bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability in ozone and its precursors over the Bay of Bengal during post monsoon: Transport and emission effects
Authors: Mallik C. , Lal S. , Venkataramani S. , Naja M. , Ojha N.
Published: August 2013

Simultaneous measurements of O3, CO, NOx, CH4, and light nonmethane hydrocarbons were made over the Bay of Bengal (BoB) during 28 October to 17 November 2010 to study the role of chemistry and dynamics. The measurements revealed large variability in O3 (11 to 60 ppbv) and CO (45 to 260 ppbv). Estimated south to north latitudinal gradients in O3 (3.95 ppbv/°) and CO (16.56 ppbv/°) were significantly higher than those observed during earlier campaigns. Hybrid Single‐Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory simulated back air trajectories were used to classify these measurements into pollution plumes from nearby sources (India‐Bangladesh region and Southeast Asia), influenced by long‐range transport and pristine marine air from the Indian Ocean. Interspecies correlations were used to identify emission signatures in these air masses, e.g., chemical proxies suggested influence of biofuel/biomass burning in NE‐BoB and E‐BoB air masses. Principle component analysis indicated contributions of ship emissions to NOx levels over the BoB. Influences of fire from the Myanmar and Thailand regions are shown to be the potential contributor to enhanced CO levels (>250 ppbv) over the BoB during 14–15 November. Diurnal variations in surface O3 revealed effects of advection, entrainment, and photochemistry. A chemical box model simulated the photochemical buildup in O3 in polluted air masses and daytime destruction in pristine oceanic air masses.
Choosing wisely in adult hospital medicine: Five opportunities for improved healthcare value
Authors: Bulger John , Nickel Wendy , Messler Jordan , Goldstein Jenna , O'Callaghan James , Auron Moises , Gulati Mangla
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

In an effort to lead physicians in addressing the problem of overuse of medical tests and treatments, the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation developed the Choosing Wisely campaign. The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) joined the initiative to highlight the need to critically appraise resource utilization in hospitals.

METHODS

The SHM employed a staged methodology to develop the adult Choosing Wisely list. This included surveys of the organization's leaders and general membership, a review of the literature, and Delphi panel voting.

RESULTS

The 5 recommendations that were subsequently approved by the SHM Board are: (1) Do not place, or leave in place, urinary catheters for incontinence or convenience or monitoring of output for non–critically ill patients (acceptable indications: critical illness, obstruction, hospice, perioperatively for <2 days for urologic procedures; use weights instead to monitor diuresis). (2) Do not prescribe medications for stress ulcer prophylaxis to medical inpatients unless at high risk for gastrointestinal complications. (3) Avoid transfusions of red blood cells for arbitrary hemoglobin or hematocrit thresholds and in the absence of symptoms or active coronary disease, heart failure, or stroke. (4) Do not order continuous telemetry monitoring outside of the intensive care unit without using a protocol that governs continuation. (5) Do not perform repetitive complete blood count and chemistry testing in the face of clinical and lab stability.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalists have many opportunities to impact overutilization of care. The adult hospital medicine Choosing Wisely recommendations offer an explicit starting point for eliminating waste in the hospital. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:486–492. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Choosing wisely in pediatric hospital medicine: Five opportunities for improved healthcare value
Authors: Quinonez Ricardo A. , Garber Matthew D. , Schroeder Alan R. , Alverson Brian K. , Nickel Wendy , Goldstein Jenna , Bennett Jeffrey S. , Fine Bryan R. , Hartzog Timothy H. , McLean Heather S. , Mittal Vineeta , Pappas Rita M. , Percelay Jack M. , Phillips Shannon C. , Shen Mark , Ralston Shawn L.
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

Despite estimates that waste constitutes up to 20% of healthcare expenditures in the United States, overuse of tests and therapies is significantly under‐recognized in medicine, particularly in pediatrics. The American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation developed the Choosing Wisely campaign, which challenged medical societies to develop a list of 5 things physicians and patients should question. The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) joined this effort in the spring of 2012. This report provides the pediatric workgroup's results.

METHODS

A workgroup of experienced and geographically dispersed pediatric hospitalists was convened by the Quality and Safety Committee of the SHM. This group developed an initial list of 20 recommendations, which was pared down through a modified Delphi process to the final 5 listed below.

RESULTS

The top 5 recommendations proposed for pediatric hospital medicine are: (1) Do not order chest radiographs in children with asthma or bronchiolitis. (2) Do not use systemic corticosteroids in children under 2 years of age with a lower respiratory tract infection. (3) Do not use bronchodilators in children with bronchiolitis. (4) Do not treat gastroesophageal reflux in infants routinely with acid suppression therapy. (5) Do not use continuous pulse oximetry routinely in children with acute respiratory illness unless they are on supplemental oxygen.

