bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Non‐Enzymatic Carbohydrate Sensor Based on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Modified with Adsorbed Active Gold Particles
Authors: Casella Innocenzo G. , Contursi Michela , Toniolo Rosanna
Published: April 2014

The voltammetric behavior of a glassy carbon electrode modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Au particles was studied in alkaline medium towards the electrooxidation of some carbohydrates used as model compounds. The influence of carbohydrate concentration and scan rate on peak potentials, peak currents, etc., observed at the modified electrode was evaluated and critically discussed. The Au particles dispersed into multiwalled carbon nanotubes structures showed favorable electrocatalytic and analytical properties towards the electrooxidation of xylose and glucose molecules. Atomic force microscopy performed on the resulting modified electrode showed a well‐efficient 3D distribution of Au active particles having sharp‐edged and elongated grains along bundles of the MWCNTs. The three‐dimensional MWCNT‐Au composite structure of the catalyst act as a promoter to enhance the diffusive character of recorded currents and probably also increases the rate of the heterogeneous electron transfer of the electrooxidation process considered.
Nanocrystalline Metallosilicate Modified Electrodes for the Simultaneous, Sensitive, and Selective Determination of Riboflavin, Rutin, and Pyridoxine
Authors: Kaur Balwinder , Srivastava Rajendra
Published: April 2014

Nanocrystalline metallosilicate modified glassy carbon electrodes were fabricated for the simultaneous determination of vitamins. Among these, nanocrystalline zirconosilicate exhibited the highest activity with a linear range from 30 nM–500 µM for riboflavin and 120 nM–600 µM for rutin and pyridoxine. Sensitivity values of 2.8, 1.49, and 1.13 µA/µM cm2 and lower detection limits of 5 nM, 30 nM, and 30 nM for riboflavin, rutin, and pyridoxine, respectively, were found. The proposed sensor is stable and reproducible (RSD<3.5 %). The analytical performance of this sensor was demonstrated in the pharmaceutical preparations (multivitamin tablets) with satisfactory recovery (97–103 %).
Carbon‐Supported Rh17S15‐Rh Electrocatalysts Applied in the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Ji Jing , Lv Shaowei , Liu Haijing , Wang Feng , Li Zhilin , Liu Jingjun , Song Ye , Ja Yi
Published: April 2014

Rh17S15‐Rh catalysts supported on acid‐treated carbon black were prepared from RhCl3 by a facile method using sulfur source ((NH4)2S2O3) and reducing agent (NaBH4), followed by an additional thermal treatment at 650 °C in argon. The prepared catalyst comprised an Rh17S15 single crystalline phase and a zero‐valent metal (Rh) phase supported on a conductive carbon. By XRD characterization, the constituent ratio of Rh17S15 to Rh in the electrocatalysts, ranging from 51–95 %, varied with the increase of amount of (NH4)2S2O3 or NaBH4. Morphologies of the resulting catalysts were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique. Most of particles were found to have a distribution of agglomerates ranging in size from 10 to 50 nm. In studying the effect of the constituent phases of chalcogenide electrocatalysts on oxygen reduction reaction activity, it is paramount to understand and optimize the structure sensitivity of the reaction, which will aid in determining the optimal ratio of Rh17S15 to Rh of the electrocatalyst. Activity and stability of the prepared catalysts were addressed using a series of cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments in 1 M HCl electrolyte, in which the electrocatalyst of 95 % of Rh17S15 was found to be the most stable. The rotating disk electrode (RDE) experiment indicated the sulfide catalyst with 82 % of Rh17S15 showed the better performance for the ORR, which was discussed based on the compromise between the stability for the constituent phase of Rh17S15 in 1 M HCl and enhanced activity found for Rh phase.
Career Management Strategies of People With Disabilities
Authors: Kulkarni Mukta , Gopakumar K. V.
Published: April 2014

People with disabilities (PWD) tend to experience less career success than their counterparts without a disability, and their talent and skill remain underutilized. Disability literature also outlines various barriers to careers of PWD. Yet there are those who successfully manage their careers. Our aim in the present interview‐based study was to understand which strategies PWD engage in to manage their careers proactively. Findings indicate that strategies include maintaining a positive mind‐set; trouncing competence stereotypes by sensitizing people to their ability through learning and applying new skills, and by seeking feedback; engaging in disability advocacy to remove performance myths; and building, leveraging, and contributing to disability networks. We noted gender and tenure differences with regard to strategies employed. Findings imply that career objectives of PWD are not those traditionally expected or lauded by organizations, and motivations for career self‐management are unique to PWD as compared to those without a disability. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impact of data revisions on the robustness of growth determinants—a note on ‘determinants of economic growth: Will data tell?’
Authors: Feldkircher Martin , Zeugner Stefan
Published: April 2014

Ciccone and Jarociński (American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics 2010; 2: 222–246) show that inference in Bayesian model averaging (BMA) can be highly sensitive to small data perturbations. In particular, they demonstrate that the importance attributed to potential growth determinants varies tremendously over different revisions of international income data. They conclude that ‘agnostic’ priors appear too sensitive for this strand of growth empirics. In response, we show that the found instability owes much to a specific BMA set‐up: first, comparing the same countries over data revisions improves robustness; second, much of the remaining variation can be reduced by applying an evenly ‘agnostic’ but flexible prior. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The READY program: Building a global potential energy surface and reactive dynamic simulations for the hydrogen combustion
Authors: Mogo César , Brandão João
Published: April 2014

