bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes in non‐metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Smith J. Joshua , Weiser Martin R.
Published: June 2014

The measurement of outcomes in non‐metastatic colon and rectal cancer patients is a multi‐dimensional endeavor involving prediction tools, standard of care, and best treatment guidelines. Socioeconomic, demographic, and racial impacts on outcome must be carefully considered. Consideration must also be given to measures of cost, quality, and healthcare delivery in response to initiatives meant to optimize patient health while maintaining quality of life. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:518–526. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of organophosphorus pesticides by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry using a large‐volume injection technique after magnetic extraction
Authors: Nedaei Maryam , Salehpour Ali‐Reza , Mozaffari Shahla , Yousefi Seyedeh Mahboobeh , Yousefi Seyed Reza
Published: June 2014

A fast and efficient method was developed for the extraction and determination of organophosphorus pesticides in water samples. Organophosphorus pesticides were extracted by solid‐phase extraction using magnetic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and determined by gas chromatography with ion‐trap mass spectrometry. Parameters affecting the extraction were investigated. Under optimum conditions of the method, 10 mg magnetic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes were added into 10 mL sample. After 2 min, adsorbent particles settled at the bottom of test tube with a magnet. After removing aqueous supernatant, the analytes were desorbed with acetonitrile. Then, 70 μL of acetonitrile phase was injected into the gas chromatography and mass spectrometry system that had an ion‐trap analyzer. To achieve high sensitivity, the large‐volume‐injection technique was used with a programmed temperature vaporization inlet, and the ion‐trap mass spectrometer was operated in single ion storage mode. Under the best conditions, the enrichment factors and extraction recoveries were in the range of 113–124 and 74–103%, respectively. The limits of detection were between 3 and 15 ng/L, and the relative standard deviations were < 10%. This method was successfully used for the determination of organophosphorus pesticides in dam water, lagoon water, and river water samples with good reproducibility and recovery.
Novel modified carbon nanotubes as a selective sorbent for preconcentration and determination of trace copper ions in fruit samples
Authors: Rezvani Mehdi , Ebrahimzadeh Homeira , Aliakbari Azam , Khalilzadeh Azita , Kasaeian Mansoure , Amini Mostafa M.
Published: June 2014

In this work, multiwalled carbon nanotubes were reacted with N‐[3‐(triet‐hoxysilyl)propyl]isonicotinamide to prepare pyridine‐functionalized carbon nanotubes. This novel sorbent was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, thermal and elemental analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Functionalized carbon nanotubes were applied for the preconcentration and determination of copper ions using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Various parameters such as sample pH, flow rate, eluent type and concentration, and its volume were optimized. Under optimal experimental conditions, the limit of detection, the relative standard deviation, and the recovery of the method were 0.65 ng/mL, 3.2% and 99.4%, respectively. After validating the method using standard reference materials, the new sorbent was applied for the extraction and determination of trace copper(II) ions in fruit samples.
Intracavity phase interferometry: frequency combs sensor inside a laser cavity
Authors: Arissian Ladan , Diels Jean‐Claude
Published: June 2014

In traditional interferometric measurements, a physical quantity that changes the phase of a resonator is monitored through a change of its transmission. Interferometry inside a laser exploits the ultimate Q‐factor of that resonator, and converts the phase to be measured into a frequency. A mode‐locked laser with two intracavity pulses emits two frequency combs of the same repetition rate. The quantity to be measured (a sub‐nano displacement, a nonlinear index, an acceleration or rotation, a magnetic or electric field) produces a minute phase change ( rad) in one of the two intracavity pulses, which is converted into a frequency, measured by beating the two pulse trains emitted by the laser. This paper presents methods of operating mode‐locked lasers in which two independent pulses circulate, producing two frequency combs of the same repetition rate. Various examples of physical quantities that can be measured through this technique are presented.
Sequence‐Regulated Linear Polymers with Ion‐Sensing Charge‐Transfer Chromophores by the Multiple Click Approach
Authors: Washino Yusuke , Michinobu Tsuyoshi
Published: June 2014

The multiple click approach is applied to the synthesis of sequence‐regulated linear polymers. The combination and reaction order of the click chemistry reactions are comprehensively investigated with particular focus on the emerging click chemistry reaction of alkyne–acceptor additions. When the copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) is combined, no noticeable side reactions occur in both click chemistry reactions. In contrast, alkyne–acceptor addition does not selectively occur in the presence of anthracene units, which are the functional groups for the Diels–Alder cycloaddition. Accordingly, the reaction orders are carefully considered, and double click protocols for achieving high molecular weight and sequence‐regulated linear polymers are successfully established. Since the resulting polymers possess donor–acceptor chromophores formed through the alkyne–acceptor addition, they show a colorimetric chemosensor behavior towards the Ag+ ion.

