bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volume–outcomes relationship in the Era of modern coronary intervention—results from the prospective multicenter German DES.DE Registry
Authors: Akin Ibrahim , Hochadel Mathias , Schneider Steffen , Abdel‐Wahab Mohamed , Zahn Ralf , Senges Jochen , Richardt Gert , Kuck Karl‐Heinz , Nienaber Christoph A. ,   for the DES.DE Study group
Published: May 2013

Objective

We compare clinical outcomes among unselected patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug‐eluting stents (DES) stratified in categories of treating hospital PCI volume.

Background

Previous observational evidence suggests an inverse relation between hospital volume and patients' outcomes. However, there are no mid‐term outcomes data with the use of DES.

Methods

We used data from DES.DE (German Drug‐Eluting Stent) registry to compare in‐hospital and 1‐year outcomes among unselected patients. Primary endpoints at one year follow‐up were the rate of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and target vessel revascularization (TVR).

Results

Between 2005 and 2006, 2,075 patients were treated in group I hospitals (<1,000 PCIs/year), 1,624 in group II hospitals (1,000–1,500 PCIs/year), and 1,790 in group III hospitals (>1,500 PCIs/year). Compared with group II and group III, group I allocation was associated with higher rates of overall hospital mortality (1.1% versus 0.2% versus 0.2%; P < 0.0001) and severe bleeding (1.0% versus 0.4% versus 0.5%; P < 0.05); similarly, poorer outcomes with respect to MACCE (7.2% versus 6.5% versus 4.7%; P < 0.01), stent thrombosis (5.2% versus 5.0% versus 3.0%; P < 0.01), and non‐fatal stroke (1.5% versus 0.9% versus 0.7%; P < 0.05) were documented in group I. Conversely, TVR rates were highest in group II (10.2% versus 14.2% versus 11.7%; P < 0.01); these differences persisted after risk adjustment for heterogeneous baseline characteristics.

Conclusions

In the era of modern coronary intervention technological advances such as DES have not offset the inverse relation between procedural volume and both in‐hospital and 1‐year outcomes after PCI. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combined prospective United States clinical study data for the GORE® HELEX® septal occluder device
Authors: Rhodes John F. , Goble Jake
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Our goal was to summarize the outcome for all subjects evaluated during a prospective clinical study in the United States with the GORE® HELEX® Septal Occluder for transcatheter repair of secundum atrial septal defects (ASD).

Background

The GORE® HELEX® Septal Occluder is currently utilized for repair of secundum ASD. No previous reports are available that summarize the combined clinical trial outcomes for this device.

Methods

In the United States between 1999 and 2009, 435 subjects were enrolled through the Feasibility, Pivotal, Continued Access, and Post‐Approval Studies. All subjects enrolled through these studies were collectively reviewed as the “study cohort.” Clinical success, defined as a composite evaluation of safety and efficacy, is reported for subjects at the 12‐month follow‐up period.

Results

Of the 435 device subjects enrolled in the four clinical studies, 412 subjects were eligible for follow‐up. Device efficacy, as represented by clinical closure at 12 months, was achieved in 98.3% of subjects, and in 99.5% of those receiving a device whose nominal diameter was greater or equal to twice the balloon sized defect diameter. Through 12 months following implantation, freedom from major adverse events was 95.2%. Together, these results yield a 93.0% composite clinical success at 12 months following the index procedure.

Conclusions

The combined clinical study cohort represents the largest prospective, controlled clinical trial data set available for the GORE® HELEX® Septal Occluder. The clinical data presented in this report reaffirm the safety and efficacy of the GORE® HELEX® Septal Occluder when utilized for secundum atrial septal defect repair. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficacy and safety of transulnar coronary angiography and interventions—A single center experience
Authors: Deshmukh Anand R. , Kaushik Manu , Aboeata Ahmed , Abuzetun Jamil , Burns Tammy L. , Nubel Caroline A. , White Michael D. , Lanspa Thomas J. , Hunter Claire B. , Mooss Aryan N. , Esterbrooks Dennis J.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and long‐term safety of transulnar approach in complex coronary interventions.

Background

The success rate of transulnar approach in complex coronary interventions and its long‐term safety remains to be proven.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing transulnar coronary angiography and interventions at our institution from January 2004 through July 2009. Primary endpoint of the study was the success rate of the procedure. Secondary endpoints were major bleeding, local vascular and neurological complications, cerebrovascular accident (CVA)/transient ischemic attack (TIA), myocardial infarction (MI), all‐cause mortality, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) rate that was a composite of MI, CVA/TIA, and all‐cause mortality.

Results

Of 81 patients undergoing transulnar approach, 41 (50.6%) patients underwent intervention on 65 lesions. Twelve percent of the interventions were performed on coronary bypass grafts and 9.2% on the left main coronary artery. Success rates for transulnar access, coronary angiography, and coronary/bypass graft interventions were 93.8%, 100%, and 92.6%, respectively. Follow‐up data was available on 71 patients at short term (30 days) and 58 patients at long term (1 year). At 30‐day follow‐up, vascular complication rate was 2.8 %. At 1‐year follow‐up, there were no residual deficits from vascular or neurological complications associated with the index procedure and the overall MACE rate was 3.4%.

