bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ionospheric effects of sudden stratospheric warming during moderate‐to‐high solar activity: Case study of January 2013
Authors: Goncharenko L. , Chau J. L. , Condor P. , Coster A. , Benkevitch L.
Published: October 2013

A major sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) occurred in January 2013 during moderate‐to‐high solar activity conditions. Observations during the winter of 2012/2013 reveal strong ionospheric disturbances associated with this event. Anomalous variations in vertical ion drift measured at the geomagnetic equator at Jicamarca (12°S, 77°W) are observed for over 40 days. We report strong perturbations in the total electron content (TEC) that maximize in the crests of equatorial ionization anomaly, reach 100% of the background value, exhibit significant longitudinal and hemispheric asymmetry, and last for over 40 days. The magnitude of ionospheric anomalies in both vertical drifts and TEC is comparable to the anomalies observed during the record‐strong SSW of January 2009 that coincided with the extreme solar minimum. This observation contrasts with results of numerical simulations that predict weaker ionospheric response to the tidal forcing during high solar activity.
Fire severity and surface rock fragments cause patchy distribution of soil water repellency and infiltration rates after burning
Authors: Gordillo‐Rivero Ángel J. , García‐Moreno Jorge , Jordán Antonio , Zavala Lorena M. , Granja‐Martins Fernando M.
Published: October 2013

Although fire‐induced soil water repellency (SWR) and its effects on soil hydrology and geomorphology have been studied in detail, very few studies have considered the effect of rock fragments resting on the soil surface or partly embedded in soil. In this research, we have studied the effect of rock fragments on the strength and spatial distribution of fire‐induced SWR at different fire severities. A fire‐affected area was selected for this experiment and classified into different zones according to fire severity (unburned, low, moderate and high) and rock fragment cover (low, <20% and high, >60%). During 7 days after fire, SWR and infiltration rates were assessed in the soil surface covered by individual rock fragments and in the midpoint between two adjacent rock fragments (with maximum spacing of 20 cm). SWR increased with fire severity. Rock fragments resting on the soil surface increased the heterogeneity of the spatial distribution of fire‐induced SWR. SWR increased significantly with rock fragment cover in bare areas under moderate and high fire severity, but quantitatively important changes were only observed under high fire severity. In areas with a low rock fragment cover, water repellency from soil surfaces covered by rock fragments increased relative to bare soil surfaces, with increasing SWR. In areas with a high rock fragment cover, SWR increased significantly from non‐covered to covered soil surfaces only after low‐severity burning. Rock fragment cover did not affect infiltration rates, although it decreased significantly in soil surfaces after high‐severity burning in areas under low and high rock fragment cover. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced expression of the soluble form of E‐selectin attenuates progression of lupus nephritis and vasculitis in MRL/lpr mice
Authors: Nakatani Kimihiko , Yoshimoto Shuhei , Asai Osamu , Sakan Hirokazu , Terada Miho , Saito Yoshihiko , Nose Masato , Iwano Masayuki , Konishi Noboru
Published: October 2013

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammatory tissue damage, including lupus nephritis and vasculitis. Local generation of adhesion molecules and expression of their ligands on inflammatory cells appears to contribute to the progression of SLE. We found significantly increased E‐selectin expression in the glomeruli and renal interstitial microvasculature of MRL/MpJ‐lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) lupus model mice. This was accompanied with infiltration of inflammatory cells, especially macrophages and CD8+ T cells. Similarly, in 21 patients with proliferative lupus nephritis, there was a significant correlation between renal E‐selectin levels and macrophage and CD8+ T cell infiltration in the affected kidneys. By contrast, in transgenic MRL/lpr mice exhibiting elevated levels of circulating soluble E‐selectin (sE‐selectin) protein, which competitively inhibits E‐ and P‐selectin‐mediated extravasation of inflammatory cells, the progression of lupus nephritis and vasculitis was significantly suppressed and survival was significantly prolonged. This improvement was accompanied by significant reductions in renal infiltration by macrophages and CD8+ T cells. These results suggest that E‐selectin plays a crucial role in lupus nephritis and vasculitis by mediating renal infiltration of inflammatory cells, and that because it inhibits this process, sE‐selectin could potentially serve as an effective treatment for lupus nephritis and vasculitis.
Should physical activity recommendation depend on state of low back pain?
Authors: Holtermann A. , Clausen T. , Jørgensen M.B. , Mork P.J. , Andersen L.L.
Published: October 2013

Background

Leisure time physical activity is recommended for preventing long‐term sickness absence (LTSA). Although low back pain (LBP) is a risk factor for sickness absence and physical activity is recommended for people with LBP, it is unknown if leisure time physical activity prevents LTSA among persons with different levels of LBP.

Methods

Prospective cohort study among 8655 Danish female healthcare workers responding to a questionnaire in 2004–2005 on leisure time physical activity and LBP, and subsequently followed for 1 year on periods with LTSA ∼2 consecutive weeks or more of sickness absence in a national register of social transfer payments (DREAM). Multi‐adjusted Cox regression analysis was used to model risk estimates for LTSA associated with low, moderate, high and very high leisure time physical activity at baseline among healthcare workers with no LBP (0 days past 12 months, n = 2761), non‐chronic LBP (1–30 days the past 12 months, n = 3942) and persistent LBP (>30 days the past 12 months, n = 1952).

