bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lycopodium Alkaloids from Lycopodium obscurum L.
Authors: Chen Yu , He Hong‐Wu , Mei Zhi‐Nan , Yang Guang‐Zhong
Published: April 2014

Two new Lycopodium alkaloids, named obscurumines F and G (1 and 2, resp.), together with eleven known alkaloids, were isolated from the club moss Lycopodium obscurum L. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses.
Synthesis of Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines Using Fe3O4@SiO2 as an Efficient Nanomagnetic Catalyst via a One‐Pot Multicomponent Reaction
Authors: Maleki Ali
Published: April 2014

A one‐pot multicomponent synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine derivatives by using pyridin‐2‐amines, aldehydes, and terminal alkynes in the presence of a catalytic amount of silica‐supported iron oxide (Fe3O4@SiO2) nanoparticles in refluxing EtOH in good‐to‐excellent yields is reported.
Amine‐Promoted One‐Pot, Multicomponent Route to Spiro‐Fused‐Pyran Derivatives in Aqueous Media
Authors: Alizadeh Abdolali , Rezvanian Atieh , Bayat Fahimeh
Published: April 2014

The primary amine‐promoted synthesis of spiro‐fused‐pyran derivatives via the three‐component reaction of ninhydrin, malononitrile, and cyclic 1,3‐diketo compounds is described. This new methodology affords the title compounds in high yields and short time, and with easy workup without chromatographic purification steps or extraction. All structures were confirmed by IR, 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectroscopy. A plausible mechanism for this type of reaction is proposed (Scheme 2).
Finite Element Analysis of Radiative Mixed Convection Magneto‐Micropolar Flow in a Darcian Porous Medium with Variable Viscosity and Convective Surface Condition
Authors: Swapna G. , Kumar Lokendra , Bég O. Anwar , Singh Bani
Published: April 2014

A mathematical study is presented for the collective influence of the buoyancy parameter, convective boundary parameter and temperature dependent viscosity on the steady mixed convective laminar boundary flow of a radiative magneto‐micropolar fluid adjacent to a vertical porous stretching sheet embedded in a Darcian porous medium. The fluid viscosity is assumed to vary as an inverse linear function of temperature. Using appropriate transformations, the governing equations of the problem under consideration are transformed into a system of dimensionless nonlinear ordinary differential equations, which are then solved with the well‐tested, efficient finite element method. The results obtained are depicted graphically to illustrate the effect of the various important controlling parameters on velocity, microrotation, and temperature functions. The skin friction coefficient, wall couple stress, and the rate of heat transfer have also been computed and presented in tabular form. Comparison of the present numerical results with earlier published data has been performed and the results are found to be in good agreement, thus validating the accuracy of the present numerical code. The study finds applications in conducting polymer flows in filtration systems, trickle bed magnetohydrodynamics in chemical engineering, electro‐conductive materials processing, and so on.
Dietary intake of fish, ω‐3 and ω‐6 fatty acids and risk of colorectal cancer: A prospective study in U.S. men and women
Authors: Song Mingyang , Chan Andrew T. , Fuchs Charles S. , Ogino Shuji , Hu Frank B. , Mozaffarian Dariush , Ma Jing , Willett Walter C. , Giovannucci Edward L. , Wu Kana
Published: April 2014

The association between fish, ω‐3 and ω‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains inconclusive. Recent prospective studies suggest that the relationship may vary by gender, subsite and duration of follow‐up. We followed 123,529 US adults (76,386 women and 47,143 men) without a history of cancer at baseline for 24 to 26 years. Fish and PUFA intake was assessed at baseline and updated every 4 years by using a validated food‐frequency questionnaire. We found no overall association between fish, ω‐3 and ω‐6 PUFA intake and CRC risk with hazard ratio (HR) of 1.03 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89–1.20] comparing marine ω‐3 intake of ≥0.30 g/d versus <0.15 g/d among women and 1.05 (95% CI: 0.85–1.30) comparing intake of ≥0.41 g/d versus <0.16 g/d among men. However, fish and marine ω‐3 PUFA intake appeared to be positively associated with risk of distal colon cancer in both men and women and inversely with risk of rectal cancer in men. In an analysis based on a limited number of cases, marine ω‐3 PUFA intake assessed 12–16 years before diagnosis tended to be inversely associated with CRC risk in men (HR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.52–1.10). In conclusion, although no overall association between fish, ω‐3 or ω‐6 PUFA intake was observed with CRC risk, marine ω‐3 PUFA may be differentially associated with risk of distal colon and rectal cancers and a long latency may be needed for its protection against CRC in men.
HSP90 inhibitor AUY922 abrogates up‐regulation of RTKs by mTOR inhibitor AZD8055 and potentiates its antiproliferative activity in human breast cancer
Authors: Chen Si‐Meng , Guo Chen‐Liang , Shi Jia‐Jie , Xu Yi‐Chao , Chen Yi , Shen Yan‐Yan , Su Yi , Ding Jian , Meng Ling‐Hua
Published: April 2014

