okamoto Shinichiro , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: October 2013

Dynorphins, leumorphin, and neoendorphins are preprodynorphin (PPD)‐derived peptides and ligands for κ‐opioid receptors. Using an antibody to PPD C‐terminal, we investigated the chemical and molecular characteristics of PPD‐expressing neurons in mouse neocortex. PPD‐immunopositive neuronal somata were distributed most frequently in layer 5 and less frequently in layers 2–4 and 6 throughout neocortical regions. Combined labeling of immunofluorescence and fluorescent mRNA signals revealed that almost all PPD‐immunopositive neurons expressed glutamic acid decarboxylase but not vesicular glutamate transporter, indicating their γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic characteristics, and that PPD‐immunopositive neurons accounted for 15% of GABAergic interneurons in the primary somatosensory area. As GABAergic interneurons were divided into several groups by specific markers, we further examined the chemical characteristics of PPD‐expressing neurons by the double immunofluorescence labeling method. More than 95% of PPD‐immunopositive neurons were also somatostatin (SOM)‐immunopositive in the primary somatosensory, primary motor, orbitofrontal, and primary visual areas, but only 24% were SOM‐immunopositive in the medial prefrontal cortex. In the primary somatosensory area, PPD‐immunopositive neurons constituted 50%, 79%, 55%, and 17% of SOM‐immunopositive neurons in layers 2–3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. Although SOM‐expressing neurons contained calretinin‐, neuropeptide Y‐, nitric oxide synthase‐, and reelin‐expressing neurons as subgroups, only reelin immunoreactivity was detected in many PPD‐immunopositive neurons. These results indicate that PPD‐expressing neurons constitute a large subgroup of SOM‐expressing cortical interneurons, and the PPD/SOM‐expressing GABAergic neurons might serve not only as inhibitory elements in the local cortical circuit, but also as modulators for cortical neurons expressing κ‐opioid and/or SOM receptors. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:1506–1526, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Numerical investigation of biomagnetic fluids in circular ducts
Authors: Tzirakis K. , Papaharilaou Y. , Giordano D. , Ekaterinaris J.
Published: October 2013

A mathematical model for the description of biomagnetic fluid flow exposed to a magnetic field that accounts for both electric and magnetic properties of the biofluid is presented. This is achieved by adding the Lorentz and magnetization forces in the Navier‐Stokes equations. To demonstrate the effects of magnetic fields, we consider the case of laminar, incompressible, viscous, the steady flow of a Newtonian biomagnetic fluid (i) between two parallel plates; and (ii) through a straight rigid tube with a 60% in diameter, 84% on area, axisymmetric stenosis. Two external magnetic fields were investigated: one produced by an infinite wire carrying constant current, and a dipole‐like field. We show, numerically and analytically, that the wire produces an irrotational force that, independent of its intensity, only alters the pressure leaving the velocity field unaffected. In contrast, when the fluid is exposed to the dipole‐like field, which generates a rotational force, then both pressure and velocity can be strongly influenced even at moderate field strengths. Similar trends were obtained when a time varying flow is simulated through the axisymmetric stenosis in the presence of the dipole‐like rotational magnetic field. It is expected that our findings could have important applications in blood flow control. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of performance of various color‐difference formulae using an experimental black dataset
Authors: Shamey Renzo , Lin Juan , Sawatwarakul Weethima , Cao Renbo
Published: October 2013

The objective of this study was to develop a specific visual dataset comprising black‐appearing samples with low lightness (L* ranging from approximately 10.4 to 19.5), varying in hue and chroma, evaluating their visual differences against a reference sample, and testing the performance of major color difference formulas currently in use as well as OSA‐UCS‐based models and more recent CAM02 color difference formulas including CAM02‐SCD and CAM02‐UCS models. The dataset comprised 50 dyed black fabric samples of similar structure, and a standard (L*= 15.33, a* = 0.14, b* = −0.82), with a distribution of small color differences, in ΔE*ab, from 0 to approximately 5. The visual color difference between each sample and the standard was assessed by 19 observers in three separate sittings with an interval of at least 24 hours between trials using an AATCC standard gray scale for color change, and a total of 2850 assessments were obtained. A third‐degree polynomial equation was used to convert gray scale ratings to visual differences. The Standard Residual Sum of Squares index (STRESS) and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), were used to evaluate the performance of various color difference formulae based on visual results. According to the analysis of STRESS index and correlation coefficient results CAM02 color difference equations exhibited the best agreement against visual data with statistically significant improvement over other models tested. The CIEDE2000 (1:1:1) equation also showed good performance in this region of the color space. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 39, 589–598, 2014
Toward the soft metrology of surface gloss: A review
Authors: Leloup Frédéric B. , Obein Gael , Pointer Michael R. , Hanselaer Peter
Published: October 2013

