bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cholesterol and Hematopoietic Stem Cells: Inflammatory Mediators of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Lang Jennifer K. , Cimato Thomas R.
Published: March 2014

Atherosclerosis causing heart attack and stroke is the leading cause of death in the modern world. Therapy for end-stage atherosclerotic disease using CD34+ hematopoietic cells has shown promise in human clinical trials, and the in vivo function of hematopoietic and progenitor cells in atherogenesis is becoming apparent. Inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Cholesterol is a modifiable risk factor in atherosclerosis, but in many patients cholesterol levels are only mildly elevated. Those with high cholesterol levels often have elevated circulating monocyte and neutrophil counts. How cholesterol affects inflammatory cell levels was not well understood. Recent findings have provided new insight into the interaction among hematopoietic stem cells, cholesterol, and atherosclerosis. In mice, high cholesterol levels or inactivation of cholesterol efflux transporters have multiple effects on hematopoietic stem cells (HSPCs), including promoting their mobilization into the bloodstream, increasing proliferation, and differentiating HSPCs to the inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils that participate in atherosclerosis. Increased levels of interleukin-23 (IL-23) stimulate IL-17 production, resulting in granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) secretion, which subsequently leads to HSPC release into the bloodstream. Collectively, these findings clearly link elevated cholesterol levels to increased circulating HSPC levels and differentiation to inflammatory cells that participate in atherosclerosis. Seminal questions remain to be answered to understand how cholesterol affects HSPC-mobilizing cytokines and the role they play in atherosclerosis. Translation of findings in animal models to human subjects may include HSPCs as new targets for therapy to prevent or regress atherosclerosis in patients
Analyse conceptuelle de la compréhension inférentielle en petite enfance à partir d’une recension des modèles théoriques
Authors: Lefebvre Pascal , Bruneau Justine , Desmarais Chantal
Published: March 2014

Cet article théorique propose une conceptualisation des inférences appliquée aux enfants d’âge préscolaire afin d’offrir une compréhension plus claire des différentes dimensions à prendre en compte lors des activités éducatives en petite enfance. À partir d’une recension des modèles des inférences dans les écrits scientifiques, une analyse conceptuelle a été effectuée. Selon cette analyse, les activités éducatives devraient viser les dimensions suivantes : la source d’information des inférences, leur contribution à la compréhension et leur direction. Des exemples concrets des implications de cette analyse pour les activités éducatives sont présentés.
Approches contemporaines à l’étude de l’impact des milieux de garde sur le développement des jeunes enfants : bilan critique des orientations théoriques
Authors: Trudel Marcel , Blicharski Teresa , Bonnet Jérôme , Strayer Floyd Francis
Published: March 2014

L’étude de l’impact de l’expérience précoce et des milieux de garde ne tient pas toujours compte des modèles interactionnistes du développement humain. Le présent article offre un portrait historique des tendances ayant orienté les recherches dans ce domaine. Puis quatre modèles contemporains d’approches interactionnistes sont présentés afin de fournir un éclairage sur les défis de l’étude des trajectoires de développement. L’article conclut que nos connaissances sur l’impact des expériences précoces nécessitent une vision interactionniste sur le développement. De plus, l’impact de l’expérience précoce doit être abordé non seulement à partir d’une approche normative, mais également à l’aide d’une perspective plus centrée sur la personne.
Du lien entre l’analyse sociologique de l’innovation et la sociologie : une lecture simmelienne
Authors: Gaglio Gérald
Published: March 2014

Cet article interroge la contribution de la sociologie de l’innovation à la sociologie. Cette relation ne saurait s’appréhender de manière univoque, en soulignant seulement des apports. C’est pourquoi la méthodologie sociologique de Simmel est mobilisée car elle insiste sur la dualité des phénomènes sociaux et la nécessité de les aborder selon des prismes différents. Aussi, à partir de variations autour de quatre thèmes, nous sommes amenés à défendre les idées suivantes : la sociologie de l’innovation, au sens large, gagnerait à revendiquer un regard porté sur le réel, soucieux du mouvement mais également attentif aux moments de stabilisation. Une vision diachronique et séquencée, commune à de nombreuses recherches, pourrait également être un aiguilleur pour d’autres champs de la sociologie. Une sociologie de l’innovation fondée en valeurs est ensuite prônée. Elle irait de ce fait au-delà d’une sociologie d’objet(s), notamment en poursuivant des débats autour de la théorie de l’action.
Quatre propositions pour une analyse sociologique de l’innovation sociale
Authors: Harrisson Denis
Published: March 2014

Il est étonnant de constater que la sociologie, en tant que champ disciplinaire, s’est peu intéressée à l’innovation sociale. L’innovation sociale conduit à une transformation sociale par des actions intentionnelles. Deux grands concepts sociologiques permettent de traiter de cette question : une conception du changement social et une conception de la motivation de l’action sociale. Quatre théories sociologiques seront utilisées afin de clarifier la place qu’occupe l’innovation sociale dans leur conception respective du changement social et de l’action sociale soit la théorie du choix rationnel, le constructivisme social, l’institutionnalisme et la théorie des mouvements sociaux. L’innovation sociale ne fait pas partie du langage conceptuel d’aucune de ces théories, il faut voir comment le concept peut être intégré. Chaque théorie a ainsi une façon particulière de décrire les phénomènes en jetant un regard singulier sur le sens et les propriétés générales du phénomène et permet d’appréhender le savoir et la connaissance du phénomène par sa portée scientifique, sa signification ainsi que par le procédé de production de la connaissance.
Chemical doping-induced changes in optical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Okano Makoto , Nishihara Taishi , Yamada Yasuhiro , Kanemitsu Yoshihiko
Published: March 2014

