bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shapes and Internal Dynamics of the 1:1 Adducts of Ammonia with trans and gauche Ethanol: A Rotational Study
Authors: Giuliano Barbara M. , Favero Laura B. , Maris Assimo , Caminati Walther
Published: August 2012

Two 1:1 adducts of ammonia with ethanol have been characterized by using pulsed‐jet FT microwave spectroscopy. They are formed with two different (trans and gauche), stable conformers of ethanol. Several internal‐dynamics effects are reflected in the features of the rotational spectra. The trans complex shows the tunneling effects owing to internal rotation of both ammonia and the methyl group. The rotational transitions of the gauche species exhibit a small splitting that is related to tunneling through the potential‐energy barrier between the two equivalent minima.
HOXB7 promotes invasion and predicts survival in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nguyen Kovochich Anne , Arensman Michael , Lay Anna R. , Rao Nagesh P. , Donahue Timothy , Li Xinmin , French Samuel W. , Dawson David W.
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND:

The homeobox gene HOXB7 is overexpressed across a range of cancers and promotes tumorigenesis through varying effects on proliferation, survival, invasion, and angiogenesis. Although published microarray data suggest HOXB7 is overexpressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), its function in pancreatic cancer has not been studied.

METHODS:

HOXB7 message and protein levels were examined in PDAC cell lines and patient samples, as well as in normal pancreas. HOXB7 protein expression in patient tumors was determined by immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathologic factors and survival. The impact of HOXB7 on cell proliferation, growth, and invasion was assessed by knockdown and overexpression in PDAC cell lines. Candidate genes whose expression levels were altered following HOXB7 knockdown were determined by microarray analysis.

RESULTS:

HOXB7 message and protein levels were significantly elevated in PDAC cell lines and patient tumor samples relative to normal pancreas. Evaluation of a tissue microarray of 145 resected PDACs found high HOXB7 protein expression was correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = .034) and an independent predictor of worse overall survival in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio = 1.56, 95% confidence interval = 1.02‐2.39). HOXB7 knockdown or overexpression in PDAC cell lines resulted in decreased or increased invasion, respectively, without influencing proliferation or cell viability.

CONCLUSIONS:

HOXB7 is frequently overexpressed in PDAC, specifically promotes invasive phenotype, and is associated with lymph node metastasis and worse survival outcome. HOXB7 and its downstream targets may represent novel clinical biomarkers or targets of therapy for inhibiting the invasive and metastatic capacity of PDAC. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
A phase 2 clinical trial of sequential neoadjuvant chemotherapy with ifosfamide, doxorubicin, and gemcitabine followed by cisplatin, gemcitabine, and ifosfamide in locally advanced urothelial cancer
Authors: Siefker‐Radtke Arlene O. , Dinney Colin P. , Shen Yu , Williams Dallas L. , Kamat Ashish M. , Grossman H. Barton , Millikan Randall E.
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND:

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves the survival of patients with high‐risk urothelial cancer. However, the lack of curative alternatives to cisplatin‐based chemotherapy is limiting for patients with neuropathy or hearing loss. Sequential chemotherapy also has not been well studied in the neoadjuvant setting. The authors explored sequential neoadjuvant ifosfamide‐based chemotherapy in a patient cohort at high risk of noncurative cystectomy.

METHODS:

Patients with muscle‐invasive cancer and lymphovascular invasion, hydronephrosis, clinical T3b and T4a (cT3b‐4a) disease (defined as a 3‐dimensional mass on examination under anesthetic or invasion into local organs), micropapillary tumors, or upper tract disease received 3 cycles of combined ifosfamide, doxorubicin, and gemcitabine followed by 4 cycles of combined cisplatin, gemcitabine, and ifosfamide. The primary endpoint was downstaging to pT1N0M0 disease or lower.

RESULTS:

At a median follow‐up of 85.3 months, the 5‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) rates for all 65 patients were 63% and 68%, respectively (95% confidence interval: 5‐year OS rate, 0.52%‐0.76%; 5‐year DSS rate, 0.58%‐0.81%). Pathologic downstaging to pT1N0 disease or lower occurred in 50% of patients who underwent cystectomy and in 60% of patients who underwent nephroureterectomy and was correlated with the 5‐year OS rate (pT1N0 disease or lower, 87%; pT2‐pT3aN0 disease, 67%; and pT3b disease or higher or lymph node‐negative disease, 27%; P ≤ .001 for pT1 or lower vs pT2 or higher). Variant histology was associated with an inferior 5‐year DSS rate (50% vs 83% in pure transitional cell carcinoma; P = .02). The most frequent grade 3 toxicities were infection (38%), febrile neutropenia (22%), and mucositis (18%). There were 3 grade 4 toxicities (myocardial infarction, thrombocytopenia, and vomiting) and 1 grade 5 toxicity in a patient who refused antibiotics for pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS:

Sequential therapy was active and maintained the historic expectation of achieving a cure. The current results strongly reinforced previous experience suggesting that pathologic downstaging to pT1N0 disease or less is a useful surrogate for eventual cure in patients with urothelial cancer. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
A randomized phase 2 study of temozolomide and bevacizumab or nab‐paclitaxel, carboplatin, and bevacizumab in patients with unresectable stage IV melanoma
Authors: Kottschade Lisa A. , Suman Vera J. , Perez Domingo G. , McWilliams Robert R. , Kaur Judith S. , Amatruda Thomas T. , Geoffroy Francois J. , Gross Howard M. , Cohen Peter A. , Jaslowski Anthony J. , Kosel Matthew L. , Markovic Svetomir N.
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND:

Increasing evidence shows chemotherapy in combination with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition is a clinically active therapy for patients with metastatic melanoma (MM).