CONCLUSION

We recommend that pediatric hospitalists use this list to prioritize quality improvement efforts and include issues of waste and overuse in their efforts to improve patient care. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:479–485. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Possible HIV transmission modes among at‐risk groups at an early epidemic stage in the Philippines
Authors: Telan Elizabeth Freda O. , Samonte Genesis May J. , Palaypayon Noel , Abellanosa‐Tac‐An Ilya P. , Leaño Prisca Susan A. , Tsuneki Akeno , Kageyama Seiji
Published: August 2013

A concentrated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic might have started in the Philippines. A subsequent characterization of viruses was carried out to estimate HIV transmission modes. Most HIV strains from injecting drug users belonged to subtype‐B. CRF‐01 was a major subtype harbored by three other at‐risk populations: male visa applicants who had sex with men, “men who have sex with men,” and visa applicants. An HIV phylogeny suggested that two strain groups of injecting drug users and others circulated separately. In contrast, there was substantial genetic overlap between two strain groups from “men who have sex with men” and visa applicants. Mean nucleotide distance within strains was shorter among subtype‐B strains harbored by the injecting drug users (0.010) than among CRF‐01 strains of the other three populations: male visa applicants who had sex with men (0.034), “men who have sex with men” (0.023), and visa applicants (0.032). Closely related strains of hepatitis C virus were derived from not only HIV‐positive but also ‐negative individuals. These results suggest that there is potential for transmission from visa applicants to “men who have sex with men,” and that once HIV occurs in injecting drug users, it spreads rapidly among them. Close contacts of hepatitis C virus carriers composed of HIV‐negative and ‐positive individuals indicated ongoing HIV spread via blood and possible intervention points. Large‐scale analysis is needed to provide more precise information on the transmission directions and to help curb the growth of this HIV epidemic in the Philippines. J. Med. Virol. 85:2057–2064, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Testicular cancer and viral infections: A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yousif Lamyaa , Hammer Gaël P. , Blettner Maria , Zeeb Hajo
Published: August 2013

In 1984, Newell and coworkers were the first to suggest that testicular cancer might have a viral etiology since it showed similar characteristics to Hodgkin's lymphoma. A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis was conducted to investigate a possible association between viral infections (EBV, CMV, Parvovirus B19, HPV, and HIV) and testicular cancer. Articles published from 1985 through June 2010 were located from MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, 21 articles were finally included in the review. For infection with EBV, CMV, Parvovirus B19, and HIV the pooled OR were 4.80 (95% CI 0.98–23.54), 1.85 (95% CI 0.92–3.70), 2.86 (95% CI 0.35–23.17), and 1.79 (95% CI 1.45–2.21) respectively. No pooling was possible for HPV infection studies due to small numbers. The results support a possible association, but more epidemiological studies with better viral identification and localization methods are needed to verify these findings. J. Med. Virol. 85:2165–2175, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of the Simplexa Flu A/B and RSV test for the rapid detection of influenza viruses
Authors: Ko Sun‐Young , Jang Jin Woo , Song Dae Jin , Lim Chae Seung , Kim Woo Joo
Published: August 2013

Recently, various molecular systems have been introduced for the detection of influenza viruses. Among these, the Simplexa Flu A/B and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) test can provide results in approximately 2 hr. Nasopharyngeal swabs from 241 patients (influenza A, n = 81; influenza B, n = 80; influenza A and influenza B mixed, n = 1; influenza A and RSV A mixed, n = 2; and influenza and RSV negative, n = 77) were analyzed using the Simplexa Flu A/B and RSV test, a conventional reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay, and a real‐time RT‐PCR assay. Compared to conventional RT‐PCR, the Simplexa test had respective sensitivities and specificities of 100% and 100% for influenza A and 100% and 99.4% for influenza B with extracted RNA samples, and 91.7% and 99.4% for influenza A, and 97.5% and 98.1% for influenza B with unprocessed patient specimens. All RSV A specimens were successfully detected by the Simplexa test using both extracted RNA samples and unprocessed patient specimens. The real‐time RT‐PCR assay had respective sensitivities and specificities of 96.4% and 99.4% for influenza A, and 98.8% and 99.4% for influenza B. The Simplexa test was effective at detecting influenza viruses from extracted RNA samples as well as from unprocessed patient specimens. The assay was not only simple and rapid for influenza detection, but the performance was also comparable to that of other conventional molecular methods. J. Med. Virol. 85:2160–2164, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular characterization of measles viruses in Turkey (2010–2011): First report of genotype D9 involved in an outbreak in 2011
Authors: Kalaycioglu Atila T. , Baykal Atakan , Guldemir Dilek , Bakkaloglu Zekiye , Korukluoglu Gulay , Coskun Aslihan , Torunoglu Mehmet Ali , Ertek Mustafa , Durmaz Riza
Published: August 2013

