bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of silica addition on the microstructure and properties of polyethylene separators prepared by thermally induced phase separation
Authors: Zhang Chunjiang , Xia Yongfeng , Zuo Kaihui , Zeng Yu‐Ping
Published: April 2014

Novel composite polyethylene (PE) separators were prepared via thermally induced phase separation using SiO2 as the inorganic dopant and dioctyl phthalate as solvent. Through the control of silica content, the microstructure, thermal and crystalline properties, electrolyte uptake, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of the as‐prepared separators were investigated. The results showed that the doped silica particles favored the formation of the large pore size. The crystalline degree of PE was enhanced when doping silica in the ternary system below 3 wt %. The liquid electrolyte uptake was increased from 30.2% to 63.2% with doping silica content at 5 wt % in the mixed system, which benefits from the large pore size structure and the hydrophilicity of silica. The thermal decomposition temperature of the composite PE separators is 40°C higher than the pure PE separator due to the steric stabilization and the more stable space structure induced by the doped silica. The tensile strength was increased from 12 MPa to 13.3 MPa when doping 1 wt % silica, but decreased with further silica addition. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40724.
Changes in the distributions of freshwater mussels (Unionoida: Hyriidae) in coastal south‐eastern Australia and implications for their conservation status
Authors: Jones Hugh A. , Byrne Maria
Published: April 2014

The conservation of freshwater mussels is neglected in Australia, and poor historical data may mask trends in species’ range and abundance. A combined‐evidence approach using published data, targeted surveys, historical records and a GIS‐based, reach‐scale measure of physical habitat quality was used to assess trends in the distributions of nine species in the south‐eastern coastal region.

Geomorphic impairment is widespread in upland and lowland streams, but not in rugged escarpment zones, with 16.8% of rivers in ‘poor’ geomorphic condition, 39.6% in ‘moderate’ condition and 43.6% of rivers in the region in ‘good’ condition.

Reductions of 44.4, 12.5 and 39.7% in site occupancy over the past 200 years were estimated for Hyridella depressa, Hyridella drapeta and Hyridella australis from logistic regression models of occupancy versus river geomorphic condition. Nonetheless, all species remain widely distributed and qualify as ‘least concern’ according to IUCN Red List criteria.

Hyridella narracanensis and Hyridella glenelgensis have fragmented or limited ranges and are vulnerable to threats, and both appear to meet IUCN Red List criteria for threatened species. The former species is listed as ‘data deficient’ but arguably should be ‘vulnerable’ as documented here. The latter species is not included on the IUCN Red List. Under the Australian EPBC Act (1999), H. narracanensis is not listed while H. glenelgensis is listed as ‘critically endangered’.

The Tasmanian endemic, Velesunio moretonicus, shows some evidence of decline but its population status is equivocal owing to the lack of monitoring data. It would qualify as ‘data deficient’. The three remaining species, Cucumerunio novaehollandiae, Alathyria profuga and Velesunio ambiguus are widely distributed and show no evidence of decline.

Additional surveys are needed to determine the current status and spatial distribution of freshwater mussel species in the region, and to establish baselines for future monitoring.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are all literature citations equally important? Automatic citation strength estimation and its applications
Authors: Wan Xiaojun , Liu Fang
Published: April 2014

Literature citation analysis plays a very important role in bibliometrics and scientometrics, such as the Science Citation Index (SCI) impact factor, h‐index. Existing citation analysis methods assume that all citations in a paper are equally important, and they simply count the number of citations. Here we argue that the citations in a paper are not equally important and some citations are more important than the others. We use a strength value to assess the importance of each citation and propose to use the regression method with a few useful features for automatically estimating the strength value of each citation. Evaluation results on a manually labeled data set in the computer science field show that the estimated values can achieve good correlation with human‐labeled values. We further apply the estimated citation strength values for evaluating paper influence and author influence, and the preliminary evaluation results demonstrate the usefulness of the citation strength values.
iAggregator: Multidimensional relevance aggregation based on a fuzzy operator
Authors: Moulahi Bilel , Tamine Lynda , Yahia Sadok Ben
Published: April 2014

Recently, an increasing number of information retrieval studies have triggered a resurgence of interest in redefining the algorithmic estimation of relevance, which implies a shift from topical to multidimensional relevance assessment. A key underlying aspect that emerged when addressing this concept is the aggregation of the relevance assessments related to each of the considered dimensions. The most commonly adopted forms of aggregation are based on classical weighted means and linear combination schemes to address this issue. Although some initiatives were recently proposed, none was concerned with considering the inherent dependencies and interactions existing among the relevance criteria, as is the case in many real‐life applications.In this article, we present a new fuzzy‐based operator, callediAggregator,for multidimensional relevance aggregation. Its main originality, beyond its ability to model interactions between different relevance criteria, lies in its generalization of many classical aggregation functions. To validate our proposal, we apply our operator within atweetsearch task. Experiments using a standard benchmark, namely, Text REtrieval Conference Microblog,emphasize the relevance of our contribution when compared with traditional aggregation schemes. In addition, it outperforms state‐of‐the‐art aggregation operators such as the Scoring and the And prioritized operators as well as some representative learning‐to‐rank algorithms.
Force Control of a Cellular Tensegrity Structure with Model Uncertainties and Partial State Measurability
Authors: Zhou Shengfeng , Chen Peter C. Y. , Ong Chong‐Jin
Published: April 2014