Conclusion

In this first study evaluating long‐term safety and feasibility of transulnar coronary angiography and complex coronary interventions, we conclude that transulnar approach appears to be safe and effective. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coordination‐Based Molecular Assemblies of Oligofurans and Oligothiophenes
Authors: Hayoun Barak Adva , de Ruiter Graham , Lahav Michal , Sharma Sagar , Gidron Ori , Evmenenko Guennadi , Dutta Pulak , Bendikov Michael , van der Boom Milko E.
Published: May 2013

Molecular assemblies (MAs) of oligofurans and oligothiophenes were formed from solutions on various substrates. These films were obtained by alternating deposition of organic chromophores (oligofurans or oligothiophenes) and a palladium salt. These coordination‐based MAs were characterized by UV/Vis spectroscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM), X‐ray reflectivity (XRR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemistry. The MAs exhibit similar electrochemical behavior and their growth and structure are apparently not affected when different organic template layers are used. The density of the MAs is a function of the structure of the molecular component. The oligothiophene density is approximately 50 % higher than that observed for the oligofuran‐based assemblies. The optical and electrochemical properties of the MAs scale linearly with their thickness. The UV/Vis data indicate that upon increasing the film thickness, there is no significant conjugation between the metal‐separated organic chromophores. DFT calculations confirmed that the HOMO–LUMO gap of the surface‐bound oligofuran and oligothiophene metal oligomers do not change significantly upon increasing their chain length. However, electrochemical measurements indicate that the susceptibility of the MAs towards oxidation is dependent on the number of chromophore units.
Stepwise Encapsulation of Sulfate Ions by Ferrocenyl‐Functionalized Tripodal Hexaurea Receptors
Authors: Huang Xiaojuan , Wu Biao , Jia Chuandong , Hay Benjamin P. , Li Minrui , Yang Xiao‐Juan
Published: May 2013

Three ferrocenyl‐functionalized tripodal hexaurea anion receptors with ortho‐ (L2), meta‐ (L3), and para‐phenylene (L4) bridges, which showed strong binding affinities toward sulfate ions, have been designed and synthesized. In particular, meta‐phenylene‐bridged ligand L3, owing to its trigonal bipyramidal structure, can encapsulate two SO42− ions in its “inner” and “outer” tripodal clefts, respectively, as supported by their clearly distinct NMR resonances and by molecular modeling. The sulfate complex of ortho‐ligand L2, (TBA)2[SO4⊂L2]⋅2 H2O (1), displays a caged tetrahedral structure with an encapsulated sulfate ion that is hydrogen bonded by the six urea groups of ligand L2. CV studies showed two types of electrochemical response of the ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couple upon anion binding, that is, a shift of the wave and the appearance of a new peak. Quantitative binding data were obtained from the NMR and CV titrations.
Chelation‐Assisted Cross‐Coupling of Anilines through In Situ Activation as Diazonium Salts with Boronic Acids under Ligand‐, Base‐, and Salt‐Free Conditions
Authors: Joncour Roxan , Susperregui Nicolas , Pinaud Noël , Miqueu Karinne , Fouquet Eric , Sotiropoulos Jean‐Marc , Felpin François‐Xavier
Published: May 2013

We describe the coupling of anilines with aryl boronic acids, under ligand‐, base‐, and salt‐free conditions at room temperature. This new reaction proceeds through the formation of an aryl palladium alkoxo complex, which allows the transmetalation step with aryl boronic acids without any external base. Importantly, this sustainable procedure generates only environmentally friendly byproducts such as tBuOH, H2O, N2, and B(OH)3. The reaction mechanism has been deeply investigated through experimental and theoretical studies.
ChemInform Abstract: Design, Functionalization Strategies and Biomedical Applications of Targeted Biodegradable/Biocompatible Polymer‐Based Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery
Authors: Nicolas Julien , Mura Simona , Brambilla Davide , Mackiewicz Nicolas , Couvreur Patrick
Published: May 2013

Review: 446 refs.
Response to Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Is a Predictor of Readmission in Cardiac Patients
Authors: Balta Sevket , Demirkol Sait , Kurt Omer , Sarlak Hakan , Celik Turgay , Mikhailidis Dimitri P.
Published: May 2013

Ephrem G. Clin Cardiol. 2013. doi: 10.1002/clc.22116
Impact of Tesamorelin, a Growth Hormone‐Releasing Factor (GRF) Analogue, on the Pharmacokinetics of Simvastatin and Ritonavir in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Teng Shirley , Potvin Diane , Mamputu Jean‐Claude , Vincent Geneviève , Zoltowska Monika , Morin Josée , Hatimi Saida , Michaud Sophie‐Elise , High Kim , Ducharme Murray P.
Published: May 2013