We studied the changes in the optical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) induced by chemical doping. An enhancement in the photoluminescence (PL) of the SWCNTs was observed after doping with reducing agents, whereas a reduction in the PL intensity and the appearance of fast exciton decay resulted from doping with oxidizing agents. Comparisons of the measured PL and transient absorption obtained with the two different types of dopants demonstrated that the PL properties of SWCNTs are strongly linked to the non-radiative exciton recombination processes. Chemical doping strongly modulates the exciton dynamics in SWCNTs.
Cathodoluminescence spectra of Ga–In–O polycrystalline films fabricated by molecular precursor method
Authors: Onuma Takeyoshi , Yasuno Taihei , Takano Soichiro , Goto Ryousuke , Fujioka Shuhei , Hatakeyama Takumi , Oda Takuto , Hara Hiroki , Mochizuki Chihiro , Nagai Hiroki , Yamaguchi Tomohiro , Sato Mitsunobu , Honda Tohru
Published: March 2014

Cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra were measured from polycrystalline Ga–In–O (GIO) films prepared by the molecular precursor method (MPM). Bandgap-energy (E
g) and conductivity were successfully controlled by changing in the mixing ratio of the Ga and In precursor solutions. Although none of the films exhibited a near-band-edge emission, their CL emissions exhibited energy shifts by reflecting changes in E
g and ligand field in the GIO alloys. The results indicate a practical use of MPM-grown GIO films for deep ultraviolet optoelectronic devices.
Pt co-catalyst effect on photoelectrochemical properties of 3C-SiC photo-anode
Authors: Song Jun Tae , Iwasaki Takayuki , Hatano Mutsuko
Published: March 2014

The effect of Pt co-catalyst fabricated with various annealing temperatures on photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of 3C-SiC photo-anode was investigated. 3C-SiC with Pt co-catalyst shows the greater PEC reaction compared with bare 3C-SiC. A further enhancement is found by annealing process due to the Pt particle structure and enhanced contact of 3C-SiC and Pt. The formation of Pt particles improves the PEC reaction of samples annealed at 500 and 700 °C. Here, 3C-SiC with the Pt annealed at 500 °C shows the largest photocurrent, 3.47 mA/cm2 at an applied bias of 1 V (vs Ag/AgCl) and the lowest onset potential, 0.74 V with the optimum particle size. It is also considered to have appropriate contact by the proper Pt2Si formation, revealed by X-ray photoelectron microscopy. Although photocurrent is improved after anneal at 700 °C, the onset potential becomes almost same as bare 3C-SiC. Furthermore, the photo-activity after anneal at 900 °C is even degraded compared to the bare 3C-SiC because of the evolution of immoderate carbon compounds suppressing Pt co-catalyst effect.
Plasma distribution in Mercury's magnetosphere derived from MESSENGER Magnetometer and Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer observations
Authors: Korth Haje , Anderson Brian J. , Gershman Daniel J. , Raines Jim M. , Slavin James A. , Zurbuchen Thomas H. , Solomon Sean C. , McNutt Ralph L.
Published: March 2014

We assess the statistical spatial distribution of plasma in Mercury's magnetosphere from observations of magnetic pressure deficits and plasma characteristics by the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft. The statistical distributions of proton flux and pressure were derived from 10 months of Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer (FIPS) observations obtained during the orbital phase of the MESSENGER mission. The Magnetometer‐derived pressure distributions compare favorably with those deduced from the FIPS observations at locations where depressions in the magnetic field associated with the presence of enhanced plasma pressures are discernible in the Magnetometer data. The magnitudes of the magnetic pressure deficit and the plasma pressure agree on average, although the two measures of plasma pressure may deviate for individual events by as much as a factor of ~3. The FIPS distributions provide better statistics in regions where the plasma is more tenuous and reveal an enhanced plasma population near the magnetopause flanks resulting from direct entry of magnetosheath plasma into the low‐latitude boundary layer of the magnetosphere. The plasma observations also exhibit a pronounced north‐south asymmetry on the nightside, with markedly lower fluxes at low altitudes in the northern hemisphere than at higher altitudes in the south on the same field line. This asymmetry is consistent with particle loss to the southern hemisphere surface during bounce motion in Mercury's offset dipole magnetic field.
Small fresh impact craters on asteroid 4 Vesta: A compositional and geological fingerprint
Authors: Stephan K. , Jaumann R. , De Sanctis M. C. , Tosi F. , Ammannito E. , Krohn K. , Zambon F. , Marchi S. , Ruesch O. , Matz K.‐D. , Preusker F. , Roatsch T. , Raymond C. A. , Russell C. T.
Published: March 2014