READY (REActive DYnamics) is a program for studying reactive dynamic systems using a global potential energy surface (PES) built from previously existing PESs corresponding to each of the most important elementary reactions present in the system. We present an application to the combustion dynamics of a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen using accurate PESs for all the systems involving up to four oxygen and hydrogen atoms. Results at the temperature of 4000 K and pressure of 2 atm are presented and compared with model based on rate constants. Drawbacks and advantages of this approach are discussed and future directions of research are pointed out. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tumor Vasculature Is Regulated by FGF/FGFR Signaling‐Mediated Angiogenesis and Bone Marrow‐Derived Cell Recruitment: This Mechanism Is Inhibited by SSR128129E, the First Allosteric Antagonist of FGFRs
Authors: Fons Pierre , Gueguen‐Dorbes Geneviève , Herault Jean‐Pascal , Geronimi Fabien , Tuyaret Joël , Frédérique Dol , Schaeffer Paul , Volle‐Challier Cécile , Herbert Jean‐Marc , Bono Françoise
Published: April 2014

Tumor angiogenesis is accompanied by vasculogenesis, which is involved in the differentiation and mobilization of human bone marrow cells. In order to further characterize the role of vasculogenesis in the tumor growth process, the effects of FGF2 on the differentiation of human bone marrow AC133+ cells (BM‐AC133+) into vascular precursors were studied in vitro. FGF2, like VEGFA, induced progenitor cell differentiation into cell types with endothelial cell characteristics. SSR128129E, a newly discovered specific FGFR antagonist acting by allosteric interaction with FGFR, abrogated FGF2‐induced endothelial cell differentiation, showing that FGFR signaling is essential during this process. To assess the involvement of the FGF/FRGR signaling in vivo, the pre‐clinical model of Lewis lung carcinoma (LL2) in mice was used. Subcutaneous injection of LL2 cells into mice induced an increase of circulating EPCs from peripheral blood associated with tumor growth and an increase of intra‐tumoral vascular index. Treatment with the FGFR antagonist SSR128129E strongly decreased LL2 tumor growth as well as the intra‐tumoral vascular index (41% and 50% decrease vs. vehicle‐treated mice respectively, P < 0.01). Interestingly, SSR128129E treatment significantly decreased the number of circulating EPCs from the peripheral blood (53% inhibition vs. vehicle‐treated mice, P < 0.01). These results demonstrate for the first time that the blockade of the FGF/FGFR pathway by SSR128129E reduces EPC recruitment during angiogenesis‐dependent tumor growth. In this context, circulating EPCs could be a reliable surrogate marker for tumor growth and angiogenic activity. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 43–51, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Opportunities and Challenges of Participation in Transitional Justice: Examples from Nepal
Authors: Selim Yvette
Published: April 2014

Transitional justice (TJ) has developed in relative isolation from development discourse. However, in recent years, a growing number of academics, practitioners and policy makers have advocated for the adaptation of participatory methods from development studies to TJ. This article critically analyses the opportunities and challenges of implementing participation in TJ. I argue that participation can provide avenues for the voices of victims and other stakeholders to be heard, albeit not without significant challenges. I also argue that there should be increased focus to carry out participatory attempts where victims and affected community members are partners and decision makers; this just might be a starting point to ensure that TJ is indeed victim‐centric. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Small Cells of Suspects: Eliciting Cues to Deception by Strategic Interviewing
Authors: Granhag Pär Anders , Rangmar Jenny , Strömwall Leif A.
Published: April 2014

Investigators often have to deal with small groups of suspects, and this is true both for criminal cases and for suspected terrorist cases. There is, however, very little research examining the effectiveness of different interview techniques when facing cells of suspects. In order to remedy this shortcoming, we examined the extent to which three interviewing techniques elicited cues to deception from small groups of suspects. In one technique, the evidence was disclosed early in the interview (early evidence); in another, the evidence was disclosed late using the Strategic use of evidence technique (SUE‐basic); and in the third technique, the evidence was disclosed late and with an increased strength and precision (SUE‐incremental). We used a mock‐theft scenario with 126 participants randomly allocated to one of six conditions: guilty or innocent suspects interrogated with one of the three disclosure tactics. The SUE‐incremental proved to be the most effective technique, resulting in significant differences between guilty and innocent suspects for all three cues examined: statement‐evidence inconsistency, within‐statement inconsistency, and within‐group inconsistency. Based on the findings, we argue that the SUE technique is effective also for eliciting cues to deception when used for small groups of suspects. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Natural prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) variants resistant to protease and polymerase inhibitors in patients infected with HCV genotype 1 in Tunisia
Authors: Aissa Larousse Jameleddine , Trimoulet Pascale , Recordon‐Pinson Patricia , Papuchon Jennnifer , Azzouz Mohamed Mssadak , Ben Mami Nabyl , Cheikh Imed , Triki Henda , Fleury Hervé
Published: April 2014

