bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tetrathiafulvalene‐Based Phenanthroline Ligands: Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Electronic Properties
Authors: Belhadj Esmah , El‐Ghayoury Abdelkrim , Cauchy Thomas , Allain Magali , Mazari Miloud , Sallé Marc
Published: April 2014

The synthesis and full characterization of three tetrathiafulvalene‐based phenanthroline ligands, namely, N‐(1,10‐phenanthrol‐5‐yl)‐6,7‐(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene‐2‐carboxamide (1), 2‐[(1,10‐phenanthrol‐5‐yl)aminocarbonylmethylthio]‐3,6,7‐tris(methylsulfanyl)tetrathiafulvalene (2), and 2‐[(1,10‐phenanthrol‐5‐yl)iminomethyl]tetrathiafulvalene (3), are described. The electronic absorption properties and the electrochemical behavior of the three ligands have been studied. The UV/Vis absorption spectra of these compounds have been rationalized by time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) calculations, and the single‐crystal X‐ray structures of 2 and 3 have been determined. The binding properties of these multifunctional systems for various transition metal ions (Ni2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Fe2+) have been analyzed in solution by cyclic voltammetry and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The results show that these ligands are suitable candidates for the preparation of electroactive metal complexes and radical cation salts.
Copper‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Oxidative C(sp3)–H Amidation of 2‐Aminoacetophenones: Efficient Synthesis of Indoline‐2,3‐diones
Authors: Huang Jinbo , Mao Tingting , Zhu Qiang
Published: April 2014

An efficient synthesis of diverse indoline‐2,3‐diones from 2‐aminoacetophenones through copper‐catalyzed intramolecular C(sp3)–H amidation is developed. The reaction proceeds in DMSO by using O2 as the sole oxidant to provide the desired products in moderate to good yields.
Arylethynyl‐Substituted Tristriazolotriazines: Synthesis, Optical Properties, and Thermotropic Behavior
Authors: Glang Stefan , Rieth Thorsten , Borchmann Dorothee , Fortunati Ilaria , Signorini Raffaella , Detert Heiner
Published: April 2014

The synthesis of C3‐symmetrical tristriazolotriazines with conjugated arms and lateral alkoxy side chains was performed by a threefold condensation of cyanuric chloride with tetrazoles. Conjugated π segments include phenyl, tolane, and its phenylethynyl‐elongated homologue. Disclike and a dendritic molecule have been obtained, and two compounds with a 3,4,5‐tris(octyloxy) substitution form broad thermotropic mesophases. The linear optical properties, solvatochromism of the fluorescence, acidochromism, and the two‐photon absorption efficiency of selected compounds are reported.
Base‐Catalyzed Domino Michael–Alkylation–Rearrangement Reaction: A Synthetic Route to Functionalized 2,3‐Dihydrofurans
Authors: Zhang Ren‐Zun , Meng Chang‐Yu , Xie Jian‐Wu , Xu Mei‐Lan , Zhu Wei‐Dong
Published: April 2014

An unexpected and efficient domino reaction of N‐sulfonyl‐1‐aza‐1,3‐dienes with 2‐halo‐1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds to synthesize differently substituted 2,3‐dihydrofuran derivatives with excellent regio‐, chemo‐, and stereoselectivity in moderate to good yields was developed. In this transformation, broad substrate scope was demonstrated, and a plausible mechanism for this novel domino reaction was given.
A hidden renewal model for monitoring aquatic systems biosensors
Authors: Azaïs R. , Coudret R. , Durrieu G.
Published: April 2014

This article proposes a method to model signals of oysters’ openings over time using a four‐state renewal process. Two of them are of particular interest and correspond to instants when the animals are open or closed. An estimator of the cumulative jump rate of the renewal process is provided. It relies on observations of the jumps between the four states. Here, these measures are not available, but the observed signal is assumed to take ranges of real values according to this underlying process. A procedure to estimate a probability density function that summarizes the information of the signal is explained. This leads to estimation of the hidden renewal process and of its cumulative jump rate for each oyster. We propose to classify these estimated functions for a group of oysters in order to discriminate these animals according to their health status. Such a diagnosis is essential when using these animals as biosensors for water quality assessment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dermatomyositis paraneoplastic syndrome before symptomatic tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Adi Ahmad H. , Alturkmani Hani , Spock Todd , Williams Yohannes Patrice , Wargo Susannah , Szabo Eva , Gutkind J. Silvio , Van Waes Carter
Published: April 2014

Background

Paraneoplastic syndromes are systemic or organ‐related functional tumor‐associated changes that arise distant to the tumor.