mTOR inhibition led to activation of upstream receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and AKT, which may attenuate the efficacy of mTOR kinase inhibitors. We sought to discover efficient drug combination with mTOR inhibitors by elucidating the survival feedback loops induced by mTOR inhibition in breast cancer. The feedback signaling upon treatment of mTOR inhibitor AZD8055 was determined and the combinatorial activity of AZD8055 and HSP90 inhibitor AUY922 in cell signaling and proliferation were detected. Treatment of breast cancer T47D cells with AZD8055 induced activation of AKT and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), which was accompanied with increase in expression of multiple upstream proteins including EGFR, HER2, HER3 and IRS‐1. Different RTKs were revealed to be responsible for the reactivation of AKT by AZD8055 in different breast cancer cell lines. Down‐regulation of these proteins differentially enhanced the antiproliferative activity of AZD8055. AZD8055 and AUY922 displayed synergistic effect against a panel of human breast cancer cells irrespective their genotype, which was associated with enhanced cell cycle arrest and inhibition of DNA synthesis. AUY922 destabilized multiple tested tyrosine kinases and abrogated activation of AKT induced by AZD8055. AZD8055 also inhibited up‐regulation of HSP70 and HSP27 upon AUY922 treatment. Cotreatment of these two drugs demonstrated synergistic activity against triple negative MDA‐MB‐468 xenograft without enhanced toxicity. The combination of AZD8055 and AUY922 demonstrated synergistic activity against various types of breast cancer and established a mechanistic rationale for a combination approach using catalytic mTOR kinase inhibitor and HSP90 inhibitor in the treatment of breast cancer.
Ets‐1 controls breast cancer cell balance between invasion and growth
Authors: Furlan Alessandro , Vercamer Chantal , Bouali Fatima , Damour Isabelle , Chotteau‐Lelievre Anne , Wernert Nicolas , Desbiens Xavier , Pourtier Albin
Published: April 2014

Ets‐1 overexpression in human breast cancers is associated with invasiveness and poor prognosis. By overexpressing Ets‐1 or a dominant negative mutant in MMT breast cancer cells, we previously highlighted the key role of Ets‐1 in coordinating multiple invasive features of these cells. Interestingly, we also noticed that Ets‐1 decreased the density of breast cancer cells cultured in three‐dimensional extracellular matrix gels. The 3D context was instrumental to this phenomenon, as such downregulation was not observed in cells grown on two‐dimensional plastic or matrix‐coated dishes. Ets‐1 overexpression was deleterious to anchorage‐independent growth of MMT cells in soft agar, a standard model for in vitro tumorigenicity. The relevance of this mechanism was confirmed in vivo, during primary tumor growth and in a metastatic assay of lung colonization. In these models, Ets‐1 was associated with epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition features and modulated the ratio of Ki67‐positive cells, while hardly affecting in vivo apoptotic cell death. Finally, siRNA‐mediated knockdown of Ets‐1 in human breast cancer cell lines also decreased colony growth, both in anchorage‐independent assays and 3D extracellular matrix cultures. These in vitro and in vivo observations shed light on an unsuspected facet of Ets‐1 in breast tumorigenesis. They show that while promoting malignancy through the acquisition of invasive features, Ets‐1 also attenuates breast tumor cell growth and could therefore repress the growth of primary tumors and metastases. This work also demonstrates that 3D models may reveal mechanisms of tumor biology that are cryptic in standard 2D models.
Why employees with higher challenging appraisals style are more affectively engaged at work? The role of challenging stressors: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Lin Shin‐Huei , Wu Chia‐Huei , Chen Mei‐Yen , Chen Lung Hung
Published: April 2014

Challenging stressors have been positively linked to various work outcomes. However, the role of individual differences in stress appraisal in shaping the function of challenging stressors and work outcomes has been rarely discussed. Drawing on the individual differences perspective, the authors propose that employees higher in challenge appraisal are more likely to have challenging stressors and are more responsive to such stressors to have a higher positive affect at work. Results obtained from 117 employees supported the hypotheses. The results indicated that challenge appraisal is positively related to challenging stressors. In addition, challenging stressors has a positive association with positive affect at work when challenge appraisal is high but has a null association when challenge appraisal is low. The findings suggest that challenging stressors does not necessarily bring positive work outcomes as suggested in past studies and highlight the importance of considering dispositional tendency in stress appraisal when looking into the function of challenging stressors and work outcomes.
Impact of acute arsenic and cadmium exposure on the expression of two haeme oxygenase genes and other antioxidant markers in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Jancsó Zsanett , Hermesz Edit
Published: April 2014

The aim was to study the effects of cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) on haeme oxygenases (HOs) and other oxidative stress biomarkers, and their roles in macromolecule damage in liver and kidney of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). HOs play a critical role in the defence system against oxidative damage, producing biliverdin and carbon monoxide with important free radical scavenging properties. However, increased HO activity in haeme degradation may also lead to a pro‐oxidant effect through the liberation of Fe‐modifying Cd and As toxicity. The response of an organism to exposure to toxic metals is in many cases brought about by changes at the level of gene expression. In this study, the genes ho‐1 and ho‐2 of the common carp were identified, and the changes in gene expressions were analysed from the aspect of Cd and As accumulation. Both ho‐1 and ho‐2 are transcriptionally induced by Cd and As, but their inductions differ in time course, dose response and tissue specificity. The expression of ho1 was mostly affected by As, primarily in the liver (45‐fold), whereas it was enhanced with higher efficacy by Cd in the kidney (25‐fold). The cellular redox status and the damage of lipid molecules were monitored via the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione, the levels of H2O2 and lipid peroxidation, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro exposure of DE‐71, a penta‐PBDE mixture, on immune endpoints in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and B6C3F1 mice
Authors: Wirth Jena R. , Peden‐Adams Margie M. , White Natasha D. , Bossart Gregory D. , Fair Patricia A.
Published: April 2014