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitors (PIs) and polymerase inhibitors: nucleos(t)ide inhibitors (NS5B‐NIs) and non‐nucleos(t)ide inhibitors (NS5B‐NNIs) have been recently developed to inhibit protease (NS3) or polymerase (NS5B) activities. The drawback of antiviral treatment is the emergence of resistance mutations to the drugs. The prevalence of such mutations conferring resistance to PIs, NS5B‐NIs, and NS5B‐NNIs before treatment has not been investigated so far in the Tunisian population. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of known substitutions conferring resistance to HCV‐PIs, NS5B‐NIs, and NS5B‐NNIs in 149 untreated patients naïve of any novel or investigational anti‐HCV drugs and infected with HCV genotype 1 (genotype 1a = 7; genotype 1b = 142). Twelve sequences (9.2%) of the 131/149 HCV NS3 sequences analyzed showed amino‐acid substitutions associated with HCV PIs resistance mutations (T54S, n = 4 (3%); V55A, n = 2 (1.5%); Q80K, n = 4 (3%); R155K, n = 1 (0.7%); A156V, n = 1 (0.7%)). One (1%) of the 95/149 HCV NS5B sequences analyzed showed the substitution V321I conferring resistance to NS5B‐NIs, while 34 of 95 (35.8%) showed substitutions conferring resistance to NS5B‐NNIs (C316N, n = 2 (2%); M414L, n = 1 (1%); A421V, n = 8 (8.5%); M423A, n = 1 (1%); M423T, n = 2 (2%); I424V, n = 5 (5.2%); C445F, n = 1 (1%); I482T, n = 2 (2%); V494A, n = 1 (1%); P496A, n = 1 (1%); V499A, n = 15 (16%); S556G, n = 5 (5.2%)). Naturally occurring substitutions conferring resistance to NS3 or NS5B inhibitors exist in a substantial proportion of Tunisian treatment‐naïve patients infected with HCV genotype 1. Their influence on treatment outcome should be assessed. J. Med. Virol. 86:1350–1359, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High expression of beta2‐glycoprotein I is associated significantly with the earliest stages of hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Liu Ya‐Ming , Zhang Wen‐Yan , Wang Zhong‐Feng , Yan Chao‐Ying , Gao Pu‐Jun
Published: April 2014

Human beta2‐glycoprotein I (beta2‐GPI) binds to recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (rHBsAg) and can bind specifically to annexin II, which is located on the cell membrane of human hepatoma SMMC‐7721 cells. Viral envelope proteins are essential for mediating cellular entry. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of beta2‐GPI in the early stages of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Western blot and qRT‐PCR analyses revealed that beta2‐GPI expression was upregulated in HepG2.2.15 cells at both the mRNA and protein level and was almost non‐existent in 293T and CHO cells. Furthermore, annexin II was expressed at lower levels in HepG2.2.15 cells compared to L02, HepG2, and SMMC‐7721 cells. Additionally, ELISA analyses demonstrated that beta2‐GPI enhanced the ability of HBsAg to bind to cell surfaces, and there was differential adhesion to L02, HepG2, HepG2.2.15, and 293T cells. Western blot and ELISA were then performed to assess the effects of HBV and the HBsAg domain on beta2‐GPI expression in co‐transfected 293T cells. This study revealed that HBV and the large HBV envelope protein increased beta2‐GPI expression. Further investigation indicated that beta2‐GPI colocalized with HBsAg in the cytosol of HepG2.2.15 cells, with sodium taurocholate co‐transporting polypeptide (NTCP) on the cell membrane in NTCP‐complemented HepG2 cells, and with annexin II in the cytosol of HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells. These data suggest that high expression of beta2‐GPI enhances HBsAg binding to cell surfaces, thus contributing to virus particle transfer to the NTCP receptor and interaction with annexin II for viral membrane fusion. J. Med. Virol. 86:1296–1306, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MicroRNA‐1 (miR‐1) inhibits chordoma cell migration and invasion by targeting slug
Authors: Osaka Eiji , Yang Xiaoqian , Shen Jacson K. , Yang Pei , Feng Yong , Mankin Henry J. , Hornicek Francis J. , Duan Zhenfeng
Published: April 2014

Recent studies have revealed that expression of miRNA‐1 (miR‐1) is frequently down‐regulated in several cancer types including chordoma. Identifying and validating novel targets of miR‐1 is useful for understanding the roles of miR‐1 in chordoma. We aimed to further investigate the functions of miR‐1 in chordoma. Specifically, we assessed whether restoration of miR‐1 affects cell migration and invasion in chordoma, and focused on the miR‐1 potential target Slug gene. Migratory and invasive activities were assessed by wound healing and Matrigel invasion assays, respectively. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay. Slug expression was evaluated by Western blot, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. Restoration of miR‐1 expression suppressed the migratory and invasive activities of chordoma cells. Transfection of miR‐1 inhibited cell proliferation both time‐ and dose‐dependently in chordoma. MiR‐1 transfected cells showed inhibited Slug expression. Slug was over‐expressed in chordoma cell lines and advanced chordoma tissues. In conclusion, we have shown that miR‐1 directly targets the Slug gene in chordoma. Restoration of miR‐1 suppressed not only proliferation, but also migratory and invasive activities, and reduced the Slug expression in chordoma cells. These results collectively indicate that miR‐1/Slug pathway is a potential therapeutic target because of its crucial roles in chordoma cell growth and migration. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:1075–1082, 2014.
Development of a Child Welfare Worker Stress Inventory
Authors: Levy Michelle , Poertner John
Published: April 2014