Genetic characterization of measles viruses (MVs) combined with acquisition of epidemiologic information is essential for measles surveillance programs used in determining transmission pathways. This study describes the molecular characterization of 26 MV strains (3 from 2010, 23 from 2011) obtained from urine or throat swabs harvested from patients in Turkey. MV RNA samples (n = 26) were subjected to sequence analysis of 450 nucleotides comprising the most variable C‐terminal region of the nucleoprotein (N) gene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 20 strains from 2011 belonged to genotype D9, 3 to D4, 2 strains from 2010 to genotype D4 and 1 to genotype B3. This study represents the first report describing the involvement of MV genotype D9 in an outbreak in Turkey. The sequence of the majority of genotype D9 strains was identical to those identified in Russia, Malaysia, Japan, and the UK. Despite lack of sufficient epidemiologic information, the presence of variants observed following phylogenetic analysis suggested that exposure to genotype D9 might have occurred due to importation more than once. Phylogenetic analysis of five genotype D4 strains revealed the presence of four variants. Epidemiological information and phylogenetic analysis suggested that three genotype D4 strains and one genotype B3 strain were associated with importation. This study suggests the presence of pockets of unimmunized individuals making Turkey susceptible to outbreaks. Continuing molecular surveillance of measles strains in Turkey is essential as a means of acquiring epidemiologic information to define viral transmission patterns and determine the effectiveness of measles vaccination programs designed to eliminate this virus. J. Med. Virol. 85:2128–2135, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plant availability of isotopically exchangeable and isotopically nonexchangeable phosphate in soils
Authors: Cabeza Ricardo , Steingrobe Bernd , Römer Wilhelm , Claassen Norbert
Published: August 2013

Isotopically exchangeable P (IEP) is usually considered to be completely plant‐available and the major source of P for plant uptake. The aim of the present study is to test whether plants can, besides IEP, also use non‐IEP and if part of the IEP has an equilibrium concentration in soil solution which is below the minimum concentration, CLmin, and can therefore not be taken up by plants. A pot experiment was carried out with maize for two years on two soils, an acid sandy and a neutral loamy soil, either without P fertilizer or fertilized with ten P sources of different solubility. Throughout both years of the study, pots were kept moist either without plants or planted twice with maize (Zea mays L., cv. Athletico). At the end of the experiment, plant P uptake, P concentration in the soil solution (CL), and P accessible to isotopic exchange within 5 d (E5d) were measured. Plant growth decreased the E5d which was about equal to P uptake by maize for most treatments in the acid soil. But for some treatments, i.e., five in the acid and eight in the neutral soil, P uptake was up to 50% larger than the decrease of E5d, indicating that plants had, besides IEP, also used P from non‐IEP sources. At adequate P supply, both soils had an E5d of about 100 mg P (kg soil)–1, but about 30 to 40 mg kg–1 of this IEP had an equilibrium P concentration in the soil solution below CLmin of 0.1 μmol L–1 at which P would actually not be plant‐available. This study shows that plants take up P mainly from IEP, but not the whole IEP is plant‐available. Furthermore, plants may also use P from non‐IEP sources.
Utilization of biochar impregnated with anaerobically digested slurry as slow‐release fertilizer
Authors: Oh Taek‐Keun , Shinogi Yoshiyuki , Lee Seung‐Joo , Choi Bongsu
Published: August 2013

We examined the possibility of an environment‐friendly slow‐release fertilizer (SRF) made of biochar impregnated by anaerobically digested slurry. The biochar materials were produced from three types of feedstocks (orange peel, residual wood, water‐treatment sludge) at different temperatures of 300°C, 500°C, and 700°C via pyrolysis. The release behaviors of the water‐soluble K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ were similar for all impregnated biochars and the commercial SRF used. The water‐retention capacity was greatly improved by mixing the biochar‐SRF with the soil. The yield of lettuce was lower for the biochar‐SRF applications of 3.7 to 34.2 t ha–1 than for the commercial SRF application of 51.4 t ha–1. This might be due to excessive increase of soil pH for the biochar‐SRF application. Based on these results, the authors concluded that the biochar impregnated with nutrients could become an effective slow‐release K+ fertilizer.
Short‐term response of the Ca cycle of a montane forest in Ecuador to low experimental CaCl2 additions
Authors: Wullaert Hans , Bigalke Moritz , Homeier Jürgen , Cumbicus Nixon , Valarezo Carlos , Wilcke Wolfgang
Published: August 2013

The tropical montane forests of the E Andean cordillera in Ecuador receive episodic Sahara‐dust inputs particularly increasing Ca deposition. We added CaCl2 to isolate the effect of Ca deposition by Sahara dust to tropical montane forest from the simultaneously occurring pH effect. We examined components of the Ca cycle at four control plots and four plots with added Ca (2 × 5 kg ha–1 Ca annually as CaCl2) in a random arrangement. Between August 2007 and December 2009 (four applications of Ca), we determined Ca concentrations and fluxes in litter leachate, mineral soil solution (0.15 and 0.30 m depths), throughfall, and fine litterfall and Al concentrations and speciation in soil solutions. After 1 y of Ca addition, we assessed fine‐root biomass, leaf area, and tree growth. Only < 3% of the applied Ca leached below the acid organic layer (pH 3.5–4.8). The added CaCl2 did not change electrical conductivity in the root zone after 2 y. In the second year of fertilization, Ca retention in the canopy of the Ca treatment tended to decrease relative to the control. After 2 y, 21% of the applied Ca was recycled to soil with throughfall and litterfall. One year after the first Ca addition, fine‐root biomass had decreased significantly. Decreasing fine‐root biomass might be attributed to a direct or an indirect beneficial effect of Ca on the soil decomposer community. Because of almost complete association of Al with dissolved organic matter and high free Ca2+ : Al3+ activity ratios in solution of all plots, Al toxicity was unlikely. We conclude that the added Ca was retained in the system and had beneficial effects on some plants.
Needle‐trap device for the sampling and determination of chlorinated volatile compounds
Authors: Dobrzyńska Elżbieta , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: August 2013