METHODS:

A phase 2 trial was conducted in chemotherapy‐naive patients with unresectable stage IV MM who were randomized to temozolomide (200 mg/m2 on days 1 through 5) and bevacizumab (10 mg/kg intravenously on days 1 and 15) every 28 days (Regimen TB) or nab‐paclitaxel (100 mg/m2, or 80 mg/m2 post‐addendum 5 secondary to toxicity, on days 1, 8, and 15), bevacizumab (10 mg/kg on days 1 and 15), and carboplatin (area under the curve [AUC] 6 on day 1, or AUC 5 post‐addendum 5) every 28 days (Regimen ABC). Accrual goal was 41 patients per regimen. The primary aim of this study was to estimate progression‐free survival rate at 6 months (PFS6) in each regimen. A regimen would be considered promising if its PFS6 rate was > 60%.

RESULTS:

Ninety‐three eligible patients (42 TB and 51 ABC) were enrolled. The majority of patients had M1c disease (20 TB and 26 ABC). The median PFS and overall survival times with ABC were 6.7 months and 13.9 months, respectively. Median PFS time and median overall survival with TB were 3.8 months and 12.3 months, respectively. The most common severe toxicities (≥ grade 3) in both regimens were cytopenias, fatigue, and thrombosis. Among the first 41 patients enrolled onto each regimen, PFS6 rate was 32.8% (95% confidence interval: 21.1%‐51.2%) for TB and 56.1% (90% confidence interval: 44.7%‐70.4%) for ABC.

CONCLUSIONS:

The addition of bevacizumab to nab‐paclitaxel and carboplatin shows promising activity despite tolerability issues. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Representation of the visual field in the primary visual area of the marmoset monkey: Magnification factors, point‐image size, and proportionality to retinal ganglion cell density
Authors: Chaplin Tristan A. , Yu Hsin‐Hao , Rosa Marcello G.P.
Published: August 2012

The primary visual area (V1) forms a systematic map of the visual field, in which adjacent cell clusters represent adjacent points of visual space. A precise quantification of this map is key to understanding the anatomical relationships between neurons located in different stations of the visual pathway, as well as the neural bases of visual performance in different regions of the visual field. We used computational methods to quantify the visual topography of V1 in the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a small diurnal monkey. The receptive fields of neurons throughout V1 were mapped in two anesthetized animals using electrophysiological recordings. Following histological reconstruction, precise 3D reconstructions of the V1 surface and recording sites were generated. We found that the areal magnification factor (MA) decreases with eccentricity following a function that has the same slope as that observed in larger diurnal primates, including macaque, squirrel, and capuchin monkeys, and humans. However, there was no systematic relationship between MA and polar angle. Despite individual variation in the shape of V1, the relationship between MA and eccentricity was preserved across cases. Comparison between V1 and the retinal ganglion cell density demonstrated preferential magnification of central space in the cortex. The size of the cortical compartment activated by a punctiform stimulus decreased from the foveal representation towards the peripheral representation. Nonetheless, the relationship between the receptive field sizes of V1 cells and the density of ganglion cells suggested that each V1 cell receives information from a similar number of retinal neurons, throughout the visual field. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:1001–1019, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distinct abnormalities of the primate prefrontal cortex caused by ionizing radiation in early or midgestation
Authors: Selemon Lynn D. , Ceritoglu Can , Ratnanather J. Tilak , Wang Lei , Harms Michael P. , Aldridge Kristina , Begović Anita , Csernansky John G. , Miller Michael I. , Rakic Pasko
Published: August 2012

Prenatal exposure of the brain to environmental insult causes different neurological symptoms and behavioral outcomes depending on the time of exposure. To examine the cellular bases for these differences, we exposed rhesus macaque fetuses to x‐rays during early gestation (embryonic day [E]30–E42), i.e., before the onset of corticogenesis, or in midgestation (E70–E81), when superficial cortical layers are generated. Animals were delivered at term (∼E165), and the size and cellular composition of prefrontal association cortex (area 46) examined in adults using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and stereologic analysis. Both early and midgestational radiation exposure diminished the surface area and volume of area 46. However, early exposure spared cortical thickness and did not alter laminar composition, and due to higher cell density, neuron number was within the normal range. In contrast, exposure to x‐rays at midgestation reduced cortical thickness, mainly due to elimination of neurons destined for the superficial layers. A cell‐sparse gap, observed within layer III, was not filled by the later‐generated neurons destined for layer II, indicating that there is no subsequent replacement of the lost neurons. The distinct areal and laminar pathology consequent to temporally segregated irradiation is consistent with basic postulates of the radial unit hypothesis of cortical development. In addition, we show that an environmental disturbance inflicted in early gestation can induce subtle cytoarchitectonic alterations without loss of neurons, such as those observed in schizophrenia, whereas midgestational exposure causes selective elimination of neurons and cortical thinning as observed in some forms of mental retardation and fetal alcohol syndrome. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:1040–1053, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Concentric zones for pheromone components in the mushroom body calyx of the moth brain
Authors: Namiki Shigehiro , Takaguchi Mitsuko , Seki Yoichi , Kazawa Tomoki , Fukushima Ryota , Iwatsuki Chika , Kanzaki Ryohei
Published: August 2012