Child welfare is commonly considered highly stressful work. Given the links among stress, burnout, and the pervasive turnover that plague child welfare, agencies must look beyond simply training workers to better manage their stress. Identifying specific sources of workplace stress is the foundation for targeting organizational efforts to prevent job stress and burnout. In this study we developed and tested a new measure, the Child Welfare Worker Stress Inventory, with a sample of workers from child welfare agencies. The inventory demonstrated high reliability, yielding a Cronbach's alpha of 0.93. Evidence of validity was shown by a correlation of 0.70 between a stress/burnout measure and the stress inventory. The study found that the Child Welfare Worker Stress Inventory shows promise as a practical tool to help organizations better understand and mitigate workplace stressors.
From modeling to measurement: Developmental trends in genetic influence on adiposity in childhood
Authors: Llewellyn C.H. , Trzaskowski M. , Plomin R. , Wardle J.
Published: April 2014

Objective

Evidence of increasing heritability of BMI over childhood can seem paradoxical given longer exposure to environmental influences. Genomic data were used to provide direct evidence of developmental increases in genetic influence.

Methods

BMI standard deviation scores (BMI‐SDS) at ages 4 and 10 were calculated for 2,556 twin pairs in the Twins Early Development Study. Twin analyses estimated heritability of BMI‐SDS at each age and the longitudinal genetic correlation. One randomly selected twin per pair was genotyped. Genome‐wide complex trait analysis (GCTA) determined DNA‐based heritability at each age and the longitudinal genomic correlation. Associations with a polygenic obesity risk score (PRS) using 28 obesity‐related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were assessed at each age, with bootstrapping to test the significance of the increase in variance explained.

Results

Twin‐estimated heritability increased from age 4 (0.43; 95% CI: 0.35‐0.53) to 10 (0.82; 0.74‐0.88). GCTA‐estimated heritability went from non‐significant at 4 (0.20; −0.21 to 0.61) to significant at 10 (0.29; 0.01‐0.57). Longitudinal genetic correlations derived from twins (0.58) and GCTA (0.66) were similar. The same PRS explained more variance at 10 than 4 years (R2 Δ:0.024; 0.002‐0.078).

Conclusions

GCTA and PRS findings confirm twin‐based results suggesting increasing genetic influence on adiposity during childhood despite substantial genetic stability.
Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch improves insulin sensitivity and secretion through caloric restriction
Authors: Plourde Charles‐Étienne , Grenier‐Larouche Thomas , Caron‐Dorval Dominique , Biron Simon , Marceau Simon , Lebel Stéfan , Biertho Laurent , Tchernof André , Richard Denis , Carpentier André C.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To assess the rapid improvement of insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function following biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD‐DS) and determine the role played by caloric restriction in these changes.

Methods

Standard meals were administrated before and on day 3, 4, and 5 after BPD‐DS to measure total caloric intake, glucose excursion, insulin sensitivity, and secretion in matched type 2 diabetes and normoglycemic (NG) subjects. In a second set of study, other subjects with type 2 diabetes had the same meal tests prior to and after a 3‐day caloric restriction identical to that observed after BPD‐DS and then 3 days after actually undergoing BPD‐DS.

Results

Improvement of HOMA‐IR occurred at day 3 after BPD‐DS in diabetes and after 3 days of caloric restriction. The disposition index (DI) improved rapidly in diabetes after BPD‐DS and to a similar extent after caloric restriction. DI was higher and did not change after BPD‐DS in NG. Changes in glucagon‐like peptide‐1, gastric inhibitory peptide, peptide tyrosine tyrosine, ghrelin, and pancreatic polypeptide levels were not associated with modulation of DI in the participants.

Conclusions

Caloric restriction is the major mechanism underlying the early improvement of insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function after BPD‐DS in type 2 diabetes.
PET wastes utilization in the synthesis of aliphatic–aromatic polyurethane elastomers
Authors: Mazurek Magdalena M. , Tomczyk Karolina , Rokicki Gabriel
Published: April 2014

The presented work relates to the synthesis of polyurethane elastomers based on aliphatic–aromatic ester‐carbonate oligomerols obtained from poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) wastes and dimethyl carbonate as a source of carbonate units. A new method of transformation of PET waste into oligo(alkylene terephthalate)s in the alcoholysis process carried out with the use of azeotropic distillation was described and discussed. The obtained polyurethanes (PURs) exhibited excellent mechanical strength—75% higher tensile strength in comparison to that of polyurethanes based on aliphatic oligocarbonate diols, while maintaining similar elongation at break. It was confirmed that PURs maintain their elastomeric properties up to 42% concentration of aromatic units in the ester‐carbonate oligomerol when the mixture of terephthalate and isophthalate was used for the oligomerol synthesis. The new PURs also exhibited better thermal stability than those based on aliphatic carbonate oligomerols. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lessons learned from adult clinical experience to inform evaluations of VEGF pathway inhibitors in children with cancer
Authors: Smith Malcolm A.
Published: April 2014