The most straightforward way to assess the glossiness of a surface is by measuring the specular reflectance by use of a specular glossmeter. Although alternative measurement methods have been proposed, this is still the most frequently used instrumental measurement technique for gloss evaluation until today. However, due to both the multidimensional nature of gloss perception and to the initial purpose of a specular glossmeter only to judge the gloss differences of surfaces with similar appearance, specular glossmeter results do not seem to provide a reliable basis for estimating the gloss appearance of a surface. During the past decades, increased attention has been paid to understanding how the human visual system arrives at a particular sensation of surface gloss, and which factors influence this process. This article was established in response to these new insights, and provides the reader an overview of the most important developments and findings regarding gloss measurement and gloss perception over the past 15 years. With the ultimate goal to achieve a better correspondence between gloss measurement and gloss perception in the future, issues of alternative measurement methods are considered, and some suggestions for relevant future research are proposed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 39, 559–570, 2014
Asymptotics Beats Monte Carlo: The Case of Correlated Local Vol Baskets
Authors: Bayer Christian , Laurence Peter
Published: October 2013

We consider a basket of options with both positive and negative weights in the case where each asset has a smile, i.e., evolves according to its own local volatility and the driving Brownian motions are correlated. In the case of positive weights, the model has been considered in a previous work by Avellaneda, Boyer‐Olson, Busca, and Friz. We derive highly accurate analytic formulas for the prices and the implied volatilities of such baskets. The relative errors are of order 10−4 (or better) for T=½, 10−3 for T=2, and 10−2 for T=10 (years). The computational time required to implement these formulas is under two seconds even in the case of a basket on 100 assets. The combination of accuracy and speed makes these formulas potentially attractive both for calibration and for pricing. In comparison, simulation‐based techniques are prohibitively slow in achieving a comparable degree of accuracy. Thus the present work opens up a new paradigm in which asymptotics may arguably be used for pricing as well as for calibration. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
No influence of the CYP2C19‐selective inhibitor omeprazole on the pharmacokinetics of the dopamine receptor agonist rotigotine
Authors: Elshoff Jan‐Peer , Cawello Willi , Andreas Jens‐Otto , Braun Marina
Published: October 2013