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Well‐posedness and approximation of solutions of linear divergence‐form elliptic problems on exterior regions
Authors: Auchmuty Giles , Han Qi
Published: June 2014

This paper describes well‐posedness, spectral representations, and approximations of solutions of uniformly elliptic, second‐order, divergence form elliptic boundary value problems on exterior regions U in when N ≥ 3. Inhomogeneous Dirichlet, Neumann, and Robin boundary conditions are treated. These problems are first shown to be well‐posed in the space E1(U) of finite‐energy functions on U using variational methods. Spectral representations of these solutions involving Steklov eigenfunctions and solutions subject to zero Dirichlet boundary conditions are described. Some approximation results for the A‐harmonic components are obtained. Positivity and comparison results for these solutions are given. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal boundary control of hyperbolic equations with pointwise state and mixed control‐state constraints
Authors: Gao Peng
Published: June 2014

This paper is devoted to deal with optimal control problems of semilinear hyperbolic equations with pointwise state constraints and mixed control‐state constraints. We obtain necessary optimality conditions in the form of a Pontryagin's minimum principle. Our approach is based on modern methods of variational analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Keller‐Blank solution to the scattering problem of pulses by wedges
Authors: Merzon A. E. , Komech A. I. , De la Paz Mendez J. E. , Villalba Vega T. J.
Published: June 2014

We prove that the solution of the scattering problem of pulses constructed by Keller and Blank in 1951 coincides with the solution obtained by the method of complex characteristics. The method was developed by Komech and Merzon in 2006‐2007. Its main advantage is that it provides the existence and uniqueness of solutions in suitable functional classes, and the limiting amplitude principle. On the other hand, the uniqueness in the Keller‐Blank approach was not studied before. Our result means that the Keller‐Blank solution belongs to our functional classes. We prove the coincidence for DD and NN‐boundary conditions. Moreover, we obtain the solution for the DN‐case. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual polarized microstrip patch antennas for ultra‐wideband applications
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Masa‐Campos Jose Luis
Published: June 2014

This article presents a novel design of dual polarized microstrip patch antennas for ultra‐wideband (UWB) applications. Two antennas are designed for different frequency band of UWB. Both antennas are loaded together and the combined antenna is designed for the entire UWB. The designed antenna is optimized using CST Microwave Studio simulator. The antennas are fed by a 50‐Ω coaxial probe. Both antennas are fabricated and measurement of return loss and radiation pattern is performed. The VSWR 2:1 bandwidth of individual designed Antenna I and Antenna II is 3.1–5.2 GHz and 4.9–11.5 GHz, respectively. The comparison between simulated results and measured results shows good agreement. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2174–2179, 2014
Comparative analysis of the electrical properties of a low noise oscillator embedded in a symmetrical square open‐loop with loaded stub resonator
Authors: Cho Sung‐Jin , Kim Nam‐Young
Published: June 2014

The design of two types of miniaturized microstrip stub‐loaded square open‐loop resonators with asymmetrical feeder lines and their implementation into a microwave oscillator are presented in this article. The adopted resonator is based on a combination of electric and magnetic couplings in the central open gaps of the square loop resonators. The combined couplings generate an electromagnetic (EM) flux between the two square open‐loop resonators. The maximum coupling can be obtained by adjusting the open‐loop gap (the spacing between the two open‐loop resonators) and the orientation of the loaded‐stubs or T‐stubs inside the loop resonators. The asymmetrical port terminals also help couple EM energy by maintaining 50‐Ω impedance matching with the input/output devices. The improved high Q‐factor characteristics and the higher transmission zero result in high oscillator power and low phase noise characteristics. The square open‐loop with a loaded T‐stub resonator performance results are shown in a return loss of −24.8 dB, an insertion loss of −1.6 dB and a quality factor of 163 at 5.9 GHz C‐band application. In addition, careful design of the resonator resulted in an optimized oscillator. An oscillator with the proposed resonator shows good phase noise performance of −104.62 dBc/Hz at a 100 kHz offset from the carrier frequency of 6.2 GHz with an output power of 14.68 dBm. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2132–2136, 2014
A X/Ku dual‐band reflectarray design with cosecant squared shaped beam
Authors: Pan Yu , Zhang Yan (Rockee) , Yu Xining
Published: June 2014

A X/Ku dual‐band center‐fed microstrip reflectarray antenna with cosecant squared shaped beams has been developed. The circular reflectarray has a radius of 0.3 m and a flat aperture that emulates a cylindrical reflector antenna. The reflectarray is designed for two frequency bands: 10 GHz (X band) and 15 GHz (Ku band). Cross‐dipole elements and double‐ring elements are uniquely applied on a dual‐layer structure to achieve the desirable dual‐band operations. As the two operation frequency bands are close to each other, the coupling effects of the dual‐band reflectarray elements are investigated, and the unit cell design is optimized in simulations to suppress the interband interference. A phase‐only synthesis technique for cosecant squared patterns is also discussed and realized. For demonstration purpose, prototype antenna is fabricated and measured and the measured results are compared with the simulation results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2028–2034, 2014
An elliptically planar UWB monopole antenna with step slots defective ground structure
Authors: Hanapi Kausar M. , Abdul Rahim Sharul K. , Saad B.M. , Abdul Rani Mohd Subri , Abd Aziz Mohamad Zoinol
Published: June 2014