The spatial distribution of input and output neurons in the mushroom body (MB) calyx was investigated in the silkmoth Bombyx mori. In Lepidoptera, the brain has a specialized system for processing sex pheromones. How individual pheromone components are represented in the MB has not yet been elucidated. Toward this end, we first compared the distribution of the presynaptic boutons of antennal lobe projection neurons (PNs), which transfer odor information from the antennal lobe to the MB calyx. The axons of PNs that innervate pheromonal glomeruli were confined to a relatively small area within the calyx. In contrast, the axons of PNs that innervate nonpheromonal glomeruli were more widely distributed. PN axons for the minor pheromone component covered a larger area than those for the major pheromone component and partially overlapped with those innervating nonpheromonal glomeruli, suggesting the integration of the minor pheromone component with plant odors. Overall, we found that PN axons innervating pheromonal and nonpheromonal glomeruli were organized into concentric zones. We then analyzed the dendritic fields of Kenyon cells (KCs), which receive inputs from PNs. Despite the strong regional localization of axons of different PN classes, the dendrites of KCs were less well classified. Finally, we estimated the connectivity between PNs and KCs and suggest that the dendritic field may be organized to receive different amounts of pheromonal and nonpheromonal inputs. PNs for multiple pheromone components and plant odors enter the calyx in a concentric fashion, and they are read out by the elaborate dendritic field of KCs. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:1073–1092, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seismic damage estimation index for service lines
Authors: Takabatake Daisuke , Shumuta Yoshiharu , Todou Takaki
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new index for the seismic damage estimation of service lines. The proposed index is based on the tension of each service line due to an earthquake event. Because the tension is evaluated using not only the seismic intensity, but also the dynamic properties of the major components of the distribution equipment, including poles, lines, transformers, and service lines, the proposed index makes it possible to quantitatively differentiate the seismic damage level of every distribution pole. Using the records of seismic damage caused by the 2007 Niigata‐ken Chuetsu‐oki earthquake, the estimation accuracy of the proposed index is compared to that of existing damage indices. It is shown that the proposed index is more suitable than existing indices for equipment damage estimation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 95(9): 17–26, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11400
Space environment data acquisition with Kibo exposed facility on the International Space Station (ISS)
Authors: Obara Takahiro
Published: August 2012

The Space Environment Data Acquisition equipment (SEDA), which was mounted on the Exposed Facility (EF) of the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM, also known as “Kibo”) on the International Space Station (ISS), was developed to measure the space environment along the orbit of the ISS. This payload module, called the SEDA‐Attached Payload (AP), began to measure the space environment in August 2009. This paper reports the mission objectives, instrumentation, and current status of the SEDA‐AP. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 95(9): 10–16, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11418
Correlation between mechanical and dielectric relaxation processes in epoxy resin composites with nano‐ and micro‐fillers
Authors: Hyuga Mayumi , Tanaka Toshikatsu , Ohki Yoshimichi , Imai Takahiro , Harada Miyuki , Ochi Mitsukazu
Published: August 2012

Effects of addition of nano‐sized and micro‐sized fillers into epoxy resin on its mechanical and dielectric relaxation phenomena were examined. The glass transition temperature (Tg) decreased when a small content of nanoclay modified by octadecylamine was added, but the decrease in Tg was suppressed when the nanoclay was modified by dimethyldodecylamine. On the other hand, Tg increased when an abundant amount of microsilica was added. At temperatures above Tg, both mechanical and dielectric relaxations were accelerated in samples with octadecylamine‐modified nanoclay, while the acceleration did not occur in samples with nanoclay modified by dimethyldodecylamine. Both relaxations were restricted in composites with abundant microsilica. Therefore, co‐addition of dimethyldodecylamine‐modified nanoclay and abundant microsilica is adequate in order to make an epoxy resin composite with a high Tg and low dielectric loss. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 95(9): 1–9, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11420
Impact of network parameters on the design of energy‐aware cooperative content distribution protocols
Authors: Al‐Kanj Lina , Dawy Zaher
Published: August 2012