Results

A strongly reduced risk for LTSA from high leisure time physical activity was found among healthcare workers with no LBP [hazard ratio (HR): 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47:0.23–0.97 for low vs. very high activity] and non‐chronic LBP (HR: 95%CI 0.43:0.23–0.84 of low vs. very high activity), but not among healthcare workers with persistent LBP (HR: 95%CI 1.15:0.55–2.44 of low vs. very high activity).

Conclusions

Leisure time physical activity is a strong predictive factor on LTSA among female healthcare workers with no and non‐chronic LBP, but not among those with more persistent LBP.
Desacetyluvaricin Induces S Phase Arrest in SW480 Colorectal Cancer Cells Through Superoxide Overproduction
Authors: Xue Jun‐Yi , Zhou Guang‐Xiong , Chen Tianfeng , Gao Si , Choi Mei‐Yuk , Wong Yum‐Shing
Published: October 2013

Annonaceous acetogenins (ACGs) are a group of fatty acid‐derivatives with potent anticancer effects. In the present study, we found desacetyluvaricin (Dau) exhibited notable in vitro antiproliferative effect on SW480 human colorectal carcinoma cells with IC50 value of 14 nM. The studies on the underlying mechanisms revealed that Dau inhibited the cancer cell growth through induction of S phase cell cycle arrest from 11.3% (control) to 33.2% (160 nM Dau), which was evidenced by the decreased protein expression of cyclin A Overproduction of superoxide, intracellular DNA damage, and inhibition of MEK/ERK signaling pathway, were also found involved in cells exposed to Dau. Moreover, pre‐treatment of the cells with ascorbic acid significantly prevented the Dau‐induced overproduction of superoxide, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest. Taken together, our results suggest that Dau induces S phase arrest in cancer cells by firstly superoxide overproduction and subsequently the involvement of various signaling pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 464–475, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Attention Training Reduces Intrusive Thoughts Cued by a Narrative of Stressful Life Events: A Controlled Study
Authors: Nassif Yasmine , Wells Adrian
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Intrusive thoughts are common distressing symptoms that occur after exposure to stressful life events. This study tested the idea, based on metacognitive theory, that such intrusions may be ameliorated by the Attention Training Technique (ATT; Wells, ).

Method

Participants who reported distressing intrusions were randomly allocated to two sessions of ATT (plus homework) or a filler task and were exposed to a narrative recording of their traumatic experience before and after the intervention. Frequencies of intrusions occurring during the narrative were measured. A measure of self‐reported attention flexibility was also examined.

Results

Participants in the ATT condition showed a significant reduction in intrusion frequency and an increase in attention flexibility compared with the control group. ATT was associated with a 3.4 times greater reduction in the incidence of intrusions.

Conclusions

ATT may be an effective technique for reducing symptoms of stress exposure, reducing the incidence of intrusions when exposed to stimuli associated with stressful events.
G Protein‐Coupled Receptors and Adipogenesis: A Focus on Adenosine Receptors
Authors: Eisenstein Anna , Ravid Katya
Published: October 2013

G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large family of proteins that coordinate extracellular signals to produce physiologic outcomes. Adenosine receptors (AR) are one class of GPCRs that have been shown to regulate functions as diverse as inflammation, blood flow, and cellular differentiation. Adenosine signals through four GPCRs that either inhibit (A1AR and A3AR) or activate (A2aAR and A2bAR) adenylyl cyclase. This review will focus on the role of GPCRs, and in particular, adenosine receptors, in adipogenesis. Preadipocytes differentiate to mature adipocytes as the adipose tissue expands to compensate for the consumption of excess nutrients. These newly generated adipocytes contribute to maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Understanding the key drivers of this differentiation process can aid the development of therapeutics to combat the growing obesity epidemic and associated metabolic consequences. Although much literature has covered the transcriptional events that culminate in the formation of an adipocyte, less focus has been on receptor‐mediated extracellular signals that direct this process. This review will highlight GPCRs and their downstream messengers as significant players controlling adipocyte differentiation. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 414–421, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fluence distribution of terrestrial gamma ray flashes observed by the Fermi Gamma‐ray Burst Monitor
Authors: Tierney D. , Briggs M. S. , Fitzpatrick G. , Chaplin V. L. , Foley S. , McBreen S. , Connaughton V. , Xiong S. , Byrne D. , Carr M. , Bhat P. N. , Fishman G. J. , Greiner J. , Kippen R. M. , Meegan C. A. , Paciesas W. S. , Preece R. D. , von Kienlin A. , Wilson‐Hodge C.
Published: October 2013