A needle‐trap device, with immobilized sorbent inside the syringe, coupled with GC–MS was applied for air sampling and determination of chlorinated volatile organic compounds such as dichloromethane, trichloromethane, and tetrachloromethane. The application of a needle trap packed with combination of three sorbents including Tenax TA, Carbopack X, and Carboxen 1000 resulted in detection limits of few pg for chlorinated volatile compounds and recoveries of 99.2–102.8%. The extraction and desorption parameters were optimized within the study. As a result, the precision determined as RSD was equal to 5.05 and 3.03 and 6.52% for dichloromethane, trichloromethane, and tetrachloromethane, respectively. The storage time for chlorinated compounds up to 48 h and reusability of the needle‐trap device were verified. The obtained results have proved the ability of needle traps to compete with other solventless sampling and sample preparation extraction techniques.
Enrichment of steroid hormones in water with porous and hydrophobic polymer‐based SPE followed by HPLC–UV determination
Authors: Hu Yinfen , Zhang Man , Tong Changlun , Wu Jianmin , Liu Weiping
Published: August 2013

There have been great concerns about the persistence of steroid hormones in surface water. Since the concentrations of these compounds in water samples are usually at a trace level, the efficient enrichment of steroid hormones is vital for further analysis. In this work, a porous and hydrophobic polymer was synthesized and characterized. The composition of solvent used as porogen in the synthetic process was shown to have an effect on the morphology of the polymer, which was successfully used as an SPE sorbent for simultaneously enriching steroid hormones in surface water samples. The recoveries of the steroid hormones on the custom‐made polymer ranged from 93.4 to 106.2%, whereas those on commercialized ENVI‐18, LC‐18, and Oasis HLB ranged from 54.8 to 104.9, 66 to 93.6, and 77.2 to 106%, respectively. Five types of steroid hormones were simultaneously measured using HPLC–UV after they were enriched by the custom‐made sorbent. Based on these findings, the SPE–HPLC method was developed. The LODs of this method for estriol, estradiol, estrone, androstenedione, progesterone were 0.07, 0.43, 0.61, 0.27, and 0.42 μg/L, respectively, while precision and reproducibility RSDs were <6.40 and 7.49%, respectively.
The Strategic Role of Knowledge Auditing and Mapping: An Organisational Case Study
Authors: Burnett Simon , Williams Dorothy , Grinnall Andy
Published: August 2013

This paper presents the results of research, which aimed to evaluate the current position of the knowledge management (KM) capabilities of a multi‐national energy services company, and is based on work originally presented at IFKAD‐KCWS 2012, Matera, Italy, 13–15 June 2012. This was achieved through the development and application of three methodological ‘tools’ designed to facilitate the collation of relevant data upon which the KM strategy would be based. These were the following: a Knowledge Process Audit to develop an understanding of how employees viewed current knowledge‐based practices within the organisation, a Knowledge Inventory and Map to identify and list tacit and explicit knowledge assets within the organisation, and a Knowledge Needs Analysis to determine the types and forms of knowledge assets required or desired by members of staff to perform their roles more effectively.

Although a number of strategic approaches to knowledge management have been posited, there has been a general lack of material describing the development and use of methodologies, which may be used as a basis for KM strategies. This research emphasises the need for and use of a rigorous approach to the collation and application of relevant data on which to develop a suitable strategy.

Practical implications are provided in the form of key findings for the research, including the importance of internal tacit knowledge, consultation of external sources only after internal searches have failed, difficulty of new integration of employees and lack of knowledge sharing at a wider level. Methodological implications for knowledge auditing and mapping are also presented. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Impact of Workforce Management Systems on Productivity and Quality: A Case Study in the Information and Communication Technology Service Industry
Authors: Calabrese Armando , Capece Guendalina , Costa Roberta , Di Pillo Francesca , Paglia Daniela
Published: August 2013

Workforce management (WFM) systems potentially enable the optimisation of the management of the workforce (WF) of a service provider (SP) in order to maximise both service quality and efficiency. Although the extent research literature provides characterizations of the various typologies of WFM systems, the effects of these systems on productivity and quality have not been investigated very extensively.

This paper proposes a classification of WFMs that enables an SP to select the most suitable WFM, on the basis of both SP operating characteristics and SP efficiency objectives. The aim of this classification is to offer guidelines to SPs intending to implement a WFM system for the first time in order to improve productivity and quality. A case study of two departments of an important European telecommunications services company is then presented in order to examine the implications of our research for WF management. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flying qubits and entangled photons
Authors: Unrau Waldemar , Bimberg Dieter
Published: August 2013

Efficient generation of polarized single photons or entangled photon pairs is crucial for the implementation of quantum key distribution (QKD) systems. Self organized semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are capable of emitting on demand one polarized photon or an entangled photon pair upon current injection. Highly efficient single‐photon sources consist of a pin structure inserted into a microcavity where single electrons and holes are funneled into an InAs QD via a submicron AlOx aperture, leading to emission of single polarized photons with record purity of the spectrum and non‐classicality of the photons. A new QD site‐control technique is based on using the surface strain field of an AlOx current aperture below the QD.