A novel ultrawideband (UWB) planar monopole antenna with step slots defective ground structure is presented in this article. The proposed microstrip‐based antenna is comprises of an elliptical shape radiating patch with 50‐Ω feed line. Eleven step slots have been used to implement defected ground plane which resulted to tremendous bandwidth increment. The proposed antenna is fabricated on an inexpensive FR4 substrate with overall dimension of 32.4 × 25.2 mm2. From the measured result, the proposed antenna covers 3.125–10.625 GHz, which is the UWB frequency range. Hence, the proposed antenna is suitable for UWB applications such as autonomous robot communication for disaster recovery, infostation systems communication, e‐ward round, and medical imaging communications. Moreover, the antenna is compact in size, low cost, easy to fabricate with nearly omnidirectional radiation pattern. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2084–2088, 2014
Suppression of cross‐polarization and mutual coupling between dual trace dual column coaxial microstrip array using dumbbell‐shaped resonator
Authors: Ghosh Chandan Kumar , Hazra R. , Biswas A. , Bhattachrjee A.K. , Parui S.K.
Published: June 2014

A compact two‐channel dual trace dual column (DTDC) printed microstrip antenna array integrated with dumbbell‐shaped resonator (DSR) is presented. The DSR has been integrated with DTDC array for the reduction of mutual coupling and suppression of cross‐polarization (XP) level at 5.2 GHz. In this work, an omnidirectional microstrip antenna array (OMAA) is designed with five elements and then two numbers of similar arrays have been used for multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) application. A DSR placed in between two OMAA separated by 0.54λ suppressed 12 dB mutual coupling and 7.5 dB XP level. The mutual coupling has been studied by placing DSR on the upper trace first and then in the lower trace. The mutual coupling of 11 dB is reduced when DSR is placed on the upper trace and 12 dB when it is in the lower trace of the array structure. The DTDC antenna structure exhibits maximum XP suppression when DSR in the lower trace. The antenna with compact structure based on the design has a peak gain of 12.84 dBi and band width of 250 MHz. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2182–2186, 2014
Rectangular quasi‐self‐complementary antenna for wlan applications
Authors: Lin Chun‐Cheng , Huang Chih‐Yu , Chen Guan‐Han , Chiu Chung‐Hsiu
Published: June 2014

In this study, a rectangular quasi‐self‐complementary antenna for wireless local area network (WLAN) applications is presented. The antenna is composed of a rectangular radiating patch fed by a 50‐Ω microstrip line, its complementary structure, and a rectangular parasitic element. With appropriately modifying the dimensions of the antenna, a conventional wideband self‐complementary antenna can be redesigned into a novel dual‐band antenna. This feature makes the proposed antenna exhibit two impedance bandwidths of 100 MHz (about 4.1% at 2.45 GHz) and 2690 MHz (about 48.9% at 5.5 GHz), respectively. The measured results also indicate a good dipole‐like radiating performance and respectable peak gain values of the proposed antenna. Details of the antenna design process and the experimental results are discussed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2179–2182, 2014
A 26–47.9 GHz ultrawideband CMOS dual injection‐locked frequency divider
Authors: Liu Faen , Wang Zhigong , Li Zhiqun , Li Qin , Yang Geliang
Published: June 2014

A 26–47.9 GHz ultrawideband CMOS dual injection‐locked frequency divider (dual‐ILFD) with high input impedance is demonstrated. As the differential input signal is injected into the gate of the PMOS tail transistor and NMOS switch transistor, the proposed divider has high input impedance and can be driven easily by the preceding driving circuits. Meanwhile, the locking range of the proposed divider is extended significantly by fully utilizing the dual‐injection technique. The proposed dual‐ILFD is fabricated in a standard 90‐nm CMOS process and on‐wafer measurements are performed. The measurements show that the free‐running frequency of the divider is 19.11 GHz. At an incident power of 0 dBm, a total locking range from 26 to 47.9 GHz is achieved. The power consumption is 2.88 mW at a supply voltage of 1.2 V. The total chip size is 0.62 × 0.42 mm2. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2126–2129, 2014
A transistor array bank (TR bank) for a digitally controlled spin torque oscillator
Authors: Oh Inn‐Yeal , Park Seung‐Young , Park Chul‐Soon
Published: June 2014

A transistor array (TR) bank devised for operating a spin torque oscillator as the DCSO is first proposed. The TR bank supplies a minimum of 86% current per step of the targeted value at any condition and covers the 2.85‐GHz band fully with a 1 nA at the minimum code word step. Having driving capability up to 2.5 mA, the TR bank is operated from 0.6 to 1.4 mA at 1.7VDD. The spintronics oscillator size is as small as 0.014 µm2, excluding the TR bank of 0.23 mm2. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1991–1994, 2014
Generation of ultrawideband picosecond impulses with fast fall‐time
Authors: Nguyen Trang D. , Morimoto Akihiro
Published: June 2014