The observed γray fluence distribution of terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFs) detected by the Fermi Gamma‐ray Burst Monitor (GBM) is altered by instrumental effects. We perform corrections for dead time, pulse pileup, and detection efficiency in a model‐independent manner. A sample of 106 GBM TGFs is selected to include both TGFs that triggered GBM and weaker TGFs found using an off‐line search. Detector dead time and pulse pileup lower the observed fluence of each TGF and the detection efficiency causes weaker TGFs to have a lower probability of detection than brighter TGFs. Monte Carlo simulations are performed in each case to correct for these effects. The corrected fluence distribution is well fit with a power law of index α=−2.20±0.13. This is consistent with previous estimates using other techniques. Neither a high‐fluence cutoff nor a low‐fluence limit is found. The fluence distribution is also expressed in units of TGF h−1 km−2 versus photons cm−2 per TGF.
Time‐lapse analysis of ambient surface wave anisotropy: A three‐component array study above an underground gas storage
Authors: Riahi Nima , Bokelmann Götz , Sala Paola , Saenger Erik H.
Published: October 2013

We perform a time‐lapse analysis of Rayleigh and Love wave anisotropy above an underground gas storage facility in the Paris Basin. The data were acquired with a three‐component seismic array deployed during several days in April and November 2010. Phase velocity and back azimuth of Rayleigh and Love waves are measured in the frequency range 0.2–1.1 Hz using a three‐component beamforming algorithm. In both snapshots, higher‐surface wave modes start dominating the signal above 0.4 Hz with a concurrent increase in back azimuth ranges. We fit anisotropy parameters to the array detections above 0.4 Hz using a bootstrap approach which also provides estimation uncertainty and enables significance testing. The isotropic phase velocity dispersion for Love and Rayleigh waves match for both snapshots. We also observe a stable fast direction of NNW‐SSE for Love and Rayleigh waves which is aligned with the preferred orientation of known shallow (<300 m) and deeper (∼1000 m) fault systems in the area, as well as the maximum horizontal stress orientation. At lower frequencies corresponding to deeper parts of the basin, the anisotropic parameters exhibit higher magnitude in the November data. This may perhaps be caused by the higher pore pressure changes in the gas reservoir in that depth range.
Hepatic steatosis: Effect on hepatocyte enhancement with gadoxetate disodium‐enhanced liver MR imaging
Authors: Onishi Hiromitsu , Theisen Daniel , Dietrich Olaf , Reiser Maximilian F. , Zech Christoph J.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To investigate the effect of hepatic steatosis on enhancement of liver parenchyma with gadoxetate disodium‐enhanced MR imaging.

Materials and Methods

Gadoxetate disodium‐enhanced MR images of 166 patients were analyzed. Liver–spleen contrast and liver–spleen relative enhancement ratio on three‐dimensional gradient echo T1‐weighted images with fat suppression 20 minutes after injection of gadoxetate disodium were evaluated in correlation with fat signal fraction using the Pearson correlation coefficient and also compared between patients with normal liver parenchyma (n = 115) and with liver steatosis (n = 51) using the Student t‐test.

Results

The liver–spleen contrast at hepatobiliary phase showed inverse correlations with the fat signal fraction (r = −0.36; P < 0.01), while the liver–spleen relative enhancement ratio showed no statistical correlation with the fat signal fraction (P = 0.80). The liver–spleen contrast in the group with steatotic liver was significantly lower than that in the group with normal livers (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the relative enhancement ratio between the two groups (P = 0.85).

Conclusion

Our results may suggest that hepatic steatosis does not affect the uptake of gadoxetate disodium into hepatocytes and are considered crucial as background knowledge in extending the use of gadoxetate disodium‐enhanced MR imaging to quantitate liver function. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:42–50. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cervical cancer screening by cytology and human papillomavirus testing during pregnancy in french women with poor adhesion to regular cervical screening
Authors: Brun‐Micaleff Elisabeth , Coffy Amandine , Rey Valérie , Didelot Marie‐Noëlle , Combecal Jacques , Doutre Sylviane , Daurès Jean‐Pierre , Segondy Michel , Boulle Nathalie
Published: October 2013

In France, cervical screening is opportunistic and approximately 40% of women do not attend regular screening programs. The aim of this study was (1) to assess the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical infection and of cytological abnormalities in a population of young pregnant women with poor adherence to cervical cancer screening and (2) to evaluate the adherence to a screening strategy combining HPV testing and cytology during pregnancy. For this purpose, pregnant women benefited from a cervical smear associated with HPV DNA detection. High‐risk HPV types were detected and identified using the HC2 assay and the INNO‐LiPA HPV genotyping Extra assay. Two hundred forty‐seven women (mean age 26.6 ± 5.1 years) were enrolled. Among them, 76.8% did not attend regular cervical cancer screening programs. High‐risk HPV types were detected in 50 (20.2%) samples, HPV 16 being the most frequent (N = 12; 14.5%), with multiple HPV infection in 17 samples (27%). Nine (3.6%) abnormal cervical smears were diagnosed. Follow‐up of women with abnormal cytology and/or infection with high‐risk HPV was obtained in 29 cases (55.8%), showing 12 persistent high‐risk HPV infections. Nine women had colposcopy with a final diagnosis of four normal cervixes, three cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 and two cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2. Overall, women adherence to the free post‐partum follow‐up visit was 53.5%. This study suggests that a screening program combining HPV testing with cervical cytology during pregnancy may be one option to target young women with poor adhesion to regular cervical cancer screening. J. Med. Virol. 86:536–545, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hip fracture aggravates systemic inflammation and lung injury in aged chronic cigarette smoke exposed rats
Authors: Hao Zhang , Tiansheng Sun , Zhi Liu , Jianzheng Zhang , Xiaowei Wang , Jia Liu
Published: October 2013