Mechanical force is known to influence the behavior of biological cells. To study how external mechanical forces may affect cellular response and function necessitates the development of sophisticated force‐control techniques for accurate application of dynamical forces on living cells. In this paper, we develop a robust force control algorithm that enables accurate application of an external force on a dynamics model of biological cells. Such force control is achieved by utilizing a six‐strut cellular tensegrity model constructed based on the structural approach. Leveraging on the more comprehensive description of the nonlinearity and dynamic coupling of internal structural elements provided by this tensegrity model, we synthesize a novel robust control law that can effectively deal with model uncertainties and partial state measurability. Numerical simulations (involving forces of different dynamics profiles) are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposal force control algorithm.
QC Characterizations for the Closed‐loop Stability of Time‐varying Linear Systems
Authors: Liu Liu , Lu Yufeng
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we use the quadratic constraint (QC) approach to characterize some stability criteria of unstable time‐varying linear systems in the framework of nest algebra. The system considered here is the densely defined unbounded operator on the complex separate Hilbert space.
Complement anaphylatoxins as immune regulators in cancer
Authors: Sayegh Eli T. , Bloch Orin , Parsa Andrew T.
Published: April 2014

The role of the complement system in innate immunity is well characterized. However, a recent body of research implicates the complement anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a as insidious propagators of tumor growth and progression. It is now recognized that certain tumors elaborate C3a and C5a and that complement, as a mediator of chronic inflammation and regulator of immune function, may in fact foster rather than defend against tumor growth. A putative mechanism for this function is complement‐mediated suppression of immune effector cells responsible for immunosurveillance within the tumor microenvironment. This paradigm accords with models of immune dysregulation, such as autoimmunity and infectious disease, which have defined a pathophysiological role for abnormal complement signaling. Several types of immune cells express the cognate receptors for the complement anaphylatoxins, C3aR and C5aR, and demonstrate functional modulation in response to complement stimulation. In turn, impairment of antitumor immunity has been intimately tied to tumor progression in animal models of cancer. In this article, the literature was systematically reviewed to identify studies that have characterized the effects of the complement anaphylatoxins on the composition and function of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. The search identified six studies based upon models of lymphoma and ovarian, cervical, lung, breast, and mammary cancer, which collectively support the paradigm of complement as an immune regulator in the tumor microenvironment.
Prognostic significance of specific anti‐WT1 IgG antibody level in plasma in patients with ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Andersson Charlotta , Oji Yusuke , Ohlson Nina , Wang Sihan , Li Xingru , Ottander Ulrika , Lundin Eva , Sugiyama Haruo , Li Aihong
Published: April 2014

Ovarian carcinoma (OC) has a poor prognosis and lack early effective screening markers. Wilm's tumor gene 1 (WT1) is overexpressed in OCs. Therefore, it is of great interest to investigate whether WT1‐specific antibody (Ab) measurements in plasma can serve as a biomarker of anti‐OC response, and is of importance in relation to patient prognosis. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from a total of 103 women with ovarian tumors with median being 1 day (range 0–48 days) before operation. WT1 IgG Ab levels were evaluated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemical analysis of WT1 protein expression was performed on OC tissue samples. We found that low‐WT1 Ab level in plasma was related to improved survival in patients diagnosed at stages III–IV and grade 3 carcinomas. Positive WT1 protein staining on OC tissue samples had a negative impact on survival in the entire cohort, both overall survival (OS) (P = 0.046) and progression‐free survival (PFS) (P = 0.006), but not in the serous OC subtype. Combining WT1 IgG Ab levels and WT1 staining, patients with high‐WT1 IgG Ab levels in plasma and positive WT1 protein staining in cancer tissues had shorter survival, with a significant association in PFS (P = 0.016). These results indicated that WT1 Ab measurements in plasma and WT1 staining in tissue specimens could be useful as biomarkers for patient outcome in the high‐risk subtypes of OCs for postoperative individualized therapy.
Sertraline increases the survival of retinoic acid induced neuronal cells but not glial cells from human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Verdi Javad , Sharif Shiva , Banafshe Hamid Reza , Shoae‐Hassani Alireza
Published: April 2014

An increase in the number of viable in vitro differentiated neuronal cells is important for their use in clinics. A proportion of differentiated cells lose their viability before being used, and therefore we decided to use a pharmacological agent, sertraline, to increase neural cell differentiation and their survival. Purified endometrial stem cells (EnSCs) were examined for neuronal and glial cell specific markers after retinoic acid (RA) and sertraline treatment via RT‐PCR, immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. The survival of differentiated cells was measured by MTT assay and the frequency of apoptosis, demonstrated by caspase‐3‐like activity. EnSCs were differentiated into neuronal cells after RA induction. Sertraline increased neuronal cell differentiation by 1.2‐fold and their survival by 1.4‐fold, and decreased from glial cell differentiation significantly. The findings indicate that sertraline could be used to improve the in vitro differentiation process of stem cells into neuronal cells, and may be involved in regenerative pharmacology in future.
Unearthing the Mechanism of Prebiotic Nitrile Bond Reduction in Hydrogen Cyanide through a Curious Association of Two Molecular Radical Anions
Authors: Banerjee Ambar , Ganguly Gaurab , Tripathi Ravi , Nair Nisanth N. , Paul Ankan
Published: April 2014