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are an emerging contaminant of concern with low level exposures demonstrating toxicity in laboratory animals and wildlife, although immunotoxicity studies have been limited. Bottlenose dolphin peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) and mouse splenocytes were exposed to environmentally relevant DE‐71 (a penta‐PBDE mixture) concentrations (0–50 µg ml−1) in vitro. Natural killer (NK) cell activity and lymphocyte (B and T cell) proliferation were evaluated using the parallelogram approach for risk assessment. This study aimed to substantiate results from field studies with dolphins, assess the sensitivities between the mouse model and dolphins, and to evaluate risk using the parallelogram approach. In mouse cells, NK cell activity increased at in vitro doses 0.05, 0.5 and 25 µg DE‐71 ml−1, whereas proliferation was not modulated. In dolphin cells, NK cell activity and lymphocyte proliferation was not altered after in vitro exposure. In vitro exposure of dolphin PBLs to DE‐71 showed similar results to correlative field studies; NK cell activity in mice was more sensitive to in vitro exposure than dolphins, and the parallelogram approach showed correlation with all three endpoints to predict risk in bottlenose dolphins. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Artificial Matrices With High‐Sulfated Glycosaminoglycans and Collagen Are Anti‐Inflammatory and Pro‐Osteogenic for Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Hempel Ute , Matthäus Claudia , Preissler Carolin , Möller Stephanie , Hintze Vera , Dieter Peter
Published: April 2014

Bone healing has been described to be most efficient if the early inflammatory phase is resolved timely. When the inflammation elevates or is permanently established, bone healing becomes impaired and, moreover, bone destruction often takes place. Systemic disorders such as diabetes and bone diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis are associated with sustained inflammation and delayed bone healing. One goal of biomaterial research is the development of materials/surface modifications which support the healing process by inhibiting the inflammatory bone erosion and suppressing pro‐inflammatory mediators and by that promoting the bone repair process. In the present study, the influence of artificial extracellular matrices (aECM) on the interleukin (IL)‐1β‐induced pro‐inflammatory response of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC) was studied. hMSC cultured on aECM composed of collagen I and high‐sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) derivatives did not secrete IL‐6, IL‐8, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, and prostaglandin E2 in response to IL‐1β. The activation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κBp65 induced by IL‐1β, tumor necrosis factor‐α or lipopolysaccharide was abrogated. Furthermore, these aECM promoted the osteogenic differentiation of hMSC as determined by an increased activity of tissue non‐specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP); however, the aECM had no effect on the IL‐1β‐induced TNAP activity. These data suggest that aECM with high‐sulfated GAG derivatives suppress the formation of pro‐inflammatory mediators and simultaneously promote the osteogenic differentiation of hMSC. Therefore, these aECM might offer an interesting approach as material/surface modification supporting the bone healing process. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1561–1571, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
WOMEN'S COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION AND WELL‐BEING: LOCAL RESISTANCE TO GENDERED SOCIAL INEQUITIES IN NICARAGUA AND TANZANIA
Authors: Grabe Shelly , Dutt Anjali , Dworkin Shari L.
Published: April 2014

Although it is well‐documented that globalization has exacerbated structural factors that contribute to rising levels of gender inequality, social actors from diverse local contexts demonstrate that women are not mere victims, but rather have worked actively to resist oppression and promote women's well‐being worldwide. Self‐mobilized groups of women throughout the world are engaging in complex processes of renegotiating structural and relational injustices that transform women's well‐being. The current article focuses on how two groups of women–one in Nicaragua and one in Tanzania–use land rights to reconfigure gendered power relations that have been exacerbated during realignments of global power. We examine how conscientization, or a critical consciousness surrounding experiences of gender discrimination, motivated resistance, collective mobilization, and social change. The analysis provides evidence for theories of struggle and everyday resistance that represent how community contexts enable and support women's struggle for justice in an increasingly globalized world.
A METHOD FOR ARTICULATING GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY ORGANIZING OUTCOMES
Authors: Orsi Rebecca
Published: April 2014

Concept mapping (Trochim, ) was used to visually articulate the full range of organizing outcomes from a grassroots community organization (GCO) in a western United States city. Outcomes belong to five general categories: (a) victories, (b) personal development, (c) public leadership skills, (d) organizational relationships with power people, and (e) building an organizational culture of civic engagement. Results from the concept map have been triangulated with other GCO data sources to determine whether the concept map presents a credible representation of the range of outcomes which can be expected from community organizing. Advantages of concept mapping as a method for community‐based research are discussed. Names of places and organizations have been changed to protect the privacy of participants.
LEADERSHIP THROUGH A YOUTH LENS: UNDERSTANDING YOUTH CONCEPTUALIZATIONS OF LEADERSHIP
Authors: Mortensen Jennifer , Lichty Lauren , Foster‐Fishman Pennie , Harfst Sarah , Hockin Sara , Warsinske Kelly , Abdullah Kareemah
Published: April 2014