The aim of this investigation was to examine the influence of hip fracture on systemic inflammation and lung injury in aged chronic cigarette smoke exposed rats. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) aged rats (22–25 months old, 460–570 g) were used. Animals were subjected to either chronic cigarette smoke (CS) or air exposure for 12 weeks. These animals then underwent a sham procedure or hip fracture. Endpoint was 24 h. Systemic inflammation was assessed by TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐10 levels. Pulmonary function, inflammatory cell counts and protein concentrations in BAL, pulmonary pathological changes and scores were obtained to assess lung injury. And TLR4 mRNA expression in lung tissue was determined. The indices mentioned above were unchanged in air‐exposed rats after hip fracture. However, CS‐exposed animals were found to have increased serum levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐10, impaired pulmonary function, increased inflammatory cell counts and protein concentrations in BAL, and intensified pathologic changes and scores. In addition, lung tissue harvested following CS‐exposure demonstrated increased TLR4 mRNA expression. Our results indicate that systemic inflammation and lung injury in aged CS‐exposed animals were further aggravated by hip fracture. The overexpression of TLR4 mRNA induced by CS exposure may, at least in part, involve in this process. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:24–30, 2014.
Noninvasive monitoring of photocatalytic degradation of X‐ray contrast media using Raman spectrometry
Authors: Salkic Sabina , Eckler Logan H. , Nee Matthew J.
Published: October 2013

The photocatalytic degradation of the X‐ray contrast agents iohexol and diatrizoate are monitored by in situ Raman spectrometry measurements in aqueous solution with a TiO2 photocatalyst. Spectral features and changes are interpreted with the use of density functional theory calculations. While we observe similar results to those published previously, significant changes seen in the Raman spectrum allow us to better identify the mechanisms without the need for deductive approaches or complicated sample preparation. Diatrizoate spectra are consistent with hydroxyl radical attack leading to the loss of CO2. Iohexol is more difficult to interpret, representing a current challenge to the use of Raman spectrometry for real‐time monitoring of photocatalytic degradation experiments. We explore internal standards that can be added to gauge overall degradation rates to some extent. Potential extensions of the work are described, particularly in terms of increased rate of data acquisition and more general application. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SMBOs: Buying Time or Improving Performance?
Authors: Zhou D. , Jelic R. , Wright M.
Published: October 2013

On the basis of an empirical analysis of 491 UK recent secondary management buyouts (SMBOs), we find strong evidence of a deterioration in long‐run abnormal returns following SMBO deals. SMBOs also perform worse than primary buyouts in terms of profitability, labor productivity, and growth. We find no evidence for superior performance of private equity (PE) backed SMBOs, compared with their non‐PE‐backed counterparts. It appears that a PE firm's reputation and change in management are important determinants of improvements in profitability and labor productivity, respectively. High debt and high percentage of management equity tend to be associated with poor performance measured by profitability and labor productivity. Notably, none of the buyout mechanisms (i.e., financial, governance, operating) normally associated with performance improvements generate growth during the secondary buyout phase. The results are robust to the use of alternative performance measures, alternative benchmarks, and the possibility of sample selection bias. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Managerial and Decision Economics published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Altered inhibitory modulation of somatosensory cortices in paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia
Authors: Hsu Wan‐Yu , Kwan Shang‐Yeong , Liao Kwong‐Kum , Chen Rou‐Shayn , Lin Yung‐Yang
Published: October 2013

Background

The objective of this study was to clarify the excitability profiles of the somatosensory cortices in patients with paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia.

Methods

Whole‐head magnetoencephalography was used to record the somatosensory evoked fields elicited by paired‐pulse electric stimulation of the median nerve in 15 patients with paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia and in a control group of 18 age‐matched, healthy volunteers. Twelve of the patients were studied in both the drug‐off and drug‐on state.

Results

The paired‐pulse inhibition ratios of the primary somatosensory cortical P35m responses and the secondary somatosensory cortical responses were significantly greater in drug‐off patients with paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia compared with either the drug‐on patients or the control group. No significant difference in paired‐pulse inhibition ratio was observed between the drug‐on patients with paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia and the control group.