A method to generate ultrawideband picosecond impulses with fast fall‐time is presented. This impulse generator is based on a broadband bipolar transistor and a nonlinear transmission line comb generator. The transistor works in fast switch‐on mode and emits impulses with steep leading edges, which are further compressed by the comb generator. The experimental short impulses of 725 ps duration and 180 ps fall‐time were generated with output harmonic up to 10 GHz. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2165–2167, 2014
A compact transmission line with dual‐band filter characteristics using a CRLH metamaterial
Authors: Wang Yang , Yoon Ki‐Cheol , Lee Jong‐Chul
Published: June 2014

In this article, a size‐reduced dual band‐pass transmission line (TL) with a composite right/left handed (CRLH) shunt‐stub is presented. It uses a T‐shaped quarter‐wavelength TL, which shows dual band‐pass characteristics, when the electrical length is +nλ/4 or −nλ/4, where n is odd integer. These wavelengths can be achieved at arbitrary frequencies by the CRLH‐TL with the property of a nonlinear β versus ω. The phase delay at the two operating frequencies can be adjusted by designing the series TL part, identical to the case of a conventional TL. The performance of this TL is demonstrated in both simulations and measurements, which show good agreement, exhibiting insertion losses of 0.32 and 0.98 dB at the two operating frequencies, respectively. Also, the phase response difference was determined to be 180° at these frequencies. The size of the proposed TL is 16 × 19 mm2. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2150–2153, 2014
In vivo proton T1 relaxation times of mouse myocardial metabolites at 9.4 T
Authors: Bakermans Adrianus J. , Abdurrachim Desiree , Geraedts Tom R. , Houten Sander M. , Nicolay Klaas , Prompers Jeanine J.
Published: June 2014

Purpose

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) for quantitative in vivo assessment of mouse myocardial metabolism requires accurate acquisition timing to minimize motion artifacts and corrections for T1‐dependent partial saturation effects. In this study, mouse myocardial water and metabolite T1 relaxation time constants were quantified.

Methods

Cardiac‐triggered and respiratory‐gated PRESS‐localized 1H‐MRS was employed at 9.4 T to acquire signal from a 4‐µL voxel in the septum of healthy mice (n = 10) while maintaining a steady state of magnetization using dummy scans during respiratory gates. Signal stability was assessed via standard deviations (SD) of zero‐order phases and amplitudes of water spectra. Saturation‐recovery experiments were performed to determine T1 values.

Results

Phase SD did not vary for different repetition times (TR), and was 13.1° ± 4.5°. Maximal amplitude SD was 14.2% ± 5.1% at TR = 500 ms. Myocardial T1 values (mean ± SD) were quantified for water (1.71 ± 0.25 s), taurine (2.18 ± 0.62 s), trimethylamine from choline‐containing compounds and carnitine (1.67 ± 0.25 s), creatine‐methyl (1.34 ± 0.19 s), triglyceride‐methylene (0.60 ± 0.15 s), and triglyceride‐methyl (0.90 ± 0.17 s) protons.

Conclusion

This work provides in vivo quantifications of proton T1 values for mouse myocardial water and metabolites at 9.4 T. Magn Reson Med 73:2069–2074, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A conformal decomposition finite element method for arbitrary discontinuities on moving interfaces
Authors: Kramer Richard M. J. , Noble David R.
Published: June 2014

Interface capturing methods using enriched finite element formulations are well suited for solving multimaterial transport problems that contain weak or strong discontinuities. The conformal decomposition FEM decomposes multimaterial elements of a non‐conforming background mesh into sub‐elements that conform to material interfaces captured using a level set method. As the interface evolves, interfacial nodes move, and background nodes may change material. The present work describes approaches for handling moving interfaces in the context of the conformal decomposition FEM for both weakly and strongly discontinuous fields. Dynamic discretization methods using extrapolation and moving mesh approaches are considered and developed with first‐order and second‐order time integration methods. The moving mesh approach is demonstrated to be a stable method that preserves both weak and strong discontinuities on a variety of one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional test problems, while achieving the expected second‐order error convergence rate in space and time. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass scaling and stable time step estimates for isogeometric analysis
Authors: Hartmann Stefan , Benson David J.
Published: June 2014

Metal stamping is one of the most cost effective manufacturing methods for producing precision parts. The precision of the parts is a function of the uniformity of the material used for the blank and the design of the dies. During the metal stamping process, the blank undergoes large, inelastic deformations, and once it is removed from the dies, springs back to a shape different from the die. This spring back must be accounted for in the design of the die, and its prediction is a major challenge in computational mechanics. Isogeometric analysis, which uses the same basis functions as the computer‐aided design programs used to design the shape of the part, is an attractive alternative to traditional finite element analysis for metal stamping. Mass scaling, and the underlying stable time step estimates, that are commonly used in metal stamping simulations are presented for isogeometric analysis. Example calculations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of isogeometric analysis in metal stamping. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
White matter integrity in older females is altered by increased body fat
Authors: Ryan Lee , Walther Katrin
Published: June 2014

Objective

To assess whether the pattern of diffusion changes among a cohort of individuals showing BMI‐related increases in white matter volume reflects healthy expansion of myelin or damaged white matter.