There is agreement in the literature that we need to develop more youth leaders. Research has focused on the outcomes of youth leadership programs that typically use adult theories to guide program activities. Little formative work has been done to assess whether adult theories actually map onto youth definitions of leadership. Therefore, a critical first step toward developing more youth leaders is understanding how youth define leadership (Dempster & Lizzio, ). This study sought to understand leadership from a youth perspective. Using qualitative methods, 5 ideas emerged in the youths’ narratives: leadership is available to anyone in any context and involves creating change, collective action, modeling and mentoring, and strong character. This suggests youth share some views with adults but also have unique perspectives. We describe how youth talk about leadership and compare this to adult theories in an effort to advance our understanding of leadership through a youth lens.
A randomized trial of real‐time automated clinical deterioration alerts sent to a rapid response team
Authors: Kollef Marin H. , Chen Yixin , Heard Kevin , LaRossa Gina N. , Lu Chenyang , Martin Nathan R. , Martin Nelda , Micek Scott T. , Bailey Thomas
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND

Episodes of patient deterioration on hospital units are expected to increasingly contribute to morbidity and healthcare costs.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if real‐time alerts sent to the rapid response team (RRT) improved patient care.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled trial.

SETTING

Eight medicine units (Barnes‐Jewish Hospital).

PATIENTS

Five hundred seventy‐one patients.

INTERVENTION

Real‐time alerts generated by a validated deterioration algorithm were sent real‐time to the RRT (intervention) or hidden (control).

MEASUREMENTS

Intensive care unit (ICU) transfer, hospital mortality, hospital duration.

RESULTS

ICU transfer (17.8% vs 18.2%; odds ratio: 0.972; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.635–1.490) and hospital mortality (7.3% vs 7.7%; odds ratio: 0.947; 95% CI: 0.509‐1.764) were similar for the intervention and control groups. The number of patients requiring transfer to a nursing home or long‐term acute care hospital was similar for patients in the intervention and control groups (26.9% vs 26.3%; odds ratio: 1.032; 95% CI: 0.712–1.495). Hospital duration (8.4 ± 9.5 days vs 9.4 ± 11.1 days; P = 0.038) was statistically shorter for the intervention group. The number of RRT calls initiated by the primary care team was similar for the intervention and control groups (19.9% vs 16.5%; odds ratio: 1.260; 95% CI: 0.823‐1.931).

CONCLUSIONS

Real‐time alerts sent to the RRT did not reduce ICU transfers, hospital mortality, or the need for subsequent long term care. However, hospital length of stay was modestly reduced. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:424–429. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
A climatology of convective available potential energy in Great Britain
Authors: Holley D. M. , Dorling S. R. , Steele C. J. , Earl N.
Published: April 2014

Deep moist convection (DMC) requires three ingredients: instability, moisture and lift. One measure that incorporates two of these, instability and moisture, is convective available potential energy (CAPE). A 10‐year climatology of CAPE over Great Britain is presented covering the period 1 June 2002–31 May 2012, based on a 9‐km grid spacing implementation of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, with two‐way interactive nesting. Appropriate tests are carried out to verify model reliability by comparing simulated and observed CAPE. CAPE is found to be highly variable both spatially and temporally, the highest values being produced during Spanish plume events. A strong relationship is confirmed between surface temperature and CAPE magnitude, the highest CAPE across Great Britain during this period locally exceeding 3000 J kg−1. In an average year, 15 days produce CAPE in excess of 500 J kg−1 somewhere in Great Britain, 4 days > 1000 J kg−1 and 1 day > 1500 J kg−1. Three main CAPE seasons are identified: ‘land dominated CAPE’ between April and September, ‘sea dominated CAPE’ between September and January and ‘low CAPE’ from January to April. The southern North Sea witnesses significant CAPE all year round because of a combination of favourable synoptic situations, including warm air plumes in spring/summer and cold air incursions over warmer seas in winter. CAPE is not a direct predictor of thunderstorm incidence, due in part to the confounding effect of convective inhibition (CIN). However, at the annual scale, when comparing against an existing days of thunder climatology, we observe a close correspondence with >500 J kg−1 CAPE frequency.
Atmospheric circulation influence on climatic trends in Europe: an analysis of circulation type classifications from the COST733 catalogue
Authors: Cahynová Monika , Huth Radan
Published: April 2014