Methods and Results

We present a rare case of a 63‐year‐old man with dermatomyositis as a paraneoplastic syndrome developing more than a year before clinical manifestations of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). He subsequently developed stage T1N2bM0 IVA tonsillar SCC. He was treated on a research protocol with 3 weeks of neoadjuvant rapamycin therapy before right transoral lateral pharyngectomy and modified radical neck dissection with preservation of CN XI. His symptoms of dermatomyositis subsequently improved and he was weaned off immunosuppressive therapy.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first report of dermatomyositis as a paraneoplastic syndrome of tonsillar SCC in North America. We suggest that clinicians should monitor for signs of persistent or recurrent dermatomyositis symptoms as this may herald development or a return of the underlying malignancy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: E1–E3, 2015
Generation of functional cholangiocyte-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells and HepaRG cells
Authors: Dianat Noushin , Dubois-Pot-Schneider Hélène , Steichen Clara , Desterke Christophe , Leclerc Philippe , Raveux Aurélien , Combettes Laurent , Weber Anne , Corlu Anne , Dubart-Kupperschmitt Anne
Published: April 2014

Cholangiocytes are biliary epithelial cells, which, like hepatocytes, originate from hepatoblasts during embryonic development. In this study we investigated the potential of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to differentiate into cholangiocytes and we report a new approach, which drives differentiation of hESCs toward the cholangiocytic lineage using feeder-free and defined culture conditions. After differentiation into hepatic progenitors, hESCs were differentiated further into cholangiocytes using growth hormone, epidermal growth factor, interleukin-6, and then sodium taurocholate. These conditions also allowed us to generate cholangiocytes from HepaRG-derived hepatoblasts. hESC- and HepaRG-derived cholangiocyte-like cells expressed markers of cholangiocytes including cytokeratin 7 and osteopontin, and the transcription factors SOX9 and hepatocyte nuclear factor 6. The cells also displayed specific proteins important for cholangiocyte functions including cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, secretin receptor, and nuclear receptors. They formed primary cilia and also responded to hormonal stimulation by increase of intracellular Ca2+. We demonstrated by integrative genomics that the expression of genes, which signed hESC- or HepaRG-cholangiocytes, separates hepatocytic lineage from cholangiocyte lineage. When grown in a 3D matrix, cholangiocytes developed epithelial/apicobasal polarity and formed functional cysts and biliary ducts. In addition, we showed that cholangiocyte-like cells could also be generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells, demonstrating the efficacy of our approach with stem/progenitor cells of diverse origins. Conclusion: We have developed a robust and efficient method for differentiating pluripotent stem cells into cholangiocyte-like cells, which display structural and functional similarities to bile duct cells in normal liver. These cells will be useful for the in vitro study of the molecular mechanisms of bile duct development and have important potential for therapeutic strategies, including bioengineered liver approaches. (Hepatology 2014;60:700–714)
Effect of different irrigation protocols on the radicular dentin interface and bond strength with a metacrylate‐based endodontic sealer
Authors: Gonçalves Lisandro , Silva‐Sousa Yara Teresinha Correa , Raucci Neto Walter , Teixeira Cleonice Silveira , Sousa‐Neto Manoel Damião , Alfredo Edson
Published: April 2014

This study assessed the influence of different endodontic chemical substances on the adhesion of the Epiphany SE/Resilon system (with and without resinous solvent) to radicular dentin walls, using the push‐out test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Forty‐eight root canals of human canines were prepared biomechanically with ProTaper rotary files (crown‐down technique) and the radicular dentin was treated with either 17% EDTA, 2% chlorhexidine gel (CHX) or 2.5% NaOCl (control). The root canals were filled with Resilon cones and Epiphany SE sealer with and without resinous solvent. Six groups of eight canals each had their roots sectioned transversally to obtain 1‐mm thick slices. Data were subjected to statistical analysis by ANOVA and Tukey's tests. The specimens treated with 17% EDTA (1.59 ± 0.91) presented higher bond strength (P < 0.05) than those treated with 2.5% NaOCl (0.93 ± 0.27) and 2% CHX (0.92 ± 0.22). Significantly higher bond strength (P < 0.05) was observed when the Epiphany SE was prepared with (1.37 ± 0.78) than without (0.92 ± 0.33) solvent. Adhesive failures were predominant in all groups. SEM analysis showed greater homogeneity of the filling mass when the solvent was added to the sealer. Treatment of root canal walls with 17% EDTA, and addition of a resinous solvent to Epiphany SE produced the highest adhesion to radicular dentin. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:446–452, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigating the limitations of single breath‐hold renal artery blood flow measurements using spiral phase contrast MR with R‐R interval averaging
Authors: Steeden Jennifer A. , Muthurangu Vivek
Published: April 2014

Purpose

1) To validate an R‐R interval averaged golden angle spiral phase contrast magnetic resonance (RAGS PCMR) sequence against conventional cine PCMR for assessment of renal blood flow (RBF) in normal volunteers; and 2) To investigate the effects of motion and heart rate on the accuracy of flow measurements using an in silico simulation.

Materials and Methods

In 20 healthy volunteers RAGS (∼6 sec breath‐hold) and respiratory‐navigated cine (∼5 min) PCMR were performed in both renal arteries to assess RBF. A simulation of RAGS PCMR was used to assess the effect of heart rate (30–105 bpm), vessel expandability (0–150%) and translational motion (x1.0–4.0) on the accuracy of RBF measurements.