Agents targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway have been studied in adults with cancer for nearly two decades. It is important to assess the lessons learned from this adult experience and to see how these lessons can help inform pediatric development of agents in this class. The benefit achieved from the use of VEGF pathway targeted agents for adult cancers has primarily been to delay for several months disease progression and less commonly time to death for conditions in which cure is not a reasonable expectation. VEGF pathway targeted agents have shown no efficacy when applied in the adjuvant setting. For adults with advanced cancer, prolongation of survival by 2–3 months is considered an important achievement in some settings. However, the primary goal of pediatric oncology clinical research is to identify treatments that allow children to be cured of their cancer and to grow to adulthood without treatment‐induced limitations that lower their quality of survival. An important question for the pediatric oncology research community, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory agencies to address in planning for future clinical trials is whether existing data support a role for VEGF pathway targeted agents in contributing to a therapeutic pathway to cure for children with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:1497–1505. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Differential insertion of the atrioventricular valves: measurement protocol to detect various congenital heart defects
Authors: Adriaanse B. M. E. , Schats J. , Tromp C. H. N. , Uittenbogaard L. B. , Heymans M. W. , van Vugt J. M. G. , Haak M. C.
Published: April 2014

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to develop reference values for the distance between the atrioventricular valves, called differential insertion of the atrioventricular valves (DIAVV), in normal fetuses using four‐dimensional ultrasound with spatio‐temporal image correlation and to explore if DIAVV measurement can differentiate between normal hearts and hearts with cardiac defects.

Methods

The DIAVV was analysed longitudinally following a measurement protocol in 74 fetuses between 15 and 36 weeks gestational age. The DIAVV was measured in an apical four‐chamber view of the heart in end‐diastole. Furthermore, the DIAVV was measured in 70 fetuses with cardiac defects.

Results

In total, 337 normal and 70 abnormal spatio‐temporal image correlation volumes were examined. Longitudinal regression analysis revealed a positive relationship of the DIAVV with gestational age and fetal biometry (p < 0.0001). The DIAVV of fetuses with double outlet right ventricle, truncus arteriosus, atrioventricular septal defects, Ebstein and tetralogy of Fallot all differed from normal fetuses (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Measurement of the DIAVV is a promising tool; however, a well‐defined measurement protocol should be followed to accomplish the correct plane and exact moment in the cardiac cycle. This study presents new nomograms following this measurement protocol and reports an abnormal DIAVV in a wide spectrum of congenital heart disease. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas‐phase acidity of 1,1‐bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)propane derivatives and related compounds: experimental and theoretical studies
Authors: Zhang Min , Sonoda Takaaki , Shiota Yoshihito , Mishima Masaaki , Yanai Hikaru , Fujita Masaya , Taguchi Takeo
Published: April 2014

The gas‐phase acidity (GA) of a series of 1,1‐bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)propane derivatives, Tf2CHCH2CH(R1)R2, and Tf2CHCH2Ar (Ar = phenol derivatives) was determined by measuring proton‐transfer equilibria using a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT‐ICR) mass spectrometer and by computing the free energy of the deprotonated carbanions and the corresponding neutrals. The effects of R1 and R2 or Ar groups on the acidity were examined. In Tf2CHCH2CH(R1)R2, the GA values calculated using the conformers of neutral molecules that are free from the intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding interaction between the acidic hydrogen atom of the Tf2CH moiety and R1 or R2 group and between the hydrogen atom of the CHR1R2 moiety and the SO2CF3 group were correlated in terms of an equation, GA = −17.0ΣσI + 3.4Σσα + 299.5. On the basis of this correlation, it was elucidated that the intramolecular hydrogen bonding or dipole–dipole interaction in the neutral molecule weakens significantly the acidity. In Tf2CHCH2Ar (5, 6 and 7), the GA was strengthened by the strong hydrogen‐bonding interaction between the phenolic hydrogen in the aromatic moiety and the SO2CF3 group in the conjugate anion compared with that in the neutral molecule. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Universal newborn screening for congenital CMV infection: what is the evidence of potential benefit?
Authors: Cannon Michael J. , Griffiths Paul D. , Aston Van , Rawlinson William D.
Published: April 2014

Congenital CMV infection is a leading cause of childhood disability. Many children born with congenital CMV infection are asymptomatic or have nonspecific symptoms and therefore are typically not diagnosed. A strategy of newborn CMV screening could allow for early detection and intervention to improve clinical outcomes. Interventions might include antiviral drugs or nonpharmaceutical therapies such as speech‐language therapy or cochlear implants. Using published data from developed countries, we analyzed existing evidence of potential benefit that could result from newborn CMV screening. We first estimated the numbers of children with the most important CMV‐related disabilities (i.e. hearing loss, cognitive deficit, and vision impairment), including the age at which the disabilities occur. Then, for each of the disabilities, we examined the existing evidence for the effectiveness of various interventions. We concluded that there is good evidence of potential benefit from nonpharmaceutical interventions for children with delayed hearing loss that occurs by 9 months of age. Similarly, we concluded that there is fair evidence of potential benefit from antiviral therapy for children with hearing loss at birth and from nonpharmaceutical interventions for children with delayed hearing loss occurring between 9 and 24 months of age and for children with CMV‐related cognitive deficits. We found poor evidence of potential benefit for children with delayed hearing loss occurring after 24 months of age and for children with vision impairment. Overall, we estimated that in the United States, several thousand children with congenital CMV could benefit each year from newborn CMV screening, early detection, and interventions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sputter depth profiling: past, present, and future
Authors: Hofmann S.
Published: April 2014