Conclusions

In patients with paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia, intracortical inhibition of the primary and secondary somatosensory cortical areas is impaired, and the associated hyperexcitable phenomenon is modulatable by antiepileptic drugs. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Reconstruction of two separate defects in the upper extremity using anterolateral thigh chimeric flap
Authors: Peng Feng , Chen Lin , Han Dong , Xiao Chenwei , Bao Qiyuan , Wang Tao
Published: October 2013

We presented our experience on the use of anterolateral thigh (ALT) chimeric flap to reconstruct two separate defects in upper extremity. From December 2009 to August 2012, we used this ALT chimeric flap to reconstruct two separate defects in upper extremity on five patients (mean age: 36.6 years; range: 15∼47 years). The locations of defect were palm and fingers in four patients and forearm in the other patient. The sizes of defect ranged from 4.5 × 1.5 cm to 20 × 10 cm. A minimum of two separate perforator vessels in the flap were identified. The skin paddle was then split between the two perforators to shape two separate paddles with a common vascular supply. There were no cases of flap failure or re‐exploration. Four donor sites were directly closed and one was covered by a skin graft. Donor‐site morbidity was negligible. The ALT chimeric flap provides customized cover for two separate defects in upper extremity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:631–637, 2013.
The impact of germline mutations on targeted therapy
Authors: Smith Simon A , French Tim , Hollingsworth Simon J
Published: October 2013

Targeted therapies provide clinical benefit and improved therapeutic index. They have a growing prominence in patient management and focus in drug development. Their development is fuelled by our deepening knowledge of complex disease phenotypes and the need for improvement in new therapeutic efficacy. Extrapolation of the biological discovery through to new therapy targeting the causal biological variants to drive clinical gain is challenging. Here, we review the impact of germline mutations on targeted therapies. Historically, germline changes have contributed most to our understanding of disease mechanisms, drug metabolism and exposure, the latter of which has enabled safer positioning of therapies, such as clopidogrel and irinotecan. Similarly, prescreening for germline variants can avoid potentially fatal hypersensitivity reactions with abacavir. However, germline mutations continue to emerge as a central player in targeting therapeutics; ivacaftor drives partial restoration of mucus secretion in cystic fibrosis patients harbouring specific mutations, and treatment with olaparib exploits germline mutations in BRCA genes to drive synthetic lethality as an anti‐cancer mechanism. Central is definition of the causal link, association or contribution to the biological variance – and that we believe it is drugable for therapeutic gain. The demand for better therapies to treat modern diseases provides the appetite for continued investigation of the biological variance associated with germline mutations, inevitably leading to increased impact on the development of targeted therapeutics. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of multiply relapsed wilms tumor with vincristine, irinotecan, temozolomide and bevacizumab
Authors: Venkatramani Rajkumar , Malogolowkin Marcio H. , Mascarenhas Leo
Published: October 2013

As most active chemotherapy agents against Wilms tumor are incorporated into upfront therapy, particularly for those patients with high risk for recurrence, novel regimens are needed to treat children with relapsed Wilms tumor. We describe four consecutive patients with multiply relapsed Wilms tumor who were treated with a combination of vincristine, irinotecan, temozolomide, and bevacizumab. Two had a complete response, and two had a partial response to treatment. Hematological toxicity and diarrhea were the main side effects. This regimen has activity in patients with multiply relapsed Wilms tumor without excessive toxicity, and should be evaluated further in this setting. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:756–759. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acetaminophen receipt among HIV‐infected patients with advanced hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Edelman E. Jennifer , Gordon Kirsha S. , Re Vincent Lo , Skanderson Melissa , Fiellin David A. , Justice Amy C. ,   for the VACS Project Team
Published: October 2013

Purpose

HIV‐infected patients may be at particular risk for acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity, but acetaminophen use in the context of liver injury has been incompletely examined among HIV‐infected patients. Among a sample of HIV‐infected patients, we aimed to determine acetaminophen exposure, assess the cross‐sectional association between acetaminophen exposure and advanced hepatic fibrosis, and determine whether factors associated with acetaminophen exposure varied by HCV status.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of the Veterans Aging Cohort Study. Advanced hepatic fibrosis was defined as a FIB‐4 > 3.25, a composite score calculated based on age, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and platelet count. Multivariable ordered polytomous logistic regression was used to determine the association between FIB‐4 status and acetaminophen exposure stratified by HCV status.

Results

Among HIV‐infected patients (n = 14 885), 31% received at least one acetaminophen prescription. Among those receiving acetaminophen, acetaminophen overuse was common among both HIV‐monoinfected and HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients (846 [31%] vs 596[32%], p = 0.79). After stratifying by HCV status, those with evidence of advanced liver fibrosis were equally likely to be exposed to acetaminophen. Furthermore, HIV‐monoinfected patients with an alcohol use disorder were more likely to have acetaminophen overuse (OR [95%CI] = 1.56 [1.21–2.02]).