Results

There was good agreement between RAGS and cine PCMR in the volunteer study (bias: 0.01 L/min, limits of agreement: −0.04 to +0.06 L/min, P = 0.0001). The simulation demonstrated a positive linear relationship between heart rate and error (r = 0.9894, P < 0.0001), a negative linear relationship between vessel expansion and error (r = −0.9484, P < 0.0001), and a nonlinear, heart rate‐dependent relationship between vessel translation and error.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that RAGS PCMR accurately measures RBF in vivo. However, the simulation reveals limitations in this technique at extreme heart rates (<40 bpm, >100 bpm), or when there is significant motion (vessel expandability: >80%, vessel translation: >x2.2). J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:1143–1149. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of a magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer for the selective extraction and trace detection of lamotrigine in urine and plasma samples
Authors: Behbahani Mohammad , Bagheri Saman , Amini Mostafa M. , Sadeghi Abandansari Hamid , Reza Moazami Hamid , Bagheri Akbar
Published: April 2014

Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers have been synthesized for the selective preconcentration and trace determination of lamotrigine (LTG) in urine and plasma samples. The magnetic nanoparticles were modified by tetraethyl orthosilicate and 3‐methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane before imprinting. The magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers were prepared via surface molecular imprinting technique, using Fe3O4 as a magnetic component, LTG as template molecule, methacrylic acid as a functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a cross‐linker, and 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as a radical initiator in methanol/acetonitrile (50:50, v/v) as the porogen. The obtained sorbent was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and thermal analysis. Separation of the sorbent from the sample solution was simply achieved by applying an external magnetic field. Determination of the extracted drug was performed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Under the optimum extraction conditions, the method detection limits were 0.7 μg/L (based on S/N of 3) for urine samples and 0.5 μg/L for plasma samples. A linear dynamic range of 1–1000 μg/L was obtained for LTF in plasma and urine samples. Finally, the applicability of the proposed method was evaluated by extraction and determination of LTG in urine and plasma samples.
Optical In‐Process Monitoring of Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
Authors: Grünberger Thomas , Domröse Robert
Published: April 2014

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a revolutionary technology enabling the users to design and manufacture products in a completely new way. As the AM technology is proceeding from rapid prototyping to rapid manufacturing, industries ranging from aerospace and medical (Fig. 1) to energy and automotive require detailed documentation of the process. The market demands automated in‐process quality inspection. The goal is to get a better understanding of the process and assure repetitive high‐end part quality. Plasmo, a worldwide leading engineering partner for quality inspection systems in the field of laser and joining technologies cooperates with EOS, the technology and market leader for the DMLS technology, and with selected industrial partners to develop a diode based in‐process monitoring system.
Fiber Lasers
Authors: Hartinger Klaus , Holzwarth Ronald
Published: April 2014

Fiber lasers in general are receiving increased attention for industrial applications and have captured their share next to gas and solid‐state lasers. As a company, we focus on the research of femtosecond fiber technology and the development of laser products which rely on quality, reliability, cost efficiency and versatility. Our customers apply our femtosecond fiber lasers for purposes varying from high precision spectroscopy, to THz generation for quality inspection, to micro‐material processing. Here we will focus on femtosecond fiber lasers and some of the breakthrough developments and progress they have allowed in science and industry.
The Additive Manufacture of Patient‐tailored Finger Implants
Authors: Merkt Simon , Kleyer Arnd , Hueber Axel J.
Published: April 2014

Standard finger implants, manufactured by conventional techniques (e.g. machining), as they are used today for patients suffering from inflammatoryrheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis, are lacking of individuality and long‐term stability. In this study here, a way to generate patient tailored finger implants based on XtremeCT technique is described. First finger implants are manufactured by Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and illustrate the feasibility of manufacturing patient tailored implants with additional functionalities. A technical abstraction of the original 3D‐CAD file lead to major functional improvements by adjusting the stiffness of patient tailored implants to imitate bone. This results in less stress shielding and a better long‐term stability of the implant as it needs to be reconfirmed in further clinical studies.
Influence of the Processing Conditions on the Morphology and the Mechanical Properties of Polyamide 6‐Carbon Fibre‐Carbon Nano Tube‐Compounds
Authors: Michaeli Walter , Hopmann Christian , Puch Florian
Published: April 2014

Polyamide 6‐compounds containing carbon nano tubes and carbon fibres are prepared by melt compounding. To investigate the influence of the processing conditions on the mechanical properties and the morphology of carbon fibre reinforced polyamide 6‐nanocomposites the process parameters are varied while preparing the compounds. The processing conditions affect the mechanical properties and the morphology. The investigations reveal, that a micro‐nano‐compound with a PA6‐matrix should be compounded at a maximum barrel temperature of 260 °C, a throughput of 15 kg/h at a screw speed of 500 min−1 and a screw configuration, which introduces a low amount of shear energy into the compound. These processing conditions lead to a comparatively high specific mechanical energy input of 334 Wh/kg and to the best set of mechanical properties of the investigated materials. However, the morphology of the investigated carbon fibre reinforced nanocomposites does not show significant differences and has to be further investigated.
Effects of thermal creep of prestressed steel on post‐tensioned concrete slabs in and after fire
Authors: Wei Y. , Au F. T. K.
Published: April 2014