HCN is clearly associated with the prebiotic chemical evolution of life. It has been known for decades that the radiolysis of HCN solutions produces sugars, amino acids and nucleobases. Remarkably, recent experimental studies have shown that the photolytic reduction of aqueous HCN by a photoredox reagent [Cu(CN)3]2− specifically yields sugars, which are the essential building blocks of RNA. Although a mechanistic understanding of such reductions with solvated electrons is poor, the general consensus is that they involve neutral free radicals. We show herein through the use of electronic structure studies and molecular simulations that the reduction of the nitrile bond of HCN is initiated through the formation of a molecular dipole‐bound anion from the photoredox reagent. Our theoretical studies show how HCN binds to the photoexcited reagent and then extracts an electron from the reagent and is ultimately detached as a dipole‐bound anion. The dipole‐bound anionic form of [HCN]− can easily convert into a solvated valence‐bound form of [HCN]−. After the formation of solvated [HCN]−, an extraordinary chemical event ensues through a counter‐intuitive coupling of two valence‐bound anions to form a solvated molecular dianionic intermediate, [HCN]22−. Finally, a proton‐coupled electron transfer occurs within the dianionic entity to complete the reduction. This mechanistic scenario is applicable to the reduction of other prebiotic nitrile species and avoids neutral radical‐based pathways, thereby preventing the proliferation of reactive species and preserving chemical selectivity. Furthermore, we show how such similar nitrile reduction pathways operate to yield the sugar precursors.
Uniform Decoration of Vanadium Oxide Nanocrystals on Reduced Graphene‐Oxide Balls by an Aerosol Process for Lithium‐Ion Battery Cathode Material
Authors: Choi Seung Ho , Kang Yun Chan
Published: April 2014

VO2‐decorated reduced graphene balls were prepared by a one‐pot spray‐pyrolysis process from a colloidal spray solution of well‐dispersed graphene oxide and ammonium vanadate. The graphene–VO2 composite powders prepared directly by spray pyrolysis had poor electrochemical properties. Therefore, the graphene–VO2 composite powders were transformed into a reduced graphene ball (RGB)–V2O5 (RGB) composite by post‐treatment at 300 °C in an air atmosphere. The TEM and dot‐mapping images showed a uniform distribution of V and C components, originating from V2O5 and graphene, consisting the composite. The graphene content of the RGB–V2O5 composite, measured by thermogravimetric analysis, was approximately 5 wt %. The initial discharge and charge capacities of RGB–V2O5 composite were 282 and 280 mA h g−1, respectively, and the corresponding Coulombic efficiency was approximately 100 %. On the other hand, the initial discharge and charge capacities of macroporous V2O5 powders were 205 and 221 mA h g−1, respectively, and the corresponding Coulombic efficiency was approximately 93 %. The RGB–V2O5 composite showed a better rate performance than the macroporous V2O5 powders.
Anti‐cancer Applications of Titanocene‐Functionalised Nanostructured Systems: An Insight into Cell Death Mechanisms
Authors: Ceballos‐Torres Jesús , Virag Piroska , Cenariu Mihai , Prashar Sanjiv , Fajardo Mariano , Fischer‐Fodor Eva , Gómez‐Ruiz Santiago
Published: April 2014

A series of alkenyl‐substituted titanocene compounds have been supported on the mesoporous silica‐based material KIT‐6. The corresponding functionalised materials were completely characterised by different techniques (solid‐state multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, X‐ray fluorescence and diffraction, SEM and TEM) to observe the incorporation of the titanocene derivatives on the external surface of the material KIT‐6. Both the titanocene compounds and the materials were tested in vitro against a wide variety of human cancer and normal cell lines. A very high cytotoxicity of the synthesised titanocene derivatives (IC50 values in the range of those described in the literature for the most active cytotoxic titanocene compounds), with selectivity towards cancer cell lines was observed. The cytotoxic activity of the materials is the highest reported to date for titanocene‐functionalised materials. In addition, higher Ti uptake (from 4 to 23 % of the initial amount of Ti) of the cells treated with materials was observed with respect to those treated with “free” titanocene derivatives (which gave Ti uptake values from 0.4 to 4.6 % of the initial amount of Ti). Additional experiments with the titanocene derivatives and the functionalised materials revealed that changes to the morphological and functional dynamics of apoptosis occurred when the active titanocene species were incorporated into mesoporous materials. In addition, the materials could induce programmed cell death in tumour cell populations by impairing the damaged DNA repair mechanisms and by upregulation of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic signalling pathways.
Insight into the Functional and Structural Properties of 3‐Arylcoumarin as an Interesting Scaffold in Monoamine Oxidase B Inhibition
Authors: Matos Maria João , Vilar Santiago , García‐Morales Verónica , Tatonetti Nicholas P. , Uriarte Eugenio , Santana Lourdes , Viña Dolores
Published: April 2014