Conclusions

Strategies to minimize acetaminophen exposure, especially for HIV‐monoinfected patients, are warranted. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental and numerical investigation of fracture of ABS polymeric material for different sample's thickness using a new loading device
Authors: Oskui Abuzar Es'hagi , Choupani Naghdali , Haddadi Elyas
Published: October 2013

The fracture behavior of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) polymeric material has been investigated under the full range of in‐plane loading conditions using a new loading device to obtain more reliable results. Loading conditions from pure mode‐I through various mixed‐mode I/II ratios up to pure mode‐II have been generated using the proposed new loading device for the same specimen geometry. From the experimentally measured critical loads, the mode‐I, mode‐II, and the various mixed‐mode I/II critical energy release rates have been determined at different loading angles from 0° to 90°. Using the FE results, nondimensional stress intensity factors were applied to the specimen. The primary objectives of this study were to develop a new loading device to determine the mixed‐mode fracture toughness KIC and KIIC of ABS polymeric material. Another goal was to obtain stress intensity and strain energy release rates solutions associated with the crack, and to examine effects of thickness and geometric variables, particularly under mixed‐mode loading conditions. It was found that the thickness of the 10 mm specimen satisfied the plane strain condition with average fracture toughness ≈4.32 MPa·m1/2 under pure mode‐I loading and ≈1.42 MPa·m1/2 for pure mode‐II loading. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2086–2096, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Supramolecular nanostructures from self‐assembly of T‐shaped rod building block oligomers
Authors: Wang Zhuoshi , Cui Junjie , Liang Yongri , Chen Tie , Lee Myongsoo , Yin Bingzhu , Jin Long Yi
Published: October 2013

T‐shaped coil–rod–coil oligomers, consisting of a dibenzo[a,c]phenazine unit and phenyl groups linked together with acetylenyl bonds at the 2,7‐position of dibenzo[a,c]phenazine as a rigid segment have been synthesized. The coil segments of these new molecules composed of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)–poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) incorporating lateral methyl groups between the rod and coil segment and two flexible alkyl groups connecting with the rigid segment at the 4,6‐position of dibenzo[a,c]phenazine, respectively. The experimental results reveal that the length of the flexible PEO coil chain influence construction of various supra‐nanostructures from lamellar structure to rectangular columnar structure. It is also shown that introduction of different length of alkyl side chain groups in the backbone of the T‐shaped molecules affect the self‐organization behavior to form hexagonal perforate layer or oblique columnar structures. In addition, lateral methyl groups attached to the surface of rod and coil segments, dramatically influence the self‐assembling behavior in the crystalline phase. T‐shaped molecules containing a lateral methyl group at the surface of rod and PEO coil segments, self‐assemble into 3D body‐centered tetragonal structures in the crystalline phase, while molecules without a lateral methyl group based on PEO coil chain self‐organize into 2D oblique columnar crystalline structures. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 5021–5028
Dendronized polystyrene via orthogonal double‐click reactions
Authors: Tonga Murat , Yesilbag Tonga Gulen , Seber Gonca , Gok Ozgul , Sanyal Amitav
Published: October 2013

Dendronized copolymers bearing two different dendrons as side chains have been synthesized using a modular orthogonal “double‐click” reaction based strategy. The orthogonality of the Huisgen‐type azide‐alkyne cycloaddition and the Diels–Alder reaction was utilized to attach different dendrons to the polymer backbone via the “graft‐to” strategy. First through third generations of polyaryl ether dendrons appended with an alkyne group and polyester dendrons possessing a furan‐protected maleimide group at their focal point were reacted with a styrene based copolymer containing azide and anthracene moieties as side chains. The efficiency and selectivity of the orthogonal dendronization of the copolymers were examined via various analytical methods such as 1H NMR spectroscopy, FTIR and gel permeation chromatography. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 5029–5037
Theranostic Nanoplatforms for MRSA Detection and Destruction from Whole Blood
Authors: Fan Zhen , Khan Sadia Afrin , Dai Xuemei , Tchouwou Christine , Lu Yuefeng , Ray Paresh Chandra
Published: October 2013

Bloodstream infection with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other drug‐resistant bacteria kill several million people in the world every year. Detection of drug‐resistant bacteria in the blood stream is clinically important to save lives. Driven by this need, multifunctional theranostic nanoplatforms have been developed for simultaneous targeted imaging and multimodal photodestruction of MRSA in a whole‐blood sample. Experimental data for the whole‐blood sample spiked with MRSA show that the theranostic nanoplatform can be used for fluorescence imaging after magnetic separation even in a 10−5:1 ratio. A targeted photodynamic and photothermal combined treatment shows that the multimodal treatment regime can dramatically enhance the possibility of destroying MRSA in vitro. Therefore, our developed theranostic nanoplatform have a great potential as a fluorescent marker and as a light absorber for combined therapy in clinical settings. The possible mechanisms and operating principles are discussed for targeted imaging and combined therapeutic actions using theranostic nanoplatform.
Parametrized diabatic processes in numerical simulations of an extratropical cyclone
Authors: Martínez‐Alvarado O. , Plant R. S.
Published: October 2013

The parametrization of diabatic processes in numerical models is critical for the accuracy of weather forecasts and for climate projections. A novel approach to the evaluation of these processes in models is introduced in this contribution. The approach combines a suite of on‐line tracer diagnostics with off‐line trajectory calculations. Each tracer tracks accumulative changes in potential temperature associated with a particular parametrized diabatic process in the model. A comparison of tracers therefore allows the identification of the most active diabatic processes and their downstream impacts. The tracers are combined with trajectories computed using model‐resolved winds, allowing the various diabatic contributions to be tracked back to their time and location of occurrence.