Small morphologically fresh impact craters (<10 km in diameter) on Vesta's surface with a photometrically distinct ejecta blanket are expected to represent fresh surface material and thus provide the opportunity to study the composition of the unweathered surface. Dawn‐Framing Camera and Visual and Infrared Spectrometer (VIR) data reveal impact craters with bright, dark, and mixed, i.e., partly bright and dark, ejecta existing on Vesta's surface, which not only differ in the visible albedo from their surroundings but also in their composition. Differences in the composition are related to the visible albedo and/or the geographic location of the impact craters. Bright ejecta, only seen in the southern Vestan hemisphere, are dominated by howardite/eucrite‐like material as expected for Vesta's upper crust. Dark ejecta associated with dark impact craters are dominated by a strongly absorbing, spectrally neutral compound, supporting an origin from carbon‐rich impactors. Few impact craters of intermediate albedo in Vesta's southern hemisphere contain material resembling diogenites, which are expected to exist in the deeper parts of Vesta's interior. The geological settings suggest that the diogenite‐like material represents a part of a layer of diogenitic material surrounding the Rheasilvia basin or local concentrations of diogenitic material as part of the ejecta excavated during the latter stage of the Rheasilvia impact event. The spectral differences between eucrite‐ and diogenite‐dominated materials also could be verified due to spin‐forbidden absorptions in the visible spectral range, which are known from laboratory spectra of pyroxenes, but, which have been identified in the VIR spectra of Vesta for the first time.
Root‐zone soil moisture estimation using data‐driven methods
Authors: Kornelsen Kurt C. , Coulibaly Paulin
Published: March 2014

The soil moisture state partitions both mass and energy fluxes and is important for many hydro‐geochemical cycles, but is often only measured within the surface layer. Estimating the amount of soil moisture in the root‐zone from this information is difficult due to the nonlinear and heterogeneous nature of the various processes which alter the soil moisture state. Data‐driven methods, such as artificial neural networks (ANN), mine data for nonlinear interdependencies and have potential for estimating root‐zone soil moisture from surface soil moisture observations. To create an ANN root‐zone model that was nonsite‐specific and physically constrained, a training set was generated by forcing HYDRUS‐1D with meteorological observations for different soil profiles from the unsaturated soil hydraulic database. Ensemble ANNs were trained to provide soil moisture at depths of 10, 20, and 50 cm below the surface using surface soil moisture observations and local meteorological information. Insights into the processes represented by the ANNs were derived from a clamping sensitivity analysis and by changing the ANNs input data. Further model testing based on synthetic soil moisture profiles from three McMaster Mesonet and three USDA soil climate analysis network sites suggests that ANNs are a flexible tool capable of predicting root‐zone soil moisture with good accuracy. It was found that ANNs could well represent soil moisture as estimated by HYDRUS‐1D, but performance was reduced in comparison to in situ soil moisture observations outside the training conditions. The transferability of the model appears limited to the same geographic region.
Internal variability and model uncertainty components in future hydrometeorological projections: The Alpine Durance basin
Authors: Lafaysse M. , Hingray B. , Mezghani A. , Gailhard J. , Terray L.
Published: March 2014

A multireplicate multimodel ensemble of hydrological simulations covering the 1860–2099 period has been produced for the Upper Durance River basin (French Alps). An original quasi‐ergodic analysis of variance was applied to quantify uncertainties related to General Circulation Models (GCMs), Statistical Downscaling Models (SDMs) and the internal variability of each GCM/SDM simulation chain. For temperature, GCM uncertainty prevails and SDM uncertainty is nonnegligible. Significant warming and in turn significant changes are predicted for evaporation, snow cover and seasonality of discharges. For precipitation, GCM and SDM uncertainty components are of the same order. A high contribution of the large and small‐scale components of internal variability is also obtained, inherited, respectively, from the GCMs and the different replicates of a given SDM. The same applies for annual discharge. The uncertainty in values that could be experienced for any given future period is therefore very high. For both discharge and precipitation, even the sign of future realizations is uncertain at a 90% confidence level. These findings have important implications. Similarly to GCM uncertainty, SDM uncertainty cannot be neglected. The same applies for both components of internal variability. Climate change impact studies based on a single SDM realization are likely to be no more relevant than those based on a single GCM run. They may lead to poor decisions for climate change adaptation.
Carbonized Polyacrylonitrile‐Stabilized SeSx Cathodes for Long Cycle Life and High Power Density Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Luo Chao , Zhu Yujie , Wen Yang , Wang Jingjing , Wang Chunsheng
Published: March 2014

A facile synthesis of selenium sulfide (SeSx)/carbonized polyacrylonitrile (CPAN) composites is achieved by annealing the mixture of SeS2 and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) at 600 °C under vacuum. The SeSx molecules are confined by N‐containing carbon (ring) structures in the carbonized PAN to mitigate the dissolution of polysulfide and polyselenide intermediates in carbonate‐based electrolyte. In addition, formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the surface of SeSx/CPAN electrode in the first cycle further prevents polysulfide and polyselenide intermediates from dissolution. The synergic restriction of SeSx by both CPAN matrix and SEI layer allows SeSx/CPAN composites to be charged and discharged in a low‐cost carbonate‐based electrolyte (LiPF6 in EC/DEC) with long cycling stability and high rate capability. At a current density of 600 mA g−1, it maintains a reversible capacity of 780 mAh g−1 for 1200 cycles. Moreover, it retains 50% of the capacity at 60 mA g−1 even when the current density increases to 6 A g−1. The superior electrochemical performance of SeSx/CPAN composite demonstrates that it is a promising cathode material for long cycle life and high power density lithium ion batteries. This is the first report on long cycling stability and high rate capability of selenium sulfide‐based cathode material.
Hierarchical Graphene–Carbon Fiber Composite Paper as a Flexible Lateral Heat Spreader
Authors: Kong Qing‐Qiang , Liu Zhuo , Gao Jian‐Guo , Chen Cheng‐Meng , Zhang Qiang , Zhou Guangmin , Tao Ze‐Chao , Zhang Xing‐Hua , Wang Mao‐Zhang , Li Feng , Cai Rong
Published: March 2014