The design, synthesis, pharmacological evaluation, and theoretical studies of a new series of halogenated 3‐arylcoumarins were carried out with the aim of finding new structural and biological features. This series displays several alkyl, hydroxy, halogen, and/or alkoxy groups in both benzene rings of the 3‐arylcoumarin scaffold. Most of the compounds studied show high affinity and selectivity for the human monoamine oxidase B (hMAO‐B) isoenzyme, with IC50 values in the low nanomolar and picomolar range. Most of the evaluated compounds display higher MAO‐B inhibitory activity and selectivity than selegiline (the reference compound). Coumarin 12 (3‐(3‐bromophenyl)‐6‐methylcoumarin) is the most active compound (IC50=134 pM), being 140‐fold more active than selegiline and showing the highest specificity for hMAO‐B. To better understand the structure–activity relationships, docking experiments were carried out on human monoamine oxidase (A and B) structures. Finally, the prediction of passive blood–brain partitioning, based on in silico derived physicochemical descriptors, was performed.
Discovery of 14‐3‐3 Protein–Protein Interaction Inhibitors that Sensitize Multidrug‐Resistant Cancer Cells to Doxorubicin and the Akt Inhibitor GSK690693
Authors: Mori Mattia , Vignaroli Giulia , Cau Ylenia , Dinić Jelena , Hill Richard , Rossi Matteo , Colecchia David , Pešić Milica , Link Wolfgang , Chiariello Mario , Ottmann Christian , Botta Maurizio
Published: April 2014

14‐3‐3 is a family of highly conserved adapter proteins that is attracting much interest among medicinal chemists. Small‐molecule inhibitors of 14‐3‐3 protein–protein interactions (PPIs) are in high demand, both as tools to increase our understanding of 14‐3‐3 actions in human diseases and as leads to develop innovative therapeutic agents. Herein we present the discovery of novel 14‐3‐3 PPI inhibitors through a multidisciplinary strategy combining molecular modeling, organic synthesis, image‐based high‐content analysis of reporter cells, and in vitro assays using cancer cells. Notably, the two most active compounds promoted the translocation of c‐Abl and FOXO pro‐apoptotic factors into the nucleus and sensitized multidrug‐resistant cancer cells to apoptotic inducers such as doxorubicin and the pan‐Akt inhibitor GSK690693, thus becoming valuable lead candidates for further optimization. Our results emphasize the possible role of 14‐3‐3 PPI inhibitors in anticancer combination therapies.
Seeing it coming: A complexity approach to disasters and humanitarian crises
Authors: Cioffi‐Revilla Claudio
Published: April 2014

Humanitarian crises and related complex emergencies caused by natural hazards or conflicts are marked by uncertainty. Disasters are extreme events mitigated through preparedness, response, and recovery. This article uses social complexity theory as a novel framework for deriving actionable insights on the onset T and severity S of disasters. Disaster distributions often show heavy tails, symptomatic of nonequilibrium dynamics, sometimes approximating a power law with critical or near‐critical exponent value of 2, not “normal” (bell‐shaped) or Gaussian equilibrium features. This theory‐based method is applicable to existing datasets. Policy implications include the usefulness of real‐time and anticipatory analytical strategies to support preparedness. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 19: 95–108, 2014
Estimating migratory connectivity of birds when re‐encounter probabilities are heterogeneous
Authors: Cohen Emily B. , Hostetler Jeffrey A. , Royle J. Andrew , Marra Peter P.
Published: April 2014

Understanding the biology and conducting effective conservation of migratory species requires an understanding of migratory connectivity – the geographic linkages of populations between stages of the annual cycle. Unfortunately, for most species, we are lacking such information. The North American Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) houses an extensive database of marking, recaptures and recoveries, and such data could provide migratory connectivity information for many species. To date, however, few species have been analyzed for migratory connectivity largely because heterogeneous re‐encounter probabilities make interpretation problematic. We accounted for regional variation in re‐encounter probabilities by borrowing information across species and by using effort covariates on recapture and recovery probabilities in a multistate capture–recapture and recovery model. The effort covariates were derived from recaptures and recoveries of species within the same regions. We estimated the migratory connectivity for three tern species breeding in North America and over‐wintering in the tropics, common (Sterna hirundo), roseate (Sterna dougallii), and Caspian terns (Hydroprogne caspia). For western breeding terns, model‐derived estimates of migratory connectivity differed considerably from those derived directly from the proportions of re‐encounters. Conversely, for eastern breeding terns, estimates were merely refined by the inclusion of re‐encounter probabilities. In general, eastern breeding terns were strongly connected to eastern South America, and western breeding terns were strongly linked to the more western parts of the nonbreeding range under both models. Through simulation, we found this approach is likely useful for many species in the BBL database, although precision improved with higher re‐encounter probabilities and stronger migratory connectivity. We describe an approach to deal with the inherent biases in BBL banding and re‐encounter data to demonstrate that this large dataset is a valuable source of information about the migratory connectivity of the birds of North America.
The Thermal Stability of Tris(methimazolyl)borates and Their Germanium Complexes
Authors: Wallace Dawn , Chalmers Kirsten , Dodds Christopher A. , Stepek Iain A. , Armstrong David R. , Berlouis Leonard E. A. , Reglinski John , Spicer Mark D.
Published: April 2014