This work presents an analytical study that investigates the impact of important network parameters on the energy consumption and group formation of a set of requesting mobile terminals that are interested in downloading cooperatively a common content. The optimal grouping of the mobile terminals, in which selected mobile terminals download the content from the base station and transmit it to other mobile terminals within their group, to minimise their total energy consumption, is an NP‐hard problem. Consequently, several heuristic algorithms have been proposed in the literature, which take into account only few network parameters that became conventional in energy minimisation problems. The main contributions of this work are the following. We show that it is hard to derive the optimal energy consumption expressions in a network with a general topology where the mobile terminals can be at any location. Thus, we consider a grid network, which is a commonly used model in ad hoc and sensor networks, where it is feasible to derive the optimal energy consumption expressions as a function of the various network parameters. Results demonstrate that ignoring conventional network parameters, in the design of energy efficient content distribution protocols, deviates the solution notably from the optimal one. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uppermost Permian reefs from the Wubaiti structure in eastern Sichuan, China: implications for exploration of natural gas reservoirs
Authors: Shi Zhi‐Qiang , Chen Zhong‐Qiang , Zhang Biao , Wang Yan‐Yan , Cheng Ming , Qiao Yan‐Guo
Published: August 2012

Changhsingian (latest Permian) reefs are reported from the Wubaiti structure, northern Sichuan Basin of southwest China. Here, reefs grew along the platform margins and their tempo‐spatial distribution and growth stages were determined based on the integration of detailed seismic profiles, well logs and core data. The Wubaiti reefs experienced two distinct development stages. The first episode of reef development was characterized by the growth of coral and sponge patch reefs during early–middle Changhsingian time. The second episode, the main growth phase of the Wubaiti reefs, occurred in late Changhsingian time when both sponges and algae acted as major reef‐builders. These reef‐building organisms disappeared in the Permian–Triassic mass extinction. Reef growth coincided with a local transgression event, but ceased due to a fall in local sea‐level in the latest Changhsingian time. Dolostones of various parts of the Wubaiti reefs provide considerably high‐quality reservoirs for natural gas in the Sichuan Basin. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efforts to standardize wildlife toxicity values remain unrealized
Authors: Mayfield David B , Fairbrother Anne
Published: August 2012

Wildlife toxicity reference values (TRVs) are routinely used during screening level and baseline ecological risk assessments (ERAs). Risk assessment professionals often adopt TRVs from published sources to expedite risk analyses. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) developed ecological soil screening levels (Eco-SSLs) to provide a source of TRVs that would improve consistency among risk assessments. We conducted a survey and evaluated more than 50 publicly available, large-scale ERAs published in the last decade to evaluate if USEPA's goal of uniformity in the use of wildlife TRVs has been met. In addition, these ERAs were reviewed to understand current practices for wildlife TRV use and development within the risk assessment community. The use of no observed and lowest observed adverse effect levels culled from published compendia was common practice among the majority of ERAs reviewed. We found increasing use over time of TRVs established in the Eco-SSL documents; however, Eco-SSL TRV values were not used in the majority of recent ERAs and there continues to be wide variation in TRVs for commonly studied contaminants (e.g., metals, pesticides, PAHs, and PCBs). Variability in the toxicity values was driven by differences in the key studies selected, dose estimation methods, and use of uncertainty factors. These differences result in TRVs that span multiple orders of magnitude for many of the chemicals examined. This lack of consistency in TRV development leads to highly variable results in ecological risk assessments conducted throughout the United States. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013; 9: 114–123. © 2012 SETAC
Bioactivity of Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy implants treated with ibandronate after the formation of the nanotube TiO2 layer
Authors: Moon So‐Hee , Lee Seung‐Jae , Park Il‐Song , Lee Min‐Ho , Soh Yun‐Jo , Bae Tae‐Sung , Kim Hyung‐Seop
Published: August 2012

Nanostructure surface of titanium implants treated with anodic oxidation, heat, and bisphosphonates, has been introduced to improve osseointegration of the implants. However, no information could be found about the efficiency of these approaches on Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy surfaces. This study examined the drug loading capacity of anodized nanotubular Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy surfaces in vitro as well as the bone response to surface immobilized bisphosphonates (BPs) on anodized nanotubular Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy surface in tibiae of rats. Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy titanium was divided into two groups: (1) control group (nontreated); (2) test group (anodized, heat‐, and bisphosphonate‐treated group). In vitro, amount of the drug released from the both groups' specimens was examined; all samples were 1 × 2 cm in size. In vivo, the 10 implants were placed inside of tibias of five rats. After 4 weeks, the bone response of the implants was evaluated using a removal torque test, and measuring bone contact and bone area. In addition, the surfaces of the extracted implants were observed by FE‐SEM and EDS. In vitro, the drug loading capacity of the Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy surfaces was enhanced by anodizing surface modification. The values of the removal torque, bone contact, and bone area were significantly higher in the test group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, according to the EDS analysis, the amounts of Ca and P on the surface of the extracted implants were higher in the test group. Within the limits of this experiment, results of this research demonstrated that bisphosphonate‐treated Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy implants with nanotubular surfaces have positive effects in bone‐to‐implant contact. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
In vitro analysis of the cytotoxic and anti‐inflammatory effects of antioxidant compounds used as additives in ultra high‐molecular weight polyethylene in total joint replacement components
Authors: Bladen C. L. , Tzu‐Yin L. , Fisher J. , Tipper J. L.
Published: August 2012