We have used this approach to investigate diabatic processes within a simulated extratropical cyclone. We focus on the warm conveyor belt, in which the dominant diabatic contributions come from large‐scale latent heating and parametrized convection. By contrasting two simulations, one with standard convection parametrization settings and another with reduced parametrized convection, the effects of parametrized convection on the structure of the cyclone have been determined. Under reduced parametrized convection conditions, the large‐scale latent heating is forced to release convective instability which would otherwise have been released by the convection parametrization. Although the spatial distribution of precipitation depends on the details of the split between parametrized convection and large‐scale latent heating, the total precipitation amount associated with the cyclone remains largely unchanged. For reduced parametrized convection, a more rapid and stronger latent heating episode takes place as air ascends within the warm conveyor belt.
A global logrank test for adaptive treatment strategies based on observational studies
Authors: Li Zhiguo , Valenstein Marcia , Pfeiffer Paul , Ganoczy Dara
Published: October 2013

In studying adaptive treatment strategies, a natural question that is of paramount interest is whether there is any significant difference among all possible treatment strategies. When the outcome variable of interest is time‐to‐event, we propose an inverse probability weighted logrank test for testing the equivalence of a fixed set of pre‐specified adaptive treatment strategies based on data from an observational study. The weights take into account both the possible selection bias in an observational study and the fact that the same subject may be consistent with more than one treatment strategy. The asymptotic distribution of the weighted logrank statistic under the null hypothesis is obtained. We show that, in an observational study where the treatment selection probabilities need to be estimated, the estimation of these probabilities does not have an effect on the asymptotic distribution of the weighted logrank statistic, as long as the estimation of the parameters in the models for these probabilities is ‐consistent. Finite sample performance of the test is assessed via a simulation study. We also show in the simulation that the test can be pretty robust to misspecification of the models for the probabilities of treatment selection. The method is applied to analyze data on antidepressant adherence time from an observational database maintained at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Serious Mental Illness Treatment Research and Evaluation Center. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pitting Corrosion Resistance of Mn‐Alloyed Austenitic Stainless Steels
Authors: Pulkkinen Heikki , Apajalahti Helka , Papula Suvi , Talonen Juho , Hänninen Hannu
Published: October 2013

The aim of the study was to examine the role of composition, inclusions, and precipitates on the pitting corrosion resistance of Mn‐alloyed austenitic stainless steels. The pitting corrosion measurements were conducted in three electrolytes: sea water (3.56 wt% NaCl), sulfuric acid (0.5M H2SO4), and sulfuric acid + salt (0.5 M H2SO4 + 0.4 M NaCl) solutions. In the tests, it was observed that manganese sulfides act as corrosion pit initiators. As the Cr content was decreased and Ni partially replaced by Mn, the pitting corrosion resistance was reduced in seawater and H2SO4 + NaCl solutions. On the other hand, the amount of inclusions was not found to have a clear correlation to the potential at which the corrosion pits initiate. In the sulfuric acid solution, no pitting was observed and all the materials exhibited similar behavior in the passive range. However, in the transpassive range the dissolution rate of AISI 304 steel was greatest, whereas more Mn and less Ni and Cr containing steels exhibited a secondary passivation behavior.
Recrystallization Kinetic Behavior of Copper‐Bearing Strip Cast Steel
Authors: Sellamuthu Prabhukumar , Stanford Nicole , Hodgson Peter Damian
Published: October 2013

In the present study, copper‐bearing low carbon steels were produced by direct strip casting (DSC) method on a pilot scale. The effects of copper on mechanical, microstructural, and recrystallization behavior were investigated. As‐cast microstructure mainly consists of polygonal ferrite and Widmanstatten ferrite. The increase in Cu increases the amount of Widmanstatten ferrite and induces the formation of bainite in the as‐cast condition. It was found that copper increases strength and hardness by solid solution strengthening, grain refinement, and precipitation hardening and the increment is significant above 1% Cu in as‐cast condition. Six different compositions were selected for recrystallization study. All the samples were cold rolled to 70% reduction and annealed at three different temperatures, 600, 650, and 700°C for various times. Recrystallization responses were strongly dependent on initial microstructure and Cu content and the effect is dramatic between 1 and 2% Cu. Recrystallization time and temperature were found to be increased with increase in copper content.
Disclosure Pattern and Follow‐Up After the Molecular Diagnosis of BRCA/CHEK2 Mutations
Authors: Kegelaers D. , Merckx W. , Odeurs P. , van den Ende J. , Blaumeiser B.
Published: October 2013