We studied the influence of changes in the frequency of atmospheric circulation types (CTs) on seasonal trends of daily maximum and minimum temperature and precipitation at several European stations in the period 1961–2000. The 24 circulation classifications used were created within the COST733cat database using eight classification methods; each applied on daily sea‐level pressure fields over Europe and 11 smaller European domains in three variants with fixed numbers of types (9, 18, and 27). This allows us to study how different spatial scales of circulation and varying numbers of CTs affect the circulation–climate relationship. Significant trends in the frequency of CTs took place mainly in winter, and these clearly reflect the tendency towards positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation: the frequency of westerly types increased in the central latitudinal belt from the British Isles east to Ukraine, whereas the frequency of days with cyclonic circulation increased over Iceland and decreased in central Mediterranean. Seasonal temperature and precipitation trends can be only partly explained by the changing frequency of CTs, the link being the strongest in winter. In spring, summer, and autumn, the observed climatic trends are not forced by changes in the frequency of CTs but rather by changing climate within these types, which confirms the previously reported nonstationarities in the relationship between atmospheric circulation and local climate. There are marked differences among the results obtained using 24 parallel, fully comparable objective catalogues of CTs, but neither good or bad result nor any preferred classification method can be discerned. In winter and spring, small‐scale circulation influences the observed climatic trends more than large‐scale circulation on a majority of stations except for Iceland and Scandinavia. Classifications with more CTs usually explain a larger proportion of the observed climatic trends.
Comparative analysis of the ability of a set of CMIP3 and CMIP5 global climate models to represent precipitation in South America
Authors: Gulizia Carla , Camilloni Inés
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ability of two sets of global climate models (GCMs) derived from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Projects Phase 3 (CMIP3) and Phase 5 (CMIP5) to represent the summer, winter, and annual precipitation mean patterns in South America south of the equator and in three particular sub‐regions, between years 1960 and 1999. Different metrics (relative bias, spatial correlation, RMSE, and relative errors) were calculated and compared between both projects to determine if there has been improvement from CMIP3 to CMIP5 models in the representation of regional rainfall. Results from this analysis indicate that for the analysed seasons, precipitation simulated by both CMIP3 and CMIP5 models' ensembles exhibited some differences. In DJF, the relative bias over Amazonia, central South America, eastern Argentina, and Uruguay is reduced in CMIP5 compared with CMIP3. In JJA, the same occurs in some areas of Amazonia. Annual precipitation is also better represented by the CMIP5 than CMIP3 GCMs as they underestimate precipitation to a lesser extent, although in NE Brazil the overestimation values are much larger in CMIP5 than in CMIP3 analysis. In line with previous studies, the multi‐model ensembles show the best representation of the observed patterns in most seasons and regions. Only in some cases, single GCMs [MIROC3.2(hires) – CMIP3– and MIROC4h – CMIP5] presented better results than the ensemble. The high horizontal resolution of these models suggests that this could be a relevant issue for a more adequate estimation of rainfall at least in the analysed regions.
Rheology, Electrical Properties, and Percolation of TRGO‐Filled EVA‐Copolymers
Authors: Ratzsch Karl‐Friedrich , Cecen Volkan , Tölle Folke , Wartig Karen‐Alessa , Thomann Ralf , Mülhaupt Rolf , Friedrich Christian
Published: April 2014

This paper describes the production of graphene nanocomposites via melt mixing of thermally reduced graphite oxide with ethylene vinyl‐acetate copolymers of different (0–70 wt%) vinyl acetate content, and their measured electrical and rheological properties. The aim of these studies was to investigate the influence of a continually changing polymer matrix polarity on the dispersion and percolating behavior of graphene fillers, an effect that can be expected to be most prominent with the high specific surfaces of the latter. Composites with graphite and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes were produced and examined for comparison. The effectivity of the dispersion process was checked by measuring the melt rheology and electrical conductivity of the samples. The percolation thresholds derived from these measurements show a minimum for VA contents around 20 wt%. The thresholds for electrical conductivity are by a factor around 1.5 lower than the rheological values, and both are distinctively higher than those observed from composites produced via solution mixing. The percolation behavior is compared to predictions made from the surface energy of the compounds.
Studies About the Solvent‐Dependent Substitution Pattern of Starch Acetates
Authors: Hampe R. , Heinze T.
Published: April 2014

Starch acetates bearing the ester moiety predominantly at position 2 of the anhydroglucose unit (AGU) could be synthesized by converting starch with acetic anhydride and imidazole in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Degraded starch (weight average molar mass,  < 16 460 g mol−1) is additionally acetylated at position 6 exceeding a total degree of substitution (DS) of 0.5. Increasing the concentration of starch up to 50 wt% leads to higher partial DS at position 6 under comparable reaction conditions. Using molten imidazole as solvent, an initial regioselective 6‐O‐acylation is achieved. At higher DS values (>0.3), a random distribution of the substituents appears. The substitution pattern can be revealed precisely by means of 13C and 1H NMR spectroscopy after perpropionylation. Hydrolytic stability of a selected 2‐O‐acetyl starch in aqueous solution is evaluated by time‐dependent capillary viscosimetry.
Planar Conjugated Polymers Containing 9,10‐Disubstituted Phenanthrene Units for Efficient Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Li Guangwu , Kang Chong , Li Cuihong , Lu Zhen , Zhang Jicheng , Gong Xue , Zhao Guangyao , Dong Huanli , Hu Wenping , Bo Zhishan
Published: April 2014

Four novel conjugated polymers (P1‐4) with 9,10‐disubstituted phenanthrene (PhA) as the donor unit and 5,6‐bis(octyloxy)benzothiadiazole as the acceptor unit are synthesized and characterized. These polymers are of medium bandgaps (2.0 eV), low‐lying HOMO energy levels (below −5.3 eV), and high hole mobilities (in the range of 3.6 × 10−3 to 0.02 cm2 V−1 s−1). Bulk heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells (PSCs) with P1‐4:PC71BM blends as the active layer and an alcohol‐soluble fullerene derivative (FN‐C60) as the interfacial layer between the active layer and cathode give the best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.24%, indicating that 9,10‐disubstituted PhA are potential donor materials for high‐efficiency BHJ PSCs.