Ultra high‐molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) remains the most commonly used material in modern joint replacement prostheses. However, UHMWPE wear particles, formed as the bearing articulates, are one of the main factors leading to joint replacement failure via the induction of osteolysis and subsequent aseptic loosening. Previous studies have shown that the addition of antioxidants such as vitamin E to UHMWPE can improve wear resistance of the polymer and reduce oxidative fatigue. However, little is known regarding the biological consequences of such antioxidant chemicals. This study investigated the cytotoxic and anti‐inflammatory effects of a variety of antioxidant compounds currently being tested experimentally for use in hip and knee prostheses, including nitroxides, hindered phenols, and lanthanides on U937 human histocyte cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) in vitro. After addition of the compounds, cell viability was determined by dose response cytotoxicity studies. Anti‐inflammatory effects were determined by quantitation of TNF‐α release in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated cells. This study has shown that many of these compounds were cytotoxic to U937 cells and PBMNCs, at relatively low concentrations (micromolar), specifically the hindered phenol 3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxyhydrocinnamate (HPAO1), and the nitroxide 2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidine 1‐oxyl (TEMPO). Lanthanides were only cytotoxic at very high concentrations and were well tolerated by the cells at lower concentrations. Cytotoxic compounds also showed reduced anti‐inflammatory effects, particularly in PBMNCs. Careful consideration should therefore be given to the use of any of these compounds as potential additives to UHMWPE. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 101B: 407–413, 2013.
Implementing dynamic capabilities for corporate strategic change toward sustainability
Authors: Wu Qiang , He Qile , Duan Yanqing , O'Regan Nicholas
Published: August 2012

Dynamic scanning, identification, and reconfiguration capabilities can facilitate firms' strategic change toward sustainability and higher competitive advantage in an evolving market environment.
Advances in interactive display technologies
Authors: Bhowmik Achintya K.
Published: August 2012

How we interface and interact with computing, communications, and entertainment devices is going through revolutionary changes, with natural user inputs based on touch, gesture, and voice replacing or augmenting the use of traditional user interfaces based on the keyboard, mouse, trackballs, joysticks, and so forth. In particular, mobile devices have rapidly transitioned to adopt touch screen technologies as the primary means of user interface during recent years, enabling fun new interactive applications and experiences for the users. We have dedicated this special section of the Journal of the Society for Information Display to present an overview of recent developments and trends in the emerging field of interactive display technologies.
Correlation of processing route and heat treatment with the abrasive wear resistance of a plastic mold steel
Authors: Hill H. , Kunze M. , Heet C. , Petsch A. , Weber S. , Reiter R. , Giese P. , Theisen W. , Wielage B. , Wesling V.
Published: August 2012

The processing of polymers necessitates the use of corrosion and wear resistant tool materials being in direct contact with the feedstock material. Corrosion resistant cold work tool steels, the so called plastic mold steels, are successfully applied here, offering both a good wear and corrosion resistance. The lifetime of this tool depends on the applied heat treatment but also the processing route has a distinct effect on the resulting properties. In this work, different powder metallurgical routes like hot isostatic pressing, build‐up welding (plasma transfer arc (PTA)) and thermal spraying (high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) and atmospheric plasma spraying (APS)) were applied to produce coatings on low‐alloyed construction steel. Coatings are compared in relation to the changes in microstructure and the feasibility of an adequate heat treatment. This paper discusses strategies to maximize wear resistance in dependence of heat treatment and the microstructural changes arising from the processing.
Microstructure and castability of lead‐free silicon brass alloys
Authors: Taha M. A. , E‐Mahallawy N. A. , Mousa T. M. , Hamouda R. M. , Yousef A. F. A. G.
Published: August 2012

Development of lead free brass alloys is an important subject due to the environmental demands and new regulations and standards that restrict lead contamination to decrease the toxicity. Pb‐free Si brasses are interesting alloys for this application, due to economical aspects and promising properties. In this work four Pb‐free brasses prepared with 1, 2, 3 and 4 wt% Si, based on Cu60/Zn40 alloy, are characterized. Their microstructure is examined and phases formed are identified. Castabilty indicated by fluidity and porosity is studied and correlated with the phases formed and their volume fraction.
A new interpretation of Legendre's transformation and consequences
Authors: Hoffmann H.‐J.
Published: August 2012

The Legendre transformation has found widespread application in thermodynamics, Hamilton‐Lagrange‐mechanics and optics. It attributes the values of the coordinates (x, y (x)) representing the points of a monotonic piecewise smooth functional curve y (x) the slopes mx (x) = dy (x)/dx and the intercepts y (mx) of their tangents on the y‐axis. Thus, the initial curve y (x) is represented by the ordered set of all slopes mx (x) = dy (x)/dx of its tangents together with their intercepts y (mx) on the y‐axis. It is shown that the transformed or conjugated function must basically be supplemented by a homogeneous linear function of the relevant variable. This is usually neglected in the literature. In addition, a new interpretation of the Legendre transformation is presented and discussed: For this purpose the derivative mx (x) is considered as the proper initial function and integrated between x0 and x. This integral is complemented by the integral of x (mx) ((the inverse function of mx (x)) over mx between mx0 = mx (x0) and mx (x), if mx (x) and x (mx) are strictly monotonic. The sum of both integrals yields the “area” (xmx – x0mx0). Legendre's transformation is obtained by reordering the respective terms. The procedure of transformation corresponds to integration by parts. Some examples and consequences of the properties considered are demonstrated and discussed using the simple model of two‐state systems. The general results of the present work remove possible internal inconsistencies in thermodynamics.
Status Incentives and Performance
Authors: Bhattacharya Haimanti , Dugar Subhasish
Published: August 2012