The potential impact of tesamorelin on CYP3A activity was investigated by examining its effect on the pharmacokinetics of simvastatin and ritonavir. In two randomized, two‐way crossover studies, subjects were administered 2 mg tesamorelin on Days 1–7 with 80 mg simvastatin or 100 mg ritonavir co‐administered on Day 6 (Treatment A), and a single dose of simvastatin or ritonavir alone on Day 6 (Treatment B). Pharmacokinetic samples were collected on Day 6 to measure simvastatin, ritonavir and tesamorelin plasma concentrations. For simvastatin, A/B ratios of least squares geometric means and corresponding 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for AUC0−t, AUC0−inf and Cmax were contained within the usual no effect range of 80–125%. For ritonavir, ratios and 90% CIs for AUCs were within this acceptance range, but the lower CI for Cmax was 74.8%, suggesting a decreased rate of exposure. However, since the A/B ratios for AUCs and Cmax parameters were approximately 90%, these were minor decreases and no dose adjustment of ritonavir is required in the presence of tesamorelin. These studies showed that the impact of tesamorelin on CYP3A activity appears to be minimal, if any. Either medication may be co‐administered with tesamorelin in patients without changing their original dosing regimen.
What makes an optimization problem hand?
Authors: Macready William G. , Wolpert David H.
Published: May 2013

We address the question: “Are some classes of combinatorial optimization problems intrinsically harder than others, without regard to the algorithm one uses, or can difficulty only be assessed relative to particular algorithms?” We provide a measure of the hardness of a particular optimization problem for a particular optimization algorithm and present two algorithm‐independent quantities that use this measure to provide answers to our question. In the first of these we average hardness over all possible algorithms and show that according to this quantity, there are no distinctions between optimization problems. In this sense no problems are intrinsically harder than others. For the second quantity, rather than average over all algorithms, we consider the level of hardness of a problem (or class of problems) for the associated optimal algorithm. By this criteria there are classes of problems that are intrinsically harder than others.
A Micro‐pulse Process of Atomic Layer Deposition of Iron Oxide Using Ferrocene and Ozone Precursors and Ti‐Doping
Authors: Li Xianglin , Fan Ng Chin , Fan Hong Jin
Published: May 2013

Hematite (α‐Fe2O3) thin films are obtained by atomic layer deposition (ALD) in the temperature range 200 − 350°C using ferrocene and ozone as the precursors. A micro‐pulse process facilitates the precursor adsorption and shortens the ferrocene dose time to 5 s. When tested on Si(100) substrates, the growth rate is around 0.5 Å per cycle for the first 300 cycles, after which the growth becomes nonlinear. Interestingly, a linear growth can be maintained with a rate of ≈0.55 Å per cycle by TiO2 co‐deposition (cycle ratio of TiO2/Fe2O3 = 1:20). Characterizations by X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and UV‐vis absorption confirm the presence of the α‐Fe2O3 phase after post‐deposition annealing. Uniform depositions on dense ZnO nanorod arrays and anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates are also demonstrated, inferring that the current process is capable of coating on high (>50) aspect ratio structures.
Detecting intentional insulin omission for weight loss in girls with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Pinhas‐Hamiel Orit , Hamiel Uri , Greenfield Yuval , Boyko Valentina , Graph‐Barel Chana , Rachmiel Marianna , Lerner‐Geva Liat , Reichman Brian
Published: May 2013

Objective

Intentional insulin omission is a unique inappropriate compensatory behavior that occurs in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, mostly in females, who omit or restrict their required insulin doses in order to lose weight. Diagnosis of this underlying disorder is difficult. We aimed to use clinical and laboratory criteria to create an algorithm to assist in the detection of intentional insulin omission.

Method

The distribution of HbA1c levels from 287 (181 females) patients with type 1 diabetes were used as reference. Data from 26 patients with type 1 diabetes and intentional insulin omission were analysed. The Weka (Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis) machine learning software, decision tree classifier with 10‐fold cross validation was used to developed prediction models. Model performance was assessed by cross‐validation in a further 43 patients.

Results

Adolescents with intentional insulin omission were discriminated by: female sex, HbA1c>9.2%, more than 20% of HbA1c measurements above the 90th percentile, the mean of 3 highest delta HbA1c z‐scores>1.28, current age and age at diagnosis. The models developed showed good discrimination (sensitivity and specificity 0.88 and 0.74, respectively). The external test dataset revealed good performance of the model with a sensitivity and specificity of 1.00 and 0.97, respectively.

Discussion

Using data mining methods we developed a clinical prediction model to determine an individual's probability of intentionally omitting insulin. This model provides a decision support system for the detection of intentional insulin omission for weight loss in adolescent females with type 1 diabetes mellitus. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013; 46:819–825)
Sedimentation and flow patterns induced by regular and modified groynes on the River Elbe, Germany
Authors: Henning Martin , Hentschel Bernd
Published: May 2013

Groynes help to protect river banks and support water levels for navigation. Since recently, groyne fields are considered as surrogate habitat for various species and may, in terms of ecology, partially replace flood plains that were lost in the course of river training in the last centuries. In order to maintain and improve the hydraulic function and ecological value of groyne fields, the German Federal Institutes of Hydrology and the Waterways Engineering and Research studied innovative groyne types and regular groynes on the River Elbe, Germany. In a 10‐year field campaign, groyne field hydraulics and morphology were monitored using acoustic Doppler current profiler and echo‐sounding techniques. The data is used to assess groyne field heterogeneity and morphodynamics over the 10‐year period as well as flow patterns at different flow stages. The results indicate a high morphological activity in the groyne fields associated with flood discharges. Significant sedimentation in the bank regions was observed, whereas sedimentation in deeper areas of the groyne fields was less pronounced. The sedimentation patterns and rates in the groyne fields are, to some extent, found to be influenced by different groyne types and associated flow patterns. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of the fluxes and stores of water within newly formed Sphagnum moss cushions and their environment
Authors: Ketcheson Scott J. , Price Jonathan S.
Published: May 2013