Methods

Diffusion MRI measures (axial, radial, and fractional anisotropy) were obtained from 94 females, aged 52‐92. Relationships between BMI and diffusion measures were assessed controlling for age, hypertension, and diabetes status using general linear modeling. Associations between diffusion measures and cognitive status (memory, executive functions, and visuomotor speed) were assessed using multiple regressions, controlling for age, education, hypertension, and diabetes status.

Results

Higher levels of BMI were associated with lower axial diffusion in frontal, temporal, parietal, internal capsule, and cerebellar white matter. Lower fractional anisotropy was observed in bilateral temporal white matter and the right corticospinal tract, with higher radial diffusion in temporal and temporoparietal white matter. Importantly, diffusion measures predicted reductions in executive functioning, memory, and visuomotor speed.

Conclusions

The pattern of diffusion changes in regions of white matter showing BMI‐related volume increases are not due to expansion of normal myelin, but instead suggests damage to white matter that has important consequences for cognitive functioning.
Meta‐ and cost‐effectiveness analysis of commercial weight loss strategies
Authors: Finkelstein Eric A. , Kruger Eliza
Published: June 2014

Objective

To estimate the incremental cost‐effectiveness of clinically proven nonsurgical commercial weight loss strategies for those with BMIs between 25 and 40.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review to identify randomized controlled trials of commercially available weight loss studies of at least 1 year in duration. Using the results of these trials and publicly available cost data, we quantified the incremental cost per kilogram of weight loss and per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained. We then use probabilistic sensitivity analyses to quantify uncertainty in our results.

Results

Based on the literature review, two lifestyle programs (Weight Watchers and Vtrim), one meal replacement program (Jenny Craig), and three pharmaceutical products (Qsymia, Lorcaserin, and Orlistat) were included in the analysis. Average cost per kilogram of weight lost ranged from $155 (95% CI: $110‐$218) for Weight Watchers to $546 (95% CI: $390‐$736) for Orlistat. The incremental cost per QALY gained for Weight Watchers and Qsymia was $34,630 and $54,130, respectively. All other interventions were prohibitively expensive or inferior in that weight loss could be achieved at a lower cost through one or a combination of the other strategies.

Conclusions

Results suggest that, in the absence of other considerations and at current market prices, Weight Watchers and Qsymia represent the two most cost‐effective strategies for nonsurgical weight loss.
Pregnancy outcomes of prenatally diagnosed Turner syndrome: a French multicenter retrospective study including a series of 975 cases
Authors: Gruchy N. , Vialard F. , Blondeel E. , Le Meur N. , Joly‐Hélas G. , Chambon P. , Till M. , Herbaut‐Graux M. , Vigouroux‐Castera A. , Coussement A. , Lespinasse J. , Amblard F. , Jimenez M. , Lebel Roy Camille L. , Carré‐Pigeon F. , Flori E. , Mugneret F. , Jaillard S. , Yardin C. , Harbuz R. , Collonge Rame M. , Vago P. , Valduga M. , Leporrier N.
Published: June 2014

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to report pregnancy outcomes after prenatal diagnosis of Turner syndrome (TS) and to compare and assess termination of pregnancy rates during two periods. The intervals selected were before and after 1997 when multidisciplinary centers for prenatal diagnosis (MCPDs) were established in France.

Methods

A database of 975 cases of TS diagnosed between 1980 and 2012 was created from 21 French cytogenetics laboratories. For each case, the karyotype indication, maternal age, year of prenatal testing, sampling procedure, karyotype, associated ultrasound findings, and outcomes were recorded.

Results

Karyotypes were mainly performed because of abnormal sonographic findings (84%). Before 1997, there were no changes in the rate of termination (90%) of affected fetuses. After 1997, the rate fell to 80%. This decrease was mainly observed in cases of mosaicism, incidental diagnosis, and in later gestations. US abnormalities were more likely to be associated with a full 45,X karyotype.

Conclusion

There was an evolution in the way genetic counseling was performed following prenatal diagnosis of Turner syndrome that coincided with the opening of MCPDs in France. This resulted in a decrease in the rate of termination of affected fetuses. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bio‐polyester–date seed powder composites: Morphology and component migration
Authors: Mittal Vikas , Luckachan Gisha E. , Chernev Boril , Matsko Nadejda B.
Published: June 2014