The effects of thermal creep of prestressed steel on post‐tensioned concrete slabs in and after fire were investigated based on an existing thermal creep model and calibrated parameters in this paper. A nonlinear finite element model was built up employing ABAQUS package, taking into account frictionless contact behaviour between prestressed steel tendons and surrounding concrete. The nonlinear material behaviour of concrete and prestressed steel at elevated temperatures was taken into account, where three material models for prestressed steel were adopted with or without considering thermal creep, and based on the model from EN 1992‐1‐2. The finite element model developed was verified against experimental results from the literature, showing that the model considering thermal creep was more accurate. Then the fire resistance period and responses of post‐tensioned concrete slabs in and after fire were investigated based on the verified model. Ignoring thermal creep underestimated the fire resistance period but overestimated the residual tendon stresses. The model from EN 1992‐1‐2 achieved nearly the same effects as the model considering thermal creep in fire but might yield inaccurate evaluation of residual tendon stresses. The model considering thermal creep worked well under fire and in the post‐fire conditions yielding reasonable predictions.
Broadband WET: a novel technique for quantitative characterization of minor components in foods
Authors: Furihata Kazuo , Zhang Jing , Koda Masanori , Miyakawa Takuya , Tanokura Masaru
Published: April 2014

NMR analysis of foods frequently suffers from a problem of dynamic range, which limits the detection of minor components due to the huge signals of water and major components such as sugars. In the present study, we propose a new method named as ‘broadband WET’. This pulse scheme was applied to persimmon fruit juice for saturating the resonances of water and sugars, which covered a broad bandwidth. In comparison with the conventional solvent suppression methods such as WET and DPFGSE‐WATERGATE, it was shown that broadband WET provided highly selective suppression of resonances covering an extensive bandwidth and quantitative signals of minor components without distortion. The proposed method is suitable to detect quantitative signals of the minor components with a high sensitivity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On MAC schemes on triangular delaunay meshes, their convergence and application to coupled flow problems
Authors: Eymard Robert , Fuhrmann Jürgen , Linke Alexander
Published: April 2014

We study the convergence of two generalized marker‐and‐cell covolume schemes for the incompressible Stokes and Navier–Stokes equations introduced by Cavendish, Hall, Nicolaides, and Porsching. The schemes are defined on unstructured triangular Delaunay meshes and exploit the Delaunay–Voronoi duality. The study is motivated by the fact that the related discrete incompressibility condition allows to obtain a discrete maximum principle for the finite volume solution of an advection–diffusion problem coupled to the flow.

The convergence theory uses discrete functional analysis and compactness arguments based on recent results for finite volume discretizations for the biharmonic equation. For both schemes, we prove the strong convergence in L2 for the velocities and the discrete rotations of the velocities for the Stokes and the Navier–Stokes problem. Further, for one of the schemes, we also prove the strong convergence of the pressure in L2.

These predictions are confirmed by numerical examples presented in the article. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 1397–1424, 2014
Maternal obesity or weight loss around conception impacts hepatic fatty acid metabolism in the offspring
Authors: Nicholas Lisa M. , Rattanatray Leewen , Morrison Janna L. , Kleemann David O. , Walker Simon K. , Zhang Song , MacLaughlin Severence , McMillen I. Caroline
Published: April 2014

Objective

To determine the impact of maternal obesity or weight loss during the periconceptional period on programming of lipid metabolism in the liver of the offspring.

Methods

An embryo transfer model was used to investigate the effects of exposure to either maternal obesity and/or weight loss before and for 1‐week post‐conception on the abundance of key molecules regulating hepatic fatty acid oxidation and lipid synthesis in the 4‐month‐old lamb.

Results

Periconceptional maternal obesity resulted in decreased hepatic PPARα, PGC1α and GCN5 abundance and increased hepatic SIRT1 and AMPKα1, AMPKα2 and SREBP1 abundance in the offspring. Maternal weight loss in obese ewes did not ablate all of these effects of maternal obesity on hepatic metabolism in the lamb. Weight loss in normal weight ewes also resulted in decreased hepatic PGC1α and GCN5 and increased AMPKα2 abundance in the offspring.

Conclusions

Exposure of the oocyte/embryo to either maternal obesity or weight loss during the periconceptional period has long term consequences for hepatic lipid metabolism. These findings highlight the sensitivity of the early embryo to maternal nutrition and the need for dietary interventions which maximize metabolic benefits and minimize metabolic costs for the next generation.
The impact of obesity on subclinical coronary atherosclerosis according to the risk of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Lee Seung‐Yul , Chang Hyuk‐Jae , Sung Jimin , Kim Kwang Joon , Shin Sanghoon , Cho In‐Jeong , Shim Chi Young , Hong Geu‐Ru , Chung Namsik
Published: April 2014

Objective

To evaluate whether the association of obesity with coronary atherosclerosis depends on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

A total of 1,406 asymptomatic Korean adults underwent both cardiac and abdominal multislice computed tomography (MSCT) as part of a routine health check‐up. Obesity was measured using body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and MSCT‐derived area/ratio of visceral and subcutaneous fat. The burden of CVD risk was assessed by the Framingham risk equation.