Internal water storage and water exchanges that sustain hydration are critical for the physiological function of Sphagnum mosses that have recolonized cutover peatlands characterized by low soil–water pressures. The relative importance of water gains and losses for spontaneously regenerated Sphagnum moss cushions was addressed through investigation of the sensitivity of moss moisture dynamics to a range of environmental variables. Precipitation waters are poorly retained within the cushions, which indicated that rain event water can only be relied upon by the mosses for a short period. The relationship between water table depth and moisture content within moss cushions was strong when the water table was within 30 cm of the surface of the cutover peat but weakened as conditions became drier, as reflected by weakened upward hydraulic gradients in the unsaturated zone below the moss cushions. Calculation of a water budget between 19 May and 16 August 2006 for relatively wet and dry cushions, respectively, identified a water deficit of 28 and 44 mm. It is hypothesized that additional (small) sources of water during deficit conditions may be critical for maintaining physiological processes. Rewetting of the peatland by blocking drainage ditches created conditions more favourable for Sphagnum survival through increasing the moisture content and soil–water pressures within the remnant peat deposit although restoration efforts should aim to constrain the water table position to within the upper 30 cm. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From random variability to ordered structures: a search for general synthesis in ecohydrology
Authors: Porporato Amilcare , Rodriguez‐Iturbe Ignacio
Published: May 2013

We present our personal view of some of the exciting research avenues in ecohydrology, which are related to quantifying the effects of hydrologic variability and anthropogenic disturbance on ecohydrological processes. Using several examples, we discuss how concepts and tools inspired from information theory, statistical mechanics and nonequilibrium thermodynamics may help us advance in some of the challenges posed by the need to sustainably manage our soil and water resources, while preserving ecosystem services. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mouse TIGIT inhibits NK‐cell cytotoxicity upon interaction with PVR
Authors: Stanietsky Noa , Rovis Tihana Lenac , Glasner Ariella , Seidel Einat , Tsukerman Pinchas , Yamin Rachel , Enk Jonatan , Jonjic Stipan , Mandelboim Ofer
Published: May 2013

The activity of natural killer (NK) cells is controlled by a balance of signals derived from inhibitory and activating receptors. TIGIT is a novel inhibitory receptor, recently shown in humans to interact with two ligands: PVR and Nectin2 and to inhibit human NK‐cell cytotoxicity. Whether mouse TIGIT (mTIGIT) inhibits mouse NK‐cell cytotoxicity is unknown. Here we show that mTIGIT is expressed by mouse NK cells and interacts with mouse PVR. Using mouse and human Ig fusion proteins we show that while the human TIGIT (hTIGIT) cross‐reacts with mouse PVR (mPVR), the binding of mTIGIT is restricted to mPVR. We further demonstrate using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and staining with Ig fusion proteins that mTIGIT binds to mPVR with higher affinity than the co‐stimulatory PVR‐binding receptor mouse DNAM1 (mDNAM1). Functionally, we show that triggering of mTIGIT leads to the inhibition of NK‐cell cytotoxicity, that IFN‐γ secretion is enhanced when mTIGIT is blocked and that the TIGIT‐mediated inhibition is dominant over the signals delivered by the PVR‐binding co‐stimulatory receptors. Additionally, we identify the inhibitory motif responsible for mTIGIT inhibition. In conclusion, we show that TIGIT is a powerful inhibitory receptor for mouse NK cells.
Theoretical Study on Cationic Iridium(III) Complexes with a Diphosphane Ligand – Geometry, Electronic Properties, and Application for Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Qu Xiaochun , Liu Yuqi , Godefroid Gahungu , Si Yanling , Shang Xiaohong , Wu Xue , Wu Zhijian
Published: May 2013