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Moving the Injectable Methotrexate Service Closer to Home: A Practice Development Initiative
Authors: Fitzgerald Pauline , Hale Claire
Published: April 2014

Objective

The aim of this practice development project was to make it quicker and easier for patients to switch to subcutaneous (s/c) methotrexate and thereby introduce a nurse‐led methotrexate clinic into a district general hospital, which would make the best use of the advanced knowledge and skills of the rheumatology specialist nurses; empower patients and improve their experience; and introduce cost savings for the Trust.

Methods

Over a period of four months, meetings were held with pharmacists, clinicians, administrative and support staff to formulate a plan to introduce the changes and agree the benefits to patients. A detailed plan for the practice development project addressed the procedures to follow, the safety issues for patients and the revision of current documentation.

Results

A review of service in the year before and after the change revealed that the number of rheumatoid arthritis patients who had switched to s/c methotrexate had increased by 80%. This was a significant difference (p = 0.049), which strongly suggested that the change in service was the reason for the increased number of patients who were able to switch their route of administration of methotrexate.

Conclusion

This project demonstrated that not only do nurse specialists have the skills to make clinical decisions and judgements, prescribe medications and escalate therapies with no detriment to the patients, but also that this practice can lead to a more efficient and effective service, at a reduced cost to the Trust. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anatomical localization of the motor entry point in the thyroarytenoid muscle
Authors: Kim Soo Yeon , Song Dae Heon , Chung Myung Eun
Published: April 2014

Introduction: The aim of this study was to localize the motor entry point (MEP) of the thyroarytenoid muscle. Methods: Eight cadaver larynges were dissected. A virtual plane was used to represent the MEP in a coordinate (X/Y/Z) system. The inferior border of the thyroid cartilage was linked to the center of the anterior arc of the cricoid cartilage (the Y‐axis). The X‐axis was set perpendicular to the Y‐axis; the Z‐axis passed through the posterior border of the thyroid lamina from the height of the insertion point. Results: The mean X, Y, and Z coordinates were 6.2 mm, 9.1 mm, and 11.0 mm, respectively. The calculated angles of the lateral and superior deflections were 29.4° and 35.8°, respectively. The calculated insertion depth, that is, the distance from the insertion point to the MEP, was 15.6 mm. Conclusions: These results may help to improve the accuracy of needle insertion during diagnostic laryngeal electromyography or laryngeal electromyography‐guided injections. Muscle Nerve 51: 72–75, 2015
Consistent element‐free Galerkin method
Authors: Duan Qinglin , Gao Xin , Wang Bingbing , Li Xikui , Zhang Hongwu , Belytschko Ted , Shao Yulong
Published: April 2014

An element‐free Galerkin (EFG) method with linear, quadratic and cubic approximations, which can exactly, in a numerical sense, pass the corresponding patch tests is proposed and is named as consistent EFG (CEFG) method. The development of this method is based on the Hu–Washizu three‐field variational principle. Numerical integration schemes with corrected nodal derivatives at quadrature points are proposed according to the satisfaction of the orthogonality condition between stress and strain difference. Thus, the method is variationally consistent. The consistency of the corrected nodal derivatives and the satisfaction of patch test conditions are theoretically proved and also numerically validated. Numerical results show that the proposed CEFG method greatly improves the numerical performance of the EFG method in terms of accuracy, convergence, efficiency and stability, especially the proposed cubic CEFG method, which shows exceptional accuracy and convergence. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A cell‐based smoothed discrete shear gap method (CS‐FEM‐DSG3) based on the C0‐type higher‐order shear deformation theory for dynamic responses of Mindlin plates on viscoelastic foundations subjected to a moving sprung vehicle
Authors: Phung‐Van P. , Luong‐Van H. , Nguyen‐Thoi T. , Nguyen‐Xuan H.
Published: April 2014

A cell‐based smoothed discrete shear gap method (CS‐FEM‐DSG3) based on the first‐order shear deformation theory (FSDT) was recently proposed for static and dynamic analyses of Mindlin plates. In this paper, the CS‐FEM‐DSG3 is extended to the C0‐type higher‐order shear deformation plate theory (C0‐HSDT) and is incorporated with damping–spring systems for dynamic responses of Mindlin plates on viscoelastic foundations subjected to a moving sprung vehicle. At each time step of dynamic analysis, one four‐step procedure is performed including the following: (1) transformation of the weight of a four‐wheel vehicle into the sprung masses at wheels; (2) dynamic analysis of the sprung mass of wheels to determine the contact forces; (3) transformation of the contact forces into loads at nodes of plate elements; and (4) dynamic analysis of the plate elements on viscoelastic foundations. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed method are verified by comparing its numerical solutions with those of other available numerical results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of body mass index, metabolic health and weight change on incident diabetes in a Korean population
Authors: Jung Hyun‐Suk , Chang Yoosoo , Eun Yun Kyung , Kim Chan‐Won , Choi Eun‐Suk , Kwon Min‐Jung , Cho Juhee , Zhang Yiyi , Rampal Sanjay , Zhao Di , Soo Kim Hyun , Shin Hocheol , Guallar Eliseo , Ryu Seungho
Published: April 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine an impact of body mass index (BMI) and weight change on the risk of diabetes according to metabolic health status.

Methods

Cohort study of 34,999 Korean men and women 30‐59 years of age free of diabetes at baseline were followed‐up annually or biennially for an average of 5.1 years. Being metabolically healthy was defined as not having any metabolic syndrome component.