Studies in economics and management suggest that people invest effort to achieve pure status, and this investment increases in status incentives. We design field experiments to investigate these two behavioral hypotheses. We define status as the subjects' relative rank in their group based on their performance in a task. We explore two real tasks. In both of the tasks, subjects' earnings are nominal and independent of their performance; so status‐seeking preference should be the sole reason for achieving higher ranks. Our results indicate that inducing higher status incentives may not necessarily improve individual performance and may depend upon the task. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Donepezil in Parkinson's disease dementia: A randomized, double‐blind efficacy and safety study
Authors: Dubois Bruno , Tolosa Eduardo , Katzenschlager Regina , Emre Murat , Lees Andrew J. , Schumann Günther , Pourcher Emmanuelle , Gray Julian , Thomas Gail , Swartz Jina , Hsu Timothy , Moline Margaret L.
Published: August 2012

Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) is associated with cholinergic deficits. This report presents an efficacy and safety study of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil hydrochloride in PDD. PDD patients (n = 550) were randomized to donepezil (5 or 10 mg) or placebo for 24 weeks. Coprimary end points were the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–cognitive subscale (ADAS‐cog) and Clinician's Interview‐Based Impression of Change plus caregiver input (CIBIC+; global function). Secondary end points measured executive function, attention, activities of daily living (ADLs), and behavioral symptoms. Safety and tolerability were assessed. ADAS‐cog mean changes from baseline to week 24 (end point) were not significant for donepezil in the intent‐to‐treat population by the predefined statistical model (difference from placebo: −1.45, P = .050, for 5 mg; −1.45, P = .076, for 10 mg). Alternative ADAS‐cog analysis, removing the treatment‐by‐country interaction term from the model, revealed significant, dose‐dependent benefit with donepezil (difference from placebo: −2.08, P = .002, for 5 mg; −3.31, P < .001, for 10 mg). The 10‐mg group, but not the 5‐mg group, had significantly better CIBIC+ scores compared with placebo (3.7 vs 3.9, P = .113, for 5 mg; 3.6 vs 3.9, P = .040, for 10 mg). Secondary end points—Mini–Mental State Exam; Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System; Brief Test of Attention, representing cognitive functions particularly relevant to PDD—showed significant benefit for both donepezil doses (P ≤ .007). There were no significant differences in ADLs or behavior. Adverse events were more common with donepezil but mostly mild/moderate in severity. Although the study did not achieve its predefined primary end points, it presents evidence suggesting that donepezil can improve cognition, executive function, and global status in PDD. Tolerability was consistent with the known safety profile of donepezil. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Post‐therapy functional impairment as a treatment outcome measure in non‐suicidal self‐injury disorder using archival data
Authors: Ward Anne , Bender Theodore W. , Gordon Kathryn H. , Nock Matthew K. , Joiner Thomas E. , Selby Edward A.
Published: August 2012

There have been calls for the creation of a non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) disorder, and a recent DSM‐5 work group has delineated potential diagnostic criteria for the proposed disorder. Preliminary research comparing NSSI disorder to Axis I disorders and its closest diagnostic ‘neighbor’, borderline personality disorder (BPD), suggests that impairment at intake, patient history of associated features and diagnostic co‐occurrence rates set NSSI disorder apart from existing DSM‐IV‐TR disorders. However, few studies have examined the treatment course of NSSI disorder relative to other disorders. The purpose of this study was to distinguish potential treatment outcome differences between a potential NSSI disorder, BPD and Axis I. Archival data (N = 571), which included ratings of functioning at therapy intake and termination, were analysed to determine between‐group differences. Although no significant differences in the number of months in therapy or number of sessions attended were found, findings suggest that the NSSI group made strong gains in therapy, as evidenced by improvements in clinician ratings of functional impairment from intake to termination. These findings suggest that NSSI disorder may have a positive prognosis with treatment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do psychiatrists need another atypical antipsychotic?
Authors: Titmarsh Steve
Published: August 2012

Asenapine was launched in the UK early in 2012 for the treatment of acute mania in bipolar I disorder, but do psychiatrists need another atypical antipsychotic? This was the question posed by Dr Luiz Dratcu, Consultant Psychiatrist at the Maudsley Hospital, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, speaking at a satellite meeting organised by Lundbeck Ltd during the 11th Latest Advances in Psychiatry Symposium XI held in London in March. Steve Titmarsh reports.
Evaluation of Clinical Methods for Peroneal Muscle Testing
Authors: Sarig‐Bahat Hilla , Krasovsky Andrei , Sprecher Elliot
Published: August 2012

Background

Manual muscle testing of the peroneal muscles is well accepted as a testing method in musculoskeletal physiotherapy for the assessment of the foot and ankle. The peroneus longus and brevis are primary evertors and secondary plantar flexors of the ankle joint. However, some international textbooks describe them as dorsi flexors, when instructing peroneal muscle testing. The identified variability raised a question whether these educational texts are reflected in the clinical field.