A DFT/time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) investigation was conducted on a series of cationic iridium(III) complexes with 2‐phenylpyridine (ppyn) derivatives and a diphosphane (PPn) ancillary ligand to shed light on the effects of stereoisomerism and ligand substituents on the photophysical properties. The geometries, electronic structures, lowest‐lying singlet–singlet absorptions, vertical singlet–triplet excitations, and triplet–singlet emissions of N,N‐cis‐[Ir(ppy0)2(PP)]+ (1), N,N‐trans‐[Ir(ppy0)2(PP)]+ (2) and their derivatives were investigated with DFT‐based approaches [ppy0 = 2‐phenylpyridine, PP = 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethene]. The complex N,N‐trans‐[Ir(ppy2)2(PP2)]+ (3b) shows high quantum phosphorescence efficiency (ΦPL) of 91 %, whereas an extremely low ΦPL (<1 %) was observed for N,N‐trans‐[Ir(ppy4)2(PP1)]+ (2d). To clarify this behavior, the S1–Tn splitting energy (ΔE), the transition dipole moment (μ) upon the S0→S1 transition, and the energy gap between the triplet metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (3MLCT) π–π* and triplet metal‐centered (3MC) d–d states (ΔEMC–MLCT) were calculated. A drastically small ΔE and large μ for 3b (<0.05 eV and 1.38 D, respectively), compared to those for 2d (>0.2 eV and 1.26 D, respectively), were found to be closely linked to the substituents on the ppyn ligands. The remarkably small ΔE and similar μ for N,N‐cis 1c (<0.05 eV and 1.41 D, respectively), compared to those for N,N‐trans 2c (>0.1 eV and 1.42 D, respectively), could be attributed to the effects of the trans–cis structural isomerism. On the basis of these parameters, the higher ΦPL of 3b with respect to that of 2d was explained, and 1c, 1d, 2b, and 2e were considered to have better physical properties than the experimentally synthesized complexes 2, 2d, and 3b. The newly designed 1c, 1d, 2b, and 2e are expected to be highly emissive in the blue‐green region for light‐emitting electrochemical cell (LEC) applications.
Sequential [3+2] Cycloaddition/Air Oxidation Reactions: Triazoloyl Ion Assisted Oxidative Cleavage of Alkynes
Authors: Ponpandian Thanasekaran , Muthusubramanian Shanmugam , Rajagopal Sridharan
Published: May 2013

Upon treatment with sodium azide in DMF, bisalkynes undergo chemoselective [3+2] cycloaddition followed by oxidative cleavage of the other alkyne unit by atmospheric oxygen. The neighboring triazoloyl ion is found to assist the cleavage process ultimately to deliver an acid and an aldehyde.
Catalytic Enantioconvergent Decarb­oxylative Allylic Alkylation of Allyl Indol­enin‐3‐carboxylates
Authors: Kaiser Thomas M. , Yang Jiong
Published: May 2013

A catalytic enantioconvergent process has been developed for the conversion of racemic allyl indolenin‐3‐carboxylates into enantiomerically enriched C3‐quaternary indolenines. A Pd‐catalyzed decarboxylative allylic alkylation reaction was employed for both stereoablation of the racemic allyl indolenin‐3‐carboxylates and enantioselective formation of the quaternary carbon center.
Detection of Trace Zinc by an Electrochemical Microsensor based on Carbon Nanotube Threads
Authors: Guo Xuefei , Lee Woo Hyoung , Alvarez Noe , Shanov Vesselin N. , Heineman William R.
Published: May 2013

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted intense interest due to their excellent properties, such as increased electrode surface area, fast electron transfer rate, significant mechanical strength and good chemical stability. CNT threads, spun from shorter CNTs, inherit the advantages of CNTs, while avoiding the potential toxicity caused by individual CNTs. In this work, microelectrodes based on CNT threads were used to detect trace zinc by anodic stripping voltammetry with an estimated detection limit of 1.4 nM without mercury or bismuth films. CNT threads showed promise for measuring trace metals in small sample volumes without stirring such as encountered in some in vivo and in vitro applications.
Usp18 deficient mammary epithelial cells create an antitumour environment driven by hypersensitivity to IFN‐λ and elevated secretion of Cxcl10
Authors: Burkart Christoph , Arimoto Kei‐ichiro , Tang Tingdong , Cong Xiuli , Xiao Nengming , Liu Yun‐Cai , Kotenko Sergei V. , Ellies Lesley G. , Zhang Dong‐Er
Published: May 2013

The theory of cancer immunoediting refers to mechanisms by which the immune system can suppress or promote tumour progression. A major challenge for the development of novel cancer immunotherapies is to find ways to exploit the immune system's antitumour activity while concomitantly reducing its protumour activity. Using the PyVmT model of mammary tumourigenesis, we show that lack of the Usp18 gene significantly inhibits tumour growth by creating a tumour‐suppressive microenvironment. Generation of this antitumour environment is driven by elevated secretion of the potent T‐cell chemoattractant Cxcl10 by Usp18 deficient mammary epithelial cells (MECs), which leads to recruitment of Th1 subtype CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, we show that Cxcl10 upregulation in MECs is promoted by interferon‐λ and that Usp18 is a novel inhibitor of interferon‐λ signalling. Knockdown of the interferon‐λ specific receptor subunit IL‐28R1 in Usp18 deficient MECs dramatically enhances tumour growth. Taken together, our data suggest that targeting Usp18 may be a viable approach to boost antitumour immunity while suppressing the protumour activity of the immune system.
Migration of channel heads following wildfire in the Colorado Front Range, USA
Authors: Wohl Ellen
Published: May 2013

The High Park Fire burned ~35 300 ha of the Colorado Front Range during June and July 2012. In the areas of most severe burn, all trees were killed and the litter and duff layers of soil were completely removed. Post‐fire erosion caused channel heads to develop well upslope from pre‐fire locations. The locations of 50 channel heads in two burned catchments were documented and the range of drainage areas contributing to these channel heads to drainage areas of unburned channel heads in the region measured previously were compared. Mean drainage area above channel heads in the burned zone decreased by more than two‐orders of magnitude relative to unburned sites. Drainage area above channel heads between the two burned catchments does not differ significantly with respect to slope, likely as a result of differences in surface roughness between the two sites following the fire. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Channel–floodplain connectivity during an extreme flood event: implications for sediment erosion, deposition, and delivery
Authors: Croke Jacky , Fryirs Kirstie , Thompson Christopher
Published: May 2013