Sputter depth profiling is a direct method to obtain the in‐depth distribution of composition in thin films, at surfaces and at interfaces. It was developed in conjunction with the main methods of surface and interface analysis (AES, XPS, and SIMS). During the past decades, progress in depth profiling is characterized by the aim to obtain optimally resolved depth profiles. This is mainly achieved by experimentally identifying the decisive parameters for distortions of the original in‐depth distribution caused by sputtering and analysis. The physical origins of profile blurring are predicted by elaborate particle transport theories based on Sigmund's theory of sputtering. A simplified, user‐friendly model presentation of the result for depth profiling is its representation by convolution of the original in‐depth distribution with an appropriate depth resolution function (or response function). Great progress has been achieved by the development of the so‐called MRI model, based on the three physically well‐defined parameters atomic mixing, roughness and information depth, which describe the depth resolution function. The latter can be presented as a user‐friendly analytical expression for delta layers as well as for layers with a given thickness. Numerical solutions are necessary to include preferential sputtering and other depth or concentration‐dependent parameters. Whereas the instrumental development in AES is fairly stable, great progress is going on in XPS and particularly in SIMS and related techniques, enhanced by growing interest in three‐dimensional analysis of organic materials. At the horizon, there are more sophisticated models for quantification of transient states in shallow profiles and of sputter depth profiles generated by cluster ion bombardment of organics. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of nanostructured blend homopolymers and diblock copolymers by AFM and TOF‐SIMS
Authors: Kang Minhwa , Lee Jihye , Lee Yeonhee
Published: April 2014

Poly(styrene‐b‐methyl methacrylate) (PS‐b‐PMMA) and poly(styrene‐b‐ethyl hexylacrylate) (PS‐b‐PEHA) were used to investigate microphase separation in block copolymer films. Blend homopolymers were also used to compare their nanostructures on the surface with those of diblock copolymers. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) were used to obtain the nanostructural information of the diblock copolymers and the blend homopolymers. The tapping mode AFM results provided information about the surface morphology, microphase‐separated structure, and thickness of the films according to the annealing condition and concentration. TOF‐SIMS was used to determine the lamellar nanostructures of the block copolymer films. The TOF‐SIMS depth profiles demonstrate variations in the hydrogen, deuterium, carbon, oxygen, and molecular fragment ions of the block copolymer according to the depth. Accurate surface structure information on the block copolymers and blend homopolymers was obtained by the combined images of TOF‐SIMS and AFM. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian sparse graphical models and their mixtures
Authors: Talluri Rajesh , Baladandayuthapani Veerabhadran , Mallick Bani K.
Published: April 2014

We propose Bayesian methods for Gaussian graphical models that lead to sparse and adaptively shrunk estimators of the precision (inverse covariance) matrix. Our methods are based on lasso‐type regularization priors leading to parsimonious parameterization of the precision matrix, which is essential in several applications involving learning relationships among the variables. In this context, we introduce a novel type of selection prior that develops a sparse structure on the precision matrix by making most of the elements exactly zero, in addition to ensuring positive definiteness—thus conducting model selection and estimation simultaneously. More importantly, we extend these methods to analyse clustered data using finite mixtures of Gaussian graphical model and infinite mixtures of Gaussian graphical models. We discuss appropriate posterior simulation schemes to implement posterior inference in the proposed models, including the evaluation of normalizing constants that are functions of parameters of interest, which result from the restriction of positive definiteness on the correlation matrix. We evaluate the operating characteristics of our method via several simulations and demonstrate the application to real‐data examples in genomics. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Multilevel sparse functional principal component analysis
Authors: Di Chongzhi , Crainiceanu Ciprian M. , Jank Wolfgang S.
Published: April 2014

We consider analysis of sparsely sampled multilevel functional data, where the basic observational unit is a function and data have a natural hierarchy of basic units. An example is when functions are recorded at multiple visits for each subject. Multilevel functional principal component analysis was proposed recently for such data when functions are densely recorded. Here, we consider the case when functions are sparsely sampled and may contain only a few observations per function. We exploit the multilevel structure of covariance operators and achieve data reduction by principal component decompositions at both between‐subject and within‐subject levels. We address inherent methodological differences in the sparse sampling context to: (i) estimate the covariance operators; (ii) estimate the functional principal component scores; and (iii) predict the underlying curves. Through simulations, the proposed method is able to discover dominating modes of variations and reconstruct underlying curves well even in sparse settings. Our approach is illustrated by two applications, the Sleep Heart Health Study and eBay auctions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Bartz‐Beielstein Thomas , Branke Jürgen , Mehnen Jörn , Mersmann Olaf
Published: April 2014