Results

During 176,878.6 person‐years of follow‐up, 889 participants developed diabetes (incidence rate 5.0 per 1000 person‐years). Compared to metabolically healthy normal‐weight individuals, the adjusted hazard ratios for diabetes in metabolically unhealthy obese and in metabolically healthy obese were 13.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.8‐19.0) and 2.7 (95% CI: 1.7‐4.3), respectively. The aHR (95% CI) for incident diabetes for weight changes of <−0.9, 0.5 to 2.0, and ≥2.1 kg compared to a weight change of −0.9 to 0.4 kg (reference) were 0.80 (0.66‐0.97), 0.99 (0.82‐1.20), and 1.24 (1.02‐1.49), respectively (P‐trend<0.001).

Conclusions

In this large cohort of young and middle age Koreans, metabolic health status, obesity, and weight change were all independently associated with increased incidence of diabetes over 5 years of follow‐up.
Use of a Pharmacy Protocol to Convert Standard Rituximab Infusions to Rapid Infusion Shortens Outpatient Infusion Clinic Visits
Authors: Swan Joshua T. , Zaghloul Hanna A. , Cox James E. , Murillo Jose R.
Published: April 2014

Study Objective

To evaluate the impact of a pharmacy protocol that converts standard rituximab infusions to a rapid 90‐minute infusion on the duration of outpatient infusion center clinic visits.

Design

Prospective interventional study.

Setting

Outpatient infusion clinic at an academic medical center.

Patients

Sixty‐four adults who received at least one rituximab infusion that was eligible for conversion to rapid infusion between August 2010 and July 2011 and who did not receive concurrent chemotherapy or colony‐stimulating agents during the same clinic visit. Of the 64 patients, 37 received the rapid infusion (intervention cohort); 27 received the nonrapid infusion (control cohort).

Intervention

Using a hospital‐approved protocol, pharmacists converted rituximab infusions that met eligibility criteria (noninitial rituximab infusion, rituximab given in the previous 90 days, age 18 yrs or older, dose 375 mg/m2 or less per infusion, dose 1000 mg or less per infusion, and no history of a grade 3 or higher reaction) to a rapid 90‐minute infusion.

Measurements and Main Results

The durations of rituximab infusion time and clinic visit time were evaluated and compared between the intervention cohort and the control cohort. Use of the pharmacy protocol to convert standard rituximab infusion to rapid rituximab infusion reduced infusion time by 110.5 minutes/infusion (median 94.5 min [interquartile range (IQR) 90–105 min] for rapid infusion vs 205 min [IQR 138–263 min] for nonrapid infusion; p<0.001) and reduced clinic visit time by 92 minutes/outpatient encounter (median 233 min [IQR 208–277] min for rapid infusion vs 325 min [IQR 275–415 min] for nonrapid infusion; p<0.001). This resulted in a reduction of the duration of outpatient clinic visits by an estimated 255–299 hours in 1 year.

Conclusion

Use of a pharmacist protocol that converted standard rituximab infusions to a rapid 90‐minute infusion decreased the duration of outpatient infusion clinic visits for rituximab infusion.
Interactions between Organizational Culture, Trustworthiness, and Mechanisms for Inter-Project Knowledge Sharing
Authors: Wiewiora Anna , Murphy Glen , Trigunarsyah Bambang , Brown Kerry
Published: April 2014

This research used a multiple-case study approach to empirically investigate the complex relationship between factors influencing inter-project knowledge sharing—trustworthiness, organizational culture, and knowledge-sharing mechanisms. Adopting a competing values framework, we found evidence of patterns existing between the type of culture, on the project management unit level, and project managers' perceptions of valuing trustworthy behaviors and the way they share knowledge, on the individual level. We also found evidence for mutually reinforcing the effect of trust and clan culture, which shape tacit knowledge-sharing behaviors.
Positional effects on lung mechanics of ventilated preterm infants with acute and chronic lung disease
Authors: Vendettuoli V. , Veneroni C. , Zannin E. , Mercadante D. , Matassa P. , Pedotti A. , Colnaghi M. , Dellacà R. L. , Mosca F.
Published: April 2014

Background

The role of prone position in preterm infants has not been completely clarified. We investigated prone versus supine posture‐related changes in respiratory system resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs) measured by the Forced Oscillation Technique (FOT) in mechanically ventilated preterm newborns.

Methods

Patients were studied in the supine versus prone positions in random order. Oxygen saturation, transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen (ptcO2), carbon dioxide (ptcCO2), Rrs and Xrs were measured in each position.

Results

Nine patients with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and nine with evolving broncho‐pulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were studied. Rrs was, on average, 9.8 (1.3, 18.3 as 95%CI) cmH2O*s/l lower in the prone compared to the supine position (P = 0.02), while no differences in Xrs, ptcO2, ptcCO2, and breathing pattern were observed between postures. Only patients with evolving BPD showed a significant reduction of Rrs from 69.0 ± 27.4 to 53.0 ± 16.7 cmH2O*s/l, P = 0.01. No significant correlations were found between changes in lung mechanics and ptcO2, ptcCO2, or breathing pattern.