Results

In the low‐risk group for CVD, obesity measurements (standardized odds ratio, 95% confidence interval) of BMI (1.406, 1.197‐1.652), WC (1.707, 1.434‐2.032), visceral fat area (1.700, 1.438‐2.009), and visceral‐to‐subcutaneous fat ratio (1.620, 1.379‐1.903) were associated with the presence of coronary calcification after adjusting for traditional CVD risks. But in the moderate‐to‐high risk group, the associations were attenuated. For additional adjustments of obesity measurements, in the low‐risk group, WC (1.717, 1.172‐2.514) and visceral‐to‐subcutaneous fat ratio (1.400, 1.029‐1.904) were independent determinants of coronary calcification.

Conclusions

Obesity is differentially associated with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, according to the burden of CVD risk. In low‐risk adults, the relative distribution of abdominal fat, as well as whole body fat, is important to coronary atherosclerosis.
Indirect evidence for proton pump inhibitor failure in patients taking them independent of meals
Authors: Freigofas Julia , Haefeli Walter E. , Schöttker Ben , Brenner Hermann , Quinzler Renate
Published: April 2014

Purpose

We investigated the association between conditions of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment failure and food intake in an elderly ambulatory population.

Methods

Our data originate from a large population‐based cohort study. During a home visit done by a trained study physician, patients were asked for each medication to state whether it was taken in relation to a meal (before, concurrently with, and after) or independent of a meal. This information was analyzed for all patients taking a PPI daily and correlated to markers of PPI failure.

Results

Out of 2717 patients participating in a home visit and taking at least one medication, 383 took a PPI daily (14.1%). A PPI intake independent of meals was defined as incorrect and was observed in 64 patients, whereas 319 patients took their PPI in relation to a meal, which was defined as the correct intake. Treatment failure was observed in 10 out of 64 (15.6%) PPI users with incorrect intake and in 18 out of 319 (5.6%) PPI users with correct intake. The risk of treatment failure was threefold higher in patients taking their PPI independent of meals (OR 3.35; 95%CI 1.44–7.76).

Conclusion

The higher risk for PPI failure in patients taking PPIs independent of meals suggests that synchronized PPI administration with meals is indeed essential, and better counseling of patients is needed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Top‐down proteomics in health and disease: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Gregorich Zachery R. , Ge Ying
Published: April 2014

Proteomics is essential for deciphering how molecules interact as a system and for understanding the functions of cellular systems in human disease; however, the unique characteristics of the human proteome, which include a high dynamic range of protein expression and extreme complexity due to a plethora of PTMs and sequence variations, make such analyses challenging. An emerging “top‐down” MS‐based proteomics approach, which provides a “bird's eye” view of all proteoforms, has unique advantages for the assessment of PTMs and sequence variations. Recently, a number of studies have showcased the potential of top‐down proteomics for the unraveling of disease mechanisms and discovery of new biomarkers. Nevertheless, the top‐down approach still faces significant challenges in terms of protein solubility, separation, and the detection of large intact proteins, as well as underdeveloped data analysis tools. Consequently, new technological developments are urgently needed to advance the field of top‐down proteomics. Herein, we intend to provide an overview of the recent applications of top‐down proteomics in biomedical research. Moreover, we will outline the challenges and opportunities facing top‐down proteomics strategies aimed at understanding and diagnosing human diseases.
Sample collection in clinical proteomics—Proteolytic activity profile of serum and plasma
Authors: Jambunathan Kalyani , Galande Amit K.
Published: April 2014

Purpose

Proteolytic enzymes are promising diagnostic targets since they play key roles in diverse physiological processes and have been implicated in numerous human diseases. Human blood is a relatively noninvasive source for disease‐specific protease biomarker detection and subsequent translation into diagnostic tests. However, the choice of serum or plasma, and more specifically, which anticoagulant to choose in plasma preparation, is important to address in the sample preparation phase of biomarker discovery.

Experimental design

We have previously utilized a combinatorial library of internally quenched fluorogenic probes to successfully map the global proteolytic profiles of various biological fluids. In this study, we utilized the platform to ascertain the impact of three commonly used anticoagulants (EDTA, heparin, and citrate) on the proteolytic activity profile of plasma and serum collected from a healthy Caucasian male.