A series of methimazole‐based soft scorpionate anions ([RTmMe]–, R = H, Ph, Me, nBu) bearing substitution at the bridgehead boron have been used to produce a series of germanium complexes of general formulae [Ge(RTmMe)2]I2. Structural analyses of the germanium complexes by X‐ray crystallography reveal that they all contain an octahedral S6 coordination sphere. The scorpionate anions (as their Li or Na salts) and their germanium complexes have been studied by thermogravimetric analysis. This analysis suggests that the degradation pathway for the free scorpionate anions differs from that of the complexes. Both pathways involve the loss of a methimazole ring thereby supporting the view that cleavage of the boron–nitrogen bonds can occur under thermally aggressive conditions. As expected, the presence of the germanium alters the degradation profile of the anion. In contrast to the free anions, the four complexes all display a similar mechanism for degradation. Although the presence of the germanium enforces a conformational change in the anions, its presence does not significantly increase the stability of the boron–nitrogen bonds.
Synthesis of Phenyl‐1‐benzoxepinols Isolated from Butcher's Broom and Analogous Benzoxepines
Authors: Herrmann Josef M. , Untergehrer Monika , Jürgenliemk Guido , Heilmann Jörg , König Burkhard
Published: April 2014

Extracts of Ruscus aculeatus L., known as butcher's broom, are mainly used for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). In a recent study on the phenolic compounds of Rusci rhizoma, new phenyl‐1‐benzoxepinols were isolated. As the therapeutic effect of butcher's broom is ascribed to the pharmacological activity of the main constituents, steroidal saponins and their aglycones the ruscogenins, the role of the newly identified compounds was of interest. Owing to the low availability of the compounds by isolation, we synthesized them for pharmacological testing. In an ORAC–fluorescein assay they revealed a significant antioxidative activity, which may contribute to the anti‐inflammatory properties of the phenolic fraction obtained from Rusci rhizoma extracts.
syn/anti Switching by Specific Heteroatom–Titanium Coordination in the Mannich‐Like Synthesis of 2,3‐Diaryl‐β‐amino Acid Derivatives
Authors: Bonetti Andrea , Clerici Francesca , Foschi Francesca , Nava Donatella , Pellegrino Sara , Penso Michele , Soave Raffaella , Gelmi Maria Luisa
Published: April 2014

A very efficient synthesis of 2,3‐diaryl‐β‐amino acid derivatives is realized by a TiCl4/triethylamine‐catalyzed Mannich‐like reaction of arylacetic or arylthioacetic esters with arylimines. The presence on the arylacetic moiety of an ortho‐heteroatom group able to coordinate to the titanium center is of dramatic importance for the outcome of the reaction and to tune the syn/anti diastereoselection. In particular, with o‐F‐, o‐Cl‐, and o‐Br‐arylacetates, the syn adduct was isolated as the largely prevalent isomer. When (–)‐8‐phenylmenthyl (2‐fluorophenyl)acetate was used, the condensation with imines resulted in high diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity. In agreement with the stereochemical results and NMR studies, a conceivable reaction mechanism was proposed.
Intermolecular Interactions in Systems Containing Bi(III) – ClO−4 – H2O – Selected Amino Acids in the Aspect of Catalysis of Bi(III) Electroreduction
Authors: Nosal‐Wiercińska Agnieszka
Published: April 2014

The paper describes recent results of studies on the accelerating effect of sulfur‐containing protein amino acids and water activity on multistep Bi(III) ion electroreduction at mercury electrode. The catalytic effect of methionine (Mt), cystine (CY) and cysteine (CE) was analyzed based on kinetic and thermodynamic parameters, which correlated with water activity. Investigations of adsorption of those amino acids at the electrode/solution interface provided information for the analysis of the electrical double layer and its influence on the kinetics of the electrode process. The multistep Bi(III) electroreduction process is controlled by the kinetics of active complexes formation, which precedes transfer of consecutive electrons.
Nickel accumulation in lung tissues is associated with increased risk of p53 mutation in lung cancer patients
Authors: Chiou Yu‐Hu , Wong Ruey‐Hong , Chao Mu‐Rong , Chen Chih‐Yi , Liou Saou‐Hsing , Lee Huei
Published: April 2014