Evolutionary algorithm (EA) is an umbrella term used to describe population‐based stochastic direct search algorithms that in some sense mimic natural evolution. Prominent representatives of such algorithms are genetic algorithms, evolution strategies, evolutionary programming, and genetic programming. On the basis of the evolutionary cycle, similarities and differences between these algorithms are described. We briefly discuss how EAs can be adapted to work well in case of multiple objectives, and dynamic or noisy optimization problems. We look at the tuning of algorithms and present some recent developments coming from theory. Finally, typical applications of EAs to real‐world problems are shown, with special emphasis on data‐mining applications. WIREs Data Mining Knowl Discov 2014, 4:178–195. doi: 10.1002/widm.1124

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Spatial and Temporal Data Mining

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Knowledge Representation
Single‐balloon enteroscopy‐assisted nasojejunal tube placement
Authors: Chen Hsuan‐Wei , Chen Peng‐Jen , Chang Wei‐Kuo , Hsieh Tsai‐Yuan , Huang Tien‐Yu
Published: April 2014

Expertise in enteral nutrition is an important aspect of the skill set of clinical gastroenterologists. Feeding tubes can be placed by bedside, endoscopic, fluoroscopic, and surgical methods. Nasojejunal tube placement in patients with variations in anatomy or with a history of abdominal surgery was previously a difficult problem. Today, however, as a result of developments in enteroscopy, gastroenterologists can obtain a better understanding of the small intestine. This paper reports a new technique in nasojejunal tube insertion. The feeding tube was placed in the intestine using a guide wire which accessed the jejunum with the help of single‐balloon enteroscopy. Using this new skill, the placement of an enteral tube is more comfortable and safer for patients.
TheBDNF-Val66Met polymorphism modulates parental rearing effects on adult psychiatric symptoms: A community twin-based study
Authors: Ibarra P. , Alemany S. , Fatjó-Vilas M. , Córdova-Palomera A. , Goldberg X. , Arias B. , González-Ortega I. , González-Pinto A. , Nenadic I. , Fañanás L.
Published: April 2014

Purpose:

To test whether firstly, different parental rearing components were associated with different dimensions of psychiatric symptoms in adulthood, secondlyBDNF-Val66Met polymorphism moderated this association and thirdly, this association was due to genetic confounding.

Method:

Perceived parental rearing according to Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), psychiatric symptoms evaluated with the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and theBDNF-Val66Met polymorphism were analyzed in a sample of 232 adult twins from the general population.

Results:

In the whole sample, paternal care was negatively associated with depression. Maternal overprotection was positively associated with paranoid ideation, obsession-compulsion and somatization. Gene-environment interaction effects were detected between theBDNF-Val66Met polymorphism and maternal care on phobic anxiety, paternal care on hostility, maternal overprotection on somatization and paternal overprotection also in somatization. In the subsample of MZ twins, intrapair differences in maternal care were associated with anxiety, paranoid ideation and somatization.

Conclusions:

Met carriers were, in general, more sensitive to the effects of parental rearing compared to Val/Val carriers in relation to anxiety and somatization. Contra-intuitively, our findings suggest that high rates of maternal care might be of risk for Met carriers regarding anxiety. Results from analyses controlling for genetic confounding were in line with this finding.
Tumour‐suppressive microRNA‐224 inhibits cancer cell migration and invasion via targeting oncogenic TPD52 in prostate cancer
Authors: Goto Yusuke , Nishikawa Rika , Kojima Satoko , Chiyomaru Takeshi , Enokida Hideki , Inoguchi Satoru , Kinoshita Takashi , Fuse Miki , Sakamoto Shinichi , Nakagawa Masayuki , Naya Yukio , Ichikawa Tomohiko , Seki Naohiko
Published: April 2014

Our recent study of the microRNA expression signature of prostate cancer (PCa) revealed that microRNA‐224 (miR‐224) is significantly downregulated in PCa tissues. Here, we found that restoration of miR‐224 significantly inhibits PCa cell migration and invasion. Additionally, we found that oncogenic TPD52 is a direct target of miR‐224 regulation. Silencing of the TPD52 gene significantly inhibits cancer cell migration and invasion. Moreover, TPD52 expression is upregulated in cancer tissues and negatively correlates with miR‐224 expression. We conclude that loss of tumour‐suppressive miR‐224 enhances cancer cell migration and invasion in PCa through direct regulation of oncogenic TPD52.
Changed membrane integration and catalytic site conformation are two mechanisms behind the increased Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio by presenilin 1 familial Alzheimer‐linked mutations
Authors: Wanngren Johanna , Lara Patricia , Öjemalm Karin , Maioli Silvia , Moradi Nasim , Chen Lu , Tjernberg Lars O. , Lundkvist Johan , Nilsson IngMarie , Karlström Helena
Published: April 2014