Rotigotine, a non‐ergolinic dopamine receptor agonist administered transdermally via a patch, is metabolized by several cytochrome P‐450 (CYP450) isoenzymes, including CYP2C19. This open‐label, multiple‐dose study evaluated the effect of omeprazole, a competitive inhibitor of CYP2C19, on the pharmacokinetics of rotigotine and its metabolites under steady‐state conditions in healthy male subjects (of the extensive metabolizer phenotype, CYP2C19). Subjects received rotigotine 2 mg/24 hours on days 1–3, 4 mg/24 hours on days 4–12, and omeprazole 40 mg once daily on days 7–12 immediately after patch application. Blood and urine samples were collected on days 6 and 12 to evaluate rotigotine pharmacokinetic parameters alone and in the presence of omeprazole. Data from 37 subjects were available for pharmacokinetic analysis. Point estimates (90% confidence intervals, CI) for the ratios of AUC(0–24)SS and Cmax,SS of unconjugated rotigotine for the comparison rotigotine + omeprazole:rotigotine alone were close to 1 (0.9853 [0.9024, 1.0757] for AUC(0–24)SS and 1.0613 [0.9723, 1.1585] for Cmax,SS) with 90% CIs within the acceptance range for bioequivalence (0.80, 1.25). Selective inhibition of CYP2C19 by omeprazole did not alter the steady‐state pharmacokinetic profile of rotigotine or its metabolites. Thus, rotigotine dose adjustment is not required in patients receiving omeprazole, or other CYP2C19 inhibitors.
Wireless sensor network with energy harvesting: modeling and simulation based on a practical architecture using real radiation levels
Authors: Climent S. , Sanchez A. , Blanc S. , Capella J. V. , Ors R.
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a new energy‐harvesting model for a network simulator that implements super‐capacitor energy storage with solar energy‐harvesting recharge. The model is easily extensible, and other energy‐harvesting systems, or different energy storages, can be further developed. Moreover, code can be conveniently reused as the implementation is entirely uncoupled from the radio and node models. Real radiation data are obtained from available online databases in order to dynamically calculate super‐capacitor charge and discharge. Such novelty enables the evaluation of energy evolution on a network of sensor nodes at various physical world locations and during different seasons. The model is validated against a real and fully working prototype, and good result correlation is shown. Furthermore, various experiments using the ns‐3 simulator were conducted, demonstrating the utility of the model in assisting the research and development of the deployment of everlasting wireless sensor networks. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cyclodextrin‐Based Ionic Liquids as Enantioselective Stationary Phases in Gas Chromatography
Authors: Costa Nuno , Matos Sara , Gomes da Silva Marco D. R. , Pereira M. Manuela A.
Published: October 2013

New permethylated mono‐6‐deoxy‐6‐pyridin‐1‐ium and mono‐6‐deoxy‐6‐(1‐vinyl‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium)‐α‐ and ‐β‐cyclodextrin trifluoromethanesulfonate ionic liquids were synthesized from the corresponding permethylated mono‐6‐hydroxycyclodextrins in a one‐pot reaction and solvent‐free procedure. Regioselective transformation of native α‐ and β‐cyclodextrins with the use of a bulky tert‐butyldiphenylsilyl protecting group afforded the desired 6‐monosubstituted permethylated cyclodextrin derivatives in moderate yields. The new ionic liquids were tested as stationary phases in capillary GC columns towards chiral discrimination in enantio‐GC analysis of racemic mixtures. The permethylated 6‐deoxy‐6‐pyridin‐1‐ium‐α‐cyclodextrin trifluoromethanesulfonate displayed good enantiomeric separations for some racemic esters and lactones, as well as epoxides. In particular, for both the racemic whiskey lactone and the high boiling point menthyl laurate, not successfully separated in a commercial cyclodextrin phase, the enantiomeric separations were achieved isothermally at 140 °C.
Highly Efficient Povidone–Phosphotungstic Acid Catalyst for the Tandem Acetalization of Aldehydes to Bis‐ and Tris(indolyl)methanes
Authors: Kamble Sumit B. , Swami Rameshwar K. , Sakate Sachin S. , Rode Chandrashekhar V.
Published: October 2013

A novel, nonleachable hybrid of heteropoly acid and polyvinylpyrrolidone (or povidone) catalyzes the acetalization of aldehydes in methanol at room temperature followed by reaction with indole to give bis(indolyl)methanes (BIMs) and tris(indolyl)methanes (TIMs) in quantitative yields (90–97 %). The catalyst was shown by pyridine FTIR spectroscopy to possess Brønsted acidity, and the hybrid formation was confirmed by XRD and 31P NMR studies. Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indole as well as the tandem synthesis of BIMs and TIMs were established with several types of carbonyl and indole substrates to give the corresponding products quantitatively. The catalyst was recycled efficiently for three successive runs without losing its original activity.
Robust decentralized adaptive synchronization of general complex networks with coupling delayed and uncertainties
Authors: He Ping , Jing Chun‐Guo , Fan Tao , Chen Chang‐Zhong
Published: October 2013