Occupational exposure to nickel compounds has been associated with lung cancer. The correlation between high nickel levels and increased risk of lung cancer has been previously reported in a case–control study. This study assessed whether nickel exposure increased the occurrence of p53 mutations due to DNA repair inhibition by nickel. A total of 189 lung cancer patients were enrolled to determine nickel levels in tumor‐adjacent normal lung tissues and p53 mutation status in lung tumors through atomic absorption spectrometry and direct sequencing, respectively. Nickel levels in p53 mutant patients were significantly higher than those in p53 wild‐type patients. When patients were divided into high‐ and low‐nickel subgroups by median nickel level, the high‐nickel subgroup of patients had an odds ratio (OR) of 3.25 for p53 mutation risk relative to the low‐nickel subgroup patients. The OR for p53 mutation risk of lifetime non‐smokers, particularly females, in the high‐nickel subgroup was greater than that in the low‐nickel subgroup. To determine whether nickel affected DNA repair capacity, we conducted the host cell reactivation assay in A549 and H1975 lung cancer cells and showed that the DNA repair activity was reduced by nickel chloride in a dose‐dependent manner. This was associated with elevated production of hydrogen peroxide‐induced 8‐oxo‐deoxyguanosine. Therefore, increased risk of p53 mutation due to defective DNA repair caused by high nickel levels in lung tissues may be one mechanism by which nickel exposure contributes to lung cancer development, especially in lifetime female non‐smokers. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 55:624–632, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective dehydration of fructose and sucrose to 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furfural with heterogeneous ge (IV) catalysts
Authors: Tong Xinli , Wang Yanhua , Nie Guangxia , Yan Yongtao
Published: April 2014

The selective dehydration of fructose and sucrose to 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furfural (HMF) has been achieved using heterogeneous Ge (IV) catalysts. Based on GeO2 material, two catalyst systems are found to be efficient for the dehydration process. In the presence of the dual GeO2Ge3N4 catalyst, fructose and sucrose was converted to HMF in 62 and 37% yield at 150°C for 100 min, respectively,. Moreover, with sulfated GeO2 (SO42−/GeO2) as the catalyst, a 68% yield of HMF from the dehydration of fructose was obtained in dimethyl sulfoxide solvent. The effects of reaction temperature and reaction time were studied in the fructose dehydration. In addition, further investigations showed that dual GeO2Ge3N4 catalyst is superior to SO42−/GeO2 for the conversion of sucrose to generate HMF under similar conditions. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 207–210, 2015
Dislocations in the Currency Swap and Interest Rate Swap Markets: The Case of Korea
Authors: Park Hail
Published: April 2014

This article empirically investigates the determinants of the deviations from fundamental levels of both the currency swap (CRS) and the interest rate swap (IRS) rates in Korea. This study also analyses the inter‐linkages between the swap and bond markets in Korea. To this end, a rolling VAR model is estimated incorporating the CRS rate, the IRS rate and the Korean Treasury bond (KTB) rate. It is found that hedging activities and risk factors are significant determinants of the deviations from fundamental levels of the IRS as well as the CRS rate in Korea. Moreover, the covered interest parity (CIP) deviation in the CRS market plays a role in explaining the deviation from the fundamental level of the IRS rate. There are contemporaneous links among the CRS rate, the IRS rate and the KTB rate, and a CRS rate shock significantly affects both the IRS and the KTB rates. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 35:455–475, 2015
The role of CXCR4 in highly malignant human gliomas biology: Current knowledge and future directions
Authors: Gagliardi Filippo , Narayanan Ashwin , Reni Michele , Franzin Alberto , Mazza Elena , Boari Nicola , Bailo Michele , Zordan Paola , Mortini Pietro
Published: April 2014

Given the extensive histomorphological heterogeneity of high‐grade gliomas, in terms of extent of invasiveness, angiogenesis, and necrosis and the poor prognosis for patients despite the advancements made in therapeutic management. The identification of genes associated with these phenotypes will permit a better definition of glioma heterogeneity, which may ultimately lead to better treatment strategies. CXCR4, a cell surface chemokine receptor, is implicated in the growth, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis in a wide range of malignant tumors, including gliomas. It is overexpressed in glioma cells according to tumor grade and in glioma tumor initiating cells. There have been various reports suggesting that CXCR4 is required for tumor proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and modulation of the immune response. It may also serve as a prognostic factor in characterizing subsets of glioblastoma multiforme, as patients with CXCR4‐positive gliomas seem to have poorer prognosis after surgery. Aim of this review was to analyze the current literature on biological effects of CXCR4 activity and its role in glioma pathogenesis. A better understanding of CXCR4 pathway in glioma will lead to further investigation of CXCR4 as a novel putative therapeutic target. GLIA 2014;62:1015–1023
Migraine Headache and Labor Market Outcomes
Authors: Rees Daniel I. , Sabia Joseph J.
Published: April 2014

While migraine headache can be physically debilitating, no study has attempted to estimate its effects on labor market outcomes. Using data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we estimate the effect of being diagnosed with migraine headache on labor force participation, hours worked, and wages. Ordinary least squares (OLS) estimates suggest that migraines are associated with reduced labor force participation and lower wages among females. A negative association between migraine headache and the wages of female respondents is also obtained using an instrumental variables (IV) approach, although the IV estimates are imprecise relative to the OLS estimates. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient-reported outcomes in chronic hepatitis C patients with cirrhosis treated with sofosbuvir-containing regimens
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Stepanova Maria , Nader Fatema , Jacobson Ira M. , Gane Ed , Nelson David , Lawitz Eric , Hunt Sharon L.
Published: April 2014