Biodegradable polyesters poly‐l‐lactide (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) were reinforced with varying amount of date seed powder (DSP) with an aim to utilize the date seed waste as well as to achieve composites with improved properties. The PLA composites exhibited increase in the elastic response over the viscous response as a function of filler fraction, whereas the PBAT composites retained the viscous dominance irrespective of DSP content. The tensile modulus of the PBAT composites had enhancement of more than 300% in the composite with 40% filler content. The PLA composites also enhanced the modulus marginally till 20% filler content, however, it was still significant because of the very high modulus of PLA as compared to PBAT. Thermal analysis also indicated the stability of the composite, thus, confirming the usefulness of DSP as filler for the polymers. The TEM and light microscopy characterization revealed presence of voids in the composites which were present around the filler particles as well as dispersed in the polymer matrix. Such features were confirmed through TGA‐MS to be resulting from the escape of water vapor bound in DSP. The composites with 10% DSP content had lower extent of such voids and the morphology remained relatively unchanged with time. In the composites with 30% DSP content, in the seasoned sample, a soft and sticky phase resulting from the surface migration of date seed oil was also observed. The generation of the soft phase was also a slow process as 24 h were not enough to generate this phase. The migration of the oil to the surface was also confirmed by the IR and X‐ray diffraction studies. After embedding in compost soil, the PLA composite with 40% filler content had nine times more biodegradation after 120 days as compared to pure polymer, whereas it was 11 times for PBAT composite with same filler content. It confirmed that the addition of DSP did not lead to any thermal and mechanical degradation of the bio‐polyesters and resulted in enhanced mechanical and biodegradation behavior along with oil migration. The controlled component migration can lead to potential generation of commercially important self‐lubricating composite materials. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:877–888, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
HERON reactions of anomeric amides: understanding the driving force
Authors: Glover Stephen A. , Rosser Adam A.
Published: June 2014

Calculations show that anomeric amides, amides bearing two electronegative atoms at the amide nitrogen, are unusual in structure and reactivity. They have much reduced amide resonance and also undergo the HERON reaction where anomeric destabilisation results in migration of one substituent from nitrogen to the carbonyl and formation of a resonance‐stabilised nitrene. B3LYP/6‐31G(d) calculations demonstrate how resonance and HERON reactivity are affected by bisalkoxyl substitution and aminoalkoxyl substitution at nitrogen. Because transition state structures for model reactions of N,N‐dimethoxyacetamide and N‐methoxy‐N‐dimethylaminoacetamide demonstrate complete loss of amide resonance, the overall barriers to their HERON reactions can be partitioned into a resonance (RE) and a rearrangement component (Erearr). REs for both amides have been calculated by isodesmic methods (carbonyl substitution nitrogen atom replacement and a calibrated trans amidation method), and the reduction in total electronegativity at the amide nitrogen in N‐methoxy‐N‐dimethylaminoacetamide results in an increase in amide resonance of about 4 kcal mol−1 relative to N,N‐dimethoxyacetamide (RE of 8.6 kcal mol−1). However, there is a large decrease in Erearr by some 20 kcal mol−1 to 10 kcal mol−1. Changes in these energies are rationalised on the basis of an increase in amide nitrogen lone pair energy, which increases resonance, and a higher energy substituent nitrogen lone pair enhancing the nN―σ*NO anomeric effect and the ease of rearrangement. Intramolecular HERON reactions in twisted 1‐aza‐2‐adamantanones, with no amide resonance, support the above variations in the rearrangement components to the activation barriers. On the strength of these findings, hydroxamic esters with only one oxygen at nitrogen will not undergo HERON reactions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epigenomes: The missing heritability in human cardiovascular disease?
Authors: Monte Emma , Vondriska Thomas M.
Published: June 2014

Cardiovascular disease is a tremendous burden on human health and results from malfunction of various networks of biological molecules in the context of environmental stress. Despite strong evidence of heritability, many common forms of heart disease (heart failure in particular) have not yielded to genome‐wide association studies to identify causative mutations acting via the disruption of individual molecules. Increasing evidence suggests, however, that genetic variation in noncoding regions is strongly linked to disease susceptibility. We hypothesize that epigenomic variation may engender different chromatin environments in the absence of (or in parallel with) changes in protein or mRNA sequence and abundance. In this manner, distinct—genetically encoded—chromatin environments can exhibit distinct responses to environmental stresses that cause heart failure, explaining a significant portion of the altered susceptibility that is observed in human disease.
A data‐driven approach to modeling the tripartite structure of multidrug resistance efflux pumps
Authors: Phillips Joshua L. , Gnanakaran S.
Published: June 2014

Many bacterial pathogens are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotic treatments, and a detailed understanding of the molecular basis of antibiotic resistance is critical for the development of next‐generation approaches for combating bacterial infections. Studies focusing on pathogens have revealed the profile of resistance in these organisms to be due primarily to the presence of multidrug resistance efflux pumps: tripartite protein complexes which span the periplasm bridging the inner and outer membranes of Gram‐negative bacteria. An atomic‐level resolution tripartite structure remains imperative to advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of pump function using both theoretical and experimental approaches. We develop a fast and consistent method for constructing tripartite structures which leverages existing data‐driven models and provide molecular modeling approaches for constructing tripartite structures of multidrug resistance efflux pumps. Our modeling studies reveal that conformational changes in the inner membrane component responsible for drug translocation have limited impact on the conformations of the other pump components, and that two distinct models derived from conflicting experimental data are both consistent with all currently available measurements. Additionally, we investigate putative drug translocation pathways via geometric simulations based on the available crystal structures of the inner membrane pump component, AcrB, bound to two drugs which occupy distinct binding sites: doxorubicin and linezolid. These simulations suggest that smaller drugs may enter the pump through a channel from the cytoplasmic leaflet of the inner membrane, while both smaller and larger drug molecules may enter through a vestibule accessible from the periplasm. Proteins 2015; 83:46–65. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of pan‐sharpening to SIMS imaging
Authors: Tarolli Jay , Tian Hua , Winograd Nicholas
Published: June 2014