The term connectivity has emerged as a powerful concept in hydrology and geomorphology and is emerging as an innovative component of catchment erosion modeling studies. However, considerable confusion remains regarding its definition and quantification, especially as it relates to fluvial systems. This confusion is exacerbated by a lack of detailed case studies and by the tendency to treat water and sediment separately. Extreme flood events provide a useful framework to assess variability in connectivity, particularly the connection between channels and floodplains. The catastrophic flood of January 2011 in the Lockyer valley, southeast Queensland, Australia provides an opportunity to examine this dimension in some detail and to determine how these dynamics operate under high flow regimes. High resolution aerial photographs and multi‐temporal LiDAR digital elevation models (DEMs), coupled with hydrological modeling, are used to assess both the nature of hydrologic and sedimentological connectivity and their dominant controls. Longitudinal variations in flood inundation extent led to the identification of nine reaches which displayed varying channel–floodplain connectivity. The major control on connectivity was significant non‐linear changes in channel capacity due to the presence of notable macrochannels which contained a > 3000 average recurrence interval (ARI) event at mid‐catchment locations. The spatial pattern of hydrological connectivity was not straight‐forward in spite of bankfull discharges for selected reaches exceeding 5600 m3s–1. Data indicate that the main channel boundary was the dominant source of sediment while the floodplains, where inundated, were the dominant sinks. Spatial variability in channel–floodplain hydrological connectivity leads to dis‐connectivity in the downstream transfer of sediments between reaches and affected sediment storage on adjacent floodplains. Consideration of such variability for even the most extreme flood events, highlights the need to carefully consider non‐linear changes in key variables such as channel capacity and flood conveyance in the development of a quantitative ‘connectivity index’. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling the continuum of river channel patterns
Authors: Nicholas Andrew P.
Published: May 2013

Physically‐based modelling of rivers has advanced in recent decades by developing separate approaches for representing single‐thread and multi‐thread channels. This paper reports on a new morphodynamic model developed with the goal of simulating river and floodplain co‐evolution within a general framework suitable for investigating diverse fluvial styles. Simulations illustrate the potential for representing meandering, braided and anabranching channels using this model. Moreover, by adopting relatively simple parameterizations of many processes, this work provides insight into what may constitute sufficient (minimal) model complexity, and highlights uncertainties that should be addressed by future research. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decadal and seasonal development of embryo dunes on an accreting macrotidal beach: North Lincolnshire, UK
Authors: Montreuil Anne‐Lise , Bullard Joanna E. , Chandler Jim H. , Millett Jon
Published: May 2013

Embryo dunes are often ephemeral, but can develop to become established coastal foredunes. In 2001 a patch of embryo dunes 13.11 m2 appeared on a beach in north Lincolnshire, UK and had expanded to over 3600 m2 by 2011. The rate of expansion is linked to storm occurrence, where expansion is slowed during years with a higher incidence of storm surges. From July 2009–October 2010 seasonal changes in dune field topography were determined using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data. Vegetation is important in the development of embryo dunes, but can cause errors in TLS data. Tests evaluating the impact of vegetation on the TLS data suggest the minimum elevation value from the TLS point cloud within a 0.05 m grid cell gives a good approximation of the ground surface. Digital elevation models (DEMs) of the dunes constructed using filtered data showed the embryo dunes underwent a classic seasonal cycle of erosion during the winter and accretion during the summer. For example from October 2009 to April 2010 over 375 m3 of sediment was eroded from the dunes whereas during spring and summer 2010 the dune field gained over 600 m3 of sand. The overall magnitude of change in dune height and volume from season to season exceeded the errors associated with the construction of the DEM from the TLS data and the vegetation filtering process, which suggests TLS can be useful for documenting topographic change in vegetated dunes. After 10 years, the patch of embryo dunes is still expanding but has not yet merged with more established foredunes to landward. Aeolian process measurements indicate that, at present, the embryo dunes do not prevent sand from reaching the foredunes, however the rate of foredune progradation has slowed concurrently with the expansion of the embryo dune field. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyperscale terrain modelling of braided rivers: fusing mobile terrestrial laser scanning and optical bathymetric mapping
Authors: Williams R. D. , Brasington J. , Vericat D. , Hicks D. M.
Published: May 2013

Quantifying the morphology of braided rivers is a key task for understanding braided river behaviour. In the last decade, developments in geomatics technologies and associated data processing methods have transformed the production of precise, reach‐scale topographic datasets. Nevertheless, generating accurate Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) remains a demanding task, particularly in fluvial systems. This paper identifies a threefold set of challenges associated with surveying these dynamic landforms: complex relief, inundated shallow channels and high rates of sediment transport, and terms these challenges the ‘morphological’, ‘wetted channel’ and ‘mobility’ problems, respectively. In an attempt to confront these issues directly, this paper presents a novel survey methodology that combines mobile terrestrial laser scanning and non‐metric aerial photography with data reduction and surface modelling techniques to render DEMs from the resulting very high resolution datasets. The approach is used to generate and model a precise, dense topographic dataset for a 2.5 km reach of the braided Rees River, New Zealand. Data were acquired rapidly between high flow events and incorporate over 5 x 109 raw survey observations with point densities of 1600 pts m‐2 on exposed bar and channel surfaces. A detailed error analysis of the resulting sub‐metre resolution is described to quantify DEM quality across the entire surface model. This reveals unparalleled low vertical errors for such a large and complex surface model; between 0.03 and 0.12 m in exposed and inundated areas of the model, respectively. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity of interfacial hydraulics to the microtopographic roughness of water‐lain gravels
Authors: Rice Stephen P. , Buffin‐Bélanger Thomas , Reid Ian
Published: May 2013