As a low dimensional crystal, graphene attracts great attention as heat dissipation material due to its unique thermal transfer property exceeding the limit of bulk graphite. In this contribution, flexible graphene–carbon fiber composite paper is fabricated by depositing graphene oxide into the carbon fiber precursor followed by carbonization. In this full‐carbon architecture, scaffold of one‐dimensional carbon fiber is employed as the structural component to reinforce the mechanical strength, while the hierarchically arranged two‐dimensional graphene in the framework provides a convenient pathway for in‐plane acoustic phonon transmission. The as‐obtained hierarchical carbon/carbon composite paper possesses ultra‐high in‐plane thermal conductivity of 977 W m−1 K−1 and favorable tensile strength of 15.3 MPa. The combined mechanical and thermal performances make the material highly desirable as lateral heat spreader for next‐generation commercial portable electronics.
Highly Adsorptive, MOF‐Functionalized Nonwoven Fiber Mats for Hazardous Gas Capture Enabled by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Zhao Junjie , Losego Mark D. , Lemaire Paul C. , Williams Philip S. , Gong Bo , Atanasov Sarah E. , Blevins Trent M. , Oldham Christopher J. , Walls Howard J. , Shepherd Sarah D. , Browe Matthew A. , Peterson Gregory W. , Parsons Gregory N.
Published: March 2014

While metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) show great potential for gas adsorption and storage, their powder form limits deployment opportunities. Integration of MOFs on polymeric fibrous scaffolds will enable new applications in gas adsorption, membrane separation, catalysis, and toxic gas sensing. Here, we demonstrate a new synthesis route for growing MOFs on fibrous materials that achieves high MOF loadings, large surface areas and high adsorptive capacities. We find that a nanoscale coating of Al2O3 formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on the surface of nonwoven fiber mats facilitates nucleation of MOFs on the fibers throughout the mat. Functionality of MOFs is fully maintained after integration, and MOF crystals are well attached to the fibers. Breakthrough tests for HKUST‐1 MOFs [Cu3(BTC)2] on ALD‐coated polypropylene fibers reveal NH3 dynamic loadings up to 5.93 ± 0.20 mol/kg(MOF+fiber). Most importantly, this synthetic approach is generally applicable to a wide range of polymer fibers (e.g., PP, PET, cotton) and MOFs (e.g., HKUST‐1, MOF‐74, and UiO‐66).
Synthesis of Dibenzophosphole Oxides via Palladium‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Direct Arylation Reactions of ortho‐Halodiarylphosphine Oxides
Authors: Cui Yuming , Fu Lingzi , Cao Jian , Deng Yuan , Jiang Jianxiong
Published: March 2014

A palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular direct arylation reaction was developed and two efficient one‐pot sequential direct arylation/Suzuki–Miyaura coupling and intra/intermolecular direct arylation reations were also realized. The method provides a simple and straightforward procedure for the synthesis and further functionalization of dibenzophosphole oxides from easily accessible ortho‐halodiarylphosphine oxides in good to excellent yields.

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Synthesis of Diverse Azolo[c]quinazolines by Palladium(II)‐ Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Insertion of Isocyanides
Authors: Vlaar Tjøstil , Bensch Lisa , Kraakman Jasper , Vande Velde Christophe M. L. , Maes Bert U. W. , Orru Romano V. A. , Ruijter Eelco
Published: March 2014

We report the palladium(II)‐catalyzed aerobic oxidative coupling of isocyanides with various (2‐aminophenyl)azoles using air as the stoichiometric oxidant. A diverse range of medicinally valuable azolo[c]quinazolines was obtained by this new approach.

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A Synergistic Capture Strategy for Enhanced Detection and Elimination of Bacteria
Authors: Li Yong‐Qiang , Zhu Bowen , Li Yuangang , Leow Wan Ru , Goh Rubayn , Ma Bing , Fong Eileen , Tang Mark , Chen Xiaodong
Published: March 2014

Despite the advanced detection and sterilization techniques available today, the sensitive diagnosis and complete elimination of bacterial infections remain a significant challenge. A strategy is reported for efficient bacterial capture (ca. 90 %) based on the synergistic effect of the nanotopography and surface chemistry of the substrate on bacterial attachment and adhesion. The outstanding bacterial‐capture capability of the functionalized nanostructured substrate enables rapid and highly sensitive bacterial detection down to trace concentrations of pathogenic bacteria (10 colony‐forming units mL−1). In addition, this synergistic biocapture substrate can be used for efficient bacterial elimination and shows great potential for clinical antibacterial applications.
A New Type of Chiral Sulfinamide Monophosphine Ligands: Stereodivergent Synthesis and Application in Enantioselective Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Cycloaddition Reactions
Authors: Zhang Zhan‐Ming , Chen Peng , Li Wenbo , Niu Yanfei , Zhao Xiao‐Li , Zhang Junliang
Published: March 2014