GaN/AlN QD based devices are promising to operate at room temperature and reveal a fine‐structure splitting (FSS) depending inversely on the QD size. Large GaN/AlN QDs show disappearance of the FSS. Theory also suggests QDs grown on (111)‐oriented GaAs substrates as source of entangled photon pairs.
Modulation of PPIX synthesis and accumulation in various normal and glioma cell lines by modification of the cellular signaling and temperature
Authors: Fisher Carl J. , Niu Carolyn J. , Lai Benjamin , Chen Yonghong , Kuta Victoria , Lilge Lothar D.
Published: August 2013

Effective therapies for malignant gliomas are still elusive and limited survival improvements are provided only by Temozolomide or fluorescence guided resection. The efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in this indication is limited by the higher sensitivity of normal brain structures compared to glioma necessitating a modulation of its sensitivity. We evaluate the influence of hypothermia and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Erlotinib on cell's ability to synthesize PPIX following the administration of ALA which was not previously investigated. We demonstrate that both hypothermia and Erlotinib are favorable in PPIX selectivity as only glioma cell lines demonstrate an increased PPIX synthesis, whereas the neuronal and astrocytic synthesis is remaining unaffected. The results are encouraging to consider hypothermia and Erlotinib as adjuvant therapies to increase the PDT therapeutic index between GBM and normal intracranial tissues, as well as to improve contrast in fluorescence guided resection. Lasers Surg. Med. 45:460–468, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Silk Fibroin/Gelatin Blend Films Crosslinked with Enzymes for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Taddei Paola , Chiono Valeria , Anghileri Anna , Vozzi Giovanni , Freddi Giuliano , Ciardelli Gianluca
Published: August 2013

Microbial transglutaminase (mTG) and mushroom tyrosinase (MT) are used to crosslink B. mori silk fibroin/gelatin (SF/G) films. Crosslinked and uncrosslinked SF/G films show no phase separation. The thermal behavior and the conformational structure of SF/G films are strongly affected by blending and enzymatic treatment. Formation of high thermally stable crosslinked macromolecular species is observed, suggesting the occurrence of strong intermolecular interactions between the two polymers as confirmed by FT‐Raman spectroscopy. Preliminary in vitro tests show that MT‐crosslinked blends with G amounts ≥40% and mTG‐crosslinked SF/G 60/40 films support C2C12 cardiomyocyte adhesion and proliferation.
Surface Modification of PLLA Nano‐scaffolds with Laminin Multilayer by LbL Assembly for Enhancing Neurite Outgrowth
Authors: He Liumin , Tang Shuo , Prabhakaran Molamma P. , Liao Susan , Tian Lingling , Zhang Yuanming , Xue Wei , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: August 2013

In this study, PLLA nanofibers are fabricated by electrospinning and their surfaces are modified by laminin/chitosan (LN/CS) polyelectrolyte multilayer. Surface C/N ratio determined by XPS analysis quantitatively indicates of discrete coating layers on the nanofibers. The amount of LN deposited sustainably increases with LbL assembly processing, approximately 60 ng mm−2 LN per cycle of LN/CS deposition. The LN‐modified PLLA scaffolds significantly induce neurite outgrowth of DRG neurons and NSC compared to the pure PLLA nanofibrous scaffolds. Furthermore, higher amounts of LN adsorbed assist in promoting cell proliferation than PLLA as‐spun nanofibers. Therefore, a facile and efficient method to modify nano‐scaffolds for the construction of a biomimetic scaffold to promote highly efficient neurite outgrowth is presented.
Sensitivity of the passive films on API‐X100 steel heat‐affected zones (HAZs) towards trace chloride concentrations in bicarbonate solutions at high temperature
Authors: Eliyan F. F. , Alfantazi A.
Published: August 2013

This paper investigates the stability and growth of the passive films on the heat‐affected zones (HAZs), of API‐X100 pipeline steel, in dilute bicarbonate solutions containing 100 and 300 ppm chloride ions at 363 K. The investigations were carried out by electrochemical methods, and the kinetics and corrosion rates were evaluated. The HAZs were simulated by thermal Gleeble cycles of heating up to 1223 K peak temperature, followed by cooling at 10, 30, and 60 K/s. The 30 and 60 K/s HAZs showed evidence of thin, highly sensitive passive films towards the increased chloride concentration, and evidence of increased charge‐transfer resistance over immersion time at the OCP conditions. The corrosion rates of the 30 K/s HAZs, of which acicular ferrite is the main constituent, were the lowest, among other samples, as revealed by the slow 0.05 mV/s potentiodynamic polarization and EIS. The passive films of the 10 K/s HAZ, at the open circuit potentials, were of the highest resistance to deteriorate/facilitate for mass transport.
Thermal stability of silicon‐doped Al2O3 PVD coatings
Authors: Bobzin K. , Bagcivan N. , Müller M. , Ewering M. , Brugnara R. H.
Published: August 2013