Results

Serum and plasma citrate were observed to be most proteolytically active, followed by plasma heparin and then plasma EDTA. Detailed analysis of the amino acid distribution of motifs cleaved and not cleaved by the samples offered significant insights in to active proteolytic components within them.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Broad quantitative comparison of proteolytic profiles of these samples revealed several novel insights related to the differential substrate recognition of proteases present in these biological fluids.
General flexible nature of the cytosolic regions of fungal transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, revealed by expression screening using GFP‐fusion techniques
Authors: Ihara Makoto , Takano Yoshitaka , Yamashita Atsuko
Published: April 2014

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are members of the voltage gated ion channel superfamily and display the unique characteristic of activation by diverse stimuli. We performed an expression analysis of fungal TRP channels, which possess relatively simple structures yet share the common functional characteristics with the other members, using a green fluorescent protein‐based screening methodology. The analysis revealed that all the tested fungal TRP channels were severely digested in their cytosolic regions during expression, implying the common flexibility of this region, as observed in the recent structural analyses of the fungal member, TRPGz. These characteristics are likely to be important for their diverse functions.
Blinded sample size re‐estimation in crossover bioequivalence trials
Authors: Golkowski Daniel , Friede Tim , Kieser Meinhard
Published: April 2014

In drug development, bioequivalence studies are used to indirectly demonstrate clinical equivalence of a test formulation and a reference formulation of a specific drug by establishing their equivalence in bioavailability. These studies are typically run as crossover studies. In the planning phase of such trials, investigators and sponsors are often faced with a high variability in the coefficients of variation of the typical pharmacokinetic endpoints such as the area under the concentration curve or the maximum plasma concentration. Adaptive designs have recently been considered to deal with this uncertainty by adjusting the sample size based on the accumulating data. Because regulators generally favor sample size re‐estimation procedures that maintain the blinding of the treatment allocations throughout the trial, we propose in this paper a blinded sample size re‐estimation strategy and investigate its error rates. We show that the procedure, although blinded, can lead to some inflation of the type I error rate. In the context of an example, we demonstrate how this inflation of the significance level can be adjusted for to achieve control of the type I error rate at a pre‐specified level. Furthermore, some refinements of the re‐estimation procedure are proposed to improve the power properties, in particular in scenarios with small sample sizes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A chemical analysis method to identify the source of pellicle adhesive contaminants
Authors: Penley C. , Guenther T. , Walker M.
Published: April 2014

Advanced lithography requirements have driven pellicle suppliers to develop improvements in both structure and materials. For example, thinner pellicle membranes now improve transmission of light, shortened aluminum frames now reduce image shadowing and advanced adhesives now reduce outgassing. The quality control and evaluative techniques employed to develop and monitor these improvements include ion chromatography (for cation and anion), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (for organic volatile and semi‐volatile compounds) and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (for film transmission). As pellicle materials continue to evolve and diversify, additional analysis methods are essential to solve problems both in the development and semiconductor manufacturing phases. This paper summarizes a body of work that was completed in a manufacturing environment in response to an ongoing contamination issue ultimately traced to a particular KrF pellicle supplier. This contamination adversely impacted subsequent pellicles and photomasks undergoing the pellicle demounting process. In an attempt to identify the root source of the contamination, pellicles exhibiting successful demounting characteristics were compared to those that induced unacceptable contamination levels. Direct chemical analysis of respective mounting adhesives via time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry identified mixtures of chemical components unique to each adhesive formulation. This information was fed back to the pellicle vendor who ultimately acknowledged an adhesive formulation change from a styrene‐type to an acryl‐type compound, after which the resulting pellicle product quality was verified and led to the return of contamination levels to within acceptable limits. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advances in cellular and tissue engineering using layer‐by‐layer assembly
Authors: Shukla Anita , Almeida Bethany
Published: April 2014

Layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly is a self‐assembly technique used to develop multilayer films based on complementary interactions between film components. These multilayer films have had a significant impact on the fields of cellular and tissue engineering. The aim of cellular engineering is to understand and control cell behavior, which not only impacts applications in regenerative medicine but also other biomedical therapies that rely on cell interactions with biomaterials, including treatments for autoimmune disorders and cancer. Tissue engineering approaches to tissue repair and regeneration utilize three‐dimensional biomaterial scaffolds that interact favorably with cells. Cellular engineering studies can better inform the design of these scaffolds. The ease of tuning the chemical and mechanical properties of LbL films, the ability to coat a variety of medically relevant substrates (including cell culture surfaces and scaffolds), and the wide range of species that can be incorporated into these films (ranging from proteins to small molecules) have led to the successful use of LbL assembly for a variety of cellular and tissue engineering applications. The films used in these biomedical applications can be divided into those that release therapeutics, often with controlled stimuli‐responsive release behavior, and those that act without releasing these agents.

This article is categorized under:

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement
Should We Routinely Transfuse Platelet for Immune Thrombocytopenia Patients with Platelet Count Less Than 10 × 109/L Who Underwent Laparoscopic Splenectomy?
Authors: Cai Yunqiang , Liu Xubao , Peng Bing
Published: April 2014

Background

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is considered as the gold standard procedure for patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). In many institutions, platelet counts less than 10 × 109/L contraindicate LS.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the safety and feasibility of LS for ITP patients with platelet counts less than 10 × 109/L.