A simple, new type of chiral sulfinamide monophosphines, the so‐called Ming‐Phos ligands, is reported; these ligands could be easily prepared from inexpensive and commercially available starting materials. The Ming‐Phos ligands performed well in the enantioselective gold‐catalyzed cycloaddition reaction of 2‐(1‐alkynyl)‐alk‐2‐en‐1‐ones with nitrones. Both enantiomers of the products could be obtained in good yields and with excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity through transformations that were catalyzed by gold complexes derived from two diastereomers of Ming‐Phos ligand M5 (Ar=1‐naphthyl).
Carbon–carbon coupling reactions catalyzed by supported Pd porphyrins
Authors: Bagheri Omid , Sadegh Faranak , Moghadam Majid , Tangestaninejad Shahram , Mirkhani Valiollah , Mohammadpoor‐Baltork Iraj , Safiri Mahsa
Published: March 2014

The tetrakis(4‐N‐methylpyridinium)porphyrinatopalladium(II) iodide, [Pd(TMPyP)]I4, supported on Dowex 50WX8 and Amberlite IR‐120 ion‐exchange resins, was used as heterogeneous, recyclable and active catalyst for the Suzuki–Miyaura and Heck cross‐coupling reactions. These catalysts were applied to coupling of various aryl halides with phenylboronic acid and styrene in Suzuki and Heck reactions, respectively, and the corresponding products were obtained in excellent yields and short reaction times. The catalysts could be recovered easily by simple filtration and reused several times without significant loss of their catalytic activity. The catalysts were characterized by diffuse‐reflectance UV–visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and their stability was confirmed by TGA. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Water Adsorption, and Proton Conductivity of Solid‐Solution‐Type Metal–Organic Frameworks Al(OH)(bdc‐OH)x(bdc‐NH2)1−x
Authors: Yamada Teppei , Shirai Yuki , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: March 2014

Mixed‐ligand metal–organic frameworks Al(bdc‐OH)x(bdc‐NH2)1−x (H2bdc‐NH2=aminoterepthalic acid, H2bdc‐OH=hydroxyterephthalic acid) were synthesized and their water adsorption behavior and proton conductivity were investigated. All obtained compounds were isostructural to MIL‐53 (MIL=Materials of Institut Lavoisier) according to XRD measurements under ambient humidity conditions, and were also found to be single phase across the whole mixing ratio from the XRD measurements under humidified conditions. This result clearly shows that all compounds are a solid‐solution‐type mixture of ligands. MIL‐53‐NH2 adsorbs one water molecule per formula with humidification whereas MIL‐53‐OH adsorbs five water molecules. The mixing ratio of the ligands in Al(OH)(bdc‐OH)x(bdc‐NH2)1−x affected the gate‐opening pressure for water adsorption and total water uptake. Proton conductivity of these compounds largely depends on the adsorbed amount of water, which indicates that the proton conductivity of these compounds depends strongly on the hydrogen‐bond network of the conducting media.
Different perspectives on object oriented data analysis
Authors: Cuevas Antonio
Published: March 2014

This note is a discussion on the paper “Overview of object oriented data analysis,” by J. Steve Marron and Andrés M. Alonso.
What is happening in our anatomical dissection rooms?
Authors: Hildebrandt Sabine
Published: March 2014

A recent student article relates disrespectful and traumatizing events in a modern dissection room. This comment serves to remind anatomical educators' of their duties toward the medical students. It is the anatomical educators' duty to help students not only to become familiar with the structure of the human body but also with the emotional repertoire available when dealing with the living and the dead. And it is the educators' duty to accompany students through the dissection course experience in a manner that keeps them safe from emotional harm. Clin. Anat. 27:833–834, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
One‐Pot Organocatalytic Enantioselective Michael/Povarov Domino Strategy for the Construction of Spirooctahydroacridine‐3,3′‐oxindole Scaffolds
Authors: Wu Hao , Wang Yong‐Mei
Published: March 2014

An asymmetric organocatalytic one‐pot strategy for the construction of spirooctahydroacridine‐3,3′‐oxindole scaffolds has been successfully developed by means of a domino Michael/Povarov reaction sequence. The one‐pot protocol affords the chiral spirocyclohexaneoxindoles bearing an octahydroacridine motif with five stereocenters in good to high yields (up to 89 % yield) with excellent to perfect diastereoselectivities (up to >20:1 d.r.) and enantioselectivities (up to >99 % ee). This highly efficient one‐pot domino procedure will allow diversity‐oriented syntheses of this intriguing class of compounds with potential biological activities.
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene rearrangements in cytological samples of non–small cell lung cancer: Comparison with histological assessment
Authors: Proietti Agnese , Alì Greta , Pelliccioni Serena , Lupi Cristiana , Sensi Elisa , Boldrini Laura , Servadio Adele , Chella Antonio , Ribechini Alessandro , Cappuzzo Federico , Miccoli Mario , Fontanini Gabriella
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements are detected in approximately 5% of cases of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients who are positive for ALK rearrangements may be successfully treated with the ALK inhibitor crizotinib. Because advanced‐stage lung cancers are not suitable for surgical resection, approximately 70% of patients are diagnosed via preoperative specimens. In the current study, the authors evaluated the suitability of stained cytologic direct smears and cell blocks for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine ALK status compared with small biopsies.

METHODS

A total of 493 consecutive patients with NSCLC were analyzed by FISH for ALK gene rearrangements. The analyzed sample comprised 180 cytological samples, 94 direct smears, 86 cell blocks, and 313 preoperative small biopsies. Moreover, in the same series, 426 patients and 369 patients, respectively, were evaluated for epidermal growth factor receptor and KRAS mutations, respectively.