Conclusions

On short‐term basis, prone positioning does not offer significant advantages in lung mechanics in mechanically ventilated infants with RDS, while it is associated with lower Rrs values in patients with evolving BPD. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:798–804. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cyber‐physical systems opportunities in the chemical industry: A security and emergency management example
Authors: Squire Richard , Song Houbing
Published: April 2014

The manuscript defines and discusses the products of a successful cyber‐physical system in the chemical industry using two examples. The first is the ability to make the correct decision quickly regarding an unforecasted large sale of a product. The second is the automatic availability of critically needed information, accessible anywhere in the world which provides endless possibilities for the chemical industry. Concerns and some resolutions are also discussed. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 33: 329–332, 2014
Structure‐activity relationship of Trp‐containing analogs of the antimicrobial peptide gomesin
Authors: Domingues Tatiana M. , Buri Marcus V. , Daffre Sirlei , Campana Patricia T. , Riske Karin A. , Miranda Antonio
Published: April 2014

Gomesin (Gm) has a broad antimicrobial activity making it of great interest for development of drugs. In this study, we analyzed three Gm analogs, [Trp1]‐Gm, [Trp7]‐Gm, and [Trp9]‐Gm, in an attempt to gain insight into the contributions of different regions of the peptide sequence to its activity. The incorporation of the tryptophan residue in different positions has no effect on the antimicrobial and hemolytic activities of the Gm analogs in relation to Gm. Spectroscopic studies (circular dichroism, fluorescence and absorbance) of Gm and its analogs were performed in the presence of SDS, below and above its critical micelle concentration (CMC) (~8 mM), in order to monitor structural changes induced by the interaction with this anionic surfactant (0–15 mM). Interestingly, we found that the analogs interact more strongly with SDS at low concentrations (0.3‐6.0 mM) than close to or above its CMC. This suggests that SDS monomers are able to cover the whole peptide, forming large detergent‐peptide aggregates. On the other hand, the peptides interact differently with SDS micelles, inserting partially into the micelle core. Among the peptides, Trp in position 1 becomes more motionally‐restricted in the presence of SDS, probably because this residue is located at the N‐terminal region, which presents higher conformational freedom to interact stronger with SDS molecules. Trp residues in positions 7 and 9, close to and in the region of the turn of the molecule, respectively, induced a more constrained structure and the compounds cannot insert deeper into the micelle core or be completely buried by SDS monomers. Copyright © 2014 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural and magnetic characterization of (Zn,Fe)Te thin films grown by MBE
Authors: Ishitsuka Satoshi , Domon Takeru , Akiyama Ryota , Kanazawa Ken , Kuroda Shinji , Ofuchi Hironori
Published: April 2014

We investigate the structural and magnetic properties of Zn1–xFex Te with an aim of discerning the intrinsic magnetism of this ternary compounds. Thin films of Zn1–xFex Te with a high Fe composition up to x = 0.2 were grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) in the excess of Te flux against Zn flux. The structural analyses using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements reveal that crystals of the pure diluted phase are grown at low Fe compositions less than x = 0.02, while precipitates of extrinsic phases start to be formed at higher Fe compositions. In the magnetization measurements, the films of x ≤ 0.02, which were confirmed to be of the pure diluted phase, exhibit paramagnetic behaviors down to 2 K. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fabrication of ZnSe‐based microcavities for lasing in the strong coupling regime and polariton confinement
Authors: Klein Thorsten , Klembt Sebastian , Sebald Kathrin , Figge Stephan , Gust Arne , Kruse Carsten , Hommel Detlef , Gutowski Jürgen , Durupt Emilien , Le Si Dang Daniel , Richard Maxime
Published: April 2014

We report on the realization of monolithic, i.e. fully epitaxial ZnSe‐based microcavities with a 1λ‐cavity and a 3λ‐cavity for the investigation of strong coupling phenomena. A crucial building block is the fabrication of a lattice matched distributed Bragg reflector for the blue spectral region, consisting of quaternary ZnMgSSe layers as the high‐index material and a MgS/ZnCdSe superlattice as the low‐index material. Strong coupling at low temperatures was achieved with a vacuum Rabi splitting of 19 meV for the 1λ‐cavity (at 70K) and of 40 meV for the 3λ‐cavity (at 7 K).

Microstructures such as micropillars, waveguides, ringresonators, and molecule chains were fabricated using focused ion‐beam etching. Discrete optical modes in micropillars were observed for both cavity lengths confirming three‐dimensional optical confinement. Q‐factors up to 6500 indicate a high optical quality. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Reactive oxygen species in stoichiometric ceria: Bulk and low‐index surfaces
Authors: Kullgren Jolla , Hermansson Kersti , Broqvist Peter
Published: April 2014

magnified image

We have calculated the stabilities of some reactive oxygen species (ROS) in stoichiometric bulk ceria and at the low‐index (111) and (110)‐surfaces, both in vacuum and in the presence of additional O2 molecules. We find that the formation of intrinsic ROS, here oxygen superoxides (O2–) and peroxides (O22–), is always endothermic at vacuum conditions and that the superoxide formation always leads to a higher formation energy than the peroxide formation. In the presence of additional O2 molecules, intrinsic peroxide formation becomes exothermic at the (110)‐surface in conjunction with the formation of extrinsic superoxide ions from adsorbed O2 molecules. This coexistence of intrinsic and extrinsic ROS species is anticipated to be stable at low temperatures, and can be important for understanding the ROS chemistry for nanoceria used in low‐temperature applications.

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Oxygen‐assisted reduction of the ceria(110) surface.

(© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)