Methods

A total of 88 cases of LS were performed for ITP patients from June 2010 to December 2012. The patients were prospectively divided into three groups based on their immediate preoperative platelet count: < 10 × 109/L (group 1); 10 × 109/L to 30 × 109/L (group 2); and > 30 × 109/L (group 3). We collected the patients’ demographic characteristics, perioperative details, and platelet count response to surgery.

Results

The patients in the three groups had comparable demographic characteristics. Only one patient in group 1 required conversion (2.4 %). The patients in group 1 experienced more blood loss than those in group 3, but this was not statistically significant. There were no significant differences between group 2 and group 3 in terms of operating time and blood loss. No statistically significant differences were found between the three groups with regard to complications and postoperative hospital stay.

Conclusions

It is safe and feasible to perform LS in ITP patients with platelet count less than 10 × 109/L, without platelet transfusion. The indication for platelet transfusion during LS for ITP patients should be the bleeding manifestations due to thrombocytopenia other than low platelet count itself.
Analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 Lipid A Changes During the Interaction with Model Organism, Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Vigneshkumar Balasubramanian , Radhakrishnan Srinivasan , Balamurugan Krishnaswamy
Published: April 2014

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the main surface constituent of Gram‐negative bacteria. Lipid A, the hydrophobic moiety, outer monolayer of the outer cell membrane forms the major component of LPS. Immunogenic Lipid A is recognized by the innate immune system through the TLR 4/MD‐2 complex. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, a Gram‐negative bacterium is known to cause nosocomial infection and known for its adaptation to adverse environmental conditions. Pseudomonas aeruginosa can infect a broad host spectrum including Caenorhabditis elegans, a simple free living soil nematode. Here, we reveal that PAO1 modifies its Lipid A during the host interaction with C. elegans. The penta‐acylated form of Lipid A was identified by using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight analysis and the β‐(1,6)‐linked disaccharide of glucosamine with phosphate groups, 2 and 2′ amide linked fatty acid chain and 3 and 3′ ester linked fatty acids were investigated for the modification using the non destructive 1H NMR, spin–lattice (T1) relaxation measurement, differential scanning calorimetry. T1 relaxation measurements showed that the 2 and 2′ amide linked fatty acid chain, –CH in the glucosamine disaccharide of PAO1 lipid A, in an exposed host had a different spin lattice relaxation time compared to an unexposed host and the findings were reconfirmed using in vitro human corneal epithelial cells cell lines. Furthermore, scanning electron microscope and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis revealed that the P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilm formation was disturbed in the exposed host condition. The daf‐12, daf‐16, tol‐1, pmk‐1, ins‐7 and ilys3 immune genes of C. elegans were examined with live bacterial and isolated lipid moiety infection and the expression was found to be highly specific. Overall, the present study revealed that PAO1 modified its 2 and 2′ amide linked fatty acid chain in the lipid A of PAO1 LPS during the exposed host condition.
Building Resilient Regions: Complex Adaptive Systems and the Role of Policy Intervention
Authors: Bristow Gillian , Healy Adrian
Published: April 2014

The notion of resilience is being utilised by an increasing number of authors keen to understand the dynamics of local and regional economies and particularly how they deal with economic shocks and recessionary crises. Within the burgeoning literature however, fairly limited attention has been paid to date to developing a robust conceptual understanding of what role policy-makers, particularly at sub-national level, might play in building economic resilience in regions. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap. Drawing on resilience literatures which employ a complex adaptive systems perspective, the paper seeks to develop a conceptual framework within which policy action, particularly at the subnational level, can be theorised and understood. It identifies three critical dimensions which frame the role and scope for policy intervention in the management of regional economic resilience: the modes and structures of governance, the types of policy interventions which help build resilience, and the horizons or timings for appropriate intervention. The paper concludes by considering what this framing means for the nature and scope of subnational policy intervention for regional economic resilience.
Positive, Negative, or Null? The Effects of Maternal Incarceration on Children’s Behavioral Problems
Authors: Wildeman Christopher , Turney Kristin
Published: April 2014

We use data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study to consider the effects of maternal incarceration on 21 caregiver- and teacher-reported behavioral problems among 9-year-old children. The results suggest three primary conclusions. First, children of incarcerated mothers are a disadvantaged group that exhibit high levels of caregiver- and teacher-reported behavioral problems. Second, after we adjust for selection, the effects of maternal incarceration on children’s behavioral problems are consistently null (for 19 of 21 outcomes) and rarely positive (1 of 21) or negative (1 of 21), suggesting that the poor outcomes of these children are driven by disadvantages preceding maternal incarceration rather than incarceration. These effects, however, vary across race/ethnicity, with maternal incarceration diminishing caregiver-reported behavioral problems among non-Hispanic whites. Finally, in models considering both maternal and paternal incarceration, paternal incarceration is associated with more behavioral problems, which is consistent with previous research and suggests that the null effects of maternal incarceration are not artifacts of our sample or analytic decisions.
ON THE OPTIMAL DIVIDEND PROBLEM FOR A SPECTRALLY POSITIVE LÉVY PROCESS
Authors: Yin Chuancun , Wen Yuzhen , Zhao Yongxia
Published: April 2014