Higher resolution and increased intensity is always a goal for SIMS imaging experiments. One approach to achieving this goal might be to utilize complementary data sources that could be merged through the process of image fusion. The idea to incorporate the best aspects of two different image acquisition approaches to maximize information content. Here, we examine a subset of image fusion, pan‐sharpening, that is utilized to combine relevant and redundant information from a pair of high resolution and low resolution images to create a hybrid image. To test applicability to SIMS imaging, two different scenarios are considered. First, a copper‐mesh grid SIMS image is fused with a higher resolution SEM image to improve the intensity and contrast between gridlines and background. Secondly, an SIMS image obtained with an Ar4000+ cluster primary ion beam is fused with a higher resolution C60+ image to map specific lipid signals in a 3D depth profile of HeLa cells. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hierarchical nested trial design (HNTD) for demonstrating treatment efficacy of new antibacterial drugs in patient populations with emerging bacterial resistance
Authors: Huque Mohammad F. , Valappil Thamban , Soon Guoxing (Greg)
Published: June 2014

In the last decade or so, pharmaceutical drug development activities in the area of new antibacterial drugs for treating serious bacterial diseases have declined, and at the same time, there are worries that the increased prevalence of antibiotic‐resistant bacterial infections, especially the increase in drug‐resistant Gram‐negative infections, limits available treatment options . A recent CDC report, ‘Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States’, indicates that antimicrobial resistance is one of our most serious health threats. However, recently, new ideas have been proposed to change this situation. An idea proposed in this regard is to conduct randomized clinical trials in which some patients, on the basis of a diagnostic test, may show presence of bacterial pathogens that are resistant to the control treatment, whereas remaining patients would show pathogens that are susceptible to the control. The control treatment in such trials can be the standard of care or the best available therapy approved for the disease. Patients in the control arm with resistant pathogens can have the option for rescue therapies if their clinical signs and symptoms worsen. A statistical proposal for such patient populations is to use a hierarchical noninferiority–superiority nested trial design that is informative and allows for treatment‐to‐control comparisons for the two subpopulations without any statistical penalty. This design can achieve in the same trial dual objectives: (i) to show that the new drug is effective for patients with susceptible pathogens on the basis of a noninferiority test and (ii) to show that it is superior to the control in patients with resistant pathogens. This paper addresses statistical considerations and methods for achieving these two objectives for this design. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Explaining Environmental Investments: A Study of Brazilian Companies
Authors: Minatti Ferreira Denize Demarche , Borba José Alonso , Rover Suliani , Dal‐Ri Murcia Fernando
Published: June 2014

Identifying characteristics of companies that invest to enhance environmental performance
Learning Words for Life
Authors: Gillanders Cristina , Castro Dina C. , Franco Ximena
Published: June 2014

Vocabulary development plays a critical role in young dual language learners’ success in school. As teachers become aware of how they use language in the classroom, systematically teach specific words in a variety of ways, and learn about dual language learners’ level of English acquisition and sociocultural experiences, they can help dual language learners learn new words during storybook reading and everyday conversations. Teachers can take advantage of dual language learners’ knowledge from prior experiences at home and their community as a point of departure for teaching new words. As teachers bridge the gap between the outside world and the classroom, they legitimize the language discourses dual language learners learn outside of school and improve communication with dual language learners.
Developmental programs of lung epithelial progenitors: a balanced progenitor model
Authors: Yang Jun , Chen Jichao
Published: June 2014

The daunting task of lung epithelium development is to transform a cluster of foregut progenitors into a three‐dimensional (3D) tubular network with distinct cell types distributed at their appropriate locations. A complete understanding of lung development needs to address not only how, but also where, different cell types form. We propose that the lung epithelium forms through regulated deployment of three developmental programs: branching morphogenesis to expand progenitors and build a tree‐like tubular network, airway differentiation to specify cells for the proximal conducting airways, and alveolar differentiation to specify cells for the peripheral gas exchange region. Each developmental program has its unique morphological features and molecular control mechanisms; their spatiotemporal coordination can be accounted for in a balanced progenitor model where progenitors balance between alternative developmental programs in response to spatiotemporal cues. This model integrates progenitor morphogenesis and differentiation, and provides new insights to lung immaturity in preterm birth and lung evolution. Advanced gene targeting and 3D imaging tools are needed to achieve a comprehensive understanding of lung epithelial progenitors on molecular, cellular, and morphological levels.