Purpose

The purposes of this study were to investigate what are the methods commonly used in the clinical field for peroneal muscle testing and to evaluate their compatibility with functional anatomy.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted, using an electronic questionnaire sent to 143 Israeli physiotherapists in the musculoskeletal field. The survey questioned on the anatomical location of manual resistance and the combination of motions resisted.

Results

Ninety‐seven responses were received. The majority (69%) of respondents related correctly to the peronei as evertors, but asserted that resistance should be located over the dorsal aspect of the fifth metatarsus, thereby disregarding the peroneus longus. Moreover, 38% of the respondents described the peronei as dorsi flexors, rather than plantar flexors. Only 2% selected the correct method of resisting plantarflexion and eversion at the base of the first metatarsus. We consider this technique to be the most compatible with the anatomy of the peroneus longus and brevis. The Fisher–Freeman–Halton test indicated that there was a significant relationship between responses on the questions (P = 0.0253, 95% CI 0.0249–0.0257), thus justifying further correspondence analysis. The correspondence analysis found no clustering of the answers that were compatible with anatomical evidence and were applied in the correct technique, but did demonstrate a common error, resisting dorsiflexion rather than plantarflexion, which was in agreement with the described frequencies.

Conclusion

Inconsistencies were identified between the instruction method commonly provided for peroneal muscle testing in textbook and the functional anatomy of these muscles. Results reflect the lack of accuracy in applying functional anatomy to peroneal testing. This may be due to limited use of peroneal muscle testing or to inadequate investigation of the existing evaluation methods and their validity. Accordingly, teaching materials and clinical methods used for this test should be re‐evaluated. Further research should investigate the value of peroneal muscle testing in clinical ankle evaluation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lowering the symmetry group of carbon tetrachloride by high pressure
Authors: Chen Yuanzheng , Sun Shang , Wu Yongling , Gao Shuqin , Li Zuowei , Ouyang Shunli , Li Dongfei , Men Zhiwei , Zhou Mi , Sun Chenglin
Published: August 2012

Using the pressure‐induced polarized Raman spectra of carbon tetrachloride up to 22 GPa, a significant anomalous polarization (the depolarization ratio >0.75) was observed. We analyzed it by evaluating the antisymmetric anisotropy distribution of modes in Td and explored the corresponded molecular structure having been translated from Td into a lower symmetry. The P21/c and Pa3 structures of carbon tetrachloride were optimized as a function of pressure to further confirm that the molecules deviated from regular tetrahedra. The C2v and D2 were analyzed to be candidates of the lower symmetry based on group and Landau theory.
The Apoptotic Effects of Escin in The H‐Ras Transformed 5RP7 Cell Line
Authors: Güney G. , Kutlu H. M. , İşcan A.
Published: August 2012

Extracts of Aesculus hippocastanum L. (horse chestnut) seed have been used in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, edema and hemorrhoids. Most of the beneficial effects of horse chestnut are attributed to its principal component β‐escin or escin. We have evaluated the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of escin in the H‐Ras 5RP7 cell line by analyzing cell growth inhibition, apoptosis and caspase‐3 dependent activity. We have also shown structural and ultrastructural changes in these cell using confocal and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that escin has significant inhibitory effects on cell growth and the percentage of apoptotic cells increased after treatment with escin, and the micrographs confirmed that escin damaged these cells and induced apoptosis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Braess's paradox in expanders
Authors: Chung Fan , Young Stephen J. , Zhao Wenbo
Published: August 2012

Expander graphs are known to facilitate effective routing and most real‐world networks have expansion properties. At the other extreme, it has been shown that in some special graphs, removing certain edges can lead to moreefficient routing. This phenomenon is known as Braess's paradox and is usually regarded as a rare event. In contrast to what one might expect, we show that Braess's paradox is ubiquitous in expander graphs. Specifically, we prove that Braess's paradox occurs in a large class of expander graphs with continuous convex latency functions. Our results extend previous work which held only when the graph was both denser and random and for random linear latency functions. We identify deterministic sufficient conditions for a graph with as few as a linear number of edges, such that Braess's Paradox almost always occurs, with respect to a general family of random latency functions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2012
On the interchangeability of biologic drug products
Authors: Endrenyi Laszlo , Chang Chiann , Chow Shein‐Chung , Tothfalusi Laszlo
Published: August 2012