Crystalline alumina PVD‐coatings offer high potential for different applications in which high chemical inertness, high hot hardness and high oxidation resistance is important. Especially the metastable γ‐phase is topic of many researches because, in comparison to the stable α‐phase, it can be deposited by means of MSIP (Magnetron Sputter Ion Plating) at relatively low process temperatures below 650°C and it is more fine‐grained than α‐Al2O3. At high temperatures γ‐Al2O3 transforms into α‐Al2O3, which limits the application temperature. But until now it is not clearly understood, up to which temperatures γ‐Al2O3 coatings are stable and which mechanisms influence the stability. In this paper the influence of doping with silicon is investigated. DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) as well as XRD (X‐Ray diffractometry) measurements show that adding 4 at% silicon leads to a high amount of amorphous phase in the as deposited coating and a decrease of hardness from 18 GPa to 10 GPa. Nevertheless, formation of α‐phase is retarded to temperatures above 1200°C while α‐phase is formed at 1100°C for the undoped coating. A transformation via the θ‐phase was detected for the Si‐doped coating, which is not seen for undoped coating.
Surface integrity of laser machined carbide cutting tools within the PVD‐coating process chain
Authors: Breidenstein B. , Gey C. , Denkena B.
Published: August 2013

The final state of PVD‐coated carbide cutting tools is a result of a series of manufacturing steps within a process chain. When laser machining is applied instead of conventional mechanical abrasive processes for the creation of tool micro geometries, an alteration of this process chain takes place. The consequences of laser machining on surface integrity of carbide tools is investigated, as well as the influence of the subsequent process steps up to and including PVD‐coating on the laser machined surface.
Adapted DLC coatings for increasing tapping performance in TiAl6V4
Authors: Klocke F. , Gerschwiler K. , Schiffler M. , Morstein M. , Dessarzin P. , Lung D. , Frank H.
Published: August 2013

This paper reports on a new DLC‐coated high speed steel tool for tapping into TiAl6V4. In analogy tests on a high‐temperature tribometer, a comparative analysis was carried out on coating systems containing carbon, nitrides and oxides with respect to their suitability for tapping into TiAl6V4. This comparative analysis revealed that DLC coatings were characterized by extremely low friction coefficients, low levels of wear and low material adhesion. Cutting tests using high speed steel taps coated with the DLC coating system CROMTIVIc2 confirm the outstanding tribological properties of this coating system. Compared to conventional TiCN‐coated taps, the new DLC‐coated tool expands the current application field to include higher cutting speeds and longer tool life. It therefore provides the opportunity for significantly increasing productivity when tapping into TiAl6V4.
Human DNA Ligases: A Comprehensive New Look for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Singh Deependra Kumar , Krishna Shagun , Chandra Sharat , Shameem Mohammad , Deshmukh Amit Laxmikant , Banerjee Dibyendu
Published: August 2013

Living organisms belonging to all three domains of life, viz., eubacteria, archaeabacteria, and eukaryotes encode one or more DNA ligases. DNA ligases are indispensable in various DNA repair and replication processes and a deficiency or an inhibition of their activity can lead to accumulation of DNA damage and strand breaks. DNA damage, specially strand breaks at unsustainable levels can lead to replication block and/or cell death. DNA ligases as potential anticancer targets have been realized only recently. There is enough rationale to suggest that ligases have a tremendous potential for novel therapeutics including anticancer and antibacterial therapy, specially when the world is facing acute problems of drug resistance and chemotherapy failure, with an immediate need for new therapeutic targets. Here, we review the current state of the art in the development of human ligase inhibitors, their structures, molecular mechanisms, physiological effects, and their potential in future cancer therapy. Citing examples, we focus on strategies for improving the activity and specificity of existing and novel inhibitors by using structure‐based rational approaches. In the end, we describe potential new sites on the ligase I protein that can be targeted for the development of novel inhibitors. This is the first comprehensive review to compile all known human ligase inhibitors and to provide a rationale for the further development of ligase inhibitors for cancer therapy.
The CDC Hemophilia B mutation project mutation list: a new online resource
Authors: Li Tengguo , Miller Connie H. , Payne Amanda B. , Craig Hooper W.
Published: August 2013

Hemophilia B (HB) is caused by mutations in the human gene F9. The mutation type plays a pivotal role in genetic counseling and prediction of inhibitor development. To help the HB community understand the molecular etiology of HB, we have developed a listing of all F9 mutations that are reported to cause HB based on the literature and existing databases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hemophilia B Mutation Project (CHBMP) mutation list is compiled in an easily accessible format of Microsoft Excel and contains 1083 unique mutations that are reported to cause HB. Each mutation is identified using Human Genome Variation Society (HGVS) nomenclature standards. The mutation types and the predicted changes in amino acids, if applicable, are also provided. Related information including the location of mutation, severity of HB, the presence of inhibitor, and original publication reference are listed as well. Therefore, our mutation list provides an easily accessible resource for genetic counselors and HB researchers to predict inhibitors. The CHBMP mutation list is freely accessible at http://www.cdc.gov/hemophiliamutations.
The structure of the Montgomery–Åsberg depression rating scale over the course of treatment for depression
Authors: Quilty Lena C. , Robinson Jennifer J. , Rolland Jean‐Pierre , Fruyt Filip De , Rouillon Frédéric , Bagby R. Michael
Published: August 2013

The Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) is a widely used clinician‐rated measure of depressive severity. Empirical support for the factor structure of the MADRS is mixed; further, the comparison of MADRS scores within and between patients requires the demonstration of consistent instrument properties. The objective of the current investigation was to evaluate MADRS factor structure as well as MADRS factorial invariance across time and gender. The MADRS was administered to 821 depressed outpatients participating in a large‐scale effectiveness study of combined pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy for depression. Treatment outcome did not differ across treatment groups. Factor structure and invariance was evaluated via confirmatory factor analysis. A four‐factor model consisting of Sadness, Negative Thoughts, Detachment and Neurovegetative symptoms demonstrated a good fit to the data. This four‐factor structure was invariant across time and gender. A hierarchical model, in which these four factors served as indicators of a general depression factor, was also supported. A limitation of the current study is the lack of comprehensive characterization of patient clinical features; results need to be replicated in more severely depressed or treatment refractory patients. Overall, evidence supported the use of the MADRS total score as well as subscales focused on affective, cognitive, social and somatic aspects of depression in male and female outpatients. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wingless/Wnt signaling in Drosophila: The pattern and the pathway
Authors: Bejsovec Amy
Published: August 2013

Wnt signaling generates pattern in all animal embryos, from flies and worms to humans, and promotes the undifferentiated, proliferative state critical for stem cells in adult tissues. Inappropriate Wnt pathway activation is the major cause of colorectal cancers, a leading cause of cancer death in humans. Although this pathway has been studied extensively for years, large gaps remain in our understanding of how it switches on and off, and how its activation changes cellular behaviors. Much of what is known about the pathway comes from genetic studies in Drosophila, where a single Wnt molecule, encoded by wingless (wg), directs an array of cell‐fate decisions similar to those made by the combined activities of all 19 Wnt family members in vertebrates. Although Wg specifies fate in many tissues, including the brain, limbs, and major organs, the fly embryonic epidermis has proven to be a very powerful system for dissecting pathway activity. It is a simple, accessible tissue, with a pattern that is highly sensitive to small changes in Wg pathway activity. This review discusses what we have learned about Wnt signaling from studying mutations that disrupt epidermal pattern in the fly embryo, highlights recent advances and controversies in the field, and sets these issues in the context of questions that remain about how this essential signaling pathway functions. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80: 882–894, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Post‐hatching development of in vitro bovine embryos from day 7 to 14 in vivo versus in vitro
Authors: Machado G.M. , Ferreira A.R. , Pivato I. , Fidelis A. , Spricigo J.F. , Paulini F. , Lucci C.M. , Franco M.M. , Dode M.A.
Published: August 2013

This study evaluates the post‐hatching development of in vitro‐produced (IVP) embryos until Day 14. On Day 7, IVP embryos were either transferred to recipient uteruses or placed in a post‐hatching development (PHD) system. As a control group, in vivo‐produced (IVV), Day‐7 embryos were also transferred to recipient uteruses. All groups were collected on Day 14 and were morphologically evaluated. Day‐7 and Day‐14 IVV and IVP embryos were used for quantification of eight genes (PLAC8, CD9, SLC2A1, SLC2A3, KRT8, SOD2, HSP1A1, and IFNT2) by reverse transcriptase qPCR. Day‐14 embryos from the PHD system were smaller (2.92 ± 0.45 mm) and had a lower embryonic disk diameter (0.14 ± 0.00 mm) than those produced by IVV (24.18 ± 3.71; 0.29 ± 0.03 mm, respectively) or IVP (19.06 ± 2.43; 0.28 ± 0.01 mm) culture and transferred to the uterus (P > 0.05). Day‐7 IVP embryos had a higher expression of the HSP1A1, SCL2A1, and SCL2A3 genes than IVV embryos. When these embryos were cultured in the uterus, no differences in gene expression were observed on Day 14. Conversely, Day‐14 IVP embryos cultured in the PHD system showed a higher expression of PLAC8, SOD2, and SLC2A3 genes. It is concluded that Day‐7 IVP embryos are different from IVV embryos in regards to gene expression, although exposure to the uterine environment during the elongation period allowed the IVP embryos to overcome this difference. In contrast, IVP embryos cultured in the PHD system were morphologically and molecularly different, being of poorer quality than those cultured in the uterus. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80: 936–947, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(ethylene glycol)‐based thermo‐responsive polyurethane hydrogels for controlled drug release
Authors: París Rodrigo , Marcos‐Fernández Ángel , Quijada‐Garrido Isabel
Published: August 2013

The thermo‐responsiveness, swelling and mechanical properties of a series of novel poly(ester‐ether urethane) hydrogels have been investigated. These thermo‐sensitive hydrogels were obtained by combining hydrophobic biodegradable poly(ε‐caprolactone) diols and hydrophilic two‐, three‐ and four‐arm hydroxyl terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) of various molecular weights, using hexamethylene diisocyanate, dichloroethane as solvent and a tin‐based catalyst. The use of multifunctional PEGs leads to the formation of covalent crosslinking points allowing an additional control of the swelling capability. Thus, it was found that tuning the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance and the crosslinking degree by changing the composition, the swelling and the thermo‐responsive behavior of these hydrogels could be modulated. The obtained hydrogels showed a volume transition at around room temperature. Therefore, and taking into account their biocompatibility, these hydrogels show promising properties for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery. Thus, the loading and release of diltiazem hydrochloride, an antihypertensive drug used as model, were investigated. These new PEG polyurethane hydrogels were able to incorporate a high amount of drug providing a sustained release after an initial burst effect. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of musculoskeletal complaints and gliptin use: review of spontaneous reports
Authors: Tarapués Mónica , Cereza Gloria , Figueras Albert
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Gliptins are new oral antidiabetic drugs that increase insulin levels through dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibition. Recently, the association of serious musculoskeletal (MSk) adverse effects with the gliptin use has been suggested. The aim is to describe and analyze the characteristics of spontaneous reports related to these adverse effects and gliptin use.