This article is categorized under:

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Cellular Differentiation

Signaling Pathways > Cell Fate Signaling

Vertebrate Organogenesis > From a Tubular Primordium: Branched
Osmotolerant yeast species differ in basic physiological parameters and in tolerance of non‐osmotic stresses
Authors: Bubnová Michala , Zemančíková Jana , Sychrová Hana
Published: June 2014

Osmotolerance is the ability to grow in an environment with a high osmotic pressure. In this study we compared the physiological parameters and tolerance to osmotic and non‐osmotic stresses of three osmotolerant yeast species, Debaryomyces hansenii, Pichia farinosa (sorbitophila) and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, with those of wild‐type Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Although the osmotolerant species did not differ significantly in their basic parameters, such as cell size or growth capacity, they had different abilities to survive anhydrobiosis, potassium limitation or the presence of toxic cationic drugs. When their osmotolerance was compared, the results revealed that some of the species isolated as sugar/polyol‐tolerant (e.g.  P. farinosa) are also highly tolerant to salts and, vice versa, some strains isolated from an environment with high concentration of salt (e.g. Z. rouxii ATCC 42981) tolerate high concentrations of sugars. None of the tested strains and species was osmophilic. Taken together, our results showed that P. farinosa (sorbitophila) is the most robust species when coping with various stresses, while Z. rouxii CBS 732, although osmotolerant in general, is not specifically salt‐tolerant and is quite sensitive to most of the tested stress conditions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vitamin A (retinoid) metabolism and actions: What we know and what we need to know about amphibians
Authors: Clugston Robin D. , Blaner William S.
Published: June 2014

Vitamin A status is an important consideration in the health of both wild and captive amphibians. Data concerning whole body vitamin A homeostasis in amphibians are scarce, although these animals have been used as experimental models to study the actions of vitamin A in vision, limb regeneration and embryogenesis. The available data suggest that many aspects of vitamin A biology in amphibians are similar to the canonical characteristics of vitamin A metabolism and actions established in mammals. This is consistent with the evolutionary conservation of these important biological processes. Amphibians must obtain vitamin A in their diet, with captive animals being prone to vitamin A deficiency. There is still much to be learned about vitamin A biology in amphibians that can only be achieved through rigorous scientific research. Improved understanding of amphibian vitamin A biology will aid the conservation of endangered amphibians in the wild, as well as the successful maintenance of ex situ populations. Zoo Biol. 33:527–535, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Pancreatic Secondary Lesions from Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Moletta Lucia , Milanetto Anna Caterina , Vincenzi Valter , Alaggio Rita , Pedrazzoli Sergio , Pasquali Claudio
Published: June 2014

Background

Metastatic lesions to the pancreas are uncommon. The most frequent metastases are from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We analyzed the clinical features and survival of patients with pancreatic metastasis from renal cell carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients with pancreatic metastases from RCC, observed in our department from January 2004 to March 2010. Follow‐up continued to September 2013.

Results

In the study period 13 patients with a diagnosis of metastasis from RCC were observed in our clinic, and among them 9 pancreatic resections were performed (2 pancreaticoduodenectomy, 1 duodenum‐preserving pancreatic head resection, 1 central pancreatectomy, and 5 distal pancreatectomy). Four patients did not undergo a pancreatic resection: two refused surgery, one had an endoscopic biliary stent for jaundice placed and then underwent a surgical biliary bypass, and the fourth patient was too advanced and had only an endoscopic biliary stent. The mean follow‐up was 56 months (range 5–115, median 53), with one nonresected patient lost in follow‐up after 38 months. Among the other 12 patients, 4 died: two for progression of disease 5 and 20 months respectively after our observation. The mean (±SEM) disease‐free survival of seven resected patients with curative intent was 40 ± 11 months (median 34).

Conclusions

Pancreatic metastases from RCC are often asymptomatic. They generally present slow growth and an indolent behavior. Surgery is the treatment of choice in those patients with only pancreatic involvement, achieving long‐term survival and disease‐free survival.
Plant Remains from the Tharumsa Formation of Ladakh, India
Authors: Mehrotra R. C. , Kumar Madhav , Ghosh Amit K. , Kumar K. , Arya Ritesh
Published: June 2014

Plant remains, including both mega and micro collected from the middle part of the Tharumsa Foramtion (early Miocene) are described for the first time from the Tharumsa village of the Kargil district, Jammu and Kashmir to reconstruct the palaeoenvironment. They indicate their affinities with Broussonetia of the Moraceae and Abies, Cedrus and Pinus of the Pinaceae. Their presence indicates warm and moist tropical to sub-tropical climate in the Kargil area during the depositional period against the cold and dry climate prevailing at present.
Miocene Bryozoa from the Kachchh Offshore Basin, Western India
Authors: Kundal Milind P.
Published: June 2014

The present paper records for the first time the bryozoan fragments from 4 m core of the Godhra Formation (early Miocene) and from 4m core and 5 m core of the Chhasra Formation (early middle Miocene) of the Kachchh Offshore Basin, Western India. The Godhra Formation has presence of three bryozoans, viz., ?Crassimarginatella sp., Thalamoporella sp. and Vincularia sp. while the Chhasra Formation has presence of four bryozoans, namely, ?Margaretta sp., Steginoporella sp., ?Thalamoporella sp. and Vincularia sp.