In this paper we study the optimal dividend problem for a company whose surplus process evolves as a spectrally positive Lévy process before dividends are deducted. This model includes the dual model of the classical risk model and the dual model with diffusion as special cases. We assume that dividends are paid to the shareholders according to an admissible strategy whose dividend rate is bounded by a constant. The objective is to find a dividend policy so as to maximize the expected discounted value of dividends which are paid to the shareholders until the company is ruined. We show that the optimal dividend strategy is formed by a threshold strategy.
The Bethe Wavefunction
Authors: Gaudin Michel
Published: April 2014

Michel Gaudin's book La fonction d'onde de Bethe is a uniquely influential masterpiece on exactly solvable models of quantum mechanics and statistical physics. Available in English for the first time, this translation brings his classic work to a new generation of graduate students and researchers in physics. It presents a mixture of mathematics interspersed with powerful physical intuition, retaining the author's unmistakably honest tone. The book begins with the Heisenberg spin chain, starting from the coordinate Bethe Ansatz and culminating in a discussion of its thermodynamic properties. Delta-interacting bosons (the Lieb-Liniger model) are then explored, and extended to exactly solvable models associated to a reflection group. After discussing the continuum limit of spin chains, the book covers six- and eight-vertex models in extensive detail, from their lattice definition to their thermodynamics. Later chapters examine advanced topics such as multi-component delta-interacting systems, Gaudin magnets and the Toda chain.
Abydos
Authors: Ayrton Edward Russell , Currelly C. T. , Weigall A. E. , Gardiner A. H.
Published: April 2014

Originally published between 1902 and 1904 for the Egypt Exploration Fund, this three-volume set of reports documents the excavations begun by the pioneering archaeologist Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie (1853–1942) at one of ancient Egypt's most sacred sites, the necropolis at Abydos. These reports follow on from the findings that Petrie published in The Royal Tombs of the First Dynasty (1900) and The Royal Tombs of the Earliest Dynasties (1901), both of which are reissued in this series. Volume 3 was produced by Petrie's younger colleagues, Edward Russell Ayrton (1882–1914), Charles Trick Currelly (1876–1956) and Arthur Weigall (1880–1934). The report includes chapters on the tombs of Senusret III and Ahmose I. More than sixty pages of plates illustrate the discoveries, which range from simple flint implements to elaborate stelae. A chapter by Alan Gardiner (1879–1963) sheds light on the inscriptions.
The Long Struggle against Malaria in Tropical Africa
Authors: Webb, Jr James L. A.
Published: April 2014

The Long Struggle Against Malaria in Tropical Africa investigates the changing entomological, parasitological and medical understandings of vectors, parasites and malarial disease that have shaped the programs of malaria control and altered the transmission of malarial infections. It examines the history of malaria control and eradication in the contexts of racial thought, population movements, demographic growth, economic change, urbanization, warfare and politics. It will be useful for students of medicine and public health, for those who are involved with malaria research studies, and for those who work on the contemporary malaria control and elimination campaigns in tropical Africa.
The Social Evolution of Human Nature
Authors: Smit Harry
Published: April 2014

This book sheds new light on the problem of how the human mind evolved. Harry Smit argues that current studies of this problem misguidedly try to solve it by using variants of the Cartesian conception of the mind, and shows that combining the Aristotelian conception with Darwin's theory provides us with far more interesting answers. He discusses the core problem of how we can understand language evolution in terms of inclusive fitness theory, and investigates how scientific and conceptual insights can be integrated into one explanatory framework, which he contrasts with the alternative Cartesian-derived framework. He then explores the differences between these explanatory frameworks with reference to co-operation and conflict at different levels of biological organization, the evolution of communicative behaviour, the human mind, language, and moral behaviour. His book will interest advanced students and scholars in a range of subjects including philosophy, biology and psychology.
Concert Room and Orchestra Anecdotes of Music and Musicians, Ancient and Modern
Authors: Busby Thomas
Published: April 2014

The writer, composer and organist Thomas Busby (1754–1838) was originally articled to the composer Jonathan Battishill before setting out to make his living from both musical and literary labours. His compositions (many now lost) include songs, theatre music and oratorios. His written output comprised journal articles and monographs, among them A Grammar of Music and A General History of Music (both reissued in this series). The present work, his most endearing, was first published in 1825. Gossipy, informative and highly entertaining, it yields all manner of insights into musical life through history. Approximately a thousand anecdotes are assembled across the three volumes as a delightful potpourri, interspersed with pen portraits of eminent musicians. Volume 2 includes a tale about Louis XI's request to hear a concert of hogs, along with entries on the Italian castrato Farinelli, English lutist Thomas Mace, Handel's despotism and Mozart's benevolence.