Whether the presence of cirrhosis influences patient-reported outcomes (PROs), including health-related quality of life, during treatment with newly available anti-HCV (hepatitis C virus) regimens is unclear. Our aim was to assess the association of cirrhosis with PROs in patients treated with sofosbuvir (SOF)-containing regimens. Four PRO questionnaires (Short Form-36 [SF-36], Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue [FACIT-F], Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire-HCV (CLDQ-HCV), and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: Specific Health Problem [WPAI-SHP]) were administered to subjects receiving SOF and ribavirin (RBV; FUSION trial, N = 201, 34% cirrhosis; VALENCE trial: N = 333, 21% cirrhosis) and SOF, RBV, and pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN; NEUTRINO trial: N = 327, 17% cirrhosis). HCV patients with cirrhosis showed significant impairment of PROs before initiation of treatment. During treatment, patients with cirrhosis treated with the IFN-free regimen experienced moderate decline in their PRO scores (0.6%-5.2% on a normalized scale of the summary scores; all P > 0.02). In contrast, patients with cirrhosis treated with IFN-containing regimen showed decline in PRO scores that ranged from 3.4% to 16.0% (all P < 0.005). Nevertheless, by follow-up week 12, no PRO decrement from baseline was observed in patients with cirrhosis regardless of the treatment regimen. Furthermore, in patients with cirrhosis with HCV who achieved sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR-12), some improvement in PROs from baseline was observed. During treatment, changes in PRO scores were similar between patients with and without cirrhosis for both treatment regimens (all P > 0.05). Independent predictors of lower PROs in patients with cirrhosis included baseline depression, anxiety, fatigue, high HCV viral load, female gender, and receiving IFN-containing treatment. Conclusions: Treatment with SOF+RBV with or without Peg-IFN is tolerated by HCV patients with and without cirrhosis in terms of their PRO scores. After achieving SVR-12 with the IFN-free regimen, patients with cirrhosis showed improvement in some aspects of their PROs. (Hepatology 2014;59:2161–2169)
Ion channels of the nuclear membrane of hippocampal neurons
Authors: Fedorenko Olena A. , Marchenko Sergey M.
Published: April 2014

Rise in Ca2+ concentration in the nucleus affects gene transcription and has been implicated in neuroprotection, transcription‐dependent neuronal plasticity, and pain modulation, but the mechanism of regulation of nuclear Ca2+ remains poorly understood. The nuclear envelope is a part of the endoplasmic reticulum and may be one of the sources of nuclear Ca2+. Here, we studied ion channels in the nuclear membrane of hippocampal neurons using the patch‐clamp technique. We have found that the nuclear membrane of CA1 pyramidal and dentate gyrus granule (DG), but not CA3 pyramidal neurons, was enriched in functional inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors/Ca2+‐release channels (IP3Rs) localized mainly in the inner nuclear membrane. A single nuclear ryanodine receptor (RyR) has been detected only in DG granule neurons. Nuclei of the hippocampal neurons also expressed a variety of spontaneously active cation and anion channels specific for each type of neuron. In particular, large‐conductance ion channels selective for monovalent cations (LCC) were coexpressed with IP3Rs. These data suggest that: (1) the nuclear membranes of hippocampal neurons contain distinct sets of ion channels, which are specific for each type of neuron; (2) IP3Rs, but not RyRs are targeted to the inner nuclear membrane of CA1 pyramidal and DG granule, but they were not found in the nuclear membranes of CA3 pyramidal neurons; (3) the nuclear envelope of these neurons is specialized to release Ca2+ into the nucleoplasm which may amplify Ca2+ signals entering the nucleus from the cytoplasm or generate Ca2+ transients on its own; (4) LCC channels are an integral part the of Ca2+‐releasing machinery providing a route for counterflow of К+ and thereby facilitating Ca2+ movement in and out of the Ca2+ store. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photochemical Flow Reactions
Authors: Schuster Elaine M. , Wipf Peter
Published: April 2014

The versatility of photochemical flow processes is rapidly expanding, and we suggest that this technique is capable of broadening the general appeal and impact of photochemistry similar or even to a greater extent to what microwave technology has done to thermal processes. This review highlights the recent developments that support this suggestion as well as the technological challenges that have yet to be resolved. Continuous photoflow reactions allow for better control over heating and mixing, are safer to operate on scale‐up, in particular if LEDs are used in place of Hg lamps, they offer a higher surface/volume ratio and more efficient light penetration than batch mode photoreactions, and furthermore allow for the removal of products in‐line to avoid secondary decompositions and poor conversions.
Injectable citrate‐modified Portland cement for use in vertebroplasty
Authors: Wynn‐Jones Gareth , Shelton Richard M. , Hofmann Michael P.
Published: April 2014