Flow within the interfacial layer of gravel‐bed rivers is poorly understood, but this zone is important because the hydraulics here transport sediment, generate flow structures and interact with benthic organisms. We hypothesized that different gravel‐bed microtopographies generate measurable differences in hydraulic characteristics within the interfacial layer. This was tested using a high density of spatially and vertically distributed, velocity time series measured in the interfacial layers above three surfaces of contrasting microtopography. These surfaces had natural water‐worked textures, captured in the field using a casting procedure. Analysis was repeated for three discharges, with Reynolds numbers between 165000 and 287000, to evaluate whether discharge affected the impact of microtopography on interfacial flows. Relative submergence varied over a small range (3.5 to 8.1) characteristic of upland gravel‐bed rivers. Between‐surface differences in the median and variance of several time‐averaged and turbulent flow parameters were tested using non‐parametric statistics. Across all discharges, microtopographic differences did not affect spatially averaged (median) values of streamwise velocity, but were associated with significant differences in its spatial variance, and did affect spatially averaged (median) turbulent kinetic energy. Sweep and ejection events dominated the interfacial region above all surfaces at all flows, but there was a microtopographic effect, with Q2 and Q4 events less dominant and structures less persistent above the surface with the widest relief distribution, especially at the highest Reynolds number flow. Results are broadly consistent with earlier work, although this analysis is unique because of the focus on interfacial hydraulics, spatially averaged ‘patch scale’ metrics and a statistical approach to data analysis. An important implication is that observable differences in microtopography do not necessarily produce differences in interfacial hydraulics. An important observation is that appropriate roughness parameterizations for gravel‐bed rivers remain elusive, partly because the relative contributions to flow resistance of different aspects of bed microtopography are poorly constrained. © 2014 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Cyclohexanone/sulfonated polymer catalyst: a new simple derivatizing procedure for GC‐MS determination of 2‐ and 3‐monochloropropanediols
Authors: Becalski Adam , Zhao Tony , Sit Daniel
Published: May 2013

Assessment of contamination of foods with monochloropropanediols (MCPD) and subsequent mitigation of their formation is an important current issue of a global food security. Methods for the determination of 2‐ or 3‐MCPD in foods at low μg/kg levels require analyte derivatization prior to gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) determination. All existing methods suffer from various drawbacks associated with current derivatization schemes. We have developed a new derivatization scheme, which uses cyclohexanone as a derivatization agent and a sulfonated polymer as a solid‐phase acidic catalyst. This derivatization uses a readily available derivatization reagent and does not require any postderivatization workup. The respective 2‐MCPD 1,3‐dioxane and 3‐MCPD 1,3‐dioxolane derivatives are stable with storage, produce characteristic molecular ions, and chromatograph well on nonpolar GC columns. This derivatization procedure was applied to the analysis of free 2‐ and 3‐MCPD, bound 2‐ or 3‐MCPD (in the form of fatty acid esters after acidic hydrolysis), and also to simultaneous analysis of free and bound forms. The method was tested on soy sauce, commercial palm oil, palm oil noodles from an instant soup, and olive oil, which was spiked with bound 2‐ and/or 3‐MCPD. The results obtained using derivatization with cyclohexanone agreed with the data obtained using traditional heptafluorobutyryl imidazole derivatization. Additionally, data for soy sauce and palm oil matrices obtained through interlaboratory testing programs had z‐scores <1. The method detection limit is 1–3 μg/kg for free 2‐ and 3‐MCPD (sample weight dependent) and 100 μg/kg per fat for bound 2‐ and 3‐MCPD.
A robust mode of climate variability in the Arctic: The Barents Oscillation
Authors: Chen Hans W. , Zhang Qiong , Körnich Heiner , Chen Deliang
Published: May 2013

The Barents Oscillation (BO) is an anomalous wintertime atmospheric circulation pattern in the Northern Hemisphere that has been linked to the meridional flow over the Nordic Seas. There are speculations that the BO has important implications for the Arctic climate; however, it has also been suggested that the pattern is an artifact of Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis due to an eastward shift of the Arctic Oscillation/North Atlantic Oscillation (AO/NAO). In this study, EOF analyses are performed to show that a robust pattern resembling the BO can be found during different time periods, even when the AO/NAO is relatively stationary. This “BO” has a high and stable temporal correlation with the geostrophic zonal wind over the Barents Sea, while the contribution from the AO/NAO is small. The surface air temperature anomalies over the Barents Sea are closely associated with this mode of climate variability.
Emerging selection bias in large‐scale climate change simulations
Authors: Swanson Kyle L.
Published: May 2013