Five to 10 % of all breast cancer cases are due to mutations of high penetrance susceptibility genes, especially BRCA1 and BRCA2. In families with known BRCA mutations, disclosure of genetic test results could induce relatives to undergo genetic testing themselves and adopt cancer risk management strategies, if necessary. This study examines disclosure patterns of individuals tested for mutations in the BRCA1, BRCA2 and CHEK2 genes to first‐degree relatives with emphasis on a possible gender difference. It also assesses which management strategy is preferred by mutation‐positive women in Belgium and the influence of psychological characteristics on communication and choice of management strategy. Ninety‐nine adults from BRCA/CHEK2 families, selected from the Centre of Medical Genetics of Antwerp, were included in the study. They were provided with medical and psychological questionnaires, the latter being the Self‐Assessment Questionnaire, which is the Dutch version of the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Dutch version of the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS‐NL). The survey focused on disclosure, coping and management strategies with special attention on possible gender differences. The influence of socio‐demographic and medical data on disclosure and cancer risk management as well as the influence of psychological features were examined by means of various statistical analyses. Ninety‐nine patients were included, of whom 25 (25 %) were male. Eighty‐seven percent of the participants informed all of their adult first‐degree relatives about their mutation status without any gender discrimination. Seventy‐eight percent of highly‐educated participants informed all of their adult first‐degree relatives, compared to 98 % of less formally‐educated participants (p = 0.006). The majority of mutation‐positive women preferred prophylactic surgery to surveillance. Psychological differences appeared to have little influence on disclosure patterns and management strategies. The gender difference seems to be less pronounced than previously assumed. A striking observation, however, is the fact that significantly more participants who were less formally‐educated informed all of their adult first‐degree relatives, compared to participants who were highly‐educated. In our study population, most female mutation carriers opted for prophylactic surgery. Since the study population is small, further studies are needed to enhance the generalizability of these results.
Postpartum Weight Retention is Associated with Elevated Ratio of Oxidized LDL Lipids to HDL‐Cholesterol
Authors: Puhkala Jatta , Luoto Riitta , Ahotupa Markku , Raitanen Jani , Vasankari Tommi
Published: October 2013

Oxidized LDL lipids (ox‐LDL) are associated with lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The present study investigated how postpartum weight retention effects on ox‐LDL and serum lipids. The study is a nested comparative research of a cluster‐randomized controlled trial, NELLI (lifestyle and counselling during pregnancy). During early pregnancy (8–12 weeks) and 1 year postpartum, 141 women participated in measurements for determining of plasma lipids: total cholesterol (T‐C), LDL‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐C), triacylglycerols (TAG) and ox‐LDL. Subjects were stratified into tertiles (weight loss, unaltered weight and weight gain groups) based on their weight change from baseline to follow‐up. Ox‐LDL was determined by baseline level of conjugated dienes in LDL lipids. Among the group of weight gainers, concentration of TAG reduced less (−0.14 vs. −0.33,p= 0.002), HDL‐C reduced more (−0.31 vs. −0.16,p= 0.003) and ox‐LDL/HDL‐C ratio increased (3.0 vs. −0.2,p= 0.003) when compared to group of weight loss. Both T‐C and LDL‐C elevated more (0.14 vs. −0.21,p= 0.008; 0.31 vs. 0.07,p= 0.015) and TAG and ox‐LDL reduced less (−0.33 vs. 0.20,p= 0.033; −3.33 vs. −0.68,p= 0.026) in unaltered weight group compared to weight loss group. The women who gained weight developed higher TAG and ox‐LDL/HDL‐C ratio as compared to those who lost weight. Postpartum weight retention of 3.4 kg or more is associated with atherogenic lipid profile.
A Study of Process Optimization of Extraction of Oil from Fish Waste for Use as A Low‐Grade Fuel
Authors: Jayasinghe Punyama , Adeoti Ibraheem , Hawboldt Kelly
Published: October 2013

Waste oils are potentially advantageous over petroleum and virgin vegetable oil based fuels due to waste utilization, and an overall lowering of gases and most other emissions over the life cycle of fuel production, use, and disposal. Waste generated from fish processing plants varies from 10–50 wt% of landed fish depending on the type of fish, product and processing techniques. A portion of this waste contains fish oil and varies significantly depending on the species. The oil recovery process must maximize extraction of oil and at the same time be able to integrate into the existing infrastructure at fish plants. In this study, we have optimized the recovery process developed in our lab (based on a fishmeal processing) and tested with the waste of a variety of fish species. The oil had low impurities (<0.5 wt% moisture) and degradation products, and physical properties suitable for substitution of No. 6 fuel oils and marine distillate/residual fuels. Based on this, pilot scale experiments were performed to determine scale‐up challenges and design specifications for eventual costs analysis (e.g. size, residence time, etc.), energy required and waste emissions.
Self‐concept in adolescence: A longitudinal study on reciprocal effects of self‐perceptions in academic and social domains
Authors: Preckel Franzis , Niepel Christoph , Schneider Marian , Brunner Martin
Published: October 2013

Fostering social and academic self‐concepts are central educational goals. During mid‐adolescence academic engagement and success seem to be devalued by peers and to be negatively associated with students' social standing. For this age group, is the development of a positive academic self‐concept compatible with the development of a positive social self‐concept? We investigated relations among academic self‐concept, social self‐concept, and academic achievement. 1282 students (47.60% female) participated in three‐waves of measurement in Grade 5, 6, and 8. Earlier social self‐concept of acceptance negatively predicted changes in academic self‐concept over time while earlier social self‐concept of assertion positively predicted changes in academic self‐concept. There were no significant relations between social self‐concepts and achievement but positive reciprocal relations between academic self‐concept and achievement. Results indicate that fostering adolescents self‐concept in social and academic domains are compatible goals. However, some students need support in managing the challenge to coordinate social and academic goals.