The injectability of Portland cement (PC) with several citrate additives was investigated for use in clinical applications such as vertebroplasty (stabilization of a fractured vertebra with bone cement) using a syringe. A 2‐wt % addition of sodium or potassium citrate with PC significantly improved cement injectability, decreased cement setting times from over 2 h to below 25 min, while increasing the compressive strength to a maximum of 125 MPa. Zeta‐potential measurements indicated that the citrate anion was binding to one or more of the positively charged species causing charged repulsion between cement particles which dispersed aggregates and caused the liquefying effect of the anion. Analysis of the hydrating phases of PC indicated that the early strength producing PC phase (ettringite) developed within the first 2 h of setting following addition of the citrate anion, while this did not occur in the control cement (PC only). Within 24 h ettringite developed in PC as well as calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H), the major setting phase of PC, whereas cements containing citrate did not develop this phase. The evidence suggested that in the presence of citrate the cements limited water supply appeared to be utilized for ettringite formation, producing the early strength of the citrate cements. The present study has demonstrated that it is possible to modify PC with citrate to both improve the injectability and crucially reduce the setting times of PC while improving the strength of the cement. © 2014 The Authors Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1799–1808, 2014.
Development and performance evaluation of a positive reference material for hemolysis testing
Authors: Haishima Yuji , Hasegawa Chie , Nomura Yusuke , Kawakami Tsuyoshi , Yuba Toshiyasu , Shindo Tomoko , Sakaguchi Keisuke , Tanigawa Takahiro , Inukai Kaori , Takenouchi Mika , Isama Kazuo , Matsuoka Atsuko , Niimi Shingo
Published: April 2014

This study deals with the development and performance evaluation of a positive reference material for hemolysis testing, which is used for evaluating the biological safety of medical devices. Genapol X‐080, a nonionic detergent, was selected as a candidate hemolytic substance in a survey of 23 chemical compounds; it showed significant hemolytic activity against rabbit defibrinated blood at concentrations more than 20 µg/mL. A polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet spiked with 0.6% (w/w) of the compound exhibited weak hemolytic activity in direct contact and/or extract‐based assays after 4 h incubation at 37°C. A PVC sheet containing 5.8% (w/w) Genapol X‐080 induced complete hemolysis in both assays. The amount of Genapol X‐080 eluted from each PVC sheet during hemolysis testing using the direct contact method increased time‐dependently and reached 25.6 (former sheet) or 1154 (later sheet) µg/mL after 4 h incubation, which was similar to or much higher than the critical micelle concentration, respectively. Similar elution behavior was observed using the extract‐based method, and the Genapol X‐080 content in test solutions prepared by autoclave extraction of both sheets was 22.5 and 358 µg/mL, respectively, indicating a clear relationship between the degree of hemolytic activity and the eluted amount of Genapol X‐080. Thus, a PVC sheet spiked with a compound exhibiting different hemolytic activity depending on its concentration may be useful as a positive reference material to validate the hemolysis tests. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1809–1816, 2014.
A conversation with Joseph Lau
Authors: Cappelleri Joseph C. , Ingerick Meghan
Published: April 2014

Dr. Joseph Lau is a world‐leading expert in meta‐analysis and systematic reviews. Currently a professor in the Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice and co‐director of the Center for Evidence‐based Medicine at Brown University, Professor Lau has applied evidence‐based methods to a variety of clinical, biomedical and healthcare topics; has developed reliable and efficient methods and tools to conduct systematic reviews and meta‐analyses; and has advanced an understanding on the impact of factors that may contribute to differences of results in scientific studies. His past research includes cumulative meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials, comparison of results from large trials and meta‐analyses of small trials, effect of baseline risk in the interpretation of clinical trial results, and empirical evaluation of existing methods of combining data. His current focus is on a Web‐based repository of systematic review data, reviews of diagnostic tests, nutrition, clinical practice guidelines, and dissemination of evidence‐based methods to varied health‐care disciplines. This report is a conversation from an adapted version of an interview, more or less chronologically arranged, between Joseph C. Cappelleri as interviewer and Joseph Lau as interviewee, with Meghan Ingerick recording and transcribing the interview. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mountain plover nest survival in relation to prairie dog and fire dynamics in shortgrass steppe
Authors: Augustine David J. , Skagen Susan K.
Published: April 2014

Disturbed xeric grasslands with short, sparse vegetation provide breeding habitat for mountain plovers (Charadrius montanus) across the western Great Plains. Maintaining local disturbance regimes through prairie dog conservation and prescribed fire may contribute to the sustainability of recently declining mountain plover populations, but these management approaches can be controversial. We estimated habitat‐specific mountain plover densities and nest survival rates on black‐tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies and burns in the shortgrass steppe of northeastern Colorado. Mountain plover densities were similar on prairie dog colonies (5.9 birds/km2; 95% CI = 4.7–7.4) and sites burned during the preceding dormant season (6.7 birds/km2; 95% CI = 4.6–9.6), whereas the 29‐day nest survival rate was greater on prairie dog colonies (0.81 in 2011 and 0.39 in 2012) compared to the burned sites (0.64 in 2011 and 0.17 in 2012). Reduced nest survival in 2012 compared to 2011 was associated with higher maximum daily temperatures in 2012, consistent with a previous weather‐based model of mountain plover nest survival in the southern Great Plains. Measurements of mountain plover density relative to time since disturbance showed that removal of prairie dog disturbance by sylvatic plague reduced mountain plover density by 70% relative to active prairie dog colonies after 1 year. Plover densities declined at a similar rate (by 78%) at burned sites between the first and second post‐burn growing season. Results indicate that black‐tailed prairie dog colonies are a particularly important nesting habitat for mountain plovers in the southern Great Plains. In addition, findings suggest that prescribed burning can be a valuable means to create nesting habitat in landscapes where other types of disturbances (such as prairie dog colonies) are limited in distribution and size. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.