Climate change simulations are the output of enormously complicated models containing resolved and parameterized physical processes ranging in scale from microns to the size of the Earth itself. Given this complexity, the application of subjective criteria in model development is inevitable. Here we show one danger of the use of such criteria in the construction of these simulations, namely the apparent emergence of a selection bias between generations of these simulations. Earlier generation ensembles of model simulations are shown to possess sufficient diversity to capture recent observed shifts in both the mean surface air temperature as well as the frequency of extreme monthly mean temperature events due to climate warming. However, current generation ensembles of model simulations are statistically inconsistent with these observed shifts, despite a marked reduction in the spread among ensemble members that by itself suggests convergence towards some common solution. This convergence indicates the possibility of a selection bias based upon warming rate. It is hypothesized that this bias is driven by the desire to more accurately capture the observed recent acceleration of warming in the Arctic and corresponding decline in Arctic sea ice. However, this convergence is difficult to justify given the significant and widening discrepancy between the modeled and observed warming rates outside of the Arctic.
Dopamine D1 receptor activity modulates object recognition memory consolidation in the perirhinal cortex but not in the hippocampus
Authors: Balderas Israela , Moreno‐Castilla Perla , Bermudez‐Rattoni Federico
Published: May 2013

It has been proposed that distributed neuronal networks in the medial temporal lobe process different characteristics of a recognition event; the hippocampus has been associated with contextual recollection while the perirhinal cortex has been linked with familiarity. Here we show that D1 dopamine receptor activity in these two structures participates differentially in object recognition memory consolidation. The D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 was infused bilaterally 15 min before a 5 min sample phase in either rats' perirhinal cortex or dorsal hippocampus, and they were tested 90 min for short‐term memory or 24 h later for long‐term memory. SCH23390 impaired long‐term memory when infused in the perirhinal cortex but not when infused in the hippocampus. Conversely, when the D1 receptor agonist SKF38393 was infused 10 min before a 3 min sample phase in the perirhinal cortex, long‐term memory was enhanced, however, this was not observed when the D1 agonist was infused in the hippocampus. Short‐term memory was spared when SCH23390 or SKF38393 were infused in the perirhinal cortex or the dorsal hippocampus suggesting that acquisition was unaffected. These results suggest that dopaminergic transmission in these medial temporal lobe structures have a differential involvement in object recognition memory consolidation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plasma‐assisted heparin conjugation on electrospun poly(l‐lactide) fibrous scaffolds
Authors: Cheng Q. , Komvopoulos K. , Li S.
Published: May 2013

Heparin conjugation on poly(l‐lactide) fibrous scaffolds fabricated by electrospinning was accomplished by surface functionalization with amine (–NH2) groups using a sequential treatment with Ar‐NH3 and H2 plasmas. The density of the incorporated –NH2 groups was determined by combining a chemical derivatization method with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The time of Ar‐NH3 plasma treatment significantly affected the N/C, –NH2/N, and –NH2/C fractions, whereas the plasma power, Ar‐NH3 gas composition, and time of H2 plasma treatment only influenced the –NH2/N and –NH2/C fractions. Scaffold surface functionalization by –NH2 groups significantly increased the amount of covalently bonded heparin compared to a hydrolysis method. The function of immobilized heparin was confirmed by the decrease of platelet attachment during the exposure of the scaffolds to blood from Sprague‐Dawley rats. In vitro experiments with bovine aorta endothelial cells demonstrated that heparin conjugation enhanced cell infiltration through the fibrous scaffolds, regardless of the amount of covalently immobilized heparin. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1408–1414, 2014.
Performance of density functional theory in computing nonresonant vibrational (hyper)polarizabilities
Authors: Bulik Ireneusz W. , Zaleśny Robert , Bartkowiak Wojciech , Luis Josep M. , Kirtman Bernard , Scuseria Gustavo E. , Avramopoulos Aggelos , Reis Heribert , Papadopoulos Manthos G.
Published: May 2013

A set of exchange‐correlation functionals, including BLYP, PBE0, B3LYP, BHandHLYP, CAM‐B3LYP, LC‐BLYP, and HSE, has been used to determine static and dynamic nonresonant (nuclear relaxation) vibrational (hyper)polarizabilities for a series of all‐trans polymethineimine (PMI) oligomers containing up to eight monomer units. These functionals are assessed against reference values obtained using the Møller–Plesset second‐order perturbation theory (MP2) and CCSD methods. For the smallest oligomer, CCSD(T) calculations confirm the choice of MP2 and CCSD as appropriate for assessing the density functionals. By and large, CAM‐B3LYP is the most successful, because it is best for the nuclear relaxation contribution to the static linear polarizability, intensity‐dependent refractive index second hyperpolarizability, static second hyperpolarizability, and is close to the best for the electro‐optical Pockels effect first hyperpolarizability. However, none of the functionals perform satisfactorily for all the vibrational (hyper)polarizabilities studied. In fact, in the case of electric field‐induced second harmonic generation all of them, as well as the Hartree–Fock approximation, yield the wrong sign. We have also found that the Pople 6–31+G(d) basis set is unreliable for computing nuclear relaxation (hyper)polarizabilities of PMI oligomers due to the spurious prediction of a nonplanar equilibrium geometry. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.