The problem of robust decentralized adaptive synchronization of general complex networks with coupling delayed and uncertainties is investigated in this article. It is only assumed that the upper normal bound of uncertain inner and outer coupling matrices is positive but its concrete structure is not also required to be known. The time‐varying coupling delay is a any nonnegative continuous and bounded function and not require its derivative to be less than one, that is, general time‐varying coupling delays and uncertainties. For such a class of uncertain complex networks, a new synchronization scheme is presented by a class of continuous memoryless robust decentralized adaptive synchronization controllers. It is also shown that the synchronization error dynamics of uncertain complex networks can be guaranteed as uniformly exponentially convergent toward a ball that can be as small as desired. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of proposed complex networks synchronization schemes. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 19: 10–26, 2014
Systemic view of learning scientific concepts: A description in terms of directed graph model
Authors: Koponen Ismo T.
Published: October 2013

This study suggests a systemic view on concept learning, in which concepts are seen as complex, dynamically evolving structures with robust and persistent patterns emerging from loosely connected elemental pieces. The model is represented in the form of a directed graph, and it explains many empirically identified features of learning paths, including: (1) the stability of learned concepts, (2) changes in concept attributions (ontological shift) as guided by theoretical knowledge, and (3) the evolution of concepts as driven by model competition with the accumulation of evidence. The results thus show applicability of the systemic view and the directed graph model. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 19: 27–37, 2014
Attribution of Somatic Symptoms in Hypochondriasis
Authors: Neng Julia M. B. , Weck Florian
Published: October 2013

The misinterpretation of bodily symptoms as an indicator of a serious illness is a key feature of the criteria and the cognitive–behavioural models of hypochondriasis. Previous research suggests that individuals suffering from health anxiety endorse attributions of physical disease, whereas persons with elevated general anxiety have the tendency to attribute psychological causes to their symptoms. However, whether a somatic attribution style is specific to patients with hypochondriasis, as opposed to those with anxiety disorders, has not yet been investigated and is therefore part of the present study. Fifty patients with hypochondriasis, 50 patients with a primary anxiety disorder and 50 healthy participants were presented with nine common bodily sensations and had to spontaneously attribute possible causes to the symptoms. Patients with hypochondriasis differed from patients with anxiety disorders and healthy controls in giving significantly fewer normalizing explanations, but attributing more often in terms of moderate or serious diseases. Patients with anxiety disorders also made significantly fewer normalizing attributions and more somatic attributions to a severe illness than healthy controls. There were no differences between the groups in the frequency of psychological attributions and somatic attributions concerning mild diseases. The present study demonstrates that hypochondriasis is associated with a disorder‐specific attribution style connecting somatic symptoms primarily with moderate and serious diseases. By contrast, normalizing attributions are largely omitted from consideration by patients with hypochondriasis. The findings conform with the cognitive conception of hypochondriasis and support the strategy of modifying symptom attributions, as practiced in cognitive–behavioural therapy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Patients with hypochondriasis show a disorder‐specific attribution style, which is biased towards moderate and serious diseases.

This finding stresses the importance of therapeutic interventions challenging dysfunctional symptom attributions.

In addition to attributions in terms of moderate and serious diseases, patients with hypochondriasis also produce constructive attributions (normalizing, psychological or in terms of mild illnesses).

Therefore, particular emphasis should be placed on a comprehensive exploration of all existing symptom attributions. By identifying beneficial attributions already in existence, the patient's resources are brought into focus and form the basis for reattribution training.
A Dication Cross‐Linked Composite Anion‐Exchange Membrane for All‐Vanadium Flow Battery Applications
Authors: Zhang Fengxiang , Zhang Huamin , Qu Chao
Published: October 2013

We report the fabrication and properties of a high‐performance, inexpensive, composite, anion‐exchange membrane (AEM) for an all‐vanadium flow battery (VFB) application. The AEM was fabricated by dication cross‐linking without the involvement of trimethylamine, and shows well‐balanced anion conductivity and robustness due to imidazolium and imidazolium–ammonium functionalities, as well as a concomitantly achieved semi‐interpenetrating network structure. The VFB single cell yielded a Coulombic efficiency of 99 % and an energy efficiency of 84 % at 80 mA cm−2, and operated for over 900 charge/discharge cycles. This work demonstrates the combined use of several favorable AEM design rationales, such as incorporating abundant and efficient anion‐exchange groups, constructing a swelling‐ and oxidation‐resistant structure, and facile fabrication; it provides an effective way of developing high‐performance, low‐cost AEMs for VFB applications.