RESULTS

Of the total of 493 patients, 18 patients who were positive for a gene rearrangement (4.4%) demonstrated ALK FISH rearrangements, whereas 387 patients (95.6%) were negative. All other cases were classified as inadequate (7.7%) and insufficient (10.1%). A strong statistical association was found between the cytology and the small biopsy with respect to ALK rearrangements (P = .0048). Fifty‐three patients (12.4%) demonstrated an epidermal growth factor receptor mutation, whereas 90 patients (24.4%) were found to have KRAS mutations. None of these patients presented with ALK gene rearrangements.

CONCLUSIONS

ALK gene rearrangements may be easily detected in cytological samples and particularly in direct smears, thereby yielding important improvements in the diagnostic approach to patients with advanced NSCLC. Cytological samples may be useful for ALK analysis when insufficient material is available in cell blocks or small biopsies. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2014;122:445–453. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Facile Synthesis of N‐doped TiO2 and Its Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity for Degrading Colorless Pollutants
Authors: Xie Mingzheng , Feng Yujie , Luan Yunbo , Fu Xuedong , Jing Liqiang
Published: March 2014

N‐doped nanocrystalline TiO2 is synthesized successfully through a simple ammonia‐modified hydrolysis‐solvothermal process. It is demonstrated that the resulting TiO2 doped with an appropriate amount of N exhibits high visible photocatalytic activities for the degradation of gas‐phase acetaldehyde and liquid‐phase phenol, which is attributed to its increased visible adsorption, appropriate crystallinity, and good dispersibility, whereas its UV activity is decreased. On the basis of the atmosphere‐controlled surface photovoltage spectra, it is found that the doped N species can capture the photogenerated holes so as to be favorable for photogenerated charge separation, so it is suggested that its decreased UV activity results from its weak adsorption of O2 compared with that of undoped TiO2, as shown by the O2 temperature‐programed desorption curves. Interestingly, the photocatalytic activity of the resulting N‐doped TiO2 under visible or UV irradiation can be improved further by promoting O2 adsorption after modification with an appropriate amount of phosphoric acid.
Peapod‐Like Composite with Nickel Phosphide Nanoparticles Encapsulated in Carbon Fibers as Enhanced Anode for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Huijuan , Feng Yangyang , Zhang Yan , Fang Ling , Li Wenxiang , Liu Qing , Wu Kai , Wang Yu
Published: March 2014

Herein, we introduce a peapod‐like composite with Ni12P5 nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon fibers as the enhanced anode in Li‐ion batteries for the first time. In the synthesis, NiNH4PO4⋅H2O nanorods act as precursors and sacrificial templates, and glucose molecules serve as the green carbon source. With the aid of hydrogen bonding between the precursor and carbon source, a polymer layer is hydrothermally formed and then rationally converted into carbon fibers upon inert calcination at elevated temperatures. Meanwhile, NiNH4PO4⋅H2O nanorods simultaneously turn into Ni12P5 nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon fibers by undergoing a decomposition and reduction process induced by high temperature and the carbon fibers. The obtained composite performs excellently as a Li‐ion batteries anode relative to pure‐phase materials. Specific capacity can reach 600 mAh g−1 over 200 cycles, which is much higher than that of isolated graphitized carbon or phosphides, and reasonably believed to originate from the synergistic effect based on the combination of Ni12P5 nanoparticles and carbon fibers. Due to the benignity, sustainability, low cost, and abundance of raw materials of the peapod‐like composite, numerous potential applications, in fields such as optoelectronics, electronics, specific catalysis, gas sensing, and biotechnology can be envisaged.
Formulae of resistance between two corner nodes on a common edge of the m × n rectangular network
Authors: Tan Zhi‐Zhong , Zhang Qing‐Hua
Published: March 2014

This paper deals with the equivalent resistance for the m × n resistor network in both finite and infinite cases. Firstly, we build a difference equation driven by a tridiagonal matrix to model the network; then by performing the diagonalizing transformation on the driving matrix, and using the auxiliary function tz(x,n), we derive two formulae of the equivalent resistance between two corner nodes on a common edge of the network. By comparing two different formulae, we also obtain a new trigonometric identity here. Our framework can be effectively applied in complex impedance networks. As in applications in the LC network, we find that our formulation leads to the occurrence of resonances at frequencies associated with (n + 1)ϕt = kπ. This somewhat curious result suggests the possibility of practical applications of our formulae to resonant circuits. At the end of the paper, two other formulae of an m × n resistor network are proposed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nuclear factor kappa B inhibition improves conductance artery function in type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Kassan Modar , Choi Soo‐Kyoung , Galán Maria , Trebak Mohamed , Belmadani Souad , Matrougui Khalid
Published: March 2014

Background

We previously reported that enhanced nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) activity is responsible for resistance arteries dysfunction in type 2 diabetic mice.

Methods

In this study, we aimed to determine whether augmented NFκB activity also impairs conductance artery (thoracic aorta) function in type 2 diabetic mice. We treated type 2 diabetic (db−/db−) and control (db−/db+) mice with two NFκB inhibitors (dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin, 6 mg/kg, twice a week and IKK‐NBD peptide, 500 µg/kg/day) for 4 weeks.