Interchangeability of drug products has very different features with small molecules and with biologicals. With small‐molecule drugs, a statement of bioequivalence generally indicates therapeutic equivalence and interchangeability. In contrast, with the much more sensitive and complicated biological drugs, a declaration of biosimilarity emphatically does not imply that a patient could be switched from one product to another. Both formulations may be prescribed and administered to subjects who have not received yet the drug in any of its forms. However, regulatory agencies have been very cautious about enabling and permitting interchangeability. Notably, the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of the USA sets very formidable and severe conditions for enabling the interchangeability of biological drug products. The background and conditions for the interchangeability of both small‐molecule and biologic drug products are presented in detail. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biotemplated Synthesis of Hollow Double‐Layered Core/Shell Titania/Silica Nanotubes under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Li Dong , Mathew Bijo , Mao Chuanbin
Published: August 2012

Bacterial flagella, protein nanotubes (∼15 nm wide) detached from Salmonella typhimurium bacteria, are used to template the formation of titania/silica core/shell double‐layered nanotubes in aqueous solution under ambient conditions through a sol–gel process. The thickness of each layer is tunable by varying the concentration of precursor solutions or reaction times. Upon heating, the flagella can be removed and the inner titania layer can be transformed into a nanocrystalline layer supported by the outer silica sheath. Nanotubes with different inner pore diameters and morphologies could be templated by other bionanofibers such as M13 phage and bacterial pili. This work shows that bionanofibers can be used as a universal biotemplate for the green synthesis of nanotubes with tunable wall thicknesses.
Layer‐by‐Layer Coated Gold Nanoparticles: Size‐Dependent Delivery of DNA into Cells
Authors: Elbakry Asmaa , Wurster Eva‐Christina , Zaky Alaa , Liebl Renate , Schindler Edith , Bauer‐Kreisel Petra , Blunk Torsten , Rachel Reinhard , Goepferich Achim , Breunig Miriam
Published: August 2012

Because nanoparticles are finding uses in myriad biomedical applications, including the delivery of nucleic acids, a detailed knowledge of their interaction with the biological system is of utmost importance. Here the size‐dependent uptake of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) (20, 30, 50 and 80 nm), coated with a layer‐by‐layer approach with nucleic acid and poly(ethylene imine) (PEI), into a variety of mammalian cell lines is studied. In contrast to other studies, the optimal particle diameter for cellular uptake is determined but also the number of therapeutic cargo molecules per cell. It is found that 20 nm AuNPs, with diameters of about 32 nm after the coating process and about 88 nm including the protein corona after incubation in cell culture medium, yield the highest number of nanoparticles and therapeutic DNA molecules per cell. Interestingly, PEI, which is known for its toxicity, can be applied at significantly higher concentrations than its IC50 value, most likely because it is tightly bound to the AuNP surface and/or covered by a protein corona. These results are important for the future design of nanomaterials for the delivery of nucleic acids in two ways. They demonstrate that changes in the nanoparticle size can lead to significant differences in the number of therapeutic molecules delivered per cell, and they reveal that the toxicity of polyelectrolytes can be modulated by an appropriate binding to the nanoparticle surface.
Effect of Magnetic Field Intensity on Abnormal Microstructure in Fe–1.1%C Alloy
Authors: MingLong Gong , HaiDong Chen , FengFang Liu , Xiang Zhao , Liang Zuo
Published: August 2012

The features of the abnormal microstructure during the austenitic decomposition in Fe–1.1%C alloy under different magnetic field intensity have been investigated by optical microscopy. It was found that the high magnetic field considerably affects the abnormal microstructure in Fe–1.1%C alloy. The high magnetic field increases the area fraction and width of the abnormal microstructure through remarkably decreasing the Gibbs energy needed for the ferrite transformation. Simultaneously, due to the fact that the Ae1 line shifts to high temperature side with the increase of magnetic field intensity, the abnormal microstructure transformation is imposed to stop and the pearlite transformation begins. Therefore, the area fraction of the abnormal microstructure firstly increases and then decreases with the increase of the magnetic field intensity.
Focusing on Patient Needs and Preferences May Improve Genetic Counseling for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Salemink Simone , Dekker Nicky , Kets Carolien M. , van der Looij Erica , van Zelst‐Stams Wendy A. G. , Hoogerbrugge Nicoline
Published: August 2012

During cancer genetic counseling, different items which counselors consider important are discussed. However, relatively little empirical evidence exists regarding the needs and preferences of counselees. In this study needs and preferences were assessed from counselees with a personal and/or family history of colorectal cancer (CRC), who were referred for genetic counseling regarding CRC. They received a slightly modified version of the QUOTE‐GENEca questionnaire prior to their first visit to the Hereditary Cancer Clinic. Response rate was 60 % (48/80 participants). Counselees rated the importance of 45 items assessing their needs and preferences regarding the content and process of genetic counseling. Participants rated the items regarding discussion of information about their familial CRC risk (100 %) and preventive options (98 %) as important or very important. Fewer participants rated items concerning general information on genetics as important. Sensitive communication during counseling was considered very important by a large percentage of counselees. Generally, no major differences were seen between participants in relation to individual characteristics. Our data suggest that focusing on familial CRC risk and surveillance options, in combination with sensitive communication may lead to better satisfaction with genetic counseling.