Methods

All spontaneous reports with MSk disorders associated with gliptins gathered in the Spanish pharmacovigilance database until May 2012 were described and analyzed using a case/non‐case method.

Results

Gliptins were reported as the suspected drug in 332 cases: 208 involved sitagliptin, 115 vildagliptin, and nine saxagliptin. In 34 patients (10.2% of total reports with gliptins), MSk reactions were described (22 women [64.7%] and 12 men [35.3%]). Their mean age was 65.1 years; 41.2% were younger than 65 years. Only seven cases were serious, but the gliptin had to be withdrawn in 22 patients because of intolerance and/or persistence of MSk discomfort, and patients recovered after its discontinuation. A positive re‐challenge was observed in two cases. In seven cases, the patients were on previous chronic treatment with statins, and began to present MSk complaints shortly after starting a gliptin. The reporting odds ratio (ROR) for myalgia and arthralgia were strongly associated with gliptin use (ROR 1.96 [95% CI 1.12–3.43], p < 0.05 and ROR 2.69 [95% CI 1.38–5.24], p < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions

Musculoskeletal disorders are adverse reactions strongly associated with gliptins that, despite not being serious, may impair the treatment adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes. Future observational studies could confirm these findings. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyethylene glycol as an epoxy modifier with extremely high toughening effect: Formation of nanoblend morphology
Authors: Zavareh Siamak , Samandari Golnaz
Published: August 2013

The brittle nature of epoxy polymers is one of their main drawbacks, preventing their widespread applications. In this research article, a new modifier with an extremely toughening effect on brittle epoxy was developed. It was found that introducing low‐molecular‐weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the low amounts (up to 10%) into epoxy matrix considerably improves the impact and fracture properties of epoxy thermosetting polymer without attenuating its tensile properties. Epoxy/PEG hybrid containing 10% PEG exhibited an impact strength of 56.3 kJ/m2 which is 5.7 times greater than that of pristine epoxy. The fracture strength of 7.7 MPa m1/2 with 540% increase compared to pure epoxy was also observed for the hybrid material. Morphological, chemical, and thermal properties of epoxy/PEG hybrid were studied using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and differential thermal analysis, respectively, to find out the basic reasons behind such a considerable improvement. A new morphology, consisting uniformly dispersed PEG nanoparticles in the epoxy matrix, was observed for the modified hybrid. This unique morphology for epoxy/PEG was named as nanoblend. The results showed that the formation of nanoblend morphology with strong interaction between epoxy and PEG in the blend structure is responsible for epoxy toughness. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1833–1838, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of inspiratory muscle training on lung volumes, respiratory muscle strength, and quality of life in patients with ataxia telangiectasia
Authors: Félix Erika , Gimenes Ana Cristina , Costa‐Carvalho Beatriz Tavares
Published: August 2013

Background

Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) is a genetic syndrome caused by a mutation of chromosome 11. The clinical features are cerebellar ataxia, telangiectasia, and progressive loss of muscular coordination, including an inefficient cough secondary to progression of neurological disease.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on ventilation, lung volume, dyspnoea, respiratory muscle strength, and quality of life in patients with AT.

Methods

A longitudinal study was conducted with 11 AT patients and nine healthy volunteers. Ventilometry, subjective sensation of dyspnoea, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and quality of life were assessed before and after a 24‐week IMT program. The IMT load used was set at 60% of the MIP, and the training was performed for 20 min daily.

Results

Patients with AT had lower height and weight and also had lower respiratory muscle strength and lung volume compared with healthy volunteers. Furthermore, patients with AT showed a significant improvement when pre‐ and post‐IMT were compared for ventilatory pattern: Vt (476.5 ± 135 ml vs. 583.3 ± 66 ml, P = 0.015) and f (23.3 ± 6 rpm vs. 20.4 ± 4 rpm, P = 0.018), and VC (1,664 ± 463 ml/kg vs. 2,145 ± 750 ml/kg, P = 0.002). IMT also significantly improved the sensation of dyspnoea (median 0.5; minimum 0; maximum 1.0; P = 0.022) and respiratory muscle strength: MIP (−22.2 ± 2 cmH2O vs. −38 ± 9 cmH2O, P < 0.001) and MEP (29 ± 7 cmH2O vs. 40 ± 8 cmH2O, P = 0.001). The health and vitality domains of the SF‐36 also showed significant improvement (P = 0.009 and P = 0.014, respectively) post‐IMT.

Conclusion

IMT was effective in improving ventilatory pattern, lung volume, respiratory muscle strength, and the health and vitality domains for quality of life in patients with AT. IMT may be an effective adjunct therapy to drug treatment for patients with AT. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:238–244. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.