Results

As expected, the NFκB inhibition did not affect blood glucose level and body weight. Thoracic aorta vascular endothelium‐dependent relaxation (EDR), determined by the wire myograph, was impaired in diabetic mice compared with control and was significantly improved after NFκB inhibition. Interestingly, thoracic EDR was also rescued in db−/db−p50NFκB−/− and db−/db−PARP‐1−/− double knockout mice compared with db−/db− mice. Similarly, the acute in vitro down regulation of NFκB‐p65 using p65 shRNA lentiviral particles in arteries from db−/db− mice also improved thoracic aorta EDR. Western blot analysis showed that the p65NFκB phosphorylation, cleaved PARP‐1 and COX‐2 expression were increased in thoracic aorta from diabetic mice, which were restored after NFκB inhibition and in db−/db−p−50NFκB−/− and db−/db−PARP‐1−/− mice.

Conclusions

The present results indicate that in male type 2 diabetic mice, the augmented NFκB activity also impairs conductance artery function through PARP‐1 and COX‐2‐dependent mechanisms. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Workplace drug testing in Italy: Findings about second‐stage testing
Authors: Vignali Claudia , Stramesi Cristiana , Morini Luca , San Bartolomeo Paolo , Groppi Angelo
Published: March 2014

Workplace Drug Testing (WDT) in Italy includes two levels of monitoring: a first stage concerning drug testing on urine samples and a second involving both urine and hair analysis. The second stage is performed only on workers who tested positive at the first level. We analyzed urine and hair specimens from 120 workers undergoing second‐level testing between 2009 and 2012. Eighty percent of them had tested positive for cannabinoids during the first level analysis, and 15.8% for cocaine. Both urine and hair samples were analyzed in order to find the following drugs of abuse: amphetamines, buprenorphine, cannabinoids, cocaine, ecstasy, methadone, and opiates. Urine analyses were performed by immunological screening (EMIT); urine confirmatory tests and hair analyses were performed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). As regards second‐stage testing on urine samples, 71.2% of workers were always negative, whereas 23.9% tested positive at least once for cannabinoids and 2.5% for cocaine. Hair analyses produced surprising results: 61.9% of hair samples tested negative, only 6.2% tested positive for cannabinoids, whereas 28.8% tested positive for cocaine. These findings confirm that second‐level surveillance of WDT, which includes hair analysis, is very effective because it highlights drug intake – sometimes heavy – that cannot be revealed only through urine analyses. The employees for whom drug addiction is proved can begin rehabilitation, while keeping their job. Eventually, our results confirmed the widespread and undeclared use of cocaine in Italy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cochrane in context: Linezolid versus vancomycin for skin and soft tissue infections
Authors: Steiner Michael
Published: March 2014

Cochrane Review: Linezolid versus vancomycin for skin and soft tissue infections. Yue J, Dong BR, Yang M, Chen X, Wu T, Liu GJ. Linezolid versus vancomycin for skin and soft tissue infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD008056. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008056.pub2.

This companion piece to the review, “Linezolid versus vancomycin for skin and soft tissue infections,” contains the following pieces:

The abstract of the review

A commentary from Mike Steiner, one of the editors of Evidence‐Based Child Health, discussing the importance of this review

Some other recently published references on this topic
Genomic heritability estimation for the early life‐history transition related to propensity to migrate in wild rainbow and steelhead trout populations
Authors: Hu Guo , Wang Chunkao , Da Yang
Published: March 2014

A previous genomewide association study (GWAS) identified SNP markers associated with propensity to migrate of rainbow and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in a connected population with free access to the ocean in Upper Yakima River (UYR) and a population in Upper Mann Creek (UMC) that has been sequestered from its access to the ocean for more than 50 years. Applying genomic heritability estimation using the same dataset, we found that smoltification in the UYR population were almost completely determined by additive effects, with 95.5% additive heritability and 4.5% dominance heritability, whereas smoltification in the UMC population had substantial dominance effects, with 0% additive heritability and 39.3% dominance heritability. Dominance test detected one SNP marker (R30393) with significant dominance effect on smoltification (P = 1.98 × 10−7). Genomic‐predicted additive effects completely separated migratory and nonmigratory fish in the UYR population, whereas genomic‐predicted dominance effects achieved such complete separation in the UMC population. The UMC population had higher genomic additive and dominance correlations than the UYR population, and fish between these two populations had the least genomic correlations. These results suggested that blocking the free access to the ocean may have reduced genetic diversity and increased genomic similarity associated with the early life‐history transition related to propensity to migrate.
Tyrosine 201 of the cytoplasmic tail of CTLA‐4 critically affects T regulatory cell suppressive function
Authors: Stumpf Melanie , Zhou Xuyu , Chikuma Shunsuke , Bluestone Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2014

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) is a major negative regulatory molecule for T‐cell activation with a complex biology and function. CTLA‐4 is known to regulate homeostatic lymphoproliferation as well as tolerance induction and has been proposed to be an important effector molecule by which Treg cells suppress immunity. The immunoregulatory properties of CTLA‐4 are primarily mediated by competition with the costimulator CD28 for ligand binding but also by delivering negative signals to T cells through its cytoplasmic tail. In this study, we addressed the effect of directly mutating the amino acid residue, Tyrosine 201 (Tyr201), of the intracellular domain of CTLA‐4 in situ and its implications in T‐cell function in the context of autoimmunity. Therefore, a novel CTLA‐4 knock‐in mouse (Y201V KI) was generated, in which Tyr201 was replaced by a valine that could not be phosphorylated. Mice expressing the CTLA‐4 mutant molecule were generally healthy and did not show signs of disruption of T‐cell homeostasis under steady‐state conditions seen in CTLA‐4 deficient mice. However, T cells isolated from Y201V KI mice expressed higher levels of CTLA‐4 on the cell surface and displayed a Th2‐biased phenotype following TCR stimulation. Furthermore, Y201V KI mice developed exacerbated disease as compared to wild‐type upon antigen‐specific T‐cell activation in an in vivo model of EAE. Importantly, the Y201V mutation resulted in impaired suppressive activity of Treg cells while T effector function remained intact. These data suggest that effects associated with and mediated through Tyr201 of CTLA‐4s intracellular domain are critical for Treg‐cell function.
CD28 signals the differential control of regulatory T cells and effector T cells
Authors: Mikami Norihisa , Sakaguchi Shimon
Published: March 2014