The enzyme complex γ‐secretase generates amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ), a 37–43‐residue peptide associated with Alzheimer disease (AD). Mutations in presenilin 1 (PS1), the catalytical subunit of γ‐secretase, result in familial AD (FAD). A unifying theme among FAD mutations is an alteration in the ratio Aβ species produced (the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio), but the molecular mechanisms responsible remain elusive. In this report we have studied the impact of several different PS1 FAD mutations on the integration of selected PS1 transmembrane domains and on PS1 active site conformation, and whether any effects translate to a particular amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing phenotype. Most mutations studied caused an increase in the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, but via different mechanisms. The mutations that caused a particular large increase in the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio did also display an impaired APP intracellular domain (AICD) formation and a lower total Aβ production. Interestingly, seven mutations close to the catalytic site caused a severely impaired integration of proximal transmembrane/hydrophobic sequences into the membrane. This structural defect did not correlate to a particular APP processing phenotype. Six selected FAD mutations, all of which exhibited different APP processing profiles and impact on PS1 transmembrane domain integration, were found to display an altered active site conformation. Combined, our data suggest that FAD mutations affect the PS1 structure and active site differently, resulting in several complex APP processing phenotypes, where the most aggressive mutations in terms of increased Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio are associated with a decrease in total γ‐secretase activity.
Endogenous Small RNA Clusters in Plants
Authors: Liu Yong-Xin , Wang Meng , Wang Xiu-Jie
Published: April 2014

In plants, small RNAs (sRNAs) usually refer to non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) with lengths of 20–24 nucleotides. sRNAs are involved in the regulation of many essential processes related to plant development and environmental responses. sRNAs in plants are mainly grouped into microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and the latter can be further classified into trans-acting siRNAs (ta-siRNAs), repeat-associated siRNAs (ra-siRNAs), natural anti-sense siRNAs (nat-siRNAs), etc. Many sRNAs exhibit a clustered distribution pattern in the genome. Here, we summarize the features and functions of cluster-distributed sRNAs, aimed to not only provide a thorough picture of sRNA clusters (SRCs) in plants, but also shed light on the identification of new classes of functional sRNAs.
Competency‐based training “Helping Mothers Survive: Bleeding after Birth” for providers from central and remote facilities in three countries
Authors: Evans Cherrie L. , Johnson Peter , Bazant Eva , Bhatnagar Neeta , Zgambo Jane , Khamis Asma R.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To validate a new training module for skilled and semiskilled birth attendants authorized to provide care at birth—Helping Mothers Survive: Bleeding After Birth (HMS:BAB)—aimed at reducing postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. BAB training involves single‐day, facility‐based training that emphasizes simulation of scenarios related to prevention, detection, and management of postpartum hemorrhage.

Methods

A total of 155 skilled and semiskilled birth attendants participated in training in India, Malawi, and Zanzibar, Tanzania. Knowledge and confidence were assessed before and after training. Skills and acceptability were assessed after training.

Results

Knowledge and confidence scores improved significantly from pre‐ to post‐training among all cadres in all three countries. The proportion of providers with passing knowledge scores increased significantly from pre‐ to post‐training among all cadres except for those already high at baseline. On three post‐training skills tests the overall proportion of individuals with a passing score ranged from 83% to 89%.

Conclusion

BAB training in prevention and management of postpartum hemorrhage increased knowledge and confidence among skilled and semiskilled birth attendants. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of this training on skills retention and clinical outcomes following postpartum hemorrhage, after broader implementation of the training program.
Observational study of the effects of dabigatran on gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Yamashita Takeshi , Watanabe Eiichi , Ikeda Takanori , Shiga Tsuyoshi , Kusano Kengo F. , Takahashi Naohiko , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Nozaki Akira , Kasao Masashi , Fukatsu Tohru , Kawamura Yuichiro , Komatsu Takashi , Matsumoto Naoki , Arakawa Tomoharu , Sugiura Atsushi , Iwao Tetsu , Ooie Tatsuhiko
Published: April 2014

Background

Dyspepsia (including upper abdominal pain, abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, epigastric discomfort, and dyspepsia) is a symptom that is carefully monitored during dabigatran treatment. However, detailed information on dyspepsia, including onset, duration, severity, and use of drug treatment, has not yet been established in Japanese patients.

Methods

We conducted a multi‐center, prospective, open‐label, randomized, and parallel‐group‐comparison observational study of 309 patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation who had been newly prescribed dabigatran at 19 institutes in Japan. Gastrointestinal adverse events were evaluated using the Global Overall Severity (GOS) scale self‐reports to describe symptoms and to assess frequency and severity of symptoms (Part 1). Thereafter, patients with a GOS score ≥3 were randomized to receive a 4‐week course of a proton pump inhibitor, an H2‐receptor antagonist or a gastric mucosal protective drug (Part 2).

Results

The incidence of dyspepsia symptoms due to dabigatran was 17.2% (53/309, 95% confidence interval 13.1–21.8%), with 77% of events occurring within 10 days of initiation. Five patients discontinued the study because of dyspepsia. At the end of the observation period, the mean GOS score of those reporting dyspepsia was 3.5±1.7, with 11.3% (35/309) reporting a score ≥3. Substantial differences in the incidence of dyspepsia were observed between the study institutes (0–41%). In the multivariate regression analysis, no significant factor was found to affect incidence or severity of dyspepsia. The majority (83–100%) reported that symptoms improved with treatment (GOS score ≤2), and there was no significant difference between the three different treatment groups.

Conclusions

The reported symptoms of dyspepsia were generally mild, but were moderate in approximately 10% of patients. Proton pump inhibitors, H2‐receptor antagonists, and rebamipide seemed to be equally effective in relieving dabigatran‐related dyspepsia (umin‐CTR UMIN000007579).