One possible means of driving antigen‐specific immune suppression is to expand or induce antigen‐specific FoxP3‐expressing Treg cells. One way of activating and expanding these specialized cells, both in vitro and in vivo, is by strong costimulation via CD28 with an agonistic anti‐CD28 monoclonal antibody, called anti‐CD28 superagonist (CD28SA). However, CD28SA also strongly activates conventional T (Tconv) cells to secrete proinflammatory cytokines and, under certain conditions, causes serious cytokine release syndrome. In this issue of European Journal of Immunology, Tabares et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2014. 44: 1225–1236] address how CD28SA can be used for the differential control of human Treg and Tconv cells to suppress immune responses without serious adverse effects. They show that, depending on the dose of the antibody or by comedication of cortico‐steroid, the selective expansion of Treg cells can be achieved without significantly activating Tconv cells to produce inflammatory cytokines. This difference in CD28 signal sensitivity between the two populations can be exploited for better control of immune responses.
Cyclometalated Complexes of Platinum(II) with 2‐Vinylpyridine
Authors: Zucca Antonio , Maidich Luca , Carta Veronica , Petretto Giacomo L. , Stoccoro Sergio , Agostina Cinellu Maria , Pilo Maria I. , Clarkson Guy J.
Published: March 2014

The electron‐rich platinum(II) derivatives [Pt(R)2(DMSO)2] (R = Me, Ph) react with 2‐vinylpyridine (L) to give the cyclometalated complexes [Pt(L–H)(R)(DMSO)] through C–H bond activation. Cyclometalation also occurs with [Pt(Me)(Cl)(DMSO)2]. From the starting compounds, a series of cyclometalated complexes was obtained and characterised by analytical and spectroscopic methods. The molecular structures of [Pt(L–H)(Me)(PPh3)] and [Pt(L–H)(Ph)(PCy3)] were solved by X‐ray diffraction analysis, and the results unambiguously demonstrate cyclometalation of 2‐vinylpyridine. The five‐membered cyclometalated ring is particularly stable, likely due to partial electronic delocalisation.
A Facile Strategy to Support Palladium Nanoparticles on Carbon Nanotubes, Employing Polyvinylpyrrolidone as a Surface Modifier
Authors: Cardoso Mariana B. T. , Lewis Edward , Castro Pollyana S. , Dantas Luiza M. F. , De Oliveira Caio C. S. , Bertotti Mauro , Haigh Sarah J. , Camargo Pedro H. C.
Published: March 2014

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Pedro Camargo at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, collaborating with the group of Sarah Haigh at the University of Manchester, UK. The cover image shows the deposition of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) on the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by a simple strategy employing ethanol as the solvent/reducing agent, potassium tetrachloropalladate(II) (K2PdCl4) as the Pd precursor, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as the surface modifier.
Isotropic Three‐Dimensional Molecular Conductor Based on the Coronene Radical Cation
Authors: Yoshida Yukihiro , Maesato Mitsuhiko , Kumagai Yoshihide , Mizuno Motohiro , Isomura Kazuhide , Kishida Hideo , Izumi Masanari , Kubozono Yoshihiro , Otsuka Akihiro , Yamochi Hideki , Saito Gunzi , Kirakci Kaplan , Cordier Stéphane , Perrin Christiane
Published: March 2014

In this study, we obtained the first cation radical solid of a highly symmetric (D6h) polyaromatic hydrocarbon, coronene, by electrooxidation. The (coronene)3Mo6Cl14 salt, which is formed with an Oh‐symmetric molybdenum cluster unit Mo6Cl142–, has an isotropic cubic structure with Pm$\bar {3}$m symmetry. The presence of two orientations for the coronene molecules related by an in‐plane 90° rotation (merohedral disorder) allows for fourfold symmetry along the <100> direction. The disorder has dynamic features because 2H NMR spectroscopic studies revealed that the coronene molecules undergo an in‐plane flipping motion. The observation of two motional sites with significantly different rotational rates (300 Hz and 5 MHz at 103 K) in an approximate 2:1 ratio appears to be consistent with the splitting of a Raman‐active A1g mode, confirming a random charge‐disproportionated state instead of a uniform partially‐charged state. The slower‐ and faster‐rotating species are assigned to charge‐rich and charge‐poor coronenes, respectively, with respect to C–H···Cl hydrogen bonds with neighboring Mo6Cl142– cluster units. The electrical conductivity of the salt is rather high but is well‐described by a three‐dimensional (3D) variable‐range hopping mechanism, which is possibly associated with the random charge disproportionation. These results provide a significant step forward in developing an isotropic 3D π‐conducting system composed of planar π‐conjugated molecules.